Chapter 219 – Flash (6)

“I should release my energy.”

Xiahou Wei-zhen said with a laugh.

It was a somewhat fierce smile. The corners of his mouth, turned upward, appeared almost savage.

A low hum sounded.

The wide sleeves of his black robe, matching his massive frame, stiffened momentarily. He had truly unleashed and refined his energy.

As a noble clansman, how much internal energy had he accumulated? For a brief moment, his robes felt like iron.

It was a realm where mere clothing could deflect a steel sword. Truly refined.

No one objected. Even the Grand Administrator merely closed his mouth for a moment.

Radiant Demon Wing Leader had provoked him.

Just as no one reprimanded the new Leader, whatever moves Forest-Treading Leader might make in response were not worth obstructing.

“Your words are correct.”

Xiahou Wei-zhen spoke again.

“Comprehensive Breaking Guide is in itself a remarkable achievement, so it will inevitably return. Your seniors, as black-ranks of dignity, should rightfully wait. Focusing on the matters at hand is a hundred times the right course. In this setting, confirming whether your martial prowess matches your sharp tongue will suffice. There is no need to rush.”

“…?”

Jeong Yeon-shin tilted his head slightly to the side. He did not understand. His tongue was sharp?

A trace of innocence lingered in the new Leader’s small gesture.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s demeanor could not help but be taken as another provocation.

Xiahou Wei-zhen’s smile deepened. From his mouth flowed the archaic speech typical of an elder.

“I cannot tell from which agenda the strikes will come.”

The content clashed with his tone. It was the competitive spirit unique to noble clan masters who retained their youth for long years.

“Lacking decorum.”

Blood Guardian Leader licked his lips and leaned back slightly. With a languid gaze, he glanced at Xiahou Wei-zhen before silently lowering his eyes.

His posture was refined. A deep solitude shadowed his pale face.

He had previously earned another measure of respect from the new Radiant Demon Wing Leader.

That was why he avoided Jeong Yeon-shin’s greeting. He came across as a senior who strictly separated public and private matters.

While Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes gleamed, Xiahou Wei-zhen furrowed his brow.

“What did you say?”

“I said nothing.”

He replied with his gaze lowered.

A few words from Radiant Demon Wing Leader Jeong Yeon-shin signaled the start of a verbal sparring match.

Wish for Peace Sword Hall was a battleground sanctioned by law. One could call it a war zone.

Handling an opponent’s moves was entirely the speaker’s responsibility. Whether through persuasion or martial suppression, it was free rein.

Survival of the fittest.

This was Desolate Fortress’s faction administration. The Leaders’ decisions resembled military governance yet bore the temperament of a righteous sect.

Unless the situation was utterly irrational, the stronger claimed better missions and superior subordinates.

“I was curious about our Jeong Yeon-shin’s blade.”

Yue Shou-lin smiled faintly.

Her youthful face bore a smooth arc at the corners of her mouth. A supreme master of youthful rejuvenation, known as Divine Sword Group’s second-in-command.

Among the black-ranks present, she was the most at ease with Comprehensive Breaking Guide. For no other reason than her sheer strength.

It was the same as Divine Sword Deputy Leader. The Divine Sword Squad under Divine Sword Group stood apart from other units.

An elite force led by the Divine Sword Group Leader as its squad head. It might even handle two weakened Radiant Demon Wings. A fact everyone acknowledged.

This was because Jeong Yeon-shin, newly appointed as Leader, had yet to reorganize his squad internally.

“First, let us review the current state of the martial world.”

The Grand Administrator gestured toward the round table with his chin.

A privilege unique to Desolate Fortress’s black-ranks lay there. A map of the Central Plains.

A document classified as top secret internally and externally. A map of the Ming Dynasty, inaccessible to any martial artist, lay openly spread, trembling slightly under the Grand Administrator’s pointing finger.

It was so large that one could not cover its width without fully extending both arms.

“With such a vast land, you must account for the time lag in information. Bear in mind this is not real-time battlefield data. The situation may have shifted.”

His gaze briefly brushed Radiant Demon Wing Leader. It was advice directed at the new Leader.

Jeong Yeon-shin responded with a nod. The Grand Administrator’s lips curved upward slightly.

“First, starting with Sichuan to the west.”

The martial world of Huguang was the most peaceful in the realm. This was due to Desolate Fortress’s presence in its northern region.

Incidents warranting inclusion in the Leaders’ meeting agenda rarely occurred.

With no need for headquarters’ warriors to intervene, most issues could be resolved by Desolate Fortress’s Hunan branch.

Thus, the focus moved directly to Sichuan.

“No Leader here would be unaware that Dragon Slaying Alliance renamed itself Golden Wing Sect. From Dragon Slaying to Golden Wing, from an alliance to a single faction. It is the only one of the Thirteen Evil Sects maintaining influence in Sichuan.”

[TL Note- I had been translating Pure Demon Alliance wrong the entire time. The correct term is Dragon-slaying Alliance. apologies.]

The Grand Administrator stroked his bushy beard.

“They’re closer to the realm of sorcery than martial arts, and recently they’ve clashed fiercely with Tang Clan. No notable civilian casualties have been reported yet. Tang Clan compensates for destroyed inns or buildings, and with increased resource flow, merchants are reportedly thrilled. Still, it’s an incident headquarters should monitor.”

“Did they request Tang Clan’s aid to capture a supernatural chaos spirit? Tang Clan would have no reason to agree.”

Xiahou Wei-zhen asked. The Grand Administrator nodded.

“Their behavior is predictable. It was likely closer to coercion than a request. Typical of the Thirteen Evil Sects. Well, it’s understandable. With Tang Clan Leader Poison King’s restored supreme technique, Myriad Heavens Flower Rain, they could bind any spirit momentarily. For their long-standing ambition, a wide-ranging supreme technique is essential, is it not?”

“There’s a supreme master here who can wield it too.”

At Xiahou Wei-zhen’s words, the room’s attention shifted.

The Grand Administrator and the black-rank masters turned their gazes toward the new Radiant Demon Wing Leader.

How Jeong Yeon-shin came to wield Myriad Heavens Flower Rain was unknown even to headquarters’ warriors. Only countless speculations abounded.

Deep inquiries about supreme techniques were taboo in the martial world. By now, it was accepted as one of the mysteries Desolate Fortress Leaders typically possessed.

“Our Jeong Yeon-shin should be cautious in the martial world.”

Yue Shou-lin spoke. Her smooth brow narrowed slightly.

“Sichuan’s nickname is Flower Shadow King, right? So many claim to have seen Poison King Tang Yun-huang wield Myriad Heavens Flower Rain alongside him. Dragon Slaying Alliance—no, Golden Wing Sect—are a band of lunatics. It wouldn’t be surprising if they ambushed a headquarters Leader on a night road.”

“They call themselves ‘dragon slayers,’ not martial artists.”

Law Enforcement Squad Leader Woon So-yu added calmly.

‘Dragon slayers?’

Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyebrow twitched.

This was a setting entirely unlike his life thus far. At Wish for Peace Sword Hall, all questions were permitted, and esoteric knowledge was exchanged, they said.

Jeong Yeon-shin could not help but ask.

“Do dragons truly exist in the martial world?”

“No one knows now. They say one ascended during the Ming Dynasty’s founding. That sparked all sorts of sinister superstitions beyond Buddhism, Taoism, and Ming Cult—under the guise of religion, mind you. It happened in the martial world too. Well, most were crushed by headquarters. Except for the tenacious Blood Flame Cult. No one knows how many branches they have.”

Yue Shou-lin replied nonchalantly.

“There are all kinds of rumors. Some say our Fortress Lord cleaved a yellow dragon’s horn with one stroke.”

“Did you not ask her directly?”

“How could I dare ask the Fortress Lord that? Anyway, be careful. The Thirteen Evil Sects aren’t called that just for strength. They’re all mad. To avoid a backstab in the martial world, stay vigilant.”

“I appreciate the advice.”

“Why thank me? There’s no seniority here, right?”

Yue Shou-lin waved off Jeong Yeon-shin’s clasped-fist salute.

Her faint smile alone seemed to convey her mood. A senior who did not hide her feelings.

The Grand Administrator cleared his throat.

“It’s a faction war between the Thirteen Evil Sects and the Eight Families. Even if Tang Clan mitigates civilian damage, it’s the same. The administrative office is already watching. A mediation mission might come soon, so Leaders on standby should take note.”

He then raised his pointing finger diagonally.

“Here begins talk of Leader-rank missions.”

“…!”

Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes gleamed.

He had no intention of resting. Failing to secure a mission today meant waiting at headquarters.

Desolate Fortress’s standing forces comprised two of Divine Sword Group’s squads.

Yue Shou-lin, as Divine Sword Deputy Leader, was exempt, and Woon So-yu, as Law Enforcement Squad Leader, enforced headquarters’ laws.

He had to compete with Forest-Treading Leader, Blood Guardian Leader, and Immortal Tree Spirit Leader for missions.

All were veteran Leaders. They boasted extensive experience with black-rank missions. None were pushovers.

‘I must secure it.’

As Jeong Yeon-shin resolved himself.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

The Grand Administrator’s finger crossed northwest from Sichuan. Beyond Ming borders. Straight to Xinjiang.

“Ming Cult has risen. Their young leader’s momentum is fearsome. Rumors of him being a grandmaster of sorcerous martial arts are now taken as fact. He’s reportedly formidable.”

The Grand Administrator continued, his index finger fixed on Xinjiang.

“We’ve lost contact with Obeying Heaven Wing, sent to wipe them out, for fifteen days. An unprecedented event. Two of you Leaders here must go. Fortunately, unlike Radiant Demon Wing’s time at the City of Renowned Craftsmen, we have spare squads.”

“Ha Do-woon couldn’t handle a single fledgling…?”

Blood Guardian Leader, Divine Blood Extreme Demon Jin Myeong-jo, crossed his arms. His dual nature seeped through his demeanor—aloof yet sinister.

His robe was narrow at the forearms. The contours of his well-honed muscles showed through the fabric.

The physique of a fist technique supreme master. The sleek extensor muscles above his wrist caught Jeong Yeon-shin’s eye.

Up close, the line from his biceps to his upper arm was strikingly defined. A structure optimized for striking.

‘If I reference that and refine my body with Jeong Family Dynamic Technique…’

While concerned for Obeying Heaven Wing’s safety, Jeong Yeon-shin memorized Jin Myeong-jo’s taut muscle structure.

It could hasten the timing of his Brilliant River strikes.

Beyond sending blue-rank masters, merely observing him offered insights. Truly a senior worth emulating.

“A fledgling? He’s likely three or four years older than Radiant Demon Wing Leader.”

The Grand Administrator shook his head, glancing at Jin Myeong-jo.

He continued.

“Even so, it’s hard to deny his age defies logic… His talent rivals a supernatural chaos spirit. He likely borrowed sinister sorcery too. Ming Cult’s lineage, excluding Heavenly Demon Sect, is a compendium of dark arts, is it not?”

His closing words posed a question to the Leaders.

Silent agreement followed. Each nodded.

“Anyway, that’s two slots. The other one…”

The Grand Administrator’s hand slid diagonally downward again. Toward the Central Plains. His finger pointed to Shaanxi.

“Tyrant Sword Sect Leader, who slew Qingcheng Sect’s leader, marched north and clashed with twenty-four Plum Blossom Swordsmen. He shattered Mount Hua Sect’s Plum Blossom Sword Formation, led by Taoist Cheon Ju, in one blow… An incident just before Radiant Demon Wing Leader attended the Martial Alliance’s sect-opening tournament.”

“….”

“It’s believed Tyrant Sword Sect Leader’s martial prowess has advanced astonishingly. The evidence is clear. Had the clash not occurred outside Huayin County, the slaughter would have been immense. Thankfully, it was below Mount Hua’s main peak.”

“Shaanxi’s monster…”

Immortal Tree Spirit Leader Cheon So-so muttered.

The Grand Administrator nodded.

“He always was. While many supreme masters grow stronger tirelessly, Tyrant Sword Sect Leader’s pace outstrips them. It’s worth noting for Shaanxi missions. Leaders, and your subordinates, should take extra caution when facing Tyrant Sword Sect warriors. The Sword Maniacs’ momentum has likely surged.”

“Shaanxi was often Radiant Demon Wing’s domain if not the main force. I’ve long selected subordinates adept in subduing strength with skill. Those quick with reactive heart techniques.”

Xiahou Wei-zhen tapped the armrest with his thick fingers as he spoke.

“What’s the related mission?”

“Reports say an evil faction warrior is posing as a righteous sect member near Qianyang Prefecture in northern Shaanxi. Suspected to be a Yu Ling supreme master wearing another’s face skin. The branch head’s letter specified that Zhongnan and Mount Hua lack resources, requesting a headquarters Leader. They’re exploiting White Sun Sect’s signboard, a minor faction in Qianyang, to extort civilians.”

Suddenly, the Grand Administrator frowned. A troubled expression.

“With standing forces and those for the Xinjiang mission excluded, only one black-rank remains. It should be a Leader who can avoid Tyrant Sword Sect Leader’s danger. The harvest ended this year, so there’s some leeway.”

Hearing the final words, Jeong Yeon-shin spoke at once.

“I’ll go.”

The Grand Administrator had mentioned leeway. It was a mission ideal for departing after organizing Radiant Demon Wing.

Though Obeying Heaven Wing’s fate weighed heavily, Jeong Yeon-shin did not arrogantly push himself forward.

His prowess was below Xiahou Wei-zhen’s. His experience trailed other Leaders.

Obeying Heaven Wing’s safety should be entrusted to proven Leaders. Unlike the City of Renowned Craftsmen incident, multiple squads were available now.

Jeong Yeon-shin acknowledged he and Radiant Demon Wing were not the best choice. He considered it a humble stance.

Then.

“I haven’t observed you long.”

Xiahou Wei-zhen interjected abruptly. He gazed at Jeong Yeon-shin across the table.

“I did not expect you to shirk dangerous missions so. Could it be—don’t tell me—your talk of Comprehensive Breaking Guide was a pretext for this? I felt uneasy about it. I’d been suppressing it.”

Forest-Treading Leader, Thousand Fists Dragon Vassal.

A fearsome gleam now filled his eyes. Colorless energy surged, radiating sharp waves in streams.

The faint sunlight in the chamber distorted with dust.

“Hah.”

A small breath escaped Immortal Tree Spirit Leader Cheon So-so’s lips, previously silent.

A faint mix of sneer and sigh. A glint flashed in her blue eyes.

“It seemed it would pass quietly.”

Cheon So-so brushed behind her pointed ear.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s brow furrowed.

“A misunderstanding…”

“A misunderstanding! Who would call it that after hearing your arrogant, insolent words!”

His voice carried immense energy. The shout reverberated as a deafening echo, filling the chamber.

The ceiling shook violently, as if struck by an earthquake.

Jeong Yeon-shin sensed it.

‘A strike is coming.’

They say no supreme master reaching a master’s realm lacks eccentricity.

They possessed bodies brimming with vitality, revered as gods by common folk. Some were so unused to resolving grudges or misunderstandings with words.

In the raw martial world, only the weak minded etiquette and deep thought.

Xiahou Wei-zhen was a strong one who needed no such restraint.

He had heard Leaders’ clashes were frequent at Wish for Peace Sword Hall.

Grasping at trifles, they subdued with martial prowess to ease future meetings, they said.

Xiahou Wei-zhen’s current words likely mixed sincerity and pretense. It was indeed a battlefield.

“I treated you as an equal to noble clans and learned from you, yet it seems the new Radiant Demon Wing Leader cannot shed his lowly clan roots after all!”

“No need for long words.”

As Jeong Yeon-shin activated his heart’s Luminous Wheel.

Before Yue Shou-lin, seated at the head, could intervene.

Boom!

A thunderous roar shook the ceiling violently. Simultaneously, hundreds of slashes raced down the marble walls in all directions.

Jeong Yeon-shin felt it clearly. The formation protecting the black-ranks in Wish for Peace Sword Hall shattered in one blow.

No one in the chamber had time to react.

Then.

Crash!

The ceiling collapsed entirely. With a tremendous tremor. Like a landslide.

Dust billowed like clouds, settling thickly.

As the Leaders’ fierce strikes deflected, cut, and shattered the stone fragments.

“You filthy mongrel!”

A man in fluttering pink robes descended, seizing Xiahou Wei-zhen’s head from behind.

Though gaunt, his large palm unleashed a typhoon-like energy wave.

A whitish whirlwind swept away the stone debris in all directions. A colossal vortex. It filled the chamber in an instant.

“Is it not your jaw that’s lowly!”

His hand pressed Xiahou Wei-zhen’s head down. The grip unleashed a fierce energy wave, surging wildly.

Even Thousand Fists Dragon Vassal’s strength could not resist. His forehead smashed into the table.

Boom!

The round table shattered into pieces. Upward, the violent roar pierced the gaping void.

An immense shockwave. As if an invisible storm had erupted.