Chapter 439 – Sunset Flag

Divine Monk Beomheo.

The Shaolin Abbot declared an early end to the Mount Hua Agreement sparring competition. This was due to martial artists who had sporadically risen up near Dengfeng County beginning to harm the common folk.

By plundering large quantities of food, water, livestock, and other essentials that were lifelines during the famine.

Among them, the leadership of the Six Kings Sect, who were close to being puppets, were suppressed by the swordsmen of Mount Hua, including Brilliant Jade Sword God Lady Lu Xian.

-“I sought to save our six masters.”

The excuses were brief. The Six Kings Sect Leaders remained silent about whose orders they had followed in their uprising or what they had hoped to receive in return.

Some speculated they had dealings with the Thirteen Evil Sects, such as Taimo Mountain Castle.

This was because, to save the Six Kings Sect elders who were already on the verge of dying of old age, there were few options besides rejuvenation techniques or martial arts sorcery that could reverse heaven’s will.

Great Famine.

Heroes were put to the test in these chaotic times.

Would they maintain their chivalric principles while starving, or would they fill their bellies at the cost of face and honor to plan for the future?

Those who responded to the Six Kings Sect’s uprising had chosen the latter.

They had been secretly plundering across the relatively fertile lands of Henan before being dismantled by the immortals of the Nine Great Sects.

Besides Mount Hua, which focused on capturing the Six Kings Sect leaders, the swords of Emei, Diancang, Qingcheng, and Wudang had also displayed their might.

The immortals of the Nine Great Sects, who had descended from their mountains for once, demonstrated martial prowess worthy of their thousand-year martial lineages.

It was as if they had revealed to the world that Desolate Fortress was not the only faction looking after the common people.

Some enthusiasts would occasionally debate which side, between Desolate Fortress and the Nine Great Sects, wielded greater influence.

Because as the martial world’s sentiment grew barren and the value of chivalry fell to the ground, giving way to survival.

It was a competitive dynamic no one had wanted.

“…The Shaolin Abbot opened a sea of killing?”

“I think your Jeong Family Dynamic Technique is getting disturbed… or not? While it was certainly a welcome act, neither the divine monk nor even the Buddha statues in Shaolin’s main hall could claim that the killing spree was due to our Squad Leader. After all, even Shaolin throughout the world is not free from factions. And the Abbot stands at the center of it all.”

“Factions?”

“Fierce phrases like ‘Eradicating Demons and Destroying Evil’ originally came from Shaolin, didn’t they? But apparently there are martial monks who advocate returning to the great compassion of Buddhist law. They say the divine monk doesn’t force his ways on his disciples, but in his younger days, there were far more unorthodox martial artists who had their heads cracked open by him than corrupt officials who were beheaded by the Tyrant Hero. I heard he nearly got expelled several times.”

This conversation flowed from inside the carriage surrounded by Desolate Fortress warriors. It was the intimate dialogue between Jeong Yeon-shin and Shin So-bin seated in the modest interior.

“It’s hard to imagine someone with a more explosive temperament than my maternal grandfather…”

Jeong Yeon-shin’s voice trailed off, and Shin So-bin pretended not to hear as she continued.

“While he’s now close to being the foremost righteous figure, so no one dares to criticize him, I saw the Tyrant Hero acknowledge someone for the first time.”

“Hmm.”

Originally, the newly appointed Purple Rank had been lying in a spacious palanquin, but as soon as he regained consciousness, he ordered a carriage to be procured.

This was because he had once belatedly heard about something called the “Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s Triumphant Return Ceremony” from none other than his uncle Ma Jin.

There had been an additional comment that since everyone already knew of his achievements, it would be even more admirable if he showed humility. Jeong Yeon-shin had to nod, albeit reluctantly.

As a leader, he couldn’t use his subordinates as an excuse.

‘He’ll join us soon.’

Ma Jin had remained briefly at Green Jade Sword Manor. This was to engage in discussions with the leadership of the Nine Great Sects on Jeong Yeon-shin’s behalf.

The major sects, which rarely gathered in one place, needed time to discuss what forces they could muster and how much territory they could protect going forward.

As the Desolate Ma Family Head, despite his somewhat unvirtuous character, he was qualified to serve as the proxy for the newly appointed Purple Rank.

Thus, Jeong Yeon-shin’s time, which would have been dispersed in various directions, flowed in a single stream. Toward Xiangyang, a land he had not returned to for a long time. Toward his home.

“……”

Inside the carriage.

Jeong Yeon-shin closes his slightly parted lips.

The sound of rattling wagon wheels mixed with the occasional neighing of horses reached his ears.

With those vibrations, Shin So-bin’s hair swayed back and forth below her nape.

The top disciple of the Lightning Genius Martial Lineage looked at Jeong Yeon-shin, who was seated across from her, with slightly upturned corners of her small mouth, as if finding him amusing.

Her grandmaster had aspects reminiscent of a country boy, so he liked Taoists and monks. Naturally, the divine monk Beomheo’s actions would have come as a shock.

But the Purple Rank of Desolate Fortress must comprehend everything in the martial world. Not just untold secret histories, but also matters close to common knowledge.

Shin So-bin opened her mouth again to ensure she would remain directly under Jeong Yeon-shin in the forthcoming reorganization.

Her martial prowess was still insufficient, so she needed to prove her utility as someone from a prestigious family. Even she was uncertain how personnel changes centered around the new Purple Rank would unfold.

“The Shaolin faction story was something my grandfather told me to keep secret, but I thought you should know, Squad Leader. Since we’ll subtly clash with the Nine Great Sects from now on.”

“Me with the Nine Great Sects?”

“Yes! Now you know the divine monk’s methods. Someday, you might briefly face off against him if you’re tasked with capturing someone in Henan. Besides that, there could be various other scenarios.”

There had once been a conflict between Radiant Demon Wing Leader and the Plum Blossom Swordsmen over the treatment of a Mount Hua lay disciple who had broken the law.

This happened before Jeong Yeon-shin joined Desolate Fortress. The Purple Rank is the hierarchy that must ultimately take responsibility for such incidents. Either through diplomacy or martial prowess.

Suddenly, Jeong Yeon-shin recalled Lady Lu Xian, who always wore a smiling face.

Would there ever come a moment when he would have to determine victory and defeat against her and other venerable figures of the Nine Great Sects in actual combat? With the Thirteen Evil Sects and the northern Yao tribes alone, the world was already in chaos.

Swish.

Inwardly shaking his head, he pulled out a letter from within his garment. A document with the crudely written phrase “For Yeon-shin to see.” This was his maternal grandfather’s letter, handed over by Hyeon Won-chang earlier.

He hadn’t yet unsealed it, as he had been busy receiving reports on the progress of affairs from his colleagues. It was right to open it before dawn.

Rustle.

Along with the rough paper texture, traces of brush strokes difficult to decipher unfolded. Jeong Yeon-shin activated his eye technique to read the text.

[Yeon-shin, it’s your grandfather.

It’s very pleasing to see your physique become robust. I knew that robe would suit you well. I’m also curious how the Emperor appeared in your eyes. We’ll have a day to discuss that someday.

I’ve also heard through the Yong fellow that you were disrespectful to the Wudang brat.

In my heart, I had been looking forward to the day I would teach my grandson proper leadership, but I overlooked the fact that you were born with the spirit of our family in your very marrow. I can only feel both regret and pride.

You should know now that you are beneath no one in the entire martial world.

Even the Lord of the Fortress treats the Purple Ranks of our fortress not as subordinates but as colleagues, so what could possibly be above us?

I’ve heard about the events in Sichuan.

The death of Obeying Heaven Wing Leader Ha Do-woon is not your fault. The death of a fortress warrior is a common occurrence in military matters, and since you’ve settled that debt of gratitude and enmity with your own hands, that’s enough.

Think deeply, but don’t mourn for too long and dishonor the Obeying Heaven Wing Leader. He served this country with utmost loyalty.

Anyway, I was astonished by your achievements.

A complete martial artist stood before my eyes. The sight of the Sword Empress’s sword strikes being blocked by your protective energy, despite her clumsy rejuvenation… I wonder if you might now feel a sense of incompleteness when observing my techniques.

This old man, being called grandfather by the world-renowned Jeong Yeon-shin, intends to train harder to become a wall for my grandson.

I have much more to say, but the margin is narrow.

The Yong fellow was too careless to tell you in advance, but now that you’ve become Purple Rank, there’s something you must know.

About the spiritual creature you stabbed to death in Beijing. Those spider-like, monstrous beings with human faces are scattered everywhere.

They are extremely cunning, concealing their aura with their energy, so ordinary individuals rarely see these spiritual creatures.

Only the mad Taoists who dance with swords in the mountains and the monks who excel at hitting people while chanting Buddha’s name can spot and deal with them in advance.

These are chaotic times.

There are invisible doors all over the world, constantly spewing out monstrous beings.

The nine Taoist and Buddhist sects are busy capturing them, while the damned unorthodox sects either hinder this effort or exploit it to fatten their own bellies.

At least the old sword immortal of Zhongnan Mountain has beheaded the door in Shaanxi and descended to the netherworld, but that was clearly beyond normal reason, so even the Emperor couldn’t fathom what method was used.

That damned old man. He should have at least left behind an oral formula before his life was extinguished.

Yeon-shin.

Now your grandfather is entering the lair of these b*st*rd spiritual creatures that are disturbing the world. I will probably be isolated for a long time.

This is to fulfill my duty as a Purple Rank while also finding something that might help you. At the very least, I’ll bring back an armful of inner cores that might extend your lifespan.

The Yong fellow and I will annihilate these non-human things.

You must subjugate the world.

Behead those who wield swords without law, and suppress the fearlessly stirring chaos.

The Purple Rank is like the sunset.

It is the color of the western sky that signals an end to the troubled world.

It is what you must do. You can do it.

Also.

Stay healthy.

The magical medicine enclosed in the wooden box is a fragment of a serpent’s inner core.

I had intended to extract it completely, but the creature was so agile and tough that I had no choice but to crush its scales and flesh altogether. I hope it serves you well.]

“……”

Jeong Yeon-shin silently rolled up the letter and tucked it inside his garment. At that moment, his fingertip touched another small, attached note. When he unfolded it, a brief piece of advice was written.

[Yeon-shin, allow me to add one more word out of concern.

Harbinger of Death, the Desolate Ma Family Head, expressed worry about your character. This old man retorted by asking who was worrying about whom, but there is some truth in his words.

In this world, a truly acknowledged divine sword is one that people recognize without it having to flaunt its sharp edge.

Speaking cautiously, I cannot help but worry because you have not inherited the Ma bloodline’s temperament even after skipping a generation. Accumulate virtue and make many friends. I hope you navigate this dusty martial world wisely.]

Jeong Yeon-shin folded the letter ten times until it was as small as a speck of dust, then placed it inside his garment. It might have been better not to open it at all.

“I won’t ask what’s written in it.”

Shin So-bin, who had been intently observing him, said briefly. Her demeanor contradicted her words. The way she fidgeted her calves, wrapped in loose white martial clothes, suggested intense curiosity.

Jeong Yeon-shin nodded with a slightly reddened face, as a small irritation welled up within him. He felt the precursor to qi deviation due to internal and external injuries he hadn’t fully managed yet.

He had no desire to answer even if his top disciple asked indirectly.

‘If I just eat the fruit…’

On the day he no longer needs to rely on those around him, the world will witness the three generations of the Ma family competing in scholarship and propriety with the Four Books and Five Classics.

It remained unclear when he would inherit the position of Divine Sword Group Leader and claim the fruit, even setting aside the most important matter.

‘When will I reach it?’

It was said to be everything of the elf clan. It felt extremely distant.

Moreover, Desolate Fortress is a faction established with the founding of the country. It has procedures and laws layered throughout the passage of time.

Jeong Yeon-shin leaned back against the seat. When he meets the Grand Administrator this time, he will know exactly how close he is to his goal.

For now, it was enough to reflect once on the Obeying Heaven Wing Leader and the Zhongnan Sword Immortal mentioned in the letter.

“…So-bin, I heard the Namgung Family warriors came to the Jeong Family estate?”

“That’s true, but they didn’t follow us. They seemed to have given up for now.”

Jeong Yeon-shin nodded at Shin So-bin’s nonchalant reply. The carriage carrying the newly appointed Purple Rank back to the main fortress was both fast and peaceful.

* * *

The dust was thick.

It lay upon ground pitted with large holes here and there. The earth was humming and sighing. From within the smoke, rapid voices exchanged words.

“We’ve compiled the relevant information!”

“Report.”

“Records indicate thirty-six Blood Flame Cult branches were found in ruins. Among them, two are believed to have been under the jurisdiction of the Sixth Apostle and Eighth Apostle, but the whereabouts of the branch heads remain unknown.”

“Is this your doing?”

A silhouette hidden in translucent dust asked, with ears sharp as if honed on a whetstone and carrying both sword and bow.

The words were not directed at the subordinate.

The mysterious elf clan master’s question traversed a distance of over a hundred paces.

Step.

Long legs touched that spot. Along with the hem of an intensely red robe.

Hair flowing as long as if it had transcended the human realm, blown by the reverse wind of lightness techniques. It was extremely dark black hair. As black as the empty night sky.

In contrast, the eerily white and beautiful face was clear even in the thick fog. One eye was covered with a black eye patch embroidered with gold thread, while the other eye was blood-red.

“How do you know all this?”

The Blood Flame Church Leader countered. She was wrapped in transcendence from head to toe.

The fog seemed to pass through her body as if it were a lie. The entire figure of the Blood Flame Church Leader stood out clearly even in the hazy space.

But the presence of the silhouettes confronting her was no less significant. Rather, it could be called overwhelming.

Not one of them showed any sign of intimidation.

“We are the Zhu family.”

The elf clan master at the forefront stated calmly. The red corners of the Blood Flame Church Leader’s lips turned up slightly.

“No wonder, you’re imperial relatives. I’ve come to the right place.”

She continued slowly.

“It was hard to find.”

Her eerie red eye glances upward.

There was a fortress.

The wall currently casting a vast shadow over the Blood Flame Church Leader’s body.

Filling the field of vision with a brownish color and somewhat rough texture, it was so large that human eyes could hardly measure its size.

It far exceeded the range of perception. Even its proper form could not be identified.

It was the World Tree.

* * *

Clatter.

The sound of wheels became prominent.

It was after Jeong Yeon-shin’s group had crossed Henan and descended into Huguang territory. Night as black as ebony was falling from the dusky sky.

“Hmm…?”

Hyeon Won-chang, riding a fine horse at the front, showed a puzzled expression. Despite being close to the large city of Xiangyang, no human presence could be felt.

Xiangyang, where Desolate Fortress had taken root, was famous for being a land that prospered more as the world grew chaotic, yet that safe major city was immersed in a strange silence.

No human figures could be seen on the massive fortress visible in the distance. The faces of the Radiant Demon Wing masters, who had been contemplating a victory ceremony, grew serious.

“Unless the city has died.”

Lazy Flame Dragon muttered.

Something difficult for anyone to imagine.

Three Black Ranks had returned as Desolate Fortress’s regular forces, including Forest Treading Squad Leader, Xiahou Wei-jin, and Law Enforcement Squad Leader Yun Xiao-yu.

With the addition of the Grand Administrator, renowned as a supreme master skilled in both civil and military arts, there were four leader-level forces. It should not easily fall.

“Shall we proceed at full strength?”

As a Blue Rank warrior asked toward the carriage.

Below the hill they stood upon.

Suddenly, a very small anomaly occurred. It was something so minute that it would be difficult to discern without being a master.

From the center of the vast city, a single purple lantern rose up.