Chapter 343 – Ranking Battle (4)

Preparation must come before departure.

Jeong Yeon-shin ate a lot. Blood Extreme Demon Jin Myeong-jo, who had recognized him immediately with eye techniques comparable to the Law Enforcement Squad Leader, had servants bring in more cooks.

The feast of Radiant Demon Wing, joined by Divine Sword Squad Vice Leader Yue Shou-lin, began like this.

The martial artists of Radiant Demon Wing, who followed the Lightning Genius martial lineage, were most familiar with their squad leader’s dignified manner of speech and Luminous Wheel energy.

They welcomed their matured squad leader warmly, despite finding his appearance unfamiliar.

It was home.

It had to be for anyone in Radiant Demon Wing.

Jeong Yeon-shin focused on Baek Mi-ryeo immediately upon his return. He had no choice. The Pure Demon Alliance Leader who had died was like an older sister to her.

She had lost a family member to the Ming Cult’s Young Sect Leader, who was now regarded as the embodiment of monstrous power.

Just as Baek Mi-ryeo and the rest of Radiant Demon Wing had filled Jeong Yeon-shin’s loneliness, he too wanted to be a source of strength for her.

—The paths were different. There’s no room for sympathy.

Baek Mi-ryeo was as cold as ever.

Bewitching Sword Demon that inherits the Heavenly Demon’s martial lineage and looks after the livelihood of the people. Although the martial artists of Desolate Fortress each have distinct temperaments, they share a common spirit.

—Just… if a mission to the west ever arises, I’d like to be sent alone. I need to visit the grave at least once.

At that time, Jeong Yeon-shin had simply nodded silently.

While using Samadhi True Fire to eliminate the overflowing wine that Yue Shou-lin kept pouring. He had thought about the members for his next mission the night before.

‘Brother and Hye-ah must be doing well. And the Administration Officer who went to Shaolin…’

The sleeve brushing against the marble desk felt rough.

He made his way toward the door, not looking at the Seventh Apostle as he walked.

His body, grown through transformation, never disobeyed his will in matters of martial arts, but it frequently triggered various sensations and impulses. This was something a grown man had to endure.

He opened the door and spoke.

“The Qi Energy Healing Circulation incantation should have been effective.”

Rustle.

The response came slowly. The sound of someone slowly turning on the bed. Was she doing this deliberately? The Seventh Apostle’s conduct kept Jeong Yeon-shin in his office a little longer.

“Our Grandmaster told me up to the second line, right? I remember that much clearly.”

“It was fifteen.”

“I must have forgotten again. Those Profound Martial Alliance people are really awful, aren’t they?”

Attacking in swarms like ants.

Her voice was gentle and nonchalant. But Jeong Yeon-shin was skilled at distinguishing truth from falsehood in the Seventh Apostle’s words and actions.

Even with all her skills in concealment, disguise, and various deception techniques, he could tell this was a lie.

“You’re not a monkey, are you?”

“Hmm?”

“Don’t move around carelessly. Zhu Lianting, whose arm you tore off, is a royal family member who may have built up considerable influence. Such people shouldn’t be judged by their martial prowess.”

This was indeed the case. She had been imprisoned by his grandfather yet was now out and about.

Given that none of the imperial figures Jeong Yeon-shin had encountered seemed lacking in political acumen, Zhu Lianting shouldn’t be dismissed as harmless even if she had lost her martial arts.

He was concerned the Seventh Apostle might catch her attention.

“As long as I stay out of sight, right?”

She replied with a hint of laughter.

Jeong Yeon-shin left the room without answering.

Absurdly, she was both unreliable and dependable. She was a supreme master who had cultivated Blood Flame Cult’s Elegant Lightness Skill to perfection.

Having mastered one of the world’s four finest movement techniques to the extreme, only a few Black-ranks with exceptional sensory achievements would be able to find the Seventh Apostle if she decided to hide.

‘Even if something happens…’

Even if something were to happen, with Jeong Yeon-shin’s current achievements, martial prowess, and justification, he could handle it.

He hadn’t forgotten his grandfather’s demeanor when speaking of uniqueness before royalty. Even his statement about receiving a favor from his grandson had been as stylish as Blood Extreme Demon.

“Take care.”

Jeong Yeon-shin left the Seventh Apostle’s farewell behind as he exited the building, mentally organizing how he should deal with her, beyond repaying his debt.

***

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

The Administration Office’s grand meeting hall.

“Information has come in that Namgung First Sword of the Martial Dragon Association is moving with the Yu Ling Leader. There are also rumors that the Dark Night Palace Leader, who has completed his retreat, made contact with them in South Zhili, and this coincides with the timing of the Peng family’s request for support to the Divine Sword Group Leader.”

The scholarly official with a good build spoke.

Grand Administrator Lin Jin-myeong. They were before the cracked round table.

Jeong Yeon-shin listened silently to the situation briefing. The state of the martial world had changed dramatically during his long absence.

There was much to learn for the sake of Desolate Fortress, which was like his family.

He slowly parted his lips.

“…Didn’t those two leaders of the Thirteen Evil Sects fall to the Group Leader’s Coiling Dragon Sword? If the Dark Night Palace Leader has risen from his seat, we should also consider the possibility that the Martial Dragon Alliance Leader has recovered.”

“Namgung First Sword and the Martial Dragon Alliance Leader leading the vanguard together… it’s hard to imagine anything more terrifying. But rumors are widespread that the Dark Night Palace Leader has some kind of ancient technique as a faded noble clan. Meanwhile, the Martial Dragon Association Leader is said to be a madman with nothing but martial arts. As a matter of honor, the Dark Night Palace Leader would have no loyalty to share his techniques with such a crude fellow.”

The Grand Administrator shook his head and added:

“The Sima Evil Path has never been known to cooperate.”

“But they’re doing so now, aren’t they? Taking advantage of the famine.”

“…We have no other options. Not only small and medium-sized sects, but even some major factions have begun collective uprisings long ago. The times are approaching chaos. We can only trust in the Group Leader Yong’s judgment and martial prowess…”

“……”

“With commoners starving to death or being plundered and killed throughout the land, and even the royal palaces sending representatives, it’s difficult to know where to place our hands.”

The Grand Administrator’s words sounded almost like a lament. Jeong Yeon-shin recalled the man whose sword hilt he had stepped on. The legitimate eldest son of King Qiong-ming, a distant relative of the current Emperor, called Sword Prestige Duke Zhu Zhe.

“What business brings the royal palace here?”

“They’re asking us to handle the northern frontier. The land ruled by the demon tribes and divine warriors.”

“Didn’t the Three Great Imperial Masters receive martial arts from the Emperor and set out?”

“Indeed they did. But this isn’t an unreasonable request. Because some of the most fertile lands are under their control… The north has many regions, doesn’t it?”

There weren’t enough hands, and the situation surrounding the main fortress was unfavorable… While Jeong Yeon-shin had returned to find Desolate Fortress seemingly celebrating with the Radiant Wing Step, it was mostly the effort of high-ranking officials trying to boost morale through divine skills.

Jeong Yeon-shin glanced at the sunlight breaking through the open ceiling and parted his lips.

“Haven’t we gathered enough Black-ranks now? Mission assignments need to happen quickly.”

He had no intention of staying at the main fortress for long.

This was different from usual. Unlike other times, the squad leaders who had lost contact during the mission to eliminate the Ming Cult’s Young Sect Leader had all shared martial arts with Jeong Yeon-shin.

They were martial brothers. The mystical resonance of the name Invincible Yelü Zhen also fueled his anxiety.

“As you’ve heard, after setting aside forces for main fortress defense, we must choose one of two major missions. The north or Ming Cult. Among the Black-rank officials with troublesome matters, none wish for the northern mission. They’re all like you, Squad Leader Jeong. Naturally, comrades come before the royal palace’s granary.”

“I heard there’s a competition when squad leaders want the same mission.”

“Yes. A general agreement has already been reached. Though the Sword Prestige Duke won’t be satisfied.”

“Combat duels won’t work.”

“Of course not. Not everyone has short decisive battle martial arts like you, Squad Leader Jeong. We can’t stake mission assignments on contests that might take countless exchanges. It will end quickly. After you and Vice Squad Leader Yue depart, they were discussing a few things among themselves…”

This meant that disputes over missions among squad leaders weren’t always resolved through fighting.

Recalling the scene of Xiahou Wei-jin being struck by his grandfather, Jeong Yeon-shin suddenly became curious. What method would they use?

It was then.

“This scroll, it’s your mission report, isn’t it?”

The Grand Administrator suddenly unrolled the scroll on the round table. Having only discussed official matters, there hadn’t been enough praise for the Radiant Demon Wing Leader.

A martial artist who had achieved great merit deserved appropriate recognition.

“The reports from Blood Extreme and Divine Spear were already quite interesting, but I’m curious about Squad Leader Jeong’s perspective. Let’s see… hmm?”

Those who handle paperwork for martial sects typically share a common habit. They first survey the entire content of a document.

This is because the contents of a scroll marked “urgent” might determine the life or death of several people.

The Grand Administrator’s eyes, which had quickly moved to the end of the text, widened.

At the same time, someone knocked on the door.

Judging by the presence, it was an Administration Office scribe. When Jeong Yeon-shin asked, they said someone had come from the tailor shop.

The tailor shop owner near Desolate Fortress not only bought and sold fabric but was also a cutter who wove thread with martial arts techniques. There were even rumors that he was a master of the incredibly swift Golden Thread Technique.

“It seems your fitted clothing has arrived. I’ll go down first.”

Jeong Yeon-shin said.

He had to leave the Grand Administrator, who seemed frozen in place. The young man immediately went downstairs and received his new black robe.

When he put it on, he could immediately tell it suited his new height. The golden “Desolate” character on his shoulder also seemed to have lengthened, like his hair.

After stroking the rough golden character once, the tailor shop owner with a battle-hardened face looked at him nervously.

“You wanted a large character when you were promoted… Is it not worthy of your reputation, Squad Leader?”

Jeong Yeon-shin, who had been about to say something, simply nodded slightly.

Though he now had the agility to easily evade Hyeon Won-chang’s hand movements, he couldn’t ask for it to be remade before his departure.

He just hoped this would be his last black robe.

***

Desolate Fortress central training ground.

Pine needles with a greenish tint were falling from the clear blue sky. A gentle spring breeze was also blowing lightly. The sensation against his skin was soft.

The process leading to the squad leader competition had proceeded swiftly.

Though the Black rank was higher than most official positions, all arrangements were completed in a single day.

Despite the vastness of the main fortress, the crowd that had gathered after hearing the news created a commotion. It was one of the few events in these tense times.

The massive dueling platform was surrounded by a bustling crowd of over a hundred people. This was despite the fact that no one who wasn’t an official martial artist of the main fortress was allowed in.

“Is that really the Radiant Demon Wing Leader? Truly?”

“I heard it clearly.”

“How is that possible?”

“He underwent bone transformation.”

All eyes were focused on one spot.

The young man with a sword whose handle was incongruously dented.

He had a body woven with elegant muscles, but a thin face.

It was difficult to find traces of the boy in that strange contrast. Except perhaps in his eyes, which gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight.

“He’s lost a lot of weight. I wonder how he’ll look when he regains his original features.”

“How powerful has he become?”

“Is that really that cute…”

“Lower your voice, fool.”

The reactions among the Desolate Fortress martial artists were varied.

Some showed disbelief, others exclaimed in amazement. Bone transformation at such a young age would inevitably seem miraculous to anyone.

Amid this, knowledgeable speculation arose.

“Divine Sword Squad Vice Leader, Wish-fulfilling Spring Squad Leader, Blood Guardian Leader, Law Enforcement Squad Leader, Netherworld Stream Squad Leader, Radiant Demon Wing Leader… the lineup is impressive.”

“The Obeying Heaven Squad Leader’s representative is also here.”

“They’re competing with movement techniques.”

“It’s fortunate that the Wish for Peace Sword Hall collapsed. We should thank the Wish-fulfilling Spring Squad Leader.”

“For movement techniques, wouldn’t Netherworld Stream Squad Leader have an advantage among the current squad leaders? How many are going together?”

“Blood Guardian Leader’s movement techniques aren’t that inferior to Netherworld Stream Squad Leader’s.”

“It’s a matter of specialties. There are very few martial ruffians in the martial world who have survived after seeing Blood Extreme Demon’s movements. They say he even had a duel with the Sword Prestige Duke recently. He endured nineteen forms, or rather…”

“Five hundred and nineteen forms.”

It was an articulate voice. The White-rank martial artists who had been conversing turned slightly and were startled.

Radiant Demon Wing Leader Lightning Genius had somehow passed behind them.

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly climbed onto the dueling platform.

Two people were waiting. They stood facing each other in a triangular formation.

The reason these high-ranking Black officials were arranged like street performers wasn’t complicated.

The martial world in chaos approaching troubled times. It was to boost the morale of Desolate Fortress martial artists who had become targets throughout the world. By showcasing the power of the squad leaders once again… ‘They say the Radiant Wing Step became popular.’

Jeong Yeon-shin glanced at the tall woman in black robes who was stamping her feet on one side. Wish-fulfilling Spring Squad Leader Beigong Ya. After hearing about the competition, her long limbs seemed somewhat threatening.

“Hmm?”

Their gazes met. A bluish light flashed in Beigong Ya’s eyes.

“I almost gouged out my eyeballs earlier. For mentioning the Radiant Wing Step without recognizing its origin.”

“Senior Beigong’s Radiant Wing Step is not something to be disparaged.”

Jeong Yeon-shin replied calmly. At the same time, the corner of Beigong Ya’s mouth rose slightly.

“A branch is still a branch. Since the original isn’t terrible, my Radiant Wing Four Steps probably won’t devour your martial arts. Oh, though I am a few steps ahead right now.”

Krrrng—

She pulled both elbows back in place. Simultaneously, a heavy energy wave spread from her back muscles, which were clearly connected. It was close to a shockwave.

“Did you say Four Steps?”

“There were many places to expand. Because your Step was so profound.”

“Four Steps.”

Jeong Yeon-shin quietly repeated. Beigong Ya, who glanced at him, took one step forward.

“Your child has grown up, so to speak. Let’s mix our footwork. Someone has to depart before midnight.”

“Very well.”

A rare, clear curve formed on Jeong Yeon-shin’s lips.

Thud.

A competition to change the opponent’s appearance with movement techniques. He took one step forward under the brightly breaking sunlight, feeling Beigong Ya’s gaze fixed on the Flowing Star Sword at his waist.