Chapter 413 – Beijing (5)

The rumor that the Divine Sword Group Leader and the Radiant Demon Wing Leader had arrived in Beijing was the talk of the town.

It was on the lips of all sorts of people regardless of clan or status, from the powerful to commoners and martial artists.

Desolate Fortress.

The imperial martial faction that protects the people’s livelihood in the martial world.

Regardless of the recent behavior of the seventeen squad leaders under the Divine Sword Group, it generates countless stories, whether positive or negative.

Unlike other government offices, it brings blood winds and boldness wherever it goes.

Even today, Jeong Yeon-shin heard whispers evaluating his appearance from outside.

That’s how much interest there was in the Divine Sword Group.

Among them, the owner of the Entering Divine Sword is known as a status that even the highest first-rank officials would find difficult to request a private audience with.

Upon setting foot in Beijing, permission to enter the palace should be granted immediately. This was true even for the Forbidden City, said to be the most difficult palace to enter in the world.

But.

This time was different.

Yong Hui-myeong, Jeong Yeon-shin, and Yeon So-ha had to stay in Desolate Fortress’s hall in Beijing for more than three days.

The hall couldn’t be called a place of low status.

With more than a dozen servants sweeping, cleaning, and managing the inner quarters and courtyard, and a Blue-rank Martial Artist from the main fortress residing as a host to receive guests.

But it was certainly not a place where the Desolate Fortress Divine Sword Group Leader should be killing time without even being granted permission to enter the palace.

They called it Beijing politics.

Using the time it takes for an audience to make one recognize the weight of their transgressions.

But whether this was the Emperor’s directive, or something done by whoever was in charge of internal affairs while he was away, was unknown.

‘Either way, it won’t be easy.’

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly regulated his breathing.

His long exhalation dispersed with the wind. Along with the dust that had risen thickly once before.

Since entering Beijing until now, it had been a series of defeats.

Yong Hui-myeong, who had said they should refine their martial arts, truly exchanged moves with Jeong Yeon-shin.

They engaged in martial competitions with restrictions on the amount of energy they could use, in the form of sword techniques, fist techniques, and a mixture of both.

In the process, Jeong Yeon-shin lost to Yong Hui-myeong several times.

It was natural, if anything. But it was only enjoyable because there was so much to gain from each fight.

At times, he would vaguely glimpse insights into the Transcendent Martial Art, making the visit of these uninvited guests rather unwelcome at this moment.

“When someone who has mastered the Dynamic Technique takes such a deep breath.”

Yong Hui-myeong laughed with his back to the main gate.

“Isn’t it frightening?”

He said glibly.

Saaaa—

The purple robe wrapped around the Divine Sword Group Leader fluttered gently with the wind.

His appearance, unconcerned with the presence of the official emitting tremendous pressure behind him, seemed quite fitting to Jeong Yeon-shin.

“May we begin again here?”

Jeong Yeon-shin asked quietly. This was because the attire of the figure stepping on the threshold at this moment was extraordinary.

A magnificent red official robe, with a dark hat sternly covering the head.

Even at the waist was a belt embroidered with golden patterns, its surface gleaming like a blade, suggesting it was a soft sword.

When unfolded, it would transform into a whip-like flexible blade.

Someone who enters and exits the imperial palace wearing a weapon like clothing.

This would be impossible without the Emperor’s permission. It must be someone who directly serves the imperial decree.

“That fellow, I mean the Chief Ceremonial Eunuch, seems to be bothering you? You treated the gazes of Beijing noble clan ladies who have cultivated considerable martial arts like a stone Buddha, yet…”

Yong Hui-myeong playfully nodded his head.

Jeong Yeon-shin didn’t bother to answer that those ladies were no different from stones to him.

When he went on the mission to slay the Zhuge Clan Leader, he had become a true adult after seeing the quality of enduring a thousand years of worldly storms in the Gongya family siblings.

“Yes, what brings the Chief Eunuch here, who gave no response despite our messages?”

Yong Hui-myeong asked as he turned his body.

“……”

A moment of silence passed. The area around the main gate of the hall, which had been deliberately left open at Yong Hui-myeong’s instruction, had been crowded until now, but at present, there were only the Chief Ceremonial Eunuch and one eunuch. Both were from noble clans.

‘Hmm?’

Suddenly, a look of pleasure formed in Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes. This was because he had made eye contact with the noble clan eunuch attending the Chief Ceremonial Eunuch.

A figure who had given Jeong Yeon-shin the mystical swallow White Swallow when he was summoned by the Crown Prince during his Black-rank days.

“Lord Ming, have you been well? I’ve been making good use of White Swallow. We’ve even become quite close.”

“…I’ve been well.”

His single phrase seemed to contain the hardships of a lifetime. A faint doubt crossed Jeong Yeon-shin’s face.

“Upon arriving in Beijing.”

The Chief Ceremonial Eunuch opened her mouth.

“I wondered how you could sit so leisurely.”

When her bluish eyes briefly took in Jeong Yeon-shin, he felt a certain chill.

It befitted a high official whose aura permeated her being. Someone who manages people’s lives and the great affairs of the country with words and writing.

“I didn’t expect to find you enjoying the nurturing of disciples. A Divine Sword Group Leader.”

The Chief Ceremonial Eunuch concluded while adjusting her sleeve.

“What nonsense you speak.”

Laughter flowed from Yong Hui-myeong’s back as he faced her.

“Nurturing a martial artist who is already close to completion? That’s an insult to the Radiant Demon Wing Leader of the main fortress. You’ll have to apologize someday.”

“The guilty party accuses the innocent. You must know why your palace entry has been delayed.”

“It must be because His Majesty is busy with public and private affairs. Or perhaps it’s due to some high official who wields full authority on behalf of His Highness, who is in low spirits after a long life as Crown Prince.”

Yong Hui-myeong mocked the Chief Ceremonial Eunuch with a voice tinged with laughter.

In Beijing, if someone else had uttered such words, their head would have flown off without anyone knowing, but it seemed this wasn’t the case for the Divine Sword Group Leader.

But the Chief Ceremonial Eunuch’s expression remained indifferent.

“For a moment, the power you gathered was enough to threaten Beijing. The strength of Desolate Fortress’s Divine Sword Group has value when it’s dispersed. You should know that even if you were to spread a straw mat at the palace gate and prostrate yourself to beg forgiveness, it wouldn’t be enough.”

“That’s just your personal opinion. I guarantee His Majesty will think differently.”

“What a pity. Since there was no sign of repentance in your letter, I couldn’t bring myself to inform His Majesty.”

Yong Hui-myeong, who had chuckled, placed one hand on his waist. “It seems you want to suppress the Divine Sword Group at this opportunity. His Majesty must be away, but what do you take my energy sense for?”

“……”

“No need for further words. The world is currently on the verge of falling into misery due to famine, and the power loss of Desolate Fortress is at a level that those who merely wield brushes in Beijing cannot fathom. To refresh this massive and gloomy atmosphere and gallop across the world… we need a new purple from the main fortress, so I’d appreciate your cooperation.”

Yong Hui-myeong’s condescension was quite natural. His overwhelming innate presence made it so.

At the same time, the Chief Ceremonial Eunuch’s dignity, facing him without any particular agitation, was also impressive.

“Why don’t you speak of your own affairs?”

“This matter takes precedence. I’ll bear my own sins, so don’t worry.”

“The appointment of purple rank is not something done lightly. His Majesty is a rare sage ruler who listens to the words of his officials. You too have experienced the purple rank promotion, so you should know. It takes considerable time to gather all those opinions of approval and disapproval into one…”

“Watch our martial competition before you leave. The more astute and intelligent people are, the more they value the jewel they’ve seen with their own eyes. This works out well.”

Yong Hui-myeong slightly spread both arms.

At the same time, Jeong Yeon-shin sensed presences rushing toward this place from the direction of the Forbidden City in the distance.

All with heavy waves of internal energy. It was the trace of imperial martial arts he had once felt from Zhu Lianting of the Desolate Ma family.

“When the Chief Ceremonial Eunuch, who is above all but below one, leaves the palace with such a formidable aura, would the officials who must be alert to even the sounds of mice in the Forbidden City remain still?”

Yong Hui-myeong laughed.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

Officials wearing silk robes gathered in the open space of Desolate Fortress’s hall. From what Jeong Yeon-shin heard, they were all illustrious figures.

There were representatives from the Court of Judicial Review, Eastern Depot, Imperial Guards, as well as the Five Military Commissions and Provincial Administration Commissioners from various regions.

Yong Hui-myeong said he wanted to exchange moves with Jeong Yeon-shin in front of them. Jeong Yeon-shin didn’t refuse.

“Shall we proceed as usual?”

Yong Hui-myeong smiled as he faced him.

“Of course. If we don’t restrict the amount of available energy, Beijing might fly away. Then we’d definitely be labeled traitors.”

“Understood.”

Jeong Yeon-shin nodded. He wasn’t curious about what expressions the surrounding officials were making.

He was only filled with the thought of testing his fighting sense, which had truly been honed like a precious sword recently, against the current Divine Sword Group Leader.

“An excellent spirit.”

Yong Hui-myeong raised the corner of his mouth.

“I can tell just by your expression. Lightning Genius, you’re now trying to…”

Yong Hui-myeong’s smile, which had been showing an expression of having been caught off guard, suddenly deepened. Though he hadn’t even drawn his sword, the aura emanating from him evoked sword energy.

When he took a step forward from a distance of three zhang, dust rose thickly.

“Are you thinking of winning?”

At that moment, Jeong Yeon-shin felt Yong Hui-myeong’s sword ring unfold. A chill ran down his spine.

The surroundings became hazily distant in his mind.

The martial competition had already begun. If he got caught up in it, he would be defeated without even putting up a fight.

The Luminous Wheel Energy that boiled up like fire from his heart spread throughout his body, regulating all his muscle meridians.

At the same time, he emitted energy outward to make the entire training ground his domain. A faintly white mist began to rise stealthily from beneath his feet.

At that moment, a flash of sword light from Yong Hui-myeong’s waist tore through the white mist in a straight line.

‘Faster than before…!’

Jeong Yeon-shin, who had barely avoided it by using the Radiant Wing Step as a retreat footwork, narrowed his eyes. It was a strike about ten percent faster than when he had competed for thirty exchanges and lost the day before.

It was a moment that made him realize that Yong Hui-myeong was still a master in his prime. He was someone whose growth rate stood out even in Desolate Fortress, which abhors stagnation.

‘I need to at least achieve a draw.’

As he regulated his energy and penetrated with the Wind Body Technique, a sword light that fiercely flew through the increasingly thick mist brushed against his sleeve.

Simultaneously, Jeong Yeon-shin, who had gathered the energy of the Eternal Blossom Fist and twisted his upper body to the side, pushed away the blade of the Entering Divine Sword with both hands as if striking it. It was a weighty defensive move.

Jjeoeng!

The Entering Divine Sword emitted a fierce resonant sound. A dull vibration was also transmitted from Jeong Yeon-shin’s hands.

When facing a peerless master like Yong Hui-myeong who attacks magnificently, if one loses the initiative, being hasty is actually detrimental.

It was clear that he would be defeated if he didn’t regain momentum. Jeong Yeon-shin made the energy paths flowing in both hands different.

Teong!

While blocking Yong Hui-myeong’s sword strike, which had extended in continuous links, once more with the Eternal Blossom Fist, he instantly converted his right hand into a fist force and extended it.

His clenched fist, the powerful energy of the second form Advancing Thunder, skipped the accumulation process and advanced like a projectile toward Yong Hui-myeong’s solar plexus.

But Yong Hui-myeong’s sword technique skill was beyond imagination.

Jjeojeng!

His elbow strike, delivered while spinning his body like a gale, collided with Jeong Yeon-shin’s fist, weakening the momentum of Advancing Thunder.

At the same time, with a sound of metal breaking, the Entering Divine Sword, which had returned in a spiral, collided with Jeong Yeon-shin’s two hands in succession, boldly suppressing the trajectory of his fist technique.

‘I need to reverse the flow…!’

At that moment, when Yong Hui-myeong was focusing on exchanging hands, the mist of the Luminous Wheel Energy, moving according to the principle of the Mind-controlling sword, surged once.

It was Jeong Yeon-shin’s domain. The Luminous Wheel Energy spread in the void penetrated the entire body, slowing down the opponent’s speed and weakening his muscle strength and reactions.

The moment Yong Hui-myeong made an expression of realization, Jeong Yeon-shin’s trajectory transformed into spiral, advancing thunder, and blossoming fist, extending counterattack, defense, and feint in succession.

At the same time, a close-quarters battle like boxing unfolded.

Jeong Yeon-shin, who showed palm techniques that flowed away all strikes without allowing even a single hit, like an illusion or a swamp, was already close to a perfect martial artist, and Yong Hui-myeong’s sword technique, which moved the sword like limbs at close range to disrupt that trajectory, was in the realm of wonder.

Radiant Demon Wing Leader and Divine Sword Group Leader.

Fragments of colorless energy waves that scattered and ascended in all directions continuously disrupted Yong Hui-myeong’s vision.

The exchange of moves showed no progress, like clouds striking each other.

In this way, Yong Hui-myeong gradually, though minutely, slowed down due to the waves of Luminous Wheel Energy that were slowly but continuously penetrating.

Swak!

But he didn’t just get pushed back either. The Entering Divine Sword continuously scattered the mist of Luminous Wheel Energy spread around in all directions while aiming for a single point. The white trajectory intertwined with Jeong Yeon-shin’s blue-tinged hands, creating intense collision sounds.

The variations of each form created countless trajectories, and the collisions of sword and hands caused chilling explosions with thunderous sounds.

Jjeojeojeong!

Jeong Yeon-shin’s sleeve hem, torn by the sword wind, fluttered and scattered.

During the seventy seconds of competition, Jeong Yeon-shin confirmed that at some point, Yong Hui-myeong’s sword power and sword speed were not decreasing.

It seemed he was blocking the penetration of the Luminous Wheel Energy with his uniquely robust internal energy.

The dharma power of the mystical skill emitted by the Luminous Wheel Energy cannot be blocked by internal energy alone, but it was different for a master who could create subtle heat with internal energy.

At this rate, there would be no end.

It would be easy to think that Yong Hui-myeong, who was pouring out sword techniques, would tire just as quickly, but his stamina, having become a peerless master even without bone transformation, was truly boundless.

Rather, Jeong Yeon-shin, who had recently focused on training internal energy cultivation, might collapse first.

‘I’ll make my move here.’

While pushing upward the blade that had brushed past his right temple, he concentrated his mental imagery on the center of his right palm.

He was about to bring out a recently mastered internal energy operation method. Jeong Yeon-shin’s hands began to move separately as if he had mastered Wudang’s Two Minds Technique.

His right hand gathered energy waves while his left hand blocked the offensive.

At that moment, as Jeong Yeon-shin’s breathing became even more serene, Yong Hui-myeong’s thick eyebrows twitched.

Soon after, Yong Hui-myeong’s magnificent purple sleeve swelled up as if about to burst.

Though he could have avoided it, he seemed to have chosen to confront it head-on.

Jjeoeng—!

The whitish trajectories of the Eternal Blossom Fist were suddenly broken by a single sword strike from Yong Hui-myeong, who had shaken them off strongly.

When Jeong Yeon-shin extended his hand again as if he felt no pain, Yong Hui-myeong also extended his arm. They were in a state of gripping each other’s hands to block. Both had long limbs, so their reach was also wide.

At that moment, Yong Hui-myeong’s sword posture changed to an upward stance, and the formless sword energy emitted by the Entering Divine Sword, raised toward the sky, revealed a terrifying power as it blocked the sun.

As he was about to swing down the Entering Divine Sword with the momentum to cleave heaven and earth.

‘Brilliant River.’

Jeong Yeon-shin also emitted the Luminous Wheel Energy, which he had rotated seven times within his body, through his palm according to the Brilliant River incantation.