Chapter 230 – Treasured Sword (3)

Hyeon Won-chang spoke with a raw voice.

No energy infused his tone. It did not carry far.

However, the setting was the central dueling platform. The promotion exam was a rare event in Desolate Fortress. Many of the warriors remaining at headquarters attended.

They sat like guests at a feast, and among them, few were not masters.

It meant their auditory perception training was exceptional. They could easily hear the voice of Desolate Fortress’s Great Tongue Sword.

Kang Yoon-chan, eyes wide, soon let out a wry chuckle.

“I’m not bitter about losing. I’ll rise again someday. More than that, I’m curious about Radiant Demon Wing’s campaign with all its members mastering Radiant Arts Bond. The martial world will see Leader Jeong as a grandmaster. Radiant Demon Wing might face all sorts of storms along the way, though…”

It was a candid acceptance of defeat.

“Those storms are the martial world’s burden.”

Hyeon Won-chang replied with a light laugh, exchanging a fist salute with him.

The seats held far more guests—officials, merchants, and headquarters’ kin—than formal Desolate Fortress warriors. Yet, the presence of the latter outshone them.

Through the mouths of masters, Hyeon Won-chang’s final words spread. They carried the origin of the divine art Radiant Arts Bond.

Murmurs arose.

They began from those surrounding the dueling platform. Warriors showed greater astonishment than common folk.

The white and blue robes they wore fluttered slightly, stirred by clusters of faint energy waves.

Among them, the aura from Lightning Genius lineage warriors stood out as particularly intense.

“How could such an energy wave…”

“It was new and formidable. Even with traces of Lightning Genius’s lineage visible.”

Desolate Fortress masters were accustomed to traversing the mysterious martial world. They typically maintained composure even amid oddities.

Normally, the equanimity of renowned warriors was as clear and calm as a still mirror lake.

This time was different.

“It’s a major event. Radiant Arts Bond, huh? Worth boasting about. We knew Radiant Demon Wing Leader had a grandmaster’s caliber, but…”

At a noisy corner of the stands, a woman in blue robes let out a hollow laugh. Desolate Fortress Fighter Jin Wu-hua.

A figure with fierce eyes, she was a master acting as Annihilation Team Leader’s deputy. She was akin to Radiant Demon Wing’s Cheong Myeong.

As the next Annihilation Team Leader, she had been observing duels with peers of matching rank.

Masters beside her each spoke up.

“The sword force surged in an instant. It was clearly unleashed by Great Tongue Sword’s hand…”

“Was it truly a universal martial art? Not just Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s signature technique?”

“‘Universal’ isn’t quite right. Didn’t he say it’s Radiant Demon Wing’s exclusive art?”

“Regardless, it’s not just Great Tongue Sword who’s mastered it.”

One person’s words carried weighty implications. They signaled Radiant Demon Wing’s transformation.

Exceptional training transforms a group. A silent man finally spoke.

“…It’s been a while since I last saw Kang Chang-mu. At Moonless Pavilion, I mean. He’s obsessed with duels, so we used to cross paths often.”

Headquarters’ Moonless Pavilion was a grand dueling platform. Warriors under Divine Sword Group used it as a venue to test their skills against masters from other squads.

Many practically lived there while awaiting missions. Even Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin had once frequented it.

Jin Wu-hua responded with a knowing look.

“He’s likely lost in training trance. Who wouldn’t be? With a supreme art like that…”

Reactions among the exam attendees varied. They spoke and moved diversely. Merchants supplying headquarters, vetted by fate, did the same.

Calculations flickered across weathered faces. Some dispersed without a word.

“Forest-Treading Squad and Immortal Tree Spirit Squad vanished at the same time. Radiant Demon Wing Leader is famed for relentless missions, so Radiant Demon Wing will be next.”

“Just tracing their path should ensure safety. Prepare for travel and tell them to keep sharp eyes. If they head toward Bright Charm Road, it’s worth following briefly.”

The movements of Divine Sword Group squads influenced all sorts of common folk.

Many eyes fixed on Radiant Demon Wing Leader as he declared Hyeon Won-chang’s victory. They lingered even as the next duel began.

A strange emotion seeped from the faces of Lightning Genius lineage masters. Some looked outright eager to lose themselves in it.

Even as the promotion duels continued, they gazed at their grandmaster instead of the matches.

In that moment, they drew closer to Radiant Demon Wing’s reserve forces. More so than before.

“Blowing Thread Spear Li Yan lost, and Lazy Flame Dragon Hwangbo So-and-so won.”

Radiant Demon Wing Leader Lightning Genius delivered his verdict calmly.

“So-and-so is a bit much, isn’t it?”

Lazy Flame Dragon grumbled.

Jeong Yeon-shin approached the dejected Li Yan and patted her shoulder. She was a kind-faced woman. When she instinctively leaned into his arms, he gently pushed her back.

It was now certain. He was no longer the Lightning Genius sheltered by seniors.

Was it because his limbs had grown since returning from the alliance assembly? Or perhaps because Radiant Arts Bond had fully established him as a Divine Sword Group Squad Leader?

“Go down.”

Jeong Yeon-shin gave a slight nod to the two.

Lazy Flame Dragon had won effortlessly.

His energy reserves had changed since meeting Jeong Yeon-shin. So had the heat in his strikes.

With a wastrel’s leisurely demeanor, he shattered his opponent’s spear. Li Yan’s prowess fell short of blue-rank contention.

She could not withstand the fist and palm techniques of Hwangbo’s heir, tempered by Scorching Divine Meridian.

The two descended from the dueling platform.

Jeong Yeon-shin uttered the phrase he had used most today.

“Next.”

It was a grand event.

Time passed with uncanny swiftness.

Soon, the sun on the horizon donned a red robe.

The final ceremony of the promotion exam commenced.

Desolate Fortress Lord did not attend. She was an absolute figure guided by mood rather than custom.

Seeing her was rare. Even for Jeong Yeon-shin. She might not be at headquarters.

“I’ve witnessed the warriors’ divine skills—how could I not be delighted…”

It was a line adapted from the Book of Odes in the Four Books and Three Classics. Dancers with trailing sleeves and musicians with flutes and zithers filled the dueling platform.

They bore an exuberance unquenched even by famine. They danced and played with artistry rivaling martial skill. The performances and melodies were all beautiful.

Jeong Yeon-shin remained until the ceremony ended.

From a seat beside the Grand Administrator on the high platform, he lent silent support to the latter’s address.

“It is called entering the wilds. You have stepped deeper into the rugged wilderness. Act keenly as headquarters’ treasured swords. The great cause of this land will be with you. Truly, truly noble.”

The Grand Administrator bestowed robes upon the ranked warriors lined up.

Hyeon Won-chang and Lazy Flame Dragon received blue attire. It stirred a peculiar emotion in Jeong Yeon-shin.

‘May the light never fade from your path.’

Desolate Fortress Lord’s melodious voice came to mind anew. A gentle blessing. The hands that had personally draped the blue robe over him remained vivid.

He had felt warmth in the touch brushing his shoulders. Fingers unraveling the supreme logic of martial arts had focused on Jeong Yeon-shin.

‘A pity.’

It was the Grand Administrator, not the Fortress Lord.

A small joy flickered in Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s eyes as he regarded his two subordinates. It mingled with greater satisfaction.

He briefly set aside his concern for Mount Zhongnan Sect. In his heart, he celebrated Radiant Demon Wing’s family milestone.

Before setting out once more from Desolate Fortress, his home.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

***

“From nameless to blue-rank. Won-chang, isn’t that a promotion you never dared attempt?”

“It’s Hyeon for you, Hwangbo So-and-so.”

[TL Note- it’s considered informal using given name, so Hyeon Won-chang teases him to call him with his family name to show respect.]

“Now no one in Radiant Demon Wing can look down on this young master. You’ve no idea how tired I was of ‘insubordination.’ The kids’ errands were over the top. Hmm.”

“A shame. You’re still trivial to the Leader.”

“Didn’t you know that’s my joy? Far better than boredom.”

“Your sanity worries me. The poppy’s piled up in you so much it’s invaded—aren’t you practically pickled?”

Two pairs of shadows stretched long.

The group was returning to Radiant Demon Wing’s quarters. Hyeon Won-chang and Lazy Flame Dragon walked ahead or behind, while Jeong Yeon-shin and Zhuge Qing-ya strode side by side.

The mood was calm. Low conversations accompanied them.

“So, observation relies more on the Baihui acupoint than the Tong Zi Liao?”

[TL Note- I’ll just use chinese names for Acupoints since it’s easier to remember, i used Hundred Meetings point for baihui point previously. Tong Zi Liao is an acupuncture point in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s located in the outer corner of the eye, where the upper and lower eyelids meet. ]

“Yes. The mind matters more than the eyes. How intuitively you grasp profound martial principles is key. A refined observation technique excels at that. ‘How to see’ comes second—if the energy flow at the eye’s inner corner intersects well, you can refine it yourself.”

“Like the energy waves at your Sibai, Cuanzhu, and Yintang acupoints? From your face to your eyes, it’s densely woven.”

[TL Note- Sibai (ST2): Located directly below the pupil in a depression at the infraorbital foramen. It belongs to the Stomach Meridian.

Cuanzhu (BL2): Located at the medial end of the eyebrow, near the center of the forehead. It belongs to the Bladder Meridian.

Yintang (EX-HN3): Located between the eyebrows at the glabella, which is the smooth part of the forehead above and between the eyebrows. It is classified as an extra point of the head and neck rather than belonging to a specific meridian. ]

“…Yes.”

Zhuge Qing-ya slightly pursed her lips.

Jeong Yeon-shin thanked her and sank into thought.

Lately, he had been pondering his next martial art creation.

With his ties to the Ma Family restored and his Leader status granting access to Heavenly Gold Arsenal’s upper tiers, many arts were within reach for mastery.

Yet no supreme technique, from its incantations’ outset, matched a martial art tailored to him.

Martial arts were fundamentally methods of using the body.

Each meridian and acupoint varied minutely in position, thickness, size, blood flow, and inherent energy.

Such differences stood out starkly in advanced realms.

Jeong Yeon-shin had reaped immense benefits from exclusive arts. Efficiency in energy and internal force differed vastly. He had crossed swords with supreme masters without achieving Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown.

‘Observation and protective aura.’

He had roughly learned what he could reference.

Properly crafting it would be a great aid. Without unity of essence and spirit, he had to compete through variety and depth of martial arts.

Especially against great faction supreme masters.

‘I might face Tyrant Sword Sect Leader.’

It was a weighty notion. It slowly gnawed at Jeong Yeon-shin’s mind.

The silence that settled over Jeong Family Estate at midnight, the metallic scent creeping past the threshold, the blood pooling on the floor, the moonlight glinting off crimson stains, Tyrant Sword Sect Leader’s ruinous aura as he gripped his greatsword…

“Hmm?”

Jeong Yeon-shin suddenly looked up.

A familiar wall entered his view. They had nearly arrived. Radiant Demon Wing’s quarters were close.

“The main gate’s wide open. Truly our family. Welcoming this Desolate Divine Hero’s promotion… Hmm?”

Hyeon Won-chang’s steps halted.

Lazy Flame Dragon, hands clasped behind his head, stopped his ambling gait.

“Leader?”

“Stay still.”

Jeong Yeon-shin replied curtly, gazing into the distance. An unusual standoff caught his eye.

It wasn’t just Radiant Demon Wing masters and Martial Alliance’s Lady Ye. A figure with short black hair turned away stood out.

Desolate Divine Spear Yue Shou-lin.

She likely came for tea, but now she twirled a silver spear with one hand.

The long arc caught the sunset’s glow, more bold than beautiful. She had not regarded Lady Ye kindly at the Fortress Lord’s office.

That wasn’t all. A man crouched atop the tallest roof among the quarters posed another issue.

Pink robes fluttered in the wind, scraping the tiles. Unnoticed by all, Tyrant Hero Ma Yeon-jeok overlooked the three-way tension.

His gaze alternated between Lady Ye and Yue Shou-lin with an odd intensity. A strange fury emanated.

It was a fearsome sight.

He hadn’t immediately sensed his distant grandson. He seemed deeply focused.

Jeong Yeon-shin traced the radical “Fu” (阝) with his index finger. It was Radiant Demon Wing’s signal. Used when even transmitted energy waves required caution.

It meant to suppress presence and retreat. As Leader, he turned quietly first, imprinting his grandfather—soon summoned by the imperial court—in his mind.

The three followed silently.

They passed headquarters’ main road until the quarters faded from sight.

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke first.

“Radiant Demon Wing wasn’t in danger.”

“Well, few could handle Radiant Demon Wing’s blue-rank Radiant Arts Bond barrage and Desolate Divine Spear at once. Even among great faction leaders, only a handful.”

Lazy Flame Dragon said casually. His slight shoulder roll was playful. He seemed to find it mildly amusing.

Jeong Yeon-shin nodded briefly.

“I need ink and brush.”

“I have them.”

Zhuge Qing-ya answered promptly, her gray sleeve shifting.

A soft rustle sounded.

She drew a small inkstone and short brush from her robe.

They were finely polished scholar’s tools. As pristine as her neatly pressed sleeves. The small paper she produced next was the same.

“This too.”

“Thank you.”

Jeong Yeon-shin placed the paper on Zhuge Qing-ya’s back. He erected an invisible internal energy barrier between.

She tilted her head slightly.

“I’ve used my protective aura, so don’t worry about your robes.”

He wrote the letter directly.

It was brief. He finished quickly. Then, carefully reaching into his robe, he pulled out a white swallow. The Leader’s sleeping spirit creature emerged.

A short chirp sounded!

White Swallow narrowed its dark eyes. Its gaze up at its master was bright and round.

Jeong Yeon-shin smiled faintly and tied the torn, rolled letters to both its legs.

“This one’s for Blood Guardian Leader Jin, this one’s for Senior Cheong Myeong or Senior Mi-ryeo.”

For a moment, Jeong Yeon-shin’s voice grew melodious. It carried a noble clan-like quality. A trait prominent since mastering Luminous Wheel Technique.

“Go to Blood Guardian Leader Jin first, then Radiant Demon Wing.”

When he spoke as to common folk, White Swallow usually understood. It would likely do so now.

A sharp flap followed!

With a small wingbeat, White Swallow soared off. In a few blinks, it became a white dot.

As Hyeon Won-chang and Lazy Flame Dragon looked up blankly, Zhuge Qing-ya asked quietly.

“Is it fine to leave like this…?”

“We’d have to split up anyway. Shaanxi’s a demon’s den now. Tyrant Sword Sect has risen significantly, and Yu Ling has rebelled too.

No need to draw the Thirteen Evil Sects’ eyes first. It’s best to disguise ourselves, depart, and regroup in order.”

“I meant leaving without discussion…”

“I’m the Leader.”

[TL Note- Jeong Yeon-shin has started to understand women.]

Jeong Yeon-shin answered as he stepped forward.

The sound of dirt under his leather soles rang unusually loud.

Vast Desolate Fortress buzzed with the promotion exam’s revelry. Boisterous noise drifted faintly.

Scarlet shadows in the sky seemed to dance with them.

Cheerful songs, hearty shouts, laughter washing away fatigue, and clinking cups felt deeply familiar.

A steady step sounded.

Lazy Flame Dragon, Hyeon Won-chang, and Zhuge Qing-ya followed. Their relaxed, bold, refined strides lent a reassuring presence.

As they passed numerous quarters, more saluted with fist clasps. It continued until they reached the main gate.

“We wish the Leader martial fortune.”

A gate guard’s greeting concluded it.

With the orange glow of sunset at his back, Radiant Demon Wing Leader set out.