Chapter 147 – Black Robe (5)

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

Everything proceeded smoothly.

Massive tents were erected in a circle at the main fortress’s central training ground.

Originally it wasn’t just a training ground, but a place for various ceremonies including promotion ceremonies.

It was arranged so hundreds could sit facing the center.

“More to the left!”

“Lift on two!”

“Missing one stone pillar. Bring a medium one!”

Dozens of servants, unnamed disciples, and white-robed warriors carried stone materials and raised huge carpets upward.

At Desolate Fortress where using wood was rare due to respect for the noble Fortress Lord, they had to make do with cloth and stone.

Though creating seating with just cloth and stone was no easy task, the unnamed disciples and white-robed warriors displayed powerful internal energy as they raised stone pillars everywhere.

It was amazing teamwork. Faster than the labor forces any government office could mobilize.

“Never thought such menial work would resemble military affairs. Couldn’t imagine this when I was just a troublemaker at home. Interesting. Very uninteresting.”

It was Lazy Flame Dragon rambling randomly. Some of Radiant Demon Wing’s people had also been drafted as laborers.

Hyeon Won-chang glanced at him.

He was carrying a stone pillar as big as himself.

Despite his complaints, he was doing the work of more than three typical white-robed warriors alone.

Walking casually with a swagger like a spoiled young master, yet maintaining perfect balance.

“What an unusual way to train footwork.”

Hyeon Won-chang who had been staring at Lazy Flame Dragon slightly pursed his lips.

The hero’s band tied around Desolate Hero’s forehead was covered in dust. The result of long work.

“It’s quite something that you noticed that, Senior Hyeon.”

Shin So-bin beside him smiled while carrying an armful of stone slabs with surprising strength.

Like how most young talents of the murim paid attention to their appearance, she had her hair neatly braided down past her waist.

Unlike Hyeon Won-chang, she looked pristine. It meant she was skilled at Body Protection Technique.

The three had been drafted as the juniors of Radiant Demon Wing.

They were dragged here as their experience and rank made them suitable for menial tasks, making it hard to escape.

“You can carry more but you don’t. Strange for the number one young talent of Jinan.”

At Hyeon Won-chang’s complaint, Lazy Flame Dragon’s lips curled upward.

“A person only does as much work as their rank demands. For the head of a martial school, both martial skill and reputation are considered, but for a newly entered disciple, even the correct stance of the basic martial arts isn’t expected. If a nameless disciple does this much, shouldn’t you be grateful? Rather, isn’t it shameful for a white-robed warrior to be unable to use their strength?”

“Are you committing insubordination now?”

“Don’t take my straightforward words so harshly. Sects can rot like stagnant water if they’re not careful. That’s how my family fell. I said that mobilizing commoners for labor was madness, but I was treated like a stray dog on the roadside. It’s disrespectful.”

“Straightforward words?”

“Isn’t that a rather gentle way of putting it? It seems like you can’t even keep up with the temporary commander’s footsteps.”

“So, you’re provoking a white-robed warrior as a nameless disciple?”

Hyeon Won-chang immediately answered Lazy Flame Dragon’s sly words.

Was there no disagreement about that? Lazy Flame Dragon just slightly raised his eyes and opened his mouth small. Ah, so that’s how it is.

*THUD!*

While driving the stone pillar into the training ground floor he spoke again.

“Anyway, this happens because the sect stubbornly only uses stone. Originally a martial artist’s duty is to cultivate martial arts and character to pursue the ultimate and spread chivalrous fame, yet here no one complains about being drafted for manual labor. Truly strange.”

He spoke like a stuffy young master of a noble family. His slow manner of speech strangely suited it.

Shin So-bin shook her head.

“It’s not just any event but a black rank promotion ceremony. No matter the outcome, the ceremony itself is incredible.”

“I roughly understand. That’s the fortress’ stance you mean.”

“Of course, isn’t it? Think of it like selecting the leader of Shaolin’s Eighteen Arhats or Mount Hua’s Plum Blossom Swordsmen. No, the main fortress’s leader promotion test is even greater.”

“Hmm.”

“What single sect is bigger than us? It has to be one of the grandest ceremonies in the fortress. It’s a rare festival. The major sects outside must be paying attention in various ways?”

“That must be true. But it feels strange that people who would be treated as masters outside are silently carrying loads like laborers. It makes it hard even for me to slack off. Oh? That guy over there, his balance looks precarious… no, he has decent footwork after all.”

“When the Fortress Lord herself will attend, what can’t we do? There’s no master in the fortress who doesn’t revere her.”

“Well… she was overwhelming in many ways. Though I only saw her once.”

Now Lazy Flame Dragon was skilled at speaking informally like muttering to himself.

It was probably his biggest area of growth since entering Desolate Fortress.

He glanced at the high seat. It was the white stone chair where the Fortress Lord would sit.

Above layers of marble stacked like an altar.

It had been there originally, overlooking the training ground.

A setup like a major faction’s banquet hall was being created centered on the Fortress Lord’s throne.

Black rank leader promotion test. It was a sight heralding a grand ceremony.

“Get back to work.”

Now even Shin So-bin said nothing more. The Hwangbo young master was devilishly good at reading the situation.

Even as the precious jade of the Shin family there wasn’t much to criticize. It would be right to say she had given up.

Lazy Flame Dragon ignored her words. He just suddenly asked:

“Has Desolate Fortress’s Law Enforcement leader ever lost in such a test? Since she rarely shows herself outside the fortress, even my family only had information that she was powerful.”

Rumors had spread.

Who would face Lightning Genius in the promotion duel was recently the biggest topic of interest.

They said interest had skyrocketed the moment the Law Enforcement leader was mentioned. That it would be a rare duel.

“Once.”

As even Hyeon Won-chang drew closer, Shin So-bin opened her mouth.

“The current Divine Sword Group Leader won. Otherwise she’s undefeated. After losing to the Law Enforcement leader, Radiant Demon Wing leader and Azure Sky leader faced each other. It took considerable time before they could challenge again.”

[TL Note- it seems to be referring to the Law Enforcement Leader fought with the current Divine Sword Group Leader for the position.]

“She must be extremely powerful. I’ve seen Azure Sky leader, a supreme sword master.”

Lazy Flame Dragon lightly stroked his chin.

“That’s natural. There are no leaders who aren’t supreme masters. Though there are supreme masters even within the black rank realm, it’s not a realm we can discuss. Anyway, rather than that…”

“Is there more?”

“The nature of the Law Enforcement Division itself is the issue. She knows all the martial arts of Desolate Fortress masters who hold important positions. That’s what rumors say. Since she need to easily catch warriors who break the law.”

“Like my family’s law enforcement department. Terrifying.”

“Law Enforcement leader has everything. Beauty, character, martial arts, technique analysis. She’s the idol of female warriors walking the martial path in the fortress. Senior Mi-ryeo would be no different.”

Shin So-bin’s focus blurred slightly. She seemed dazed.

Watching her like that, Lazy Flame Dragon slightly shook his head. There are no normal ones among prestigious family children.

“So you’re saying Lightning Genius’s odds aren’t good?”

“That’s hard to conclude. For reasons only I know.”

Her eyes immediately returned. Hyeon Won-chang asked with interest.

“Is there some secret between you and Young Master Jeong?”

“Senior Lightning Genius said so.”

Shin So-bin muttered.

“The reason for revealing his martial arts wasn’t just for merits. Rather, he hopes for counter techniques to emerge.”

“Right, I know that story too.”

Hyeon Won-chang turned away without lingering.

His departing steps seemed quite light, befitting one who claimed to be Lightning Genius’s close friend.

Only Lazy Flame Dragon remained to hear her words.

“Rather hopes for it? What’s the reason?”

“I won’t tell you.”

Shin So-bin said while cutely tilting her head. While slightly twisting up the corners of her mouth.

Lazy Flame Dragon let out a hollow laugh. As if dealing with a strange one acting like a mischievous superior.

*THUD! BOOM!*

Time passed with idle chat. The promotion ceremony venue was gradually taking shape.

There was a reason for troublesomely decorating the central training ground instead of using a separate platform already built in the vast fortress.

The symbolism of black rank masters was that great.

A sword taking on one axis of missions crossing the vast Central Plains.

It was a position that had to fully handle one elite group of a major faction.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

The Administration Office was pushing work at an incredible pace. They had nearly lost two purple rank supreme masters.

Since a grand ceremony was a good means of drawing warriors’ attention and raising morale, they were creating a promotion ceremony of unprecedented scale.

Below the dueling platform.

Hundreds of people had already taken their seats. The atmosphere was tense with excitement, curiosity, and nervousness.

It was a space filled with excitement, curiosity, tension and more.

Even just the massive circular tents resembled a grand royal court ceremony.

Warriors who had honed their spirit sharp, servants who had groomed themselves neatly, craftsmen proudly showing their rough appearances, and various guests invited as observers.

It couldn’t help but be quite noisy.

*HAH! HAAH!*

It was the central dueling platform.

A sword dance was being performed to heat up the pre-ceremony atmosphere.

Over a dozen swords drew elegant curves with unified movements.

In one corner, artists residing at the fortress were playing zithers and singing.

Beautiful melodies flowed with verses revering warriors’ spirit. It was music harmonizing with the sword dance.

But the masters were busy talking.

“Speaking of Lightning Genius’s characteristics, it’s flow. His techniques aren’t drawn out. But powerful.”

“It’s similar to what I’ve seen. It was mainly short strikes. It felt like the timing of the martial arts depended on instinct.”

“It didn’t seem to emphasize a continuous flow. Instead, it seemed to gain power.”

“It’s a martial art specialized for quick battles. All the movements are rushed. It’s like he is being chased by something…”

“That’s right. They were all single strikes. They’re powerful in the moment, but…”

“The weakness is clear. When facing a master, you must remember two things: don’t engage in prolonged exchanges, and don’t give them time to adapt to your martial arts.”

“It’s easy to interrupt. You have to overcome it with quick thinking. It seems he has done well so far.”

“That’s why he’s at the black rank promotion ceremony. Means he grasped the crucial moments in life-and-death battles. It’s impossible without a natural sense for critical moments.”

Sharp insights flashed.

Not just blue ranks but the few black rank supreme masters thoroughly discussed martial arts.

Most of the fortress masters’ lives were devoted to protecting commoners and martial arts. An event as interesting as today’s was very rare.

How high was Lightning Genius’s martial arts level? Could he face Law Enforcement leader’s martial arts accompanied by countering techniques?

Would a new Radiant Demon Wing leader be born here?

It was a matter of utmost interest. No one here could be indifferent.

Even the elder council’s old masters who had passed over the blue rank promotion ceremony casually attended in large numbers.

“She is early.”

Radiant Demon Wing leader sitting below the wide, long high seat suddenly muttered. While looking at the air.

A slender form was blocking the sun. Along with an elegant shadow with spread arms, it gradually grew larger.

The Body Protection Technique crossing the air didn’t look like human cultivation. It reminded one of immortal technique.

*FLUTTER!*

With the sound of a pitch black long robe fluttering, she fell to the center of the dueling platform.

The movement of the artists performing sword dance and playing instruments stopped. The beautiful noble supreme master lightly stepped on the marble.

*STEP*

Her long pitch black robe hem dragged on the ground like a palace hall. Law Enforcement leader had appeared first.

The black rank leaders’ martial attire forms were all different. The Administration Office issued them according to the leaders’ preferences.

Rumors spread that Law Enforcement leader, who extremely revered the Fortress Lord, had requested cloth form just one inch shorter than the Lord’s.

It was the longest robe among the seventeen leaders.

“Oh.”

Hyeon Won-chang’s exclamation rang briefly. Sitting in a corner due to low rank, he hurriedly covered his mouth.

It was the appearance of a master said to have fully systematized his clan’s abilities into martial arts. Silence suddenly fell.

No fortress warrior existed who wanted to create a reason to be disliked by Law Enforcement leader. Even the elder council was like that.

“…”

Silence lingered briefly. Even the white sunlight beating down seemed to freeze.

That’s when it happened.

*STEP*

A boy wearing a blue long robe slowly ascended.

A path formed through the gaps of the artists who were already descending in droves.

Jeong Yeon-shin lightly adjusted his blue sleeve hem and stepped onto the dueling platform.

His appearance wearing two swords was no different than usual.

“Hah.”

This time it was Shin So-bin.

Jeong Yeon-shin had purified himself through bathing and cleansed his body and energy channels. His appearance was pure.

On the dueling platform… the appearance of a young swordsman like from stories was revealed. It was the time when the blood of his parents said to have outstanding appearances was blooming.

His slightly melancholic eyes, along with his sharp nose under thick eyebrows, added to his handsome appearance.

Standing before Law Enforcement leader who had rare beauty as a noble, he looked splendid.

After briefly looking at her, Jeong Yeon-shin slowly turned his head.

“No need for courtesy.”

A clear voice flowed out before the boy could speak.

It was when the sun slowly rising had caught on the edge of the inner fortress roof at one side of the training ground.

The stone chair placed under a thick cypress tree.

As the bright white sunlight blazed diagonally through the shade, when it touched the Fortress Lord’s hair it rippled with the subtle color of grass leaves.

The peerless beauty who had been reclining with legs elegantly crossed opened her eyes. Below her long spread eyelashes, dark green pupils slowly appeared.

“Think of etiquette when you don the black robe. You may engage in the duel now.”

Her gaze looking down intently was deep. The Fortress Lord’s pupils were unchangingly like an abyss.

They seemed to wrap around the boy’s upward gaze.

*SWOOSH*

Meanwhile Law Enforcement leader had already knelt on one knee then risen.

Unlike other nobles, she had black eyes and turned her head. Her cold black eyes stared at Jeong Yeon-shin.

It didn’t seem to be due to emotion. Rather, she showed consistent indifference toward the boy.

‘She’s a noble swordsman.’

Jeong Yeon-shin thought. He felt it the moment he met Law Enforcement leader’s eyes.

The virtues inherent to a swordsman were fully present. Tranquility like a clear mirror.

“…”

Without any prelude, the two masters faced each other. They immediately entered the martial contest.

Both were of a nature that required no lengthy explanations.

The silence continued.

Only the air between their spacing endlessly danced. The wind blowing dryly gradually took on force waves.

The ground began to be sharply scraped. It was a battle at the realm of creating shock waves with just internal energy without drawing swords.

Supreme masters competing in the black rank realm.

*BOOM!*

Suddenly true steps rang out. From under Jeong Yeon-shin’s strongly rolling feet.

From his waist he first drew up the Desolate sword.

The moment the white blade rose, distorting the sunlight, Law Enforcement leader was already striking with her sword.

*CLANG!*

In that instant Jeong Yeon-shin’s Desolate sword shattered upward. It was a completely different realm.

The sword that had been with him since entering flashed through his vision shattering in one exchange.

The boy wasn’t flustered.

He reached his hand toward the fragments of the iron that had been like a friend.

Following his palm’s movement, petals of light distorted.

While scattering sunlight in streams, divine technique verses bloomed from the start of the duel.

*RING!*

It was an instant. Myriad Heavens Flower Rain wrapped around Law Enforcement leader’s entire body.

Many of the watching masters suddenly stood up.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***