Three squad leaders gradually closing the distance on the very spacious dueling platform.
It's a place where promotion ceremonies are also held.
On one side across from them is a luxurious viewing area. A spot with a clear view of the dueling platform. Even though long awnings cast shadows, the distinctive whitish color of marble remains vivid.
The texture itself is so precious that it reinforces the sense of rank and status of those sitting there comfortably.
"How will it turn out?"
Wish-fulfilling Spring Squad Leader and Radiant Demon Wing Leader.
Yue Shou-lin, sitting with her legs crossed, wiggled the toe of her smooth leather shoe.
Her eyes, looking down at the three squad leaders' confrontation, showed contentment. With the appearance of a girl who had laid her spear down at her feet.
"I arranged for them to be in threes to end it quickly, but it seems Netherworld Stream has no intention of moving. How cunning."
She said.
Law Enforcement Squad Leader Woon So-yu, sitting beside her, responded.
"He must want to observe Radiant Demon Wing Leader's movements. Netherworld Stream Squad Leader's movement techniques are considered among the best even at the Wish for Peace Sword Hall. He's never allowed even a speck of dust in any chaos."
"Burning Abyss will be disappointed. Since she focused more on practical studies than infiltration."
The Annihilation Team Squad Leader and Burning Abyss Squad Leader were each developing different Radiant Wing Steps when they left on their mission.
To resolve an incident in Qinghai between Xinjiang and Sichuan. It was a mission to exterminate a martial sect that had created a religion using martial arts.
The fog flowing massively from Xinjiang. Years of repeated poor harvests.
Many were deceiving the common people in these chaotic times. Making them offer their possessions willingly.
"I found Burning Abyss' footwork suited me better. It gives a feeling of nobility. The one Annihilation Team created was too rough."
"Burning Abyss Squad Leader did show great interest in the Radiant Wing Step. Unlike that Netherworld Stream Squad Leader…"
Woon So-yu's words trailed off. She had been maintaining a straight posture while keeping her eyes on the dueling platform below, and she seemed to find Yue Shou-lin somewhat annoying.
Yue Shou-lin, feeling slightly uncomfortable, turned her gaze.
"What's the Grand Administrator doing? Anyone watching would think he'd been to the Ice Palace."
"…The Wish-fulfilling Spring Squad Leader is waiting for the Radiant Demon Wing Leader to draw his sword."
Grand Administrator Lin Jin-myeong, who had been sitting motionless like a bear, continued slowly.
"I need to announce it right away, but it's really hard to believe right now… Of course, Squad Leader Jeong isn't the type to make false statements, but this isn't an ordinary matter… From Shanxi to Xiangyang, the time it takes for Netherworld Stream Squad messengers to deliver news…"
His words were close to rambling. It meant he wasn't really listening to Yue Shou-lin.
The sight of him constantly rubbing his large face with his hands was so different from his usually intelligent appearance that she raised one eyebrow and glanced to the opposite side.
The legitimate son of the king from the royal palace was seated there.
Sword Prestige Duke Zhu Zhe. His straight back looked dignified.
Throughout the meeting that had gathered Desolate Fortress's leadership, he had been urging decisions from the Wish for Peace Sword Hall, never lowering his voice, but since Jeong Yeon-shin had broken through the roof and entered, he had been restraining himself.
But no one was letting their guard down. They couldn't know what schemes might be hidden in his snake-like inner thoughts.
"In my opinion."
Suddenly Zhu Zhe opened his mouth.
"This shouldn't be seen merely as an event to boost morale."
Yue Shou-lin, who didn't want to engage with him, quickly averted her gaze. But the precious royal bloodline never sought attention from others.
He slowly stroked the beard beneath his chin while not taking his eyes off Jeong Yeon-shin's profile as he took a step forward on the dueling platform.
Sword Prestige Duke Zhu Zhe had thoroughly reviewed Jeong Yeon-shin's past actions over the course of a day.
His actual age, the speed of his martial arts advancement, and the merits he had accumulated without rest since his initiation.
"As I understand it, a seventeen-year-old Black-rank is like a wall to Desolate Fortress martial artists. Even if it occasionally crumbles under some bombardment, it's extremely large and the thickest in the world…"
He continued speaking despite no one particularly responding.
"When Radiant Demon Wing Leader Lightning Genius first rose to the rank of squad leader, I heard there was quite a bit of talk in many squads except Radiant Demon Wing. Because someone who had barely passed the age of learning was leading the elite forces of the world's greatest faction, with the authority to behead high officials and nobles depending on the circumstances. It was only due to the incident on Sichuan's City of Renowned Craftsmen and the Grandmaster's qualities that there wasn't much controversy."
Zhu Zhe's story gradually accelerated.
As the distance between the Wish-fulfilling Spring Squad Leader and the Radiant Demon Wing Leader narrowed to within five steps, his voice also entered a speed of oral technique that only squad leaders could perceive.
"Then, what about when that young man removes his black robe? Furthermore, when he aspires to the position of Divine Sword Group Leader that oversees all squads?"
The most sensitive topic for the stone seat owners of the Wish for Peace Sword Hall had emerged.
The purple rank. It inevitably drew the attention of those seated at the top.
"From what I can see, he's likely to become a peerless master before he even reaches adulthood, but someone who hasn't even been initiated for five years becoming the highest official of a venerable faction? Such a case doesn't exist anywhere in the world. Especially not in a place with tradition like Desolate Fortress. Can the proud imperial swords truly accept this young man's martial prowess as authority? What about the Elder Council, who are as stubborn as the old men of the nine sects in deep mountains? Especially now that the kind Elder Council Leader has stepped down."
"…Sword Prestige Duke, I'm curious about the intent behind your words."
"Ah, Grand Administrator. What I mean is that this can also be viewed from a political perspective. How rare is it? For a duel between squad leaders to be realized, and to be able to witness that scene directly."
"..."
"I'm sure the Grand Administrator intended this as well. This is an opportunity to rank the seventeen squad leaders for Desolate Fortress masters. Regardless of how much difference there is between their movement techniques and actual martial prowess, to those watching from below, it's all the same."
A place where multiple squad leaders compare their martial arts before many witnesses.
Six Black-ranks were present.
It would be difficult to see again in these chaotic times. When would such a number gather again? Perhaps not for nearly a decade.
The seventeen squads of the Divine Sword Group. Unless the full mobilization order, which is said to have happened only once since the founding, is issued today.
"Whatever personnel changes occur in the Black rank in the future, this event will be talked about together. The youngest of the Wish for Peace Sword Hall might even shatter any resistance that might arise among Desolate Fortress martial artists someday. After all, isn't the origin of the footwork technique that's become popular throughout the fortress those legs?"
Zhu Zhe pointed his chin down toward the platform with an indifferent face… "I wonder what expressions the high officials and merchant guild leaders who have connected with the Three Black Pillars in anticipation of favors from the next Divine Sword Group Leader will make."
By now, his eyes had captured the two squad leaders brushing past each other's sleeves. None of the high-ranking Desolate Fortress officials seated at the top raised any objections.
***
***
Jeong Yeon-shin and Beigong Ya.
With a cracking sound, the massive dueling platform shook. The stone floor had shattered beneath their respective steps.
Jeong Yeon-shin deflected Beigong Ya's hand, which had approached to loosen his collar, with his forearm as he spun around.
As the pitch-black sleeve hems rubbed against each other, a shockwave spread as if tearing the air.
'End it in ten exchanges. No more than two continuous techniques, and only use movement techniques and hand techniques to dishevel the opponent's appearance.'
Jeong Yeon-shin recalled the rules of the wager for the mission. Compete only with hands and feet, and leave the result to the vote of the three Black-ranks watching from above.
It meant that even if someone deliberately delayed their technique like the Netherworld Stream Squad Leader, the seniors would take that into account when making their decision.
He didn't want to yield. Even if he respected his seniors.
'I must give my all.'
It was a courtesy to those who had not returned after departing for the Ming Cult's Young Sect Leader.
Because they were martial brothers under the same roof in the harsh martial world. He also wanted to give Baek Mi-ryeo a chance to see her blood relative's grave.
"Indeed, the origin is different."
Beigong Ya, who had crossed bodies with him, said with a voice tinged with laughter.
"There's no restriction on direction. You seem to really use that arrogant incantation as it is."
"Arrogant incantation…?"
Jeong Yeon-shin couldn't refute. Though he completely disagreed inwardly, Wish-fulfilling Spring Squad Leader Beigong was a lady who had immersed herself to the bottom for everyone.
How could he discuss character with someone who was kind to everyone like Confucius and Mencius? He could only swallow his indignation.
It was the first time since his niece Jeong Hye's harsh words. Deeply shocked, he nodded slightly and rotated the Luminous Wheel in his heart. To calm his mind.
"…I'll come right back again."
"You're different from the rumors. I thought you'd argue at least once."
Why so docile? Beigong Ya's eyebrows twitched as she prepared her next technique.
—Thank you, Senior Beigong. I've gained insight into your character.
She thought as she moved her steps. He wasn't being sarcastic?
There were virtually no Black-rank colleagues who got along well with Beigong Ya.
The Wish-fulfilling Spring Squad Leader, who would hurl abuse even at Xiahou Wei-jin, who was untouchable due to his seniority. Though they might feel a minimal sense of kinship as fellow disciples, no one could treat her warmly.
Similarly, she didn't seek warmth from anyone. As long as the northern divine warrior lived, she couldn't rest her mind and body comfortably.
What does it matter. Beigong Ya quickly dismissed the thought.
"I have no interest in that corpse. Let's exchange another technique."
She addressed the Radiant Demon Wing Leader, whose temperament was difficult to grasp, while gesturing to one side.
Jeong Yeon-shin's gaze followed hers. There was another completely unfamiliar energy wave.
Netherworld Stream Squad Leader. A strange figure with a gray bandage wrapped around his body and wearing a black robe. Only his masculine build, which appeared both solid and nimble, suggested he was a man.
He just stood there motionless. Without saying a word.
After giving a silent bow to the Netherworld Stream Squad Leader, Jeong Yeon-shin turned his gaze again. Beigong Ya was approaching with her mouth corners raised.
As she moved her steps, strangely cutting through the formless energy waves that Jeong Yeon-shin had spread with the Radiant Wing Step, it seemed she had figured out much from their first exchange.
Whitish energy waves were drawing large circular patterns at her feet.
Woong— Woong—
The resonance of internal energy was fierce. A series of steps was continuing for one decisive step.
She would make a large pivot right in front of Jeong Yeon-shin. Toward a direction that would catch him off guard, while unraveling the foot energy he had generated with the Radiant Wing Step.
And then she would use hand techniques to loosen his collar or draw his sword.
Even though Jeong Yeon-shin was known for using both fist techniques and sword techniques, he couldn't leave his sword behind out of concern for appearances.
Even if Beigong Ya, a master of fist techniques, hadn't worn any particular weapon.
'Though it's a footwork technique with six fixed directions… she's spreading energy waves in advance to strengthen the propulsive energy waves.'
Jeong Yeon-shin thought.
He had seen similar martial principles before. A technique he had recently been contemplating. It was remarkably similar to the Murong family head's sword domain.
'Senior Beigong also uses space. They say she's aiming for the next purple rank.'
The streams of wind extending from Beigong Ya's long legs were occupying six directions and undulating.
A terrifying pressure. It was like small, semi-transparent dragons spreading their wings. A mental imagery of arrogance that suggested there was no need to use all available space was embedded.
It approached Jeong Yeon-shin very kindly. How truly arrogant that there were only six directions.
"…?"
While Beigong Ya flinched upon sensing boundless respect in her junior's gaze through her upper dantian, Jeong Yeon-shin concentrated Luminous Wheel energy in the Yongquan acupoint of his foot.
The stream of energy flowing down through his quadriceps felt hot.
On this occasion, he needed to show a performance surpassing all Black-ranks. After all, his seniors' brilliant achievements wouldn't be diminished by any outcome.
He slowly took another step forward.
Boom—!
A true step.
Cracks spread in all directions as small and large stone fragments shot up into the air. The propulsive force supplied from his heel to his calf was stronger than before.
This was because both his limbs and meridians had grown like divine swords. The power itself swirling in his acupoints was incomparably stronger than before.
A heavy counter-force pressed against his hand as he leaned his body slightly forward. The air seemed to scream as it unleashed a gale. Beigong Ya, who had filled his vision by coming right to his face, raised the corner of her mouth.
Her expression suggested she had expected this much. At the same time, the whitish energy wave current that had risen from her feet swept up Jeong Yeon-shin's forelock.
Whoosh!
Beigong Ya's black front immediately receded. Only her black hair, tied in a single line, brushed past his white chin and extended outward.
She had leaned her body backward as soon as she approached. Her opposite foot rose with a thunderous sound.
An extremely powerful leg technique trajectory was directed at Jeong Yeon-shin's extended hand.
Bang!
A shockwave spread along with an elegant somersault. The energy wave was so powerful that it momentarily dyed the surroundings hazy… It was an aftermath that could easily be believed even if it had been a collision between the Three Black Pillars. But the wind streams of Beigong Ya, who had occupied six directions, didn't diminish at all.
The currents boosting her steps seemed to have been engraved in space itself. It was a realm of will and sensation.
Beigong Ya, who had landed while folding the leg that had collided with Jeong Yeon-shin's hand, immediately leaped forward again.
The wind streams around her rippled roughly.
The meaning of her movements was clear.
The energy wave vibrations dwelling in six directions faithfully followed Beigong Ya's movements, layering propulsive force onto her body, and with that accelerated speed, she would bind the opponent's movements.
Whoosh—!
She blurred before Jeong Yeon-shin's eyes, then appeared on his flank as if using teleportation.
It was a chain technique of the Radiant Wing Three Steps and Radiant Wing Four Steps. It was a manifestation of the marvels of pre-step, true step, fist energy, and inch power through the limbs and the Mingmen acupoint on the back, all minutely segmented.
All those marvels were fully perceived by Jeong Yeon-shin as the crescent-shaped energy wave she had created around him exploded with a bang—!
It was the principle of the extreme realm.
Even the energy wave pattern that had been dwelling between Jeong Yeon-shin's heel and the ground was completely shattered. It came with a sound like tearing a stack of paper.
She had effectively denied him the opportunity to properly step his footwork technique. Beigong Ya had created a momentary cage with her state of Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown at its extreme.
No visible counterattack occurred.
Until she instantly grabbed and drew the sword of her junior.
Sreung—
Sunlight descended along the blade like starlight.
An exceptionally brilliant white light. The blade that seemed to have been engraved with stars scattered in the night sky was reflected in Beigong Ya's pupils. It was an item she couldn't fail to recognize.
The Flowing Star Sword of Star Radiance Great Sword Lord Murong Jung-rak.
Beigong Ya, who had opened her eyes wide, couldn't savor her victory. Neither the high officials seated in the viewing area above the dueling platform nor the Blue and White rank martial artists standing below made any appropriate sound.
Rustle.
Beigong Ya's hair, with its tie undone, fell like black ebony.
The hem of the black robe that had been wrapped around her upper body was also stretched out at the Radiant Demon Wing Leader's feet. Like armor shattered on the northern battlefield, in his hand.
Radiant Wing Five Steps.
Jeong Yeon-shin had opened up time.