Chapter 427 – Grandmaster

Jeong Yeon-shin suddenly came to his senses. He was in the banquet hall, teeming with renowned figures of the righteous martial world.

‘Ugh.’

A belated pain throbbed in his grip. It stung intensely. The hand that had wielded the sword was completely torn.

Drip, drip.

Blood trickled down in droplets. The dirt beneath the tip of the Divine Sword Remaining Thunder turned dark crimson, spot by spot.

Only that faint sound echoed softly.

Jeong Yeon-shin lowered his eyelids slightly.

Every experience is invaluable.

He instinctively sought to review the exchange of blows that had just taken place.

The breath of supreme masters was extraordinarily long.

Though Jeong Yeon-shin had shared only a single breath with the Peng Family Head, in reality, they had exchanged nearly twenty distinct techniques.

He had faced the unfamiliar Transcendent Martial Art head-on.

‘Forest Blade Defies Sealing God…’

It was a tsunami of blade strikes. Jeong Yeon-shin had to unleash every technique of the Eternal Blossom Fist and the Thunder Annihilation Sword Style to cut through the surging waves of blade energy.

The recoil was tremendous. The meridians from his palm to his elbow were in tatters.

An internal injury to the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian. At this moment, it felt as if lightning bolts were coursing through the inside of his arm.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s martial arts were far from the concept of overpowering strength through softness.

He had suppressed the Peng Family Head’s life-saving ultimate technique with the Remaining Thunder Sword, and the result was the Peng Family Head’s left half of the body being obliterated.

‘He was stronger than the Ghost Cry Hegemon King.’

Peng Ye-ran’s sword techniques, in terms of ferocity, were far inferior to those of her son. This was likely due to her seclusion within the Rain Dragon Formation of her clan.

Jeong Yeon-shin felt anew the importance of real combat.

And he thought to himself. Once again, he had gained decades’ worth of experience. This time, it was of considerable value.

The outcome of this duel was no different.

The martial arts of the Nine Great Sects’ leaders were unfathomably deep. A short, decisive battle like this would likely not work against them.

Thus, it was necessary to use this occasion to proclaim that Desolate Fortress remained formidable.

At that moment.

“…This is absurd.”

A somewhat dazed voice rang out.

Crunch.

A woman approached the Peng Family Head’s corpse.

Her eyes sharp as blades, her hair braided long on both sides. It was Peng Family Blade Marquis, known by the moniker Night of Peng Family.

With every step she took, a grinding sound of bones echoed.

A divine skill of profound mastery. The pinnacle of mystery.

Her petite frame, which once seemed fittingly small, was transforming.

Her limbs rapidly lengthened, causing the hem of her trousers to sit around her calves, and her meticulously braided black hair unraveled, cascading down to her lower back.

It was just as the rumors described. The Heavenly Indian Yoga Technique seemed capable of reshaping muscles and bones at will, without any apparent backlash.

This was likely due to the inherent spirituality of that martial art. It was a divine skill originating from the homeland of Bodhidharma himself.

Step.

Peng Family Blade Marquis, now towering as if she were an entirely different person, arrived right before Jeong Yeon-shin.

“To think he would die like this.”

She muttered, gazing down blankly at the Peng Family Head, whose body was half-shattered.

“Take care of the body.”

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke indifferently.

This was a stage watched by martial artists from across the world. He had to maintain the dignity of the Purple Rank.

Peng Family Blade Marquis raised her head.

“…I knew you were formidable, but to think you were a monstrous force of chaos?”

Jeong Yeon-shin did not respond. Though she would likely inherit the position of Peng Family Head in the near future, at least for now, Peng Family Blade Marquis was not someone worthy of conversing as an equal with the Purple Rank of Desolate Fortress.

Especially in a place like this, with countless eyes watching.

Srrrng—

The pale blade of Remaining Thunder slid back into its sheath.

At the same time, the faint aura of light that had subtly enveloped Jeong Yeon-shin’s entire body vanished abruptly. He had retracted both his weapon and his protective energy aura.

Only then did breaths of relief escape from various corners of the hall.

“Hah!”

“How could the Great Severing Blade Lord fall like this… No, if it’s Jeong Yeon-shin of the Jeong Family, isn’t he the Radiant Demon Wing Leader …!”

“Send an urgent message… urgently…”

“A new Purple Rank! A new Purple Rank has emerged in Desolate Fortress…!”

Shock swirled heavily through the air. The vortex of emotions was palpable against his skin.

The atmosphere quickly turned chaotic. Some sat in a daze for a moment, while others hurriedly left their seats.

The only one remaining calm was Jeong Yeon-shin.

He rested his palm on the sword hilt and thought of the Tang Family siblings.

An unexpected life-and-death duel. Thanks to the clothes they had crafted from starlight, his injury was limited to his right arm.

It was a very cheap price to pay.

He had swiftly slain the Peng Family Head before the eyes of the martial world. As a newly appointed Purple Rank, hadn’t he left quite a strong impression? Surely, he had also greatly upheld the prestige of Desolate Fortress.

But above all…

“A mere White Rank warrior sent one of the Eight Family Heads to the River of Three Crossings. And it was that fellow who provoked the wrath of the Purple Rank.”

Blade Marquis glanced at Shin So-bin from a distance, while lifting the Peng Family Head’s body with both hands.

Jeong Yeon-shin did not deny it. In truth, the dignity of the Purple Rank and the face of Desolate Fortress were secondary to him.

Even when the Peng Family Head had gripped Shin So-bin’s lifeline and shook it, he couldn’t think of such things.

‘My disciple…’

Ever since the moment those who claimed to belong to the Lightning Genius Martial Lineage at the main fortress had collectively raised their fists in salute, a certain obsessive reassurance had settled in one corner of his heart.

The thought that even if he were to die young, there would be those who would remember him for a long time, that his traces would remain in the martial world.

There is a term, “Cloth and Bowl Successor”. Originally, it referred to a monk who inherited the robe and alms bowl of their master.

In the martial world, it signifies a disciple who has inherited the true, ultimate techniques. To Jeong Yeon-shin, Shin So-bin was such a person.

Even though Desolate Fortress forbade personal master-disciple bonds, she proudly declared herself the top disciple of Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s lineage and always conducted herself accordingly.

Just like now.

“Hurry up and step forward. That person keeps talking to the Squad Leader. It’s not fitting for her status.”

Shin So-bin poked Lazy Flame Dragon’s back repeatedly.

Ever since the life-and-death duel ended, Lazy Flame Dragon, who had been chewing on an opium poppy with his mouth slightly agape, reluctantly stepped forward at her urging.

“Peng… Ye? Is your name Peng Ye?”

[TL Note- Ye means night.]

Lazy Flame Dragon drawled lazily, as if fumbling for words.

To anyone watching, it was clearly a provocative stance, yet even in his casual pose with one leg bent, the dignity of the eldest son of the Hwangbo Clan shone through.

“How long are you going to keep holding your father’s body? Elder Peng has settled all his karma through this life-and-death duel, so don’t let him be disgraced in front of others. Bury him in a fine place. I offer my sincere condolences.”

“You wastrel of the Hwangbo Clan.”

Peng Family Blade Marquis’ lips twisted.

“I heard you dominated the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering multiple times while I was traveling to and from the Forbidden City… Was that just the glory of your juvenile days? To think you’d stand before me without even achieving the Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown.”

“We’ve both been in positions to lead great clans, haven’t we? You’re being too sharp. Don’t act so vulgarly in front of the Squad Leader.”

Lazy Flame Dragon scratched the back of his head as he spoke. There wasn’t a flicker of movement in his shadowed eyes. He was indeed far more sly than Jeong Yeon-shin.

Yet Peng Family Blade Marquis’ demeanor remained steadfast. The sharp energy emanating from her body also did not waver.

Even with Jeong Yeon-shin, who had now half-turned away, standing before her. Earlier, she had claimed to treat her father solely as the Family Head, but deep in her heart, that couldn’t possibly be true.

Just as Jeong Yeon-shin filled the emptiness from his childhood with his own martial lineage.

Peng Family Blade Marquis slowly moved her lips.

“I have no intention of squabbling with an opium addict. To begin with, wasn’t the Mount Hua Agreement meant to be a four-on-four sparring match? Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s words are correct. Our family has merely suffered one defeat. It doesn’t mean Desolate Fortress has won.”

“So?”

“I’ll arrange the next sparring match and take my leave, so step aside. Lazy Flame Dragon… No matter how you look at it, you’re not of the caliber to convey the Purple Rank’s intentions.”

She continued in a low growl.

“At best, you’re someone who’ll die within three years.”

Wooong—

A sound resonated from Jeong Yeon-shin’s waist. Upon hearing those grating words, the Fan Dragon Treading Lotus Technique activated on its own.

If he were to harm Peng Family Blade Marquis as a Purple Rank here, it would completely ruin the Mount Hua Agreement. Yet, the gentleman he knew was someone who would not compromise in a clash of irreconcilable values.

Just as the Divine Sword Remaining Thunder was about to be drawn and fly out with the mind-controlled sword technique.

“Young Head of the Peng Family, say no more.”

A handsome young man clad in a pitch-black robe stepped in front of Peng Family Blade Marquis.

His long, neatly flowing hair and upright posture. It was White Qilin Namgung Hwa-shin.

“It would be best to exercise restraint. The life-and-death duel that just occurred was a public sparring match, and above all, the Purple Rank of our fortress is still present.”

“White Qilin…?”

“Indeed, I am Namgung. If the Young Head commits further disrespect, I will intervene myself. Of course, at that time, I won’t have the leisure to concern myself with the remains of your late father.”

His voice was clear and resonant. It was a tone that cooled the atmosphere of the venue.

“Hmm…?”

Jeong Yeon-shin glanced at the opium addict letting out a dazed exclamation.

Was he astonished by Namgung Hwa-shin’s black uniform? It was a rare sight worth remembering. The incompetent Lazy Flame Dragon.

“Oh ho.”

One corner of Peng Family Blade Marquis’ lips curled up.

“So, you’re the next card of Desolate Fortress. What a pity, though. The only monster here is Lotus Nezha. I’m not afraid of the rest of you.”

“The Young Head’s thoughts are of no importance to us. It would be better if you didn’t carelessly predict the lineup of our fortress.”

“No matter what you say, not everyone who practices the Muscle-Tendon Changing Sutra becomes as exalted as Bodhidharma. Our family will put the Lightning Genius Martial Lineage to the test.”

Her words carried a clear implication.

There have been many martial arts that briefly dazzled the world.

Yet, only a select few martial lineages have been etched into the history of the martial world for ages, and among them, even fewer have earned great renown, known as the Nine Great Sects, the Eight Great Families, and the Thirteen Evil Sects.

The question the Mount Hua Agreement posed to Jeong Yeon-shin was singular.

Could the Lightning Genius Martial Lineage stand shoulder to shoulder with them? In terms of martial history, it was still akin to a mayfly.

“Let’s do this.”

Peng Family Blade Marquis opened her mouth with a smiling face.

“Three days from now, in this very place, we’ll settle all remaining sparring matches. Desolate Fortress must prepare White Rank, Blue Rank, and Black Rank warriors corresponding to the Lightning Genius Martial Lineage.”

“…”

Namgung Hwa-shin briefly glanced back. Only after seeing Jeong Yeon-shin give a subtle nod did he respond that he understood.

Step.

Peng Family Blade Marquis turned and exited the venue.

On the dirt floor of the banquet hall.

With each of her steps, damp footprints remained. Cold sweat had soaked the silk shoes she wore until now.

Yet no one ridiculed the sight. Peng Family Blade Marquis had been exposed to Jeong Yeon-shin’s killing intent for a moment, yet still spoke of the Peng Family’s inevitable victory. It was truly a tremendous spirit.

But that was only for a moment.

The intense gazes of the crowd, each bearing powerful intent, clung to the purple robe newly donned by Jeong Yeon-shin. And they did not waver for a long time.

***

Dengfeng County flourished as a major city thanks to Shaolin Sect.

Public safety was assured, and grain was abundant. It was, in itself, a microcosm of the martial world.

Normally, it would be desensitized to most rumors. It was rare for the entire city to be shaken.

Now, it was different. A enormous commotion had arisen.

The ascension of Lotus Nezha, the Lightning Genius, to Purple Rank.

The Great Severing Blade Lord, Peng Mun-geuk, slain in a brief exchange.

It would be accurate to say chaos had erupted. At a time when countless heroes of the righteous factions were flocking to the city, the Peng Family Head had died. Moreover, it was a complete defeat.

“The Mount Hua Agreement has begun!”

“Send the message immediately! Cut ties with the Peng Family! We must invest in Huguang!”

Voices reverberated throughout the vast Green Jade Sword Manor.

Originally an agreement between Desolate Fortress and the Nine Great Sects, the Mount Hua Agreement was returning to its starting point.

If the Lightning Genius Martial Lineage defeated the Peng Family, it would inevitably be so.

Srrk.

Jeong Yeon-shin, seated in a temporary office, unfolded a letter. It was a report densely inscribed with neat brushstrokes.

“I arranged for internal competitions within the lineage. The report you’re reading contains the results.”

Namgung Hwa-shin, standing opposite the desk, spoke.

It was a scene of the newly appointed Black Rank reporting to the newly appointed Purple Rank.

The document drafted by Namgung Hwa-shin was meticulously detailed. It stood in stark contrast to the rough-and-ready style of Lazy Flame Dragon.

Though he had yet to mention receiving instruction in the Heaven-Subduing Sword or the Judgment Qilin from Jeong Yeon-shin, when it came to work, he pursued perfection. It was just as it had been during the Hanjung Martial Alliance meeting.

“As written, it is so. First, Sanbok of the Netherworld Stream Squad, a Blue Rank warrior, shows deep mastery of the Radiant Wing Step, though he exhibits weakness in close combat. Wei Ye-ling, the Shooting Moon Bow Ghost under Radiant Demon Wing, has high attainment in movement techniques and could deliver effective ranged attacks with arrows while guarding against the Peng Family’s Five Tiger Severing Gate Blade. On the other hand, Huang Qing of the Immortal Tree Spirit is a prodigy who has mastered the Radiant Sword Style to the realm of perfection, but due to a gentle disposition, they are not suited to face the currently enraged masters of the Peng Family. However, if Radiant Demon Wing Leader personally commends them, there’s a high chance their morale will soar, and they could exhibit skill beyond their current attainment.”

Namgung Hwa-shin’s explanation flowed ceaselessly.

Who possessed what temperament, which martial arts they excelled in with what techniques, and what their weaknesses were. Who was suitable as a candidate against the Peng Family.

It wasn’t just one or two people.

Namgung Hwa-shin’s report was impeccable, and even after reuniting with the Radiant Demon Wing, Jeong Yeon-shin couldn’t help but feel a peculiar sensation.

It felt as if he had become the owner of a pasture raising tigers.

“…I’ll need to see for myself.”

“As you may have sensed, I’ve already gathered them. However…”

Namgung Hwa-shin trailed off.

“Hmm?”

“…Since most of them have never received direct instruction, there is a lack of legitimacy. Whether they are fit to participate in the Mount Hua Agreement…”

Jeong Yeon-shin rose from his seat without a word.

He intended to impart at least a single technique to those who claimed to belong to his martial lineage.

Jeong Yeon-shin had been reborn as a gentleman of the Purple Rank. From the moment he fully let Peng Family Blade Marquis go despite her careless remarks about his limited lifespan.

Deep down, he was confident he had a knack for teaching.

‘Indeed, from a certain point onward…’

At some point, Radiant Demon Wing had learned the Radiant Art Bond solely through texts. Jeong Yeon-shin had enabled them to glimpse the realm of perfection through mere written words.

What would happen if he taught them in person?

For a moment, the hairs on the back of Jeong Yeon-shin’s neck stood on end. The Peng Family was not the issue. His thoughts turned to the Nine Great Sects.

“Let’s go.”

Jeong Yeon-shin said.