Chapter 149: Black Rank (7)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 149: Black Rank (7)
Whoosh!
The shockwave that had been swirling around the Divine Sword: Northern Light completely dissipated.
The wind spread like a ripple, lifting the hem of Jeong Yeon-shin's sleeve before vanishing.
One would never guess that just moments ago, music had filled the air and a sword dance had taken place on this stage.
A gentle breeze, mingling with the shimmering heat of a summer day, swept over the boy. The scene was bright and serene.
The crowd seated beneath the massive silk canopies surrounding the sparring stage fell silent. It was a stillness thick with a myriad of emotions.
Wonder, excitement, curiosity, and even a touch of lingering regret. They stared at the boy who was about to don the Black Robe of the Desolate Fortress at the youngest age in its history.
This was the grandest event the Desolate Fortress had seen in some time.
The promotion ceremony for the Black Rank Unit Commander was not yet over.
If the challenger had been defeated, the ceremony would have ended prematurely, and the crowd would have had to disperse. But since Flash Art had triumphed over the Commander of the Law Enforcement Unit, that was out of the question.
According to custom, the promotion ceremony would now continue on a grand scale.
Unlike the experts of the Desolate Fortress, who were murmuring about various martial insights, the young servants and Nameless Disciples were simply thrilled.
It meant they could now enjoy rare delicacies and a festive atmosphere.
They only refrained from cheering outright because the air remained so solemn.
There were other children present as well—about a dozen young martial artists dressed in plain clothes.
Their faces were more flushed than anyone else’s. A few girls carrying swords and boys with wrapped hands looked downright ecstatic.
"Honestly… I couldn't see a single thing. I knew Yeon-shin Hyung's sword was fast, but that was something else."
"He was holding back against us. It's always just a training spar, after all."
"Exactly. Why are you so surprised? If Brother Flash Art had fought seriously from the start, we wouldn't have even seen his first strike."
"So, is Yeon-shin Hyung going to have the Commander's room now? We can visit often, right? I saw lots of sweets in the cupboard. Are they all ours?"
"Wait, didn't Commander Ma keep those separately? He gave me one every time he saw me."
The Nameless Disciples of the Demonlight Wing whispered among themselves.
Huddled together under a silk canopy, they gazed at Jeong Yeon-shin.
Their eyes, sparkling in the sunlight, could not hide their excitement.
As long as they weren't criticizing the duel itself, they were free to express themselves.
The Desolate Fortress was a free-spirited sect, so long as one stayed within the bounds of its laws. Only those who violated them would face the spears and blades of the Law Enforcement Unit.
Flash Art Jeong Yeon-shin had led both the Radiant Wing Unit and the Demonlight Wing during the journey to Sichuan and back.
In other words, he had already earned the recognition of the established experts. Now, the opinions of the Nameless Disciples—the next generation of power—were also important.
This conversation was proof of Flash Art's popularity. No one stopped them.
"The tide has turned. It seems he's already won over the Demonlight Wing."
"He could take his place on the stone seat of the Wish-for-Peace One Sword Hall this very instant."
"The only question is how this will all be concluded."
Now, the eyes of most martial artists turned toward the Commander of the Law Enforcement Unit.
Even if the result was clear, the opponent's acknowledgment was another matter entirely.
She had advised that his victory was impossible.
The outcome flew in the face of her words. The glittering fragments of her sword scattered around her and Jeong Yeon-shin bore witness to this fact.
It was a scene that seemed to mock her under the brilliant, transparent sunlight.
A testament to the shattered pride of the Commander of the Law Enforcement Unit.
If she refused to accept defeat, they might have to duel again under the order of the Lord of the Desolate Fortress.
The boy had already taken his hand off the Divine Sword: Northern Light, but the Commander of the Law Enforcement Unit stood motionless, her hand still gripping her sword hilt.
She just stood there blankly for a moment, her characteristic indifferent expression shattered.
Bewilderment was plain in her eyes. Was the result truly so shocking for the head of the Law Enforcement Unit?
Perhaps her earlier misjudgment was the cause of her confusion.
"..."
The Commander of the Law Enforcement Unit's arm slowly lowered.
The noble swordsman's hand trembled slightly, a stark contrast to the powerful Unity of Body and Sword she had displayed during the duel.
The strength she had wielded as a super-ascension swordsman had completely faded from her grip.
She slowly parted her lips.
"...I have lost."
Her pitch-black robes fluttered weakly. Combined with her broken sword, she cut a strangely melancholic figure.
"It was a good duel. Thank you."
Jeong Yeon-shin clasped his hands in a polite gesture. But contrary to his proper etiquette, his expression was indifferent.
It was even colder than the face the Commander of the Law Enforcement Unit had shown before the duel. He looked almost chilly.
The boy did his best to hide his inner thoughts.
Your Blue-Ranked expert would have been more helpful.
It was like expecting a brand-new toy only to receive a shabby, secondhand one.
Was this what disappointment felt like to a child from a wealthy, harmonious family?
He was so displeased that a situation he had never experienced came to mind.
He had managed to utter words he didn't mean. A good duel, my ass.
Those watching let out exclamations of admiration toward Jeong Yeon-shin.
"Look at that expression. He's incredibly composed. A rare quality in a swordsman."
"He doesn't even seem that happy. Was he looking forward to the duel more than the promotion?"
"The Commander of the Law Enforcement Unit didn't even have time to display her true ultimate techniques. Flash Art Jeong Yeon-shin… with such a humble personality even before his promotion, the resurgence of the Demonlight Wing is well within reach."
"Isn't he just throwing a tantrum? I can tell at a glance. That's the exact face I used to make at the useless runts of my clan."
No one paid any attention to the Lazy Flame Dragon's muttering. The Demonlight Wing experts beside him all shifted their gazes upward in unison.
The Lord of the Desolate Fortress was rising from her Grandmaster's Chair.
Rustle.
The hem of her light-green martial robes brushed against the stone seat. The faint sound echoed with unusual clarity.
It was just like the moment the boy had sheathed the Divine Sword: Northern Light.
Everyone's eyes were drawn to her slow, deliberate movements.
She possessed an aura that commanded everyone's attention—the very posture of a transcendent being.
"..."
Once again, silence fell. It was a dreamlike quiet.
The Lord of the Desolate Fortress stood to her full height.
Her pale skin held a dreamlike radiance, and the sunlight resting on her face seemed to whisper softly.
It was as if she had brought the silence of a deep forest to this place and draped it over them like a veil.
"Flash Art has proven his worth."
The Lord of the Desolate Fortress parted her lips.
"Since Un So-yu has admitted defeat, it is hereby declared that Flash Art Jeong Yeon-shin possesses skills equivalent to the Black Rank."
"..."
"I authorize the continuation of the promotion ceremony."
Her declaration was made.
Only then did the surroundings begin to buzz with noise.
The atmosphere relaxed completely. Some even leaped onto the sparring stage.
They were mostly experts and Nameless Disciples of the Demonlight Wing. In an instant, they surrounded Jeong Yeon-shin.
"What was that just now? Did you really counter her counter-technique? How did you even think of using the shockwave like that?"
"Blocking her sword path looked like some kind of supernatural ability. Did you awaken the power of 'Intent' that sorcerers use? It makes no sense for that to be a pure technique of internal power and force release. I can only accept it because it's you."
"We won't be able to speak so casually with you soon, so we have to get our congratulations in now!"
"Surely your first mission won't be a solo one, right? Being led by a young Unit Commander would be a whole new experience!"
The Commander of the Law Enforcement Unit, Un So-yu, kept her head bowed until the Lord of the Desolate Fortress sat back down.
It did not seem like dejection, but merely a gesture of respect to the Lord.
Soon, she raised her head and looked directly at Jeong Yeon-shin.
"My advice to the Lord was hasty. It must have felt like an insult to you."
Un So-yu spoke. Her dark eyes, quietly gazing at Jeong Yeon-shin, shone with a mysterious light.
"I apologize. I made a misjudgment. I am truly sorry."
"Sister So-yu is speaking to him. Back off, all of you, quickly."
Cheong-myeong, who had been huddled with the others, scolded his comrades and pulled them away. The strength in his grip was robust.
He was a Brightfolk swordsman who was recovering from the injuries he sustained in the City of Master Craftsmen at an astonishing speed.
Jeong Yeon-shin, who had been jostled about by his seniors and juniors, finally raised his head.
Even if the atmosphere of the Demonlight Wing was as free as the wind racing across a field, the hierarchy was strict.
The hands that had been playfully patting the boy's head, shoulders, and waist fell away.
They retreated in an instant to allow the future Unit Commander and the current Unit Commander to speak.
Un So-yu, who acknowledged Cheong-myeong with a nod, turned her gaze back. Her pitch-black eyes focused entirely on Jeong Yeon-shin.
"As the Commander of the Law Enforcement Unit, it is difficult for me to hastily promise to make amends. Please understand my position, as I must maintain neutrality."
"Of course."
The boy replied briefly. At the same time, Un So-yu's black hair swept down like silk.
It was a gesture of apology. She had bowed her head to Jeong Yeon-shin.
"And," she said, slowly raising her head.
"'I would rather my opponent had been a novice.'"
"Hmm...?"
"Those are the words you spoke a moment ago. I wish to know their meaning."
"..."
Faced with the Commander of the Law Enforcement Unit, the boy was uncharacteristically flustered.
—It would have been more helpful if my opponent had been a novice.
The words sounded polite on the surface, but given his overwhelming victory, they were a blatant insult.
When Jeong Yeon-shin had carelessly muttered his inner thoughts, it had sounded like the regret of a loser. But now, after he had so utterly shattered her counter-technique, the words could only be interpreted in their original, insulting sense.
This was a serious matter.
He had been carefully managing his reputation to rise to the rank of Commander of the Divine Sword Corps ever since he entered the sect.
When dealing with the enforcer of the fortress's laws, he had to be even more careful.
The Desolate Fortress was a sect akin to a military force, serving the Lord as their sovereign. It would be troublesome if he were embroiled in any unsavory incidents.
Since he had to put great effort into his achievements and personnel evaluations, the Commander of the Law Enforcement Unit was someone he either needed to avoid entirely or form a deep bond with.
This is a real crisis.
Cold sweat broke out on the back of Jeong Yeon-shin's neck, a rare occurrence for him.
How careless, the boy blamed himself. He had been much better at hiding his inner thoughts back when he was a White-Ranked expert.
Why had he become like this? He felt as if his journey to Sichuan had ruined his personality.
Was it because he had seen Ma Jin's arm fly off and Ma Yeon-jeok grow weak?
Maybe it's because my limbs have grown longer lately. It's annoying how the distance for my sword sphere and fist-palm techniques is slightly off. That's why I'm losing my temper. As a martial artist, that is.
He tried to reflect on it, but there was nothing he could do about it now.
His inner self screamed at him to mind his manners. His Upper Dantian felt as if it were burning white-hot.
His eyes scanned his surroundings at extreme speed. Lazy Flame Dragon was the first to enter his field of vision.
The man excelled at sly social maneuvering, but the target of his maneuvering was usually a mortal enemy.
At least, that was how it always was in front of Jeong Yeon-shin. It meant he was only good at provocation.
Useless Lazy Flame Dragon. Shaking his head inwardly, the boy immediately shifted his gaze.
He saw Namgung Hwa-shin, who possessed a clear and righteous nature, talking to his junior, Shin Bin-bin.
The haughty eyes of Shin Bin-bin, who stood facing him, were cast downward.
She seemed to fear that her beloved senior would transfer his affiliation to the Demonlight Wing. That was none of Jeong Yeon-shin's business.
Young Hero Namgung is too straightforward and honest.
He was better than Lazy Flame Dragon, but not someone to emulate right now.
Next, the person who entered his view was Heonwon Chang.
The boy's eyes widened.
His mind brightened. The pages recording his past experiences turned in his head.
His Baihui Point throbbed as he began to recall Heonwon Chang's words and actions.
The boy had grown in this manner. His comrades were precious nourishment, and would continue to be so in the future.
"It was because the Commander is far too powerful," Jeong Yeon-shin spoke, putting on an imitation of Heonwon Chang's characteristic expression of utmost sincerity.
"Faced with such a mercurial sword technique, I was at a loss as to how to counter it. In that moment, I harbored thoughts shameful for a martial artist. It required great courage to clear my mind of distractions and clash swords with you again."
"Hmm..."
The Commander of the Law Enforcement Unit, Un So-yu, tilted her head slightly.
It was a subtle, questioning movement. However, she did not press him further. There was no time for that anyway.
Chiring.
The banquet began.
The performers ascended the stage once more. Music flowed alongside the soft melody of a zither, and the portly Grand Steward stood beside the Lord's stone seat to recite Jeong Yeon-shin's achievements.
It was a ceremony to list the merits he had accumulated one by one.
The paper, decorated with layers of elegant green silk, was considerably long, but the numerous experts listened to the boy's accomplishments without a hint of boredom.
"...Thus, destroying the Dual Flame Blood Spirit Formation at the main stronghold of the Blood Flame Cult. In the duel against the Namgung Clan, slaying Changryeong Hwaju Namgung Mi in a single exchange, and defeating Young Master Namgung Se-jin, leading to his death."
When the story reached the City of Master Craftsmen, the Giju Branch, and the Tang Family Pagoda, the crowd’s reaction shifted once more.
The occasional gasps of admiration subsided into silence.
Matters that had only been rumors were now organized by the Chief Steward's Office and clearly revealed.
His achievements of locating the City of Master Craftsmen, joining forces with the Demonlight Wing, and slaying the Sword Scorpion Demon and the Pure Demon God Hand in succession were disclosed before the assembly.
The account was incredibly detailed.
The annihilation of the remaining elites of the Pure Demon Alliance and the Tenth Sect who had invaded the Giju Branch; the complete cooperation secured with the Sichuan Tang Clan, whose stance had been ambiguous; and the process of defeating the Blood Flame Cult and the Tenth Sect at the Tang Family Pagoda.
It was an announcement that made everyone realize just what kind of person was taking the seat of a Unit Commander. No one could possibly object.
"...Thus, the name of Flash Art is engraved upon the Wish-for-Peace One Sword Hall of the 17th Unit of the Divine Sword Corps."
"..."
The promotion ceremony venue fell completely silent.
Then, the Grand Steward spoke with a much more respectful demeanor.
His low, refined voice was different from before. His body was turned toward the Lord of the Desolate Fortress.
"I believe it is proper for him to share the stone seat of the Wish-for-Peace One Sword Hall with Ma Jin for the time being, and to learn the duties of the Black Rank at the Unit Commanders' meetings. Ma Jin will have much to teach and hand over to him."
"Is there a robe prepared?" she asked calmly.
The Grand Steward immediately bowed his head.
"My apologies. Since it was difficult to predict the outcome..."
"Flash Art shall take his stone seat as of today. It would be best for him to borrow and wear Ma Jin's Black Robe."
"I shall consult with Flash Art and have a new robe tailored."
Nodding slightly, the Lord of the Desolate Fortress shifted her gaze.
Jeong Yeon-shin was reflected in her eyes, which seemed to hold the principles of all creation.
It felt as if they could suck in his very soul. Meeting her deep-green eyes, the boy straightened his posture.
She slowly parted her lips.
"I command you."
For the first time, the word "command" was spoken. Jeong Yeon-shin, clad in rags, knelt on one knee and bowed his head.
The hem of his worn and faded blue robe fluttered slightly before settling.
The corners of the Lord of the Desolate Fortress's lips curved into a small arc.
"From this moment on, conduct yourself as the master of the Demonlight Wing."
"...The Commander of the Demonlight Wing accepts your command," the boy replied.