CHAPTER 154

Jung Yeonshin's eyelashes gently lower.

He paid no mind to the Crown Prince's laughter. The boy briefly cast his eyes downward, lost in thought.

'I've finally completed the mnemonic for the new technique.'

Meeting a good connection had allowed him to create another martial art. Should this be called a fortunate encounter?

They say there are many nobles in the Ming royal family, and encountering the eunuch's test right after rising to the position of squad leader felt like a blessing.

It made him realize once more that he had entered a different world. Such was inevitable as someone clad in black.

'There's still much martial arts to create—internal protection techniques, lightness techniques, concealment methods... so much to develop.'

Jung Yeonshin's views on martial arts differed from most martial artists.

For most martial artists, refining techniques passed down from their sects was natural, an accepted tradition.

But the boy was different. It felt like wearing hand-me-down clothes.

He felt the same when he was taught the Moonlight Harmony Technique by the Lord of Desolate Fortress. Other martial arts were no exception.

Even now, he was learning defensive techniques, protective meridian methods, and concealment skills from Desolate Fortress, but none matched the martial arts he created himself.

'Layer by layer, I'll build them.'

The sharp rise in Jung Yeonshin's martial prowess was attributed to his unique and diverse techniques.

Martial arts tailored entirely to his own body followed a different structure from others, both in forms and energy flow.

'The mental imagery of the mnemonic stems from the creator.'

The efficiency of his energy manipulation was distinct.

His techniques were already on par with established arts honed over generations.

For the boy, whose spirit energy was too large to achieve the union of essence, energy, and spirit or the harmony of three transformations, this was his breakthrough.

He would create techniques suited for specific situations, allowing him to handle the energy bursts of mid-level masters.

'Leader of Law and Order Squad pointed out the weaknesses in sword and staff techniques. I could restructure the Radiance Sword Style and Infinite Blossom Fist Strike, and improving the energy manipulation of the Radiant Light Technique would also be helpful.'

There was much to do. But looking at it differently, it meant there was still plenty of room for growth.

A faint smile appeared on the boy's lips.

What inspirations would he gain from the Murim Alliance? Countless orthodox martial arts gathered there.

Jung Yeonshin enjoyed martial arts despite his short-lived constitution. It was a disposition developed later in life.

It started when his family techniques replaced his mother's warmth.

"I can hardly believe it."

Lost in thought for just a moment, Jung Yeonshin's gaze suddenly met a pair of jet-black eyes.

The Crown Prince was looking up at the boy, his black pupils exuding a chilling dignity.

"Are you truly the young blue-robed boy from that day? You carry the presence of a seasoned master, which makes it all the more astonishing."

"I am honored."

Jung Yeonshin responded calmly. The Crown Prince stared at him intently.

"With talent and cleverness that are hard to believe, you may call me senior brother when we are alone."

The Crown Prince said this with a slight smile still lingering on his face. A noise came from the side.

Myeong-yeo, who had recovered, raised an eyebrow.

As a eunuch of the Eastern Depot, he merely appeared calm. But facing him closely, Jung Yeonshin could tell the imperial eunuch was quite surprised.

"In terms of seniority, it is fitting."

Blinking slowly, the boy spoke.

The Crown Prince, too, had been taught by the Lord of Desolate Fortress. He was also much older than Jung Yeonshin.

Perhaps due to the strong noble bloodline, the Crown Prince was small in stature.

Unlike Jung Yeonshin, who had been constantly adjusting his inner balance due to rapid growth.

The Crown Prince's faint smile deepened as he opened his mouth.

"Myeong-yeo, give it to him."

"Yes."

Myeong-yeo seemed to have fully recovered.

After bowing politely, he reached into his robe. Even before his hand emerged, a flutter of wings was heard.

Tiny white feathers scattered.

A small bird, the size of Myeong-yeo's palm, appeared. It was a pure white swallow.

It resembled the one used by the Hwangbo family's heir.

"It is a creature raised using clan techniques. It is incredibly intelligent and even contains a small internal core, allowing it to manipulate energy. This is Baiyan, a spiritual creature, and it has been prepared for you, Radiant Demon Squad Leader."

Myeong-yeo explained. The Baiyan tilted its head, staring at the boy. Its tiny head movements were quite adorable.

"I have seen nobles use such creatures. Is it for communication between leaders?"

Jung Yeonshin asked calmly despite facing such a rare creature.

Since the founding of the Ming, animals that understood human speech and exhibited mystical abilities were no longer just myths.

Myeong-yeo nodded.

"Yes. Despite its size, it is a bird of prey. It will not be troublesome, nor will it require feeding. It is trained to travel only between you and me, so you can attach letters to its leg when necessary."

Suddenly, the Baiyan jumped onto the boy's chest. Jung Yeonshin supported its legs. He could sense it instinctively through his upper energy center.

Using his index finger, he released a light aura, stroking the Baiyan's head. A subtle ripple, like resonance, spread out.

At the same time, the Baiyan burrowed into Jung Yeonshin's robe, as if it had found a nest.

Myeong-yeo's eyes widened slightly.

"Forming a bond with a spiritual creature is not easy... Your energy must be exceptionally pure."

"Do I release it when I cut down an official?"

Jung Yeonshin asked indifferently. Myeong-yeo nodded.

"Yes."

"You're said to be the right-hand man of Chief Eunuch of Eastern Depot, are you not? I'm curious if you can always follow me when my work often takes me across the martial world."

Myeong-yeo, who had been introduced by the Crown Prince, tilted his head slightly and responded.

"That is a difficult question."

The imperial eunuch smiled faintly.

"A ruler's hands are never few. The Chief Eunuch has countless right hands."

It was a reminder of the vastness of the world. Even the Crown Prince did not deny it.

Instead, he quietly observed the boy and the eunuch's conversation.

Jung Yeonshin spoke without concern. It was time to conclude.

"We depart for Hanzhong at the hour of the ox tomorrow. I won't concern myself with the Eastern Depot during the journey."

The martial world outside Desolate Fortress was a different realm entirely, filled with endless variables.

Managing subordinates and focusing on tasks as the Radiant Demon Squad Leader would already demand significant effort.

Myeong-yeo nodded.

"Your predecessor did the same. It is only natural. That's why we and the Desolate Fortress exist."

"Go now. I've detained you long enough."

The Crown Prince spoke, his eyes now slightly closed. He was said to be as fickle as a legend, showing interest one moment and losing it the next.

'That suits me just fine.'

The boy bowed briefly and thought. His ties with the Crown Prince would not end here.

He might one day be summoned to the Forbidden City. Unless it was an opportunity to rise to greater power, he would rather decline.

Even the royal family hesitated to command the Lord of Desolate Fortress, who guarded the heavens. Jung Yeonshin had no desire to grow close to the Crown Prince.

The black robe fluttered as Jung Yeonshin turned without hesitation.

Myeong-yeo glanced at the boy before speaking again.

"Finally, Radiant Demon Squad Leader, I remind you that while the Eastern Depot is bound to support you under our pact with the Imperial family and Desolate Fortress, please refrain from overusing us. Even noble leaders of Desolate Fortress must understand that the Eastern Depot has its own affairs."

"I act only under the banner of public order and stability."

His voice resonated clearly, carrying an energy that filled the room softly yet powerfully.

Did he understand the worth of his extraordinary martial prowess, his status as a disciple of the Lord Desolate Fortress, and his terrifying talent?

The newly appointed Radiant Demon Squad Leader walked away without looking back.

His footsteps crossed the threshold without hesitation.

Myeong-yeo's words had not reached him, and it was obvious to all.

His presence exuded a calm yet unyielding determination, indifferent to whether his opponent was an official or a martial artist.

Step.

The faint sound of footsteps lingered in their ears.

Thus disappeared Jung Yeonshin, the sharp blade.

"What a bold and spirited disciple you are."

The Crown Prince murmured with his eyes closed.

Seeking his consent, Myeong-yeo immediately sat at one corner of the table and took out writing materials.

The slender hands of the Eastern Depot eunuch moved swiftly, maintaining an upright posture while holding the brush firmly.

With a single stroke, he began to write down the details of a person's profile.

Radiant Demon Squad Leader of the Desolate Fortress.

Born in Xinye County, Henan Province, from the Jung Manor.

Courtesy name and style name are both Lightning Genius.

Personally given the style name by the Lord of Desolate Fortress during the coming-of-age ceremony.

Referred to by another alias in Sichuan Province—known as the Dark King Amid Flowers, for his black long robe and use of the Full Sky Flower Rain.

Successor of the internal technique among the Moonlight Harmony Technique.

Holds black-rank martial status.

Despite slower energy replenishment compared to other squad leaders of Desolate Fortress, he possesses exceptionally deep inner strength for his age.

His ability to adapt and improvise stems from a sense unprecedented even in the black ranks of Desolate Fortress.

Creator of independent martial veins—assessed as upper-upper grade.

Demonstrates techniques influenced by unorthodox martial arts, utilizing explosive single-strike techniques. Refer to the attached document on 'Lightning Genius Martial Vein' for detailed investigation.

Martial talent—unassessable.

Born with an extremely arrogant personality yet possessing a strangely suppressed inner self.

Presumed to have come from a family environment with poor upbringing.

Further observation required to assess other acquired influences. Displays the temperament of a distant yet chivalrous hero.

Physical appearance comparable to noble bloodlines. Possesses qualities of an operative.

If appointed as an Imperial Guard, he could exert significant influence in politics regardless of his opponent's gender.

Assessment result: Recommend mid-upper level support. Assisting the current Radiant Demon Squad Leader should not be overly demanding.

Respectfully submitted by Myeong-yeo.>

The blue eyes of the eunuch, Myeong-yeo, gleamed. His clan's eyes, said to see through all creation, scanned the words he had written.

Nodding to himself, he rolled up the letter, placed it in a wooden tube, and sealed it.

It was a top-secret document destined for the Forbidden City.

* * * 

The next day.

The sun rose high, signaling the start of his journey.

By now, the heat of late summer had begun to subside.

Perhaps because he had crossed the threshold of a fierce battle and a rank promotion in Sichuan, Jung Yeonshin had unconsciously assumed that summer would continue.

Today proved him wrong.

The sky stretched out like a pool of water. A gentle breeze ruffled the robes of the young martial artists.

Gray cotton garments, white, and blue swayed up and down in the wind.

At the forefront was black.

As he rode his horse, the full presence of autumn brushed through the boy's hair.

The golden character 'Desolate' covering his right shoulder shone under the sunlight.

"Isn't it too large?"

Jung Yeonshin sensed Heon Wonchang's gaze. He was likely referring to the new robe received just before departure. The large embroidery of the character 'Desolate' in rough stitches indeed stood out.

Thanks to the imposing calligraphy, reminiscent of the markings on the armor of northern generals, it did not look ridiculous.

The spare robe of the Ma Jin, with one sleeve missing, was also packed just in case.

"..."

The boy, holding the reins of his steed, did not bother to answer.

He had already been told they could tailor the robe to his liking—a suggestion made by the Chief Administrator.

That was why he had deliberately requested the character embroidery to be oversized. He found Heon Wonchang's habit of fiddling with the shoulder embroidery uncomfortable.

In the past, Heon Wonchang often lifted the embroidery to check it, much to Jung Yeonshin's embarrassment.

'If it's big enough, anyone will notice it right away.'

Neither his identity nor his strength would be concealed.

The purpose of this journey to the martial world was to assert his presence.

Thud, thud, thud—!

The sound of hooves echoed like a whirlwind. Dust clouds rose as they galloped toward Hanzhong, where the Murim Alliance was located.

Despite the dirt and wind, not a speck of dust clung to the black robe woven with celestial silk.

The black robe behind the boy fluttered endlessly.

Once again, duty called.

Radiant Demon Squad Leader Jung Yeonshin had set out.

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