Chapter 36: Chapter 36

It had been exactly five years since I joined the Azure Dragon Martial Hall, and two more years had passed since that day.

I had fully grown into an adult.

In the mornings, I took on the role of an instructor, guiding the disciples at the academy. During my free time, I focused on personal training. The more I delved into martial arts, the more I realized my shortcomings. My passion never waned, especially because I had set my sights on the insurmountable martial arts masters. Although it had become difficult to receive direct teachings from Threefold Expert Lee Gwang, there had never been a more enjoyable time for me to practice martial arts.

‘Just eight more years of training… Then I’ll challenge the Iron Blood Gate…!’

By that time, I should be more than prepared.

If I can defeat the Grand Elder of the Iron Blood Gate in a one-on-one fight, there will be almost no one in the Jianghu to fear! Considering that I am from the Azure Dragon Martial Hall, it’s also unlikely that anyone would dare to try beheading me impulsively like before.

After defeating that person, I plan to live comfortably with the honor and wealth I’ll gain. I know my talents are limited, so aiming for greater strength is unrealistic.

Thus, I had committed to training day and night for 10 years.

But my 10-year resolution came to a sudden halt.

After finishing training that day, Master Lee Gwang summoned me to the Reclining Dragon Hall.

And he directly said,

“Baek-woong, you’ve been recommended for the Embroidered Uniform Guard with the help of my friend.”

“What?”

I asked again, thinking I had misheard. But Master Lee Gwang just silently flipped to the next page of the book he had been reading. His conversational style involved delivering facts coldly without any further elaboration. I quickly came to grips with the reality and then said,

“Isn’t the Embroidered Uniform Guard the highest martial arts position responsible for guarding the Imperial Palace and the imperial family? I’ve heard that only those who have excelled in martial arts exams and hold the highest martial ranks can become one. How could I possibly…”

Indeed.

Only about 100 people are selected each year from the imperial martial examination, and only the top 10% of them get selected as Embroidered Uniform Guard. Furthermore, after becoming Embroidered Uniform Guard, they undergo additional training to become warriors, so their skills are unquestionable.

Even the prestigious Twin Gates Four Families of Luoyang, it’s barely possible to place one of their disciples in the martial examination. And from there, the competition for Embroidered Uniform Guard is another challenge! From what Mang-ryang told me, it’s one of the few professions that even high-ranking officials can’t get their children into through bribes. They have to be excellent because they protect the imperial family.

Therefore, it’s quite unexpected for me, who is teaching martial arts in Azure Dragon Martial Hall far away from Luoyang, to be recommended for Embroidered Uniform Guard. While I was in surprised state, Threefold Expert Lee Gwang slowly closed his book and said,

“In my opinion, your skills are sufficient. Although not enough as my expectations, you’re on par with the Deputy Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. I think you can perform better there than anyone else.”

Surprisingly, Threefold Expert Lee Gwang has a high evaluation of me.

The Deputy Commander is the second highest rank among the four main ranks in Embroidered Uniform Guard: Commander, Deputy Commander, Captain, and Royal Guard. I knew about the structure of the Embroidered Uniform Guard from Mang-ryang during a previous infiltration of the royal palace. It seems I’ve grown quite a lot if my skills are comparable to those of high-ranking martial officers.

[TL/N: The term ‘Captain’ here is not the exact term shown originally in the raws. In the raws, the exact term here is 千戶, Qianhu = A military position which commands thousand-soldiers, a term in a system called ‘wei suo’. In general, the wei suosystem consisted of a guard unit of 5600 men known as a wei. Each wei was then divided into five qianhu suo consisting of 1,120 men in each.  The qianhu suo was then divided into ten units called baihu suo of 112 men each. Since there’s no specific English equivalent for qianhu, I figured ‘Captain’ is appropriate within this context.]

However, what I don’t understand is not about my skills.

Usually, I’m cautious when speaking in front of Threefold Expert Lee Gwang, but I couldn’t understand and asked again.

“But… Embroidered Uniform Guard, isn’t it too sudden? Why all of a sudden…?”

Threefold Expert Lee Gwang chuckled without getting angry.

“Your senior brother, it’s to help Jin So-cheong gain independence.”

“…?!”

What does that mean?

Seeing my bewildered face, Threefold Expert Lee Gwang continued calmly.

“You must know that your senior brother’s skills are too good to rot away as an ordinary martial instructor. He has grown to a level where he can make a name for himself in the central plains.”

“… Yes, that’s correct.”

I readily admitted Lee Gwang’s words.

Looking back, Jin So-cheong had long surpassed the realm of peak expert since we first met 5 years ago in this life. Considering his age, it was an incredibly fast achievement, and now, after 5 years, his level is immeasurable. The only certain thing is that if he were to roam the Gangho now, he could gather followers and create a large sect within a year.

“However, he’s not familiar with manipulating organizations or dealing with other people’s schemes. Also, because he is upright and honest, he may run into unnecessary problems or face crises. These are challenges that someone needs to help and guide him through, not something he can overcome with personal wisdom.”

Realizing the hidden meaning in Lee Gwang’s words, I spoke.

“So you want me to go be a Embroidered Uniform Guard and help my senior brother later on?”

“Exactly. You may not be able to reach the rank of a Commander, but you can quickly reach Captain position and even become Deputy Commander. Embroidered Uniform Guard is a meritocratic society, unlike other martial officer positions. If you secure a reliable position in the imperial palace, won’t you be able to help your senior  brother when he’s in trouble later?”

“……”

“And those guys are also suspicious, so we also need to keep an eye on them.”

Certainly, according to what I’ve heard from Mang-ryang, the power of the officials in the Embroidered Uniform Guard was substantial. It was so substantial that unless you were a person of great authority and influence, you’d go out of your way to flatter them, and they could even independently deploy a considerable portion of the patrol troops. Except for the position General, it was almost a dream job for anyone in the military.

“When I first took you in, my intention was to groom you into an outstanding instructor to elevate our martial arts. But your abilities are indeed ambiguous. You’re too good to be left as just a martial arts instructor, yet lacking as a successor of the Thunder God Style.”

Lee Gwang stroked his beard.

“So after much consideration, I’ve used my connections to recommend you for Embroidered Uniform Guard. It’s a way for you to make your mark on the world and to help your senior brother as well.”

“Hmm…”

I let out a thoughtful hum.

To Lee Gwang, it might look like I’m confused by the sudden proposal, but in reality, I’m contemplating the sudden choice.

‘Such an unexpected opportunity has come.’

In this life, I had only aimed for martial arts advancement. However, tucked away in a corner of my mind is the fact that I need to interpret the Heavenly Tome of Dark Mysteries.

Also, for that interpretation, I need to obtain the Nameless Ritual Sacrifice Rites that is stored in the imperial archives. Only then can I unravel the secrets of my past actions.

However, infiltrating into the archive, where even an emperor could lose his head, was impossible for me. So I had just forgotten about it, but now an opportunity to become part of the Embroidered Uniform Guard has arisen! It’s really an unexpected chance.

If I do become part of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and get into the Embroidered Uniform Guard, where only the very best serve – perhaps, just perhaps, I might be able to get the Nameless Ritual Sacrifice Rites. Moreover, I’m confident that my martial arts skills have more than doubled since I died at the hands of Iron Blood Gate.

‘… It might work. This might actually work.’

Threefold Expert Lee Gwang looked at me with an unusually calm gaze.

“However, if you don’t want this, I’ll put this proposal aside. I want to respect your opinion as much as possible. If you wish to continue living as an instructor, then so be it.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

I got rid of all my hesitation and answered, as it was a genuinely good opportunity.

“I want to try it.”

“Really? You won’t regret it?”

“Of course not.”

Threefold Expert Lee Gwang seemed to have half-expected my answer. He nodded and handed me a sealed document.

“Then head to Luoyang tomorrow. Once there, show this document to the Great Sword Gate sect leader.

“The Great Sword Gate sect leader?”

“Yes, he’s an old friend of mine.”

“…”

For a moment, I was at a loss for words.

One of Luoyang’s Twin Gates Four Families! Among them, the unparalleled master of Luoyang who defeated the elder of Huashan Sect in less than 100 breaths was none other than the Great Sword Gate sect leader. It was hard to adjust to the fact that such an absolute expert, whom I knew only through rumors, was friends with Threefold Expert Lee Gwang.

But somehow, deep inside, I felt it made sense. While his external reputation could naturally be compared to that of the sun and a firefly, Threefold Expert Lee Gwang’s skills had long surpassed those of peak martial artists. Among all the martial artists I’ve seen since birth, none are stronger than him. If the head of the Great Sword Gate had grasped the essence of Threefold Expert Lee Gwang, it would be obvious to welcome him as an equal friend.

Threefold Expert Lee Gwang spoke calmly,

“You are borrowing a position in the Great Sword Gate to advance yourself. Naturally, you must be particularly careful with your words and actions within the Great Sword Gate.”

I realized what had happened. Threefold Expert Lee Gwang had asked a favor of his friend, the head of Great Sword Gate, who seemed to have arranged for a vacancy in the Embroidered Uniform Guard for me. I wasn’t sure how it would go, but seeing Threefold Expert Lee Gwang so confident, it seemed certain. Therefore, I would likely not be well-received by the people of Great Sword Gate.

‘Ah, my brows are frowning so hard they could kill.’

However, that was a burden I naturally had to bear. I spoke confidently, “Yes, I will definitely produce good results.”

“Good.”

“Ah, before you go, greet your senior brother first.”

“Of course, I should.”

After that, I went to find Jin So-cheong and informed him that I had been assigned to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Jin So-cheong greeted me with a smile across his face, as if he already knew.

“You’ve done well! With your skills, you could even become the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the future.”

“That’s an overstatement.”

“Haha, I’m not joking. You truly have such capabilities.”

Hearing Jin So-cheong’s encouragement lifted my spirits. After all, I have martial arts honed in Azure Dragon Martial Hall and overwhelming inner strength. It’s a given fact that I can outperform most martial artists. Trying hard to suppress a smile that was creeping onto my face, Jin So-cheong said, “But be cautious. The Embroidered Uniform Guard is not only responsible for repelling external threats but also skilled in intrigue and cunning. If you don’t take care of yourself, no one else will.”

“Don’t worry. I’m taking all that into account.”

Maybe Threefold Expert Lee Gwang is sending me to the Embroidered Uniform Guard for that reason. He often tells me that I have the traits of an evil faction, and he’s aware that I’m accustomed to such vicious mud-slinging battles. He might think that my cunning and crafty nature will aid in my advancement within the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

I set out for Luoyang the next day. Threefold Expert Lee Gwang was generous, giving me as much as 80 nyang in silver coins for the trip. As such, I was able to travel leisurely without worrying about funds.

“Ah, right. I have two places to visit.”

First, I visited the village where the “Human Sacrifice Tragedy” had occurred. As expected, the village had been completely destroyed by arson, leaving only the ruins of former dwellings scattered in the mountains. There were no gruesome bodies to be found, which likely meant that the people in the black uniforms had thoroughly cleaned up. They had even sealed off hidden passages and wells with earth and stones.

I also looked for the nearby Wudang Sect’s branch, but it too had disappeared. I asked a local villager about Wudang Sect’s branch’s whereabouts.

“Taoist Hyuncheon of Wudang Sect? Ah, yes, such a person did exist.”

“What happened to the master and his other Wudang Sect’s disciples?”

“Five years ago, a sudden great fire broke out in the neighboring village and everything was burned down. At that time, they also vanished; we don’t know the details. We just thought the taoist might have moved somewhere else…”

“……”

In other words, the whereabouts of Taoist Hyuncheon, the Wudang Sect’s elder, and his disciples remain mysterious. They may have taken refuge in the Wudang Sect’s headquarters, or perhaps Taoist Hyuncheon was killed while trying to prevent the human sacrifice ritual. Either way, it left a bitter taste in my mouth, so I shook my head.

“There’s nothing I could have done. I was powerless at the time.”

Saving them by sacrificing my own life was not an option. It might make me selfish and wrong, but that’s the reality. I was scared to ruin my chances by opposing the people in Black Clothes. I continued my journey to Luoyang, hoping that at least Taoist Hyuncheon had survived.

And there was one more place to visit.

I went straight to Jinrang Valley to find Mang-ryang. Mang-ryang seemed to be still conducting business as “Mang-ryang the Fortune Teller” in the village. His fortune-telling mat was neither felt nor visible; it was torn and broken. I easily arrived at the front of Mang-ryang’s house.

This time, Mang-ryang wasn’t involved with a woman. Instead, he was lying on a mat set up under the shade of a tree, taking a lazy afternoon nap.

“Hey, Mang-ryang. Wake up.”

I shook Mang-ryang’s shoulder, who was drooling with his mouth open. Mang-ryang woke up with dazed eyes and was visibly shocked when he saw me.

“Huh?! Wha?! Who, who are you?!”

“Calm down. I’ve come to ask you something, and I have no intention of harming you.”

It took a while for Mang-ryang to calm down and straighten his attire. He picked up the folding fan from his waist, attempting to create a sense of mystique belatedly.

Hmmmm

The dark clouds gathered around him.

“[I am… a wandering monk who has received the spiritual power of the Divine Martial Emperor… what business do you have with me?]”

I chuckled softly.

“Voice-Changing Technique and Black Cloud Technique, huh? No need to go through such lengths. Let’s talk casually.”

“Gasp…”

He withdrew his technique, embarrassed that I recognized the Voice-Changing Technique. Among the techniques in the Voice-Changing Scroll, there were some simple ones that didn’t require special spiritual power, and the ones he just used—Voice-Changing and Black Cloud Techniques—fell under that category. When the wandering monk and I were stuck studying together for three years, he used to perform these techniques often when he read fortunes to make a living, aiming to create an air of mystery.

The wandering monk spoke gruffly.

“Seems like you’re familiar with the Voice-Changing Scroll. What business do you have here? I’m running a business in this turbulent area; I can’t simply yield.”

“I have no intention of disturbing your business. I just have a few questions.”

“What are they?”

I slowly pulled out the Heavenly Tome of Dark Mysteries that I always kept sewn into my clothes and handed it to him.

“Please translate this.”

“This, this is!”

The following developments were almost identical to the law of my previous lives.

The wandering monk was surprised by the mysterious language on the Heavenly Tome of Dark Mysteries and concluded that one would need the Nameless Ritual Sacrifice Rites to translate it. I quietly listened.

‘I’ve heard all this before.’

After listening to this extent, I decided to get different information from him.

“Wandering monk, do you think this Heavenly Tome of Dark Mysteries or the Nameless Ritual Sacrifice Rites itself has any special powers?”

This was a question I had never asked before.

Upon hearing this, the wandering monk widened his eyes and said,

“These are not technique scrolls. Unlike the technique scrolls crafted by the sorcerers of the Orthodox sects that contain spiritual powers allowing for miraculous feats, these books themselves don’t hold any specific power. Even when I was in the palace, I had countless encounters with the  Nameless Ritual Sacrifice Rites but nothing ever happened.”

Exactly. This was the strange part.

I had picked up the Heavenly Tome of Dark Mysteries right before my death and acquired a new life. I was thinking that the ability to turn back time was itself the power of the Heavenly Tome of Dark Mysteries. However, the wandering monk, who had been in contact with numerous Nameless Ritual Sacrifice Rites that had almost the same mysterious language, had not gained any abilities.

Were the Heavenly Tome of Dark Mysteries and the Nameless Ritual Sacrifice Rites made for different purposes?

Or do they have different activation mechanisms?

If so, why?

Perhaps Mang-ryang might have acquired some special ability and is hiding it, but the likelihood was extremely low. If that were the case, he could have brought the “Nameless Ritual Sacrifice Rites” from the imperial palace himself, and there would be no reason to obsessively teach me for 3 years.

I asked another question.

“Have you ever heard that a village around Gyeongha River disappeared in a fire 5 years ago?”

“Of course. I was doing business here at the time.”

“Um… Have you ever seen a monster like this?”

I took out a brush and ink a moment later and drew a picture. It was the terrifying monster with enormous size that had killed me the fourth time. Upon seeing the creature, covered with hundreds of eyes and tentacles, undulating before him, Mang-ryang was visibly startled.

“W-Where did you see this?”

“……?”

I was greatly astonished by the following words.

“The illustration in the third chapter of the Nameless Ritual Sacrifice Rites was exactly this monster!”