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It seemed there was more than just anger and shame. This was evident from the words he spoke as he approached.

“Will you cross swords with me?”

“Your name?”

“…Ma Se-in is what I am called. We never even exchanged names back then.”

“It seems your feelings have changed.”

Yeon-shin stared quietly at his maternal grandfather’s grandson.

He had heard that Ma Se-in was defeating the White Robes one by one in the Martial Arena.

He could be proud, but he maintained his manners despite looking exhausted.

Was this the strength of a noble family, derived from self-reflection?

What he thought of Yeon-shin’s skills and abilities was unknown.

Ma Se-in clasped his fists in respect.

“I learned a lesson then. I gained a lot. Give me another chance.”

“Hmm.”

Yeon-shin, having returned the gesture, pondered.

He needed to complete the next mission successfully. He had to do so to obtain the Blue Robe without wasting time.

Whether the boy before him could offer another inspiration was secondary.

‘I can’t fill the framework of the Radiance Sword Style with inferior inspiration.’

It was different from when he created the Fatebreaker’s Codex. The Radiance Sword Style was a swordsmanship inspired by the sword paths of the former supreme master, the Sword Sect.

There was a martial arts library accessible to warriors of the Desolate Fortress.

Yeon-shin must have visited it. He wasn’t only using the martial arts he had created.

Apart from the newly developed martial arts, the Desolate Fortress’s arts were embedded in every movement during actual combat.

He had removed the principles and truths of martial arts. He had built a foundation to create something new.

The body movements inspired by Cheong Myeong’s lessons were taking on the form of a supreme body technique.

However, martial arts like the Radiance Sword Style, Splendid Wings Step, and Fatebreaker’s Codex, which fit his body perfectly, couldn’t be created just by desire.

The fact that martial arts recorded in books were lifeless was another matter.

It was simply because there was no inspiration to weave a martial arts system that satisfied Yeon-shin.

He needed a lightning bolt to strike his mind. But such divine inspiration didn’t strike just anytime.

“It can broaden my horizons.”

Ma Se-in’s proposal for a spar was not bad.

The swordsmanship of the Desolate Ma of the Desolate Fortress was of a level difficult to see even within the Desolate Fortress.

Just then, a light breeze stirred. Yeon-shin felt the slight flutter of his robe.

“Newcomer, was it? Why not try sparring with me?”

Cheong Myeong, who had approached without notice, tapped Yeon-shin’s shoulder and looked at Ma Se-in.

The black eye patch over his left eye gave him an elegant, vintage look.

Ma Se-in’s face lit up with excitement.

“Cheong Myeong, the Blue-Eyed Demon Sword…!”

“I’m just the One-Eyed now.”

Cheong Myeong joked with a grin, turning to Yeon-shin.

“Mind if I do?”

“Do you come to the Martial Arena often?”

“Otherwise, I’d fall behind. There are so many monstrous masters in this sect.”

“It’s because of your eye.”

“Yeah. I have to slowly regain my senses. My vision is cut in half.”

Cheong Myeong’s laughter made him seem cheerful.

He would be a good training partner for an excellent White Robe. Yeon-shin agreed.

It was when he was watching the two walking side by side to the training ground.

Do Yu-won, who stood beside him, muttered.

“Curious. It seems the rumors are true. They say Cheong Myeong only interacts with those who have potential.”

“Cheong Myeong, the senior…?”

He asked back in puzzlement, and Do Yu-won nodded.

“He is indeed a cold figure. You can tell just by looking at the records. He is said to be merciless toward warriors, not commoners. Both talent and character. It’s not uncommon for him to blatantly disrespect people, and many righteous warriors have lost their heads to him. That’s why they call him the Demon Sword. His standards are harsh.”

“I didn’t know at all.”

“That’s likely because your talent is outstandingly remarkable. He doesn’t usually hesitate to interact with other Blue Robes. Not to mention White Robes. The successor of the Desolate Ma of the Desolate Fortress was unfortunate.”

Do Yu-won clicked his tongue.

‘He wasn’t unfriendly to Hyeon Won-chang either.’

While he was reflecting on his words, the match concluded.

Ma Se-in had tried to exploit Cheong Myeong’s left side, which must have been darkened, but the skill of the Blue Robe was indeed different.

Cheong Myeong seemed to have reached a level where he replaced his blind spot with his senses.

Without even looking, the left palm he thrust struck Ma Se-in’s solar plexus. It was a marvelous palm technique. Ma Se-in, who vomited a handful of blood, collapsed.

It was then.

Did he realize something from Cheong Myeong’s move?

Suddenly sitting cross-legged, Ma Se-in smiled.

Anyone could see that he had gained insight.

As he sat down, warriors in orange uniforms flew in from all directions and surrounded the area. They seemed to be the guards of the Desolate Ma of the Desolate Fortress.

Cheong Myeong, who had stepped back slightly, chuckled and returned. Glancing at Yeon-shin, he spoke.

“That friend. He’s not completely useless.”

“This is the Desolate Fortress. Everyone seems familiar.”

“In Demon Wings, you alone overshadow the others, but many are called prodigies here.”

Do Yu-won, who had retreated as if feeling uneasy about dealing with Cheong Myeong, made a slight bow.

Yeon-shin, returning the gesture, once again realized the strength of the Desolate Fortress.

Cheong Myeong, who had lost an eye, hadn’t significantly lost his martial power, and Ma Se-in, who appeared to be an arrogant noble, changed immediately.

Humility brought insight more easily.

It was incredibly amazing. He wondered if people could change like that.

‘I wasn’t in a position to judge the quality of inspiration.’

Yeon-shin immediately stepped into the Martial Arena.

“The Lord intends to commemorate your coming of age.”

It was when he returned to Demon Wings’s pavilion, wearing the sunset light like a robe. Ma Jin appeared suddenly and spoke unfamiliar words.

“Does the Desolate Fortress intend to host my coming-of-age ceremony?”

“Yes.”

As Ma Jin nodded, Yeon-shin furrowed his brows.

‘The Headquarters asked about the coming-of-age ceremony.’

Guan li, the first of the Four Ceremonial Occasions according to the Classic of Rites by Zhu Xi.

The coming-of-age ceremony for scholars in the Great Ming Empire took place at twenty. In the martial world, it was different.

The more turbulent the local Jianghu was, the earlier the coming-of-age ceremony was held. The age used as a standard varied greatly.

The martial world was considered mysterious. If a sect’s prestige was high, their enemies became formidable as well.

An early coming-of-age ceremony meant that one should leave a mark as an adult quickly, as they might not live long.

However, this wasn’t Yeon-shin’s concern. To him, life was a footprint in itself.

“When is the next mission?”

Ma Jin sighed.

“The Lord has set it. It’s an acknowledgment of your talent and potential.”

“Is that so?”

Yeon-shin couldn’t fathom the intentions of the Lord of the Desolate Fortress.

Recognition of talent? If so, she could simply award him the fruits of the Heavenly Tree.

There aren’t many other ways to interpret such clear distinctions between public and private matters.

Perhaps she wished for Yeon-shin, who was pressed for time, to ascend to the rank of the Divine Sword Squad Leader himself, or perhaps she already felt no lack of the Desolate Fortress’s martial power.

It was a mystery at the time.

Yeon-shin didn’t want to cling to futile hopes.

The Lord of the Desolate Fortress was an ancient sovereign. She had a clear line even if she seemed to show goodwill.

It was evident from how she treated Ma Yeon-jeok, whom she had known for decades, like a sword.

“I’d rather not do it. In one hour, I could comprehend dozens of sword variations. Please decline.”

“She seems to know you better than I do. She asked what reward you would like. It’s a liquor that doesn’t overlap in nature with any elixir in the world. It’s called the Thunder Immortal’s Treasure Wine. A single cup is enough for a long, healthy life.”

Even martial artists weren’t free from illness and demons. The Severed Vein was an example of that.

Thus, the medicine of doctors called divine physicians in the martial world was active in many areas.

They didn’t only treat internal and external injuries from battles.

They said it was for a long and healthy life. Even without high expectations, it wasn’t something Yeon-shin could pass up.

“I’ll do it.”

His attitude changed abruptly.

“Only one among those coming of age together can drink it. The coming-of-age ceremony in the Desolate Fortress is a place to elevate oneself through martial arts. Usually, those who haven’t become White Robes compete, but this time it’s different. Two or three White Robes from noble families are participating, aware of you. They’ll be two or three years older than you.”

“That’s not a problem.”

Ma Jin’s bewildered face didn’t matter. One never knows. It might slightly slow the opening of the Baihui Acupoint.

“The Lord is disrupting things.”

It was the seats lined up on both sides of a vast yet luxurious banquet hall.

Ma Yeon-jeok, seated at the far end, muttered.

His splendid purple robe completely covered the armrest. Ma Jin’s scar crumpled below.

“Did you intend to host it at the main house?”

“It’s not a material to discuss propriety.”

Ma Yeon-jeok replied nonchalantly.

Meanwhile, the boys and young men were following procedures markedly different from those of a scholar’s coming-of-age ceremony.

Even though there were complex forms such as divination, hairstyle setting, and crowning, the content was different.

Was it the boldness unique to warriors? The atmosphere wasn’t solemn either.

The attire was just as it was for the Desolate Fortress, and Yeon-shin, dressed in a Blue Robe over white clothes, stood out prominently among them.

At the end of the long procedure, each ascended the platform one by one.

The Lord of the Desolate Fortress, dressed in green ceremonial armor, personally placed crowns on their heads.

Among the twenty-five, only three were White Robes.

Most were those who had grown up in the Desolate Fortress. Yeon-shin and Ma Se-in, who had entered through the Imperial Martial Test, were exceptions.

“Congratulations.”

The Lord of the Desolate Fortress moved her red lips. Her lips curved smoothly as she stroked Yeon-shin’s crown once.

“The Lightning Flash will not choose a style name.”

To the clear voice that resonated melodiously, the spectators nodded in agreement.

It meant he wouldn’t be given a new name as an adult.

Some martial artists who quickly gained a nickname used that name as their style name.

For Yeon-shin, the Lightning Flash was such a name. It became the name he would carry for life.

As the ceremony concluded, people began to chat lightly. Many seemed to have come to relieve their boredom.

“Now, it’s the last.”

“The grand finale remains.”

“I wonder who will drink it this year.”

“In terms of accomplishments alone, there’s hardly any White Robe who can rival the Lightning Flash. Hasn’t he been running without rest? They say Baek Kirin Nam Goong-hwa-shin has just completed one mission.”

“That may be true, but the power of a noble family is tremendous. The potential of the successors of the Desolate Ma of the Desolate Fortress and the Shin family is beyond imagination.”

They seemed slightly excited. Yeon-shin returned to his seat and watched the platform.

The Lord of the Desolate Fortress was already pouring jade bottles into a white wine cup.

‘Thunder Immortal’s Treasure Wine.’

Vibrancy returned to his eyes.

Even when he met the Lord of the Desolate Fortress’s green eyes, he wasn’t overwhelmed. She gave a faint smile and spoke.

“This is a congratulatory drink bestowed upon you. I will grant it to whoever seizes it first.”

The Lord of the Desolate Fortress’s clothes began to flutter. It seemed as if green waves emanated from her body.

“Take it as you will.”

Whoosh—!

An overwhelming aura surged. It felt as if it was pulling them into a deep abyss.

Taking a step forward became intimidating. It was almost laughable.

The Lord of the Desolate Fortress hadn’t even shown a fraction of her true martial power.

‘It wasn’t like this even last year, was it?’

Those who hadn’t yet become formal warriors of the Desolate Fortress fell and collapsed.

He marveled at how it didn’t cause internal injuries. It seemed to have no effect on the seated guests.

It was control of power at the pinnacle.

“Ugh!”

Someone groaned.

At that moment, the only ones holding their ground were Yeon-shin, Ma Se-in, and a noble scion from the Shin family.

However, only one person lifted a foot and moved.

Yeon-shin felt the mysterious breeze emanating from the Lord of the Desolate Fortress’s entire body.

The streams of aura passing through his whole body sprouted new lightning bolts in his mind.

Amidst the feeling of his soul being drawn into the Lord of the Desolate Fortress’s eyes, the incantation to break the barrier of qi flowed from his mind naturally.

This was resonance. A sky-blue light flickered across Yeon-shin’s eyes.

The first step wasn’t the Splendid Wings Step. He merely took a step in maximum compliance with the energy.

The purpose was different. The Splendid Wings Step was a step that created intervals.

Now the second step manifested.

Thud.

Around the foot he stepped, a wave of qi spread.

The colorless waves spreading in all directions gently pushed away the Lord of the Desolate Fortress’s green wind.

Splendid Wings Step. A step that pierced through momentum.

The crown flew off, and his long hair fell freely. No one in the hall opened their mouths anymore.

At last, he climbed the platform with his cascading black hair.

“You may savor it.”

With a slight smile, the Lord of the Desolate Fortress stepped down. It was then.

“Unique and supreme! Every martial artist dreams like you do!”

Ma Se-in, who had been kneeling on one knee and biting his lip, shouted. His eyes were bloodshot.

Whether it was due to the strain of enduring the aura, or some overwhelming emotion, it was unclear.

Had he only walked the path of success? He didn’t seem in his right mind.

“But the martial world isn’t like you think! Why do people establish sects, create families, and form alliances?”

“……”

“I’ve decided to follow my grandfather’s will. Aim for the position of the Desolate Ma Lord. With the main family’s support, your status will rise once more.”

“What are you talking about?”

Yeon-shin was at a loss. It was a public occasion. Even a correct statement should be reserved here.

Moreover, wasn’t it intertwined with family matters? It seemed he was remarkably clueless about discretion, but Ma Yeon-jeok didn’t stop his grandson.

He simply watched Yeon-shin’s lips.

Ma Se-in continued.

“Set a date and compete with me. Defeat me fair and square for the future position of the Desolate Ma Lord. You can become the successor. It surpasses any elixir. The position where you can hold a hundred swords is worth more than any elixir.”

The emotions seemed heightened by yet another defeat. It was incomprehensible.

Were Ma Se-in’s words his own will or Ma Yeon-jeok’s coercion?

Yeon-shin thought it might be both.

“…Grandfather wants to change the successor to you. Don’t refuse. He knows you’re reluctant. But there’s no reason to be. The position of a leader, the head of a martial family, takes precedence over anything. It has always been human affairs, and it’s also the truth of the martial world.”

Ma Se-in, exhaling deeply, concluded.

Yeon-shin looked at his distant relative as if he were crazy.

Talking about such things here? Did he think it would be hard to refuse in front of those who didn’t know the circumstances?

Whoever’s idea it was, it seemed they didn’t know shame.

Yeon-shin didn’t nod. He sought different things.

‘Maybe I would have done so already. If I could gain the fruits of the Heavenly Tree with the power of one family.’

The problem was that he couldn’t. Furthermore, being tied to a family wouldn’t allow his inspiration to thrive.

Yeon-shin intuitively knew himself.

The Lord of the Desolate Fortress remained silent about Ma Yeon-jeok’s lifespan.

Yeon-shin didn’t want to beg for his life without compensation from others. It didn’t seem it would help much.

He quietly opened his mouth.

“You mentioned the truth of the martial world. I’ve experienced it well enough. Let me tell you.”

Yeon-shin stood alone on the platform.

The figure of a boy wearing a Blue Robe and gazing down at the wine was striking.

It reflected the demeanor of a swordsman standing alone against the world’s harsh winds.

He slowly extended his hand.

“This is.”

He lifted the wine cup he had grasped with his fingers. It was a cup he had claimed for himself.

“The martial world.”

The words he spoke as he brought the wine cup to his lips echoed vividly. The hall fell silent.

In the silence, the sound of the Thunder Immortal’s Treasure Wine passing down his throat began to resonate.