CHAPTER 180

A truly fearsome spirit.

It was a declaration of a duel against the Murim Alliance. It implied he intended to face the Alliance alone.

Jung Yeonshin deliberately smiled. It was in accordance with Heon Wonchang's advice.

Even the smallest smirk could become an inescapable provocation, he had said.

Though it was an incomprehensible statement, the demeanor of Desolate Fortress' Sacred Warrior had proven effective on numerous occasions.

He intervened to alter the structure of a grand event. It was difficult to believe that his intentions would be easily realized.

Heon Wonchang had spoken. He must push relentlessly with words, he had said.

"...."

A dreadful silence fell.

A youth stood above the Murim Alliance warriors, his fluttering banner reflecting the sunlight.

This was a revelation of Desolate Fortress' might at the Murim Alliance's Opening Tournament. It was said he had traveled far as the Radiant Demon Squad Leader.

"That young nobleman is the Radiant Demon Squad Leader?"

"They say he drove out the Profound Martial Alliance…?"

Some began speaking cautiously. They seemed to be those not closely tied to the Murim.

Their temples, at the Taiyang Acupoint, were either concave or flat, and they were dressed in robes rather than martial attire.

If the words of the young hero who first threw the banner were true, if the Profound Martial Alliance's martial army had truly withdrawn, this was no ordinary news for the common people living in the central plains.

Trade routes had been severed, and many had lost faith even in escort agencies. It was a matter directly tied to their livelihoods.

"Many have indeed been safely entering the city recently."

"An expert from Desolate Fortress has graced us with their mercy…!"

"Go verify it! At once!"

Dust rose in one corner. The eight directions became busy.

Among the common people and monks, small merchants indirectly affected by logistics between Hanzhong, as well as figures from larger trade groups and escort agencies, their expressions varied.

Confusion and admiration intermingled.

Some turned and ran without looking back. Such was the influence of the Thirteen Celestial Demons of the Demonic Faction.

Most martial sects would not even consider resisting the colossal factions.

Jung Yeonshin, the Lightning Genius, earned the epithet "Flame King" for his deeds with the Thirteen Celestial Demons in Sichuan.

The defeat of a martial force from a major faction was a significant event anywhere.

"...."

The warriors of the Alliance remained silent. Sitting or standing idly, they gazed at the faint smirk of the young Radiant Demon Squad Leader.

Then it happened.

From one corner of the spectator stands, the young hero who had thrown the banner spoke with clear enunciation.

"The squad leader of Desolate Fortress does not speak empty words. Nor does he trade in alliances for profit. Walking the path of honorable martial arts under the dignity of the Fortress' squad leader, acting in silent chivalry, today's account of the Radiant Demon Squad Leader's deeds is true. His bold claim to celebrate the Opening Tournament alone is no different. None of this will prove hollow."

His words, elevating his leader, carried the air of a gallant hero.

It was a declaration of war. A martial artist from Desolate Fortress had issued a challenge.

Although the flag of another faction had been planted amidst the righteous Alliance, neither the act nor its flow felt vulgar but rather exhilarating. It was a remarkably dignified provocation.

Some among the crowd marveled.

"His words flow like a river. His tongue is like a sword."

"If you're from Xuzhou, you'd know this young man. Heon Wonchang of Desolate Fortress. A hero who defended the people from bloodthirsty demons. I never thought I'd see him again here… as a subordinate of the Radiant Demon Squad Leader."

The Opening Tournament is an event where an emerging faction invites the martial world to showcase its intent through martial arts.

The event becomes meaningful only when the swords of martial artists intertwined by enmity meet.

Heon Wonchang's justification was overwhelming.

It aligned perfectly with the essence of the Opening Tournament. This was not something that could simply end with an interruption.

"Truly bold. No, audacious."

"A duel between the Murim Alliance and Desolate Fortress…."

The crowd's gaze split into three directions: the young Radiant Demon Squad Leader, the leaders of the Alliance seated in the viewing platform, and Zhuge Cheon, who had yet to descend from the duel stage.

There was silent urging in the eyes of the people. The implication was clear—it would be proper to accept the challenge.

Though none dared to say so outright, the atmosphere made it evident.

"...."

Zhuge Cheon, the Acting Commander and Feng Shui Strategist, kept his mouth firmly shut. Speaking rashly could reveal his unease.

It was an impossible situation. The uninvited guest before him was the Radiant Demon Squad Leader.

As the face of the Murim Alliance, he could not afford to be seen as weak.

'A dilemma indeed.'

It was a critical matter. He could not accept rashly, yet rejecting the Radiant Demon Squad Leader's proposal would gravely damage the Alliance's dignity.

Zhuge Cheon glanced briefly at the canopy where the faction leaders were seated. A response from the leader was needed. It was not a matter for the Acting Commander to decide.

At that moment.

Radiant Zen Sword, Seop Un-cheol, who had remained silent, opened his mouth. He was a seasoned expert who, alongside Hero of Yeju, had begun the duels of the Opening Tournament four days ago.

Beneath his sharp eyebrows, his gaze, which now glared at Jung Yeonshin, glimmered with power.

"It seems the foremost virtue of Desolate Fortress has changed. Not martial arts and chivalry, but a three-inch tongue has become the primary trait?"

"Isn't it your righteous factions who enjoy verbal sparring?"

The young leader in black replied.

He stood beside the white banner.

With his hands clasped behind him, he received the stares of hundreds. His body was immaculately groomed in the style of martial grace.

From his black leather boots to the robe covering his entire body, there was not a speck of dust to be seen.

It was as though he had brushed it all off with the breeze he had stirred. A display befitting the leader of Desolate Fortress' martial force.

The youthful prodigy did not even spare a glance to either side, ignoring Radiant Zen Sword and Hero of Yeju as he opened his lips.

"Stop prattling uselessly and draw your sword."

It was a rare attitude among righteous factions. Some in the crowd drew sharp breaths.

Only the hem of the black robe that enveloped the youth swayed gently.

Despite the arrogant words, his outstanding appearance lent him an air of nobility.

Saaa―

A gentle breeze blew. It brushed through the robes of Desolate Fortress' squad leader, transparent and light. The wind seemed particularly serene.

In this world, where amusements were scarce, it was common to walk a hundred miles to see a spectacle.

An exceptional appearance shone even brighter in such moments.

If a swordsman were remarkably handsome, even slight arrogance might become endearing. He became a rare spectacle.

Many murmured among themselves.

"How bold indeed…."

"Are all the high-ranking martial artists of Desolate Fortress like this? He seems like he's from the Peach Blossom Spring."

"Now I understand what the idiom 'chariots filled with fruit' means… I would've thrown an armful myself."

The idiom referred to a classic story from the Three Kingdoms era.

It was said that people enchanted by the beauty of Pan Yue filled his chariot with fruits.

Young nobles like Gongsun Min and daughters of prestigious families showed open admiration, unbothered by the Alliance's presence.

The Radiant Demon Squad Leader had captivated the audience with his achievements, appearance, and righteous cause.

A rejection now would bring ultimate shame.

'This is dire…! What is the level of the Radiant Demon Squad Leader's martial prowess? They say over half of the Profound Martial Alliance's forces retreated unharmed under the command of the Eternal Heaven Sword Demon. There must be experts here capable of challenging him, but an Alliance martial artist struggling against a mere youth… the humiliation would be unbearable.'

As Zhuge Cheon hurriedly exchanged sound transmissions with the leaders in the viewing tent, Radiant Zen Sword, Seop Un-cheol's face became void of expression.

He hailed from a prestigious clan renowned for its martial prowess in the Han region.

Today's Sect Opening Tournament was a day promised by Zhuge, the Alliance Leader, to the Seop Clan of Han. It was their opportunity to flaunt their martial prestige.

The sequence of matches had been adjusted. The turn of the Eun Family's First Fist and the Mount Hua Swordmaster had been postponed to the following days.

Seop Un-cheol was hungry for fame as a master from a prominent local clan. Most martial artists lived for honor earned through their martial skills.

The Murim Alliance's Opening Tournament was an opportunity. An unprecedented number of outsiders had gathered here.

He would not let a young upstart disrupt this occasion.

There was no retreating now. To preserve their dignity, they had to face him, even if it meant losing.

The men of Desolate Fortress had orchestrated it this way. Truly meticulous. A chilling gleam flashed in Seop Un-cheol's eyes.

"Let's do this." 

He said.

The pride of seasoned martial artists often disregards the difference in reputation. This was one of those moments.

The martial cultivation built over long years transcends mere techniques and becomes a way of life. It is the pride and footprint of a true master.

Even if the opponent was a black-clad prodigy from Desolate Fortress, the same applied.

No middle-aged martial artist, having dedicated his life to the path, would deny his existence without at least testing his strength.

"Come." 

The young Radiant Demon Squad Leader said.

Seop Un-cheol did not reply. He silently raised his left hand, gripping the energy coursing through his sword.

"Wait a moment!"

A middle-aged man across from Seop Un-cheol stomped his foot once. The duel stage briefly trembled with a heavy vibration.

It was a weighty step. Hero of Yeju, So Jun, who had originally been Seop Un-cheol's opponent for the duel.

"Changing the structure of the Opening Tournament so recklessly? I, So Jun, cannot accept this!"

"Please step aside, So senior. I, Seop Un-cheol, will uphold the Alliance's honor."

"This is not a decision to be made hastily! This is a serious matter!"

So Jun, scolding, turned his gaze to Jung Yeonshin.

"The Opening Tournament of our Alliance still has four days left. From what I know, over forty martial artists, each famed as prodigies, are set to perform their exceptional skills during these four days.

"...."

"If we estimate twenty exchanges per duel, that's six hundred exchanges. Six hundred breaths in an elevated state of battle. You should consider carefully, squad leader. No matter how deep one's inner cultivation may be, no one can withstand that without suffocating. Even if you retract your statement, no one would dare blame you."

Hero of Yeju, So Jun, spoke calmly. However, his thin lips trembled slightly, betraying his composed tone.

The unexpected arrival of the Radiant Demon Squad Leader had inevitably drawn all eyes to him.

It was unthinkable. It was right to bring him back to reality and send him off the stage.

'He may rise and fall several times… but…'

If it started here, everyone would be swept up by the Radiant Demon Squad Leader.

From Zhuge Cheon, who hesitated from the sidelines, to So Jun, to the numerous martial artists and warlords, all their gazes turned to Jung Yeonshin.

"This squad leader…" 

The boy began, as he caressed the blade of his sword.

"is one of the seventeen leaders of Desolate Fortress. I am the fortress you must overcome if you wish to oppose us."

"...."

"As an envoy of Desolate Fortress, I offer respect to your Alliance. Tomorrow, the day after, and until the end of the Opening Tournament, I will exchange techniques beneath this banner. You may use this squad leader as your touchstone. Measure how sharp, how solid you are, and consider this as broadening your martial horizons with the skills of the Radiant Demon Squad Leader. The gift from Desolate Fortress to your Alliance is none other than myself."

Eventually, he removed his hand from the banner and the blade, slowly clasping his hands behind his back. His black robe swayed, and his jet-black hair shimmered as it flowed.

It was magnificent. Words meant to declare war.

Thud!

Seop Un-cheol stomped his foot, unable to endure any longer. No martial artist could stand such provocation without reacting.

The Radiant Demon Squad Leader had unmistakably declared war on the entire Murim Alliance. He had forced his way into the structure of the Opening Tournament and wrenched it open.

Now, it had to be considered a full-fledged battle.

"Is your sword as strong as your three-inch tongue?"

He unsheathed his sword and lunged. His left-handed grip was firm. Even before fully executing his strike, sharp energy surged out.

The dust at Seop Un-cheol's feet was shredded to pieces.

At last, it began.

The crowd held their breath. The structure of the Opening Tournament had been overturned in an instant. It was now a fight between the Murim Alliance and Desolate Fortress.

Could such a young Radiant Demon Squad Leader truly hold his own? Radiant Zen Sword, after all, was the greatest swordsman in Hanzhong.

Even if he managed to win this hard-fought battle, what of the next, and the one after that?

'A left-handed swordsman.'

Jung Yeonshin turned his body, facing the charging Seop Un-cheol with a piercing strike.

Radiant Zen Sword—its famed moniker glittered. The poised stance spoke to the pinnacle of swordsmanship.

It was Body-Sword Unification. The wind generated by the sword rippled in all directions, as if slicing through the very air.

Even in a vast world, it was rare to encounter a left-handed swordsman. Most left-handed swordsmen leveraged that uniqueness.

They often mastered dazzling feints. Seop Un-cheol appeared to be such a swordsman.

Although the tip of his blade constantly wavered, it was remarkably infused with strength.

'I see his style now. The Seop Clan of Han. This deserves to be recorded in the Martial Compendium.'

The boy, watching him quietly, gripped the hilt of his sword at his waist with his left hand.

With his right hand, he twisted the blade's energy. True energy rising from his heart concentrated into his palm, forming a steady force.

The energy of the Radiant Wheel Technique swirled softly in his grasp. Its texture was warm.

"Hup!"

Seop Un-cheol inhaled sharply, leaning forward five steps away. His sword aimed for Jung Yeonshin's side.

Energy burst forth from the Yongcheon Acupoint in the sole of his back foot.

The stage quaked violently, and shards of stone erupted in all directions.

Boom! Hwaaaak!

Amid the roar, the boy drew his sword.

The blade of the Beiming shone brightly, rising into the air. Sunlight chased after it, wrapping around its edge.

The blade shimmered as if flowing with light. It lasted but a moment. The Beiming, gripped by Jung Yeonshin, vanished into the void.

Woong!

A hazy beam rippled, and a feather-light radiance etched itself into the space ahead of the boy.

It precisely deflected Seop Un-cheol's rushing strike, scattering the force generated by the blade into countless fragments.

It was an astounding display of skill. The Radiant Demon Squad Leader's sword energy continued to surge like a storm.

"...!"

As Seop Un-cheol, eyes widened in shock, threw himself backward, the glossy strands of his hair were severed on either side of his neck.

A fierce wind swept past his nape, cutting through.

Kuuuuung!

A thunderous sound erupted in midair. It was the aftermath of the sword energy's shockwave.

The strike filled the surrounding silence with impact.

Before anyone realized it.

The boy stood, the Beiming aimed forward.

His left hand remained clasped behind his back, while the pristine blade tip of the sword touched the center of Seop Un-cheol's forehead.

It was a posture that seemed to offer a lesson to the lesser-skilled.

Jung Yeonshin glanced briefly at Hero of Yeju, So Jun, standing to the side, and spoke calmly.

"Didn't you say forty?"

He did not lower his voice. As his raised sleeve fluttered, veins extended down his arm.

Jung Yeonshin lowered his sword and gave it a quick flick.

A faint white distortion flowed along the blade. It was the residual energy of the previous strike.

The boy moved the Beiming.

Its blade drew an elegant arc as it returned to its sheath.

The silver light scattered and vanished as the sword clicked firmly into its scabbard.

Tap.

"Forty exchanges should suffice." 

The young Radiant Demon Squad Leader muttered.