Chapter 228 - Treasured Sword

Light slowly dispersed from the body of Jung Yeonshin, captain of the Radiant Demon Squad, in shimmering strands like heat haze. It crumbled like starlight above the hem of his pitch-black robes, a sight at odds with the Lightning Genius’s composed eyes.

Every supreme master possessed a distinctive air. The new Radiant Demon Squad captain’s presence was both stalwart and mysterious, leaving even seasoned wanderers of the martial world unsure what to expect of him.

Earlier, he had sent a sound transmission with barely a movement of his lips. To everyone else, he appeared to be a taciturn Black-ranked officiant. Only Do Jin and Xiahou Shanshan had been subjected to his stormy temper.

‘A promotion ceremony really is nothing much when you’re watching as a captain. Did the Annihilation Squad captain see me this way too?’

Jung Yeonshin quietly wondered whether he was needed here at all.

‘Better to get this over with and head to Shaanxi...’

His mouth tightened slightly. He had ties to many people in the Zhongnan Sect, not just his blood relatives, Jung Hye and Jung Jungsan. There were the Zhongnan Sword Immortal Jong yeo-il, Grand Elder Yeo Il-Shin, Sword Dragon wiji myohwa, and the Zhongnan disciples alongside whom he had fought the Tyrant Sword Tribe. It felt as though a stone rested on his heart.

“Hhh...”

Do Jin’s wrist, normally supple and relaxed, had gone rigid. The Radiant Demon Squad captain flicked sideways the index and middle fingers holding the blade.

It was a casual gesture. With a resonant twang, the sword dipped aside.

“...!”

Nearly losing his sword, Do Jin instinctively realized what state he was in. The teachings of his distinguished sword family, cultivated over long years, had deserted him all at once.

An icy sensation sliced through his mind. It bordered on panic, quite apart from his relief that disaster had been averted. A strike he could scarcely repeat even if asked had been thwarted with crushing ease.

Any swordsman would have been deeply shaken. Perhaps it was some small consolation that his opponent was a Black-ranked supreme master.

The Lightning Genius, captain of the Radiant Demon Squad, was now a familiar presence accepted throughout the Desolate Fortress.

‘His reputation is well deserved...’

Do Jin inwardly groaned. As a warrior of the Law Enforcement Squad, he had already been curious about the supreme master who had broken through his captain’s countering forms. His tangled romantic affairs had merely distracted him for a time.

Xiahou Shanshan rose awkwardly from her lowered stance, quickly clasping her hands in a martial salute.

She let out a deep, internal-energy-laden breath. The breath she had held in preparation for a swift decisive clash escaped with a faint ripple of qi.

Only now had she begun breathing again. Immediately after the shock of Do Jin’s sword strike, she had witnessed the Radiant Demon Squad captain act at point-blank range. Even she could understand why she had been overwhelmed.

‘He caught that with Bare Hands Seizing a Naked Blade...!’

She had witnessed a skill that required far more than an ordinary disparity in strength even to attempt: catching a swordsman’s strike between two fingers.

He had read the opponent’s sword path perfectly, unraveled the wave of force gathered in the strike with a single Burst Discharge, then withstood its sword force using only the strength in his fingers.

The entire sequence had occurred in an instant.

The new Radiant Demon Squad captain’s protective force qi had not looked as densely woven as the Immortal Wood Spirit Lord’s Deep Jade Heavenly Ice Shield.

That meant he had been certain his barehanded blade-catching skill would succeed. Or perhaps he simply possessed extraordinary nerve.

Either way, it was more than enough to cow any reasonably knowledgeable martial artist.

The corners of Xiahou Shanshan’s mouth lifted awkwardly.

“Ah... Thank you, Captain.”

Being blood kin of the Desolate Fortress’s Xiahou family meant nothing before a Black. Neither did age. That position possessed a dignity incomparably greater than noble blood.

Even though Xiahou Shanshan had watched the Lightning Genius undergo the desolate fortress trial when she was already a white-robed warrior, she could not afford to show disrespect.

She thought he had been so cute back then.

Had that thought shown in her eyes? One corner of the Radiant Demon Squad captain’s mouth rose crookedly. He looked faintly displeased, almost pouty.

“Watch the sword properly. Your enemy’s combat path matters more than where you intend to strike.”

Jung Yeonshin spoke rather bluntly.

She had thanked him. That made it difficult to tell her once again to leave the platform. As a Black, he felt he ought to offer at least a brief word of advice. Surely she would leave on her own.

Xiahou Shanshan gave her clasped hands a small, smooth shake, expressing her gratitude once more. The Radiant Demon Squad captain was a rising talent whose speed of growth was unprecedented. To experts of the other combat units, he was an enigma in many respects, and even a chance to speak with him was considered quite precious.

Her lips curved into a smile.

“From what I’ve heard here and there, you possess secret techniques you haven’t even passed on to the Lightning Genius martial lineage. Could what you just showed us be...?”

“Are you interested in my martial arts?”

“I was, once. I found them difficult to learn. More precisely, mastering them was manageable, but putting them to use was difficult. You must teach your Radiant Demon Squad subordinates personally... Surely learning directly would make some difference?”

There was something curious in her tone, and in the dark eyes studying Jung Yeonshin. She seemed to be probing at something she was reluctant to discard yet found little use for.

Rippling Fist Demon Xiahou Shanshan came from a distinguished martial family and belonged to the powerful Annihilation Squad. She could hardly be serious about transferring, so she must have had some reason to ask.

A faint lingering attachment, perhaps. Or merely idle curiosity.

‘There’s no need to dwell on it.’

Jung Yeonshin did not answer immediately. After gazing steadily at her, he slowly parted his lips.

“The Radiant Demon Squad’s gates do not open whenever one pleases. I need no more. What I have now is enough.”

“Ah.”

As Xiahou Shanshan let out that small exclamation, Do Jin, who had been awkwardly lowering his sword, spoke up.

“My thanks to the Radiant Demon Squad cap—”

“I told you to leave.”

“Yes, sir.”

His answer was as crisp as the sword strike he had directed at Xiahou Shanshan. The two offered another martial salute and finally stepped down from the platform.

Normally, the promotion candidates were the focus of a promotion ceremony. But the new captain was so extraordinarily mysterious that many eyes remained fixed on the platform. Few spared a glance for Radiant Wind Sword Do Jin.

With a rustle, Jung Yeonshin, captain of the Radiant Demon Squad, adjusted a sleeve that had slipped down.

Unlike before, his bearing now held a stern chill. His black robes suited his impassive face exceedingly well.

“Next,” he said.

The sight intimidated the promotion candidates. A faint murmur rose.

Experts who had missed their units’ group assignments because they had been away on individual missions climbed the platform with heavy steps.

“Seon Siryeong of the Suncheon Wing.”

“Jong Hwi of the Martial Pinnacle Squad.”

* * *

The Radiant Demon Squad captain’s earlier display had made a considerable impression.

The Desolate Fortress’s promotion ceremony began proceeding at an unprecedented pace. Jung Yeonshin had not intended it, but matches were frequently decided in a single exchange. Accomplished martial artists demonstrated their skills at full strength, then stepped down.

At times, even a single swift sword strike unfolded in an atmosphere so tense it seemed to choke off all breath.

“The captain seems out of sorts.”

“Yes. His face is quite stiff. I haven’t known him long, but I’ve never seen him look like that.”

Below the platform, the Supreme Flame Dragon and Zhuge Cheonga conversed in the middle of the spectator seats.

Both were blood descendants of the Eight Great Families. They shared a background in regional noble clans, as well as the fact that they had joined the Radiant Demon Squad because of Lightning Genius Jung Yeonshin.

“Something unpleasant seems to have happened, but someone in my position can hardly ask.”

“You speak freely, as befits a Zhuge. Quite right. Didn’t I, too, know my place and let the unranked disciples push me around?”

The Supreme Flame Dragon did not seem concerned about his captain. Did he have some reason for confidence?

Chewing on a poppy, he cast a sidelong glance through half-lidded eyes, looking utterly carefree. He was looking toward the Radiant Demon Squad compound.

“Little things, with their whole lives ahead of them...”

“...”

The Zhuge girl lowered her eyes slightly. Brushing her dark hair, tied with sky-blue silk, down beside her neck, she gazed absently at Jung Yeonshin on the platform. She wore gray cotton martial robes.

As a guest warrior acknowledged by the fortress master, Zhuge Cheonga could have worn white robes. But she had refused outright. She did not want to remain an outsider. To draw closer to the foundation, she had to share the same starting point. Naturally, she had requested plain cotton robes.

In fact, despite having joined only recently, she had already won over the unranked disciples. Unlike the Supreme Flame Dragon, she did not swagger about, even though she possessed the refinement and insight of a scion from one of the world’s rarest distinguished families.

‘Young Master Hwangbo’s very presence seems to help. Captain Jung’s tacit approval counts for a great deal too...’

In short, she benefited by comparison.

While the Radiant Demon Squad captain was occupied with his many public and private affairs, she had already found her own place within the squad. Her role was clear as well.

As an expert in eye techniques, she could contribute to the squad’s fighting strength in many ways. Could they not consider the danger posed by trap device techniques all but eliminated?

Unranked disciple Zhuge Cheonga cautiously considered that the Radiant Demon Squad already possessed fighting strength comparable to a respectable, well-established martial school.

‘They have me, who served as my family’s eyes, and Moon-Shooting Bow Fiend Wi Yeryeong will control the range in field battles. The blue-robed experts were certainly exceptional. They’re no longer short on numbers, either. Add the Radiant Genius Formula to all that...’

The supreme art linking the radiant demon arts to the Lightning Genius martial lineage was truly profound. Even Zhuge Cheonga, a direct descendant of one of the Eight Great Families, rarely encountered anything she considered so astonishing.

The Radiant Genius Formula, created by the Radiant Demon Squad captain, shortened training time to an extreme degree. That applied only to warriors who had already cultivated either the radiant demon arts or the Lightning Genius martial lineage, but the squad’s experts had all attained deep mastery of one or the other.

Their transformation was different each day. Their momentum was truly frightening, a marvel no less impressive than the Radiant Demon Squad captain’s personal accomplishments.

The world knew nothing of this change. Soon, many of them would venture into the martial world together. How would it react?

‘Captain Jung said he had never been on a group assignment...’

Setting aside her thoughts, Zhuge Cheonga spoke quietly.

“You seem untroubled, Young Master Hwangbo, despite having to leap two ranks.”

“Me?”

The Supreme Flame Dragon chuckled and jerked his chin.

“He’s the problem, not me. That fellow climbing up now. Slippery right down to his manners.”

A tall young man was walking toward the platform with an easygoing smile.

The sword at his waist was plainly an extraordinary treasured sword, and the blue band around his head was of immaculate silk. A golden dragon embroidered at the center of his forehead glittered ostentatiously. It was the hero’s headband the great hero of Desolate Fortress often boasted he had worn when he first met the Lightning Genius.

Heon Wonchang was ascending the enormous central platform with his opponent. The promotion ceremony had been underway for quite some time—more than two hours. He was the first promotion candidate from the Radiant Demon Squad.

“Heon Wonchang of the Radiant Demon Squad.”

Having greeted Jung Yeonshin with his eyes, he addressed the opponent standing before him.

“I am Kang Unchan of the Command Bureau. I have seen Captain Jung from afar on several occasions.”

The man, who had the air of a scholar, clasped his hands in return. The black scabbard of the Desolate Sword at his waist set off his exceptionally composed face.

A quiet, subdued presence enveloped him, making his white martial robes seem almost like a scholar’s attire. Yet his thick eyebrows and the contours of his well-trained muscles were strikingly wild. A single glance might bring to mind the phrase “accomplished in both letters and arms.” The fluctuations of his internal power were quite weighty too.

‘He won’t be easy.’

So Jung Yeonshin thought. But his position required neutrality, and he let nothing show.

For one brief moment, he merely imagined knocking Kang Unchan off balance with an invisible Finger wind. Lately, the pain of his arms and legs growing longer had been accompanied by an increase in stray thoughts.

‘I’m not my maternal grandfather.’

Jung Yeonshin inwardly reproached himself.

Such a rash, violent disposition was far removed from his own. He would probably never resemble it in his lifetime.

He had to preserve the humble, composed temperament he had possessed since childhood. All he needed to do was faithfully fulfill his duties.

Stepping back several paces, he said curtly,

“Begin.”

“Thank you for officiating.”

Kang Unchan offered the Radiant Demon Squad captain a scrupulously respectful martial salute, then turned his head. His eyes immediately met Heon Wonchang’s.

“I have always envied you. I doubt I’m the only one.”

“What do you mean?” Heon Wonchang asked, raising his eyebrows.

“You were fortunate in your fellow entrant, were you not? To take the desolate fortress trial alongside the current Radiant Demon Squad captain, then join the same combat unit. Knowing how to ride the tide of fortune is itself a martial artist’s ability. You truly deserve to be called outstanding, Young Master Heon.”

There was no mockery in his composed face. This was not petty jealousy. He truly believed it. This was a world where people spoke readily of heavenly fortune and destiny.

Heon Wonchang paid it little mind. The Radiant Genius Formula Jung Yeonshin had personally taught him was about to be put to the test before hundreds of spectators.

He had ultimately failed to lift seventy percent of the restrictions. If he was to avoid disgracing the Radiant Genius Formula and Jung Yeonshin’s name, he had to perform to the very best of his ability.

‘My senses are at their peak. Excellent.’

He only half listened to Kang Unchan’s pre-match courtesies. Was it a Command Bureau trait? The man seemed rather talkative.

“I realized that even bearing such envy is a virtue a martial artist must possess. I had many thoughts. Had I been at his side, I would have become stronger. The scope of my accomplishments would have been different. With all the additional learning I would have gained, I would have supported him differently from you, Young Master Heon. Such foolish thoughts... No doubt they are true, but they mean little. In the end, your place is yours.”

It happened then.

THUD!

Kang Unchan’s neck suddenly bent forward. An invisible wave of force had struck through the air and slammed into the back of his head. A heavy impact resounded.

It had hit precisely the back of his skull. Forced into a lowered stance, Kang Unchan staggered. He looked as though an invisible ceiling had collapsed on him, nearly driving him to his knees.

WHOOOSH!

The residual force spilled outward. A wind little stronger than a breeze swept across the platform floor. Pale dust dispersed soundlessly, spreading silence in its wake.

Heon Wonchang turned to look at his captain.

“...”

Standing apart with his arms folded, the Radiant Demon Squad captain lowered his eyes at an angle. He looked as elegant as ever.