‘Ah…’

At the mention of the Ascending Martial Arts, Mu Jang-yak’s expression turned regretful.

That was because he had heard rumors about the Corpse Blood Valley Treasure Vault.

He had heard that it contained copies of numerous secret manuals of the Ascending Martial Arts from the Heaven and Earth Society’s main headquarters, along with various martial arts secret manuals that were partially absent even in the main headquarters.

Any martial artist who didn’t show interest would be the strange one.

‘The Ascending Martial Arts of Corpse Blood Valley…’

This interest was shared by Mok Yu-cheon as well.

In his case, he had always been passionate about martial arts, so he couldn’t help but be curious.

These were the Ascending Martial Arts of the Heaven and Earth Society, which currently dominated a third of the martial arts world.

One couldn’t help but wonder what kind of techniques they possessed.

On the other hand,

‘Is this really considered a special reward?’

Mok Gyeong-un didn’t have any particular feelings about it.

Although his goal was to cultivate martial arts and become stronger for the sake of revenge, he had doubts about whether learning many techniques would truly be helpful.

-The more, the better.

‘The more, the better?’

As if reading his thoughts, Cheong-ryeong said,

-Learning many martial arts doesn’t necessarily make one vastly stronger, but the more martial arts one knows, the broader their perspective becomes, and their range of experience also expands.

‘Hmm.’

Broadening one’s perspective, huh?

In that sense, would it be beneficial to learn as many martial arts as possible?

As they were contemplating, Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom, who was on the platform, spoke again.

“It’s been quite a while since someone obtained three top score plaques.”

“It seems so. Has it been about 8 years? That guy… no, it’s not that guy anymore. It’s been a long time since then.”

“Indeed. Is this the third time?”

Since the establishment of Corpse Blood Valley, Mok Gyeong-un was the third person to obtain three top score plaques.

At this point, Mok Gyeong-un, who was standing in front, asked out of curiosity,

“I’m just asking out of curiosity, but has anyone ever obtained four or more?”

Considering just the trials themselves, there were a total of six trials in Corpse Blood Valley.

However, in reality, there were no top score plaques for the fourth and final trials.

Therefore, if one were to obtain the maximum number of top score plaques, it would be possible to acquire four.

In response to Mok Gyeong-un’s question, Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi frowned and said in a displeased tone,

“How dare you ask the Valley Master…”

“Gwak-daeju. Right now, he is a unit leader^[1].”

Just as Gwak Mun-gi was about to lash out, Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom reminded him of this fact.

At this, Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi bit his lip.

As a unit leader, Mok Gyeong-un held a higher position than himself, who could be considered a senior warrior, but in his mind, he still didn’t acknowledge this brat.

However, he couldn’t make a mistake in front of the Valley Master, so he adjusted his tone to show a little more respect.

“Unit Leader Mok. The trials are not over yet, so please refrain from casually asking questions to the Valley Master.”

At those words, Mok Gyeong-un silently looked at Valley Master Lee Ji-yeom.

Seeing this, Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi was dumbfounded and distorted his expression fiercely, but,

“Since the establishment of Corpse Blood Valley, there has been only one person who acquired all the top score plaques.”

‘Valley Master?’

Gwak Mun-gi glanced at Lee Ji-yeom with a slightly perplexed expression.

Normally, he wouldn’t have responded to the cadets in a gentle or soft manner, even if they were about to enter the final stage.

Yet, he was answering such a question.

‘Why is he acting this way?’

Could it be because he considered this fellow to be a spy sent by the Sect Leader?

If that were the case, it would be understandable to show him some courtesy, but why would the Sect Leader use a hostage brought from the righteous faction to test or monitor the Valley Master?

In any case, the Valley Master’s attitude was quite unexpected.

‘Someone acquired all of them?’

Interest gleamed in Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes.

He himself had never experienced a formation before and had never controlled anyone, so he hadn’t received the top score in the sword formation trial.

Yet, there was someone who had obtained all of them…

‘They must be incredible.’

In fact, although Mok Gyeong-un himself wasn’t aware of it, even though he had only properly cultivated martial arts for a short time, obtaining this many top score plaques was truly remarkable.

Perhaps if he had properly cultivated martial arts from the beginning, he might have become the second person to obtain all the top score plaques since the establishment of Corpse Blood Valley.

‘It’s too scary to ask.’

Out of pure curiosity, he wanted to ask who had achieved such a feat, but Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi was glaring at him with fiery eyes, making it difficult to inquire further.

Perhaps noticing this, Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom said,

“If your doubts have been resolved, I will now announce the reward for those who have obtained three top score plaques.”

“Yes.”

“Those who have obtained three top score plaques…”

The gazes of the cadets concentrated on Lee Ji-yeom’s face.

If this was the level of reward given for obtaining two top score plaques, what kind of benefits would be bestowed upon those who had acquired three?

“Apart from the final trial, they can request guidance from one of the sect’s top masters, namely the Five Kings, Three Chief Masters, or the Four Valley Masters, the Twelve Elders.”

‘!!!!!!!!’

As soon as those words were uttered, everyone’s expressions changed drastically.

Of course, by everyone, it was mainly Mu Jang-yak, Yeon Mu-ung from the Esoteric Realm Gate, and Mo Ha-rang from the Demon Fire Hall who directly reacted.

They were under the Heaven and Earth Society and knew better than anyone how incredible this benefit was.

‘To be able to request guidance from one of the Heaven and Earth Society’s top masters?’

‘They provide rewards to this extent?’

‘…Ah.’

Throughout one’s life, how often would one have the opportunity to receive guidance from peak experts or those at the pinnacle realm?

Moreover, those extraordinary masters were among the most prominent figures in the Heaven and Earth Society.

This was something they couldn’t help but envy.

Even Mok Yu-cheon, who had initially listened without much thought, noticed their envious gazes and suddenly realized it.

‘Ah!’

Among the Heaven and Earth Society’s executives, two of them were part of the Six Heavens and Eight Stars.

The Six Heavens and Eight Stars were regarded as the supreme masters, regardless of faction, and two of the Five Kings were included among those Eight Stars.

A peerless expert at the Elder level who had surpassed the peak and reached the realm of Transformation.

If the benefit was to receive guidance from one of them…

‘shit.’

Having left the righteous faction’s camp, this was somewhat enviable.

It was unclear whether one would become a disciple or learn some of their martial arts, but the opportunity to receive guidance from such peerless experts was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

In fact, it could be considered an incredible fortune.

-There’s no need to think about this, mortal.

No need to think about it?

-There are two experts in the realm of Transformation. Choose one of them and learn from them what you can’t learn from this venerable one. As they have surpassed the peak, it will greatly aid your enlightenment.

Even Cheong-ryeong seemed to consider this a considerably good benefit.

If that was the case, it wasn’t bad.

As they were contemplating, Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom continued,

“If there is someone you desire, it would be wise to consider it in advance. If you enter the main headquarters, the opportunity will be given.”

“Yes.”

“The final trial will be conducted once you arrive at the main headquarters tomorrow. Before that, the holders of the top score plaques will receive their rewards, and the rest will have time to rest.”

With those words, Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom was about to step down from the platform.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un said,

“May I ask what benefits are given to those who have obtained all the top score plaques?”

‘This brat again!’

Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi frowned.

He was asking the Valley Master questions again without restraint.

It was really displeasing…

“They can receive guidance from the Sect Leader.”

At that moment, silence fell.

Although he didn’t understand why the Valley Master was showing such leniency to this guy, seeing their reactions was quite amusing.

Gwak Mun-gi could see what those below the platform were thinking.

‘Why is he doing this?’

On the other hand, Mok Gyeong-un couldn’t comprehend their reactions.

Why were they so surprised?

“Since the Valley Master has left, unit leader Mok should also step down from the platform.”

Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi said to him in a strained voice.

As Mok Gyeong-un descended, he asked Mo Ha-rang from the Demon Fire Hall with a puzzled look,

“Is receiving guidance from the Sect Leader such a shocking matter?”

‘!?’

At those words, Mo Ha-rang looked at him as if asking if he truly didn’t know.

Why was he acting like this?

As he was wondering, she spoke in a slightly trembling voice,

“The Sect Leader is one of the Six Heavens, regarded as the pinnacle of the current martial arts world. Putting everything else aside, to receive guidance from one of the six strongest individuals in the world…”

She couldn’t finish her sentence.

That’s how astonishing the reward was for obtaining all the top score plaques.

Of course, no one in this batch had achieved it, but if they had known about this prerequisite from the beginning, everyone might have faced the trials with the determination to die.

That’s how supreme the reputation of the Six Heavens was.

‘Is it that incredible?’

Judging by their even more intense reactions compared to receiving guidance from the executives, it seemed to be a truly remarkable thing for them.

As they were contemplating, Cheong-ryeong’s voice rang in his ears.

-Six Heavens? Ha…

Her voice was filled with irritation.

In fact, through Mo Ha-rang’s words, she had also learned that the Heaven and Earth Society’s Sect Leader was one of the Six Heavens, regarded as the pinnacle of the current martial arts world.

Upon discovering this, she seemed considerably displeased.

Well, it was quite understandable.

For her, the existence of the Heaven and Earth Society’s Sect Leader, whether in the past or present, was akin to the final destination of her grudge.

‘…The challenges have grown significantly.’

Mok Gyeong-un clicked his tongue inwardly.

The Heaven and Earth Society’s Sect Leader was someone close to the pinnacle of the martial arts world…

Although he wasn’t particularly bound by it as his grandfather’s revenge took priority, fulfilling her grudge was becoming increasingly difficult.

***

In the forest not far from the main building of Corpse Blood Valley.

Mok Gyeong-un was following Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi.

Gwak Mun-gi found Mok Gyeong-un unpleasant, so he remained silent throughout the journey.

Soon, they reached a steep cliff.

Pointing at the cliff that seemed difficult to climb even with lightness skills, Gwak Mun-gi spoke without looking back,

“Follow closely.”

-Whoosh!

Gwak Mun-gi utilized his lightness skills and ascended the steep cliff.

He quickly found footholds as if he were familiar with it, climbing at a considerable speed.

‘Let’s see if he can properly keep up.’

Come to think of it, he had never properly witnessed the fellow’s lightness skill proficiency.

Could he truly follow along on such a steep cliff?

Just as he was thinking that,

-Tap tap tap!

‘Huh?’

Gwak Mun-gi glanced down.

Mok Gyeong-un had already caught up to him, right beneath him.

‘This bastard…’

It was absurd.

He himself had been wandering around Corpse Blood Valley for a long time, so he could move faster than anyone else anywhere, but this fellow was different.

Moreover, with mere first-rate martial arts, how could he climb the cliff at a speed similar to his own?

Of course, the reason was simple.

‘There, there it is.’

Mok Gyeong-un was following along by memorizing the spots where Gwak Mun-gi had stepped.

Wherever Gwak Mun-gi had passed, there were undoubtedly footholds to step on and climb, so by remembering them and following along, it wasn’t particularly difficult.

Because of this, Gwak Mun-gi was annoyed and kept clicking his tongue.

‘Damn bastard.’

He had intended to teach him a lesson, but it didn’t work, making him even more irritated.

He had planned to reprimand him, saying that a unit leader couldn’t even do this much if he couldn’t keep up properly, but that idea had become meaningless.

-Tap!

Finally, Gwak Mun-gi, who had been climbing the cliff, abruptly entered somewhere that seemed blocked.

It was clearly blocked, but his body naturally passed through.

‘A formation?’

Thanks to diviner Jo Ui-gong, Mok Gyeong-un had experienced formations before, so without any hesitation, he followed Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi and entered through the cliff.

Upon entering,

-Whoosh!

A large cavern with torches lit in various places was revealed.

In the center, a man who appeared to be in his fifties, covered in scars, was sitting on a stone chair with his arms crossed.

In front of him was Gwak Mun-gi, who had entered earlier,

‘Tsk.’

Seeing Mok Gyeong-un pass through the blocked wall and enter in one go, he couldn’t hide his disappointment.

As they were standing there, the scar-covered man stood up and said,

“I wondered what was going on, but it’s been a while.”

“Yes, it has.”

“It’s been about eight years since then, right?”

“That’s correct. So, I brought him here for the reward and to let him enter the treasure vault.”

At Gwak Mun-gi’s words, the scar-covered man turned his gaze toward Mok Gyeong-un.

Then, with a puzzled expression, he said,

“He’s a peculiar brat. He appears to be at most a first-rate level, but how did he obtain three top score plaques?”

Based on the man’s qi perception, Mok Gyeong-un’s level was at most barely reaching the first-rate realm.

Yet, to come here, one needed three top score plaques.

It shouldn’t have been possible with mere martial arts of this level.

In response, Mok Gyeong-un said,

“Excuse me, but who are you?”

“Are you referring to me?”

“Yes.”

“Hahahahaha. I am the guardian of the treasure vault here in Corpse Blood Valley.”

“The guardian?”

As Mok Gyeong-un questioned, Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi spoke in a warning tone,

“He is Unit Leader Yang Mu-won, who is in charge of the treasure vault. If you displease him, you may end up trapped in the mechanical traps of the treasure vault, so show some respect…”

“Ah, ah. That’s enough. Since when have I cared about such things?”

“…”

Their dynamics were quite mismatched.

As they were conversing, the scar-covered man, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won, waved his hands and said,

“You may leave now.”

“What?”

“Or are you planning to keep waiting here? You should know that it’s not allowed.”

“…I understand. I will step back and wait below.”

“Good.”

At guardian Yang Mu-won’s order to leave, Gwak Mun-gi passed through the illusory cliff wall created by the formation and went outside.

As he left, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won asked Mok Gyeong-un,

“Shall we finish the conversation we were having earlier? How did you manage to obtain three top score plaques?”

In response to his question, Mok Gyeong-un slightly tilted his head and said,

“Naturally, I obtained them because I performed better than others, right?”

“…”

At these words, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won, who had been frowning, suddenly laughed heartily.

“Hahahahaha. Right. That’s a valid point. The Valley Master wouldn’t have given the top score plaques to someone worthless.”

“…”

Mok Gyeong-un showed no reaction.

Seeing this, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won, who had been laughing boisterously, felt awkward and scratched his head.

‘Oh my.’

The person who had come eight years ago at least had some level of communication, but this kid’s reactions were somewhat dull, making it uninteresting.

Well, it was regrettable, but his task wasn’t to engage in conversation.

Unit Leader Yang Mu-won turned his body and gestured.

“Follow me.”

“Yes.”

Mok Gyeong-un followed behind him.

Then, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won pointed his finger towards the depths of the cave and said,

“If you go inside, there is a treasure vault containing secret manuals. As you may have heard, you can only take out one secret manual from the treasure vault. Even then, you must copy it here before leaving with it.”

“Yes.”

“You will be given about one sichen (two hours) to carefully make your selection. If you fail to choose anything within that time, you must leave empty-handed according to the rules. Understood?”

“Yes.”

“Ah. And there is a place marked with a red line. It’s best if you don’t enter there.”

“What?”

As Mok Gyeong-un questioned, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won spoke as if trying to scare him.

“In the past, something happened there… No. You don’t need to know that much. Anyway, if you cross the red line, you’ll see something truly terrifying. So, don’t ignore my warning.”

‘Something terrifying?’

He was rambling incoherently, making it difficult to understand what he meant.

As he was puzzling over it, a large iron door came into view.

Unit Leader Yang Mu-won placed his hand on the empty wall beside it and fiddled with something.

-Creeak! Thud!

The iron door opened on its own, revealing the interior.

Inside, there was a cavern much larger than the entrance, and the entire walls on all sides were densely filled with secret manuals.

Pointing inside, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won grinned and said,

“If you haven’t thought about it beforehand, just selecting the desired secret manual will be quite a headache. I’ll let you know when the time is up, so remember, one sichen.”

“Yes.”

“Now, go inside.”

As Mok Gyeong-un was about to step inside,

He suddenly paused and said,

“Ah! May I ask one thing?”

“What is it?”

“I can only take out one secret manual, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Just skimming through them shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

“What kind of question is that? Of course, you need to skim through the contents to choose a suitable secret manual. We won’t make an issue out of something like that.”

At his words, Mok Gyeong-un’s lips curled as he said,

“That’s quite fortunate.”