Hwoong! Jjoo-eoong!
A colorless wave blurred and spread. An opaque ripple swept in all directions, accompanied by violent shockwaves.
A fist clashed against a sword, producing a sharp, resonating sound like a gong being struck.
The hems of the swordsman's and fist-fighter's clothes fluttered—one in a vibrant blue hue, the other in a faded gray.
One had complained about the absence of their leader, the other had called out that behavior.
This was the clash of the Lightning Genius' lineage and the Hwangbo Clan's techniques.
The Grand Martial Arena of the Radiant Demon Squad, known for its vastness, was where they moved their bodies. Only specific units had access to this training ground, capable of accommodating hundreds of martial masters.
It was one of the rare training sites granted to select elite forces under the Divine Sword Order.
Occasionally, it served as the preparatory arena for the rare "Divine Sword Order Assemblies."
The weakened warriors of the Radiant Demon Squad had reasons to feel uneasy. Unlike other combat units, they benefited from special privileges.
The Radiant Demon Squad had long enjoyed these benefits within the Divine Sword Order, presenting themselves as mighty figures.
Their Grand Martial Arena was indeed expansive.
But not today. With just two people clashing, the space suddenly felt insufficient, as the overwhelming aura of two masters filled the entire field.
Invisible waves of power collided violently.
Swaak!
A burly man was executing his sword techniques. It was Kang Chang-mu, the blue-ranked expert who had transitioned from the Forest Striding Squad to the Radiant Demon Squad.
The sword in his hand radiated a flexible, shimmering light. The Radiance Sword Style of the Lightning Genius' lineage unleashed its brilliance, trailing sword beams in the air.
The atmosphere was carved by the sword's path, leaving behind faint afterimages.
Flame Dragon confronted him barehanded, not even wearing combat gloves. Wisps of colorless heat shimmered around his hands. He struck the sword blade upward with a powerful blow.
Jjoo-eoong!
Kang Chang-mu's blue sleeve fluttered violently. The veins protruding from his exposed forearm testified to the intensity of the duel.
Flame Dragon, clad in a sleeveless black martial uniform, faced the sword pressure head-on. This was not something he could take lightly.
"He's using protective energy as if it were combat gloves. Is that guy insane? How long has it been now?"
"I've heard about the Hwangbo Clan's defensive energy. It's called the Heavenly King's Silk. No doubt, it's a top-tier technique. Even among the aristocratic clans, their martial arts are exceptional. He's blocking Kang Chang-mu's Radiance Sword Style barehanded."
"Well, he's someone who mastered martial body techniques too… More importantly, his internal energy must be incredibly deep. Judging by his accumulation of energy, he might surpass even our squad leader. Regular swords wouldn't leave a scratch on him. His body itself is a weapon."
"The Solar Divine Meridian… Its reputation holds true. They say you have to burn your life to unlock its potential."
It was a duel between Kang Chang-mu and the nameless disciple Flame Dragon. The seasoned masters of the Radiant Demon Squad had no intention of stopping the fight.
This battle began in the Grand Martial Arena due to Flame Dragon's insolence. It did not violate any regulations.
They also had to consider Kang Chang-mu's reputation as a mid-level recruit.
Kang Chang-mu was a swordsman of great merit. He had secretly taken down an evil faction leader who had been terrorizing the branch leader of Wuchang Prefecture in Huguang Province.
He had done so without much struggle, combining the Radiance Sword Style with his primary sword technique to decapitate the target in a single strike.
He was captivated by the principles of instantaneous swordplay, leaving him in awe of the current Radiant Demon Squad's leader.
'But this guy shows no respect.'
Kang Chang-mu thought as he watched Flame Dragon's hands extend toward him.
The fist techniques disrupted his sword's flow, preventing him from extending his trajectories.
For an expert of Kang Chang-mu's caliber, just exchanging a few moves was enough to sense his opponent's intentions. Flame Dragon's hostility was evident.
Through his movements, Flame Dragon was clearly saying that he had no desire to witness more of the Radiance Sword Style.
Jjeojeojeong!
A horizontal sword trajectory faltered, and the blade trembled from a series of heavy impacts.
Flame Dragon's right fist struck upward from below, followed by a palm strike from his left hand that pushed the blade aside. He then struck the sword blade downward with the heel of his right palm.
The sequence flowed smoothly, like water, disrupting the sword's path.
The sword shot upward, hit precisely three times—each strike contorting the trajectory of the Radiance Sword Style.
Kwaak!
Dust scattered beneath Kang Chang-mu's heels as he retreated using the Splendid Wings Step.
'He's using that as a retreating footwork?'
Flame Dragon frowned, stomping forward to close the distance.
Surging heat from his body tore through the air, creating a transparent mirage accompanied by whistling sounds.
Koong!
Kang Chang-mu planted his back foot firmly, performing the Radiance Sword Style's power step.
The ground trembled violently as dust and debris exploded at his feet, shrouding his upward-swinging sword in a cloud of dirt.
Faint white sword light rose from his blade.
Flame Dragon's lips curled into a grin. His sleepy eyes narrowed as he gazed down mockingly, as if saying, "That's not how you do it."
Bang!
Kang Chang-mu's rising sword was stomped back down by Flame Dragon's foot. The sword blade couldn't pierce his leather shoe.
The Heavenly King's Silk of the Hwangbo Clan formed an invisible barrier, a prestigious protective energy technique of the aristocratic Jinan nobles.
Kang Chang-mu's eyes widened, while Flame Dragon furrowed his brows.
"The Radiance Sword Style is a sword technique that should be used instinctively. If you calculate its paths in your head, you're already too slow. It's a swift sword technique that aims to exploit openings, but you're practically broadcasting your weak points—your lower body, wrists, and energy flow. You're a sparrow trying to imitate a phoenix."
What a sight. How unsightly.
Flame Dragon slowly muttered as he continued pressing down on Kang Chang-mu's sword.
"So, you managed to survive a little longer. I didn't expect to dismantle the Radiance Sword Style so easily. I thought about it a few times in my dreams, but it seems talent really does come first. This isn't exactly fun."
Flame Dragon didn't seem satisfied.
His lips lowered into a frown, revealing the bitterness he felt.
"The sword technique your squad leader invented when he wore white robes, huh? Seeing it through you, its flaws are crystal clear. If you can't master the Radiant Demon Arts, you'll need at least exceptional martial prowess. Just make sure you're not holding your leader back. Otherwise, this gets boring."
"...Don't underestimate our leader's lineage. The martial arts of the Hwangbo Clan are not to be belittled just because they're ancient."
Kang Chang-mu bared his teeth in anger, but his sword didn't budge beneath Flame Dragon's foot.
Even when he channeled significant internal energy into his lower body, waist, and arms, nothing changed.
Kang Chang-mu's internal cultivation was exceptional, without a doubt.
"The energy reserves of the Solar Divine Meridian are the highest in the squad. His internal energy is fire-based, making it overwhelmingly dominant."
"That's how this duel will end."
"The nameless disciple just bested a blue-ranked expert..."
"Well, he's a young master, so it makes sense."
"He seems familiar with our leader's techniques. You could say he was halfway to dismantling the Radiance Sword Style before the fight even began. The mnemonic verses are publicly known, and he's probably witnessed it the most in real combat. He might know our leader's techniques better than anyone besides Chung Myung, Baek Miryeo, or the former leader."
"What about Desolate Sacred Warrior's bold retorts?"
"He's still supposed to reveal seventy percent of his core power."
"Is he still lying down somewhere? Haven't seen him lately."
"He challenged the blue ranks, but at this rate, all his accumulated achievements might be for nothing."
Flame Dragon's promotion trial with Heon Wonchang had become a major topic, not just within the Radiant Demon Squad.
Many warriors awaiting missions in the Divine Sword Order were paying close attention to this promotion trial.
The seasoned veterans who had been with the new leader for the longest were watching closely.
It was a test of whether he possessed the leadership qualities expected of the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad.
How well could he train and nurture his subordinates? Beyond creating martial techniques, could he lead an entire squad as a leader?
Would embarking on martial journeys alongside him result in meaningful growth?
The Hwangbo Clan's prodigy was already a completed martial artist.
The main concern lay with Heon Wonchang's martial arts. That was the consensus among the experts of the Radiant Demon Squad.
"Doesn't seem like much to expect."
One person murmured while observing Flame Dragon's expression.
* * *
The security at the Desolate Shin Clan's estate was strict.
Naturally so, as a black-ranked expert had entered the family hall, visibly displeased.
His reasons were clear, he had come to retrieve a subordinate, regardless of the young age of the new squad leader.
All warriors instinctively felt tension.
"Everything will be fine, right?"
A swordsman clad in a blue overcoat asked one of the gatekeepers in a casual tone.
The gatekeeper didn't dare respond. The man who had asked was a scion of the Desolate Shin Clan.
It was the Chaos Sword, Shin Baek, known as a seasoned swordsman in his mid-thirties. His soft eyebrows and gentle expression belied a different nature.
His temperament was anything but gentle.
"Didn't I ask you? Even if the new squad leader's martial arts are exceptional, the main clan cannot act disrespectfully, can they? Or is that hard for you to understand?"
"No, sir."
The young gatekeeper, clad in plain clothes, immediately replied with a restrained voice.
Shin Baek harbored resentment toward the clan's direct bloodline. He had been overshadowed by the clan's eldest son of his generation and was overlooked due to the prodigious talent of Shin So-bin.
Even as an blue-ranked expert, his circumstances were unusual. His reputation outside the clan, however, was excellent.
It was different inside. Extremely irritable.
"Seeing the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad in person makes me regret So-bin even more. If she were just a bit older, she'd be a strong contender for successor. I would've pushed for her as the next head… Isn't her talent too valuable to just hand over to the Radiant Demon Squad? Unless she's someone remarkably ignorant, even their leader would have to agree and step aside, wouldn't he?"
Shin Baek's eyes gleamed with a peculiar glint.
He was forcing a lowly gatekeeper to discuss the legitimacy of the successor. The existence of the young leader of the Radiant Demon Squad stirred something deep within him.
It wasn't resentment toward the Lightning Genius' lineage. It was closer to self-loathing, blaming his own fate.
He saw the future of his cousin, Shin So-bin, in the young leader of the Radiant Demon Squad, who was of the same age. Direct bloodline of a prestigious clan, innate talent inherited from generations, things Shin Baek did not possess.
"Um…"
The gatekeeper hesitated to answer.
Kwaaaang!
A distant explosion rang out, and the resulting shockwave rustled their collars.
Shin Baek's expression turned cold and indifferent.
"It seems trouble has finally broken out."
Thud!
He immediately pushed off the ground. The wind hitting his face blunted from the rapid sprint. He wasn't alone.
Warriors of the Shin Clan converged from all directions. Dozens of figures, using light footwork, gradually gathered toward a single destination.
They were heading toward the main hall, which had been intentionally left at a distance.
Thud—thud—thud!
The strides of the high-ranking masters were wide, and they swiftly arrived at the courtyard surrounding the family hall.
A devastating scene unfolded before them.
Roof tiles were scattered in all directions. The collapsed roof no longer symbolized the dignity of the clan head.
Had someone unleashed the destructive Radiant River technique here? The scene didn't seem humanly possible. It looked more like a ruin.
Shin Baek's face turned pale with shock.
'The position I've longed for could crumble like this? This easily, this miserably?'
A heavy silence enveloped the area. No one moved for a brief moment.
The battle appeared to be over. No matter how skilled the opponent was, could someone truly subdue the head of a prestigious clan this easily?
If such a person was enraged, charging in recklessly would be suicidal. All they could do was stare blankly at the threshold of the clan's hall, unable to take a step forward.
The sound of footsteps echoed toward them. Suddenly, a young girl landed gracefully in the middle of the courtyard.
"What on earth is going on right now…?"
Her jet-black braided hair fluttered in the gust created by her light footwork, the hem of her pristine white martial robe flowing with it.
It was Shin So-bin, who had broken free from her confinement amidst the chaos. She stood there, lips slightly parted, staring at the clan's hall.
Then, her eyes widened. She had sensed a familiar energy flow.
"Leader…?!"
"Be quiet."
Shin Baek raised a finger to his lips. Shin So-bin glanced at him briefly but scoffed, dismissing his warning with a huff.
The leader had come looking for her, after all. Whatever had happened, she couldn't just stand idle.
It had been so long since she last saw him. Warmth filled her heart, swelling with joy.
Step.
She began walking toward the hall.
From within the main hall, a faint voice echoed.
"Get up."
It was the voice of Jung Yeonshin, the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad. Had he stimulated the opponent's acupoints with his words?
Suddenly, coughing was heard from inside. It was unmistakably the cough of the family head.
Shin So-bin paused in her tracks.
"What just happened…?"
Her voice trembled, sounding disoriented. The head of the Desolate Shin Clan, Shin Seol-ha, had regained consciousness. Jung Yeonshin's voice followed closely.
"I have subjugated her."
"Subjugated her outright? You, of all people?"
"She couldn't react. I had intended to demonstrate the martial prowess So-bin possesses."
"You mention So-bin here?"
"It was my way of persuading her. I realize now it was impolite. I apologize."
A faint rustling of fabric could be heard, followed by the soft clap of hands meeting.
The keen ears of the high-ranking warriors clearly picked it up. It seemed Jung Yeonshin was offering a respectful fist salute, something rare for someone of his rank.
"…Did you move your hand? I didn't see it. All I felt was the sudden collapse of the ceiling, not even the flow of your internal energy…"
"It seems the martial arts So-bin is to learn are quite advanced."
"You speak as if you're referring to someone else's martial arts."
"…I'm not used to praising my own techniques."
"Ha…! And you, with such a fiery temperament?"
Shin Seol-ha sighed.
"You're no longer just a rising dragon. To think you were hiding such power all this time, and at such a young age… Even the other squad leaders will be shocked."
"Empty words."
"It's unfortunate that I couldn't gauge the extent of your technique. Your composure runs deep. It's something I could learn from. So-bin will too. I've learned my lesson today, through my body."
Inside the main hall's private chamber, Jung Yeonshin spoke sincerely.
To Shin Seol-ha, it appeared as humility. His gaze softened even after temporarily losing consciousness.
As the head of the Desolate Shin Clan, Shin Seol-ha valued martial prowess above all virtues.
"I understand now that your martial arts surpass my judgment. However, that alone is not enough to justify giving up So-bin entirely. This isn't something that can be resolved by martial prowess alone."
"Still insistent, are you?"
Jung Yeonshin narrowed his eyes.
"So-bin is an outsider to your clan now. Don't interfere further."
He spoke curtly, but Shin Seol-ha didn't agree.
She thought like a head of a martial clan would.
"The noble clans under the Desolate Fortress raise martial artists with good bloodlines and gladly offer them to the Divine Sword Order. You know as well as I do that masters don't just emerge anywhere, anytime. What we strive for through immense effort is solely honor. The clan's martial arts, the clan's name… It's not an unreasonable wish."
She was determined to keep a hold on So-bin. Who knew how much further she would try to meddle in the future?
Jung Yeonshin's gaze sharpened.
Her words struck a nerve. The Radiant Demon Squad had become his family, the first warmth he had ever known.
After walking a lonely road in his youth, he had finally found a place of solace.
That place, even at the end of his life, would remain his home, becoming the most sensitive part of his heart.
"The masters of the Divine Sword Order are under the command of the squad leaders. As the head of the Radiant Demon Squad, let me be clear."
Casually but firmly, he declared,
"That child belongs to me."
His words carried divine energy, resonating from the spinning radiance in his heart.
The sacred aura of the Transcending Law Radiant Wheel imbued his voice, exuding an air of auspiciousness.
His genuine declaration echoed far and wide.
"…Ah."
A small gasp escaped Shin Seol-ha's lips. Her expression turned peculiar.
Her raised eyebrows and slightly parted lips formed an odd look. It was right after she heard Jung Yeonshin's words.
"I see. That works too."
"What?"
"With her martial arts, appearance, status, and lineage… It could end well. And if not, considering how much you cherish her…"
Muttering to herself, she suddenly spoke,
"Take her. I've been quite impolite."
"…?"
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