"By the way, have you decided on a name for your sword technique?"
"I've decided to call it Radiance Sword Style."
The subtle scent of tea lingered in the air. Heon Wonchang, who had hesitated before asking, received an answer.
Radiance Sword Style.
It was named with the hope that his life, like the light filling the heavens, would never fade, just as the sun, moon, and stars continue to shine.
The sword technique's characteristic of scattering radiant light along its trajectory also played a role.
"Ah... It has a much better resonance than I expected. This is truly a pity."
"What name were you thinking of?"
"I was considering The Light that Cleaves the Heaven and Earth. That's how it felt to me. If it achieves greatness, it will be a sword capable of ruling the world with a single strike!"
"..."
Jung Yeonshin silently sipped his tea. The flavor spreading across his tongue was exquisite.
It was called Jingwei Fu Tea Tea, and the golden hue of the tea water reflected the treatment they were receiving in Zhongnan Sect.
'It was unexpected.'
The response of the Zhongnan Sword Immortal to the Radiance Sword Style had been far beyond imagination.
The initially curt attitude had immediately softened.
He had even embraced Jung Yeonshin with teary eyes.
Compared to how he treated Jung Jungsan, the second brother, it was as if he were a completely different person.
Though Jung Yeonshin had neither saved the sect nor accomplished anything remarkable for Zhongnan Sect, he was being treated as an honored guest, which left him feeling uneasy.
However, Heon Wonchang seemed unfazed.
"I'd like to take some of this golden tea with me when we return."
He appeared carefree, as if he had never radiated killing intent or cut down enemies.
They spent some time chatting pleasantly.
Their mission was determined among themselves, in line with the authority entrusted by Ma Jin.
The goal was to prevent harm to civilians or to deal a meaningful blow to the Tyrant Sword Tribe.
They had earned Zhongnan's favor, ensuring quick access to news of battles.
"Master Jung?"
A pleasant voice called from outside the door. It was Wei-Ji Myohwa, the Cloud Sword Dragon.
Leaving behind Heon Wonchang's envious expression, Jung Yeonshin stepped out of the room.
It was the same as their first meeting.
She stood with long, ebony hair adorned with a distinctive feather ornament.
Dressed in sky-blue martial robes with one hand resting on the hilt of her sword, her demeanor reflected various qualities.
Even based on the brief encounters and observations, Jung Yeonshin couldn't help but admire her as a martial artist.
Her fearless criticism of her sect's mistakes, her chivalrous spirit in helping the needy, and her pursuit of higher martial paths as a swordswoman.
Her powerful martial arts were undoubtedly supported by a character that made her worthy of the title Dragon.
"I came to hear what we didn't get to discuss last time."
"You mean the sword marks left by the Sword Master of the Sect?"
She nodded.
"Though it shames me to say this as a member of my sect, I want to rid myself of the elder's shadow. In both chivalry and swordsmanship, I must walk my own path. I will become the Grandmaster of the Sect."
Her bold declaration before a younger boy showed her determination.
Since witnessing Radiance Sword Style, Wei-Ji Myohwa's demeanor had subtly shifted.
Her capability matched her reputation as the strongest rising talent of Zhongnan Sect.
"I'll support you."
At his calm response, she appeared slightly deflated but quickly composed herself.
"If you assist in restoring Nine Yang Unified Arts…"
Wei-Ji Myohwa's red lips moved.
"I promise to serve you with gratitude for the rest of my life. You'd be lifting a great burden from my otherwise dissatisfactory existence."
The gentle sunlight shone brightly on the ground.
In the blend of the midday sun's rays and the tranquil mountain landscape, only her voice resonated like a clear chime.
Sharing martial techniques in the martial world was an act of utmost dignity.
"Will you not?"
Her lips curved into a smooth, red arc.
It wasn't a desperate plea.
Confidence radiated from her gaze, like an unquenchable flame.
Was it the spirit of a rising talent at the peak of a prestigious sect?
Surely, she didn't mean to remain by his side forever.
It was more likely a pledge to help whenever possible as a martial artist repaying a debt of gratitude.
Jung Yeonshin nodded readily.
"It won't take long."
"Surprising, yet delightful."
Wei-Ji Myohwa smiled faintly.
Swish.
The two walked side by side. The feeling was strange.
Although Sword Dragon Wei-Ji Myohwa was clearly aligned with blue if compared to Desolate Fortress, granting such unilateral support to a martial artist of her skill and experience? It wasn't a common occurrence.
With mixed feelings, they reached the cliff's edge.
In the distance, the Zhongnan Sword Immortal stood with his hands behind his back, watching them.
His smiling face was remarkably different from before, ever since witnessing the Radiance Sword Style.
Heon Wonchang even joked that he might ascend to immortality at this rate.
"I will first share the mnemonic verses."
"What did you just say...? Mnemonic verses?"
Wei-Ji Myohwa turned her head sharply.
Her swaying hair brushed Jung Yeonshin's face, and he tapped his cheeks awkwardly.
He glanced briefly at her flustered expression and then spoke calmly.
"They won't be complete. That part will be up to you, Sword Dragon."
He had analyzed the traces of sword techniques and reverse-engineered the flow of core energy completely. He hadn't explicitly mentioned it.
By now, he was a key martial force entrusted by Desolate Fortress.
He knew what could and couldn't be said.
'Sword Dragon seems trustworthy, but...'
Could she possess the aptitude to steal someone else's martial art? Even the rumor alone wouldn't bode well.
Even now, her tone had risen noticeably.
"You said it required inspiration, yet your aptitude...!"
Her expression conveyed disbelief that such a thing could exist in the world.
"So my part would be...?"
"I'll give you the incomplete verses. You'll refine them into a near-complete form."
Was the conclusion so difficult? Jung Yeonshin spoke with a trace of curiosity.
It was very simple. Compared to retracing traces to extract verses one by one, this was an entirely different matter.
As she fell silent, the sun began to set.
* * *
Wei-Ji Myohwa disappeared for a while after receiving the mnemonic verses.
According to the Zhongnan Sword Immortal, she had succumbed to Heart Demon.
Even a righteous nature couldn't guarantee freedom from one's inner struggles.
"She wasn't a girl who flaunted her skills, yet it seems she was deeply shaken by your aptitude."
The Zhongnan Sword Immortal looked at Jung Yeonshin with a peculiar gaze.
"Among martial artists of her age in Shaanxi, there was no equal. Even considering Mount Hua Sect, that remained true. In the Central Plains, Shaanxi stands above most small nations, so she likely considered herself the best talent under heaven."
"Best under heaven."
Jung Yeonshin murmured as if savoring the words. It was an unfamiliar resonance.
The Zhongnan Sword Immortal slowly nodded.
"Yes. For the first time, she felt her talent was insignificant, after witnessing the real thing."
"That's meaningless. Sword Dragon is several steps above me as a martial artist."
For Jung Yeonshin, who was constantly pressed for time, it was difficult to understand.
Talent or age couldn't replace one's current position.
Watching him shake his head, the Zhongnan Sword Immortal let out a hollow laugh.
"What a fatal mistake Heaven has made. It gave you talent more than sufficient, yet also the hunger to seek what you lack. There's no fairness in the world."
"Your words flatter me."
They had grown considerably closer. Some in the Zhongnan Sect even joked that it was like watching a grandfather and grandson.
To Jung Yeonshin as well, the Zhongnan Sword Immortal felt far more approachable than his maternal grandfather, Ma Yeonjeok.
It was then.
"Elder Jong, and Master Jung."
The voice rang out, and in the next moment, she was already standing before them.
With the mysterious agility of Body Lightening Techniques, her jet-black hair swayed over her sky-blue martial robe.
"Sword Dragon."
"You've returned. I knew you'd overcome it quickly."
It was Wei-Ji Myohwa, whom they had just been discussing. Her pale face looked almost gaunt.
After greeting the Zhongnan Sword Immortal, she respectfully cupped her hands toward Jung Yeonshin. Her expression appeared resolute.
"Master Jung. Since you've already obtained the mnemonic verses, you should be able to demonstrate the sword techniques, right?"
"...Yes. That's correct."
"Could you practice Nine Yang Unified Arts with me? Practicing together would speed up our progress."
"I'm sorry."
Jung Yeonshin shook his head.
"I don't even have enough time to train my own sword style."
"Ah..."
She let out a regretful sigh, unable to force the request. He slowly added,
"Since the roots are similar, observing each other's techniques should suffice. You're welcome to join me while I train Radiance Sword Style. Meanwhile, you can focus on Nine Yang Unified Arts."
Inspired by Chung Myung, he had also practiced Body Lightening Techniques this way.
Jung Yeonshin grasped the essence of opponents' martial arts during combat.
The custom of forbidding observation of others' training didn't hold much weight for him.
Yet, their reactions differed. For the first time, admiration flickered in Wei-Ji Myohwa's eyes.
"...The true great hero of this generation is you, Master Jung."
"Generosity should only go so far. The vessel to hold this world is already complete."
The Zhongnan Sword Immortal sighed. His unchanged expression suggested his goodwill had only grown stronger.
It seemed to be admiration, not for talent, but for Jung Yeonshin's magnanimity.
Their faces radiated deep familiarity.
Revealing one's insights and demonstrating established martial techniques were entirely different matters.
'Misunderstandings are piling up.'
Jung Yeonshin set aside his thoughts and headed toward the training grounds behind Sunshim Pavilion.
The elegant sound of Wei-Ji Myohwa's footsteps followed softly behind him.
As he glanced sideways, she stopped at her spot with a gentle smile.
Almost simultaneously, the two drew their swords.
Srrrng.
Beneath the sunlight, the Desolate Sword appeared more beautiful than ever before.
It was said that swords forged by Iron Clans grew along with their owners. Even for a mass-produced sword, it seemed the same.
Having absorbed Jung Yeonshin's experiences and achievements, it had become the vessel for Radiance Sword Style. No other sword could suit him better.
"Radiance."
He murmured inwardly as he activated the mnemonic verses.
The core energy flow of Radiance Sword Style was vastly different from Infinite Blossom Fist Strike.
While Infinite Blossom Fist Strike delivered strikes in isolated bursts, Radiance Sword Style unfolded in seamless, continuous flows.
Woom.
Imagining sunlight pooling into waves, Jung Yeonshin began to move the Desolate Sword.
The blade, absorbing light from the sun overhead, traced a circle as it descended toward the earth.
There was no obstruction in his movements.
It felt as if the light and wind clinging to the blade were transferring onto his body—surprisingly familiar.
Radiance Sword Style. It was natural because he had created it himself.
'I am its master.'
In this moment, he felt it completely. He was the father of this martial art.
"Ah."
A soft sigh dissipated before it could reach Jung Yeonshin's ears.
On the other side, Wei-Ji Myohwa's sword had stopped.
Standing still in place, she fixed her gaze on Jung Yeonshin.
She had been practicing Nine Yang Unified Arts beside him, moving her core energy along with his.
Based on her overwhelming experience and knowledge, she had undoubtedly started ahead.
At first, she had even felt relieved by Jung Yeonshin's seemingly rough swordsmanship, only to scold herself for such a shallow thought.
Yet, in mere moments, he had caught up in terms of mastery.
Jung Yeonshin danced with the sword of the sun.
Despite learning new techniques at the same time, their levels of achievement were worlds apart.
Anyone watching could easily see it.
Both Nine Yang Unified Arts and Radiance Sword Style were advanced techniques that no one could belittle.
While Wei-Ji Myohwa swallowed hard, the pace of Desolate Sword shifted.
Suddenly, Jung Yeonshin's movements began to incorporate elements of Swift Sword Technique.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
As the waves of light from Radiance Sword Style rippled, Wei-Ji Myohwa's sword lowered slowly.
The one holding the dragon's pearl was elsewhere.
An unfamiliar sense of defeat against overwhelming martial talent.
Masters who trained their core energy deeply often developed an Aura Gaze.
The light from their eyes, enhanced by core energy, flickered like a predator's.
"What am I even..."
Wei-Ji Myohwa, whose eyes had always been clear and steady, now saw her vision blur.
Her focus was slowly fading away.