Chapter 391 – Divine Sword Group (7)

An office with a hole in the ceiling.

It was extraordinarily vast.

While messenger pigeons, raised through the secret techniques of renowned clans, flew about like migratory birds dropping various communications, the hundred-plus scholars filling the office’s interior were silently unfolding documents and busily wielding their brushes.

It could be called a mystical place. It was Yu Ling’s main headquarters.

“I will hear the report. Summarize the Divine Sword Group Leader’s movements.”

A figure wrapped entirely in a night-sky black robe spoke. The master of the Thirteen Evil Sects’ Yu Ling. A man whose thick black beard was covered by the wide brim of a bamboo hat.

As soon as he entered the large hall, the Yu Ling Leader had only one concern.

The Divine Sword Group Leader who had ultimately escaped from the dragnet that included three peerless masters of the Thirteen Evil Sects. The pursuit had been dragging on like an endless rainy season.

The lifeline of an absolute being who could be called the foremost under heaven was that tenacious.

‘His lightness skill… it was something I’d never seen before.’

The Yu Ling Leader’s eyes scanned the past.

Desolate Fortress’s Divine Sword Group Leader.

His incredibly explosive running.

It wasn’t the movement of someone who had been poisoned. The rainbow-colored propulsive energy waves flowing from beneath his feet, which had become a symbol of the current Divine Sword Group Leader, were also different.

Unlike his original lightness skill, which was so stable it seemed he could run forever, this was different.

His movements suggested he was fully utilizing the power of Dragon Eyes, the Divine Sword Group Leader’s peerless eye technique said to be capable of measuring even a thousand trajectories.

He had evaded the Yu Ling Leader and First Sword of Namgung’s strikes as if dodging them, and escaped from the trajectory of the Dark Night Palace Leader’s archery, which was like artillery bombardment, in a single step.

At a speed difficult to keep up with, even while carrying a Blue-rank Martial Artist at his side.

The pursuit had continued since then.

He had been circling the vicinity while heading south, and true to his reputation as someone with the world’s foremost internal energy in his heart, he frequently burst propulsive energy waves from his lightness skill.

He didn’t appear poisoned at all.

—How to break down his lightness skill.

That was the challenge facing the Yu Ling Leader. How to structure the dragnet to break the Divine Sword Group Leader’s legs.

He had even consulted the Scholar of the Nine Provinces and Myriad Knowledge, said to have the broadest knowledge of the martial world, but received only a senile retort: “Did that Yong b*st*rd have such a thing?”

It meant it was a recent insight.

‘That’s not strange.’

The Divine Sword Group Leaders throughout history had all been overwhelming geniuses.

They say there isn’t a single peerless master in the martial world who doesn’t continuously improve their martial arts, but the leader of Desolate Fortress’s Divine Sword Group had always been exceptional among them.

It was the good fortune of the Desolate Fortress Lord. Incomparable to the scholars now lined up before the Yu Ling Leader.

Tak—

The Yu Ling Leader flicked his finger.

A semi-transparent ripple spread in a circle. The ink fragrance that had been gently filling the hall’s interior was suddenly pushed away.

The scholars who had been silently examining only the documents falling beneath the desks.

The Yu Ling Leader had released their acupoints with the energy waves imbued in the finger-flicking technique he had just performed.

He had granted permission to speak to the scholars who couldn’t utter a word without orders.

“The summary is complete. Report quickly from those in charge of Dragon Capture.”

The Yu Ling Leader said. Dragon Capture. It was the name of the scheme to assassinate the Divine Sword Group Leader.

The hall immediately became noisy.

“I will report from seven days ago. The Great Blazing Mixing Spirit Formation of Taimo Mountain Fortress was half-destroyed by the Divine Sword Group Leader’s Dragon Ring Sword…”

“The Dark Night Palace’s Seventy-Two Bow Ghosts were annihilated!”

“Information from the Martial Dragon Association. Namgung’s First Sword’s beloved sword was broken, but he stole the Heaven Sword from the Namgung family… and is currently pursuing the Divine Sword Group Leader again.”

The Yu Ling Leader turned his head toward the scholar who had mentioned the Namgung’s First Sword.

“He stole his family’s heirloom? He’s taking a roundabout approach.”

“It is believed he also stole the Namgung family’s secret treasure, the Healing Pill.”

“Plunder. A supply method befitting this era. It would be better than the Divine Sword Group Leader.”

He should place his hopes on the Emperor Sword Form. The Yu Ling Leader, who had muttered briefly, opened his mouth again.

“Continue.”

“Four days ago. The Dark Night Palace activated the Ten Li Instant Kill Formation six times, but only managed to remove one of the Divine Sword Group Leader’s leather shoes…”

“Morale must be rising. Make it widely known to the high-ranking personnel of the Thirteen Evil Sects and their subordinates. That’s not a disgrace for the Dark Night Palace. It reveals that the Yong Fellow was also human.”

It was as the Yu Ling Leader was giving instructions in a monotone.

“Urgent news! Among the Three Technique Great Seats of Taimo Mountain Fortress, Purple Subtle Celestial Star has been killed!”

The Thirteen Evil Sects’ Taimo Mountain Fortress.

It’s a major faction of spell martial arts that split from the Mount Mao Sect.

The fortress surrounding the sect is famously located in a deep mountain valley like a peach blossom paradise, and its strength in the current era was rumored to be on par with the Zhuge family at its peak.

The Three Technique Great Seats refer to the three immortals commanded by the Taimo Mountain Fortress Leader. They are decisive weapons in faction wars. It was said that even the Zhuge Clan Leader couldn’t surpass them in their expertise in spell techniques.

They were beings who could destroy even fortress walls with a single gesture when equipped with dharma treasures and formations.

“…Purple Subtle Celestial Star is dead? How many times did the surrounding area flash before her last breath?”

“The surroundings darkened once, and then she was bisected.”

“One move… Who sent that letter?”

“Dark Spirit Number Seventeen.”

It was a report submitted by someone who had mastered the Dark Movement Transcending Time Technique, Yu Ling’s secret eye technique.

The shadows of Yu Ling primarily focus on cultivating protective techniques and eye techniques, so they exert visual power beyond their martial prowess. The report must be factual.

“…That’s actually for the best. Purple Subtle Celestial Star’s death will move the Taimo Mountain Fortress Leader.”

While organizing his thoughts with a flash of insight, the Yu Ling Leader inwardly found it strange.

The current Divine Sword Group Leader is eccentric. One could tell just by looking at his purple scholar-style martial robe.

He didn’t make exceptions for martial arts in his pursuit of elegance. All his techniques were as brilliant as any in the world.

Having refined his martial arts in that manner for a long time, it would be natural for him to use complex trajectories to bring out the extreme power of his techniques.

‘Yes, his martial arts have never aimed for short decisive battles.’

Rather, he often raised Desolate Fortress’s prestige by mocking opponents with elegant sword paths. According to reports, it had always been that way.

The only exception was when he faced the younger brother of the Namgung’s First Sword from the Martial Dragon Association, the deceased Namgung Clan Leader. This was because the Namgung family’s martial arts level was close to the best among the Eight Great Clans.

Purple Subtle Celestial Star doesn’t match up to the Namgung Clan Leader… Something new must have been added to the Divine Sword Group Leader’s martial arts temperament.

What could be happening in Desolate Fortress? There were also rumors of the emergence of numerous White-rank Martial Artists who used extremely direct trajectories.

Suddenly, a name flashed through the Yu Ling Leader’s mind. The Lightning Genius martial lineage.

He slowly opened his mouth.

“What about Desolate Fortress’s movements upriver from the Yangtze?”

“None.”

“Detestable creatures…”

Veins appeared on the back of the Yu Ling Leader’s hand.

He had visited the vicinity of the World Tree immediately after losing the Divine Sword Group Leader.

The possibility of the Desolate Fortress Lord’s intervention in this fight, the chance of Desolate Fortress’s Hidden Sword appearing, who was said to have torn off the arm of the Heart Martial Alliance Leader earlier. It was a place where both could be considered.

‘There will be no intervention. That’s certain.’

That was why the Yu Ling Leader had calmly overlooked the gathering of the Divine Sword Group’s Black-ranks. He believed the assembly would stop the moment news of the Yong fellow ceased.

Now that the Elder Council Head of Desolate Fortress had lost his teeth, they couldn’t possibly ignore the death of the Divine Sword Group Leader, who could be called the foremost in the fortress in terms of both martial power and symbolism.

The plan was to begin picking them off one by one the moment the Seventeen of the Divine Sword Group rushed in from all directions.

Yet there was no movement.

“These foolish and meticulous…”

Desolate Fortress had always been like this. No matter which high-ranking official they targeted, they never moved rashly.

They never act impulsively.

Thorough obedience to orders. Their trust in the Divine Sword Group Leader was close to some great force.

“…Where is he now?”

“He entered Hubei from South Zhili. He passed Wuchang long ago.”

“He won’t be able to enter Desolate Fortress’s main fortress.”

The Yu Ling Leader prioritized the Divine Sword Group Leader’s death over attacking the empty main fortress. He would know this too.

He wouldn’t make the mistake of drawing the Thirteen Evil Sects into the main fortress in Xiangyang himself.

“He’ll soon reach Guizhou.”

“It won’t take more than a few days.”

“His body is starving. No matter how infinite his primal energy is, he can’t withstand the Energy Dispersion Poison forever.”

The Yu Ling Leader, who had muttered in a thick voice, gestured with his chin toward the opposite side.

“What about the dragnet at Yunhui Peak in Sichuan? Are there results?”

While all the absolute being’s mental energy had been focused on the Divine Sword Group Leader, his stern command finally loosened the tongues of the other scholars.

Their tone and breathing were different. They couldn’t speak with the firm voices of the scholars who had reported until now. Their voices trembled slightly.

“The Ten Perfections Sect Leader, Pure Demon Alliance Leader, and Golden Wing Sect Leader were defeated in succession by the Radiant Demon Wing Leader of the Divine Sword Group… The three sects suffered catastrophic damage equivalent to annihilation, and the Ten Perfections Sect Leader and Golden Wing Sect Leader have departed for the netherworld.”

“…What?”

In that moment, the Yu Ling Leader’s bamboo hat shook.

The silence that spread from his body swallowed all sounds in the vicinity.

***

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

The Black-ranks’ lightness skill sprints continued intermittently.

When they properly sprinted, they created dust clouds on the plains, but they couldn’t run in a straight line.

This was because scenes of martial sects or ronin groups plundering villages frequently unfolded.

They couldn’t just pass by.

“Mercy, please show us mercy!”

“If grain is scarce, you should just take food. What reason is there to harm an entire family?”

“That is…”

“When you reach the netherworld, tell Yama. Say you were sent there by the kick of the Supreme Martial Hall Leader of Desolate Fortress.”

“Desolate Fortress…!”

These were chaotic times. Only those with power had some leisure.

While building relationships with his seniors, Jeong Yeon-shin had witnessed several horrific scenes.

Common people suffering from famine. Those who had become emaciated from hunger sitting with dead eyes, or the tragedy of people going to offer their own children to sects rumored to have started eating humans.

The young man who had reached the realm of peerless masters recalled his childhood several times.

Hunger.

Everyone was starving for something. Whether it was the affection of betrayed blood relatives, the bond between master and disciple fighting over human ethics, or food to satisfy hunger, they were all hungrier than Jeong Yeon-shin had been in his childhood.

There were no children riding the Dragon Boat Festival swings set up throughout the villages.

Amid this, the group had to consider the people’s livelihood, the imperial court, and the martial world.

“It’s paradoxical. To avoid disturbing the imperial court’s mood as we head north, we need to clearly show that we haven’t abandoned the people’s livelihood… but we can’t set aside our concerns for the Group Leader either.”

“Didn’t you say those were needless worries?”

“Well, that’s true. After all, he’s someone who returned alive even from among the northern Yao tribes in his youth.”

Yue Shou-lin playfully scratched Jeong Yeon-shin’s back. Jeong Yeon-shin accepted the comfort from his experienced senior.

This wasn’t a famine lasting just a day or two. Nothing would be accomplished by lingering in despair.

“Lightning Genius.”

Occasionally, Annihilation Team Leader Shin Hwang would approach. He would stare at Jeong Yeon-shin with his sunken eyes, and sometimes ask puzzling questions.

“Do you have any preferred delicacies?”

“I like Five Rhymes Mountain Vegetable Dish.”

“You mean the renowned clan’s wild vegetable dish? Why?”

“When several people tear off the leaves gathered like dumplings at once, the aroma that deeply permeates the vegetables is fascinating. I’ve seen it a few times in my family.”

“It’s a dish of harmony, a delicacy of masters. The moment is crucial.”

“I suppose it could be seen that way.”

“Indeed… you were the incarnation of martial arts from birth.”

“Pardon?”

It was a conversation difficult for Jeong Yeon-shin to grasp. The Annihilation Team Leader would nod to himself and walk away, only to return several times to share his thoughts.

Generally, they were advice about the temperaments and martial arts of high officials in Beijing’s Forbidden City and the leaders of the Divine Sword Group.

Then one day.

The group removed their black robes and changed into common long robes.

“This is it.”

Cheon So-so, at the front of the group, said. She had the World Tree sapling in her bosom. A branch containing spirituality that had thickened from absorbing even a small amount of the rain dragon’s energy.

It was said to be like a dharma treasure for Immortal Tree Spirit Squad Leader Cheon So-so. It would help her find traces of those who had lost their white skin but were originally of the same clan.

Heavenly Dragon Squad Leader Wei Zhi-ji stepped forward while stroking the rope at his waist.

“I’ve always found it strange whenever we passed by, but is the Dark Night Palace really here?”

“Yes.”

Cheon So-so nodded.

Jeong Yeon-shin, who had been unconsciously surrounded by his seniors in the middle of the group, stroked the sword energy of Remaining Thunder.

Grayish-white mist spread hazily before his eyes. A wind sound that faintly resembled the Ghost Valley Cry brushed past his ears.

The place they had arrived at.

It was the outskirts of Guangyin City in Guizhou… A city with many ominous rumors. The dry vines surrounding the nearby houses like fortress walls created an eerie atmosphere from the start.

There were many people with leaf-like upturned ears on skin that looked as if it had been smeared with ash. People peering out with just their eyes from between the grayish-white trees and brick houses.

The city people whispered.

“They’re carrying weapons. All martial artists.”

“They must eat well. Their complexions are good.”

“Indeed… they’re all handsome men and beautiful women.”

“Look at them. Even the big guy with the exposed forehead is handsome. They must be masters who can control their bodies at will.”

“Could they be from Desolate Fortress…?”

“That’s nonsense. Why would those lofty ones come all the way to the edge of this place?”

There was a sense of exclusivity. Some glared at them as if they wanted to kill them.

In a world where famine had persisted. It was a situation where anyone who wasn’t from the same area was treated with hostility. There seemed to be no room for cooperation.

“They must have hidden their main headquarters in a formation, so we need to identify which among them are from the Dark Night Palace.”

Burning Abyss Squad Leader Yu Jeong-myeong said while sharply scanning the surroundings. Cheon So-so shook her head.

“Though all you can see is wasteland… this is definitely the right place. It would be faster to find the entrance to the formation.”

“How long will that take?”

As Forest-Treading Squad Leader Xiahou was clenching his massive fist, it happened.

Thud.

Jeong Yeon-shin took a step on the muddy ground. The group consisted entirely of Black-ranks.

Since they were all equals who didn’t control each other, anyone could step forward as they pleased.

As he extended his hand downward, a sword emitting brilliant light was grasped.

It wasn’t Remaining Thunder. It was one of the Ten Perfections Sect Leader’s eighteen types of weapons, which could be used as consumables. It had been automatically drawn from the bundle that Xiahou Wei-jin was carrying on his back.

Though he hadn’t shown it, Jeong Yeon-shin was now sick of formations. This was especially true now that something had happened to the Group Leader.

It was a situation where they couldn’t exclude the Dark Night Palace as a malicious entity, and even the imperial court was watching them. In some quarters of the people’s livelihood, there were even voices criticizing the squad leaders.

“What are you trying to do?”

Just as Wish-fulfilling Spring Leader Beigong Ya, who had her arms folded alone, asked casually, and Jeong Yeon-shin, with his brilliant Black-rank seniors behind him, gripped the sword energy.

Woong—

A monotonous rhythm spread from the sword blade.