Chapter 164 – Radiant Demon Wing Leader (7)

Who is the Radiant Demon Wing Leader?

This was one of the key topics at the Martial Alliance gathering.

When considering “Who will win the Alliance Opening Tournament?”, he emerged as a powerful contender.

Among the envoys from major sects at the Alliance headquarters, he had the greatest influence. They needed to understand his martial arts and character.

“It would be good to talk with White Qilin.”

“Namgung Hwa-shin…? He was famous for his righteous character. But now he’s a Desolate Fortress warrior.”

“He joined someone who killed his own brother. All that talk of righteous character, the Azure and White Qilin being the greatest brothers in the martial world… it was all baseless rumors. Anyone can maintain appearances at events like the Dragon Phoenix Gathering.”

“Wouldn’t he be without grudges? I heard the duel between Lightning Genius and Azure Qilin was a fair life-and-death battle. That’s why White Qilin became a symbol of the orthodox path…”

“Young Master Gong should distinguish friend from foe first.”

Six people, including Murong Mingjun and Yue Yu-lin, walked together.

They were all young. Two days remained until the banquet. Their destination was clear.

The residence of the blind master who had captured the hearts of Alliance martial artists over several months.

Lady Ye.

She was the niece of the Ye Sword Sect Leader and young mistress of the Ye Merchant Group.

The merchant group had provided massive funding for establishing the Alliance headquarters. Her position was unique.

She had a bold personality and beautiful appearance. Her profound martial arts were charming despite her covered eyes.

Prestigious family martial artists were different from wanderers. Sometimes they valued money over swords.

This meant they understood how powerful those with both martial might and wealth could be.

Anyone would be captivated, regardless of gender. Many martial artists were lovesick over her.

Even prestigious family patriarchs who pretended otherwise paid attention to her movements.

“The Ye Merchant Group must have high-quality information. I wonder how they evaluate Lightning Genius.”

“What I’m most curious about is Lady Ye’s name.”

“Didn’t they say their family tradition only allows revealing names to betrothed partners? Are you showing ulterior motives now?”

“That’s just a saying. Why are you so sensitive about it?”

They chatted while walking on the well-laid stone path.

“Lady” was an honorific. It was used to respectfully address young women from prestigious families.

For the patriarchs of the Eight Great Families, like the Murong and Zhuge, to sincerely call her “Lady” meant she was no ordinary person.

It demonstrated Lady Ye’s standing that she received respect from those who acted like royalty in their territories.

“We’re here.”

Murong Mingjun looked ahead.

It was an exceptionally magnificent hall within the headquarters.

The curves flowing from the outer roof down to the rafters were elegant.

It rivaled the Fragrant Melody Court where the Radiant Demon Wing Leader stayed.

This meant it was no less than the residence provided by Alliance leadership to draw attention.

“I sent word to Lady Ye.”

Murong Mingjun said to the man standing guard at the door.

Unlike a servant, he had a sturdy build and strong energy. Though standing like a doorkeeper, he had discipline.

The servant who had been watching him turned his head to the side.

“May I let them in?”

“Yes.”

A brief answer came. A smooth voice. It was a voice that erased any displeasure toward the servant.

Along with the answer, qi that tickled the ears was strangely unorthodox yet not unpleasant. It was peculiar energy.

‘It’s not Ye Sword Sect’s internal energy. The rumors about learning from a hermit must be true.’

Murong Mingjun thought.

Clank.

The servant silently grabbed the door handle and pulled it aside. Murong Mingjun carefully observed his hands. They had calluses.

‘He’s trained in martial arts. At a considerable level. Since he acts as a servant without weapons, he must be Lady Ye’s trusted subordinate… very strange.’

The group crossed the threshold. Following the servant’s guidance, they passed through the main hall into a large office.

A curtain hung in front of the seat of honor. So host and guests could not see each other’s faces.

“I thought you weren’t shy outside.”

Murong Mingjun joked with a smile. Lady Ye’s shadow visible through the curtain took his breath away.

Her figure leaning back against the chair with legs crossed.

The destructive energy waves flowing from her bearing approached with terrifying charm.

If demonic energy had dwelled in her energy waves, he would have thought her a Blood Flame Sect noble.

“Won’t you meet us face to face? This silk curtain is quite bothersome.”

“I don’t want to see ugly faces even in my home.”

Lady Ye said. She meant she wouldn’t remove the curtain.

Her radical speech and conduct matched extremely well.

Even words close to insults became a hero’s jokes when she spoke them.

Her appearance, energy, and background that the group knew well made it so.

“Sister Ye, I’m pretty so it’s fine, right? Can I go inside? I miss you.”

Yue Yu-lin acted coy. She tilted her head side to side slightly. The reply was indifferent.

“State your business.”

“Aww…”

Yue Yu-lin lowered her head dejectedly.

They had gone on an outing together before.

While the Thirteen Evil Sects were running wild during the famine, Lady Ye had killed the Blood Swordmaster that nearly beheaded Yue Yu-lin.

It was one strike that crushed the swordmasters’ head with the back of her hand. It was truly shocking.

The Yue family of Shandong was an ancient orthodox sect. Yue Yu-lin was grateful.

She wanted to repay the favor. But Lady Ye did not let people within a certain distance. There was a clear invisible line.

That’s why the Alliance’s young martial artists thirsted for her. She had charm they had never seen but could not get close to.

It was the same for masters from the Eight Families like Yue Yu-lin, Murong Mingjun, and Zhuge Xian.

They couldn’t use force either. The Martial Alliance was a recently formed alliance.

Their income sources were not unified. The budget and accounting were very complex.

Continuous support from major financiers like the Ye Merchant Group was essential.

‘Though we’re tracking the flow, we can’t find the source of their wealth. How long has it been since I ordered the family… when will there be results.’

Murong Mingjun pushed aside his thoughts and opened his mouth.

“We came to seek your wisdom. Rigid martial artists like me and Sister Yue need radical ideas we couldn’t think of.”

“Wisdom?”

Lady Ye’s shadow tilted slightly. Her tone rose. She sounded incredulous.

Murong Mingjun’s lips curved into a smile.

“The new Radiant Demon Wing Leader has come as Desolate Fortress’s envoy. You must have heard.”

“…”

“He’s quite troublesome. Since the Alliance’s justification for forming lies with Desolate Fortress, we can’t just send him back politely. We need to humiliate him somehow… but we can’t find an opening. Rather, he’s gaining reputation. By giving teachings to those who visit. He’s certainly talented.”

“Do you want to die?”

“Hmm? You mean the Radiant Demon Wing Leader?”

Murong Mingjun asked with a slight laugh.

“…”

No answer came. Only the translucent curtain blocking the front fluttered slightly.

Just the servant standing at the door flinched unnecessarily.

His indifferent expression shown to the prestigious family members like Murong Mingjun and Yue Yu-lin wavered.

“Your words always exceed imagination. But we can’t behead an envoy. A black rank supreme master wouldn’t be easily killed, and if he decided to flee he wouldn’t be easily caught. Just humiliating him would suffice.”

“Sister. He’s the person who killed my betrothed. I told you before, right? Azure Qilin Namgung Se-jin. He might have fallen victim to Desolate Fortress’s characteristically bold moves. I can’t just let my enemy’s actions pass. He must be an extremely vicious person.”

Yue Yu-lin chimed in.

The boy from the Gong family beside her sighed. But no one looked back.

“Azure Qilin?”

Lady Ye asked again. Strange interest seemed to seep into her voice. Yue Yu-lin’s face brightened.

“Yes, yes, that’s right. By Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin…”

“It must have great meaning.”

Lady Ye cut off Yue Yu-lin’s words. With a voice rippling with mysterious anticipation.

“During summer at age sixteen. That’s when the Radiant Demon Wing Leader faced the Namgung family duel. Wouldn’t any event be taken seriously at that age? Also, according to my… spy, the young Radiant Demon Wing Leader is seductively cruel and chillingly arrogant. Try mentioning Azure Qilin directly. I can’t do it.”

“You mean he’s like Blood Flame Sect? As expected… the Ye Merchant Group’s spy network must be quite extensive. Could your intelligence agents’ abilities rival the Beggar Sect? But… what do you mean you can’t do it?”

“It means get out now. I have something to savor while lying down.”

***

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

“I am Yue Yu-lin of the Yue family of Shandong.”

When she approached the Radiant Demon Wing Leader with his fairly handsome face, her heart was pounding with hatred.

She had lost her lifelong love to this boy. It had been a long time since she stopped eating after hearing of Namgung Se-jin’s death.

Ironically, the reason she started eating again and training martial arts was because she thought she would see Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin again.

“Radiant Demon Wing Leader Jeong Yeon-shin.”

The boy answered.

She knew. She knew very well. She had long memorized his features. To the point where she thought of him even in dreams.

The prodigy who had killed Azure Qilin Namgung Se-jin.

She had expected they would meet somehow in the upper echelons of the martial world.

Her prediction was right. They finally met. Now he had risen to a position where she couldn’t immediately challenge him to a duel.

She resented heaven. What if the Martial Alliance had declared war on Desolate Fortress as soon as it was formed?

She would have mobilized all the Yue family’s resources to avenge her love.

“I know you witnessed Azure Qilin’s death. I was his betrothed.”

Yue Yu-lin spoke slowly.

A sadistic feeling sprouted as she looked down at the boy sitting with dignity.

Do you know the value of the person you killed? His noble character and outstanding appearance were worthy of becoming a symbol of the orthodox path.

You wouldn’t know how heartbreaking it was when he cried in my arms after sending his brother Namgung Hwa-shin away.

“The one I knew was a hypocrite. He was busy hiding the family’s shame behind seemingly righteous conduct.”

A great hero became a lonely soul by your hands. How do you think of him?

Was it just an achievement greatly praised by your Desolate Fortress? How satisfied were you after killing him?

Even Desolate Fortress is ridiculous for making the killing of a hero into merit.

“I’m curious what you think. As a noble martial artist who had a life-and-death duel with him. You must have felt Namgung Se-jin’s true nature most deeply.”

Her emotions nearly overwhelmed her as she spoke. She could only whisper with her breath.

If you agree with this story, I, Yue Yu-lin of Shandong, will lower your dignity endlessly.

This is the powerless revenge of an orthodox righteous path martial artist. You’re just a wanderer with high martial arts.

This was how prestigious families took revenge. It started with lowering the opponent’s dignity.

Everyone at this Martial Alliance gathering knew anyway.

Yue Yu-lin wasn’t truly disparaging Azure Qilin. She was just testing.

She gave the Radiant Demon Wing Leader an excuse to rationalize the result of his life-and-death duel.

Some martial artists, including Murong Mingjun, were watching with interest.

“You. You speak carelessly of Azure Qilin. You’re tarnishing his dignity.”

Unbelievable words flowed from the Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s mouth. Yue Yu-lin looked at the boy’s face.

His thick, distinct eyebrows were distorted. It was an expression of considerable anger.

“I’m not interested in the thoughts of low-ranks.”

The Radiant Demon Wing Leader slowly rose from his seat. Energy waves began rising with incomparable sharpness.

Without even touching his sword, it felt like he was unleashing sword energy waves without the help of a blade.

“Why you invited this Leader, what you find so amusing to watch. Compared to Azure Qilin, you are nothing. Even if I reach purple rank, he would be my equal. Let me be clear.”

The new Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s pitch-black robe hem fluttered.

It was presence that made one recall the meaning of the black robe. They said only Leaders wore it at Desolate Fortress.

“From today, rising talents should not speak to me. It lowers my dignity.”

The moment the boy’s lips moved.

Whoosh!

A sword was engraved in Yue Yu-lin’s vision. The blade was striking down precisely toward her.

How close was it? She didn’t even know when he had drawn it.

The sharp line made all surrounding colors blur. Her vision was completely filled with just one sword line.

Her heart pounded violently. All her senses seemed to say this was real.

From the chilling sword wind brushing her skin, it was real.

For a moment, she couldn’t believe it. He would kill her? Here?

WHOOSH!

Yue Yu-lin involuntarily sat down. She showed the worst reaction possible as a martial artist. That’s how overwhelming the sword strike had felt.

However… nothing happened. Only a breeze flowing through the window caressed the banquet hall’s silence.

She blankly raised her head. Her eyes met the boy’s as he stood with hands behind his back, having never drawn his sword.

It was an aloof bearing. Enough to understand Sister Ye’s words.

Seductively cruel and chillingly arrogant. Just as her spy had reported.

“Azure Qilin stood.”

The Radiant Demon Wing Leader who had unclasped his hands spoke. Then he slightly lowered his eyes while stroking his sleeve.

He seemed to be recalling something. Memories of Azure Qilin? Or perhaps reviewing the technique he had just unleashed.

Yue Yu-lin’s eyes widened.

‘That was an illusion? That?’

Suddenly she became aware of her surroundings. She wasn’t the only one affected. There were several others.

Even Murong Mingjun had half-drawn his sword and greatly lowered his stance.

He seemed to have realized later than Yue Yu-lin, who had been making eye contact with the Radiant Demon Wing Leader.

“What…?”

“How many people just got hit? Could it be mind sword?”

The banquet hall belatedly stirred.

The Radiant Demon Wing Leader continued being radical. Both his words defending Azure Qilin and the technique just shown were so.

As orthodox righteous path talents, it was hard to accept immediately.

Meaning it didn’t feel real. It was like that until a swordsman with outstanding appearance opened the banquet hall doors and entered.

“Leader.”

White Qilin Namgung Hwa-shin approached, showing noble bearing. Was it etiquette toward the Leader?

He immediately knelt on one knee toward the Radiant Demon Wing Leader and gave a martial salute.

He didn’t seem to mind the many acquaintances around. He was more noble than anyone here.

“He looks very much like Azure Qilin. The appearance of legendary brothers.”

“More than that, that thorough etiquette… is White Qilin truly the Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s sword?”

Those not belonging to any faction muttered.

White Qilin didn’t mind lowering himself. Despite being a prestigious family master counted among the top young martial artists.

It struck those who had been hesitantly standing up once more.

Murong Mingjun’s brow furrowed as he straightened up across from them.

Namgung Hwa-shin didn’t even glance at him.

He parted his lips.

“I waited until matters were settled.”

“There was no need.”

The boy’s cold gaze softened considerably.

It was completely different from how he treated the prestigious family martial artists, including Lazy Flame Dragon. Namgung Hwa-shin smiled faintly.

“Sword Star has requested a meeting.”

“Sword Star, you mean the Alliance Leader?”

The boy asked.

“Yes.”

It was then.

Suddenly Hyeon Won-chang rose from his seat.

After glancing around briefly, he approached his young Leader and dusted off the “Desolate” character on his shoulder.

Then he smiled while looking between Yue Yu-lin and Murong Mingjun.

“Enjoy yourselves well.”