Chapter 222: Vast Art Formula (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 222: Vast Art Formula (2)
The Demonlight Wing’s Grand Training Ground.
It was spacious enough to easily accommodate five hundred people, with a wide variety of weapons lined up on marble racks.
The vast field had been packed incredibly hard, having withstood the stomps of countless martial artists over the years.
Swoosh! Bang!
Warriors of all kinds brandished their weapons, sending sharp shockwaves erupting from their chaotic ranks. Regardless of gender, they were all powerful. There was not a single person here who wasn't an expert.
"I heard there was a huge commotion over at the Wish-for-Peace One Sword Hall."
"Something about a lightning bolt striking in broad daylight. I'm worried about the Commander."
"Cut it out. As if we're in any position to worry about a Black Rank."
"The veteran Commanders will handle it. With a Black Rank's Body Protection Qi, it wouldn't be strange if they survived divine punishment. Their internal cultivation must be at the level of Three Flowers Gathering at the Peak, meaning a shield of True Qi would manifest the moment they willed it."
"Our Commander makes us a bit anxious, but… with his senses, he would have reacted. The seniors are there, too. Besides, isn't the Wish-for-Peace One Sword Hall protected by the Brightfolk's secret formation?"
"What if it wasn't lightning, but an intruder?"
"Then it's that bastard's bad luck. There are six Commanders at the Wish-for-Peace One Sword Hall right now. Since the Grand Steward's internal cultivation is also said to have reached Three Flowers Gathering at the Peak, we can practically count him as a seventh. It's rare for so many to gather. Isn't that the most dangerous place in the world right now?"
"If it were a truly dire matter, the Lord of the Desolate Fortress would have manifested."
"The bell didn't even ring. Focus up."
The atmosphere was relaxed yet disciplined. This was evident from their neatly worn cotton and blue-and-white martial uniforms. The elegantly fluttering hems were smoothly pressed, a far cry from the rugged attire of typical martial artists.
Crisply ironed clothes meant they had servants to care for their appearance—a sight that proved the sheer prestige of the Desolate Fortress.
"You should have retreated to the rear there."
"How about we switch? Your shockwave is strong, but it doesn't seem as good as a Fast Sword for an opening attack."
Many were sparring, coordinating their movements for group battles and practicing their ultimate techniques in close quarters. Some stood on the rooftops with their arms crossed, while others sat casually in the distance, engaged in Qi Meditation. None of them worried about internal injuries; they simply kept a watchful eye on their surroundings.
"The atmosphere of the Demonlight Wing is quite free," said a woman clad in a sleeveless blue martial uniform. Her ears were pointed like the tips of swords. Her calm, arms-crossed posture exuded an air of nobility. The trapezius muscles below her neck, honed through archery, formed a graceful curve.
She was the Moon-Shooting Bow Ghost, Wi Ye-ryeong, an archery expert who had long supported the Immortal Wood Spirit from the rear. Her affiliation had changed following Cheon So-so's defeat in their martial duel.
Beside her, Baek Mi-ryeo roughly brushed her pitch-black hair behind her ears.
"The temperament of a martial unit reflects its Commander. It's only like this because we haven't been on a mission with the new Commander yet. A junior became their superior, so both sides are feeling things out. Discipline will be established soon enough."
"It seems the Sun Lotus Sword Enchantress cherishes the young Commander very much." Wi Ye-ryeong spoke, the smile on her lips resembling a faint crescent moon.
Baek Mi-ryeo glanced at her before turning her head away, her lips parting indifferently. "That's a misleading way to put it. It is the Commander who cherishes me. And…"
The corners of the Sun Lotus Sword Enchantress Baek Mi-ryeo's mouth twitched downward slightly.
"Young Commander. Make sure I never hear that phrase again. It's an irritating title. Your bow… isn't it made of precious ebony? It would be a shame if it were snapped in half."
"A slip of the tongue," Wi Ye-ryeong said, her smile deepening.
That was all. She did not back down in the battle of wills. She was a Blue-Ranked expert and possessed Brightfolk blood. Even if the Sun Lotus Sword Enchantress, along with the Blue-Eyed Demon Sword, was considered the strongest among the Blue Ranks, Wi Ye-ryeong did not fall far behind.
The elite experts of the Desolate Fortress.
To possess Blue-Rank martial prowess in this endlessly vast land meant that, in practice, it was difficult to find one’s rival. The upper echelons of the Jianghu, such as the Apostles of the Thirteen Heavens or the Nine Sects and Eight Families, were a tiny minority. As elites of a great sect, they had every right to possess distinct personalities and high self-esteem.
Baek Mi-ryeo said no more. It was the Commander's duty to govern. It was Jeong Yeon-shin's responsibility. The veteran rising stars newly arrived from the Immortal Wood Spirit, the Bloodkeeper Unit, and the Forest-Treading Unit, along with the existing experts of the Demonlight Wing, would eventually find order under the Flash Art's Northern Light Sword. It was only a matter of time.
Everyone had their own tasks. Baek Mi-ryeo was no exception.
'Once the Flash Art gets a bit of breathing room… I should seriously consider the words of the former Commander.'
She fell into deep thought, her eyes downcast.
—The Sun Lotus Sword Enchantress Baek Mi-ryeo is practicing the lost Heavenly Demon Divine Art alone? That is no reason to keep the Flash Art at a distance. He is, without a doubt, the future of the Desolate Fortress. I do not know what others who have not seen the Flash Art might think, but there is absolutely no reason to dismiss his words as the advice of an amateur. I have never even heard of such talent.
Ma Jin's words had been a long-standing puzzle, a topic that had caused her to observe the Flash Art for a long time. Now that he had become the Commander, leading a force equivalent to an entire sect, Baek Mi-ryeo had come to fully revere him as her superior.
She could not afford to burden him. She had to gauge his caliber by watching how he organized the Demonlight Wing.
Only then did she intend to seek his help—on the condition that she would fully reveal the mnemonic, and only to her Commander.
The silence was brief. There were simply too many highly skilled martial artists present.
"It's domineering. They say a properly mastered Demonlight Formula is a significant threat."
"It's a martial art built entirely for real combat. It’s almost a sensory path."
"Coexistence will be difficult. The Flash Art Lineage and the Demonlight Formula… both are high-level martial arts, so you have to devote yourself to one. Learn them half-heartedly, and you might master neither."
"It's not unexpected. Seeing it in person just makes it feel more real. This is why transferring between martial units is generally frowned upon."
The experts who had transferred spoke with troubled expressions. There were six Blue-Ranked experts and two White-Ranked warriors among them, and they had all been observing the Demonlight Wing experts train. They had turned their backs on the martial arts they had spent years accumulating to adopt the Flash Art's techniques.
Doing it once was fine. Even if it went beyond merely supplementing their original martial arts to completely replacing their main techniques, it was bearable. No matter how grueling the training, it was their choice. The Flash Art Lineage was similar in principle to the arts they had pursued, yet superior. The more they learned, the more enjoyable the training became.
However, the Demonlight Formula was a different matter.
It was the power that transformed the Demonlight Wing into a single, precious sword in group battles. The nature of their forms was identical. They saw the enemy's openings in the same way and moved in harmony with their comrades. Through this, they annihilated their enemies with trajectories that left no room for defense.
The efficacy of their coordinated attacks was immense. The Demonlight Formula was that kind of martial art. This was why the Demonlight Wing was often compared to the Plum Blossom Swordmasters. Even without an ultimate formation like the Plum Blossom Sword Formation, they displayed an equivalent majesty in group battles.
"If we can't resolve this, there was no point in absorbing so many Blue Ranks. We'll just have to send them on solo missions," Cheong-myeong, the Blue-Eyed Demon Sword, muttered while leaning against a wall.
The bustling continued. No one commented on his monologue. It was nothing new, nor was it a real issue. It was simply the way things were.
"The thrill of running through the wilderness with comrades is immense. Didn't you already expect that the joy of sweeping away enemies together would be lessened? I'd like to seek some guidance, but the Commander hasn't shown his face at all," the Dawn Tree Sword, Kang Chang-mu, spoke grumpily.
He was a swordsman from the Forest-Treading Unit. He possessed a massive build, much like the Thousand-Fist Dragon-Strength Retainer whom he had originally served. The sword case slung across his back was similarly large. A dense and overwhelming aura emanated from his entire body. For his passive aura to be this strong, his Accumulated Qi Amount had to be immense.
"Well, with your level of comprehension, that's probably your limit anyway."
A young man in casually draped cotton clothes passed by, his arms cradled behind his head. Chewing on a blade of grass, he looked no different from a back-alley thug.
"From the looks of it, you've clumsily learned the Radiant Brilliance Sword Style. What a pity."
"What?"
"It only looks flashy, but in reality, it's a sword style designed with absolutely no consideration for the user. I expect you'll hit a wall around the ninth stage. With ordinary senses, it will be difficult to develop the sword path any further."
His eyes, shadowed from above, looked languid. The Lazy Flame Dragon merely gestured with his eyes toward Wi Ye-ryeong. His disdain extended to Na Il-cheon, who had come from the Bloodkeeper Unit. The twitch of his eyebrows was highly aristocratic, fully reflecting his background as the young master of the local clan that ruled the Jinan region.
"You too, and you. The Radiant Wing Step and the Scripture of Initial Overcoming aren't things just anyone should touch. Unless, of course, they're at my level."
This disciple of the Demonlight Wing could not tolerate sights that offended his eyes, especially when it concerned the martial arts of his Commander. This was the martial world of the person he had chosen as his life's final source of interest.
The Lazy Flame Dragon thought: These half-wits don't even know their place.
"The scoundrel of the Hwangbo Clan. I've heard of you."
Kang Chang-mu's temperament resembled that of his former Commander. He spoke no further. Punishing insubordination did not violate the laws of the Desolate Fortress. He unbuckled the sword case from his back and immediately drew his greatsword.
An incident was brewing.
*
Jeong Yeon-shin practically fled from the Wish-for-Peace One Sword Hall.
Even though his maternal grandfather called out to him at the top of his lungs, he didn't look back. He walked straight across the main avenue of the Desolate Fortress. The embarrassment he had to swallow with every step was immense. He only belatedly realized that he was already crossing the threshold of the Desolate Shin Clan.
The gray gate was massive, rivaling that of the Desolate Ma Clan. Even the trees spreading inward were beautifully landscaped. The red petals of winter clivia bloomed here and there, licking at the sunlight.
"The Commander of the Demonlight Wing in person…!"
The gatekeepers gasped in shock.
Jeong Yeon-shin had presided over several of the main fortress's events, all of which had been made public according to protocol—from his coming-of-age ceremony and Blue Rank promotion to his Black Rank promotion and his martial duel with the Lord of the Immortal Wood Spirit. There were few within the main fortress who did not recognize his face, vast as the Desolate Fortress was.
"Please wait just a moment!"
He received the utmost courtesy. A Blue-Ranked expert even came out to guide him. His name was Sin Baek, the Discordant Ringing Sword. He introduced himself as Shin So-bin's cousin.
Shin So-bin was Jeong Yeon-shin's subordinate. No matter how rare her talent was for someone from a prestigious family, that fact remained unchanged. Had she not left her family, it might be different, but as a member of the Demonlight Wing, she had placed herself under Jeong Yeon-shin's care.
The Desolate Shin Clan had no choice but to consider the mood of the Demonlight Wing's Commander.
'It is only right that So-bin is under my protection. I can just take her back as her Commander. More importantly…'
With what face could he look at his Black Rank seniors in the future? Jeong Yeon-shin's heart sank.
There was an abyss within the abyss. The voice escaping his lips was naturally low.
"Lead me to the Clan Head."
The experts of the Shin Clan flinched instinctively. There was no one in their pavilions capable of weathering the wrath of a Black Rank peak expert. The Elder Council Head had exhausted his strength, and the Commander of the Thread-Annihilation Unit was out on a mission.
None dared to look the Commander of the Demonlight Wing straight in the eye, even though the new Commander was famous for his upright character.
Amidst the breathless atmosphere, the Commander of the Demonlight Wing—the bare skin of his empty left sleeve leaving a striking impression—entered the Clan Head's Hall.
Shin Seol-ha was waiting in the seat of honor, sitting with her back perfectly straight. Dignity flowed from her posture.
"Forgive my lack of virtue in not showing my face even after entrusting my daughter to you. My family affairs have been so hectic that I have not been able to properly receive the Commander of the Demonlight Wing."
"I am here to take custody of Shin So-bin," Jeong Yeon-shin said, sitting down with a composed posture.
His words and actions did not deviate from the status of a Black Rank expert of the Divine Sword Corps. The only ones who could stand above a Commander of the Desolate Fortress were the Purple Rank experts and the Lord of the Desolate Fortress himself. A clan head under the main fortress was in no position to dictate terms.
Even so, there was a natural ease to the new Commander's conduct. He was exceedingly proud.
A strange gleam flickered in Shin Seol-ha's eyes.
"Straight to the point, then. I heard the nature of the Flash Art Lineage's martial arts was much the same. I had the servants prepare Longjing tea, but it seems it was in vain. They were precious tea leaves."
"This matter is too heavy for tea. If you truly respected this Commander, you would not have spoken down to me. You took an expert under the Divine Sword Corps without the Commander's permission. This is an act of insubordination that could be punished immediately."
Jeong Yeon-shin spoke quietly. Shin Seol-ha's eyebrows twitched.
"I already respect you boundlessly. Given the achievements you have accumulated, it is only right. However, as So-bin's mother, I beg of you, could you not listen to at least a little of what I have to say?"
"Speak."
"My daughter's martial arts were the problem. She was far too obsessed with it—the Flash Art Lineage, I mean. Even though our family possesses an outstanding ultimate art like the Martial Scripture of the Great Sage." Shin Seol-ha said, adjusting her orange sleeves. Her clear voice was reminiscent of Shin So-bin.
"Just because a crow sharpens its talons like a bird of prey does not mean it can become an eagle. This is entirely separate from your own outstanding talent. Commander Jeong's martial arts are an ultimate technique that suits only Commander Jeong. The Martial Scripture of the Great Sage is a martial art tailored to the Shin bloodline. So-bin has her own duties. To bring glory to the family's name… that is the karma a direct descendant of a prestigious family must bear."
"You look down on your daughter. So-bin is a bird of prey."
"If so, then my words as Clan Head carry even more weight. It means she is a child who can reach the Black Rank even if she practices the Martial Scripture of the Great Sage. Your words, Commander, do not move me."
Shin Seol-ha concluded, her lips set in a firm line. She had already made up her mind before facing Jeong Yeon-shin. The duty of blood clashed with the authority of the Commander.
Silence fell over the quiet Clan Head's Hall. The air grew heavy and deep.
Jeong Yeon-shin reflexively thought of the Desolate Ma Clan. His first meeting with them had been far from pleasant, as they had put forward a logic similar to Shin Seol-ha's…
Crash!
Suddenly, the ceiling shattered. Even before the blow could land, a pink lightning bolt surged down like divine punishment. The roaring tear of the air was incredibly violent, a terrifying sight. It was as if an irresistible typhoon had taken human form, charging straight for Shin Seol-ha.
Before a question could even form on her face—
Boom!
The Body Protection Qi surrounding Shin Seol-ha's body shattered into pieces in a mere instant. The delayed backdraft swept up colorless shockwaves like shards of a mirror, the fragments of force shimmering like dust in the sunlight.
Then, with a dull thud, her body collapsed backward. One did not even need to check her pulse to know she had lost consciousness, having barely escaped instant death.
"Insignificant thing," a man in his thirties spoke, his face cold and stern. He stood proudly beside her head. Having manifested out of nowhere, he casually dusted off his pink sleeves with an air of profound mystery.
Jeong Yeon-shin could no longer hold back.
"Grandfather!"
The Hegemon Hero's head snapped toward him.
"Grandfather…?" the youthful Ma Yeon-jeok asked, a beat slow.
Jeong Yeon-shin realized his slip. Slowly calming his breathing, he spoke with feigned composure.
"When you interfere while this grandson is acting as Commander, it damages my reputation. You did the same at the Wish-for-Peace One Sword Hall. I didn't get to tell you how troubled I was then… but I hope this won't happen again."
"...Yes, I see. You are right. You are absolutely correct." He was quick to agree. His maternal grandfather's words immediately followed. "Your grandfather was at fault. I am deeply sorry. I failed to consider your position. It was my temper getting the better of me. Your realization brings shame to this old man."
Ma Yeon-jeok was smiling. He seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood. With an expression he had never shown before, his lips curved upward into a wide arc.
"This grandfather will think twice, thrice, next time. Please forgive me."
At the same time, Ma Yeon-jeok's figure vanished. Only his warm voice remained, echoing for a brief moment before fading into the distance.
He soared upward with his unparalleled Body Protection Scripture, his presence shooting endlessly into the sky. This was the realm of Void Treading.
...
Jeong Yeon-shin slowly lowered his head.
He stared blankly down at the Clan Head of the Desolate Shin Clan. She showed no signs of waking up. Outside, the clan members, finally alerted by the disturbance, were growing restless.
The only thing keeping them from barging in was the heavy weight of a Black Rank's name. But that wouldn't last long.
The sound of weapons being drawn echoed from all sides. A chill seeped through the cracks in the door, carried on the winter wind.
'I'll have to make it look like I was the one who struck.'
The new Commander of the Demonlight Wing thought calmly.