Chapter 538 – Jianghu Name Record (4)

It was none other than an uninvited guest who had imperiously called for the Wudang Sect Leader on Mount Wudang.

A woman dressed in crimson armor worn as comfortably as silk robes.

The continuous power wave fluctuations characteristic of Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown made her short-cut hair flutter like a flag. Both strong spirit and youthful vigor could be felt simultaneously.

By Desolate Fortress standards, a supreme master equivalent to a Squad Leader.

“……”

Now she stood frozen on the hill.

Taking in Jeong Yeon-shin, Profound Void Immortal, the Wudang disciples, and even the northerner one by one with her eyes. She seemed to be guessing for herself what had transpired earlier.

‘What kind of person is she?’

Jeong Yeon-shin glanced at that woman then immediately turned his head to Jade Cliff Immortal on one side. While sheathing Remaining Thunder.

For a moment the Pine Gate Ancient Sword rang out with a long resonance like a tongue going zing-, but Jeong Yeon-shin didn’t let his gaze drift.

The acting leader of the Wudang Sect who commanded over a hundred immortals with the dignity of the Supreme Lord of the Tao.

“What in the……”

That square-jawed middle-aged Taoist now wore a transcendent expression like a Shaolin monk.

Jeong Yeon-shin had cultivated the art of reading the room since childhood. That was definitely the face of someone asking ‘what is this now?’

It was mainly the expression the children of Xinye County would make while hiding behind big brother and little brother toward him, and beside them there was usually a Dragon Boat Festival swing.

“Lord Jeong.”

But Jade Cliff Immortal changed his expression as soon as he turned his head to Jeong Yeon-shin.

An unprecedentedly favorable face. Despite being in a position that moved the great Wudang Sect, he raised both hands together. Setting aside the uninvited guest for now.

“From here on, this is Wudang’s affair. If the opponent is an imperial personage, I have some idea what their business might be, so Lord Jeong should not waste mental energy on unnecessary matters. Shamelessly requesting… if you would rather recover from travel fatigue on our main mountain together with the Sect Leader Immortal, this poor Taoist’s heart would be much more at ease.”

You have labored much during this time.

Jade Cliff Immortal concluded with those words in a thick voice. Throughout his speech and conduct, constant politeness was evident.

The power wave fluctuations touching Jeong Yeon-shin’s skin with a clear feeling at this moment were Peach Garden Power, one of the Taoist forces, which felt more measured than dharma power thanks to its master’s refinement.

‘The Wudang Sect……’

Tremendously strong.

Among the members of the sword formation that had been blocking the northerner were elderly Taoists as well.

Elders presumed to be of the Profound generation. Despite their union of essence, energy, and spirit being broken due to aged bodies, their accumulated energy was enormous.

And each was showing Jeong Yeon-shin spotlessly clear smiles without reservation.

The immortals of Wudang who looked after the people’s livelihood in Huguang together with Desolate Fortress. They had no hesitation in immediately revealing their emotions and expressing gratitude. Like Immortal Sanfeng.

[TL Note- Some people might get confused if Xiangyang is in Huguang or Hubei. Huguang was split into two provinces in the 17th century into Hubei and Henan and Xiangyang ended up in Hubei in modern time.]

Was it because I had broken through heart demons and advanced on my own?

Now Jeong Yeon-shin could see it.

That Immortal Sanfeng’s face existed in Jade Cliff Immortal as well, and the majority of Wudang disciples had inherited that same temperament.

That was truly a great thing.

The words “Great Master” had never felt as real as they did now.

Zhang Sanfeng.

He had integrated the Taoist temples scattered throughout Mount Wudang since ancient times into a single martial lineage, and though already dead, had been living for hundreds of years. Because he was unforgotten, it was eternal life.

—As Desolate Fortress’s divine sword, I ascend to heaven.

Suddenly maternal grandfather Ma Yeon-jeok’s aged voice flashed through Jeong Yeon-shin’s mind.

—Casting off this cumbersome shell, I shall carve an immortal name in the world together with you.

Words Ma Yeon-jeok had uttered when igniting the blue flames of mutual destruction. The Blood Flame Cult Leader had been his opponent, someone even the current Jeong Yeon-shin would find it difficult to guarantee ten-tenths victory against.

‘Ah.’

Only now did Jeong Yeon-shin vaguely guess the true meaning hidden in those words.

Wuung.

Instantly the taiji composed of azure flames was carved even deeper into his mind’s image.

The sensation of martial achievement deepening. The feeling of being able to wield techniques created not long ago like hands and feet.

While his interior was busily moving like this, Jeong Yeon-shin pulled the Pine Gate Ancient Sword from Super Mad Dream Demon’s ribs.

With a squelching sound, Southern Splendor Radiant Taiji was carved into the fellow’s abdomen, and in a brief moment the Luminous Wheel Technique energy that flowed from the blade cauterized that penetrating wound.

‘It should have some efficacy. Since the Sect Leader Immortal had it too.’

Jeong Yeon-shin sheathed the Pine Gate Ancient Sword while leaving Super Mad Dream Demon’s screams behind. A sword that would have to be returned to the Wudang Sect in the near future. It wasn’t important right now.

“…Here.”

Swish.

He caught Taoist High Sword’s stone box from the void with both hands and handed it to Profound Void Immortal.

Simultaneously Jeong Yeon-shin’s gaze swept over the Wudang disciples once more. In that moment, instead of Taoists, the faces of Desolate Fortress warriors were carved in his vision.

The faces of Shin So-bin and Cheong Myeong, Hyeon Won-chang and Lazy Flame Dragon, and several people including Baek Mi-ryeo were particularly vivid.

‘There are more of mine, aren’t there?’

Zhang Sanfeng and High Sword.

He inwardly addressed the two Immortals. This was the moment when Profound Void Immortal slowly removed his hands from the box he had received with difficulty.

Thus High Sword Immortal’s stone box was completely nestled in wrinkled hands.

Jeong Yeon-shin deliberately didn’t show his sense of emptiness. Just because his hands had become lighter didn’t mean his heart had become completely empty.

That’s when it happened.

Thud.

A weighty feeling struck the ground.

Jeong Yeon-shin immediately turned his head and saw a tremendously massive pair of man and horse enter his vision.

Just the horse hooves approaching once had raised thick dust in the vicinity.

Even a strand of light breeze heavily pressed down on Jeong Yeon-shin’s skin.

The reason the northerner had been able to move without restraint.

It was why the Wudang disciples had released their sword formation.

Jeong Yeon-shin and Profound Void Immortal stood side by side in a single clearing. There were few things under heaven worth being wary of.

Thus the northerner approached Jeong Yeon-shin while mounted and stopped a few paces in front.

“……”

A massive frame that seemed to exceed seven feet, wearing a deeply pulled-down bamboo hat. Even his lower jaw, which should have shown his mouth, was only hazily visible.

He had distorted the atmosphere with pure internal energy. Perhaps because of this, his voice also rumbled.

[You have surpassed two.]

“What are you talking about?”

[In our lands, this is not surprising. Tranquility changes according to the great warrior’s peace and the weather of the steppes. But the childhood of the Fighting God also dwells within you, and this judgment is not like the frivolous winds of the south. My eyes contain the clear northern wind.]

Jeong Yeon-shin couldn’t properly understand what the giant with the crescent blade was babbling about, but in such cases the fault usually lay with the other party.

‘Northern Blade.’… He had heard of him well. He was truly the head of the northern jianghu. Naturally he would have to conduct himself flawlessly as the Divine Sword Group Leader. In all matters that would unfold from now on as well.

“If you have business, come this way.”

Jeong Yeon-shin moved his steps calmly, but with the face of someone who had understood every word perfectly.

This was Mount Wudang. As he was merely a guest, he couldn’t act like the host, so it was right to give way.

[Excellent spirit. Natural-born.]

The Northern Blade obediently followed him along with his monster-like war horse.

‘Indeed.’

A thrill ran up Jeong Yeon-shin’s spine.

If many northern jianghu people possessed such chilling insight, Desolate Fortress and the world’s common people would have to continue a difficult fight.

Hadn’t they said the Great Wall had fallen?

“Let’s go together.”

Then suddenly an aged voice followed him from behind.

Immortal Profound Void.

Thud.

The old Taoist who had volunteered to accompany Jeong Yeon-shin with tranquil footsteps was a great comfort at this moment.

He had said Wudang could handle the ‘sect’ even without a sect leader. The implications of this were enormous.

* * *

Wudang’s acting sect leader Jade Cliff couldn’t take his eyes off Jeong Yeon-shin for a while. He had no choice but to do so.

Wuung—

A supreme master of unified essence, energy, and spirit.

Generally, by reaching Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown, one creates a new mind’s image of their own.

Someone creates an unbreaking circle, another countless swords, some master overlays a sunset that never sets on their heart to make their martial arts depth even more profound.

The union of essence, energy, and spirit. Literally a state where mind’s image and techniques become one.

Jade Cliff was the same.

‘What in the world……’

Only it differed in that another change had occurred. The heart that had always envisioned a tranquil river had brought in blazing flames.

The circle composed of water was changing into a ring of flames.

It was clear.

The azure flame taiji that had disappeared from the ground at some point. He had been influenced by a move from the Acting Divine Sword Group Leader.

He even felt as if the Wudang immortal martial arts secrets lined up in his mind might be burned to ash by the flame imagery.

If it wasn’t heart demons, such internal changes meant only one thing.

A state where all techniques of one’s lifetime were concentrating into a single move.

‘Transcendent Martial Art…!’

The eye light that had always filled Jade Cliff’s eyes colorlessly wavered. The next Wudang Sect Leader had obtained an enormous opportunity from the Acting Divine Sword Group Leader of Desolate Fortress.

Before being a great celebration, it was something that couldn’t be taken lightly from any angle. Even though Jade Cliff was already infinitely close to the peerless realm.

What could be the reason?

Taiji was a principle studied not only by the Wudang Sect but by all Taoist lineages under heaven.

That’s when it happened.

Thud.

“I spoke of imperial edict.”

The woman in crimson armor who had somehow arrived within ten paces continued speaking.

“The Sect Leader hides far away using the Acting Divine Sword Group Leader as a shield, and the acting sect leader is lost in other thoughts right before my face.”

It was strange.

If she really was an imperial envoy, she should have the most intimate relationship with the Acting Divine Sword Group Leader at this place.

But the woman’s voice became clearer as if finding confidence the farther Jeong Yeon-shin moved away.

“…The authenticity of the imperial command is suspicious. Also your identity. Weren’t the distinguished people of Beijing originally arguing over who would be the next Son of Heaven?”

Meanwhile Jade Cliff’s speech and conduct were rough unlike when dealing with Jeong Yeon-shin. Only minimal politeness existed in his voice.

Even Phoenix Palm Zhu Se-hwa, who had approached near the clearing, hesitated.

‘Time is precious.’

Jade Cliff thought.

He needed to organize his extremely precious insights. Moreover, he was facing an overbearing uninvited guest in his capacity as acting sect leader on none other than the main mountain.

Even if Wudang Taoists didn’t dare claim to be masters of Mount Wudang, their mood couldn’t help but become uncomfortable.

That sign was sufficiently visible to the woman’s eyes as well. Instantly rattling sounds arose from the joints of the armor she wore.

It was the sound of the garment’s metals interlocking due to some very special internal energy technique.

“Unless this ignorant Taoist nobody trusts Lord Jeong……”

“If you don’t trust a living taiji, what in the world could be trustworthy?”

“What?”

“Acting Sect Leader?”

Murmuring spread among the Wudang disciples who had been approaching the woman. But Jade Cliff was like the noble High Sword martial uncle.

A warrior who found the Tao in people’s livelihood. A jianghu person who wanted to devote all his time to the taiji that was currently burning his mind in a single line.

“This poor Taoist’s words are not excessive. If you cannot prove your identity before I count to ten, I will leave dealing with you to the disciples here.”

“You don’t know the ways of the world.”

But the woman was extraordinary as well. Even the fact that her repeated words contained the world’s situation was so.

“There is no place in this nation where the former emperor’s will does not reach. The imperial family is naturally the same, so the former emperor’s legitimate eldest son has already ascended to the throne, and even the north has hesitated before that majesty, bringing the front lines to a lull. Thus His Majesty wishes to first examine the disorder below the Great Wall.”

Saying this, she pulled out some plaque engraved with a picture from her bosom.

A pattern of two trees with roots overlapping above and below. Looking like an ancient tree rooted in water, it was a token signifying orthodox succession of military merit.

It was said to manifest the power of immunity to heat and cold on battlefields.

Wuung—

The rim of the tree pattern filled with golden light. It was indeed a dharma treasure.

“The emperor has changed? When…!”

Jade Cliff muttered.

He and the Wudang disciples also stirred slightly. Even for them, known as immortals above the clouds, worldly affairs were inevitably of great concern.

Because when the nation immediately shook, common people died first.

“…’Gather the Three Great Imperial Masters and powerful figures of the world in one place, and hold the Heavenly Classic Martial Arts Examination in Shaanxi to forge the nation’s swords anew. The Wudang Sect Leader must attend to honor the occasion.’ You should know it as an honor that His Majesty’s first imperial command has fallen upon this land of Huguang.”

“Did it only fall on Huguang?”

As soon as the woman finished speaking, some man’s voice rang out like a gentle mountain breeze.

“Nanjing, Henan, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan and so on—it must have fallen on all lands with major sects. Now it’s a once-in-a-lifetime gamble of conveying summons with face at stake to jianghu people close to regional warlords.”

“How dare you… Radiant Demon Wing Leader?”

The woman’s and Wudang Taoists’ gazes turned to a tree branch far away…. A one-eyed noble youth in black robes was crouched sitting on pine needles. Waving his hand toward Jeong Yeon-shin who was visible in the distance.

Meanwhile Radiant Demon Wing Leader Cheong Myeong’s mouth moved separately from that gesture.

“When Beggar Sect Leader Divine Beggar bravely jumped toward the Great Wall, the one posing as Fighting God turned out to be Divine Theft. The northern jianghu’s hesitation is probably to find the real Fighting God. Moreover, this ‘Heavenly Classic Martial Arts Examination’……”

“Radiant Demon Wing Leader, say no more. I request this in the name of Super Tiger Upper General.”

The woman lowered her voice and warned. But Cheong Myeong’s voice was only as clear as his name.

“It’s a conscription martial arts competition that the imperial family has launched across all jianghu under heaven. It’s different in scale from dragon-phoenix gatherings that individual regional clans hold only in those lands. From what I know, an edict also fell on Zhongnan Sect, and among them is even included the young disciple of Sword Immortal Zhongnan who is receiving attention from the world……”

It was an instant.

At sunset, purple shadows filled the clearing. At this moment, the garment edges reflected in Super Tiger Upper General’s pupils were close to an irresistible natural disaster.

“Hye-ah? You mean Jeong Hye?”

Whoosh!

The voice rang out first, and the reverse wind of lightness skill spread in hazy concentric circles afterward.

The world was moving.