Chapter 265 – The Master of the Martial Book (2)

The clamor filling the vast mountainside subsided all at once.

Only the ominous energy waves stirring below, out of sight, remained constant.

It was after an untimely sunset rose and a dull thud echoed from the opposite hill.

Heat radiated from the corpse split vertically and fallen. The snow gradually stained red.

The murky steam rising from the Blood Flame Sect noble’s blood was eerie. Yet the Mount Hua Sect Leader, who had delivered the fearsome slash, seemed unmoved.

She merely stood silently behind the Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s shoulder.

Even after bisecting the apostle in one stroke, her breath showed no tremor. Jeong Yeon-shin sensed it through his ear.

Brilliant Jade Sword God Lu Xian.

The honorific “Xian,” denoting a divine figure in Taoism, felt vividly apt.

A supreme presence pressed upon him. It was as if unassailable flower petals brushed against his skin.

“…”

Jeong Yeon-shin did not move. He only sensed the Mount Hua Sect Leader’s presence.

With a peerless master holding the power of life and death over this scene manifesting here, he had witnessed a technique too profound to grasp instantly even with his eyes.

The Fourth Apostle, moments before death, had named the ultimate technique. The Violet Dawn Divine Technique, he called it.

A martial art also known as the immortal art of the Nine Sects’ sages. It was the first time Jeong Yeon-shin fully beheld a divine technique he had only heard of through rumors at the Jeong Family Estate.

Though he had long been acquainted with Yu Hyeon, a head disciple who inherited the Violet Dawn lineage, that Taoist friend lived an exceptionally long life. It was too early to show Jeong Yeon-shin the sunset.

A blue gleam flashed in the Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s eyes.

‘It faintly resembles the Brilliant River… yet the execution was different.’

It was not a collision of two opposing true energies. The sensation, akin to iron filings adhering to each other, approached the principle of Taiji.

It harmonized with natural law to evoke a sunset-like union. Jeong Yeon-shin felt the meeting of heaven and earth in the sword path that appeared abruptly like a horizon.

It was far removed from techniques like the Brilliant River and Ultimate Thunder, which burdened the body internally.

Unlike a method that could even defy mortality without mastering the Jeong Family Technique, it bore the distinctive mystique of Taoist sects.

‘I could train with this too. I cannot afford to be helpless when Ultimate Thunder ends.’

Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes shone. How did she do it?

Then.

“How?”

It was Lu Xian’s voice.

Having restrained Jeong Yeon-shin with her unassailable presence, she seemed to have skimmed the pages of the book.

The pages of the ‘Complete Compendium of Evil Sect Annihilation’ hovered in the air with Myriad Heavens Flower Rain. Each page fluttering on its own must have caught her eye.

Jeong Yeon-shin parted his lips cautiously.

“Did you see it?”

“It has no name attached, but this is the Loyal-Shattering Desolation Sword Technique. The described sword forms are identical. A martial art only high-ranking figures in the Tyrant Sword Sect learn. They do not take just anyone as disciples.”

“I saw it used by someone who was supposedly the Tyrant Sword Sect Leader’s nursemaid.”

“The grand slash is Shattering Thunder, and the method of refining sword energy with energy waves is Gazing Blossom. A tyrant’s sword that has killed hundreds… But this latter part, written beyond the Loyal-Shattering Desolation, it is not that. The sword strike breathing to deflect grand slashes, the energy wave manipulation to shatter sword energy… This… It is genuinely usable…”

The Mount Hua Sect Leader’s words paused briefly.

Even Jeong Yeon-shin could scarcely approach the depth of her internal energy breathing, which stretched long. What was she recalling? Her breath seemed imbued with an abyss.

Crunch.

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly stepped to face her.

The solemn form of the Brilliant Jade Sword God remained as before.

She wore a long pink robe with trailing hems, clad only in white socks. Her appearance, as if cloaked in transparent petals, was unchanged.

The protective energy that occasionally flashed colorlessly was mystical. It even exuded transcendence.

“There are counter-techniques here not even found in the Tyrant Sword Sect’s original texts.”

Lu Xian lifted her gaze from the book and met Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes.

“It says authored by Lightning Genius. You wrote this, then.”

“Yes.”

“I cannot believe it. Even seeing it, I cannot comprehend.”

“If one closely examines an opponent’s martial arts, would not anyone understand? So long as their perception is not dull, I believe the martial world’s inherent honor prevents rampant countering. For the sake of pure martial contests…”

“I do not grasp the context of your words.”

“At my sect, only the Law Enforcement Squad studied counter-techniques. I endured my own shame to gain merit and intend to defeat my enemies with these. So please do not look at me with reproachful eyes. You are not the Fortress Leader.”

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke somewhat mumblingly. It sounded like an excuse.

‘Even if the world does not, I must.’

It was possible thanks to good comrades.

Even when compiling the Comprehensive Guide of Breaking Orthodox Path, Hyeon Won-chang and Lazy Flame Dragon had not particularly objected.

The Desolate Divine Hero abstained from comment from the start. They likely knew Jeong Yeon-shin’s keen perception stemmed from his lifespan.

Lazy Flame Dragon, on the other hand, suppressed surprise with a nobleman’s leisurely air.

That wastrel, hailing from the Hwangbo Family, surely found it hard to point out breaches of honor.

Namgung Hwa-shin, the White Qilin present then, showed no particular emotion as usual. A comrade with an extraordinarily deep heart.

Fitting for the next Obeying Heaven Wing Leader, the black robe seniors of the Wish for Peace Sword Hall, contrary to convention, welcomed the Comprehensive Guide of Breaking Orthodox Path.

The boldness of Desolate Fortress’s battle-hardened supreme masters was exceptional. They even offered advice on annotations.

Thanks to them, today’s Complete Compendium of Evil Sect Annihilation existed.

‘Have Seniors Xiahou and Cheon returned after finding Senior Ha?’

He recalled the seniors who went to Xinjiang to protect the era’s Obeying Heaven Wing Leader. Forest-Treading Squad Leader Xiahou Wei-jin and Immortal Tree Spirit Leader Cheon So-so. They said they would crush the Ming Cult’s remnants.

Jeong Yeon-shin soon set aside his musings and gazed at Lu Xian. His own survival came first. Perhaps the seniors were worried about him instead.

“…”

The Mount Hua Sect Leader’s expression was somewhat ambiguous.

Her high nose bridge slightly furrowed, an detachment unbefitting a peerless master. It made her seem stranger and more formidable.

A chilling silence flowed. The air felt laced with blades.

Great faction leaders were often said to be monstrous forces who transcended through martial arts.

Having shed conventional limits like cloth, their thoughts were inscrutable. Even their sleeves fluttering in the wind seemed an unknown motion.

“The Radiant Demon Wing Leader would not jest or banter with me…”

Lu Xian parted her lips slowly.

“I will take your words sincerely and treat you duly as a grandmaster.”

“That is a bit…”

Jeong Yeon-shin turned his head slightly, embarrassed. He did not wish to be called that for a book compiling the weaknesses of numerous sects.

It was like showing a childhood diary imbued with the Jeong Family Dynamic Technique to a stranger without a drop of shared blood.

‘No. That would be worse.’

Blinking once, Jeong Yeon-shin spoke.

“They say great factions’ martial arts are vastly expansive. Though this is a counter-technique, my limited insight confines it to a few core martial arts…”

“I considered your treatment, unbefitting a Taoist.”

“…?”

“This part.”

Lu Xian’s finger gently pushed the cover of the Complete Compendium of Evil Sect Annihilation. Her fingertip touched “Authored by Lightning Genius.”

“It should be removed. That was rash.”

“Must it…?”

The Mount Hua Sect Leader’s lips curved into a small arc. A violet sunset shimmered in her eyes.

“I wish to see a Compendium of the Orthodox Path. It cannot be possible for only one side.”

“There is no such name…”

Jeong Yeon-shin replied absently. It was true.

Lu Xian’s smile deepened. Her pure, clear smile revealed the caliber of a noble chivalrous expert.

Were all Taoist practitioners trained under Mount Hua’s western peak like this?

“If it does not exist, so be it. But if your sobriquet is added here, you will inevitably bear the martial world. A Desolate Fortress black robe is a high enough rank… yet it seems premature.”

Jeong Yeon-shin realized unconsciously. He had just crossed a major threshold.

“…I will do so.”

With his reply, he flicked a finger.

A snap sparked flames that scattered in all directions. They touched the covers of the floating books, leaving scorch marks and vanishing.

Only “Authored by Lightning Genius” was erased. A technique melding Samadhi True Flames’ sparks into Myriad Heavens Flower Rain’s airflow.

“Even your conduct matches your visage. With such refined skill.”

Lu Xian laughed as if amused.

Jeong Yeon-shin waved a hand briefly, unperturbed.

“Counter-techniques for some evil sect lineages. Take one each.”

Two books flew into Jang Sun-il and Bei Gong-lin’s arms. The eyes of Bei Gong-hui and the group widened.

“Sun-il, you should keep it secret and train. Martial world folk are often ferocious, rarely tolerating what they cannot possess. Consider reporting your enemies’ identities to Desolate Fortress. I will step in.”

“Companion. Why give us…”

Bei Gong-lin asked, white-blue hair fluttering. Jeong Yeon-shin showed the orb the Ice Nobles had given him.

“You said there is ice crystal in the North Sea. I will visit soon, so do not turn me away.”

“Are you coming to marry me?”

“I hope all Ice Palace warriors learn it. The Complete Compendium of Evil Sect Annihilation is not fit to be a secret art. Many will know of it soon.”

Jeong Yeon-shin opened his satchel to prepare for descent.

Having risked facing the Blood Flame Sect’s Fourth Apostle, he stowed all the Compendium books inside.

He knew another thousand-year ginseng lay near Seven Ladies Peak’s summit. But it was not the time for greed.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

Lu Xian had come to feed the ginseng to the critically injured Cheon Ju.

With the Mount Hua Sword Saint wounded by the Blood Flame Sect’s First Apostle, expecting concessions was futile.

Her overlooking the elixir in Jeong Yeon-shin’s possession now was already conduct befitting Mount Hua’s leader.

She showed no intent to seize anything. A monstrous force guided by honor and principle.

“My thanks in many ways.”

He handed the last Compendium book to Lu Xian without stowing it.

“…You do not know how to decline courtesy.”

Then.

Boom!

The sky seemed to tremble. A suddenly descended energy wave rippled over the ridge.

Like the precursor to a massive landslide, it felt as if something non-human had manifested. From the mountainside’s base.

A complex expression crossed Jeong Yeon-shin’s face. Not today.

“I know the Tyrant Sword Sect Leader ascends. Stop him.”

The Radiant Demon Wing Leader presented an unassailable card to the Mount Hua Sect Leader. Her sunset-tinged eyebrows rose slightly.

“I ask you to test the counter-technique.”

Jeong Yeon-shin calmly made his request.

***

Mount Taibai in Shaanxi was vast. It connected to the highest peak of the expansive Qinling Mountains.

This meant countless paths led to Seven Ladies Peak, and many routes bore the Twin Flame Blood Spirit Array.

The white mountainside shimmered translucently in patches.

The supreme array once concealing the Blood Flame Sect’s main base now confined Mount Taibai. No ordinary scale.

Ritual tools and rare sorcery warriors were deployed. The Blood Flame Sect’s Second Apostle had accepted Yu Ling’s proposal.

“Slay the Desolate Fortress Radiant Demon Wing Leader.”

The Second Apostle had no reason to refuse.

The Apostles who revered blood and flame enjoyed freedom under a grand doctrine.

They acted with utmost authority. Each led branches with independent power, so cooperating with Yu Ling’s Young Lord was the Second Apostle’s choice.

“The Tyrant Sword Sect Leader has entered!”

“Close it now. The Radiant Demon Wing Leader must not escape.”

The Second Apostle was a frail-looking man.

His unusually jet-black hair hung long, and irregular waves glimmered visibly from his thin forearms.

Floating half an inch above the ground, he showed no need for physical strength. His pure blood robe matched the Seventh Apostle beside him.

“So.”

He parted his lips slowly.

“You were elevated regardless of your will, it seems. By the First Apostle.”

“I am interested in something else.”

The Seventh Apostle replied curtly, adjusting her left eye patch.

The Second Apostle’s lips curled upward.

“Why not regenerate it? Is it not a perverse intent?”

“Perverse intent?”

“I mean, do you not revere the Radiant Demon Wing Leader Lightning Genius above our blood and flame? I cannot fathom why you left the First Apostle’s fold for me. Losing the Wolf King so feebly makes no sense. You should dispel my doubts here.”

Silence fell.

The area teemed with the corpses of martial artists and commoners strewn below.

The Blood Flame Sect masters, numbering in the hundreds after repeated massacres, filled the mountain’s lower slopes. Countless eyes fixed on the Seventh Apostle. An eerie silence accompanied them.

She opened her mouth nonchalantly.

“The Grandmaster is formidable. He has mastered dharma too.”

“Opposing energy only matters when a strike lands. Was our sect’s Seventh Apostle’s martial art so shallow? If you offer nonsensical excuses, better to join me instead.”

The Second Apostle spoke archaically.

A brief silence ensued. A cold yet fervent stillness.

The peculiar excitement of a sinister cult began filling Mount Taibai’s lower reaches. Had they been forewarned? More than a few gripped weapons.

The encirclement’s end was unseen. The Blood Flame Sect had long been famed for its numbers among great factions. Red heads blanketed the snow entirely.

“Seventh Apostle, I am the one fit for the Sect Leader’s rank.”

The Second Apostle smiled oddly.

Arms crossed as if observing, he glided back like a specter. He seemed intent on seizing her blood energy when her strength waned.

With the Twin Flame Blood Spirit Array spread wide, he could instantly detect where the Radiant Demon Wing Leader broke through with dharma.

A network of spirit creatures linked the Tyrant Sword Sect Leader and Blood Flame Sect.

Death was assured. A scheme of Shaanxi’s Thirteen Evil Sects.

The Seventh Apostle murmured softly, stepping forward. An old hag a hundred years stale, sharp only in perception.

Crunch.

Her slight step overlapped with Grandmaster Jeong Yeon-shin’s leather boots. An entrancingly refined voice followed.

“Do not appear before me recklessly. As long as you lead the blood demons, we cannot coexist. Naturally so.”

Madness tinged the Seventh Apostle’s lips.

[TL Note- she is about to simp hard and wipe out blood flame sect surely.]