CHAPTER 145

A day had passed.

The boy who returned, leading three carriages, became an enormous topic of discussion. Even his procession was extraordinary.

As the acting leader of the temporarily formed Returning Wings Squad, he had rescued numerous martial experts from the Radiant Demon Squad.

Rumors spread that the previous leader of the Divine Sword Squad and the Elder Council's leader, both exhausted, were inside the carriages.

If the rumors were true, his achievements were monumental.

"I want to know the exact details. The General Affairs Bureau is delaying the announcement of the accomplishments. It's been a day already…"

Martial artists gathered in groups across the main roads within the fortress.

Under the summer sun, which was heading toward the Mid-Autumn Festival, they leaned slightly against walls or stood upright, exchanging conversations.

"When I returned from my mission, I heard the juniors had disappeared. They say Returning Wings Squad members won't be rewarded unless their contributions match their sudden draft. Our leader seemed quite furious, really enraged."

"But aren't the achievements more than enough with just the rescue of the Radiant Demon Squad? There's also talk that they nearly annihilated two factions of the Thirteen Heavens. It's said there were mass casualties in the Pure Demon Alliance and Ten Perfection Sect."

"They say the Sword-Thirst Demon and Ha yul-geuk of Pure Demon Alliance died at Lightning Genius' hands? If that's true, it's enough to elevate the leader's status. I've heard much about talent and genius, but the rate of growth is truly incomprehensible. I watched that boy's white rank test…"

"The Sichuan region is so far away. Neither White Qilin nor Shin Bin-bin are speaking up. Has anyone heard the details from others?"

The entourage of the Little Sword Queen could only pick up fragments of the hot topic.

Lightning Genius Jung Yeonshin, who wore a black robe with one sleeve torn, left a strong impression.

Even the rising talents of the Nine Great Sects couldn't find room to intervene.

Among them were respected elders who had honed martial arts for decades and were even regarded as immortals among civilians.

"Let's go."

The Little Sword Queen spoke.

She was observing the many martial artists dressed in blue and white. To her left and right stood Sa Do-ryeong and the warriors of Mount Dianqing Sect as escorts.

Only then did the many experts of Desolate Fortress cast sharp glances at them.

This level of tension was because they belonged to the Nine Great Sects. If they had been from a clan or the Outer Demonic Sect, they would have faced covert surveillance rather than simple scrutiny.

"There's discipline here. To gather such experts under one command… it's truly terrifying."

The young swordsman in blue martial robes, who had previously clashed with Flame Dragon, muttered.

He was the Sa Do-ryeong of the Mount Dianqing Sect, known by the nickname the Celestial Sun Sword.

"It's the single most powerful alliance. No connoisseur in the world would deny that. If their mission wasn't focused on maintaining order throughout the central plains, even we would have to bow our heads. It's fortunate their forces are spread out. That's exactly what the Murim Alliance and the Thirteen Heavens are targeting."

The Mount Dianqing Sect members whispered.

The Mount Dianqing Sect members strolled along the permitted roads within the fortress before returning to their quarters.

An annex attached to the General Affairs Bureau.

Though Jung Yeonshin treated her group like prisoners, they were disciples of one of the Nine Great Sects and received comfortable accommodations.

A small pavilion surrounded by sunlight stood over a pond filled with river water.

However, the three Dianqing Sect's disciples sat on rocks by the water, uninterested in the scenery.

"An unknown force was quietly building within Desolate Fortress, huh? Lightning Genius Jung Yeonshin…"

The Mount Dianqing Sect disciples, dressed in white robes, trailed off while gazing at the Little Sword Queen.

Her calm disposition was well-known within the Mount Dianqing Sect.

When senior and junior disciples ventured into the martial world, she often took on the role of a navigator.

Among those capable of restraining the great master, the Little Sword Queen Chui So-ok, she was the only rising talent.

"I'm unsure how this will affect the martial world. He's an unpredictable rising expert. If he attends the Murim Alliance's Grand Opening Tournament, he'll be stepping into the heart of the martial world… I wonder how the righteous factions will react."

"He's already beyond being called a rising expert, isn't he? Just because our mountain sects haven't established ties with him doesn't mean we should be arrogant. What exactly worries you?"

Little Sword Queen absentmindedly asked while stroking the rock.

The Mount Dianqing Sect members swallowed nervously.

"I can't predict how the Alliance will respond. From my perspective, it seems likely Lightning Genius will align with the Murim Alliance."

"Why's that?"

"The nature of the Grand Opening Tournament will shift depending on who represents them."

"Well, that's just how the martial world works—righteous factions, demonic sects, or the Outer Demonic Sect."

The Little Sword Queen's voice flowed like a melody. The Mount Dianqing Sect warriors sighed.

"We're the ones who initiated conflict, and Lightning Genius wasn't unreasonable. It wouldn't make sense to provoke hostility lightly. However, the Alliance's stance will be different."

"Since its founding was rooted in the annihilation of the Hwangbo and Namgoong clans."

Sa Do-ryeong muttered, feigning a casual tone.

Ever since being defeated by Flame Dragon, the young man had been striving to display maturity.

The Little Sword Queen smiled slightly, finding the effort endearing.

"Right. Even for the sake of justification, it'll be hard for the Alliance to get along with Desolate Fortress."

"If we follow justice and morality, we should side with Desolate Fortress, but the fact that Lightning Genius is a tempestuous young prodigy is another issue."

"Ah."

The Little Sword Queen suddenly chuckled and swept her hair back over her shoulder.

"So that's what's bothering you? That's true. He even hurled insults at the leader of Pure Demon Alliance. If that behavior is directed at the elders of the righteous factions…"

Her lips curved into a faint smile before parting slightly.

Haa.

A strange breath escaped, teetering between a laugh and a sigh. It was a truly unrestrained display.

The Sword Queen blushed and turned away, while the Mount Dianqing Sect warriors let out a complete sigh.

"If something major happens at the Grand Opening Tournament… how should our sect respond?"

"Well, shouldn't he at least rise to the Black Rank? To represent the Murim Alliance at the Grand Opening Tournament, I mean. I heard Lightning Genius hasn't officially taken the position of squad leader yet."

"That's none of your concern."

A voice interrupted from the opposite side, where a man in blue martial robes approached with impeccable posture.

His presence exuded extraordinariness.

From his sharp jawline to his fine features, he hardly looked like a martial artist. Yet his prominent nose carried the aura of a swordsman.

"They all look exceptional. If Lightning Genius grows further, he might surpass young master Namgoong. Should we start calling the Returning Wings Squad the Flower Squad instead? They're all skilled in swordsmanship too."

The Little Sword Queen muttered dreamily, covering her face slightly as the Mount Dianqing Sect members bowed her head.

Sa Do-ryeong bit his lip and stepped down from the rock. Approaching, he asked,

"White Qilin, Namgoong Hwasin. What brings you here?"

"I've come to fetch you. The Black Rank promotion test will soon take place."

The power in Namgoong Hwashin's voice alone carried the demeanor of a formidable master. His jet-black eyes fixed on the group from the Dianqing Sect.

His words immediately captured their attention. The gazes of the Dianqing experts grew sharp with interest.

"Are you saying you'll show such a thing to outsiders?"

The Dance Sword of Dianqing stepped forward to stand beside Sa Do-ryeong. Namgoong Hwashin nodded silently.

"It was something the Grandmaster mentioned during a certain discussion. I came of my own accord, but I have received explicit approval from the General Affairs Bureau."

"If you're referring to the Grandmaster..."

Sssk.

The Little Sword Queen, Chui So-ok, slowly rose to her feet. A faint, starry intrigue flickered in her eyes.

"Do you mean Obeying Heaven Squad Leader, or perhaps the Grandmaster of the Returning Wings Squad?"

"… It's the Radiant Demon Squad, the vice-leader."

Namgoong Hwashin answered calmly.

* * *

The boy, now dressed in blue martial robes, walked down a long corridor.

The antique wooden floor beneath him gleamed with a dark, polished luster, almost as if it were alive.

Even though the path was paved with stone, its smoothness hinted at meticulous care and maintenance.

The corridor stretched on for quite some distance. At his usual pace, it seemed it would take forever to reach the end.

A servant leading the way scurried ahead in quick, nervous steps.

"Are you sure I'm the right choice?"

Heon Wonchang, walking beside him, suddenly asked. Jung Yeonshin tilted his head slightly before speaking.

"Flame Dragon is just an unnamed disciple, so it wouldn't be appropriate. Shin So-bin is from the prestigious Shin family, so it might give the impression that we're relying on their influence. As for the other seniors… well, they're seniors, and that makes things complicated. Honestly, there's no one else I trust to stand beside me but you."

"What about Namgoong?"

"He's from the Obeying Heaven Squad."

"Ah."

"The Returning Wings Squad has officially disbanded. Everyone's returned to their main factions, which is only natural. Even the help they provided us is a debt I'll never be able to repay in my lifetime."

The boy spoke calmly, and Heon Wonchang's lips curled into a grin.

"I'll assist you better than anyone else. Though, truth be told, I only volunteered because I was told all I needed to do was stand by your side."

"I've always trusted you."

Jung Yeonshin's words were sincere.

Heon Wonchang, who had entered Desolate Fortress alongside him, had always seemed unusual.

Though his martial prowess wasn't exceptional, he never seemed like someone destined to die a meaningless death.

At times, even his occasional remarks about utilizing only seventy percent of his true energy sounded strangely convincing.

Desolate Fortress' Sacred Warrior, Heon Wonchang.

'What stands out the most is his character.' 

Jung Yeonshin thought.

Reflecting on the masters he had met at the fortress, he realized how few were truly difficult or unpleasant to deal with.

Aside from rare exceptions like Zhu Yeon-jeong of the Desolate Fortress Ma Clan, nearly everyone had supported him.

Even calling it a blessing seemed insufficient. It was sheer luck.

Step.

Finally, they reached the end of the corridor, where a large door stood, blocking their path.

The door handle was adorned with a carving of a golden dragon's head. The sheer size of the door appeared to be at least one jang wide.

"This is the place."

The attendant stepped aside and bowed his head.

Jung Yeonshin paused for a moment. The overwhelming presence seeping from within made his body halt instinctively.

There were multiple sources of energy waves flowing naturally through the gap in the door. Not just one or two.

The boy suddenly wondered. Would the people he was about to meet be like the masters he had already encountered in the fortress?

'No.'

He shook his head inwardly. That was impossible.

The central plains of the Ming Empire were home to all kinds of people, whose values and actions were hard to predict.

Even the Confucian classics and teachings from various sects offered countless measures, yet none were sufficient to judge them.

Among them, it was said that the personalities of martial masters were the most distinctive.

They wielded transcendental power and techniques beyond human limits. It was no wonder.

Especially the seventeen top masters of Desolate Fortress.

'They won't be any less imposing than others.'

He gripped the door handle. Was it pure gold? Its cool touch quickly warmed, as if echoing the might of those within.

"..."

The door opened without a sound. How much oil had they applied?

Jung Yeonshin quietly observed the unfolding scene.

The enormous wooden table, which looked like it was pieced together from several logs, was secondary. What stood out first was the heavy pressure pressing down on him.

Seats surrounded the circular table, large enough to comfortably lay down more than a dozen people.

Each chair resembled the thrones of the heads of major sects.

The light gray backrests were taller than most people. Carved from marble, they could be described as grand Taishi chairs without exaggeration.

There were eighteen of them.

Seats for the Divine Sword Squad Leader, Vice-Leader, and the sixteen Division Leaders.

'So this is…'

The Circle of Swords.

The highest authority in Desolate Fortress. It was said that meetings of the Squad Leaders took place here.

It was also in this room that the assignments for Jung Yeonshin and Namgoong Hwashin had been decided when they first joined.

"Hmm."

Behind him, Heon Wonchang let out a faint groan.

Jung Yeonshin knew why. The room was saturated with energy waves.

It was an experience unlike any other space he had encountered. Even with only six of the eighteen seats occupied, it was overwhelming.

Twelve pairs of eyes focused on the boy.

The gazes came from those seated in the imposing chairs and the masters standing beside them.

An immense force surged like towering waves.

'Six.'

Six black robes imprinted themselves in his vision.

There were six Black Division Leaders of Desolate Fortress.

Three women and three men, each with a unique demeanor.

A man reclining with his back tilted lazily, gazing down at the boy, a noblewoman sitting upright and silently observing him, and a girl propping her chin on one knee raised over her chair…

The Seventeen Squad Leaders of the Divine Sword Squad.

With only the Radiant Demon Squad, Heavenly Squad, and Annihilation Squad Leaders, they had subjugated the Hwangbo Clan without a single casualty.

Their black robes, symbolizing supreme strength, had recently engraved their power into the martial world.

It was impossible to predict what kind of scene six of them together would create.

Even as comrades from the same fortress, their presence felt exceptionally oppressive.

At that moment—

"I'm not looking down on a youngster."

A voice rang out. It was a man with a pristine white sword resting on his knee.

His thin yet bold eyebrows resembled blades, emphasizing his identity as a swordsman.

"But you dared to claim my valuable subordinate, speaking as if you've already risen to the Black Rank. Even for a Squad Leader, that's discourteous."

He spoke.

Jung Yeonshin recognized him.

They had never met face-to-face, but he knew his features through descriptions.

'Obeying Heaven Squad Leader, Ha Do-un.'

He was Namgoong Hwashin's direct superior. Famous for the White Thunder Sword Technique, which rivaled Radiant Demon Squad's Radiant Demon Arts.

Ha Do-un was also known for massacring 300 soldiers of the Profound Martial Alliance in half a day. Some in the martial world called him the White Thunder Sword Demon.

With a cold expression, he stared at Jung Yeonshin.

"I intend to teach the junior proper manners. If any other Squad Leader wishes to intervene, please speak now."

"..."

Two emotions stirred in the boy's heart—unexpected guilt and irritation.

'Did Namgoong do something wrong?'

There were emotions buried by the fear of death. He had begun to uncover them little by little during the journey to Sichuan.

He had yet to sort out his feelings, but now faced a situation where he bore vague responsibility.

Suddenly, a radiance spun within his heart. Along with the rotation of his energy waves, an image of a sword stood upright in his mind.

His emotions twisted unpredictably. If it works, good. If not, so be it.

'Heocho.'

Jung Yeonshin's eyes locked onto Ha Do-un.

Screech—!

Ha Do-un drew his sword like a lightning bolt as he stood.

"Hmm?"

"A bit much, isn't it? Pulling out your sword right away?"

As other Squad Leaders furrowed their brows, Ha Do-un, who had sharply scanned his surroundings, slowly sheathed his blade.

His final glance landed on Jung Yeonshin. Even as he returned to his seat, his gaze lingered, as if to imply he had sensed some trick.

"What did you do?"

Heon Wonchang muttered in bewilderment beside him.

His voice, not lowered enough, echoed through the hall, causing Ha Do-un's expression to subtly shift.

'Heon Won is more like an older brother than my real brother.'

Folding his arms, the boy feigned ignorance, but inwardly, he was impressed.

In that fleeting moment, he had learned something—provocation worked like this.