Heon Wonchang spoke in a raw voice.
There was no energy imbued in his voice, so it didn't project far.
However, the venue was the central arena. The promotion ceremony was a rare event in Desolate Fortress, and many warriors residing in the fortress had gathered.
They sat like guests at a festive banquet, with few among them being anything less than experts.
This meant that their sense refinement was extraordinary. They could clearly hear the voice of Desolate Fortress' Sacred Warrior.
Kang Un-chan, with eyes wide open, soon chuckled.
"I'm not bitter about the defeat. I'll climb back up anytime. What I am curious about is the debut of the Radiant Demon Squad, all of whom have mastered the Radiant Art. The world will soon recognize the leader of your squad as a grandmaster. In the process, the Radiant Demon Squad will face plenty of chaos, but…"
It was an honest and humble acceptance of defeat.
"Chaos is just part of the martial world."
Heon Wonchang lightly chuckled and exchanged a respectful bow with him.
The audience consisted mainly of officials, merchants, and the fortress' family members, but their presence could not overshadow the official warriors of Desolate Fortress.
Heon Wonchang's final words were passed along through the mouths of the masters. Along with it, they spread the origins of the Radiant Art of the Divine Radiance Technique.
Murmurs broke out.
They started with those surrounding the arena. The warriors were far more astonished than the commoners.
The white and blue robes they wore fluttered subtly, disturbed by the rippling energy waves.
Among them, the aura emanating from the martial artists of the Lightning Genius' lineage was particularly dense.
"How could such a profound art…?"
"It was new, overwhelming. There were traces of the Lightning Genius' lineage."
Desolate Fortress' masters frequently ventured through the mysterious martial world. They usually maintained composure, even in the face of the bizarre.
After all, the calmness of renowned warriors was typically as still and clear as a reflecting pond.
This time was different.
"This is a major event. The Radiant Art? That's something to be proud of. I always knew the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad had the qualities of a grandmaster, but…"
On the rowdy side of the spectator stands, a woman in a blue martial robe scoffed. It was Jin Muhwa, a fighter with a strong gaze who was temporarily acting as the leader of the Annihilation Squad, equal in status to the leader of Radiant Demon Squad.
She had watched the duels alongside people of her caliber, suitable for the role of the next Annihilation Squad's leader.
The masters standing next to her began to speak, one after another.
"The swordsmanship improvement was instantaneous. Clearly, it was displayed under the hands of the Sacred Warrior…"
"Could it truly be universal martial arts, and not just the unique culmination of the squad leader's techniques?"
"Calling it 'universal' is misleading. Didn't they say it was exclusive to the Radiant Demon Squad?"
"In any case, it wasn't just the Sacred Warrior who mastered it."
One man's statement carried significant meaning. It signified change in the Radiant Demon Squad.
Exceptional mastery changes an entire group. A man who had remained silent finally spoke.
"…It's been a while since I've seen Kang Chang-mu. Last time was at the Martial Moon Hall. He's obsessed with duels, so I used to run into him often."
The Martial Moon Hall of Desolate Fortress was a large arena where martial artists of the Divine Sword Order tested their skills against other powerful squads.
Many warriors practically lived there while waiting for assignments. Even Jung Yeonshin from the Lightning Genius' lineage used to frequent it.
Jin Muhwa replied knowingly.
"He's probably immersed in meditative training. Who wouldn't be, if they had access to such profound techniques?"
The reactions of those attending the promotion ceremony were diverse. They spoke and moved in various ways. Even merchants, whose status was verified through heavenly blessings to supply goods to the fortress, reacted similarly.
Calculations flickered across experienced faces, and some quietly dispersed.
"The Forest Striding Squad and Immortal Spirit Wood Squad just disappeared simultaneously. The leader of the Radiant Demon Squad is known for relentless missions, so next time, it'll probably be him."
"Follow his trail, and safety is assured. Prepare for the journey and keep an eye out. If they move toward the Mingyun Road, it's worth following for a bit."
The movements of the Divine Sword Order's combat squads always impacted countless commoners.
Many gazes were fixed on the Radiant Demon Squad's leader, who declared Heon Wonchang's victory. Even as the next duel proceeded, those gazes remained.
There was a peculiar expression among the martial artists of the Lightning Genius' lineage. Some even appeared as if they were on the verge of madness.
Even as the promotion duels continued, they didn't watch the fights. Instead, they stared quietly at their grandmaster.
In that moment, they came closer to becoming part of the Radiant Demon Squad's future forces. More than ever before.
"Thread-Blowing Spear Lee Yeon lost, and Lazy Flame Dragon Hwangbo so and so won."
The leader of the Radiant Demon Squad calmly announced the verdict.
"Calling him 'so and so' seems a bit much."
Lazy Flame Dragon grumbled.
Jung Yeonshin approached the disheartened Lee Yeon and patted her shoulder. She was a woman with a kind face. She instinctively leaned into his embrace, and he gently pushed her away.
It was now certain. The Lightning Genius' lineage was no longer under the protection of their seniors.
Was it because his limbs had grown since returning from the Murim Alliance? Or because he had fully gained recognition as the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad through the Radiant Art?
"Step down."
Jung Yeonshin gestured subtly to the two.
Lazy Flame Dragon had won easily.
His internal energy was now different from when he faced Jung Yeonshin. His heated hands were no exception.
With the demeanor of a carefree playboy, he shattered his opponent's sword. Lee Yeon's martial prowess wasn't sufficient to compete with blue-level warriors.
She couldn't handle the martial discipline of the Hwangbo Clan's eldest son, who cultivated the Solar Divine Meridian.
The two stepped down from the arena.
Jung Yeonshin once again uttered the phrase he had said the most today.
"Next."
It was a grand event.
Time flew by exceptionally fast.
The sun had reached the horizon, its light draped in a red veil.
The final stage of the promotion ceremony commenced.
The Lord of Desolate Fortress did not attend the event. As an absolute being, he acted based on his mood rather than custom.
She was rarely seen, even by Jung Yeonshin. She might not have even been at the fortress.
—Witnessing the divine prowess of warriors, how could one not be delighted…
It was a modified verse from the Book of Songs among the Four Books and Five Classics. Dancers with flowing sleeves filled the stage, musicians placed their hands on bamboo flutes and zithers.
Even during famine, they performed with an undying spirit. Their dances and music were as remarkable as martial arts.
Jung Yeonshin remained seated until the ceremony concluded.
He silently lent his presence to support the speech delivered by the Chief Administrator from the seat of honor.
"You are now part of Desolate Fortress. You have taken one step deeper into the wilderness. As the precious swords of this fortress, act with sharpness. The greater cause of this land will be with you. It is noble, indeed."
The Chief Administrator bestowed ceremonial blue robes upon the promoted warriors.
Heon Wonchang and Lazy Flame Dragon received their blue garments as well, a sight that stirred Jung Yeonshin's emotions.
—May the light never fade from your path.
The vivid voice of the fortress' lord echoed in his mind. It was a soft blessing. The sensation of her hand personally draping the blue robe over him was still fresh.
The touch brushing his shoulder still carried warmth. The fingertips that unraveled the profound mysteries of martial arts had been solely focused on Jung Yeonshin.
'What a shame.'
It wasn't the fortress' Lord but the Chief Administrator this time.
A faint joy flickered in the eyes of the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad as he gazed at his two subordinates. Alongside that joy was deep satisfaction.
He momentarily set aside his concerns about the Zhongnan Sect and inwardly congratulated his squad on their achievement.
Before he would leave Desolate Fortress, his home, once again.
"From being nameless to donning blue robes. Wonchang, wasn't this a promotion you never even dared imagine?"
"It's Heon Won, Hwangbo so and so."
"Well, at least now no one in the Radiant Demon Squad can look down on this young master. I've been sick of hearing about insubordination. Running errands for the juniors was too much. Hmm."
"That's unfortunate. The squad leader still finds me insignificant."
"Didn't you know that even that insignificance amuses me? It's a hundred times better than being bored."
"I'm concerned about your mental state. Has the poppy accumulated in your body to the point it's taken over? Or are you just pickled in it now?"
The shadows of the four companions stretched long.
They were on their way back to the Radiant Demon Squad's pavilion. Heon Wonchang and Lazy Flame Dragon walked ahead, while Jung Yeonshin and Zhuge Qing-ya walked side by side.
The atmosphere was calm, filled with quiet conversation.
"So, in sight arts, is the Baihui Acupoint more significant than the Tongziliao Acupoint?"
"Yes. The head is more important than the eyes. The key lies in how intuitively one can perceive the subtle principles of martial arts. That's what makes advanced sight arts superior. The actual 'seeing' part is secondary; as long as the energy flow in the inner eye circulates properly, it can improve naturally."
"Like the energy pulses surrounding your Four Whites, Zan Zhu, and Yin Tang acupoints? All densely arranged from the face to the eyes."
"…Yes."
Zhuge Qing-ya lightly pressed her lips together.
Jung Yeonshin, grateful for her explanation, sank into deep thought.
Lately, he had been contemplating the creation of his next martial technique.
With the relationship with the Ma Clan restored, and now as the squad leader having access to the upper layers of the Heavenly Gold Martial Arsenal, there were plenty of martial techniques within reach.
However, no technique, regardless of its excellence, could compare to a martial art tailored to oneself from the mnemonic introduction stage.
Martial arts, by nature, are methods that use the body.
The veins and acupoints throughout the body vary in position, thickness, size, blood flow, and inherent energy.
These differences become distinctly prominent in the realm of ascension.
Jung Yeonshin had greatly benefited from his exclusive martial techniques. His efficiency in channeling energy and internal force was different from others. He had crossed swords with top-tier masters without yet mastering the Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown.
'Sight Arts and Protective Force Techniques.'
He had only skimmed through what was worth referencing.
Properly developing these techniques would be immensely helpful. Since he hadn't reached the state of unifying his essence, energy, and spirit, his victory would depend on the variety and depth of his martial arts.
This was especially true if he were to continuously face the top masters of the demonic faction.
—There's a chance I'll encounter the Tyrant Sword Tribe's leader.
A significant thought. It slowly weighed down Jung Yeonshin's mind.
The silent, eerie atmosphere of the Jung Family's manor at night, the metallic smell drifting in through the threshold, the blood soaked into the floor, the moonlight flowing over the dark red stains, and the tyrannical aura radiating from the Tyrant Sword Tribe's leader, who gripped a massive blade.
"Hmm?"
Jung Yeonshin suddenly lifted hisr head.
A familiar wall came into view. They were almost there. The pavilion of the Radiant Demon Squad was now within reach.
"They've left the main gate wide open. As expected, our family members are quite welcoming… Hmm?"
Heon Wonchang stopped in his tracks.
Lazy Flame Dragon, who had his hands clasped behind his head, also stopped his wide-striding gait.
"Squad leader?"
"Stay still."
Jung Yeonshin answered briefly while gazing ahead. He saw an unusual confrontation.
It wasn't just the masters of the Radiant Demon Squad and Lady Ye from the Alliance. There was a black-haired figure in her line of sight.
It was Ak Surim, the Desolate Divine Spear.
Originally, she would have come to drink tea, but now she was twirling a silver spear with one hand.
The streaks of sunset light trailing her movements shimmered, not beautifully, but boldly. She had once shown her disapproval of Lady Ye from the Alliance in the fortress' Lord's office.
And it didn't end there. The real issue was the man perched on the highest rooftop of the pavilion cluster.
His pink robe flapped in the wind, brushing against the tiles. No one had noticed him, but Tyrant Hero Ma Yeonjeok was quietly observing the three-way standoff.
His eyes darted back and forth between Lady Ye from the Alliance and Ak Surim, with an oddly peculiar gaze. There was something eerie about it.
It was a frightening sight.
He wasn't directly sensing the grandson nearby, seemingly deep in concentration.
"..."
Jung Yeonshin drew a small "阝" character in the air with his index finger. It was a signal of the Radiant Demon Squad, used when even the transmission of energy waves had to be minimized.
It meant to suppress their presence and withdraw. As the squad leader, he led by example, quietly turning his body away. He also kept his eyes on the maternal grandfather soon to be summoned by the imperial family.
The three silently followed.
They walked past the main road of the fortress until the pavilion was out of sight.
Jung Yeonshin spoke first.
"The Radiant Demon Squad won't be harmed."
"Well, there aren't many who could handle the combined assault of those with Radiant Art and the Desolate Divine Spear at the same time. Among the heads of the major sects, only a very select few could manage it."
Lazy Flame Dragon spoke nonchalantly, rotating his shoulders playfully, as if he found the situation somewhat amusing.
Jung Yeonshin gave a slight nod.
"I need a brush and ink."
"I have them."
Zhuge Qing-ya answered immediately, and her gray sleeve moved.
Rustle.
She pulled out a small inkstone and a short brush from her sleeve.
The tools of a calligrapher, perfectly maintained. They were as clean as the perfectly pressed fabric of her sleeve. She also handed over a small piece of paper, equally pristine.
"This too."
"Thanks."
Jung Yeonshin placed the paper on Zhuge Qing-ya's back and erected a barrier of internal energy between them.
"...?"
"I'm using protective force techniques, so don't worry about your clothes."
He began writing the message.
It wasn't a long note, and he finished quickly. He carefully reached into his robe and pulled out a pure white swallow, the squad leader's spirit creature that had been peacefully resting.
Chirp—
It let out a short, whistling cry.
The swallow, named Baiyan, opened its small, jet-black eyes, gazing up at its master. Its round eyes were endearing.
Jung Yeonshin smiled faintly and tied the scrolls, rolled neatly, to both of its legs.
"This one's for the Blood Preservation Squad's leader. The other, for Senior Chung Myung or Senior Miryeo."
For a moment, his voice took on a radiant tone, resonating with clarity. It was a quality that had become prominent ever since he refined the Transcending Law Radiant Wheel.
"Stop by Senior Jin of the Blood Preservation Squad first, then head to the Radiant Demon Squad."
When spoken to gently, as with commoners, Baiyan usually understood him. This time, it would be no different.
Flap!
With a small flap of its wings, Baiyan soared into the sky and quickly became a white dot in the distance.
While Heon Wonchang and Lazy Flame Dragon stood looking up, Zhuge Qing-ya asked softly,
"Is it alright to leave things like this...?"
"We needed to disperse anyway. Shaanxi is a battleground right now. The Tyrant Sword Tribe has risen, and the Yeoryeong Sect is also on the move.
We don't need to draw the attention of the Thirteen Celestial Demons just yet. It's best to go undercover and regroup step by step."
"I meant leaving without further discussion…"
"I'm the squad leader."
Jung Yeonshin responded while moving forward.
The sound of his leather shoes stepping on dirt echoed noticeably.
The vast Desolate Fortress was bustling with the aftermath of the promotion ceremony. Noisy sounds spread faintly in the distance.
The crimson shadows in the sky seemed to dance alongside them.
The cheerful singing, hearty laughter, voices shouting in camaraderie, and the clinking of cups were all too familiar.
Step.
Lazy Flame Dragon, Heon Wonchang, and Zhuge Qing-ya followed behind him. Their relaxed, bold, and refined strides created a reassuring presence.
As they passed by various pavilions, more people greeted them with respectful bows. This continued until they reached the main gate.
"May the squad leader have good fortune."
The farewell came from one of the gatekeepers.
With the orange glow of the setting sun behind him, the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad stepped out.
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