Chapter 153 – Contact (4)

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

The Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s office was a peculiar place.

The scents of ink, metal, and oil mingled together. A strange fragrance flowed over the furniture including the stone-carved desk.

The wall that originally held many of Ma Jin’s swords was now filled with Desolate Ma clan’s precious swords.

There were over ten blades. The precious stone racks were completely full.

Swords are typically consumable items that get damaged. The Ma clan’s letter accompanying the gifts mentioned this point.

It said they were gifts for the new Leader to use in training through duels.

It indicated unconditional support for Jeong Yeon-shin. The names of Zhu Lianting, Ma Se-in’s mother, and the main family’s Elder Council were included.

Those who had been so proud had promised support as if signing a joint petition. They said they wanted nothing in return.

‘Connections and status are everything.’

To think it would be resolved so simply.

The boy seated in the chair recalled two reasons.

First was of course the change in Radiant Demon Wing Leader. The Divine Sword Group’s 17th Leader was a supreme master who could become influential in any major sect.

As a high-ranking fortress official, martial artists treated him as one of Desolate Fortress’s leaders.

As his status had changed dramatically, no one could challenge the boy’s background or rashly scheme against him.

Now any clan had to take one of two attitudes. Unless they would risk everything to oppose him, they had to treat him as an honored guest.

That’s what Radiant Demon Wing Leader Jeong Yeon-shin was.

“…Well done. This is how to handle approvals. Yeon-shin, your handwriting is quite elegant, so there’s no need to worry about writing letters.”

Second was Ma Jin’s clan head inauguration before him. He was handing over Radiant Demon Wing Leader duties to Jeong Yeon-shin.

Ma Yeon-jeok’s condition required rest.

However Ma Se-in who was being groomed as the next clan head was still very young.

For Jeong Yeon-shin who had completed his development as a martial artist to take the Leader position at his age was unprecedented.

As a grandmaster of martial arts, he had to be discussed separately from even the young sect master of the orthodox sects who had recently risen.

‘Se-in must feel burdened too. The pressure to grow must be intense.’

Ma Jin would become clan head. Until Jeong Yeon-shin’s friend came of age.

They said the City of Renowned Craftsmen’s iron clan’s energy prosthetic arm would soon be complete. His left arm had been severed causing damage to his entire meridian system?

By the time Ma Jin stepped down from clan head, he would show skill worthy of returning to the Divine Sword Group.

The boy who had once again felt the extreme at the Leader gathering was newly relieved.

He often imagined what would happen if he couldn’t overcome his fate and perished.

The more he did, the stronger his attachment to his companions and clan members grew. He just tried hard not to show it.

They would all remember him after his death. They were very precious.

‘Fortunate.’

Suddenly warmth passed through the boy’s eyes. His lips rose briefly too.

It was quite rare, but Ma Jin caught the look with practiced eye technique.

“Kid.”

His fierce face softened surprisingly. It wasn’t befitting of the future Ma clan head known by the title Harbringer of Death.

[TL Note- It has been so long since his title has been mentioned, so long that even i forgot what i translated it as so I’m gonna be using Harbringer of Death from now on.]

It wasn’t the expression of an undefeated supreme master, but that of an uncle looking at his nephew.

Ma Jin’s advice continued with a slight smile.

“Any place values both literary and martial arts more the higher you go. You don’t need to cultivate scholarship to a lofty level, but some judge people by how well they understand business and write. Mainly people from prestigious old families or imperial personnel. They’re the ones you’ll have to deal with constantly from now on.”

“Imperial personnel?”

“The fortress’s Leaders have special privileges. If corrupt officials block mission progress, you can execute them immediately with black rank authority.”

It was an incredible privilege. Authority that directly contradicted the Great Ming Code and current imperial policy.

Jeong Yeon-shin recalled the noble administrator who had caused trouble at the Hwangbo branch family.

As the branch head’s husband, he had tried to interfere with the boy’s mission.

It would have been a major predicament if Cheong Myeong of the same clan hadn’t been there.

‘So there’s nothing to worry about now.’

It felt refreshing. Jeong Yeon-shin silently listened to Ma Jin’s explanation.

“Just meet two conditions. There must be plausible circumstances, and few witnesses. Afterward, non-existent causes are created. Frighteningly naturally. Among the imperial Eastern Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard, whichever has easier influence in that region conducts covert operations. Making it seem unrelated to Desolate Fortress.”

It was truly terrifying. He had vaguely known before, but hearing it directly exceeded imagination.

Eastern Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard. They were institutions that ruled as envoys even in Beijing where the Forbidden City was located.

They exercised extralegal authority surpassing the Great Ming Code. Jeong Yeon-shin had heard well.

They were called King Yama even by high-ranking officials.

[TL Note- King Yama is called the King of Underworld and God of Death.]

The emperor’s sword cooperating with Desolate Fortress Leaders. It was a rare power in the world.

However Ma Jin’s expression was somewhat heavy. The scar on his forehead was slightly furrowed. His face held a hint of concern.

“I mentioned handwriting. Yeon-shin, you mustn’t be looked down on by imperial personnel. You could end up being manipulated if you’re not careful.”

“What do you mean by manipulated?”

“They’re people too. They value convenience. If you execute a high official due to a mission, you’re giving them quite a burdensome task. How tiresome must it be to fabricate evidence unrelated to the fortress and announce cause of death? Since they sometimes have to take responsibility for our actions themselves, they can’t always be favorable to us. It’s political burden.”

“I understand.”

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly nodded.

Ma Jin continued.

“They’re loyal to the emperor but have great discretion. They may arbitrarily restrict your missions according to their preferences. It wasn’t uncommon. Since there aren’t many above black rank, even Leaders found it embarrassing to report to the Fortress Lord or Group Leader about such matters, so many new Leaders just endured and got frustrated. Obeying Heaven Wing Leader was like that at first.”

“What about you, uncle?”

The boy suddenly asked. The corners of Ma Jin’s mouth rose slightly.

“Eunuchs from the Eastern Depot came. At the time the Chief Eunuch’s power pierced the heavens, but they didn’t particularly challenge me. Probably because this uncle’s energy was more brutal than Obeying Heaven Wing Leader’s. From the start.”

“…”

“There’s nothing else to establishing dominance. Just be strong in speech or martial arts. You should crush them with martial arts if needed.”

“Is that allowed?”… “Whether us or them, our duties are clearly defined, so there’s no need to worry about power struggles leading to mission failure. You especially have no reason to yield, Yeon-shin.”

“…?”

“The current emperor was taught by the Fortress Lord, and the Fortress Lord is both the emperor’s teacher and king of Ming Dynasty. You are the fortress’s 17th Leader under such a Fortress Lord. Moreover, you learned martial arts from the Fortress Lord like the emperor, so you’re not of lower status than the Eastern Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard.”

Ma Jin’s finger pointed to one direction on the desk documents. The seal ‘Radiant Demon Wing Leader’ was stamped at the bottom.

It was evidence of Jeong Yeon-shin’s approval of Radiant Demon Wing’s supplies.

If he sent nameless disciples like Lazy Flame Dragon or white rank warriors to the Administrator’s Office, money and goods corresponding to the listed items would be sent to Jeong Yeon-shin.

“Your background is the best among all new Leaders in history. However, the pride and self-respect of imperial personnel encompasses all under heaven, so conflict is inevitable. It’s a power struggle.”

There was a reason Ma Jin was advising this now.

A message had come to clear today’s schedule. It said to pay respects to the Crown Prince residing at the fortress.

The Ming Dynasty’s Crown Prince.

As a direct imperial family member learning martial arts from the Fortress Lord. They said he was the final authority on matters involving the fortress and government.

He had given the boy the foundation for sword songs when he had just reached blue rank. They hadn’t met since.

The mission departure was tomorrow.

To freely traverse the martial world as a Desolate Fortress black rank, one had to be able to cut down even officials who blocked the way.

This was introducing personnel who would cooperate with Jeong Yeon-shin in the future.

“This is rather fortunate. Better than meeting Eastern Depot or Embroidered Uniform Guard personnel alone for the first time. Since there are rumors the Crown Prince favors you.”

“Favors…? Me?”

They had only met a few times. His eyebrows rose slightly in doubt.

Ma Jin smiled faintly.

“The Crown Prince has few pleasures in life. He shows favor to anyone who can play music with swords regardless of status. Even the masters of internal energy arts in the palace rarely show such skill.”

“Ah.”

Jeong Yeon-shin recalled sword songs.

It was an art he didn’t use. It consumed lifespan.

He had set it aside thinking he couldn’t reduce the burden on his Hundred meetings acupoint until reaching the realm of unity of essence, energy and spirit, Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown.

It was fortunate to have caught the Crown Prince’s eye before that.

“It’s a condition that must be met before going to the martial world. Only after establishing a cooperation system with the imperial court can you fully carry out duties as a fortress Leader.”

Ma Jin didn’t seem very worried.

Perhaps because he had seen the boy successively kill Sword Scorpion Demon and Pure Demon Divine Hand at the City of Renowned Craftsmen. He calmly concluded:

“Form a relationship somehow. It’s the most important prerequisite.”

“Yes.”

The boy stood up.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

He arrived at a very magnificent palace hall. Along with an attendant wearing luxurious silk clothes.

During blue rank he had come with several warriors. Now he was alone. The attendant kept glancing at the boy wearing a pitch-black robe.

It was a strange gaze. The misaligned black sleeve cuff seemed to greatly bother him.

“Leader, please exercise utmost care in your conduct.”

The attendant said. Jeong Yeon-shin silently nodded.

It was the Crown Prince’s residence. The rafters carried both azure light and sunlight.

As befitting where an august person resided, it was very quiet. Even the sound of gentle wind sweeping the floor was clear.

“Radiant Demon Wing Leader of Desolate Fortress.”

The attendant who entered announced. Soon a small reply rang out. Let him enter.

At the same time, the bronze doors opened on both sides. There wasn’t even a sound of grabbing door handles.

Like the Fortress Lord’s void object control, they moved on their own.

As his view slowly opened, Jeong Yeon-shin crossed the threshold with proper steps.

Two pairs of eyes watched the boy.

“It’s been a while.”

A peerlessly handsome young man spoke slowly. He was seated in the imperial chair.

The Crown Prince. Ming Dynasty’s third heaven.

He had ears like sword tips. He was shorter than Jeong Yeon-shin. However he had been named Crown Prince despite the previous Crown Prince being alive.

The energy between his thick eyebrows was extraordinary. It wasn’t a matter of martial arts level, but a feeling of being hard to know the person’s inner thoughts.

A cool yet indifferent air. His looking down at Jeong Yeon-shin seemed natural.

It was a strange gaze. Both pupils flickered containing pitch-black lightning.

“Radiant Demon Wing Leader Jeong Yeon-shin greets the Crown Prince.”

The boy gave a plain salute.

“Already a Leader. Very fast. At that age.”

The Crown Prince said. In sunlight slanting down from the window.

He spoke as if existing alone under heaven.

“Congratulations on becoming part of those who govern all under heaven. There’s no need for private conversation, so speak with Ming Yu. He is the Chief Eunuch’s right arm.”

He closed his eyes as if just listening. The person standing beside the Crown Prince with clasped hands stepped forward.

“The Crown Prince’s words are too generous. Though unworthy of being called the Chief Eunuch’s right arm, I will take it as encouragement to work harder for state affairs.”

The imperial court’s characteristically archaic speech flowed like water.

Ears like sword tips stood out. He was a noble eunuch.

The boy sensed extraordinary energy waves. The eunuch standing on the platform was clearly a master.

‘He must have learned the Child Art that eunuchs cultivate? They say it’s an incredible martial art with great cost, I wonder how profound it is.’

[TL Note- Child Art is something that people learn since childhood. In this case, he was trained as a eunuch for imperial court since childhood.]

Just as he felt slight curiosity.

Ming Yu’s eyes narrowed slightly and rose gently. While blankly staring at Jeong Yeon-shin.

The eunuch of the Ming Dynasty’s intelligence agency Eastern Depot smiled with his eyes at the boy.

“Seeing such a young hero clears my mind.”

“I am Radiant Demon Wing Leader.”

Jeong Yeon-shin calmly cupped his hands. He didn’t prostrate like he had for the Crown Prince.

Ming Yu’s lips drew a strange arc.

“Since you depart tomorrow, we should handle urgent matters first. This official dares to test Leader.”

“Test?”

“To know Leader’s skill more accurately. Of course I watched the promotion duel well. However it was far from enough to precisely analyze the new Radiant Demon Wing Leader. Both as Leader and martial artist.”

Ming Yu’s tone was gentle. His voice was also rather thin.

It seemed due to being castrated since childhood…. 

“This is very important. Since one test cannot judge a person. What martial arts you’re weak against in what situations. The level of your movement in attack and defense, feints and body protection techniques. This official must know everything.”

“…”

“For deployment efficiency. Since our Eastern Depot must expend great effort on each Divine Sword Group Leader, I hope Radiant Demon Wing Leader will understand.”

“Perhaps you deny the imperial examination?”

Jeong Yeon-shin calmly asked back.

“My.”

Ming Yu laughed.

“Even within the examination system there are three tests. Provincial, metropolitan, and palace examinations. If Leader passed the provincial exam through promotion, it would be good to think of this as the metropolitan exam now. Of course… a mere provincial graduate cannot compare to a fortress Leader.”

“Is there a palace exam too?”

“That would be actual combat. This official is also curious how much the young Leader will contribute to the people’s livelihood.”

His speech was formidable. Befitting a eunuch surviving in the world’s most treacherous politics.

‘As expected. He was only favorable to uncle.’

It seemed different from Ma Jin’s early days. The boy inwardly understood while feeling apologetic to his uncle.

Even then Ming Yu’s words continued.

“The Martial Alliance Opening Tournament. A boy who just reached black rank taking on a major matter…? The reactions of those who don’t readily believe records are similar. They all say the same thing. …That it’s suspicious.”

Suspicious.

Meaning something is chaotic and doubtful.

The word emphasizing confusion was rarely used.

It demonstrated the Eastern Depot’s attitude toward a Leader in his teens, as they pursued perfection.

“Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s duel was certainly impressive. However, this official’s eyes are dim so there were things hard to discern.”

Ming Yu said while looking down at Jeong Yeon-shin.

“That sword strike that ended the duel. It was truly confusing. Whether it was just injecting energy obtained through medicine, or drawing a profound sword path with momentary insight.”

“Is it important?”

“Very important. It’s a matter of stability. The density of the young Leader’s energy waves was unusually high. If you only obtained your rank through being especially skilled at one-time techniques, it would take great effort for the Eastern Depot including this official to assist Leader. It would be different if you could unleash such sword strikes anytime.”

At the same time Ming Yu gestured.

Whoosh!

A hazy wind arose indoors. Energy waves instantly spreading through the air made the atmosphere vibrate.

Like thread it spread in multiple strands and began toying with the surroundings.

The strands of wind with form swept through nearby furniture. It would be impossible without having obtained the Crown Prince’s permission first.

“If I may request of Radiant Demon Wing Leader.”

Ming Yu said with a smile.

“Please come at me as if I were a blade. Any method is fine. Whether dodging or shattering, I will analyze the Leader’s true martial arts.”

“Too trivial.”

“What did you say?”

As Ming Yu’s expression turned strange, the boy didn’t try to take back his careless words.

‘No need.’

He just briefly observed the strands of wind manifesting before him.

Eunuch Ming Yu. He seemed to be a noble who mainly cultivated energy emission. A rare case among those around Jeong Yeon-shin.

His senior Cheong Myeong was a sword technique master, and the Fortress Lord was too lofty to ask for teachings.

‘Something comes to mind. Seems like a good opportunity.’

The boy moved without hesitation. His upper dantian was burning white-hot.

The Hundred Meetings acupoint that had been frequently flashing lately writhed refreshingly in his head.

Whoosh.

Before a wind strand could even brush his chest.

He fully opened the Shoulder Ravine acupoint below his right shoulder. While tensing the deltoid muscle in the same spot.

The subtle movement of muscle and meridians triggered energy emission.

As the solid energy of the Luminous Wheel That Transcends Law briefly exploded, it lightly pushed back Jeong Yeon-shin’s shoulder.

Swish.

Taking one step together created natural evasion.

The approaching wind seemed to even show the path to dodge. It was a reaction one dimension faster.

As Ming Yu’s eyes widened, Jeong Yeon-shin took another step.

Hwak—

It was the instant he faced two strands from the side and front.

The moment he relaxed the erector spinae muscles in his back and psoas major in his lower back, the Kidney Shu acupoint in his right waist burned with the Luminous Wheel.

It was energy emission triggered by relaxing rather than tensing. His body trained in the Luminous Wheel regulated the minute muscles around the acupoint.

Sak.

His whole body rotated twice while passing through the gap. A leaf-like movement emerged.

The movement principles he had long pondered began taking concrete form. Once, twice, he gradually stepped on the ground lightly as if possessed.

The pitch-black robe only fluttered through Jeong Yeon-shin’s body. Ming Yu’s energy waves that had spoken of blades couldn’t even brush his clothes.

Whoosh.

The movements modeled after Cheong Myeong’s teachings transformed. The boy’s unique reaction speed, muscle movements, and energy control created elegant movements.

The unified principles in his upper dantian flashed. It was as if endless lightning illuminated his mind brightly.

The inspiration granted through the capabilities of wind energy waves was tremendous. It was enough to finally transform martial arts that hadn’t been systematized.

‘Wind Body.’

Two characters floated up in the wind brushing through his mind. The name of the movement technique.

The movements he had used without even a name were woven into clear principles. A system just for Jeong Yeon-shin was established.

It was the moment Wind Body was born among the body protection techniques.

Step.

He was suddenly before Ming Yu. Dust exploded from the boy’s final footstep.

The energy wave vortex wrapped around his trouser hem and briefly rose before completely unraveling Ming Yu’s wind strands with a small explosion.

Hwaaak!

Ming Yu’s body staggered. As the one who had originally cast the martial art, he faced the recoil.

“What’s wrong?”

The Crown Prince asked. He had been blankly looking up at Jeong Yeon-shin while seated beside him.

His appearance with his elbow on the armrest and chin in hand was strange. He seemed unconcerned by the boy’s approach.

“Th… kugh…!”

Ming Yu couldn’t answer the question. His white throat kept moving continuously. He seemed to be swallowing blood.

‘Did he receive internal injuries?’

Jeong Yeon-shin thought. Wind Body movement technique. He had received a great gift right before departure. A hint of goodwill appeared on the boy’s face…. It was gratitude toward Eunuch Ming Yu. He had provided martial arts in a way. The new Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s eyes softened considerably.

“His energy seems chaotic.”

The boy answered instead. It was before the Crown Prince, a direct imperial family member. He thought that would be better than directly mentioning internal injuries.

The Crown Prince removed his hand from his chin and began laughing loudly.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***