Finally.
The squad leaders of the Divine Sword Order had come face to face.
On the hill, ravaged by countless corpses and weapons, they gazed at each other. The sound of fluttering sleeves was heavy. Not a single enemy remained alive.
An overwhelming sight.
The crowd gathered around the mountain ridges of Cloud Circling Peak fell silent. The scene before their eyes demanded it.
Those dressed in silk garments or bearing weapons—people with even a slight knowledge of the martial world, did not so much as move a finger.
Only those ignorant of the ways of the world whispered to each other, their faces pale with shock.
"Golden Wings Sect's leader has been beheaded…!"
"Is that true?"
"How could a phoenix that had spread its wings be killed by a mere human…?"
Three major sects had suffered near annihilation. Ten Perfection Sect and Golden Wings Sect would never rise again, and the elite warriors of the Pure Demon Alliance now lay as corpses.
It was as if the entire demonic faction had vanished from the vast lands of Sichuan.
This would not only impact the livelihood of the people but also bring unprecedented upheaval across the entire martial world. Many stood frozen, unable to move.
Meanwhile.
At this very moment, on a hill where no one else dared to intrude. A girl, crouched atop a slanted spear shaft, slowly opened her mouth.
The ends of her now blood-drenched short hair shifted slightly over her small shoulders, as if only now the tension had begun to fade.
"See? I told you not to force your way in. Lightning Genius, they were trying to ruin it, ruin the merits that would make you the next leader."
Ak Surim, glancing around, spoke toward Jung Yeonshin.
The vice-leader of the Divine Sword Order, Desolate Divine Spear.
She was the eldest among the unprecedented gathering of squad leaders, and among the black-clad warriors of Desolate Fortress present, there was not a single one who was not a transcendent martial artist.
Was she maintaining her composure?
Her expression was not as usual, her small lips slightly tensed at the corners.
Her pitch-black, lightning-like eyes flickered between Jung Yeonshin and the headless Golden Wings Sect's leader, like a bead rolling back and forth. She seemed to be holding back her excitement with all her might.
"Let's be clear. Every time you thrust your spear from afar, you kept glancing over here, didn't you?"
Crunch—
The sound of bones and flesh being torn apart.
A rope, which had skewered through the abdomens of ten corpses like a skewer, was pulled out. It was a Cotton Rope Binding Lasso, a type of eighteen-armament weapon.
The man retrieving the divine weapon, made of tightly twisted bundles of celestial silk, smirked.
"If it had gone on for just a little longer, a spear would've flown your way."
Blood-Bound Monstrous Dragon, Wei Ji-Geuk. The leader of the Dragon-Stepping Squad, notorious as the reaper of the northern martial world.
His sharp jawline was stained with thick blood, and earlier, Jung Yeonshin had witnessed his rope binding the leader of the Ten Perfection Sect.
"He had already crippled the Ten Perfection Sect's leader and routed the Pure Demon Alliance's leader in a single exchange. We couldn't have asked for more."
The tall leader of the Heavenly Squad spoke while sheathing his sword from the side.
Rumors that he had almost been killed by the Golden Wings Sect's leader seemed to hold some truth—his gaze sweeping over her severed head carried a peculiar emotion.
Ak Surim shook her head and leaped down from the spear shaft.
"Lightning Genius had confidence in his eyes. You all just didn't understand your junior."
"You dote on him like a late-born grandson."
Dragon-Stepping Squad's leader, Wei Ji-geuk, wrapped the rope around his arm and spoke. Ak Surim, who was walking toward Jung Yeonshin, furrowed her brows.
"Husband! Not grandson, husband!"
"May I vomit? It won't even be noticeable here."
He made an exaggerated retching motion, his expression playful.
But Wei Ji-geuk's eyes were different from his demeanor. In his perpetually cold, deathly gaze, flickers of shock shimmered.
The sight reflected in his eyes—a young man, seemingly in his early twenties, standing blankly over the lifeless body of the Golden Wings Sect's leader.
'He alone defeated the strongest in Sichuan…'
Radiant Demon Squad's leader, Jung Yeonshin.
His upper body exposed, his robe torn to shreds. Wounds carved deep across his skin, visible wherever the eye landed.
His entire body drenched in blood, yet his refined muscles, like those of a divine weapon—remained unmistakably clear.
None of the squad leaders made a fuss over his battered state.
After all, it was common for them to return from missions with bodies barely holding together. Each and every one of them was a veteran of a hundred battles.
Step.
Amidst the heavy atmosphere, only Ak Surim's footsteps rang quietly.
A weighty silence filled the air. Some of the squad leaders cracked dry jokes, while others simply stared at Jung Yeonshin.
Desolate Fortress stood at the boundary between military forces and the martial world. Unlike most in the martial world, they placed great emphasis on maintaining an air of dignity in public.
To the martial world, they exuded fear. To the common people, they inspired trust. This was why high-ranking officials who held seats at Wonpyeong's First Sword Hall upheld such decorum even more strictly.
All eyes were watching.
There was no room for disorderly behavior. Only the vice-leader and the Dragon-Stepping Squad's leader acted differently.
Even though their youngest black-clad warrior had achieved an unbelievable feat, the squad leaders had to remain composed before the masses.
'I'm just glad nothing worse happened.'
Jung Yeonshin paid no mind to it. Ever since confirming the safety of his seniors, he had been focused on observing his own body from within.
His entire system of meridians and blood channels was in shambles from the battle. His muscles felt as if they had been stuffed with waterlogged cotton, unbearably heavy.
He had just slain the strongest warrior in Sichuan. Internal injuries were inevitable.
Then.
Cough—
A sharp sensation brushed against the inside of his throat. Without realizing it, he had coughed up blood.
At the same time, a tearing sound ripped through the air in all directions. With a sharp swee-ak—the piercing sound of something slicing through the wind—his vision turned black.
In a fleeting instant, his sight was filled with jet-black robes.
"So-so, your internal energy is the purest. Press his Life Gate Acupoint. I'll guard you."
"Bring out the elixirs you've been stashing."
"Am I the only one here who got some help from Lightning Genius? When it comes to the purity of True Energy, there's no match for this pure-blooded Thousand Fist Dragon Force Minister…!"
"You, with that huge frame, don't get in the way of his breathing technique. Just stand guard. Don't you know Tyrant Hero, that old codger, is watching?"
The senior squad leaders had swiftly encircled him with their acute Protective Energy Techniques. The casual remark from Ruyi Spring Squad's Bukgung Ah had even drawn out Heavenly Forest Squad's Xiahou Wei-jin.
Jung Yeonshin let out a faint smile.
Swish.
A cool touch brushed against his back. He could tell from the transparent energy wave that spread—it was Immortal Spirit Wood Squad's leader Cheon So-so.
"You did well."
She whispered.
A single phrase, filled with both gratitude and astonishment.
It carried the weight of everything that had happened, from the Flood Dragon Formation until now.
There was warmth in her voice, akin to the bond of fellow disciples.
Jung Yeonshin closed his eyes.
Wuuung—
The Frozen Heaven Stagnant Ice Art energy from Immortal Spirit Wood Squad's leader seeped through his Life Gate Acupoint.
Perhaps because she carried a sapling of the World Tree, her energy was astonishingly pure. It blended seamlessly with the Jung Clan Movement Arts' energy.
The acupuncture points that had been overheated from the intense battle began to cool down in an instant.
Around him, immense energy waves formed a protective formation.
"That head must be displayed as a warning."
"Of course. Sichuan's blockheaded fool, always lusting after beauty, stripped Lightning Genius completely."
"Senior Ak, if you're standing guard, shouldn't you be looking outward instead of inward…?"
Were they searching for the elixirs hidden deep within their robes in preparation for another battle?
While Heavenly Squad's leader, Ak Surim, and Scorching Abyss Squad's leader rummaged through their belongings—
"You should be able to move even while channeling energy at your level. Take this. It's the Seven Star Pill from Wudang."
With the sound of a mechanical leg clicking, an elixir was placed into his mouth. A dense medicinal scent filled his nose.
It was Supreme Martial Hall's squad leader, offering him a rare elixir.
Even though Seven Star Pill was a treasure of Wudang, which rivaled Heavenly Extreme Sect for supremacy among sword sects—
'Thank you.'
As Jung Yeonshin slightly moved his lips, a soft chuckle accompanied the response.
"I should be the one thanking you."
"…?"
"Because of you, great changes will come."
A cryptic remark.
While filling his entire body's acupuncture points with energy, Jung Yeonshin carved the Supreme Martial Hall's leader's words into his mind.
Time passed.
By the time the cautious footsteps of the descending crowd echoed across the dirt road—
'It's done.'
Jung Yeonshin, still standing, had regained his strength.
A proper recovery would take several days and nights, but at least now, he could move.
Flutter—
The moment he opened his eyes, a crimson-black long robe flew toward him and settled over his shoulders.
When he looked up, he saw the Supreme Demon of Sacred Blood, his senior, standing with hands clasped behind his back from a distance.
It wasn't Void Grasp, which required using energy. It was thrown by hand.
That made the gesture all the more meaningful as a sign of recognition. A noble and skillful way to command respect.
'So this is how you win the favor of those below you.'
Jung Yeonshin inwardly admired the gesture as he slowly glanced around.
The illustrious senior squad leaders stood close, their eyes fixed on him.
A strange emotion clawed at his chest. With difficulty, he parted his lips.
"How did you know to come here?"
"That can wait. For now, let's go. Your recovery is the priority."
Ak Surim leaned in as she spoke. Jung Yeonshin's eyes filled with curiosity.
"Where to?"
"We occupied the Ten Perfection Sect. Turns out, their place is pretty nice."
* * *
Four days had passed since the battle at the Cloud Circling Peak.
The gossip mongers who roamed the streets and inns of Sichuan had their pockets filled for once.
There were more stories to tell than ever before.
"So, what happened was, the Dark Flame King took down three of the Thirteen Celestial Demons, one after another…!"
"With hundreds of monstrous warriors gathered on that hill, imagine the sheer pressure. If they had declared a northern invasion right then and there, I would have believed it! Though, if they had actually marched to Beijing, His Majesty would have crushed them in a single move!"
"The divine presence of the gathered squad leaders of the Divine Sword Order was truly overwhelming. It wasn't a war between sects, it was outright slaughter."
"The Human Phoenix, who had once spread her wings… The long and drawn-out life of the Golden Wings Sect's leader came to an end at the tip of Radiant Demon Squad's leader's blade…"
As rumors often go, there were exaggerations. But the sheer number of eyewitnesses ensured that the truth spread swiftly.
Sichuan was in shock. All levels of society were forced into action.
At this very moment, under the vast blue sky, even a carriage carrying the Commander of the Capital Guards and the Prefect of Judicial Affairs came to a halt before the gates of Ten Perfection Sect.
Inside the carriage.
"I should have seen it for myself…"
A middle-aged man, draped in a crimson official robe, muttered to himself.
He was the Prefect of Judicial Affairs, responsible for overseeing the governance and civil administration of Sichuan.
As a civil official, he was well-versed in handling people, yet his plump face remained furrowed with worry.
"Do not trouble yourself too much. Have you not been preoccupied with state affairs?"
The Commander of the Capital Guards, a middle-aged military officer seated across from the Prefect, spoke. He was the supreme authority over military affairs in Sichuan.
"There are no purple-robed ones among those gathered beyond. At the very least, our heads will remain intact for now. We are officials of the second rank, after all."
"That is uncertain."
The Prefect shook his head and continued.
"I heard an account from an Imperial Inspector. He witnessed how the Radiant Demon Squad's leader spoke to that monster from Gold Wings Sect… You must not let your guard down so easily, Commander."
"And yet, how hard could it be to simply demand their dispersal? The greatest fear is not them, but the reprimand from the imperial family. As the highest local officials, if we stand by idly while such a massive force gathers in one place? I guarantee we will be summoned before His Majesty and made to replace Shaolin's Eighteen Arhats Formation ourselves."
"..."
"We shall ask them just one question."
The Commander clinked his sword sheath as he stood up inside the grand carriage.
"When do they plan to restore order to the world, which has fallen into chaos in the absence of the Divine Sword Order's squad leaders? No matter which black-clad warrior steps forward—be it the Radiant Demon Squad's leader, the vice-leader, the Annihilation Squad's leader, or the Ruyi Spring Squad's leader—our question remains the same."
"Their lineup is rather overwhelming, is it not…?"
"Even so, the question does not change. Keep that in mind."
"…Understood."
The Prefect slowly nodded.
A firm resolve passed between the officials governing Sichuan. A satisfied expression spread across the Commander's face.
"Open it."
He ordered. A loud creak echoed.
The large carriage doors swung open to the sides, revealing a battalion of soldiers exuding a grim presence. Warhorses snorted and pawed at the ground.
This was a military force personally trained in martial arts. The Commander's lips curved into a straight line.
Suddenly.
From the entrance of the carriage, a cascade of jet-black hair tumbled down like a waterfall. It was as if someone was hanging upside down.
A strikingly beautiful face peeked downward.
Distinctive northern features, flawless white skin, and long black sleeves flowing down on either side.
There was only one Divine Sword Order squad leader of northern bloodline.
"Ye, Ruyi Spring Squad's leader, Dragon Fist Bukgung Ah…?"
The Prefect stammered, and immediately, the surrounding martial soldiers hastily drew their weapons. A cacophony of clanking steel rang out.
Even then, Ruyi Spring Squad's leader did not say a word. She merely stared blankly at the two officials with her icy-blue eyes.
The Desolate Fortress' Black Three Steel.
Her presence was inhuman, sending a chill down the officials' spines.
"To be welcomed in such a manner, I hardly know how to respond."
The Commander cleared his throat before speaking.
"Judging by your expression, you seem unwilling to entertain a long conversation. We shall get straight to the point."
He then glanced at the Prefect.
As a man from a military background, he understood that the Prefect, who had even navigated the political maelstrom of the Forbidden City, was better suited for the task.
Even the Commander found the presence of Desolate Fortress' black-clad warriors overwhelming.
A grave expression settled on the Prefect's face. For a brief moment, he appeared deep in thought.
'This is a fortunate turn of events.'
The Commander mused.
Whenever the Prefect wore such an expression, he would inevitably come up with a timely stroke of wisdom.
Once, with just a single letter, he had diverted imperial grain shipments originally destined for Shaanxi to Sichuan.
This was a man who could change fate with mere words.
The Prefect finally spoke.
"Might I humbly ask what delicacy the Radiant Demon Squad's leader prefers?"
"…I, I'm not sure?"
A flicker of bewilderment crossed Bukgung Ah's face.