"Dan Jeongjeong!" As I left Pyeong-eum-hyeon, I heard the name of the girl.
Dan Jeongjeong had been captured by the martial artists and held tightly by the nape of her neck.
She was a commoner.
Anyone would worry about the aftereffects.
Jeong Yeon-shin felt a twinge of concern, but there was no need for it.
After being released, she appeared calm.
Even after witnessing the devastation created by Ma Gwang-ik, she showed a strong spirit.
"Isn't dried tofu skin delicious in spring?" She kept offering the dry tofu skin to Jeong Yeon-shin, who was of the same age, but he only took a bite and left Pyeong-eum-hyeon.
It seemed unlikely they would meet again.
With such talent and mental strength, she would surely thrive.
"Our Seong-ye is the best choice for a husband."
Was she trying to repeat what they had teased about at the Uicheon Sword House? Cheongmyeong smiled brightly and opened his mouth, but this time, there was no one to respond.
Back then, they had exchanged banter with Heon Won-chang, but now it was different.
Whoosh! As they exited Pyeong-eum-hyeon, they began to dash forward.
The three blue masters of Ma Gwang-ik raced through the air, scattering the wind.
The moment they received the order, their destination was set.
Jeong Yeon-shin was different from the deep-rooted blue seniors.
To travel a long distance, they needed to acquire swift horses at the relay station.
Cheongmyeong and Baek Mi-ryeo also mentioned that they preferred to save their internal energy by using the relay roads.
An unexpected sandstorm swept through the main road.
The earthy dust spreading behind the group spoke of urgency.
Jeong Yeon-shin kicked off the ground with the two companions and asked, "Are the white five strong enough to face? It shouldn't be a problem for any decent sect, unless they are from the old factions or the Eight Great Families. The battle with the Blood Flame Sect we fought earlier was significant, but..."
As the lightness of their movement increased, the fierce wind also grew stronger.
He had to infuse his voice with vitality.
Cheongmyeong's response, mixed with the unique rumble of internal energy, reached his ears.
"They couldn't exert their full strength. It's obvious since those who were dragged alive have come out."
Jeong Yeon-shin sighed briefly.
He recalled Cheongmyeong's words when he had drawn his sword, speaking of a solo mission.
He was beginning to understand how the fight of masters could be influenced by shaking the brain.
"Because of the aftermath of my sound wave..."
"It's because the white kids' martial arts are shallow. They aren't stronger than the enemy, so they have no choice but to rely on their safety. That's the martial world."
Cheongmyeong's words were cold.
Baek Mi-ryeo, who had been running alongside with her usual indifferent expression, spoke up.
"Regardless, it's something the blue must handle. We need to separate from the relay station. The main force has no leeway. Annihilating one of the Eight Great Families is no small matter. It must be us."
"You mentioned they went down to Namjigye?" "There are many paths to consider. About four routes."
Cheongmyeong said.
As a member of the Ming clan of Ip-hwang, he possessed a treasure in his mind.
It was said to be more important than most martial arts secrets—a map of the Central Plains.
It was a right equal to that of the black great masters.
Unlike Jeong Yeon-shin, who was educated on local geography during missions, he had a broader understanding.
"Blood Flame Sect, martial families."
Jeong Yeon-shin repeated the names of their enemies and fell silent for a moment.
He recalled when he had just entered the Ip-hwang city after the battle.
The official from the headquarters had said that although Ip-hwang city was called the imperial sword, harming the martial artists of Ip-hwang city would not be considered treason by the many martial artists.
It was because they were not martial artists belonging to the imperial family.
It was said to be due to the martial artists' unique movement and techniques.
This was during the early days of the founding of the nation.
Even after proclaiming to eradicate traitors, there were instances where they could not capture them.
When the affairs of the nation were equated with the oppression of martial artists, the dignity of the imperial family was at great risk.
Jeong Yeon-shin suddenly asked, "Still, isn't Ip-hwang city the strongest in the martial world? What confidence do the families have to launch a surprise attack?" "It's one of two things. Our hands are quite calm, right? They must think their children won't be safe. When parents lose their minds, what won't they do? There might have been a family head who abandoned their child."
"What about the other?" "They know. They know that our Ip-hwang city has no leeway."
"Mm."
"Because of such insights, the martial artists of the main family die in guest houses. There are only two types of sects that can oppose Ip-hwang city. Small to medium sects that think their world is everything, and large factions that observe worldly affairs."
Only the mediocre dare not touch the main family, Cheongmyeong muttered.
Jeong Yeon-shin observed his face, which had mentioned guest houses.
With a handsome appearance and no expression, he was known to be a promising senior.
Even if he spoke of death, no one would say anything.
It was strange to see him quietly seething with anger, looking so calm.
Cheongmyeong opened his mouth again.
"There are seventeen martial forces under the Sin-gyeong-dan, right? Our Ma Gwang-ik is among the top forces within the Sin-gyeong-dan. They are often compared to the elite of the old factions like the Plum Blossom Sword Sect. The problem is the number seventeen. It's quite ambiguous."
At that moment, Baek Mi-ryeo, who had approached silently from the side, patted Jeong Yeon-shin's head.
It seemed she found it amusing.
Ever since Jeong Yeon-shin had called her 'sister' during the mission with the Ja-soo-dan, she had been cold yet gentle.
Even while racing quickly, her touch remained steady.
As she rubbed her hand deep into his hair, she spoke.
"The problem is that we need to survey the entire Central Plains. To oversee a martial world the size of a small country? It's an absurd duty. We are always short-handed."
"Most sects that are quick to gather information and insightful don't easily get scared."
Cheongmyeong added as he began to increase his speed in the air.
The sound of the wind pounding against his ears grew louder.
Jeong Yeon-shin added vitality to the Yongcheon-hyeol beneath his feet and spoke.
"The repercussions of this mission will be significant. We have drawn out our forces to annihilate one of the Eight Great Families."
"That's right. It’s a rare occurrence."
They had already taken the annihilation of the Hwangbo family as a given.
It was not just because they had witnessed the strength of three martial forces up close.
It was after they had fulfilled their duties in the mission.
His mind was elsewhere.
Jeong Yeon-shin cautiously spoke.
"I don't understand why they took them alive. Are they still alive? Heon Won-chang."
"Usually, it would end with death. If they had defeated the martial artists of Ip-hwang city, they would have to kill them. Who would leave them alive? So capturing them alive is a different matter. There must be an intention behind it."
Cheongmyeong replied.
Heon Won-chang and the three white martial artists had been captured.
It was not the doing of the righteous martial families.
It was unnecessary to create further troubles when they could just take the children away.
They had been attacked by the Blood Flame Sect.
"If there is an intention?" At Jeong Yeon-shin's question, Baek Mi-ryeo's black eyes glanced at him.
Cheongmyeong's blue eyes did the same.
"I suspect it might be those who have been pursuing us since the Yongbong Gathering. The routes connect."
"The captured whites might just be a means to an end. Isn't the real issue the extermination of the Demon Slayer? It seems they are determined to kill you."
There was some truth to it.
They were the ones who had mobilized even the Thunderbolt Bomb.
The seniors' speculations were sharp. 'If they create another counter technique like the Thirteen Heavens...' The thought of extermination crossed Jeong Yeon-shin's mind.
However, it was hard to be certain that this was all aimed at just one martial artist of Ip-hwang city.
This was why they had to scatter and search the northern part of Namjigye.
Discussing the routes, they arrived at the relay station.
It was a place where officials sometimes took a nap during their journey.
They lightly jumped over the large roof and landed.
The youngest, Jeong Yeon-shin, stepped forward.
He startled the dozing official and presented the Ip-hwang token.
"It's genuine! Please take it!" Immediately, Jeong Yeon-shin mounted a horse and thought.
It was surprising how easily they could use the national relay station without being part of the imperial family.
The privileges of the black great masters and Cheongmyeong were the same. 'The great law is meaningless.
There are so many above the law.' The world was complicated, but it was not the time to worry about that.
They needed to separate immediately.
"Finding the whites is a priority, but be careful not to get caught up in the power struggle. The Namgung family is at war with the Blood Flame Sect. In the courtyard of Huiju, the evil faction has spread their net. It’s bound to be chaotic."
His tone was light.
Cheongmyeong, stretching his legs casually on the horse, squinted his eyes.
Jeong Yeon-shin was used to listening carefully to the seniors' words.
Even if it didn't sound significant at first, he took it seriously.
He accepted it as words directly related to their lives and achievements.
"Since they were captured by the blood demons, they should be alive. Those who drain vitality with blood energy are rare prey for the martial artists of the main family."
Baek Mi-ryeo, elegantly mounting her horse, said.
As she brushed her hair behind her ear, her black eyes held concern as she looked at Jeong Yeon-shin.
"What are you worried about? The achievements of the martial artist will be recorded in the annihilation of the Hwangbo branch. There will be plenty left after the solo mission."
Cheongmyeong smiled and gestured with his chin.
It was time to part ways.
Jeong Yeon-shin raised his hand briefly on the horse and spurred it on without looking back.
It was a mission that followed immediately.
The rescue of his comrades would also be recorded as an achievement.
It didn't seem to carry much significance.
At this moment, Jeong Yeon-shin's heart did not speak of achievements.
He hoped that Heon Won-chang would remain safe until he was called the Ip-hwang Divine Hero.
Jeong Yeon-shin descended below Pyeong-eum-hyeon.
He was now in Namjigye.
Cheongmyeong's spirit had fulfilled its role as a messenger.
The blue masters who had completed their mission were to spread across the vast Namjigye.
They had fundamental confidence in their strength.
They were at a rank where they could speak of solo missions.
Support was bound to be delayed.
The main family of Ip-hwang was too far away.
The Hwangbo family's expeditionary force had to resolve it. 'The city is splendid.' He was assigned to Xu-zhou in Namjigye.
It had been five days since he had split from the blue seniors of Ma Gwang-il.
He had been showing the Ip-hwang token to the officials of the government office, asking about suspicious individuals.
They said there were Blood Flame Sect members roaming the city, unafraid of the world.
It was the influence of the evil faction Thirteen Heavens.
Even when soldiers went out to catch the cultists, they would evade with their swift techniques.
Or they would threaten in return by unleashing their energy.
As the influence of the sect grew, the blood demons became increasingly arrogant.
They had already disregarded the Namgung family in Huiju, which was a clear sign of their growing power.
The date proposed by Baek Mi-ryeo was gradually approaching.
It was a pressing situation.
Jeong Yeon-shin stood before the largest tavern in the city.
The colorful lanterns hanging above the entrance shone brilliantly. 'If they are not here...' He cleared his thoughts for now.
This city, Xu-zhou, was large.
The martial artists guarding the gate seemed to have considerable knowledge of the martial world.
They recognized the rough character of the yellow from Ip-hwang city.
"Yellow? That yellow?" "So young?" The five men were flustered.
Jeong Yeon-shin paid them no mind and pushed the door wide open.
Clunk! The rather antique wooden doors swung open to reveal a warm orange glow inside.
The first floor of such a grand tavern was said to be where guests mingled.
In an instant, many gazes swept over Jeong Yeon-shin.
He felt the energy from their stares.
They were all martial artists.
"Who is that kid?" "Yellow? Is he imitating Ip-hwang city?" "Boy! There are times to show off!" "He's even blue!" Laughter erupted.
Through the lantern light that dispelled the twilight, all sorts of figures were visible.
The city of Xu-zhou was particularly crowded with small and medium martial families.
This was because the Namgung family, which influenced the entire Namjigye, was located below.
It was the territory of the righteous faction.
The complexions of the over fifty people present varied.
Some were flushed red, while others were pale.
"I've never seen such a person."
"Tell me about the sect!" Women adorned with weapons laughed at Jeong Yeon-shin.
Their relaxed postures were very leisurely.
Now that he looked closely, there were few courtesans.
It seemed that the women of the martial families were also present.
It was being used as a banquet hall.
The most luxurious tavern in Xu-zhou was indeed elegantly extravagant.
It seemed that men and women of the martial world, regardless of age, could share camaraderie.
It was the first time since the battle between the Paekgeum and Jongnam factions.
Jeong Yeon-shin found it strange to see so many martial artists in one place.
Step.
As he took a step forward, the small sound of his footfall held a peculiar power.
Something beyond hearing reached out to him.
The atmosphere was beginning to quiet down with each step he took.
The blue masters of Ip-hwang city.
Even without intent, they exuded an aura that demanded silence.
Those who had been speaking a moment ago fell silent.
A profound question and silent surprise spread.
Jeong Yeon-shin walked straight ahead.
He noticed a few figures rising from the corners.
All had black hair, yet he sensed it immediately.
The achievements of the Demon Slayer were rising day by day.
He was becoming increasingly sensitive to the sinister energy.
"There is a branch here."
He said, recognizing it by the size of the aura.
There was one from the Blood Sword Sect and five from the Blood Flame Sect.
"Like fire ants, there must be branches everywhere. You are not the only ones."
He continued speaking without slowing his steps.
The young man from the Blood Sword Sect, who seemed to have some confidence in his strength, smiled.
He was a nobleman without a single scar on his face.
With a grin, he spoke.
"So you are that one? You haven't neglected your tributes, so fortune is coming your way! You will step into the realm of the apostle!" Jeong Yeon-shin ignored him and spoke.
"You want to kill the owner of the Demon Slayer."
As he invoked the law mixed with the incantation, a refreshing energy swept away the smell of alcohol in the tavern.
The energy from his right hand, which was slightly raised, began to spread.
A gentle blue glow surrounded the straight path of his internal energy.
It did not mix with the sunset light of the lanterns around him; it was entirely blue.
"You!" The aura from the Blood Sword Sect erupted.
The fingertips that had grabbed his sword at his waist blurred.
He raised his sword with a burst of blood.
In an instant, the fierce energy of the sword surged like a storm.
It was an achievement worthy of mentioning the apostle of the Blood Flame Sect.
Jeong Yeon-shin also struck down with the Demon Slayer.
The trajectory was clear.
A smooth smile appeared on the young man's lips, as if he intended to strike at Jeong Yeon-shin's head.
Boom! It was not a sound of collision but of shattering.
The fierce wind released from his sword was completely crushed.
In half a breath, he shattered the entire aura and even the sword into pieces.
He rode down the straight trajectory completely.
In a fleeting moment, the strike was completed at the young man's head.
Puh! Jeong Yeon-shin felt it with the edge of his hand.
It had gone in very deeply.
Along with the shards of blue energy, the young man's skull collapsed. "..."
He fell, brushing against Jeong Yeon-shin's shoulder.
His face remained smiling.
Behind him were four more members of the Blood Flame Sect.
Were they trying to rush in together? Their expressions were hard to describe.
They stood awkwardly, unable to charge forward.
The branch leader had died in a single strike.
The martial artists, who seemed to sense the unique aura of the Blood Flame Sect, stood up abruptly but remained silent for a moment.
"Spread the word."
Jeong Yeon-shin spoke.
"Ma Gwang-ik's martial artist is here."
He said bluntly and shook his hand once.
The blue sleeves fluttered.