"There were Blood Flame members?"
Ma Jin muttered, his facial scar contorting deeply.
"And not just anyone, but the Blood Master Swordsman…"
"This proves that what happened in Zhenping County wasn't a matter of luck."
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Baek Miryeo furrowed her brows, while behind her, Chung Myung simply patted Jung Yeonshin's head in admiration.
"There are traces where regenerative functions started but were interrupted. It's definitely the Blood Master Swordsman."
For some reason, Heon Wonchang showed an unexpected reaction.
He didn't click his tongue or shake his head as if resigned.
Instead, he examined the blade and confirmed excessive wear on its surface while inspecting the severed head of the Blood Master Swordsmans.
Ma Jin spoke.
"This isn't normal. It's something that shouldn't even be possible."
"The Blood Master Swordsmen aren't this common."
Baek Miryeo gave a slight nod.
"It's a matter that needs to be investigated, whether it's the unorthodox martial world or places without sects. The expansion of the Blood Flame Sect's influence is a serious issue. If they've developed their sorcery to the point where each region has a Master Swordsman, it could mean there are also more followers of the Blood Flame Cult. Fully corrupted ones. If their numbers have also increased… that's terrifying."
"Of course."
Even Chung Myung nodded in agreement this time.
"Lightning Genius has made no small contribution. It seems incidents follow you, yet handling them and bringing back information and merit will have an impact on the martial world. I'm sure Desolate Fortress will respond."
Ma Jin, who had been silently observing him for a moment, spoke again.
"So, you want to climb Zhongnan Mountain."
"I have no choice. I must be concerned about my nephew's safety."
Was that perceived as a veiled criticism of Desolate Fortress?
Ma Jin's face stiffened awkwardly. For once, he looked troubled as he spoke.
"…We've just received this news as well. But Zhongnan Mountain is dangerous right now. The Tyrant Sword Tribe is different from the Blood Flame Cult."
"They can't be called merely unorthodox. They refine both orthodox martial arts and sorcery, obsessed with growing stronger without regard for limits."
Baek Miryeo added, concern reflected in her slightly upturned eyes.
"Yes. More than anything, no mission has been assigned. Our duty is to focus on the tasks given to us."
Ma Jin and Baek Miryeo seemed unwilling to send Jung Yeonshin away.
Only Chung Myung, as oblivious as ever, spoke in support of the youngest of the Radiant Demon Squad.
"But a captain can make an independent judgment and issue a mission, can't they?"
"…"
While Baek Miryeo glared sharply, Ma Jin continued.
"I'll be honest. How can we send you off, not knowing if you'll return from Zhongnan Mountain?"
"What?"
It was a statement that prompted an involuntary response.
However, everyone except Jung Yeonshin seemed to share the sentiment.
"Anyone in Desolate Fortress who knows your talent would be worried."
"It's not unfounded anxiety. How could anyone not covet you, especially with your family ties? Even the Mount Hua Sect once talked about inviting you as a guest."
Baek Miryeo and even Chung Myung spoke with expressions of agreement.
Jung Yeonshin knew there was another reason Ma Jin was concerned—because he hadn't formed strong ties with the Radiant Demon Squad.
"What if the captain cannot distinguish between public duty and personal feelings? Is this all the trust I've earned in Radiant Demon Squad?"
His voice was calm, but the words struck hard.
"…"
"I've made clear contributions. Let me go. Record this as an independent merit."
"You've cornered him."
Chung Myung ended up getting elbowed by Baek Miryeo.
As Chung Myung groaned, Ma Jin, who had been deep in thought, slowly opened his mouth.
"You're right. It's hard to flatly refuse. Let's make a bet."
"A bet?"
"Endure one move of my technique. Just one second will do. If you block or evade it, I'll let you go. After all, if you want to dominate the martial world, you need at least that much skill. Plus, I'll promise additional rewards."
"Understood."
While the others expressed their surprise, Jung Yeonshin nodded without hesitation.
They moved to the inn's backyard. Neither Jung Yeonshin nor Ma Jin cared about prying eyes.
It was a brief match to exchange one move.
Masters from the Mount Hua Sect approached to ask what was happening.
Hearing a rough explanation, many cautiously requested to observe the match.
Ma Jin allowed it without much thought.
"Thank you."
The Mount Hua Sect's martial artists blocked the view of commoners.
"The Radiant Demon Squad's leader is about to make a move. Isn't he comparable to senior masters from our sect?"
Yoo Hyun asked Cheon Joo, the leader of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen. Cheon Joo confirmed and added,
"In a brawl, he's probably stronger than I am. His nickname, 'Underworld Reaper', means he completely dominates battlefields. Many senior members of prestigious sects have died by his hand, falling victim to his ruthless techniques."
"Even enduring one move sounds terrifying."
"You can't take even a simple gesture lightly against someone of his level. Even a single exchange contains deadly intent. Unlike us who pursue the ultimate in swordsmanship, his martial arts are purely honed for combat. Imagine martial techniques taken to the extreme—nothing could be scarier."
"…Even for Yeonshin, it seems too much. No one our age could avoid a critical strike against someone like that."
Yoo Hyun's gaze turned to Jung Yeonshin, who stood before Ma Jin.
Radiant Demon Squad's blade expert, with his hand resting lightly on the hilt, facing the wind.
His face remained calm, showing little emotional fluctuation.
Jung Yeonshin was focused solely on showcasing the techniques he had honed. He spoke calmly.
"May I take some time?"
"Take as much as you need. I intend to show you a strike that even Baek Miryeo would struggle to handle, so sharpen your senses."
It sounded like he was holding back, but Ma Jin's standards were different.
Radiant Demon Squad's leader—an elite martial artist of the dark arts. Even among Desolate Fortress, there were said to be fewer than thirty like him.
Jung Yeonshin closed his eyes, observing his body and awakening his dantian first.
The energy circulating through his body began to rise.
At the same time, he prepared the sensitivity he had gained from the Praying Mantis Sect.
For an ordinary martial artist, such sensations might be fleeting and require extensive training to grasp.
Jung Yeonshin was different. Once he experienced something, it became his own instantly.
He didn't need to spend time trying to evolve through coincidence.
'I see it.'
Was this like the Clone Technique of the legendary Monkey King?
It was as if he could see Ma Jin's back even while facing him, observing every detail.
His acute sense of energy circulation added to the perception, reaching a state of full readiness.
"I'll let you take the first move."
For once, Jung Yeonshin made a rare joke.
Ma Jin smirked slightly and raised his hand, forming a thick knife-hand stance.
It was said that his martial arts represented the essence of Radiant Demon Squad's techniques, honed to mastery with all types of weaponry.
He was known to skillfully handle any weapon found on the battlefield—even liquor bottles scattered across the tavern floor.
'Then his hands must be the most dangerous.'
Just sensing the gathering energy, it became clear what they meant when they said it would be too much for Baek Miryeo to handle.
The density was on another level.
Judging by that level of palm technique, it seemed capable of shattering even thick fortress walls in a single strike.
'I'll have to dodge.'
He made the calculation. Blocking poorly would surely result in severe injury.
Jung Yeonshin completely lowered the hand he had raised toward his sword.
As the spectators watched in confusion, Ma Jin's massive figure lunged forward.
Boom!
His movement was neither elegant nor intricate—it was straightforward and overwhelmingly fast.
It felt like a compressed storm rushing in.
Even so, this was likely not his full speed, yet Jung Yeonshin barely managed to turn his body to the side.
Whoosh!
Ma Jin controlled his movement with astounding precision.
A slight twist of his toes reversed the flow of power. The edge of his palm sliced through the air horizontally, targeting Jung Yeonshin's head.
Up to that moment, Jung Yeonshin continued observing Ma Jin's movements. A faint blue glow brushed past his eyes.
His usual evasive instincts would not be enough to escape this.
The agility he learned from Chung Myung was not a formal technique but required a deliberate step to open a path to survival.
'Just one step.'
In his mind, he traced the trajectories of Ma Jin's movements and the direction of his power, forming complex lines.
It felt as if the Baihui Acupoint at the crown of his head was burning.
He calculated the exact stance, the flow of core energy, and the precise moment to step.
A single step that would tear through the tempest began to take shape in his imagination.
At the same time, he felt another energy forming near his heart. It happened in an instant.
A stream of core energy, refined through Jung Clan's techniques, momentarily activated his central core energy.
For a brief moment, the strengthened energy spurred the creation of a new martial technique.
It wasn't the realm of top masters who could slow down time.
Jung Yeonshin's thoughts simply moved at the speed of lightning.
At this moment, his natural talent manifested in the realm of subconscious martial intuition.
Step.
Crash—!
As Jung Yeonshin took a single step forward, an immense wave of energy swept over his head, lifting his hair.
He then felt a fierce gust following the explosion of force behind him.
"…"
Dust clouds swirled, but no one said a word.
All those present were martial artists who lived alongside their techniques.
Everyone could feel that Jung Yeonshin's step had been extraordinary.
"That footwork just now…"
Ma Jin, still holding his striking posture, barely moved his lips.
"What was that? I've never seen it before."
"I merely walked. I saw a path to survival."
"…You're truly incomprehensible. As always."
"I'll name it Splendid Wings Step ."
Jung Yeonshin spoke calmly.
The origin of the Radiant Demon Squad's name was not complicated.
It symbolized the wings of Desolate Fortress, meant to eradicate the demons of the Great Ming Empire.
But the name Splendid Wings Step was different.
The inclusion of the character for brilliance (奐) reflected Jung Yeonshin's affection for Radiant Demon Squad, where he had made his home.
Ma Jin's expression softened, as did those of Chung Myung and Baek Miryeo.
Ma Jin straightened his posture and spoke slowly.
"I permit Lightning Genius's journey to Zhongnan."
"Whooaaah!"
Heon Wonchang shouted excitedly and rushed over, showering him with praise about how astonishing his footwork had been.
As his body swayed under Heon Wonchang's excited grip, Jung Yeonshin remained calm, lost in thought.
'Splendid Wings Step.'
For now, it was only a single step. How many more steps could it extend to?
If it reached ten steps, would he stand among the ranks of the Divine Sword Squad Masters?
"A prodigy has emerged from Desolate Fortress."
"It's not entirely comforting. But there's boundless potential in this young talent. Watching his growth will be a joy."
"You'd better not turn me away when I come knocking!"
Amidst the awe of the Mount Hua Sect masters and Yoo Hyun's admiring gaze, Jung Yeonshin returned to the guest house.
Warmth filled the air among the Radiant Demon Squad masters seated around him.
"If you're going to the Zhongnan Sect alone, white won't be enough, will it?"
Chung Myung grinned.
Jung Yeonshin's eyes filled with curiosity. What was he talking about now?