Hyeon Won-chang, along with Jeong Yeon-shin's companions and the martial artists of Simmuryun, all gazed at the two of them.
Each of them had their weapons in hand. The sun hid itself in the canyon gap from afar.
Before long, the golden rays of dusk touched the landscape, and as the day closed, it seemed to tease the faces of those present.
Jeong Yeon-shin was the first to receive the drink. Baek Seo-goon, pouring with one hand, smiled.
“You should consider this an honor. Even Lyeon-ju hasn’t had the privilege of receiving my drink.”
The boy felt a sense of fullness as the sharp sting of the sword lingered in his mind.
Just before taking a sip, he parted his lips nonchalantly.
“Thank you.”
Baek Seo-goon paused for a moment. After a brief silence, her lips curled back into a smile.
“You’ve truly inherited the blood of Ban-ak.”
“What does that mean?”
“Just talking to myself.”
After taking a sip, Jeong Yeon-shin turned his head casually. Tae Yeom-ryong’s strange expression caught his eye.
Did he recognize the words as similar to his own actions? As their eyes met, Tae Yeom-ryong smiled subtly, his grin irritating.
I should get rid of that one first.
It was the right move tactically.
There could be an ambush on the way back, so it would be wise to send Tae Yeom-ryong, the second strongest in the group, as a scout.
Next would be Hyeon Won-chang. Then, So Geomhwi, Gongsun Min, and Mo Yong-myeongjun. At least five drinks would need to be consumed.
The oath of the high-level warrior from Simmuryun... It doesn’t feel like an empty boast.
He turned his gaze again.
Baek Seo-goon’s gaze met his. There was a grayish hue in her eyes.
It was a tired feeling that connected with the energy in his Upper Danjeon.
If she had deep connections to Jeong Ga-jang, she wouldn’t have started her life in the upper echelons of the martial world.
In Hanam, a region that could rival even a distant kingdom in size, she had once been called a sword master as a woman. Her journey to that title had not been an easy one.
Thinking this through with a calm mind, the feeling settled in his Upper Danjeon.
“You’ve been through a lot.”
He spoke without thinking. It was an unreasonable comment. The person in front of him was a sword master of Simmuryun.
It was hardly a fitting praise. His recently heightened sensitivity to his Upper Danjeon had caused him to resonate with the life and kindness of the person before him.
As he lowered his cup, he narrowed his brows slightly, and Baek Seo-goon’s expression shifted.
“I suppose it’s my turn.”
She took Jeong Yeon-shin’s cup without hesitation. It was astonishingly swift.
For a moment, her fingers blurred, her movements as smooth as flowing gold.
Jeong Yeon-shin, in turn, took the flask in his hand and slowly poured, reflecting on Baek Seo-goon’s techniques.
It was clear she had achieved harmony between her energy and her sword techniques. Such mastery could perhaps match that of Hyeon Won-chang in swordplay.
That moment, it seemed like she had conjured an illusionary sword with her hands.
A technique designed to confuse the opponent’s eyes. It was a method Jeong Yeon-shin had never encountered before.
Most low-level warriors’ deceptions couldn’t even come close to reaching the level of illusionary sword techniques. His eyes gleamed.
Her energy control is harmonized with her swordsmanship. That sword technique has truly merged with her body.
At that moment, Baek Seo-goon’s eyes softened as she caught Jeong Yeon-shin’s gaze.
She took the cup to her lips and slowly spoke.
“Your appearance is the perfect accompaniment. Now I understand how the young ladies of Ban-ak felt when they faced Ban-ak.”
“Is this what you call casual talk?”
“I said it because it might be helpful. At your age, with such skill, you must have a clear goal. Without a doubt, your target must be the head of the Bloodblade Sect.”
“...”
“As a key figure in the Thirteen Heavens, the rumors and information you encounter will only increase in stature. I know much about your enemy.”
Jeong Yeon-shin remained silent for a moment.
The head of the Bloodblade Sect.
He had once hated Jeong Ga-jang when creating Jeong Ga-donggong, but considered the man his home in a way.
The person who had destroyed his family was naturally his mortal enemy. He had helped suppress the elder of his family’s bloodline.
But that name was kept only in his heart.
He was too weak to seek revenge, and his life, granted by heaven, had too little time remaining.
He thought that when the day came he would wear the purple robes and find the man.
Visit ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com for the 𝑏est n𝘰vel reading experience.
But even the black robes commanded reverence.
The rank that dominated the world. He never knew when he might face the master of the Thirteen Heavens.
As for the head of the Bloodblade Sect, it was a topic that would always be valuable, accompanied by the knowledge of his deep enmity.
“Tell me.”
Jeong Yeon-shin spoke in a low voice.
Baek Seo-goon’s lips curled with satisfaction.
“That man is a hybrid of the Yunnan Bai and Ming families. He was the crown prince.”
“Dali Kingdom...”
The kingdom destroyed by the lord of Ipwang Fortress.
She had been the sword master of the imperial family. She had erased the rebellion of small royal families and the influence of the Thirteen Heavens several times.
When people discussed the strongest in the world, the lord of Ipwang Fortress was always included.
Her martial prowess was absolute.
The survivor of the Dali Kingdom’s bloodline, the head of the Bloodblade Sect, was the one they spoke of.
“He too carries the eyes of the Ming family. He likely perfected the Ascending Form of the Bloodblade Sect, and must have recognized your potential from the start.”
“...”
“Your maternal family must have considered the possibility of entering Ipwang Fortress. While the strength of your enemy grows, why would they choose to spare you? Did they see something in your youthful nature? That seems absurd. Perhaps it’s something worth considering.”
“Do you have a guess?”
“I’m not sure. But one thing is clear: Your entry into Ipwang Fortress couldn’t have been entirely welcomed by the lord of Ipwang Fortress. If I had to compare him to an animal, I’d say he’s like a clever bear.”
Then she locked eyes with Jeong Yeon-shin.
“Do you understand why I’m telling you this?”
“No.”
“I hope your vision opens up a bit more.”
“I’ve already been swayed by the Thirteen Heavens.”
“In the martial world, right and wrong are often unclear. If you intend to take revenge for your family, the information I’ve given you won’t be in vain. I, a sword master of Simmuryun, have already passed useful intelligence to the lord of Ipwang Fortress. Don’t dismiss the warriors of the Evil Faction just because they are from the Thirteen Heavens. I hope you’ll value those who do good.”
“Are you advising me?”
“There’s no other way to survive long in the martial world. Above all, prioritize vengeance. When you do, people will gather around you, and one day, they’ll save your life. Even I, the sword master of Simmuryun, once kept Haowen as a close ally.”
“...I’ll keep that in mind.”
Baek Seo-goon’s unexpectedly soft attitude felt unfamiliar. Was she trying to play the role of a mentor? What had she been in Jeong Ga-jang’s house to act this way?
The boy tilted his head slightly.
Baek Seo-goon looked at the son of the notorious villain with fondness.
With his exceptional appearance, straightforward character, and incredible sword skills, yet still at such a young age.
The somewhat arrogant demeanor was even more charming to her.
Had it not been for the fortuitous meeting with the Four Hands Divine Art, she might have found it amusing to look after him.
“You’ve grown up straightforwardly. It’s fortunate your family fulfilled its role and disappeared. Even if I had been there, I wouldn’t have recommended the path of Simmuryun to you.”
“...You’ve received the cup. Send one away.”
“Ah.”
She gave a small gasp as she etched the boy’s brief silence into her mind.
“I see. I had made an oath. Alright, one can go.”
“Tae Yeom-ryong.”
The son of the infamous villain whispered softly.
Sitting among the encirclement surrounding the main table, the young man, whose sleeves flared due to the heat, squatted and pretended to look away.
His shadowy figure was a marked contrast to his earlier glory. He was from the fallen Hwangbo family.
“I’m not at all willing. How about sending the baggage first? Whether it’s Mo Yong or Gongsun Min’s weakling.”
“You are baggage too.”
“To be honest, that’s not true. I can hold my own with the great lord and endure at least ten moves, can’t I? As the third strongest here, I should be the one to take the lord’s back.”
“Ten moves? You think that was a match?”
“You’re being too prideful. Haven’t I gone through twenty moves at least? My skills are steadily improving.”
“Not before I learned the new techniques. I didn’t even use the Hwan-gang technique.”
“Even so, that technique of yours was quite interesting. But don’t speak of that ominous Hwan-gang and send the Mo Yong guy over there.”
“Mo Yong-myeongjun?”
“The look in his eyes hasn’t been ordinary since earlier. Looks like he’s planning to report the Lord’s martial arts in detail to the Guild. Wasn’t his mission to dominate the martial world’s sect war? We can’t allow someone like that to stay here. Judging by the atmosphere, it seems like he might even have a match with the Sword Ghost.”
It was a soft remark. The man in pink martial attire flinched.
The son of Jeong Ban-ak glanced at the scene but no longer argued with the Huangbo family’s young master.
“The Lord will send him away,” he said.
“Excellent choice.”
They were well-matched. Jeong Ban-ak didn’t have friends like that.
Perhaps it was when Baek Seo-goon had informed him of the "Ten Deadly Gathers" that they were somewhat alike.
She signaled to her subordinates.
Immediately, the martial soldiers of Simmooryeon rose, pulling out Mo Yong-myeongjun, the young master of the Mo family, from the group.
He was held on either side as they descended the canyon, unable to speak. He merely lowered his eyes slightly, seemingly ashamed.
Once he was gone, Huangbo’s young master spoke.
“Even if he’s ambushed and killed, it’s entirely the Sword Saint’s responsibility. We don’t need to concern ourselves with that. We aren’t members of the guild.”
“I made a vow with my alias. Do not tarnish my honor,” Baek Seo-goon’s voice was sharp, filled with deadly intent. Her aura was at a level where her intentions were clearly felt through her energy.
Huangbo’s young master froze at her presence, but she turned her gaze away once more.
When she locked eyes with Jeong Ban-ak’s son, a smile returned to her face. The young man gave off a faint, nostalgic aroma of an ancient manor.
They shared several more cups of drink.
The children of the Gongsun and Jeomchang clans departed first. They had no hesitation in leaving.
They were loyal to Baek Seo-goon, standing by their word.
It continued that way until Jeong Ban-ak’s son threw a remark at them.
“There’s never been a weaker day than today. I’ll seriously consider improving my martial arts.”
The son of the Heroic Clan walked away reluctantly, while Huangbo’s young master held firm in his stance.
“Ah, let it be. There’s not much excitement left in this life anyway.”
“....”
Simmooryeon’s subordinates watched the prone figure with incredulity.
Jeong Ban-ak’s son seemed slightly tipsy. Had his body been sensitive to alcohol before he learned martial arts?
He shook his head and muttered to himself. In the end, we’ll die around the same time.
‘What?’
The words caused a momentary confusion in Baek Seo-goon’s mind.
She slowly released the grip on the wine bottle in her hand.
“If you drink more, you’ll be left as an annoying figure. A great match is only enjoyable when both sides feel it’s right.”
“Then?”
Young Baek Seo-goon raised his eyebrows.
“Shall we decide the outcome like proper warriors? If you gain the advantage, I’ll retreat to Hanam. You will understand my respect for the direct descendants of Jeong Gajang.”
“I accept. You must also be mindful of Simmooryeon’s Lord.”
Jeong Ban-ak’s son responded calmly. She shook her head.
“Don’t think too easily. You are from the Black Sect of Ipwang. You can’t afford to be careless. If you two clash swords, the outcome is difficult to predict. Losing a limb would be the least of it. There is a real risk of death.”
“I understand.”
“Well. I’ve seen many promising talents. None of them ever truly thought about their death. They all believed they would become the greatest of all.”
Baek Seo-goon, her arms crossed, spoke quietly.
She gazed at Jeong Ban-ak’s son with a serious expression. Her words were not meant as a provocation.
The Sword Ghost of Yeongcheon was a supreme master. She knew how to appreciate favors and carve grudges into her very bones.
Even though the other was Jeong Ban-ak’s son, she couldn’t go against Simmooryeon’s elders’ duties.
She hoped that, in the final moments of their duel, the young man would not regret anything.
“...The Lord...”
The boy slowly parted his lips.
“I’ve never taken life and death lightly.”
“Your tone is heavy. Alright. I’ve been rambling.”
Baek Seo-goon responded softly as she took in Jeong Ban-ak’s son with a gentle glance.
She thought to herself that she would have to learn more about Seomye Jeong-yeon when she returned.
“....”
A brief silence passed.
They sat across from each other, the wine cups between them, both silently observing each other. The sudden stillness was palpable.
A gust of wind blew through, cutting across the Simmooryeon’s two hundred warriors and the figure of Tae Yeom-ryong, wrapping around the wine glasses.
The space where Baek Seo-goon and Jeong Ban-ak’s son had shared their lips was filled with the faint sound of the wind.
Swoosh!
In an instant, Baek Seo-goon’s sword rang at her waist. A sharp light broke free from its sheath.
In that moment, Jeong Ban-ak’s son also drew his sword, reverse-blading it with his left hand in an instant. A counterattack.
The sword of the sword ghost moved slightly faster and met the mighty clash of the sword with a metallic sound.
Bang!
The shockwave sent young Baek Seo-goon’s body reeling.
He quickly righted himself in the air with an elegant somersault.
The power emanating from his body was similar to that of a noble, honing his craft in his own style.
With a bit more training, it could rival the Kunlun Sect’s Dragon Eight Style.
‘Who trained him?’
Baek Seo-goon felt a sense of satisfaction as she signaled with her hand. Once again, the Palhwan Divine Art stirred the sword’s power.
The sword cried out as it cut through the air, its force flowing perfectly.
She wielded the sword, effortlessly controlling it.
Swish! Swoosh!
The long trajectory of her sword clashed with the shorter movements of Jeong Ban-ak’s son. Their strikes blocked out the setting sun with their brilliant light.
The movements of energy and internal power met with a thunderous crash.
The clash caused ripples, leaving cracks on the ground below.
In terms of coordination, she dominated.
Her sword’s reach far surpassed that of a spear, almost reaching the power of an arrow. Ordinary techniques could not compete.
Baek Seo-goon stood calmly, observing the young man in front of her.
The young man’s sword flashed as he swirled his dark sleeves around him.
The beautiful Baek Seo-goon could not be touched by him. That was expected.
“Phew—”
It was like that until the boy took a long breath.
Baek Seo-goon’s eyes widened. She had seen the steady breath despite his constant movement.
It seemed to act separately from his intense focus. It was something impossible unless he was breathing with a divine skill.
‘No way?’
It wasn’t just his breath.
Behind the boy, his dark clothes flared as the energy surged, intertwining with the autumn wind.
The sword that had risen above his head made a strange sound, like the wind cutting through a cave.
The energy that flowed from his sword and body seemed all too familiar.
There was a wave that struck like the wind.
In the young Baek Seo-goon’s ceremony, a mystical aura could be felt.
Baek Seo-goon realized this was no different from the power she had received from the noble family. His martial arts were rising into the realm of divine arts.