CHAPTER 138

Wahahahaha!

It was a ridiculously loud laugh.

Flame Dragon laughed heartily while banging on the roof of the four-wheeled carriage.

He didn't care that the Radiant Demon Squad and the others were inside.

Even his legs, which had been propped up at an angle, twisted back and forth in a comical display.

He expressed anger and joy in grand measures.

He was a short-lived genius who dealt with life differently than Jung Yeonshin.

His emotions were raw and unfiltered. When he struck down Yoo Hyun at Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, he burned with fury, and when he was delighted, he laughed without restraint.

Everyone in the group was aware of the Solar Divine Meridian's limited lifespan. No one tried to stop him.

Only Baek Miryeo's annoyed voice leaked out from the carriage, complaining about the noise.

"Can you keep it down, No-Name?"

"What's so funny?"

Heon Wonchang asked, puzzled. The corners of his mouth were slightly downturned, showing his irritation.

The boy's lips curved into a faint arc.

"He's right. Even if his words were misplaced."

Jung Yeonshin, without pausing his steps, prepared to offer an apologetic salute.

Ma Yeonjeok's condition was not widely known.

If the Little Sword Queen was unaware and misstepped, then Jung Yeonshin would be at fault for being disrespectful.

Moreover, he had just been warned to watch out for waves of true energy. He had no desire to provoke a fight.

It was then.

The stiff expression on Chui So-ok's face softened, her lips curling slightly.

A casual laugh escaped her, creating a strange impression—calm yet inscrutable.

"It seems the Hero's reputation is far from ordinary."

She smiled and moved her lips.

"Lightning Genius... young master Jung? Is that correct? I've been rude. I ask for your forgiveness."

"..."

"Oh, I didn't mean to probe maliciously. I truly wanted to pay my respects. Hearing a word of praise from the one who killed the Blood Flame Cult Leader would be an incomparable honor for any martial artist."

"Not probing?"

"If that's unacceptable, then I can only leave it at that. As a fellow martial artist, I'll find my own role to play."

Her voice was soft. It came like a gentle breeze on a summer day.

Little Sword Queen Chui So-ok clasped her hands and raised them in a salute. Her long hair spilled down her shoulders.

It was a respectful gesture toward Jung Yeonshin, as if she were the one apologizing first.

'The Little Sword Queen... seems unusual.'

Jung Yeonshin silently returned the salute. She was unlike anyone he had encountered before.

Her demeanor carried the freedom Namgoong Se-jin of the Azure Qilin had spoken about.

She acted freely without concern for others and apologized earnestly when she felt she'd crossed a line.

Though he'd heard she was the next head of the Mount Dianqing Sect, she was different from the heirs of other prominent clans.

'Freedom always comes with a price.'

That's what Azure Qilin had said. He couldn't easily step down from his position as heir.

Jung Yeonshin now thought it was likely because he feared his family might stray from the right path.

He had helped Namgoong Hwashin leave home and treated his unruly sister with cold impartiality.

It was because he was a hero that he couldn't abandon power.

The boy slowly opened his mouth.

"And this role you mentioned?"

"Ah."

Chui So-ok's smile slightly faded.

"Perhaps you know a little about the current state of the martial world?"

"No, I don't."

Jung Yeonshin answered briefly. He had only been between Shu Road and Tang Clan's estate.

After several battles, his mind had been preoccupied with his grandfather's internal injuries.

He wanted to hear everything she knew. He hadn't had time to follow news from the Central Plains.

"I see."

Chui So-ok smiled brightly, though she seemed somewhat distracted.

She appeared to be focused more on the three carriages than the conversation, as if eager to meet Hero Ma Yeonjeok in person.

Then, very slowly, she began to speak.

"Hmm... but surely, you've heard of the Martial Alliance's formation."

"Yes, I've heard."

"They say the Zhuge Clan of Han and Zhang took the lead. Seven major clans and dozens of orthodox sects are forming an alliance. Even our sect, among nine sects, received an invitation."

"And?"

"The reaction of the unorthodox and demonic sects, like the Thirteen Heavens, has been intense. To them, this must look like the second rise of the Desolate Fortress. And coincidentally... there's a rumor spreading that the life-or-death duel between the purple-rank master of the Desolate Fortress and the Blood Flame Cult Leader ended in mutual destruction."

"..."

"It's an astonishing event, but isn't it also an opportunity to weaken the enemy's forces?

"Moreover, there's even talk that another supreme master of the Desolate Fortress is bedridden…"

Her dreamy eyes slowly scanned the three carriages one by one, as if trying to see through to the bed of the Elder Council's leader.

Then, when her gaze met Jung Yeonshin's, she smiled softly.

The Little Sword Queen was truly an enigmatic person. She carried the righteousness of an orthodox sect but exuded a carefree and almost scatterbrained aura.

Yet, her final words and glances struck sharp and precise nerves.

Swoosh.

Jung Yeonshin suddenly sensed Heon Wonchang tightening his grip on his sword.

Namgoong Hwashin also maintained composure outwardly but couldn't fully hide his rising aura.

As the White Qilin of the rising talents, he did not relax, even with someone familiar.

"So, there really are people targeting this caravan."

The boy didn't bother to conceal his unease. Chui So-ok gently nodded.

And then—

Someone beside her, acting as her superior, seemed displeased with Jung Yeonshin's demeanor.

"I am Sa Do-ryeong of the Mount Dianqing Sect."

A man in blue martial robes with a single sword strapped to his side briefly greeted them.

He was Sa Do-ryeong, the Celestial Sun Sword.

A swordsman known as Chui So-ok's bodyguard, famous for his outstanding martial skills.

He had descended the mountain to perform righteous acts and help the people. His reputation stretched from Yunan to Sichuan.

"Master, perhaps we should return. I believe we've given sufficient advice."

Sa Do-ryeong didn't bother lowering his voice.

He recognized their earlier offense but maintained his respectful stance toward his master.

'Lightning Genius Jung Yeonshin?'

His attire was odd. The hems of his black robes were uneven, and his words and actions lacked caution.

Although Jung Yeonshin's reputation as Lightning Genius of the Desolate Fortress was spreading, Sa Do-ryeong couldn't accept his impolite behavior toward Chui So-ok, who had long since reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship.

Yet, he couldn't openly criticize him.

Despite the absence of purple-rank masters, their forces were formidable.

At least a dozen blue-robed experts guarded the carriages, equivalent to the Seventeen Swords of the Divine Sword Squad.

Rumors said the boy had defeated multiple elites of the Ten Perfection Sect and the Pure Demon Alliance in succession.

It was hard to dismiss those rumors outright, as the battles in Shu Road had many witnesses.

They were clearly outmatched in strength.

Without justification, Sa Do-ryeong's only option was to step back.

"Hmm… shall we?"

Chui So-ok tilted her head slightly.

Her sleek black hair fell to one side, reflecting her carefree nature.

Jung Yeonshin stared at the unusual swordsman of Mount Dianqing Sect.

"You're leaving?"

He repeated Sa Do-ryeong's words absently.

Chui So-ok smiled brightly as if taking it as a question directed at her.

"It seems to be the best option for both sides."

"You come, take a look at our situation, and then leave?"

Jung Yeonshin's tone carried a sharp edge. Avoiding conflict wasn't always the best course.

These people had already inferred Ma Yeonjeok's condition to some extent.

He couldn't let it slide simply because they were disciples of an orthodox sect.

Suddenly—

"Seize them."

The boy in black robes muttered.

Fwoosh—!

A fireball rained down from the sky.

A massive figure wreathed in flames charged diagonally toward Sa Do-ryeong.

The air warped as Flame Dragon, clad in blazing Solar Energy, chewed on a roasted poppy seed and grinned.

"Not kill them, right? Our acting leader's hands are—"

"I said seize them."

Boom!

Before Sa Do-ryeong could fully draw his narrow-bladed sword, Flame Dragon's fist slammed down.

The thin blade shattered instantly, accompanied by a shockwave of heat.

At the same time, Flame Dragon, who had grabbed the back of Sa Do-ryeong's neck, whispered lazily.

"Where do you think you're going after prying into the affairs of a great sect? If the Sect Leader of Mount Dianqing were inside that carriage, do you think you'd let us leave peacefully?"

"Gasp…!"

"A low-level fighter shouldn't act tough."

Flame Dragon smirked faintly and drove his Solar Divine Energy into the acupoint at the back of Sa Do-ryeong's neck.

Paralyzed in an instant, Sa Do-ryeong stared at him with wide eyes. Flame Dragon's smile deepened.

"Lower your gaze, wretch."

It was the tone of a Hwangbo noble.

On the other side, Namgoong Hwashin stood with his Desolate Sword pointed at the throat of another woman in the Little Sword Queen's group.

The woman was the Dance Sword of Mount Dianqing.

Namgoong Hwashin's Boundless Heaven Technique was so refined that the Dance Sword couldn't block even a single strike.

Jung Yeonshin wasn't the only one advancing. Flame Dragon and Namgoong Hwashin were also growing endlessly stronger.

Their strength in martial arts—whether in fists or swordsmanship—was displayed without question.

To subdue disciples of a prestigious sect so quickly proved their exceptional skill, even by the standards of elite martial artists.

"Brutal." 

Heon Wonchang muttered as he shifted his gaze.

Acting Leader Jung Yeonshin was facing off against the Little Sword Queen. It was a peculiar relationship.

They weren't exactly enemies, but he couldn't simply let them leave.

At that moment, the boy spun the light wheel in his heart, emanating waves of auspicious True Energy from his entire body. The previous energy surges were completely suppressed.

Saaa—

Dense ripples of true energy spread outward, pressing directly against the Little Sword Queen.

It kept Flame Dragon and Namgoong Hwashin from making any moves.

"You…"

The Little Sword Queen Chui So-ok's gentle eyes slowly sharpened.

Her attention, which had been focused on the carriages carrying high-level experts, shifted entirely to the boy.

"You can't leave."

Jung Yeonshin spoke calmly.

Swish!

His black sleeve fluttered as he brushed it back in rhythm with the energy waves.

He thought about his uncle, who hadn't sent any telepathic messages even as the standoff neared its breaking point.

This journey home was a trial for the boy.

It was a journey to prove himself as a leader in the field, worthy of ascending to the rank of squad leader.

The former leader of the Divine Sword Squad, the Elder Council Leader, and Radiant Demon Squad leader were observing and evaluating.

How he led the group as the head of the Martial Division of the Desolate Fortress.

Whether he could fully wield his martial techniques.

Whether he could utilize his subordinates effectively and prove himself fit to be the black-rank squad leader of the Desolate Fortress.

'Once we return, the squad leaders' assembly will take place.'

He'd heard the black division operated differently.

The Desolate Fortress' Black Division.

It was secretly connected to theImperial family, with the authority to dismiss corrupt officials.

There was much to demonstrate. He had to prove he could command elite warriors entirely under his control.

The corners of the Little Sword Queen's lips lifted slightly. Her smile didn't suit the tension in the air.

"For such a young and brilliant swordsman to make such bold advances… My delicate heart is fluttering."

She teased in a soft voice, but Jung Yeonshin wasn't swayed.

"You know this isn't something that can be brushed off lightly. You brought this upon yourself."

"I admit my mistake. But... I hope you won't misunderstand my intentions."

"I appreciate your advice."

Jung Yeonshin bowed his head briefly.

That was it. When he raised his head, his jet-black eyes crackled with white lightning.

The Little Sword Queen's elegant smile turned slightly awkward.

"I'll swear on my honor to keep silent."

She tapped the hilt of the sword at her waist.

"Your status doesn't guarantee trust. Come with us, all the way to the fortress in Yangyang."

The boy gripped the Beiming Sword. The feel of it in his palm was refreshingly new.

The once-cool hilt quickly warmed as energy flowed into it.

"Will you resist?"

Clad in black robes, he rested his hand on the sword and asked.

His voice rang quietly in the hushed atmosphere, accompanied by the swirling energy waves that slowly rotated the dust at his feet.

It was the bearing of a Squad Leader of the Desolate Fortress.