‘If he dies choking on opium, there couldn’t be a more disgraceful way to go.’
Jeong Yeon-shin thought to himself.
Tae Yeom-ryong had always wandered around as if half his mind was elsewhere. Treating opium like air and enjoying alcohol to boot.
The shadows under his eyes had deepened compared to before, but Jeong Yeon-shin couldn’t dismiss the words Tae Yeom-ryong had spoken in front of Hanzhong's top liquor house.
He was known as the Hua Hua Prince, someone who had indulged in every luxury under the sun. There was no way he was completely sane.
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Jeong Yeon-shin decided not to pay attention to Tae Yeom-ryong's peculiar reaction. Instead, he made steady eye contact with his dependable senior, Ak Su-rim.
The Ipwang Divine Spear, however, seemed different. Her eyes, gleaming like jade beads, rolled upward as if she couldn’t think of anything to say. She appeared deeply lost in thought.
Jeong Yeon-shin wondered if he had accidentally touched upon a blind spot. He didn’t even consider the possibility that she might be concealing embarrassment.
‘Did I provide some sort of insight?’
Essence, energy, and spirit (精氣神).
How does the spirit of a martial artist, who has achieved rejuvenation after reaching the state of youthful purity, change?
It was a question that anyone would find difficult to answer. The unity of essence, energy, and spirit—also known as the Three Flowers Converging at the Crown—was said to be an incredibly profound realm.
Jeong Yeon-shin had heard from Ma Jin that one must refine the body and mind to become one with essence and energy, penetrating the three tiers: upper, middle, and lower.
‘I need to reach that realm as well.’
It was a serious thought.
The newly appointed Ma Gwang-ik Lord was only managing to hold his position with internal energy that barely approached the Black Rank.
His Luminous Method Wheel Qi, natural instincts, and martial arts that suited him perfectly made it possible.
It often surprised both his enemies and seniors. The Three Flowers Converging at the Crown was that supreme a state. It was exceedingly rare in the world.
Naturally, it wasn’t a topic frequently contemplated.
Why had the mannerisms of the Ipwang Divine Spear, Ak Su-rim, lightened so much? Did the spirit follow the body?
If one achieves rejuvenation while in the Three Flowers Converging at the Crown, what happens to the essence, energy, and spirit?
The discussion unfolding in Jeong Yeon-shin’s mind grew more complicated by the moment.
“...No one knows.”
After a long silence, Ak Su-rim finally spoke. Her tone was unusually calm, and her gaze softened noticeably.
A distant junior had pointed out behavior unbecoming of her rank. The restrained expression on her face only made her appear less her age.
Her small fist clenched tightly, the veins on the back of her hand bulging.
Jeong Yeon-shin observed her quietly.
‘She’s had some kind of realization.’
He continued to listen attentively, even as the laughter of Cheonrim Captain Hahoe Wi-jin echoed around them.
The booming voice followed: This is quite amusing. He claims not to know how to provoke, huh.
“Achieving the state of youthful purity or rejuvenation isn’t something that comes to you just because you’re strong,” Ak Su-rim said slowly, her voice slightly subdued.
Jeong Yeon-shin, somewhat intrigued, nodded.
“I understand that much.”
“It’s more of a fortuitous encounter. A stroke of heavenly luck. It’s not something martial skill alone can achieve.”
“Then...?”
“There’s a certain alignment of essence, energy, and spirit that’s incredibly delicate. Practitioners who refine this alignment deeply often acquire unique traits. Rejuvenation just happened to be the ability I gained. The Divine Sword Corps Captain, for instance, became proficient with the Formless Sword.”
Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes widened slightly.
This was new information to him.
‘So perception and senses continue to evolve even after the Three Flowers Converging at the Crown.’
He recalled the internal energy sword of the Divine Sword Corps Captain.
It was divine.
The image of the captain drawing a radiant blade and killing the Namgung Clan Leader came to mind. The Formless Sword, crafted from seven-colored light, seemed like the power of a transcendent being.
The martial prowess of a grandmaster who had refined their essence to the extreme was that extraordinary.
Lost in thought, Jeong Yeon-shin was observed by Ak Su-rim, who silently stared at his face.
“Back to your question about whether rejuvenation affects the spirit,” she said.
“Yes, Senior.”
“Isn’t it obvious? If heavenly luck rewinds time for you, it’d be foolish to live like an old person in a child’s body, wouldn’t it? I’ve never had anyone complain about me enjoying myself. Those who tried don’t exist anymore.”
Ak Su-rim chuckled, her girlish face lighting up. She tucked her short, dark hair behind her ear as she laughed.
Her relaxed demeanor had fully returned. Behind her, a spear blade gleaming in the sunlight shone sharply.
The Divine Spear of Ipwang. A pristine white blade.
‘So she’s just indulgent.’
Jeong Yeon-shin thought. The martial world was full of eccentric geniuses, and Ak Su-rim, the Ipwang Divine Spear, was no exception.
She was different from his grandfather, Ma Yeon-jeok. It seemed he could set aside his worries.
Instead, it was more appropriate to hope his grandfather could acquire the new abilities of rejuvenation.
“Thank you for your insight. It’s been immensely helpful,” he said, briefly bowing toward Ak Su-rim as they walked. The topics of the Three Flowers Converging at the Crown and rejuvenation were rare even in the martial world.
It was a conversation only possible because they were seniors and juniors of Ipwang Fortress. Even if it didn’t offer immediate benefits, it was knowledge belonging to the realm of secrets.
“Thanks for what? It’s no big deal.”
She shook her head, her dark hair shimmering as it swayed with the motion.
“It’s just... I kind of regret that our Seomye doesn’t have the Ipwang martial veins.”
She murmured to herself, almost inaudibly, “I would’ve loved to see how our Seomye fared fighting by my side.”
***
In Hanzhong, the relay station provided horses. The relay station in Shaanxi’s Hanzhong was vast, as it was a crucial junction connecting Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Huguang provinces.
By presenting the Ipwang Token to the sleepy clerk, they secured more than thirty fine horses.
The entire group mounted up, including Jeong Yeon-shin, Ak Su-rim, Hahoe Wi-jin, and the high-ranking masters of Cheonrimdae.
Each had completed their duties as delegates to the coalition and protectors of Seomye.
Their journey continued.
Thud-thud-thud-thud―!
The sound of hooves echoed as they crushed fallen leaves beneath them.
The group rode ceaselessly. Even with fine horses, the world was vast.
From Hanzhong to Yangyang, where Ipwang Fortress’s main stronghold was located, was relatively close, but it still required crossing under moonlight multiple times.
During this time, Jeong Yeon-shin grew acquainted with the masters of Cheonrimdae.
They were bold individuals, much like their captain, Hahoe Wi-jin.
True to their name, Cheonrim (Forest Crushers), they embodied the spirit of trampling over the martial world, as if the very essence of Ipwang Fortress was etched into their beings.
Thanks to Hyeon Won-chang, who had admired them even before joining Ipwang Fortress, forging camaraderie was effortless. The Ipwang Grand Hero acted as a bridge between the two sides.
"That time, Hyeon Won said this: Jeong Yeon-shin of Ipwang Fortress severed the head of a Blade Specters elder."
"So the rumors were true. It was hard to believe that such a feat was accomplished by someone of White Rank."
"With such talent, it’s no wonder he now holds the position of Ma Gwang-ik Lord."
In an open clearing, they stopped their horses and gathered around a campfire.
Since the group consisted of masters, the pile of firewood reached the height of an average man.
Crackle. Snap.
Sparks occasionally popped, dancing under the moonlight. On a night where the darkness barely touched the bright evening, they were nearing Yangyang.
After over eight days and nights of steady riding, they would reach Ipwang Fortress tomorrow.
"Seomye, you’ll have a lot to do, won’t you? The moment you return, work will pile up."
Ak Su-rim spoke, seated cross-legged with her spear resting across her thighs.
The glow of the flames reflected off the spear, flickering and shimmering along with the fire’s roar.
She continued, "Reorganizing personnel alone will be no small task. The military units under the Divine Sword Corps are as elite as those of any major sect. Replacing the leader is akin to changing the sect master. You’ll have to create rules that suit you, refine the martial techniques of the unit, and train your subordinates to raise their skills."
"Yes, I understand."
Jeong Yeon-shin, sitting upright with a straight back, responded. Tae Yeom-ryong and Namgung Hwa-shin sat to his sides, while Ye Sojeo and Zhuge Cheong-ah were positioned behind him.
From time to time, he felt a gaze on the back of his head—a presence he sensed through its aura. It wasn’t Zhuge Cheong-ah, but Ye Sojeo’s eyes.
Unlike when they had met privately, she spoke noticeably less. Her dense waves of energy seemed directed solely at Jeong Yeon-shin. Perhaps she was shy?
Without acknowledging it outwardly, Jeong Yeon-shin spoke.
"Reorganizing personnel will be an issue. To maintain the unit’s strength, more Blue Rank masters will be needed..."
His words trailed off.
The Hwanik Corps, which had accompanied them to Sichuan, had long since disbanded. Each member had returned to their respective units to fulfill their duties.
Even if their assistance in Sichuan had been a gesture of respect for the martial veins, transferring them permanently was a separate matter.
The consent of both the individuals and the leaders of their respective units was required.
Ak Su-rim chuckled.
"You could challenge the unit leaders to duels. Like a Martial Challenge for Marriage, but instead, you’d duel to recruit subordinates. Showcase your martial arts and take whoever you want. The main stronghold is probably already preparing a martial contest for you."
"I’ve heard of it, but... does that mean I’ll have to defeat the seniors to claim subordinates?"
Jeong Yeon-shin recalled the meeting of the Black Rank masters.
The Wonpyeong Ilgeomjang—a circular arena surrounded by stone seats, each occupied by a martial artist of unparalleled strength.
It was enough to reaffirm Ipwang Fortress’s status as the strongest sect in the world.
Dueling the seventeen masters of the Divine Sword Corps.
It was an event martial artists across the land dreamed of witnessing. But what if stakes were involved in those duels?
All of them were supreme masters who had achieved the Three Flowers Converging at the Crown.
With the swordsmanship I’ve created to match my martial skills, I might not be at the very bottom anymore. Even winning two or three duels would be a huge help. That would bring me four or five Blue Rank masters.
Jeong Yeon-shin thought to himself.
The newly appointed Ma Gwang-ik Lord had been a Blue Rank martial artist in Ipwang Fortress until recently. He understood the martial prowess of those who wore the blue robes.
They were comparable to the elite of major sects.
From now on, I’ll have to manage an entire sect on my own.
Whether it was the Thirteen Heavens or the Eight Great Clans, even if they didn’t invade the main stronghold, their elite groups would still roam the martial world.
That was fine. If Jeong Yeon-shin achieved his goals, he would be granted power befitting his position. With that, he could face any group.
Jeong Yeon-shin, with properly organized Ma Gwang-ik forces behind him, would possess a breakthrough force that surpassed imagination.
At that moment, he would become a true guardian of the martial world.
"You’re a bold junior. Your thoughts are plain to see."
Hahoe Wi-jin, sprawled out on the other side of the campfire, commented with a grin that revealed his teeth.
He looked like a fierce beast. Watching Jeong Yeon-shin offer him a respectful bow, Hahoe Wi-jin said,
"Among those men, some could be part of your unit. But if you can’t withstand three moves from them, I’ll have them rewrite their martial arts before letting them go."
Among the thirty or so Cheonrimdae masters, three chuckled awkwardly. One was Blue Rank, the other two White Rank.
Their refined auras marked them as formidable. One of the White Rank warriors had even followed Jeong Yeon-shin as part of the Hwanik Corps all the way to Myunggong Island.
"Keep dreaming. Do you think I’ll let them go so easily?"
Hahoe Wi-jin scoffed. If it weren’t for the return journey, he said, he would’ve already exchanged moves with Jeong Yeon-shin.
The Cheonrim Captain, Heavenly Power Strength God, was a man of considerable pride in his clan. He was notorious for looking down on anyone not from a prestigious lineage.
His attitude toward Jeong Yeon-shin was unusually generous.
It was because he had witnessed every moment of the new Ma Gwang-ik Lord’s actions during the coalition assembly.
As a result, the journey was peaceful.
Even as the sun rose, the group passed through Yangyang’s gates and arrived at Ipwang Fortress’s main stronghold.
Jeong Yeon-shin tightened his grip on the reins and spurred his horse forward.
A few autumn leaves brushed against his face. The crisp autumn breeze carried a familiar scent.
It was the fragrance of a tranquil home, a place that felt more like his birthplace than Shinya County.
The towering white walls of Ipwang Fortress loomed ahead.
He had finally returned.
***
Ak Su-rim and Hahoe Wi-jin showed little interest in the coalition delegates. Throughout the return journey, the two captains spoke exclusively to Jeong Yeon-shin.
Even after they passed through the main gate, leaving their subordinates behind, their focus remained unchanged.
"The captains must report their return. Each time we complete a mission, we meet with the Lord of the Fortress," Ak Su-rim explained as they walked side by side toward the inner sanctum of Ipwang Fortress.
There was no time to savor the familiar atmosphere of the martial sect. The sound of Hahoe Wi-jin’s usually thunderous steps grew notably cautious behind them. Zhuge Cheong-ah was similarly silent, her reserved demeanor matching the solemnity of the moment. Only Ye Sojeo’s light, almost delicate footsteps echoed softly, adding a faint rhythm to the group’s movement.
They passed through the entrance to the inner sanctum without challenge. The three known Black Rank masters accompanying them—their status unquestioned—ensured that no guards raised objections.
Jeong Yeon-shin received a few curious, almost admiring glances. It was an expected reaction for a newly appointed captain.
"If they knew how far your martial veins had spread, they’d be even more astonished," Ak Su-rim remarked with a knowing smile.
Step, step.
The five of them ascended the stairs. As they neared the upper levels, a heavy silence fell over the group.
More than a hundred steps later, they finally reached the summit.
Before them loomed a massive stone door. As they approached, it opened on its own—a sight that was now somewhat familiar to Jeong Yeon-shin.
Groooan—
A breathtaking view unfolded.
Ancient tree trunks twisted and rose naturally, forming a desk, tea table, and bed. Sunlight poured through the wide-open wall, casting a crystalline glow across the room.
Within this light lay a woman, reclining gracefully.
Her beauty was timeless, an immortal emblem of perfection. Her eyes seemed to embody the principles of the universe, holding an unearthly allure.
Ssshhhhh—
A breeze drifted in from outside, softly brushing against Jeong Yeon-shin’s skin.
Yet the long, pale green hair cascading over the wooden bed remained perfectly still, untouched by the wind.
The Lord of Ipwang Fortress’s hair, as always, carried an air of dignified stillness.
Her long lashes arched upward, their shadows falling like blades of grass scattering sunlight.
"......"
Her piercing green eyes, deep enough to suppress even the soul, turned toward Ye Sojeo.