“I suppose I’ll have to loosen my qi,” said Hahoe Wi-jin with a sly grin.
His smile was feral, the corners of his mouth lifting sharply, giving him a menacing appearance.
Buzz.
The black hem of his robe stiffened for a moment, seemingly charged with latent energy. It was a tangible display of his internal power being adjusted and refined.
As a member of the Ming family, his accumulation of inner energy was unparalleled. For a moment, his robe seemed to take on the weight of metal.
He had reached a level where his long coat alone could repel a steel sword. His prowess was extraordinary.
No one spoke against him. Even the Grand Overseer held his tongue momentarily.
The provocations of the newly instated Ma Gwang Commander, Jeong Yeon-shin, remained unaddressed by the group. Neither was there any objection to how the Commander of the Heavenly Forest Corps, Hahoe Wi-jin, chose to react. His actions went unchecked.
“You’re right,” Hahoe Wi-jin finally said, his voice calm yet commanding.
“The Pa-Baek Chongram is an achievement in and of itself, and it will return to the fore when the time is right. As your seniors, it is only fitting for us to wait with the composure befitting black-robed masters. It’s far wiser to focus on the tasks at hand. For now, it suffices to test whether your martial skills are as sharp as your tongue. There’s no need to rush.”
“...?”
Jeong Yeon-shin tilted his head slightly. He didn’t quite understand the remark about his “sharp tongue.”
The slight tilt of his head betrayed an innocent confusion, a gesture that only served to further provoke.
Hahoe Wi-jin’s grin deepened, his tone taking on the playful arrogance of a veteran who had seen much.
“One never knows which motion will be your opening move,” he said, his words carrying the enigmatic wisdom of an elder who relished challenges.
The contradiction between his words and tone was typical of the Ming family's masters, who possessed a competitive spirit born of their extended youth.
“That’s uncouth,” came a soft rebuke.
The Commander of the Blood Vanguard Corps, Jin Myeong-jo, leaned back slightly, running his tongue over his lips before speaking. His gaze flicked lazily at Hahoe Wi-jin before lowering once more, dismissive yet poised.
His demeanor was dignified, his pale face exuding an air of loneliness that seemed to deepen the shadows under his eyes.
His earlier display of respect toward the newly appointed Ma Gwang Commander had been deliberate. Ignoring Jeong Yeon-shin’s nod of acknowledgment, he projected the image of a senior who maintained strict boundaries between personal and official matters.
Jeong Yeon-shin’s keen eyes caught this dynamic, even as Hahoe Wi-jin furrowed his brow.
“What was that?”
“Nothing at all,” Jin Myeong-jo replied, still staring downward.
A few simple words from the newly instated Commander, Jeong Yeon-shin, had ignited an undercurrent of tension.
The Wonpyeong Ilgeomjang was a battlefield sanctioned by the laws of Ipwang Fortress. It was a stage where disputes could be resolved, either through verbal persuasion or martial dominance.
It was a place where strength dictated outcomes.
Ipwang Fortress’ governance mirrored a meritocracy, where the stronger commanders claimed better missions and subordinates—provided their demands weren’t outright unreasonable.
“I’ve been curious about the taste of Seomye’s blade,” Ak Su-rim said with a faint smile.
Her youthful face belied her immense power, her serene expression adding a touch of elegance to her playful tone. Known as the second-in-command of the Divine Sword Corps, she was a master who defied age and time.
Among the black-robed commanders present, she was the most unconcerned with the Pa-Baek Chongram. There was no need for her to rely on annotations; her prowess was self-evident.
As vice-commander of the Divine Sword Corps, Ak Su-rim’s unit stood apart from the others. Her elite group, led by the Divine Sword Corps leader, could likely handle two Ma Gwang Corps with ease. This was common knowledge.
Jeong Yeon-shin had yet to restructure his forces after assuming his new role, leaving room for comparison.
“First, let us review the current state of the martial world,” said the Grand Overseer, gesturing toward the round table.
A privilege of the black-robed commanders lay before them: a detailed map of the Central Plains.
It was a top-secret document, inaccessible to most warriors. The Grand Overseer’s finger moved across the Ming Dynasty’s territories as he began to explain.
The map was vast, requiring both hands to span its breadth.
“Given the sheer size of the land, we must account for delays in the flow of information. This map does not reflect real-time events, so bear in mind that the current situation may have shifted.”
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His gaze briefly settled on Jeong Yeon-shin, a subtle gesture of advice directed at the new commander.
Jeong Yeon-shin acknowledged the gesture with a slight bow, prompting a faint smile from the Grand Overseer.
“Let us begin with Sichuan, directly to the west.”
Huguang Province, where Ipwang Fortress was located, was the most peaceful region under heaven. Thanks to the fortress’ presence in the north, there were few incidents worthy of a commander meeting.
Thus, they turned their focus to Sichuan.
“Most of you are aware that the Dragon Slayer Alliance has rebranded itself as the Golden Arrow Sect. It has shifted from an alliance to a singular sect, becoming the sole faction of the Thirteen Heavens maintaining influence in Sichuan.”
The Grand Overseer stroked his thick beard thoughtfully.
“Though they align more with the magical arts than traditional martial factions, they’ve recently clashed heavily with the Tang Clan. While there have been no significant civilian casualties, and the Tang Clan has compensated for damaged inns and homes, merchants are reportedly thriving amidst the increased trade activity. Still, it’s a matter our fortress should keep an eye on.”
“They’ve sought the Tang Clan’s cooperation in dealing with their so-called monsters, haven’t they? The Tang Clan would have no reason to agree,” Hahoe Wi-jin remarked.
The Grand Overseer nodded.
“Their approach was more coercion than negotiation. Typical of the Thirteen Heavens. But it’s understandable. If the Toxic Commander, Tang Unhwang, can unleash his Mancheon Hwawu technique, even the most fearsome beasts could be subdued, if only temporarily. Such a technique is essential for their goals.”
“There are masters here who could use the same technique, aren’t there?” Hahoe Wi-jin’s comment drew attention to Jeong Yeon-shin.
The Grand Overseer and the other black-robed commanders turned their gazes toward the new Ma Gwang Commander.
No one knew exactly how Jeong Yeon-shin had come to wield Mancheon Hwawu. Speculation abounded, but in-depth questions about such advanced techniques were taboo in the martial world.
“Seomye, you must be careful when you step into the martial world,” Ak Su-rim advised, her expression softening.
“They call Sichuan the realm of the Dark King of Hua. There are countless accounts of you and Tang Unhwang using Mancheon Hwawu together. The Golden Arrow Sect is a group of lunatics. It wouldn’t be surprising if they targeted you, even in the dead of night.”
“They don’t consider themselves martial artists—they call themselves ‘dragon hunters,’” added Yun So-yu, the Yullyeong Commander, in a calm tone.
“Dragon hunters?” Jeong Yeon-shin’s brow furrowed.
The Wonpyeong Ilgeomjang was said to be a place where questions and secrets were freely exchanged. This was an entirely new experience for him.
Jeong Yeon-shin couldn’t resist asking, “Do dragons exist in this world?”
“No one knows for sure,” Ak Su-rim replied nonchalantly. “There are claims they ascended during the founding of the Ming Dynasty. That stirred all sorts of myths and superstitions, even within the martial world. Most were crushed by us, except for stubborn factions like the Bloodflame Cult. Who knows how many branches they have?”
She continued, her tone light. “There were even rumors that our Fortress Lord once severed the horn of a golden dragon with a single strike.”
“Did you ever ask him directly?”
“How could I dare? In any case, be vigilant. The Thirteen Heavens aren’t just strong; they’re insane. If you aren’t careful, even a slight misstep in the martial world could cost you dearly.”
“Thank you for the advice.”
“There’s no need to thank me. After all, we’re not seniors here, right?”
Jeong Yeon-shin gave a polite bow, and Ak Su-rim waved it off, her faint smile revealing a rare sincerity.
The Grand Overseer cleared his throat.
“The conflict between the Thirteen Heavens and the Eight Great Clans persists. Even if the Tang Clan mitigates civilian harm, the situation demands our attention. Commanders, prepare for potential mediation missions.”
He then gestured diagonally across the map.
“Now, let us discuss missions suited for commanders.”
“...!”
Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes gleamed.
He had no intention of resting. If he failed to secure a mission today, he would be confined to the fortress.
Among the standing forces, only two units under the Divine Sword Corps could be deployed. Ak Su-rim, as vice-commander, was exempt, and Yun So-yu’s role as the Yullyeong Commander focused on enforcing fortress law.
That left him competing with Hahoe Wi-jin, Jin Myeong-jo, and Cheon So-so—all seasoned commanders with extensive experience in black-level missions.
“I must win this.”
As Jeong Yeon-shin steeled himself, the Grand Overseer’s finger traced across the map, moving northwest of Sichuan. Beyond the borders of the Ming Dynasty, his finger landed on Xinjiang.
“The Bright Sect has risen again. Their young sect leader’s influence is growing rapidly, and rumors of his mastery of both martial arts and mystical arts are now widely accepted as fact. He is said to be extremely powerful.”
Fixing his finger on Xinjiang, the Grand Overseer continued, “The Suncheon Ikju sent to subdue them has been out of contact for fifteen days. This is unprecedented. Two commanders must head out immediately. Fortunately, unlike the Ma Gwang incident in Myunggong Island, we have additional units available.”
“Hahoe Wi-jin failed to handle a mere upstart...?”
The Commander of the Blood Vanguard Corps, Jin Myeong-jo, crossed his arms. His very posture exuded a duality—aloof yet sinister.
His black longcoat clung tightly around his powerful frame, revealing well-defined musculature that seemed to shine through the fabric.
The physique of a supreme practitioner of martial arts.
Jeong Yeon-shin’s gaze caught the sleek muscles extending from Jin Myeong-jo’s wrists to his upper arms. The pronounced definition of his biceps, sculpted for precision and strength, was striking.
“If I use this as a reference and adjust my body with the Jeong Ga-donggong technique...”
Even as he worried about the safety of Suncheon Ikju, Jeong Yeon-shin etched the contours of Jin Myeong-jo’s muscles into his memory.
It might allow him to shorten the time needed to perfect his Hwangang Stroke technique.
The senior martial master had already bestowed a gift simply by letting Jeong Yeon-shin observe his physical form. A model worthy of emulation.
“An upstart? That boy’s lived a few years more than Ma Gwang Commander, I’d wager,” the Grand Overseer said with a glance at Jin Myeong-jo, shaking his head as he spoke.
“Even so, it’s hard to deny that the boy’s age defies reason... His talent must border on the supernatural. It’s likely bolstered by some form of esoteric sorcery. The martial lineage of the Bright Sect is practically synonymous with the mystical arts, even excluding their connection to the Heavenly Demon Sect.”
His words posed a rhetorical question to the commanders gathered.
Silent nods followed. Each of them acknowledged the observation with a subtle motion of their heads.
“In any case, that’s one mission slot. As for the other...”
The Grand Overseer’s finger slid diagonally down the map, stopping in the Central Plains. His finger pointed to Shaanxi Province.
“The Master of the Qingcheng Sect has been assassinated by the Blade Sect Lord, who then moved north to clash with the Plum Blossom Swords. He destroyed the Plum Blossom Sword Formation led by Tian Zhu-jin in a single encounter, annihilating it just before Ma Gwang Commander participated in the Alliance Martial Tournament.”
“...”
“The Blade Sect Lord’s martial arts have improved astonishingly. The evidence is clear. If the battle had taken place near Huayin County instead of outside, the casualties would have been catastrophic. Thankfully, it occurred far from the main base of Mount Hua.”
“The monster of Shaanxi...” murmured Seonmok Commander, Cheon So-so.
The Grand Overseer nodded in agreement.
“It’s always been this way. While many supreme masters continually grow stronger, the Blade Sect Lord outpaces them all. Keep this in mind for future expeditions to Shaanxi. Not only you commanders, but also your subordinates should be warned to avoid engaging the Blade Sect’s warriors lightly. Their fervor for swordsmanship has intensified.”
“Ma Gwang Commander used to handle most missions in Shaanxi. His unit has long been composed of subordinates adept in quick reaction techniques and capable of adaptive strategies,” Hahoe Wi-jin remarked, tapping the armrest of his chair with thick fingers.
“What’s the related mission?”
“There are reports of an unorthodox martial artist impersonating a righteous faction member in Geomyang Prefecture, Shaanxi’s northern edge. It’s suspected to be a high-level martial master from Yeongryeong, disguised with a stolen face. According to the dispatch, both Zhongnan and Mount Hua are unable to spare resources, so they’ve requested a commander-level intervention. The impostor has been using the White Sun Sect’s nameplate to exploit civilians.”
The Grand Overseer frowned, his expression darkening.
“It’s troublesome. With our standing forces committed to Xinjiang and the missions requiring two commanders, only one black-robed master remains available. This mission needs a commander capable of avoiding the Blade Sect Lord’s notice. Fortunately, the harvest season has ended, so we have some leeway.”
Hearing this, Jeong Yeon-shin immediately spoke.
“I’ll take it.”
The Grand Overseer had mentioned the mission’s flexibility. It was well-suited for Jeong Yeon-shin to undertake after organizing the Ma Gwang Corps.
Although he was deeply concerned about the mission to check on Suncheon Ikju, Jeong Yeon-shin refrained from asserting himself arrogantly.
His martial prowess was below that of Hahoe Wi-jin, and his experience fell short of the other commanders. It was only fitting to leave Suncheon Ikju’s safety to more proven commanders, especially with additional units available, unlike during the Myunggong Island incident.
Jeong Yeon-shin acknowledged his limitations and that he and the Ma Gwang Corps were not the optimal choice for the mission. It was a humble decision.
But then...
“I haven’t known you for long,” Hahoe Wi-jin said suddenly, his gaze fixed on Jeong Yeon-shin from across the table.
“I didn’t think you’d be the type to shy away from a dangerous mission. Don’t tell me your talk of the Pa-Baek Chongram was a ploy for this? I had my doubts, and it seems I wasn’t wrong. Disappointing.”
The Heaven’s Stronghold Dragon spoke with piercing sharpness, his tone laced with mockery.
A cold glint shone in his eyes, and his immense energy surged, manifesting as oppressive waves that filled the room.
Even the faint sunlight filtering into the chamber seemed to falter, scattered by the intensity of his power.
“...Ha.”
Cheon So-so, who had remained silent until now, let out a faint breath.
It was a mixture of amusement and exasperation. Her blue eyes flickered as she brushed back her pointed ears.
“I thought we might get through this quietly.”
She traced the curve of her ear, her expression tinged with irony.
Jeong Yeon-shin furrowed his brows.
“This is a misunderstanding...”
“Misunderstanding? Who would call it a misunderstanding after hearing of your arrogant, insolent words beforehand?”
Hahoe Wi-jin’s voice boomed, imbued with tremendous energy. The reverberations filled the chamber, shaking even the ceiling.
Jeong Yeon-shin’s instincts screamed a warning.
A challenge is coming.
Among the supreme masters, none were free of eccentricity.
Their vitality overflowed to the point that even minor grievances or misunderstandings often escalated to duels. This was the reality of the martial world, where only those with shallow skills adhered strictly to decorum.
Hahoe Wi-jin, with his overwhelming strength, had no need for such restraints.
It was common knowledge that disputes among the commanders often culminated in duels within the Wonpyeong Ilgeomjang.
This was no exception.
"Though I’ve treated you as an equal, it seems the new Ma Gwang Commander is no better than a petty clansman!"
“No need for further words,” Jeong Yeon-shin replied, readying his inner energy.
Just as Ak Su-rim began to intervene from her seat at the head of the table...
RUMBLE!
A deafening roar shook the ceiling violently. In an instant, hundreds of fractures raced through the marble walls, cracks spidering out in all directions.
The protective array of the Wonpyeong Ilgeomjang, meant to shield the black-robed commanders, shattered in one fell swoop.
No one had time to react.
And then—
BOOM!
The entire ceiling collapsed with a thunderous crash, sending a shockwave akin to a landslide through the chamber. Dust billowed out in a dense cloud.
As the black-robed commanders unleashed their energy to deflect, slice, and pulverize the falling debris...
“You insolent fool!”
A man descended amidst the chaos, his pink robes fluttering. He grabbed Hahoe Wi-jin by the back of his head.
Though wiry, his large hands exuded a typhoon-like energy, generating a massive vortex that swept away the dust and debris.
“You dare call anyone else petty when it’s your jaw that’s worthless!”
With a savage grip, the man drove Hahoe Wi-jin’s head downward. The violent energy erupting from his hand spiraled out, tearing through the room like a tempest.
Even the formidable strength of the Heaven’s Stronghold Dragon couldn’t resist. Hahoe Wi-jin’s forehead smashed into the table with a resounding crack.
BOOM!
The round table shattered into countless fragments, and a tremendous shockwave surged upward, piercing through the air like an invisible storm.