A sharp metallic clang echoed through the arena, and with it, Yephyeon was pushed to the edge of the combat stage.
But it lasted only a moment!
His body reappeared in front of An Ransu.
Just as he was about to strike, the tip of An Ransu's spear aimed straight at Yephyeon's forehead. Her eyes flickered for the first time, stopped by the fact that her spear was blocked by Yephyeon's sword. A small smile curved her lips.
"Just now… that was excellent."
No sooner had she spoken than she lightly flicked her right hand. Her spear moved like a venomous snake, sweeping at Yephyeon's shoulder from an impossible angle. Unfazed, Yephyeon pressed forward, aiming straight at An Ransu. Using the force of her spear against him, he tried to drive his sword toward her heart.
'Give the flesh, take the bone?'
An Ransu's smile widened. In a flash, she retracted her spear and brought it up vertically.
Clang!
Once again, the sound of metal resounded through the hall. His decisive strike had been blocked, but Yephyeon didn't hesitate. This time, he angled his attack to the right, and his sword reached between An Ransu's eyes at an almost impossible angle.
An Ransu squinted, planting her right foot firmly on the ground. As her body was pushed backward, Yephyeon managed to grab her spear and pull it toward himself. The motion drew her into his arms.
Every eye in the arena was on them as Yephyeon let out a shout and threw An Ransu to the ground.
Bang!
As both hit the ground, the entire combat stage shook.
Suddenly, someone was thrown off the stage—it was Yephyeon. He slowly rose from outside the arena, wiping the blood from his mouth, and addressed An Ransu.
"I had no other intention."
An Ransu looked at him and smiled.
"I understand. I am also a warrior, so I needn't worry about such things. I sensed your skill with the sword, but I did not expect your proficiency in close combat as well. You must have extensive real-world experience."
Yephyeon nodded silently. She continued.
"This duel may have been somewhat unfair due to differences in skill levels. Let us meet again sometime. What say you?"
"Agreed!"
The woman before him was a true master, unlike anyone he had faced before. From this duel, he had gained more than when he had fought against mere shadows. An Ransu reached into her bosom and withdrew a white jade token, letting it fall before Yephyeon.
"If you have nowhere else to go, try the Changmok Academy. This token is my recommendation."
Yephyeon's face filled with gratitude. He took the token without hesitation.
With this token, he could take Yepryeong to Changmok Academy and cure her illness!
After securing the token, Yephyeon bowed to An Ransu.
"Even if I die, I will not forget this favor!"
"I only recognized your talent. Until next time."
An Ransu turned and left the arena. Everyone present watched her leave, her steps graceful and commanding. A man from Yeomseong and a woman from Naseong approached Yephyeon, bowing respectfully.
"Master Yeph, if the opportunity arises, please visit Yeomseong and Naseong."
They hoped to draw him into their spheres of influence. Since An Ransu had already advised him to go to Changmok Academy, they decided to start with friendly relations. Yephyeon bowed to them.
"If I have the chance, I will certainly visit!"
The man smiled.
"Then that is a promise. Farewell for now."
They departed. Suddenly, Yeph Chang shouted.
"Seize the Grand Elder!"
While the Yeph family members were confused, the guards dragged the Grand Elder before Yeph Chang.
After a moment, Yeph Chang turned to Yephyeon.
"Yephyeon, I now appoint you Crown Heir. You shall also be the next head of the Yeph family."
"Crown Heir? Let me be clear: I am no longer a member of the Yeph family, understood?"
Yephyeon turned and walked into the Yeph residence. The faces of those left behind twisted with horror.
They realized they had lost a genius born of the family—a rare swordsman—and, worse, one who now held a grudge against them.
"Hahaha!"
The head of the Jang family, Jang Ryeol, laughed so loudly the hall seemed to shake.
"Remarkable! Truly remarkable! To drive out a genius warrior like Yephyeon with your own hands! I never realized the Yeph family was so powerful! Hahaha!"
Lee Ok beside him snorted.
"Not just a genius warrior, a swordsman! And it's obvious he summoned Cheonjiisang himself; otherwise, why would the National Scholar have sought him out? Yet they believed Yephrang was the one—it's laughable!"
Even though Lord Kangnyeom remained silent, the amused expression on his face said it all. Yeph Chang's fists clenched tightly, his face pale.
"Lord Kang, Head Jang, we Yeph have been far too discourteous recently. Might you—"
Jang Ryeol waved his hand to cut him off.
"Discourteous? You call that discourtesy? Ten years of monopolizing the mines while claiming to be the top house of Cheongseong, and now you think you can make amends? Forget it!"
Lee Ok added with a laugh.
"And for our family, the same. From this moment on, if any member of your Yeph family appears, we will slaughter them all!"
She glanced at Kangnyeom.
"And what about you, Lord Kang?"
"I share the same view as you," he said.
"Hahaha… hahahaha… hahahahaha!"
Lee Ok's laughter filled the hall.
Meanwhile, the Yeph family's faces had gone ashen. Their clan was finished.
Yeph Chang approached the Grand Elder and slapped his face.
"You useless old man! It's all your fault!"
The Grand Elder collapsed to the ground. The Yeph warriors glared at him, full of venom. If the Grand Elder hadn't failed, the family wouldn't have fallen so low.
He laughed maniacally toward the sky.
"Hahaha… Yephyeon was right… lose your power in the Yeph family, and you're treated worse than a dog! Hahaha…"
Yeph Chang glared at him.
"Seal this worthless man's energy center and imprison him for life!"
Yephyeon immediately went to Yepryeong. She smiled broadly upon seeing him run toward her, tears streaming down her face. Yephyeon returned her smile.
"Brother!"
Yepryeong rose and hugged him tightly. Yephyeon lifted her and exited the Yeph residence.
As dusk fell, Yephrang sat cross-legged in his chamber, hair disheveled, face twisted in anger.
"Yephyeon, if you think this is the end, you are mistaken. I will repay today's humiliation a hundredfold!"
At that moment, a shadow appeared behind him. A streak of silver light flashed in the dark room.
Thunk!
Breaking the silence, Yephrang's head hit the floor. Yephyeon stared at the fallen head with an icy gaze.
"Sorry. I prefer not to leave any future consequences."
With that, Yephyeon disappeared into the darkness again.
Having finished his task, he carried Yepryeong and left Cheongseong.
"Brother, are we going back to the Yeph family?"
"No."
"Then… where is our home now?"
"Wherever you are, that is home."
"Cough… brother, I'm cold…"
"Just a little longer. We're going to cure your illness now."
"What if it can't be cured?"
"That will not happen. I will make sure you are healed!"
As they walked, Yephyeon stopped. Three familiar figures blocked his path: Kangnyeom, Lee Ok, and Jang Ryeol. Kangnyeom smiled as he approached.
"Here to see Master Yeph off?"
Yephyeon set Yepryeong down and bowed.
"Much obliged."
Kangnyeom smiled and produced a white vial, handing it to Yephyeon.
"Yangshindan. Thirty pills. This is a small gift from the three of us. Use it well, and do not refuse it."
Yangshindan!
Yephyeon looked at them in confusion. Kangnyeom smiled knowingly.
"Honestly, we wish to build a good relationship with Master Yeph. You are no longer of the Yeph family, but you are still from Cheongseong. If your name spreads across the wider world, we will all benefit from it."
Yephyeon accepted the vial and bowed.
"Thank you!"
He disliked owing anyone, but for his sister, he cared little for such pride.
Lee Ok asked him,
"Master Yeph, are you heading to Hwangseong?"
"Yes. To Changmok Academy in Hwangseong."
Lee Ok smiled and raised her hand. A carriage soon arrived at the city gate.
"Hwangseong is far. At a normal pace, it would take half a year on foot. Take this carriage to Cheonsanseong, then travel by boat to Hwangseong. You will arrive just in time for the academy's registration."
Jang Ryeol produced a money pouch and a scroll.
"Master Yeph, you will need funds for the journey. This is a small gift. The scroll marks dangerous locations to avoid."
Yephyeon bowed to the three.
"I will carry your kindness in my heart and repay it in the future. Farewell!"
After securing the items, Yephyeon boarded the carriage with Yepryeong. Watching it fade into the distance, Lee Ok murmured,
"Do you think he will forget us once he grows stronger?"
Kangnyeom smiled.
"Did you see his sister? He loves her more than life itself. He will not forget those who helped her."
The three of them watched the carriage, knowing Yephyeon's determination would never waver.
Lee Ok chuckled.
"This worked out well for us, didn't it?"
"Indeed."
Jang Ryeol smiled.
"Now then, we have a delicious piece of cake called the Yeph family. How shall we divide it?"
Lee Ok laughed heartily.
"Each takes what they want. Let's first have some tea and discuss it slowly."
The three of them walked slowly into Cheongseong, ready to enjoy the victory left in the wake of Yephyeon's defiance.