The wind swept roughly past his ears. The energy surging through his entire body resonated with the principles of the Limit Releasing Technique, layering upon itself.
Jung Yeonshin reached for his sword grip.
'Cut it down in one strike.'
There was a commotion in the wide village fields.
People were shouting to stop, while a red-haired man burst into laughter, claiming they had no right to say such things. He hadn't noticed yet. The distance was still considerable.
Then it happened.
Whoosh!
The corner of his hood brushed against his cheek and flew away.
Chung Myung had overtaken him with astonishing lightness of movement.
He skimmed the edge of the forest as if treading on grass, Grass Flutter, the hallmark of a swift-footed clan.
Jung Yeonshin's footwork from the Jung Family was barely sufficient for activities in Desolate Fortress.
Recently, he had been focusing on developing basic protective techniques like agility and footwork, but inspiration was lacking.
'Damn it.'
In the end, even Baek Miryeo lightly outpaced him, and to make it worse, Heon Wonchang patted his shoulder before passing by.
When it came to agility, Jung Yeonshin was still no match for the white-robe warriors of Desolate Fortress. He knew this himself.
"Hmm."
His sharp eyes scanned the area.
Beyond the cultivated fields and livestock pens at the foot of the government office's hill, numerous houses stretched out.
Further out, green hills extended toward the mountain range outside the village, their dense forests appearing suspicious.
It looked like a perfect place to hide.
'They said he comes to the village periodically to cause trouble.'
The Central Plains were vast. Even a single county was home to countless people.
Yet, frequent appearances suggested he lived nearby, and there weren't many places where he could hide his red hair.
It was well-known that Blood Flame Cult members were forbidden by doctrine to wear hats or veils.
Jung Yeonshin shifted direction, glancing down briefly.
Chung Myung's sharp strike sent the Blood Flame Cultist flying backward.
This confirmed that the cultist couldn't handle a blue-robe warrior from Desolate Fortress. What if Baek Miryeo joined the fight?
"Just in case."
Jung Yeonshin dashed toward the hills.
Passing the frightened eyes of the villagers and reaching the mountain path, he soon realized he had made the right choice.
"Out of the way!"
A man with disheveled red hair came charging down, his crimson robes stained with traces of blood.
It was astonishing that he had managed to shake off both Chung Myung and Baek Miryeo.
Jung Yeonshin touched the grip of his sword and spread his fingers once before tightening his hold.
At the same time, he channeled Radiant Demon Art and aimed his blade path.
Sssss—
Now, a visible yet intangible aura radiated faintly from his body. Lowering his stance, he prepared to strike.
Jung Yeonshin's Radiant Demon Art was sharp enough to trouble even blue-robe warriors skilled in the technique.
"You brat? No, what the hell is that······!"
The Blood Flame Cultist's face twisted in shock as he charged forward like a demon. Then, gritting his teeth, he suddenly changed direction.
'Huh?'
Where's he going? Jung Yeonshin froze.
All his experiences so far had been about confronting enemies head-on or facing them at close range.
This was a moment that rendered those experiences meaningless.
As if showing him the true nature of Jianghu, the cultist circled around and fled, leaving Jung Yeonshin stunned.
Despite his martial talent, he had discovered the clumsiness shared by all newcomers to the martial world.
He still lacked the footwork and agility needed to catch the Blood Flame Cultist. In the end, Jung Yeonshin could do nothing but watch the receding figure.
"What a mess."
Chung Myung, now close, smiled bitterly.
"Don't blame yourself, Yeon. This was our fault."
"He had a Life-Saving Technique. Typical of a Blood Flame Cult lackey—his skill was suited for running away."
Baek Miryeo sighed as she joined them.
Life-Saving Technique referred to a hidden skill meant to preserve one's life in dire situations.
For this cultist, it seemed to be his agility technique—completely incompatible with Jung Yeonshin.
"A technique faster than the light-step skills of swift-footed clans? And he's only been in the Blood Flame Cult for a short time?"
Jung Yeonshin couldn't help but ask. Chung Myung's bitter smile deepened.
"That's how those bastards are. They blur the line between sorcery and martial arts, gaining power by burning both their own and others' blood. Sometimes they even hasten their skills at the cost of lifespan. That guy must've had unusual talent. His swordplay didn't match his agility."
"It's strange that he was acting alone for so long. The Blood Flame Cult isn't known for freedom. Something more is going on."
Baek Miryeo, deep in thought, spoke.
Glancing at Jung Yeonshin, who had lowered his head slightly in frustration, she continued.
"As everyone suspects, their base must be nearby. Judging by his strange obsession, he won't retreat easily."
"Shall we relax and enjoy some fresh air in the meantime?"
"······Sure. You go ahead, arrogant swift-foot."
Chung Myung leaned back and clasped his hands behind his head, while Baek Miryeo shot him a sharp glare.
As they talked, Heon Wonchang came panting up the hill.
"Heon Wonchang. Your martial achievements are decent, fitting for a white-level warrior. But your stamina is lacking. You might think you're good enough, but in Jianghu, you rarely face an opponent in perfect condition. You're still lacking."
Baek Miryeo's indifferent tone made Heon Wonchang flinch and bow apologetically.
Jung Yeonshin's eyes sharpened. He now understood why the senior warrior had brought the four of them along.
Desolate Fortress tradition dictated that blue-robe masters personally guide white-robe warriors, helping them gain experience and hone their skills.
It was an extraordinary privilege, rarely seen even across the Central Plains.
"And Jung Yeonshin······"
Catching Baek Miryeo's gaze, Jung Yeonshin flinched internally. Her expression had softened.
"Your basics are surprisingly solid. I doubt even the Great Nine Sects or Eight Great Clans produce someone like you often. Watching you run earlier made it clear—you don't rely on tricks. Physically, no one in the Radiant Demon Squad can match you. Least of all scrawny swift-foots like Chung Myung."
Baek Miryeo's eyes, devoid of personal bias, scanned his physique before she smiled in satisfaction.
"Martial artists need strong bodies. Whatever technique you learn, you'll inevitably master it."
"She's right. Don't be discouraged about agility."
Chung Myung grinned, ignoring the insult, and patted Jung Yeonshin's shoulder.
Even Heon Wonchang looked envious.
Jung Yeonshin changed the subject, proud of the results from years of training in Jung Family techniques.
"Can we stay at the government office? I might've gone a bit too far earlier."
"What if we can't? We're from Desolate Fortress. That official has no choice but to cooperate."
"Exactly. It's his problem, not ours. Besides, thanks to you, he's probably more aware of his position now."
Baek Miryeo's words were met with Chung Myung's agreement. It seemed like a trivial matter to them.
However, the authority held by the magistrate of his hometown, Xinye County, what had it been like?
Jung Yeonshin had seen it rival the Jung family, a clan of martial artists and wealthy landlords.
He couldn't help but reconsider the status of Desolate Fortress.
An unprecedented faction, unmatched by both martial and governmental powers.
'I've really entered a comfortable place. I just need to do my part.'
He only needed to focus on his own strength without worrying about the group's influence.
How many places like this could exist in such a vast world?
"More importantly, do you want to learn how to walk properly?"
"Walk properly? Do you mean mobility arts?"
Jung Yeonshin's question made Chung Myung look conflicted as he scratched his hood.
"I can't teach you my clan's martial arts, but······ I can show you how the noble clans move. Most people can't replicate it even if they know, but I feel like you might be able to."
"The Noble Clan's footwork!"
This time, it was Heon Wonchang who caused a fuss. His expression was desperate, as if begging to be included, and for once, Jung Yeonshin fully understood his reaction.
Having encountered the Noble Clan often lately, he had grown accustomed to their distinct features—exotic faces and long ears. Yet, in many parts of the Central Plains, the Noble Clan was still regarded as heavenly beings.
They lived in secluded and mysterious territories, far removed from ordinary society.
Their ageless beauty, ethereal movements, and reputation as nature's allies often turned them into legends among common folk.
Heon Wonchang's excitement was palpable.
"Witnessing the Noble Clan's footwork is nothing short of a divine opportunity! Please, share even a fragment of this miracle with me!"
"Yeah, yeah. How could I discriminate against a fellow Radiant Demon Arts user? I'd teach you too, but most can't put it to use······."
Chung Myung's awkwardness deepened as Baek Miryeo shook her head.
"Just show them first. Why worry about failure already?"
"Well, wasn't there someone who accused me of withholding secrets for over a year? And still failed to learn it?"
"Who are you talking about? Surely there aren't many candidates. No one from the Radiant Demon Squad has mastered it anyway."
Feigning nonchalance, Baek Miryeo turned away and left to investigate the village.
Chung Myung watched her retreating figure with a grin, while Heon Wonchang muttered weakly in disbelief.
"Not even the Radiant Demon Squad could master it? So it's truly a technique exclusive to the Noble Clan······."
"It's not that systematic. It's just walking and running techniques."
Dust stirred beneath Chung Myung's feet. There was no visible flow of core energy, yet a gust of wind ruffled the hem of his pants.
"Watch."
In the next moment, he lightly kicked off the ground and soared. Not even the faintest sound followed.
With mesmerizing agility, he stepped along the side of a tree several times before standing atop its branches. His movements defied what could be called human.
The onlookers, including Heon Wonchang, gazed up with their mouths agape as if spellbound.
'It wasn't core energy, but it felt as if core energy supported his body.'
Jung Yeonshin stared up at Chung Myung, replaying the movements in his mind.
Chung Myung closed his eyes for a moment, inhaling the forest air, then descended like a feather.
He landed so softly it resembled a falling leaf—no noise, no disturbance.
It was footwork so astonishing it bordered on terrifying. Moving without a trace was as dangerous as wielding a lethal strike.
Jung Yeonshin fell into deep thought.
"Wait······ Do you get it already?"
Chung Myung approached with a look of disbelief, then flinched.
"I didn't interrupt your focus, did I?"
"No. I was just wondering how to use core energy to stir the wind, since I don't have the same abilities as the Noble Clan······."
"What······!"
Chung Myung's eyes widened at Jung Yeonshin's calm response.
"You grasped the essence of natural energy at a glance? How is that possible······!"
"Isn't that why you showed it to me? I had a few insights. If I segment my movements like forms and release bursts of core energy with each step······ Oh."
Jung Yeonshin, who had begun sinking into thought, suddenly refocused and smiled at Chung Myung.
"Thank you for the inspiration. I often feel guilty about only benefiting from Desolate Fortress, but I think I can contribute greatly to this mission."
"······."
Chung Myung stood there, dumbfounded, as Jung Yeonshin respectfully saluted.
Heon Wonchang, wearing a similar expression, stepped closer.
"Shall we settle down at the quarters? For Jung's sake?"
"······Yeah, let's do that."
The three began walking toward the village, following Baek Miryeo, who had gone ahead.
As Jung Yeonshin trailed slightly behind, Chung Myung and Heon Wonchang kept stealing glances at him.
Despite the earlier chaos caused by the Blood Flame Cult, the soft spring breeze of the season's first evening brushed against their shoulders.
By the time they leisurely arrived at the magistrate's office in Zhenping County, the sun had fully set, draping the sky in a warm, dusky glow.
The four warriors of Radiant Demon Squad settled in.
Jung Yeonshin, who had subdued the magistrate's pressure points, immersed himself in thoughts about the mobility art. He seemed anything but a novice to Jianghu.
He brushed aside the fearful glances of others and continued pondering his martial arts even as he lay down to rest.
'If I plan my movements ahead and release bursts of core energy with each segment······.'
Jung Yeonshin slowly closed his eyes.
Chung Myung stirred awake, sprawled out on a hammock tied between trees.
He basked in the morning sunlight filtering through the leaves, smiling contentedly before glancing down.
There, standing still in the clearing with eyes closed, was Jung Yeonshin.
He stood calmly, clad in his Desolate Fortress sword, his entire body radiating an aura of quiet prayer.
Was it confidence that let him train so openly, unbothered by prying eyes?
Chung Myung smiled approvingly, until it happened.
In the beams of sunlight piercing through the leaves, Jung Yeonshin's body suddenly shifted.
His foot lightly pressed off the ground, kicking up a faint swirl of dust.
The motion spun the fallen leaves around him as he rebounded off the earth.
Chung Myung's eyes widened.
"Holy shit······!"