“I’ve reached Sub-Perfection.”

“…?”

So said Seol Lihyang as she puffed out her chest.

Though it was the same posture Seo Mun-Hwarin had struck before, the way a certain part of Seol Lihyang’s body was emphasized made it undeniably aggressive—but that wasn’t the important part right now.

“You’ve already reached it…? Or maybe not? I mean, I’m not entirely sure what the Sub-Perfection level is supposed to feel like, so I could be mistaken.”

With that, about half of the confidence that had just swelled within her deflated, and Seol Lihyang returned to a more normal stance.

I drew in my qi and examined her closely.

Her internal energy was certainly much greater than when I last saw her. But with Seol Lihyang, internal energy alone couldn’t be used as a metric to determine her level.

After all, she was born with immense talent in internal cultivation, and most of the energy from the elixirs she consumed like water at the Northern Sea Ice Palace still lay dormant in her veins.

Over the past few months, her internal energy had surged overnight more than once, and with the slightest trigger, it had skyrocketed as if she had attained some profound enlightenment.

Judging by that precedent, her current level of increase was still within the realm of possibility. So it was too early to make a judgment.

The way her aura had settled also fit within that same context.

Unlike most martial artists, Seol Lihyang was an unusual case—it was hard to determine her level based on her qi or aura alone.

If that was the case, then there was a more direct way to test it.

“The biggest difference between Peak Stage and Sub-Perfection is the ability to manipulate your inner energy as if it were part of your own body. You could already control it well before, but true unification is something else entirely. Perhaps…”

“Like this, you mean?”

As Seol Lihyang tilted her head, a cold energy began gathering around me. It wasn’t just the atmosphere becoming chilly—it was concentrated to the point where it became visible to the naked eye.

“…Heh.”

I couldn’t help but doubt my own eyes for a moment.

Materializing internal energy in a space away from one’s body was an extremely difficult feat.

To project qi into empty air with nothing but will as the medium… This was what martial artists referred to as Object-Grasping Through Empty Air.

Even with Seol Lihyang’s absurd gift for internal cultivation, this seemed almost too impossible. I rubbed my eyes and looked again.

Only then did I fully grasp what Seol Lihyang had done.

“I see. So you’ve managed to do this using just your regular voice, without even utilizing your sound-based arts.”

“Mm-hm. This is about the limit for now, though. If I want to do more, I’ll have to use my sound techniques.”

It must feel something like swinging a sword freely, without having to prepare with focus and tension every time—as if a once-rarely-executed strike had become as natural as breathing.

The end result was similar to my Divine Sword Unity, but it wasn’t the sound technique itself—rather, it was the ability to freely manipulate the internal energy infused within the sound.

Once she becomes more attuned to her enlightenment and level, she’ll be able to do even more.

“Congratulations. I figured you’d ascend quickly after everything that happened in the Northern Sea, but… I didn’t expect it to be this soon.”

“Hehe. I guess I just got carried away fighting and it happened.”

Seol Lihyang replied shyly.

At the same time, a martial artist who had followed her around since the Black Lotus Sect days—one whose name I didn’t know, but whose face I remembered—spoke up.

“White Moon Sword Lord, may I say something?”

“Mm? Go ahead.”

“The Pure Sound-Frostflower sister was absolutely amazing back then!”

“…Sister??”

She definitely looked older than Seol Lihyang, but I let it slide.

After all, in the orthodox or unorthodox world, the strongest is always the elder—sister or brother.

“Can you tell me in more detail?”

“Of course!”

At my request, the woman from the Black Lotus Sect lit up and launched into her account, eyes sparkling every time she recalled the moment.

It was clear she was entirely taken with Seol Lihyang.

After listening for quite a while, I finally summarized:

“So… you were following my orders and heading down the mountain to ask for help. But the Red Forest Gang cut you off by taking a shortcut, and a battle broke out. And then assassins joined in midway as well?”

“Yes!”

“In the chaos, injuries mounted, and the group started falling behind. You were on the verge of a complete wipeout, and then Seol Lihyang had a sudden breakthrough?”

“That’s right!”

“But the reason wasn’t that she thought she might die, or that her comrades might die—but because she thought that if she got held back here, I might be in danger?”

“Isn’t that the coolest?!”

I’d never seen someone speak so happily about almost dying.

Seol Lihyang must’ve left quite the impression at the time.

Now that I think about it, Seol Lihyang got along with almost every female martial artist—Tang Sowol, Seo Mun-Hwarin, her instructor from the Dark Soul Unit, her sparring partner from the Blood Venom Unit, and many others.

At this point, it’s clear there’s something about her that I just don’t understand.

Whether it’s due to her Pure Yin Physique or her natural personality, I can’t say.

Regardless, most of the people dispatched from the Black Lotus Sect seemed entirely enamored with Seol Lihyang—which worked out well for me.

It meant that I could probably recruit most of them into the Tang Clan.

They were talented martial artists lacking only a proper backing, so in time, they’d become a great asset.

As Seol Lihyang trembled with embarrassment, burying her face in her hands, and Seo Mun-Hwarin smirked and nudged her in the side, I spoke.

“So, you had that realization because you were worried I might be in danger?”

“Ugh…!”

“Well. I’ve been in similar situations myself, so I understand. Don’t be too embarrassed. I see now—we share the same sentiment.”

“Hyaaah!”

Seol Lihyang grabbed her head in utter mortification, suddenly exposed.

I chuckled at the oddly heartwarming atmosphere.

“In any case, it’s a relief that no one died. And don’t worry too much about the injured. You were assisting with something started by the Tang Clan, so even if you’re from the Black Lotus Sect, we’ll make sure you’re treated.”

At those words, sighs of relief echoed around me.

They must’ve been worried—even if no one died, their conditions were rough.

Some had internal injuries, and others could barely move one arm.

“Oh, right. Let me tell you what’s next. With the Red Forest Gang Leader defeated, this ends the campaign against the Red Forest. We’ll report this at the next government office and return to the Tang Clan immediately.”

“W-We’re finally going back?!”

“That’s right. While I handle things at the office, prepare whatever we’ll need for the journey. It’ll take some time to reach Sichuan Province. Or… maybe we take a day to enjoy ourselves here first.”

Even the Tang Clan’s warriors cheered at that.

They were clearly worn out after chasing and fighting through countless Red Forest strongholds. This last battle had been particularly dangerous.

After handing a pouch of gold coins to Seol Lihyang, I headed toward the government office with Seo Mun-Hwarin.

***

Even when we showed them the massive axe the White Mountain King used, the officials couldn’t believe we had taken down the Red Forest’s leader.

So I also told them we had slain the King of Assassins and where to find the body.

Only after confirming it did the officials finally believe us—and then they went wild, showering us with praise to the point it was overwhelming.

It really was over the top, so we brushed it off and enjoyed a restful day before beginning the journey back to Sichuan.

Due to the injured, we couldn’t use light-foot techniques and had to rent a carriage, taking a full 20 days to reach the Tang Clan.

And less than a month later, the rumors had spread across all the Central Plains.

***

“My dear son-in-law! Do you hold a grudge against me or something? Trying to work your future father-in-law to death—is that what this is?!”

“This is a misunderstanding…”

Despite his words, Tang Jincheon was grinning from ear to ear.

Of course he was. The name of the Tang Clan, already being talked about as a future contender for the greatest sect under heaven, had soared even higher.

Those investing in the future came flocking. Even merchants concerned only with the present rushed to establish ties with the Tang Clan.

The Red Forest was a group officially condemned by both the martial world and the Imperial Court.

Not only did the Murim Alliance send the bounty placed on the gang leader’s head, but the Imperial Court generously granted a three-year tax exemption and various other rights.

Even the Black Lotus Sect’s master sent a personal letter, saying that if we needed anything, we need only ask—they’d find a way to help. Clearly, their grudge against the Red Forest ran deep.

Of course, just because the leader was slain didn’t mean the Red Forest was gone.

Though the White Mountain King had gathered several leaders for the ambush, it hadn’t been all of them.

Some must have survived and were now lying low, planning for the future.

Just like after past deaths of Red Forest leaders throughout its unnecessarily long history.

Still, for now, the Red Forest would remain quiet. Even if another leader rose, they wouldn’t be as aggressive as the White Mountain King.

He was a madman. The Red Forest, in its original form, was not as violent—just as Seo Mun-Hwarin often described in her old tales.

The violent ones never lasted long.

Ah, and for the record—the head administrator passed out.

He had been thrilled at Tang Jincheon’s support doubling his manpower, saying he could finally get three hours of sleep, only to be hit with even more paperwork.

Tragic, really.

I was shaking my head, praying for the administrator’s soul (he was still alive), when someone knocked on my door.

“Cheon Hwi? May I come in for a moment?”

“When have you ever asked permission before? It’s not locked, just open it.”

“My, how reckless you are.”

So said Tang Sowol as she stepped in.

She looked as she usually did—relaxed yet properly dressed.

Except this time, she was holding a bottle of wine.

“Quite rare. For you to suggest a drink.”

“I never said I dislike alcohol. I simply don’t indulge without reason.”

“I’ve had enough praise. I’d rather not hear more, even from you.”

“Hehe. I’ve known you a long time now, Cheon Hwi, and yet some things remain hard to understand. You seek reputation, yet seem burdened by the attention it brings. Most people seek fame precisely for that attention, you know?”

“Unfortunately, your fiancé is not most people.”

I shrugged, and she chuckled softly, taking a seat across from me.

Pulling out some light snacks from her sleeve, she completed a simple little drinking setup and handed me a cup.

As I accepted it reflexively, she poured and asked casually,

“Then, if attention is burdensome, what have you been doing locked away in your room all this time?”

“Nothing special. Just organizing the insights I gained recently.”

“Oh! I heard from Sister Hwarin. You remodeled the Seo Mun Clan’s martial arts into something of your own?”

“I did—with proper permission, of course.”

“Of course. You’re someone who never breaks his word.”

She handed me the bottle and held out her cup. As I gently poured, I noticed her gaze.

Not on my face or the wine—but darting quickly over my neck and forearms.

As if searching for something.

I flinched slightly, and she smirked, then spoke—softly, but unmistakably serious.

“I heard from Sister Hwarin. While it technically ended at a kiss… it sounds like you did more with her than you did with me.”

“…Ah.”

A chill ran down my spine.

Tang Sowol was, at her core, generous. Partly because her physique made pregnancy difficult, and partly because she genuinely liked Seol Lihyang and Seo Mun-Hwarin.

But that generosity always came with one condition—that she be respected as the official wife.

“No need to look so lost and terrified. It’s fine—for now.”

“…Really?”

“Yes. Because starting now… you’ll just have to do much more with me than with anyone else.”

As she spoke, Tang Sowol licked her lips.

She looked every bit like a serpent eyeing its prey.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep