036 ————————————————
Embroidered Uniform Guard (錦衣衛)
It was the fifth year after I had entered Blue Dragon Martial Club.
My body was fully grown up. I was teaching the students in the morning as a teacher, and at the same time, I was speeding up my personal training. The more I dug into martial arts, the more I realized my lack. Nevertheless, I have never felt less passionate, targeting the masters who were at the high stage. Although it has become difficult to receive direct teaching from Three-Absolute, Lee Kwang, there has never been a better time to train martial arts like now.
‘Only eight years… Shall I go challenge the Iron Blood Sect?’
It should be done something by now.
If I would be enough to defeat the first elder of Iron Blood Sect one-to-one, there would be few people who I would be afraid in Moorim! Moreover, considering that I was a member of Blue Dragon Martial Club, it was highly likely that he would not even try to behead me during the martial-arts contest. I planned to gain fame after I would have defeated him. I knew my talent was insufficient to aim for more than that. So, I was training day and night for ten years.
But my decade’s resolution was suddenly blocked. After the training was over on that day, Three-Absolute, Lee Kwang, called me to Waryong Hall. Then he said immediately, “Baek Woong, you were recommended to Embroidered Uniform Guard (錦衣衛) with the help of a friend of mine.”
“Excuse me?” I asked back, thinking if I heard wrong. However, Lee Kwang passed the next page of the book, which he had been quietly reading without saying much. It was his conversation method that he did not give any further explanation but gave a cold fact, so I realized what reality was like.
“Isn’t the top duty of Embroidered Uniform Guard to protect the Imperial Palace and the Imperial Family? I’ve heard that only the best of the people who passed the Imperial Military Examination can be a member of Embroidered Uniform Guard…”
Only about one hundred people are recruited in the Imperial Military Examination once a year; among them, ten people are selected for Embroidered Uniform Guard and trained separately, so it was not necessary to mention their ability.
In Two Sects Four Clans, the prestigious martial-arts sects of Luoyang, the only one student, who has come through the fierce competition, could pass the Imperial Military Examination. Furthermore, they should pass through another competition to be a member of Embroidered Uniform Guard.
From Mang-Liang, I had heard that even high-ranking officers could not let their son pass the examination to Embroidered Uniform Guard with the bribes. Embroidered Uniform Guard would not select any incompetent person to defend the Imperial Family.
Therefore, it was very unusual that I was recommended to Embroidered Uniform Guard, who was doing the job at Blue Dragon Martial Club in the province of Guanzhong, far away from Luoyang.
“You are good enough. Of course, you don’t make a progress to inherit my martial arts, but your ability is equivalent to the vice-chief on Embroidered Uniform Guard. You will be able to show more competence than anyone else in Embroidered Uniform Guard working there.”
Surprisingly, the evaluation of me by Lee Kwang was good.
The
vice-chief of Embroidered Uniform Guard was second in the four major positions of chief (總領), vice-chief (副總領), captain (千戶), guard (衛士). I heard of Embroidered Uniform Guard system from Mang-Liang when I planned to infiltrate the Imperial Palace. My ability seemed to have grown up to a degree that compared to the senior officer of Embroidered Uniform Guard.
Nonetheless, what I did not understand was not my ability. Originally, I was careful to act in front of Three-Absolute Lee Kwang, but I should ask the reason and the purpose of the recommendation.
“Isn’t it too sudden to hear about Embroidered Uniform Guard? Why am I…?”
Then, the master did not get angry and laughed.
“To make your Senior Brother, Jin So-Chung independent.”
“…?”
What was that supposed to mean? When I looked at him with an absurd eye, the master calmly continued.
“You know that your Senior Brother is sufficient to be a teacher in a single martial club. He has grown to the extent that he could become famous in Moorim.”
“… Yes, that’s right.”
I admitted Lee Kwang’s words. In retrospect, Jin So-Chung seemed to have surpassed the Peak-class when I first met him five years ago. It was a tremendous achievement compared to his age, and five years later, now, his status was not measured. It was certain that if he wandered around the Moorim right now and did the righteous activities, it would be possible to build a sect by a group of followers within a year.
“Yet, he’s not used to dealing with organizations and other people’s power tricks, and he would often face with some serious matters and be in trouble, because he’s too much clean and upright. It cannot be easily overcome by the wisdom of an individual, but it will be possible when someone helps and leads him from the side.”
I noticed the hidden meaning of Lee Kwang’s words.
“Do you want me to go to Embroidered Uniform Guard and help Senior Brother?”
“Yes, you may be the captain soon. Embroidered Uniform Guard is a group that focuses on the ability itself unlike other military departments. If you take a solid seat in the Imperial Palace, you can help him when he is in trouble later.”
“…”
“In addition, they’re suspicious, so we have to check them out.”
Obviously, by the words of Mang-Liang, I became to know that the authority of the high-ranking official of Embroidered Uniform Guard is considerable. Even other high-ranking officers make a flattery not to be disliked by Embroidered Uniform Guard, because they have the power to unilaterally mobilize all the patrol troops in the Imperial Palace. It is like a dream job for a military officer.
“When I first accepted you, I intended to raise you into an excellent teacher to bring prosperity to our martial club. But your ability has been very vague. It is a waste of time to leave you as a teacher, but it is not enough to be an inheritor of Lightning God’s Flow.”
Lee Kwang patted his beard.
“So, after much consideration, I recommended you to Embroidered Uniform Guard by mobilizing my connections. You can open up the world and it is a way to help your Senior Brother.”
“Well…”
I let the sound sink in…
Lee Kwang seemed to think that I might be confused by the sudden offer, but actually
actually I was concerned about the sudden choice.
‘So far, I have put other things aside as I have been aiming to improve my martial arts skills in this life, but I need to interpret Heavenly Dark Secret Book. For that interpretation, I should get the Nameless Ceremonial Book kept in the Imperial Palace. Only then can I unravel the secrets of my retrograde. I’ve just forgotten about it because it is impossible for me to penetrate the place where I could kill the Emperor, but this is a golden opportunity for me. It is a really unexpected opportunity.
If I become a member of Embroidered Uniform Guard and enter the Imperial Guard, it will be possible to get the Nameless Ceremonial Book. And I am confident that my martial arts skills have more than doubled from the time I died in the Iron Blood Sect.’
‘… This may be possible.’
Three-Absolute, Lee Kwang looked at me with calm eyes.
“But if you don’t want to, I’ll leave this offer out. As for me, I would like to respect your opinion to the best of my ability. I can’t help it if you want to continue working as a teacher.”
I answered, giving up all my hesitation. This was because it was such a great opportunity.
“No. I’d like to try it.”
“Is that so? Don’t you really regret it?”
“No.”
Three-Absolute, Lee Kwang seemed to elicit my reply. He nodded, handing me a crisp sealed letter.
“Then go to Luoyang tomorrow, and you will show this letter to the Sect Leader of Tai Sword Sect there.”
“The Sect Leader of Tai Sword Sect?”
“Yes, he is a longtime friend of mine.”
“…”
I was speechless for a moment.
Two Sects Four Clans in Luoyang!
Among them, the Sect Leader of Tai Sword Sect was an expert of the highest quality who defeated the elder of Huashan Sect (華山派) in hundred Moves. I heard that he was already a Super Peak-class expert, but the Sect Leader was a friend of Three-Absolute Lee Kwang.
Comparing to Lee Kwang, the external reputation was of course compared to the sun and a firefly, since the ability of Three-Absolute Lee Kwang has surpassed the Peak-class long ago. If the Sect Leader of Tai Sword Sect was aware of the essence of Three-Absolute Lee Kwang, he would surely welcome Three-Absolute Lee Kwang as an equal friend.
Lee Kwang said calmly, “You will borrow a seat in Tai Sword Sect and make your way in the world. However, you should be especially careful of words and actions in the sect.”
I realized what happened. Three-Absolute Lee Kwang asked his friend, the Sect Leader of Tai Sword Sect, and the Sect Leader decided to give me a seat in the Imperial Palace. I did not know what happened in detail, but it seemed obvious that Lee Kwang was so sure that I would never look good to the people in the Tai Sword Sect.
‘Oh, my God, they will kill me, but that’s a fair share to cover.’
I spoke in a dignified tone, “Yes. I’ll make sure it pays off.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll say hello to Senior Brother before I leave.”
“Of course.”
I then went to Jin So-Chung and informed him that I was attached to Embroidered Uniform Guard. He smiled and congratulated me on the fact that he already knew.
“Good! You may
You may become the chief of Embroidered Uniform Guard in the future.”
“Not that much.”
“Haha. It’s not a joke. You really have that ability.”
I was delighted to hear the encouragement of Jin So-Chung. In fact, I had the overwhelming martial arts achieved in Blue Dragon Martial Club and enormous Internal Energy. It was obvious that most martial artists were not rivals.
He said when I forced not to smile because I couldn’t control my facial expression.
“Just be careful. I’ve heard that Embroidered Uniform Guard should be good at dealing with politics as well as defeating the outsiders. No one will protect you unless you are careful of yourself.”
“Don’t worry. I’m taking everything into account.”
Maybe that’s why Lee Kwang sends me to Embroidered Uniform Guard. He always tells me that I have the disposition of Evil Factions, and I used to that ugly mud fight. He may think that my strong temper and disposition are helpful for the success in Embroidered Uniform Guard.
I left for Luoyang the next day. Three-Absolute Lee Kwang was so modest that he gave me eighty silver coins for the traveling expenses and I could comfortably travel without worrying about being short of money.
‘Oh, that’s right. There are two places to visit.’
I first visited the town where the tragedy of human sacrifice had taken place. Unsurprisingly, the town was burnt to the ground after the fire, and only the traces of human offerings were left scattered among the hills. There was no sign of a cruel body, so the black-clothed people must have made a thorough background check. Even the secret passages and wells were covered with earth and sand.
I searched for Taizheng Hall nearby, but it also disappeared. I asked the neighboring administrator about its whereabouts.
“Hyun-Chun Daoist of Taizheng Hall?”
“What happened to the Daoist and the disciples of Wudang Sect?”
“Five years ago, the town suddenly burned down after a big fire, and we just thought that the Daoist had gone somewhere else…”
“…”
In other words, the whereabouts of Hyun-Chun Daoist and his disciples in Taizheng Hall were unknown. He might have evacuated to the headquarter of Wudang Sect, or he might have died while trying to prevent the human sacrifice. Either way, it left a bitter taste in my mouth, so I shook my head.
‘I couldn’t help it; I had no power at that time. I couldn’t choose to rescue them at the cost of my life. I might be selfish and wicked, but that was the reality.’
I continued my journey for Luoyang, hoping that he would survive.
There was another place to drop by. I stopped by Jinrang valley and went up to the place where Mang-Liang lived. Perhaps, Mang-Liang would be still working as Mang-Liang Immortal in the village at this time. I could not feel his Net Cloud Formations (網雲陣), and I could easily come to the house of Mang-Liang.
This time, Mang-Liang did not make love with a woman. Instead, he was lying on the table under the shade of a tree, taking a long nap.
“Hey, Mang-Liang, wake up.”
By shaking the shoulders of Mang-Liang who was sleeping with his mouth open, I woke him up. He opened his blank eyes and jumped at the sight of me.
“Hmm? Who are you?”
“Calm down. I have something to ask you, and I don’t and I don’t mean to hurt you.”
It took some time to calm his mind and refine his judgment. He lifted his belt to create a sense of mystery.
Buzz.
A black cloud came over him.
[I am Mang-Liang Immortal given the supernatural powers of Jinmu The Great… you… you tell me… What’s going on…?]
I had a chuckle.
“It’s the Voice Change Technique (變聲術) of Extraordinary Gate Disguise (奇門遁甲) and the Dark Cloud Technique (黑雲術). You don’t have to work so hard, so let’s speak freely.”
“Huh…”
He took a gaunt face as I knew the Extraordinary Gate Disguise.
There are simple techniques that can be used without supernatural powers in the Extraordinary Gate Disguise; they are the Voice Change Technique and the Dark Cloud Technique.
When I studied for three years with Mang-Liang, he used to do his job to make a living, and they were often used to create a sense of mystery against people.
“Apparently, you’re one of the people who learned to do it. What are you doing here? I’m in business in this Jinrang valley, so I can’t give in easily.”
“I don’t mean to interrupt your business. I just need to ask you a few questions.”
“What is it?”
I slipped out Heavenly Dark Secret Book which has always been in my arms. Then I held it out to Mang-Liang.
“I want you to interpret this.”
“This, this!”
The subsequent developments were almost identical according to the laws of the previous life.
He was surprised at the Heavenly Dark Secret Book and reached the conclusion that he could interpret this with the Nameless Ceremonial Book.
‘That’s what I had heard.’
After hearing about it, I decided to obtain other information from Mang-Liang.
“Mang-Liang. Do you think this Heavenly Dark Secret Book or Nameless Ceremonial Book has a special ability on its own?”
This was a question I had never asked.
Mang-Liang then opened his eyes slightly and said.
“It is not a Technique Law Book (術法書). Unlike the law book in which the Technique Daoist (術道師) of the Left Dao Side Sect (左道方門) can perform supernatural powers (神通力), these books themselves have no power. I held on the Nameless Ceremonial Book a lot of times in my days in the Imperial Palace, but nothing happened.”
‘Yeah, that’s weird.’
I picked up the Heavenly Dark Secret Book just before death and got a new life. I was thinking that the time reversal itself was the ability of the Heavenly Dark Secret Book. However, Mang-Liang who countlessly touched the Nameless Ceremonial Book written by the same language as the Heavenly Dark Secret Book has not gained any ability.
Were the Heavenly Dark Secret Book and the Nameless Ceremonial Book made for other purposes?
Or was it a different mode of activation?
Why then?
“Have you ever heard of a village near the Kyonghai River that was burned down five years ago and disappeared?”
“Of course, I was in business here at that time.”
“Well, have you ever seen a monster like this?”
After a while, I brought some pencil and drew a picture. It was the monster that killed me for the fourth time. Mang-Liang was startled when he saw the monster with hundreds of eyes and tentacles all over its body.
“Where did you see this?”
“…?”
I was horrified by the following words.
“The picture in chapter three of the Nameless Ceremonial Book was this monster (魔物).”