The Gates of Life and Death.

Just the name alone came with a large warning, emphasizing that one could traverse the line between life and death.

The stage known as Supreme Master was, in essence, the pinnacle that surpassed human limitations—a stage of transcendence.

To reach this point, not only did one need strength beyond that of a human, but luck played a role as well. Of course, overwhelming ability would make luck irrelevant, but such cases were rare and could be ignored.

To reach the Supreme Master stage, one had to connect their Ren and Du meridians through the Gates of Life and Death. The prerequisite was a balance between one's essence, vital energy, and spirit, and enough inner energy reserves to pierce through the Gates of Life and Death.

In this context, the inner energy referred to one’s Qi.

Thus, it was necessary to elevate one's essence and spirit to match their Qi, and there was no shortcut for this process.

Seo-jun had come to confirm this with Chun-bong and Sua at the training hall.

"Wow, it really feels like I'm home now."

He now casually entered the training hall reserved for the head of the family.

As Seo-jun stood in the center and began stretching, Namgung Sua snuck up behind him, wrapping her arms around him and resting her head on his shoulder.

"You’re right. Training alone while you were gone felt so lonely."

"That won’t happen anymore. Now that Chun-bong’s back, we can all hang out together."

Of course, this was after Namgung Sua reached the Supreme Master stage. It would be madness for a direct descendant of Namgung to head to the frontlines during wartime.

"Hey! What’s going on here?"

But Chun-bong was more concerned about something else at the moment.

"Why are you two so close!? Can’t you stay apart!?"

Chun-bong squeezed herself between Namgung Sua and Seo-jun, pushing them apart.

"Oh."

Seo-jun felt a pang of disappointment from the loss of the comforting pressure against his back.

Chun-bong narrowed her eyes in frustration.

"Watch carefully."

With a confident stride, Chun-bong walked to the center of the training hall. She unsheathed her sword with a flourish.

The descendant of the Divine Sword clan, now fully recovered from her meridian injury, stood with a sharp glint in her eyes.

"I couldn’t show you this before, but now I can."

It was the essence of the Hwang Un-shingum. Chun-bong had learned the Cheong Un-shingum, but ultimately, it shared the same roots as the Hwang Un-shingum.

The Hwang Un-shingum was a sword technique that even Namgung Jincheon had not fully mastered. However, that was because his standards were exceedingly high, and he had only learned a few forms of the technique.

Under the guidance of the Sword God, Chun-bong unleashed the essence of the profound martial arts through her sword.

The beginning resembled clouds. Platinum-colored clouds floated leisurely in the sky, gradually thickening and spreading until they covered the entire heavens.

As the clouds darkened and blotted out the sun, rain began to fall.

Amid the dark clouds, a massive figure emerged.

A blue dragon clad in platinum aura.

Chun-bong’s sword became the dragon, commanding the clouds and rain.

As the dragon soared through the skies, it finally opened its enormous jaws, ready to devour the world. This was the finishing move of the Cheong Un-shingum.

Covered in sweat, Chun-bong’s eyes gleamed with a platinum hue.

"Did you see that?"

"Uh…"

Seo-jun was once again reminded that Chun-bong was indeed the heir of the Divine Sword family.

A genius who had reached the Peak Stage at just fifteen, and a direct disciple of the Sword God.

As he stared at Chun-bong, she scratched her soft cheek and glanced at Namgung Sua with an uneasy expression.

"So, yeah, right? The Sovereign Sword Form is amazing too, but, you know, the Hwang Un-shingum is... well, you get it!"

Chun-bong raised her voice, pointing toward Namgung Sua, who was once again clinging to Seo-jun's arm.

"So could you, like, stop sticking so close to him, Sis!?"

"Why? Seo-jun seems to like it."

"That’s not the point! Stop being so shameless!"

Chun-bong stomped around in frustration, and Seo-jun chuckled as he watched.

She had said they had talked a lot since leaving seclusion, and it seemed they had grown even closer.

Namgung Sua had mentioned that while Chun-bong spent most of her lunch breaks holed up in the inn, they had bonded over conversations during their free time.

Their common topics? Swords or Seo-jun, naturally.

Watching Chun-bong shouting and Namgung Sua smiling warmly, it was almost like watching real sisters interact.

Which made Seo-jun feel a bit left out.

"I’m feeling jealous!"

"W-what?"

"Chun-bong is my little sister!"

Seo-jun rushed forward and hugged Chun-bong.

Soaked in sweat, Chun-bong shrieked and flailed in his arms.

"Aaaah…! Let go!"

"Oooh, Chun-bongie…."

"Argh…!"

"Aww... ouch, hey!"

Yes, this was exactly how things should be.

With a satisfied smile, Seo-jun straightened his back.

"Anyway, it seems like Chun-bong will reach the Supreme Master stage soon!"

"Isn’t that a great blessing for the orthodox sects!"

An unexpected voice caused Seo-jun to frown.

"Hey, old man, you can’t just barge in here like that."

"Well, Namgung Jincheon is here with me, so it’s fine!"

Pa Jin-gwang dragged the reluctant Namgung Jincheon forward.

"Heh…"

"If the family head says it’s fine, who are you to say it’s not!"

"I’m his son-in-law."

"Is a son-in-law higher than the head of the family?"

"In the Namgung family, I outrank you."

"Oh-ho! Shall we compare ranks then?"

Even though Pa Jin-gwang was a King of Power, he was still ranked lower than Chun-bong, a disciple of the Sword God. But Chun-bong’s status wasn’t something to reveal casually.

"Tsk…!"

As Seo-jun gritted his teeth, Pa Jin-gwang laughed loudly.

"Haha! Finally, I’ve beaten this brat!"

"Sure, sure. If you’re proud of beating a youngster at your age, go ahead."

"You cheeky little brat!"

Pa Jin-gwang laughed as he shouted, and Seo-jun sighed, waving his hand dismissively.

"But really, you shouldn’t be here. I can’t show you my sister’s training."

"I can’t?"

"Do you think you can?"

"Hm. That’s true."

Pa Jin-gwang scratched his head.

"But still, why are you training right after coming home? You should rest. Muscles grow stronger when you give them time to rest."

"It’s not me who’s training, it’s my sister."

"Ah, I see."

Pa Jin-gwang nodded in understanding.

Seo-jun looked at him with a mixture of disbelief, then turned to Namgung Jincheon, who seemed a bit weary. He could guess why.

"By the way, Father-in-law."

"Yes, son-in-law…?"

"I’ve created a martial art that makes it easier to break through the Gates of Life and Death."

"I see... the Gates of Life and... wait, what?"

Namgung Jincheon jerked his head up. Pa Jin-gwang had a similar reaction.

"Has this brat not fully recovered from his insanity?"

"Old man, be quiet."

"What nonsense are you spouting? Do you think the Gates of Life and Death are some door to a local tavern?"

"Old man, you’re a second-rate martial artist. What would you know?"

"I know enough, you brat!"

"It’s nothing too grand. It’s just a technique for people who are already capable of reaching the Supreme Master stage."

"You’re really spouting nonsense now!"

Ignoring Pa Jin-gwang, Seo-jun raised his middle finger and turned to Namgung Jincheon.

"Can you check it out for me? And while you’re at it, can you see if my sister is ready to reach the Supreme Master stage?"

"Hmm... hmm... alright."

Seo-jun mentally transmitted the technique to Namgung Jincheon.

Namgung Jincheon closed his eyes, thinking deeply, before nodding.

"This… it seems possible."

"Right?"

"But Sua still isn’t ready. Her essence, vital energy, and spirit haven’t fully matured yet, so it would be dangerous."

"Darn."

As Seo-jun scratched his head, Pa Jin-gwang leaned in.

"Hey, Namgung Jincheon. Are you serious? Did that brat really create a technique like that?"

"I find it hard to believe myself… but yes. It’s an extraordinarily well-crafted martial art."

"That brat? Really?"

Pa Jin-gwang thought back to Seo-jun’s fight with the Master of Giryeon.

Now that he thought about it, Seo-jun wasn’t an ordinary guy.

"Well, it’s still not as impressive as having your head cut off and reattached."

"Do you want to experience it, old man?"

"No thanks. I wouldn’t survive if my head got cut off."

"Pity."

Seo-jun clicked his tongue, but then smiled mischievously as an idea struck him.

"By the way, doesn’t this prove that inner energy is superior to muscles?"

"What?"

"No matter how much muscle you build, if your head gets cut off, you’ll die."

Pa Jin-gwang snorted.

"You crazy bastard. If anyone’s head gets cut off, they’ll die."

"I didn’t die, though."

"That just means you’re not human."

"Hey, that’s a bit harsh."

"Even the demon cultists would bow their heads to you, thinking you were some kind of grand demon."

Before Seo-jun could raise his middle finger again, Chun-bong scowled, stepping forward.

"What? A grand demon? Who are you calling a grand demon?"

Pa Jin-gwang laughed heartily as Chun-bong growled at him, like a grandfather indulging his granddaughter’s antics.

‘Our Chun-bong really is adorable.’

Seo-jun smiled contentedly, then sidled up to Namgung Jincheon.

"I’ve been wondering about something."

"Hm? What is it, son-in-law?"

"You know how I fought the Master of Giryeon? Well, he’s really strong."

Namgung Jincheon nodded.

"I’ve heard he’s a difficult opponent, skilled in both martial arts and sorcery. I’m relieved you’re safe."

"Eh, he wasn’t too bad."

Seo-jun chuckled as he leaned in to whisper.

"So, if you and the Master of Giryeon fought, who would win?"

"Hmm… I’ve never fought him before, but based on what I’ve heard… it would take about ten seconds."

"Huh?"

"I’d be able to take him down within ten moves."

Namgung Jincheon spoke with the same nonchalant tone one would use to talk about yesterday’s lunch.

He sounded so matter-of-fact, like it was no big deal, that Seo-jun blinked in disbelief.

"Wow…"

Our father-in-law is seriously strong. Even among those at the Hwagyeong stage, the difference must be greater than I thought.

Not that I ever planned to, but I really shouldn’t mess with him.

That thought stuck with Seo-jun.

•  

"So that’s the conclusion."

Pa Jin-gwang puffed out his chest proudly. His massive pectoral muscles were clearly visible even through his clothes.

"Ew, Chun-bong, don’t look at that."

Seo-jun quickly covered Chun-bong’s eyes, frowning.

"What nonsense are you talking about now?"

"Isn’t it simple? You should train using my method! I guarantee you’ll become at least twice… well, maybe not twice, but definitely stronger than you are now."

"I already get stronger just by lying down and scratching my belly for a few days."

Pa Jin-gwang’s eyebrow twitched.

Chun-bong and Namgung Sua also glanced at Seo-jun with slightly irritated expressions.

But Pa Jin-gwang didn’t back down.

"Look at your weak body! It’s clear you haven’t done much external training!"

"I don’t need to."

"Think of the muscles you could have! If you combine your inner energy with more muscle, wouldn’t that make you stronger?"

"Wouldn’t I get stronger if I used that time for other training instead?"

Pa Jin-gwang turned sharply to Namgung Jincheon.

"Tell me I’m right!"

"You’re not entirely wrong."

"See?"

Pa Jin-gwang’s face lit up, though it was still filled with frustration. Seo-jun tilted his head.

"I don’t want to get too bulky. Don’t you know lean muscle is in these days?"

"Hah! You don’t just bulk up overnight from training hard!"

"Chun-bong, you agree, right? A muscle-bound Seo-jun would be a bit…"

Chun-bong glanced at Seo-jun’s body.

"Well… I guess it wouldn’t be too bad?"

As Chun-bong averted her gaze, Seo-jun’s jaw dropped.

"Wait, really?"

"Too much muscle isn’t great, but a firm body isn’t bad… Wait, why are you asking me!?"

Shocked, Seo-jun turned to Namgung Sua next.

"Hoho."

She had an oddly mischievous expression. Just looking at the glint in her narrowed blue eyes told Seo-jun all he needed to know.

"This is ridiculous…"

Seo-jun stared seriously at the ground, lost in thought. Just then, Pa Jin-gwang placed his large hand firmly on his shoulder.

"Starting tomorrow, we’ll begin special training. I’ll make that scrawny body of yours reborn!"

"Wait, are you serious?"

No. This couldn’t be. Seo-jun had to prove that inner energy was superior to muscles once and for all.

He had an idea after observing the Master of Giryeon’s domain, and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to train while working on it.

"Fine. But first, let’s settle this with an experiment."

Let’s see which is stronger: your fist or my sword.

This was now a matter of pride.