Chapter 420 – Martial Lineage

Dengfeng County, Henan Province.

A vast and vibrant city.

It enjoyed peace beneath the scenery of Mount Song, which rose as if gently carving the sky. Despite the severe famine, there were no Sima Evil Path practitioners committing atrocities.

That’s why it flourished.

A land where the renowned monk disciples of Shaolin modestly nourished the earth energy.

Most commoners had at least some food to put in their mouths.

They showed no particular envy toward the mansion situated like a fortress in the center of the city.

Rather, countless people would raise their hands in martial salute toward the plaque on its main gate as they passed by.

Green Jade Sword Manor.

Built by renowned lay disciples from Shaolin, it was a place where martial artists with business at Mount Song’s Shaolin Temple had to stay.

Similar to the custom of Mount Wudang in Huguang, where weapons must be removed beyond a certain point.

Shaolin, the supreme authority of the martial world, permitted this.

Those carrying swords could not mix with the pilgrims visiting Shaolin. They all had to gather at the Green Jade Sword Manor.

This custom, which had become common sense in the martial world since the founding of the country, was always observed.

Even at this moment, when renowned martial artists from across the world were flocking to Henan.

“Did he come again today?”

At the training ground of Green Jade Sword Manor, where the ground had been evenly prepared.

Martial artists of all appearances gathered in groups of three or five, whispering among themselves. Each had a common topic of conversation.

“Yes. His bloodline gives him an extraordinary appearance and energy, but despite suffering so much, he simply doesn’t know when to give up.”

“White Qilin Namgung Hwa-shin is a divine figure of Desolate Fortress. At his age, wearing a black robe, he naturally carries himself with dignity wherever he goes. I heard that the previous Radiant Demon Wing Leader Harbinger of Death personally oversaw his initiation ceremony. In terms of strength, there aren’t many here who could match White Qilin.”

“Even so, he’s not at a level to challenge the Four Diamond Kings.”

“Well, the odds were unfair from the start…”

“Anyway, isn’t it ridiculous that the imperial court demands Shaolin do what they should be doing themselves? Asking for Shaolin monks’ secret techniques to be applied to lands outside Henan, as if they’re the only ones with important business for these renowned monk masters.”

“I understand their perspective. The high officials of the imperial court are all preoccupied with the northern situation, aren’t they? They’ve entrusted ‘martial world security’ to Desolate Fortress, which is just a handful compared to the entire realm.”

“It’s not just a handful. Haven’t you heard the rumors that Sichuan has been devastated? The entire martial world is in turmoil.”

“Even so, that’s happening far away. Aren’t we just cooking porridge here? With renowned figures from righteous sects gathering one after another, how could newcomers like White Qilin or Lightning Genius Martial Lineage exert any influence…”

They all whispered in different directions, speaking in hushed tones.

Talk about the martial competition between Desolate Fortress and Shaolin, separate from the Mount Hua Agreement.

White Qilin Namgung Hwa-shin, along with Blue-rank Martial Artist Ma Se-in and White-rank Martial Artist Ma Woong, had submitted a request to Shaolin.

They asked for the secret techniques of the renowned monk disciples who nourish earth energy to be applied to Huguang, Shaanxi, and South Zhili as well. In return, they would permit Shaolin’s lay sects to expand into Xiangyang in Huguang Province.

Originally, this was a matter that Desolate Fortress’ Immortal Tree Spirit should have handled together with the imperial court.

That would have been the case if Ice Soul Cheon So-so and the others hadn’t gone missing in Sichuan. The void they left was immense.

Shaolin expressed reluctance.

The proposal wasn’t bad, but it was a time when all sorts of Sima Evil Path practitioners and reclusive masters were roaming the martial world, trying to stockpile food.

After sending disciples from the main temple to various parts of the world, they would have to worry about combined attacks and being picked off one by one.

Even Shaolin, which was incredibly close to being the foremost righteous sect, didn’t have all disciples who were supreme masters.

In response, the Shaolin Abbot asked:

—This poor monk lacks great virtue, so I cannot comfortably beat my wooden fish while sending disciples to their deaths. If it were just my own death, I could smile and seek nirvana… Moreover, the lands you’ve proposed are too vast for a single sect to handle. Isn’t that so?

—Namgung humbly addresses the Abbot. The martial artists of our main fortress will accompany the monks who descend the mountain and disperse. If Desolate Fortress and Shaolin are together, I believe few would dare to challenge us, even in these chaotic times.

—I know that the Divine Sword Group Leader has made a great decision to benefit the world. I’m very grateful for that.

But the Divine Sword Group couldn’t gather again easily. If the squad leaders were to assemble once more, Desolate Fortress would truly be charged with treason.

This was a fact that anyone with decent insight could understand.

The chaotic times were gradually intensifying. Could Desolate Fortress, without being united, exert the same influence as before? Especially when power losses were occurring frequently.

However, the Shaolin Abbot didn’t outright refuse.

—When a young person cares so deeply for the world, it wouldn’t be right for an old monk to only worry about the safety of his temple… Can you show me what capabilities Desolate Fortress currently possesses?

Thus began the martial competition.

It was a kind of wager. If the skills of the Desolate Fortress martial artists on the front lines ever satisfied Shaolin’s eyes, they would accept Namgung Hwa-shin’s proposal.

Some called it a preliminary to the Mount Hua Agreement.

In an era where all sorts of factions repeatedly established and annihilated each other, and even major factions like the Thirteen Evil Sects, Nine Sects, Eight Great Clans, and Desolate Fortress experienced rises and falls.

The major incident of Desolate Fortress’ Radiant Demon Wing Leader defeating the Ten Perfections Sect Leader, Pure Demon Alliance Leader, and Golden Wing Sect Leader in succession was triggering chaos in the martial world.

Merchant guilds and escort agencies that had stockpiled grain were uncertain about which side to align with, while masters with deep cultivation or strong reputations focused on the future movements of major factions.

Rumors even circulated that many of the Thirteen Evil Sects and Eight Great Clans had begun forming their own martial alliances.

Amid these turbulent times, many speculated that the martial world’s order would be reorganized anew, pivoting around the Mount Hua Agreement.

Through nothing other than the strength of the masters each faction possessed at this moment.

Dengfeng County is the venue for the Mount Hua Agreement martial competition.

The martial competition between Shaolin and Desolate Fortress naturally attracted much attention.

The results were stark.

White-rank Martial Artist Ma Woong, a young warrior who had learned the simplified Jeong Family Dynamic Technique within the Desolate Ma family, was defeated in twenty exchanges by a Shaolin monk of the same age who had cultivated Shaolin’s Muscle Sutra.

And the young family head of the Desolate Ma family, Blue-rank Martial Artist Ma Se-in, couldn’t withstand Small Divine Monk Gak Jeong, who had restored Shaolin’s secret Guanyin Azure Unyielding Palm.

Meanwhile, White Qilin Namgung Hwa-shin alternately competed with Shaolin’s Four Diamond Kings, revealing the limitations of the Sky-Piercing Unhindered Sword Technique to the world.

It meant he had suffered repeated defeats. Nevertheless, many martial artists considered these results natural and still praised Ma Se-in and Namgung Hwa-shin. It was because of their young age, corresponding to rising talents.

Instead, marriage proposals from the wealthy families of Dengfeng County poured toward them. They were considered rare catches as potential husbands.

The martial competition didn’t end with just one round.

The Desolate Fortress group continued to submit challenge letters, apparently intending to keep challenging until they won, and Shaolin accepted them all. They never refused even once.

The affairs between the two major factions continued like this. In the form of Desolate Fortress accumulating defeats.

Meanwhile, the number of martial artists flocking to Dengfeng County gradually increased.

There were even peerless swordsmen who climbed Mount Song, deceiving even the moonlight.

The Shaolin Abbot’s residence.

Beneath the roof tiles that formed a pale curve along with the moon’s halo, elderly voices flowed from the ancient temple hall.

“I hear that the Ma family’s young family head is now matching well with the Small Divine Monk? Desolate Fortress’ momentum is like a typhoon. It’s fitting that they would come to Mount Song with such a request.”

An old woman’s voice came first.

A wave that instantly swept the empty space outside the threshold in a circle. The internal energy contained in her voice was tremendous.

Soon after, an old man’s response gently rustled the green leaves of the cypress tree.

“Just let things flow as they will. What good would come from taking a stance?”

“Desolate Fortress doesn’t see it that way. While we have our own karma, they expect unconditional trust as if they alone protect the martial world. I even doubt their intentions in activating the Mount Hua Agreement.”

“The Mount Hua Agreement. Yes, the patron who brought up that old story…”

“He’s the Tyrant Hero’s grandson. You must know, Venerable. I heard he’s from Xinye County here in Henan.”

“Amitabha. That is indeed a fortunate coincidence.”

“This is not something to smile so warmly about. We must prepare.”

“Your sword energy remains sharp even after being suppressed for so many long years. People rightly call you the Sword Empress.”

“I need time to hone my sword energy. Please grant me Shaolin’s Repentance Cave. I will briefly enter seclusion.”

“Afflictions arise from attachments. It’s simply a matter of winning if you win and losing if you lose…”

“Is providing a sect leader-level figure from the Nine Sects such a light matter?”

“Desolate Fortress won’t ask for anything that goes against principles.”

“They are essentially the imperial sword. Martial sects of the martial world shouldn’t trust them blindly.”

The Sword Empress continued.

“Anyway, to avoid criticism, we must defeat three of the White, Blue, Black, and Purple ranks in the competition, and aren’t Black and Purple the biggest variables? I hear the Radiant Demon Wing Leader will participate as Black? We can’t handle that child with first-generation disciples, and if force won’t work, perhaps we should move his heart instead.”

“Hmm.”

“The Beggar Sect Leader hinted that the upcoming Double Ninth Festival is the day the Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s mother passed away. What if Shaolin bestows grace by holding a memorial service for her?”

“This is becoming increasingly uncomfortable to hear.”

“If you feel that way, our sect will take care of it. We will observe the utmost propriety, so please set your mind at ease.”

“Are you so afraid of losing in the Mount Hua Agreement? Did you not harbor good feelings for the Tyrant Hero in your youth, Sword Empress?”

“That’s precisely why I cannot lose.”

In that moment, the voice of the Sword Empress, sect leader of the Diancang Sect, Kim Seon-seon, became powerfully smooth. It was as if she had completely regained her youth for a brief moment.

“I don’t know about you, Abbot, but I am a martial artist who cultivates the sword, not the Taoism. Yet I cannot challenge the aged and fallen Tyrant Hero to a duel, can I?”

“Amitabha…”

“We should plan our personnel selection with the Divine Sword Group Leader in mind for the Purple rank. I have no intention of yielding this competition to High Sword and Lu Xian, but it would be right for someone with better chances to take that role. As for the memorial service for the Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s mother, our sect will also take care of that.”

It was the Sword Empress’s declaration.

Instead of an answer, a soft Buddhist invocation flowed out. The pale moonlight of the full moon hanging in the night sky quietly settled on the edge of the eaves.

***

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

Forbidden City South Three Places.

It was the Crown Prince’s residence. After receiving the “fabric” from the Emperor, Jeong Yeon-shin sat facing Yong Hui-myeong to determine his future course.

“You met the Peng family’s Night?”

“Yes.”

“How was it?”

“Brief.”

Jeong Yeon-shin answered with his arms resting on his knees in a formal sitting position. Even without stretching them far, his arms and legs were long.

The corner of Yong Hui-myeong’s mouth rose slightly.

“Brief? It seems you didn’t exchange moves.”

“It was about the martial competition.”

“That’s what I’m talking about. After the former Peng family head, Ghost Cry Hegemon King, left the family, the Peng family made great developments. About twenty years ago… they took in a Tibetan lama who had been wandering Central Plains as a guest, and in return, the monk passed on the Bone Contraction Technique to that family.”

Lama monk. A term referring to foreign monks. Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes widened slightly.

“If it’s a lama’s Bone Contraction Technique…?”

“Yes, it’s the Yoga Divine Technique. That’s why the Peng family’s Night was examining your body.”

Peng Family Human Lord and Great Severing Blade Lord.

The father and daughter of the Peng family are called the Human Gods of Hebei. Along with rumors that they transcended the limits of innate martial talent through divine techniques and extraordinary learning.

“They’re people who freely adjust their bodies according to their opponents. If either the Peng Family Human Lord or the Great Severing Blade Lord were to face you, both would have to adopt slender bodies with long limbs. That’s the only way to match your intervals and speed. They wouldn’t be able to withstand your Brilliant River or Thunder Annihilation Sword Style with a single strike.”

Yong Hui-myeong said while rolling a teacup with his finger. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Jeong Yeon-shin nodded heavily.

“That’s helpful advice. I’ll have to face them both in succession.”

He spoke calmly.

Yong Hui-myeong would be leaving on a distant journey by the Emperor’s command.

Like Tyrant Hero Ma Yeon-jeok, whose whereabouts were currently unknown, Yong Hui-myeong too would be carrying out some mission in utmost secrecy as a hidden sword.

Therefore.

Jeong Yeon-shin would be the Purple rank master for the Mount Hua Agreement.

Though he couldn’t engrave the character “Desolate” (荒) on both shoulders without the Desolate Fortress Lord’s approval, he had attained Desolate Fortress’ highest rank with imperial permission.

This meant he could act as Purple rank in the martial world without issue.

“Face them both in succession?”

Yong Hui-myeong tilted his head slightly to the side.

Jeong Yeon-shin nodded slowly. With the spirit of a general facing a battlefield that must absolutely be won. He recalled the demeanor of Blood Extreme Demon Jin Myeong-jo, who was wrapped in pitch-black from head to toe.

It was said that the Blood Guardian Squad Leader had never failed to accomplish an assigned task. All one hundred and seventy-some matters he had been involved in had ended in success.

In contrast, Jeong Yeon-shin had once let the Seventh Apostle, whom he had just met, escape.

It was a failure of his maternal uncle Ma Jin, who should always be looked after. It was also Jeong Yeon-shin’s embarrassment, as he had been performing the mission together that day.

There are few people in the world one can trust. One of them is Jeong Yeon-shin of the black robe.

“The Peng Family Human Lord will be no match for the Radiant Demon Wing Leader.”

Jeong Yeon-shin said calmly.

He had roughly slung a thick bundle over one shoulder.

Inside were Dark Night Palace Leader’s Fire-Quelling Grand Demon Bow, Namgung First Sword’s Heaven-sundering Sword, and a neatly folded purple robe. It could rightfully be called the most valuable luggage in the martial world.

Lightning Genius of the purple robe was ready to depart. With the lightness skill Ten Li Gentle Light, it would take just one breath to travel from Beijing to Henan.

Yong Hui-myeong’s expression became strange.