CHAPTER 151

"This is no time to make jokes." 

Ha Do-un said, the leader of Obeying Heaven Squad. His expression remained calm.

Having long understood the unpredictable temperament of Ak Surim, he refrained from displaying any futile displeasure.

He merely glanced at Jung Yeonshin before continuing,

"I won't question the Radiant Demon Squad leader's capabilities. The achievements you have made thus far, Jung Squad leader, are too clear to deny. While it's concerning that your first task as a Squad leader is unusually significant, I believe you have proven at least the minimal qualifications in a short time. You are sufficiently strong and decisive."

Ha Do-un spoke with clear enunciation, his tone reflecting his personality.

Jung Yeonshin's eyebrows lifted slightly. Unexpected. Are all the Squad leaders of the fortress this perceptive?

It was just the other day that Ha Do-un expressed dissatisfaction with the boy in no uncertain terms, yet when discussing merits, he showed no personal bias.

If anything, such impartiality lent weight to his words.

But it seemed the vice-leader of the Divine Sword Squad was different.

"So?"

Ak Surim asked curtly, her hand gripping the shaft of her spear, which rested upright beside her.

Her fingers repeatedly clenched and released, a gesture that suggested she was ready to draw her weapon at any moment. It was a shocking display of conduct.

Only then did Ha Do-un's brow furrow slightly.

"The vice-leader's attitude is quite inappropriate. Are you favoring Lightning Genius?"

"Listen to this punk's tone. A junior speaking like that?"

Ak Surim laughed.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a powerful surge of internal energy burst forth from her body, lifting her jet-black hair and brushing even Jung Yeonshin's gaze.

The sheer presence revealed in that instant subtly shook the seats of the senior swordsmen in the hall.

The atmosphere distorted for a brief moment.

'This energy…!'

Jung Yeonshin's eyes widened. The waves of energy were overwhelming, so intense that he could feel the air currents brushing against his skin.

'It's not just the amount of energy.'

The boy was astonished anew. He could feel Ak Surim's intent within her energy.

A wild yet cheerful spirit emerged, touching him on an intuitive level.

Was this the complete unity of essence, energy, and mind?

He couldn't even begin to estimate how quickly she could channel her internal energy.

Wielding her spear with the carefree air of a mischievous girl seemed more like the leisure of a master who had grown bored. Her level was close to the pinnacle of purple rank.

Ak Surim, the Desolate Divine Spear.

Jung Yeonshin's expression darkened. She was a supreme master whose position was more secure than any promising black-rank Squad leader. The reason was her seemingly ageless state.

Along with the leader of the Divine Sword Squad, she was considered one of the pillars of the fortress and the rightful heir to the squad. To Jung Yeonshin, she was the strongest competitor.

The moment he took his seat among the senior Squad leaders, his goals had come into sharp focus. It was a thrilling realization.

'I need to defeat Senior Ak, and ultimately, even the leader of the squad...'

He thought he had taken a big step forward.

He was wrong.

That is no human—it's a natural disaster.

And what of the leader of the squad? The memory of him drawing his luminous sword and slaying Namgoong's head still burned vividly.

The intangible blade, composed of seven-colored light, was the most mysterious thing after the natural sword of the Fortress' Lord.

Could he reach such heights within three years? The higher he climbed, the less human it seemed.

Their years of service in the fortress far outstripped his own.

The rewards they had earned were likely just as remarkable. It was impossible to guess how many spiritual elixirs they might have consumed.

'Why is it so difficult? The world is too vast.'

Jung Yeonshin briefly withdrew into himself. A feeling of gloom seeped in like a swamp.

He resolved not to confront them head-on. He shut it out internally.

Meanwhile, Ak Surim continued chattering at Ha Do-un.

"Are you certain there are no personal feelings involved?"

"…Of course."

Ha Do-un replied coldly. Ak Surim's smile deepened.

"Not because of White Qilin? Everyone knows you've designated Namgoong Hwashin as the next leader of Obeying Heaven Squad. And it's no secret that such a promising talent is considering following Lightning Genius to a different faction. Wouldn't that normally make you furious? It would for me."

She shook her head with exaggerated motions. Her arrogance somehow suited her.

It only emphasized Ha Do-un's composure and mental discipline.

He spoke again.

"This is a discussion about the affairs of the martial world. I believe I'm better at separating public and private matters than you, Senior Ak. Let me ask you instead—aren't you the one breaking the rules of this hall? Are you truly not favoring Lightning Genius? Even after this junior has clearly raised an objection?"

"I skipped the debate because there's no time. Squad leaders who need to depart immediately are stuck here because of those worthless Murim Alliance clowns. If you don't like how I handle this, come at me."

"Do you think I won't?"

"Got some oil on your Obeying Heaven Squad Sword? Draw it. I'm not scared. Do you think you can last ten seconds against me?"

If the goddess of the Nine Heavens ever descended to the battlefield, would she look like this? Ak Surim's image, spear in hand while exchanging sharp words, was truly peculiar.

Despite her crude language and verbal abuse, she did not seem undignified.

Suddenly, she glanced at Jung Yeonshin and smirked.

"Favoritism? Of course it's favoritism. Do you have any idea how boring it's been to be surrounded by dull, dark faces? Now, we have fresh, bright red blood lighting up the hall. How can I not be thrilled? I'm so happy!"

She stomped her foot in excitement, her black hair swaying at the tips.

The saying that masters at the highest levels of martial arts are unpredictable rang true.

At that moment, Jung Yeonshin clearly heard Ma Jin mutter beside him.

"She's gone senile."

"Look who's talking, you eunuch. I already told you—I'm smitten. Your nephew is amazing."

Ak Surim snapped at him.

"Maybe I'll just snatch Lightning Genius into the Divine Sword Squad. It wouldn't be bad for him either. I've already had a serious talk with the Squad leader about it. I wouldn't mind kneeling before the Fortress' Lord for this."

"Vice-leader, mind your decorum."

Un Soyu, the Law and Order Squad leader, calmly intervened. Ma Jin simply sat in silence like a bear.

Hmph!

With a snort, Ak Surim's aura dissipated. She stopped before matters escalated further.

Her ability to control her immense energy so effortlessly reminded Jung Yeonshin of the phrase 'unyielding yet adaptable'.

He quietly observed her every move, hoping to absorb and use her skill and presence as fuel for his growth.

"Don't be nervous." 

Ma Jin said, lightly tapping the boy's shoulder.

"This is how Squad leader meetings go. They're gatherings of extraordinary masters, so storms are bound to rise. Even this table…"

He gestured toward the massive round table.

"It's been shattered and replaced dozens of times. You'll have to get used to it, Yeonshin."

"..."

"The Round Sword Hall isn't just for discussion. Sometimes, martial arts are displayed to add weight to arguments. Don't feel intimidated. Handle it as you did with the Law and Order Squad leader. You are now someone who can point your sword at black-ranks."

His final words struck heavily.

Such moments were also part of the black-rank world.

Jung Yeonshin nodded slightly. It felt awkward to criticize the behavior of a senior like Ak Surim.

Noticing his hesitation, Ma Jin flicked his finger against the armrest.

Thud!

The sound, amplified with energy, drew attention.

Ma Jin spoke.

"State your objections, Obeying Heaven Squad leader."

"The handling of the Radiant Demon Squad leader is the issue. While the loss of our comrades is deeply regrettable, we cannot afford to overlook the future. With so many injured, how do you plan to restructure the group? It would be unseemly for a Radiant Demon Squad leader to attend the Murim Alliance meeting alone. Not to mention, it's dangerous."

"A valid point." 

Ma Jin nodded.

He turned his gaze to Jung Yeonshin, ignoring Ak Surim, who was pouting in the corner.

"Yeonshin, do you have any thoughts?"

"Yes."

The young man, tilting his head slightly, began to speak.

"It's impossible to go with a unit as large as a martial squad. That would be akin to the Mount Hua Sect mobilizing the entire Plum Blossom Sword Squad—a move only expected during an all-out war between sects. As we are attending as guests to their invitation, I believe it would be proper to bring only a small group of elite martial artists."

"But does the Radiant Demon Squad leader have any uninjured elites left?"

Ha Do-un asked, slightly narrowing his brows as though anticipating unpleasant news.

"Indeed, there are very few. That's why I intended to make a request."

Jung Yeonshin replied calmly, then continued.

"I seek to requisition White Qilin from the Obeying Heaven Squad."

"So, it has come to this." 

Ha Do-un muttered, his expression one of resignation, as if he was about to sigh.

He added,

"It's disgraceful for leaders to quarrel over subordinates."

"…."

"However, I cannot allow the transfer of a martial unit based on individual whims. That would disrupt discipline. Therefore, I will permit White Qilin's temporary requisition based on rational judgment. Future matters will be discussed later."

Jung Yeonshin silently raised his hands in a formal salute. Ha Do-un, observing the brief but refined gesture, shook his head.

"The current Radiant Demon Squad leader should not be mistaken." 

He said. 

"You and White Qilin must be well-coordinated, having undertaken long missions together, and my decision reflects the state of the Radiant Demon Squad leader's current difficulties. The formation of the Murim Alliance is no small matter, even for the fortress. It's only right to organize personnel in advance, as mental readiness will be essential."

Displaying the composure of a senior in the fortress, he maintained an air of solemn authority, as though savoring his own words. Then, suddenly, his expression darkened.

"So, it's settled that I'll be heading to Xinjiang. I may as well behead that so-called Young Leader of the Ming Cult in one strike."

Ak Surim and the other Squad leaders, each adjusting their attire, merely nodded in response.

They looked ready to leave.

Jung Yeonshin remained seated, bewildered. Was this how Squad leader meetings always went—starting without context and ending without ceremony?

They all seemed strangely eager to leave as soon as possible.

Their behavior trivialized the presence of the sword prodigy from the Dianqing Sect, leaving her isolated and unnoticed. It felt more like a gathering of eccentrics than a formal meeting.

"Wait, weren't you supposed to ask me lots of questions?"

The Sword Prodigy asked blankly.

"Talk to the Radiant Demon Squad leader." 

Annihilation Squad leader said, who had remained silent until now. Heavenly Squad leader, standing beside him, nodded half-heartedly.

"The significance of this meeting lies in attendance." 

He added.

"Lightning Genius, just remember one thing."

Ak Surim, rising lightly from her seat, curled her lips into a smirk.

"There's a specific reason you were chosen. The reason the Radiant Demon Squad's leader from the fortress is attending the Murim Alliance's Opening Ceremony isn't just reconnaissance."

"Then what else is it?"

"It's because of Hwangbo and Namgoong." 

She replied. 

"We punished those who preached justice while tormenting commoners, but the Murim Alliance—like ants—banded together claiming it was unjust. All those so-called Eight Great Clans gathered to protest. Our fortress' prestige was tarnished. Now, they think that by grouping up like that, they can challenge us."

"..."

"You are the fortress' response to their accusations."

"Me?"

Jung Yeonshin asked quietly. At that moment, Ak Surim's dark eyes glinted like lightning.

"Yes… Would it make more sense if I put it this way? 'Our Radiant Demon Squad leader is so young, yet to stop this boy prodigy, won't you need the elders from your councils? Recognize the gap in skill and restrain yourselves.' That's the message we're sending. It's a bluff we can only pull off because of you."

She nodded to herself as if satisfied, exuding an aura that felt as if she existed in an entirely different world.

It was a kind of cheerfulness Jung Yeonshin had never imagined.

He stared at the old master who appeared in the guise of a young girl. What kind of upbringing could produce such behavior?

It felt strange to attribute it to natural personality. There was something inexplicably refined about her demeanor.

He thought to himself—what an extraordinary way to grow old.

"Elders rarely represent sects at opening ceremonies." 

She continued like a songbird. 

"You can dominate the competition at the Murim Alliance's Opening Tournament. Even if it's not a Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, you'll face plenty of mid-tier experts from the orthodox sects."

Jung Yeonshin tilted his head slightly.

"It's unclear what accomplishments would be recognized as merits."

"Don't overthink it. Just observe the alliance's state and throw cold water on their morale. As the youngest invited master and Radiant Demon Squad leader of the fortress, that's all you need to do."

She spoke with a broad smile.

Then, brushing aside the hair near her ear, she rubbed the pale skin of her nape, creating a strangely elegant yet bold image.

"With such a well-trained body, is there anything you can't accomplish? Don't you think so?"

She assessed him with an appraising gaze, scanning him from head to toe.

Jung Yeonshin, observing her, nodded. Her exposed forearm, beneath the black sleeves, didn't match the image of a spear-wielding master.

It seemed unnaturally delicate, as though the effects of eternal youth had even robbed her of forearm muscles.

It was truly unsettling. In comparison, his grandfather Ma Yeonjeok's muscular arms seemed more reliable.

How weak would her strikes be without internal energy? It was terrifying to imagine.

'Again, this isn't eternal youth. Just aging gracefully and dying naturally would be enough… That's all I need.'

For a brief moment, he recoiled at the thought.

Ak Surim slowly parted her red lips, forming a smooth smile.

"Go to the Murim Alliance, where they mask their greed with claims of public welfare, and humiliate those shameless idlers."

With that final whisper, the Squad leader meeting came to an end.

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