NoveLight ™
Yesterday, Jeong Yeon-shin had seen the crescent moon. It would take fifteen days to reach the full moon.
It felt like an eternity. His heart felt as if it would take a hundred days to wait. Calming himself was a struggle.
What could the "small piece" refer to?
Between Jeong Yeon-shin and the Ipwang Fortress Lord, it could only mean the fruit of the Heavenly Tree.
Yet, he couldn’t let himself believe it. He continuously extinguished his own expectations, forcing himself to do so.
He had lived a life racing toward that fruit. Hoping prematurely could lead to disappointment, and disappointment would hurt too much.
“The reward for that task must be immense,” Baek Mi-ryeo remarked, her tone somewhat exasperated. Sunlight glinted in her upward-turned gaze as if she was recalling the events at the Bloodflame Cult’s headquarters.
“Indeed. Even for an exceptional master, achieving such a feat in one go is near impossible,” Cheongmyeong said with a nod.
“It was far beyond your natural strength. It’s no wonder the Fortress Lord is calling for you. While it’s true that martial arts often depend on compatibility, few have been able to exploit it so effectively and push it to such extremes.”
“That’s why I’m a little concerned,” Baek Mi-ryeo said, placing a hand on Jeong Yeon-shin’s shoulder. “Against masters with harmonized internal energy, you’ll have to rely on your original martial arts. There are far more who haven’t cultivated demonic arts or blood energy. This preliminary competition will likely be no different. Don’t let your guard down.”
Jeong Yeon-shin nodded slowly.
“I know my limits. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have survived in the martial world this long.”
He understood that Baek Mi-ryeo’s concern wasn’t unwarranted.
He hadn’t hidden much from his Ma Gwang-ik seniors.
While the martial world advised warriors to conceal their full strength, leaving out Purifying Azure Subjugation Energy and Swordstorm Arc would make explaining his achievements impossible.
The seniors who cherished him had each offered a word of advice.
One had been particularly memorable: “Beware rash thoughts and shallow plans.”
It felt like wisdom born from years of experience in the martial world.
Seomye, Jeong Yeon-shin.
The accolades he had achieved at such a young age were immense.
While he had gained these achievements through the creation of unique and potent martial arts, there was always the danger of mistaking these successes as an indication of his overall strength.
“The enemy is the one who should make mistakes. Overconfidence and carelessness should always belong to them.”
Jeong Yeon-shin thought to himself.
The advice from Baek Mi-ryeo and his other seniors wasn’t unwelcome interference. However, in his mind, it was unnecessary worry.
More than anyone, he valued life and survival. Knowing his own limits was a fundamental skill.
He excused himself from Cheongmyeong and Baek Mi-ryeo, heading toward the General Command.
There was no need for hesitation. He planned to volunteer for the mission against the Namgung Clan without delay.
“I think I’ll tag along and see the General Command,” Hyeon Won-chang said with a grin, falling into step beside him. Jeong Yeon-shin walked shoulder-to-shoulder with him, lost in thought.
“Ipwang Fortress’s unashamed Blue Rank martial artist—right now, that’s me.”
He thought about the types of opponents his techniques worked best against:
His overwhelming strength was only effective against these two types of opponents.
As ranks rose, the gaps in power became increasingly vast.
A freshly promoted Blue Rank martial artist and one on the verge of advancing to Black Rank were entirely different. The gap was as wide as that between a novice and a seasoned veteran.
It was said that one experienced Blue Rank could handle three ordinary ones.
“What about me?”
He had focused on stabilizing his energy since his return. However, he hadn’t yet sparred with a senior to test his abilities.
He was curious—where exactly did he stand within the Blue Rank?
“If the preliminary matches are divided by age, then the Namgung Clan’s young master or his sister will only face opponents under thirty at most. For you, Jeong So-hyeop, there won’t be many rivals,” Hyeon Won-chang said, his tone casual yet sharp.
After causing the strange incident at the Ma Clan, Hyeon Won-chang seemed to have gained an odd sense of confidence. It wasn’t unappealing.
“Ah, Seomye So-hyeop.”
As they approached the General Command, the official managing the entrance records greeted Jeong Yeon-shin warmly.
“You’re here to volunteer for the Namgung Clan mission, I presume?”
“Yes, I am,” Jeong Yeon-shin replied.
“I’ll make a note of it. The proclamation hasn’t been up long, but quite a few names are already on the list. The Namgung Clan’s reputation is certainly something, considering they’ve prompted such an unusual change in how missions are assigned…”
The official sighed, his weariness evident.
“Are there really so many volunteers?” Hyeon Won-chang asked, leaning forward.
The official nodded immediately.
“This level of competition for a mission assignment is unprecedented. Usually, such matters are decided among the division leaders during meetings between the Sword Corps and General Command. But this time, they’re accepting volunteers regardless of division… I can’t begin to guess what those at the top are thinking. With so many volunteers, Seomye So-hyeop should prepare for preliminary matches.”
The official’s words were accompanied by a faint but friendly demeanor, likely a result of Jeong Yeon-shin’s polite interactions during a previous visit.
As Jeong Yeon-shin offered a small, faint smile and inclined his head, a clear, commanding voice rang out behind him.
“It’s because the Namgung Clan’s elites are that formidable. The General Command’s proclamation mentioned ‘legacy.’ To ensure victory in all matches, it’s only right for the divisions to send their best.”
“You’re absolutely correct,” the official replied, punctuating the statement with a chuckle and a light bow.
Jeong Yeon-shin turned toward the voice before the words had finished.
A man strode forward, his blue robes fluttering dramatically with each step.
The sharp jawline, the piercing black eyes that gleamed with focused intensity, and the flawless porcelain-like skin combined to create an unparalleled presence.
It was an extraordinary young man.
Despite the women walking beside him, all eyes were on him alone.
“Namgung So-hyeop,” Jeong Yeon-shin said, bowing formally.
Namgung Hwa-shin returned the gesture with equal courtesy.
“Jeong So-hyeop. It has been far too long. Hyeon Won-chang as well—it feels like only yesterday that we were together in Ipwang City.”
“It seems your radiance has only grown,” Hyeon Won-chang said with a sly grin, narrowing his eyes slightly.
Jeong Yeon-shin followed Hyeon Won-chang’s gaze and noticed the women surrounding Namgung Hwa-shin.
All four were armed, their disciplined bearing suggesting they were masters of Shunchun Wing.
“His popularity is astounding.”
Jeong Yeon-shin thought.
It was impossible to see it otherwise. The admiration in their eyes was palpable.
“Is this Seomye of Ma Gwang-ik? I’ve heard plenty about you,” said one of the Shunchun Wing’s White Rank martial artists, a woman with silver adornments woven into her braided hair.
Her upward-tilted eyes fixed on Jeong Yeon-shin, and her intricate hair ornaments caught his attention.
“A White Rank martial artist who spends time on appearance?”
Suppressing his curiosity, he bowed slightly.
“Yes, I am Ma Gwang-ik’s Seomye.”
“I am Shin Bin-bin. I’ve heard that you’ve been a great help to A-bin—my younger brother.”
She was referring to Shin So-bin, one of Jeong Yeon-shin’s juniors. Now that she mentioned it, there was a resemblance.
“And he has been a great help to me as well.”
After exchanging polite greetings and brief compliments, Shin Bin-bin turned back to Namgung Hwa-shin with a smile.
“Namgung Seonbae’s path is never lonely. He seems like someone worthy of becoming your companion, though I’m not entirely certain.”
Shin Bin-bin’s comment seemed to echo Shin So-bin’s initial impressions—she was the treasured child of the Shin family, impervious to criticism unless her actions were outright insolent.
Jeong Yeon-shin stopped Hyeon Won-chang from intervening, noticing his lips twitching as if preparing to speak. He wanted to avoid unnecessary conflict.
“Are you here to volunteer for the mission as well, Namgung So-hyeop?” Jeong Yeon-shin asked, directing his focus back to Namgung Hwa-shin.
He paid no attention to Shin Bin-bin, his attention instead drawn to the profound aura emanating faintly from Namgung Hwa-shin’s body.
It was an incredibly deep and powerful energy.
“He’s changed.”
Perhaps there had been some extraordinary elixir from the Namgung Clan that he hadn’t fully absorbed when he first left.
The weight of his energy was unmistakable. Jeong Yeon-shin now understood the earlier comments from the Shunchun Wing’s Blue Rank master.
He also now understood why Jin Ju-rim had mentioned Namgung Hwa-shin having a two-technique advantage.
Namgung Hwa-shin was a high-level practitioner of refined internal arts, whereas Jeong Yeon-shin’s foundation had been built through painstaking cultivation over years.
Their energy reserves alone were vastly different.
That Seomye, with his internal injuries, might lag behind the White Qilin was something no master would find surprising.
“Though I have left, my roots still lie in Nanjili. Given the situation, it’s only right that I step forward. I have no excuses for you, Jeong So-hyeop, nor do I feel entitled to apologize on behalf of my clan. All I can say is that I am deeply sorry.”
Namgung Hwa-shin spoke, his expression a picture of regret and sorrow, as though captured in a painting.
“As for my junior’s behavior, it is often reckless. Please don’t let it trouble you.”
He cast a brief glare at Shin Bin-bin, who merely laughed without the slightest hint of shrinking back.
She glanced again at Jeong Yeon-shin, her face stiffening slightly.
The figure reflected in Seomye’s azure eyes was none other than Namgung Hwa-shin.
“The only thing consuming my focus right now,” Jeong Yeon-shin said slowly, his voice calm, “is the martial skill of Namgung So-hyeop, my potential opponent in the preliminaries.”
***
Three days had passed. It was twelve days before the full moon.
The General Command of Ipwang Fortress officially announced the preliminaries.
As the earlier proclamation indicated, the duels would proceed. The number of volunteers had necessitated it.
“Seomye’s internal injuries haven’t fully healed.”
“Even so, we can’t afford to hold back.”
“If not for our youngest Blue Rank, who else will cut down Namgung So-ga-ju?”
The masters of Ma Gwang-ik expressed their concerns.
Regardless, the process moved swiftly. The General Command handled the matter with the precision of a blade, pushing the event forward relentlessly.
The matchups were announced as well. The atmosphere resembled that of a grand martial arts competition, with bets placed on the strongest contenders from the surrounding areas.
Those who saw the bracket for the younger martial artists spoke amongst themselves.
“It’s divided into two sides.”
“The General Command couldn’t ignore Seomye and the White Qilin.”
The duels progressed sequentially. Each day saw two matches decided under the supervision of masters from other divisions.
Winners continued advancing, their martial arts tested against the next challenger.
Namgung Hwa-shin, the White Qilin, tore through his opponents with unrelenting momentum.
Just as in Ipwang City, there were no equals among his peers. He reached the final match of his bracket with ease.
The observing masters shared a unanimous impression.
“His foundation is rock solid. No weaknesses in his technique. His internal cultivation is flawless.”
“To think the Namgung Clan would pour such elixirs into even an illegitimate son… His power is overwhelming.”
Opinions about Jeong Yeon-shin were slightly different. His skills seemed to grow sharper with each passing match.
It was clear he was healing his internal injuries while fighting.
Masters all agreed on one point: his mastery of internal energy control was unmatched in its precision.
“The White Qilin is here again. It seems he hasn’t missed a single one of Seomye’s matches.”
“Seomye’s unique techniques are famous. It’s valuable insight into a formidable rival.”
“In the end, it’s down to the two of them. The winner will face Namgung So-ga-ju, while the loser will face his sister. The stakes are different, so it’s bound to be intense.”
“I heard Seomye hasn’t left his quarters except for the duels. While he seems to have recovered fully, it’s clear he’s carrying another disadvantage.”
They weren’t wrong.
Namgung Hwa-shin had attended every one of Jeong Yeon-shin’s duels.
He carefully observed Seomye’s unique techniques, watching each match intently.
Techniques like Circular Step, Ultimate Polar Flower Fist, and Lightburst Sword Style drew gasps from the masters of Ipwang Fortress. Yet each technique was also etched into Namgung Hwa-shin’s sharp gaze.
“I understand why he’s doing this, but I can’t fully grasp it,” Shin Bin-bin said, sitting on the sidelines of the central training ground in Ipwang Fortress. Her chin rested lazily on her hand.
Namgung Hwa-shin rose slowly from beside her.
Jeong Yeon-shin had just claimed his latest victory. Only one match remained: Seomye versus the White Qilin.
Shin Bin-bin had heard from the clan’s elite masters about Seomye.
From the perspective of seasoned warriors, Seomye was a promising talent who had developed a rare form of internal energy.
In terms of strategy, he was a card best played in ambushes against practitioners of the Evil Path or those who relied on sheer numbers. For now, that was his strength.
“Seomye’s techniques are indeed extraordinary, but the same goes for Namgung Seonbae. More than anything, the difference in internal energy is…” she trailed off.
“Let’s begin,” Namgung Hwa-shin interrupted.
At the same time, his figure soared into the air. His blue robes billowed, reflecting the azure sky. Flowing Azure Unimpeded Form, a signature technique of the Namgung Clan.
Whirl!
Like a bird crossing the heavens, the White Qilin descended gracefully into the center of the training ground.
He landed directly in front of Seomye. Gasps filled the air from the audience.
“What an elegant body movement technique.”
“Truly flawless. There’s not a single shortcoming.”
Namgung Hwa-shin seemed unfazed by the murmurs around him. Fixing his steady gaze on Jeong Yeon-shin, he spoke with a clear voice.
“The stage we fought on in Ipwang City was modest, but this one is rather grand. And the audience is far larger.”
“I understand the necessity of volunteering. Please forgive me for not yielding.”
“Haha. Surely you also have your reasons, So-hyeop?”
“Let us discuss it later. Perhaps on the road to Nanjili together.”
Namgung Hwa-shin laughed again at Jeong Yeon-shin’s response.
“To share our stories on the way to slay my brother… There’s a certain charm in that. It’s a pity we couldn’t have this match in private.”
Jeong Yeon-shin thought otherwise. The eyes of the Ipwang Fortress martial artists were all intently focused on this moment.
Even the scribes of the General Command were watching closely. The martial skill displayed here could significantly influence future assignments.
He had to leave a lasting impression.
Throughout the matches, he had felt Namgung Hwa-shin’s gaze. He couldn’t blame him.
He didn’t know what had driven Namgung Hwa-shin to volunteer to slay his half-brother.
“I know my techniques have been analyzed.”
A master of Namgung Hwa-shin’s caliber would have already prepared countermeasures. Even if they weren’t perfect, they would be dangerous.
That was fine. The martial world was a place for preparedness. Warriors staked their lives, honor, and skills on every encounter.
“Know your enemy and know yourself.”
Namgung Hwa-shin had mastered knowing his opponent.
Meanwhile, Jeong Yeon-shin had focused on knowing himself, striving to take one step further.
“Right now, the technique with the most explosive potential is Purifying Azure Subjugation Energy.”
Even against a practitioner of orthodox arts, it would work.
However, Purifying Azure Subjugation Energy was primarily a palm technique, not suited for swordplay.
No matter how creatively he adapted the formula, it was limited to hand-to-hand combat.
That meant relying on the Ultimate Polar Flower Fist.
The technique had three forms: Whirl, Stonewall, and Flameflow.
Whirl was inspired by Cheongmyeong’s sparring techniques.
Stonewall drew from Ma Se-in’s martial arts in the Ma Clan.
Flameflow was born from Yu Hyeon’s Falling Petal Palm of the Mount Hua Sect.
Whirl embodied rotation, Stonewall represented unyielding strength, and Flameflow symbolized transformation.
“Begin!”
The Black Rank master overseeing the match declared. It had been a while since Jeong Yeon-shin had seen the Leader of the Annihilation Division.
Woooong!
The clear hum of Namgung Hwa-shin’s sword reverberated as he drew it, and Jeong Yeon-shin’s mind raced through past memories.
It felt like an eternity had passed.
All the martial arts Jeong Yeon-shin had created relied heavily on inspiration.
From Swordstorm Arc to Lightburst Sword Style, even his movement techniques—each was born from observing other masters’ work.
While not every move needed to be that way, creativity required a foundation of experience. Creation itself was necessity-driven.
“It’s made because it’s needed.”
As Namgung Hwa-shin’s sword reached his throat, Jeong Yeon-shin acted on that necessity.
His left hand moved in a palm technique, drawing from everything he had seen.
A sinister energy and a brilliant azure light intertwined, creating a strange harmony.
The conflicting forces clashed, producing a loud cacophony.
It sounded like the wind over a stream mixed with a demon’s whispers. It was unbalanced, the energies opposing each other.
Boom!
As Jeong Yeon-shin opened his palm fully, a fourth form of his martial art began to emerge.