Chapter 254 – Ascension (4)

The warriors in the area fell silent for a moment, unable to find words.

Masters of internal energy techniques were inevitably those who had mastered the human body.

Without understanding the blood points and meridians of the entire body, one could not achieve the grand circulation of true energy.

Thus, the sight of the Radiant Demon Wing Leader opening his eyes was nearly incomprehensible.

Everyone had discerned the sword wounds and internal injuries he had sustained. There was not a single person who had not examined the squad leader’s condition.

“Could it be something like a final burst of light before fading?”

“What? What did you say?”

Radiant Demon Wing was a group of battle-hardened warriors.

As the man who had carelessly mentioned a final burst of light recoiled from a strike to his chest by Cheong Myeong’s hand, Baek Mi-ryeo and Hyeon Won-chang crouched beside their squad leader’s head.

“How many?”

“Five.”

Jeong Yeon-shin answered calmly, lifting his gaze from the fully extended hand of Desolate Fortress Divine Hero.

Above his field of vision, the slender jawline of the Mount Hua Sect Leader came into focus. Jeong Yeon-shin, lying down, rolled his eyes upward to look at her.

“My body is unwell, so I must treat an esteemed guest this way. I hope you will understand.”

He ended up echoing the words Lady Lu Xian had said when she blocked his path upon their first meeting. There was no particular intent behind it.

The Brilliant Jade Sword God of Mount Hua seemed to take it as such. She merely raised the corners of her lips slightly. It was an elegant smile, like a white plum blossom.

A faint fragrance wafted from her. It was something perceptible only through his senses.

‘Overwhelming.’

Jeong Yeon-shin thought.

If one had to name it, it was sword fragrance. Extremely dangerous. The intangible protective energy enveloping her entire body appeared as a cluster of flowers that could shatter and scatter at any moment.

It felt like Myriad Heavens Flower Rain constantly surrounded her. Could it be the profound essence of Mount Hua’s Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Technique?

He discerned it without activating the Sight of Heaven Technique. It was the realm of intuition.

‘At the Martial Alliance Conference, I gained much from the Sword Saint…’

The Mount Hua Sect Leader’s presence was different. From the Sword Saint, he had seen a versatility that shifted endlessly, but Lady Lu Xian felt like she stood atop a lofty ridge.

Her very aura floated mystically, as if she could weave any marvel with her sword.

Worthy of an orthodox sect called the vein of immortals.

“Is this poor taoist so intriguing to you?”

Lady Lu Xian parted her lips. She still wore a smile.

“They say Lightning Genius of Desolate Fortress has piercing eyes, and it feels as though I am immersed in a bottomless hot spring of a famed mountain. It sends chills down my spine, but the sensation is not unpleasant.”

She adjusted the sleeves of her pink robe. Her demeanor was graceful yet playful, but it was not laughable in the least.

This was the martial world of the strong preying on the weak. The conduct of an absolute powerhouse, holding the power of life and death over the scene, had to be taken seriously by all.

“So, what do you see in this poor taoist?”

Lady Lu Xian asked.

She showed no particular sign of displeasure. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, urging an answer.

She was curious how she appeared in the eyes of a rare genius in the world. It was the bearing of an orthodox sect cultivator.

They had both recognized each other’s insight. It was hard to refuse.

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke immediately. It had been a while since inspiration surged within him, not since the Sword Saint.

Having saved his niece, perhaps he could indulge in a moment of enjoyment.

“Just now, the energy gathered at the sect leader’s collarbone resembled plum blossom petals. It thrives in two tempos of strength and softness, harmonizing together. Rather than the Five Elements, Six Harmonies, or Eight Trigrams, it seems to melt the interstices of Taiji. The sunset of the Violet Mist Divine Art might indeed be an energy born from the ambiance between day and night, as the name suggests.”

“Hm?”

“A sharp yet blunt barrier of inner energy flows ceaselessly throughout your body, and the way you weave protective energy into sword energy is profoundly impressive. Seeing that structure of energy, it seems the world of martial arts is truly boundless. I am grateful for you showing me the realm where offense and defense are one.”

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke quietly.

With this, he had grasped the rudiments of protective energy.

Mount Hua was not particularly famed for its inner energy barriers, yet peerless masters worthy of Desolate Fortress’s purple rank seemed to transcend the limits of their sect’s martial arts, surpassing mastery with inner energy and weapon techniques.

The Sword Saint was the same. Up close, his depth was awe-inspiring.

Speaking while lying down did not make for a good appearance.

His body was too unwell to raise his hands in a formal salute. He could only blink his eyelids slightly to express courtesy.

“That you permit my gaze shows the purity and righteousness of an orthodox sect’s spirit. I am indebted to the sect leader.”

His tone alone was exceedingly polite.

Lady Lu Xian’s white chin lifted slightly. Her gaze drifted to the distant sky.

“…Is this not a place called a pure sanctuary? Its teachings differ from the mundane world. The temperament of our sect has always resembled Mount Hua through the generations. How clear and verdant are the plants that grow through barren stone mountains? All disciples were wished to be like them.”

“Indeed, it seems so.”

Jeong Yeon-shin replied with unreserved admiration. He even nodded.

The dignity of an orthodox sect leader was dazzling. It shone with an unapproachable spirit.

“…Well, your praise is quite pleasing. Focus on your recovery.”

Lady Lu Xian shook her sleeves widely once.

“Let us return.”

She issued the command to her disciples. She no longer sought to meet Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes.

Yu Hyeon, who had been blinking at her side, hurriedly raised his head.

“Master!”

“I said, let us return.”

“It has been a while since I last saw my friend…”

“Soon, Shaanxi’s martial world will become a warzone. With the Tyrant Sword Sect, Blood Flame Sect, and Yu Ling vying for power, how can you afford leisure? Did you not see the Beggar Sect’s letter?”

“…”

“The Tyrant Sword Sect Leader and Blood Flame Sect’s First Apostle are major issues. Zhongnan has been annihilated, and the Radiant Demon Wing Leader lies there having fulfilled his duty. Do not trouble a supreme master who defeated the Ghost White Divine Sword and Shaanxi’s top demon. If you cannot wish him a swift recovery.”

Lady Lu Xian turned away.

Swish.

Her white-socked feet stepped only on the tips of the grass. Transparent dew slid silently down the blades.

The steps of Transcendent Flight. Quiet yet radiating an arresting elegance.

A lofty dignity like blooming plum blossoms, but to Yu Hyeon’s eyes, it looked like fleeing. The young Taoist thought he understood the feeling.

“Sigh…”

“I will stay in touch. It seems I cannot move from Shaanxi for a while.”

Jeong Yeon-shin said, glancing sidelong at Mount Hua’s oft-bullied friend as he sighed.

The seven great factions of Xi’an, the Ghost White Divine Sword, and now Yu Ling’s Shaanxi branch. He had run ceaselessly until now. It was truly time for recovery.

Rustle.

A transparent breeze blew suddenly. With the situation resolved, the harmony of nature finally became palpable.

Winter wind pierced the gaps in the surrounding crowd, brushing over the sleeping bag. A cool sensation grazed Jeong Yeon-shin’s dulled skin.

Radiant Demon Wing said nothing to their squad leader. Having witnessed his exchange with the Mount Hua Sect Leader, they felt his safety deeply.

They simply enjoyed the post-battle silence in their familiar way. A time to calm their heightened minds and bodies.

It was the same even as Lazy Flame Dragon stirred.

“Hm…? The squad leader’s energy is quite faint. Did we succeed?”

“If it is your burial, it will start soon.”

A Radiant Demon master replied.

After a brief explanation, Lazy Flame Dragon tossed a bundle of bright red flowers into the grave beside him.

“You learned some nasty tricks.”

“Wastrel, there is another in your bosom. Take them all out.”

“Damn it…”

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

Shao Bai Sect.

A secular branch of Zhongnan. The only one of Xi’an’s seven evil factions whose lineage had not been severed, it welcomed Zhongnan’s surviving disciples and Radiant Demon Wing as honored guests.

It began a day after the collapse of the courier agency Yu Ling’s Shaanxi branch had disguised itself as.

Known as one of the seven great factions of Xi’an.

The grounds were vast. Deep within the manor, there was even a small lake and pavilion.

A space reserved for the most esteemed guests of a wealthy secular faction. Ordinary visitors could not stay there.

Step.

A swordsman walked cautiously. Long black hair trailed down her back.

Her blue robes fluttered in the winter breeze with each step. A woman with beautiful, distinct features and sharp eyes.

Cloud Sword Dragon Wei Ji-myohwa.

As the head disciple of the annihilated Zhongnan Sect, she lived among the clouds, as her title suggested.

Her whereabouts were unknown. Hiding in Shao Bai Sect, which posed as an evil faction, she stayed with Radiant Demon Wing.

“Benefactor.”

She parted her lips.

The Radiant Demon Wing Leader, seated in the center of the bronze pavilion, opened his eyes. An octagonal structure open on all sides beneath the ceiling. Wei Ji-myohwa met his gaze directly.

“Great Hero Sword Dragon.”

A faint smile curved his lips.

The title Jeong Yeon-shin used for Wei Ji-myohwa never changed. From his white-rank days in Desolate Fortress to becoming squad leader.

Wei Ji-myohwa realized this anew now. Perhaps it was why she revered him more as her benefactor.

She felt immense relief thanks to him killing Shaanxi’s top demon and rescuing Jeong Hye.

Her sect had been destroyed. Had despair deepened, she might have collapsed.

The term “benefactor” flowed easily toward Jeong Yeon-shin. More naturally than when he had restored the Nine Yang Single Form Technique on Zhongnan Mountain.

“Was breakfast to your liking?”

“Yes. Thanks to being able to use chopsticks alone.”

Jeong Yeon-shin answered calmly. A small pride tinged his voice.

It was after Shaanxi turned into a battlefield of factional warfare. Seven days and nights had passed since he slew Shaanxi’s top demon. He had become mobile as of two days ago.

Large movements were still difficult.

But it was enough that he no longer needed his overzealous subordinates to assist with meals. The Jeong Family Dynamic Technique’s power had accelerated his body’s recovery.

He could lightly hold spoons and brushes. Having regained enough control to wield the Luminous Wheel Technique slightly, he had just chased off his Radiant Demon comrades.

Even an enraged squad leader had no equal. They should have teased him moderately from the side.

“Ah.”

Wei Ji-myohwa laughed softly.

“You have found peace.”

“Yes, a little.”

“No. More than when you first climbed Zhongnan Mountain.”

Jeong Yeon-shin felt a bit sheepish.

“Come to think of it, did you not say you moved with the Sword Ghost of Heart Martial Alliance?”

“…I received great help. A debt reaching life-saving grace.”

The Sword Sovereign of Henan flashed in Wei Ji-myohwa’s mind.

Baek Seo-gun, who had opposed the Tyrant Sword Sect and Yu Ling to save Jeong Hye, had said she must observe Lightning Genius over a long time. She seemed unaware that Jeong Yeon-shin would die young.

‘It is not a topic for me to broach.’

Wei Ji-myohwa parted her lips slowly.

“A guest as precious as she has come to you, benefactor, and not of ordinary status.”

“Are you speaking of the Mount Hua Sect Leader? Or is it the companion’s status…”

“Both. It is awkward to keep hiding and pretending otherwise. It is fortunate your senses remain sharp.”

A clear voice rang from behind the wall. Lady Lu Xian stepped out with light footwork.

Behind her followed a man in green official robes. A figure with keen eyes beneath a neat hat.

“Stopping by Xi’an after a long while, I came with someone seeking the Radiant Arts Squad Leader.”

“I am Imperial Censor Xu Yun.”

[TL Note- Another one for the guillotine.]

The man offered no formal courtesy. A subtle hostility seeped from his expression.

“Imperial Censor?”

Jeong Yeon-shin asked quietly.

“Indeed. Leader of the rising evil factions. Regional Magistrate Wang Wei-xu was under my jurisdiction, and I heard rumors he was killed by the Radiant Arts Squad Leader. In short, I intend to treat you as a prime suspect.”

Imperial Censor Xu Yun spoke.

—He worries over trivial matters. These are times when assassins are common. The tax revenue will not change much. As long as the gold flowing upward remains steady, the rest is just connections and political power. Fortunately, the Imperial Censor is someone who understands my intentions well.

Jeong Yeon-shin recalled the branch governor’s words and turned his gaze to Lady Lu Xian.

“Do they know me only as the Radiant Arts Squad Leader?”

“Is it for a mere wanderer like this poor taoist to meddle first? If the Imperial Censor deems it necessary for state affairs, one must follow. We have a rather old connection too.”

She replied with a gentle smile. It meant she had lured a corrupt official into a trap.

Jeong Yeon-shin nodded silently and spoke.

“Let us hear the sect leader’s business first.”

“How dare you…!”

Xu Yun’s lips trembled. He could not help but be angered. Even if the exchange between the Mount Hua Sect Leader and the Radiant Arts Squad Leader was odd.

As the emperor’s sword, an Imperial Censor wielded authority beyond rank. Matters outside his purview were rare.

From the perspective of an official who, due to Desolate Fortress, held martial artists in greater contempt, the insolent attitude of an evil faction leader was intolerable.

Yet the Mount Hua Sect Leader, who should have been an ally, nodded readily at the ruffian’s words.

“The world is in chaos. Shaanxi even more so.”

“I know. I heard rumors from my bedside.”

Jeong Yeon-shin recalled the messages he had received.

[Shaanxi Gongchang Prefecture: Tyrant Sword Sect appears. Three factions of Gongchang Prefecture annihilated. Civilian casualties mounting.]

[TL Note- Gongchang Prefecture historically used to be Shaanxi, now it’s a part of Gansu Province in current times.]

[Shaanxi Fengxiang Prefecture: Blood Flame Sect’s First Apostle, who defeated Mount Hua’s Sword Saint, massacres the commoners of Fengyu County. Seems to be searching for something. Spares neither civilians nor warriors.]

[Blood Flame Sect’s blood demons spread across Shaanxi. Clashes among martial artists erupt frequently.]

“Sit here. You too, Great Hero Sword Dragon.”

The Radiant Demon Wing Leader cleared the brushes, ink, and books from the stone table.

Through the gaps in his hands, the cover of a book, its ink fragrance still fresh, briefly showed.

First Draft of the Chronicles of Evil Faction Annihilation.

[TL note- he is probably writing a kid’s book on how to defeat evil sects.]

Authored by Lightning Genius.

Written in neat regular script, it caught the eyes of Lady Lu Xian and Wei Ji-myohwa as they ascended to the pavilion.