Chapter 238 – Eye-Opening (2)

It was the quietest spot on the battlefield.

Many onlookers lined the gorge. The number of spectators surpassed the evil faction’s forces.

The sect leaders of Xi’an’s seven great factions had orchestrated it that way. They sought to solidify their dominance.

“…”

Wei Ri-hwa could not respond.

Her enemy had pinpointed it exactly. Her peerless observation technique was renowned in Xi’an. While fighting Sword Demon Sect Leader, he had kept an eye on Reverend Remaining Earth Sect Leader.

The sun, now far from its zenith, came into view. Winter sunlight settled heavily. Bushes below the gorge trembled with the screams of disciples being slaughtered behind them.

A dry vitality flowed through the arid gorge. The ridge stretching from Great Moon Gorge to Guanzhong Plain gleamed like a blade.

‘That single move just now.’

The myriad afterimages.

They were unrelated to his cultivated inner energy.

His very sense of movement was different.

Shadow Pulse Time Technique had confirmed it. With a body honed in some unknown way, he executed countless stances with stability. It was entirely a matter of innate talent.

The word “genius” fell short. A rarity unseen in a thousand years—such a phrase suited a person like him.

It sparked an envy unfit for the situation. How did someone with such senses navigate the martial world?

Thus.

Reverend Remaining Earth Sect Leader Wei Ri-hwa acknowledged her enemy’s identity.

He was truly the leader of the Divine Sword Group’s Squad.

The Martial Alliance’s faction-opening battle in Hanzhong had spread the moniker “Lightning Genius.” The alliance’s headquarters resided in Hanzhong, Shaanxi. Rumors had reached the ears of Shaanxi’s sect leaders as well.

Among the hard-to-believe tales was one about his age. The current Radiant Demon Wing Leader was said to be remarkably young.

Even now, many doubted it. The world was vast, and sources lacked credibility.

Yet, if it were true.

If he had risen to the rank of Desolate Fortress’s black-clad at such a young age, his talent would be extraordinary. Regardless of his origins, it would be a marvel of the martial world.

The man before her fit that description. His physical talent alone surpassed Shadow Pulse Time Technique. His refined features carried a youthful air.

The radiant sword squad that appeared before him with the whistling arrow also seemed like Desolate Fortress’s elite.

If not him, no one else could be the current Radiant Demon Wing Leader.

A half-baked martial artist had ruined her life. A gray figure, straddling the line between officials and the martial world, had meddled in Xi’an’s affairs.

He dared to interfere with the seven great factions’ matters as if he were superior.

“This…”

Wei Ri-hwa’s eyebrows shot up sharply. Anger overcame panic. Her aged face twisted like a vengeful spirit.

“Did you not expect this? Even after ruining the people’s lives so thoroughly.”

Radiant Demon Wing Leader Jeong Yeon-shin asked calmly.

Anger burned in him too.

He had no interest in these vermin. It felt like a mission he was merely executing. Originally, he had hoped they would bring Tyrant Sword Sect’s elder overseer.

Ghost Soul Divine Sword Yeo So-hyang. The overseer of Tyrant Sword Sect’s evil faction branch.

She would know the whereabouts of the missing Mount Zhongnan disciples.

Even if she acted like an immortal detached from worldly affairs, eliminating the rabble here would force her to appear.

‘The one who scouted Jeong Family Manor’s terrain energy.’

A grudge distinct from that with Tyrant Sword Sect Leader.

Right now, only Ghost Soul Divine Sword occupied Jeong Yeon-shin’s mind. The observation technique he was perfecting focused entirely on crushing her.

Tyrant Sword Sect’s elder overseer, nursemaid to Tyrant Sword Sect Leader.

Xi’an’s seven great factions were stepping stones deserving punishment. He had long seen through their intent to sacrifice him as an offering to secure Xi’an’s dominance.

They treated commoners’ lives as trifles. He needed to end it here and lure Ghost Soul Divine Sword out.

A light kick.

He flicked away a fragment of Sword Demon Sect Leader’s broken blade. Sunlight, once golden in the sand, scattered in all directions.

Suddenly, Wei Ri-hwa shouted in a fit.

“Such lawlessness cannot stand! An outsider dares!”

“The standoff lasted long enough.”

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke only what he intended, drawing his sword downward.

Shaanxi’s Xi’an had been the capital of countless kingdoms. It was a fitting site for a province-level mission. The seven great evil factions were also notably infamous.

As the scale of the task grew immense, concluding a single mission seemed to take considerable time.

This would not do. Short, decisive battles were the essence of Jeong Yeon-shin’s life.

A faint scrape.

Before the countless eyes of Xi’an’s masses, he raised his sword above the gorge. The white tip of his northern blade pointed skyward.

His upper energy field stirred near his ears. Energy waves from his body pushed faint dust outward.

Lightning-Annihilation Sword Technique, Judgement Qilin.

“Now.”

Jeong Yeon-shin parted his lips slowly.

“I will not take more than ten breaths.”

***

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

Huguang City, Xiangyang.

[TL Note- Huguang CIty was previously translated as Desolate City.]

Desolate Ma Family faced upheaval.

Zhu Lianting, who had held the imperial martial art Golden Immortal Eight Techniques hostage, was ousted. Completely driven out. The term “downfall” fit perfectly.

Her status as a branch royal was meaningless. The restored prestige of Supreme Family Head outweighed it.

An unforeseen event had occurred.

Tyrant Hero Ma Yeon-jeok returned. A peerless master resembling steel, in the prime of decades past.

“That… What in the world…”

“Unbelievable, it was true.”

“Was what I witnessed real?”

“How?”

“You all know nothing. The current Radiant Demon Wing Leader…”

“Silence! Is this something to fuss over?”

An old divine sword, newly tempered, held immense power. The return was kept secret. The world could not know yet.

If so, Tyrant Hero’s martial arts would wield boundless influence across the martial world.

It would become the most formidable hidden blade in existence. A significant force gained when Desolate Fortress was at a disadvantage.

Only the family members of Desolate Ma Family knew of Tyrant Hero’s rejuvenation.

Even Zhu Lianting’s followers had their cores sealed with a single word from Supreme Family Head. No need to worry about leaks. Their silence was trustworthy.

Meanwhile, Family Head Ma Jin stood at a crossroads.

He pondered even as he walked, his left black sleeve flapping loosely. The promotion ceremony had concluded, and the remaining warriors of each force began their missions.

As the family’s main path grew desolate, so did Ma Jin’s heart.

‘Jeong Family Dynamic Technique…’

The book in his right hand felt heavy. A secret manual newly penned by his nephew, Jeong Yeon-shin.

Not the original, covering all meridians and body points. It recorded only the framework of the technique’s flow. A greatly simplified copy, in other words.

Created because his uncle and grandfather hesitated to spread their nephew’s divine art within the family. Jeong Yeon-shin had gifted it to them.

“Perhaps this is better. Easier to master. I assure you, even a monkey could cultivate it.”

Sent with a letter in calm handwriting. The day before Jeong Yeon-shin served as examiner at the promotion ceremony as Radiant Demon Wing Leader.

Given its importance, Blue Eye Demon Sword Cheong Myeong delivered it personally.

That cheerful yet subtly sharp noble swordsman wore an odd expression—half-smiling, half-frowning.

Ma Jin paid it no mind. As a former squad leader, he was used to Cheong Myeong’s inscrutable demeanor. He exchanged brief greetings and parted.

He regretted it deeply.

Thinking of his nephew. Ma Jin mused. I should have at least seen his face.

He had been swamped lately. Clearing Zhu Lianting’s faction and settling scores had consumed much time.

It was necessary to restore the family’s honor. Only now did he find a sliver of respite.

A soft step.

He entered the silent inner stronghold. His vision brightened. Pure white marble walls encircled all sides.

He reached Fortress Lord’s quarters. The quietest place in Desolate Fortress.

A faint rustle.

Six gate guards saluted him. A wordless clasped-hand gesture.

He nodded and passed. Harbinger of Death Ma Jin was inherently an arrogant master. It was his nature. Only before his guilt-ridden nephew did he falter.

The guards lowered their hands, accustomed to it.

Ma Jin paused briefly.

‘No… Did Yeon-shin learn from me? They say he’s true to the Ma bloodline…’

With a wry thought, he ascended the stairs. The circular steps ended at the inner stronghold’s peak. A massive stone door stood there, also marble.

Black stone, used only by the fallen Dan dynasty. Its deep black matched the stronghold’s silence.

Fortress Lord’s study.

The door opened with a resonant thud. A seamless void manipulation. Even to Ma Jin, once a rival to Divine Spear, it felt awe-inspiring anew.

‘It has been a while.’

Adjusting his empty sleeve, he crossed the threshold.

A clear scent of foliage wafted over. Twisted tree trunks, like dragons, filled his view.

Though winter had begun, green leaves spread everywhere. The lush grass smell was subtle and pleasant.

Familiar figures sat to the left and right.

Yet Ma Jin knelt on one knee, facing forward. He raised clasped hands. Desolate Fortress’s etiquette.

“I greet Fortress Lord.”

“Family Head Ma.”

A crystalline voice rang out.

It was Desolate Fortress Lord.

She sat diagonally on a thick trunk. Her flowing green hair shimmered beyond mere gloss. It evoked a sense of the world’s utmost nobility.

Her eyes, deep as a forest’s core, did the same. Verdant pupils swirled with the principles of all creation.

Ma Jin bowed deeply.

“You came?”

A cheerful voice sounded from the left. Ma Jin glanced over. A girl in a black robe sat cross-legged. A long spear lay carelessly behind her.

She peeked at Ma Jin, sunlight rippling faintly through her short black hair.

Desolate Divine Spear Yue Shou-lin.

Ma Jin furrowed his brow.

“What brings Divine Sword Deputy-Leader here?”

“I’m being punished. You didn’t hear?”

“For what?”

“Had a clash with that Ye kid from the alliance. She was hovering near Lightning Genius. She’d been irking me since she disrespected Fortress Lord.”

Yue Shou-lin spoke casually.

Ma Jin’s brow creased deeper.

“An alliance member targeted Yeon-shin?”

“It was a sight. If you’re playing uncle, you’d better handle it. Recently, the Shin clan sent matchmakers or something. Only someone bold and spirited fits as his match, you know? Do it well. Lightning Genius’s wishes matter most.”

Frowning, Yue Shou-lin smirked. Teasing, perhaps.

A tiger-like cough erupted from the opposite side, yet her bright smile held. She seemed resolute.

‘Not about her?’

Ma Jin knew this look. Desolate Divine Spear had been this way under Tyrant Hero’s command. She never shed her rebellious streak.

Given her father’s nature and her own talent, it was natural.

“Did you kill her?”

“No. Her martial arts were absurdly strong. If I’d gone all out, I’d have crippled a limb or two, but I stopped midway. Not on purpose…”

Yue Shou-lin trailed off, glancing forward. With silent Desolate Fortress Lord at the center, Tyrant Hero sat cross-legged opposite, eyes sharp.

His refined yet stern features brimmed with resolve. Ma Jin’s rejuvenated father.

Father likely mediated it. Probably sent a chilling transmission.

Who dares to defy order? I will discipline harshly. No need to hear more—Father was always like that.

‘He’s the one who needs discipline…’

Ma Jin shook his head inwardly.

How could such a temperament handle missions tied to the nation’s safety?

The only proper figure in Desolate Ma Family was its current head. A lamentable truth. He wasn’t even curious why Father was meeting Fortress Lord.

“I came to report.”

Ma Jin spoke toward Fortress Lord.

“The family has adopted a new ancestral martial art. It’s a matter worth reporting, so I sought an audience while checking on you.”

Desolate Fortress Lord was a martial god. She oversaw all martial arts within the stronghold.

She held authority to review all techniques of Thousand Gold Vault, Divine Sword Group, and affiliated families. The same applied to creating and introducing new arts.

Her approval was required. A practice born during the faction’s founding to compile stronghold arts.

Now a tradition.

“A blessing for Desolate Ma Family.”

She parted her lips slightly.

“Tell me what it is.”

“…Jeong Family Dynamic Technique.”

Ma Jin answered while prostrate.

Desolate Fortress Lord’s eyes narrowed briefly beneath her lashes. A single blink.

Scattered sunlight from the leaves settled on her eyes. Deep shadows danced beneath her elegant lids.

Her alabaster face radiated beauty, proof of peerless martial prowess.

Her expression remained unreadable.

She spoke.

“You mean Lightning Genius’s art?”

“Yes, Desolate Ma Family has received a boon.”

“Your words are true. It suits Harmony Divine Technique well.”

“With much family business, I regret I cannot stay long. Having briefly reported, I will take my leave.”

Tradition was just that. Fortress Lord stood above law. When squad leaders and family heads reported new arts, it ended there.

She did not truly examine every technique. A formality.

Easier for subordinates too. Her critique unnerved even supreme masters.

A soft rustle.

Ma Jin rose, holding the book.

Even a simplified copy, it was Jeong Family Dynamic Technique. Its introductory intent matched the original.

The same first page he and Ma Yeon-jeok read in Sichuan. It chronicled his nephew’s personal tale.

‘The family’s shame can spread far. But Yeon-shin’s intent in this essence… Yes, he called it a diary.’

Ma Jin felt premature relief.

Until Fortress Lord’s clear voice rang out.

“Bring it here.”