Chapter 296 – Lotus (15)

‘I must fulfill my duty.’

Jeong Yeon-shin thought. And he recalled his seniors.

Divine Blood Extreme Demon Jin Myeong-jo was already tracking Zhuge Clan Leader’s location with his uniquely broad energy sense. This was accompanied by his stealth technique that even the Tyrant Sword Sect Leader couldn’t detect.

He couldn’t simply assume that the absolute master of mystical martial arts wouldn’t descend upon this place.

Yue Shou-lin and Jin Myeong-jo would have to keep Zhuge Clan Leader in check.

‘They might have clashed by now.’

He had seen Zhuge Clan Leader display his prowess at the Martial Alliance meeting. He also knew how formidable Yue Shou-lin and Jin Myeong-jo were.

Desolate Spear and Divine Blood Extreme Demon working together could survive anywhere.

They could guarantee absolute survival even in treacherous wilderness, so no one could criticize how they conducted themselves in the world.

The two seniors were known as stern masters even within Desolate Fortress. Enough to scold their junior if he tarnished the main branch’s honor here.

‘I must not become an embarrassing junior to Senior Jin.’

While he moved his steps, no one else moved.

Swish.

Only the occasional sound of his torn black robe hem brushing against itself could be heard.

This remained true even as he retrieved the secret manual from Yan Hwa-ryeon’s bosom, closed her eyes, and moved her body.

“Huh…”

Only after the Radiant Demon Wing Leader approached one side of the aristocrats’ awnings did the silence break.

“The black-rank of the Desolate Fortress… truly lives up to its reputation.”

“They say there are only seventeen in the vast Desolate Fortress, but now I understand how one so young became a black-rank.”

“Let us return. We have seen all there is to see.”

“From this moment, severely punish those who violate martial etiquette. Tell them not to venture outside carelessly. We must focus on securing our gates for the time being.”

“The peerless gauntlet of Zhuge Clan Leader has been shattered. I do not know what will become of Shanxi now…”

More and more people began to speak. This came with the stirring presence of some aristocrats who began to move busily.

The conclusion of a life-or-death duel that would become a major topic in any region of the martial world had been reached.

A black-rank from Desolate Fortress had killed a supreme master from the Eight Great Clans, so those with power now had to prepare for the aftermath.

Many were leaving the venue with darkened expressions.

“I would like her to be buried.”

Jeong Yeon-shin paid no attention to the various crickets chirping around him.

Swish.

He lifted Yan Hwa-ryeon’s body and handed it to a tall woman. It was toward the one known in the world as Iron Flower Sword Phoenix Gongya Jeong.

The young family head slightly lowered her eyelids.

“Are you not a black-rank from Desolate Fortress? You may look down on me. If our family has committed any discourtesy during your stay…”

Her tone remained soft with faint modulation. Befitting the young family head of a house with strict propriety.

As she raised her hands covered in calluses to receive the body, even the rustling sound of her sleeves brushing against each other felt refined.

“You deserve to be addressed with respect.”

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke while concealing the cold sweat forming on his nape.

Every time he faced this person, he felt the vastness of time.

It was due to her innate stone-like sensibility and rock-like temperament.

Just her attitude of speaking about ten years showed she was inherently superior to him; compared to the Gongya young family head, he was a mayfly living for a day.

He often felt melancholic due to the inferiority complex that arose whenever he saw her. It might be better to walk through a forest filled with monkeys wielding knives.

The martial world. While the antics of those gesturing like monkeys might be incomprehensible, they were at least entertaining to watch.

“Where will you be heading?”

He received the question at eye level.

Her height was similar to Jeong Yeon-shin’s. This remained true even though his limbs had grown considerably longer.

“I must walk northward.”

Jeong Yeon-shin answered vaguely. The positions and movements of Desolate Fortress black-ranks were fundamentally classified.

“You are welcome to return and stay anytime. Su will be waiting.”

The tranquility in her black eyes befitted her status as an aristocratic family’s noble.

To Jeong Yeon-shin, what felt stone-like was that her pupils reminded him of obsidian. Perhaps it was the temperament of the Gongya family head standing silently behind her.

Among the Shanxi aristocrats, only the father and daughter maintained calm expressions.

Others could not meet the gaze of Desolate Fortress’s Radiant Demon Wing Leader. Astonishment and uneasiness that they couldn’t fully hide showed on their faces.

“Please, please come back…”

Second Young Master Gongya Su was slightly peeking out from behind the family head. He seemed less bold than before.

It appeared more like he was shy about stepping forward rather than wary of Desolate Fortress’s Radiant Demon Wing Leader. This didn’t match his sharply upturned eyes.

“I will see you soon.”

Jeong Yeon-shin casually waved his hand and turned around.

If Zhuge Clan Leader couldn’t be found, he would need to check on the Gongya family. This was necessary considering both the mission and his duty.

The aftermath of this place would be handled by Radiant Demon Wing colleagues.

Now that he had spent a short time here, his doubts about his seniors’ whereabouts were gradually deepening.

Pak!

From the tip of his foot that stamped the ground, the energy wave of Ten Li Gentle Light lightness skill shattered white.

***

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

On one side of the tournament grounds where the crowd was still stirring.

The Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s figure rapidly receded.

In the moment it took for everyone to blink once, he had become a black dot.

The quality of a powerful figure racing across the wilderness emanated from his increasingly invisible back.

His features, becoming more distinct as he entered his growth period, were also characteristic.

Even the backwind from his lightness skill felt like a divine breeze. At least to some common people.

“They say the black-rank supreme masters of Desolate Fortress use lightness skills like teleportation…”

“It’s hard to believe even after seeing it.”

“Hey, you. Did you see his appearance? He must be an immortal, not a human.”

“Pray for our family’s longevity! Think of the ten symbols of longevity! The ten symbols of longevity!”

[TL Note- The sun, clouds, water, rocks, pine trees, bamboo, herb of eternal youth, deer, turtles and cranes all symbolize permanent existence or immortality.]

Some spectators even bowed as if facing a mountain god. Some aristocrats looked at this behavior with distaste.

However, they couldn’t intervene as forcefully as they would in their own territories. This was because they feared there might be subordinates of the Radiant Demon Wing Leader around.

It was then.

“It seems this has no owner. I should take it on a martial world tour and deliver it directly to the family of the concerned party…”

A middle-aged man cleared his throat and stepped forward.

He was heading toward the dharma treasure, the pebble that Yan Hwa-ryeon had thrown away. It had now been flung far away by the aftermath of the battle between supreme masters.

It had rolled to about his feet. Faint dust rose slightly.

The aristocrat man did not hide his greed.

His demeanor, brazenly cutting through knife-like gazes, was extraordinary. So was his blue silk robe that gleamed… He seemed to be someone of dignified status, but only his occasional glances toward the distant mountains were cautious. It was the direction in which the Radiant Demon Wing Leader had disappeared.

Thud, thud.

The dharma treasures of the world are known to have strange uses or to choose their owners.

Among them, there was also a saying that the first to pick it up becomes its owner. Since Yan Hwa-ryeon, who had been its owner, was dead, anyone could covet it.

Whoosh!

The Radiant Demon Wing masters who had been watching from afar raced toward him. The footwork of the protective energy technique was incredibly fast.

“A turtle-like fellow showing his lack of education in broad daylight! Are you not ashamed!”

“He wants to melt to death. It makes this young master’s eyes rot.”

“Hey! Stop! Hey! There’s a limit to splashing filth!”

The voices of three men and women were distinct as they activated their martial arts. This fundamentally meant their true energy control was excellent.

“What is with the martial arts of young people these days…?”

“What, what is this?”

“Move aside! They’re coming from behind!”

The surrounding crowd scattered in panic, gradually widening the gap.

The lightness skill charge that seemed like they would fly yet made no sound, the heat that distorted the winter air as if it were high noon in summer, and the white energy waves that occasionally flashed all fiercely converged.

The ownership of the artifact wasn’t important. The problem was that a daylight thief was going to mark the end of Jeong Yeon-shin’s life-or-death duel.

Lazy Flame Dragon was overwhelmingly fast.

Whoosh!

For every step he took, Hyeon Won-chang and Shin So-bin fell two or four steps behind.

This was due to the differences in their specialties, ages, physical conditions, and martial arts achievements.

Right now, Lazy Flame Dragon, using the extreme yang power of the Scorching Divine Meridian to deploy the Brilliant Algae Heavenly King Scripture, was about to arrive first.

The lightness skill technique that only the Hwangbo family’s direct line learns. White steam rose with each step he took on the ground, accompanied by a burning smell.

“Those are…?”

The aristocrat man who was startled at the sight finally bent over.

The hand he extended toward the pebble was quite large. Perhaps he was a powerful figure who held significant influence in Shanxi, as formless energy rippled between his fingers.

‘In times of famine, what place is there for propriety? Righteousness and chivalry are dead. In the martial world, one who cannot secure what is theirs is destined to die away from home.’

The middle-aged man smiled.

Though the approaching figures’ achievements were impressive, their faces were unfamiliar. The distance was also great.

On the other hand, this place that the Radiant Demon Wing Leader had left was rightfully the domain of the Shanxi aristocrats.

With all the local aristocratic masters on his side, there was no reason to fear and avoid the artifact out of premature fear.

‘I should take this to Zhuge Clan Leader. How could even a black-rank from Desolate Fortress withstand his wrath? My conduct is correct.’

The man thought as he placed his hand toward the pebble.

Those who weren’t completely ignorant of worldly affairs knew that Desolate Fortress was severely short-handed. With Zhuge Clan Leader’s protection, there was no reason to fear.

If such a force had pursued the path of tyranny like the old Ming Cult, the situation would have been different, but in today’s martial world facing chaotic times, it was difficult to find powerful figures who didn’t run rampant.

“Your lightness skills are quite impressive, but luck is not on your side.”

He sneered as he grabbed the dharma treasure.

Or so he thought. Suddenly, a cold sensation entered his grasp.

Pook.

When he blinked once, a strange object appeared. It was a bluish sword energy. No, it would be more accurate to call it the handle of a dagger.

In an instant, the blade had pierced through the back of his hand. The aftermath of the sword draw belatedly caused a cool gust.

“Aaaaargh!”

The aristocrat man who raised his head screamed. An immense pain surged as if dozens of long needles had sprouted inside his hand.

It was unclear whether it was due to the mysterious use of true energy waves or poison applied to the dagger.

Thud.

It sounded next to the middle-aged man.

Along with the light footsteps, a melodious singing voice rang out clearly.

[The sword-lit lotus is dazzlingly bright,

Yet the dust covering the martial world remains hazy.]

It was a tune that elevated the sword of the Radiant Demon Wing Leader and the name of Yan Hwa-ryeon, while trampling on the dignity of the aristocrat man.

A man who had somehow taken a position next to the middle-aged man.

Wearing a translucent black bamboo hat and covering his lower face with black silk.

He had a remarkably high nose bridge and eyes that anyone would find bold and heroic.

Hyeon Won-chang, who had been running with elegant footwork from afar, startled.

“Slaughter Chivalry? It’s Slaughter Chivalry from Blazing Moon Great Slaughter Sect!”

“Young Master! Look over here, just once please!”

“Hey, Sect Leader Guan! Is it difficult for you to move? I’ll come right over to you!”

“You rascal! What safety do you think you have to make such an outrageous sword draw! You’re being insolent again!”

The surroundings instantly became chaotic. It was as if they were facing a rare celebrity in this vast land.

While some people, young and old, male and female, showed broad smiles or admiring gazes, the aristocrats expressed obvious displeasure and placed their hands on their weapons.

Slaughter Chivalry did not remove his smile.

“Sect Leader Guan has ruined my artistic mood. I was applauding after witnessing a refined duel, but isn’t this person acting too outrageously?”

“That judgment is not yours to make!”

“The martial arts tournament should continue. Family Head Gui still cannot distinguish between excrement and urine.”

The aristocrats’ energy waves rapidly surged with his seemingly respectful yet mocking reply. All sorts of curses accompanied it.

“You stay right there.”

“Do you think our sect has ignored your actions out of fear of Blazing Moon Great Slaughter Sect?”

Amid the strong winds branching out in all directions, dozens of people slowly began to approach. Their footsteps were loud with fierce energy.

Rather than punishing the arrogant young master of the later generation, they seemed to be aiming for the pebble at Slaughter Chivalry’s feet.

“Idiots.”

Slaughter Chivalry muttered indifferently. He was tapping the handle of the long sword at his waist with his index finger. Even this small gesture was strangely stylish.

By this time, the Radiant Demon Wing masters had occupied one corner of the tournament grounds.

Lazy Flame Dragon stared at Slaughter Chivalry.

“What is that? He looks familiar.”

“……”

Hyeon Won-chang did not answer. He only glanced at Slaughter Chivalry with a deeply sunken expression… It was an unusually subdued appearance, causing Shin So-bin, who stood with her arms confidently folded, to tilt her head.

“He looks a bit older. Is he Senior Great Tongue Sword’s brother?”

“…Similar.”

At this small mumble, Lazy Flame Dragon shook his head.

“Never mind that, I need to deal with these aristocrat nobodies first. The one who looks like a brother doesn’t seem inclined to pick up the dharma treasure.”

Slaughter Chivalry and the Shanxi power holders.

Even with some aristocrats like the Gongya family trying to mediate, they wouldn’t listen. It was a confrontation on the brink of explosion.

Like thunderbolt bombs about to detonate, overlapping energy waves from various places were once again shaking the ruined tournament grounds.

Boom, boom boom.

“This won’t be easy…?”

Just as Shin So-bin, who had clenched her fists, was cracking her finger joints.

[Tell me the whereabouts of the Radiant Demon Wing Leader.]

It rang out from high above.

Along with a somewhat husky woman’s voice, the sunlight was blocked. It felt as if a momentary solar eclipse had arrived.

That wasn’t it.

A woman standing on her sword was looking down from above.

As her gray sleeves covering both hands swayed nobly, her hair, which came down to her nape, shook with a half-white luster.

Tremendously dense energy spread strand by strand from her gray robe and short hair.

Mind-controlled sword.

The eyes of the Radiant Demon Wing masters widened.

“Sword Venerable, Baek Seo-gun…!”

At Hyeon Won-chang’s whispered mutter, the crowd scattered in panic.

The supreme masters of the Thirteen Evil Sects are regarded as living monsters. This was especially true for the second-in-command of the Heart Martial Alliance.

As the aristocrats’ energy waves instantly subsided, Slaughter Chivalry’s black pupils stared at Baek Seo-gun.

It was as if his eyes contained jet-black lightning. It was the discernment of a supreme assassin with eye technique.

In that fleeting moment, he scrutinized every detail of Baek Seo-gun’s expression, not missing her slightly lowered eyebrows, slightly furrowed brow, and even the temperament emanating from her eyes.

This continued until she turned her head to look down at the Radiant Demon Wing masters.

Then.

Slaughter Chivalry’s eyes curved narrowly.

“He went that way, and I believe this dharma treasure now belongs to the Radiant Demon Wing Leader.”

After gesturing toward the ground where the pebble lay, he raised his unusually long finger to point in the direction Jeong Yeon-shin had flown.

His speech had become extremely archaic. He seemed to be mocking the aristocrats.