Chapter 36
Chapter 36
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: Recruitment
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In the secret abode of the Generation's Heavenly Demon on Yungjung Mountain.
The Wise King suddenly sprang into action. Though the movement was abrupt, the Heaven-Rending Legion and Volcanic Divine Sword instantly followed like lightning.
"Finally, we've got our tail on him!"
The Heaven-Rending Legion let out a triumphant shout. The Volcanic Divine Sword maintained a dignified expression as he closely tailed the Wise King, who shot forward from the abode.
'He's heading toward the Iron Lion Sect after all!'
A shadow of concern crossed the Volcanic Divine Sword's face. If things continued like this, it would confirm that he had truly mastered the Generation's Heavenly Demon's ultimate arts. He'd already made the Heaven-Rending Legion struggle without even revealing them—what kind of power would he unleash if he did? That very worry kept the Volcanic Divine Sword from feeling any joy.
"Why's this bastard changing direction?"
The Heaven-Rending Legion voiced his bewilderment. Now that he mentioned it, the Wise King's path was veering slightly. He'd been charging straight southeast toward the Iron Lion Sect at first, but now he was gradually shifting south.
"Is he on the move?"
Anyone would suspect as much.
"Does this bastard think the Wise King is coming and is fleeing the Iron Lion Sect?"
"Isn't that how it looks?"
"Well, we'll know when we get there."
The two men stuck close to the Wise King's trail. After running for about half a shichen—an hour—the Wise King was barreling straight south.
And then, after another half gak—about fifteen minutes.
The Wise King came to an abrupt halt. He seemed utterly motionless.
"Why'd this bastard stop?"
"He's probably stopped."
"Did this bastard withdraw his energy so he can't sense him?"
"Not sure about that, but the Wise King definitely lost track of his energy. No doubt about it."
"Is that right!"
The Wise King brimmed with vigor.
"You planning to go check it out?"
The Volcanic Divine Sword asked.
"Of course!"
"We only have suspicions—no hard evidence."
"This is proof enough!"
"That's just our opinion."
"If we're sure, that's all that matters. What more do we need?"
"You planning to go and crush him by force?"
"That's the idea."
The Heaven-Rending Legion answered as if it were obvious. Yet his once-boastful demeanor seemed somewhat deflated.
"As you know, without evidence, I can't join the fight."
"Just like those self-righteous orthodox fools! Damn this evidence nonsense!"
The Heaven-Rending Legion fumed.
He pondered inwardly. If he mobilized the full might of the Tyrant Emperor Sect, could he bring the man to his knees? It didn't take long to decide. Without much thought, he let out a heavy sigh. He might kneel the man, but the Tyrant Emperor Sect's losses would be too great.
"Let's wait a bit longer. He can't seal his power forever. Sooner or later, the Wise King will cross paths with him. Definitely!"
"When's 'sooner or later'!"
At the Volcanic Divine Sword's words, the Heaven-Rending Legion snapped irritably and plopped down right there.
Iron Lion Sect.
A crowd had gathered since morning.
They were workers hauling materials on multiple carts to repair the damaged Martial Hall.
"They say it'll take about five days."
"Faster than expected."
"Money buys time, after all."
Do Cheon nodded in agreement at Steward Seo Hwa-pyeong's words.
"No shortage of funds?"
"The Golden Flower Money House gave us everything we needed."
"Don't skimp on money—take what you need and spend freely. We can't buy true prestige with cash, but we don't want to look shabby, so whatever we do, let's do it right."
"Understood."
"How's the hiring of low-grade warriors going?"
"We're planning to post notices. How about recruitment in ten days?"
"What do I need to do?"
"Someone has to conduct the interviews."
"I see."
"It's recruiting warriors for the sect—I can't decide on my own, right?"
"Fair point. Guess I should talk to Master then."
"Unless it's a tiny sect, sect leaders don't usually show up for low-grade warrior hires."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"I'll mention it to Master anyway."
"Shall we proceed in ten days then?"
"Yes."
"You've got a lot on your plate, Steward Seo."
"If it helps the sect, it's my joy."
Steward Seo bowed his head. Do Cheon watched the workers for a moment before leaving.
A short while later, Do Cheon went to see his master, Sa Jung-gyeong.
"We've decided to recruit low-grade warriors."
"Good call."
"Even low-grade, they're family. We can't take just anyone—how about you handle the interviews, Master?"
"Me?"
"You're the sect leader."
"Right, I am. Lately, with so little to do, I almost forgot who I was. All these unfamiliar workers popping up everywhere—it even made the sect feel strange."
"Master...!"
"Foolish child. The sect's improving so suddenly it's awkward, and as they say, 'luxury brings ruin,' so I'm just voicing my worries."
Sa Jung-gyeong smiled warmly.
"I'll make sure the sect stands on solid ground. Focus on your training, Master. When we restore the Iron Lion Sect's dignity, you'll lead us."
"Yes, let's do that."
As always, his master smiled with full trust. Do Cheon vowed not to betray it and spoke again.
"I think you'd be great for the interviews, but Steward Seo says most sects don't have leaders show up for low-grade hires."
"It's about authority. Even low-grade become family, so showing face isn't bad, but maintaining discipline and prestige means not revealing yourself to them either. Makes sense."
"Yes."
"You handle it. Not about authority—you've led everything so far. I'm just happy. You've brought back our ancestors' martial arts—I'm thrilled. Seeing you all train day and night fills me with joy. It's all because I entrusted it to you. So handle the hiring too."
Sa Jung-gyeong smiled brightly.
It was the smile he showed when truly pleased. Do Cheon bowed and agreed. With his master so happy, what more was needed?
"I'll consult with Steward Seo and select suitable candidates."
"Do that."
Do Cheon bowed respectfully and withdrew. As he stepped out, Iron Mountain was waiting.
"What's up?"
"Remember what I said last time? About those good kids."
"You want to go out?"
"If Big Brother allows it, yeah."
"You're barely walking steady—cause trouble outside now, and I'll never let you out again. If that's fine, go."
"Damn, just say no if it's no—why threaten?"
"Mountain."
"What now?"
"In a few days, we're recruiting low-grade warriors."
"Low-grade warriors?"
"Yeah. If those good kids you mentioned are worth it, why not tell them to come that day?"
"Really okay?"
"If they're as useful as you say, no reason not to hire them."
"They really are."
"Got it. Go ask Steward Seo to send for them."
"Thanks!"
Iron Mountain dashed off excitedly. Do Cheon chuckled, watched him go, then headed out. Today, he planned to check on Yi Yeol's Four Souls Nine Swords training.
Word spread like wildfire once the Iron Lion Sect posted notices for warrior recruitment.
Ten days.
Enough time for warriors within a 300-li radius, especially merchants, to hear and rush over. By recruitment day, over a hundred had gathered before dawn, making the front gate bustle noisily.
"This warrior recruitment thing real?"
"Didn't see the notice?"
"From Ganghwa. Just rumors there—I dropped everything and ran."
"Ganghwa's the tip of Honam, right?"
"Yep."
"Came from far."
"Golden chance to join a solid sect."
"True. Everyone here's thinking the same. No hoax—notices everywhere."
"Thank goodness. Really."
"Good if you pass."
"I've got gatekeeper level confidence."
"Overflowing confidence. Let's introduce—I'm Jo Gu from Hyeongyang."
"Nice. Yeom Cheon from Ganghwa."
"Brother Yeom, good to meet."
Some bonded over confidence, while others wilted, glancing nervously. From over a hundred at dawn, numbers swelled—sighs poured from those fearing no spots, their nonexistent confidence plummeting.
"No idea how many spots, but already over two hundred."
"Doesn't matter. Pass and done."
A teen in his mid-to-late teens puffed his chest.
"Confident, huh?"
"Not confident—already as good as accepted."
"Huh? Why?"
"Brother to Iron Mountain, the third disciple here."
"For real?"
"Truth comes out inside anyway. Why lie? Yoo Chil, right?"
"Yes. Brother sent for us—we rushed over. He didn't forget our street bonds. Shows what loyalty means—great brother."
Yoo Chil nodded emphatically. A dejected man swiftly slipped something into the first speaker's hand.
"All my money. With your connection, make it work?"
He pleaded desperately. His pitiful look made the hand open—revealing a single silver coin. Unexpected fortune.
"Can't do this..."
Interviews began.
Steward Seo said typical low-grade hires involved simple tests like lifting rocks or chopping wooden pillars for initial screening. But Do Cheon saw no need.
Such skills were basic—anyone could learn in a year or two. What mattered was mindset and character. He needed true loyalists for the Iron Lion Sect.
Interviews started. Groups of ten entered, facing Do Cheon and Steward Seo side by side. Trouble hit with the first group.
"...!"
Do Cheon's face filled with puzzlement.
Familiar faces among the ten: rat-faced old man, red-lipped middle-aged woman, ice-cold-eyed man.
Ong Jung-seo, Blood Water Rakshasa, and Heaven Kill Sword.
"What's this about?"
Do Cheon asked.
Not here to fight—they'd seen the gap that day. He looked to the eldest-looking, Ong Jung-seo. He turned away without answering. Next to him, Blood Water Rakshasa averted her eyes at Do Cheon's gaze. Finally, Heaven Kill Sword.
His icy eyes stared back, then he countered.
"What did you mean, 'killing isn't everything'?"
"...!"
Too absurd for words, as they say. Do Cheon was struck dumb. Quick-witted, silver-tongued, bold—but now speechless, he just gawked, glancing at Blood Water Rakshasa and Ong Jung-seo.
"Where the needle goes, the thread follows—we're just tagging along."
Blood Water Rakshasa said.
"Idiot, threads follow needles."
Ong Jung-seo dodged Do Cheon's eyes, scolding her.
"Needles have eyes, so I'm the needle as a woman, and he's the thread, old man!"
"Watch your mouth. Might sew it shut."
"Got the strength?"
As their bickering dragged, Do Cheon stood. Startled, Ong Jung-seo and Blood Water Rakshasa shut up and backed away.
"Follow me."
Do Cheon led.
Heaven Kill Sword followed, then the other two exchanged looks and hurried after. Outside, Do Cheon told a waiting Iron Lion Sect worker,
"Escort these three to the Hero Hall's main chamber."
"Understood."
The worker bowed. Do Cheon turned to Heaven Kill Sword.
"Wait there."
"One-word answer suffices."
"Even a half-assed one?"
At Do Cheon's question, Heaven Kill Sword faced the worker. The perceptive worker led, followed by Heaven Kill Sword and the pair.
Do Cheon watched them go, then reentered the building.