Chapter 38
Chapter 38
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 38
Chapter Title: Embroidered Uniform Guard
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I had to fight three matches in succession at the Grand Sword Sect. There were three Grand Sword Sect disciples who had challenged me, and each one seemed to hold a considerable position as a late-stage promising talent within the sect.
The Grand Sword Sect's sparring ground was packed with sect disciples. They all fixed unkind gazes on me, some laced with killing intent. This wasn't just a leak of a secret anymore; the rumor had spread, and everyone knew.
'This is...'
The first one to step forward was the Grand Sword Sect's senior disciple, Seong-gyu. He was a tall man in his thirties who strode out and said,
"You're Baek Woong from Azure Dragon Martial Hall, right?"
"That's right."
"I'm the Grand Sword Sect's senior disciple, Seong-gyu. Please grant me a match!"
Shing!
At the same time, his sword naturally scattered light as it slid from its sheath.
I said in surprise,
"A real sword? Isn't this supposed to be a spar, not an actual duel?"
The Grand Sword Sect Leader, standing nearby, then spoke.
"Practice as if it's real combat, and real combat as if it's practice."
"......"
"Prepare yourself to fight as well. Of course, if you wish, you may use a wooden sword instead of a real one."
There wasn't the slightest tremor in the Grand Sword Sect Leader's voice. Only then did I roughly grasp how this situation had unfolded.
It was true that the secret had leaked, but if the Grand Sword Sect Leader had wanted, he could have ignored the challenge requests outright. Yet he had created this opportunity under the pretext of a spar—that was because he wanted to personally assess the skills that Azure Dragon Martial Hall had sent my way. If my skills fell short of expectations, it would tarnish his own reputation.
'These guys are underestimating me.'
But for some reason, a surge of defiance welled up in me. So I went straight to the side of the sparring ground, picked up a wooden spear from the rack of training weapons. The wooden spear was clearly made for practice, its tip not even properly sharpened to harm anyone.
"I'll use this."
Murmur...
A wave of murmurs rose from the gathered trainees. In particular, Seong-gyu's face twisted severely, veins bulging at his temples. In extreme anger, he bellowed at me.
"You bastard!! Are you toying with me? You think you can face me with a practice wooden spear!!"
"Of course."
"Don't regret it!"
Swoosh!
No sooner had he spoken than Seong-gyu's body shot forward. This seemed to be the Grand Sword Sect's unique martial art that Triple Excellence Lee Gwang had mentioned before coming here: Cloud-Breaking Swordsmanship. The massive, powerful strikes danced extravagantly, reminiscent of a raging wild wolf.
However, I could read not only Seong-gyu's movements but also his sword tip, changes in direction, and even his mindset at a glance. And inwardly, I clicked my tongue at the fact that a guy at this level was the senior disciple. Compared to the desperate spars I'd had with Jin So-cheong, it felt like child's play.
'As expected, this is their level? Just as I read.'
Over five years of training at Azure Dragon Martial Hall, I'd learned a great deal. All of it was impossible to master through self-study alone, even in death and rebirth—it was truly the transmission of a prestigious sect. Especially since Jin So-cheong had personally taught me how to properly handle qi, it became easy to gauge an opponent's power at a glance. Combined with my already developed qi sense from repeatedly consuming Millennium Snow Ginseng, which granted immense inner power, my insight had sharpened naturally.
And the capabilities I'd read in Seong-gyu weren't all that impressive. That's exactly why I'd chosen the wooden spear—at that precise level.
Thud!
In an instant, my body moved. My form flowed lightly through the air like a passing shadow, already behind Seong-gyu's back. As the astonished Seong-gyu tried to turn his sword path to react, I had the wooden spear aimed at the back of his head.
It was a victory that needed no words.
"......"
Seong-gyu's complexion had turned deathly pale. In his eyes, I must not have been visible when I accelerated using Thunder Cloud Step in that instant. Unlike in the past when I just poured inner power into my feet to run, now I could properly employ Thunder Cloud Step while channeling the power of Millennium Snow Ginseng into my feet. Thus, I could toy with a warrior of Seong-gyu's caliber with instantaneous speed alone.
I said leisurely,
"This is a spar, so I have to use the wooden spear, right?"
"Ugh..."
The Grand Sword Sect Leader, who had been watching with arms crossed, said coldly.
"That's enough. Baek Woong wins."
Seong-gyu and I exchanged fist salutes to conclude the match. The murmurs from the audience grew even louder. From the conversations I overheard with my enhanced hearing, it seemed there were hardly any ordinary sect disciples stronger than Seong-gyu.
Then two more senior disciples stepped forward. Typically, a sect calls only the leader's personal disciple the senior disciple, but the Grand Sword Sect had so many people and fierce competition that they referred to several high-ranking, exceptional ones by that title.
"Grand Sword Sect senior disciple, Wang Lu! Please grant me a match."
"Grand Sword Sect senior disciple, Bal Ji! Please grant me a match."
But I couldn't exchange many moves with them either.
"Gah."
"I win."
Swoosh!
"No...!!"
"I win."
Because, just like with Seong-gyu moments ago, employing Thunder Cloud Step to strike at their openings was sufficient. Wang Lu and Bal Ji were a bit better than Seong-gyu, lasting about five seconds longer before me, but that was it. Having won even more boringly than I'd first thought, I felt deflated.
Once the Grand Sword Sect Leader confirmed all match results, he nodded and shouted to the audience.
"Baek Woong's victory is confirmed. No one objects to this Embroidered Uniform Guard recommendation now, right?"
"Yes!"
"All disciples, return to your training schedule."
Rumble...
The sect disciples, numbering perhaps over a hundred, soon dispersed under the instructors' lead. Now, only I and the Grand Sword Sect Leader remained in the empty sparring ground. Even after the matches ended, he stood motionless before speaking to me.
"What do you think? Pathetic, aren't they?"
"No. They all had good skills."
The Grand Sword Sect Leader frowned.
"Are you flattering me? That's not like Triple Excellence's disciple. If they're trash, just say they're trash honestly."
"...I'm sorry."
I felt a bit embarrassed and turned my head. Even so, badmouthing disciples in front of their sect leader seemed impolite, so I'd been courteous, but it appeared the Grand Sword Sect Leader wasn't the type to care about such things.
The Grand Sword Sect Leader said,
"Even though it was a favor from a friend, the reason I considered handing the Embroidered Uniform Guard recommendation to an outsider like you is because of that. It's truly vexing."
"......"
"The leaders of my Grand Sword Sect, Iron Blood Sect, and the Luoyang Twin Sword Families can each recommend one inner disciple per year to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. But all the usable disciples have already joined or gone independent to open their own dojos elsewhere. The ones left don't have the caliber to stake my name on."
"So that's how it is."
I understood another reason why the Grand Sword Sect Leader had insisted on this sparring setup. It was probably to make the overwhelming skill gap undeniable, silencing any further gossip. Curious, I asked,
"You're a peerless master who roams the world, Sect Leader. I can't quite grasp this disciple drought."
"Hahaha, now you're being honest. That's more like it."
The Grand Sword Sect Leader chuckled and said,
"To be frank, the skills of Seong-gyu, Wang Lu, and Bal Ji whom you faced are considered first-class in the wider world. The reason you find them so feeble is that your martial arts were taught by an extraordinary master. Being accustomed to battles with that master, you feel pity when facing those of lower caliber."
"Hmm..."
"Talent is something unavoidable. No matter how hard I try to teach, if the seedlings aren't good, they don't grow. Finding geniuses in the world is truly difficult..."
The Grand Sword Sect Leader's lament was profound. Even a sect like Grand Sword Sect, accepting hundreds of Luoyang's talents, struggled to raise even one proper master. Moments later, he asked suspiciously,
"But, are you really here due to a lack of talent? At your age, that level is genius enough."
Triple Excellence Lee Gwang must have bluntly criticized my talent shortage in his letter. I chuckled and said,
"There are true geniuses who don't even reach the tip of my toes. Please bear with this dullard."
"Hahaha, just like Triple Excellence. His disciple luck is far better than mine."
The Grand Sword Sect Leader smiled bitterly. Even if it was a temporary disciple drought, seeing his close friend and rival outdo him in disciple quality right before his eyes wouldn't feel good. I said to the Grand Sword Sect Leader,
"Is there no chance of Grand Sword Sect alumni in the Embroidered Uniform Guard returning?"
"The Embroidered Uniform Guard isn't just a martial force; it's an organization carrying out the imperial court's secret missions, so its very existence is classified. Old disciples occasionally visit for a drink, but neither I nor they pry into each other's work. They say returning is absolutely impossible."
"That must feel lonely."
"Heh... Can't be helped. Care for a drink?"
"I won't refuse."
Afterward, I shared simple snacks and light liquor with the Grand Sword Sect Leader while chatting. Since dealing with him was official business, I made every effort to maintain propriety. I'd discerned from our first meeting that someone like the Grand Sword Sect Leader, who outwardly urged bluntness, actually required appropriate decorum and etiquette.
Perhaps my conduct earned his favor, as with the alcohol flowing freely, he said,
"I can't fathom why Triple Excellence gave you such a poor evaluation. You've already stepped into the peak realm with terrifying inner power!"
"Haha..."
"Does that Triple Excellence friend have another disciple even you can't match? The world is truly unfair..."
"......"
I left the drinking session and returned to my lodgings, lying down. As expected, with my immense inner power, even downing nearly four bottles of liquor left me barely tipsy. My stomach felt a bit full, but expelling the alcohol like sweat cleared my head perfectly.
Sleep wouldn't come.
Having ventured into the wider world, I could truly feel how strong I'd become.
The real issue was that, even knowing I'd grown stronger, there was no real satisfaction. That was probably because both my master and senior brother were geniuses. Their presence was too overwhelming to soothe any inferiority complex by looking down on mediocrity.
'Eh, whatever. Just sleep it off.'
I decided not to think deeper. The immediate priority was entering the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so I'd handle that first and reflect later. It was the attitude toward life I'd gained through repeated deaths.
Two days later, I followed the Grand Sword Sect Leader through the outer gates of the imperial palace. After a brief inspection, the sound of hooves clopping echoed. Sitting across from him in the carriage, I felt the vibrations in my hips.
The accompanying Grand Sword Sect Leader said from inside the carriage,
"We'll arrive at the Golden Guard Hall soon. That's as far as I can escort you, so enter the building and meet the Embroidered Uniform Guard Chief Commander. Pass his interview, and you'll start working for the Embroidered Uniform Guard the very next day."
"Is there anything I should be cautious of?"
The Grand Sword Sect Leader smiled wryly.
"Not particularly. The Embroidered Uniform Guard recommendation given to the Twin Sword Families is granted because the imperial court trusts our reputation. Not a single recipient of a recommendation has ever failed the interview, so just be yourself."
"I see."
I newly realized the power of this recommendation. A guarantee of entry into the Embroidered Uniform Guard, called the dream of all martial artists! It symbolized the Twin Sword Families' prestige and explained why the Grand Sword Sect Leader had chosen to pass it to another sect. While the recommendation ensured perfect admission, sending a worthless talent would instead damage the sect's credibility.
The carriage stopped. I dismounted with the Grand Sword Sect Leader and saluted him with a fist.
"I won't forget this favor."
"Good luck."
Moments later, as the carriage carrying the Grand Sword Sect Leader departed, I walked into the Golden Guard Hall. At the inner entrance stood two Embroidered Uniform Guard members, and their skills indeed seemed considerable. They were at least two or three levels above the Grand Sword Sect senior disciples I'd fought, their movements bearing the marks of those seasoned in real combat.
The one on the left said,
"You're the recommender scheduled for today?"
"Yes. Baek Woong, recommended by Grand Sword Sect."
"From Azure Dragon Martial Hall?"
"Yes."
He tilted his head as if puzzled.
"Recommendations are normally used only within one's own sect. Unusual case. Anyway, follow me to see the Chief Commander."
I followed him into the Golden Guard Hall. Fitting for part of the imperial palace, it featured luxurious, ornate architecture with fine silk laid everywhere. Upon finally facing the Chief Commander, I tensed momentarily.
'Huh?'
Something was off.
I'd never seen this Embroidered Uniform Guard Chief Commander before today. His aura and presence were completely new. Yet the presences of the two standing at his sides felt strangely familiar. Unless I'd encountered them somewhere, I shouldn't feel this way.
'What is it? Those two... I think I've seen them before.'
It was definitely an aura I'd sensed somewhere.
Where had I seen those two?
I racked my memory, but it wouldn't come.
Oddly, the Chief Commander wore a white mask concealing his face, revealing only his right eye. He sat at the table, his black eyes flashing as he said,
"Baek Woong. Welcome to the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Golden Guard Hall."
"Please take care of me."
He rifled through a sheet of pristine white paper for a moment. It seemed to be an investigation of my background.
"Your personal details have already been investigated. You came to the capital from a rural village, entered Azure Dragon Martial Hall five years ago, and since then lived quietly as an instructor without incident. Your past is spotlessly clean, which pleases me greatly."
"Thank you."
The Chief Commander seemed to chuckle. He said,
"But I'm disappointed in Grand Sword Sect. Resorting to an outsider because they lack talent in their own sect..."
"......"
"Anyway, fine. From now on, follow Guo Cheon-ho to receive your uniform and weapons. Today, he'll teach you the Embroidered Uniform Guard's regulations and general operations."
I followed Guo Cheon-ho, who had been waiting at the door, down the corridor. The man called Guo Cheon-ho was an Embroidered Uniform Guard Cheon-ho of the Guo clan. In other words, he was a rank above regular Guard warriors—like an Escort Captain in the escort trade. Fittingly, Guo Cheon-ho's martial prowess seemed a step above those at the entrance.
As we walked, Guo Cheon-ho said,
"You are now officially an Embroidered Uniform Guard member. Remember that all your actions are for His Majesty's sake, and your life and death belong to the imperial house. That is the duty of an Embroidered Uniform Guard."
"Understood."
"Your martial arts seem extremely strong, so I won't comment on that. After hearing about the regulations and operations today, you'll be assigned to the Sixth Squad and thrown into the field, so keep that in mind."
Guo Cheon-ho clearly possessed considerable skill. For him to gauge my level just from movements even as I concealed my energy meant he was on a different plane from worldly first-class experts. I was inwardly surprised.
'Cheon-ho is like a squad action leader in the Embroidered Uniform Guard? And yet this level?'
He was probably a Peak Expert.
The average martial prowess in the Embroidered Uniform Guard seemed far higher than I'd imagined. To avoid showing my fluster, I said,
"The Sixth Squad?"
"The Embroidered Uniform Guard operates with ten squads, from First to Tenth, totaling a hundred men. Those with superior skills become Cheon-ho or Deputy Chief Commanders, or are assigned to separate elite squads. The Sixth Squad you'll join is on a classified mission, so you'll have to give it your all—perhaps even your life."
Afterward, in a sealed room, Guo Cheon-ho briefed me for two hours on the Embroidered Uniform Guard's regulations, operations, overall organization chart, and imperial palace power dynamics. I also had to memorize the names of all imperial clansmen and relatives, and report knowledge of disguise techniques and assorted skills.
Surprisingly, there was no separate indoctrination. It seemed the sheer volume and complexity of what Embroidered Uniform Guard members needed to know made it unnecessary. Plus, there was confidence that no sane person would betray them.
Once Guo Cheon-ho deemed the two-hour briefing complete, he gulped down water and said, amazed,
"You're pretty smart. First time I've seen someone grasp things so quickly."
"Is that so?"
"Usually, it's thick-headed martial artists who've only swung swords their whole lives who get assigned here. Teaching newbies is actually harder on this stuff than martial arts."
I possessed knowledge and reading experience on par with a decent scholar. With high memorization and comprehension too, I was undoubtedly far sharper than the average Guard warrior. While mumbling the details to commit them to memory, I asked,
"Which squad do you oversee, Guo Cheon-ho?"
"I'm with the Fifth Squad. The Sixth Squad leader will come take you soon."
It was then.
The door creaked open, and a black-clad man entered. Guo Cheon-ho waved happily at him.
"Hey, Ryu! Right on time. Just finished weapons and orientation."
"Good work. That the new recruit?"
I shot to my feet and replied,
"Yes! Baek Woong here!"
"Hoh, spirited—I like it. I'm Ryu Cheon-ho, Sixth Squad leader. Looking forward to working with you."
"Yes, sir."
Once Guo Cheon-ho finished the handover to Ryu Cheon-ho, I followed him somewhere.
"First, I'll give you one hour of rest. Tune up your stamina in your private quarters, then we'll deploy you straight to the field."
"What kind of mission?"
"I'll explain later. Anything else?"
Before I knew it, we were at my room. After one hour here, I'd be thrown into my first mission as an Embroidered Uniform Guard. I fiddled with the newly issued iron sword.
I thought for a moment. But there was only one thing I needed to ask.
"Who are those two standing beside the Chief Commander? Cheon-ho as well?"
"They're Deputy Chief Commanders. There are three in total; one commands all ten squad leaders. The other two always guard the Chief Commander or handle special missions."
"......"
It really nagged at me. I definitely remembered seeing those two, yet they were the Embroidered Uniform Guard's number-two Deputy Chief Commanders? I'd lived quite a long time cumulatively, but where had I met them? It felt like a riddle solvable with some thought, heightening my frustration.
For the hour, I inspected the spear, sword, and dagger issued to me. As expected from Embroidered Uniform Guard gear, they were forged from excellent steel with master craftsmanship. Fighting with these, I wouldn't worry about edges dulling or blades breaking for a while.
With nothing else to do, I lay down.
Until nearly the hour was up, I just sank into thought.
'I definitely saw them somewhere... where...'
It hit me then.
I recalled Mang-ryang, and what Mang-ryang had said. Then words like imperial house and Nameless Sacrificial Shrine swirled in my mind, dredging up an unexpected memory. At the realization, I jolted upright in shock.
"......!!"
That's right.
The two Deputy Chief Commanders—they were the ones who had blocked Hyun Cheon Do-in's ambush in the Spear Calamity Village! Masters capable of rare joint strike techniques weren't common in the martial world, and the aura I'd felt then matched exactly what I'd sensed today.
'That means... no way...'
As I swallowed hard,
The hour must have passed, for a voice came from outside the door.
"Mission deployment. Come out, Guard Baek."
It was Ryu Cheon-ho, leader of my Sixth Squad, calling. I hurriedly replied.
"On my way."