Chapter 227 – Radiant Arts Bond (7)

“Is the Leader sensing the spirit creature’s intent?”

Wei Ye-ryeong murmured.

She wore a look of puzzlement across her face. She gazed at Jeong Yeon-shin, who stood in the Grand Training Ground below the roof, stroking the white swallow’s back.

His dark robes and even darker hair contrasted with the bird’s white feathers.

The new Radiant Demon Wing Leader wielded a spirit creature, a symbol of the Leaders. The aura he exuded appeared harmonious yet strange.

Even the rare smile he displayed seemed mystical. To Wei Ye-ryeong, it was so.

“There’s no trace of our clan’s essence, yet could it be that the Fortress Lord…”

A glint flashed in her azure eyes. Doubt and speculation flickered like lightning and then vanished.

‘To a Han, the treasure of our tree? The clan’s consensus would never permit it.’

It was something that would become an issue of utmost importance. Unacceptable. Not even as a direct disciple of the Fortress Lord, a status common in the imperial court, would it be allowed.

Unless an unavoidable catastrophe occurred, or unless Radiant Demon Wing Leader attained a status equivalent to the clan…

Wei Ye-ryeong shook her head slightly.

At that moment, Kang Chang-mu, standing on a corner of the roof, spoke nonchalantly.

“Communicating with spirit creatures is something even noble clan white-ranks can do, is it not? Our Leader’s caliber far exceeds that. Anything is possible for him. Even counting the hidden techniques black-rank supreme masters possess falls short. Leaders of the headquarters have always been enigmatic. Take our former Leader’s internal energy, for instance…”

Kang Chang-mu hailed from Forest-Treading Squad, where Thousand Fists Dragon Vassal Xiahou Wei-zhen had been his Leader.

“In terms of energy reserves alone, one could discuss purple-rank. Black-ranks naturally possess several such abilities. How much more so for our Leader, who rose to this rank at the youngest age?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Is the blue-rank who is drawing the most attention in Radiant Demon Wing showing off now? I thought only the Dark Night Hall among the Thirteen Evil Sects prattled about clan superiority.”

Kang Chang-mu teased in his deep voice.

It was not false to say that Wei Ye-ryeong currently drew Radiant Demon Wing’s attention. Archery warriors were rare. A noble clan master even more so.

Radiant Demon Technique focused on close combat. No one had handled mid-to-long-range threats before.

That was the case until Wei Ye-ryeong joined. April Bow Ghost had once pierced Diancang Sect’s Four Ultimate Sword Technique with a single arrow.

As a noble clan member, she was a blue-rank master overseeing all directions of the squad.

Among the mid-tier newcomers, she commanded the full attention of Radiant Demon Wing’s warriors.

“Those ash-heap ruffians.”

Wei Ye-ryeong’s brow furrowed. She rarely frowned like this.

“Forest-Treading Leader is also undeniably of noble clan descent. Do you not know our clan’s taboos? Do not speak of it carelessly again. Do not even hint at it.”

“I’ll be mindful.”

Kang Chang-mu shrugged his broad shoulders and looked down.

The Leader, having pulled a letter from beneath White Swallow’s feet and read it, was leaving the Grand Training Ground.

***

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

“Rotten! Damn it!”

A group of fifty masters raced across barren land. The parched earth remained dust-free despite the pounding of their lightness skill steps.

The two at the forefront wore Desolate Fortress’s black robes.

A towering man and a lithe woman stood in contrast, yet their commanding presence matched each other.

Xiahou Wei-zhen, who had spat the curses, crumpled the letter in his hand. Despite his furious expression, his footwork was as light as a breeze.

Thanks to refining his lightness skills on a talented junior’s advice.

“It’s well-known they wield strange sorcery martial arts, but they say it’s incredibly powerful. The exiled Mount Mo Taoists surrendered before even settling in Xinjiang. They might have aided in capturing Obeying Heaven Wing. Damnable affair!”

He snarled as if chewing his words.

Beside him, Cheon So-so’s long hair fluttered as she ran.

The black hair of a noble clan supreme master retained its vivid sheen despite the backwind of lightness skill. It was the same as Xiahou Wei-zhen’s.

“They say Ming Cult’s young leader is not much older than Radiant Demon Wing Leader. Being a grandmaster of sorcery martial arts bears some similarity too.”

She spoke quietly. Her energy-infused voice cut through the gale with clarity.

“With the right conditions and luck, leading subordinates to rout a squad wouldn’t be surprising.”

She concluded her words softly. Xiahou Wei-zhen shook his head.

“Do you think Ha Do-woon was defeated?”

“Obeying Heaven Wing’s communications have been cut off too long. We must accept something happened.”

“They might have crafted a supreme formation. Used vile sorcery, no doubt.”

Black-rank masters were those who debated the martial world.

They set out immediately after the Wish for Peace Sword Hall meeting ended, without seeing the annotated Comprehensive Breaking Guide they had anticipated.

Their mission target was the head of an evil faction leader. The orthodox lineage’s counter-techniques were not immediately needed. The Grand Administrator sent them off without mercy.

Xiahou Wei-zhen huffed, recalling Grand Administrator Im Jin-myeong’s sly beard.

“That rotten cur. So young, yet so insolent.”

“If we fuss over hierarchy, headquarters would collapse.”

Cheon So-so continued impassively.

“And I heard you played a strange prank on a newcomer.”

“A newcomer? You mean Lightning Genius?”

The name slipped out instantly.

If Leaders spoke of a newcomer, it could only be the new Radiant Demon Wing Leader, considered the next Ma Yeon-jeok among Wish for Peace Sword Hall’s supreme masters.

Xiahou Wei-zhen’s lips curled into a wide grin.

“Not a prank, just pointing out facts. He held the, ahem, Breaking Guide hostage, did he not? His talent and status matched that behavior, but I needed to tweak his arrogance once. Truth is truth, is it not?”

“He’s connected to Cheong Myeong in Radiant Demon Wing.”

She murmured faintly.

“I heard the story. Radiant Demon Wing Leader didn’t know. He couldn’t imagine we’d need annotations. He likely offered it with good intent, but our response upset him.”

“What?”

“At that age, with such prowess. Perhaps he’s only accustomed to his own talent.”

Her tone was low and even. The calm words stirred Xiahou Wei-zhen’s memory.

“I didn’t consider it. It’s basic foundational technique, is it not? There’s little space for annotations. In real combat, you just do what feels sufficient…”

It had been a sincere remark. Hard to believe, yet convincing.

Cheon So-so spoke again.

“Basic foundational technique… To the newcomer, that was true. You misunderstood and treated him…”

A deafening roar interrupted her!

A long bellow struck the road, racing forward. It resembled a lion’s roar.

An energy-laced voice, steeped in shame, tore through the air. The shockwave from Forest-Treading Leader’s mouth rippled back to the rear of the group.

Sleeping bags on Forest-Treading Squad’s white-rank warriors’ backs were pushed back repeatedly, as if kicked.

Forest-Treading Squad and Immortal Tree Spirit Squad.

They headed to confront the worst of the Thirteen Evil Sects entrenched in Xinjiang.

The two Leaders bore their own missions. They had to succeed.

***

While Radiant Demon Wing immersed itself in Radiant Arts Bond training, Desolate Fortress’s inner citadel bustled with preparations for a grand event.

Stone structures rose everywhere. A dueling platform took shape in the central training ground.

The promotion exam.

It held the greatest significance in headquarters.

A stage to assess the Leaders’ caliber, objectively evaluate headquarters’ strength, and reward warriors for their efforts.

The highest honor in Desolate Fortress.

Even Radiant Demon Wing’s quarters felt the commotion. It was understandable. Hwangbo Clan’s Lazy Flame Dragon had long been a famed rising talent.

He had dominated the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering multiple times, earning the title of Jinan’s strongest newcomer.

Rumors abounded that today he aimed for blue-rank promotion in nameless garb.

His status was absurdly low compared to his prowess.

As a member of Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s Radiant Wing Squad, he had amassed merits surpassing most blue-ranks.

He defeated numerous Ten Perfections Sects and Dragon Slaying Alliance masters, acting as the squad’s vanguard.

At Hanzhong’s Martial Alliance Assembly, he held off Heart Martial Alliance’s Sword Venerbale’s forces. Until Radiant Demon Wing Leader met Swimming Heaven Sword Ghost, no one died. His achievements were ample.

Crowds were inevitable.

“They’ll handle it somehow.”

“No more playing senior now?”

“We’re nameless. And young.”

Radiant Demon Wing warriors responded tepidly. Nameless disciples even more so.

Seeing him chew poppy seeds and sneak drinks dulled any affection. Their focus remained on the martial art their Leader created.

They gathered frequently in the Grand Training Ground to train Radiant Arts Bond. It bordered on obsession.

They were utterly engrossed. White-ranks, blue-rank masters, and even young nameless disciples alike.

“The Leader went as an officiant, right?”

“Yes. I’ve got so much to ask.”

“Can Brother Desolate Divine Hero switch robes?”

“Who knows? It’s so vague. Scary with a sword, though…”

“He hasn’t lifted his limit. Probably not.”

“Hope it works out.”

Jests and sincerity mingled in their talk. It reflected headquarters’ interest in Desolate Divine Hero Hyeon Won-chang.

Lazy Flame Dragon’s prominence overshadowed him. Even mastering the Leader’s new technique first didn’t draw eyes.

“Our Leader taught us so kindly, didn’t he?”

“Right. Even explained what internal energy is. Felt like I was at a village martial hall.”

“Our talents are pretty exceptional too…”

“The Leader was like a Buddha. Didn’t expect that side of him.”

“So many know Radiant Demon Wing Leader that well?”

“Of course. We’re family sharing meals… Who are you?”

A Radiant Demon Wing nameless disciple turned around. He had replied absently to a woman’s voice that suddenly emerged.

A soft rustle sounded.

A woman with her eyes covered by white silk.

Her upright posture exuded elegance. Sunlight flowed through the black hair cascading below her shoulders.

Her white palace attire contrasted with her dark locks. The striking color drew gazes one by one as Ye So-jeo, the Inner Chief Strategist of Hanzhong Martial Alliance Assembly, approached gracefully.

“The Inner Chief Strategist of Hanzhong Martial Alliance Assembly.”

She murmured.

“I humbly greet Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s family.”

She raised her lips, scanning around. The air grew heavy the moment she addressed the nameless disciple.

Radiant Demon Wing masters had been watching her before she even stepped into the Grand Training Ground.

Kang Chang-mu spoke first.

“…Inner Chief Strategist of the Alliance Assembly? What’s your business?”

“I came to pay respects to the Leader here. I sent several messages… but got no reply.”

“Outsiders can’t enter here. You’d best leave quickly.”

“Perhaps you should say that to the Fortress Lord?”

She replied smoothly with a smile.

The training ground’s clamor gradually subsided, accompanied by the soft sound of wind carrying dust.

A steady step sounded.

Cheong Myeong, who had been lounging on the wall, dropped to the ground. The sword hilt at his waist glinted with formless sword energy.

Sunlight seemed to bend there. Simultaneously, several Radiant Demon Wing swordsmen unleashed energy waves.

A fierce surge erupted!

But before them, blue robes sliced through the air. Baek Mi-ryeo, her black hair flowing, landed before Ye So-jeo.

They were confidants of Jeong Yeon-shin. She had heard many tales.

“That blindfold first.”

Bewitching Sword Demon Baek Mi-ryeo tilted her chin slightly.

“Take it off now.”

***

The new Radiant Demon Wing Leader stood at a corner of the central training ground’s dueling platform.

The gathered crowd was vast. It was a rare event in their mundane lives.

Hundreds of onlookers buzzed around the massive platform. Standing among them alone could exhaust one’s spirit.

Jeong Yeon-shin was different. He felt no trace of fatigue.

Even after handling multiple tasks post-return, robust strength coursed through his body.

Thanks to a physique honed by Jeong Family Dynamic Technique and the immense vitality granted by Luminous Wheel Technique, he could rank among the top supreme masters for endurance.

“Next.”

He said.

A bout between white-rank warriors had just ended. The two glanced at Radiant Demon Wing Leader as they descended from the platform.

Another pair ascended in turn. Their presence was equally striking.

A man and woman radiated intense energy waves. They rivaled Jeong Yeon-shin when he entered as a white-rank.

It was Desolate Fortress’s promotion exam.

Black-ranks had to oversee the matches. It was to prevent mishaps. Chosen as his final mission before departing for Shaanxi, Jeong Yeon-shin’s keen senses were cited as the reason.

They intended to give the new Leader black-rank duty experience, according to the Grand Administrator.

It had been decided at Jeong Yeon-shin’s first Leaders’ meeting. Personnel assignments were already set.

“Begin.”

Jeong Yeon-shin’s expressionless face presided over the proceedings.

Radiant Demon Wing Leader Lightning Genius.

Clad in a neatly pressed black robe with the white Northern Light Sword at his waist, his parched lips betrayed unease.

It was unprecedented. No one around approached the platform’s base where he stood.

Jeong Yeon-shin paid no mind. There was no need, nor was it the occasion.

‘Hye-ah.’

He had heard news from Mount Zhongnan Sect.

“Cloud Knee Sword Sect and Blowing Lake Sect were annihilated. They were secular factions of Mount Zhongnan based in Xi’an. The main sect fares worse. Reports say the mountainsides where Taoist temples stood are completely burned, and estimating Mount Zhongnan Sect survivors is difficult.”

“There’s also mention that Sword Dragon Wei Zhi Myo-hwa escaped with the Sword Immortal’s disciple. No further information follows, which is good news. If Tyrant Sword Sect captured Sword Dragon, it’d sever Mount Zhongnan’s lineage, and they’d trumpet it across the martial world. We must assume she’s safe.”

As he inwardly recited the Grand Administrator’s words, the duel began.

Brilliant Wind Sword Do Jin and Fist Torrent Demon Xiahou Shan-shan.

A man with a sword at his sturdy waist faced a woman with dark gauntlets. Warriors from Han Law Enforcement Squad and noble clan Annihilation Team.

Known rivals paired together. It was deliberate matchmaking. The administrative office occasionally tested warriors’ real combat skills this way.

“I didn’t expect this.”

Do Jin’s sharp gaze fixed on Xiahou Shan-shan’s small fists.

“Good thing. Let’s settle our grudge here.”

She smirked and said. She then bumped her fists together.

Fist Torrent Demon Xiahou Shan-shan was the precious gem of Desolate Fortress’s Xiahou family, niece to Forest-Treading Leader Xiahou Wei-zhen.

She had harshly rejected a matchmaker sent by Do Jin’s family.

Desolate Fortress warriors varied in temperament. Countless prodigies with diverse traits gathered under the banner of stabilizing the realm. It was not a faction free of conflict.

Do Jin’s lips trembled.

“Grudge? The humiliation your family dealt ours…”

“Get it straight. You threw advances when I wasn’t interested. Relentlessly, like the Yangtze’s currents.”

Xiahou Shan-shan replied with a frown.

“Begin.”

Radiant Demon Wing Leader, standing at a distance, curtly ordered.

Do Jin flinched. Xiahou Shan-shan swiftly assumed her stance, as if commanded by her own Leader.

Her gauntlet-covered palms unleashed a fearsome energy wave in an instant.

A loud boom resounded!

Colorless energy erupted. A single strike carried a whirlwind of force.

Do Jin’s body flew through the air, amid scattering dust. It felt as if his sternum had caved inward.

His breath caught. The gauntlet strike briefly weakened his body’s protective aura.

Xiahou Shan-shan pressed a short-term assault. The energy in that blow was staggering.

Her intent not to consider the aftermath shone through. It was a combat style trending in headquarters since Lightning Genius’s feats.

Do Jin maintained a stern face. He had anticipated it and stepped up prepared.

He knew the temperament of the woman he once deeply admired. He had devised a counter sword technique over long deliberation.

Everyone knew Law Enforcement Squad warriors’ strengths. Only a fool would nitpick. The martial world spared no lives.

‘One sword decides it…!’

Ignoring his uncontrollable breathing, he drew up his energy.

He channeled internal power through his grip into a specific energy structure. He imbued Law Enforcement Squad’s secret counter-technique into his stance.

A heavy thud sounded!

Xiahou Shan-shan’s eyebrows rose as she charged within striking distance, intent on linked blows.

Her vision blazed brightly. Groans echoed from the crowd. Do Jin’s double-handed downward slash gathered sunlight with formless energy.

“Brilliant Sword Single Seam!”

A scream-like gasp burst from the stands.

Do Jin’s family was a renowned sword clan. Famous for fierce sword supreme moves. This precise downward strike targeting Xiahou Shan-shan’s advance was no exception.

For a moment, he seemed a sword demon—so perfectly timed.

Rarely, a warrior’s skill surpassed their full potential, and such luck graced him today. It was unintended by Do Jin.

‘Should’ve struck faster! At this short range…!’

A deafening roar followed!

Xiahou Shan-shan’s Collapsing Path Fist Technique energy tore apart. Colorless waves surged from her body.

A single sword dissected her energy structure. It fell with a gust.

Neither could adjust their movements.

It was common. Warriors wielded blades and internal power. Mishaps in duels were not rare, nor were deaths.

Xiahou Shan-shan, crouched and charging, froze. A fleeting moment.

The sword energy slicing her body felt like cramps seizing her. At least a severe injury. Possibly fatal.

As the thick milky sword glow loomed to cleave from her collarbone.

A soft rustle sounded.

A beam of light grazed their hair. Only a mind honed like a blade could perceive it.

Do Jin’s sword halted abruptly. Two fingers gripped it. Radiant Demon Wing Leader had slipped beside him, extending his arm.

A calmly raised hand trailed a long, pitch-black sleeve.

“Fist Torrent Demon lost. Brilliant Wind Sword won.”

From the hand blocking the sword, white energy strands flowed like mist. It was Radiant Arts Bond’s energy wave, yet unrevealed to the world.

It transformed his hand as if sculpted from diamond, with no blood shed amid the radiant currents.

It signified an exquisitely precise strike. Of a vastly superior refinement.

“Go down quickly. It’s noisy.”

Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s telepathic voice reached their ears. The whisper roared like thunder.