Chapter 36
Chapter 36
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: Brocade Guard
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It had been two years since that day, marking exactly five years since I entered the Azure Dragon Martial Hall.
My body had fully matured into that of an adult.
In the mornings, I took on the role of instructor, guiding the disciples, while using every spare moment to push my personal training even harder. Martial arts were such that the deeper you delved, the more your own shortcomings became apparent—and since I was aiming for those lofty experts far beyond my reach, my passion never waned. Though it had become difficult to receive direct instruction from Triple Excellence Lee Gwang, there had never been a time when training in martial arts felt this enjoyable.
'Just eight more years of training... and then I'll challenge the Iron Blood Sect...!!'
By then, I would have become something formidable no matter what.
If I could defeat the Iron Blood Sect's top elder in a one-on-one duel, there would be scarcely anyone in the martial world to fear! Moreover, considering I was from the Azure Dragon Martial Hall, they wouldn't dare casually sever my head in a sparring match like before.
After toppling him, I planned to live comfortably, earning fame and fortune. I knew my own talents were limited, so pursuing greater power than that was pointless.
That was why I had set a ten-year goal and trained relentlessly, day and night.
But my ten-year resolve was suddenly brought to a halt.
After training ended that day, Triple Excellence Lee Gwang summoned me to the Crouching Dragon Hall.
And without preamble, he said,
"Baek Woong, you've been recommended to the Brocade Guard thanks to my friend's help."
"Pardon?"
I asked again, thinking I had misheard. But Triple Excellence Lee Gwang simply turned the page of the book he had been quietly reading without another word. He had a way of conveying facts coldly without elaboration, so I quickly grasped the reality. And I said,
"Isn't the Brocade Guard the highest elite warrior position that protects the imperial palace and the royal family? I heard only those with the utmost skill among the martial exam graduates can become Brocade Guards, so how could I..."
That was right.
The imperial martial examinations, held only once a year, selected barely over a hundred martial officers annually, and from those, only the top tenth were chosen for the Brocade Guard. Moreover, they underwent additional training afterward to become full-fledged warriors, so their prowess went without saying.
Even the renowned martial families of Luoyang, like the Twin Gates and Four Houses, faced fierce competition just to get one disciple through the exams—and then came the further competition for the Brocade Guard! From what Mang Ryang had told me, it was one of the few positions where even high officials couldn't bribe their way in for their sons. Because they guarded the imperial family, they never selected the mediocre.
Thus, for me—a mere instructor at the Azure Dragon Martial Hall in far-off Guanzhong—to be recommended for the Brocade Guard was utterly out of the blue. As I sat stunned, Triple Excellence Lee Gwang slowly closed his book and said,
"In my view, your skills are sufficient. You're not quite ready to inherit my lineage, but you could match a Brocade Guard Vice Commander. With your abilities, you could outperform any Brocade Guard there."
Triple Excellence Lee Gwang's evaluation of me was unexpectedly high.
The Brocade Guard Vice Commander was second in their four ranks: Commander, Vice Commander, Battalion Commander, and Guard. In other words, right below the Commander who led the entire Brocade Guard. I knew their structure from what Mang Ryang had told me during our scheme to infiltrate the palace. If my skills were comparable to a high-ranking officer, it meant I'd grown a great deal.
But what I couldn't understand wasn't about my skills.
I was usually careful with my words around Triple Excellence Lee Gwang, but this didn't make sense, so I asked again.
"But... the Brocade Guard? Isn't that too sudden? Why me all of a sudden..."
At that, Triple Excellence Lee Gwang didn't get angry but chuckled softly.
"It's to help your senior brother, Jin So-cheong, stand on his own."
"......?!"
What was this now?
As I stared at him in bewilderment, Triple Excellence Lee Gwang continued calmly.
"You know your senior brother's skills are wasted as a mere hall instructor. That child has grown to a level where he could make a name across the Central Plains."
"...Yes, that's true."
I readily acknowledged Lee Gwang's words.
Looking back, Jin So-cheong had seemed to surpass Peak Expert level even when we first met five years ago in this life. Considering his age, it was an astonishing pace of achievement, and now, five years later, his realm was immeasurable. One thing was certain: if Jin So-cheong wandered the martial world performing acts of chivalry right now, he could gather followers within a year and form a major sect.
"However, that child isn't accustomed to using organizations or navigating others' schemes and intrigues. He's upright and incorruptible, so he'll likely clash with unnecessary matters or face dire situations. Those trials can't be overcome by personal wisdom alone—someone must stand by his side to aid and guide him."
I caught the implication in Lee Gwang's words and said,
"You want me to join the Brocade Guard and help my senior brother in the future?"
"Exactly. With your talent, you could quickly rise to Battalion Commander, or even Vice Commander. The Brocade Guard is a merit-based organization unlike other martial offices. If you secure a solid position in the palace, you could help your senior brother when he's in trouble later, couldn't you?"
"......"
"And those guys need watching. They're suspicious."
Indeed, from what Mang Ryang had said, the Brocade Guard's high officers wielded considerable power. Even major officials fawned over them to avoid their ire, and they could unilaterally conscript ordinary patrol forces. Excluding generals, it was the dream post for any martial officer.
"Initially, I took you in to cultivate you as an outstanding instructor to prosper the hall. But your potential turned out to be awkwardly middling. Too good to waste as a hall instructor, yet insufficient as heir to the Thunder God Style."
Lee Gwang stroked his beard.
"So after much deliberation, I used my connections to recommend you to the Brocade Guard. It's a path where you can realize your ambitions in the world and aid your senior brother."
"Hmm..."
I let out a low hum.
To Lee Gwang, I must have seemed flustered by the sudden proposal, but in truth, I was grappling with the abrupt choice.
'For such an unexpected opportunity to arise like this.'
In this life, I'd focused solely on improving my martial arts, so I'd pushed it to the back of my mind—but I needed to decipher the Heavenly Dark Secret Book.
And to do that, I required the Nameless Sacrificial Book stored in the imperial depths. Only then could I unravel the secret of my regressions.
Sneaking into the emperor's own chambers was impossible with my abilities, so I'd let it go. But now, a chance to become a Brocade Guard! It was truly out of nowhere.
If I joined the Brocade Guard—where only the absolute elite served as imperial guards—perhaps I could obtain the Nameless Sacrificial Book. Plus, my current martial prowess was more than double what it had been when I died to the Iron Blood Sect.
'...It might work. This just might.'
Triple Excellence Lee Gwang gazed at me with an unusually calm look.
"However, if you don't want this, I'll withdraw the recommendation. I want to respect your opinion as much as possible. If you'd rather continue as an instructor, so be it."
I set aside all hesitation and answered. It really was a golden opportunity.
"No, I want to give it a try."
"Is that so? You won't regret it?"
"Of course not."
Triple Excellence Lee Gwang seemed half to have led me to that answer. He nodded and handed me a rigidly sealed letter.
"Then head to Luoyang tomorrow. Show this to the Grand Sword Sect Leader there."
"Gr-Grand Sword Sect Leader?"
"Yes. An old friend of mine."
"......"
I was momentarily speechless.
The Luoyang Twin Gates and Four Houses! Among them, the Grand Sword Sect Leader was Luoyang's peerless master, the supreme figure of his sect, who had defeated a Mount Hua Sect elder in a hundred exchanges. It was hard to adjust to the idea that this legendary Peak Expert, known only by rumor, was friends with Triple Excellence Lee Gwang.
But deep down, it made sense. Public fame might compare like sun to firefly, but Triple Excellence Lee Gwang's skills had long surpassed Peak Expert. Among all the martial artists I'd seen in my lives, none were stronger. If the Grand Sword Sect Leader saw through to Lee Gwang's true nature, he'd naturally treat him as an equal friend.
Triple Excellence Lee Gwang said calmly,
"You're borrowing a spot from the Grand Sword Sect to enter officialdom. Naturally, you'll need to be especially careful with your words and actions around them."
I realized what was happening. Triple Excellence Lee Gwang had asked his friend, the Grand Sword Sect Leader, who had likely secured a pre-approved Brocade Guard position for me. I didn't know the details, but Lee Gwang's confidence suggested it was solid. Thus, I probably wouldn't be viewed kindly by the Grand Sword Sect folks.
'Ugh, their glares will kill.'
But that was part of the deal. I declared confidently,
"Yes. I'll make sure it ends well."
"Good."
"Oh, I'll say goodbye to my senior brother first."
"Of course."
Afterward, I found Jin So-cheong and informed him I'd been selected for the Brocade Guard. He already knew, smiling broadly as he congratulated me.
"Excellent! With your talent, you might become the Brocade Guard Commander someday."
"Not quite that much."
"Haha, no joke. You truly have that level of ability."
Hearing Jin So-cheong's encouragement lifted my spirits. Indeed, I had the martial arts honed at the Azure Dragon Martial Hall and overwhelming internal energy. It was obvious I outclassed most warriors. Unable to hide my grin, I forced my lips down, and Jin So-cheong said,
"But be cautious. I've heard the Brocade Guard isn't just about repelling invaders—you need skill in schemes and intrigues too. If you don't watch yourself, no one can protect you."
"Don't worry. I've considered everything."
Perhaps that's why Lee Gwang was sending me there. He often said I had a demonic sect temperament and knew I was accustomed to such ugly power struggles. He might think my ruthless nature and cunning would aid my rise in the Brocade Guard.
The next day, I departed for Luoyang. Triple Excellence Lee Gwang wasn't stingy, giving me a generous eighty taels of silver for travel expenses, so I journeyed leisurely without worry.
'Oh, right. Two places to stop.'
First, I visited the village where the [Human Sacrifice Horror] had occurred. Sure enough, it had burned to the ground, leaving only ruins amid the mountains as traces of human habitation. No gruesome corpses remained, suggesting the black-clad figures had handled the cleanup thoroughly. They'd even filled secret passages and wells with earth.
The nearby local constabulary was gone too. I asked nearby villagers about the constables' fate.
"The Daoist Master Hyuncheon of the constabulary? Oh, there was such a person."
"There was a Daoist and several shaman sect disciples there—what happened to them?"
"Five years ago, the neighboring village suddenly burned down completely. They vanished around then, so we don't know. We figured the Daoist must've gone elsewhere..."
"......"
In short, the whereabouts of Daoist Hyuncheon and his shaman sect disciples from the constabulary were unknown. They might have fled to their sect's headquarters, or Hyuncheon might have died trying to stop the sacrifice. Either way, it left a bitter taste, so I shook my head.
'No helping it. I didn't have the power back then.'
I couldn't sacrifice my life to save them. Selfish and vile as it might be, that was reality. Clashing with the black-clad figures and ruining my chances was too risky. Hoping only that Daoist Hyuncheon had survived, I continued to Luoyang.
And there was one more stop.
I went to Zhenlang Valley and headed straight to where Mang Ryang lived. He was still operating as Mang Ryang the Immortal there at this time. His mangun formation wasn't detectable—it had crumbled to dust—and I easily reached his house.
This time, Mang Ryang wasn't entangled with a woman. Instead, he lay sprawled on a table under a tree shade, napping lazily.
"Hey. Mang Ryang. Wake up."
I shook his shoulder, waking the drooling Mang Ryang. He sat up dazedly, then jumped in shock upon seeing me.
"Eek?! Eek?! Wh-who are you?!"
"Calm down. I'm just here with questions—no intent to harm."
It took Mang Ryang a while to compose himself and adjust his headwear properly. He raised the fan from his waist, belatedly trying to create an air of mystery.
Whoooosh
Black clouds swirled around him.
[ I am... Mang Ryang the Immortal, bearer of the divine power of the Great Martial Emperor... What brings you... to me...? ]
I chuckled.
"Qimen Dunjia voice-changing technique and black cloud spell, huh? No need for the theatrics—just talk normally."
"Gasp..."
Embarrassed that I knew Qimen Dunjia, he dispelled the tricks. Among Qimen Dunjia spells, some simple ones required no special powers—like the voice-changing and black clouds he'd just used. During our three years holed up studying, he'd used them often when telling fortunes to maintain mystique for clients.
Mang Ryang said gruffly,
"You seem like a fellow practitioner of Qimen Dunjia yourself. What's your business here? I'm doing business in Zhenlang Valley, so I can't yield easily."
"No intent to interfere with your business. Just a few questions."
"What is it?"
I subtly pulled out the Heavenly Dark Secret Book, always sewn into my clothes, and held it out to Mang Ryang.
"Interpret this for me."
"Th-this is!"
What followed was almost identical to my past life.
Mang Ryang marveled at the Heavenly Dark Secret Book's strange script, concluding that the Nameless Sacrificial Book was needed to decipher it. I listened silently.
'I knew all this already.'
Once he'd finished, I decided to extract new information from Mang Ryang.
"Mang Ryang, do you think the Heavenly Dark Secret Book or Nameless Sacrificial Book possess special powers in themselves?"
This was a question I'd never asked before.
Mang Ryang's eyes widened slightly as he replied,
"They're not spellbooks. Unlike those from the Left Path Sects infused with divine powers for supernatural effects, these books have no inherent strength on their own. During my time in the palace, I handled countless Nameless Sacrificial Books, but nothing happened."
Right. That was the strange part.
Just before dying, I'd grasped the Heavenly Dark Secret Book and gained a new life. I'd thought time regression was its power. Yet Mang Ryang, who had touched numerous Nameless Sacrificial Books—with similar strange script—gained nothing.
Were the Heavenly Dark Secret Book and Nameless Sacrificial Book made for different purposes?
Or did their powers activate differently?
Why then?
Mang Ryang might have a special ability and be hiding it, but that was unlikely. If so, he could've taken a Nameless Sacrificial Book from the palace himself and had no reason to obsess over teaching me for three years.
I asked another question.
"Have you heard of a village near the Jing River that burned down and vanished five years ago?"
"Of course. I was doing business here then."
"Hmm... Have you ever seen a monster like this?"
I fetched brush, ink, and paper and drew it: the terrifying, massive eye-monster that killed me the fourth time. Mang Ryang paled at the depiction of the writhing beast covered in hundreds of eyes and tentacles.
"Wh-where did you see this?!"
"......?"
His words made me jolt in shock.
"This is the exact demon illustrated on the third page of the Nameless Sacrificial Book!"