Chapter 165 – Implementation

Hyeon Won-chang’s words were clearly provocative. Both the situation and his expression showed it.

Such conduct was rarely seen among noble orthodox martial artists. Hostility rose like clouds from the surrounding masters.

Their eyes tensed, and the energy wrapping their bodies sharpened.

Lazy Flame Dragon openly smirked.

“Why get angry at well-wishes? After being thoroughly beaten.”

His mocking tone with a raised inflection matched his Leader and superior.

It was befitting of the Hwangbo family’s young lord. Anyone could see his arrogance.

The corners of Jeong Yeon-shin’s mouth moved slightly. He had just said, as the Radiant Demon Wing Leader, that speaking with low-ranks lowered his dignity.

Hyeon Won-chang’s conduct was no longer rash behavior.

‘This always happens.’

The boy shrugged his shoulders slightly. Hyeon Won-chang’s hand, touching the “Desolate” character, was pushed away.

The Desolate Divine Hero, who withdrew his arm with a fake cough, was strangely annoying.

The reason for deliberately making the “Desolate” character large seemed to fade. It was embarrassing.

Jeong Yeon-shin inwardly shook his head and thought.

‘The illusion technique is becoming natural. Quite good.’

He had used the technique learned from the Fortress Lord. It worked better than expected.

He saw the shocked faces of Murong Mingjun, Yue Yu-lin, and others.

Mediocre masters. Despite their fairly sensitive senses, they couldn’t properly distinguish the sword of energy waves Jeong Yeon-shin had unleashed.

Though they seemed amateur, they were prestigious family martial artists. Their connection between energy sense and five senses seemed quite high-level.

‘That actually makes them easier to deceive.’

They had decent senses. But their martial arts weren’t high enough to immediately recognize Jeong Yeon-shin’s illusion.

Their energy sense was only sharp in accepting the energy wave sword strike as real. Ambiguous martial power. An illusion would work over 70% of the time.

They became good training partners. Just for this, coming to the banquet was worthwhile.

‘Though it seems quite useful in one versus many battles… weak ones can be handled with Myriad Heavens Flower Rain. I need to raise it to where it can confuse supreme masters.’

The young Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s eyes looked beyond the rising talents. He resolved to practice illusions along with transforming sword techniques.

So it wouldn’t be just luck that it worked once on the Obeying Heaven Wing Leader.

“Let’s go back.”

The boy said.

He had already damaged the Martial Alliance’s dignity. There was no reason to stay longer.

Hyeon Won-chang was right. It was enough to let them enjoy themselves.

Since he had shown the Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s status was above them, he had achieved his mission’s purpose.

Lazy Flame Dragon raised the corners of his mouth.

“Why act shy after saying everything you wanted to say?”

He spoke mischievously. He had quietly taken a position on Jeong Yeon-shin’s left.

The boy saw his playful smile briefly but didn’t bother looking up at his hard-to-handle subordinate.

He only nodded to Namgung Hwa-shin, who had brought Sword Star’s message. Meanwhile, Lazy Flame Dragon’s amused voice was heard.

“I’m technically a rising talent too, so I’m worried the Leader’s dignity might be lowered by this young master’s rambling. ‘Don’t speak to rising talents. It lowers dignity’… quite impressive. Only a supreme master of that age could say such things.”

“…”

“Let me give you advance advice. Since such monstrous power probably only exists under heaven in our Leader, I hope you won’t kick your bed in frustration after three years. Better engrave it in your heart. I think I was like that about nine years ago too. Cursing heaven for giving me the cursed Scorching Divine Meridian… saying I’d make them regret it by burning all under heaven. Quite embarrassing memories.”

He gave what he called advice while grinning. His exhale was mixed in heavily. He remained a difficult subordinate to handle.

“I said let’s go.”

Jeong Yeon-shin, who had fully turned, said.

The boy felt the annoyance seeping into his voice. He thought it was natural. These people weren’t even worth Azure Qilin’s fingernail.

Originally, he had wanted to experience prestigious family martial arts even through building relationships. Not now. His interest had faded.

Step.

No one stopped him as he walked freely. Perhaps due to the illusion that appeared as dignified as a mind sword.

The young orthodox martial artists didn’t move. They just blankly watched the Radiant Demon Wing Leader who had spoken harshly.

“Equal to a purple rank?”

Only one boy wearing sky-blue silk clothes muttered. With a strange expression. He looked about two years younger than Jeong Yeon-shin.

Hyeon Won-chang told him it was the young master of the Gong family.

“That’s a fairly good evaluation. As a footnote under Azure Qilin’s appearance and bearing. Though perhaps it’s because he’s still young.”

“Hmm. The Gong family didn’t have particularly bad rumors.”

Lazy Flame Dragon lightly chimed in.

“Not interested. Children’s games are over.”

Jeong Yeon-shin, who glanced at the Gong young master, slowly stepped forward. He resolved to only deal with veteran masters from now on.

Lazy Flame Dragon and Hyeon Won-chang immediately followed on his left and right. Namgung Hwa-shin protected the boy’s back.

“Children’s games are over, he says.”

Lazy Flame Dragon muttered with a grin. Our Leader is creating the next form of bed technique.

“Indeed a great master.”

“I order silent meditation. Until tomorrow morning.”

The four left the banquet hall without hesitation.

Until then, Yue Yu-lin sat blankly. While staring distantly at the young Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s black robe hem.

Murong Mingjun, standing to one side, quietly bit his lip. Only confusion, anguish, and anger remained.

The banquet hall’s lantern lights flickered greatly once.

Night air rushed in through the gap of the door the Radiant Demon Wing group had closed and left through. It was dark and transparent.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

“Sword Star was originally a wandering swordsman.”

Hyeon Won-chang said. It was right after returning to Fragrant Melody Court from the banquet hall.

The meeting with the Alliance Leader was scheduled for tomorrow noon. Namgung Hwa-shin had delivered the message earlier. Sword Star had invited them to lunch.

Among their group, only Namgung Hwa-shin had a good reputation.

While gathering information around the Alliance headquarters, he had stopped by Fragrant Melody Court first to receive the Alliance Leader’s message.

“There are many stories. It’s hard to know which are true. Some say he learned sword techniques considered taboo by Shaolin’s secular disciples, while others claim he was the sole survivor of an annihilated prestigious family. They say he honed his sword while wandering the world, building on fundamental techniques from renowned sects. Sword Star Hyeon So-baek is famous as someone capable of anything.”

Hyeon Won-chang’s words were unusual. Perhaps because Sword Star’s background wasn’t clear… The Desolate Divine Hero, who rarely acknowledged major sects, spoke without reservation.

From one corner, Lazy Flame Dragon nodded while lying with his arm under his head.

“There used to be a saying: When Hyeon So-baek draws his sword, you feel Mount Wudang’s serenity; when he dances with his sword at Mount Hua, plum blossoms naturally respond; and to feel Mount Song’s majesty, it’s enough to face the weaponless Sword Star.”

“…”

Silence flowed briefly. Jeong Yeon-shin observed Namgung Hwa-shin and Hyeon Won-chang’s expressions. Their faces showed no particular change.

It seemed to be a well-known story. It meant that when discussing the swordsman Hyeon So-baek, it was appropriate to mention the Nine Great Sects’ sacred mountains.

“I’ll have to see him at purple rank.”

The boy slowly muttered. Lazy Flame Dragon nodded.

“Actually, Divine Sword Group Leader and Sword Star are often compared. Mainly by martial arts enthusiasts in the martial world. I heard they even argue about whose sword techniques are more noble and beautiful.”

“You mean comparable to the Group Leader’s Formless Sword?”

Jeong Yeon-shin asked unconsciously. He recalled the internal energy sword the Divine Sword Group Leader had shown when killing the Namgung clan lord.

Could anything be more brilliant than that dazzling blade that day? He hadn’t seen it yet.

Lazy Flame Dragon rubbed his head. It was a leisurely gesture.

“He also beheaded the previous Heart Martial Alliance Leader with his White Silent Sword… Honestly, he deserves respect. Many revere him. I once did too.”

[TL Note- Changing Deep Martial Alliance to Heart Martial Alliance.]

“The story of him stopping one hundred Heart Martial Alliance warriors is famous. He took the previous Alliance Leader’s head among warriors equipped with armor and arrows. That was fifteen years ago.”

Namgung Hwa-shin spoke while sitting properly. He showed complete respect to Jeong Yeon-shin.

Among the three subordinates, only Namgung Hwa-shin did so.

The boy nodded slightly.

“What about his character?”

“The incident with the previous Heart Martial Alliance Leader happened before commoners. The Heart Martial Alliance’s martial force compensated for supplies through plunder. When they tried to make a village their base, Sword Star appeared. They say he alone blocked one hundred masters and the previous Alliance Leader. After beheading the Leader, he suffered considerable internal injuries, and I understand he temporarily took refuge at Shaolin Temple because of it. Since it happened in Henan.”

Namgung Hwa-shin answered. His words showed respect for Sword Star Hyeon So-baek.

‘Going by rumors, he seems like a true hero.’

The boy thought. Was the Alliance Leader different? He had rarely encountered the scent of chivalry among orthodox sects.

Only Yu Hyeon, who rushed to save commoners without hesitation, Wei Zi Myo-hwa famous for her righteousness, the Shaolin monks who willingly helped fight Blood Flame Sect, and Azure Qilin were all.

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke again, hoping to avoid getting entangled in needless power struggles with Sword Star.

“Then did he obtain the Great Rejuvenation Pill at that time?”

“That’s what they say. He must have formed a bond with Shaolin’s abbot during that period.”

“He’s definitely no ordinary old man. Offering the Alliance Opening Tournament’s reward for personal use. The Great Rejuvenation Pill no less.”

Lazy Flame Dragon chimed in.

It was a fair point. Jeong Yeon-shin listened carefully to his older subordinates’ words. It was because his mission required facing a master while being lower-ranked.

Divine Spear Yue Shou-lin had said winning the Alliance Opening Tournament was enough, but the boy always hoped for greater merit.

They say a master’s swordplay naturally contains their character.

Someone with a rough temperament could never fully develop Wudang Sect’s Taiji Sword. If Sword Star was gentle, the chances of him yielding the initiative were high.

If so, it was right to prepare true steps that could accumulate considerable energy waves in one strike.

They had to anticipate all sorts of battle scenarios this way to have any chance.

They discussed how to conduct themselves as envoys until dawn.

“First, let’s work on the Leader’s conduct. In this servant’s view, we may need to be more wary of the Zhuge clan lord than the Alliance Leader. We can’t give them even the smallest excuse to find fault. We don’t know what tricks they might pull regarding participation in the Alliance Opening Tournament.”

“Conduct?”

“Honestly, can we say the Young Leader’s manner of speech is polite? Rather, you have a talent for making people’s blood rush to their Hundred Meetings acupoint. You weren’t like this before, but lately something…”

“Me?”

Jeong Yeon-shin met the day of the audience without much progress.

* * *

The Alliance Leader’s hall where Sword Star resided was inside the headquarters. It seemed to be the most secluded place even within the inner court.

Even the man guiding Jeong Yeon-shin was no ordinary person.

Fan Dragon Zhuge Xian. His green scholar’s robe reminded one of a noble scholar. They said he was the second most noble person in the Zhuge clan.

‘It seems like a servant’s job.’

Jeong Yeon-shin thought. The Zhuge young master had left a fairly good impression on the boy.

He had politely requested a spar upon their first meeting and had even burned a fan for him.

It was then that Zhuge Xian, walking with him, opened his mouth.

“I was too flustered before.”

“…?”

“You graciously accepted the duel. As you said, the teaching was correct. Though late, I wanted to express my gratitude. Thanks to the Leader, I gained enlightenment.”

“Enlightenment?”

“You said that while a weapon’s techniques are important, body movement achievement should come first. It was a good lesson. There’s even progress in my Protective Vision achievement.”

His tone was calm. Unlike Murong Mingjun’s affected voice. His neat bearing showed sincerity.

Perhaps burning his fan had been unrelated to his true intentions. It might have been on orders from leadership like the Zhuge clan lord.

The boy nodded once.

“That’s good.”

Few martial artists besides companions had directly expressed gratitude. This was especially true for prestigious family members.

Perhaps his awkward feelings showed? A faint smile formed at Zhuge Xian’s lips. The boy suddenly recalled.

They said Fan Dragon, Lazy Flame Dragon, and Azure Qilin were the same age.

‘Is he somewhat closer to Azure Qilin’s side?’

Just as he unconsciously thought of Namgung Se-jin.

“This is the place.”

Zhuge Xian said.

Step.

The two walked on maple leaves more brilliant than flowers. A vast garden spread beneath their feet.

Amid trees blocking all directions, one man stood with hands behind his back to greet them. Presence as vivid as autumn flowers’ fragrance reached Jeong Yeon-shin.

Now at black rank, he understood. This was the presence demonstrating terrifyingly dense sword force.

He was a peerless master who could create a sword barrier equivalent to city walls with just one blade.

No wonder he was mentioned alongside the Divine Sword Group Leader… Sword Star Hyeon So-baek.

He clearly had prestigious family blood. His high bridge of nose prominent in the sunlight was like a divine sword’s blade.

He was a middle-aged man with extremely handsome features. Even the black sword handle worn with his white clothes looked noble.

“I greet the Alliance Leader.”

Zhuge Xian knelt on one knee and gave a martial salute. Sword Star smiled slightly and waved his hand.

“Too formal. I called you because I have business with you too, so please stay. And…”

His pitch-black eyes took in the boy’s whole body. Jeong Yeon-shin stood still without giving a salute. He just stared blankly at Sword Star.

The inspiration stimulating his whole body now made him do so.

A tidal wave of mantras surged in his mind. His upper dantian was naturally burning white-hot.

“So you are the Radiant Demon Wing Leader.”

Sword Star said with a slight smile.

“I heard from the greedy clan lords. They said you’re the sprout whose neck should be cut first when sect warfare breaks out. But…”

Whoosh.

Suddenly the sense of distance became strange. The boy closed and opened his eyes once. Sword Star’s body that had been thirty paces away was now right before his eyes.

His white clothes worn simply unbefitting an Alliance Leader cast a faint shadow. Wind gusted belatedly.

The surrounding vegetation all bent backward at once.

Whoosh!

Truly incredible movement technique. It was speed completely beyond human realm.

‘My reaction was slow. I should use the second form…!’

Jeong Yeon-shin started to reach for the Northern Light sword but froze. Sword Star’s eyes were red.

“How cruel is heaven. At such a young age.”

Tears welled up in his black eyes, and colorless sparks flew from them. It seemed as if divine energy had entered his eye technique.

Like how the boy imbued dharma power in his cultivation technique. It was a trace of supreme realm martial arts.

“How difficult it must have been? Come here. Let me embrace you.”

The Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s body reacted separately from his surprised mind. Hyeon Won-chang’s habits reflexively came to mind.

Energy waves of the Wind Body movement technique arose from his whole body. A small vortex climbed up his pitch-black robe.

It was footwork force faster than the eye that pushed his body. Perfect assistance dwelled in his movements.

Swish!

Jeong Yeon-shin twisted his upper body while grimacing. The soft ground sank beneath his following step.

It was a move to slip past Sword Star’s embrace to the side. A long sound rang as black and white sleeves brushed. It was a hair’s breadth difference.

Sword Star and Zhuge Xian’s eyes widened.