"...."
The martial artists in the hall were momentarily at a loss for words.
Masters of internal energy cultivation were, by necessity, individuals who had attained deep understanding of the human body.
Without knowledge of the body's meridians and acupoints, one could not achieve the grand circulation of energy.
For that reason, the sight of the Radiant Demon Squad's leader opening his eyes was nearly incomprehensible.
Everyone present had perceived the injuries he sustained, both internal and external. There was no one who had failed to grasp the details of the battle.
"Could it be something like Reversal of Light?"
"Hmm? What did you say?"
The Radiant Demon Squad was a collective of battle-hardened warriors.
As the man who carelessly uttered "Reversal of Light" was struck in the solar plexus by Chung Myung's backhand and sent staggering backward, Baek Miryeo and Heon Wonchang crouched beside their leader's head.
"How many...."
"Five."
Jung Yeonshin responded calmly, averting his gaze from the hand of the Desolate Sacred Warrior, which had all five fingers extended.
Above his field of vision, the slender jawline of Mount Hua Sect's leader came into focus. Lying down, Jung Yeonshin only moved his eyes to look up at her.
"My body is unwell, so I receive a noble guest in this manner. I ask for your understanding."
He returned the very words that Yulha Nangnang had spoken to him when she had blocked his path earlier. There was no particular intention behind it.
It seemed the Sword Deity of Mount Hua took it the same way. She simply curled her lips slightly—a noble smile, as pure as white plum blossoms.
A subtle fragrance drifted from her. Something perceptible only through heightened senses.
'Overwhelming.'
Jung Yeonshin thought.
If he had to name it, it was the Fragrance of the Sword. It was exceedingly dangerous.
The intangible protective energy surrounding her body seemed like a cluster of flowers, ready to shatter and scatter at any moment.
It felt as if she was constantly enveloped by Full Sky Flower Rain. Perhaps the secret essence of Mount Hua's 24-Step Plum Blossom Sword.
Even without activating Heaven-Piercing Technique, he saw it clearly. It was in the realm of pure intuition.
'I gained much from the Sword Saint at the Murim Alliance....'
Yet, the body of Mount Hua Sect's leader was different. From the Sword Saint, he had witnessed an ever-changing practicality in battle.
But Yulha Nangnang felt like she was standing atop a lofty peak.
Her presence was light and ethereal, as if floating. It seemed as though she could perform any miracle with her sword.
It was fitting for a sect leader of one of the Nine Great Sects, whose martial lineage was often compared to that of celestial beings.
"Is perception so interesting to you?"
Yulha Nangnang spoke, still maintaining her smile.
"They say the eyes of the Lightning Genius from Desolate Fortress are perceptive. It feels as though I am soaking in a hot spring beneath a bottomless mountain. Quite a chilling sensation, yet not unpleasant."
She adjusted the sleeves of her pink robe. Her movements were graceful, even playful, yet not in the least bit laughable.
This was a world of survival of the fittest. The demeanor of an absolute expert who held power over life and death was something that no one could take lightly.
"So, what is it that you see?"
Yulha Nangnang asked.
She did not seem displeased. On the contrary, she tilted her head slightly, urging him to answer.
A cultivator of the Nine Great Sects, she was curious about how she appeared in the eyes of a rare genius.
They both recognized each other's insight. Refusing would be difficult.
Jung Yeonshin immediately spoke.
After all, ever since the Sword Saint, he had rarely felt such inspiration.
Having saved his niece, he figured he could indulge in a moment of enjoyment.
"Just now, the flow of energy gathered at Sect Leader's collarbone resembled the petals of a plum blossom. Two forces exist in harmony within it. Rather than conforming to the Five Elements, the Six Harmonies, or the Eight Trigrams, it seems to weave through the gaps of the Tai Chi Principle. Perhaps the Violet Dawn Sacred Arts is truly an energy cultivated from the essence of dawn and dusk."
"Hmm?"
"The constant flow of sharp yet dull internal energy across your entire body is fascinating. The way your protective energy is woven into sword energy is quite impressive. Observing the structure of your energy, I realize once again that the world of martial arts is indeed boundless. You have demonstrated the unity of offense and defense, my utmost gratitude."
Jung Yeonshin spoke calmly and precisely.
With this, he had grasped the fundamentals of Protective Energy Arts.
Mount Hua was not particularly renowned for its defensive internal energy techniques.
Yet, as expected, the supreme masters of Desolate Fortress had transcended the limits of their styles, using both internal energy and weaponry to surpass their own martial arts.
The Sword Saint had been the same. Seeing him up close had revealed terrifying depths.
Lying down as he was, his posture was less than dignified.
His body was too unwell to offer a formal fist salute, so he could only acknowledge her with the slightest flick of his eyelids.
"To allow me to perceive you, such clarity and righteousness befit a leader of the orthodox Nine Great Sects. Sect Leader, you have bestowed a great honor upon me."
His tone was exceedingly respectful.
Yulha Nangnang's pale chin lifted slightly. She gazed into the distant sky.
"...Is this not a place of purity? Our teachings differ from those of the secular world. Mount Hua's character has long reflected the mountain itself. How clear and verdant the vegetation grows upon these barren rocks, our disciples have always aspired to be the same."
"Indeed, that seems to be the case."
Jung Yeonshin responded with genuine admiration, even nodding.
The dignity of a sect leader from the Nine Great Sects was radiant, to the point of being nearly untouchable.
"…Very well, I find your praise quite pleasant. Focus on your recovery."
Yulha Nangnang swept her sleeve grandly.
"Let us return."
She gave her disciples the command. She no longer sought to meet Jung Yeonshin's gaze.
From the side, Yoo Hyun hurriedly raised his head.
"Leader!"
"I said we are leaving."
"But I have just reunited with a friend...."
"Soon, Shaanxi's martial world will be engulfed in war. With the Tyrant Sword Tribe, Blood Flame Cult, and Yeoryeong Sect running rampant, how could we afford leisure? You read the Beggars' Sect's letter, did you not?"
"...."
"The Tyrant Sword Tribe's leader and the First Apostle of the Blood Flame Cult are grave threats. The Zhongnan Sect has been annihilated, and the Radiant Demon Squad's leader lies incapacitated, having fulfilled his duty. Do not trouble a supreme master who has just defeated the Ghost Spirit Sword and Shaanxi's Number One Demon. If you cannot wish him a swift recovery, at least do not burden him."
Yulha Nangnang turned away.
Swoosh.
Her white-clad feet lightly stepped upon the edge of the grass. Transparent dewdrops slid silently down the blades.
It was the Grass Flutter Step.
Quiet, yet carrying an undeniable grace.
It was as lofty as a blossoming plum tree, yet in Yoo Hyun's eyes, it merely looked like an escape.
The young Taoist sighed. He knew the feeling all too well.
"Haah...."
"I'll send word. It seems I won't be leaving Shaanxi for a while."
Jung Yeonshin muttered, glancing at Mount Hua's human punching bag.
With the Seven Great Sects of Xi'an, the Ghost Spirit Sword, and the Yeoryeong Sect's Shaanxi branch, he had been running non-stop.
He truly needed rest.
Saaa—
Suddenly, a crisp winter breeze blew through. Now that the crisis had passed, the harmony of nature became palpable.
A winter breeze, weaving through the gaps in the surrounding crowd, brushed against the sleeping bags as it passed. The cool touch skimmed against Jung Yeonshin's dulled skin.
The Radiant Demon Squad said nothing to their leader. Seeing how he had spoken to the leader of Mount Hua Sect, he could only be deeply aware of his own survival.
Instead, he merely enjoyed the familiar stillness that followed battle. It was a time to let the heightened senses calm.
Even when Lazy Flame Dragon finally stood up, they remained that way.
"Hm…? The leader's energy is quite faint. Did it work?"
"If you're talking about your burial, it should be starting soon."
One of Radiant Demon Squad's experts replied.
After a brief exchange, Lazy Flame Dragon tossed a bundle of bright red flowers into a nearby grave.
"Tch, what a nasty trick to have learned."
"You scoundrel, there's another one peeking out from your robe. Take them all out."
"Damn it…"
* * *
White Sun Sect.
It was a secular offshoot of the Zhongnan Sect. Among the Seven Orthodox Sects of Xi'an, it was the only one that had not been entirely wiped out, and it had taken in the surviving disciples of Zhongnan Sect along with Radiant Demon Squad as honored guests.
This had been the case since the day after the escort bureau, which Yeoryeong Sect's Shaanxi Branch had been using as a front, had collapsed.
It was once known as one of the Seven Great Orthodox Schools of Xi'an.
The estate was vast. Deep within the manor, a small lake and a pavilion stood together.
Even among the wealthiest worldly sects, this was a space reserved for only the most honored guests. Ordinary visitors were never allowed.
Step, step.
A lone swordswoman walked cautiously. Her jet-black hair cascaded down her back.
With each step, the hem of her blue robe fluttered in the winter breeze. She was a woman of striking features, her sharp eyes complementing her delicate visage.
She was Cloud Dragon Sword, Wei Ji Myohwa.
As the head disciple of the annihilated Zhongnan Sect, she had lived up to her epithet, dwelling among the clouds.
It was said that the light under the lamp is the darkest. She had taken refuge in White Sun Sect, a faction masquerading as an orthodox school, living alongside the Radiant Demon Squad's leader.
"Benefactor."
Her lips moved slightly.
From the center of the crimson pavilion, the Radiant Demon Squad's leader opened his eyes. It was an octagonal structure, its ceiling supported by pillars with openings on all sides. Wei Ji Myohwa met his gaze directly.
"Great Swordswoman, the Cloud Dragon."
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
Jung Yeonshin had never changed the way he addressed Wei Ji Myohwa, not since the days of the White Qilin of Desolate Fortress, nor even after he became the squad leader.
Only now did Wei Ji Myohwa realize this anew. Perhaps it was why she revered him even more as her benefactor.
He had slain Shaanxi's Number One Demon and rescued Jung Hye-ah, bringing her immense relief.
Her sect had been wiped out. Had despair taken root any deeper, she might have collapsed entirely.
The words "Benefactor" had come naturally when addressing him. Even more naturally than when he had restored the Nine Yang Unified Arts atop Zhongnan Mountain.
"Did the breakfast suit your taste?"
"Yes. Thanks to you, I can now use chopsticks on my own."
Jung Yeonshin replied calmly, a slight satisfaction coloring his voice.
It had been days since Shaanxi had turned into a battlefield of the Sect Wars. Seven days had passed since he had slain Shaanxi's Number One Demon. From the day before yesterday, he had finally regained mobility.
Though large movements were still beyond him, at least he no longer needed his overly zealous subordinates to serve him meals.
Thanks to the regenerative properties of Jung Clan Movement Arts, his recovery had accelerated.
He could now hold utensils and a brush with ease. He had even regained enough strength to activate Radiant Arts Secret to a small extent, just enough to drive away the meddling warriors of the Radiant Demon Squad.
There was no warrior who could stand against the wrath of their squad leader. They should have known better than to tease him.
"Oh."
Wei Ji Myohwa let out a small chuckle.
"You have found peace."
"Yes, a little."
"No, I meant, more than when you first arrived at Zhongnan Mountain."
Jung Yeonshin felt slightly embarrassed.
"Now that I think about it, you mentioned traveling with the Profound Martial Alliance's Sword Sovereign, did you not?"
"…Yes. I received great assistance. A debt of gratitude that extends to saving my life."
The image of Baek Seo-gun, the Sword Sovereign of Henan surfaced in Wei Ji Myohwa's mind.
She had turned against the Tyrant Sword Tribe and Yeoryeong Sect to rescue Jung Hye-ah. She had vowed to watch over Lightning Genius for years to come, seemingly unaware that Jung Yeonshin's lifespan was not long.
'That is not my place to speak.'
Wei Ji Myohwa slowly parted her lips.
"A guest no less important than that woman has come to see you, Benefactor. Someone of no ordinary status."
"Are you referring to Mount Hua Sect's leader? Or is it the identity of her companion…?"
"Both, actually. It feels improper to remain hidden when they know I am here. At least your senses remain sharp—that is fortunate."
A clear voice rang from behind the wall.
With light, deliberate steps, Yulha Nangnang emerged into view.
Behind her, a man in a green official's robe followed. Beneath his pristine headpiece, his sharp eyes gleamed with an air of authority.
"Since I happened to be passing through Xi'an, I brought someone searching for the Radiance Master."
"Imperial Inspector, Su Yun."
The man did not bother with formalities. A faint hostility lingered in his expression.
"Imperial Inspector?"
Jung Yeonshin asked quietly.
"Indeed. You, Sect Leader of an emerging faction. Wang Weishu, Regional Magistrate, was under my office's jurisdiction. I hear that he was slain by the Radiance Master. In short, you are a prime suspect."
Imperial Inspector Su Yun declared.
—Such pointless concerns. Assassinations are common in times like these. Tax revenues from tributes will hardly change. As long as the gold flowing upwards remains untouched, the rest is mere politics and personal connections. Fortunately, even the Imperial Inspector understands this well.
Jung Yeonshin recalled the magistrate's words and turned his gaze to Yulha Nangnang.
"Does he only recognize me as the Radiance Master?"
"A mere wanderer like you has no right to question it first, does he? If the Imperial Inspector says he requires you for state affairs, then you must comply. We do have quite the long history, after all."
She smiled faintly as she spoke.
She had baited a corrupt official into a trap.
Jung Yeonshin nodded in silence before opening his mouth.
"Then, I shall hear the Sect Leader's business first."
"You dare…!"
Su Yun's lips trembled. It was only natural for him to be furious.
Even if the exchange between Mount Hua Sect's leader and the Radiance Master seemed ambiguous, it was still unacceptable.
As the Emperor's Sword, an Imperial Inspector exercised authority that surpassed rank. Their power rarely faced opposition.
But thanks to Desolate Fortress, officials had grown increasingly dismissive of martial artists.
For one in such a position, the arrogance of a mere faction leader was beyond tolerance.
Yet, rather than reprimanding him, Mount Hua Sect's leader simply nodded along to the rogue's words.
"The world is in chaos. Shaanxi even more so."
"I am aware. I have heard the rumors even while bedridden."
Jung Yeonshin recalled the reports he had received.
[Gongchang Prefecture, Shaanxi: The Tyrant Sword Tribe's leader has appeared. Three sects in Gongchang Prefecture have been annihilated. Civilian casualties mounting.]
[Bongsang Prefecture, Shaanxi: The First Apostle of the Blood Flame Cult defeated the Mount Hua Sword Masters and massacred the villagers of Fengyou County. They appear to be searching for something, indiscriminately killing both civilians and martial artists.]
[Across Shaanxi: The Blood Flame Cult's demons are spreading. Frequent clashes among martial artists.]
"Please, have a seat. Cloud Dragon Sword, you as well."
The Radiant Demon Squad's leader cleared the table, moving aside the scrolls and books he had laid out.
For a brief moment, the cover of a manuscript caught the light, the lingering scent of ink still fresh.
"Compendium of the Annihilation of Demonic Factions."
By Lightning Genius.
Written in neat clerical script, the title drew the gazes of Yulha Nangnang and Wei Ji Myohwa as they stepped onto the pavilion.
[T/L: Please support me AND read further chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans.]
[T/L: Subscribe for a membership on my Buy Me a Coffee page and receive 15 extra chapters upon joining, along with daily updates of one chapter: buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ]
[Additional Info: If anyone is facing the issue of payment on Ko-Fi, please contact me on revengerscans1@gmail.com]