Chapter 521 – Sunset (12)

Originally, post-war cleanup takes much longer than war itself. This is even more so when the times are chaotic.

Lost military strength, shattered fortifications and weapons, supplies cut off during the fighting… all sorts of massive losses had to be filled somehow.

Moreover, Desolate Fortress was the greatest breakwater under heaven.

If the supplies during the famine were not properly maintained, it would be difficult to fully recover from the damage of the fortress great war. That was precisely where Desolate Fortress’s weakness lay. Because it was a group that possessed so very much.

While everyone was thus distracted.

No one seemed to take seriously the sunlight that rippled like waves for a moment.

This was because countless internal energy masters had released dense true energy during the Desolate Great War that had occurred earlier.

Sunlight and other terrain features becoming disturbed belatedly was close to commonplace.

However, Grand Administrator Lim Jin-myeong heard a small resonance in his ears.

—This is urgent. There are secret transmissions that must urgently be passed to the Acting Group Leader, so just keep in mind that two purple have manifested again in the main castle. Something very important was forgotten. It’s difficult to convey everything in just one or two time periods.

The voice of some woman, so confident it felt rather bold. Moreover, it was a voice that rang out while trapped in extremely delicate internal energy operation.

Desolate Fortress inner castle.

A situation where the roadside was filled entirely with internal energy masters.

Moreover, they were those whose eyes had reddened seeking to gain profit from Desolate Fortress in some way.

They had merely packaged themselves with dignity befitting their respective positions, but somehow an oppressive feeling had crept in to fill the venue.

“You say that person oversees all major and minor affairs of this place?”

“That’s quite possible. The position of Desolate Fortress Grand Administrator has traditionally been the center of jianghu oppression… Not only that, but the whereabouts and future movements of purple rank would all be contained in that head.”

“Then, Lightning Genius Lord Jeong’s marriage, who has no proper family, would also…?”

Those whispering as if for others to hear.

No one showed any particular reaction to the woman’s mental transmission. It had been fundamentally blocked from eavesdropping.

However, Lim Jin-myeong could not imitate her internal energy techniques, so he kept his mouth shut.

And he thought.

‘Where exactly did she go? And what is it that must urgently be transmitted to Lord Jeong…?’

Not even half a day had passed since the Desolate Great War ended. Lim Jin-myeong’s upper dantian was still in an overheated state. Naturally, producing appropriate reactions at the right time would inevitably be extremely difficult.

Former Divine Sword Group Leader Shin Cheon-hwa.

The manifestation time permitted to her had already long passed.

She had once departed from the wide-area formation that maintained the original spirit of one who had been Divine Sword Group Leader, then returned. Truly many things were full of questions.

However, some in the assembly seemed to have misunderstood his appearance. Prince Qing seemed to be of that opinion too.

“You think I’ve come to make unreasonable demands. Or perhaps you’ve recalled shame.”

Prince Qing spoke while stroking his smooth blue sleeves. It was a calm yet gentle voice, and Lim Jin-myeong didn’t particularly deny those words. Because it was true.

Prince Qing slowly turned his head left and right, then smiled slightly.

“Acting Divine Sword Group Leader is a very ambiguous position. Even more so when considering the power and authority granted to Lightning Genius of the Jeong family. Shouldn’t we rightfully lend strength to his legitimacy?”

Low bass, demeanor that induced even the slightest response from the assembly. The conduct of one noble from birth.

At this moment, among the guests filling the vicinity, no one responded to his words, but conversely, no one existed who wanted to create opposition with Prince Qing here either.

Only then.

Lim Jin-myeong saw through what they had felt while watching the Desolate Great War.

A world where one must protect oneself.

It was the law of the jungle where the words of the Tang dynasty writer Han Yu had been realized. That is, extremely powerful jianghu ruffians no longer paid attention to the nation’s mood.

And there was Desolate Fortress, which might exercise raw influence over all under heaven after achieving great victory in a big fight.

There also existed rulers who found it difficult to trust such a military group while keeping it covered.

The Desolate Fortress Great War was.

One aspect of the chaotic times that had completely arrived.

As a kind of great finishing touch, it was also an event that proved the world’s current situation had changed.

‘These people…?’

Strength entered Lim Jin-myeong’s brow.

It was like crows flocking to ruins seeking food. They sought to obtain what they wanted through subtle yet strong pressure. Precisely during the gap when Jeong Yeon-shin had disappeared somewhere.

“Therefore.”

The one who most distrusted the Divine Sword Group that Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin would lead, Prince Qing Ju Tae-il, continued speaking.

“I propose a marriage alliance.”

“…!”

“You would be able to proceed with it.”

“What do you mean?”

“The successor of Prince Qing’s manor… if Sword Princess and Lightning Genius of the Jeong family are united, I am prepared to move the royal manor to Desolate Fortress at any time. Yes, the Desolate Jeong Family that will serve Lightning Genius as ancestor will be created. Together with Zhu bloodline. Naturally, it will surpass even the Desolate First Family to covet being the world’s first family.”

It was truly a groundbreaking story.

The intention to incorporate the future royal manor into Desolate Fortress. It was also a proposal of bowing one’s head. Gasps could inevitably be heard from various places.

Even Lim Jin-myeong’s eyebrows, who had been hardening his expression like a colorless iron tower, twitched. However, Prince Qing was now even looking around while continuing his words.

“Lightning Genius of the Jeong family led today’s concluded fight to victory. There would be no authority or imperial family member who could immediately object to commanding the powerful group called the Divine Sword Group. However, if the time spent as Acting remains long, noise will inevitably arise from various places. Those who like to find fault might try to pull the young purple from that position.”

Was he trying to definitively conclude his proposal? Prince Qing’s long yet short story began to cross the line.

Lim Jin-myeong immediately applied the brakes.

“You seem to be involving yourself too deeply in the main castle’s affairs.”

However, Prince Qing passed over his words with a strange smile.

“I spoke of legitimacy earlier. Yes… legitimacy is lacking. It’s been too long since Ma Yeon-jeok and Yong Hye-myeong showed their faces. No one can certify his Acting Group Leader status. Even after such a tremendous fight occurred.”

—And I understand the Fortress Lord also has personal problems.

The last words were mental transmission.

“……”

Lim Jin-myeong suddenly felt the presence of people around him intensely.

Had they really come intending to proceed with a marriage alliance with Jeong Yeon-shin? The distinguished spectators were each showing signs of either agreeing with or being wary of Prince Qing’s story.

Even though word had been conveyed from King Qiong-ming, who had gone up to Beijing, that ‘Lightning Genius of the Jeong family should not leave Xiangyang’… repeated famines internally.

Externally, the imperial family that failed to completely suppress the northern jianghu. And even the Fighting God whose whereabouts had become mysterious.

Precisely before chaotic times truly arrived, they now wanted to completely grasp the sword called Jeong Yeon-shin.

Desolate Fortress’s Divine Sword Group possessed military force capable of overturning the world even throughout such vast imperial lands.

Power sufficient to survive and thrive in chaotic times.

Prince Qing’s final story proved this.

“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say the fate of this nation rests on the one who moves the Divine Sword Group. Since His Majesty has also discussed his whereabouts, as a long-standing member of the Zhu imperial family, I have the qualification to discuss Lightning Genius of the Jeong family’s whereabouts. I can also lend strength to his status and authority. So that he can freely travel all under heaven while grasping the powerful force called the Divine Sword Group in one hand… Ah!”

He who had suddenly stopped speaking looked around and smiled slyly.

“I’ve monopolized a precious person alone. You all speak if you have something to say. Here, in this place.”

A slight emphasis was placed on the final words.

Everyone had to notice. The meaning that it would be better not to step forward carelessly.

However, just as Prince Qing had come intending to use in reverse the influence of Jeong Yeon-shin, who had cast shadows over all of Xiangyang, among the guests who had currently reached Desolate Fortress, few paid attention to Prince Qing’s mood.

They were such strong people of such a world.

“We have urgent words to share, but it has suddenly become a venue of competition. I am, as you know, the leader of the recently allied Hui Merchant Substitute Spring Gang, Jin Yao-lan.”

A woman with leisurely eye-smiles stepped forward first.

The luster glistening subtly from her green silk clothes suited her very well, and she even wore formless energy throughout her body.

It would be because there was no one to trust.

In a world where merchants who learned martial arts clumsily would be plundered not only by trusted escorts but even by competitors.

She represented what business the guests had come for.

“I’ll speak frankly. I want to personally form a hundred-year bond with Lord Jeong. As the Grand Administrator would know, a ten-year age difference is nothing when considering a lifetime.”

“……”

“If you agree, I’ll build a fortress of the same size and similar utility as this Desolate Fortress in southern Zhili and fill it entirely with wandering warriors who are extremely skilled with swords. It will become a force that follows only Lord Jeong’s orders. Because I’ll give my all.”

Proposals beyond imagination continued.

It wasn’t evil conduct. Only those who accurately saw through what Desolate Fortress needed.

Though Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin symbolized chaotic times with overwhelming presence, there were also many emerging strong people who had newly distinguished themselves in all walks of life under heaven. It wasn’t just Jin Yao-lan.

One expelled from the lineage of Divine Theft.

“I discovered the hiding place of elf clan hermits. There were countless spirit creatures. Lord Jeong… no, I don’t hope for Lord Jeong. I want to have a cup of tea with the Grand Administrator.”

King Lun-meng, who ruled the northern part of the wealthy Fujian lands.

“Prince Qing put forward his daughter, but I am prepared to stand beside Lightning Genius myself. I’ll specially bestow the Zhu surname to his children. I can even write poems stating that the divine sword Remaining Thunder equals the Enter the Divine Sword, staking my royal title, and post them throughout the world.”

They pressed on without rest.

Even royal manor figures like King Yun-ming Zhu Zhao-ling were particularly talkative.

“If there’s about a hundred-year age difference, there won’t be discord in the family either. There won’t even be need to divine fortune through things like matching birth charts. I intend to dismiss my royal manor’s concubines and recognize only that one as the main husband.”

Lim Jin-myeong became dizzy.

Those who wanted Jeong Yeon-shin’s shadow. Each of their positions was no different from the shock waves of powerful strikes.

They had made deals in all sorts of forms.

While cleverly avoiding the words Jeong Yeon-shin had proclaimed in Hangzhou, the story that he wouldn’t treat them differently from jianghu sects if they acted rashly.

They didn’t even take common people hostage. They just thoroughly dug into only what Desolate Fortress and Jeong Yeon-shin needed.

“I am different. I came to retrieve my main family’s Fist Treasure. The secret manual left by Valor Fist Lord, Fist Martial Expert Yan Hwa-ryeon.”

Lim Jin-myeong found the face of the giant who spoke familiar. Seven Fists Undaunted Yan Gi-bo. A figure who had lost to his nephew Yan Family Fist Dragon in the succession competition.

As his epithet suggested, he was said to be a fist fighter who wouldn’t find himself in dangerous situations until he threw his fists seven times.

“I didn’t come empty-handed. Once my sister… Fist Martial Expert tried to weave Transcendent Martial Art based on experiencing Lord Jeong’s ‘Brilliant River.’ I intend to give Lord Jeong the letter I received from my sister at that time. Of course, it might not be a great gift for one of the Five Greatest Swords under Heaven, but my sister’s insight in boxing and palm techniques once surprised even Sword Saint Hyeon So-baek. It will surely be helpful.”

About all these matters.

Lim Jin-myeong stood dumbfounded in silence. The Desolate Fortress warriors who had rushed in quickly due to the commotion also couldn’t approach rashly.

They were all distinguished figures without exception.

They couldn’t be treated carelessly.

Because it was a time when Beijing was extremely sensitive. Emperor Qian-ling, the northern jianghu, the gathering of the Thirteen Evil Sects, and the uprisings of local powerful clans beginning to occur throughout the world…

No matter how much Jeong Yeon-shin was, if he oppressed these people with force here, the Acting Group Leader’s position would likely become precarious. How many Zhu kings and lords were present in this place?

This was why Lim Jin-myeong couldn’t act rashly.

Even Tyrant Hero Ma Yeon-jeok hadn’t lived through such a period when imperial power was shaking.

Even if Yong Hye-myeong returned, he would have to bear massive political burden. He might be immediately dismissed. This was the limitation of Desolate Fortress, which was rooted in this nation’s imperial family and people’s livelihood.

Several guests who couldn’t even speak glanced at Lim Jin-myeong and whispered.

“A dead end.”

“The burden would be considerable. Rather, it would be better for Lord Jeong not to appear. Rather than being unable to do anything and having his dignity damaged…”

Lim Jin-myeong inwardly agreed with those words. A rarely young Acting Divine Sword Group Leader. Such a power holder with such distant remaining days ahead faced responsibilities and face-saving corresponding to his status.

Naturally, the position had to be preserved. Only those who would die young wouldn’t face great responsibilities.

‘Hmm…?’

Suddenly Lim Jin-myeong’s head tilted minutely to the side.

A rumbling voice poured down together with sunlight.

[It’s no different from a feast. Truly many have brought much.]

“…!”

The assembly convulsively snapped their heads upward. No one had sensed that presence… It was above the sky.

The direction where long mountain ridges were dyed reddish.

In the setting sun, the shadow of a woman was fluttering her hair.

[From ancient times, supplies should be taken from enemy territory to have their true taste, but this is also quite fresh. To roll in by themselves. Hmm? There, you there, is your crown intact?]

From the bodies of Prince Qing, Sword Princess, Jin Yao-lan, King Lun-meng, Yan Gi-bo, and the guests who had preserved their strength by watching the Desolate Great War like complete strangers, hazy concentric circles burst forth.

It was truly rapid protective technique propulsive shock waves.

[Accumulate Service. Mold Prison.]

Gurgle!

Instantly, rocks that shot up from the ground like icicles bound them.

Of course, sounds like glass shards breaking rang out with crashes. It was the sound of each of their protective strong energies being completely shattered.

Fragments of true energy silently seeping into the twilight. Several of them vomited blood into it. It was a strike where shock inevitably penetrated to the bone.

“How…?!”

Even before they could fully reveal shock on their faces.

Lim Jin-myeong turned his gaze to one side.

At some point, Cheon So-so was standing dumbfounded on some rooftop, grasping the edge of Jeong Yeon-shin’s sleeve.

The Immortal Tree Spirit Squad Leader had stopped the Acting Group Leader’s sortie, but Jeong Yeon-shin couldn’t shake off that hand. Precisely, it would be due to the physical condition of his senior who had suffered internal injuries from the fortress great war.

“I won’t do anything. No, let go.”

[Hand everything over.]

The voices of two purples overlapped and rang out.

Squeeeeeak!

The cry of some bird spreading from afar was simultaneous.