Chapter 67 - The 'First' Gate of the Hellish Regular Exam

Having torn the Dragon-Phoenix Summit in half from the inside before stepping out, I smiled at the distant look on Jong Byeokgi's face I had seen last.

"Since that guy with absolutely no popularity is left all alone, it will be hard for him to scheme against the Taiyi Sect."

Whether it was Hwa Jeongsan or Jong Byeokgi, they were both sons of bitches to me in my past life.

Moreover, today's events didn't mean I had forgotten my grudge against Hwa Jeongsan.

'It is never too late for a gentleman's revenge, even if it takes ten years.'

Anyway, since I had split up those two damn bastards who used to work so perfectly together when doing bad things, it would take them ages just to mend their relationship.

In the meantime, the Taiyi Sect simply had to finish its preparations step by step.

Right then.

"Hmm?"

I sensed a familiar presence and gradually slowed my pace.

"Young Master Jin..."

Moyong Seol, who had appeared at some point, called out to me with a cautious expression.

I answered gladly.

"Lady Seol. Is there something you need?"

"Uh... well..."

Moyong Seol lowered her head and lightly kicked the ground.

Seeing a behavior from her that I had never witnessed in my past life, a smile unconsciously formed on my lips.

"You can speak comfortably. You are my guest, after all."

"I... wanted to apologize for yesterday."

"Yesterday?"

"Yes... I said something unnecessary."

"Hmm?"

I searched my memory to see if she had made any mistakes toward me, but she had only acted like herself. She hadn't made any mistakes against me.

"What are you referring to?"

"... When I asked if you were pushing Hwa Jeongsan too hard... I spoke from a shallow understanding, without knowing how Jianghu works. I want to apologize."

Moyong Seol's face turned bright red.

So that was it. Her face flushed red like this when she was shy.

I couldn't hold back my laughter.

"Hahaha, what do you mean... That's a completely natural thing to say."

"... Excuse me?"

"Even if I had my reasons, it is true that I pushed him harshly. I don't think what you said was wrong."

"..."

"In fact, thanks to your words, I was able to avoid being disappointed in the Dragon-Phoenix Summit. If the Dragon-Phoenix Summit ignored ideal morality in favor of the logic of power, wouldn't that make us no different from the Underworld?"

Moyong Seol blankly opened her mouth.

There were truly so many different expressions on her young face.

In my memories of my past life, she only had a weak smile on her lips and a sad expression trying to hold back tears.

Every single one of these expressions brought me immense joy.

"My lady. I like that side of you."

"What? Wh-What do you mean..."

Moyong Seol's eyes widened like a startled rabbit, as if she had just been struck by lightning.

Just watching her varied expressions was delightful. Was this why the title of a nation-toppling beauty always followed her?

When did she lose this side of herself?

If it was after Moyong Sangwon's death, then I had practically received my full reward for saving him.

"Ah... I meant that I like your upright nature."

At my words, Moyong Seol made a somewhat disappointed expression.

"Ah... I see."

I still had many debts to repay Moyong Seol.

"I hope you don't feel any guilt. If you do... wouldn't I feel sorry, thinking I had changed you?"

Moyong Seol's pupils shook violently.

After holding that expression for quite a while, Moyong Seol suddenly snapped out of it and blushed again.

"Ah... um, I also heard that you saved my father."

"Ahaha. You could have taken your time finding that out."

I scratched my head in embarrassment.

"I apologize. I should have thanked you earlier. I had no idea..."

Moyong Seol bowed her head deeply.

I quickly helped her up and met her eyes.

"My lady. I simply returned what I had once received. You make me feel ashamed when you act like this."

"... Uh, um... your hand..."

"Oh my, I grabbed it without realizing."

Reluctantly, I let go of the hand I had subtly taken hold of.

"My lady. Meeting you is very precious to me. That is why I hope we can interact comfortably."

"Pardon? What do you..."

"But if you feel sorry or carry a burden in your heart toward me, won't it be hard for us to meet comfortably?"

"Th-That's true."

"So please treat me comfortably. That is better for me as well."

Moyong Seol, whose face had now turned as red as a ripe persimmon, barely managed to answer.

"... Okay."

* * *

"To what extent is it completed?"

The next day, I sought out Yu Jiryang along with Zhuge Cheongi.

After exchanging light greetings, Yu Jiryang immediately guided us to the site where the Qimen array was being installed.

Now that the decision to seal the sect had been made, completing the Qimen array and the mechanical mechanisms to block outside intruders was more urgent than anything else.

The Qimen array was intentionally being constructed by building walls over a wider area than the Taiyi Sect's original grounds.

Just as I had suggested, my father bought up the empty land surrounding the Taiyi Sect, built walls matching that expanded size first, and was carrying out the construction by installing the Qimen array there.

"It's still only at thirty percent."

"Is that so?"

When I raised a question because the progress seemed lower than expected, Yu Jiryang chuckled.

For some reason, Yu Jiryang looked even more emaciated than when he had come out of the Demonic Spirit Plateau.

"Hmm... It's slower than I thought."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because we might need to activate the array a bit sooner."

"Is that so? ... That shouldn't be a big problem."

"If it's at thirty percent... isn't it still too early to operate the array?"

"If we had only installed the standard Qimen array, it would already be over eighty percent complete by now... but we decided to build it using a new method this time. Thanks to that, even if we activate it in its current state, it will still operate to some extent."

"A new method?"

Instead of answering, Yu Jiryang shifted his gaze to look at Zhuge Cheongi standing next to him.

Looking at my confused expression, Zhuge Cheongi unrolled a large sheet of paper.

"It's a method I conceptualized that combines the Qimen array and mechanical mechanisms into one."

'... He combined the two into one? Is that even possible?'

This was something that the Zhuge Cheongi of my past life hadn't even attempted.

He had only continued researching mechanical mechanisms that could be helpful in terms of cost-effectiveness, after all.

"Thanks to Great Warrior Yu Jiryang, we are now able to install the mechanical mechanisms within the Qimen array."

At Cheongi's words, I looked at Yu Jiryang, who was smiling bitterly.

"It is thanks to Young Master Cheongi's outstanding skills rather than anything I did. Even the array masters of my sect expressed their doubts at first, but they eventually had no choice but to throw up their hands in defeat at the blueprints Young Master Cheongi presented."

To put it briefly, it went like this.

The Qimen array combined with mechanical mechanisms would handle intruders without any human intervention by installing the mechanisms right inside the array.

People who entered the array wouldn't be able to escape even if they had deep knowledge of Qimen arrays unless they also understood the mechanical mechanisms, and vice versa.

"My sect was surprised by this new method and is currently looking for ways to further elevate this concept."

The Mount Mao Sect had always been one step behind the Zhuge Clan.

It meant they saw the possibility of surpassing them through Cheongi's mechanical array.

"This is all... thanks to Young Master Cheongi."

Yu Jiryang was looking at Zhuge Cheongi, smiling with an incredibly exhausted face.

Feeling proud, I stroked Cheongi's head, and the boy rolled his head around like a puppy.

Seeing him like this made me forget the fact that he was an unprecedented genius.

Watching this, Yu Jiryang bowed his head to me.

"I would also like to express my gratitude to Great Warrior Jin. Thanks to you, my eyes have been opened to a wider world."

"In the end, doesn't all of that become a 'help' to our Taiyi Sect?"

When I smirked, a flash of anxiety crossed Yu Jiryang's face for a moment.

Man, he catches on quick.

"... Are you referring to this? As it is, we already don't have enough hours in the day, what with studying and improving the array every single day."

"Hmm... Would it be a nuisance if I asked you to keep that old promise at a time like this?"

Yu Jiryang suddenly shrank his shoulders.

On the other hand, Zhuge Cheongi looked at me with sparkling eyes.

I pulled out a booklet from my chest detailing the experiences I had inside the Soul-Extinguishing Array and handed it over.

"In the latter stages of the Boundless Indestructible Soul-Extinguishing Array, I was able to return to the original path even though I wasn't on it. I have written down my enlightenments and records regarding that, so I hope it will be of help."

Yu Jiryang's lips trembled as he looked at the booklet.

In contrast, Zhuge Cheongi immediately looked excited as he read through the records.

I asked Yu Jiryang with an unfazed face.

"Great Warrior Yu, since things have turned out this way, how about we incorporate the effects of the Boundless Indestructible Soul-Extinguishing Array into our array as well?"

"Pardon?"

It's totally obvious you're pretending not to understand.

I flashed him an even deeper smile.

"I think it would be even better."

"Pardon?"

Yu Jiryang continued to pretend he hadn't heard.

* * *

At Hong Mungi's summons, I headed to the Grand Sage Hall.

The celebratory drinks from the previous day must have gone on quite late, as the faces of Hong Mungi, Kang Chaeseok, and my father were filled with exhaustion.

"I told you we needed to prepare to soar, yet it looks like you're all ready to collapse instead."

At my words, Kang Chaeseok spoke to Hong Mungi as if tattling.

"Look at this, Sect Leader. Just look at the insolent way that brat speaks. Doesn't he treat a Hall Leader like a dog he raised?"

Knowing the relationship between Kang Chaeseok and me, Hong Mungi only chuckled. He then got straight to the point.

"Great Warrior Moyong Gang said he would take exchange disciples this time. Furthermore, he offered to assist those exchange disciples with digesting the Cheongmyeong Pills."

"I see."

"Who do you think would be best to send as the two disciples?"

"Two of them? Didn't he say he would give us three Cheongmyeong Pills?"

Hong Mungi smiled warmly.

"Shouldn't you, the Eldest Senior Brother of the generational disciples, be included as well?"

"Uh..."

Despite my troubled expression, Hong Mungi just shook his head.

"Do not yield this for the sake of your junior disciples. The Wind God Breaking Sword himself said he would personally instruct you. Missing this opportunity makes no sense."

As Hong Mungi said this, a look of reassurance and deep affection glimmered on his face.

Hmm, it seems he's misunderstanding something...

"No... It's not that. I cannot go."

"Hmm? Why is that?"

I gave him a cheerful reply.

"Because I have to take the standard exam for the Murim Academy."

"...!?"

The atmosphere instantly shifted, and Jin Taesan and Kang Chaeseok jumped to their feet.

"What?!"

"What did you say, you punk?!"

Watching them scream in shock, I just shrugged.

"The timing wouldn't match up, would it?"

At my calm and composed words, even Hong Mungi looked utterly dumbfounded.

Looking at all the eyes gathered on me one by one, I gave them a grin.

"Didn't I tell you half a year ago? I said I had a plan for the future of the Taiyi Sect."

* * *

The Dragon-Phoenix Summit left early in the morning.

None of the junior disciples clung to the Dragon-Phoenix Summit members begging for stamps as they bid farewell to the Sect Leader and the elders.

They only sent them glares full of hostility.

Following them, Moyong Gang and the three selected disciples prepared to leave.

Hong Mungi had opposed the standard exam until the very end, but when I argued that passing the Murim Academy was necessary to protect the junior disciples when they went to the Murim Alliance in the future, he eventually gave his silent permission.

I thought the Geum-eun-dong Brothers would go to the Moyong Noble Clan, but in the end, Kang Yuseong and two other children were sent as exchange disciples.

I heard the Sect Leader had clutched his head when they declared they would follow me to take the standard exam.

I naturally assumed the Sect Leader wouldn't allow the three Geum-eun-dong Brothers to take the standard exam, so I was rather curious to hear that they had somehow managed to persuade him and get permission to take it too.

"Eldest Senior Brother... is it really okay for me to go?"

Kang Yuseong spoke nervously, glancing around at the other junior disciples.

Truthfully, I was the one who recommended Kang Yuseong.

Whether looking at seniority or time spent at the sect, it was true that Kang Yuseong was at a disadvantage.

But he possessed talent and dedication that completely overcame those factors.

In my past life, he had incredibly reached the level of a Sword Fanatic purely through self-study.

I couldn't even imagine what kind of being that Sword Fanatic would become if he received teachings from the Wind God Breaking Sword during his childhood.

"Yuseong. Do you think going as an exchange disciple is a privilege?"

"... Isn't it?"

Seeing his wavering eyes, I shook my head.

"No. You are going as an exchange disciple to bear a responsibility."

"A responsibility?"

"Yes. The responsibility of taking the lead on behalf of the other junior disciples who couldn't receive these teachings. You are going to fulfill that responsibility."

The junior disciples listening in from behind gave faint nods.

Kang Yuseong also slightly lowered his head, deep in thought.

"... Ah."

"Therefore, you must dedicate yourself entirely to your training without wasting a single day. Because while you are gone, the disciples remaining at the Taiyi Sect will be learning the true inheritance of the Taiyi Sword Emperor."

The boy raised his head. There was no longer any hesitation in his eyes.

"I will risk my life to learn and return, cherishing every single quarter-hour."

The kids' resolve had become terrifyingly firm these days.

Seriously, it wasn't like I could tell them to take it easy, *ahem*.

I patted his shoulder, pointlessly hiding my joy.

"... Well, don't go as far as risking your life. You have your sisters waiting for you."

While I was saying that, Moyong Gang, having finished his greetings with all the elders of the Taiyi Sect, approached us, leading Moyong Seol, Moyong Jaehwa, and Jong Byeokgi, who had his broken arm in a splint.

"The juniors are better than their Eldest Senior Brother. At least the young junior disciples aren't just thinking about messing around like their Eldest Senior Brother."

"Am I just messing around? I am also doing my absolute best."

"Tsk tsk. You had better work hard. It won't be long before these three kids I'm taking catch up and grab their Eldest Senior Brother by the hair."

Because of Moyong Gang's playful smile, I couldn't control my expression.

Hadn't the most important, touching moment for the Taiyi Sect been completely shattered because of Moyong Gang's pranks?

I politely cupped my fists.

"I have one thing I would like to ask."

"What is it?"

"If, by chance, you are beaten by someone during your eccentric travels, are you being beaten as an eccentric? Or will it count as being beaten in your true identity as Senior Moyong Gang?"

It was the part I was most curious about.

Moyong Gang looked dumbfounded for a moment at my question before bursting into laughter.

"Haha, look at this guy. You still haven't come to your senses. Sect Leader Hong!"

"Ah! No! I was just asking out of curiosity!"

Soon, a mischievous smile hung on the lips of Moyong Gang as he clasped his hands behind his back.

"I'd be beaten as an eccentric."

"Oho! Is that so?"

"However, if I get too annoyed by it, I might take the beating as Moyong Gang instead."

"I heard you were truly committed to your eccentric travels. I am disappointed."

"Hehehe. It's a shame you aren't coming with us."

Moyong Gang, who briefly cast his gaze toward Moyong Seol, looked back at me.

"I also have something to ask."

"What is it?"

The inexplicable heat I felt in his eyes was surely just my imagination...

"Is there a maiden you've promised to marry?"

"... What kind of question is that all of a sudden?"

"I'm just asking. Wondering if your father has arranged a marriage for you."

As if there would be.

I let out a hollow laugh and replied.

"Senior, we are the Taiyi Sect. In Hefei, they say a woman is better off marrying an escort agency's porter than a warrior of the Taiyi Sect."

"So you don't. Then what about a maiden you fancy?"

"Why do you keep asking about such things?"

For a split second, I found myself instinctively stealing a glance at Moyong Seol's face.

Moyong Seol was also looking this way with sparkling eyes, and the moment our eyes met, she quickly looked away.

"Tsk tsk, so you don't. Still, who would even give a shabby fellow like you the time of day anyway?"

There is nothing this old man won't say.

"Senior? Where are you heading for your next eccentric journey? I absolutely must know."

"I will be staying at the noble clan for a while. I have kids to teach for the first time in a long time. Haha."

Moyong Gang, who had been roaring with laughter, suddenly spoke with a serious expression.

"You remember that you owe me a debt, right?"

"..."

It was the promise made when Moyong Gang stepped in to block Jong Byeokgi.

"I remember. What do you want?"

"I won't use it now. If I used it now, it would be far too lopsided in our favor. But make sure you remember clearly. I've got dibs on you."

"...?"

Living up to his title as the Eccentric Warrior, Moyong Gang spouted words whose meaning was impossible to decipher.

Seeing that Moyong Gang was about to depart, I quickly cupped my fists to Moyong Seol and Moyong Jaehwa.

"Have a safe journey, and I hope we can meet again."

"... Ah, yes. See you next time."

Perhaps still unable to fully erase her feelings of apology toward me, Moyong Seol cupped her fists with a bright red face.

"Great Warrior Jin! We didn't get to converse this time, but next time, this Moyong Jaehwa definitely wants to have a long talk with you."

Moyong Jaehwa spoke with bright, shining eyes, and I looked back at him with a gaze filled with mixed emotions.

'Now that I think about it, I wasn't able to tell him anything.'

His youth was riddled with wandering. Spending a long time in frustration and pain was his future, yet I hadn't been able to give him a single word of advice because I was too busy with my own affairs.

I quickly lowered my voice as much as possible and spoke to him in a whisper.

"Young Master Jaehwa. Listen to me carefully."

"Yes?"

"Don't get too fixated on the sword."

"...??"

Moyong Jaehwa's expression showed he had no idea what I meant. However, with the Patriarch Moyong Gang glaring with fiery eyes, this was the only thing I could tell him.

"Not everyone has to achieve greatness with the sword."

The moment Moyong Gang noticed something suspicious and looked this way, I quickly cupped my fists and spoke.

"I also hope Young Master Jaehwa finds a path of his own."

Moyong Jaehwa still wore a bewildered expression.

Seeing that the farewells were over, Moyong Gang immediately stepped out of the Taiyi Sect. Smacking the head of Jong Byeokgi, who was falling behind, was just an added bonus.

* * *

I packed my belongings and headed out to the training ground.

Standing there were Kang Chaeseok and my father, whose face was full of exhaustion.

He must have been having so much fun working that he didn't even realize he stayed up all night. What would happen if his health deteriorated at this rate...

"Father, how about taking some restorative medicine?"

"...!"

Touched by my filial piety, my father rushed over to hug me, and upon seeing the Geum-eun-dong Brothers arriving together, Kang Chaeseok barely managed to stop my father from showing his intense affection.

The Geum-eun-dong Brothers were wearing identical black martial robes, with simple bundles placed neatly by their sides.

"Did you get matching martial robes?"

Geumpyo replied.

"Are we not the junior disciples of the Great Warrior Black Flame Dragon?"

Ah, that damn Black Flame Dragon.

I clutched my throbbing head.

"... Let me tell you in advance, I really don't like that title."

The Geum-eun-dong Brothers tilted their heads in the same direction at exactly the same time.

"It's a title that even has 'Dragon' in it, Senior Brother. You're also carrying the Black Dragon Sword."

"... That's exactly it. It's definitely a good title, but I just don't like it."

Eunho, who had been quietly listening to my words, casually threw in a comment.

"You've been thoroughly spoiled."

"What, you brat?"

There was nothing these guys wouldn't say to their Eldest Senior Brother.

I stared at the three brothers one by one.

"But why insist on following me? Now that the Taiyi Sect has powerful martial arts, wouldn't it be better to stay here and learn them? The Murim Academy's standard exam is truly no joke."

Even a single mistake could put your life in danger.

It isn't called the hellish standard exam for nothing.

"Didn't you say so, Senior Brother? That shedding blood for our brothers and sisters proves that we are true disciples of the Taiyi Sect."

"... Huh?? What kind of nonsense is that?"

This was the first I had ever heard of it.

There was no way someone with absolute memory like me could be mistaken.

"Didn't you also say that true disciples of the Taiyi Sect must even lay down their lives for the sect?"

"No, I'm telling you I never said that."

Ignoring my absolute memory, the Geum-eun-dong Brothers were just nodding amongst themselves.

"Besides, since you have absolute memory, couldn't you just teach us the martial arts directly, Senior Brother? Anyway, we did everything you ordered. We went up and down Mount Hwaun five times every day, and we completely matched the sword array you taught us."

"I told you three times."

Eunho smirked, curling the corners of his mouth.

"We figured that if we did it five times, you wouldn't be able to say you were going to leave us behind."

Honestly speaking, the bodies of the three brothers looked as sturdy as warriors who had trained in external martial arts.

"We'll see about that. If it doesn't meet my standards, you won't be coming with me."

"Should we start right now?"

"Yeah."

At that, the three brothers began to rummage through their bundles and pull something out.

Kang Chaeseok asked.

"Are you trying not to take them with you?"

"What in the world was the Sect Leader thinking when he allowed those kids to take the exam?"

"You didn't know? Those guys said other sects take the exam with dozens of warriors in tow, so how could you possibly take it alone? They declared they would absolutely get their Eldest Senior Brother into the Murim Academy before returning."

"..."

Honestly, who was supposedly getting whom into the academy...

Kang Chaeseok stared intently at the Geum-eun-dong boys with his hands clasped behind his back.

"Take them with you. Their training over this time has by no means been lacking."

"... What do you mean?"

"Look."

When I looked where Kang Chaeseok was pointing, the three Geum-eun-dong Brothers were covering their eyes with black cloth and plugging their ears with white cotton.

"Wait, how do they plan to execute a sword array like that?"

When I asked in astonishment, Kang Chaeseok tilted his head instead.

"Didn't you say that the three of them had to be in perfect sync without seeing, hearing, or speaking to each other?"

"No, that... that was just meant as an expression to be that in sync."

"Ha... You should be more careful with your words from now on. Just watch them closely. It'll be entertaining."

I stared at the three brothers with a skeptical look in my eyes.

"We will begin."

Geumryong struck the floor three times with his scabbard. Then, the three boys drew their swords in three directions simultaneously.

SHING—

They retrieved their swords, each changed positions once, and this time brought their swords down powerfully.

Afterward, they returned to their original spots, lunged forward simultaneously to execute the sword array, and then gathered together again to cover each other's backs.

The White Tiger Sword Form, which Zhuge Cheongi had created in the past based on the Murim Alliance's official martial art, the White Tiger Sword Technique, was being flawlessly executed by the three brothers.

"At first, they completely stopped sleeping. They practiced the sword array with wooden swords, and there wasn't a single day when they didn't get hurt. Then, in less than a fortnight, their hands and feet started syncing perfectly, and by the second month, they were in perfect harmony without even speaking. By the fourth month, they were executing the sword array with their ears plugged. Even I haven't seen them do it blindfolded before."

"..."

"I don't know what on earth is going through their heads to work that hard, but with that level of tenacity, they'll easily play the part of ten warriors."

Suppressing the sharp surge of emotion rising in my chest, I spoke.

"... Only ten? They'll easily do the work of a hundred."

Soon after, the three brothers finished the White Tiger Sword Array, took off their blindfolds, and cheered with each other after confirming their positions.

"Did you see that? Senior Brother? You have to keep your promise."

I barely managed to steady my voice and patted their shoulders.

"Got it. Grab your things. Please pass the word to the Sect Leader."

Kang Chaeseok also looked at us with a pleased expression and gave his advice.

"Be careful. If it seems too dangerous, just give up halfway. The Taiyi Sect now has many possibilities."

"I will return with the Admission Token."

Looking at my thoroughly exhausted father, I bowed deeply.

"I will be back."

"... You damn brat."

It seemed my father had recently made a mortal enemy.

* * *

Leaving the Taiyi Sect with the Geum-eun-dong Brothers, I arrived straight at the Murim Alliance's Hefei branch.

The area around the branch was a sea of diverse people.

Identical notices were plastered across one side of the Murim Alliance's wall, and young men equipped with various weapons were cursing as they read the postings.

"Ha! These crazy bastards!"

"Does this even make any sense!"

"Are they trying to recruit people or not!"

"This is exactly why it's always only those bastards from the Nine Sects and One Gang or the Five Great Noble Clans that get in!"

"Ah! Dammit!"

The people in front spat after checking the exam details and walked away.

"..."

Unaware of the reason, the Geum-eun-dong Brothers tilted their heads and began stepping forward little by little as the people in front cleared out.

And finally, when our group checked the notice.

Geumpyo asked with violently trembling eyes.

"This is a joke, right?"

Eunho let out a hollow laugh.

"Haha, honestly, Brother, of course it's a joke. ... Right?"

Dongryong blinked his eyes repeatedly, just waiting for my answer.

"..."

I had nothing else to tell them.

Because the Murim Academy's standard exam wasn't called the hellish standard exam for nothing.

● Murim Academy's Standard Exam - First Gate

Public Safety

Exam - Wipe out 1 or more bandit strongholds.

Description - The world is in chaos due to bandits threatening the safety of the people.

Therefore, those who have stepped forward to carry on the foundation of the Murim must establish justice without hesitation.

Condition -

● Only wipe out strongholds of a scale designated by the Murim Alliance or larger.

Subjugating larger strongholds will award higher scores.