CHAPTER 164

What kind of person is the Radiant Demon Squad's leader of Desolate Fortress?

This has become one of the central questions in the Murim Alliance's discussions.

If one were to speculate on "Who will dominate the Opening Tournament", he was a strong contender, emerging as a figure of significant interest.

Among the envoys from the prominent sects gathered at the main headquarters of the Murim Alliance, he was one of the most influential figures. His martial skills and character had to be assessed.

"Perhaps it's worth speaking with the White Qilin."

"Namgoong Hwashin…? His character was famously upright, but now he's a martial artist of Desolate Fortress."

"To think that he is someone who aligns himself with the person who killed his own brother. The claims of his upright character and the tales of the 'Twin Qilins of Integrity' being the greatest brothers in Jianghu… I think it was all just a sham. Anyone can maintain appearances at a gathering like Dragon-Phoenix Gathering."

"Or maybe it's because he holds grudges. I heard that the duel between the Lightning Genius and the Azure Qilin was a fair life-and-death battle. Because of that, the elder brother of the White Qilin even became a symbol of the orthodox sects…"

"Gongsun, it'd be better if you first learned to distinguish between friend and foe."

Murong Mingjun and Ak Yerim, along with four others, started walking.

All of them were young. With two days left before the banquet, their destination was clear.

It was the dwelling of the blind master who, in just a few months, had captivated the hearts of the Murim Alliance's martial artists.

Lady Ye.

The niece of the head of the Ye Clan Sword Sect and the second master of the Ye Merchant Group.

The merchant group had provided massive financial support for the establishment of the Murim Alliance's headquarters. Her influence was unparalleled.

She possessed a bold personality and striking beauty. Despite her eyes being covered, her refined martial prowess was overwhelmingly attractive.

The martial artists of noble families were different from wandering warriors. They valued wealth above blades.

This means they knew exactly how powerful someone with both martial and financial prowess could be.

She was captivating to anyone, regardless of gender. Many martial artists suffered lovesickness over her.

Even noble families and influential clans couldn't hide their curiosity about her movements, pretending otherwise but always paying close attention.

"With the Ye Merchant Group's access to information, they must have a high-quality view of things. I wonder what they think of the Lightning Genius."

"The thing I'm most curious about is Lady Ye's name."

"They say it's a unique family tradition, that she can only reveal her name to her betrothed. Are you revealing your ulterior motives now?"

"It's just a saying. Why are you reacting so sensitively?"

They strolled along the neatly paved stone path, exchanging lighthearted conversation.

The term 'Lady' was an honorific, used to show respect to young women of distinguished families.

For figures like the Murong Clan and the Zhuge Clan among the eight noble clans to sincerely call someone "Lady"? It implied an extraordinary status.

It reflected the respect of those who acted like royalty in their territories, serving as evidence of Lady Ye's high standing.

"We've arrived."

Murong Mingjun looked ahead.

The structure before them was unusually splendid, even within the headquarters.

The graceful curves of the roof and eaves were reminiscent of those found in exquisite temples.

It was nearly as grand as the Cloud Fragrance Courtyard of the Radiant Demon Squad's leader.

In other words, it wasn't inferior to the residence allocated by the Alliance to attract the attention of others.

"I've already informed Lady Ye."

Murong Mingjun spoke, addressing a man standing by the door.

The man, unusually tall and muscular for a servant, exuded strong energy and stood with a sense of discipline, resembling more a guard than an attendant.

The attendant, after a brief glance, turned his head to the side.

"May we enter?"

"Yes."

A concise response came. The smooth voice erased any hint of discomfort toward the attendant.

The energy accompanying the voice, though faintly domineering, was not offensive. It was an extraordinary energy.

'This isn't the internal energy of the Ye Clan Sword Sect. It must be true that she learned from a reclusive master.' 

Murong Mingjun thought.

Creak.

The attendant silently grabbed the door handle and pushed it aside. Murong Mingjun carefully observed his hands, noticing the thick calluses.

'He's trained in martial arts. At a considerable level. For someone who acts as a mere attendant without even carrying weapons, he must be one of Lady Ye's trusted aides… how curious.'

The group crossed the threshold. Following the attendant, they moved through the main hall and entered a spacious office.

A curtain was drawn in front of the main seat, preventing the host and guests from seeing each other's faces.

"I heard you're not shy around others."

Murong Mingjun joked with a smile. The silhouette of Lady Ye beyond the curtain took his breath away.

Her long legs were crossed, her back leaned casually against the chair.

The waves of destructive energy emanating from her form carried an overwhelming allure.

The ripples of her martial energy were so striking that, had there been any malevolence in them, one might have mistaken her for a noble of the Blood Flame Cult.

"Can't we meet face-to-face? That single layer of silk is truly irritating."

"I hate seeing ugly faces even at home."

Lady Ye's voice came through. It was clear she had no intention of lifting the curtain.

Her unrestrained behavior and bold demeanor suited her perfectly.

Words that bordered on vulgarity, when spoken by her, turned into playful jests of a gallant hero.

This was due to her known beauty, aura, and background.

"Lady Ye, I'm pretty, so it's okay, right? Can I come inside? I miss you."

Ak Yerim playfully whined, tilting her head side to side coyly. The response was indifferent.

"State your business."

"Oh…"

Ak Yerim lowered her head, looking dejected.

They had previously gone on an excursion together.

During that time, amidst the chaos caused by the Thirteen Celestial Demons, Lady Ye had defeated a Blood Master Swordsman who nearly took Ak Yerim's life.

She crushed the Blood Master Swordsman's head with the back of her hand. It was truly astonishing.

The Ak Clan of Shandong was a respected orthodox sect, and Ak Yerim knew the value of grace.

She wished to repay the favor, but Lady Ye never allowed anyone within a certain distance. The invisible boundary was stark.

It was why the young martial artists of the Alliance were so captivated by her. She possessed unparalleled charm yet remained inaccessible.

This was true even for top talents from the eight noble clans, like Ak Yerim, Murong Mingjun, and Zhuge Hyeon.

Force couldn't resolve it. The Murim Alliance was a recently formed coalition.

Its sources of income weren't uniform. Budgets and expenditures were extremely complex.

Continued financial support from a major backer like the Ye Merchant Group was essential.

'I've been tracing the flow, but I can't determine the source of their wealth. It's been ages since I instructed the clan to investigate… when will there be results?'

Pushing aside his thoughts, Murong Mingjun spoke.

"We've come to seek Lady Ye's wisdom. We, brute warriors with stiff minds like Ak and I, require a bold strategy we wouldn't think of ourselves."

"Wisdom?"

Lady Ye's shadow shifted slightly. The tone of her voice, tinged with amusement, almost seemed incredulous.

Murong Mingjun's lips curved into a faint smile.

"The new Radiant Demon Squad leader has arrived as a delegate from Desolate Fortress. I'm sure Lady Ye is aware."

"…"

"He's quite a troublesome figure. Given that the justification for the Alliance's formation lies in Desolate Fortress, we can't simply send him back peacefully. We need to disgrace him somehow, but… he's leaving no openings. Instead, he's earning a good reputation, offering guidance to those who seek him. Truly a formidable individual."

"Do you wish to die?"

"Hmm? Are you speaking of the Radiant Demon Squad's leader?"

Murong Mingjun chuckled as he asked.

"…"

There was no response. The translucent curtain fluttered slightly.

The attendant standing at the doorway flinched unnecessarily.

Lady Ye's usual indifferent expression toward the noble families and influential clans wavered slightly.

"Lady Ye's words and actions always exceed expectations. However, we can't kill the delegate. A black-robed martial master wouldn't be defeated so easily, nor would they succumb willingly. Simply disgracing him will suffice."

"Sister, he's the one who killed my betrothed. I told you before, didn't I? The Azure Qilin, Namgoong Se-jin. He might have fallen victim to the bold tactics unique to Desolate Fortress. I can't just let this go. Surely, he must be a heinous villain."

Ak Yerim added.

The young man from the Gongsun Clan beside them sighed but said nothing. No one turned to look at him.

"The Azure Qilin?"

Lady Ye repeated. Her voice seemed to carry a peculiar interest. Ak Yerim's face lit up.

"Yes, yes, that's right. He fought the Lightning Genius, Jung Yeonshin…"

"It must have been significant."

Lady Ye cut Ak Yerim off, her voice resonating with a strange sense of anticipation.

"Sixteen-year old. That was when the Radiant Demon Squad's leader participated in the duel hosted by the Namgoong Clan. Isn't it an age where one doesn't take things too seriously? Also, according to my father… or rather, according to our informant, the young Radiant Demon Squad's leader was said to be seductively cruel and chillingly arrogant. Why don't you mention the Azure Qilin directly? I can't do it myself."

"You're saying he resembles the Blood Flame Cult, aren't you? As expected… the Ye Merchant Group's intelligence network is as grand as rumored. Surely, their spies aren't as capable as practitioners of Kai-bang, right? But… what do you mean by 'can't do it'?"

"I'm telling you to leave now. I have something to savor while lying down."

* * *

"I am Ak Yerim of the Shandong Ak Clan." 

She said.

It was when she addressed the Radiant Demon Squad's leader, who wore a face far too handsome to belong to someone she loathed. Her chest throbbed with hatred.

This boy had taken from her the one she loved for a lifetime. After hearing the news of Namgoong Se-jin's death, she had spent days unable to eat or drink.

The reason she eventually picked up her chopsticks again and began honing her martial arts was, ironically, because she wanted to face Jung Yeonshin, the Lightning Genius, once more.

"Radiant Demon Squad's leader, Jung Yeonshin."

The boy responded.

She knew. She knew him all too well. She had engraved his face in her mind, memorizing every feature to the point where it appeared in her dreams.

The rising star who had slain the Azure Qilin, Namgoong Se-jin.

She had expected that, one way or another, they would meet at the higher echelons of Jianghu.

Her prediction was correct. They had finally met. But he now stood in a position where she couldn't simply draw her blade.

She resented the heavens. If only the alliance had declared the Opening Tournament immediately upon its founding.

She would have mobilized the entire Ak Clan to avenge her beloved.

"I understand that you witnessed the Azure Qilin's final moments. I was his fiance."

Ak Yerim spoke slowly.

A sadistic desire began to stir in her. She looked down at the boy, who was seated gracefully.

Do you even know the value of the man you killed? His noble character and outstanding appearance were symbols of the orthodox sects.

Do you have any idea how heartbreaking it was to feel the tears on his face as he wept in my arms after sending his younger brother, Namgoong Hwashin, into exile?

"The man I knew was a hypocrite. He was busy hiding his family's disgrace with his seemingly upright conduct."

The man who could have been a great hero—his soul became lost in your hands. What do you think of him?

Did it end with Desolate Fortress praising you with grand accolades? How satisfying was it for you to kill him?

Even the act of killing a hero became a merit in Desolate Fortress. How absurd.

"I'm curious about your thoughts, Radiant Demon Squad's leader. You, as a noble martial artist, engaged in a life-and-death duel with him. You must have felt Namgoong Se-jin's character more deeply than anyone."

As she spoke, emotions welled up. Her voice dropped to a whisper.

If you agree with this story, I, Ak Yerim of Shandong, will see you as beneath contempt.

This is the powerless revenge of an orthodox martial artist who walks the white path. You're nothing more than a wandering rogue with strong martial skills.

This is how noble families exact their revenge—by first tarnishing their opponent's dignity.

After all, every martial artist in this room knows.

Ak Yerim didn't truly believe her own criticism of the Azure Qilin. She was simply testing him.

She gave the Radiant Demon Squad's leader a pretext to rationalize the outcome of his duel.

As Murong Mingjun and several other martial artists observed with interest, the Radiant Demon Squad's leader's voice rang out.

"You. You dare speak of the Azure Qilin so lightly. You are tarnishing his honor."

Unbelievable words escaped the Radiant Demon Squad's leader's lips. Ak Yerim looked at the boy's face.

His thick, well-defined brows furrowed. His expression was one of visible anger.

"I have no interest in the petty thoughts of lesser minds."

The Radiant Demon Squad's leader slowly rose from his seat. The ripples of energy emanating from him grew impossibly sharp.

He didn't even draw his sword, yet it felt as though the energy alone delivered a bladelike precision.

"Why I was invited here, what makes it so amusing to watch… Compared to the Azure Qilin, you are all insignificant. Even if I were reduced to ashes, he and I would still stand as equals. Let me make that clear."

The black robes of the newly appointed Radiant Demon Squad's leader fluttered.

It was an aura that reminded everyone of the meaning of the black robes—a privilege said to be reserved for leaders in Desolate Fortress.

"From this moment on, refrain from addressing me, all you juniors. It's beneath me."

Just as the boy's lips stopped moving—

Whoosh!

A single sword materialized in Ak Yerim's vision. The blade was aimed precisely at her.

How close had it come? She couldn't even tell when it had been drawn.

The sharp line blurred all other colors in her surroundings. Her view was entirely dominated by the single streak of the blade.

Her heart pounded furiously. Every fiber of her being seemed to confirm that this was real.

Even the chilling breeze of the sword wind brushing her skin felt genuine.

For a moment, she couldn't believe it. 

'Would he actually kill me here? Me?'

Swish!

Ak Yerim instinctively collapsed to her knees, displaying the worst reaction possible for a martial artist. That was how overwhelming the sword strike had felt.

But.

Nothing happened. Only the faint breeze from the window caressed the tense silence of the banquet hall.

She slowly raised her head, dazed. She met the eyes of the boy, who stood with his hands behind his back, his sword undrawn.

His posture was unwavering. At that moment, she understood what Lady Ye had said.

He was seductively cruel, chillingly arrogant. Exactly as described by the Ye Merchant Group's informants.

"The Azure Qilin remained standing."

Radiant Demon Squad's leader, hands now free, spoke. He brushed his sleeve, his gaze lowering slightly.

As though recalling something. Was it his memory of the Azure Qilin? Or was he reflecting on the technique he had just unleashed?

Ak Yerim's eyes widened.

"That was… an illusion?"

Suddenly, she became aware of her surroundings. She wasn't the only one affected. Several others had been as well.

Even Murong Mingjun, who had half-drawn his sword and crouched low, seemed slower to react than Ak Yerim herself.

"What…?"

"How many were caught in that? Could it be… the Sword of the Heart?"

The banquet hall erupted into murmurs.

The Radiant Demon Squad's leader continued to shock them. Both his words defending the Azure Qilin and the technique he had displayed were extraordinary.

It was something that the elite of the orthodox sects found difficult to accept.

Even now, as the handsome swordsman stood at the entrance of the banquet hall, reality seemed far away.

"Leader."

Namgoong Hwashin approached with an aura of solemn elegance, bowing deeply before the Radiant Demon Squad's leader.

His posture reflected impeccable courtesy, kneeling with one fist cupped in the other hand.

Even with many familiar faces around, he showed no concern. His bearing was that of a noble youth unmatched by anyone present.

"You resemble the Azure Qilin greatly. Your appearance is strikingly similar."

"More than that… such flawless manners… Could it be true that the White Qilin truly serves as the Radiant Demon Squad's leader's sword?"

Those uninvolved with any faction whispered among themselves.

Namgoong Hwashin, a prominent talent among the younger generation of noble families, seemed unbothered by kneeling before the Radiant Demon Squad's leader.

The sight left the other martial artists frozen in place, unsure of how to react.

From across the room, Murong Mingjun straightened his back, his brow furrowed.

Namgoong Hwashin paid him no mind.

He finally spoke.

"I have waited for matters to settle."

"There was no need."

The boy's cold gaze softened ever so slightly.

It was a stark contrast to the way he addressed Flame Dragon and the other noble martial artists. Namgoong Hwashin smiled faintly.

"The Sword Saint requests your presence."

"The Sword Saint? You mean the Alliance Leader?"

"Yes."

At that moment—

Suddenly, Heon Wonchang rose from his seat.

After glancing around, he approached his young leader and casually dusted off the golden character embroidered on his shoulder.

He then looked alternately at Ak Yerim and Murong Mingjun before laughing.

"Enjoy yourselves."