The cheers erupted from afar, a sound that echoed across the plains.
The masters trained in the Gu faction were usually composed, maintaining their dignity, yet even they could not contain their excitement.
Most of them were young martial artists who shared a bond with Jeong Yeon-shin.
It seemed that those who had witnessed the defense of Jeong Hye were at the center of this gathering.
"Your alias is Seomyeo, right? It suits you well," one remarked.
"The Guanghua Sword Style. Just as I heard," another added.
"Truly a marvelous and splendid sword technique. And powerful too," a third commented.
"If it’s Wi Mu-hyeok, he was a late-stage genius nurtured by the Paegum Sect..."
A decisive battle lay ahead.
Their master, along with the elders, remained silent.
With the morale soaring endlessly, Jeong Yeon-shin’s focus sharpened.
"Paegum Sect."
The atmosphere ahead was entirely different.
A low murmur arose.
Though it was not loud, the expressions of confusion could not be hidden.
The disciple of the sect leader had lost his head in just two exchanges, and the opponent was even of the same age.
"This is impossible in the world."
"How could Mu-hyeok not even resist...?"
"Kill them all."
The last words flowed from the mouth of the Paegum Sect leader.
The resonance that did not allow for a decline in morale swept across the audience.
An overwhelming aura lay thick in the air.
"Yeon-shin! Come back!"
How desperate he must have been to call out his friend’s name, it was Heon Won-chang.
Their eyes met.
He stood still, his sword planted in the ground.
He seemed unfazed by the death of his disciple.
Jeong Yeon-shin formed his lips into a determined line.
"I will take one of your arms. I will find a way to do it."
What a ridiculous bravado it was.
Jeong Yeon-shin knew it too.
It was merely a fleeting thought.
A faint smile appeared on the face of the Paegum Sect leader for the first time.
He even chuckled softly.
At the same time, a vibration like military discipline spread through the Paegum ranks.
Jeong Yeon-shin’s Guanghua Sword Style ignited a war between the sects.
The Jongnam faction also surged forward like a cloud, seemingly to protect the vanguard.
Aaaah-! Among those who folded space with their silent yet tremendous lightness, there were also those who shouted.
The voice imbued with energy echoed all around.
The plains felt like a canyon.
Amidst the swirling energies, Jeong Yeon-shin struggled to maintain his focus.
"This is a group battle of masters."
He did not take his eyes off the Paegum Sect as he retreated.
The distance seemed to vanish in an instant.
A master with an immense aura shook the ground as he led the charge.
His noble beard fluttered, and his presence was grand, his energy overwhelming.
"This is not ordinary."
One could tell at a glance that he was an elder-level master.
A person who had honed his martial arts for decades within the Paegum Sect.
He was a martial artist that Jeong Yeon-shin could not yet contend with.
"I will kill you!"
He seemed to be the grandfather of Wi Mu-hyeok.
His glaring eyes burned with intensity.
As a master of the demonic martial world, Jeong Yeon-shin could not afford to be careless just because he was young.
"If you had taught him well, it wouldn’t have been just two exchanges."
"How dare you!"
Jeong Yeon-shin’s words were like a flame ignited at the heart of a fire.
An immense killing intent was conveyed.
This was enough.
He had intentionally provoked him to concentrate his nerves.
"This is now a battlefield. Any means are permissible."
He twisted his body to create space.
From behind, Jongnam’s sword energy brushed past him and flew away.
"Thanks to you, I have brought the victory of this battle."
"Ugh!"
With those words, the body of the Paegum Sect elder was sent flying backward.
The tremendous energy released from Jongnam’s sword swept across the surroundings.
A fierce clash signaled the beginning of the sect war.
Finally, the great confrontation between the Paegum Sect and the Jongnam faction had begun.
Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes scanned the front and sides.
From now on, to achieve merit, he needed to find an opponent he could handle.
"There are many."
Fortunately, many young masters, unable to contain their bloodlust, surged forward.
Jeong Yeon-shin immediately dashed to the side.
"You!"
Having already drawn immense attention, he had become a primary target of the Paegum Sect.
The number of enemies charging at him was not small.
"I can handle this."
They were all young.
It was only natural.
The elder-level or mid-tier masters seemed to sense each other’s energies and clashed among themselves.
If even one was missed, their disciples could be slaughtered.
Hooong!
As he operated the energy of Jeongga Donggong, a formidable aura arose.
Jeong Yeon-shin’s clothing fluttered, proving his continuous growth.
Today, he did not wear the ceremonial robe of the Jongnam faction as a guest.
He would wear it if there was a second round.
The first to strike was a spear-wielder.
The energy glimmering on the spear was imbued with the essence of battle.
It was on a different level than the martial artists of the Dangrang faction.
Clang!
The energy of the spear clashed with the incoming sword strike of the Iphwang Sword.
In the moment of surprise in the opponent’s eyes, the dim light of the Guanghua Sword Style swept across his neck.
"Two."
In the moment he immersed himself in the battlefield, Jeong Yeon-shin did not regard his enemies as mere people.
Achievements were counted in numbers.
If he was trapped by ethics and compassion, he would not survive here.
Clang!
With the rushing dust storm, the white sword light flashed in all directions.
The energy emanating from his crown did not allow for any openings.
Even if a swift sword came from behind, it was deflected and struck at the neck.
It felt as if he could see all directions in space.
The senses he gained from the Dangrang faction greatly contributed to the group battle.
"Form up! Don’t rush in recklessly!"
"The footwork is marvelous! Watch your legs!"
The disciples of the Paegum Sect finally began to engage him with the premise of a joint attack.
The harmony of Hwanikbo and Guanghua Sword Style was tremendous.
Ma Gwang-ik, the Seomyeo, was becoming complete as a martial artist, equipped with unique martial arts.
Before he knew it, Heon Won-chang had taken the rear, supporting him, and among the young disciples of the Jongnam faction, Jeong Yeon-shin’s achievements were overwhelmingly prominent.
The Iphwang Sword did not stop and continued to spill blood.
Until the great confrontation between the two sects reached a lull.
The first round was a victory for the Jongnam faction.
It was said that the initial momentum had been significant.
Jeong Yeon-shin had now become a famous figure on Jongnam Mountain.
All the martial artists of the Jongnam faction showed him goodwill and respect.
"Master and the others have hidden a fine wine. Shall we have a drink?"
"Is the martial arts promise so delayed? I am late."
"It seems the disciples of the Shiyulgak are interested in the young hero. I firmly cut that off. Our discussion of swords comes first, doesn’t it? Hahaha!"
It was almost exhausting to respond.
Jeong Yeon-shin strolled along the path, reminiscing about his conversation with Yeon Il-shin.
If he wanted, he could reveal the reason for the destruction of Jeonggajang even now.
His second brother already knew about it.
Zhong Jung-san had his reasons for not telling his younger brother, and Yeon Il-shin hesitated to bring it up himself.
It would be better to hear it after the great battle had settled down.
"There doesn’t seem to be much shock."
He thought it was a trivial concern.
He was desperately running away from the approaching death, but the unaware ones treated him like a child.
The enemies were the same.
At least he was glad to have easily killed formidable foes like the Blood Demon Sword.
"Who knows?"
He muttered to himself, letting his thoughts flow.
He decided not to create a situation where he could not focus on the fleeting battle.
The destruction that had already occurred weighed less than the revenge that lay ahead.
The mind of a martial artist comes unexpectedly.
He would be satisfied to hear it when he left Jongnam Mountain.
"Jeong So-hyeop!"
From afar, Heon Won-chang waved his hand.
Jeong Yeon-shin approached with a small smile.
"Do you perhaps have connections with the mid-tier masters of the Jongnam faction?"
"What’s the matter?"
"Two renowned masters from Seoan have come. They asked if you would join them in training. They mentioned an interesting training method."
He recalled the martial artists who had come with Yeon Il-shin from Jeonggajang.
Those who had nodded in agreement when she suggested he join the Jongnam faction.
They were the masters who had even helped recover the bodies from Jeonggajang.
He had seen them briefly during the first great confrontation.
"Are their aliases Dan-ae Sword and Mu-ryeong Fist?"
"Ah, your reputation is quite substantial, So-hyeop. You won’t die an unjust death in the wilderness. It seemed the sword master treated you like a grandchild, and even discussed the Hwasan Sword Sect..."
Heon Won-chang said with an envious expression.
Now that he thought about it, this journey through the martial world was quite different from when he first set out.
He had formed many connections with the masters of the Gu faction, who were hard to find even in the civilian world.
"It’s been a while since I’ve seen them."
Jeong Yeon-shin took leisurely steps.
The white clouds shining in the sunlight approached gently.
It was so until the second great confrontation unfolded.
Three days later.
The Paegum Sect, having sharpened their swords, met again on the audience plains.
Just by looking at their formation, one could sense it.
No matter how much they were from the demonic faction, the expressions of the many martial artists were not visible.
"This won’t be easy. All the few elders have come out."
Jongnam Sword Master spoke gravely.
Gu Yang-shin nodded slowly.
"If we win here, it will be over."
"Mi-hwa, take good care of the disciples."
"Yes, Elder."
The calm reply from Wi Ji-mihwa was different from before.
Her pale face was blooming brightly.
It seemed she had thrown off her previous worries, and a surge of power was emanating from her entire being.
It was a pure and blazing energy.
Thanks to her great achievements, Jeong Yeon-shin, standing with them, met her gaze.
Wi Ji-mihwa’s lips curled into a smile.
"I wish you good fortune, Jeong So-hyeop."
"I hope the Sword Dragon remains safe as well."
Jeong Yeon-shin replied calmly and turned his head.
It was not the time to worry about a master who was superior to him.
At that moment, Jongnam Sword Master placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Be careful of the Palhyung Nachal Sword. He is the grandfather of the one you dealt with, Wi Mu-hyeok."
"Are you talking about that Paegum Sect elder from last time?"
"Yes. I couldn’t sever his fate in time and had to face the elder. Though his stance wavered quickly, he seemed to be concerned about you while receiving my sword."
"Though he has a higher rank than the Paegum Sect leader, they say he is like his limbs on the battlefield. Commonly referred to as the right arm."
Wi Ji-mihwa added with a worried expression.
"Thank you for your concern."
As Jeong Yeon-shin nodded, the second great confrontation began.
This time, there was no vanguard battle.
The Paegum Sect charged forward with a fierce momentum, rushing in without looking back.
The war, which held the fate of the sects, was different from the romantic tales told by the gossipers of the martial world.
The battle, where interests, honor, and survival were at stake, compressed the perception of time and space for the martial artists in an instant.
Clang! Boom!
"Gather at Shiyulgak! Unfold the sword formation here!"
"Ah!"
Before he knew it, Jeong Yeon-shin found himself raising the Guanghua Sword Style in the midst of the fierce battle.
The smell of blood had become familiar.
How many had he cut down amidst the swirling energies of the masters?
"There’s no need for long words!"
An old man, looking like a ragged figure after breaking through the fight, exuded an immense aura.
Jongnam Sword Master’s advice was correct.
The Paegum Sect elder, wielding the Palhyung Nachal Sword, approached with fierce eyes.
"Is every demonic faction like this? You have no sense of shame."
"I will tear you apart."
Jeong Yeon-shin instinctively understood.
In the chaos of battle, there was no more effective means than provocation.
Even if he was a thirteenth elder, his experience in the martial world must be immense, yet he moved like a lion that had laid a trap for prey, intoxicated by his own prowess.
His vision had narrowed completely.
He sensed the presence of Heon Won-chang and the masters of the Jongnam faction rushing to assist him from both sides.
He raised all his internal energy to its limit.
Clang-!
The force of the sword that barely grazed him was tremendous.
The ground that the blade did not even touch crumbled with a loud sound.
The techniques of the elder-level masters were not easily broken, and the Palhyung Nachal Sword unleashed a series of techniques.
Jeong Yeon-shin spread the Hwanikbo and brushed against the side.
"This one?"
Boom!
The moment the elder’s eyebrows twitched, his palm struck Jeong Yeon-shin’s chest, sending him flying far away.
A tremendous energy erupted from the muscles near his ribs.
Even if it was not the middle stage of the Jeongga Donggong, he could not raise his internal energy in an instant.
Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes widened.
"Jeongga Donggong!"
The small activation of his middle dantian supported his internal energy.
The shock of the supreme internal energy surged through him.
As the energy that seemed to spread throughout his body was instantly resolved, he restored his entire being.
In the meantime, Wi Ji-mihwa, along with Mu-ryeong Fist and Dan-ae Sword, blocked the Palhyung Nachal Sword.
The sight of four masters intertwining their hands reflected in Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes.
In an instant, his upper dantian ignited, and he began to engrave all the techniques of the Palhyung Nachal Sword into his mind.
"He is furious. It’s easy to grasp."
How to hold the sword, how the muscles move when channeling energy, all of it was etched into his vision.
He did not stop there; he dissected every nuance.
From the footwork that followed the techniques to the small habits that triggered the energy.
Even up to fifty techniques, the Palhyung Nachal Sword, which had seemed to be overwhelming, resorted to a desperate measure.
While giving up his left arm to Wi Ji-mihwa’s sword, he struck her abdomen.
Even Mu-ryeong Fist and Dan-ae Sword were struck by his right-hand sword strike and fell.
The old man was in tatters.
He had become a one-armed swordsman, and blood was pooling in his mouth.
He seemed gravely injured.
Yet, the Palhyung Nachal Sword was a renowned elder of the Paegum Sect.
"Hah!"
Heon Won-chang rushed in but was sent tumbling.
What had disturbed him?
Just as his sword surged with energy, Jeong Yeon-shin stood beside the Palhyung Nachal Sword just before Heon Won-chang’s neck was severed.
"I have been waiting!"
A murderous smile appeared on the elder’s lips.
The sword energy shifted dramatically.
An immense swift sword surged from his wrinkled hand.
When the diagonal sword strike reached Jeong Yeon-shin’s torso,
"I can feel it."
This was not a sword that could be seen through Jeong Yeon-shin’s mastery.
This was the realm of foresight.
His crown felt like it was glowing.
The heat of the sun seemed to fall into his mind, exploding with energy in his upper dantian.
He calculated all the techniques of the Palhyung Nachal Sword he had seen until now.
He entrusted everything to his talent and fortune.
In that one technique, he believed that the moment the Palhyung Nachal Sword erupted from this stance would not differ from what he had envisioned.
He had already begun to sketch the path to break that technique.
The Iphwang Sword in his hand twisted and extended.
It was what the martial artists called a "destruction."
The bright rays of sunlight that had been pouring down were distorted from the sword’s edge, and the white trajectory flowed past the astonished elder’s neck like water.
Boom!
"..."
In the battlefield where all energies and winds swirled, only the place where Jeong Yeon-shin stood remained tranquil.
He captured the sight of Gu Yang-shin, who was engaged in a fierce battle with the Paegum Sect leader.
He had heard that Gu Yang-shin was pushed back, but now it was different.
He was clearly looking this way.
Staring at the Paegum Sect leader, who for the first time showed a hint of confusion, he grasped the hair of the corpse.
"Paegum Sect leader. I said I would take you."
Raising the head of the Palhyung Nachal Sword high, he infused his voice with energy.
As his resonant voice echoed, the masters of both sects turned their heads toward him.
The movements of everyone began to slow down, one by one.
Jeong Yeon-shin calmly asked,
"Is this also your arm?"