Chapter 492 – Noble Clans’ Tree (4)

A moonless night.

Two men were drinking on a platform carved from an enormous boulder.

Because the surroundings were completely covered in white snow, each of their body lines stood out prominently. They were both giant-bodied men who had refined their physiques to the extreme.

One side was repeatedly emptying and filling his wine cup without restraint, while the man on the opposite side merely gazed intently at the surface of the wine in a cup balanced on a massive axe handle, as if maintaining equilibrium.

It was a snowy mountain.

Even in the pitch-black night air, it emitted light. Though only silence filled the place of last night’s full moon, somehow it felt clamorous.

It was because of the two men’s presence. They had no need for moonlight.

“The precious Dugang liquor has all grown cold. I went through trouble to obtain it.”

The voice of the man holding an axe as large as a person’s upper body horizontally—the gang of demons Green Forest Grand Chief—was refined and quiet like any scholar. Unlike his epithet White Axe King, he possessed no wildness.

With his hair neatly swept back behind his white fur clothing, his extremely calm eyes somewhat suited his large frame.

“It did take quite some time.”

The man who had been ceaselessly downing cups twisted his lips. He wore a deep yellow robe tied at the waist, exposing his upper body.

Even while sitting hunched over, his clearly defined abdominal muscles were covered with large and small scars. From his entire body, white steam continuously rose with whooshing sounds.

The Grand Chief, who glanced at that sight, slowly opened his mouth.

“Internal energy is the foundation. Is that the world’s greatest martial art?”

“The help from Desolate Fortress’s Twin Purples was significant. They provided much inspiration.”

“I just spoke of being the world’s greatest. Yet the Alliance Leader dares not deny it.”

“There’s no use being sarcastic about it. If I think I’m foremost under heaven, isn’t that enough?”

“I saw its deployment from close range… Yes, it’s worthy of being called greatest.”

The Grand Chief’s tone was subtle. He seemed to acknowledge his counterpart, Martial Dragon Alliance Leader Helian Feng-yue, yet not quite.

But the Martial Dragon Alliance Leader only let out a hearty laugh as if intoxicated by wine. His thread-thin eyes also curved slightly.

“How delightful. If the Martial God who comes with the moon or the northern monster had been in your place now, it would have been wonderful.”

“Could you handle them?”

“You mountain bandit b*st*rd, you’re also a warrior, so you must be the same as me. From the beginning, everyone who knows martial affairs knows that the Gang of Demons Green Forest Grand Chief’s Transcendent Martial Art is aimed at those two. At least among the well-informed peerless masters.”

“…Let’s get to the main point. Yu Ling Leader sent a communication.”

“Are those who’ve read many books plotting schemes together? It didn’t come to me…”

“That’s because Alliance Leader has no home, doesn’t he?”

“There’s the main alliance.”

“Isn’t that Martial Dragon Alliance also wandering masterless nowadays? Since you once plotted against the Divine Sword Group Leader, it’s natural. Where in the world would there be a place to set foot? Anyway, according to Yu Ling Leader’s message, if the Martial Dragon Alliance accepts my proposal, seven of the Thirteen Evil Sects will form an alliance.”

“…Seven?”

“Since Blood Flame Cult and Dream Human Moon are included in that, it’s fair to say it exceeds more than half. Blood Flame Cult remains intact even after being scattered to that extent. Recently, it’s said that First Apostle gathered the scattered branches throughout the world to newly create a main group and sat in the cult leader’s seat. He drove out Blood Flame Cult’s greatest talent of all time as a traitor to the church. Meanwhile, Dream Human Moon is the most difficult faction in the world to read, but for some reason, Yu Ling Leader didn’t doubt their cooperation.”

The Gang of Demons Green Forest Grand Chief moved his mouth while silently gazing at the wine cup placed on the axe handle.

“Moreover, Myriad Upper Road Stronghold penetrated through the Central Plains by defeating the Yangtze River Navy and Divine Sword Group’s Radiant Sword Wing, and we Gang of Demons Green Forest recently obtained some of the northern Yao tribe’s mounted martial arts, allowing us to synthesize existing supreme techniques. Additionally, there’s Yu Ling Sect and Tyrant Sword Sect. If Huizhou Leader also responds to the alliance, that flow will be…”

“The great trend of the world?”

“It’s not something an individual can block. Especially now when there’s only one purple from Desolate Fortress openly roaming the martial world. It seems Group Leader Yong is preoccupied with blocking monsters and demons. It’s both pitiful and grateful.”

Swish.

Suddenly, a jade-colored cup floated up by itself from the Grand Chief’s axe handle. It was after the wine contained within had disappeared without any particular warning.

For a moment, interest gathered in Martial Dragon Alliance Leader Helian Feng-yue’s eyes, but the Grand Chief’s expression as he continued speaking remained calm.

“Yu Ling Leader is drawing a picture of greatly profiting from a position equal to the Zhu imperial family in the future. Since we’ve aligned our opinions in chaotic times and connected through unofficial channels, it’s already half successful.”

“What about Ming Cult? I heard the power that Little Heavenly Demon built up is formidable. The Yelu family youngster’s martial arts are also said to be the best in the western regions.”

“Unfortunately, I heard that Yu Ling’s envoys sent to that side die every time. Whether lightning strikes from clear skies or sudden severe avalanches bury people and horses entirely. The weather over there is truly arrogant.”

“That’s rather ordinary. Does it make sense for scoundrels like us who are faithful to our own desires to unite as one?”

“That’s how it must be now. To not be swept away by poor harvests and chaotic times and grasp the world’s flow in one hand. Golden Wing Sect, Ten Perfections Sect, Pure Demon Alliance, and Taimo Mountain Castle and Heaven Conquering Sect… Every Sima unorthodox path that the new purple has passed through is meeting with ruin. Including martial aristocrats, there are even more. Truly an upright calamity.”

“Well… he didn’t look docile. His qualities are still hard to believe even now. But he’s just one person. If you fellows step forward regardless of face, wouldn’t that count six of the Thirteen Evil Sects Leaders?”

“His whereabouts have become mysterious. But since we can’t just sit idle forever, it would be better to plot against Xiangyang rather than search for that friend.”

The story flowed out calmly.

“Hmm…?”

For the first time, Helian Feng-yue’s complexion changed. The Grand Chief had spoken of martial world taboos.

Xiangyang in Hubei Province was the forbidden territory of the world’s martial arts—literally an area where openly discussing factional wars and such was prohibited.

This was because Desolate Fortress’s main castle was located there.

Swish.

The wine cup rose following the Grand Chief’s eye level as he lifted his robust frame, then immediately turned to powder with a crumbling sound… Soon after, when he blew out his breath, the jade-colored dust curved sideways and settled over four people’s heads.

An old woman with developed arms, a middle-aged man holding a broken spear in two pieces, a youth with long ears, and a strange figure whose bandages wrapped around his entire body were torn in places, revealing burn marks.

They had been there even while the Grand Chief and Martial Dragon Alliance Leader were drinking together. Whether sitting cross-legged or kneeling on one knee, each maintained some posture with their heads facing forward.

“It’s unfortunate that Yan Family’s side isn’t the family head. At least it’s fortunate that a renowned elder attended. If Yue Family Head hadn’t been here, the gathering would have felt empty. Truly a precious person.”

Step.

The Grand Chief descended before them. The footsteps were quiet compared to his frame.

Crushing Body Technique that drove the body’s weight into a single point.

Soon he moved his steps slowly, but the four people didn’t move even then. It was because their vital and pressure points had been subdued.

“I seek forgiveness from Burning Abyss Squad Leader Yu. Since Crushing Body Technique is so mysterious and unpredictable, I had no choice but to break those legs first according to my luck. Aren’t you clearly Divine Sword Group’s Black First Swift? Your footwork lived up to its reputation.”

The Grand Chief respectfully addressed his opponent in a calm tone. The large-eared young man only stared up at him with bulging eyes.

“And Nether Stream Squad Leader… I’m sorry, even the world’s Hao Sect Leader doesn’t know your name. Anyway, your appearance is very regrettable. Alliance Leader Feng-yue boldly took action, so there was no time to stop him. But I understand. Your Hidden Needle Technique was as threatening as Yue Family Head’s supreme lightness skill. I nearly exposed my back, and if that had truly happened, my mother’s heartbreak would have been great. I haven’t even held the funeral yet, wondering how tenacious your life thread is.”

The long story flowed like a clear stream, his speech and conduct being like any scholar. Even while shouldering his axe, it was the same.

The bandaged strange figure didn’t react. The Grand Chief also turned his steps with a step in front of him. His appearance slowly circling left and right around the four people’s heads.

Helian Feng-yue, who had been silently watching that scene, opened his mouth.

“You’ve plucked out Desolate Fortress’s two eyes. For the beginning of a counterattack, it’s quite a great achievement.”

“Do you really think so?”

When the Grand Chief quietly asked back, Helian Feng-yue’s brow furrowed.

“Speak clearly.”

“Desolate Fortress is a gathering of the world’s monsters. Not only is their combined military force the greatest in the martial world, but they possess hundreds and thousands of eyes. All the world’s government offices are their unofficial channels. Even county magistrates appointed to remote villages can be called intelligence sources.”

Step.

The Grand Chief’s footsteps, which had been moving back and forth before the factional war prisoners, suddenly grew heavier.

“Thanks to that, Desolate Fortress ghostily comprehends all sorts of miscellaneous matters and sends warriors. That’s why we must have intelligence power no less than theirs.”

Helian Feng-yue waved his hand.

“Intelligence sources… Would that be so even in poor harvest years when corrupt officials swarm? Just look at the bandaged monster and the long-legged one—aren’t they in that state?”

“We must never underestimate their underlying strength. Whether it’s intelligence power encompassing the world or purple ranks who might strike weak points at any time. Desolate Fortress is arrogant as always. Heavenly fortune accompanies them in the form of Lightning Genius.”

“So?”

“Swift decisive battle is key.”

It was when the Grand Chief passed by Burning Abyss Squad Leader Yu Jeong-myeong’s head.

Suddenly, the Grand Chief’s axe, which had turned his body ghostly and hazily, made an earthquake-like rumbling sound and tore through the air as it struck down.

Crack!

Fragments of the shattered skull scattered in all directions.

It was right next to Burning Abyss Squad Leader’s spot. Yue Family Head maintained his kneeling posture on one knee even after losing his head. His body looked sturdier than the spear that had already been broken at his feet.

The Grand Chief, who shouldered his axe again, nodded slightly.

“He hastily sent a letter to Desolate Divine Spear Elder Yue, asking her to take the family head position… That won’t do, that won’t do. If the Yue Family’s secret techniques fall into that person’s hands and she perfects Transcendent Martial Art, wouldn’t that be troublesome? She rose to that position without even the latter half supreme techniques of Yue Family Spear.”

Step.

The Grand Chief slowly moved his feet again.

“Alliance Leader Helian.”

“Speak.”

“Let us invade Xiangyang together. I think the opportunity is only now. No matter how I look at it, Desolate Day Extinction is far from the main castle. Needless to say about Group Leader Yong.”

“Let me ask one thing. Do you plan to kill the remaining three as well? It doesn’t look good.”

“I’m considering it. Ah, thanks to Yu Ling Leader and Hao Sect Leader, I learned much about that youth Lightning Genius. Does that friend know that there were quite a few girls who secretly admired him in his childhood? If he’d had just a little cleverness like his father, he could have acted as the village’s alley leader, but he just got pushed around here and there… Well, he was born with Desolate Fortress qualities from birth. Truly mysterious.”

Soon the sound of stepping on snow grew heavy once more.

* * *

Inside World Tree.

Jeong Yeon-shin’s two days in the village called Eastern Region were peaceful.

It was a place where large clusters of vegetation swayed like fans. He had never seen such green land. Though far from the central city, even the interior’s outskirts had different natural energy.

He breathed such clear air for the first time.

The brick house of Heaven-Reaching Bow Spirit that became his lodging was also neat and spacious. A guest hall existed where a poor visitor like himself could stay.

Only the village people were somewhat strange.

Though Heaven-Reaching Bow Spirit had ordered them to keep their mouths shut, the gazes that occasionally looked up at Jeong Yeon-shin’s residence carried considerable distance. He even sometimes felt as if the walls were being pierced through.

Only one person was friendly.

It was a boy who introduced his name as Whistle.

Despite having no baby fat for his age, making him look young yet extremely handsome, he said the wind sounds he made with his mouth were his real name.

This was along with asking Jeong Yeon-shin to give him a pseudonym to use when going outside World Tree.

—Is my teacher’s name also a pseudonym? You said she uses the surname Wei.

—Of course. Everyone from here is like that. Only clans born and raised outside use real names in Chinese characters.

—Ah… 

—Rather than that, you’re really kind for an outsider. The people I’ve heard about all had something wrong with one side of their head… Even Uncle Yong from Desolate Fortress made all the village people fall asleep while competing with Lord Northern Darkness Fist for ten thousand seconds. Uncle Ma What’s-his-name was rejected at the door outside the tree but broke through the entrance with bare fists and entered the city, they say.

—You haven’t heard about grown adults.

—I guess so.

—That has nothing to do with me. Rather than that…

—Oh, right. What they call that…

That day Jeong Yeon-shin heard a beautiful whistle melody and gifted the boy with the gentle impression the name Zhong Yuan, meaning first met connection.

[TL Note- Zhong Yuan means planting Karma or sowing affinity.]

World Tree’s Zhong Yuan was very pleased. He even entered Heaven-Reaching Bow Spirit’s house, which many people were reluctant to step foot in, and handed over pillows, bedding, and various precious items.

Thanks to that, it was peaceful.

That was until the second day when he heard Heaven-Reaching Bow Spirit discussing the Desolate Fortress Lord. The incident that day was separate from Jeong Yeon-shin’s patience like a clear mirror-like mind.

She casually mocked the Desolate Fortress Lord who had taken a direct disciple from outside, and Jeong Yeon-shin, who hadn’t seen two nights and days, didn’t bother to restrain the Brilliant River that automatically sprang out.

That was also the will of Azure Qilin, who had been the world’s greatest in courtesy and spirit. There was nothing more solemn in the martial world than master-disciple relationships.

Thus another day passed.

Whoooooosh!

Under fierce winds that ceaselessly pounded like tangled thread.

Jeong Yeon-shin sat in one corner of a completely ruined vacant lot. He used a brick wall that was barely intact as a backrest.

The originally cozy yet neat residence had completely disappeared without a trace.

It was three days since entering World Tree.

He only slightly lifted his eyelids.

Step.

Heaven-Reaching Bow Spirit was walking from the opposite side—it was the first time since they had once exchanged techniques. Jeong Yeon-shin slowly opened his mouth.

“Why is your appearance like that?”

“Run away.”

She said.

Her indifferent face was greatly gaunt. It was different from when she had competed with Jeong Yeon-shin yesterday.

Heaven-Reaching Bow Spirit had not changed color even while shooting arrows like meteors that day.

Even when trapped within Remaining Thunder’s sword paths, she had only raised her eyebrows, but the appearance she showed now was close to a crippled person with skin and bones. As if something had massively drained her internal energy.

“There are four Chief Protectors of World Tree, as you probably remember hearing the day before yesterday.”

She moved her lips while silently looking down at Jeong Yeon-shin.

“They’re those who execute the city’s laws. Though there may be divided ranks, their martial prowess is the same level. You worldly people would call them peerless masters.”

“They’re coming this way.”

Jeong Yeon-shin answered with an incomprehensible expression.

Indeed, he was sensing unusually powerful energy waves.

Dragon Finger Sword Master, Northern Darkness Fist Lord, Heaven-Reaching Bow Spirit, Golden Thunder. The beings said to govern World Tree’s east, west, south, and north.

The power waves they emitted at this moment were as clear as Nine Great Sects’ sect leaders, and their density was thick enough to remind one of them. According to the meaning of their respective epithets, it seemed like natural disasters were approaching.

Boom! Rumble!

They accompanied deep resonance just by moving. Befitting the most important land in the world.

They truly were peerless masters.

For a moment, Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes became as sharp as Remaining Thunder’s sword extreme.

“If it were before this Eastern Region was destroyed, perhaps, but now words won’t get through. It’s best to quickly leave your position and wait for your master… Don’t show off.”

Heaven-Reaching Bow Spirit moved one step forward as soon as he stood up.

Jeong Yeon-shin likewise didn’t stop walking. He moved his feet straight toward Heaven-Reaching Bow Spirit, who stood tall like a fortress wall, with the appearance of being greatly angry about something. The sound of his strides gradually grew louder.

Wuuuuuung!

Thick heat waves stretched out between the two people and surged violently.

It was because the domains of peerless masters collided. The internal energy territories they constantly deployed created friction, and Jeong Yeon-shin silently walked toward Heaven-Reaching Bow Spirit, who glared at him while even drawing her great bow.

And soon.

Rustle.

The two people brushed past each other sideways, and their waist sashes touched minutely. The domain had completely disappeared.

It would have been correct to say the warriors had competed in pride. For a moment, Jeong Yeon-shin’s front lapel pressed down on Heaven-Reaching Bow Spirit’s shoulder.

“You people.”

He whispered through gritted teeth.

“What are you doing here?”

Wuuung!

Intense energy waves burst from Jeong Yeon-shin’s body, and Heaven-Reaching Bow Spirit was bathed in the dharma power of Luminous Wheel Technique that spread like transparent sunlight.

For a moment, both cheeks of her who had been maintaining an indifferent expression regained their original skin color.

“You impudent brat…”

Heaven-Reaching Bow Spirit’s words stopped.

It was because her body had recovered in an instant.