Chapter 433 – Grandmaster (7)

Desolate Fortress’s Purple Rank brought a veteran master of the righteous martial world to his knees.

Perhaps it was because Azure Sword Lord Namgung Mu-hak had invoked familial ties to pressure Namgung Hwa-shin.

The tone of his words was far from ordinary, carrying a subtle undercurrent of hostility in its commanding nature. It was clear he had stepped forward while observing from a distance.

No one pointed out his behavior.

The young man who descended to this place, following the resounding Six Harmonies Voice unleashed by the Namgung Family’s Elder Council Head, was enabled by the rank, martial prowess, and ancient Ma lineage of Lotus Nezha, Lightning Genius.

In this day and age, there was no one in Dengfeng County who did not know of Jeong Yeon-shin’s origins. The standards were different.

“Enviable.”

Peng Ye, standing on the threshold behind the confronting figures, muttered.

No one turned to look at her. This was due to the oppressive pressure resonating with a roaring wind sound, bearing down on the surroundings.

It was undoubtedly a type of sword wind meant to bolster sword strikes, yet it exerted an intimidating force over the area as if it had a tangible presence.

Much like the Namgung direct lineage’s Emperor Sword Form.

“…….”

The silence was heavy. The dozen or so swordsmen of the Namgung Family, who had accompanied the Elder Council Head, trembled slightly with expressions of utter shock.

Each struggled to rise from their positions, but the best they could manage was to push energy waves through the Yongquan acupoint on their soles to raise one knee.

Only the dirt fragments scuffed by their leather shoes made harsh grating sounds.

Even so, this martial art was of a different nature than the Emperor Sword Form.

The essence of swordsmanship did not lie in restraining the movements of enemies.

It was merely that the blade wind, which should have been unleashed just before drawing the sword, carried the same pressure as the Emperor Sword Form.

As if the hand of Azure Qilin, aiding the drawing of the blade, was gripping Jeong Yeon-shin’s sword aura.

“Hmm…….”

A few swordsmen who had witnessed the life-and-death duel between Desolate Fortress and the Namgung Family stifled gasps of dismay.

There is no greater humiliation in the martial world.

It would be better to have one’s dantian shattered.

The sword technique honoring the deceased eldest young master was now aimed at them, and they had knelt under its overwhelming force.

For those from prestigious families, face was as valuable as life itself. These were matters that should never be known in the martial world.

The newly appointed Purple Rank flicked his gaze briefly. At this moment, the prodigy coveted by countless individuals for reasons of marriage, alliance, or blood ties was right there.

White Qilin Namgung Hwa-shin, who had been watching the confrontation with a somewhat complicated expression, slightly bowed his head to Jeong Yeon-shin.

“My apologies for causing concern.”

“Did you see?”

“Yes……?”

“Never mind.”

Jeong Yeon-shin, who had been standing tall with his chest puffed out while holding the sword aura, lowered his eyes slightly.

He redirected his gaze toward Namgung Mu-hak. And he urged a response.

“Elder Council Head.”

The blade wind emanating from the scabbard of Remaining Thunder slowly ceased. The sound of rolling stone fragments eerily tickled the surroundings.

Amidst the Peng Family blade warriors, now completely freed from Namgung Mu-hak’s pressure and gazing at Jeong Yeon-shin with awe, the old swordsman of the Namgung Family maintained his kneeling posture.

“It’s a family matter. I beseech you to step back.”

Namgung Mu-hak spoke in a slow, aged voice.

Though the sword wind of Judgment Qilin, which had abruptly collapsed his stance, had dissipated, he did not rise from his position.

“However, I also offer my apologies. This old man has committed a discourtesy contrary to proper conduct. Your swordsmanship shames me.”

There was nothing to be done with someone bowing their head in submission. He was bending his lofty pride to gain practical advantage.

The Elder Council Head of one of the Eight Great Families.

In terms of cunning and experience, he was in a league far beyond Jeong Yeon-shin.

At this moment, immense humiliation surged to the crown of the old swordsman’s head, reddening his wrinkled face, yet he felt grateful that he was not facing a Desolate Fortress elder council head.

‘I never imagined the urchin who faced Se-jin back then would grow into this…’

It was better this way.

If an aging Tyrant Hero stood before him, he might not have knelt, but maintaining face at the uppermost echelons of the martial world is always difficult.

This was because monsters like Lotus Nezha, Lightning Genius, could emerge from anywhere.

“Additionally, I cautiously request. Will you not return the Heaven-Subduing Sword to our family? What you retrieved is a heirloom of the Namgung clan. It is a treasure sword stolen by a rogue of the Martial Dragon Alliance who severed ties with our family.”

Each syllable emphasized familial bonds.

Green Jade Sword Manor at this moment was a microcosm of the righteous martial world. The majority of those residing in the manor valued honor and propriety.

Unless Namgung Hwa-shin made the decision himself, it would not look good for his superior to intervene and decide on his behalf.

Legitimacy and justification were Namgung Mu-hak’s lifeline.

The gazes of the experts from prestigious families focused on Jeong Yeon-shin.

The newly appointed Purple Rank slowly parted his lips.

“You speak laughable words.”

“……?”

“Is the gratitude and enmity of the martial world so trivial?”

“What do you mean……”

“If you managed to preserve a life that should have been forfeit through sheer luck, you ought to have secluded yourself within your family and refrained from stepping out.”

This was a gathering of only the most perceptive individuals. Everyone understood that Jeong Yeon-shin was referencing past debts of gratitude and enmity.

The life-and-death duel between Desolate Fortress and the Namgung Family. The Elder Council Head, who should have faced the sword of the Divine Sword Group Leader, did not participate in the sparring under the pretext of matching numbers, as a Desolate Fortress elder council head’s whereabouts were unknown.

Even Desolate Fortress could hardly object to this.

Yet Jeong Yeon-shin was the origin of that life-and-death duel.

Given that his subordinate Namgung Hwa-shin was oppressed today, combined with this moment, no one could criticize him for harboring ill feelings toward the Namgung Family.

“You wouldn’t dare oppose me with force, would you? Since you’ve mentioned the Heaven-Subduing Sword, I will state my intent.”

“……”

The old swordsman’s body trembled faintly. The Namgung clan was akin to royalty in South Zhili.

Such humiliation could only be washed away by self-destruction, yet considering the clan’s lineage, even that was difficult.

“Speak… then……”

“I will grant the opportunity to Namgung Hwa-shin.”

“What do you mean…?”

“He is both a direct descendant of Namgung and a Black Rank of Desolate Fortress. He is qualified to wield the Heaven-Subduing Sword, a spoil of our fortress. If Namgung Hwa-shin desires it, I will give it to him; if he does not, I will return it fully to its original owner, the Namgung Family. Unlike you, our fortress understands propriety.”

As Jeong Yeon-shin’s words fell, Namgung Mu-hak raised his head. The old swordsman’s gaze immediately fixed on Namgung Hwa-shin.

“Ah-shin, you may take the Heaven-Subduing Sword. It is the purest treasure sword in the world…! It suits you immensely, blooming your sword talent like a lotus in a swamp. You shall retrieve the sword treasure!”

The final words were directed at a swordsman from the Namgung Family standing behind the old man.

Immediately, a man behind him unwrapped a silk bundle from his back and retrieved a wooden box from within.

Click.

With a faint scent of wood, the lid opened, revealing a manual inside with a four-character title.

帝王劍形.

[TL Note- It means Emperor Sword Form]

It was the Emperor Sword Form.

Namgung Hwa-shin’s eyes widened over Jeong Yeon-shin’s shoulder.

“It is what you’ve longed for. Wasn’t this the ultimate technique that drove you to Desolate Fortress?”

The old swordsman, Namgung Mu-hak’s voice grew louder.

“Ah-shin! The South Zhili your brother laid the foundation for is like a lamp before the wind! Common folk barely cook their rice before vagrants rob them of everything, and our family’s plaque is on the verge of being torn down by enemies eyeing South Zhili! Please, carry on Se-jin’s will! You may lead the Namgung clan as you see fit! The Azure Firmament Sword Heaven Brigade will follow you!”

The cry was heartfelt. The aged voice scraped through the air.

In the presence of Desolate Fortress’s Purple Rank, they sought to take away his subordinate. An act warranting one’s life.

For a moment, everyone thought the newly appointed Purple Rank might shatter the old swordsman’s head, but contrary to widespread rumors, Lotus Nezha, Lightning Genius, displayed a gentleman’s patience.

“…Wait for the appointed time. Our fortress respects the will of its Black Rank.”

Step.

Jeong Yeon-shin passed by the old swordsman.

Namgung Hwa-shin, who had been looking down at the Elder Council Head with a heavy gaze for a moment, followed in his steps.

***

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Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

Namgung Hwa-shin was a master lacking in nothing. From the moment he entered Desolate Fortress, the term “flawless in ten battles” suited him.

He steadfastly walked the righteous path and ceaselessly grew stronger as a swordsman. In terms of sword strength alone, he had already surpassed the realm of rising talents by the time he was Blue Rank.

He had once nearly been used as a shadowy sword for the Namgung Family, digesting the essence of spiritual elixirs that permeated his body with his true internal energy.

Though not as prodigious as the eldest young master of the Hwangbo Family, who was born with the Scorching Divine Meridian, he built an energy accumulation capable of aspiring to Black Rank.

Added to that were his innate talent and a cultivation as clear as a mirror-like mind.

It was the state of unity of spirit, energy, and body.

It was also the result of swinging his sword even under the moonlight. He lived each day as if it were an eon.

People praised Namgung Hwa-shin as a flawless prodigy, yet in truth, he had never properly resolved anything.

Neither his status as a b*st*rd child unable to inherit the Emperor Sword Form, nor his mother’s death as a shadowy sword, nor the life-and-death duel with his sister he should have faced, nor the final moments of his brother Namgung Se-jin and Obeying Heaven Wing Leader Ha Do-woon……

He couldn’t decide. He couldn’t face or witness them.

His outwardly upright demeanor was closer to a learned shell. Namgung Hwa-shin’s inner self was empty.

He was powerless. Even while walking alongside Jeong Yeon-shin through the training ground at this moment, his heart was submerged in despair. He simply didn’t show it.

And now, he stood at a juncture where he could truly choose something.

“How is Ma Family Head?”

“His temperament is rough, so his strikes carry much force. It’ll take a while to recover his depleted energy.”

“…My apologies.”

“It’s not something a temporary Obeying Heaven Wing Leader should feel sorry for.”

Jeong Yeon-shin replied nonchalantly.

Though the Namgung rabble had placed Judgment Qilin and the Emperor Sword Form on the scales, for him, the Lightning Genius Martial Lineage, already passed down even as a monkey’s futile gesture, was enough.

“May I ask one thing?”

“Speak.”

“What became of Ghost Cry Hegemon King and Golden Wing Sect Leader?”

Jeong Yeon-shin paused momentarily. He hadn’t expected Namgung Hwa-shin to first inquire about the villains who drove Obeying Heaven Wing Leader Ha Do-woon to his death. He thought he’d mention Azure Qilin.

Was it to avoid burdening him? Until now, he had never asked Jeong Yeon-shin about the moment of completing the Brilliant River.

“…They fell to the blade. It was a bit unsightly.”

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke as he felt. Since the other was a comrade who had taken the Desolate Fortress examination alongside him, this was acceptable.

In any case, aside from Azure Qilin and the First Fist of Yan Family, there were no particularly noteworthy adversaries.

After a brief silence, as if at a loss for words, Namgung Hwa-shin slowly opened his mouth.

“I have… many debts to repay.”

“Debts?”

“My sister, my sworn brother, Ghost Cry Hegemon King, and Golden Wing Sect Leader all were people I should have faced. You bore the burden of them all in my stead.”

“They were my debts of gratitude and enmity as well.”

“This time, grant me the opportunity. I realized today. It’s something I should have done long ago.”

Suddenly, Namgung Hwa-shin stopped in his tracks. The emotions hidden behind his mirror-like cultivation began to reveal fragments of themselves.

There was anger and longing, transcendence and emptiness, and amidst them, a burgeoning gratitude. A mix of emotions flickered in his jet-black eyes.

Rustle.

The sound of stiff fabric crumpling.

“I beseech you.”

Namgung Hwa-shin knelt slowly, as if turning back twenty-three years of time.

“If you grant me your unparalleled divine techniques, I will grind away my worldly attachments.”

* * *

“I report to Hidden Sword.”

“What is it?”

“Young Master is at Green Jade Sword Manor.”

“Ma Jin, that brat?”

“Thanks to him, our fortress is also on an unstoppable streak. It’s said they’ve met Diancang Sect without a single defeat in between…”

“A matter of concern.”

“Yes, they are ultimately one of the Nine Great Sects… The rumor that the Sword Empress of the current era pierced the sun with her sword tip weighs on my mind. If that tale is true, hasn’t she seen the ultimate end of the Sun-Shooting Sword Art? The Diancang Moon-Piercing Divine Sword, which might face off against Young Master, is also a problem. It’s said that, having taken the inner core of a Yunnan Mountain monster, her energy accumulation rivals even Shaolin’s Four Diamond Kings. Such is the strength of the Nine Great Sects.”

“Not that. I mean our fortress’s prestige.”

“With such mastery of internal energy, and even possessing exceptional sword aura, there was a time when our fortress’s Burning Abyss Squad Leader struggled against her.. Yes…?”

“Yeon-shin taking after his mother is a natural law beyond our control. But to think even the remaining son is being called a fallen one in the martial world.”

[TL Note- Reference to the fact that Ma Jin lost his arm and is incapable of transversing the murim.]

“……”

“It could be called the Grand Administrator’s negligence. To place the two together? If I were there, it might be different, but with those Nine Great Sects prancing about as if they were immortals, I can’t stomach what they must think among themselves.”

“Hidden Sword, i have never seen you pay heed to the eyes of others.”

“My grandson’s honor is at stake. Even you, as the so-called Radiant Sword Wing Leader, didn’t you express curiosity about Thunder Annihilation Sword Style? Even thinking in the most worldly terms, it’s hardly sufficient.”

“I have yet to meet the new Purple Rank… In any case, which direction shall we take? There are no official roads here for the time being. The secret arts of the elf clan don’t conceal the presence of people, as they say. And if we traverse just any mountain, all manner of spiritual beasts will swarm due to this inner core…”

“Follow me. It won’t take long.”

“Yes?”

“The land I tread is the official road.”