With the consideration of Gwonjangbeop Cheongmyeong and Baek Mireyeo, the two from Baekseok were able to head straight to the inner chamber.
It was said that the blue warrior, trusted by everyone in Iphwangseong, possessed a strength recognized by all.
In such moments, it was indeed different from the military.
"Now that we're here, I don't feel like going back out again. I suppose I’ll have to visit Yangyang's first tavern next time," said Heonwonchang, jokingly.
"I should also stretch a bit and lie down," he added.
"You’ll probably practice for about an hour. Even so, you’re quite impressive, Jeong Yeonsin."
Now, there was no longer even a hint of boredom on their faces.
They accepted it with a calm demeanor.
As they traveled together, Heonwonchang gradually regarded Jeong Yeonsin as someone from another world.
He was a figure more fascinating than the famous clans.
Since he had his own skills and martial arts, it was actually beneficial for him if Jeong Yeonsin grew stronger.
Despite his seemingly frivolous words and actions, Heonwonchang felt that there was much to learn from his character.
"Rest," Jeong Yeonsin said with a small smile as he stepped out of the inner chamber.
Throughout the journey to the training hall, the seniors they encountered greeted him warmly.
A few people flinched upon receiving Jeong Yeonsin's aura.
They were mostly those with sensitive perceptions, as if they could feel the change in his energy after another mission.
"The aura has changed," one remarked.
"You can hardly recognize it just by the aura. They say boys grow well at this age," another added.
"That’s a completely different story. The phrase 'one day, one change' can only be applied to that friend," said another.
"It won't be easy for us either, will it?" No one dared to argue with the blue warrior's last remark.
They all fell into silence.
The mere presence of a boy of around sixteen who could see even a glimmer of hope against the blue master of Iphwangseong was astonishing.
Jeong Yeonsin half-listened to the seniors' words.
Their sense of time was different from his.
If one wished to live, they should be able to discuss the martial strength of the new sword master before turning twenty.
From white to blue, and then to black like Ma Jin, and even to purple, which he had never seen.
The purple sword master, who encompassed seventeen martial strengths like Ma Gwangik, was of that caliber.
There was no room for leisure.
"Hoo."
Before he knew it, he had arrived at the training hall.
No matter when he saw it, the maze-like structure of Hwangneung welcomed him.
Avoiding the rooms that seemed to have owners, he entered an empty training room.
Now that he thought about it, the year had changed.
Jeong Yeonsin mused.
He was now sixteen.
In civilian life, it was the age when one would start to marry and establish a family.
Jeong Yeonsin would have been the same.
The Jeong family was different from the typical martial families that regarded their children's marriage as a trivial matter.
As a third-rate martial family and a large landowner, their customs were closer to those of the common people. 'I wonder what kind of person I would have married.' A meaningless imagination.
Soon, he raised his Jeonggadonggong and cleared his mind.
He began to move slowly.
As he released his true energy, Ma Gwanggyeol, who had just risen, envisioned various trajectories while considering all possible situations.
It was a blend of Gwonjangbeop and various techniques.
Swish! Whooosh! Close-range strikes.
After delivering a powerful kick, he struck the ground with his palm.
The wave of energy he had deliberately raised shook the atmosphere.
He felt the teachings of Ma Jin during the battle with the Blood Cult's sword.
Jeong Yeonsin, who had cultivated his Jeonggadonggong to perfection, had built an incredibly strong body.
Close combat was different from sword techniques.
It was a combat style that retained his unique advantages. 'I want to properly create Gwonjangbeop.' As time passed, it would become difficult to use his youthful appearance like a new sword.
He could not rely on the enemy's carelessness forever.
He had to sharpen every weapon he could use. 'Is there anything that can inspire me?' Lost in thought, with his fist extended, Jeong Yeonsin's eyes flickered with a heavenly light.
"What was the character of the sword master standing at the boundary of life and death? How did he treat his companions?" In the upper chamber of Ma Gwangik, where Ma Gwangik resided, Cheongmyeong and Baek Mireyeo, who had returned from their mission, were discussing with Ma Jin.
"The boundary of life and death?" Cheongmyeong asked, his expression blank, while Baek Mireyeo remained silent.
Was there such a thing? Ma Jin's face showed confusion.
"Didn’t you say there was a Blood Cult sword? It means that a branch-level force was lurking. Did you two handle it alone under the pretense of protecting Baekseok? The records bound in Jeonseogu have their limitations. Speak in detail."
"Well..."
Now that he thought about it, the two blue masters had not received just one mission.
The instruction to observe the character of the sword master seemed to carry more importance than the original mission in Jinpyeong County.
Baek Mireyeo understood.
The reason Ma Jin was pressing for answers was clear.
If he did not have the next generation of Ma Gwangik in mind, it would be hard to believe.
Therefore, it was even more regrettable.
There was nothing to say.
"We annihilated the Blood Flame Cult branch without even having the chance to observe the sword master. He did it alone. The only thing I can say is that he did not forget his manners despite the arduous journey. His outstanding martial prowess did not seem to be his main concern." "..."
Ma Jin fell silent, lost in thought.
The shock brought by the solo defeat of the Blood Cult sword and its branch was immense.
It was a level that could be called a master even among the groups like Gu Pa, Pal Ga, and Shichan, as well as in Iphwangseong.
It was hard to express it even with the word 'outstanding.' "Cheongmyeong."
Ma Jin's gaze now turned to the only noble of Ma Gwangik.
There was a famous story about the noble's eyes that could see the essence.
After the founding of the nation, the Empress Dowager, who became the consort of the founding emperor, revealed that some of the ministers were traitors after capturing them.
Like the current emperor, who took on the challenge of the Baekpal Nahanjin to witness the martial arts of the Shaolin monks, she was known to possess martial arts that ranked among the best in the world and had cast a huge presence over the royal family for over a hundred years.
Even the common people knew of her.
The noble's five senses were inherently different from those of the Han people.
There was a reason why the final test of Iphwangsi was a private meeting with the lord of Iphwangseong.
What Ma Jin wanted to confirm was the quality of a leader of a martial force that went beyond that.
"The sword master, you say? He’s quite remarkable for his age. Despite the heavy aura, he knows how to handle it properly. There’s something extraordinary about his temperament," Cheongmyeong said with a light laugh.
"A heavy aura?" "Isn't that natural? That friend never mentioned anything about his background throughout the journey. From his words and actions, it’s clear he’s well-educated."
"I see it that way too. The two new recruits seem to have already severed ties with their families in some way."
"I see. It’s not something I hadn’t thought of, but..."
Ma Jin tapped the table with his fingers.
He then slowly nodded.
"While the successor is important, it’s more crucial to take care of those who have become family. There’s plenty of time. It’s the same this time. I’m curious about how many more unexpected achievements he will make. There’s a certain satisfaction in nurturing them."
"I think so too."
"I wonder when he will become blue. It doesn’t feel too far off."
The conversation was more like casual chatter than a report.
Slowly, the night sky began to settle over the Ma Gwangik chamber.
The next morning.
"Sword master. The lord has summoned you."
One of the white seniors of Ma Gwangik called out to Jeong Yeonsin.
The tone was different from before.
It felt much more cautious.
As the results of the recent mission became known, the way they looked at him had changed.
He could no longer be treated merely as the talented youngest.
Whenever he was in the great training hall, phrases like "the Blood Cult sword..." were often heard.
Even three days after returning.
Among the thirty-six Ma Gwangik, ten were white, and it was hard to believe that one could single-handedly deal with the Blood Flame Cult branch at the white level.
There were even whispers that he might become the youngest blue master in the shortest time.
"Yes, I will go up," Jeong Yeonsin replied politely, clasping his hands together.
Every time he heard stories that praised him, he tried to carry himself with even more dignity.
He did not believe that a master without reputation could rise to the position of sword master.
Perhaps because of this, the way people looked at him improved day by day.
He even felt warmth within himself. 'Is it a new mission?' Although the warriors of Iphwangseong were guaranteed a month of rest after returning from a mission, he did not fully trust that statement.
How could one predict what might happen in the martial world? "Come in."
As soon as he reached the end of the inner chamber, Ma Jin's deep voice echoed.
It seemed he sensed his presence immediately.
Even though he had thoroughly trained to embody the techniques of wind and grass, he was still amazed at the presence of the lord.
He opened the door and entered the room, only to pause slightly.
Ma Jin's face was more serious than ever.
The scar across his face seemed to have solidified.
"Is something wrong? Is it an important mission?" "Although you have shown unprecedented achievements, you are still not at the level where I can assign you an important mission in Ma Gwangik. Naturally, expectations are high," he said, his scar twitching.
It seemed he wanted to smile with pride in his own way.
"It’s not a mission. It’s not even comparable to an ordinary mission. The lord has asked you to accompany him."
"The lord of Iphwangseong...?" The image of the absolute being with green eyes flashed in his mind.
It was incomprehensible.
"Is there ever a case where the lord seeks out a white warrior again after a meeting?" "It’s unprecedented, so it makes me uneasy. I cannot fathom his intentions," Ma Jin gestured with a serious expression.
"Even so, we cannot delay. Let’s go."
Following him, they left the Ma Gwangik chamber.
The distance to the main residence where the lord of Iphwangseong resided was quite far.
Even though Jeong Yeonsin walked briskly to match Ma Jin's pace, it took enough time to drink a cup of tea.
The attention gathered during this time was entirely on Jeong Yeonsin.
Perhaps it was because of Ma Jin's scar, dressed in black martial attire, that everyone recognized the lord of Ma Gwangik, who created scenes of hell on every battlefield they passed.
At the same time, the boy walking half a step behind him also drew attention.
"He’s the sword master of Ma Gwangik."
"He killed the Blood Cult sword...?" "He looks younger than I expected."
It was said that among the white warriors, Jeong Yeonsin was the only one dressed in white martial attire throughout Iphwangseong.
It was still a strange feeling for a stranger to recognize him.
Jeong Yeonsin maintained an indifferent expression and silently followed Ma Jin.
Soon, they arrived at the main residence where the final test of Iphwangsi had taken place.
"Let’s go."
Ma Jin entered without hesitation, and the guards did not stop them.
It was unclear whether it was due to the might of the black master of Iphwangseong or the trust in the lord's martial strength.
The two climbed a long staircase and reached the lord's chamber.
At the same time, the door opened automatically.
A refreshing breeze brushed against Jeong Yeonsin's cheek.
The first thing that caught his sight was indeed her.
Sitting at an angle on the trunk of a tree that pierced through the office like a giant snake, the lord of Iphwangseong.
Her deep green eyes, as if they contained the floods of the world, swept over Ma Jin and then fixed on Jeong Yeonsin.
She raised her exceptionally white and smooth hand, which seemed unbelievable for someone possessing martial arts that reached the heavens.
"Come here."
"I greet the lord."
Following Ma Jin's formal greeting, Jeong Yeonsin recognized the others present.
Two people.
The first to catch his eye was the old man.
With sharp eyes and a grand stature, his pure white beard, free of any stray hairs, reached down to his chest.
The deep purple robe he wore was uniquely adorned with a stiff collar, standing upright.
It matched perfectly with the old man's strong and sharp impression. 'A purple master who surpasses even the lord.' Had it not been for the absence of the lord of Iphwangseong, the aura he exuded would have been overwhelmingly strong.
Beside him stood a boy.
He had a somewhat arrogant appearance, but his looks were outstanding.
With distinct black and white eyes, he gazed at Jeong Yeonsin, and his gaze felt challenging.
"So you are the sword master of Ma Gwangik. I am Ma Yeonjeok, who led the new sword master," said the old man in the purple robe.
His voice was filled with great vigor.
Jeong Yeonsin thought that if the lord of Iphwangseong were not present, he would have called himself the master.
"My grandson wished to see a master of his age, so I spoke to the lord. It’s a pleasure to meet you."
Jeong Yeonsin's gaze shifted away from Ma Yeonjeok, who spoke casually.
The lord of Iphwangseong remained silent, a slight smile on her lips, as if to say, 'You handle it.' - If you wish, I will acknowledge you.
It was not a verbal transmission.
He felt no flow of energy at all.
More fundamentally, it was a voice that resonated in his mind.
Was it the Huigwang Sim-eo that the supreme martial masters of Shaolin used? 'Why is she being so kind?' Jeong Yeonsin felt a sense of doubt while looking at his maternal grandfather.