Chapter 202 – Radiant Demon Wing (3)

“If he choked on poppies and died, nothing could be more disgraceful.”

Jeong Yeon-shin thought.

Lazy Flame Dragon had always roamed half out of his wits. He treated poppies like air and indulged in liquor.

The shadows under his eyes had deepened, yet Jeong Yeon-shin did not dismiss as exaggeration the words he had spoken before Hanzhong’s finest tavern.

They called him a libertine who had mastered every vice. Sanity was hardly expected.

Jeong Yeon-shin did not dwell on his odd reaction.

He locked eyes with the steadfast senior, Yue Shou-lin.

The Desolate Fortress Divine Spear did not respond likewise. Her pupils rolled upward like jade beads, as if no reply came to mind.

She appeared lost in profound contemplation.

Jeong Yeon-shin wondered if he had touched an unexpected blind spot. He could not imagine she was masking embarrassment.

“Did I offer insight?”

Essence, energy, and spirit.

What became of the spirit of a master whose energy reached the realm of reversing age with purity, achieving a rejuvenation?

It was a question few could readily ponder. The unity of essence, energy, and spirit—also known as the convergence of the three flowers—was said to be deeply mysterious.

Ma Jin had told him. One must refine body and mind as one with energy, piercing through the upper, middle, and lower dantians.

“It is a realm I too must reach.”

A serious thought.

The new Radiant Demon Wing Leader.

He acted as a Leader with internal energy control below black-rank standards.

This stemmed from the Luminous Wheel Technique, instinctive senses, and martial arts perfectly tailored to his body.

Foes and seniors alike marveled. The convergence of the three flowers was such an exalted state. Exceedingly rare in the martial world.

Naturally, it was not a topic commonly contemplated.

Why had the Desolate Fortress Divine Spear Yue Shou-lin’s demeanor lightened? Did her spirit follow her body?

When achieving a return to youth in the state of Three-Flowers Gathering at Crown, what happened to essence, energy, and spirit? The discourse in Jeong Yeon-shin’s mind grew increasingly complex.

“…No one knows that.”

Yue Shou-lin spoke after a long silence. Her eyes noticeably softened.

A vastly junior colleague had pointed out behavior unfit for her years. Her effort to suppress her reaction only made her seem younger.

She clenched a small fist tightly. The veins on her hand stood out.

Jeong Yeon-shin thought.

“She has grasped the thread of some realization.”

He listened silently, while the Forest-Treading Leader Xiahou Wei-zhen’s laughter still echoed.

It came with a booming voice. How amusing. He claims ignorance of provocation.

“Reversing age with purity and returning to youth are not sought by strength alone.”

Yue Shou-lin spoke slowly. Her voice carried a hint of restraint.

Jeong Yeon-shin, slightly brightening, nodded.

“I understand that.”

“It is a matter of fate. A form of heavenly fortune. High martial prowess alone does not suffice.”

“Then…?”

“There is a sensation where essence, energy, and spirit align exquisitely. Practitioners who refine this deeply each gain a unique temperament. My acquired ability was simply a return to youth. The Squad Leader mastered the Formless Sword adeptly.”

Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes widened slightly.

It was news to him.

“Even after Three-Flowers Gathering at Crown, sensation persists.”

He recalled the Divine Sword Squad Leader’s internal energy sword.

That was divine might.

The scene of unsheathing a radiant blade to slay the Namgung Family Head. The formless sword, woven of seven-colored light, seemed a power of some transcendent being.

The prowess of a peerless master who had refined energy to its zenith was so mystical.

Yue Shou-lin gazed intently at Jeong Yeon-shin’s contemplative face.

“To return to your question—whether returning to youth affects the spirit?”

“Yes, Senior.”

“Is that not obvious? If heavenly fortune rewinds time, living like an old man in a child’s form would be more absurd, would it not? I decided to enjoy myself a bit, and no one objected. Some who did are gone now.”

Yue Shou-lin giggled with a girlish face, brushing her black bob behind her ear.

She had fully regained her composure. The spear blade behind her gleamed sharply in the sunlight.

Divine Spear. A white-edged weapon of frost.

“She was indeed acting her age.”

Jeong Yeon-shin thought. The martial world teemed with eccentrics, and the Desolate Fortress Divine Spear Yue Shou-lin bore such traits.

She differed from his grandfather Ma Yeon-jeok. His worries could be set aside.

Rather, he should hope his grandfather gained the ability of returning to youth anew.

“Thank you for your words. They were of great help.”

He offered a brief clasped-fist salute to Yue Shou-lin as they walked. Three-Flowers Gathering at Crown and returning to youth were rare topics even in the martial world.

A conversation possible only between Desolate Fortress seniors and juniors. Though not immediately useful, it was wisdom worthy of a secret technique.

“Thanks for what? It is hardly anything.”

She shook her head lightly. The sheen of her black hair rippled with the small gesture.

“I just regret anew that none of your lineage serves under me.”

I was hoping to spar with our Jeong Yeon-shin. Yue Shou-lin swallowed the thought.

***

Meanwhile

They acquired horses at a relay station in Hanzhong. Hanzhong’s relay station in Shaanxi Province was vast, a key junction linking Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Huguang.

By showing the Desolate Fortress plaque to the drowsy, nodding official, they secured over thirty fine steeds.

All mounted. Jeong Yeon-shin’s party, along with Yue Shou-lin, Xiahou Wei-zhen, and the Forest-Treading Squad masters.

Each had completed their duties as Alliance envoys or Jeong Yeon-shin’s escorts.

The journey continued.

Thud-thud-thud-thud—!

The sound of hooves trampling fallen leaves resounded.

The group galloped ceaselessly. Even on fine steeds, the martial world was vast.

Though the distance from Hanzhong to Desolate Fortress’s headquarters in Xiangyang was relatively short, they had to traverse under moonlight multiple times.

During this, Jeong Yeon-shin bonded with the Forest-Treading Squad masters.

They were valiant, taking after their Leader, Xiahou Wei-zhen.

True to their name, Forest-Treading. Meaning to trample the martial forest, they bore a temperament as if Desolate Fortress’s creed was etched into their bodies.

Thanks to Hyeon Won-chang, who had admired them since before joining, rapport came easily. The Desolate Divine Hero bridged the gap.

“That day, this Hyeon Won shouted. Desolate Fortress’s Jeong Yeon-shin had beheaded an elder of the Tyrant Sword Sect.”

“The rumors were true. I could scarcely believe a white-rank achieved such a feat.”

“With such talent, is it not fitting he now holds the Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s rank?”

A bonfire blazed in the center of an open clearing where they rested, horses halted.

Composed of masters, the group had piled firewood high. It stood as tall as an average man.

Crack. Snap.

Sparks occasionally burst, dancing under the moonlight. In the faintly lit dusk, they neared Yangyang.

Over eight days had passed since they began riding. After eight diligent days and nights, they would reach Desolate Fortress tomorrow.

“You will have much to do, Jeong Yeon-shin. Work will pile up the moment you return.”

Yue Shou-lin spoke. She sat cross-legged, her spear shaft resting across her thighs.

The fire’s vivid flames made the gleam on her spear flicker too.

Her words continued.

“Reorganizing personnel will be no small task. The Divine Sword Squad’s contingents are akin to an elite faction of a major sect. A Leader’s replacement is like a sect master’s succession. You must establish rules to your liking, refine the contingent’s martial arts, and train your subordinates to elevate their achievements.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Jeong Yeon-shin replied, sitting upright. Lazy Flame Dragon and Namgung Hwa-shin flanked him, with Lady Ye and Zhuge Qing-ya behind.

He occasionally felt gazes on the back of his head. A presence sensed through energy waves. Not Zhuge Qing-ya, but Lady Ye’s eyes.

Unlike their private talks, her words had noticeably dwindled, yet her thickened energy pulse seemed directed solely at him. Was she shy?

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke without showing it.

“Personnel reorganization is the issue. Maintaining the squad’s strength requires more blue-rank masters…”

His voice trailed off.

The Return Wing Corps, which had journeyed with him to Sichuan, had long disbanded. Each had duties within their original contingents.

Even if they had joined the Sichuan mission out of respect for a lineage master, transferring affiliations was another matter.

It involved their consent and agreements with their squad Leaders.

Yue Shou-lin smiled faintly.

“You could hold duels against the Leaders. Like a martial betrothal contest. Display your martial arts and take those you want. Headquarters has likely prepared the duel system.”

“I have heard of it, but must I defeat seniors to claim their subordinates?”

Jeong Yeon-shin recalled the black-rank masters’ assembly.

The Wish for Peace Sword Hall. None among the stone seats encircling the round table lacked formidable strength.

It drove home Desolate Fortress’s status as the martial world’s mightiest faction.

—“Competing in martial arts with the seventeen Leaders of the Divine Sword Squad.”

A feat countless martial artists would covet. Yet what if stakes were attached?

Each a supreme master who had achieved Three-Flowers Gathering at Crown.

“I crafted a sword style befitting divine techniques. I might not be wholly outmatched now. Winning two or three would help greatly. I could bring in four or five blue-ranks.”

Jeong Yeon-shin thought.

Until recently, the new Radiant Demon Wing Leader had been a blue-rank master of Desolate Fortress. He knew the prowess of those in blue robes.

A force nearing the elite of major factions.

“Henceforth, I must face an entire major faction alone.”

The Thirteen Evil Sects or Eight Great Families.

Even if not storming their strongholds, he must contend with their elite forces roaming the martial world.

That was fine. Achieving his goal would grant power befitting his role. Then, he could oppose any faction.

A fully assembled Radiant Demon Wing behind Jeong Yeon-shin would wield unimaginable breakthrough power.

Only then would he become a great guardian of the common folk against the martial world.

“A bold junior. I can read his thoughts.”

Xiahou Wei-zhen, sprawled opposite, spoke. He grinned broadly, baring his teeth.

A fierce, beast-like demeanor. He addressed Jeong Yeon-shin, who bowed silently.

“Some of your lineage are among them. Prepare yourself to claim them. If you cannot withstand three techniques, I will overhaul their martial arts first.”

Among the thirty-odd Forest-Treading Squad masters, three chuckled awkwardly. One blue-rank and two white-ranks.

They wielded uncommonly honed energy waves. One white-rank warrior had followed as part of the Return Wing Corps to the City of Renowned Craftsmen.

“Dream on. Think I would let them go easily?”

Xiahou Wei-zhen snorted dismissively.

He said he would have sparred then and there if not for the return journey.

The Forest-Treading Leader, Thousand Fists Dragon Vassal, bore strong clan pride. Known for brusquely treating non-nobles, his leniency toward Jeong Yeon-shin was exceptional.

This stemmed from witnessing the new Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s feats at the Alliance.

Thus, the journey remained peaceful.

Even as the sun rose and they passed Xiangyang’s gates to reach Desolate Fortress’s headquarters.

Jeong Yeon-shin gripped the reins and spurred his steed.

A few maple leaves brushed his face. A familiar scent rode the clear autumn breeze.

The fragrance of a tranquil abode. A place more like home than Xinye County. The towering white walls loomed ahead.

Desolate Fortress.

He had finally returned.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

Meanwhile

Yue Shou-lin and Xiahou Wei-zhen paid little heed to the Martial Alliance folk. Throughout the return, the two Leaders spoke only to Jeong Yeon-shin.

Even after passing the main gate and leaving their subordinates behind to proceed.

“Leaders must report upon return. We see the Lord after each mission.”

They walked alongside toward the Lord of Desolate Fortress’s inner stronghold.

He had no time to savor the sect’s scent. Xiahou Wei-zhen’s heavy steps behind grew cautious.

Zhuge Qing-ya followed suit. Only Lady Ye’s light footsteps rustled softly, wordless as ever.

Three known black-ranks.

Entering with outsiders, they faced no particular hindrance from the warriors guarding the inner gate.

Only Jeong Yeon-shin drew slightly unfamiliar gazes. Mostly curiosity and admiration. A rite of passage for a new Leader, it was said.

“You would be shocked to know how far your lineage has spread.”

Yue Shou-lin smiled as she spoke.

Step.

The five ascended the stairs. No one spoke as they climbed the steps upward.

After over a hundred paces, they reached the top.

A massive stone gate stood before them, opening on its own as they approached. A sight now somewhat familiar to Jeong Yeon-shin.

Rumble—

A breathtaking vista unfolded.

Giant ancient tree trunks twisted naturally into desks, tables, and a bed.

Sunlight poured through a wide-open wall, clear and radiant. Within it lay a woman, reclining obliquely, entering his view.

Her beauty, an emblem of immortality, seemed to shimmer with the principles of all creation in her eyes.

Rustle—

A breeze blew in from the window. It gently caressed Jeong Yeon-shin’s skin.

Yet the pale green hair draped across the wooden bed opposite remained still.

The Lord of Desolate Fortress’s locks held their usual dignified silence.

Her eyelashes rose slowly. The shadow, like grass scattering in light, shortened upward.

“…”

Her verdant eyes, pressing down even the soul.

They turned toward Lady Ye.