Chapter 222 – Radiant Art Bond (2)

Radiant Demon Wing’s Grand Training Ground.

Spanning an area capable of accommodating at least five hundred people, a variety of weapons lined marble racks.

The vast ground was polished to an exceptional hardness. It had endured countless forceful steps.

Swish! Bang!

All manner of warriors wielded their weapons. Sharp energy waves burst forth incessantly amid the chaotic ranks.

Regardless of gender, they were formidable. This was a place devoid of anyone less than a master.

“They say there was a commotion at Wish for Peace Sword Hall?”

“Rumor has it a bolt struck at midday. I’m worried about our Leader’s safety.”

“Hold your tongue. Are we in a position to worry about a black-rank?”

“The veteran Leaders will handle it. With black-ranks’ protective auras, enduring heavenly punishment wouldn’t be surprising. Even with modest internal mastery, reaching Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown means an energy shield rises in an instant when they set their mind to it.”

“Our Leader’s a bit unsteady… but with his senses, he’d manage somehow. The seniors are there too. Besides, isn’t Wish for Peace Sword Hall guarded by noble clans’ secret formations?”

“What if it wasn’t lightning but an intruder?”

“That’d be their misfortune. Six Leaders are currently at Wish for Peace Sword Hall. The Grand Administrator’s internal mastery has reached Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown too, so we could count seven. It’s a rare gathering. Isn’t it the most dangerous place in the martial world?”

“If it were truly serious, the Fortress Lord would’ve appeared.”

“No alarm bells rang either. Focus again.”

The atmosphere was free yet orderly. It showed in the neatly worn nameless and blue-white robes.

The elegantly fluttering garments were impeccably pressed, none looking out of place for warriors.

Ironing. Servants tended to appearances. A testament to Desolate Fortress’s prestige.

“You should fall back to the rear there.”

“How about switching? Your energy wave is strong, but it seems less suited for vanguard than a swift sword.”

Many practiced coordination for group combat. They honed supreme moves in close quarters.

Some stood on rooftops with arms crossed, while others sat casually further off, meditating with energy circulation.

No one worried about internal injuries. They merely scanned their surroundings covertly, staying vigilant.

“Radiant Demon Wing’s spirit is free.”

A woman in a sleeveless blue robe spoke.

Her ears rose sharply like sword tips. Her calm, crossed-arm stance exuded refinement.

The trapezius muscle below her neck, honed as an archer, formed a graceful curve.

Wei Ye-ryeong, the April Bow Ghost, a master archer who had supported Immortal Tree Spirit’s rear. She switched allegiance after Cheon So-so’s defeat in a duel.

Baek Mi-ryeo, beside her, roughly swept back her jet-black bangs.

“A squad’s temperament hinges on its Leader. This mess is because we haven’t run missions with the new Leader. With a junior as superior, both sides are at a loss. Discipline will settle soon.”

“It seems Bewitching Sword Demon cherishes the young Leader greatly.”

Wei Ye-ryeong said. A faint smile curved her lips like a dim crescent moon.

Baek Mi-ryeo glanced at her, then turned away. She spoke indifferently.

“That’s a flawed statement. It’s the Leader who cherishes me. And…”

Bewitching Sword Demon Baek Mi-ryeo’s lips dipped slightly.

“Young Leader. Ensure I don’t hear that again. It’s an irksome qualifier. Your bow—isn’t it made of rare ebony? It’d be a shame if it snapped.”

“A slip of the tongue.”

Wei Ye-ryeong’s smile deepened.

That was all.

She did not yield in the verbal sparring. Her blue robe and noble clan lineage bolstered her.

Even if Bewitching Sword Demon rivaled Blue Eyed Demon Sword as the strongest blue-rank, she did not falter much.

Desolate Fortress’s elite masters.

They honed blue-rank prowess on this boundless expanse. Meaning few foes could match them.

The Thirteen Evil Sects, Nine Sects, and Eight Families were a mere fraction of the martial world’s upper echelon.

Such elite squad members deserved distinct individuality and towering pride.

Baek Mi-ryeo said no more. It was the Leader’s task. Jeong Yeon-shin’s responsibility.

The new mid-tier talents from Immortal Tree Spirit, Blood Guardian, and Forest-Treading squads, alongside Radiant Demon Wing masters, would fall in line under Jeong Yeon-shin’s Northern Light Sword. It was only a matter of time.

Each bore their own challenges. So did Baek Mi-ryeo.

‘If Jeong Yeon-shin catches his breath… then I should seriously consider the former Leader’s words.’

She sank into thought with lowered eyes.

“Bewitching Sword Demon Baek Mi-ryeo is mastering the lost Heavenly Demon Divine Technique alone? That’s no reason to distance Jeong Yeon-shin. He’s undeniably Desolate Fortress’s future. Others who haven’t seen him might think differently, but there’s no basis to dismiss his words as a novice’s advice. I’ve never heard of such talent.”

Ma Jin’s words were an old conundrum. A topic worth pondering, it had kept her observing Jeong Yeon-shin for a long time.

Now, as a Leader commanding a near-sect force, Baek Mi-ryeo fully regarded him as her superior.

She could not burden him.

She had to gauge his capacity by how he organized Radiant Demon Wing.

Then she would seek aid. On the condition of fully revealing the incantations, to her Leader alone.

The silence was brief. Refined warriors were abundant.

“A tyrant’s path. Well-honed Radiant Demon Technique is said to be a significant threat.”

“Thoroughly practical combat art. Close to instinct.”

“Hard to reconcile. Jeong Yeon-shin’s lineage and Radiant Demon Technique… both are ascendant arts, so you must commit fully to one. Half-hearted mastery risks neither flourishing.”

“It’s not unexpected. Seeing it firsthand just drives it home. That’s why switching squads is frowned upon.”

Masters who had changed allegiance spoke with unease. Six blue-ranks and two white-ranks, observing Radiant Demon Wing’s training.

They had abandoned their prior arts for Jeong Yeon-shin’s skills.

Once was fine. Even surpassing mere support to replace their main techniques was bearable. The rigorous refinement was their choice.

A lineage akin yet superior to their pursued martial principles. The more they learned, the more enjoyable the training became.

But Radiant Demon Technique posed another issue.

A force transforming Radiant Demon Wing into a single honed blade in group combat.

Its patterns aligned. It saw the same enemy gaps, moved in sync with allies. Thus, it annihilated foes with trajectories they could not defend against.

The efficacy of joint attacks was immense. That was Radiant Demon Technique. Why Radiant Demon Wing was often compared to Mount Hua’s Plum Blossom Swordsmen.

Even without a formation like Plum Blossom Sword Array, it matched their might in group combat.

“If this isn’t resolved, absorbing more blue-ranks will be for naught. We’d have to send them on solo missions.”

Cheong Myeong muttered, leaning against a nearby wall.

The bustle continued. No one interjected Blue Eyed Demon Sword’s soliloquy.

It was neither surprising nor a true challenge. A natural conclusion.

“The thrill of charging through the wilds with comrades is immense. Didn’t we anticipate the joy of sweeping enemies together would lessen? I’d like some guidance, but the Leader never shows.”

Kang Chang-mu, the Howling Beast Sword, grumbled.

A swordsman from Forest-Treading squad. Like his former Leader, Thousand Fists Dragon Vassal, he was burly. So was the sword sheath on his back.

Dense, overpowering energy rose from him. Such constant presence signified vast energy reserves.

“Well. With your level of insight, that’s likely your limit anyway.”

A youth in rough nameless robes passed him, hands behind his head.

Chewing a blade of grass, he resembled a back-alley thug.

“Looks like you’ve clumsily learned Radiant Sword Style. A pity.”

“What?”

“It’s all show, but it’s a brutally unrefined sword art at its core. Probably stalls around the ninth form. Ordinary senses won’t advance its paths.”

His shadowed, languid eyes glanced lazily. Lazy Flame Dragon pointed with his gaze at Wei Ye-ryeong.

The same demeanor extended to Luo Yi-qian from Blood Guardian squad.

His twitching brows exuded aristocratic airs, befitting the young heir of Jinan’s dominant Huangbo Clan.

“You too, and you. Radiant Wing Step and Fate Defying Scripture aren’t for just anyone. Maybe someone like me.”

Radiant Demon Wing’s nameless disciple had accepted his death date. He could not tolerate grating sights.

Especially matters tied to his Leader’s martial arts. They were the final fascination of his life.

Lazy Flame Dragon thought. These fools, ignorant of their place.

“The wastrel of Hwangbo Clan. I’ve heard of him.”

Kang Chang-mu’s temperament echoed Forest-Treading Leader’s. He said no more.

Disciplining insubordination did not breach Desolate Fortress’s laws. He unstrapped his sword sheath and drew his greatsword.

An incident erupted.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

***

Jeong Yeon-shin fled Wish for Peace Sword Hall.

He did not turn back despite his grandfather’s calls. He crossed Desolate Fortress’s main road directly.

Each step bore immense shame he had to suppress. He only belatedly realized he had crossed Desolate Shin Clan’s threshold.

The gray gate was massive, rivaling Desolate Ma Clan’s.

The inner gardens were beautifully landscaped, with winter orchids blooming red in patches, kissed by sunlight.

“Radiant Demon Wing Leader in person…!”

Gatekeepers gasped.

Jeong Yeon-shin had attended numerous headquarters events. All were public per protocol.

From his coming-of-age ceremony to blue-rank promotion, black-rank promotion, and his duel with Immortal Tree Spirit Leader.

Few in headquarters did not know his face, regardless of its expanse.

“Please wait a moment!”

He received utmost courtesy. A blue-rank stepped forward as guide—Shin Baek, the Chaotic Cry Sword.

Introduced as Shin So-bin’s cousin.

Shin So-bin was his subordinate. Her prestigious lineage and rare talent did not change that.

Had she not left home, it might differ, but as Radiant Demon Wing’s member, she was under Jeong Yeon-shin’s wing.

Even Desolate Shin Clan had to consider Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s feelings.

‘So-bin rightfully belongs under my protection. As Leader, I’ll take her back. But…’

How would he face his black-rank seniors now? Jeong Yeon-shin’s heart sank endlessly.

An abyss within an abyss. His voice, slipping through his lips, naturally deepened.

“Guide me to the clan head.”

Shin Clan masters flinched instinctively. No one in their hall could withstand a black-rank supreme master’s wrath.

The Elder Council Leader was frail, and Annihilation Team Leader was on a mission.

[TL Note- Elder Council Leader of Shin Family, Not Desolate Fortress’.]

None dared meet Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s gaze squarely. Even his renowned integrity did not ease the tension.

In the hushed atmosphere, Radiant Demon Wing Leader, with his striking bare left sleeve, entered the clan head’s hall.

Shin Seol-ha awaited at the head seat, sitting upright.

Her seated posture exuded dignity.

“Forgive my failing for not showing my face despite entrusting my daughter. Clan affairs kept me too busy to host Radiant Demon Wing Leader.”

“I’ve come to retrieve Shin So-bin in person.”

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke, sitting with composed bearing.

His conduct befitted a Divine Sword Group black-rank’s level.

Only purple-rank masters and the Fortress Lord stood above a Desolate Fortress Leader. A headquarters clan head could not contest it.

Even so, the new Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s demeanor had a natural ease. Remarkably poised.

A glint flickered in Shin Seol-ha’s eyes.

“Straight to the point. They say Jeong Yeon-shin’s lineage has that temperament. I had servants prepare dragon well tea, but it’s for naught. A rare tea leaf.”

“Drinking tea suits lighter matters. Had you respected this Leader, you wouldn’t have spoken down. You took a Divine Sword Group subordinate without my consent. It’s grounds for immediate insubordination charges.”

Jeong Yeon-shin said quietly. Shin Seol-ha’s eyebrows twitched.

“I’ve long respected you boundlessly. Your achievements alone demand it. But as So-bin’s mother, I ask—can you not hear me out even a little?”

“Speak.”

“My daughter’s martial arts were the issue. She’s too fixated. On Lightning Genius’ lineage, I mean. Our clan has the outstanding Heavenly Equal Martial Scripture.”

Shin Seol-ha said, adjusting her orange sleeves. Her clear voice evoked Shin So-bin.

“A crow sharpening its claws like a raptor can’t match an eagle. Your exceptional talent aside, that’s the logic. Your technique suits only you, Leader Jeong. Heavenly Equal Martial Scripture is tailored to Shin Clan blood. So-bin has her own duty. Elevating the clan’s name… the burden a prestigious direct descendant must bear.”

“You belittle your daughter. So-bin is a raptor.”

“Then my words gain more weight. She could reach black-rank with Heavenly Equal Martial Scripture. Your reasoning doesn’t resonate with me.”

Shin Seol-ha concluded with a firm mouth.

She had resolved herself before facing Jeong Yeon-shin. Kinship clashed with a Leader’s authority.

Silence fell over the tranquil clan head’s hall. A heavy, profound air.

Jeong Yeon-shin recalled Desolate Ma Clan unbidden.

His first meeting, far from pleasant, echoed Shin Seol-ha’s logic…

Boom!

Suddenly, the ceiling shattered. Before the descending strike could land, a pink bolt streaked down like divine punishment.

The resounding sonic boom was ferociously intense. A terrifying spectacle.

An irresistible typhoon seemed incarnate as a man, charging straight at Shin Seol-ha.

Before confusion could settle on her face.

Crack!

Her protective aura shattered into pieces. In an instant.

A belated gust swept up colorless energy waves like mirror shards. Fragments of force caught sunlight, glinting like dust.

With a dull thud, her body toppled backward.

No pulse check was needed. She was fully unconscious. Barely spared instant death.

“Lowly thing.”

A man in his thirties spoke with a stern face. He stood haughtily by Shin Seol-ha’s head.

His sudden appearance, brushing off his pink sleeves, was profoundly mystical.

Jeong Yeon-shin held back no longer.

“Grandfather!”

Tyrant Hero’s head turned instantly.

“Grandfather…?”

The youthful Ma Yeon-jeok echoed slowly.

Jeong Yeon-shin realized his breach. Calming his breath, he spoke with feigned composure.

“When this grandson acts as Leader, your interference harms my dignity. You did so at Wish for Peace Sword Hall too. I couldn’t express how troubled I was… I hope it doesn’t repeat.”

“…Yes, I see. You’re right.”

Acceptance came swiftly. His grandfather continued.

“It’s this grandfather’s fault. I’m truly sorry. I didn’t consider it fully. My temper got ahead of me. Your insight shames me.”

Ma Yeon-jeok smiled. His mood seemed greatly lifted. An unprecedented expression, his lips curved into a broad arc.

“This grandfather will think twice, thrice next time. Forgive me.”

With that, Ma Yeon-jeok’s form vanished. Only his kind voice lingered briefly, fading into the distance.

He ascended with supreme lightness skill. His presence streaked endlessly upward. The realm of Soaring Void Steps.

“…”

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly lowered his head.

He stared blankly at Desolate Shin Clan Head. No sign of stirring. Outside, kin belatedly recognized the commotion, murmuring.

Only the weight of a black-rank’s name held them back from rushing in. But it would not last.

The sound of weapons being drawn echoed. A chilling sensation seeped through the door cracks with the winter wind.

‘I’ll claim I struck.’

The new Radiant Demon Wing Leader thought calmly.