The divisions of Jianghu martial arts were like the Yangtze River. It was said that the upper and lower parts did not change.
No matter how strong one's martial arts were, they could not stand above their master, senior brothers, or senior uncles.
But Desolate Fortress was different. It was called the Sword of the Great Ming Empire.
The term 'rank advancement' felt foreign. The word itself revealed the unique nature of Desolate Fortress.
Blades with sharp edges were highly valued. Hence, they prohibited master-disciple relationships and introduced the rank advancement system.
"It is the same as the Desolate Fortress Examination. It proceeds in two tests."
A middle-aged man with a gaunt frame and sunken eyes spoke. The wide sleeves of his black robe emphasized his thin body.
No one laughed, however. He was called the captain of the Annihilation Squad.
His martial arts were said to rival those of the Radiant Demon Squad.
After the Lord of Desolate Fortress declared the opening of the examination, he closed his eyes again. The Annihilation Squad captain took charge of overseeing the test.
"It tests insight and martial strength. Other aspects are supplemented with recorded achievements. I will now present the questions."
Perhaps due to the fortress's unique origins, the test resembled the imperial civil service examination for officials.
Those seated in long rows received blank sheets of paper. Jung Yeonshin, seated near the middle, spread out his paper.
The unfamiliar brush and ink beside him reminded him how long it had been since he last used them, ever since the extermination of the Jung family.
Suddenly, Chung Myung's words came to mind.
'You said it was nothing.'
But it wasn't.
Slabs of stone, rocks, and pieces of bark were brought in.
The white-robed warriors had to examine the marks on the items and determine which sect's martial art techniques left the traces.
Renowned martial arts techniques usually bore distinct characteristics, making this a test of insight and experience.
Senior examiners, who had achieved higher realms of insight, observed closely. There was no room for distraction.
With his limited knowledge of Jianghu, Jung Yeonshin identified three answers.
He recognized the Thirty-Six Heavenly Sword techniques and the Taiji Formless Sword of the Zhongnan Sect, as well as the Plum Blossom Sword of the Huashan Sect.
His time spent with the Zhongnan Sect's experts proved beneficial.
'I've seen the Blood Flame Cult too.'
However, there were times when he knew the sect but not the name of the technique.
After finishing the first test, he briefly returned to Radiant Demon Squad's group.
Chung Myung smirked and fired a verbal arrow. He said that answering three out of twenty questions was practically a failing grade.
Unless he scored near-perfect marks in the second test, that is.
"There's no helping it."
"It takes at least a dozen years of broadening one's knowledge to reach the rank of blue."
"In Lightning Genius's case, there's no precedent."
Radiant Demon Squad's seniors patted Jung Yeonshin on the shoulder, offering comfort. Radiant Demon Squad's first and second units were different.
Their faces, exchanging casual conversations, showed no concern.
Even when others asked, they just smiled faintly and brushed it off.
"You go ahead. I'll follow soon."
Heon Wonchang said, his expression firm with determination.
His unpredictable nature often left Jung Yeonshin guessing.
He had seen Heon Wonchang wield his deadly sword many times yet still found it hard to grasp his true self.
Jung Yeonshin smiled faintly.
"Looks like we'll be on the next mission together too."
"Hm? How do you know that?"
"It's just a feeling."
He gave a vague answer.
As his upper dantian grew, a certain sense of foresight occasionally flashed through his mind.
It often turned out to be accurate, whether for trivial matters or insights into martial arts techniques.
But it wasn't always a good feeling.
It sometimes felt like a charity from the heavens before an early death.
"Our opponent has been decided. It's the Crimson Noon Sword of the Annihilation Squad, and it's not looking good."
A junior disciple approached with the news. She was a girl with sharp, clear eyes, about the same age as Jung Yeonshin.
Indeed, after completing a few missions, Jung Yeonshin had juniors under his wing.
Rumors had spread that she was a prodigy rivaling Lightning Genius.
She hadn't relied on her family's influence, either. She passed the Desolate Examination to enter.
'Shin So-bin, was it?'
She was said to be the younger sister of the heir to the Shin family in Desolate Fortress.
Jung Yeonshin had seen the heir before.
During a past ceremony, Jung Yeonshin, Ma Se-in, and the heir withstood the overwhelming presence of the Lord of Desolate Fortress.
Their delicate facial features and sharp noses seemed similar.
"Crimson Noon Sword? Never heard of him."
"Of course, you wouldn't. But for someone like me, who practically grew up in the fortress, he's pretty well-known."
Shin So-bin spoke boldly and chattered away, giving the impression of someone who had been showered with love in a prestigious household.
She seemed the embodiment of the phrase "precious jewel".
"He's been a white-robed warrior for twenty years. He's brimming with poison. They say he's skilled in all sorts of mixed techniques, even turning the Lazy Donkey Roll into a master-level move. You'd better be careful."
"Got it. Thanks."
Jung Yeonshin answered calmly.
Turning the Lazy Donkey Roll into a master technique?
That alone revealed Crimson Noon Sword's character.
It implied a willingness to endure humiliation and roll on the ground, disregarding pride.
Of course, rumors tend to exaggerate.
But that was enough.
'They said Desolate Fortress is home to all sorts of warriors.'
Future missions would surely bring countless encounters.
This rank advancement test would also prove to be a valuable experience.
Jung Yeonshin gave Shin So-bin a slight nod, expressing gratitude.
Her expression turned strange.
"Senior, you're staying alert, right? You'll need to defend against hidden weapons too. He's a tough opponent for someone with little experience in Jianghu."
"I'm always on guard."
"Well, sure. You've got quite the reputation, so I'm sure you'll do fine."
The other seniors looked on with subtle amusement as the two younger disciples chatted.
Unbothered, Jung Yeonshin continued walking.
Before he knew it, the Annihilation Squad captain was calling out Lightning Genius's name.
"Lightning Genius! Are you already thinking about your victory drink?"
Heon Wonchang's voice rang out behind him, accompanied by Baek Miryeo's scolding to stop adding pressure.
"Lightning Genius versus Crimson Noon Sword. It's clear what they're aiming for."
"A clash between youthful brilliance and seasoned battle tactics."
"Who has the edge?"
"Judging by achievements, Lightning Genius stands out. But Crimson Noon Sword's years of experience shouldn't be underestimated. This might be the year for a blue rank."
The surrounding crowd murmured, while the judges observed with cold eyes.
Jung Yeonshin felt a sense of déjà vu.
It was just like during the Desolate Examination.
It hadn't been that long ago.
Not even half a year had passed before he found himself in this situation again.
Back then, the reputation of Namgoong Hwashin, the White Qilin, had felt distant.
'So much was unfamiliar.'
It was the day he knocked on the door, determined to survive.
Nothing had changed.
Even with more eyes and stronger presences, none could pierce his composure.
Only one unfamiliar middle-aged warrior in his sight.
The colors of Desolate Fortress uniforms followed a standard.
Unlike the vague ranks of Jianghu martial artists, this was clear.
A white-robed warrior he didn't recognize.
It was a chance to gauge his own position.
"Lightning Genius."
Crimson Noon Sword's presence felt different than expected.
Hearing Shin So-bin's description, Jung Yeonshin had imagined a cunning rogue.
But no.
It felt more like a ten-man squad captain from the northern army, hardened by countless battles.
A martial artist from the underworld, yet one who had mastered legitimate techniques.
Covered in scars, the warrior spoke with gravity.
"I've heard of your reputation. Though the rumors about you in Jianghu fall short of reality, it's different here in Desolate Fortress. We have accurately assessed your skills and achievements. Everyone feels glad to see such an outstanding junior emerge."
"I've also heard much about you, Senior Crimson Noon Sword."
"Thank you."
He gave a faint smile, then changed his expression.
"That's why I'll reveal the true essence of all my martial techniques. You might face things you haven't experienced yet. You may even feel bewildered, perhaps angry. Will you endure it?"
"I believe we can exchange sentiments through our swords now."
Jung Yeonshin replied, finding the formal words somewhat awkward.
His hand, already gripping the sword, seemed to call for combat. At the same time, an explosive wave of energy surged from Crimson Noon Sword's body.
"Good!"
The Annihilation Squad captain, who had been standing between them, stepped back.
Crimson Noon Sword made the first move. Two daggers shot out from his sleeves like bolts of lightning.
Jung Yeonshin hadn't expected him to use dagger techniques right away. He immediately stepped forward and drew his sword.
Chaeeng!
With a single swing, he deflected both daggers. The resonating sound came from perfectly tracing the path of Radiant Demon Arts' sword techniques as he unsheathed his blade.
This was the realm of a master. The sensation rising through his grip felt light. Jung Yeonshin immediately advanced.
Boom!
Dust exploded beneath his feet as he stepped forward. The particles scattered at the tip of his sword, rising like sunlight from the earth.
The internal energy techniques of the Jung Clan's Dynamic Arts and the power of Limit Releasing Technique's cultivation stirred simultaneously. The hazy light of Radiant Demon Arts burst forth in an instant.
Kwaak!
Jung Yeonshin's footwork, along with his strike, went beyond the realm of martial arts. It demonstrated overwhelming natural talent.
He instantly closed the distance to prevent Crimson Noon Sword from channeling power into his attacks after drawing his blade.
From the very first strike, Jung Yeonshin gave his all. He didn't drag the fight into a prolonged contest of raw strength.
Instead, he pushed his upper dantian's energy, bound by both blessings and curses—to its limits, completing his calculations in a flash.
Observing Crimson Noon Sword's throwing technique and the positions of his limbs while launching the daggers was enough.
Clang!
It ended with a single strike. The sword energy, surpassing the white-robed rank, blew Crimson Noon Sword's blade away.
"What…?"
His hastily drawn sword couldn't withstand the power of Radiant Demon Arts.
Crimson Noon Sword's eyes widened as he saw the blade pointed at his neck.
Even the Annihilation Squad captain, who had been watching closely, was similarly stunned.
"…This isn't martial arts. It's raw martial talent."
The captain's eyes gleamed with a colorless light, clearly marking him as a martial arts fanatic of the highest level.
"No martial artist of equal rank could ever handle Lightning Genius. Is this Desolate Fortress's blessing? For the first time, I envy Ma Jin. Well then…"
He locked eyes with Jung Yeonshin.
"You've won, Lightning Genius."
"Thank you."
"There is no next match for you. You've scored full marks in this rank advancement test. Crimson Noon Sword, prepare for the second trial."
"Yes, Captain."
Crimson Noon Sword nodded and turned his gaze to Jung Yeonshin.
He seemed to feel ashamed of speaking about revealing the true essence of his techniques earlier, but Jung Yeonshin paid it no mind and bowed respectfully.
In the end, Crimson Noon Sword smiled.
"Use your strength for the people. You have the talent to stand at the peak of the world."
Jung Yeonshin silently raised his fist in salute.
The walk back to Radiant Demon Squad's group was unusually quiet. Only soft murmurs rippled like waves.
There were few martial artists present with shallow insight. Even seniors from other squads, seeing Jung Yeonshin for the first time, seemed visibly astonished.
The white-robed seniors, who had exuded pressure earlier, now silently held their tongues.
Jung Yeonshin simply recalled the time when his sword had shattered in one strike against Namgoong Hwashin, the White Qilin. It felt like a lifetime ago.
"How did you do that? What kind of footwork was that?"
Shin So-bin ran over, almost grabbing Jung Yeonshin by the collar. She even stomped her feet in excitement.
"And what was that sword technique that scattered light? I've never seen any of those martial arts before. What family are you from? Oh! Congratulations on winning!"
"…."
Jung Yeonshin gently pushed her shoulder away, feeling slightly burdened by her enthusiasm.
Despite her lack of familiarity, she approached without hesitation. It felt overwhelming.
Looking around, he saw Chung Myung, Baek Miryeo, and several seniors smiling. Heon Wonchang was also among them.
"You redeemed yourself."
Chung Myung remarked. Jung Yeonshin slowly nodded.
The rank advancement ceremony that followed was grand. Dancers and musicians performed in the training ground.
Such celebrations marked the significance of wearing the blue uniform, a symbol of Desolate Fortress's main fighting force.
Chung Myung had assured him it was only natural.
"May your path remain bright."
The Lord of Desolate Fortress recited a blessing in the manner typical of noble families. She then personally dressed Jung Yeonshin in the ceremonial robe.
His movements were precise, unlike the slightly oversized clothes Chung Myung had lent him before.
This robe, tailored to fit him, was his very own blue uniform.
A Desolate Fortress Blue Warrior.
It was a title that commanded respect wherever he went.
Even in Jianghu, it was a rank treated with deference.
Commoners with insight often greeted blue robe warriors with reverence.
"Congratulations."
"The youngest and fastest ever!"
The Radiant Demon Squad seniors congratulated him.
They said the Radiant Demon Squad among the Divine Sword Squad's Seventeen divisions was always short-handed.
Each Blue Warrior was considered comparable to the elite of the Nine Great Sects, forming an unmatched force.
'I've heard plenty.'
Because of frequent missions, they were accustomed to being scattered across the land.
Now, Jung Yeonshin was officially one of them, fully recognized.
"This way."
Do Yu-won, a scholar from the General Affairs Bureau, guided them. Jung Yeonshin was still trying to process everything.
His knowledge of the fortress's etiquette, learned during training, was suddenly put to the test.
Barely dressed in his uniform, he was already sent to another location.
He went with others who had advanced in rank, but the destination was unfamiliar.
It was a lavish hall within the fortress—one he hadn't even known existed.
The expressions of the blue robe warriors, briefed about the final event, weren't good.
Their faces were noticeably tense. Only Jung Yeonshin remained calm.
"The one you're meeting is highly sensitive. Please mind your manners."
Do Yu-won said.
They were meeting the Crown Prince, who had been training in the fortress.
Rumors suggested the prince was in poor spirits, upset that the Lord of Desolate Fortress, both an imperial tutor and a royal duke, had shown interest in Lightning Genius.
'What am I supposed to do about that?'
Jung Yeonshin found himself thinking purely like a martial artist.
He was slightly surprised at how naturally the thought had come to him.