“This isn’t sothing to brush off lightly,” said Suncheon Ik-ju Ha Do-un with a calm expression.
Having long been familiar with Ak Su-rim’s unpredictable nature, he refrained from showing unnecessary irritation. Instead, he cast a quick glance at Jeong Yeon-shin before continuing.
“I won’t question Ma Gwang-ik Lord’s capabilities. The rits of Lord Jeong’s accomplishnts are so evident that they’re beyond dispute. My concern lies with the magnitude of his first mission as a Lord. However, in the short ti he’s held his position, he has sufficiently proven his qualifications. He is strong and decisive.”
Ha Do-un spoke with clear enunciation, his words carrying the weight of his character.
Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyebrow lifted slightly. He was surprised. Were all the Lords of Ipwang Fortress like this?
Just a few days ago, Ha Do-un had made no effort to conceal his dissatisfaction with him. Now, when it ca to discussing rits, he put personal feelings aside.
Perhaps that was what gave his words such gravity.
The sa could not be said of Ak Su-rim.
“So what?”
Ak Su-rim’s voice carried a petulant tone as she gripped her spear, leaning it upright. Her fingers repeatedly coiled and uncoiled around the shaft, as if ready to wield it at a mont’s notice.
Ha Do-un’s brows furrowed slightly for the first ti.
“Your attitude is far from comndable, Vice Lord. Are you favoring Seomye?”
“Watch your tone, rookie,” Ak Su-rim retorted with a laugh.
Suddenly, an overwhelming surge of energy radiated from her.
The force was enough to lift her short black hair and even graze Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes, causing him to blink.
The sheer presence she exuded sent ripples through the Lords seated at the Wonpyeong Ilgeom Hall’s round table.
The atmosphere distorted for an instant.
‘Her power…!’
Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes widened. The intensity of the qi emanating from her was staggering. He could feel the currents brushing against his skin, clear and undeniable.
‘It’s not just a matter of having a large reservoir of energy.’
He realized with newfound amazent that her intent was infused within the surge of qi—a vivid image of wild yet vibrant vitality.
Her mastery over the unity of mind, body, and spirit was nearly unparalleled. The speed with which she summoned her inner strength was beyond imagination.
Her playful deanor as she gripped her spear belied the lethargy of a master who had long surpassed ordinary ambitions. Her level of skill was perilously close to the Violet Rank.
This was Ipwang Divine Spear Ak Su-rim.
Jeong Yeon-shin’s expression grew somber. Among all the Lords of Ipwang Fortress, she was one of the most formidable, her reputation unshakable. Her youthful appearance was owed to her mastery over rejuvenation techniques.
She was often referred to as one of the two pillars of the fortress, alongside the Divine Sword Corps Commander. As the likely successor to the commander’s position, she was Jeong Yeon-shin’s most powerful rival.
The mont he took his seat among the Lords, his goal beca clear. A shiver ran down his spine at the realization.
‘I have to defeat Ak Su-rim first, and eventually… even the Commander.’
What he had once thought of as a giant leap forward now felt like a misstep.
She wasn’t human—she was a force of nature.
And the Commander? The mory of him drawing a radiant, ethereal sword to kill the Namgung Clan’s patriarch was still vivid.
That immaterial blade of seven-colored light was a marvel second only to the Ipwang Fortress Lord’s Natural Sword.
Could he reach such a realm within three years? The higher he climbed, the further the pinnacle seed to recede beyond the mortal plane.
Their years of service and the rewards they reaped far surpassed anything Jeong Yeon-shin could claim. It was impossible to guess how many Spirit Elixirs they might have consud.
‘Why is everything so difficult? The world is too vast.’
For a mont, Jeong Yeon-shin sank into his thoughts, a wave of lancholy washing over him like a swamp.
He resolved not to face them head-on, choosing instead to ignore them in his heart.
anwhile, Ak Su-rim continued chattering to Ha Do-un.
“Are you absolutely certain there’s no personal bias?”
“…Of course,” Ha Do-un replied coolly, his face impassive.
Ak Su-rim’s smile deepened.
“Isn’t it because of the White Qilin? Everyone knows you’ve already chosen Namgung Hwa-shin as the next Suncheon Ik-ju. And now there’s talk that your promising junior might defect to follow Seomye. That would piss you off, wouldn’t it? I know I’d be mad.”
She shook her head with a carefree arrogance that sohow suited her.
Ha Do-un’s composure was remarkable. His restraint stood out all the more against her audacious provocations.
“It is a eting to discuss the martial world’s state of affairs. In separating public duty from personal feelings, I believe I surpass you, Vice Lord. Let ask you: Aren’t you the one undermining the decorum of this hall? I raised my hand to voice a concern, yet you dismissed it outright. Are you truly unbiased toward Seomye?”
“I dismissed it because we don’t have ti for endless bickering. The Lords are already tethered here because of those Grand Martial Alliance scoundrels. If you don’t like how I run things, fight .”
“Do you think I wouldn’t?”
“Did you even bother oiling your Suncheon Sword? Go ahead and draw it. You wouldn’t last ten seconds against .”
For a mont, Ak Su-rim’s defiance and posture, spear in hand, seed almost theatrical, like the fabled Nine Heavens Maiden stepping onto a battlefield.
Her sharp words and reckless jabs might have appeared crude, yet they never diminished her air of authority.
Then, suddenly, her gaze flicked to Jeong Yeon-shin.
“Favoritism? Of course, it’s favoritism. Do you know how dull it’s been surrounded by these stiff, old n? Now there’s a bright red fla lighting up this hall. How could I not be smitten? It’s delightful!”
She stamped her foot with exaggerated enthusiasm, her short black hair swaying with the motion.
The saying that true masters were unpredictable seed apt. Jeong Yeon-shin found himself montarily agreeing with the old adage.
At that mont, he heard his uncle, Ma Jin, mutter clearly beside him.
“She’s gone senile.”
“Is that what a eunuch would say? I’m telling you, your nephew is adorable. I’d bring Seomye into the Divine Sword Corps in a heartbeat. Wouldn’t that be good for him? I’ve even discussed it seriously with the Commander. I’d kneel before the Lord if that’s what it took.”
“Vice Lord, maintain decorum,” said Yullyeong Lord Yoon So-yu in a calm but firm tone.
Ma Jin rely sat in stoic silence, like a bear unmoved by the storm around him.
With a scoff, Ak Su-rim’s overwhelming aura dissipated, her control over her imnse power seamless.
The boy watched her every movent intently, determined to turn her overwhelming skill and presence into fuel for his own growth.
“Don’t be flustered.”
Ma Jin patted Jeong Yeon-shin on the shoulder.
“This is how Lords’ etings usually go. It’s a gathering of renowned masters, so it’s always turbulent. That table alone…”
He gestured at the massive round table.
“…has been broken and rebuilt dozens of tis. You’ll have to get used to it, Yeon-shin.”
“…”
"Wonpyeong Ilgeom Hall isn’t just a place for discussions," Ma Jin said. "At tis, martial skill must be displayed to lend weight to one’s words. Don’t let seniority intimidate you. Act the sa way you did with Yullyeong Lord. You can now draw your sword against other Black-ranked martial artists."
The final words landed heavily. This, too, was the reality of the Black-rank world.
Following the reverence shown by Master Jang, who ticulously crafted his clothes from Celestial Silk, the prestige of his position beca even more tangible.
Jeong Yeon-shin gave a faint nod. It felt awkward to comnt on the behavior of the esteed senior, Ak Su-rim.
Sensing his nephew's hesitation, Ma Jin flicked his fingers against the armrest of his chair.
Thoom!
The sound reverberated, imbued with energy, drawing everyone’s attention.
Ma Jin began to speak.
“Suncheon Ik-ju, state your objections.”
“The handling of Ma Gwang-ik Lord concerns ,” Ha Do-un replied, his tone steady. “While the loss of comrades is deeply unfortunate, we cannot ignore the future. With so many injured, how do you propose to assemble a team? Sending Ma Gwang-ik Lord alone to the Martial Alliance is unseemly and dangerous.”
“A fair point.”
Ma Jin nodded, then turned his gaze toward Jeong Yeon-shin, deliberately ignoring Ak Su-rim’s pouty expression nearby.
“Yeon-shin, do you have a plan in mind?”
“Yes.”
The boy nodded slightly before speaking.
“We cannot take an entire force with us. It would be akin to Mount Hua Sect’s Sword Masters mobilizing all their Plum Blossom Swordmasters. Such a thing only happens in all-out wars between major factions. As a guest responding to an invitation, it is more appropriate to bring a small group of elite martial artists.”
“Are there any uninjured experts in Ma Gwang-ik’s current force?” Ha Do-un asked, narrowing his eyes as if anticipating an unpleasant answer.
“No, there are not. That is why I was about to make a request,” Jeong Yeon-shin replied calmly, then continued, “I ask Suncheon Ik-ju for the deploynt of the White Qilin.”
“So, it has co to this,” Ha Do-un murmured, his face grim as if suppressing a sigh.
He spoke again.
“It would be unseemly for Lords to quarrel over subordinates.”
“...”
“However, I cannot allow personnel to be reassigned at will. Discipline must be maintained. Therefore, I will permit this temporary deploynt based on rational judgnt. Further discussions can take place later.”
Without a word, Jeong Yeon-shin offered a polite martial salute. Ha Do-un watched his precise form for a mont before shaking his head.
“Don’t misunderstand, current Ma Gwang-ik Lord. My decision was based on the fact that you and the White Qilin have a well-established rapport from previous missions and that Ma Gwang-ik’s force is currently in poor condition. The formation of the Martial Alliance is no small matter for the fortress. You would do well to plan your team selection carefully and maintain a clear mind.”
Ha Do-un carried himself with the dignity expected of a senior. Yet, as if frustrated by his own words, his expression suddenly darkened.
“So, I’m the one going to Xinjiang. I suppose I’ll have to behead the young sect master of the Bright Sect in one stroke.”
The other Lords, including Ak Su-rim, began adjusting their attire, preparing to leave. It seed they were ready to conclude the eting.
Jeong Yeon-shin sat in a daze. Were all Lord etings so abrupt, starting and ending without much context?
The similarity in their eagerness to leave was almost comical. Even Jeomchang Sect’s Little Sword Empress seed amused by their behavior.
“Weren’t you all supposed to have a lot of questions for ?” the Little Sword Empress asked blankly.
“Talk to Ma Gwang-ik Lord,” muttered Destruction Lord, his deep-set eyes fixed on her. The Blue Sky Lord standing beside him gave a half-hearted nod.
“Attending Wonpyeong Ilgeom Hall’s etings is aningful in itself.”
“Seomye, rember just one thing,” Ak Su-rim said with a sly smile as she rose gracefully.
“There’s a specific reason you were chosen. The reason an Ipwang Fortress Lord is participating in the Martial Alliance’s inaugural tournant isn’t just for reconnaissance.”
“What else is there?” Jeong Yeon-shin asked quietly.
Ak Su-rim’s dark eyes flashed with a sharp gleam of black lightning.
“Well… let put it simply. ‘Our Ma Gwang-ik Lord is so young, yet for you to stop this boy genius, your Elder Council would have to intervene. Recognize the disparity in rank and restrain yourselves.’ That’s the ssage you’re delivering.”
She nodded to herself as if satisfied with her explanation, her deanor strangely detached from the world around her.
Jeong Yeon-shin stared at the girl-like senior, wondering what kind of upbringing could shape such eccentricity. Her behavior carried an inexplicable elegance that defied reason.
‘She’s truly one of a kind,’ he thought.
“In most sect gatherings, you won’t see elders stepping onto the stage. But you? You could dominate the Martial Alliance’s opening tournant. Even if it’s not the Yongbong Gathering, you’ll face countless seasoned masters from orthodox factions.”
She spoke as if chatting with a lark, her tone light and carefree. Jeong Yeon-shin tilted his head slightly.
“What exactly constitutes an accomplishnt?”
“Don’t overthink it. Observe how the Alliance operates, then disrupt their atmosphere. As the youngest invited expert and Ipwang Fortress’s Ma Gwang-ik Lord, make your presence known.”
Her words ca with a deep smile.
She brushed aside a lock of hair near her ear, exposing her pale neck, the movent both bold and elegant, creating an oddly captivating image.
“With a body as finely tuned as yours, what can’t you achieve?” she teased, her gaze sweeping over him appraisingly.
Jeong Yeon-shin nodded, observing her slim forearm beneath the black sleeve—a surprising contrast to her mastery of spear techniques. The toll of her rejuvenation was evident even in her sinewy build.
It was unsettling. Even his grandfather’s robust fra seed preferable by comparison.
‘Rejuvenation… better to age and die naturally. That alone is enough.’
As this fleeting thought crossed his mind, Ak Su-rim’s red lips parted slowly, her voice tinged with mischief.
“When you visit the Martial Alliance, humiliate those shaless drifters and layabouts who cloak their oppression under the guise of public welfare.”
Her quiet remark marked the end of the Lords’ eting.
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