Chapter 186 – Bond

Taoist Cheon Ju had said that bearing a deep internal injury made him equal to Jeong Yeon-shin. A remark about the Radiant Demon Wing Leader after four exchanges.

Not anymore.

The boy had grown stronger. He still didn’t match a fully restored Taoist Cheon Ju.

Yet duels between warriors inherently carried many variables. At this moment, the outcome was unmistakably the Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s victory.

Hoo.

Jeong Yeon-shin drew a deep breath. In his mind, he revisited the newly devised sword technique.

A few breaths were needed. Time to organize the third sword technique, the only one with a name.

His muscles, expanded from intense movement, pulsed steadily.

The breeze brushing his bare skin felt more distinct than the stinging sword wounds. Quite refreshing.

‘I’ve created three sword techniques.’

The boy recalled three trajectories. Thoughts flowing like fleeting beams of light.

The First Technique was a swift-attack sword style. Inspired by the Azure Qilin’s Emperor’s Sword Form. It amplified full-body energy emission to envelop all directions.

An energy wave that bolstered sword energy. A broad downward slash transformed into a lightning-fast strike.

It enabled striking first despite acting later. Designed to reach the foe before they could.

The Second Technique stemmed from the Swimming Heaven Sword Ghost, Baek Seo-gun.

A counterattack sword style.

Forged by studying her sword-like physique. Her body matched the renown of a Sword Venerable.

It utilized the energy waves accumulated from countless clashes.

From the triceps to the extensor digitorum beneath the thumb, muscles were tuned with the Jeong Family Dynamic Technique.

Fine movements stored energy.

Converging the energy waves amassed from battling a formidable foe into the right hand surpassed the First Technique’s strike.

‘The Azure Flame Slash is different.’

The Third Technique.

A single lethal sword technique. It condensed all principles of the Radiant Sword Style into one trajectory. Even muscles honed by the Jeong Family Dynamic Technique melted with a single swing.

A trajectory drawing out the utmost sword energy. One slash stimulated the entire body this much.

It might further refine his lengthening limbs in time.

All three sword techniques were specialized to harness the Luminous Wheel Technique. Even if the techniques were domineering, unlike the auspicious energy, it held true.

Martial arts befitting Desolate Fortress’s Radiant Demon Wing Leader.

He had no intent for the mind-body cultivation of the Nine Sects. Sword techniques crafted solely to crush and defeat foes.

With three sword techniques, it could rightly be called a sword style.

In this moment, the boy became a black-rank swordmaster. A Desolate Fortress leader debating the martial world with a single blade.

“A sword technique name with a story? Quite resolute. If this poor Taoist offered a favor, many would bring sacks of rice by the bushel.”

Taoist Cheon Ju’s voice carried a hint of amusement. “Poor Taoist” referred to himself.

A humble term monks or priests used to signify modesty.

Perhaps due to their sword exchange. The Sword Saint’s tone grew gentler. As Ma Jin was to Jeong Yeon-shin, Taoist Cheon Ju was Yu Hyeon’s uncle-master.

By bonds, the Sword Saint was akin to the boy’s uncle too. He seemed to feel a unique sentiment.

“I was deeply shocked. In all my years, few moments have astonished me as much as today.”

He’d been present when the third technique of Eternal Blossom Fist was devised.

Blossoming Fist. A fist technique born from Yu Hyeon’s Falling Petal Palm Technique. Back then, the boy in white robes now wore black.

As the Radiant Demon Wing Leader, he’d matched Mount Hua’s Sword Saint in swordplay. The moment he’d shared palm techniques with Yu Hyeon paled in comparison.

Though the martial world brimmed with marvels like elixirs and spirit creatures, this too was extraordinary.

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly opened his eyes. Mount Hua’s refined Taoist entered his view.

The sharp-featured middle-aged swordmaster smiled softly.

“This poor Taoist has lost. I accept defeat.”

“My thanks to the Sword Saint. I’ve gained a lesson.”

“Lesson feels awkward. The martial world is indeed mysterious. That boy from then, discussing swords with this poor Taoist. Not even fully grown…”

Taoist Cheon Ju spoke.

Unspoken amazement tinged his voice. A higher tone than their first meeting.

True to his claim of astonishment. Mount Hua’s seasoned supreme swordmaster couldn’t hide his awe.

The sharpness felt when seeing him with Yu Hyeon had softened greatly.

“I’m far from the Sword Saint.”

He wondered who’d inflicted Taoist Cheon Ju’s internal injury.

A fully intact Sword Saint had rivaled the previous Radiant Demon Wing Leader.

Considering Ma Jin’s Harbinger of Death renown, meeting a worthy foe while roaming the martial world was rare.

In most regions, he’d reign invincible. With the martial world’s breadth, countless lesser foes sprawled beneath.

Taoist Cheon Ju merely smiled.

“The Radiant Demon Wing Leader jests with a Taoist. Didn’t this poor Taoist lose? Truly a refined sword technique.”

“I broadened my horizons with Mount Hua’s sword.”

“Polite words. With much left unsaid, I’ll visit your residence soon with Yu Hyeon. There’s something urgent to discuss. Not with the Radiant Demon Wing Leader, but with Jeong Yeon-shin. What I’ve experienced ties to you.”

Likely the cause of his internal injury.

A matter linked to Jeong Yeon-shin, not the Radiant Demon Wing Leader, implied personal ties. What had led a Nine Sects supreme master like the Sword Saint to this?

“…I’ll prepare and await.”

The boy raised a clasped-fist salute. Taoist Cheon Ju returned it, palm over fist.

The Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s demeanor here differed from before. Did he fully honor the Nine Sects?

Unlike his treatment of prestigious family masters, he was markedly respectful. A stark contrast. Even bare-chested, he exuded dignity.

The crowd in the stands was momentarily entranced.

The young Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s presence was striking.

A wildness breathed from his rare, bare torso. Utterly captivating.

Even after an improbable victory, he remained aloof. An overwhelming air lingered.

Even the blood from his wounds pooling on his abs carried it. The pristine black trousers, unlike his bare torso, added an odd mystique.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***  

The vast crowd broke their silence. One by one, they began to speak.

“…Like a figure from a painting. I saw nothing during the duel, but it must be moonlit swordplay. Alongside Mount Hua’s Sword Saint, he’s of the martial world’s upper echelon. Another realm.”

“Not human-like…?”

“The Radiant Demon Wing Leader won! Should’ve bet my fortune, not pennies!”

“I lost everything.”

“That boy… beat Mount Hua’s immortal…”

The rising fervor heated the air. Awe turned to cheers. Vibrations from their throats echoed everywhere.

Waaaaa—!

The roar was deafening. Despite few grasping the supreme masters’ moves, it resounded.

Stronger than the noise of energy waves, it struck the ears.

The martial world was a realm of monstrous marvels.

They’d seen a famed master, witnessed him bare to the skin. A sight to stir heroic spirit.

Beings of an otherworldly realm had given their all before them.

That a young master defeated Mount Hua’s mid-tier supreme master fueled the cheers. An inevitable thrill.

The martial world welcomed a new titan.

Called Jeong Yeon-shin, the Radiant Demon Wing Leader.

“May Desolate Fortress safeguard the people! Such prowess at that age! Only Desolate Fortress can ensure the martial world’s stability! A bearing worthy of a major faction!”

“Look here just once! I admire you!”

“Clear Cloud Martial School! Visit Clear Cloud Martial School! We seek your guidance, Radiant Demon Wing Leader!”

Some overly excited voices shouted. Tremendous heat.

As if the Opening Tournament were already conquered, the air buzzed. People poured out words.

A world scarce of entertainment.

In this moment, the Radiant Demon Wing Leader and Mount Hua’s Sword Saint stood at the heart of their martial world.

Only the dozen masters in the Alliance’s stands differed. Words slipped out sparingly amid silence.

They couldn’t react rashly. The leadership’s canopy, blown away, sat in quiet subsidence.

“He broke Plum Fragrance Drifting Blossoms. A sword technique I’ve never seen in my life. A highly dangerous boy. No telling how far he’ll grow.”

The Zhuge Family Head spoke, prompting other voices. Prestigious family elders chimed in.

“He devised a sword technique…? The Sword Saint’s words don’t sound false.”

“Did you see that sword technique?”

“I couldn’t fully catch it. The Sword Saint’s energy wave was too dazzling.”

“The Great Rejuvenation Pill’s fate is at risk.”

“Where’s the Yan Family’s First Fist? Shouldn’t she be scrutinizing Jeong Yeon-shin’s martial arts most keenly now?”

“Perhaps sprawled in some tavern. No surprise. Anyone still expect diligence from that heroine?”

“She’s been like that since her youth. Reckless yet genius. Her drunken fist techniques were astonishingly profound.”

Faint laughter rippled among the elders. Seemingly forced to deflect the dire situation.

“I recall it vividly too. Her martial skill was mad, making her conduct hard to fault. Many secretly admired her, so nitpicking was tough. Had my rank been half lower, I might’ve challenged her regardless of face. No, wait—then I’d have lost for sure.”

“No guessing how much her prowess has matured.”

“Let’s head back. The Grand Internal Strategist has started working. Truly brimming with intellect.”

“At this point, isn’t it worth seeking peace with Desolate Fortress outwardly? Broadening our options is wise. Did you order it, Zhuge Family Head?”

Swish.

The Zhuge Family Head, unfolding a white crane-embroidered fan, shook his head. Lightly covering his mouth with the fan’s edge.

“Likely Lady Ye’s improvisation. She rose before the final sword techniques clashed. Innate wit and quick thinking. If only my son learned half of it.”

“You’re the only one finding Fan Dragon lacking. If it’s that impressive, why not wed him to the Grand Internal Strategist?”

The Murong Family Head asked, amused. The Zhuge Family Head’s lips curved.

“That’s for the Ye Family Head to decide. Our family sent matchmakers long ago.”

“…I’ll leave it to my niece’s will.”

The seated Ye Family Head replied gruffly. The Murong Family Head’s angular face tilted slightly.

“Didn’t the Ye Family once rise through strategic marriages? I hear they used many ploys to expand trade. Aren’t your collateral kin spread across the Central Plains? Are you wary of the Zhuge Family?”

“I just cherish my niece especially.”

“Ah, I forgot you’ve no children. My oversight—apologies. The Grand Internal Strategist must feel like a daughter.”

“Spot on.”

“Then the Zhuge Family can’t send ordinary gifts. Fan Dragon Zhuge Xian lacks nowhere.”

The Murong Family Head said, smirking.

The Zhuge Family Head, fan now folded, gave a faint smile. His intent was hard to read.

Around then, an unusual scene unfolded on the sparring stage.

As Jeong Yeon-shin and Taoist Cheon Ju turned, conversing quietly.

From one side, white robes fluttered. A woman with swift movements stepped onto the stage.

Rustle.

Lady Ye, the treasured daughter of the Ye Clan, approached, clutching a plain cloth.

Her long legs bore the subtleties of a stepping technique. A faint energy wave rippled from her feet like vapor.

Like a descending fairy. Sunlight danced on her long black hair below her shoulders. Even her eyes, veiled by white cloth, held mystique.

The crowd gasped at her aura, distinct from the Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s.

The two supreme masters’ dialogue paused.

The boy silently watched the woman approaching.

“Caught it with my own eyes, didn’t I?”

Lady Ye said. She drew quite close. The gentle energy in her slender breath was palpable.

Her hand, holding the white cloth, touched Jeong Yeon-shin’s abdomen. The boy, staring, flinched.

Her lips curved smoothly.

“You’ve got to continue the next duel, right? I’m the Grand Internal Strategist. You’re the most esteemed guest among the envoys.”

“No need…”

“It’s courtesy befitting your rank. You must uphold dignity too. You’re the only one, aren’t you?”