CHAPTER 205

There is a clan blessed with natural movement.

Their innate talent set them apart from ordinary martial artists.

Without learning, they comprehend the principle of ascension. Without mnemonic verses, they perform movements rivaling advanced martial techniques.

Swifter, smoother, and more mesmerizing than even the masters of certain clans. Unlike the Han people.

They were the Myung Clan.

Among the common folk, they were revered as descendants of the divine. Their extraordinary appearance and ageless bodies made them unlike the people of this world.

Possessing both power and mystery, they were beyond envy or jealousy.

After death, it was hoped they would bestow divine blessings, guiding souls to the paradise of Peach Blossom Land.

But those within Jianghu saw them differently. They sighed, observing clans inherently gifted as martial masters.

It was a stark reminder that the universe was inherently unfair.

During the chaotic founding period of the Ming dynasty, many previously unknown clans emerged across the land.

Their natural talents added to the turmoil. They walked like the wind and moved like leaves.

Numerous masters attempted to uncover the secret of their movements. They even resorted to sensory techniques.

To no avail. The difference was dismissed as a matter of perception.

It was concluded their very bodies were different. They stirred the wind without any internal energy.

The knowledgeable elders of Jianghu classified it as the unique ability of their bloodline, deeming it beyond the realm of martial arts.

The perception that they were fundamentally different became as solid as diamond.

The years leading to the stabilization of the Ming dynasty cemented this belief. The Myung Clan, also called the "Clan of the Immortals".

"Are you requesting a duel?"

Forest Striding Squad leader Xiahou Wei-jin asked, after the Radiant Demon Squad Leader Lightning Genius criticized his walking form.

He did not get angry.

Xiahou Wei-jin, known as "Thousand-Fist Dragon Force Minister", was born with fierce fighting spirit. Even though he appeared ferocious on the outside, his mind was calm within the realm of martial arts.

To win in the tactical battles of masters, this was necessary. It meant he wasn't a reckless warrior but a highly competitive Jianghu martial artist.

"Would it be better if I walked differently?"

Xiahou Wei-jin took the comment as a formality and provocation. He didn't take the junior squad leader's words seriously.

The context of their conversation was off. Although Lightning Genius was younger, he was a legitimate master of the black ranks.

With his worldly insight, it wasn't likely that Lightning Genius had made the comment sincerely.

It had to be seen as a dispute over the footwork technique.

Xiahou Wei-jin chuckled.

"I understand your point. You must have great confidence in your body-enhancing techniques."

He had been observing Lightning Genius from the Murim Alliance's gathering alongside Ak Surim. It had been quite some time.

He even witnessed Lightning Genius moving with mystifying footwork resembling that of the Myung Clan. It was intriguing, enough to make him curious about how the mnemonic verses were structured.

'With full-body acceleration, he mimicked our clan's unique ability. It was truly impressive.'

Xiahou Wei-jin had already acknowledged the new Radiant Demon Squad Leader. He had even heard of the nickname "Body of the Wind".

Although the "wind" part irked him a bit, he chose not to point it out.

The junior's movement entertained him enough. After all, he had been captivated by the Murim Alliance's Grand Opening Tournament.

It had been a feast for the eyes.

'Though not enough to completely replace Ma Jin...,'

He considered Lightning Genius worthy of the black rank. His somewhat unstable energy control, resembling one of the three foundational forces swelling disproportionately, was not a major flaw.

Rather, it presented terrifying potential.

Unlike the other squad leaders, Lightning Genius couldn't freely manipulate his internal energy, yet he demonstrated ascension-level martial arts. His flashes of wit were remarkable.

Even without being in the "Three Flowers Gathered at the Crown" state, he displayed that level of skill.

Xiahou Wei-jin recalled the boundless vitality that surged when his spirit, energy, and body aligned.

The body itself seemed to become a sacred vessel, and the extent of that effect would vary according to one's innate talent.

Many spent their entire lives unable to merge the three flowers, but with Lightning Genius' talent, one couldn't help but think of his future potential.

Thus, Xiahou Wei-jin did not react with hostility to the junior's remarks. The new squad leader of Radiant Demon Squad had every reason to be a bit arrogant.

Even if he spouted adorable provocations, they could be dismissed with a laugh.

Xiahou Wei-jin offered his junior some advice.

"The lord of Desolate Fortress is no different from a high-ranking official. Quite a status, far beyond what you may think. It's comparable to the face of the clan itself. We must uphold dignity. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"Yes."

The new Radiant Demon Squad Leader responded blankly, gazing up at his senior's mountainous figure.

Come to think of it, none of the senior black masters he had met at Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall had ordinary temperaments.

Setting aside the peculiar Ak Surim, even Obeying Heaven Squad Leader Ha Do-un and Law and Order Squad Leader Un Soyu were the same.

Xiahou Wei-jin seemed no different. Jung Yeonshin tilted his head slightly. What is he talking about?

Then, Xiahou Wei-jin continued, his deep voice carrying a resonance that matched his thick build, with an uncharacteristic hint of humor.

"Behaving like a high-ranking official means that even within the base, you must not be lax in maintaining refinement. Those who frequent Desolate Fortress are mostly merchants or officials. We can't afford to show them an unsightly appearance. Fighting at the entrance of the base is unacceptable. If you wish to duel, follow proper procedures through written notice."

"A duel...?"

"A weaker clan might have taken offense. But not the Blue Rank. Don't treat them this way. Otherwise, it will seem like a superior rank harassing a lower one. Quite the audacious provocation—I like it."

By the end of his sentence, Xiahou Wei-jin was chuckling to himself.

Swish.

A large shadow descended. Xiahou Wei-jin's calloused hand reached out to ruffle Jung Yeonshin's hair, while a gentle breeze arose.

The new Radiant Demon Squad Leader's black hem fluttered slightly, brushing past the tips of his sideburns as he smoothly evaded toward Ak Surim.

It was the Wind Body Technique—an incredibly natural evasion.

"Well, well."

Xiahou Wei-jin's thick lips curled upward.

"I made a mistake. I should've treated you as an equal, not as a distant junior. It's disorienting when skill and age don't align."

"..."

Jung Yeonshin realized the meaning had been misinterpreted.

Xiahou Wei-jin was a mid-level black rank.

As a member of the Noble Clan, his accumulated energy reserves were enormous.

He possessed a stronger presence than the Law and Order Squad Leader and had even achieved the state of "Three Flowers Gathered at the Crown", allowing him to wield tremendous internal energy.

He was not someone Jung Yeonshin could confidently defeat yet. If ranked, he would likely be among the top seventeen of the black rank.

He might even be a match for the Annihilation Squad Leader.

It was too early to challenge him.

Jung Yeonshin pondered. The outcome would likely be no different than fighting Ak Surim.

The realm of the black rank was more expansive than anything he had encountered.

Meanwhile, he had been instructed to make an impression.

There were many ways to prepare the Radiant Demon Squad. It wasn't necessary to defeat every black-rank senior immediately.

It was enough to earn the favor of seniors like Xiahou Wei-jin and win against at least two squad leaders.

Jung Yeonshin slowly opened his mouth, stepping lightly to return to his original spot.

Beside him, Ak Surim grinned to herself, brushing Jung Yeonshin's leather shoe with the hem of her pants.

A playful gesture, as if saying she knew exactly what Jung Yeonshin was about to say. The Desolate Divine Spear's insight was sharp.

Unbothered, the new Radiant Demon Squad Leader spoke.

"I wasn't requesting a duel."

"You weren't?"

"I intended to discuss body-enhancing techniques with you, Senior Xiahou. I noticed potential adjustments to the walking form. Since Myung Clan movements form the foundation of my body techniques, I offered advice despite the possible offense."

The junior squad leader was discussing the footsteps of an immortal clan.

Xiahou Wei-jin blinked, processing the words. They weren't easy to accept at face value.

To so flawlessly imitate the movements of the Myung Clan, one must possess both an exceptional foundation in martial studies and keen observational skills, he presumed.

However, he wasn't in a position to advise a black-robed supreme master of the Myung Clan on how to walk like the Myung Clan, especially as a Han.

With clear eyes, he observed, and from Xiahou Wei-jin's mouth came a voice like the chilling wind of a cave.

"The seats prepared for squad leaders at Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall, they are grand and elegant, comparable to those reserved for the masters of various sects. Do you know why? It signifies that every word and action comes with responsibility."

The overwhelming energy in his voice resonated with grandeur. The waves of energy brushing against Jung Yeonshin's skin were majestic and unrestrained.

It was a surge born from immensely compressed internal energy.

The strength of the Myung Clan's masters, who lived long lives, wasn't in their movements but their energy reserves, an old saying of Jianghu came to mind effortlessly.

—Among the elderly and children who wander Jianghu, each has a hidden technique. But beware the young with long ears, they possess more knowledge than the old and more strength than children.

"You cannot comprehend the heart of a supreme master of the clan." 

Xiahou Wei-jin said. 

"I, Forest Striding Squad leader, am one part of the Myung Clan, who bestows grace upon the Han of the continent. I deeply cherish the common people who live within their means, for aren't they like crops that cannot be separated from the land?"

Xiahou Wei-jin continued, 

"Our clan practices martial arts to protect the land and trees. Before the World Tree, we swore with noble hearts to live lives that wouldn't bring shame to those we embrace with our martial knowledge."

"..."

"Martial arts, they evolve with time. The path forward is limitless. I'm not here to assert pride over you. I only hope your words are not spoken lightly. If someone were to lightly criticize movements built from pure intentions, wouldn't anyone be angered?"

Beneath his thick Adam's apple, it was as if a volcano of energy rumbled.

Jung Yeonshin suddenly realized, this was a massive challenge. Could he convince Xiahou Wei-jin without relying on physical combat?

To establish Radiant Demon Squad as a key force of Desolate Fortress within Jianghu and achieve monumental contributions, he had to win over this black rank master here.

The new Radiant Demon Squad Leader immediately parted his lips.

"I do not command the wind. I wasn't born with that ability, so I sought it out. I pondered how to move like the Azure-Eye Demonic Sword of our Radiant Demon Squad."

On the path where the internal sectors split into various martial halls, the vice-leader of the Divine Sword Squad, the Radiant Demon Squad leader, and the Forest Striding Squad leader walked past a small lake.

The rippling water, reflecting the sunset glow, mirrored the three leaders—a girl, a boy, and a giant.

Each wore their black robes, exuding an aura of transparent intimidation.

Ak Surim strolled lightly on the left, hands clasped behind her back, observing with keen interest but not intruding.

"Continue." 

Xiahou Wei-jin said with a stoic expression. Jung Yeonshin resumed calmly.

"I observed Senior Xiahou's gait. It prioritizes speed to support strength. Given your extraordinary power, your stride naturally emphasizes propulsion, which increases the energy flow to the Yinmen Acupoint. Instead of focusing on the gastrocnemius of the calves, the strength is concentrated on the semitendinosus of the rear thigh."

"To fully manifest my techniques, it must be that way. My heavy sword and heavy fist techniques require powerful strides. Without them, I can't properly deliver strength. Transitioning from defense to offense with a stance as explosive as lightning, it's inevitable. I've sacrificed lightness of step."

"There's no reason to sacrifice it."

"Your words are becoming more audacious. I see why your enemies feel the way they do."

"The wind that supports my body originates from every part of me. There's no need for Senior Xiahou to follow this method, nor would it be easy for you."

"What?"

Jung Yeonshin ignored the question, it was simply the truth.

"Please reconsider the Bladder Meridian of the Twelve Meridians, particularly the Large Intestine Acupoint below the waist. By slightly opening it and applying strength to the rectus abdominis, you'll find a different method of energy circulation. The meridian paths will naturally produce a movement akin to kinetic acceleration."

The new Radiant Demon Squad Leader lightly lifted his right sleeve. His gesture, powered by the energy of the Transcending Law Radiant Wheel, was exceptional.

Even within the presence of two squad leaders, his movements radiated a distinct presence.

"By relaxing the gluteus maximus and the pelvic muscles, and observing the energy flowing from the Kidney Acupoint on the right side of the waist, you'll experience a transformation. The pathways of our body are remarkably intricate. By merely adjusting energy and muscle tension from a distance, the force reaches the plantar fascia with its own elasticity. The Twelve Meridians are connected in this way."

This was the essence of the Wind Body Technique.

The plantar fascia was the muscle group supporting the foot, where the Yongquan Acupoint, the core of most body-enhancing techniques—was located.

The explosive power unique to Lightning Genius' martial veins emerged from a blend of flexibility and strength.

To Jung Yeonshin, this was a self-evident truth. In fact, with Xiahou Wei-jin possessing such immense internal energy, his walking style, which did not reflect the grace of the Myung Clan, appeared strange.

"If my internal energy were at that level... I'd be using Swift Sword Techniques with my body."

After finishing, he couldn't help but ask, as he didn't understand.

"Why haven't you done so? Is there a specific reason within the system of martial arts you've mastered?"

"...I didn't know."

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