Chapter 442 – Sunset Flag (4)

Even in the thick darkness, the fortress of Desolate Fortress revealed its outline with a soft white radiance.

The silhouette of stone walls devouring the vast grounds to the left and right. Marble imported from the distant southwest boasted an antique texture.

But the inner castle was quiet.

This wasn’t merely because of the thick night air.

“……”

Since entering the inner castle, Jeong Yeon-shin hadn’t seen a single martial artist.

No busy movements reached his energy sense either.

Normally, the remaining warriors of the seventeen martial squads and the families under the main fortress never left the training grounds empty even after midnight. For a returning master of the main fortress, this was a puzzling sight.

Indeed, the warriors of the Lightning Genius Martial Lineage who had followed from Green Jade Sword Manor were looking around curiously.

From the beginning, Jeong Yeon-shin hadn’t expected any special victory ceremony. Especially after receiving the silent welcome from the commoners of Xiangyang.

But when a home returned to after hardship is completely empty, wouldn’t anyone feel a sense of emptiness? Like water slowly seeping into cloth.

He didn’t outwardly show such feelings. He was now Purple Rank. This was vastly different from the time when he struggled to reveal his innermost thoughts to Radiant Demon Wing Leader.

“Except for those standing guard, they’ve all gone out on missions.”

Xiahou Wei-jin said with a deep, respectful voice.

Jeong Yeon-shin awkwardly nodded at his senior’s unfamiliar manner.

This wasn’t someone who looked down on those not of his clan.

The Forest Treading Squad Leader of Desolate Fortress who regarded hierarchy as a blade. Even when he had shown extreme courtesy only to his maternal grandfather Ma Yeon-jeok in the past, Jeong Yeon-shin had wanted to emulate his senior’s strict separation of public and personal matters.

Most of the Black Ranks, except for his uncle, had that aspect.

‘Reassuring. I have much to learn.’

Jeong Yeon-shin thought.

A situation where all personnel except those standing guard were scattered across the world.

This meant that incidents requiring Desolate Fortress’s hand had dramatically increased.

Some of them might die lonely deaths on deserted mountain paths. Due to people like the Six Kings Sect during the Mount Hua Agreement.

“Um…”

Yue Shou-lin, casually carrying her spear over her shoulder as she walked along, glanced at Jeong Yeon-shin. The newly appointed Purple Rank sitting in the palanquin with a calm expression, lost in thought.

Unlike Law Enforcement Squad Leader Yun Xiao-yu, whose conduct showed not a trace of disorder, Yue Shou-lin glanced at him several times before carefully parting her lips.

“The structure of the Divine Sword Group will change significantly. Including the Divine Sword Squad.”

“…?”

Jeong Yeon-shin almost reflexively responded with formal speech.

Unlike his uncle who required attention in both character and conduct, Yue Shou-lin had always been a reliable senior, and using informal speech with her still felt unnatural.

When their eyes met, the old senior smiled faintly with a maiden’s face.

“Do you perhaps have someone in mind for the new Deputy Leader position…?”

Her question brought a specific person to mind. But Jeong Yeon-shin didn’t answer immediately.

This was a significant matter. He thought it should be finalized after more careful consideration.

And at this moment, he decided how to treat his Black Rank seniors. Looking into Yue Shou-lin’s black eyes, accumulated with years of luminous light, informal speech wouldn’t come from his mouth.

Furthermore, someone who had secured a position in the Wish for Peace Sword Hall where major matters of the main fortress were decided deserved respect.

“I’m not certain about the Deputy Leader yet. I plan to consider it after receiving guidance on the structure from the Administrative Office.”

He said calmly. By now, the palanquin was heading toward the inner castle of the Desolate Fortress Lord.

This was because the Grand Administrator and Elder Council Head were handling affairs in place of the absent Lord.

“Look at how cryptic he’s become. He’s getting similar to that Yong fellow.”

Yue Shou-lin muttered almost to herself. Xiahou Wei-jin from the opposite side gave a loud snort.

“He’s cut from a different cloth than the Group Leader. Our new Purple Rank will do better.”

“Who said otherwise?”

After countering the hearty sycophant’s words, Yue Shou-lin smiled gently toward Jeong Yeon-shin.

“If you’re hungry, come to the Divine Sword Squad quarters. A master of Five-Cloud Mountain Vegetable Dish is staying there.”

“…Yes.”

The newly appointed Purple Rank awkwardly nodded his head as he moved forward, hearing Xiahou Wei-jin’s retching sounds.

Meanwhile, the warriors of the Lightning Genius Martial Lineage who had accompanied Jeong Yeon-shin from Green Jade Sword Manor began to say their farewells and disperse one by one.

They were concerned for the nameless disciples, having heard that the quarters of each martial wing had been almost completely emptied. Those young martial artists who hadn’t even become White Rank still needed care.

Jeong Yeon-shin expressed his gratitude with a silent bow.

‘People who will remember me.’

Each person’s greeting came once. But his heart remained bowed for a long time.

Until the palanquin, which now had only Radiant Demon Wing and the Black Ranks surrounding it, finally reached the inner castle of the Desolate Fortress Lord.

* * *

“The future of the main fortress has arrived!”

An elderly man with a large build welcomed Jeong Yeon-shin. The hem of his purple robe trailed long beneath his body, which was surprisingly robust for his age.

The Elder Council Head truly looked as if he might embrace Jeong Yeon-shin, but after noticing Yue Shou-lin’s gaze looking up at him, he merely patted his shoulders.

“I will fully support you until the day we pull down that Yong fellow. Whatever path you choose to take. Let’s go forward together with the martial families under the main fortress.”

His temperament was clearly different from Ma Yeon-jeok’s. Though his voice was deep and clear, it carried a certain dignity. His bearing also showed the propriety characteristic of someone from a prestigious family.

Elder Council Head Shin Byeok.

Since the gathering of the Divine Sword Group Leaders, he has firmly disliked Divine Sword Group Leader Yong Hye-myeong.

With an air suggesting he couldn’t bear to see him without removing him from his sight. Having endorsed the assembly order at that time, Jeong Yeon-shin could only awkwardly nod in agreement.

‘Establishing oneself comes first.’

He had sworn to himself to exercise restraint someday. Until he held the World Tree Fruit, it would be difficult to defend Yong Hye-myeong. This was a regrettable reality.

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke with a sense of self-pity for his grown-up self.

“I feel reassured.”

“Of course. With the gentleman of the Ma family standing at the center of the main fortress, what else could stand in our way? It’s as good as having that Yong fellow’s dismissal right before us…! The main fortress will once again raise the banner of protecting the common people throughout the world, thanks to your martial virtue and chivalry.”

It was like watching a traditional opera. His archaic speech made it seem even more so. A person with a sword of conviction in his heart. The current Elder Council Head was like the embodiment of Desolate Fortress’s history.

Jeong Yeon-shin nodded.

“I’ll work hard.”

“From your position, just continue as you have done before. I don’t ask for more from you. Don’t feel any special burden. The shoulders of our fortress warriors are already heavy enough.”

Thus, Jeong Yeon-shin glimpsed Shin Byeok’s welcome. Turning his head to the side, he saw the Grand Administrator pulling at his bushy beard from side to side.

A smile he had never seen before. It testified to how deep the concerns of Desolate Fortress’s leadership had been.

“From Sichuan to Beijing, and then to Dengfeng County. You’ve truly endured much hardship.”

“No more than the Administrative Office. Truly weighty is the task of reviewing all great and small incidents across the world, assessing the strength of the main fortress, and constantly deciding the missions and whereabouts of our precious fortress warriors.”

Natural flattery flowed from Jeong Yeon-shin’s mouth. Ever since he was a White Rank warrior, he had felt intimidated whenever he met the scholarly officials of the Administrative Office who had authority over personnel.

Now that the World Tree Fruit was within sight, he felt even more so.

“Perfect… absolutely perfect…!”

The Grand Administrator burst into hearty laughter. His constant stroking of his chin beard revealed his satisfaction.

“Master Jeong is indeed a perfect Purple Rank.”

Lim Jin-ming, who had assisted first Ma Yeon-jeok and then Yong Hye-myeong since his very young days, proclaimed in a husky voice. Jeong Yeon-shin remained silent once more.

“Though it would be right to give you time to rest after returning after so long, there are a few matters I dare to request your presence here for.”

“I will listen attentively.”

Only then did Jeong Yeon-shin have the leisure to recognize his surroundings.

A chamber surrounded by grayish-white stone walls.

A place permeated with a clear fragrance. Apart from what appeared to be arbitrarily placed tables and chairs, it was filled entirely with branches and foliage.

Extremely long and thick tree trunks had twisted themselves into coils, giving viewers a dreamlike sense of transcendence.

A portion of the World Tree that had taken root across the entire world.

It was the office of the Desolate Fortress Lord. Only the faint scent of the long-absent master lingered.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s gaze swept over the tree trunks. As if searching for the warmth of his master through his eyes. Soon after, Lim Jin-ming, seeing the newly appointed Purple Rank’s gaze, smiled faintly.

“There is no need to worry about the Lord’s well-being. We are merely ashamed of our inadequacy. Originally, the roots of the World Tree possess abilities akin to divine transcendence, which greatly assist the Lord in overseeing all of Xiangyang. I’ve heard that she can look down upon this land without even activating eye techniques.”

Grand Administrator Lim Jin-ming was skilled in dealing with people. Even now, he very adeptly changed the topic.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyebrows rose slightly at the rare mention of his master.

“Does this root possess such abilities?”

“The protector of Huguang land, the king of the martial world… all these names were earned by overseeing Xiangyang at a glance and maintaining its security. She has become a true king through the roots of the World Tree. It’s different from the common title of ‘king’ that ruffians in the martial world casually attach to their epithets.”

The reason why Xiangyang is the most peaceful land in the world.

Why the Desolate Fortress Lord is called the Jade Emperor in such an enormous metropolis.

A metropolis without even common fights among dark path ruffians shouldn’t exist, but what made it possible was the ability inherent in the roots of the World Tree.

“Resonating with the World Tree trunk… within the Divine Sword Group, perhaps only the Immortal Tree Spirit Leader might attempt it, and even she couldn’t maintain contact for long. Not only is it connected to a mature tree rather than a sapling, but it’s an ability granted only to the most noble clan among the elf clans…”

“In other words, this city has lost the king it has long embraced. Even if that is but a moment compared to the long lifespan of the World Tree, the lives of common people facing famine are no different than an instant is to eternity.”

Shin Byeok’s words flowed out like a sigh. An old warrior of Desolate Fortress who couldn’t let go of the common people’s welfare even after losing his martial arts. A sense of responsibility close to habit.

The seemingly strange conduct of the old man contained years deeply permeated as a part of his life.

‘He is a true gentleman.’

Jeong Yeon-shin suddenly thought. If he could ever become an old man, he would age into someone like the Elder Council Head rather than his maternal grandfather.

“Is there a problem in Xiangyang?”

At his question, Lim Jin-ming interjected.

“An assassin from Yu Ling was caught committing murder outside the main fortress recently.”

“As expected of the Four Demonic Paths, they’re starting to violate the city. Those b*st*rds don’t dare come inside.”

Shin Byeok muttered with anger. Lim Jin-ming nodded.

“Xiangyang is connected to Desolate Fortress in many ways. Many of our fortress warriors’ family homes are in this land. Given that the faction’s scale is acclaimed as the greatest in the martial world, it’s no exaggeration to say that Xiangyang and Desolate Fortress are one body. Food, clothing, cuisine, talent, swords, and all manner of supplies… these are things hard to manage with just warriors who know only how to wield swords, and if enemies start infiltrating the city secretly, Desolate Fortress will also face great difficulties.”

“The fortress warriors… Ah.”

Jeong Yeon-shin recalled the silent castle and closed his mouth. Lim Jin-ming shook his head bitterly.

“It’s a natural occurrence. With the Lord’s absence being so prolonged, those who could be called enemies of the main fortress are all gathering. If any one of them sets foot in the inner castle of Desolate Fortress, the prestige of the Divine Sword Group would be greatly damaged. If we could conduct one major sweep, things would quieten down again…”

“The lightness techniques of those martial world ruffians who exploit the people will only get faster.”

Shin Byeok remarked.

“……”

The silence in the Lord’s office was heavy. It was imbued with the breath of an old man who had once traversed the vast wilderness as a Purple Rank.

A person purely devoted enough to dedicate his life to the banner of Desolate Fortress. For a moment, even Lim Jin-ming, as well as Yue Shou-lin and Xiahou Wei-jin, stood still.

Looking at him quietly, Jeong Yeon-shin eventually stepped forward.

Step.

It wasn’t many steps. Soon, he silently looked down at the tree trunk woven broadly like a bed.

“Can you stay and eat here for the time being?”

Lim Jin-ming carefully asked from behind.

“Though it’s unprecedented, as the Purple Rank of the main fortress, you may use the Lord’s office day and night. If you would do so, the public sentiment in Xiangyang might stabilize somewhat.”

Swish.

Jeong Yeon-shin silently ran his fingertips over the wooden bed.

The place where the Desolate Fortress Lord used to recline whenever he entered the office. Unlike common bark, its extremely smooth texture penetrated beneath his fingernails.

He felt a gentle warmth. Along with a somewhat fluffy sensation.

He slowly parted his lips.

“Are you asking me to stand in for the Lord as a Purple Rank?”

“I wouldn’t dare ask for something so significant. Just your presence here would be helpful.”

Jeong Yeon-shin ignored the Grand Administrator’s words. At the same time, he greatly drew out the qualities of the Moon Spirit Harmonization Technique embedded in the Luminous Wheel Technique of his heart.

With the imagery of pulling the shadow of an eclipse in bright moonlight.

‘Just once…’

After stroking back and forth as if feeling the back of his absent master, he slowly placed his palm on the wooden bed.

Kuuugugugugung-!

It was instantaneous.

A violent vibration climbed up the walls as if an earthquake had struck, and in Jeong Yeon-shin’s pupils, a white radiance exploded like a flower bud.