Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyelashes descended long and gracefully.
He paid no mind to the Crown Prince's laughter. The boy briefly lowered his gaze and fell deep in thought.
“I’ve finally devised the new martial law.”
He had met a good fate and created another martial art. Perhaps it could be called a fortunate encounter.
There were many prestigious families in the Ming Imperial Court, and it was thanks to the eunuch’s trial that he faced upon ascending to the rank of Grand Lord.
He suddenly felt that he had entered another world. It was destined for someone of his color.
“There are still many martial arts left to be created. The Qi Shield, lightness skill, internal techniques... I have so much to create.”
Jeong Yeon-shin’s value system regarding martial arts differed greatly from many martial artists in the world.
For most martial artists, cultivating martial arts passed down by their sects is natural. It’s accepted as a part of their traditions.
But the boy was different. He felt as though wearing someone else’s clothes.
Even when he was taught the Moonlight Harmony Sword technique by the Lord of Ipwang Fortress, it felt the same. There was no need to speak of other martial arts.
Even now, he was practicing the Qi Shield technique, internal energy techniques, and others in Ipwang Fortress. But none of them could compare to the martial arts he created himself.
“I’ll take it one step at a time.”
The rapid rise of Seomye Jeong Yeon-shin’s martial prowess was due to various unique, self-made techniques.
Martial arts that were created to perfectly fit his body had a unique flow that could not be compared to any other. Both the forms and energy flows were tailored to him.
“The mental focus required for these forms comes from the creator.”
The effectiveness of energy manipulation was distinct.
It was as though he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with centuries-old, perfected techniques that had been passed down, improved, and advanced.
His breakthrough was there, in the divine energy at the top of his Dantian, allowing him to achieve perfect union with his energy and reach the state of Three Flowers Converging.
He would use his martial arts at the right time to counter the efforts of middle-aged masters and their accumulated power.
“The leader of the Yullyeong Daeju revealed the weaknesses of the swordsmanship and martial techniques. The Gwanghwa Sword style and Shihwa Muguk Su also have room for reconfiguration. Improving Ma Gwang-ik’s energy control would be ideal as well.”
There were many tasks ahead. In other words, it meant there was still great potential for growth.
A subtle smile curled the boy's lips.
What new inspiration would he receive from the martial world next? The world’s finest martial techniques were sure to converge.
Despite his short lifespan, Jeong Yeon-shin enjoyed creating martial arts. It was a quality that developed later in life.
It had begun when the Jeong Family’s Gong gave him the warmth of his mother.
“I simply cannot believe it.”
For just a moment, his thoughts were interrupted as he suddenly locked eyes with a pair of pitch-black eyes.
The Crown Prince was looking up at him. His black eyes, full of a cold dignity, met his gaze.
“Is it really the same as that young blue one? Your air is like that of a master from a hundred battles, which makes it even more incredible.”
“I am honored.”
Jeong Yeon-shin replied calmly. The Crown Prince stared at him intently.
“Your talent and wit are beyond belief. When you are with me in private, you may address me as ‘elder brother.’”
He spoke with a smile that still hadn't faded from his face. Meanwhile, a loud sound of movement came from beside them.
The eunuch, having already recovered, raised an eyebrow.
He looked colder due to his position as the eunuch in the Imperial Secret Police, but Jeong Yeon-shin could sense that the Ming Imperial eunuch was quite surprised.
“By our family’s lineage, I suppose ‘elder brother’ is appropriate.”
The boy spoke slowly after blinking once.
The Crown Prince had also been taught by the Lord of Ipwang Fortress. He was much older than Jeong Yeon-shin.
Perhaps it was because of the uniquely strong bloodline of the Ming family, his stature was small, unlike Jeong Yeon-shin, who was constantly growing.
The Crown Prince's lips curled into a faint smile as he spoke.
“Ming Ye. Bring it.”
“Yes.”
The eunuch appeared to have fully recovered from his internal injuries.
After respectfully bowing his head, he reached into his cloak and withdrew something. Just before his palm fully emerged, a pair of wings fluttered.
Tiny white feathers scattered into the air.
A bird, the size of the eunuch's hand, appeared. It was a pure white swallow.
It resembled the bird once owned by the second son of the Hwangbo Clan.
“This beast was raised using secret family techniques. It's highly intelligent, and though small, it can carry messages and even manipulate energy. This is Bai Yan, a spiritual creature, and I hurriedly obtained it to present to Ma Gwang-ik.”
The eunuch spoke, and Bai Yan, the swallow, tilted its head and stared at the boy. The small tilt was quite adorable.
“I’ve seen the family’s bloodlines use them before. Is this the messenger of the Grand Lord?”
Jeong Yeon-shin asked calmly, even in front of such a rare creature.
Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, it was no longer just folklore that animals could understand human speech and wield mysterious powers.
The eunuch nodded.
“Yes. Though it may look small, it’s a raptor. It won’t cause trouble. It doesn’t even need food. This spiritual creature can only fly between the Grand Lord and me. When we need to cooperate, simply tie a message to its leg, and it will carry it.”
Suddenly, Bai Yan leapt onto Jeong Yeon-shin’s chest. The boy supported the swallow’s leg. With a swift movement, he used his finger to activate the Neungbeop Gwangryun-gi technique, gently patting Bai Yan’s head. Instantly, there was a faint wave of energy as if resonating.
At the same time, Bai Yan nestled into the folds of his robe, as if it had found a new home.
The eunuch's eyes widened slightly.
“It’s not easy to form a master-servant bond with a spiritual creature... The Grand Lord’s energy seems to be very pure.”
“Should I send it off once I’ve slain the officials?”
With a nonchalant question, the eunuch nodded.
“Yes.”
“You said it was one of the Blade Fist Demon’s confidants? Ma Gwang-ik's job is to control the martial world. I wonder if it’s possible for him to follow me whenever I need him.”
The boy remembered the Crown Prince’s earlier words about the eunuch, mentioning that he was the right hand of the Dongchang’s eunuch.
“Impossible, you say?”
A smooth smile appeared on the eunuch’s lips.
“Indeed, the hands of a ruler are many. The eunuch has countless right hands.”
His words felt as though they conveyed the vastness of the world. The Crown Prince did not deny it.
Now, with indifferent eyes, he watched the conversation between the boy and the eunuch.
Jeong Yeon-shin, unfazed, continued the conversation, as it was time to complete his mission.
“Tomorrow, we depart for the Central Plains at 9 o'clock. I won’t concern myself with Dongchang during the journey.”
The Central Plains martial world was a different world from the Ipwang Fortress. It was rife with various variables.
As the Lord of Ma Gwang-ik, he would be managing his subordinates and focusing on his mission, which would require considerable mental effort.
The eunuch nodded.
“The previous Lord Ma Gwang-ik did the same. It’s natural. That’s what we are here for, and it’s why the Ipwang Fortress exists.”
“You may go now. You’ve held me up long enough.”
The Crown Prince spoke, his eyes now half-closed. It was a behavior that felt like a long-standing rumor. Jeong Yeon-shin had heard about it.
It was said that the Third Heaven of the Ming Dynasty was extremely capricious. Whatever caught his interest would soon be discarded.
“I’m grateful, though.”
The boy briefly murmured as he thought. His connection with the Crown Prince would not end here.
The day may come when he will be called to the Forbidden City. However, Jeong Yeon-shin didn’t want to seek the favor of those who could help him rise to the purple-robed ranks unless it was absolutely necessary.
Even the imperial family couldn’t easily give orders to the Lord of Ipwang Fortress, who protected the Heavenly Tree. He had no desire to grow closer to the Crown Prince.
The black silk of his cloak fluttered. After paying his respects, Jeong Yeon-shin turned without hesitation.
The eunuch, who had briefly glanced at the two boys, spoke again.
“Lastly, I must inform you, Lord Ma Gwang-ik. According to the secret agreement between the imperial family and the Ipwang Fortress, Dongchang has no choice but to support you. However, I must warn you not to overuse us. Even though the Great Lords of Ipwang Fortress are highly esteemed, Dongchang has its own matters to attend to.”
“I will act in accordance with the people's welfare.”
His reply, imbued with the energy of his martial power, rang clearly, filling the room with an aura that showcased his presence.
Did he understand the value of the background as a disciple of the Lord of Ipwang Fortress and the black-clad status of Ipwang Fortress, along with his extraordinary martial prowess at such a young age?
The newly appointed Lord Ma Gwang-ik didn’t even look back as he walked out. His steps were firm, crossing the threshold without hesitation.
He hadn’t paid any attention to the eunuch’s warning. It was clear to anyone that he hadn’t.
There was an air of indifference, as though he would calmly disregard anyone, be they a government official or a martial artist, standing in his way.
Thud.
The faint sound of footsteps brushed against his ears. Seomye Jeong Yeon-shin had vanished.
“A bold priest, indeed.”
The Crown Prince muttered, eyes closed.
After receiving permission from the Crown Prince, the eunuch immediately sat at the table and took out his writing implements.
Dongchang’s eunuch’s slender fingers moved quickly. With perfect posture, he held his brush upright.
The words written in one swift motion contained the personal information of a certain individual.
Jeong Yeon-shin.
Lord Ma Gwang-ik of Ipwang Fortress.
Born in the Jeong Family of Shinya, Henan.
Alias (호) and courtesy name (자) are both Seomye.
Directly chosen by the Lord of Ipwang Fortress for the naming ceremony.
A martial artist from Sichuan, known as the Flower in the Dark King for his control of the Mancheon Hwawu, a martial technique.
Successor to the Moon Spirit Divine Art.
The highest ranked martial art in Ipwang Fortress.
Despite a disadvantage of slower energy cultivation compared to other Great Lords, possesses an unexpectedly deep internal energy for his age.
Displays extraordinary flexibility and adaptability, unparalleled in the black realm of Ipwang Fortress.
Has created unique martial arts systems, classified as high-tier in value.
Seems to have been influenced by the doctrines of the righteous martial world, excelling in single-strike martial techniques.
Refer to the attached documents on the investigation of the Seomye Martial System.
Unfathomable martial talent.
A naturally arrogant personality, but with a strangely suppressed internal conflict.
It is suspected that the Jeong family’s values are not ideal, and there may be other factors that need to be observed over time.
Possesses the character traits of a capable, solitary martial hero.
His appearance is comparable to that of noble families. Shows aptitude as an intelligence agent. When appointed to the Golden Guard, will likely rise quickly in the political world, regardless of gender.
Evaluation result: Requesting middle-to-high-level support. Should not be difficult to assist in the current Lord Ma Gwang-ik’s mission.
The eunuch’s blue eyes gleamed as he read the document. His clan’s eyes, said to possess the ability to see through all things, scanned his own writing.
After a moment of contemplation, he nodded to himself, rolled up the letter, and sealed it in a wooden tube.
This was a top-secret document to be sent to the Forbidden City.
***
The next day.
This chapt𝒆r is updated by frёewebηovel.cѳm.
The sun rose high in the sky, signaling the start of his mission.
It was now the time when the late summer’s heat gradually began to subside.
Perhaps because he had been through fierce battles in Sichuan and had passed the test of ascension, Jeong Yeon-shin had unconsciously believed that summer would last forever.
Today, he realized that was not the case.
The sky stretched with a tint of water blue. A gentle breeze ruffled the garments of young martial artists, making them flutter slightly.
Gray, white, and blue fabric swayed above and below, moving in unison with the wind.
Leading the way was black. As he rode, the distinct chill of autumn ruffled the boy’s hair.
The sunlight shone down on the golden yellow emblem on his right shoulder, highlighting it with a soft glow.
“Isn’t it too big?”
Jeong Yeon-shin felt the gaze of Hyeon Won-chang. He seemed to be referring to the new cloak he had received just before the departure. The size of the embroidered yellow “Hwang” symbol was noticeably large.
It did not seem ridiculous because of the bold, sweeping strokes of the northern general’s style that marked the cloak, reminiscent of the armor worn by northern commanders.
The cloak worn by Ma Jin, with one sleeve torn off, was a spare he had prepared.
“......”
The boy, holding the reins of his steed, chose not to respond.
He had been told that the cloak would be tailored to his preferred design. It was the Grand Marshal’s suggestion.
Thus, he had deliberately asked for the embroidery to be large. He had been uncomfortable with Hyeon Won-chang’s habit of adjusting the shoulder emblem whenever he could.
Since then, Jeong Yeon-shin had felt a bit embarrassed by it.
“If it’s oversized, anyone will recognize it instantly.”
He did not hide his identity or his power.
The purpose of this journey into the martial world was to assert his presence.
Thud, thud, thud—!
The sound of hooves seemed to stir up a gust of wind. The riders charged toward the central plains where the martial world’s factions resided, kicking up dust in their wake.
Despite the black cloak made of celestial silk, not a speck of dust clung to it, and behind him, the black edges of his cloak continued to flap in the wind.
Once again, it was time for another mission.
Lord Ma Gwang-ik Jeong Yeon-shin had set off.