Chapter 298 – Lotus (17)

No answer was heard.

“……”

After briefly looking down at the wild boar, Jeong Yeon-shin surveyed his surroundings without softening his gaze.

It was extremely quiet.

The ground covered in dry pine needles and white snow concealed the presence of any unwelcome guests.

In the vast silence, it was difficult to guess where someone hiding their presence might be.

They seemed to have completely suppressed their energy waves to the realm of returning to simplicity, blending into the surroundings without even a breeze blowing.

‘What is the range of mind-controlled sword?’

He inwardly calculated. It was the stance one should take when a powerful figure walking the wilderness encounters another powerful figure.

This was especially true when facing mind-controlled sword, which far surpassed the speed of even the swiftest swords.

Crunch.

The snow crunched underfoot. It was because he had slightly spread his feet following the principles of Myriad Heavens Flower Rain.

The current Radiant Demon Wing Leader kept his hand lightly on his sword hilt as he warily surveyed his surroundings.

‘What could be the intention?’

Mind-controlled sword is an extremely high-level technique.

Even after activating his eye technique, he could not reverse-engineer the principles of mind-controlled sword demonstrated by Baek Seo-gun.

This was not strange. Mind-controlled sword was said to be a realm of imbuing one’s mental image into the sword.

A technique that went a step beyond the realm of internal energy techniques. One who had refined mind-controlled sword could be called an immortal.

‘It felt strangely familiar.’

Even if mind-controlled sword left almost no energy waves as a marvel, it still left behind extremely faint remnants of power fluctuations.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s senses, which perceived energy waves like sword strikes, clearly recognized this.

With that, he immediately recalled Heart Martial Alliance’s Sword Ghost. The principles of mind-controlled sword were certainly not a common skill.

“Sword Ghost, come out.”

He said. This was after witnessing Fan Dragon’s death and seeing two of his black-rank seniors wounded.

With the shocking piercing wound of Divine Blood Extreme Demon Jin Myeong-jo still vivid in his mind, his voice came out somewhat dry.

“I have no intention of turning my back and leaving you behind. Come and talk.”

Jeong Yeon-shin had to maintain thorough conduct as a squad leader under the Divine Sword Group.

He could not show his back to an extremely powerful supreme master whose position had been identified. That was the meaning behind his words.

“……”

Silence continued for a moment.

Soon, irritation began to creep up from Jeong Yeon-shin’s Baihui acupoint. What was this about?

It was then.

“You are a very kind child.”

A woman’s somewhat hoarse voice rang out.

Woong.

A heavy sword cry resounded from the distant sky to the right. Jeong Yeon-shin had already raised his head.

A noble swordswoman was descending on her sword.

“You said you could not leave without me… Did you keep that in your heart?”

It was a mystical figure. mind-controlled sword made even the Sword Venerable of the Heart Martial Alliance Sect appear like an immortal.

The wind parting with a hiss from the sword blade was like the hem of splendid ceremonial robes, and that appearance matched well with Baek Seo-gun’s rough bearing.

She parted her lips again. It was while not meeting Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes.

“There is no need for you to repay any debt regarding Ghost Soul Divine Sword.”

She spoke in a low voice, as if muttering to herself.

‘What is she saying?’

Jeong Yeon-shin listened half-heartedly as he stared upward.

Swimming Heaven Sword Ghost Baek Seo-gun.

Her hair, dyed half-white due to the power of her heart technique, was still short.

Though enough time had passed for Jeong Yeon-shin’s black hair to reach his shoulder blades, the ends of her grayish hair still swayed just below her nape.

As if time had stopped since the day they first met.

It was a sight difficult to achieve without regularly cutting one’s hair. The second-in-command of Heart Martial Alliance was said to normally keep her hair wild like a lion’s mane.

‘Did I create an unnecessary weakness for her back then?’

The current Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s insight, honed by years of experience, shone through.

There was nothing else to consider. While feeling the cool sword energy of Northern Light Divine Sword at his fingertips, Jeong Yeon-shin inwardly furrowed his brow.

‘She’s wary of close combat exchanges.’

A meticulous supreme master is difficult to defeat easily.

Great effort must be put into breaking down martial arts and analyzing protective energy structures. This was especially true when facing the second-ranked swordswoman of the Thirteen Evil Sects’ Heart Martial Alliance.

“I heard about you from Mount Hua Sect’s leader as well. Tell me why you’re following me. Do you want to fight to the death?”

He asked. He still had not relaxed his stance that was on the verge of assuming a sword technique.

Swish.

Baek Seo-gun’s leather shoes touched the ground.

The sight of her not sinking into the snow despite stepping on it was impressive. It was the realm of treading snow without leaving traces.

From mind-controlled sword to her protective energy, she seemed more like a noble clan member than other renowned masters. It was possible the martial arts she had learned were from that lineage.

“I have no reason to fight you to the death. At least not now.”

“Tell me the reason.”

Jeong Yeon-shin, standing still, urged her to answer.

The Sword Venerable’s conduct was different from before. It was not the appearance of one who spoke boisterously while pouring drinks.

It was difficult to find the Swimming Heaven Sword Ghost of Heart Martial Alliance in her face as she lowered her head slightly.

“……”

Her hesitant breathing was long. White steam rose and dissipated repeatedly from Baek Seo-gun’s lips.

If Jeong Yeon-shin had activated Ultimate Thunder, the lotus would have already disappeared. He might even be massaging his muscles from the aftereffects by now.

‘What is it?’

Wariness arose at her appearance of still not even meeting his gaze. Had the Sword Ghost incorporated even the principles of time into the realm of the sword?

Heart Martial Alliance Leader Military King Martial Emperor was said to dominate space and time with the principles of a blunt sword that did not allow evasion.

‘If she doesn’t answer again, I’ll have to strike first. Ultimate Thunder activation is unavoidable against this opponent.’

It was just as Jeong Yeon-shin was about to open his mouth again.

“I.”

The Sword Venerable of Henan spoke first.

“I… was… your father, Jeong Pan-yue’s… maid.”

The reason for her hesitation became clear. A person who had become dignified by the sword alone was speaking of her origins.

She was the sword ghost of the Heart Martial Alliance. How difficult must it be to confess her status to one who inherited her master’s bloodline?

She was not approaching with lies.

Unlike when facing those with malicious intent, Jeong Yeon-shin’s upper dantian remained calm.

As he grew older, unlike his white and blue periods, it was becoming easier to handle its abilities, but at this moment there was no reaction at all.

This meant it was the truth.

However, the feelings of Heart Martial Alliance’s Sword Venerable were not important to the current Radiant Demon Wing Leader.

It did not even take time to accept. Perhaps because something else that needed to be asked first came to mind?

He immediately said:

“I know you had a connection with Jeong Family Head. You mentioned it before.”

His tone was even. It was a manner of speaking that did not treat it as a significant matter.

Baek Seo-gun’s lips twitched slightly. She had accompanied Jeong Family Head’s second son in Shaanxi’s Xi’an for a long time… She knew what kind of environment the youngest Jeong Yeon-shin had grown up in. The conduct he was showing now came across as consideration that had become ingrained in his body after being downtrodden for a long time.

‘Ah.’

The face looking at her blankly overlapped with the appearance of him displaying the sword energy of Go Player Contending for Victory.

The boy who had plunged both Swordswoman Baek Seo-gun and Maid Baek Seo-gun into long anguish had, at the moment of reunion, let her shame flow away with a great vessel.

Baek Seo-gun’s lips parted slightly without thinking.

“…You are different from Pan-yue. Your capacity is greater than his. Your appearance will likely become so as well.”

“That’s nonsense. Have you perhaps seen my mother?”

“No. I left before Jeong Pan-yue was married. After obtaining the cultivation technique that would become my innate martial arts, I abandoned the family that had raised me.”

“Then that’s fine. Live well. I won’t kill you now.”

Because the timing is not good. Jeong Yeon-shin concluded his words roughly and quickly withdrew his interest.

Yue Shou-lin and Blood Guardian Squad Leader Jin were waiting. If he entered a prolonged battle with the Sword Venerable, it would be difficult to guarantee the outcome.

“Thank you for the wild boar.”

The Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s gaze brushed past Baek Seo-gun indifferently before turning to the dead animal. Baek Seo-gun clearly felt it.

At the same time, the sword tip of the divine sword floating beside her trembled slightly. mind-controlled sword was a technique greatly influenced by mental imagery.

‘You wish to repay the debt to the end. With such improved martial prowess, as a Desolate Fortress black-rank, you could have aimed for this neck.’

At this moment, Jeong Family’s Lightning Genius appeared to her as an impregnable fortress more difficult to enter than any citadel.

To fill her self-esteem as a Sword Venerable, she needed to gain the favor of the current Radiant Demon Wing Leader, but there was no way to break through at all. She had to say something.

“I’m sorry. I judged you carelessly and spoke recklessly. I shouldn’t have spoken of Pan-yue to you. You are someone who grew up alone…”

“I grew up with my mother. It’s not for you to be concerned about. If you were originally my father’s maid, you would have become a wet nurse to my brothers, not me. Our fates would not have intersected.”

Thud.

Jeong Yeon-shin, who had grabbed the wild boar’s front leg and slung it over his shoulder, said:

“There were no talented people among the servants given to me. Most had outstanding hearts. Either indifferent or warm.”

“……”

“Don’t move until I take a hundred steps. If I sense any change in your presence, I’ll consider it a preemptive strike.”

Thud.

It was as he took a step.

“Mind-controlled sword.”

“What?”

“I’ll teach you the mind-controlled sword technique.”

***

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

At the venue of the Shanxi martial arts tournament.

“Would Roaring Dragon Sword of Azure Sky Sect please come to the arena!”

A man in scholar’s attire shouted from atop the greatly fragmented arena.

There were more murmurs than cheers at the gathering.

Many in the crowd remained even after the commotion that had occurred earlier.

Most were either aristocrats with seats under the awnings, merchants seeking connections with martial sects, or wealthy individuals wandering in search of rare spectacles in a world lacking entertainment.

In times of famine, such an assembly of influential figures does not easily disperse.

Thud thud thud thud.

However, not a small number of people and horses were descending the hill, kicking up dust.

Some messenger pigeons, close to spiritual beings, were also taking flight with rolled up documents tied to them.

Those hastily writing letters with quick brushstrokes were also commonly seen, their muttering as they wielded their brushes seeming to prioritize accuracy of content delivery over secrecy.

“Desolate Fortress black-rank appears… current Radiant Demon Wing Leader… kills Valor Fist Lord Yan Family’s First Fist… One of Desolate Fortress Divine Sword Group’s top forces has headed north, may clash with Zhuge Clan Leader in the future…”

“Be sure to ask the elder about the aftermath following the death of a Desolate Fortress squad leader.”

“Write that we must closely monitor the movements of Desolate Fortress’s main castle in Hubei. Thoroughly investigate changes in the number of carriages entering and leaving, and receive a reply within forty days even if the horses and riders cough blood.”

“Don’t worry needlessly. They’re just being overly cautious. Desolate Fortress can’t easily spare more than three squad leader-level personnel right now. Rather, we should first send a letter to Zhuge Clan Leader’s Transcendence City Sect to cover up the death of Yan Family’s First Fist. Write that we did our best to try to stop the Radiant Demon Wing Leader. Hurry!”

It was a voice that could be heard even from the hill beyond where the arena was located.

At least to Lazy Flame Dragon with his extremely powerful internal energy.

Standing with one leg crossed on a spot overlooking the Shanxi aristocrats’ feast, he stroked his chin before turning his head slightly to the side.

“Why are you so dejected? You said he was similar to your brother, is he perhaps a direct descendant and you’re a collateral branch?”

“It’s actually the opposite…”

Hyeon Won-chang shook his head.

“It’s a bit difficult to talk about right now. My thoughts aren’t organized.”

“Do as you please. Just keep your pocket safe.”

Lazy Flame Dragon chuckled before turning his head. Hyeon Won-chang, as if understanding, reached behind his waist and snatched a letter.

As he unfolded it with both hands, vigorous handwriting that seemed about to fly off the page was revealed.

[You’ve grown well. Let’s meet at the Yan family home where we used to train in the Ghost Eating Great Technique together. You can bring your companions. I know the location of Transcendence City Sect’s headquarters that Zhuge Clan Leader has established.]

It was a letter from Slaughter Chivalry.

***

On a night shrouded in twilight.

The snow-covered ground shimmered faintly in the moonlight.

Crack, crackle.

A campfire crackled as it burned. Though the sound of flames colliding was noisy, there was no particular smell.

This was because the samadhi true fire originating from the Luminous Wheel that Transcends Law Technique had mystically dried the firewood. Amidst the irregular silence, only the firelight that the group was basking in grew deeper.

“This is quite undignified.”

A man leaning against a tree suddenly spoke.

His pale complexion stood out due to his pitch-black robe being pulled up to just below his neck.

He was still wearing the jet-black clothes close to a wind-breaking robe, with a black one-armed cloak draped over him like a blanket. It was the current Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s attire.

“I heard parts of it were woven with heavenly silkworm thread. I’m glad it’s helping even like this. We’ve managed to escape Zhuge Clan Leader’s domain as well.”

Jeong Yeon-shin, sitting across from him along with Yue Shou-lin, spoke calmly.

His senior, despite possessing profound internal energy, was losing body heat.

Jin Myeong-jo, born of a noble bloodline, was gradually recovering from his wounds. Even though the injuries left by Zhuge Clan Leader had been close to fatal.

‘I probably won’t be able to learn that regenerative ability. It must have been honed through cultivation as well…’

It was truly extraordinary.

“Aren’t you going to absorb energy?”

“Animal blood is sufficient.” … “I thought the urge was usually too strong to resist.”

“What foolish reasoning. Do not compare your senior’s cultivation to that of a mere blood demon. The dignity of One Sword of Ten Thousand Miles is supreme.”

Jin Myeong-jo spoke coldly.

With his entire body wrapped in pitch-black robes, he looked like a large bat, yet the temperament emanating from his whole being seemed more refined than even most noble aristocrats.

It was a bearing that could not help but inspire admiration in his juniors.

“There is something I must tell both of you, seniors.”

“Huh?”

Yue Shou-lin, who had been nodding off against a tree trunk, responded.

She babbled in a sluggish voice.

“Are you perhaps talking about the swordsman I was about to skewer?”