CHAPTER 192

Silence flooded the scene. A massive wave of shock spread.

From the spectator stands that accommodated nearly a thousand people, to the watchtowers where martial artists trained in sensory techniques were stationed.

At this moment, few seemed to realize that the Opening Tournament had come to an end.

But it was only for a moment. Cheers erupted from the mouths of those unaware of the situation.

"Waaaaaaa—!"

"The young leader has done it!"

"To witness such a spectacle in one's lifetime! Is it not truly astonishing?"

"The renowned righteous sect warriors, so many of them…."

The crowd could not grasp what had just happened. Only a select few supreme experts could even make a guess.

Yet, even those with broad experience and vast knowledge found it difficult to believe. The sight that had just unfolded before their eyes defied common sense.

"The moment of impact, the Fist Grand Duke's internal energy barrier was intact."

"It must be an advanced internal art. But to penetrate Eun Clan's Absolute First Fist's protective energy… is that even possible?"

"The manipulation of true energy was flawless. I can't even estimate how many directions he split his energy into. He transformed a single point into a plane and applied multiple rotations… Even as I say it, it's hard to accept. Did he truly execute the Scripture of Origin Ability at such a level in that instant?"

"Even his timing of the strike is absurd. It's as if his calculations reached the realm of foresight."

"To have earned the black rank of Desolate Fortress at such a young age… there is a reason."

"Fist Grand Duke was far too complacent. The Radiant Demon Squad Leader was undoubtedly at a disadvantage, yet while she was rambling, that boy had already set up the conditions for his attack. He's a martial prodigy of the ages. They should never have given him time."

"A talent capable of overturning the rankings of martial power… truly astonishing."

The audience numbered nearly a thousand. There were even highly skilled warriors who had come as mere spectators, independent of the Murim Alliance.

From unaffiliated martial artists to those who belonged to sects outside the Alliance, many engaged in animated discussions.

Underlying all their conversations was admiration for the newly appointed Radiant Demon Squad Leader. Some bore strange expressions, unwilling to welcome the growing power of Desolate Fortress.

"The Murim Alliance has grown to an unprecedented scale, so I assumed Desolate Fortress would be forced to step back for a while… but now, who knows how the balance of the martial world will shift?"

"The Alliance has only two choices. Either reinforce their authority even more, or seek reconciliation with Desolate Fortress."

"Reconciliation? Desolate Fortress is a grand sect that knows nothing of negotiations. Unless hostages are sent, it won't be easy."

"A marriage alliance is also worth considering. It's a method commonly used among noble families. If a high-ranking member of the Alliance were to be wed to a black-rank figure from Desolate Fortress, who knows?"

"But the Alliance isn't in such dire straits… We'll have to watch. The upheaval this Radiant Demon Squad Leader has caused will ripple far and wide."

Meanwhile, the command tent, covered by a luxurious white canopy, was quiet.

"..."

No one dared to speak recklessly. They simply observed the expressions of the various sect leaders and representatives of the major clans.

Zhuge Clan's leader, possessing a lofty aura, remained silent. His face was concealed behind a white crane fan, adorned with deep blue tassels.

His snow-white robe and pale skin exuded a chilling presence.

It was not mere irritation, but rather the solemn contemplation of an absolute ruler whose plans had gone awry.

The Murim Alliance's Opening Tournament had become a grand stage for Desolate Fortress.

The newly appointed leader had demonstrated his martial prowess in the very heart of the Alliance. And now, he had even conquered the Opening Tournament.

Until now, none of Radiant Demon Squad Leader Lightning Genius's endeavors had been assured of success.

The request to subdue the reclusive Sword Sovereign, the Eternal Heaven Sword Demon; the duel against the Eun Clan's Absolute First Fist, who had been provided with techniques to counter Lightning Genius' martial arts.

All had turned to futility. The Murim Alliance had met with turmoil from the very beginning.

"They should have simply given him he Grand Revitalization Pill and sent him away. He was never ours to begin with."

A middle-aged swordsman with sharp eyes finally spoke. He was the greatest swordsman of Liaodong, the head of the Murong Clan, dressed in a deep pink robe.

"The longer that boy stays, the more misfortune will befall Hanzhong. The entire martial world has its eyes fixed on this place, so neither the clan leaders nor the elders can act rashly. The only solution is to get rid of him."

"..."

"The individuals Zhuge Clan sent to uncover counter techniques—many of them have formed ties with the Radiant Demon Squad Leader. He must be removed before he gains any more influence in the righteous sects. I hear that, contrary to his audacity in the dueling stage, his character is rather gentle. That is at least fortunate. If the newly crowned champion of the Opening Tournament starts investigating certain matters, covering things up will become much more complicated."

His words were blunt. He was the only one who spoke so directly before the Zhuge Clan's leader.

It was an indirect reference to the matters involving the Profound Martial Alliance and the deceased magistrate. This was the sole lingering threat after the disastrous outcome of the tournament.

Zhuge Clan's leader simply nodded. His gaze, filled with contempt, was fixed on the collapsed Eun Hwaryun.

The Eun Clan's martial artists, avoiding the Radiant Demon Squad Leader, were now gathering around her.

Blood dripped from the corner of Eun Hwaryun's lips, her meridians ruptured.

Meanwhile, standing amidst the crowd's cheers, banner in hand, was the Radiant Demon Squad Leader, Lightning Genius.

At this moment, the boy stood at the very center of the world. For now, he did.

Murong Clan's leader turned his gaze toward the spectator stands.

A subordinate of the Radiant Demon Squad Leader, who had earlier denounced Eun Hwaryun, was now cheering.

"That one."

A cold glint flickered in Murong Clan's leader's eyes.

"I recognize that face. Something about him has been bothering me, though I can't recall where I saw him before. It wasn't a good encounter, that's for certain."

"He's a worthless thug. Judging by his demeanor, he must be of lowly birth."

Beside him, Murong Mingjun, clad in a light pink martial robe, spoke as he followed his father's gaze to Heon Wonchang. He continued slowly.

"He's all talk, nothing more. His martial prowess is…."

He trailed off mid-sentence. Using Sight Arts he had obtained from an unknown Heavenly Demon's tomb, he examined Heon Wonchang.

A strange feeling made him hesitate. The Radiant Demon Squad Leader, whose level was beyond his grasp, was one thing.

But even though everything about Heon Wonchang was visible, his Sight Arts urged him to look deeper.

"He's not entirely untrained."

Murong Clan's leader glanced at his son.

"He showed an unusual level of hostility among the Desolate Fortress envoys. Keep an eye on him until the Radiant Demon Squad Leader leaves."

"…Understood."

Murong Mingjun slightly lowered his head.

The elders of the Murim Alliance's two greatest factions were domineering in this manner. Both the Murong and Zhuge Clans were like this.

Heirs with succession rights had no choice but to obey their heads.

Even Murong Mingjun was engaged in a silent struggle with his older sister for dominance within their family.

Recently, the Murong Clan's eldest daughter had grown in power by marrying into a noble martial family.

Her husband, an esteemed martial artist from an ancient lineage, possessed secret techniques capable of revitalizing barren lands during famine.

'I must establish merit.'

His honor was his father's honor. He had been raised to believe that noble heirs must uphold the family's prestige. He could not afford reckless words or actions.

"I will monitor him along with the Radiant Demon Squad Leader."

Murong Mingjun reaffirmed.

Murong Clan's leader, speaking in place of Zhuge Clan's leader, responded indifferently.

"In any case, let's finish the remaining events within two days and send them away. Only the Sword Saint will be regretful."

The crowd had not yet dispersed. The clear sunlight shimmered over the chattering mass.

The Murim Alliance's high-ranking officials had already announced the next part of the ceremony.

Although the duel between the Sword Saint and the Radiant Demon Squad Leader was scheduled for tomorrow, there was still one event left for today.

The Opening Tournament was a widely publicized festival, with posters spread across the Central Plains.

They had previously promised that the victor would receive the Grand Revitalization Pill from Shaolin.

And so, countless onlookers had gathered, hoping to catch a glimpse of its legendary fragrance.

"That is…"

"The Elixir of the Ages is contained within."

"The air seems clearer, doesn't it?"

People murmured among themselves.

Eun Hwaryun had been carried away by the experts of the Eun Clan.

The Murim Alliance's Chief Military Advisor stepped onto the dueling stage. The hem of her robe, reflecting the pure white sunlight, fluttered in the breeze.

Lady Ye held an antique wooden box in both hands.

Sabak.

She approached Jung Yeonshin with light steps. The boy, who had lowered the banner at an angle, silently watched Lady Ye.

As the black robe of the Radiant Demon Squad Leader was swept by the transparent autumn wind, the two stood face to face.

"It's the Grand Revitalization Pill."

Her lips moved.

"I've confirmed it myself. It's genuine."

"I see."

The boy responded, his gaze fixed on the wooden box held in both of Lady Ye's hands.

The result of his considerable time spent within the Alliance was contained within. His achievements were sufficient. Only his grandfather's recovery remained.

Swoosh.

As he accepted the wooden box, their hands briefly brushed against each other at the bottom. A soft sensation touched the side of Jung Yeonshin's fingers.

It was an unexpectedly smooth touch for a martial artist. Even though her steps bore the intricacies of advanced footwork, her hands remained unblemished.

She spoke playfully.

"Congratulations, young master."

"Thank you."

The boy replied. Because of people like Fan Dragon Zhuge Hyeon, Gongsun Min, Little Sword Queen, and Sage Cheon Joo, he had come to hold no prejudice against the figures of the Alliance.

Lady Ye was different from the other officials. Even now, there was a warmth flowing into his upper dantian, as if melting into it.

Her goodwill was genuine. From their first meeting until now, she had remained consistent.

'I don't know her true intentions, but I should offer her something in return.'

Jung Yeonshin spoke calmly, recalling the connections he had made.

Along with Zhuge Hyeon and Gongsun Min, he planned to invite not only Sage Cheon Joo and Yoo Hyun but also Little Sword Queen.

"Before I leave, come to Cloud Fragrance Courtyard. I have plenty of Longjing tea prepared."

The boy said.

At that moment.

Lady Ye's breath deepened slightly. Her ruby-red lips curved upward.

Wrapped in white silk, how were her eyes looking at him? Even beyond the perception of his upper dantian, her appearance was beautiful.

'Beautiful?'

The boy irritably repeated his own thought.

Previously, while facing the Desolate Divine Spear, Ak Surim, he had felt death creeping upon him. Along with the dull ache in his knees, an unfamiliar sensation had come over him, something he had never felt before.

He found himself inexplicably conscious of women. He was growing older. The feeling now was even more distinct than back then.

Had those who had built families—had all their mothers lived with such cumbersome sensations?

It was strange and unsettling. For the boy, a natural change meant an impending catastrophe.

Death ran its fingers down his spine.

Jung Yeonshin met Lady Ye's gaze. The pure white blindfold seemed to approach him like her very own eyes.

Sunlight glimmered in scattered reflections, utterly indifferent to his confusion. Unknowingly, Jung Yeonshin averted his gaze.

As if turning away from the impending demise creeping closer with the end of autumn.

"You're inviting me, right? I'll really go."

"If you don't send word ahead, my companions might drive you away."

"Alright, I'll send a letter first."

She replied with a smile. A spotless crimson smile.

The arc drawn by Lady Ye's lips seemed to awaken the crowd's awareness, as if reminding them that the Opening Tournament had concluded.

Once more, cheers erupted. Louder than ever.

The roars resounded as though they would tear open the heavens. The joys and sorrows of Central Plains gamblers filled the sky.

"Radiant Demon Squad Leader! A young master who follows the path of righteousness, yet possesses such immense strength!"

"Lightning Genius has won! I am now a wealthy man!"

"I've lost everything—!"

"Thank you for broadening my horizons!"

Amid the overwhelming cheers, the boy could distinctly hear Lady Ye's footsteps.

Sabak.

"Rest well today. See you tomorrow."

She turned slowly. The hem of her dress, dressed formally for the occasion, lightly brushed against the ground.

Along with the faint sound of her own soft laughter. Her jet-black hair fluttered, as if replacing her smile.

Contrasting against her white robe, pure as a bowstring.

Lady Ye walked away at an unhurried pace.

The boy in the black robe stood alone on the dueling stage.

In his left hand, he held the wooden box containing the Grand Revitalization Pill, and in his right, he grasped the white banner of the Desolate Fortress at a slanted angle.

The cheers grew endlessly louder. A place where respect and goodwill, resentment and joy over the outcome of the Opening Tournament surged like a storm.

* * *

The next day.

Seated in meditation beside the pond at Cloud Fragrance Courtyard, the boy greeted three visitors. They were individuals of great renown, rarely seen together in any place.

Even the two who were relatively younger were distinguished. Their noble faces gleamed under the autumn sunlight.

Among them was a revered swordsman of the Mount Hua Sect.

"Beyond personal matters… I've come to teach you the foundation for unifying your sword techniques. The basis of swordsmanship is the sequential flow. If you wish to counter the Sword Saint's blade, loosely strung-together sword forms won't suffice."

Sage Cheon Joo spoke.

Birds sang atop the branches. Their chirping was crisp and clear.

It was the final gesture of formality the Alliance leaders had prepared in anticipation of the unexpected—the 'Sword Saint's Guidance', just one day away.