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Chapter 8
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Having re-established his circulation method, Wi Yeon-cheon used the remaining time on the journey to Jeongju to organize the various insights that had arisen.
As he unraveled each insight inspired by observing the Initial Supreme Boundary master, Wi Yeon-cheon’s aura evolved.
On the final night before they arrived in Jeongju,
Wi Yeon-cheon exuded a vastly different aura than when they had departed.
His true qi, reestablished through his revised circulation method, now flowed like the natural cycles of the great outdoors.
He was also focusing his senses on his blade, ready to draw it at any moment, much like a master of the Initial Supreme Boundary.
‘I must always maintain Unity of Sword and Body.’
To sustain Unity of Sword and Body at all times, like Jeong Myeo-yeon, he concentrated his true qi to the very tip of his sword.
Though constantly regarding his sword as part of his body and circulating true qi consumed considerable mental energy, Wi Yeon-cheon found joy despite the strain.
The sensation of progressing step by step in martial enlightenment.
It was a feeling he wouldn’t trade for anything.
“Family Head, Grand Prince. We will arrive in Jeongju shortly.”
At Jeong Myeo-yeon’s words signaling their approach, Wi Yeon-cheon slowly opened his eyes.
“What new insight have you gained this time?”
With a proud gaze, his father looked at him, and Wi Yeon-cheon responded with a gentle smile.
“I’m merely preparing to become one with my sword.”
“Good.”
After about a quarter of an hour, the carriage that had departed from the Wi Clan five days ago came to a stop.
“We have arrived.”
As the carriage door opened, the bright sunlight struck Wi Yeon-cheon’s eyes.
The dazzling light was a reminder that he was still alive.
As his eyes adjusted to the brightness, the landscape of Jeongju began to unfold before him.
A city where the auras of countless people blended with the rays of sunlight, creating a stunning beauty.
Wi Yeon-cheon could not tear his eyes away from the sight of Jeongju’s high buildings lining the landscape.
A number of martial artists beyond count.
Common people mingling harmoniously with martial artists, creating an atmosphere of peace.
This was the ideal image of the world that Wi Yeon-cheon had envisioned.
The breathtaking sight of the city almost disrupted the circulation he had maintained throughout the five-day journey.
“Haha, it seems this is your first time in Jeongju, Grand Prince.”
As Wi Yeon-cheon gazed at Jeongju in awe, Jeong Myeo-yeon inquired.
Even at Jeong Myeo-yeon’s question, Wi Yeon-cheon simply nodded without shifting his gaze.
As Wi Jin-gyeol also disembarked, he approached Wi Yeon-cheon.
“What do you think of Jeongju’s scenery?”
“It’s beautiful.”
Wi Jin-gyeol nodded at his son’s response.
“Yes. It’s also the goal of the Martial Alliance.”
“Goal?”
“To spread Jeongju’s scenery across the world, and to protect it.”
The scene that met the eyes of Wi Jin-gyeol, the former Chief Military Officer of the Martial Alliance, was not much different from Wi Yeon-cheon’s.
A society where commoners and martial artists lived together seamlessly.
This was the precious ideal that the Heavenly Martial Alliance had preserved and would continue to uphold.
“That, too, is beautiful.”
Wi Jin-gyeol looked at his son admiring the scene crafted by the Martial Alliance with a pleased gaze.
“Let’s come often from now on.”
As Wi Jin-gyeol finished speaking, two men with a resolute presence appeared.
“We greet Military Officer Wi.”
Their aura, not much different from Jeong Myeo-yeon’s, naturally drew Wi Yeon-cheon’s attention.
“Ha-ryeon, Nam-seon. It’s been a long time.”
The two, whom he addressed as Ha-ryeon and Nam-seon, bore the character “直” (meaning “Direct”) on their chests.
Judging by their respectful salute to Wi Jin-gyeol, they seemed to be men who had followed him during his days as the Chief Military Officer.
“It’s been quite some time since I stepped down from Chief Military Officer. Jegal, the new officer, may feel slighted if he hears you calling me by that title.”
“Haha, I’m sure Officer Jegal would also address you as Military Officer, Wi.”
Unlike Jeong Myeo-yeon, Ha-ryeon and Nam-seon exuded an aura of elegance.
They embodied the high-class martial artists that Wi Yeon-cheon had envisioned.
“It’s a relief to see you in good health.”
Though they showed respect toward Wi Jin-gyeol, their gaze seemed somewhat peculiar.
As they spoke respectfully, they occasionally glanced at Wi Yeon-cheon.
‘Even the Alliance Leader’s swords look upon me with curiosity.’
Noticing their gaze, Wi Jin-gyeol chuckled.
“He’s my son.”
Ha-ryeon and Nam-seon exchanged looks of realization at his words.
“This is…!”
In a voice tinged with astonishment, Nam-seon quickly covered his mouth, realizing he’d spoken out of turn.
Though the words were brief, they held deep meaning.
Of course, Wi Yeon-cheon was not one to miss the underlying significance.
But he understood their reaction.
After all, he had caused his father, the Chief Military Officer of the Martial Alliance, enough concern to step down from his position.
“I am Wi Yeon-cheon of the Wi Clan.”
Wi Yeon-cheon stepped forward and offered a polite salute.
In response, Ha-ryeon and Nam-seon looked at him in surprise and returned the salute.
“I am Ha-ryeon of the Ha Family.”
“I am Nam-seon of the Nam Family.”
After introductions and returning to their proper posture, Ha-ryeon spoke up.
“Your accomplishments, Young Master, are truly impressive.”
“There is still a long way to go.”
Ha-ryeon couldn’t hide his astonishment at Wi Yeon-cheon’s remarkable achievements, considering him the son of the man he followed, Wi Jin-gyeol.
‘Could he have gained some stroke of fortune in the face of death?’
He had once heard a rumor that Wi Yeon-cheon had a terminal condition due to his constitution.
But contrary to that rumor, Wi Yeon-cheon appeared not only healthy but achieved a level that was astonishing.
Ha-ryeon thought to himself how beneficial it would be if someone like Wi Yeon-cheon joined the Martial Alliance.
“For now, we will escort you to the main base.”
***
Guided by Ha-ryeon and Nam-seon, Wi Yeon-cheon arrived at the headquarters of the Martial Alliance, leaving him wide-eyed in awe.
The pavilions of the Wi Clan were tall, but these pavilions were beyond comparison in their sheer size.
It was not an exaggeration to describe it as a palace.
‘It feels as though it pierces the sky.’
As he approached the towering structure, an immense gate appeared, a gate so large that he wondered if anyone could ever break through it.
Above that massive gate was a plaque with the words “Heavenly Martial Alliance” inscribed in bold.
The handwriting gave the impression of a mighty steed in full gallop.
Upon recognizing Ha-ryeon and Nam-seon’s attire, the Alliance members hurriedly opened the gate.
“Military Officer Wi, welcome from your long journey.”
As the gates opened, a middle-aged man stood at the forefront of those welcoming Wi Jin-gyeol.
Seeing the welcoming man, Wi Jin-gyeol chuckled and responded.
“Military Officer Jegal, how have you been?”
“Military Officer Jegal? Please, call me Hyeon-song, as you did in the past.”
“How could I address the Chief Military Officer of the Martial Alliance by name?”
With hearty laughter, Wi Jin-gyeol and Jegal Hyeon-song exchanged friendly banter.
After greeting Wi Jin-gyeol, Jegal Hyeon-song turned his gaze to Wi Yeon-cheon.
“So, you’re the young Yeon-cheon who’s given our senior here quite a few headaches.”
“I am Wi Yeon-cheon.”
“Haha, you certainly have the same refined bearing as your father.”
Despite his continuous jokes, Jegal Hyeon-song did not give off a light-hearted impression at all.
Rather, his words added to his own dignified presence.
“He may be refined, but he’s closer to the sword than to the brush,” Wi Jin-gyeol said with a nod.
“Did you happen to teach the Young Master Confucian studies?”
“Why do you say that?”
“It’s just that, in a place where one should reveal their full accomplishments, he seems to be hiding his aura as if to show humility.”
Wi Yeon-cheon couldn’t help but be surprised by Jegal Hyeon-song’s observation.
In this place, filled with senior martial artists, he had concealed his aura out of a sense of modesty.
“I knew you would bring that up, Hyeon-song,” Wi Jin-gyeol remarked with a faint smile.
Seeing Wi Jin-gyeol’s smile, Jegal Hyeon-song turned to Wi Yeon-cheon and spoke.
“Humility is admirable, but hiding one’s aura within the Alliance could come across as arrogance.”
“Why is that?”
Wi Yeon-cheon tilted his head in curiosity at Jegal Hyeon-song’s comment.
With a slight chuckle, Jegal Hyeon-song explained.
“The Alliance is a place where only one’s true capabilities can ensure survival in missions. Concealing your aura here is akin to concealing your abilities.”
Jegal Hyeon-song took a breath, emphasizing his next words.
“In other words, it implies that you consider yourself on par with other Alliance members, even without your full power.”
“I… I didn’t realize it could mean that.”
“It’s alright. Just refrain from hiding your aura from now on.”
Following Jegal Hyeon-song’s advice, Wi Yeon-cheon began to reveal his previously concealed aura.
His energy, refined to the level of the Initial Supreme Boundary and modeled after the masters he observed, gradually flowed out.
“…!”
At that moment, the martial artists in the area couldn’t help but focus on Wi Yeon-cheon.
An achievement impossible for someone of his young age, the Age of Fifteen.
Even Jegal Hyeon-song couldn’t hide his astonishment at Wi Yeon-cheon’s level of accomplishment.
‘Is this why the Alliance Leader sent a personal letter to the Divine Healer…?’
Jegal Hyeon-song let out a sigh of disbelief after witnessing Wi Yeon-cheon’s aura.
“W-wonderful.”
“Thank you.”
Watching Jegal Hyeon-song’s reaction, Wi Jin-gyeol smiled with satisfaction.
“Hyeon-song, please lead us to the Alliance Leader.”
Momentarily lost in thought as he observed Wi Yeon-cheon, Jegal Hyeon-song quickly composed himself at Wi Jin-gyeol’s words.
“Ah, this way, please.”
Jegal Hyeon-song guided Wi Jin-gyeol and Wi Yeon-cheon to the Hall of the Alliance Leader.
It was located in the very center of the Martial Alliance’s grounds, but it was not the tallest pavilion.
“Does it seem odd that it’s not the tallest pavilion?”
Noticing his son’s thoughts, Wi Jin-gyeol asked.
“How did you know I was thinking that?”
Wi Jin-gyeol gave a wry smile.
“Everyone visiting the Hall of the Alliance Leader for the first time thinks the same.”
“Oh…”
Wi Jin-gyeol cherished these moments when his son showed the same curiosity as others.
It was one of the few times he seemed just like any other young person.
“The Alliance Leader does not rule from above. He merely represents the Martial Alliance, so there’s no need for the Hall of the Alliance Leader to be the tallest.”
“Then, who is the true leader of the Martial Alliance?”
The answer to Wi Yeon-cheon’s follow-up question came from Jegal Hyeon-song.
“There is no single master of the Martial Alliance. If there is, it would be the entire orthodox martial world.”
“That is correct.”
Even as they made their way to the Alliance Leader, the Chief Military Officers of the Martial Alliance continued to offer brief lessons to Wi Yeon-cheon.
“I will keep that in mind.”
Upon entering the Hall of the Alliance Leader and ascending a flight of stairs, they reached a room where two Alliance members stood guard.
“The Alliance Leader is in his office.”
“Thank you for guiding us here.”
“It was my pleasure.”
After one last respectful salute, Jegal Hyeon-song stepped back.
Shortly thereafter, the door to the room guarded by the Alliance members opened, revealing an elderly man.
“Jin-gyeol, how many years has it been?”
“It’s been a long time, Alliance Leader.”
With the warmest expression, he smiled at Wi Jin-gyeol.
His smile seemed filled with warmth, yet to Wi Yeon-cheon’s eyes, the old man radiated a fierce aura.
A qi so vast that it was incomparable to even the masters of the Initial Supreme Boundary.
His qi flowed in a cycle resembling Taiji, forming a boundless ocean.
The energy of the Alliance Leader was so immense that it was beyond measure, and it surged forth like an endless ocean.
‘So this is the Martial Alliance Leader.’
One of the Three Sovereigns of the martial world, known as the Sword Sovereign.
Although he bore no visible sword, it felt as though his entire being radiated sword energy.
The Martial Alliance Leader, living as if he were a sword, approached Wi Yeon-cheon and looked down at him.
“So, you are Wi Yeon-cheon.”
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