"…I must have mentioned it when entrusting you with the Blood Flame Cult case. I told you that the Mount Hua Sect lost their Plum Blossom Pill, didn't I?"
"You said the Shaanxi branch didn't have the capacity to handle it at the time. Thanks to that, I captured the Blood Master Swordsman."
"That's right. And it still hasn't been resolved. Plum Blossom Pill is a treasure worthy of its name—an elixir comparable to the supreme treasures of the martial world. Those who were suspected, the sects that took the lead in questioning them to gain Mount Hua's favor, other sects and martial artists who seized the opportunity to settle old grudges—every faction in Shaanxi Province is entangled."
"…The martial artists must be running wild."
His expression wasn't serious. The vast martial world of Shaanxi, larger than most small nations, was completely embroiled. It was impossible not to feel excited.
He already sensed it. Martial artists who claimed to walk the world with their swords were scattered across Shaanxi Province.
All of them were people who could help refine the Infinite Blossom Fist Strike.
Had his thoughts shown on his face? Ma Jin, who had just made the suggestion, couldn't quite hide his unease.
"You'll travel with the Mount Hua Sect. Until the fight settles, you'll assist them in searching for their Plum Blossom Pill."
"A martial artist from another sect helping to find their sect's sacred elixir…?"
"It's also a form of surveillance. Mount Hua knows this too. They've already had one major clash with the unorthodox factions. The largest inn in Xian was completely destroyed, and the casualties were devastating. Your role, Radiant Demon Squad, is to moderate Mount Hua's use of force, which stands at the center of this storm."
"Will Mount Hua accept that?"
"Mount Hua wants to become the second Shaolin Temple. As a representative of the Taoist sects, they seek imperial endorsement. Even if you go alone, you'll be treated quite well. Of course, there will also be some checks and balances."
"…"
Jung Yeonshin remained silent for a moment before speaking slowly.
"Such a large-scale conflict in the martial world doesn't happen often. With the justification already in place, it's an opportunity to swing my sword as I please in real combat."
"Exactly. Given your particular talents, I believe this experience will bring achievements incomparable to training. It's a chance to cross swords with renowned martial artists under the name of Desolate Fortress."
He had already agreed internally. Martial arts without practical combat were no different from theories.
The Infinite Blossom Fist Strike was a newly created martial art and still lacked techniques, but this mission seemed like the perfect chance to supplement them.
Opportunities to observe the martial arts of the Nine Great Sects wouldn't come often.
"You've already successfully completed one mission. This time, it's up to your discretion."
"I'll go."
He didn't hesitate much. He also felt the need to distance himself from Desolate Fortress for a while.
He couldn't predict how his fanatical grandfather might try to sway him.
Once bound by family ties, it would be difficult to break free, and it could end up hindering his progress.
'I should aim to stay out and build merit, avoiding any downtime.'
Resolving himself, Jung Yeonshin raised his head.
"What about the team members?"
"The same as in the Blood Flame Cult case. Heon Wonchang is still a newcomer, and Chung Myung and Baek Miryeo haven't finished their disciplinary measures for the Heavenly Squad incident. They volunteered quite actively. And I'll be joining as well."
"You, sir?"
"If we're dealing with the Nine Great Sects, it's only fitting for a captain of the Divine Sword Squad to attend."
"When do we leave?"
"Everything is set. We'll depart tomorrow. Pack your things as soon as you return."
Jung Yeonshin slowly nodded. He would have to delay learning the Lord's martial arts until after this mission.
For now, he had to focus on completing the Infinite Blossom Fist Strike. The experience gained in this mission would be invaluable.
A few blossoms of plum flowers fell gently, their petals tinged pink under the sunlight.
The breeze, flowing like cursive script written by a master calligrapher, brushed past the five martial artists of Radiant Demon Squad's group along with the scattered petals.
'I hope the next mission is somewhere with a postal relay station.'
Jung Yeonshin thought, regretting the time already spent.
The rows of blooming plum trees felt more oppressive than before. Time simply refused to stop.
"What a shame. Isn't this the martial center of Shaanxi Province? Yet, we can't even wear the Desolate Fortress uniforms."
Heon Wonchang grumbled.
Instead of the eye-catching uniforms of Desolate Fortress, they wore plain clothes to preserve Mount Hua's dignity.
"It doesn't seem as bustling as Yangyang."
Jung Yeonshin replied, having grown accustomed to brushing off Heon Wonchang's idle complaints.
Seeing him grin as if he hadn't just been sulking confirmed it.
"Xian in Shaanxi is said to be a hub where all kinds of experts gather, aside from Mount Hua and Zhongnan."
"I see."
Responding calmly, Jung Yeonshin looked around. It was definitely different.
Unlike Yangyang, which was packed with large trading companies and all sorts of street vendors, Xian had a more orderly elegance.
Perhaps because it had thrived for so long, even before the founding of the nation.
The group dismounted in front of a massive inn boasting a two-hundred-year history.
Its appearance was closer to a grand tavern than an inn.
They never stayed in shabby places while passing through cities, a privilege of Desolate Fortress's wealth.
Ma Jin spoke as he dismounted.
"Xian is Zhongnan Sect's territory. Mount Hua can't stir things up freely here. We need to be careful too."
"Ugh… I never imagined I'd get more familiar with horses than swords before entering the main fortress."
Heon Wonchang patted his waist and thighs.
It was then.
Suddenly, the inn's doors opened. At the same time, Jung Yeonshin sensed a strong wave of martial energy clustered together.
"The masters of Desolate Fortress have arrived. We've been expecting you."
Men and women dressed as Taoist priests filed out in an orderly manner.
Despite being over a dozen in number, they didn't feel chaotic.
Instead, they felt like a single giant blade.
What stood out most was the plum blossom embroidery at the hem of their white robes.
'Mount Hua Sect!'
The middle-aged swordsman at the forefront radiated a formidable energy that rivaled the first time he faced Ma Jin.
"Sage Cheon Joo, you've been here for quite some time. The roads were rough, but we managed to arrive on schedule."
Ma Jin offered a brief bow with his fists clasped.
Jung Yeonshin sensed Heon Wonchang flinch beside him.
Should he praise him for not making a fuss?
'The leader of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.'
They called him the Sword Absolute of Mount Hua, Cheon Joo. It was a well-known name.
A reputation that extended beyond Shaanxi Province.
A supreme martial artist leading the Mount Hua Sect's elite swordsmen had descended the mountain in person.
"Radiant Demon Squad's leader, Wave Swordswoman, and the Azure-Eye Demonic Swordsman. All familiar faces."
Cheon Joo scanned the three of them with an expressionless face.
'Demonic Swordsman?'
Chung Myung, the Azure-Eye Demonic Swordsman. It was the first time he'd heard the epithet. It was quite surprising. How must he have fought his enemies?
When Jung Yeonshin glanced at Chung Myung, he simply responded with a faint smile.
In Zhenping County, all he had seen was Chung Myung lightly crossing swords with the Blood Flame cultists. Naturally, his curiosity grew.
"There's no need for introductions. The swords exchanged last time should suffice."
The clash between Radiant Demon Squad's forces and the Plum Blossom Swordsmen had already become a famous incident.
It was said that not a single casualty came from Desolate Fortress's side, but no one knew how Mount Hua had fared.
"I see how seriously Desolate Fortress is treating this matter. Even the great Radiant Demon Squad brought along his disciple."
Sage Cheon Joo's sharp gaze seemed as if it could pierce through Jung Yeonshin, but he let it pass indifferently.
He had already faced the Lord of Desolate Fortress and the previous leader of the Divine Sword Squad.
Even if Sage Cheon Joo was a formidable master, he didn't surpass them.
'Hmm?'
Jung Yeonshin's eyes caught a swordsman of similar age among the Mount Hua elites.
The youth had a languid air about him, even letting out a small yawn as if everything in the world was beneath him.
When their eyes met, the young Taoist grinned and looked up at the sky.
Ma Jin, who had remained silent, finally spoke.
"That one…"
"The disciple of Desolate Fortress doesn't seem ordinary either. Why not have him exchange blades with our sect leader's disciple? Though we acknowledge each other, traveling together can be uncomfortable. This could serve as a little diversion."
Cheon Joo turned his eyes toward Ma Jin as he spoke.
'Trying to put him in his place.'
Mount Hua was clearly aware that this escort was essentially surveillance.
As one of the most prestigious sword sects in the world, they couldn't have been thrilled to accept the arrangement, even if it was due to Imperial Family's pressure.
It would be awkward for the senior masters to cross swords, so they intended to test each other's juniors instead.
"Desolate Fortress's disciple?"
Heon Wonchang muttered blankly.
They were not officially recognized disciples, not until they wore the white robes.
Those training before earning the white robe were merely referred to as Desolate Fortress disciples out of formality.
Jung Yeonshin remained impassive, but the expressions of the other four from Radiant Demon Squad subtly shifted.
'Unless it's a supreme martial artist, it's difficult to gauge skill through aura alone. Perhaps it's because my core energy is relatively weak, and my presence feels faint.'
With that realization, Jung Yeonshin spoke.
"Captain."
"Hmm?"
When Ma Jin turned to him, Jung Yeonshin lightly tapped the scabbard of his Desolate Sword. It was a sign that he would step forward.
"You've brought me trouble again… Will five moves do?"
The young Taoist looked up at Cheon Joo and asked in a languid voice. He didn't even bother lowering his tone.
Was this level of rudeness permissible?
For someone who claimed to be the sect leader's disciple, he seemed utterly careless.
"There will be something to learn. Go all out."
"What am I supposed to learn? I heard Radiant Demon Squad's techniques rely on senses."
With a sigh, the youth stepped forward, and the area in front of the inn quickly transformed into an impromptu arena.
It was said that martial arts duels often began abruptly like this.
'Interesting.'
Jung Yeonshin recalled the Zhongnan Sect masters who had inspired his Swift Sword Technique at Jung Family Manor.
He hadn't been able to study Zhongnan's martial arts then. How profound would Mount Hua's techniques be?
The martial artists from both groups formed a wide circle.
Xian wasn't a small city.
Curious onlookers began to gather, murmuring as they recognized the Mount Hua Sect.
"What's happening?"
"Lower your voice. That's Mount Hua!"
"The Sword Immortals of Mount Hua have come to our Xian?"
"Looks like they're about to spar. What a rare sight. Look at that remarkable young Taoist—his aura is almost divine!"
"It must be an exchange of teachings between martial artists. Truly magnanimous of Mount Hua!"
Jung Yeonshin smirked. Gaining attention from the common folk felt novel.
It hadn't happened since his first public test in Desolate Fortress's Swift Sword Ceremony.
The two martial artists faced each other. Jung Yeonshin spoke first.
"You mentioned five moves."
"Did that offend you? Sorry. I didn't mean to belittle you. My morning training was just tiring."
The young Taoist smiled faintly.
"I'm Yoo Hyun from Mount Hua."
"Jung Yeonshin."
He kept his response short. Wearing plain clothes, he couldn't openly claim to be from the Radiant Demon Squad.
Voices murmured, commenting that his lack of formality was rude.
Some even gasped at Yoo Hyun's name, recognizing him as a martial prodigy.
"The Sword Dragon of Mount Hua!"
"They say Mount Hua's sect leader's disciple is a peerless genius. I can't believe I'm seeing him in person!"
"He's rumored to have mastered the Falling Blossoms Palm Strike and the Six Harmonies Sacred Sword. He's even younger than I thought."
"They call him the future of Mount Hua. He's already learning the Violet Dawn Sacred Arts, or so I've heard."
The praises were endless. Jung Yeonshin's smile deepened.
There was no need for words once two martial artists faced off.
As he stepped forward, Yoo Hyun moved first without a sound.
His steps resembled the footwork of the Noble clan, closing the distance instantly. It must have been Mount Hua's famed Invisible Wind Stride.
Whoosh!
A palm strike soared down, spreading like a blossoming flower.
Mount Hua's martial arts were as mystical and refined as spells.
'Falling Blossoms Palm Strike. Not flashy, but rich in variations to prevent counters.'
His excitement grew. Breaking each variation might yield insights for his own techniques.
Thud!
He deflected the palm with the back of his fist. The impact was light, but Jung Yeonshin's technique sent the force spiraling back, generating a vortex.
Infinite Blossom Fist Strike's first technique—'Vortex'.
Boom!
"Huh?!"
Yoo Hyun's eyes widened in shock. Even the residual force unsettled him.
"What the—?!"
He looked dumbfounded, as if it defied common sense.
If Jung Yeonshin had Yoo Hyun's level of core energy, he might have shattered his neck with that strike.
Tap.
Now it was Jung Yeonshin's turn to advance.
He stepped forward, driving a fist like an arrow loosed from a bowstring.
The second technique—'Formidable Wall'—summoned a clap of thunder.
Boom!
Fragments of force scattered, tearing up the ground. Even the sunlight dimmed through the rising dust.
Jung Yeonshin fixed his gaze straight ahead.
Through the dust, Yoo Hyun appeared, dispelling the force with dazzling hand movements resembling the earlier palm technique.
Falling Blossoms Palm Strike again.
It was enough to inspire Infinite Blossom Fist Strike's third technique.
Jung Yeonshin grinned.
"Let's go a bit longer. I'd prefer ten moves."
"…!"