Chapter 791: Side Story – Who Did You Say Was Invited? |
Jeong Yeon-shin turned his back on Helian Feng-yue.
This figure was not suitable for Jeong Jung-san’s wedding day. He decided to make him wait for now. There were many other people to meet besides Helian Feng-yue.
‘He must feel embarrassed.’
Jeong Yeon-shin pretended not to notice Immortal Profound Void and Wei Ji-myohwa in the cottage. It seemed harmless. So he transmitted gratitude only to Lady Lu Xian, who was seated with them.
—By the way, Lady Lu, how did the Nine Sects learn about my brother’s wedding so thoroughly? I only urgently informed the Grand Administrator at the main fortress that I’d be late due to the ceremony…
—A Mount Hua disciple’s first jianghu errand is to buy sword oil. After hearing all sorts of rumors in Xi’an, it’s harder not to know. I knew before Desolate Fortress did, I bet.
Jeong Yeon-shin felt the jianghu network.
Lady Lu Xian who informed him out of kindness, Immortal Profound Void who received that message and came here only to damage Zhongnan’s precious Sword Immortal Scripture, and now Wei Ji-myohwa with Wudang Sword Arts carved into Mount Zhongnan…
‘Ordinary jianghu people.’
The cottage next door.
Thud, crackle…
Faintly sensed. Powerful energy waves clashed like lightning.
From an energy sense perspective, it was the middle of a battlefield. A sensation familiar to Jeong Yeon-shin. A battleground composed of supreme masters.
Crossing the threshold, his head grew dizzy.
‘Did Hye-ah gather all these people?’
A robust middle-aged man was stroking a faded axe at his waist. Former Ming Grand Commander Quan Yu-li. He seemed reluctant to share a table with other guests, his eyes closed.
Across from him sat a one-armed woman. Very exotic features. She wore a piece of blue silk as Indian clothing.
Vajra King.
The Northern King of Thunder-Lightning Energy Technique who overwhelmingly opposed three of Desolate Fortress’ black ranks during the Black Capital incident. To blade-wielders who practice metalwork, she was like a death god. Even Jeong Yeon-shin was reluctant to face her with pure sword technique alone.
Vajra sat cross-legged beside Invincible Yelu Zhen. She was subtly questioning her.
“…The rumors must be unjust. On a good day, what do you think about testing yourself against Northern Emperor’s Body Protection Technique? If your bodies accidentally collide, you’ll witness the world’s successor. One technique with the efficacy of two.”
She did not stop or seem surprised when Jeong Yeon-shin arrived. Her curiosity and enthusiasm for strong descendants were typical of the Northern King.
Yelu Zhen was listening bewilderedly when her eyes met Jeong Yeon-shin’s. True to a demonic cult member’s nature, her face suddenly showed great interest. When Jeong Yeon-shin immediately frowned, she became indifferent like an older sister.
“Is that the right process? It sounds like saying third-rate sword technique directly leads to Transcendent Martial Art.”
Yelu Zhen said defensively. In Jeong Yeon-shin’s view, it was still trivial. Quan Yu-li, who was listening, simultaneously blurted out.
“The north. A land of beasts…”
In the middle of it all was Jeong Jung-san wearing blue wedding robes.
The black ceremonial belt looked appropriate. He seemed to be greeting guests. Besides famous jianghu figures like the Nine Sects and Desolate Fortress, no one could guess what kind of crowd the guests were.
Perhaps because of this, Jeong Jung-san showed spirit.
“How dare you mock a bachelor whom even messengers haven’t reached? Noble as you are, this should not be done. My brother’s fate may be decided on this festive day, so I beg you to watch your words and conduct.”
Vajra King smiled broadly.
“You’re right, I was too jesting.”
She placed her single hand on her chest and bowed slightly. Jeong Jung-san nodded like the master of the feast.
And he invited respectfully.
“For speaking hastily on a good day, drink three penalty cups. I will watch.”
He seemed drunk now. A groom who had become unconscious on his wedding day. It was common in street-side newlywed homes.
Jeong Yeon-shin had to stop him.
“Elder brother.”
“Didn’t I say so? That I’d show myself as an elder brother. Even more so since my younger brother hasn’t yet established a household. Shouldn’t I receive and judge the marriage proposal documents that discuss your marriage? As the only elder, finally fulfilling my duty as an older brother!”
“That makes sense.”
The Great Hero of Desolate Fortress was well versed in the Four Books and Five Classics. Jeong Yeon-shin nodded slightly, accepting it.
The atmosphere changed.
The energy sense or perception was due to masters encompassing the street. Whether in the neighboring house or its adjoining cottage, many guests were feeling Jeong Yeon-shin’s every move.
Vajra King asked Jeong Jung-san.
“Do you know what you just said?”
“Is my speech difficult to understand? I spoke of the duty between brothers.”
“Very clear. Your ambition places even Northern Kings beneath your feet. Truly Northern Emperor’s older brother.”
She seemed impressed.
Hwangbo Geon-ryun, who had been standing at Jeong Yeon-shin’s feet, was the same. Not just admiration but a pale expression.
He said he would manage the world’s foremost martial figure’s marriage. An action affecting the world, beyond the jianghu realm. He would have audiences with the emperor himself.
Only Jeong Jung-san shook his head with a flushed, drunk face, not understanding.
“How is wanting to fulfill duty to one’s last remaining brother ambition? Before I die, I’ll act like an older brother once. So please don’t be rude to a bachelor anymore. With that temperament, he’s never grasped anyone’s hand, yet what false rumors are you spreading… Ah, really.”
“That makes sense. I apologize again.”
Vajra bowed once more.
Then she lifted her wine cup and drank three times in succession.
Jeong Yeon-shin stared blankly at the back of Jeong Jung-san’s head.
He seemed to understand the essence of Wudang Cotton Palm Technique. To Taoist Sanfeng, the first Divine Sword Group Leader, Yue Feng must have been such a person. Difficult to touch but absolutely necessary to strike…
‘If only he weren’t the groom.’
When Jeong Yeon-shin pulled at his sleeve, Jeong Jung-san stumbled and asked indignantly.
“Is rudeness everyday in the upper jianghu? Rather than exchanging genuine looks, what is this to a child who learned shallowly from the world and only did eye battles through eye techniques?”
—It’s finished. We share the same bed.
He transmitted through energy voice.
“But why did you say that through transmission? There must be something unclear about it.”
—…!
It was when Jeong Yeon-shin swept his upper dantian through energy sense.
Yelu Zhen stepped beside him.
“Shall we walk?”
She said.
Since the wedding ceremony ended safely, Jeong Yeon-shin nodded. Leading the now-unconscious Jeong Jung-san out of the cottage.
“Yeon-shin, for this Jeong Jung-san to match you with a proper person…”
“She doesn’t have to be proper.”
He also heard blessings from Former Grand Commander Quan Yu-li during the process.
—Lord Jeong, it’s pleasant to see.
—I heard you still remain at the Great Wall. Emperor Black Return showed mercy.
—Son of the Southern Emperor indeed. By entrusting me with the old Ming borders, you announced to all that the border became nominal. Not through martial arts, but through politics did you hollow out this old man’s heart.
—True Mind Sword, indeed.
—When the dynasties changed, Lord Jeong remained neutral. Now I admit that was right.
On that day, Jeong Yeon-shin was asleep in the arms of Seven Apostle, appearing about seven years old.
He passed the story through heavy silence. He deliberately made groaning sounds while carrying Jeong Jung-san.
“Hmm.”
Soon Jeong Jung-san rambled in his sleep.
“Bringing an improper woman…? If truly so, I would spar with the woman who will be my sister-in-law. Whether master or novice, when martial arts mix, character can be… discerned…”
“What spirit!”
Hwangbo Geon-ryun’s overwhelming admiration followed. Yelu Zhen remained silent, unable to comprehend. Only Former Grand Commander Quan Yu-li’s transmission continued.
—But Lord Jeong, if governance becomes unstable, I don’t know how I’ll move from the Great Wall.
—That would be the emperor’s intention. By the time you see the Central Plains that way, it will be after I visit the emperor.
—Using the atmosphere of the Great Wall as a mirror for governance? The world’s purpose did great work. Now the world will be favorable to the world’s foremost martial figure who silently violates military non-interference. I as well…
—I could be wrong.
—Self-cultivation leads to family order, as they say. If you enjoy life correctly, that won’t happen often. Seeing you here, Lord Jeong, it seems possible.
That was all.
Jeong Yeon-shin handed Jeong Jung-san over to the Xi’an Jeong Family.
His sister-in-law, already introduced earlier, received the groom. She had a favorable impression as a Zhongnan lay disciple martial artist, yet she seemed unworthy of Jeong Jung-san.
“I deliberately didn’t push away the drunkenness, but if sister-in-law wishes, I can make elder brother new again.”
“Where will little brother sleep?”
“Too excessive…”
“Yes?”
“There are many places to sleep. I’ll visit often.”
“Please do.”
The feeling of a growing family was subtle. Unfamiliar and difficult, yet tickling like grass blades marking the heart. What about the couple at the center of the marriage?
Jeong Yeon-shin, seeing Jeong Jung-san being carried by the bride, thought: The family bloodline will become clearer.
* * *
A clear sunset night.
Jeong Yeon-shin also met the former administrator of Jeong Family Estate.
Now known as a Shaolin lay disciple and merchant called Sunset Glow Merchant Elder Song Zhou-cheng.
He had sat at the principal guests’ table during the ceremony.
It would be the same when Jeong Yeon-shin held his wedding. Because Song Zhou-cheng was the only person who knew Jeong Yeon-shin’s childhood.
Because Song Zhou-cheng was the only one…
“Third Young Master.”
His expression was generous, his complexion bright. An energy unexpectedly vibrant for his age.
“Elder.”
“I’m still deeply moved. I remember the map you drew… It turned out to be a complete map of the Central Plains including the north.”
“A map?”
“It’s common in childhood.”
Jeong Yeon-shin experienced the limits of his composure for the first time in a while. He quickly deployed an energy barrier, but Yelu Zhen heard anyway. The corners of her mouth below the silver mask curved in smooth mockery.
She asked.
“Can that blanket be traded?”
Afterward, Jeong Yeon-shin greeted many guests. As Jeong Hye said, many came to see Jeong Jung-san. Eventually Hwangbo Geon-ryun fell asleep first.
Yelu Zhen stayed silently with him throughout. Only after all Jeong Yeon-shin’s business was finished did she speak again.
“Younger brother, do you have nothing to say to me?”
The dim alley as dusk fell.
Jeong Yeon-shin tilted his head slightly and asked.
“Were you well?”
“Something better than ordinary greetings.”
“Of course you were well. You’ve reached a state where you treat the world tree’s saplings like limbs. At that level, you needn’t worry about Form Shifting Void attacks. No need for concerns about sudden assassination.”
“With you around?”
“No need to worry.”
At Jeong Yeon-shin’s repeated words, Yelu Zhen closed her mouth.
Now her realm surpassed omnipotence. But Jeong Yeon-shin was confident he would win every fight with her. It was enough to become honest without much shame.
Because of this, Jeong Yeon-shin was stronger, able to speak so freely.
“Now I must find Senior Baek. Let’s go together with a wide area Form Shifting Void.”
“I was about to kill her but I held back because of you, why again?”
“Hurry.”
“I don’t know who the Heavenly Demon is. Your villainy is like the demon path.”
“It’s Transcendent Law.”
“Seriously…”
Whoosh!
Passing through the space Yelu Zhen had blurred, thick sunset touched the skin. A mountainside with many shadows.
There was plenty of shade.
Baek Mi-ryeo was there too. Her surprise could be felt.
Right beside Jeong Yeon-shin. Very close.
Was it Yelu Zhen’s mischief? Or recognizing an irresistible opponent? Baek Mi-ryeo’s face rushed forward. As in their first meeting, with a cold, expressionless face. She seemed to want to humiliate Jeong Yeon-shin with a kiss.
‘Demon.’
Filling desires through all means.
Sometimes tyrannically, sometimes sensuously, or through absurd actions.
What was in the heart of Baek Mi-ryeo immersed in Heavenly Demon Divine Formula? Jeong Yeon-shin faced her just before she touched his cheek. While gently sweeping her forehead like older and younger siblings.
Rustle.
“…!”
Unlike with Yelu Zhen, she was easily blocked. The field of vision turned blue simultaneously.
Divine Secret Technique
Fan Dragon Flower Treading Technique
* * *
Thud!
At the moment of communion with Baek Mi-ryeo’s upper dantian.
Jeong Yeon-shin felt something was wrong. It was not her memory, but an instinct that he’d been pulled into a separate timeline and location.
‘Why…?’
A beautiful lake.
Vast enough to appear as sea at first glance.
Water mist spread mysteriously, and luxurious pavilions lined the expansive lakeshore. Among them, familiar faces were visible. One woman caught the eye particularly. She resembled Baek Mi-ryeo.
“Former Pure Demon Alliance Leader Lord?”
White Pure Demon Baek Seo.
Reportedly quite an age difference from Baek Mi-ryeo. Now seen in the arms of young Helian Feng-yue. A considerable shock.
Beside her sat the contemporary Namgung First Sword too. He must have been Namgung Mu-jin, remarkably resembling his nephew Azure Qilin. Only his eyes were sharper.
Before Helian Feng-yue and Namgung Mu-jin entered the Martial Dragon Alliance. In a luxury pavilion worth millions even for one night’s rent, the eight masters of that era were together.
“The scenery is beautiful.”
“Dongting Lake never disappoints. You chose a great location.”
Star Radiance Great Sword Lord Murong Jang-rak stood out. He seemed interested in White Pure Demon Baek Seo, glancing discreetly through eye techniques.
Like ceremonial attendance, Zhuge Tian-xiang only held the water in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Baek Seo concealed her azure eyes and demon energy. Imitating Return to Origin through demonic cultivation’s characteristic rapid achievement. Clearly a demon head hiding in the orthodox sect’s main base.
That was when Murong Jang-rak, leaning against a pavilion pillar, spoke.
“So Brother Helian, how long will you hide the marriage? Will you hold a ceremony? If you only enjoy the music and leave today, we’ll have trouble gathering again. The Desolate Fortress has been lately watching our faction meetings…”
“That’s fine. I invited Radiant Sword Squad Leader as witness. To open the way and let him enjoy himself appropriately.”
“Hmm…?”
“Who did you say was invited?”
Even so, Jeong Yeon-shin had been gazing at the distant water. Large concentric circles were spreading.
Young Yong Hye-myeong walked toward them, fluttering his neat black robes.
Splash.
Unhurried steps on water with Water Treading Step, his youthful face also stood out. It was after he’d been rejected from marriage by his mother Ma Yeon-sang.
“All the traitors are gathered here.”
Yong Hye-myeong muttered.