Chapter 18: Selection Ceremony (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 18: Selection Ceremony (3)
I stared blankly at Haeakcheon.
I suppose no matter how high his pride was, singing his own praises would be beneath his dignity. He was one of the Four Venerables, after all.
However, the pressure of having to give a speech in front of all these Unit Leaders was immense.
It’s not just one or two people...
He wanted me to reel in all six of them. The situation I was thrown into was beyond frustrating.
You think it’ll be easy?
The fact that the candidates had a choice was the biggest variable. Looking at the six advanced warrior candidates, they were already exchanging glances with various Unit Leaders.
...Sometimes, this Lesser Conversation Sword really felt like a person.
Anyway, how was I supposed to convince those guys?
Gold-plate it?
If I were them?
As the sword suggested, approaching it from that perspective seemed much more effective. If I had the choice, what would draw me in?
While I was lost in thought, Haeakcheon stepped back from the wooden platform and spoke.
"I shall leave the selection of the advanced warrior candidates to my disciple."
The Unit Leaders' faces brightened at Haeakcheon's words. It seemed they had been worried that the eccentric old man would try to force his way again.
The way the Unit Leaders looked at me was...
Yeah. It was exactly that kind of look.
To them, I, who had only just passed the exam for Great Leader, must have seemed like a mere fledgling. Feeling those emotions so clearly made me feel a surge of spite.
I really wanted to pull the rug out from under them.
"Then, who shall go first?"
At Unit Leader Gu Sang-ung’s question, one of the other Unit Leaders spoke up.
"There is such a thing as seniority. Wouldn't it be best to go in order of experience?"
The other Unit Leaders nodded in agreement.
"Unit Leader Cha has a point."
"Is there any need to squabble over the order of the speeches?"
"Let's do that."
"Then Unit Leader Song should go first, shouldn't he?"
Looking at this, they were no different from Haeakcheon. If we went by experience or rank, I would inevitably be pushed to the very end. It was obvious they didn't want to give me a chance from the start.
[What are you doing?]
Haeakcheon pressed me via Sound Transmission. He was demanding to know why I was standing idly by while being pushed to the back of the line.
But my thoughts were different. As long as the selection wasn't happening immediately, it didn't really matter if I went first or second. In fact, I thought it would be better to listen to everyone else and then tailor my speech accordingly.
Besides, it wasn't like I could tell the Unit Leaders, "My master is watching, so I'll go first," could I?
[Going last isn't bad either. I will do my best.]
At my response, Haeakcheon raised an eyebrow in warning.
[If you miss even a single one, be prepared.]
...Sigh.
As expected, meeting this crazy old man's standards was truly exhausting.
In the meantime, a middle-aged man with the shortest stature among the Unit Leaders and a slightly protruding chin stepped forward first.
"Greetings, new talents who will lead our Cult."
It was a good start. Since the power of choice lay with the candidates, it seemed he had no choice but to start with a respectful tone rather than an overbearing one.
"I am Song Pil-chung, the Unit Leader of the Five Poisons, serving the Third Venerable, Blood King Gu Je-yang."
Blood King Gu Je-yang.
I had heard he was the most skilled in poison arts among the Four Venerables. Because of his unique hobby of raising thousands of venomous snakes, people were said to avoid him for reasons different from the "Bizarre" Haeakcheon.
"Lord Gu Je-yang is..."
Unit Leader Song Pil-chung began to "gold-plate" Gu Je-yang. He listed everything from how Gu Je-yang had defeated famous figures of the Orthodox Faction in the past to his achievements as one of the Four Venerables of the Blood Cult.
Hearing things I had heard before my regression made the forgotten memories resurface vaguely. I didn't remember them perfectly, but the fact that they felt familiar suggested he had prepared this in advance.
"...And so on. Furthermore, Lord Gu Je-yang cherishes talent..."
Song Pil-chung stopped mid-sentence and reached out his hand. Then, he slammed his palm down toward the ground.
Pang!
The dirt floor turned black in the shape of a palm and began to sizzle as if scorched. The advanced warrior candidates and the students watching were unable to hide their amazement.
"There he goes again."
The other Unit Leaders, however, clicked their tongues. They could have kept those thoughts to themselves, so the fact that they spoke aloud meant they wanted the candidates to hear.
What Song Pil-chung had shown was a Poison Hand technique.
Shua!
Song Pil-chung sprinkled a white powder over the blackened ground. The area immediately returned to its original state. He had neutralized the poison.
"Did you see? This is the Poison Hand technique passed down by Lord Gu Je-yang. Because he cherishes his subordinates, he even passes down his own secret poison techniques. I hope you keep this in mind."
Song Pil-chung's method was effective. At the mention of learning secret poison techniques, two of the six candidates showed interest.
Before my regression, I hadn't noticed because I was watching from the back like the other students, but seeing it from the front, their interest was plain on their faces.
Song Pil-chung finished his speech with a satisfied look.
He didn't just sound like it; he definitely did. There was no way he could speak so fluently otherwise.
The second person to step forward was Unit Leader Hak Jeong-gyeom, the one whose mouth Haeakcheon had almost ripped open earlier.
"Greetings. I am Hak Jeong-gyeom, the Unit Leader of the Pa-jeong Unit, serving the Second Venerable, Raging Demon Lord Seo Gal-ma."
The process was almost the same. Hak Jeong-gyeom also spoke about famous anecdotes regarding the Second Venerable, Seo Gal-ma, and the benefits of joining his unit.
"Hah!"
Papapapapak!
Unlike Song Pil-chung, he demonstrated his martial arts and even threw out a promise to personally guide them if they joined.
However, only one of the six showed interest. It seemed the lure of the Third Venerable’s secret poison techniques was more enticing than Hak Jeong-gyeom’s personal instruction.
"Tsk."
Realizing this, Hak Jeong-gyeom returned to the wooden platform with an annoyed expression. He was a Peak Realm master, yet his pride was taking a hit.
One by one, the nine Unit Leaders finished their speeches.
Hmm.
One thing was peculiar. While the candidates had been swayed at least once during the speeches, there was one candidate who remained expressionless throughout.
It was Jo Seong-won, the spy from the Beggar's Sect.
Perhaps because of that, the Unit Leaders were also conscious of him.
Naturally.
Jo Seong-won possessed martial prowess on a different level from the other candidates. To anyone's eyes, he was close to being a First-Rate Master, a talent who could sufficiently become a First-Rate or even a Peak Realm master with just a little guidance.
Naturally, all the Unit Leaders' attention was focused on him.
Step, step!
Finally, the last Unit Leader came forward.
Is he from the First Blood Star’s side?
The only one who hadn't come out yet was the representative for the First Blood Star. Surprisingly, the Unit Leader with the least experience among them was the one from the First Blood Star’s side.
However, as soon as the Unit Leader under the First Blood Star appeared, Jo Seong-won’s eyes, which hadn't shown interest in anyone until now, followed his movements.
What is it?
He wasn't making it obvious, but he was definitely showing interest. The Unit Leader from the First Blood Star’s side had long hair and a long sword sheathed at his waist. The aura he gave off felt more like that of a true master than the other Unit Leaders.
"I am Na Sim-hyeong, the Unit Leader of the Baek-hyeol Unit, under the First Blood Star, Thunder Blood Sword Jang Ryong."
His slightly hoarse, cracked voice suited him well. Rather than being grating, it seemed to add a sense of weight to his words. The six candidates also seemed captivated, unable to take their eyes off Na Sim-hyeong.
"I will not speak of Lord Jang Ryong."
However, unlike the other Unit Leaders, Na Sim-hyeong took a radical approach from the start. Not explaining the lord he served...
"As my seniors have already said, the Four Venerables and the Seven Blood Stars of our Cult are all worthy of respect. Therefore, I see no need to list their achievements one by one."
As the sword said, his eloquence was tickling my ears as well. It actually made me more interested. Na Sim-hyeong slowly scanned the six candidates before speaking again.
"However, I can tell you this. We, led by the First Blood Star, Lord Jang Ryong, have fought on the front lines in Kaifeng, and we will continue to do so."
At the mention of Kaifeng, Jo Seong-won’s eyes narrowed. He was reacting. Why would he react like that to the word Kaifeng... Ah!
I think I knew why.
Kaifeng is the base of the Beggar's Sect.
Kaifeng was a city as developed as the Imperial Capital. Numerous Orthodox sects were concentrated in Kaifeng, and one of them was the Beggar's Sect. Strictly speaking, the Beggar's Sect operated throughout the Central Plains, but their leader, the Chamber Leader of the Beggar's Sect, was in Kaifeng.
So that was it.
I had wondered why he went under the First Blood Star, and this was the reason. If Kaifeng was the heart of the Beggar's Sect, it would be easy to contact them, and if necessary, he could use it as an opportunity to wipe out the First Blood Star’s forces in one fell swoop.
Before my regression, I had brushed it off because Jo Seong-won had been hunted down anyway, but now I understood.
"For a true warrior, fighting at the very front as the vanguard is the most glorious thing. That is all I have to say."
With those words, he ended his speech. It was the shortest yet most impressive speech. Like a solemn general heading to the battlefield, his speech stirred a fighting spirit, causing the eyes of Jo Seong-won and two other candidates to tremble.
It’s exactly the same.
If my memories from before the regression were correct, three of them joined the First Blood Star’s unit. Thinking about it now, even I would have been drawn in.
What could I do? It had already happened, so I just had to try. As Na Sim-hyeong, the Unit Leader under the First Blood Star, stepped back, the other Unit Leaders looked at me.
It was finally my turn.
Clench!
I gave them a fist-and-palm salute and walked in front of the candidates. Haeakcheon’s voice reached my ears via Sound Transmission.
[Don't lose a single one. Do well.]
Judging by how heavy his voice had become, it seemed Haeakcheon was also conscious of Na Sim-hyeong’s performance. I sent a Sound Transmission to him as he watched me with a worried gaze.
[Master. May I ask one favor?]
[What?]
I made one request to Haeakcheon. He frowned at my words but soon nodded.
The sword asked worriedly. I wasn't sure if this would work either. Still, like the Sixth Blood Star’s side, we were the only ones with the actual person of interest standing right there, so I had to make good use of that advantage.
I have to use a strategy that hasn't been used yet.
Looking at the candidates' expressions, they had already made up their minds. To move them, the same old methods wouldn't work at all. I had to differentiate myself.
Clench!
I first gave the candidates a fist-and-palm salute. Then, I opened my mouth.
"Greetings. I am Great Leader So Woon-hwi, who entered as a student in the same class as you."
At the mention of being in the same class, the candidates, who had been exchanging glances with the Unit Leaders, showed a small amount of interest. This was likely due to the influence of the Great Leader position exam earlier.
But this wasn't enough. I had to grab their attention completely.
"As you know, I am the disciple of the Bizarre Haeakcheon, one of the Four Venerables. In a way, you could say I am luckier than you."
At those words, the students in the back reacted even more. It was clearly jealousy and envy. I continued without paying them any mind.
"I am certainly a lucky man. But since I entered as a fellow student, I believe no one understands your hearts as well as I do."
If the speech went on too long, their focus would drop. I paused for a beat, exchanging eye contact with each of the six students in turn. Then, I continued.
"As Unit Leader Na Sim-hyeong said earlier, I also believe it is meaningless to tell stories or praise my master."
In truth, there weren't many praiseworthy stories to tell. Most of the ones I knew were closer to infamy. However, my words seemed to be working slowly, as two of the candidates began to focus on me.
"No. Rather, I believe it has already been proven."
"Proven?"
Haeakcheon, who was watching from the front, scowled. He seemed dissatisfied that the conversation wasn't going the way he wanted. I ignored him and kept speaking.
"Look at those two, who entered as students just like you."
At my words, everyone's gaze turned toward the twins, Song Jwa-baek and Song Woo-hyeon. Not having expected the attention, Song Jwa-baek looked at me with bewildered eyes.
"Even they have become Great Leaders. In just one year."
Murmur, murmur!
As soon as I finished speaking, the students grew even more restless.
Yes. We had objective data on our side. The objective fact that we had produced three First-Rate Masters in just one year.
However, one of the Unit Leaders in the back spoke loud enough for the six candidates to hear.
"That's only because the Venerable taught them personally."
It seemed he was trying to interfere, sensing a threat. But he couldn't keep it up for long because Haeakcheon was glaring at him terrifyingly.
"Well. You might think it's because we're his disciples. But as you might have heard earlier, there is one important thing."
"?"
Everyone leaned in to listen.
"It's that there are only four of us in total, including my master and my fellow twin disciples."
The six candidates looked puzzled at that. I even heard a snort from behind. Yeah, they probably wondered why I was bragging about having such a small force.
Leaving their ridicule behind, I said, "We are starting small now, but before long, many cult members will come under my master. At that time, you can be at the center of the unit's creation, like the founding contributors of a new sect."
"!?"
As soon as I said that, the ridicule from behind died down. They must have understood what I was saying. The six candidates also seemed to realize the meaning behind my words, as their eyes wavered.
Now was the time to make my move.
"The other leaders are wonderful, but no matter where you go, you will naturally start from the very bottom."
I heard heavy breathing from behind. It seemed they were frustrated because they wanted to jump in but couldn't, with Haeakcheon standing right there.
"You can never deny that. I want to ask you this: Will you start as the tail of a dragon? Or will you start near the head of the dragon?"
The sword let out a groan. I was the one who said it, but it felt like a solid winning move. My words hit home, and the candidates, who had been looking at the other Unit Leaders, couldn't take their eyes off me.
Sensing the moment, I signaled Haeakcheon with a glance. Then I said, "As you can see, our numbers are small, so it's a family-like atmosphere."
At those words, the candidates instinctively glanced behind me. There stood Haeakcheon, with his arms around the mountain-sized twins, grinning broadly. The twins were forcing awkward smiles.
...It was awkward, but it worked.
The sword chuckled and muttered to me.
Just let it go. Did you want me to tell them it’s hell if they join?
After the Unit Leaders finished their speeches, it was finally time for the advanced warrior candidates to make their choice.
Several Unit Leaders glared at me with extremely displeased expressions, perhaps unhappy with my final speech. But what could I do? I was told to be prepared if I didn't bring them all in.
Unit Leader Gu Sang-ung shouted, "Now, candidates, if you have decided, choose the unit you wish to be assigned to. First, Training Disciple Lee Gyu."
"Loyalty!"
Lee Gyu stood up and walked forward. The Unit Leaders standing in a row looked at him with eyes full of anticipation. Everyone watching felt the same.
Step, step!
Lee Gyu walked to the center. Then he headed to the left. At that, the Unit Leaders on the right let out sighs of frustration. Smiles played on the lips of the Unit Leaders on the left.
Lee Gyu walked past them one by one. With every person he passed, the expressions of the Unit Leaders in front of him turned exactly like those on the right.
Then, he reached Na Sim-hyeong, the Unit Leader under the First Blood Star. Lee Gyu hesitated in front of him. I saw the corners of Na Sim-hyeong’s mouth curl up slightly.
The sword spoke regretfully, but suddenly, Lee Gyu moved his feet. He came before me, knelt on one knee, gave a fist-and-palm salute, and shouted at the top of his lungs.
"Great Leader So! I wish to be assigned under the Venerable!"
The corners of Na Sim-hyeong’s mouth, which had been rising, slid back down.
"Bwahahahaha! Good, good!"
Haeakcheon burst into mad laughter, delighted. It was a good start. I let out a sigh of relief inwardly. If the first candidate had gone to another Unit Leader, how much would that crazy old man have nagged me?
Once the first one was finished, Unit Leader Gu Sang-ung called the second name.
"Candidate Ha Mun-chan!"
"Loyalty!"
Ha Mun-chan stood up. He immediately began to stride forward. Then, Ha Mun-chan paused for a moment. It felt strange, so I glanced sideways; the throats of several Unit Leaders were vibrating slightly.
It seemed they were sending Sound Transmissions out of anxiety. Ha Mun-chan, who had paused briefly, started walking again. But where Ha Mun-chan stopped was...
"Great Leader So! I also wish to be assigned under the Venerable!"
Right in front of me. At Ha Mun-chan’s thunderous voice, Haeakcheon said with satisfaction, "I like that fellow! Bwahahahaha!"
On the other hand, I was a bit dazed. I had successfully delivered the speech, but the human heart is an unpredictable thing. Seeing two of them come to me in a row gave me a strange feeling.
Grind! I heard the sound of teeth grinding from beside me. Should I feel sorry for them?
Regardless of their reaction, Unit Leader Gu Sang-ung called the third candidate.
"Next, candidate Jo Seong-won!"
At the name Jo Seong-won, all the Unit Leaders' attention was focused. Although he was called third, he was the talent everyone coveted, someone who could practically outweigh the other five combined.
The sword was right. That guy, being a spy, was a thorn that would get stuck in your throat if you swallowed him. Not knowing that, the Unit Leaders were dying to get their hands on him.
The Unit Leaders were silent.
Quiver!
This time, without exception, their throats vibrated. Even Na Sim-hyeong, the Unit Leader under the First Blood Star next to me, was the same. It seemed they were trying to turn the tide by gaining this one person.
[You must not lose that fellow!]
Haeakcheon’s Sound Transmission reached my ears. He had been so taken with him during the sparring in the advanced warrior exam that he was desperate to have him.
Hmm.
I stared intently at him. Do I leave the bony fish alone? Or do I take it?
Just then, Jo Seong-won started walking. The Unit Leaders' eyes were fixed on his footsteps.
Step, step!
But soon, the Unit Leaders' faces were filled with disappointment. Jo Seong-won’s footsteps were heading straight for one person.
It was Unit Leader Na Sim-hyeong.
There was no way a spy like him would be swayed by what I said. As Jo Seong-won approached him without a moment's hesitation, Na Sim-hyeong’s eyes turned into crescent moons, certain of his victory this time.
Three more steps and he would be in front of Na Sim-hyeong.
At that moment, I sent a Sound Transmission to Jo Seong-won.
[Hey. Beggar.]
Flinch!
In that instant, his footsteps stopped. Jo Seong-won, who hadn't shown any emotion until now, looked at me with a look of utter bewilderment.