Only after carelessly mentioning ten moves did he begin to worry about his opponent's sanity.
Receiving the enraged man's recommended technique? It seemed unlikely to help cultivate martial skills.
'Not bad.'
It was completely unfounded. He realized this upon seeing the man's now-calm expression.
This was where the strength of a prestigious clan showed. They did not waste their martial power recklessly.
Pouring their highest martial skills into the right place, that was the terror of the great clans.
"I will pour my all into the ten moves you mentioned."
The heir of a great clan inherits its spirit. His step-grandfather, Ma Yeonjeok, had once shaken the world as the captain of the Divine Sword Squad.
There was no way he had been taught carelessly. The waves of core energy rising along his arm were anything but ordinary.
"This is the Fusion Fist Strike."
"Feel free to use palm techniques too. Just because I mentioned fist techniques doesn't mean you should limit yourself. Show me everything you have."
"······."
He seemed angry again. Jung Yeonshin decided to keep his mouth shut.
The silence was brief. When the powerful waves of energy coiled into his opponent's body, he knew this could not be taken lightly.
The movements charging toward him were different from before. It seemed the footwork had also improved to match the change in demeanor.
Tak! Whoong!
It was the first time he had seen such light footwork. The spiral force tied to the punch that swept toward him was remarkable.
Jung Yeonshin countered with Energy Accumulation Discharge, rotating in the opposite direction.
Thud!
Fist met fist. Not an easy feat, even in a spar.
This indicated their concentration had peaked. Fragments of energy scattered against their clothes.
The opponent was pushed back. Even with an advantage in raw power, the level of martial mastery was another matter entirely.
As his opponent swallowed a groan, Jung Yeonshin concentrated energy in his lower body.
It wasn't over. The essence of Energy Accumulation Discharge was accumulation.
Jung Yeonshin twisted his step and advanced once more. The energy stacked without faltering again.
A martial art that could unleash power beyond its base strength in a short time. The right fist of Accumulated Energy Second Strike distorted the air.
Boom!
The impact shattered the opponent's elbow guard and sank sharply into his solar plexus. It went quite deep.
"Guh-hak!"
Thinking of it as brute strength was a mistake. This was a martial art utilizing Energy Accumulation Discharge freely.
Inspired by the fierce chain attacks displayed through the Fusion Fist Strike, he refined his approach.
Seeing his opponent grit his teeth and fix his posture brought him satisfaction. Jung Yeonshin could still go further.
"You're not done yet, are you?"
"Arrogant!"
Perhaps due to the intense fight, his opponent's voice came out as a growl.
The young man spread his palm wide. The energy flow shifted. The moment Jung Yeonshin unleashed his Accumulated Energy Third Strike.
The boy's left hand redirected the punch three times, as if mocking it, before striking the back of his hand.
Thump!
Surprisingly, it was the boy who retreated. He frowned, stepping back while nursing his hand.
He was trying to dispel the aftershocks of the impact. It must have been intense.
Jung Yeonshin quickly saw through the recent change. It wasn't just a feint, it was a movement that layered shockwaves using core energy.
'Something interesting appeared.'
Feeling entertained, he took another step forward. At this moment, his mastery of Refined Energy Circulation shone brightly.
He anchored the accumulated force throughout his body with subtle movements.
Thud!
The Accumulated Energy Fourth Strike was different again. When his foot landed, the marble floor cracked. Even his body began to strain.
'I can handle it.'
Carrying this much power throughout his body made it difficult to use the defensive maneuvers of Grassblade Reflexes.
It meant that only sluggish opponents could be struck at close range. But then came the Radiant Demon Arts.
"You country bumpkin!"
The opponent's movements were plain to see. The Radiant Demon Arts forms clearly outlined the intended trajectory.
Swish!
Jung Yeonshin dropped low in an instant. His seamless movements embodied the freedom of Radiant Demon Arts.
In this moment, his actions undeniably reflected an insight surpassing Fusion Fist Strike. The fourth strike.
Crash!
The footwork landed, sending stone fragments flying in all directions. The sensation traveled through his fist.
Something had broken.
The protective energy flowing over his opponent's body scattered into pieces.
'It would be nice to create body-protection energy someday.'
Setting aside that sudden thought, he followed his retreating opponent.
A new wave of energy formed at the end of his leaf-like, wind-blown movements.
'Five strikes were enough.'
He felt the principles of his martial arts resonate within him. Layering strength—stacking it as needed.
That's what the Refined Energy Circulation and Energy Accumulation Discharge were.
A martial artist from a third-rate family facing the world in his own way.
Flash!
Jung Yeonshin's eyes gleamed with light.
A blue thunderbolt surged inside him.
The essence of Fusion Fist Strike mixed with the principles of Refined Energy Circulation and Energy Accumulation Discharge.
Martial insight exploded in his mind, converging into a singular technique. A fist style that grew stronger as it flowed.
The Infinite Blossom Fist Strike.
The name emerged naturally alongside its principles—martial art worthy of being called a signature technique.
As his arm swept from the shoulder, debris scattered like a whirlwind.
Hwaaak—!
The accumulated energy burst in front of his opponent's solar plexus.
Even at a one-inch distance, the blast shook his opponent's upper body.
Staggering as if about to collapse, the boy's strength drained, leaving him blankly staring.
"A fist technique embodying the essence of shockwaves! Now you're no longer bound by rotational limits······!"
From afar, Ma Jin's voice carried a hint of awe.
"You can keep going."
"······."
Though he addressed his frozen opponent, the boy merely bit his lip, silent.
Three figures approached from afar.
Ma Jin looked completely drained, while step-grandfather Ma Yeonjeok's stiff, frozen expression stood out.
Only the Lord of Desolate Fortress wore a faint smile.
"I witnessed a rare spectacle. Seeing the birth of a martial art. What a delightful entertainment."
"I fear I've only caused disorder."
Jung Yeonshin bowed slightly. She laughed softly.
"That's too modest. You seemed truly joyful. Isn't that what martial artists live for? Have you named your technique?"
"I will call it 'The Infinite Blossom Fist Strike'."
"A fitting name—eternal brilliance of time within the art. But be wary. Its obvious meaning may create weaknesses in combat. Given your talent, you'll overcome it."
"Thank you for the advice."
Jung Yeonshin clasped his fists in respect. The Lord smiled deeper.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm sorry, Grandfather······."
Elsewhere, step-grandfather and step-grandson exchanged words of consolation.
The boy, nearly in tears, glared at the ground in frustration.
While patting his grandson's head, Ma Yeonjeok wore a deeply conflicted expression as he gazed at Jung Yeonshin.
'How could someone from a minor clan possess such dazzling talent······.'
Even he had pride. Approaching his grandson, who had firmly drawn the line, felt difficult.
He envied the son who could approach as a superior.
"Captain."
Jung Yeonshin turned to face Ma Jin.
"Well done. And congratulations. You've gained another sword of your own. An excellent martial art."
"I've only laid the framework. The forms aren't entirely satisfying, and when using palm techniques, I have to rely completely on Radiant Demon Arts."
"Even so, among those in the white ranks, there won't be many who can withstand your strike. I try not to be surprised, but your growth is astonishing."
"I need to be faster."
He muttered in response, paying no attention to Ma Jin's complex gaze as he looked at his nephew.
Even Ma Yeonjeok knew he could not demand the fruit of the World Tree. The goal became even more desperate.
'When will I ever reach that damned, towering tree?'
The thought was harsh enough to slip out.
"Since Lightning Genius won, we should wrap this up."
The Lord of Desolate Fortress's uniquely resonant voice rang out. Turning back, he saw her smile still in place.
After briefly glancing at everyone present, she spoke again.
"I will personally teach Lightning Genius the type of martial arts he needs when he desires it. Furthermore, Lightning Genius may make one request of the Ma Clan. I will guarantee it."
"I will relay my request through the master when the time comes."
A quick glance revealed Ma Jin's expression had turned strange.
Jung Yeonshin didn't feel the need to sympathize with Ma Jin, who had suddenly been turned into a messenger.
'They're the ones who brought this upon themselves.'
Setting aside the thought, Jung Yeonshin finally turned to Ma Yeonjeok.
"I'm sorry, but I need to make one thing clear. I have no obligation to be indebted to my maternal family in any way. Do you agree?"
"Hmm······."
A near-groan escaped. The hesitation showed he was grappling with countless thoughts.
Jung Yeonshin stared at him intently, and Ma Yeonjeok eventually opened his mouth, visibly struggling.
"What must I do, for you to forgive me?"
"······!"
It wasn't Jung Yeonshin who reacted.
The heir to the family couldn't hide his despair, and Ma Jin's face was painted with shock.
Even the Lord of Desolate Fortress appeared mildly surprised.
Perhaps because he was directly involved, Jung Yeonshin had a completely different thought.
'What a terrifying man.'
It was said that the Lord of Desolate Fortress carried herself as an absolute ruler whenever she stepped into the martial world.
She was rumored to hold the power of life and death over most people within her sensory range, akin to a celestial deity.
Only the heads of the Nine Great Sects, revered as immortals, were said to be able to match her sword.
'And yet this man bowed his head, to someone as insignificant as me.'
All because of talent within the bloodline.
Wouldn't it be impossible unless he was obsessed with the revival of his clan?
This was the same man who severed ties with his daughter after she married the head of a minor family. It sent chills down his spine.
He felt the need to choose his words carefully.
He didn't want to become "Ma Yeon-shin".
"Your humility is the greatest burden to me. The past cannot be undone, and to me, the people of my maternal family are no different from strangers. I am now a part of the Radiant Demon Squad family."
"You can build relationships."
"I barely have enough time to build my martial skills."
Even the might of the Ma Clan couldn't reach the fruit of the World Tree. Jung Yeonshin didn't even know what familial affection felt like.
Neither necessity nor blood ties stirred him in the slightest.
He shook his head and spoke again.
"I defeated your grandson in a duel he recklessly demanded. Please respect that as a martial artist."
"······."
A stunned expression. Yet, he couldn't relax.
Who knew what sweet words might come next? He could sense a trace of madness in the man.
For now, Jung Yeonshin respectfully bowed to the Lord of Desolate Fortress and Ma Yeonjeok before leaving.
Training was urgent. The newly created 'The Infinite Blossom Fist Strike' was still incomplete.
"Yeonjeok, how interesting. That's a face I've never seen before—filled with regret."
"Lord, you could have offered assistance."
"How could I resolve your karma?"
Jung Yeonshin ignored the exchange between the grandmasters and headed to Radiant Demon Squad's training hall.
He could sense Ma Jin following behind him.
The roles had reversed compared to when they arrived.
He suddenly realized he hadn't learned the heir's name but wasn't particularly curious.
"Lightning Genius."
It was while passing a small lakeside, where sunlight rippled across the water. Ma Jin's reflection flickered on the surface as he carefully opened his mouth.
"There's a mission that might help you."