Chapter 434 – Grandmaster (8)

A strange rumor quietly spread through the shadows-that a man clad in a pink robe roamed with a single sword, slaying monstrous serpents.

Its origin was unknown, just another fleeting piece of gossip that drifted through the air. No one believed it.

Even as more and more people began to speak of this tale, it remained the same-unbelievable.

In contrast, the news sweeping through Green Jade Sword Manor was far more ferocious and undeniable.

-“Desolate Fortress and Diancang Sect will clash to determine the heights of their martial prowess!”

Both great factions would pour out warriors of every rank. From the rising stars hailed as the future of their sects to the Purple Rank supreme masters and the immortal-like sword gods.

The massive manor buzzed with excitement. Beyond its towering walls, gambling dens sprang up, thriving on the anticipation.

Gambling, a practice dating back to before the distant Jin-Han era, now offered the tantalizing chance of striking it rich by wagering on the outcome of this grand battle.

A young grandmaster leading a formidable martial lineage against the thousand-year-old martial arts of the ancient sects-a captivating showdown.

The might of the Lightning Genius Martial Lineage was already well-known. No thrill-seeker in Dengfeng County dared to underestimate the martial arts created by Jeong Yeon-shin any longer.

They merely engaged in heated debates over who stood atop the pinnacle of the martial world. Countless voices joined in the clamor and speculation.

Yet, for the warriors of Radiant Demon Wing, such matters were of little concern.

“We’ve fought in countless sparring matches thus far, but this time especially, you must not use the Compendium of Breaking Techniques. The opponent is one of the Nine Great Sects.”

At a large stone round table, a one-eyed youth of the elf clan spoke leisurely. His words were directed at the Radiant Demon Wing warriors seated around the table or lounging on the floor nearby.

Blue-Eyed Demon Sword Cheong Myeong’s demeanor was, as always, relaxed, but the aura emanating from him was as clear and cold as a northern gale.

“The breaking forms are meant to be revealed only to those who must be killed. If you carelessly unveil them in a place like this, you’ll become a public enemy of the martial world. Especially for our Squad Leader. So, if it looks like you’re going to lose, just accept defeat cleanly.”

He offered this caution to the Radiant Demon Wing warriors with a tone of warning.

The Compendium of Breaking Techniques was a secret manual ranked at the highest level-top among nine grades of importance-accessible only to the Black Rank warriors of the main fortress.

However, Jeong Yeon-shin had long since taught numerous breaking forms of righteous sect martial arts to the Radiant Demon Wing warriors through the guidance of Hyeon Won-chang.

Since this occurred alongside the distribution of secret manuals, even the administrative bureau of the fortress could do little to intervene.

Sitting at one side of the round table, Baek Mi-ryeo nodded her head.

“Ultimately, a sparring match only holds meaning if you win with pure martial skill. Otherwise, it’s all too easy for criticism to follow.”

“Exactly. This is the rigid, old-fashioned world of the righteous martial factions.”

Cheong Myeong tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, signaling his agreement.

Between the two of them sat Jeong Yeon-shin.

With Blue-Eyed Demon Sword and Bewitching Sword Demon flanking him as if guarding their leader, it was a scene that would soon become rare to witness. This was because the Radiant Demon Wing Leader had ascended to Purple Rank.

“To topple the Nine Great Sects, who live leisurely in their celestial realm, with the martial arts our Squad Leader created…?”

Lazy Flame Dragon muttered while rolling a blue poppy stem between his fingers. He leaned casually against a wall far from the round table.

He hadn’t participated in a single sparring match of the Mount Hua Agreement thus far, which often led him to toss out frivolous remarks to remind Jeong Yeon-shin of his presence.

“That would be incredibly entertaining.”

No one paid much attention to Lazy Flame Dragon’s mumbling. This was because, at the head of the table, Jeong Yeon-shin slowly parted his lips to speak.

“I’ve selected three individuals.”

The translucent energy barrier emanating from Baek Mi-ryeo at the neighboring seat dissipated. Simultaneously, the large doors of the inner chamber swung wide open.

Beyond them, in the spacious anteroom, the warriors seated in meditation in neat rows raised their heads.

They were of the Lightning Genius Martial Lineage.

Jeong Yeon-shin announced the names of the three chosen warriors.

The reactions in the room varied. Joy and disappointment mingled across the dozens of faces, and in Lazy Flame Dragon’s grip, a green leaf crumpled with a faint rustle.

“Any objections?”

A deep voice reverberated through the room.

It was a question from Harbinger of Death Ma Jin, who had been observing the scene while leaning against a nearby pillar. His demeanor resembled that of a tyrant surveying a group of scholarly disciples.

No one raised a hand or offered a response.

“We’ll proceed with the agenda. Even those not selected must listen carefully. One never knows what changes may occur before the day of the sparring match.”

Shortly after, Ma Jin’s tone shifted. This was because he turned his head toward Jeong Yeon-shin.

“Even if breaking down specific forms in detail proves difficult, it’s essential to have a thorough understanding of the masters representing the opposing sect in this factional battle. The martial arts they predominantly use, the individuals likely to participate in the sparring match… Every sect attending this sparring conference is undoubtedly conducting similar analyses. Our fortress, too, has likely been extensively studied. For a sect like one of the Nine Great Sects, it wouldn’t be surprising if they’ve already devised countermeasures against the Lightning Genius Martial Lineage.”

“That’s likely true.”

Jeong Yeon-shin nodded.

As it was a public setting, he spoke informally, and the manner suited him well.

Ma Jin looked at his nephew with eyes filled with deep concern and warmth. Then, with his arms crossed before the Purple Rank, he continued.

“There’s one selection we can be certain of. Aside from Sword Empress Jin Xuan-chan, there’s no one who would dare draw a sword in the presence of a Purple Rank.”

Sword Queen.

The leader of one of the Nine Great Sects.

A few warriors let out stifled groans. Even though they must have already anticipated this, their reactions betrayed unease.

Looking up at the clouds above, anyone would momentarily feel a sense of vertigo.

“Diancang Sect’s martial arts are uniquely aggressive even among the Nine Great Sects. Their secret technique, the Sun-Piercing Sword Art, leaves no room for retreat.”

“Because every form consists of thrusting strikes?”

Jeong Yeon-shin’s question carried a faint trace of curiosity.

He had once shown interest in thrusting forms when he encountered Diancang’s Little Sword Queen.

Moreover, his Thunder Annihilation Sword Style currently lacked any thrusting techniques.

“That’s correct. According to the fortress’s administrative office, in terms of domineering sword energy, they rank among the top of the Nine Great Sects. As practitioners who channel a thousand years of internal energy cultivation into pinpoint-focused sword strikes, they cannot afford to be weak.”

“Pinpoint focus… to what degree?”

Since his days in the Jeong Family estate, Jeong Yeon-shin had admired the immortals of the Nine Great Sects. As he immersed himself in the discussion, his speech naturally grew more concise.

For a fleeting moment, Ma Jin twitched an eyebrow, but upon seeing the bluish-purple hue of his nephew’s robe glowing softly in the room, he lowered his gaze slightly, as if sinking into profound contemplation.

“To what degree, you ask… I haven’t faced a Diancang disciple skilled enough to make a definitive statement, but if a supreme master like the sect leader unleashes it, most defensive forms would likely become meaningless.”

“Defense impossible?”

“There’s a term called the ‘Three Impossibilities Sword’.”

“Three things are impossible?”

At that moment, Hyeon Won-chang, who had been listening with keen interest, quickly interjected.

“It refers to the swordsmanship of Diancang’s sect leader. ‘You cannot flee, parry, or block it. To overcome it, you must strike first, yet a sword that pierces the sun is as swift as dawn’s light, leaving no chance to counter’… These are words left by Dark Heaven Emperor, a fearsome supreme master from Poison Valley who acted as an emperor with poison arts in Yunnan over a decade ago. He fought seven exchanges with Diancang’s sect leader before meeting his end.”

Jeong Yeon-shin nodded thoughtfully.

“Quite a lengthy last testament.”

“In truth, only the first phrase was his actual statement.”

“The ‘Three Impossibilities’?”

“Yes, the original lacked poetic flair, so…”

Ma Jin, who had been listening silently, raised an eyebrow in disbelief, but Jeong Yeon-shin took Hyeon Won-chang’s additional remarks as insightful commentary on the Sun-Piercing Sword Art.

If the Sword Queen’s blade work truly embodied the ‘Three Impossibilities Sword,’ then the most effective countermeasure would be a thrusting strike that was faster and followed the shortest possible trajectory.

The question was whether such a sword technique existed in the world.

A White Rank warrior of the Lightning Genius Martial Lineage raised a hand.

“If the ‘Three Impossibilities Sword’ is true, doesn’t that make the Sword Empress invincible?”

Hyeon Won-chang, now a formidable Blue Rank warrior challenging Lazy Flame Dragon’s standing, wagged a finger side to side.

“The sect leaders of the Nine Great Sects are all considered invincible within their sect’s domains. Only a rare few know what happens when transcendent masters of martial arts clash. Of course, soon enough, many will witness it firsthand.”

Immediately, numerous gazes turned toward the young grandmaster.

Some eyes carried concern. Not out of doubt for the new Purple Rank’s martial prowess, but because they were considering Jeong Yeon-shin’s age.

Originally, this was not a burden someone not yet of age should bear.

Ma Jin furrowed his brow.

“This is not a matter for you to worry over. The opponent is one of the Nine Great Sects. No matter what happens, it wouldn’t be surprising. You should focus solely on fulfilling your own roles-there’s already enough to consider.”

“There is a method to drastically increase our chances of victory.”

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke. Instantly, the room fell silent. After calmly surveying those around him, he slowly moved his lips.

“…Training.”

A single word. Yet it carried a profound sense of conviction. For a fleeting moment, the breeze flowing into the room felt refreshingly cool.

Jeong Yeon-shin continued at a measured pace.

“I will enter secluded training. I look forward to your progress as well.”

The word “seclusion” bore an unusual weight. He spoke with the air of someone preaching the art of kindling fire to the monkey tribe on Flower-Fruit Mountain.

No response came. Jeong Yeon-shin took the stiff atmosphere as rightful reverence.

***
Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

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***

This time, it was different.

Until now, Jeong Yeon-shin’s creation of martial arts had always been reactive.

Forms were devised only after encountering a challenge, drawing inspiration from the situation or being pushed to the brink where a solution was urgently needed.

He thought to himself.

What if he prepared offensive forms in advance? With such a peaceful and extended period of time at his disposal.

Hoo-

In the underground chamber of Desolate Fortress’s quarters, faint dust swirled with Jeong Yeon-shin’s breath.

Green Jade Sword Manor, built by wealthy lay disciples of Shaolin, lacked for nothing.

As if anticipating that one day the entire martial world would converge toward Mount Song’s Shaolin, at this moment, only faint traces of presence could be sensed outside the underground space where Jeong Yeon-shin stood.

It was said to be a space prepared for the supreme masters who led great sects.

Srrrng.

He drew forth the Divine Sword Remaining Thunder.

His entire body’s senses sharpened. The dust particles floating in the chamber, like a swarm of stars, were perceptible one by one.

“Diancang’s Sun-Piercing Sword Art… the ‘Three Impossibilities Sword.'”

His journey through the martial world had been a process of being chased by life itself.

It was also a relentless sprint to catch up with those who had gone ahead over long years. All the martial arts he possessed had sprouted from that journey.

Yet now, Jeong Yeon-shin was Purple Rank.

Even at this point, he didn’t wish to rely on his upper dantian in a crisis. He wanted to forge ahead.

“And compare myself.”

Did he have the qualifications to pluck the fruit of the World Tree?

Would he one day receive the fruit from the Lord of Desolate Fortress and fully bear its weight to overcome his fated destiny?

Kiiiiing-!

He spun the wheel of light dwelling in his heart. Only one of the two rings of radiance rotated.

The outer ring, faintly formed after his journey to the rain dragon formation, was reserved for the Tang Family twins.

The Luminous Wheel Technique filled the meridians of his right arm. A grinding sound, *crack*, emanated from the grip holding the sword.

The amplified strength of his grasp fused his arm and blade into one. It was a domineering unity of sword and body.

Jeong Yeon-shin lightly extended the sword with a casual gesture.

Swish.

A slow thrust. The tip of Remaining Thunder sliced through the dust as it advanced. The countless particles brushing against the blade traveled up the sword body to his arm.

Each grain, far smaller than dust and finer than the breath of wind, was something Jeong Yeon-shin’s senses could measure-every movement, every weight.

He repeated the same motion.

“Feishu and Zhizheng acupoints.”

He felt the contraction and relaxation of the meridians above and below his elbow. Slowly, very slowly.

To achieve an ultimate swift thrust, he needed to master slowness. A gut feeling told him so-a domain of intuition. It was an innate talent.

Hwoong-

Occasionally, while thrusting, he twisted his waist, observing the meridians and muscles around his lumbar region. All these movements were executed slowly.

The Spiral Strike, which added recoil to the waist; the Fate Defying Scripture, which triggered a stacking of true energy in the meridians the moment the right arm extended forward; and the Judgement Qilin, which imbued every motion with elasticity the instant the whole body exerted force.

The hem of his Purple Rank robe rustled softly as it rubbed against itself, producing a gentle sound.

There was no hindrance in weaving together these principles. Everything was seamlessly integrated.

“The dust is interfering. It’s slowing my sword speed.”

In that moment, Jeong Yeon-shin took a step forward.

It was the Radiant Wing Step.

Hwaaaaaaa-!

The energy wave originating from his toes split the air to either side. It was as if a translucent wave parted into two streams-a sight unlike the usual Radiant Wing Step.

This wasn’t footwork aimed at an opponent’s momentum. It was a step that swept aside everything grating against his skin to the left and right. It was the principle of emptiness in martial arts.

In that fleeting instant, he thrust his sword into the gap and withdrew it.

It was far swifter. The power concentrated at the sword tip was different. So was the strain on his muscles.

“I need to adjust my body’s balance.”

It would be disastrous for the dignity of a Purple Rank to falter and fall.

He repeated the sequence.

Stepping with Radiant Wing Step, twisting his waist, thrusting the sword forward. Basics so simple even a monkey might yawn at them.

Jeong Yeon-shin felt no boredom.

The balance, distribution of strength, and flow of true energy required to unify all motions into a single strike were quite intricate.

On the surface, it appeared as a single slash, but internally, it was far more complex. The meridians throughout his body gradually swelled as if on the verge of bursting.

His vision distorted into the realm of sensation. Slowly, he slipped into a state of no-self.

“Charged Rotational Force.”

It settled well.

“Brilliant River in the back and elbow.”

It integrated smoothly.

“For long-range… take a step with Radiant Wing Step, push with Ten-Li Gentle Light energy wave…”

It was almost effortless.

“The trajectory is a straight line. The direction of force adapts to the situation; the formula follows instinct.”

The passage of time around him slowed. The single trajectory of his sword path gradually took shape, and soon that arc became as familiar as a form originally wielded in his grip.

“Ah.”

Jeong Yeon-shin suddenly raised his head and stepped outside.

The night sky was bright.

There was no moon. Only starlight, filling the darkness of heaven and earth, gazed down upon him.

The faintly shimmering figures in the pitch-black sky were breathtakingly beautiful, though the swarm of stars was not as dense as the dust in the underground chamber.

His skin tingled.

As he silently locked eyes with the night sky for a while, the humid air settled on his skin like the breath of the stars themselves.

The Sun-Piercing Sword Art was said to be a blade that pierced and felled the sun.

For Jeong Yeon-shin, such blinding light was unnecessary. It would be enough to have the Tang Family twins among those stars as a pair.

“I didn’t get to say goodbye.”

How wonderful it would be to keep them by his side.

Wooong-

The Divine Sword Remaining Thunder in his grip emitted a resonant hum. An intent had settled into his sword form.

A spiritual awakening that transformed martial arts into supreme divine techniques. In that instant, a domineering phrase etched itself into Jeong Yeon-shin’s mind.

-“A sword form that can fell any star.”

Contrary to his own nature, Jeong Yeon-shin tucked this selfish phrase into his heart. And he murmured inwardly, “Rest there.”

* * *

Desolate Fortress and Diancang Sect.

The day of the factional sparring match dawned. Countless masters converged on the scene.