Chapter 310 – Hyeon Won (5)

Near Taiyuan Prefecture’s Forgotten Mountain.

A small disturbance arose in the desolate valley.

Saaaa—

The camellia trees standing tall, wrapped in a hazy mist, greeted the uninvited guests with low cries.

It was because the hot footsteps of the unwelcome visitors scorched the leaves as they passed.

“Is the Blazing Moon Slaughter Sect a branch faction that was harmed during the ancient Heavenly Demon’s Tomb incident?”

“That’s right.”

The silence of the dim forest was broken by human presence.

The sound of lightness skills rushing through the undergrowth and voices trailed like the tail of a comet. It came with a “hwaak” sound of air being cut.

Lazy Flame Dragon’s lightness skill rush was noisy. Shin So-bin, who followed with great strides as if about to fly, was the same.

Unlike Slaughter Chivalry, who displayed extreme stealth at the head of the group.

Hyeon Won-chang was also extremely quiet, but he was unable to fully deploy his concealment technique as he conversed with Lazy Flame Dragon.

“…However, the branch factions we’re visiting now weren’t involved in that incident. That’s why they were able to remain safe. Thanks to the main faction members who were captured by the Murong family and Taimao Mountain Fortress but didn’t yield to torture.”

“So they were involved in this too? The stench of those clans. It’s amusing that martial aristocrats who pursue their own advancement even mention righteous sects. I wonder how much they feed the local officials.”

“You don’t need to comfort me in a way that’s unlike you. I’m just nervous about the test.”

“Comfort? What are you talking about?”

“Enough of that. If I fail after using such precious personal time… I’ll be too ashamed to wield the title Great Tongue Sword and face our squad leader. It would be truly embarrassing.”

“It’s strange that a branch faction would recognize someone from the main faction.”

“The Kim Family Slaughter Sect, the predecessor of the Blazing Moon Slaughter Sect, was originally that kind of family and sect. Branch factions that hold parts of secret manuals live independently to prevent the loss of techniques. Some are righteous, some are tainted by evil.”

“Like fragments of Ming Cult? If they’re gatekeepers of the Heavenly Demon’s Tomb.”

“Something like that. They’re distant collateral branches at best. But even if a new Heavenly Demon were to rise today, the Slaughter Gate wouldn’t follow them.”

“What about this test you mentioned? It’s not something like holding your breath for seven days and nights with some spell technique, is it?”

“It’s a bit different. As you said.”

A pleasant voice resonated from beneath Slaughter Chivalry’s black hat as he led the way.

“You’ll soon find out, but… rather than assassin skills, they’ll test your overall martial prowess. The core is whether you can protect a body imbued with secret techniques. They might set up intricate mechanical formations like Shaolin’s Golden Bronze Men, or they might test your sword path.”

“Is it okay for you to tell me this? I would think Slaughter Gate matters would be kept secret.”

“I don’t have the confidence to handle both you and So-bin at the same time.”

There was laughter in Slaughter Chivalry’s voice.

“Besides, as a friend of Seon-hwi, you’re not a distant relation to me either. The Slaughter Sect bloodline is very strong. It eventually draws you back to your roots. Eventually, I mean.”

“You’re talking as if our Great Tongue Sword might leave Radiant Demon Wing.”

“Filter what I say appropriately. Branch factions on the demonic path tend to be full of incomprehensible talk. In the end, they couldn’t prevent joint attacks from major factions or the kidnapping of direct line members, but still.”

Hyeon Won-chang spoke with rare irritation in his voice.

Slaughter Chivalry didn’t respond. Only a bitter laugh swept past the undergrowth at his feet.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

***

Bright sunlight poured down abundantly.

The marketplace stretched wide beneath the sky was filled with people. It was an extremely bustling road.

“Just plant this one seed and your land will become fertile! It’s a Sumeru Seed imported from Xinjiang! Ah, consider it a gamble and wait just one year! It’s extremely precious! I’m not lying! This is no deception!”

“Come to the inn with the finest chef in the world! The dongpo pork is tastier than what you’d eat in Hangzhou!”

“Is the rumor about Zhuge Clan Leader’s death true? The imperial sword interfering in Shanxi’s martial world?”

“I heard a black-rank from Desolate Fortress with near-divine power pacified them… Radiant Demon Wing Lightning Genius, they say. The martial world around here is already abuzz with it. Ha Trading Company also suffered a great loss.”

“Of course! It’s not just anyone who died, but Reborn Hidden Dragon! This won’t end just in the martial world; it will affect the celestial realm too… Merchants who invested in Transcendence City Sect lost out, but I’m glad I waited a bit longer.”

“I’m thinking of establishing connections with Desolate Fortress’s Shanxi branch at this opportunity.”

“No matter how you look at it, that’s a bit… The branch head is a newly appointed blue-rank. He’s certainly formidable, but I think a northern Beijing power holder would be better. The Shanxi martial world is an abandoned place. They say even the black-ranks who came to punish Zhuge Clan Leader will return immediately.”

All sorts of figures were intertwined.

Even at a glance, noble individuals were everywhere. It befitted the capital city of Shanxi Province.

The effects of the drought had not yet invaded Shanxi’s premier city. It was similar to Xiangyang, where Desolate Fortress’s main fortress was located.

Splendid inns stood in rows, and the street scene visible below the window of one of them was unusually lively despite the early morning hour.

“Everyone must flee! War! Civil war! The martial aristocrats have raised an army!”

“Are the imperial army and Desolate Fortress blind? Such nonsense… Have some mooncakes.”

“It’s the Profound Martial Alliance! They’ll come to act as masters of your land, mine, our farmlands! It’s true!”

“Even so, only martial artists will lose their heads. This is Shanxi. Beijing is just a stone’s throw away. Only wanderers without household registers will die; no matter how powerful the Profound Martial Alliance is, they can’t touch commoners who pay tribute.”

Swish.

Jeong Yeon-shin rested his elbow on the yellowish-brown table. He had just arrived in Taiyuan after a long journey.

The wooden texture against his dust-covered robe hem was firm. As he casually rested his chin on the back of his hand, he created the appearance of a proper wanderer.

A few passersby glanced up at him through the window, but Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes simply scanned them calmly without any sign of embarrassment.

The boy who once tried to enter Desolate Fortress without knowing the ways of the world was no more.

‘Profound Martial Alliance… a major faction of the martial forces.’

Sitting in this second-floor seat with good sunlight, he could observe various lives at a glance.

Waiters soliciting customers by following passersby, merchants spreading their stalls and discussing worldly affairs, self-proclaimed historians loudly gossiping about martial world rumors… They don’t need to feign composure like the current Radiant Demon Wing Leader. Nor are they likely to suffer serious internal and external injuries like Jeong Yeon-shin.

But their hardships must be great too. Living as a weak person in a world where martial arts prevail is no ordinary matter.

What more in these times when a drought approaching the level of disaster is gradually drawing near.

Will they also plunder those weaker than themselves? Like the martial artists of the martial world who have recently been looting food.

Thud.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s right index finger tapped the table.

He suddenly thought of the herb-gathering boy Jang Sun-il.

The boy who had helped save his niece Jeong Hye and then taken the Evil Sects Annihilation Martial Arts Compendium, vowing to avenge his family against the demonic martial artists who had annihilated them.

He wondered if the boy had died on the road. The world was becoming increasingly treacherous.

“Young master, what would you like to order…?”

It was a boy who appeared to be a waiter. He approached gracefully and asked, glancing cautiously at the Northern Light Divine Sword at Jeong Yeon-shin’s waist.

His demeanor showed more curiosity than fear.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s lips softened gently. It was because his weakened energy waves didn’t provoke wariness.

After he handed the boy a small pouch of salt from his bosom, the child’s face brightened.

“A bowl of noodles and a couple of dumplings, please.”

“Um, those are all gone. Too many people have been ordering them…”

“How about Peking Shredded Pork?”

“We don’t have pork dishes because there are no pigs.”

“Kung Pao chicken.”

“We do have chicken! The chef will stir-fry it well for you! Would you like some wine?”

“Bamboo leaf… no, just the food.”

“Yes!”

The waiter cheerfully answered and turned away.

Even a waiter at an inn is a somewhat precious status these days.

Until recently, inns that provided meals were said to be on par with taverns from years ago.

It was because they employed martial guards to defend against outside looting as food supplies became difficult. This inn was no exception.

In these times, when you need dozens of copper coins, or even salt or silver to pay for food and lodging, it meant that only those of uncommon status could casually greet the guards at the door.

“Has Master Goon arrived? And the young master too.”

“Yes, you’re working hard.”

A woman’s voice echoed from the lower floor. Her footsteps treading firmly on the ground were particularly loud. Not just one, but both of them were like that.

The quality of the energy waves emanating from their martial arts was distinct, but the feeling of treating the marketplace as their own front yard was similar.

“Waiter, is this the right place?”

“Pardon?”

“I heard an extraordinary beauty came in.”

“Well… a handsome young master did arrive…”

“I see, step aside.”

The sound of heavy footsteps climbing up reverberated throughout the second floor. It was more like the footsteps of a victorious general than someone being frivolous.

The guests seated around Jeong Yeon-shin flinched and lowered their heads toward their food dishes. As if some monster from the Classic of Mountains and Seas was ascending.

Thud.

The hand that gripped the railing at the edge of the second floor was small yet rough. It appeared to have undergone tremendous training.

Soon after, a head of pitch-black hair was revealed. It was covered not with luster but with dirt and stone fragments.

“Let’s see.”

None of the surrounding patrons expressed any displeasure. Despite being wealthy and noble individuals seated there, this was the case.

Everyone was focused on their meals, paying no attention to the woman who grinned as she approached Jeong Yeon-shin.

“Ah, it’s that fellow. My goodness.”

Thud.

“Since we’ve met by such coincidence, may I join you…?”

She approached with long, confident strides, speaking as she came. Her yellow trousers hem swayed carelessly.

She was a beauty with a large blade strapped to her back. She had gently downturned eyes, but her expression was anything but gentle.

As she stared intently at Jeong Yeon-shin while walking, her lips curled up in a somewhat disappointed manner, revealing a self-centered quality.

“Oh?”

She shook her head in a slightly comical way.

“It’s a man, a man. After carefully selecting rumors and coming all this way, I’m quite deflated.”

“The rumors of the marketplace are rarely reliable. And… which woman would seriously entertain Master Goon? Rather than wasting time like this, you should bathe. The wild boar smell is quite strong.”

A man in scholarly attire who had approached her side spoke.

He was a handsome man with sharp features holding a fan. His well-pressed white sleeves and crane-wing fan suited him perfectly.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced at the fan. This happened while the woman and the man continued their conversation.

“I’ve come all the way from Henan to Taiyuan. I’m in the midst of closed-door training. I need to conserve every moment if I’m to cut off my brother’s head.”

“Does someone of your status throw flirtations at every maiden you encounter? This is why the sect leader sent you into exile, calling you the shame of the branch faction. Even making you a non-existent child.”

In that moment, Jeong Yeon-shin noticed the energy barrier surrounding the two of them.

Though its gaps were more porous than the remnants of Zhuge Clan Leader’s Yin and Yang Divine Whip, it seemed they were having a somewhat private conversation, as their voices were clearly audible.

“What’s wrong with a woman liking another woman? It’s my heaven-given destiny.”

“I’m telling you to choose one. Either the blade or romance.”

“As you know, my ambition won’t allow that. I intend to have it all. Starting with bringing down my ruffian brother.”

“I wonder which one is truly the ruffian…”

“Is he any better than the madman who threw himself at the Sword Venerable? No matter how inadequate I am.”

“…Well, that’s true.”

The woman snorted and stepped beyond the energy barrier. Master Goon, as she was called, plopped down directly across from Jeong Yeon-shin.

She didn’t even seem to care that the blade on her back jutted up awkwardly.

“I’m Goon Yu-rin.”

“Are you insane?”

Jeong Yeon-shin blurted out, then immediately regretted it. Though he didn’t show it, he was reminded of Jeong Hye’s rebuke.

His language had become harsh from dealing with martial artists who were mostly ruffians. He needed to exercise strict self-control. To avoid unconsciously polluting his niece’s ears when they next met.

‘My conduct seems to be going in the opposite direction of my mental cultivation. I must be careful.’

Puhah—!

Goon Yu-rin, who had been momentarily stunned, burst into laughter… “That’s right! I must appear that way! I’ve been quite rude upon first meeting, so may I buy you a drink? I’d like to admire your rare face for a while. It’s truly precious, regardless of your gender.”

“I’m abstaining from alcohol.”

“You can’t drink? You do look quite young.”

Jeong Yeon-shin’s eye twitched.

“It’s tedious to respond. Get lost.”

It was then.

Hwaak—!

“Judging by your precious sword, you seem to be from a noble martial family, but you should know the saying that when traveling the martial world, those without discernment in judging people must die.”

A fan was pointed at Jeong Yeon-shin’s brow. The scholarly man was glaring at him.

“I don’t recognize you, and I haven’t heard of someone like you in Taiyuan. You have quite refined energy waves for your age… I’m curious about your identity.”

“……”

The entire inn had fallen silent.

All eyes were focused on the incident unfolding in the corner of the second floor, despite it being so localized. The waiter boy who had somehow made his way upstairs was looking anxiously at Jeong Yeon-shin from a corner.

Despite having plenty to eat during this famine, he showed no arrogance, his emotions plainly visible on his face.

Some practitioners are said to achieve great enlightenment from seemingly insignificant events.

Jeong Yeon-shin suddenly recalled:

‘The essence of mind-controlled sword is sword-spirit unity.’

The sword and the spirit.

It was the realm of the transcendent. Just as unity of essence, energy, and spirit is possible, so too is the unity of spirit and sword.

When he first heard Baek Seo-gun’s gentle teachings, he couldn’t grasp it at all. It approached him as a method separate from energy perception.

Now it was different.

Mystical Secret Technique, Fan Dragon Treading Lotus Technique.

What would happen if he applied the coordinated sensation of his upper dantian to a weapon?

Woong.

Suddenly, the chopsticks Jeong Yeon-shin was holding vibrated. Goon Yu-rin’s eyes widened at the same moment.