CHAPTER 76

'If I don't want to follow Ma Clan's orders, I simply won't.'

Jung Yeonshin was bothered by resentment.

A prestigious martial family in Jianghu was like wearing clothes sewn with countless favors and grudges.

Someone who regarded Zhu Yeon-jeong as a mortal enemy could raise a blade against Jung Yeonshin.

There would also be those who would demand Jung Yeonshin repay the grace received from Ma Clan.

Time would have to be spent on matters unrelated to missions. The bloodlines of prestigious martial families were inherently bound together.

'Could it be done?'

Today, Ma Yeonjeok had gone to Yangyang city to inspect the livelihood of the people.

The procession of the former Divine Sword Squad Leader was grand, signaling his departure.

That was why Heon Wonchang moved immediately.

It was said that the martial strength of a purple-ranked expert was truly transcendent. He acted swiftly to prevent any unforeseen variables.

Rumors that Lightning Genius' maternal family was part of Desolate Ma Clan could only emerge from here.

Thus, it was blocked at the source, to distance Jung Yeonshin from Ma Clan even slightly.

Relying on the eyes and mouths of the martial artists in Desolate Fortress.

A disturbance would arise, drawing outsiders into the core and making Ma Clan a target.

If even one leader stepped forward, Jung Yeonshin would have to take a blow in their place.

It was the most minimal action to clearly highlight the relationship with the maternal family.

"...Such a display is ridiculous. I don't think I can keep up with this."

Zhu Yeon-jeong slowly parted her lips.

"Lightning Genius, I know your determination is firm. Let's give it time. I will respect all of your intentions, as long as it's not about severing ties or succession. I hope you will give it careful thought."

"..."

She turned around, followed by Ma Clan's warriors.

The elders of Ma Clan, who had been silently observing from one side, also turned their backs.

Such was the dignity of a prestigious family. They didn't get involved in petty matters, considering the delivery of their intent to be enough.

Heon Wonchang slightly bowed his head. Chasing after them and clinging on would be unsightly. It was a partial success.

He sent a sound transmission.

—Young Hero Jung, how is it? They said they'll respect your intentions...

—It's enough that I was struck by the palm technique. Many skilled experts saw it.

Jung Yeonshin gently pushed Heon Wonchang's hand aside.

As he slowly straightened his body, unfamiliar martial artists approached.

They were investigating the situation, dressed in a mix of blue and white, likely experts from other martial divisions.

"Are you alright?"

"We cannot comment on family matters, but if you were trained in the Ma Clan, this should not have happened."

"It was an impressive footwork technique."

Many paused briefly to observe Jung Yeonshin, seemingly treating the matter as a family affair.

This was likely because it was never advantageous to get involved with powerful clans.

However, there was also a middle-aged man who approached to converse.

"It's my first time seeing the rumored rising star. The main fortress is vast, after all."

"Radiant Demon Squad's Lightning Genius."

"I am Jin Ju-rim of Obeying Heaven Squad."

He referred to the Obeying Heaven Squad of the Divine Sword Squad. Radiant Demon Squad and its founding were said to be around the same time.

He clasped his hands in greeting, the sleeves of his blue robe flowing.

He was a blue-ranked expert. Though his seniority warranted informal speech, his demeanor was respectful.

With his drooping eyes, Jin Ju-rim smiled and spoke.

"Seeing you up close, your complexion doesn't seem too bad. Shall we have a brief talk?"

"May I ask your purpose?"

"Lightning Genius Jung Yeonshin. I've heard much about you from Hwashin, even before you advanced to blue rank."

"Hwashin...?"

"Would you be more familiar with his nickname? The White Qilin. Namgoong Hwashin."

Jung Yeonshin nodded slightly.

It had been long enough that he didn't recall immediately.

He was the man who acknowledged defeat despite winning against Jung Yeonshin in the Desolate Exam.

He was a promising talent closest to the word fairness. It was said he was currently active in Obeying Heaven Squad.

"I know him. Is Namgoong Hwashin doing well?"

"He advanced to blue rank a month ago. It seems he's a bit slower than you, but it's because he didn't rush through missions. Even so, Hwashin's promotion speed is no joke."

Jin Ju-rim smiled faintly as he spoke.

Jung Yeonshin nodded. It hadn't even been a year since he entered Desolate Fortress.

Compared to himself, who completed several years' worth of missions without rest, Namgoong Hwashin's advancement was indeed exceptional.

"Do you know? There's an interesting rumor going around the main fortress."

Perhaps sensing the mood, Jin Ju-rim extended his energy flow, brushing over Jung Yeonshin's entire body. It was very subtle.

"The White Qilin and Lightning Genius. Among the many rising stars in the fortress, the two stand out significantly. Who do you think is sharper? I've been curious myself. But..."

The middle-aged expert from Obeying Heaven Squad, who had likely faced countless battles, spoke with an amused expression.

"Right now, I'd say Hwashin would win by two moves. Perhaps it's because you're not at your full strength."

At least two moves. It was based on the flow of energy he sensed.

Jung Yeonshin fell briefly into thought.

Thoughts of Desolate Ma Clan faded from his mind. It was because of the mission ahead.

A life-and-death duel against the Namgoong Clan's leader. It was impossible to leave Namgoong Hwashin out of the equation.

'The Chief Administrator said the competition for the assignment would be fierce.'

Namgoong Hwashin was a man who left his clan to devote himself to Desolate Fortress.

If he wanted to continue rising, he couldn't afford to overlook this mission.

He might even volunteer for the duel. Such was the world of Jianghu.

If Jung Yeonshin were to compete, Namgoong Hwashin would be a very formidable opponent.

'Senior Jin Ju-rim is blue-ranked. The stronger the expert, the less they judge by the size of one's energy.'

Jung Yeonshin pondered.

The ripples of inner energy contained complex information—its density, nature, and the precision of one's will.

Martial artists in Jianghu used this to gauge an enemy's strength and predict their techniques.

Jin Ju-rim's opinion carried weight.

"It seems you're deep in thought. Understandable."

He spoke.

Jung Yeonshin did not respond but simply clasped his hands respectfully.

"Thank you for the advice."

"It's not advice, just an observation."

Jin Ju-rim, gazing at him quietly, added.

"You're involved in the Clear Night Valley incident, aren't you? Given your grudge against the Namgoong Clan, you have no less justification than Hwashin, who's willing to draw his sword against his own family. Resolving one's knots is also a martial artist's virtue. I wish you success."

With those words, he departed.

Jung Yeonshin bowed to his companions. Chung Myung and Baek Miryeo were waiting with their swords sheathed.

"Thank you."

"No need. Troubles with in-laws are common. Just speak up whenever it gets messy."

Chung Myung tousled Jung Yeonshin's hair. His mischievous smile felt oddly mysterious.

Baek Miryeo extended her long fingers to Jung Yeonshin's solar plexus.

After seemingly examining his meridians, she briefly closed her eyes before speaking.

"Your energy flow is remarkable. As I said, it won't affect your recovery."

"Ma Clan can be handled this way going forward. But..."

Chung Myung glanced at Jin Ju-rim's retreating figure before speaking.

"Getting assignments won't be easy for Lightning Genius. Especially with the White Qilin around."

"If the main fortress has decided to cut off Namgoong Clan's head through a duel..."

Baek Miryeo brushed her hair behind her ear and spoke.

"It must mean they intend to preserve appearances. If that is the General Affairs Bureau's will, they will send a warrior from the main fortress matching the opponent's age. Among the Namgoong leaders of Lightning Genius's generation, there are only the young clan leader and his sister. The spots are few, so the White Qilin is definitely a rival."

"But didn't Young Hero Jung subdue Lazy Flame Dragon during Dragon-Phoenix Gathering? Even Namgoong's young leader, who is a few years older, was said to yield a move to the White Qilin. Could he already have surpassed that? Does he possess martial talent that transcends even severed meridians...?"

Heon Wonchang murmured the question as if talking to himself.

'Lazy Flame Dragon.'

Jung Yeonshin thought of the young master of the Hwangbo Clan. Heon Wonchang's words were not wrong.

He had broken through one of his techniques. But that was only because he had seen Mount Hua Sect's Yoo Hyun face him first.

Between Jung Yeonshin and Lazy Flame Dragon, it was Jung Yeonshin who had been at a disadvantage in their first encounter.

The second meeting was different. Using innate instincts, he exploited an opening to win.

If Lazy Flame Dragon had used a different technique, it would have been difficult. Based on accumulated martial prowess alone, he stood higher than Jung Yeonshin.

It was because he had trained in martial arts for a long time, having inherited the Solar Divine Meridian.

Comparing the past Lazy Flame Dragon to the White Qilin was meaningless.

Jung Yeonshin had never seen Lazy Flame Dragon's full strength.

Judging Namgoong Hwashin based on having broken through Lazy Flame Dragon's technique once? It was absurd.

'Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm, Sword Techniques.'

He had used exorcism techniques and wide-range sound attacks. They allowed him to achieve accomplishments beyond his skills.

He had created specialized martial arts, earning significant merit.

'This time, it's different.'

He would have to overcome it purely with his own martial arts. It was time to return to the fundamentals.

On his way back with his three companions, he pondered. Inner energy reserves, training periods... How could he overcome such decisive disadvantages?

Jung Yeonshin suddenly looked up at the sky.

A silver-gray crescent moon, wrapped in layers of darkness, cast a faint glow.

The commotion caused by Heon Wonchang and the others had disappeared into the pitch-black silence.

There was no trace. The night's stillness seemed to whisper—do not try to resolve the countless affairs of Jianghu with mere schemes.

* * *

The very next day, an official notice from the General Affairs Bureau was posted throughout the main fortress.

The disturbance at Desolate Ma Clan was pushed to the background. The contents of the notice carried that much weight.

A large proclamation was put up on the central wall of Radiant Demon Squad's grand martial hall.

Martial artists read the notice from their respective positions.

Some stood on rooftops with their arms crossed, while others casually sat at a distance, their eyes scanning the lines.

It was due to their practiced techniques. Like hawks, they observed from afar, even perceiving swift blades slowly.

"This is a big matter."

"This won't be an ordinary event."

From the first words, the story was about the Namgoong Clan. Radiant Demon Squad and Lightning Genius were also mentioned.

It claimed that Namgoong Clan repaid the favor of the direct disciple of Desolate Fortress Lord with enmity.

[...The actions of the Namgoong Clan have crossed the line. Hence, Desolate Fortress will rectify the conduct of the Namgoong aristocrats of South Zhili. To this end, on the Great Heat of July, a life-and-death duel between the Desolate Fortress and the Namgoong Clan will be held. Martial artists under the Seventeen Divisions of the Divine Sword Squad are to deliberate and volunteer.]

Heon Wonchang read the lines of the notice aloud.

He looked like a scholar examining the results of civil service exams.

"...In the event of many volunteers, preliminaries will be conducted. Matches will be arranged one-on-one by age groups. This is to distinguish talent based on mission succession, so warriors of the Desolate Fortress must be prepared."

"As expected."

Baek Miryeo spoke.

"Missions are usually distributed like this unless the Fortress Lord directly commands otherwise. This time, an unusual order came down through the black-rank leaders. Preliminaries will definitely happen. That's how high the Namgoong Clan's reputation is."

"Boundless Heaven Technique, King Style Sword Arts."

Chung Myung smiled and opened his lips.

"Breaking renowned martial arts earns fame. No warrior would hesitate to make a name for themselves. The merit for the mission will be great, so competition is inevitable."

"Lightning Genius, we won't participate."

Baek Miryeo looked at Jung Yeonshin. Chung Myung did too, though her smile remained playful.

"Chung Myung and I aren't in a rush for merit. You take the mission and win. Can you do it?"

Jung Yeonshin didn't answer immediately. It was because they said they wouldn't participate.

He understood the consideration behind the decision. It was likely because they knew about Jung Yeonshin's constitution.

'Is this just gratitude...?'

A difficult-to-describe feeling stirred within him. It was unsettling.

"...I can't say for certain right now. Later, I'll have to go somewhere first to find out."

"Where to?"

"I received a summons. The Fortress Lord has called for me."

Jung Yeonshin answered as calmly as possible.

He had received a summons from the General Affairs Bureau two hours earlier.

It said that the Desolate Fortress Lord would grant him a reward for his work concerning the Blood Flame Cult.

'Don't expect anything.'

He repeated the thought inwardly. His emotions were turbulent.

It had been like that since morning. His companions seemed unaware because he hid it well.

There were two letters.

Another letter was enclosed. He pulled it out casually and was startled. It was because the writer was unexpected.

It was the Desolate Fortress' Lord.

He had been instructed to read and burn it. Yet, he couldn't erase it from his mind.

Her elegant script was burned into his memory like fire.

[I bestow upon you a small piece. Come to me when the full moon rises.]

That was the single line.