Chapter 235
Chapter 235
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>Translator: Ryuma
>Chapter: 65
>Chapter Title: Guard Division Inspection (3)
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The young man with the torn eyes and hooked nose was named Wi Bucheong.
He belonged to the faction of Prince Gyeongchin, the younger brother of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor, and was a confirmed appointee for selection into the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
As the son of a Rank 3 Left Deputy Censor-in-Chief from the Censorate, he had been personally taught martial arts by Gui Saman, the Sixth Alliance Leader of the Evil League—one of the nine alliance leaders of the Evil League, one of the three great powers of the martial world known as the Evil Silent Sword.
Having learned the martial arts of the Evil League, which was the only faction from the demonic path rather than the orthodox martial world, he was treated as an outsider among the cadets.
Of course, he didn't care about that either.
After all, he was destined for higher places, while these others would end up as life's dropouts.
In the midst of that, Wi Bucheong met people who piqued his interest for the first time.
They were the junior disciples of the Heaven-Earth Society.
'Those guys are from the Heaven-Earth Society?'
The Heaven-Earth Society was one of the three great powers of the martial world, proclaiming neutrality rather than orthodoxy while pursuing the law of the jungle in martial arts.
In reality, however, they were treated as an evil faction.
Perhaps because of the influence of the Evil League, they felt somewhat familiar to Wi Bucheong.
They were better than those hypocrites spouting nonsense about justice.
Wi Bucheong snorted and said to Mok Kyung-un,
"Ha! Famous story. This guy who couldn't even properly cultivate internal energy suddenly jumped from the lower class to the upper class in just five days."
"Couldn't properly cultivate internal energy?"
"That bastard apparently has a constitution that prevents him from cultivating internal energy. No different from trash. But then this trash suddenly advances right before the Embroidered Uniform Guard selection. Doesn't that give you a hunch?"
"It reeks of something fishy, right?"
At Mok Kyung-un's words, Wi Bucheong grinned and said,
"As expected from the Heaven-Earth Society. We click. I'm Wi Bucheong."
Wi Bucheong extended his hand to Mok Kyung-un.
A glint appeared in Mok Kyung-un's eyes.
'Ah. This guy's from Prince Gyeongchin's faction too.'
According to the information, that was the case.
Between Geum Jong-hyeon, disciple of the Zhongnan Sect, and Wi Bucheong, one was the confirmed appointee for the Embroidered Uniform Guard selection.
Of course, he wasn't particularly curious which one it was.
And he had no interest in Wi Bucheong himself.
However, there was no need to make things awkward here, so Mok Kyung-un shook his hand with a smile.
"I'm Mok Kyung-un."
"Mok Kyung-un? Mok clan? That's a rare surname."
"So I've heard."
'He talks like it's someone else's business.'
Though puzzled, it wasn't too strange, so Wi Bucheong didn't show it.
More importantly, Wi Bucheong wanted to build connections with these Heaven-Earth Society juniors, whom he saw as similar evil faction types despite their different affiliations.
But unlike him, Mok Kyung-un's interest was directed toward the one who irritated him.
"Do you know that guy's name?"
At this, Wi Bucheong raised one eyebrow and said,
"What's the point of knowing a bug like that?"
It didn't make sense.
Even Prince Gyeongchin, who led their faction, had shown considerable interest in that guy.
It already annoyed him, so why did everyone he wanted to associate with keep showing interest in that guy instead of him?
"You don't know?"
"How could I not? I just don't see the point in bothering with a bug like that..."
"I thought you were kind, but you seem pretty jealous."
"What?"
At those words, Wi Bucheong furrowed his brow.
Then, with clear displeasure, he said to Mok Kyung-un,
"What nonsense are you spouting? Why would I be jealous of a worthless bug like that? There's no benefit to even acknowledging him..."
"I advanced classes today too."
At Mok Kyung-un's words, Wi Bucheong said in bewilderment,
"You're different from that guy. You're from the Heaven-Earth Society, one of the three great powers of the martial world, and that guy is..."
"What's that matter? I advanced in just one day. Seems no different from that friend."
"No, really..."
"Don't I reek of the same fishy trash smell?"
"......"
Wi Bucheong clamped his mouth shut.
He had thought to build ties because he was from the Heaven-Earth Society, but now his mind changed.
This guy didn't suit him at all.
Suddenly, he understood why the Evil League had never allied with the Heaven-Earth Society, despite both being essentially evil factions.
'Damn it.'
Wi Bucheong glared at Mok Kyung-un irritably before leaving soon after.
-What a small-minded punk.
Cheongryeong snorted.
Mok Kyung-un shrugged his shoulders.
-Who knows.
It didn't seem like just a personality issue.
When he asked who it was, the guy showed outright hostility, so it wasn't just because of the class advancement.
'What could it be?'
Probably not the same reason as him.
Staring intently at the one doing handstand push-ups, Mok Kyung-un soon activated the demonic power of the third eye in his right eye.
To figure out what that strangely irritating thing about him was.
However,
'!?'
Mok Kyung-un tilted his head.
And rightly so—there really was no internal energy.
It wasn't hidden through accumulation or some special seal or restriction.
This was truly an unexpected result.
-What's wrong? Mortal.
-He really hasn't cultivated internal energy.
-Internal energy? So he only trained external arts?
-...From what I see, yeah, but I can't understand why he's in the upper class cadets.
The upper class was only for first-rate experts and above.
Yet facing first-rate experts with only external arts was nearly impossible.
Cheongryeong said nonchalantly,
-As that mortal said earlier, maybe someone pulled strings behind him. The imperial palace is ultimately a political playground, after all.
-Hmm.
-If there's nothing, ignore it. Your goal isn't to get involved in their faction fights anyway.
-True.
Mok Kyung-un soon released the third eye's demonic power.
If he really hadn't cultivated internal energy, there was no need to pay attention, as Cheongryeong said.
He just couldn't figure out why something irritating emanated from him.
His primal essence, the source of life, seemed slightly larger than ordinary people, but that was it.
* * *
The next day, the day of the Guard Division Inspection, arrived.
The upper-class cadets waited on the training grounds with tense faces.
Then, a group appeared on the platform at the training grounds.
All eyes turned forward.
Those in red and blue flying fish uniforms with golden sashes were the Embroidered Uniform Guard supervisors overseeing this Guard Division Inspection.
"Wah."
Some cadets facing forward let out gasps of admiration.
And for good reason—the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the lead, wearing a red flying fish uniform, was a stunning beauty of unparalleled grace.
Unlike the cadets, however, Mok Kyung-un wore a puzzled expression.
'Hmm.'
He had heard what the golden sash on the red flying fish uniform signified.
It was the Sixth Thousand Commander, head of the Six Divisions handling practical duties among the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
Excluding the pinnacle South and North Command Envoys, the six Sixth Thousand Commanders were said to possess the highest martial prowess among the practical operatives.
Two of those Sixth Thousand Commanders were on the platform.
The male one had reached peak transcendent realm as expected, but the aura from that beautiful female Sixth Thousand Commander was merely peak realm.
It didn't seem like she was hiding her energy either.
'What is it?'
Mok Kyung-un stared at her before shifting his gaze to the one who had been diligently training with handstand push-ups yesterday.
-What's up?
-...No, probably just my imagination.
Mok Kyung-un shrugged.
Just then, the male Sixth Thousand Commander on the platform stepped forward and spoke.
"All training cadets, silence."
The training grounds fell silent in an instant at the resounding voice infused with internal energy.
Surprised murmurs arose here and there.
Everyone knew the Embroidered Uniform Guard Sixth Thousand Commanders had reached the transcendent realm, but experiencing one directly like this seemed awe-inspiring.
"Amazing."
"This is a Sixth Thousand Commander."
To those aiming for the Embroidered Uniform Guard, they were objects of envy.
Perhaps sensing their gazes, the male Sixth Thousand Commander shrugged contentedly before speaking again.
"I am Sixth Thousand Commander Chae Ho-seong, in charge of supervising this Embroidered Uniform Guard selection process..."
"Sixth Thousand Commander So Ye-rin."
The cadets cheered at the female Sixth Thousand Commander's introduction.
At the sight, Chae Ho-seong shook his head.
As expected, there was no surpassing this beautiful token woman's popularity.
"Quiet!"
The grounds silenced again at Chae Ho-seong's shout.
He continued.
"You've heard from the Guard Division instructors, but through this Guard Division Inspection, we will select the secondary examinees for the Embroidered Uniform Guard selection."
Everyone knew this much.
The main point came right after.
"Now, we will conduct the first selection process: the internal energy measurement test. Anyone who does not reach the minimum first-rate internal energy level required for the Embroidered Uniform Guard will be eliminated."
'Internal energy test?'
The grounds grew chaotic at the immediate start of the selection process.
* * *
Guard Division warriors bustled about, preparing for the internal energy measurement.
Meanwhile, Sixth Thousand Commander Chae Ho-seong descended the platform and looked at the six in blue flying fish uniforms.
They were sub-supervisors dispatched from the Six Line Officials, which oversaw the six divisions of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
The blue flying fish uniform symbolized Thousand Commander.
The number of silver threads embroidered on their right arms indicated which division they belonged to.
The ranks among the practical Embroidered Uniform Guard were as follows:
Proper Rank 7 Total Flagbearer, Deputy Rank 6 Ten Vanguard Commander, Proper Rank 6 Vanguard Commander, Deputy Rank 5 Deputy Thousand Commander, Proper Rank 5 Thousand Commander, Deputy Rank 4 Sixth Thousand Commander, Proper Rank 4 Command Envoy.
Above them were the Command Emissary, Command Colleague, Command Adjutant, etc., who controlled all Embroidered Uniform Guard.
The Command Emissary line mainly issued orders, so real power lay with the Command Envoys—hence why they were called the pinnacle of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
These Thousand Commanders were assigned two to four per division of the Six Line Officials.
Thus, they were the number twos from each division.
Since this exam also aimed to assess aptitudes for staffing divisions, the Thousand Commanders needed to observe the trainee cadets closely.
"How about it? Any cadets from the divisions that catch your eye?"
The Thousand Commanders had already reviewed the personnel records of the upper-class cadets by division.
At Sixth Thousand Commander Chae Ho-seong's question, Hwa Yeong-in, Thousand Commander of the First Division—which handled the safety of imperial clansmen and the inner palace court ladies including the Empress—let out a faint sigh.
"The First Division has no selection rights in the Embroidered Uniform Guard Inspection anyway, so I didn't look closely."
"We'll talk about that later."
Sixth Thousand Commander Chae Ho-seong cut him off appropriately.
There were too many eyes and ears.
As First Division Thousand Commander Hwa Yeong-in said, the First Division was assigned confirmed appointees in the Embroidered Uniform Guard Inspection, making it hard to get truly usable talent.
But saying it openly would reach the appointees' ears.
"What about the Second Division?"
"From the roster, Geum Jong-hyeon seems the most intriguing."
"Hoo. Geum Jong-hyeon."
At Second Division Thousand Commander Si Woo-ryang's words, the other Thousand Commanders showed interest.
They too had been drawn to his unique background.
There was no helping the appointees, but the son of a Rank 5 Deputy Lecturer from the Hanlin Academy—a scholarly family—becoming a Zhongnan Sect disciple, and ranking among the top five cadets in grades to boot.
"Same as us. Right, Fifth Division Thousand Commander?"
"Indeed, Sixth Thousand Commander."
At Sixth Thousand Commander Chae Ho-seong's words, Third Division Thousand Commander O Mu-gi agreed.
They too had their eyes on Geum Jong-hyeon.
Excellent martial prowess, top grades, and from a scholarly family so likely sharp-minded—perfect for the intelligence-focused Third Division.
"The Third Division took last session's top cadet. Yield a bit this time."
"Hahahahaha!"
Chae Ho-seong laughed heartily at Si Woo-ryang's words.
Then firmly refused.
"No."
"You're too much."
"Then promote quickly."
"Ahem."
Ultimately, the Six Line Officials' heads would decide on those who passed the Embroidered Uniform Guard Inspection.
So this banter held little weight.
Enjoying teasing Second Division Thousand Commander Si Woo-ryang, Sixth Thousand Commander Chae Ho-seong asked Fourth Division Thousand Commander Mak Myeong-bo,
"What about the Fourth Division?"
"For our Fourth Division, which handles the Golden Prison, Namgung Cheonghyeon stands out. Given our division's nature, the one with the best martial arts is ideal."
"Indeed."
Everyone expected Namgung Cheonghyeon's name to come up.
Grandson of Heaven-Piercing Martial Sword Namgung Jin, from one of the Seven Great Clans, prestigious martial families.
He had entered at the early transcendent realm and was a prodigy whose swordsmanship overwhelmed all cadets.
Thus, all the Six Line Officials' Thousand Commanders acknowledged him.
"Who knows."
Someone said then.
All eyes turned to him.
He was the man with the darkest impression among the six Thousand Commanders.
This Embroidered Uniform Guard, scarred across his face, was Fifth Division Thousand Commander Maek Ha-gyun, handling the most secretive orders.
"What do you mean?"
"The most outstanding in this batch might be the Heaven-Earth Society juniors. Especially cadets Seop Chun and Mong Mu-yak—their prowess is hard even for me, a Embroidered Uniform Guard Thousand Commander, to gauge."
"......Ah!"
At his words, Fourth Division Thousand Commander Mak Myeong-bo didn't deny it.
He too had learned late of the Heaven-Earth Society juniors' participation and observed them closely upon entering the grounds.
The result was as advertised.
As Fifth Division Thousand Commander Maek Ha-gyun said, especially Seop Chun and Mong Mu-yak were impossible for even him to gauge.
This was beyond junior disciple level.
"They sent them with intent."
As expected of the Heaven-Earth Society, pursuing the essence of martial arts among the three great powers.
This inspection might yield entirely unpredictable results.
"In my view, Yeom Gyeong looks no slouch either."
Then Sixth Division Thousand Commander Tae Ho-in interjected.
At his words, the others chuckled.
Being from a Huashan Sect lay disciple background, he rated his sect's formal disciple Yeom Gyeong highly.
Of course, bias aside, cadet Yeom Gyeong was a top-five prodigy.
While preparations for internal energy measurement proceeded, Sixth Thousand Commander Chae Ho-seong, having heard all the Six Line Officials' Thousand Commanders' opinions, prepared to wrap up.
"Alright. I've heard all the Thousand Commanders' views. Once we measure internal energy, we'll know who's outstanding."
"True. Since we're at it, Sixth Thousand Commander, how about a bet?"
"A bet?"
"A dinner bet?"
Sixth Thousand Commander Chae Ho-seong showed interest at Second Division Thousand Commander Si Woo-ryang's suggestion.
He had planned a light dinner with the supervisors after duty anyway.
Sixth Thousand Commander Chae Ho-seong looked at each Thousand Commander.
"I agree."
"Me too."
"Let's do it."
With all agreeing, Sixth Thousand Commander Chae Ho-seong grinned and said,
"If we all pile on one, the bet won't stand and it'll be no fun, so if two or more pick the same, choose another cadet."
"Understood."
Thus, a bet was made on the cadets' internal energy measurements.
They bet on the cadets they had found intriguing from the start.
The only one not voicing an opinion was Sixth Thousand Commander So Ye-rin, who showed no interest in the bet.
Her expressionless face made her thoughts hard to read.
At this, fellow Sixth Thousand Commander Chae Ho-seong said,
"Has the Sixth Thousand Commander So not chosen? It's a dinner anyway."
She, who had silently observed Chae Ho-seong and the Thousand Commanders, cautiously parted her lips.
"The Thousand Commander Tae Ho-in from our side already picked Yeom Gyeong."
"Hm? So Sixth Thousand Commander So has someone else in mind?"
"......"
Her silence was near affirmation.
Everyone grew curious.
"Who is it?"
"Is it Heaven-Earth Society's Seop Chun or Mong Mu-yak after all?"
"Or Namgung Cheonghyeon?"
Overwhelmed by the Thousand Commanders' questions, Sixth Thousand Commander So Ye-rin silently stepped back a pace.
Impatient, Sixth Thousand Commander Chae Ho-seong said,
"It's a personal bet by division anyway, not division vs. division, so spill."
Then she quietly parted her cherry lips.
"......I'm picking Ju Un-hyang."
'!?'
Everyone was dumbfounded at her words.
She had named an utterly unexpected cadet.
How absurd it was—even First Division Thousand Commander Hwa Yeong-in, who had shown little interest in the bet, asked puzzled,
"Sixth Thousand Commander So, are you perhaps confusing him with Ju Sang-jae, second son of Ascension Supervisor Commander Ju?"
"Ah, that must be it. Makes sense. That cadet has high grades too."
"So you're betting on Ju Sang-jae?"
At their words, Sixth Thousand Commander So Ye-rin shook her head.
"It's Ju Un-hyang, the third child of Ascension Supervisor Commander Ju."
"Ha...... Well."
"You're not betting for fun, are you?"
"Sixth Thousand Commander So, that guy recently became a formal Kunlun Sect disciple, but he's had a constitution that couldn't cultivate internal energy until now."
"You're doing this just to buy the dinner, right?"
No one could accept her choice.
Yet she stubbornly stuck to cadet Ju Un-hyang.
She had her own reasons for choosing him.
However, contrary to this choice, there was one other person who strangely caught her attention.
She glanced sideways, looking at the exceptionally beautiful cadet staring at her from among the lined-up cadets.
'Mok Kyung-un, was it.'
The only one from the Heaven-Earth Society not drawing attention.
The reason was simple.
His martial prowess seemed particularly lacking compared to the other two.
Yet to her eyes, this felt incongruent.
'......Weird.'
Why did a ferocious pressure emanate from that smiling face?