CHAPTER 140

To the untrained eye, it appeared as if he had startled himself. His expression was that peculiar.

The current Little Sword Queen no longer resembled the famed swordsman of the martial world but instead looked like a commoner scurrying along the road or frozen in place like a statue.

'Rather than losing confidence...'

It seemed as though she had been deeply shaken by something. Jung Yeonshin couldn't quite grasp what it was.

"Are you saying you'll come quietly?"

The boy addressed her politely once more.

Flame Dragon, who was holding the back of Sa Do-ryeong's neck—Little Sword Queen's junior disciple—clicked his tongue.

He whispered mockingly into Sa Do-ryeong's ear, remarking on how such an unpredictable demeanor suited him strangely well.

Sa Do-ryeong, with his pressure points sealed, could only glare at his master while lying motionless.

His eyes spoke volumes. They reflected a gaze that had just encountered an almost impossible situation.

"Yes... well, seeing the young hero's swordsmanship up close has made my rashness bloom like a fully opened flower."

She suddenly smiled brightly, as though she had never been sweating nervously.

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to broaden my horizons. Surprisingly, not many martial artists from the Nine Sects have set foot in Desolate Fortress."

"I won't tolerate any reckless behavior." 

Jung Yeonshin said calmly.

Little Sword Queen's eyes curved into a crescent, forming a faint smile.

"There's still plenty of time before the Murim Alliance Tournament, isn't there? Traveling the martial world alongside the masters of the Nine Sects doesn't seem like a bad idea at all."

Her gaze toward the boy had shifted. It was no longer the look of someone facing a mere checkpoint before meeting the purple rank.

She meticulously examined Jung Yeonshin from head to toe—not as if she were sizing him up, but with a passion for martial arts.

Despite being a self-proclaimed captive, she displayed the demeanor of a swordsman.

She let out a small sigh.

"If only the disciples weren't here..."

Jung Yeonshin had already exchanged a few sword techniques with Little Sword Queen, forming a slight bond of understanding. She immediately grasped his meaning.

It meant that if the disciples hadn't been subdued, she would have gladly tested Jung Yeonshin's swordsmanship.

'He's completely different from Cloud Sword Dragon.'

He spoke harsh words lightly. His values were firm. Despite being at a disadvantage, his thirst for swordsmanship was evident.

Namgoong Hwashin held his Desolate Sword against Dance Sword's chin, causing the latter's expression to waver faintly.

"Sa-ja (Senior Sister)…"

The woman, who had maintained a resolute expression, now looked pitiful. However, Namgoong Hwashin's white blade remained as steady as a statue.

Gone was the polite swordswoman from before; now, he exuded the dignified spirit of a warrior from Desolate Fortress.

The incident at the City of Master Craftsmen had changed more than just Jung Yeonshin.

White Qilin's determination had also grown stronger.

The death of his half-brother, the revenge for his sister that he could not complete, and the deaths of countless martial artists witnessed on City of Master Craftsmen—

Together with his sword-wielding companion Jung Yeonshin, he was maturing. The harsh realities of the martial world made it clear that one needed unyielding resolve to protect anything.

"That's enough." 

Jung Yeonshin said.

At his command, Namgoong Hwashin withdrew his blade. The sword let out a clear ring as it gracefully returned to its sheath.

The smooth motion testified to his mastery of the blade.

Flame Dragon lightly struck Sa Do-ryeong's nape, releasing his sealed pressure points.

"You...!"

In an instant, Celestial Sun Sword Sa Do-ryeong reached for his sword again, his movements almost spasmodic.

But he couldn't draw it.

It was because he had locked eyes with Flame Dragon's cold, piercing gaze. It was different from when he had been joking with Jung Yeonshin.

Even within his short lifespan, Flame Dragon harbored a fierce, unyielding will—a colorless fire reflected in his eyes.

"I have fond memories of the Nine Great Sects. I sincerely hope you won't tarnish the reputation of a prestigious sect." 

Flame Dragon said.

His words were accompanied by the scorching and overwhelming energy of the Solar Divine Meridian's yang true energy, which weighed heavily on Sa Do-ryeong.

Speaking slowly, Flame Dragon continued,

"In today's martial world, who else can truly be called righteous? As far as I know, only the Nine Sects remain. The term 'fair and just' seems reserved for holy grounds of religion—be it Buddhism or Taoism."

His languid tone carried the authority befitting the heir of a great clan. Sa Do-ryeong's expression faltered once more.

Eventually, he slowly released his grip on his sword and bowed his head.

"There you go. Quite obedient." 

Flame Dragon teased, stepping back.

From the side, Heon Wonchang welcomed him.

"You have quite the sharp tongue for a nameless disciple. Impressive for someone of the younger generation."

"..."

Meanwhile, Jung Yeonshin watched Little Sword Queen converse with Dance Sword.

"Well done, Senior Sister. I predicted the outcome, but clashing with Desolate Fortress here would have brought nothing but misfortune." 

Dance Sword said. Her resolute eyes reflected her character.

Little Sword Queen, stroking her sword hilt, replied casually,

"Oh, is that so?"

"As disciples of the righteous Nine Great Sects, we cannot engage in battles without justification. It would disgrace our sect."

"Ah... I see."

"Our sect leader would have been furious. Even if we won by chance, the aftermath would be disastrous. To be frank, I believe we would have lost. Judging by the black robe worn by that young man, the rumors about him seem far from exaggerated."

Dance Sword briefly met Jung Yeonshin's gaze but quickly turned away, as if facing a thunderbolt.

"Wouldn't it be better to accompany them rather than being dragged along? You brought this upon yourself. I warned you to curb your curiosity."

"Sorry, sorry."

"Desolate Fortress treats the Nine Great Sects relatively amicably. Let's stay in Yangyang for now and prepare for the Murim Alliance Tournament. Thankfully, you made the right decision in the end."

"Hm? Yes, you're right."

Little Sword Queen smiled sheepishly and turned toward Jung Yeonshin.

Their eyes met. The boy gave a slight nod.

There was a reason he had waited.

With the addition of Little Sword Queen and her group, their journey gained a new advantage.

Traveling through the martial world under the protection of Desolate Fortress alone was one thing. But with prominent figures from the Nine Sects joining them, the situation had shifted significantly.

'For the better.'

In the vast martial world, Desolate Fortress was small.

To keep regional clans and minor sects in check, the prestigious reputation of the Nine Great Sects carried greater weight.

Beyond Huguang, where Desolate Fortress held influence, the Nine Great Sects' towering reputation proved invaluable.

"Uh... where should I stand?"

Little Sword Queen approached hesitantly, sneaking glances at Jung Yeonshin's sword hilt. His interest was obvious.

Swords and martial arts.

Perhaps her desire to meet the purple rank stemmed from the same passion.

The boy answered briefly.

"You'll lead the way."

"Can't I walk beside you? Your sword technique looked unique."

She made an abrupt comment, seemingly referring to Jung Yeonshin's Radiance Sword Style.

The boy shook his head. It wasn't worth discussing.

"Lead the way."

"I'm curious about your swordsmanship. Can't we be friends?"

Her tone had completely relaxed. Jung Yeonshin didn't respond. There was no need to humor Little Sword Queen's eccentric personality.

He bowed slightly to the carriage drivers, signaling the journey's resumption.

"Hyah!"

The procession of horses and carriages began moving forward again.

The crowd, who had been watching from afar, quickly scattered in surprise.

The sound of hooves drowned out any lingering curiosity.

"Ah, I've never met anyone my age who intrigues me this much." 

Little Sword Queen muttered, nudged forward by Dance Sword's firm push.

And so, the Mount Dianqing Sect joined the journey.

It had been a decision made out of expedience, but it soon brought astonishing results.

Seven days and nights passed.

Jung Yeonshin's procession had traveled without interference.

* * *

"We're already in Yangyang." 

Heon Wonchang murmured as he walked alongside Jung Yeonshin.

The warm wind brushed against the heroic ribbon tied to his forehead.

The silence of the secluded mountain path was filled with the sound of horse hooves.

It was peaceful and leisurely.

'Quite effective.'

Jung Yeonshin thought as he walked, gazing at the backs of the Dianqing Sect disciples ahead.

Originally, he had anticipated some level of pursuit.

In the regional martial world, Desolate Fortress wasn't an all-powerful sect. There were two types of factions that could pose a threat—

Minor sects that believed their world was all there was, and major sects that carefully observed the tides of power. In essence, everyone.

It was a vast world, fitting the phrase "boundless and infinite".

Small sects could ignorantly seek fame and attack, while large sects might assess the situation and plan annihilation.

"…Nothing has happened. This is getting boring." 

Flame Dragon said, lying on the roof of the carriage with his hands behind his head.

The name of Dianqing Sect, whose influence stretched from Yunan to the edges of Sichuan, was colossal.

It was no less than the aristocratic clans who privately claimed royal status.

As the Little Sword Queen of Dianqing Sect, she was practically comparable to the heir of a sovereign ruler.

An incredibly noble status. Even more so now that the Thirteen Demon Sects of Sichuan had been virtually eradicated.

A long strand of hair swayed in the distance.

"Lord Jung…! There's no one around. A sparring match, perhaps… never mind."

Little Sword Queen turned back with a soft yet awkward expression, only to quickly avert her gaze.

She had long suppressed her words but couldn't hold them back any longer, only to suddenly recall that Jung Yeonshin's grandfather was lying inside the carriage.

It seemed she had taken great interest in the Radiance Sword Style glimpsed during their earlier clash.

Bound by martial etiquette, she couldn't openly inquire about its origins but instead hinted at her desire to spar.

"…"

Jung Yeonshin didn't answer.

He felt no connection, as he had with Wei-Ji Myohwa or Azure Qilin Namgoong Se-jin.

Despite Little Sword Queen's reputation, she still seemed like a strange individual to him.

To Jung Yeonshin, she was nothing more than a useful tool.

'And in reality, that's all she is.'

He was thinking calmly when—

"There you are, my sister, Miryeo."

To the left ahead, on the wide mountain path, someone appeared as though descending from the mirage of the great desert beyond the Great Wall.

A foreigner, much like the demons of the Western Regions.

Though his hair was black, like those of the Central Plains, rather than their characteristic golden hue, his eyes shone with a distinct blue.

His crooked posture gave off a somewhat roguish air, hardly fitting for the head of a sect.

But the moment Jung Yeonshin laid eyes on him, a divine ring spun within him.

Disaster had arrived abruptly. The energy he emitted was similar to the demonic energy of Senior Baek Miryeo, but it felt far deeper and more profound.

He immediately guessed his identity.

'The Pure Demon Alliance's Leader.'

Perhaps feeling the boy's gaze, the Pure Demon Alliance's Leader smiled and stepped out of the thicket.

Sharp eyes, a slender jawline—his face bore a striking resemblance to Baek Miryeo.

"So you're the one who scattered the disciples of my sect. Your martial reputation seems to pierce the heavens of Sichuan."

The aura pressing against his skin was astonishing.

Whoosh!

An invisible gust swept over them. It carried a palpable weight, threatening to crush him.

It was a demonic energy so dense it seemed to overpower the divine aura of the Radiance Sword Style. It was almost inconceivable that a human could cultivate such profound dark energy.

"Take a strike from me."

With a smile, the demon master revealed his energy, rivaling that of the Blood Flame Cult leader.

"Ugh."

"Pure Demon Alliance's Leader…!"

Groans erupted from the Dianqing Sect disciples and some of the Desolate Fortress warriors ahead.

What technique was this?

He had merely stepped forward, yet the atmosphere felt as if they were kneeling before a monarch.

'I sent the report, but still…'

Jung Yeonshin didn't look directly at the Pure Demon Alliance's Leader. For once, his eyes wavered as they focused beyond his shoulder.

When had she appeared?

Was she here to confirm details about her ally, Ma Yeonjeok?

Or perhaps she had been targeting the Pure Demon Alliance's Leader all along, waiting for the moment she could no longer stand idle?

Such trivial doubts were erased by a single presence.

Suddenly. Like a disaster arriving at the perfect moment.

There she stood, elegant and composed.

The first thing that caught the eye was her beauty—an immortal, nation-toppling allure.

Even in the shade of the cypress trees, her long, jade-green hair glowed vividly.

Her deep emerald eyes seemed to cast a hush over the entire forested mountain.

"What a finely honed body. Your energy seems capable of contending with my sect's dark energy." 

The Pure Demon Alliance's Leader said with a smile.

And behind him—

The Lord of Desolate Fortress stepped forward gracefully, the sunlight filtering through the leaves dancing off the gleaming sword in her hand.