The blue-ranked experts of the Radiant Demon Squad slightly furrowed their brows.
"Formidable."
One murmured.
"They've brought every available force, it seems. From Madam Zhu's perspective, that is."
"They intend to challenge us, laws be damned?"
"Our Clan Leader gave them the excuse. They had no reservations to begin with."
Behind Zhu Yeon-jeong stood about thirty experts, shrouded in the noble aura characteristic of the renowned families.
They were warriors who hadn't participated in the Desolate Fortress' Ritual and were not part of the Divine Sword Squad, but part of the Desolate Ma Clan's forces.
Their silk robes of various colors scattered the sunset light brilliantly, and none of them seemed ordinary.
Their ages varied as well.
The young warriors, whose faces were full of vitality, posed little threat to the Radiant Demon Squad.
It was the middle-aged experts, whose eyes glimmered with a neutral yet fierce light, who were the problem.
Each of them fixed a heavy gaze on the Radiant Demon Squad, individuals whose mastery of the Fusion Fist Strike had reached its peak.
At the very least, they were blue-ranked and likely beyond what typical blue-ranks were considered to be.
It had often been said that the explosive power of the Desolate Ma Clan's martial arts was dangerous even with repeated precautions. Their refined martial prowess was bound to be razor-sharp.
"They've even brought their veterans. Our previous Squad leader must be having a rough time."
Chung Myung said, perched casually on the roof.
Unlike his relaxed demeanor, the wind that encased his entire body was anything but calm.
The sharp, chilling wind scraped against the blue tiles of the roof, leaving fine, linear scratches that continuously spread.
Kagagakak.
The energy emanating from his body was as sharp as refined, condensed force.
It resembled the scene created by Lightning Genius's body movement technique, the Squad leader of the Radiant Demon Squad.
It was a well-known anecdote that made the sight even more intimidating.
Chung Myung, the Azure-Eye Demonic Swordsman had demonstrated the body movements of the prestigious clan to his Squad leader, who then restructured them into martial arts mnemonics, creating a supreme technique.
Many had since awaited the gifting of martial arts within Heavenly Gold Martial Arsenal.
This anticipation had been growing since the Radiant Demon Squad's leader's duel with the leader of the Immortal Spirit Wood Squad.
Duels between squad leaders were major events.
Even many from the Desolate Ma Clan had been present as observers, a fact that suggested just how notable this situation was.
"...It's certainly similar. No wonder rumors credit the Azure-Eye Demonic Swordsman with contributing to the squad leader's progress."
Someone muttered.
"You're only saying that because you're young. Originally, that man was the first candidate to be the next leader of the Radiant Demon Squad."
"You juniors better take this to heart. That renowned swordsman's blade work is known for its lethal precision. Never let your guard down."
"Let's measure him using the Fusion Sacred Sword."
One suggested.
Zhu Yeon-jeong, with a serious expression, stood before the group of both young and middle-aged experts.
"Grand Elder should be resting at the main house. You all should stop covering for the sins of the previous leader. What's happening today won't end with just light punishment if it reaches the General Affairs Bureau, but if you retreat now, I'll see to it that leniency is granted."
"Do you even know why we're here?"
Chung Myung asked, grinning.
Zhu Yeon-jeong remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"...I heard that the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad obtained a Revitalization Pill. He plans to attempt something reckless without consulting the Medicine Hall. Both could end up in ruin. You must open the path for your squad leader's sake."
"That's a matter of trust. You have no right to doubt our squad leader's abilities. For a renowned family under Desolate Fortress's authority, you seem to lack faith in Desolate Fortress' black-ranked experts."
"No one underestimates Lightning Genius within Desolate Fortress, myself included. You all should know this as well."
She replied.
"Then what's the issue?"
He asked.
"It's the matter of the purple-ranked expert. This isn't something for just two black-ranks to decide. Even if Lightning Genius' cultivation is lofty, there's no guarantee that the Grand Elder's condition will improve. It's more prudent to leave everything in the hands of the Medicine Hall."
"Our squad leader is wary of that, interference born from unnecessary meddling or blind confidence. Someone like you, bound by authority, is quick to observe but trapped within your own limitations."
"Speak plainly."
Zhu Yeon-jeong said in a low voice, her tone commanding like that of someone accustomed to giving orders, befitting her royal lineage.
Chung Myung lightly tapped his heel on the roof, descending gracefully.
"What I mean is that there's no need to drag this out. This can be resolved quickly."
He said.
Zhu Yeon-jeong did not respond. She merely turned her head slightly, giving a brief signal to a young warrior.
"You, report everything about this incident to the General Affairs Bureau. Leave nothing out. Include the Radiant Demon Squad leader's impudence, the violation of laws, his actions against the clan's warriors, and the clan leader's unilateral decisions."
"I obey."
The young warrior, dressed in green silk robes, replied.
Taak!
He immediately executed his lightness skill, retracing the path they had come from.
None of the warriors under the Radiant Demon Squad moved to stop him. Aside from Chung Myung, the dozen or so experts stood still, silently watching the receding figure.
The hems of their blue robes fluttered faintly in the transparent wind.
Chung Myung was right.
Their behavior was proof of their trust in their squad leader.
Zhu Yeon-jeong's gaze darkened.
'This isn't an ordinary matter.'
She thought.
Every martial artist from Desolate Fortress was regarded as a prodigy in their hometown.
Anyone who had cultivated internal energy to reach the blue rank couldn't be a fool.
This incident was far from normal.
Perhaps the Grand Elder might regain mobility, thanks to the Radiant Demon Squad leader's genuine efforts.
'That must not happen.'
His martial arts recovery was unlikely, as confirmed by the physicians of the Medicine Hall.
However, even if the Grand Elder were merely to regain mobility, it would trigger a political storm within the prestigious Desolate Ma Clan.
Zhu Yeon-jeong's painstakingly expanded faction would be shaken.
The symbolic weight of Ma Yeonjeok, the Hero of Desolate Fortress, was that immense.
This could not be allowed.
'I cannot face the Radiant Demon Squad head-on in such a short time.'
She coldly assessed her forces.
Most of the Desolate Ma Clan's experts were already distributed among the seventeen Divine Sword units. That was why they received immense support and funding from the General Affairs Bureau.
The people standing behind Zhu Yeon-jeong right now were roughly half of the minimum essential personnel needed to maintain the clan.
They were not enough to confidently overwhelm the blue-ranked experts before her, even with the Radiant Demon Squad's recent setbacks from the incident in Sichuan's City of Master Craftsmen.
The leader of the Radiant Demon Squad, even when considered a weakened force, could not be underestimated.
Strategy was essential.
"There's too much scheming going on. It seems that compromise is impossible."
Chung Myung remarked, sitting on the roof with one knee raised, his cold, blue eyes fixed on Zhu Yeon-jeong.
They were the eyes of someone from a noble lineage.
"How long will it take?"
He mused to himself, though someone answered from below.
—It'll take several hours. The Grand Revitalization Pill isn't an ordinary elixir. If the squad leader carefully dissolves it using the Jung Clan Movement Arts, it'll take a long time.
It was a transmission from Baek Miryeo.
She had already stepped forward.
Jeobeok.
From the soles of her feet, streams of pitch-black energy began to rise. It was the precursor to the manifestation of internal energy.
With each step, a new strand of dark vapor appeared.
Materializing internal energy was an extremely rare skill, and her technique was not something anyone could easily trace back to its origins. In an instant, all eyes were drawn to her.
"Pure black energy waves... It's the Wave Swordswoman."
"It's just as the rumors described. Doesn't it resemble demonic arts?"
The warriors of the Desolate Ma Clan began moving forward.
Zhu Yeon-jeong did not stop them. She maintained her dignified posture, standing with her hands behind her back, watching the experts of the Radiant Demon Squad.
"Do not hold back. Once the commotion is sensed, the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad will come out on his own."
She said indifferently.
Inwardly, she hoped Lightning Genius' energy flow would be disrupted. The collision of forces among such powerful experts would generate an immense shockwave.
The walls of the quaint pavilion wouldn't be able to withstand it. That was Zhu Yeon-jeong's intent.
"Foolish schemes."
Baek Miryeo muttered coldly.
Heavenly Demon Sacred Arts, Barehanded Demon Art.
Saaa―
Baek Miryeo's hands turned pure white like snow, forming a stark contrast to the jet-black currents flowing down her body.
She was not the only one to take the position.
"Keep the energy waves minimal. If you have knowledge of Silent Force Techniques, make your moves quietly."
"Don't bother advising those unfamiliar with Flowing Harmony. Haven't they still failed to grasp the principle of softness overcoming hardness?"
"One decisive strike would be best here. I should've brought Heon Wonchang."
"Blazing Solar Energy would've been ideal too. If only that Hwangbo slacker hadn't been busy preparing for advancement…"
The blue-ranked experts of the Radiant Demon Squad began drawing their swords one by one.
Before long, they silently took their first steps forward.
* * *
The stone gate, carved with wooden reliefs, opened without a sound.
Draped in jet-black robes, figures slowly walked inside.
Their heights and builds varied, as did the subtle energy waves emanating from each of them.
Desolate Divine Spear Ak Surim, Forest Striding Squad Leader Xiahou Wei-Jin, Blood Preservation Squad leader Jin Myeongjo, leader of the Immortal Spirit Wood Squad Cheon So-so, leader of Law and Order Squad Un Soyu…
Each of them was accompanied by one expert in either white or blue robes, warriors who served as their escorts.
One by one, they moved and took their seats around a massive table made of several joined pieces of solid wood.
The chairs were as large and grand as those fit for the heads of major sects.
The light-gray backrest of Xiahou Wei-Jin's chair nearly reached the height of his head. Altogether, there were eighteen seats.
The Divine Sword Squad's leader, the vice-leader, and the sixteen other squad leaders had their places here.
This was the Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall.
The stone round table was surrounded by squad leaders, with their escorts standing beside intricately carved marble chairs. All of them carried themselves with disciplined poise.
Five black-ranked warriors of Desolate Fortress had gathered.
Wooong.
The overwhelming martial power naturally resonated.
A heavy pressure began to swell.
This was a place where nothing in the world could stand against them.
The naturally rising energy waves created an invisible force that thickened the atmosphere as though it had taken on a tangible form.
The breathing of the escorts grew longer and heavier, as they found it increasingly difficult to endure the pressure without regulating their internal breathing.
"Where is the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad?"
Xiahou Wei-Jin asked in a deep, thick voice.
"He is currently away on personal business."
A reply came through the crack of the door leading to the First Sword Hall.
Heavy footsteps echoed, and soon, a large, middle-aged man swung the stone door open and entered.
"So, you've all gathered. I was wondering if I'd have to chase down Xiahou Wei-Jin again."
He was a burly man whose brown robe suited him well.
His thick, jet-black beard was overgrown, and his large eyes glinted with a mixture of fondness and resentment as they swept over the squad leaders.
He muttered softly to himself, "Reliable troublemakers."
It was Lin Jinming, the Chief Administrator.
Xiahou Wei-Jin chuckled viciously.
"Personal business? What could be more important than a squad leaders' assembly?"
"There are a couple of things. You'll find out soon enough, whether the results are good or bad."
The Chief Administrator replied casually.
He then continued slowly.
"With the formation of the Murim Alliance, I'm sure you're aware that our General Affairs Bureau has been facing quite a headache. Even though most of you squad leaders have been indifferent to it."
"Are you referring to the rumors about the orthodox sects forming alliances not just in Shaanxi but across the world?"
The woman from the prestigious family, who had been sitting upright, spoke.
Her sharp, blade-like ears protruded from beneath her flowing black hair. Her serene expression complemented her beautiful features. She was Un Soyu, the leader of the Law and Order Squad.
The Chief Administrator smiled.
"You're quite helpful, Leader Un. Yes, that's correct. These annoying flies have discovered the power of unity. Even the sects that initially formed the alliance have started withdrawing and seeking their own survival. It seems the Sword Saint's governance didn't sit well with them."
"So, our enemies have grown stronger? The arrows we used to break one at a time are now binding into bundles of five or ten? How inconvenient."
Ak Surim said irritably.
"Hardly surprising."
Blood Preservation Squad leader Jin Myeongjo remarked, her bright red lips parting.
"If that's why we've been summoned, do you have a plan? Otherwise, all we can do is keep colliding until one of us dies. Isn't that the fate of Desolate Fortress' warriors—dying with a sword in their gut somewhere in the wilderness?"
"You always speak like a bloodthirsty ghost. Silence for a moment, so the Chief Administrator can get to the point."
Cheon So-so of the prestigious family casually interjected.
It was a familiar scene.
The Chief Administrator sighed and reached into his robe.
Swish.
He pulled out a book from inside his chest pocket. As the cover slowly came into view, the words 'Comprehensive Overview' were revealed.
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