Thumbs Up, Level Up

Chapter 33

“Why do you think so?”

«These skills might be powerful in the short term, but they’ll be meaningless later, because none of them have any growth potential. Since you can’t level up and have to rely on Likes for the rest of your life, you have to proceed with the bigger picture in mind.»

‘Oh wow, he seems like a real advisor. Is he really an advisor?”

“So, what do you think I should do?”

«Cultivate.»[1]

“Cultivate?”

«Yes, cultivation skills are the only things that can help you considering your situation where you cannot level up. On top of that, you are at level 1. When one starts at level 1, they are weak, but have the potential to turn into anything.»

Cheok-Liang, the advisor, moved his tail so quickly it made a whipping sound similar to closing a folding fan.

«In other words, there are no limits to what you can learn, as long as you wish to learn it.»

The baby fennec wiggled its front paws. Cheok-Liang hesitated for a moment and uttered a few more things.

«Thank you, Master, for trusting me and sharing this big secret.»

‘Why is Cheok-Liang reacting like this? Did he think that I wouldn’t trust him as an advisor?’

Cheok-Liang showed Ji-Cheok the cultivation skill that he had chosen from the Likes shop.

[Heaven and Earth Divine Arts — 70,000 Likes.]

[Class: Unique (Upgradable, Rank F)

Devote yourself to attaining divinity by using the energy of Heaven and Earth!

These arts include internal techniques (meditation for reinforcing the qi and spirit), as well as external techniques (breathing methods for reinforcing the body). [2]

The Heaven and Earth Divine arts provide a slower increase in internal energy than other cultivation skills, but they develop your physique at the same time.

Caution: The skill cannot be acquired if the user has mastered meditation techniques pertaining to another cultivation skill, or if the user’s physique is above level 5.] ]

“Isn’t cultivation unpopular?” Ji-Cheok asked.

«Yes, it’s not suitable for immediate use in combat, and this skill’s description is pretty vague. Even if you acquire this skill, it can become useless if you don’t hone it. I believe, however, that it is suitable for you, Master.»

“It’s suitable for me?”

«Taking into account the various aspects of combat it influences, this skill has been comprehensively ranked B. If you properly master this skill, it will perfectly link with your other skills. That is, you will be able to enhance both your energy-based skills and your physical skills.»

“What?”

«Heavens and Earth energy—in other words, Yin and Yang energy–-can coexist without conflicting with Master’s [Mana Heart of the Ark Dragon] skill.»

“They don’t conflict with each other?”

«Yes, this skill specifically excludes all other cultivation skills, but it doesn’t say anywhere that you can’t use Western mana skills at the same time. Let’s take advantage of that.»

“....”

Ji-Cheok hadn’t even thought about this alternative.

‘Cultivation…. Should I take advantage of the fact that I’m level 1 to start cultivating?’

The more Ji-Cheok thought about it, the more plausible this idea became. He wondered why he hadn’t thought of it before.

Cheok-Liang further added on.

«Also Master, learning this will make your other skills look incomparably cooler than the average martial art skill. Even using the same sword skill, a poomsae executed by a cultivator who has mastered the essence of martial arts would be entirely different from someone who has merely mastered the form[3]. You can get a lot more Likes on GodTube if you just dress elegantly and perform a demonstration of sword skills![4]»

‘...I’ll buy it!’

[You have purchased the [Heaven and Earth Divine Arts] with 70,000 Likes.]

Ji-Cheok had just bought the skill when Cheok-Liang suggested another one.

«I also recommend that you purchase this as well.»

[Spontaneous Absorption — 20,000 Likes]

[Class: Epic (Non-Upgradable, Rank C)

This skill automatically absorbs energy from your surroundings. It helps restore the qi and mana automatically. It accelerates the accumulation rate of qi during internal art training. Can be used together with other skills]

“This isn’t an internal technique though.”

«To be precise, it’s a trick that came from another dimension. There are people who pull a stunt like this in every dimension. From the skill description, this is neither a mana technique, nor a cultivation technique proper.. This is just a ‘skill’! Therefore, even though your current mana skill and cultivation skill do not allow for any other skill from the same category, this one is actually not limited by that rule.»

Cheok-Liang—no, the baby fennec’s eyes emitted beams of light.

«If the amount of qi is equivalent to five years’ worth of accumulation when the Heaven and Earth Divine Arts reaches the second stage, you can use [Spontaneous Absorption] and [Mana Heart of the Ark Dragon] together to increase the attack power of the Mysterious Swords: White Night and Dark Night by 687%. According to my calculations, the attack has a probability of bypassing some of the opponent’s defenses.»

‘Oh oh, so this is what this cheating feels like.’

Immediately, Ji-Cheok purchased the skill book for 20,000 Likes.

«We have met for the first time today, but thank you for trusting me, Master.»

Cheok-Liang was actually sniffing a little. He seemed to be touched by his interaction with Ji-Cheok.

‘Did his creator, this so-called ‘System’, have difficulty trusting others?’

Seeing how Cheok-Liang’s memories had been thoroughly erased, Ji-Cheok wondered whether this System’s personality was mistrustful.

«Certainly, I will make sure my Master becomes the strongest!»

‘Oh ho ho!’

Cheok-Liang’s tail stood up, firm with determination. Even as a baby fennec, he still looked like the spirit of the strategist facing the Battle of Red Cliffs[5].

Ji-Cheok held his phone up and Cheok-Liang understood what he was about to do.

«You can take pictures!»

Click, click!

‘Gotta get a full 360° of this little sucker… oh my gooood this thing is so adorable I’m gonna puke a rainbow and die of cuteness overload!!!.’

* * *

That very same day, Ji-Cheok promptly began his training in the Heaven and Earth Divine Art.

«Once people have acquired fighting skills, many try to rely solely on the skills. However, the foundation of cultivation is perception. You should be reading the sutra in your skill window over and over again and trying to understand it.»

This was why cultivation was not popular among Hunters. Who had the time to contemplate ancient scripts while monsters were swimming in the Han River and appearing like menacing tigers from the Taebaek Mountains?

‘But… what Cheok-Liang was saying was right.’

Cultivation skills appeared far less powerful than their initial popularity would have suggested; however, that was through no fault of their own. It was simply that Hunters who used such skills only did it half-assedly.

‘Step by step, like laying down bricks—one by one.’

Ji-Cheok took deeper breaths and focused on his body. He concentrated on every single corner of his body, while repeatedly going through the lines.

‘How much time has passed?’

He began to feel the energy of Heaven and Earth around him and reached the verge of enlightenment. It was a magnificent and profound truth, something that a rookie like Ji-Cheok did not even dare gaze upon. It was as if a massive whale passed by as he was swimming in the sea, and only the tip of its fin ever-so-slightly grazed him.

Ji-Cheok opened his eyes, and it was dawn outside. Cheok-Liang looked at him with surprise in his eyes.

«You are gifted.»

“Gifted?”

All of a sudden, he felt a marble the size of his fingertip in his Dantian[6]. Ji-Cheok wondered if this was the energy of Heaven and Earth gathering inside him.

The energy of the Mana Heart was different in nature from that of the Dantian, yet they flowed smoothly through his body without getting into conflict. Just when Ji-Cheok realized this, a notification came up.

Ring-

[Mana has been converted into qi.]

[5 years’ worth of qi has been accumulated in your Dantian.]

[Qi can be converted to Mana at any time. The qi will be included in the Mana value displayed by the System.]

“Wow!”

Cheok-Liang spoke to a very surprised Ji-Cheok.

«I thought this process would take at least a year. As expected of my Master!»

“It’s all thanks to you for recommending cultivation. It’s perfect for me.”

«The Heaven and Earth Divine Arts are suitable for those who have a pure mind and are honest. No Master, you are more worthy than I expected.»

“...”

Cheok-Liang seemed to have misunderstood Ji-Cheok. The latter was completely fine with being immoral if the wrongful act benefited him. The spirit probably hadn’t encountered people like that yet.

‘Hehehe…anyways, the skills recommended by Cheok-Liang are just perfect for me. Let’s forget about his evaluation of me.’

«Master, guide your qi through your Mysterious Swords: White Night and Dark Night!»

“Alright,” Ji-Cheok said as he headed towards the garden. Just like how the luxurious mansion-like Hunter Center was well maintained for the top-rank Hunters, the garden was also well maintained for him. Even though it wasn’t as big as the training center, it was an empty space that could be used as a private practice area, and the facilities were quite good. There was a training room in the basement, which was still under renovation.

Ji-Cheok’s hand wiped a large special piece of granite that had been pre-installed there. It wasn’t just any piece of granite, but a low-grade ore mined from a dungeon. It wasn’t suitable for making weapons, but it was a quite solid stone for Hunters to practice on.

«There are a lot of scratches.»

“Yeah, I practice here.”

No matter how hard one hit this stone, there would barely be any damage. There might be a few scratches here and there, but in order to actually cut it, special equipment was required.

Ji-Cheok pulled out a wooden sword.

«Master, what about your normal weapon…?»

“Ah, didn’t I tell you? I broke it when I thrust it into the demon’s core.”

«We will have to prepare new equipment for you soon. Alright.»

‘He makes these plans without hesitation. As expected from someone called Cheok… Cheok-Liang[7]’

Ji-Cheok directed his mana towards his Dantian, converting it into qi. Then, he activated his Dark Night and White Night.

Wum, wum, wum-

Energy glazed the swords—the Dark Night started to blend in with the darkness, while the White Night shone a dazzling white.

«As expected, the energy of Heaven and Earth flowed into the White Night and Dark Night respectively, according to the principles of the Yin and Yang.»

“You expected that? That’s amazing.”

«No. I am just the spirit of an advisor serving my Master. I am just doing my best. hehehe»

‘Did I hear that wrong? No, he totally said “hehehe”. It looks like compliments make him happy.’

The little fox was definitely trying hard not to show his happiness.

He struck the special granite with his sword, using a very basic slash without any special skills.

Pang!

With the sound of the wooden blade tearing through the air, one-tenth of Ji-Cheok’s qi disappeared. The moment Ji-Cheok’s sword touched the special granite, it felt like he was cutting into tofu.

Shing!

‘How was it that easy to cut?’

The huge granite couldn’t bear Ji-Cheok’s sword attack and split open with a thundering noise.

It was absolutely crazy. Ji-Cheok was rooted to the spot, staring blankly at the pieces of rock.

“Oh…oh my god…”

«Congratulations, Master… Whaa!?»

Ji-Cheok had grabbed onto Cheok-Liang and hugged him tightly, rubbing the baby fennec’s face against his cheek.

«Master, hold up…wait…Whaaat!»

‘Goddamnit, he’s so cute.’

The [Demonic Essence] had been much better spent to exchange for this spirit, rather than being offered to some god whose face Ji-Cheok didn’t even know.

‘Choosing this guy was the best decision I’ve ever made.’

* * *

Witnessing the extraordinary effectiveness of the cultivation skill, Ji-Cheok started his training right away. Except for eating and sleeping, he spent all his time sitting still and concentrating on mastering the Heaven and Earth Divine Arts.

[Mana has increased by 1.]

[Stamina, Agility, and Strength have increased by 1.]

The great thing about cultivation was the fact that it could make one’s physique stronger without having to level up. The only problem was efficiency…

‘When my Mana goes up by five, my Stamina, Agility, and Strength automatically go up by one. This...’

«This is possible because this skill includes both internal and external techniques. Of course, as expected, you are extremely compatible with cultivation.»

The baby fennec said this while taking three steps away from Ji-Cheok. After Ji-Cheok had been so giddy and given the animal a huge power hug and cheek rub, Cheok-Liang had set boundaries.

‘Ugh… But he is so cute, I can’t help it.’

Once again, he felt like puking out a rainbow as he came dangerously close to death by cuteness. The destructive power of that baby fox was so damn great! That soft, fluffy, warm, and adorable animal! Just experiencing it once was enough for him to want to do it again. It was really addictive.

After Ji-Cheok had spent a full week training at home, his mana power had increased by five points, with his stamina, agility, and strength increasing by one point each. In other words, within just a week, Ji-Cheok’s stats had risen by a whopping eight overall.

‘This is a tremendous advantage when you have to buy all your stats with Likes.’

“Cheok-Liang is the best! Woohoo!”

«As an advisor, I am here to provide you with the best guidance I can. I will make your dreams of grasping the world in your hands come true, Master!»

“What? No…! My dream is to be satisfied with the way my life is right now, Cheok-Liang.”

«Haha, but Master’s hunger for Likes is just too great…»

“I want to be satisfied with my life now.”

«I see. Long ago, the master of my past original form had good intentions, but he continued to deceive the world until he obtained his power.[8] I’m a clone of the Twisted Underworld’s Advisor, yet I can’t read your intentions, Master Um Ji-Cheok. I sincerely apologize for that.»

“No, it’s not that. I really want to be more comfortable with you!”

«...Okay!»

Cheok-Liang had blatantly expressed that he knew Ji-Cheok’s ambitious intentions, but he was still willing to let himself be deceived.

This spirit was not just any clone, he was a clone of the Twisted Underworld’s Advisor.

There was no way the real Zhuge Liang had a personality like that.

1. The raws use the term ‘mugong’, which literally means ‘martial arts’; however, here, it doesn’t refer to combat skills, but rather to improving the spirit, body and internal energy by meditation and physical training, as commonly seen in wuxia/xianxia novels. As such, we chose to go with ‘cultivation’ instead. ☜

2. The original uses the term ‘naegong jingi’, which literally means ‘energy of the internal arts’. We have translated it as ‘qi’, the common term used in cultivation novels, in order to make the contrast between it and mana more visible. In short, qi is internal energy accumulated via meditation and martial arts training. It both reinforces the body and provides power to martial arts techniques. ☜

3. Poomsae are choreographed sequences of techniques meant to be practiced by oneself. They are also known as ‘kata’ and ‘taolu’ in Japanese and Chinese martial arts, respectively. The point made here is that while they are ‘forms’ (as seen from the outside), they also have an ‘essence’ or ‘spirit’, the mastery of which grants the techniques superior power. ☜

4. Something like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACSxPTgmPBA ☜

5. One of the most famous naval battles that led to the end of the Han dynasty and the beginning of the Three Kingdoms. ☜

6. Dantian refers to a core energy center of the body also known as the ‘sea of qi’. This is an important focal point to sense one’s entire body and absorb energy for meditative, qigong, and martial art techniques. ☜

7. Another meaning of ‘cheok’ is ‘quickly, directly, without hesitation.’ ☜

8. This is a reference to Liu Bei, whom Zhuge Liang worked for. He rose all the way from an impoverished youth to the Emperor of Shu, one of the Three Kingdoms, and he is known for being an extremely ambitious, yet incredibly charismatic person. ☜