The Tang Clan physicians had just examined Ma Yeonjeok's condition in detail.
To properly diagnose, they had to reveal even a fraction of the power of the Radiant Wheel technique.
Without understanding the context, they couldn't guess the internal injuries or the severity of the condition.
—We will handle this with utmost secrecy.
The physicians swore an oath of silence before Tang Yun-hwang, the clan leader, regarding the martial arts of their benefactor.
The term spiritual power emerged from the boy's mouth, and Ma Yeonjeok's spiritual power-based martial arts were mentioned.
Among the astonished physicians, one with broader knowledge spoke up.
An elderly physician talked about the resonance of similar inner energy.
He cited examples like the compatibility and amplification of inner energy cultivated by masters of the same lineage.
If such mystical forces resonated with each other, it might not be impossible to perform the miraculous act of extending the life of a peerless martial master, he speculated.
The elderly physician emphasized that it was only conjecture, as the study of spiritual power was rare and not well understood.
—Do you mean to say that spiritual power affects human vitality?
—No, I'm referring to the resonance of similar inner energy.
The Tang Clan physicians expressed great interest upon hearing the explanation.
Yet, before the clan leader's stern demeanor, they bowed and left, instructed only to prepare a restorative tonic.
'He's alive, for now... but…'
For Jung Yeonshin, other concerns also mattered.
The boy gazed down at his grandfather, who lay in deep slumber. His wrinkled face resembled that of an ordinary village elder.
Focusing on restoration might allow his body to recover to a healthy state for his age, but regaining his martial prowess seemed unlikely.
His entire meridian system and twelve main channels had been gravely weakened.
Even to Jung Yeonshin's eyes, this was no small issue.
To retrain such a body with Jung Clan Dynamic Arts, it would take at least a decade to restore it to its former state.
He decided to be content with the fact that his grandfather had not perished in a mutual demise with the Blood Flame Cult Leader.
Seeing him in person dispelled such fears. The boy silently gazed at his grandfather for a long while.
Then it happened.
Standing nearby, Flame Dragon suddenly cleared his throat.
Jung Yeonshin, lost in thought, barely lifted his head in acknowledgment, signaling him to speak.
"It's about the Murim Alliance's Grand Opening Tournament."
"The Grand Opening Tournament?"
"It's something I caught a glimpse of earlier. A friendly martial competition, that's all."
"Tell me."
"There's a reward involved. They're offering the Great Revitalization Pill. Rumor has it the Shaolin Abbot granted it to the Alliance Leader before he was chosen as leader. In any case, it's said to be the ultimate restorative. Though I'm not sure if they'll really hand it out."
"...Thank you."
"It seems that's the first polite thing you've said to me, Temporary Leader. What's the occasion?"
Flame Dragon's lips curled into a faint smirk. It wasn't a mocking smile.
It was more like he was dealing with a younger brother who lacked social grace.
Jung Yeonshin again instructed him to bring lunch.
With an exaggerated sigh, Flame Dragon left, feigning reluctance.
The boy turned his gaze back to his grandfather.
The old man was deeply asleep, no longer showing any trace of a peerless master.
'Still, he survived. Even after facing the Blood Flame Cult Leader.'
The boy's heart felt a mix of heaviness and relief.
For now, the worst had passed.
The Ten Perfection Sect had suffered an irreparable blow, and the Blood Flame Cult had also endured a devastating loss.
While the Cult Leader's remains and their sacred grounds weighed on his mind, that was all.
The Blood Flame Cult Leader had succumbed to the combined force of Radiant Wheel and the Demon-Slaying Azure Steel Palm.
The Blood Flame Cult's elite forces were decimated on the City of Master Craftsmen and at the Shu Road.
'The Tang Clan can handle what's left.'
Having returned the Full Sky Flower Rain, Jung Yeonshin's concerns now lay with his grandfather's recovery and the whereabouts of the Elders' Council Leader.
If the search proved difficult, he intended to mobilize the Returning Wings Squad unit.
This was regardless of Tang Yun-hwang's confident assertion that they would certainly locate him.
'I need to return now.'
While the physicians were examining him, Ma Yeonjeok briefly regained consciousness and smiled at his grandson.
He mentioned the Lord of Desolate Fortress, saying there was something he needed to convey in person. He didn't elaborate further.
'The Great Revitalization Pill... Can I take on the mission of participating in the Murim Alliance's Grand Opening Tournament?'
The boy pondered.
Perhaps the black-rank promotion would come first. Such was the law of Desolate Fortress.
Jung Yeonshin had accomplished an extraordinary number of achievements on this journey to Sichuan.
It was enough without the gift of Jung Clan Dynamic Arts.
He closed his eyes briefly. Leaning back in his chair, the boy basked in the warm, clear sunlight.
He stayed like that for quite a while. The summer air was warm.
"I've brought it. Even keeping away the servants trying to help was a hassle."
Flame Dragon entered, carrying a large tray. Jung Yeonshin slowly opened his eyes.
"Let's eat. Even caregivers need to keep their strength up."
A luxurious meal was placed on the table beside the bed. The two sat facing each other.
Ma Yeonjeok's porridge was left untouched, as the physician advised it was best served cooled.
Jung Yeonshin followed the physician's words without fail.
Flame Dragon, picking up his utensils in silence, didn't mock the boy for this.
As their meal was coming to an end, a man and a woman called out to Jung Yeonshin from outside.
"Benefactor."
"Benefactor...!"
It was Venomous Phoenix and Venomous Dragon.
The twin siblings approached in small, quick steps, behaving almost like servants.
Venomous Phoenix, Tang Ryo-ryeo, held a rolled-up bundle of papers in her hand.
Inside, they handed Jung Yeonshin a small letter.
The words on the envelope were written with the utmost courtesy.
[For the esteemed Master, Lightning Genius.]
It was a message from Tang Yun-hwang. The vast Tang Clan residence necessitated the use of the twin siblings as messengers.
They didn't even assign a lower-ranked member for the task.
This behavior testified to how much they revered Jung Yeonshin.
The boy carefully unfolded the letter and scanned its contents.
'At last…'
The hastily written words brought good news.
Traces had been discovered on one of the peaks of Sichuan's Sword Gate Pass.
It was news of the Elders' Council Leader of Desolate Fortress. Slowly, the boy parted his lips.
"I'd like to send personnel to the provincial branch of Desolate Fortress. I also need the clan leader's permission."
"Understood, sir!"
Tang Ryo-ryeo responded with sparkling eyes. Tang Ryo-ryeo also slightly inclined her head forward.
"I want the Radiant Demon Squad and the Returning Wings Squad to stop by the Tang Clan residence briefly."
Jung Yeonshin said.
This decision was issued under dual authority: his status as a temporary member of the Returning Wings Squad and as Acting Leader.
It was a sort of mobilization order.
* * *
For seven days and nights, the expansive Tang Clan Manor, larger than most grand estates, echoed with cries.
"Kaaaahhh—!"
The anguished screams of Tang Taedok, the elder head of the Tang clan, pierced through the air, sharp enough to cut through the atmosphere even from a distance.
Jung Yeonshin, in the midst of packing his belongings, paused momentarily.
It was said that they had fed him "Poison of Severed Entrails". True to its name, it was known to inflict excruciating pain, as if slicing one's innards apart.
The Tang clan of Sichuan Province was bound by strict ancestral rules.
These were not people who had shown leniency, even to the boy.
Jung Yeonshin now understood that the infamous ruthlessness of the Tang clan stemmed from their blade-sharp resolve.
He felt fortunate not to have encountered them as enemies.
Even a grand elder of the clan could not escape severe punishment if found colluding with a cult designated as heretical by the Imperial family.
The incident began after the arrival of the Elder's Council Leader from the Desolate Fortress, escorted by Tang family martial artists.
Tang Yun-hwang, the current head, conducted himself with both propriety and icy determination.
Having exchanged obligations and favors, he sought to conclude the matter without antagonizing the Desolate Fortress.
There was also respect for Jung Yeonshin, Lightning Genius.
Thus, Tang Yun-hwang poisoned his own father, the grand elder of their clan.
The matter was made public, with the sentencing carried out in the presence of all clan members.
The result was the agonizing scream echoing now.
Jung Yeonshin chose not to dwell on it. His preparations for departure took precedence.
Step.
He exited the pavilion he had grown attached to over the past few days.
His steps brushed through the summer breeze, unwavering as he approached the vast main gate of the Tang Manor, where the intense battles had previously taken place.
"Sir."
"Lightning Genius!"
The martial artists of the Desolate Fortress, who had been waiting, greeted him with cupped fists or waves. Their formation was notable.
At the center stood a massive carriage, a result of the boy's arrangements.
With the help of Ma Jin, Chung Myung, and Baek Miryeo, Jung Yeonshin had organized the return procession.
He was the one in charge of leading the group back.
Ma Jin had temporarily transferred Radiant Demon Squad's authority to him, and his seniors had agreed without objection.
They recognized his rapidly advancing martial prowess and his crucial role in resolving the City of Master Craftsmen incident.
In the martial world, martial prowess was synonymous with battlefield leadership.
One's perception range was directly linked to the scope of their thinking and actions.
"Take special care with the impacts from martial energy. If anyone gets caught in the shockwaves of true energy, there's no telling how their veins and meridians might react. Pay close attention to security."
The senior physician repeatedly emphasized his warnings near the massive carriages at the center of the procession.
Calling them carriages was almost an understatement.
Their dark bronze surfaces were robust, and their size was large enough for five people to lie down comfortably.
They resembled war chariots. Luxuriously, each was fitted with the finest beds.
Within two of these massive carriages lay Ma Yeonjeok and the Elder's Council leader.
The third housed Desolate Fortress' injured elites.
Those unable to move freely—such as Ma Jin, who had lost a limb; Wu Yu-xiang, a top-ranking blue warrior; and Chung Myung and Baek Miryeo, both suffering from severe penetrating wounds—were seated comfortably within.
The craftsmanship of the City of Master Craftsmen ironclads was evident.
Most of their craftsmen had remained behind with the Tang clan, while twenty of them had decided to accompany Jung Yeonshin's group.
For the notoriously insular people of Sichuan, it was an extraordinary decision—they had chosen Desolate Fortress as their next haven.
It was said to be a decision made by the clan, a gesture of gratitude toward Radiant Demon Squad and the Returning Wings Squad.
Including the servants and physicians provided by the Tang Clan, the group now numbered nearly seventy people.
"We are deeply grateful for your kindness."
The boy clasped his hands in a respectful gesture toward the short, elderly physician.
The elderly physician waved his hands dismissively, saying such words were unnecessary.
"What you have done for us is far greater than anything we've done. We are the ones who feel indebted—to Senior Hero Ma and the young master as well... Truly, we are ashamed."
Whoosh!
Suddenly, gusts of wind swept from all directions. It was the force stirred by the defensive techniques of dozens of Tang Clan martial artists.
Had the execution of the Grand Elder finally concluded?
Tang Yun-hwang, with a heavy expression, landed at the forefront alongside the Twin Venoms siblings.
Soon, the rustling sound of green sleeves brushing against each other echoed.
With hands stacked and raised, the Tang Clan martial artists performed the ceremonial salute. They had come to see them off.
Jung Yeonshin returned the salute with a clasped fist, offering no further words.
They had already exchanged farewells earlier. There was nothing more to say.
"Benefactor, will you attend the Murim Alliance's opening ceremony?"
Tang Ryeo-ryeo cautiously asked.
"I'm not sure."
"We'll be going. It would be nice if you came too."
Tang Yeohwa muttered gloomily.
Jung Yeonshin gave a faint smile and gently patted the siblings on the head.
Their faces flushed slightly.
"Safe travels, Grandmaster."
"May fortune be with you as well, Benefactor."
Tang Yun-hwang, who had just executed his own father, slightly raised the corners of his mouth and nodded.
Jung Yeonshin walked at the front of the procession, bearing their gazes.
The Beiming Sword, transformed into a divine weapon, hung at his waist.
Under the blazing summer sun, the silver hilt shimmered brilliantly.
"We march."
The boy issued the command calmly, flanked by Heon Wonchang, Namgoong Hwashin, Flame Dragon, and Crimson Noon Sword.
The procession, grander than the escort teams of most security agencies, began to move.
Three grand carriages, each drawn by four fine steeds, were surrounded by martial artists in a triple-layered formation protecting the carriages, servants, and physicians.
The sound of hooves echoed slowly.
They passed through the main gate of the Tang residence. Due to the poor condition of the two elderly masters, they couldn't travel quickly.
They maintained a brisk walking pace as the massive procession advanced toward the wide main road.
"What's going on? Isn't that the direction of the Tang residence?"
"Look at their uniforms. They're Desolate Fortress warriors."
"Those carriages look unusual. Don't tell me... that's where the Hero is..."
The road cut straight through Sichuan's capital. Spectators were plentiful.
Merchants transporting goods, escort agencies marching in formation, hawkers setting up roadside stalls, and waiters and drifters stretching in front of inns—all eyes turned toward them.
The boy marched in silence, gripping his sword, ready to draw it at the first sign of trouble.
Finally.
The end of his mission as the Returning Wings Squad leader was in sight. He was now heading home safely alongside the Radiant Demon Squad.
The sky stretched high and blue, but his heart felt far from serene.
The battles between Sichuan's major sects were already spreading across the martial world.
The Ten Perfection Sect had witnessed Ma Yeonjeok reduced to a mere shadow of his former self.
'We must remain vigilant.'
Desolate Fortress had many enemies.
Even reckless opportunists needed to be considered.
The martial world was teeming with individuals who moved based on personal gain rather than common principles.
Many lacked the insight to accurately gauge their own strength against others.
Some would undoubtedly try to bypass the escort and challenge the elite masters in hopes of glory.
"Beware of foreign internal energy."
The physician had warned.
As Jung Yeonshin recalled those words, a voice called out.
"Greetings to the warriors of Desolate Fortress."
From the left front, where suspicious presences had been felt, figures approached.
They moved with remarkable lightness. Jung Yeonshin subconsciously calculated their distance.
There were three of them, all young.
Their internal energy was extraordinary, with the swordswoman at the front standing out the most.
She wore a crimson silk martial robe and carried a dark sword at her waist.
Her jet-black hair flowed down to her waist.
Despite the composed restraint of her aura, she felt razor-sharp.
"I am Chui So-ok of the Mount Dianqing Sect."
Her bow was precise, reflecting strict etiquette.
Her aura and demeanor felt mismatched. The soft droop of her large eyes gave her a gentle, even frail, appearance.
Yet, no one underestimated her.
The Mount Dianqing Sect was one of the Nine Great Sects, renowned for swordsmanship.
Chui So-ok's reputation preceded her—many called her a contender for the title of Sword Queen, despite the Imperial family's watchful eyes.
"It's been a while, Little Sword Queen."
Namgoong Hwashin, at Jung Yeonshin's left, greeted her. They seemed to know each other.
"I've heard of Namgoong Hwashin's rising fame in Desolate Fortress. It's a pleasure to meet you again."
Chui So-ok responded with a warm smile.
Even then, Jung Yeonshin continued walking without stopping. He had no time to waste.
He had embarked on this journey to fulfill his grandfather's request, but ensuring their swift arrival at Desolate Fortress to recover was the priority.
Chui So-ok and her group had to match their pace to continue speaking.
The man in the blue martial robe beside her furrowed his brow slightly, but Chui So-ok spoke first.
"I've heard much of the Radiant Demon Squad's Lightning Genius's reputation. I hope we can form an acquaintance."
"State your purpose. You seem to have another reason for approaching."
He replied indifferently.
Only Heon Wonchang, who had long traveled with Jung Yeonshin, sensed the tension in his voice.
The boy had endured extreme situations in Sichuan—witnessing his uncle lose an arm and his grandfather suffer fatal wounds.
Heon Wonchang knew Jung Yeonshin's temperament.
He could only wonder how the fear of a short life and the events in Sichuan's martial world were shaping the young boy.
'Just leave, you lot.'
Heon Wonchang adjusted his Hero's Band over his forehead, hoping nothing would happen.
Chui So-ok smiled faintly.
"As one who has long admired the Hero's sword, I dared to approach to inquire about his well-being. As a junior swordswoman, I hoped to pay my respects to the former leader of the Divine Sword Squad."
The Little Sword Queen and her group were not part of Desolate Fortress.
Perhaps they were unconcerned about their reputation.
Or perhaps the situation was so well understood that no further explanations were needed.
The boy's unfiltered words slipped out.
"Go away."
"..."
Silence fell.
Only the sound of his black robe fluttering briefly echoed.
Despite the frozen tension, the wind continued to flow through the Sichuan basin.
Heon Wonchang hurriedly stepped in.
"Our leader means to say that his fortunes are ill today, so it would be best to meet another time."
From atop one of the carriages, a choking sound erupted.
Flame Dragon, lounging carelessly, burst into laughter, dropping the poppy he had been chewing.