Chapter 223 – Radiant Arts Bond (3)

A resounding hum filled the air! A sharp crack echoed!

Colorless energy waves spread hazily. Opaque ripples swept in all directions. They carried a fierce shockwave.

Fists and swords clashed. The sound rang out like a struck iron bell.

The garments of the swordsman and the fist master fluttered separately. Blue robes and faded gray danced in the wind.

One had complained of the Leader’s absence. Another had pointed out his words.

The techniques of Lightning Genius’s lineage and the Hwangbo Clan.

Radiant Demon Wing’s Grand Training Ground, where they engaged, was renowned for its vastness. Not all squads under Divine Sword Group used training grounds capable of holding hundreds.

It was a privilege granted to only certain elite forces within Divine Sword Group.

This site served as a pre-training venue for the rare “Divine Sword Group Assembly.”

The weakened warriors of Radiant Demon Wing were understandably self-conscious and felt uneasy before other squads’ members. The reason was clear. They had enjoyed special benefits.

Radiant Demon Wing had long reaped much within Divine Sword Group. They had acted as the strong.

Their Grand Training Ground was expansive.

Not now. Not when two clashed. The presence of masters filled the space.

Invisible energy waves collided fiercely.

A swift slash cut through the air!

A towering man wielded his sword technique. Kang Chang-mu, a blue-rank master who had joined Radiant Demon Wing from Forest-Treading squad.

His greatsword gleamed with a fluid light. The Radiant Sword Style of Lightning Genius’s lineage unfurled with the sword’s glow.

Blade marks etched the air. Faint afterimages lingered.

Lazy Flame Dragon faced him barehanded. He wore no gauntlets. Shimmering waves of colorless energy enveloped both hands. He struck upward against the sword’s surface.

A resounding clash erupted!

Kang Chang-mu’s blue sleeves shook violently. The veins bulging on his briefly exposed forearm testified to the duel’s intensity.

Lazy Flame Dragon, clad in a sleeveless nameless robe, was no different.

He withstood the sword force of a blue-rank master with heavy energy. It was not a task to take lightly.

“He uses his protective aura like gauntlets. Isn’t that guy completely mad? How many exchanges has it been?”

“I’ve heard of the Hwangbo Clan direct line’s protective aura. They call it Heavenly King Silk Energy. A supreme technique indeed. I knew clan martial arts were refined, but not to this extent. He’s blocking a blue-rank’s Radiant Sword Style barehanded.”

“He’s trained in fist techniques too… and above all, his internal energy is that deep. In terms of energy reserves alone, he might surpass a Leader. Ordinary blades likely won’t harm his hands. His body itself is a weapon.”

“The Scorching Divine Meridian… its fame is well-earned? They say he burns his life for talent.”

It was a duel between Howling Beast Sword Kang Chang-mu and nameless disciple Lazy Flame Dragon. The surrounding Radiant Demon Wing masters did not intervene.

The incident occurred at the Grand Training Ground, sparked by Lazy Flame Dragon’s rudeness. It did not violate regulations.

They also had to consider the dignity of Kang Chang-mu, a mid-tier newcomer.

Howling Beast Sword Kang Chang-mu was a swordsman of notable merit. He had slain an evil faction leader secretly threatening Wuchang Prefecture’s branch head in Huguang Province, living lavishly off the spoils.

He had barely coordinated beforehand. He fused his innate swordsmanship with Radiant Sword Style, severing the foe’s neck in one stroke.

The principle of instant swordplay captivated him. He could not help but admire the new Radiant Demon Wing Leader.

‘Yet this one shows no respect.’

Kang Chang-mu thought, watching Lazy Flame Dragon extend both hands.

The fist technique blocking and cutting off his sword paths was rough. It prevented long trajectories.

A refined blue-rank swordsman could sense an opponent’s intent through mere contact. Lazy Flame Dragon’s disdain came through clearly.

He spoke through his strikes. He could no longer bear witnessing Radiant Sword Style’s paths.

A series of sharp clashes rang out!

The horizontal sword path faltered. Heavy vibrations struck the blade in succession.

Lazy Flame Dragon’s right fist smashed upward from below, piercing through the scattering energy. His left palm pushed the sword aside, followed by a downward strike from his right palm against the blade’s surface.

The movements flowed elegantly like water. The sword soared upward.

It was struck cleanly thrice. A single move completely disrupted Radiant Sword Style’s trajectory.

A loud crack resounded!

Dust split beneath Kang Chang-mu’s heel. He retreated with the subtlety of Radiant Wing Step.

“He’s using it as a retreat technique?”

Lazy Flame Dragon frowned, stomping the ground and charging forward.

The air tore apart under the surging scorching energy from his body. Transparent shimmers whistled sharply.

A heavy thud sounded!

Kang Chang-mu did not retreat further. He slammed his rear foot down hard. The forceful step of Radiant Sword Style.

A fierce tremor erupted, raising dust from his footing. It veiled the upward slash of his firmly gripped sword.

A faint white sword glow rose subtly.

Lazy Flame Dragon’s lips curled upward. His languid eyes bent into a mocking smile. He spoke with a downward gaze. That’s not how it’s used.

A deafening boom followed!

Kang Chang-mu’s ascending sword sank. Lazy Flame Dragon’s foot pinned it down. The leather boot withstood the sword tip’s pierce.

The Hwangbo Clan’s Heavenly King Silk Energy formed an invisible barrier. The lofty protective aura of Jinan’s noble lineage.

Kang Chang-mu’s eyes widened. Lazy Flame Dragon’s brow furrowed in contrast.

“Radiant Sword Style is a technique to wield with instinct. Calculating paths with your head slows you down. It’s fundamentally a swift sword piercing flaws, yet you broadcast your targets. Lower body, wrist, energy waves—all clues. A sparrow mimics a golden phoenix.”

Quite a sight. Not amusing.

Lazy Flame Dragon spoke slowly, as if musing, while pinning Kang Chang-mu’s sword.

“Indeed, worth living a bit longer to see. I never imagined I’d dismantle Radiant Sword Style so feebly. I’d only pondered it in dreams, but talent comes first. Not terribly entertaining, though.”

Lazy Flame Dragon did not look pleased.

His lips turned downward. A bitter expression revealed deep disappointment.

“They say our Leader devised this sword art in white robes? Seeing you, its flaws are glaring. If you can’t master Radiant Demon Technique, at least your martial arts should be strong. I’d be grateful if you don’t drag the Leader down. This kills the fun.”

“…Do not belittle our Leader’s lineage. The Hwangbo Clan’s ancient arts don’t justify disparaging it.”

Kang Chang-mu bared his teeth. No small anger. Yet the sword under Lazy Flame Dragon’s foot did not budge.

Even channeling great energy into his legs, waist, and arms made no difference.

Howling Beast Sword Kang Chang-mu’s internal mastery was exceptional. Undoubtedly so.

“…The Scorching Divine Meridian’s energy reserves are the squad’s finest. Its fiery nature makes it the strongest.”

“That’s how it ends.”

“A nameless disciple against a blue-rank…”

“He was a clan heir, after all. It makes sense.”

“Isn’t he the one who knows our Leader’s martial arts best? It’s not an overstatement to say he fought with half a counter-technique. It’s an open technique, seen most in combat. Could he be the one who knows the new Leader best after Cheong Myeong, Baek Mi-ryeo, or the former Leader?”

“What about Desolate Divine Hero?”

“He’d demand seven-tenths of his innate energy be shown.”

“Is that guy still lying around? I haven’t seen him lately.”

“He aimed to challenge blue-rank status, but at this rate, all his merits will go to waste.”

Lazy Flame Dragon and Hyeon Won-chang’s promotion exams were a major topic. Not just within Radiant Demon Wing.

Many Divine Sword Group warriors awaiting missions took interest in this exam.

The rising talents who had spent the longest time with the new Leader.

A proving ground for the virtues a Radiant Demon Wing Leader must possess.

How he trained subordinates and fostered their growth. Beyond creating martial arts, could he lead a sect as a grandmaster?

Could meaningful martial progress be expected from missions with the new Leader?

The wastrel of Hwangbo Clan was already a completed warrior.

Hyeon Won-chang’s martial arts were the issue. That was the prevailing opinion among Radiant Demon Wing masters.

“Hard to expect much.”

One muttered, observing Lazy Flame Dragon’s expression toward Lightning Genius’s lineage.

***

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

Desolate Shin Clan’s alert state was stringent.

It had to be. A black-rank supreme master had entered the clan head’s hall. He had shown displeasure.

The reason was valid. He had come to retrieve a subordinate. His youth as a Leader mattered little.

Any warrior would naturally tense.

“No trouble, right?”

A swordsman in a blue robe asked a gatekeeper lightly.

The gatekeeper dared not reply. The questioner was a branch scion of Desolate Shin Clan.

Chaotic Cry Sword Shin Baek. Known as a seasoned mid-thirties swordmaster. He had a gentle face and affable brows.

His temperament was otherwise.

“Did I not ask? With the new Leader’s refined martial arts, our clan can’t afford rudeness. Or do you find this hard to accept?”

“No, sir.”

A youth in a nameless robe, tasked as gatekeeper, replied swiftly. His voice was subdued.

Chaotic Cry Sword Shin Baek harbored resentment toward the direct line. Outshone by the clan’s eldest son his age and overlooked due to young Shin So-bin’s talent.

Even at blue-rank status, it persisted. A rare case.

His reputation outside was good.

Within, it differed. He was highly irritable.

“Seeing Radiant Demon Wing Leader in person makes So-bin’s absence sting more. Had she been a bit older, she’d have been a prime heir. I’d have pushed her as next clan head… Isn’t it too precious a talent to hand over to Radiant Demon Wing? Unless he’s utterly shameless, even Radiant Demon Wing Leader would agree and step back.”

Shin Baek’s eyes gleamed with a strange intensity.

He forced a mere gatekeeper to debate the heir’s legitimacy. The young Radiant Demon Wing Leader stirred something in him.

Not jealousy of Lightning Genius. More like a self-loathing tied to innate lineage.

He saw Shin So-bin’s future in Radiant Demon Wing Leader, her peer. Noble direct blood, ageless talent. Qualities Shin Baek lacked.

“Well…”

As the gatekeeper hesitated.

A deafening boom resounded!

A distant explosion shook the air. A massive shockwave brushed their collars.

Shin Baek’s expression sank impassively.

“Trouble has struck at last.”

A sharp crack followed!

He leaped forward instantly. The wind against his face dulled with his swift sprint. He was not alone.

Desolate Shin Clan warriors converged from all directions. Dozens of lightness skill dashes gradually focused on one point.

The clan head’s hall, deliberately kept at a distance.

Crack! Crack!

The strides of masters were wide. They reached the garden around the hall swiftly.

A grim scene unfolded.

Roof tiles lay scattered in all directions. The collapsed roof no longer bespoke the clan head’s dignity.

Had a Brilliant River technique erupted? It did not seem human-wrought. A ruin, no less.

Shin Baek stood aghast.

‘The seat I so craved can crumble like this? So vainly?’

A heavy silence fell. For a moment, none moved.

It appeared calm now. Could a black-rank, even so, subdue a headquarters clan head so futilely?

If such a figure was enraged, rushing in was daunting. They could only risk their lives. Staring at the hall’s threshold, they froze in dismay.

Soft footsteps approached them. Suddenly, a girl landed in the garden’s center.

“What in the world is happening…!”

A light step sounded.

Her jet-black braid fluttered in the lightness skill’s backwind. It danced with her ornate white robe.

Shin So-bin had broken confinement amid the chaos. Her lips parted slightly as she eyed the hall.

Her eyes widened. She sensed a familiar energy wave.

“Leader…?!”

“Be quiet.”

Shin Baek pressed a finger to his lips. Shin So-bin glanced at him and ignored it. She snorted with a huff.

Her Leader had finally come for her. Whatever happened, she could not stand idle.

It had been long since she last saw him. Joy filled her heart.

A rustling step followed.

As she moved toward the hall.

A faint voice echoed from within.

“Rise.”

It was Radiant Demon Wing Leader Jeong Yeon-shin’s voice. Had he stimulated her acupoints as he spoke?

A cough burst from inside abruptly. Undoubtedly their clan head’s.

Shin So-bin faltered.

“Just now, what…”

Her voice sounded bewildered. Desolate Shin Clan Head Shin Seol-ha had regained consciousness. Jeong Yeon-shin’s words followed.

“This Leader struck.”

“You struck without warning? You?”

“She couldn’t react. I intended to show the martial arts So-bin should wield.”

“You speak of So-bin here?”

“It was my form of persuasion. It became rude. I apologize.”

A faint rustle of robes sounded. Accompanied by hands clasping.

It rang clear in the sharp ears of Desolate Shin Clan masters. Radiant Demon Wing Leader seemed to offer a fist salute. Rare for a black-rank.

“…Did your hand move? I didn’t see it. I only sensed the ceiling collapse suddenly, without even a trace of energy flow…”

“So-bin’s martial arts must be that refined.”

“How odd, you speak as if it’s another’s technique.”

“…I’m not used to praising my own unique art.”

“Hah…! With such fiery resolve?”

Shin Seol-ha sighed.

“You’re no longer a rising talent, yet still a hidden dragon. To conceal such refined power. At your age… other Leaders would be stunned.”

“Empty words.”

“It’s regrettable I couldn’t gauge a move too mighty to withstand. Your intent runs deep. This Shin has much to learn. So does So-bin. I’ve etched a firm lesson today. With my body.”

Inside the clan head’s hall’s inner chamber.

“Enough.”

In the serene room, Jeong Yeon-shin spoke sincerely.

To Shin Seol-ha, it appeared as humility. Her eyes softened despite losing consciousness once.

As Desolate Shin Clan Head, she bore a noble temperament. She valued martial prowess above all virtues.

“I see your martial arts surpass my judgment. But it’s not reason enough to fully relinquish So-bin. It’s not solely about martial arts.”

“Still insisting.”

Jeong Yeon-shin narrowed his eyes.

“So-bin is an outsider now. Interfere no more.”

He spoke briefly. Yet Shin Seol-ha did not concede.

She thought as a martial clan head.

“Headquarters’ noble clans strive to raise fine warriors, willingly supplying them to Divine Sword Group. You know masters don’t emerge anytime, anywhere, don’t you? Our hard efforts yield only honor. Our clan’s arts, our clan’s name… it’s not excessive.”

She sought to bind him somehow. Future interference loomed uncertain.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes sharpened.

Her words came as discomfort. Radiant Demon Wing was a family gained after leaving Jeong Family Estate. His first taste of warmth.

A sanctuary embraced after a lonely childhood path.

Even at life’s end, it was a home he would not relinquish. It had become the most sensitive scale in his heart.

“Divine Sword Group squad masters fall under their Leaders. As Radiant Demon Wing’s head, I declare clearly.”

He spoke impassively, yet firmly.

“That child belongs to this Leader.”

Divine energy infused his words. It stemmed from the Luminous Wheel spinning with his heartbeat.

The mystical quality of Luminous Wheel Technique laced his voice. An auspicious resonance emanated.

A voice reaching the heart with sincerity. It echoed widely.

“…Ah.”

A small gasp escaped Shin Seol-ha’s lips. Her expression turned strange.

Her raised eyebrows and parted lips were odd. It followed Jeong Yeon-shin’s words.

“I see. That works too.”

“What?”

“Your martial arts, looks, status, lineage… if it works out, it’s good. Even if not, if you regard a subordinate so…”

Muttering to herself, she spoke abruptly.

“Take her. I’ve been most discourteous.”

“…?”