* * *
A vast martial stage where the three squad leaders were gradually closing the distance between them.
It was also a place where promotion ceremonies were held.
On one side, a luxurious spectator's seat overlooked the martial stage. Even with the long shade cast by the canopy, the marble's distinctive pale color remained vivid.
The sheer texture was so rare that it made one acutely aware of the hierarchy and status of those seated there in leisure.
"How do you think it'll go?"
Ruyi Spring Squad's leader and Radiant Demon Squad's leader.
Ak Surim, sitting with one leg crossed, lazily tapped the toe of her sleek leather shoe.
Her eyes, gazing down at the standoff between the three squad leaders, were filled with amusement. She sat in a relaxed manner, her spear laid carelessly at her feet.
"I had them fight in threes so they'd finish quickly, but Dark Current Squad's leader doesn't seem inclined to move. So scheming."
She spoke.
Un Soyu, the Law and Order Squad's leader seated beside her, responded.
"He likely wants to observe the Radiant Demon Squad's leader's movements. Dark Current Squad's leader's Protective Energy Technique is among the finest even in Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall. Not once has he allowed a speck of dust to touch him in any chaos."
"Soyu would be disappointed. She focused more on real combat rather than infiltration."
While the Annihilation Squad's leader and Scorching Abyss Squad's leader were each developing their own versions of the Splendid Wings Five-Steps, they had been dispatched on a mission.
A mission to eradicate a sect that had turned martial arts into a religion, resolving an incident in Qinghai, located between Xinjiang and Sichuan.
The enormous mist spilling from Xinjiang, years of consecutive famine.
It was a time of chaos, rife with charlatans deceiving the people. The common folk were made to offer their wealth of their own accord.
"I found Scorching Abyss Squad's leader's footwork comfortable. It made me feel like I had wings. What Annihilation Squad's leader created was too rough."
"Scorching Abyss Squad's leader did indeed take a keen interest in the Splendid Wings Step, unlike that Dark Current Squad's leader…."
Un Soyu trailed off. She maintained a consistently upright posture, her gaze fixed below on the martial stage, visibly finding Ak Surim somewhat irksome.
Sensing the subtle rebuke, Ak Surim shifted her gaze.
"Why does the Chief Administrator look like that? Anyone would think he just returned from the Ice Palace."
"…He is waiting for Ruyi Spring Squad's leader to draw the Radiant Demon Squad's leader's sword."
Chief Administrator Lin Jinming, who had been sitting still like a bear, spoke slowly.
"Only then can he formally announce it. Right now, it's hard to believe…. Of course, leader Jung is not one to make empty claims, but this is no ordinary matter… From Shaanxi to Yangyang, the time it would take for warriors to deliver the news…."
His words bordered on incoherence. It was clear he wasn't fully listening to Ak Surim.
The way he repeatedly wiped his face with his large hands was strikingly different from his usual sharp demeanor, prompting her to raise an eyebrow and glance to the side.
The legitimate heir of the Monarch's House, sent from the royal court, was seated there.
Duke Sword Authority, Zhu Zhe. His rigid posture exuded solemnity.
Throughout the gathering that had summoned the leadership of Desolate Fortress, he had persistently pressured Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall to make a decision, never lowering his voice. Yet, after Jung Yeonshin had crashed through the ceiling, he had maintained his composure.
But no one let their guard down. No one could tell what schemes lay behind his serpent-like mind.
"In my opinion."
Zhu Zhe suddenly spoke.
"This should not be seen as merely an event to boost morale."
Ak Surim, unwilling to engage in conversation with him, quickly averted her gaze. But the esteemed royal bloodline had no need for others to entertain him.
Without taking his eyes off Jung Yeonshin, who was taking a step forward on the martial stage, he slowly stroked the beard under his chin.
Duke Sword Authority, Zhu Zhe, had spent the past day thoroughly reviewing Jung Yeonshin's past achievements.
His actual age, the speed of his martial progress, every merit he had accumulated since entering the fortress without rest.
"To my knowledge, the youngest black is akin to a fortress wall for the warriors of Desolate Fortress. At times, such a wall may crumble under artillery fire, but it remains one of the mightiest, the thickest in the world…."
Despite receiving no response, he continued speaking on his own.
"When Lightning Genius, Radiant Demon Squad's leader, had just ascended to the rank of squad leader, I hear there was quite a bit of talk within the martial forces, aside from Radiant Demon Squad. After all, the leader of the elite forces of the world's greatest sect, with the authority to execute even high-ranking officials if necessary, was barely past the age of fifteen. If not for the events in Sichuan's City of Master Craftsmen and his qualities as a squad leader, the dissent would have been much louder."
Zhu Zhe's speech gradually picked up speed.
As the gap between Ruyi Spring Squad's leader and Radiant Demon Squad's leader closed to within five paces, his voice accelerated into the tempo of Lip Synchronization Technique, one that only squad leaders could perceive.
"Then what happens when that young man removes the black robe? And what if he dares to claim the position of Divine Sword Order's leader, commanding all martial forces?"
He had now broached the most sensitive topic among the seated members of Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall.
The rank of purple. A topic that instantly drew the attention of those in the upper seats.
"Judging by his pace, he'll gain renown as an unrivaled master before even reaching twenty. But in less than five years since entering the sect, he would become the highest-ranking figure of an ancient martial order? That has never happened anywhere in the world. Least of all in a place with deep traditions like Desolate Fortress. Can the imperial swordmasters, proud and steeped in their honor, truly recognize his martial prowess as authority? And what of the Elder Council, as stubborn as the aged men of the Nine Great Sects in the hidden valleys? Even the once-amiable Elder Council's leader has stepped down."
"…Duke Sword Authority, what is your intent in saying this?"
"Ah, Chief Administrator. What I mean is, this is also an event that should be viewed with a political lens. How rare is it? A duel among squad leaders, and the chance to witness it firsthand."
"..."
"The Chief Administrator must have intended this as well. This is an opportunity for the masters of Desolate Fortress to determine the rank among the seventeen squad leaders. No matter how much the display of Protective Energy Technique differs from actual martial prowess, to those watching below, it's all the same."
A gathering where multiple squad leaders compared their martial arts in broad daylight.
Six of them were in black.
An event rare in times of turmoil. When would such a number gather again? Perhaps, within the next ten years, this might be the last.
Unless today brought about the second full mobilization order since the founding of the Divine Sword Order's Seventeen Squads.
"In the future, whatever appointments occur within the black-rank hierarchy, this event will be spoken of together. The youngest of Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall may very well shatter any resistance that the warriors of Desolate Fortress might harbor. After all, isn't the source of this city's most widespread movement arts in those very legs down there?"
Zhu Zhe motioned his chin downward indifferently.
"It will be amusing to see the expressions of the high-ranking officials and merchant lords who aligned themselves with the Black Three Steel, expecting to reap the honeyed rewards from the next Divine Sword Order's leader."
His gaze had already captured the two squad leaders whose sleeves had barely brushed against one another. Among the high-ranking officials seated in the upper seats of Desolate Fortress, not a single one voiced an objection.
Jung Yeonshin and Bukgung Ah.
With a resounding crack, the massive martial stage trembled.
Each had taken a single step, and the stone floor beneath them shattered.
As Bukgung Ah reached out to loosen the collar of his robe, Jung Yeonshin deflected her hand with his forearm and spun away.
The moment their jet-black sleeves brushed against each other, a shockwave rippled through the air as if it had been torn apart.
'End it in ten exchanges. No more than two consecutive strikes, disrupt her stance using only Protective Energy Technique and Golden Flow Hand.'
Jung Yeonshin repeated the rules of the wager he had staked on the mission.
Only hand-to-hand combat. The result would be decided by the vote of the three black-ranked observers above.
Even if Dark Current Squad's leader deliberately delayed his movements, the senior members would take that into account when making their decision.
He did not want to yield. No matter how much he respected his senior masters.
'I have to give it my all.'
It was a gesture of honor for those who never returned after setting off toward the Young Lord of the Ming Cult.
They were brothers-in-arms under the same roof, navigating the perilous rivers and lakes of the martial world.
He also wanted Baek Miryeo to have the chance to witness the grave of her kin.
"As expected, the source is different."
Bukgung Ah, after crossing paths with him, spoke with a faint smile in her voice.
"There are no limitations in your defense. It seems you truly follow that arrogant mnemonic verse to the letter."
"Arrogant mnemonic verse…?"
Jung Yeonshin could not refute it.
Internally, he completely disagreed, but Ruyi Spring Squad's leader, Bukgung Ah, was a woman who had gazed deep into the abyss herself.
How could she discuss character with someone who was kind to all, like Confucius or Mencius?
He could only swallow her indignation.
It was the first time he had felt such a blow since his niece, Jung Hye-ah, had spoken harsh words to him.
Shaken, he tilted his head slightly and circulated the Radiant Wheel of his heart to calm himself.
"…I will come at you again immediately."
"That's different from the rumors. I thought you'd at least argue once."
Why was he so meek?
Bukgung Ah's brow twitched as she prepared her next strike.
—I am grateful to Senior Bukgung. I have gained insight into your character.
As she moved her steps, she reflected.
Was he not being sarcastic?
Bukgung Ah had almost no friendly relationships among the other black-rank warriors.
In terms of seniority, even the formidable Xiahou Wei-Jin was someone she hurled verbal abuse at.
Though they shared a bond as fellow warriors, no one treated her with warmth.
She, too, never sought anyone's warmth.
So long as the Martial God of the North lived, she could never find peace in mind or body.
What did it matter?
Bukgung Ah quickly dismissed the thought.
"I don't care about that corpse. Let's cross blades again."
She spoke while addressing Lightning Genius, Radiant Demon Squad's leader, a warrior with an unfathomable personality, with a sideward glance.
Jung Yeonshin followed her gaze.
A completely unfamiliar energy flow was present.
Dark Current Squad's leader.
A bizarre figure wrapped in gray bandages, draped in a black martial robe.
His form, though lean and agile, hinted at his masculinity.
He simply stood still, silent.
Jung Yeonshin offered him a silent bow before shifting his gaze back.
Bukgung Ah was drawing closer, the corner of her lips curling.
She stepped forward, carving through the invisible energy field Jung Yeonshin had spread using Splendid Wings Step, as though she had already gleaned much from their initial exchange.
A pale, circular ripple of internal energy expanded largely at her feet.
Wooooong— Uwooooong—
The resonance of inner energy was overwhelming.
She was weaving steps for a decisive move.
She would take a wide step right in front of him, into a blind spot, disrupting the force of his step with Splendid Wings Step.
Then, using Golden Flow Hand, she would loosen his collar or draw his sword.
And yet, as one renowned for his expertise in both palm and sword techniques, Jung Yeonshin could not simply abandon his blade for the sake of appearances.
Even if Bukgung Ah, a master of fist and kick techniques, carried no weapon herself.
'The step sequence is set to six directions… but she's already spreading her energy field in advance to reinforce her momentum.'
Jung Yeonshin pondered.
He had seen a similar martial principle before. A technique he had recently made his focus.
It bore a striking resemblance to the sword-fist techniques of the Murong Clan's leader.
'Senior Bukgung also manipulates space. So, she truly is aiming for the next purple rank.'
The wind currents extending from Bukgung Ah's long legs filled the six directions.
An oppressive force.
It was as though small, translucent dragons were writhing in the air.
There was an arrogant conviction within, suggesting she had no need to occupy all space at once.
To Jung Yeonshin, it felt strangely kind.
So, it really was just six directions?
"...?"
For a brief moment, as she sensed boundless respect in the gaze of her junior through her upper dantian, Bukgung Ah flinched.
Meanwhile, Jung Yeonshin focused his Radiant Wheel energy into the Yongcheon Acupoint on his soles.
The stream of inner power flowing down his thighs burned hot.
Today, he had to prove himself superior to all the black-rank warriors present.
After all, no matter the outcome, the brilliant martial attainments of his seniors would never be diminished.
He took another step forward.
Boom—!
True Step.
Cracks spread in all directions as fragments of stone, both large and small, shot into the air.
For a brief moment, the propulsion force surging from his heel to his calf was stronger than ever before.
His limbs, along with his meridians, had extended like a divine sword. The energy stored within his acupoints swirled with unprecedented intensity.
Leaning slightly forward, the weight in his outstretched hand met with a massive recoil.
The windstorm roared as if the atmosphere itself were screaming.
In a single step, Bukgung Ah filled his vision, her lips curling upward.
She had expected no less.
At the same time, the pale, rising currents of energy at her feet swept across Jung Yeonshin's forehead.
—Hwaaak!
Bukgung Ah's jet-black front hem receded in an instant.
Only her neatly bound black hair brushed past her white chin as it stretched outward.
The moment he closed in, she tilted her body backward.
From the opposite side, her foot shot upward with a thunderous sonic boom.
A devastatingly powerful kick aimed straight for Jung Yeonshin's outstretched hand.
—Kwaang!
A brilliant aerial rotation sent shockwaves rippling outward.
The sheer force blurred the surroundings momentarily, a testament to the overwhelming power of internal energy.
It was an impact that could have easily been mistaken for a clash between the Black Three Steel.
Yet, the wind currents occupying the six directions around Bukgung Ah did not waver in the slightest.
Her movements were carved into space itself, an extension of her will and perception.
Bukgung Ah folded her leg, which had collided with Jung Yeonshin's hand, then immediately sprang forward again.
The winds around her surged violently. Her intent was clear.
The energy waves embedded in the six directions enhanced her momentum, allowing her movements to stack in rapid succession, tightening around her opponent with accelerating speed.
—Hwaaaak!
She blurred before his eyes, then reappeared at his flank as if she had used Ground-Shifting Technique.
A seamless sequence between Splendid Wings Three-Steps and Splendid Wings Four-Steps.
Each movement was precisely segmented, manifesting the subtleties of Silk-Spinning Force, True Step, Fist Aura, and One-Inch Strike through her limbs and the Mingmen Acupoint in her lower back.
Jung Yeonshin saw through every technique.
The crescent-shaped shockwave she had generated exploded with a resounding boom around him.
It was the principle of extreme ascension.
Even the energy fluctuations lingering between his heel and the ground were utterly shattered.
The sound of an entire stack of paper being torn apart echoed through the air.
She had deprived him of the chance to properly set his footwork.
Bukgung Ah, having entered a state of ultimate Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown, forged an instant prison of lightning.
No noticeable counterattack emerged. Not until the moment she seized her junior's sword and pulled it free.
—Sreung.
Sunlight cascaded down the blade like stardust.
A singularly brilliant white radiance.
The blade shimmered in Bukgung Ah's pupils, as if the entire expanse of a starry night had been engraved upon it.
It was a weapon she could never fail to recognize.
The Meteor Sword of Star-Radiance Grand Sword Lord, Murong Clan's leader.
Bukgung Ah's eyes widened, but she could not savor her victory.
Neither the high-ranking officials seated above the martial stage nor the blue and white-robed warriors standing below made a sound.
—Sarak.
The loosened tie of Bukgung Ah's hair unraveled, her ebony strands cascading down.
The hem of her black martial robe, which had once draped around her upper body, now lay at the feet of Radiant Demon Squad's leader.
Like shattered armor from the battlefields of the north, it dangled in his grasp.
—Splendid Wings Five-Steps.
Jung Yeonshin had opened the doors of time.