WeTried Translations
Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR
Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried
◈ Surviving as a Genius on Borrowed Time ◈
Episode 390: Divine Sword Corps (6)
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Several of the figures surrounding Jeong Yeon-shin’s bed lowered their shoulders slightly.
It was as though they had consciously suppressed the instinct to flinch without decorum. Such was the lofty state of Unity of essence, qi, and spirit.
Every one of them was a Black Uniform. They were all luminaries.
‘That person...’
Jeong Yeon-shin’s brow lifted slightly. Even through the thick dust, one person stood out clearly.
A tall, gaunt middle-aged man. In the martial world, he was known as the Silent Dawn Lord. The inner power he possessed gave him an unmistakable presence.
The Annihilation Squad Leader, Shin Hwang.
Perhaps because his face was so thin, his features stood out like blades.
Was he trying to bring his fellow squad leaders into line? A black gleam rested within his deeply sunken eyes.
“The Annihilation Squad Leader has a point. Why are you all smashing down walls and making such a fuss?”
Ak Su-rim folded her arms and pretended to agree. Even as the Annihilation Squad Leader looked down at her, she stubbornly refused to meet his eyes.
She started to rise toward Jeong Yeon-shin, then stopped and pressed her back firmly against the chair.
“Why did you erect an aura barrier?”
A brusque voice rang out. A gust of wind swept through the room, driving the dust away in every direction.
The figure with ropes hanging from his waist had created a palm wind with a single gesture.
Whoosh.
The Heaven-Treading Dragon Squad Leader, Wi Ji-geuk, emerged. He lowered his sharp chin and glared fiercely at Ak Su-rim.
“I did it because I knew you would act like this. Look at you, barging in the moment Seom-ye said he was all right. Do you think it ends once his internal injuries heal?”
“That is what we should be asking. I sensed greed in Senior Ak’s inner-power fluctuations. You must have intended to monopolize the questioning about the battle at Unhoe Peak. Isn’t that right?”
The Azure Sky Squad Leader questioned her calmly.
“...”
No answer came.
Ak Su-rim merely lowered the leg she had draped over the bed. Xiahou Wi-jin, whose great shadow had loomed over the room, burst into hearty laughter.
“There is no need to ask. Is she not the worst among the Black Uniforms at acting her age? Since we are gathered anyway, let us begin the meeting.”
At once, the pulling force of Remote Object Manipulation arose from every direction. Rosewood chairs were drawn over on their own.
The room where Jeong Yeon-shin lay was the Ten Perfect Sect Master’s bedchamber. Beyond the wall destroyed by the squad leaders’ intrusion was the meeting hall where all the sect’s affairs were decided.
From the office on the other side, an enormous grand preceptor’s chair flew toward Xiahou Wi-jin.
Thud. Rumble!
It took no time for nine Black Uniforms to take their seats around the bed.
Above them, through the holes in the ceiling, the Nethercurrent Squad Leader and the Law Enforcement Squad Leader sat casually while looking down.
The Annihilation Squad Leader swept his gaze around the room before speaking.
“This place will serve as Wonpyeong One Sword Hall. Any objections?”
“I will stand guard.”
A cold yet smooth voice came from outside the bedchamber.
The Annihilation Squad Leader, Shin Hwang, turned his gaze.
“Blood Guard Squad Leader, are you raising an objection?”
“Even if all of you seniors are within arm’s reach of Junior Jeong, I cannot trust you. Seeing you today, every one of you seems far too mischievous...”
“I respect that.”
The Annihilation Squad Leader nodded slowly. Unlike the other Black Uniforms, he did not engage in petty disputes.
Jeong Yeon-shin was deeply impressed by both Jin Myeong-jo, who must have been standing somewhere in the distance, and Shin Hwang before him. They could be called pillars supporting the Divine Sword Corps.
“Seom-ye.”
“Yes, Senior.”
Still reclining against the bed, Jeong Yeon-shin turned toward the Annihilation Squad Leader.
Perhaps because his face was expressionless, it was difficult to tell what one of the Three Strongest Black Uniforms was thinking. The air around him felt heavy.
After looking over the scars covering Jeong Yeon-shin’s body, the Annihilation Squad Leader slowly spoke.
“You must rest a little longer. We are in a situation where we do not know what may happen or when. Consolidate your state of Unity of essence, qi, and spirit. We will handle the work.”
Every Black Uniform had a different nature.
Among them, the Annihilation Squad Leader possessed a presence so weighty it could be felt against the skin.
Even words close to advice sounded like commands. Though he did not seem to intend it, an invisible pressure flowed from his entire body.
Jeong Yeon-shin sat up and formed a fist salute.
“I appreciate your wise counsel, but I cannot impose on you all.”
“Do as you wish.”
The Annihilation Squad Leader gave his weighty reply when Bukgung A, sitting with legs crossed, jerked her chin toward the outside.
“The people who rule this land are here.”
“Their identities?”
“The Regional Military Commissioner and the Provincial Administration Commissioner. They say they have something urgent to discuss.”
“Let them in after the meeting. Now, let us begin.”
The Annihilation Squad Leader spoke. No Black Uniform objected.
Jeong Yeon-shin slowly looked around. Their presence was astonishing even now. The gathering of these seniors shattered the common sense of both the martial world and ordinary society.
“I have a few questions.”
“Speak first.”
It was the Lord of the Immortal Wood Spirit, Cheon So-so’s low voice.
More than any other squad leader present, she was scrutinizing Jeong Yeon-shin’s body with relentless focus. Her bluish-silver eyes glowed as though she had activated an eye technique.
‘Does she consider what happened in the Flood Dragon Formation a debt?’
Jeong Yeon-shin gave her a silent bow, then slowly spoke.
“I would like to know the whereabouts of the Immortal Wood Spirit Squad, the Heaven-Treading Forest Squad, and the Swift Heaven Wing Squad martial artists. They are all safe, correct?”
“Of course. Rather, they are doing work that those Daoist snouts and bald monks of the Nine Sects could never do.”
Xiahou Wi-jin growled the words. When his eyes met Jeong Yeon-shin’s, he gave a fierce grin.
“The Heavenly Net at Unhoe Peak was an encirclement made up of those who were elite in their own way. The scraps left behind after we sent them off are scattered throughout Sichuan.”
“The remaining forces of the Demonic Sect?”
“Yes. Trash like them are the ones who torment the common people most. Those so-called masters devote themselves to cultivation while enjoying the tribute offered by those beneath them.”
They were thoroughly crushing the unorthodox martial world left in Sichuan, root and branch. It was the kind of extermination the Nine Sects could not carry out.
“I told them to return to the main fortress once their work is finished,” Cheon So-so added.
Jeong Yeon-shin agreed inwardly.
At the very least, the standing forces of Desolate Fortress in Xiangyang consisted of two of the Seventeen Squads.
That naturally included the Black Uniforms, yet the main fortress was now practically empty.
“Do not worry too much.”
The Martial Extreme Hall Master, seated near Jeong Yeon-shin’s feet, spoke.
Clack.
It was as though he had read the junior’s thoughts. The way he kept moving his prosthetic leg absentmindedly made him seem relaxed.
“The Martial Extreme Hall, one of the largest units by number, remains at the main fortress alongside the Annihilation Squad. Wishspring is also ignoring several missions to patrol the area around Xiangyang. So...”
The Martial Extreme Hall Master stopped moving his prosthetic leg.
“It means we squad leaders have time to focus on you for a while.”
His eyes were clear. The gaze he quietly directed at Jeong Yeon-shin carried many thoughts.
The other Black Uniforms were no different. They seemed to have sharpened their aura senses toward Jeong Yeon-shin’s every movement. It even felt as though they were examining the rhythm of his inner-energy breathing.
Then the Annihilation Squad Leader spoke again.
“Wishspring. The spring in its name signifies the independence with which it seeks out missions on its own. Bukgung A practically pestered the Lord of Desolate Fortress until she obtained that name. In contrast, the spirit in Immortal Wood Spirit refers to sacred missions. They eliminate whatever renders the land unusable and use the elven race’s secret arts to strengthen earth qi. Both are extremely important.”
There was something peculiar in his tone. Jeong Yeon-shin blinked once.
It reminded him of when he had first learned the duties of the Leader of Demon Wings. It felt as though he was being introduced to responsibilities he ought to know.
“The Wishspring Leader at the time was extremely disrespectful. Had she not possessed talent, martial skill, and bloodline, she would never have risen to the position of squad leader.”
A man seated directly opposite Bukgung A spoke with calm mockery.
The Burning Abyss Squad Leader, Yu Jeong-myeong. He was a member of the elven race with ears sharp as sword tips.
He was famous for having attained the greatest mastery of the Body Movement Scripture in Desolate Fortress, and he had been the first to plant a flag at Unhoe Peak.
Bukgung A snorted.
“A monkey who possesses none of those three has no right to say that. Isn’t it enough to have all three?”
“Can Wishspring ignore even the Divine Sword Squad Leader’s assignment of missions?”
Jeong Yeon-shin asked quietly.
The smile on Wishspring Leader Bukgung A’s lips deepened. It was a slightly combative smile, as though issuing a challenge.
“If I am given a specific command, I will follow it reluctantly. Whether the mission goes well is another matter.”
“Senior Bukgung is close to the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, so I’m sure you’ll excel at anything.”
Jeong Yeon-shin spoke with certainty.
The curve on Bukgung A’s lips faded for an instant. The intent behind the words had pierced straight into her upper dantian. It was unlike the flattery offered by the Provincial Administration Commissioner.
“Uh...”
“Insubordination is punished by death.”
A woman’s flat voice cut in from the ceiling.
Jeong Yeon-shin raised his head slightly. His eyes immediately met those of the swordswoman seated in formal meditation atop the roof.
The Law Enforcement Squad Leader, Un So-yu.
Her jet-black hair hung down like silk as she offered a greeting with her eyes. Jeong Yeon-shin returned it with a bow, realizing once more the importance of this gathering.
No one was absent.
This place was, quite literally, a miniature of the world.
Jeong Yeon-shin lightly brushed the lapel of his martial robe. A small bulge touched his fingertips. It was White Swallow, the Black Uniforms’ contact bird that had returned after reaching the Ten Perfect Sect.
“If no one can disobey the Divine Sword Squad Leader’s written orders, would it not be difficult to disband from here as well?”
“Why talk about disbanding already? It felt great to give those martial-world parasites a blow. Let’s stay together a little longer.”
Ak Su-rim, who had remained silent as though trying to maintain decorum, cut in. She then added quietly.
“You nearly died.”
The Burning Abyss Squad Leader, Yu Jeong-myeong, and the Heaven-Treading Dragon Squad Leader, Wi Ji-geuk, did not agree.
“It is obvious how the world will react. Those who love to talk will begin speaking of rebellion.”
“True. Sitting here will not resolve anything.”
The discussion continued.
The issue was where they would go.
The Leader of Demon Wings had finished recuperating, so they had to decide how to move.
As the Law Enforcement Squad Leader had said, there was no insubordination within Desolate Fortress. No matter how the world looked upon them, following the authority of the Divine Sword held by the Divine Sword Squad Leader came first.
“The Divine Sword Squad Leader wouldn’t have gathered us over nothing. It means something is about to happen.”
“The Heavenly Net we saw here was strangely large. The Thirteen Heavens have never gathered in such a manner before. Unless there was an extremely intricate scheme behind it...”
“The same goes for the Martial Alliance those orthodox bastards established in Hanzhong. The atmosphere of the martial world has changed. We cannot help but fear being defeated separately. If we disband with no plan, some of us will certainly meet misfortune.”
“Worrying about the Divine Sword Squad Leader is unnecessary. That is someone who will survive anywhere.”
“They say the life threads of peerless masters are made from innate heavenly fortune and innate qi. Divine Sword Squad Leader Yong’s life thread is especially stubborn.”
The frustrating conversation continued.
The strength of the Black Uniforms gathered in one place was far too great. Wherever they went, wherever they stayed, eyes would inevitably follow.
Because they were the strongest on this land, they had to be even more cautious.
The gaze of the people, whom the squad leaders had briefly betrayed. The eyes of the imperial court, which had witnessed the swords in their hands moving on their own. The attention of the entire martial world, including the Thirteen Heavens and Eight Great Families, all watching Desolate Fortress with greed... It was difficult to make any rash decision.
Jeong Yeon-shin’s martial world had finally reached all under heaven. Even the smallest movement would put the world on edge.
‘I can’t remain still. I need to create a variable for the Divine Sword Squad Leader, whose news has been cut off.’
Jeong Yeon-shin suddenly rose from the bed and crossed the threshold.
Step.
Pale wisps of light trailed in his wake. The other squad leaders’ puzzled gazes followed him.
Jeong Yeon-shin was already looking down at two middle-aged officials. One wore a red official robe, while the other wore armor. They were the Provincial Administration Commissioner and the Regional Military Commissioner.
They had been eavesdropping on the squad leaders’ meeting from afar, then recoiled in surprise.
“We will be leaving soon.”
“If you leave, where will you go...?”
The Regional Military Commissioner made a deliberate effort to keep his hand far from his scabbard as he asked. His eyes continued to examine the famed Leader of Demon Wings.
A youth around twenty, handsome enough to be called peerless. Contrary to the rumors that painted him as madly arrogant, his neat bearing left a deep impression on the high official.
‘The Provincial Administration Commissioner and I will soon be summoned to Beijing... There will be even more to talk about.’
Then Jeong Yeon-shin continued.
“Does the Regional Military Commissioner not oversee all military affairs in Sichuan?”
“...I do.”
“You must have a map showing the world. We Black Uniforms also have the authority to examine it, but since fighting is our trade, we do not carry maps personally.”
“Why do you need a map...?”
Jeong Yeon-shin turned his gaze toward the ruined bedchamber. His seniors were watching him.
“If we head straight north from here.”
Jeong Yeon-shin continued.
“We will pass through one of the Thirteen Heavens, will we not? Dark Night Hall and Taemo Mountain Fortress lie along a straight line.”
For an instant, a smile flickered across the Annihilation Squad Leader Shin Hwang’s lips.
“...That depends on which official road we take.”
“Would it not be fine to deal with one while we are on our way to disband?”
The young man asked again.
None of the seniors shook their heads. Only Ak Su-rim poked her face out.
“Will you take care of one on the way? What you said about the Golden-Wing Sect Master...”
* * *
Rumors of the Battle of Unhoe Peak spread rapidly. It was the greatest event to occur in the martial world in recent times.
Not only the nearby factions, but every martial sect that received the news halted its raids and expansion.
Only the Demonic Sect’s Thirteen Heavens and some of the Eight Great Families continued moving actively according to a certain scheme. Each possessed a territory that had been firmly built over many long years.
“Desolate Fortress has finally gone mad.”
“It is astonishing, but it cannot last long.”
“The imperial court may have its attention on the north, but it will not abandon the people as well...”
“How many countermeasures against the Seom-ye Martial Lineage have we secured? Move it to this sect’s highest-priority agenda.”
“Search every road to Beijing. If we can uproot the sprout...”
Then one day.
The realm’s thirteen Black Swords headed north.
They moved faster than any rumor could spread.
People from every walk of life in Sichuan followed after them too late, but only a small few, including Daoists and bhikkhunis, succeeded in catching their trail.
Footnotes:
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