Chapter 241 – Eye-Opening (5)

A Silent Gorge Transformed

A gust of wind swept over the cliff, brushing through the sprawling bushes below.

The sound of it grazing scattered rocks echoed unusually loud. The crowd had fallen silent—an inevitable reaction.

The death of the evil faction sect leaders.

The meticulously woven order of a grand city shattered in an instant. For anyone from Xi’an, this moment stirred a strange mix of emotions.

Countless onlookers thronged the peaks of the gorge.

Some sat haphazardly beneath the bushes, others perched atop trees, while men and women in silk robes sat solemnly in palanquins.

Diverse yet similar groups stretched out in long lines.

Soon, the whispers breaking the silence swelled just as much.

“Who was that departed soul, wielding such skill…?”

“Departed? Look at his face. Absurdly young.”

“Who on earth is he…?”

“Find out the identity of the Radiant Sword Squad. If they settle in Xi’an, we cannot overlook it lightly. Consider them on par with the elite of the Nine Great Sects or Thirteen Evil Sects. We must investigate thoroughly.”

[TL Note- Radiant Sword Squad here is somewhat equivalent to Brilliant Sword Squad or Brilliant Swordsmen. So people can’t make connections to Radiant Demon Wing as the Radiant word is quite common, take Radiant Moon Sect for example.]

“Will that suffice? Xi’an’s order is about to change.”

“I know. Hmm, Reverend Remaining Earth Sect Leader’s Northern Light Inn will be vacant now. Let’s use it. You go inform him—no, I’ll go myself.”

People sprang into action. Messenger birds pierced through the foliage, flapping their wings as they soared in every direction.

The response was swift. Many departed, kicking up dust with their movement techniques.

Amid the commotion, beneath brown-tinged pine needles, Cloud Dragon Sword Wei Ji Myo-hwa gazed down at Jeong Yeon-shin.

Her stance differed from the other warriors.

She gripped her sword as if ready to charge, lowering a translucent blue veil over her face. Even so, she couldn’t conceal the refined aura of a prestigious sect disciple.

The presence of an exceptional swordswoman naturally drew attention.

Her elegant jawline, physique, and demeanor set her apart. Curious glances abounded.

She paid them no mind.

‘Young Hero Lightning Genius…’

No, that title no longer fit. Who would dare call the seventeenth squad leader of the Divine Sword Group a mere “Young Hero”? Even leaning on familiarity, “Young Master” would be the limit.

A tender sorrow flickered in Wei Ji Myo-hwa’s eyes.

She had roamed the martial world with this boy in blue who once struck the Hwangbo branch family. Fond memories. The nostalgia they evoked was fragrant.

Back then, chivalry was her everything, supported by her Zhongnan Sect brothers. Her master and granduncle thrived in good health.

At first.

Together with Jeong Yeon-shin, they unraveled Nine Yang Single Form. Her master Sword Immortal also joined them.

‘He fell to inner demons.’

Seeing the boy effortlessly draw Radiant Sword Style, she sank into despair. Moments after realizing her once-proud talent paled in comparison.

But it was fine. Her master Sword Immortal’s words, piercing Jeong Yeon-shin’s lifespan, pulled her from the abyss. Not petty relief—compassion took root.

All those memories intertwined with Zhongnan Sect.

Green hills, sword-scarred cliffs across the way, a boy dancing with his blade under sunlight, Wei Ji Myo-hwa staring blankly, Zhongnan Sword Immortal chuckling heartily… Zhongnan Mountain, the scent of its nostalgic grass.

Desolate Fortress’s Radiant Demon Wing Leader stirred Zhongnan’s great disciple to recall her sect.

A strange twist. Born of fate.

Gratitude welled up, mingling with growing emotions.

Unconsciously, she bit her lower lip.

‘I’m sorry… truly sorry…’

She couldn’t protect Jeong Hye. Lost her to the inescapable net of two Thirteen Evil Sects factions. No trace remained.

She searched frantically with Sword Venerable Baek Seo-gun, yet stumbled just the same. Her trail vanished completely.

Despair consumed her.

Then she heard rumors of Xi’an’s seven great sect leaders clashing with someone.

She hadn’t known it was Jeong Yeon-shin. Never dreamed it. Not while Jeong Hye remained missing.

“You look like you have much to say. That was impressive. Speak freely.”

A swordsman beside her, clad in a bamboo hat, peered down intently.

Gray, short hair spilled carelessly beneath the loose chinstrap. Swimming Heaven Sword Ghost Baek Seo-gun.

Like Wei Ji Myo-hwa, she drew eyes.

Her oddly silver-tipped hair stood out, yet no one dared mention the Sword Venerable of Heart Martial Alliance.

She lived in a world apart. A monstrous force from another realm. Second-in-command of a Thirteen Evil Sects great faction earned such recognition.

Her extraordinary presence rivaled Wei Ji Myo-hwa’s.

Silk sleeves gleamed as they draped loosely, her posture upright with an air of nobility.

Her downturned lips, as if indifferent to all, aimed at the young supreme master below.

“That sense of his is a treasure. Worthy of leaving a mark in martial history.”

Baek Seo-gun murmured.

“They say he inherited Tyrant Hero’s blood. I’d call it the fruit of Jeong Pan-yue’s wretched face. Thanks to that lowly man’s unearthly looks… this child emerged. A feast for the eyes. After staring at our alliance’s pompous heir.”

“I can’t go down there.”

Wei Ji Myo-hwa’s whisper prompted a smirk from Baek Seo-gun.

“Is it petty guilt? How frail. And arrogant. You think you could’ve broken two Thirteen Evil Sects’ nets? Absurd self-blame. With that kind boy’s nature, he’d likely comfort you instead.”

“…Even you hesitate, Senior Sword Venerable. You spoke of a bond with Young Master Jeong…”

“…”

Baek Seo-gun sealed her lips.

‘You received the love I couldn’t give in abundance. Your complexion looks remarkably healthy.’

Her own voice. A reckless tone that once crowded her sword-filled mind.

Words she’d smugly said to Jeong Pan-yue’s son now churned her thoughts.

Zhongnan’s young disciple’s turmoil meant nothing to her then.

Regret and shame, never felt before, took hold. Her long-held misconceptions proved laughable.

‘He’s grown sharper. His frame’s sturdier in mere days. Every day differs.’

Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin.

She longed to reunite with that face, yet couldn’t step forward. Despite being Heart Martial Alliance’s second sword ghost.

With her treasured technique, one stride would close the gap. Yet her heart wavered—between a maid who might’ve nursed the boy and the Sword Venerable who shook Henan.

“The seven great sect leaders…”

She parted her lips slowly.

“…were never a concern. Even at their strongest, they’re beneath Thirteen Evil Sects.”

“They lacked the caliber to break Desolate Fortress Radiant Demon’s treasured sword. That’s my view.”

“This child might stir great upheaval. A Desolate Fortress squad leader stands at a rank to judge the martial world. All seventeen were so. Lightning Genius is no different. I’ll aid him soon enough. We’ll meet then.”

The sword-bearing maid spoke with archaic grace.

A paradox incarnate. She masked her inner turmoil convincingly.

Her slightly raised chin exuded pride. Though her heart likely differed.

Wei Ji Myo-hwa didn’t point it out. Not the time.

‘His days are numbered.’

Zhongnan Sword Immortal’s words after seeing Jeong Yeon-shin.

Wei Ji Myo-hwa knew the boy she cherished had a short life. Radiant Demon Wing Leader Lightning Genius. Burning fiercely through his fleeting days, only to have his scant remaining kin abducted.

It fanned her guilt.

Zhongnan Sect’s Sword Dragon’s lips trembled faintly.

‘I’m sorry, truly sorry…’

Soon, her resolute gaze sharpened with newfound resolve.

Her fingers traced a subtle arc along her sword hilt. A motion of recollection.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

Aftermath in the Gorge

“Well, our leader cleaned them up entirely. Those were some fierce b*st*rds. Still, they called themselves evil sect leaders.”

Scorching Divine Meridian Lazy Flame Dragon approached with a grin, joined by Radiant Demon Wing seniors.

The plain below the gorge.

Strewn corpses and blackened blood filled the view, yet Lazy Flame Dragon’s jest lightened the stench somewhat.

Amid the bleak scene, only Radiant Demon Wing masters retained vitality. Hyeon Won-chang, Shin So-bin, and Zhuge Qing-ya looked weary, yet their complexions glowed.

True to their prestigious lineage, their faces shone with luster.

Jeong Yeon-shin glanced at Lazy Flame Dragon and shook his head.

‘When did this opium addict master Radiant Arts Bond?’

The genius of the Scorching Divine Meridian, fated for a short life, honed Radiant Arts Bond swiftly. He asked no questions, as if nothing hindered him.

After a few intrigued hand gestures, savoring it like a delicacy, he nodded slightly, muttering it was worth the trip.

“That looks tempting. Seems fun.”

Lazy Flame Dragon eyed the squad leader’s hand.

“Handle the cleanup.”

Jeong Yeon-shin turned slightly, dismissive.

He was retracting thread sword strands into his black sleeve.

The cuff fluttered ceaselessly with Myriad Heavens Flower Rain’s absorption technique. Thin thread strands glowed faintly as they were drawn in.

Lazy Flame Dragon smacked his lips.

“Seems our leader’s greedier than this young master.”

“Spouting nonsense for a dullard. I said not to covet treasures you can’t handle.”

Jeong Yeon-shin replied curtly, scanning his subordinates.

His impassive gaze swept over the Radiant Demon Wing masters. Hoping none were injured, he saw Radiant Arts Bond had served its purpose.

Only a few warriors panted from energy depletion.

Relieved, his eyes met Cheong Myeong, Baek Mi-ryeo, Heon Won-chang, and Shin So-bin.

They studied their leader’s hand, which had gripped the threads raw. Dried blood clung to it.

‘How odd…’

Jeong Yeon-shin turned with a deliberately calm step.

‘Plenty of martial techniques to combine with this. Fun too.’

He tilted his neck slightly. A worthwhile gain. He had restrained himself to draw out the sect leaders’ full strength.

In truth, it took mere breaths, but curbing his strikes proved harder than expected.

No matter.

He filled pages of the ‘Annihilation Evil Compendium’. Techniques of sect leaders who ruled vast Xi’an.

Worth claiming a life-and-death duel. The gorge’s crowd, once silent, now buzzed among themselves.

A thousand-year city.

Xi’an fell into Radiant Arts Squad’s hands. A fact all acknowledged this moment.

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke slowly.

“Kang Hyo-su, check the local office with Shin-myo. No reports reached us despite Xi’an’s state. Determine if it was unavoidable or complicity. If the latter, execute them on the spot.”

He fastened his long black sleeve as he finished.

Unlike Desolate Fortress robes, it clung well to his skin. Had he not joined his sect, he might’ve worn such garb.

“Yes, Leader.”

A burly swordsman clasped his hands in salute.

Blue-rank master Kang Chang-mu from Treading Forest Squad. Nicknamed “Dawn Tree Sword,” thus casually called Kang Hyo-su. Like Shin So-bin dubbed “Mystery.”

Shin So-bin seemed displeased with her makeshift name.

Her round eyes flicked to Jeong Yeon-shin, but meeting his gaze, she smirked. Brazen even after slaughter. True to her noble roots.

“One remains.”

Hyeon Won-chang spoke, unusually stoic.

Wiping his blade as if cleansing accumulated killing intent, blood stained his hand. Familiar to his comrades.

The thirty-odd Radiant Demon Wing masters’ gazes fixed on a lone man. Shao Bai Sect Leader Jang Gi-il.

His hemp-clad frame was sturdy. Staring blankly at Reverend Remaining Earth Sect Leader’s corpse by a tree trunk, he turned to Radiant Demon Wing Leader.

‘Desolate Fortress Radiant Demon Wing punishes evildoers.’

He alone survived that order.

Jeong Yeon-shin deliberately spared him from his techniques, and Jang Gi-il abstained from the joint assault.

“A Zhongnan disciple who betrayed the main sect. Prove your worth to me.”

Radiant Demon Wing Leader declared.

“…Jeong Jung-san from Xinye County.”

Jang Gi-il, staring at the young supreme master, spoke. Xi’an housed Zhongnan’s main sect.

Everyone knew the ties between Desolate Fortress’s rising star and Zhongnan disciples.

“I know that friend’s whereabouts.”

**”

Xi’an’s outskirts were chaotic.

A city steeped in history. It served as countless kingdoms’ capitals over vast ages.

Numerous martial factions sprouted in its core. Paths multiplied naturally. Somewhat squalid.

A shadowed alley flanked by cold gloom.

Winter wind from beyond grazed weathered walls.

A bleak chill swept over cracks etched deep in the alley’s stone as distant city clamor faintly drifted in.

It mingled with heavy stomps, crumbling into echoes.

A dull thud!

“I’ve finally caught this b*st*rd…!”

“Look at him block! Where’s your stance? The lofty Zhongnan swordsman!”

“Did this guy really train with the Nine Great Sects? Did he?”

Two men and a woman.

All in identical ash-gray robes. They encircled one man, sneering with youthful, unlined faces as they kicked.

Thud! Thwack!

A man crouched on the ground took a brutal beating. Harsh strikes rang dully through his yellow robes.

Jeong Jung-san faced a wretched day.

After parting with the formidable Baek Seo-gun, he scoured alone for Jeong Hye’s fate.

A martial artist skilled in movement techniques. He couldn’t touch Thirteen Evil Sects’ main factions, but struck their lesser evil sects, seeking clues.

He prided himself on his ‘Taiyi Formless Sword’.

All for naught.

This was the recurring outcome. A few life-saving techniques kept him from capture and death.

He dragged his battered body through back alleys, wriggling to fulfill his duty. As Jeong Hye’s uncle. As a Zhongnan disciple.

“Your lecturing mouth frozen shut? You strutted when Zhongnan stood strong!”

“Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s brother? Bring your sibling, you sectless fool.”

“Even then, how’d he face the Ghost White Divine Sword? Relying on a flimsy backer.”

Reverend Remaining Earth Sect’s surviving disciples reveled fully. Why wouldn’t they? Zhongnan’s fall ushered in their era.

‘Karma.’

Jeong Jung-san mocked himself. Call his brother Jeong Yeon-shin?

This was his self-portrait.

In reckless youth, he led Xinye County peers as alley kingpin. Taunting his ominous brother.

After rejecting Jeong Family Dynamic Technique from those small hands, he’d mocked, “Is your body that tough?” and set kids on him.

Even he found it vile in hindsight.

‘What face do I have!’

A sharp crack!

“Guh!”

A blow to his solar plexus forced a gasp from Jeong Jung-san.

Time to deploy his life-saving techniques, he thought.

Suddenly.

Above the brawling trio.

A blazing surge!

A pitch-black shadow dropped like midnight thunder. A descent divine. Alley dust billowed outward to greet the stranger.

Like a dragon’s spiral. An unbelievable, suffocating pressure unfurled instantly.

As if all the world’s winds converged.

A deafening crash!

An overwhelming presence stormed in, kicking Jeong Jung-san’s abdomen. A fierce shockwave erupted.

His breath choked off, Jeong Jung-san flew forward like a leaf in a gale. Tremendous leg strength.

A perfect strike. Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s eyes flashed as his black robes trailed long.

“Pathetic.”

A soft step.

He stood on the dust, muttering curtly.