Chapter 300 – Lotus (19)

Under the sky where a mystical being connecting the current Radiant Demon Wing Leader and Tranquil Depth Gaze Zhuge Qing-ya spread its white wings, there stood an estate composed of more than ten pavilions.

The Gongya Family.

Their once prestigious name had fallen in the social circles of Shanxi’s aristocrats.

The wanderer Geom Woon-bi had been Desolate Fortress’s Radiant Demon Wing Leader.

The Gongya Family, who had treated him as an honored guest, became the target of condemnation from martial brothers.

The Gongya Family Head, once revered as a distinguished figure, was no longer invited to gatherings of sect leaders, and the eldest daughter, who had simultaneously held the titles of Chivalrous Dragon and Sword Phoenix in Shanxi’s Dragon Phoenix Association, was scorned by rising talents.

A family that had turned its back on the martial world.

Traitors who had harbored Desolate Fortress.

The excuse that they didn’t know was not accepted. Those with discernment knew the truth from the beginning.

They simply needed a pretext to diminish the Gongya Family’s influence.

In a situation where powerful sects were dividing Shanxi’s land as major landowners, the fertile lands held by the Gongya Family Head were objects of great desire.

They had been reduced to merely maintaining appearances.

The Gongya Family estate had been the base for the martial arts tournament held over a long period. They had to be satisfied with at least that.

If they completely withdrew from the gatherings where powerful aristocrats formed connections, the Gongya Family would instantly transform from members of the wolf pack into mere pieces of meat.

“You should be grateful! Despite your betrayal, we’re still including you!”

Thud.

A large man with a wine flask in hand shouted with a flushed face. His large strides traversed the wide alleys with an exaggerated gait.

Heavily intoxicated, he staggered around the Gongya Family estate as if it were his own home.

“The wine tastes fishy! Is it because traitors brewed it? Must be the dirt on their hands!”

With each shout, the winter air-piercing shrubbery trembled. Even the dust accumulated on the walls occasionally scattered faintly.

“What a fine voice. Blood will tell; he’s truly general material.”

“Wasn’t his father that Gui Family Head? They say he fled from the front lines as a general, taking all his wealth with him.”

“He must have consumed spiritual medicines like rice.”

“His energy has found its proper use. Truly a heartwarming sight.”

None of the aristocratic guests passing through the estate stopped Gui Yitai.

They either watched with interest from a distance or silently passed by.

The Gongya Family was a beehive full of honey. Why stop a fatherless ruffian from tearing at the shells of those obsessed with maintaining appearances?

“Slaughter Chivalry, that dog b*st*rd who protected Radiant Demon Wing Leader! Tell Radiant Demon Wing Leader to come out! Gongya Family, who harbored Radiant Demon Wing Leader, don’t ignore this young master’s commands! Bring those lowlifes from Blazing Moon Great Slaughter Sect! Radiant Demon Wing Leader! Radiant Demon Wing Leader is the key!”

The stench of grudges and intoxication wafted.

The certainty that Zhuge Clan Leader might appear at any moment, the fear inspired by Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s identity and martial prowess, and the anger at the un-aristocratic fear all mixed uselessly like alcohol poured into a furnace.

The Gongya Family could not stop Gui Yitai’s misconduct.

Whenever someone tried to intervene, the aristocrats who had come as guests would dissuade them with authoritative yet gentle manner.

“That man has lost his father. If we don’t let him vent his frustrations, who knows what he might do in the commoners’ villages.”

“Don’t you know? His origins.”

It was a day that repeated for several days. The Gongya Family Head had sect leaders of equivalent status attached to him.

In a world where even exceptionally rare powerful figures die from joint attacks, there was no way the Gongya Family, invaded by aristocrats, could function properly.

Hoo—

On the roof of a pavilion overlooking Gui Yitai’s drunken ranting.

A swordswoman standing on the tiles exhaled a thin breath.

Her knife-like eyes and crimson silk martial robe suited her appearance perfectly, but her hand gripping the sword hilt only revealed blue veins and ultimately failed to draw the blade.

Now, rather than fearing to show herself to everyone, she instead wished to step forward at the martial arts tournament and draw her sword.

Following the principle of survival of the fittest in the martial world, the Gongya Family was gradually ceasing to belong to the clan.

Young Family Head Gongya Jeong.

Zhuge Qing-ya, who glanced at her from beside, swept her long, lusterless hair behind her neck.

She had stayed at Jeong Yeon-shin’s request to look after the Gongya Family after Fan Dragon’s death.

She had formed a bond with Gongya Jeong because she saw her brother in her. This was while hiding her identity as the sole remaining heir of the Zhuge Family.

“The Sword Master is fading away.”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

Gongya Jeong replied respectfully. Despite suffering this situation due to Desolate Fortress’s actions, she did not mistreat Zhuge Qing-ya.

She suppressed all her anger for the sole reason that she had learned swordsmanship from Jeong Yeon-shin. It was the attitude of a steadfast martial artist.

Zhuge Qing-ya spoke with elevated respect to her.

“The martial world’s long-standing distinctions are disappearing in the face of famine. Taking wealth by force is becoming natural. After traveling through the martial world with Master Jeong, I realized it. Most martial artists are trash.”

In truth, she had known since childhood. When led by her father’s hand to examine the traces of techniques on corpses using eye techniques.

Swish.

Zhuge Qing-ya rubbed the roof with her leather shoes lined with white silk.

“If you decide to fight, I can help you. The squad leader would also approve.”

“…Only the most illustrious have gathered. Gao Sword Sect, Gathering Battle-axe Sect, Azure Sky Clan… With sects acting like the Eight Great Clans or Thirteen Evil Sects from other provinces all seated together, our family must contemplate death before drawing our swords. Survival is the issue, more than their misconduct.”

Gongya Jeong slowly removed her hand from the sword hilt. The long fingers characteristic of a talented swordswoman brushed past the hilt and came down.

“I know you’re a master from Radiant Demon Wing, but I cannot drag you into a meaningless death. Moreover, Gao Sword Sect and Azure Sky Clan have practically brought all their disciples… With serious intentions to empty our storehouses… The number of masters doesn’t match up.”

“I don’t mind what happens to me.”

Zhuge Qing-ya’s transparent gaze turned toward a distant mountain.

The mountain terrain where her brother was buried was barren without leaves, and it was covered only with white snow while clinging to the end of winter. Yet winter must pass for spring to come.

“May I ask about your squad leader?”

The eldest daughter suddenly asked.

Zhuge Qing-ya’s small head nodded readily.

“I’ll answer what I can.” … “Do you truly intend to fight Zhuge Clan Leader? Isn’t Reborn Hidden Dragon counted among the supreme beings of the martial world?”

“…Yes.”

“Initially, Zhuge Clan Leader was expelled from the Martial Alliance but didn’t leave it unscathed? Even though it was formed under the banner of defeating Desolate Fortress, instead his weaknesses were exposed by a Desolate Fortress master, and those who had their weaknesses caught by him became shields… It’s difficult to calculate by normal interests. An expelled member must be severely disciplined. Why would this be?”

“Because he is transcendentally powerful. Enough to greatly benefit from those shields.”

“You’ve spoken correctly. No matter how powerful Radiant Demon Wing Leader is, there’s no chance of victory now… I understand his age is similar to my brother’s. The opponent is one of the Eight Clan Leaders.”

If Zhuge Clan Leader truly died, the Gongya Family’s situation would inevitably change dramatically.

Desolate Fortress’s influence would spread throughout Shanxi, a land close to barren ground for major sects.

Even without stationing martial artists permanently, the death of an absolute being alone would make it so. That was the principle and ecology of the martial world.

When that time came, the Gongya Family would also rise greatly. After all, they were suffering their current humiliation because of their association with Radiant Demon Wing Leader.

“……”

Zhuge Qing-ya said nothing for a moment. She merely pressed down firmly on the roof tiles with her foot, then suddenly raised her hand to point far below.

“Speaking of your brother.”

“Hmm?”

“Is that him?”

Powerful aristocrats’ estates are built like palaces.

On one side of the wall stretching straight to the banquet hall, the second young master with sharp eyes like the eldest daughter was blocking Gui Yitai. It was Second Young Master Gongya Su.

“Stop using Radiant Demon Wing Leader and Slaughter Chivalry as excuses for your misconduct. It’s unsightly and extremely low-class. It wasn’t us who sent the Gui Family Head to the afterlife!”

The second young master’s red martial robe trembled with indignation. Gongya Su continued heatedly.

“You ruffian who couldn’t make a peep in front of Radiant Demon Wing Leader!”

Hahahahaha—!

Gui Yitai laughed loudly.

“Gongya Su, you brat! I didn’t know your liver had grown so large!”

His voice resonated thickly. It spread widely as if his stomach were a cave, creating a sense of magnanimity.

He had already been attracting the attention of the guests, but now spectators who anticipated a possible fight were climbing over walls or standing on fences with nimble self-preservation skills.

It was a greatly disordered feast under the principle of survival of the fittest.

Gui Yitai looked around broadly as if welcoming them, then fixed his gaze on Gongya Su.

“So, where is that noble Radiant Demon Wing Leader now?”

“……”

“Let me guess.”

Thundering Sky Mad Blade Gui Yitai’s thick lips twisted. He suddenly spread his arms wide.

“I’ll bet my Shaoxing wine that the current Radiant Demon Wing Leader has fled in fear of facing Zhuge Clan Leader! He’s not even a purple-rank absolute master!”

Waaaaaaah—!

“His eloquence may be lacking, but his voice is worthy of being called Shanxi’s finest!”

Entertainment was rare in the world.

A middle-aged man with a bushy beard clapped his hands from among the crowd. It was the Azure Sky Clan Leader, renowned as a powerful aristocrat.

Following his gesture, faint steam rose from between his hands, revealing profound energy, and those around who glanced at him followed suit and applauded.

It was then.

The spot where the Azure Sky Clan Leader had been standing.

Whoosh—

Heaven and earth were connected by an opaque pillar.

A thick, manifest straight line disappeared hazily, with dreamlike limbs that had been erased scattered carelessly on the ground.

“Huh…?”

“What, what happened.”

The martial artists in the hall wore blank expressions. Perhaps because it was a sight difficult to accept as someone’s sword strike?

The bodies of Gongya Jeong and Zhuge Qing-ya, who had been running between rooftops from afar, suddenly halted.

[An aristocrat should not be frivolous.]

Six-directional spirit energy resonated divinely. It was a melodious voice as if playing a tune.

And then.

Woong—

He descended through the clouds.

Pure white robes fluttered greatly. It was like a graceful crane flapping its wings.

[Here they were. A swarm of bats weighing the Transcendence City Sect against Desolate Fortress.]

A man who stopped in mid-air. The sleeves that continuously billowed from the wind at high altitude strangely suited him.

He was an exceptionally handsome man. Even just the contours of his face were worthy of being called beautiful.

He was surrounded by a transcendent atmosphere.

He wore a black hat on his head, with semi-transparent silk flowing down from under the wide brim, approaching like a king’s crown.

His thin jawline was worthy of being called noble.

“Void Treading Skill…?”

“It’s Zhuge Clan Leader!”

Commotion spreading like waves through the crowd.

Amid the stirring crowd, a few people walked out beside the frozen Gui Yitai.

“I pay my respects to Transcendence City Sect Leader Reborn Hidden Dragon. I am the Gao Sword Sect Leader.”

“Zhuge Clan Leader, why not visit the Gathering Battle-axe Sect.”

They were middle-aged men and women. The Gao Sword Sect Leader and the Gathering Battle-axe Sect Leader. They were figures of equal status to the owner of this estate, worthy of being called the leaders of Shanxi’s aristocrats.

The ends of their long robes, trailing in crimson and yellow at their feet, revealed their unrivaled status.

It meant they conducted themselves nobly wherever they went.

Woong—

The energy waves emanating from their entire bodies spread in countless curves throughout the atmosphere.

It was an energy wave resisting Zhuge Clan Leader’s world-encompassing presence.

Hm, a small nasal sound was heard. It came from Zhuge Clan Leader.

[Kneel.]

He said.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

The smoke filling the winter sky was unusually dense gray.

The Gongya Family estate had turned into ruins.

Spectators had continued to gather during Gui Yitai’s drunken ranting.

Martial artists who had not witnessed the Azure Sky Clan Leader’s demise challenged the name Reborn Hidden Dragon.

This was right after seeing their masters, elders, uncles, and martial brothers kneeling and bowing their heads.

Martial aristocrats are those who conduct themselves like royalty in their regions.

They have never truly felt the broader world. That’s why they treat the occasionally displayed transcendent techniques of wanderers as evil arts.

Many leaped toward Zhuge Clan Leader, and they all had their necks severed as they faced a tidal wave-like fierce wind that crashed down enormously.

Some even had their waists completely split.

No martial artist could remain still after seeing the blood of disciples spurting like water spray… The leaders of Shanxi’s aristocrats, who had been kneeling while suppressing the blood energy stemming from their powerful martial prowess, drew their weapons.

And now.

Crash—! Boom boom boom!

The Gathering Battle-axe Sect Leader, wrapped in a red robe, was flung back after destroying two pavilions.

The storm raging from the recoil scratched the ground, creating extremely rough noise.

Blood mixed with the white fragments of shattered protective energy.

“Kuhak—! Ughk…!”

Beside her lay a corpse that had lost its lower half, eyes closed. It was the Gao Sword Sect Leader who had launched a joint attack with her.

[Gathering Battle-axe Sect Leader. You were blocked by the wall of unity of essence, energy, and spirit. At that level, you can be called Shanxi’s finest master. Hubei’s finest is Desolate Fortress Leader, and Henan’s finest is Shaolin’s abbot, so your position is quite lofty.]

From afar came six-directional spirit energy tinged with mockery. It was words that despised Shanxi’s martial world.

Like the thunderous rebuke of an absolute celestial being, it now approached as a terrifying fear even in its voice.

“You killed my disciple and yet…”

[Join under the Transcendence City Sect. I will make you the vanguard of an elite group that will reclaim the freedom of the martial world.]

“Had you persuaded me kindly, I might have followed your words…!”

[Ruffians cannot become martial aristocrats. Neither can those without spirit. How can I show mercy to those who continue to weigh options even after hearing my great cause? When we must face Desolate Fortress in the future.]

“You b*st*rd!”

Slash—

Suddenly, a colorless thread sprouted and severed her neck. As the Gathering Battle-axe Sect Leader’s wrinkled mouth twitched, the focus disappeared from her eyes.

At the point where she had been flung from.

“……”

Silence descended on the open space in front of the training ground where Gui Yitai and Gongya Su had raised their voices.

It was cold yet hot.

Hundreds of guests of the martial arts tournament all gathered in silence. The same was true for dignitaries who had arrived late at the Gongya Family estate.

The gentle breeze brushing against the skin carried the clear sentiment of winter, but the air in the now-ruined estate burned with scorched stone.

It was the aftermath of an absolute strike.

[I am your aspiration.]

Swish.

Zhuge Clan Leader, standing on empty air, spread his fan wide. Behind him sat the Gongya Family Head with his crimson robes torn to shreds, head bowed.

He appeared to have lost consciousness. The eldest daughter and second young master, with reddened eyes, were massaging their father’s body, applying pressure to vital points.

The crowd seemed at a loss for words.

With the region’s powerful figures gathered together, Shanxi’s martial world had been conquered by a single person.

The hemispherical barrier that had somehow transparently surrounded the vast estate confirmed this. It was Zhuge Clan Leader’s absolute domain.

Rustle—

“My lord. This lowly one has been eagerly waiting.”

Just as Gui Yitai was prostrating himself with an affectedly elegant demeanor.

Thud.

Black leather shoes trampled in front of his bowing head. The sound of crushing sand on the dirt ground was piercingly clear.

When he raised his head, a single character came into view.

Desolate (荒).

“Crazy…!”

As Gui Yitai spat out a curse, his head was crushed under foot.

The texture of sticky blood along with the crunching sound of the skull. However, no one paid attention to the corpse that had died instantly while prostrated.

Suddenly, three figures appeared.

Zhuge Clan Leader’s energy waves were pressed back and retreated from three sides.

Three silhouettes, each draped in pitch-black robes, etched clear outlines in the bright moonlight.

Among them, the face of a young man upon whom the moonlight descended seemed to make all other objects lose their color.

Radiant Demon Wing Leader Lightning Genius. The moonlight rippled through his hair as he walked.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s pitch-black sleeve hems fluttered long.

Shing.

Moonlight shattered on the elegantly drawn sword blade.

The eyes of those who had remained in place widened. The originally pure white sword of Radiant Demon Wing Leader began to turn blue.

As auspicious waves crawled on the blade, Zhuge Clan Leader’s domain shook entirely at once.

Boom—

The silence was not long.

The three leaders of Desolate Fortress’s Divine Sword Group took a step.

Thud.

It was a clear footstep that resonated in the silence. Dust rose along the hem of the three people’s trousers.

The internal energy rush that preheated all the meridians in their bodies was so fast and fierce that invisible energy waves crushed and shook off the surrounding dust.

[I’ve been waiting. Are you sufficiently prepared?]

Zhuge Clan Leader, covering his mouth with his fan, let out a low laugh.

Whoosh—

As the atmosphere around them, unable to withstand the energy waves of Divine Sword Squad Leader, Blood Guardian Squad Leader, and Radiant Demon Wing Leader, began to fluctuate hazily, more and more people who had been fleeing in all directions stopped and turned to look back.

A Clan Leader of the Eight Great Clans and the leaders of Desolate Fortress.

A shocking confrontation. Truly massive stakes were involved.

“……”

The atmosphere rapidly became desolate. Dry wind brushed past the pitch-black robes.

The Martial World watched them.