The distribution of the martial world was like the Yangtze River, unchanging from top to bottom.
No matter how strong one's martial arts were, one could not stand above their master, their peers, or their mentors.
However, the situation in Yiphuang City was different.
It was said to be the sword of the Great Ming Empire.
The term "Seungdan" felt foreign.
The word itself revealed the unique aspects of Yiphuang City.
The value of a well-lit sword was highly regarded.
Thus, the prohibition of master-disciple relationships and the introduction of Seungdan were established.
"It is like the Yiphuang City. It will proceed with two tests."
A middle-aged man with a gaunt frame and deeply set eyes stood before them.
His black robe was wide, accentuating his thin body, yet no one dared to laugh.
He was known as the leader of the Myeolseom (Destruction Team).
It was said that his martial arts were on par with Ma Gwang-ik, a renowned figure.
After declaring the opening of the test, the Yiphuang City Lord closed his eyes once more.
The leader of the Myeolseom was in charge of the examination.
"It is a test of perception and martial strength. Other items will be replaced by records of merit. I will present the questions."
Perhaps due to the unique birth of Yiphuang City, it resembled the civil service examinations for selecting officials.
Those seated in a long line received blank sheets of paper.
Jeong Yeon-shin sat in the middle, holding the paper down.
The brush and ink beside her felt unfamiliar.
It had been a long time since she had touched them, especially after the destruction of the Jeong family.
Suddenly, Cheong-myeong's words came to mind.
"You said it was nothing special."
That was not the case.
Various stone tablets, rocks, and even pieces of bark were raised.
The white-clad warriors had to identify which sect and which technique had left marks on the objects.
The more distinguished the martial arts, the more distinct the characteristics, making it a test of the depth of one's achievements and experiences.
It was a place where senior martial artists with higher levels of mastery observed.
There was no room to look elsewhere.
With her limited knowledge of the martial world, Jeong Yeon-shin answered three questions correctly.
The Thirty-Six Swords of the Jongnam Sect, the Taeeul Muhyeong Sword, and the Maehwa Sword of the Hwasan Sect.
Staying in Jongnam and interacting with the masters had greatly benefited her.
"I saw the Blood Flame Cult as well."
There were times when one knew the sect but not the name of the technique.
After completing the first test, she returned briefly to Ma Gwang-ik's group.
Cheong-myeong shot an arrow with a smiling mouth.
Three correct answers out of twenty meant a failing level.
If she did not bring back near-perfect results in the second test, that would be the case.
"It can't be helped."
"It takes at least a decade to broaden one's knowledge," said Cheong-myeong.
"In the case of Seung-ye, there are no precedents."
The seniors of Ma Gwang-ik patted Jeong Yeon-shin's shoulder to comfort her.
Ma Gwang-il and Yi Jo were different.
There was no hint of worry on their faces as they exchanged ordinary conversations.
Even when others asked, they merely smiled and said nothing.
"Go ahead first. I will follow soon."
Heon Won-chang said, his expression resolute.
His heart was often difficult to grasp, so Jeong Yeon-shin often thought to let it be.
She had seen him wielding a killing sword many times.
It was still unclear which was Heon Won-chang's true self.
Jeong Yeon-shin smiled slightly.
"It seems we will be on the next mission together."
"Hmm? How does the junior know that?" "It just feels that way."
She mumbled.
As the Seungdan grew, there were times when a certain premonition would strike her mind.
Most of the time, it turned out to be true, from trivial matters to insights about martial arts acquisition.
It was not a good feeling.
It felt as if the heavens were begging for a quick death.
"The opponent has been decided. It is a fellow named Hong Ju-gyeom from the Myeolseom, and he is not very good."
One junior came with the news.
She was a girl with bright eyes, impressive for her age, and said she was the same age as Jeong Yeon-shin.
Indeed, as she had completed several missions, Jeong Yeon-shin had gained juniors beneath her.
Rumors spread that she was a rare talent succeeding Seung-ye.
She did not rely on her family's power.
She had just returned after taking the Yiphuang City exam.
"Was it Shin So-bin?" She was said to be the younger sister of the heir of the Shin family in Yiphuang City.
The heir was a young man whom Jeong Yeon-shin had seen before.
During the previous ceremony, she had stood alongside Ma Se-in, enduring the pressure of the Yiphuang City Lord.
The beautiful facial features and prominent nose reminded her of him.
"Hong Ju-gyeom? I have never heard of him."
"Of course, you wouldn't. For someone like me who has lived in the capital, he is quite famous."
Shin So-bin chattered boldly, giving off the impression that she had been loved by everyone in a prestigious family.
She seemed to embody the phrase "golden child."
"He has been a white-clad warrior for twenty years. He is quite poisonous. It is said he skillfully uses all sorts of tricks, even turning the lazy donkey roll into a deadly move. You should be careful too, senior."
"I see. Thank you."
Jeong Yeon-shin replied calmly.
To use a lazy donkey roll as a deadly move? She could understand the nature of this master.
To endure humiliation and roll on the ground meant he did not care about his face.
Being a rumor, there might be some exaggeration in the story.
However, that was enough.
"They say there are all kinds of martial artists in Yiphuang City."
She would face various challenges in future missions.
This Seungdan would likely be a good experience.
Jeong Yeon-shin slightly nodded to Shin So-bin, expressing her gratitude.
The girl's expression turned strange.
"Senior, are you being cautious? You should gather intelligence. The less experience you have in the martial world, the more dangerous the opponent is."
"I am always on guard."
"Yes, well. You have a reputation, so you will manage well."
Other seniors seemed to watch the conversation between the two juniors with a strange sense of delight.
Jeong Yeon-shin moved on without caring.
Before long, the leader of the Myeolseom was calling out for Seung-ye.
"Jeong So-hyeop! I hope you are thinking of a congratulatory drink!" Heon Won-chang's shout came from behind.
It was accompanied by Baek Mi-ryeo's admonition not to feel burdened.
"Seung-ye and Hong Ju-gyeom. The intention of the duel is clear."
"It will be a battle between the brilliant wit of the new generation and the seasoned combat skills."
"What are the odds?" "Based on merit, Seung-ye is undoubtedly favored. However, Hong Ju-gyeom's years of experience are also substantial. I suspect this year will be a blue one."
The people surrounding them looked on with cold eyes, the judges observing intently.
Jeong Yeon-shin felt a sense of déjà vu.
It had been the same when she took the Yiphuang exam.
It was not long ago.
Less than half a year had passed since she stood in this position again.
The reputation of her previous opponent, Baek Gi-rin, Namgung Hwa-shin, had not resonated with her back then.
"So many things felt unfamiliar."
It was a day when she had knocked on the door with the thought of just surviving.
It was no different now.
The many gazes and pressures did not penetrate her nerves at all.
Only one unfamiliar middle-aged warrior remained in her sight.
The color of the Yiphuang City martial robe had a certain standard.
It was different from the ambiguous distinctions of the martial world.
An unfamiliar white-clad warrior.
It was an opportunity to recognize her current position.
"Seung-ye."
The feeling of Hong Ju-gyeom was different from what she had expected.
When she heard Shin So-bin's words, she had imagined a cunning black blade.
It was not so.
Could the ten commanders who had experienced life and death in the northern army have such a demeanor?
The warrior, scarred all over, spoke solemnly.
"I have heard of your reputation. Although the rumors about you in the martial world are not entirely accurate, our Yiphuang City is different. We accurately assess your skills and merits. Everyone feels the same. The emergence of an outstanding junior is a welcome sight."
"I have also heard of the name of senior Hong Ju-gyeom."
"Thank you."
He smiled faintly, then changed his expression.
"Therefore, I will reveal all the true principles of my martial arts. You may encounter many things you have not yet experienced. You may feel bewildered and even angry. Will you endure it?" "It seems our friendship can be forged through swords."
Jeong Yeon-shin replied.
Such flattery was unfamiliar to her.
Before she knew it, her hand had drawn her sword, calling for a duel.
At the same time, Hong Ju-gyeom's energy exploded.
"Good!" It was the moment when the leader of the Myeolseom stepped back.
The first strike was taken by Hong Ju-gyeom.
Two daggers flew out like arrows from his bosom.
She did not expect him to use a blade technique right away.
Jeong Yeon-shin stepped forward and drew her sword.
Clang! She deflected the two daggers, ringing once.
With the draw of her sword, she properly traced the path of Ma Gwang-gyeol's sword.
The realm of a master.
The feeling that surged through her hand was light.
Jeong Yeon-shin immediately stepped into the next stance.
The sound of the training ground echoed.
The dust rising from the ground scattered at the tip of her sword.
There was sunlight gathering from the earth.
As the powers of Jeong Ga-dong-gong and Si-geuk-gyeong surged, a murky light of the Gwanghwa sword style burst forth.
Boom! The step Jeong Yeon-shin took with her sword strike transcended the realm of martial arts.
An overwhelming genius.
She had seized the distance where her opponent could not exert proper strength when drawing their sword.
Jeong Yeon-shin put forth all her strength from the very first move.
She did not drag it into a contest of pure martial strength.
She had already pushed the martial abilities bound by blessings and curses to their limits, calculating the odds.
When she threw the dagger, she had seen the speed of Hong Ju-gyeom's technique and the positions of his hands and feet.
Clang! It was a single strike.
The sword power that transcended the white-clad warriors sent Hong Ju-gyeom's blade flying.
"What...?" The hastily drawn sword could not withstand the Gwanghwa sword style.
Hong Ju-gyeom's eyes widened as he saw the sword pressed against his neck.
The leader of the Myeolseom, who was watching closely, was equally astonished.
"It is not martial arts. Is it a natural talent for martial arts?" The eyes of the leader of the Myeolseom sparkled with a colorless brilliance.
He appeared to be an extraordinary master completely consumed by martial arts.
"A warrior of equal rank can never withstand Seung-ye. Is this the fortune of Yiphuang City? It is the first time I have envied Ma Jin."
"Indeed..."
Their eyes met.
"You have won. Seung-ye."
"Thank you."
"There will be no next duel for you. This Seungdan exam is a perfect score. Hong Ju-gyeom, prepare for the second."
"Yes, leader."
Hong Ju-gyeom nodded, his gaze shifting to Jeong Yeon-shin.
He seemed to feel embarrassed about speaking of the true principles of martial arts, but Jeong Yeon-shin did not mind and returned the gesture.
In the end, Hong Ju-gyeom smiled.
"Please work hard for the people. You have the talent to reach the world."
Jeong Yeon-shin silently raised her sword.
The way back to where Ma Gwang-ik had gathered was quite quiet.
Only the sound of whispers like ripples echoed.
It was a rare gathering of lowly martial artists.
The seniors from other martial powers seemed to be in shock.
The white-clad seniors who had sent out their energy also kept their mouths shut.
Jeong Yeon-shin merely recalled the moment when Namgung Hwa-shin's sword had broken against Baek Gi-rin's sword.
It felt like a different era.
"How did you do that? What kind of footwork is that?" Shin So-bin rushed over, as if to grab Jeong Yeon-shin by the collar.
She was stamping her feet.
"No, what is that sword technique that scatters light? It was all martial arts I had never seen before. Which family does your senior belong to? Ah! Congratulations on your victory!" "..."
Jeong Yeon-shin gently pushed the shoulder of the flustered junior.
The unrestrained approach, despite being unfamiliar, felt burdensome.
She turned her gaze away.
Cheong-myeong, Baek Mi-ryeo, and several other seniors were smiling.
Heon Won-chang was the same.
"You made up for it."
Cheong-myeong said.
Jeong Yeon-shin slowly nodded.
The subsequent Seungdan ceremony was quite grand.
Dancers and musicians performed in the training ground.
The meaning of the blue martial robe was as such.
It was said to signify the main strength of Yiphuang City.
Cheong-myeong had told her it was only natural.
"May the sunlight never fade from your path."
The lord of Yiphuang City recited a congratulatory speech unique to noble families.
Then he personally draped the robe over her shoulders.
His movements were delicate.
The robe was slightly larger than what Jeong Yeon-shin was currently wearing.
Just wearing it made it her own blue martial robe.
The blue-clad warriors of Yiphuang City.
It was said to be a name that could command respect wherever one went in the world.
It was a stage where one would be treated as a master in any corner of the martial world.
The wise common people often showed their respect.
"Congratulations."
"You are the youngest and the fastest!" The seniors of Ma Gwang-ik welcomed her.
Among the seventeen generations of the Shin-gyeong group, Ma Gwang-ik always said they were short-handed.
The blue-clad individuals were known to be the strongest forces, rivaling the elite of the various sects.
"There are many rumors."
Due to the missions, it had become familiar to scatter across the world.
Now she was also one of those pillars.
She had been fully recognized.
"This way."
The official from the general office, Do Yu-won, guided them.
She was still in a daze.
Suddenly, she was being checked on all the etiquette she had learned upon entering Yiphuang City.
Jeong Yeon-shin hurriedly dressed and headed to another place.
She was with those who had also passed the Seungdan, but the place they arrived at felt unfamiliar.
It was a splendid hall within Yiphuang City that she had not known existed.
The expressions of the blue-clad warriors, who had received hints about the final schedule, were not good.
Their faces were noticeably stiff.
Only Jeong Yeon-shin maintained a calm demeanor.
"You are a person of great change in your heart. Please be sure to maintain your demeanor."
Do Yu-won said.
They had come to meet the crown prince, who was training martial arts in Yiphuang City.
She had heard rumors that the crown prince was in a bad mood.
It was said that the lord of Yiphuang City, the Grand Minister of the Great Ming Empire, had turned his attention to Seung-ye.
"What does that mean?" Jeong Yeon-shin realized she was thinking like a true martial artist.
She was surprised by the thought that had slipped into her mind.