Was there a set format for writing manuals?
He didn't know. There wasn't enough time even to reorganize the main unit, but it seemed like annotations were necessary.
'Right… The manuals in the Heavenly Gold Arsenal were always kind.'
Before creating unique martial arts for his squad, he had mastered the techniques stored in the Heavenly Gold Arsenal of his homeland. Looking back, it made sense.
It felt like parents personally guiding and highlighting the key points.
Each phrase in the books was meticulous. It even felt somewhat warm.
It was similar to the Jung Clan Movement Arts that he had written through many trials and errors during his childhood.
The martial arts he had gifted so far were no different. There was ample room to fill in the gaps, unlike the disassembled documents that consolidated various martial disciplines.
'I was careless this time. There's no rule that only mid-level masters should learn it.'
Jung Yeonshin slowly nodded his head.
Then, he opened his mouth before the seniors, who had strange expressions on their faces, could speak.
"It was my mistake as a junior. Please hand it over to me."
He reached out toward the Comprehensive Overview that was in Xiahou Wei-Jin's grasp. There was no need to use the Golden Flow Hand to snatch it away.
As soon as his fingertips touched the book, it came into his possession very naturally.
The manual was retrieved by its rightful owner. It wasn't something anyone could object to.
Swoosh.
Jung Yeonshin tucked a letter and the copy of the Comprehensive Overview of Destruction into his inner pocket. It was the messenger's letter from the Blood Preservation Squad's leader and the only copy of the manual.
He recognized it as a transcription by its unfamiliar texture. The cover was slightly stiffer.
The Chief Administrator had said he would transcribe only one copy, and it was already complete. It seemed that it had been delicately dried using an internal energy method to create a wind.
This information had only been shared with the experts under the Divine Sword Order, specifically with Jung Yeonshin. The original copy had been taken by the Desolate Fortress' Lord.
'Did they find some incomplete points?'
Jung Yeonshin pondered.
After the two documents were fully secured under his black robes,
"Huh, um…?"
Xiahou Wei-Jin blinked his eyes.
He had been caught off guard. His grip had loosened even more easily than when facing Ak Surim's Golden Flow Hand.
This was because the Radiant Demon Squad's leader hadn't used any martial arts. The junior had simply taken it properly, making resistance seem strange.
"I will add annotations separately and return it. I should send it to the Chief Administrator, correct?"
"…Yes."
Xiahou Wei-Jin's response was delayed.
A sharp glint appeared in the eyes of Un Soyu, who had been observing quietly. However, the discontent wasn't directed at Jung Yeonshin.
It was a silent reprimand toward the Forest Striding Squad's leader, who had caused the situation. Ak Surim, meanwhile, just laughed heartily.
"There will be appropriate disciplinary action or some suitable punishment for that bulky fellow. Lightning Genius, take your time and rest. Your condition is more important than the Comprehensive Overview of Destruction to me. You've completed a significant mission, so you've earned the right to rest."
"Your words are too kind."
Ak Surim waved his hand at Jung Yeonshin, who bowed.
"Still, you'll need to prepare well for tomorrow's Grand Assembly. It's at You hour (between 5 and 7 PM), so have a solid meal before coming. The meeting at Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall is almost like a duel, except that swords aren't drawn. It's your first time officially attending as a squad leader, isn't it?"
"What's the agenda for tomorrow?"
Jung Yeonshin asked quietly.
Ak Surim tilted her eyes upward, as if lost in thought, before answering.
"Mission assignments, promotion evaluations for subordinates, and briefings on the current state of the martial world—those kinds of things? The competition will be intense when it comes to securing desired missions and promoting your subordinates. You'll have to select missions not just for yourself but also for your subordinates. You need to pick the right personnel for the situation. If you send a subordinate with slow reflexes to face an enemy skilled in archery, it'll be disastrous."
"…Understood."
"Oh, and let me warn you in advance. Keeping your voice down in Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall will only hurt you. Don't be polite to the senior members just because they're veterans. You must raise your voice and assert yourself, even for the sake of your subordinates."
With a slight smile, she continued.
"None of us will blame you. We've all done it."
Xiahou Wei-Jin lowered his massive upper body slightly and interjected.
"The vice-leader of the Divine Sword Order was especially bad. The former Heavenly Squad's leader, who retired to a rural life, sent a letter saying that he still survives on porridge for all three meals. That's because the impact of an internal energy attack had dislocated his masseter muscles. He can barely move his jaw."
"That old man deserved it, didn't he? He must have forgotten what he said to me back then."
Jung Yeonshin had no intention of watching his two seniors argue.
"I will keep that in mind."
He wrapped up the conversation quickly.
And he thought exactly what he had said. There were no senior-junior dynamics inside the Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall.
It meant that he could act just as he did outside the headquarters, with straightforward behavior.
It was an incredibly important realization. He had no intention of yielding anything, whether missions or subordinates. Respect for the senior members in black was a separate matter.
'I just need to do as I always do.'
Jung Yeonshin smiled faintly. Ak Surim, who briefly glanced at her newly appointed junior, smiled a little more brightly.
"How did such an adorable kid end up sitting in that chair? The stifling atmosphere is going to lighten up. I'm so excited."
"I'll see you tomorrow."
He clasped his hands together in a respectful gesture. There was nothing more to say in response.
Voom.
Xiahou Wei-Jin's technique to block sound was lifted. The scenery, from the yellow soil to the stone walls and shrubs, became vivid in an instant.
It was an astonishing display of internal energy control, no matter how many times he saw it.
"See you tomorrow! The current state of the martial world is very grim, so it won't be a particularly pleasant meeting! Keep that in mind!"
"That long black coat of yours, it has its charm, but… it looks like it could use some ironing. Wear it neatly."
Ak Surim and Xiahou Wei-Jin turned around.
Un Soyu's lips moved a few times, but in the end, she didn't speak. Her gaze lingered on Jung Yeonshin's chest.
It seemed she had something to say about the Comprehensive Overview.
Now that he thought about it, she was known as a master of breaking down techniques. She might have had some unique purpose for approaching him.
'I should quickly submit the annotated version.'
Jung Yeonshin bid farewell to the seniors, wishing them a peaceful night.
* * *
It was a very grand pavilion.
It seemed as though the imperial palace had been transplanted here. From the stone and wooden structures stretching from the floor to the ceiling, everything gave off that impression.
It was the residence of the Crown Prince in the Desolate Fortress. Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a blue glow on the frames. It was deathly quiet.
The occasional chirping of insects added an eerie touch, as the master of this reception hall manipulated the wind's flow.
"Lin Jinming."
The peerless master sitting on the marble Taesa's Chair called the Chief Administrator of the Desolate Fortress.
With ears as sharp as the edge of a divine sword, his eyes gleamed like black lightning.
His expressionless face exuded a cold, indifferent aura as he gazed down at the kneeling, massive Chief Administrator.
A noble being.
He was the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty.
"It's a story that's hard to believe."
"You must believe it."
The Chief Administrator answered calmly.
The Crown Prince slowly opened his mouth. His voice echoed in the slanting moonlight streaming in from the window.
He spoke as if he were the only one in the world.
"The Tyrant Hero regained his youth? There's no such rumor in the headquarters. You know well that I have more than two ears. None of the shadowed swords I permitted to act have mentioned this."
"I ensured the utmost secrecy. The loss of the two individuals clad in purple has already been quietly spreading, and many sects throughout the world know of the headquarters' weakness. The gathering and dispersion of the sects and the movements of the Thirteen Celestial Demons are no ordinary occurrences. For now, we aim to hide the rebirth of the Tyrant Hero and take this opportunity to cut down the impurities in one sweeping strike. After all, he was originally a divine sword."
"So it's true."
"Yes."
The Crown Prince fell silent for a moment.
He did not ask for the details of how it happened. It was already an accomplished fact, and the Chief Administrator knew this well.
The Crown Prince was someone who always anticipated future developments. His world was clear and well-defined.
It was only after a brief pause that the Crown Prince spoke again.
"We regretted it back in the Forbidden City of Beijing. Those clad in purple have their responsibilities. With no one available to undertake critical tasks, the impact has been severe."
"Regarding Lady Zhu of the Ma Clan…"
"Yes, the Tyrant Hero destroyed two of Zhu Yeon-jeong's energy cores."
"That is correct."
"That incident will be useful in Beijing. While it may be difficult to deal directly with those clad in purple, it is certainly a trump card we can hold. The justification is clear—assaulting a member of the royal family."
"…"
"The disciple, who regards the Tyrant Hero as a grandmaster, may feel aggrieved. I've heard that they have been quite active recently."
The Crown Prince's fingers gently tapped the armrest.
"We must file a memorial suggesting that the matter be handled with leniency. Even so, the Tyrant Hero will be tied to Beijing for some time. The duties of those clad in purple at the Desolate Fortress have been neglected for too long. There was a time when they were sorely needed, but no one could go."
"My apologies."
"Regretful, isn't it? I know the martial world is in chaos. With my limited perspective, in times like these, the roles of the black-rank leaders guiding the seventeen squads are more significant than the few individuals clad in purple. That's why rising talents like my disciple are so valuable. After all, the Tyrant Hero has only one body, even if he has performed the miraculous feat of reversing his age."
He muttered his thoughts aloud in an archaic tone. It was an old habit.
'My lips are itching.'
The Chief Administrator thought.
Lightning Genius, the very one who had caused the miracle, had, if only temporarily, surpassed the level of the black-rank masters.
Caught between the dizzying dilemma of how to reward him, a mix of astonishment and joy, he had been summoned by the Crown Prince.
'I must mention it.'
The Chief Administrator organized his thoughts. It wasn't a matter to skip over just because it hadn't been asked. If he did, he'd face wrath sooner or later.
He spoke directly.
"It is the work of the current Radiant Demon Squad's leader."
"What is? Speak in context."
"Your Highness' disciple has turned back the Tyrant Hero's time."
In the corner of the reception room, the moonlight embracing the window frame trembled.
* * *
The next day had dawned.
The newly born season settled with its transparent sunlight. A refreshing chill entered through the square window of the Radiant Demon Squad's leader's office.
The cool breeze brushed past his sleeves and nape.
It was the wind of early winter.
'Time flies.'
Jung Yeonshin leaned back against the stone chair.
Across from him stood Pung Ran and Na Il-cheon, sent from the Blood Preservation Squad.
"As the arms and legs of the squad leader... we will seek much guidance moving forward."
"We humbly hope for your leadership and wisdom."
Their words were polite, their demeanor refined, as if delicate precision breathed through their movements.
The Blood Preservation Squad was a combat force avoided even within the Divine Sword Order, due to various circumstances.
For that reason, they were known for their strict adherence to rules and etiquette, often compared to the military more than any other combat squad.
'The Squad of Law and Order and the Blood Preservation Squad, both infamous squads.'
To Jung Yeonshin, however, they left a positive impression.
Blood Preservation Squad's leader Jin Myeongjo had not held a sparring session. Instead, he had sent his subordinates without warning.
Jung Yeonshin had read the squad leader's letter the previous evening.
While the cold night breeze seeped through the crack in his door, he had memorized the rare and heartfelt phrases within.
Now, the letter was neatly tucked in the desk drawer of his office.
It joined the collection of letters and directives he had received since joining the Desolate Fortress, letters from various senior members and messages from the Desolate Fortress' Lord.
Jin Myeongjo's letter was worthy of its place among them.
[I experienced the same thing. Right after the sudden death of the previous squad leader, I had to take over the main squad as soon as I became a black-rank. There was no one to help me except the Chief Administrator.
Isn't it truly an unfamiliar environment?
A single word from the squad leader could determine the fate of elite warriors in blue, while people all across the land, suffering under the oppression of various martial factions, desperately awaited their intervention.
Everything was confusing. That's why your struggles stood out to me.
There's no end to the complications once the formalities begin.
I was concerned that the time needed for you to reorganize the Radiant Demon Squad as a new squad leader might be prolonged. That's why I decided to send you individuals who could be considered immediate assets.
Pung Ran, known as the Blood Sword Ghost, and Na Il-cheon, known as the Demonic Spirit of Battle, are renowned experts even within the main unit.
Their blue cloaks feel insufficient, though I'm not suggesting they should wear black just yet.
At any rate, Pung Ran's Blood Blade Technique is exceptional, and Na Il-cheon's Iron Claw of the Dark Night is fearsome on the battlefield.
Both have absorbed the arts of your martial lineage seamlessly. They are comrades who will continue to grow stronger.
Together, they can perform the work of three.
Pung Ran and Na Il-cheon have mastered techniques of yin energy. Their power becomes even stronger at night.
I believe you will find them valuable. Please take care of them. I'll end the letter here.
Welcoming the most talented and promising new junior of the headquarters with great joy.
—Blood Preservation Squad's leader Jin Myeongjo.]
The words had been written in one continuous flow, as if they had been poured out at once. The vivid script remained fresh in his memory.
It felt human, the way the strokes of the letters occasionally wavered, as if the writer had been overcome with emotion while thinking of his junior and dispatching his subordinates.
'Squad leader Jin is a man of great character.'
Jung Yeonshin respected him.
He had readily sent two elite warriors in blue.
Among the black-clad seniors, Jin Myeongjo might be the one most worthy of emulation.
His capacity was immeasurable. Had he belonged to another sect, he would have been referred to as a great hero.
Jung Yeonshin had once called Wei Ji Myohwa, the Sword Dragon of the Zhongnan Sect, by such a title.
"I welcome you as part of the family. Aside from your proficiency in Signature Techniques, what other martial arts have you mastered?"
Jung Yeonshin asked, despite already knowing the answer. He had learned from Heon Wonchang and Baek Miryeo.
To build relationships, one must engage in conversation, even if the topics seemed trivial.
—You are now akin to the head of a martial sect. As a leader of a combat unit within the Divine Sword Order, your rank is higher than that of most sect leaders. Keep this in mind and guide us well. At the end of this path, your rewards will surely await you.
Baek Miryeo's advice. She had urged him to broaden his perspective, to think like the head of a sect.
"I have trained in Splendid Wings Step, and Pung Ran is currently refining her Limit Releasing Technique."
Na Il-cheon answered. Beside him, Pung Ran nodded.
Her thin jawline and pale complexion made him look almost sibling-like to Na Il-cheon. The irregular energy radiating from them had an eerie, almost demonic quality.
They appeared accustomed to following orders like military personnel.
'That brings the count of warriors in blue to twenty-three.'
Chung Myung and Baek Miryeo had mentioned a total of twenty-four, the same number as the Plum Blossom Swordsmen of the Mount Hua Sect.
With that many warriors, they could engage in combat with the elite forces of any major sect.
One was still missing, but it wasn't feasible to ask the Blood Preservation Squad's leader for more, given the goodwill he had already shown.
'It's fine.'
The strongest of the world's opium poppies was currently lying on the rooftop.
The problem was his unassuming attire. Jung Yeonshin planned to propose him for the next promotion examination.
'I have the minimum necessary force. If I familiarize them with the Comprehensive Overview of Destruction and refine the Radiant Demon Arts, they'll become an exceptional force.'
It was time for internal reorganization.
There were conflicts and frustrations within the Radiant Demon Squad as well. The squad leader had changed due to events in the City of Master Craftsmen.
Not everyone could be expected to get along. Moreover, the white-clad junior Shin So-bin was currently detained by the Shin Clan, and she had to be retrieved one way or another.
Chung Myung's words echoed vividly.
"Regardless of uniform color, Shin So-bin could be considered a pioneer of your martial lineage. She's excellent with both the Infinite Blossom Fist Strike and Splendid Wings Step. She practically worships you. Didn't she recently crush her sister from the Obeying Heaven Squad, Shin Bin-bin? She complained that you treat the White Qilin as your personal subordinate."
As soon as the squad leaders' assembly concluded, he would send a message to the Shin Clan.
—Return my subordinate.
'If they refuse, claiming it's a family matter...'
Jung Yeonshin refrained from further indulging in negative scenarios.
He would deal with it when the time came.
Clearing his mind, he rose from his seat, slowly parting his lips.
"I'll assess your martial arts tomorrow. Sharpen your energy and be ready."
Pung Ran and Na Il-cheon silently bowed their heads.
"Dismissed."
After sending them off, Jung Yeonshin took out a letter from his pocket. It was on paper reinforced with luxurious pink silk.
When he unfolded it, the handwriting of his maternal grandfather, Ma Yeonjeok, appeared.
The writing resembled a dragon soaring and twisting, alive with energy.
[I hear the subordinates are gathering at Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall.
This old man should show his face too. Why don't we go together? I'll head to the Radiant Demon Pavilion.
Since the royal family will undoubtedly summon this old body of mine in secret, I'd like to spend as much time as I can with you. I also wish to witness your first Squad Leaders' Assembly.]
Jung Yeonshin was mortified. His feelings for his grandfather had nothing to do with it.
A grandson bringing his grandfather to work? It was a scene worthy of kicking off the covers in frustration. It would surely happen tonight.
'I should leave first.'
Step.
He immediately started walking.
The black robes of the newly appointed Radiant Demon Squad's leader fluttered behind him.
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