CHAPTER 176

Heon Wonchang, along with Jung Yeonshin's party and the warriors of the Profound Martial Alliance, fixed their gazes on the two.

Each had their hands on their weapons. From afar, the sun slipped into the crevice of the canyon.

Before anyone noticed, the twilight rays gently spread, becoming the curtain that closed the day, brushing their faces like a soft caress.

The first cup was received by Jung Yeonshin. Baek Seo-gun poured the liquor with one hand and smiled.

"You may consider it an honor. Even the Heavenly Lord has not received my liquor."

The boy felt a fullness in his being, as if baptized by the aura of the sword.

Just before taking a sip, he lifted the cup away from his lips.

"I'll accept it, gratefully."

Baek Seo-gun paused. It was only for a moment before her lips curled into a smile again.

"So you are indeed of Ban-ak's blood."

"What do you mean by that?"

"It was just a thought to myself."

After drinking a cup of liquor, Jung Yeonshin unintentionally turned his head. Lazy Flame Dragon came into view, wearing a peculiar expression.

Could he know how similar his mannerisms were to his words? When their eyes met, a faint smile appeared on Lazy Flame Dragon's lips—a vexing smirk.

'I should get rid of him first.'

It was the tactical choice.

Who knows if there might be an ambush on the way back? It made sense to send Lazy Flame Dragon, the second strongest among the group, as the vanguard.

Next would be Heon Wonchang. Then the Little Sword Queen, Gongsun Min, and Murong Mingjun. At least five would have to drink.

'If a master of the Demonic Faction made a promise, it doesn't sound like an empty boast.'

He turned his gaze again.

His eyes met Baek Seo-gun's, who had been quietly observing him. In her pupils, he saw a gray hue.

It was a weariness that reached him through the spiritual resonance of his upper dantian.

If she were someone closely tied to the Jung Clan, her life would not have begun among the upper echelons of the martial world.

From Henan Province, vast enough to rival a small nation, she had climbed to be called a Sword Demon as a woman. It must have been a journey full of hardships.

He thought calmly and felt it in the upper dantian of his mind.

"You've endured much."

He spoke without thinking.

What an absurd statement. The person before him was a Sword Demon of the Demonic Faction.

It was an inappropriate, unthinkable compliment. His heightened sensitivity to his upper dantian, sharpened in recent days, had responded to her life and goodwill.

While lowering his cup and furrowing his brow, Baek Seo-gun's expression subtly shifted.

"It's my turn, isn't it?"

Without a word of protest, she snatched the boy's cup. It was astonishingly quick.

For a moment, her fingers blurred, almost dissolving into haze. It was a movement as fluid as flowing mercury.

On the contrary, Jung Yeonshin, holding the flask, tilted it slowly. All the while, he replayed Baek Seo-gun's techniques in his mind.

It was evident she had achieved the unity of essence, energy, and spirit. Even her slightest gestures embodied martial artistry. She might even be a match for Ak Surim, the Desolate Divine Spear.

'It was as if she wielded an Illusory Sword with her hands just now.'

A technique to confuse the opponent's perception. Jung Yeonshin had never encountered such sophistication.

Most minor practitioners' illusions wouldn't even touch the realm of the Illusory Sword—they were mere tricks. The boy's eyes gleamed.

'Her energy is harmonized with her swordsmanship, and that swordsmanship is, in turn, absorbed into her body.'

Then, Baek Seo-gun's gaze softened. How had she interpreted Jung Yeonshin's stare?

As she brought the cup to her lips, she spoke slowly, deliberately.

"Your appearance itself serves as an appetizer. I understand how maidens felt when faced with Ban-ak."

"Did you bring me here just to make pointless comments?"

"I have something useful to tell you. With such martial prowess at your age, tirelessly training, your goal must be clear. No need to say it—surely, it's the Tyrant Sword Tribe's leader's head?"

"..."

"As a veteran of the Thirteen Celestial Demons and many battles, I've heard higher-quality rumors over time. I know your enemy well."

Jung Yeonshin remained silent for a moment.

The Tyrant Sword Tribe's leader.

While creating the Jung Clan's Movement Arts, he considered the clan a home, even though he resented it.

The one who annihilated his family was, without a doubt, his greatest enemy. They were even said to have played a role in suppressing the elder council's head.

Yet, it was a name he had kept to himself.

He lacked the power to exact revenge on an absolute master, and his remaining lifespan was barely enough for the heavens to grant him strength.

Someday, when he donned a robe of purple, he planned to seek him out.

Even black, a shade of reverence, was a long way off.

In a hierarchy that surged through the martial world, he could encounter the master of the Thirteen Celestial Demons at any moment.

If Baek Seo-gun had knowledge of the Tyrant Sword Tribe's leader's history, it was a matter of immense value, in addition to their enmity.

"Speak."

The boy spoke bluntly, his voice deep.

A faint satisfaction appeared on Baek Seo-gun's lips.

"He is of mixed Bai and Han descent from Yunan. The royal family of the Kingdom of Dali accepted the Han and bore him. He was the crown prince."

"The Kingdom of Dali…"

It was the royal family destroyed by the Lord of Desolate Fortress.

She had been the royal sword of the imperial family. There had been several occasions when she wiped out rebellious minor kingdoms and large factions.

This was why the Lord of Desolate Fortress was always mentioned when discussing the greatest in the world.

Her godlike power, capable of annihilating tens of thousands, had been evident then. It was said to have been absolute.

So the surviving royal bloodline of Dali became the Tyrant Sword Tribe's leader.

"He too inherited the Han's eyes. Having trained the Tyrant Sword Tribe's advanced Sight Arts, he couldn't have failed to recognize your innate qualities."

"..."

"Given that your maternal lineage is from the Heavenly Demon Clan, he would have also considered the possibility of you joining Desolate Fortress. Despite the certainty of your strength growing, why did he spare your life? Could he have been moved by the character of a child? Nonsense. It's worth pondering, isn't it?"

"Do you have a guess?"

"Who knows. I don't know beyond that. But one thing is clear—your entry into Desolate Fortress wouldn't bode well for the Lord of Fortress. The Tyrant Sword Tribe's leader, if compared to an animal, would be a clever bear."

Then she met Jung Yeonshin's gaze intently.

"Do you understand why I'm telling you this?"

"No."

"I hope it broadens your perspective, even a little."

"I've already been approached by the Thirteen Celestial Demons before."

"It's a lesson about how good and evil aren't always clear-cut in the martial world. Should you one day pursue vengeance for your family, the information I've given you won't be useless. This Sword Master of the Demonic Faction has shared valuable intelligence with you. Don't blindly reject those of the unorthodox factions—acknowledge the good in their actions when it's there."

"Are you offering advice now?"

"There's no other way to survive long in the martial world. Above all, you must prioritize grudges and bonds. Doing so will draw people to you, and one day, they might save your life. Even I, the Sword Demon of the Profound Martial Alliance, count the leader of Hao Clan as a friend."

"…I'll keep it in mind."

The strangely gentle demeanor of the Eternal Heaven Sword Demon was unfamiliar. Was she trying to play the role of a caretaker? What had her own relationship with the Jung Clan been?

The boy tilted his head slightly.

Baek Seo-gun found Jung Yeonshin, the son of Jung Ban-ak, endearing.

Outstanding looks, a seemingly upright disposition, and an unbelievable mastery of the sword for his age.

His slightly arrogant behavior only added to his charm.

If not for her serendipitous encounter with the Eight Illusory Sword Arts, she might have mentored him herself—it seemed like it would have been fun.

"You've grown upright. Your clan did its part before its fall, which is fortunate. Even if I had been there, I wouldn't have led you down the Demonic Faction's path."

"…You've received the drink. Send one of them."

"Ah."

She let out a small exclamation, her mind replaying the brief silence from Jung Yeonshin.

"That's right. I made a promise. Very well, one may leave."

"Lazy Flame Dragon."

Jung Ban-ak's son called softly.

In one corner of the encircling formation around the table, a young man with flaming sleeves sat squatting, pretending to daydream.

A pale noble, the young master of the Hwangbo Clan, which had been annihilated, cast a deep shadow over his eyes.

"I'm not particularly inclined to go. How about sending the burdens first? The likes of Murong's scion or Gongsun's fledgling."

"You're a burden too."

"Honestly, that's not true. I can spar with the young leader for ten exchanges. As the third strongest here, I'm qualified to guard the young leader's back."

"Ten exchanges? That was just practice, with him going easy."

"Such pride, uncharacteristic of you. There was a time I went twenty moves with him, wasn't there? My martial arts have steadily improved."

"That was before I learned the new sword art. I didn't even use Radiant River."

"I was intrigued by that unfamiliar sword art, indeed. But anyway, don't talk about ominous things like Radiant River. Send that Murong boy first."

"Murong Mingjun?"

"His gaze has been unusual for a while now. He seems poised to report your martial arts in full to the Alliance. Isn't the main mission to dominate the Martial Alliance's Opening Tournament? Leaving someone like him here is unwise. Judging by the mood, it seems he's ready to spar lightly with the Sword Demon herself."

His tone was soft. The young man in pink martial robes flinched.

Jung Ban-ak's son, catching the sight, no longer argued with the young master of Hwangbo.

"This master will send him."

"An excellent choice."

They got along well.

Jung Ban-ak had no such companions.

Perhaps when he taught Baek Seo-gun the Ten Essentials of Go, it was similar.

She gestured to her subordinates with her eyes.

The warriors of the Profound Martial Alliance immediately stood and dragged away Murong's young master.

Seized by both arms and led down the canyon, he said nothing. He merely closed his eyes slightly, as though ashamed.

Once he disappeared, Hwangbo's young master opened his mouth.

"Even if he dies in an ambush, that would solely be the Sword Saint's burden. There's no reason for us to be concerned about that—we're not members of the Alliance."

"I have staked my title and made a promise. Do not tarnish my honor."

Baek Seo-gun's voice carried a murderous intent. It was an expression of will at the level of spiritual projection through her energy.

As Hwangbo's young master flinched and froze, she turned her head again.

When her eyes met those of Jung Ban-ak's son, she was smiling once more. The boy carried the scent of a quiet manor from a long-past era.

Four more cups were consumed.

The hier of the Gongsun Clan and the Mount Dianqing Sect descended first. They, however, were reluctant to leave easily.

They intended to maintain loyalty to the Radiant Demon Squad leader.

That is, until they heard Jung Ban-ak's son call them a burden.

"Never have I felt as powerless as I do today. I will sincerely reflect on improving my martial arts."

A youth of the Lightning Genius' lineage said, stepping reluctantly forward. Only Hwangbo's young master remained obstinate.

"Ah, just slit my belly. Life's dull enough as it is."

He said, sprawling out on the ground in a large X shape.

The warriors of the Profound Martial Alliance glanced at him with exasperation.

Jung Ban-ak's son seemed slightly drunk. Perhaps his body, untrained in martial arts at the time, had always been weak to alcohol.

Shaking his head, he muttered softly,

"We'll die around the same time anyway."

'What?'

Baek Seo-gun found his words curious.

She slowly released her grip on the liquor flask.

"If I drink any more, I'll leave you with a reckless impression of me. A shared drink tastes best when hearts align."

She said.

"And?"

The young Radiant Demon Squad Leader raised an eyebrow.

"Would you settle this like a martial artist? If you seize the upper hand, even for a single second, I will withdraw to Henan. Consider it my form of respect for the direct descendant of the Jung Clan."

She said with a smile.

"I'll accept. I suppose you must also save face before the leader of the Profound Martial Alliance."

Jung Ban-ak's son replied calmly.

She shook her head.

"Don't take this lightly. You are the black rank of Desolate Fortress. That rank demands actions without mercy. If we cross swords, the outcome is unpredictable. Losing a limb would be mild—one of us could truly die."

"I know."

"Hmm. I've seen many so-called promising talents. Not one of them has ever truly considered their own death. They all think they'll someday become the best in the world."

Baek Seo-gun said softly, her arms crossed.

She gazed intently at the young heir of the Jung Clan. Her words were not a provocation.

The Eternal Heaven Sword Demon was an absolute master of the Demonic Faction. She lived knowing gratitude appropriately and carving grudges into her bones.

Even if her opponent was Jung Ban-ak's son, it was difficult for her to abandon her role as an elder of the Profound Martial Alliance.

She only hoped the boy wouldn't come to regret this duel between supreme masters.

"…This leader…"

The boy spoke slowly,

"has never taken life or death lightly."

"Your tone is heavy. Very well, I have said too much."

Baek Seo-gun replied gently, scrutinizing the young heir.

As she thought about how she would investigate the prodigy, Jung Yeonshin, upon her return, a brief silence fell.

With the dining table between them, the two sat facing each other, silently staring. The sudden stillness felt profound.

A gust of wind brushed past the two hundred warriors of the Profound Martial Alliance and Lazy Flame Dragon, circling the table and rustling the cups.

The wind tangled around the spots where Jung Yeonshin's and Baek Seo-gun's lips had touched their cups.

Srring!

Suddenly, a sword rang from Baek Seo-gun's waist. A sharp gleam burst forth, the blade unsheathing itself.

In that fleeting moment, Jung Yeonshin reversed his grip and drew his blade with his left hand. A reverse-grip draw.

But the Sword Demon's blade, slightly quicker, moved unhindered and clashed with the divine sword, Beiming.

Clang!

The shockwave sent the young Radiant Demon Squad Leader's body flying.

He somersaulted gracefully in mid-air, landing lightly. His movements were incredibly elegant.

His technique seemed uniquely his own, almost as if he had reinterpreted the Han's powers.

'Who taught him?'

Baek Seo-gun felt a sense of satisfaction as she gestured again.

The mnemonic of the Eight Illusory Sword Arts once again infused her sword control technique.

The energy, flowing cleanly through the air, caused her sword to resonate.

Hand-Controlled Sword.

Her left hand clasped behind her back, she swept her right hand through the air.

Clang! Clang, clang!

The long arc of her controlled sword and the short trajectory of the boy's blade intertwined. Threads of pure white clashed and slashed through the twilight.

Inner energy and shockwaves collided, with reverberating explosions pounding the air.

The impact of their clashing strikes left cracks in the earth.

Her range overwhelmed him.

The sword control technique had a reach surpassing even a spear's, akin to an arrow. Ordinary methods couldn't even approach it.

Baek Seo-gun stood poised, calmly watching ahead.

The boy in the black robe swung his blade, his garment billowing behind him.

The brilliant Radiant Demon Squad Leader still couldn't reach her. Naturally.

"Phew—"

Until the boy let out a deep breath.

Baek Seo-gun's eyes widened.

Even while moving relentlessly, his breath remained steady.

It was as if his breathing functioned entirely separately from his vigorous energy use. An impossible feat without divine techniques.

'Could it be?'

It wasn't just his breath.

Behind the boy, his black robe fluttered like a banner in the autumn wind, emitting resonating energy waves.

The sword raised above his head gave off an eerie vibration, like a gale roaring through a cavern.

The seamless unity of his body and sword exuded a profound energy.

The gust-like aura came in a burst.

The spiritual wave emanating from the young Radiant Demon Squad Leader's rising stance felt mystic.

It was no different from the spiritual energy Baek Seo-gun had once received from the Han.

It was a resonance that elevated martial arts to the realm of sacred techniques.