Chapter 485 – Desolate Day Extinction (4)

The inner quarters of the Mu Family Estate.

As Jeong Yeon-shin suddenly opened his eyes, a certain intuition struck his mind like lightning.

‘…Dark Heaven Emperor is dead.’

The old monster named Cho Yeol no longer existed in the world. It was because his spiritual essence had been completely annihilated. The same was true for Dark Heaven Emperor’s internal energy that had remained on earth.

An insight originating from the Baihui acupoint in his head.

The Transcendent Martial Art Realm of Void Extinction had completely disappeared from Hangzhou.

Like the final moments of countless martial world people who often died futilely in nameless mountains.

Naturally, Jeong Yeon-shin’s upper dantian also began to burn white-hot once again.

Though it was an extremely cursed feeling, it was a blessing when viewed from the perspective of the world. After all, one person’s short lifespan had nothing to do with the world’s safety.

If Cho Yeol had remained alive, another great incident like the flood dragon manifestation would have occurred someday. It was truly a fortunate turn of events.

Moreover.

Jeong Yeon-shin immediately realized who had accomplished this feat. This was because for him, not only the Desolate Fortress Lord but also the sect leaders of the Nine Great Sects were not objects of vigilance at all.

There was no need to narrow the range of his energy sense and make its density thicker.

‘Brother Hyeon Won.’

The person who could truly be called Jeong Yeon-shin’s elder brother had eliminated the lingering threat.

The endlessly sharp energy waves characteristic of the Heaven Conquering Sect Leader were in the hands of Desolate Divine Hero, and it felt as if he had wielded a dharma treasure.

Something that no other sect leader could have accomplished.

As the purple of the main fortress, he would definitely have to secure great merit for him.

If he spoke to the Administrative Office, Hyeon Won-chang might even qualify for black rank promotion. Somehow separate from the uneven martial prowess of Desolate Divine Hero.

“…Why are you staring blankly with your eyes wide open like that? You’re not a newborn baby.”

The Divine Physician who had entered Jeong Yeon-shin’s field of vision spoke curtly with a sullen face.

An extremely pale complexion, and cheeks so sunken that calling him haggard would be insufficient. It was truly the appearance of someone on the verge of death.

“Seeing that you could get up but are deliberately lying down, you too understand that a life of lounging around in a room is the highest fortune.”

“Pardon?”

“A status like Desolate Fortress’s purple may be extremely splendid on the surface, but don’t you scrape away your soul and body as business for the sake of the world? A truly good life would be that of a wealthy landowner living in some peaceful countryside with an abundant estate. You should definitely remember this for your own sake.”

“Elder.”

“Hmm?”

“Before we met here in Hangzhou, haven’t we met separately somewhere before?”

Jeong Yeon-shin asked while gazing at him intently.

The expression of the Divine Physician, who had been speaking bluntly, became strange.

A peculiar sentiment could be glimpsed. On the smooth face characteristic of noble clans, somehow invisible wrinkles seemed to swim through the years.

“Why do you ask such a thing?”

“I asked because of a familiar feeling.”

Jeong Yeon-shin answered nonchalantly. Indeed, that was truly the case.

Thus, a brief silence flowed.

“…I don’t know.”

“I see.”

“Rather than that, how about paying attention to other things? Those who earnestly wish for your recovery are gathering.”

“Do you mean the Fortress Lord and various sect leader seniors?”

“I have no concern for those fellows.”

He furrowed his brow as if telling him not to even mention it. Soon after, the Divine Physician pointed to a window that wasn’t even open.

“The Emperor is dead.”

Those words.

They burst forth mercilessly.

It was a story that shook even the composure of Jeong Yeon-shin, who had become more gentleman-like since seeing the taiji. He felt no falsehood in the Divine Physician’s words.

His upper dantian whispered to his mind. That the story was true.

Meanwhile, the Divine Physician’s voice continued without intonation.

“The Son of Heaven… the pillar that supported the sky has collapsed. The world is on the verge of falling into chaos, and not only the Zhu royal family but also local warlords, native sects like territorial forces, and all sorts of great factions are watching with both eyes wide open. How this country will flow in the future.”

“Emperor Qian-ling, truly…”

“They all possess enough power to plunge this land into hell and more. You would know better than I. With all sorts of pestilences like the Thirteen Evils, Nine Great Sects and One Unorthodox Faction, Eight Great Families, and martial aristocrats.”

“……”

“But the Desolate Fortress Lord does not involve herself in such chaotic political situations. She is a solitary and lofty person. She never stepped forward in matters that the Emperor did not personally request. Like natural disasters… she moved only for reasons difficult for people to fathom. Therefore, what draws the world’s attention today is.”

Tap.

“Inevitably this purple robe. The pinnacle of Xiangyang’s martial world who can move all sorts of Desolate Fortress warriors.”

The Divine Physician’s finger, which had been inserting needles, tapped Jeong Yeon-shin’s chest once.

Somehow it felt like receiving stern advice from a grandfather he had never seen. Jeong Yeon-shin looked down at his chest intently.

While recalling the extremely mystical face of the Emperor.

“In terms of official rank, Desolate Fortress purple surpasses the first rank and is considered more important than most royal family members. You too must have heard about what kind of misdeeds your maternal grandfather committed in Beijing. Yet his limbs remain intact with such authority. A few words from you fellows make the center of power that controls the world sway this way and that. Now that the Emperor has passed away, it’s even more so. Countless people from all walks of life will want to receive your attention.”

“Power…?”

Jeong Yeon-shin’s lips, which had been keeping his eyelids lowered obliquely, twitched.

His head tilted slightly to the side.

He understood the Divine Physician’s story. But it didn’t properly sink into his mind. The Emperor Qian-ling he knew was someone who thought of the people’s livelihood.

—If that heart does not break for ten thousand ages, you are this nation’s sword.

The Emperor had never intended to summon Jeong Yeon-shin to the north. He had only casually mentioned it like a joke upon their first meeting.

He had also permitted each of the other purples their own tasks. They were not buried in battlefields that could immediately threaten imperial power.

As if the Yao tribe masters could be handled sufficiently by the Three Great Imperial Masters and Zhu clan warriors.

While looking toward the north, he could not let go of the people’s livelihood.

The Emperor had lost both in doing so, and took responsibility through death. Though he didn’t know how that influence would blow in the future.

Jeong Yeon-shin thought. Shouldn’t the successors of such a person not move seeking power? Unless they wanted their heads to fly off.

“Yes, power.”

The Divine Physician’s lips curved up wickedly.

“Martial world people whose abilities don’t measure up comfort themselves saying that a single sword is enough for life, but there’s probably no sect or faction that boasts considerable prestige that hasn’t exchanged drinks with local officials. Those who are truly satisfied with just martial arts don’t watch the imperial family’s mood. They’re mostly called things like ‘Thirteen Evils,’ or wander the martial world alone. Otherwise, they’re holed up in mountains like the Nine Great Sects.”

“…What exactly are you trying to say?”

“As an old man who has observed all sorts of people over long years, I advise that from this moment on, nine out of ten of those who come seeking you will harbor swords in their hearts. Whether those blades are pointed at you or shining to exploit the common people is for you to judge.”

Hearing those words, Jeong Yeon-shin suddenly realized.

The Desolate Fortress Lord outside.

Though she would immediately know that he had awakened, she deliberately wasn’t sending word. As if it was fine for him to sleep more. What could be the reason?

For a moment, Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes lost focus.

“Ah…”

Baek Mi-ryeo and the Seventh Apostle were not there.

* * *

“Move aside.”

A low voice flowed from the front of those who all rode robust steeds. The brief command made the atmosphere rumble.

Energy waves originating from tremendously powerful internal energy distorted semi-transparently in the void.

Clip-clop, clip-clop.

Elegantly echoing horse hoof sounds.

“……”

The crowds filling Hangzhou’s marketplace were parting like waves.

A deathly silence permeated everywhere.

Those dressed in various colored ceremonial robes and martial uniforms of red, blue, green, and other hues slowly drove their horses toward the center, soon reaching the hill where the Mu Family Estate was established.

Shortly after, a rider who maintained balance through skillful body techniques even on horseback raised a long flagpole high.

Flutter.

A flag with the characters Hong Huang (洪晃) written on it.

In the silence, fierce winds drummed against the flag’s cloth.

The number of people gasping or exclaiming in shock rapidly increased everywhere. Prince Hong Huang. One of the Zhu royal family members whom the Emperor had personally granted land and enfeoffed as a prince.

He had formed a force comparable to any major sect, governing the public order of his assigned region while commanding countless masters. The Central Plains was that vast.

Moreover, they were not the only ones.

Crowds approaching from all directions as if to surround the Mu Family Estate.

A total of eight groups moving slowly from eight directions. All were mixed groups of men and women.

“This must be the right place?”

“Consider the number of secret agents deployed. If not here, it wouldn’t make sense.”

Despite the year of poor harvest, everyone’s faces showed an oily sheen. All had well-developed bodies clothed in smooth silk.

Because every group possessed energy waves, they were emitting energy fluctuations that suppressed the surrounding common people.

In fact, at some marketplace intersections, several people were having difficulty breathing properly and could only emit labored wheezing sounds.

Saaaa—

Each of the eight groups numbered at least a hundred people. Due to the scale being so large, the surrounding scenery changed rapidly. It became a solemn battlefield in an instant.

Three princely forces including Prince Hong Huang’s residence.

Military forces of a Supreme Commander corresponding to the first rank from the Five Military Commissions.

A great merchant alliance formed through oaths among various merchants, now controlling material resources during this year of poor harvest.

The Provincial Governor of Zhejiang and his party.

Masters of the Four Provinces Martial Alliance recently formed by martial sects from Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fujian, and Guangdong.

And imperial envoys sent down from Beijing.

They had arrived at once as if they had set a date. Because they had indeed made secret agreements with each other.

Purple rank.

A peerless master who could grasp the life and death of others just by sitting face to face. Moreover, only the Emperor and the Desolate Fortress Lord existed above him in rank.

The path to make demands of someone who could exercise military force even against officials.

No power would move alone. It was right to gather together if only for minimal preparation.

This was why they were all conversing quietly while never letting down their guard.

“By the way, I don’t know where the Desolate Fortress Lord has disappeared to. I thought she would go north, but that wasn’t the case either, and she didn’t even show herself when the flood dragon manifested here in Hangzhou…”

“There’s a reason why even secret agents find it difficult to track her whereabouts. From what I heard in Beijing, she is struggling hard somewhere else.”

All the horse hoof sounds had stopped without anyone noticing.

Most of the eight groups looked down at the Mu Family Estate intently without dismounting from their steeds.

It was due to tension. Numerous mental transmissions passed between them.

—There was a great battle. The Divine Physician never bestows medical skills on those who have accumulated internal energy. The new purple’s body must be in an extremely weary state.

—It’s said he formed connections with masters of the Nine Great Sects at the Mount Hua Agreement martial contest. Since the Heaven Conquering Sect Leader beheaded High Sword of Wudang, it would be proper to concentrate on praising his achievement of defeating the Unorthodox Path’s Finest Sword.

—We shouldn’t see it as too easy either. Our words must carry weight to attract the interest of someone like Jeong Yeon-shin.

—Honoring Master Jeong’s achievements is proper, but if we bow to his subordinates as well, our proposals will become ridiculous. Let’s act as usual.

—Alliance Leader! Please don’t make any verbal mistakes!

—Don’t worry. Many are deluded by bloodline and mistakenly think Jeong Yeon-shin’s temperament is explosive, but as long as we don’t provoke him first, there’s no one more gentle. Hasn’t his childhood already been revealed in broad daylight? The villagers of Xinye County called him a calf-like child.

A world meeting upheaval due to the Emperor’s death. The eight groups inevitably gathered here now prove these chaotic times.

They were entangled in extremely complex relationships.

The various princely residences including Prince Hong Huang’s forces had come to confirm Desolate Fortress’s non-interference in governing their own lands.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Commander intended to request reinforcements for the earth-shaking battle unfolding in the north.

The Provincial Governor of Zhejiang aimed to praise Jeong Yeon-shin for recent events in Hangzhou and send him off safely.

He had previously cooperated with Taimo Mountain Castle and the Heaven Conquering Sect, so there were vulnerable points.

Those who had walked here with pure intentions after hearing various rumors were extremely few. In fact, it would be fair to say only the Four Provinces Martial Alliance.

Even the merchant alliance’s group wanted to borrow military force from Desolate Fortress.

In transporting massive materials, there was still no inscription that guaranteed safety like the character “Desolate” (荒).

“Since distinguished guests are waiting, I’ll speak directly.”

The alliance leader of Guan Xu Merchant Alliance said as he leaped down from his steed.

He was an elderly man with an extremely good build, someone who had deeply learned martial arts along with accounting.

“Support from the imperial family toward Desolate Fortress may be cut off temporarily. But our Guan Xu Merchant Alliance can make Xiangyang even wealthier. Please send word to your purple.”

The alliance leader spoke while looking down at Yue Shou-lin.

Though he was someone who grasped the money lines reaching throughout the world, his status was the lowest among the eight groups. Naturally, he tacitly took on the role of being beaten first.

This was because the grandson of Tyrant Hero was unlikely to be generous to others from the very beginning.

But the alliance leader thought differently.

‘The rumors about Desolate Day Extinction are somewhat exaggerated. In reality, he’s closer to a gentleman than any previous purple, and is someone you can actually reason with.’

If one examined Jeong Yeon-shin’s track record closely, one could only think this way.

Guan Xu Merchant Alliance.

They were people who risked their lives for a single silver coin. In the delicacy of intelligence gathering, they were no less than the Beggar Sect and Hao Gate.

That’s why at this moment they could prepare to speak of using Desolate Fortress’s military force privately.

“…What are you guys?”

Desolate Divine Spear Yue Shou-lin looked up at him blankly. She hadn’t shown particular courtesy even to the flags of various royal families.

The autumn wind that had blown strand by strand carelessly lifted her black hair that reached down to her nape.

The alliance leader inwardly clicked his tongue.

‘To be so unable to read the situation.’

Even that Desolate Day Extinction, if he were in his right mind, would find this a difficult situation to handle alone.

The influence of the eight groups on the world was the problem.

Considering the caliber of those gathered, any major faction would have to lower its tail. Military force was a secondary issue.

Though peerless master Jeong Yeon-shin was one of the most free existences in the world, the status of Desolate Fortress purple was never like that.

How to resolve such massive interests.

If he were someone with his head screwed on straight, seven days and nights wouldn’t be enough.

“The Divine Sword Squad Leader has no business here. I’m sure the same goes for others in this gathering.”

Whoosh!

Instantly, dense energy waves spread from several groups.

It was an intention to remind them of their existence. An oppressive feeling that was not only extremely prominent but even raised dusty mist hazily.

Powers reaching throughout the world pressed down on the skin of not only Yue Shou-lin but also Hyeon Won-chang, Shin So-bin, and Qingcheng Sect’s Jin Mu who had arrived nearby.

“We have matters to discuss on equal footing with Desolate Fortress purple.”

The Guan Xu Alliance Leader said quietly.

* * *

It was the inner courtyard of the Mu Family Estate.

‘Maggot.’

The young man with his back to the Desolate Fortress Lord cursed inwardly. He was roughly crouched on the edge of the gently rising inner quarters’ roof.

The hem of his purple robe hung down to the bricks, mixing with stone dust.

‘I am a maggot. Unable to do anything, yet having to do everything…’

Rumble.

Suddenly, tremendous energy fluctuations rippled from the hand gripping the divine sword Remaining Thunder.