Chapter 421 – Martial Lineage (2)

For a while, Divine Sword Group Leader Yong Hui-myeong quietly gazed at Jeong Yeon-shin before slowly opening his mouth.

“That’s not quite right.”

“…?”

Jeong Yeon-shin’s head tilted slightly to the side.

Yong Hui-myeong’s eyes glimmered with a hint of laughter.

The Divine Sword Group Leader, whose dismissal had been postponed due to the chaos of the times, seemed like an eldest brother who enjoyed the arts but understood the ways of the world.

He spoke slowly.

“The purple robe is a secret treasure of the imperial family. The more real battles you experience, the more the spiritual energy within the robe absorbs your qi and grows tougher. You can consider it a second protective energy barrier.”

“Yes, I know.”

“There’s only one reason the imperial family would bestow such a sacred garment. It’s because, aside from your maternal grandfather and me, there’s no one who can take your place right now.”

Slurp.

A subtle fragrance of tea wafted out as Yong Hui-myeong lifted his teacup.

“Just as a Black rank cannot pretend to be Purple, so too must Purple not lower his dignity carelessly. You are now a person of honor. Even if you must change your attire for a mission, you should never lower your own status.”

“…”

“Or is it that you don’t trust the other Black ranks of the main fortress? Enough to insist on keeping the Group Leader’s authority?”

Yong Hui-myeong asked, half teasing. Jeong Yeon-shin quickly shook his head.

His uncle and Lazy Flame Dragon were people to be watched over like his niece Jeong Hye, but the seniors from Wish for Peace Sword Hall were different.

“I was arrogant. I just… didn’t want to ruin things.”

Mount Hua Agreement. The world’s greatest martial competition.

He had never experienced anything like this. It was all completely new.

Representing Desolate Fortress in name and fact, and even if he won as a peerless master, it didn’t guarantee success.

That’s why he wanted to take two spots, even at the risk of criticism.

He was deeply afraid of failure. Ever since seeing Wudang’s High Sword, the pressure had weighed on him.

The Mount Hua Agreement itself was a promise made by the previous generation, born from a bond of chivalry.

…He didn’t want to stain his grandfather’s old name, nor did he want to bring great trouble to Desolate Fortress.

After all, he was the one who had activated the Mount Hua Agreement.

If Desolate Fortress lost, the price would be severe. The martial sects would gain the right to command a Purple rank as they pleased. Even if the opponent was an orthodox sect, it was something that should never happen.

Perhaps seeing through his heart, Yong Hui-myeong’s lips curled up.

“You can be a bit more proud.”

“…”

“Looking at you now, it’s remarkable. Purple at seventeen. With your character, it’s no wonder people call you a gentleman. Especially in the Ma family.”

Even as Jeong Yeon-shin felt embarrassed, he couldn’t deny it.

In his seventeen years of life, he had rarely met anyone as humble as himself. Even if it sounded like self-praise, it was true.

No one is comforted by hearing the obvious.

Seeing Jeong Yeon-shin a bit dispirited, Yong Hui-myeong shrugged.

“It’s fine even if you lose. If the Nine Sects call, I’ll go. Wasn’t the agreement activated to save me in the first place? Since I survived thanks to it, it’s only fair to play the pawn of the martial world at least once.”

Yong Hui-myeong put on a deliberately solemn expression and continued.

“Now, let me ask again. Have you thought about your lineup?”

“There are many who come to mind, but…”

Jeong Yeon-shin shook his head. The Mount Hua Agreement’s participation requirements were unusual.

Yong Hui-myeong, as the inheritor of Ma Yeon-jeok’s Divine Sword, had been recognized by both Wudang and Mount Hua, but among the Black ranks, there weren’t many who met the qualifications for the competition.

Aside from Forest Treading Squad Leader Xiahou Wei-jin, who had declared himself Lightning Genius Martial Lineage, there were few. Each had their own unique secret techniques.

Yong Hui-myeong nodded.

“Forest Treading Squad Leader, huh. Didn’t he return to the main fortress with our Vice Group Leader? He should be easy to summon.”

Hoguang and Henan were neighboring lands, so it made sense.

Likewise, Shin So-bin, Hyeon Won-chang, and Lazy Flame Dragon should also be in the main fortress.

…Jeong Yeon-shin had already sent orders for their return through the former Hwangbo family head, whom he had befriended in the Rain Dragon Formation. The situation in Sichuan had been so dire at the time.

“That settles it. For White and Blue Rank, you have plenty of Lightning Genius Martial Lineage martial artists, so you’ll choose well.”

“Forgive my impertinence, but may I come in now?”

With a relaxed voice, the door opened. It was Blue Eyed Sword Demon Cheong Myeong’s voice. Jeong Yeon-shin’s head turned quickly.

He had already sensed familiar presences through the not-quite-closed door.

He had left it open on purpose, having heard that the Radiant Demon Wing masters who had been patrolling near Beijing had returned.

They said they had helped the Imperial Guards outside Beijing due to the rampage of mystical creatures.

“Let’s see how much our Squad Leader has grown!”

“Don’t speak so casually of the Purple’s dignity. He’s taller than you, anyway.”

“I heard Beijing was in an uproar over the Lotus Nezha incident.”

“Show us the purple robe! Why are you still wearing black?”

The group in blue martial attire entered, making a dignified commotion. Two led the way.

A one-eyed noble youth with a relaxed smile, and a woman with long black hair draped behind calm eyes.

Despite not carrying weapons, they exuded the sharp presence of swordsmen.

Jeong Yeon-shin took in Cheong Myeong, Baek Mi-ryeo, and a dozen Blue rank masters at a glance.

They were the Radiant Demon Wing of Desolate Fortress. The twin wings of the main fortress, along with Obeying Heaven Wing during the great war. The famed siblings of Lightning Genius Martial Lineage.

Baek Mi-ryeo’s pale lips moved.

“We’ll escort you to Shaolin.”

Her cool voice was like a winter wind, soothing a body warmed by long training. A faint smile appeared on Jeong Yeon-shin’s lips.

Cheong Myeong, Baek Mi-ryeo, and the Radiant Demon Wing masters brought news from the main fortress.

They said the Elder Council Head had long since returned from the Forbidden City after entering the palace.

At that time, the imperial ministers seemed ready for a confrontation, but the Elder Council Head instead strongly advocated for the dismissal of the current Divine Sword Group Leader, leaving the high officials speechless.

…‘So that’s why the Forbidden City was peaceful.’

Jeong Yeon-shin thought. The delayed permission to enter the palace was nothing.

He had expected a tough political battle, but now he saw why it had been so oddly easy.

—The Yong family is a muddy river, and so is the Ma family. Only the Jeong family is a lotus blooming in the mud. I trust you.

A letter from the Elder Council Head, written in one stroke.

Cheong Myeong said the Elder Council Head had left after saying he was preparing for the main fortress’s succession ceremony.

He was not in condition to stay away for long. Old injuries from losing his martial arts and innate qi to the Blood Flame Cult Leader long ago.

“Wait a little longer. The juniors are bringing it from afar. We couldn’t just store such a famous sword carelessly.”

South Three Places of the Crown Prince’s palace. In front of the grand, old palace gate.

Leaving Yong Hui-myeong, who had departed on the Emperor’s orders, behind, Jeong Yeon-shin was being seen off by the Crown Prince and the Chief Eunuch.

“My son tells me you are quite versed in sword songs. Could I hear one?”

The Crown Prince added that there was a time when the sound of a sword would cut through his worries.

Jeong Yeon-shin shook his head.

“There are those who should hear it, and those who shouldn’t. Your Highness is the latter.”

“Why is that?”

“Mine is a sword song that severs lifelines…”

For a moment, the Crown Prince’s lips curled inward. His expression was hard to read, as if he felt something profound.

“A gentleman of the Ma family offers me advice. Watching you be recognized by His Majesty, I realized there are worries one must embrace…”

“…?”

“I am grateful. We will meet again. The country, the imperial family, will need your strength.”

There was a northern wind in the Crown Prince’s words. Cold and dry. Jeong Yeon-shin responded with a martial salute to the Crown Prince’s thanks.

‘I’ll have to watch my words from now on.’

…It seemed even his casual words now carried the weight of experience. He might inadvertently reveal his insights to an enemy.

“Please give my regards to your maternal grandfather.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Eunuch looked down at him and spoke.

The high official, who had always maintained a lofty demeanor, now showed proper courtesy. Jeong Yeon-shin only nodded slightly.

He had received enough reward from the Forbidden City. Now he truly had to think about the Mount Hua Agreement lineup.

‘For Blue rank…’

Lazy Flame Dragon was strong but not reliable. All the Radiant Demon Wing members had learned the Radiant Art Bond for combined attacks.

It would be better to send Cheong Myeong or Baek Mi-ryeo than to pick someone incompetent at a crucial moment.

“You look bored. They’ll be here soon.”

The Chief Eunuch’s words broke his thoughts. Suddenly, Jeong Yeon-shin felt the warm spirituality of Remaining Thunder.

“I’ll be going now.”

As he flicked his hand, the summer air shimmered.

Soon, a silver flash appeared in the distant sky, and a long sword flew toward Jeong Yeon-shin with a sound like tearing silk.

It was the divine sword Remaining Thunder.

Without blinking, Jeong Yeon-shin caught it in one motion.

The warmth in his grip. He sheathed Remaining Thunder at his waist in the heart of the imperial palace.

“…”

But no one said a word about the scene. Even as Jeong Yeon-shin turned his back on the waves of golden, majestic tiles.

Ssssk.

He adjusted the large travel bag slung over one arm.

The weight pressing on his left shoulder seemed to whisper to him. It was time to return to the martial world.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

The midsummer heat baked the desolate forest.

Bare, dried branches rubbed against each other in the humid wind. The wind in this land was yellow.

The back mountain of the Jeong family estate in Xinye County, Henan.

On a gentle hill, a dozen or so graves stood in a row.

It was a place that had recently filled the villagers of Xinye County with fear.

…Because some dark path ruffians, ignoring the eyes of the authorities and Shaolin, had set up a third-rate sect on the old Jeong family grounds, only to be wiped out by a peerless beauty with an eyepatch.

These were not the ruffians’ graves.

They were the graves of the Jeong family retainers.

The red-clad witch had made Ma Yeon-sang’s grave into a royal tomb and disappeared.

She had built a brick wall three layers high around the grave. Next to it, the Jeong family head’s grave had only been minimally tended.

“Sir Namgung, this won’t do. We should step back for now…”

“Little Sword Queen, please understand. Whether it’s a private memorial or a Buddhist service, we must witness it all.”

Below Ma Yeon-sang’s grave, three groups faced off.

None were ordinary.

Even in these troubled times, their faces were clean, and their martial attire shone with the luster of fine silk.

The foremost was a man.

A young man with white skin and a black robe. His sharp jaw was as elegant as a sword blade, and his clear black eyes radiated the spirit of a true hero.

He had the look and bearing of nobility.

Desolate Fortress Black rank.

White Qilin Namgung Hwa-shin.

Behind him stood a noble youth with strong features and a young man. Blue-rank Martial Artist Ma Se-in and White Martial Artist Ma Woong. Everyone knew Ma Se-in was the Ma family’s young family head. These three represented Desolate Fortress.

“Just let them do it. What’s the problem with us watching?”

Ma Se-in, standing straight despite being at a grave, asked calmly. He had recently earned the nickname Gentleman Ma.

But the dozen or so people facing him were also regarded as immortals in the martial world.

The Sun Piercing Diancang Sect, known for swordsmanship that could pierce the sun. They were orthodox, from the Diancang Sect.

“Watching isn’t the issue, but your followers seem ready to start a fight at any moment.”

The disciples of the Diancang Sect were just as polite as Ma Se-in.

They contained their energy so as not to harm the ground. They looked like a group of handsome, well-mannered martial artists.

The woman at their head was especially striking. A woman with a black sword, wearing a crimson silk tunic, with long black hair to her waist.

Her aura was sharp, even though it was carefully restrained.

Little Sword Queen Qu Su-yu.

She had large eyes and gentle, downturned brows, giving her a kind appearance. But no one around her took her lightly.

Little Sword Queen urged Desolate Fortress to step back.

“Whatever the others may think, I’m here in good faith. Will you let the day pass without a proper memorial?”

“I know there’s no special connection between your sect and the Ma family. I only wish to prevent trouble.”

Namgung Hwa-shin bowed respectfully. Even in that small gesture, there was an air of nobility—a model of orthodox chivalry.

At the same time, a snort came from another side.

“How bold.”

“Indeed. After avoiding us for so long.”

The last group to climb the hill after Desolate Fortress and the Diancang Sect.

Five men and women wearing blue hero’s scarves popular in the south looked up at Namgung Hwa-shin with disfavor.

They weren’t the Namgung family.

Whenever a powerful clan rules a region, there are subordinate sects who benefit from that power.

The hero’s scarf group were martial aristocrats who had once been closely tied to the Namgung family.

One of them bowed respectfully to Little Sword Queen. A martial salute of utmost courtesy.

“Forgive our rudeness. Please allow us some time. There are matters to settle with the Namgung direct line.”

The one who received this courtesy at Ma Yeon-sang’s grave, bypassing Desolate Fortress, was the old woman beside Little Sword Queen.

She slowly opened her eyes, leaning on a long sword as a cane.

Her gaze swept down the hill.

Hoo—… Everyone held their breath. It was as if a silent sword wind had swept the area like a storm.

No one could stand against her. Even White Qilin in black slightly bowed his head to her martial presence.

“…If it’s a family matter of the South Zhili, it’s not for me to interfere.”

The old woman’s voice was hoarse. The hero’s scarf group brightened.

They immediately turned to Namgung Hwa-shin.

A young man among them spoke.

“You know why we’re here. The South Zhili is in chaos. Bandits are rampant, and dark path ruffians are disturbing the order of the streets, all because the Namgung direct line is gone. Desolate Fortress wiped them out.”

“…But the family’s Elder Council Head is still alive.”

“It’s not enough. He’s a figure of the past. The other sects of the South Zhili can’t look to him for the future. That’s why we need you. Return to the Namgung family.”

Namgung Hwa-shin was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly.

“As long as I am not expelled, I will not leave Desolate Fortress of my own will. If the South Zhili’s troubles are due to the Sima Evil Path’s uprising, I will go as a mission.”

“I knew it!”

Another scoffed.

“Didn’t I say? A half-wit who hasn’t even inherited the Emperor Sword Form wouldn’t feel responsible for the South Zhili! He’s probably never even seen the red jade in the Heaven Sword!”

“Is it the limit of an illegitimate child…”

The South Zhili martial artists sighed. Some spoke of the late Azure Qilin, saying the southern region would be whole if he were alive.

Namgung Hwa-shin was silent.

He was not one to draw his sword lightly. Unless it was clear injustice, he would not spill blood. His elder brother Azure Qilin had taught him humility as the ultimate principle.

It was the same now.

He could only hope those before him would tire and leave on their own.

“…Fine! We didn’t expect much anyway. Let’s go enjoy the martial competition. It’s a rare chance to broaden our horizons.”

“I hear Desolate Fortress keeps losing to Shaolin. In the end, it’ll be a contest between the Peng family and the orthodox sects. White Qilin, Desolate Ma family, they are outsiders, not true martial artists or soldiers.”

“Little Sword Queen is listening. Lower your voices.”

The mocking words faded as thunder rumbled in the distance.

It grew rapidly louder, then a faint bolt of lightning struck the center of the three groups.

Bang—!

It was a sword.

A red jewel was set in the hilt. Namgung Hwa-shin gaped.

“The Heaven Sword…?”

The shockwave wasn’t great, only a strong wind swept down the hill.

The force pressed the South Zhili martial artists to their knees. The sound of earth splitting was loud.

“Wha…?!”

“A sword imbued with Azure Qilin’s spirit?”

Ma Se-in muttered.

The old woman beside Little Sword Queen opened her eyes again. Instinctively, Little Sword Queen’s arm, holding her sword, was lowered by the old woman’s hand.

“He’s not your opponent.”

The old woman, the Diancang Sect’s Sword Empress, stopped her disciple.

Crack—

From the clear sky, a youth descended.

His long hair rippled like ebony, and the dazzling sunlight turned the hem of his robe crimson as it fell upon him.