Chapter 390 – Divine Sword Group (6)

Several shoulders among the silhouettes surrounding Jeong Yeon-shin’s bed lowered slightly.

They seemed to be consciously suppressing bodies that had almost flinched undignifiedly. It was the realm of complete unity of essence, energy, and spirit.

All were Black-rank. Only brilliant figures were present.

‘That person is…’

Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyebrows rose slightly. Even amid the thick dust, one person was clearly visible.

A tall, gaunt middle-aged man. In the martial world, he was called Silent Lord. The internal energy he possessed created a distinct presence.

Annihilation Team Leader Shin Hwang.

Perhaps because of his extremely thin face, his features stood out like blades.

Was it to establish discipline among his fellow squad leaders? Deep black light gathered in his sunken eye sockets.

“Annihilation Team Leader spoke well. Why are you breaking walls and causing a commotion?”

Yue Shou-lin, with her arms folded, deliberately agreed. Despite the Annihilation Team Leader looking down at her intently, she stubbornly avoided meeting his gaze.

She had started to stand up for Jeong Yeon-shin but firmly pressed her back against the chair’s backrest.

“Why did you raise an energy barrier?”

Along with a gruff voice, a gust of wind arose and instantly pushed the dust in the room away in all directions.

A figure with ropes hanging abundantly at his waist had created a wind strike with a single gesture.

Saaaa—

The Heavenly Dragon Squad Leader Wei Zhi-ji appeared. He was staring fiercely at Senior Yue with his sharp chin lowered.

“I did it because I knew you’d all barge in like this. As soon as Lightning Genius said he was fine, you all rushed in. Is recovering from internal injuries the end of it?”

“That’s our line. I sensed greed in Senior Yue’s energy waves. You were surely planning to monopolize the conversation by asking about the battle at Yunhui Peak. Isn’t that right?”

The Azure Sky Squad Leader calmly questioned.

“……”

No answer came.

Yue Shou-lin merely lowered her leg that had been resting on the bed. Forest-Treading Squad Leader Xiahou Wei-jin, who had been casting the largest shadow, laughed heartily.

“There’s nothing to ask. When it comes to not acting your age, you’re the first among Black-ranks. Since we’re all gathered here anyway, let’s start the meeting.”

Simultaneously, void absorption forces arose from all directions. Sandalwood chairs were automatically pulled toward them.

The place where Jeong Yeon-shin had been lying was the Ten Perfections Sect Leader’s chamber. Beyond the walls shattered by the squad leaders’ intrusion was the assembly hall where the sect’s major affairs were decided.

From the office on the opposite side, a large armchair flew toward Xiahou Wei-jin.

Boom— Rumble—!

It didn’t take long for nine Black-ranks to sit surrounding the bed.

The Netherworld Flow Squad Leader and Law Enforcement Squad Leader sat casually on the perforated ceiling, looking down.

The Annihilation Team Leader, who had surveyed the surroundings, opened his mouth.

“We’ll make this place the Wish for Peace Sword Hall. Any objections?”

“I’ll stand guard.”

A cold yet smooth voice was heard. It came from outside the chamber.

The Annihilation Team Leader Shin Hwang turned his gaze.

“Blood Guardian Squad Leader, are you raising an objection?”

“With all the seniors so close to Junior Jeong, I still don’t feel reassured. Today I’ve seen nothing but frivolous people…”

“I respect that.”

The Annihilation Team Leader slowly nodded. Unlike other Black-ranks, he didn’t engage in petty disputes.

Jeong Yeon-shin was deeply impressed by both Jin Myeong-jo standing far away and Shin Hwang in this place. They were worthy of being called pillars supporting Desolate Fortress.

“Lightning Genius.”

“Yes, senior.”

Jeong Yeon-shin turned his gaze toward the Annihilation Team Leader while reclining diagonally on the bed.

Perhaps because his face was expressionless, this member of the Three Black-ranks was difficult to read. The surrounding air was heavy.

After scanning the scars engraved all over Jeong Yeon-shin’s body, the Annihilation Team Leader slowly opened his mouth.

“You need to rest more. Since we don’t know what might happen when, strengthen your state of unity of essence, energy, and spirit. We will move as your hands and feet.”

The characteristics of Desolate Fortress Black-ranks are all unique.

Among them, the Annihilation Team Leader possessed a temperament so heavy it could be felt on the skin.

Even advice that sounded close to a recommendation felt like an order, and without seeming particularly intentional, formless pressure flowed from his entire body.

Jeong Yeon-shin made a fist-palm salute while sitting.

“I appreciate your wise counsel, but I cannot burden you.”

“Do as you wish.”

Just as the Annihilation Team Leader heavily changed his words, Beigong Ya, who had been sitting with her legs crossed on one side, gestured with her chin toward the outside.

“The rulers of this land have arrived.”

“Their identities?”

“The Regional Magistrate and Provincial Commissioner. They say they have urgent matters to discuss.”

“We’ll let them in after finishing our meeting. Let’s begin now.”

The Annihilation Team Leader said. No Black-rank objected.

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly surveyed his surroundings. Faces still astonishing even now. The gathering of his seniors was something that simultaneously destroyed the common sense of both the martial world and secular society.

“I have a few questions.”

“Speak first.”

A soft voice. It was Immortal Tree Spirit Squad Leader Cheon So-so.

She was examining Jeong Yeon-shin’s body more intently than any other squad leader present. Her two eyes shone with a blue-silver light, suggesting she had activated an eye technique.

‘Is she considering what happened in the rain dragon’s formation as a debt?’

Jeong Yeon-shin made a silent bow to her and slowly parted his lips.

“I’m curious about the whereabouts of the Immortal Tree Spirit, Forest-Treading, and Obeying Heaven Wing martial artists. Are they all safe?”

“Of course. They’re even doing things that the taoists and monks of the Nine Sects could never do.”

Xiahou Wei-jin said gruffly. When his eyes met Jeong Yeon-shin’s, he smiled fiercely.

“The dragnet at Yunhui Peak was a encirclement of what they considered elites. The remnants left after sending those fellows away are scattered throughout Sichuan.”

“You mean the remaining forces of the Sima Evil Path?”

“Yes, those miscellaneous beings are the ones who torment the common people the most. The so-called masters typically focus on cultivation while enjoying tributes from their subordinates.”

It meant they were thoroughly crushing the Sima Evil Path martial artists remaining in Sichuan. Exterminating evil and eliminating demons. It was indeed something the Nine Sects couldn’t do.

“I’ve instructed them to return to the main fortress when the task is complete.”

Cheon So-so added. Jeong Yeon-shin inwardly agreed.

The standing forces of Desolate Fortress in Hubei Yangyang were at minimum two of the Seventeen.

Naturally, this included Black-ranks, but the current main fortress was virtually empty.

“Don’t worry too much.”

The Supreme Martial Hall Leader sitting at Jeong Yeon-shin’s feet said.

Clank—… He seemed to have read his junior’s inner thoughts. His unconscious habit of constantly tapping his artificial leg gave him a relaxed appearance.

“The Supreme Martial Hall, which ranks among the first in numbers, is staying at the main fortress along with the Annihilation Team. The Wish-fulfilling Spring is also circling near Xiangyang despite ignoring various missions. So…”

The Supreme Martial Hall Leader who had been continuing his words stopped tapping his artificial leg.

“We can afford to focus on you for a while.”

His eyes were transparent. His steady gaze at Jeong Yeon-shin contained many emotions.

The other Black-ranks had similar gazes. They seemed to have their energy senses acutely focused on Jeong Yeon-shin’s every move. It felt as if they were even scanning his internal energy breathing.

It was then that the Annihilation Team Leader spoke again.

“Wish-fulfilling Spring. The ‘Spring’ character signifies independence in finding one’s own missions. It’s a name that Beigong Ya obtained by practically throwing a tantrum to the Fortress Lord. Conversely, the ‘Spirit’ in Immortal Tree Spirit refers to mystical missions. It means exterminating things that render land unusable and revitalizing the earth’s energy with the secret techniques of renowned clans. Both are extremely important.”

His tone was peculiar. Jeong Yeon-shin blinked once.

It reminded him of when he first learned about the Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s duties. It felt like being introduced to responsibilities he should rightfully know.

“The Wish-fulfilling Spring Leader at that time was extremely disrespectful. If not for her talent, martial arts, and bloodline, she would never have risen to the position of squad leader.”

A man sitting on the opposite side from Beigong Ya calmly mocked. Burning Abyss Squad Leader Yu Jeong-myeong. A renowned clan member with ears as sharp as sword tips.

Famous for having the foremost achievement in movement techniques in Desolate Fortress, he was the one who had first planted the flag at Yunhui Peak earlier.

Beigong Ya snorted.

“That’s not something a monkey lacking all three should say. Isn’t having one of them enough?”

“Can the Wish-fulfilling Spring Leader even ignore mission assignments from the Group Leader?”

Jeong Yeon-shin quietly asked.

Wish-fulfilling Spring Leader Beigong Ya’s smile deepened. It was a somewhat belligerent smile. Almost like a provocation.

“If he specifically gives an order, I might reluctantly follow. Whether the mission goes well is another matter.”

“Senior Beigong is close to being a heavenly star, so you’ll excel at anything.”

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke with conviction.

In that moment, the smile on Beigong Ya’s lips faded. It was due to the mental imagery directly penetrating her upper dantian. It was different from when she faced the Provincial Commissioner’s flattery.

“Uh…”

“Insubordination is punishable by death.”

A woman’s flat voice interjected from the ceiling.

Jeong Yeon-shin slightly raised his head. His gaze immediately met that of a swordswoman sitting on the roof.

Law Enforcement Squad Leader Woon So-yu.

With her jet-black hair flowing down like silk, she exchanged eye greetings. Jeong Yeon-shin returned the greeting and realized the importance of this gathering.

No one was missing.

It was literally a microcosm of the world.

He gently stroked the front of his martial robe. His fingertips brushed against a small protrusion. It was the messenger swallow White Swallow, who had returned to the Black-rank after reaching the Ten Perfections Sect.

“If one cannot disobey the Group Leader’s orders… isn’t it difficult to disband from here?”

“What disbandment so soon? How satisfying it was to give those martial world parasites a taste of their own medicine. Let’s stay together a little longer.”

Yue Shou-lin, who had been maintaining a dignified silence, interjected. She immediately added quietly: You almost died, you know.

Burning Abyss Squad Leader Yu Jeong-myeong and Heavenly Dragon Squad Leader Wei Zhi-ji disagreed.

“It’s obvious how the world will react. Those who love to gossip will start talking about treason.”

“That’s right. Staying here quietly won’t solve anything.”

The discussion continued.

The key issue was their whereabouts.

Now that the Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s recovery was complete, they needed to decide how to move.

As the Law Enforcement Squad Leader said, insubordination doesn’t exist in Desolate Fortress. Regardless of the world’s gaze, following the authority of the Divine Sword held by the Divine Sword Group Leader came first.

“The Group Leader wouldn’t have gathered us without good reason. There must be some crisis.”

“About the dragnet we saw here. The scale was quite unusual. The Thirteen Evil Sects have never united like that… unless there was some extremely clever manipulation…”

“With the Martial Alliance established by the righteous path sects in Hanzhong, and the changing atmosphere of the martial world, we can’t help but worry about being picked off one by one. If we disband without proper measures, some will certainly suffer misfortune.”

“In any case, worrying about the Group Leader is unnecessary. He’ll survive anywhere.”

“They say the lifelines of peerless masters are made of innate fate and primordial energy. Group Leader Yong is particularly tenacious among them.”

The frustrating conversation continued.

The power of the Black-ranks gathered in one place was too great. Wherever they went, whatever place they stayed, they would inevitably attract attention.

Being the most powerful in this land, they paradoxically needed to be cautious.

The gaze of the common people momentarily betrayed by the squad leaders today, the eyes of the imperial court witnessing the sword in their grasp moving on its own, the attention of the entire martial world including the Thirteen Evil Sects and Eight Great Clans constantly eyeing Desolate Fortress… It was a situation where any hasty decision would be difficult.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s martial world had finally reached the realm of all under heaven. Even the smallest movement would put the world on alert.

‘Still, we can’t remain stationary. We need to create variables for the Group Leader whose whereabouts are unknown.’

Suddenly rising from the bed, he crossed the threshold outside.

Thud.

A faint white light cluster remained along his path. The puzzled gazes of the other squad leaders followed its end.

Jeong Yeon-shin was now looking down at two middle-aged men. Each wearing red official robes and armor. The Provincial Commissioner and Regional Commander.

They had been eavesdropping on the squad leaders’ meeting from a distance and now stepped back with a start.

“We will leave soon.”

“If you’re leaving, where to…?”

The Regional Commander asked while deliberately keeping his hands far from his sword hilt. His eyes continuously scanned the Radiant Demon Wing Leader of rumors.

A young man in his early twenties who could be called an extraordinary handsome man. Unlike the rumors of his insane ferocity, his neat demeanor was engraved in the eyes and ears of the high official.

‘Soon I’ll be summoned to Beijing with the Provincial Commissioner… This gives me more to talk about.’

It was then that Jeong Yeon-shin continued.

“As Regional Magistrate, don’t you oversee all military affairs in Sichuan?”

“…That’s correct.”

“You must have maps marking all under heaven? While we Black-ranks have the authority to view them, because our business is fighting, we don’t privately carry them around.”

“Why do you need maps…?”

Jeong Yeon-shin turned his gaze toward the shattered chamber. His seniors were looking at him.

“If we go straight up from here.”

Jeong Yeon-shin continued.

“We’d pass through one of the Thirteen Evil Sects, wouldn’t we? Dark Night Palace and Taimo Mountain Fortress should be in a straight line.”

It was just for an instant. A smile flickered on the lips of Annihilation Team Leader Shin Hwang.

“…It depends on which official road you take.”

“Wouldn’t one be acceptable on our way to disperse?”

The youthful young man asks repeatedly.

None of the seniors shook their heads. Only Senior Yue peeked her face out.

“Are you going to take care of it on the way? About the Golden Wing Sect Leader…”

***

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

Rumors about the great battle at Yunhui Peak spread rapidly. It was the biggest event in the martial world recently.

Nearby sects and all martial factions that had heard the news ceased their plundering and expansion.

Only the Thirteen Evil Sects of the Sima Evil Path and some of the Eight Great Clans moved actively according to some kind of scheme. They each had their own territories firmly established over long years.

“Desolate Fortress has finally gone mad.”

“It’s very surprising… but it won’t last long.”

“Even if the imperial court is distracted by the North, they wouldn’t neglect the people’s livelihood…”

“How much have we secured about methods to break the Lightning Genius martial lineage? Move it to our sect’s top priority.”

“Thoroughly search the entire road to Beijing. If we can eliminate them at the root…”

Then one day.

The country’s thirteen black swords headed north.

Their speed outpaced all rumors.

Various sectors of Sichuan belatedly tried to catch up with them, but only a very few, including Taoists and Buddhist nuns, succeeded in tracking their traces.