CHAPTER 165

Heon Wonchang's words were clearly provocative. Both his tone and expression confirmed it.

It was behavior rarely seen among the noble martial artists of the white rank. The hostility from the surrounding experts seemed to rise like a gathering storm cloud.

Their gazes sharpened, and the energy enveloping their bodies became edged.

Lazy Flame Dragon let out an outright laugh.

"Why get so worked up over a well-meant compliment? Especially after taking such a harsh beating."

His mocking tone rose at the end, teasing in a way that matched his leader's arrogance.

As expected of the young master of the Hwangbo Clan. His demeanor screamed arrogance, evident to anyone.

Jung Yeonshin's lips curled slightly. He had just uttered words that demeaned Heon Wonchang, calling him unfit as a squad leader of the Radiant Demon Squad.

Heon Wonchang's behavior couldn't be dismissed as mere impetuousness.

'This happens all the time.'

The boy slightly shrugged his shoulders, brushing off Heon Wonchang's hand resting on his shoulder, marked with the character 'Desolate'.

With a faint cough, Heon Wonchang withdrew his hand, feigning nonchalance. The exaggerated prominence of the 'Desolate' insignia suddenly felt meaningless, almost embarrassing.

Jung Yeonshin thought to himself with a slight shake of his head, 'Heocho is starting to come naturally to me. Not bad at all.'

He tested out the technique he learned from the Lord of Desolate Fortress. It worked better than expected.

His eyes caught the shocked faces of Murong Mingjun and Ak Yerim, who failed to process the attack.

Mediocre experts. Their senses were sharp, yet they couldn't discern the illusionary strike created by Jung Yeonshin's energy.

'That makes them easier to deceive.'

Though they had decent perception, they weren't skilled enough to immediately recognize Heocho for what it was.

Their senses were sharp enough to perceive the illusory sword strike as if it were real. It was an ambiguous skill level—perfect for Heocho to exploit, with more than a seventy percent chance of success.

They were good practice partners. Just sparring with them made the trip to the banquet worthwhile.

'It's usable in one-against-many battles, though... Against high-level experts, it'll take more refinement to create real chaos.'

The young Radiant Demon Squad Leader's gaze went beyond the rising prodigies. He resolved to refine both his sword techniques and Heocho.

He wanted to ensure that the time it worked against the Obeying Heaven Squad Leader wasn't just a stroke of luck.

"Let's go."

The boy spoke.

By that point, the prestige of the Murim Alliance had already been tarnished. There was no reason to stay any longer.

Heon Wonchang was right—leaving them to enjoy themselves was sufficient.

Having demonstrated that the Radiant Demon Squad Leader stood above them, he had achieved his mission's objective.

Lazy Flame Dragon smirked.

"Why so bashful after saying everything you wanted to?"

He teased, casually sidling up to Jung Yeonshin's left side.

The boy, catching the mischievous smile, didn't bother looking up at his unpredictable subordinate.

Instead, he nodded toward Namgoong Hwashin, who had delivered the Sword Saint's message. Amidst this, Lazy Flame Dragon's voice, laced with laughter, reached his ears.

"I'm technically a rising prodigy myself, but for our young squad leader to belittle others like that... It's impressive. Only someone with the skill of a top master at that age could pull that off."

"..."

"Let me give you some advice in advance. Such extraordinary talent only exists in you, our squad leader. Remember that, and don't find yourself kicking your blanket in regret three years from now. Take it from me—nine years ago, I cursed the heavens for granting me the Solar Divine Meridian. Swore to burn the world to make them regret it. Quite embarrassing in hindsight."

He spoke in an infuriatingly casual tone, mixing his words with exhalations. As ever, a difficult subordinate to manage.

"Let's go."

Jung Yeonshin fully turned and spoke.

The boy could sense his annoyance in his voice. It was natural. They weren't worth a fingernail of Azure Qilin.

Initially, he had hoped to exchange courtesies to glean some martial arts insights from the noble sects. Not anymore. His interest had waned.

Step.

He walked off at his own pace, with no one daring to stop him. Perhaps the austere illusion of Heocho deterred them.

The young martial artists of the orthodox faction didn't move. They only stared blankly at the Radiant Demon Squad Leader who had hurled insults their way.

"Even if they turn purple, do they think they're equals?"

A lone boy in light blue silk muttered under his breath, wearing a strange expression. He appeared a year or two younger than Jung Yeonshin.

Heon Wonchang, standing nearby, whispered that the boy was the young master of the Gongsun Clan.

"At least he has a decent reputation, considering the Gongsun Clan's commentaries under his records. Perhaps it's his youth."

"True, the Gongsun Clan doesn't have any particularly bad rumors."

Lazy Flame Dragon chimed in lightly.

"I'm not interested. Playtime is over."

Jung Yeonshin glanced briefly at the Gongsun young master, then took slow steps forward, resolving to face only mid-tier experts from now on.

Lazy Flame Dragon and Heon Wonchang followed on either side, while Namgoong Hwashin guarded his rear.

"Playtime is over, huh."

Lazy Flame Dragon chuckled under his breath. 

"Our squad leader, pondering the next Heocho technique for bedtime."

"Truly, a great master."

"Meditate in silence until morning."

The four left the banquet hall without hesitation.

Even then, Ak Yerim sat there in a daze, staring blankly at the black robe of the young Radiant Demon Squad Leader.

Standing off to the side, Murong Mingjun bit his lip quietly, left with confusion, anguish, and anger.

The lanterns in the banquet hall flickered wildly for a moment.

Through the crack of the door the Radiant Demon Squad Leader's group had closed, a gust of night air rushed in. It was dark and clear.

* * *

"The Sword Saint was originally a wanderer." 

Heon Wonchang said.

It was right after they returned to Cloud Fragrance Courtyard from the banquet hall.

The meeting with the Alliance Leader was scheduled for noon tomorrow, as Namgoong Hwashin had relayed earlier. The Sword Saint had invited them to lunch.

Namgoong Hwashin was the only one in the group with a good reputation.

While gathering information across the Murim Alliance headquarters, he had stopped by Cloud Fragrance Courtyard first and delivered the Alliance Leader's message.

"There are many tales about him. No one knows how much is true. Some say he learned swordsmanship forbidden by the secular monks of Shaolin, while others claim he survived the annihilation of his clan, a renowned family. There are even stories that he honed his swordsmanship while roaming the world with the foundational martial arts of a noble family. Sword Saint Hyun So-baek is renowned as a man capable of anything."

Heon Wonchang's words were unusual. Perhaps it was because the Sword Saint's origins were unclear.

It was rare for the Sacred Warrior of Desolate Fortress to acknowledge anyone without reservation.

Lazy Flame Dragon, lying with his arm behind his head, nodded.

"There's a saying from the past. When Hyun So-baek unsheathes his sword, the serene landscape of Mount Wudang can be felt. When he performs a sword dance on Mount Hua, plum blossoms respond naturally. To experience the ruggedness of Songshan, one only needs to face the Sword Saint's techniques."

"..."

A brief silence followed. Jung Yeonshin observed Namgoong Hwashin and Heon Wonchang's expressions. There were no visible changes.

It seemed to be a widely known tale. A discussion of Hyun So-baek often involved the sacred mountains of the Nine Great Sects.

"He's on the level of the Purple Rank, then."

The boy murmured slowly. Lazy Flame Dragon nodded.

"The Divine Sword Squad Leader and the Sword Saint are often compared. It's a popular topic among martial enthusiasts. They debate whose swordsmanship is more sublime and beautiful."

"Is he comparable to the Squad Leader's Formless Sword?"

Jung Yeonshin asked absentmindedly, recalling the radiant blade displayed when the Divine Sword Squad Leader had killed the Namgoong Clan Leader.

Could there be anything more brilliant than the sword from that day? He had yet to see one.

Lazy Flame Dragon bobbed his head leisurely, a relaxed gesture.

"It was the White Ink Sword that beheaded the previous leader of the Profound Martial Alliance... He's certainly a figure worthy of respect. Many revere him. I once did, too."

"There's a famous tale of him halting one hundred Profound Martial soldiers. Amidst experts clad in armor and armed with arrows, he claimed the head of the previous leader. That was fifteen years ago."

Namgoong Hwashin spoke, seated upright, addressing Jung Yeonshin respectfully.

Among the three subordinates, Namgoong Hwashin was the only one to do so.

The boy nodded slightly.

"What's he like as a person?"

"The incident with the Profound Martial Alliance leader happened in front of civilians. Their military force relies on plunder to sustain itself. They had set up a base in a village when the Sword Saint appeared. Alone, he faced one hundred experts and the previous leader of the Profound Martial Alliance. After taking the leader's head, he suffered significant internal injuries and sought refuge at Shaolin Temple. This incident occurred in Henan."

Namgoong Hwashin responded, his words filled with deference for Sword Saint Hyun So-baek.

'If the rumors are true, he's a hero.'

The boy thought to himself. Was the Alliance Leader different? He had rarely sensed the scent of chivalry among the orthodox sects.

Only a few came to mind: Yoo Hyun, who recklessly went to save civilians; Wei Ji Myohwa, renowned for her righteousness; the Shaolin monks who willingly helped destroy the Blood Flame Cult; and Azure Qilin.

Jung Yeonshin parted his lips again, hoping to avoid any unnecessary games with the Sword Saint.

"Did he obtain the Revitalization Pill back then?"

"That's how it's known. He likely formed a connection with the Shaolin's Abbot during that time."

"He's certainly no ordinary elder, giving away the prize from the Opening Tournament as a personal reward—especially the Revitalization Pill."

Lazy Flame Dragon chimed in.

He was right. Jung Yeonshin listened carefully to his older subordinates. It was his mission to oppose experts despite being a novice himself.

The Desolate Divine Spear, Ak Surim, had claimed that winning the Opening Tournament would be enough, but the boy always sought more than that.

It was said that the swordsmanship of an expert reflects their character.

Someone with a rough disposition could never master Wudang Sect's Taiji Sword completely. If the Sword Saint was gentle by nature, he might have been given the initiative in exchanges.

In that case, preparing a technique that accumulates a significant amount of energy with a single strike, was the right move.

This way, it was possible to anticipate various scenarios and have a fighting chance.

They even discussed how to conduct themselves as envoys—until the break of dawn.

"Let's start with the squad leader's demeanor. From my perspective, it might be more important to be cautious of the Zhuge Clan Leader than the Alliance Leader. We can't afford to give them any excuse to nitpick. Who knows what schemes they might employ regarding the Opening Tournament?"

"Demeanor?"

"To be honest, the young squad leader's manner of speaking isn't exactly polite, is it? If anything, you seem to have a knack for making people's blood rush all the way to their Baihui Acupoint. You weren't like this before, but lately, there's been something…"

"Me?"

Jung Yeonshin reached the day of the meeting without any significant achievements.

* * *

The Alliance Leader's Hall, where the Sword Saint resided, was located deep within the main headquarters. It seemed to be the most secluded area of the inner courtyard.

Even the man assigned to guide Jung Yeonshin was no ordinary figure.

Fan Dragon Zhuge Hyeon. His green scholar's robe evoked the image of a distinguished academic. He was said to hold the second-highest rank in the Zhuge Clan.

'This seems more like a job for a servant.'

Jung Yeonshin thought. Despite being unfamiliar, Zhuge Hyeon left a rather good impression on him.

Though it was their first meeting, he had respectfully requested a sparring match and even burned his fan for Jung Yeonshin.

At that moment, Zhuge Hyeon, walking alongside him, spoke up.

"I didn't have a chance to say this before."

"...?"

"Thank you for graciously accepting the sparring match. As you said, it was a valuable lesson. I wanted to express my gratitude, albeit belatedly. Thanks to you, I had an epiphany."

"An epiphany?"

"You mentioned that while weapon techniques are important, mastering movement should come first. It was an excellent insight. It even helped me make progress in achieving mastery of the Meridian Shifting Scripture."

His tone was calm. It was unlike the insincere voice of Murong Mingjun. The sincerity of his words was evident in his composed demeanor.

Had the act of burning his fan been unrelated to his intentions? Perhaps it had been on the orders of a higher-up like the Zhuge Clan Leader.

The boy nodded once.

"That's good to hear."

There were few martial artists in the Jianghu who expressed direct gratitude, especially those from noble clans.

Was he showing an embarrassed expression unintentionally? Zhuge Hyeon's lips formed a faint smile. The boy suddenly remembered.

Fan Dragon, Lazy Flame Dragon, and Azure Qilin were said to be of the same generation.

'Is he one of the few people closer to Azure Qilin?'

It was when Namgoong Se-jin crossed his mind.

"This is the place."

Zhuge Hyeon said.

Step.

The two walked over vibrant autumn leaves more dazzling than flowers. A vast garden stretched beneath their feet.

Amidst the trees surrounding the area, a man stood with his hands behind his back to greet them. The energy radiating from him was as vivid as the scent of autumn flowers, striking Jung Yeonshin.

Now that he was of the black rank, he understood. This presence was proof of a terrifyingly dense mastery of sword and fist techniques.

A supreme expert capable of creating a sword barrier as impenetrable as a castle wall.

Now he understood why the Sword Saint was often mentioned alongside the Divine Sword Squad Leader.

Sword Saint Hyun So-baek.

It was clear he bore the blood of a noble family. His sharp nose gleaming under the sunlight resembled the blade of a divine sword.

He was a middle-aged man with an exceptionally handsome appearance. Even the black scabbard paired with his white robe exuded elegance.

"I greet the Alliance Leader."

Zhuge Hyeon knelt on one knee and offered a fist-palm salute. The Sword Saint waved his hand lightly with a faint smile.

"No need for formalities. I summoned you here for a reason, so stay. And…"

His jet-black eyes scanned the boy from head to toe. Jung Yeonshin stood still, not returning the courtesy, silently gazing at the Sword Saint.

The sensation enveloping his entire body compelled him to do so.

A flood of mnemonic verses surged through his mind. His upper dantian radiated with white heat.

"So, you're the Radiant Demon Squad Leader."

The Sword Saint spoke with a subtle smile.

"I've heard from the greedy clan leaders. They say you're the sapling they should behead first if the Opening Tournament begins. But…"

Whoosh.

Suddenly, the sense of distance warped. The boy blinked once. The Sword Saint, who had been thirty steps away, was now right in front of him.

The Alliance Leader's plain white robe cast a faint shadow, and a gust of wind followed belatedly.

The surrounding foliage bent backward in unison.

Whoosh!

It was truly an extraordinary movement technique. The speed was entirely beyond human limits.

'My reaction was too slow. I need to use the second technique…!'

Jung Yeonshin instinctively reached for his sword, only to halt in surprise. The Sword Saint's eyes had turned red.

"How cruel the heavens are, to do this to someone so young."

Tears welled up in his black eyes, and a colorless flame flickered within them. It seemed as though divine energy resided in his Sight Arts.

It was akin to when Jung Yeonshin infused spirituality into his martial arts—a trace of the supreme realm achieved through divine techniques.

"How much have you endured? Come here. Let me embrace you."

Despite his startled mind, the Radiant Demon Squad Leader's body reacted. His instincts recalled Heon Wonchang's habits.

Energy surged from his body as the Wind Body movement technique activated. A small vortex spiraled up his black robe.

Swoosh!

Jung Yeonshin twisted his upper body in distaste. His next step caused the soft earth beneath him to sink.

It was a technique to evade the Sword Saint's embrace. The black and white sleeves brushed against each other, producing a long sound. It was a close call.

The Sword Saint and Zhuge Hyeon widened their eyes in surprise.