Chapter 221 – Radiant Art Bond 

It was noon.

A brilliant sky blanketed the vast roof. It was intensely blue.

The elegant curves of the tiled roof carried the blue hue, extending gracefully outward with an air of antiquity. This was a place steeped in the dignity of a noble clan.

Boom!

A white-slippered foot struck the training ground’s floor. It left a deep imprint. The energy bursting from the Gushing Spring acupoint on her sole was disciplined and precise.

The girl’s fist technique overlapped with the image of Radiant Demon Wing Leader. So did the punch she thrust forward.

Bang!

Her straight fist pierced the air. The sleeve trailing from her wrist fluttered white.

It was a fiercely dynamic movement. The force unleashed from her small fist swept through the air like a gust, extending outward.

Advancing Thunder. The second form of Eternal Blossom Fist.

It did not stop there. The fist technique flowed relentlessly.

A fierce surge erupted!

She unleashed the spiraling energy of the first form, Spiral, swirling like a tornado.

After releasing energy that scattered the dust beneath her feet, she immediately executed the third form.

Blossoming Fist. Stepping forward, her extended fist bloomed like a flower.

As the invisible energy wave enveloping her right arm scattered in all directions, a resonating boom pummeled the air repeatedly.

Crack!

She then relaxed her strength, aligning her feet side by side. The transparent energy gathered in her right arm dissipated in fragments, rising upward.

Her long braided hair lifted in the faint breeze. It shimmered briefly with a glossy sheen.

The girl stood upright with poise, lowering her hands.

Even the recoil from concluding her strikes had to be harmonized with her entire body. Each supreme move was imbued with power.

Eternal Blossom Fist was inherently a short-burst technique aimed at decisive combat.

Its core lay in strong, swift incantations, so a careless finish would inevitably strain the body.

Shin So-bin of Radiant Demon Wing understood Eternal Blossom Fist deeply.

‘The more I refine it, the more I feel it. It’s a supreme technique that truly utilizes the body. I must master this.’

The deeper her mastery grew, the closer she felt to her senior.

She fully grasped the principles of martial arts he pursued, along with the intent embedded within them.

It was a technique that discussed thunderous force with calm resolve.

Such intuitive and straightforward essentials were typically hard to master.

Much depended on the practitioner’s senses. Thus, warriors of Jeong Yeon-shin’s lineage were generally born with exceptional intuition.

Shin So-bin stood out even among them.

It was not the realm of perfection. She had not fully comprehended its subtleties or maximized her energy output.

That was likely only achievable by her senior, the technique’s creator, given its recent origin.

Yet she was satisfied with her progress.

With eight-tenths mastery of Eternal Blossom Fist and adept use of Radiant Wing First Step, she would unhesitatingly name herself the foremost of Jeong Yeon-shin’s lineage if asked.

Even blue-rank masters might not surpass her understanding.

“The realm of Fist Shadow. A truly admirable achievement.”

From a tree stump at the training ground’s edge, a woman with striking eyes rose slowly.

“That technique suits you well. The solid shadow alone shows it. I was initially concerned, but at this level, I can rest somewhat assured. Above all, its creator is your direct superior.”

Shin So-bin turned toward her and remained silent. She did not respond immediately, simply gazing at her clan elder.

A middle-aged woman in ornate robes, bearing a white treasured sword.

Her calm, steady presence attested to a swordmaster’s realm of mastery.

Her orange robe, adorned with white thread, gleamed silver under the sunlight, lending her an air of nobility.

A scene that matched the serene aura she exuded.

“You say that.”

Shin So-bin furrowed her brow and spoke.

“But you don’t acknowledge it, do you? Isn’t that why you’ve kept me here, displeased that I abandoned Heavenly Equal Martial Scripture? Because you dislike me mastering a technique without history?”

“You know it’s not that I look down on Jeong Yeon-shin’s lineage. It’s merely that there’s an order to the martial arts a direct descendant should prioritize.”

A gentle reply returned.

The head of the Desolate Shin Clan was said to be a heroine who elevated her family’s prestige as a woman.

Shin Seol-ha, the Shaking Moon Jade Sword.

Renowned as a refined swordmaster and a mentor who nurtured her kin’s talents.

Unlike other clan heads, she earned respect without joining Desolate Fortress’s robe hierarchy. Privately, she was Shin So-bin’s birth mother.

“Think about it. Our clan has produced countless masters through generations. Each one filled Divine Sword Group’s ranks. They shed the Shin Clan name to take on the identities of elite units like Divine Sword Squad and Annihilation Team. Of course, that’s as it should be. That’s the purpose of noble clans under headquarters and the duty they must fulfill. However…”

Shin Seol-ha’s warm eyes, moving her lips, hardened suddenly.

“If even the direct line follows suit, won’t the clan’s name fade? A martial clan’s legacy is carried through its techniques. You rose to white-rank at the same age as Radiant Demon Wing Leader. You have the potential to surpass blue-rank and aim for black-rank. Can you still not see it? How significant your signature technique will become?”

She asked, approaching Shin So-bin.

Words directed at the Shin Clan’s precious gem. Radiant Demon Wing’s white-rank warrior did not agree. Instead, she frowned.

“That’s the same as looking down. You think our Leader’s lineage lacks the value to surpass Heavenly Equal Martial Scripture. Isn’t it all about the clan’s prestige and name?”

“You’re still stuck in place.”

“That’s what I’d like to say.”

“As you say, Heavenly Equal Martial Scripture carries a thick history. It’s by no means inferior to Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s unique technique. It’s a supreme art my cousin laid the foundation for. You haven’t forgotten that Annihilation Team Leader is your maternal uncle, have you?”

“He’s a master of Divine Flame Twin Hands, not Heavenly Equal Martial Scripture. As you said, he only laid its groundwork. He became a black-rank later than our Leader.”

“The techniques of Jeong Yeon-shin’s lineage won’t guarantee the same growth as Radiant Demon Wing Leader.”

Shin Seol-ha concluded, her lips sealing shut.

Shin So-bin sighed.

“How long do you plan to keep me confined?”

“I told you, until you reflect. But your tone refuses to change. They say Radiant Demon Wing has a rough demeanor… I had only heard rumors, but I didn’t expect this extent. Please show your clan head due respect.”

“I can’t accept your decision. Even the pretext is flawed. My sister insulted my superior first. As a Radiant Demon Wing warrior, I justly disciplined her. It was a fair duel. How many times must I say it? Won’t outsiders scorn us?”

“I’ve heard your words enough. Since Radiant Demon Wing Leader has returned and will come for you, I’ll meet him and talk it over.”

“With our Leader?”

Shin So-bin’s face paled slightly. Her straight eyebrows twitched faintly beneath her dark bangs.

Embarrassment and worry shone through. Her expression seemed to reflect her raw emotions.

“I’ve heard he’s a man of propriety. He even goes out of his way to show courtesy to the administrative office’s scholars. His reputation is excellent.”

“…”

“There were concerns about his temperament due to Tyrant Hero’s bloodline, but they’ve all been dispelled. They say he’s a vessel fit to be Divine Sword Group Leader in decades hence… I expect he’ll understand my point well. I’ll greet him courteously.”

Shin Seol-ha said with a smiling face.

Silence lingered briefly. Shin So-bin did not respond.

‘A clan head and a Leader-rank. This… I can’t stop it.’

The girl recalled an old truism. From the martial world’s perspective, Desolate Fortress was a righteous grand faction.

Faithful to the law of the strong prevailing. Lately, it suited her Leader, akin to a whirlwind of fury.

***

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

Divine Blood Extreme Demon Jin Myeong-jo half-opened his eyes. He sat cross-legged.

Faint light seeped through his narrow eyelids. Sunlight filtering through Wish for Peace Sword Hall’s window struck bluntly.

That was how it felt on his skin.

An unusual occurrence.

Naturally so. This was not a place to regain composure.

The Grand Administrator spoke, holding a document adorned with green silk.

“An agenda regarding the number of weapons to supply each squad…”

“Skip it roughly.”

The man claiming to be Tyrant Hero said. His youthful appearance was briefly hard to believe.

But his demeanor and prowess made it plausible. If not Tyrant Hero, then who?

He did not treat all agendas equally. Yet it was a recurring phrase.

No one could object. The solemn air of Wish for Peace Sword Hall faltered.

Xiahou Wei-zhen and Yue Shou-lin, who once maintained order, seemed to have withdrawn from the meeting entirely. Their bowed heads or distracted gazes were a sight.

“…”

Xiahou Wei-zhen sat still, hands on his knees.

His poise was as static as a noble clan Shaolin monk meditating against a wall for decades.

His bold, unconventional demeanor had vanished entirely.

Having served under Tyrant Hero for years in his youth, he apparently could not shed his subordinate posture.

Yue Shou-lin was worse. Seated farthest from Tyrant Hero, she pulled the new Radiant Demon Wing Leader to sit beside her.

For the time it took to sip a cup of tea, she glared at Jeong Yeon-shin.

Among black-ranks, she had the deepest energy breathing. How long must an hour feel to her?

Her gaze never left her junior, and her slightly upturned eyes appeared somewhat pitiful.

Such was the state of Thousand Fists Dragon Vassal and Divine Sword Spear. A scene hard for anyone to believe.

Immortal Tree Spirit Leader Cheon So-so and Law Enforcement Squad Leader Woon So-yu also attended with lowered gazes.

Gone was their usual disdain for Jin Myeong-jo’s lineage. Did they think refined silence would alter perceptions?

‘Hah!’

Jin Myeong-jo sneered inwardly. Not one of these lofty noble squad Leaders showed any backbone.

Yet he, too, was tormented. The shattered round table had narrowed the Leaders’ spacing.

The faint energy waves from Radiant Demon Wing Leader prickled his skin.

He could not show discomfort.

He had reduced the blue-ranks sent with a letter from three to two, playing the senior card.

A feat achieved by feigned boldness. It must not be exposed. A duel challenge would follow.

‘Damn…!’

Jin Myeong-jo straightened his back with a blank face. He held himself with utmost refinement. The most striking posture here.

Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s gaze locked onto him instantly. His dark eyes seemed to gleam. Jeong Yeon-shin deftly avoided Divine Sword Spear’s stare.

“Will Radiant Demon Wing handle the Shaanxi mission alone?”

Jeong Yeon-shin asked abruptly.

The Grand Administrator nodded ambiguously.

“Nominally, yes. However… rather than the Yu Ling supreme master posing as White Sun Sect’s fake head, the concern is potentially encountering Tyrant Sword Sect Leader.”

“Shaanxi’s size rivals a modest nation. Isn’t that worry excessive?”

“Given Shaanxi’s breadth and White Sun Sect’s northern position, it’s indeed unlikely. But Radiant Demon Wing Leader symbolizes headquarters’ future as a rising supreme master. Sending scouts is prudent. I’m considering Blood Guardian Leader first. With his innate yin energy, his sensory range is vast. He could escape before facing Tyrant Sword Sect Leader.”

“Hmm…?”

Jin Myeong-jo’s crossed arms twitched.

Desperately, yet with a feigned calm, he spoke.

“That seems excessive. Isn’t the administrative office underestimating Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s strength? With Jeong Yeon-shin’s senses and lightness skill, few in the martial world could harm him. This Jin regards him as an equal Leader. A supreme master needing no coddling.”

Jeong Yeon-shin’s lips moved subtly.

Recognition from headquarters’ kin often filled the void from his Jeong Family Estate days.

It came as a warmth he could not have imagined as a child. It was why he did not wholly shun the rejuvenated Yue Shou-lin and felt close to her.

He cherished his seniors’ warmth. Even her glaring beside him felt somewhat endearing.

‘If Senior Yue or Senior Jin were scouts, that’d be fine too.’

Then Ma Yeon-jeok, rare for him, showed satisfaction.

“I value your words highly. It seems my grandson has some fortune in allies. While I set aside my Divine Entry Sword, a worthy one has joined.”

He continued with a laugh.

“Go.”

“…”

The Grand Administrator beside Ma Yeon-jeok turned the document page. It flowed naturally.

“Lastly, the agenda on promotion exams for nameless and white-ranks. Significant matters involving white-to-blue and blue-to-black promotions. Will Radiant Demon Wing Leader, with his keen eye, take charge? Forest-Treading Leader and Immortal Tree Spirit Leader must head to Ming Cult’s stronghold immediately. Obeying Heaven Wing’s situation is urgent…”

“Fine.”

Jeong Yeon-shin nodded readily. As a white-rank, he had taken the blue-rank exam under Annihilation Team Leader’s oversight.

Now he would oversee exams as a Leader. He had already proposed promotions for Hyeon Won-chang and Lazy Flame Dragon.

The Grand Administrator smiled.

“Refreshing. Let’s conclude today’s meeting here.”

“Thanks to the Grand Administrator and all seniors for your efforts.”

He rose without delay. His grandfather’s sudden intrusion had left him restless.

Misunderstandings about Comprehensive Breaking Guide could be resolved without Tyrant Hero present. Escaping shame was the priority now.

Step.

Jeong Yeon-shin moved. He intended to head straight to Desolate Shin Clan.

He would retrieve his junior Shin So-bin and organize Radiant Demon Wing’s strength and conflicts.

“Yeon-shin, why did you leave first? I worry your impatience might bring trouble later. This grandfather wishes to teach you the art of tea.”

“Next time, please, Grandfather.”

He departed without looking back.