Chapter 91: Goal (2)
Transformation Realm.
It was the supreme martial arts realm that could only be reached by surpassing the barrier and attaining the states of Three Flowers Gathered at the Crown and Five Energies Paying Homage to the Origin.
Yet he had declared that he would reach that level in 2 years despite not having gained realization of the peak realm.
'Is it difficult?'
As if reading Mok Gyeong-un's thoughts, the Blue Spirit said,
-Die and wake up a hundred times. See if that's possible. No, if that happens, I will call you Lord for the rest of my life and attend to you.
'You're coming on quite strong.'
Mok Gyeong-un twitched the corners of his mouth.
The reason the Blue Spirit was clicking her tongue and coming on so strong was simple.
First of all, even she, who was called a genius that appeared once in a few hundred years, had taken 20 years to reach the realm of Transformation.
Of course, even this was achieved at the young age of 28, so everyone was shocked beyond words.
'It's not like the era has disappeared now.'
In the past, there was a time when the martial arts world had experienced a glorious golden age.
There was a period when an unparalleled genius appeared and led the martial arts world at a young age, known as the Little Sword Immortal, but that's not the case now.
"I hope you keep that promise."
"Pardon?"
Lee Ji-yeom, the Master of Corpse Blood Valley, asked back as if wondering what Mok Gyeong-un's sudden words meant.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un shook his head.
He didn't intend to say it out loud, but it was meant for the Blue Spirit to hear.
-Wait and see after 2 years. You will know the greatness of this Venerable.
Mok Gyeong-un smiled faintly at the Blue Spirit's bold claim.
Just from her reaction and that of Lee Ji-yeom, the Master of Corpse Blood Valley, he realized he had made an absurd declaration, but his grandfather always said something.
[You know nothing until you try. Even your nature…..]
-Zzzt!
"Hmm."
"My liege?"
When Mok Gyeong-un brought his hand to his forehead and let out a groan, Lee Ji-yeom, the Master of Corpse Blood Valley, asked in puzzlement.
To his question, Mok Gyeong-un slightly frowned.
What was that just now?
He was someone who never forgot something once he remembered it.
He even remembered all the words his grandfather had said to him since he was young, but he couldn't remember what he had said after those words just now.
'Why is that?'
When he tried to recall it, his head hurt as if it would crack.
He could endure ordinary pain, but this pain was so severe, as if his brain was being cut out, that he couldn't help but grimace.
'Why is this happening?'
His grandfather had said something to him afterward, but he couldn't remember.
If he tried to uncover it as if it was forcibly hidden, he got a headache.
A memory shrouded in fog.
In the end, Mok Gyeong-un stopped trying to forcibly recall it.
'...…Could it be?'
Did his grandfather do this?
A small doubt arose.
But his grandfather had no knowledge of acupuncture or anything like that and hadn't done anything special to him.
He felt puzzled, but now was not the time to keep thinking about it.
Mok Gyeong-un relaxed his expression and said,
"It's nothing. By the way, may I ask a few questions?"
"Feel free to do so."
Lee Ji-yeom, who had been looking at him with a worried face, answered.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un asked,
"Do you happen to know someone named Ghost Blade?"
To that question, Lee Ji-yeom, the Master of Corpse Blood Valley, answered casually,
"Is there anyone who doesn't know Ghost Blade, one of the Eight Stars?"
Ghost Blade.
Excluding the Six Heavens who stand at the pinnacle of the current martial arts world, he is one of the eight masters known to have reached the highest realm.
"I don't know much about the current state of the martial arts world."
"Ah....."
Lee Ji-yeom nodded as if he understood.
The time when his ghostly liege was active was a whopping hundred years ago, so the masters who were renowned then and now could be said to be completely different.
At this, Lee Ji-yeom said,
"Ghost Blade's sect and identity are unknown. He suddenly appeared one day and rose to notoriety by engaging in life-and-death duels with masters who were known for their righteous deeds."
"Notoriety?"
"Yes. It couldn't be called fame because none of those who fought him survived."
"No one survived?"
"Yes. That's why his notoriety was quite high."
'Huh?'
At those words, Mok Gyeong-un tilted his head.
Mok In-dan, the head of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor, had said he had fought him and was injured.
Could it be that that fact was hardly known?
As he was puzzled, Lee Ji-yeom exclaimed "Ah!" as if he had remembered something and said,
"There is exactly one person who survived."
"Someone survived?"
"Yes."
'It must be the head of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor.'
Mok Gyeong-un was naturally convinced of that, but he asked without showing it.
"Who is that?"
"I heard that Baek Sa-ha, the Annihilating Poison King[1], one of the Five Kings of our sect, fought Ghost Blade for dozens of moves."
'!?'
What?
Wasn't it the head of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor, Mok In-dan?
Someone completely different from his expectation was mentioned.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un asked back,
"He…fought Ghost Blade?"
"Yes. It's quite a famous anecdote in our sect. I remember that the Annihilating Poison King unexpectedly fought him a few months before Ghost Blade disappeared."
At these words from Lee Ji-yeom, Mok Gyeong-un frowned.
For now, he could learn two facts from Lee Ji-yeom's words.
One was that Lee Ji-yeom was also unaware of the fact that Mok In-dan, the head of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor, had fought Ghost Blade and survived.
And the second fact he learned was a bit disappointing.
'Hmm.'
Mok Gyeong-un had come here thinking that Ghost Blade might be a master of Heaven and Earth Society.
But if he had fought someone called the Annihilating Poison King, one of the high-ranking executives here, they might not be on the same side but in an adversarial relationship.
'Did I make the wrong guess?'
Should he have gone to the imperial palace if he had known this would happen?
As he was thinking that, Lee Ji-yeom asked,
"Is there a problem?"
"Ah. I had heard that Ghost Blade was a hidden master of Heaven and Earth Society. But after hearing what you said, I'm starting to think that might not be the case."
He thought there was no need to mention the former if he didn't know anyway.
In any case, even the head of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor, Mok In-dan, didn't seem to know much about Ghost Blade.
Then Lee Ji-yeom said,
"Ah! There were quite a few such rumors as well."
"Quite a few rumors?"
"Yes. That's because the people Ghost Blade targeted and killed were all masters of the righteous and evil sects. The only exception was the Annihilating Poison King, a master of our sect, and I heard that in the midst of a long duel, Ghost Blade stopped the fight first and withdrew."
'....Withdrew first?'
At those words, Mok Gyeong-un's eyes narrowed.
Another possibility had arisen.
If he exceptionally clashed with a master of Heaven and Earth Society and withdrew first, there was a possibility that they were on the same side.
"So he could be a master of Heaven and Earth Society?"
"I don't know about that. The Annihilating Poison King also glossed over what happened at that time...But there were such rumors as well."
"What kind of rumors?"
"There was also a rumor that Ghost Blade was a secret guardian who received secret orders from the Society Leader."
"Secret guardian?"
-It seems they still maintain that system.
The Blue Spirit seemed to know about this as well.
Lee Ji-yeom continued,
"The Society Leader has secret guardians who constantly protect him. There are rumors that their martial arts skills are actually on par with the Five Kings."
"If they are on par with the Five Kings...are they strong?"
"They are strong. Among the Five Kings, there are two supreme masters who have reached the realm of Transformation, and the other three have reached the pinnacle of the transcendent realm."
-What?
The Blue Spirit couldn't hide her surprise at this.
That was understandable, as in the era when she was active, there were hardly any among the executive-level members who had reached such a realm.
But had it changed so much in a hundred years?
-How astonishing.
Had the level of Heaven and Earth Society risen to that extent?
Well, back then, it was the early days of Heaven and Earth Society, and it was a period when they were still gaining strength.
Considering that, it might be natural now that they had grown into one of the three giant forces dominating the current martial arts world.
"Ah! Since you said you're not familiar with the current situation, I should tell you this. The two of the Five Kings who have reached the realm of Transformation are called the Eight Stars in the current martial arts world."
"Hoo."
Then it made sense to some extent.
If the Society Leader's secret guardian was strong enough to be on par with the Five Kings, it was plausible that he might be the disappeared Ghost Blade.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un asked,
"Ghost Blade's identity still hasn't been revealed, right?"
"Yes. That's right. However....perhaps the Annihilating Poison King, who dueled with him before he disappeared, might know some clues."
"The Annihilating Poison King might know...I see."
"Yes. He is the only one who survived a duel with him. But it's not certain. By the way, why do you ask about this?"
"Ah. It's not really important, so don't worry about it."
At those words, Lee Ji-yeom, the Master of Corpse Blood Valley, showed a puzzled look but soon nodded without further questioning.
"I understand."
Seeing his attitude, Mok Gyeong-un thought he was truly straightforward.
He could understand why the Blue Spirit cherished the people of the Lee family.
Anyway, two clues had emerged from this.
'The Annihilating Poison King…..the Society Leader's secret guardian.'
The Annihilating Poison King might hold clues about Ghost Blade, and the Society Leader's secret guardian was a candidate who might be Ghost Blade.
The mark that remained on his deceased grandfather.
Mok In-dan, the head of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor, who had a similar scar.
'It won't be long.'
Finally, some outlines were starting to appear on this journey of revenge that began with only the clues of scars and footprints.
If it was certain that the person named Ghost Blade had killed his grandfather, he was definitely a target of revenge who had to be killed.
Mok Gyeong-un's lips twitched.
Lee Ji-yeom, the Master of Corpse Blood Valley, who was watching this, had a glimmer of interest in his eyes.
'Killing intent...'
Although he was trying his best to conceal it, the subtle killing intent leaking out was no joke.
It was very intense, so to speak.
He tried not to have doubts, but it was clear that his liege had quite unfavorable feelings toward the person named Ghost Blade.
As he was thinking that, Mok Gyeong-un said,
"Ah, by the way. What exactly is the purpose of Corpse Blood Valley?"
"Pardon?"
"I'm just going along with it to infiltrate this place, but as far as I remember, there was no such thing when I was here."
"Ah. You can think of it as a process of sorting out the raw gems."
"Raw gems?"
"Yes. As I told you even when you passed the second gate, the trials are a process of assigning and selecting manpower in the right places. If you pass all the way to the final gate here, you will be given a great opportunity."
"What is that?"
"You will have the opportunity to join the subordinates of high-ranking executives or become their disciple."
"Disciple?"
"Yes. Since you can be considered the best talent at the point of passing all the gates."
The trials of Corpse Blood Valley are difficult to pass even for those called martial geniuses who have diligently trained in martial arts since childhood.
But if one were to pass all these trials, they could be called the best talent.
These best talents are given the opportunity to be selected by the executives attending the Final Gate.
"When you say high-ranking executives, do you mean the Five Kings?"
"It could be the Five Kings, the Three Chief Masters, and the Four Valley Masters including myself."
The Five Kings, the Three Chief Masters, and the Four Valley Masters.
They could be considered the executives and the backbone that led Heaven and Earth Society.
'So that's how it was.'
Now Mok Gyeong-un understood why the boys were risking their lives in Corpse Blood Valley.
If they were chosen by the executives and became their disciples, they would gain immense power within Heaven and Earth Society and learn advanced martial arts, so how could they miss this opportunity?
There were reasons to seize it even at the risk of their lives.
Lee Ji-yeom, the Master of Corpse Blood Valley, cautiously said to Mok Gyeong-un,
"Please forgive me for the disrespect I have shown you so far, my liege."
"No, it's fine. You didn't know, so what's there to forgive?"
"Now that I know at least this much, I will have my subordinates pull some strings to get you out."
"Get me out?"
"That's right. Although the Society Leader's order was to have you participate in the trials of Corpse Blood Valley, there was no command that you must be kept alive, so we can easily process it as if you died."
If that happened, the Lord would be able to escape the Society Leader's sight and have time to secretly recover his martial arts here in Corpse Blood Valley.
That's what he thought, but Mok Gyeong-un shook his head.
"No. I don't think there's a need for that."
"Pardon? Why would you..."
There was no need for his liege to suffer through this voluntarily.
If his liege, who had already reached the pinnacle of martial arts, secluded himself, wouldn't he be able to sufficiently return to his past level?
As he was thinking that, Mok Gyeong-un said,
"We should make the most of this situation."
"What do you mean by making use of this situation?"
"Didn't you say that if I pass the trials, I can become a disciple of the executives?"
"That is true, but there's no need to….."
"What kind of wound do you think would be more painful?"
"Pardon?"
What did he mean by that?
As he was puzzled, Mok Gyeong-un smiled brightly and said,
"A wound that festers and bursts from the inside is really painful compared to a wound on the outside."
'!!!!!!'
At these words from Mok Gyeong-un, a glimmer appeared in the eyes of Lee Ji-yeom, the Master of Corpse Blood Valley.
It was because he understood what Mok Gyeong-un meant by saying this.
Thinking that he sufficiently understood, Mok Gyeong-un said,
"Then shall I try to get a recommendation?"
"By recommendation, you mean?"
"In your eyes, Valley Master, whose attention would be most beneficial among those executives?"
93: Chapter 92: Reducing the Numbers (1)
Mok Yu-cheon looked at the small, round copper tag resting on his palm with a dazed expression.
This was the item that Ma-sang had handed to him before escaping.
He didn't tell him anything about what it was or what it did.
Ma-sang had only left these words.
[You do it for me.]
It seemed to imply a lot.
A spy was bound to face death if caught.
So it seemed like he was entrusting the rest to him.
'What on earth did I...'
What kind of request was this?
Moreover, if he were in Ma-sang's position, he would have been very angry.
Even if they were half-brothers, it was his brother who had ratted him out, leading to this result.
But Ma-sang didn't resent him.
Of course, the situation was urgent, so there might not have been room for resentment.
"Sigh."
Mok Yu-cheon let out a long sigh.
How did he end up in this situation?
He had thought that the time when he was despised as the son of a courtesan was like hell, but now that he thought about it, that was nothing.
The real hell was outside.
-Crack!
He bit his nails.
The habit he had when he was anxious as a child resurfaced.
He had thought that his half-brother was the only one he could trust, but now he realized that wasn't the case.
That guy wasn't the same as he used to know him.
He didn't know whether he had been hiding it or not, but he was close to being an evil person himself, regardless of the righteous or evil sects.
He fit well in this shithole of a place.
'That son of a bitch. Fucking bastard.'
-Grip!
Mok Yu-cheon, who had been biting his nails, bit his fingers.
It hurts.
This is reality.
The more he accepts reality, the more painful it is.
But he couldn't give up just because it was painful.
Although Mok Gyeong-un's wickedness made him angry, that guy might be struggling to adapt and survive here in his own way.
Rather, it might be himself who was stuck in complacency.
He seemed to have believed that if he survived here, he would be able to return home and his original life would be waiting for him.
'No...'
In the end, there's no such thing.
-Kkkkk! Drip drip!
Blood flowed from the bitten finger, and drops of blood stained his tongue.
As he tasted the hot blood, his heart felt cold instead.
-Swish!
Mok Yu-cheon brushed his hair back and straightened his posture.
He would now abandon the naive thought of simply trying to survive in a place like this.
If evil is strong, he must also become strong to overcome it.
'It's not just about surviving, I'll smash everything with my own hands.'
It was a truth he had learned even in the Yeon Mok Sword Manor.
After reaching the Peak Realm, the gazes and treatment of everyone in the Yeon Mok Sword Manor changed.
That was the real truth.
To survive and be treated well as a martial artist, one had to become strong, regardless of the righteous sects.
Strength was the law of the martial arts world.
'....Mok Gyeong-un. The one who will rise here is not you, but me.'
With his mind firmly set, Mok Yu-cheon began circulating his energy.
It was the Ignited Wood Heart Transformation Method.
There seemed to be some side effects, so he had stopped using it, but in the current situation, it was the only ascending cultivation method that could make him stronger quickly.
-Sssssss!
As Mok Yu-cheon practiced the cultivation method, the skin on his face gradually turned a brownish color.
***
"Hmm. It's over the limit."
Mok Gyeong-un said, looking at the 8 boys standing in front of him.
3 were brought by the Demonic Monk, who was possessing the body of Yeom Ga from Vermillion Slaughter Cave, and 5 were brought by Mo Ha-rang from Demon Fire Hall.
Mo Ha-rang looked at the ones she had brought with a troubled expression.
To save time, she had gathered members separately from the Demonic Monk, who was possessing Yeom Ga.
[If you're possessed by a ghost, it might be difficult to gather members.]
She thought she should gather as many members as possible herself.
The maximum number of members she had gathered was 5.
In fact, this was also narrowed down from 10 people who wanted to be in her team.
She had told them that she would take responsibility for them to pass this gate since they were also selected, but it was quite troublesome.
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un said,
"We don't need anyone other than the five, so could you please leave on your own?"
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, the 8 boys looked dumbfounded.
That was understandable, as they had joined the team believing in the reputation of Vermillion Slaughter Cave or Demon Fire Hall and thinking of them as the team leaders.
"Phew."
One of the boys sighed and left the room as he was.
The boy was in the same team as Mo Ha-rang, so he had witnessed Mok Gyeong-un's true colors with his own eyes.
Therefore, he left the team without any hesitation.
However, coincidentally, the remaining 7 boys had not seen anything other than Mok Gyeong-un breaking a boy's neck at the first gate.
Their reactions were somewhat intense.
"Who are you to tell us to leave? I decided to join this team because of Mo Ha-rang."
"That goes for me too. If anyone should leave, it's you."
"I guess everyone thinks the same way."
They all expressed hostility toward Mok Gyeong-un.
In any case, unlike the first gate, the blocked energy points had been opened, so they were overflowing with confidence.
To them, Mo Ha-rang said with a troubled expression,
"....I'm sorry, but I'm not the team leader."
"What?"
"What do you mean by that?"
At Mo Ha-rang's words, those who had considered her the team leader couldn't hide their bewilderment.
In the first place, when Mo Ha-rang gathered team members, she had said she was looking for people to be on the same team, but she hadn't mentioned that the actual team leader was someone else.
From their perspective, they had been deceived.
"Mo Ha-rang. Is that true?"
"We thought you were the team leader."
"I'm sorry. The team leader is this person here."
'This person?'
At her words, the boys frowned.
If their ears weren't wrong, Mo Ha-rang had referred to Mok Gyeong-un as "this person" as if he were her superior.
In any case, even if he was the team leader, he was only the head for this gate.
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un said,
"It seems that most of you came in without knowing that I was the team leader. If you're dissatisfied, you're free to leave anytime."
At those words, one boy snorted.
"Ha! I can't accept that. Mo Ha-rang. You should be the team leader instead. Then I'll definitely follow you."
At the boy's words, the other boys chimed in.
"That's a good idea. I agree."
"I agree too."
"If Mo Ha-rang is the team leader, I can follow her no matter what."
At the unanimous opinion of the boys telling her to take the role of team leader, Mo Ha-rang glanced at Mok Gyeong-un with a troubled expression.
Mok Gyeong-un still had a smiling face.
Seeing that, she was even more worried.
She had experienced that his smile was full of malice.
At this, she thought she should make it clear to avoid any trouble and said,
"I'm sorry, but I have decided to follow this person."
'!?'
As Mo Ha-rang drew a clear line, the boys' expressions changed individually.
However, the common thing was that most of them wondered why she acknowledged someone like Mok Gyeong-un as the team leader.
At that moment, one of the 3 boys who had followed Demonic Monk possessing the body of Yeom Ga from Vermillion Slaughter Cave asked,
"Don't tell me you also acknowledge that guy as the team leader?"
"I do."
"What?"
At the short affirmation, the 3 boys were also at a loss.
They had also voluntarily asked to be team members knowing the reputation of Vermillion Slaughter Cave.
But the very person they wanted to serve as the team leader was serving someone else as the team leader, so they didn't know what to do.
To them, Mok Gyeong-un said,
"In any case, you'll be choosing a team leader to pass this gate, so it seems you have a lot of concerns. Doesn't the answer come out when you see that these two people have joined under me?"
"...…"
At those words, the boys alternately looked at Mo Ha-rang, Yeom Ga, and Mok Gyeong-un.
Although they didn't like this guy for some reason, there must be a reason why these two people, who wouldn't be out of place as team leaders, were following Mok Gyeong-un.
'There's some truth to it.'
'Vermillion Slaughter Cave and Demon Fire Hall would have their pride.'
'For them to follow that guy...'
At this, they started to be swayed one by one.
However, not everyone was like that.
One boy stepped forward and said to Mok Gyeong-un,
"What have you shown to make us follow you? No matter how much I think about it, I don't understand."
"If you don't have faith in me as the team leader, then you can quietly leave this room."
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, the boy's expression distorted frighteningly.
The boy said while drawing energy from his danjeon,
"Who says to come and go as they please? You're a ridiculous fellow. I can't acknowledge you."
"What will you do if you can't acknowledge me?"
Mok Gyeong-un said with a smile.
Then the boy took a fighting stance and said,
"If you're so great, let's have a duel."
At the boy's sudden hostile attitude, everyone looked at each other, gauging the situation.
In fact, there was one thing they were curious about.
As they recovered their internal energy, they could roughly estimate the opponent's martial arts level with their energy sense.
But no matter how they looked at it, Mok Gyeong-un felt like he was barely at the first-rate level.
On the other hand, it was different for Yeom Ga from Vermillion Slaughter Cave and Mo Ha-rang from Demon Fire Hall.
The energy that appeared based on their energy sense was incomparably sharp, and they judged that they were opponents they couldn't defeat even if they attacked in earnest.
So they also wanted to confirm it rather than stop him.
They wanted to see how skilled Mok Gyeong-un really was.
It was at that very moment.
"How dare you challenge this person to a duel in this place?"
Suddenly, Yeom Ga from Vermillion Slaughter Cave frowned at the boy who had taken a fighting stance, expressing his discomfort.
At his reaction, the boys couldn't hide their puzzlement.
Like Mo Ha-rang, even Yeom Ga was acting as if he had pledged loyalty to Mok Gyeong-un.
They couldn't understand what was going on.
But then Mok Gyeong-un raised his hand and stopped him.
"Ah. Don't be like that. From his perspective, it's understandable to have doubts."
"But Lord….no, my liege. This insolent human..."
-Swish!
Mok Gyeong-un lightly glanced at the Demonic Monk, who was possessing Yeom Ga.
Then the Demonic Monk stopped speaking and stepped back.
'What? Did he just call him 'my liege'?'
'Why is Yeom Ga from Vermillion Slaughter Cave groveling before that guy, calling him my liege?'
'Is he really hiding his true skills?'
From the boys' perspective, it only raised more questions.
Likewise, the boy who had boldly challenged Mok Gyeong-un to a duel also started to have doubts about Yeom Ga's attitude.
Was his energy sense wrong?
As he was thinking that,
-Swish!
Mok Gyeong-un, who was sitting on the bed, stretched out his hand.
At that very moment,
-Whoosh!
"Huh?"
The body of the boy who had taken a fighting stance was pulled forward, and his head and upper body tilted forward.
The boy's eyes widened at the strong suction force.
But the surprise was short-lived, and to prevent himself from falling forward, the boy spread his right leg and stomped his foot.
-Thud!
"Hmph!"
As soon as he did that,
-Smack!
"Ugh!"
Mok Gyeong-un leaped up from the bed, grabbed the back of the boy's head with both hands, and kneed him in the face.
The boy's body staggered backward as his face was hit by the knee.
Mok Gyeong-un grabbed the hair of the staggering boy.
-Grip!
"Ah, ah. You shouldn't fall over with just this much."
Then he smashed the head of the boy, whose nose was bleeding, directly into the floor.
-Bang!
The wooden floor shattered, and the boy's face was buried in the ground.
The force was so strong that the boy's body twitched and then stopped moving as if he had fainted.
"Oh. Did he faint already?"
Mok Gyeong-un muttered as if slightly disappointed.
'!!!!!!'
At this sight, the boys were at a loss for words, stunned.
The boy who had just fought Mok Gyeong-un had martial arts skills at the end of the first-rate level, enough to reach the Peak Realm with just some realization.
However,
'...…He was no match at all.'
'What was that just now?'
Moreover, what was that thing Mok Gyeong-un had shown earlier?
When he stretched out his hand, the fainted boy's body was pulled forward and about to fall.
'Could it be Void Seizing?'
Void Seizing Technique.
It was a technique that could move objects with profound true energy.
Was it possible for someone who looked to be only around seventeen years old?
'No way.'
'That can't be.'
They couldn't believe it.
To the boys who couldn't hide their astonishment, Mok Gyeong-un said,
"Anyone else want to confirm?"
"...…"
No one answered this question.
They had already witnessed it with their own eyes, so who would object here?
To them, Mok Gyeong-un said,
"Then no one has any objections. Good. Since one person here has been reduced, it seems we need one more person to leave."
"...…"
At those words, everyone looked at each other.
That was because not only Mok Gyeong-un's strength but also Yeom Ga and Mo Ha-rang were masters who had reached the Peak Realm.
If they stayed in this team, passing was guaranteed, so who would easily give up?
"The atmosphere has improved. I'm glad to see you all so motivated."
Saying that, Mok Gyeong-un, who had been looking over the boys, stroked his chin as if troubled.
"We can't have them fight each other since it's a team-based gate..."
'Ha!'
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Mo Ha-rang inwardly clicked her tongue.
This guy was really full of malice.
As they were thinking that, Mok Gyeong-un stared intently at one boy.
Was he telling him to leave?
At this, the startled boy said,
"I, I will do my best to follow you as the team leader….."
Before he could finish his sentence,
Mok Gyeong-un approached him and stood right in front of him.
Then he smiled brightly and said,
"You're the weakest one. I'm sorry, but it seems you should leave."
"...…."
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, the boy trembled and couldn't say anything.
In fact, it was because he acknowledged that he was relatively weaker compared to the other boys.
At this, he silently tried to turn around,
"Ah, wait a moment."
'Could it be?'
Did he change his mind?
Thinking that, he turned his head with a glimmer of hope, but,
-Smack! Crack!
At that moment, his body was suddenly staggering to the side and spinning.
Then he soon fell to the floor, hitting his head.
-Thud!
"Aaargh!" The fallen boy soon grabbed his leg and cried out in pain.
Just now, Mok Gyeong-un had kicked his ankle, and the force was so strong that his body spun like a windmill and broke at the same time.
"What are you doing? He was just about to give up and leave…"
One boy shouted at Mok Gyeong-un in shock.
Then Mok Gyeong-un tilted his head.
"Is there a problem?"
"No. He's leaving on his own after you told him to, so why are you doing this to his leg…"
He couldn't bring himself to say "break."
But then Mok Gyeong-un said, "I said not to kill him. Did I ever say not to break a limb somewhere?"
"...…"
At those words, the boy was at a loss for words.
Breaking his leg here to eliminate him just because he's no longer on the same team.
This guy is really...
He was speechless, but Mok Gyeong-un stretched his body as if loosening up and said, "It won't end with just this friend, so what's the fuss?"
"What are you saying now?"
"From now on, we'll be quite busy. Because we have to break the legs of all the other team members except our team before the gate test."
'!?'
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, the boys' expressions stiffened simultaneously.
94: Chapter 93: Reducing the Numbers (2)
Five boys stood before a door, expressions taut with tension.
Their eyes fixed on the door, unease evident as they swallowed dryly.
["From now on, we'll be quite busy. Because we have to break the legs of all the other team members except our team before the gate test."]
At first, Mok Gyeong-un's words had been disconcerting.
The idea of breaking other cadets' legs before even starting the trial felt outrageous.
However, upon further thought, there was a certain logic to this strategy.
The longer the trial dragged on, the fiercer the competition would become.
But what if most competitors were eliminated beforehand?
'Our chances will improve.'
Only a select few could be chosen by the officers.
Considering that, there was no need to be particular about methods or means.
One boy whispered, "Will it work?"
"It should."
There were five of them, and only two people inside this room.
With the advantage in numbers, a surprise attack would make subduing them a simple task.
[You five will move together.]
[All five of us?]
[Can't you manage alone?]
[Well, no, but…]
[The five of you, go together.]
[Wait a second. Then you, Yeom Ga, and Mo Ha-rang will be working as a team? In that case, wouldn't it be better if we sent one or two people to support you three…]
[Why bother with such complications? We're more than capable on our own.]
[.....]
True, those who had reached the Peak Realm could handle top-tier opponents single-handedly.
It was like a puppy worrying about a tiger.
The boys exchanged glances.
"Let's do this."
With that, they opened the door.
***
As the door swung open, the gazes of the two boys discussing how to form a team naturally turned in that direction.
"Who is it?"
A handsome boy entered through the open door.
Recognizing the boy's face, one of them scowled.
"You…"
It was none other than Mok Gyeong-un.
From the very first Gateway Trial, the battle for the iron balls, he had left a strong impression on many of the boys.
One of them looked puzzled for a moment before asking hesitantly, "Are you going around gathering teammates, by any chance?"
"Aaaah. You could say that."
With those words, Mok Gyeong-un quietly closed the door.
Seeing this, the scowling boy spoke without relaxing his expression, "Look. I have no intention of being on the same team as you."
"Is that so?"
"So get out."
"Hmm. That's a problem."
"What's the problem? Go find people who want to team up with you. I don't want to…"
-Smack!
Before he could finish, Mok Gyeong-un swiftly lunged forward, grabbing the boy's head and slamming it against the bed frame.
-Thud!
"Ugh!"
Then, seizing the boy's right arm as he tried to resist,
-Crack!
He twisted it backward.
"Arrrgh!"
The boy with the broken arm tried to scream, but Mok Gyeong-un had already covered his mouth, muffling his cries of agony.
Witnessing this scene, the other boy sitting across from them couldn't hide his bewilderment.
He had let his guard down, never expecting a sudden attack.
"Wh-What are you doing?"
"What indeed?"
Mok Gyeong-un smiled faintly and firmly pressed his foot down on the writhing boy's left leg.
-Crunch!
-Snap!
As the ankle twisted, the bone pierced through flesh and protruded out.
"Aaaaah!"
The boy's eyes widened, bloodshot with pain as he struggled in agony.
Unable to endure it, he soon lost consciousness.
Seeing Mok Gyeong-un do this without batting an eye, the other boy, perhaps out of fear, hastily said, "I-I'll join your team. I will, so ple…"
"It's fine."
"What?"
"I've already gathered my teammates. I'm just here to break some limbs."
'!?'
What's with this guy?
So his goal from the start was to injure them?
For a moment, it seemed absurd, but the boy knew that if he didn't flee immediately, he would end up like his unconscious companion.
-Whoosh!
He launched himself toward the door.
However,
-Grab!
"Ack!"
His body, hurtling toward the door, was abruptly yanked back as if caught by something.
In the next instant, Mok Gyeong-un's hand gripped the back of his neck.
'Wh-What the…'
"I'll make it painless."
"Wha-What…"
-Tap tap tap tap!
Before he could utter another word, the boy's acupoints were struck, and he lost consciousness.
Laying the unconscious boy on the floor, Mok Gyeong-un stepped on his right ankle.
-Crack!
He had not merely fainted but had his acupoints sealed, so the boy did not wake up even as his leg was broken.
Looking at the boy, Mok Gyeong-un muttered, his lips twitching, "Four."
That was the number of limbs he had broken thus far.
-Are you seriously planning to break them one by one?
Cheong-ryeong's voice rang in Mok Gyeong-un's ears.
To that question, Mok Gyeong-un replied nonchalantly, "Of course."
Rather than wasting time dragging out the trial, eliminating most competitors now would render the subsequent trials unnecessary.
-Seriously, you fiend. Tsk tsk.
Cheong-ryeong clicked his tongue.
Conceiving such an idea was difficult in the first place, and even if one did, they would likely target only a few troublesome individuals.
However, Mok Gyeong-un's thinking was on a different level.
He intended to use the time given for rest and team selection to eliminate all the other cadets.
In a way, from the moment they joined Mok Gyeong-un, misfortune had befallen this batch of Corpse Blood Valley cadets.
"Now there are sixty-four left."
Out of a total of 80.
Among them, 4 had been taken as captives, 4 had their limbs broken by Mok Gyeong-un, and lastly, 8 were Mok Gyeong-un's teammates, including himself.
Excluding these, 64 remained.
***
Mok Yu-cheon, immersed in cultivating his internal energy cultivation technique.
After a long period of energy circulation, when Mok Yu-cheon opened his eyes, for a fleeting moment, an uncanny aura different from his usual righteousness flashed in his gaze.
However, it vanished quickly.
'What was that just now?'
While practicing energy circulation, Mok Yu-cheon had been enveloped by a strange sensation.
Normally, the technique would bring a sense of clarity to body and mind, but this time, he had been gripped by an unprecedented pleasure.
The instant he surrendered to that pleasure, something astonishing had occurred.
'My energy surged suddenly.'
Out of curiosity, Mok Yu-cheon examined his danjeon.
'!?'
His eyes widened in shock.
Because he practiced energy circulation regularly, he knew better than anyone the size of his danjeon and the level of his internal energy.
Yet, the size of his danjeon had increased slightly compared to before.
'How can this be…'
How did this happen?
No matter how exceptional the Yeon Mok Mind Transformation Method was, could it really increase internal energy this rapidly?
At this rate, if he continued practicing diligently, he could reduce the usual cultivation time by more than half.
Just as he was about to revel in the pleasant sensation, he grew uneasy.
Experiencing this peculiar pleasure for the first time while practicing left him strangely unsettled.
'Is this really alright?'
Doubts crept in about whether this deviation from the basic techniques was cause for concern.
He then shook his head.
This was no ordinary method but the Yeon Mok Mind Transformation Method, an exclusive cultivation technique for the Yeon Mok Manor's heir.
Naturally, it would differ significantly from the basic techniques.
'Right. That can't be it.'
He had been worried that improper energy circulation might lead him down the path of mental demons, but his mind remained upright and clear.
As long as he didn't waver, there should be no problem.
Just as he was about to resume his cultivation,
-Knock knock!
Someone rapped on the door.
"Who is it?"
There was no one who should be seeking him out at the moment.
Puzzled, he watched as someone opened the door and entered.
'Oh?'
It was a boy with a mature appearance, almost like a young man.
The only potential flaw on his handsome face was his sharp, narrow eyes.
'This guy…'
He recognized that face.
During the second trial, he had lost his companions and was fleeing alone when he found himself in a predicament.
At that time, a group had appeared, led by this friend who helped him.
His name was definitely…
"Mu Jang-yak!"
"Hey. You remember me well."
"How could I forget the one who saved my life?"
Mok Yu-cheon rose from his seat and greeted him with a cupped fist salute.
In response, Mu Jang-yak waved his hands, saying, "No need for that. It's unfitting for peers of the same age to exchange such formalities. Just greet me like a friend."
"Still, if not for you, I…"
He might have truly lost his life there.
That was why he felt genuinely grateful.
Mu Jang-yak looked at Mok Yu-cheon, his eyes filled with interest, and said, "You… Your complexion doesn't look too good."
"My complexion?"
Puzzled by this, Mok Yu-cheon wanted to check his face, but the room was practically bare, with only two beds, making it impossible to do so.
"Is it that bad?"
"It has a bit of a brownish tint?"
"Brown?"
At those words, Mok Yu-cheon furrowed his brows.
This time, he had continued practicing the Yeon Mok Mind Transformation Method without stopping, and it seemed the side effects had resurfaced.
Although it concerned him, there was nothing he could do about it at the moment, so Mok Yu-cheon shook his head and said, "It's fine. I might just be very tired."
"That's a relief, then."
"Anyway, what brings you here?"
In response to Mok Yu-cheon's question, Mu Jang-yak closed the door and spoke with a somewhat serious expression, "A small problem has arisen."
"Problem?"
"I was supposed to meet up with a friend who agreed to be on the same team, to practice energy circulation and convene in the evening. However, he never showed up, so I went to his room and found him unconscious with a broken leg."
"What?"
What on earth was he talking about?
As Mok Yu-cheon looked puzzled, Mu Jang-yak continued in a meaningful tone, "Suspecting something, I checked a few rooms and found others with broken legs as well."
"Don't tell me…"
"It seems someone has been causing trouble."
"But why would they do that?"
"It's rather absurd, but they're probably trying to reduce the number of competitors in advance as much as possible."
"By breaking everyone's legs?"
"Precisely. There's a prohibition on killing, but no explicit rules against injuring each other."
"Ha!"
Mok Yu-cheon clicked his tongue at those words.
It seemed there was truly no concept of fair play in this place.
Everyone was eager to stab others in the back at any moment.
"Crazy…"
"Indeed. Definitely the work of a madman. That's why I came to propose something to you."
"A proposal?"
"Have you found a team yet? Or are you planning to be a team leader?"
When Mu Jang-yak asked, Mok Yu-cheon shook his head.
He had no ambitions to become a team leader anyway and had been practicing energy circulation with the intention of joining any team.
At this, Mu Jang-yak smiled faintly and said, "If you haven't joined a team yet, would you like to join mine?"
"What?"
"Unfortunately, it seems the friend who was supposed to be on your team was taken as a captive?"
"…"
Mok Yu-cheon fell silent at his words.
He must have witnessed that.
Then Mu Jang-yak waved a hand and said, "Ah. I'm not suspecting you. If I did, I wouldn't have made this offer in the first place. Besides, I had already proposed it back then."
"Right. You did."
After saving him, Mu Jang-yak had offered him a spot on his team, mentioning a vacancy.
However, at that time, Mok Yu-cheon had declined, stating that he needed to stay with his scattered teammates.
But this time, the situation was different.
"I…"
"Honestly, it would be better to join a team. I've already asked my teammates to gather in one room for safety."
"Ah…"
"That way, we can watch out for each other's well-being. What do you think?"
Faced with Mu Jang-yak's reasonable suggestion, Mok Yu-cheon saw no reason to refuse.
Even though he had reached the Peak Realm, he had noticed a few cadets with cultivation levels similar to his own, so he couldn't afford to let his guard down.
In that regard, perhaps it would be better to stick together with them, as Mu Jang-yak said.
"Alright. If you'll have me, I'll do my best."
At Mok Yu-cheon's words, Mu Jang-yak extended his hand.
"I'm the one who should be grateful. To have such an outstanding friend like you join us."
-Clasp!
The two shook hands.
However, the moment their hands touched, Mok Yu-cheon couldn't help but be surprised.
'…This guy.'
He hadn't realized it before, but the energy he sensed from Mu Jang-yak's hand was not inferior to his own, and might even surpass it.
Perhaps Mu Jang-yak had also tried to gauge his level in that brief moment, revealing his energy and allowing Mok Yu-cheon to perceive it.
"As expected, you're strong."
"So are you."
In response to Mu Jang-yak's words, Mok Yu-cheon nodded in agreement, acknowledging the same.
Then, he asked curiously, "By the way, are you left-handed?"
The hand Mu Jang-yak had extended was his left hand, not his right.
At Mok Yu-cheon's question, Mu Jang-yak chuckled and said, "Who knows."
***
And so, a night passed.
Early morning, at the beginning of the chen hour (7-9 AM).
The time for selecting team leaders and members had concluded, and it was now the moment to gather in the plaza behind the dormitory.
Someone urgently knocked on the door of the Corpse Blood Valley Leader's office.
-Bang bang!
-Leader! Leader!
At the knocking, the senior warrior assisting beside him said, "It seems they're ready."
"So it appears. Come in."
Soon, a young warrior wearing a red belt entered hastily.
Noticing the warrior's somewhat tense expression, the senior warrior, sensing something amiss, asked, "What's the matter?"
"Well, there's a small issue… no, a big problem has arisen."
"A problem?"
"I think you should head to the plaza right away."
What could have happened to warrant such a reaction?
Wondering, Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom nodded and rose from his seat.
In any case, he needed to check who had become team leaders and oversee the proceedings of the third trial, the Sword Evaluation.
And so, Lee Ji-yeom and the senior warrior followed the warrior out of the office.
They had to go to the plaza behind the dormitory building anyway.
As they arrived,
'!?'
Both Valley Master Lee Ji-yeom and the senior warrior simultaneously halted, bewildered by the sight before them.
Only 16 individuals were present outside.
There were only two teams.
The senior warrior frowned and asked the warrior, "Why are only these kids here?"
"Well, that's…"
"Speak quickly."
"Well, that's…"
"Speak quickly."
Urged by the senior warrior, the warrior spoke with a troubled expression while glancing at the dormitory, "The rest are all unable to participate in this trial due to broken legs."
"What?"
For a moment, the senior warrior doubted his own ears. All the absent individuals had their legs broken?
"What nonsense are you spouting?"
"…I checked a few rooms, and those who truly couldn't come out all had broken legs."
"How on earth…"
As the senior warrior reacted in disbelief, the gaze of Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom, visible through the gaps in his mask, turned toward someone standing in the plaza with his hands clasped behind his back, unlike the senior warrior.
It was none other than Mok Gyeong-un.
Lee Ji-yeom recalled the words Mok Gyeong-un had spoken yesterday.
[Would it be alright if I reduced the number of people a little?]
Were there fellows that needed to be kept in check separately for the trials? Well, if that was the case,
[As long as you adhere to the constraints, there won't be significant issues.]
[Oh-ho. That's quite fortunate.]
He had said that, but to think Mok Gyeong-un would go this far.
'Isn't this a little… excessive?'
95: Chapter 94: Reducing the Numbers (3)
The senior warrior exploded with anger and asked the ordinary red-belted warrior, "Just who the hell pulled this stunt?"
"Well..."
The warrior quietly turned his head and gestured with his eyes toward someone standing in formation in the square.
Seeing who it was, the senior warrior was dumbfounded and at a loss for words.
"Is it that bastard again?"
Again, that bastard.
It was none other than Mok Gyeong-un.
He had left a strong impression and obtained the top position in the first and second stages, so even if they didn't want to remember him, they had no choice but to do so.
"There's no way he could have done it alone with so many trainees. Did that bastard and his teammates do it together?"
"It seems that way."
'Ha.'
It was truly absurd.
The process of finding team leaders and members that took place last night.
It was designed to voluntarily allow the trainees to find team leaders and members among themselves, to see who had the qualities of a leader.
Of course, they had expected a fierce competition for team members due to the four vacancies caused by the dropouts.
And the reason they had only imposed the restriction of no killing was to allow a certain degree of fighting among them.
But this was a completely unexpected outcome.
'Damn it.'
They had expected at least five or more Unit Leader-level trainees to be selected.
But only two had been chosen.
After the first and second stages, the trainees had already proven their qualifications and mental fortitude to a certain extent, so the goal was to have as many of them advance as possible.
However, because of that bastard Mok Gyeong-un, things had gotten completely twisted.
The senior warrior cautiously said to the Valley Master Lee Ji-yeom, "Valley Master, this won't do."
"What do you mean?"
"It has gone too far."
"Too far?"
"Isn't that right? Out of eighty, no, seventy-six, only sixteen have formed teams. If we leave them be, more….."
"More what? What's the problem?"
"Pardon?"
The senior warrior was baffled by Lee Ji-yeom's words.
If they failed to properly filter out the suitable ones by the end of the stage, those higher up might take issue with it.
To the worrying senior warrior, Lee Ji-yeom said, "....It may be excessive, but no rules have been broken. On what grounds can we stop it?"
The senior warrior frowned.
Just yesterday, the Valley Master had said they should keep a closer eye on Mok Gyeong-un.
But why was he suddenly being so lenient?
"Valley Master...That fellow is not from our sect and is a hostage brought from the righteous faction's Yeon Mok Sword Manor. If the process of selecting the best is ruined because of him, the Sect Master and the executives will surely take issue with it. Perhaps the Society Leader had anticipated this."
"...…"
At the senior warrior's words, Valley Master Lee Ji-yeom let out a faint sigh.
Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi.
He was like his left arm.
So he knew better than anyone how the Sect Master and the main castle were always finding fault and taking issue with the Blood Valley's events.
That was why he was offering this opinion.
"....That may be the case. But it doesn't matter. In any case, it was the Sect Master who sent that…..fellow. It will be difficult for them to hold me responsible for something caused by his whim."
"But….."
"We will proceed as planned."
".....I accept your command."
At the resolute words of Valley Master Lee Ji-yeom, Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi finally stopped questioning and accepted the order.
However, his lowered gaze was directed toward Mok Gyeong-un.
***
-How does it feel to be backstabbed for the first time?
Cheong-ryeong's voice resonated in Mok Gyeong-un's ears.
Why was Cheong-ryeong saying this?
It was because of what happened last night.
Mok Gyeong-un turned his head to look at the eight people standing in formation next to their team.
Among them, the ones who stood out were a boy with a quite mature appearance and sharp, narrow eyes, and Mok Yu-cheon.
'Interesting.'
Last night, Mok Gyeong-un had intended to break the legs of everyone except his own team, making them fail.
If that happened, there was a high probability that the third stage would be the last, and all other stages would be skipped, moving directly to the final procedure.
However, a variable arose at dawn.
[Oh, no. Something terrible has happened.]
One of the boys who had been sent in a group of five came to him urgently and said.
[Where are the others, and why have you come alone?]
[...Well, that's…..]
[It seems something happened, right?]
[...I'm sorry.]
The boy, thinking Mok Gyeong-un would reprimand him, spoke with great nervousness.
In response, Mok Gyeong-un shook his head and gently reassured him.
[Is anyone going to eat you alive? Where are the others?]
[They were all captured.]
[Captured…..you say?]
[Ye, yes. There was no way around it. We went to the last room, but we had no idea eight people were hiding and ambushing us.]
[Eight people were lying in ambush...]
This was unexpected.
It meant that someone had noticed their plan and had prepared for it.
Come to think of it, it was impossible for no one to notice while they were breaking legs one room at a time.
There were even four people who had noticed it midway and came to attack him.
It seemed there was a clever fellow among them.
[Let's go.]
Mok Gyeong-un, possessing the body of Yeom Ga who was finishing up on the upper floor, joined forces with Ma-seung and Mo Ha-rang from the Demon Fire Hall and headed to the room where their teammates were said to be captured.
In front of the room, in the corridor, two boys were standing as if keeping watch.
Upon seeing Mok Gyeong-un, they were surprised and opened the door.
Then, four people rushed out from inside.
One of them was the narrow-eyed fellow named Moo Jang-yak, and another was none other than Mok Yu-cheon.
As soon as Mok Yu-cheon saw Mok Gyeong-un, he cursed.
[You crazy bastard. Are you even resorting to this kind of thing now?]
[This kind of thing?]
[It's different from the previous stages. We just need to pick a team leader and cooperate among teammates to conduct the inspection, so why are you doing this….]
[Is it wrong to do this?]
[What?]
[In what way is it wrong?]
In response to Mok Gyeong-un's question, Mok Yu-cheon replied with an exasperated expression.
[Are you even saying that now…..]
[I didn't break the rule of no killing, and trainees were going to be eliminated at each stage anyway, so what's the problem with just hastening it a bit?]
[You!]
Mok Yu-cheon was at a loss for words at Mok Gyeong-un's statement.
In fact, the idea of breaking everyone's legs was absurd, but it wasn't entirely correct to say it was unconditionally wrong.
After all, this was a competition in the first place.
-Gnash!
Realizing that arguing logically in this way was meaningless and that words couldn't do anything, Mok Yu-cheon said.
[Yeah. There's no point in arguing with you about this.]
With those words, Mok Yu-cheon exchanged a glance with Moo Jang-yak beside him.
Then, Moo Jang-yak raised one hand and opened his mouth.
[Hello.]
[Yes. Hello.]
[You've come to find your teammates, right?]
[That's right. If it's alright with you, I'd like you to kindly send our teammates back to us.]
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Moo Jang-yak shook his head, smiled, and said.
[I'm sorry, but that might be a bit difficult.]
[You just need to hand them over, so in what way is it difficult?]
[If we return the teammates to you, you'll try to break the legs of our teammates, just like you did in the other rooms. How can we allow that?]
[You know well.]
Mok Gyeong-un also smiled and replied.
The sight of the two of them smiling and conversing at a critical moment made their respective teammates unable to hide their tension.
However, the advantageous side was Moo Jang-yak's.
After all, they had hostages.
[For now, can you leave? We don't want to needlessly fight with your team and exhaust our strength.]
[Is that so?]
[Yes. If you do that, we'll kindly return the captured teammates tomorrow morning.]
An unexpectedly smooth proposal.
In fact, although it seemed like a concession, this was the best proposal for Moo Jang-yak's side.
They were certain that the moment they returned the teammates, Mok Gyeong-un would definitely target them.
At that moment, Mo Ha-rang whispered.
[It's unfortunate that it's different from the goal, but it seems best to do it that way for now. This time, they have the upper hand.]
The number of uninjured trainees was 16.
In this situation, if their teammates got hurt, it would be advantageous for the other side.
However, even they couldn't easily do that.
Because if the numbers were maintained, there would be no fight, but if they injured Mok Gyeong-un's teammates, they would have to pick a fight to fill the remaining spots.
'They've thought it through well.'
The other side considered this their best option, so they had created this setup.
In response, Mok Gyeong-un said.
[Well, that's fine, but isn't there a possibility like this?]
[Possibility?]
[Yes. If you break our teammates' legs tomorrow morning and return them, won't we have no choice but to be eliminated?]
[Ah...]
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Mo Ha-rang let out a sigh.
Come to think of it, that was a possibility.
If the other side continued to hold the hostages, they could easily backstab them right before the team leader selection.
At that moment, Mok Yu-cheon snorted and said.
[Do you think we're like you? At least we won't backstab.]
[Of course, you can say that in front of us. But situations always force you to make the rational choice.]
[Is breaking a promise the rational choice?]
[Because it's advantageous for your side.]
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Mok Yu-cheon clicked his tongue.
He had thought they would meekly follow their proposal in this situation, but he hadn't expected them to bring up a possibility they hadn't even considered.
Mok Yu-cheon glanced at Moo Jang-yak beside him.
Moo Jang-yak shrugged his shoulders and then opened his mouth.
[It's natural to have such suspicions, but you have no choice but to trust us anyway. Other than that.]
In response, Mok Gyeong-un said.
[That might be difficult.]
[You'll be at a disadvantage if this proposal falls through, though.]
At those words, Mok Gyeong-un smiled and said.
[No way. Now that it has come to this, we just need to keep eight out of sixteen people safe. Then, won't it go according to my original plan?]
-Flinch!
The trainees listening to Mok Gyeong-un's words were dumbfounded.
Who would have expected him to abandon his own teammates in this situation and come out saying that as long as the numbers match, it's fine?
Does that guy have no attachment to his own team?
Mok Yu-cheon shouted in an angry voice.
[Don't you have any sense of camaraderie? The teammates who trusted and followed you…..]
-Swish!
Moo Jang-yak extended his hand toward Mok Yu-cheon and shook his head.
Then, turning his head toward Mok Gyeong-un, he said.
[I had a feeling, but I didn't expect you to react like that. When I heard from Yu-cheon, I wondered if you would really go that far.]
Moo Jang-yak had heard from Mok Yu-cheon about what had happened at the end of the second stage.
So he had his doubts, but it turned out just as he had heard.
Mok Gyeong-un said to him.
[Is that so? Then you know well that my words are not empty threats.]
[That's right. It's a good thing we prepared for the worst-case scenario.]
[What?]
Preparing for the worst-case scenario?
What does that mean?
As Mok Gyeong-un was puzzled, Moo Jang-yak said.
[The possibility you mentioned earlier about breaking our teammates' legs, we didn't consider it from the beginning, but we did prepare for the chance that you might react like this.]
[Prepare…..what exactly did you do?]
In response to Mok Gyeong-un's question, Moo Jang-yak pulled something out from his wrist.
It was a thin needle about the size of a finger joint.
It was even smaller than the gold shackle embedded in the gate.
[....What is that?]
[The four captured members of your team, and all of our team members, we've inserted this into the acupuncture point on their waists.]
[...…]
[If this cartilage needle is inserted for half a day, they will limp for about ten days. In severe cases, they won't be able to walk for half a month.]
'!?'
At his words, Mok Gyeong-un's eyes narrowed.
He had inserted that needle not only into our teammates but also into their own teammates?
[.....How can I believe that?]
Then, Moo Jang-yak told Mok Yu-cheon to take off his upper garment and show his back.
Accordingly, Mok Yu-cheon removed his top.
As he undressed, Moo Jang-yak began striking the acupuncture points on Mok Yu-cheon's back, out of sight.
-Tap tap tap tap tap tap!
And not long after,
-Pop!
The needle popped out from Mok Yu-cheon's back.
Seeing that, even Mo Ha-rang clicked his tongue in disbelief.
Who would have predicted that they would go so far as to insert cartilage needles into their own teammates to prepare for this situation?
Moo Jang-yak smiled at Mok Gyeong-un with narrow eyes and said.
[Now, what are you going to do? Even if you take Mok Yu-cheon with you after removing the needle, if I don't cooperate, everyone will be unable to walk properly after half a day. Then, you and your entire team will be eliminated.]
It was a do-or-die kind of countermeasure.
Of course, this countermeasure was extremely effective.
Because it would result in both teams failing to fill eight spots, leading to everyone's elimination.
'....His mind is truly exceptional.'
Even Mo Ha-rang couldn't help but admire the exquisite move.
It was a strategy that accurately read the unpredictable Mok Gyeong-un.
This time, it seemed that even Mok Gyeong-un had no choice but to accept it.
However, Mok Gyeong-un muttered with twitching lips.
[This is really interesting.]
She frowned.
It was as good as losing the battle of wits against Moo Jang-yak, yet he found this situation interesting?
As she was puzzled, Mok Gyeong-un said to Moo Jang-yak.
[It's a tough decision.]
[Is there a need to ponder? No matter what tricks you use, in this situation…..]
[No. I'm deliberating whether it would be better to kill you now or let you live.]
'!?'
96: Chapter 95: Benefits (1)
Mu Jang-yak always maintained a cheerful and bright demeanor, which naturally lifted the moods of those around him.
Even now, with a smile on his face, the team members' spirits remained high.
However, although he tried his best to conceal it, Mu Jang-yak's eyes kept darting toward Mok Gyeong-un when no one was looking.
In the end, he had successfully protected his team members.
As a team leader, he had performed his role excellently from the very first day.
'…Mok Gyeong-un.'
The events of last night had completely etched Mok Gyeong-un into his mind.
No, he was considerably preoccupied with him.
Mu Jang-yak recalled what had transpired the previous night.
[No. I'm deliberating whether it would be better to kill you now or let you live.]
[Crazy bastard!]
[Do you even realize the situation you're in?]
Mu Jang-yak's team members were dumbfounded by Mok Gyeong-un's absurd words.
In the current situation, Mok Gyeong-un had no choice.
If he dared to touch even one person, they would ensure that everyone was eliminated from the trial.
Yet, he was spouting such nonsense, which was nothing more than a bluff.
[Do as you please!]
[If you're trying to get us all disqualified, do you think we'll just sit back and let it happen?]
[Bring it on!]
Mu Jang-yak's team members, who had been waiting confidently in his strategy, couldn't hold back any longer and assumed fighting stances, preparing for battle.
Mok Yu-cheon was no exception.
In contrast, Mu Jang-yak, who had devised this plan, silently observed Mok Gyeong-un, unlike the others.
'What the hell?'
What could he be relying on to act this way?
Mu Jang-yak had heard from Mok Yu-cheon, his half-brother, about what had occurred during the second trial and realized that Mok Gyeong-un was no ordinary person.
That was why he had devised such a flawless plan.
'No matter how I think about it, there are no loopholes in this plan. Yet, what's with that attitude?'
Mu Jang-yak had been exceptionally intelligent since childhood.
He was skilled at reading others' minds, discerning their emotions and thoughts through their eyes, actions, and various factors.
However, Mok Gyeong-un's gaze and tone of voice made it difficult to decipher his emotions.
'I can't tell if it's a bluff or genuine.'
What could it be?
Was he simply unable to control his own emotions, leading him to say such things?
Although it seemed excessive, Mok Gyeong-un possessed a cunning disposition, much like himself.
In fact, although he hadn't disclosed it to everyone, if the first tactic had succeeded, he had intended to break the legs of Mok Gyeong-un's team members at daybreak, just as Mok Gyeong-un had said.
That way, they could naturally eliminate him and his team.
In the end, only Mok Gyeong-un had seen through his intentions.
Perhaps that was why Mu Jang-yak found Mok Gyeong-un's words from earlier unsettling.
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un stared intently at him, chuckled, and said, [Let's end it here for now.]
[What?]
Mok Yu-cheon retorted in response to Mok Gyeong-un's words, as if they were absurd.
Was he babbling as if bestowing mercy, even though he was in a disadvantageous position?
Although they had followed Mu Jang-yak's plan, there were three individuals on their side who had reached the Peak Realm.
Yeon Mu-ung from the Esoteric Realm Gate, who was guarding the hostages in the room, Mu Jang-yak himself, and Mok Yu-cheon.
They outnumbered the other side and held the advantage in a fight, certainly not in an unfavorable situation.
[Stop bluffing, Mok Gyeong-un.]
[Think what you will. Send two of your members over here. To be fair, we should also hold hostages until morning.]
[We're the ones holding the knife, yet you dare…]
[Fine.]
[What?]
Just as they were about to refuse, Mu Jang-yak readily accepted the proposal.
His team members, including Mok Yu-cheon, couldn't hide their puzzlement at his attitude.
Why was he accommodating them when there was no need to do so?
Mu Jang-yak explained to them, [They've made a concession, so there's no point in further provoking them.]
[But…]
[Trust me.]
In the end, both sides agreed to exchange hostages and hold them, and the night passed peacefully.
However, Mu Jang-yak heard Mok Gyeong-un muttering quietly, [What a pity. I had hoped you wouldn't be so wise.]
-Flinch!
The moment he heard those words, a strange chill ran down his spine.
Just who was this fellow?
He had prided himself on the fact that among his peers, there was no one worthy of his attention.
He didn't consider Yeon Mu-ung from the Esoteric Realm Gate, Yeom Ga from the Vermillion Slaughter Cave, Mo Ha-rang from the Demon Fire Hall, or even Mok Yu-cheon, whom he had recently met, to be particularly special.
Yet, for the first time, a feeling of wariness toward someone had emerged within him.
And that person was none other than Mok Gyeong-un.
'If he becomes an enemy, perhaps I should kill him…'
***
An unprecedented situation where nearly a quarter of the cadets were eliminated before even taking on the trial.
Although it sparked considerable controversy, since no rules were violated, the issue was not pursued, and the trial proceeded.
Of course, due to this incident, an additional constraint was introduced.
"From now on, until all trials are completed, any private fights or acts of harming each other among the cadets are strictly prohibited."
It was to prevent further variables from arising.
As previously announced, the third trial was a sword formation test where one had to subdue their opponent.
The name of the sword formation was Heaven and Earth Eight Inscriptions Formation.
It was a sword formation based on the changes of the Eight Trigrams, developed by the previous leader of the Heaven and Earth Society. Perfectly executing it and subduing the opponent would result in passing the trial.
The allotted practice period was a mere three days.
Those three days passed quickly.
The remaining two teams, sixteen individuals, were the most skilled among the cadets who had entered Corpse Blood Valley.
Naturally, both teams easily passed the third trial.
The one who received the top score in the third trial was not Mok Gyeong-un but Mu Jang-yak.
Although Mok Gyeong-un's team had also utilized the sword formation well to subdue their opponents, Mu Jang-yak's team had perfectly overwhelmed their opponents without a single injury.
In conclusion, there were no flaws.
As a team leader and in terms of his judgment in operating the sword formation, he was considered superior, which allowed Mu Jang-yak to obtain the top score in this trial.
***
The fourth trial involved traversing a trap-filled maze in the darkness.
The criteria were simple.
Burning an incense stick that could measure time, if one emerged before a third of it burned out, they would gain the qualification of a unit leader and pass this trial, allowing them to proceed to the final trial.
If they emerged before two-thirds of the incense burned out, they would earn the qualification of a Daeju but forfeit the right to take the next trial.
Naturally, those who failed to pass through would be eliminated with the qualification of a senior warrior.
Originally, the trial scheduled for this round was supposed to utilize the iron balls obtained during the iron ball competition, but due to the mere sixteen remaining participants, it was inevitably skipped, moving directly to the fifth trial.
This was exactly what Mok Gyeong-un had intended.
And so, the sixteen cadets took on the fourth trial.
The results were as follows: 6 individuals emerged within one-third of the incense burning time, 5 individuals within two-thirds, and 5 individuals failed to emerge within two-thirds, totaling 10 individuals who were disqualified from the final trial.
Those who failed to pass the trial were disappointed but had to be content with the qualification of a senior warrior, while the 5 who emerged within two-thirds could at least earn the qualification of a Daeju.
Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi said to Valley Master Lee Ji-yeom, "Although there were two variables, the expected individuals passed."
The two variables Gwak Mun-gi referred to were the hostages from the righteous faction's Yeon Mok Sword Manor Clan, sent by the Society Leader.
He had naturally assumed that these two would not even survive the first or second trial.
However, that expectation had been completely shattered.
"I see. It's them."
The six individuals standing side by side in the plaza.
Those who had passed the fourth trial were Mok Gyeong-un, Mok Yu-cheon, Yeom Ga from the Vermillion Slaughter Cave, Yeon Mu-ung from the Esoteric Realm Gate, Mo Ha-rang from the Demon Fire Hall, and Mu Jang-yak.
"Who passed through the maze the fastest?"
"…It was Mok Gyeong-un."
"Mok Gyeong-un?"
'As expected of him.'
Lee Ji-yeom nodded, as if he had anticipated it to some extent.
No matter how much he had lost his former martial arts prowess, he naturally believed that someone like him would easily pass the trial.
[TL/N: At this point Lee Ji-yeom thinks that Cheong-ryeong, former lord of Lunar Vein, is possessing MC's body. While I could use she/her pronouns to indicate its Cheong-ryeong he's talking about, I think that's gonna confuse people more. So I'm sticking with he/his pronoun from hereon. After all, you guys do know who's he talking about right?]
"How much time did he take?"
"He emerged when the incense had burned about one-sixth, not one-third."
"One-sixth?"
At those words, Lee Ji-yeom's eyes gleamed with interest.
He had expected Mok Gyeong-un to pass the fastest, but this was beyond expectations.
At this level, it was almost as if he had simply run straight through flat ground instead of a maze.
"…We were also greatly surprised."
Gwak Mun-gi had been dumbfounded upon seeing the incense.
No matter how exceptional one's qi sensitivity was, this was absurdly skillful.
It was incomprehensible how someone who appeared to be at most a first-rate level could emerge faster than those who had reached the pinnacle realm.
'Did he conceal his martial arts?'
No, that couldn't be.
If that were the case, he would have to be at a higher realm than himself, who had reached the pinnacle, but he was certain that Mok Gyeong-un, who was merely seventeen years old, couldn't possibly be at that level.
Just what kind of brat was he?
As they were pondering, Valley Master Lee Ji-yeom clicked his tongue and asked, "Who emerged second fastest?"
"It was Yeom Ga from the Vermillion Slaughter Cave."
"Oh-ho."
"Yeom Ga passed through the maze when about half of the incense had burned."
This could also be considered a remarkable achievement.
In fact, throughout the history of the maze trial, no one had ever passed within half of the incense burning time.
Today, both Mok Gyeong-un and Yeom Ga had broken that record.
These two individuals had passed through so swiftly, as if they had traversed a well-lit path rather than darkness.
"The Vermillion Slaughter Cave has sent a capable talent."
"It seems so."
However, they appeared to be unlucky this time.
Due to the presence of Mok Gyeong-un, a complete monster, they were unable to receive the spotlight.
"Who was third?"
"Mu Jang-yak and Mo Ha-rang from the Demon Fire Hall passed before a quarter of the incense burned out, while Mok Yu-cheon and Yeon Mu-ung from the Esoteric Realm Gate passed within one-third."
"The level of this year's cadets has significantly improved."
Although many variables had come into play, this was the first time since Lee Ji-yeom had taken charge of Corpse Blood Valley that more than one or two individuals had passed within a quarter of the incense burning time.
In fact, passing within one-third alone could be considered an indication of exceptional qi sensitivity.
From that perspective, for the officers seeking the finest talents, this selection process could be regarded as successful.
"What shall we do? The top score is evidently…"
"Isn't it already determined?"
"…Indeed."
Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi reluctantly replied.
A hostage from the righteous faction had pushed aside all the talents of the main sect and was about to receive the top score for the third time.
It was only natural to find it unpleasant.
'Yeon Mok Sword Manor…'
Just how did they train their disciples that not one, but both of them had reached the final trial of Corpse Blood Valley?
However, if two individuals, who were mere hostages despite being sent by the Society Leader's orders, were to assume positions within the main sect, would the sect's warriors be able to accept it?
-Tap!
Standing on the platform in front of the plaza, Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom held up the top score plaque and said, "Mok Gyeong-un, step forward."
"Yes."
Mok Gyeong-un walked up to the platform.
Lee Ji-yeom gave him a brief glance and handed him the top score plaque.
Then, he spoke as if addressing everyone, "The fourth top score is awarded to Mok Gyeong-un, who passed through the trial the fastest."
At his words, the five individuals standing side by side gazed at Mok Gyeong-un with varying expressions.
In fact, since this was the third time, most of them had no particular feelings about receiving the top score.
However, they couldn't help but react to the words that followed from Lee Ji-yeom.
"Prior to the final trial, those who have received top scores will be rewarded by our sect."
'!?'
Rewards?
Wasn't it simply an honorary title?
However, there were only two individuals here who had received top scores.
Mok Gyeong-un and Mu Jang-yak.
Among them, three were in Mok Gyeong-un's possession.
Regardless of what the benefits were, it was almost as if he had a monopoly on them.
"Those who have obtained one top score will be rewarded with the Heavenly-Earth Pill, crafted from our sect's secret method."
'!!!!!'
At these words, Yeon Mu-ung from the Esoteric Realm Gate and Mo Ha-rang from the Demon Fire Hall couldn't hide their astonishment.
The Heavenly Earth Pill was a medicinal pill made from the Heaven and Earth Society's secret method, and they had heard that the production and maturing process alone took ten years.
Moreover, the medicinal ingredients that went into a single pill were said to be worth a thousand gold, so the quantity was quite limited.
Yet, to think it would be given as a reward…
'How fortunate.'
Although Mu Jang-yak didn't show it, he was delighted inwardly.
Consuming the Heavenly Earth Pill, a refined medicinal pill, could grant one internal energy equivalent to nearly 10 to 15 years of cultivation.
-…Damn it. He changed the name.
'The name?'
Mok Gyeong-un was puzzled by Cheong-ryeong's sudden remark.
Cheong-ryeong then snorted and said, -It's not Heavenly Earth Pill, but Moonlight Pill[1]. The Heaven and Earth Society's secret method, my ass.
Judging by her anger, it seemed there was some untold story behind this that only she knew.
As they were contemplating, Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom continued, "Here is the benefit for those who possess two top score plaques. They may enter the Corpse Blood Valley Treasure Vault and obtain a secret manual of their choice. Naturally, most of them are secret manuals of the Ascending Martial Arts."
'Ascending Martial Arts[2]!'
At the mention of the second benefit, everyone's interest was piqued for the first time.