Chapter 72

Ten days had passed since the third checkpoint of the Dragon Phoenix Gathering.

During that time, Jeong Charyeon had secluded herself in the Martial Training Ground. The lesson she learned from this incident was singular.

Only strength is the way to survive! It was a phrase she wanted to write on the wall.

Swish, swoosh--

Jeong Charyeon's sword moved as if dancing in the air. Having reached the Composition stage, Jeong Charyeon's sword became heavier, slower, and more precise than before. Her Footwork became refined, and her movements gained discipline. Even the stance of drawing her sword had changed.

"Hoo."

Jeong Charyeon recalled Yang Hwa-young's teachings. Overlapping stances was understandable in words, but her body could not yet comprehend it. However, grasping that vague feeling, Jeong Charyeon repeatedly swung her sword.

There was a world of difference between swinging with a vague understanding and swinging without any knowledge. Jeong Charyeon's Sword Art gradually stabilized in that way.

Whirr.

It was said that if one mastered the Crimson Snake Sword Art, only nine Sword Paths would remain. She could only hope that day would come as soon as possible.

As she finished all Seventy-Seven Paths of her Sword Forms, she sensed someone behind her.

Swish!

She turned around, brandishing her sword, but no one was there.

Just as Jeong Charyeon was tilting her head in confusion, Suryeon waved her hand from afar and entered the Martial Training Ground. She had sensed Suryeon's presence as she entered from outside the Martial Training Ground.

'It's definitely different.'

It was a presence she would never have felt before. At times like this, she wondered if she had truly reached the Composition stage.

"Sister!"

Suryeon's face looked much healthier. Her gaunt face was now filled with rosy flesh.

To think that such a beautiful child had suffered so much; it still made her dizzy to think about it.

Suryeon smiled brightly and said,

"If I'm bothering you, I'll come later."

"What bother?"

Jeong Charyeon sheathed her sword.

"How's your body?"

At Jeong Charyeon's question, Suryeon smiled brightly.

"I'm fine. I feel like I could fly."

Suryeon swung her arms around. It had been so long since she had seen her in such good health that Jeong Charyeon felt uneasy.

"Be careful, especially now."

"Don't worry. Chugwe Uncle came by earlier and said I can do light exercise now."

"Ah, that's such a relief."

"So, about that..."

Suryeon hesitated, watching Jeong Charyeon's expression.

"What is it?"

"I want to learn Martial arts again."

It was an unexpected statement. On the one hand, she understood. Suryeon had been confined to her room for a long time. Now, she probably wanted to spread her wings and fly.

When Jeong Charyeon didn't answer readily, Suryeon said cautiously,

"Is it... too late to learn Martial arts?"

Jeong Charyeon smiled faintly.

"It is late."

"I thought so?"

Suryeon's face was filled with disappointment.

Jeong Charyeon said energetically,

"But the later it is, the harder you have to work."

Suryeon's expression brightened completely.

Jeong Charyeon patted Suryeon's shoulder.

"Of course, you have to learn. It wouldn't make sense for the youngest daughter of the Great Righteous Sword Clan not to know the Crimson Snake Sword Art, would it?"

Jeong Charyeon thought Suryeon should learn Swordsmanship. In fact, she had to teach her even if she didn't want to. She had learned a lot from meeting Jeok Leegeon this time.

To live well in this Jianghu, one had to experience everything, know a lot, and be strong.

"I haven't forgotten what I learned when I was young."

Suryeon demonstrated the basic stance of the Crimson Snake Sword Art. It was clumsy, but Suryeon accurately remembered the basic forms from that time.

How frustrated must she have been in the meantime? How much had she wished for this day in her heart?

Jeong Charyeon suddenly remembered the time when the three young sisters stood side by side, learning Martial arts from their father. Their father was quite young back then. 'Oh, to think I'm having these thoughts. It makes me feel quite old.'

"I'll teach you when you're completely recovered."

"Really?"

"Of course."

Jeong Charyeon ruffled Suryeon's hair. In high spirits, Suryeon picked up a wooden sword that was standing to one side and swung it around. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she blurted out,

"Oh, by the way, what about Leegeon Brother?"

Jeong Charyeon shrugged, pretending not to know. Jeok Leegeon had not been seen for several days.

He had suddenly appeared at the Martial Training Ground a few days ago, pointed out a few things about her Sword Forms, and then disappeared. Hyang Yi said that he didn't seem to be returning to his residence either.

'Where on earth is this guy wandering around?'

She suddenly pictured Jeok Leegeon hanging out with Seol Byeokhwa and Sa Ma-yeong, grinning.

'If that's the case! This isn't jealousy! It's for their happiness!'

She clenched her fist, but soon Jeong Charyeon sighed.

'Ah! It is jealousy.'

It had only been a few days since she had seen him, but it felt like months.

'Just you wait until you get back.'

At that moment, Hyang Yi rushed in, flustered.

"Young Lady! Have you heard the news?"

Hyang Yi, who had run in as if she were flying, delivered shocking news.

"They say you've been chosen as the Phoenix of this year's Dragon Phoenix Gathering, Young Lady."

"What? Chosen for what?"

Not only Jeong Charyeon but even Suryeon was taken aback.

"What kind of nonsense is that?"

"I don't know either. Master and Eldest Young Lady are coming now."

Jeong Charyeon stared at Suryeon with a blank face. Suryeon said that she didn't know what was going on, but wasn't it good news? Jeong Charyeon shook her head. There was no reason for her to be chosen as the Phoenix.

Soon after, Jeong I-chu and Hwa Ryeon entered the Martial Training Ground. Both of them were also surprised and excited.

"The Northern Sky Hegemon Clan has sent news."

The details were written in a letter that Jeong I-chu handed over.

To summarize, those who saved several Dragon Phoenixes at the third checkpoint would be selected as the winners of this year's Dragon Phoenix Gathering. Jeong Charyeon, who had cut through the Mechanical Device in the swamp checkpoint to save the lives of the Dragon Phoenixes, and Yang Suchang, who had slain the Yin Demon Insect and its subordinates, would each be chosen as the Dragon Phoenixes of this year's competition. The award ceremony would be held in two days, it said.

"This is ridiculous!"

It was an award she really didn't want. If they were to determine the true winner of the Dragon Phoenix Gathering, it should be Jeok Leegeon. Of course, Jeok Leegeon would never want that.

Jeong I-chu asked with a surprised expression.

"Did you really unleash Sword Qi?"

"Yes."

"Can you show me once?"

While training over the past ten days, Jeong Charyeon had unleashed Sword Qi every day. The feeling of spewing out Sword Qi was so good that it was addictive. The first time was always the hardest. She could now emit Sword Qi freely.

Jeong Charyeon drew her sword.

Whoosh--

The very act of drawing the sword was on a different level than before. Jeong I-chu, who had not seen Jeong Charyeon's training recently, was inwardly surprised and impressed.

Swoosh!

Sharp Sword Qi split the air and cut down a pillar that was standing in the corner.

"Wow!"

Hyang Yi clapped and exclaimed.

Jeong I-chu was taken aback. The move that Jeong Charyeon had shown him was beyond his imagination. He had never imagined that Jeong Charyeon could emit such smooth Sword Qi.

"You've made great progress in the meantime."

Jeong Charyeon told Jeong I-chu what she had realized this time. Jeong Charyeon spoke not only about what she had learned from Yang Hwa-young and Jeok Leegeon but also about what she had felt while training herself over the past ten days.

Jeong I-chu's expression changed from moment to moment as he listened to the new principles of the Crimson Snake Sword Art. Jeong I-chu also felt that there was something significant to be gained. It had been a long time since Jeong I-chu's Crimson Snake Sword Art had stopped at the Composition stage. Soon after, Jeong I-chu's face brightened greatly. He had realized what was wrong.

"We've encountered a great opportunity."

Jeong Charyeon said that the realization came from the painting that Yang Hwa-young had drawn.

Of course, Jeong Charyeon's growth was not only due to Yang Hwa-young's teachings. Jeok Leegeon's direct guidance was the most helpful. But Jeong Charyeon did not say that. They wouldn't believe it, and it was not something Jeok Leegeon would want.

Jeong I-chu was happy but also worried on the other hand.

"You must always be careful. Especially when pioneering new realms."

He was worried that Jeong Charyeon might fall into Qi Deviation if she trained too hard.

"Don't worry, Father."

'I have a Master, a pretty reliable one.'

Hwa Ryeon held out her hand.

"Congratulations. On being chosen as the Phoenix, and on your Martial arts improving."

"Thank you, Sister."

Jeong Charyeon clasped her hand. It was Hwa Ryeon's sincere congratulations. She believed in her younger sister's talent, but she never thought she would actually win the Dragon Phoenix Gathering. She felt sorry for not letting her participate in the competition.

"I want to refuse this award."

At Jeong Charyeon's words, Jeong I-chu and Hwa Ryeon's expressions hardened.

"What are you talking about?"

"I don't deserve to receive the award. Even if I did, I have no intention of receiving it."

Besides, it was ridiculous to receive an award with Yang Suchang.

Hwa Ryeon said firmly.

"That's absolutely not allowed!"

She had already expected her sister to say that. Her father would also desperately want her to be chosen as the Phoenix.

'Ah! I have to receive it.'

She thought she should discuss it with Jeok Leegeon. Of course, she thought the answer would be obvious.

"Okay. I'll think about it."

After her family had all returned, Jeong Charyeon was left alone in the Martial Training Ground.

"Hoo--"

Jeong Charyeon let out a long sigh. These days, she just wanted to concentrate on Swordsmanship training. Having belatedly realized that learning Martial arts was such a fun thing, she was completely immersed in Martial arts training.

After completing the Sword Paths of the Crimson Snake Sword Art once again, Jeong Charyeon lowered her sword and said,

"By the way, where on earth did that guy go!"

At that moment, a welcome voice came from behind.

"As you know, I'm a busy man."

A smile naturally formed on Jeong Charyeon's lips. Only after hiding her smile did Jeong Charyeon turn around.

"I wasn't talking about you."

"You're obvious when you lie."

'Really? Where and how?'

"Let's go."

"Where?"

"You'll know when we get there."

'It's always like this.'

Jeong Charyeon was forcibly dragged away by Jeok Leegeon's hand.

But Jeong Charyeon knew. That she wasn't being forcibly dragged away right now.

That she had been waiting for these words, 'You'll know when we get there.'

"Martial arts, you know, don't improve just by holing up in the Martial Training Ground and swinging your sword. Of course, there's training that you have to do in the Martial Training Ground, but that's not the case for you right now. What you need right now is real combat."

While taking Jeong Charyeon somewhere, Jeok Leegeon's mouth didn't stop.

"Real combat is what makes you a true Jianghu person."

'Real combat? Why is he doing this so uneasily?'

"Of course, it's not helpful to just fight recklessly. You might develop bad fighting habits in vain."

"Bad fighting habits? What do you mean?"

"You'll find out soon."

'This is getting more and more uneasy.'

"We're going to fight now, aren't we?"

Then Jeok Leegeon grinned. It was impossible to discern his true intentions from his playful face.

"Just practice."

"So where are we going?"

"A place teeming with practice partners."

'There's no need to be teeming!'

Anxiously, Jeong Charyeon was heading further and further out of Infinite and into the outer regions.

"Where are we going?"

No matter how much she asked, Jeok Leegeon wouldn't answer.

"This is bad taste. It's a bad habit! It might be fun for you to arrive and surprise me, but it's really not fun for the person who's being surprised!"

"You're talking more again, so you must be anxious."

Jeong Charyeon's cheeks flushed, having been hit where it hurt.

'Put yourself in my shoes. Wouldn't you be anxious?'

"We're not crossing a bridge like the Demonic Cult again, are we?"

"Unfortunately."

"Please say it's fortunate?"

In the distance, a building could be seen about ten lengths away. Jeong Charyeon became completely uneasy as she looked at the unusually high walls.

"Where is this?"

Then Jeok Leegeon's expression hardened. He said seriously.

"Cheonma Shin-gyo's Hubei Branch!"

"What?"

Jeong Charyeon jumped in surprise.

'Are you crazy? You want to do real combat training here?'

Seeing Jeong Charyeon stepping back, Jeok Leegeon grabbed his stomach and laughed.

"You idiot! I'm just kidding. Mwahahaha!"

"Ugh! You!"

Jeong Charyeon ran over and shook Jeok Leegeon's head while holding it under her arm.

Jeok Leegeon didn't avoid it and accepted her teasing.

As she was shaking Jeok Leegeon like that, the door creaked open.

The person who came out of the door was someone Jeong Charyeon had seen once before. It was Muyeong.

Muyeong smiled wryly as he looked at Jeok Leegeon, who was held in Jeong Charyeon's arms. Jeok Leegeon grinned while still held in Jeong Charyeon's arms.

"A feisty woman is charming, isn't she?"

Embarrassed, Jeong Charyeon quickly released her arm.

'Feisty!'

Jeong Charyeon gave a wronged look.

'Who's fault is this! Ugh, I shouldn't have said anything.'

Jeok Leegeon took the lead and said as he went inside.

"Let's go in. This is my house."

"What?"

Jeong Charyeon was taken aback. Now that she thought about it, this was the very vicinity where Jeok Leegeon had shown her the map and said he would build a house. She had forgotten about this place because he had scared her with talk of real combat and whatnot.

Jeong Charyeon, who had opened the door and entered, exclaimed in admiration.

"Wow! It's pretty!"

It was a truly beautifully decorated garden. Beyond the flower garden where spring flowers were in full bloom, a cozy mansion was stylishly built. To one side, there was also a small Martial Training Ground, and well-tended trees were planted all around.

"How is it? Do you like it?"

"I love it, it's so beautiful."

'When did he build this?'

It was a Manor that made one want to say they really wanted to live here.

"Have you decided on a name for the Manor?"

At Jeong Charyeon's question, Jeok Leegeon nodded.

"Divine Wind Stronghold. I built it with the intention of creating a new wind in the Jianghu. Mwahahaha."

"Divine Wind Stronghold. That's nice."

"I've also named the Sect."

Jeok Leegeon said energetically.

"Changcheon Sect! I named it that with the intention of becoming a Sect like the blue sky."

Changcheon Sect. Blue sky.

Everything that had sounded like a joke was becoming a reality.

"But is that the only disciple?"

"Haha! Well, you could say that for now, but."

Then Muyeong slipped in.

"No. A few new personnel have been recruited."

"Oh, really?"

It seemed that Jeok Leegeon didn't even know about it.

"Let's go this way for now."

The scale of the Divine Wind Stronghold was unexpectedly quite large. In the back garden, there was another Martial Training Ground, and there were also several mansion buildings whose purpose was not yet known.

Muyeong led the two to the back garden.

Short trees were densely planted along one wall of the back garden.

Muyeong entered the grove of trees, not the back garden building.

He stood in front of the wall behind the trees and touched a few devices.

Creak.

There was an elaborately made secret door there.

Jeong Charyeon only felt that way, but the place where they were standing was originally covered with Mechanical Devices.

Hwa Mucheol had guaranteed that even if someone discovered the Mechanical Device and tried to force it open, they would see hell regardless of their Martial arts prowess. There was no doubt that they would fall into terrible Hidden weapon and traps.

The three people entered through the door.

The moment they entered the door,

Swish.

A strange fog rose. It was an artificial fog.

In that instant, Jeong Charyeon intuitively knew that this was the Array Formation she had only heard about.

"It's a simple Array Formation that only blocks sound. You don't have to be nervous."

Jeong Charyeon was surprised by Muyeong's explanation.

She had never thought that there was an Array Formation that blocked sound. But why were they trying to block the sound?

Another door appeared at the end of the path.

The moment she opened the door and went inside, Jeong Charyeon's mouth dropped open.

"Wow! What is this!"

A shocking scene unfolded.

Hundreds of workers were working in an incredibly large space.

Jeong Charyeon was startled and turned around. The place she had entered was the back garden of a Manor that could be seen anywhere. It was unimaginable that there was such a place beyond the secret wall of that back garden.

"Our Changcheon Sect is being built here."

Jeok Leegeon looked around the construction site with a satisfied smile.

Muyeong smiled and explained kindly.

"So, in a word, the Divine Wind Stronghold itself is our Changcheon Sect's entrance."

"Yes?"

Jeong Charyeon's mouth wouldn't close. A Manor as an entrance? Who could have imagined that? On the one hand, she sincerely admired the person who had come up with this idea. A huge Sect hidden inside a Manor.

"Of course, we plan to actively utilize the Divine Wind Stronghold for camouflage. For the time being, we plan to handle everything by putting the Divine Wind Stronghold forward in order not to attract the attention of the surroundings."

"How is it? Awesome, right?"

Wow! It's really awesome.

"It utilizes the gourd-shaped terrain here."

If I had to pick the person who surprises people the most in the world, I'd bet my entire fortune on you. I mean it.

Muyeong smiled again and said.

"The workers have all arrived here blindfolded from afar. It's also thanks to Old Gong's active cooperation in maintaining secrecy, and the workers also thought it was a good choice for their safety."

Jeok Leegeon asked Muyeong.

"How's the work progressing?"

"It's progressing smoothly. Old Gong and Manor Lord Hwa are working hard."

In the distance, Old Gong was urging the foremen and shouting. He glanced at Jeok Leegeon's side, but he didn't even acknowledge him.

It felt like something he, a quirky artisan, would do.

Jeok Leegeon gave Old Go a grateful look. But Old Go was engrossed in his work and didn't even notice Jeok Leegeon.

Eventually, Jeok Leegeon chuckled.

"He's a man of great passion."

Old Go had even impressed Muyeong.

"A true artisan."

Jeong Charyeon agreed with Jeok Leegeon's words. She also wanted to become an artisan when it came to Martial arts. Then, she wanted to practice Martial arts again.

Am I really becoming addicted to Martial arts?

The two of them, guided by Muyeong, went inside. Countless buildings were being erected in the place that was incomparably larger than the Divine Wind Stronghold from before.