Baek Seo-goon had long enjoyed the wealth and power of the Daebang faction.
Like many of the top-tier experts from the Thirteen Heavens, she had made a name for herself. She was called a monster in the martial world.
The demonic martial world, unlike the righteous world, did not care about petty laws.
If one could not find a worthy opponent with their sect's strength and personal martial prowess, they could live a life that rivaled that of any king.
She had lived a life of disputes, playing the role of the sword master of the Seomye, burying her arguments with her sword. She had to.
The world she lived in did not care for a person’s roots as much as the righteous martial world did, but among the older members of the Daebang faction, if someone’s humble origins were revealed, it would invite ridicule.
Her origins were her foundation. The hometown where she was born and raised was her root.
It was a natural perception. Even in the martial world, there were many warriors who regarded their sects as their hometowns, equivalent to their roots.
The meaning of one's birthplace was uniquely important in this world.
Jeong's Household's Baek Seo-goon, Jeong's Household's Baek Seo-goon...
The mind dulled by wealth and power had settled into a state of boredom.
She was different from the elders of Simmu-ryeon, who enjoyed their luxurious life until death. She had lost her enthusiasm very early.
Had it been because she had neglected the years that had shaped her? At some point, even the precious Longjing tea began to taste like plain water.
Even drinking the renowned Xifeng wine, which was famous as the best liquor in the world, failed to intoxicate her.
The once hopeful Young Master of Simmu-ryeon, who had foolishly clung to her, seemed irrelevant now.
Even the moment when she had carved a scar into his face felt like nothing. If Lyeon-ju had made an issue of it, she would have left Simmu-ryeon herself.
Though she had grown used to wealth and fame, she had no desire to turn her back on the Simmu-ryeon faction, but Baek Seo-goon's life had grown increasingly tiresome.
Amidst this, a master from Jeong's Household had come out.
She had been requested by Lyeon-ju and, with a rather pleased heart, experienced Seomye's sword.
She felt a level of refinement in the young man. The fragrance of Seomye Jeong Yeon-shin's top-tier swordplay reminded her of something deeply missed.
The Key to Victory in Go.
One of the well-known principles in Go was embedded in it. Even if one sacrificed a piece, they had to gain the initiative.
The posture of Gija Jaeng Seon. Also referred to as “important meaning.”
The Young Master of the Youngcheon Sword Demon, Baek Seo-goon, was a sword genius who had gained fame for his mastery of the sword.
He had accepted an unusual amount of emotional attachment in his swordsmanship. It was even more so since the swordsman he shared his sword with was his blood relative, who resembled the noble and proud Jeong Ban-ak.
She realized once again that her time spent in Jeong's Household had not been in vain.
The teachings of Jeong Ban-ak, who had shown kindness to the once arrogant and now humbled her, were fully remembered.
Seomye had been the one who had led her to find her roots in Baek Seo-goon.
"This is ridiculous."
She muttered as she looked down at the second of Jeong's Household’s disciples.
Another face flashed before her eyes.
It was the handsome visage of Ban-ak.
Seomye Jeong Yeon-shin. The third son of Jeong's Household's Jeong Ban-ak.
She had been raised under teachings that no one in the world could surpass.
The flawless, yet aggressive stance in her sword grip, the luminous traces in her gaze that had scrubbed herself clean, and the achievements in martial arts that would make her an ideal martial master spoke of noble teachings.
Baek Seo-goon regarded her as a Grand Young Master, noble and dignified, even more than any Lesser Sect Lord.
Her once proud and arrogant nature didn’t even seem like a flaw to him. The humbling words from the Grand Master of Ipwang Fortress seemed sweet to his ears.
‘Such a thing in the world...’
Baek Seo-goon recalled the grand battle with Hao Moon-ju.
She had only received the wine, not offering any to him. She sat as if it were only natural, listening to some shocking words.
"...She was not raised properly... that’s the rumor about Seomye of Ipwang Fortress. Isn’t it strange? A child who built his own reputation at that age. The village has become a rural town since the late Yuan period, after that evil spirit rampaged through it. Who knows how much truth there is in the villagers’ words."
Hao Moon-ju had provided confirmation of the second son’s appearance from Jeong's Household.
She had come to confirm the rumors. While crossing the land with light steps, she had still not believed it.
Could the child who had once dreamed of a noble sword path really have been raised with such hatred?
The eyes she had met with Seomye, although cold, were assumed to be the result of her family’s misfortune.
Jeong's Household had provided a rather warm atmosphere.
Seomye Jeong Yeon-shin had been.
Before the Master of Jeong's Household passed away, he left behind a legacy—a shining gem that had been polished.
She, who had grown up in a third-rate martial house, had become the Grand Master of Ipwang Fortress. Baek Seo-goon’s childhood had made Jeong's Household even more valuable.
She didn’t want to believe Hao Moon-ju's words. At least not until the moment when Jeong Jung-san had spoken.
"My father had distanced himself from her. It’s been like that since her birth."
The words came from the bloodline of Jeong's Household. A shocking first line from the mouths of countless masters.
"Ban-ak truly...? I’ve cultivated methods that even your small mind can’t fathom. Once I detect deceit in your expression, I will put you through the bones. Why did Ban-ak distance himself from Seomye? How did it happen?"
"I-I’m only telling the truth! The villagers said a child born after killing their mother is an impure child!"
"Go on."
"There’s a Taoist temple in the village called the Mystic Temple. The master there said this child... disrupts the land's energy... No one wanted to associate with her. My father, as the landowner, made her like that."
"Could it be, such foolishness...?"
For several days, Jeong Jung-san, a disciple of Jeongnam, was forced to drink nothing but water.
She listened to many stories and asked even more questions.
Baek Seo-goon was the second greatest expert of Simmu-ryeon.
As the powerful figure of Samaa-oe-do, she was used to draining the life force of people.
The delicate Jeong Jung-san was not equipped to withstand her interrogation. Day and night, he had to spill all the details of his younger brother’s life.
His trembling voice echoed in Baek Seo-goon’s ears.
Everything was beyond her expectations.
The sharp aura that had previously appeared in her brow flickered with a dull gleam. The divine sword on her waist twitched on its own.
Because her mind and the true energy were now harmonized.
The secret technique of Igeo-geom had manifested in the form of the Three Flowers Convergence. The swordsmanship responded to her emotions.
Baek Seo-goon’s lower lip trembled slightly.
"That fool’s stubbornness...!"
Jeong Ban-ak was a wretched person. He had provided Baek Seo-goon with pleasant memories and then shamed her as the sword master.
Her hands shook. The time spent with Seomye felt as though it were just yesterday.
The shadows of the two of them stretched across the valley of the Seven Heroes, leaving behind memories of a beautiful sunset.
‘But that child...’
She stood up alone.
"If I had not made the great choice, I would have walked with your hand, wandering the streets of Jeongya."
The words she had said to Seomye came to mind. What had she said?
"How were you raised, I wonder?"
"..."
Her lips parted slightly. A long exhale, like a silent groan, escaped her.
The sword master of Simmu-ryeon had become ashamed of herself. The feeling gnawed at her heart.
The years she had thought she had regained had been tarnished. Seomye had not been polished by Jeong Ban-ak’s hands. Instead, they were stained.
"...It seems you’re not entirely worthless. Jeongnam’s pursuit is closing in. The energy around here is quite restless."
She muttered as she fell deep into thought.
The surprised Jeong Jung-san, kneeling, looked up at Baek Seo-goon, but she did not meet his gaze.
How was she to ease the shame and guilt pressing against her chest?
"Jeongnam is preparing for an assault from the Sword Specters. I’ll lend a hand."
If she could present the heads of the Sword Specter masters, perhaps she could gain a little favor from her little master.
She would have the resolve to confront the Sword Specter leader.
‘I can’t go empty-handed.’
Having experienced Seomye’s loyalty, she knew that despite her seemingly cold exterior, there was deep affection. She could feel that her nephew in Jeongnam was no different.
Even if she were wrong, it didn’t matter. As was widely known, Jeong Yeon-shin and the Sword Specter had already severed ties at Jeongnam Mountain.
If she could manage to catch a few heads of those Sword Specters, at least the formalities would be dealt with.
The sword master’s thoughts were free.
She had heard that Seomye had experienced the Namgung family of Namjikrye.
The newly appointed Grand Master Ma Gwang-ik was already gaining fame even before his full deployment.
If one were a head of a faction in the Thirteen Heavens, they would inevitably gain access to more secretive information.
There were even rumors that Baek Girin, born from the clan’s hidden sword master, was now under Ma Gwang-ik’s command.
Swiftly.
Suddenly, Baek Seo-goon’s white hand swept her ash-gray hair behind her ear.
She thought.
"I will become your hidden sword."
***
White Warrior Ma Woong (马熊) was a master from the Ipwang Fortress.
At the age of twenty, he donned a white martial robe as a late-stage prodigy.
He was highly promising, with Seomye Jeong Yeon-shin and Shin So-bin of the White Tiger clan being the rare exceptions.
If he ever wanted to join the Divine Sword Squad, many powerful martial groups would have extended their hands to him.
‘I don’t want to fall into obscurity.’
Amid the ongoing struggle between the royal-in-law of the family, Ju Yeon-jeong, and the newly appointed head of the clan, Ma Jin, Ma Woong had chosen to side with Ju Yeon-jeong's faction.
Though he was a cousin of the distant side of Ma Jin’s family, this was a decision he had made after much internal conflict.
He had witnessed the decline of his family elders' martial abilities.
The pinnacle of that decline had been his predecessor, the former head of the family.
Ma Yeon-jeok, the Bloodless Demon.
At the age of thirty, he reached the highest rank of Purple, shaking the world with his martial prowess. Those days of Ma Yeon-jeok were nearly legendary.
He had been able to take the place of the seldom-moving city lord. From a young age, he had spread the banner of Ipwang Fortress far and wide.
‘Yet.’
Even such a top-tier master, who had once been a paragon, couldn’t avoid his downfall.
It was a consequence of the family’s martial philosophy. Driven by loyalty to Ipwang Fortress, he had cultivated martial arts with a tainted edge.
The practitioners of the Harmonious Hua Divine Art soared quickly, only to fall just as fast.
The martial techniques were nearly identical to those of the Samaa-oe-do.
Due to the family’s situation and tradition, even the city lord had refrained from interfering. It was a matter for the clan, and only blood relatives had a say.
However, the family couldn’t let go of the Harmonious Hua Divine Art. The old martial art had been a treasure, bringing fame to Ipwang Fortress as the greatest martial family.
They had even tried to integrate other martial philosophies to complement its weaknesses, such was the value of this technique.
Ipwang Fortress had produced the greatest number of high-ranking warriors among the noble families under its banner.
Even the noble Council of the Central Office eagerly expected reinforcements from Ipwang whenever needed. It was akin to the unstoppable momentum of the Eight-Horse Carriage.
"All clear on the sides."
"Let’s rotate guards."
In the small garden surrounding a secluded pavilion, five martial artists took their positions.
One jumped to the roof of the pavilion, while the other four discreetly guarded the surroundings. Ma Woong stood at the front entrance.
Ipwang Fortress was vast, with many such hidden corners.
The sound of insects echoed clearly in the air. A dim light from the dense pine trees filtered through the leaves.
The amber glow of the sunset spread faintly, carrying with it the scent of winter.
Autumn had passed. Ma Woong’s heart tightened with the passing of time.
‘Lady Ju is right.’
Ju Yeon-jeong, with her martial art of the Golden Immortal Eight Techniques, had summoned Ma Woong privately to give him an order.
The behavior of the newly appointed head of the family, Ma Jin, seemed suspicious, so she instructed Ma Woong to observe the movements of the former head, Ma Yeon-jeok, with care.
Ma Woong was essentially a spy for Ju Yeon-jeong’s faction. He served her loyally.
This was done so that he could master the Golden Immortal Eight Techniques completely. He believed it was for the good of the family.
By the time he arrived here, he had already left several marks.
Ju Yeon-jeong’s agents would surely be on his tail.
The condition of the former head, Ma Yeon-jeok, was a matter of great significance. He was a figure that required utmost protection.
It was not a matter that the new head, Ma Jin, could handle alone. Even in secrecy, it was the same. The approval of the Ipwang Fortress elders was necessary.
It was now just a matter of time.
The political blow to Ma Jin would be enormous. Ju Yeon-jeong, who had cultivated extensive connections through the Golden Immortal Eight Techniques, would ensure that.
The noble consort of the royal family never missed her mark.
The prominent members of the family who stood with her would have no choice but to align with her decisions.
‘Head, please forgive me. The family must change.’
Just as Ma Woong silently prayed, a sudden gust of wind brushed against his face.
Whoosh—!
The world in front of him swirled. With it came the terrifying energy from a Blue Rank warrior, like a tsunami of power.
Behind him, a woman with unusually dark long hair parted her lips. She too wore a blue robe.
"Cheongmyeong, why did you act without permission?"
It was Baek Mi-ryeo of the One Lotus Sword style. Known for her swordsmanship, character, and beauty, everyone in her hometown knew her well.
"Don’t be upset, just listen. The Grand Master approved of my action, but only to me. Anyway... this brat is cold. That’s how I see him."
The handsome face of the man wearing the blue headband grew distant. Had he activated his Visionary Qi?
No.
This chapt𝓮r is updat𝒆d by ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom.
Ma Woong suddenly realized it wasn’t that—he was collapsing himself, which made it appear that way.
‘Ma Gwang-ik... the Legendary Ma Sword...!’
He barely managed to turn his head. His eyes widened, almost to the point of bursting.
When had he appeared?
The dark cloak fluttered behind Ma Gwang-ik, billowing like a shadow.
Whoosh—!
In no time, several dozen Blue Rank warriors had descended, surrounding him like a wall.
These were familiar faces—the warriors under Ma Gwang-ik.
At this moment, the energy rising from their bodies swept through the surroundings like a tidal wave.
The defensive wall formed by these elite warriors was a symbol of their formidable status. It was a power more intimidating than any martial technique, close to divine in its authority.
It was the force that crushed all schemes in an instant.
The Grand Master had arrived.
With steady steps, Ma Gwang-ik of Seomye entered the pavilion, moving calmly across the threshold.
No one could stop him.