CHAPTER 59

"It's Dan Jingzhen!"

On the road leaving Pingyin County, he heard the girl's name.

Dan Jingzhen had been acupressure-point struck by a martial artist and grabbed by the nape. She was a commoner. Anyone would worry about aftereffects.

Jung Yeonshin felt concerned, but there was no need. After being released, she remained composed.

She showed her strong resolve even after witnessing the carnage caused by the Radiant Demon Squad.

"Dried beancurd sheets taste best in spring, don't they?"

She amiably offered dried beancurd skin to Jung Yeonshin, who was of similar age. He took only one bite before leaving Pingyin County.

There was no reason to meet again. With her disposition and resilience, she would fare well.

"Our Lightning Genius is a top-tier groom candidate, don't you think?"

Was he trying to repeat the teasing from the Yitian Clan?

Chung Myung smiled broadly and spoke, but this time, no one responded.

Back then, Heon Wonchang had bantered with him. Now, it was different.

Whoosh!

As they departed Pingyin County, they began sprinting. Radiant Demon Squad's three blue-robed experts scattered the wind as they sped away.

The destination was set the moment they received the letter. Unlike the deeply skilled blue-robed seniors, Jung Yeonshin needed a fast horse from a relay station to cover the distance.

Chung Myung and Baek Miryeo also preferred conserving their internal energy by using relay station routes.

An unusual sandstorm swept across the main road. The earthy dust spreading beside and behind them spoke of urgency.

Jung Yeonshin pushed off the ground alongside the two and asked,

"Are the enemies strong enough to defeat five white-robe warriors? Ordinary sects wouldn't pose a problem. Unless they're from the Nine Great Sects or Eight Great Clans. The earlier battle with the Blood Flame Cult must've been significant, but…"

The faster their lightness technique, the harsher the winds. He had to imbue his voice with energy.

Chung Myung's answer came, tinged with the hum of internal energy.

"They couldn't exert full strength. Some were dragged away alive—clearly a problem."

Jung Yeonshin let out a short sigh.

Chung Myung's words brought back memories, when he drew his sword, declaring a solo mission.

He was already aware of the effects of internal energy waves on fights between experts.

"It's because of my sound-based martial arts…"

"No, it's because the white-robe warriors' martial arts were shallow. If you're not stronger than your enemy, you'll have no choice but to entrust your safety to them. That's the martial world."

Chung Myung's tone was cold.

Baek Miryeo, who usually ran silently beside them with an indifferent face, parted her lips.

"Regardless, it's something the blue-robed warriors need to handle. We'll split up at the relay station. The main force has no room to spare. Annihilating one of the Eight Great Clans is no small task. It's up to us."

"They moved south to South Zhili, right? The Blood Ghosts."

"There are many paths to consider. About four routes."

Chung Myung replied.

Born into the prestigious Desolate Clan, his mind held treasures—like a map of the central plains said to be more valuable than martial arts manuals.

It gave him authority equal to the black-rank masters.

Jung Yeonshin, who only learned local geography during missions, was different.

"Blood Flame Cult and martial clans."

Repeating the enemies, Jung Yeonshin fell silent for a moment.

He recalled his initiation after passing the Desolate Fortress Exam.

An archivist at the General Office once said,

"The Desolate Fortress is called the blade of the Imperial family, but harming its warriors isn't considered treason."

Because they weren't imperial soldiers. Their rivals' speed and martial skills made prosecution impossible.

It was a matter dating back to the dynasty's founding.

Even after declaring to exterminate traitors' families, they sometimes couldn't capture them.

Equating national affairs with martial oppression risked damaging the royal family's dignity.

Jung Yeonshin suddenly asked,

"But isn't Desolate Fortress the strongest in the martial world? What gave the clans confidence to launch a surprise attack?"

"There are two possibilities. First, our methods are ruthless, right? They must've believed their children wouldn't survive. What wouldn't crazed parents do? Some clan leaders might've even abandoned their children."

"What's the other?"

"They knew. That we lack the manpower."

"Hmm."

"That insight is why Desolate Fortress warriors end up dead in guesthouses. Only two types of sects dare challenge us—small sects blinded by arrogance and large factions that read the times."

"It's the mediocre ones that can't touch the main fortress." 

Chung Myung murmured.

Jung Yeonshin studied his face as he mentioned guesthouse deaths.

Despite his handsome features, his expression was blank.

A senior renowned for his bright future, no one questioned him even when he claimed people died because they deserved it.

Yet his calm anger seemed unfamiliar.

Chung Myung spoke again.

"The Divine Sword Squad has seventeen combat units, right? Radiant Demon Squad ranks among the top even within that squad. They're often compared to elite groups from the Nine Great Sects, like the Plum Blossom Swordmasters. The issue is the number—seventeen. It's awkwardly small."

Baek Miryeo, approaching silently, suddenly patted Jung Yeonshin's head.

She seemed amused, ever since he called her 'senior' during the Plum Blossom Pill mission.

Her touch was cold yet gentle, steady despite their rapid pace.

As she brushed through his hair, she spoke,

"The real issue is covering the entire central plains. Overseeing a region as vast as ten or sixteen small countries? That's absurd. We're always short-handed."

"Smart sects that gather information and analyze trends? They're rarely afraid."

Chung Myung, speeding up, added.

The wind howled louder, striking their ears.

Jung Yeonshin infused energy into his foot's Yongcheon point and spoke.

"This mission will have a big impact. We pulled forces to annihilate one of the Eight Great Clans."

"Exactly. It's a rare event."

They already considered the annihilation of the Hwangbo Clan inevitable.

Not just because they witnessed the combat power of three units up close.

They had fulfilled their roles and were already thinking ahead.

Jung Yeonshin cautiously asked,

"…I don't understand why they captured them alive. Are they still alive, Heon Wonchang?"

"It usually ends in death. Once Desolate Fortress' warriors fall, their enemies must kill to silence them. So, taking captives changes everything. They have an objective."

Chung Myung replied.

Heon Wonchang and two white-robed warriors had been captured, not by orthodox martial clans.

There was no need to create more grudges if they only wanted to take the children. It was blamed on the Blood Flame Cult.

"If it's an objective?"

Jung Yeonshin's question drew glances from Baek Miryeo's black eyes and Chung Myung's blue eyes.

"They've been pursuing us since the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering. The routes match."

"Capturing the white-robed ones might just be a means. The real target could be the Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm. It seems like they're determined to kill you."

It made sense.

The same foes who had used thunder bombs were at work.

Jung Yeonshin recalled the term annihilation.

But targeting just one Desolate elite seemed uncertain.

That's why they had to split up and search the northern region of South Zhili.

Discussing routes, they arrived at the relay station—a resting place for travelers.

Lightly leaping over the roof, they landed.

Jung Yeonshin stepped forward as the youngest, startling the sleepy manager awake and showing his Desolate badge.

"It's authentic! Please take it!"

Mounting horses immediately, Jung Yeonshin reflected.

How could they use royal relay stations so freely without being part of the imperial army?

The black-rank masters and Chung Myung's privileges, allowing them to kill officials, seemed equally absurd.

"The Great Ming Code is meaningless. So many exist above the law."

The world was complicated, but there was no time to dwell.

"Our priority is finding the white-robed ones, but avoid getting entangled in conflicts. The Namgoong Clan is at war with the Blood Flame Cult. The demonic sects spread traps in Huizhou—they'll act recklessly."

Chung Myung, relaxed in the saddle, winked.

Jung Yeonshin was used to paying attention to seniors' words.

Even casual remarks felt like matters of life and merit.

"Captured by Blood Ghosts, they'll survive for ten days. They drain internal energy through blood arts. For Desolate warriors, it's a rare feast."

Baek Miryeo, elegantly mounting her horse, spoke.

As she brushed her ebony hair behind her ear, her jet-black eyes held concern.

"What's there to worry about? Your record will note the destruction of the Hwangbo branch family, Lightning Genius. It's more than enough for a solo mission."

Chung Myung grinned, gesturing with his chin.

It was time to split up.

Jung Yeonshin briefly raised his fist in salute atop his horse and whipped the reins without looking back. The next mission followed immediately.

Rescuing comrades would also be recorded as an achievement, but it did not hold much meaning for him.

At this moment, Jung Yeonshin's thoughts were not on achievements.

He only wished Heon Wonchang would remain unharmed until he was called Desolate Fortress' Sacred Warrior.

* * *

Jung Yeonshin descended toward the southern district of South Zhili.

Chung Myung's spirit beast served its role as a carrier pigeon. The blue-robed experts who completed their missions dispersed throughout South Zhili's vast territory.

Their confidence in their martial strength was fundamental, giving them the authority to act alone.

Support would inevitably be delayed. The main base in Huguang was too far. The Hwangbo Clan's expeditionary force had to resolve the matter.

'The city is dazzling.'

He was assigned to Xuzhou Province in South Zhili.

Five days had passed since he separated from Radiant Demon Squad's blue-robed seniors.

He showed the Desolate badge to local magistrates, inquiring about suspicious individuals.

It was said that Blood Flame Cult followers roamed the city fearlessly, flaunting the power of the Demonic Thirteen Heavens.

Even when soldiers tried to subdue the cultists, they would slip away using agile foot techniques—or worse, retaliate with bursts of internal energy.

Rumors spread that their influence was growing, emboldening the blood fiends.

The fact that they dared to disregard the Namgoong Clan's authority and cause trouble in Huizhou proved as much.

It was said that the strict discipline characteristic of demonic cults had shifted to lawless arrogance.

The timeframe Baek Miryeo estimated grew shorter by the day. Urgency pressed on them.

Jung Yeonshin stood in front of the city's largest pleasure house. The multicolored lanterns hanging above the grand entrance shone brilliantly.

'If they aren't here...'

He brushed aside the thought.

The city of Xuzhou was large. The guards at the gate seemed to possess decent martial world knowledge.

They recognized the "Desolate" character from Desolate Fortress.

"Desolate? That Desolate?"

"But he's so young?"

The five guards murmured among themselves. Jung Yeonshin ignored them and pushed the door wide open.

Clang!

The heavy, antique wooden doors swung apart, revealing an orange-lit interior.

The first floor of such a massive pleasure house was said to be a gathering place for guests to socialize.

Many eyes immediately scanned Jung Yeonshin. Their gazes carried martial energy—every single one of them was a martial artist.

"Who is that kid?"

"Is he pretending to be from Desolate Fortress?"

"Boy! This isn't the place for reckless bravado!"

"And he's wearing blue robes!"

Laughter erupted.

Through the lantern lights that drove away the twilight, the crowd was a mix of figures.

Xuzhou was known for hosting many small and medium martial clans.

Its proximity to the Namgoong Clan, which influenced all of South Zhili, made it orthodox territory.

At least fifty people filled the hall, their complexions varying. Some were red from drink, others fair and lively.

"Never seen someone like him before."

"State your sect!"

Women armed with weapons laughed at Jung Yeonshin.

They lounged casually, exuding confidence.

Only a few courtesans were present, it seemed women from martial clans had joined as well.

The hall was clearly being used as a banquet space.

The most luxurious pleasure house in Xuzhou was undoubtedly elegant and extravagant.

It seemed fitting for martial artists of all ages to build connections here.

Not since the battles against the Tyrant Sword Tribe and Zhongnan Sect had Jung Yeonshin seen so many martial artists in one place.

Step.

He took a step forward. The small, unremarkable sound carried an unusual force.

It stirred the senses, reaching beyond hearing. He was releasing his energy.

"..."

With each step, the atmosphere began to sink into silence.

An warrior of Desolate Fortress.

Even without intent, his aura demanded silence.

The chatter ceased, replaced by unspoken questions and quiet astonishment.

Jung Yeonshin walked forward, catching sight of figures rising one by one in the corners.

Though they all had black hair, he sensed them instantly.

His cultivation of the Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm had sharpened his perception of sinister energies.

"There's a branch here."

He spoke.

He could tell by the size of their energy fields—one Blood Master Swordsman and five Blood Flame Cult followers.

"Like swarming ants, you must have branches everywhere. I doubt you're the only ones."

Even as he spoke, he didn't slow his stride.

The Blood Master Swordsman smirked, as if confident in his strength.

Despite his unmarred, aristocratic face, he carried the air of a predator.

With a smile, he said,

"So you're the one? Blessings indeed come when offerings aren't neglected! You must be taking your first step into heretical enlightenment!"

Ignoring him, Jung Yeonshin opened his mouth.

"You must want to kill the master of the Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm."

The moment he activated the technique's internal formula, a cool energy swept through the hall, clearing the scent of alcohol.

From his right hand, a pure flow of energy began to radiate.

A faint blue glow enveloped his blade hand, undisturbed by the warm lantern light.

"You!"

The Blood Master Swordsman erupted with sinister energy, his hand blurring as it drew the sword at his waist.

Like a burst of blood, his strike lashed upward, sharp and violent as a storm.

It was an achievement worthy of being called a Blood Flame Cult adept.

Jung Yeonshin countered with the Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm. His technique was precise.

The smirking adept seemed ready to sever the attacking hand.

Boom!

It wasn't a collision but the sound of destruction.

The adept's energy wave shattered entirely, his sword breaking to pieces under the blow.

The straight strike followed through completely. In a flash, it reached the adept's head.

Crack!

Jung Yeonshin felt it through his hand. It struck deeply.

Fragments of blue energy scattered as the adept's skull caved in.

"..."

The adept collapsed, still wearing his smile.

Behind him stood four more Blood Flame Cult followers.

They had likely intended to attack together but froze in place.

Their expressions were hard to read, as if they couldn't process what had just happened.

Their branch leader had been killed in a single strike.

Even the martial artists, who sensed the cult's energy and had risen in alarm, momentarily fell silent.

"Deliver this message."

Jung Yeonshin spoke.

"Radiant Demon Squad's Lightning Genius is here."

He said it bluntly, brushing his hand once.

The blue sleeves of his robe fluttered.