The Seven Sages of the Blood Sect had lost their left eye.
Jeong Yeon-shin casually mocked her limited vision.
As he exhaled, his gaze shifted momentarily to one side.
The elegant figure of Cheong-myeong, adorned with an antique eye patch, was single-handedly facing the five Blood Sect swordsmen.
It was quite a distance away.
Surely, they couldn't have heard him.
Beside him, Ma Jin stuttered unusually, “What is that?”
“It's the Demon Slayer's Clear Insight. A martial art that can open the skulls of blood demons,” Jeong Yeon-shin replied vaguely.
There was a Seven Sage glaring at him with one remaining red eye.
The distance was over twenty paces.
Yet, an overwhelming aura approached, sharp enough to pierce the skin.
It felt as if his skin was being sliced by a knife.
It was fitting to describe it as sinister.
“You said it was a beauty, right?” She suddenly laughed.
Her laughter, filled with madness, was red and smooth.
It was different from the Blood Sect swords.
Did she ignore all the pain? The time it took for her to regain her composure was astonishingly quick.
“You're impressive. Where did you learn such divine skills? It seems like a technique created with the annihilation of our sect in mind, yet the fact that you’ve mastered it is surprising, especially at your age.”
“......”
“Even if a martial art has a bit of spiritual power, entering the path is not easy. If it were easy, would the Shaolin have just let us be? With such skills, one must be born with extraordinary talent to cultivate it. You...” The laughter of the Seven Sage deepened.
She looked like a madwoman.
“I'm envious. Your nape looks even more beautiful.”
“Shut up!” With Ma Jin's sharp retort, the ground shook.
He charged in with a momentum unlike before, beginning to overwhelm the Seven Sage.
She seemed to have lost the will to fight.
Ma Jin's words about the poor compatibility of their martial arts were indeed correct.
It was like the flapping of a bat's wings.
Her movements, segmented and erratic, seemed to have entered the realm of ascension, but while she could deflect incoming attacks, she couldn't hold her ground against Ma Jin.
Even Jeong Yeon-shin, who stood still, felt the same.
Just successfully countering the Seven Sage was already a display of skill.
It was a miracle born from her carelessness, the assistance of the Blood Sect swordsmen, and the supreme technique of the Demon Slayer's Clear Insight.
She had already fulfilled her role.
The situation that could have led to defeat had been completely reversed.
It was something hard to achieve with mere inaction.
“See you again.” Her voice was melodious.
Jeong Yeon-shin ignored the Seven Sage's words.
Her hair flowed long and free.
The smiling Seven Sage escaped the battlefield with incredible lightness.
It seemed she paid no mind to her remaining subordinates.
The speed at which she disappeared was unlike anything he had ever seen.
Was that also the realm of the Black Sect of Yip Hwang? Jeong Yeon-shin approached Ma Jin, who was letting his energy flow.
They were now in the midst of a battlefield that was gradually being organized.
The Sage had fled.
The morale of the fanatical cultists would surely be shattered.
As the Blood Sect swordsmen were being subdued one after another, the Blood Flame cultists either knelt or committed suicide.
“You, the Grand Master, did not fulfill your role alone.” Jeong Yeon-shin spoke calmly.
Ma Jin nodded slightly.
“I know.”
“In terms of strength, it seems you were at least half a step above the Seven Sage. Is the martial art of my maternal family always like this?”
“... I have trained well.”
“I see.”
“... Yes.” Ma Jin, unaware of his nephew's plight, was oblivious to the fact that his achievements were tied to his very life.
Jeong Yeon-shin forced a smile.
It was a moment shared between relatives.
Perhaps due to the anxiety from the initial failure, his youthful demeanor surfaced unconsciously.
It was the first time since entering Yip Hwang.
“This mission has failed. Even if I did my part, my achievements will be diminished. Thanks to this, I can whip myself into shape. I must become stronger.” While Ma Jin remained silent, all the martial artists began to tidy up the once chaotic Yicheon Sword House.
It took an immense amount of manpower and time just to handle the corpses.
The scent of blood and decay was already rising.
The captured Blood Flame cultists were imprisoned in the family’s brain chamber.
It was said that a prestigious family should have at least one prison.
Amidst this, Master Won Jong approached.
His reddened eyes held deep emotion.
“You have shown it. The martial art of extreme power truly exists...”
“Thanks to you, Master.”
“The martial art that took the eye of the Seven Sage, that divine technique... I shall never forget it until my dying breath. Truly, a gifted one.” Complimenting his talent, he seemed somewhat relieved.
Jeong Yeon-shin thought that if he survived, he would aim for the head of the Blood Flame cult leader.
He hoped that all of the old monk's lingering regrets would fade by then.
“If you ever come to Shaolin, I will treat you to Dragon Well tea. There will be many monks eager to discuss martial arts with you. Even the head monk will not hide his curiosity.” Master Won Jong said with a smile on his face, a warmth he had never shown before.
The young monk, Gak Jeong, who approached with a clumsy gait, looked surprised and widened his eyes.
“Did the Master just say he would serve Dragon Well tea? You used to avoid it, saying it was mere extravagance.”
“Your words are amusing. Just because I am part of the Buddhist sect does not mean I should distance myself from worldly ways. It is not the monks who fill the temple's granary, but we must treat our esteemed guests properly.”
“Ah...” The young monk sighed as if he had lost his words, looking at Jeong Yeon-shin.
“I do not disagree. I have never seen someone like you before. The mere fact that you possess such martial arts is astonishing. You truly deserve to be a guest of Shaolin.”
“I will surely remember the young monk's teachings.” Jeong Yeon-shin said, and he laughed heartily.
He was a very jovial monk.
“Do come to Sung Mountain at least once. As my master said, my teacher will surely welcome you.”
“The head monk of Shaolin...” Jeong Yeon-shin murmured quietly.
The feeling of being in the presence of an absolute figure of a righteous sect was strange.
Jeong Yeon-shin was from Hunan.
It meant he had grown up hearing tales of Shaolin's fame since birth.
He slowly gathered his thoughts. “One day, I will surely visit Sung Mountain. I hope for your guidance on that day as well.”
“Amitabha.” Master Won Jong and the young monk Gak Jeong replied in unison.
Thus, Jeong Yeon-shin formed ties with three from the old sect.
It was a day when sunlight poured down amidst the thick scent of blood.
The small lord of the Yicheon Sword House, Hyun Yu-ryang, could not let go of his lingering feelings.
It seemed he was determined to match his sister with Jeong Yeon-shin.
This time, even the head of the house had stepped in.
He had to struggle to refuse.
Jeong Yeon-shin only moved between the training hall and the guest room until the day Ma Gwang-ik would leave.
“I heard that the lord of the Yicheon Sword House presided over your wedding ceremony.”
“I will send a matchmaker to my home soon. Please think deeply about it.” The small lord Hyun Yu-ryang and the head of the house, Hyun Mu (Hyeon Hei), saw Ma Gwang-ik off.
Many masters from the Yicheon Sword House who had participated in the battle against the Blood Flame cult were also present.
Among them, a girl wearing a veil that covered her eyes stared at Jeong Yeon-shin intently.
Her eyes were beautiful.
However, it was not fate.
Jeong Yeon-shin silently raised his energy and spoke, “I will take my leave now. May you all be well.”
“I wish you success.” The head of the house, with large eyes and fair skin, returned Jeong Yeon-shin's courtesy.
Mounted on their steeds, Ma Gwang-ik led the way.
Both Ma Gwang-il and Yi Jo were safe.
Although some were slow to stop their bleeding due to injuries from the Blood Sect's techniques, it was said to be a small price to pay for battling against the Thirteen Heavens.
“The Yicheon Sword House is truly an incredible match.”
“Few can compare to the Eight Great Families. It’s not like I’m marrying into the Thirteen Heavens.”
Heon Won-chang and Cheong-myeong got along well.
On the way back, they often teased Jeong Yeon-shin.
It seemed they had taken a liking to discussing the beauty's match.
“Let them fill their own seats.” Jeong Yeon-shin thought.
It was time to bid farewell to the two Shaolin monks.
The paths were diverging.
Master Won Jong had earnestly urged him to visit Shaolin, while the young monk Gak Jeong could not hide his curiosity and lingering feelings.
“Amitabha. There are countless teachings you have yet to hear, young hero...”
“That's enough. I will only accept your heart.”
“Who knows? You might be able to represent the Yip Hwang in the future. If I have the time, I will attend as well, and we can discuss what we couldn't at that time.”
“You mentioned the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering?”
“Did you not know? It is a gathering for the late disciples of the righteous sects and the righteous paths. Many promising young martial artists gather to test their skills and build friendships.”
“I know that.”
“Sometimes, pairs of mandarin ducks form bonds. Discussions of martial arts and love may blossom. It would not be an exaggeration to say that all the romance of the martial world is found at the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering. Even a monk like me, who has only half-baked skills, would have my heart racing.” The young monk chuckled.
Jeong Yeon-shin was not particularly interested.
He was satisfied with directly engaging in martial arts.
As for love, it was trivial to him at this moment.
The failure of the mission cast a shadow over the Blue Sect.
There was not enough time to pester his uncle Ma Jin and think about the next mission.
“Are you not one of the eighteen Arhats? How can you be considered a late disciple? You seem at least ten years older than me.”
At the casual remark meant to change the subject, Gak Jeong's face hardened.
“I am still within the late disciples' range. I am not even thirty yet. So, it is indeed so. You will attend the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering? At that time, I will surely show you the skills of the young Shaolin monks. There is more to drunken boxing than just a cup of tea...”
“You are bringing shame to the temple.” Master Won Jong pulled Gak Jeong's arm.
Once again, the two monks who had been in charge moved away.
It was after promising to meet again.
The group traveled peacefully.
They passed through the ruined Sin Ya Hyun once more.
Jeong Yeon-shin passed by indifferently on horseback.
He only repeated the names of those he needed to behead: the Blood Sword Lord and the Blood Flame Cult Leader.
They were still distant absolute beings.
“The commander will do well.” The commander of the Jeong family had remained at Pyeongjeong Mountain.
It was said that it would be easy to establish a new sect since Shaolin was nearby.
Days later, the group arrived in Yangyang.
Seeing the grand fortress of Yip Hwang from afar, his heart grew complicated. “Blue...” It was the first failure after three missions.
Jeong Yeon-shin did not deny himself.
He thought of his rising success.
He believed that if he endured the time of effort and hardship, he could reach his goal faster than anyone else.
It truly seemed that way. “Just being good at what I do is not enough. That is the martial world.” The flow of thoughts branched out.
The young grandmaster was in deep contemplation.
What could he do? How could he utilize his unique talents?
Lost in thought, he entered through the main gate of Yip Hwang.
The reporting of the mission's progress and results was Ma Jin's responsibility.
It was when he was about to return with his seniors and Heon Won-chang that he was called by the messenger of the commander he had seen in Mu Wol-lam.
He remembered it was Do Yu-won.
“I have been waiting.”
“Did the messenger call for me...?” Jeong Yeon-shin asked with curiosity, and Do Yu-won smiled.
“Not just me, but the martial artists of the main sect must have been looking forward to it even more. The White Sect warrior took the eye of the Blood Flame cult's sage... The wings of Jeong Seok-gu are steadier and faster than the martial artists' lightness. The news spread widely. They had sent the remaining masters of Ma Gwang-ik and the Demon Slayer to assist, but the astonishing news had everyone returning.”
“Ah.”
“You have diminished the strength of the sage who could face the few remaining Black Sect masters. An event has been scheduled that encompasses the entire Yip Hwang. The Blue Sect! It is a place where all whites who have built sufficient achievements challenge each other. The moment Grand Master Ma and you enter Yangyang, the summons will be issued.”
Do Yu-won guided him to the central area of the main sect.
Naturally, Heon Won-chang and the seniors of Ma Gwang-ik followed.
Their faces were filled with excitement, as if something thrilling had occurred, erasing all traces of fatigue from their journey.
Jeong Yeon-shin approached Ma Jin and lightly touched his arm.
“I was too harsh with my words last time.”
“......”
In the meantime, Baek Mi-ryeo murmured, “They don't even give us time to rest?”
“It is the lord's will.” Do Yu-won shook his head slightly, as if he did not understand.
Jeong Yeon-shin considered it rather a favor from the lord.
It was said that becoming a Blue Sect warrior would change the scope of his authority.
It was common to undertake missions alone from the beginning.
“I will be able to accumulate achievements without rest. I look forward to it.”
They soon reached their destination.
As Do Yu-won had said, many White Sect warriors had gathered.
There were at least dozens of them.
Many unfamiliar faces were seen in the vast Yip Hwang.
They were all competitors.
Seniors from other martial forces stood in a massive circle, seemingly there to cheer on their juniors.
The seniors of Ma Gwang-ik, who had remained behind without participating in the mission, waved at Jeong Yeon-shin.
In the center, a large tree stood alone.
The transparent sky was adorned with flowing feather-like clouds.
Beneath the radiant sunlight cascading down the walls, a beauty that elevated the entire scene languidly leaned against a tree.
The pale green hem of her garment fluttered in the wind.
Under the shade of a cypress tree of considerable thickness, the lord of Yip Hwang, who had been resting against a brown tree trunk, opened her eyes.
Her dark green pupils slowly revealed themselves through her light green bangs.
Jeong Yeon-shin gazed up at her.
In that instant, his gaze met that of the lord of Yip Hwang.
For a brief moment, he felt as if he had seen her smile.
“From now on,” the lord of Yip Hwang spoke, her rosy lips parting.
Her voice resonated beautifully, bringing silence to the surroundings. “I shall test your qualifications for the Blue Sect.”
As cheers erupted, Jeong Yeon-shin, who had stepped forward, hesitated.
An overwhelming aura from all directions enveloped him.
Was it a show of dominance?
Chilling energies were directed at him blatantly.
He glanced around.
All were White Sect warriors, his competitors.
“How interesting.”
The blade-like energies poured relentlessly toward Jeong Yeon-shin.
Even those who did not turn their heads were the same.
Some merely smiled when their gazes met.
It seemed to be a manifestation of their competitive spirit.
This was Yip Hwang.
As long as one obeyed the lord's command, everything else was rendered null.
The cooperation of the people they followed was also embodied in martial arts.
“Facing the auras of many seniors,” Jeong Yeon-shin's lips curled slightly. “It seems the future of the main sect is bright.”
He spread his five fingers and slowly grasped the scabbard of the Yip Hwang sword.
The flow of Jeong Ga Dong Gong began to rise.
At the same time, he began to elegantly deflect all the energies directed at him.
It felt incredibly light.
He sensed it.
He had already fully stepped into the realm of the Blue Sect.