Chapter 149 – Black Robe (7)

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

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WHOOSH!

The energy waves lingering around the Northern Light divine sword completely dissipated.

The wind that spread like ripples scattered as it lifted Jeong Yeon-shin’s sleeves.

It was unlike a place where music had played and sword dances were performed.

A gentle breeze swept over the boy along with the summer day’s shimmering heat haze. It was bright and quiet.

The crowd seated under the large silk canopies surrounding the dueling platform remained silent. It was a stillness filled with various emotions.

Wonder and excitement, curiosity and a hint of regret. They watched the boy who would don Desolate Fortress’s black robes at the youngest age ever.

The largest recent event at Desolate Fortress.

The black rank Leader’s promotion ceremony wasn’t over.

If the duel had concluded with Law Enforcement Leader’s advice, the crowd would have had to leave.

The challenger’s defeat would mean early termination of the promotion ceremony, but Lightning Genius had defeated Law Enforcement Leader, so that wouldn’t happen.

Following tradition, the ceremony would continue grandly.

Unlike the Desolate Fortress masters showing various martial arts emotions, the young servants and nameless disciples were simply excited.

They could enjoy rare delicacies and the festive atmosphere that was hard to come by.

They just couldn’t openly cheer due to the solemn atmosphere.

There were other children too. About a dozen young martial artists in plain clothes.

Their expressions were more flushed than anyone’s. Some girls with swords and boys with hand wraps even looked thrilled.

“Actually, actually, I couldn’t see anything. Brother Yeon-shin’s swift sword was always fast but…”

“He must have held back with us. It’s always been instructional sparring.”

“Right, it’s nothing new. If Lightning Genius Brother had fought seriously from the start, we wouldn’t have seen even one strike?”

“So now will Brother Yeon-shin sit in the Leader’s room? Can we visit often? I saw lots of sweets in the tea cabinet. Are they all ours now?”

“Wasn’t that set aside by Leader Ma? He gave me one whenever I visited.”

Radiant Demon Wing’s nameless disciples whispered among themselves.

They sat huddled together under the silk canopy watching Jeong Yeon-shin.

Their bright eyes in the sunlight couldn’t hide their excitement.

As long as they weren’t criticizing the duel’s conduct, expression was free.

Desolate Fortress was a sect that was free-spirited within its laws. Law Enforcement Division’s blade only fell on those who violated principles.

Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin had led the Radiant Demon Wing and Ma Jin during the Sichuan mission and return.

He had earned the recognition of established masters. Next was the opinion of nameless disciples who would become the next generation’s force.

The conversation demonstrated Lightning Genius’s reputation. No one stopped them.

“The atmosphere has shifted. He seems to have already gained recognition within Radiant Demon Wing.”

“He could sit in the Radiant Demon Wing’s leader’s stone seat right now.”

“The question is how today’s matter concludes.”

Now most martial artists’ eyes were on Law Enforcement Leader.

Even with a clear result, the opponent’s acknowledgment was another matter.

She had already advised against it.

It became inconsistent with the result. The glittering sword fragments around her and Jeong Yeon-shin proved it.

A sight like fragments twinkling chaotically in the clear downpouring sunlight.

It showed Law Enforcement Leader’s shattered dignity.

If she didn’t accept it, they might have to duel again under the Fortress Lord’s command.

The boy had now removed his hand from the Northern Light sword, but Law Enforcement Leader stood still holding her broken sword.

She just stood blankly for a moment. Her characteristically indifferent expression had cracked.

Considerable shock was visible in her eyes. Perhaps it was that shocking a result for the head of Law Enforcement Division.

Her earlier misjudgment might be causing confusion.

“…”

Law Enforcement Leader’s arm slowly lowered.

Unlike during the duel’s mighty sword unity, the renowned sword master’s hand trembled slightly. The grip that had shown supreme rank swordsmanship had lost strength.

She slowly parted her lips.

“…I lost.”

Her pitch-black robe fluttered weakly. Combined with the broken sword, it created a strange impression.

“It was a good duel. Thank you.”

Jeong Yeon-shin gave her a formal salute. Unlike his proper etiquette, his expression was indifferent.

More so than Law Enforcement Leader’s face before the duel. It looked somewhat cold.

The boy deliberately hid his inner thoughts.

‘A low rank would have been more helpful.’

It was like expecting a new toy but receiving a crude old one.

His heart was so upset that such an unfamiliar scenario came to mind.

He managed to say words he didn’t mean. What good duel.

Those watching exhaled in admiration at Jeong Yeon-shin.

“Look at that expression. Extremely cool-headed. A rare swordsman’s bearing.”

“He doesn’t even seem that happy? Did he expect more from the duel than the promotion?”

“Law Enforcement Leader didn’t get to show all her true skills either. Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin. With such a humble character even before becoming Leader, he could aim for Radiant Demon Wing’s revival.”

“Isn’t he just annoyed? I can tell right away. That’s the face I made to my clan’s chaff.”

No one paid attention to Lazy Flame Dragon’s muttering. The gazes of the Radiant Demon Wing masters with him all turned upward at once.

The Fortress Lord was rising from her stone chair.

Rustle.

Her pale green martial robe brushed against the stone seat. The small sound rang out unusually clearly.

Like when the boy sheathed the Northern Light sword.

Everyone’s eyes were drawn to her unhurried bearing.

She seemed wrapped in something that drew all gazes. It was a transcendent appearance.

“…”

Silence fell once again. It was a dreamlike stillness.

The Fortress Lord stood fully from her seat.

Her pale skin had a dreamlike radiance. The sunlight falling on her face seemed to whisper whitely.

As if covering this place with the stillness of deep forests like a curtain.

“Lightning Genius has proven his qualification.”

The Fortress Lord moved her lips.

“As Law Enforcement Leader has acknowledged defeat, Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin can be said to have black rank level skill.”

“…”

“I permit the promotion ceremony to continue.”

She said.

Only then did the surroundings grow noisy.

The atmosphere completely loosened. Some even rushed toward the dueling platform.

Mainly Radiant Demon Wing’s masters and nameless disciples. They immediately surrounded Jeong Yeon-shin…

“What was that just now? Did you counter the counter technique? How did you think to use energy waves like that?”

“Blocking sword paths looked like some supernatural ability. Did you awaken the mind power they say sorcerers use? It’s unbelievable that was pure energy’s explosive technique. It’s only slightly comprehensible because it’s you.”

“It’ll be hard to even speak casually now, better give plenty of congratulations while we can.”

“Surely your first mission won’t be solo? Being led by a young Leader would be novel!”

Law Enforcement Leader Woon So-yu kept her head bowed until the Fortress Lord sat again.

It didn’t seem like disappointment. It appeared to just be courtesy to the Fortress Lord.

After raising her face, she immediately looked to the side.

“My advice to the Fortress Lord was hasty. It must have felt like an insult to you.”

Woon So-yu moved her lips. Her pitch-black eyes that quietly gazed at Jeong Yeon-shin shimmered mysteriously.

“I apologize. I misjudged. I’m truly sorry.”

“Sister So-yu is speaking. Step back. All of you, quickly.”

Cheong Myeong scolded his companions while pulling them away. The strength in his grip was firm.

He was a noble swordsman recovering at an amazing rate from injuries sustained at City of Renowned Craftsmen.

Jeong Yeon-shin raised his head while being jostled by his seniors and juniors.

Even if Radiant Demon Wing’s atmosphere was like wind racing across fields, the hierarchy was strict.

The hands tickling the boy’s head, shoulders and waist withdrew.

They stepped back immediately for dialogue between the future and current Leaders.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

Woon So-yu nodded greeting to Cheong Myeong before turning her gaze again. Her pitch-black eyes fully took in Jeong Yeon-shin.

“As I am Law Enforcement Leader, I cannot rashly promise to make amends. Please understand my position of having to maintain neutrality.”

“Of course.”

The boy answered briefly. At the same time, Law Enforcement Leader’s black hair swept down like silk.

It was an apologetic bow. She lowered her head to Jeong Yeon-shin.

“And.”

After slowly raising her head, she spoke.

“Rather if it had been a low rank…”

“Hmm…?”

“What you said just now. I want to know the meaning.”

“…”

Facing Law Enforcement Leader, the boy was rarely flustered.

—Rather if it had been a low rank, it would have been more helpful.

The words weren’t harsh, but they were close to an insult.

When Jeong Yeon-shin had unconsciously voiced his thoughts, it could be seen as the loser’s regret, but now it could be taken with its original meaning.

Because he had so thoroughly shattered Law Enforcement Leader’s counter sword techniques.

It was a serious matter.

He had been managing his reputation to reach the Divine Sword Group Leader hierarchy. Since his entrance.

He needed to be even more careful when the opponent was the enforcer of the fortress’s original laws.

Desolate Fortress was like a military force that served the Fortress Lord as monarch. It would be troublesome to be involved in unsavory matters.

‘This is a real crisis.’

Cold sweat formed on Jeong Yeon-shin’s nape. It was a rare occurrence.

The boy blamed himself. Rash fool. His white rank self had been much better at hiding inner thoughts.

Why had he become like this? It felt like he had lost his personality during the Sichuan mission.

Was it from seeing Ma Jin’s arm fly off and Ma Yeon-jeok’s weakened state?

‘Maybe it’s because my limb lengths have been changing lately. The slight misalignment between sword techniques and fist methods bothers me. That’s why I’m being temperamental. As a martial artist.’

He tried to reflect, but it wasn’t something to deal with now.

His inner self whispered to mind his conduct. His upper dantian seemed to burn white-hot.

He moved his eyes in the realm of extreme speed. Lazy Flame Dragon came into view first.

He was skilled in sly conduct. But those targets were usually mortal enemies.

That’s how he was before Jeong Yeon-shin. Meaning he was good at provocation.

Useless Lazy Flame Dragon. The boy who inwardly shook his head immediately shifted his gaze.

Namgung Hwa-sin with his clear character appeared. He was talking with his junior Shin Bin-bin.

Shin Bin-bin’s proud eyes were downcast before him.

She seemed afraid her admired senior would transfer allegiance to Radiant Demon Wing. It wasn’t Jeong Yeon-shin’s business.

‘Senior Namgung is straightforward.’

Better than Lazy Flame Dragon. But not someone to emulate right now.

The next person to enter his view was Hyeon Won-chang. Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes widened.

His mind brightened. In his head, pages recording past experiences began turning.

His Hundred Meetings acupoint throbbed as he began reviewing Hyeon Won-Chang’s words and actions.

This was how the boy had grown. His surrounding companions were precious fertilizer. It would continue to be so.

“It was because Leader was too powerful.”

Jeong Yeon-shin opened his mouth. He feigned Hyeon Won-Chang’s characteristic sincere expression.

“I had such shameful thoughts as a martial artist when faced with breaking down your ever-changing sword techniques. Great courage was needed. Until I could shake off distracting thoughts and cross swords with Leader again.”

“Hmm…”

Law Enforcement Leader Woon So-yu’s head tilted slightly to the side.

It looked like a subtle questioning movement. But she didn’t press further. There wasn’t time.

Ding ding ding.

The banquet began.

The performers came up again. Gentle music flowed with the instruments, and the well-built Chief Administrator recited achievements beside the Fortress Lord’s stone seat.

It was time to list Jeong Yeon-shin’s meritorious deeds one by one.

The paper decorated with layers of classical green silk was quite long, but many masters listened to the boy’s achievements without signs of boredom.

“…Thus breaking Blood Flame Sect headquarters’ Two Flame Blood Spirit Formation. In the duel against the Namgung clan, killing Flourishing Spirit Lord Namgung Mi in one exchange, and defeating young clan master Namgung Se-jin.”

When the story reached City of Renowned Craftsmen, Kuizhou branch, and the Tang estate, the reaction changed again.

The exclamations that had occasionally burst out sank into silence.

What had only been abundant rumors was now clearly revealed organized by the Administrator’s Office.

His achievements were publicly announced before the crowd – finding City of Renowned Craftsmen and joining Radiant Demon Wing, killing Sword Scorpion Demon and Pure Demon Divine Hand in succession.

It was very detailed.

Annihilating the remaining elites of Pure Demon Alliance and Ten Perfections Sect who invaded the Kuizhou branch, complete cooperation with the uncertain Sichuan Tang clan, achievements in defeating Blood Flame Sect and Ten Perfections Sect at the Tang estate.

It was a declaration making everyone understand who was becoming Leader. No one could help but be convinced…

“…Thus inscribing Lightning Genius’s name as the Radiant Demon Wing’s leader of the Divine Sword Group.”

“…”

The promotion grounds became completely quiet.

Then.

The Grand Administrator opened his mouth with a much more respectful demeanor.

His carefully modulated voice was different from before. His body faced the Fortress Lord.

“I believe it is right that he fill the Radiant Demon Wing’s stone seat alongside Ma Jin for now, learning black rank matters at Leader gatherings. Ma Jin will have much to teach and hand over at his side.”

“Are there prepared robes?”

She asked calmly. The Grand Administrator immediately bowed his head.

“My apologies. As it was difficult to predict how things would turn out…”

“Lightning Genius will sit in the stone seat from today. It would be good to borrow Ma Jin’s black robes.”

“I will inquire with Lightning Genius and have new robes made.”

The Fortress Lord who had slightly nodded moved her gaze.

Her eyes that seemed to contain the principles of all creation under heaven fell on Jeong Yeon-shin.

It was as if they could draw in even souls. The boy straightened his posture as he met her pale green eyes.

She slowly parted her lips.

“I command you.”

For the first time came the word command. Jeong Yeon-shin knelt on one knee and lowered his head, wearing rags.

The tattered blue robe fluttered slightly before settling.

The Fortress Lord’s lips formed a small arc.

“Now conduct yourself as leader of Radiant Demon Wing.”

“…The Radiant Demon Wing Leader receives the command.”

The boy answered.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

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