I Missed You!
Yeop Hyeon took Yeop Ryeong's hand and led her straight to the street stall. Thanks to the protection of his Pure Intent Sword Intent, his body suffered no damage from the frigid cold.
Upon arriving at the stall, Yeop Hyeon carefully wiped the bloodstained chair with his sleeve and seated Yeop Ryeong. Then he personally lit a fire in the stove.
With everyone dead, there was no one left to cook for them.
Fortunately, a few ingredients remained at the stall.
Yeop Ryeong sat quietly in her seat, gazing happily at Yeop Hyeon as he prepared the meal.
In this moment, she was no North Han Saintess—just an ordinary little girl.
Meanwhile, Gang Gu watched from a distance, her eyes filled with envy.
Yeop Hyeon showed not a shred of pretense with Yeop Ryeong.
He simply cared for his beloved little sister with pure affection.
Born into the imperial family, she had always been locked in fierce competition with her siblings, never knowing the warmth of brotherly love.
A short while later, Yeop Hyeon presented a steaming bowl of beef noodle soup. But the moment he drew near Yeop Ryeong, the soup froze solid.
The siblings exchanged a glance and burst into laughter, rising from their seats.
Yeop Ryeong buried her face in Yeop Hyeon's chest and murmured softly.
"Oppa, I really missed you!"
"Me too!"
The two shared a long-overdue, heartfelt embrace.
While Yeop Hyeon and Yeop Ryeong caught up, the Canglan Dao Soldiers had already slaughtered every last warrior from the Blood Sect. They hung the heads atop the walls of Yangjie City.
The heads of one Myriad Laws Realm expert and over thirty Divine Fusion Realm powerhouses dangled from the ramparts.
After this incident, Yeop Hyeon's name spread far and wide across Jungto Sinju. Even those who had plotted to plunder the Jiang Kingdom abandoned their schemes.
Inside Yangjie City.
An old woman in hemp robes approached, carrying three severed heads dripping with blood. She dropped them at the feet of Yeop Hyeon and Yeop Ryeong.
These were the heads of the Harmonization Sect's Myriad Laws Realm experts who had fled just moments ago.
The old woman drew near Yeop Ryeong and spoke softly.
"Ryeong-ah, relying on your own strength is admirable. But allow this old woman to teach you one thing: Bukhanjong will always be your greatest supporter."
Yeop Ryeong stared down at the heads without responding.
At that moment, Yeop Hyeon cupped his fists toward the old woman in respect.
"Ryeong is still young and immature. Please forgive her with your magnanimity."
Yeop Hyeon turned to Yeop Ryeong with a mildly scolding tone.
"Ryeong-ah, how many times have I told you not to repay kindness with enmity? Bukhanjong didn't just heal your illness—they helped us today too. We siblings must never forget that grace."
Yeop Ryeong nodded lightly and replied obediently.
"Got it, Oppa."
She looked at the old woman.
"Naeng Grandmother, I know how well Bukhanjong has treated me. I won't act so pettily from now on."
"Ryeong-ah, we're all family. Don't blame yourself too much."
The old woman's expression softened a bit as she turned to appraise Yeop Hyeon.
"So you're Ryeong's brother, Yeop Hyeon."
"Yes."
"I've heard about you from Ryeong long ago, but I never imagined we'd meet like this. With your heavenly talent, formidable strength, and impeccable character, having a brother like you is not just Ryeong's fortune—it's a blessing for all of Bukhanjong."
She acknowledged him. The old woman truly recognized Yeop Hyeon.
In truth, she had been watching him since his battle with Blood Elder. Not only had he ascended to Sword Lord at such a young age, but his aptitude rivaled even Yeop Ryeong's. There was no benefit in making an enemy of such a genius.
More importantly, he was Yeop Ryeong's blood kin—practically Bukhanjong already. Securing Yeop Ryeong had been a massive gain for the sect, but now it came with the bonus of Yeop Hyeon!
Meanwhile, Yeop Ryeong beamed inwardly at her brother earning such praise.
And rightly so—Bukhanjong, which had cared for her from the start, held a vital place in her heart too.
"Ryeong-ah, with matters settled, let's return to Bukhanjong."
"Return...?"
Yeop Ryeong shook her head and clung tightly to Yeop Hyeon's arm.
"I want to stay with Oppa!"
The old woman gave a wry smile.
"You haven't fully absorbed the sacred relic inside you yet. You know Bukhanjong's help is needed for that. Otherwise, side effects could endanger your life."
"Sacred relic?"
Yeop Hyeon glanced at the old woman.
She nodded.
"Bukhanjong possesses a sacred relic no one has approached in a century. But Ryeong earned the chance for its recognition. If she can harness its power, her strength will surpass anything imaginable. Moreover..."
The old woman's face hardened briefly.
"Ryeong's constitution exceeds our expectations... In any case, we must return to Bukhanjong."
Yeop Ryeong clung to Yeop Hyeon's arm for dear life, showing no sign of letting go.
The old woman nearly burst out laughing. Yeop Ryeong, who could effortlessly slay Myriad Laws Realm experts, was nothing but a child before her brother.
Helpless, she shot Yeop Hyeon a pleading look.
Yeop Hyeon pondered for a moment before speaking gently to Yeop Ryeong.
"If the relic recognizes you as its master, your power will skyrocket, right?"
"Yeah!"
Yeop Hyeon stroked her head.
"Then you could help Oppa even more once you're stronger?"
"But I want to stay with Oppa!"
"Haha! Silly girl. Once I wrap things up here, I'll come find you. How's that?"
Yeop Ryeong hung her head, silent.
The old woman's smile gradually soured.
Then Yeop Ryeong looked up.
"Just one day. One day with Oppa, then I'll go right back. Okay?"
Her eyes mixed longing with fear of refusal.
How could Yeop Hyeon say no to that gaze?
"Let's do that."
With the time limit set, the old woman sighed in relief.
Thus, Yeop Hyeon took Yeop Ryeong back to the Jiang Kingdom's imperial city and stayed by her side all day.
Late into the night, Yeop Hyeon and Yeop Ryeong sat atop a mountain peak, gazing at the bright moon and twinkling stars.
Yeop Ryeong still gripped his arm tightly with her small hand.
"Oppa, why have you kept your eyes closed the whole time?"
"It's because I'm cultivating the Peerless Divine Art right now."
"Peerless Divine Art? Is it strong? As strong as Bukhanjong's Myriad Li Ice Seal?"
"Probably not quite..."
"That's okay! When you come to Bukhanjong next time, I'll teach you! And there's tons of good stuff there too. The sect leader said if I become leader, it's all mine! I'll gather it all and give it to Oppa—you can have whatever you want!"
"..."
The old woman, listening from the shadows, wore a displeased expression.
"Oppa, tell me an old story!"
"Long ago, on a certain mountain, there was a small temple. Inside that temple..."
"..."
The next day.
Yeop Hyeon sat alone atop the mountain. Staring blankly into the distance, he finally rose near noon. In his hand was a brocade box.
Inside lay three True Realm low-grade swords, two True Realm mid-grade swords, one True Realm common-grade sword, and even a single Heavenly Realm sword.
A Heavenly Realm sword!
Yeop Hyeon drew it out. The blade measured about four and a half feet long, with a narrow width of one finger joint. What stood out was the constant lightning crackling around it.
This sword bore the power of thunder momentum!
Near the hilt, two black characters were inscribed:
Lei Xiao.
Yeop Hyeon's gaze upon the Lei Xiao Sword was profoundly complex. Yeop Ryeong had given it to him.
She never revealed how she obtained these swords.
After staring at it for a long while, Yeop Hyeon sheathed it and muttered.
"Jungto Sinju!"
Yeop Hyeon headed first to Canglan Academy.
As he arrived at the main hall, Mu Yun Qi charged like a raging bull, enveloping him in a fierce hug.
Bai Ze followed with a smile tugging at his lips. Ji An Zhi approached too, still gnawing on a chicken leg.
Reunited with his old friends, Yeop Hyeon grinned broadly and welcomed them.
"Everyone's still kicking, huh!"
It felt like returning to family.
To Yeop Hyeon, Mu Yun Qi and the others were more than friends—they were kin.
What use was becoming the strongest warrior without companions to share it with?
Conversely, with lifelong comrades by your side, who cared if your power fell a bit short?
As Yeop Hyeon asked after their well-being, Mu Yun Qi flashed a secretive grin and covered his mouth.
"Yeop cadre, greetings later—come this way first..."
Mu Yun Qi and the other two led Yeop Hyeon into the dim hall. As he tried to scan with his sword intent, lights suddenly flared from all sides, illuminating the space.
Before him loomed a massive table piled with all sorts of dishes. Their shapes were unrecognizable—burnt or otherwise—but clearly someone had cooked them.
And at the table's center, atop a huge platter, sat a large rice cake.
A birthday cake!
Mu Yun Qi and the others grinned at Yeop Hyeon.
"Happy birthday, Yeop cadre!"
'Birthday? My birthday?'
Yeop Hyeon stood frozen for a moment.
He and Yeop Ryeong had never celebrated a birthday since coming of age.
Back in the Ye family, the siblings could barely manage a warm meal, let alone a birthday feast.
Just being able to care for Yeop Ryeong had been a blessing.
Their happiest moments had been sneaking bites of beef noodle soup.
Mu Yun Qi patted Yeop Hyeon's shoulder lightly.
"What're you thinking about?"
Yeop Hyeon shook off the memories and smiled.
"How'd you know today was my birthday?"
"An Zhi noona told us!"
Yeop Hyeon glanced at Ji An Zhi. She tore into her chicken leg expressionlessly.
"Hey, what're you waiting for? Dig in!"