Chapter 525 – Honoured One of the South (4)

Jet-black hair and black robes flutter long.

“It’s hard to watch with open eyes. The disrespect has gone too far.”

Divine Blood Brilliant Star Jin Myeong-jo said.

“This is the main fortress’ Wish for Peace Sword Hall.”

The unusually dark black hair and the garment edges symbolizing Squad Leader status blended together like the night sky. Several Squad Leaders who had been sitting in the Wish for Peace Sword Hall looked at his back with surprised expressions.

“Did he just…?”

“Has there been great achievement recently?”

Great achievement.

A term referring to major martial arts advancement.

Like the other seniors, Jeong Yeon-shin observed Jin Myeong-jo, who had blocked the Wudang Phoenix Palm. Because he felt a familiar temperament from that back, the most reliable in the main fortress as always.

The Blood Flame Cult Leader who had once pressed down on Jeong Yeon-shin with an irresistible presence during his blue rank days.

The spirituality that had spread when that white-haired transcendent master made his move against the Desolate Fortress Lord was flowing from Jin Myeong-jo. However faintly, with an extremely chilling feeling.

‘They said he took the head of another Blood Flame Cult Leader.’

The spirituality of the most noble blood demon under heaven had been inherited by the contemporary Divine Sword Deputy Squad Leader.

Spirituality.

A mystical intent possessing wondrous qualities, a power different from internal energy. The higher the realm of the one who created it, the longer it remains in the world.

Also, just as it amplifies the power of internal energy, the reason Jeong Yeon-shin’s purple long robe could repair its own fabric lay in spirituality.

And.

As long as energy was imbued in the fabric, the long robe’s spirituality would not fade. These were words Emperor Qian-ling had told him when he received the purple robes.

—It was made by my person, the foremost tailor in Beijing. Since it’s something that fellow called Divine Theft would covet, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call him the world’s greatest craftsman.

The spirituality of the white-haired transcendent master who had burned with the previous Divine Sword Group Leader’s blue flames in Sichuan would be the same.

The nobles of the Blood Flame Cult divide their ranks among themselves with the congenital qi contained in blood and revere the souls of their ancestors. If one had been at the pinnacle of that bloodline for a long time, spirituality would remain like the sarira of an enlightened monk.

‘But.’

Jeong Yeon-shin thought.

Completely mastering that was another matter entirely.

Certainly the contemporary Divine Sword Deputy Squad Leader would need deep closed-door cultivation.

The very fact that he had come out to the Wish for Peace Sword Hall was surprising. No matter how the meeting proceeded, he could have only focused on strengthening himself.

That’s when it happened.

“If not Lord Jeong… there is no business…!”

Along with a woman’s suppressed voice, a pine-like fragrance suddenly wafted in. For a moment, Jeong Yeon-shin recalled some pavilion from the past.

Yong Hye-myeong and the Squad Leaders sharing drinks with Five Cloud Mountain Hill Stronghold, and Taoist High Sword who had cheekily challenged Jeong Yeon-shin to a golden osmanthus match with a boy’s appearance.

It was the fluctuation of Wudang Cotton Palm.

Hwooong!

Phoenix Palm, whose throat was grasped by Jin Myeong-jo, wrapped her left hand around his arm to peel it away. It was a movement both strong and gentle. And it was fast.

She who had instantly removed Jin Myeong-jo’s arm dropped downward with a whoosh.

The next moment, Phoenix Palm’s body had reached the seat next to Jeong Yeon-shin where Jin Myeong-jo had originally been sitting. While fluttering her white sleeve edges like feather clouds.

Rustle.

Extremely graceful.

With no vibrations of propulsive energy waves, it was definitely Wudang’s Cloud Ladder. It also suited her atmosphere that seemed to have stepped on extremely high places.

But that too was brief, as Phoenix Palm in pure white robes flinched. Because Jin Myeong-jo, who had left red eye light like a comet’s tail, had taken position behind her before she knew it.

“Jumping around like a monkey.”

It was a thunderclap like ice shattering.

“…!”

The Cloud Ladder of the Brilliant Light Star Ring Light Five Absolutes, said to have surpassed the realm of rising talents, could not shake off the movement techniques of the Blood Guardian Squad Leader who was often despised as a blood demon.

Moreover, all of that scene was being reflected in the eyes of the Squad Leaders sitting in the hall.

Xiahou Wei-jin was even clapping his hands, and if Jeong Yeon-shin hadn’t restrained Jin Myeong-jo with a silent salute in that split second, Phoenix Palm’s head would have been split by the Dark Night Brilliant Blood Demon Sword.

“…Right now Mount Wudang is on the verge of being split in half by our sect’s leader’s hands.”

Phoenix Palm, with her back to Jin Myeong-jo, spoke clearly. It was an attitude of not caring if she received any strike immediately.

Her appearance with her face covered by semi-transparent silk gauze, revealing only her eyes. The pupils looking down at Jeong Yeon-shin at this moment were somewhat bluish.

Whether it was due to the radiance of eye techniques or because of Zhu bloodline mixed with elf clan blood was unclear.

Jeong Yeon-shin immediately opened his mouth.

“That’s insufficient reason to disturb the Wish for Peace Sword Hall meeting. I’d like you to tell me the circumstances properly.”

“Those circumstances lie with my grand-uncle master, High Sword.”

Phoenix Palm Zhu Se-hwa said with difficulty. Her voice carried a strong feeling of suppressing something.

“……”

The death of Taoist High Sword.

Was she trying hard to suppress her desire to blame Jeong Yeon-shin? Most jianghu people Jeong Yeon-shin had encountered would do so and more. Of course, indelible pain remained for Jeong Yeon-shin as well.

If he hadn’t been defeated once by the Heaven Conquering Sect Leader, there would have been no reason for the world’s chivalrous hero called Wudang’s High Sword to close his eyes.

Hangzhou, where the Peerless Grand Battle had occurred.

Purple had moved. Wudang must have felt at ease.

And tragedy had occurred.

‘If the Group Leader had faced the Heaven Conquering Sect Leader from the beginning…’

Wouldn’t there have been no deaths?

Jeong Yeon-shin’s urgency that had sprouted at some point was also rooted in his feelings of inferiority toward Yong Hye-myeong.

To the extent that even if Zhu Se-hwa blamed him here, he was prepared to accept it silently. Acting Group Leader, predetermined owner of the Enter the Divine Sword, a superman of the era who wouldn’t permit the death of any chivalrous hero…

That’s when Zhu Se-hwa opened her lips again.

“I looked for the Annihilation Team Leader who they said was with grand-uncle master until the end, but communication didn’t reach. I had no choice but to come here. Because before the Silent King Shin Hwang, the person who exchanged words with grand-uncle master was Lightning Genius Lord Jeong, you. Please, couldn’t you climb Mount Wudang and eliminate our sect’s troubles?”

“……”

When Jeong Yeon-shin was briefly silent at the upright Wudang disciple’s words.

The voices of four people mixed with dense energy waves and rang out.

Two gentle voices, one well-mannered young man’s voice, and one somewhat muffled middle-aged man’s voice.

“Please don’t do this. Though suddenly crossing the walls of the Desolate Fortress is extremely shameful and regrettable, we poor Taoists merely came to restrain our sect’s disciple.”

“That’s not wrong. Young Master Namgung, there’s no reason for us to exchange hands, is there? Originally we intended to send word and follow procedures…!”

“The Taoists crossed over the western ramparts that were destroyed in the factional war. At such a time, there is no greater insult and disrespect. Please share your remaining words in the prison. The main Fortress’s jail was not destroyed. Senior Cangtian, I’ll go forward…”

“White Qilin, stop there. Just because you’ve learned Judgement Qilin, don’t go too far forward. The sharper your sword momentum becomes, the more Wudang’s taiji studies also… Look here, wait… this damn fool.”

Two Wudang Taoists.

And the temporary Obeying Heaven Wing Leader and Forest Treading Squad Leader.

Zzzzzzzing!

As if they had collided, the influence of energy waves gradually approached. Along with wind streams that literally exploded like fire bombs.

“Ah.”

Zhu Se-hwa let out a small exclamation beside Jeong Yeon-shin.

“It seems my two martial uncles have come to catch me. Some madman charged with clear eyes, so I barely passed through.”

“Those don’t seem like matters to speak of so lightly?”

Wu Yue-xiang, who had been bowing her head diagonally, replied as if spitting out. From one side, Law Enforcement Squad Leader Yun Xiao-yu nodded.

“Supreme Harmony Seven Honor Stars. The seven supreme masters selected as the axes of Wudang Sect’s Seven Star Sword Formation. They’re very strong.”

Yun Xiao-yu’s voice settled low. At the same time, Wu Yue-xiang shook her head.

“What’s there to eat that two of them came down? If a gate was opened in Mount Wudang, it would be hard to block with ordinary masters alone. Is there something more urgent than that?”

“Because of our sect’s leader.”

Zhu Se-hwa whispered low.

“After reaching the realm of ‘Reaching the Peak’ several years ago, while resolving the deviation of mind that shouldn’t exist for a Taoist… he heard something even more impossible.”

“That’s enough.”

Jeong Yeon-shin, who had cut off her words, turned his head.

“Senior Jin, would you please stop the fight?”

He asked.

Jin Myeong-jo, who had been standing as if he would tear apart Zhu Se-hwa’s entire body until then, was briefly silent.

Eyes flowing with red radiance like precious red jade met Jeong Yeon-shin’s gaze. Soon Jin Myeong-jo slowly opened his mouth.

“The Divine Sword Squad’s formation…”

“Please speak comfortably.”

“That scroll, will it ultimately be decided according to the personnel roster Lord Jeong brought?”

“I apologize.”

Jeong Yeon-shin raised both hands toward Jin Myeong-jo over Zhu Se-hwa’s shoulder. Along with words filled with deep conviction.

“This junior thinks it cannot be more perfect than this. Please help me.”

“…I’ll be preparing.”

Jin Myeong-jo didn’t question Jeong Yeon-shin’s decision further. Rather, his appearance of immediately turning around suited the seat of Divine Sword Deputy Squad Leader.

Unlike the Blood Flame Cult nobles who had once become short of breath from long exposure to dharma power, his appearance of slowly walking out of the meeting hall was the same.

His shoulders drooping in smooth curves slightly, as if realizing the weight of the heavy responsibility he would take on going forward.

“Phoenix Palm should also go out together. I’ll send word as soon as the meeting ends.”

Jeong Yeon-shin said while turning his head to the round table.

While engraving in his mind the sense of responsibility and consideration shown by the new Divine Sword Deputy Squad Leader.

That too was a virtue the Acting Group Leader needed to learn.

* * *

Jeong Yeon-shin handled the matters he needed to address before stepping into the jianghu again.

The overall formation of the Divine Sword Group’s seventeen squads.

The current status of military units on missions in dangerous lands, including Righteous Heaven Squad and Heaven Dragon Squad.

The report from Desolate Ma Family that there had been no damage except to white ranks because Jeong Family Dynamic Technique had reached considerable heights.

Other good news that masters who had been in subordinate families wanted to enter the Divine Sword Group’s formation.

And the new missions and dispatch areas of the main Fortress masters currently remaining in Desolate Fortress.

“Acting Group Leader, I apologize for being late.”

In the meantime, Forest Treading Squad Leader, temporary Obeying Heaven Wing Leader, and the new Divine Sword Deputy Squad Leader returned and took their seats in order.

On both sides of Namgung Hwa-shin’s cheeks were deeply carved the palm marks of Forest Treading Squad’s Swordless Soul-Shattering Palm and the nail marks of Blood Guardian Squad’s Flash Blood Claw Technique respectively, but no Squad Leader paid particular attention to those bruised and bleeding wounds.

“…Forest Treading Squad Leader, please take charge of Hangzhou and its vicinity.”

Time passed quickly. The wall that Namgung Hwa-shin had completely pierced earlier was being filled with dark night air.

Saaaa—

While winter wind pushed out the dust in the hall in whitish streams.

Jeong Yeon-shin slowly met eyes with Yue Shou-lin. Her pupils where colorless lightning flickered. The small face of Desolate First Spear bore no particular expression.

“Senior Yue.”

She had only thrown out necessary words throughout the meeting.

She hadn’t raised her spear exaggeratedly as usual. Her eye corners were also somewhat downturned.

“There is no joke in my words and actions.”

Jeong Yeon-shin continued speaking carefully.

“Even if my lack of talent in naming has disturbed your mood.”

“……”

“The things we’ve discussed today are the optimal formation that the Grand Administrator and I discussed together.”

“…You, no matter what…”

Hwook!

The ends of Wu Yue-xiang’s black hair brushed her shoulders. It was a precursor to energy wave fluctuations. Since she competed for the top among black ranks with the depth of Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown, her heart’s ripples had been revealed outwardly.

But Jeong Yeon-shin didn’t finish his words.

“Now.”

“I formally object…”

“No one will die.”

“What?”

“No one.”

Jeong Yeon-shin muttered low. It was a monologue with a feeling of something having become dull. It was also a temperament like a blade with many teeth knocked out.

“……”

The Acting Group Leader had spoken of something impossible. But no one bothered to point that out or throw any particular advice.

They simply remained silent for a while each. Wu Yue-xiang’s lips also slowly closed.

“Whatever the title may be is fine. Please protect the main Fortress. Trusting you seniors, I’ll briefly fulfill my duty at Mount Wudang and return.”

There was no answer.

Only wind rumbling along the cracked wall surfaces like drought-stricken earth existed. The hall was filled with midwinter atmosphere.

Until Ultimate Martial Hall Leader suddenly kindled flames of Samadhi True Fire with his palm.

* * *

Jeong Yeon-shin did not sleep.

After handling some other matters that absolutely had to be finished, he came out from Desolate Fortress’s inner fortress around dawn.

Three people in total. Including Phoenix Palm, the still-unfamiliar Wudang Sect masters were waiting for him.

“Let’s go now.”

Jeong Yeon-shin carried a stone box slightly larger than a person’s head, wrapped in silk. It was a chest carved from marble.

There was no other luggage.

Only a clear fragrance filled the hand gripping the tied knot.

The heavy gazes of the Wudang Taoists settled on the box, but Jeong Yeon-shin cast his eyes beyond their shoulders.

Because a purple woman was standing with her long hair fluttering in a single strand. In mist mixed with clear sunlight.

“I have strength left to move. You’re my tonic.”

Shin Cheon-hwa gestured toward him with her chin.

“I’ll go with you just to Mount Wudang. My premonition isn’t very good.”

A faint curve formed at Jeong Yeon-shin’s lips.

“Yes, that’s good.”

He answered calmly.

Phoenix Palm showed an expression of finding it novel, but Jeong Yeon-shin slowly began to move his steps. The purple fabric covering his long legs was being subtly painted over with dawn’s crimson light.

It was the new year of age eighteen.

* * *

It didn’t take long for the group to reach Mount Wudang. Though they had certainly raced extremely fast for several days and nights, at least for Jeong Yeon-shin, whose head was full of complicated thoughts, it was brief.

It was also because Wudang Sect was closest to Xiangyang among all the Nine Great Sects under heaven.

Even so, the extremely long distance was narrowed as swiftly as in a dream.

The foremost of the world’s sword sects.

The birthplace of Sanfeng’s martial lineage, said to be infinitely close to the ancient and modern greatest.

“……”

What Jeong Yeon-shin first saw in that land was.

Zzzzzzzing—!!

The sight of a giant mountain peak splitting vertically along with grayish-white clouds.

The place where Wudang Sect’s Taoist temples were densely gathered, as far as he knew. A place that couldn’t possibly be split like that.

Had she felt the same bewilderment as Jeong Yeon-shin for a moment? Phoenix Palm Zhu Se-hwa’s cry rang out a beat late.

[Sect Leader!]

Along with the voice that spread like an echo, Jeong Yeon-shin kicked the ground from that spot.

Hwaaaaaaak!

A faint constellation was carved into the earth that Zhang Sanfeng had once stepped on.

It was the propulsive energy waves of Ten-Li Gentle Light.