Translator: RaidenTL

Chapter 26: Sama Yeong (4)

To be honest, I hadn't expected this.

Back when I was a spy before my regression, abandoning an ally whenever the situation called for it was second nature. Because of that, I had naturally assumed they would boldly give up on me.

But I was wrong.

I never imagined that one of the Four Venerables would go as far as disguising himself as an Orthodox martial artist just to find me, nor that Baek Ryeonha and the procession would wait for two days.

The whole way back, the Second Venerable, Seo Gal-ma, had repeatedly emphasized that this was an unprecedented occurrence and that I should serve with the utmost loyalty.

Perhaps he was right.

Being the disciple of one of the Four Venerables while having several achievements under my belt likely played a large part. Or perhaps the influence of Haeakcheon and Baek Ryeonha had been a factor.

The Sodam Sword spoke mockingly, but the Namcheon Iron Sword was right. A person's value is something they create for themselves.

Buzz, buzz!

As soon as we arrived at the temple, everyone poured out into the courtyard, creating a noisy commotion. Looking at the reactions of the Blood Cult warriors, everyone seemed to be welcoming my return from the dead.

Song Jwa-baek was no different.

"You brat. You've got a stubborn grip on life, don't you?"

His words were gruff, but his lips were curled into a smile. It didn't feel bad at all.

Creeeeak!

Just then, the door to one of the temple buildings opened, and Haeakcheon, Baek Ryeonha, the Blood Hand Witch Han Baek-ha, Escort Unit Leader Jang Mun-woong, and Raging Blood Unit Leader Gu Sang-ung stepped outside.

"Young Master!"

"You rascal!"

They couldn't hide their astonishment at seeing me alive. It was only natural, considering I had returned after being dragged down a bottomless precipice in a mutual suicide attempt.

Haeakcheon’s face, in particular, was practically glowing with delight. I hadn't realized the old man would be this happy.

But that only lasted a moment. Haeakcheon’s expression suddenly hardened into a stern scowl as he barked at me.

"You fool! You only suffered such a disgrace because you let your guard down!"

He spoke harshly, but his eyes told a completely different story. Still, I had to play along.

I dropped to one knee and performed a fist-and-palm salute.

"I am deeply sorry. My skills are still lacking, and I fell for the enemy's scheme due to my own carelessness. I apologize for causing you such worry."

"Tsk, tsk. What a pathetic fellow. You still have a long way to go."

Haeakcheon clicked his tongue and shook his head. Watching him, Baek Ryeonha and the others nearby let out small, stifled chuckles.

Sensing that he would continue to act grumpy if left alone, the Blood Hand Witch Han Baek-ha intervened.

"Venerable One, please let go of your anger now. Has he not returned to us safely?"

"Ahem."

Haeakcheon cleared his throat once and then gestured toward Baek Ryeonha with his eyes.

"If the Young Lady hadn't ordered the search, there would have been no such stroke of luck. Offer her your thanks."

At those words, I moved to bow deeply. However, Baek Ryeonha shook her head and stopped me.

"A bow is unnecessary. It is nothing compared to what the Young Master has done for us."

Her voice carried a tone of genuine gratitude. It seemed that uncovering spies twice and risking my life to buy time had made a significant impact. The two Unit Leaders were also looking at me with satisfied expressions.

Still, in times like this, humility is the best policy.

"Not at all. Had the Young Lady not sent a search party, it would have been difficult for me to escape the valley."

"There is no need for such modesty. In fact, I wish to reward you for your merit."

"Pardon?"

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

"This is not the time for a formal ceremony of rewards, but I believe doing at least this much will put my mind at ease."

'Rewards?'

While I was wondering what she meant, she beckoned me to come closer. I wasn't sure what she was planning. As I approached, Han Baek-ha instructed me to show proper etiquette.

As I knelt on one knee, Baek Ryeonha spoke.

"Young Master So Woon-hwi. In recognition of your contributions thus far, I intend to promote your rank."

'!!!'

I couldn't hide my shock at the unprecedented decision coming from her lips. I never expected that she would promote my rank right here on the spot, immediately after my return.

The other cultists were equally stunned, and a stir broke out among them. Song Jwa-baek, in particular, was staring with his mouth hanging open.

That's just him spacing out. The only time Song Woo-hyeon shows any emotion is when food enters his mouth.

Just then, Haeakcheon scolded me.

"What are you doing?"

Startled out of my daze, I quickly clasped my hands and bowed my head respectfully according to the Blood Cult's etiquette. She then placed her hand lightly on my head and made the announcement.

"I appoint you as a Deputy Unit Leader. I trust you will fulfill your duties for our Cult with all your heart."

Gulp.

At those words, I momentarily struggled to keep my lips from twitching into a grin. My rank had jumped by two levels.

Above the rank of Great Leader, the hierarchy goes: Grand Leader (who assists a Unit Leader), Deputy Unit Leader, and then Unit Leader.

'Of course it is.'

As a Deputy Unit Leader, I could serve as the second-in-command of a Unit, or I could lead three separate squads under my own command. Unless Haeakcheon forced me into someone else's unit, I could now have three Great Leaders serving under me.

"I respectfully accept your command."

After answering politely, I stood up. As I rose, the warrior candidates under Haeakcheon’s command looked like they were about to burst into cheers. However, the celebration was cut short. Even though we were deep in the mountains, this was essentially a safe house, and we couldn't risk exposing our location by being too loud.

"Kuhahahaha!"

Of course, there was one person who ignored that and let out a boisterous laugh. It was perfectly characteristic of Haeakcheon.

'A Deputy Unit Leader...'

The feeling was quite special. In my life before regression, I was a mere spy, but now I had risen to the rank of Deputy Unit Leader. At this rate, the position of Unit Leader wasn't far off.

I knew exactly who the Sodam Sword was talking about. I stole a glance at Song Jwa-baek and Song Woo-hyeon. Song Jwa-baek shook his head with a distorted face as if rejecting the idea. He was the type to have a literal fit at the thought ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠of serving under me. Song Woo-hyeon, on the other hand, seemed to have no thoughts at all.

Well, even if it wasn't those two, I already had two people in mind.

'Jo Seong-won.'

He already possessed the skills of a Great Leader. Furthermore, he had the talent to break through the wall of a first-rate master, so he was more than capable of aiming even higher.

As for the other person...

The person I had picked as my second Great Leader was none other than Sama Yeong. It was no exaggeration to say her actual strength was already at the level of a Unit Leader. That was why Seo Gal-ma had been swayed by my persuasion and allowed her to join the cult.

'I can't exactly send her somewhere else.'

I needed to keep her close to plan for the events to come. However, there was one thing that concerned me. I looked toward Haeakcheon.

"Hmph. I shall repay this debt someday."

He was bluntly expressing his thanks to Seo Gal-ma. He could have just said 'thank you,' but he said it in a tone that sounded like he was vowing to get even for a grudge. He really had a peculiar personality.

'I don't know how he'll react.'

I intended to reveal her identity to Haeakcheon, if no one ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠else. If her father, the Moon Evil Sword Sama Chak, ever came storming in later, I might not be able to handle it on my own.

The Sodam Sword clicked its tongue in amazement. Just then, Sama Yeong’s voice reached my ears via Sound Transmission.

[Um, Young Master So. Do I have to keep standing here like this?]

Sama Yeong was standing there awkwardly, not knowing what to do. Since everyone's attention had been focused on my safe return, she had naturally been forgotten.

Should I step forward?

But just then, Baek Ryeonha noticed her and asked.

"By the way, Uncle Seo. Who is that young hero you brought with you?"

"Ah, Young Lady."

Seo Gal-ma, who had been talking with Haeakcheon, acted as if he had forgotten and began to explain the situation to her. He summarized the key points, from how she had helped me to why she wanted to join the Blood Cult.

However, Baek Ryeonha looked puzzled when she heard that Sama Yeong was a woman.

"A woman?"

It was because her human skin mask was so sophisticated. Though she had a slender build, she looked like a handsome young man on the outside. Furthermore, since she hadn't spoken a word since arriving, there was no reason to suspect anything.

Huh?

But as soon as she heard the person was a woman, I didn't understand why Baek Ryeonha kept glancing back and forth between me and Sama Yeong. She only needed to look at Sama Yeong. Was it because she hadn't shown proper etiquette despite applying to join?

I quickly sent a Sound Transmission to Sama Yeong.

[Lady Sama. That person is the highest-ranking individual among everyone here.]

Understanding my words, she nodded and knelt down to show respect to Baek Ryeonha.

"Thank you for allowing me to join. My name is Sama Yeong."

Murmur, murmur!

"She really is a woman."

"She wasn't a man after all."

The courtyard stirred at the sound of her voice. Unlike when she forced a deep tone, Sama Yeong’s natural voice was incredibly clear and pure.

Baek Ryeonha furrowed her brows and then spoke to her.

"Did you say Lady Sama? Can you remove your mask?"

"Of course."

Sama Yeong fiddled behind her ears, gripped the edge of the mask, and peeled it off. As her face was revealed, gasps of admiration erupted from all around.

She was truly a peerless beauty. Baek Ryeonha had also become beautiful after losing weight, but Sama Yeong possessed the kind of beauty that would leave even another woman dazed. She hadn't been wearing that mask for nothing.

After staring at Sama Yeong’s face with a blank expression, Baek Ryeonha shot a glare at me.

Wait, why is she doing that again?

'Jealousy?'

I had absolutely no idea what these guys were talking about. Was she saying Baek Ryeonha was jealous? Why would someone of her stature, a candidate for the next Cult Leader, have such feelings for me?

Just then, a Sound Transmission reached my ears.

[Heh heh. This brat, I wondered why he hadn't shown his face in the valley, and it turns out he was busy making friends with a girl like that?]

It was Haeakcheon’s voice. He also seemed surprised by Sama Yeong’s exceptional appearance. I didn't want to throw cold water on the mood, but I had to reveal the ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠truth, right? That way, I could recruit her into my unit before she was assigned elsewhere.

[Master. Would it be possible to recruit Lady Sama into our unit?]

At my words, Haeakcheon smirked and sent back a transmission.

[Heh heh. It seems you've taken a liking to that girl. If that's the case, I shall use my influence...]

[However, there is something I must tell you.]

[What?]

[...Please, keep this only to yourself, Master.]

[What are you talking about?]

To the puzzled Haeakcheon, I revealed the truth.

[Lady Sama’s father is the Moon Evil Sword, Sama Chak.]

[!?]

The smile on Haeakcheon’s face vanished instantly. The shock must have been quite significant. After staring at Sama Yeong with a stiffened face, Haeakcheon sent me a transmission in a voice that sounded utterly dumbfounded.

[...You brat, just what the hell have you done?]