Among the figures surrounding Jung Yeonshin's bed, a few shoulders subtly lowered.
It seemed as though they had consciously suppressed their initial flinch. It was the level of unity in spirit, energy, and mind, reaching an austere pinnacle.
Everyone wore black. Each one was a shining star in their own right.
'That person is...'
Jung Yeonshin's eyebrows lifted slightly. Even amidst the thick dust, one figure stood out clearly.
A tall, gaunt middle-aged man. In the martial world, he was known as the Silent Dawn Lord. His very presence radiated an unmistakable force of internal energy.
Annihilation Squad's leader, Shin Huang.
Perhaps because of his extremely gaunt face, his facial features stood out like sharp blades.
Was it to discipline his fellow squad leaders? Inside his sunken eye sockets, pitch-black pupils gleamed ominously.
"Annihilation spoke well. Why did you have to go and break the wall?"
Ak Surim, arms crossed, chimed in with a feigned agreement. Even as the Annihilation Squad's leader silently looked down at her, she stubbornly refused to meet his gaze.
She started to stand towards Jung Yeonshin, but then firmly pressed her back against the chair.
"Why did you set up a barrier?"
With a curt voice, a gust of wind arose, instantly sweeping away the dust within the chamber.
It was a figure with ropes hanging in clusters from their waist who had conjured the wind with a single gesture.
Saaa—
Dragon-Stepping Squad's leader, Wei Ji-geuk, was revealed. His sharp chin was lowered, his gaze piercing as he glared at Ak Surim.
"I knew you'd do this. The moment Lightning Genius said he was fine, you all stormed in. Just because the internal injuries are gone, is it over?"
"We should be the ones saying that. Senior Ak, we sensed greed from the fluctuations of your energy. Surely, you intended to monopolize the conversation about the battle at Circling Clouds Peak. Isn't that right?"
Heavenly Squad's leader calmly pressed.
"..."
No response came.
Ak Surim merely let her leg, which had been resting on the bed, slowly drop down.
The largest shadow in the room, Forest Striding Squad's leader, Xiahou Wei-jin, burst into laughter.
"No need to ask. If there's someone who acts below their age the most, it's definitely the black division's top contender. Now that we're all gathered, let's start the meeting."
Simultaneously, the force of Void Grasp emanated from all directions. Sandalwood chairs were drawn in on their own.
The place where Jung Yeonshin lay was the quarters of the Ten Perfection Sect's leader. Beyond the shattered walls caused by the squad leaders' intrusion lay the assembly hall where the sect's affairs were decided.
In the opposite direction, from the office, a massive grandmaster's chair was sent flying toward Xiahou Wei-jin.
Thud— Boom—!
It did not take long for the nine in black to take their seats around the bed.
Above, through the ceiling, which was punctured in several places, Dark Current Squad's leader and Law and Order Squad's leader sat casually, looking down at them.
As the Annihilation Squad's leader swept his gaze across them, he spoke.
"We shall designate this place as Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall. Any objections?"
"I will stand guard."
A cold yet smooth voice rang out. The voice came from outside the chamber.
Annihilation Squad's leader Shin Huang turned his gaze.
"Blood Preservation Squad's leader, are you raising an objection?"
"Even with all the seniors present near Jung, I cannot bring myself to trust them. Seeing today's gathering, all I see are a bunch of triflers..."
"I respect that."
Annihilation Squad's leader nodded slowly. Unlike the rest of the black-clad figures, he did not engage in petty disputes.
Jung Yeonshin was deeply impressed by both Jin Myungjo, who stood far away, and Shin Huang, who sat here. They were truly the pillars that upheld the Divine Sword Order.
"Lightning Genius."
"Yes, Senior."
Jung Yeonshin, reclining diagonally on the bed, turned his gaze toward the Annihilation Squad's leader.
Perhaps it was because of his expressionless face, but it was difficult to read what was on the mind of the First Seat of the Black Three Steel. The atmosphere around him was heavy.
Annihilation Squad's leader slowly examined the scars etched all over Jung Yeonshin's body before speaking in a measured tone.
"You need more time to recover. We don't know when or what may happen, so you must solidify your unity in spirit, energy, and mind. We will handle everything else."
The Black Division of Desolate Fortress was diverse.
Among them, the Annihilation Squad's leader had an aura so heavy that one could feel it on their skin.
Even words that were closer to advice felt like commands. Though he didn't seem to intend it, an intangible pressure emanated from his entire being.
Jung Yeonshin raised his hands in a respectful fist salute while remaining seated.
"I appreciate your consideration, but I cannot be a burden."
"As you wish."
The Annihilation Squad's leader replied in a deep, weighted tone.
Just then, Bukgung Ah, who had been sitting cross-legged, jerked her chin toward the outside.
"The rulers of this land are here."
"Their identities?"
"The Commander of the Capital Guards and the Prefect. They say they have something urgent to discuss."
"We'll let them in after this meeting is concluded. Let's begin now."
The Annihilation Squad's leader declared. None of the black-clad figures objected.
Jung Yeonshin slowly observed the people around him. Even now, their presence was unbelievable.
The gathering of these seniors was something that defied both the martial world and common sense.
"There are a few things I'd like to ask."
"Speak first."
A low voice. It was the Immortal Spirit Wood Squad's leader, Cheon So-so.
Among all the squad leaders present, she was the one scrutinizing Jung Yeonshin's body the most intensely.
Her two eyes gleamed with a blue-silver hue, as though she had activated her Sight Arts.
'Is she considering the incident at the Flood Dragon Formation as a debt to be repaid?'
Jung Yeonshin bowed to her in silent acknowledgment before slowly parting his lips.
"The whereabouts of the Immortal Spirit Wood Squad, the Forest Striding Squad, and the Obeying Heaven Squad's warriors concern me. Are they all safe?"
"Isn't that obvious? If anything, they're handling matters that the so-called orthodox sects and those bald monks could never accomplish."
Xiahou Wei-jin grumbled in his rough voice. When his gaze met Jung Yeonshin's, he flashed a fierce grin.
"The Heaven-Spanning Net at Circling Clouds Peak was a siege formation made up of supposedly elite warriors. After we sent them away, the remaining stragglers scattered across Sichuan."
"The remnants of the demonic faction?"
"Yeah. It's always scum like that who torment the common folk the most. The so-called masters just enjoy their offerings while focusing on their training."
It was clear—they were thoroughly crushing the remaining demonic sects in Sichuan. Rooting them out, erasing entire factions. A task the orthodox sects would never dare attempt.
"I ordered them to return to the stronghold once the task is finished."
Cheon So-so added. Jung Yeonshin silently acknowledged the decision.
The standing forces of Desolate Fortress stationed in Yangyang accounted for only two of the seventeen squads, at minimum.
Naturally, this included the black division, meaning that the main fortress was practically empty at the moment.
"Don't concern yourself too much."
The Supreme Martial Hall's leader, seated by Jung Yeonshin's feet, reassured him.
Clack—
As if reading his unspoken thoughts, he absentmindedly tapped his prosthetic leg, exuding an air of composure.
"The Supreme Martial Hall, which is unmatched in numbers, remains in the fortress alongside the Annihilation Squad. Ruyi Spring Squad is also disregarding other assignments to patrol the Yangyang vicinity. So…"
Midway through his sentence, the Supreme Martial Hall's leader halted the movement of his prosthetic.
"For the time being, our squad leaders have time to focus on you."
His gaze was clear. As he quietly observed Jung Yeonshin, his eyes carried a depth of sentiment.
The other black rank members were no different. Their attention was keenly fixed on Jung Yeonshin's every movement, as if they were attuned to his very breathing and internal energy flow.
At that moment, the Annihilation Squad's leader spoke once more.
"Ruyi Spring. The 'Spring' in its name signifies the autonomy to seek out its own missions. Bukgung Ah practically begged the Fortress' Lord to allow it. On the other hand, the 'Spirit' in Immortal Spirit Wood signifies sacred duty—eliminating those who corrupt the land and using the mystic arts of the Ming Tribe to restore the earth's energy. Both are of critical importance."
His tone was peculiar. Jung Yeonshin blinked once.
It reminded him of when he first learned about the Radiant Demon Squad's duties—an introduction to responsibilities he was meant to understand.
"The former leader of Ruyi Spring was extremely irreverent. If not for his talent, martial prowess, and bloodline, he never would have risen to the rank of squad leader."
The man seated opposite Bukgung Ah remarked in a detached yet mocking tone.
The Scorching Abyss Squad's leader, Yoo Jung-myung. A member of the Ming Cult, known for his blade-sharp ears.
Famous in Desolate Fortress for his unparalleled mastery of Protective Energy Technique, he had been the first to plant his flag at Circling Clouds Peak.
Bukgung Ah scoffed.
"And what would a monkey who possesses none of those qualities have to say? If you have at least three, shouldn't that be enough?"
"Does Ruyi Spring have the authority to ignore even the commands of the Order's leader?"
Jung Yeonshin asked quietly.
Bukgung Ah's grin deepened. It was a battle-ready smile, laced with provocation.
"If he gives a direct order, I'll begrudgingly follow. No guarantee the mission will go smoothly, though."
"Senior Bukgung, since you are closest to the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, I'm sure you can accomplish anything."
Jung Yeonshin spoke with unwavering confidence.
For a brief moment, the curve of Bukgung Ah's lips faltered. It was the intent embedded in Jung Yeonshin's words, striking directly at the core. It was nothing like the flattery of a Prefect.
"Ah…"
"Defiance of the Order's leader's command is punishable by death."
A woman's flat voice interrupted from above. Jung Yeonshin tilted his head slightly.
His gaze met that of a swordswoman seated cross-legged on the rooftop.
Law and Order Squad's leader, Un So-yu.
Her jet-black hair cascaded like silk as she gave him a slight nod. Jung Yeonshin returned the gesture, sensing the weight of the moment.
No one was absent.
This place was, quite literally, a microcosm of the world.
He lightly brushed the front of his martial robes. Beneath his fingers, he felt the faint rise of a small object.
It was the swallow, Baiyan, the black division's messenger that had been returned to him upon reaching the Ten Perfection Sect.
"If the Order's leader's command cannot be defied, wouldn't that make disbanding from here rather difficult?"
"What's this talk of disbanding already? Do you know how satisfying it was to strike down those parasites of the martial world? Let's stick around a little longer."
Ak Surim, who had remained silent for the sake of appearances, chimed in. Then, in a quieter voice, she added, You almost died, you know.
Scorching Abyss Squad's leader Yoo Jung-myung and Dragon-Stepping Squad's leader Wei Ji-geuk did not agree.
"The world's reaction is obvious. Those who love to gossip will soon start whispering of treason."
"Exactly. Staying still here won't solve anything."
The discussion continued. The matter at hand was their course of action.
Now that the Radiant Demon Squad's leader's recovery was complete, they had to decide their next move.
As the Law and Order Squad's leader stated, defiance did not exist within Desolate Fortress. Regardless of how the world perceived them, following the authority of the Divine Sword Order's leader and his Transcendent Sword was the priority.
"The Order's leader wouldn't have called us here without reason. Something must have happened."
"The Heaven-Spanning Net we saw here, the scale was highly unusual. The demonic sects have never gathered like that before… If it wasn't due to some intricate scheme…."
"The orthodox sects have also changed the martial alliance they built in Hanzhong, and the atmosphere of the martial world is shifting. We can't ignore the risk of being taken down one by one. If we disband without a proper strategy, some of us will undoubtedly suffer misfortune."
"In any case, worrying about the Order's leader is pointless. He's someone who will survive no matter where he is."
"It's often said that the lifelines of supreme masters are shaped by divine fortune and innate energy. Among them, the Order's leader has an especially tenacious fate."
The conversation continued, filled with frustrating concerns.
The power of the gathered black division members was overwhelming. No matter where they went or where they stood, eyes would inevitably follow them.
Because they were the strongest in the land, they had to be all the more cautious.
For now, they bore the wary gaze of the common folk, who felt briefly abandoned by their protectors. They were watched by the imperial family, witnessing warriors who wielded their swords of their own accord. The Thirteen Celestial Demons, the Eight Great Clans, and countless others across the martial world who had long coveted Desolate Fortress were now watching with bated breath.
It was a situation in which any hasty decision was dangerous.
Jung Yeonshin's influence in the martial world had finally reached all under heaven. Even the smallest movement would send ripples through the world.
'But we cannot remain still. We must create variables for the Order's leader, whose whereabouts have been cut off.'
Suddenly, he rose from his bed and stepped over the threshold.
Step.
A faint silver-white light trailed in his wake. The other squad leaders watched curiously.
Before he knew it, Jung Yeonshin was gazing down at two middle-aged men.
One clad in a crimson court robe, the other in armor—the Prefect and the Commander of the Capital Guards.
They had been discreetly listening to the meeting from a distance but flinched and stepped back when noticed.
"We will be leaving soon."
"If you are leaving… where to?"
The Commander of the Capital Guards asked, making an effort to keep his hand away from his sword hilt. His eyes continuously scanned Jung Yeonshin, the infamous Radiant Demon Squad's leader.
A young man in his early twenties, strikingly handsome. Contrary to the rumors of his reckless arrogance, his composed demeanor left a lasting impression on the high-ranking official.
'He will likely be summoned to the Prefect's Office in Beijing soon… This will make for an interesting report.'
Just then, Jung Yeonshin spoke again.
"As the Commander of the Capital Guards, you oversee all military affairs in Sichuan, do you not?"
"…That is correct."
"Then you must possess a map of the world. We, of the black division have the right to view it as well, but as our lives revolve around battle, we do not carry such things with us."
"A map, for what…?"
Jung Yeonshin turned his gaze toward the shattered bedchamber. His senior squad leaders were watching him.
"If we head straight north from here,"
he continued,
"we will have to pass through one of the Thirteen Celestial Demons' territories, won't we? The Dark Night War and Taemo Mountain Fortress should be along the direct path."
For an instant, a flicker of amusement crossed the lips of Annihilation Squad's leader, Shin Huang.
"…That depends on which official road you take."
"Would it be a problem to deal with one along the way?"
The young man asked again.
None of the senior squad leaders shook their heads. Only Ak Surim peeked her face out.
"Are you saying we should handle it on the way? The matter of the Golden Wings Sect's leader…."
* * *
News of the battle at Circling Clouds Peak spread rapidly. It was one of the most significant events to occur in the martial world in recent times.
Not only the nearby sects but every martial faction that heard of it temporarily ceased their raids and territorial expansion.
Only the remnants of the demonic faction and certain members of the Eight Great Clans continued to act, following some unknown scheme.
These groups had long-established territories built over the years.
"Desolate Fortress has finally gone mad."
"It is shocking… but this won't last long."
"The imperial family may have turned its gaze to the northern frontier, but it won't neglect the common people entirely…"
"How much progress has been made in deciphering the method to break Lightning Genius' martial lineage? Move it to the top priority of the main sect's agenda."
"Scour every path leading to Beijing. If we can uproot them…."
And then, one day—
Thirteen black swords from the nation's elite forces moved north.
Faster than any rumor.
Various forces in Sichuan scrambled to follow, but only a rare few, including Taoists and Buddhist nuns, managed to track their traces.