The Forest-Treading Squad Leader expresses concern about the former Divine Sword Group Leader's old age.
A surprising sight.
No particular sincerity was felt. It must have been because he asked such an ordinary greeting. Jeong Yeon-shin's upper dantian sensed it that way.
He remembered Xiahou Wei-jin fainting from Tyrant Hero's sudden strike.
It happened during an argument over mission assignments at the Wish for Peace Sword Hall. It was very embarrassing.
'He's truly a great man. Even after experiencing such a thing.'
The young man admired him. To wear the purple robe, one should learn from such character early on.
The senior sitting in the high seat showed the demeanor of a gentleman.
It was only right to reciprocate.
"My maternal grandfather has only recently undergone rejuvenation. He must still be in good health. Just recently, he even defeated the Profound Martial Alliance Leader."
"What did you say?"
"If you thought a long time had passed due to my appearance, you need not worry. It's the power of bone transformation."
"Ah…"
"Isn't it truly fortunate? I too was very concerned when I first learned of this mystical place. I worried the harmony of time might be different outside the formation."
"..."
Jeong Yeon-shin's words were unusually long.
It was because he was somewhat excited. And because he had once again learned something from his Black-rank senior.
Unlike the monkeys abundant in the martial world, the seniors of Desolate Fortress often enlightened him in matters beyond martial arts.
Such enlightenment often became inspiration for various techniques. Even his recent success in concealing his energy waves to deceive the Golden Wing Sect Leader was thanks to Blood Extreme Demon.
That generous yet weighty, extremely paradoxical energy was greatly influencing the protective energy Jeong Yeon-shin was currently devising.
"By the way, I know you left with your subordinates of the Forest-Treading Squad, but I don't sense the energy of any Desolate Fortress martial artists. I'm also curious about the well-being of the other two seniors."
Jeong Yeon-shin said.
"Hmm."
After briefly falling into deep silence as if relieved by the former Divine Sword Group Leader's good health, Xiahou Wei-jin spoke in his thick voice.
"My subordinates have been out on reconnaissance as scouts for a long time. I ordered it. Immortal Tree Spirit Squad Leader is wandering outside trying to find a way back. She hasn't even entered the village for a month now. I don't know about Obeying Heaven Squad Leader. I couldn't find him."
"…When you say scouts, does that mean there are enemies?"
"Of course."
Xiahou Wei-jin's thick lips turned down slightly. His eyes grew cold.
"The Three Lords and Two Kings. Those who came before."
Deep resonance was buried in his short words. The explanation that followed was the same. His wariness was palpable.
The Three Lords who claimed wherever their feet touched was their land.
The Two Kings, former family heads of the Eight Great Clans, who held the largest territory within the formation.
And other former supreme masters from decades ago who roamed with just a single weapon.
"They're all extremely powerful. I thought they had all washed their hands in the golden basin, but they were here. Hearing the rumors, it seems they made a deal with Mount Taimao Fortress. I don't know the details, but those damned spell martial artists have long since let loose living ghosts in this land."
[TL Note- Washing hands in golden basin refers to a retirement ceremony where martial arts masters formally withdraw from the martial arts world.]
Jeong Yeon-shin's eyebrows twitched.
Mount Taimao Fortress of the Thirteen Evil Sects.
The sect that had plundered the Heavenly Demon Tomb guarded by Hyeon Won-chang's family along with the Murong family.
They split off from the Mount Mo Sect, which was once part of the Nine Great Sects long ago, and now boast greater prosperity than their origin. It's said all their disciples are masters of extraordinary spell martial arts.
What could be the reason for gathering powerful figures who covet the dragon's inner pill in one place?
There must be some scheme. But it wasn't something Jeong Yeon-shin needed to concern himself with now. Finding his seniors and gathering the Desolate Fortress martial artists to leave came first.
"So this place is also part of the martial world."
"Yes. It's a formation nearing the end of its lifespan. I hear strange mist is enveloping and erasing the farthest lands. None of those caught up in it have returned. Their fates are unknown. We don't know if they've left the formation or returned to nothingness."
"Some of the former supreme masters who have entered this land must be desperately seeking a way out. It's truly a strange place."
"That's right. It was absurd when figures calling themselves the Golden Wing Sect Leader and Ten Perfections Sect Leader spoke of 'the mystical place of the rain dragon' from front and back…"
Xiahou Wei-jin trailed off as he stared at his suddenly matured junior. He recalled the encirclement and spell formations of that extremely bleak day.
The land he had stepped on, surrounded by the two great Thirteen Evil Sects sects.
It wasn't the mystical lair of an intangible spirit beast, but long-remembered graves of former great figures.
He and Cheon So-so were not qualified to be part of such a mystical purple martial world.
Far from leading the times, they were limited to protecting a small number of commoners. Within the order set by those who came before.
'Even now, we're being overwhelmingly pushed back.'
Would Lightning Genius be any different?
They say the Black-ranks of the world often play the role of cannons in faction wars, turning the tide, but that's only when the leaders of major factions don't participate.
Three of the Two Kings and Three Lords were sect leaders of massive factions, one was extremely close to that, and the remaining one had long since become the limbs of the former Peng family head whom she deeply admired.
What about the other former great figures not belonging to them? It was a situation difficult to handle without purple arriving.
'And that fellow symbolizes the fading hope of the main fortress.'
Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin.
Heaven's mistaken arrangement. The most powerful supreme master among his peers. The one certain to become the next Divine Sword Group Leader.
He must not be lost. Xiahou Wei-jin thought.
He had no intention of sending Jeong Yeon-shin to the front lines. Even if all Black-ranks were equal, he planned to advise as a senior.
Don't expose yourself to the harsh waves of the world, but wait until Dragon Group Leader or the former Group Leader arrives. Even if that time spans decades.
Purple will come eventually.
That was certain. Because that's how such people are.
"You must have come through the Golden Wing Sect if not Mount Taimao Fortress. However you arrived, you've worked hard. Your travel fatigue must be considerable, so rest while waiting for Immortal Tree Spirit Squad Leader."
Xiahou Wei-jin said. But Jeong Yeon-shin showed no sign of turning back.
"Senior Ha must be safe, right? If there's been no news of Senior Cheon for a month, shouldn't we consider other possibilities?"
"…Obeying Heaven Squad Leader's White Lightning Sword Energy is unmatched in the martial world. Who was it, that very promising later-generation talent… Right, White Qilin Namgung Hwa-shin didn't enter under him for nothing. He'll be fine. Put aside your concerns for Immortal Tree Spirit Squad Leader too. Haven't you experienced her Nine Star Technique yourself?"
Xiahou Wei-jin spoke gently, uncharacteristically trying to persuade his junior.
The movement technique Lightning Genius had improved for him had played the role of life-saving elixir several times. He also knew that his junior's alias was growing heavier in the world.
Xiahou Wei-jin considered protecting Lightning Genius' safety a major matter for Desolate Fortress.
"No matter how many years have passed, I can see you've become quite powerful. You could search for Ha Do-woon along with me. Just wait a little."
"I have no travel fatigue to recover from. Since you're guarding this village, Senior, I could go alone…"
It was then.
"Village Chief! Village Chief!"
Suddenly, the side door burst open.
Jeong Yeon-shin's eyes lowered to see a short old man.
With impressively toned upper body muscles and a bushy white beard. Anyone could see he was a pure-blooded iron clan member, but he held a single letter in his hand.
"Ah, so you're Lightning Genius. I'm the person who sat in that seat before that bear-like Xiahou took over as village chief."
The iron clan elder said, pointing at Xiahou Wei-jin's golden throne. He meant he was the former village chief.
Then he strode right between the two squad leaders and unfolded the letter wide.
"Take a look at this. All of you."
Jeong Yeon-shin didn't even have time to introduce himself. It seemed to be an urgent report.
His eyes naturally went to the contents.
[Ice Soul Cheon So-so will become my companion, I, Peng Yu-lan, from this year's Awakening of Insects. You villagers should rightfully send envoys to bless this joyous occasion and present tribute.
– Ghost Cry Hegemon King]
"What nonsense is this dog barking without even running!"
Xiahou Wei-jin's massive fist shattered the table. The energy wave that resounded with a boom— revealed the impulsive nature characteristic of Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown.
Jeong Yeon-shin instinctively realized. Ghost Cry Hegemon King Peng Yu-lan. Immortal Tree Spirit Squad Leader Cheon So-so was being held captive by this figure who was the former family head of the Northern Peng family.
"It seems they're after the World Tree's sapling. Among the pure-blooded renowned clans with martial prowess like Immortal Tree Spirit Squad Leader's, she's the only one in this land. She's also the only one who can use the sapling's power most strongly."
The former village chief said. His tone was serious.
"What could be the reason for such provocation? It was something that could have been handled without anyone knowing."
Jeong Yeon-shin asked.
"…They say there are no ordinary figures among the Divine Sword Group's masters."
The elder who turned his gaze toward him said with a start. The extraordinarily handsome young man who had been sitting when reading the letter was now standing without him noticing.
It meant his bearing was incredibly natural. The elder who had deeply cultivated night forge martial arts and hadn't sensed his movement carefully continued speaking.
"In any case, among the Two Kings, Ghost Cry Hegemon King is an extremely worldly person. Even before becoming the Peng family head, she indulged in all sorts of pleasures, yet she won the succession competition and purged all her direct competitors. She was called the Three Perfections of Divine Martial for her excellence in refinement, temperament, and martial arts."
"And so?"
"It means she either has intentions difficult for us to fathom here, or it may truly be just for show. Ghost Cry Hegemon King is famous for enjoying banquets unlike most supreme masters. While having her subordinates spread out everywhere."
"Are there many of her subordinates in this land too?"
"She built up her forces by subjugating the former supreme masters who came together."
"Forces?"
"She named them the Secret Realm Peng Family. They might be more powerful than the real Peng family outside. Old monsters who should have long since washed their hands in the golden basin are swarming."
The elder concluded.
By then, Xiahou Wei-jin was silently clenching his fist.
He seemed to be agonizing. As a Desolate Fortress martial artist, should he protect the commoners of this place first as always, or respond to Ghost Cry Hegemon King's invitation?
Jeong Yeon-shin didn't care. He had finally reached his mission.
"Senior Xiahou."
"Hmm?"
"Do you have any spare black robes for the squad leader?"
What did he sense from his junior's brief words? A flash of light crossed Xiahou Wei-jin's eyes for a moment.
The large-bodied renowned clan martial artist asked a question with his gaze. Perhaps, is this the purple I've been waiting for…?
"Here they are."
Thud.
On top of the shattered table's remains.
A pile of clothes over a span thick was stacked in layers. There seemed to be well over ten robes.
All were black robes of Desolate Fortress, with large white embroidered "Desolate" characters on the shoulders.
"They get torn a lot."
Xiahou Wei-jin said as if making an excuse.
Jeong Yeon-shin, who smiled faintly, picked up one robe.
Thud.
He broke off the end of the armrest of the chair Xiahou Wei-jin was sitting on, placed it on his index finger, and ignited Samadhi True Fire. The soft gold shell. The gold melted with intense heat.
The young man placed his fingertip near the shoulder of the robe and wrote along the "Desolate" character.
Sizzle—
It was the color signifying the status of the Desolate Fortress Lord's direct disciple. Following the neat strokes that spread from his fingertip, the character was gilded over.
"Even former supreme masters would recognize this, right?"
"Those fellows would know it even better. They were in their prime when the Desolate Fortress Lord wielded her sword."
The elder who called himself the former village chief answered instead. He watched with strange eyes as Jeong Yeon-shin donned the large robe.
The iron clan elder's gaze also swept over the Flowing Star Sword at the Radiant Demon Wing Leader's waist.
"Its condition is indeed unstable. The Tang children are quite outstanding blacksmiths, so they were saying they would make a sword worthy of your grace."
"I'll be going now. Senior, please protect this place."
Thud.
Jeong Yeon-shin, who had raised his clasped hands to the two men, turned around.
Xiahou Wei-jin couldn't stop him.
He could only heavily maintain his position and watch his junior's back. Just as his duty to prioritize the safety of commoners over gathering the Divine Sword Group of Desolate Fortress.
'Two Kings and Three Lords. The purple martial world…'
Jeong Yeon-shin, who had left the hall, continuously leapt between roofs with nonchalant movement technique.
As he alternately deployed the Radiant Wing Step deeply imbued with the renowned clan's martial principles, Wind Body Technique, and Ten Li Gentle Light, no one could properly recognize him.
The same was true for the Tang twins happily darting about here and there with innocent faces.
Earlier, Jeong Yeon-shin had measured their lifespans with the Lowly Revelation Technique.
They were extremely short.
Their meridians and blood vessels were so weak that their bodies, unable to handle the spirituality of the upper dantian, were collapsing from within.
The complete opposite of Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown. It was the collapse of essence, energy, and spirit.
How could they ask for swords to be made? In this place where countless people were already offering to forge iron…
'Not even worth stealing.'
Jeong Yeon-shin passed by the weapons carelessly placed on racks all around.
By now, swords and such no longer presented him with anguish.
That was his level.
Only the lifespans of the Tang siblings, the Two Kings and Three Lords, Ha Do-woon and Cheon So-so, and martial arts of the next realm continued to occupy his mind in succession.
Until he left the village made of blacksmith shops, walking in the bright sunlight.