"Here stands the true Divine Sword of the nation!"
The symbolism carried by the title of Divine Sword was immense, encompassing both martial and administrative authority. When a Governor-General of the Five Armies Command used it to commend Radiant Demon Squad's leader, its significance was all the greater.
A vast crowd surrounded them.
Among the Shaanxi nobility, many faces twisted into strange expressions.
The estate of the Gongya Clan was filled with an eerie silence. It was quiet enough that even the sound of loose stones rolling over the ruins could be clearly heard.
Slowly,
Dozens of powerful local warriors rose from their prostrated positions. Their silk robes of various colors brushed against the remains of collapsed walls, scattered tiles, and skeletal wooden beams, producing soft whispers of fabric against ruin.
As they each lifted their knees and stood upright, a dignified aura of prayer, akin to that of royalty, began to emanate from them.
They were the Murim Nobility—men who had built their power through internal energy and martial techniques, maneuvering just beyond the scrutiny of the government while ruling over the common folk as absolute lords.
Shaanxi's martial world lacked an overarching dominant sect, allowing these factions to navigate political tides with cunning stratagems. Once they had subdued the military's blades, there was little to challenge their authority.
A deep hum resonated among them.
Threads of internal energy intertwined, forming a web of multi-layered sound transmission. From this moment on, all conversation would remain private, with not a single word leaking to outsiders.
"What is the meaning of this…?"
"He said 'Divine Sword'!"
"So I wasn't mistaken."
"I don't understand. Why such favor? The man humiliated the prestige of the Five Armies Command…."
"This is how the monster of the Beijing political sphere handles affairs. He must have his own calculations. Clearly, avoiding conflict with the Radiant Demon Squad's leader benefits him."
"This isn't mere avoidance. He's forming an alliance!"
The Gongya Clan's leader and Radiant Demon Squad's leader.
They were martial figures from outside the region. Lightning Genius would eventually leave, and Zhuge Cheonsang had already crossed the River of the Three Crossings.
On the other hand, the martial artists of Shaanxi present here would continue living on this land.
"I had thought of testing my skills against the Supreme Demon of Sacred Blood… but would that provoke the Governor-General?"
"Hard to say. Judging by his demeanor, it seems his favor is reserved for Lightning Genius alone…."
"Forget it. The Radiant Demon Squad's leader seems to cherish his seniors greatly. With the Assistant Governor-General behind him, we have no idea what he might do."
"True. They say he's of the Desolate Ma Clan's bloodline."
This was the typical conversation of Murim Nobility, who obsessively pursued fame.
In the Starving Martial World, survival was paramount. Following the Path of Righteousness was secondary to demonstrating martial prowess to the world. Honor came second.
A simple solution presented itself—challenge the black-clad warriors of Desolate Fortress to a duel and display superior martial skill.
It was a natural extension of the plan set in motion the moment Lightning Genius severed Zhuge Cheonsang's head. The goal was to prevent foreign martial artists from disrupting the existing order.
By doing so, they would further solidify their control over land, trade, and livestock rights.
"What a waste, what a pity."
A glance at the three black-clad warriors who had endured fierce battle showed they weren't in any condition to refuse challenges.
The Supreme Demon of Sacred Blood had seemingly sustained grave injuries before the decisive duel even began. The amount of blood that had poured from his abdomen while defending the orb-prison of Radiant Demon Squad's leader could have filled several gourds.
Now, he stood at a distance, arms crossed, his wounds from the Divine Male and Female Whips healing at an agonizingly slow pace.
The same went for Desolate Divine Spear, whose narrowed eyes remained fixed on the Assistant Governor-General. The overwhelming aura that once stormed like a calamitous gale had visibly weakened.
Having been subjected to intense pressure from the Zhuge Clan's leader, she clearly suffered from severe internal injuries. Even controlling her vital energy must have been a struggle.
"We must give up."
"Let's at least offer some appeasement to the Gongya Clan."
"I had hoped to purchase farming rights in Pyongyang Prefecture for a pittance, but that's now impossible. The Gongya Clan has ties to the Radiant Demon Squad's leader…."
"Did we mistreat the Gongya Clan too much? Our disciples have been freely raiding their granaries as if they were their own homes."
"What can they do if we offer an apology first? A single Gongya won't stand against all of Shaanxi's martial factions."
They spoke as if it were a trivial matter. Their eyes remained fixed on the three black-clad warriors and their deteriorating condition.
Where else would they see the Supreme Demon of Sacred Blood and Desolate Divine Spear in such a wretched state?
And then there was Lightning Genius, his injuries needed no further mention.
The moment he beheaded Zhuge Clan's leader, the massive drain on his internal energy had been obvious to all.
His shoulders sagged, weighed down as if burdened by a tremendous force. His body was steeped in blood, still trickling down his frame, staining his black robes.
Were it not for his imposing presence and his dark garb, he might have been mistaken for an ordinary teenage boy.
A lone wolf, surrounded by hungry jackals.
There was no need to provoke him directly.
In a world where decorum and order had lost their meaning, it was easy enough to challenge him to a duel under the guise of courtesy. If he showed even a slight disadvantage, the assembled nobility would shower praise upon the challenger.
The one who withstood the techniques of the black-clad warrior.
This was their domain, Shaanxi belonged to them. If Desolate Fortress refused the duel, even better. They would spread rumors that the black-clad warriors feared the martial factions of Shaanxi.
"Let's watch for an opportunity. They'll need a long time to recover, after all."
A middle-aged swordsman, draped in luxurious robes lined with fur, muttered to himself. Like the others, his attire exuded wealth.
Yet some among the nobility, their gazes calm and measured, did not join in the reckless conversation. They merely exchanged brief remarks.
"The martial skill Lightning Genius displayed… what he accomplished… was tantamount to severing the Zhuge Clan itself. It is an astonishing event. Shouldn't we be more fearful?"
"Indeed. But was Zhuge Clan's leader in his prime?"
"Still… Desolate Divine Spear and Supreme Demon of Sacred Blood are monsters who could display invincible might with but a sliver of energy. Imagine fighting Dark Spear Ak Surim without even considering countermeasures. Just the thought of it sends chills down my spine."
They said no more.
The consequences of all this, whether the duels would truly end without issue, hether they had failed to consider the long-term repercussions…?
They understood it now.
An era where hunger and greed had stolen reason, where brotherhood was overshadowed by martial strength, and where fertility was slowly drained from the land.
"Before I became the Assistant Governor-General, I once met a great chivalrous hero… Lightning Genius, your face bears little resemblance to his. But your spirit—no, your aura—feels somewhat similar."
"What did you just say?"
"Ah, it seems I misspoke. No need to take it so seriously."
"Misspoke? What do you mean…?"
"...."
The Murim Nobility silently observed the exchange between the Assistant Governor-General and Lightning Genius.
Standing upon land cracked and split like Shaanxi's parched farmland, they listened as Desolate Divine Spear's distant laughter echoed faintly in the background.
* * *
A grand banquet was held.
Just like the preliminary duels of the Martial Tournament, it was a lavish affair. The Gongya Clan, the most venerable clan in Pyongyang Prefecture, hosted the feast.
On a massive 口-shaped table, an array of exquisite delicacies and fine liquor was spread, their aromas blending in the air.
"I never expected the Assistant Governor-General to act so openly. I thought he was preoccupied with the movements of the Profound Martial Alliance's military forces… Perhaps a coalition between Desolate Fortress and the military is forming?"
"The balance of power in Shaanxi is uncertain. Several factions have already aligned themselves under Moon Castle Sect…."
"Sister, try this! The sauce beef is sliced so thin, it must have been done by a swordsman!"
"My disciple has discovered the location of the Grand Moon Slaughter Sect's stronghold. The opportunity to annihilate them is approaching…."
Dozens of conversations intertwined like tangled threads.
The main topics were the details of Zhuge Clan's leader's slaughter and speculations about the aftermath of that event.
The atmosphere was different from the night before the Martial Tournament.
The Murim Nobility spoke in hushed voices beyond silk-draped tables, while the three black-clad warriors of Desolate Fortress conversed in isolation within a semi-transparent barrier.
The three had revealed themselves despite their severe injuries.
It was necessary to demonstrate the continued strength of the black-rank and to compensate for the damage inflicted on the Gongya Clan. They couldn't afford to complete their mission while leaving only burdens upon the sects that had supported Desolate Fortress.
They needed to prevent harmful rumors from restricting their subordinates' movements.
In the midst of it all, countless glances flickered toward Radiant Demon Squad's leader.
He paid them no mind.
Jung Yeonshin handled his drink with ease, as if well-versed in the Way of Wine, occasionally rolling the cup slightly in his palm.
He was refining his martial arts through debate dueling with his seniors.
From time to time, the Supreme Demon of Sacred Blood cast a disapproving glance at him from where he stood, one foot resting on the edge of the barrier.
"Your breathing technique can be lengthened further. You can indulge in wine after that."
The Supreme Demon spoke coldly.
Jung Yeonshin went silent for a moment, then compared his height with his senior.
"...."
The man was at least a head taller.
With that, he wordlessly set his cup down on the corner of the table.
His fingertips brushed the rim of the cup with a trace of reluctance. If his lifespan was short, he wouldn't be able to enjoy such things for long.
"…Regardless, Senior Jin's maneuvering techniques allow for limitless offensive positioning. I realized that momentary Fa Jin could even form short-lived battle formations. There are many similar principles in Heavenly Gold Martial Arsenal."
"Hmm."
"It seems more beneficial to structure it around Bagua rather than Six Harmonies. If it were you, Senior…"
"You mean it's better to allow for numerous variations. My perception can manage that much."
Jin Myungjo spoke, cold sweat forming on his back. His specialty had always been initiating attacks, this was true even in conversation.
By steering the conversation early, he could prevent unnecessary tangents, making it easier to maintain face.
A seasoned black-clad warrior was always prepared for any situation.
'As expected of Senior Jin.'
Jung Yeonshin's lips curled slightly. It had been a long time since he had engaged in a conversation that felt human.
"You are right, Senior."
Even the brief respite after the fierce battle felt enjoyable. He had a strong feeling he would look back on this moment fondly.
"Drink! Just drink! Huh?! Do you know who our Lightning Genius just killed? None other than Zhuge Bastard! The same Zhuge Bastard whose death would have made even the Jade Emperor overturn his throne! He slaughtered Zhuge Bastard!"
A thick smell of alcohol wafted from below his chin, accompanied by slurred speech.
This was the culprit responsible for making Jung Yeonshin endure the pain of reinforcing the barrier before the debate duel could even begin.
Dark Spear Ak Surim reached out with her small hands as if to pat his hip. Jung Yeonshin dodged with familiar ease.
"That swordplay—ahhh, it was a work of art! Severed the Energy Armor and Dantian in one clean strike, huh? Ka-haha…!"
"Grandmother."
"She's using drunkenness to numb her meridian pain."
The Supreme Demon of Sacred Blood remarked.
"The Zhuge Clan's leader's method of countering Ak Clan's Spear Techniques was vicious. It was as ruthless as expected from the Zhuge Clan, famed for their precision in Pressure Point Techniques. It seems they had long studied the Shandong Ak Clan."
"Then, is that why Senior Ak's energy is unstable…?"
"Rather than countering forms, they focused on severing vital energy flow. Since the Divine Male and Female Whips are esoteric techniques capable of interfering with internal energy, the backlash must have been severe. She essentially endured torture akin to Muscle-Tearing and Bone-Dislocation Technique while protecting you."
"What?! That was nothing!"
Desolate Divine Spear Ak Surim grinned as she reached out again.
She was shorter than Jung Yeonshin, and her outstretched palm was positioned as if she were trying to ruffle his hair.
This time, Jung Yeonshin didn't avoid it.
She smirked in amusement and merely patted his back instead.
"Well done, kid! You're now my greatest rival! Even the Annihilation Squad and Ruyi Spring Squad should be nervous!"
The three black-ranks of Desolate Fortress.
There was no room for outsiders to intrude. That was how it seemed from the outside.
Even the Murim Nobility of Shaanxi, as well as the Grand Young Lady and Second Young Lord of the Gongya Clan, merely observed from afar.
'It was a difficult mission.'
Jung Yeonshin thought of his comrades, the ones who had shielded the black ranks when they were at their weakest.
This was the reason their sect existed.
At that moment, two messages crossed his mind—one from an unknown sender, the other from Lazy Flame Dragon.
[The wastrel of the Hwangbo Clan, the bastard of Grand Moon Slaughter Sect, and the treasured jewel of the Desolate Divine Spear Clan are in my hands.
Radiant Demon Squad's leader, the moment you read this letter, come to Taiyuan Prefecture and drive your Beiming into the largest tombstone in Graveyard Mountain.]
[You'll get some rambling letter soon. Just hold tight for a bit. If the squad leader personally steps in again like in Shaanxi, the Radiant Demon Squad geezers are going to bury me alive.
Anyway, I found the key to breaking the Sacred Warriors' internal energy restriction. Honestly, I didn't expect it to exist.]
It was then—
Step.
The Assistant Governor-General approached, his black ceremonial cap casting a shadow over his piercing gaze. His gray fur-lined robe billowed slightly as he swept his gaze across the gathered Murim Nobility.
"Radiant Demon Squad's leader, we have urgent matters to discuss."
[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 [email protected]]