CHAPTER 86

When Jung Yeonshin saw Namgoong Mi, the Flourishing Spirit Flower Master, from a distance, he counted ten seconds against Namgoong Hwashin.

Even if his opponent was Namgoong Se-jin, he had already measured the distance with Namgoong Mi. They had already met.

He wondered if he could break her spirit first.

But the situation had changed.

Just as he was about to proceed with the duel as originally planned, Namgoong Mi entangled the servants of the Virtuous Teacher Sect with the demonic faction, gaining fame.

In turn, she profited by earning the trust of Wuchang's people.

It had become difficult to recklessly kill her in the life-and-death duel between Desolate Fortress and Namgoong Clan.

The martial artists of Desolate Fortress always had to keep public support in their hands.

Thus, he drew his Pure Blood robe and spoke of the mask. Jung Yeonshin silently gazed at Namgoong Hwashin.

"Mercy in your hands..."

Namgoong Hwashin trailed off, as if lost in thought for a moment.

"...But, the order has reversed."

He raised his head, and the sunlight streaming in from afar accentuated his handsome features.

With a face befitting the praise of a White Qilin, he spoke, but his eyes fixed on Jung Yeonshin were steadfast.

It was a gaze filled with sincere concern for his companion.

"Namgoong Mi is a direct descendant, a prodigy. Judging by her energy flow, she seems to have recently consumed an exceptional elixir. It's no exaggeration to call her the best among the younger generation. Yin-cold energy, ice-cold energy—there are many names, but internal energy based on yin is extremely tricky."

Namgoong Hwashin continued.

"It's said that her energy freezes the meridians. It rapidly diminishes the fluidity of energy circulation, drastically slowing the speed of internal energy deployment and significantly reducing explosive physical strength. The longer you exchange blows, the more your body becomes lethargic. The power of true energy, specialized in the properties of yin and yang, is truly terrifying."

His tone was as serious as his expression. It wasn't just a discussion about martial skill—it was about elemental compatibility.

Jung Yeonshin nodded.

"Creating such internal energy with an elixir... If the family's capabilities are that high, it's understandable how they could manipulate the factions. Using Namgoong, after removing their leaders, to oppose the demonic faction."

"They likely prepared suitable cultivation techniques to absorb the elixir that Namgoong Mi received. Or they may have even hired a reliable inner master. Such a family has that kind of power."

Influence, wealth, or martial force—whatever it took, they would have spared no effort to nurture one of the two direct descendants of Namgoong.

"Skipping the process of energy accumulation with an elixir..."

Jung Yeonshin murmured.

Energy accumulation—building energy. The martial world was full of those who spent long years accumulating true energy through methods like breathing techniques.

It wasn't uncommon to hear of martial artists dedicating sixty years—a full sexagenary cycle—to cultivation.

When a martial artist claimed to have gained insight into a technique, it often meant they had found a mental focus better suited for absorbing energy.

'Accumulation is always lacking.'

Even after consuming what was considered top-quality elixirs, it was still the case.

The very Namgoong Hwashin in front of him already had deeper internal energy. It was a difference born from inherent limitations.

That was why he was striving to create techniques that accelerated energy accumulation.

"It's not just skipping the process—they're gaining even stronger power."

Namgoong Hwashin turned his head aside, his face tinged with bitterness.

He continued speaking.

"That's the strength of a clan that exists solely for its direct bloodline. It's no different from Desolate Fortress. Supreme elixirs passing through their base will inevitably go to the royal family. It's always done in absolute secrecy."

"...Even the elixir I received wasn't a small thing."

"It would be more than that. Naturally."

Perhaps it was the thought of going up against his half-sister. Namgoong Hwashin's lips trembled again.

"Flourishing Spirit Flower Master and the Azure Qilin are like rare treasures raised by the towering Namgoong clan. I do not mean to belittle you, Jung. Even if your martial skills are on par, there are techniques that are nearly impossible to counter. I am no exception. I volunteered for this mission to overcome my inner demons, but I'm not sure I can overcome them in time."

He clasped his trembling hands together, offering a self-conscious smile.

'This mission carries multiple meanings.'

Jung Yeonshin thought.

Desolate Fortress initiated this mission to control the martial world. Jung Yeonshin, with his life on the line, volunteered to earn merits, and Namgoong Hwashin joined to erase his past and avenge his mother.

'In the duel, he wanted to defeat me and fight the young master. Does the Azure Qilin have a personal grudge too?'

The boy quietly observed Namgoong Hwashin.

After staring at him for a moment, he slowly opened his mouth.

"I may not be able to lift Namgoong's spirits..."

"Haha, I wouldn't expect that from you, Jung."

Namgoong Hwashin chuckled briefly before Jung Yeonshin continued.

"But I think I can pull Namgoong Mi down."

* * *

A woman with snow-white skin slowly bit into a peach.

The chair she sat in was adorned with luxurious leopard patterns, and her languid pose, with her arms draped over the armrests, was regal.

Her small mouth moved leisurely as she spoke.

"Do it."

Namgoong Mi gave the order. For some, it was a declaration of death.

The servants remaining in the Virtuous Teacher Sect trembled uncontrollably with fear.

The attendants had already been maimed. Next were the retainers.

The martial artists of Namgoong's Flourishing Spirit Flower approached, energy flowing from their bare hands.

Their eyes were indifferent, as if they were not looking at equals.

"Please, spare us!"

"I was forced to come here!"

Ming law does not allow private torture.

In the Great Ming, commoners were the emperor's property, and no one could defy this.

But China was vast. It was impossible for the Imperial family to monitor every corner.

At this moment, Namgoong Mi's command stood above Ming law. Even more so near Namgoong's domain.

"I won't kill you."

She smiled faintly, exuding elegance.

"I'll only destroy your energy cores. You practiced vile demonic techniques, serving this wicked sect. Who knows what evils you'll unleash on innocent people outside?"

"I've never practiced martial arts... Ugh!"

The moment Namgoong's martial artists moved, screams erupted from all directions.

Destroying the dantian was no small pain—it meant shattering the energy sea point in the lower abdomen with internal force.

How could one endure the feeling of veins being torn apart? It was impossible to remain intact.

Dozens of attendants rolled on the ground, bleeding from their mouths and abdomens.

Blood stains began to spread across the central hall of Virtuous Teacher Sect.

Some of Virtuous Teacher Sect's workers were lucky enough to be chosen as Namgoong Mi's servants.

They stood aside, too afraid to make a sound, their faces frozen.

"Clean this up and gather people. We'll use this wicked sect's resources to throw a feast."

Namgoong Mi ordered.

It was said that her commands outweighed Ming law. The execution was immediate.

By dusk, the summer sun cast long shadows under an orange twilight.

With Namgoong's guards overseeing them, the attendants dared not act rashly, and Virtuous Teacher Sect's martial hall soon transformed into a banquet hall for Wuchang's people.

The destruction of the Virtuous Teacher Sect by Namgoong's elite warriors was no ordinary news.

Even without invitations, local officials gathered on their own.

"It feels so satisfying!"

"Those bastards got what they deserved!"

"The Snow Mountain Fairy came down in Namgoong's name. Look at her skin—like white jade. She's not like us at all."

"A Noble Martial Art, Truly Gratifying."

The table dragged out from within the Virtuous Teacher Sect was massive. Dozens of people sat around it, eating and drinking.

They were primarily merchants, bodyguard agency leaders, and martial arts masters established in Wuchang.

Even the headmaster of the local academy, where scholars were taught, gently stroked his beard.

"So, are you saying that Namgoong's branch will be established here?"

A bald, middle-aged man asked. Though he was said to be the head of a mid-tier bodyguard agency, his tone and demeanor suggested he was addressing a superior.

Namgoong Mi slowly nodded.

"You've seen the horrific acts committed by the Virtuous Teacher Sect. I may be lacking, but I wish to bring order to Wuchang's martial world..."

Her lips curved into a faint smile.

"I wonder, however, if this might trouble any of you."

"Absolutely not."

"Rather, it is something to be grateful for."

Many waved their hands in denial. It was an act carried out by a treasured daughter of Namgoong.

Even if they were reluctant, they had to speak that way.

"Indeed, we are grateful."

Namgoong Mi's smile deepened. A young martial artist, who had been staring at her in a daze, raised his hand.

"Lady Namgoong! I heard you will duel a martial artist from Desolate Fortress!"

"Oh my, are you concerned for me?"

She smiled as if pleased, and the young man's face flushed red. It was a reaction she never tired of.

Such was the martial world Namgoong Mi had experienced.

While the noble blood of the Imperial family might be revered, she, who had grown up as a noble heiress in the free-spirited martial arts world, envied them not.

She prided herself on her refined composure, content with her place in life. She only sought to protect what she had.

Namgoong Mi tilted her head slightly, her glossy hair falling gently to one side—an intentional movement.

"Why did Desolate Fortress leave the Virtuous Teacher Sect unchecked? So many commoners suffered."

The people at the table immediately picked up on her implication. Everyone knew what she wanted to hear.

"They're obsessed with tightening their grip on the martial world. Who can know their true intentions?"

"They must have let it be! The demonic faction suppressed the righteous sects in Wuchang, didn't they? Desolate Fortress only seeks to dominate the martial world! Just look at what they did to the Hwangbo Clan..."

"They challenged Namgoong to a life-and-death duel after fighting the Blood Flame Cult. They've thrown the moral order of the martial world into disarray."

The accusations were intense, as if they truly believed them.

Namgoong Mi quietly observed them. Martial artists were no different from commoners.

They pandered to those stronger than themselves. Surely, some among them held different opinions.

But that didn't matter. That was how her martial world operated.

No one denied life itself. It was a world that spread smoothly like a silk carpet.

And so, she wished to protect it.

That was why the elders of her clan tolerated the rising star of Desolate Fortress, whose formidable sound-based techniques had astonished everyone.

It would have been a different story if he had been a descendant of the orthodox Nine Great Sects. Survival of the fittest.

To clans expanding their influence by martial law, Desolate Fortress was an absurd group.

They intervened in martial affairs under the guise of protecting the people.

'I'll cut them down—this time, for sure.'

She had already won the battle of legitimacy, quickly seizing the hearts of Wuchang's people.

Desolate Fortress, having spoken of a life-and-death duel, was bound by public opinion.

Even in a simple martial contest, Namgoong Mi herself was unlikely to lose. But as a representative of the martial elite, she had done everything within her power.

'In this world, the meticulous become the strong.'

She was reaching for a peach on the table with a gentle smile when—

"Who."

Everyone's movements froze. It was not a voice to be brushed aside. The aura carried in the voice was immense.

"Dared to speak of my cult."

The voice echoed, merging a youthful tone with the sharp resonance of inner power.

It sounded as if internal energy had been mixed into the heaven's edge point, just above the vocal cords.

With the sound of fluttering robes, a crimson figure crossed the wall. It was an astonishing display of elegant footwork.

Tap.

A light step landed in the banquet hall. Not a speck of dust stirred.

Namgoong Mi swiftly activated her detection technique, raising her gaze.

Her eyes shone with the azure light of Namgoong's secret technique, the Azure Sky Sight Technique. She scanned the intruder's body from head to toe.

She was confident she could detect even the slightest tremor.

The uninvited guest who dared mention "the cult".

He wore a ghostly mask, grinning like a dragon about to devour its prey.

His crimson robe extended down to his wrists, and the swirling energy surrounding him moved like a storm. His very appearance was overwhelming.

"Blood... Flame Cult?"

A faint murmur reached her ears.

Namgoong Mi did not avert her gaze.

The sinister ripples emanating from him were no trivial matter. The delicate energy brushing her skin hinted at exceptionally refined control of internal power.

His mastery of energy was terrifying. It was impossible that this was the full extent of his true power.

"You."

The red-masked figure spoke.

"Are you the so-called Namgoong brat?"

No one dared to speak. It was an entrance as shocking as it was dramatic.