Chapter 288 – Lotus (7)

Most sects in the Shanxi martial world were unable to attend the Martial Alliance meeting held in Shaanxi.

They lacked the broad knowledge to recognize Radiant Demon Wing Leader of Desolate Fortress disguised under a false identity.

The world was incredibly vast. Even for fairly famous supreme masters, rumors about their appearance and demeanor would often become distorted after crossing just one province.

For instance, in some martial circles, there were conflicting rumors that Desolate Spear Yue Shou-lin was a five-year-old child, while others claimed she was a wrinkled old woman.

The Thirteen Evil Sects, Nine Great Sects, Eight Great Clans.

Shanxi Province lacked any widely renowned sects.

Despite being as large as a small country, it was nearly barren in terms of martial lineages. Compared to the endless expanse of the world, at least.

An environment where the powerful military did not tolerate the seeds of major sects.

The martial artists of Shanxi lived in their own world. Fierce scheming and underwater negotiations, secret plundering and constant martial arts training…

They were busy seeking food during famines and expanding their influence.

It was that kind of era. As owners of fertile land, they drove away people rather than birds by sticking swords in scarecrows.

And they enjoyed the dignity of prestigious families. They tasted delicacies during famines, collected famous paintings, and welcomed renowned figures from all fields as guests.

Boom! Crash!

Tremendous roars swept through the banquet hall.

It was understandable that the blood demons would target the food first in their attack.

Their gaunt appearance, with sunken cheeks from lack of proper meals, showed they had fled after being chased by something they could not resist.

They had launched an attack after hearing rumors of a feast at the renowned Gongya family.

The martial artists who had drawn their weapons in great surprise had no time to worry about the servants around them.

The Blood Flame Cult’s blood absorption techniques cause fatal energy loss. They had no choice but to desperately raise their energy waves.

The dust rising chaotically from the banquet hall floor demonstrated their wariness.

Even a brief bite from those fangs would drain the internal energy they had painstakingly accumulated.

Time that has passed never returns, so even a tiny amount of energy cultivated through breathing exercises yesterday is like treasure to martial artists.

As the honored guest martial artists tried to form formations by moving their feet, the sect leaders watched over their disciples.

The chaotic battle that was anticipated…

Ended in a single breath.

“Protective Energy Technique…?”

A martial artist from a prestigious family who was gripping his sword quickly muttered.

Whoosh—

Something like a comet suddenly swept through the banquet hall once, leaving behind a long trail of faint white light.

The Blood Swordmasters who had been blocking the path were shattered along with their bodies. Few people were able to properly comprehend what kind of attack had been executed.

Was it really just the aftermath of a single use of a lightness skill?

It was as if a constellation that had been hidden in the sunlight suddenly became clearly visible. It was a martial art difficult to imagine in a land where bandits who had cultivated martial arts ran rampant.

Thud, thud thud.

Bits of flesh that had been flung high into the air belatedly fell.

Fragments of limbs with even the blood evaporated. It was a sight rarely seen even from being hit by thunderbolt bombs, indicating that the power of the single strike had completely shattered the Blood Swordmasters’ protective energy.

Movement ceased in all directions. Both the attacking blood demons and the responding martial artists were frozen.

The sons of wealthy families who had been discussing famous paintings stole glances at the wandering swordsman of their age.

The various sect leaders who had been discussing strategies for Shanxi revealed their shock with gazes that surpassed their disciples’ insight.

They simply didn’t show it much due to their ingrained refinement.

Rustle.

At the banquet table where the Protective Energy Technique had originated.

The dark sleeve cuff brushed against the table. Jeong Yeon-shin’s fingers, having already returned to his seat, grasped a wine cup, breaking the silence.

He raised his cup slightly towards Gui Yitai of the Shanxi Gui family, who was standing there blankly.

“I heard that bandits become a disorganized rabble when they lose their leader.”

“…”

“Blood demons are different. Their foundation lies not in a leader, but in their doctrine. The remaining ones shouldn’t be left alone, so you should move right away.”

Now Jeong Yeon-shin’s words were imbued with experience. His remarks about foundations, mocking Gui Yitai who had spoken of roots earlier, rang out with a clear resonance.

It was the kind of talk that only an old hand in the martial world, who had experienced real battles with a young noble’s face under the guise of a wandering swordsman, could make.

Sky-Jade Sect Leader Geom Woon-bi. He was clearly an enigmatic figure to everyone.

Gui Yitai, who had been wagging his tongue like a wolf with a bear-like build, silently met his gaze. Deep shadows seemed to have settled in his fierce eyes.

He was the eldest son of a great martial family. Even if his knowledge of the martial world was limited, his insight into people wasn’t lacking to that extent. He was no common third-rate ruffian.

The one who was meant to be just a pawn to embarrass the Gongya family was now mocking the eldest son of the Shanxi Gui family head, yet he couldn’t rashly open his mouth to retort.

Gui Yitai slowly turned around. It was after recognizing an unexpected master.

There’s nothing to gain by confronting such a powerful figure on the battlefield. If he acted rashly, he might end up in pieces like the Blood Swordmasters whose bodies had been shattered.

‘A master worthy of crossing swords with our family head…’

If Mount Hua Sect and the Tyrant Sword Sect are in Shaanxi, then the Gongya family and the Gui family act as the top aristocratic groups in Shanxi.

Even if there’s a big gap between regional martial worlds, being the family head means he’s an extremely powerful master.

If Geom Woon-bi’s martial prowess was at that level, it couldn’t help but send chills down his spine. Especially since his earlier words had been close to verbal abuse.

Gui Yitai speculated on why his head hadn’t been cut off. He could only guess it was due to his status.

As a guest of the Gongya family who claimed to follow the righteous path, they probably couldn’t just behead a precious guest over a few words.

Shing.

He drew his blade. It was a situation where he had to follow the wandering swordsman’s words.

‘The Gongya family has gained wings. This is a big problem.’

As he advanced towards the blood demons who had lost their Blood Swordmasters, Gui Yitai’s expression hardened. As the acting head of the Shanxi Gui family, he had to take what happened at this banquet seriously.

***

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

There were no casualties.

Despite the outbreak of chaotic fighting, all the servants survived.

It was thanks to the nameless wandering swordsman who acted as the decisive weapon in a sect war.

He annihilated the enemy vanguard in one go and scattered their morale. Until the end of the battle, he simply stood at his seat, only watching out for the common people’s safety.

With an air that suggested he might show that mysterious lightness skill once more if necessary.

A strange obsession shone in his eyes with slightly drooping corners, as if he was paying great attention to the lives of those doing menial work.

The movement of his gaze sweeping across the hall showed this… He didn’t seem to care about the precious aristocrats at all. It was as if he deeply empathized with the plight of those who lived day to day in the martial world.

However, he had accomplished enough to warrant such behavior.

Although there was some gossip, Sky-Jade Sect Leader Geom Woon-bi became a major topic of conversation among the Shanxi aristocrats.

“He must have been born with an extraordinary bloodline like us. Such outstanding talent cannot come from a lowly lineage.”

“Can’t you tell just by looking at his appearance?”

“From what I saw, even the Gongya family head seemed a bit surprised. For a wanderer who only recently set foot in this estate, it would be worth trying to recruit him to our family with promises of power and treasure…”

“A wanderer? He’s the sect leader of the unrivaled Sky-Jade Sect. If you want to recruit someone, you should start by fixing your attitude.”

The banquet didn’t end in a single day despite the attack. It continued for days, becoming an even grander feast.

It was closer to an event for the Gongya family to flaunt their power after gaining an extremely powerful master.

The family head even separately invited Jeong Yeon-shin to share drinks. It overshadowed even the news that the Yu Ling and Tyrant Sword Sect had clashed with the Martial Alliance.

Around that time, Jeong Yeon-shin received a letter from a servant.

—I would like to meet on the full moon at Eternal Dark Pavilion west of the estate. If you come, you will certainly not regret it.

Confidence emanated from the brush strokes.

The writing style, boldly inscribed with traces of deep energy imbued in it, seemed to reveal the writer’s personality and level of martial arts.

It was different from the countless invitations Jeong Yeon-shin had received in a short time.

“The scent of the letter is fragrant. It’s made from yaomu paper that the Gathering Battle-axe Sect uses for sending messages to important people. It says the full moon, right? We were invited too.”

A boy who had his hands lightly clasped behind his back and his upper body slightly tilted backwards spoke.

It was a posture that seemed to be trying not to look at the contents, an attitude of trying to maintain proper etiquette.

Gongya Su.

He was the second son of the Gongya family. He had been frequently visiting the annex since the incident at the banquet hall.

A cheerful boy with a bright smile who said he wanted to take Jeong Yeon-shin as an older brother, but the sharp gaze unique to the Gongya bloodline softened with admiration only when looking at Jeong Yeon-shin.

He greatly resembled his older sister, the eldest daughter Gongya Jeong.

“The Gathering Battle-axe Sect leader assured our family head of absolute safety.”

Gongya Jeong continued with a strange expression.

“The family head has permitted attendance. It’s the confident declaration of someone who has had deep ties with our main family since ancient times.”

Her speech and behavior remained refined even after witnessing the martial prowess displayed by Sky-Jade Sect Leader Geom Woon-bi. The firm demeanor emanating from her respectful posture with both hands clasped was like a cliff.

It was an atmosphere that made Jeong Yeon-shin think of a precipice. A martial artist like a stone vessel carving herself away over a different dimension of time. It felt incredibly distant.

[TL Note- That reminds me, the three Zhongnan Sect members who showed up at Jeong Family Manor are really dead, there has been no mention of them.]

Jeong Yeon-shin tried not to meet the eldest daughter’s eyes.

She was an existence that touched on the fundamental inferiority complex he possessed. Before a pebble that had to roll for long years, the mayfly of Desolate Fortress privately felt shabby.

It was an emotion he had never experienced even from prestigious masters. Perhaps it was because of their relationship forged through teaching, coupled with the turn of the year bringing his death closer.

“Are there more participants in the martial arts tournament that I haven’t seen?”

Jeong Yeon-shin asked with his gaze slightly lowered.

“Yes. Since Shanxi is vast, not everyone has gathered yet. There will likely be more people at the Eternal Dark Pavilion banquet.”

“I’ll attend. Let’s go together.”

He answered while recalling the list of names he had to add to the Netherworld’s ledger.  

***

The sun hung very high in the sky.

The faintly shining sunlight came down as transparently as moonlight.

Amidst the waves sparkling like stars on the lakeshore, a pavilion with an antique curved roof stood tall.

“Welcome.”

Gui Yitai of the Shanxi Gui family briefly cupped his fists towards the three people.

He seemed more concerned about the wandering swordsman Geom Woon-bi who had newly appeared, rather than the Gongya siblings who were powerful rivals.

The light in his sunken eye sockets was sharp. So was his gaze as he secretly sized up Jeong Yeon-shin.

However, his thoughts were thoroughly concealed.

‘He’s still just a wanderer. A commoner.’

Gui Yitai volunteered as a guide. It wasn’t just a banquet hosted by the Gathering Battle-axe Sect.

The Shanxi Gui family had also lent their strength. It was because they were welcoming the most precious guest in Shanxi at this moment.

An elder had arrived who could suppress the spirit of the new rising stars.

They had to use this opportunity to pressure the guest welcomed by the Gongya family. The zeitgeist of the martial world in times of famine was survival of the fittest.

They wanted to show that the Gongya family wasn’t the only place to rely on, and if he disagreed, they intended to eliminate him with the elder’s help.

It was fine either way.

The Gongya family follows the righteous path. They use martial arts tournaments rather than sect wars to establish their prestige.

They were bound to fall prey to the Shanxi Gui family, which had started bribing officials taking advantage of the famine.

‘How could someone with no name who crawled on the ground handle an elder who learned martial arts from the heavens.’

He doubted neither the elder’s martial might nor the base qualities of the wanderer Geom Woon-bi.

He maintained his sense of superiority while thinking coldly. The eldest son of the Gui family, composed of former generals from the northern frontlines, had lived that way.

Gui Yitai smiled smoothly with his bear-like rugged face.

“Mr. Geom. Since it’s a surname that didn’t exist before, it would be good to establish a clan. I misspoke last time.”

“For a mistake, wasn’t that quite a long speech?”

Jeong Yeon-shin, walking behind, asked with puzzlement before understanding on his own.

“Ah… I see. A bandit’s mistake is swinging an axe wrong and taking the lives of passersby.”

“Hmm…”

Gui Yitai couldn’t find a suitable reply.

The second son Gongya Su walking beside him snickered, while the young family head Gongya Jeong did not stop her brother as the group arrived in front of the pavilion.

Many figures were already there. Among those attending the banquet, there was no one who didn’t inherit the bloodline of high-ranking aristocrats.

All of the dozen or so men and women carrying various weapons were like that.

“Look over there. The reason the Gui family’s eldest son went out to greet was because of them.”

“He showed behavior he doesn’t usually do, so it must have been because of that person. His appearance is indeed as rumored… I wonder if his martial arts are truly the same?”

“Quiet. Elder Yan is present. Don’t disturb the elder’s ears.”

The lavish feast became noisy.

However, it wasn’t rowdy. Their conversations were close to hushed whispers.

The young lords and ladies who had disregarded Jeong Yeon-shin at the previous banquet were now showing extremely respectful attitudes.

The reason could be guessed.

At the head seat of the wide pavilion… A woman sitting lazily with one knee raised up to the table.

The clearly defined arm muscles starting from the deltoids of her shoulders caught the eye first. The hand roughly gripping a wine bottle at the end of prominently protruding tendons was impressive.

It looked rough with many calluses, but flowing energy rather than luster emanated from her disheveled hair falling to her shoulders.

A sleeveless ash-colored martial outfit suited her perfectly.

The moment the woman raised her head, her gaze met Jeong Yeon-shin’s.

They were both surprised. Each had been suppressing their energy waves to the realm of returning to simplicity.

“…Yan Family’s First Fist.”

Jeong Yeon-shin’s lips moved slightly.

The ultimate fist master of the Shanxi martial lineage, capable of dismantling any technique. The lover of the absolute Zhuge Clan Leader.

It was Valor Fist Lord Yan Hwa-ryeon.

‘This has gone wrong.’

Radiant Demon Wing’s senses sharpened acutely. The Yan Family’s First Fist no longer traveled alone.

It was said that with the peerless master of mystical martial arts by her side, they formed an invincible pair. 

Encountering them here would mean certain death.

Just then.

“You, insane b*st*rd.”

Suddenly her brow furrowed deeply, and she glared at Gui Yitai with terrifying eyes.

The eldest son of the Gui family, who had been smiling faintly, flinched. In an instant, a monstrous energy wave rose from Yan Hwa-ryeon’s body.

“Do you have any idea who you’ve brought here, you worthless fool! You damn lunatic!”

Woong!

The air distorted violently.

“Valor Fist Lord!”

As Gui Yitai, greatly flustered, lost his balance, Yan Hwa-ryeon’s wine bottle suddenly flew at him, tearing through the air.

Bang!

It struck his forehead and shattered. The protective energy surrounding Gui Yitai’s body exploded uselessly.

As the backlash of wind shook even the pillars of the pavilion with thunderbolt-like force, Jeong Yeon-shin looked at Yan Hwa-ryeon as Gui Yitai collapsed helplessly.

“Your martial arts have improved.”

He said, with a finger on his sword. His tone seemed to look down on her.