CHAPTER 201

Zhuge Hyeon's techniques were intriguing.

They were a type of play he had never experienced before. 

The movements felt unfamiliar, as if being guided by an external force, causing his body to move on its own. This was an alien sensation to Jung Yeonshin, who had always relied solely on his own efforts.

He merely watched as the Jung Clan brothers mingled with the children of Xinye County.

A faint sense of solitude, something he had felt long ago, was filled by the noble elegance of Zhuge Clan's techniques. It was a curious feeling, even by his own standards.

Back then, he had envied the swing they rode during the Dano Festival, praying to the land deity of the Ming clan for a bountiful harvest. His childhood longing faded slightly as he recalled those moments.

At that time, even approaching toys had been forbidden, as they were said to bring bad luck.

What he had wished for was connection, not necessarily the swing during the Dano Festival.

'I've received quite a bit of help from Fan Dragon.'

The one who provided the key to unravel the Sword Thunder Flash Art was Zhuge Hyeon. Unlike Lazy Flame Dragon, he was a true gentleman.

Among those he had met through the alliance, this was the most valuable connection.

"If you return to Hanzhong, I'll show you how the Zhuge Clan has changed." 

Zhuge Hyeon said.

His younger sister, Zhuge Qing-ya, had given up her right to inherit the clan leadership, unlike Ak Yerim.

Because of her extensive focus on cultivating Sight Arts, her overall martial prowess had diminished.

To act as the clan head, one needed overwhelming martial prowess along with the ability to oversee the clan's affairs. Only those who were both extraordinary martial artists and competent leaders could become clan heads.

Thus, the responsibility fell on Zhuge Hyeon.

He had the talent and potential to reach the level of a clan head when looking far ahead.

Fan Dragon's reputation had always been high. While it hadn't been enough to meet the Zhuge clan's standards, talk of the Prodigal Dragon's return had now become something close to a taboo within the clan.

As a result, he was smoothly receiving training as the future clan head.

Jung Yeonshin quietly nodded. Zhuge Qing-ya had expressed her gratitude for carrying her burden.

All the farewells had been made inside. He would surely see Sage Cheon Joo, Yoo Hyun, and Tang Clan Leader Tang Yun-hwang again someday. Now, it was time to leave.

"We'll see each other again."

"There are plenty of demonic factions in Liaodong! If you come for a subjugation, be sure to visit our main house!"

It was the Little Sword Queen and Gongsun Min, a woman with a fierce aura and a young boy with glittering black eyes.

His ties with them were also significant. His upper dantian resonated, as if confirming this bond. A cool sensation gently pricked his mind.

Though he had been too busy to experience it yet, he had a feeling that one day, he would broaden his horizons by facing the Sun-Piercing Sword Art of the Little Sword Queen, Chui So-ok, from the Mount Dianqing Sect.

It seemed like a trustworthy feeling. His Baihui Acupoint had expanded as much as the autumn equinox.

'Will there be a day when I use this intuition in battle?'

No answer came to the sudden question. Jung Yeonshin slowly turned around.

Two people watching the black hem of his long robe from afar nodded faintly.

They were Ak Surim and Xiahou Wei-jin. Their demeanor clearly expressed that they had no desire to associate with the alliance.

Jung Yeonshin slowly began walking. The black robe trailing behind him swayed as he moved.

Step.

Zhuge Qing-ya and Lady Ye followed.

Their green and white pant legs brushed softly against the ground, walking with him all the way to Desolate Fortress.

They were part of the envoy, as the alliance leader sought to establish friendly relations with Desolate Fortress.

Zhuge Qing-ya personally mentioned her gratitude. She expressed her hope to become a guest warrior for the Radiant Demon Squad under Jung Yeonshin's command.

According to Heon Wonchang's speculation, she was a girl who had noticed Jung Yeonshin's unique constitution.

"She must value her life," Heon had said, "given that she's walking in on her own."

'Is it pity?'

There didn't seem to be any sinister motives. Zhuge Qing-ya's nature was pure and clear.

It had been that way since she first expressed her desire to join. It was just difficult to fully understand her inner thoughts.

If so, it was best to leave the judgment to the General Affairs Bureau of Desolate Fortress.

She would be a significant asset to the Radiant Demon Squad, which was currently lacking in power. A master of Sight Arts could be beneficial in various situations.

"Don't approach the leader recklessly." 

Heon Wonchang warned.

"Wise advice. You two should maintain your distance. It'll save you the trouble." 

Lazy Flame Dragon added as he and Heon passed by Zhuge Qing-ya and Lady Ye. Namgoong Hwashin silently overtook them as well, positioning himself behind Jung Yeonshin.

The sound of their slow, deliberate footsteps crushed the earth beneath them. Their escort was quite reliable.

Jung Yeonshin felt the gaze of Zhuge Qing-ya and Lady Ye, as if they were quietly observing his back.

Their demeanor was different from the Sword Saint, who had refused to see him off with a crowded farewell.

'I gained both swordsmanship and allies through the alliance.'

Old companions and new ones alike.

The fallen leaves that covered the road cushioned his steps softly, like cotton.

The fallen leaves of the martial world were said to symbolize accumulated relationships and the passage of time.

As he undertook mission after mission, both his Baihui Acupoint and his life grew richer.

The name Jung Yeonshin would remain, even if he never managed to consume the fruit of the World Tree.

'Where will my next mission take me?'

He left the front gate of the alliance behind. It was truly over.

* * *

General Affairs Bureau, Desolate Fortress.

Rows of long desks stretched out, exuding an antique charm. They were crafted from zitan wood, emitting a deep, glossy sheen.

Scholars filled the seats, each diligently writing down passages with their brushes. The scent of rich ink wafted through the air.

There were dozens of scholars in the room, and their stern atmosphere was no less imposing than that of the warriors.

The head seat was located at the far end of the hall.

A burly man clad in a brown long robe sat there. He was a middle-aged man with a thick, black beard and a body that exuded a steely aura.

He was Lin Jinming, the Chief Administrator of Desolate Fortress. A young man in a black robe stood before him, appearing delicate in comparison.

"That letter—it's from the Eastern Depot, isn't it? I saw it lying around and wondered what it was."

The one speaking was Jin Myeongjo, the leader of the Blood Preservation Squad of Desolate Fortress.

He had pale skin and a thin face. The energy flowing around his black robe created a chilling, icy texture.

He made a short nod toward a letter carelessly tossed on the corner of the desk. Even this small gesture exuded a strangely enigmatic air, a trait he seemed to have been born with.

The Chief Administrator cast a brief glance at the letter before speaking slowly.

"Eunuch Myeong-yeo was quite upset. With the branch leader executed from the very start, things must have seemed bleak for him. Honestly, even I hadn't anticipated it going that far."

He chuckled as he continued.

"The eunuch tried to pressure me, but he couldn't directly confront Master Jung. His letter carried the lament of the eunuchs in the Eastern Depot. It's personally satisfying to see those who once clashed with the leaders of our squads now bowing down, especially when even a small connection to the imperial family leaves them groveling."

Lin Jinming had authority over personnel and budgets, and he was known for scolding even the elite black-clad warriors. His martial prowess was equally distinguished.

However, only the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad was exempt from his criticisms.

Jin Myeongjo naturally accepted the informal tone the Chief Administrator used with him.

"I'm well aware of the new leader of the Radiant Demon Squad. I've had encounters with that regional magistrate before, back when she was stationed at the Yunyang branch. Her ambition was excessive. Things would have fallen apart one way or another. It was just bad luck that she crossed paths with Master Jung's sword, and quite early at that."

"They say he executed her on the spot."

"Master Jung's decisive nature has been evident since his early days. He's like a divine spirit within Desolate Fortress. His swordsmanship is truly remarkable. The ability to strike without hesitation is the very virtue of our warriors, don't you think?"

The Chief Administrator spoke with satisfaction, while Jin Myeongjo tilted his head slightly.

His brows narrowed lazily.

"There's a rumor that the new leader of the Radiant Demon Squad is favored by the Crown Prince. It seems there's some credibility to it, despite it sounding like mere gossip."

"How would I know? Who could possibly know for sure?"

"In any case, I hope that individual doesn't return."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"The Radiant Demon Squad's forces have been depleted, haven't they? Replenishing the ranks would require sacrifices from multiple units, and even within our Blood Preservation Squad, we have at least five experts of the Lightning Genius level. It's a significant problem."

"Spread quite evenly across seventeen squads."

"I don't want to hand them over."

"Who would like that? Accept it. This isn't the first time, is it?"

"We'll have to participate in the bimu (duels) again, won't we?"

"You just don't want to hand over your subordinates, do you? Be grateful for the Bimu Festival. Without it, we'd be allocating personnel like the military, and by force, no less."

"Please don't bring up the military. I've always thought it was a system that goes against the times. It's not like a marriage duel, where you compete to earn a bride. Losing a duel and then having to hand over your subordinates? Ridiculous."

"You're something else. You don't want to lose your subordinates, but you're also too lazy to participate in the duels."

"Am I the only one like this?"

"You're probably the only one. The other squad leaders are eager to participate. Not because they don't want to hand over subordinates, but because they see it as a chance to test their skills against the new recruits."

"..."

"Aren't you curious about the new leader of the Radiant Demon Squad? She's the very person you despise—the Grandmaster of the Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm. The Forest Striding Squad Leader and the Leader of the Immortal Spirit Wood Squad are eager to face him. They can't stand the fact that someone who's not from a noble bloodline is using such sacred techniques."

"They're not angry; they're excited. Aren't they noble-born, after all?"

"You really are something."

"This incident will lead to another encounter. I avoided them because I didn't want to be humiliated and told to join the Blood Flame Cult."

Leader of the Blood Preservation Squad, Jin Myeongjo, spoke with biting sarcasm, making no attempt to hide his derisive tone. The Chief Administrator did not bother to reprimand him.

After all, the elite black-clad warriors of Desolate Fortress did not fall under the Chief Administrator's direct command. Lin Jinming's informal speech was simply a matter of his seniority.

"I'm getting frustrated. I should've just taken any mission and run off…"

His aversion was genuine. The pale-faced young man tousled his even whiter hair roughly with his slender fingers.

Between his long, thin fingers, irregular waves of energy flickered—sinister yet refined.

The Chief Administrator watched with a blank expression before his lips curved upward.

"Don't worry. With the world in chaos, you'll be sent out soon enough."

"After I have to duel the new leader of the Radiant Demon Squad, right?"

Jin Myeongjo responded weakly, and the Chief Administrator nodded with a sly grin.

"You haven't been back long, have you? The missions assigned to the black-clad warriors are calculated meticulously by the General Affairs Bureau, taking into account the balance of power in the martial world, the flow of events, the strength of the opponent and squad leader, and the composition of the squads. Despite all the planning, something always goes awry. That's the martial world for you. It's bound to take time."

"Yeah, well, I heard you got reprimanded and had your salary cut because of the incident in Sichuan. The elders really gave it to you, didn't they?"

"Let's not bring that up. In any case, watching powerful techniques clash…"

The Chief Administrator chuckled as he pulled out a box of tea leaves from his desk drawer.

"…will be quite the spectacle."

* * *

Jung Yeonshin had to leave behind three subordinates.

"Lightning Genius, over here."

"The newcomer should take the lead."

Ak Surim and Xiahou Wei-jin called for the new leader of the Radiant Demon Squad.

They were the black-robed seniors who had saved Jung Yeonshin from the Zhuge Clan leader. He had no choice but to follow them.

Leaving behind the masters of Desolate Fortress' Forest Striding Squad, clad in blue, they moved forward under the curious gazes of the elite warriors.

The three of them walked side by side along the wide path.

Jung Yeonshin first had to endure Ak Surim's chatter. She tilted her head up to look at the junior, her black eyes flashing like a bolt of lightning.

Her gaze alone revealed her formidable inner strength.

"You said you've learned the Sword Thunder Flash Art, right? Do any of the techniques have unused names left? Spare ones, I mean."

"The last ones I received were from the Sword Saint."

"How many techniques do you have?"

"Three sword forms."

"There'll be more, won't there? There's no way it'll end with just three. As you grow, so will the sword techniques. Once you've established a solid foundation, the next forms will naturally emerge."

"I have a question."

"Hmm? Ask anything."

Ak Surim smiled brightly. After offering a polite bow, Jung Yeonshin slowly opened his lips, recalling his bedridden grandfather.

"Does the Revitalization Pill have any effect on the Baihui Acupoint?"

"Huh? Why are you asking that?"

"I thought my grandfather's inner energy might be rejuvenated if he takes the pill. He recently mastered a new movement art, so I'm wondering if, with some luck, he could achieve Pure Refinement. However, I'm not well-versed in the state of Mind, Energy, and Spirit Unification. I'm curious if purified energy also influences the head."

"Hmm?"

"Before you regained your youthful appearance, was your speech and behavior similar to how it is now? I hope you don't take this the wrong way. There's no hidden meaning behind the question."

It was a genuine curiosity.

The current Ak Surim had a light-hearted manner that suited her. She was a top-tier martial artist who had reversed the aging process.

She possessed a very distinct energy, and her youthful appearance contrasted starkly with her power, creating a unique atmosphere.

However, it was unlikely that Ak Surim had maintained the same speech and behavior before her rejuvenation.

Martial artists valued dignity and reputation more than anyone else.

Even masters of the demonic faction carried themselves according to the aura they exuded.

Ma Yeonjeok was his only grandfather.

If the Jung Clan's movement art, the Revitalization Pill, and good fortune combined to reverse time, that would be ideal.

But if his grandfather were no longer the same person he had once been, it would be a little sad. That's why he asked.

Ak Surim's small lips pressed shut.

"Hahaha!"

"What an audacious fellow! Asking such a question to the Divine Spear of Desolate Fortress!"

The laughter came from Xiahou Wei-jin, the Thousand Fist Dragon Force Minister.

He had been looking down at the two of them sternly, but burst into laughter as soon as he saw Ak Surim's reaction.

His massive physique and deep, profound inner energy made his booming laughter sound like thunder.

"Are you telling her to act her age? For someone from the Central Plains, you've got quite the wit. You'd be good at provoking people!"

"That's not it. I'm not good at provoking others."

Jung Yeonshin responded calmly.

He heard someone choking on something behind him. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

Lazy Flame Dragon had been walking with his hands behind his back, chewing on poppy seeds, which he promptly spat out in laughter.

The leader of the Radiant Demon Squad furrowed his brows. What a scene.

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