The mountain was abuzz with excitement.
They were in the midst of recovering from a recent ambush.
The main experts of the Jongnam Sect had returned after striking a blow against a branch of the Paegumjong.
After a day had passed since hearing the news, Jeong Yeon-sin and Heon Won-chang were finally able to meet the ruler of Jongnam Mountain.
They were accompanied by the Grand Elder Yeon Il-sin, who had shown kindness to Jeong Yeon-sin during the massacre of the Jeong family.
"Thank you for your help," said the Jongnam Sect's leader.
He was a strikingly handsome man, with sharp ears that resembled blades and dressed in a yellow robe, exuding the aura of a hero of the age.
He was known as Gu Yang-sin, the Sword Master of the West.
It was said he was the son of the sword master and Yeon Il-sin.
Though he was in his seventies, he appeared to be in his thirties.
He was a hybrid of the Han and Ming bloodlines, as could be seen from his ears.
"Jeong Hye is a child under the protection of the Sword Master. It is only right to express gratitude for saving the disciples of the main sect," he continued.
Like many from noble families, he was exceptionally handsome, but his demeanor was different.
As the head of a sect, he carried himself with gravity.
Gu Yang-sin gazed intently at the two from Ma Gwang-ik and spoke, "Speak of what you desire from the main sect."
Jeong Yeon-sin felt Heon Won-chang shudder beside him, sensing his unease.
It seemed he had not anticipated such a reward.
It felt as if the stagnant energy in his dantian was rolling.
He hoped for no unreasonable demands, wishing not to lower his status by asking for something like elixirs.
He decided to speak first.
"Please allow us to assist in the fight against the Paegumjong."
"Mm."
The one who reacted was Yeon Il-sin.
She looked at Jeong Yeon-sin with a complicated expression before slightly closing her eyes.
She wanted to ask about the reason for the Jeong family's destruction but did not wish to waste the opportunity on such a matter.
"Ma Gwang-ik, I have settled my late father's legacy," Gu Yang-sin said, a hint of emotion flickering across his face.
"You did not pass on your vision to your son just because he is a disciple of another sect. It is quite ironic that it would end up in the hands of Yi Hwang-seong."
"I only took inspiration from my sword techniques. I will not practice or spread Gu Yang-il's teachings."
"How foolish. How interesting."
Perhaps he found some persuasion in her calmness.
He might have seen through Jeong Yeon-sin's unique temperament.
In his view, his maternal grandfather Ma Yeon-jeok's martial prowess seemed to have declined compared to its peak.
Otherwise, the gaze of the Sword Master of the West and the Jongnam Sword Master would not feel so intimidating.
"I have heard you taught the secret techniques through the Myohwa. That is also a great kindness. Even if you wish to take the lead, it would be hard to refuse," he continued.
In the martial world, taking the lead in a battle represented the face of the sect.
The Jongnam Sect's leader recognized him greatly.
Gu Yang-sin's deep gaze did not leave Jeong Yeon-sin.
Even one praised for his swordsmanship in the western lands could not escape the traces of his father.
A faint mix of affection and resentment seemed to shine through.
Yeon Il-sin felt the same.
The child she had seen during the Jeong family's bloodbath had restored her husband's sword techniques.
"The ways of heaven are mysterious. How is it that such connections continue to unfold...?"
"I have a separate matter to ask the Grand Elder. I could not hear it at that time," Jeong Yeon-sin said, causing her expression to harden.
The sword of Wi Ji Myohwa rose straight up, blocking the sunlight.
The elegant upper sect.
The sunlight gently fell from the sun hanging high in the sky, blending harmoniously with the clear air of Jongnam Mountain.
Among them, only her sword was not at peace.
The sword technique of Gu Yang-il was, as its name suggested, a single, swift strike.
Jeong Yeon-sin, who created the flow of sword techniques through the repetition of a single strike, was indeed extraordinary.
Whoosh! The path of the sword that needed to cut through nine suns at once became distorted.
The Jongnam Sword Master, watching from the side, clicked his tongue.
"You cannot concentrate at all."
"I'm sorry. It just makes my eyes dizzy."
"Is it Jeong Yeon-sin who is the problem?" Wi Ji Myohwa shook her head.
"Not at all. It is my heart that is the problem."
She had already fully acknowledged Jeong Yeon-sin's swordsmanship.
Her heart was not born from envy.
She was not so small-minded.
It was merely that her own martial skills, built up through life and constant refinement, felt futile in comparison.
It was closer to a sense of emptiness than jealousy.
"The Guanghwa sword technique is not inferior to Gu Yang-il's. Am I correct in saying that?"
"Indeed," the Jongnam Sword Master replied briefly.
There was no need to say more about Jeong Yeon-sin's martial arts.
"It was not at the level of a single accomplishment. While practicing together, he immediately surpassed the first level and reached the second and third levels... I cannot believe that he created such a rising martial art, let alone achieved it without prior experience."
"That child has already achieved your goal."
When Wi Ji Myohwa lowered her sword and looked at the Jongnam Sword Master, he slowly continued, "He is a great master who transcends age. It is only natural that he quickly masters the martial arts he created himself. All things in the world are the same. They can only fit best to the body of their creator. There is no martial art in the world that is not so."
"It seems he possesses qualities that are unmatched in this world. I cannot even keep up..."
"Even the great masters of Shaolin and Wudang were the same. Living in the same era as such a great master can be a blessing, depending on your mindset. You have inherited Gu Yang-il's teachings, have you not?"
"... Indeed. It is an unparalleled grace."
Wi Ji Myohwa smiled faintly.
It was a smile of resignation.
The troubles that had tormented her were forcibly suppressed by the cultivation she had built as a disciple of Jongnam.
While her pride as a sword dragon and youthful vigor shouted not to be surpassed, she could not bring herself to turn her back on Jeong Yeon-sin.
In the near future, Wi Ji Myohwa would find herself looking at Jeong Yeon-sin's back.
She had decided to accept it.
As if the gentle wind was lending strength, her silken hair brushed past her.
However, her grip on the sword did not immediately become firm.
She was preparing to step down from the peak of her generation.
There was no way she could be full of energy.
"... I did not want to speak of this," the Jongnam Sword Master sighed.
Jeong Yeon-sin, who resembled a grandchild to him, could not be compared to Wi Ji Myohwa, whom he had raised like a true granddaughter.
"You must listen and keep silent."
"Yes?"
"It is about Yeon-sin. That child communicates with the great nature through the Baekhoe-hyeol."
As Wi Ji Myohwa showed a puzzled expression, he continued, "It was a subtle change. However, each day is different. He is absorbing the powers of heaven and earth excessively. It is not good. Even an extraordinary master would find it hard to bear."
"What do you mean...?"
"There are not many days left for him. Yet, he is struggling like that, as if he wishes to leave his mark on the world."
With those shocking words, Wi Ji Myohwa's eyes widened.
The Jongnam Sword Master had already crossed his arms and was staring blankly at a cloud-covered mountain peak.
"I felt a sense of respect for him, regardless of his martial prowess or age. I am speaking of Yeon-sin."
After the conversation with Gu Yang-sin and Yeon Il-sin, news arrived that a challenge had been issued by the Paegumjong.
It was said to be a short yet intense message.
"Let us meet three days after the rain."
It was the end of February.
In the martial world, a meeting referred to a grand battle where sects risked their fates and fought with all their might.
It was completely different from the sporadic skirmishes that had occurred thus far.
It was a direct confrontation between the Thirteen Heavens and the Gu faction.
A significant event that would shake the martial world was about to unfold.
The various sects across the central plains had little time to react.
The day of the decisive battle was fast approaching.
The wind sweeping across the vast plains felt rough.
It was said to be the place where Wi Ji Myohwa had earned the title of Sword Dragon by cutting down the leader of a rival sect.
Jeong Yeon-sin stood among the disciples of Jongnam, gazing ahead.
Among the group of nearly two hundred, a sword-like aura was blazing.
The Paegumjong of the Thirteen Heavens sought the most ruthless power in the world.
At the forefront stood an absolute figure from his memories.
The leader of the Paegumjong.
His expressionless face was familiar.
Still, he stood with a massive sword planted in the ground, revealing his overwhelming aura.
Even from a distance of over a thousand steps, a terrifying energy surged forth.
"That person is the nemesis of Jeong So-hyeop," Heon Won-chang said, staring ahead.
He understood the story of his companion.
Perhaps they had grown closer, as there was no sign of retreat.
For the first time, Jeong Yeon-sin saw a semblance of the 'Shin-hyeop' in Heon Won-chang.
Holding onto gratitude, he stepped forward.
The Jongnam Sect leader, Gu Yang-sin, was facing forward.
At that moment, someone from the Paegumjong stepped forward and shouted, "The third disciple of the Paegumjong! I, Wi Mu-hyeok, challenge you to a duel!" It was a proposal for a leading battle.
Such confrontations among mid-level masters were common in the martial world.
It was a way to gauge the future of the sect by comparing its strength.
"I will convey your words to the leader," he said.
"Seong-ye," Gu Yang-sin turned his head.
Their eyes met.
"I request this as someone who has settled the legacy of the late Grand Elder, the husband of the leader of the sect. I will step forward as a guest of the Jongnam Sect."
"Jeong So-hyeop."
Wi Ji Myohwa, who had been making a strange expression whenever she saw him, looked at him.
Her expression was filled with mixed emotions.
Jeong Yeon-sin slightly nodded and looked at Gu Yang-sin. 'I can step forward.' It was not a fitting position for her to take the lead.
She was slightly older than Wi Mu-hyeok and had a different level of reputation altogether.
Gu Yang-sin slowly nodded.
If they were to win, there was no one better than Jeong Yeon-sin among his peers.
"Go and return."
"Thank you."
After bowing respectfully, he stepped forward.
Wi Ji Myohwa watched Jeong Yeon-sin's back from the side of the Jongnam elders.
Her gaze did not leave his retreating figure.
The great master, who was burning himself to leave a mark on life, was right there.
"He is already a remarkable youth," the Jongnam Sword Master sighed.
"The fate of the Jongnam Sect has come to an end."
When Jeong Yeon-sin faced Wi Mu-hyeok, it was the first thing he said.
He appeared to be around seventeen or eighteen.
He was transitioning from boyhood to youth.
His dazzling sword and bright red martial robe were splendid, reminding Jeong Yeon-sin of their brief encounter at the Jeong family estate.
He was one of his enemies.
"You, I remember. You were from the Jeong family, weren't you? You were quite the brat back then. I should have killed you then, but it’s fortunate you’ve come before me now."
"Wasn't I unable to fight back then?"
"That's the way of life and death for martial artists. What reason would the previous Sword Master have to intervene? It would only embarrass him. If you believe the same as before, it is truly a pity."
Perhaps because he was the direct disciple of the Paegumjong leader, an arrogant demeanor flowed from him.
He was a true nobleman. 'The disciple of the Paegumjong leader.
He will repay his grudge and build his own merits.' Jeong Yeon-sin drew his sword without a word.
His gaze was fixed on the Paegumjong leader standing far behind Wi Mu-hyeok.
His distinctly angular face was as indifferent as it had been back then.
"Now, die," Wi Mu-hyeok said as he launched his attack.
He did not care where his opponent was looking, embodying the demeanor of a martial artist from a rival sect.
Clang! The clash of swords erupted with a powerful wind.
The swords remained locked in place, neither yielding.
Wi Mu-hyeok wore a surprised expression at the unexpected strength of Jeong Yeon-sin's sword.
"Not bad," Jeong Yeon-sin replied without answering.
As he properly learned the sword techniques, he could see the flow created by the clash of swords.
The same was true for his opponent.
Memories of when he first entered Ma Gwang-ik and was tested by Cheong-myeong suddenly resurfaced.
He slowly spoke.
"I once heard from a noble family that one can gauge another's qualities through the wind of their sword."
"Mm?"
"So this is what it meant."
The moment Jeong Yeon-sin smiled, a chill ran up Wi Mu-hyeok's arm.
The Guanghwa sword technique.
The sword in his hand captured the sunlight.
At the same time, a faint beam of light burst forth, pushing against the sword that was locked with his.
"What...!"
Jeong Yeon-sin's hand did not stop.
Wrapping the wind around his body, he passed by his opponent with a swift motion.
With a diagonal slash that gleamed white from his neck, Wi Mu-hyeok's head fell.
A dull sound echoed.
His body collapsed without a glance back.
"...".
For a moment, silence fell over the plains.