Chapter 307 – Hyeon Won (2)

“As an official, I’m rather curious. As a martial artist, I mean… My qualifications were also considered rare martial talent, at least in my place of origin.”

The scent of fine tea spread gently through the guest room with its smoothly polished wooden furnishings.

Sunlight flowed in like rippling water, casting white light beneath the window frames, while the aroma of precious dragon well tea wafted with refined elegance.

“You said you’re seventeen. I once had a question while hearing tales of the first Heavenly Demon and the Three Peak Immortal of Wudang Mountain, and I think it applies to you as well. How did you become so formidable at such a young age?”

[TL Note- Three Peak Immortal is a name for Zhang Sanfeng, the founder of Wudang Sect.]

“Just happened that way…”

“Yes, it defies explanation, which is why someone like you stands before me now. But I was truly shocked when Zhuge Clan Leader’s protective energy shattered. My energy sense is quite refined, and when I carefully observed, your energy release was truly exquisite and terrifying. It seemed to seep into the gaps in Zhuge’s internal energy barrier like fitting pieces of a puzzle. It happened so quickly that I’m not sure if I perceived it correctly…”

The air enveloping the inner chamber was remarkably tranquil.

The peculiar expressions of the Desolate Fortress black-ranks seated around the round table matched the Deputy Commander Kang Su-hui’s face as he lavished praise on his subordinate.

The Deputy Commander spoke strictly based on facts, interweaving his own insights and experiences.

His manner of speech blurred the boundaries between sincere compliments and excessive flattery, complemented by a voice that carried deep resonance.

A high-ranking official of the Beijing imperial court.

He lived in an entirely different world.

Jeong Yeon-shin nodded somewhat absentmindedly while thinking of Hyeon Won-chang.

If he had gone to the Forbidden City instead of Desolate Fortress, wouldn’t he have achieved even greater success? No, that’s not right. Then there would be no Radiant Demon Wing and Lightning Genius?

Perhaps it was due to the pain that simultaneously afflicted him both internally and externally, but all sorts of strange thoughts crossed his mind.

“Have I gone too far with my rambling?”

Deputy Commander Kang Su-hui, who had been quietly observing Radiant Demon Wing Leader, smiled faintly.

His smile carried a sense of cunning that belied his appearance of being in his thirties. His actual age must be considerably advanced.

“I plan to kill all the aristocrats gathered here. I intend to eradicate the martial lineages of Shanxi. Since my first approach has been thwarted, I must proceed to my second plan.”

He suddenly declared.

This was the main point.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s collar, which had been gradually lowering with his breath, suddenly froze.

The clothing he currently wore was not the formal attire of a Desolate Fortress black-rank. His uncle’s long robe had been reduced to tatters by the Yin and Yang Divine Whip.

Because of this, he had received a plain black robe from the Gongya Family.

It bore no “Desolate” character. The family’s tailor had fled during the battle, and Young Family Head Gongya Jeong had personally apologized for this.

Jeong Yeon-shin didn’t mind.

He had another set of clothes besides the one he received from his uncle, but the “Desolate” character was too large, making him reluctant to wear it.

It inevitably reminded him of Hyeon Won-chang.

‘Eradicate the martial lineages of Shanxi?’

Glancing to his left and right, he saw that his two seniors’ expressions remained unchanged.

Yue Shou-lin appeared to be forcing a stern expression on her alcohol-loosened lips, while Jin Myeong-jo maintained his usual slightly downcast eyes and cool composure.

Jeong Yeon-shin decided to remain silent for the moment.

“Martial artists are fundamentally of no benefit to the world. They don’t create anything but rather exploit and destroy. They’re nothing more than beasts upon the land who don’t even pay taxes… treating commoners as mere backdrops or kindling.”

He growled with the voice of a human but the intensity of a beast. The authority of the highest military official flowed from him.

“I once had an attendant who returned to his hometown after serving me. A child with innate goodness despite his lack of education. He would beam brightly when I paid him generously. I can still see his face clearly. He said Shanxi was his hometown… He opened an inn but died ten years ago after getting caught in a fight between martial artists. Yes, he’s dead and gone.”

As the Deputy Commander continued speaking, his expression grew increasingly cold. He seemed to be immersing himself in his own narrative.

“Martial artists.”

As he spoke about the darker side of the martial world from an outsider’s perspective, his fingers tapping the table gradually became more forceful.

“Aren’t they the primary culprits in disrupting the nation’s peace? Even more so during famines. Rather than contributing to cultivation, they use their martial arts selfishly to fill their festering bellies, claiming they cannot starve to death. They plunder while posing as the strong. Before being martial artists, they are humans. In a world where killers with martial skills run rampant without law… it’s truly inevitable.”

The Deputy Commander muttered as if chewing and swallowing his words.

“The martial world is filled with romantic garbage. Only a tiny minority of righteous heroes shine brightly, but that constellation is so small and dim that it doesn’t even register in my eyes. I plan to erase it with this opportunity. I’ve spent ten years preparing to annihilate the Shanxi martial world. I’ve thoroughly investigated unsolved cases left behind due to their careless self-preservation.”

Swish.

Suddenly, he pulled out an elaborately decorated scroll with a greenish-yellow hue from his bosom.

It was an unusually thick document, which he immediately extended toward Jeong Yeon-shin.

“I swear that every word written here is true. On my family name, my position, and my honor. Though it may seem insignificant, it’s the result of thoroughly investigating with the Prefects, Surveillance Commissioners, and Regional Commanders of Shanxi. The Provincial Governor of Shanxi is my sister.”

He seemed to disregard the black-rank seniority hierarchy since Jeong Yeon-shin was the one who had slain Zhuge Clan Leader.

“……”

Jeong Yeon-shin hesitated to accept it. A request from the Deputy Commander would likely be calculated as a merit exceeding even a black-rank mission.

Accepting it immediately would be disrespectful to Jin Myeong-jo and Yue Shou-lin.

What should I do? His thoughts became consumed with this conflict. The Luminous Wheel in his heart inevitably loosened somewhat.

It was then.

Suddenly, a pitch-black sleeve cuff brushed over the end of the scroll. The movement carried a trace of energy waves.

The document rolled toward Jeong Yeon-shin. It came with Jin Myeong-jo’s ice-cold voice.

“You beheaded Zhuge Liang. Don’t hesitate to step forward.”

After offering this advice to Jeong Yeon-shin, he rose from his seat. He said he would retire due to his condition.

Flutter—

The pitch-black color of his long robe embodied Divine Blood Extreme Demon’s silhouette. It felt profoundly solitary… Until he opened the door and left, his footsteps were remarkably natural. Jeong Yeon-shin’s heart swelled slightly as he witnessed his senior’s caliber.

“I’ll just watch our Lightning Genius.”

Yue Shou-lin snickered in her intoxicated state, tilting her head sideways.

The pain from her injuries must be comparable to having her muscles separated and bones broken, yet she was smiling.

Jeong Yeon-shin couldn’t bring himself to tell her to dispel her intoxication with her major meridian.

Slowly unrolling the document, he revealed a report written in classical style.

[Great Lake Hui Family.

They are a group based in Xin Prefecture’s Wuliang Mountain estate who engage in plunder.

They are proficient in both sword and fist techniques, with particularly strong grip strength.

There are rumors that they resort to cannibalism when unable to procure food from villages, and this was confirmed after tracking the activities of family head Hui Hu-liang all the way to Taiyuan Prefecture.

Although suspicions have been raised about them before, the family head dispelled unfavorable circumstances by killing Blood Flame Cult swordsmen who were roaming near Xin Prefecture.

With a long-established estate, they have considerable influence in the Shanxi martial world.]

[Zhiqiao Martial Academy.

They are a group in Shanxi’s Ze Prefecture who accept silver to train disciples.

Adult disciples regularly disappear, but the academy claims they have been sent to Beijing to take the military examination.

The academy masters possess formidable martial arts and high prestige. They maintain order in the villages by protecting them from violent wanderers, and their reputation in the area is positive.

This year, four sons of Taiyuan Prefecture merchants and three daughters of Pingyang Prefecture landowners who were accepted as disciples have vanished.

None of them have been confirmed in Beijing.

It is suspected they are involved in human trafficking connected to Heaven Conquering Sect, one of the Thirteen Evil Sects’ Four Great Faction.

Evidence is attached in the enclosed document. Among the “surviving disciples” of Heaven Conquering Sect, there is one from Shanxi.

Those who fail to become disciples are believed to be eliminated.

They originally targeted children from humble families who spent most of their wealth on entrance fees, but due to the famine, they seem to have become less discriminating about their disciples’ backgrounds.

It is presumed they attended the Shanxi martial arts tournament to recruit those who failed to enter Zhuge Clan Leader’s tutelage.]

Rustle, rustle.

Jeong Yeon-shin turned the pages of the document one by one. The reports were generally similar in content.

They detailed the appearances, martial arts, and crimes of martial artists who had established power. The back pages included evidence such as illustrations or ledgers.

“There is work to be done, I see.”

Jeong Yeon-shin murmured slowly.

“I know you need time to recover, but please help me. A day like today when these villains gather will not come again. However, if we carelessly provoke them and they flee while showing off their lightness skills, we’ll only end up increasing the number of bandits in the green woods. We need extremely powerful lightness skill mobility and formidable martial prowess.”

The Deputy Commander’s voice accompanied him.

“I have no intention of offering compensation that might tarnish your reputation. Just hear me out. I seem to have already received your affirmative answer.”

“……”

“When the time comes for a purple-rank position to be decided at Desolate Fortress, His Majesty and the Desolate Fortress Lord exchange messages through spirit beasts. It’s an extremely sacred discussion. During this process, His Majesty tends to listen to the opinions of his highest officials once. About how well the candidate’s character and martial temperament align with the nation’s affairs. As someone who has made contact with you, I will certainly be consulted. Well, this seems unnecessary for you though…”

“I’ve read everything. These individuals are close to local dignitaries, so how will you handle the backlash when they’re eliminated?”

Jeong Yeon-shin asked as he rolled up the document and handed it back.

Deputy Commander Kang Su-hui’s lips curved into a smooth arc.

“I have more evidence. I plan to display it when I impose additional punishment on their corpses for all to see.”

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

The Gongya Family Head still hadn’t regained consciousness.

It was because he had been severely beaten by the now-deceased Zhuge Clan Leader. The fact that he hadn’t died instantly could be considered heavenly fortune.

“I didn’t expect you to request such a meeting during the banquet,” said Young Family Head Gongya Jeong.

She had no choice but to serve as acting family head. That was why she sat at the head of the spacious room with the family elders on either side.

As the orthodox successor of the Gongya martial lineage, she was responsible for responding to the distinguished guests before her.

Before her eyes sat the various Shanxi aristocrats, each surrounded by extraordinary energy waves.

The pavilion by the lake was a secluded villa of the Gongya family.

It was somewhat distant from the main estate, as requested by the aristocrats who were concerned about the perception range of Desolate Fortress’s black-ranks. They said they had urgent matters to discuss.

“We can’t waste time meaninglessly, can we?” replied a person with an extremely large build, smiling cunningly.

Mountain-Crushing Cloud-Cutter Hui Ho-ryang.

She was a woman with a large blade strapped to her back.

Seemingly unaffected by the peak winter cold, she wore only a hemp garment, revealing the powerful muscles of both arms.

With translucent energy waves rippling through every tendon, she was worthy of being the family head of the renowned Great Hui Blade Family of Shanxi.

Even her gaze, staring intently at Gongya Jeong’s eyes, was extraordinary.

“Family Head Hui is right. Why should we remain when the main figures of the banquet have disappeared?”

Next to Hui Ho-ryang sat three people in identical attire.

They were sword practitioners with long limbs, triplets.

They were the masters of the Zhijiao Martial Academy. After the deaths of the Gao Sword Sect Leader, Shou Yue Sect Leader, and Azure Sky Clan Leader at the hands of Zhuge Clan Leader and Slaughter Chivalry, they had more or less led the aristocrat group.

Their fierce gazes and the formless sword energy they emitted without even drawing their swords made this inevitable.

Both sides were too much for Gongya Jeong to handle.

When her father drew his sword to confront Zhuge Clan Leader, the family elders had become elements of the sword formation to assist the family head.

That was why those seated to her left and right now wore dark complexions.

‘This is my burden to bear,’ thought the Young Family Head.

It was then that one of the Zhijiao Martial Academy masters spoke.

“Establish a connection with Radiant Demon Wing Leader. Although he doesn’t treat the Shanxi aristocrats as people at all, regardless of that, we must request to learn from him.”

“Are you referring to a martial arts duel?”

“Precisely.”

“Radiant Demon Wing Leader cannot move much. The same goes for Blood Guardian Squad Leader and Divine Sword Squad Leader. It would be better for you to visit Xiangyang, where Desolate Fortress’s main fortress is located, after spring has passed.”

Gongya Jeong said with narrowed eyes.

Immediately after, her red robe hem rose dramatically. She had stood up from her seat.

The oppressive atmosphere in the room wavered for a moment. It was not the proper conduct to show in the presence of so many powerful masters.

“Since you are not the kind to leave when asked to, we will depart instead. If you wish to enjoy the banquet, come to the main house.”

Thud!

With that, Gongya Jeong led eight family members out of the place.

Energy waves of lightness skill spread in all directions from her toes. It seemed as if she would shatter the firmly constructed threshold.

Crash!

And indeed she did. Their rushing figures were close to fleeing.

How would martial artists react to such an unexpected escape? Powerful predators would naturally give chase first.

Among the aristocrats who rose from their seats in confusion, Hui Ho-ryang frowned.

“Their behavior is suspicious. We didn’t even threaten them with blades…”

“Are they trying to make innocent people into something else?!”

“They’re trying to frame us with false accusations in front of the officials and Desolate Fortress!”

Two of the Zhijiao Martial Academy masters stomped the ground, heading toward the threshold that Gongya Jeong had broken through.

Their lightness skill in pursuit of the Gongya family began to show signs of urgency. The room was instantly shattered by the powerful energy waves propelling them.

Boom boom boom boom!

A chase had formed.

Eight red robes of the Gongya family raced ahead on the ground, while dozens of Shanxi aristocrats rapidly closed the distance with their increasingly fast lightness skills.

All were leaders of their respective families. Shouts commanding them to stop swept across the ground.

It was then.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The roaring sound came from the side. An explosive sound difficult for a human body to produce.

The aristocrats’ complexions changed as they glanced sideways. They had spotted dozens of black spheres flying across the void.

Anyone with even a little knowledge would recognize them. They were the infamous thunderclap bombs of the martial world.

“Disciples, continue the pursuit! The Gongya ruffians seem to be trying to deceive the Deputy Commander!”

“You too, follow Family Head Hui’s orders!”

Four figures soared toward the cluster of thunderclap bombs. Hui Ho-ryang and the Zhijiao Martial Academy masters.

They were masters who had competed for dominance in the Shanxi martial world, which boasted a size comparable to Shandong, which was controlled by the Hwangbo family.

All were close to being supreme masters. They were capable of applying the marvel of harmonious state to deflect the flying objects away from the bombs.

Then suddenly.

The eyes of the four masters who were gently extending their swords toward the thunderclap bombs widened. The same was true for the aristocrats crossing behind them.

Whoosh!

The wilderness was bathed in a light resembling dawn.

From where had he leaped? A figure in black robes rapidly grew larger, turning everything around pale.

With a dim radiance, he rose in a straight line, approaching overwhelmingly like part of a constellation.

Radiant Demon Wing Leader Jeong Yeon-shin had merged with the cluster of thunderclap bombs.

From his outstretched hand, an incredibly powerful current created a dragon-like whirlwind.

The energy waves, extending adhesion and dispersion forces in streams, instantly controlled dozens of thunderclap bombs, and at this moment, Desolate Fortress’s Myriad Heavens Flower Rain, composed of imperial swords, revealed itself.

Woong—

The shower of thunderclap bombs, not hidden weapons, transformed into unpredictable variations mixed with peerless secret techniques. The aristocrats’ swords sliced through the air in vain.

“Radiant Demon Wing Leader!”

“Surely not…!”

Their wails, rapidly expelled through oral techniques, were soon buried in the ensuing symphony of explosions.

The pitch-black Myriad Heavens Flower Rain left no witnesses.

Boom boom boom boom boom boom boom BOOM—!