The river that flowed beyond the boundary of the Heavenly Demon was shimmering under the embrace of the sun.
The boats of the late-stage disciples of the Heartless Sect continued to move forward, as if their master had merely changed.
During this time, Jeong Yeon-sin had listened to the tale of Master Won Jong.
It was a story that twisted and turned like the currents of the water.
"It was your time then. I was still naive, with a body like a piglet. I was different from you, who had already stood tall as a hero of the martial world."
The early spring breeze seemed to carry the old monk's voice, reaching even the trees lining the riverbank.
"The prestige of the family was high. My late father was in the Forbidden City. That was until he was falsely accused and exiled. Thanks to the emperor's grace shown to loyal subjects, he barely saved his life. That alone was a miracle."
"And then, in the place of your exile?"
"The family became a fallen martial clan. Yes, we became a target for the Blood Flame Sect, which sought to devour our essence. When I returned after playing around with my peers, there was no one left alive. Rumor had it that the leader of the Blood Flame Sect had come personally. I... I wept bitterly before the withered corpse of my father."
His voice was filled with deep emotion.
The resentment that had not weathered through the long years could be felt.
"By chance, I caught the eye of my master while begging for alms and ascended to the Sacred Mountain. Yet, even after becoming a monk, my troubles did not subside. I was aware of my lack of talent. Thus, I thought differently."
"Creating a nemesis through martial arts..."
Jeong Yeon-sin's muttering made Master Won Jong nod in agreement.
"Let us restore the martial arts solely aimed at exterminating the Blood Flame Sect, the martial arts imbued with the power of the Buddha. And let us teach it to my brothers. If they are the talented martial artists of Shaolin, they will surely be pleased. However, there is also a dilemma here. Even if we create it, it poses a problem. Wouldn't it be pushing my brothers into danger? Especially against the leader of the Blood Flame Sect?"
Jeong Yeon-sin nodded in understanding.
He had heard that the leader of the Blood Flame Sect was a being of monstrous strength.
Although the masters of the Thirteen Heavens were comparable to the leaders of the various sects, there were particularly powerful absolute beings in the vast world.
The leader of the Blood Flame Sect, the head of Shaolin, and the leader of the Divine Sword Sect in Yihwang City were among them.
The leader of the Broken Sword Sect was also renowned for his strength in the world.
"Even if we were to create such martial arts, it would still be problematic."
It was not something that the head of Shaolin could learn and then confront the leader of the Blood Flame Sect.
The weight of leading the righteous sects at the pinnacle of the martial world was such that if they were to be defeated, the repercussions would be irreversible.
"Such is life in this world. Even if one runs hard, the end is seldom in sight. One can only step forward, one step at a time."
Jeong Yeon-sin, now sixteen, spoke earnestly.
Master Won Jong, who had been gazing at him, turned his head away again.
"Your understanding, which is not even half of mine, surpasses my own."
"My family was also destroyed by the Blood Flame Sect. The leader of the Broken Sword Sect and the leader of the Broken Sword Sect came together."
"You have shown me what I had only grasped the beginnings of in martial arts. I won't ask how that is possible. The secrets of the martial world are not to be pried into. Now, there is only one thing I am curious about."
This time, Jeong Yeon-sin turned to look at Master Won Jong's profile.
The nameless river flowing into the Yellow River seemed endless.
The sight of the old monk staring at the distant horizon seemed to speak of the life he had walked.
He was a monk and a martial artist who had clung to a single grievance throughout his life.
Master Won Jong spoke.
"Can you tell me what I can help you with? The martial arts of Pasahyeonjeong must only be revealed to the world. With your age and achievements, if you have the talent, you will surely reach the realm of an absolute master."
"Thank you for your kind words."
Jeong Yeon-sin's face brightened.
He was feeling a sense of inadequacy.
The little he had learned from the novice monk, Gakjeong, was not enough to refine his understanding.
Originally, the martial arts techniques were meant to organize the nature of the thoughts that would be contained within the essence.
Even in the secret techniques of the Three Calamities Sword Technique from the marketplace, there were phrases like "When you strike horizontally, think of dividing heaven and earth."
In the realm of internal energy, the enlightenment spoken of by martial artists generally meant finding a more suitable thought for operating the accumulated energy.
Although Jeong Yeon-sin could derive the techniques of operating essence with just a glance, if he delved deeply into the thoughts, the power would inevitably change.
He actively moved closer to Master Won Jong.
"I believe you mentioned the tenth part of the Diamond Sutra. There is a phrase in the section on the Pure Land, isn't there?"
"…?"
"It says, 'One should not dwell anywhere but give rise to the mind.'"
"What?"
"I am asking for your teachings."
The splendid flower boat flowed along the river, following the passage of time.
The disciples of the Heartless Sect did not truly row.
Jeong Yeon-sin had gathered them to one side.
This time, he did not close his dantian.
It was because the common people were intertwined.
Killing the sword artist was enough.
There was already a high possibility that anger would spill over to the boatmen and the women.
"Cleanse the six senses and create a mind that does not dwell anywhere."
Jeong Yeon-sin stood still.
Except when listening to Master Won Jong's teachings, he closed his eyes and fell into meditation.
Just through silence, he instilled fear.
Jeong Yeon-sin swiftly struck the neck of the renowned sword artist.
To the young disciples of the Heartless Sect, it seemed like the arrogance and confidence of someone who would lead the next Yihwang City.
He heard whispers of a mistake made by heaven.
Jeong Yeon-sin inwardly smiled bitterly.
It did not come across as wrong.
"I will get off here."
He spoke to the boatmen.
Jeong Yeon-sin glanced back at Master Won Jong, who had disembarked first.
Was he going to see him off? The lined-up disciples of the Heartless Sect hesitated.
It was a sight Jeong Yeon-sin had never seen before.
The teachings of the prestigious families did not produce such foolish individuals.
"They are not late-stage disciples. It means they are the best among the juniors, and it is not something that can be said to just anyone."
The Heartless Sect was also a part of the Thirteen Heavens.
He thought there might be a separate late-stage disciple.
If it were the successor of the Heartless Sect, they would be on a different level from these fools.
Jeong Yeon-sin opened his mouth.
"What is it?"
"Huh?"
"Do you think these fools can be with the common people? What a ridiculous thought. Get down."
"…."
"I will go with the Yicheon Sword Clan. I will leave the disposition to Yihwang City. You are lucky. You won't die immediately."
Jeong Yeon-sin decided to use their capture as a means.
He wondered why he hadn't thought of it sooner.
He had intended to kill the martial artists of Yihwang City, the monks of Shaolin, and the innocent common people.
With their affiliation to the Thirteen Heavens, it was more than enough to be publicly recorded.
Jeong Yeon-sin tied their arms behind their backs with a rope.
What he had was not enough.
He quickly braided a thick string.
It was called a straw rope.
It was a technique he had learned as a martial artist of Yihwang City.
There were some he needed to bring alive to complete the mission.
With a satisfied expression, Master Won Jong looked on as Jeong Yeon-sin led them forward.
Gradually, the road appeared, and passersby tilted their heads as they passed by.
Some of the captured individuals paused, as if unable to bear the humiliation.
"Don't stop."
The moment a fugitive emerged, Jeong Yeon-sin revealed a fierce aura.
That was enough.
The captured individuals moved their steps in accordance with Jeong Yeon-sin's casual remarks.
At that moment,
"Are you the young masters of the Heartless Sect?"
It was a procession of the courier company.
They were said to safely transport goods and people through the treacherous Central Plains.
A middle-aged man at the front approached with a gentle smile but suddenly halted.
He appeared to be the one responsible for the courier.
"Is he the head of the courier?" It seemed he recognized the young disciples of the Heartless Sect.
The individuals Jeong Yeon-sin had captured had been enjoying a boat ride nearby under the pretense of ambush.
It was not strange for them to be familiar with the people of the nearby courier company.
"What is this...?"
"They have committed crimes and have been captured in Yihwang City. They are not free at the moment. Please pass by, as we do not need assistance."
Jeong Yeon-sin stepped forward and spoke.
The middle-aged man's face twisted in confusion.
It was understandable, as a young man was creating a strange scene.
"Are you saying that the place where the young master is currently is Yihwang City?"
Jeong Yeon-sin did not answer but took out his identification badge.
It was an item known as the Yihwang Badge.
The golden-tinged wood captured the bright sunlight.
The expression of the middle-aged man changed when he saw the badge.
Jeong Yeon-sin immediately realized.
For this man, releasing the young masters of the Heartless Sect was important.
Was he trying to pick up the crumbs? It seemed his heart leaned more towards the Heartless Sect than the distant Yihwang City.
"Not everyone who associates with the underworld is like this man."
There were cases where one had no choice but to maintain connections.
Few could maintain their integrity in front of a sharp blade like that of a sword.
Would someone like that middle-aged man suddenly draw a sword? Such a person was another kind of underworld figure.
He opened his mouth.
"I cannot believe it. It seems some powerful elders have foolishly handed over this task to you."
The middle-aged man, who seemed like a country bumpkin, had misunderstood greatly.
It had been the same during the Shin Ya Baek Mu incident.
The difference between the old sects and the smaller factions seemed to be more about discernment than strength.
Just as Jeong Yeon-sin was about to reach for his sword...
"Gold Courier! What is going on?" A young man emerged from the carriage in the middle of the halted procession.
"Oh, Young Master So. You came as a guest but did not stay seated."
The middle-aged man, still facing Jeong Yeon-sin, smiled gently.
A hint of embarrassment crossed his face.
Jeong Yeon-sin could guess the reason.
The energy emanating from the young man with large eyes was clear and upright.
"At that age, with such a disposition, he must be the young master of the Yicheon Sword Clan."
They were almost there.
The Yicheon Sword Clan was said to serve as a branch in Yihwang City.
Given the chaos in Shin Ya County, it was only natural to patrol the surroundings.
Jeong Yeon-sin took a step forward.
"I am from Yihwang City..."
"Goodness! I am the first from our family to meet the young hero!" The young master of the Yicheon Sword Clan seemed to have quickly scanned Jeong Yeon-sin's attire and the badge in his hand.
With an excited face, the young master of the Yicheon Sword Clan approached, even using lightness skill to close the distance.
Greetings were exchanged, saying he had heard much about Jeong Yeon-sin through the news from Yihwang City.
It seemed he had forgotten even the authority of the courier.
The middle-aged man's face twisted as the young master of the Yicheon Sword Clan made a fuss.
"When I saw the phrase about the acquisition of the Eight Wounds and the Seven Swords, I suspected it! A dragon has emerged! Indeed, now that I see you, your eyes are extraordinary!"
"Are you the young master of the Yicheon Sword Clan? Are there more people from your hometown here?" Jeong Yeon-sin asked, not swept away by his enthusiasm.
It was a moment where the distinction between senior and junior needed to be clear.
Immediately, the young master of the Yicheon Sword Clan's eyes widened.
His demeanor quickly calmed down.
Was this his true self?
"Yes, I am Hyeon Yu-ryang of the Yicheon Sword Clan."
Only then did he lightly smile and bow.
"Many have already arrived and are waiting. If you come, all those who have set out on a mission with Ma Gwang-ik will gather. There is also a monk from Shaolin. Ma Gwang-ik, the novice monk, and the young hero. It seems today is the day of enlightenment."
"Thank you for the information. If so, I will excuse myself for a moment."
Jeong Yeon-sin took out a small flask from his robe.
Holding it in his left hand, he tilted it with his right to pour out water.
As people looked on in confusion, he moved directly to the middle-aged man of the courier company.
The man pretending to be a courier spoke.
"I still do not believe it. You think you can prove your identity with just a badge? The Iron Clan is not only in Yihwang City!"
"The moment the current young hero stepped forward, I felt your energy. It was very familiar. You cannot hide it."
Jeong Yeon-sin fully utilized the technique of the Shigeong Sword.
With a kick to the ground, he spun around, and the final words of the horse echoed behind the middle-aged man.
The fingertips wrapped in the wind turned red.
He reached out with his wet hand and swept through the man's hair, revealing a streak of red hair stained with black.
"It carries great significance."
Jeong Yeon-sin murmured calmly.
A commotion erupted among the people of the courier company, who had been watching with anxious eyes.
The doctrine of the Blood Flame Sect, which stated that one could not hide their hair, was widely known.
It seemed unrelated to dyeing.
He had never heard of such a perfect dye.
Even Jin Ryul, who had pretended to be a noble, had done the same.
He had been acting as an assassin for the Blood Flame Sect.
Regardless of how it was made, it would approach as lethally as the bald members of the Blood Flame Sect.
It was said that the Blood Flame Sect was particularly quick to achieve entry-level success.
"If hiding hair is possible..."
It would be easy to send many people in as various factions or couriers.
Hyeon Yu-ryang was different from the frozen members of the Blood Flame Sect.
He seemed to quickly realize the situation and his face hardened.
Jeong Yeon-sin glanced at Master Won Jong and spoke.
"You mentioned considering the restoration of the Guanyin Pure Water of Shaolin. I would like to include the term 'Cheonggangsu' in the name of the martial arts. Would you allow it?"
"Amitabha. It would be a great honor."
It seemed he understood what was being said.
Master Won Jong raised one hand.
It was a gesture of respect, a custom of Shaolin.
His attitude towards Jeong Yeon-sin had become extremely courteous since a certain moment.
His words and actions had completely changed.
It was said to be the proper respect for a young grandmaster.
"These worthless fools! How dare they stand before me..."
A furious member of the Blood Flame Sect turned around.
The moment he locked eyes with Jeong Yeon-sin, a sinister energy surged.
Jeong Yeon-sin felt rather pleased.
He could feel a considerable amount of refined power.
Was it the Blood Sword of the Blood Flame Sect? There might be black strands in the hair stained with dye.
"Now, no matter how many there are, it is meaningless."
Among the members of the courier company, the young master of the Yicheon Sword Clan, the martial monks of Shaolin, and the late-stage disciples of the Heartless Sect.
Slowly raising his hand, Jeong Yeon-sin's energy was different from before.
His entire being radiated an aura reminiscent of a Dharma King.
It was enough to calmly flow over the explosive energy of the enraged member of the Blood Flame Sect.
"You are the worthless one."
He spoke, moving his hand simultaneously.