Chapter 539: The Jianghu Roster (5)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 539: The Jianghu Roster (5)
Super Tiger Great General Hyeokryeon Mu-jeong, the distinguished guest who had come to Mount Wudang to deliver an imperial decree, fully expected the Acting Commander of the Divine Sword Corps to be here.
It was only natural.
The current Flash Art of the Jeong Clan was the most important figure in the martial world. The eyes of every intelligence agency in the imperial court were fixed upon him.
It was said that not only the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but even the Empress Dowager's Palace—which had long washed its hands of state affairs—had piled up documents concerning the Flash Art of the Jeong Clan high enough to form a small pagoda.
His experiences were practically the symbol of this chaotic era.
His martial prowess shifted and evolved as if riding the very torrents of time.
He wielded a clan-exclusive martial art whose techniques were said to be constantly multiplying, much like Shaolin's 72 Supreme Arts.
They tracked everything: his relationships and grievances, his most minute words and deeds, and even seemingly trivial details like his face-washing habits.
Even as various government offices lost their core functions, the surveillance never ceased. The eyes of the imperial court closely watched those who moved the world. That was what made the Great Ming an empire.
Of course I knew his whereabouts, but...!
She had simply needed time to compose her mind and body before facing Jeong Yeon-shin.
Even if sorcerers who could summon wind and rain foresaw an impending storm, having that tempest suddenly swallow them whole was a different matter entirely. Anyone's mind would be left in a daze.
Just like hers was right now.
"A mere child for the conscription? Has the military gone mad?"
It was a calm voice. A peerlessly beautiful young man clad in purple spoke with such brazen audacity, putting his dizzyingly handsome features to shame.
His manner of speech and conduct sent a chill through her mind. A grand martial arts tournament targeting the entire martial world had just been downgraded to a petty conscription event in his mouth, yet his words sounded utterly natural.
He spoke of the military, but it could only be taken as a direct remark aimed at the imperial court.
His way of speaking, naturally avoiding giving away any potential leverage, was highly reminiscent of the current Commander of the Divine Sword Corps. It was as if he had reluctantly learned diplomacy from Yong Hee-myung, who was likely waiting just beyond the door.
They said his conduct borders on sheer arrogance, and his temperament is fitting for his young age, but...
Yet, Hyeokryeon Mu-jeong could not bring herself to call him out on his words.
It was because of the waves of energy pouring in from all directions, as imperceptible yet omnipresent as sunlight. It felt as though the sense of qi on her skin was being completely smothered.
She felt as if she had lost her senses. Even with her eyes wide open, she could barely focus her physical sight.
"Ugh."
Wuuuung—
A faint golden light flashed in Hyeokryeon Mu-jeong's eyes. In an instant, she deciphered all the techniques woven into this crushing pressure.
The imperial court in Beijing had been utterly confident that they knew everything about Jeong Yeon-shin.
Law-Transcending Halo Qi, the Lord of the Desolate Fortress's Heart Sword, Qilin's Judgment...
And one more thing.
There was something outside of their intelligence network. A technique that seamlessly integrated all of these into one. He must have created it right here on Mount Wudang. For that was exactly the kind of monster the Flash Art of the Jeong Clan was.
But to this extent...?
Despite the briefness of the moment, the pressure grew progressively heavier. Regardless of her chances of winning, she might have ended up drawing her sword—had the Wudang Sect Leader not suddenly appeared at that exact moment to place a hand on Jeong Yeon-shin's shoulder.
"Mind your breathing. At a glance, it seems as though you have taken my madness upon yourself, but are you not a bit too young to suffer from senility?"
Sss.
The wrinkled hand of the old Taoist patted the purple sleeve. It was a gesture of surprising intimacy, and with that single movement, the overwhelming pressure vanished without a trace.
"...!"
It was a terrifying sight. The internal power waves of a peerless master were often compared to the scorching heat of a severe drought, and to see it quelled so easily was staggering.
This was true regardless of the Acting Commander's calm expression.
For some reason, upon hearing the word "senility," a faint trace of embarrassment flickered across Jeong Yeon-shin's face, though this was something Hyeokryeon Mu-jeong could not fathom.
She quietly took a deep breath.
To think such monsters exist below the Great Wall...
These were men counted among the absolute finest swordsmen in the vast world. It seemed the rumors of the Five Swords were by no means an exaggeration.
Unless one was among the Three Masters of Reverent Rites, renowned as the Three Great Masters of the Imperial Family, it would be difficult to even properly gauge their depths.
"I am Super Tiger Great General Hyeokryeon Mu-jeong. Though I hold the title of general, I am not a military commander, but directly affiliated with the imperial court. It seems... there has been a misunderstanding on your part, Lord Jeong."
She spoke cautiously. Jeong Yeon-shin's reply came immediately.
"Speak."
His prompting was low and concise. Yet, it still carried a profound, unfathomable depth—something strange, violent, chaotic, and supernatural.
Just how profound is the spirituality he has forged...?
He was someone no one in the imperial court should associate with for long. Perhaps only someone like Duke Yangcheon—who could be considered the direct disciple of Emperor Geonreung among the Three Masters of Reverent Rites—could stand against him as an equal.
Anxious to leave, Hyeokryeon Mu-jeong quickly began her explanation.
"If you are angered because of the Zhongnan disciple, Jeong Hye, you must first understand this: no one wished to have that child participate in the tournament. In fact, everyone is highly reluctant to see her there. It is the same for any influential figure."
"...?"
Jeong Yeon-shin wore a puzzled expression.
Yet, there was no sign of interrogation on his face. He had instantly recognized that she was not lying. It was as if he were one of the Brightfolk. Just as the various intelligence documents had stated, his upper dantian was refined to the absolute limit.
"Then, setting that matter aside."
The Acting Commander's gaze swept over the Commander of the Demonlight Wing. Judging by his next words, he seemed to have received a telepathic message in that split second.
"The Lord of the Wish-Fulfilling Spring and the Commander of the Dragon-Treading Unit of our main fortress have been escorted to Beijing under arrest? What is the meaning of this?"
Jeong Yeon-shin's voice sank even lower. Hyeokryeon Mu-jeong shot a fleeting glare at Cheong-myeong, but the Commander of the Demonlight Wing merely offered a sly, knowing grin.
It was a complicated situation.
She had originally come to urge the Wudang Sect Leader to travel to Shaanxi, only to run into the Acting Commander of the Divine Sword Corps, who happened to be with the 'North Blade'. Since she was carrying out an imperial decree, she had intended to complete her original mission first.
Afterward, she had planned to explain the entire situation step-by-step and enlist the help of the Wudang Sect and the Acting Commander to capture the North Blade.
Damn it.
Cheong-myeong, the Commander of the Demonlight Wing—currently perched on a tree branch without snapping a single pine needle—had thoroughly muddled her plans.
As expected, every single unit commander under the Divine Sword Corps was a troublemaker. Just like the Lord of the Wish-Fulfilling Spring, Bukgung-a, and the Commander of the Dragon-Treading Unit, Wiji Geuk.
"Did the North Blade not ask you to go decapitate the Fighting God, Lord Jeong? The man currently standing at the bottom of that hill is a dangerous individual whom the Eastern Depot is watching with all its might. Considering the gravity of the situation, we must first address a matter of state importance that transcends even the martial world—"
"The world is a total mess," Cheong-myeong's clear voice chimed in. "Beijing and Shaanxi. Unfortunately, our Lord Jeong has no expertise in the Nascent Soul. Unlike those northern masters."
Hyeokryeon Mu-jeong's brow furrowed.
"Shut your mouth, Commander of the Demonlight Wing." She cut Cheong-myeong off, speaking rapidly. "Lord Jeong, you cannot go to Beijing anyway. Even the Commander of the Divine Sword Corps himself cannot interfere in an imperial event entangled with treason."
She continued without pausing. "If you wish to avoid bearing unnecessary burdens, it would be best not to set foot in Shanxi, Henan, or Shandong, which lie just below Beijing. But rest assured. In times like these, the Desolate Fortress cannot afford to diminish its own strength by losing Black Rank experts. This is merely a temporary occurrence in the process of consolidating the new imperial power. Of course, the incident where your two unit commanders prioritized the lives of commoners over an imperial decree in the northern martial world was indeed significant. The matter is complicated."
"That conscription tournament—why is it being held in Shaanxi instead of Beijing?"
Jeong Yeon-shin, who had been listening silently, suddenly asked. The answer came from Cheong-myeong's mouth.
"There are several speculations. First, even with an imperial decree, Beijing is right under the noses of the demonfolk. So, they held it in Shaanxi under the assumption that the local aristocrats of the martial world, who are too busy trying to survive, wouldn't travel all the way there."
"..."
"And there is a second reason. Holding such an event in the land where the Acting Commander's flesh and blood resides? Since Hye-ah is there, Lord Jeong will naturally attend, and countless swordsmen of the martial world will flock there as well. All to catch a glimpse of the most famous of the Five Great Swords of the World."
In doing so, the imperial court gained two advantages.
They kept the master of the most powerful faction in the martial world completely within their sight, while maximizing the effectiveness of the conscription tournament.
Naturally, any harm coming to Jeong Hye would be prevented at the source.
A brief silence fell.
Saaaa—
Amidst the hazy, gentle breeze unique to the foothills of Mount Wudang, the several figures remained silent.
The Acting Sect Leader of Wudang, who had fallen silent now that the roles of host and guest were completely reversed; Perfected Mystic Concord, who stared at Jeong Yeon-shin with an unreadable expression; and the giant in the bamboo hat at the bottom of the hill, leisurely stroking his warhorse's mane.
The North Blade will surely follow Lord Jeong. A rebel of the north. That is simply the kind of man he is.
Hyeokryeon Mu-jeong now fell completely silent as well. Then, she closely observed Cheong-myeong.
The transmitter of the Flash Art lineage.
And the one who, along with the Grand Overseer of the Desolate Fortress, assisted Jeong Yeon-shin from the closest proximity.
If we are to make an enemy of the Divine Sword Corps...
He must be killed first. Had Hyeokryeon Mu-jeong been a figure of the northern martial world, she would have already attempted it.
"..."
Their eyes met for a brief moment.
"What?"
Cheong-myeong offered a chilling smile. Hyeokryeon Mu-jeong immediately turned her head away. Now, the hilt of the sword was in Jeong Yeon-shin's hands.
Where would he go?
If he were to risk the stigma of treason, it would naturally be Beijing. However, there would be things he would have to lose.
Shaanxi was safe. He could ensure his niece's well-being and continued success. He would also be able to meet influential figures from all over the world, including the new emperor.
If he did, the word 'Acting' might soon be removed from his title.
The difference was vast.
It was then.
"Unit Commander! No, Lord Jeong! Lord Jeong!"
The quiet mist of Mount Wudang was pierced by a young girl's shout. She was an expert whose blue robes, embroidered with the character 'Hwang', fluttered energetically—a figure Hyeokryeon Mu-jeong recognized.
The orthodox successor of the Flash Art lineage...!
Flutter!
Behind the blue-clad girl, over a dozen bright blue sleeves spread out like wings. It was the moment the Acting Commander of the Divine Sword Corps gathered his trusted hands.
*
Six days had passed since Super Tiger Great General Hyeokryeon Mu-jeong arrived at Mount Wudang.
In the dark space, only a single person was illuminated. The sunlight streaming through the window frame poured solely upon him.
"..."
The man sat in an exceedingly luxurious chair—a golden imperial throne entwined with the bodies of small dragons. It was a seat permitted to only one person in the entire world.
The man wore an imperial robe embroidered with the sun and moon on either shoulder, draped naturally over him as he reclined against the back of the throne.
Emperor Yungjeong, Ju Yu-geuk.
A look of boredom lingered beneath his sharply defined, sculpted eyebrows. He slowly opened his mouth.
"Myeong-yeo."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The response immediately echoed from the darkness. It was the characteristically thin voice of a eunuch, yet it carried the deep resolve of one who had weathered all manner of trials.
"Have all the lodgings for the martial artists been built?"
"Yes, the Ironfolk artisans met the deadline Your Majesty commanded."
"You have worked hard as well."
"Your words are more than I deserve. It is all by Your Majesty's imperial grace."
"Below one, above ten thousand," the voice of Emperor Yungjeong, son of Emperor Geonreung, continued softly. "Excluding the Grand Preceptor, the Lord of the Desolate Fortress, the most powerful figure next to Us would be the Flash Art of the Jeong Clan. Such is the formidable power of the Desolate Fortress's Divine Sword Corps."
"Indeed, Your Majesty."
"The ministers gathered in Shaanxi must be frantic right now. Busy trying to win Our favor while waiting for the next Commander of the Divine Sword Corps."
"If I may boldly speak, that is not quite the case."
"Is that so?"
"Not only the ministers, but even the wild men of the martial world who are called renowned masters have severely restricted their movements. Most of them remain confined to their quarters. In particular, no one dares to go anywhere near the pavilion assigned to the Zhongnan Sect."
"Is the shadow of the Flash Art truly that vast?"
"He is famous for being like a natural disaster that appears without warning and devastates his surroundings. Though rumors, no matter how fast they spread, can rarely fill the entire world, the figures at the upper echelons of the martial world are now constantly aware of the Acting Commander's presence."
At those words, Emperor Yungjeong chuckled softly.
"If his temperament is so fiery, he might even direct his anger at Us for arresting his people. Or perhaps he will completely disregard Our authority."
The latter was a reference to the Three Great Masters of the Imperial Family, known as the Three Masters of Reverent Rites—figures who ignored imperial decrees under plausible pretexts and still wandered around the northern borders. Naturally, Myeong-yeo's voice grew urgent at this moment.
"That is out of the question, Your Majesty. Though the Flash Art of the Jeong Clan may be impetuous, he is a man who understands propriety and law; he would never march on Beijing at a time like this. All the civil and military officials, as well as the wild men of the martial world, share this view. I believe you will soon be able to feast your eyes upon his jade-like face when he arrives in Shaanxi."
"Is that so?"
It was a strange retort.
He was not smiling, yet a sneer could be felt in his tone. In some ways, it even carried a hint of regret.
So much so that Myeong-yeo's silhouette, unable to fathom the Emperor's true intentions, wavered uneasily in the darkness.
"We have rested enough. Resume," Emperor Yungjeong said.
It was a command directed not only to Myeong-yeo but also to the other ministers shrouded in the darkness. The current Emperor wished to know everything happening in the world. It was truly to the point of paranoia.
Exceedingly polite voices immediately echoed from the shadows.
"The Acting Commander of the Divine Sword Corps has assigned himself a solo mission and is advancing north."
"The Flash Art of the Jeong Clan has arrived at the Great Wall."
"A memorial from Super Tiger Great General Hyeokryeon Mu-jeong. She states that she lacks sufficient hands..."