Chapter 454: Pandemonium (7)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 454: Pandemonium (7)
A vast waterway wrapped around Hangzhou, stretching far into the distance until it met the horizon.
It was the Zhejiang.
Right now, the wide, flowing river was no different from the sea. It murmured with a profound stillness, its surface dyed a hazy white. It merely reflected the deep blue sky, its gentle currents shifting back and forth to keep its darkest depths hidden from view. Much like the Martial World, which bore the alias of Jianghu.
Splash.
A young boy sitting on the edge of the pier kicked his feet in the water.
The surrounding area was dead silent.
The stretch of the Zhejiang passing through Hangzhou was normally bustling with all kinds of vessels. However, the waterway had long since been blockaded by the Myriad Phenomena Water Channel Fortress. They had risen from the river much like the Green Forest, which had recently claimed a seat among the Thirteen Heavens.
Rumors ran wild that this fortress would become another of the Thirteen Heavens in this era of upheaval. They were water bandits who practiced fierce, overbearing martial arts.
Normally, toll fees could only be properly collected if merchant ships were allowed to run smoothly. Yet, as if to carve their dominance into the world, the Myriad Phenomena Water Channel Fortress intermittently blockaded various waterways.
Relying on their bizarre Water Arts and peerless steering capabilities, they easily shook off any pursuit by the imperial navy or the Desolate Fortress. Even Hangzhou had fallen into their sphere of influence.
Because of this eerie quiet, a mystical sight easily caught the eye of the boy idling away the long hours.
Far in the distance, four human figures descended.
The gap between them was vast, not just in distance, but in the very worlds they inhabited.
Beyond the waterway that flowed as smoothly as pale silk, past the jagged reefs jutting out from the battles of the nation's founding era, and stretching to the very middle of the river bathed in pure white sunlight...
It was the absolute peak of the Jianghu.
Splash.
A foot stepped onto the water's surface without sinking. It belonged to a woman wearing white stockings, her appearance and attire evoking the image of a Taoist deity.
The Saint Flower Sword God, Yul Ha-nang-rang, effortlessly displayed the profound truth of the Water-Walking Technique.
This was no parlor trick relying on stepping across floating duckweed or debris; it was a Body Protection Scripture that literally allowed her to tread upon flat water. Only the hem of her long, light-pink robe dipped into the river, turning a darker shade as it soaked.
Next was Jeong Yeon-shin.
Splash!
He landed, violently churning the water's surface.
His long hair billowed, scattering the sunlight. Beneath it, his purple robe occasionally shimmered with a golden hue—a perfect harmony between the brilliantly pouring sunlight and the purple uniform of the Desolate Fortress.
Two figures were reflected in his eyes.
The first was a blind man in a bamboo hat, standing on the river as casually as if he were taking a stroll through a marketplace.
The second was a Brightfolk man in white, floating in the air as if refusing to let his clothes be soiled by the water.
[The Nine Sects, the Desolate Fortress.]
The Brightfolk man, the Master of Taemo Mountain Fortress, spoke slowly. The sun emblem engraved on one side of his chest gleamed in brilliant gold.
[Arrogant brats.]
Dark Sky Emperor Cho-yeol had every right to say such words. He was a giant who had lived through the same era of the Jianghu as Wudang's Perfected Zhang Sanfeng.
In terms of martial seniority, he was someone who could look down upon even the Lord of the Desolate Fortress from far above.
Much like the title of Heavenly Demon, which was inherited from generation to generation, all the martial artists who had publicly gone by the moniker of "Dark Sky Emperor" had treated Cho-yeol with the utmost respect as a great grandmaster.
It had been no different even when he lived in seclusion at Taemo Mountain Fortress.
But Jeong Yeon-shin did not care.
He merely scanned his two formidable opponents in silence, seeking to capture the flow of their energy waves and their subtle habits.
Then, the Mount Hua Sect Leader stepped up to stand side-by-side with him.
"Even after activating something as absurd as the Dragon Summoning Formula..." Yul Ha-nang-rang spoke, her fingers toying with the hilt of her sword. She gave a subtle nod toward Cho-yeol. "Did you truly have no concerns? You must have known that the Nine Sects would inevitably make a move."
[There was no need to think.]
The reply was immediate.
Dark Sky Emperor Cho-yeol's voice was as solid as a drum echoing in a deep cave. His exceptionally beautiful facial features, outstanding even among the Brightfolk and transcending age, were merely a secondary detail.
From his blue eyes, which took in both Jeong Yeon-shin and Yul Ha-nang-rang at a single glance, flowed a radiant blue light reminiscent of a distant comet.
[All kinds of Strange, Violent, Chaotic, and Supernatural forces; bands of horse bandits claiming to be heroes across the land; the Green Forest, possessing high martial arts born of these troubled times; commoners who have turned to banditry, clutching plows in their tattered rags; vagabonds and minor sects making a living through thievery; and the masses drifting like duckweed in the gaps between them...]
He slowly continued.
[Take a hundred steps, and you will find a person in distress. It is so in the marketplaces, and it is so on the mountain paths.]
"I thought you were living a life of leisure on Mount Taemo, but you understand the state of the world far better than this junior expected."
[Can the Nine Sects, who discuss both righteousness and martial arts, turn a blind eye to the masses? They would help them even if it meant breaking their promises as easily as breathing.]
"……"
[Wudang's Ancient Sword was the same. He stood alone to block the path of the Lord of Heaven's Bane.]
In that instant, Cho-yeol's gaze swept over Jeong Yeon-shin.
It was a strange look. It felt as though the actions of the Perfected Ancient Sword were somehow connected to Jeong Yeon-shin.
[Child of the Mount Hua Sect, I did not harbor even a shred of anxiety.]
Cho-yeol spoke slowly, chewing on his words.
[Simply because you—the mad Taoists and monks whose main sects are scattered across the four corners of the earth—]
Wuuuung—!
Suddenly, a wave surged from one side of the river. The Six Harmonies Sound Transmission, unique to sorcerers, violently struck the air.
[...are nothing but a disorganized rabble, incapable of gathering on the same day at the same hour to strike me down. Indeed, how could those who cannot even measure up to mere soldiers plot for this land? Before you even look upon the sorcery martial arts of my fortress, you must first overcome the flow of the era...]
Ptu.
Suddenly, the Lord of Heaven's Bane spat out a mouthful of dark red saliva. Soon after, the corners of his mouth beneath the bamboo hat curved into an awkward smile.
"My apologies. Some congested blood welled up."
[...Heaven's Bane.]
"In any case, all these sorcerers who look down upon the world share one major flaw. Their tongues are far too long."
Cho-yeol did not reply. He merely floated through the air to stand beside the Lord of Heaven's Bane.
Flutter—
The blind swordsman gave his left arm, the one holding his sword, a great shake. In that instant, Jeong Yeon-shin saw it. An intangible wave of energy gathered around the arm of the Lord of Heaven's Bane, rising like a tidal wave.
"Who will you take?" the Lord of Heaven's Bane asked, glancing at Cho-yeol.
[The Purple Mist Divine Art is an extremely special martial art. At the point of achieving great accomplishment, the essence, qi, and spirit do not separate. It becomes like a single, unified tree.]
"Then you should deal with the Mount Hua Sect Leader," he replied in a playful tone.
However, Cho-yeol maintained his gravity from beginning to end, making him appear all the more noble and aloof.
[It seems you are not mixing lies into your words and actions here.]
"Well..."
[Do you covet the Purple Rank?]
"Didn't that fellow go out of his way to slaughter my precious disciples?"
Ptu.
The Lord of Heaven's Bane spat out blood once more.
A very thick clot of blood spread across the water's surface, mixed with black, necrotic blood.
"Oh dear, look at this."
Yet, the Lord of Heaven's Bane remained nonchalant. He even slightly lifted the hem of his clothes over his abdomen, showing it to Jeong Yeon-shin and Yul Ha-nang-rang.
"Take a look here. For someone called the Second Sword of Wudang, that fellow was far better with his hands than his sword."
His abdominal muscles were mangled by old scars.
Right in the center, a distinct palm print was stamped into his flesh.
It was as small as a child's handprint, yet the sight of it pressing deeply into his abdomen like a branding iron was overwhelming. It was a wonder that the Lord of Heaven's Bane was even breathing.
It was the trace of one of the Five Great Palm Techniques of the World.
The palm print of the Divine Art Secret Technique: Ten-Step Gold.
Jeong Yeon-shin sharpened his gaze, even as a heavy drowsiness threatened to crush his mind.
What on earth had happened? Had the Perfected Ancient Sword truly lost his life while saving the masses? In the body of a young boy, had he really done something so far removed from standard military strategy?
If so, then righteousness might actually be a banner that eats away at you in troubled times.
An action born of an extremely narrow vision had ended up stripping away a massive force. That gentle, elderly Wudang Taoist should not have died like that.
It was then.
The Lord of Heaven's Bane, who had been watching Jeong Yeon-shin with an intrigued look, spoke again.
"Great Senior, heal me."
[At this point?]
"I really can't go on like this. The chill is starting to seep into my bones."
[Mystical sorcery martial arts demand a corresponding price in addition to internal energy. Your lifespan will be shortened considerably.]
"I believe I just said so, but the major flaw of you sorcerer fellows is..."
In that instant, a dazzling light erupted from Dark Sky Emperor Cho-yeol's hand. A wave of energy, spreading irregular vibrations with a low hum, enveloped the body of the Lord of Heaven's Bane.
There was no need for lengthy observation to guess what it was. It was undoubtedly a power of regeneration.
But that only lasted for a brief moment.
Suddenly, a human shadow loomed over them. Jeong Yeon-shin, having rushed forward in a single step, was already swinging his sword down toward the Master of Taemo Mountain Fortress.
The newly promoted Purple Rank of the Desolate Fortress had no reason to wait for the completion of their sorcery.
That was the beginning.
Jjeojeojeong—!
Fierce waves surged to the left and right.
The water, swept up by the swift sword shockwave of Qilin's Judgment, distorted the sunlight.
Jeong Yeon-shin glanced down. The blind man had blocked the Divine Sword: Lingering Thunder with a single blade. The bamboo hat the Lord of Heaven's Bane had been wearing had slipped off, its chin strap caught around his neck as it hung behind his back.
At this moment, he didn't even seem to be putting much strength into his arm.
"Your sword force is certainly better than the Ancient Sword's," the Lord of Heaven's Bane spoke with amusement. "Let's see how your technique fares."
In that instant, a cold shiver ran down Jeong Yeon-shin's spine.
He felt a gaze that was difficult to describe in words. The Mind's Eye, which observes the world not with sight but with the heart. It felt as though an Eye Technique passed down only through oral tradition was dissecting him.
His vision... is far deeper than mine.
Jeong Yeon-shin applied immense force to his downward-held sword and spun half a turn. Just by slightly twisting the flat of his blade, a storm-like rotational shockwave enveloped his entire body.
In a corner of the space that tore open with a sharp shweeeek, Yul Ha-nang-rang, now bathed in the colors of the sunset, struck Cho-yeol upward with a single sword strike and soared into the air.
The gale born of her sword pressure greatly boosted Jeong Yeon-shin's rotational force.
Hwaaaaak!
A backward-sweeping kick drew a massive circle. His leg, wrapped in a shockwave that seemed to compress a typhoon, carved a translucent trajectory in the air.
"Ah, geniuses."
The Lord of Heaven's Bane lightly leaned his chest back to dodge Jeong Yeon-shin's kick. As he did, his left arm blurred, along with the sword held in his hand.
It was an offensive move from the First Sword of the Outer Paths.
Flash!
A vertical beam of light plunged from above. At a glance, it seemed like nothing more than a brilliant flash of light, yet it was accompanied by a deafening roar.
The sight before his eyes was just that overwhelming. Jeong Yeon-shin, who had barely managed to twist his body in midair, watched the hem of his sleeve turn into purple powder and scatter.
Swaaaaaa—!
The sound echoed from below. The deep river had split to the left and right like a sheer cliff, refusing to return to its original state. It was a sword move that defied the very laws of nature.
"Your intuition is as sharp as the Blood Flame Cult Leader's. I suppose your Upper Dantian is exceptionally developed?" the Lord of Heaven's Bane spoke with a slight smile.
Just how sturdy was his Body Protection Qi? Even the shockwave of the kick, reinforced by Yul Ha-nang-rang's sword pressure, had failed to tear the front lapel of his clothes.
"The Blood Flame Cult Leader?" Jeong Yeon-shin, who had retreated far back, asked.
The Lord of Heaven's Bane nodded slowly.
"Yes. Even that fellow, who vied for the title of the world's best when it came to regenerative abilities, seemed somewhat wary of my blade. I should trade blows with him again sometime... Hm?"
Boom— Booom—!
High up in the sky, Yul Ha-nang-rang and the Dark Sky Emperor's battle raged on, continuously sending heavy vibrations crashing down.
Jeong Yeon-shin stepped forward without even listening to the end of the Lord of Heaven's Bane's words.
He had only asked to buy a moment to regulate his internal energy breathing; he had no intention of engaging in casual conversation. His mind had long been consumed by killing intent and an overwhelming drowsiness.
Full Body Brilliant River.
The energy of the Ultimate Lightning filled his body with a violence akin to a thunderbolt, turning Jeong Yeon-shin into a beam of light.
His figure shot forward, bursting a massive wave with his heel. Dragging his lowered sword along the water's surface, he reached the immediate vicinity of the Lord of Heaven's Bane in a fraction of an instant.
Bang!
White foam sprayed into the air from his upward-slashing sword strike. The Lord of Heaven's Bane blocked the move by plunging his sword diagonally, his body pushed back for a brief moment.
However, the sword technique forged by the First Sword of the Outer Paths transcended human boundaries.
In a split second, he gripped the upper part of his sword hilt in a reverse hold, ducked his body low, and brushed past Jeong Yeon-shin's waist.
He looked no different from a straight line of brilliance. Even his speed was reminiscent of a ray of light.
Jjeojeojeojeong—!
A roar echoed out, like a massive piece of iron shattering into pieces. A delayed burst of blood erupted from the side of Jeong Yeon-shin's abdomen.
It had not only severed all the muscles in his flank but had also sliced through a portion of his internal organs.
Yet, that strike should have originally severed him perfectly in two. It was no different from the sword move that had previously carved a cliff into the river.
"My wrists feel quite refreshed. What an annoying Body Protection Qi."
The Lord of Heaven's Bane spoke just as he tossed his sword upward and caught the hilt properly.
For the first time, a crack appeared in his playful expression.
His eyes turned white as they met the pure white eye-light emitted by the Purple Rank of the Desolate Fortress.
Kwaaaaaaa!
Before anyone knew it, Jeong Yeon-shin was thrusting his sword tip into the chest of the Lord of Heaven's Bane. In that fleeting instant, the sunlight surrounding the blade of Lingering Thunder rippled in all directions.
Even the river behind Jeong Yeon-shin, gouged long like a furrow in a field, belatedly erupted in a tidal wave-like explosion. It was the aftermath of a dash that cut through the instant itself.
Lightning-Flash Sword Ridge Style: Sky Torrent.
From his extremely heightened Upper Dantian, a cold, light-like intent flowed, calculating and precise, resembling the mechanism formations of the Ironfolk.
Suture the external oblique muscle beside the abdomen with Jeong Family Dynamic-Art True Qi. Impossible. Weaving a stream of internal energy that passes in a semi-circle through the Zhishi Point — Will Chamber beside the lumbar spine and the Lower Dantian Qihai Point — Sea of Qi to substitute for the muscle for about half a day is possible. Maintaining the state of Three Flowers Gathering at the Peak is mandatory. Acupoint Sealing to suppress pain is unnecessary. Without dispersing my intent any further, I must re-establish the circulation path of the Law-Transcending Halo Qi solely through those meridians...
This was not a duel.
It was a battle to kill. Jeong Yeon-shin's face, from which all killing intent had vanished at some point, was slightly distorted.
Jjeojeojeong!
The intangible Body Protection Qi enveloping the abdomen of the Lord of Heaven's Bane shattered against the sword tip.
Immediately after, the incessantly pouring sunlight bent into rainbow colors, and the fragments of a glass-like, translucent Internal Energy Barrier shattered within it.