Chapter 412 – Beijing (4)

The massive city walls that completely encircled the golden city.

Outside Beijing, in front of the outer city wall that extensively surrounded the area, dust exploded at an extremely strict checkpoint.

Circular shockwaves dug deep into the ground, creating ripples in the sand.

The land where the Emperor resides.

It was a place said to be inaccessible to anyone except the Yuan Dynasty remnants who had mastered horseback martial arts and the Northern Divine Warrior in his youth.

Even the people lined up at the checkpoint had somewhat extraordinary appearances, but amid this unexpected thunderbolt, fine horses pulling carriages raised their front legs high, Beijing nobles were covered in dust, and chaos ensued.

“At least he didn’t destroy the wall or the checkpoint. That’s enough to save face somehow. Yes… somehow.”

Yong Hui-myeong muttered as he descended from the void. Yeon So-ha, tucked under his arm, opened his mouth with a somewhat bewildered expression.

“I can roughly guess how the Divine Sword Group will change in the future.”

“Well… I suppose it’s better than the old man from the previous generation. At least he didn’t harm anyone.”

It was as Yong Hui-myeong said.

The long spear that Jeong Yeon-shin had thrown back was embedded between the feet of a middle-aged man wearing a yellow official robe.

The ground around it had sunk slightly compared to the surroundings, with noticeable cracks in the earth.

About a dozen martial artists surrounding the middle-aged man stood motionless, looking up at Jeong Yeon-shin’s group.

They were all military officials wearing blue official robes.

In the center.

A single dragon was embroidered on the chest of the middle-aged man who had twisted his lips as if perplexed. It was the Azure Dragon.

It was an image that no one in vast Beijing could embroider without the Emperor’s permission.

Yong Hui-myeong stroked his chin.

“The Flying Fish Robe… I recognize it. It’s the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard. Your spear-throwing skills have improved quite a bit.”

“What does that mean?”

Jeong Yeon-shin asked hurriedly. He had reflexively thrown back the spear that had suddenly been launched at him, only to learn that his opponent was from the Imperial Guard.

‘Oh no…’

Jeong Yeon-shin, who had lived for over a decade since birth, had spent most of that time in a landlord family.

He couldn’t help but view the Imperial Guard institution differently. A highly honorable group of military officials. They even bore the nickname of the Emperor’s Sword.

Among them, the Deputy Commander was a rare figure in the world. The second-highest among the Imperial Guard martial artists who wielded swords on the front lines. He was not someone against whom one should casually deploy counter-techniques.

Whether viewed by status or by Jeong Yeon-shin’s childhood perceptions.

‘I don’t want to appear like a ruffian.’

Even as he felt this embarrassment, time continued to flow.

Thud.

Jeong Yeon-shin landed in front of the military officials alongside Yong Hui-myeong, as if treading through the void.

The energy waves that spread from the Yongquan acupoints on the soles of their feet dispersed like smoke in the hot wind.

Yeon So-ha, released from Yong Hui-myeong’s side, stretched his back and cracked his neck in various directions.

A phlegmy sound escaped from his mouth, as if it had been suppressed for a long time.

The youthful Blue-rank Martial Artist of Desolate Fortress muttered while alternately looking at Jeong Yeon-shin and Yong Hui-myeong. Next time I’ll go on a solo mission.

“You are…?”

The middle-aged man in the Azure Dragon yellow robe, the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard, trailed off as soon as he saw Yong Hui-myeong. His neat sword eyebrows drew slightly closer together.

“It’s been a while. You, you almost got transferred to the Eastern Depot. You would have done well there too, I’m sure.”

Yong Hui-myeong spoke glibly. Immediately, the wrinkles on the Deputy Commander’s brow became more pronounced.

Was it the current Divine Sword Group Leader’s reputation?

The Deputy Commander’s attitude seemed both official and quite friendly.

“So it’s Lord Yong. However, even with your esteemed status, there are matters that cannot be overlooked. That action just now clearly threatened Beijing…”

“Ah, I have no intention of reprimanding you. It’s right to throw something first when you see an unidentified energy wave approaching rapidly. Our Radiant Demon Wing Leader here will also gladly understand.”

Yong Hui-myeong patted Jeong Yeon-shin’s shoulder demonstratively.

“Radiant Demon Wing Leader?”

The gazes of the military officials, including the Deputy Commander, shifted to Jeong Yeon-shin. At that moment, the words “Lotus Nezha” flowed among the officials.

The alias Jeong Yeon-shin had earned in Shanxi. Right next to that land was South Zhili, and then this place, Beijing.

For a moment, the early summer wind grew thicker. Along with the faint cry of cicadas.

“…I will send a message to the palace.”

The Deputy Commander’s robe hem fluttered. It was because he had completely turned his body.

“Please follow me.”

The Deputy Commander spoke in a tone without inflection. As if it was not something he could handle at his level.

Jeong Yeon-shin watched him. It was the epitome of discipline.

The manner in which he turned, the unhesitating steps forward, the attitude that thoroughly separated public and private matters—all of it was like that.

He was the model of a military official. It was a continuous source of admiration.

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly parted his lips.

“Beijing is truly another world.”

It was different from the forest of monkeys holding swords inscribed with “punish the wicked without question.”

The martial artists of Beijing were reasonable. The first impression was quite good, as if the city itself possessed dignity.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commander, who had been walking ahead, paused.

“May I ask what your intention was in saying that?”

“Pardon? I meant nothing by it. I was just amazed by the aura you possess, Deputy Commander…”

“Aura…”

The Deputy Commander’s stride widened. The military officials surrounding them also moved slightly ahead.

Until they walked past the long line at the checkpoint toward the massive city gate.

Yong Hui-myeong, who had glanced at Jeong Yeon-shin’s profile, smiled.

“I can faintly see the old man from the previous generation in your facial features. Those with good eyes might notice it immediately.”

“……”

“It doesn’t seem like something to be so serious about. Of course, you’re a hundred times better, but the old man in his youth was also quite famous for both his temperament and his features…”

Suddenly, Yong Hui-myeong’s words stopped.

He let out a hollow laugh. While adjusting the hem of the purple robe that he had finally removed from Jeong Yeon-shin’s shoulders on their way to Beijing.

“We’ve thoroughly offended them. Truly befitting the nobles of Beijing.”

At this moment, the long line of people.

They were residents of Beijing.

Without exception, all were wearing silk clothes, and some even emitted the fragrance of precious dragon well tea along with ink.

There were also those who slightly opened windows from red sandalwood carriages to scan the group. Everyone seemed noble.

Among them, no one visibly carrying weapons could be seen… It wasn’t because there were no martial artists. Some possessed quite fierce energy waves but seemed to deliberately avoid wearing blades.

“……”

The atmosphere was not good.

Many were looking askance at Jeong Yeon-shin’s group.

Beijing was said to be the city with the most noble clans in the world.

To the eyes of those who encountered mystical things in their daily lives, the black robe with the “Desolate” character and the purple robe seemed like some kind of seed of rebellion.

Meanwhile.

The citizens of Beijing all seemed to be mindful of the senses of peerless masters.

No one gossiped about Jeong Yeon-shin, Yong Hui-myeong, and Yeon So-ha. They only spoke with their demeanor. Saying: You are outsiders.

Their silence was heavy.

“What about those who went to protect the north? I heard the Yao tribe masters are quite fierce, so I’m worried.”

Yeon So-ha blurted out. Perhaps the current atmosphere was making him uncomfortable. He was talking about the Azure Sky Squad Leader, Wish-fulfilling Spring Leader, and Heavenly Dragon Squad Leader.

He seemed unable to mention the identities of those who had gone on missions because it was confidential. Yong Hui-myeong patted Yeon So-ha’s back.

“Public sentiment naturally fluctuates. Since Desolate Fortress martial artists rarely perform missions in Beijing, don’t view them too harshly.”

“If it were that easy, Group Leader, you wouldn’t have raided the gathering of the Thirteen Evil Sects leaders.”

“Well, well, here I’m ‘Group Leader.’ Anyway, they might change their attitude soon. The air is unsettled.”

Amid the silence all around.

Jeong Yeon-shin stopped with his companions and looked ahead.

The outer city wall of Beijing.

The phrase “impregnable” came to mind first.

Starting with the double-layered towering walls.

The structure that embraced the vast land entirely. Even though the sides were endless, it gave an impression of incredible sturdiness.

This was a first in his life. It must have been created with the souls of the world’s finest craftsmen. As Jeong Yeon-shin was engrossed in sightseeing with a deliberately calm face.

—The Emperor is away. I can’t sense him even from here.

Yong Hui-myeong’s sound transmission.

Jeong Yeon-shin glanced to the side. He saw his superior moving his lips toward him.

—He often enjoys short trips outside, so we won’t have to wait too long. This is rather fortunate. Let’s share some techniques in the meantime.

—Are you saying you’ll give me guidance in sparring?

When Jeong Yeon-shin responded with surprise, the corners of Yong Hui-myeong’s mouth rose slightly.

—Guidance for someone who could establish his own school? Let’s just refine some forms a bit.

So that the Emperor won’t be able to resist dyeing your robe purple.

“Imperial Guard Deputy Commander! Accompanying Divine Sword Group Leader Yong of Desolate Fortress, Radiant Demon Wing Leader Jeong Yeon-shin, and one other!”

A shout from the front of the group.

Grrrrrung!

The city gate opened with a massive hinge sound.

There was no need to wait long. Originally, it was said that if one set foot on Beijing’s checkpoint ground at dawn, one would only see the tiles of the inner city after nightfall.

Whether it was due to the authority of the Imperial Guard Deputy Commander or the prestige of the Divine Sword Group Leader was unclear.

It didn’t matter to Jeong Yeon-shin. For now, public sentiment was also irrelevant.

All that mattered was obtaining the purple rank here. Jeong Yeon-shin just wanted that one matter to proceed naturally.

Like the sunlight pouring in, dyeing the gap of the city gate white at this moment.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

An inner chamber sealed with pale marble.

Dust flowed like star clusters. It was because sunlight was faintly pushing through cracks in the roof.

“The third day, is it?”

A large figure said.

“If you’re referring to the Divine Sword Group Leader, yes, that’s correct.”

Ming Ye, a noble clan eunuch with sword-like ears, bowed slightly with his hands clasped together.

It was the highest form of etiquette one could show to anyone other than the Emperor in Beijing.

The recipient was worthy.

A figure of absolute power who had all the Eastern Depot, Western Depot, and Inner Palace Service under his feet.

Though it was said he couldn’t leave direct blood descendants due to his condition, despite not being a eunuch, he had remained in the position of Chief Ceremonial Eunuch by imperial decree for decades.

Moreover, he was the sixth cousin of the previous Chief Ceremonial Eunuch.

His bloodline, ability, and official position were all first-rate. If one were to discuss the person second only to the Emperor and above all others, there would be no one else to mention but the Chief Ceremonial Eunuch.

‘No.’

Ming Ye inwardly shook his head.

One shouldn’t treat her as a human. She should be viewed as a natural disaster of Beijing. This feeling was particularly strong because the Chief Eunuch’s mood didn’t seem good.

“A letter requesting entry to the palace came once and then stopped? No further messages afterward…? Committing an act tantamount to treason without even a letter?”

It was the Chief Eunuch’s soliloquy.

Ming Ye twitched slightly.

The Chief Ceremonial Eunuch’s voice was somewhat hoarse, but due to her naturally metallic voice, she often instilled a chilling feeling in officials.

Tuk, tuk.

Thick fingers drummed in silence.

On the desk where the Chief Ceremonial Eunuch sat, the four treasures of the study—ink, brush, paper, and inkstone—were arranged as neatly as blades.

Even with the eye technique that Ming Ye constantly maintained, he could see no flaws in the straight lines. It testified to the achievement of the Chief Ceremonial Eunuch, who was said to have also attained greatness through martial arts.

“Quite bold. Anyone else would be sitting on pins and needles…”

Swish.

She rose from her seat.

In that moment, Ming Ye felt as if a great mountain had risen. The Chief Eunuch’s build was that massive.

Her height easily reached seven feet, and her body was like that of a born master of external techniques. Even her wide red sleeve hems couldn’t hide the Chief Eunuch’s iron-like forearms.

Moreover, her ears were sharper and longer than Ming Ye’s.

Ming Ye knew that the Chief Eunuch was as powerful as any decent master from the Zhu family.

“Are you going out…?”

Right after he cautiously asked.

Ming Ye found himself already outside the vast palace. It was a protective technique as ghostly as will-o’-the-wisp.

“I need to see his face.”

The Chief Ceremonial Eunuch wore a hat on her large head and walked down the middle of Beijing’s main road, with the hem of her red official robe fluttering. She was holding Ming Ye by the nape with one hand.

Due to this appearance, even her distinct features looked like the face of the King of Hell.

Passersby on the street lowered their eyes and retreated in droves.

Even high officials who had been leisurely looking around from palanquins led by servants stepped onto the ground to show respect.

After traveling a considerable distance like this, the two stopped in front of a hall.

“Is this okay? Isn’t that a love letter?”

“Who cares? Am I going to get stoned by people? What matters now is that jade face over there.”… “Wait a moment, the line here… oh?”

Women who had been peering around the wide-open main gate retreated in terror.

Though they all appeared to be young ladies from noble houses, when the Chief Ceremonial Eunuch stood in the gap, they all merely offered greetings before fleeing as if escaping.

Ming Ye didn’t think they looked ridiculous. This was how one should behave to survive in Beijing.

He anxiously gazed across the main gate of the hall.

He could see a young man standing motionless, catching his breath.

Sunlight rippled along his pitch-black hair, and even to Ming Ye’s eyes, which had seen countless noble clan members, his features stood out as extraordinary.

The clear facial lines beneath his calm eyes were so distinct that they seemed to blur reality.

‘Is that really…?’

Ming Ye suddenly felt the blood draining from his face. He must have turned completely pale.

The Desolate Fortress Black-rank he had been in charge of while serving beside the Crown Prince. Because of that person, Ming Ye’s status had fluctuated several times.

He didn’t want to meet him. If not for the Chief Ceremonial Eunuch, he would have avoided him for life.

“Hmm?”

When Ming Ye suddenly turned his gaze, he saw the Chief Eunuch. Her face, which had been distinctly flushed, had turned white.