Chapter 522: Chapter 522

It always takes far longer to clean up after a war than to fight it. Especially in times of chaos.

The lost military strength, the shattered fortress and weapons, the supply lines all but severed during the battle... It was a situation where all the immense losses had to be replenished somehow.

And Ipwang Fortress was the largest martial faction in the world.

If supply during a famine wasn’t properly secured, the damage from the Martial Faction War couldn’t be fully recovered. That was the very weakness of Ipwang Fortress. Precisely because it was a group that possessed so much.

While everyone was distracted in the chaos—

No one seemed to take the faint shimmering sunlight too seriously.

It was because, during the great battle of Ipwang, countless inner power masters had unleashed dense energy across the land.

It was common for the light or surrounding terrain to remain disturbed long after such clashes.

But in Commander Im Jin-myeong’s ears, a faint vibration stirred.

—Prior transmission. There’s a secret technique that must be urgently passed to the Acting Leader. Just be aware that the Violet has reappeared in the fortress. I’ve forgotten something crucial. It’s something that can’t be fully conveyed in just a couple of hours.

It was a woman’s voice, so dignified it bordered on arrogant. Her voice echoed, trapped within a technique wrought from extremely delicate internal energy control.

Inside the inner walls of Ipwang Fortress—

The roads were filled only with high-ranking martial artists.

And all of them had bloodshot eyes, looking to gain something from Ipwang Fortress, one way or another.

They had simply wrapped themselves in appearances befitting their stations, but a suffocating pressure had crept in, filling the courtyard without notice.

“That man governs all affairs in this place?”

“It’s entirely possible. The position of Commander of Ipwang Fortress has always been the central authority of the martial world... And surely he also holds knowledge of the Violet hierarchy’s future movements.”

“Then even Seomye Jeong Gong’s marriage, without a proper noble house...?”

They whispered as if wanting to be overheard.

No one reacted to the woman’s voice transmission. It had been fundamentally shielded from eavesdropping.

But Im Jin-myeong remained silent, unable to mimic the woman’s technique.

And he thought to himself—

‘Where on earth has she been? What is it she must urgently pass on to Jeong Gong...?’

Not even half a day had passed since the end of the Ipwang Battle. Im Jin-myeong’s upper energy center was still overheated. Of course, reacting properly and in time was near impossible.

Shin Cheonhwa of the Divine Sword Sect.

Her time of materialization had long since passed.

She had returned after temporarily breaking free from the vast formation preserving her spiritual essence. There were far too many mysteries.

But some among the gathering seemed to misread his silence. Even Prince showed signs of it.

“So you believe I’ve come to make unreasonable demands. Or perhaps you recall the matter of propriety.”

Prince stroked the smooth, dark blue sleeve of his robe as he spoke. His voice was calm and gentle, and Im Jin-myeong made no attempt to deny his words. Because they were true.

Prince slowly turned his head from side to side, then offered a faint smile.

“Acting Leader of the Divine Sword Sect is a rather ambiguous position. Especially when considering the power and authority granted to Seomye of the Jeong Household. Shouldn’t we bolster the legitimacy of his station?”

A low voice, subtly guiding the crowd. The bearing of one noble by birth.

In this moment, none among the surrounding guests voiced agreement with him, yet neither did anyone oppose.

Did Im Jin-myeong grasp what they had all seen during the Ipwang Battle.

A world where one must protect oneself.

The survival-of-the-fittest world envisioned by the Tang Dynasty scholar Han Yu had now become reality. That is, martial rogues of immense power no longer feared the nation’s gaze.

And now stood Ipwang Fortress, which might extend its raw influence across the entire world after its decisive victory in a major war.

A military force impossible to fully trust. And leaders too untrustworthy to counterbalance it.

The Martial Faction War of Ipwang Fortress—

Had become one face of a chaotic age.

Like a grand final brushstroke, it was an event that proved the state of the world had changed.

Im Jin-myeong furrowed his brow.

Like crows flocking to carrion in a ruin. They sought to gain what they wanted through quiet but powerful pressure. In none other than the gap left by Jeong Yeon-shin’s disappearance.

It was Prince Ju Tae-il, the one who trusted the Divine Sword Sect led by Seomye Jeong Yeon-shin the least, who spoke next.

“I propose a marriage.”

“You are capable of making it happen.”

“What are you saying?”

“If the heir to the Royal Household... were to be joined with Seomye of the Jeong Clan, I would be willing to relocate the royal estate to Ipwang Fortress at any time. Yes, we would form the Ipwang Jeong Clan, which would revere Seomye as its founding ancestor. Alongside the blood of House Ju. Naturally, we would surpass the top family of Ipwang, and even aim to be the foremost family in the world.”

It was a truly staggering declaration.

He was offering to merge the future royal estate into Ipwang Fortress. In other words, a proposal of submission. Gasps could be heard from every direction.

Even Im Jin-myeong, who had stood firm as an iron tower, twitched his eyebrows. But Prince continued, now even turning to address the crowd.

“Seomye of the Jeong Clan has led the fight that ended today to victory. He now leads the mighty Divine Sword Sect. There is no authority or royal family who could raise an objection at this moment. However, if he continues to remain in the position of ‘acting leader,’ then sooner or later, murmurs will begin. There will be those who seek any excuse to drag down the young Violet from his position.”

Was he trying to close his proposal with certainty? Prince’s long and short words began to cross a line.

Im Jin-myeong immediately cut in.

“You seem to be overstepping in matters of the fortress.”

But Prince merely responded with a strange smile.

“I spoke earlier of legitimacy. Yes... that is what is lacking. It’s been too long since Ma Yeon-jeok and Yong Hui-myeong have shown their faces. No one is currently in a position to verify his status as acting leader. Even after such a massive war.”

—And I hear the Lord of the Fortress has personal issues as well.

That last part was spoken through voice transmission.

Im Jin-myeong suddenly felt the surrounding presence grow heavier.

Had he truly come to promote a marriage alliance with Jeong Yeon-shin? The distinguished spectators now each revealed signs of either agreement or caution toward Prince’s words.

It wasn’t long ago that a message had come from the King of Gungmyeong, who had ascended to the north: “Seomye of the Jeong Clan must not leave Yangyang.”

A succession of famines internally.

The imperial court had failed to fully suppress the northern martial world. And now even the whereabouts of the God of Battle were unclear.

Right before the true descent of chaos, these people sought to fully grasp the sword named Jeong Yeon-shin.

The Divine Sword Sect of Ipwang Fortress—

Possessed enough power to overturn the world, even across such a vast empire.

Power more than enough to survive the times of chaos.

Prince’s final words confirmed that very truth.

“To hold command over the Divine Sword Sect is to hold the fate of this nation in one’s hands. His Majesty has also spoken of the young man’s future. As an old member of the Royal House of Ju, I claim the right to discuss the standing of Seomye of the Jeong Clan. I can lend strength to his position and authority. So that he may travel freely across the world, even with the might of the Divine Sword Sect in his grasp... Ah!”

Suddenly stopping himself, Prince glanced around and smiled softly.

“It seems I’ve kept our honored guest to myself for too long. If any of you have something to say—speak now. Right here, in this place.”

There was a slight emphasis in his final words.

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

Everyone could tell. That it was best not to step forward recklessly.

But just as Prince Ju Tae-il came with the intention of turning Jeong Yeon-shin’s shadow, cast across all of Yangyang, to his advantage, few among the guests who had arrived at Iphwang Fortress were actually mindful of his presence.

They were all powerful figures of a world where that made sense.

“It was meant to be a private conversation, yet it’s suddenly turned into a gathering of competitors. As you may know, I am Geum Yak-ran, the Lord of the newly allied Huishang Daechun League.”

A woman with relaxed, smiling eyes stepped forward.

The subtle sheen on her green silk robe suited her well, and a formless energy draped her body like an invisible veil.

Perhaps because she had no one she could trust.

In this world, a merchant who half-heartedly trained in martial arts would be plundered by their own escorts or even hired mercenaries.

She represented the intentions of many guests who had come here.

“I’ll be direct. I wish to personally enter into a lifelong bond with Sir Jeong. As the Grand Commander knows, a ten-year age difference means nothing over a lifetime.”

“If he accepts, I’ll build a fortress in Namjikrye identical in size and function to this Iphwang Fortress, and fill it with wandering swordsmen of the highest caliber. They’ll obey only Sir Jeong’s commands. I’ll pour everything into it.”

Her proposal was beyond extraordinary.

This wasn’t shamelessness. These people understood precisely what Iphwang Fortress needed.

Jeong Yeon-shin may have become the symbol of the chaotic era with her overwhelming presence, but many rising powers had emerged across the world as well. And Geum Yak-ran wasn’t the only one.

A man who had been expelled from the martial lineage of the Divine Thief.

“I discovered the hidden refuge of the Noble Clan Hermits. There were countless spiritual beasts there. Sir Jeong—no, I don’t expect him to meet me. I simply wish to share a cup of tea with the Grand Commander.”

Yoonmyeong King, ruler of the northern lands of rich Bokgeon.

“Prince Ju may have put forth his daughter, but I am willing to stand at Sir Jeong’s side myself. I’ll bestow the Ju name to his child. I can even declare, under my royal title, that the Divine Thunder of the Sword ranks alongside the Ascendant Sword.”

It was a relentless barrage.

Especially the nobles from the royal houses like Yoonmyeong King Joo So-ryeong, who were particularly verbose.

“If the age difference is around a hundred years, there would be no discord within the household. No need to divine fortunes with horoscope matching. I plan to cast aside all my concubines and recognize only him as my main husband.”

Im Jin-myeong felt dizzy.

Those who desired Jeong Yeon-shin’s shadow. Their stance was no different from the aggressive factions of the Northern Front.

They came proposing deals in all forms.

Skirting around the words Jeong Yeon-shin had once declared in Hangju—about treating them no differently than the orthodox sects if they acted rashly.

They didn’t take civilians hostage. They simply, and precisely, offered what Iphwang Fortress and Jeong Yeon-shin needed.

“I came for the family’s martial treasure. The secret scroll left by Eon Hwayeon, Fist Sage of the Eon Clan—Greatest Fist of the Eon Clan.”

Im Jin-myeong recognized the large man who said that. Eon Gi-bo, known as the Undying Seven Fists—who had lost the succession race to his nephew Eon Ga Gwon-ryong.

As his title suggested, he was a martial artist said to be invincible until he had thrown seven punches.

“I didn’t come empty-handed. Once, my sister—the Fist Sage—tried to weave Gongwolmu together with Sir Jeong’s ‘Return to the River’ technique. I have a letter from her that I’ll deliver to him. It may not be a great gift to the Five Great Swords of the world, but her insight into fists and palms once astonished even Sword Saint Hyeon So-baek. It will surely be of help.”

Im Jin-myeong stood silent and unmoving. Even the guards of Iphwang Fortress, who had rushed in due to the commotion, hesitated to step in.

Every one of them was a renowned figure.

They couldn’t be handled recklessly.

Especially not at a time when the capital, Northern Capital, was highly sensitive. Emperor Gunreung, the northern martial world, the Four Ways Thirteen Heavens, the uprisings of local warlords across the realm...

Even Jeong Yeon-shin, should she try to suppress them by force, would put her position as acting leader at risk. There were multiple princes and nobles of the Ju Royal House present here.

This was why Im Jin-myeong couldn’t act rashly.

Even a tyrant like Ma Yeon-jeok had never lived through such turbulence in royal authority.

Even if Yong Hui-myeong returned, he would bear massive political burdens. He might be replaced immediately. It was the limitation of Iphwang Fortress, which had its foundation in the imperial court and the livelihood of the people.

Some guests, still silent, glanced «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» at Im Jin-myeong and whispered.

“He must be under incredible pressure. Frankly, it’s better if Sir Jeong doesn’t appear. Doing nothing is better than damaging his dignity...”

Im Jin-myeong inwardly agreed. It was rare to have such a young acting leader of the Divine Sword Unit. A person with a future so vast must bear responsibility and decorum fitting his position.

One could only avoid that kind of responsibility by being someone destined to die soon.

Suddenly, Im Jin-myeong’s head tilted slightly.

A low, resonating voice poured in with the sunlight.

[What a banquet. You’ve brought quite a lot.]

Everyone reflexively snapped their heads up. None of them had sensed the presence.

Toward the crimson-tinged mountain ridge.

Silhouetted in the setting sun, a woman stood with her hair billowing in the wind.

[Supplies taste best when seized from the enemy, but this is a fine surprise. Rolling in on your own? Hm? You there—your crown of the head still intact?]

From the bodies of Prince Ju Tae-il, Young Sword Lord, Geum Yak-ran, Yoonmyeong King, Eon Gi-bo, and even those who had remained neutral during the Iphwang Battle to preserve their strength, faint concentric waves burst forth.

It was a shockwave powered by an immensely swift body enhancement technique.

[Stored Servants. Mold Prison.]

Suddenly, stalagmites like icicles shot from the ground and bound them.

A deafening crash like shattering glass followed. It was the sound of protective inner energy being completely shattered.

Fragments of condensed energy seeped silently into the dusk. Some spat blood into the mist. It was a strike that dug all the way into the bone marrow.

Even before they could fully express their shock—

Im Jin-myeong turned his head to the side.

At some point, Chun So-so was standing atop a roof, holding the hem of Jeong Yeon-shin’s sleeve.

The Lord of Seonmok Ridge was stopping the acting leader from stepping forward, but Jeong Yeon-shin couldn’t shake off her grip. Most likely due to the internal injuries sustained during the battle.

“I’m not doing anything. No, let go.”

Two violet voices overlapped in unison.

At that moment, the cry of some distant bird echoed through the air.