The main road was teeming with people.
Yet, it was silent.
The sparse procession of merchant caravans carrying partially empty carts, vendors standing at stalls with scattered fruit and grain, a few errand boys dodging wandering drifters near the inns as they called for customers—these presences faded into the background of Jung Yeonshin's mind.
He replayed Ruyi Spring Squad's leader's steps.
The air surged upward along the tips of her feet. The energy wave, distorting along with the movement of her leg muscles.
As the progenitor of Splendid Wings Step, he scrutinized the modified footwork in every detail. The mnemonic verse, kindly embedded within, naturally reversed and flowed into his mind.
At a glance, the structure of the movement technique felt somewhat dull. But precisely because of that, it was exceptional.
There was a pattern to the energy intertwining above and below the kneecap. It felt like a precisely crafted gear mechanism.
'Just how low has she lowered her center of gravity?'
It was different from the boundless freedom of the current Radiant Demon Squad's leader. It did not follow a natural sense of movement, akin to teaching a beast how to drink water.
'She set the axis of balance in six directions and drew down the Yongcheon Acupoint's energy wave to the mysteries of the Three Talents. She narrowed the range of movement but made entry easier…'
Originally, Splendid Wings Step, as devised by Jung Yeonshin, was structured to be universally applicable in all directions. It could be modified in countless ways depending on the situation. Stepping backward to dissolve an opponent's overwhelming momentum was not difficult. This was due to the adaptability of internal energy flow.
Ruyi Spring Squad's leader, Bukgung Ah, moved differently.
She had predetermined her directions. She restricted the footwork's movement to six paths, making both initiation and mastery easier. The propulsion wave was condensed into three core forms.
She had reduced versatility in favor of mastery. Only the traces of simple forward movement, retreat, and leaps could be felt.
'They say Senior Bukgung is the greatest prodigy of her lineage.'
Jung Yeonshin couldn't help but be astonished. Was she a living Buddha?
A passage from Analects: Wei Linggong that he had once read at Jung Family Manor surfaced in his mind. It was the spirit of self-sacrifice.
She had slain her own dignity to teach her subordinates. Her endurance of simplicity, as if it were a boulder, felt like an immeasurable act of consideration.
'And I am to compete against such a person for the position of the Divine Sword Order's leader…'
For a moment, Jung Yeonshin was left speechless.
The unexpected gap in magnanimity became apparent. He had never conceived of such a mnemonic structure. The Radiant Arts Secret had been his limit.
It was said that among the absolute masters of purple rank, the one with the highest renown would sit in the Divine Sword Order's leader's seat.
He had thought that the Black Three Steels were at least his equal, yet now they felt insurmountable.
'Hm?'
Jung Yeonshin suddenly tilted his head to the side. Then, how did Grandfather…?
"Hey, are you meditating? Do you need more time?"
Ruyi Spring Squad's leader, Bukgung Ah, tilted her chin slightly upward. A gesture of urging. The sharp bridge of her nose, unusually distinct in the dim light, was cast in a pale glow.
The natural aggressiveness of northern royalty was evident.
It was only natural that she couldn't sense Jung Yeonshin's energy wave.
Likewise, he had never felt the internal energy pulse of Blood Preservation Squad's leader Jin Myungjo before.
Having observed how the Supreme Demon of Sacred Blood concealed his energy wave up close, Jung Yeonshin had learned by inference. Now, even before the Divine Sword Order's leader, he was confident he could completely suppress his energy fluctuations.
"We can do this another time."
"…What?"
Jung Yeonshin's refusal was brief.
It was not the response of a subordinate addressing a high-ranking black-rank squad leader. However, the way he raised both hands in a formal Baoquan gesture was, in contrast, impeccable.
There was no attempt to hide his admiration.
"I am grateful to Senior Bukgung. I have been enlightened by your character."
He had glimpsed the bottommost depths. He had come to understand just how refined his martial arts mnemonics could become. He had confirmed firsthand the boundless nature of his senior's capacity, something he had only heard about in words.
By broadening the scope of his imagination, this realization would one day return to him as inspiration.
Had this not been the Desolate Fortress' eastern gate, he would have called her a great hero—just as he had done for Zhongnan Sect's Sword Dragon, Wei Ji Myohwa.
Simultaneously, Bukgung Ah raised one eyebrow slightly. It was as if she had heard something completely unexpected.
At the pinnacle of the black-rank, an absolute master's upper dantian perception absorbed the intent of the opponent directly.
The sincerity in his words was completely transparent through his expression.
'What is this? He seems to be serious.'
'Looks like the modified Splendid Wings Step pleased the squad leader. She's always wanted to spread martial arts widely. And Ruyi Spring Squad's leader…'
Observing the two from the side, Heon Wonchang speculated about Ruyi Spring Squad's leader's bewilderment.
As Desolate Sacred Warrior, who was well-versed in the affairs of the Main Sect, he knew that Ruyi Spring Squad's leader was infamous for its terrible personality.
It was said that she suffered sudden fits of rage, as though she had cultivated demonic arts. Because of this, Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall had been destroyed multiple times. Yet, she was the kind of eccentric who still chose to sleep amidst the ruins of the shattered Black-Rank Gathering Hall.
'She doesn't have many close companions, does she?'
When the former leader of the Radiant Demon Squad was at the peak of his prime, there were those who claimed that Ma Jin, rather than Bukgung Ah, should have been named among the Black Three Steels.
It was due to personal bias, much like how different regions named varying figures among the Ten Great Masters of the World.
Heon Wonchang, Lazy Flame Dragon, and Shin So-bin each wore peculiar expressions. The squad leader's demeanor reminded them of a Buddhist disciple witnessing Maitreya.
"You, what's your name? …No, wait."
Bukgung Ah suddenly fell silent, her eyes gleaming with a faint bluish light. Her gaze swept across the young man before her, momentarily glinting with curiosity.
"Your body… there's no way you're some nameless nobody. I want to take a closer look."
"I understand you are currently patrolling Yangyang. My travels have left me weary, so let's make a promise. I will send word in the near future."
Jung Yeonshin diverted the conversation, feeling a tinge of regret. As he released his Baoquan gesture, his elbow subtly pressed down on the sleeve of the Seventh Apostle, who had just begun to raise her hand.
She had nearly made a move in response to the phrase "I want to see your well-trained body."
At the same time, the Seventh Apostle trembled slightly, as if struck by lightning in the arm.
Jung Yeonshin paid it no mind.
'Senior Bukgung, I will see you again at Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall.'
The fact that he had undergone Rebirth of Flesh and Bone could not be revealed now. It was a story that would inevitably stir a commotion, even if only slightly. It was best to unveil it after arriving at Radiant Demon Squad's headquarters.
First, the Seventh Apostle needed to be taken to the squad leader's office. That would at least secure a minimum level of safety.
'Zhu Yeon-jeong…'
The image of his grandfather, who had once mercilessly crippled the dantians of branch-royalty, surfaced in his mind.
Could he now act as his grandfather once had? Rather than being swayed by missions and circumstances, could he maneuver them as he willed?
"It has been an honor to meet such a renowned senior. Your cultivation of both mind and body is truly unmatched."
Jung Yeonshin bowed respectfully and passed by the Ruyi Spring Squad's leader. The clarity of his voice left an aftertaste of admiration.
What exactly had he been moved by?
Bukgung Ah, notorious for her fiery temperament, turned back with an uncertain expression. But her innate northern-born intuition halted her in place.
There was none of the falsehood found in mere flattery.
Only the distinct, unrestrained essence of Splendid Wings Step trailed behind the young man's departing steps.
Saaa—
A wind swept through, scattering the feather ornaments of the nearby street stalls. As it brushed past her brows, Jung Yeonshin and his group safely arrived at the Desolate Fortress' main gate.
A marble fortress, bathed in white sunlight, welcomed them as it always had—silent and solemn.
* * *
Jung Yeonshin entered the main sect without revealing his identity. Thanks to the confirmed credentials of his companions, there was no issue.
Both Heon Wonchang and Lazy Flame Dragon were blue-rank experts capable of undertaking solo missions. Their status alone made them key assets of Desolate Fortress.
Meanwhile, White Cat, Shin So-bin, a direct descendant of the Desolate Shin Clan, was widely recognized, even more so than most formally enlisted warriors.
In a place like Desolate Fortress, where all manner of figures came and went, their presence was more than enough to guarantee the identity of a couple of unfamiliar faces.
Unlike the somewhat distant treatment toward Lazy Flame Dragon, many within the sect shared close ties with Heon Wonchang and Shin So-bin. Their connections extended beyond the Radiant Demon Squad and reached various combat units and even the General Affairs Bureau.
"The Sacred Warrior has returned. No trouble along the way?"
"I can't tell you how quiet the main sect has been. It seems the squad leader has been occupied with other matters?"
"White Cat, you've grown even taller."
"Wait, that woman…?"
Martial artists with the 'Desolate' character crudely branded onto their arms approached the group with faces full of warmth.
Martial artists typically recognize others by their build and posture.
It was difficult to imagine that a once-young boy had rapidly matured through Rebirth of Bones and Flesh.
With the youngest black-rank absent, the air was less formal, and casual conversation flowed freely.
Heon Wonchang subtly stepped forward, blocking their line of sight.
"Let's catch up later. This mission was quite exhausting."
"We've heard the rumors. Word from Shaanxi has already reached here. So, is it all true? That thing about—"
"We'll talk over drinks. I'll prove that my seventy-percent energy seal wasn't a bluff—by demonstrating my new drinking capacity."
"You're still going on about that?"
Lazy Flame Dragon chuckled wryly, as if he had just heard an absurd joke.
'They really don't trust him, huh?'
Jung Yeonshin watched the exchange briefly before turning his gaze to the Seventh Apostle.
Even after entering the main fortress, she remained hyper-focused on him, her entire presence honed like a blade in his direction.
The faint energy pulses of her internal power brushed against him like drifting feathers, accompanied by the fluttering of her crimson robes, worn in place of the Pure Blood Robe.
"You."
"Speak."
"Wait quietly in my office."
"My office? You mean your room?"
"My subordinates will guide you. Don't cause a scene. Once I return, I'll discuss the mnemonic verses with you."
"The mnemonic verses? From the first line?"
"Yes."
"What if I forget again due to Energy Deviation? Will you recite it for me from the beginning?"
Her lips moved slightly.
"Martial secrets must not be carelessly passed on. That's what they say. You shouldn't leave behind manuals."
She whispered again, an eerie undertone in her voice.
Though her eyes were blindfolded with soft fabric, it felt as though a reddish glow seeped through.
"…Just wait quietly."
Jung Yeonshin entrusted the Seventh Apostle's safety to Heon Wonchang and Shin So-bin before turning to leave.
The divine artifact of the Blood Flame Cult was indeed formidable.
Even among their comrades in the main sect, many had mistaken Seventh Apostle for Lady Ye.
Only those of noble lineage or those who had ascended to the rank of absolute master could see through the illusion.
Now, the only person he had to keep in mind regarding the Seventh Apostle was Zhu Yeon-jeong.
"I'll head to the General Affairs Bureau."
Leaving that remark to his companions, Jung Yeonshin quickened his pace.
He had no desire to be held up by the martial artists of the main fortress.
Now that he had observed the interior, he figured it wouldn't be an issue to mix Splendid Wings Step with Ten Li Radiance Step.
Huaak!
Throughout the entire fortress, familiar energy waves could be felt. Many of those passing by in his vision were employing a recognizable footwork.
All of them were using Splendid Wings Step.
His martial art was not particularly beneficial for those who struggled to control their bodies, and yet—
'This is astounding.'
Jung Yeonshin once again realized the extent of Senior Bukgung's influence.
It was no less worthy of admiration than that of Senior Jin, Supreme Demon of Sacred Blood.
Ruyi Spring Squad.
It meant that there was nothing one could not achieve if they truly set their mind to it. Within the Divine Sword Order, it was said to be the second most powerful squad after the Divine Sword Order.
It was also known to rival the Annihilation Squad in strength.
Would Radiant Demon Squad ever surpass both of those combat squads as well as the Divine Sword Order?
Even if he were to become the Divine Sword Order's leader in the future, he intended to place the Radiant Demon Squad directly under his command.
'Radiant Arts Secret… there's room for improvement.'
Ruyi Spring Squad's leader had shattered his common sense as Radiant Demon Squad's leader.
Now that Jung Yeonshin had glimpsed into the depths of the abyss, he forcefully shook off the heavy feeling in his heart and landed atop the highest rooftop of the General Affairs Bureau's pavilion complex.
Even without fully exerting his Lightness Skill, his movement was swift.
His completely transformed body sometimes gifted him with an almost dreamlike sensation.
It felt as though his entire being was immersed in a dream where nothing was impossible.
Only on rare occasions, when the unity of his body momentarily faltered, did that feeling dissipate.
'So Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall has been destroyed again, and they've gathered at the General Affairs Bureau.'
A heavy energy wave was rising from below the wooden beams. He could feel it through his toes.
What was happening?
The sheer number of presences capable of being considered black-rank was unprecedented.
There was the Divine Sword Order's vice-leader, the Blood Preservation Squad's leader, the Law and Order Squad's leader, one presence that felt both unfamiliar and familiar, and another completely foreign energy wave.
Including Ruyi Spring Squad's leader, who was currently outside the fortress gates, that made six in total.
It was an overwhelming concentration of power.
Were they preparing for an all-out sect war?
If they included him, whose return had surely been anticipated, that would make seven.
Just then—
While lost in thought for a moment, a faint voice reached Jung Yeonshin's ears.
[That is why I am asking you to explain! I cannot even recall how many days I have been requesting this! Where is the esteemed Lord of Desolate Fortress that she treats people with such disregard? Proper reception should be conducted with due decorum according to one's status…!]
At that instant, the Radiant Wheel of his heart began to spin.
His Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown state activated, and True Energy surged along his meridians in response to his emotions.
KWAHAAAAAAAA—!
From his very toes, the rooftop tiles erupted like rippling waves, scattering in all directions.
Following the shockwave, the shattered roof crumbled into a massive, concentric pattern of destruction, sending up pale clouds of dust.
In that fleeting moment, he erased the sudden image of his grandfather from his mind out of shame.
Then, he landed amidst the grand chamber in a spectacular entrance.