Chapter 93 to 95

 Chapter 93

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?’Chapter 94

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.]Chapter 95

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.