Chapter 485: Chapter 485

The wall of Mok Family Manor.

At some point, the boundary of the shadows stretching along the outline of the wall mixed with the sunlight and cold air.

A few people had gathered in the crisp winter wind, which burst like flower buds.

Among them, Hyeon Won-chang, who had roughly slung a bundle over his shoulder, suddenly furrowed his brows.

He had been eavesdropping on the conversation inside with his hands cupped around his ears, but it wasn’t an exaggerated gesture—rather, it was a skill known as Thousand-League Earth Listening Technique, a secret art of Salmun.

“What does that mean...?”

At Hyeon Won-chang’s question, the famed swordsman leaning against the wall lazily responded.

A handsome man wearing a blue headband.

His originally gentle expression now carried a strangely sharp aura—Cheongmyeong, °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° the Azure Cliff Sword. A cold killing intent seeped from the eyepatch covering one of his eyes.

The blue robe draped loosely over both his shoulders no longer seemed to suit him.

“You heard it too, senior.”

Hyeon Won-chang asked back, glancing at him. Cheongmyeong, without even turning his head, slowly spoke.

“That our Lord is being taken to the Celestial Tree?”

“Yes, that. I don’t understand a single thing the Lord said... And that so-called Divine Doctor is kind of strange too, isn’t he? Talking as if some sacred branch had taken human form...”

“No wonder you don’t understand. The story is missing its core, and you don’t know enough.”

It was an indifferent reply.

Hyeon Won-chang looked somewhat shocked.

Shin Sobin, who had been glaring at the wall as if she might break through it at any moment, let out a chuckle.

By now, everyone knew that when people spoke of the Great Snow Sword in Ipwang Fortress, they were talking about a man who could recall even the most obscure affairs of the martial world. Even Hyeon Won-chang himself took pride in having greatly contributed to Jeong Yeon-shin’s knowledge of Jianghu.

“Talking about the martial world in shades of purple... If that’s the case... I’m completely useless...”

While the Great Snow Sword rambled on, Shin Sobin turned to Cheongmyeong.

“Our Lord... Is she truly the rightful successor of the Lord of Ipwang Fortress?”

Shin Sobin, at least, knew more about the affairs of Ipwang Fortress than Hyeon Won-chang did.

A descendant of the Shen family, which was the most prestigious in Ipwang Fortress, and the granddaughter of Elder Shen Byeok—naturally, she had seen and heard much.

“Was there ever a time she wasn’t?”

Cheongmyeong responded without a trace of emotion.

But his words hinted at a truth that would be significant not only for Ipwang Fortress but for all of Jianghu.

The meaning behind taking Jeong Yeon-shin to the Celestial Tree.

Many royals had studied under the Lord of Ipwang Fortress, deepening their martial prowess, but to call someone a true successor was something entirely different.

“Apologies for interrupting your conversation.”

A boy of about eighteen, with a hollowed face, suddenly interjected.

“I was just too curious. I’ve never heard of Yeonhwa Nata using the Moonlight Divine Technique of the greatest martial artist in the world... Was she really a disciple of the Lord?”

Despite wearing a Taoist robe, his demeanor didn’t suit that of a Taoist priest.

A worn sword hung at his waist, and on the narrow cuffs of his sleeves, a small yin-yang symbol of blue and red was embroidered.

A symbol of Qingyun and Red Haze, the famous divine arts of the Taoists of Cheongseong Sect.

This was Jinmu, the disciple personally chosen by Cheongsu, who ignored formal ranks and passed down his martial techniques directly.

He was beginning to make a name for himself as the future martial prodigy who would unify the Qingyun Sword and Red Haze Sword techniques. Naturally, he was an extraordinary talent.

Hyeon Won-chang’s expression became somewhat stiff.

“This is an internal matter of the fortress. Questioning the master-disciple relationship between the Purple Shade of Ipwang Fortress and the Lord herself? Where did you learn such manners?”

“Well, whatever I learned, it obviously came from Cheongseong...”

Jinmu’s upper body suddenly jerked backward. A middle-aged Taoist next to him had yanked him back forcefully.

“I deeply apologize. This child is causing trouble for our sect as well.”

This was Cheongeun, a top master of Cheongseong Sect. He was also famous as a formidable swordsman, but he often found himself troubled by the relationship between Cheongsu and Jinmu.

The newly appointed sect leader, Cheongsu, was strong-willed yet somewhat careless, whereas Jinmu was a boy who practiced effortless naturalism without regard for common sense.

“You must be curious too, Senior. The leader of our sect was beaten to such a state, and yet the master of Heavenly Extremity Sect suddenly disappeared... And it’s all because the new Purple Shade fought and defeated him in a direct duel, right? How could we not be interested? At least here, we can exchange words with her close aides, but outside Hangzhou, a storm must be brewing...”

With a dull sound, Jinmu’s speech was cut off.

Cheongeun had struck his pressure point.

Jinmu’s eyes filled with a sense of injustice, but Cheongeun didn’t even look at him and instead bowed toward the warriors of Ipwang Fortress.

“I once again extend my apologies on behalf of our sect.”

“No need, his words are mostly correct. Our Seomye does indeed craft her own martial arts as a grandmaster of her own discipline.”

A voice of a young girl dropped down from the wall.

It was Ak Su-rim, sprawled on the high wall. A bright, mischievous smile lingered on her face above the black robe draped over her shoulders.

She did not want Jeong Yeon-shin’s martial arts to be overshadowed by the presence of the Lord of Ipwang Fortress.

Cheongeun’s lips curled into a slight smile.

The Nine Sects held countless secular martial arts schools under their wings. Naturally, they often clashed with Ipwang Fortress, which stood at the forefront of Jianghu.

It was rare for the atmosphere to be as amicable as it was now, and it had only grown closer after Jeong Yeon-shin’s rise in the martial world.

“There are barely any Purple Shades who have formed such close ties with the Nine Sects.”

Even Elder Shen Byeok was like that. Despite his seemingly gentle appearance, he was a deeply stubborn old man. He once declared that even the most common tavern in the marketplace was a national asset.

If he spotted a martial artist breaking property during a petty brawl, he would capture them on the spot and sever their energy center.

And what about Yong Huimyeong, the leader of the Divine Sword Hall?

His dazzling, elaborate swordsmanship was perfected through his subtle mockery of the martial world.

Cheongeun did not even bother thinking about Pahyeop.

“In any case, I’m worried about Lord Jeong’s condition. The Divine Doctor’s skills may be unrivaled, but after enduring so many consecutive battles... Unless we summon a celestial immortal from the fabled Palace of the Great Luo, it will be difficult for her to recover quickly.”

His words trailed off. Ak Su-rim scoffed.

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

“A celestial immortal from the Palace of the Great Luo? No need to bring up fictional nonsense. Even if that existed, the Divine Doctor would be far better.”

“Well, the Great Luo Immortals are famously incompetent, aren’t they?”

For once, the mood was light.

Perhaps this fleeting moment of ease would never return.

Because right now, while the Divine Doctor’s treatment took priority, elsewhere, Myolseom, the leader of Destruction Island, had already set off on a new mission.

This happened right after they had witnessed the Lord of Ipwang Fortress personally escorting Jeong Yeon-shin.

Ak Su-rim recalled his parting words.

— "If the leader of the Divine Sword Hall is replaced, one day, the entire Seventeen Lords of our sect may rally under Jeong Yeon-shin’s banner. Not just the Lords, but all our forces."

"You’re insane! Do you even know why Yongga is about to be dismissed, and yet you go spouting such ominous words?"

"Some of the Grand Lords, like Bukgung-ah, may not be close enough to Won Young-shin to follow such an order so easily. But that will be the responsibility of the newly appointed Purple One. It’s about preparing for the true chaos that will soon engulf the world."

"Ak Seonbae, you should be doing the same. I know that you are already working tirelessly to complete Gongwolmu through the Ak Family’s legacy. But you must hurry even more."

And just like that, Mok Shin-gun disappeared.

Ak Su-rim furrowed her brows as she recalled his thoroughly one-sided words. It felt as if everyone was just saying whatever they pleased, regardless of the situation.

"By the way, what do you think will happen to Won Young-shin of Dark Celestial Emperor? It seems we’ve completely lost track of him..."

Cheongsu’s expression showed a hint of concern as he spoke, still refusing to release Jinmu’s pressure point.

"A great threat remains."

Cheongmyeong answered briefly, but he made no move to leave the wall where he had been standing with his back to Jeong Yeon-shin’s residence.

The other high-ranking warriors of Ipwang Fortress were the same.

Shin Sobin tossed out a remark.

"What can we do? Protecting our Grand Lord comes first."

"But does the Ipwang Fortress Lord really need your protection?"

Jinmu of Cheongseong finally spoke up, forcefully circulating his energy to break the pressure point that had been sealed. Cheongeun shook his head.

"How many Sect Leaders of the Nine Schools are inside that room? The more powerful figures gathered within the same boundary, the more their energy sense sharpens like a blade. No matter how strong the world’s greatest martial artist may be, expanding their perception beyond this point is impossible. Being prepared for any possibility is simply the instinct of a true warrior."

"Are you saying the Fortress Lord is wary of our Sect Leader? Aren’t you overestimating him a bit too much, Sasuk?"

"Celestial Emperor’s Cho Ryeol is an ancient monster who lived through the founding of a dynasty. A grandmaster of sorcery and martial arts like him could easily manipulate the energy signatures of supreme martial artists and deceive the entire world like a divine thief. Why don’t you consider that possibility?"

"Seriously, the battle is over. Why won’t that old bastard just die already? And to think he’s supposed to be a supreme martial artist..."

No one responded to Jinmu’s grumbling.

Each of them let the time pass at their own pace, with their own thoughts.

Meanwhile, in one corner, Tang Unhwang, the head of the Tang Clan, sat in silence, endlessly waiting for Jeong Yeon-shin to emerge.

A brazen voice echoed in his mind. It carried no trace of old age, yet wrinkles seemed to form within its tone. And yet, it was the call of an ignorant fool.

Jeong Yeon-shin, having lived long enough, immediately regained his senses.

And he realized it at once.

Only his consciousness had awakened—his body remained with its eyes closed, circulating his Great Cycle.

[Your reaction is remarkably fast. A speed worth remembering. Any sorcerer facing you would be a fool to try and attack your mind with a crude imitation of the Heart Sword.]

A speech pattern laced with ingrained insight.

Jeong Yeon-shin instantly recognized the voice’s owner and spoke with his thoughts alone, realizing that his opponent had invaded his mind with an unusual technique.

‘Dark Celestial Emperor... so you’re still alive?’

An old-fashioned response came immediately.

[I do not die. As long as even a sliver of my true energy remains in this land, my time shall stretch on endlessly.]

‘Are you truly immortal?’

[Indeed. I sense deep envy within you. Now that I have entered through the cracks of your broken inner wall, I can see it clearly.

You possess a heart that flickers with unease—like a man who has already accepted the day of his death.]

Somewhere within the heavy voice, there was an air of triumph. Even an ancient Absolute still had his humanity.

Jeong Yeon-shin thought.

If true longevity existed, then he could remain with those he had built bonds with for a long time.

For a moment, Dark Celestial Emperor fell silent, as if he had read Yeon-shin’s thoughts.

His voice flowed slowly.

[You have not lost it yet.]

A cryptic statement. Was he speaking of ties? Considering Celestial Emperor had already been roaming the martial world when the Ming Dynasty was founded, it made sense. He must have had few connections left.

But it was none of Jeong Yeon-shin’s concern.

In an instant, Dark Celestial Emperor’s form took shape in the emptiness of his mind. A handsome man with long, drooping ears draped in a thick robe. His body was composed of a faint light.

Jeong Yeon-shin had done this.

Just as a martial artist infuses intention into their sword energy to manifest a blade, he focused his consciousness and solidified Dark Celestial Emperor’s presence within his mind. It was nothing extraordinary.

Yet Celestial Emperor seemed to interpret it differently.

[Truly... the same talent as Sambong...]

His spectral form rippled, a wave of newfound surprise washing over him.

[If you were to obtain it, even you could wield the Three Purities Force of the Daoists with complete mastery.]

‘The teachings of Daoism are difficult. Unlike Buddhism, they lack intuitive understanding. A short period of study will not be enough.’

As he spoke, Jeong Yeon-shin pondered how to seize Dark Celestial Emperor’s soul and destroy it.

But since his body was still in recovery, no particular method came to mind.

Dark Celestial Emperor’s laughter suddenly seeped into him.

[I shall give it to you.]

[I have long preserved it within my soul. A fragment—however small—of Jang Sambong’s true energy rests with me! With this, you will one day be able to awaken the Three Purities Force. A true genius, one ordained by heaven, does not study. Beings like Sambong achieve everything through pure instinct. For you, time will not be necessary.]

[I was never in my right mind.]

Dark Celestial Emperor responded.

And then he murmured something like a chant.

[Have you not seen? The idle Daoist, severed from learning, adrift with no purpose.]

The Song of Enlightenment.

A teaching of a Tang Dynasty monk.

A hollow emptiness bled from his voice, as if all had turned to void. At the same time, Dark Celestial Emperor’s fingertips carved a pinewood figurine, only to dissolve it into Jeong Yeon-shin’s mental landscape.

A fragment of Jang Sambong’s true energy.

A treasure even the most solitary of supreme martial artists would covet.

The space within his mind trembled violently, as if a massive drum had been struck in the depths of his consciousness.

[I have no Sambong to truly comprehend my teachings. And yet, I must acknowledge that heaven’s mistake has been born in you.

Thus, through you, I shall feel Jang Sambong!

I desire his recognition...!]

That was the end of it.

Jeong Yeon-shin suddenly felt an alien presence withdrawing from his mental space. Celestial Emperor’s voice followed, its tone neither rising nor falling.

[You were born a warrior. In the end, you will inevitably attain the Three Purities Force.

And when that day comes, I will return—to claim your body as my own.

Through you, I shall experience Jang Sambong’s senses.]

‘Soul Possession...?’

Dark Celestial Emperor’s voice grew fainter and fainter.

[The fragment of Jang Sambong’s true energy I carried is now mine no longer.

You and I are now connected.

All that remains for the grand technique to take hold is time.

Until that day—enjoy the remainder of your life.]

Suddenly, a sharp pain erupted from his abdomen.

The physician had driven a needle into his body.

A vast, overwhelming stream of natural energy surged through the thin piece of metal and into his core.

Dark Celestial Emperor’s figure vanished without a trace from within Jeong Yeon-shin’s mind.

Hyeon Won-chang, leaning against the wall of Mok Family Manor, suddenly tilted his head and slowly spoke.

“...Isn’t it a bit cold?”

“It’s winter, of course it’s cold. If it didn’t bother you at all, then you’d be a supreme martial artist.”

Jinmu chuckled as he responded.

This was after the group that had gathered earlier had dispersed. It was because Ak Su-rim mentioned that countless auras were now marching toward Hangzhou in formation.

The sheer scale and intensity of the force resembled a military unit of martial artists. Whether they would be allies or enemies remained unclear, but it was reason enough for them to prepare a defensive perimeter.

Hyeon Won-chang ignored the words of the young disciple of Cheongsu’s sect and turned his head again.

At that moment, something strange entered the gaze of the Grand Snow Sword of Ipwang Fortress.

A rounded shadow rose from one side of the wall’s shadow.

It was like the silhouette of a human head, its presence emerging from the darkness.

As someone from the Secret Sect who had encountered all kinds of unexpected situations, Hyeon Won-chang couldn’t just dismiss it.

His figure blurred for an instant as he stepped onto something that felt oddly insubstantial. A hazy sphere of air formed beneath his feet, flickering just beneath his eyes.

“No matter how much you’ve weakened, this is quite the disgraceful state. You must have hidden yourself on purpose, yet I can still see your Remnant Spirit. Even your movements are sluggish. How did you escape from the inner quarters? Did the fortress lord and the sect leaders face off in a grand confrontation?”

[Your eyesight is unusually sharp.]

The air trembled faintly with a humming sound.

It was the last lingering Remnant Spirit that the Dark Celestial Emperor had left behind on this earth.

Truly a bizarre sight.

“An assassin’s stealth arts are inherently meticulous.”

Hyeon Won-chang muttered as he observed it.

[With your meager martial arts, you cannot harm me. If you wish to attack, you’ll have to channel your energy into your breath and wield true internal force.]

“So it has to be in its darkest form, then.”

Hyeon Won-chang glanced at Jinmu, who was already standing next to him. He shook his head slightly. There wasn’t much to be done.

“A Remnant Spirit?! A real Remnant Spirit?! We need to call someone immediately—”

The moment Jinmu shouted, his voice laced with internal energy, a low incantation resonated.

The air rippled for a brief moment.

Hyeon Won-chang, however, had already pulled something from the bundle slung over his back.

It was a severed right hand.

Before anyone could react, Hyeon Won-chang grasped the index finger and slashed through the air.

A thunderous impact erupted as the translucent flickering air shattered into pieces.

[How... do you possess... the Hand of the Celestial Extreme...?]

“Our Grand Master tends to leave behind quite the battlefield after every fight.”

Hyeon Won-chang muttered as he lowered his hand.

“Countless martial artists flock to such sites, eager to study the traces of sword marks or remnants of energy left behind. It’s only natural to erase them, don’t you think? That’s when I came across this.”

It was clear to anyone listening.

The Remnant Spirit was fading away.

“The Supreme Outsider Sword must have been a truly extraordinary figure. This severed hand of his hasn’t decayed in the slightest. Just what kind of battle did the Grand Master fight...?”

As Hyeon Won-chang murmured, the shockwave subsided.

Only the crisp winter breeze continued to blow.

It was right after that moment that Jeong Yeon-shin woke up.