Jeong Yeon-shin issued instructions related to the martial arts tournament while sending a message to Ipwang Ma-ga.
The message was to coordinate the family’s major and minor affairs to create a quiet moment.
He was still troubled by the figure of Ma Se-in’s mother, Ju Yeon-jeong, who, as a royal descendant, was difficult to read and very authoritative.
The consumption of Ma Yeon-jeok’s Daehwan Dan had to be kept in the utmost secrecy. Ma Jin would understand its implications right away.
‘Once I receive a response, I need to stay by my grandfather’s side.’
Jeong Yeon-shin thought to himself.
Meanwhile...
"Out of the four who did not participate in the Myeonggondo mission, and with Hуeon Won-chang included, there are five in total. Similarly, the two who were not assigned to the Myeonggondo mission from the Cheongseok faction, leaving a total of seventeen in the Cheongseok faction," Cheongmyeong reported clearly.
The situation had changed.
Jeong Yeon-shin was seated in the office chair. Across from him, Baek Mi-ryeo and Cheongmyeong sat as guests at the intricately designed marble desk.
Their chairs were smaller than those of Ma Gwang-ik’s Taesa.
The atmosphere was serene, even without tea.
Had the matter not been serious, they might have had a cup of Tie Guan Yin (a type of Oolong tea).
"With seventeen Cheongseok and five Baekseok, it's difficult to call them elite from Daebangpa. It's somewhat true, and somewhat not. Originally, it was supposed to be twenty-six with ten," Cheongmyeong stated calmly, giving no visible reaction to the reduced power.
The losses stemmed from the deaths of comrades who had been like brothers. To express regret about the reduced strength seemed inappropriate, especially after so much time had passed.
Baek Mi-ryeo, seated beside him, brushed her hair behind her ear.
"Looking at the ledger, it’s clear, right? Of course, the budget decreases with the reduction in numbers. But the real issue is the restrictions on missions. Our Ma Gwang-ik cannot handle the twenty-four Plum Blossom Swordsmen of the Hwasan Sect now. Even small differences are exaggerated drastically. The Shin Geom Dan’s military power, which cannot fully block Daebangpa’s elite, is bound to fall behind in merit," she spoke calmly.
Her words were entirely accurate, reflecting the cold reality of their situation.
The diminished power meant fewer opportunities for significant missions, and their accumulated achievements would naturally decrease. This directly affected the prestige of Ma Gwang-ik, and thus, Jeong Yeon-shin’s path to advancing further into the Purple ranks was also hindered.
This was why the conversation was so serious.
Cheongmyeong’s expression remained as clear as ever, and Baek Mi-ryeo’s face was impassive. They both knew Jeong Yeon-shin’s nature.
The newly appointed Ma Gwang-ik spoke up.
"For Cheongseok, eighteen, and Baekseok, seven, would be the correct count. Let's start there."
"Why?" Baek Mi-ryeo’s brow furrowed, and Cheongmyeong tilted his head slightly in curiosity.
Both the Cheongseok and Baekseok were martial masters who could easily pass as experts in the regional martial world. They were not ordinary fighters.
The Cheongseok’s elite could be considered part of the core forces in Ipwang Fortress. It would be difficult to replace them with new recruits.
The Cheongseok’s masters were even more notable. When Jeong Yeon-shin wore Cheongmyeong’s blue robe, he single-handedly wiped out the Tang Lang Sect in Shaanxi Province.
A sword that could take on a small to medium-sized faction.
The blue faction of Ipwang Fortress was among its main powers. No major leaders would easily release them.
When Jeong Yeon-shin mentioned the recruitment of Baek Girin and Namgung Hwa-shin, the reaction from Suncheon Ik-ju Ha Do-un, who had shown sensitivity, was natural.
Looking back, Jeong Yeon-shin felt a slight regret.
He continued, speaking calmly.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.
"I’ve received a promise from Taelim Daeju Ha Hoo. We have made some sort of arrangement. You will see Hyo Su-geom, Gang Chang-mu, the Blade Demon Ho Un-cheol, and Sim Hyeop-gwon Gong Ya-mi-ryeong joining shortly. Be prepared for their arrival. I will be busy with various matters, so you two will need to handle it."
"It’s been a while since you’ve returned...!"
Baek Mi-ryeo exhaled a sigh mixed with laughter.
"Was that serious? You really are sending the martial arts tournament around? Honestly, I wanted to stop it because you’d be utterly embarrassed if you lost, but I couldn’t bring myself to say anything."
Cheongmyeong smiled faintly. This was the first smile since entering the office.
Both had witnessed Jeong Yeon-shin shattering his limits time and again, so they were no longer surprised. They just felt proud.
Baek Mi-ryeo’s gaze softened, and the atmosphere lightened.
"Earlier, someone was talking about you taking on the Daeju role. They’ll come to apologize tomorrow."
"Did such an impetuous person go out to greet them?"
Cheongmyeong’s soft wind-like aura turned warm, like a caress, as if he would have ruffled Jeong Yeon-shin’s hair if he wasn’t wearing his black robe.
The renowned sword master laughed.
"Even if it's only twenty-four, it’s enough. With that many, you can take on elite missions and handle Daebangpa’s top tier. Hyo Su-geom from Taelim Daeju—I've heard of him. He’s quite skilled with a sword. You've got a good hand of cards."
"How’s the progress with the prosthetic arm that was brought from Myeonggondo?"
Jeong Yeon-shin thought of Ma Jin and Oh Wol-hyang. As his uncle took the seat of the head of Ipwang Ma-ga, Oh Wol-hyang, a Cheongseok master, remained loyal to Ma Gwang-ik.
She had treated Jeong Yeon-shin like a son ever since he joined.
Baek Mi-ryeo smiled lightly.
"For the powered prosthetic arm, it will be completed in about a month. Don’t worry about that."
"That's a relief."
Jeong Yeon-shin nodded slowly, then continued.
"We’ll focus on recruiting the six Cheongseok masters. I need to calculate how many Black faction seniors I’ll need to manage."
"If possible, you should go for the Seomye Mu Maek. It’ll be easier to train them, right? The military power becomes stronger as it grows," Cheongmyeong grinned.
He started counting on his long fingers.
"If we calculate from the military faction commanders who have taken breaks... there are three Cheongseok with your techniques. It was quite a mess. Those with real martial arts skills focused on the Si-geuk-gyeong, while others practiced the Gwanghwa Geomryu or Shi-hwa Muguk-gwon, or learned Hwan-ik-bo. They’d sometimes wander over to our side, seeking advice. Shin So-bin gained popularity there."
"Shin So-bin...?" Jeong Yeon-shin asked in return.
He pictured the cat-like junior. She had enough energy to challenge Tae Yeom-ryong.
She was Jeong Yeon-shin’s peer, a golden child of the Shin clan under Ipwang Fortress, known for her outstanding potential.
Her talents were noticed when she wore the white robe, and she was regarded as a candidate to inherit Seomye. For now, she was staying at the family’s residence.
"I know she entered the martial arts school."
Jeong Yeon-shin spoke.
Cheongmyeong nodded.
"Regardless of the robe color, she is the pioneer of your style. She uses Shi-hwa Muguk-gwon and Hwan-ik-bo very well. She worships you. Apparently, not long ago, she managed to knock down your sister in Suncheon Ik-ju. She complained about you bringing Baek Girin around like your subordinate."
"Did she apply for the tournament because of that?"
"Shin So-bin couldn't take it and was finally dragged back to the family. I saw her expression while she was packing... she seemed quite relieved. Anyway, there were a lot of incidents while you were away."
"The Shin clan has overstepped their bounds. I’ll have to bring her soon."
"Your calm tone is truly terrifying."
Cheongmyeong’s laughter deepened.
"Let’s talk about the Daeju. The leaders of the Bo-hyeol faction and Seonmok Ryeong... they are top-tier masters whose answers don’t come easily in combat. They’re experts at deceptive techniques. The Bo-hyeol leader is quite a mysterious figure, with rumors surrounding him—like mastering evil techniques or being the Bloodflame Cult leader's illegitimate child."
"I know about Seonmok Ryeong. He perfected the Frozen Palm technique. As a master of ice-based techniques, I’ll need to be careful with his internal body techniques. His hands are as decisive as those of the evil cultivators, and he doesn't fraternize with the Han people. When requesting a duel, I need to approach with the mindset of a life-or-death battle. Honestly, I’m quite worried."
Cheongmyeong and Baek Mi-ryeo continued discussing the matter.
‘This is good,’ Jeong Yeon-shin thought. He liked this time. It felt like returning home and chatting with his siblings after a long time.
It was an unfamiliar feeling, but it was like that. Even when discussing the upcoming tense matters, his mind felt at ease.
Perhaps it was because he had just returned from a place filled with animosity from all around.
He slowly parted his lips.
"If it’s evil techniques and ice techniques, we still have a chance."
***
One Day Later
Three significant events unfolded simultaneously.
The return of Ma Gwang-ik, who had dominated the Great Murim Alliance Tournament, had been an anticipated story even before his return. Thanks to this, the entire Ipwang Fortress had been in a state of excitement from the start. It was no surprise anymore, a fact that had been known from the outset.
The new event that had taken place was of the same level as Ma Gwang-ik's victory.
It had been revealed that the elite martial artists from the Heavenly Forest Sect had transferred their allegiance.
They had joined Ma Gwang-ik’s faction from the Heavenly Forest Sect.
With the appointment of a new faction leader for the military division, there had been many predictions that Ma Gwang-ik’s power would weaken.
This was because legendary masters had solidified the foundation of the Shin Geom Dan, making it difficult for him to surpass their strength.
But the changes among these masters, including Hyo Su-geom, shattered that expectation. It became a huge topic of conversation.
"How could Taelim Daeju...?" someone questioned.
"He’s not someone who would let slip something in his hands. A person with overwhelming pride, isn't he? I once shared a drink with him, and honestly, it left me breathless," another responded.
"Did you secretly compete with Ma Gwang-ik?" someone asked with raised eyebrows.
"The Heavenly Power’s supreme martial force was defeated? Could it be...?"
"Regardless of the specifics, there was undoubtedly a wager involved. There's no way someone like him would offer such a great favor to the Han people without expecting something in return."
"So, this means Ma Gwang-ik won, doesn’t it? Truly a mysterious figure. At his age, his accomplishments are extraordinary," a third person murmured.
Whispers spread across the vast expanse of Ipwang Fortress.
Rare elite martial masters exchanged various theories, and officials and merchants with high status, who had access to the fortress, shared gossip.
The personal details of the new Ma Gwang-ik were being written down in civilian records.
The second event was the public revelation of Pa-baek Chongram.
Although it wasn't publicly announced, this wasn't an action taken carelessly. The Ipwang Fortress Lord was not a fool.
To counterbalance the influence of Ipwang Fortress, over a hundred factions had formed a coalition. It wasn’t necessary to attract attention from across the entire martial world.
Letters were sent to the major leaders. The summons were for a gathering to take place tomorrow at the Wonpyeong Ilgeomjang.
All the black faction martial masters received the document bearing the fortress’s seal. There were mutual connections between the great leaders, and soon, speculation about this rare event began to arise.
The leaders of the Shin Geom Dan and Taelim Daeju both showed faint signs of understanding but remained silent about the specifics.
Instead, they focused on another matter.
"[... For this reason, I, the Great Leader, boldly request a duel with Seonmok Ryeong, Cheon So-so, and suggest that the winner's opinion be followed according to the terms outlined above.]"
Across Ipwang Fortress, a visit from Jeong Yeon-shin, representing Ma Gwang-ik, became a topic of great interest.
It was not a personal matter. He was acting on behalf of Ma Gwang-ik, and he was not going to lower his stance by calling the other leaders "seniors."
Thus, Jeong Yeon-shin’s words were bold, even provocative.
Despite the thunderous implications of his message, his handwriting was formal and precise, in a style resembling the Ming dynasty’s standard calligraphy.
The transfer of martial artists from Shin Geom Dan was a highly sensitive topic because they were pillars of Ipwang Fortress.
As a leader, one had to be conscious of the many eyes watching within the fortress. It was a matter that required convincing even those who were not directly involved.
The role of the fortress’s leader was a representative one. It was a position of great independence, yet bound by many obligations.
Taelim Daeju had used a decision without any fanfare to take a single opportunity, but from the second time onward, it would require public approval from the residents of Ipwang Fortress.
Jeong Yeon-shin’s words were like a cannonball, shaking the entire fortress.
People gathered.
The central martial training ground in Ipwang Fortress was filled with spectators. Hundreds, including martial artists, guests, artisans, and traders, were present.
There was a palpable pressure in the air.
"I’ve come from the Shaanxi region. The new sword technique of Ma Gwang-ik is said to be unparalleled. When you see him, you’ll believe he’s more than a man—he’s a supernatural being."
"I’ll be expanding my knowledge with Seonmok Ryeong’s Cold Sky Ice technique. It’s said to be a martial art that conquered the martial world beyond the Great Wall. If I had focused more on internal arts, I wouldn’t feel so uneasy... I’m afraid I can’t even watch it," another muttered.
Curiosity and excitement bubbled to the surface.
The clash between such elite martial artists was a spectacle even for those who didn’t understand martial arts.
It was a rare sight, one that the common people would hardly ever get to witness outside of the black faction’s formal ceremonies.
On the martial arts stage, the two leaders stood facing each other.
Ma Gwang-ik, his left arm’s tendons exposed, and Seonmok Ryeong, with her forehead partially covered by black hair.
Both were dressed in black robes and of similar stature. Their postures and energies were extraordinary. Even the atmosphere around them seemed alike.
The air around them vibrated, filled with their palpable energy. The only difference was that the tips of Seonmok Ryeong’s ears rose like leaves.
After a brief silence, Jeong Yeon-shin spoke.
"Let’s begin."
There was no need for politeness. The leaders under the Shin Geom Dan were always confronted with challenges. They could not refuse a duel.
In Ipwang Fortress, everything, from personnel to affairs, felt like a battle. Jeong Yeon-shin would eventually be challenged by his juniors in black.
For now, he knew only one thing.
He had heard that, like Hahoe Wi-jin, Seonmok Ryeong looked down upon the Han people. There were many rumors that she rarely spoke unless it was with people like Ma Yeon-jeok, Daechonggwan, Shin Geom Danju, or Ak Su-rim.
"..."
As expected, she didn’t answer. She merely focused her energy.
Suddenly, the ripples of her energy made her black robe flutter. A brilliant white aura enveloped her, like a divine wind.
She was surrounded by a cold breeze, her presence akin to an immortal of the north wind. The energy displayed was incredible, filled with deep mystery.
Whispers filled the air, with some even murmuring about the rebirth of the Nine Heavens Fairy.
Jeong Yeon-shin instinctively knew—it was divine energy.
‘Gwangryun.’
He commanded the wheel of light in his chest.
A loud sound echoed from within. The core of his Gwangryun technique spun like a whirlwind.
The internal energy surged from his lower abdomen to the lower dantian, reacting like a flash of light.
The energy spiraled outward, a surge of auspicious power, like a wildfire.
The next moment...
Whoosh.
Seonmok Ryeong’s face filled Jeong Yeon-shin’s vision.
Her technique was incredibly fast. She closed the distance in an instant. She seemed to prefer swift, decisive action.
Their eyes met, with her calm, icy gaze flashing, like the frost of the blue sky.
In that fraction of a second, her hair, blown by the recoil of her divine energy, brushed against Jeong Yeon-shin’s cheek.
The cold air brushed against his face.
She didn’t yield the initiative.
Was it because of her nature, or did she sense some kind of unease in Jeong Yeon-shin? It was hard to say.
Whoooosh!
She attacked from the side.
The white wind swept through every direction, like snowflakes flying in the air.
Having experienced the ice technique before, Jeong Yeon-shin could tell that this was different.
Her attack sent chills straight to his upper dantian, an extraordinary sensation.
Her divine energy wasn’t something that could be opposed without the Gwangryun technique.
Before they even made contact, his body began to slow. This wasn’t just any ice-cold energy. It was more powerful than the typical cold qi.
The cold energy seeped into his skin, solidifying his qi channels, making them freeze as it ran up his meridians.
The ice-like energy around her was absorbing the moisture in the surroundings, creating a surreal, almost otherworldly scene.
In the blink of an eye...
Jeong Yeon-shin exhaled a sharp breath.
Light flared up within him.
The Gwangryun technique surged through his entire body, ready to burn away the accumulated energy.
The divine energy within him vibrated intensely. The speed of the Gwangryun was like a flash of lightning.
He hadn’t even triggered the Sammae Jinwha, but the dynamism of his energy was terrifying.
Next, Jeong Yeon-shin grabbed Seonmok Ryeong’s right wrist.
Crack!
The frost around them shattered as their bodies were engulfed in a storm of energy.
The sunlight broke through the frozen air, as ice fragments scattered like rain.
"...?"
Seonmok Ryeong’s face finally showed an expression. She seemed somewhat stunned.
"Now."
Jeong Yeon-shin, gripping her wrist with his left hand, spoke.
"My junior will now strike."
The ice shards in the air stopped moving. Ma Gwang-ik’s robe flapped in the wind.
The absorption and release of energy from their movements created a breathtaking spectacle.
Suddenly, Jeong Yeon-shin’s hand released the spell formation.
With a clash of forces, the thunderous noise of their techniques erupted.
Mancheonhwa Woo, Hwan-gang.
"...!"
Some among the crowd, with discerning eyes, jumped to their feet.