“···You may recall that I mentioned the Blood Flame Cult incident. The Huashan Sect has lost the Zhaoshuo Dan.”
“The Shaanxi branch said they were unable to handle it due to that matter. Thanks to that, I managed to capture the Blood Sword.”
“That's right. It still hasn't been resolved. The Zhaoshuo Dan is a treasure of great value. It is like a precious elixir in the martial world. Those suspected, the sects that sought to curry favor with Huashan by pressing them, and even other sects and martial artists who wanted to repay old grievances, all the factions in Shaanxi are entangled in this.”
“······Martial artists will be rampant.”
It was not a serious expression.
The vast Shaanxi martial world was embroiled in this more than many small nations.
One could not help but feel excited.
He had already realized that those who claimed to traverse the world with swords were scattered throughout Shaanxi.
They were all martial artists who would refine the Shihua Wujue Quan.
Was it showing on his face? The one who proposed it, Majin, could not hide his reluctance.
“We will accompany the Huashan Sect. We will search for the Zhaoshuo Dan until the fighting settles down.”
“The martial artists of other sects will help find our sect’s elixir...?”
“It also serves as a form of surveillance. Huashan is aware. There has already been a major battle with the demonic faction, and one of the largest inns in Xi'an was completely destroyed. The casualties were tremendous. Ma Guangyi's role is to restrain the Huashan Sect's display of force at the center of the storm.”
“Will Huashan accept this?”
“The Huashan Sect wishes to become the second Shaolin Temple. They want the royal endorsement as representatives of the sect. Even if you go alone, you will be treated quite well. Of course, there will be some checks.”
“······.”
Jeong Yeon-shin fell into silence for a moment before slowly speaking.
“Such a large dispute in the martial world is rare. With the justification in place, it will be a chance to wield swords freely in actual combat.”
“Exactly. Given your talents, I believe you will achieve accomplishments that cannot be compared to your training. It is an opportunity to exchange swords with all the renowned martial artists in the name of the city of Xi'an.”
He had already agreed in his heart.
Martial arts that had not experienced actual combat were no different from theory.
The Shihua Wujue Quan was newly established and lacked techniques, but it seemed he could fill that gap in this mission.
There would not be many opportunities to witness the martial arts of the old sect. “You have already completed one mission excellently. This time, it is at your discretion.” “I will go.” He did not hesitate much.
He thought he should stay a little away from the Xianghua horse.
He did not know how his mad grandfather would try to lure him back.
The moment something was exchanged as kin, they would be firmly tied together.
There was a chance he could be held back when he needed to move forward.
‘While building up my achievements, I should wander outside without a break.’
With his resolve firm, Jeong Yeon-shin raised his head.
“What about the personnel?”
“It’s the same as during the Blood Flame Cult incident. Hen Yuan-chang is a newcomer, and Cheongmyeong and Baekmilyeo have not finished their punishment for the incident at the Chulju. They are very eager to support. I will also go along.”
“The head of the sect?”
“If it’s the old sect, it’s appropriate for the head of the new sword group to go.”
“When do we depart?”
“The arrangements are complete, so we will set out tomorrow. Prepare your belongings as soon as we return.”
Jeong Yeon-shin nodded slowly.
It seemed he should learn the martial arts of the city lord after returning.
Now was the time to tidy up the Shihua Wujue Quan.
The experience from this mission would be of great help.
The bright plum blossoms fell, bathed in sunlight, creating a rosy glow.
The wind, like a master calligrapher, brushed past the five martial artists of Ma Guangyi, along with the fluttering petals. ‘I hope the next mission is at a relay station.’ Jeong Yeon-shin thought.
He regretted the time that had passed.
The lined-up blooming plum trees approached him with a sense of pressure unlike before.
Time did not stop at all. “It’s a pity. Isn’t this the center of the Shaanxi martial world? To not wear the robes of the city of Xi'an.” Hen Yuan-chang grumbled.
They wore ordinary clothes instead of the noticeable robes of Xi'an.
It was due to the face of the Huashan Sect. “It doesn’t seem as bustling as Yangyang now.” Jeong Yeon-shin said.
He had become accustomed to deflecting Hen Yuan-chang's nonsensical remarks.
Just seeing him smile as if to say, “When did I complain?” was enough. “They say Shaanxi's western region is a large city where all masters interact. Except for Huashan and Jongnam, of course.” “I see.” Jeong Yeon-shin replied calmly as he looked around.
It was indeed different.
There was a much more organized charm compared to Yangyang, which was filled with large merchant groups and all kinds of peddlers.
It seemed to be a city that had prospered for a very long time, even before the founding of the nation.
The group dismounted in front of a huge inn that boasted a two-hundred-year tradition.
Its appearance was almost akin to that of Ju-ru.
They never stayed in shabby places when passing through the city.
It was the wealth of the city of Xi'an.
Ma Jin, who dismounted from the horse, spoke. “Xi'an is the territory of the Jongnam Sect. Huashan cannot meddle freely here. We must also be cautious.” “Ugh... I didn’t know before entering the city. I never thought I would become closer to horses than swords.” Hen Yuan-chang patted his waist and thigh.
Just then, the door of the inn suddenly opened.
At the same time, Jeong Yeon-shin felt a strong aura gathering. “The masters of Xi'an have arrived. We have been waiting.” A line of male and female Taoists emerged in an orderly fashion.
There were more than a dozen of them, but it was not chaotic.
The approaching figures felt like a massive sword.
The most noticeable thing was the plum blossom embroidery at the ends of their white robes. ‘Huashan Sect!’ The middle-aged swordsman at the front exuded a formidable aura that matched his sharp features.
It was the same feeling he had when he first met Ma Jin. “Zhenren Chuan Zhu (川柱 眞人). It seems you have been well. The road is treacherous, and I barely managed to arrive on time.” Ma Jin briefly bowed.
Jeong Yeon-shin felt Hen Yuan-chang’s tense presence beside him.
Should he commend him for not opening his mouth in a fuss? ‘The leader of the Plum Blossom Sword Clan.’ It was said to be the Huashan Sword Master, Chuan Zhu.
It was a famous name.
It was a name that did not remain solely within Shaanxi.
The strongest master leading the elite swordsmen of the Huashan Sect had personally descended the mountain. “Ma Guangyi, Illyun Sword Demon, Cheongan Magic Sword. Familiar faces.” Chuan Zhu scanned the three with an expressionless face. ‘Sword Demon?’ Cheongan Magic Sword Cheongmyeong.
It was the first time he had heard that nickname.
It was quite unexpected.
How did he fight against the enemy? When he looked back at Cheongmyeong, he simply smiled back.
In Jinpyeong County, he had only seen a light exchange of swords with the Blood Flame Cult.
It was only natural to be curious. “There’s no need for introductions. The swords we exchanged previously should be enough.” The clash between Ma Guangyi and the Plum Blossom Sword Clan was an immensely famous incident.
He had heard that there were no casualties on the Xi'an side, but he did not know how it was for the Huashan Sect. “I can see how the Xi'an side feels about this matter. No matter how great Ma Guangyi is, he still brings his disciples along.” Chuan Zhu’s blade-like gaze seemed to pierce through Jeong Yeon-shin, but he let it flow without concern.
He had just come from facing the city lord of Xi'an and the former head of the new sword group.
Even if the Huashan Sword Master was a great master, he did not reach that level. ‘Hmm?’ Jeong Yeon-shin suddenly noticed a peer swordsman among the Huashan masters.
He had a languid expression.
He yawned slightly, as if everything in the world was trivial.
When their eyes met, the young Taoist smiled and looked up at the sky.
After a brief pause, Ma Jin finally spoke. “That is······.” “The disciple of the city of Xi'an seems to be quite extraordinary. How about letting our sect's disciple exchange swords with him? Even if they acknowledge each other, it would be uncomfortable to travel together, so it would be a small amusement.” Chuan Zhu turned his gaze to Ma Jin and spoke. ‘He intends to test the spirit.’ The Huashan Sect also knew that this journey was a form of surveillance.
It was one of the top sword sects in the world.
Even if they allowed it due to the royal family, it would not be without discomfort.
In a situation where it was awkward for the main masters of the group to exchange swords, they wanted to determine the superiority of the sect's future. “Disciple of Xi'an?” Hen Yuan-chang muttered blankly.
The practitioners of Xi'an who could not become white-clad warriors.
They were like the children of Ma Guangyi who had come to watch when Jeong Yeon-shin competed against the blue masters of the Chulju.
They did not have an officially recognized status.
The master-disciple relationship within the city was not acknowledged.
They were merely referred to as disciples of Xi'an before they donned the white robes after training since childhood.
While the face of the party remained unchanged, the expressions of the other four of Ma Guangyi became strange. ‘Unless he is an absolute master of purple, it seems difficult to read their skills just by their aura.
It could also be because my aura is relatively weak.
Their energy might be weak.’ Gaining a small insight, Jeong Yeon-shin spoke. “Head.” “Hmm?” When Ma Jin turned around, he lightly tapped the sword hanging at his waist.
It was a sign that he would step forward. “It seems troublesome again, Master... Is about five moves acceptable?” The young Taoist, looking up at Chuan Zhu, asked in a languid voice.
It was not a small voice.
Was this the kind of rudeness that could be committed? He seemed to have no thoughts for someone of the status of the Huashan Sect's leader. “There will be things to learn. Give it your all.” “What do you want me to learn? I heard that Ma Guangyi and Ma Guanggyeol are martial artists of sensation.” The boy sighed and stepped forward.
At the same time, the front of the inn turned into an unexpected arena.
It was said that battles in the martial world often arose unexpectedly like this. ‘Interesting.’ Jeong Yeon-shin recalled the masters of Jongnam who had inspired him in the swift sword technique.
At that time, he had not been able to witness the martial arts of Jongnam.
How deep would the martial arts of the Huashan Sect be? Ma Guangyi and the masters of the Huashan Sect stood in a wide circle.
Xi'an was not a small city.
Passersby who had been peeking at what was happening began to stir and turn into spectators.
Whispers about the Huashan Sect spread from all directions. “What could be happening?” “Lower your voice. It’s the Huashan Sect!” “The swordsmen of Huashan have come to our Xi'an?” “It seems they are going to have a duel. What a rare sight to behold. Look at that extraordinary young Taoist. His aura is divine.” “It seems martial artists are exchanging teachings. Truly, it is the Huashan Sect. They are indeed magnanimous!” Jeong Yeon-shin smiled inwardly.
It was refreshing to take on the role of a spectator among the common folk.
It was the first time since the first Xi'an city, where the swift sword technique had been a test.
The two faced each other.
Jeong Yeon-shin slowly opened his mouth. “I hear you are going to show me five moves.” “Did I offend you? I’m sorry. It’s not that I look down on you. I just had a tough training this morning.” The young Taoist smiled faintly. “I am Liu Hyeon of the Huashan Sect.” “Jeong Yeon-shin.” He replied briefly.
He could not mention Ma Guangyi in this situation while wearing plain clothes.
It was said that it was rude to speak out of turn while receiving teachings.
Some were surprised and shouted at the name Liu Hyeon.
There were indeed martial artists from Xi'an present. “The rising dragon of Huashan!” “They say the disciple of the Huashan Sect's leader is a peerless talent. I never thought I would see him in person!” “I heard he mastered the Falling Blossom Palm and the Six Harmonies Divine Sword. Seeing it in person is indeed impressive. More difficult than I expected.” “They say he is the future of Huashan. There were also rumors that he has already entered the teachings of the Purple Mist Divine Art.” The praises were extravagant.
Jeong Yeon-shin's smile deepened.
There was no need for lengthy discussions.
When two martial artists faced each other, they would only speak through their martial arts.
Just as he was about to take a step forward, Liu Hyeon’s body silently expanded.
He approached with footwork reminiscent of a noble lineage.
It seemed to be the Huashan Sect's Dark Fragrance Flow.
Huak! With the advancing footwork, his hand that had risen came crashing down.
The outstretched palm spread like a floral pattern.
The martial arts of the old sect he witnessed firsthand were so mystical and splendid that they seemed like sorcery. ‘Is this the Falling Blossom Palm? It’s not superfluous but has many variations.
It’s designed to prevent the techniques from being broken.’ His heart was filled with interest.
If he broke through one by one, wouldn’t he obtain the same variations? Turoong! He flicked it away with the back of his fist.
The moment they clashed, the force felt light.
Jeong Yeon-shin’s experience extended without losing power, swirling like a whirlwind.
The first level of Shihua Wujue Quan, ‘Spiral.’ Kwaaaah-! “Huh?!” Was he caught off guard? Liu Hyeon’s face, colored with confusion, turned sharply.
Just the brush of energy had such an effect. “What...!” His expression was one of astonishment, as if he had encountered an unimaginable force.
If he had the same level of power as Liu Hyeon, he would have severed his neck with that single strike.
Turok.
This time it was his turn to advance.
Following the retreating Liu Hyeon, Jeong Yeon-shin took a step forward.
The strike launched from behind his waist was like a steel arrow released from its bow.
The second level, Jinbyeok (進霹), the sound of thunder erupted from his fist.
Kwaang! The fragments of the explosive force overturned the ground.
The rays of sunlight in the sky became hazy with the dust.
Jeong Yeon-shin's eyes focused precisely ahead.
He saw Liu Hyeon, covered in dust, skillfully dissipating the aftermath of the strike with his dazzling hand movements.
It was the same nature as the technique he had first shown.
The Huashan Sect's Falling Blossom Palm.
It seemed sufficient to inspire the third level of Shihua Wujue Quan.
Jeong Yeon-shin laughed joyfully and spoke. “A little longer. I want to go for about ten moves.” “······!”