0.2 – Prologue! (Revised – April 6, 2026)

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PART 2 – Second Life!

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Matheus hoped to wake up from this nightmare, to be reunited with his mother, hoping this hell was just a damned nightmare.

But he wept, feeling the whole world burn as he awoke to a new world. With voices in a language he had learned to hate and fear in his later years.

A woman held him in her frail arms, an Asian woman who touched him with gentleness and tenderness. A man leaned forward and smiled, naming him Cheol Mu Rin, belonging to the small and fragile Cheol Clan, a merchant clan.

And from his memories, the Cheol Clan wasn't much to speak of, nor was it on the list of potential trading partners of the Yiopoi State.

…

As time passed, he discovered that he had been reborn 10 years after his death.

The war in Murim in Yiopoi was because of him. Not because of machinations, but because of greed!

The State of Yiopoi grew and prospered greatly during the years under his rule, which caused many Murim Clans to extend their reach, attempting to influence the State, establish themselves, and subsequently clash with the Clans already living there.

In the end, it became a widespread war with everyone wanting a piece and others unwilling to share.

So yes, he was to blame for this chaos. The Governor died two years after his death, having been removed from office, with his family suffering bitterly. It is said that he died full of regret, his name condemned for colluding with foreigners.

At the same time, the Imperial Court concealed everything about him, but used his knowledge and research to benefit the entire nation, using these achievements to elevate his name and be remembered in history.

In 10 years the nation prospered, but there is still much human corruption, preventing the entire nation from benefiting, or, with his plans, being 10 times more prosperous.

…

Matheus didn't understand how a rebirth could be scientifically possible; perhaps sending an adult brain into that of a newborn would be one, but there would be many complications.

But if you think about it, he's in another world, with Martial Artists who can leap dozens of meters, flatten mountains, and survive weeks or months without food.

And from his years in that world, it's natural that he sought out Martial Arts; his friend gave him some, hoping he would cultivate them to become strong and healthy. But it was useless; his body was incapable of cultivation, certainly because it didn't belong to this world.

He even knows about Sorcery and Mystic Arts of body swapping; of course, they are rumors of legendary and ancient techniques, but if such rumors exist, they are probably true.

But now, reborn in a body of this world, a baby with a Dantian, something he didn't have in the past.

Now he was able to sense the Energy of Nature, which is the source of the Internal Energy Cultivation of Martial Artists, used to strengthen themselves, exert powers beyond human limits, and prolong their lives.

But even though he couldn't practice the "Internal Martial Arts," which are the most common, he could try practicing the "External Martial Arts," which involved using the Energy of Nature, but not using the Dantian to store it, but rather his entire body, strengthening himself naturally.

Even without a Dantian, this didn't stop him from trying… but it prevented him from succeeding.

Even the "External Martial Arts" require a minimum capacity to absorb the Energy of Nature, which required a Dantian to establish the connection.

In the end, he tried for years, never giving up. He even mixed his modern knowledge to train his body.

In the end, he failed miserably.

He even considered capturing wandering martial artists and conducting research on their bodies, to artificially replicate them in himself. He believed this could have been the key to his return.

But it wasn't ethical, and he didn't yearn to be such a monster. But after years of being tortured, discredited, used… he no longer cares about anything.

…

Cheol Mu Rin grew strong and resilient, wielding a Dantian, accompanied by a calmness and wisdom that befitted his age and physique, which he had cultivated since his earliest days.

And through the cultivation of martial arts, developing internal energy in his still-forming Dantian, dispersing the energy, which refined his pure and impure body.

All this culminated in him developing what many in Murim would call a "Unique Constitution," which would later help him practice his martial arts with many times greater efficiency.

And so his strength increased. At age 6, his Dantian became fully formed; he began to store Internal Energy, which sustained his body, strengthening him in every way.

And through his simple martial arts, he understood how vast and magnificent this world could be.

He kept a low profile, accumulating power, learning to use Internal Energy in his movements, training his body with modern techniques.

When he was 11 years old, a delegation from the Murim Clan visited his home. It was a small clan, but to ordinary people, they were like dragons. The group's leader noticed Cheol Mu Rin, who at 11 years old already possessed more than 10 years of Internal Energy, a body as strong as a bear, and a Dantian so pure and brilliant.

A natural talent with a unique constitution that any Grand Master of Martial Arts would covet as a disciple.

And so he was taken and married to one of the daughters of this Murim Clan. There he became a disciple of the Patriarch, who taught him the Clan's martial arts, not the secret ones, as he was not of the main lineage.

Cheol Mu Rin developed himself, acquiring better techniques, more refined knowledge, and of course, intuitively detecting many flaws, knowing he could improve them, and so he did.

Using his talents, he strengthened himself, but using his knowledge he enriched his family and the Clan.

He used his older brother, the Heir of the Cheol Family, for his business, then used his wife's Clan to protect him, support his family's development, and benefit in the process.

At 17, possessing power that disproportionate to his age or the logic of this world, having enriched and strengthened both families, with the Cheol Family integrated into his wife's Clan,

He began his immoral research. Using his wealth and support, he initially kept it secret until the first results. As the Clan belonged to the Non-Orthodox Faction, they didn't care much about honor and inhumane acts.

There are limits, Cheol Mu Rin knew this, he just needed to expand them, yielding results while he and his personal guards hunted Martial Artists or ordinary people for his research.

Developing unusual techniques, elixirs, and much more. Strengthening himself, strengthening his master, his wife, and creating powerful Martial Artists.

When the Clan Patriarch learned the whole truth, he was astonished, furious, but faced with the results, greed prevailed and he continued. Now he had the support of the entire Clan.

…

His research led him to dismantle the Cultivation of Martial Arts, based on the fact that this world possesses Natural Elements that did not exist on Earth.

These Natural Elements are what make the people of this world so extraordinary and capable of so many things.

Cheol Mu Rin sought to view cultivation scientifically, dismantling each aspect of it, selecting the best and discarding what was useless or redundant.

Through his research, studying languages ​​and Mantras—the foundation of Cultivation Techniques—he discovered mystical chants that calm the mind and connect more deeply with the Energy of Nature.

His research led many to death and suffering, but yielded incredible results that amplified his cultivation speed, strengthened his body, and much more.

Thus, the cultivation of Martial Arts was being scientifically documented in absurd detail for the people of this world. All this through the sacrifice of hundreds of people.

He shared, as he discovered, concepts related to animals, swords, axes, spears, armor, and much more. Concepts implemented in Martial Arts, incorporating them into Mantras and achieving incredible results.

Thus, he refined various techniques, developed new ones, creating even more incredible elite forces to protect and serve him.

But as he grew stronger, he yearned for something more. What martial artists call "Epiphany," he wanted to experience, but without success, no matter how much time passed.

"Epiphany" is a process where the individual achieves clarity on certain matters, where their mind is more connected to the Energy of Nature, solving problems and even receiving unimaginable benefits.

His research led him to understand that this "Epiphany" causes transformation in the individual, evolving their Internal Energy or reshaping their body in the case of practicing External Martial Arts.

…

By dismantling the cultivation, he discovers it from his point of view.

Internal Energy is using the Dantian as a constantly renewing battery, while using it for powerful energy discharges that can take various forms as they flow through or outside the body.

External Energy is establishing mysterious solid layers that ignore the laws of physics or biology, rising to new extremes, requiring less from the "battery."

Cheol Mu Rin developed techniques and tools to measure and research this, uncovering the secrets of this world and using them to improve himself.

Using his knowledge, he discovered a way to possess both Internal and External Energy, which he called the Perfect Body Mantra.

With this Mantra, he elevated himself, adding the practice of various Weapon Arts, such as swords, spears, axes, shields, etc., where he understood their concepts, what made them so special, and integrated them into his Mantra, modifying the properties of his Internal Energy.

All of this culminated in drastic changes, where, using numbers, we possess: Quality & Quantity.

We will measure "Quality" in the form of multipliers from 0.1 to 5x. "Quantity" will be measured in terms of Years of Internal Energy, which is the norm.

Quality amplifies the effect of Quantity, where if we possess 2.5x Quality and use 10 Years of Internal Energy in an attack, it will become 25 years due to amplification.

That's why sometimes a genius with around 30-40 years of Internal Energy ends up defeating an elder with 100-120 years of Internal Energy. This is because, somehow, the Quality of their Internal Energy, which many call "Depth," is superior to that of the elder.

And to explain "Depth," they simply cite it as the individual's "Martial Understanding," which Cheol Mu Rin sees as practical experience, sharp intuition, and technical knowledge, which the world somehow converts into power.

With all this explained, it's possible to compare yourself to or even surpass someone who has 2-3 times more Internal Energy than you.

And let's add something new to this, something called "Property" or "Concept," which shapes your Internal Energy, giving you additional advantages if your enemy's energy is weaker or unable to understand and suppress your property.

As a result, techniques like Fencing, Lancers, Archers, etc., are nothing more than simple attacks and patterns that anyone can perform, methodically and calculatedly embellished by the Quality, Quantity, and Properties of Internal Energy.

It's worth noting that it's possible to combine two or more Properties, resulting in more powerful effects. Sometimes, performing something like "Rotation" and "Compression" accumulates a lot of Internal Energy in just one point. When released, it might be a simple explosion of energy, but with the right control, it becomes a sophisticated movement with infinite possibilities.

…

Cheol Mu Rin lives a luxurious life, but is constantly observed by the Clan. But as long as it continued to bring so many results, riches, and prosperity to the Clan, it didn't matter.

They even invested more and more in him, giving him everything he asked for.

But Cheol Mu Rin forgot the fundamental rule of this world. The Murim do not mix with the Empire. Greed spoke louder, and the Clan also forgot this.

More and more people disappeared, and the bandits and criminals who were the main targets became scarcer. The Black Market became a constant target for the purchase of slaves, which harmed several businesses.

And this made the Murim Factions investigate, more precisely the Murim Alliance, which is managed by the Orthodox Faction, the so-called "good guys."

They investigated and didn't need anything too deep. They discovered that the Cheol Merchant Family was at the center of it, along with the Clan to which they belong.

Dozens of families from this clan experienced an absurd explosion in power and wealth, becoming a notable presence in Murim, with many seeking their secrets, but disappearing in the process.

Amidst this, rumors circulated that this large clan had been selling martial arts at low prices, attracting martial artists who then disappeared instead of resulting in an increase in the quality and quantity of martial artists.

Many mismanagement errors were committed. The result was obvious.

The Murim Alliance and the Empire came seeking answers. This resulted in a brutal conflict in the search for answers, all leading to Cheol Mu Rin, his inhuman acts coming to light, and the clan being exterminated.

In the midst of this, Cheol Mu Rin destroyed everything. His research and various techniques never saw the light of day, as he had memorized the most important aspects.

He fled, thinking of joining the Celestial Demon Cult, where he would have space to develop and become even more brutal. However, during his escape, he was stopped. An apparently kind old man, but Cheol Mu Rin recognized him as the Saint of the Plum Blossom, one of the 3 Saints of Mount Hua. A Grand Master of Martial Arts who is said to be one step away from reaching the Supreme Level.

Then Cheol Mu Rin confronted him, demonstrating an incredible balance between physical strength and Internal Energy.

A fierce confrontation ensued, with Cheol Mu Rin holding the advantage due to his immense strength, despite lacking the experience or level of understanding of his opponent. But in the midst of the battle, two other Grand Masters of the Murim Alliance arrived.

Cheol Mu Rin was attacked by three Grand Masters of Martial Arts, near the Supreme Level.

As the combat dragged on, wounds covered his body, bones broke, and blades pierced his flesh, damaging organs.

He was left powerless against the three exhausted and gravely wounded Elders. A young man less than half his age had pushed those who had cultivated for decades under the best masters and resources to their limit.

Cheol Mu Rin, only 37 years old, dropped his sword and laughed, reflecting on his achievements so far. He couldn't help but laugh loudly as he looked at the heavens, thinking that if he had had more time, he could have conquered or destroyed this world.

"Just one more decade..." - He laughed bitterly.

Cheol Mu Rin possessed the power of science on his side, the power to seek the truth, and truth surpasses all those antiquated and simplistic concepts, largely dependent on luck and state of mind.

And amidst laughter and dying reverie, Cheol Mu Rin was questioned about the people who died, his lab rats. What he did with thousands of missing people.

Cheol Mu Rin answered them with silence. Even having done all that, such heinous things, and having come so far, he still felt shame, understanding that at some point, in all the anger he felt for these people, after all the torment of his past life as an excuse… it all became meaningless.

Even though he didn't regret the progress he made, he understood that he took many lives for his ambitions, and he… only accepted it all in his final moments.

But how ironic fate is. Only on the brink of death, with swords piercing his flesh, organs and bones destroyed, would he have an epiphany. Something that astonished the Grand Masters, where he felt everything fall into place.

A unique and mystical sensation, understanding what was so special. How everything now made sense, how countless doubts were resolved, how things naturally fell into place, as if they had always been this way.

His power scaled to new levels, where before his Internal Energy had a quality of 8x, it jumped to 12x, a 50% boost!

His power increased and the External Energy that passively strengthened his body simply helped him recover his strength, much to the despair of the 3 Grand Masters.

But defying everything, Cheol Mu Rin did not attack them; he simply removed the swords from his body, the wounds closing as he said, – “This is my second life…” – This surprised the 3, and not only them; others had arrived to support the trio.

“Initially I lived on Earth, a world millennia more technologically advanced than this primitive world…” – There was a certain disdain in his tone. – “A world so ignorant, and to top it off, there are Martial Arts, delaying its evolution and redirecting its focus.”

“I came from a humble family, but I was a genius, and in my opinion, intellect is the greatest weapon, because with it you can change your life and your family's… I lost my father early, the main source of income for my family, my mother had to work double to support me, and she succeeded… years later I became a renowned scholar of Science, studying the fundamental truth of everything that exists, something that eyes and ears cannot perceive…”

Cheol Mu Rin vomited a mouthful of blood, laughing bitterly, and more people arrived, astonished by his imposing presence and captivated by what he said.

“At 23, my team and I discovered an incredible truth, something that had only been a supposition for years, but we discovered the truth… I wanted to inform my leader… I ran so much and stumbled, then fell into this primitive world… and in this world, I, a foreigner, was humiliated, suffering for being different, but I still found someone good.” – He looked at the heavens with a certain melancholy.

“The former Governor of Yiopoi State, my great friend, gave me opportunities when all his people only saw a stranger, even a monster. I used my knowledge to prosper that state, to elevate its name, while I hid, searching for ways to return home, even knowing that my mother had already died, but I still had hopes of finding my younger sister… anything would be better than continuing here, being a nobody.”

“It was a good aging process, I improved the lives of the people of this world, even without receiving thanks. I felt good doing good. I even tried to study these Martial Arts, but different worlds, different bodies, I didn't have a Dantian…”

“But that war was what brought the Empire’s eyes to the Governor, subsequently they discovered me, the foreigner from another world, whom nobody believed…” – Cheol Mu Rin growled. – “They imprisoned me and took my research, my knowledge, my hope!” – He trembled with rage.

“They threw me in a cold cell, tortured me for years, wanting to take everything from me, never gave me a chance… I reincarnate and discover that I was reborn 10 years after my death, where my friend’s family suffered because he tried to protect me. This damned nation prospered using my knowledge, erasing me and my friend from history for convenience.”

“I hate you, I hate this shitty world where the strong are on top and the weak are trampled. The different… the different never having opportunities.” – He sighed deeply, looking at one of them. – “You wonder what I did to people… that’s what you think.”

“I used the knowledge of my world, I saw what you foolish barbarians are incapable of seeing and discovering. I dismantled every aspect of Cultivation and Martial Arts, like a puzzle I developed more sophisticated techniques that would make your Supreme Techniques look like trash found on the street corner.” – Cheol Mu Rin laughed disdainfully.

“And after I destroyed their bodies and minds for my research, I disposed of them. I have no idea where most of the bodies are, not that I care. But I wasn't all bad, I gave some money to compensate the families of the dead.” – He laughed and blood dripped from his lips.

Even under the effect of the epiphany, it's not enough to regenerate destroyed organs.

Looking at everyone present with complex expressions, others indifferent, and many disbelieving.

“My research on the source of Martial Arts, the Energy of Nature. I destroyed everything.” – He laughed and pointed to his head. – “It’s all here, my two lifetimes of knowledge and research.”

“So you killed thousands of people for nothing?!” – A roar came from a beautiful young woman.

“Child…” – Cheol Mu Rin observes her, who trembles before his gaze, as if staring into an immense void. – “Through my research I improved your Martial Arts, amplifying their effectiveness and effects dozens of times. Even without consuming legendary elixirs or sorcery to take the cultivation of others, I accumulated more than 300 Years of Internal Energy, and that with only 37 years of life.”

Her words shocked everyone.

“And with my studies of your concepts… I can easily make those 300 years equivalent to more than 3,000 years.” – With a clenched fist, her power became oppressive and many fell to the ground, even the Grand Masters felt overwhelmed.

Even without reaching what they call the Supreme Level, Cheol Mu Rin, with quantity and quality but without understanding, surpassed them.

“I have the balance between Internal and External Arts, a perfect body, and the most powerful Dantian.” – He laughs. – “Of course, it still has its flaws, but even my flaw is superior to your various generations of studies and heritage. In 37 years, I have made everything you spent your barbaric lives on obsolete!” – His laughter grows heavier as his own body crumbles from the inside.

More blood spurts, and he begins to stumble and stagger. – “This Epiphany is incredible; it helped a lot.”

With one movement, he ceases his oppression, gaining a little more support, and throws the swords at his feet to their respective owners. He slowly throws his hair back and spits blood on the ground.

“I am already a dead man; there is no reason to attempt a surprise attack.” – He waves his hand dismissively in one direction.

“Any Clan or person who got their hands on my studies, I believe that in 5 to 10 years, they would become the most fearsome force in this world, capable of single-handedly obliterating any Faction or government.”

He sees greed in many eyes, which makes him laugh disdainfully. – “Orthodox Faction, what a joke. They’re all human in the end, greedy to the bone, with pathetic masks of hypocrisy.”

“If I’d had 10 more years… no, just 5 years, that’s it. In 5 years, even without this Epiphany, I would have had the power to destroy everything they’ve built. Then I would destroy everything…” – He smiles coldly, feeling his vision blur.

“3 Grand Masters…” – Cheol Mu Rin spits. “Remember me, not as Cheol Mu Rin, but as Matheus, the traveler from another world whom you drove to suicide and who returned as a demon!” He laughs powerfully.

“I burned everything, or so I believe. I know there are still records in that laboratory. Perhaps they can discover fragments of my creations. But I recommend you burn them, because even the smallest fragment from that place can strengthen your Clans many times over. So burn them, or the Murim you love so much will experience a true bloodbath.” His gaze is firm, but his knees have already given way.

“Show me, Orthodox Faction, how righteous you are. Make useless the sacrifice of the thousands of lives I took to protect this peace you cherish so much. Or give in to your ambitions and desires, using the excuse that you're already dead, so there's no reason not to use them.” – He laughs and falls face down on the ground, where, using the remnants of his energy, he sends a transmission to everyone.

“I don't regret what I did, I only regret not having completed my objectives… I regret not being able to see my mother one last time. Now I'm going to hell and I'll never see her again, but so be it… I made my decisions… mother… I hope you are at peace…”

His voice ceased, his life ebbed away, and thus Cheol Mu Rin was gone!

The martial artists stared at him, whispering, and a Buddhist monk stepped forward to tend to his corpse, a look of pity, a simple prayer before asking that everything Cheol Mu Rin left behind be burned.

But as he had said, some must have already rushed to try and recover as much as they could.