The Martial God with Psychic Powers

The reason Yeon Woo Jin extended his hand was to help them perfectly absorb the effects of the Inyeondan.
His energy began to harmonize with those circulating their qi.
Yeon Woo Jin meticulously adjusted the flow, sensing their energy and guiding it into complete harmony.

Meanwhile, the Jeomchang leadership, who had begun their circulation, felt a sense of ease and smoothness far beyond their usual experience.
But that sensation only lasted a moment.
The overwhelming power of the Inyeondan startled them all.

Their energy nearly destabilized from the sheer intensity.
The vast, ocean-like energy began to flood into their bodies.
Crack—!

A noise echoed from within their dantians.
It was the sound of their dantians expanding to withstand the immense energy influx.
Simultaneously, their meridians swelled significantly.
The torrent of inner energy rapidly coursed through them, forcefully expanding their meridians.

As it expanded, impurities within the meridians were also being purged.
Time passed, and once the energy completely harmonized with their bodies, they slowly opened their eyes.
Each of them inspected their bodies with expressions of disbelief.

Then, their gazes turned toward Yeon Woo Jin.
The Inyeondan given by him was no ordinary elixir.
The leadership fixed their eyes on Yeon Woo Jin.

“Why… would you bestow such a precious elixir upon us?”
“Huh? Didn’t you hear it from the Sect Leader? The Demonic Cult is coming soon. We all need to strengthen ourselves to respond.”
Yeon Woo Jin spoke as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, leaving them speechless.

For an elixir with such incredible effects, the ingredients must have been unimaginable.
These were certainly not components that could be acquired easily.
In essence, he was a sage—far less greedy than even those who called themselves Daoists.

“Now that your lacking inner energy is resolved, we should address the next problem, right?”
“The next… problem?”
“Physical constitution improvement.”

Physical constitution… improvement?
Everyone tilted their heads in confusion.
 
****

Several days passed.
Yeon Woo Jin’s standing within Jeomchang soared to unimaginable heights.
Now, no one questioned it—all believed and followed him.

Even the Sect Leader’s words that he would save the world were accepted without a shred of doubt.
Especially among the younger Daoists, near-fanatical devotion blossomed.
To them, Yeon Woo Jin was truly divine.

He would immediately identify shortcomings in their martial arts upon a single glance, offering precise corrections and even evolving their techniques further.
Moreover, he pointed out weaknesses in every disciple, no matter how small.
Thanks to this, Jeomchang's overall combat power had multiplied several times over in mere days.

Among them, the one who followed Yeon Woo Jin the most fervently was Jin Baek, the first disciple and senior brother of Jeomchang.
He shadowed Yeon Woo Jin constantly, attending to his every need.
Naturally, there were those wary of Jin Baek’s behavior.

Namely, Jang Woon and Sunwoo Baek.
“That guy… looks like he’s trying to steal our spot,” said Jang Woon.
“There was a time we acted the same way,” Sunwoo Baek remarked with a smirk.

“I get it. Woo Jin's… hard not to be drawn to.”
“Exactly. But he's being way too obvious, don’t you think?”
“So? Should we remind him not just anyone gets to stand beside Woo Jin?”

“Planning to challenge him to a duel?”
“Not a bad idea.”
“Don’t bother. From what I see, his cultivation's lower than ours. Let’s not bully the weak for no reason.”

Unfortunately, Jin Baek overheard the entire exchange.
“I can’t overlook those words.”
“Ah… he heard.”

“Didn’t you say it loud enough for me to hear on purpose?”
“No, we’re not that shameless.”
“Regardless, I challenge you to a duel.”

As Jang Woon scratched his head in mild annoyance, Yeon Woo Jin’s voice echoed telepathically.
—Do it.
—Huh? Seriously?

—Yeah. They need stimulation. Dominate him, make it clear.
—Ah… Got it.
Jang Woon faced Jin Baek and offered a martial salute.

“Alright. I accept your duel.”
“I am prepared to begin immediately.”
—Tomorrow. Beat him to a pulp in front of everyone. Humiliate him thoroughly.

—Wha—?! Then I’ll look like a total villain.
—They need that kind of shock to drive them to bloody training. Even after I leave, they need that fire.
—Sigh… fine.

Jang Woon clenched his fist, now branded the villain of the situation.
But it was necessary.
To make them stronger.

‘I’ll be the villain they need.’
 
****

The next day.
All of Jeomchang gathered at the training grounds.
Cheongi Jin-in and the leadership were present as well.

They had already been informed by Yeon Woo Jin of the duel’s true purpose.
Indeed, a harsh shock was necessary.
It was all to ignite the competitive drive of the first and second disciples, yet their hearts remained heavy.

Meanwhile, the first and second disciples watched their senior brother with shining eyes filled with anticipation.
Wasn’t Jin Baek known as Jeomchang’s First Sword, a once-in-a-generation prodigy?
There was no way a mere caravan master could defeat him—or so they believed.

Finally, the duel began, with both men standing side by side in the arena.
“I will give it my all,” Jang Woon declared.
Jin Baek nodded with confidence.

“As will I.”
The two exchanged formal salutes.
Deng—!

The gong signaling the start of the duel rang out.
In an instant, Jang Woon charged ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) toward Jin Baek.
“Lightning Flash!” (Jeongwang Ilseom)

A powerful footwork technique closed the distance in a blink, startling Jin Baek, who twisted midair, spinning rapidly to evade the strike.
Tap-tap—!
Jang Woon kicked off the ground, leaping after the airborne Jin Baek.

“Lightning Ascension Kick!” (Jeongwang Seungcheongak)
There was no space to dodge.
“Splitting Light Slash!” (Bungwang Seom)

Jin Baek’s sword flashed, slicing toward Jang Woon’s leg.
Thud—!
But Jang Woon was faster.

Despite taking a hit, he slammed his body into Jin Baek, sending him crashing to the ground.
Crash—!
Thud-thud—!

Jin Baek hit the dirt, rolling violently.
With a grunt, he sprang back to his feet.
Despite the pain, Jin Baek quickly forced himself to his feet, unwilling to disappoint the people of Jeomchang watching him.

On his white Daoist robe, a clear footprint from Jang Woon was stamped across his chest.
—Are you going to hold back properly, or what?
Yeon Woo Jin’s telepathic voice made Jang Woon flinch.

It was a reprimand for deliberately restraining his strength out of concern that Jin Baek might get hurt.
Jang Woon clenched his fist tightly.
If he was going to play the villain, he had to do it properly.

All of this had started because of his careless words anyway.
Resolving never to run his mouth recklessly again, Jang Woon focused his inner power down to his legs.
He saw Jin Baek charging toward him.

“Splitting Light—Eight Shadows!” (Bungwang Palyeong)
Jin Baek’s sword technique transformed wildly, surging toward him.
But with indifferent eyes, Jang Woon dodged every strike and retaliated with his Lightning Hundred-Strike Kick (Jeongwang Baegyeoltoe).

Papapapapak—!
His counterattack pierced through the gaps created during Jin Baek’s offensive.
Unable to properly respond, Jin Baek was struck head-on and sent flying.

Crash—!
Unlike before, Jang Woon had held nothing back—the impact was considerable.
Jin Baek writhed on the ground, unable to rise.

Blood trickled from the corner of his lips.
Clang—
Using his sword as a crutch, he barely managed to stand, and the training grounds fell silent.

“I… I’m not done yet. I haven’t… properly shown you the Sword of Jeomchang…”
But that was Jin Baek’s last stand.
Jang Woon didn’t hesitate to end it.

Crack—!
“Urgh!”
Clang—

Thud—
Jin Baek’s body collapsed to the ground, his expression vacant.
He hadn’t been able to land a proper strike.

It was a one-sided beating.
That made the humiliation all the more unbearable for Jeomchang’s disciples.
The Sword of Jeomchang, which they believed could hold its own anywhere, had been utterly defeated by a mere caravan master.

The disciples clenched their fists so tightly their hands bled, forcing themselves to endure.
Attacking Jang Woon now, in blind anger, would only tarnish their senior brother’s honor.
“Senior Brother!”

“Sob… Senior Brother!”
Cries of suppressed tears echoed from every direction.
“Ugh…”

From where the leadership stood, bitter sighs could be heard.
“Winner: Jang Woon!”
The Daoist acting as referee declared Jin Baek’s loss, his voice drenched in reluctance.

Jang Woon approached the fallen Jin Baek, offered a formal salute, then turned away with a cold expression.
Only then did the first and second disciples rush toward Jin Baek.
“Senior Brother!”

“Damn it! His qi and blood are in turmoil!”
“Quick, carry him to the medical hall!”
The disciples were in disarray.

At that moment, Jin Baek regained consciousness.
“Senior Brother!”
“You’re awake!”

“I… lost, didn’t I…”
“Senior Brother, a single defeat is merely a passing misfortune.”
“I lost… Cough…”

“Don’t speak! You need to rest!”
“That bastard… this was supposed to be a duel, but he left me in this state…”
At those words, Jin Baek spoke weakly but firmly.

“It’s… not his fault. I was… too weak… that’s all… I’m sorry… I’ve let you all down…”
“Senior Brother! No, that’s not true! We’re not disappointed!”
“Forgive me… but I swear… I won’t… lose again…”

“Yes! You must! We’ll double, no—triple our efforts to support you, Senior Brother!”
“That’s right! But for now, please rest!”
“Thank you…”

With that, Jin Baek lost consciousness again. The second disciples hurriedly carried him toward the medical hall.
The leadership of Jeomchang observed the scene.
Though they felt bitter, it was clear the disciples had been deeply shaken.

“After today, those kids will throw themselves into brutal training.”
“We elders must also train, so we don’t embarrass ourselves before them.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.

The conversation soon shifted to Jang Woon.
“He truly is strong enough to stand by that man’s side.”
“The same age as Jin Baek, yet already at the Hwagyeong level…”

“Hard to even imagine how strong he’ll become when he matures.”
“At this rate, even we might be overtaken by that boy.”
“Enough admiration. Let’s go train—if I don’t, I feel like I’ll lose my mind.”

Everyone nodded again, sharing the sentiment.
“Sect Leader, we’ll head off to train.”
Cheongi Jin-in nodded.

“Go. Train hard.”
Once even the leadership dispersed, Cheongi Jin-in chuckled quietly.
“Hahaha… There’s energy surging everywhere now. That man calculated even this, didn’t he?”

There was no need to worry about Jin Baek. Yeon Woo Jin would heal him completely.
And knowing the fire now lit within Jin Baek’s heart, Cheongi Jin-in felt utterly satisfied.
“Now, I must find a way to track the Demonic Cult…”

 
****
After healing Jin Baek, Yeon Woo Jin comforted Jang Woon.

“Well done.”
“Sigh… please don’t ever make me do that again. That was beyond cruel.”
For kind-hearted, gentle Jang Woon, nothing had been harder.

“No, I’ll be making you do that from time to time. You still lack ruthlessness.”
“Woo Jin…”
“Our enemies are the Demonic Cult. They’ll exploit your compassion without hesitation. You have to prepare yourself. Your moment of hesitation could lead to disaster. By the time you regret it, it'll be too late.”

At Yeon Woo Jin’s words, Jang Woon hesitated briefly but eventually nodded.
“Alright.”
Pat, pat—

Yeon Woo Jin tapped his shoulder twice, then sat down.
“Anyway, you mentioned finding the Demonic Cult.”
“Yeah.”

“How do we find them? Any distinguishing signs?”
“Hm. I’ve heard their energy differs from anything we’ve known.”
“Differs how?”

“It’s gloomy, cold, ominous… eerie, they say.”
“Huh? I’ve felt that before.”
“What? When?”

“During the infiltration of Mushincheon, from those masked intruders.”
Startled—
“What did you say? Are you certain?”

“Yeah! When those intruders stormed Mushincheon, my father and I faced one of them. Their energy was exactly like that.”
“Are you absolutely sure?”
“I’m certain! It was so shocking; I remember it clearly.”

“You don’t know what they were looking for, though?”
“No… but they were definitely searching for something in the village.”
“They were searching for something…”

“Yeah.”
“First, I need to finish this caravan escort. Then I’ll head to Mushincheon.”