“Dan Jeong-jeong!”

They heard the girl’s name while leaving Pingyin County.

Dan Jeong-jeong had her pressure points sealed and was grabbed by the nape by a martial artist. She was a commoner. Anyone would worry about after-effects.

Jeong Yeon-shin was inwardly concerned, but there was no need. She was composed after being released.

She showed strong determination even after seeing the carnage Radiant Demon Wing created.

“Isn’t spring-dried tofu skin delicious?”

She warmly kept offering dried tofu skin to Jeong Yeon-shin who was her age, but he only took one bite before leaving Pingyin County.

They would likely never meet again. He thought she would live well with such qualities and mental strength.

“Our Lightning Flash would be the best candidate for a husband.”

Was he trying to repeat the teasing from the Righteous Sword Family?

Cheong Myeong opened his mouth with a slight smile, but this time there was no one to respond.

Back then he had bantered back and forth with Hyeon Won-chang. Not now.

WHOOSH!

They began running as soon as they left Pingyin County. The lightness technique rush of three Radiant Demon Wing’s blue-ranked masters scattered wind streams.

The destination was set the moment they received the message. Jeong Yeon-shin was different from the blue-ranked seniors with great power.

He needed to get fine horses from relay stations to travel long distances.

Cheong Myeong and Baek Mi-ryeo also said they preferred using relay station routes to conserve internal energy.

Unseasonable sandstorms spread on the main road. The earth-colored dust spreading to their sides and back spoke of urgency.

Jeong Yeon-shin asked while stamping the ground with the two companions.

“Are those martial families strong enough to handle five white ranks? Regular sects shouldn’t have been a problem. Unless the opponent was one of the Nine Sects or Eight Great Families. The battle with the Blood Flame Sect we fought earlier must have been exhausting too, but…”

The wind was fierce as their lightness technique was fast. Voice had to carry true qi.

Cheong Myeong’s answer came with the unique rumbling of inner power.

“They couldn’t exert full power. It’s obvious since some were taken away alive.”

Jeong Yeon-shin sighed briefly.

He immediately recalled what Cheong Myeong said. It was when he drew his sword song speaking of a solo mission.

He understood what effect shaking the brain had on masters’ battles.

“Because of my sound attack’s aftermath…”

“It’s because the white-ranked kids’ martial arts were shallow. When you’re not stronger than the enemy, you have no choice but to take care of yourself. That’s the murim.”

Cheong Myeong’s words were cold. Baek Mi-ryeo, running beside them with her usual indifferent face, opened her lips.

“Either way, it’s something blue ranks must handle. We must split at the relay station. The main force has no leeway. Exterminating one of the Eight Great Families is no ordinary matter. We must do it.”

“They went down to South Zhili? The blood demons.”

“There are many paths to keep in mind. About four routes.”

Cheong Myeong said.

There were treasures in his head as a Desolate Sect elf. They said he had a map of the Central Plains more important than most martial arts manuals.

It was a right equal to black-ranked Great Masters. Unlike Jeong Yeon-shin who received education about local geography for each mission.

“Blood Flame Sect, martial arts families.”

Jeong Yeon-shin who repeated the enemies was briefly silent.

He recalled when he had just entered after taking the Desolate examination. The Superintendent’s Office scholar had said.

Though Desolate Sect was called the imperial sword, martial artists harming Desolate Sect warriors wasn’t treason.

Because they weren’t warriors belonging to the imperial court. They said it was due to hostile martial artists’ lightness and body techniques.

It was from the early founding period. There were cases where they couldn’t catch people even after declaring they would exterminate entire clans for treason.

When equating state affairs with oppressing martial artists, there was high risk of the imperial dignity falling.

Jeong Yeon-shin suddenly asked.

“But isn’t Desolate Sect the strongest in the martial world? With what confidence did the family sects make surprise attacks?”

“One of two things. Our methods are quite cold, right? They probably thought their children wouldn’t be safe. What wouldn’t parents do when they go crazy? There must have been some family heads who gave up their children.”

“What’s the other?”

“They know. That our Desolate Sect has no leeway.”

“Hmm.”

“Such insight is why the main sect’s warriors die away from the sect. Sects that can oppose Desolate Sect are of two types. Small sects who think their world is everything, and large sects who observe worldly affairs.”

“Only mediocre ones can’t touch the main sect.” Cheong Myeong muttered.

Jeong Yeon-shin observed his face as he mentioned dying away from home. There was no expression on his handsome features.

He was a senior known to be promising. Even when he went around saying people die because they deserve to, no one said anything.

It was unfamiliar seeing him quietly angry with such a calm appearance.

Cheong Myeong opened his mouth again.

“There are seventeen military forces under the Divine Sword Squad, right? Our Radiant Demon Wing is counted among the top forces even within the Divine Sword Squads. We’re often compared to elite forces like the Plum Blossom Sword Masters of the Nine Sects. The problem is the number seventeen. It’s quite ambiguous.”

Then Baek Mi-ryeo, who had silently approached from the side, stroked Jeong Yeon-shin’s head.

She seemed to have taken a liking to it. It started after Jeong Yeon-shin called her sister during the Great Violet Pill mission. She was cold yet gentle.

Even while rushing quickly, her touch didn’t waver.

As she rubbed deep into Jeong Yeon-shin’s hair, she parted her lips.

“The problem is having to watch the entire Central Plains. Governing a martial world the size of fifteen or sixteen small countries? It’s an impossible duty. We’re always short-handed.”

“Any sect with reasonably quick information gathering and insight knows this. They rarely show fear.”

Cheong Myeong, who had begun adding speed to his lightness technique, chimed in.

The wind sound striking their ears grew fiercer.

Jeong Yeon-shin added true qi to the Yongcheon point under his feet and opened his mouth.

“This mission’s repercussions will be big. We exterminated one of the Eight Great Families by pulling out forces we don’t have.”

“That’s right. It’s something unlikely to happen again.”

They already considered the Hwangbo family’s extermination a foregone conclusion.

It wasn’t just because they had seen the power of three military forces up close.

It was after completing their share of the mission. Their minds were elsewhere.

Jeong Yeon-shin carefully opened his mouth.

“…I don’t understand why they took them without killing them. Would Sir Hyeon still be alive?”

“Usually it would end in death. After taking down a Desolate Sect warrior, who would keep them alive instead of killing them completely? That’s why capturing them is different. There must be intent.”

T/N- The Desolate Sect warrior is being referenced here is the investigator who went missing in earlier chapters.

Cheong Myeong answered.

Three white-ranked warriors including Hyeon Won-chang were captured. It wasn’t the work of orthodox martial arts families.

There was no need to add future troubles when they could just take away their children. They said the Blood Flame Sect did it.

“What intent?”

At Jeong Yeon-shin’s question, Baek Mi-ryeo’s black pupils glanced at him. Cheong Myeong’s blue eyes did the same.

“I think it’s those who were pursuing since the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering. The movements connect.”

“The captured white ranks might just be means. Isn’t the Demon-Destroying Azure Unyielding Palm the issue? It seems they want to kill you by any means.”

It made sense.

These were ones who even mobilized thunderclap bombs. His seniors’ speculation struck sharply.

‘If they make another counter technique like the Thirteen Heavens…’

The words complete extermination came to Jeong Yeon-shin’s mind.

However, it was also hard to be certain it was all done just targeting one Desolate Sect’s Lightning Flash.

This was why the group had to split up and sweep north of South Zhili.

Discussing movements, they arrived at the relay station. It was a place where officials sometimes slept during journeys.

They lightly jumped over the large roof before descending.

Jeong Yeon-shin, being the youngest, stepped forward. He showed the Desolate Sect token to the administrator who had startled awake from nodding off.

“It’s genuine! Take them!”

Mounting the borrowed horse right away, Jeong Yeon-shin thought.

Using the nation’s relay stations so easily yet not belonging to the imperial court.

The privileges of black-ranked Great Masters and Cheong Myeong who could kill officials were the same.

‘The Great Ming Code means nothing. There are so many above the law.’

Worldly affairs were complicated, but now wasn’t the time to mind that. They had to split up right away.

“Finding the white ranks comes first, but avoid getting caught in power struggles. The Namgung family is at war with the Blood Flame Sect. Those evil sect b*st*rds spread their Heaven-Spanning Net in their inner courtyard of Huizhou. They must be desperate.”

His tone was light. Cheong Myeong, casually stretching his legs on horseback, winked.

Jeong Yeon-shin was used to heeding his seniors’ words.

Even when they didn’t sound important at first glance. He took everything as words directly related to life and merit.

“Since they were captured by blood demons, they’ll live for ten days. They’re ones who steal true qi through blood techniques. Main sect warriors are rare prey.”

Baek Mi-ryeo said as she mounted her fine horse with elegant movement.

Flipping her ear-length hair that flowed like black ebony while looking at Jeong Yeon-shin, her obsidian-like pupils contained concern.

“What’s there to worry about? The Hwangbo branch’s extermination will be recorded in the Lightning Flash’s merits. More than enough for a solo mission.”

Cheong Myeong smiled and gestured with his chin.

It was time to split up.

Giving a brief cupped fist salute on horseback, Jeong Yeon-shin whipped his horse without looking back. The mission continued immediately.

They said rescuing companions would also be recorded as merit. It didn’t feel very meaningful.

At this moment, Jeong Yeon-shin’s heart didn’t speak of merit.

He hoped Hyeon Won-chang would be safe until he could be called a Desolate Divine Hero.

* * *

Jeong Yeon-shin came down below Pingyin County. It was straight to South Zhili.

Cheong Myeong’s spirit beast served as a carrier pigeon. The blue-ranked masters who finished their mission would spread across the vast regions of South Zhili.

There was fundamental confidence in martial might. It was a rank that could speak of solo missions.

Support would inevitably be delayed. Huguang, where Desolate Sect’s main sect was located, was too far. The Hwangbo family expedition force had to handle it.

‘The city is splendid.’

He took charge of Xuzhou in South Zhili

Five days had passed since separating from Radiant Demon First Team blue-ranked seniors.

He went around showing the Desolate Sect token to government office magistrates. It was to ask about suspicious characters.

They said there were Blood Flame Sect members roaming the city saying they feared nothing in the world. It was the prestige of the Thirteen Evil Sects.

T/Note- Changing Thirteen Heavens to Thirteen Evil Sects for convenience.

He heard that even when soldiers came out to beat down the evil sect members, they escaped with swift body techniques.

Or they would conversely threaten by spewing energy waves.

As their sect power gradually grew, the blood demons acted more arrogantly.

Just look at how they carried out their business ignoring the Namgung family in Huizhou.

They said the attitude of keeping evil sect-specific discipline was changing to indulgence.

The days Baek Mi-ryeo had estimated gradually decreased. It was an urgent situation.

Jeong Yeon-shin stood before what was said to be the city’s largest pleasure house. The multicolored lights of lanterns hung above and below the main gate were brilliant.

‘If not the ones said to be here.’

He erased his thoughts for now.

This city, Xuzhou, was large. The martial world knowledge of the warriors guarding the gate seemed useful.

They recognized Desolate Sect’s character ‘Hwang’.

“Hwang? That Hwang?”

“So young?”

The five fellows were flustered. Jeong Yeon-shin paid no attention and pushed the gate wide open.

CLUNK!

The quite classical wooden door panels opened to both sides. An orange interior was revealed.

They said the first floor of such a massive pleasure house was where guests socialized.

In that moment, many gazes swept over Jeong Yeon-shin. Energy could be felt in the looks. They were all martial artists.

“Who is that child?”

“Hwang? Is he imitating Desolate Sect?”

“Boy! There are other places for reckless behavior!”

“Even blue-ranked!”

Boisterous laughter burst out.

All sorts of figures were visible through lantern light beyond windows driving away twilight.

Xuzhou of South Zhili was said to be a city with especially many minor martial families.

It was because the Namgung family that influenced all of South Zhili was located below. It was orthodox territory.

The complexions varied among what seemed to be easily fifty people. They were either flushed with drink or bright with flesh color.

“Haven’t seen someone like that before.”

“Tell us your sect!”

Women carrying weapons laughed looking at Jeong Yeon-shin. Their relaxed sitting postures were very leisurely.

Now looking, there weren’t many courtesans. It seemed martial arts family women were also present.

It was being used as a banquet hall.

Xuzhou’s finest pleasure house, luxuriously decorated, was indeed elegantly splendid.

It seemed suitable for murim men and women to socialize regardless of age.

It was the first time since the battle with the Tyrant Sword Sect and Zhongnan Sect.

Jeong Yeon-shin found such a place with many martial artists unfamiliar.

Step.

He took a step forward. The small footstep that shouldn’t have mattered carried a strange power.

Something that reached beyond hearing to energy sense drew gazes. He was releasing his momentum.

“……”

With each step, the surroundings began to be dyed in silence.

Desolate Sect blue-ranked master.

It was an energy wave that demanded silence even without intent.

Those who had been making comments closed their mouths. Massive questions and silent surprise spread.

Jeong Yeon-shin walked straight. His vision caught those standing up one by one from corners.

Though all had black hair, he felt it instantly. Day by day, his achievement with the Demon-Destroying Azure Unyielding Palm was rising.

He was becoming extremely sensitive to sinister true qi.

“A branch is here.”

He said.

He knew from the size of energy waves. One Blood Swordmaster and five Blood Flame Sect members.

“Like fire ants, branches must be everywhere. Not just you lot.”

He continued speaking without slowing his steps.

The young man who smiled confidently, seemingly quite sure of his martial might, was the Blood Swordmaster. He was a young noble without a single scar on his face.

He spoke with a smile.

“So you’re that one? Diligently offering tribute brings fortune! I’ll take one step toward the Apostle realm!”

Jeong Yeon-shin ignored him and opened his mouth.

“You must want to kill the owner of the Demon-Destroying Azure Unyielding Palm.”

The moment he operated verses mixed with dharma, refreshing energy drove away the pleasure house’s alcohol smell.

From his right hand lowered at an angle, precise energy waves began to spread.

A subtle blue radiance surrounded his straight cultivation path.

It remained purely blue without mixing with the sunset light of surrounding lanterns.

“You b*st*rd!”

Chilling momentum exploded from the Blood Swordmaster’s body. The fingertips that grabbed his sword hilt blurred.

He raised a sword draw like blood bursting. The sword’s energy waves rushing in an instant were fierce like a storm.

It was an achievement worthy of mentioning Blood Flame Sect Apostle once.

Jeong Yeon-shin also struck down with the Demon-Destroying Azure Unyielding Palm. The moves were clear. A smooth smile formed on the fellow’s lips.

He seemed intent on cutting the hand aiming for his head.

KUNG!

It wasn’t the sound of collision but shattering. The gale of energy force spewed from his sword was crushed as is.

Breaking the energy wave completely in half a technique, even shattering the sword.

He completely rode down the straight move. The momentary first technique was completed at the fellow’s head.

PHEOK!

Jeong Yeon-shin felt it with his blade hand. It went very deep. The fellow’s crown sank with fragments of blue energy force.

“……”

He fell brushing past the shoulder. His smiling face remained unchanged.

There were four more Blood Flame Sect members behind him. Had they tried to rush in together?

Their faces were hard to describe emotionally. They couldn’t charge while standing hesitantly.

Their branch leader died in one technique.

Even martial artists who had jumped up sensing the Blood Flame Sect’s unique energy wave briefly kept silent.

“Relay this.”

Jeong Yeon-shin parted his lips.

“Radiant Demon Wing’s Lightning Flash is here.”

He spoke bluntly while dusting his hand once. His blue sleeve fluttered once.