Chapter 137 – Return of the Storm (2)

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

The Tang Clan doctors had just finished examining Ma Yeon-jeok’s condition.

To properly check his pulse, they needed to understand something of the Luminous Wheel That Transcends Law’s abilities.

Without knowing the circumstances, they couldn’t assess his internal injuries and condition.

“We will keep this strictly confidential.”

The doctors pledged before Clan Leader Tang Yun-hwang. They swore to keep silent about the benefactor’s martial arts.

The boy had mentioned dharma power. Ma Yeon-jeok’s Azure Flame was also said to be dharma power martial arts.

Among the shocked doctors who couldn’t continue speaking, there was one with broad knowledge.

An elderly physician spoke of the resonance of the same type of qi.

He gave examples of the fusion of energy between master and disciple who cultivated the same energy, and the amplification of qi through specific methods.

If mystical powers like dharma power resonated together, there could be miracles capable of extending the life of even a peerless warrior, he said.

The elderly doctor added it was just speculation. Since dharma power cultivation was rare, it was hard to know deeply.

“You mean dharma power affects a person’s life force?”

“No, I mean resonance between similar types of qi.”

The Tang Clan doctors who heard the explanation showed great interest.

However, they had to bow their heads and leave before the Clan Leader’s stern presence. They only received instructions to brew medicinal tonics good for health.

‘I’m glad he’s safe. But…’

For Jeong Yeon-shin, there was another matter of importance.

The boy looked down at his grandfather sleeping soundly in bed. His wrinkled face had changed to look like an ordinary village elder.

They said if he focused on recovery he could regain health better than his age would suggest, but cultivating martial arts again would be difficult.

His whole body’s meridians and twelve main channels had greatly weakened, they said.

Even to Jeong Yeon-shin it was no ordinary problem.

To retrain such a body with the Jeong Family Dynamic Technique, it would likely take at least ten years to regain his former physique.

He tried to be satisfied just that his grandfather hadn’t perished together with the Blood Flame Sect Leader.

Seeing him now proved otherwise. The boy stared down at his grandfather for a long while.

That’s when it happened.

Lazy Flame Dragon standing beside him suddenly cleared his throat.

Lost in thought, Jeong Yeon-shin just slightly lowered then raised his head. It meant “speak.”

“Well, about the Martial Alliance’s opening ceremony.”

“Opening ceremony?”

“You just glanced at it earlier. The friendly matches.”

“Tell me.”

“There’s a reward offered. They say they’ll give out Great Rejuvenation Pills. There were rumors the Sword Star received them as a favor from the Shaolin Abbot before being recommended as Alliance Leader. Anyway, it’s the best for physical recovery right? Though I’m not sure if they’ll really give them out.”

“…Thank you.”

“I think I just heard something I’ve never heard from our commander before. What was that?”

Lazy Flame Dragon’s lips drew a faint sneer. It wasn’t an unpleasant smile.

He seemed to be dealing with a younger brother who lacked social skills.

Jeong Yeon-shin told him again to bring lunch.

Lazy Flame Dragon who had been standing with one leg crossed sighed exaggeratedly and headed outside.

The boy turned his head back to his grandfather.

An old man sleeping soundly. Hard to find traces of his peerless master bearing.

‘But he survived. Even after facing that Blood Flame Sect Leader.’

While heavy-hearted, a sense of relief comforted the boy’s mind.

At least the major crisis had been resolved.

The Ten Perfections Sect had retreated after suffering crippling damage, and the Blood Flame Sect had also taken fatal losses.

Though the Sect Leader’s remains and Pure Demon Alliance weighed on his mind, that was all.

The Blood Flame Sect Leader couldn’t withstand the Luminous Wheel That Transcends Law and extreme Demon Destroying Azure Flame.

Pure Demon Alliance had lost many elites in the City of Renowned Craftsmen and on Kuizhou’s main road.

‘The Tang Clan should be able to handle what remains.’

Now that even Myriad Heavens Flower Rain had returned.

With the Tang Clan now grasping dominance over Sichuan Province, the boy’s concerns were his grandfather’s recovery and the Elder Council Leader’s whereabouts.

Jeong Yeon-shin planned to deploy the Return Wing Corps if the tracking proved difficult.

This was separate from Tang Yun-hwang’s bold declaration that he would surely find him.

‘It’s time to go back.’

Ma Yeon-jeok who had briefly regained consciousness while the doctors checked his pulse had smiled at his grandson.

Then he mentioned the Lord of Desolate Fortress.

He said there were words he must personally deliver soon. He didn’t say what they were.

‘Great Rejuvenation Pills… can I receive the Martial Alliance opening ceremony as a mission?’

The boy thought.

The black rank promotion would likely come first. That was Desolate Fortress’s law.

Jeong Yeon-shin had accumulated surprisingly great and numerous merits from this journey to Sichuan.

It was enough without even donating the Jeong Family Dynamic Technique.

He closed his eyes briefly. The boy leaned back in his chair and let the sunlight wash over him like transparent waves.

He stayed like that for quite a while. The summer air was warm.

“I brought it. Even keeping away the servants trying to help was work.”

Lazy Flame Dragon came carrying a large table whole. Jeong Yeon-shin slowly opened his eyes.

“Let’s eat. Even caregivers need full stomachs.”

They sat facing each other with the table of delicacies placed beside the bed.

Ma Yeon-jeok’s rice porridge was left aside. It was better to let it cool before eating.

Jeong Yeon-shin followed the doctor’s words without deviation.

Even Lazy Flame Dragon who had been silently picking up utensils didn’t tease the boy about this.

As the two were finishing their meal, a pair outside the door called for Jeong Yeon-shin.

“Benefactor.”

“Benefactor…!”

It was Phoenix and Dragon Poison Twins.

The twin siblings approached with small steps like servants.

Poison Phoenix Tang Li-li held a rolled up bundle of papers.

After entering they handed the boy a small letter.

The words on the envelope were extremely respectful.

[To Teacher, Lightning Genius’s Personal Letter]

It was a message from Tang Yun-hwang. The Dragon Phoenix Twin Poisons siblings seemed to have come due to the Tang estate’s vastness.

He didn’t even use subordinates.

It demonstrated how extremely highly they thought of Jeong Yeon-shin.

The boy carefully unfolded the letter and scanned it with his eyes.

‘Finally…’

The hastily written words brought good news.

Some traces had been found on a peak at Sichuan’s Sword Gate Pass.

It was news of Desolate Fortress’s Elder Council Leader. The boy slowly parted his lips.

“I’d like to send horses and men to the main fortress’s Kuizhou branch. There are also matters requiring the Clan Leader’s permission.”

“Please speak!”

Tang Li-hua responded with bright eyes. Tang Li-li also slightly tilted her head forward.

“I’d like to briefly bring Radiant Demon Wing and the Return Wing Corps to the Tang estate.”

Jeong Yeon-shin said.

It was a decision made with two positions. The qualification of borrowing Ma Jin’s black robe, and the status of Return Wing Corps commander.

It was a kind of mobilization order.

Seven days passed at the Tang estate, which was more vast than any ordinary manor.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

“AAAAARGH!”

Supreme Elder Tang Tai-du’s scream rang out. The sound pierced the air from far away.

Jeong Yeon-shin paused briefly while packing his belongings.

They said he had been given Organ-Severing Poison. As the name suggested, it was said to have the effect of severing internal organs, causing excruciating pain.

The laws of Sichuan’s Tang Clan were severe. 

They weren’t the kind who had only shown leniency to the boy until now.

He realized that the infamous reputation of the Tang family came from such decisive actions.

It was fortunate not to have them as enemies.

Even the Supreme Elder couldn’t escape harsh punishment for colluding with evil sects designated by the imperial court.

This was after the Elder Council Leader arrived with the support of Tang Clan masters.

Tang Clan Leader Tang Yun-hwang’s actions were cold as ice while following proper courtesy and principles.

Since favors and grudges had been exchanged, he wanted to conclude matters without creating enmity between Desolate Fortress and the Tang Clan.

There was also respect for his teacher Lightning Genius.

He fed poison to his own father, the family’s Supreme Elder.

He announced the incident widely. He carried out the sentence with all family members present.

That scream was the result.

Jeong Yeon-shin decided not to pay it much mind. He was busy preparing for the return journey.

*thud*

His footsteps cutting through the summer wind continued without hesitation.

All the way to the wide entrance of the Tang estate’s main gate where fierce battle had occurred.

“Commander.”

“Lightning Genius!”

The Desolate Fortress warriors waiting there each performed martial salutes or waved their hands. The formation was special.

It was arranged with massive carriages in the center. This was the boy’s doing.

With help from Ma Jin, Cheong Myeong, and Baek Mi-ryeo, he had arranged the return procession.

Jeong Yeon-shin was in charge of the return journey.

Ma Jin had temporarily transferred Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s authority to him.

His seniors had also agreed without complaint.

They highly valued his rapidly growing martial prowess along with his achievements in resolving the City of Renowned Craftsmen incident.

For martial artists with keen sense, martial prowess was synonymous with battlefield command ability.

The range of perception that encompassed all directions was directly linked to the radius of thought and action.

“You must be especially careful with energy waves. If he is swept in the shockwaves of qi, we cannot predict how the meridians and channels will react. Please pay utmost attention to protection.”

The elderly doctor earnestly advised.

It was beside the three massive carriages in the center of the procession. They could hardly be called carriages.

From the solid bronze texture to the size that could comfortably fit five people lying down.

War chariot was more fitting. They were luxuriously equipped with the highest grade beds.

Ma Yeon-jeok and the Elder Council Leader lay in each carriage.

The remaining one held the Desolate Fortress masters who had difficulty moving.

Radiant Demon Wing Leader Ma Jin who had lost a limb, blue-rank master Wu Yue-xiang, Baek Mi-ryeo and Cheong Myeong who had received penetrating wounds were likely sitting comfortably inside.

They were the handiwork of the iron clan from the City of Renowned Craftsmen.

Many of them remained at the Tang Clan, while twenty decided to follow Jeong Yeon-shin’s group.

It was an exceptional decision for the typically closed-off Sichuan people. They had chosen Desolate Fortress as their next home.

It was the clan’s decision. To repay the grace shown by Radiant Demon Wing and the Return Wing Corps.

Including servants and doctors provided by the Tang Clan, seventy people had gathered.

“Thank you for your grace.”

The boy performed a martial salute to the elderly doctor.

The old doctor waved his hands saying it was nothing.

“Compared to what you’ve done for us, this is nothing. We also owe a debt to Master Ma and Elder Council Leader… I’m just ashamed.”

Whoosh!

Suddenly wind gusted from all directions. It was a strong wind created by dozens of Tang Clan masters releasing their energy.

Perhaps the Supreme Elder’s execution had ended. Tang Yun-hwang and the Dragon Phoenix Twin Poisons siblings landed at the front with solemn expressions.

Soon, green sleeves rose to their chests, and the sound of fabric rustling followed.

Hands clasped and raised – the Tang Clan masters performed the ceremonial salute. They had come to bid farewell.

Jeong Yeon-shin returned the martial salute. He didn’t say anything more.

They had already exchanged farewells once. There was nothing more to say.

“Benefactor, will you come to the Martial Alliance’s opening ceremony?”

Tang Li-li asked carefully.

“We’ll see.”

“We’ll be going. It would be nice if you came too.”

Poison Dragon Tang Li-hua muttered gloomily.

Jeong Yeon-shin gently patted both siblings’ heads with a faint smile.

The Poison Phoenix and Dragon’s faces flushed slightly.

“Take care, Clan Leader.”

“May martial fortune be with you too, benefactor.”

Tang Yun-hwang, who had just killed his father, slightly raised his lips and bowed his head.

Jeong Yeon-shin walked to the front while receiving their gazes.

The Northern Light sword that had transformed into a divine weapon hung at his waist.

The summer sunlight dazzlingly sparkled off its silver handle.

“Let’s depart.”

The boy commanded calmly. Hyeon Won-chang and Namgung Hwa-shin, Lazy Flame Dragon and Crimson Day Sword were positioned behind him on both sides.

The procession, more luxurious than any ordinary escort detail, began to move.

Four warhorses pulled each of the three war chariots, while the guard experts formed three protective rings around the chariots, iron clan, servants and doctors.

The sound of hoofbeats echoed slowly.

They passed through the Tang estate’s main gate. Due to the poor condition of the two elderly masters, they couldn’t gallop.

It was about walking speed. The massive procession led by Jeong Yeon-shin stretched out onto the wide official road.

“What’s happening over there? That’s the direction of the Tang estate…”

“Look at those martial robes. They’re Desolate Fortress warriors.”

“Those carriages are unusual. Could it be that… the Great Hero is inside…?”

The official road cut straight through Sichuan’s capital. There were many onlookers.

Merchant groups transporting goods, escort agency processions, vendors calling out to customers from their stalls, inn servants stretching as they came out, and wandering warriors – all attention immediately focused on them.

The boy walked silently while gripping his sword handle. He was ready to draw at the first sign of trouble.

Finally.

This was the end of his mission as Return Wing Corps Commander. He had properly started the return journey with Radiant Demon Wing.

Though the sky stretched blue overhead, he couldn’t feel as peaceful as the scenery.

News of the battle between Sichuan’s major factions was spreading throughout the murim.

The Ten Perfections Sect warriors had seen Ma Yeon-jeok reduced to skin and bones.

‘We must stay vigilant.’

Desolate Fortress had many enemies.

They had to be mindful even of reckless flies.

The Central Plains contained all manner of people. Many moved only according to their own interests.

Common sense often didn’t apply. The ability to accurately gauge one’s own and others’ strength was crucial.

There would be those who would try to break through the escort and do something to the purple-rank master…

‘He said to be careful of different types of qi.’

Just as the boy was recalling the Tang Clan doctor’s words.

“We pay our respects to the Desolate Fortress warriors.”

From the left front, those who had been giving off an irritating presence approached him.

Their movements were extremely light. Jeong Yeon-shin had just been gauging the distance to them in his mind.

Three people. All young.

Though they all possessed outstanding qi waves, the swordsman in front particularly stood out. It was a woman carrying an ink-colored precious sword.

She wore a crimson silk martial outfit with jet black hair flowing down to her waist.

Though her aura was clearly restrained, it felt extremely sharp.

“I am Qu Su-yu of the Diancang Sect.”

Her martial salute showed perfect discipline.

Her qi waves and appearance were completely different. Her large eyes and drooping gaze at the corners made her look kind.

She gave off a somewhat fragile impression. But no one looked down on her.

The Diancang Sect was one branch of the Nine Great Sects. They were also famous as the Sword Sect.

When speaking of Diancang’s Qu Su-yu, even while being mindful of the imperial court’s attention, murim warriors openly regarded her as future Sword Queen.

“Little Sword Queen. It’s been a while.”

Namgung Hwa-shin who was on Jeong Yeon-shin’s left greeted her. They seemed to be acquainted.

“I’ve heard much about Young Master Namgung making a name at Desolate Fortress. I’m very pleased to meet you again like this.”

Qu Su-yu replied with a gentle smile.

Until then, Jeong Yeon-shin at the front hadn’t stopped walking. He had no leisure.

Though he had started the return journey at his grandfather’s request, he needed to reach Desolate Fortress as quickly as possible so his grandfather could rest.

Because of this, Qu Su-yu’s group also had to converse while walking alongside them.

The man in blue martial robes beside her slightly furrowed his brow. But Qu Su-yu spoke first.

“I’ve heard much about Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin’s fame. I’d like to form a friendship with Young Master as well.”

“I’m curious about your business. You seem to have other motives.”

He replied indifferently.

Only Hyeon Won-chang who had been with him long noticed the boy’s unusual demeanor.

The boy had faced several extreme situations since arriving in Sichuan.

He had lost many seniors, seen his uncle’s arm cut off, and witnessed his grandfather’s mortal wound.

Hyeon Won-chang knew about Jeong Yeon-shin’s constitution.

He didn’t yet know how the fear of a short life and the events in Sichuan’s murim were changing the young boy.

‘Just go away, you lot.’

Hyeon Won-chang adjusted the hero’s band covering his forehead. He just hoped nothing would happen.

Qu Su-yu smiled faintly and said:

“Having long admired Master’s swordsmanship, I dared to come greet you. As a junior, I wonder if I might have the chance to pay respects to the former Divine Sword Group Leader.”

Qu Su-yu’s group weren’t Desolate Fortress warriors.

Perhaps they had no reason to worry about reputation.

Or perhaps it was a situation everyone who knew the circumstances could understand.

The boy’s true feelings slipped out unintentionally.

“Get lost.”

“…”

Words that brought silence.

Only the sound of Jeong Yeon-shin’s black robe hem fluttering briefly rang out.

Unlike the frozen stillness, the wind of Sichuan’s basin moved ceaselessly.

Soon after, Hyeon Won-chang beside him hurriedly cut in.

“Our commander says the timing is very bad, so it would be better to meet another time.”

A choking sound came from atop one of the war chariots.

Lazy Flame Dragon who had been sitting carelessly burst into laughter while chewing opium.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***