Chapter 145 – Black Robe (3)

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

A day had passed.

The boy who returned leading three war carriages became the center of attention. The procession itself was extraordinary.

As the temporary leader of the Return Wing Corps, he had rescued many of the Radiant Demon Wing’s masters. Rumors spread that the former Divine Sword Group Leader and Elder Council Leader, both exhausted from using their energy, were inside the carriages.

If true, he had achieved an incredible feat.

“I want to know the exact details. The Administration Office is delaying the merit announcement. It’s been a day already…”

Throughout the main fortress, warriors gathered in small groups, discussing the events.

Under the summer sun, they leaned against walls or stood straight, engrossed in conversation.

“When I returned from my mission, my juniors were gone. For the Return Wing Corps, there must be merits matching the temporary recruitment. Our leader seemed to be planning something. He appeared quite fired up.”

“Aren’t the merits overflowing just from rescuing the Radiant Demon Wing? They say he nearly annihilated two of the Thirteen Evil Sects. There were many deaths in the Pure Demon Alliance and the Ten Perfections Sect.”

“They say Sword Scorpion Demon and Pure Demon Divine Hand died by the Lightning Genius’s hand? If true, he can rightfully discuss the leader hierarchy. I’ve heard many call him talented and a genius, but his growth rate is truly hard to comprehend. I watched his white rank test…”

“Sichuan is so far away. Our White Qilin and Shin Bin-bin are keeping quiet. Has anyone heard anything from others?”

The Diancang group that entered together could only grasp a small part of the discussion.

Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin, wearing a black robe with one sleeve cut off, left a strong impression.

Even the Nine Sects’ young talents couldn’t find room to intervene.

Despite being called immortals by commoners, even prestigious family elders who had long cultivated martial arts were the same.

“Let’s go.”

The Little Sword Queen said.

She had been observing the many blue and white rank warriors. Piercing Sun Sword and Diancang Dancing Sword escorted her from both sides.

Only then did many Desolate Fortress masters glance at them sharply.

This much because they were Nine Great Sects. If they were Eight Families or the demonic path, the surveillance would have been much stricter.

“The military discipline is palpable. To gather such masters together… truly frightening.”

The young swordsman in blue martial clothes who had argued with Lazy Flame Dragon muttered.

He was Diancang’s Piercing Sun Sword, famous by the title Thousand Day Sword.

“They’re the single strongest major faction. No noble in the world would deny that. If their faction’s will wasn’t in maintaining order across the Central Plains, even we would have to bow our heads. It’s fortunate their power is dispersed. The Martial Alliance and Thirteen Evil Sects are aiming for that too.”

Diancang Dancing Sword whispered.

The Diancang group returned to their quarters after walking the permitted distance in the main fortress.

An annex attached to the Administration Office.

Though they were like prisoners among Jeong Yeon-shin’s group, they were Nine Great Sects disciples. They received good lodging.

A small pavilion by a pond made from river water was bathed in sunlight.

But the three Diancang disciples didn’t even glance at the scenery as they sat on rocks by the water.

“A fortress was being built in Desolate Fortress, without anyone knowing. Jeong Yeon-shin…”

Diancang Dancing Sword in white martial clothes trailed off while speaking to the Little Sword Queen.

Her calm nature was well known in the Diancang Sect.

When the disciples traveled to the martial world together, she often played the role of mediator.

Among those who could control the sect’s successor, Little Sword Queen Qu Su-yu, she was the only young talent.

[TL Note- Young Talent here is Dancing Sword who can control Little Sword Queen.]

“I’m not sure what variable he’ll become in the martial world. He’s an unexpected rising master. If he attends the Martial Alliance’s opening ceremony, he’ll reveal himself to the martial world’s center… I wonder how the righteous path sects will react.”

“Isn’t it hard to even call him a rising talent now? It’s arrogant for our mountain sects to say we haven’t established connections. What are you worried about?”

The Little Sword Queen asked dreamily while stroking the rock.

Diancang Dancing Sword swallowed hard.

“It’s hard to know what stance the Martial Alliance will take. From what I see, it seems Lightning Genius will go to the Martial Alliance…”

“Why’s that?”

“Because the nature of the opening ceremony’s matches will differ depending on which master is the representative.”

“That’s how the martial world is. Whether it’s the righteous path, evil path, or demonic path.”

The Little Sword Queen’s voice flowed melodiously. Diancang Dancing Sword sighed.

“We started the conflict, and Lightning Genius’s side wasn’t wrong. It wouldn’t make sense to hastily make enemies. However, the Martial Alliance’s stance will be different, and that’s the problem.”

“Since its establishment was due to the Hwangbo family’s extermination and the Namgung direct line’s massacre.”

Piercing Sun Sword added in a deliberately indifferent tone.

Since being defeated by Lazy Flame Dragon, the young man had been trying to show a mature demeanor.

The Little Sword Queen smiled as if finding such a disciple cute.

“Yes. Even for reputation’s sake, it would be hard to be friendly with Desolate Fortress.”

“Though they should support Desolate Fortress following public opinion and principles, Lightning Genius being a young rising master like a storm is also a problem.”

“Ah.”

Suddenly, the Little Sword Queen smiled dreamily while stroking her long hair that had fallen beside her shoulder.

“So that’s what you’re worried about? Indeed. He even spoke harsh words to the Pure Demon Alliance Leader. If that speech is directed at the righteous path sects’ elders…?”

Her lips curved into a smile, then slightly parted.

Sigh

A strange breath flowed out. It seemed to be on the border between a laugh and a sigh. Truly a bold demeanor.

For a moment, Piercing Sun Sword blushed and turned his head, while Diancang Dancing Sword let out a deep sigh.

“If something big happens at the opening ceremony… what stance should our Nine Great Sects take?”

“Well. First, he has to rise to the black rank, right? To become the Martial Alliance’s opening ceremony representative. I heard Lightning Genius hasn’t formally taken the squad leader position yet.”

“That’s not for you to worry about.”

A man in blue martial clothes walked towards them with an upright posture.

He seemed extraordinary from head to toe.

From his slender, well-defined jaw to his high nose bridge, which gave off the aura of a swordsman, despite his fair skin that didn’t seem fitting for a martial artist.

“Their group is all outstanding in appearance. If Lightning Genius grows more, he might surpass even Young Hero Namgung. Then, instead of the Return Wing Corps, shouldn’t we call it the Radiant Corps? Everyone’s swordsmanship is extraordinary.”

The Little Sword Queen muttered with somewhat dreamy eyes. Beside Diancang Dancing Sword, who lowered her head while slightly covering her face with her hand.

Piercing Sun Sword, who had lightly bitten his lip, stepped down from the rock. He immediately stepped forward and asked,

“White Qilin Namgung Hwa-shin. What business do you have?”

“I’ve come to get you. The black rank promotion test will be held soon.”

His voice alone revealed the bearing of a powerful master. Namgung Hwa-shin’s pitch-black eyes stared at the Diancang group.

His words immediately drew interest. The Diancang masters’ eyes lit up with curiosity.

“You’re saying you’ll show such a thing to outsiders?”

Diancang Dancing Sword said while stepping beside Piercing Sun Sword. Namgung Hwa-shin silently nodded.

“During a certain discussion, the leader mentioned it. I came voluntarily, but I clearly have the Administration Office’s permission.”

“If by leader you mean…”

Swoosh

The Little Sword Queen, Qu Su-yu, slowly stood up.

Her eyes sparkled with interest like a constellation.

“Do you mean Obeying Heaven Leader, or Return Wing Corps Leader?”

“…The next Radiant Demon Wing Leader.”

Namgung Hwa-shin replied calmly.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

The boy who had changed into blue martial clothes walked down a long corridor.

The floor beneath his feet, laid in a classical style, gleamed darkly.

Though made of stone, it was smooth. It was hard to tell how meticulously it was maintained.

It was quite long. At his normal walking speed, it seemed the end would hardly come into view.

A servant tasked with guiding the way was taking small steps ahead.

“Are you really sure about me?”

Hyeon Won-chang, walking beside him, suddenly asked. Jeong Yeon-shin slightly nodded and spoke.

“Lazy Flame Dragon is just an unnamed disciple, so he doesn’t match the status, and Shin So-bin being from the prestigious Shin family might give the impression of relying on authority. Other seniors are burdensome because they’re seniors, so besides Divine Hero Hyeon, there’s no one else I can have by my side.”

“What about Young Hero Namgung?”

“Isn’t he from Obeying Heaven Wing?”

“Hmm.”

“The Return Wing Corps has officially disbanded. Since everyone has their original units to return to, that’s natural. Just borrowing their strength until now is already a grace I can hardly repay in a lifetime.”

The boy said. The corners of Hyeon Won-chang’s mouth rose.

“I’ll support you better than anyone. Well, I volunteered since they said I just had to stand beside you.”

“I always trust you.”

Jeong Yeon-shin’s words were sincere.

Hyeon Won-chang, who had entered the city with him, had something strange about him.

Though his martial arts level wasn’t exceptional, he didn’t seem like someone who would die easily.

Sometimes his talk of using seventy percent of his innate true qi even seemed believable.

Desolate Divine Hero Hyeon Won-chang.

‘His good character is the biggest thing.’

The boy thought.

He realized anew that among the masters he had met in the main fortress, there were few who were difficult.

Except for a very few like Zhu Lianting of the Desolate Ma family, everyone had become Jeong Yeon-shin’s strength.

Even calling it incredible luck seemed insufficient. It was fortunate.

Thud

Finally, they reached the end of the corridor. A large door blocked the wall.

The door handle was decorated with a golden dragon head carving. The door itself was at least ten feet tall.

“This is the place.”

The servant bowed his head while stepping aside.

Jeong Yeon-shin hesitated for a moment. The presence flowing from inside naturally made him stop.

The sources of qi waves naturally flowing through gaps in the door were numerous. Not just one or two.

The boy suddenly thought. Would these new people he was about to meet be the same as the masters he had encountered in the main fortress so far?

‘No.’

He shook his head inwardly. They couldn’t be the same.

In the central plains of the Ming Dynasty, there were all kinds of people. Their individual values and conduct were hard to judge.

Even with the many standards set by the teachings of the Four Books and Five Classics and various sects, it was difficult.

Among them, the personalities of martial world experts were the most unique.

They were people who could wield transcendent principles and mighty power with their bodies. It was only natural.

Among them, the seventeen supreme masters of Desolate Fortress.

‘They must be no less than anyone.’

He grabbed the door handle. Was it pure gold? The cool touch quickly warmed up. It seemed to speak of the majesty of those inside.

“…”

How much oil had been applied? There was no sound as the door opened.

Jeong Yeon-shin confirmed the silently unfolding view.

The massive table, made of several logs, was secondary. A heavy pressure approached.

The seats surrounding the round table, large enough for over ten people to lie on comfortably.

Each chair resembled the throne of an ordinary major faction leader.

The grayish-white backrests were taller than an average person’s height. Carved from marble, they seemed worthy of being called imperial chairs.

There were eighteen of them.

The seats of the Divine Sword Group Leader, the Deputy Leader of the Divine Sword Squad, and the other sixteen squad leaders.

‘This is.’

The Wishing for Peace Sword Hall.

The highest level of the city. It was said to be where the leaders’ meetings were held.

He had heard that his and Namgung Hwa-shin’s assignments were decided here when they first entered.

“Hmm.”

Hyeon Won-chang behind him let out a groan.

Jeong Yeon-shin knew why. The hall was saturated with qi waves.

It was a space unlike any he had experienced before. Even with only six of the eighteen seats filled, it was overwhelming.

Twelve pairs of eyes stared at the boy.

The gazes of those sitting on the stone thrones like Grand Tutor Chairs and the experts standing beside them.

The overwhelming energy surged like a towering tsunami.

‘Six.’

Six pitch-black robes were imprinted in his vision.

There were six black-rank leaders in Desolate Fortress.

Three women and three men. Their postures varied.

A man leaning back lazily, looking down at the boy with just his eyes, a noblewoman sitting straight, staring intently at the boy, a girl with one knee up, resting her chin on her hand…

The seventeen leaders of the Divine Sword Group.

The Radiant Demon Wing leader, the Annihilation Team Leader, and the Azure Sky Leader had all faced the Hwangbo Family Leader. They had achieved this feat without a single death.

The color black, symbolizing ultimate power, had recently been engraved in the martial world.

With six, it was hard to imagine what kind of scene they would show.

Even as comrades within the city, the sense of oppression was bound to be overwhelming.

Then.

“Though I’m not looking down on you as a youngster.”

Someone spoke. It was a man with a pure white sword on his lap.

His thin, dark eyebrows looked like blades. He was also a swordsman.

“You tried to take my precious subordinate. You spoke as if you had already been promoted to the black rank. Even if you are a temporary leader, it’s not proper etiquette.”

He said.

Jeong Yeon-shin knew who he was.

They had never met. He only knew him by reputation.

‘Obeying Heaven Wing Leader Ha Do-woon.’

Namgung Hwa-shin’s direct superior. He was famous for his White Lightning Sword Technique, which rivaled the Radiant Demon Wing leader’s Radiant Demon Technique. He was the one who had slaughtered three hundred soldiers of the Evil Cult in half a day. In some parts of the martial world, he was called the White Lightning Sword Demon.

He stared at Jeong Yeon-shin with a stern face.

“I wish to teach the junior proper conduct. If any other leader wishes to step forward, please speak up now.”

“…”

Two emotions surged in the boy’s heart. Incredibly, it was a mix of guilt and irritation.

‘Did Young Hero Namgung do something?’

There were emotions he had suppressed out of fear of death. They had been gradually unearthed during the journey to Sichuan.

He hadn’t fully sorted out his feelings yet, and now he was facing something that was vaguely his responsibility.

Suddenly, a wheel moved in his heart. Along with the rotation of energy, a sword was erected in his mind.

His heart twisted on its own. If it works, good; if not, so be it.

‘Void Strike.’

The moment Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes turned to Obeying Heaven Wing leader Ha Do-woon.

Shing!

Ha Do-woon stood up while drawing his sword like lightning.

“Hmm?”

“Isn’t that excessive? You’re going to start swinging your sword right away?”

As the other leaders frowned, Ha Do-woon, who had been sharply scanning the surroundings, slowly sheathed his sword.

The last glance was directed at Jeong Yeon-shin. He stared intently until the moment he sat back down.

As if he knew what trick Jeong Yeon-shin had pulled.

“What did you do?”

Hyeon Won-chang beside him muttered in confusion.

His voice, which hadn’t been lowered enough, echoed loudly through the meeting hall. Ha Do-woon’s expression changed slightly for a moment.

‘Divine Hero Hyeon is more like an older brother than a real older brother.’

The boy, who had been crossing his arms and pretending not to know, inwardly admired. In an instant, he learned a lesson. This is how you provoke.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

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