WeTried Translations
Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR
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Chapter 41: Appointment Ceremony (3)
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I stared blankly at Evil Heaven.
No matter how proud he was, praising himself would have been beneath his dignity.
He was a Venerable One, after all.
Still, speaking before all the brigade leaders was a considerable burden.
'It isn't just one or two people...'
I had to win over all six of them.
The situation I had been handed was truly difficult.
- Think it'll be hard?
'Do you think it'll be easy?'
The fact that they had a choice was itself a variable.
The six high-rank warrior candidates were already exchanging looks with several brigade leaders.
- It looks like the first meeting between a man and a woman excited for a date.
...Sometimes, the SoDam Sword felt almost human.
Anyway, how was I supposed to persuade them?
- They're telling you to gild it.
'Gild it?'
- Sell it well. If you were in their position, think about what words would win you over. Wouldn't that give you the answer?
If I were them?
As the SoDam Sword said, approaching it that way seemed more manageable.
If I had a choice, what would draw me in?
As I considered it, Evil Heaven stepped back from the wooden board and spoke.
“I shall leave the recruitment of the high-rank warrior candidates to my disciple.”
At Evil Heaven's words, the brigade leaders' faces brightened.
They must have been worried that the eccentric old man would act arbitrarily again.
The looks the brigade leaders gave me were...
- Like they think someone like you will be easy.
Right.
That was close to it.
To them, I was probably just a greenhorn who had only recently passed the Squad Leader Position Test.
Feeling their contempt so clearly made my stubbornness rise.
I wanted to catch them completely off guard.
“Then who shall go first?”
At Tyrannical Blood Brigade Leader Gu SangWoong's question, one of the brigade leaders spoke.
“There is seniority among us. Would it not be best to proceed according to experience?”
The other brigade leaders seemed to agree, nodding as they replied.
“Brigade Leader Cha has a point.”
“Is there any need to argue over the speaking order?”
“Let us do that.”
“Then Brigade Leader Song should go first.”
In this regard, they were no different from Evil Heaven.
If we followed seniority or rank, I would inevitably be pushed to the very end.
It was obvious that they did not intend to give me an opportunity in the first place.
[What are you doing?]
Evil Heaven pressed me through sound telepathy.
He was demanding to know why I was standing still while my turn was being pushed to the end.
But I saw it differently.
Since the selection would not be made immediately, going first or second did not matter much.
Rather, I thought it would be better to listen until the end and tailor my speech accordingly.
Still, I could hardly say, “My master is watching, so I will go first.”
[Going last is not bad. I will do my best.]
At my sound telepathy, Evil Heaven raised his brows and warned me.
[Prepare yourself if you miss even one.]
...Ah.
Meeting this mad old man's standards was truly difficult.
In the meantime, the shortest of the brigade leaders, a middle-aged person with a slightly protruding chin, stepped forward first.
“Greetings, new talents who shall lead the main cult.”
It was a good beginning.
Since the candidates had the choice, he had no choice but to begin with a respectful tone rather than an overbearing one.
“I am Song PilChung, leader of the Five Poisons Brigade, serving the Third Venerable One, Blood Corpse King Gu JeYang.”
Blood Corpse King Gu JeYang.
I had heard that Gu JeYang was the most proficient with poison techniques among the Venerable Ones.
I had heard people avoided approaching Gu JeYang because of the peculiar hobby of raising thousands of venomous snakes, for a different reason than they avoided Evil Heaven, who was called Bizarre Oddity.
“Elder Gu JeYang...”
Brigade Leader Song PilChung began extolling Gu JeYang.
Song PilChung listed Gu JeYang's victory over a famous figure from the force of justice and Gu JeYang's accomplishments as a Blood Cult Venerable One.
Hearing it again reminded me faintly of what I had heard before my regression.
I could not recall it exactly, but it felt nearly identical, which suggested the speech had been prepared beforehand.
“...That is all. And because Elder Gu JeYang cherishes talent...”
Song PilChung trailed off and extended his hand.
Then Song PilChung struck downward with an open palm.
Bang!
The earthen floor blackened and burned in the shape of his palm.
The high-rank warrior candidates and the cadets watching them could not hide their astonishment.
“There he goes again.”
The brigade leaders clicked their tongues instead.
They could have thought it silently, but they had deliberately said it aloud for the candidates to hear.
What Song PilChung had displayed was the Poison Hand.
Swish!
Song PilChung scattered a white powder over the blackened floor.
The affected spot returned to its original state.
Song PilChung had neutralized the poison.
“Did you see? This is the Poison Hand that Elder Gu JeYang taught me. Because Elder Gu JeYang values those beneath them, the Elder even passes down this secret Poison Hand technique. Keep that in mind.”
Song PilChung's method was effective.
Two of the six showed interest at the mention that they could learn a secret Poison Hand technique.
Before my regression, I had watched from the rear like those cadets, so I had not realized it. But from the front, the candidates' expressions made their interest obvious.
Song PilChung ended his speech with a satisfied look.
- Song PilChung is good. It sounds as though the speech was prepared in advance.
Not as though the speech had been prepared. It had.
Otherwise, there was no reason for his words to be so similar.
The second person to step up was Brigade Leader Hak JeongGyeom, whose mouth Evil Heaven had nearly torn apart.
“Greetings. I am Hak JeongGyeom, leader of the Justice-Breaking Brigade, serving the Second Venerable One, Chaotic Blade Demon Emperor Seo GalMa.”
The format was nearly the same.
Hak JeongGyeom also spoke of Second Venerable Seo GalMa's famous tales and the advantages of entering their ranks.
“Hah!”
Rat-a-tat-tat-tat!
Unlike Song PilChung, Hak JeongGyeom demonstrated Martial Arts and even promised to personally guide anyone who joined.
Yet only one of the six showed interest.
The prospect of learning Third Venerable Gu JeYang's secret Poison Hand must have tempted them more than Hak JeongGyeom's instruction.
“Tch.”
Realizing it, Hak JeongGyeom returned to the wooden board with an irritated expression.
Hak JeongGyeom was an Expert master in their own right, but this was hardly dignified.
One by one, nine brigade leaders finished their speeches.
'Hm.'
There was something unusual, however. One candidate remained expressionless throughout, though any of the speeches should have tempted them at least once.
It was Jo Seong-won, the Beggars' Sect Spy.
Because of that, the brigade leaders were conscious of Jo Seong-won as well.
- They are the most popular one.
'Naturally.'
Jo Seong-won's martial prowess was on a different level from the other candidates.
Jo Seong-won was clearly close to Advanced, a talent who could become Advanced with a little training and perhaps even rise to Expert afterward.
Naturally, every brigade leader's interest was focused on him.
Step, step.
At last, the final brigade leader came forward.
'The First Blood Star's side.'
The First Blood Star's side was the only one that had not yet appeared.
Unexpectedly, the least experienced of the brigade leaders served under the First Blood Star.
But when that brigade leader stepped forward, Jo Seong-won, who had shown interest in no one thus far, followed the brigade leader with their eyes.
'What is this?'
He did not make it obvious, but he was certainly interested.
The First Blood Star's brigade leader had long hair and a longsword in a scabbard at the waist.
More than any other brigade leader, the brigade leader gave off the air of a master.
“I am Na SimHyeong, leader of the White Blood Brigade under the First Blood Star, Thunder Blood Sword Jang Ryong.”
The slightly hoarse, rough voice suited Na SimHyeong well.
Rather than grating on the ears, it added weight to the words.
The six candidates seemed captivated as well, unable to take their eyes off Na SimHyeong.
“I will not speak of Lord Jang Ryong.”
Unlike the others, Na SimHyeong began in a shocking manner.
Not explaining the lord being served?
“As the senior brigade leaders said before me, the Venerable Ones and Seven Blood Stars of the main cult are all worthy of respect. I see no need to list them one by one.”
- Somehow, I am getting drawn in.
Like the SoDam Sword said, Na SimHyeong's speaking style caught my attention as well.
It only made me more curious.
Na SimHyeong slowly swept a gaze across the six candidates before speaking again.
“However, there is one thing I can tell you. We, led by First Blood Star Jang Ryong, have fought at the forefront in Kaifeng, and we shall continue to do so.”
At the mention of Kaifeng, Jo Seong-won's eyes narrowed.
Jo Seong-won was reacting.
Why would he react like that to the name Kaifeng... Ah!
I thought I understood.
- What is it?
'Kaifeng is the Beggars' Sect's stronghold.'
Kaifeng was one of the most developed cities, rivaling even the imperial capital.
Many martial clans of the force of justice were concentrated there, and the Beggars' Sect was one of them.
Strictly speaking, the Beggars' Sect operated throughout the Central Plains, but its leader was in Kaifeng.
'So that was why.'
I had wondered why Jo Seong-won entered the First Blood Star's ranks. Now I understood.
If Kaifeng was the Beggars' Sect's center, it would be easier to contact them. Should the opportunity arise, it could also be used to wipe out the First Blood Star's side in one stroke.
Before my regression, Jo Seong-won had been hunted down and killed anyway, so I had not thought much of it. But now I understood.
“For a true martial artist, there is no greater honor than standing at the forefront and fighting. That is all this brigade leader wishes to say.”
With those words, Na SimHyeong ended the speech.
It was the shortest, yet perhaps the most impressive speech.
It stirred the will to fight like the words of a solemn commander heading to war. Besides Jo Seong-won, the eyes of two other candidates trembled.
'Exactly as I remembered.'
If my memories before my regression were correct, three of them would enter the First Blood Star's ranks.
Thinking of it now, I would have been drawn in as well.
- The speech before yours was too strong.
What could I do?
It had already happened, so I could only try.
Once Na SimHyeong, the First Blood Star's brigade leader, returned, the other brigade leaders looked toward me.
It was finally my turn.
Step!
I gave them a fist-and-palm salute and walked before the candidates.
Then Evil Heaven's sound telepathy reached my ears.
[You cannot miss a single one. Do well.]
Judging by how heavy his voice had grown, Evil Heaven was conscious of Na SimHyeong's speech as well.
I sent sound telepathy to Evil Heaven, who was watching with concerned eyes.
[Master, may I ask one thing of you?]
[What?]
I made one request of Evil Heaven.
Evil Heaven frowned at my words, then nodded.
- Could that not backfire?
The SoDam Sword asked worriedly.
I did not know whether it would work either.
Still, like the Sixth Blood Star's side, I was the only one who had the person in question before me. Should I not make good use of that advantage?
- What are you going to do?
'I will use a strategy none of them used.'
The candidates' expressions showed that they had already made up their minds.
The same approach would never move them now.
I had to differentiate myself.
Step!
I first gave the candidates a fist-and-palm salute.
Then I began.
“Greetings. I am So WoonHwi, a squad leader who entered as a cadet in the same class as you.”
At the mention that I had entered as a cadet like them, the candidates who had been exchanging looks with the brigade leaders showed a little interest.
It was probably because of the Squad Leader Position Test earlier.
But this was nowhere near enough.
I needed to draw their interest properly.
“As you know, I am the disciple of Venerable One Bizarre Oddity Evil Heaven. In a sense, you could say I have been luckier than you.”
The cadets standing farther back reacted more strongly.
Their envy and jealousy were obvious.
Without concern, I continued.
“I am certainly fortunate. But since I entered as a cadet like you, I believe there is no one who understands your feelings as well as I do.”
If I spoke too long, they would lose focus.
I paused for a beat and met the eyes of all six candidates in turn.
Then I continued.
“As Brigade Leader Na SimHyeong said earlier, I too think it is meaningless to speak of my master's tales or praise him.”
In truth, there were no tales of Evil Heaven especially worth praising.
The stories I knew were practically infamous.
Still, perhaps my words were working. Two candidates began focusing on me.
“No. I believe it has already been proven.”
“Proven?”
Evil Heaven, watching from the front, frowned.
He seemed displeased that this was not progressing as he wanted.
I ignored him and kept speaking.
“Look at those two, who entered as cadets just like you.”
At my words, everyone's attention turned to the twins, Song JwaBaek and Song WooHyun.
Having paid no attention until then, Song JwaBaek looked at me in confusion when all eyes suddenly turned toward him.
“Even they became squad leaders. In only one year.”
Murmur, murmur.
The cadets began chattering even more the instant my words ended.
- This is good.
Right. I had an objective measure on my side.
The objective measure that he had produced three Advanced masters in only one year.
Then, from the back, one brigade leader spoke loudly enough for the six candidates to hear.
“That is because the Venerable One taught them personally.”
It seemed they had felt a sense of crisis and were trying to interfere.
But they could not continue for long.
Evil Heaven was glaring fiercely.
“Well, perhaps that is because we are his disciples. But you may have heard it earlier, there is one important thing.”
“?”
Everyone listened closely.
“There are only four of us, including the twins who are my fellow disciples under Master.”
The six candidates wore puzzled expressions.
Someone even snorted from the rear.
Right. They probably wondered why I was saying such things as though a small power base were something to boast about.
Ignoring their ridicule, I spoke.
“We may begin as a small group, but before long, many cult members will gather under Master. When that time comes, you can stand at the heart of its founding, like the meritorious founders of a newly established martial clan.”
'!?'
The laughter from the back subsided.
They must have understood what I meant.
The six candidates also understood the meaning of my words, and their eyes wavered.
Now it was time to make my decisive move.
“The others are all excellent, but no matter where you enter, you will naturally begin at the very bottom.”
At my words, I heard several sharp breaths from the rear.
They seemed desperate to interrupt, but unable to do so.
Evil Heaven was standing right before them.
“No one can deny that. So I will ask you this. Will you begin as the tail of a dragon? Or will you begin near the dragon's head?”
Hngh.
The SoDam Sword let out a low sound.
Even though I had said it, that was a proper decisive move.
Perhaps the words had worked. The candidates who had been exchanging looks with the brigade leaders could no longer take their eyes off me.
Seeing the moment was right, I signaled Evil Heaven with my eyes.
Then I said,
“As you can see, there are so few of us that we have an atmosphere like family.”
At that, the candidates unconsciously glanced behind them.
Evil Heaven was standing there with an arm around the shoulders of the massive twins, grinning broadly.
The twins were forcing out strained smiles.
...It was awkward, but this would do.
The SoDam Sword snickered and muttered,
- You have become quite the swindler. It is not a family-like atmosphere, it is a fucking awful one.
Just let it go.
Was I supposed to tell them it would be hell once they joined?
* * *
Once every brigade leader had finished speaking, it was finally time for the high-rank warrior candidates to choose.
Perhaps because they disliked my final speech, several brigade leaders glared at me with deeply unpleasant expressions.
What could I do even if it made things awkward?
I had been told to prepare myself if I did not bring them all in.
Tyrannical Blood Brigade Leader Gu SangWoong called out.
“Now then. Candidates, if you have decided, choose the ranks under which you wish to receive your assignment. Training cadet Lee Gyu, you are first.”
“Yes, sir!”
Lee Gyu rose and walked forward.
The brigade leaders standing in a line looked at Lee Gyu with eyes full of anticipation.
Everyone watching did the same.
Step, step.
Lee Gyu walked to the center.
Then Lee Gyu headed left.
The brigade leaders on the right let out irritated sighs.
Smiles formed on the lips of those on the left.
Lee Gyu took one step to the side after another.
Whenever Lee Gyu passed one, the expression on the brigade leader before him changed to match those on the right.
Then Lee Gyu reached Na SimHyeong, the brigade leader under the First Blood Star.
Lee Gyu hesitated before Na SimHyeong.
I saw the corners of Na SimHyeong's mouth slowly rise.
- Looks like it did not work.
The SoDam Sword spoke regretfully, but Lee Gyu suddenly moved away.
Then Lee Gyu came before me, dropped to one knee, offered a fist-and-palm salute, and shouted,
“Squad Leader So, I wish to receive my assignment under the Venerable One!”
The corners of Na SimHyeong's mouth slowly dropped again.
“Kuahahahahahat! Good, good!”
Evil Heaven burst into wild laughter, delighted.
It was a good start.
I let out a sigh of relief inwardly.
If the first candidate had gone to another brigade leader, that mad old man would have hounded me relentlessly.
Once the first choice was finished, Tyrannical Blood Brigade Leader Gu SangWoong called the second candidate.
“Candidate Ha MunChan!”
“Yes, sir!”
Ha MunChan rose from his seat.
Then Ha MunChan immediately strode forward.
But Ha MunChan stopped for a moment.
Wondering why, I glanced to the side and saw that several brigade leaders' throats were trembling faintly.
- They got desperate. Desperate.
It seemed they were sending sound telepathy because they were anxious.
After a brief pause, Ha MunChan began walking again.
But where Ha MunChan stopped was...
“Squad Leader So, I too wish to receive my assignment under the Venerable One!”
Right before me.
At Ha MunChan's ringing voice, Evil Heaven said in satisfaction,
“I like that fellow! Kuahahahahahat!”
Unlike Evil Heaven, I was slightly stunned.
I had delivered my speech successfully enough, but no one could know another person's heart.
Yet two candidates had come before me in a row, and the feeling was strange.
Grit!
I heard someone grinding their teeth beside me.
Should I have felt sorry?
Whatever their reactions, Tyrannical Blood Brigade Leader Gu SangWoong called the third candidate.
“Next, candidate Jo Seong-won!”
At the name Jo Seong-won, the brigade leaders focused their attention.
Though called third, Jo Seong-won was the talent everyone coveted. In truth, Jo Seong-won alone could surpass the other five.
- But is he not a cup of poison-laced imperial wine?
The SoDam Sword was right.
That Spy was a thorn that would stick in one's throat if swallowed.
Not knowing that, the brigade leaders were desperate to obtain him.
The brigade leaders fell silent.
Twitch.
This time, every one of their throats trembled.
Even Na SimHyeong, the First Blood Star's brigade leader beside me, was no exception.
They seemed to be seeking a reversal by obtaining this one candidate.
[You absolutely cannot let that one get away!]
Evil Heaven's sound telepathy reached my ears.
He had liked Jo Seong-won during the high-rank warrior title test sparring match and was desperate to have them.
'Hm.'
I stared intently at Jo Seong-won.
Should I leave alone a fish full of bones, or take it?
Then Jo Seong-won stepped forward.
The brigade leaders' gazes focused on his footsteps.
Step, step.
But soon, disappointment filled their faces.
Jo Seong-won's steps were heading straight for one person.
Na SimHyeong.
- He is staying true to his purpose.
There was no chance that a Spy like him would be swayed by my words.
As Jo Seong-won approached without the slightest hesitation, Na SimHyeong seemed certain this time. The corners of Na SimHyeong's eyes curved like a crescent moon.
Only three more steps, and Jo Seong-won would be before Na SimHyeong.
Then I sent sound telepathy to Jo Seong-won.
[Hey, beggar.]
Flinch!
At that instant, Jo Seong-won's steps stopped.
Jo Seong-won, who had not revealed any emotion until then, looked at me with startled eyes.
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