The heir of the Yip Huang family changed his expression the moment he saw Jeong Yeon-sin.
A complex mix of emotions was clearly visible on his face.
It seemed that it was not just anger and shame.
Just by the words he spat out as he approached, it was evident.
"Will you spar with me using swords?"
"What is your name?"
"…I am Ma Se-in. It seems we did not even introduce ourselves back then."
"It seems your mood has changed."
Jeong Yeon-sin gazed silently at his grandfather's grandson.
He was said to be defeating the white warriors one by one in the Muwollam.
He had every reason to be proud, yet his complexion was pale, and he did not lose his composure.
Was the strength of a prestigious family derived from such introspection? It was hard to tell what Ma Se-in thought after seeing Jeong Yeon-sin's skills and qualities.
Ma Se-in continued, "Back then, I learned a thing or two. I gained a lot. Give me another chance."
"Well."
Jeong Yeon-sin, who had initially responded in kind, fell into thought.
He had to complete the next task without wasting time.
He needed to obtain the blue martial robe right away.
It was a secondary concern whether the boy before him would provide another inspiration. 'I cannot fill the framework of the Guanghua Sword Technique with a lesser inspiration.'
It was different from when he created the Shihwa Muguk-kwon.
The Guanghua Sword Technique was a sword method inspired by the sword path of an absolute master from the past.
There was a martial arts library that the warriors of Yip Huang could access.
Jeong Yeon-sin had surely entered it.
He was not only using the martial arts he had created.
In addition to the newly founded martial arts, every movement from real combat was infused with the martial arts of Yip Huang.
He had stripped away the principles of martial arts and martial reasoning.
He had built a foundation to create something new.
The movements inspired by the prestigious family were also taking on the form of an unparalleled new technique.
However, martial arts that fit perfectly like Guanghua Sword Technique, Hwanikbo, and Shihwa Muguk-kwon could not be created at will.
It was another matter that the martial arts recorded in books were lifeless.
It was simply that Jeong Yeon-sin lacked the inspiration to weave a martial arts system that would satisfy him.
He needed a lightning bolt to strike his mind.
However, divine lightning did not fall at any time.
"I suppose I can broaden my horizons."
Ma Se-in's suggestion for a spar was not bad.
If it was the sword technique of the Yip Huang family, it would be a level of martial arts not easily seen even in Yip Huang.
At that moment, a light breeze blew.
Jeong Yeon-sin felt the fluttering of his clothing.
"Did you say you are a newcomer? Come, let us exchange hands."
Chung Myung, who had approached without him noticing, patted Jeong Yeon-sin's shoulder and looked at Ma Se-in.
The black eye patch over his left eye had a rather vintage charm.
Ma Se-in's face flushed with excitement.
"Chung Anma Sword…!"
"Now I am a one-eyed man."
Chung Myung, who smiled playfully, turned his head toward Jeong Yeon-sin.
"Can I join?"
"Do you often come to Muwollam?"
"If not, I would be left behind. There are so many monstrous masters in the Bampa."
"It is because of your eye."
"Yes. I must slowly raise my senses. The vision of a swordsman has been halved."
Chung Myung, who spoke with a smile, seemed cheerful.
If he was an outstanding white warrior, he would make a good training partner.
Jeong Yeon-sin agreed.
It was then that he watched the two figures walking side by side toward the training ground.
The person beside him, Do Yu-won, muttered, "How strange. It seems the rumors are true. They say the Chung Anma Sword treats people differently based on their qualities."
"Is it true about Senior Chung Myung…?"
When he asked in confusion, Do Yu-won nodded.
"He is indeed a cold person. You can tell just by looking at the records. He is merciless to martial artists, not commoners. Both in quality and character. It is common for him to treat people with disdain, and there have been many cases where the heads of righteous sects lost their lives due to his hypocrisy. That is why he is called the Demon Sword. His standards are harsh."
"I do not understand at all."
"That is likely because your qualities are exceptionally outstanding. Other blues would generally avoid confrontation. Whites are out of the question. The heir of the Yip Huang family has made a poor choice."
Do Yu-won clicked his tongue. 'He did not treat the Hunyuan young hero poorly either.' While pondering his words, the match was decided.
Ma Se-in attempted to penetrate Chung Myung's left field of vision, which was completely dark, but the blue martial arts were indeed different.
Chung Myung seemed to have reached a level where he could replace the blind spot with his senses.
Without even looking, his left palm struck Ma Se-in's solar plexus.
It was an astonishing technique.
Ma Se-in, who coughed up a mouthful of blood, collapsed.
At that moment, did Ma Se-in realize something from Chung Myung's move? A smile appeared on his face as he suddenly sat cross-legged.
It was a sight that anyone could see he had gained insight.
As soon as he sat down, warriors in orange martial robes flew in from all directions, surrounding him.
They seemed to be the guards of the Yip Huang family.
Chung Myung, who took a small step back, chuckled and turned around.
He glanced at Jeong Yeon-sin and said, "That friend is not just plain water."
"This is Yip Huang. Everyone seems familiar."
"In Ma Gwang-ik, you lose your light, but there were many who were called 'Gi-ja'."
Perhaps feeling uneasy facing Chung Myung, Do Yu-won had retreated slightly and bowed his head.
Jeong Yeon-sin, who responded in kind, once again felt the power of Yip Huang.
Chung Myung, who had lost his sight, did not lose much of his martial power, and Ma Se-in, who had only appeared arrogant, had immediately changed as a person.
As his character became humble, enlightenment also came more easily.
It was astonishing to the point of being hard to believe.
It seemed impossible for a person to change so much.
'I should not be concerned about the level of inspiration.' Jeong Yeon-sin stepped directly into the Muwollam training ground.
"The lord wishes to celebrate your coming of age."
When he returned to the Ma Gwang-ik pavilion, wrapped in the glow of sunset, Ma Jin suddenly appeared and spoke words that felt unfamiliar.
"Are you saying that the lord will preside over my coming-of-age ceremony?"
"Yes."
When Ma Jin nodded, Jeong Yeon-sin's brows furrowed. 'They asked about the customs at the General Headquarters.' The coming-of-age ceremony, which is the first of the four rites of passage according to the Zhuzi family rites, is held at the age of twenty in the Daemyung Empire.
The martial world was different.
The more established the regional martial arts, the earlier the coming-of-age ceremony was held.
The age set as a standard varied greatly.
The martial world was said to be a mysterious place.
If the influence of a family was high, the enemies would also become formidable beings.
An early coming-of-age ceremony meant that one should leave a mark as an adult as soon as possible, as one might die young.
However, it was not a concern for Jeong Yeon-sin.
For him, life itself was a mark.
"When is the next task?"
Ma Jin sighed.
"The lord has arranged it. He recognizes your qualities and potential."
"Well."
Jeong Yeon-sin could not fathom the lord of Yip Huang's thoughts.
He recognized his qualities? If so, he should immediately pluck the fruit of the Cheonhamok and bestow it upon him.
To clearly distinguish between public and private matters in such a situation was not something that could be thought of lightly.
It was unclear whether Jeong Yeon-sin, pressed for time, wished to ascend to the hierarchy of the Divine Sword Hall or if he felt that Yip Huang's martial power was sufficient and did not feel the need.
It was something he could not know at the moment.
Jeong Yeon-sin did not want to rely on fleeting hopes.
The lord of Yip Huang was an ancient absolute being.
Even if he seemed to show goodwill, the line was clear.
One could tell just by how he treated Ma Yeon-jeok, who had been a friend for decades, like a sword.
"I do not wish to do it. With a single time, I could refine dozens of sword techniques. Please refuse."
"He seems to know you better than I do. He asked for a reward. It is a liquor that does not resemble any elixir in the world. It is called the Raeseon Treasure Wine. A single cup is enough for eternal life."
Even martial artists were not free from illness.
The martial world was known for its physicians, called divine doctors, who excelled in various fields.
They did not only heal internal and external injuries caused by battles.
They spoke of eternal life.
Even without high expectations, it was not something Jeong Yeon-sin could easily pass up.
"I will do it."
His attitude changed drastically.
"…Only one of those who undergo the coming-of-age ceremony can drink it. The coming-of-age ceremony of Yip Huang is a way to elevate oneself through martial arts. Most are children who could not become whites, but this time it is different. It is said that several whites from prestigious families are participating with you in mind. They will be two or three years older than you."
"It is not a problem."
Ma Jin's face, which looked flustered, was of no concern to him.
It was not impossible.
Perhaps it could delay the opening speed of the Baekhoehyeol even a little.
"The lord is obstructing."
In the spacious and luxurious banquet hall, seats lined up on both sides.
Ma Yeon-jeok, sitting at the far end, murmured.
The luxurious purple robe completely covered the armrest.
Ma Jin's scarred face below wrinkled.
"Were you planning to hold it at the main house?"
"It is not a matter of shame."
Ma Yeon-jeok replied calmly.
Meanwhile, the boys and young men were following a procedure completely different from that of the noble families' coming-of-age ceremonies.
Even if there were complicated forms like Bokseo, Mangye, and Gagwan, the content was different.
Was it the unique boldness of martial artists? There was no solemn atmosphere.
The attire was the same as the martial robes of Yip Huang, but among them, Jeong Yeon-sin, dressed in blue robes and white, stood out.
After a long procedure, one by one, they ascended to the platform.
The lord of Yip Huang, dressed in green, personally placed the crown on them.
Among the twenty-five, only three were white warriors.
Most were those who had grown up in Yip Huang.
The cases of Jeong Yeon-sin and Ma Se-in, who had entered Yip Huang City, were exceptional.
"Congratulations."
The lord of Yip Huang smiled, her red lips curling.
She gently patted Jeong Yeon-sin's cap, and her expression was smooth.
"Seomye does not take a character."
With her melodious voice, those watching showed signs of agreement.
It meant that they would not create a new name to use as an adult.
Some martial artists who quickly gained a nickname used that name as their character.
For Jeong Yeon-sin, it was Seomye.
It had become a name he would carry for life.
As the coming-of-age ceremony concluded, people began to chatter lightly.
Many seemed to have come to relieve their boredom.
"Now it is the last."
"The finishing touch remains."
"I wonder who will drink this year."
"Considering the achievements, there are hardly any whites who can follow Seomye. He has been running non-stop. I heard that Baek Gi-rin and Namgung Hwa-shin have finally completed a task."
"Indeed, but the strength of the martial families is tremendous. The qualities of the heirs of the Yip Huang family and the Shin family are beyond imagination."
They seemed to be getting more excited.
Jeong Yeon-sin returned to his place and stared at the platform.
Before he knew it, the lord of Yip Huang was pouring jade wine into a white cup.
'Raeseon Treasure Wine.'
His eyes sparkled with life.
Even facing the lord's deep green eyes, his momentum did not waver.
She smiled slightly and opened her mouth.
"This is a congratulatory wine for you. I will present it to the one who grabs it first."
The lord's robe began to flutter.
It felt as if green waves were spreading from her body.
"Take it as you can."
With a whoosh! An immense momentum surged forth.
It felt as if he was being pulled into a deep abyss.
He hesitated to take a step forward.
It was enough to make him chuckle inwardly.
The lord of Yip Huang had not even revealed a fraction of her true martial power. 'It was probably not this intense last year.' Those who had not yet become official martial artists of Yip Huang were pushed out and collapsed.
It was remarkable that they did not suffer internal injuries.
It seemed that it did not affect the seated guests.
It was a control of power that had reached the divine.
"Ugh!"
Someone groaned.
At this moment, only Jeong Yeon-sin, Ma Se-in, and a nobleman from the Shin family, who was said to be a young master, remained standing.
However, only one person took a step.
Jeong Yeon-sin felt the mysterious wind emanating from the lord of Yip Huang.
The currents of momentum sweeping over him sparked a new lightning bolt in his mind.
Feeling as if his soul was being drawn into the lord's eyes, the incantation to break down the barrier of energy flowed out naturally.
This was communion.
A heavenly light shimmered in Jeong Yeon-sin's eyes.
The first step was not Hwanikbo.
He simply took a step in complete compliance with the energy.
The purpose was different.
Hwanikbo was a step that created harmony.
Now the second step manifested.
Thud.
The wave of energy rippled from the foot he stepped on.
The colorless waves spread out, gently pushing away the green wind of the lord of Yip Huang.
Hwanikbo.
It was a step that pierced through the momentum.
As the crown flew away, his long hair unfurled.
Before long, no one in the hall spoke.
He finally ascended to the platform with his flowing black hair.
"You may savor it."
The lord of Yip Huang, who had a small smile on her lips, stepped down from her seat.
It was then that Ma Se-in, who had been kneeling with his veins bitten, shouted, "Only I am supreme! All martial artists dream like you!"
His eyes were red.
Whether it was from enduring the pressure or some overwhelming emotion, it was hard to tell.
"However, the martial world is not like your thoughts! What do you think is the reason for establishing sects and families and forming alliances?"
"…."
"I have decided to follow my grandfather's will. Aim for the position of the head of the Ma family. If you have the backing of the main family, your position will change once again."
"What are you talking about?"
Jeong Yeon-sin was bewildered.
This was a public place.
Even correct words should be spoken with caution in such a setting.
Moreover, was it not a matter involving family?
It seemed that Ma Yeon-jeok could not discern the situation, but he did not stop his grandson.
He merely stared at Jeong Yeon-sin.
Ma Se-in continued, "Set a date and spar with me. If you can defeat me fairly for the future position of the head of Yip Huang, you can become the heir. It is a position that surpasses the Raeseon Treasure Wine. A mere individual who has consumed elixirs? A position that can wield a hundred swords is more valuable than any elixir."
It seemed that his emotions had escalated due to another defeat.
It was incomprehensible.
Were Ma Se-in's words his own will, or were they the strong will of Ma Yeon-jeok? Jeong Yeon-sin thought it could be both.
"…Your grandfather wishes to change the heir to you. Do not refuse. I know you find it displeasing. However, there is no reason for that. The leader of a group, the master of a martial family, takes precedence over anything else. That is human affairs, and it is also the principle of the martial world."
Ma Se-in concluded his words with a long breath.
Jeong Yeon-sin looked at his distant relative as if he were a madman.
To speak of such things here? Did he think it would be hard to refuse an invitation in front of those who did not know the circumstances? It seemed he had no sense of shame, regardless of whose thoughts they were.
Jeong Yeon-sin did not nod his head.
Their pursuits were different.
'Perhaps it could have been done earlier.
If the influence of a single family could gain the fruit of Cheonhamok.'
That was the problem.
Also, being tied to a family would not allow inspiration to flourish.
Jeong Yeon-sin intuitively understood himself.
The lord of Yip Huang was also keeping silent about Ma Yeon-jeok's lifespan.
Jeong Yeon-sin did not want to beg for his life from others without compensation.
It did not seem like it would be of much help.
He quietly opened his mouth.
"You spoke of the principles of the martial world. I have also experienced it well. Let me tell you."
Jeong Yeon-sin stood tall on the platform alone.
The sight of the boy in blue robes looking down at the wine was striking.
It was as if the demeanor of a swordsman standing alone against the harsh currents of the world was reflected.
He slowly reached out.
"This is."
He raised the cup he had grasped with his fingers.
It was a cup he had earned for himself.
"This is the martial world."
As he brought the cup to his lips, his words rang out particularly clearly.
The hall fell silent.
In the silence, the sound of the Raeseon Treasure Wine flowing down his throat began to echo.