Chapter 93 Benefits (1)

Mu Jang-yak always maintained a cheerful and bright demeanor, which naturally lifted the moods of those around him.

Even now, with a smile on his face, the team members’ spirits remained high.

However, although he tried his best to conceal it, Mu Jang-yak’s eyes kept darting toward Mok Gyeong-un when no one was looking.

In the end, he had successfully protected his team members.

As a team leader, he had performed his role excellently from the very first day.

‘…Mok Gyeong-un.’

The events of last night had completely etched Mok Gyeong-un into his mind.

No, he was considerably preoccupied with him.

Mu Jang-yak recalled what had transpired the previous night.

[No. I’m deliberating whether it would be better to kill you now or let you live.]

[Crazy bastard!]

[Do you even realize the situation you’re in?]

Mu Jang-yak’s team members were dumbfounded by Mok Gyeong-un’s absurd words.

In the current situation, Mok Gyeong-un had no choice.

If he dared to touch even one person, they would ensure that everyone was eliminated from the trial.

Yet, he was spouting such nonsense, which was nothing more than a bluff.

[Do as you please!]

[If you’re trying to get us all disqualified, do you think we’ll just sit back and let it happen?]

[Bring it on!]

Mu Jang-yak’s team members, who had been waiting confidently in his strategy, couldn’t hold back any longer and assumed fighting stances, preparing for battle.

Mok Yu-cheon was no exception.

In contrast, Mu Jang-yak, who had devised this plan, silently observed Mok Gyeong-un, unlike the others.

‘what the ....?’

What could he be relying on to act this way?

Mu Jang-yak had heard from Mok Yu-cheon, his half-brother, about what had occurred during the second trial and realized that Mok Gyeong-un was no ordinary person.

That was why he had devised such a flawless plan.

‘No matter how I think about it, there are no loopholes in this plan. Yet, what’s with that attitude?’

Mu Jang-yak had been exceptionally intelligent since childhood.

He was skilled at reading others’ minds, discerning their emotions and thoughts through their eyes, actions, and various factors.

However, Mok Gyeong-un’s gaze and tone of voice made it difficult to decipher his emotions.

‘I can’t tell if it’s a bluff or genuine.’

What could it be?

Was he simply unable to control his own emotions, leading him to say such things?

Although it seemed excessive, Mok Gyeong-un possessed a cunning disposition, much like himself.

In fact, although he hadn’t disclosed it to everyone, if the first tactic had succeeded, he had intended to break the legs of Mok Gyeong-un’s team members at daybreak, just as Mok Gyeong-un had said.

That way, they could naturally eliminate him and his team.

In the end, only Mok Gyeong-un had seen through his intentions.

Perhaps that was why Mu Jang-yak found Mok Gyeong-un’s words from earlier unsettling.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un stared intently at him, chuckled, and said, [Let’s end it here for now.]

[What?]

Mok Yu-cheon retorted in response to Mok Gyeong-un’s words, as if they were absurd.

Was he babbling as if bestowing mercy, even though he was in a disadvantageous position?

Although they had followed Mu Jang-yak’s plan, there were three individuals on their side who had reached the pinnacle realm.

Yeon Mu-ung from the Esoteric Realm Gate, who was guarding the hostages in the room, Mu Jang-yak himself, and Mok Yu-cheon.

They outnumbered the other side and held the advantage in a fight, certainly not in an unfavorable situation.

[Stop bluffing, Mok Gyeong-un.]

[Think what you will. Send two of your members over here. To be fair, we should also hold hostages until morning.]

[We’re the ones holding the knife, yet you dare…]

[Fine.]

[What?]

Just as they were about to refuse, Mu Jang-yak readily accepted the proposal.

His team members, including Mok Yu-cheon, couldn’t hide their puzzlement at his attitude.

Why was he accommodating them when there was no need to do so?

Mu Jang-yak explained to them, [They’ve made a concession, so there’s no point in further provoking them.]

[But…]

[Trust me.]

In the end, both sides agreed to exchange hostages and hold them, and the night passed peacefully.

However, Mu Jang-yak heard Mok Gyeong-un muttering quietly, [What a pity. I had hoped you wouldn’t be so wise.]

-Flinch!

The moment he heard those words, a strange chill ran down his spine.

Just who was this fellow?

He had prided himself on the fact that among his peers, there was no one worthy of his attention.

He didn’t consider Yeon Mu-ung from the Esoteric Realm Gate, Yeom Ga from the Vermillion Slaughter Cave, Mo Ha-rang from the Demon Fire Hall, or even Mok Yu-cheon, whom he had recently met, to be particularly special.

Yet, for the first time, a feeling of wariness toward someone had emerged within him.

And that person was none other than Mok Gyeong-un.

‘If he becomes an enemy, perhaps I should kill him…’

***

An unprecedented situation where nearly a quarter of the cadets were eliminated before even taking on the trial.

Although it sparked considerable controversy, since no rules were violated, the issue was not pursued, and the trial proceeded.

Of course, due to this incident, an additional constraint was introduced.

“From now on, until all trials are completed, any private fights or acts of harming each other among the cadets are strictly prohibited.”

It was to prevent further variables from arising.

As previously announced, the third trial was a sword formation test where one had to subdue their opponent.

The name of the sword formation was Heaven and Earth Eight Inscriptions Formation.

It was a sword formation based on the changes of the Eight Trigrams, developed by the previous leader of the Heaven and Earth Society. Perfectly executing it and subduing the opponent would result in passing the trial.

The allotted practice period was a mere three days.

Those three days passed quickly.

The remaining two teams, sixteen individuals, were the most skilled among the cadets who had entered Corpse Blood Valley.

Naturally, both teams easily passed the third trial.

The one who received the top score in the third trial was not Mok Gyeong-un but Mu Jang-yak.

Although Mok Gyeong-un’s team had also utilized the sword formation well to subdue their opponents, Mu Jang-yak’s team had perfectly overwhelmed their opponents without a single injury.

In conclusion, there were no flaws.

As a team leader and in terms of his judgment in operating the sword formation, he was considered superior, which allowed Mu Jang-yak to obtain the top score in this trial.

***

The fourth trial involved traversing a trap-filled maze in the darkness.

The criteria were simple.

Burning an incense stick that could measure time, if one emerged before a third of it burned out, they would gain the qualification of a unit leader and pass this trial, allowing them to proceed to the final trial.

If they emerged before two-thirds of the incense burned out, they would earn the qualification of a Daeju but forfeit the right to take the next trial.

Naturally, those who failed to pass through would be eliminated with the qualification of a senior warrior.

Originally, the trial scheduled for this round was supposed to utilize the iron balls obtained during the iron ball competition, but due to the mere sixteen remaining participants, it was inevitably skipped, moving directly to the fifth trial.

This was exactly what Mok Gyeong-un had intended.

And so, the sixteen cadets took on the fourth trial.

The results were as follows: 6 individuals emerged within one-third of the incense burning time, 5 individuals within two-thirds, and 5 individuals failed to emerge within two-thirds, totaling 10 individuals who were disqualified from the final trial.

Those who failed to pass the trial were disappointed but had to be content with the qualification of a senior warrior, while the 5 who emerged within two-thirds could at least earn the qualification of a Daeju.

Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi said to Valley Master Lee Ji-yeom, “Although there were two variables, the expected individuals passed.”

The two variables Gwak Mun-gi referred to were the hostages from the righteous faction’s Yeon Mok Sword Manor Clan, sent by the Sect Leader.

He had naturally assumed that these two would not even survive the first or second trial.

However, that expectation had been completely shattered.

“I see. It’s them.”

The six individuals standing side by side in the plaza.

Those who had passed the fourth trial were Mok Gyeong-un, Mok Yu-cheon, Yeom Ga from the Vermillion Slaughter Cave, Yeon Mu-ung from the Esoteric Realm Gate, Mo Ha-rang from the Demon Fire Hall, and Mu Jang-yak.

“Who passed through the maze the fastest?”

“…It was Mok Gyeong-un.”

“Mok Gyeong-un?”

‘As expected of him.’

Lee Ji-yeom nodded, as if he had anticipated it to some extent.

No matter how much he had lost his former martial arts prowess, he naturally believed that someone like him would easily pass the trial.

[TL/N: At this point Lee Ji-yeom thinks that Cheong-ryeong, former lord of Lunar Vein, is possessing MC’s body. While I could use she/her pronouns to indicate its Cheong-ryeong he’s talking about, I think that’s gonna confuse people more. So I’m sticking with he/his pronoun from hereon. After all, you guys do know who’s he talking about right?]

“How much time did he take?”

“He emerged when the incense had burned about one-sixth, not one-third.”

“One-sixth?”

At those words, Lee Ji-yeom’s eyes gleamed with interest.

He had expected Mok Gyeong-un to pass the fastest, but this was beyond expectations.

At this level, it was almost as if he had simply run straight through flat ground instead of a maze.

“…We were also greatly surprised.”

Gwak Mun-gi had been dumbfounded upon seeing the incense.

No matter how exceptional one’s qi sensitivity was, this was absurdly skillful.

It was incomprehensible how someone who appeared to be at most a first-rate level could emerge faster than those who had reached the pinnacle realm.

‘Did he conceal his martial arts?’

No, that couldn’t be.

If that were the case, he would have to be at a higher realm than himself, who had reached the pinnacle, but he was certain that Mok Gyeong-un, who was merely seventeen years old, couldn’t possibly be at that level.

Just what kind of brat was he?

As they were pondering, Valley Master Lee Ji-yeom clicked his tongue and asked, “Who emerged second fastest?”

“It was Yeom Ga from the Vermillion Slaughter Cave.”

“Oh-ho.”

“Yeom Ga passed through the maze when about half of the incense had burned.”

This could also be considered a remarkable achievement.

In fact, throughout the history of the maze trial, no one had ever passed within half of the incense burning time.

Today, both Mok Gyeong-un and Yeom Ga had broken that record.

These two individuals had passed through so swiftly, as if they had traversed a well-lit path rather than darkness.

“The Vermillion Slaughter Cave has sent a capable talent.”

“It seems so.”

However, they appeared to be unlucky this time.

Due to the presence of Mok Gyeong-un, a complete monster, they were unable to receive the spotlight.

“Who was third?”

“Mu Jang-yak and Mo Ha-rang from the Demon Fire Hall passed before a quarter of the incense burned out, while Mok Yu-cheon and Yeon Mu-ung from the Esoteric Realm Gate passed within one-third.”

“The level of this year’s cadets has significantly improved.”

Although many variables had come into play, this was the first time since Lee Ji-yeom had taken charge of Corpse Blood Valley that more than one or two individuals had passed within a quarter of the incense burning time.

In fact, passing within one-third alone could be considered an indication of exceptional qi sensitivity.

From that perspective, for the officers seeking the finest talents, this selection process could be regarded as successful.

“What shall we do? The top score is evidently…”

“Isn’t it already determined?”

“…Indeed.”

Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi reluctantly replied.

A hostage from the righteous faction had pushed aside all the talents of the main sect and was about to receive the top score for the third time.

It was only natural to find it unpleasant.

‘Yeon Mok Sword Manor…’

Just how did they train their disciples that not one, but both of them had reached the final trial of Corpse Blood Valley?

However, if two individuals, who were mere hostages despite being sent by the Sect Leader’s orders, were to assume positions within the main sect, would the sect’s warriors be able to accept it?

-Tap!

Standing on the platform in front of the plaza, Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom held up the top score plaque and said, “Mok Gyeong-un, step forward.”

“Yes.”

Mok Gyeong-un walked up to the platform.

Lee Ji-yeom gave him a brief glance and handed him the top score plaque.

Then, he spoke as if addressing everyone, “The fourth top score is awarded to Mok Gyeong-un, who passed through the trial the fastest.”

At his words, the five individuals standing side by side gazed at Mok Gyeong-un with varying expressions.

In fact, since this was the third time, most of them had no particular feelings about receiving the top score.

However, they couldn’t help but react to the words that followed from Lee Ji-yeom.

“Prior to the final trial, those who have received top scores will be rewarded by our sect.”

‘!?’

Rewards?

Wasn’t it simply an honorary title?

However, there were only two individuals here who had received top scores.

Mok Gyeong-un and Mu Jang-yak.

Among them, three were in Mok Gyeong-un’s possession.

Regardless of what the benefits were, it was almost as if he had a monopoly on them.

“Those who have obtained one top score will be rewarded with the Heavenly-Earth Pill, crafted from our sect’s secret method.”

‘!!!!!’

At these words, Yeon Mu-ung from the Esoteric Realm Gate and Mo Ha-rang from the Demon Fire Hall couldn’t hide their astonishment.

The Heavenly Earth Pill was a medicinal pill made from the Heaven and Earth Society’s secret method, and they had heard that the production and maturing process alone took ten years.

Moreover, the medicinal ingredients that went into a single pill were said to be worth a thousand gold, so the quantity was quite limited.

Yet, to think it would be given as a reward…

‘How fortunate.’

Although Mu Jang-yak didn’t show it, he was delighted inwardly.

Consuming the Heavenly Earth Pill, a refined medicinal pill, could grant one internal energy equivalent to nearly 10 to 15 years of cultivation.

-…shit. He changed the name.

‘The name?’

Mok Gyeong-un was puzzled by Cheong-ryeong’s sudden remark.

Cheong-ryeong then snorted and said, -It’s not Heavenly Earth Pill, but Moonlight Pill^[1]. The Heaven and Earth Society’s secret method, my ass.

Judging by her anger, it seemed there was some untold story behind this that only she knew.

As they were contemplating, Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom continued, “Here is the benefit for those who possess two top score plaques. They may enter the Corpse Blood Valley Treasure Vault and obtain a secret manual of their choice. Naturally, most of them are secret manuals of the Ascending Martial Arts.”

‘Ascending Martial Arts^[2]!’

At the mention of the second benefit, everyone’s interest was piqued for the first time.