Ahhh!

Scream!

Desperate cries echoed throughout the area.

To those who could barely master third-rate martial arts, Cheon Yoo-seong, who exhaled sword energy like breath, was nothing less than a disaster.

When the situation took a strange turn, the targets of those remaining shifted.

Hes a monster! Forget about him and attack the others!

At someones shout, the target shifted from Cheon Yoo-seong to Jin-hyeok.

Voom!

Blades and spears poured towards where Jin-hyeok stood.

No, they tried to pour toward him.

Clang!

A clear, metallic sound blocked them.

The blade stopped mere inches above Jin-hyeoks face.

How dare you threaten our lord with a weapon?

It was Wol-yeong.

Thanks to a loyal subordinate to watch over his side, Jin-hyeok didnt need to lift a finger.

What is this, acting like some gigolo? Going to fight in place of your companion?

Gigolo?

Flames sparked in Wol-yeongs eyes.

Killing intent.

The kind that hinted at an utter determination to kill.

It was difficult enough to tolerate him disrespecting the lord-like Jin-hyeok, but to insult him as well was crossing the line by a mile.

Given Wol-yeongs already delicate figure and complex about his refined looks, the humiliation was beyond imagination.

[Wol-yeong activates Shadow Extreme Kill!]

Whats getting worked up going to doArgh!

Thump thump thwack!

Teeth flew out like popcorn kernels as a thick mist of blood arose.

The man couldnt finish his sentence as Wol-yeong closed the distance with incredible speed.

North, south, east, and west.

The skill to keep striking in the direction that was losing balance, forcing the target to remain standing was

certainly not human.

With that body how can he possess such monstrous strength?

Monsters, they are.

They were no match at all.

Wol-yeong, terror itself, who was smacking down someone a head taller than himself.

Did that come out of this mouth? Or was it this one? Here? Here? Huh? Tell me. Ah, cant talk anymore?

Bang! Crash! Thwack!

Wol-yeong swung his fist mercilessly while harboring a wicked smile.

Hmm

I remember him being cool-headed and imposing when we first met; how did he become like this?

It must be bad influence. And the culprit is probably Cheon Yoo-seong.

As the saying goes, the dye of the company one keeps. From now on, Ill have to keep him by my side.

Darn it! Its all wrong. Aim for that little brat.

Thats right. We can handle a little brat.

Surely, that little one wont be all that strong.

The only remaining target was Elris.

Jin-hyeok shook his head disapprovingly.

No, it might be wiser for you all to just fight amongst yourselves

Why are they only targeting us, like crazed mules? Even hyenas know to keep their distance from a lion, yet humans seem to be even more senseless.

But it was already too late for warnings.

Once the taboo was broken, there was no stopping Elris.

Hehehe. I am not a brat. I am not a brat, you maggots! Honestly, in what way do I look like a little kid to you!

The brat was enraged.

Kukukuku!

The sky turned blood red due to Blood Road.

One by one.

Various weapons from the ground levitated.

Whats this?

Telekinesis?

How deep must ones internal energy be to do that?

To already be foaming at the mouth from mere sword energy and sword qi, now they were witnessing the telekinetic lifting of objects with internal energy.

Now, they were filled with just one thought: to survive at any cost, disregarding their status badges and pompous claims.

Run!

Save yourself!

Squeak!

The once bustling training ground had turned into a complete hell.

One after another, everyone threw their money and crawled out of the arena.

Theres an elegance to the sunset at this hour.

Jin-hyeok casually diverted his attention to the edge of the training ground.

From a swiftly opened spatial inventory, a black mass slipped out unnoticed.

Is this possible? Grandmaster. Am I seeing this right? Are we dreaming?

I cant believe it but it seems to not be a dream.

The mouths of Choong Moo-ryang and the Grandmaster were agape with shock, unable to shoo away the flies, as no one could blame them.

What was happening in the training ground was simply too detached from reality.

Boom!

Argh!

Martial artists were being smashed to pieces with each hit.

That part was acceptable.

Someone failing a test was a natural occurrence, wasnt it?

The problem was that all this devastation was being caused by merely three people.

As a tall and imposing man brandished his sword, the terrain and materials were torn apart.

Sword qi.

A very high level of it too.

The young master who moved through shadows wasnt to be underestimated either.

His rapid movement, reminiscent of an elite assassin, was even difficult for Choong Moo-ryang to follow with his eyes.

And to top it off, there was the masked individual whose depth of internal energy could not be fathomed.

If I were to fight them, could I win against even one of them?

Choong Moo-ryang gulped down his saliva.

It was unlikely.

He had to admit, even considering a life-or-death duel, his chances of winning didnt seem over 40%.

Especially the last opponent, the one wearing the mask, seemed a class above the others.

But what was truly frightening wasnt those three people.

That guy

Choong Moo-ryangs gaze fixed on Jin-hyeok, who stood leisurely with his arms crossed.

Was he not weak after all?

He appeared foolish with his laid-back yawns and vacant smile.

It was thought he was just an attendant, a mere accessory to the others.

But that was a mistake.

He wasnt weak or lacking in internal energy.

Rather.

His level was simply unseen.

An area invisible even to himself, the leader of Unmoo-gwan and one of the peak experts of Gonryun.

Just how formidable must he be, that even now the other three couldnt move without his commands?

Ultra-level No, perhaps even beyond that threshold.

As the thought reached that point, goosebumps ran across his flesh, and his hair stood on end.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

His heart pounded ferociously.

At any cost, he had to attract him over to their side.

If he could recruit such a strong martial artist, not only the Gonryun faction leaders but the entire Martial Alliance would remember the name Choong Moo-ryang, and his deed would surely be praised.

His deliberation was short.

Stop!

Choong Moo-ryang rose to his feet abruptly.

There is no need to continue the examination any longer.

Yes, that makes sense. What are you all doing? Attend to the great masters instead of dilly-dallying.

The Grandmaster hurriedly issued orders.

What about the injured?

What about them? If theyre broken or have to crawl, is it our responsibility? Just throw them out. We have to welcome important guests, so make haste.

Yes, sir!

The martial artists belonging to the guild immediately followed orders.

Since this place, under the pretext of resisting the Cheonma Sin-kyo, was heavily influenced by Gonryun over the royal family, no one contested them.

Hurry up and get out. The last thing you want is to be beaten for your whining.

The martial artists nudged the injured with their batons.

They definitely seemed ready to beat them mercilessly if provoked.

Wait, please wait. I hurt my leg falling and cant walk properly

Arent you the one who practices the invincible martial arts or something?

Well, its just sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt

Fine, then Ill beat you until it works. Everyone out!

Aaaargh!

Im going, Im going, okay?!

Pitiful screams filled the air several times, and soon the bustling training ground was completely empty.

The treatment at Unmoo-gwan had completely shifted 180 degrees.

The inner house was prepared with the distinctively fragrant Iron Guanyin tea and various snacks.

Well, they had shown their true capabilities, so it was no wonder eyes were wide.

Cheon Yoo-seong and Wol-yeong, as always, didnt even touch the tea.

Arent you going to eat?

Im not too fond of sweet things.

Im not that starving to eat what the righteous faction offers.

Really? But this is pretty tasty, some high-class sweets here.

Jin-hyeok shrugged and popped one of the confections in his mouth.

To not eat it would be a loss.

Meanwhile, Elris constantly murmured in astonishment as she demolished the sweets and honey treats in the porcelain bowl.

Munch munch.

Tastes mmm. good. Enjoying um, this sweetness is my kind Chomp of thing. Prepare gulp more of this.

Her cheeks were puffed out like a hamsters, which was just a bonus.

Take it slow, no ones going to snatch it from you.

Can you even taste it when you shove it all in your mouth like that?

And hold some dignity while eating. Youre supposed to be the head of a family, remember?

Huh?

Look, youve got all this sugar around your mouth.

Jin-hyeok wiped the white sugar from Elriss mouth.

What are you doing?

Elriss voice was on the edge of getting sharper when suddenly

Thud!

Choong Moo-ryang burst into the room, brandishing a yellow identity badge.

Sorry for making you wait. There wasnt much call for a higher grade badge, so it took some time to find it. Here, take one each.

Choong Moo-ryang handed out four yellow-tinted identity badges.

[You have acquired a yellow identity badge!]

Type: First-Class

Contents: This badge certifies your identity while in the martial world. It allows you to use local taverns and inns at reduced prices, buy weapons and herbs, or receive rare quests.

Validity: For the duration of your stay in the martial world (up to 90 days)

However.

Jin-hyeok, who took his badge, smiled with a curious look.

Choong Moo-ryang had given out first-class.

Not special-class.

I believe there is one more level above this that exists

Oh, are you talking about the special-class badge? There is indeed another matter regarding that. By regulation, we need to get an agreement to issue a special-class badge. Haha.

A sheepish laugh escaped, as if caught red-handed.

It was plain what was to be said, but Jin-hyeok feigned ignorance and took a sip of tea.

Choong Moo-ryang continued.

It seems you have no affiliation yet. Why not come to Gonryun? Apart from offering you the special-class badge, I promise to treat you in a manner befitting your talents.

Oh? Joining the Gonryun faction?

Yes. Its not an offer given to just anyone. You know, only those from distinguished families can enter the Five Great Sects and Nine Factions.

Wow. Its an honor just to hear such an offer. I had no idea you would be so generous.

Cough! Dont mention it All this is for the greater good. If we can drive out the wicked cult, I can certainly overstep my authority to give you this status.

A sly smile crept across Choong Moo-ryangs lips.

I understand. Ill think about it positively. I did need a strong backing after all.

Great! A wise decision.

Choong Moo-ryang quickly retrieved another badge from his robes.

A platinum special-class badge.

As the deal was struck, the air in the room softened.

But the warm atmosphere didnt last long.

Crash!

Ma, Master!

The door burst open with a shattering sound, and a man rushed in breathlessly.

What is the meaning of this commotion? I told everyone to not interrupt this important meeting!

My apologies. Theres a matter I must report

Gathering his breath, the man quickly gave the news.

Our treasure vault has been robbed! The elixirs and many other treasures have vanished without a trace.

What? Our treasure vault? Are Are you telling me that even that is gone?

Thats even that manual has disappeared as well.

Thats impossible.

Choong Moo-ryang stood up in disbelief.

Such events would startle even the seasoned leader of Unmoo-gwan.

What unfortunate timing for a robbery. Really puts us in a bind.

Jin-hyeok clicked his tongue.

Nothing like a robbery while the guards were distracted by the examination, and especially now when Choong Moo-ryang was preoccupied with recruiting new talent, to strike at such a moment.

Whoever it was, was meticulous and heartless, that was certain.

Look at that. Even smoke rising in the distance as if they had set a fire.

Surely divine punishment awaited.

Ah, lightning would strike from the heavens and all.

Apologies, but there will be no joining Gonryun after all. We were looking for a strong backer, but a house that cannot secure its own home seems substandard.

Jin-hyeok coldly drew a line.

Of course, he had not forgotten to safely secure the special-class badge.

Yeeek! Who could it be? Have the Cheonma Sin-kyo bastards invaded us?

Thats

The reporting warrior quickly added another piece of information.

The thief looked like a young serpent that failed to become a dragon, screaming mosquito or something. I dont really understand the meaning

Hmm.

Seems about time to make a getaway.