Chapter 469 – Peerless Grand Battle (4)

The manifestation of the Desolate Fortress Lord.

Shin Byeok’s words were merely confirmation. After all, King Qiong-ming and Lim Jin-myeong had already sensed it.

The bell located in the inner castle of the Fortress Lord was a kind of dharma treasure. Not many could hear the spirituality of its resonance. Only those who had greatly cultivated their upper dantian could do so.

“When do you think she will arrive?”

King Qiong-ming asked the other two. The letter he had crumpled earlier was now perfectly smoothed out, as if new, due to his refined internal energy. It had happened right after the bell rang.

Lim Jin-myeong pretended not to notice.

“I believe she went very deep. It was an abyss from which no human could easily emerge alive. If the bell has only rung now, it will take some time.”

“Even so, the deployment of Black Ranks must be canceled. I will not allow it.”

“Yes.”

He had no choice but to answer that way.

After all, they could no longer spare the standing forces of Desolate Fortress’s main castle.

The manifestation of the world’s finest martial artist would literally focus the attention of the entire world. Even if she were to walk to Zhejiang, eyes from all over would still be directed toward the main castle in Xiangyang.

Among them would be the gazes of those who had been eagerly waiting for the opportunity to annihilate Desolate Fortress.

That was the influence of the Extinction Sword Master.

[TL Note- if you don’t remember, Extinction Sword is the name of Fortress Lord’s sword.] 

“We should strengthen the defense of the main castle.”

Lim Jin-myeong reluctantly said.

Even with all sorts of absolute masters in motion, the weight of the Divine Sword Squad Leaders remained formidable.

The fact that there were more than a dozen masters capable of plotting against a transcendent master through joint attacks—this was what the Administrative Office of Desolate Fortress needed to constantly remind the world of.

If even one great faction were to violate Xiangyang, the martial world order, which had been flowing in a relatively orderly manner, would take on an ominous current.

“The Blood Flame Cult where the First Apostle has ascended to the position of cult leader, the Tyrant Sword Sect beginning to wield power more formidable than any military faction, the Ming Cult that has absorbed the Pure Demon Alliance… the Martial Dragon Alliance, the Jade Spirit, Dream Human Moon, the Green Forest bandits, the Myriad Upper Road Stronghold……”

Tuk, tuk.

King Qiong-ming tapped the table with his index finger.

“In a situation where martial prowess and military power are desperately needed, I wonder how the Profound Martial Alliance is progressing. I left the restraint to the Shandong Yue family… but there’s talk that the family head has recently lost his mind.”

“Young Alliance Leader Gong Yu-lin and Light Path Venerable Jin Min are both well-known world-class talents, and both are clever individuals. They won’t be lax in their duties at this point.”

“What’s happening in Hangzhou is significant. It will affect the state of affairs in the world.”

“That’s certainly true. By my estimation, there are more than six transcendent masters currently in Zhejiang Province. Besides them, there are also the main fortress’s Divine Spear and Blue-Eyed Demon Sword. If all these individuals are released back into the world……”

“The question is how many will return. I don’t know how effective the Taimo Mountain Castle Lord’s schemes will be. Nor can we know where the Extinction Sword Master will head.”

At those words, Lim Jin-myeong’s eyes widened slightly. He suddenly realized that there was one more place the Desolate Fortress Lord might walk to.

“Oh no……”

“Hmm.”

The low hum of Shin Byeok, who had been keeping silent.

The three of them had thought of the same thing.

The north where the Emperor had departed? Or the south where news of Jeong Yeon-shin’s death had been reported?

“……”

It was difficult to speculate rashly.

Meanwhile, outside the round window, it was still bustling with activity. The sound of debates between the Administrative Office scholars and various officials flowed in along with the sunlight.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

Things had fallen apart.

That’s what Cho Il-seo thought.

As the Young Castle Lord of Taimo Mountain Castle, cracks had appeared in the perfection he had so diligently maintained. He had failed to fulfill his duty.

Though he had been acknowledged by his grandfather, Dark Heaven Emperor, as the ruler of Hangzhou, the series of events that had unfolded in that vast land had pulled Cho Il-seo down.

‘But it’s not my fault.’

All the incidents had fallen like thunderbolts from the sky, and each one invariably contained variables beyond his control.

Cho Il-seo was not disheartened. Instead, he had mobilized the subordinate sects of Taimo Mountain Castle according to plan.

“Venerable Martial Sect, Hyeong Family Estate, Sutra Lower Seven Sects, the masters of Grotesque Blood Mountain, Medicinal Radiance Divine Sect, and Jiangxi Vegetable Family… thank you.”

“Of course we had to come. Isn’t Taimo Mountain Castle like a mentor sect to us?”

The reply of some man echoed softly like an echo.

It was a dimly lit cave.

A gentle glow flickered like candlelight, and beneath it, hundreds of martial artists in formation performed a cupped fist salute.

The sound of sleeves brushing against skin was perfectly synchronized with a “swish.” The lips of those who wore darkness like masks remained motionless like plaster.

Rather, the light from the night-shining pearls embedded in rows along the vast underground walls was more clamorous.

These were people who had followed Taimo Mountain Castle for decades.

Dark Heaven Emperor and the Three Arts Grand Seats had long since subjugated various powerful sects with the mysteriously unpredictable movements characteristic of martial sorcery. After that, they bestowed precious teachings.

Subordinate sects. Or affiliated family sects.

The true power of a great faction possessing studies that everyone desires.

But even with an enormous number of affiliated family sects, the Nine Great Sects and the Eight Great Families must still be mindful of the imperial family. They cannot openly wield such numerous personnel.

Taimo Mountain Castle was different.

They had no hesitation in exerting all their power.

“It’s not just a matter of course. Haven’t you come from far-off Jiangxi and Fujian? Dark Heaven Emperor will recognize your efforts.”

Seated in a palanquin, Cho Il-seo praised them with a somewhat youthful voice.

About a hundred martial sorcery practitioners of Taimo Mountain Castle, along with some three hundred masters from subordinate sects. Additionally, there were dozens of jiangshi that were on the verge of extinction.

All would follow the martial sorcery command of Taimo Mountain Castle, which had mastered joint attack formations. In terms of effectiveness alone, Taimo Mountain Castle’s Thunderbolt Nine Desolation Formation was comparable to Shaolin’s One Hundred Eight Arhat Formation.

It was truly overwhelming.

If this force were to march out into the world right now, it would be more than enough to keep the imperial army in check.

‘More than enough to compensate for Heaven Conquering Sect’s defection.’

Cho Il-seo smiled.

Fortunately, the forces had gathered quickly.

Earlier, he had nearly suffered a fatal blow from the Blood Flame Cult’s Seventh Apostle, but he had managed to retreat with minimal damage. It was thanks to the timely manifestation of Dark Heaven Emperor’s spirit projection.

“Young Castle Lord.”

Someone raised a hand among the crowd. It was a young man with twin swords crossed on his back, and his face, briefly revealed in the light of the night-shining pearls, still looked youthful.

“I’ve heard rumors that a strange monk from Shaolin is descending. If it’s Beomheo, known for destroying mountains with a single fist……”

“Which venerable elder granted you permission to speak?”

Cho Il-seo interrupted with a smiling face. His voice was as stinging as if infused with lightning. The middle-aged man beside the twin-sword martial artist apologized in a low voice.

It was accompanied by an excuse that he had failed to keep his disciple in check.

Cho Il-seo nodded gently.

“Our castle has already made the entirety of Hangzhou the axis of our formations. The natural energy flowing from this vast land, the energy from commoners, and even the meager energy possessed by insignificant martial departments all belong to our Castle Lord. This underground cavity where you now stand is the essence of that. Of course, in regard to the Dragon Summoning Ritual Formation as well as repelling intruders……”

His words continued.

Unlike his measured tone, the facial expressions of the martial artists who had been standing with indifferent looks changed as he spoke increasingly shocking words.

After unfolding some kind of story, Cho Il-seo smiled slightly.

“Dark Heaven Emperor has watched over this land for over a hundred years. This is also the period during which our castle has operated in secrecy. Even the most powerful martial artists typically avoid entering a domain crafted by martial sorcery practitioners who have invested time, let alone Dark Heaven Emperor who has laid claim to a third of Zhejiang Province……”

“That’s how deep the delusion is.”

A voice with the texture of dry wood.

The dust that had been flowing hazily and lengthily through the underground suddenly undulated like waves struck by a storm, and the crowd’s gaze turned back all at once.

Thud.

It was an ordinary footstep.

But the deep underground cavity was filled with that subdued sound.

An old monk.

Perhaps because he had no arms, his orange monk’s robe fluttered lengthily on both sides as he walked. Rather than clothing worn by a monk, it resembled the wind-resistant garment of a lone wanderer traversing perilous terrain.

His single eye clearly reflected the darkness of the cave, while the hemp cloth covering his other eye conveyed a rough texture.

The atmosphere was different from the start. It was the epitome of extraordinariness.

Tak―!

Cho Il-seo immediately flicked his finger. This was because the King of Hell had arrived before him. It was only natural to activate the Thunderbolt Nine Desolation Formation that had already been laid throughout the cave.

[Thunderbolt Preparation.]

With a short incantation, waves of blue lightning extended in all directions. The sound of “chijik” scratched the ground. In an instant, the vast underground was brightly revealed.

Besides the old monk, there were three more people.

It didn’t matter. With Divine Monk Beomheo’s arrival, the number of opponents was not important.

The pinnacle of the current martial world. The current Shaolin Abbot was the incarnation of the righteous martial world. He was someone who could substitute for an entire army and more.

“Those arms… could it be?”

“It’s the strange monk!”

Even the masters gathered here couldn’t help but pause momentarily.

While the sound of three hundred martial artists drawing their weapons rang out loudly, silence flowed amidst them, who were already intertwined like a net of blue lightning.

[Do not be afraid.]

From behind those masters.

The energy flowing from the cave had filled all the acupoints throughout Cho Il-seo’s body.

Though it was a mere speck compared to the power taken by Dark Heaven Emperor, it was enough for him to prepare for a fierce battle while uttering incantations that subtly mesmerized the assembly.

[The Thunderbolt Nine Desolation Formation will bind our energy waves together……]

A brilliant light rose from beneath the feet of Divine Monk Beomheo, who had been approaching with an ordinary stride. Then, like incense burned when bowing to Buddha, it spread faintly with each step.

It was an energy wave of a strange form.

Kugugung.

The white light that had spread out like mist settling on a riverbank at dawn pressed down directly on the lightning net that had occupied the surroundings.

In that moment, Cho Il-seo vomited blood. Astonishment flickered in his eyes, where colorless eye light had been rippling.

‘With martial arts alone…!’

He had used Shaolin’s Buddha Light Energy Flow like the legendary Heavenly Demon Army Approach.

Originally a protective stepping energy wave that lightened footsteps, it had pushed away the entire energy of martial sorcery. It was a divine presence for which even the term “monster” was insufficient.

“Stay calm. This is also part of the resonance deployed by Dark Heaven Emperor.”

“The formation will return. Despite his appearance, isn’t he the grandson of the Jade Emperor?”

“Disciples, unfold the sword formation…!”

Realizing that they couldn’t just stand still, the masters of the subordinate sects sprang out in all directions. The artificial wind characteristic of martial sorcery swirled semi-transparently around the weapons each of them gripped.

The vast underground was instantly filled with energy waves.

A scale comparable to a major faction, with enough power to contend for the world if they emerged from the cave.

They had a blind faith in Dark Heaven Emperor Cho Yeol. This was because he had long bestowed mysterious teachings like charity.

If this matter were successfully concluded, who knew what new studies he would grant them, bringing them supreme pleasure. Such calculations existed.

But they didn’t get far.

This was because while Divine Monk Beomheo was walking from a distance, there were beings that had rushed in even faster.

One group of those who had been surging forward was buried in a bluish cloud. It was a sea of sword energy that had suddenly risen in a lump. The sound of fabric being torn burst forth in succession like a storm.

A skill against which a human body could hardly resist. The Qingcheng Sect Leader, whose appearance was distinctive from the start, had unfurled the Azure Cloud Sword Technique with a fierce treasure sword.

The hand movements of Two Walls Sword Master, the only elf clan member among the group, were extremely resolute yet comprehensive.

The air also shook in two other places. Those who couldn’t properly withstand the fragments of red light scattered like flower petals fell in succession.

Brilliant Jade Sword God, gripping her sword downward, didn’t stop for a single step amidst the pieces of leg strength energy dispersing in all directions.

Occasionally, when she wielded a light sword strike as if drawing a wave with a brush, the air would crumple irregularly like flower petals in her energy wave, crushing enemies along with their weapons.

It was literally a sword talent that had entered the realm of supernatural power.

At her side, a short-haired girl wearing a black robe of Desolate Fortress was shattering the battle line with a single spear. It could only be Desolate Divine Spear, famous for the story of “The Regret of the Shandong Yue Family.”

And so.

The subordinate sects of Taimo Mountain Castle were swept away.

All Cho Il-seo was permitted to do was to witness that spectacle blankly. Rather, it was the intruders who were conversing.

“Old Lady Yue.”

“What, me…?”

“Has Yeon-shin had his arm reattached?”

“Of course! But these Mount Hua kids these days……”

“Brilliant Jade Sword God, Master Yue, since we’re on the topic, let me ask you something. Is it true that the new Purple Rank defeated the Heaven Conquering Sect Leader? I’ve been temporarily distanced from martial world rumors while focusing on recovery, but this disciple simply can’t believe it.”

“What’s not to believe? Our Yeon-shin is now one of Heaven’s Five Swords. Anyway, the big guy from Forest Treading in the main fortress, as well as elf clan people in general……”

“Old Lady Yue.”

Yue Shou-lin, who had been raising her voice to the Qingcheng Sect Leader, suddenly turned her head in the opposite direction.

The deity of Mount Hua Taoist Sect, Brilliant Jade Sword God, with various bloodstains blooming like orchids on her light pink Taoist robe, was casually moving her lips within the sword wind.

“If that child’s arm hadn’t been properly reattached, I would formally send a letter to invite Desolate Fortress’s Purple Rank to our main sect.”

“Invite him for what?”

“To repay the favor and grudge, of course.”

“If it’s a favor, just call it a favor. Why favor and grudge?”

“My karma is great. Given that we’ve already exchanged life debts, if a junior who will become the light of the world in the future……”

Brilliant Jade Sword God’s words were cut off.

Behind Divine Monk Beomheo, who had already reached Cho Il-seo’s palanquin, a droplet of dew was falling from the cave ceiling.

Saaaa―

Transcendent masters can stretch a moment into eternity in their perception. It’s also possible to see a tiny point of impact as a vast surface.

The falling dew at this moment was no exception.

From the droplet that perfectly reflected all directions, suddenly a person’s form rapidly grew larger and rose up. It was like a scene of someone emerging through a mirror.

The shadow that appeared in this way momentarily emitted a single thought from its body.

[Realm of Void Extinction.]

It was immediately activated.

The domain of martial sorcery, known in the world for breaking the balance of spirit, energy, and body, and bringing down transcendent masters—a space like an invisible abyss that exists only once in the entire world.

Dark Heaven Emperor’s Transcendent Martial Art enveloped the entire underground.