“Haa. Haa.”
The Supreme Corps members had all collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.
Their entire bodies were covered in wounds, and some members were trembling with muscle spasms, unable to move.
Nevertheless, every single one of them wore a deeply satisfied smile on their lips.
In the end, they had accomplished this impossible mission.
Moreover, they could clearly feel that their martial prowess had grown far beyond what they had imagined.
Although the Divine Might Corps had also sent a second-grade corps, their numbers were fully ten times greater than the Supreme Corps.
That alone proved that, at the very least, their martial level had reached the standard of a first-grade corps.
“Captain Seon has been urgently summoned back to the Martial Alliance by the Vice-Alliance Leader.” At that moment, a messenger from the Martial Alliance approached the resting Supreme Corps members and spoke. “Captain Seon asked that you rest here for a while before returning to the Alliance. That is all.”
Having delivered the message, the messenger left.
“Ugh…”
Tae Muryong, clutching his waist and barely managing to stand, muttered.
“Then we should follow the Captain back.”
Jeong Jongdo and the other members also used their long swords as canes to help themselves up.
As the injured members slowly made their way back down the mountain, they noticed a large number of people climbing up, carrying various items.
Feeling something strange, Tae Muryong carefully observed them.
They appeared to be ordinary commoners. Upon reaching Gongdeoksa, they headed straight to the damaged main hall and began lighting incense.
“Burning incense at this abandoned temple?”
Tae Muryong found it puzzling.
Gongdeoksa was a ruined temple—why would anyone come here to offer incense?
Swish. Swish.
Meanwhile, some people were thoroughly cleaning the interior of the main hall and hanging lanterns in various places.
“Excuse me.”
Unable to contain his curiosity, Tae Muryong entered the main hall and asked.
“Why are you offering prayers at this ruined temple?”
“Isn’t today Chilseok?” The man hanging the lanterns answered calmly. “Although Gongdeoksa is no longer in operation, there has long been a rumor that a powerful spiritual energy still lingers here.”
According to the man’s explanation, the nearby villages had spread word that Gongdeoksa still held sacred energy.
Because of this, on Chilseok, people would climb up to the temple to offer prayers.
“Well… it is Chilseok after all. I suppose people would go anywhere to make offerings on such a day.”
In Buddhism, on Chilseok, people offer prayers for their family’s health and longevity, and for their descendants to prosper.
Since it happened to be Chilseok and there was a temple rumored to be spiritually potent, visitors had come in droves to make their wishes.
“I see. Thank you.”
Having understood the situation, Tae Muryong nodded.
Then, without hesitation, he turned back toward where the members were waiting.
***
The defense battle had concluded.
The Martial Alliance announced the results of this defense battle.
A very unexpected and absurd announcement.
—All participants in the defense battle have passed.
Supreme Corps: all members passed.
Heavenly Order Corps: fifteen members passed.
Cheongmyeong Hall: ten members passed.
Ascendant Martial Hall: none.
The martial artists of the Martial Alliance tilted their heads in confusion at the strange result.
If everyone passed the defense battle, why announce such odd numbers?
Soon after, the shocking truth was revealed.
—Along with the defense battle, they also tested reputation and loyalty.
It turned out that this examination had a second, hidden purpose: to measure the loyalty of the subordinates toward their leaders.
Chilseok was one of the most important periods for offering prayers.
The defense battles had all taken place at temples, and those temples were places where offerings could be made.
At this very moment, units of the three Martial Heaven Corps Commander candidates were exerting all their strength in the examination.
The Martial Alliance had wanted to see whether the members would voluntarily offer prayers for their superiors.
A Martial Alliance division leader was not made through effort alone.
It required absolute loyalty—willingness to give one’s life for the leader.
And such loyalty could never be forced; it had to come spontaneously from the members themselves.
As a result, every single member of the Supreme Corps, without being told, offered prayers for Bu Eunseol.
A few members from Heavenly Order Corps and Cheongmyeong Hall also made offerings.
But not a single member of Ascendant Martial Hall had offered prayers for Yuk Jangcheon.
—What an utter disgrace!
When Yuk Jangcheon heard the news, he exploded in fury.
He simply could not accept such a result.
After all, whether someone offered prayers or not could hardly be considered a clear criterion for measuring loyalty, could it?
In the end, he stormed into Buk Ri-seong’s office to protest.
“This cannot be considered a proper test of reputation. Offering or not offering prayers has nothing to do with loyalty, does it?”
Buk Ri-seong, who had been working, calmly replied to Yuk Jangcheon who had barged in with his complaint.
“You’re right. Offering prayers has no real connection to loyalty.”
“Then why announce such a result?”
“It was at the request of the senior leadership.”
“What does that mean?”
“This defense battle examination was conducted without the commanders present. In other words, it was never truly meant to test command ability.”
Buk Ri-seong blinked tired eyes and continued.
“The outcome could also vary depending on the skill of the attacking side and the terrain.”
“…”
“We simply wanted to see the actual level of the directly subordinate units. How well they had been trained.”
—Martial Heaven Corps candidates are to lead their directly subordinate units to the designated location and defend against the incoming enemies.
Remembering Buk Ri-seong’s original order, Yuk Jangcheon’s face stiffened in shock. Buk Ri-seong gave a faint smile and shook his head.
“Don’t worry. The result of this test has absolutely no bearing on who passes or fails.”
“No bearing? What do you mean?”
Buk Ri-seong smiled softly.
“If one must put a name to it… this examination was prepared as a consideration for someone.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Since everyone passed the defense battle, then everyone passed. It simply wasn’t the second real test.”
“Not the second test…? What are you saying?”
When Yuk Jangcheon looked stunned, Buk Ri-seong asked.
“What exactly did this Vice-Alliance Leader say when announcing the start of the defense battle?”
“That the Martial Heaven Corps candidates should take their direct units and conduct the defense battle…”
As he spoke, Yuk Jangcheon faltered.
Only then did he realize that Buk Ri-seong had never once mentioned a “second test.”
‘Those damned old bastards!’
The Martial Alliance was always like this.
A bunch of ancient fossils sitting at the top, twisting the standard rules once or twice, meanwhile they themselves sat in their seats until their backsides rotted.
“You’re saying this defense battle wasn’t the real test?”
“If one must be precise… yes.”
Buk Ri-seong sighed and shook his head.
“It would be good to have an outstanding young talent become a division leader. But most of the senior leadership hopes for someone with deep experience to take the position.”
He looked at Yuk Jangcheon with a regretful expression.
“The ability to win the hearts of one’s subordinates is also a commander’s skill. After all, the position of division leader is also a candidate for future Alliance Leader.”
When Yuk Jangcheon fell silent, Buk Ri-seong spoke in a low voice.
“Think about it. Could someone achieve that with ability alone?”
His tone carried a subtle rebuke toward Yuk Jangcheon’s somewhat authoritarian attitude.
“Vice-Alliance Leader.”
“I’m not blaming your temperament, Hall Leader Yuk. But wouldn’t this be a good opportunity to change the way you treat your subordinates?”
When Yuk Jangcheon couldn’t respond, Buk Ri-seong smiled kindly.
“Think about why the senior leadership went to the trouble and expense of creating such a test.”
When Yuk Jangcheon still looked confused, Buk Ri-seong sighed.
“I told you already. Many of the seniors have great expectations for you.”
Finally, he spoke plainly.
“But there was just one thing—they felt your reputation among others was slightly lacking. That’s why they conducted this test.”
Only then did Yuk Jangcheon understand.
That meant the top leadership of the Martial Alliance had deliberately prepared this test… for his sake?
“I… truly had no idea.”
Finally grasping the full truth, Yuk Jangcheon bowed his head.
“If you keep this in mind from now on, Hall Leader Yuk, you truly can become an excellent division leader.”
Buk Ri-seong smiled quietly.
“If you don’t correct this now, it will be difficult. Especially after you become division leader.”
There was not a single falsehood in Buk Ri-seong’s words.
If he continued this way, even after becoming division leader he might fail to win his subordinates’ respect… and in the end, he might hold no real power even among the other division leaders.
After all, the position and authority of a division leader ultimately came from the absolute loyalty of one’s subordinates.
“I was short-sighted. Vice-Alliance Leader.”
Yuk Jangcheon could not contain the overwhelming emotion rising within him.
The Alliance Leader and the entire top leadership wanted him to become division leader?
Then, if he simply passed the coming tests smoothly, becoming division leader would no longer be difficult.
“I will never disappoint you.”
“No need for such words.”
Buk Ri-seong showed a calm smile.
“I have always had high expectations for you, Hall Leader Yuk. Do your best.”
“Thank you.”
Yuk Jangcheon bowed with utmost respect.
“Then I will take my leave.”
As Yuk Jangcheon left the pavilion, he felt both exhilarated and chilled to the bone.
Only now did he recall the cold gazes his subordinates had directed at him in the conference room.
‘I favored Cheongah too much.’
Her wisdom was unmatched, but unfortunately, Cheongah tended to be quite arrogant.
If it had been Chief Inspector Gongsun, he would have immediately noticed the subordinates’ dissatisfaction and handled it swiftly.
But Yuk Cheongah was too much like him—trusting only in her own intellect, and never truly listening to others.
‘I need to do better starting now.’
Yuk Jangcheon took a deep breath.
No matter what test came next, he resolved to listen carefully to his subordinates’ opinions.
—The second test will now begin.
Buk Ri-seong finally officially announced the second stage of the examination.
It was a very ordinary, yet extremely difficult test.
—Obtain recommendation letters bearing the personal seals of the leaders of the Nine Great Sects or the Eight Great Families.
A Martial Alliance division leader was also a candidate for future Alliance Leader.
Having wide connections among the major righteous factions would be a tremendous advantage in managing the Martial Alliance.
Of course, it was not a strict requirement for a division leader.
That was probably why there was no limit placed on the number of recommendation letters.
“But one letter alone won’t be enough.”
In the conference room, discussing with the senior leadership, Yuk Jangcheon smacked his lips.
Thanks to this incident, the fact that he lacked reputation among his subordinates had been thoroughly exposed within the Martial Alliance.
The problem was that Yuk Jangcheon had never been particularly close to not only with his subordinates, but also with the leaders of the Nine Great Sects and Eight Great Families.
When he had led the Nine Heavens Society, he had aggressively expanded his influence, constantly clashing with the Nine Great Sects and Eight Great Families.
That was why, when the Nine Heavens Society collapsed and he received Yuk Cheongah’s suggestion, he had entered the Martial Alliance without any lingering attachment.
Of course, after joining the Martial Alliance, he had built relationships with many of the internal leadership but he still had almost no contact with people from the Nine Great Sects and Eight Great Families.
For Yuk Jangcheon, this test was quite troublesome.
“Once I become division leader, I’ll naturally build connections. Why make such a test now?”
Once one became division leader, one naturally wielded strong influence in the righteous martial world, making it impossible to not form relationships with the leaders of the Nine Great Sects and Eight Great Families.
Moreover, as division leader, one would be in a superior position when building those connections.
Yuk Jangcheon had never felt the need to cultivate such relationships in advance.
Yet the second test just happened to be obtaining recommendation letters from them?
“Well, there’s no helping it.”
Yuk Jangcheon smacked his lips again.
He had resolved to overcome whatever came in this test together with his subordinates.
But this particular test was one where working together with his subordinates wouldn’t really help.
“Once again, I have no choice but to rely on Cheongah.”
He gave a bitter smile.
When the South Sea Divine Nun was still alive, Yuk Cheongah had helped him build wide connections—not only within the Martial Alliance, but also with figures from the Nine Great Sects and Eight Great Families.
If Yuk Cheongah stepped in, obtaining several recommendation letters would not be particularly difficult.
“I should first focus on becoming division leader.”
There was only one reason Yuk Jangcheon was so desperate to become division leader.
Once he reached that position, he would no longer need to watch others’ reactions.
He could create connections as he pleased, and live the rest of his life without ever having to beg or bow.
“Becoming Alliance Leader comes after that.”
Yuk Jangcheon was determined.
He had to rise one step higher from the ambiguous position of Ascendant Martial Hall Leader.
Dragon Coiling Hall, Yuk Cheongah’s office.
She was deep in thought.
Through this test, she keenly felt that Yuk Jangcheon’s position had become disadvantageous.
‘Father is too small-minded.’
The senior leadership—no, the old monsters—of the Martial Alliance were said to have high expectations for Yuk Jangcheon.
But that was only as long as he met their expectations.
If Yuk Jangcheon fell short?
They would discard him without hesitation.
That was simply the nature of the Martial Alliance.
‘Then is the Cheongmyeong Hall Leader the answer?’
The Cheongmyeong Hall Leader Mu Gyeol, was personally nominated by the Alliance Leader as a candidate.
Not only did he possess outstanding ability—enough to become the Heavenly Rain Forest Lord at such a young age—but when considering various circumstances, he seemed to fit her goals the most perfectly.
‘No. How could I repeat the same mistake?’
Yuk Cheongah shook her head.
Hadn’t she already tasted bitterness after abandoning Yuk Jangcheon and switching to Baek Museong?
A genius who perfectly matched her conditions was someone she could never control or manipulate.
‘That’s why I brought Father into the Alliance in the first place.’
The Palm King Yuk Jangcheon.
Though he was not a warm, affectionate father..
Though he was selfish, authoritarian, and unable to understand his subordinates’ feelings…
From a strategist’s perspective, Yuk Jangcheon was the perfect person to hold in one’s grasp and wield.
Moreover, his abilities were solid in every area.
His martial prowess was excellent, he had a keen eye for recognizing talent, and he possessed foresight in placing subordinates in the right positions.
He also had insight appropriate for his years, as well as a certain sociability—enough that, if he set his mind to it, he could get along well with anyone.
Furthermore, he himself was aware of his shortcomings in strategy, and therefore accepted a strategist’s advice without resistance.
‘There’s no need to be impatient. The situation is not entirely unfavorable.’
Even if Yuk Jangcheon suffered some humiliation this time, it didn’t matter.
What was certain was that the top leadership of the Martial Alliance did not want a young generation member to become division leader.
Considering this alone, Yuk Jangcheon was still holding a relatively advantageous position.
If he could pass the upcoming tests without major mistakes, Yuk Jangcheon—supported by the seniors—would become division leader.
‘Let’s stop thinking about it.’
Though she had momentarily been swept up by the storm caused by the young talents Seon Woojin and Baek Museong, Yuk Jangcheon was by no means an easy man to topple. With her assistance, he would surely ascend to the division leader position.
Knock knock.
At that moment, a low voice came from outside the door.
“Cheongmyeong Hall Leader requests an audience with the Vice-Leader.”
“The Cheongmyeong Hall Leader?”
Surprised by the unexpected visitor, her eyes sparkled.
Why would the Cheongmyeong Hall Leader come to see her now, in the middle of the division leader examination?
‘He was suddenly made a candidate and lacks a solid support base.’
He should be busy running around trying to win over the Nine Great Sects and Eight Great Families—why come to her?
Could he possibly be here to ask for her help?
“Let him in.”
With a sliding sound, a tall man dressed in white entered.
His features were as refined as a beauty’s, yet his large frame and bold jawline gave off a distinctly masculine aura.
It was none other than Cheongmyeong Hall Leader Mu Gyeol.
“Cheongmyeong Hall Leader Mu Gyeol greets the Vice-Leader.”
He was already a middle-aged man, more than ten years older than Yuk Cheongah.
Yet he maintained an extremely respectful attitude and tone toward her.
In the Martial Alliance, only position and seniority mattered.
“…”
Instead of answering, Yuk Cheongah simply stared straight at Mu Gyeol standing before her.
This was an entirely unexpected visit.
Just moments ago she had been considering approaching him with a sweet offer to bring him to her side.
And now he had come to her first?
“What… brings you here?”
After a long silence, Yuk Cheongah’s lips slowly moved.
Her voice was cold and she didn’t even offer the usual greeting.
Mu Gyeol was a rival to Yuk Jangcheon and since she had once again chosen Yuk Jangcheon, there was no need to treat his competitor warmly.
“I have heard that Vice-Leader Yuk possesses not only outstanding wisdom, but also deep knowledge of the Martial Alliance’s operations.”
Mu Gyeol continued calmly.
“That even if you were to take the position of Chief Strategist right now, you could immediately carry out the duties.”
“That is offensive.”
Yuk Cheonga’s eyes flashed coldly.
“Does the Hall Leader believe himself to be in a position to evaluate this Vice-Leader’s abilities?”
“My apologies.”
Mu Gyeol politely brought his hands together.
Looking at him, Yuk Cheongah spoke icily.
“For a strong candidate of the Martial Heaven Commander position to show such excessive courtesy is surprising.”
“I have only ever handled duties coming directly from the Alliance Leader, so I have no foundation within the Alliance and little knowledge of its internal affairs.”
“Your humility is excessive. For the Cheongmyeong Hall Leader—personally favored and nominated by the Alliance Leader himself—to say such things.”
“I will speak frankly.”
Mu Gyeol glanced around before speaking carefully.
“The reason the Alliance Leader nominated me as a division leader candidate was never to make me division leader. It was to use me as a tool to eliminate someone who must never become division leader.”
Yuk Cheongah’s gaze sharpened.
“Who are you referring to?”
“Seon Woojin.”
Mu Gyeol answered calmly.
“He is full of suspicious elements and rose in rank far too quickly. If such a person becomes division leader, the prestige of this Alliance will plummet without limit.”
Yuk Cheongah’s eyes widened.
The leader of the Alliance Leader’s secret organization and the Heavenly Rain Forest Lord Mu Gyeol.
He had been forcibly made Cheongmyeong Hall Leader and shamelessly pushed forward as a Martial Heaven Commander candidate all for the purpose of bringing down Seon Woojin.
He continued.
“However, he has already earned the absolute trust of some of the Alliance’s senior leadership, making it impossible to eliminate him easily.”
Yuk Cheongah nodded.
Seon Woojin had the full support of Gongsun Dankyung, maintained a close relationship with Lord Bukgung Ryeong, and through various incidents, even Vice-Alliance Leader Buk Ri-seong—who generally did not look favorably upon young generation masters—held him in very high regard.
No matter how much authority the Alliance Leader had, without legitimate reason, he could not remove Seon Woojin from the candidate list.
“So, what do you want?”
“Guide me.”
Mu Gyeol gave a slight smile.
“With the Vice-Leader, I believe we can draw a much larger picture.”
Unconsciously, Yuk Cheongah clenched her fist tightly.
The Cheongmyeong Hall Leader, who had become so at the Alliance Leader’s secret command, was now reaching out to her?
If she cooperated with him this time and achieved a good result, didn’t that mean she might gain the terrifying backing of the Heavenly Emperor himself?
