The final steps in making the elixir were not particularly challenging.
Namgung Yeongbo, an expert, had already laid most of the groundwork. All Seo-jun had to do was inscribe a few formations inside the elixir as instructed, and the process was complete.
"You’ll be recognized as a master of medicinal arts in no time, young master!"
Namgung Yeongbo’s exaggerated praise, now something Seo-jun was used to, accompanied the completion of the elixir. The energy contained within it was truly extraordinary.
Seo-jun casually named it Divine Deer Elixir, and its value, according to Namgung Yeongbo, was immeasurable—beyond even monetary comparison. If released into the martial world, he claimed, it could spark multiple bloodbaths.
"Is it really that amazing?"
Seo-jun remained indifferent. For him, improving internal energy meant very little.
However, things were different for Chun-bong and Namgung Sua. The elixir would be of great help to them. Even Namgung Gyeong, who seemed to exhaust his energy after a single use of Heavenly Thunder Burst, could benefit from an increase in internal energy. As long as one didn’t exceed their limits, more internal energy was always an advantage.
And this wasn’t just any elixir—it was a betrothal gift.
Traditionally, such a gift would be presented during the wedding ceremony. But Seo-jun had no intention of waiting that long. It would be far more effective if they consumed it while actively training.
If another elixir were needed for a formal occasion later, he could always prepare one.
"Here, take one each."
Seo-jun handed a wooden box to both Chun-bong and Namgung Sua. Chun-bong hesitated as she accepted hers.
"I feel bad accepting yet another gift…."
She seemed reluctant, but Seo-jun had the perfect leverage now.
"Isn’t what’s mine also yours? And what’s yours still yours?"
"Huh? What nonsense is that?"
"A married couple is one body. What you consume is as good as me consuming it."
"Wh—!"
Chun-bong’s mouth fell open before she instinctively hugged the box tightly. Simple as ever, Chun-bong was completely won over by Seo-jun’s sweet-talking.
Seo-jun smirked mischievously, and Namgung Sua, observing the exchange, chuckled softly.
"Eat it and grow stronger quickly. It’d be great if you could be more of a help."
Namgung Sua had also begun practicing Heavenly Thunder Demon Extinguishing Art. Since half of its techniques consumed vast amounts of internal energy, the elixir would be invaluable to her.
"Oh, and I’ve got something else for you to learn, Sua."
"Something else?"
"It’s a demonic technique I picked up while visiting the Demonic Cult. I combined a few things, and something interesting came out."
Namgung Sua, who had already mastered Sovereign Sword Form, didn’t necessarily need more techniques. But Seo-jun, relying on his insight, had designed a custom martial art perfectly suited to her.
It wasn’t as seamlessly compatible with her body as Chun-bong’s Art, but it would still exhibit significant power.
"It’s called Sua’s Art Prototype."
The new technique was a grand amalgamation of martial arts—incorporating the self-derived demonic art he obtained from the Demonic Cult and every technique Namgung Sua had mastered thus far.
The name Heavenly Thunder Demon Extinguishing Art was chosen for a reason. Slightly altering its path brought it dangerously close to a true demonic art.
"That wasn’t by accident."
In truth, Heavenly Thunder Demon Extinguishing Art was a byproduct of Sua’s Art.
The foundation of Sua’s Art was Sovereign Sword Form. Inspired by that, Seo-jun added elements from Heavenly Demon Overlord Steps and even incorporated some principles of Heavenly Demon Divine Arts. To top it off, he threw in a touch of Inverse Heaven Way.
After such a tumultuous process, the resulting technique was a domineering martial art that treaded the edge of tyranny.
Still, Seo-jun was confident Sua could master it smoothly. If she struggled, he could always guide her step by step.
"Here."
Seo-jun handed the martial art manual for Sua’s Art to Namgung Sua with a grin.
"Read it thoroughly, practice carefully, and take the elixir too."
Soon, they would both be able to handle Qi techniques with ease.
"Once you’ve absorbed the effects of the elixir, let’s go on a honeymoon together."
Strictly speaking, it would be a betrothal trip, not a honeymoon, but who cared about semantics?
Wouldn’t it be a grand adventure for the martial arts trio to travel together once again?
Equally as excited as Seo-jun, Chun-bong and Namgung Sua nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes!"
"Hahaha…! Things turned out far better than expected!"
Je Gal-tong, the Grand Strategist of the Murim Alliance, couldn’t hide the wide grin spreading across his face.
"Hahaha! Truly…! Oh, whoops—!"
He laughed so hard that he fell backward in his chair, but even then, he kept laughing. He was in such a good mood that he thought he could die smiling.
"To achieve such a great victory! We’ve completely driven the Sahyeokryeon out of Gansu. Isolating the Qi Alliance will be a matter of time!"
"I heard Namgung Gyeong played a major role in the battle," Peng Chusan remarked.
Je Gal-tong nodded in agreement.
"Indeed. The opening strike of the battle was a technique called Heavenly Thunder Burst. It’s a new martial art developed by the Namgung Clan, and its power is said to be terrifying."
"Hyun Geuk isn’t one to exaggerate, so I’d like to see it for myself."
"Oh, have you heard of Jin Gi-jaecheon, the one who created that martial art?"
"Jin Gi-jaecheon! Isn’t he the rising master who defeated General Zhu Cheol-yak of the imperial court?"
"That’s right. And it’s said he has created several martial arts already. The Namgung Clan classifies them as divine arts."
"Divine arts? That’s quite the claim."
Peng Chusan stroked his long beard, chuckling.
"The Namgung Clan must be fully supporting him. At his age, achieving the transcendent level is remarkable. Building his reputation now is a smart move."
"Still, the results speak for themselves. Heavenly Thunder Burst didn’t just appear out of nowhere."
"I suppose that’s true."
As Peng Chusan laughed heartily, he muttered, "I’d like to spar with him someday. Having another strong young master in Murim is always a good thing."
"Just don’t go overboard. You tend to forget the purpose of sparring," Je Gal-tong cautioned.
Peng Chusan clicked his tongue, waving dismissively. "Fine, fine. I’ll be gentle!"
Meanwhile, in another location, Seo-jun scratched his ear.
"Is someone talking about me?"
Chun-bong smirked. "Who wouldn’t be talking about you? The Namgung Clan won’t stop praising you."
Apparently, Heavenly Thunder Demon Extinguishing Art had played a significant role in the recent war. Unlike Thunderblade Heart Arts and Thirteen Blades of Thunderstrike, which were widely distributed, the new martial art had only been shared with high-ranking masters. Rumors about it painted it as nothing short of a supreme divine art.
"Killing hundreds with a single strike of lightning? What nonsense."
Seo-jun could do it, perhaps, given his broad mastery of techniques. But for someone else to achieve that just by learning the art? It was absurd.
"Still, if that’s what it was designed for, it should be capable of that," Seo-jun remarked nonchalantly.
Chun-bong glanced at him suspiciously, wondering if he had given the Namgung Clan a demonic art. Meanwhile, Namgung Sua emerged with a small bag, smiling.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Not at all. We just got here too."
Namgung Sua chuckled and poked Seo-jun’s side playfully.
"Keep this up, and I might move in with you two today."
"What—!"
Seo-jun quickly changed the subject.
"Look at the time! Let’s get going."
The martial trio was finally setting off.
Their destination: Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province.
The reckless Sahyeokryeon forces had reportedly attacked by ship. After dealing with them, the group planned to enjoy a seaside journey.
"Though… why would they bother going all the way to Hangzhou?"
Hangzhou was in the southeast of Zhongyuan, a place of little strategic value to Sahyeokryeon.
Did they have some hidden agenda?
Seo-jun dismissed the thought quickly. Strategy was for the experts. For him, the job was simple: destroy and kill.
"Let’s go."
And so, their journey began.
*
“So, you’re saying Jin Gi-jaecheon is coming to support us?”
“That’s what I heard.”
“Well, that’s a relief.”
“I’m not so sure… They say he’s a rising master, but can he really be trusted?”
“Didn’t he defeat the imperial court’s Grand General? He’s bound to be of help.”
“True, Zhu Cheol-yak. Considering how easily he was assassinated, though, I can’t help but think his reputation might have been inflated. Or perhaps there was something wrong with his body.”
The man clicked his tongue in disdain.
“Besides, these newly famous hotshots tend to cause trouble more often than not. Let’s just hope he doesn’t stir up any major incidents.”
“Oh, come on. Surely not. He’s a transcendent master, after all.”
“Do you think all transcendent masters are the same? Let’s just hope he’s not some loudmouthed brat full of hot air.”