CHAPTER 170

The Profound Martial Alliance had split into two groups.

Western Peak Road and the Seven Crowds Gorge.

They were not far away, just a three-day journey by light-foot technique.

'Based on the information I received from the Sword Saint and the rumors, the Eternal Heaven Sword Demon of Yeongcheon undoubtedly possesses martial prowess befitting a Great Elder of Orthodox sects. I have to face him.' 

Jung Yeonshin thought.

If it were Flame Dragon, he might be able to challenge him by relying on sheer luck. But, it would mean staking his life.

Allocating personnel became a matter of utmost importance.

Flame Dragon had to be separated from Jung Yeonshin. The vast amount of accumulated energy stemming from the Solar Divine Meridian was overwhelming.

Setting aside the density of internal energy, in sheer magnitude alone, Flame Dragon surpassed Jung Yeonshin. His energy detection range was bound to be exceptionally wide.

If the group that Jung Yeonshin wasn't part of encountered the Eternal Heaven Sword Demon, they had to act as scouts and return without engaging in combat.

"Understood."

Flame Dragon nodded slightly at Jung Yeonshin's words, smiling faintly.

He seemed to believe he had been assigned a task befitting the face-saving requirements of the young master of Hwangbo.

The boy wanted to correct that notion. For some reason, Flame Dragon was insufferable just by breathing.

While Jung Yeonshin was desperate to survive, Flame Dragon seemed to be enjoying his life to the fullest. It was somewhat enviable.

"Mind your rank."

Jung Yeonshin spoke.

"Ah, so a nameless figure like me must not surpass someone in white."

Glancing at Heon Wonchang, Flame Dragon let out a small laugh. Standing next to him, Desolate Fortress' Sacred Warrior puffed out his chest and awkwardly cleared his throat.

Around that time, a conflict between Gongson Min and Murong Mingjun was brewing.

"I'll hang it up in my room and brag about it."

Gongson Min murmured as if singing a tune, grinning while staring at the sword still hanging from Murong Mingjun's waist as if it were his own. It seemed they had agreed to settle it later.

These were noble scions of renowned clans. Surely, some sort of deal had been struck.

Jung Yeonshin didn't care to know what it was.

Claiming something used in combat as a collectible seemed odd, even if it was different from the eccentricity of the Seventh Apostle.

"We'll split like this."

The boy explained calmly. He proposed grouping himself with Zhuge Hyeon and the Little Sword Queen.

Then, he suggested that Heon Wonchang and Flame Dragon should lead Murong Mingjun, Gongson Min, and Ak Yerim.

Jung Yeonshin's pitch-black eyes swept over them once.

The martial artists of the Alliance, including Gongson Min, did not avoid his gaze. However, each involuntarily twitched the hand they used most often.

"At the edge of life, you see all sorts of things."

Flame Dragon smirked, his lips curling. Young master of Hwangbo read their thoughts.

It was the reason for their unease. They wondered how they appeared in the eyes of this enigmatic young master.

The gaze of a genius, perceived as a prodigy, was enough to intimidate those below their level.

It forced them to reflect on the mastery of their footwork and the depth of their breathing.

Even martial artists who had been praised as prodigies in their hometowns felt the same.

But none of this concerned the black-robed boy.

"Do not engage the Eternal Heaven Sword Demon."

The young leader of the Radiant Demon Squad declared. He meant not to act recklessly out of ambition. His tone was not condescending.

His expression and voice were calm, so much so that none of the young martial artists, even those who felt momentarily offended, could protest.

Amid the group, a long arm rose into the air. Ak Yerim raised her hand and looked intently at Jung Yeonshin.

"I don't understand. We're already outnumbered, yet you insist on dividing us further…?"

"We need to eliminate the Sword Demon quickly to minimize civilian casualties. It would also make it easier to sweep up the remaining scattered Profound Martial Alliance forces."

Heon Wonchang shook his head as he replied. His demeanor was as infuriating as Flame Dragon's.

Ak Yerim, her eyes narrowed, opened her mouth to speak.

"That doesn't seem to be the only reason."

"You're observant."

"What? Speak clearly. Don't be sarcastic."

"There are just over ten days until the Opening Tournament. Wandering around confronting experts in the wilderness would be cutting it close. Yet, lingering here for long feels equally uneasy."

Heon Wonchang frowned and pointed a finger in accusation.

"Your commander pulled a stunt during the meeting with our leader. Not only that, but when we were staying in the Alliance stronghold, we were given accommodations in Cloud Fragrance Courtyard, a position so vulnerable that it made nighttime meditation and breathing techniques feel unsafe. What madness! There's no end to such wicked schemes!"

"It was disgraceful conduct. I admit that. But, so?"

Ak Yerim, lowering her lashes slightly, asked in a more subdued tone. Heon Wonchang's lips curled upward.

"It's hard for us to remain isolated any longer. Who knows what you folks in the main headquarters are plotting? For all we know, you could suddenly change the rules for the Opening Tournament. For instance, you might expedite the schedule."

"What?"

"The allied sects would do anything to stop the Radiant Demon Squad's leader from winning. Wouldn't they?"

"The Alliance wouldn't stoop so low. Everyone would mock us for it."

"Who knows? It's still better than letting the martial world witness your high-ranking masters being utterly defeated by the young prodigy of the Radiant Demon Squad."

"…"

"This is why we can't afford to waste time. Do you understand now, Lady Ak? Oh, and don't get offended by the title. Our leader refers to the Cloud Sword Dragon Wei Ji Myohwa as a great master, but judging by your skills, you seem a step below that."

Desolate Fortress' Sacred Warrior, as Heon Wonchang was widely known within the Radiant Demon Squad, added with a sly grin.

To Jung Yeonshin, both of Heon Wonchang's titles suited him.

'Could both Flame Dragon and Heon Wonchang ascend to the blue rank simultaneously? Heon Wonchang's martial arts have certainly improved.'

Walking lightly, the boy tapped Heon Wonchang's shoulder to stop Ak Yerim from drawing her spear in anger.

"I've said all I need to, Leader."

Heon Wonchang performed a precise fist-palm salute. His posture was especially formal, as if trying to provoke the Alliance's martial artists further.

Jung Yeonshin spoke slowly.

"We part ways here."

"I think, Leader, you're rather unlucky." 

Flame Dragon remarked, slinging his travel pack over one shoulder.

"You might encounter the Eternal Heaven Sword Demon as soon as we separate. I mean you, not me. Based on the rumors about his sword aura, he's a monstrous elder. Don't recklessly charge in. If you want to dominate the martial world, always reserve your strength. Once surrounded by an enemy grandmaster, there's no escape."

"Advice for amateurs." 

Jung Yeonshin replied, indicating he understood. Flame Dragon smiled broadly, as if satisfied.

"If I don't die, I'll come find you. Western Peak Road is to the west, so the Seven Crowds Gorge must be northwest."

"So, you're subtly asking me to come to your aid. The Sword Demon is my responsibility. Don't overextend yourself."

The boy replied.

At that moment, sunlight filtered through the rising smoke. The group scattered in two directions just beyond a ruined village.

They pursued the Profound Martial Alliance, which had fanned the flames of chaos. There were no visible witnesses.

But every leader in the allied sects was monitoring the situation intently.

Clap!

As the young martial artists leaped across the ground using light-foot techniques, a dust storm rose. The resentment of the common people ran deep.

Leaving behind the desolate village, a lively gust spread outward.

It was the gallop of warriors armed with multiple weapons strapped to their backs and waists.

* * *

The main headquarters of the Murim Alliance was abuzz with a festive atmosphere.

The notices posted throughout the Central Plains seemed to have proven effective.

Martial artists from across the Jianghu appeared to have caught wind of the Alliance's formation, and the influx of people was immense.

"It's truly unfortunate. A young master from Desolate Fortress reportedly dueled Zhuge Clan's Fan Dragon. If only I'd arrived a month earlier."

"Don't speak of such matters carelessly. Rumors are spreading that masters from the alliance are scattered across the market. One wrong word and you'll get yourself into trouble."

"Why is that so?"

"The young master from Desolate Fortress wore a black long robe. You're from South Zhili, aren't you? You must have heard the nickname 'Lightning Genius'."

"Of course. Don't tell me…?"

The rare information brought wealthy merchants and common folk alike. As food became scarcer, the value of martial power grew.

Great strength drew in gold and provisions. The Murim Alliance was soon to surpass Desolate Fortress in strength and reputation.

The Murim Alliance, having drawn in half of the martial world, became a golden goose.

Various types of warriors filled the land of Hanzhong. Inns and private homes surrounding the headquarters were packed to the brim.

Taverns saw no distinction between night and day.

Spectators with nicknames, martial artists debating swordsmanship through written words, and warriors who lacked the prestige to enter the Murim Alliance headquarters gathered together.

Voices discussing the martial world of Jianghu grew louder.

It even exceeded the scale of Desolate Fortress. They said dozens of merchant caravans, each pulling wagons, had come to settle in Hanzhong.

Few were indifferent to the Opening Tournament. Times were hard. Martial power to protect even a single grain of rice was scarce.

Merchants who had rented entire taverns continued their conversations endlessly.

"Can we really spectate the Opening Tournament as commoners?"

"I can read decently well. Unlike you, a strange merchant who can't even read the Thousand-Character Classic but can still do calculations. If the notices on the walls are true, we'll be able to watch the Murim Alliance's event."

"Oh…! Then I can find a decent martial artist to hire. I'll see them with my own eyes. It might be impossible to recruit top-tier experts who'll shine in the Opening Tournament, but still…"

"More than that, I want to see how the experts wield their swords. If I familiarize myself with their styles or techniques, I won't be tricked when hiring wandering warriors in the future."

"Noted. I should do the same."

"I heard even experts from Desolate Fortress are participating as delegates. That's one part to pay close attention to, whether they rank second or first. If Desolate Fortress gains recognition here, the balance could shift. People naturally follow striking displays of strength. Logistics might flow to Yangyang, where Desolate Fortress is based, instead of Hanzhong."

"Well, isn't it the Murim Alliance that organized this grand event? I heard the Zhuge Clan, originally based here in Hanzhong, is leading the effort. Surely, they wouldn't have invited Desolate Fortress without some confidence in their victory."

"That's true, but… the rumors about Desolate Fortress' young squad leader are unusual."

"I know. I've even gathered information from Sichuan. To make predictions and secure connections in advance, let me share what I've learned. There's talk of the Lightning Genius from Desolate, the First Fist of the Eun Clan, and the Hidden Dragon of Mount Hua. These seem to be the most likely candidates. The elders won't be participating, after all."

"Has the leader of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen descended from Mount Hua? That esteemed swordsman? I had no idea! Is he trying to curb the dominance of the noble clans?"

"If you were to invest, which side would you bet on? I think Eun Hwaryun, the First Fist of the Eun Clan, might be the safest bet. If it's the Zhuge Clan leading the event, they'll likely pit the Lightning Genius against the Hidden Dragon of Mount Hua first."

"…It's truly difficult to say."

It was the epicenter of change. A new order in the martial world was beginning to take root.

* * *

Four days passed.

Jung Yeonshin traveled with a pair: Zhuge Hyeon, the Fan Dragon, and Ak Yerim.

The Little Sword Queen, originally intended to accompany them, had joined Heon Wonchang and Flame Dragon's group instead.

When the group split, Jung Yeonshin altered the arrangement, concerned about the opposing group's strength.

'The Little Sword Queen would've been more helpful than Ak Yerim, but Heon Wonchang and Flame Dragon need to stay safe.'

It was a decision befitting the young leader of the Radiant Demon Squad, adhering to the hierarchy required by his role as the Black Rank. He carefully considered the balance of power between the two groups.

With the Little Sword Queen included, Flame Dragon's strength would shine even brighter.

Before creating the Transcending Law Radiant Wheel technique, Jung Yeonshin couldn't guarantee even a 60% chance of victory against Flame Dragon. The group heading to the Seven Crowds Gorge could likely handle Profound Martial Alliance's masters.

The nameless disciple Flame Dragon had extraordinary talent, but his years of experience differed greatly.

During the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, they had only tested their senses, allowing Jung Yeonshin to gain the upper hand.

Even after growing stronger since then, Flame Dragon remained a difficult opponent. Losing three or four times out of ten fights wouldn't be surprising.

Fights were rife with variables.

Factors like the compatibility of techniques, the flow of internal energy that day, and subtle physical changes due to the condition of the meridians—these made the world of masters incredibly complex.

'Flame Dragon has a twisted personality and excels at provocation. If I fought him, I'd start at a disadvantage.'

The boy thought, glancing at Ak Yerim, who had replaced the Little Sword Queen. It was the right decision for Heon Wonchang's group.

The Little Sword Queen was said to rival Wei Ji Myohwa as a swordsman. Rumors claimed she had mastered the Dianqing Sect's Sun-Piercing Sword Art to its peak.

If she worked well with Flame Dragon and Heon Wonchang, even against a Black Rank-level grandmaster, survival wouldn't be impossible.

"What?"

Ak Yerim glared at the young leader of the Radiant Demon Squad. Jung Yeonshin casually replied.

"You came to the right place."

"What an odd thing to say…!"

The boy silently pressed forward, ignoring Ak Yerim's startled expression.

They had reached their destination: Western Peak Road in the Hanzhong region.

The path was wide.

The bushes along the sides of the vast road were neatly trimmed. The mountain ranges stretching on both sides were clearly visible.

It wasn't a main road but rather a temporary base. It was where traveling armies, merchant caravans, and escort agencies would camp for a night.

The neatly leveled ground was dotted with tents, exuding an air of tension.

Martial artists standing guard could be seen here and there. Uncharacteristically for martial artists, they wore leather armor.

It was evident which group had arrived.

Jung Yeonshin narrowed his eyes.

Even without much effort to deduce, it was clear. It was the Profound Martial Alliance's armed forces.

"They've set it up as an outpost."

Zhuge Hyeon spoke, partially drawing the steel wire at his waist, his eyes flashing.

He seemed to activate the Zhuge Clan's secret arts. His gaze became sharp as he observed the base with a distinct energy.

Could he see through the interiors of the tents?

Behind Zhuge Hyeon's handsome eyes, an extraordinary energy emanated. He had channeled energy into the jingming acupoint near his eyes.

It was a profound sight art. It appeared to be a study reaching the realm of magic.

'Sight arts, huh.'

The Radiant Demon Squad Leader's eyes gleamed with interest. Slowly, the boy spoke.

"Briefly explain. We'll end this in a swift battle."