Chapter 414 – Beijing (6)

In that moment, both Jeong Yeon-shin and Yong Hui-myeong’s forms became blurry.

This was because the ground supporting their feet had been overturned in all directions. Soon after, a muffled roar filled the open space.

Along with this, yellowish dust rose like clouds, and momentarily, formless shockwaves originating from the point where hand and sword met roughly swept across the ground.

Whaaak—!

The circular ripples tore the dirt dust into shreds.

The officials surrounding them, though all emitting powerful energy waves, were covered in sand as they hadn’t used wind strikes or similar techniques to protect themselves.

Among them, an elderly civil official in a red robe slowly opened his mouth.

“…Clearly, they said they would limit their energy…”

The Beijing magistrate, who oversees the capital’s people’s livelihood and civil administration on behalf of the Emperor.

He still maintained a shrewd expression while pretending to be at ease, but his slightly trembling eyelids couldn’t be concealed.

Most of the officials present were in a similar state.

A middle-aged man in yellow martial attire glanced at them briefly before slightly shaking his head.

“This isn’t human skill. It’s the principle of four ounces moving a thousand pounds, often confused with the principle of using softness to overcome hardness. If those who can control a thousand pounds with an effortless gesture use even a fraction of their energy, the weight behind their forms will inevitably rival the currents of the Yangtze.”

The middle-aged man spoke as if muttering to himself.

Soon after, he flicked his chest where red and blue dragons were embroidered with his finger, causing the dust covering his entire body to scatter in all directions.

“In any case, I’ve seen enough.”

The middle-aged man, the only one among the officials who showed no restraint in expressing admiration.

He was the Imperial Guard’s Grand Commander.

His ears were somewhat round, suggesting he didn’t have much noble clan blood mixed in, and unlike the others, he had taken a step forward.

“It seems the Grand Commander is quite impressed with them.”

Another elderly man in a red robe quietly asked.

At that moment, the surrounding air grew noticeably cooler.

The man who had introduced himself to Jeong Yeon-shin as the head of the military, the Minister of War, spoke with almost no inflection in his voice.

“That may be the case. Since the Grand Commander recently received his position, he must be meeting the Divine Sword Group Leader for the first time.”

“I too am curious about the Grand Commander’s thoughts.”

Several people echoed his words.

“Well…”

The Grand Commander didn’t answer. He merely stared blankly at the two figures that had emerged from the dust.

The Radiant Demon Wing Leader and the Divine Sword Group Leader.

Jeong Yeon-shin was holding Yong Hui-myeong’s hand with one hand while blocking the blade of the Entering Divine Sword with the other.

While sensing the presence of the Beijing nobles with his wide-open ears and energy sense, he also felt a stinging pain in his right hand.

“Were you trying to kill your superior?”

Beyond the long blade of the Entering Divine Sword, Yong Hui-myeong wore an expression of disbelief.

To Jeong Yeon-shin, it came across as feigned innocence.

It was because of the single sword strike that had come down while cleaving through the Brilliant River’s foot energy waves earlier. It had seemed to cut not air but space itself.

He suppressed his frustration without showing it on his face. Since it was said that a gentleman doesn’t reveal his inner turmoil to the outside world.

Jeong Yeon-shin had resolved after the incident with Wudang’s High Sword to never again writhe in bed. An adult had set his ambition in the world.

‘I must exercise restraint.’

He inwardly reminded himself. This resolution would remain unchanged like the eternal land.

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly withdrew both hands and parted his lips.

“I’ve lost.”

“Let’s call this one a draw. Since I brought out a fragment of my Transcendent Martial Art in response to your surprisingly impressive strike.”

“I caught a glimpse of seven radiances. Was that your Transcendent Martial Art?”

“It was a technique of temporarily overlaying the Dragon Ring Sword onto the blade. Wasn’t it a timely move? I have what’s called dragon bones, but now my shoulders are all stiff, you rascal. Your energy was so powerful…”

Yong Hui-myeong rotated the Entering Divine Sword back and forth, scattering light, before sheathing it in one swift motion at his waist.

After releasing the sword handle, he spread both arms dramatically and grinned.

“In any case, your martial prowess is more than worthy of the main fortress’s purple. You could even hold your own against the Elder Council Head before he lost his martial arts.”

“You flatter me.”

Jeong Yeon-shin’s lips twitched slightly before quickly returning to normal.

He had rapidly suppressed his expression. He thought to himself: Don’t be too emotional, and don’t speak rashly.

It was then.

Thud.

“Divine Sword Group Leader, you had something to rely on. Did you plan to cover up your sins against the imperial court with a new appointment?”

The Chief Ceremonial Eunuch approached. Her long red sleeve hems swept the ground as her seven-foot-tall frame blocked the sun.

Yong Hui-myeong raised the corner of his mouth. His face, which had been pouring contempt on the eunuch earlier, had regained its composure after the martial competition with Jeong Yeon-shin.

“Cover up? It’s just a matter of having the right person for the right position.”

“Certainly, that would be enough to draw the attention of various members of the Imperial family.”

The deep voice resonated like the King of Hell from the underworld.

Jeong Yeon-shin was looking at his right arm, where the sleeve had been completely torn away, when he raised his head.

This was because a more important matter than recalling the sword technique shown by Yong Hui-myeong had approached.

‘The Chief Ceremonial Eunuch.’

One who has served as the current Emperor’s right hand for decades. No further description was needed. She was a figure who had a significant influence even on Desolate Fortress’ purple-rank appointments.

Yong Hui-myeong had informed him that as the head of the Eastern Depot, Western Depot, and Inner Palace Service, she had a say in the appointments of all high officials.

It was said that even the positions of the imperial court’s Three Great Masters who had gone north for the campaign were determined according to what she had suggested to the Emperor.

Swish.

The eunuch who had approached closely lowered her gaze toward Jeong Yeon-shin.

“I didn’t expect to meet you so soon, but I always thought we would meet someday.”

She said.

Jeong Yeon-shin raised his head. After bone transformation, it was extremely rare for him to look up at someone, but facing the eunuch, he had to raise even his pupils.

If his transformation had gone as planned, their eye levels would have been reversed.

Just as Jeong Yeon-shin was recalling the giant Pangu from the Classic of Mountains and Seas.

The eunuch studying him intently grew even paler. A face that literally looked like a ghost.

She slowly opened her mouth.

“…Is the Tyrant Hero well?”

“He is in extremely good health.”

“I see.”

The Chief Ceremonial Eunuch naturally twisted her foot. The sight of her slowly turning her body along with her long official robes. It was the conduct of a reserved ruler.

“I’ll send word soon.”

As she moved toward the main gate, the officials who had been observing them also straightened their clothes and followed the eunuch.

Separate from that group, the Imperial Guard Grand Commander and a few others briefly greeted Jeong Yeon-shin before departing.

“Lord Ming, I’ll see you again.”

“…Take care of yourself.”

After even the eunuch Ming Ye had turned his back and disappeared.

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

“The Chief Ceremonial Eunuch may seem like a power-hungry character at first glance, but she’s actually loyal to the Emperor to her core. That means she’s not someone who would easily bend her will. That old woman’s head is filled only with imperial authority and the country’s security.”

“…I see.”

“She’s an old woman who values reason and principle above all else. Now that you’re at my level, I can treat her with respect one moment and contempt the next, but until you don the purple robe, you should humble yourself. If by chance you have a private audience with her, treat her like an elderly person of high status. Though her face is young, she’s the same age as your maternal grandfather.”

“I understand.”

It was as Jeong Yeon-shin was nodding heavily that Yong Hui-myeong suddenly grinned.

“Well done.”

“Pardon?”

“Adding ‘extremely’ before ‘in good health.’ You could succeed even in an official position in the heart of the Forbidden City. I’m truly impressed.”

Jeong Yeon-shin let his superior’s words slide. While staring intently at the twilight shadows falling across the threshold.

The day was already ending, and it was hard to account for how he had spent it.

The high officials who could offer opinions on the appropriateness of Desolate Fortress’ purple-rank promotion were all difficult to read.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

The next day, permission to enter the palace was granted.

A message came saying that if there was martial business, they were free to come and go from the Forbidden City.

It bore the seal of the Crown Prince, who was said to have been intermittently serving as regent for decades.

“I won’t go now.”

Yong Hui-myeong said.

“There’s no need to rush into the den of Beijing’s serpents and get caught up in disputes. Especially when the Emperor isn’t even there.”

“Then I’ll remain still.”

Jeong Yeon-shin answered while sitting cross-legged on the main hall floor. Recently, he had been the embodiment of restraint.

Yong Hui-myeong’s face showed a hint of perplexity.

“No, you can go out a bit.”

“There’s no need…”

“The city’s atmosphere is strange. I sense somewhat ominous energy from this alley and that… It feels like a quite dangerous mystical creature might manifest. Perhaps this is an opportunity to earn the goodwill of the people of Beijing, who value stability and authority so highly.”

“You mean mystical creatures?”

A direct intuition struck Jeong Yeon-shin’s mind. The purple-rank martial world.

“From my personal inquiries, I’ve learned that the Emperor left Beijing just before we arrived. It seems he wants the main fortress to temporarily contribute to the city’s safety.”

“Weren’t there any specific instructions?”

“Well, it’s better to ask directly than to speculate. I think I’ll go see the Emperor myself to press for your promotion.”

Yong Hui-myeong left the hall with a grin.

“The eunuch said she would send word, so let’s have a chat when she does. I’m not particularly worried about your promotion… Since you’ve already won the favor of the Emei Sect Leader and Qingcheng Sect Leader, I’m not too concerned.”

The current Divine Sword Group Leader truly disappeared, saying he would go find the Emperor. Only the early summer wind flowed emptily through the sunset.

Jeong Yeon-shin was left alone.

Even Divine Sword Prodigy Yeon So-ha was absent. His family home was said to be in Beijing.

Then a message came from the Chief Ceremonial Eunuch. It was an invitation to a banquet.

Jeong Yeon-shin set out as soon as dusk fell.

“The imperial… Radiant Demon Wing Leader?”

“Look, he’s finally come out. What a sight.”

“The end times are truly upon us. A traitor with malicious intent is freely walking the streets of Beijing.”

“Are you mad?! Masters can hear everything!”

“Isn’t it true? Seeking personal glory and honor rather than the people’s livelihood…”

“Please, be quiet…!”

He passed by Beijing residents whispering in groups of three or five. He walked along the moat that extensively surrounded the Forbidden City.

The air in Beijing was as clear as in Xinye County where the Jeong family mansion was located. The strange hostility of the people living there wasn’t much different from the Jeong family members either.

But as night deepened and people turned to head home, their clothes gleamed in the moonlight. All were silk.

Everything was new to Jeong Yeon-shin. There was enjoyment in recalling the walls and people’s appearances that swept past his vision.

Walking like this amid all sorts of gazes, he soon reached his destination.

A pavilion filled with orange light. The radiance pouring out from countless lanterns was pushing back the night air.

“This way, please.”

A servant who looked quite human-like guided him.

Soon after, Jeong Yeon-shin found himself sitting across from the Chief Ceremonial Eunuch at a sandalwood table. She was still wearing her red official robe and dark hat.

‘How frugal.’

Jeong Yeon-shin thought. The table setting between the eunuch and himself was quite simple. Just a white wine bottle and two cups, along with what appeared to be pancakes as appetizers.

Whether it was poor hospitality or leading by example with frugality during the famine, it was hard to tell.

“I’ll get straight to the point.”

The eunuch opened her mouth. Her tone was somewhat softer than when she had spoken at Desolate Fortress’s hall.

“The Yao tribe’s military forces are breaking through the Great Wall in the north. A significant number of imperial martial artists have gone north with the imperial army, and we have no choice but to leave the martial artists who are running wild like eels to Desolate Fortress. The imperial court appears to have abandoned the people’s livelihood.”

“I’m aware of that.”

“In such chaotic times… the Black-ranks of the Divine Sword Group gathered to ensure their own safety. A power that could threaten even Beijing if gathered in one place, a sword that should only be wielded for the stability of the people’s livelihood, moved with its own will.”

The eunuch’s voice was low. It quietly settled in the pavilion with the ceiling open to the night sky.

“This is where doubt and suspicion arise. With Desolate Fortress’s power shown to move at will like the Entering Divine Sword of a swordsman, is it right to add another purple-rank authority that could behead any official? Wouldn’t it place too much burden on the government? Is the current Divine Sword Group truly moving only for the greater cause?”

“……”

“Thus, the imperial court must be cautious.”

Swish.

The eunuch’s red sleeve brushed against the table. She had somehow grasped the wine bottle and was now pouring it into Jeong Yeon-shin’s cup.

A transparent stream gurgled as it filled the cup. Soon, the full moon was contained within the cup.

The full moon that was casting a pale light on both their heads from above.

The eunuch gazed down at Jeong Yeon-shin’s cup.

“This cup is the people’s livelihood of all under heaven. The full moon filling the cup can be seen as the martial world that has begun to invade common households.”

She continued slowly.

“The martial world grows stronger by the day, and martial artists facing famine are beginning to reveal their impetuous temperaments without restraint. Originally, there should be limits to the power permitted to humans… but now even Desolate Fortress cannot handle the martial world and must gather together.”

“That’s right.”

Jeong Yeon-shin calmly acknowledged.

The vast land where more than half of the Thirteen Evil Sects run rampant, countless minor and medium-sized sects gathering and dispersing with plunder as their banner, and peerless masters whose whereabouts are difficult to track wandering throughout the world.

There were also threats from beyond the borders, including the northern Yao tribe.

Just looking at the martial world, it was like that. What about when the realm was expanded to include monstrous powers?

“Our imperial court has implemented martial arts eradication policies several times since the founding of the country, but due to the mystical nature of martial arts, they only become more profound and powerful with each calamity. They simply won’t disappear. You’re the same. Despite your family’s tragedy, here you are, still alive.”

“……”

“This fundamental skepticism forms the consensus of the imperial court. Whether the Divine Sword Group, which cannot thoroughly oversee the people’s livelihood throughout all under heaven, still holds the same value as before. Even with three purple ranks, the chaos originating from the martial world is expanding even more, like the full moon contained here.”

A moment of silence passed. The faint sound of insects slowly pierced the stillness of the moonlit night.

The eunuch extended her long index finger and tapped Jeong Yeon-shin’s cup.

“Now answer me. Can the Divine Sword Group suppress this fierce full moon? What do you think about the martial world that will only grow stronger, with only the strong surviving these chaotic times? Can you maintain your lifeline without the gathering of Black-ranks for the next five years, ten years?”

The eyes of the imperial giant, whose face was whiter than moonlight, captured Jeong Yeon-shin.

He was sitting with his back perfectly straight. He had been that way since the eunuch began speaking until now.

The appearance of a young man looking down at his wine while wearing a black robe with the right sleeve torn away.

He slowly parted his lips.

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

Perhaps she had expected some spirit. A hint of disappointment crossed the Chief Ceremonial Eunuch’s face.

“Just that, if I’m still alive and not dead five years from now…”

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly extended his hand.

“This lowly one.”

The moment he wrapped his fingers around the cup, the full moon reflected in blue light on the surface of the wine slowly split in half.

“ is the martial world of our country.”

Jeong Yeon-shin calmly concluded.