Sensing even the wind brushing against the sword, the union of mind and blade. That sensation is still vivid.
He could read Chung Myung's techniques through the sword, something his eyes could never perceive.
True energy. Qi is a mysterious force.
It reveals realms of ascension without the need to see with the eyes or feel with the skin.
'The essence of true energy is nature itself. Perhaps it's enough just to follow where it leads.'
The cold touch of the Desolate Sword's hilt feels warm.
Following the principles of Radiant Demon Arts, the true energy surging throughout his body began to flow outward.
It felt as faint as a gentle breeze.
He observed another tower standing tall beside the crumbled bricks, accompanied by the soft wind.
By simply examining the seams between the bricks, a translucent mental image formed as if pierced through.
How much force, at what angle, and where to strike—
Strength, environment, and target combined into a trinity, forming a single trajectory. This is called Turo (Path of Combat).
His breathing settled.
Gripping the Desolate Sword still in its sheath, his right hand rose.
He didn't draw upon even a handful of inner strength to bolster his physical power.
He merely followed the First Form (Ilshik) guided by the true energy, swinging leisurely.
In that instant, the world lost its color from his awareness.
The twisting of muscles that began from the pectoral major traveled through the deltoid and biceps, reaching the flexor digitorum profundus, refining the path of strength like a blade.
It then converged into a single sword path aimed at the tower.
Just before the strike, every joint in his body locked momentarily—perfect timing and optimal impact.
Thud! Crash—
The collapsed bricks resembled those shattered earlier by Ma Jin.
He had acquired the Radiant Demon Arts. Now, all that remained was to practice it until it became usable in real combat.
Jung Yeonshin suppressed the excitement bubbling inside.
As he sheathed the sword at his waist, he glanced at Ma Jin, who wore an even more intense expression than during his match against Chung Myung. It no longer surprised him.
"This… what in the world…"
"I think I'll need to gain more real combat experience. If I want to execute the Radiant Demon Arts even in moments where life and death hang in the balance, ordinary training won't suffice."
"…"
"I understand now what it means to engrain it into the body. I've learned well."
Ma Jin, hailed as the strongest of the 17th generation in the Divine Sword Squad, remained silent for a while.
* * *
"That guy's strange."
One of the experts from Radiant Demon Squad muttered.
He was a man wearing a blue uniform with the character '荒' (Wild) of Desolate Fortress embroidered on his shoulders and back.
Everyone present wore the same martial robes.
They were martial artists drinking at one of the most prestigious taverns in Yangyang, where the presence of Desolate Fortress drew constant crowds.
None in the gathering expelled their intoxication with inner energy, as those devoted solely to ascetic training wouldn't even attend such events.
The senior from the Radiant Demon Squad who first spoke continued.
"Yeah. That's usually what ordinary people say about geniuses—they're 'strange'."
"That's right. Coming here, he's become ordinary. Looking back, it's not even that good."
Another man, his face flushed red, downed his drink and chimed in.
"But to us, he really is strange, isn't he?"
The seniors chuckled dryly.
"Has anyone ever seen the captain make that kind of face?"
"They say he's already mastered the Radiant Demon Arts."
"You can tell just by watching him swing his sword. He's completely different now, and his stance has solidified. When he fought Chung Myung, he was like a wild beast raised without parents."
"It was unbelievable even while watching."
As the group continued their conversation, a younger martial artist with a somewhat boyish face spoke up.
"I like that guy Lightning Genius's character. He's not arrogant, despite his talent."
"Sometimes he's recklessly bold to the point of absurdity. Anyway, you'll see his true nature right after he returns from a big mission."
"Either way, with that level of talent, I'm sure even the Lord has taken notice."
"He probably saw him during the last Desolate Trials. With the Lord's eyes, she would've seen right through him. Who knows? There might already be plans for him."
"If nothing major happens, he'll become a top martial artist representing Desolate Fortress. He'll probably rise from white to blue robes in no time."
"That could happen, if he survives."
Several seniors nodded in agreement.
"But still… listen to those guys."
As they continued talking, one of the Radiant Demon Squad members turned toward the wall.
The woman beside him, her presence exuding confidence, smirked.
"Sounds like jealousy. They were desperate to recruit either Lightning Genius or White Qilin for their captain but ended up empty-handed."
Laughter erupted.
At the same time—
Boom!
The side wall shattered.
Fragments imbued with true energy exploded in all directions, but the masters of Radiant Demon Squad casually deflected them with chopsticks or wine cups.
Their occasional chuckles suggested this wasn't the first time such an incident had occurred. Even their leisurely movements carried profound martial principles.
"We apologize for disturbing the Radiant Demon Squad masters while you're enjoying yourselves."
The newcomers were also dressed in the blue uniforms of Desolate Fortress.
One man stepped forward to speak, but contrary to his words, his clothes billowed.
He had drawn upon all his true energy.
"If you understand that, why don't you quietly leave? We were just getting into the mood. Our youngest has some exceptional talent."
The woman who had already been radiating an imposing presence grinned as she spoke.
Her sharp, defined features and cold eyes curved into a smile.
It was a deliberately provoking look, enough to make even someone unwilling to fight draw their sword.
"Sun Sword Enchantress. Are you trying to start something?"
"I thought it was your Heavenly Squad that wanted a fight. Saying talent in Radiant Demon Squad is bound to hit its limits? Isn't that practically asking for a fight? And to think you said such nasty things knowing we were right here."
As her words continued, her tone grew sharper, as if chewing on every word.
Her presence intensified with each syllable.
Unable to contain her anger, the woman stood up abruptly and glared at the Heavenly Squad martial artists.
"Draw your sword. Let's see that 'Heavenly Sword Arts ' of yours for eighteen moves."
"White Wisteria Beauty, watch your words!"
"And why should I? I'll break you in ten moves, so step forward!"
The top tavern in Yangyang descended into chaos.
* * *
"Did you hear? Our seniors had a brawl with the Heavenly Squad!"
Heon Wonchang burst into the room early in the morning, shouting.
Jung Yeonshin tilted his head and spoke.
"Isn't Desolate Fortress a place with strict laws? Aren't martial disputes outside the sparring grounds grounds for disciplinary action?"
"When did you even read the fortress law book? Anyway, you're right. There's been a lockdown order, and everyone's gloomy about it."
"What caused the fight?"
"Well, apparently the Heavenly Squad provoked them during drinks at the tavern. They said Jung Yeonshin's talent would never fully blossom in the Radiant Demon Squad."
"…You're telling me they drew swords over that?"
"You really don't know the martial world yet, do you? This is the essence of Murim! A careless word can turn into sharp blades, and gaining fame by overcoming such trials is how one thrives in this world. Isn't this something to celebrate? The seniors got angry and drew swords for you! I'd be overwhelmed with gratitude if I were you!"
Heon Wonchang stared with an envious expression.
'Didn't they just get mad because the Radiant Demon Squad was insulted?'
Finding it ridiculous, Jung Yeonshin kept silent. Then his eyes widened slightly.
'This is an opportunity.'
How great a merit would one need to pluck the fruit of the World Tree, worshiped by all noble clans?
There was no doubt he would need the help of comrades along the way.
While life-and-death debts were the ultimate form of trust in Desolate Fortress, building goodwill in advance wouldn't hurt.
'Calculated trust might feel embarrassing and ridiculous, but—'
Survival came first.
Though he didn't show it outwardly, Jung Yeonshin had no intention of dying young. He must obtain the fruit of the World Tree.
"Hearing this, I think Heon Wonchang is right. I'm angry. That my seniors had to draw swords because of me."
Jung Yeonshin stood up abruptly.
"Exactly! That's the spirit! You really are a man of honor!"
'Is this really what honor means?'
Jung Yeonshin nearly cringed at Heon Wonchang's clapping but forced himself to maintain a composed, angry demeanor as he left the room.
The footsteps following behind him practically radiated expectation, it wasn't his imagination.
He arrived at the Radiant Demon Squad training grounds.
Some seniors were scattered about, looking more lethargic than usual.
It seemed the lockdown order was harsher than expected.
As someone who'd never even had a drink for fear of ruining his true energy flow, Jung Yeonshin couldn't relate to their frustration.
"Ah, the juniors are here."
"There's no training today. Did you come just to practice?"
"When you're still in white robes, you don't have to be so diligent."
"No, no. Whites should work even harder. That's the right attitude."
The seniors welcomed the two juniors warmly. Returning their salutes, Jung Yeonshin walked straight to Radiant Demon Squad's captain, Ma Jin.
"If something's unclear, ask."
Ma Jin, who had previously said he needed time to think about how to teach Jung Yeonshin, looked tired.
A master of his level wouldn't tire easily, so it seemed he had genuinely poured mental energy into guiding Jung Yeonshin.
'This looks serious. He's really committed.'
Jung Yeonshin thought, feeling slightly more comfortable as he spoke.
"I want a match."
"Sure. Pick anyone. They'll oblige."
Ma Jin brushed his forehead as he answered, but Jung Yeonshin shook his head.
"Not from the Radiant Demon Squad. I want to spar with the Heavenly Squad."
The training ground fell silent.
Everyone knew why he mentioned Heavenly Squad.
"…I heard about yesterday, but there's no need to be so agitated. Calm down."
'I'm not agitated.'
Ma Jin's face showed both surprise and pride as he looked at Jung Yeonshin.
"What are you saying? I simply want to test the Heavenly Sword Arts I've long admired."
"You're definitely not calming down. Being too spirited is also a problem."
But the seniors behind Ma Jin showed no such concern.
Most of them wore expressions of pride and admiration.
Veterans who stood their ground against the old sects already regarded him with approval.
The stronger-than-expected reaction almost gave Jung Yeonshin chills.
He quickly pressed on.
"I want to face their famed techniques with Radiant Demon Arts. Please allow it, Captain."
'I can gain real combat experience with Radiant Demon Arts, study advanced sword techniques, and earn my seniors' favor—'
It was a triple win. He already seemed to have secured the last one.
"Are you sure? Remember, even though you're under Desolate Fortress's banner, Radiant Demon Squad isn't Heavenly Squad. You haven't learned their martial arts or fought alongside them. They won't go easy on you."
"That's exactly what I want."
Jung Yeonshin's short reply prompted whistles from the crowd.
"A spirit worthy of representing Desolate Fortress!"
"Can't wait to see him grow."
"If he holds his ground, he might lead the next Radiant Demon Squad."
Even Ma Jin gave a slight nod. Desolate Fortress was the heart of martial arts, where one's martial prowess and spirit determined their worth.
No martial artist would look down on a bold, fifteen-year-old swordsman elevating Radiant Demon Squad's name.
"Very well. I'll inform Heavenly Squad."
The next day, a duel between Radiant Demon Squad's Lightning Genius and a Heavenly Squad martial artist was arranged, officially labeled a sparring match.