Chapter 166
Chapter 166
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 166
Chapter Title: Ban Akbeol Faction
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Exhausted, Gong Sonbeom passed out on the spot.
Cleanup was a breeze.
Now that the Hori Division plaques were in my hands, no matter how much they resisted, they were still firmly in my grasp.
Their protests about injustice or conspiracies? They all vanished back into their mouths the moment I waved the plaques in front of their faces.
Justice had triumphed, as it always does.
Now all that remained was the fact that the Hori Division had ignored Ban Akbeol, who had been ready to apologize, tried to mess with him instead, and suffered the righteous punishment.
The Hyunmu Hall, which had been so chaotic at first, had thus achieved a beautiful peace.
"See? Bold agitation and fabrication are proven to be the essential conditions for victory!"
"The hypocrites of the orthodox sects have finally knelt before the Young Ban Ak's splendor!"
"Will you now give the Hori Division—no, the new Ban Akbeol crew—a proper reeducation in spirit?"
'No. I'm not planning to force these guys along.'
"???"
I scanned the faces of the Hori Division warriors, still dazed after Gong Sonbeom's defeat.
They flinched!
It was clear they feared I'd smash the plaques out of spite or use them like slaves.
I smirked, then opened the pouch I'd gotten back from Yi Cheolsan and dumped its contents on the ground.
Dozens of plaques clattered out.
The Hori Division warriors' gazes wavered.
They had no idea what I was about to do.
Even Yi Cheolsan watched me from behind with a peculiar look.
Arms crossed, I spoke in a bored tone.
"Take them all back."
"!?"
"W-What—"
"Why all of a—"
The warriors' pupils dilated wildly.
Intrigue rippled through the onlookers' stares.
"But the moment you do, I'll be coming after you. So only take one if you're confident you can escape my clutches unharmed."
"!!"
"!!"
"!!"
I grinned, baring my fangs.
I could see Yi Cheolsan chuckling dryly. His face screamed, 'Of course. That's so like him.'
"I'm not the type to be that nice. As a Tang clansman, I can't rest until I've repaid every grudge I've taken."
"……."
"……."
"……."
"But forcing collars on you like this? I doubt you'd obey properly. No drive, shambling around like zombies—it'd just hurt me in the end. I hate seeing people under me like that."
"……."
"……."
"……."
"What I want are people with drive. Ambition. Those who can grasp my orders precisely, adapt to changing situations efficiently, and act on their own initiative. Not puppets. Real people."
"……."
"……."
"……."
"So here's your chance to leave. Some of you must hate me or not fit. But remember: next time we meet, you'll be rivals before enemies. I'll smash those plaques no matter what."
The Hori Division warriors all swallowed hard.
They exchanged glances, faces heavy with thought.
The onlookers were the same.
"The Young Ban Ak really means to build a proper Ban Akbeol Faction—"
"Not just a faction, but his own new force."
"But... does it have to be under him? I'd love to join the Young Ban Ak, but becoming a subordinate feels off—"
"He's saying it that way because it's easier for him. How can we dictate terms to suit ourselves?"
"It might seem arrogant, but a true warrior needs that kind of boldness."
Opinions varied among them.
Some hailed me as a hero, others openly showed distaste.
A few reacted positively or seriously pondered joining the Ban Akbeol Faction.
Right here, I was declaring I'd form a real organization and birth the Ban Akbeol Faction.
I had the justification, the proven strength, the Tang name advantage. Everyone was watching.
What better stage to etch my presence into their minds?
"So, what's it gonna be? Choose. Fair warning: I won't wait forever."
The Hori Division warriors glanced around nervously, then started stepping forward one by one.
One who mustered courage asked me.
"...Safety guaranteed until we leave here?"
"Of course."
"What if we leave, rethink, and want to come back—"
"Impossible. The Gale won't take back a brother who's walked away once."
"……."
He picked up a plaque, hesitated, then turned and vanished.
"Next."
Another stood before me.
One of the few in the Hori Division with steely eyes that had impressed me.
"I have a question."
"Shoot."
"Follow you... and I'll get stronger?"
Intense hunger burned in his eyes.
I grinned.
This was exactly the kind of talent I wanted.
Hunger. Ambition. Desire. Edge.
And upward drive.
Without the urge to climb, people don't grow.
Sure, some lack that ambition. Doesn't make them bad.
But they don't fit the fold I'm building.
This guy was different.
"You want to get stronger, huh?"
"Isn't that obvious? I took the Gale Corps entry exam, aimed for the Hori Division—all for that. I want power. Demon purge? Justice? Side issues. I thirst for manuals."
"Honest."
"Bad?"
"No. I like it."
"So? Your answer?"
"You'll get stronger, sure. I'll grind you mercilessly. Slack off, and you're out, no mercy."
Some Hori Division warriors flinched.
Looked like they'd hoped for a free ride. As if.
I'd keep recruiting for the Ban Akbeol Faction, cutting the laggards.
"No discrimination? Big sects versus small fry like me—huge gap."
I tilted my head.
"You're talking nonsense. How could there not be?"
"!?"
"Prestigious sects? Those kids endured brutal early training and trials from childhood. Otherwise, they don't make headquarters disciple. High stats, so of course they're favored."
"……."
"But if you're confident you can close the gap with effort, I'll back you. Check your arts, hand over mine if needed. When dealing with my people, I'll ignore origins. Promise."
"...Stake your name on it?"
"Absolutely. And you forgot? I'm Tang, but a branch bastard. Started same as you."
"!!"
As Yeon Unhwi, I was an orphan. As Tang Unhwi, a discriminated bastard.
Whining about a late start changes nothing.
Better to spend that time bridging the gap, honing unique strengths. Far more productive.
Yeon Unhwi and Tang Unhwi clawed their way here like that.
Truth is, I'm closer to Hori Division than Ban Akbeol.
But effort alone isn't enough.
You need someone to link arms, push from behind, pull ahead.
Like my master did for me.
I'd be that for those who need it.
"...Fine. I'll follow you."
He set the plaque down and turned to leave.
Something about this guy clicked with me.
"What's your name?"
"Jeongmun. Ha Hu Jeongmun."
Ha Hu? Descendant of the Ha Hu clan wiped out a century ago?
No wonder—weak aura, but fierce bearing and eyes.
Questions poured from the bold ones after. Even this:
"But... why the informal speech?"
"Bothered? Wanna act old? Should I show respect?"
"N-No, that's not—"
"Bothered? Take your plaque and go."
"……."
"I'll say it now. Efficiency is key in running an organization. So I'll keep commands clear, direct, simplified. Prep for that habit. Gripes? Get out."
"!!"
Once sorted, fewer left than expected. About twelve.
Where else could they go? Lucky if they don't flunk soon under me.
Around forty remained.
"No more?"
"……."
"……."
"……."
"No takers? I'll collect the plaques."
I stomped lightly. Plaques floated up, sucked into the pouch.
Warriors' pupils shook. To them, masterful Object Attraction.
Really ghost arts, but stacking these misconceptions keeps them from crawling back.
I tied the pouch and turned to the onlookers.
"Any of you who want in with me, come anytime. Ban Akbeol Faction doors always open."
Then a female warrior jumped in.
"We want in too! How do we join the Ban Akbeol Faction?"
Bae Hyein, right?
She'd been great hype.
Her group behind—weak auras, but sharp eyes.
"Give me your plaques."
Bae Hyein strode up, beaming, handing hers over.
Steps full of courage.
* * *
"Wow! Sixty-seven recruits on the first go. The Young Leader's extraordinary nature can't be hidden even from the orthodox sects!"
"With Tang stronghold prep going smoothly, you'll lead the main exam—"
Tying my now-plump pouch, Dang Gyujin approached, offering her plaque.
"Take mine too."
"Sis, no need—"
"No. Take it. You're making the Ban Akbeol Faction a proper force? Can't start with fairness issues."
I chuckled and nodded.
Yeah. That's Dang Gyujin.
Why I marked her for future Bright Arm Seat.
But that's why I couldn't take it easily.
"During the exam—or maybe after—my orders might clash with your views. Still okay?"
"I'm your sword. Swords silently trust and follow their wielder. What else?"
Dang Gyujin's resolve is admirable, worth emulating.
I took the plaque.
"Then shamelessly, I'll accept."
"Good call."
Next, Yu Sumin and Sama Seonui.
Plaques in their hands.
"Feels like fun stuff happens around Young Master Tang. Gyujin-sis too, and Seon wants in with you."
"Want to keep studying Sword Fragrance together."
Sama Seonui's nose flushed pink. Caught a cold?
'The Young Leader doesn't get women's hearts—'
"Thanks for both of you."
Now the old Ten Killers Three Pillars joined too.
Ban Akbeol Faction plus Hori Division—solid force.
Probably the strongest among orgs to form.
Yi Cheolsan just fiddled with his plaque, didn't approach.
Then he fixed deep-set eyes on me.
Eyes of someone after much thought, reaching a decision.
Reincarnation Demon God Saga