Siblings
Overnight, nine members of the Sun and Moon Sect went missing.
One of them apparently held a fairly high position in the Palace of Divine Spirits.
Sect members tracing their final steps discovered their corpses in an old Ming Sect shrine near the headquarters.
Since it was a highly unusual incident, the Lord of the White Tiger Palace had reportedly launched a personal investigation.
Even if it came to light that I was the one behind it, it wouldn't be that much of a problem.
Still, it was a nagging concern, so I had no choice but to keep a close eye on the situation.
For starters, it would be highly problematic if anyone found out I had snuck out of the headquarters without the Sect Leader's permission.
"Yeongho Bin. If you hear any rumors regarding that matter, report them to me immediately."
"Yes, my Lord."
Yeongho Bin seemed to suspect that I was involved in the incident, but he didn't let it show in the slightest.
In any case, my plans to quietly cultivate at the Ming Sect shrine had become quite complicated.
But that didn't mean I could just slack off on my training.
I was alone in the training grounds, practicing the forms of the Thirteen Styles of the Dark Moon.
Last time, in front of Instructor Do and the Sect Leader, my nerves had accidentally pushed me into a state of 'No-Self,' deeply moving everyone who watched.
But whether it was No-Self or the grandfather of No-Self, martial arts only truly mattered once you had built a rock-solid foundation.
Furthermore, ever since I acquired the Heavenly Slayer Demonic Saber, I had been using a saber instead of a sword. Thus, I needed to adapt the Thirteen Styles of the Dark Moon to suit a saber.
My saber practice, which began in the early morning, continued until the sun hung high in the sky.
My training robes were drenched in sweat, and only when my limbs began to tremble did I finally halt.
I've completely mastered the forms... but I still can't quite grasp the trick to it.
Lately, the core focus of my martial arts training had been channeling internal energy into the blade.
As Instructor Do had once mentioned, to transcend my current Second-class Realm and reach the First-class Realm, I had to learn how to manifest Sword Qi.
Sword Qi... No, I suppose I should call it Saber Qi now?
Instead of simply swinging the saber while reinforcing my physical body with internal cultivation, I had to infuse the internal energy directly into the blade to unleash devastating power.
It was easier said than done. The very fact that manifesting Sword or Saber Qi classified a martial artist as First-class meant it was an incredibly difficult realm that very few could ever reach.
Not only did one's internal cultivation method have to be exceptionally profound, but one also had to handle the sword or saber as if it were an extension of their own body.
The saber is a saber, and I am me... How on earth am I supposed to make it a part of my body?
As of yet, I didn't have the slightest clue how to achieve this.
Baek Yeon's physical age was still only twelve, so there was no immediate rush, but...
To be acknowledged by the Sect Leader and solidify my position as the Young Sect Leader, I needed to break through this current bottleneck.
Hmm... I need to find the Ming Sect's sacred ground soon and ask Myeongjon.
During my last excursion, I had to return empty-handed because of the uninvited guests at the shrine.
As soon as the investigation wrapped up, I would have to seize an opportunity to slip out again—
"Young Sect Leader. Is your training not going well?"
Ah, holy crap, you scared me!
I had been so deeply lost in thought with my eyes closed that I hadn't even sensed someone approaching.
Turning my head back from my seated position, I saw a woman who had somehow drawn incredibly close to me.
"Sister..."
It was none other than Baek So-cheong.
As always, she greeted me with a gentle smile, clasping her hands together in a polite bow.
Today, her smile carried a hint of shyness. Perhaps because of the faint blush dusting her pale, jade-like skin, she looked even more beautiful than usual.
The phrase 'as beautiful as a flower' seemed perfectly suited for her.
But.
Danger.
Every time Baek So-cheong spoke to me like this, my heart felt like it was dropping into my stomach.
While I was glad and grateful for my sister's warmth, I had no choice but to coldly push her away.
"Spying on another's training... what is the meaning of this? Surely this violates the etiquette of the Jianghu. How long have you been standing there?"
I narrowed my eyes and spoke in a chilling voice.
Look at this tiny brat acting all arrogant just because he's a martial artist...
Even I found myself incredibly obnoxious; I wanted to give myself a good smack.
Yet, Baek So-cheong merely tilted her head slightly, her smile unwavering.
"Father instructed me to oversee the Young Sect Leader's training, you see."
"What...?"
It was unbelievable.
Of all people, the Sect Leader?
He told Baek So-cheong to oversee my training?
Since when?
While I was struggling to interpret this development, Baek So-cheong continued.
"From what I can see, it looks like the Young Sect Leader is trying to begin training in Saber Qi... Am I correct?"
"..."
I was inwardly startled by her words, but I merely scowled, maintaining my persona as the Young Sect Leader, Baek Yeon.
Baek Yeon's martial arts level was common knowledge within the sect.
It was only natural for the Young Sect Leader, having entered the Second-class Realm, to train in Saber Qi as his next step.
At least, that was how the real Baek Yeon would have thought.
"And what if it is? Do not disturb me—"
"If you do not mind, would you allow your sister to offer a bit of guidance?"
However, her next words were enough to make even the stoic Baek Yeon widen his eyes in surprise.
"You? Guide... me?"
In truth, I still didn't know much about Baek So-cheong.
The only people I conversed with in the sect were the Right Guardian, the Left Guardian, Yeongho Bin, and a few maids and servants.
While they occasionally gossiped about minor affairs within the sect, none of them ever spoke of Baek So-cheong.
Given her somewhat ambiguous status, it felt awkward for me to ask first.
Besides, unless it was an official gathering of the Sect Leader's family, I rarely had any reason to cross paths with her.
Consequently, I had no idea what my sister did all day, or whether she had even trained in internal energy or swordplay.
And on top of that...
"After all, experiencing the Sword Qi of someone who practices the same internal cultivation method will be highly beneficial to you in many ways."
What on earth was she talking about?
Experience the Sword Qi of someone with the same internal cultivation method?
No way.
While I stood there dazed, Baek So-cheong drew the thin sword she wore at her waist.
She took a short breath, and the tip of her sword vibrated slightly...
Sss...
The internal energy of the Mystic Demon Scripture flowed along the slender blade.
Though invisible to the eye, a distinct flow of Qi surged through her thin sword and her body.
My god, that's actual Sword Qi!
"Now, Young Sect Leader. Take up the Heavenly Slayer Demonic Saber and swing it at me."
It was astonishing.
It was surprising enough that Baek So-cheong knew martial arts...
But for her, who was eight years older than Baek Yeon and thus barely twenty, to already wield Sword Qi so freely?
This meant she already possessed over sixty years of internal energy. She was a cut above Yeongho Bin—a First-class master on par with the first-generation disciples of prestigious orthodox sects.
Seeing it with my own eyes, I realized the Sect Leader's command for her to guide me wasn't just empty talk.
Of course, while her martial arts level might not surpass Instructor Do's, unlike him, she had mastered the Mystic Demon Scripture passed down through the Sect Leader's lineage.
There could be no textbook more perfect for me to reference.
"Ahem. Ahem."
However, to maintain the dignity of the Young Sect Leader, I couldn't afford to show any surprise in front of my sister.
I merely cleared my throat a few times, rising to my feet while maintaining the utmost composure.
"Considering your age, sister, this is hardly impressive. To think you speak of guiding me with a mere trickle of Sword Qi... Tsk."
Was bringing up her age a bit too harsh?
Baek So-cheong pouted, her brow furrowing slightly.
"Indeed. Compared to the Young Sect Leader, it is quite insignificant..."
"However! As the ancients said, a gentleman can learn even from a three-year-old child."
I quickly smoothed things over, terrified she might get upset and leave.
I couldn't afford to lose this golden opportunity.
"Therefore, your younger brother shall take the liberty of testing your skill."
Watching Baek So-cheong let out a soft chuckle, I raised the Heavenly Slayer Demonic Saber and locked eyes with her sword.
There was no need to worry about hurting her.
Even without the Sword Qi, I could feel with my entire body that her stance and the sheer volume of internal energy radiating from her were a cut above the current Baek Yeon.
I channeled my internal energy to its peak and brought the saber down with all my might.
Clang!
My current realm was far more powerful than it had been a year ago, when I had struck down the third training puppet brought by Instructor Do.
Moreover, I was now wielding a real blade instead of a wooden sword—and a legendary treasure like the Heavenly Slayer Demonic Saber at that.
Yet, my strike was effortlessly deflected by Baek So-cheong's sword.
It wasn't just blocked.
The moment my saber clashed with her thin sword, a numbing shockwave rippled back.
Even though I was the attacker, the recoil was transferred entirely back to me, leaving my hand and arm throbbing with a dull ache.
So this is what Sword Qi feels like...
In that instant, a flash of inspiration struck my mind.
Sword Qi was, ultimately, the extension of my internal energy into the blade.
It shouldn't just be energy pushed out from the hand; rather, the energy originating from the dantian and circulating through the entire body had to naturally wrap around the weapon.
The weapon doesn't just become one with the hand. It becomes another limb extending from my body.
I withdrew my saber and immediately sat cross-legged to circulate the Dark Demonic Inward Heart Method.
I wanted to internalize this sensation before it faded.
Today, I had gained an unexpected realization in my pursuit of Saber Qi, allowing me to take a step forward.
Naturally, this breakthrough was only possible because I had clashed directly with Baek So-cheong's Sword Qi.
For about fifteen minutes, Baek So-cheong stood nearby, watching over me in silence so as not to disturb my focus.
When I finally opened my eyes, I intended to thank her for helping me with my training.
But the moment I looked up and saw her face, the words caught in my throat.
A warm, affectionate smile stretched across her face, and her eyes shone with an indescribable emotion—one of pure, doting adoration, as if she found me utterly adorable.
"...!"
Is this... a motherly smile?
"Ahem."
Perhaps feeling self-conscious after making eye contact, Baek So-cheong cleared her throat, smoothed down her clothes, and quickly composed her expression.
"Young Sect Leader! Your sister is truly amazed. It seems you have modified the Mystic Demon Scripture to suit your own disposition."
"Indeed. I call it the Dark Demonic Inward Heart Method."
"It appears you are on the verge of grand mastery... You will likely break through to the next realm before long."
"Is that even a question? If even you could do it, sister, how could I possibly fail?"
"Haha. I suppose that's true."
No matter how I looked at it, Baek So-cheong's behavior today was strange.
Even if the Sect Leader had ordered her to oversee my training, it felt like there was more to it.
What could have happened recently to make her suddenly so attentive to me?
It was bizarre, and certainly not something I could simply celebrate.
No matter if she was my sister, I couldn't let my guard down as the Young Sect Leader.
In fact, precisely because she was my sister, I had to be even more careful not to let my true self slip.
"Enough of this trivial chatter. We are finished here. I have no intention of wasting any more time gossiping with you!"
"I have taken up too much of your time, then. Please forgive me."
As I coldly dismissed her, the smile faded from Baek So-cheong's face, and she clasped her hands to offer a polite bow.
"Young Sect Leader, it was wonderful to see your face today. I shall take my leave now."
"...!"
Try as I might, I couldn't fathom why she was treating me this way, but one thing was absolutely certain.
She is a terrifying woman. I must be careful.
For someone like me, who had to play the part of a ruthless tyrant, she was a far greater threat than anyone else.
Therefore, I had to act even more viciously toward her than before, even if it was forced.
I muttered at her retreating back.
"Spouting such sickeningly sweet nonsense... I can barely stomach it. Tsk!"
Baek So-cheong paused briefly at my words. She turned her head to look back at me, her expression tinged with a lonely, wistful sorrow, before finally leaving the training grounds.
Once again, I was left entirely alone in the vast training grounds.
Yet, despite myself, I found my mind turning her words over and over.
The expression she had worn refused to leave my mind.
'It was wonderful to see your face today...'
It was a feeling that was both painful and warm... anxious, yet strangely comforting.
It was a bizarre sensation, unlike anything I had ever felt before.