Chapter 43: Promotion
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 43: Promotion
The Seventh Apostle had lost her left eye. Jeong Yeon-shin casually mocked her halved vision.
Exhaling, his gaze shifted to the side for a brief moment. In the distance, Cheong-myeong, wearing an antique-style eyepatch, was holding off five Blood Master Swords all by himself. He was too far away to have heard Yeon-shin's taunt.
Beside Yeon-shin, Ma Jin stammered—a rare occurrence for the man.
"That... what is that?"
"The Demon-Quelling Azure Steel Hand. It is the martial art that will split open the crowns of the Blood Ghosts."
Jeong Yeon-shin answered nonchalantly. The Seventh Apostle glared at him with her remaining red eye.
She stood more than twenty paces away, yet her terrifying momentum surged toward him like a piercing blade. It felt as if his skin were being sliced open. The sensation was so sinister that only the word "evil" could perfectly describe it.
"You said you practice the Flash Art?" she suddenly asked, a mad laugh forming on her smooth, red lips.
She was entirely different from the Blood Master Swords. Was she completely ignoring the raging agony of her lost eye? The speed at which she regained her composure was astonishing.
"You are quite something. Where did you obtain such a divine art? It seems like a martial art created specifically for the eradication of our cult. It's amazing that you've mastered it to this extent—especially at your age."
"..."
"Even the tiniest trace of Dharma power in a martial art makes taking the first step incredibly difficult. If it were easy, do you think Shaolin would have left us alone for so long? To master a technique of that level, one must be born with a once-in-a-millennium talent. You..."
The Seventh Apostle's smile deepened, making her look like a complete madwoman.
"I covet you. Your neck looks even more beautiful now."
"Shut up!"
Ma Jin roared, shaking the ground as he charged forward in an instant. He began to overwhelm the Seventh Apostle with a momentum incomparable to before.
She seemed to have no intention of fighting any longer. Ma Jin had been right about their movement techniques being a bad match. Her Body Protection Scripture manifested like the erratic fluttering of a bat's wings.
Her fragmented, unpredictable movements seemed to have entered the realm of super-ascension. While Ma Jin could deflect her incoming strikes, he couldn't pin her down.
The same went for Jeong Yeon-shin, who stood perfectly still. Just managing to land a single strike on the Seventh Apostle had already pushed his capabilities to their absolute limit.
It was a miracle brought about by her carelessness, the distraction provided by the Blood Master Swords, and the absolute counter-compatibility of the Demon-Quelling Azure Steel Hand.
He had already done his part. He had completely turned the tide of a battle that otherwise would have ended in defeat—an achievement far beyond his actual level of martial prowess.
"Until next time."
Her voice was sweet and coquettish. Jeong Yeon-shin ignored her words.
With a flutter of her long hair and a smirk, the Seventh Apostle vanished from the battlefield using an incredible lightness skill. She didn't seem to care about her remaining subordinates at all. Her retreating figure moved at a speed he had never witnessed before.
Was that also the realm of the Desolate Fortress's Black Rank?
Jeong Yeon-shin approached Ma Jin, who stood with his saber lowered. They stood in the middle of the battlefield, which was already being cleared. The Apostle had fled.
Without her, there was no way the morale of the fanatical cultists would hold. As the Blood Master Swords were subdued one after another, the remaining Blood Flame Cultists either fell to their knees in surrender or committed suicide.
"You failed to do your part alone, Unit Commander," Jeong Yeon-shin spoke calmly.
Ma Jin nodded slightly. "I know."
"In terms of martial strength, you seemed to be half a step above the Seventh Apostle. Is our maternal family's Body Protection Scripture always like that?"
"...I am considered to have mastered it well."
"I see."
"...Yes."
Ma Jin was completely unaware of his nephew's situation—that achievements were his literal lifeline.
Jeong Yeon-shin forced a smile. It was a private moment between uncle and nephew. Perhaps because he felt anxious after his first failure, he had unconsciously acted like someone his own age. It was the first time since entering the Desolate Fortress that he had shown his true youth.
"This mission was a failure. Even if I did my part, my achievements will be downgraded. But thanks to this, I can whip myself into shape. I must become even stronger."
While Ma Jin remained silent, the martial artists cleaned up the Uicheon Sword Family's estate, which had been turned into a brutal battlefield.
Disposing of the corpses required an immense amount of manpower and time. Already, the sickening stench of death seemed to rise alongside the heavy metallic smell of blood.
The captured Blood Flame Cultists were locked in the family's dungeon. It was said that a prestigious family of this caliber always maintained at least one underground prison.
In the midst of the cleanup, Zen Master Won-jong approached. His reddened eyes held deep emotion.
"You have shown me... that a martial art of Dharma power pushed to its absolute limit truly exists..."
"It is all thanks to you, Zen Master."
"The martial art that took the Seventh Apostle's eye, that divine shockwave... I will not forget it until the day I die. A celestial talent indeed. How wonderful, how truly wonderful."
He praised Yeon-shin's talent endlessly. Perhaps the Zen Master's deep-seated resentment had finally been somewhat appeased.
Jeong Yeon-shin intended to take the head of the Blood Flame Cult Leader as well—provided he survived long enough. When that time came, he hoped all of the old monk's lingering regrets would completely fade away.
"If you ever come to Shaolin, I will treat you to Longjing tea. There will be many bald monks eager to debate Dharma power with you. Even my senior brother, the Abbot, won't be able to hide his curiosity."
Zen Master Won-jong spoke with a broad smile. His face was gentler than ever before.
The Young Divine Monk Gakjeong, who was trudging over, widened his eyes in sheer surprise.
"Did my martial uncle just mention Longjing tea? You used to avoid it like grain wine, calling it a mere luxury."
"Your words are ridiculous. Just because we are in the Buddhist priesthood does not mean we should entirely shun the ways of the secular world. Since it is not the monks who fill the temple's storehouses, we must treat our honored guests with proper hospitality."
"Heh..."
Sighing as if at a loss for words, the Young Divine Monk looked at Jeong Yeon-shin.
"I do not disagree with him, though. I have never seen anyone like you, Young Hero. It is astonishing in itself that you harbor such martial arts within your body. You are truly worthy of being an honored guest of Shaolin."
"I believe I will also remember the Young Divine Monk's sermons for a long time," Yeon-shin replied.
At his words, Gakjeong laughed heartily. He was a very jovial monk.
"Do visit Mount Song sometime. Just as my martial uncle said, my master will surely welcome you."
"The Abbot of the Shaolin Temple..." Jeong Yeon-shin muttered quietly.
It felt strange to have the title of an absolute master of the Orthodox faction on his tongue. As a native of Henan, Jeong Yeon-shin had grown up hearing of Shaolin's grand reputation since birth.
He slowly clasped his hands in a martial salute.
"There will come a day when I ascend Mount Song. I will count on your hospitality then as well."
"Amitabha."
Zen Master Won-jong and the Young Divine Monk Gakjeong returned the salute with a single raised palm.
With this, Jeong Yeon-shin had formed ties with three of the Nine Sects. It was a day when brilliant sunlight poured down amidst the thick, heavy scent of blood.
* * *
Hyeon Yu-ryang, the young master of the Uicheon Sword Family, ultimately could not let go of his lingering hopes.
He seemed determined to arrange a marriage match between his sister and Jeong Yeon-shin by any means necessary. This time, even the family head stepped forward to press the issue. Yeon-shin had a hard time turning them down.
To avoid further awkwardness, Jeong Yeon-shin only moved between the training ground and his guest room until the day the Demonlight Wing departed.
"I heard the Lord of the Desolate Fortress herself presided over your coming-of-age ceremony."
"We will set a date and send a matchmaker to the main fortress. Please give it deep thought."
Young Master Hyeon Yu-ryang and Family Head Hyeon Muk saw off the Demonlight Wing. Several experts of the Uicheon Sword Family who had fought alongside them in the battle against the Blood Flame Cult were also present.
Among them, a girl wearing a veil that covered the lower half of her face stared intently at Jeong Yeon-shin. Her eyes were undeniably beautiful.
But it was not meant to be. Jeong Yeon-shin silently clasped his hands and spoke.
"Thank you for your hospitality. I wish you all well."
"I wish you great success."
The family head, who shared the young master's pale skin and large eyes, accepted Yeon-shin's salute.
Mounted on fine steeds, the members of the Demonlight Wing spurred their horses forward. Both the Demonlight First and Second Teams were relatively safe. Although some bore wounds that were slow to heal due to the lingering effects of the Blood Art True Qi, they all agreed it was a cheap price to pay for surviving a group battle against one of the Thirteen Heavens.
"The Uicheon Sword Family is truly a magnificent marriage prospect."
"Few can compare unless it's one of the Eight Great Families. It's not like you're going to marry into the Thirteen Heavens, after all."
Heonwon Chang and Cheong-myeong got along famously. They even teased Jeong Yeon-shin occasionally on the way back, finding great amusement in discussing the Flash Art's marriage prospects.
They should worry about filling the empty seats beside themselves first, Jeong Yeon-shin thought dryly.
The time also came to bid farewell to the two Shaolin monks, as their paths finally diverged.
Zen Master Won-jong repeatedly urged him to visit Shaolin, while the Young Divine Monk Gakjeong, filled with exceptional curiosity, could not let go of his lingering attachment.
"Amitabha. There are still countless sermons for the Young Hero to hear..."
"I have heard enough. I will take only your kind thoughts, Monk."
"Who knows? A person of your caliber is more than qualified to be called a rising star, is he not? You might even come to the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering representing the Desolate Fortress. I will also attend if I have the time, so let us finish our conversation then."
"Did you say the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering?"
"You didn't know? It is a gathering where the rising stars of the Orthodox sects and the neutral sects interact. Many promising young martial artists gather to test their skills against one another and build friendships."
"I know of it."
"Sometimes, romantic bonds form, like a pair of mandarin ducks. They discuss martial arts and chivalry, and love blossoms. After all, outstanding young men and women from all over the land gather in one place. It is no exaggeration to say that all the romance of the Jianghu is found at the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering. If even a half-baked monk like me gets excited, imagine how it is for others."
The Young Divine Monk grinned widely.
Jeong Yeon-shin felt no particular interest. It was enough for him to practice martial arts and uphold chivalry on his own. Romance was a trivial matter to him at the moment.
Due to the mission's technical failure, dark clouds hung over his promotion to the Blue Rank. He barely had enough time as it was to press his maternal uncle, Ma Jin, and plan for their next mission.
"Aren't you one of the Eighteen Arhats, Monk? Can you really be considered a rising star? You seem to be at least ten years older than me."
Gakjeong's face stiffened at the words Yeon-shin had casually tossed out to change the subject.
"At my age, I am still considered part of the younger generation! I haven't even reached thirty yet, so of course I am. If you attend the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, Young Hero, I will definitely show you the skills of a young Shaolin monk. I will show you that the Drunken Fist is not the only thing I can perform after a cup of grain wine..."
"You are bringing utter shame upon our temple."
Zen Master Won-jong grabbed Gakjeong's arm and dragged him away.
The two monks raised their palms in salute once more, receding into the distance after promising to meet again.
The group rode on peacefully. They passed through the ruined Xinye County once again.
Atop his horse, Jeong Yeon-shin gazed at the scenery indifferently, his thoughts drifting to the Lord of the Hegemon Sword Sect and the Blood Flame Cult Leader. He firmly engraved the names of those whose heads he had to claim into his mind. They were absolute masters who still felt far out of reach.
The manager should be doing well, too.
The manager of the Jeong Family Manor had remained at Mount Pingding. He had mentioned that since Shaolin was close by, it would be a prime location to establish a new merchant group.
A few days later, the group arrived in the lands of Xiangyang.
Seeing the grand ramparts of the Desolate Fortress reveal themselves in the distance, his mind grew complicated.
Blue Rank...
It was his first failure, coming after only three missions. But Jeong Yeon-shin did not doubt himself. He had envisioned continuous, unstoppable success. He believed that if he endured the time of effort and hardship, he could reach his goal faster than anyone else.
Indeed, it had seemed that way.
Just me doing well isn't enough. That is the nature of the Jianghu.
His train of thought branched out. The young grandmaster agonized over his path. What could he do? How could he best utilize his uniquely distinct talent?
While lost in thought, they entered the main gates of the Desolate Fortress.
Reporting the progress and results of the mission was Ma Jin's responsibility. Just as Yeon-shin was about to return to his quarters with his seniors and Heonwon Chang, a scholar from the Chief Steward's Office called out to him. Yeon-shin had previously seen him at the Martial Transcendence Arena and remembered his name was Do Yu-won.
"I have been waiting for you."
"Scholar Do...?"
At Jeong Yeon-shin's questioning tone, Do Yu-won smiled.
"I was waiting, but the martial artists of the main fortress must have anticipated your return even more. A White-Ranked warrior taking the eye of a Blood Flame Cult Apostle... The wings of a messenger pigeon are steadier and faster than a martial artist's lightness skill. The news has spread far and wide. We had just dispatched the remaining experts of the Demonlight Wing and the Thread-Annihilation Unit upon hearing you were ambushed, but since such astonishing news arrived, everyone was recalled."
"Ah."
"You diminished the strength of an Apostle who can contend with our few Black-Ranked experts. On that very day, a schedule encompassing the entire Desolate Fortress was set. The Blue Rank Promotion! It is a stage where all White-Ranked warriors who have accumulated sufficient achievements challenge themselves. The moment Unit Commander Ma and you young heroes entered Xiangyang, the mobilization order was issued."
Do Yu-won guided him toward the center of the main fortress. Heonwon Chang, as well as his seniors from the Demonlight Wing, eagerly followed behind. Their faces were completely cleared of the journey's fatigue, looking as if something highly exciting was about to happen.
Jeong Yeon-shin stepped up beside Ma Jin and lightly touched his arm.
"My words were out of line last time."
"..."
Meanwhile, Baek Mi-ryeo muttered, "They won't even give us time to rest?"
"It is the Lord's will." Do Yu-won shook his head slightly, as if he didn't fully understand it either.
Jeong Yeon-shin, on the contrary, considered it a sign of the Lord's consideration. He had heard that once one became a Blue-Ranked expert, the scope of their authority changed completely. He was told that many even performed missions alone from the very beginning.
I'll be able to accumulate achievements without rest. I'm looking forward to it.
They soon reached their destination.
It was just as Do Yu-won had said. Many White-Ranked warriors were gathered—there had to be at least several dozen of them. There were many faces he had never seen before in the vast Desolate Fortress. Every single one of them was a competitor.
Seniors from other martial units stood in a massive circle, seemingly there to cheer on their juniors' promotion. The seniors of the Demonlight Wing who had remained behind waved at Jeong Yeon-shin.
In the center was a raised platform where a single large tree grew. Up in the clear sky, the cirrus clouds flowed like pure white waves.
Amidst the sunlight shimmering brilliantly beneath the fortress walls, a beautiful woman sat leaning back languidly, her presence making the entire scenery look noble. The hem of her grass-green light armor fluttered in the wind.
Resting beneath the shade of an arborvitae tree that was three arm-spans wide, the Lord of the Desolate Fortress opened her eyes. Deep green pupils slowly revealed themselves from beneath her light green bangs.
Jeong Yeon-shin stared up at her. For an instant, his gaze locked with the Lord's. In the brief moment their eyes met, he thought he saw her smile.
"From this moment forth," the Lord of the Desolate Fortress said, parting her pale red lips. Her clear, resonant voice brought about a sudden silence. "I shall test your qualifications for the Blue Rank."
As cheers erupted, Jeong Yeon-shin, who had stepped toward the center, paused.
A solemn, heavy pressure suddenly assailed him from all directions. Was it an attempt to establish dominance? Frost-like energies were blatantly directed at him. He glanced around.
They were all White-Ranked warriors—his competitors.
Interesting.
Blade-like pressures poured relentlessly toward Jeong Yeon-shin. Even those who didn't bother to turn their heads directed their auras at him. Some merely smirked when their eyes met his, expressing their fierce competitive spirit.
This was the Desolate Fortress. As long as they obeyed the Lord's commands, everything else was decided through martial prowess. Even the chivalry they practiced for the common people was manifested through their martial arts.
"Facing the momentum of so many seniors," Jeong Yeon-shin muttered, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly. "It seems the future of our fortress is bright."
Spreading his fingers, he slowly wrapped his hand around the scabbard of his Desolate Fortress Sword. The flow of the Jeong Family Dynamic Art stirred within him.
At the same time, he arrogantly deflected all the incoming pressure. It felt incredibly light.
He could feel it in his bones. He had already completely stepped into the realm of the Blue Rank.