CHAPTER 207

Jung Yeonshin issued orders related to the Bimu Manual and sent word to the Desolate Ma Clan.

The message was to arrange a quiet setting by adjusting all the clan's major and minor schedules.

He was concerned about Ma Se-in's mother, Zhu Yeon-jeong. As a member of the imperial family, she was difficult to read and an authoritative figure.

The ingestion of the Revitalization Pill by Ma Yeonjeok had to be kept top secret. If it was Ma Jin, he would immediately understand the implication between the lines.

"As soon as the reply comes, I need to stay by my grandfather's side." 

Jung Yeonshin thought.

Meanwhile.

"Four from the white rank who didn't participate in the Master Craftsmen City mission, plus Heon Wonchang, making a total of five. Similarly, two from the blue rank weren't dispatched on that mission, making a total of seventeen blue rank members."

Chung Myung reported with a distinct tone.

The positions had changed.

Jung Yeonshin sat in the office chair. Across the finely crafted marble desk, Chung Myung and Baek Miryeo sat as guests.

Their chairs were smaller than those of the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad.

A serene atmosphere flowed, even without tea.

If the matter hadn't been serious, perhaps some tea would have been served.

"Seventeen from the blue rankand five from the white rank... It's hard to say this is an elite force worthy of the Desolate Fortress. It's ambiguous. Originally, it was twenty-six and ten. The nameless ones don't count as combat power."

Chung Myung's expression was calm. He didn't express much emotion over the reduced combat power.

This stemmed from the deaths of comrades he had lived with as brothers.

Expressing regret over lost strength wasn't appropriate, and to grieve again after all this time felt exhausting.

Baek Miryeo, sitting beside him, brushed her hair behind her ear.

"You saw the ledger, right? With the reduced numbers, the budget has naturally dropped. But the real issue is the restriction in taking on missions. Our Radiant Demon Squad can no longer handle the twenty-four Plum Blossom Swordsmen of Mount Hua. A small gap can grow into a large one. The inability of the Divine Sword Squad to fully block the Profound Martial Alliance's elite will inevitably lead to their downfall in terms of merit."

She spoke calmly and softly.

Every word was accurate, a sober analysis of the current situation.

It meant that their ambiguous combat power made it difficult to be deployed for major incidents. Their opportunities to build achievements would inevitably decrease.

This was directly linked to the prestige of the Radiant Demon Squad and also meant that Jung Yeonshin's path to achieving the purple rank faced obstacles.

That's why the discussion was so grave.

Chung Myung's gaze was chillingly clear, and Baek Miryeo's face was devoid of expression. They both knew Jung Yeonshin's temperament.

The newly appointed leader of the Radiant Demon Squad opened his mouth.

"It's right to assume eighteen for the blue division and seven for the white division. Let's start from there."

"Why?"

Baek Miryeo furrowed her brow, and Chung Myung tilted his head slightly.

Both divisions, especially the white division, were composed of individuals skilled enough to be considered top warriors in the martial world.

They weren't ordinary martial artists. They would only be considered low-level members within the main force of the Divine Sword Squad in Desolate Fortress, making recruitment difficult.

It was even harder for blue division members. When Jung Yeonshin had borrowed Chung Myung's blue robe, he single-handedly annihilated the Praying Mantis Sect in Shaanxi Province.

A treasured blade capable of overwhelming small to medium-sized sects.

The blue division of Desolate Fortress formed a core part of the main combat power, and no squad leaders would easily relinquish them.

When Jung Yeonshin had mentioned the deployment of Namgoong Hwashin, the White Qilin, the reaction of Obeying Heaven Squad Leader Ha Do-un had been understandably sensitive.

He now felt somewhat sorry about that.

Jung Yeonshin continued calmly.

"I have received a promise from Forest Striding Squad Leader Xiahou to guide them. Certain arrangements were made. Dawn Tree Sword Kang Chang-mu, Steel-Cleaving Swordsman Ho Un-cheol, and Profound Heroic Fist Gong Yami-ryeong will join our forces. Please prepare to welcome them. I'll be occupied, so I'll leave the reception to you both."

"Just a few hours after returning..."

Baek Miryeo sighed with a hint of laughter.

"You were serious about distributing the Bimu Manual to the squad leaders, weren't you? Honestly, I wanted to stop you, thinking it would be a disaster if you lost, but I didn't dare."

Chung Myung grinned. It was an unusual expression in the Radiant Demon Squad's office.

The two had witnessed Jung Yeonshin repeatedly shatter his limits. They were no longer surprised, only proud.

Baek Miryeo's eyes curved into a gentle arc, lightening the mood in an instant.

"Earlier, someone had the nerve to mention being the squad leader to your face. He'll come to apologize tomorrow."

"Such a reckless fool greeted me?"

Even the breeze surrounding Chung Myung's body softened into a rounded texture.

His signature aura, usually like a gentle wind, seemed as if he'd ruffle Jung Yeonshin's hair if he weren't wearing a black cloak.

The renowned swordsman laughed.

"Even a force of twenty-four would be fine. With that, we could handle missions against the Profound Martial Alliance's elite. I know Dawn Tree Sword well; he's quite skilled with the blade. You've secured a great hand."

"What's the progress on the prosthetic arms for the Iron Tribe warriors brought from Master Craftsmen City?"

Jung Yeonshin thought of Ma Jin and Wu Yu-xiang. While his uncle had taken the position of clan head at Desolate Ma Clan, the blue division master Wu Yu-xiang remained in the Radiant Demon Squad.

She had treated Jung Yeonshin like a son since his initiation. Before losing her left arm at Master Craftsmen City, she was known as the Blade of Kindness, a master of swordsmanship.

Baek Miryeo smiled faintly.

"They said the prosthetic powered by internal energy will be completed within a month, so don't worry."

"That's a relief."

Feeling reassured, Jung Yeonshin nodded and spoke slowly.

"Let's focus on recruiting six blue rank experts. We'll need to consider how many senior black rank members we can handle."

"Preferably, we should aim for those with Lightning Genius' lineage. It would make training easier. The stronger our squad, the better."

Chung Myung chuckled and began counting with his long fingers.

"If we count the combat units taking a break, the Blood Preservation Squad and the Immortal Spirit Wood each have three blue division members trained in your martial arts. It's chaos over there. The skilled ones focus on the Limit Releasing Technique, and the rest learn Radiance Sword Style, Infinite Blossom Fist Strike, or Splendid Wings Step. Occasionally, they wander over to seek advice from us. Shin So-bin is quite popular there."

"Shin So-bin...?"

Jung Yeonshin repeated.

He pictured the cat-like junior, who had a lively and bold personality, even standing up to Lazy Flame Dragon.

A girl of his age, she was the cherished member of the Shin Clan under Desolate Fortress.

With exceptional talent, she had donned the white division uniform and was being groomed as the next inheritor of the Lightning Genius lineage. She was reportedly staying at her family's manor for now.

"I know she has entered my martial arts."

Jung Yeonshin spoke.

Chung Myung nodded.

"Regardless of her uniform color, she could be considered a pioneer of your martial lineage. She's excellent at Infinite Blossom Fist Strike and Splendid Wings Step. She practically worships you. I heard she recently thrashed her sister Shin Bin-bin at Suncheon Squad. Apparently, Shin Bin-bin complained about you treating the White Qilin like your personal follower."

"Is that why she requested the duel?"

"Shin So-bin didn't hold back and was eventually dragged back to her family. When she packed her things, she looked quite satisfied. Anyway, a lot happened while you were away."

"The Shin Clan overstepped their boundaries. I'll have to bring her back soon."

"Your calm tone is quite terrifying."

Chung Myung's smile deepened.

"Let's talk about the division leaders, then. The Blood Preservation Squad Leader and the Immortal Spirit Wood Squad Leader... if you face them as enemies, there won't be an easy answer. Their martial arts are difficult to deal with. The Blood Preservation Squad Leader is a mysterious figure with many rumors, including that he mastered demonic arts from the Demonic Faction or is the illegitimate child of the Blood Flame Cult Leader."

"As for the Immortal Spirit Wood Squad Leader, I know her well. She's mastered Northern Sea's unique martial techniques. Being a grandmaster of ice-based techniques, you'll have to be wary of her body-hardening methods. She's skilled at freezing her opponent's internal organs. Her hands are as ruthless as the Demonic Faction, and she doesn't associate with Han Chinese personally. You'll need the mindset for a life-or-death duel. I'm quite concerned."

The conversation between Chung Myung and Baek Miryeo continued.

"Good." 

Jung Yeonshin thought. He enjoyed these moments, like chatting with siblings after returning home.

Though he had never experienced it before, it felt familiar. Despite discussing matters requiring vigilance, his mind relaxed like melted wax.

Perhaps it was because he had just returned after confronting hostility from many at the alliance meeting.

Slowly, he opened his lips.

"With demonic and ice-based techniques, there's a chance of victory."

* * *

A day later.

Three major events erupted simultaneously.

The glorious return of the Radiant Demon Squad leader, who had conquered the Murim Alliance's Grand Opening Tournament, had been anticipated even before his return.

Thanks to that, the entire fortress had been excited from the start. It wasn't something new to be announced.

If anything, the new events were news comparable to the Radiant Demon Squad Leader's victory.

The transfer of the elite masters from the Forest Striding Squad was revealed.

From the Forest Striding Squad to the Radiant Demon Squad.

When a new squad leader took over the combat units, many expected the Radiant Demon Squad's weakness to persist.

That was because the top-class masters had laid the foundation of the Divine Sword Squad.

The unexpected transfer of elite masters, including the Dawn Tree Sword, shattered that prediction, becoming a major topic of discussion.

"How could the Forest Striding Squad Leader…"

"He's not the type to let go of something already in his grasp. He's a man with a terrifying sense of pride. I once shared a drink with him, and I was utterly breathless."

"Did he secretly spar with the Radiant Demon Squad Leader?"

"The Thousand Fist Dragon Force Minister lost? Impossible..."

"There must have been some kind of wager, whether it was a spar or a bet. He wouldn't extend such a favor to a Han Chinese without compensation."

"So, in one way or another, the Radiant Demon Squad Leader won. Truly a mysterious figure. His accomplishments at that age are all extraordinary."

Whispers spread throughout the vast Desolate Fortress.

The elite masters, rare in the world, shared various conversations, and prominent officials and merchants, who frequented the fortress, listened intently.

A detailed profile of the new Radiant Demon Squad Leader began to take shape in the civilian domain.

The second incident was the unveiling of the Comprehensive Overview of Destruction.

It wasn't made public externally. The Desolate Fortress' Lord wasn't a fool.

Hundreds of sects had formed an alliance to monitor the Desolate Fortress. There was no need to attract the attention of the entire martial world.

Letters were delivered to the squad leaders. Orders to gather at Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall the next day were issued.

The black-robed masters received documents stamped with the Fortress' Lord's official seal. Even among the squad leaders, personal connections existed.

The rare event led to countless speculations.

The vice-leader of the Divine Sword Squad and the Forest Striding Squad Leader showed signs of vague understanding, but neither spoke.

Instead, they focused on another incident.

[…Therefore, I, the Radiant Demon Squad Leader, respectfully request a duel with Immortal Spirit Wood Squad Leader Cheon So-so, suggesting that the victor's opinion be followed under the aforementioned conditions.]

A notice of Jung Yeonshin's challenge was posted throughout the Desolate Fortress.

This wasn't a private matter. He was acting on behalf of the Radiant Demon Squad. It wasn't the time to lower himself by referring to seniority.

Thus, Jung Yeonshin's words were daring and provocative.

Despite its thunderous content, the handwriting was neat, resembling the standard script of the Ming dynasty calligraphy.

The transfer of elite masters under the Divine Sword Squad was a highly sensitive matter, as they were pillars of the Desolate Fortress.

Squad leaders had to be mindful of the countless eyes watching the expansive fortress. Even those unrelated to the matter needed to be convinced.

A squad leader represented the fortress itself.

It was a highly independent yet deeply intertwined position.

The silent decision by the Forest Striding Squad Leader had already used one opportunity. From the second time onward, the residents of the Desolate Fortress needed public proof.

Jung Yeonshin's message had a bomb-like impact.

Crowds gathered.

The central training grounds of the Desolate Fortress were filled with people. From the fortress' martial artists to its guests, hundreds gathered.

Artisans, merchants, officials, and servants mingled. The immense pressure stretched the atmosphere of the training grounds.

"I've come from near Shaanxi. I heard the new Radiant Demon Squad Leader's swordsmanship is extraordinary. When you see him in person, it's said he doesn't seem human but like a divine being."

"You'll broaden your perspective with Immortal Spirit Wood Squad Leader's Frozen Heaven Stagnant Ice Art. It's said to be a martial art that pacified the Outer Region. If only we had focused more on the hidden arts, we wouldn't feel this uneasy... I'm afraid I won't be able to capture it in my eyes."

Curiosity and excitement boiled over.

The clash of top-level squad leaders was a spectacle, even for those who knew nothing of martial arts.

It was a rare sight in life. Even the Desolate Fortress' masters rarely witnessed such scenes outside of black-rank promotion ceremonies.

The two squad leaders were already facing each other on the duel stage.

The Radiant Demon Squad Leader revealed the tendons of his left arm, while the Immortal Spirit Wood Squad Leader hid her forehead with jet-black bangs.

Both wore black robes and were of similar height. Their auras were both extraordinary, and the atmosphere surrounding them was similar.

The energy emanating from their entire bodies distorted visibly, like the tip of a leaf. Only the Immortal Spirit Wood Squad Leader's slightly pointed ears set her apart.

In the midst of their silence, Jung Yeonshin spoke.

"Let's begin."

There was no need for gratitude. Squad leaders under the Divine Sword Squad were always faced with challenges. They couldn't refuse incoming duels.

Personnel matters in the Desolate Fortress were akin to battles. One day, Jung Yeonshin, too, would be challenged by a junior black-robed master.

He didn't know much about Immortal Spirit Wood Squad's Leader Cheon So-so yet. Today's duel would reveal her nature, and tomorrow at Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall, he would properly experience her.

For now, he knew one thing.

She was said to be as dismissive of Han Chinese as Xiahou Wei-Jin. Even at Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall, she was known as an eccentric who rarely spoke.

It was said that unless it was Ma Yeonjeok, the Chief Administrator, or the Divine Sword Squad's vice-leader Ak Surim, she wouldn't engage in conversation.

"..."

As expected, she didn't respond. She merely stirred her internal energy in silence.

Srrrk.

The sudden surge of energy caused the hem of her black cloak to flutter. A mystical white aura enveloped her body.

She was surrounded by a cold wind, like a divine being of the northern frost. This was the level of energy materialization. Her internal energy exuded a tremendous sense of mystery.

Exclamations erupted from all directions, with some calling her the reincarnation of the Nine Heavens Goddess.

Jung Yeonshin instinctively knew. This was a divine skill.

'Radiant Wheel.'

He commanded the wheel of light within his heart.

Kiiiing!

The sound echoed internally. The core of the Transcending Law Radiant Wheel spun like a whirlwind.

The surge of internal energy that began in the middle dantian extended to the lower dantian beneath the navel. The internal energy gathered in his lower abdomen reacted like a flash of light.

A sacred surge of energy flared up outside his body like wildfire.

In the next moment—

Hwoosh.

Cheon So-so's face filled his vision.

Her footwork was incredibly fast, narrowing the distance in an instant. She seemed to favor swift and decisive combat.

Their eyes met, her serene blue eyes glinting like frost under the azure sky.

Within the accelerated realm of thought, her hair, scattered by the force of her energy, brushed against the side of Jung Yeonshin's head.

A fiercely cold air grazed his face.

She didn't concede the first attack.

It was unclear whether that was her nature or if she felt some unease from Jung Yeonshin.

Whhoosh!

From the side.

A white gust swept in all directions. It was like snowflakes swirling in the wind.

Though he had encountered ice techniques before, the approaching strike from outside his field of vision was on a different level.

A strange sensation tickled the upper dantian in Jung Yeonshin's mind. The technique carried a mystical essence that enhanced its power.

Indeed, it was a divine skill. Without the Transcending Law Radiant Wheel, it couldn't be countered.

Tsutsutsu.

Even before contact, his body felt sluggish. She was applying body-hardening techniques without physical contact, a level beyond ordinary ice-based internal energy.

The cold that permeated his skin began to freeze his meridians, climbing through his twelve main energy channels. His black cloak crackled as it froze.

It was as if Cheon So-so had drawn all the moisture from the surroundings, creating an incredibly surreal scene.

In that fleeting moment, Jung Yeonshin exhaled. A short, sharp breath.

Light erupted from within his body.

The Radiant Wheel raced through his entire body's meridians, blazing like fire. The pre-activated internal energy filled his energy channels and acupoints.

The movement of energy was fiercely intense. The wheel's rotation was like a flash of lightning.

Without even activating the Three Samadhi True Fire, a terrifying dynamism surged forth.

Then, when Jung Yeonshin grabbed Cheon So-so's right hand—

Crunch!

The frost enveloping their bodies shattered into countless fragments.

Ice shards scattered through the sunlight streaming down, radiating a seven-colored glow.

"...?"

For the first time, Cheon So-so's face showed an expression, one of slight bewilderment.

"Now."

With his left hand gripping her wrist, Jung Yeonshin's lips moved.

"I'll take the lead, Senior."

Saaa—

The shards of cold energy that had been spreading steadily halted their movement. The Radiant Demon Squad Leader's cloak fluttered continuously.

The absorption and dispersion techniques derived from the full-body vibration. A unique application of Wind Body Technique emerged.

Ice fragments floated around the black cloak.

Boom boom boom boom—!

With his right hand, he formed the secret technique of the Spell Formation. The opposing forces of energy collided like lightning from his palm's Laogong and Shaofu acupoints.

The energy from the Radiant Wheel and the spell's power combined, creating a thunderous roar.

Full Sky Flower Rain, Radiant River.

"...!"

Several knowledgeable spectators shot to their feet.

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