Chapter 447 – Sunset Flag (9)

Desolate Fortress outer wall.

White and blue garments reveal a glossy texture under the sunlight. All of them are made of celestial silk or fine satin.

These are the martial uniforms of those guarding the wall path at regular intervals, each one neatly embroidered with the rough character for “Desolate.”

“Report.”

“All clear.”

The masters guarding the outer fortress.

White Rank warriors are positioned at intervals of about ten jang. Each stands beside a white flag bearing the character “Desolate” (荒) planted in the fortress wall, protecting the city.

Among them, occasionally a Blue Rank warrior patrols the wall path, receiving reports or giving instructions as the squad leader.

This was necessary even though Xiangyang’s fortress surrounded the city which in turn encircled the outer fortress.

It was to guard against potential infiltration by martial world masters.

Security at the outer fortress had been strengthened since the recent capture of an assassin from Yu Ling in the city marketplace.

“How desolate.”

An elf clan master with a spear strapped to his back muttered.

Like all warriors residing in the main fortress, the neatly arranged hem of his trousers fluttered with a blue hue around his feet.

Spirit Nourishing Spear Wei Kun.

Currently belonging to Radiant Demon Wing, he is the younger brother of Shooting Moon Bow Ghost Wei Ye-ling, and unlike his older sister, he is a Blue Rank of the Law Enforcement Squad who enforces the laws in Desolate Fortress.

A status that rarely mingles with masters from other martial wings.

But now it’s different.

Even Law Enforcement Squad warriors had to be deployed to outer fortress security duty, as the main fortress forces had been significantly depleted.

The Radiant Demon Wing and Lightning Genius Martial Lineage that had recently arrived had long since departed again on missions.

The world was calling for them.

This was because martial artists across the famine-stricken lands had transformed into bandits, demonic bandits, or rampaging mountain spirits.

In some quarters, there was talk of having the Green Forest led by Axe King of White Cypress, the commander of the Grass Bandits, or some elite Yao tribe masters who had crossed over from the north as new contenders for the Thirteen Evil Sects.

“Desolate? You mean the main fortress?”… A White Rank warrior keeping watch nearby casually responded.

This is a place of masters of internal energy techniques. Even casual conversation at a distance is possible.

In the case of elf clan masters, if they fill the Wangu acupoint behind their ears with true energy, they can even hear the sword winds from the central training ground.

Wei Kun shook his head.

“That’s nothing new, I was just thinking about the promotion ceremony for the new Purple Rank that will be held soon. Shouldn’t it be grand enough for the music to reach all the way to Xiangyang’s marketplace? Especially since a boy who knocked on the main fortress gate with just a single sword reached the peak of White, Blue, and Black ranks in less than three years.”

“Well……”

The White Rank warrior merely tapped the handle of the sword at his waist.

He had no words to counter with.

Everyone knows that this is not a situation where a grand ceremony like a Purple Rank promotion can be held.

It was then.

Beyond the wall they were guarding, a child on the main road waved his hand.

“Sir Warrior!”

About eight years old.

A scruffy-looking boy.

Wei Kun deliberately crossed his arms indifferently and just nodded his head slightly.

Immediately, the boy’s face brightened. The White Rank warrior who had been casually conversing with Wei Kun earlier made an incredulous expression.

“Is that your idea of returning a greeting?”

“All children want to see the same image of a main fortress warrior. Look at that. Even as he’s being dragged away by his father, he’s still happy.”

Wei Kun gestured forward.

A boy now caught by the scruff of his neck by what appeared to be his father, being led away. His feet dragging along, leaving two furrows in the ground.

The boy’s father was clearly someone born and raised in Xiangyang. This was evident from his lack of fear toward Wei Kun and the White Rank warrior.

He merely bowed his head repeatedly and stepped backward as if he had committed a great disrespect.

And so they moved away.

Familiarity coexisted with reverence.

Like this, the warriors of Desolate Fortress, including Wei Kun, were accustomed to receiving respect on par with high officials as part of their daily life.

The most honored mayflies under heaven.

“Those people held up purple lanterns for Master Jeong.”

“Indeed they did.”

“They’ve essentially given him a grander promotion ceremony than we’ve ever had, so should we be grateful……”

“All main fortress warriors must feel the same. Who wouldn’t want to hold a proper ceremony? Master Jeong will understand.”

The White Rank warrior had just finished speaking when he flinched.

Across from the Desolate Fortress flag he was watching.

A man was casually walking along the wall path, yet his presence couldn’t be sensed at all.

Even though he was taking large steps, fluttering his blue garment clearly made of celestial silk, he emitted no presence.

This was due to protective energy. The realm of not allowing oneself to be detected by the energy sense of martial departments.

On both shoulders and the center of his abdomen were dragon patterns with four claws each.

The Four-Clawed Dragon Insignia.

Throughout history, the current Emperor Qian-ling, who held one of the most formidable imperial powers, wore a dragon robe with the Five-Clawed Dragon Insignia, while the highest attire he permitted his vassal kings to wear was the Four-Clawed Dragon Garment.

“Jeong Yeon-shin’s promotion ceremony is not for you to worry about.”

The man spoke in a resonant voice.

He too had long ears as if he had inherited the blood of Liu Bei of Shu Han.

“Hasn’t permission already been obtained from the Emperor and the Desolate Fortress Lord? A promotion ceremony is merely a formality. It matters little whether it’s held or not.”

A sharp jawline and a distinctive nose bridge that clearly caught the sunlight.

A faint smile seemed perpetually present on his face.

At first glance, he gave the impression of a free-spirited man who might enjoy the arts in some corner of Beijing. His relaxed manner, letting the blue sleeves of his Four-Clawed Dragon Garment flutter freely, added to this impression.

But his conduct was different.

He was not accompanied by a single attendant. Most unlike the most famous vassal king in the martial world. He was simply strolling along the wall path, surveying the surroundings.

Thud.

Passing by the White Rank warrior who had frozen in place, King Qiong-ming approached Wei Kun with a slight smile.

“It’s pleasing to see such concern for your superior. If only the subjects of King Qiong-ming’s court were like you.”

“Greetings to Your Majesty.”

Wei Kun raised both hands together.

He did not kneel. When responsible for the defense of the walls, all protocols can be simplified. It depends on the heart of the one showing respect.

It’s not that Spirit Nourishing Spear Wei Kun is particularly aloof. Blue Ranks of Desolate Fortress are generally like this. Even if the other party is a peerless master of the Zhu clan like King Qiong-ming.

Those who never know when or where they might meet their death, who also possess martial arts equal to the elite masters of many great sects.

It’s natural that few would go out of their way to observe formal protocols.

King Qiong-ming didn’t mind.

He had not even insisted on meeting Jeong Yeon-shin during his time in the main fortress.

“This is good weather for a drink. Traditionally, heroes enjoy strong liquor, but someone who has donned the purple robe at such a young age might not enjoy drinking.”

“…I’ve heard from my superior that he becomes quite magnanimous at drinking gatherings……”

“You mean Law Enforcement Squad Leader Yun Xiao-yu? That friend is trustworthy. Well, this is quite something to look forward to.”

King Qiong-ming playfully rubbed his hands together.

The sight of the newly appointed Purple Rank suddenly shooting out from the Fortress Lord’s quarters on his sword.

When he departed, he wasn’t moving particularly fast, perhaps concerned that the propulsive energy waves from his sword control technique might adversely affect the fortress.

Naturally, many witnessed Jeong Yeon-shin’s sudden departure.

Alarm bells rang not only in the outer fortress but also in the inner city where the noble families under the main fortress resided, and the warriors stationed in the main fortress had to assume battle formation.

It was the equivalent of the main fortress’s greatest force suddenly departing, so this was to be expected.

The one who calmed this state of alert was King Qiong-ming.

He said to remain quiet as it seemed the Purple Rank would return soon. He infused his voice with the mysterious quality characteristic of supreme masters with developed upper dantians.

“It seems to be time for his return……”

King Qiong-ming, with his hands behind his back, gazed intently beyond the wall.

The warriors of Desolate Fortress, including Spirit Nourishing Spear Wei Kun, maintained their positions silently for quite some time.

Though they didn’t go out of their way to show respect, King Qiong-ming Zhu Yue was a figure held in awe by all.

Moreover, they were aware of the debate that had transpired between Jeong Yeon-shin and King Qiong-ming.

* * *

The sunset cast its glow.

Even as he flew back to Xiangyang after slaying the two martial sorcery practitioners, Jeong Yeon-shin had no particular worries.

He had just surveyed the entirety of Xiangyang’s surroundings using the Desolate Fortress Lord’s bed before departing.

The only opponents who might pose any threat to Yue Shou-lin were the masters of Taimo Mountain Castle. The rest were not even worthy of being called stones.

Under the protection of Desolate Fortress’s third strongest, the First Spear, the Martial Alliance party would enter the main fortress before nightfall.

‘Zhuge Qing-ya, Master Gong…’

He didn’t know what had happened.

There was much he wanted to know.

But he couldn’t bring himself to ask Zhuge Qing-ya directly.

The flow of thoughts in his mind had narrowed considerably, flowing only in one direction. Much like his Baihui acupoint that communicated with the heavens.

‘Hangzhou.’

Only this word existed in his mind.

Grip.

Strength filled his grasp. At this moment, he was far from the demeanor of a gentleman. No matter what he destroyed, it wouldn’t satisfy his frustration.

At this point, only sword control flight seemed an appropriate means of transportation, regardless of the massive consumption of the Luminous Wheel Technique.

‘I’ll replenish my internal energy with qi circulation.’

Whooosh-!

With a wind sound that harshly scratched his ears, he passed over Xiangyang’s city center. People looking up from the ground far below appeared as mere dots.

The enormous fortress rapidly grew closer.

The main fortress of Desolate Fortress.

Even in his current state, Jeong Yeon-shin retained some rationality.

He couldn’t neglect the responsibility he should rightfully bear as the highest rank in the main fortress. The people of Desolate Fortress needed to understand.

[Well now, Master Jeong. I don’t understand why you’re needlessly wasting your energy like this. Won’t you join me for a drink?]

Jeong Yeon-shin flew straight across the wall.

Though meaningless words like percussion noise hit his ears, he couldn’t properly hear them.

After landing in the inner city of Desolate Fortress, he sheathed Remaining Thunder like a painting and headed for the Administrative Office. He intended to meet the Elder Council Head and the Grand Administrator.

“Master Jeong! I was preparing at least a simple promotion ceremony for you……”

He didn’t need to walk far.

Even before passing the central training ground, he encountered them coming out to meet him.

Shin Byeok and Lim Jin-myeong.

Though they didn’t show it much due to their positions, they wore slightly troubled expressions.

The reason became clear immediately.

Thud!

“Having heard you lost a subordinate, I was, as a king, trying my best to show you the utmost courtesy.”

With a heavy vibration, dust billowed up like waves behind Jeong Yeon-shin.

“Today is somewhat perplexing. It’s my first experience being blatantly ignored to my face.”

A heavy wind disheveled the clothes of Jeong Yeon-shin, Shin Byeok, and Lim Jin-myeong. It was the reverse wind of protective energy. The air pressure from the landing was incredibly powerful.

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly turned around.

A man wearing a blue Four-Clawed Dragon Garment was looking at him with a faint smile.

King Qiong-ming Zhu Yue. A figure he had met once after the incident of the Invincible Yelu. He was counted among the strongest of the Zhu imperial clan and was also the half-brother of Emperor Qian-ling.

The young man clad in a purple robe that resembled fully bloomed plum blossoms slowly parted his lips.

“King Qiong-ming, Your Majesty.”

“Still so formal, I see.”

King Qiong-ming laughed casually.

“Where were you rushing off to in such haste?”

“…I was considering heading to Hangzhou.”

“Hangzhou again, is it?”

King Qiong-ming dramatically struck his forehead with his clenched fist.

This was after they had already clashed in an earlier meeting and had continuously exchanged opinions through Grand Administrator Lim Jin-myeong.

Their positions remained unreconciled.

“Do you realize that to get from here to there, you must traverse half of this country? I just invited you for a drink… unless you can return before the liquor gets cold, it seems too far a journey for a mere outing.”

“……”

“Jeong Yeon-shin of the Henan Jeong family.”

Suddenly, a sharp glint appeared in King Qiong-ming’s eyes.

“You are a symbol of chaotic times. Whether by chance or fate, since your entrance into Desolate Fortress, a massive wheel has begun to turn. The famine spread rapidly, and renowned masters of great sects who had been maintaining their positions began to die one by one. It’s no exaggeration to say that your actions coincide perfectly with the spread of chaos.”

Archaic speech and conduct.

Jeong Yeon-shin was suddenly reminded of a certain man. His father, who had blamed the death of his mother on the newborn baby.

“Are you blaming me?”

“Not at all.”

King Qiong-ming, who had suddenly withdrawn his sharp demeanor, smiled ambiguously. His tone of speech also returned to normal.

“It just means your weight is far more than you imagine. Just look at the notable figures who have lost their lives to that sword of yours. The Zhuge Family Head, Mouyang Family Head, Golden Wing Sect Leader, Ten Perfections Sect Leader, Peng Family Head……”

King Qiong-ming slowly continued, counting each one on his fingers.

“All were figures who moved the world. You need to realize the presence you’ve built for yourself. Please become aware of this. There is a world of difference between Xiangyang with ‘Jeong Yeon-shin’ in residence and Xiangyang without him.”

“I am not a fortress that merely keeps its post.”

“A fortress? You’re more than that! You are nothing less than the sword of this country! The divine sword in purple personally proclaimed by the Emperor! For such a person to leave the center of this famine-stricken land and head toward the eastern edge? Anyone would call it absurd.”

“…My comrade is in danger.”

“Haven’t I repeatedly told you, even in writing? Hangzhou is currently a battleground of peerless masters. It’s a matter that can be entrusted to the sect leaders of the Nine Great Sects, and there’s no need for you to exert yourself. It’s a place where the outcome is difficult to predict no matter who goes.”

“I intend to go alone.”

“When a Purple Rank force deploys, there must be proper justification and procedure. Stay at your post. If you leave like this, who will protect Xiangyang? And what of the commoners in the vicinity?”

“Isn’t Your Majesty here?”

“……?”

“I humbly request that you remain until I return. Shouldn’t government affairs also be overseen by the government? Please don’t place the entire responsibility for the people’s welfare solely on the main fortress. It’s already heavy.”

Jeong Yeon-shin spoke calmly.

By now, Grand Administrator Lim Jin-myeong behind them had stopped breathing.

Elder Council Head Shin Byeok’s eyes were wide open, so much so that not a single wrinkle was visible.

After staring blankly at Jeong Yeon-shin for a moment, King Qiong-ming suddenly split his lips wide with laughter.

“Huha, huhahhahaha!”

He didn’t stop.

As if struck by a devastating attack, the absolute authority, second only to the Emperor, laughed uncontrollably for a while.

“……”

Jeong Yeon-shin thought that among supreme masters, only he and a few elders of righteous sects had their sanity intact.

Just as he was stealthily moving his hand toward the scabbard of Remaining Thunder, King Qiong-ming’s laughter ceased.

“You’re trying to use me? Desolate Fortress?”

“How long would a sect that abandons its disciple dragged into mortal danger continue to exist?”

“The audacity of the new Purple Rank is truly boundless. If you were to incur the wrath of King Qiong-ming’s court, from that day, there might be critical disruptions to supplies… There’s no way Desolate Fortress would bear such a burden for the sake of your single principle. The place you belong to is a greater faction, vast and extensive beyond your imagination.”

King Qiong-ming’s words were correct.

Jeong Yeon-shin had yet to see all seventeen Divine Sword Squad Leaders. The same goes for the sight of the Black Ranks, each leading their subordinates under the command of the Divine Sword Group Leader.

Whenever he tried to imagine such a scene that seemed only possible in dreams, a scale unthinkable for a mere branch faction would come to mind.

“……”

Jeong Yeon-shin closed his mouth.

And fell silent for a moment. He was now keenly aware of the responsibility of the Purple Rank who must alone support such an immense fortress.

It was then.

Thud.

It resounded from very far away. From the direction of the outer fortress.

As he raised his head, he could see the small silhouette of a person whose name and face he only knew. Spirit Nourishing Spear Wei Kun. He was said to be the younger brother of Shooting Moon Bow Ghost Wei Ye-ling, who was under Jeong Yeon-shin’s command.

Instead of the spear on his back, he was holding a long Desolate Fortress flag and striking the very solid floor of the wall path.

The sound gradually grew louder.

Thud! Thud-!

It wasn’t just one person.

Gradually, multiple sounds began to surround the main fortress. It was due to the warriors striking their flags while encircling the wall path.

These sounds soon merged into one.

Thud!

It wasn’t a loud sound.

Thud!

It merely made the ground vibrate gently, blending with the vast sunset glow.

Originally, with fewer than a hundred people striking the walls, they couldn’t create an atmosphere like a battlefield.

And so.

The quietest promotion ceremony in history took place.

It was also a departure ceremony.

“……”

As King Qiong-ming closed his mouth.

That day, Desolate Fortress sent its Purple Rank out into the martial world.