Chapter 644 – Big Dipper Hundred Stars (7)

The hall was organized in an instant.

Ming Cult Leader Little Heavenly Demon Invincible withdrew her black flames like a lie, and at that moment Four Province Martial Alliance’s Azure Dragon Hall Master, who had been about to draw his sword, stopped in place as soon as he received Jeong Yeon-shin’s gaze.

‘There would have been no chance of victory, have more madmen appeared?’

Jeong Yeon-shin thought.

When he had struck Enter The Dao Transcend Together into the Gate at Cloud Platform Peak earlier, he was embarrassed by the futile sword strike and went straight down through the ground.

He had briefly wondered whether Wei Zhi Myo-hwa and Taoist Cheon Ju had recognized his face. Of course, it was something with no answer.

So while endlessly falling, he had emerged at the middle of Cloud Platform Peak and walked here after sensing this meeting place.

‘…Did they see?’

Jeong Yeon-shin naturally observed the two people’s reactions with noble rebellious spirit suppression. Wei Zhi Myo-hwa and Taoist Cheon Ju. People he was meeting after a long time.

Sword Dragon Wei Zhi Myo-hwa was the same.

Spirit like a flawless, beautiful, clear divine sword that seemed like it would always remain the same. She had stuck feather decorations above her hair tied down in one line, and except for those feathers having faded to sky blue, she had the same temperament as when first met.

‘Her martial arts are different.’

He felt that the density of her power waves had become incomparably thick. The temperament characteristic of Three Flowers Gathering at The Crown, that is, a super master of essence-energy-spirit unity.

When Jeong Yeon-shin first met her, he had been white rank, whereas now he was Sword Heaven and Divine Sword Group Leader.

At this point, regardless of Jeong Yeon-shin having lived unusually fast, there had to be changes in other people’s lives too.

Whether they had gone into seclusion for special training, or grown through intense actual combat like Jeong Yeon-shin or Wei Zhi Myo-hwa.

Peerless masters were said to be beings who became endlessly stronger.

Like Acquired Heaven Radiant Saint who sat across from Jeong Yeon-shin at this moment’s large round table without any presence, they were bound to always remain madmen and strongmen because they never stopped advancing in achievement.

Wei Zhi Myo-hwa, who would someday mature as a Nine Sects sect leader, was the same. It meant they were of the same breed.

“……”

An eye smile that curved faintly when gazes met with Jeong Yeon-shin. Despite the circumstances, her deep composure befitted a sect leader, whether she had Transcendent Martial Art or not.

On the other hand, Taoist Cheon Ju’s gaze at Jeong Yeon-shin was somewhat different. Along with surprise, strange likes and dislikes could be felt, which was even more so due to his thick facial features.

“…Since you’ve become Divine Sword Group Leader representing Desolate Fortress, I should use formal speech.”

Jeong Yeon-shin shook his head.

“If you always do that, it would rather burden your junior. It’s enough to speak formally only in official settings.”

Taoist Cheon Ju’s gaze was subtle.

“You look accustomed to representing a sect. You’re a different person from when I last saw you.”

Jeong Yeon-shin recalled the futile sword strike at Cloud Platform Peak’s Gate again, but soon dismissed it thinking a jianghu senior must have felt the vicissitudes of life.

Originally, the core of rebellious spirit suppression was will that deceived even oneself.

“Right… As Divine Sword Group Leader Lord Jeong said, I’ll speak formally only here.”

He was relieved at Taoist Cheon Ju’s words. Indeed, the futile sword strike had been nothing, and only after thinking so did his surroundings come into view.

“Is it truly Enter The Divine Sword…”

Some middle-aged swordsman’s clicking of tongue.

His gaze was fixed on Jeong Yeon-shin’s waist. Enter The Divine Sword that had become a symbol of jianghu oppression since being held by the first Divine Sword Group Leader.

‘Great Righteous Orthodox Alliance and Four Province Martial Alliance.’

Jeong Yeon-shin already knew the middle-aged man’s identity since he had heard most of the conversation from outside.

Azure Dragon Hall Master from a place called Four Province Martial Alliance. He was greatly shocked at this moment, his thick skin rendered meaningless.

“Lightning Genius as Divine Sword Group Leader? Truly in the Central Plains…?”

Quite a lot of information could be gleaned from the brief rambling. That a place called Four Province Martial Alliance didn’t possess a ‘Wind King’ like the Zhu imperial family, and hadn’t anticipated the Divine Sword Group’s manifestation in the Central Plains.

“The portrait of Enter The Divine Sword hangs in our sect too. Lord Jeong is no longer acting leader.”

Clear laughter seeped from Wei Zhi Myo-hwa’s melodious voice. Jeong Yeon-shin nodded slightly and said.

“I heard rumors that Zhongnan Sect Leader’s spirit is no less than Qingcheng Sect Leader’s, and seeing today, it seems to be true.”

Wei Zhi Myo-hwa’s lips rose like feather tips.

“When Nine Sects sect leaders change, worldly expectations follow. But I cannot be compared to Taoist Two Walls Sword Lord.”

Jeong Yeon-shin delayed his answer by exchanging smiles with her. A gentle breeze briefly circled their robes, then he brought up the main point.

“Before listening to their stories, there’s something you should know. I came here leaving comrades at Zhongnan Mountain. Jianghu people were trying to break through Brother Jung-san and Hye-ah to climb up.”

“Comrades…”

“Those who always create one-on-one situations for the Divine Sword Group Leader.”

As if that was enough, he said no more. Deep trust seeped through.

Meanwhile.

Old man Lee Beom on one side had been staring intently at Jeong Yeon-shin’s face like a street fortune teller, but smiled slyly as soon as he heard that he had even brought forces.

Lee Beom then carefully asked.

“If it’s not discourteous, I’d like to ask about their affiliation…?”

“Divine Sword Squad.”

At Jeong Yeon-shin’s short answer, Wei Zhi Myo-hwa spoke.

“Lord Jeong, that old gentleman is Great Righteous Orthodox Alliance’s General Manager. His name is Lee Beom, epithet Invincible One. Lord Jeong hasn’t grasped Great Righteous Orthodox Alliance’s scale yet, so I fear you might suffer setbacks from carelessly revealing important information.”

“Rather, it’s good.”

“Pardon?”

“Because the world must know. Desolate Fortress has no vacant positions now.”

“…Still the same. Both Lord Jeong and the Divine Sword Group.”

“That’s what I thought seeing Great Hero Wei Zhi.”

Zhongnan Sect Leader and Divine Sword Group Leader had friendly relations. Anyone governing Shaanxi would be wary. Moreover, as widely known, Wei Zhi wasn’t the only Nine Sects sect leader connected to Jeong Yeon-shin.

“……”

When Azure Dragon Hall Master’s eyes narrowed.

“Ho, Divine Sword Group’s Divine Sword Squad…”

Lee Beom just leisurely uttered exclamations. Having somehow erased the shock from the Divine Sword Group Leader’s manifestation like a lie.

Jeong Yeon-shin quietly asked.

“Your epithet is Invincible One?”

“Fellow practitioners under heaven excessively call me so. Actually, it’s half mockery and half contempt.”

The old man laughing emptily.

It would be an epithet gained by dealing only with people of high dignity. For example, prestigious sect martial clans who found it difficult to strike against those who hadn’t learned martial arts.

Jeong Yeon-shin continued his questions.

“Your purpose?”

“It was to increase Great Righteous Orthodox Alliance’s member sects, but I didn’t know I’d meet the world’s Divine Sword Group Leader today.”

“You’d put the Nine Sects into a private alliance?”

Lee Beom smiled broadly.

“Mount Hua once joined with the Hanzhou Martial Alliance. What reason would there be for Great Righteous Orthodox Alliance not to enter?”

“Quite a spectacle.”

“The Ming Dynasty is ruined, and Desolate Fortress has floated away like clouds. Since we’ve met like this, I intend to recommend alliance to Lord Jeong too. I’ll show you our alliance is by no means private.”

Jeong Yeon-shin had more to say but decided to set it aside for now. Because there was someone perfect for this kind of justification battle from the beginning.

“Talk to my strategist.”

“Strategist? The Divine Sword Group had such a thing?”

“I brought one in recently.”

“A strategist hastily brought in during chaotic times is bound to be skilled only at scheming… I’ll evaluate whether he’s a person suited to Lord Jeong.”

“Do as you please.”

He had been talking with Wei Zhi Myo-hwa about blocking Zhongnan’s mountain path.

At this moment, what was important to Jeong Yeon-shin wasn’t unheard-of things like Great Righteous Orthodox Alliance or Four Province Martial Alliance.

He slowly raised both hands together.

“Lightning Genius of the Jeong Family pays respects to Kongtong Sect Leader.”

“…Your body is like a sword.”

Acquired Heaven Radiant Saint muttered.

If a being whose life-saving ultimate technique had reached the realm of Transcendent Martial Art, they were bound to each harbor one powerful mental image. Acquired Heaven Radiant Saint had read Silent Radiant Sword Mirror from Jeong Yeon-shin.

Conversely, Jeong Yeon-shin recalled demon realm jianghu people. The martial path pursued by Southern Emperor Northern Blade and Blood King. Overwhelmingly free north wind. That is, the realm of unifying body with nature.

‘Natural body…?’

It was hard to guess how mature that was, because rebellious spirit suppression was constantly activated in the old Taoist’s body.

Jeong Yeon-shin realized that time was flowing in Central Plains jianghu too.

These were people who had originally been far ahead of him, and though they might stagnate briefly, they never stopped advancing. Just as the entire Divine Sword Group had become stronger.

“Hmm.”

Acquired Heaven Radiant Saint, who had briefly met gazes with Jeong Yeon-shin, smiled faintly.

“The Divine Sword Group Leader’s world is greater than what a single sect leader manages. You handle your business first.”

“I shall.”

At the same time, Jeong Yeon-shin turned his gaze sideways. It was where Little Heavenly Demon Invincible sat. She was silently lost in thought as if the audience wasn’t even in her consideration.

Aloof presence despite sitting together. A feeling of being detached from the world.

It was befitting of a Ming Cult Leader.

Jeong Yeon-shin smiled faintly.

“You don’t have leisure.”

“……”

“It’s fine to treat me like before. Aren’t I your younger brother now?”

Suddenly Little Heavenly Demon Invincible’s lips slowly opened.

“I don’t know if you can smile like now even after the Heavenly Demon Tomb opens. I announced that the entire Qinling Mountain Range was the first Heavenly Demon’s tomb, and this isn’t an exaggeration. There’s also a reason I deliberately gathered those worthless riffraff.”

“I already experienced Senior Shin Cheon-hwa. Do you really plan to manifest the first Heavenly Demon? To plan your life?”

Little Heavenly Demon Invincible’s lips rose.

“He’s coming soon. Try to stop him if you can.”

It was a voice dry as famine-stricken earth crust.

* * *

The spring forest was withered like dead cicada wings, but where dawn dew rolled around were only bushes and fallen leaves.

Rustle.

Sixteen men and women were carrying a huge palanquin. Literally a sixteen-person sedan chair. Four people each on four legs total, each fluttering blue silk clothes like grass blades.

Though clearly acting like servants, not one looked insignificant. Even more so after having just fought an earth-shaking fierce battle.

Martial Painting Sixteen Trees.

Those who could kill even peerless masters through combined attacks alone.

They had just managed to cut off Martial Dragon Alliance Leader Helian Feng-yue’s pursuit. Thanks to the Natural Sword formation created before the Yuan-Ming transition period, though it had happened without Taoist Profound Void lending a hand.

Saaaa—

Wind flowing from two of the sixteen’s robes pushed away dust. Pits hollowed like craters were revealed simultaneously.

“Helian Feng-yue Hyeok Ryeon Wind Moon’s strength is beyond what we anticipated. Who would have thought he could escape from One Origin Sword Formation.”

A voice flowed from the palanquin. It was also like wind that had entered and emerged from the cracks of withered old trees.

The old man who had been distant as if not part of their group, Wudang Sect Leader Taoist Profound Void, looked down at the ground and said.

“Unless one is a madman obsessed with martial arts, one cannot create Transcendent Martial Art. Those who have refined their hundred acupoints to peerless realms like this are all feeling it. The end of some era is approaching, and if they’ve been acting as strongmen but stagnated, they can only meet miserable deaths.”

The woman sitting with a tree branch-like body inside the palanquin, Grand Empress Dowager Wei Yeon, briefly muttered.

“Upper energy center insight.”

“That’s right.”

“Peerless because they can observe the era and intervene in the world’s flow. Truly troublesome. Those who go against predetermined fate.”

There was no emotion in the archaic speech. Wei Yeon slowly concluded her words.

“Thanks to Martial Painting Sixteen Trees, my breathing exercises weren’t disturbed, so now I can use Wind King’s techniques. I should gradually check.”

“Check what?”

“The era’s variables. Those now in the Central Plains will determine the world’s direction.”

Whoosh!

Suddenly bushes rose as wind rushed into the forest.

Dew that had been circling withered leaves and fallen leaves shattered into pieces, and those water fragments began forming all sorts of images like mirrors. As if listening to spring winds’ whispers.

Grand Empress Dowager Wei Yeon slowly said.

“Children, look.”

The gazes of Martial Painting Sixteen Trees holding the palanquin followed the scattering dewdrops.

—Stop chasing. I didn’t know you’d cross even the Great Wall… If I fight you, we’ll both die, right?

—Only you will die, so try taking one strike.

A blind man in a bamboo hat walking with a swaying gait toward Six Star Lord Military Star who tilted his head.

At the same time, the dew burst and scattered by itself. As if it had fulfilled its role by briefly reflecting them.

That was the beginning.

Grand Empress Dowager Wei Yeon slowly continued.

“Keep watching.”

Under the sunlight, the world was transparently shimmering in the dew clusters. Along with rumbling wind sounds.

The scenes captured in each droplet were different.

—Divine Sword Group’s Law Enforcement Squad Leader has headed to Henan. Since Dragon Treading Squad Leader is carrying her, be especially careful.

—They said they went north, are they remnant soldiers?

—There’s more. Confirmed Forest Treading Squad Leader Xiahou Wei-jin’s whereabouts. Guangdong direction… Should we report to the Alliance Leader?

Vast mountain slopes. Jianghu people throughout the world watching the Divine Sword Group scattered across the Central Plains.

—Tell First Elder to bring more wood energy. My head is strange. It feels like bathing in lightning.

—There will be an outbreak from Gold Wall in a moment. Since the energy has become much stronger, transmit outside so the clans won’t be surprised.

Voices flowing from trees huge like fortresses. Meanwhile, tree roots reaching hundreds of zhang pushed the earth like dragons, and cities placed on their movement path instantly turned to ruins.

The era moved.

When Henan Profound Martial Alliance’s Sword Venerable bowed deeply to the sect founding patriarch, and a girl in black robes holding a spear stood blankly at some ruined house in Shandong.

The soulless world’s greatest sword met a group of people with lightless pupils.

The crippled Fighting God sitting on a mountain of noble clan corpses offered a wine cup to Emperor  Long-zheng.

Meanwhile, the young Divine Sword Group Leader was lifting the snow-white chin tip of the world’s Ming Cult Leader. With a touch that was unclear whether threat or harmony.

—I permit it.

—What?

—I pity you. Try anything.

That was all.

The dewdrops explosively burst and fell, and from within, Grand Empress Dowager Wei Yeon’s voice flowed quietly.

“It has finally arrived.”

“……”

“It’s an era where we cannot know what is right.”

It was after a feast of shocking scenes had unfolded. All sorts of strongmen’s unions and separations. A world where it was hard to fathom even one step ahead.

“I must share World Tree’s power with the clans.”

Wei Yeon’s voice settled into the ice-cold silence.