It was the quietest spot on the battlefield.
Many were watching, lined up along the gorge. The number of onlookers surpassed the members of the demonic sect.
The leaders of the seven major demonic sects of Xi'an had orchestrated this. It was to consolidate their dominance.
"..."
Wei Il-hwa couldn't answer.
Her enemy had hit the mark precisely. Her mastery of Sight Arts was renowned in Xi'an. She was observing the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad while battling the Sword Demon Sect's leader.
The sun had drifted far from its zenith. The winter sunlight hung heavily. The bushes below the gorge swayed, following the screams of disciples being slaughtered behind them.
A dry vigor flowed through the arid gorge. The ridge that connected the Great Moon Gorge to the Guanzhong Plain reflected the sunlight like a blade.
'That one move I just saw.'
That dazzling spectacle of countless afterimages.
It wasn't related to the internal energy he had refined.
His very sense of physical movement was different.
Recognized by the Radiant Moon Conquering Technique, he executed countless postures with a body honed in ways unknown, all with stable precision. It was entirely a matter of natural talent.
To simply call it genius was insufficient. A rarity not seen in a millennium, those words could be applied to him.
It was enough to stir envy, even in inappropriate circumstances. What kind of world did someone with such natural instincts perceive as they walked through life?
Thus, Wei Il-hwa, the leader of the Sublime Land Sect, acknowledged her enemy's identity.
He was, without a doubt, the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad.
The Murim Alliance's tournament in Hanzhong had made the title of "Lightning Genius" known. The main headquarters of the Alliance was in Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province. Rumors had reached the ears of the local sect leaders.
Among the unbelievable stories was one concerning his age. The current leader of the Radiant Demon Squad was said to be incredibly young.
Even now, many doubted the tale. The world was vast, and the credibility of information sources often fell short.
But, if it were true, if he truly had attained the black rank hierarchy of the Desolate Fortress at such a young age, he would indeed possess extraordinary talent, regardless of his origin. It would be a mystery of the martial world.
The person standing before her was proof. His natural aptitude alone had transcended the Radiant Moon Conquering Technique. His handsome features still bore the traces of youth.
The radiant blades manifesting before him with a resonant hum could be regarded as elite forces of the Desolate Fortress.
If it wasn't him, no one else could be the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad.
A half-baked martial artist had ruined her life. A gray entity, straddling both the government and the martial world, had interfered with Xi'an's martial society.
He had dared to obstruct the affairs of the seven demonic sects as if he were the superior force.
"This…"
Wei Il-hwa's eyebrows shot up sharply. Her rage had overtaken her panic. Her aging expression twisted into something resembling a malicious spirit.
"Did you not expect this? After ruining the lives of the people like that."
Jung Yeonshin, the leader of the Radiant Demon Squad, asked calmly.
He was angry too.
But his anger wasn't for these people. His presence here felt like the mere fulfillment of a mission. In truth, he had hoped that these bastards would bring forth the Elder of the Tyrant Sword Tribe.
Ghost Spirit Sword Yeo So-hyang, the one responsible for the Tyrant Sword Tribe within the Demonic Faction.
She would know the whereabouts of the missing disciples of the Zhongnan Sect.
Even if she acted as if she were an immortal detached from the world, if he dealt with the scum gathered here, she would have no choice but to reveal herself.
'The one who investigated the Jung Clan's lineage.'
She was involved in yet another grudge.
At present, only the Ghost Spirit Sword occupied Jung Yeonshin's mind. Even the Sight Arts technique he was perfecting centered solely on her destruction.
The Elder of the Tyrant Sword Tribe, the Tyrant Sword Tribe's leader's caretaker.
The seven demonic sects of Xi'an were nothing more than stepping stones that deserved punishment. He had long since seen through their intent to use him as a sacrificial offering to solidify their control over Xi'an.
They had treated commoners' lives as trifles. He needed to end this here and draw out the Ghost Spirit Sword.
Thud.
He kicked a fragment of the sword left behind by the Sword Demon Sect's leader. The sunlight that had seeped into the grains of sand scattered in all directions.
At that moment, Wei Il-hwa screamed hysterically.
"This is absurdly barbaric! A foreign martial artist dares!"
"The standoff has been long enough."
Jung Yeonshin spoke his own thoughts as he drew his sword downward.
Xi'an, in Shaanxi Province, had once been the capital of various dynasties. It was a suitable place for high-level missions. The seven demonic sects of the Demonic Faction were also highly renowned sects.
Given the massive scale of the operation, it seemed that completing a single mission required a significant amount of time.
This wouldn't do. Swift confrontations were an essential principle of Jung Yeonshin's life.
Swish.
In full view of the masses of Xi'an, he raised his sword high above the gorge. The white sword light of Beiming brushed against the heavens.
It was an upper-level stance that grazed his temple. The force generated from his entire body pushed a thin cloud of dust in all directions.
Sword Thunder Flash Art, Judgement Qilin.
"Now."
Jung Yeonshin slowly parted his lips.
"I won't need more than ten breaths."
* * *
Yangyang, Huguang Province.
The Desolate Ma Clan was undergoing a major upheaval.
Zhu Yeon-jeong, who had once held the Golden Immortal Eight Methods of the imperial martial arts as leverage, was ousted. She was completely driven out, her downfall unmistakable.
Her status as a collateral member of the imperial family was meaningless. The authority of the clan head, who had seemingly turned back time, was supreme.
An unexpected event had occurred.
The Tyrant Hero, Ma Yeonjeok, had returned. With the same appearance as in the prime of his youth, he was an unmatched martial master resembling steel.
"This… this is…."
"By the heavens, it's true."
"What I saw was real!"
"How could this be?"
"You fools, don't you know? The current leader of the Radiant Demon Squad—"
"Silence! This is no time for reckless chatter!"
An ancient sword had been reforged anew and now contained overwhelming power. His return had been kept top secret. For the time being, the world must remain unaware.
If word got out, Ma Yeonjeok's martial arts would become an inexhaustible resource, dominating the martial world.
He would become the most powerful hidden blade in existence. At a time when the Desolate Fortress was in a weakened state, they had gained formidable strength.
Only the clan members of the Desolate Ma Clan knew of Ma Yeonjeok's revitalization.
Even those who had followed Zhu Yeon-jeong had their dantians sealed at the clan leader's command. There was no need to worry about anyone leaking the information. The secrecy was trustworthy.
Meanwhile, Clan Leader Ma Jin stood at a crossroads.
Even as he walked with his left sleeve flapping loosely, he pondered. It was after the completion of the succession ceremony, and the remaining warriors from each combat unit were departing for their missions.
As the main fortress grew desolate, so too did Ma Jin's heart.
'The Jung Clan Movement Arts…'
The book in his right hand felt heavy. It was a secret manual newly compiled by his nephew, Jung Yeonshin.
It wasn't the original version that covered every meridian and acupoint throughout the entire body. It only recorded the framework of the core techniques. It was essentially a significantly simplified version.
It had been created because his uncle and grandfather were reluctant to fully release his nephew's martial arts to the family. Jung Yeonshin had offered it to them.
―Perhaps this is for the best. It's easier to learn. I guarantee even a monkey could master it.
It had been sent along with a letter written in calm handwriting, just before Jung Yeonshin took on the role of examiner for the succession ceremony.
Given the gravity of the matter, Chung Myung, the Azure-Eye Demonic Swordsman, had personally delivered it.
That bright and cheerful yet strangely sharp martial artist had worn a peculiar expression, as if he were both smiling and frowning.
Ma Jin hadn't paid it much mind. As a former leader, he was used to the enigmatic nature of Chung Myung. After exchanging brief greetings, they had parted ways.
And he regretted it deeply.
Thinking of his nephew, Ma Jin lamented not seeing him in person.
He had been incredibly busy. Dealing with Zhu Yeon-jeong's faction and determining merits and punishments had consumed much of his time.
It was necessary to restore the clan's honor. Only now had he found a brief moment of respite.
Step.
He entered the inner fortress, which had grown quiet. His vision brightened. The walls of pristine white marble surrounded him on all sides.
He arrived at the lord's quarters, the quietest place within the Desolate Fortress.
Swish.
Six guards stationed at the entrance saluted him silently with a Baoquan gesture.
He simply nodded and passed by. As a former leader known for his arrogance, Ma Jin's disposition remained the same. It was only before his nephew that he fumbled, burdened by an old sense of guilt.
The guards, familiar with this, lowered their hands without a word.
Ma Jin hesitated for a moment.
'Could it be… did Yeonshin learn this from me? I've heard people say he's the perfect embodiment of our clan's bloodline…'
With idle thoughts, he ascended the stairs. The circular staircase ended at the top of the inner fortress, where a massive stone gate stood. It too was made of marble.
It was supreme black marble, used only by the fallen Dan royal family. Its deep black hue matched the solemn silence of the inner fortress.
The Lord's office.
With a heavy reverberation, the door opened, revealing a remarkably natural Void Grasp technique. Even Ma Jin, who had once been a match for Ak Surim, found it awe-inspiring.
'It's been a while since I've been here.'
He adjusted his empty sleeve and stepped over the threshold.
A refreshing scent of lush vegetation greeted him. Twisting tree trunks filled his vision, snaking like dragons.
Although the beginning of winter had passed, green leaves still stretched out in all directions. The rich scent of vegetation was fragrant without being overwhelming.
Familiar figures were seated on either side of him.
But Ma Jin only looked forward and knelt on one knee, raising both hands in the formal gesture of the Desolate Fortress.
"I present myself before the Lord of the Fortress."
"Clan Leader Ma."
A resonant voice echoed.
It was the Lord of the Fortress.
She was leaning diagonally against a thick tree trunk. Her hair, cascading in green waves, held a radiance beyond mere luster, giving her an air of unparalleled nobility.
Her eyes, like the depths of the forest, were the same. Within the deep green pupils swirled the mysteries of the cosmos.
Ma Jin bowed deeply.
"You've come?"
A cheerful voice called from the left. Ma Jin slightly shifted his gaze. A young girl sat cross-legged, dressed in a black long robe, with a long spear lazily resting behind her.
She glanced at Ma Jin, her jet-black bob cut catching the sunlight in soft ripples.
It was Ak Surim, the Desolate Divine Spear.
Ma Jin furrowed his brow.
"What brings the vice-leader of the Divine Sword Order here?"
"I'm being punished. Haven't you heard?"
"For what?"
"I got into a scuffle with that Ye Clan brat from the Murim Alliance. She was lurking around Lightning Genius, so I put her in her place. I've been irritated ever since she acted rudely toward the Lord."
Ak Surim spoke nonchalantly.
Ma Jin's brow furrowed deeper.
"A member of the Alliance targeted Yeonshin?"
"It was a spectacle, I tell you. You, as his uncle, should handle such nuisances better. The other day, even the Shin Clan sent a matchmaker. You know he needs someone exceptional, bold, and noble to be a worthy spouse, right? Do your job. Though, of course, Lightning Genius' opinion is what matters most."
Ak Surim smirked as she saw Ma Jin scowl, clearly taunting him.
Even when a cough, like a tiger's growl, came from the opposite side, she maintained her bright smile, appearing rather defiant.
'Isn't she talking about herself?'
It was a familiar sight to Ma Jin. Ak Surim had been like this when under the authority of the Tyrant Hero, Ma Yeonjeok. Her rebellious streak was something she could never shake off.
Considering his father's temperament and Ak Surim's talents, it wasn't surprising.
"Did you kill her?"
"No. Her martial skills were absurdly strong. If I had gone all out, I could've left her crippled, but I stopped midway. It wasn't intentional…"
Ak Surim trailed off, turning her gaze to the front. Seated in a meditative posture on the opposite side of the silent Lord of the Fortress was Ma Yeonjeok, the Tyrant Hero.
His chiseled features seemed to overflow with determination and pride. He was Ma Jin's father, who had regained his youth.
It seemed that his father had mediated the incident. He likely transmitted a terrifying internal message.
Where do you dare to violate the law? I will discipline you thoroughly. There was no need to hear more to know. His father had always been like that.
'He should start by disciplining himself…'
Ma Jin shook his head internally.
How could someone with that personality be entrusted with missions critical to national security?
The only capable figure within the clan was the current clan leader. It was a lamentable truth. He wasn't even curious about why his father was meeting the Lord of the Fortress.
"I've come to make a report."
Ma Jin addressed the Lord.
"We've recently acquired a new clan martial art. It is an important matter that I felt necessary to report, and I also wished to inquire about your well-being."
The Lord of the Desolate Fortress was a martial deity, overseeing all martial knowledge integrated into the fortress.
She had the authority to review the martial arts of the Heavenly Gold Martial Arsenal, the Radiant Demon Squad, and the affiliated clans of the fortress. Even newly developed martial arts had to pass through her approval.
This practice had been established during the fortress' founding to consolidate its martial arts into one comprehensive system.
Now, it was a tradition.
"The Ma Clan is blessed."
She parted her lips.
"Tell me what it is."
"…The Jung Clan Movement Arts."
Ma Jin, still bowing, responded.
The Lord's eyes briefly closed, hidden by her long lashes, before opening again.
Sunlight, scattered through the leaves, rested near her eyes, casting a deep shadow beneath her beautifully shaped eyelids.
Her pale face exuded a beauty that attested to her mastery of supreme martial arts.
Her expression remained inscrutable.
She spoke.
"Is it something of Lightning Genius?"
"Yes, the Ma Clan has received his favor."
"Indeed, it will pair well with the Fusion Fist Strike."
"It's regrettable that I cannot stay longer due to the many affairs of the clan. Having delivered this brief report, I will now take my leave."
The tradition was just that, a formality. The Lord stood above the law. When leaders of squads or clan heads reported new martial arts, that was the end of the matter.
She did not truly review every martial art. It was a symbolic gesture.
This arrangement was also convenient for subordinates. The Lord's evaluations were known to make even top-level martial artists tense.
Swish.
Ma Jin, holding the manual, stood up.
Even though it was a simplified version, the Jung Clan Movement Arts were still profound. The introductory passages were identical to the original.
It was the same first chapter that Ma Jin and Ma Yeonjeok had read together in Sichuan. It meant that it included personal notes from his nephew.
'The Ma Clan's weaknesses can be known to the world. But the principles infused with Yeonshin's intentions… Yes, he called it his journal.'
Ma Jin felt relieved.
Until the Lord's clear voice rang out.
"Bring it here."
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