Clenching his teeth, Yoo Hyun charged forward, and Jung Yeonshin extended his hand toward him.
A strange energy swirled around his left hand. The next moment, the eyes of Cheon Joo and the masters of the Mount Hua Sect widened.
Ssshaaak—!
An invisible wave of energy burst forth along his left hand.
Like blooming flowers blossoming in clusters, waves of energy exploded in succession.
It was as if power struck power, creating yet another wave, resembling the upper-level techniques of the nonexistent Falling Petal Palm Strike.
The techniques poured out in such succession that it was difficult to find any correlation, as it appeared to be martial arts on an entirely different level.
Puh-puh-puhk!
Powerful impacts rained down in torrents, no less intense than the second form, Formidable Wall.
It swept away the dust clinging to Yoo Hyun's martial robes.
"Keuh, huhk!"
Yoo Hyun tumbled to the ground without even being able to draw his sword. A thin mist of dust rose like fog.
Jung Yeonshin lowered his hand and fell into thought.
'The martial arts of the Nine Sects are indeed highly refined. They carry the history of noble orthodox sects.'
It was an excellent inspiration. He hadn't expected such a type of energy manipulation to exist.
'I can settle on this as the third form right here.'
Jung Yeonshin nodded to himself. It didn't even seem necessary to refine it further.
He named it the Third Form of the Infinite Blossom Fist Strike—Flower Strike.
"······."
The hall fell into silence. He had faced a youth sect leader's disciple, hailed as a sword dragon.
And yet, the youngest disciple of Mount Hua's sect leader, said to be its greatest talent, was defeated in just three forms.
To Jung Yeonshin, it seemed natural.
Their levels were entirely different from the start.
To face a disciple of Desolate Fortress, whose skills rivaled the top white-robe warriors, one would need at least a master just shy of becoming a Plum Blossoms Sword Master.
It was said that Desolate Fortress's Purple Rank disciples were no less than the leaders of the Nine Sects.
Jung Yeonshin compared himself to Yoo Hyun.
How much training would Yoo Hyun need to ascend to the rank of Mount Hua's sect leader?
Even with five years remaining, it would be woefully insufficient. Their starting points were worlds apart.
"······Take him away."
At Cheon Joo's solemn command, a Mount Hua warrior hoisted Yoo Hyun over his shoulder.
As they turned to glance at Jung Yeonshin, shock was evident in their eyes.
At last, the spectators began to stir.
"What, what is this?"
"Wasn't it only three forms? How could Mount Hua's genius······."
"Three-Form Victory? Who is that boy?"
Leaving the murmurs behind, Cheon Joo spoke up.
"So Desolate Fortress has been raising a dragon. Just how much do you plan to dominate the martial world in the future?"
"You overreach. As long as we do not harm the people, Desolate Fortress will not act."
"A noble pretext, unchanging as ever."
Shaking his head, Cheon Joo looked at Jung Yeonshin.
"You said your name is Jung Yeonshin."
"Yes."
"I have witnessed fine martial arts. It's unlikely you encountered Mount Hua's techniques, yet you displayed such skill. It must have served as a wake-up call even for my undisciplined disciple. Should you find yourself compelled to leave Desolate Fortress, know that Mount Hua will treat you as an honored guest."
"Enough! Such words are ridiculous. You have crossed the line."
Ma Jin stepped forward, pulling Jung Yeonshin behind him.
"I acknowledge my greed and admit my disgrace. But when such dazzling talent stands before us, how could one not falter?"
The candid admission left expressions of shock on the faces of the Mount Hua masters.
Yet, some nodded as though they understood.
Jung Yeonshin remained still.
—You're struggling to stand.
It was a sound transmission from Baek Miryeo. He gave a slight nod.
Nearly all his inner energy had been consumed, leaving a heavy strain on his dantian.
The Flower Strike required immense energy to create such powerful waves of force.
Delivering strikes in every stance meant exactly that.
It allowed freedom from fixed postures, but the amount of inner energy consumed was a significant burden.
At least for now, it seemed impractical to use as a main technique.
'I'll need to rely on the sword in real combat.'
Organizing his thoughts, he secured a room at the inn.
Those who followed, including Mount Hua's masters, looked at him with changed gazes.
As though they were staring at some extraordinary being.
He felt no particular emotion. They lived in different timelines.
As soon as he settled into the room, Baek Miryeo burst in without hesitation, dragging Chung Myung by the scruff of his neck and seating him down.
"You especially need to open your center energy core quickly. If your inner energy is lacking, you'll at least need stamina."
Baek Miryeo sat cross-legged and spoke. Chung Myung sprawled half-reclined.
"Did you say center energy core?"
"You seem unaware of its function. Even the Upper Dantian, which is said to contain the divine, doesn't compare. The moment you open the center energy core, you'll feel it—your energy will become more solid. The Vajra Unmoving Body Technique of Shaolin is a prime example of center energy core cultivation."
"Energy becoming solid?"
When he asked without much thought, Chung Myung interjected.
"It means better efficiency. Ever heard of masters who fought for seven days without tiring? They cultivated their center energy core. It strengthens energy flow and lets you unleash powerful techniques repeatedly. Even if you take a strong hit, your core energy won't be disrupted easily."
"It's probably why Chung Myung could trade swords with Namgoong's top swordsman. Otherwise, it doesn't make sense, no matter how skilled he is."
Baek Miryeo pointed at Chung Myung, who smiled lazily and nodded slightly.
Glancing at him briefly, Jung Yeonshin turned his gaze away.
"Center energy core—how do I open it?"
"If you cultivate your lower energy core for a long time, it will open naturally. Focus on breathing exercises centered on your upper body."
"Is there no faster way, senior?"
The words slipped out unintentionally. He was desperate to seize any means of growing stronger quickly.
The urgency in his martial path and achievements had brought out the casual address.
Even he was startled by his words.
"Senior······?"
Baek Miryeo's sharp eyes softened slightly. A faint blush spread on her cheeks.
For a moment, even her lips seemed to tremble. It was hard to believe that as the famed Swordswoman?
But as befits a seasoned martial artist, she quickly composed herself with a deep breath.
In that instant, Jung Yeonshin couldn't help but wonder if Baek Miryeo had lost a sibling.
And he realized something else.
'I don't know anything about them.'
Baek Miryeo cleared her throat.
"First, you need to store powerful energy inside your body······"
Her explanation continued. In the end, it was all about energy.
The lower energy core opens naturally with prolonged breathing exercises, and the center energy core was no different.
Hasty techniques were only harmful, she said.
Although unrelated, Jung Yeonshin had been born with his Upper Dantian already open. Damn constitution.
Suppressing a sigh, he went down to the first floor, deciding to think about the center energy core later.
'Let's focus on building strength. It's not like I can't grow stronger without it.'
The inn was packed. The scent of food filled the air, and it was hard to find an empty seat.
Xian was said to be a gathering place for martial artists—a strange city where commoners wandered around without much fear.
It seemed the rumors of the Mount Hua Sect's sparring match had spread, drawing even more people.
"That's the young swordsman!"
"The one who defeated Mount Hua's sword dragon in three moves?"
"He looks to be the same age. How is that even possible?"
"I saw it with my own eyes!"
As Jung Yeonshin came down, murmurs broke out from all directions, likely from those who had witnessed the match.
"Lightning Genius will gain fame quickly. If his identity is revealed, it'll cause an uproar."
"Of course. He's the future of the fortress."
It was Chung Myung and Baek Miryeo. They made such embarrassing remarks without a second thought.
Praise linked to age meant nothing to him.
Even though this was the first time he had shown his martial arts and received an evaluation, Jung Yeonshin brushed off the comments and searched for Ma Jin.
The seats where Ma Jin and Heon Wonchang, the Radiant Demon Squad leader, had been sitting were conspicuously empty, making them easy to spot.
The chilling scars and formidable aura they exuded kept others from approaching. No one dared to share a table with them.
Jung Yeonshin pushed through the crowd and approached.
"Is this acceptable? Shouldn't we be discussing the mission?"
Seated with Chung Myung and Baek Miryeo, Jung Yeonshin questioned Ma Jin, who merely laughed.
"It's no secret that Mount Hua is scouring the area for the culprit. Warriors of great sects always have their movements tracked. Acting openly like this reduces the risk of unexpected civilian casualties."
"That's true."
"Have you heard the term 'Sound in the East, Strike in the West'? That's what we'll be doing."
"So we're not just blocking Mount Hua's forces—we're actively helping to resolve the situation?"
"Exactly. The investigation is already complete. The culprit is Tugwi, a notorious thief known across the northern Yangtze."
"Tugwi?"
Baek Miryeo suddenly stood up. Her aura surged like a honed blade, sharp enough to feel murderous intent.
"Yes. The same bastard who stole your martial arts manual. It works out well, doesn't it?"
"Was your martial arts manual stolen?"
Heon Wonchang, who had paused his meal, widened his eyes.
It was understandable.
A blue-robe master from Desolate Fortress was nearly unmatched except against massive sects like the Nine Great Sects.
A mere thief shouldn't have been capable of such a feat.
"There's a story behind it."
Baek Miryeo gave a brief response and fell silent, but her aura remained intense.
It felt like a raging wildfire, pressing down with a murderous determination to sever the thief's head.
After finishing their meal in silence, the group headed upstairs to Ma Jin's room.
The room was large, fitting his imposing frame.
Seated in a circle, Ma Jin met each person's eyes before speaking slowly.
"I'll explain the 'Sound in the East, Strike in the West' strategy. First, Mount Hua's martial arts are widely recognized here in Shaanxi—they stand out too much."
"And?"
"We're going to destroy the signboards of Shaanxi's unorthodox sects one by one. It'll be us, but the fights must stay contained indoors."
"And Mount Hua?"
"Mount Hua's scouts excel at stealth and movement techniques. While we draw attention, they'll infiltrate sects and investigate from the inside."
Ma Jin spoke indifferently. Whatever he found amusing, Heon Wonchang smirked.
"Do we have justification for taking down their signboards?"
Jung Yeonshin asked, and Chung Myung scratched his head, smiling.
"You don't seem familiar with unorthodox sects. They collect protection fees without any formal recognition. From the Imperial Family's perspective, distinguishing orthodox and unorthodox sects is simple—do commoners donate willingly, or are they robbed at swordpoint?"
Ma Jin nodded.
"They're parasites feeding off the nation. New groups form even when old ones are wiped out. We don't need justification to crush them—they're constantly wiping each other out as it is."
"How many sects are we targeting?"
"Five for now. I'll handle two."
"I'll go alone as well."
No one seemed surprised by Jung Yeonshin's declaration. Ma Jin asked.
"Are you seeking solo merit? The risk is high."
"I can handle it."
"Taking on an entire sect alone is another matter entirely. If it's a sect of martial artists, expect bodies to pile up with every strike. The smell of blood can shake even a master's mind. Group battles are the most unpredictable—they're nothing like duels."
"I need to gain that experience too."
"Fine. We'll divide the tasks here. Lightning Genius, your target is the Praying Mantis Sect in Lianhu County, Xian. They're a vile bunch, reportedly kidnapping women without hesitation. The mission is—"
Locking eyes with Jung Yeonshin, Ma Jin finished his sentence.
"Single-handed annihilation. Exterminate them all."