Chapter 73: The Ma Clan
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 73: The Ma Clan
“…Isn’t that a bit much?” Jeong Yeon-shin asked after a moment of silence.
Fifty taels of silver was an astronomical sum on its own—enough for a household to live in leisure for several years. Yet, the rewards that followed far surpassed even that.
A martial uniform of Heavenly Silkworm silk, and the martial arts of the Commander of the Divine Sword Corps…
There was a saying: a priceless treasure. It referred to something whose value could not be measured in wealth. A garment impervious to blades and a martial art from the absolute peak of the Jianghu were precisely such things. The same could be said for a spiritual medicine deemed top-grade by a great sect like the Desolate Fortress.
“Too much? Not at all.” The Grand Steward squared his broad shoulders slightly. “If it were only for the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, perhaps. But your contribution in annihilating the Hwangbo branch family with only three Blue Ranks is immense. I heard it was thanks to your sect-exclusive martial arts. From the Blue Rank upward, every warrior is a precious asset. Minimizing the diversion of our forces while we strike their main house is your third greatest achievement.”
“…”
“You seem unfamiliar with praise. How amusing.”
His smile deepened. The Grand Steward was a more jovial man than his appearance suggested.
“Shall we discuss the second? You single-handedly destroyed six branches of the Blood Flame Cult in Xuzhou, completely wiping out the local Blood Ghosts. We even received a letter from the Xuzhou government office, praising the Desolate Fortress as the divine sword of the Great Ming.”
He looked immensely pleased.
“Securing influence with government offices is a major objective for our fortress. A Blue Rank eliciting praise from a Branch Head all on his own? You’ve set an excellent example for our fortress warriors, who often treat local officials no better than tavern keepers. That alone is worth publicizing with a grand reward.”
Being praised so openly made Jeong Yeon-shin’s expression stiffen. Such high praise brought an awkwardness he had never experienced before.
The Grand Steward watched him closely before speaking again. “This was your first venture into the Jianghu as a Blue Rank, was it not? It is something you must get used to—especially as a Blue-Ranked expert of our fortress, and even more so as the Lord’s direct disciple.”
“…Thank you for the advice.”
“It was nothing.” Dismissing it with a soft chuckle, the Grand Steward continued. “Now, the greatest of your tallied merits is the Clear Night Valley Incident in Southern Zhili. You intervened in the war between the Namgung Clan and the Blood Flame Cult. As a Young Hero of our fortress, you are a lawful guardian of the Great Ming Code. When it comes to battles involving heretical cults designated by the Imperial Court, we can intervene regardless of the circumstances. Therefore, the Namgung Clan, who are mere local aristocrats, should have treated you with due respect.”
Wuuuung.
In that instant, a wave of energy surged from his body. It was the realm where one’s intent and True Qi manifested as one.
Jeong Yeon-shin was deeply shocked. This meant the Grand Steward’s mastery of internal energy was on par with the Desolate Fortress’s Black Ranks.
“Yet those lowborn scoundrels stood by and watched? That is the way of those secular great sects of the Jianghu. They view our fortress as a thorn in their side because the livelihoods of the common people we protect rarely align with the interests of the Martial World’s powerful.”
His words were now laden with immense power.
“They wanted you dead without getting their own hands dirty—a rising expert destined to become the treasured sword of the Desolate Fortress.”
A deep fury etched itself onto his face. Even though he was speaking of past events, his expression was terrifying.
Jeong Yeon-shin accepted a teacup from an attendant. Bringing the cup to his lips, he waited for the Grand Steward’s anger to subside. It was his first time tasting the famously precious Longjing tea, but even after a few sips, he couldn't tell what made it so special.
I must be far removed from the way of tea.
It was a brew meant to be savored leisurely. He realized once again that this was a hobby ill-suited to his life.
“Pardon my brief lapse in manners,” the Grand Steward said, bowing his head slightly. “Though the number of Blood Ghosts you slew was vast, our fortress gained an even greater justification because of it. We will use the Namgung Clan as our vanguard when we strike the Thirteen Heavens.”
“Do you mean you will ask for their cooperation?”
The Grand Steward shook his head at Jeong Yeon-shin’s question. “I mean we have secured the justification to coerce them with force. To suppress an Orthodox faction, we must be mindful of the Jianghu’s gaze, but this incident allows us to replace the leadership of the Namgung Clan. We intend to judge those who stood by and watched you according to the laws of the Jianghu.”
Even though he had suppressed his energy, his smile was chilling.
The “laws of the Jianghu” he spoke of were obvious. It meant the strong do as they will. It meant seizing control of the Namgung Clan and slamming them into the Thirteen Heavens like a battering ram.
Using the grievance of the Lord’s direct disciple as a pretext.
Jeong Yeon-shin felt the winter of the Jianghu. It was a bitter, freezing cold. Even though it was his own side’s plan, it felt no different. He recalled the chaotic Central Plains the Blood Flame Cult Leader had spoken of. The Desolate Fortress was already a major player, deeply involved in the turmoil.
The Grand Steward spoke as if amused. “Killing with a borrowed knife, or using poison to cure poison. Call it what you will. Those scoundrels tried to cut you down using the blade of the Blood Flame Cult. They have no right to complain if they suffer the exact same fate.”
Jeong Yeon-shin set down his teacup. “Will that also be part of my mission?”
“Indeed. It will be a life-and-death duel rather than an outright war. We will bind the Namgung Clan’s hands with our justification and strike only their leadership. We are currently coaxing experts from the Namgung collateral branches to replace them. We told them that if they fight our fortress, annihilation is inevitable, so they must cooperate if they wish to preserve their clan.”
“…May I ask when this will take place?”
The Grand Steward smiled faintly. “I cannot give you a definitive answer just yet. Since defeat is unacceptable in this mission, you should focus on your recuperation if you wish to apply. There may be competition for the volunteer positions. The warriors of our fortress stake their lives on honor, so they won’t want to miss an opportunity to witness and cut down the Namgung martial arts. A competition of martial prowess may be held to select the participants.”
“Thank you for the information. Then, what of the matter regarding the Blood Flame Cult’s headquarters…?”
“The hour grows late. We shall cross-reference your written report with your tallied merits first. In all likelihood, the reward for that is not something I have the authority to grant.” The Grand Steward politely dismissed him with a gentle smile. “The silver and the Heavenly Silkworm martial uniform will be sent to the Demonlight Wing pavilion in the near future. Since the Commander of the Divine Sword Corps is currently away, our Chief Steward's Office will send an order stamped with the Lord's seal as soon as he returns. What would you like to do with the spiritual medicine?”
“I will take it as soon as my recuperation is complete.”
“Very well. I shall leave it in the care of the Medicine Hall under the name of Jeong Yeon-shin, the Flash Art of the Demonlight Wing. And…” He stopped Jeong Yeon-shin, who had risen from his seat. An ambiguous smile played on his lips. “As a word of caution, I believe it would be best for you to keep your distance from the Desolate Ma Clan.”
“Why is that…?”
Jeong Yeon-shin stared blankly at the Grand Steward. To bring up another man’s maternal family and critique their conduct was a different matter entirely. Had he not crossed a line?
The Grand Steward waved his hand. “I worry you might misunderstand. I speak out of goodwill. Great families of immense power are, by nature, divided into factions… I can only tell you that your recent journey into the Jianghu has caused quite a stir over there. Since it is not my own family’s business, it would be awkward for me to say any more.”
“…Thank you for the advice.”
Jeong Yeon-shin bowed his head slightly and clasped his hands in greeting. Returning the gesture, the Grand Steward scratched his head. He possessed many traits that didn't match his age, physique, or martial prowess. It seemed to be his natural disposition.
“Take care on your way.” The Grand Steward bid him farewell with a grin.
* * *
On the way back, dusk was already falling. They said there were five days left until the summer solstice. Was mid-June this year closer to early summer than late spring? A faint sliver of orange sunlight seeped into his sleeve. It was a sunset that dyed his mind with unease.
The Desolate Ma Clan… they keep dragging me down. To hear from an outsider that I should be careful of my own maternal family.
Jeong Yeon-shin pulled his collar a little tighter. The wind brushing past his cheeks and slipping down to his collarbone felt strangely cold. Every time he returned from a mission, he had to worry about his conduct.
It was an unwelcome chore. His time was already too scarce to focus on anything other than his merits and reputation.
I made it clear to my maternal grandfather.
He had told him not to try and sway him with blood ties. Had he not asserted this firmly after winning the duel against Ma Se-yeon? Yet, his lineage had been revealed through his coming-of-age ceremony. The way those around him looked at him had changed.
He was no longer just a warrior from a rural martial family destined to establish his own house, but a rising star of a prestigious clan whose every move was now linked to the Desolate Ma Clan. The comment from his senior at the Demonlight Wing about the strife between prestigious families came to mind.
This would not do.
Family matters were never confined to the individual. He might end up embroiled in grievances that had nothing to do with him. He did not have much time left. He needed to distance himself from such troublesome matters beforehand.
…And just then, an excellent solution came to mind.
Therefore, the handsome boy running toward him was a welcome sight.
“Yeon-shin!”
He was a familiar White-Ranked warrior whose lightfoot technique was remarkably profound. A collateral relative who had lost to him twice. There was no way he could forget him.
Ma Se-in.
He was the adopted grandson of his grandfather, Ma Yeon-jeok, and the successor to the Desolate Ma Clan.
He had just run into one of the very people troubling his mind. It was as if a thread of karma, casually tossed down by the heavens, had chosen this moment to bind them. As if something major had indeed occurred, he had come looking for him the very day he regained consciousness. His clumsy maternal uncle, Ma Jin, must have told him.
It was just before the end of the day.
Jeong Yeon-shin took a step forward and asked, “What is your business?”
“Give me… a moment to catch my breath…” Stopping three paces away, Ma Se-in steadied his breathing. In terms of sheer internal energy, he was someone who overwhelmed Jeong Yeon-shin. Born into a completely different environment, he must have consumed spiritual medicines like regular meals, yet he seemed to have been running for quite some time.
Jeong Yeon-shin waited for him to exhale three times. “Speak now.”
“Uh, well…” Unlike his usual prideful self, he was hesitantly gauging his reaction.
Jeong Yeon-shin silently gestured with his chin, urging him on. With a sigh, Ma Se-in spoke. “The elders of the family want to see you.”
“The elders?”
“The members of the Elder Council, and my mother…”
“Let’s go. Is it alright to visit now? You seemed to be in a hurry.”
A look of surprise crossed Ma Se-in’s face. He clearly hadn't expected him to agree so readily.
Soon, the two began to walk together.
Jeong Yeon-shin asked, “Isn’t their residence outside the main fortress?”
“The main estate is, yes. But currently, many of our family members have followed Grandfather here. They are all staying in the main fortress. We’re using an entire pavilion because Grandfather wishes to take the position of Head of the Main Fortress Elder Council. We came to bolster his influence.”
His tone was considerably softened. It had been like this ever since the coming-of-age ceremony.
They exchanged a few more words. Meanwhile, Ma Se-in stole glances at Jeong Yeon-shin’s profile. “I heard you suffered quite a severe internal injury.”
“And?”
“Your energy feels the same as before. How is that possible when you’ve been weakened? No… did you actually become that much stronger? In such a short time?”
“More importantly,” Jeong Yeon-shin deflected the question, “this summons. Does my maternal grandfather know about it?”
“…No. He went to the Lord’s office.” Ma Se-in also seemed to sense that something was amiss, but he appeared to be in the dark about the details.
The corners of Jeong Yeon-shin’s mouth curled up slightly.
“Your powerful fist was quite impressive,” he said casually to Ma Se-in, recalling the Advancing Thunder form of the Infinite Flower of Time Fist, which he had been putting to good use. “You mentioned that a prestigious family’s martial arts number in the dozens. Are the martial arts of the other family members different from yours?”
“Naturally.”
“Intriguing.”
That was the end of it. Jeong Yeon-shin spoke no further.
Walking in silence, they arrived at the pavilion where the leaders of the Desolate Ma Clan were staying.
Ma Se-in gestured to the guards and spoke. “We’re here.”
The main gate was massive, nearly rivaling that of the Demonlight Wing pavilion. Even though they were only borrowing the place, it spoke volumes of their immense power and influence.
Hmm.
The moment he stepped inside, he felt eyes on him. And it wasn't just one or two pairs. Every gaze seemed laden with energy, creating an immense pressure. Had they been that determined to meet him today?
Dozens of people were seated in the front yard, which had been turned into a banquet hall. The elegant aura unique to prestigious families filled the air. Even a cursory glance revealed that not a single person there was ordinary.
Among them, one person stood out above all others.
“You.” A middle-aged woman clad in a pitch-black court dress parted her red lips. The silk draped over her body was a deep, dark black, and her beautiful face overflowed with an aristocratic elegance. She carried a lofty aura, as if she had mastered a unique Qigong, and her gaze seemed to look down upon the entire world.
“Are you the child who bears the surname Jeong?” she asked, remaining seated in the place of honor.
She had deliberately emphasized the surname Jeong. Her intentions were plain to see.
Jeong Yeon-shin did not answer, instead turning his head to his side. “Is she your mother?”
“…Yes,” Ma Se-in replied reluctantly.