CHAPTER 206

Xiahou Wei-Jin's eyebrows rose and froze in place, resembling strokes drawn with dark ink.

Even after he spoke, his mouth remained open, giving him the appearance of someone slightly absent-minded.

The words "I didn't know" came out plainly and promptly, as if they were an unconscious response.

"Indeed... I never expected this." 

Xiahou Wei-Jin repeated.

His thick voice reverberated softly.

The voice that had once struck down from above Jung Yeonshin's head now shifted direction, flowing forward like a dazed mumble.

This was unlike the man who had once stormed into the Murim Alliance, shattering its pavilions as he opposed the clan leaders.

The commanding presence of an extraordinary martial artist seemed to have scattered.

Whoosh.

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind burst forth from the giant draped in black robes, sweeping out in tandem with a surge of energy.

The waves of the nearby lake, tinged with the glow of sunset, trembled and rippled outward.

As overlapping waves carved delicate concentric circles into the water, Xiahou Wei-Jin stomped low, as if marking a significant step.

Thud—

Dust rose from beneath his body as he leapt briefly into the air.

Swish!

With remarkable elasticity, he sprang upward—truly a feat of agility. The sensation of energy surging directly from the Yongcheon Acupoint on the soles of his feet was palpable.

The internal energy that displaced the surrounding dust was taut and flexible, imbued with resilience as it circulated.

Nearby, Jung Yeonshin's black hair fluttered wildly.

'He picked it up quickly. Good, he's at least quick to understand.' 

Jung Yeonshin thought.

A small step had lifted the giant's body with ease. This was different from when he had executed the destructive fist techniques within the Murim Alliance.

Gone was the image of someone bound by heavy movements.

Despite his large frame, he now displayed the grace of a masterful practitioner.

The wide black sleeves of his garment fluttered down before briefly rising again, flowing in the opposite direction of his body.

'This is the level of mastery expected of someone proficient in the Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown technique. But refinement will still require dedicated training.' 

Jung Yeonshin thought as his gaze shifted from above to below.

When Xiahou Wei-Jin landed, his mouth was slightly open, and his thick eyebrows were drawn together.

Surprise and confusion were written all over his face, revealing his direct and honest nature.

"How could such a method exist... You know a person's body better than I do. I had no idea the entire musculature and twelve meridians could be used to such effect. This is... truly within the realm of secret teachings. I've received guidance today—profound, fitting knowledge for someone like me."

Just as the rambling leader of the Forest Striding Squad raised his foot again, the newly appointed leader of the Radiant Demon Squad spoke cautiously.

"There's no need to jump right now..."

"Hmm?"

"You mentioned earlier the importance of decorum befitting a squad leader, didn't you? If you move like this, traders and officials passing by might see you as some eccentric madman. It may be better to stop."

"…"

Jung Yeonshin interpreted Xiahou Wei-Jin's silence as agreement. He had offered him practical advice along with a good internal energy pathway to follow.

This senior seemed quite concerned with upholding the dignity of the Desolate Fortress' black-robed image. It would leave a good impression.

Xiahou Wei-Jin blinked his large eyes several times before finally redirecting the conversation.

"Training was a long, grueling journey. My body wasn't like the others in my clan. Moving like the rest of the clan wouldn't yield much benefit, but abandoning my foundation wasn't an option either. I had to think as if I were a monk dedicated to studying our martial lineage."

His heavy voice filled the air, tinged with bitterness from years of hardship endured while ascending through the ranks of the Desolate Fortress' hierarchy.

"The time I spent training without this knowledge feels wasted. Such a pity, and a bitter one at that."

"I'm just glad I could help." 

Jung Yeonshin replied with a composed stance.

Now that he saw it, Xiahou Wei-Jin wasn't such a bad person. His straightforward manner and frank demeanor suited Jung's temperament.

It was akin to the lake at their feet—now calm and smooth as a mirror. They could speak openly without fear of misunderstanding.

So, Jung continued, speaking calmly.

"I can understand why you wouldn't know. It's understandable."

His tone was oddly dry.

The way he spoke gave an immediate sense that it was a polite statement, rather than a heartfelt one.

In truth, he didn't understand at all.

He was like a boy among others his age, struggling to hide his emotions. What he thought he had concealed often provoked others to frustration instead.

Xiahou Wei-Jin's lips twitched slightly.

Conflicted emotions stirred within him.

He admired the younger man's exceptional knowledge of the human body. The new leader of the Radiant Demon Squad was a truly remarkable master in this field.

He felt overwhelming gratitude. Yet, Jung's blunt honesty was a separate matter.

The way his words sliced through him without hesitation was as if someone had scraped against his heart.

'This is my problem, isn't it?' 

Xiahou Wei-Jin thought.

The awareness of his own shortcomings circled back as shame.

Had he even been in a position to lecture others in the first place? Damn it.

"...Yes, you've given me significant enlightenment. It's not an ordinary realization. You've opened a new path in the energy circulation system that affects my entire martial practice. If I don't repay this, I'll be branded a coward. I'll give you Dawn Tree Sword, Kang Chang-mu. He's the blue rank you once mentioned."

The blue-level experts of the Desolate Fortress were already well-known figures.

Even Jung Yeonshin had heard of the Dawn Tree Sword.

A swordsman adept with the Illusory Sword technique, he was known for an interesting tale.

He had decapitated the monster of Nanyue using a sword so fast it seemed to flicker like shadows in the dawn light.

It was said that he had secretly hunted down and killed a corrupt martial artist who had been exploiting a branch leader of the Huguang Province's Wuchang Prefecture.

'He recently joined the Radiance Sword Style and reached the eighth level of mastery.' 

Jung recalled. He had heard this during his journey from the Murim Alliance to the Desolate Fortress.

This was an incredible addition. Though he couldn't surpass the likes of the Azure-Eye Demonic Swordsman, Chung Myung, he could certainly hold his own in a discussion of swordsmanship.

With minimal effort, Jung had secured a valuable blue-level expert. It was an outcome unlikely to have been achieved through combat alone.

Jung Yeonshin offered a respectful bow.

"I appreciate your decision, senior."

"This is merely repayment." 

Xiahou Wei-Jin replied with a sheepish grin.

And then—

Rustle.

Ak Surim, who had been standing with her hands clasped behind her back, stepped forward and turned to face them both.

Her long, jet-black hair swayed lightly, and her dark eyes sparkled with a sharp gleam.

"A single blue rank isn't enough, is it? Doesn't your side have two white rank experts from the Lineage of Lightning Genius?"

"What?"

"The twelve meridians and the body's entire network of channels are profoundly intricate. A single page outlining a proper internal energy pathway can ignite a bloodbath. That's why martial secrets carry such weight—they're not passed down by sects as mere tradition."

"…"

"If it weren't for our Lightning Genius guiding you, would a dull fellow like you have figured out how to move your body properly? Repay the favor generously. Don't be stingy, or you'll embarrass me."

Ak Surim chuckled.

She was suggesting that the newly appointed leader of the Radiant Demon Squad be granted three experts, one blue and two white.

This level of power could dominate any region lacking a large sect. If deployed within the Radiant Demon Squad, they would undoubtedly become a formidable force.

"…You're right." 

Xiahou Wei-Jin responded in an archaic tone.

He raised no objections to Ak Surim's words, accepting them as valid reasoning.

With a face full of acknowledgement, he revealed the names and titles of two white-level experts under the Forest Striding Squad.

The Steel-Severing Swordsman, Ho Un-cheol.

The Profound Heroic Fist, Gong Ya Mi-ryeong.

Jung Yeonshin secured the transfer of two white-level warriors.

He also learned how the transfer from the Forest Striding Squad to the Radiant Demon Squad would proceed.

They would need to submit a formal request to the General Affairs Bureau and follow the necessary procedures.

"That's something the big guy will handle. As for you, Lightning Genius, assign someone to prepare a banquet and think about how you'll teach your students. That'll be quite a headache. We had plenty of dimwits in our Divine Sword Squad too. Remember, patience is the most important virtue for a squad leader." 

Ak Surim said with a grin, leaving her advice.

Beneath the crimson sky of dusk, they each walked their separate paths.

They bid farewell, promising to reunite at the Leader's meeting hall, the First Sword Hall of Wonpyeong.

The Desolate Fortress was vast, with each martial unit scattered across different locations.

With their shadows stretching in the same direction, Jung Yeonshin finally began his journey toward the Radiant Demon Squad Hall.

'I wonder who I'll meet first.'

The faces of both his senior comrades and subordinates flashed through Jung Yeonshin's mind.

His heart warmed.

In front of the grand training hall of the Radiant Demon Squad,

the twilight's silence shattered, and an unusual commotion erupted.

A mix of energy and voices intertwined, creating an atmosphere more vibrant than light itself.

"Leader! I've reached the seventh level of the Infinite Blossom Fist Strike! I can now seamlessly interweave the Formidable Wall and the Flower Strike!"

"I was waiting forever, thanks to that Hwangbo rascal's chatter!"

"Our mighty Desolate Fortress' Sacred Warrior went straight to his quarters after the grueling journey…"

"Elder Brother Lightning Genius—no, Squad Leader, sir!"

"Tell us your war stories! They said you turned the righteous sects upside down!"

A variety of seniors came out to greet him. Among them were blue and white-ranked warriors, as well as young novice disciples who rushed forward, hugging Jung Yeonshin's legs.

Their faces radiated joy as they welcomed their squad leader.

Nearby, the Hwangbo rascal stood chewing on a poppy seed bun, leaning casually on one leg.

He glanced at a novice disciple standing beside him and spoke.

"Hey, when's the next promotion ceremony?"

"Even if I'm younger, I'm still your senior. If you speak respectfully, I'll answer. Also, swallow what you're eating before asking questions—that's basic etiquette."

"…"

"That's… so cool…"

A ten-year-old boy in plain clothes murmured as he gazed at the new leader of the Radiant Demon Squad, surrounded by people.

He acted boldly, not even sparing a glance at the Lazy Flame Dragon. But such behavior wasn't unusual within the Radiant Demon Squad.

At that moment—

"Everyone, step back and go inside." 

A woman said, wearing a blue cloak as she stepped forward. Her cold eyes were striking, and even colder was the gleam of the sword she carried.

The aura enveloping her was dense and weighty.

She was a master known for her beauty and swordsmanship, often compared to the Azure-Eye Demonic Swordsman, Chung Myung.

This was Wave Swordswoman, Baek Miryeo.

'Senior Baek.'

A smile of warmth touched Jung Yeonshin's face.

For a brief moment, when their gazes met, Baek Miryeo's eyes softened.

"The leader's mission was long, so let him rest first. Haven't you heard enough about what happened at the Murim Alliance? Don't cause a fuss. Leave this place and share your stories tomorrow." 

She said, her voice ringing gently, carrying the serene tone characteristic of the Wave Swordswoman.

Familiar words to his ears.

'Ah.'

Jung Yeonshin realized, at last, that he was home.

The upcoming announcement of the Comprehensive Overview of Destruction, the rewards from the General Affairs Bureau, and even the martial sparring planned with other squad leaders, all of it faded momentarily from his mind.

A strange sensation washed over him, as if soft comfort had wrapped itself around his thoughts like a warm blanket.

Following Baek Miryeo's words, the crowd quickly dispersed. The elite warriors who could rival even the Plum Blossom Swordsmen were swift in their decision.

A group of more than ten moved in unison. Some nodded, while others offered brief words of encouragement.

"I look forward to tomorrow's lessons. To be honest, it's still a bit awkward having a leader who hasn't acted much like one yet."

"It's enough that you're unharmed. Just organize the documents and assign missions tomorrow."

"I want to hear war stories! I'm curious about how you countered the Dark Fragrance Drifting Blossoms of the Hua Sect!"

"Leader… please approve my promotion request. I'd like to go straight to the blue rank if possible."

Even the Lazy Flame Dragon muttered to himself as he walked off, hands clasped behind his head.

With the departure of the warriors, silence returned to the Radiant Demon Squad compound, as dusk gave way to nightfall.

A crescent moon unfurled its pale light across the darkening sky.

The noise stirred by the experts of the Radiant Demon Squad faded into the deep, dark silence.

Amid this tranquility, only the footsteps of Baek Miryeo and Jung Yeonshin echoed. Step, step—the sound of treading familiar ground, now a place he could call home.

"Chung Myung is waiting for you." 

Baek Miryeo said quietly.

She, Chung Myung, Heon Wonchang, and Jung Yeonshin formed the core of the Radiant Demon Squad. Jung had confided in them about his life and constitution when Zhu Yeon-jeong of the Desolate Fortress had been pressuring him.

After ascending to the black rank, he had given them permission to address him informally as both seniors and comrades. They had earned that right.

"It's a relief you're safe. I was worried when I heard you were facing the Sword Sage, the Dark Fragrance Drifting Blossoms, and Eun Hwaryun one after another." 

She said, her voice blending with the moonlight.

To Jung, Chung Myung was like an elder brother, and Baek Miryeo was like an elder sister.

He didn't answer for a moment, content to feel their concern. He wanted to savor the moment.

As they passed the grand training hall and his quarters, silence lingered between them until they arrived at the leader's office of the Radiant Demon Squad.

That time had been sufficient. Although the Desolate Fortress had no formal master-disciple relationships, the internal hierarchy of seniority within the Radiant Demon Squad was clear.

The two crossed the threshold of the quiet office.

Thud.

They entered directly. Jung Yeonshin inhaled the familiar scent.

The metallic and oily aroma blended with the aged scent of old ink and books. The fragrance lingered on the marble furniture and the intricately carved tables.

The room was filled with the smell of weapons. Where once various swords of the Ma Jin lineage had hung, the walls were now adorned with the treasured swords of the Desolate Fortress.

More than ten blades decorated the space.

"I wasn't being arrogant by not coming out to greet you. I hope you understand, our dear squad leader. Acting as the temporary head of the Radiant Demon Squad is no easy task." 

A handsome man with a blue bandana said, sprawled lazily as he skimmed through documents.

He had striking features and a gentle appearance. His energy fluctuated freely, and the tail of his bandana swayed constantly behind him.

Even in his relaxed posture, he radiated an air of mystery.

"I've been reviewing missions for our comrades, rejecting transfer requests from other units, settling disputes through duels, and tweaking financial records to secure budget approvals from the General Affairs Bureau."

"…"

"Oh, and this—this is a request to temporarily transfer Shin So-bin. But she's busy teaching the novice disciples, so I had to word the rejection delicately. If the requesting squad leader gets upset, they'll send us a challenge notice for a duel. There's nothing the General Affairs Bureau can do if the transfer request isn't completely unreasonable."

"You've worked hard." 

Jung Yeonshin said cautiously, acknowledging his senior's efforts.

Only then did Chung Myung lift his head, his jade-green eyes narrowing slightly into a soft smile.

Although he showed little sign of fatigue, befitting his noble lineage, the words he spoke were far more revealing.

"We're half-ruined, you know. Pushed around from all sides. The Desolate Fortress may be large, but it's a place ruled by survival of the fittest, and right now, the Radiant Demon Squad is the weakest. Sure, there aren't any bottom-tier thugs blatantly looking down on us, but we're under pressure in many ways. People naturally become withdrawn."

Beside him, Baek Miryeo nodded subtly.

This was the current reality of the Radiant Demon Squad. It was why Jung Yeonshin had prioritized replenishing their experts even before his return.

The seventeen units under the Divine Sword Squad fundamentally operated under a competitive system. Even promotions followed this dynamic.

A massive faction like the Desolate Fortress was its own world.

The prestige of one's affiliated unit directly influenced personal status. The strength of the squad leader was no exception.

The newly appointed leader of the Radiant Demon Squad slowly parted his lips.

"Prepare challenge notices. Also, compile a list of the remaining squad leaders stationed here."

"Hm…?"

"I'm sending them to the black-ranked seniors." 

Jung Yeonshin said, as he adjusted the Beiming.

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