Yuhyeon, gritting his teeth, charged forward, reaching out his hand.
A strange energy swirled around the left hand.
In the next moment, the eyes of Cheonju and the masters of the Hwasan sect widened.
Swish—! Following the left hand, an intangible wave of energy burst forth.
It blossomed like flowers blooming in succession, forming a thick mass of energy.
It was a sight where power collided with power, creating another wave of energy.
It resembled a higher martial art of the nonexistent Nakyeongjangbeop.
The level of the rising martial art was so different that it was hard to find any connection to the basic techniques that were being unleashed.
Boom! A second impact, as powerful as the first technique, crashed down in a flurry.
It was as if the dust clinging to Yuhyeon's martial robe was being shaken off.
“Ugh, cough!” Yuhyeon fell to the ground without even drawing his sword.
Shallow dirt dust rose like fog.
Jeongyeonsin, with his hand lowered, fell into thought. ‘The martial arts of the old sect are indeed highly refined.
It can be said that the history of the prestigious sect is embedded in it.’ It was a brilliant insight.
He had not expected such a manipulation of energy. ‘I could declare the third basic technique here.’ Jeongyeonsin nodded to himself.
It seemed there was no need for further refinement.
He named the third technique of the Shihwa Mugeuk Kwon, Kwonhwa (Fist Flower).
“......” The venue was shrouded in silence.
He faced the boy who was called a sleeping dragon in the world.
The youngest disciple of the sect leader of Hwasan, who was said to be the most promising, had fallen to three techniques.
Jeongyeonsin thought it was only natural.
The levels were fundamentally different.
To face someone like the sect leader of Hwasan, at least a master who was on the verge of becoming a Plum Blossom Sword Master had to step forward.
The purple of Iphwangseong was said to be on par with the sect leader of the old sect.
Jeongyeonsin compared his situation to Yuhyeon’s.
How much training would that guy need to rise to the rank of the sect leader of Hwasan? The five years left for Jeongyeonsin would be woefully insufficient.
There was an immense gap from the very standards of life.
“...... Bring him here.” At Cheonju’s solemn words, a martial artist from Hwasan picked up Yuhyeon.
As he turned, a look of astonishment crossed his face as he glanced at Jeongyeonsin.
Finally, the onlookers began to stir.
“What, what is that?”
“Wasn’t it three techniques? How could the talent of Hwasan...?”
“Three techniques, you say! Who is that boy?”
As the murmurs spread, Cheonju spoke up.
“Iphwangseong has been nurturing a dragon. How much longer do you intend to tighten the noose around the martial world?”
“That’s quite an exaggeration. If the common people are not disturbed, Iphwangseong will not move.”
“A plausible justification does not change.”
Shaking his head, Cheonju looked at Jeongyeonsin.
“Was it Jeongyeonsin?”
“Yes.”
“I witnessed a good martial art. It is unlikely that the Hwasan sect’s unlearned connection has reached you. I did not know such martial arts existed in the world. It must have stimulated the lazy sect leader’s disciple. If it becomes unavoidable to leave Iphwangseong, know that Hwasan will treat you as a guest.”
“Sect leader! You speak nonsense. You have crossed the line.”
Majin stepped forward, pulling Jeongyeonsin back.
“I acknowledge that greed has taken the lead. You have shown a disgraceful display. Such shining talent is right before my eyes.”
Surprise spread across the faces of the Hwasan masters as they witnessed Cheonju’s candid acknowledgment.
At the same time, some wore expressions of understanding.
Jeongyeonsin stood still, not moving.
- It seems hard to endure.
It was the premonition of Baek Mireu.
He slightly nodded.
It was because he had almost exhausted all his energy.
The burden on his dantian was great.
The Shihwa Mugeuk Kwon required a high proportion of energy to create strong experiences.
To exert energy in every posture meant that.
While it was not bound by posture, the amount of internal energy consumed was also a burden.
At least for now, it seemed difficult to use it as his main martial art. ‘In actual combat, I will have to return to the sword.’ Organizing his thoughts, he secured a room at the inn.
Those who followed in, including the masters of Hwasan, cast changed glances.
It was as if they were looking at a miraculous spirit.
There was no particular feeling.
Their time of living was different.
As soon as he secured the room, Baek Mireu burst in through the door.
True to her gentle yet unrestrained nature, she dragged Cheongmyeong along and sat him down. “You especially need to open your middle dantian quickly. If your internal energy is lacking, you should at least supplement your endurance.” Baek Mireu said as she sat cross-legged.
Cheongmyeong, who followed, sprawled out and lay half down.
“Did you say middle dantian?”
“It seems you did not know about the abilities. There is an effect that cannot even give you the upper dantian, which is said to contain the spirit in the head. You will feel it the moment you open the middle dantian; your internal energy will become a bit more solid. It is said that the Golden Buddha Unmoving Divine Art of Shaolin is a representative martial art for training the middle dantian.”
“My internal energy becomes solid?”
When he asked absentmindedly, Cheongmyeong interjected.
“It means the efficiency improves. Have you heard of the masters who fought for seven days and nights without getting tired? They trained their middle dantian. The flow of energy becomes firm, and you can unfold large techniques several times. Even if you receive a fairly powerful blow, the flow of internal energy does not easily break.”
“That must be why Cheongmyeong was able to share the sword with Namgung Jeil. Otherwise, it wouldn’t make sense, no matter how strong this guy’s martial arts are.”
Baek Mireu pointed at Cheongmyeong, who was yawning lazily.
Cheongmyeong smiled brightly and nodded slightly.
Jeongyeonsin, glancing at him, turned his gaze away. “Middle dantian. How do I open it?” “If you practice the lower dantian for a long time, it will open naturally. It’s best to circulate your energy focusing on your upper body.” “Is there no faster way? Sister.” The words slipped out absentmindedly.
He had to quickly acquire every means to become stronger.
In terms of unlearning and public duty, he could not help but feel anxious, leading to the casual address.
He was startled by his own words. “Sister...?” Baek Mireu’s cold gaze fell weakly.
Her cheeks turned slightly red.
For a moment, her lips seemed to quiver.
It was an unbelievable sight.
That series of sword techniques? She took a long breath like a master and regained her composure.
At that moment, Jeongyeonsin could not help but doubt whether Baek Mireu had a younger sister who had passed away.
At the same time, he realized that he did not know the life of any of the Ma Gwang Ik martial artists. ‘I still don’t know anyone.’ Baek Mireu cleared her throat. “First, you need to contain powerful energy within your body...” The explanation continued.
The problem was ultimately about energy.
The lower dantian opens naturally through long training, and the middle dantian is no different.
It was said that clumsy techniques would only be poison.
However, just as Jeongyeonsin had been opening his upper dantian since birth.
A cursed constitution.
Swallowing a sigh inwardly, he decided to think about the middle dantian later. ‘Let’s focus on accumulating energy.
It’s not that I can’t become stronger without it.’ The inn was bustling.
The smell of food filled the air, making it hard to find an empty seat.
Seoan was said to be a place where all kinds of martial artists gathered.
The common people who went out were said to be quite fearless in this peculiar city.
Perhaps the rumor of the Hwasan sect’s martial arts competition had spread, as more people seemed to be flocking in. “That boy is a swordsman!” “He defeated the Hwasan rising dragon with three techniques?” “He looks about the same age, how is that possible?” “I saw it clearly with my own eyes!” As Jeongyeonsin descended, murmurs arose from all around.
It seemed they were people who had witnessed the martial arts competition. “Seomye is about to gain fame quickly. Once his identity is revealed, it will be chaos.” “It’s only natural. He is the future of the main family.” It was Cheongmyeong and Baek Mireu.
They spoke as if it were nothing.
Compliments tied to age held no meaning.
Although it was the first time he had his martial arts evaluated in the world, Jeongyeonsin let all the words flow in one ear and out the other as he searched for Majin.
Along with Heonwonchang, the seat where Ma Gwang Ikju sat was empty, making it stand out immediately.
The chilling scar and strong aura forbade anyone from approaching.
No one dared to sit with him.
He walked through the crowd, step by step.
“Is this alright? We should be discussing our mission.”
Majin smiled at Jeongyeonsin’s question as he sat down with Cheongmyeong and Baek Mireu.
“It’s no secret that Hwasan is keeping a close eye on the criminal. The paths of the martial artists from prestigious sects are bound to be known. Rather, we must do this to reduce the sacrifices of the common people that we did not expect.”
“Indeed.”
“Have you heard of the term ‘sound east, strike west’? That is what we will do from now on.”
“So it’s not just about stopping Hwasan’s show of force at the right time. You’re actively trying to help calm the situation?”
“Yes. The investigation is already complete. The criminal is Tugi (Thief Ghost). He is a notorious thief known north of the Yangtze River.”
“You said Tugi?”
Baek Mireu stood up abruptly.
An energy that seemed to sharpen like a sword surged up.
Her narrowed eyes seemed to glimmer with a hint of killing intent. “Yes. He is the one who stole your secret martial arts. Isn’t that a good thing?” “Did you lose your martial arts secret?” Heonwonchang widened his eyes, stopping his meal.
It was understandable.
The blue master of Iphwangseong was not a martial artist who could easily find an opponent outside of a large faction like the old sect.
A thief could not approach such a master. “There are circumstances.” Baek Mireu, who answered briefly, closed her mouth.
However, her momentum was different.
It approached like a raging wildfire.
The will to capture and behead him could be felt from her energy.
In the silence, the group finished their meal and went up to where Majin was staying.
It was a room quite large for his size.
Majin, who made eye contact with each of the seated group, slowly opened his mouth.
“I will explain the meaning of ‘sound east, strike west’. First, the martial arts of Hwasan are rarely unknown here in Shanxi. It’s too conspicuous.”
“Then?”
“From now on, we will destroy the plaques of the Shanxi factions that are connected to Tugi one by one. We will do it ourselves. The battlefield will never be taken outside.”
“What will Hwasan do during this time?”
“The Amhyang faction combines both martial and spiritual laws. While we draw attention, they will secretly infiltrate and observe the internal affairs of the sect.”
Majin spoke nonchalantly.
Whatever was pleasant, Heonwonchang’s mouth curled up.
“Is there a justification for taking down the plaques of the factions?”
At Jeongyeonsin’s question, Cheongmyeong chuckled while scratching his head.
“It seems you don’t know much about the factions. They are those who collect tribute that the royal family has not even recognized. From the perspective of the Great Ming Empire, the distinction between the righteous and the unorthodox is simple. Do the common people voluntarily contribute, or do they extort money at the point of a sword?”
Majin nodded.
“They are pests that gnaw at the country. We only leave them alone because killing them would only lead to new pests gathering. There is no need for justification to deal with them. They repeatedly destroy and split their own factions.”
“How many factions are the targets?”
“First, five. I will take care of two.”
“I will do one alone.”
No one showed surprise at Jeongyeonsin’s words.
Majin asked, “Do you want to take credit alone? The risk is high.”
“I can handle it.”
“Handling a group alone is another matter. Especially if it’s a faction with martial arts. Think of it this way: every time you strike, corpses will pile up. The scent of blood can take away even a master’s reason. Group battles have the most variables. One-on-one martial arts cannot compare.”
“That is also something I must experience.”
“Alright. I will distribute the tasks here. Seomye, your target is the Danglang faction in Yeonho County, Seoan. I’ve heard they are quite vicious. They do not hesitate to kidnap women. The mission details are...”
Majin continued as he made eye contact with Jeongyeonsin.
“Single-handedly defeat them. Annihilate them and return.”