CHAPTER 163

The martial exchanges continued day after day. Many people came and went from Cloud Fragrance Courtyard, all wanting to exchange skills with the Radiant Demon Squad Leader.

Rumors were spreading quietly within the massive main branch of the Murim Alliance, saying that the young squad leader of Desolate Fortress was offering guidance.

One could even hear the chatter just outside the door.

"Interesting things are happening even before the opening ceremony. I've heard rumors that the Namgoong Clan came to meet the White Qilin, and that some men have left to greet the Sword Dragon of Zhongnan. It's all quite amusing."

"Isn't the entire spectrum of Jianghu's characters gathered here? If the black figure of Desolate Fortress is among them, you could call it a needle hidden in a pouch."

"I heard it from the leader of Azure One Sect. They said a single martial exchange granted them the starting point for a profound realization... but I can't understand it. Why would a master from Desolate Fortress teach martial artists of the Alliance? If it was intentional, it wouldn't make sense to call them a violent extremist but rather a great hero."

"Isn't 'great hero' too grand a title for someone so young?"

"If that's what you think, why are you loitering here yourself?"

Jung Yeonshin thought to himself. Everyone is equally clueless about the intent.

'There's no need to listen to this anymore.'

He stopped the rotation of the Radiant Wheel entrenched in his heart. As he collected his inner energy, his sharpened hearing dulled once more.

The Murim Alliance couldn't be entirely unaware of Jung Yeonshin. Even based solely on his public actions, his presence was bound to spark curiosity.

Jung Yeonshin, known as Lightning Genius, always achieved more than what was expected of his position. He had defeated opponents thought nearly impossible to overcome.

The most notable case was when he, still clad in white, killed an elder of the Tyrant Sword Tribe.

The Blood Fiend Demon Sword.

It had been after he repeatedly fought masters from the Zhongnan Sect. He was so exhausted that he showed early signs of energy deviation.

Jung Yeonshin carefully analyzed the habits, techniques, and sword paths of the Blood Fiend Demon Sword, preparing a single counter-strategy.

It was a gamble. If the Demon Sword had used a different technique, he would have been the one defeated instead.

It was an event that couldn't help but stand out.

'The upper echelon of the Murim Alliance must certainly be on alert. Yet they don't stop masters from challenging me…'

When weighing the pros and cons, they likely deemed their gains greater.

That was the current state of affairs. Many focused on the Radiant Demon Squad Leader, while Jung Yeonshin engaged each of them just once.

Compared to the information the Alliance exposed, the information Jung Yeonshin gathered was shallow. It was a scenario of sequential battles.

'Unlike the Azure Qilin, who's to say which side is correct?'

— I heard you're adept at deciphering and dismantling techniques. You unravel them well and destroy them just as easily. That's why I won't show you my sword forms in advance.

That was what Namgoong Se-jin, the Azure Qilin, had said.

He was a remarkable person. During the battle between Zhongnan Sect and the Tyrant Sword Tribe, the Beggars' Sect had observed and recorded the events.

Upon hearing that Jung Yeonshin had beheaded the Blood Fiend Demon Sword on that battlefield, Namgoong Se-jin had purchased the Beggars' Sect's information.

When it was decided that the Lightning Genius of Desolate Fortress would face his younger sister in a martial exchange, he came to a conclusion: never reveal his techniques to the Lightning Genius.

'Azure Qilin, perhaps you're the one who's right.'

The young master of the Namgoong Clan reached his conclusion based on the information his family had gathered: showing martial techniques to the Lightning Genius would be unwise.

"Step aside."

Jung Yeonshin pushed aside Lazy Flame Dragon and sat down on the mountain rock. The nameless disciple, shoved aside, wore an exasperated expression as he spoke.

"What if I turn blue? Is this what ambition feels like?"

Lazy Flame Dragon grumbled, stepping across the lakeside to the opposite bank.

Standing in the garden, he interlocked his fingers behind his head, adopting a relaxed and carefree posture. He looked like a wandering nobleman, leisurely enjoying his time.

"The young squad leader is far too indifferent. Desolate Fortress is fine and all, but a sect of tyrants would suit him much better."

"If you achieve merit, I'll treat you differently." 

The boy replied, lightly tapping the rock beneath his heel, his gaze fixed on the front gate.

His face, as Lazy Flame Dragon had pointed out, was utterly indifferent.

It was good to compile the Complete Sword Archive and continue refining swordsmanship, but this Cloud Fragrance Courtyard was located right in the heart of enemy territory.

He couldn't entirely disregard the intentions of the Murim Alliance.

"Very good."

Lazy Flame Dragon, who had been quietly observing Jung Yeonshin, smirked. Still leaning his head against his interlocked fingers, he added,

"This pitiful servant will take a look around the Alliance. Our squad leader seems curious about the intentions of the higher-ups."

"You want me to entrust espionage to you?"

"Frankly, I'd be better at it than Hwashin, who left earlier. Even righteous factions are places where people live. As long as they're not one of the Nine Great Sects, everyone enjoys drinking and carousing. Whether it's a lavish banquet to open their hearts, a subtle game of nerves over appetizers, or a sword dance performed under the influence of liquor… And besides…"

The corners of Lazy Flame Dragon's lips curled higher.

"Being known as the Lazy Flame Dragon of the Hwangbo Clan, I once made quite a name for myself as a charming prince in Jinan…"

Jung Yeonshin paused. Should he entertain this nonsense?

Just then, the side door near the main gate opened. A man in neatly pressed green robes entered, closing the door behind him. He walked briskly over and handed over a letter.

It was the servant of Cloud Fragrance Courtyard, who had gone out to procure ingredients. The Murim Alliance had assigned him here.

A commoner born and raised in Hanzhong, he had only mastered the Three Talents Heart Method, decreed by the imperial family.

"Squad leader, a message."

"A message? From whom?"

Sliding off the rock, Jung Yeonshin took the letter and opened it as he asked.

"It's from the Murong Clan. Young master Murong Mingjun asked me to deliver it."

The servant answered respectfully.

Lazy Flame Dragon leaned in to glance at the letter over the boy's shoulder, but Jung Yeonshin paid him no mind.

The three of them read the contents together, the room briefly falling silent. Eventually, Lazy Flame Dragon's lips twisted slightly.

"An invitation, huh. They're applying pressure before the opening ceremony. Will you accept?"

"I need to gather information as well. It's unlikely the martial artists of the Alliance will come here again."

"So it's your duty as squad leader. Let's go together."

* * *

Clunk.

The antique wooden doors swung open on both sides. Jung Yeonshin, Lazy Flame Dragon, and Heon Wonchang stepped into a banquet hall filled with orange lanterns.

It was an evening shortly before the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The night breeze was fresh, but the crowd's energy was anything but. The aura radiating from dozens of people was overwhelming.

"Didn't I tell you?"

Lazy Flame Dragon's earlier words proved correct. The interior was luxurious. Most of the martial artists present were young, drinking and feasting.

The atmosphere was brighter than the glow of the lanterns, brimming with vitality.

The stone ornaments and landscape paintings adorning the walls looked exceptionally expensive, as if the entire building was designed for celebrations.

However, the martial artists themselves were the most striking decoration in the hall.

The air around them spoke of their exceptional skills. Disciplined inner energy mingled with youthful vigor.

They were heirs of prestigious martial families, exuding both grandeur and dignity.

They exchanged greetings, discussed martial arts, and occasionally tested one another's intentions with pointed remarks.

Some exchanged glances with those they admired.

Step.

The hem of Jung Yeonshin's jet-black pants moved as he took a step. A small sound carried a strange weight.

The Radiant Wheel energy, the mystical energy imbued with spirit, granted him an overwhelming presence. With just one step, the hall fell silent.

Only then did people turn their gazes.

"…"

The aura of a transcendent master. Without any effort to draw attention, he created a silence that couldn't be ignored.

The golden embroidery of the character 'Desolate' glimmered under the lantern light. His jet-black robe resembled the ceremonial attire of nobles from Beijing.

His demeanor and appearance played a significant role. The jet-black hair cascading to his shoulders, shimmering like silk, also added to the effect.

It was as if he was prepared for close combat, exuding an intimidating sheen.

How many in this banquet hall could pierce through the black-robed sword techniques of the Desolate Fortress and grab his hair?

"A wild 'Desolate' and black robes… Did they invite the Radiant Demon Squad Leader?"

"Who on earth?"

Few uttered such curious words. Most of the gazes directed toward Jung Yeonshin were calm.

Lazy Flame Dragon had earlier mentioned that martial artists' schemes were inherently rough and unrefined.

Those who didn't participate from the outset simply weren't present.

Even Yoo Hyun of the Mount Hua Sect was nowhere to be seen. It seemed his restriction from leaving the sect, imposed by the elders, had not been lifted.

Jung Yeonshin thought it was only natural.

'What would Yoo Hyun think of all this?'

As the crowd silently stared at the young boy, a swordsman clad in pink martial attire approached.

He was a youth with an elegant appearance.

"Radiant Demon Squad Leader." 

He said, smiling faintly and bowing with a fist salute.

"I didn't expect you to accept the invitation. Please, enjoy yourself without any burden."

His words carried a subtle irritation, as if questioning whether the boy really came. Some people whispered among themselves.

A few furrowed their brows, but the majority didn't. Jung Yeonshin felt a hostility that bordered on territorialism.

'Those whispers… the Azure Qilin? I see. It's because of Namgoong Se-jin's reputation.'

Namgoong Se-jin's name echoed in his ears several times, accompanied by questions about whether such a young boy could truly possess such martial prowess.

Releasing his fist salute, Murong Mingjun spoke again.

"I felt belated regret that I hadn't invited you sooner. Time was insufficient to inform all of my peers about your esteemed presence. It is entirely my fault. I deeply apologize."

"Murong young master?" 

Jung Yeonshin asked.

Murong Mingjun nodded slowly.

"I am Murong Mingjun, the young master of the Murong Clan."

The boy offered a faint smile.

"I see. Thank you for inviting me."

His tone was casual. For a brief moment, the sharpness in Murong Mingjun's gaze intensified. He couldn't maintain the demeanor of a host welcoming a guest in his own house.

The Murong aristocrats held a position in Liaoning Province akin to royalty. They were not accustomed to receiving gratitude from someone so much younger.

"Is there a problem?"

The boy asked calmly.

Inwardly, however, Jung Yeonshin was puzzled. Did they really invite him to gauge his personality at a banquet?

Did they foolishly expect the Radiant Demon Squad Leader of Desolate Fortress to show respect to someone like him?

'The young masters of clans I know are far more cunning and deeply calculative.'

Namgoong Se-jin's face floated in his mind, along with Lazy Flame Dragon's as an added bonus.

"Your intentions are transparent, Murong brat."

And as if on cue, the so-called "bonus" let out a lazy chuckle.

"A black-robed figure representing Desolate Fortress wouldn't show respect to a mere post-peak martial artist. In Jianghu, those who live by the sword are greeted with the sword. Our squad leader has mastered that particular courtesy. If you're upset, challenge him to a duel. You'll witness some splendid etiquette. If prattling on is your plan to earn his respect, you might as well shatter your own dantian and live as a commoner."

His words and actions suggested he was already a fully-fledged martial artist of Desolate Fortress. Jung Yeonshin shook his head slightly, pushing Lazy Flame Dragon aside.

When Jung Yeonshin said he would manage things himself, Murong Mingjun nodded silently, seemingly ready to confront Lazy Flame Dragon with a rebuttal.

The boy, however, ended the standoff and took a seat at a table.

The banquet resumed.

Murong Mingjun, who had been the first to pour drinks and receive a glass, apologized and then walked away.

Lazy Flame Dragon, who watched his dignified retreat, also left. He said there were people he had ties with from his days as the young master of the Hwangbo Clan.

From Jung Yeonshin's perspective, it was fortunate if Lazy Flame Dragon didn't end up begging for poppy flowers or something similar. He barely had a few coins left.

Only Heon Wonchang remained, pouring water from a jade teapot for Jung Yeonshin, who didn't drink alcohol.

"Murong Mingjun, the Frostlight Sword. They say he behaves as a Confucian scholar, but his true nature is closer to that of a merchant. A scholar's facade masking a merchant's soul. I've heard he's quite adept with the sword as well. If you must keep him close, stay very near. If you want to keep him away, don't even look in his direction."

Their table was conspicuously empty.

In the grand banquet hall, with a diameter of nearly forty zhang, the vacant seats around them were all the more noticeable.

The two paid no mind to the many gazes subtly cast their way. They simply sat quietly, sharing their time.

'Not bad.'

Jung Yeonshin thought as he openly observed the Murim Alliance martial artists.

There were no venerable masters among them, none who had fully controlled their internal energy.

By the aura he felt on his skin alone, he could grasp the characteristics of their cultivated internal energy.

The occasional pain in his knees had recently grown stronger, a sign that the energy in his upper dantian had also grown more potent.

Analyzing the power waves of the Murim Alliance martial artists was worthwhile.

By devising countermeasures in his mind, he could add another chapter to the Complete Sword Archive.

"That one over there. The guy with the yellow hero sash."

"He's from the Jin Clan of Pearl County."

Whenever Jung Yeonshin inquired about someone's identity, Heon Wonchang immediately provided an answer.

The Sacred Hero of Desolate Fortress had memorized all the facial features and descriptions listed in the records stored there.

He knew the identities of every martial artist who had paid tribute to the government.

Time passed as they continued this quiet exchange.

Suddenly, a slender shadow fell across their table. A long, braided strand of hair came into view first. Jung Yeonshin lifted his gaze.

Their eyes met. A woman with exceptionally dark pupils greeted him with a smooth smile.

"I'm Ak Yerim of the Ak Clan of Shandong."

"Radiant Demon Squad Leader, Jung Yeonshin."

"I heard you witnessed the Azure Qilin's final moments. I happened to be engaged to him." 

She said, her red lips parting slightly. There was no warmth in her eyes. Her tone and direct words betrayed her feelings.

"To me, he was a hypocrite. He spent all his effort hiding his family's shame with his supposedly righteous behavior."

"…"

"I'm curious about your thoughts. As someone who settled life and death with him, you must have known Namgoong Se-jin's true nature better than anyone."

Ak Yerim whispered, her approach inscrutable.

Jung Yeonshin had lived through a dense and intense experience of Jianghu. He could tell the young woman before him was mocking him.

The slight tremor in her lips and the rhythm of her heartbeat gave her away. She was anything but natural.

The boy suddenly wondered. What are these amateurs trying to accomplish here?

"You…" 

The young Radiant Demon Squad Leader began slowly.

"You speak carelessly of the Azure Qilin."

His words carried an unusual emotion, rare for him.

"You're tarnishing his honor."

From within the boy's heart, a sword began to rise.