Jung Yeonshin slowly sipped his drink. As he consumed the Lei Xian Treasure Brew and circulated the Jung Clan Dynamic Movement Arts, something strange happened.
New energy gradually accumulated in his center energy core. He observed his body. There was no change in the Baihui acupoint at the crown of his head.
'So that's it.'
He had to cast away vain hopes.
This was why Jung Yeonshin refused to lean on the warmth of the Lord of Desolate Fortress.
Though he hadn't expected much, he felt his entire body relax slightly.
At times like this, even the functionality of the center energy core was of little use. Experiencing something good, yet feeling down—such was the moment.
The sight of the Lord of Desolate Fortress, smiling enigmatically, appeared irritating to him for the first time.
Jung Yeonshin clasped his hands together after surveying the surroundings.
"I thank all the warriors for witnessing my coming-of-age ceremony."
The humble etiquette displayed by the young man, despite his bold demeanor, added a picturesque charm to the scene.
Faces began to light up with satisfaction one by one, and people started to speak.
"Is he of the Desolate Ma family's bloodline?"
"Indeed, the spirit of a prestigious family never abandons its descendants."
"To stand independently, without relying on the clan? That's the demeanor of a grandmaster."
"He will surely establish a household of his own one day."
Jung Yeonshin offered another bow before stepping down from the platform.
As he passed by his grandfather, Ma Yeonjeok, who stood with trembling eyes, he halted in front of Ma Se-in.
Ma Se-in knelt on one knee, forcing Jung Yeonshin to look down at him.
Ma Se-in's face was filled with emptiness. His thick eyebrows drooped, forming a dazed expression.
Jung Yeonshin felt he could somewhat grasp the young man's feelings. Having cast aside his pride first, Ma Se-in had likely yielded completely.
'Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to discuss succession.'
Although Ma Se-in's decision would determine his life's path, Jung Yeonshin dismissed it all with a single drink.
He sipped the Lei Xian Treasure Brew he had obtained himself and spoke of the martial world. A lone wanderer dominating the martial realm.
Being content as a martial artist of Desolate Fortress, free to roam the world, was sufficient. It was enough to make anyone feel despondent.
Jung Yeonshin opened his mouth.
"You'll make a good head of the family."
"What...?"
Startled, Ma Se-in raised his head, but Jung Yeonshin had already passed by.
Today made it clear.
His grandfather, Ma Yeonjeok, fell short of the Sword Immortal of Zhongnan. Though he chose Ma Se-in as the successor, his eyes were fixated on Jung Yeonshin.
Had he been able to discern the condition of Jung Yeonshin's upper dantian, his attitude might have been different.
'The Sword Immortal seemed to have noticed my constitution.'
Confronted with his bustling maternal family, Jung Yeonshin recalled the Sword Immortal of Zhongnan and Master Wei Ji-myo-hwa. Peaceful days spent training came to mind.
Living out the rest of his years in a serene, spiritually abundant mountain like Zhongnan didn't seem bad.
'May those years last at least thirty more.'
He prayed to Buddha and the Primeval Celestial Lord as he left the banquet hall. Ma Jin was already waiting outside.
Confirming that no one else was nearby, Jung Yeonshin suddenly asked.
"Captain, are you unmarried?"
"What?"
"Aren't you the eldest son of the Ma family's direct lineage? You're still in your prime, yet there's such turmoil over succession. I can't find a reason that makes sense."
"..."
The scar across Ma Jin's face twitched, as if he suddenly felt drained.
Just then, Chung Myung leaned in with a grin.
He had also attended Jung Yeonshin's coming-of-age ceremony.
"Shouldn't Lady Lightning Genius know? I'll tell her."
"...Do as you wish."
Chung Myung waited until Ma Jin had walked quite a distance away before continuing.
Jung Yeonshin, looking puzzled, glanced at the two and then quickly closed both his questions and eyelids.
Even a brief moment was too precious. He was observing his center energy core when Chung Myung began speaking.
"When the captain was still a white-robed novice, he returned from a mission holding Miryeo's hand."
"Senior Baek Miryeo?"
Jung Yeonshin opened his eyes. Chung Myung smiled indifferently.
"Yes. She was just a little girl back then. About this tall?"
Chung Myung tapped his waist as he continued.
"They said she was brought from a sect that passes down secret techniques. She was expected to become a key force in Desolate Fortress. But that wasn't the issue. The mission was in Xinye, a battlefield rife with remnants of the fallen Demonic Cult."
"The Demonic Cult?"
Jung Yeonshin reflexively questioned. He knew it as a place that had perished alongside the Kunlun Sect, once counted among the Nine Great Sects.
They had helped establish the Ming dynasty but later devolved into a heretical religion.
It was a tale of an ancient cult, frequently led by demonic masters called Heavenly Demons.
"Yes. It wasn't a safe place for someone in white robes. The captain, desiring the blue rank, volunteered. Though he completed the mission, during a fight with a surviving expert from Xinye..."
Chung Myung trailed off. The smile he often wore faded.
Seeing Jung Yeonshin urging him with his eyes, he sighed before continuing.
"He was struck by a lethal technique. It hit his vital spot. They said the enemy evaded and struck back when the captain attacked with a kick."
"What?"
"The opponent was vicious. Even the seniors who accompanied him and later became captains don't mention it. Not even Heavenly Squad's captain, despite their poor relationship."
"..."
"Since then, Ma Jin hasn't been able to function as a man. Miryeo has revered him as her benefactor ever since. How could she not?"
"I understand."
In martial arts, battles often required launching one's body into the air.
If Ma Jin had mastered the Radiant Demon Arts, he would have had no choice but to kick, exposing his central vital points.
The martial world was a harsh place. Injuries leading to disability were not uncommon.
Jung Yeonshin imagined a younger Ma Jin in white robes. He slowly opened his mouth.
"Kunlun Sect's Eight Styles of the Cloud Dragon, and Shaolin's Buddha's Radiance Energy Flow."
"Hmm?"
"They're known as techniques for maneuvering midair. I'd like to see them."
Chung Myung grinned.
"As it happens, our next mission is likely in Henan. We might cooperate with Shaolin. If luck is on our side, you may get to witness the Buddha's Radiance Energy Flow."
* * *
A month of rest followed the coming-of-age ceremony, though it felt meaningless.
Jung Yeonshin wished to head out on missions without delay.
"Establishing a foothold in Henan in advance wouldn't be a bad idea."
Ma Jin, seated in the office, suggested.
Sensing Jung Yeonshin's usual sharp gaze, Ma Jin seemed uneasy, but Jung Yeonshin ignored it and asked.
"What exactly is the mission?"
"Extermination. This time, we're severing one of the Blood Flame Cult's limbs. If luck is on our side, we might uncover their main base."
After sipping tea, Ma Jin continued.
"When you captured Tugwi, there was a follower I fought—a monster completely devoid of red hair. He surpassed even the Blood Master Swordsmen. We've tracked his movements."
"From Shaanxi to Henan?"
"His trail vanished at Peongjung Mountain in Henan. It's within Shaolin's sphere of influence."
"But Shaolin is in Songshan, Zhengzhou, isn't it? That's quite a distance."
"They're the top orthodox sect. There's a saying—All martial arts originate from Shaolin. Few sects in the Central Plains lack Shaolin influence. The number of affiliated secular schools is countless. You, being from Henan, should understand."
Mentioning his origin, Ma Jin averted his gaze, perhaps feeling conflicted as an uncle.
Jung Yeonshin nodded but was more surprised by other details.
It was the first time Jung Yeonshin saw a supreme master of Desolate Fortress show such respect for martial sects.
In this era, one's affiliation with a group often defined their identity.
It was said that few of the masters in Desolate Fortress viewed the martial world from the perspective of the common people.
To them, martial artists were potential rebels with power and rogues who disrupted public order.
'Songshan Shaolin. Truly a sect that reigns over the world.'
Their power and influence were unmatched anywhere in the martial world. Jung Yeonshin felt his heart race for the first time in a while.
Songshan was the birthplace of Central Plains martial arts. He wondered what inspiration Shaolin's techniques might provide him.
"But if it's the Blood Flame Cult, couldn't Shaolin handle it themselves?"
"The monks may chant about destroying evil and upholding righteousness, but this is Desolate Fortress. We can't just sit back and watch. We'll personally take their heads. Not only the cult's apostles but also their Blood Master Swordsmen are no small threat."
"What is the team composition?"
"Radiant Demon Squad's first and second units will accompany me."
Radiant Demon Squad's first unit had been formed by Ma Jin after completing the mission in Shaanxi.
Jung Yeonshin, Heon Wonchang, Chung Myung, and Baek Miryeo were grouped together. Radiant Demon Squad's elite forces were reorganized into units to improve teamwork.
"Do we not need rest?"
"Everyone's like you. They either love earning merit or enjoy roaming the martial world."
The former likely referred to Jung Yeonshin and Baek Miryeo, while the latter described Heon Wonchang and Chung Myung.
"I understand. Then, I'll take my leave."
"Get some rest."
Leaving Ma Jin behind after the briefing, Jung Yeonshin exited the office.
By the time he stepped outside, crimson shadows stretched across the sky. Skipping the training ground, he headed straight to his room.
Jung Yeonshin sank into his bed.
Noise echoed in the background. It sounded like the seniors in other rooms were drinking together.
Further in the distance, clashes could be heard from the training ground—singing swords, resounding shouts, laughter to wash away fatigue, and the clinking of glasses.
The sun, blurred through the paper windows, cast a soft light on his face. It was the gentle touch of sunset marking the end of the day.
His crown felt hot. It always did at this hour. He wondered when it started.
His upper dantian invited the energy of nature, making it dance within him.
The more it danced, the larger his inner world became—regardless of the owner's will.
It was the time when the boundary between day and night began to blur.
The laughter of the seniors enjoying drinks and songs grew louder. They must be having fun.
He suddenly imagined shouting at them to stop.
Jung Yeonshin closed his eyes. Against the darkness, a flash of blue robes appeared.
A chill ran down his spine. His senses snapped back to reality in an instant.
No one was watching him now. He curled up on the bed.
'Just one more time.'
One final mission lay ahead before the blue rank promotion.
* * *
Wind lashed against his cheeks. It was because he was galloping on horseback.
Jung Yeonshin glanced around as his horse sped forward.
'This must mean the mission is serious.'
Eight others rode beside him. It was an unprecedented number for a mission.
A formidable force. Nine elite martial artists from Desolate Fortress' Radiant Demon Squad.
"Whether it's an inn or a tavern, we'll rest there."
As they entered the marketplace, Ma Jin's voice resonated, infused with core energy.
Pedestrians, who had been moving nervously, brightened upon seeing the warriors in Desolate Fortress uniforms.
Desolate Fortress was not merely a place of grandeur but also one trusted by the people.
It was said that their reputation surpassed that of most imperial inspectors, for they broke the swords of marauding martial artists threatening the people.
The group stopped in front of a tavern.
Though large, the building's structure seemed shabby. Still, it was the best building in the vicinity.
Heon Wonchang dismounted and scanned the surroundings.
"So, this is Xinye County? It's not what I expected."
Traveling from Desolate Fortress to Henan required passing through Xinye. They had already passed the former estate of the Jung family.
It was completely in ruins. Tugwi's words seemed to be true. The mountain behind the estate didn't have a single tree left.
'They said everything was burned to the ground.'
Baek Miryeo glanced at Jung Yeonshin's expressionless face.
She then fiddled with her long, pale fingers and said,
"With the landlords gone, it's no surprise the underworld gangs are thriving. I'm sure the entire area is managed by back-alley thugs now."
At that moment—
"...With the Jung family gone, this place is paradise. The boss was thrilled. All the profits from the forestlands they monopolized are ours now..."
"The Blood Flame Cult did us a favor. I was worried about ending up on the streets after being kicked out of the organization."
"Ha! You, practicing blood techniques? Don't make me laugh!"
Boisterous voices spilled out from inside the tavern.
It was obvious what kind of men had gathered there.
The fact that they casually discussed joining the Blood Flame Cult showed they lived recklessly, with nothing to lose.
Jung Yeonshin's brow furrowed.
'Profits from the forestlands.'
He recalled the day he left to join Desolate Fortress.
The steward had promised to manage the land. That money was not meant to fall into the hands of thugs.
"Let's go in."
While Chung Myung handed the horses over to the stable boy, Jung Yeonshin took the lead.
Even the seasoned warriors of Radiant Demon Squad's second unit followed the youngest member's lead. They were good people.
Pushing aside the hanging curtains, they entered. The noise momentarily stopped.
Contrary to the exterior, the interior was quite spacious.
There were bald men holding axes, others playing with daggers, and some with their shirts open.
The room was filled with men of various appearances, each with a courtesan at his side, laughing slyly.
They looked like underworld martial artists, yet none seemed familiar. They all appeared to be outsiders.
Jung Yeonshin stepped forward and spoke calmly.
"You. Explain the situation with the Jung family's lands."
"What?"
One man sneered and was about to mock him when—
Heon Wonchang stepped in and flipped Jung Yeonshin's sleeve forward, revealing the insignia.
The skill behind the gesture was more refined than that of most enforcers. Jung Yeonshin now understood.
It was how seasoned martial artists bypassed unnecessary formalities.
Upon seeing the Desolate symbol, the man's lips froze. The murmuring crowd began to stir.
"Speak your mind."
Jung Yeonshin paid no attention to the reactions and continued speaking.