Chapter 281: Martial Prowess (9)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 281: Martial Prowess (9)
"What's that on your neck? I feel a strange energy. It looks like fang marks."
"Huh?"
"Did you get bitten by a spirit beast? That shouldn't be possible. Not with a Unit Commander's senses…"
"The problem is with your senses. I told you to cut back on the poppy. Imagine, a Blue Rank of the main fortress seeing things."
Jeong Yeon-shin replied calmly and left the quarters, deliberately ignoring the bewildered look on Hwangbo the Scoundrel's face out of the corner of his eye.
Ever since Yeon-shin had shown him the Flame River, the scoundrel had been uncharacteristically lost in meditation, and his senses seemed to have sharpened slightly as a result.
Uselessly so.
Just as Jeong Yeon-shin shook his head, Heonwon Chang, who was leaning against a stone wall, let out a dry chuckle.
"A poppy addict meditating? Unbelievable."
"I heard there's a famous fruit wine at the Gate of the Heavenly Pillar. I thought for sure he'd just get dead drunk on that."
Shin So-bin, dangling her feet as she looked up at her Unit Commander, also smirked.
The Hero's Headbands of the Divine Hero of the Desolate Fortress and the White Cat fluttered in the breeze, along with their long, braided hair—one blue, one black.
"We're heading back now, right?" Shin So-bin asked, staring intently at Jeong Yeon-shin.
His junior had never hesitated to meet his gaze, not since the day she joined the Demonlight Wing.
Rather than being cheeky, she was simply confident. She clearly bore the marks of being raised with love by a good family—the true definition of nobility, in Jeong Yeon-shin's eyes.
He nodded quietly, thinking that Shin So-bin would soon earn a fitting moniker of her own.
Her Infinite Flower of Time Fist was formidable enough to challenge the throne of the monkeys.
"We're leaving."
It was an order.
The footsteps following him were distinct.
First, a leisurely, ambling presence; next, silent yet gallant footwork; and finally, small, powerful steps that seemed to trace a precise technique. They were comrades, bound under the same name.
Rustle.
Their quiet steps continued, their soles growing damp with the dew clinging to the grass.
Passing through the dazzlingly green mountain terrain, they reached the clearing where they had held their martial duel.
The direct path led to the exit, but the area was now filled with the disciples of the Gate of the Heavenly Pillar, their black and golden hair a stark contrast against the green.
"Commander of the Demonlight Wing."
An elderly voice rang out.
Sect Leader Cheong Bo-hwa stepped forward and raised both hands. Her blue sleeves, woven from fine silk, draped downward.
She performed a formal bow, her posture deeply respectful as she bent forward and straightened.
Rustle.
A soft rustle followed in unison.
The Brightfolk experts lined up behind her mirrored the gesture. They moved as one, their motions so natural they seemed to stir a refreshing breeze.
A wrinkled smile touched Cheong Bo-hwa's lips.
"For the time being, the Dark Night Hall will have to focus on reorganizing its internal affairs. Our sect can finally breathe. I am deeply grateful."
"I merely avenged a comrade."
"You mean you took on that child's grievance?"
Her gaze shifted to Cheong-myeong, who stood beside him. A myriad of emotions flickered in her aged eyes.
The superior of her great-grandson—who had broken their taboo to leave the sect—had shattered the Ten-Mile One Kill. And he had done so with a lightness skill that seemed to soothe the soul of Perfected Clear Water, who had perished in the crossfire of the Great Sect War.
Cheong-myeong said little, merely glancing at Jeong Yeon-shin with a faint smile.
The smile on the face of the Demonlight Wing's Blue-Eyed Demon Sword was unclouded. The ends of his blue bandana fluttered freely, completely indifferent to the gazes around him.
Even when his junior brother, Nan-song, who used to spit venomous words at him, hesitated right before him, Cheong-myeong showed no particular reaction.
A sense of emptiness settled into the wrinkles around Cheong Bo-hwa's eyes.
"One truly never knows how the world will turn. It remains true even after hundreds of years. How could I have known we would descend to this land from our homeland, or that the child who left as if to tear the world apart would bring you back?"
"What does it feel like to live that long?" Jeong Yeon-shin asked casually.
The benevolent smile on Cheong Bo-hwa's face deepened.
"It feels like becoming a tree."
"I don't quite understand."
"There is nothing good in knowing. I assure you."
And with that, their farewell to the Gate of the Heavenly Pillar was complete.
Cheong-myeong and his people did not speak separately. They treated each other with an aloof indifference, like currents of wind that meet and part. They were a mysterious clan.
Jeong Yeon-shin received a gourd from Cheong Bo-hwa. It contained a spirit liquid concentrated from the lake water, said to have an immediate healing effect on internal injuries.
It was more precious than any medicine in the world. The noble Brightfolk sect did not offer tokens of gratitude lightly.
"I'm envious."
The Commander of the Divine Sword Corps smacked his lips.
This was just after they left the Gate of the Heavenly Pillar. Now, absolutely no presence could be felt from him at all.
His purple, scholar-style robes clung to his body without a single flutter, even as a strong valley wind blew past. The sight was both natural and transcendent.
"It's time we part ways. I must head straight to Zhejiang. In any case, I am truly grateful. It was also impressive that you managed to accumulate merits in the midst of all this."
"Did you have urgent business?"
"A Purple Rank has matters only a Purple Rank can handle. Very troublesome, and just as wondrous."
The Commander of the Divine Sword Corps smiled mysteriously.
"I trust you'll lend me a hand someday. I wish you well."
"Please take care of yourself as well, Commander."
The moment Jeong Yeon-shin lowered his clasped hands, the Commander of the Divine Sword Corps had already turned away, waving. The Martial God's footwork was uncanny.
His steps on the snow-dusted dirt were different from those of the Brightfolk. He seemed to walk at a leisurely pace, yet he receded into the distance with incredible speed.
Jeong Yeon-shin stared blankly at his retreating figure before turning around.
"Let's go."
The brief mission was over.
A clear breeze swept over the crown of his head. Winter was already drawing to a close.
* * *
The white walls of the main fortress stretched out before them.
Daylight in the Desolate Fortress was exceptionally bright, thanks to the marble of the inner castle and the sunlight that cascaded down the fortress walls, painting a vivid landscape.
The lightly swaying leaves and the people bustling about were all part of this vibrant scene.
As soon as he arrived, Jeong Yeon-shin stopped by the Chief Steward's Office.
After reporting the completion of his mission, he headed straight for the Wish-for-Peace One Sword Hall.
None of the missions assigned to a Desolate Fortress Unit Commander were ever minor. Typically, only orders for those up to the Blue Rank were given at the Demonlight Wing's quarters or the Chief Steward's Office.
To receive his next mission, he had no choice but to attend the Unit Commanders' meeting.
My physical condition is at its peak.
It was then.
A sudden, sharp ache throbbed in his knees. Jeong Yeon-shin paid it no mind and kept walking.
He knew for certain now.
It was a growing pain, one that would extend the reach of his techniques. A martial artist's limb length was a major factor in amplifying internal power and Fa Jin.
Yet, at the same time, it was a harbinger of death, confirming that he was gradually aging. Along with the Baihui point at the crown of his head, which had recently grown increasingly cold, it made him acutely aware of his remaining lifespan.
Two years and ninety days.
That was the time he had left. He had perceived this clearly while recovering his body in the lake of the World Tree.
"Commander of the Demonlight Wing."
"Unit Commander, you've returned."
"You look as magnificent as ever. It seems the reach of your kicks has grown even longer."
"Looks like matchmakers will soon be lining up at the main fortress."
The warriors of the main fortress bowed in respect whenever they passed Jeong Yeon-shin. The achievements of the Divine Sword Corps Unit Commanders were widely publicized throughout the fortress.
The accomplishments of the current Commander of the Demonlight Wing were gradually winning the favor of the other martial units.
Reverence was evident in the way they approached him without hesitation. Though each possessed a temperament different from the Demonlight Wing, they all showed a similar attitude.
This was the foundation that would serve him when he was eventually recognized as a Purple Rank.
Even if he were to die young, these were the people who would remember his name.
Yes. It's fine.
Jeong Yeon-shin was gradually becoming detached.
Was it because the bellicose nature of the Desolate Fortress had seeped into him? Or perhaps it was the comfort of knowing that he would not truly vanish even after death.
As his desire to remain with them grew stronger, his heart became divided.
He could go to his mother now. And yet, he did not wish to die.
Thud.
He planted his foot firmly.
Jeong Yeon-shin concealed his inner thoughts behind an expressionless face, burying both fear and pride deep within the Law-Transcending Halo Qi of his heart.
Many whispers reached his ears.
The most dignified young master of the main fortress, the undefeated Unit Commander, the genius capable of challenging the Young Sect Leader of the Ming Cult, the one favored by the Lord of the Desolate Fortress… These were the words of officials, merchants, warriors, and servants alike, spoken in various tones.
The last phrase struck a chord with him. Indeed, dying would be a waste.
"Flash Art! Your face has brightened up!"
Lost in thought, he found himself entering the massive stone chamber of the Wish-for-Peace One Sword Hall. Ak Su-rim welcomed him with a bright smile.
"I guess the water there really was good, huh? I shouldn't have let that Yong fellow have it."
"Reporting to the Vice Commander of the Divine Sword Corps. I have returned safely. As for the Commander…"
"I know, I know! Anyway, you seem to have grown taller. In the secular world, you're at the age to get married. When should we get you married off?"
"I'll think about it after I become a Purple Rank."
Having just been contemplating death, Jeong Yeon-shin accepted his senior's joke easily.
Ak Su-rim stared at him blankly for a moment before letting out a chuckle.
She brushed back the ends of her pitch-black hair and stroked her white neck. Her bold, combative temperament exuded a strange allure.
She scanned him from head to toe, her gaze appraising but not impolite.
"So, you want to compete for the position of the next Commander?"
Ak Su-rim curled the corners of her lips.
Whoosh.
The air shifted.
A wild yet cheerful sensation brushed against his skin. It was like the flat of a massive blade scraping against his flesh.
He could feel Ak Su-rim's intent embedded in her true qi. Fiddling with her spear shaft like a playful girl, she exuded the languor of the truly strong.
She was indeed worthy of being the supreme expert closest to the seat of the next Commander of the Divine Sword Corps.
There had been no competition when rising from Blue Rank to Black Rank. Cheong-myeong, who had been the leading candidate, had cast aside his accumulated merits and popularity to step down.
But the Purple Rank was different.
"Our Flash Art has grown at an absurd pace. Before, I could see a clear path to victory against you, but now, I can't quite gauge you. You're hiding something, aren't you?"
She chattered, leaning her small face close. Jeong Yeon-shin pulled his head back slightly.
Ak Su-rim did not know about his remaining lifespan. That made her an even more formidable opponent.
She could only loom before him as an immense wall.
Since creating the Ultimate Lightning and achieving a state that would not fall behind the Three Flowers Gathering at the Peak, he now had to engage in the competition for merits in earnest.
Jeong Yeon-shin changed the subject.
"The meeting hall is empty. Is it only you, Senior Ak?"
Whoosh.
Ak Su-rim withdrew her aura, a mysterious smile on her face.
"Ah, the Commander of the Bloodkeeper Unit was here just a moment ago. Jin Myeong-jo, I mean. The moment he heard you'd returned, he said he suddenly remembered urgent business with his main unit and left."
"Ah."
Regret flickered across his face.
The Divine Blood Ultimate Demon, Jin Myeong-jo. He was the most exemplary senior in the Divine Sword Corps, and it had been a long time since Yeon-shin had last seen him after their journey to Shaanxi. The Commander of the Bloodkeeper Unit was a perfect warrior.
"Our Flash Art really likes his seniors, doesn't he? That's great. By any chance, are you eager to head out on your next mission—"
"Anything is fine. I can set out immediately."
Ak Su-rim chuckled at Jeong Yeon-shin's prompt reply.
"Right, then there's a task we can do together. Want to hear it?"
"Yes."
"We need a small, elite force, so there’s no need to mobilize the entire Demonlight Wing. You can assign them other tasks and send them out in advance…"
Pausing for a moment, she stared intently at her junior.
"By any chance, are you good at teaching? The ultimate target is a peerless expert, but the steps to get there might be a bit tedious. We need to draw out a very insidious fellow. The task is to make the Grand Lady of the Gongya Clan of Shanxi Province win a martial arts tournament. Can you do it?"
"I will prepare for combat against a peerless expert," Jeong Yeon-shin replied calmly.
He didn't even bother to answer the question about teaching. It was a display of absolute confidence, a matter beyond 'possible' or 'impossible'.
He had already lowered his perspective to match the senses of monkeys. At the Gate of the Heavenly Pillar, he had broadened his horizons with the sluggish Brightfolk. There was no one he couldn't teach.
My luck is good.
The Commander of the Demonlight Wing thought to himself.