Turbulence (7)
"What kind of book... Comprehensive Overview, Destruction...?"
Blood Preservation Squad's leader Jin Myeongjo's eyes widened.
Under his thin eyelashes, a faint red shadow formed.
Swoosh.
His jet-black pupils turned crimson for an instant, before returning to black.
This phenomenon, distinct from the Sight Arts, arose in sync with his mind. Along with a mysterious ability, it signified the realm of the Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown.
All present were those who had evenly cultivated their essence, energy, and spirit.
For the Squad leaders of Desolate Fortress, this was nothing out of the ordinary. Those from noble clans harbored disdain for Jin Myeongjo's background.
Noble-born leaders like Immortal Spirit Wood Squad's leader Cheon So-so glared at him.
But they soon averted their gazes.
The interests of the black-rank masters seated in the hall aligned elsewhere. Chief Administrator Lin Jinming was not a frivolous man.
The eyes of the gathered Squad leaders turned entirely to the book that the Chief Administrator had brought forth.
"Judging by the context of this conversation,"
Thousand Fist Dragon Force Minister Xiahou Wei-Jin stroked his chin with his thick index finger.
"The meaning behind the term 'Comprehensive Overview'... is it what I think it is?"
"Your guess is correct, Xiahou Squad leader,"
The Chief Administrator slowly ran his hand over the book's cover, a faint smile on his lips.
As the characters of Comprehensive Overview of Destruction brushed against his calloused skin with a rough sound, his touch remained exceedingly gentle.
It was as if he were handling one of the world's great treasures, an air of reverence subtly evident.
"The world is descending into chaos. The pattern of alliances and dispersals among the martial sects of Jianghu is vastly different from before. Various factions are forming alliances everywhere, and this rising tide of warlords is terrifying... Our fortress must prepare accordingly."
He said.
The Desolate Fortress had long managed the scattered sects of Jianghu.
It was a vast world. Saying they had barely endured would be more accurate.
The Seventeen Squads of the Divine Sword Order, when gathered, possessed an immense, unparalleled power.
[NOTE - From further here, I will change Divine Sword Squad to Divine Sword Order because Divine Sword Order is the collection of seventeen sub-squads. So calling both squads is creating confusion for both readers and myself.]
However, they were insufficient to monitor the general populace.
An increase in unified martial factions, akin to the Murim Alliance, posed a significant problem.
Jin Myeongjo's earlier cynical remarks had some truth. It wasn't uncommon for hostile sects to plot massacres in remote mountains.
If they grew stronger, more Desolate Fortress' warriors would die on missions.
Jin Myeongjo twisted his lips slightly—not in mockery, but in a smile tainted with disillusionment over the state of the world.
"Even the Radiant Demon Squad Leader from the previous generation, Radiant Demon Squad itself, fell helplessly to the joint assault of the Ten Perfection Sect and the Pure Demon Alliance, didn't it? The same could happen to us. If desperate sects stockpiling insufficient food scatter and proliferate, there's no guarantee that the same disaster won't strike again. Missions requiring lone warriors or small teams will become riskier... As the Chief Administrator says, we must prepare."
He spoke slowly.
"If preparation is possible, that is. 'Comprehensive Overview of Destruction'... It implies the annihilation of all White Path martial arts, doesn't it? How arrogant. I'm sure the Chief Administrator wouldn't have brought this without reason, but its exaggerated name doesn't inspire much hope. It's like how those who look down on those of humble birth flaunt the bright character for 'Myeong/Ming' in their names. What's the difference?"
After finishing his words, Jin Myeongjo immediately lowered his gaze.
He deliberately avoided the menacing stares of Immortal Spirit Wood Squad's leader, Law and Order Squad's leader, and Forest Striding Squad's leader.
"What?"
He muttered softly, tilting his head and slowly stroking his fingertips.
The sharp, claw-like nails symbolized the peak technique of his martial path.
Blood Preservation Squad's leader Jin Myeongjo was known as a master of numerous fist techniques and the Flash Blood Claw Method.
The Chief Administrator chuckled.
"Then, Blood Preservation Squad's leader, we'll meet again soon. I guarantee the Squad leaders will soon be fighting over access to this book. It's dangerous enough that copying it is forbidden."
"Our blood demon's insight will be greatly missed."
Xiahou Wei-Jin's lips curled upward as he cut in.
"I've had my eye on that book. Let me take a look first."
Forest Striding Squad's leader Xiahou Wei-Jin had previously traveled with Lightning Genius, the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad.
He had witnessed Desolate Fortress' Lord's reaction to 'Comprehensive Overview of Destruction' firsthand. From what he saw, the reaction was extraordinary.
'She immediately praised her.'
Without even opening the book, she smiled upon seeing the title—a rare occurrence.
Whether it was the insight of the most revered noble among the elites or her trust in the rising black-robed master, he couldn't tell. Perhaps it was both.
'What on earth could it be?'
Xiahou Wei-Jin was extremely curious, though he maintained a composed demeanor.
"Here."
He gestured toward Chief Administrator Lin Jinming. As a noble, Xiahou Wei-Jin's seniority among the squad leaders was considerable.
No one objected when he treated the Chief Administrator as a subordinate.
Even when the Chief Administrator calmly approached with the book in hand, no one complained.
"Since its symbolic significance is immense, ensure it doesn't suffer the slightest damage. Be careful with it, Forest Striding Squad's leader."
"You're being overly cautious."
Xiahou Wei-Jin said, just as the book entered his grasp.
Swoosh.
Suddenly, five fingers imbued with formidable energy intervened. The refined energy waves radiating from her seemingly delicate hands were remarkable.
The hand gently bent Xiahou Wei-Jin's middle finger aside and smoothly redirected the book to another hand, as naturally as flowing water.
Without a sound, the book was seized by a supreme practitioner of the Golden Flow Hand.
Before anyone realized, Ak Surim had taken 'Comprehensive Overview of Destruction'.
"Let's see... I think I'll savor Lightning Genius' handwriting a bit more."
She smirked and flipped open the first page of the book.
Xiahou Wei-Jin blinked his large eyes.
"Desolate Divine Spear, you... impulsive woman..."
"Don't be bitter about your size. In our fortress, ranks are determined by martial prowess. Even weeds have their order, so I'll take the first look."
Without even glancing at him, Ak Surim boldly yet carefully began reading through the book.
Her actions were bold, just like the short black hair she nonchalantly tucked behind her ears. She had always been that way.
It wasn't anything new.
Xiahou Wei-Jin didn't react angrily.
His twitching lips pressed together as he rose from his seat and leaned over Ak Surim's head to read along.
"It's indeed a breakdown technique. Azure One Sect? What a petty sect..."
"Could you stop babbling? If your breath messes up my hair again, I'll trim your ears. Don't deny I could do it in this position."
Ak Surim spoke without lifting her gaze.
A light question, but her aura was immense.
Even with the formidable Forest Striding Squad's leader at arm's length, she confidently asserted her dominance. He did not respond.
Moments later, Xiahou Wei-Jin's disappointment became evident as he leaned back.
"Lightning Genius' intuition is impressive. The coordination between the mnemonic verses for internal energy manipulation and the sword techniques is incredible. The technique is highly refined. I'd believe it if you told me some elder from the Azure One Sect had spent years perfecting this form. But... if the breakdown method here applies only to low-grade techniques, there's little to expect beyond this."
He had initially thought it was a manual containing breakdowns for superior martial arts.
Most noble techniques were complex and ever-changing, requiring analysis of countless muscle movements and trajectories before they could be countered.
This was why breakdown techniques for prestigious sects rarely existed. Their martial arts had withstood centuries of refinement.
Thus, the term "Destruction" carried immense weight.
But before Xiahou Wei-Jin could fully process his disappointment, his eyes scanned the next page.
His mouth slowly shut when Ak Surim turned to the next chapter.
[Zhuge Clan. Infinite Fan Technique.]
"..."
Silence hung in the air.
"...Infinite Fan Technique. I've suffered under it before."
"Is it authentic?"
By then, Cheon So-so and Un Soyu had also drawn near. They leaned in, forming a circle around Ak Surim as if it were natural.
The squad leaders of the Seventeen Squads had their own cliques.
Just as their martial arts were unique, so were their personalities. Some leaders were close friends, while others had rivalries that bordered on enmity.
Even Blood Preservation Squad's leader Jin Myeongjo, who often found himself isolated, stood with folded arms, sensing something extraordinary.
"So..."
The Law and Order Squad's leader, Un Soyu, spoke once more.
She was the head of the enforcement squad of Desolate Fortress, a figure both revered and feared, and a master of martial arts breakdown techniques. She primarily dissected the techniques practiced by the warriors of Desolate Fortress.
"Where is the Radiant Demon Squad's leader?"
She asked the Chief Administrator.
* * *
In an unnamed garden within the inner sanctum of Desolate Fortress.
The elite warriors of the Radiant Demon Squad did not use shock-enhanced footwork.
Their squad leader was positioned in the pavilion behind them.
They fought quietly, avoiding any techniques that would generate powerful shockwaves.
This was due to their concern that it might adversely affect their squad leader.
Wooong! Swaak!
The resonance of inner energy echoed as dozens of trajectories sliced through the air.
They chose a fighting style that reduced weight by avoiding shock-enhanced movements. Every punch thrown and sword swung carried little sound, concealing their presence in the wind.
It was a refined group battle, fierce enough to be called a clash of titans.
Their opponents were different.
Without hesitation, they allowed their swords to resonate. Some stomped heavily on the ground, channeling their immense internal energy.
They had no qualms about using shock-enhanced footwork to deliver heavy strikes. The clashes were violent.
Zzzzzzang! Kwang—!
Their intent was clear.
"Radiant Demon Squad's leader, cease your reckless actions immediately!"
"We fear that unskilled medical treatment could harm the Grand Elder!"
Desolate Fortress warriors and the blue-clad elites of the Radiant Demon Squad clashed.
From the hands of dozens of warriors, hundreds of sword paths and fist strikes erupted. Dust whirled in the air.
The impacts of swords and fists sent shockwaves scattering into colorless fragments, while swirling waves of energy generated faint winds.
At the center were Zhu Yeon-jeong and Baek Miryeo, their hands continuously crossing paths.
Zhu Yeon-jeong infused her right arm's three meridians with internal energy, this was a technique from the Golden Immortal Eight Methods.
The Hand Yanming Large Intestine Meridian, which stretched from the shoulder to the index finger, was filled with golden energy.
The golden glow was faintly visible along her forearm as it cut through the air.
Her palm clashed forcefully with Baek Miryeo's.
Bang!
Golden and dark currents clashed violently. The shockwaves from their collision rattled their hands and sent dust swirling around their feet.
They had already exchanged dozens of moves. Both sides were now pushed to their limits.
Both Zhu Yeon-jeong and Baek Miryeo wondered if things had gone well or if they had gone terribly wrong.
Their struggle continued.
The sunset had completely faded, and twilight shadows grew sharp under the pavilion's eaves.
They fought and fought again.
Despite the passing time, the power behind their strikes did not waver. Each had a desperate reason driving them.
Their martial techniques unleashed fierce trajectories, embodying their intentions.
Then, at a certain moment, two figures who hadn't been there before suddenly appeared in the midst of the battlefield.
Step.
Between the panting Zhu Yeon-jeong and Baek Miryeo, two figures arrived, clad in a black robe and a soft pink medical garment. They appeared like phantoms blending into the scene.
It was the Radiant Demon Squad's leader, Lightning Genius, and an unfamiliar young man.
With a blank expression, Lightning Genius stomped his foot.
Kwooooom—!
The ground shook violently, and cracks spread across the garden, crushing shrubs and branching out in multiple directions.
An enormous wave of energy erupted, shaking the surroundings. That single stomp seemed to commend the Radiant Demon Squad's efforts in suppressing their sound until now.
"Stop this at once."
Jung Yeonshin said, his hands clasped behind his back.
His voice was as clear as moonlight resting on his sharp jawline.
Zhu Yeon-jeong's lips twisted.
"Just because you're the squad leader doesn't give you the right to order me around. We're in a critical situation where we should be bringing the Grand Elder immediately, so how dare you—!"
Her words abruptly halted.
She had caught sight of the man standing beside Lightning Genius.
He appeared to be around thirty years old.
His jet-black hair hung messily down to his shoulders. His body was frail, and his face was gaunt, yet an unusual strength radiated from him as if his entire being was surrounded by an impenetrable fortress.
There was an extraordinary power within him that could not be explained by internal energy alone.
It was as if his overwhelming presence had taken tangible form, with transparent waves of energy surging from his body like a turbulent storm.
"I am Ma Yeonjeok."
The man said.
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