Chapter 17: Great Leader (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 17: Great Leader (1)
In Six Blood Valley, there is a vast open space known as the Plaza.
Among all the training grounds within the valley, this area was capable of accommodating the largest number of people. While it was rarely filled to capacity under normal circumstances, it was currently teeming with trainees and warriors of the Blood Cult.
"Stand straight!"
"Loyalty!"
The sharp commands were met with disciplined shouts that radiated military precision. After a year of grueling training, the trainees had been transformed into true warriors of the Blood Cult.
Starting from the right were the High-Rank Training Disciples, with the character for 'High' (上) written on the backs of their tunics. In the center stood the Intermediate Training Disciples, marked with 'Mid' (中). Finally, on the left, the training disciples marked with 'Low' (下) stood in orderly rows.
"Good."
Standing atop the platform, the man in charge of Six Blood Valley, Raging Blood Unit Leader Gu Sang-ung, looked down at the trainees with a satisfied expression. Behind him stood the five Great Leaders under his command.
Three of them were new faces. One had gone missing, and two had been executed for the crime of attacking a person of high status.
"I will now begin the explanation for the Position Exam."
Gu Sang-ung’s voice, infused with internal energy, rang out across the plaza.
The Position Exam was structured as follows: First, all trainees would perform the Blood Demon Fist, the basic fist-and-kick art of the Blood Cult. Then, they would demonstrate the combined attack formations: the Six Formation, the Twelve Formation, and the Thirty-Six Formation. Completing this process would earn them the rank of Low-Rank Warrior.
"From those who pass the Low-Rank exam, those recommended by their respective Great Leaders will move on to the Intermediate Warrior Position Exam."
The Intermediate Warrior Position Exam was a test for Second-Rate Masters—in other words, a test of one's ability to utilize internal energy. Most Low-Rank Warriors were at a level referred to in the martial world as Third-Rate; many of them had not properly mastered internal energy, or even if they had, they had only accumulated about one or two years' worth.
In contrast, to be recognized as an Intermediate Warrior, one had to prove they possessed at least ten years of internal power. The simplest way to verify this was through the Generation Stone. The Generation Stone was a rock so dense that only a strike infused with internal energy could leave a mark upon it.
"Leaving a mark on the stone is the bare minimum."
After that, they would spar with current Intermediate Warriors of the cult. If they could hold their own for more than thirty martial forms, they would be granted the rank of Intermediate Warrior.
Crack!
The Intermediate Warriors standing at the front of the platform were already warming up. They, too, had passed through this very process to earn their current rank. Unlike Low-Rank Warriors, once one became an Intermediate Warrior, they would receive an assignment and undergo an additional year of training to learn the advanced techniques of the cult’s basic martial arts, as well as archery and horsemanship.
"Waaaaaaaah!"
The trainees erupted in a roar at Gu Sang-ung’s explanation. Naturally, those cheering were the ones aiming for the rank of Intermediate Warrior.
"Finally, we have the High-Rank Warriors. Among this year's High-Rank Training Disciples, those taking the High-Rank Warrior Position Exam are... Ho. Six in total."
Gu Sang-ung looked toward one of the Great Leaders with an impressed expression. The man, who possessed thick eyebrows and carried a willow leaf saber, was the Great Leader in charge of the High-Rank Training Disciples.
"Not bad."
The Great Leader shrugged. There were three other locations across the Central Plains similar to Six Blood Valley that raised new Blood Cult warriors; producing six High-Rank Warrior candidates was a respectable achievement.
A well-trained First-Rate Master can easily handle dozens of trained soldiers on their own.
Producing such First-Rate Masters was no easy feat for any sect, let alone the Blood Cult. Having six candidates emerge at once was a pleasant surprise. Usually, a single location would be lucky to produce three or four.
"Who are they?"
At Gu Sang-ung’s question, five of the High-Rank Training Disciples stood up abruptly.
"Training Disciple Lee Gyu!"
"Training Disciple Ha Mun-chan!"
"Training Disciple Jo Seong-won!"
"Training Disciple..."
As they shouted their names in turn, Gu Sang-ung watched with a satisfied smile before glancing behind him.
Behind the trainees, there were others watching the proceedings as if they were spectators. These were Unit Leaders sent by the Four Venerables and the Seven Blood Stars, present to scout and recruit promising talent from this year's crop of trainees. Generally, those who attained the rank of Intermediate Warrior or higher were eligible for recruitment.
It’s going to be a fierce competition.
Recruiting High-Rank Warriors was, quite literally, a war. Every high-ranking official wanted to bolster their ranks with First-Rate Masters, so they went to great lengths to scout them. This was also a benefit for the High-Rank Warriors themselves; unlike the Low and Intermediate ranks, High-Rank Warriors were allowed to choose their own assignments. This rule existed partly to prevent infighting among the recruiters.
I wonder which faction will secure the best ones?
Gu Sang-ung had watched this since his days as a Great Leader, and this Selection Ceremony was always the most entertaining part. Usually, out of respect for the various factions, no one would recruit more than two people, but occasionally, greed would get the better of someone. These moments provided a clear view of the power struggles between the factions.
"Now then, let the Position Exam begin!"
With Gu Sang-ung’s shout, the exam commenced.
The demonstration of the Blood Demon Fist and the formations lasted for about an hour. Out of the 106 trainees, 57 were confirmed as Low-Rank Training Disciples. All but two of them were officially promoted to Low-Rank Warriors.
"Now, we shall begin the Intermediate Warrior Position Exam."
A total of forty-nine candidates took the Intermediate exam. Eight were eliminated during the test to leave a mark on the Generation Stone. They were demoted back to Low-Rank.
"Tsk, tsk."
Seeing Raging Blood Unit Leader Gu Sang-ung click his tongue, Great Leader Hae Ok-seon, who had been in charge of the Intermediate trainees, felt her stomach churn with frustration. Fortunately, the rest of the Intermediate trainees succeeded in leaving their marks.
As for the High-Rank Training Disciples, their internal power was on a different level from the start. They left impressive marks on the Generation Stone, drawing the attention of the Unit Leaders from the various factions watching from the back.
"Intermediate Warriors, step forward."
Thump, thump, thump!
Next came the sparring matches for the remaining forty-one candidates. In the end, thirty-seven people managed to endure thirty forms against the Intermediate Warriors. The four who failed were demoted to Low-Rank.
"Please, give me another chance!"
"Unit Leader!"
Their pleas fell on deaf ears. Leaving a mark on the Generation Stone didn't earn them any leniency. The Position Exam was conducted with absolute strictness.
"Thirty-seven confirmed. Not bad at all."
Thirty-seven new Intermediate Warriors at the Second-Rate level were confirmed. After another year of training, they would become fully realized Intermediate Warriors.
"Is only the High-Rank Warrior Position Exam left now?"
Over four hours had passed since the start. The exam, which had begun in the early morning, was already approaching noon. At this rate, it seemed the exams would be finished before lunch.
"Very well. Let the High-Rank Warrior Position Exam be—"
Gu Sang-ung, about to announce the start of the final exam, suddenly turned his gaze elsewhere. The Great Leaders did the same.
A group was approaching from the direction of the Six Blood Hall's main building. It was the Sixth Blood Star, Blood Hand Witch Han Baek-ha, and her disciples.
What is going on?
Gu Sang-ung felt that things were about to get complicated.
"Unit Leader. Over there..."
Gu Sang-ung looked where Hae Ok-seon was pointing. Another group was approaching from the opposite side of the main building.
Sigh...
He saw a massive, wild-looking man dressed in tiger skins. It was the Bizarre Hae Ak-cheon, one of the Four Venerables. Even from a distance, his identity was unmistakable. Following behind him were the twins, Song Jwa-baek and Song Woo-hyeon—who, while not as large as Hae Ak-cheon, were a full head taller than most adults—and So Woon-hwi.
'Indeed.'
We had made quite the entrance. Arriving like this, it was impossible not to be the center of attention. Everyone, from the trainees to the Blood Cult warriors in the plaza, was staring at us.
Song Jwa-baek, standing next to me, had a wide grin on his face as if he were relishing the spotlight. In contrast, his younger brother, Song Woo-hyeon, walked with a stoic, expressionless face.
Hae Ak-cheon muttered irritably.
"That damn woman is doing the exact same thing."
Hae Ak-cheon’s gaze was fixed on the Blood Hand Witch and her group approaching from the main building. The reason for his foul mood was simple: Han Baek-ha had taken the same approach as him.
[We’re skipping the Low and Intermediate exams and heading straight in.]
[Pardon?]
[You lot are my disciples, after all. I haven't taught you so poorly that you need to waste time on those trivial tests.]
That was what Hae Ak-cheon had said before we came here. His pride wouldn't allow his disciples to take the lower-rank exams. It seemed Han Baek-ha had the same idea, considering she had brought Dam Ye-hwa just as the High-Rank exam was about to begin.
"If you bring shame to my name, you’d better be prepared for the consequences."
Hae Ak-cheon vented his irritation on us for no reason. Having dealt with this for a year, we were used to it.
Song Jwa-baek’s grin vanished, his expression stiffening. I could understand why. During our training, I’d seen him get beaten about once a month to the point where it was a miracle he was still alive. Hae Ak-cheon called it 'Blood-Pressure Point Stimulation' for the True Blood Golden Body, but in reality, it was just a relentless physical pummeling.
'What?'
'Ah.'
It hadn't even been a month before we were caught. I hadn't realized it, but circulating the True Blood Golden Body left a faint heat-rash-like phenomenon on the skin. Hae Ak-cheon had noticed the reddened skin immediately. Because of that, not only did we get beaten, but we were also forced to hang from a cliff for nearly half a day. That memory seemed to be burned into Song Jwa-baek’s very soul, as he never dared to disobey Hae Ak-cheon now.
Well, who wouldn't be terrified? Hae Ak-cheon’s tutelage regarding martial arts and training was reminiscent of hell. I thought he would only give me advice on swordsmanship, but he spent nearly half the day training the twins and me in external martial arts. He worked us so hard I often wished for death.
I had to admit that. While not as bulky as the twins, my muscles had become as hard as stones. While I was conversing with the Lesser Conversation Sword, we arrived in front of the platform.
"Blood Tax! Blood Tax! Blood-Blood Tax!"
Unit Leader Gu Sang-ung and the five Great Leaders descended from the platform and bowed to Hae Ak-cheon. They then gave a respectful nod to the next in rank, Blood Hand Witch Han Baek-ha. Han Baek-ha also greeted Hae Ak-cheon with a fist-and-palm salute.
"Greetings to the Venerable One."
Gu Sang-ung spoke cautiously between the two powerhouses.
"May I ask what brings you both to the site of the Position Exam...?"
"Heh heh, why else would I be here?"
"Pardon?"
"I’ve brought my disciples to take the Position Exam."
Hae Ak-cheon gestured toward us with his massive hand.
"The same goes for me, Unit Leader Gu."
Han Baek-ha brought Dam Ye-hwa forward. It had been six months since I last saw her, and she had clearly changed. She seemed more mature; whereas before she had been a shy girl, her eyes now held a spark of confidence.
"You really do everything, don't you?"
Hae Ak-cheon clicked his tongue at Han Baek-ha. Ignoring him with practiced ease, Han Baek-ha spoke to Gu Sang-ung with her characteristic expressionless face.
"We are a bit late, but it seems the High-Rank Warrior Position Exam is just about to begin. This child can participate as well, I assume?"
"...The High-Rank Warrior Position Exam, you say?"
"Yes."
Gu Sang-ung couldn't hide his awkwardness at her words. It was only natural for him to react that way when someone barged in and demanded to take the High-Rank exam immediately. I had expected to take the exam from the beginning as well. Seeing this made me realize the importance of having powerful backing.
"Is it a yes or a no?"
Hae Ak-cheon pressured the hesitating Gu Sang-ung. Cornered, Gu Sang-ung spoke carefully.
"As disciples of the Venerable One and the Sixth Blood Star, I have no doubt you could easily pass the Low and Intermediate exams."
"Heh heh, of course."
Hae Ak-cheon shrugged. Gu Sang-ung lowered his voice and continued.
"However, my lord... at this moment, it is not just the trainees who are watching. Unit Leaders from the other Venerables and the Seven Blood Stars are also here to scout talent."
"What?"
Following Gu Sang-ung’s gaze, I saw ten men standing at the edge of the plaza. They appeared to be the Unit Leaders representing the various factions of the Four Venerables and Seven Blood Stars. When Hae Ak-cheon looked their way, they were startled and immediately offered a fist-and-palm salute in unison.
"Blood Tax! Blood Tax! Blood-Blood Tax!"
Since they were Unit Leaders, their shouts carried clearly even from a distance. It seemed they had been unsure from afar but had finally recognized him.
"What about them?"
Hae Ak-cheon wasn't the type to care about such things. At his indifferent reaction, Gu Sang-ung said cautiously, "Still, with so many eyes watching, perhaps it would be best if your disciples demonstrated that they possess the basic qualifications?"
"What?"
As Hae Ak-cheon’s expression soured and he prepared to lose his temper, Han Baek-ha intervened.
"Venerable One, Unit Leader Gu has a point. As the head of Six Blood Valley, he is merely trying to follow the cult's laws. Why don't we hear him out first?"
"Hmph. Look who's talking."
Hae Ak-cheon clicked his tongue.
"So, how exactly are they supposed to prove themselves?"
At Hae Ak-cheon’s question, Gu Sang-ung pointed toward something. There stood the Generation Stone that had been used during the Intermediate Warrior exam.
"If your disciples prove they are qualified to take the High-Rank exam, no one will be able to object, even if we skip some of the procedures."
In short, he was asking for a minimum demonstration of internal power. At his words, a slight smile played on Han Baek-ha’s lips. It seemed she didn't find it difficult at all.
"For the sake of Unit Leader Gu’s face, I suppose we should do at least this much. Ye-hwa."
"Yes, Master."
Han Baek-ha gestured toward the Generation Stone. Understanding her master’s intent, Dam Ye-hwa gave a small nod and walked toward the stone. She took a deep breath, and her hands began to take on a faint, reddish hue.
Blood Jade Hand.
She had only been practicing it for six months, but her progress was extraordinary. I had heard that the color of the Blood Jade Hand deepened as one mastered it; I could see why the Blood Hand Witch had taken her as a disciple.
"Hah!"
With a short shout, she struck the Generation Stone with both palms.
Cr-crack!
Clear palm prints appeared where her Blood Jade Hand had struck, and cracks spread across the stone.
"Whoa!"
Gasps of admiration erupted from the watching trainees. Looking at the marks on the Generation Stone, no one else had shown that level of achievement so far. Even the Great Leaders seemed quite surprised.
Dam Ye-hwa walked back and gave a polite salute.
"It is embarrassing, but I did my best."
Han Baek-ha looked at Dam Ye-hwa with a satisfied face before turning to Gu Sang-ung.
"Is this sufficient proof, Unit Leader Gu?"
"It is more than enough. You have a truly gifted disciple, Sixth Blood Star. To achieve such results in only six months..."
Gu Sang-ung praised Dam Ye-hwa, clearly impressed. Han Baek-ha nodded with satisfaction and then glanced meaningfully at Hae Ak-cheon.
"Hmph!"
Hae Ak-cheon snorted and then looked at me. His voice rang in my ears via Secret Sound Transmission.
[If you bring shame to my name, you’d better be prepared.]
Ah...
What should I do to avoid shaming him? Does he mean I have to show even better results than Dam Ye-hwa?
"What are you waiting for? Get out there!"
At Hae Ak-cheon’s urging, I gave a salute and walked toward the Generation Stone. Dam Ye-hwa’s palm prints were still clearly visible. Since I hadn't even been able to take the Intermediate exam in my previous life, I wasn't sure exactly how much power I needed to use to surpass her achievement.
'Yeah.'
Innate True Qi was my trump card. For now, I had to show my results using only internal power. I slowly clenched my fist and steadied my breathing.
"Whew."
I began to draw out my power. If I held back too much, I might not even make a dent in the stone.
Let's go with eight stars.
"Hah!"
I threw my fist at the Generation Stone with all my might. I wondered just how much impact eight stars of internal power would have on the stone.
Crunch!
In that instant, my fist sank into the Generation Stone.
'Huh?'
The stone wasn't nearly as hard as I had imagined. I never expected my fist to penetrate it so deeply. Nearly half my fist was buried in the rock. Sensing the sudden silence, I turned my head to the side.
'!!!'
Han Baek-ha, who had been watching from the side, had a deep furrow in her brow. In contrast, the corners of Hae Ak-cheon’s mouth were curling upward.