Chapter 105
Bu Eun-seol's expression turned intrigued.
"Wanderer registration?"
"Correct. If we indiscriminately assign jobs to anyone, information could leak or missions could be botched."
"Wanderers conceal their identities anyway."
"Precisely. Frankly, registration itself is nothing significant. You simply demonstrate your capabilities. Based on that, you can take on four types of missions: Low Grade, Middle Grade, High Grade, or Special-Grade."
"Registration and examination."
Bu Eun-seol nodded in understanding.
If they assessed a wanderer's skills and assigned missions accordingly, the probability of failure would undoubtedly decrease.
Too many failed missions would inevitably erode the Red Sky Curtain Branch's credibility.
"Quite systematic."
"However, they deduct an introductory fee labeled as 'information charges' from each mission payment. Thirty percent for Low Grade, down to about ten percent for High Grade or Special-Grade wanderers."
"I see."
"Let me inquire about the registration process first."
As Heuk-pyo approached one of the Scripture Instruction Hall's many counters, a woman with exceptionally refined features greeted them with a smile.
"Welcome."
"We're here to register as wanderers."
"Ah, this must be your first visit to our establishment."
When Heuk-pyo nodded, the woman slid forward a sheet of paper.
"First, could you fill out the guestbook?"
"Young Master."
When Heuk-pyo presented the guestbook, Bu Eun-seol pondered briefly.
Then he wrote "Seol-so" —literally meaning "vanishing like snow."
Though the name implied disappearing without a trace, the woman simply nodded.
"Young Hero Seol, I presume. And you?"
At her question, Heuk-pyo shook his head.
"I'm merely Young Master Seol's... attendant."
"I see. Still, if you'll be accompanying him, you'll need to register as well."
Heuk-pyo studied the guestbook before writing "Baek-ho" in small characters beside Seol-so's name.
"Here you go."
As Heuk-pyo returned the guestbook, the woman pointed to a building opposite the Scripture Instruction Hall.
"Please proceed to the Horizontal Sky Department across the way. They'll determine your grade there."
She offered a gracious smile.
"Once your grade is assigned, you can select missions from the Free Assignment board or return here for missions suited to your qualifications."
"Understood. Thank you."
Heuk-pyo led Bu Eun-seol out of the Scripture Instruction Hall and through the entrance of the opposing Horizontal Sky Department.
Past the main gate, they encountered a small armory displaying eighteen types of weapons alongside a spacious training ground.
"Here for grade assessment?"
A bald man standing before the armory scrutinized Bu Eun-seol and Heuk-pyo from head to toe.
"The one taking the test is our Young Master."
"Young Master? Pfft."
The bald man smirked as he examined Bu Eun-seol's face—now altered to appear ordinary.
"Sometimes descendants of the Vanished Sect drag their servants along to do wanderer work."
The man seemed to assume Bu Eun-seol was a Vanished Sect descendant attempting wanderer life with his attendant in tow.
"Let's proceed quickly."
When Bu Eun-seol spoke with palpable boredom, the bald man chuckled and extended a finger.
"The test is simple. Just leave footprints over there."
He pointed to a floor paved with blue-green stone slabs.
The Red Sky Curtain Branch determined grades by evaluating the depth of footprints impressed upon these cyan stone plates—gauging one's internal energy level.
"So this 'examination' merely assesses internal energy levels?"
Bu Eun-seol frowned slightly, prompting the man to chortle.
"Of course, if you demonstrate internal energy at least sixty years, you qualify for the High Grade wanderer test. But beginners never manage that."
"Then I'll take the High Grade examination."
The bald man's face twisted at Bu Eun-seol's declaration.
"Did you not hear what I just said?"
Glowering, he jabbed a finger toward the stone slabs.
"First imprint footprints on the cyan stone. Only if your internal energy measures at least sixty years can you—"
His words died abruptly.
Two vivid footprints had somehow appeared on the previously flawless stone surface.
"When did he—"
The man gulped audibly.
The footprints were carved clear through to the slab's base—Bu Eun-seol having used Ultimate Speed Shadowless to etch them lightning-fast.
'This man's internal energy far surpasses sixty years!'
Only then realizing he faced a master beyond his ability to handle, the man cleared his throat awkwardly.
Ahem. "Follow me."
Beyond the training ground, past the bald guide, a winding passageway emerged.
After walking along the path for quite some time, a spacious garden suddenly unfolded before them, revealing a small stone-walled house.
The bald man bowed his head respectfully in front of the stone house and spoke in a formal tone.
"Deputy Master. This humble one is Jeung Gak."
Instead of a reply, a low, hacking cough echoed from inside the stone house.
"A man with internal energy exceeding sixty years has come to take the High-Grade Wanderer exam."
"High-Grade Wanderer?"
Creak.
The door of the stone house opened, and an exceptionally tall man stepped out slowly.
For a moment, Bu Eun-seol's expression betrayed surprise.
He had expected an old man to emerge when he heard "Deputy Master," but the one who came out was a young man who looked barely thirty.
Cough, cough.
The man coughed again.
Even with his head slightly bowed, he stood a full handspan taller than Bu Eun-seol, who was already over six feet tall. Each time he coughed, the longsword at his waist swayed like rippling waves.
"A High-Grade Wanderer, you say..."
Once his coughing subsided, the man pointed at Bu Eun-seol and spoke.
"Give him the insignia."
"Pardon?"
"It's fine to give it to him."
The tall man turned away, coughing again.
But then, unexpectedly, Bu Eun-seol nodded and spoke.
"You're strong. It was worth coming here after all."
With a faint smile revealing his white teeth, Bu Eun-seol stepped in front of the retreating man.
"Are you the Deputy Master of this place?"
"That's right."
"I see."
Bu Eun-seol's lips curled into a thin smile as he spoke in a voice cold as winter wind.
"Then, draw your sword."
The man blinked in momentary bewilderment.
A newly arrived wanderer, here to receive his grade, was suddenly demanding he draw his sword?
But soon, understanding Bu Eun-seol's intent, the man let out a soft chuckle.
"As you can see, my body isn't in the best condition. I have lung disease."
"That doesn't matter."
"So you'd fight an invalid?"
"An invalid?"
Bu Eun-seol smirked, and the man responded with a bitter smile.
"Does it seem like a lie?"
"Your body may be weak, but your hands are incredibly strong."
A weak body, yet strong hands.
It was a strange, contradictory statement. But Bu Eun-seol's gaze remained unwavering.
He had already discerned that while the man's body was indeed frail, the qi and condensed power radiating from his right hand were at a level capable of splitting rivers.
Hahaha.
The man chuckled lowly, stared intently at Bu Eun-seol, then nodded.
"So, you wish to fight me?"
"That's right."
"A shame, but I can't oblige."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't fight just anyone."
The man's smile was sweet yet faint.
"I've granted you High-Grade Wanderer status, so come back when you've earned the Special-Grade tassel. Then, I'll consider it."
With those words, he turned without hesitation and slipped back behind the curtain.
A brief silence followed before the bald man, Jeung Gak, rushed over in a fluster.
"Have you lost your mind?"
He scowled at Bu Eun-seol, his face twisted in disbelief.
"Do you even know who that was before challenging him?"
"No."
At Bu Eun-seol's indifferent reply, Jeung Gak gaped in astonishment.
"You challenged him without even knowing who he is?"
"That's right."
"Why?"
"Because he's strong."
"Tch. You're truly impossible."
Jeung Gak slapped his own forehead and sighed deeply.
"Listen carefully. That man is none other than the third disciple of the legendary Grass Sword Wave—Jeong Cheon, the revered elder."
"Grass Sword Wave?"
Bu Eun-seol's eyes narrowed slightly.
Grass Sword Wave. He was a grandmaster of martial arts, one of the Ten Demonic Paragons—a legendary group of ten warriors from the previous generation.
And that gaunt man was his third disciple?
"So that's why you called him 'elder.'"
If he was a disciple of Grass Sword Wave, who had made his name over sixty years ago, he would be of the same generation as the current leaders of the Nine Great Sects and One Gang.
"Now that you know, stop talking about challenges and such. Unless you have a death wish."
Instead of being deterred, Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly and patted Jeung Gak's shoulder.
"So. How does one become a Special-Grade Wanderer?"
"What part of my words did you not understand? Unless you have a death wish—"
Jeung Gak's words trailed off.
From Bu Eun-seol's smiling figure, an overwhelming pressure radiated—one that could not be defied.
"Ahem."
Jeung Gak swallowed hard, then cleared his throat before speaking.
"If you complete twenty or more High-Grade assignments from the Free Commission Board, that will suffice."
"That's too many."
By the time he finished twenty jobs, his journey through the martial world might already be over.
As Bu Eun-seol frowned, Jeung Gak coughed awkwardly.
"Alternatively, you could complete three Designated Commissions assigned directly by our department. However..."
He continued, hesitating.
"To be honest, you should reconsider."
Jeung Gak met Bu Eun-seol's gaze firmly.
"A Designated Commission means the job is too difficult to be resolved through the Free Commission Board. Striving for Special-Grade status by taking on such tasks is far too disadvantageous."
Bu Eun-seol tilted his head slightly, puzzled.
The bald man's advice was clearly for Bu Eun-seol's benefit, not for the Silent Sky Lonely Earth.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"There aren't many young wanderers your age with such formidable skills."
Jeung Gak sighed deeply before speaking.
"In the Wanderers' Market, I've seen countless young talents perish because they overestimated their abilities. It pains me to watch, so I'm merely offering counsel."
Contrary to expectations, Jeung Gak was rather blunt and sincere.
"I see."
Bu Eun-seol nodded, seemingly pleased with the man.
"Your advice is appreciated."
"You understand, then?"
Touched, Jeung Gak rubbed his nose—only for Bu Eun-seol to shake his head firmly.
"I'll take the Designated Commissions."
***
Third Floor Office, Hall of Bestowed Scriptures
This was the workspace of the Hall Master of the Scripture Instruction Hall overseeing all incoming commissions at the Silent Sky Lonely Earth.
Leading the way, Jeung Gak stopped before the manager's office and announced,
"Jeung Gak of the Sky-Crossing Office."
"Come in."
A young woman's voice answered from within. Jeung Gak turned to Bu Eun-seol.
"I've explained everything. You may discuss the details with her."
Bu Eun-seol nodded and pushed the door open without hesitation.
Inside, surrounded by towering bookshelves and cluttered desks, sat a woman dressed in blue robes.
She appeared to be just past twenty, yet carried an elegance and dignity uncommon for her age.
"I am Dam Yu-yeon, the Hall Master of the Scripture Instruction Hall."
"Young Hero Seol."
Her gaze flickered briefly to Heuk-pyo standing behind Bu Eun-seol before she nodded.
"I've heard everything. You wish to become a Special-Grade wanderer under our branch."
"That's correct."
"Why?"
"Because I wish to fight the strong."
"That doesn't make sense. If that's your goal, why not simply roam the murim and challenge masters directly?"
Bu Eun-seol answered plainly.
"Wandering aimlessly in search of duels would waste too much time. They don't always stay in one place, and not all who boast great reputations are truly worthy."
His eyes swept across the office as he continued.
"But the commissions assigned to wanderers come with verified intelligence. And since I'm unaffiliated with any sect, I'll have more opportunities to face formidable opponents."
"Becoming a wanderer... just to fight the strong."
Dam Yu-yeon's eyes darkened faintly, as if recalling something distant.
"In the past, the legendary Grass Sword Wave once said he became a wanderer for the same reason—to clash with the strongest."
Her gaze sharpened as she studied Bu Eun-seol.
"He claimed that belonging to any sect or faction would only complicate even a single duel."
"Is that so?"
"May I ask one more thing?"
Her stare fixed on Bu Eun-seol's sharp, fox-like eyes.
"Is it true, Young Hero Seol, that you seek Special-Grade status solely to challenge the Hall Master of the Sky-Crossing Office?"
"It is."
"Because he is strong?"
"Because he is strong."
For an instant, a flicker of dark, crimson emotion flashed in Dam Yu-yeon's pupils.
It was rage—and hostility.
But just as quickly, it vanished, replaced once more by a gentle, amiable gaze.
"Very well."
She nodded, glancing at Bu Eun-seol's visitor log on the desk.
"If you're willing to handle the troublesome Special-Grade commissions our branch has struggled with, I have no reason to refuse."
She retrieved a yellow envelope from the side of the desk.
"Your first assignment. I believe the contents will please you."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes gleamed as he opened it.
Inside was an order to eliminate the mysterious figure Wang Jeong, who had recently seized control of Buddha's Crown Mountain, along with his forces.
"Wang Jeong..."
Bu Eun-seol tilted his head, studying the document.
"I've never heard of him."
Dam Yu-yeon's voice lowered.
"He is a master who obtained the secret manual of Blood Saber—a martial expert from a century ago; his manual had been hidden within Buddha Peak Mountain."