Chapter 26: The Zhongnan Sect
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 26: The Zhongnan Sect
"A white uniform isn't enough? What do you mean?"
"Ah, don't misunderstand. I don't have the authority to give you a blue uniform. Neither does our Commander."
"Then?"
"Hold on a second."
Cheong-myeong turned and rummaged through his belongings. Ma Jin and Baek Mi-ryeo watched with expressions of understanding.
Soon, Cheong-myeong pulled out his own blue robe and strode over to Jeong Yeon-shin.
"I'll lend you this."
The hem of the robe fluttered as he draped it over Jeong Yeon-shin's shoulders.
Jeong Yeon-shin glanced at the blue fabric, then looked up, deeply puzzled.
"I don't understand."
It was Baek Mi-ryeo who spoke up.
"A white martial uniform paired with a blue Desolate Fortress robe. It means you are a Rising Star of the Desolate Fortress, personally guaranteed by the honor of a Blue Rank."
Rising Star. In the Jianghu, this title was never thrown around lightly. It carried immense weight.
It designated the absolute best of the younger generation on the path of martial arts.
Receiving such a title less than half a year after entering the Desolate Fortress made it weigh even heavier.
She smiled, a captivating expression entirely devoid of ulterior motives.
"It grants you the authority to command all White-Ranked warriors of the Desolate Fortress. I was actually planning to give you mine."
"Yours is too narrow in the shoulders; it wouldn't fit him," Cheong-myeong grinned, looking at Jeong Yeon-shin. "If anyone asks, tell them the Magic Sword of the Demonlight Wing has recognized you. That should keep most people from picking a fight."
"You can also use the name of the Sun Lotus Sword Enchantress," Baek Mi-ryeo added. "Consider this robe as coming from me as well."
"...Thank you."
Jeong Yeon-shin bowed his head slightly. A strange, warm sensation stirred in his chest.
Watching from the side with a complicated expression, Ma Jin nodded.
"It seems things are settled."
"As for the Mount Hua Sect..."
"We will handle it. I don't know whether you'll return before the Purple Grace Pill incident is concluded, but we will see it through."
Just then, Heonwon Chang cautiously raised his hand.
"May I accompany Young Hero Jeong? I might not be of much help to you, Commander, or the other Blue Ranks, but I could be of use to Young Hero Jeong."
"...Permission granted."
After a brief moment of thought, Ma Jin agreed, acknowledging the validity of his point.
"Do not forget that the matters of Zhongnan have also become a mission for the Demonlight Wing. Observe the conflict between the Hegemon Sword Sect and the Zhongnan Sect, and consider the impact their war will have on the common people. You may intervene as you see fit. Above all, prioritize your own lives."
"We receive your command," Jeong Yeon-shin and Heonwon Chang said, cupping their fists.
Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes, now sharper and stronger than before, gazed out the southern window.
Mount Zhongnan, where one of the most prestigious sword sects of the Central Plains had established its roots.
It was where his second older brother and young niece were studying martial arts. He wondered if Hye-ah was doing well.
The destruction of the Jeong Family Manor. If I find Great Elder Yeo Il-shin, will she tell me what happened?
The war between the Thirteen Heavens and the Nine Sects. It was also an opportunity to see how well his own martial prowess would hold up against the world.
* * *
Mount Zhongnan was a two-day journey away. Only after spending two nights on the road did the two men change into their Desolate Fortress uniforms.
This was a small consideration for the Mount Hua Sect's pride.
Heonwon Chang, the Divine Hero of the Desolate Fortress, seemed to come alive, letting out a refreshing laugh. He grinned widely, glancing from one shoulder to the other at the character for 'Desolate' embroidered on his uniform.
"Ah, this is more like it."
"..."
Jeong Yeon-shin wore the blue robe Cheong-myeong had given him over his white Desolate Fortress uniform.
Heonwon Chang soon looked at him with envy.
"A white uniform and a blue robe. It suits you remarkably well."
"It feels a bit awkward."
"I'm sure you'll get used to it in no time, Young Hero."
"Thank you, Young Hero Heonwon."
"Hm? I meant it, you know. It wasn't empty flattery."
Jeong Yeon-shin chuckled softly.
He was a good companion. It would have been difficult to accompany someone on a matter completely unrelated to an official mission without genuine affection.
Before they knew it, the two had arrived at the entrance of Mount Zhongnan.
From afar, they had admired the sheer, majestic peaks of the mountain. But up close, they felt the heavy, tense atmosphere characteristic of a martial sect's territory.
Warriors were guarding the path.
"They seem to be Zhongnan disciples," Heonwon Chang whispered. "It must be true that they're clashing with the Hegemon Sword Sect. To think they've deployed guards all the way down here, not just at the sect's main gate."
As the two approached, two of the four sentries stepped forward.
"State your sect, your names, and your business here."
"As you can see, we are from the Desolate Fortress," Heonwon Chang replied casually, shifting his shoulders slightly and giving Jeong Yeon-shin a look. He was clearly deferring to him, acknowledging his status as a Rising Star.
At the mention of the Desolate Fortress, even the guards in the back strode forward. Amidst the tension, Jeong Yeon-shin spoke.
"Jeong Yeon-shin of the Demonlight Wing."
"And Heonwon Chang, also of the Desolate Fortress's Demonlight Wing."
"Hmph...!"
The guards groaned softly as they scanned the duo's attire. Their reaction said it all.
Since the Desolate Fortress's very purpose was to keep the Jianghu in check, it was not a place welcomed by the orthodox sects.
"Do you expect us to believe you based on your clothes alone?" one of the Zhongnan disciples asked, his tone strangely sharp.
In response, the two members of the Demonlight Wing drew their golden identification plaques. In their palms lay the Desolate Fortress tokens—brilliant gold plaques engraved with a vivid tree pattern. It was said they were crafted by Ironfolk blacksmiths, who were even rarer than the Brightfolk. Anyone who saw the delicate and elegant engravings would have no choice but to accept their authenticity.
"The Desolate Fortress is a powerful organization. But young martial artists like you acting on your own? Who would believe..."
Another martial artist, who seemed to be a senior disciple, stepped in and pulled the sharp-tongued guard back.
"Regrettably, our sect is currently in a state of war. Please understand that we cannot blindly trust the identity of strangers."
"Why, you people...!"
Bristling, Heonwon Chang released his qi. Instantly, a distinct wave of energy rippled through the air, causing it to vibrate. Having passed the Desolate Fortress Entrance Exam with ease and fully adapted as a White Rank of the Demonlight Wing, he possessed real substance beneath his lighthearted demeanor.
"...!"
"So you really are from the Desolate Fortress!"
While Heonwon Chang looked pleased with their reaction, the Zhongnan disciple who had stepped back shouted, "How dare you act so insolently on Mount Zhongnan!"
"What is wrong with these guys...!" Heonwon Chang wore a dumbfounded expression.
Jeong Yeon-shin, quietly observing them, felt a sense of déjà vu.
It reminded him of the Jeong Family Manor.
When he had declared he would create and learn his own martial arts, the first thing that had appeared on his young siblings' faces was not absurdity, but something else.
Surprise and jealousy. Just like these guards.
Their fight against the Hegemon Sword Sect must not be going well. The pride of the Nine Sects has been cracked, and now these wet-behind-the-ears kids show up, carrying themselves as proud warriors of the Desolate Fortress.
Heonwon Chang's display of force had backfired.
The martial artists of the Nine Sects were said to be famous for their deep mental cultivation. Yet, perhaps due to the tense situation combined with youthful hotheadedness, the Zhongnan disciples before them seemed no different from ordinary young martial artists.
"We cannot trust you. For people as young as you to pose as Desolate Fortress warriors—especially in times like these," the guard's tone grew even firmer. Their stubbornness was suffocating.
Although guarding the gates was an important duty, the core leaders of the sect did not stand watch. The disciples guarding the mountain gates were all young. Being at an energetic age, they also possessed the haughty pride typical of a prestigious sect like Zhongnan.
"You...!"
Heonwon Chang glanced at Jeong Yeon-shin, perhaps remembering he had family here, and suppressed his anger. Jeong Yeon-shin appreciated the gesture. Just as he was about to step forward—
"Even if you truly are from the Desolate Fortress, that in itself is a problem," one of the guards, who had remained silent until now, spoke up bitterly. "How could they trust the two of you enough to send you to the Great Zhongnan? It seems the glorious reputation of the mighty Desolate Fortress is a thing of the past."
The fierce glare in his narrow eyes suggested a nasty temper.
He had clearly crossed the line. Jeong Yeon-shin's hand moved to the hilt of his sword.
"I suggest you choose your next words carefully," he said calmly. "You have insulted the martial artists of another organization for no reason."
* * *
Jeong Jung-san was a young man with a rugged face, dressed in a plain cotton martial uniform.
He was the second son of the Jeong Family Manor and a disciple of the Zhongnan Sect.
Lately, he often wondered how his life had ended up like this. Even if the destruction of the Jeong Family Manor had been like a natural disaster, the human heart doesn't accept such things so easily. Though he was not a Buddhist disciple, he found himself thinking of karma.
"Perhaps being a foolish, incompetent older brother was the cause of such misfortune."
He had also begun talking to himself more often.
He was leaning against the roof ridge of the Zhongnan Sect's Seeker's Pavilion. The view before him was truly peaceful. Cirrus clouds formed gentle ripples in the blue sky, the ridges of the Qinling Mountains stretched out below, and several stalks of bamboo rose above a nearby fence.
Sitting on the roof, he tapped his foot lightly. The clear, clinking sound of the blue roof tiles hitting each other gave him a small sense of satisfaction.
At that moment, a raspy, elderly voice boomed from below.
"You rascal! I told you to fetch the rice water, and you've forgotten again to idle away your time!"
"Ah!"
Hurriedly leaping down, he bowed his head to the owner of the scolding voice. An old, stubborn-looking swordsman sat on the wooden veranda, staring at him with disapproval.
"My apologies, Elder."
"It makes me sigh. In this sect, whether it's the sword arts or the disciples, everything proper is disappearing."
It was a remark only someone of his high seniority could make. Jeong Jung-san bowed even lower.
Although the Zhongnan Sect was fighting the Hegemon Sword Sect, he was not a martial artist capable of contributing to the war effort. Naturally, he had ended up attending to the elder.
The old man clicked his tongue.
"Since our sect is having trouble procuring supplies, go down the mountain and fetch some grain. I cannot be another mouth wasting our food. We must sweep away those bastards from the Hegemon Sword Sect as soon as possible."
"Yes, Elder!"
"Elder Jong, you are tormenting your innocent grand-disciple again today."
At the sudden sound of a woman's voice, the old man's face softened slightly.
"Ah, Myo-hwa, you've come."
"Huh?"
Jeong Jung-san's eyes widened as he saw the figure approaching with soft, rustling steps. She looked to be around twenty, with an appearance transitioning from a girl to a woman. Her beautiful features and sharp, clear eyes were striking.
The peculiar feather ornament binding her pitch-black hair caught his eye first. The hem of her loose blue martial uniform fluttered in the wind with every step she took. A white, precious sword hung from her jade-decorated belt.
Wiji Myo-hwa of the Zhongnan Sect.
She was also called the Cloud Sword Dragon—a heroic swordsman residing above the clouds. It was an era when the title of 'Dragon' was typically reserved for men. There was a reason why Jeong Jung-san, who had never even seen the Cloud Sword Dragon before, had referred to her as his "First Senior Brother" during his farewell at the Jeong Family Manor.
Wiji Myo-hwa was different. She was the strongest Rising Star of the Zhongnan Sect, called a "Sword Dragon" despite being a woman.
To Jeong Jung-san, she was someone he dared not even make eye contact with.
"I happened to need a porter, so this is perfect. Junior Brother... Jeong? Let's go down together."
Mumbling his name as if she couldn't quite recall it, she spun around.
When the old man gestured with his chin as if to ask what he was waiting for, Jeong Jung-san hurriedly ran to follow her.
They did not share a single word on the way down the mountain. Jeong Jung-san found his younger but highly renowned First Senior Sister intimidating, while Wiji Myo-hwa simply seemed to have no interest in him whatsoever.
"Huh...?"
Suddenly, Jeong Jung-san let out a dumbfounded gasp. He almost rubbed his eyes, as if seeing something impossible.
Standing beside Wiji Myo-hwa, he saw his senior brothers confronting some visitors. The atmosphere was growing increasingly hostile, but that wasn't what mattered to him.
"Yeon-shin?"
"Hm? Do you know someone there?" Wiji Myo-hwa asked, showing interest for the first time.
"Ack!"
The sight that unfolded before his eyes was truly shocking.
His younger brother was already sheathing his sword, the draw so fast no one had even seen it. And the sword of his senior brother—a man he admired as if he were the heavens itself—was sent flying through the air.
Suddenly, a fierce wind blasted from beside him. Wiji Myo-hwa had kicked off the ground and lunged forward.