“The tasks the Ma Clan assigns… if I don’t like them, I can simply refuse.”

Jeong Yeon-shin, however, couldn’t entirely dismiss his sense of obligation and resentment.

The renowned clans of the martial world were like garments stitched together from threads of both grace and enmity.

Someone who harbored an irreconcilable grudge against Ju Yeon-jeong might one day point their sword at Jeong Yeon-shin.

Likewise, others might demand he repay the debts of kindness he owed to the Ma Clan.

Such obligations would require his time and attention, despite having nothing to do with his assigned missions. The blood ties of the prestigious clans bound their members together as a single entity.

“Is it done?”

Today, Mar Yeon-jeok had gone to Yangyang Fortress to oversee the livelihoods of the people.

The former Sword Corps Captain’s outings were always grandiose affairs, easily drawing attention to his whereabouts.

Hyeon Won-chang’s swift actions stemmed from this very predictability.

The strength of a Purple Rank master was said to be transcendent, and he acted quickly to ensure no unexpected variables arose.

The rumor that Seomye’s maternal family was the Ma Clan had clearly originated here.

Thus, they sought to suppress it at its source—to sever any perceived connection between Jeong Yeon-shin and the Ma Clan.

They relied on the eyes and mouths of Ipwang Fortress’s martial artists to achieve this.

The strategy was to stir chaos, draw attention from others within the estate, and make the Ma Clan the target of blame.

As soon as one of the clan’s leaders stepped forward, Jeong Yeon-shin would intercept their strike, exposing his familial ties in the process.

It was the minimum measure they could take.

“…What a foolish display. I won’t involve myself further,” Ju Yeon-jeong said softly.

“Seomye, I understand that your resolve is firm. Time will reveal your intentions. As long as it isn’t about severing ties or succession, I will consider any request you make. I hope you’ll think it over carefully.”

With that, she turned away, the Ma Clan warriors following closely behind.

The elders of the Ma Clan, who had been observing silently from a distance, also turned their backs.

Such was the dignity of an esteemed clan. They refrained from becoming entangled in crude matters, considering the transmission of their message sufficient.

Hyeon Won-chang slightly inclined his head. Pursuing them now would only make the situation worse. In some ways, this was a partial victory.

He transmitted a soundless message.

—Jeong So-hyeop, what do you think? They claim to accept your intentions…

—Getting struck by her technique is enough. Many masters witnessed it, after all.

Jeong Yeon-shin gently pushed Hyeon Won-chang’s hand away as he slowly rose to his feet.

As he stood, unfamiliar martial artists approached him—observers from the incident, dressed in a mix of blue and white uniforms. They appeared to be high-ranking members of other divisions.

“Are you all right?”

“We can’t comment on your family affairs, but such conduct shouldn’t be expected of someone trained by the Ma Clan.”

“Your movement technique was impressive.”

Many paused briefly to exchange words before moving on, seeming to acknowledge the matter as one of familial ties.

Perhaps it was because they knew that entanglement with powerful clans rarely brought good fortune.

Still, one middle-aged martial artist lingered, evidently wishing to converse further.

“This is my first time seeing the young prodigy mentioned in rumors. It must be because the estate is so vast.”

“I am Ma Gwang-ik’s Seomye.”

“I am Jin Ju-rim of the Shunchun Wing,” he said.

The Shunchun Wing, one of the martial squads founded around the same time as Ma Gwang-ik’s division, was widely respected.

His hands formed a respectful gesture as his long blue sleeves flowed gracefully.

He was a Blue Rank master, an elder deserving of deference, though his demeanor was polite and measured.

Smiling gently, Jin Ju-rim spoke.

“Up close, your complexion doesn’t seem too bad. Would you care for a brief chat?”

“May I ask what this is about?”

“I’ve heard much about you from Hwa-shin, even before you advanced to Blue Rank.”

“Hwa-shin…?”

“Would you find his alias more familiar? The White Qilin, Namgung Hwa-shin.”

Jeong Yeon-shin gave a small nod.

It had been a while, and he hadn’t immediately recalled the name.

Namgung Hwa-shin was the one who had defeated him in Ipwang City but later admitted his own loss.

A righteous and upright prodigy, Namgung Hwa-shin was said to be making waves within the Shunchun Wing.

“I see. Is Namgung So-hyeop doing well?”

“He advanced to Blue Rank last month. It took him a bit longer than you, but that’s because he hasn’t been rushing through missions. His progress is still remarkable.”

Jin Ju-rim chuckled softly as he spoke.

Jeong Yeon-shin nodded in acknowledgment. He had been with Ipwang Fortress for less than a year, completing several years’ worth of missions without rest.

In contrast, Namgung Hwa-shin’s steady advancement was equally unusual.

“Have you heard? There’s an interesting rumor circulating in the estate.”

Jin Ju-rim’s internal energy brushed against Jeong Yeon-shin like a faint ripple, subtle yet probing.

“Between the White Qilin and Seomye, two of the estate’s most outstanding prodigies, which one is sharper? I was curious myself, but…”

The experienced elder smiled, his expression brimming with amusement.

“Right now, I’d say Hwa-shin has you by two techniques. Of course, that’s because you’re not at your best.”

His statement implied that, at the very least, Namgung Hwa-shin held a slight edge over Jeong Yeon-shin. It seemed he had based this on the qi emanating from Jeong Yeon-shin’s body.

Jeong Yeon-shin fell momentarily silent, his thoughts wandering.

The Ma Clan and its affairs faded from his mind as he focused on the mission ahead—a life-and-death duel with the Namgung Clan’s leader.

It was impossible to separate Namgung Hwa-shin from the equation.

“The chief of the General Command said competition for the assignment would be fierce.”

Namgung Hwa-shin had distanced himself from his clan and joined Ipwang Fortress.

If he wanted to continue his rise, he couldn’t afford to neglect this mission.

In fact, he might volunteer for the duel. Such was the nature of the martial world.

If Jeong Yeon-shin were to face him, he would undoubtedly be a formidable opponent.

“Jin Ju-rim is Blue Rank. The stronger the master, the less they rely on raw strength to evaluate their opponent.”

The ripples of internal energy within Jeong Yeon-shin’s body conveyed more than just its quantity.

The density of his cultivation, the nature of his power, and the precision of his intent—all of it offered insight.

Martial masters evaluated their adversaries based on these factors, and Jin Ju-rim’s assessment was no exception. It was not a statement to be ignored.

“You seem lost in thought. Understandable,” Jin Ju-rim said.

Jeong Yeon-shin offered no verbal response, only raising his hands in a respectful salute.

“Thank you for your advice.”

“Advice? I merely spoke the truth.”

Jin Ju-rim smiled faintly before continuing.

“You were part of the Qingya Valley incident, were you not? With your ties to the Namgung Clan, your sense of duty may not be any less than Hwa-shin’s. Resolving the knot you’ve tied is a martial artist’s virtue as well. I wish you success.”

With that, Jin Ju-rim departed.

Jeong Yeon-shin bowed his head toward his companions. Cheongmyeong and Baek Mi-ryeo stood waiting, their weapons now sheathed.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. Troubles with distant relatives are all too common. Next time, just tell us when they act up,” Cheongmyeong said, tousling Jeong Yeon-shin’s hair with a sly grin.

It was a smile imbued with the unique confidence of a noble family—fearless, even in the face of powerful clans.

Baek Mi-ryeo reached out, her long fingers lightly pressing against Jeong Yeon-shin’s chest.

Her eyes briefly closed as she assessed his meridians, then opened as she spoke.

“Your qi control is extraordinary. Just as I said, it won’t hinder your recovery.”

“The Ma Clan will need to be handled like this in the future. But…”

Cheongmyeong’s gaze lingered on Jin Ju-rim’s departing figure.

“It won’t be easy for Seomye to secure this mission. The White Qilin, after all…”

“If the estate has decided to settle matters with the Namgung Clan’s leader through a duel…” Baek Mi-ryeo said, brushing back a strand of hair behind her ear.

“It means they’re considering appearances. If the General Command wants to match the opponent’s age, the estate will likely send someone of a similar rank. For Seomye’s age group, the Namgung leader’s likely candidates are their young master or his sister. There aren’t many slots. The White Qilin is certainly a competitor.”

“But didn’t Jeong So-hyeop subdue the Flame Dragon at the Yongbong Gathering? Even the Namgung heir is said to concede to the White Qilin. Has he already surpassed that level? Can his talent truly transcend the limitations of the meridians?” Hyeon Won-chang murmured to himself.

“The Flame Dragon.”

Jeong Yeon-shin thought of the Young Lord of the Hwangbo Clan. Hyeon Won-chang’s words weren’t wrong.

He had broken through his opponent’s technique once, but that was only because he had watched Yu Hyeon of the Mount Hua Sect fight first.

Jeong Yeon-shin and the Flame Dragon—at their first meeting, it was Jeong Yeon-shin who had been overwhelmed.

Their second encounter, however, had been different. Relying on his innate sense for combat, Jeong Yeon-shin exploited a gap in his opponent’s defense and won.

Had the Flame Dragon employed a different martial technique, the outcome might have been different. In terms of martial foundation and skill alone, the Flame Dragon had the edge over Jeong Yeon-shin.

The Flame Dragon had been born with the Solar Meridian, enabling him to cultivate his martial arts over a long period with exceptional results.

Whether the Flame Dragon had once been stronger than the White Qilin was now irrelevant.

Jeong Yeon-shin had never witnessed the Flame Dragon’s full strength.

Could he truly assess Namgung Hwa-shin by having countered a single technique of the Flame Dragon? It was an absurd notion.

“The Purifying Azure Subjugation Energy and the Swordstorm Arc…”

The techniques he had relied on to earn his previous achievements had focused on anti-demonic methods and wide-range sound-based techniques.

Creating his own unique martial arts had allowed him to accomplish remarkable feats.

“This time, it’s different.”

He had to rely solely on his own martial arts. He needed to return to the fundamentals.

As he walked back with his three companions, Jeong Yeon-shin contemplated his situation. The difference in internal energy reserves and training duration... How could he overcome such major disadvantages?

He suddenly looked up at the sky.

A silvery crescent moon, wrapped in layers of darkness, spread its faint light across the world.

The commotion stirred up by Hyeon Won-chang and his comrades had also vanished into the pitch-black silence.

Not a trace of it remained.

The nighttime stillness seemed to speak to him, warning him not to try solving the countless problems of the martial world with clever schemes alone.

***

The very next day, the General Command issued an official announcement across the entire estate.

The commotion at the Ma Clan’s pavilion was pushed to the background as the content of the announcement carried far greater impact.

A massive proclamation was affixed to the central wall of Ma Gwang-ik’s Grand Martial Hall.

Martial artists from all corners gathered to read the notice.

Some stood atop roofs with their arms crossed, while others perched at a distance, scanning the text with their keen eyesight.

Such behavior was typical of those who practiced advanced martial arts techniques, allowing them to observe from afar and perceive even swift movements with clarity.

“This is significant.”

“It won’t be an ordinary event.”

From the very first sentence, the notice addressed the Namgung Clan, with a direct mention of Ma Gwang-ik’s Seomye.

It accused the Namgung Clan of repaying kindness with enmity:

“The Namgung family’s behavior has crossed the line. Ipwang Fortress will address the misconduct of the Namgung lineage in Nanjili through a life-and-death duel. The duel will be held on the day of the Great Heat in July. All martial artists of the Seventeen Divisions under the Sword Corps are encouraged to volunteer after careful consideration.”

Hyeon Won-chang read the proclamation aloud, his tone reminiscent of a scholar reciting examination results.

“In the event of numerous volunteers, preliminary matches will determine selection. Participants will face opponents of similar rank in one-on-one duels. The mission will serve to identify the worthy, ensuring the legacy of success. Martial artists of Ipwang Fortress, prepare accordingly.”

“It’s as expected,” Baek Mi-ryeo remarked.

“Assignments like this are usually distributed this way unless the Fortress Lord orders otherwise. It’s rare for matters that should be handled by Black Rank leaders to trickle down. There will definitely be preliminaries; the Namgung Clan’s name carries significant weight.”

“Infinite Sky Sword Technique, Imperial Sword Form.”

Cheongmyeong smirked as he spoke.

“Breaking such renowned techniques would bring fame. No martial artist seeking glory would hesitate. The mission’s merits are obvious. Competition is inevitable.”

“Seomye, we won’t be stepping forward,” Baek Mi-ryeo said, her gaze fixed on Jeong Yeon-shin. Cheongmyeong shared her focus, though his expression retained its playful smile.

“Cheongmyeong and I don’t urgently need merits. You should take this mission and claim the victory. Can you manage it?”

Jeong Yeon-shin remained silent for a moment, caught off guard by their decision not to participate.

He understood their reasoning—it stemmed from consideration of his unique constitution.

“Is this just kindness…?”

A strange feeling stirred within him, difficult to put into words.

“…I can’t say for sure right now. I’ll know after my next errand.”

“Where are you going?”

“I’ve received a summons. The Fortress Lord has requested my presence.”

Jeong Yeon-shin answered as calmly as he could.

The General Command had delivered a message to him two hours earlier, stating that the Fortress Lord wished to reward him for his contributions to the Bloodflame Cult mission.

“Don’t expect too much,” he told himself, though his emotions churned within.

Since morning, he had struggled to conceal his inner turmoil, and his companions seemed unaware.

The message contained two letters.

One was ordinary. The other, however, had shocked him.

The handwriting belonged to the Fortress Lord herself.

The letter had instructed him to read and then destroy it, but the words remained vivid in his mind, etched as if by fire.

“I bestow upon you a small piece. Come to me when the full moon rises.”