Chapter 16: Jade Academy

Ki Jung wakes up refreshed after two hours of actual sleep. She heads outside to the outhouse to take care of business, with the help of TP she brought with her. Then she returns and finds both mother and son up. Auntie is getting ready to go out and do business while Min Joon makes breakfast. He attends a school that teaches reading and writing, math, spellwork, and martial arts. This is his final year. Next, he will have to decide on whether he will continue to learn spellwork, martial arts, or go into business as a merchant like his mother.

Ki Jung asks if she can visit his school. She wants to find out if there is anything she can learn there. And if so, what it would cost. Min Joon is happy to have her join him. After breakfast and saying good-bye to Mrs. Pak, they head to Min Joon’s Academy.

At the academy, Min Joon introduces Ki Jung to one of the administrators, who takes her under his wing. They discuss what she is looking for and the ways she might pay. As they are engaged in their discussion, they stop in the Academy dojo. There are multiple ongoing sessions. There are three main areas. One is unarmed combat, another is sword training, and the third is spear training.

“Mr. Lee, would it be okay if I simply observe for a little while?”

“You are interested in learning Martial Arts, too?”

“Actually, Sir. I am a first-level Master in three forms where I’m from. My martial arts are different from what I see here. I want to see what I might learn from these styles.”

“Would you be willing to do an exhibition fight? If you give a good showing, I might be able to work out a deal for you to teach. Your pay would be reduced by the amount of tuition, but you would be able to attend and learn at the same time.”

“I think that would be fine, Mr. Lee. If you would set it up, I’d be happy to.”

“Wait right here. Let me go speak with Master Chen.”

Mr. Lee goes over and waits to get Master Chen’s attention. Once he does, they speak for a moment with looks in Ki Jung’s direction. Master Chen seems to get a wicked glint in his eyes. One that Ki Jung is familiar with. She knows that he thinks he will make a fool of her since she’s “just a woman” and he’s a big man. She smiles inwardly, knowing things won’t go the way that he expects them to.