Chapter 643 – Big Dipper Hundred Stars (6)

“Now I’m truly like the front waves of the Yangtze River. It’s a strange feeling.”

“This is something you should have foreseen as soon as you accepted my grandson as your successor. Why haven’t you washed your hands in the golden basin? You almost died too.”

“The mudflats of the Yangtze can even speak.”

“Now that there are few things left that can stop Yeon-shin, he’ll gradually dig up the world’s secrets. Then perhaps…”

“Perhaps he might repeat what we did when we first encountered the Gates.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about.”

“I heard you tried to strike immediately but fell inside instead. They say the Fortress Lord rarely shook her head.”

“Didn’t you try to take a bite yourself?”

“You saw that too.”

* * *

The vast sunlight shattered snow-white above the sea of clouds, and Jeong Yeon-shin’s will rang from such dizzyingly high altitude. It reached the ground only as faint vibrations.

‘If the sword enters even slightly…’

As soon as he gripped the sword, the center of the sea of clouds tore like feathers.

Whoosh!

Immediately after, Jeong Yeon-shin transformed into a long light and plunged vertically down to Mount Hua’s Cloud Platform Peak.

The moment his vision changed to ground like a lie, and a Gate that filled his sight entirely white like some pond.

Enter The Divine Sword drew a semicircular trajectory as if burning ash-gray, then fell to the ground soundlessly after grazing the Gate. As if he had slashed at mere mist.

“……!”

Time flowing like light.

Upper energy center hundredfold acceleration that could now sense the whole world slowed like a painting.

There were people beginning to unleash energy waves behind him. Wei Zhi Myo-hwa and Taoist Cheon Ju.

At this moment, Jeong Yeon-shin was falling at a speed difficult to identify even for the two, and even the sword force of Enter The Dao Transcend Together was about to unleash aftermath comparable to orthodox Transcendent Martial Art.

There was no time to recognize faces. It would have appeared as an ambush by a suspicious person.

Certainly a meaningful sword strike.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s body had penetrated the Gate along with Enter The Divine Sword, and that alone would be useful someday.

‘Let’s treat this as if it never happened for now.’

He recalled two beings’ techniques. Desolate Fortress Lord and Fighting God who could calmly strike even with indescribable power.

Whoosh!

The stone floor that hadn’t even been touched by the blade was naturally carved out. Suddenly, dust that hadn’t fully burst out was sucked into Jeong Yeon-shin’s hand holding Enter The Divine Sword.

Crash!

Jeong Yeon-shin fell into the depths while creating a cave. Even striking down the aftermath of explosive force he had unleashed into the ground.

He naturally went through Cloud Platform Peak like starlight that flashed for an instant. Gray-white stone powder explosively burst from where he had disappeared simultaneously.

Boom!

Clearly a scene with aftermath from striking. The technique he had briefly imitated couldn’t possibly reach Desolate Fortress Lord’s realm.

—I have an idea, so wait.

Sound transmission without presence like enlightened heart sword passed from Jeong Yeon-shin to Seventh Apostle.

* * *

“They say lightning struck Cloud Platform Peak.”

“The sacred mountain energy here seems to be gradually losing its pulse too. Anyway, the world is chaotic…”

“Still, watch your words. It’s a mountain our Alliance must embrace.”

Two people were crossing the threshold of an antique Taoist temple. Each fluttering hemp-woven robes like long coats, but their steps were neat despite the rough gray-white hem different from their attire.

“How did the Gongsun family matter go?”

“We confirmed the former family head’s survival and found his branch family. It was far from the main house. It seems he wanted to give strength while passing the family head position to his child. He definitely did wash his hands in golden basin too.”

“Good. Well, most famous orthodox families are like that. Either passing the family head position after death, or disappearing from the main house one day like properly ordered royal families.”

There are rare ugly cases like the Tang family though, the old man who added this gently while stroking his beard had no particular presence.

Invincible One Lee Beom.

The general manager of Great Righteous Orthodox Alliance who had rapidly risen as the Central Plains’ greatest force as soon as the Divine Sword Group crossed north.

A person closer to a scholar than a warrior, famous for rumors that most orthodox sects greatly avoided him.

Because he always spoke of righteous arguments while using his lack of martial arts as a weapon.

Rashly oppressing him would result in bearing shame. He was even revealed to be a retired scholar who had served very high official positions before coming down.

A person like a sharp needle to prestigious major sects that valued dignity.

Soon a middle-aged swordsman nodded at Lee Beom’s words.

“Thinking about it, this General Manager’s words are right. Hwangbo family’s family head succession was truly like a royal family… I don’t know if it’s fortunate or unfortunate now. I mean former family head Hwangbo Gon who became a demon realm jianghu person.”

Azure Dragon Hall Master of the ‘Four Province Martial Alliance’ known to be able to move the steps of the soulless world’s greatest sword like a weapon.

An impression where expressionlessness stood out due to thick facial skin, and a bluish Azure Dragon Treasure Sword at his waist constantly rattled.

Lee Beom smiled broadly.

“Let’s finish our mountain stroll here and return for now. The Nine Sects’ immortals should be waiting by now.”

But Azure Dragon Hall Master was indifferent.

“The immortals are just Zhongnan’s junior who recently became sect leader and Mount Hua’s acting sect leader’s representative. The truly anticipated person is Kongtong Sect Leader. Can that person really drag heavy legs and walk to this place?”

“We’ll know by checking.”

Creak…

The place Lee Beom opened the wooden door and entered.

Originally a guest hall assigned by Mount Hua Sect to the two, but at this moment other people were sitting and waiting for Lee Beom and Azure Dragon Hall Master.

It was Wei Zhi Myo-hwa and Taoist Cheon Ju, whom Azure Dragon Hall Master had just disparaged.

“……”

Their expressions were peaceful.

They didn’t show any anger on their faces. Whether it was cultivation built as practitioners of immortal path secret techniques, or to avoid showing humiliation was unclear.

Azure Dragon Hall Master’s brow slightly furrowed.

“Only you two? Didn’t Kongtong Sect Leader say he would witness today’s meeting?”

“I’m here.”

A voice suddenly uttered.

Rather than a human voice, it felt like spring wind rumbling and pronouncing by itself. A resonance that carried something beyond human.

The audience belatedly snapped their heads toward a corner of the hall.

“……!”

“The road was long.”

Some old man with white hair and eyebrows was there. Leaning diagonally against the wall.

An old Taoist.

Though it was an indoor space blocked in all eight directions, the sleeves of his faded Taoist robe were naturally rippling like fairy garments. Yet not even a strand of energy waves spread.

The energy of effortless naturalness.

From the circumstances, he could only have entered together when Lee Beom and Azure Dragon Hall Master came in, but his presence was only revealed after he spoke.

Everything from appearance to conduct was crossing the boundary between reality and unreality.

Azure Dragon Hall Master’s voice trembled for the first time.

“Acquired Heaven Radiant Saint…?”

The old Taoist, Hollow Cave Sect Leader, had only been keeping his eyelids lowered until then. At the same time, he produced a voice like speech without moving his throat or even his mouth.

“Three representatives of the Nine Sects have gathered. Since it would be excessive to be in one region, quickly say what you want to say.”

It was natural urging. Sharp words like the old Taoist’s ears, different from his empty voice. General Manager Lee Beom stared intently at that illustrious noble clan old Taoist for a while, then slowly began his story.

“First, I as General Manager of Great Righteous Orthodox Alliance requested Mount Hua to arrange a meeting place. Azure Dragon Hall Master of Four Province Martial Alliance with a branch in Shaanxi responded, and thankfully Kongtong Sect Leader and Zhongnan Sect Leader also filled seats. And since the Profound Martial Alliance leader who broke long seclusion is said to arrive soon…”

Swish.

Lee Beom, who had raised both hands with lofty bearing, continued speaking.

“This is no longer just a meeting of Shaanxi jianghu. Beyond vast Shaanxi Province, it can be called a place discussing the Central Plains under heaven.”

Then Wei Zhi Myo-hwa slightly raised her hand.

“I believe there’s something you must explain first. The paintings attached to the walls now, aren’t they portraits of Desolate Fortress warriors?”

Her words were correct.

Great Righteous Orthodox Alliance had decorated Mount Hua Sect’s guest hall like their own home. Because wall surfaces that should have originally shown Taoism’s characteristic simplicity were entirely filled with paintings.

Mount Hua Sword Saint Taoist Cheon Ju spoke with a heavy expression.

“They’re all people we know.”

As if borrowing the skills of famous painters, the faces of those representing Desolate Fortress were drawn realistically.

Divine Sword Lazy Flame Dragon, Desolate Divine Hero Hyeon Won-chang, Harbinger of He Ma Jin, military squad leaders under Divine Sword Group, Desolate Divine Spear Yue Shou-lin, Demon-Destroying Sword Divine Lord Shin Byeok, and Jeong Yeon-shin and Yong Hye-myeong…

Faces that all major sects, powerful martial clans, and strongmen of influential families had imprinted in their minds like their own family until last year.

Swish.

Lee Beom’s wrinkled fingertips slowly swept over them. Not pointing fingers but gestures neatly spread as if elevating Desolate Fortress.

“Those who protected people’s livelihood even where jianghu heroes’ hands couldn’t reach. Though now hidden behind the northern Great Wall…”

Wei Zhi Myo-hwa cut off his words.

“I asked about your intention.”

“To announce the end of old order.”

At the same time, Azure Dragon Hall Master standing beside Lee Beom flicked his fingers, and sparks of Three Samadhi Fire that burst from the gaps lit up all directions.

Whoosh!

The portraits slowly beginning to burn in internal energy flames. Wei Zhi Myo-hwa’s angry gaze pierced Azure Dragon Hall Master, and Lee Beom apologized to her with a faint smile.

“Not just here. Similar occasions have been created throughout the Central Plains. Please understand we can only follow as it’s the Alliance’s decision.”

“You’ve decided to treat Desolate Fortress like this throughout the world?”

“This is merely symbolic action. Countless sects in the Central Plains also agreed. Though chivalrous hearts deserve respect in themselves, jianghu people are also human. Before natural disasters called famine, they’re the same as common people.”

Soon Lee Beom tore Law Enforcement Squad Leader Woon So-yu’s portrait along with flames. His hand was blackened for a moment, but he silently walked toward the next portrait.

“Fighting to survive.”

Forest Treading Squad Leader Xiahou Wei-jin’s face with a broad forehead was torn lengthwise. Next was Annihilation Squad Leader Shin Hwang.

“Plundering.”

Rip!

Radiant Sword Squad Leader Hak So-seon.

“Building fences to protect.”

Rip!

Desolate Ma Family Head Ma Jin.

“Filling hungry bellies within.”

Rip!

Wish-Fullfilling Spring Master Beigong Ya.

“…All such actions must not be restrained by anyone. The Ming imperial house can no longer care for anyone.”

And even Iron Clan’s characteristically rough-faced Iron Demon Spring Master Ji Gang-hyeon with completely black eye sockets.

“Life comes first. All people have the right to survive. Therefore…”

Lee Beom, who had torn specific portraits in a strange order, continued.

“According to the joint petition of one hundred sixteen sects belonging to Great Righteous Orthodox Alliance.”

“……”

“The values always considered ‘righteous’ have faded, and we declare that the fence called morality has collapsed under heaven. Originally, we Great Righteous Orthodox Alliance have been preparing sect founding since the noble clans’ reign exceeded one hundred fifty years. Out of concern that those who called themselves bright might rot and stagnate.”

At the same time, Lee Beom glanced at Kongtong Sect Leader, and seeing no expression on the monster-like noble clan old Taoist’s face, he smiled faintly.

“I repeat, all people are qualified to plan their own lives. Jianghu people are no exception to this principle. Since uprisings will inevitably occur throughout the world anyway, those with will need to acknowledge current conditions and quickly preempt interests.”

“What interests?”

Wei Zhi Myo-hwa asked with a cold face.

But the smile on Lee Beom’s lips didn’t disappear.

“Trading companies that accumulated food in advance, jianghu sects throughout the world that allied with such companies, escort agencies that pioneered independent trade routes, lands where earth energy still remains, noble clans preoccupying such lands.”

“Steal everyone’s things?”

“For the great cause.”

“Great cause?”

“If we entrust the Central Plains’ lifeline to powerless people, and even by small chance the Yao tribe breaks down the Great Wall and comes down to take everything? Such an event would be an irreversible mistake. We don’t even need to go to the Yao tribe. Having precious food plundered by Dark Path ruffians is also a problem.”

“Do you think your power can reach throughout jianghu like the Divine Sword Group?”

“I mentioned the alliance of one hundred sixteen sects earlier, and there are Alliance Leader Wave Star elder and Martial Dragon Alliance Leader Helian Feng-yue.”

“No matter how strong they are, they can’t be the same as Desolate Fortress…”

“Above all, former elders have also begun descending from barren mountain slopes to ally with our Alliance. Of course, some are exceptions. For example, the former Peng family head said to have returned to heaven in Sichuan’s Dragon Formation, the former Tang family head murdered at the main house, Divine Hand Demon King Hwangbo Gon now said to be moving south with Ming Cult after turning to demon realm jianghu.”

Strangely, all were people connected to Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin. The rhetoric was skillful. All words were excluding Desolate Fortress.

Taoist Cheon Ju’s brow furrowed.

“Former seniors have begun breaking their retirement? Disappearing from jianghu means their dignity is higher than anyone’s, so it’s nonsensical. If true, the sheer number…”

Lee Beom smiled broadly once more.

“What can we do when there’s no food in the mountains? If they ally with us, Mount Hua and Zhongnan disciples won’t die futilely of starvation either. We’ve already secured much grain.”

Of course, the same goes for Kongtong Sect, Lee Beom gave a small bow to Acquired Heaven Radiant Saint while speaking.

Of course, this time too no verbal response returned as if speaking to spring wind.

“……”

By then, most paintings filling the room had burned away. The hall grew thick with burnt smell along with crackling sounds.

Suddenly Acquired Heaven Radiant Saint raised his head.

It was then that bizarrely distorted voices rumbled from all eight directions.

[I told you to fight seeking Heavenly Demon Patriarch’s legacy, but what are these things engaging in trickery?]

Whoosh!

Suddenly all wall surfaces began scattering down as dark ash. At the same time, a figure walking through it like a dream.

Step.

Silver mask covering above a jawline beautiful enough to be dreamlike, and the atmosphere distorting semi-transparently with each step.

[I made such a big stage, so you should move as intended. Being fooled by trivial schemes.]

Arrogant words and actions like the master of street puppet shows. Wei Zhi Myo-hwa jumped up.

“Ming Cult Leader…!”

The next moment, only Jeong Yeon-shin’s portrait that had stopped burning halfway remained in the guest hall. A single painting fluttering alone trapped in dry spring wind.

All directions were empty, but Little Heavenly Demon Invincible’s presence was overwhelming.

The moment one of her eyelashes fell long, jet-black flames wrapped around Lee Beom and Azure Dragon Hall Master, and even Acquired Heaven Radiant Saint turned his body completely toward her.

[They’re going to die soon anyway, it might be better to send them off here forever.]

At Little Heavenly Demon Invincible’s words, Lee Beom laughed heartily.

“That would be quite fine too. Since the former elders our Alliance is recruiting are still orthodox grandmasters obsessed with face-saving, if it becomes known we died to the Ming Cult Leader, they’ll join very comfortably.”

[Are you insane?]

“Haha, who isn’t insane in chaotic times? It would be good if I could eat one more bowl of rice and close my eyes.”

[You seem to have no particular regrets. You’ve lived to that age.]

There was no one to stop them immediately.

Powerful madness and transcendent madness collided, and space was about to vanish in a feast of world-opening divine arts and ultimate techniques.

Whoosh!

A vivid face manifested like starlight in Jeong Yeon-shin’s portrait that Little Heavenly Demon Invincible had turned her back on.

Complete features different from the half-burned painting. It was a scene like star clusters poured onto earth in broad daylight taking human form.

It only appeared so because of absurdly fast lightness skill.

Rustle.

The sound of soft robes being pressed against skin. A peerless handsome young man casually putting his arm around Little Heavenly Demon Invincible’s shoulder in a very natural manner.

It was a friendly shoulder embrace.

Their cheeks almost touched.

[……]

Little Heavenly Demon Invincible’s smile began disappearing like mist. It was then that Divine Sword Group Leader Jeong Yeon-shin moved his lips.

“Sit down. Let’s hear more.”

[TL Note- Back to aura farming.]