CHAPTER 186

Cheon Joo, the Sage, had once said that suffering severe internal injuries had placed him on equal footing with Jung Yeonshin. He had referred to the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad when he said this.

That was no longer the case.

The boy had grown stronger. He had yet to reach the full might of Cheon Joo, the Sage, at his peak, but a martial contest contained many variables. At this moment, it was undeniable that the victory belonged to the leader of Radiant Demon Squad.

Huuup.

Jung Yeonshin took a deep breath. In his mind, he recalled the new sword path he had created.

He needed a few breaths, just enough time to refine the only named third technique.

His expanded muscles throbbed continuously from his intense movements.

Rather than the stinging pain of his sword wounds, the wind brushing against his bare skin was more distinct. It was a rather refreshing sensation.

'I've created three techniques.'

The boy envisioned three trajectories, thoughts flashing through his mind like streaks of light in an instant.

The first technique was a swift sword strike. He had comprehended it from the King-Style Sword Arts of the Azure Qilin. By amplifying the force of a full-body surge, it engulfed all directions.

It was a technique that bolstered sword force. A high-section downward slash transformed into an extreme-speed swift strike.

It enabled delayed initiative. Even if he swung later than his opponent, his sword would reach first.

The second technique had originated from Baek Seo-gun, the Eternal Heaven Sword Demon.

It was a counterattack.

He had created it by observing Baek Seo-gun's sword-like physique. Her body had been honed to match the title of Sword Sovereign.

The secret lay in utilizing the kinetic waves accumulated from countless collisions.

He adjusted the muscles from his triceps down to the extensor pollicis longus using the Jung Clan's Movement Arts.

Through subtle movements, he stored kinetic force within his body.

If he gathered the kinetic waves accumulated through fierce battles entirely into his right hand, his sword strike would surpass the first technique.

'Azure Flame is a little different.'

The third technique.

A sword technique of absolute lethality. It encapsulated all the principles of the Radiance Sword Style into a single sword trajectory. Even the muscles honed through the Jung Clan's Movement Arts would be liquefied with a single swing.

It was a trajectory that drew out every ounce of his latent sword force. A single strike stimulated his entire body to the extreme.

Perhaps it would further temper his ever-lengthening limbs.

All three techniques were specialized in embodying the principles of the Transcending Law Radiant Wheel. Even though the techniques themselves were ruthless, unlike the auspicious energy within.

It was a martial art befitting the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad of Desolate Fortress.

There was no intent for self-cultivation like the Nine Great Sects. The techniques were solely created to dominate and overwhelm opponents.

With three distinct sword techniques, it was more than worthy of being called a sword art.

In this moment, the boy became a black-rank swordsman. A master of the blade who could speak of the world with a single sword, the ruler of Desolate Fortress.

"A technique with a story behind its name? How resolute. There are quite a few who would offer entire granaries of rice if I bestowed them a moniker."

The voice of Cheon Joo, the Sage, carried a hint of laughter. The term "Bindo" referred to himself, a self-deprecating expression used by Taoists and monks to show humility.

Perhaps it was because they had crossed swords. The Sage's voice had grown much more benevolent. Just as Ma Jin was to Jung Yeonshin, Cheon Joo, the Sage, was to Yoo Hyun—a martial uncle in all but name.

By lineage, the Sword Sage was akin to an uncle to the boy.

Cheon Joo, the Sage, seemed to be feeling a deep sense of emotion.

"I am greatly astonished. In all my years, I can count on one hand the times I have been so shaken."

He had been present when the third technique of the Infinite Blossom Fist Strike was conceived.

Flower Strike. It had been a martial technique derived from Yoo Hyun's Falling Blossoms Palm Strike. Back then, the boy had worn white martial robes, but now, he donned black.

As the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad, he had exchanged blades on equal footing with the Sword Sage of Mount Hua. The moment when he had once sparred in palm techniques with Yoo Hyun felt like a distant memory.

The martial world was filled with mysteries—spiritual medicines and divine creatures were plentiful, but this was an anomaly of a different nature.

Jung Yeonshin slowly opened his eyes. The esteemed Taoist of Mount Hua entered his vision.

A middle-aged swordsman with a fierce countenance was smiling gently.

"Bindo has lost. I accept my defeat."

"I am grateful, Sword Sage. I have received invaluable teachings."

"Calling it 'teachings' makes me feel uneasy. The martial world remains as enigmatic as ever. Who would have thought that the boy from that day would now exchange swords with me? And without even reaching adulthood…"

Cheon Joo, the Sage, spoke.

His voice carried astonishment that words alone could not convey. Unlike their first encounter, his tone was noticeably higher.

It was exactly as he had said—he was deeply shaken. The eminent swordsman of Mount Hua, a man of profound cultivation, could not conceal his admiration.

The sharpness he had once felt when observing Yoo Hyun had softened considerably.

"Compared to the Sword Sage, I am still far off."

Jung Yeonshin was curious about who had inflicted Cheon Joo's injuries.

At full strength, the Sword Sage had once stood equal to the previous leader of the Radiant Demon Squad.

Considering the dread Ma Jin had cast over the martial world, encountering a worthy adversary was no easy feat.

In most regions, Cheon Joo could have walked as an unrivaled grandmaster. The martial world was vast, and though there were countless lesser warriors, true opponents were scarce.

Cheon Joo merely chuckled.

"Are you teasing a Taoist, Radiant Demon Squad leader? Bindo has lost, has he not? Your sword path is truly formidable."

"I have broadened my horizons with the sword of Mount Hua."

"Such nonsense. There is much left unsaid. I will visit you soon, along with Yoo Hyun. There is something important we must discuss—not as the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad, but as Jung Yeonshin. It concerns events I have experienced, which involve you as well."

He was likely referring to the circumstances behind his injuries.

If it was a matter concerning Jung Yeonshin and not the Radiant Demon Squad leader, it meant it was something personal. What reason did a grandmaster of the Nine Great Sects have to be involved in such matters?

"…I will prepare a place and await your visit."

The boy raised a fist-palm salute. The Sword Sage reciprocated with his own gesture.

The demeanor of the Radiant Demon Squad leader in this moment was different from before.

He seemed to extend full courtesy—at least to the Nine Great Sects.

Unlike when he faced the masters of powerful noble families, his attitude was deeply respectful. It was a completely different side of him.

Even with his bare upper body, his presence exuded dignity.

The spectators were momentarily entranced.

The sight of the young Radiant Demon Squad leader was nothing short of mesmerizing.

His bare upper body seemed to breathe wildness into the air, exuding an untamed charm. It was mesmerizing.

Despite achieving an incredible victory, he remained composed. There was something overwhelming about his presence.

Even the sight of blood trickling from his sword-inflicted wounds, collecting on his defined abdominal muscles, added to his imposing aura. The contrast between his bare torso and the clean, black lower garments made the scene even more striking.

The massive crowd finally broke the silence, murmuring among themselves as they slowly began speaking one by one.

"It's as if he stepped out of a painting. I couldn't see a thing during the match, but this must be swordsmanship beyond mortal comprehension—perhaps at the realm of the moonlit sword. He'll walk among the upper echelons of the martial world, alongside the Sword Sage of Mount Hua. It's a different world entirely."

"That's no ordinary human presence…"

"Radiant Demon Squad Leader won! I should have bet everything, not just spare change!"

"I lost everything."

"The immortal swordsman of Mount Hua… beaten by that boy…"

The atmosphere quickly heated, turning from quiet awe to a roaring frenzy. The murmurs became cheers, and the vibrations of the crowd spread in waves.

"Waahhhhh—!"

The roar was deafening, overpowering even the sound of the energy waves that had filled the air during the fight. It felt as if it were striking directly at their eardrums.

The martial world was a realm of extraordinary forces and supernatural beings.

To witness a renowned master fight with their full strength, bare-chested and exposed, was a sight that stirred the hearts of those present.

This was an encounter between beings who lived beyond the ordinary world.

The fact that a young master had defeated a mid-tier expert of Mount Hua only amplified the excitement. It was a moment destined to leave a lasting impression.

The martial world had just witnessed the birth of a new powerhouse.

The name was Lightning Genius, leader of the Radiant Demon Squad.

"Desolate Fortress must take responsibility for the people's welfare! To possess such martial prowess at that age! The only sect capable of ensuring peace and stability in the martial world is none other than Desolate Fortress! Such a demeanor befits a great sect!"

"Please, just look this way once! I admire you!"

"Azure Cloud Martial Hall! Please visit Azure Cloud Martial Hall! Leader of the Radiant Demon Squad, I humbly seek your guidance!"

A few overly excited individuals clamored. The atmosphere was blazing hot.

It was as if he had already conquered the Opening Tournament. The air was electric, filled with the voices of countless people.

This was a world where entertainment was scarce.

At this moment, the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad and the Sword Sage of Mount Hua stood at the very center of their world.

Only the dozen or so experts seated in the spectator section of the Alliance remained different. They spoke sparingly amidst their silence.

They hesitated to react rashly. The leadership's section, with its canopy blown away, had sunk into a solemn hush.

"He broke through the Hidden Fragrance Drift technique. A sword technique I have never seen in my lifetime. That boy is extremely dangerous. There is no telling how far he will grow."

It was only when the Zhuge Clan leader spoke that the others followed. The senior members of the great clans each began to voice their thoughts.

"He created a new sword technique…? The Sword Sage's words did not sound like mere exaggeration."

"Did you see his sword trajectory?"

"I couldn't fully capture it with my eyes. The Sword Sage's kinetic waves were simply too dazzling."

"The future of the Revitalization Pill has become precarious."

"Where is 'Unrivaled First Fist' right now? Shouldn't she be the one paying the closest attention to Lightning Genius's martial arts?"

"She could be sprawled out in some tavern. How quaint. Is there still anyone left who places faith in Lady Eun?"

"She has always been that way, even in her younger years. Debauched yet a genius. The martial arts she displayed when intoxicated were shockingly profound."

A faint chuckle spread among the senior members of the great clans. It felt as though they were deliberately laughing to distract from the troubling situation.

"I remember it vividly as well. She was so terrifyingly skilled in martial arts that it was difficult to criticize her conduct. And there were quite a few who admired her, which made it even harder to find fault with her. If my status had been even slightly lower, I might have abandoned decorum and challenged her outright. Hm, no, on second thought, I would have been utterly defeated."

"It's impossible to gauge how much stronger she has become."

"Let's return for now. The Chief Military Strategist has begun to act. As expected, they are brimming with resourcefulness."

"At this stage, it might be prudent to at least feign goodwill toward Desolate Fortress. Broadening our options would be wise. Was this at the Zhuge Clan Leader's directive?"

Click.

The Zhuge Clan Leader opened his fan, embroidered with a white crane, and shook his head. He subtly covered his lips with the fan's edge.

"It appears to be Lady Ye's improvisation. I saw her rise before the final clash. A natural wit and quick judgment. If only my son could learn even half of it."

"You're likely the only one who finds Fan Dragon lacking. If that is truly how you feel, why not arrange a marriage between the Chief Military Strategist and him?"

The Leader of the Murong Clan asked, amusement evident in his voice. The corners of the Zhuge Clan Leader's lips curved slightly.

"That is for the Ye Clan Leader to decide. My family has already sent a matchmaking envoy long ago."

"…We will leave it to my niece's decision."

The Ye Clan Leader, who had been seated, answered bluntly. The Murong Clan Leader tilted his sharp-featured face slightly.

"The Ye Clan has never been one to expand power through arranged marriages, have they? I heard you've used many such unions to expand your influence in trade. Your collateral relatives are spread across the Central Plains. Or… are you wary of the Zhuge Clan?"

"I simply cherish my niece."

"Ah, I forgot that the Ye Clan Leader has no children. I apologize for my carelessness. The Chief Military Strategist must be like a daughter to you."

"You are precisely correct."

"Then the Zhuge Clan must prepare a finer betrothal gift than usual. After all, Fan Dragon, Zhuge Hyeon, is a man who lacks in nothing."

The Murong Clan Leader smirked as he spoke.

The Zhuge Clan Leader, who had at some point closed his fan, simply responded with a faint smile. His expression gave little away.

By then, an unusual scene was unfolding atop the dueling platform.

While Jung Yeonshin and Cheon Joo, the Sage, were quietly conversing, a white sleeve fluttered from the side.

With a graceful step, a woman landed atop the dueling platform.

Step.

The treasured daughter of the Ye Clan walked forward, holding a simple white cloth.

Her long legs exuded the artistry of footwork. A soft kinetic wave spread from her steps like mist.

She seemed like a descending celestial maiden. Sunlight rippled through her long, flowing black hair.

Even the white cloth covering her eyes added to her mysterious presence.

Different in aura from the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad, her presence elicited gasps from the crowd.

The conversation between the two grandmasters ceased.

The boy silently watched as the woman approached him.

"You've opened your eyes, haven't you?"

Lady Ye spoke. She had drawn quite close. Close enough that her breath, tinged with kinetic energy, could be felt.

Her hand, holding the white cloth, touched Jung Yeonshin's abdomen. The boy, who had been watching her blankly, flinched.

The corners of her lips curled smoothly.

"You still have another duel to fight, don't you? I am the Chief Military Strategist. And you are the most esteemed guest among the envoys."

"It's unnecessary…"

"It is etiquette befitting your status. You must maintain your dignity. After all, you are the only one of your kind."