Chapter 231: Desire (4)
On the way back to the inn.
The attitudes of Gan-yang and Ok-gi from the advance party changed.
Originally, they were already wary of the rear party, but after witnessing Mok Gyeong-un's true colors as he dealt with even Lady Seo, one of the absolute rulers of this nation, they treated him completely like a superior.
In fact, what was most deeply imprinted in their minds was the image of the traitorous Yoo-bong, who had been split in half and turned into a cold corpse.
'Let's not provoke him.'
'Who knows what might happen if we get on his bad side.'
Even Ok-gi, who had once vowed to take revenge, had long since abandoned such thoughts.
He just hoped to avoid irritating Mok Gyeong-un until the mission was completed.
As they were heading towards the inn, Mok Gyeong-un spoke to them at a fork in the road.
"I have a brief errand to run, so you all go ahead first."
"My lord, I will escort you," Seop Chun stepped forward to guard Mok Gyeong-un.
But Mok Gyeong-un shook his head.
"It's nothing important, so please go ahead and wait inside."
"Are you sure it's alright?"
"Yes, I'm just going to take a look around."
'Ah! You must mean that place.'
At these words, Seop Chun realized where Mok Gyeong-un was heading.
He was likely going to the workshop of Miss Song-ah, the real master artisan of human skin masks.
Having confirmed his intentions, Seop Chun backed down.
After Mok Gyeong-un left, quite some time passed. As they were about to reach the inn, Gan-yang carefully spoke.
"Brother Seop."
"What is it?"
"But, is it really okay to end it like this?"
"What do you mean by okay?"
"I'm talking about Lady Seo."
"Lady Seo?"
"Yes. Although Lord Mok wrapped things up well, what if Lady Seo has a change of heart along the way…"
In fact, this had been Gan-yang's concern all along.
Mok Gyeong-un may have imprinted fear in that arrogant Lady Seo, but from her perspective, she had been thoroughly humiliated.
She may have shown submission to Mok Gyeong-un now to survive, but once she returned to the palace, her attitude could change.
"You don't need to worry about that," Mong Mu-yak interjected.
"What do you mean there's no need to worry?"
-Swish!
Mong Mu-yak raised his arm to show them.
The iron chain bracelet that should have been there was missing.
The reason was simple.
Mok Gyeong-un had removed the Chain of Loyalty he had been wearing and put it on Lady Seo, receiving her oath of submission.
"As long as she wears that bracelet, Lady Seo absolutely cannot betray the lord."
"…What the hell are you talking about?"
"You'll find out soon. And don't try to understand everything."
Mong Mu-yak was the only one who had experienced the Chain of Loyalty.
Those who wore it could never harbor any ill intentions towards the one they had sworn allegiance to.
Doing so could even cost them their life.
'Hehehe.'
Mong Mu-yak was extremely pleased to have the Chain of Loyalty removed thanks to Lady Seo.
It had been too painful, as it would tighten around his wrist and cause agony even if he harbored the slightest malicious thoughts towards Mok Gyeong-un.
[You'll be able to behave well even without this, right?]
[…I will serve you with all my heart. Please trust me.]
Mong Mu-yak had once again sworn loyalty to Mok Gyeong-un.
Through his experiences with Mok Gyeong-un, he had come to believe that perhaps he could even surpass the Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang and become the successor, leading him to have a change of heart.
Because of this, he now genuinely viewed Mok Gyeong-un as his lord.
Seop Chun patted Gan-yang's back and said,
"As Mu-yak said, don't worry too much. Moreover, with this incident, Lady Seo is also in a difficult position, so she has no choice but to comply."
A rock and a hard place.
It was the phrase that best described Lady Seo's current situation.
Apart from swearing submission to Mok Gyeong-un, she now had to distance herself from the righteous faction voluntarily.
Peng Seok-im, the younger brother of Magistrate Peng Yi-mun, had attempted to violate her in front of everyone, and on top of that, he had even massacred the soldiers of the Imperial Army stationed in Kaifeng.
Because of this, she had no choice but to sever ties with the Hebei Peng Family, if only to handle the aftermath.
Thus, from Lady Seo's perspective, no matter how unpleasant it was, she had to maintain her relationship with Mok Gyeong-un and the Heaven and Earth Society.
"Unintentionally, thanks to our lord, those bastards from the Righteous Alliance are about to get scared shitless. Hahaha!"
The Hebei Peng Family was one of the Seven Great Clans and a key pillar of the Righteous Alliance.
Thinking about the blow they would suffer, Seop Chun, as a member of the Heaven and Earth Society, felt delighted.
***
At the same time.
Leafy Wind Guest Inn, located in the western commercial district of Kaifeng.
Normally, it would be a time when the inn would still be bustling with customers drinking alcohol, but the interior was exceptionally quiet.
That was because the restaurant had been reserved by several groups who appeared to be martial artists.
On the first floor, there were martial artists from the Hebei Peng Family wearing military uniforms with "Peng Family" embroidered on their chests.
There was also a group from Mount Hua Sect, dressed in light blue robes with plum blossom patterns.
Lastly, there was a group from Mount Zhongnan Sect, wearing light gray robes with bright red belts, all quietly having a meal together.
The elders of the two sects and one clan leading these groups were engaged in conversation, seated at a round table on the second floor.
The middle-aged man with a mustache sitting on the left was Peng Il-hyeon, the clan head of the Hebei Peng Family, known as the Hegemon Saber of Hebei.
Peng Il-hyeon heartily laughed and poured a cup of alcohol for the person directly across from him.
"Hahaha! Sir Gu Yang-ja is truly magnanimous. Even if it's a bet between elders, to actually teach the secret art of your sect, the Fourteen Plum Blossom Sword Technique, to a disciple of another sect, the Kongtong Sect…"
"Ahem."
At his words, the old Taoist priest in a blue robe with sharp features, receiving the cup, coughed as if displeased.
He was Elder Gu Yang-ja of Mount Hua Sect, one of the Nine Great Sects that could be considered the backbone of the Righteous Alliance.
"Hohoho. Clan Head Peng, don't say that. If you keep going, how upset will Elder Gu Yang-ja be?"
The old man in a robe with a warm demeanor and graying hair, sitting to the right of Peng Il-hyeon, spoke.
He was True Person Geon Mun-ja of Mount Zhongnan Sect.
[True Person comes from the term 진인, or 眞人 (zhenren). Let me know if you know better term to name this aside from True Person.]
At Geon Mun-ja's words, Elder Gu Yang-ja of Mount Hua Sect spoke in a nonchalant voice,
"If I was upset, how could I have taught the martial art? It's all that child's fortune. His talent was simply that outstanding."
"Outstanding is an understatement. To completely grasp the essence of the Fourteen Plum Blossom Sword Technique in just the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he can be called a genius without exaggeration."
At True Person Geon Mun-ja's words, the eyes of Peng Il-hyeon, the Peng Family's clan head, widened.
"In just the time to drink a cup of tea?"
"That's right. He truly has a brilliant mind."
"My, if that's true, it's amazing."
For a highly skilled swordsman, it wasn't impossible.
However, he had heard that the disciple of the Kongtong Sect had just become an official disciple after being a lay disciple.
If such a child had mastered a first-rate sword art of another sect in just the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he could indeed be considered a great talent.
Curious, Peng Il-hyeon asked,
"What is the Taoist name of that disciple from the Kongtong Sect?"
"Although he was accepted as an official disciple, he wasn't registered with a Taoist name, so as far as I know, he doesn't have one."
"Ah, is that so? Then his name…"
"Could it be that Clan Head Peng covets that child from the Kongtong Sect?"
Elder Gu Yang-ja of Mount Hua Sect asked in a nonchalant voice.
At that question, Peng Il-hyeon waved his hands and politely replied,
"No, of course not. How could I covet an official disciple of the Kongtong Sect?"
While saying this, Peng Il-hyeon surreptitiously glanced at Elder Gu Yang-ja's face.
No matter how he looked at it, the old man seemed to be wary of him.
'I see.'
He had already thought it was difficult to see Elder Gu Yang-ja's unhesitating transmission of the Mount Hua Sect's sword art to a disciple of another sect as mere magnanimity, even if it was called a bet. It seemed he also coveted that child.
For a True Person of a Taoist sect, he was unexpectedly greedy.
But it was understandable.
If the child possessed such talent, anyone would want him as a disciple.
'If my second son receives a recommendation letter from Lady Seo to participate in the Imperial Guard's martial arts competition this time, I should instruct him to keep an eye on that child from the Kongtong Sect.'
One never knows what might happen.
Just then, Elder Gu Yang-ja of Mount Hua Sect opened his mouth.
"But seeing Clan Head Peng come to Kaifeng in person, it seems the efforts of your younger brother, who serves as a Magistrate in the palace, have borne fruit."
At his words, Peng Il-hyeon's eyes narrowed.
As expected of Mount Hua Sect, known as one of the pillars of the Nine Great Sects alongside Wudang Sect, their information network was no ordinary matter.
The Righteous Alliance had long supported the second prince, Prince Jong, who was considered the most likely candidate for Crown Prince.
However, contrary to that support and expectation, the young son of Lady Seo had ascended to the position of Crown Prince.
Since then, Peng Il-hyeon, the clan head of the Hebei Peng Family, had been in contact with Lady Seo through his younger brother Peng Yi-mun, who held an official position in the palace.
'Before the old men of the Alliance interfere, I need to further solidify my relationship with Lady Seo.'
If today's matter was resolved smoothly, it would be achieved.
Lady Seo had wanted to sever ties with the Heaven and Earth Society since becoming the mother of the Crown Prince.
If this matter was successfully resolved, not only would he gain the trust of Lady Seo, but he could also surpass the old fogies of the Alliance who were clinging to a rotten lifeline and even aim for the position of the next Alliance Leader.
Just thinking about it, he couldn't contain his excitement.
However, he didn't want to provoke the scrutiny of these old fogies yet, so he calmly said without revealing his thoughts.
"No, my younger brother has simply fulfilled his duties in his official position."
"Hohoho. You're so humble. Isn't your clan's matter also the Alliance's matter? If the Peng Family's affairs go well and you even obtain a recommendation letter from Lady Seo for the Imperial Guard's martial arts competition, the influence of our Alliance will grow even greater. How can this not be a good thing?"
"..."
Peng Il-hyeon clicked his tongue inwardly.
Elder Gu Yang-ja of Mount Hua Sect had already seen through more than half of his plan.
He was truly an old man who couldn't be taken lightly.
He needed to quickly gain strength.
He couldn't let the Righteous Alliance continue to revolve solely around the Nine Great Sects and One Clan.
It was at that moment.
-Tap tap tap tap!
Someone hurriedly ran up to the second floor where they were.
Peng Il-hyeon, the Peng Family's clan head, Elder Gu Yang-ja of Mount Hua Sect, and True Person Geon Mun-ja of Mount Zhongnan Sect turned their heads to look at the person.
'!?'
However, upon seeing the person, Peng Il-hyeon frowned with a look of bewilderment.
That was because the one who had come up was none other than the senior warrior of the Peng Family's outer hall.
The clan head Peng Il-hyeon couldn't help but be baffled by the sudden appearance of the person he had sent to assist his third younger brother Peng Seok-im for the mission, covered in blood.
"Huff huff… C-Clan Head! I have an urgent report."
"What on earth happened?"
Something felt ominous.
By now, he thought the matter would have been wrapped up.
The senior warrior of the outer hall hurriedly approached Clan Head Peng Il-hyeon and whispered,
"Please change locations for a moment."
At those words, Peng Il-hyeon looked puzzled, but soon excused himself to Elder Gu Yang-ja of Mount Hua and True Person Geon Mun-ja of Mount Zhongnan, and moved to the outer area of the second floor.
Nevertheless, the senior warrior of the outer hall whispered in his ear.
"Clan Head. You must leave Kaifeng immediately."
"What are you talking about? Leave Kaifeng?"
"Something terrible has happened."
"What? Don't tell me our clan's warriors were defeated?"
"…It's even more serious than that. If we don't hurry, you may face great trouble."
"Face great trouble? What the hell are you saying?"
Clan Head Peng Il-hyeon's voice rose.
Could it be that they had been counter-attacked by the Heaven and Earth Society bastards?
But even if they had been counter-attacked and failed the mission, this was Kaifeng, the imperial capital, and he had the remaining forces of the Hebei Peng Family with him.
"If it's because of the Heaven and Earth Society bastards, right now…"
"Clan Head! It's not because of the Heaven and Earth Society."
"Then why are you acting like this?"
Pressed by Peng Il-hyeon, the senior warrior of the outer hall hesitated before finally speaking.
"…Outer Hall Master Peng Seok-im has caused a major incident."
"An incident? What the hell are you talking about?"
What kind of incident could he have caused in this mission?
The mission was simple.
At most, it was to suppress the late-stage disciples sent by the Heaven and Earth Society.
No matter how outstanding they were, they were just late-stage disciples, and the forces he had prepared were enough to engage in a battle with even a small to medium-sized sect.
But the senior warrior of the outer hall uttered words he never expected.
"Outer Hall Master Peng Seok-im has massacred most of the clan's warriors and government soldiers who were on standby."
'!?'
At those words, Clan Head Peng Il-hyeon's expression stiffened.
For a moment, he doubted his own ears.
"W-What are you saying? Why would Peng Seok-im do such a thing?"
"I don't know. The young master suddenly became crazed like a madman and tried to force his way inside, so we tried to stop him, but…"
"…No. No. That can't be."
Peng Il-hyeon denied it.
No matter how much Peng Seok-im indulged in wine and women and had improper conduct, as a member of the righteous faction, he had never crossed that line.
Why would the guy do something so absurd?
But the problem didn't end there.
"Clan Head. But it's the truth. These wounds of mine were also inflicted by the Outer Hall Master. We shouldn't be doing this. You must leave Kaifeng right now. Otherwise, you may truly face great trouble."
"No. That can't be. I'll go directly and…"
"You absolutely must not go."
"What do you mean I can't? If that guy caused an incident, if we don't handle it immediately, everything we've done so far will be for naught…"
Before he could even finish speaking, the senior warrior of the outer hall revealed the truth with difficulty.
"The Outer Hall Master tried to forcibly violate Her Majesty the Imperial Noble Consort."
'!!!!!!!'
The moment he heard those words, Clan Head Peng Il-hyeon became dazed like a mad man, and his legs seemed to lose strength as he staggered.
233: Chapter 232: The Disregard for the Embroidered Uniform Guard (1)
Early morning.
The Embroidered Uniform Guard Training Barracks' Head Instructor's office.
A middle-aged man in his late forties with a stern face and a scar on his chin bid farewell to a man in a blue officer's uniform who was leaving the office, his hands clasped together in a polite gesture.
As the man left, the middle-aged man plopped down into the chair behind the office desk.
Then, he let out a deep sigh.
'Hoo. I can't stomach this nonsense anymore.'
The middle-aged man's name was Seok Jeonwoong.
He was the Head Instructor in charge of educating the Embroidered Uniform Guard trainees and also served as the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
As Seok Jeonwoong recalled the officer who had just come and gone, he couldn't help but snort.
'It's truly a predicament on how to handle this.'
The officer who had just visited was a man named Jang Chan, who held the 6th rank government post of Reader at the Hanlin Academy.
The reason for his visit was to make a request regarding the Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination.
Of course, such occurrences were commonplace.
It had been a constant ever since he took on the role of Head Instructor.
'His Highness, Prince Gyeongjin, must be growing impatient. Seeing as he even sent a close confidant of his faction to make a separate request.'
Among the eight individuals already set to be selected from the Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination, four of them were preselected candidates.
The actual power in this nation was divided into four factions.
His Majesty the Emperor's younger brother, Prince Gyeongjin; the Grand Preceptor Hang Yoon, who also held the position of Admiral of the Central Commandery among the Three Excellencies; His Majesty's second son, the Prince Jong; and the current Imperial Concubine from the Seo clan, who was the mother of the current Crown Prince.
The preselected candidates were divided among these four factions.
As the Emperor was still holding on, albeit barely, the balance was precariously maintained, but there would surely come a moment when that balance would shatter.
'His Majesty's illness has persisted for quite some time.'
If the Emperor were to collapse, it would mark the beginning of a catastrophe.
Since he did not attend the recent morning assembly, all the high-ranking officials sensed this ominous sign.
Hence, it was likely the reason Prince Gyeongjin had sent his man.
'It's unbearably troublesome.'
There was no way around the customary selection of half the preselected candidates.
However, starting from the previous occasion and now for this Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination, Prince Gyeongjin's side had requested that the remaining four spots, which were not assigned to preselected candidates, be filled entirely with their own talents.
Moreover, it wasn't simply a request.
[Instructor Seok, you are forty-nine years old, which means you are nearing the end of your term as the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. It is truly regrettable.]
Seok Jeonwoong's age was 49.
The term for serving as the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard was until the age of 50.
After next year, he would have to complete his term and leave the palace.
[I heard that your son will be taking the civil service examination next spring. This year, he took the exam for the fourth time, so next year will be his fifth attempt. Isn't it about time for him to pass the exam and embark on an official career? As it happens, the Hanlin Academy is in need of talented scholars of the 8th rank.]
That shook him.
In other words, if he accepted the request, they would ensure his son's success in the examination.
This put Seok Jeonwoong in a considerable dilemma.
According to the assistant instructor at the National Academy, his son had the capability to pass the exam with flying colors.
However, despite being almost thirty years old, he had yet to pass due to the power struggles among the preselected candidates.
How could this be acceptable?
'It's because his father lacks influence.'
All the official positions were being filled by the children of those in high-ranking posts.
Regardless of their aptitude and abilities.
Seok Jeonwoong was originally not a commoner, but thanks to his merits on the battlefield, he was able to enter the Embroidered Uniform Guard and rise to the position of Commander.
However, that was the extent of it.
No matter how outstanding he was or how many achievements he made, he could not climb any higher.
Thus, he was limited to being the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, unable to provide any assistance for his son's official career.
[Let's do it this way. If His Highness's five recommended individuals can be included, I will petition for your promotion to the position of Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Along with your son's success in the civil service examination, I believe these are not bad terms.]
In a way, this proposal from Prince Gyeongjin's side was truly irresistible.
If possible, he wanted to accept it and receive the rewards.
However, the problem was that it wasn't easy to do so.
Seok Jeonwoong glanced at the list of recommended individuals.
'Ha······.'
It was a spectacle to behold.
They were all individuals who were unqualified to be in the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the first place.
Only senior-grade trainees were eligible to take the Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination.
Yet, the individuals on the recommendation list were all junior-grade trainees who barely managed to keep up with the training process.
There was only one person who was an exception.
'Geum Jong-hyeon.'
From the beginning, Geum Jong-hyeon was a senior-grade trainee and the son of a 5th rank Lecturer at the Hanlin Academy.
Initially, Seok Jeonwoong thought he would be no different from other scholars' disciples, but at some point, he had demonstrated exceptional qualities that placed him among the top three in the entire Embroidered Uniform Guard.
For someone like him, he would have a high probability of passing even without a recommendation.
However,
'The rest are impossible.'
It would be unreasonable to forcibly promote junior-grade trainees to senior-grade and give them the opportunity to take the Warrior Examination.
If he were to do that, not only would there be backlash from the trainees, but he would also incur the wrath of the other factions.
For this reason, Seok Jeonwoong did not give a definite answer and sent Prince Gyeongjin's envoy back.
'What should I do?'
Although he had sent him back for now, tomorrow was the Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination, so he had to provide a response by today.
It was truly a situation where he was caught between a rock and a hard place.
If he accepts Prince Gyeongjin's request, he will face opposition from the other factions, but if he refuses the proposal, it will have adverse consequences one way or another.
'Aaaah.'
If only there was a suitable justification to refuse, but he couldn't find one.
Just then, a voice came from outside.
"Head Instructor. Assistant Commander Jang from the Eastern Depot seeks an audience with you."
"Assistant Commander Jang?"
The Assistant Commander of the Eastern Depot was a close confidant of Imperial Concubine Seo.
He was already having a headache dealing with someone from Prince Gyeongjin's side, and now Assistant Commander Jang was here early in the morning. What could be the reason?
Puzzled, Seok Jeonwoong opened the door and greeted him.
***
'Oh my. This is quite…'
Head Instructor Seok Jeonwoong couldn't hide his troubled expression.
The reason being that Assistant Commander Jang from the Eastern Depot had conveyed a difficult request from Imperial Concubine Seo, similar to that of Prince Gyeongjin's side.
'No. This one is even worse.'
Prince Gyeongjin's side at least recommended individuals who were already Embroidered Uniform Guard trainees.
The issue was that their abilities were somewhat lacking.
However, Imperial Concubine Seo's side requested that three outsiders, who weren't even trainees, be accepted as senior-grade trainees to take the Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination.
No matter how much power she wielded, this was unacceptable.
"Is it really that difficult when it is a request from Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine?"
At Assistant Commander Jang's words, Seok Jeonwoong sighed and replied.
"I apologize. The young man from the Habuk Peng clan, whom you had recommended in advance, at least comes from a renowned martial arts family, so if he proves his skills, it will be sufficient to convince the trainees and examiners. However, it is already problematic to replace him with someone else suddenly, let alone accepting two additional unverified individuals as senior-grade trainees of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. It is simply absurd."
In response to his words, Assistant Commander Jang rested his chin on the table and said,
"Let me ask you directly, Instructor Seok. Is it because of concerns about their abilities? Or are you worried about the backlash from other factions?"
"…It's both."
Seok Jeonwoong answered honestly.
It was already difficult to find a justification to reject Prince Gyeongjin's request, but if he were to accede to Imperial Concubine Seo's request as well, it would become even harder to find a reason.
Then, Assistant Commander Jang smiled and said,
"You need not worry about the verification of their abilities. They are the late-stage disciples sent by the Heaven and Earth Society."
"The Heaven and Earth Society?"
At these words, Seok Jeonwoong's eyes widened.
The Heaven and Earth Society was one of the three great powers in the current martial arts world.
Over the years, the palace had made countless requests to the Heaven and Earth Society to send talented individuals to foster friendly relations with the martial arts community.
However, each time, the Heaven and Earth Society had responded with silence.
Yet, they had sent their disciples through Imperial Concubine Seo?
This was quite a surprising development.
'If this is true, there may be no issue in terms of their abilities.'
It's not just any place, but the Heaven and Earth Society.
If they were sending late-stage disciples to the forefront for the first time, there was no way they would send weak individuals.
However, while he could understand and accept this, it would not be easy for the trainees and Prince Gyeongjin's side to readily…
'Ah!'
Suddenly, an idea flashed through Seok Jeonwoong's mind.
A clever plan that could solve both issues at once.
'Fight fire with fire!'
Using one group of barbarians to subdue another group of barbarians.
There was no need to agonize over how to handle these unreasonable demands from Imperial Concubine Seo's side and Prince Gyeongjin's side separately.
All he had to do was pit them against each other.
***
One hour later,
Near the Embroidered Uniform Guard trainee training grounds.
Jang Chan, who held the 6th rank government post of Reader at the Hanlin Academy, politely greeted an elderly eunuch dressed in a red official's robe with white face paint and a splint on one shoulder.
"I apologize for troubling you when you are still recovering from your injury. Eunuch Beom."
The elderly eunuch's name was Beom Jeung.
He held the position of Junior Supervisor Eunuch, So-gam in the Western Depot of the palace.
"Not at all. His Highness Prince Gyeongjin also asked me to oversee the matter, so it is only natural for me to assist."
"Thank you. As a mere civil official, I am unfamiliar with the proper conduct of the promotion duel, so I had to ask for your help, Eunuch Beom, as you are a skilled martial artist."
"Hohoho. This old man is still lacking. That is why I sustained this injury."
"Please do not say such things. Did you not risk your life to protect His Majesty? His Highness also said he would never forget your actions."
"Hearing such words from him, I am simply overwhelmed with gratitude."
"Your humble demeanor always teaches me a valuable lesson. Shall we proceed then?"
Scholar Jang Chan gestured with his hand and took the lead.
Eunuch Beom followed behind him, limping.
In fact, due to his injury, he could have delegated the task to another eunuch from the Western Depot, but curiosity compelled him to take part.
'The Heaven and Earth Society…'
He heard that the opponents in this promotion duel were from the Heaven and Earth Society.
Over the years, he had encountered many martial artists inside and outside the palace, but most of them were from orthodox sects.
Therefore, Eunuch Beom was curious about the prowess of those feared even by the unorthodox sects, so he expressed his intention to observe in person.
'If the Heaven and Earth Society is in collusion with Imperial Concubine Seo, it won't hurt to see their level of skills on this occasion.'
After all, they might soon become a threatening enemy to His Highness Prince Gyeongjin.
Just how formidable would the martial arts of the Heaven and Earth Society's late-stage disciples be?
"Ah! They are waiting over there."
Scholar Jang Chan pointed at the junior training grounds.
"Oh, I see… What?!"
Eunuch Beom, who had been limping along with anticipation, suddenly halted his steps upon seeing something, startled.
"Eunuch Beom?"
Scholar Jang Chan turned around, puzzled, and looked at Eunuch Beom.
His complexion had abruptly turned pale.
He was even trembling to the point of his body becoming stiff, but the reason was unknown.
'H-How can that fellow be here?'
Even from a distance, a man with exceptionally striking features stood out.
As soon as Eunuch Beom saw him, he was so shocked that he nearly lost strength in his legs.
'Am I seeing things?'
No.
That face was unforgettable, even in dreams.
He had narrowly survived that hellish place by sheer luck and prayed never to encounter that man again.
Yet, how could that fiendish fellow be here?
"Eunuch Beom?"
Scholar Jang Chan called out to him.
Finally regaining his senses, Eunuch Beom lowered his voice and spoke.
"…Are they the late-stage disciples from the Heaven and Earth Society?"
"Seeing as they are confronting our trainees, it appears so. But Eunuch Beom, do you recognize any of them? Why are you reacting like this?"
In response to his question, Eunuch Beom, his mouth parched as if his insides were burning, swallowed hard and said,
"Immediately… Tell them to immediately abandon the duel."
"Pardon? What do you mean by that?"
"It is a fight that cannot be won."
"Cannot be won? To make such a conclusion before even engaging in the duel…"
"It's futile."
Eunuch Beom firmly interrupted Scholar Jang Chan's words.
Then, with a trembling voice, he said,
"Even I cannot handle that monstrous fellow, so how can those youngsters possibly win?"
'!!!!!!!'
234: Chapter 233: The Disregard for the Embroidered Uniform Guard (2)
"Even I cannot handle that monstrous fellow, so how can those youngsters possibly win?"
"Pardon?"
Stunned by the shocking words uttered by Eunuch Beom Jeung from the Western Depot, Scholar Jang Chan from the Hanlin Academy wore an expression of disbelief.
Although he had not been assisting Prince Gyeongjin for very long, from what he had heard, Eunuch Beom Jeung was known to be an exceptional master, ranking among the top five of the eunuchs in the Eastern and Western Depots who had cultivated martial arts.
While he couldn't accurately understand their terminology, he had heard that Eunuch Beom's internal energy had reached the pinnacle-stage of Transcendent Realm, and even among martial artists, there were not many masters who could rival him.
Yet, for someone with such outstanding martial prowess to say that he couldn't defeat that opponent, what on earth did he mean?
Moreover, the late-stage disciples were merely young individuals around their early twenties, weren't they?
"Eunuch Beom, could you perhaps be mistaken?"
"Mistaken?"
"Yes, the late-stage disciples are just young junior brothers. How could such individuals be a match for you, Eunuch Beom, who possesses years of experience?"
"Hoo."
Faced with his disbelieving attitude, Eunuch Beom let out a sigh.
Even he himself, who had personally experienced it, found it unbelievable, so it was only natural for someone who knew nothing about the situation to react that way.
However, now was not the time to provide explanations.
'He hasn't recognized me yet, so I need to hurry and leave this place.'
And he had to immediately report this matter to Prince Gyeongjin.
Although he had hoped never to encounter that man again, now that the fiendish fellow had appeared in the palace, he had to report it and find a way to deal with the situation.
His Majesty, who was already having sleepless nights due to the incident that day, might not be able to recover from the shock if he were to see that man again.
Therefore, Eunuch Beom quietly said,
"I will provide you with the details later. If you truly cannot bring yourself to believe this old man's words, then let them proceed with the duel. However, with their abilities…"
As he was speaking, Eunuch Beom abruptly stopped.
"Why did you not finish your sentence?"
"Oh my…"
"Pardon?"
Puzzled by Eunuch Beom's distorted expression, Scholar Jang Chan turned to look in the direction he was staring at.
'!?'
Scholar Jang Chan furrowed his brows.
Among the individuals in the confrontation, a single person had turned his head and was looking in their direction.
They were about 30 jang apart, so it seemed quite coincidental.
However, for Eunuch Beom, this was no coincidence.
'…That monstrous fellow.'
Even from this distance, he had detected his presence.
With so many people around and without the opponent actively drawing upon their energy, it was difficult to specifically identify someone from this distance without making a conscious effort.
Yet, that man was accurately looking at him.
Just how sensitive and extensive was his perception?
Was this the difference between someone who had crossed the wall and those who hadn't?
'…But he shouldn't have recognized me.'
There was a considerable distance between them, and his appearance now was very different from when they had met at the inn during the heavy downpour.
Not only his attire but also the distinctive white face paint worn by eunuchs.
So, if he refrained from showing any reaction here, that fellow wouldn't be able to recognize him…
'!!!!!'
At that moment, Eunuch Beom's pupils trembled like crazy.
Having served as a eunuch for a long time, he had learned the art of lip-reading and could understand what the other person was saying by observing the shape of their mouth.
Of course, it was difficult to accurately read from this distance, but he could clearly make out those words.
[So you survived.]
Eunuch Beom felt as if the strength had drained from his legs.
That man had accurately recognized him.
***
"So you survived."
"My lord?"
When Mok Gyeong-un suddenly looked somewhere, Seop Chun, puzzled, followed his gaze.
Some distance away, two officials were visible, with the one whose back was turned limping away in a hurry as if fleeing.
Unable to understand what was going on,
"It seems he was a eunuch."
"What do you mean by that?"
"The official limping away over there."
"Do you know him?"
"You should know him too, Seop Chun."
"Are you referring to me?"
"The old master we encountered at the village inn when we were trying to borrow a boat."
"Ah! Are you talking about the old master who was escorting that battered young lady? Oh? Then that old master was a palace eunuch?"
"The red official's robe indicates the Western Depot, so it seems to be the case."
Mok Gyeong-un replied nonchalantly.
Upon hearing this, Mong Mu-yak furrowed his brows and whispered,
"My lord… If what you say is true, that woman he was escorting may not be the daughter of a high-ranking official but a member of the imperial family."
"A member of the imperial family?"
"Yes, eunuchs only serve the imperial family. Moreover, if a master of that caliber was escorting her, she must not be of ordinary status."
At those words, Seop Chun spoke in a startled voice,
"No way. Then, could that young lady possibly be a princess…"
"Shh!"
Mong Mu-yak gestured for him to keep quiet as his voice was about to rise.
They were not the only ones present here.
After silencing Seop Chun, Mong Mu-yak spoke with a concerned tone,
"My lord, if that woman indeed holds a high position in the imperial family, we should make some preparations for the future."
Mong Mu-yak had assumed they must have surely died.
However, if they had survived that hellish situation, their animosity and desire for revenge towards Mok Gyeong-un and themselves might have reached its peak.
In that case, it could hinder their mission in the palace and even lead to troublesome situations.
"Preparations… Well, it wouldn't hurt to do so. Then, Mong Mu-yak, can you handle those preparations?"
"Are you referring to me?"
"Yes, didn't you say we need to make preparations?"
"…That's right."
"Then, I'll leave it to you."
"I shall follow your orders."
Mong Mu-yak's eyes gleamed with determination as he replied.
This was undoubtedly Mok Gyeong-un's way of testing his abilities.
Unlike Seop Chun, he had pledged his loyalty later, so he needed to demonstrate his capabilities here to gain his lord's trust.
As he made that resolution inwardly, a scarred Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who had come as an examiner for verification, stepped into the center.
Then, he addressed both sides who were waiting at a distance,
"We can't wait any longer. Due to the delay of the observers, we will begin the promotion duel for the senior-grade without further waiting."
***
The duel didn't take long.
It took less than half a quarter of an hour for all the duels to conclude.
The outcome was a one-sided victory for one side.
The name of the scarred Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard was Maek Ha-gyun, and he was the Commander of the Five Bureaus, responsible for the most secretive of the Six Offices.
Commander Maek Ha-gyun, who had taken on the role of examiner for verification, clicked his tongue inwardly.
'…They deliberately sent them.'
He had volunteered to assess the level of the trainees who had entered through the influence of Imperial Concubine Seo, known to be the late-stage disciples sent by the Heaven and Earth Society for the first time.
However, assessing their level through the duel had become essentially meaningless.
That was because the difference in skill was too vast.
The four individuals recommended by Prince Gyeongjin were merely at the level of second-rate to first-rate at best, so they were no match from the start.
Their caliber was merely that of junior-grade trainees in the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
On the other hand, the martial arts prowess of the late-stage disciples from the Heaven and Earth Society was sufficient for them to become Embroidered Uniform Guards immediately without any shortcomings.
In fact, even Commander Maek Ha-gyun himself found it difficult to gauge their martial prowess.
Based on his perception, they seemed to be either on par with him or even surpassed him.
Therefore, Maek Ha-gyun believed that the Heaven and Earth Society had deliberately sent their late-stage disciples this time.
'The Heaven and Earth Society… Indeed, they live up to their reputation as one of the three great powers in the martial arts world. Even the one with the relatively weakest martial prowess among them has reached the pinnacle-stage of Peak Realm.'
Was his name Mok Gyeong-un?
Although his martial prowess seemed to be the lowest among the three, his exceptional beauty naturally left an impression on Maek Ha-gyun's mind.
In any case, while the duel had ended anticlimactically, it only piqued his interest.
This Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination for the selection of the Embroidered Uniform Guard also included the participation of promising late-stage disciples from the orthodox martial arts world.
For example, there were individuals like Geum Jong-hyeon, a disciple of the Zhongnan Sect, and Namgoong Chunghyeon from the Namgoong Clan.
Therefore, he was curious about the outcome that would unfold.
***
Embroidered Uniform Guard Training Grounds.
A total of three hundred trainees were undergoing training.
However, it was difficult for such a large number of individuals to train simultaneously.
Therefore, they were divided into three grades, with a hundred trainees in each grade, and the training was conducted accordingly.
These grades were categorized into upper, middle, and lower, and naturally, those belonging to the upper grade were the most outstanding among the Embroidered Uniform Guard trainees.
Their martial prowess was mostly at the first-rate level or above, reflecting their exceptional aptitude.
The majority of the trainees in the upper grade of the Embroidered Uniform Guard aimed to become members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
"Hoo. Hoo."
Despite the late afternoon hour, the senior-grade trainees were diligently training, drenched in sweat.
It was due to the Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination scheduled for the following day.
Out of the hundred, only a mere eight would be finally selected as Embroidered Uniform Guards, and knowing that some of them were preselected candidates, they had no choice but to prepare with their utmost effort.
That's how fiercely competitive the Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination was.
As the trainees were immersed in their rigorous training, their gazes simultaneously turned towards a certain direction.
-Tap, tap!
It was towards the platform in the training grounds.
The Head Instructor of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Seok Jeonwoong, was walking towards the front of the platform, and behind him followed unfamiliar individuals they had never seen before.
'Ha! Look at that.'
'What the hell are those?'
The reactions of the trainees were far from pleasant.
Their displeasure was evident.
The reason being, with the Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination starting tomorrow, three unfamiliar faces suddenly appeared, dressed in the attire of senior-grade trainees.
The existing trainees, who had guessed the implications of this, naturally felt a sense of opposition.
-Tap!
Standing in front of the platform, Head Instructor Seok Jeonwoong spoke up.
"Attention!"
Although he said those words, all the senior-grade trainees were already looking at him.
Head Instructor Seok Jeonwoong raised his voice and pointed at the three individuals standing behind him, saying,
"These are the three who have been promoted today. From the left, they are Mok Gyeong-un, Seop Chun, and Mong Mu-yak."
-Paat!
As soon as he finished speaking, someone raised their hand.
Seeing this, Head Instructor Seok Jeonwoong let out a soft sigh, as if he had anticipated it.
A significant number of the senior-grade trainees were the children of high-ranking officials, so they tended to express their opinions assertively.
"Speak."
"This is trainee Lee Chung. The last promotion was already completed five days ago. However, suddenly promoting individuals just a day before the Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination seems too deliberate."
Then, another trainee stood up and spoke loudly,
"Lee Chung is right. We don't know who they are, but suddenly promoting unverified individuals like this is unheard of. Please reconsider."
At those words, everyone seemed to agree, as murmurs of agreement arose from here and there.
Head Instructor Seok Jeonwoong took a deep breath and spoke,
"Silence!"
With a short and loud shout, the training grounds that had been buzzing with murmurs became quiet again.
Then, Seok Jeonwoong addressed the trainees,
"They have already passed the promotion test under the verification of a Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Do you wish to deny this?"
'A Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard tested them?'
'Is that true?'
Once again, the trainees buzzed with murmurs.
Normally, the promotion test itself was conducted under the supervision of the Head Instructor of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
However, he had mentioned that a Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard had personally tested them, so requesting a reconsideration would be equivalent to denying the decision of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
At that moment, Head Instructor Seok Jeonwoong added decisively,
"And they are the late-stage disciples of the Heaven and Earth Society. There is absolutely no room for doubt regarding their abilities."
'The Heaven and Earth Society?'
Upon hearing this, a few individuals who had not shown much interest until now turned their gazes towards the platform.
They were the late-stage disciples from the orthodox martial arts sects affiliated with the Righteous Alliance.
***
After introducing the newly promoted trainees, Head Instructor Seok Jeonwoong left as if he had completed his task.
Following his departure, the atmosphere took a peculiar turn.
This was because the Heaven and Earth Society was one of the three great powers in the martial arts world and had a hostile relationship with the Righteous Alliance, which could be considered the center of the orthodox martial arts world.
Moreover, among the senior-grade trainees, there was a notable presence of late-stage disciples from the orthodox sects.
Since they dominated the atmosphere in the senior grade, the trainees were naturally sending knowing or unknowing glances of vigilance towards Mok Gyeong-un and his companions.
'I guess this is roughly the atmosphere.'
Mok Gyeong-un chuckled.
Having only been within the Heaven and Earth Society, he couldn't have known, but this seemed to be the perspective the orthodox martial artists held towards the Heaven and Earth Society.
Of course, Mok Gyeong-un didn't pay much heed to such gazes.
After all, these individuals were not important.
The truly important ones were those on the list he had received in advance through Assistant Commander Jang from the Eastern Depot.
Mok Gyeong-un naturally found them.
'Is that guy Yeom Gyeong?'
He matched the memorized appearance perfectly.
Yeom Gyeong, a disciple of the Huashan Sect and the son of the Assistant Commander of the Left Commandery.
He belonged to the faction of Prince Jong, the second prince, and as expected from a disciple of the Nine Great Sects, his skills seemed to be better than the other mediocre individuals.
'Hmm.'
The youth over there with his arms crossed and narrow eyes seemed to be Geum Jong-hyeon, the son of a 5th rank Lecturer at the Hanlin Academy and a disciple of the Zhongnan Sect.
He was part of Prince Gyeongjin's faction.
'Narrow eyes…'
It was difficult to tell whether his eyes were closed or open.
Mok Gyeong-un turned his head and noticed Mong Mu-yak engaged in an intense staring contest with someone.
The individual he was having the staring contest with was a tall and handsome youth with thick eyebrows.
'Is that Namgoong Chunghyeon?'
He was the second son of the Namgoong Clan, one of the seven great clans that could be considered an orthodox martial arts family of great renown.
If he remembered correctly, the Namgoong Clan had a marital relationship with Hang Yoon, one of the Three Excellencies who held the position of Grand Preceptor and concurrently served as the Admiral of the Central Commandery.
'The most hostile one.'
In the case of Namgoong Chunghyeon, unlike the others, he was a member of the Namgoong Clan, which could be considered the backbone of the Righteous Alliance, so he was openly glaring and displaying hostility.
At this rate, a fight might break out even before the Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination.
However,
'What's been bothering me?'
From the moment he entered the senior-grade training grounds, Mok Gyeong-un had been feeling a peculiar sensation.
It was difficult to express in words, but for some unknown reason, something was subtly irritating his senses.
So, Mok Gyeong-un went to find the source of that irritating energy.
And in the corner of the training grounds, he discovered someone doing push-ups while standing on one hand in a handstand position.
'!?'
Mok Gyeong-un furrowed his brows.
The reason was that he couldn't read any energy from that person.
If one had cultivated internal energy, the form of their energy could be read in some way, but he couldn't see anything from that person.
It was as if he hadn't cultivated martial arts or internal energy at all.
'Strange.'
He hadn't cultivated internal energy, so why was he in the senior-grade class?
Moreover, for some unknown reason, he kept feeling something irritating from that person.
It seemed he would have to open the power of his Third Eye to investigate.
At that moment, someone's voice was heard.
"Hey. Looks like that fellow bothers you too."
Mok Gyeong-un turned his head.
Behind him, a youth with sharp features and torn eyes was visible.
'Oho.'
Interest flickered in Mok Gyeong-un's eyes.
He didn't know who he was, but his energy was almost at the level of the top five among the senior-grade trainees.
Mok Gyeong-un, who had been looking at him as if he was quite something, asked,
"You seem to know that person well, based on what you said?"
"I don't know him."
"You don't know him?"
"Yeah. But there's no one in the senior grade who doesn't know that fellow."
"He must be quite famous then?"
At that question, the youth with the torn eyes snorted and said,
"Ha! Of course he's famous. A fellow who hasn't even properly cultivated internal energy suddenly got promoted from the junior grade to the senior grade in just five days."
235: Chapter 234: The Disregard for the Embroidered Uniform Guard (3)
The name of the youth with torn eyes and a hooked nose was Wi Bu-cheong.
He was part of Prince Gyeongjin's faction, who is the younger brother of His Majesty the Emperor, and a preselected candidate confirmed for the Embroidered Uniform Guard selection.
As the son of the Left Assistant Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, a 3rd rank government post, he had directly learned martial arts from Gui Sa-man, one of the nine Sect Masters of the Evil Alliance, which could be considered one of the three great powers in the martial arts world.
Being the only one who had cultivated the martial arts of the Evil Alliance, which was not part of the orthodox martial arts world but the unorthodox realm, he was an outsider among the trainees.
Of course, he didn't care about this either.
After all, he would ascend to higher places, and these individuals would become life's losers.
Amidst this, Wi Bu-cheong encountered individuals who piqued his interest for the first time.
They were none other than the late-stage disciples of the Heaven and Earth Society.
'Are they from the Heaven and Earth Society?'
The Heaven and Earth Society was one of the three great powers in the martial arts world, an organization that proclaimed neutrality rather than adherence to the orthodox path and pursued the strong-eating-the-weak principle of martial arts.
However, in reality, they were treated as part of the unorthodox realm.
Perhaps because of this, Wi Bu-cheong, who was influenced by the Unorthodox Alliance, found them more familiar.
They were better than those hypocrites who spouted nonsense about righteousness.
Wi Bu-cheong snorted and said to Mok Gyeong-un,
"Ha! Of course he's famous. A fellow who hasn't even properly cultivated internal energy suddenly got promoted from the junior grade to the senior grade in just five days."
"He hasn't properly cultivated internal energy?"
"That guy, I heard he can't cultivate internal energy due to his constitution. He was no different from trash. But then, suddenly, he got promoted right before the Embroidered Uniform Guard selection. Doesn't this raise your suspicions?"
"You're saying it smells fishy?"
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Wi Bu-cheong grinned and said,
"As expected, being from the great Heaven and Earth Society, we have some common ground. I'm Wi Bu-cheong."
Wi Bu-cheong extended his hand to Mok Gyeong-un.
Interest flickered in Mok Gyeong-un's eyes.
'Ah, he's also part of Prince Gyeongjin's faction, right?'
If the information was correct, that would be the case.
Between Geum Jong-hyeon, a disciple of the Zhongnan Sect, and Wi Bu-cheong, one of them would be the preselected candidate confirmed for the Embroidered Uniform Guard selection.
Of course, he wasn't particularly curious about who among them was the preselected candidate.
And he had no interest in Wi Bu-cheong himself.
However, there was no need to create friction here, so Mok Gyeong-un took his hand and showed a smile.
"I'm Mok Gyeong-un."
"Mok Gyeong-un? Mok is a rare surname."
"People often say that."
'He talks as if it's someone else's story.'
Although he found it strange, it wasn't to an unusual degree, so Wi Bu-cheong didn't show any particular reaction.
Rather, Wi Bu-cheong wanted to take this opportunity to build ties with the late-stage disciples of the Heaven and Earth Society, even though their factions differed, as he considered them to be similar to the unorthodox realm.
However, unlike him, Mok Gyeong-un's interest was directed towards the person he found irritating.
"Do you know his name?"
At this, Wi Bu-cheong raised an eyebrow and said,
"Why bother learning the name of such a bug?"
It didn't make sense to him.
Even Prince Gyeongjin, who led their faction, had shown considerable interest in that fellow.
It was quite annoying, but why were the people he wanted to associate with showing interest in that fellow instead of him?
"You don't seem to know?"
"How could I not know? It's just, why bother learning about such a bug…"
"I thought you were a kind person, but it turns out you're quite jealous?"
"What?"
At those words, Wi Bu-cheong furrowed his brows.
Then, as if displeased, he said to Mok Gyeong-un,
"What nonsense are you spouting? Why would I be jealous of that bug? There's no point in bothering to learn about someone like him…"
"I also got promoted today."
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Wi Bu-cheong stammered,
"You're different from that fellow. You're from the Heaven and Earth Society, one of the three great powers in the martial arts world, and that fellow is…"
"What's so important about that? I also got promoted in just a day. It seems there's not much difference between me and that friend."
"No, what on earth…"
"Don't I also give off a bug-like stench?"
"…"
Wi Bu-cheong tightly shut his mouth.
He had thought he could build ties with the Heaven and Earth Society, but now his mind had changed.
This person didn't match well with him at all.
Somehow, he newly understood why the Evil Alliance had never formed an alliance with the Heaven and Earth Society, even though they were practically the same as the unorthodox realm.
'Damn it.'
Wi Bu-cheong glared at Mok Gyeong-un with annoyance and then left.
-What an asshole.
Cheong-ryeong snorted and said.
Mok Gyeong-un shrugged his shoulders.
-Who knows?
It didn't seem to be simply a matter of personality.
Considering the level of hostility he displayed just for being promoted, it didn't seem like he disliked him merely because of the promotion.
'What could be the reason?'
It probably wasn't for the same reason as himself.
As Mok Gyeong-un intently stared at the person who was engrossed in doing push-ups while standing on one hand, he eventually opened the power of the Third Eye in his right eye.
It was to find out what that subtly irritating feeling he sensed from that person was.
However,
'!?'
Mok Gyeong-un tilted his head.
That was because he truly lacked internal energy.
It wasn't that he had concealed it or hidden it through a special technique or forbidden method.
This was truly an unexpected result.
-Why are you acting like that? Mortal.
-It seems he really hasn't cultivated internal energy.
-Internal energy, you say? Then, does that mean he has only cultivated external techniques?
-…For now, that's what it looks like, but I don't understand why he's in the senior-grade class.
Only those at the first-rate level or above could be in the senior grade.
However, it was nearly impossible to face a first-rate expert with only external techniques.
At this, Cheong-ryeong spoke nonchalantly.
-As that mortal fellow said earlier, if there's someone backing him up, it might be possible. After all, the palace is ultimately a playground for political games.
-Hmm.
-If there's nothing, then don't bother. Your goal isn't to get involved in their factional strife anyway.
-That's true.
Mok Gyeong-un soon deactivated the power of the Third Eye.
If he truly hadn't cultivated internal energy, then as Cheong-ryeong said, there was no need to pay attention to him.
However, he couldn't understand why he felt something irritating from that person.
His original source of life force, which could be considered the source of life, seemed slightly larger compared to ordinary individuals, but that was about it.
***
And so, the next day of the Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination arrived.
The senior-grade trainees were waiting in the training grounds with tense expressions.
At that moment, a group of people gathered on the platform of the training grounds.
Everyone's gaze turned towards the front.
Wearing red and blue fish-scale armor and golden belts, they were the supervisory Embroidered Uniform Guards in charge of this Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination.
"Wow."
Some of the trainees who were looking ahead let out exclamations of admiration.
That was because the Embroidered Uniform Guard in red fish-scale armor standing at the forefront was an exceptionally beautiful woman.
However, unlike these trainees, Mok Gyeong-un had a puzzled expression on his face.
'Hmm.'
He had heard about the rank indicated by the golden belt on the red fish-scale armor.
They were the Six Commanders, who could be considered the heads of the Six Offices among the Embroidered Uniform Guards in charge of practical affairs.
Excluding the Southern Commander-in-Chief and Northern Commander-in-Chief, who were called the pinnacle of the Embroidered Uniform Guards, he had heard that the six Commanders possessed the most outstanding martial prowess among the Embroidered Uniform Guards in charge of practical affairs.
Two of those Commanders were on the platform.
The male Commander had reached the pinnacle-stage of Transcendent Realm, which was exactly the level he had expected, but the energy he sensed from that beautiful female Commander was merely at the Peak Realm.
He wondered if she was concealing her energy, but that didn't seem to be the case either.
'What's going on?'
Mok Gyeong-un stared intently at her, then shifted his gaze to the person who had been diligently training yesterday by doing push-ups while standing on one hand.
-Why are you acting like that?
-…No, it might just be my imagination.
Mok Gyeong-un shrugged his shoulders.
At that moment, the male Commander on the platform stepped forward and spoke,
"All training disciples, be quiet."
With his resounding voice filled with internal energy, the hall instantly became silent.
Surprised expressions were evident here and there.
Everyone knew that the martial prowess of the Embroidered Uniform Guard Commanders had reached the Transcendent Realm, but directly experiencing the internal energy of such a Commander seemed to leave them in awe.
"Amazing."
"So this is a Commander."
For those who aimed to become Embroidered Uniform Guards, they were objects of admiration.
As if sensing the gazes of these individuals, the male Commander shrugged his shoulders with a satisfied expression and opened his mouth again,
"I am Chae Ho-seong, the supervisory Commander in charge of the Embroidered Uniform Guard selection process this time…"
"I am Commander Seo Yerin."
The trainees cheered at the introduction of the female Commander that followed.
Seeing this scene, Chae Ho-seong shook his head.
Indeed, there was no way to surpass the popularity of this beautiful, sole female presence.
"Quiet!"
At Chae Ho-seong's reprimand, the hall became silent once again.
Then, he continued,
"As you have heard from the Head Instructor of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, through this Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination, we will select the second-round applicants for the Embroidered Uniform Guard selection."
Up to this point, it was a fact that everyone already knew.
The main point was right after.
"Now, we will begin the first selection process, which is the test to measure internal energy. Those who fail to reach the minimum standard of first-rate internal energy level for the Embroidered Uniform Guards will be eliminated."
'Internal energy test?'
The training grounds instantly became chaotic at the selection process that was about to begin.
***
The Embroidered Uniform Guard Warriors moved busily, preparing for the internal energy measurement.
In the meantime, Commander Chae Ho-seong descended from the platform and looked at the six individuals in blue fish-scale armor.
They were the assistant supervisors dispatched from the Six Offices, collectively known as the Six Officers of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
The blue fish-scale armor symbolized the rank of Commander.
And the number embroidered in silver thread on their right arm indicated which office they belonged to.
The ranks of the Embroidered Uniform Guards in charge of practical affairs were as follows:
Lesser Banner, Sogi (Junior 7th rank); Chief Banner, Chonggi (Senior 7th rank); Probationary 100-men Commander, Sibaekho (Junior 6th rank); One Hundred-men Commander, Baekho (Senior 6th rank); Deputy Thousand-men Commander, Bucheonho (Junior 5th rank); Thousand-men Commander, Cheonho (Senior 5th rank); Six Offices Commander, Yukcheonho (Junior 4th rank); and Pacification Commissioner, Jinmusa (Senior 4th rank).
Above them were the Associate Military Commissioner, Deputy Military Commissioner, and Military Commissioner who controlled all the Embroidered Uniform Guards.
Since the Military Commissioners were essentially responsible for issuing orders, the actual power could be considered within the hands of the Thousand-men Commanders, which was why the latter were referred to as the pinnacle of the Embroidered Uniform Guards.
These Thousand-men Commanders were assigned to the six offices of the Six Officers, with a minimum of two to a maximum of four per office.
Therefore, it could be said that the second-in-commands of each office had come.
Through this examination, the Thousand-men Commanders had to carefully observe the training disciples to assess their aptitude and fill the personnel for each office.
"How is it? Are there any trainees that catch your eye for each office?"
The Thousand-men Commanders had already familiarized themselves with the personal information of the senior-grade trainees for each office.
In response to Commander Chae Ho-seong's question, Thousand-men Commander Hwa Yeong-in from the First Office, which was in charge of the safety of the imperial family and the Inner Palace Bureau (including the Empress and concubines), let out a soft sigh and said,
"The First Office doesn't have much choice in the Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination anyway, so I didn't take a close look."
"We'll talk about that later."
Commander Chae Ho-seong cut off his words at an appropriate point.
It was because there were many eyes and ears watching.
As Thousand-men Commander Hwa Yeong-in from the First Office said, it was difficult to bring in truly capable individuals to the First Office in the Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination because they were assigned preselected candidates.
However, if they openly discuss this, it would reach the ears of the preselected candidates.
"What about the Second Office?"
"Looking at the list, the fellow named Geum Jong-hyeon seems the most interesting."
"Oho. Geum Jong-hyeon."
At the words of Thousand-men Commander Si Wooryang from the Second Office, the other Thousand-men Commanders also showed interest.
They had also been interested in his unique background.
Not only was he the son of a 5th rank Lecturer at the Hanlin Academy from a scholarly family, but he had also become a disciple of the Zhongnan Sect and was among the top five in terms of performance among the trainees.
"He's similar to us. Isn't that right, Thousand-men Commander Oh?"
"That's right, Commander."
Thousand-men Commander Oh Moo-gi from the Third Office agreed with Commander Chae Ho-seong's words.
They had also been keeping an eye on Geum Jong-hyeon.
With his outstanding martial prowess and excellent performance, as well as his sharp intellect coming from a scholarly family, he was a talent that the Third Office, which was an intelligence office, would covet.
"The Third Office already received the top scorer last time, so please yield a bit this time."
"Hahahahaha."
At Si Wooryang's words, Chae Ho-seong laughed heartily.
And he firmly refused.
"No way."
"You're being too much."
"Then hurry up and get promoted."
"Ahem."
In any case, the final decision on who passed the Embroidered Uniform Guard Warrior Examination would be made by a gathering of all the heads of the Six Offices.
Therefore, there wasn't much significance in chattering like this now.
Commander Chae Ho-seong, who had been enjoying teasing Thousand-men Commander Si Wooryang, now turned to Thousand-men Commander Mak Myeong-bo from the Fourth Office and asked,
"What about the Fourth Office?"
"Our Fourth Office has our eyes on Namgoong Chunghyeon from the Namgoong Clan. Given the nature of our Fourth Office, which is in charge of the armory, it would be best to have someone with the most outstanding martial arts join us."
"Indeed. That's true."
Everyone had expected Namgoong Chunghyeon's name to be mentioned at least once.
He was the grandson of Namgoong Jin, the wielder of the Heavenly Sword, from one of the seven great clans, a renowned martial arts family.
From the moment he entered, he had already reached the early stage of the Transcendent Realm and was a genius who could overwhelm all the trainees with his swordsmanship alone.
Thus, it was acknowledged by all the Thousand-men Commanders of the Six Offices.
"I don't know about that."
At that moment, someone spoke.
Everyone's gaze turned towards him.
He was the man with the darkest impression among the six Thousand-men Commanders.
This Embroidered Uniform Guard, with numerous scars on his face, was Maek Ha-gyun, the Commander of the Fifth Office, which was responsible for the most secretive affairs.
"What do you mean by that?"
"The most outstanding individuals in this class might be the late-stage disciples from the Heaven and Earth Society. Especially the trainees named Seop Chun and Mong Mu-yak, their martial prowess was difficult to gauge."
"…Ah!"
At these words, Commander Mak Myeong-bo of the Fourth Office didn't deny it.
He had also belatedly received a report about the participation of the late-stage disciples from the Heaven and Earth Society, so as soon as he entered the training grounds, he had carefully observed them.
And the result was undeniable.
Just as Commander Maek Ha-gyun of the Fifth Office said, especially the individuals named Seop Chun and Mong Mu-yak were difficult to gauge in terms of martial prowess, even for him, a Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
This couldn't be categorized as the level of late-stage disciples.
"It seems they deliberately sent them."
Indeed, it was characteristic of the Heaven and Earth Society, which was said to pursue the most fundamental martial arts among the three great powers in the martial arts world.
In this Warrior Examination, an entirely unpredicted outcome might unfold.
"I think the person named Yeom Gyeong is also quite formidable."
At that moment, Commander Tae Ho-in of the Sixth Office chimed in.
At his words, the others chuckled and laughed.
He was a lay disciple of the Huashan Sect, so he was highly evaluating Yeom Gyeong, the official disciple of his sect.
Of course, there was some bias, but the trainee named Yeom Gyeong was also a talented individual with one of the top five grades.
While preparations were being made to conduct the internal energy measurement, Commander Chae Ho-seong, who had listened to the opinions of all the Commanders of each office in the Six Offices Officials, now tried to summarize.
"Alright. I have heard the opinions of each Commander. Now, once we conduct the internal energy measurement, we will know who among them is outstanding."
"That's right. Now that it has come to this, Commander Chae, how about we make a bet?"
"A bet?"
"What do you think about betting on the dinner?"
At the suggestion of Commander Si Wooryang of the Second Office, Commander Chae Ho-seong showed interest.
He had already planned to gather with the supervisors and have a light dinner after work today anyway.
Commander Chae Ho-seong looked at each Commander.
"I agree."
"Me too."
"Let's do that."
With everyone in agreement, Commander Chae Ho-seong grinned and said,
"If everyone bets on the same person, the bet won't be valid and it won't be fun, so if two or more people gather, choose a different trainee on your own."
"Understood."
And so, a bet was established on the internal energy measurement of the trainees.
Each person bet on the trainees they found interesting, just as when their opinions were first asked.
The only one who didn't express an opinion was Commander Seo Yerin, who seemed uninterested in the bet.
She had such an expressionless face that it was difficult to tell what she was thinking.
At this, her fellow Commander Chae Ho-seong said,
"Commander Seo, aren't you going to choose? Since we're having a dinner anyway."
Silently observing Chae Ho-seong and the Commanders, she carefully parted her lips.
"Hasn't our Commander Tae Ho-in already chosen Yeom Gyeong?"
"Huh? Does that mean Commander Seo has someone else in mind?"
"…"
Her silence was closer to affirmation.
Everyone became curious about this.
"Who is it that you're acting like this?"
"Is it Seop Chun or Mong Mu-yak from the Heaven and Earth Society after all?"
"Or Namgoong Chunghyeon?"
As if burdened by the Commanders' questions, Commander Seo Yerin silently took a step back.
Finding this frustrating, Commander Chae Ho-seong said,
"Anyway, the bet isn't by office but by individual, so just tell us."
At that, she quietly parted her cherry-like lips.
"…I choose Joo Woonhyang."
'!?'
At her words, everyone's jaws dropped in astonishment.
It was because she had mentioned a trainee that no one had expected.
It was so absurd that even Commander Hwa Yeong-in of the First Office, who had shown little interest in the bet next to her, asked in confusion,
"Commander Seo. Could you have mistaken him for Joo Sangjae, the second son of General Seung-sin?"
"Ah, I see. Then that makes sense. That trainee also has high grades."
"So you're betting on Joo Sangjae?"
At their words, Commander Seo Yerin shook her head and said,
"No, it's definitely Joo Woonhyang, the third son of General Seung-sin."
"Ha… My goodness."
"Are you doing this just for fun?"
"Commander Seo Yerin, that fellow only recently became an official disciple of the Kongtong Sect, but he has a constitution that couldn't cultivate internal energy until now."
"Perhaps you're doing this deliberately to buy dinner."
Everyone couldn't accept her opinion.
Nevertheless, she stubbornly insisted on the trainee Joo Woonhyang.
She had her own reasons for choosing him.
However, unlike this choice, there was one more person who strangely caught her attention.
Glancing sideways, she looked at a trainee with exceptional beauty who was staring intently at her among the trainees standing in five rows.
'Was his name Mok Gyeong-un?'
Despite being from the Heaven and Earth Society, he was the only one who didn't receive attention.
The reason was simple.
His martial prowess was particularly lacking compared to the other two.
However, in her eyes, this felt like a sense of incongruity.
'…Strange.'
Why did she feel a brutal oppressive aura behind that smiling face?