CHAPTER 72

How long had it been in this pitch-black stupor?

Suddenly, sunlight touched him. It was white. At the same time, it felt as if a deep, soft bundle of cotton was pushing his soul.

"Mm."

He was waking up. A cracked groan escaped but stopped midway.

The texture of the bedding was familiar. It had the distinct softness characteristic of Radiant Demon Squad's residence.

So was the smell of the air. Cozy and serene. It meant safety.

'Ah.'

The moment he recognized himself, his consciousness flashed like a ray of light. He quickly calculated the time that had passed.

It had become an instinctive habit.

From the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering to the Hwangbo Clan, saving and helping Heon Wonchang, then returning to South Zhili, and finally to the headquarters of the Blood Flame Cult, right in front of the Namgoong Clan scoundrels.

The time spent traveling alone was tremendous, compounded by countless incidents.

The total duration—eighty-seven days.

The lifespan sacrificed for the sword techniques, roughly fifteen days.

How long had it taken to return?

He guessed based on hunger. His stomach was empty but manageable. His body wasn't too weakened.

He examined his internal state. His entire meridian system—the blood channels, the eight extraordinary meridians, the twelve main meridians, and even the three dantians.

Their strength and elasticity had weakened significantly. It seemed to be the recoil from replacing the Twin Flame Blood Spirit Formation with the Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm.

The pressure on the upper dantian through the Baihui Acupoint had also increased.

'I'll need rest.'

It would take time to restore himself to peak condition.

"There's movement. Are you awake?"

The deep voice overflowed with power. Its aura rippled effortlessly, even without intent.

An exceptionally strong master addressed him without opening the door.

He recognized it immediately.

Not just the familiar voice but also the presence of his uncle, Ma Jin, who became wary of his nephew after learning of their blood connection.

"Yes, Captain. Please come in."

"All right."

The door creaked as it opened.

A massive man stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

His black robes accentuated his densely packed muscles, and his face bore scars that told of countless battles.

This was the Radiant Demon Squad leader, whose name had spread further after exterminating the main branch of the Hwangbo Clan.

Jung Yeonshin looked at his uncle with renewed eyes. He had entertained countless thoughts when he was first captured by the Seventh Apostle.

He had even prepared himself to never see him again.

"How's your body? I heard you fought the Hwangbo Clan Leader."

Jung Yeonshin examined his uncle's body as he spoke.

Ma Jin sat on the edge of the bed. Staring down at his nephew, he began to speak.

"It was a war, so I expected combined assaults. The Clan Leader's martial prowess was formidable. He used techniques I had never even heard of. I coordinated with the Annihilation Squad leader, and it took over seventy exchanges to finally behead him. I recovered from my internal injuries during the return. How about you?"

"My energy flow is intact. My blood circulation is stable, and I'll recover quickly with food and rest. However..."

"Hmm?"

"What day is it today?"

"...Five days before the summer solstice."

The fifteenth of June.

Jung Yeonshin briefly closed his eyes. It meant he had already spent half of his sixteenth year.

He had roughly three years and six months left. The fifteen days borrowed from his lifespan would have to be deducted.

He used his abdominal muscles to lift his upper body.

"I've operated mostly solo. I should report directly to the General Affairs Bureau."

"No need to rush. Those who went to raid the Blood Flame Cult headquarters are still returning. Also... my return was slightly delayed, but even then, the main fortress was already in an uproar. They said the Lord personally carried you back. She must have used his lightness skill alone."

"Then?"

"The General Affairs Bureau is known for its strictness. But even after witnessing that, they won't push you to report immediately. Take your time."

"Understood."

He rose completely from the bed, acting contrary to his words.

Despite needing rest, his current state couldn't keep him confined. He had to head to the General Affairs Bureau. He couldn't bear to delay the settlement of merits.

When he stretched his legs out of bed, Ma Jin was pushed aside in surprise.

"...What are you doing?"

"I can't just lie here and call it rest. I need to feel the sunlight and the late spring breeze."

"What? You're not even a frail scholar."

He stopped his uncle from following and left the inner quarters.

He had to halt immediately after stepping outside. Senior warriors of the Radiant Demon Squad's residence spotted him and approached with bright expressions.

"You're up."

"Is your body all right?"

"I heard your journey was quite tumultuous. Will you tell us about it?"

"More importantly, is it true the Lord carried you back? Did you fully experience her unmatched lightness skill? How fast was it?"

It had been a while since he experienced this.

These were the senior warriors of the Radiant Demon Squad. They had always shown interest whenever the youngest among them returned from a mission.

Though Jung Yeonshin had risen above the lower ranks with his promotion to the Blue Rank and Shin So-bin's admission, they still saw him as a young junior.

Jung Yeonshin's goal was the Purple Rank of Divine Sword Squad Leader.

The Blue Rank warriors formed the backbone of Desolate Fortress. Maintaining their favor was essential.

Answering their questions, he walked alongside them toward the Grand Training Hall.

Perhaps due to the commotion, even more seniors gathered.

Eventually, they began conversing among themselves.

"The fortress has become noisy. Especially since the Lord personally escorted him back."

"Are there more incidents?"

Jung Yeonshin asked, and another senior replied.

"The martial world is descending into chaos. The Seventeen Divine Squads are severely understaffed, and the ambitions of clans under the main sect have ignited. Rumors say they're competing for mission assignments. Your maternal family, Desolate Ma Clan, is involved too."

Even when mentioning noble families, their tone remained blunt.

It was understandable. Blue Rank warriors were recognized as elites anywhere in the Central Plains.

With their exceptional martial prowess came bold personalities. Each could defeat a hundred foes with their sword alone.

"I see."

Jung Yeonshin nodded quietly, relating to their demeanor.

"There's more. That genius."

Another senior's voice stirred the group again.

"The one imprisoned? The Solar Divine Meridian guy."

"You mean the Hwangbo Clan's Young Master? People argue over his fate."

"I don't get why he's still alive. Leaving any trace of the Hwangbo Clan's martial arts is dangerous."

"Danger? He's already captured in the main Fortress. How would he escape?"

They spoke of the Hwangbo Clan's Lazy Flame Dragon. Jung Yeonshin asked another question.

"Did the white ranks of the Shandong expedition return first?"

"Yes. They achieved much. Despite losing to the clans and Blood Flame Cult, they managed to secure several captives, including the Lazy Flame Dragon."

He recalled the lunatic who chewed on poppies. Unlike the Seventh Apostle, it was a different kind of madness.

'Compared to conflicts among the fortress' vassal clans, this is nothing.'

Jung Yeonshin shook his head inwardly.

With light smiles, the seniors kept urging him for stories about his mission.

They didn't even enjoy common gambling, claiming there were few pleasures in life.

Their pastimes were martial arts, martial history, heroic tales, and trivial gossip.

"I'll share later. Let's spar sometime."

He politely brushed them off and headed straight for the General Affairs Bureau.

"Are you Jung Yeonshin from the Radiant Demon Squad?"

"Yes."

The clerk managing the entry logs checked his Desolate Badge.

The badge had a golden wood pattern and bore the inscription "Lightning Genius", indicating his rank.

Lightning Genius was no longer just a nickname. It had become his formal name, bestowed upon him by the Lord during his coming-of-age ceremony.

The clerk quickly returned his badge. It seemed the identity check was merely a formality.

Jung Yeonshin stepped out wearing his blue martial robes. It was impossible not to recognize the golden character 'Desolate', marking him as the direct disciple of the Lord of Desolate Fortress.

"Sir Lightning Genius, what is your business here?"

"I am here to report my mission and settle the merits."

For a brief moment, the clerk's eyes showed a flicker of surprise.

"Understood."

Jung Yeonshin proceeded straight into the large hall. A wave of ink fragrance hit him.

Rows of long desks filled the space, giving off a distinctly antique atmosphere. At each desk, clerks held brushes, busily writing.

It was an expansive office, seemingly as large as a training hall.

There were easily dozens of clerks present.

Ma Jin had been right. The atmosphere here was as imposing as that among martial artists.

Jung Yeonshin sent a telepathic message to the person seated at the far end.

—Radiant Demon Squad, this is Lightning Genius. I'm here to report my mission.

A robust man in a brown long robe stood up.

The middle-aged man, whose thick black beard covered his chin, reacted immediately.

"Please, come this way!"

He raised his voice, practically shouting as he extended his hand. His manner was overly polite.

He seemed unconcerned about the formal atmosphere of the hall. Could this be the head of the General Affairs Bureau?

The Grand Administrator of Desolate Fortress was said to be strict, even scolding black-ranked masters over budgets and personnel matters. This man didn't fit that description.

But then Jung Yeonshin quickly realized—

'This is because the Lord personally granted me martial arts.'

Eyes turned toward him.

Some clerks returned to their work, while others whispered among themselves.

Jung Yeonshin remained still. His experience in the martial world had taught him restraint. Losing duels had taught him how to conduct himself.

"I greet the pillars of the Fortress. I am Radiant Demon Squad's Lightning Genius."

He raised his fists in a respectful salute toward the clerks of the General Affairs Bureau. It was said that most martial artists looked down on scholars.

He couldn't afford to be like them. He was still young, and those with authority over appointments were practically kings.

"…"

The silence didn't last long. The clerks stood up and returned his salute.

Their expressions were curious. Jung Yeonshin was the direct disciple of the Lord of Desolate Fortress, a status once reserved for royalty.

For the clerks, being saluted by a warrior with a golden emblem was unprecedented.

'Good.'

This was enough. Planting a small seed of goodwill would suffice.

Jung Yeonshin turned around.

He followed the Grand Administrator, sensing the whispers growing behind him. The administrator, wearing an indescribable expression, led him to an annex with another office.

The two sat across from each other.

"Would you care for Longjing tea?"

"I would appreciate it."

The administrator summoned a servant and ordered Longjing tea to be prepared.

While waiting, Jung Yeonshin studied the administrator's face. With his large frame, his eyes were level with Jung Yeonshin's even while seated.

Despite his role as the head of the General Affairs Bureau, the administrator had practiced martial arts. Jung Yeonshin could feel the sharp aura radiating from him.

This was no man skilled in flattery.

"One moment."

The administrator retrieved a stack of papers from a drawer. It was densely filled with writing, resembling a book.

Flipping through the thick bundle, the administrator finally spoke.

"The Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, the mission at the Hwangbo branch in Pingyin County, the destruction of Blood Flame Cult branches across Shandong and South Zhili, the extermination of Blood Master Swordsmen in front of the Namgoong Clan."

He continued,

"These events took place some time ago. There were many witnesses, and our investigations confirmed them. Reports were filed by Shin So-bin of the white rank, and we also received letters from the leaders of two branch divisions, the Azure-Eye Demonic Swordsman, and the Wave Swordswoman. Even the Sword Dragon of Zhongnan Sect sent word."

"Are you saying these matters have already been settled?"

Jung Yeonshin kept his tone calm as he asked.

"That's right. With a simple verification, you'll be able to claim your rewards as a blue rank warrior."

The administrator smiled broadly.

He slowly added,

"However, regarding the incident at the Blood Flame Cult headquarters… since the Lord has not provided specific instructions, we'll need a detailed report. That will take time. So, before that..."

Pausing briefly, he continued.

"Let's discuss the rewards already settled. Fifty taels of silver, martial robes made entirely of silkworm thread, the right to request martial arts instruction from the Divine Sword Squad Leader, top-grade elixirs from the Fortress... You may choose freely. If you have any special requests…"

"I'll take the elixirs."

Jung Yeonshin answered without hesitation. The administrator's eyes widened slightly.

"Oh? That's not what I meant."

"Excuse me…?"

"I was only asking about the elixirs. Would you like to take them now, or have them stored at the Medical Hall? Even if you choose the latter, you can collect them anytime. The hall master is from a prestigious lineage and can preserve the pills in optimal condition. Free from moisture and temperature issues, you can trust their safekeeping."

"...I find this difficult to understand."

Jung Yeonshin's response made the administrator laugh.

"Everything I mentioned is yours. All of it."