Chapter 78
Chapter 78
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: Heavenly Decree Division
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Ten days had passed.
Since the meeting with the division leaders, Yuk Jin-yang's feats had been the talk of the town among the Alliance's martial artists day after day. That gathering had essentially served as proof of his skills and accomplishments.
In a lavish tavern, the martial artists were gossiping today as well about the latest developments surrounding Yuk Jin-yang.
"I heard the Huangbo Patriarch put a bounty of a thousand taels of gold on the neck of the youngest grandson of the Yuk Clan."
"That's old news already. It's up to ten thousand now. They say the assassins of Henan are sharpening their blades. Word is the Cunning Sword Sect is considering it too."
"Is the Huangbo bastard planning to pour his entire family fortune into this? The Cunning Sword Sect? They're not the type to move for a mere ten thousand gold. Besides, they know what it means to touch a direct line of the Yuk Clan."
"Wouldn't your head spin if you were in his shoes? Losing his heir, his sons, and the foundation of his house overnight. The Huangbo Clan is finished. Even if the patriarch returns, recovery will be impossible."
The martial artists, sharing boiled meat and strong liquor, lowered their voices. Before they knew it, their interest had shifted from the young promising talent to a graver topic.
"By the way, did you hear? The imperial army has mobilized."
"Mm, I've heard. Everyone in Kaifeng is talking about it."
It had happened just yesterday. A rumor swept through Kaifeng: the imperial forces had finally taken action.
The general in command was Geng Bingwen.
A renowned commander who had racked up numerous achievements in wars against the Mongols, and a pillar of the military who had proven his loyalty by surviving Emperor Taizu's brutal purges. He was truly the court's strongest card.
"The court is coming out strong. Hasn't General Geng largely retired from the front lines recently? To think they'd call him back."
"No point in dragging it out. There's Prince of Yan, but we have to consider the Great Wall he's guarding too. Who knows when the northern barbarians might come south amid the chaos."
"But Prince of Yan isn't an easy opponent either. The war might drag on longer than expected."
As Kaifeng buzzed with news of the court's mobilization, Yuk Jin-yang received a summons from the Inspectorate. The location was the annex where he had taken the initiation exam before.
There, an Inspectorate scribe named Kwak Man was waiting for him. His demeanor was markedly different from last time. Back then, it had been mere formal courtesy; now, genuine respect welled up for this promising junior martial artist.
"I've heard the news. Not only did you thwart the Gold Guards' scheme in advance, but you also took the head of the Huangbo young master."
"I was fortunate to have the opportunity to render such service."
"Not just anyone could slay a Flame Immortal of the White Lotus Cult even if the chance arose."
The two exchanged small talk. As the awkward atmosphere eased, Kwak Man delivered grim news.
"The Huangbo Patriarch has put a bounty on your head."
"I've heard. Ten thousand gold, they say."
"They've already started moving. Quite a few fools have infiltrated the Alliance headquarters only to end up in the dungeons. Some resisted and lost their heads for it."
"......"
"Don't worry about the assassins. We've issued warnings in the name of the Alliance. Most have backed off. Only those blinded by vain glory or greed remain, like moths to a flame."
Kwak Man hesitated briefly before continuing.
"That said, we can't keep letting you rest, young hero. Even if this mission took a toll on you."
"I understand."
"It's not just favoritism. Half of your initiation cohort died during their missions. It's thrown a wrench into our plans to promote new blood and alleviate the manpower shortage."
Yuk Jin-yang's eyes widened. He quickly composed himself and offered sincere condolences.
"That's regrettable."
"They were promising talents."
A brief silence. Kwak Man let out a soft sigh and continued.
"It's unprecedented for half of an initiation class to perish in their first year. These are dangerous and chaotic times."
"Were they all killed by the new noble clans' martial artists?"
Kwak Man slowly shook his head.
"While the Five Harmony Alliance's main forces were assembled, the riffraff from the unorthodox sects reared their heads. We dispatched teams to fill the gaps, but unimaginable massacres occurred everywhere."
"The aftermath must have been severe."
"Indeed, we've had our troubles."
Kwak Man gave a troubled smile. Yuk Jin-yang waited silently for him to continue.
"With manpower already short, your brilliant feats have the division leaders clamoring for you. It nearly sparked a fight among them."
"Was the situation that dire?"
Yuk Jin-yang recalled the meeting with the division leaders. The atmosphere hadn't seemed that tense then.
"Haha... Don't take it too seriously. Squabbles among division leaders happen often, even over trifles."
Resignation and pathos flickered across Kwak Man's face as he spoke. But he didn't dwell on sentiment. The conversation returned to the main point.
"In any case, with the division leaders unable to decide, they reached an absurd conclusion: give the choice to you, young hero."
It was just as he had heard before.
"All thirteen divisions wanted you, but fierce competition narrowed it down to four: the Righteous Followers Division, Guarding Decree Division, Brave Gall Division, and Heavenly Decree Division."
"But I know nothing of their styles or traditions."
Yuk Jin-yang feigned reluctance. Kwak Man nodded slowly, as if to say not to worry.
"The Righteous Followers Division is influenced by the Western Zhou Yuk Clan, the Guarding Decree by the Zhuge Clan, and the Brave Gall by the Shanxi Yi House."
"By 'influence,' do you mean they're like the private forces those clans once commanded?"
Kwak Man gave a wry smile.
"Yes, exactly. But after the abuses grew severe, the system was reformed, greatly reducing the clans' influence. When selecting leaders, merit takes precedence over bloodline."
Was that truly the case? Yuk Jin-yang was skeptical.
The four great clans' power wasn't sustained by blood and martial might alone. They wielded financial might capable of crushing merchant guilds or battlefields.
If they pulled strings, seizing a single division was well within their grasp.
'The four great clans likely still retain some influence in each division.'
Joining one dominated by another clan might invite needless trouble. Accusations of a Yuk clansman cozying up to rivals.
"Finally, the Heavenly Decree Division is directly under Division Leader Qianling. The leader also serves as division commander."
Qianling Division Leader, or Qianling Commander.
She was said to be an imperial woman who had effectively acted as Alliance Leader in place of the often-absent four great patriarchs.
Her martial prowess matched her station. Deeply favored by Emperor Taizu, she had learned arts from numerous masters.
"The Heavenly Decree Division wants me too?"
"Yes. It's a rare opportunity. They're considered the foremost of the Alliance's thirteen great divisions. As a group that prides itself on elite few, their thirst for talent is particularly acute."
"I see."
"One thing to note: unlike the other thirteen, the Heavenly Decree Division has no standard manual. They only accept martial artists with established systems."
It wasn't a major concern. In the past, he had yearned for supreme arts as a means to overcome his lowly frame.
But now was the time to hone what he had. His foundation was solid, forged by the Moon Maiden Divine Art into the body of an unparalleled master.
With such a physique, he could devise external arts himself. No need to covet others'. That was the confidence born from creating the Sword Shadow Plum Blossom Art.
Kwak Man touched on the point as well.
"At your level, young hero, you needn't cling to standard manuals. Your clan's peerless arts alone surpass them."
Yuk Jin-yang lowered his gaze, lost in thought.
The Heavenly Decree Division. The more he mulled it, the more unique it seemed. Especially its structure, with an imperial dragon-blood at the top. It was a neutral ground straddling the ancient noble clans and the imperial house.
Even the most loose-tongued wouldn't dare gossip about his placement if the imperial family was involved. It might be the best choice to avoid unwanted scrutiny from relatives.
Kwak Man's following words seemed to nudge him toward that decision.
"It's not an opportunity that comes often. Without a standard manual, their standards for skill are high. They rarely take recruits. They value innate talent above all."
"Does that mean they have many arduous missions?"
"You'd best ask them directly. But joining the Heavenly Decree Division would greatly bolster your standing. It's a group of renown and proven strength."
Naturally, Yuk Jin-yang's mind turned to the final option.
"I'll go with the Heavenly Decree Division."
"An excellent choice."
Kwak Man rose with a smile.
"The vice leader was getting impatient. She said to bring you the moment you decide. The Qianling Commander is also looking forward to meeting you."
He added that there were many places to dispatch forces to, but a shortage of immediately deployable manpower. Yuk Jin-yang looked somewhat uneasy.
"They seem quite urgent."
"Haha. See it as high expectations for a subordinate you'll share joys and hardships with."
The two left the annex and strolled through a serene garden.
Crossing a cloud bridge over the pond brought them to a bed of blooming rapeseed flowers. At the end stood a lavish palace hall, its yellow glazed tiles evoking imperial grandeur.
Noticing Yuk Jin-yang's gaze, Kwak Man casually mentioned it.
"The Qianling Commander holds the title of Clear Stream Grand Princess."
By rank, that made her the Emperor's aunt. Yuk Jin-yang started in surprise.
"Then, Emperor Taizu's...?"
"His youngest princess. That's why Taizu doted on her greatly in life and granted her honors rivaling those of Prince Fan and the feudal kings."
They arrived at the division leader's office under Kwak Man's guidance. Before they could announce themselves, the sliding door opened on its own. It was void-grasping technique.
"Come in."
A voice soft as a gentle breeze echoed.