Chapter 154: Chivalrous Hero
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 154: Chivalrous Hero
Jeong Yeon-shin’s long eyelashes cast a shadow over his lowered gaze.
Paying no mind to the Imperial Grandson’s laughter, the boy lost himself in thought for a moment.
'I've finally formulated the mnemonic for the movement technique.'
Meeting the right connection had allowed him to create yet another martial art. Could this be called a fated encounter?
It was said that many Brightfolk dwelled within the Ming imperial court, and he was grateful for the test the eunuch had provided the moment he ascended to the rank of Unit Commander.
Once again, he felt as though he had stepped into an entirely different world. As a Black Rank, this shift in perspective was inevitable.
'There are still many martial arts left to forge. Body protection qi, lightness skills, eye techniques... I have so many to create.'
Jeong Yeon-shin’s perspective on martial arts drastically differed from the rest of the Jianghu.
To most martial artists, practicing the techniques handed down by their sects was a matter of course, a natural tradition they accepted without question.
The boy was different. To him, it felt like wearing someone else’s hand-me-down clothes.
He had felt the same way when he received the Moon Spirit Harmony Art from the Lord of the Desolate Fortress. Naturally, it was the same for the rest.
Even now, he practiced the Desolate Fortress’s body protection techniques, body protection scriptures, and eye techniques. Yet, none of them could compare to the martial arts he had personally created and refined.
'I will build them up, one by one.'
The rapid rise in power of Jeong Yeon-shin, the Flash Art, was entirely due to his own exclusive martial arts.
A martial art tailored perfectly to his own body was fundamentally different from any other. This held true for both his forms and his true qi.
'Because the mental image of the mnemonic originates from the creator.'
The efficiency of his true qi circulation was on an entirely different level.
It was enough to instantly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with ultimate techniques that had been refined and developed over several generations.
This was a vital breakthrough for the boy. His oversized spirit in his upper dantian made it difficult to achieve the unity of essence, qi, and spirit, let alone the state of three flowers gathering at the peak.
By creating martial arts perfectly suited for specific moments, he could cope with the rapid output of internal power displayed by veteran experts.
'The Commander of the Law Enforcement Unit made me realize the weaknesses in my swordplay and fist-and-palm techniques. There is room to restructure the Radiant Brilliance Sword Style and the Infinite Flower of Time Hand. It would also be good to improve the true qi circulation of the Demonlight Formula.'
He had a mountain of tasks ahead of him. But looked at another way, it meant he still had immense room for growth.
The corners of the boy’s mouth twitched upward slightly.
What kind of inspiration would he find at the Martial World Alliance? The orthodox martial arts of the world would be gathered there in droves.
Regardless of his short-life syndrome, Jeong Yeon-shin genuinely enjoyed martial arts. It was a trait he had developed later in life—ever since the Jeong Family Dynamic Art had begun to replace his mother’s warmth.
“I simply cannot believe it.”
Pulled from his brief reverie, Jeong Yeon-shin’s gaze suddenly met a pair of pitch-black eyes.
The Imperial Grandson was looking up at the boy, a cool dignity reflecting in his dark depths.
“Are you truly the young Blue Rank from that day? It is all the more astounding because the aura of a battle-hardened master suits you so perfectly.”
“I am honored, Your Highness,” Jeong Yeon-shin replied calmly.
The Imperial Grandson stared at him intently.
“Incredible talent and wit. When we are in private, you may call me Senior Brother.”
He spoke with a face that still held a trace of amusement. Beside them, a sudden movement drew their attention.
Myeong-yeo, who had recovered his bearings in the meantime, raised an eyebrow.
He only looked cold on the surface because he was a eunuch of the Eastern Depot. Facing him closely, Jeong Yeon-shin could sense that the Brightfolk eunuch was considerably shocked.
“If we go by lineage, you are indeed my Senior Brother,” the boy said slowly, blinking once.
The Imperial Grandson had also taken the Lord of the Desolate Fortress as his master, and he was much older than Jeong Yeon-shin.
It was likely due to his exceptionally thick Brightfolk blood that he remained so small in stature.
He was nothing like Jeong Yeon-shin, who had been growing so rapidly lately that he constantly had to adjust his combat interval to accommodate his changing reach.
With a faint smile, the Imperial Grandson spoke.
“Myeong-yeo. Give it to him.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Myeong-yeo seemed to have completely recovered from his internal injuries.
After bowing respectfully, he reached into his robes. Even before his hand emerged, a pair of wings fluttered.
Tiny white feathers drifted through the air.
A bird the size of Myeong-yeo’s hand revealed itself. It was a pure white swallow.
It looked similar to the one the Second Young Master of the Hwangbo Clan had used in the past.
“It is a beast raised through our clan’s secret arts. It is extremely clever, and it even possesses a small inner core, allowing it to circulate internal power. It is a spirit beast called the White Swallow, and I have brought it in haste to present to the Commander of the Demonlight Wing,” Myeong-yeo explained.
The White Swallow tilted its head, staring at the boy. Its small movements were quite endearing.
“I have seen members of noble families use them. Is it a communication tool for the Unit Commanders?”
Jeong Yeon-shin asked calmly, unruffled even when faced with such a rare spirit beast.
Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, animals understanding human speech and displaying mysterious abilities were no longer confined to legends.
Myeong-yeo nodded.
“Yes. Though it looks small, it is a bird of prey. It won't cause any trouble, and you don't even need to feed it. Since it is a spirit beast that will only travel between Commander Jeong and myself, you can simply tie a letter to its leg and send it whenever cooperation is needed.”
At that moment, the White Swallow hopped onto the boy’s chest. Jeong Yeon-shin caught the swallow’s feet. Guided by the intuition of his upper dantian, he knew exactly what to do.
He channeled the Law-Transcending Halo Qi to the tip of his index finger and stroked the White Swallow’s head. Instantly, a small wave rippled outward, as if their true qi were resonating.
At the same time, the White Swallow burrowed into the front of Jeong Yeon-shin’s robes, as if it had found a new nest.
Myeong-yeo’s eyes widened slightly.
“Establishing a master-servant bond with a spirit beast is no easy task... It seems the Commander’s internal power is exceptionally profound.”
“Should I send it when I cut down government officials?”
At the nonchalant question, Myeong-yeo nodded.
“Yes.”
“Did you not say you are the confidant of the Chief Eunuch? Roaming the Jianghu is the duty of the Commander of the Demonlight Wing. I wonder if it is possible for you to keep up with me at all times.”
The boy spoke, recalling the Imperial Grandson introducing Myeong-yeo as the right hand of the Eastern Depot’s Chief Eunuch.
“I did say that praise was too generous.”
A smooth smile played on the lips of the Brightfolk eunuch.
“Naturally, a man of power has more than just one or two hands. The Chief Eunuch has countless right hands.”
It was a statement that laid bare the sheer vastness of the world. The Imperial Grandson did not deny it either.
He merely watched the conversation between the boy and the eunuch with an increasingly indifferent gaze.
Unconcerned, Jeong Yeon-shin spoke. It was time to conclude his business.
“I depart for Hanzhong tomorrow at the Hour of the Horse. I will not concern myself with the Eastern Depot during my journey.”
The Jianghu of the Central Plains was a completely different world from the inside of the Desolate Fortress. All kinds of variables ran rampant out there.
Just commanding his subordinates and focusing on his duties as the Commander of the Demonlight Wing would require a significant amount of mental energy.
Myeong-yeo nodded.
“The former Commander of the Demonlight Wing did the same. It is only natural. That is why we exist, and why the Desolate Fortress exists, after all.”
“You may leave now. I have kept you too long,” the Imperial Grandson said, his eyes sliding shut. His behavior perfectly matched the long-standing rumors Jeong Yeon-shin had heard.
It was said that the third sky of the Ming Dynasty was extremely fickle. He would show intense interest in something, only to withdraw his attention just as quickly.
'I'm grateful for that.'
The boy thought as he offered a brief cupped-fist salute. His connection with the Imperial Grandson would likely not end here.
Would there not come a day when he would be summoned to the Forbidden City? Unless it was something that would help him rise to the Purple Rank, he fully intended to decline.
Since even the imperial family could not easily issue orders to the Lord of the Desolate Fortress—the protector of the World Tree—he had no desire to become close to the Imperial Grandson.
His black robes fluttered. Having paid his respects, Jeong Yeon-shin turned around without hesitation.
Glancing between the two boys, Myeong-yeo spoke once more.
“Lastly, I must tell you this, Commander of the Demonlight Wing. Although the Eastern Depot is bound to support you under the secret pact between the imperial family and the Desolate Fortress, it would be troublesome if you were to abuse our services. Even if the Unit Commanders of the Desolate Fortress are noble existences, the Eastern Depot has its own duties to attend to.”
“I merely move under the banner of stabilizing the people's livelihood.”
His reply, infused with true qi, rang out clearly. The internal power softly filled the room, firmly asserting its presence.
Did he truly understand the weight of his background as the Lord’s disciple, his status as a Black Rank of the Desolate Fortress, and his absurdly high martial prowess for his age?
The newly appointed Commander of the Demonlight Wing walked out without looking back. His steps across the threshold were entirely unhesitating.
He had not taken Myeong-yeo’s words to heart. Anyone could see that.
He exuded an aura that suggested he would nonchalantly cut down anyone who blocked his path, be they government officials or denizens of the Jianghu.
Step.
The faint sound of footsteps tickled their ears. Jeong Yeon-shin, the Flash Art, vanished just like that.
“A spirited junior brother indeed,” the Imperial Grandson muttered with his eyes closed.
Asking for the Imperial Grandson's understanding, Myeong-yeo immediately sat at a corner of the table and took out the four treasures of the study.
The slender hands of the Eastern Depot eunuch moved busily. He sat straight, holding the brush perfectly upright.
The words he wrote in a single, flowing stroke detailed a person’s profile.
< Jeong Yeon-shin.
Commander of the Demonlight Wing of the Desolate Fortress.
Originates from the Jeong Family Manor of Xinye County, Henan.
His courtesy name and moniker are both "Flash Art."
The Lord of the Desolate Fortress personally bestowed his courtesy name (the act of a sponsor giving a courtesy name during the coming-of-age ceremony).
Known by a different moniker in Sichuan Province. Called the "Hidden King Amidst Flowers," a sovereign in black robes who commands the Myriad Blossoms Rain.
Inherited the inner cultivation method of the Moon Spirit Divine Technique.
Martial arts attainment at the Black Rank.
Though he has the disadvantage of a slower output of internal power compared to other Unit Commanders of the Desolate Fortress, his mastery of internal energy is exceptionally deep for his age.
His adaptability, driven by an unprecedented sense, is at or above the Black Rank realm of the Desolate Fortress.
Created an independent martial lineage. Value rating: Upper-Upper.
Possesses internal power that seems influenced by orthodox Buddhist sects, and employs explosive, single-strike martial arts. Refer to the attached investigation document on the "Flash Art Lineage."
An unmeasurable martial genius.
His natural disposition is highly arrogant, yet he possesses a strangely suppressed inner self.
It is assumed that the family environment of the Jeong Family Manor was unfavorable.
There appear to be more acquired factors, but this requires observation over time. Possesses the temperament of a haughty, chivalrous hero.
Appearance comparable to the Brightfolk. Possesses the qualities of an intelligence agent. If commissioned into the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he would wield immense influence in politics, regardless of the gender of his opponents.
Evaluation result: Requesting Upper-Medium support. Assisting the current Commander of the Demonlight Wing should not require too much effort.
Respectfully submitted, Myeong-yeo. >
The blue eyes of the eunuch Myeong-yeo gleamed. The eyes of his clan, said to perceive all creation, scanned the words he had written.
He then nodded to himself, rolled up the letter, placed it inside a wooden cylinder, and sealed it.
It was a top-secret document bound for the Forbidden City.
*
The next day.
The sun, signaling the start of their mission, hung high in the sky.
The oppressive heat of late summer was finally beginning to subside.
Perhaps because he had fought a fierce battle in Sichuan and overcome the hurdle of his promotion, Jeong Yeon-shin had unconsciously assumed that summer would last forever.
Looking at the sky today, he realized he was wrong.
The sky was painted the clear, pale blue of water. The hems of the young experts' robes fluttered gently in the rustling breeze.
Grey cotton, white, and blue fabrics swayed up and down with their movements.
At the lead rode a figure in black. As they galloped, the crisp air of early autumn caressed the boy’s hair.
Sunlight glinted off the golden character 'Hwang' that completely covered his right shoulder.
“Isn't it a bit too large?”
Jeong Yeon-shin felt Heonwon Chang’s gaze. He was clearly referring to the new robe Jeong Yeon-shin had received just before departure. The embroidery of the character 'Hwang' (荒) was undeniably massive.
It only avoided looking ridiculous because of the vigorous, majestic brushwork, reminiscent of the markings on the armor worn by northern generals.
Ma Jin’s robe, which was missing a sleeve, had been packed away as a spare.
“……”
Holding the reins of his fine steed, the boy didn't bother to answer.
The Grand Steward had told him they would weave the robe exactly to his specifications.
That was why he had deliberately requested the massive embroidery. It was all because Heonwon Chang’s habit had become somewhat burdensome.
In the past, Heonwon Chang would lift up the character 'Hwang' on his shoulder to show it off whenever the opportunity arose, which brought Jeong Yeon-shin no small amount of embarrassment.
'If it's this big, anyone will recognize it instantly.'
He would hide neither his identity nor his martial power.
The entire purpose of this journey into the Jianghu was to flaunt his presence.
Thud-thud-thud-thud!
The horses' hooves seemed to be wrapped in a gale. They galloped forward, kicking up clouds of dust as they charged toward Hanzhong, the seat of the Martial World Alliance.
While not a single speck of dust settled on his black robes woven from Heavenly Silkworm thread, the pitch-black fabric whipped fiercely behind the boy’s back.
Once again, a mission awaited.
Jeong Yeon-shin, Commander of the Demonlight Wing, had set out.