Chapter 123 – Samadhi True Fire (3)

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

The Seventh Apostle’s eyes softened slightly. It was unclear whether she had noticed Jeong Yeon-shin’s expression.

She took a small step forward.

With just a slight twist of her body, moving as though she was drawing in the canvas that’s the night sky, she gradually disappeared into the darkness of the cave.

Her movements exuded an air of elegance.

The Seventh Apostle turned her head and winked her crimson eyes once more, but the boy only blinked in response.

Unsure of how to react, he simply observed her mysterious movements.

‘Her blood energy has enveloped her entire body. Three Flowers Gathering at The Crown… Has her will merged with her internal energy?’

He realized that he had yet to master any of the three major techniques: footwork, body movement, and lightness skills.

For now, he was using the footwork and body movement techniques he had learned from Cheong Myeong and the Heavenly Gold Martial Arsenal of Desolate Fortress.

Creating a new form of footwork and body movement was a different matter altogether.

“Let’s move,” Ma Jin said.

The experts from Desolate Fortress, along with the residents of Tang Clan, Beggar Sect, and City of Renowned Craftsmen, began to move.

They formed up and started to leave the City of Renowned Craftsmen. The once solid ground had softened, a result of the powerful energy unleashed by the experts.

The sound of crumbling rocks echoed hollowly as they walked.

Behind them, the corpses of the Thirteen Evil Sects experts lay scattered, a grim reminder of the battle.

Jeong Yeon-shin walked beside Ma Jin, lost in thought.

He wasn’t sure how to process his feelings about the Seventh Apostle. Their relationship was complicated.

The fact that they had risked their lives together wasn’t the issue. Such was the nature of relationships among martial artists who sought to master the martial path.

The bigger problem was the disappearance of the elder council leader.

They said he was chasing after the Seventh Apostle. This was something that needed to be investigated.

Her status as a subordinate of the Blood Flame Sect Leader was also a concern.

When he had entered the main headquarters as the Grandmaster, the Blood Flame Sect’s Third Apostle had mentioned the Jeong family.

[E/N – Grandmaster was previously translated as Grand Teacher in blood flame sect headquarters arc.]

Since the Apostle was aware of this, the only person who could have authorized the order to exterminate the family was the Blood Flame Sect Leader.

The nobility of the sect were like swords wielded by the sect leader. It was only natural to treat them as enemies.

If they were to cross paths again, he would not hesitate to strike.

However, the situation in the City of Renowned Craftsmen was different.

‘She saved my life. If it weren’t for the energy of Bodhidharma…’

It would have been a complete massacre.

Jeong Yeon-shin, who had yet to master the Luminous Wheel That Transcends Law Technique, was weak.

He was no match for Sword Scorpion Demon Du Gu-gwang, and could only hold out for a few exchanges before being overwhelmed by the sword energy.

He had also been subdued by the Seventh Apostle due to his injuries.

She could have killed him without showing any mercy.

If word got out that he possessed a fragment of Bodhidharma’s divine energy, it would have caused a bloodbath.

The two major factions of the Thirteen Evil Sects had even chased the Radiant Demon Wing to obtain this treasure.

Bodhidharma’s divine artifact.

It was said that all martial arts originated from Shaolin, and this was the divine energy of the great monk who founded the Shaolin sect.

For her to give such a rare treasure to Jeong Yeon-shin instead of keeping it for herself was not something an ordinary person would do.

‘There’s no other explanation.’

The boy thought.

The Seventh Apostle of the Blood Flame Sect. She had been asking him to create a divine technique for her, and now she had even given him the divine energy. She prioritized the completion of martial arts over personal gain. This was the attitude of a true martial artist.

Was this really the behavior of a Blood Flame Sect noble who was known for her bloodthirsty nature? He didn’t know. It all greatly confused him.

When dealing with the grudges and favors of the murim, one needed to be clear-headed.

A favour or a grudge. What should he do?

“Hey… young hero.”

A cautious voice called out.

When he looked up, he saw the small figure of a boy standing beside him. It was Poison Dragon Tang Li-hua.

Next to him was Poison Phoenix Tang Li-li.

[TL- changing the titles for Tang twins from Dragon and Phoenix to Poison Dragon and Poison Phoenix.]

Tang Li-hua was nervously playing with his short hair, his demeanor completely different from when they had first met.

Jeong Yeon-shin had never seen such an expression before. Both siblings were the same.

The boy stared at them intently.

“What is it?”

“Uh, young hero. No, great hero, I mean…”

Tang Li-hua stammered. Perhaps it was because he had witnessed Jeong Yeon-shin defeat the Sword Scorpion Demon and the Pure Demon Divine Hand.

His words and actions were filled with caution, almost to the point of reverence. His eyes, which occasionally glanced up at Jeong Yeon-shin, also seemed to be filled with admiration. Tang Li-li, who was standing beside him, frowned as if she found her brother’s behavior embarrassing.

However, even she couldn’t easily meet Jeong Yeon-shin’s gaze. She only muttered under her breath.

“Young Master Jeong. How about coming to our family’s estate with the people from Desolate Fortress? If you need many doctors, there are few places in Sichuan that can match the Tang Clan. It’s also the closest to the City of Renowned Craftsmen.”

The Tang Clan of Sichuan was known for their expertise in poison and assassination. In the murim, those who mastered poison arts were also well-versed in medicine.

After all, no divine doctor could separate poison from medicine.

“The Tang Clan? Can we trust the Tang Clan?”

Hyeon Won-chang suddenly interjected.

It was his duty to investigate whether the Tang Clan was producing thunderclap bombs.

They were suspicious individuals, and he was hesitant to enter the tiger’s den.

However, the decision was ultimately up to Ma Jin.

Jeong Yeon-shin showed his uncle the stone fragments he had collected.

The swirling patterns of absorption and emission were strange. Ma Jin, whose face was covered in scars, looked bewildered.

As the leader of Radiant Demon Wing, he had extensive knowledge of the murim. He recognized the introductory techniques of the Myriad Heavens Flower Rain.

“Well, this kind of thing can happen…”

He forced a smile and spoke.

“Then let’s summon the Tang Clan to the Sichuan branch of Desolate Fortress. It’s too risky to enter the Tang Clan’s estate directly. Given our current state, we don’t know what kind of traps or poison techniques might be hidden there.”

Ma Jin said, his expression bitter as he glanced at his empty left shoulder and his subordinates.

Jeong Yeon-shin nodded silently and looked at the Tang siblings.

“…”

They were treating the Tang Clan’s experts, who were renowned throughout Sichuan, as if they were mere doctors.

However, the siblings couldn’t say anything. They were in the presence of an ultimate expert who had mastered the Myriad Heavens Flower Rain.

The flower rain that filled the heavens was the long-cherished wish of the Tang Clan.

No martial artist would dare to show pride in the face of a divine technique that symbolized the orthodox martial lineage.

They had no choice but to accept Ma Jin’s request. Tang Li-hua and Tang Li-li chattered nervously, glancing at Jeong Yeon-shin.

“They’ll probably bring every medicine and poison they have. It’s been their lifelong wish. Our elders…”

“Young Master Jeong, you can rest assured. The Tang Clan won’t do anything foolish in the presence of a family treasure. They’ll clearly distinguish between favors and grudges. They’ll treat you according to the principles and laws of the murim.”

Jeong Yeon-shin thanked them. His gaze had already shifted to the back.

A middle-aged blue-robed expert with a missing left arm was smiling at him.

Wu Yue Xiang. She was a senior from Radiant Demon Wing who had treated him like a son.

“Oh Yeon-shin, relax your brow. If your expression is unpleasant, people won’t follow you. Even if you’re as handsome as Song Yu of Chu State, you won’t become a great vessel. You’re now standing on the ranks of the Black Level.”

[TL Note- Song Yu of Chu State- This saying references Song Yu of the Chu State, who was one of China’s Four Great Handsome Men of antiquity. While he was renowned for his exceptional beauty and literary talents, serving as a literary official in the court and later becoming a high official, the saying uses his name ironically to emphasize that physical beauty alone is not enough to achieve greatness or success.]

“…Senior Wu.”

“Don’t look so gloomy. You’re a child who will soon grow into a great man.”

Wu Yue Xiang, who had approached from behind, gently stroked Jeong Yeon-shin’s head with her remaining hand.

Her palm, calloused from years of training, felt incredibly soft. It was filled with the warmth of the Radiant Demon Wing.

“Father will be arriving soon. I’ll need to make a human skin mask.”

The Tang Clan head, who had been silently observing the Tang siblings from the side, muttered.

He was referring to the Supreme Elder of the Sichuan Tang Clan. At the same time, his smooth voice tickled Jeong Yeon-shin’s mind.

―Be careful of the sect leader, my young and great Grandmaster.

The Seventh Apostle’s voice echoed briefly and then disappeared. Her voice was strange. When she spoke of the sect leader, there was concern, but when she called him “young,” there was a hint of laughter.

Jeong Yeon-shin didn’t bother to look for her. The Luminous Wheel had already informed him she was gone.

It worked like the cry of a bat, a sound sent from beyond the senses.

‘I need to focus on my energy.’

The boy thought, pondering the Seventh Apostle’s words.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

Sichuan Province, Eastern Desolate Fortress Branch.

A man stood on the roof of a pavilion, looking out over the city with his hands behind his back.

Dressed in a blue martial robe, he enjoyed the sensation of the fluttering hem of his clothing.

The rough character for “Desolate” embroidered on his robe made him a figure of admiration even from a distance.

A group of children, who had been wandering the streets with candied hawthorn sticks, looked up at him in awe.

‘There shouldn’t be any trouble.’

Zhang Li-dao, the only blue-robed expert of the Sichuan branch, paid them no attention.

He was the branch leader.

He was responsible for accommodating the seventeen experts of the Divine Sword Group who had come from the main fortress, and for overseeing the local livelihood as much as the branch’s strength allowed.

Prominent Tower Sword Zhang Li-dao was treated with great respect by all the factions in Sichuan.

It was common for sect leaders to rush out barefoot to greet him. Even though the Sichuan branch’s strength was far inferior to that of the main fortress’ martial force, they still received the respect they deserved.

After all, they had the backing of Desolate Fortress.

‘Lately, things have been strange.’

Recently, the attitudes of many martial factions had changed in a peculiar way.

Perhaps it was after the rumors spread that the direct descendants of the Namgung family had been massacred by the rising talents of Desolate Fortress and the leader of the Divine Sword Group.

Or maybe it was after the destruction of the Hwangbo family.

It wasn’t something Zhang Li-dao could do anything about.

He was content with his life as a native of Sichuan who had become a blue-robed warrior of Desolate Fortress.

But when the experts from the main sect, led by Radiant Demon Wing, suddenly arrived, he was truly shocked.

Few of them were unharmed. The fact that a rare group of iron-clan warriors had followed them was also surprising.

‘The main fortress has become a mess.’

As he fled, he instructed his servants and subordinates to treat them with the utmost respect.

After sending a messenger to the Tang Clan to request a doctor, he felt a bit nervous.

He was now hosting both the experts of the Tang Clan, the foremost family in Sichuan, and the martial artists from the main fortress. It was a troublesome situation.

However, the reason he was standing alone on the curved roof now was different. A letter had arrived from the main fortress.

―The murim is in chaos, so I have donned the purple robe. The Sichuan branch leader must prepare to receive the former leader of the Divine Sword Group. Additionally, be even more vigilant against the Tang Clan and the remnants of the Thirteen Evil Sects.

His nerves had been on edge since he read the letter.

A forgotten legend was said to be arriving in person. The scheduled date of arrival was today.

With the main fortress’ experts, the iron clan warriors, the direct descendants of the Tang Clan, and the outstanding figures from Beggar Sect and other factions gathered in the pavilions below, he couldn’t help but feel anxious.

He was curious about the boy named Lightning Genius, but now was not the time to think about that.

Zhang Li-dao nervously chewed his lip.

This was an attitude he hadn’t shown even when facing the Radiant Demon Wing or the Supreme Elder of the Tang Clan.

This morning.

As the pure white sunlight fell on the highest roof, he stood there, stepping on the glittering light.

He was preparing to receive the person who was once the second most revered figure in the murim.

Perhaps it was just his mood, but he felt a terrifying energy emanating from the road that stretched under the clear sky. It was an unusually transparent day.

“What are you doing here?”

“Huh…!”

Zhang Li-dao’s body jerked. He tried to draw his sword but was suppressed.

A moment later, a stiff feeling spread across the back of his neck. He could only move his eyes.

An old man was now standing beside him.

His straight beard reached down to his chest, white as snow.

His robust body was clad in a purple robe with a stiff collar, which suited his strong and sharp features.

“Is there any trouble at the branch?”

Ma Yeon-jeok asked slowly. His pitch-black eyes flashed with a sharp light.

Even though he was capable of concealing his energy, he chose not to, giving off an imposing aura.

Zhang Li-dao moved his eyes up and down, cold sweat dripping down the back of his neck.

The intimidating figure had finally arrived at his branch. The martial power he felt was overwhelming.

Combined with his past reputation, it felt like facing an irresistible storm.

A purple-robed expert of Desolate Fortress had arrived in Sichuan.

The major factions of Sichuan had yet to make their move.

—

“Step down from Radiant Demon Wing’s Leader Position. You need to return to the main family.”

Ma Yeon-jeok said. He was in a room with Jeong Yeon-shin and Ma Jin.

The room was filled with the subtle fragrance of tea.

Ma Yeon-jeok sat in front of a wooden tea table and repeated his words.

“You did well in annihilating the remnants of the Ten Perfections Sect and the Pure Demon Alliance. However, we cannot leave a vacuum in our forces. Radiant Demon Wing must maintain the martial lineage of Radiant Demon Technique, but it needs to be reorganized.”

“The iron clan craftsmen said they would create a prosthetic arm for me. It will respond to his internal energy.”

Jeong Yeon-shin replied quietly. For the first time, Ma Yeon-jeok’s brow furrowed.

Unable to scold his grandson, he turned to Ma Jin and spoke sharply.

“You’ve lost your left arm. That means the lung meridian acupoints extending from arm to whole body are completely gone. This will have a significant impact on the circulation of your internal energy. How long will it take for you to recover your previous level of internal energy? The situation in the Central Plains murim is chaotic these days. It’s better to focus on recovery than to remain as a squad leader.”

“…”

Ma Jin did not argue.

He simply closed his eyes with a heavy expression. Ma Yeon-jeok’s expression was also grim.

Silence filled the room for a while. The fragrance of the tea became almost overwhelming.

Slowly.

Jeong Yeon-shin reached into his pocket.

He pulled out a small, worn-out book. The paper was very old.

Jeong Family Dynamic Technique.

The handwriting was messy, as if written by a child. Jeong Family Dynamic Technique.

The small book gently pushed aside the three teacups on the table.

“This will be helpful for both my uncle and my grandfather.”

Jeong Yeon-shin said.

“It’s a good martial art for maintaining health. I was planning to donate it anyway, so it’s fine for you two to see it first.”

“…”

Both Ma Yeon-jeok and Ma Jin realized that this wasn’t the truth.

Their long experience in the murim told them so. He wasn’t showing it to them because he was planning to donate it. It was the opposite.

Ma Jin slowly opened his lips.

“Isn’t this the martial art that formed your foundation?”

“Yes. I’m confident in its effectiveness.”

Ma Jin pondered his nephew’s response.

While Ma Yeon-jeok’s eyes widened, Ma Jin struggled to continue.

“It’s very significant. Along with your martial achievements, your recent accomplishments… are enough to reach the Black Level. You don’t need to accumulate any more merits.”

“You can discuss the manual later. I’ll take my leave now. The principles of the technique are similar to the flow of energy.”

He spoke stiffly, as if embarrassed. The boy suddenly stood up and left the room.

Ma Jin, who had been staring at him, opened the first page of the manual with one hand.

Ma Yeon-jeok’s shoulder touched Ma jin’s. He had somehow ended up sitting next to him.

The two of them began to read the principles of the Jeong Family Dynamic Technique, starting from the beginning.

[Those who sleep are as good as dead, for they forget life itself.

If the energy accumulated through breathing lies dormant, then the internal energy will also wither. 

This must never happen.

Stagnation is death. So why halt the flow of energy? 

The internal energy in the meridians must constantly move.

From the dantian to the Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin, it must form an unending cycle.

[TL Note- This meridian is one of the twelve primary meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is associated with the liver. It begins at the big toe, travels up the inner leg, passes through the abdomen, and connects to the liver and gallbladder.]

Only then will the energy become like a mother.

Even if I don’t see it, even if I don’t feel it while sleeping, it will embrace my entire body. It will hold me warmly.

There’s no need to seek warmth from outside.

If you caress the “Sea of Qi” point in the lower dantian with the intention of a mother, the energy that sweeps through your body will return to the Gate of Life acupoint on your back.

During this time, it will strengthen your bones and muscles and firmly massage your acupoints, so it’s called the Dynamic Technique, because it never stops moving.

You must have this mindset to lead the energy for it to be effective.

Even if you hate the Jeong family, even if you’ve never met your mother, she will always be there, watching over you from heaven.

Since you’ve chosen the Jeong family’s path.

This is the Jeong Family Dynamic Technique.]

“…”

A deathly silence swept over the room, even drowning out the fragrance of the tea. The two men were speechless for a long time.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

Edited by Mgt