'I must do what I can.'
Jung Yeonshin thought. And then, he recalled his seniors.
By now, Jin Myungjo, the Supreme Demon of Sacred Blood, was already tracking the location of the Zhuge Clan's leader with his uniquely vast energy sense. It was combined with stealth techniques that had remained undetected even by the Tyrant Sword Tribe's leader.
One could not simply rest easy, assuming that an absolute master of sorcery and martial arts would not descend upon this place.
For now, Ak Surim and Jin Myungjo had to restrain the Zhuge Clan's leader.
'They might have clashed by now.'
He had seen the Zhuge Clan's leader reveal his prowess at the Murim Alliance. He also knew just how powerful Ak Surim and Jin Myungjo were.
When the Desolate Divine Spear and the Supreme Demon of Sacred Blood worked together, they could not be killed anywhere.
Even in the harsh wilderness, their survival was assured unconditionally, so no one dared to question how they carried themselves in the world.
Those two seniors were known as strict leaders even within Desolate Fortress. If they tarnished the honor of their home here, they would surely scold their junior.
'I must not become a disgrace to Senior Jin.'
As he took a step forward, no one else moved.
Swish.
Only the occasional sound of his torn long robe brushing against itself could be heard.
Even when he retrieved the secret manual from Eun Hwaryun's embrace, closed her eyes, and lifted her corpse to move it, the silence remained unbroken.
"Hah…"
Only after the Radiant Demon Squad's leader approached the side of the noble families' canopy was the silence shattered.
"The black sword of the imperial family… It is indeed renowned."
"They say there are only seventeen of them in all of Desolate Fortress. I can see why he became a squad leader at such a young age."
"Let's return. We have seen all we need to see."
"From this moment on, strictly punish anyone who breaks the sect's rules. Also, make sure that no one recklessly leaves the premises. We must strengthen security for the time being."
"It is as if the Zhuge Clan's leader's unrivaled gauntlet has been broken. Who knows what will become of Shaanxi now…"
More people began to speak, their voices gradually increasing. Along with them, some noble clans started moving busily.
A battle of life and death that would become a major topic in any region of Murim had been decided.
Since a squad leader of Desolate Fortress had slain an unparalleled master from the Eight Noble Clans, those in power now had to prepare for the aftermath.
Many left the scene with darkened expressions.
"Please bury her."
Jung Yeonshin paid no mind to the sounds of crickets chirping all around.
Swish.
He lifted Eun Hwaryun's corpse and handed it to a tall woman. He was facing a woman known in the world as the Iron Blossom Sword Phoenix, Gongya Jung.
The Grand Young Lady of the noble house lowered her gaze slightly.
"You are the black rank of Desolate Fortress, are you not? You may speak to me informally. If my family has been discourteous to you in any way…"
Her voice remained gentle, her tone level and restrained. She was truly the young leader of a clan bound by strict laws.
When she raised her calloused hands to accept the corpse, even the faint rustling of her sleeves felt dignified.
"You deserve to be spoken to with respect."
Jung Yeonshin spoke without revealing the cold sweat forming at the nape of his neck.
Every time he faced this person, he felt the vastness of time itself.
It was because she was naturally like a stone, her presence as unyielding as a boulder.
Even from the way she spoke, it was clear that she was inherently superior to him. Compared to the Grand Young Lady of the Gongya Clan, he was no more than a fly that lived for a single day.
Every time he looked at her, he felt an inferiority that made him melancholic. He would rather walk through a forest filled with monkeys wielding swords.
Murim. Even if he couldn't understand their chattering antics, at least watching them was entertaining.
"Where do you intend to go?"
She asked, her gaze level with his own.
Despite how much he had grown, her height was still similar to his.
"I must walk north."
Jung Yeonshin answered ambiguously. The movements and location of Desolate Fortress' black rank seniors were strictly confidential.
"You are always welcome to return and stay. Su will be waiting."
The serenity in her jet-black eyes suited someone of noble heritage.
To Jung Yeonshin, her eyes resembled obsidian. Perhaps it was because of the aura of the Gongya Clan's leader, who stood silently behind her.
Among the noble families of Shaanxi, only this father and daughter duo remained composed.
The others could not meet the gaze of the Radiant Demon Squad's leader of Desolate Fortress. The shock and unease they failed to hide were evident on their faces.
"Please, please come again…"
The second son, Gongya Su, peeked out from behind the clan leader's back. He seemed even more timid than before.
Rather than fearing the Radiant Demon Squad's leader, it seemed more like he was too shy to speak. It didn't match his sharply angled eyes.
"I will see you soon."
Jung Yeonshin gave a casual wave and turned away.
If he failed to locate the Zhuge Clan's leader, he would have to investigate the Gongya Clan. Both duty and reason dictated that course of action.
His comrades from the Radiant Demon Squad would handle the cleanup here.
Now that he had completed his brief task, his concern over his seniors' whereabouts deepened.
Paak!
As his foot pushed off the ground, the light steps of Ten Li Radiance flashed white as they distorted the air.
* * *
On one side of the still-bustling martial arena.
The form of the Radiant Demon Squad's leader rapidly faded into the distance.
By the time the onlookers blinked, he had already become a tiny black dot.
From his vanishing silhouette, the aura of a warrior racing across the wilderness was evident.
As he grew older, his distinct features became more pronounced.
Even the gust left behind by his light movement felt like a divine breeze to some of the commoners.
"They say the black rank masters of Desolate Fortress use light movement akin to ground-shrinking techniques…"
"I can't believe it even after seeing it."
"Hey, did you see his face? He must be an immortal, not a human."
"Pray to him! Pray that our families live long! The Ten Symbols of Longevity! Think of the Ten Symbols of Longevity!"
Some among the spectators even bowed as if worshipping a mountain deity. Some noble families sneered at the sight.
However, they could not act as they would in their own domains. They hesitated, wary that the Radiant Demon Squad's leader's subordinates might still be nearby.
Then, it happened.
"Well, it seems this has no rightful owner. I suppose I should take a journey through Jianghu and return it to its clan myself…"
A middle-aged man stepped forward, clearing his throat.
He was eyeing the legendary artifact, the pebble that Eun Hwaryun had thrown. It had been flung far due to the force of the battle between supreme masters.
It rolled to a stop near his feet, kicking up a faint cloud of dust.
The nobleman did not bother to hide his greed.
His stance was bold as he brazenly scanned the surroundings. His silk robe shimmered with a faint blue sheen.
He appeared to be of noble standing, but the way he cautiously glanced toward the direction where the Radiant Demon Squad's leader had disappeared showed his hesitation.
Step, step.
Legendary artifacts, known as treasures of the world, often had peculiar uses or chose their own masters.
Some even believed that whoever picked it up first became its rightful owner. Since its previous owner, Eun Hwaryun, was dead, it was a natural target.
Fwaaa!
From afar, warriors of the Radiant Demon Squad sprinted over. Their movements, enhanced by the Protective Energy Technique, were astonishingly fast.
"You disgraceful wretch, showing your lack of manners in broad daylight! Aren't you ashamed?"
"You must want to melt to death. My eyes are rotting just looking at you."
"Hey! Stop! Hey! This is ridiculous!"
The execution of martial arts resounded clearly in the voices of three men and women. This fundamentally meant that their internal energy control was outstanding.
"These youngsters' martial arts… What on earth…?"
"What, what is this?"
"Move! It's coming from behind!"
The surrounding crowd fell into a panic, staggering back and creating distance.
With a lightness movement that seemed to make them fly without a trace, heat distorted the winter air as if it were the peak of summer noon, and sporadic flashes of white energy waves surged violently.
The ownership of the artifact was not the issue. The problem was that a midday thief was about to mark the finale of Jung Yeonshin's duel to the death.
Lazy Flame Dragon was overwhelmingly fast.
Whoosh!
Each time he stepped forward, Heon Wonchang and Shin So-bin fell two to four steps behind.
It was because their individual specialties, ages, physical conditions, and martial arts attainments were all different.
At this moment, Lazy Flame Dragon, wielding the extreme yang energy of the Solar Divine Meridian, was about to arrive first while unfolding the Yejo Celestial King Sutra.
A supreme light movement technique learned only by direct descendants of the Hwangbo Clan. With each step he took on the ground, white mist rose, carrying a faint scent of burning.
"What are those…?"
A nobleman, seeing the figures from a distance, flinched in surprise, yet ultimately bent his waist.
His hand, reaching toward the pebble, was large. Judging by the intangible energy flickering between his fingers, he was likely a formidable martial artist in Shaanxi.
'In times of famine, what use is morality? Righteousness and chivalry are dead. The fool who cannot seize his own fortune is the one who perishes in Jianghu.'
The middle-aged man chuckled.
The accomplishments of those charging in like wildfire were astonishing, but he did not recognize their faces. And the distance was still great.
On the other hand, the spot where the Radiant Demon Squad's leader had departed was undoubtedly within the domain of the Shsanxi noble families.
Since all the noble experts of his region were on his side, there was no reason for him to be intimidated into abandoning the artifact.
'I'll take this to the Zhuge Clan's leader. No matter how formidable Desolate Fortress' black rank masters are, how could they withstand his wrath? I am making the right decision.'
As he reached out for the pebble, he mused.
Anyone with a decent understanding of the world knew that Desolate Fortress lacked the manpower to extend its reach everywhere. As long as he had the Zhuge Clan's leader's protection, there was nothing to fear.
Had such a force pursued the path of tyrannical conquest like the old Ming Cult, the situation might have been different. But in these turbulent times, finding a strong figure who did not seek dominion was nearly impossible.
"Your light movement is indeed quite remarkable, but fortune is not on your side."
With a sneer, he grasped the artifact.
At least, he thought he did. The moment a cold sensation touched his palm, he realized something was amiss.
Puk!
He blinked once, and in that instant, he saw an unfamiliar object, a dark blue energy wave. No, it was more accurate to call it the handle of a dagger.
In the blink of an eye, a blade had pierced through the back of his hand. The delayed shockwave of the attack sent a chilling gust through the air.
"Gaaahhh!"
The nobleman threw his head back and screamed.
The pain was excruciating, as if dozens of long needles had suddenly sprouted inside his palm.
It was impossible to tell whether the technique had manipulated internal energy waves in a peculiar manner or if the dagger had been coated with poison.
Step.
A footstep echoed beside the middle-aged man.
With a crisp step, a clear, melodious singing voice followed.
The lotus, reflecting the sword's brilliance, is dazzling beyond compare.
Yet the dust of Jianghu still lingers thick in the air.
A tune that elevated the names of the Radiant Demon Squad's leader and Eun Hwaryun while trampling upon the prestige of the nobleman.
Standing beside the middle-aged man before he even noticed it, a man in a translucent black conical hat, his lower face wrapped in dark silk.
His sharply defined nose and naturally exuberant eyes exuded an undeniable charm.
From afar, Heon Wonchang, who had been rushing in with fluid steps, suddenly hesitated.
"Chivalrous Slayer? That's the Slayer of the Grand Moon Slaughter Sect!"
"Young Master! Please, just one glance this way!"
"Sir Sect Leader! Are you having trouble moving? I will come to you at once!"
"You wretched fool! How dare you use such an outrageous attack in broad daylight! Once again, you behave with utter arrogance!"
The surroundings erupted into chaos. It was as if a rare celebrity had made an appearance in the vast expanse.
Some grinned broadly or gazed with admiration, while the noble families displayed open displeasure, resting their hands on their weapons.
Yet, the Chivalrous Slayer did not wipe the smile from his face.
"Clan leader has ruined my enjoyment. I was clapping in appreciation after witnessing such a refined duel, but this man here behaved far too disgracefully, didn't he?"
"That is not for you to judge!"
"The martial tournament must go on. Clan leader, you still cannot tell right from wrong, can you?"
His response, feigning politeness, made the noble families' energy surge violently, accompanied by a torrent of curses.
"You will stay right where you are."
"Do you think we ignored your actions because we fear the Grand Moon Slaughter Sect?"
As fierce gusts of wind tore through the air, dozens of figures began to approach slowly. Their oppressive internal energy was accompanied by thunderous footsteps.
Rather than seeking to punish a reckless young martial artist, it was clear that they were after the artifact at Chivalrous Slayer's feet.
"Idiots."
Chivalrous Slayer muttered indifferently, tapping the hilt of his longsword with his index finger. Even this small movement carried an undeniable grace.
By this time, the warriors of the Radiant Demon Squad had secured a section of the martial arena.
Lazy Flame Dragon gazed at the Chivalrous Slayer.
"What is that? He looks familiar."
"..."
Heon Wonchang did not respond. His expression was grim, his eyes flickering toward the Chivalrous Slayer.
Seeing his unusual hesitation, Shin So-bin, who stood confidently with her arms crossed, tilted her head.
"He looks a bit older. Is he the elder brother of the Senior Sacred Warrior?"
"…Similar."
At his low murmur, Lazy Flame Dragon shook his head.
"Whatever. We should deal with those noble lackeys first. That guy who supposedly resembles a brother doesn't seem interested in picking up the artifact."
Chivalrous Slayer and the Shaanxi noble families.
Despite attempts by some, including the Gongya Clan, to intervene, no one was listening.
It was an explosive confrontation, ready to ignite at any moment.
Like a thunderbomb seconds from detonation, the overlapping energy waves shook the ruined martial arena once again.
Boom— Boom—
"This won't be easy…"
As Shin So-bin clenched her fists, the cracking sound of her knuckles echoed.
[Reveal the whereabouts of the Radiant Demon Squad's leader.]
A voice rang out from high above.
With a somewhat husky yet commanding feminine tone, the sunlight was suddenly obscured. It was as if an eclipse had occurred.
But no.
A woman stood atop a sword, looking down.
Her gray sleeves swayed elegantly as both hands rested within them, and her hair, reaching down to her nape, shimmered with a half-silver glow.
From her ashen robe and short-cut hair, an immensely dense aura radiated outward in fine strands.
Sword Flight.
The eyes of the Radiant Demon Squad's warriors widened.
"Sword Saint, Baek Seo-gun…!"
At Heon Wonchang's hushed whisper, the crowd was thrown into chaos.
The masters of the Thirteen Celestial Demons were considered living monsters. If she was the second-in-command of the Profound Martial Alliance, even more so.
As the noble families' energy waves quickly dissipated, Chivalrous Slayer's jet-black pupils locked onto Baek Seo-gun.
Like a flickering black flash, his gaze carried the scrutiny of an extraordinary assassin.
For a fleeting moment, he read her entire expression—the slightly lowered brows, the faintly furrowed forehead, and the nature of the light in her eyes.
Until she turned her head to look down upon the warriors of the Radiant Demon Squad.
Then—
Chivalrous Slayer's eyes curved into thin arcs.
"He went that way, and as for this artifact, it now belongs to the Radiant Demon Squad's leader."
He gestured toward the scattered pebble below and then, raising his unusually long fingers, pointed in the direction where Jung Yeonshin had disappeared.
His speech had suddenly become archaic. He seemed to be taunting the noble families.
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