CHAPTER 67

Originally, accumulating the energy of a different lineage was considered a dangerous act. It was called inner deviation.

This was because no one knew what kind of clashes might occur when energies of different natures collided within the meridians.

Jung Yeonshin was different. He could immediately circulate and transform the energy he had absorbed.

This was due to his innate ability to control internal energy. It was also why he could easily absorb potent elixirs, including the Supplementary Elixir and the Plum Blossom Pill.

He had already removed the traces of madness. This meant there were no side effects even when he operated the Demon Roaring Blood Art.

"You've already reached the introductory stage? Really...?"

Even the Seventh Apostle showed surprise on her face.

Those who practiced extreme martial arts of the demonic path were naturally sensitive to techniques of the same kind.

Their temperaments were distinct, which meant they could immediately sense superior martial arts.

The Blood Summoning Art of ordinary disciples was bound to be suppressed by the Demon Roaring Blood Art of the apostles.

Moreover, this place was a cult.

"Such pure energy waves..."

"Could he perhaps be a pure-blooded descendant of the Cult Leader's lineage?"

The Blood Flame Cultists began to bow. The sound of knees hitting the ground echoed everywhere.

"Grand Master! Oh, Grand Master!"

"Lead our cult to the capital of Beijing!"

"Grant your unworthy disciples blackened heads and bestow upon us an even more perfect Blood Summoning Art!"

Cries of devotion burst out from all directions, creating a solemn atmosphere.

Their fervent emotions, stemming from fanaticism, were evident in their voices.

Things didn't go as Go Jonghak had intended. The stage, meant to stir anticipation, turned into one of praise and pleading.

Jung Yeonshin stood still, operating the Demon Roaring Blood Art.

The overwhelming aura of the upper-tier blood technique exuded calmness, having shed its madness.

The cultists stared intently, as if imprinting every detail of his fluttering, blood-colored robe into their minds.

To their eyes, he must have appeared noble.

At this moment, Jung Yeonshin was the Grand Master of the Blood Flame Cult. At least, that's how he seemed through the eyes of these demonic followers.

"..."

Without responding, he turned aside and walked away. No ordinary disciples dared approach him.

He also ignored Go Jonghak's glaring gaze.

Only the Seventh Apostle followed him closely.

"I didn't expect you to reach a small achievement overnight. You... You're not just talented at creating techniques, are you? Your very foundation in martial arts is vast."

The unique sharpness of martial arts masters flickered in her red eye.

Jung Yeonshin simply glanced at her before turning his gaze forward.

Then, he spoke slowly.

"I need to inspect the main hall. And this won't be the only time. I'll have to do it regularly."

"Do you have a reason?"

"If I'm going to extract and refine new techniques, sitting still in a room won't inspire me."

"Hmm."

"Wall-facing meditation is what Bodhidharma practiced. I'm completely different. I can't do that. I need to feel the breeze and connect with nature. I also need to observe the martial temperaments of your cultists. The same applies to the Demon Roaring Blood Art."

He suddenly stopped walking and looked at the Seventh Apostle.

She wasn't flustered. Instead, her burning red eye met his gaze directly.

"I've never created a martial art for others before. I need to know a lot."

Jung Yeonshin continued.

"I need to know everything about your breathing, steps, gestures, and even the ideology that forms the basis of your intentions. To circulate internal energy through the optimal paths, I must understand the practitioner completely. That's not something I can grasp while sitting still."

"Yeah, you're right..."

"The same applies to the Blood Summoning Art. I have to experience the spirit of the Blood Flame Cult to transform it into a versatile martial art."

Although Jung Yeonshin stopped speaking, the Seventh Apostle was practically panting, as if overcome with excitement.

Was she feeling joy? He had only used the excuse of refining techniques, yet—

'So this is it. She really thinks of me as prey that's already been caught.'

His words, which he thought might not convince a fanatic, had worked.

He had gained freedom of movement. With the Seventh Apostle accompanying him, he could go anywhere.

"Let's start with the inner hall of the Cult Leader."

Jung Yeonshin moved forward without hesitation as he spoke.

'I trust my nature, but I need to take precautions.'

Realistically, the Imperial Guard likely couldn't mobilize significant forces immediately.

The martial world was always chaotic. It was said that even in the best-case scenario, only 30% of the Seventeen Divine Squads were stationed at the headquarters.

The rest were scattered across the central plains, carrying out missions.

He was inside the Blood Flame Cult. He had to do everything he could.

"Wait."

He spoke to the Seventh Apostle.

"Okay."

She nodded and stood still. Strangely obedient, her lone eye shone red as it gazed at him.

"Grand Master."

They stood before thirty-six steps leading to the Cult Leader's hall. The Blood Master Swordsmen, who seemed to be on guard, offered brief bows.

He returned a slight nod.

Jung Yeonshin placed his hand on the railing and began to draw up his energy.

It was impossible to completely hide the spreading energy waves. However, he had already prepared his excuse.

The qualifications of a grandmaster capable of creating techniques could justify any act as an inspiration.

'Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm.'

Just as he was about to release the divine energy, he shifted the circulation path using the Demon Roaring Blood Art.

Wooong.

The energy subtly changed. Beneath the aura of the blood technique, the essence of Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm was hidden.

This was control over energy at an extraordinary level. He had taken another step forward.

It was the realm of adjusting the intricate structure of energy with millennial precision.

'It won't affect my strength.'

In essence, it was deception. The divine energy was cloaked in the shell of blood energy.

Even a high-level master wouldn't be able to perceive its true nature.

He lightly leaned on the railing, stroking it as he asked casually,

"Marble, isn't it? Where is it from?"

"It is said to have been brought from the ancient Kingdom of Dali in Yunan, Grand Master."

A Blood Master Swordsman standing nearby replied politely.

Jung Yeonshin gave a brief nod and ran his hand along the railing. At the same time, he imbued it with the disguised power of Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm.

It wasn't the end. He drew inspiration from the Twin Flame Blood Spirit Formation that surrounded the Blood Flame Cult.

It was an art of formations. He sealed the energy he had imbued, ensuring it wouldn't scatter.

The energy settled deeply without releasing even the faintest trace.

"It's solid."

He spoke while brushing the smooth, sculpted wall.

Though he couldn't infuse large amounts like an elixir, if his plan succeeded, he might even be granted a fragment of World Tree's Fruit.

"I'll be back."

The Blood Master Swordsmen bowed as Jung Yeonshin left.

The Seventh Apostle followed, smiling brightly.

"You, you have some discerning eye. All structures in our sect have contained at least decades of history. If you look carefully, there may even be objects with spiritual nature? I'll show you noble and divine scenery that can only be seen in our sect."

"All of that is inspiration. It's certainly impressive."

Jung Yeonshin answered with an indifferent expression. The Seventh Apostle smiled brightly.

* * *

Time passed.

Two fortnights went by. Sunset and dawn crossed more than thirty times. The Blood Flame Cult members had grown quite accustomed to the young Grand Master.

Jung Yeonshin repeated the same actions for a month.

Railings, stairs, rafters, dirt ground, roofs… He roamed throughout the Blood Flame Cult planting the Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm.

He mainly kept his movements centered around the Cult Leader's hall.

He also contemplated various formations including the Twin Flame Blood Spirit Formation.

'Unless activated, formation mediums are just still objects. Even martial artists can't sense them. The same goes for the Cult Leader.'

It might be different for the noble clans.

However, there were no noble clan members in the Blood Flame Cult. It seemed to be because they were clans closely tied to the Imperial family from birth.

Meanwhile, the Seventh Apostle had to go on an expedition.

She came to him with a very excited face. The killing intent flowing through her entire body was quite fierce.

"It's obvious. Bringing you was a decision that took quite a risk for both me and our cult. They must have swept all areas within about a month's distance from Clear Night Valley. Whether to recover you or to eliminate our cult, I don't know."

"Probably both."

Jung Yeonshin replied nonchalantly while sitting cross-legged.

'It's beginning.'

He felt it when he went outside today. The Blood Flame Cult main hall was stirring.

They said martial artists were searching the surroundings. Quite a large scale.

"Just from what's been reported, there's Shaolin, Zhongnan, Mount Hua. Even nearby branch sects have gathered. They say it's easily over five hundred, with Desolate Fortress'white and blue ranks among them."

The Seventh Apostle's eyes narrowed as she spoke.

She stretched out her white hand.

Her long fingers brushed over Jung Yeonshin's head, each joint emanating an overwhelming force of internal energy.

The heavy, radiating energy waves were tremendous.

"I won't give you to anyone. Don't harbor any futile hopes. You're already mine."

"This place, you said no one has discovered it for hundreds of years."

"That's right."

The corners of the Seventh Apostle's lips lifted.

"The Twin Flame Blood Spirit Formation isn't a technique of the mortal realm. Even an army of a million could pass by without realizing it."

"..."

Even to Jung Yeonshin, their formation techniques didn't seem to belong to the domain of humans.

The fact that he could wield the formation's principles after only partially understanding its structure showed just how refined it was, refined enough for the Blood Flame Cult to trust it absolutely.

These people relied on formations of ancient power. He had to uncover their schemes.

He gazed at the Seventh Apostle silently before speaking.

"And yet, you're setting out on an expedition? Wouldn't it be better to lay low and wait for the storm to pass? If you show yourselves, you're only confirming your location."

"Are you worried about me? Oh, my dear! How delightful!"

She reached out to embrace him, her hands brimming with the madness of possession.

Woong!

Jung Yeonshin stirred the Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm technique in his hand.

Though the movements of high-level martial artists were exceedingly difficult to hit, if he succeeded, it would be fatal, just as when he took her eye.

"When will you ever lower your guard?"

Feeling repulsed by the Seventh Apostle's whining tone, he stood up. He had spent considerable time here, but all he'd gained was growing disgust for the Blood Flame Cult.

Their staple wasn't food but humans.

They captured martial artists and commoners daily, drained them of blood and energy, and discarded them.

With medical skills to prevent plagues, they frequently burned the bodies.

Jung Yeonshin shook his head internally, organizing his thoughts on what needed to be done.

'I requested a meeting with the Cult Leader.'

He had planned to imbue the Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm energy into the Cult Leader's hall today.

"To continue the cult's operations, we need to identify the positions of those orthodox pests, don't we? I'll be away briefly, so behave yourself while I'm gone."

The Seventh Apostle finally responded, but Jung Yeonshin left the room without answering.

The end was near. His instincts told him so.

Even facing unwelcome encounters no longer evoked much emotion.

"Lately, I've been thinking about this."

Go Jonghak, the son of the Third Apostle, blocked his path, stroking his thick chin.

For the past two months, he had persistently tried to undermine Jung Yeonshin's position. He couldn't be underestimated.

His martial skill was sufficient to overpower most Blood Master Swordsmen in under ten seconds.

"They say the Grand Master possesses talent worthy of being called the greatest under heaven."

A slight smirk lifted his lips.

"But how you managed to beguile the Cult Leader's divine sight is beyond me. Though I've shown you due respect, it troubles me as a loyal cultist that you've achieved nothing of note."

Perhaps because Jung Yeonshin had consistently brushed off provocations, Go Jonghak's words had grown increasingly blatant.

"Say what you want."

Jung Yeonshin's response was indifferent. A secret voice transmission followed.

—Take your own life. You lowly, discarded wretch.

His tone was odd. Everyone knew the Seventh Apostle favored Jung Yeonshin.

Did Go Jonghak plan an ambush while she was away?

At that moment—

'Hm?'

A sudden breeze brushed past, lifting the edge of his robe as if alive.

The faint wind that grazed his ear seemed to whisper something.

It was a familiar sensation. He'd felt it during his first mission, when Chung Myung demonstrated the mysterious powers of the Noble Clan.

"Think what you will."

Jung Yeonshin spoke in a flat tone and turned away.

Whether Go Jonghak raged in fury or followed him, he didn't care.

He walked toward the outer area without hesitation.

Soon, he arrived.

Woong—

It was the place where he and the Seventh Apostle first encountered the Twin Flame Blood Spirit Formation.

The air shimmered mysteriously, as though the space itself was trembling.

Beyond that barrier, she was there.

"Ah."

A quiet exhale escaped him.

He saw her immediately. The moment she entered his sight, the image etched itself into his mind.

His fate. His salvation.

A woman draped in a long, pale green robe that flowed like a bowstring.

Her head was slightly tilted as she gazed to the side.

Her porcelain-white skin glistened with a smooth, luminous sheen.

It was as though the surrounding colors had faded away. Sunlight traced halos along the elegant curve of her nose.

The swaying greenery around her seemed to merge with her presence.

Her light green hair, cascading down her back like spring winds, spread an aura of mystery.

She didn't feel human. Despite suppressing her internal energy completely, she radiated a terrifying presence.

At last—

She turned her head.

Eyes like emeralds, capturing the brilliance of the sun, were revealed.

Eyes that held an overwhelming abyss within them.