Chapter 673
"The Heavenly Martial Brigade commander candidates shall lead their direct subordinate units to the designated location and defend against the incoming enemies."
Just as Gongson Dan-gyeong had foreseen.
Vice Alliance Leader Bukri Seung resumed the examinations for the brigade commander candidates.
Not through siege warfare, but through a Defense Trial—a test seemingly intended to evaluate the candidates' command abilities and the results of their training efforts with their unit members over time.
"The Defense Trial will commence in two days at the designated location. Everyone, prepare accordingly."
As these rumors spread, the brigade commander candidates busily began gathering their subordinates.
Hall of Martial Ascension, Grand Conference Chamber
Inside, Yuk Jang-cheon and his subordinate hall leaders were assembled. In one corner, Yuk Cheong-a had also taken her seat.
Though Cheong-a was the Deputy Hall Lord of the Dragon Coil Hall, she had decided to ally herself with Yuk Jang-cheon for the time being.
Thus, she attended the Hall of Martial Ascension's meeting without hesitation.
"What in the world is this?"
The hall leaders belonging to the Hall of Martial Ascension exchanged uneasy glances, unable to hide their discomfort.
The two were father and daughter, and in the past, they had jointly led the Hall of Martial Ascension.
But after the emergence of a certain figure—Seon-u Jin—the relationship between father and daughter had deteriorated beyond repair.
They had ultimately split completely, snarling at each other like sworn enemies.
And now, as if nothing had happened, they were joining forces again?
The hall leaders were so dumbfounded they could have burst into hollow laughter, but they couldn't possibly raise objections to Yuk Jang-cheon's decision.
After all, Yuk Cheong-a was an exceptional prodigy.
"Hahaha!"
Upon hearing the details relayed by Vice Alliance Leader Bukri Seung, Yuk Jang-cheon let out a hearty laugh, seemingly in high spirits.
A "direct subordinate unit" referred only to the troops under one's direct command.
Though Seon-u Jin was treated with the authority of a hall leader, he had never once requested reinforcements and had maintained his status as a commander while leading the Supreme Peak Unit.
Thus, even if he called it a direct subordinate unit, he had only about twenty intelligence operatives at his disposal.
In contrast, Baek Mu-seong commanded a hundred troops from the Heavenly Might Hall.
Mu-gyeol, leading the Clear Radiance Hall, also had eighty subordinates.
But the Hall of Martial Ascension under Yuk Jang-cheon's command boasted a staggering five hundred members.
Even after selecting only the most elite and weeding out the unqualified, he could still mobilize at least two hundred troops.
"This examination might as well be tailor-made for this hall leader."
It went without saying that defensive battles favored those with greater numbers.
Moreover, the Defense Trials of the Murim world differed from conventional military tactics.
They could deploy layered battle formations and utilize profound martial techniques—strategies that ordinary soldiers could never execute.
"Perhaps this test isn't meant to elevate the hall leader, but to eliminate Commander Seon-u."
Yuk Cheong-a spoke with a grave expression.
"It's likely related to the Alliance Leader's decision to push forward the Clear Radiance Hall's leader."
With her sharp insight, she had predicted that the Alliance Leader's intentions had shifted.
"In that case, this hall leader should also reduce the number of participants to a hundred or so. That would be fair."
Cheong-a pondered for a moment before shaking her head.
"No. You must deploy all five hundred."
"What?"
"If fairness had truly been the goal, they would never have used the term 'direct subordinate unit.' The Defense Trial isn't solely about testing combat ability—there's more to it."
After a moment of contemplation, she continued.
"This mission likely has another underlying purpose. We can't rule out unexpected variables, so it's best to bring all available forces, including the hall leaders, and assess the situation as it unfolds."
"Understood."
Yuk Jang-cheon smiled contentedly.
When she had been his enemy, she had been so troublesome and vexing—but as an ally, there was no one more reliable.
"What kind of meeting is this supposed to be?"
The observing hall leaders couldn't hide their displeasure.
This was the Hall of Martial Ascension's conference chamber, and they were its direct subordinate hall leaders.
No matter that Yuk Cheong-a was the hall leader's biological daughter and had once been the Hall of Martial Ascension's strategist—
Now, she was unmistakably the Deputy Hall Lord of the Dragon Coil Hall.
Yet here she was, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with the Hall of Martial Ascension's leader, dictating terms to them.
"Hall Leader."
Sang Gu-baek, the leader of the Grand Star Hall and the Hall of Martial Ascension's strategist, finally spoke up.
"Deploying the entire military force of the Hall of Martial Ascension at once is no simple matter."
He chose his words carefully as he addressed Yuk Jang-cheon.
"Wouldn't it be better to hold a thorough discussion with the hall leaders first?"
"Is that really necessary?"
Yuk Jang-cheon waved his hand dismissively.
"It's a public examination—once we complete it, that's that. If they truly wanted fairness, they wouldn't have issued such an order in the first place, just as Cheong-a said."
"We share that view. That's precisely why we should discuss it further—to uncover any hidden intentions behind this test."
"Understanding their intentions is well and good, but mobilizing the entire Hall of Martial Ascension's forces for the Defense Trial will take considerable time."
At that moment, Yuk Cheong-a interjected.
"We must arrive by the day after tomorrow, so the unit members need to start preparing now. Even if variables arise, it's better to resolve them on-site immediately."
Sang Gu-baek fell silent.
There was no denying that Yuk Cheong-a's strategic acumen was truly exceptional.
However, the fact that she—the leader of another organization—was issuing commands to them,
and that even Yuk Jang-cheon prioritized her opinions while dismissing his subordinates' input—
was nothing short of morale-crushing.
'I thought the Hall Master would step in to stop this by now.'
Sang Gu-baek had even created an opportunity for Yuk Jang-cheon to intervene, if only to preserve his subordinates' morale.
Yet there he was, merely nodding along to Yuk Cheong-a's words with a satisfied expression.
"Understood."
In the end, Sang Gu-baek lowered his head, and the other hall leaders followed suit.
Henan, Yeoyeong Prefecture.
At the crest of Mount Guanlong's winding ridge stood a small temple called Merit Temple.
This place was famous for its many beautiful stone pagodas, and an amusing legend surrounded them.
It was said that a man named Gong-rim, after hearing a sermon from an unknown monk, attained profound enlightenment and began carving pagodas from the mountain's rocks.
He carved tirelessly, but a sudden landslide destroyed them all.
Though he tried again, he never completed his work—
and in the end, Gong-rim passed away while still carving.
Yet, moved by his devotion, the Buddha transformed the remnants of his unfinished pagodas into true towers.
Countless pagodas were erected along the ridge, and monks who saw them built a temple there—
naming it Merit Temple, as the legend goes.
But as time passed, the temple was abandoned, leaving behind only broken stone pagodas.
"A difficult place to defend."
Tae Mu-ryong took a deep breath as he surveyed the temple from the front of the Great Hero Hall.
Though the temple itself was small, its walls were low, and its four gates stood wide open.
Holding such a place with just twenty unit members was nearly impossible.
"At the very least, if we deploy the Interlocking Defense Formation, we might hold out for a while."
Bu Eun-seol nodded in agreement.
The Defense Trial was meant to test subordinates' coordination and leadership—
not to prove Bu Eun-seol's martial prowess.
"Jong-do. You take command of the Interlocking Defense Formation. I'll handle the enemies approaching from the front alongside the Unit Leader."
At Tae Mu-ryong's words, Jeong Jong-do nodded.
"That's probably for the best."
But then Gye Muk, one of the unit members, spoke up.
"Why not split the unit into four squads and deploy the Jade Clarity Divine Binding Formation in each direction?"
Tae Mu-ryong shook his head.
"I considered that, but the burden on the unit would be too great. We don't know how the Alliance will deploy their forces."
"Haven't we trained for this very day?"
Gye Muk turned and shouted to the others.
"The Defense Trial won't be easy—are we really going to rely on the Unit Leader again? Right?"
The unit members roared in agreement, nodding vigorously.
After a moment of hesitation, Tae Mu-ryong looked at Bu Eun-seol.
"Unit Leader, is this acceptable?"
The Jade Clarity Divine Binding Formation could be deployed in four squads of five, creating a massive Astral Energy Barrier—
allowing a small force to hold off a much larger one.
But with no way to predict the enemy's numbers, committing to a full defensive stance was risky.
If even one point broke, the entire formation would collapse.
"It doesn't matter."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"This is just a test, not a life-or-death battle. Let the unit do as they see fit."
"But if things go wrong, you could lose your candidacy for Corps Leader."
"That won't happen."
Bu Eun-seol's tone was calm.
"Besides, rather than me dictating everything, letting the unit devise their own strategy will yield far better results."
Bu Eun-seol was certain—
that the unit's own research and judgment would produce a far superior outcome than any strategy he imposed.
"Understood."
Tae Mu-ryong took a deep breath and addressed the unit.
"From now on, form squads of five and deploy the Jade Clarity Divine Binding Formation. Elect your squad leaders and rally around them and defend with everything you've got."
He raised his voice in a rallying cry.
"Remember—the success or failure of this trial rests in your hands!"
—YES!
Morale soaring, the unit immediately began preparing the formation.
Whoosh—
But then, with the Sound of Breaking Air, a shadow dashed toward Merit Temple at blinding speed.
It was a messenger from the Martial Alliance.
"The trial will begin shortly."
"Understood."
As Bu Eun-seol acknowledged, the messenger extended a letter.
"And for this Defense Trial, all Unit Chief candidates are ordered to refrain from command and wait outside the temple."
In an instant, every single Peak Realm Member—except Bu Eun-seol—widened their eyes in shock.
The twenty-strong Peak Squad only stood a chance in the Defense Trial because of Bu Eun-seol.
Without him, they were nothing.
"But ordering the core combat force—the unit's own commander—to stand aside? This makes absolutely no sense!"
Rumble, rumble.
At that moment, the sound of a stampeding herd echoed from afar as countless martial artists began charging toward them.
"There are that many?"
Jeong Jong-do's jaw dropped as he stared at the martial artists approaching in the distance.
Dressed in plain black uniforms to clearly mark them as adversaries, the Martial Alliance's martial artists numbered well over two hundred.
Moreover, their faces looked familiar.
They were the same fighters who had participated in the Heavenly Human Cult suppression—
The very warriors of the Divine Guard Unit, renowned for their exceptional training.
—So they're dead set on bringing down our Chief!
The faces of the unit members turned ashen.
"Stay calm and follow the drills exactly as we practiced."
At that moment, Bu Eun-seol shouted to his subordinates.
"You've all pushed yourselves to the limit in training. No matter the outcome, give it everything you've got—leave no room for regret!"
—At your command!
Hearing Bu Eun-seol's encouragement, flames of determination blazed in the eyes of his unit members.
—Our Chief's rise depends on us now!
—Either way, the side that gets breached will die by my hand!
—If you've got breath to spare, focus on defense!
Until now, they had grown under Bu Eun-seol's protection.
But now, it was their turn to stand and shield him.
They were prepared to stake their lives to hold the line in this Defense Trial.
Whoosh.
Flames flickered in Tae Mu-ryong's eyes as he watched the unit members.
"Formation—deploy!"
Tae Mu-ryong's roar thundered through the skies, carrying the force of a lightning strike.
"Even if we die and become wandering spirits—hold your positions!"
—Raaaaah!
The unit's battle cry shook heaven and earth like thunder, their momentum transforming into a sky devoid of even a single cloud.
Clang, clang, clang!
As the unit members moved into formation, scorching heat qi radiated from their bodies.
Since its founding, the Peak Realm Unit had fought from disadvantageous positions, yet they had always overcome adversity to seize victory.
Now, they had unknowingly come to resemble their commander, Bu Eun-seol—striving for triumph even in the face of trial.
"Hoh."
At the summit of Mount Guanlong, Bukri Seung let out a sigh as he observed the siege battle between the Divine Guard Unit and the Peak Realm members.
"Just how did Commander Seon-u train his subordinates?"
Twenty against two hundred.
It was a disadvantage so severe that collapse should have been instantaneous.
No—it was more like a handful of children trying to hold back a tide of grown men.
Yet even after the time it took to burn a single incense stick, then half an hour, the defensive formations guarding the four entrances...
Showed not the slightest sign of crumbling.
Murmur, murmur.
Even the Hall Chiefs standing behind him clicked their tongues in disbelief.
"Not just their internal power—even their individual martial arts skills... These aren't mere Information Warfare Unit members. They're on par with a special operations unit handling covert missions."
"Given when the Peak Realm Unit was established, this defies all logic."
"At this level, they could be reassigned as a special operations unit immediately."
Hearing the murmurs, Bukri Seung frowned and turned to the Ten Thousand Reflections Hall Chief.
"Were the Peak Realm members secretly recruited from an elite covert unit?"
"No."
The Hall Chief shook his head, recalling the detailed records of the unit members.
"Aside from the Deputy Chief, only one member joined through the Open Competition. The rest were all drawn from low-grade martial artists. In fact... every last one of them is an orphan from obscure, second-rate sects."
"Ha ha ha."
Bukri Seung let out a hollow laugh.
Which meant only one thing.
They had joined the Peak Realm Unit, endured Seon-u Jin's brutal training...
And as a result, every single one had become an exceptional master. Just how was that possible?
"No wonder the Honorary Guardian praised him so highly."
A pleased smile crossed his face as he remembered Bukgung Ryeong, who never missed a chance to sing Seon-u Jin's praises.
"But what a shame."
His voice lowered as he focused his enhanced vision on the Peak Realm members.
"This trial isn't just about the Defense Trial."
No matter how well they held the line...
The true intent behind this test was something entirely different.
In fact, this was merely a preliminary exam set up for someone else's sake.
He could only hope their efforts wouldn't be in vain.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
Meanwhile, Tae Mu-ryong shifted the unit's formation from the Jade Clarity Divine Binding Formation to the Jade Clarity Mystical Golden Armor Formation.
This was an absolute formation created by the Taoist Jade Clarity Master of the Mount Tai Sect.
Back when the sect's disciples were few, he had devised this defensive formation to withstand enemy assaults.
The Jade Clarity Mystical Golden Armor Formation amplified the power of the Divine Binding Formation several times over.
Each squad of four could operate independently,
Defending an area as small as 200 feet or as vast as 800 feet.
"Ugh..."
Groans escaped the lips of the unit members.
Though the shift to the Mystical Golden Armor Formation drastically boosted their defense...
Compared to the Jade Clarity Divine Binding Formation, their Internal Power was being depleted over twice as fast.
—Ughhh.
They would've preferred to simply cut down the swarming enemies.
But since this was a test, they had no choice but to focus solely on defense.
Because of this, the Peak Realm Members had no other option but to pour out their Internal Power like madmen, maintaining the formation while executing their sword techniques.
—It's hard to hold on.
The unit members felt as though their bodies were being torn apart.
The enemy numbered over two hundred.
In other words, the Peak Realm Members had to withstand the pressure and attacks of a force ten times their size—all of them highly trained elites.
Fortunately, the Jade Clarity Mystical Golden Armor Formation generated a massive Astral Energy Barrier as long as they continued channeling their Internal Energy.
This was the only reason they were barely managing to endure the relentless onslaught.
"We must not fall!"
The group leaders of each squad continuously encouraged their members.
Though the twenty-strong Peak Realm Unit was only the size of a third-rate corps in the Martial Alliance, each member was truly worth a hundred men.
Not only had they undergone brutal training, but they had also deeply mastered the various martial arts Bu Eun-seol had devised.
Whenever the formation seemed on the verge of collapsing, they unleashed exquisite sword strokes to force the enemy back—
Then reformed the formation, repeating the process over and over.
—What the hell are these guys?
Ho Mun-jung, the leader of Great Star Hall who was commanding a portion of the Divine Guard Unit's forces, couldn't hide his disbelief.
He had come here with a light heart.
Unlike other locations, Merit Temple was being defended by a mere twenty members of the Peak Realm Unit—
And most importantly, he had heard that the leaders of each organization would be absent from the siege trial.
That meant the renowned young grandmaster, Seon-u Jin, wouldn't be participating—
Leaving only twenty members of the Information Warfare Unit to prepare for the Defense Trial.
There was no way they could hold against two hundred elite warriors.
And yet, the opposite was happening.
Two hundred elite martial artists were failing to break through a formation maintained by just twenty men?
"This won't do."
Ho Mun-jung bit his lip.
If things continued like this, the higher-ups wouldn't praise the Peak Realm Unit's prowess—
They would question his command skills instead.
He couldn't possibly let this situation stand.
"No more holding back!"
Ho Mun-jung bellowed at the martial artists under his command.
"Break that formation with everything you've got!"
—RAAAAH!
The Divine Guard Unit warriors, who had been pressing forward in waves, now launched an all-out assault.
"We won't let them through!"
As the two hundred martial artists pushed with their full strength, flames seemed to erupt from the bodies of the Peak Realm Members.
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
As their swords flashed chaotically, the Astral Energy Barrier grew even more distinct.
The Divine Guard warriors tried to forcibly shatter it and push toward the mountain gate—
But each time, members of the formation lunged forward, unleashing devastating sword techniques.
Their martial prowess was beyond imagination—with every swing, it was the Divine Guard warriors who were forced back.
"RAAAAAGH!"
The eyes of every Peak Realm Member were bloodshot with frenzy.
They had spent their time handling intelligence while enduring harsh training—
Their only real battle experience had been a single clash with the Hell-Blood Castle.
But now that they were fighting with everything they had, they felt an exhilarating thrill.
—HAAAAH!
As time passed, the Astral Energy Barrier of the Jade Clarity Mystical Golden Armor Formation grew even thicker.
Their eyes were crimson with bloodlust, saliva dripping from their mouths like wild beasts.
They channeled their Internal Power to its limit, pushing the Divine Guard Unit back with the barrier—
At times, they even abandoned the formation entirely, charging out to swing their swords wildly.
"Now's our chance!"
But then, the western flank of the formation wavered, revealing an opening.
Ho Mun-jung immediately tried to lead his warriors through the gap.
"KAAAH!"
Yet before he knew it, Peak Realm Members appeared, performing a frenzied sword dance.
"Come at us!"
Step back, step back.
Faced with their terrifying madness, the Divine Guard warriors actually began retreating.
This was just a Defense Trial—they couldn't use lethal techniques.
But if they stepped into that space... it felt like those madmen would pounce without hesitation and rip their throats out.
"This is just a trial for the candidate leaders! There's no need to get so—"
As Ho Mun-jung shouted in panic—
"Get in here already!"
Jeong Jong-do, brandishing his grotesque blade, snarled with a furious exhale.
"I'll cut your damn heads off and quit the Martial Alliance right after!"
Momentum.
The sheer madness and pressure radiating from the Peak Realm Members made Ho Mun-jung hesitate—even though the path was open, he couldn't bring himself to step forward.
He had experienced countless battlefields, but he had never seen lunatics as deranged as these.
"Ugh..."
Not only that, but the Divine Guard warriors had lost all will to fight, hesitating in their attacks.
"It's over."
Ho Mun-jung stood there blankly, his expression hollow.
No matter how he commanded his troops now, there was no way they would enter Merit Temple.
—Bwoooooo!
Then, a deep horn blast resounded—
"The Defense Trial is hereby concluded!"
The voice of the Martial Alliance's herald, infused with Internal Power, boomed across the surroundings of Merit Temple.
In the end, even with two hundred warriors of the Divine Guard Unit—
They had failed to breach the defense of the twenty-strong Peak Realm Unit.