Chapter 668: My name is. (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 668: My name is. (2)
Once the area fell silent, the test resumed.
Having already put the candidates in their place, the rest of the proceedings didn't take long. In fact, it could hardly be called a test anymore.
"I told you to pick exactly seven, didn't I?"
At my words, the men tensed. Their faces, which had been filled with indignation and anger just moments ago, were now etched with visible strain.
Pathetic.
To think they would change so much just because I showed them a glimpse of my power.
‘This is why I despise the Central Plains.’
Everything begins with power and ends with power. It seemed convenient on the surface, but it was far too primitive. Of course, that wasn't a thought I had any right to dwell on, considering I was the one exploiting that reality so effectively.
"There are a few too many of you. It’s a waste of time to drag this out," I said with a dismissive wave of my hand. "Figure it out among yourselves."
"Pardon?"
"What does that mean…?"
My words caused a stir. Was the instruction to choose among themselves really that strange? I meant exactly what I said.
"Whether you vote, talk it out… or," I added, glancing at the figure watching from a distance—the Heavenly Demon. "You beat each other senseless to decide. I'm telling you to handle it yourselves."
It was the most rational solution. Simple, efficient, and the quickest way for each of them to understand where they stood.
"As for the time… about one hour should be enough. Have your decision by then."
I waved my hand again and walked away without a second thought. Even as I casually turned my back, my senses remained fixed on the Heavenly Demon. I also kept an eye on Moyong Hi-ah, wary that her expression might harden or crumble.
Moyong Hi-ah was staring at me with a look of pure disbelief.
"…Will this be alright?"
"You told me to handle it. If you don't like the results, you can change it back to however you want."
"No, I don't mean the selection process."
Ah, so that wasn't what she was talking about? Then what?
Moyong Hi-ah glanced behind her, toward the spot where I had thrown the man earlier.
"You said he was from the Murim Alliance."
"Ah. Yeah."
"How did you know?"
Moyong Hi-ah asked as if she, too, found the revelation baffling. How did I know? It wasn't a particularly miraculous method.
"Most people who apply to be escort warriors are unaffiliated wanderers."
I didn't know what kind of favorable conditions the White Flower Merchant Association had offered to attract such talent, but no matter how good the deal, those who already belonged to an established organization wouldn't bother. Especially if they had reached the Peak Realm or the Perfected Peak Realm; it would be far more prestigious for them to work as high-ranking guards or swordsmen for a noble clan than to be a mere escort.
‘It’s actually impressive that she managed to gather such people in the first place.’
First-rate masters, and even those at the Perfected Peak Realm. For men who could make a name for themselves anywhere to come here to be escort warriors, it made one wonder exactly what Lady Mi had offered.
Up to that point, one might assume he was just a master tempted by the pay, regardless of affiliation.
"But for someone like that, his breathing was far too refined."
That was the obvious flaw.
"Do you know the hallmark of noble clans and prestigious sects? They never lose their composure."
Their breathing is controlled, and their movements are precise—a unique discipline that seeps into their every action in the name of maintaining dignity. It wasn't something that could be easily erased or hidden.
"It seems he wanted to pretend to be a wanderer or a common martial artist… but he was a bit too obvious."
"You could see all that?"
"Yeah."
Moyong Hi-ah sounded surprised, but it wasn't really that remarkable. She simply couldn't see it because her own level was too low.
"Someone born into a noble clan wouldn't become an escort warrior after reaching that level."
His demeanor was too polished for a wanderer. His level was too high for a simple escort. Such a person would only stand to lose by coming here. Therefore, the fact that he came anyway meant only one thing.
‘He had a reason to be here.’
It was possible he was a master on the run after causing trouble, with nowhere else to go, but I ruled that out.
‘That wasn't the vibe I got from him.’
In that case, only one possibility remained.
"It means he had something to gain by infiltrating… which makes the answer obvious."
There were only a few places that would make a master from a noble clan pretend to be an escort to gather intelligence. Combine that with the fact that the White Flower Merchant Association, while not part of the Unorthodox Faction, wasn't exactly pro-Murim Alliance either.
‘And the fact that we just happen to be in Henan.’
These clues were more than enough to solve the puzzle. When I explained this, Moyong Hi-ah tilted her head, something still bothering her.
"But that's not enough to be certain."
I nodded. "That's true."
It wasn't enough for absolute certainty. It was ultimately just a suspicion, insufficient grounds to act with total conviction.
"Then, did you have some other proof that made you sure?"
Moyong Hi-ah asked, her expression thoughtful.
"Nope. I just did it because it felt right."
"…Pardon?"
My casual reply made her eyes widen.
"Young Master, what do you mean…?"
"He just looked the part. So I hit him first to see what would happen."
Moyong Hi-ah looked aghast. Given her personality—acting only when she had total certainty—she seemed shocked that I had moved so rashly.
‘But beating him up only confirmed it.’
I had deliberately provoked him as I struck. His reaction in that moment was all the proof I needed. The man was indeed an agent of the Alliance. I could take that as a certainty now.
However.
‘What was he after?’
Why would the Alliance send someone here? Honestly, the reason wasn't the most important part. What mattered was…
‘Who was his target?’
Was he after me? Or was he here because of the merchant association itself? If not that, then…
‘Was he after Moyong Hi-ah?’
There were three main possibilities. To find out, I needed to capture and interrogate him immediately, but now was not the time to move.
‘I have to watch the Heavenly Demon.’
I had to use all my senses to observe that woman, the Heavenly Demon, who stood there with a perpetually blank expression. That was why I had used extra force when knocking the man out. He needed to stay unconscious for a long time, and I couldn't allow him to escape.
With that thought, I glanced toward a nearby thicket and moved my lips.
- That one. Catch him and tie him up. I have business with him later.
A flinch.
I felt a presence stir within the trees. It was likely a martial artist stationed by the merchant association; they seemed startled by my sudden telepathic message. I had known they were there from the beginning. They wouldn't have left Moyong Hi-ah alone with dozens of rough martial artists in such a remote place.
Anyway… the message was delivered.
‘Now, I just watch.’
I stood still and kept my eyes on the Heavenly Demon.
Not long after.
"Hyaaaah!"
As expected, a chaotic battle broke out among the candidates.
* * *
Exactly one hour later.
I surveyed the seven people left standing on the field. Exactly seven. Just as I had ordered, seven martial artists remained.
One hour wasn't a short amount of time for a fight, but it hadn't devolved into a bloody, drawn-out massacre. This was a test, after all. And since their skill levels varied, only those expected to survive were left standing.
From the Perfected Peak martial artist I had initially passed to those at the Peak Realm and First-rate levels, the group was a balanced mix.
If there was anything unexpected, it was…
‘He failed?’
A few of the Peak Realm martial artists I thought would pass had been eliminated. Conversely, a few First-rate martial artists I expected to fail had made the cut. It was more accurate to say they had survived through sheer tenacity and wit rather than winning through raw power.
My gaze shifted toward the strongest man in the group. The First-rate martial artists had held out until he had finished off the other major threats. That was how they were still standing. In a way, it was a cunning strategy.
Indeed, the eyes of the defeated were filled with resentment. The frustration of failing while "weaker" men passed was palpable.
‘Not bad.’
From my perspective, it was an acceptable outcome.
‘An escort doesn't succeed on strength alone.’
They were quick-witted and understood politics. How else would the strongest man have taken down the others while leaving the weaker ones untouched? He had laid the groundwork from the very beginning.
‘It means they realized he was the strongest and started sucking up to him.’
Earlier, when the man from the Alliance had protested, the ones who passed were the ones who hadn't joined the outcry. Those who had sided with the loser were now lying on the ground.
‘In short, they chose the wrong side.’
In that short window, they had chosen their factions. One side fell, and the other chose wisely. That was all. There might be an issue with them passing through politics instead of pure martial prowess, but…
‘Moyong Hi-ah will handle that.’
That was no longer my concern. If she didn't like them, she could simply hire new ones. This minor deviation didn't matter.
The real problem was…
‘…She failed.’
I scowled and looked past the group. Among the panting, exhausted fighters, one person stood alone, perfectly composed.
It was the Heavenly Demon.
She stood there with the same blank expression as before, completely unscathed. Was she standing there because she had won? No. She hadn't even participated.
When the brawl began…
[I'm not doing this.]
She had declared her withdrawal with that one simple phrase. Then she had just stood there and watched. Did she refuse to fight because she was scared? Impossible.
‘Then what the hell is she doing?’
I couldn't wrap my head around it. I had deliberately given her a pass, yet she didn't even bother to join the fray, choosing instead to watch the situation unfold from the sidelines.
‘What is her objective?’
It was already confusing enough that the Sword Phoenix—Gu Huibi—had brought her here. Now, I had no idea what the Heavenly Demon's intentions were.
As I stared at her with a furrowed brow, she must have felt my gaze, as she looked back at me. Our eyes met for a moment. This time, I didn't look away.
As the seconds ticked by, the Heavenly Demon was the first to react. She gave a slight wave, just as she had when I first saw her.
And then.
"…!!"
With a short leap, she vanished. It happened in an instant.
Just then, Moyong Hi-ah spoke to me cautiously.
"Young Master, it seems things are mostly wrapped up…"
I answered without really listening. "Then I'm heading out for a bit."
"Are you going to rest now? I know a good inn… pardon?"
"See you later. I'll be back soon."
Having heard that the work was done, I kicked off the ground and launched myself into the air.
"…You crazy bastard—!"
I could hear Moyong Hi-ah cursing behind me, but I didn't have time to worry about her. I couldn't lose her now. For some reason, that was my only thought.
Suspended in the air, I saw the sun gradually setting.
‘Where did she go?’
From above the forest canopy, I scanned the area. The vanished Heavenly Demon was nowhere to be seen. Had she already put that much distance between us?
I immediately expanded my senses in all directions.
Fwoooosh—!!
My overwhelming internal energy flooded my senses, engulfing the surroundings. It swept over the forest and reached beyond, toward the city. I searched every shadow, determined to find her no matter what.
Just as my senses were meticulously combing through every corner, turning the area inside out…
Woooong.
A familiar energy jolted my heart. It was Demonic Qi. An energy I could never mistake.
‘There.’
Northwest. A patch of terrain far from Henan, deeper into the forest than the city. Feeling the Heavenly Demon moving at high speed, I pushed myself even harder.
Fwoosh!
Baaaang—!!
Flames enveloped my body, and I used the thermal expansion to create an explosive burst of speed, chasing her presence. I descended from the sky and plunged into the forest. I ran without rest, terrified of losing her trail.
Tension coiled within me. Funnily enough, even as I chased her, a part of me wanted to run away. What was I going to do when I caught up? Was I planning to fight her?
I didn't know. I had no confidence that I could win, nor did I know if I truly had the nerve to face her. But I had to chase her. I couldn't lose her here. My instincts were screaming at me.
Shaaaaa—!!
As I tore through the forest, a breeze brushed past me. I skidded to a halt and looked around.
The reason was simple.
‘I lost her.’
The presence I had been tracking until a second ago had vanished. It hadn't been crystal clear, but it wasn't faint enough to just disappear. Yet, the Heavenly Demon's presence had vanished without a trace.
Shaaaa….
Only the rustle of the wind remained. The deep silence only served to heighten my nerves.
‘Where did she go?’
It didn't make sense for a presence to vanish so abruptly. Which meant…
‘She hid her presence.’
The Heavenly Demon had noticed I was chasing her and deliberately concealed her existence.
‘That's impossible.’
I found the situation hard to believe.
‘Is she saying the Heavenly Demon ran away?’
She doesn't run. She is a being who never backs down, no matter the odds. That is the very essence of the Heavenly Demon.
With my brow still furrowed, I scanned the trees. Had I really lost her? Just as I was about to pour more energy into my senses…
Rustle.
I felt a faint presence. I immediately gathered flames in my hand. I didn't hesitate.
Fwoooooosh—!!!
The rapidly condensed flames took shape, molded by my will. In an instant, the Flaming Jade Holy Spear was complete. But just as I turned to hurl it…
"Oh?"
Thud!
The voice made me freeze, the spear held mid-throw. My eyes widened as I stared at the person behind me.
A black-haired woman with sharp, elegant features. She looked at me with an equally surprised expression.
"Brother?"
"…Sister."
The woman was, shockingly, my sister, Gu Huibi. And the Heavenly Demon I had been chasing was hiding behind her, peering out at me.