Chapter 281 – Martial Might (9)

“What is that on your nape? I sense a strange energy wave. It looks like fang marks.”

“Hm?”

“Were you bitten by a spirit beast? That cannot be right. With your senses, Squad Leader…”

“Your senses are the issue. I told you to cut back on the poppies. The fortress’s blue-rank is feeling illusions.”

Jeong Yeon-shin replied calmly as he left the quarters. He deliberately ignored the vague expression of Hwangbo ruffian flickering at the edge of his vision.

Since showing “Flame River,” Hwangbo ruffian had been oddly immersed in meditation, and his senses seemed to have sharpened further.

‘Pointlessly.’

As Jeong Yeon-shin shook his head, Hyeon Won-chang, leaning against a stone wall, let out a hollow laugh.

“A poppy addict meditating?”

“I heard Heaven’s Pillar Sect has a famous fruit liquor. I thought he would just get smashed on that.”

Shin So-bin, wiggling her ankle while gazing at her squad leader, also smirked.

Desolate Fortress Divine Hero and White Cat. Their heroic swords and long braided hair swayed in blue and black.

“We are heading back now, right?”

Shin So-bin asked, staring straight at Jeong Yeon-shin.

His junior had never hesitated to meet his eyes since joining Radiant Demon Wing.

It was not recklessness but innate confidence. She bore the air of someone raised with love from a good family. To Jeong Yeon-shin, that was true nobility.

He nodded quietly. He thought she would soon earn a fitting nickname too.

Her Eternal Blossom Fist could contend for the throne of monkeys.

“We go now.”

It was an order.

The footsteps following him felt distinct.

A leisurely swagger, followed by silent, bold strides and small, forceful steps. Comrades bound by the same name.

Rustle.

Quiet steps continued. Their soles were dampened by dew on the grass.

Passing the dazzlingly green mountains, they reached the clearing where the group had sparred before.

Crossing it would lead to the exit, but now it was filled with black or golden hair. Heaven’s Pillar Sect disciples stood on the ground.

“Radiant Demon Wing Leader.”

An aged voice rang out.

Sect Leader Cheong Bo-hwa stepped forward, raising both hands. The blue sleeves woven from fine silk flowed downward.

A bow. Her posture, bending forward then straightening, was respectful.

Swish.

A soundless stir echoed at once.

The noble clan masters behind her mirrored the motion. A cool breeze blew, as if ingrained in their nature.

A wrinkled smile formed on Cheong Bo-hwa’s lips.

“For a while, Dark Night Palace will focus on internal repairs. Our sect can breathe. It is a deeply appreciated deed.”

“I avenged a comrade.”

“You settled that child’s debt?”

Her gaze turned to Cheong Myeong beside her. Various emotions seeped from her weathered eyes.

Her great-grandson, who broke the village taboo to leave the sect, had brought a superior who countered Ten Li One Kill. With a lightness skill that seemed to soothe Cheong Su’s soul, lost in a sect war’s gap.

Cheong Myeong said nothing more. He merely glanced at Jeong Yeon-shin. His lips curved into an arc.

The smile of Radiant Demon Wing’s Blue-Eyed Demon Sword was clear. His blue hood’s hem fluttered freely, heedless of surrounding stares.

Even as his junior, Jeong Nan-song, who once spat venom at him, hesitated before him, he showed no reaction.

A hint of resignation shadowed the wrinkles around Cheong Bo-hwa’s eyes.

“The ways of the world are truly unknowable. Even after centuries, it is so. Who could have foreseen leaving my homeland for this land, or that a child storming off alone would bring you?”

“What is it like to live that long?”

Jeong Yeon-shin asked in passing. Cheong Bo-hwa’s smile grew warmly indulgent.

“It feels like becoming a tree.”

“I do not understand.”

“There is no need to. I guarantee it.”

The farewell with Heaven’s Pillar Sect concluded thus.

They and Cheong Myeong exchanged no further words. Like breezes brushing and parting, they regarded each other coolly. A mysterious clan.

Jeong Yeon-shin received a gourd from Cheong Bo-hwa. A spiritual elixir condensed from lake water, said to heal internal injuries instantly.

More precious than any medicine in the realm. The noble clan’s sect did not skimp on gratitude.

“It is tempting.”

The Divine Sword Group Leader smacked his lips.

It was right after leaving Heaven’s Pillar Sect. Now, nothing emanated from his frame.

His scholar-like purple robes wrapped his body, unshaken even by valley gusts. A natural, transcendent sight.

“We should part here. I must head straight to Zhejiang. Regardless, I am truly grateful. Your feats amid it all were impressive.”

“Was there urgent business?”

“Purple-ranks have their own affairs. Quite troublesome and fantastical.”

The Divine Sword Group Leader grinned slyly.

“I trust you will lend a hand someday. Fare well.”

“Take care, Group Leader.”

As Jeong Yeon-shin saluted with clasped fists, the Divine Sword Group Leader had already turned, waving. A martial god’s steps were utterly peculiar.

His stride on snowy dirt differed from the noble clan’s. It seemed leisurely yet rapidly distanced.

Jeong Yeon-shin gazed at his retreating figure before turning.

“Let us go.”

The brief mission ended.

A clear breeze brushed his crown. Winter was nearing its close.

***

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

The fortress walls spread white.

Desolate Fortress in daylight was unusually bright. Thanks to the marble forming the inner keep, sunlight streaming down the walls painted a vivid scene.

Rustling leaves and bustling people all shared it.

Jeong Yeon-shin went straight to the administration office upon arrival.

After reporting the mission’s success, he headed to the Wish for Peace Sword Hall.

No task for a Desolate Fortress squad leader was trivial. Receiving orders from Radiant Demon Wing’s quarters or the administration office was said to end at blue-rank.

To take the next mission, he had to attend the squad leaders’ meeting.

‘My condition is optimal.’

Then.

A sharp pain stabbed his knee. Jeong Yeon-shin stepped forward, unperturbed.

He knew now for certain.

It was growing pain, stretching his reach. A warrior’s limb length greatly aided power and energy release.

Yet it was also a harbinger of death, confirming his aging. Lately, the chilling clarity at his Baihui acupoint, atop his head, underscored his lifespan.

Two years and ninety days.

The time left to him. He had confirmed it while recovering at the World Tree lake.

“Radiant Demon Wing Leader.”

“Squad Leader, you have returned.”

“You remain imposing. Your kick techniques’ domain seems to keep expanding.”

“The fortress will soon be swarmed with matchmakers.”

Fortress warriors saluted as they passed Jeong Yeon-shin. The Divine Sword Group squad leaders’ feats were said to spread widely within the keep.

The current Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s deeds gradually won favor from other martial units.

Their open approach carried respect. Each showed a demeanor akin yet distinct from Radiant Demon Wing’s.

A foundation for when he would be recognized as purple-rank.

Even if he died young, they would remember his name.

‘Good. It is fine.’

Jeong Yeon-shin grew slightly detached.

Perhaps due to Desolate Fortress’s belligerent spirit. Or the relief that he would not vanish even in death.

As his desire to stay with them deepened, his heart split twofold.

He could now visit his mother. Yet he had no wish to die needlessly.

Thud.

He stepped firmly.

Jeong Yeon-shin hid his feelings behind a blank face. Fear and pride were buried in his heart’s wheel.

Much murmuring reached him.

The fortress’s most revered young master, an invincible squad leader, a genius rivaling Ming Cult’s young lord, one loved by the Desolate Fortress Leader… Tales from officials, merchants, warriors, and servants. Each in its own tone.

The last struck a chord. Death was indeed a pity.

“Yeon-ah! Your face looks brighter!”

Lost in thought while walking, he had entered the vast stone chamber of Wish for Peace Sword Hall. Yue Shou-lin greeted him with a broad smile.

“Was the water there that good? I should not have let Yong-ga have it.”

“To the Divine Sword Vice Leader: I have returned safely. The Group Leader…”

“I know, I know! Anyway, have you grown taller? In the villages, it is time to wed. When can I marry off?”

“I will consider it after becoming purple-rank.”

He had just pondered death. Jeong Yeon-shin took his senior’s jest lightly.

Yue Shou-lin stared at him blankly for a moment, then chuckled.

Brushing back the ends of her short black hair and touching her pale nape, her bold yet combative air wove a strange aura.

Her gaze swept Jeong Yeon-shin’s frame, free of rudeness.

“So, a contest for the next group leader?”

Yue Shou-lin raised a corner of her mouth.

Whoosh.

The air shifted.

A wild, cheerful sensation brushed his skin. Like a vast sword blade sweeping over him.

He felt Yue Shou-lin’s intent in her energy. Toying with a spear as a playful girl, it bore a master’s ennui.

Befitting the supreme master closest to the next Divine Sword Group Leader’s seat.

There was no contest rising from blue to black-rank. Cheong Myeong, the leading candidate, had set aside his feats and repute.

Purple-rank was different.

“Our Yeon-ah has grown at an absurd pace. I used to see a sure win, but now it is hard to gauge. You are hiding something, right?”

She chattered, leaning her small face closer. Jeong Yeon-shin tilted his head back slightly.

Yue Shou-lin did not know his lifespan. That made her a tougher foe.

She loomed as an immense wall.

Having created Ultimate Thunder to rival Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown, he needed to compete in feats earnestly.

Jeong Yeon-shin changed the subject.

“The meeting hall feels empty. Is it just you, Senior Yue?”

Whoosh.

Yue Shou-lin reined in her presence. With a faint smile.

“Oh, Blood Guardian Squad Leader was here until a moment ago. Jin Myeong-jo. He left as soon as he heard you returned. Said urgent business came up with the main unit.”

“Ah.”

Regret crossed his face.

Divine Blood Extreme Demon Jin Myeong-jo. The most admirable senior in the Divine Sword Group, unseen since Shaanxi. Blood Guardian Squad Leader was a flawless warrior.

“Our Yeon-ah really likes his seniors? Good. Do you want to head out on the next mission soon…”

“Anything works. I will go immediately.”

Yue Shou-lin laughed at Jeong Yeon-shin’s prompt reply.

“Yes, there is something we could do together. Want to hear it?”

“Yes.”

“It needs a small elite team. Not something to drag all of Radiant Demon Wing into. We will assign tasks beforehand and send them out…”

She paused, gazing at her junior.

“Are you good at teaching? The goal is a peerless master, but the mid-stages might be tricky. We need to draw out a cunning one. It is about making the eldest daughter of Shanxi’s Gongya Family win a sparring tournament. Can you do it?”

[TL Note- Shanxi is a different place from Shaanxi. Both are neighbouring provinces. Shanxi lies to the east of Shaanxi. The place where Mount Hua/Zhongnan sect is located is in Shaanxi, where MC just came from.]

“I will prepare for a peerless master duel.”

Jeong Yeon-shin answered calmly.

He did not even address the teaching part. It was confidence. Feasibility was not the question.

He had lowered his sights to a monkey’s senses. At Heaven’s Pillar Sect, he broadened his view as a noble clan worm. Nothing lower could exist.

‘Luck is with me.’

The Radiant Demon Wing Leader thought.