She soon wore a blank expression, a face unimaginable in her usual demeanor.
After all, Baek Miryeo was a renowned expert even outside Desolate Fortress, widely known as a decisive and cold swordswoman.
"Inner arts. You're saying it's the Puncturing Technique."
She didn't lash out in anger. Instead, she brushed her lips with her slender fingers and silently fell into thought.
"That's hard to accept. If one is an inner-style martial artist focused on core energy, learning the basics of the Puncturing Technique is standard. Do you seriously think I'm an idiot who can't even grasp my own energy flow?"
'She wasn't. But maybe she is.'
For once, Jung Yeonshin couldn't voice his thoughts.
From what he observed, Baek Miryeo's energy circulation technique was deeply yin-based, and her energy control speed surpassed even senior practitioners. However, if she couldn't recognize this herself, it was meaningless.
There was no need to continue the conversation.
Jung Yeonshin changed the subject.
"I apologize. I spoke out of turn and caused you trouble."
They weren't close enough for him to insist on giving advice at his own expense.
However, his overly straightforward attitude seemed to provoke Baek Miryeo's mood instead. Her once-smooth brow furrowed.
An experienced expert of the Jianghu should also excel in psychological tactics.
Realizing his internal thoughts had been laid bare, Jung Yeonshin slowly opened his mouth.
"I'll take my leave now."
"…Alright. I'm sorry. And thank you."
Leaving her behind, he headed toward the small training hall. If she refused to accept it, that was enough.
Judging by her apology and thanks, it didn't seem likely, but if she bore a grudge over such a trivial matter, she'd be no different from the Jung family brothers.
There was no reason to waste energy on someone like that.
His martial arts, which had been improving rapidly since entering Desolate Fortress, were merely waiting for an opportunity to prove themselves.
'I'll start with the Sequential Demon Steps.'
Jung Yeonshin completely pushed Baek Miryeo out of his thoughts.
* * *
"Master."
"Speak."
"Have you ever told Lightning Genius about my martial arts origin?"
"What kind of nonsense is that? Do you think that makes any sense?"
Inside the Hall of Radiant Demon Squad, energy surged outward, forming a barrier that blocked sound. Ma Jin frowned.
Across from him, Baek Miryeo wore a grave expression.
"If not, then how…"
"I get the gist of what happened."
Ma Jin spoke as he watched her mumble.
"He must've seen through the martial arts you've been patching together. Lightning Genius is special. Even across the entire Jianghu, people like him are hard to find. The world occasionally produces such talents—elite clans, iron-blooded warriors, and supreme masters debated as the strongest under heaven. Lightning Genius simply possesses an incomprehensible talent."
"…"
"Is Baek Miryeo, the Lone Sword Dancer, secretly practicing the Heavenly Demon Sacred Arts? That's no reason to distance yourself from Lightning Genius. He's undoubtedly the future of Desolate Fortress. Others who haven't seen him may belittle his words as the advice of a novice, but there's no reason to do so. I've never heard of talent like his."
"I understand that."
"What concerns you must be his character. A small mission has just arrived. It's simple enough for a single Blue rank to handle, so sending two Blues along with two newcomers of White rank isn't a bad idea. Observe how Lightning Genius acts when facing danger with comrades. See if he's trustworthy."
"If his character checks out, are you suggesting I discuss the Heavenly Demon Sacred Arts with him?"
"Your self-study has its limits. I don't have the leisure to help. When it comes to mastering the art, seeking Lightning Genius's assistance is the right move. He fundamentally operates differently. He adapts everything to suit himself. That's the mark of a martial arts founder."
"A martial arts founder…!"
Her eyes widened. Ma Jin continued quietly.
"You don't need to worry about legitimacy. Lightning Genius will forge his own martial lineage. Even just looking at his Radiant Demon Arts proves that. I've never seen anyone practice it the way he does."
"That part is certainly impressive."
"Impressive? That word doesn't do him justice. He even enjoys studying martial arts."
"Hm…"
Baek Miryeo let out a heavy breath. Ma Jin declared firmly.
"Within five years, Lightning Genius will replace me as the Captain of Radiant Demon Squad. Go and assess the character of your future superior."
* * *
The next day.
Jung Yeonshin and Heon Wonchang were summoned to the Great Training Hall.
In the spacious area, only three people were waiting—Baek Miryeo, Chung Myung, and Ma Jin.
"It's a mission."
At Ma Jin's blunt words, the body of the Desolate Fortress Sacred Warrior trembled.
"We're finally heading into the Jianghu…!"
"Don't get too excited. You might die out there."
"Ah, y-yes!"
"Baek Miryeo, Chung Myung, Jung Yeonshin, Heon Wonchang—you four will go. It involves the Bloodflame Cult, so be prepared to leave Desolate Fortress."
At the mention of the Bloodflame Cult, Jung Yeonshin's eyes darkened.
A burning manor, blood dripping from the doorway, crimson robes, and red hair…
He slowly opened his mouth.
"Are you saying we're confronting one of the Thirteen Skies with just two Blue ranks and two White ranks?"
"It's not directly related to the main branch of the Bloodflame Cult. We don't even know where that is."
Ma Jin's explanation wasn't long.
"You're aware that the famine isn't limited to Huguang."
The Xinye's Jung family was relatively fine, but the broader region of Nanyang was not.
All across Hunan, farmlands were dwindling.
According to Ma Jin, it was the same in Shaanxi.
"A few years ago, starving commoners in Shaanxi raided the manor of a local lord. They didn't just take grain. The lord's household was driven out in disgrace. Recently, the lord's eldest son returned—with red hair and crimson robes."
"He joined the Bloodflame Cult…!"
Heon Wonchang muttered as if in agony.
The Bloodflame Cult was one of the most feared groups among the Thirteen Skies of the demonic sects.
Rumors abounded, but it was widely accepted that they produced martial artists through rituals blending sorcery and martial arts, powered by blood.
"Like other demonic arts, the eldest son of that manor quickly mastered the Bloodflame Cult's techniques. He settled in the now-recovered village and periodically slaughters livestock and destroys crops."
"Destroys crops?"
Chung Myung, wearing a hood, murmured. He was a Ming descendant, Jung Yeonshin noted.
"Does he only target livestock and crops?"
"Yes. Ruthlessly killing or uprooting even seeds, but waiting until they grow before repeating the process."
"That almost sounds righteous. That's not the Bloodflame Cult I know."
Heon Wonchang looked bewildered.
"Righteous? Are you serious?"
At Ma Jin's sharp question, the enforcer immediately flinched. Baek Miryeo gave him a scornful look.
Ma Jin resumed speaking.
"It's Zhenping County in southern Shaanxi. Normally, the Shaanxi branch would handle this, but…"
Recently, Mount Hua Sect had been dealing with the theft of its elixirs, escalating it into a regional issue.
"With their forces tied up, they asked us to handle it."
"Mount Hua Sect had their elixirs stolen? Are you talking about the Plum Blossom Pill, said to rival Shaolin's Great Revitalization Pill?"
Heon Wonchang asked, his eyes wide.
"That's why it caused such an uproar. That case might also be transferred to the main branch soon. For now, focus on the current mission."
"Yes!"
He responded energetically.
All kinds of matters from the Jianghu poured in.
Even the usually composed Jung Yeonshin was beginning to feel the weight of being directly involved in the martial arts world, so it wasn't hard to imagine what the Desolate Fortress Sacred Warrior might be feeling.
Ma Jin seemed concerned about that as well.
The youthful vigor of newcomers to the Jianghu, combined with their skills and loyalty to Desolate Fortress—could lead to anything.
"Chung Myung. Baek Miryeo. Take good care of the White ranks. Make sure they return safely."
"Yes."
"I'll do my best."
Baek Miryeo's indifferent expression contrasted with Chung Myung's cheerful smile.
Jung Yeonshin quietly gripped his sword and thought of the Bloodflame Cult and the butchers of the Tyrant Sword Tribe.
He still didn't know why they had attacked the Jung family manor.
But it no longer mattered. The massacre had already happened, and the rivers of blood had planted a sword in the heart of even the family's discarded son.
If they met, he would kill them.
'Keep your head safe. I'll cut it off.'
He brushed his sword hilt.
The four of them rode out of Yangyang and quickly headed northwest.
Their grueling pace silenced Heon Wonchang, who had seemed excited about exploring the Jianghu.
They said this was always how Desolate Fortress carried out its missions.
With access to relay stations all over the central plains and the ability to ride long distances using their core energy, there was no room for leisure.
However, since there were no relay routes between Huguang and Shaanxi, they had to conserve their horses' stamina while traveling.
It took them ten days to reach Zhenping County from Yangyang.
"Ugh…"
The county magistrate greeted them as they arrived, while Heon Wonchang dismounted, utterly drained.
He seemed more mentally exhausted than physically. Baek Miryeo clicked her tongue.
"You can't even imagine what happens when martial artists use relay stations."
"…"
Noticing Heon Wonchang's pale face, Jung Yeonshin turned his attention to the magistrate.
'Doesn't look like he's been starving.'
The Bloodflame Cult was said to be hoarding food supplies, but the magistrate's round face looked anything but malnourished—just slightly dull.
However, his expression as he looked at them showed a mix of relief and irritation.
"When did I send that message, and you're only showing up now? How frustrating!"
"…"
"Since you're here, hurry up and come inside! I was going to treat you with courtesy due to the Empire's sword, but you're acting so leisurely! Can you even capture him? Just the four of you?"
"What is this?"
Jung Yeonshin asked Chung Myung and Baek Miryeo.
Their expressions showed familiarity, even a bit of boredom.
Chung Myung tapped the back of his hood a couple of times before answering slowly.
"Some officials don't know better. They think Desolate Fortress is their broomstick. It only happens the first time. There are countless counties in the central plains, and most of these people have never even seen a martial artist."
"W-what! How dare you speak so rudely!"
"Shall I seal his mute acupoint?"
"Sure. Let's finish quickly."
"What nonsense—"
Before the official could finish speaking, his voice was cut off.
Jung Yeonshin, using core energy, pressed the point between the magistrate's spine and skull.
Being taller than the official, Jung Yeonshin looked down at him indifferently.
"I don't take orders from you."
Sweat formed on the magistrate's forehead as his trembling body stiffened. Jung Yeonshin turned away without hesitation.
Chung Myung and Baek Miryeo looked at him with pleased expressions. He suddenly felt a bit self-conscious.
"Jung Yeonshin, you know pressure-point techniques too? Incredible."
Heon Wonchang exclaimed in admiration.
Point sealing was an advanced martial technique that used core energy to precisely stimulate a person's acupoints.
Not all martial artists could perform it, but for Jung Yeonshin—who had mastered the Jung family's anatomical techniques—it came naturally.
"I've been thinking about this for a while now, but it's getting harder to call you Yeonshin.' From now on, I'll call you 'Warrior Jung!'"
"Do as you like, Desolate Fortress Sacred Warrior."
Even with the light-hearted exchange, the enforcer's smile stretched wide.
As they tied their horses in the government office's stable and prepared to go inside, Chung Myung casually draped an arm over Jung Yeonshin's shoulder.
"You know the saying 'No interference with officials', right? Compared to other martial artists, we're actually freer when dealing with government officials. The Imperial Family allows it. For idiots who think we're shackled, it's fine to put them in their place like that. That's the kind of sect Desolate Fortress is."
"Sealing his mute acupoint was a pretty gentle move, wasn't it?"
Heon Wonchang chimed in.
"But don't go too far."
Baek Miryeo, walking beside them, added. Then, in a lower voice, she muttered.
"Well done."
"Yes."
The time spent traveling with Baek Miryeo to Zhenping County had been fairly long.
And with her encouragement, the lingering awkwardness between them seemed to dissipate.
Jung Yeonshin smiled faintly, but soon his eyes narrowed.
"There, below the village."
"Hm?"
"Bloodflame Cultists."
Before finishing his sentence, he pushed off the ground and sprinted forward.