Chapter 437 – Conclusion (2)

Meanwhile, Jeong Yeon-shin struggled to keep his eyes open.

His vision was blurry. It was as if summer sunlight had settled before his eyes, making it hard to see the Sword Empress clearly.

This was not a good situation. The sect leader of Diancang was one of the figures he had admired since childhood.

He had heard that even before becoming an absolute master of the Nine Great Sects, she had repeatedly performed great acts of chivalry. Unlike the deceased Peng Family Head, she was different.

Jeong Yeon-shin merely wished for the traces he left in his lifetime to be widely recognized throughout the martial world.

Along with ensuring that Desolate Fortress did not bear an immense burden due to the unilaterally initiated Mount Hua Agreement.

“I can’t let her pass away…”

All his senses were dulled.

He could not feel the pulse of the Sword Empress lying far away, nor the stinging summer sunlight that had pricked his skin moments ago.

He couldn’t even discern what the voice transmission echoing in his ears was whispering. It was certainly not from the Sword Empress.

At a glance, it seemed to repeatedly call out the two characters of his name, Yeon-shin. In his dazed state, Jeong Yeon-shin felt a flicker of irritation inwardly.

“What’s so great… about that name…”

“…!”

“I must… help the sect leader… with qi circulation…”

His words trailed off.

He, too, had lost a lot of blood.

With over a dozen wounds from stabs and cuts, and the accumulated sword energy waves from the Sword Empress layered throughout his body’s meridians, it was no small issue.

It was becoming increasingly difficult to hold onto consciousness.

If the Sword Empress had been a life-and-death enemy, he would have thrown his sword to ensure her end, but right now, what was urgently needed was not a thrown blade but qi circulation to treat internal and external injuries.

However, at this moment, all Jeong Yeon-shin could do was twitch the hand gripping Remaining Thunder. His legs wouldn’t move.

At that moment.

[You’ve worked hard. It was a deeply impressive sparring match. Since all the officiators of the Mount Hua Agreement witnessed this contest, you may rest now.]

Taoist High Sword’s voice flowed into his mind.

It carried the distinct immortal aura typical of Taoist internal energy, a voice transmission aimed not at the ears but directly at the mind, much like the Buddhist Wisdom Light Heart Speech.

“Why is he raising his voice…?”

Could there be a demon nearby?

With this absurd thought, Jeong Yeon-shin let go of the thread of his consciousness. Only now did he feel relief.

His awareness plummeted rapidly as if being sucked into an abyss. Only then did he faintly sense the strong arms supporting his back.

* * *

Green Jade Sword Manor.

Significant news arrived.

It was about Lotus Nezha, Lightning Genius, who had pushed back Diancang’s sect leader by hundreds of jang with a single strike of an unprecedented sword form, ultimately standing alone in a pool of his own blood.

Absolute masters had clashed. Only a very few could count how many exchanges they had or fathom the flow of their battle. One fact was clear.

The defeat of Yunnan’s absolute master.

The treasured sword of Sword Empress Jin Xuan-chan, named Shooting Sequence, was found with only its hilt remaining. It was a divine sword nearly akin to a sect leader’s token for Diancang disciples. This was no ordinary matter.

Even the splendid orange Celestial Silkworm Martial Robe, akin to a secret weapon of the sect leader renowned for her divine techniques, was said to have been torn.

This was proof that Diancang Sect’s protective energy, famed for its strength, had been completely shattered.

Even though Diancang disciples secretly transported her on a stretcher, quite a few witnessed the scene.

The final verdict was declared by Abbot Beomheo.

[Jeong Yeon-shin has secured victory over Jin Xuan-chan. With two wins and one draw, I declare Desolate Fortress the victor of this sparring match.]

The vast manor was swept into a frenzy.

It wasn’t just Green Jade Sword Manor. A sect leader of the Nine Great Sects had been defeated. This was an event that could shake the entire martial world.

The walls shattered by the new Purple Rank’s thrusting sword form were crowded with numerous martial artists.

Beyond those collapsed walls, countless letters, couriers, dozens of messenger pigeons, and endless rumors spread out.

The martial world was on the verge of uproar.

Finding a quiet spot within the manor was nearly impossible.

At least, the quarters of the “Six Kings Martial Lineage,” who had participated in the Mount Hua Agreement sparring, were immersed in an unusually deep silence.

This was due to the energy barrier set up around a large round table where six individuals sat.

Within the sturdy, translucent barrier of internal energy, low voices exchanged words.

“The new Purple Rank has truly caused a stir.”

“That was expected. I thought at least one of those lofty sect leaders of the Nine Great Sects would fall. Even if it wasn’t the Shaolin Abbot or High Sword.”

“Indeed, with such a track record… If anyone still considers Jeong Yeon-shin a mere person, they must be a commoner far removed from the strategies of the martial world.”

“He holds the rank of Purple. He’s not just a variable; he must be seen as a central pillar of the martial world’s order.”

“That’s also true. A pillar of an order that must be broken.”

These were the conversations of five middle-aged individuals, each bearing a sword, saber, spear, staff, or whip.

It was a gathering solely of figures renowned as luminaries of the righteous martial world.

Though each maintained a composed demeanor for the sake of dignity, no one was unaware of the astonishment underlying their expertly crafted expressions.

They all knew but refrained from disrupting the atmosphere.

The man from the Hwangbo family, who had been silently listening to their words, slowly opened his mouth.

“The Castle Lord has sent a message.”

The atmosphere in the room changed instantly.

“Finally…?”

“It must be good news, right? I’ve been quite concerned…”

This time, none of those seated could hide their joy or anxiety.

As their gazes urged a response, the Hwangbo man slightly raised the corner of his mouth.

“The opening was striking. ‘I have completed the domain.’ In other words, a great achievement, a grand success. I’ve already sent a congratulatory reply to Taimo Mountain Castle.”

A woman with leather gauntlets on both hands let out a low groan, muttering along with the realization that the Taimo Mountain Castle Lord had finally glimpsed the ultimate essence of martial sorcery.

But the Hwangbo man’s words were not finished.

“The Castle Lord, after slaying Sword Star Hyeon So-baek, has entered a period of recuperation. Having lost their leader, the Hanzhong Martial Alliance will desperately conceal this fact, but it will naturally disintegrate before long. Wasn’t it a sinking ship to begin with?”

“The Sword Star…?!”

The room stirred. Now, no one could maintain a composed expression. Any martial artist would react similarly.

From the new Purple Rank’s triumph to the death of the Martial Alliance Leader, these were events that could shake the martial world. They could only be grateful to have received the news in advance.

“One strange point is that Swimming Heaven Sword Ghost Baek Seo-gun was present at the scene. No matter how much the Taimo Mountain Castle Lord achieved a grand success… facing the Sword Star, the odds should have been difficult to predict. How he overcame the combined strength of even Swimming Heaven Sword Ghost is a mystery.”

A middle-aged swordsman, with a sword rested on his lap, flinched and spoke up.

“Why was Profound Martial Alliance’s Sword Venerable there?”

“Didn’t the wastrel daughter of the Profound Martial Alliance Leader seize power with the backing of the Sword Venerable and Blade Venerable? The Profound Martial Alliance’s behavior is bound to differ from before. I speculate Baek Seo-gun went to express friendship to the Sword Star… but now their whereabouts are unknown. Even the young lord of the Zhuge Family has apparently vanished from the Alliance at some point. This is based on the testimony of our spies, so it’s certain.”

“Both Sword Venerable Baek Seo-gun and Tranquil Gaze Zhuge Qing-ya…? Aren’t those two connected to Lotus Nezha?”

The Hwangbo man, the First Sect Leader of the Six Kings Sect, shook his head.

[TL Note- It seems a new member of Hwangbo family. Possibly from a branch family maybe or defected early on like Namgung First Sword.]

“That’s not something for our sect to concern itself with right now. We should simply complete the tasks assigned to us. To be bestowed the Divine Immortal Jade by the Castle Lord, to restore youth to our six masters, we must first focus our efforts. How did everyone view the recent sparring match?”

The fight between the Sword Empress and Lotus Nezha.

The previously flustered atmosphere immediately calmed. Some cleared their throats softly, a slightly heavy, awkward cough.

“Since it ended so quickly, there was no moment to analyze the exchanges. Lotus Nezha’s sparring matches have all been like that. Even if the Taimo Mountain Castle Lord used ancient martial sorcery to momentarily seal his crown acupoint, I can’t predict how the fight would unfold.”

“The Castle Lord killed the Sword Saint, so what’s the issue? Surely he perished with unity of spirit, energy, and body broken”

“Even if the Castle Lord knows this, it’s not something we can casually use, and the outcome of a fight between absolute masters isn’t always predetermined, is it? Just look at what the Castle Lord has requested. Variables like techniques, life-saving forms, physical habits, the nature of internal energy, and the structure of true energy… The Castle Lord highly values our sect’s eye techniques and entrusted us with this task. Though what we could actually observe was limited.”

“Lotus Nezha’s physique could be called the best in the martial world. But the Sword Empress showed no trace of performing the Moon-Piercing Dance…”

At the middle-aged swordsman’s words, the First Sect Master let out a scoff.

“She had no opportunity to deploy her final form. The Diancang sect leader is a born competitor. There’s no way she held back. Especially against the direct descendant of the Ma Family, who resembles the Tyrant Hero in temperament.”

“Since we’ve gained nothing, we must move to the next step. The Taimo Mountain Castle Lord clearly stated that halting the Mount Hua Agreement midway would also be considered a great accomplishment.”

The middle-aged swordsman gripped his sword hilt with a hand damp with cold sweat.

He knew how many absolute masters were currently residing in Green Jade Sword Manor. The First Sect Master slowly nodded.

“If this proceeds further, one of the great factions will gain an unrivaled force. I will send word as soon as preparations are complete.”

* * *

A modest inner chamber.

There wasn’t even a bed. A small round table placed in the center was all there was.

On the wall hung a scroll depicting a lotus flower, the brushstrokes of the petals bold as if cutting through worldly troubles. It exuded the profound aura typical of Buddhist art.

Only the wall carried this air. The room itself was different.

“……”

The silence was not empty. Within the stillness, something filled the space. This was due to the peculiar atmosphere created by the presence of those seated around the table.

Abbot Beomheo of Shaolin, Taoist High Sword, Lady Lu Xian, Venerable Cypress Flame, Taoist Two Walls… The auras of the absolute masters of the Nine Great Sects varied distinctly.

“I can’t quite understand what has happened.”

Taoist High Sword muttered from a corner.

It was literally a corner spot. With his back slouched halfway into a lotus position, his already small frame appeared even more diminutive.

With a youthful face, he slowly shook his head.

“I can’t make sense of it. How could such a deplorable thing…”

In response, a man sitting across from Abbot Beomheo turned his gaze.

As if reflecting his character, below a thick and pronounced jawline, a pale pink robe, faded from its original luster due to an internal energy even divine weapons could barely withstand, rustled softly.

“Your Five Aggregates seem to have dulled so much. It appears Wudang’s rejuvenation technique is quite imperfect.”

“……”

“Indeed, fools like you sometimes rejuvenate to the point of not living up to their age. There’s an insolent one in my family as well.”

Taoist High Sword ignored the comment and sighed.

“Even if it’s a heaven-defying technique, this shouldn’t be possible. How could one practice the Ma Family’s Unity Transformation Technique and achieve rejuvenation…?”

“Remember this. It’s the Jeong Family Dynamic Technique.”

“I’m already dumbfounded enough to have my mind turn blank, so Yeon-jeok, don’t say anything more. I don’t want to grow distant from your grandson, my junior.”

Ma Yeon-jeok’s eyes widened like brass bells.

“Have you grown bold? Who are you speaking of?”

He stood from his seat, muttering that if one is to die anyway, what words couldn’t be said.

If the venerable monk Beomheo, who had been silently observing the Tyrant Hero, hadn’t spoken up, the inner chamber might have been blown apart.

“How is Benefactor Jeong’s condition?”

The new Purple Rank of Desolate Fortress was mentioned. Ma Yeon-jeok, who had raised his hand, paused in place and curled up the corner of his mouth.

“There’s no condition to speak of. Bald monk, think about it. Would someone who has simultaneously mastered the Muscle-Tendon Changing Sutra and the Marrow Washing Sutra be bedridden by such sword wounds? A few rounds of qi circulation, and he’ll regain consciousness.”

“Excellent, excellent.”

Abbot Beomheo murmured in a serene tone.

Excellent, excellent. The five syllables carried a compassionate relief. However, Ma Yeon-jeok did not sit back down.

[TL Note- Five Syllables in korean 선재, 선재라.]

He seemed intent on using his fist to momentarily seal Taoist High Sword’s crown acupoint. Abbot Beomheo softly moved his lips, murmuring alas, what a pity.

“Benefactor Ma, I will confirm your intent once more. Do you truly wish to conclude the Mount Hua Agreement?”

Venerable Cypress Flame, who had been meditating in a corner, asked in a calm tone without opening her eyes, seated upright.

Ma Yeon-jeok let out a hearty laugh.

“I’ve offered this advice out of deep virtue, so you should consider it a favor and be grateful.”

Lady Lu Xian, sitting quietly nearby, slightly furrowed her brow.

“What…?”

“If you know shame, you should step back first. Isn’t it absurd for old folks to step into a stage meant for the younger generation to compete? Mount Hua and Qincheng may be exceptions, but considering my grandson’s age, it’s truly ridiculous.”

The Tyrant Hero suddenly closed his mouth. He seemed to realize he was speaking unnecessarily.

“……”

As he moved his hand toward his beloved sword, Guarding Moon, at his waist, Taoist Two Walls, who had been staring intently at the Tyrant Hero, spoke up just in time.

“Senior, I understand your words. However, what about the backlash from martial artists across the land who have gathered here? The Mount Hua Agreement is no longer just a sparring contest between the Nine Great Sects and Desolate Fortress. There must be a plausible justification or method…”

The flow of his words was lengthy. Suddenly, as if recalling another matter, Ma Yeon-jeok, who had already grasped the door handle, turned his gaze.

It was directed at Taoist Two Walls, who had been speaking calmly. His expression was as if looking at a peculiar specimen.

“Why are you asking me about matters that are your concern?”

The door, opened without hesitation, slammed shut with a bang. Immediately after, Ma Yeon-jeok’s monologue drifted through the crack in the door. It’s time to assist with qi circulation.