0036 : Golden Eagle Guards
It had been exactly five years since I had joined the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, marking two years since that day. My body had matured into adulthood. In the mornings, I took on the role of an instructor, guiding the students while dedicating my remaining time to personal training. The deeper I delved into martial arts, the more I became aware of my shortcomings, and I was currently aspiring to reach the heights of unparalleled masters, fueling an unwavering passion within me. Although direct instruction from Samjeol Lee Kwang had become difficult, there had never been a time when I enjoyed training as much as I did now.
‘If I train for just eight more years… should I challenge the Iron Blood Gate?!’
By then, I would surely have become something remarkable. If I could reach a level where I could defeat the first elder of the Iron Blood Gate one-on-one, there would be hardly anyone left in the Jianghu who could intimidate me! Moreover, considering my background in Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, the likelihood of them recklessly trying to behead me in a duel would greatly diminish.
After bringing that elder down, I planned to live comfortably, gaining both honor and wealth. I was aware that my talent was lacking for pursuing any greater martial prowess.
Thus, I devoted myself to training day and night for the next ten years.
However, my resolution for those ten years was suddenly obstructed.
After one day of training, Samjeol Lee Kwang summoned me to the Waryong Hall. He then abruptly stated,
“Baek Woong, you have been recommended to the Golden Eagle Guards with the help of my friend.”
“Pardon?”
I questioned, wondering if I had misheard him. However, Samjeol Lee Kwang quietly turned the page of the book he had been reading without providing any further explanation. It was typical of his communication style to convey information indifferently, so I quickly grasped the reality of the situation and replied,
“The Golden Eagle Guards is the highest-ranking martial position guarding the Imperial Palace and the royal family, right? I’ve heard that only those with the greatest martial prowess among those who succeed in the imperial military exams can become part of the Golden Eagle Guards. How could I…?”
Indeed.
Each year, only about a hundred individuals are selected from the martial exams held once at the Imperial level, and from those, only the top ten percent are chosen to be part of the Golden Eagle Guards. Furthermore, after becoming part of the Golden Eagle Guards, they undergo additional training to re-emerge as warriors, so their abilities are unquestionable.
In the renowned martial arts sect of Luoyang, the Twin Gate Sect, even competing for a single disciple to pass the military exam is a fiercely competitive endeavor; now I was to face another level of competition in the Golden Eagle Guards! I heard from Mangnyang that this was nearly the only role where even high-ranking officials could not use bribes to get their kin enrolled, as the selection committee would never accept an incompetent individual due to the responsibility they held in guarding the royal family.
Thus, it was exceedingly unexpected for someone like me, who was merely an instructor in the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School far removed from Luoyang, to be recommended to the Golden Eagle Guards. As I was lost in surprise, Samjeol Lee Kwang slowly closed his book and said,
“In my view, your skills are adequate. You may not reach my level, but you are comparable to the Vice Commander of the Golden Eagle Guards. You could demonstrate outstanding abilities compared to anyone currently working there.”
Surprisingly, Samjeol Lee Kwang held a favorable view of my abilities.
The title of Vice Commander of the Golden Eagle Guards was the second of the four major ranks: Commander, Vice Commander, Heavenly Leader, and Guard Officer. This position directly followed the Commander who led the Golden Eagle Guards. I had learned about their structure during my previous infiltration of the Imperial Palace by listening to Mangnyang, and it appeared my skills had grown sufficiently to be compared to a high-ranking martial officer.
However, what puzzled me was not the matter of my skills.
While I usually spoke cautiously in front of Samjeol Lee Kwang, my confusion prompted me to ask again,
“But… being part of the Golden Eagle Guards feels so sudden, doesn’t it? Why me all of a sudden…”
Then, Samjeol Lee Kwang smiled gently, not getting angry.
“It’s for your senior apprentice, Jin So-cheong.”
“……?!”
What could this possibly mean?
Looking at him with astonished eyes, Samjeol Lee Kwang continued calmly,
“You already know that Jin So-cheong’s skills are far too remarkable to be wasted as merely an instructor. She has grown to a level where she can establish a reputation in the Central Plains.”
“… Yes, that’s true.”
I willingly acknowledged Lee Kwang’s words.
Looking back, it seemed that Jin So-cheong had surpassed the peak masters even from the moment we first met five years ago. Considering her age, her achievements were truly remarkable, and now, five years later, her level was impossible to measure. One thing was certain: even if Jin So-cheong were to wander the Jianghu and engage in righteous activities, it would not be long before a following would gather around her, enabling her to form a grand sect within a year.
“However, she is not familiar with leveraging organizations or navigating the schemes of others. Moreover, her integrity and righteousness might lead her to face unnecessary obstacles or difficulties. This is a trial that cannot be overcome through personal wisdom alone; she will need someone to support and guide her through such challenges,” Lee Kwang said.
I sensed the underlying implication in Lee Kwang’s words and responded, “Are you hoping that I could assist my senior apprentice by joining the Golden Eagle Guards?”
“Exactly. You might not reach the rank of Commander, but achieving the position of Heavenly Leader should be swift, and you could even become the Vice Commander. The Golden Eagle Guards operates on a strictly meritocratic basis, unlike other martial officer positions. If you secure a firm position in the Imperial Palace, you would be able to help your senior apprentice if she encounters difficulties down the line.”
“……”
“And since they look suspicious of her, you’ll need to keep an eye on them as well.”
Indeed, from what I had heard from Mangnyang, the power wielded by high-ranking officers of the Golden Eagle Guards was considerable. Even regular officials would go to great lengths to curry favor with the Golden Eagle Guards to avoid offending them, and they had the discretion to commandeer patrol forces. Except for generals, it was a position akin to a dream for martial officers.
“When you were first taken in, the plan was to cultivate you into a superb instructor to revitalize the martial officer ranks. However, your talents have become somewhat ambiguous. It’s a shame to leave you as a martial instructor, yet you’re still insufficient as a successor of the Thunder God Style,” Lee Kwang stroked his beard thoughtfully.
“Thus, after much deliberation, I decided to leverage my connections to recommend you to the Golden Eagle Guards. This way, you can unfold your ambitions in the world, and it will also benefit your senior apprentice.”
“Hmm…”
I let out a low murmur. Lee Kwang likely thought I was startled by the sudden proposal, but in reality, I was contemplating the unexpected choice before me.
‘Such an unanticipated opportunity has arisen.’
I had solely focused on improving my martial arts in this life, pushing aside the fact that I needed to interpret the Cheonam Biseo. Furthermore, to do that, I would need to acquire the Nameless Ritual Book stored within the depths of the royal palace. Only then could I unravel the secret of my regression.
However, infiltrating deep enough into the palace to potentially behead the emperor was far beyond my capabilities, so I had simply forgotten about it. Now, a chance to become part of the Golden Eagle Guards had come to light! It truly was an unexpected opportunity.
If I were to join the Golden Eagle Guards and gain entry into the Imperial Guard, which only the top-tier talents could serve, I might just be able to obtain the Nameless Ritual Book. Moreover, I was confident that my martial prowess had more than doubled since my death at the Iron Blood Gate.
‘… This might be possible. This might actually work.’
Samjeol Lee Kwang looked at me with an unusually steady gaze.
“However, if you do not wish for this, I will set aside this proposal. I want to respect your opinion as much as possible. There’s no harm in you continuing as an instructor if that is what you prefer.”
I set aside all my hesitations and answered. This was genuinely a great opportunity.
“No, I want to give it a try.”
“Is that so? Are you sure you won’t regret it?”
“Of course not.”
It seemed that Samjeol Lee Kwang had somewhat anticipated my response. He nodded and handed me a neatly sealed letter.
“Then go to Luoyang tomorrow. You just need to show this letter to the Master of the Great Sword Gate.”
“T-the Master of the Great Sword Gate?”
“Yes. He is an old friend of mine.”
“……”
I was momentarily at a loss for words. The Twin Gate Sect of Luoyang! Among them, the Master of the Great Sword Gate was a transcendent master renowned for having defeated the elder of the Mount Hua Sect in just a hundred seconds during a duel. It felt surreal to think that the legendary figure I had only heard about could be a friend of Samjeol Lee Kwang.
Yet, somehow, I felt that this made sense. While their external renown may be comparable to the sun and a firefly, I knew that Samjeol Lee Kwang’s abilities had long surpassed peak masters. Among the martial artists I had encountered in my life, none had been stronger than him. If the Master of the Great Sword Gate could see through Samjeol Lee Kwang’s essence, it was only natural that he would greet him as an equal friend.
Samjeol Lee Kwang spoke calmly.
“You are borrowing a position from the Great Sword Gate to advance your career. Naturally, you must be particularly cautious with your words and actions there.”
I realized how things were unfolding. Samjeol Lee Kwang had asked his friend, the Master of the Great Sword Gate, for help, and the Master had likely agreed to secure a position within the Golden Eagle Guards for me. Although I wasn’t sure how it would work out, Samjeol Lee Kwang’s certainty assured me it would indeed happen. Therefore, I was probably not going to be viewed favorably by the people of the Great Sword Gate.
‘Oh, what a difficult situation I might be heading into.’
But that was a burden I had to bear. I spoke confidently.
“Yes. I will definitely achieve good results.”
“Good.”
“Ah, I will go and greet my senior apprentice.”
“Of course, you should.”
I then sought out Jin So-cheong to inform her of my assignment to the Golden Eagle Guards. She seemed to already know, greeting me with a smile and offering her congratulations.
“That’s great! With your talent, you might become a leader in the Golden Eagle Guards in the future.”
“Not to that extent.”
“Haha. I’m not joking. You truly possess that level of ability.”
Hearing Jin So-cheong’s encouragement lifted my spirits. After all, I had the martial arts techniques and overwhelming inner strength honed in the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School. It was clear that most martial artists would be no match for me. Struggling to suppress my grin, Jin So-cheong continued.
“However, you must be cautious. I’ve heard that the Golden Eagle Guards are not only skilled at repelling outsiders but also adept at navigating schemes. If a practitioner does not exercise caution, no one can protect them.”
“Don’t worry. I am fully aware of that.”
Perhaps Lee Kwang was sending me to the Golden Eagle Guards for that very reason. He often remarked on my tendency toward cunning and had realized that I was accustomed to murky battles of intrigue. He might think that my shrewdness and grit would aid me in advancing within the Golden Eagle Guards.
The next day, I set off for Luoyang. Samjeol Lee Kwang was generous enough to give me eighty taels of silver for travel expenses, allowing me to journey without worry about funds.
‘Ah, right. I have two places to visit.’
I first headed to the village where the tragedy of human sacrifice had occurred. As expected, the village had been consumed by a fire and was completely destroyed, leaving only remnants of the once-thriving settlement deep in the mountains. There were no horrific corpses in sight, suggesting that the Black-cloaked people had thoroughly cleaned up the aftermath. Even secret passages and wells were completely blocked.
I looked for the local Taoist priest, Hyun Cheon Do-in, but he was also missing. I inquired with a nearby villager about the whereabouts of the priest.
“The Hyun Cheon Do-in? Ah, there was such a person.”
“What happened to him and the disciples of the Wudang Sect?”
“They vanished after a big fire suddenly broke out in the neighboring village five years ago. At that time, they also disappeared along with it, so we aren’t sure. We just thought that the priest had gone somewhere else…”
“……”
In other words, the whereabouts of the Wudang Sect’s Hyun Cheon Do-in and his disciples were unknown. They might have fled to the Wudang Sect’s main branch, or perhaps Hyun Cheon Do-in had perished trying to prevent the human sacrifice. Either way, the bitter taste of reality compelled me to shake my head.
‘There’s nothing I could have done. I had no power then.’
I couldn’t choose to sacrifice my life to save them. While it may seem selfish and cruel, that was the reality. It was terrifying to throw away my chance by antagonizing the Black-cloaked people. I continued my journey to Luoyang, hoping that Hyun Cheon Do-in had managed to survive.
There was yet another place I needed to visit.
I climbed to Jinrang Valley to find Mangnyang. It seemed he was still operating as Mangnyang Seonsa in the village at this time. The aura of his Rao-on Phenomenon was no longer felt, and the area had fallen into disarray, making it easy for me to arrive at his doorstep.
This time, Mangnyang was not indulging with a woman. Instead, he lay sprawled under a tree, lazily taking a nap.
“Hey, Mangnyang. Wake up.”
I shook his shoulder while he drooled, stirring him from slumber. Mangnyang woke up with a dazed expression and, upon seeing me, was taken aback.
“Wha—?! Who are you?!”
“Calm down. I came to ask you something and have no intention of harming you.”
After some time, Mangnyang managed to calm himself and straightened his attire. He lifted the fan at his waist as if trying to create an air of mystery.
Woosh, woosh.
Dark clouds gathered around his body.
[I am… Mangnyang Seonsa, bestowed with the Divine Connection of the Great Martial Master… What business do you have with me…?]
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“That’s the Voice Transformation Technique and the Black Cloud Technique. You don’t need to go through all that trouble; let’s just speak comfortably.”
“Ugh…”
Seeing that I was familiar with the Voice Transformation Technique, his expression faltered, and he dropped the technique. Among the spells in the Voice Transformation Technique, there were simpler methods that could be used without special abilities, and the techniques he just employed fell into that category. When Mangnyang and I had secluded ourselves for three years to study, he often used those techniques to create a sense of awe when he conducted divinations for a living.
Mangnyang spoke bluntly.
“It seems you also have some acquaintance with the Voice Transformation Technique, so what brings you here? I can’t easily give up my business here in Jinrang Valley.”
“I have no intention of disturbing your business. I just have a few questions to ask.”
“What are they?”
I discreetly pulled out the Cheonam Biseo that I always carried with me and displayed it to Mangnyang.
“Please interpret this for me.”
“T-This is!”
From there, the unfolding events followed the established rules of a previous life.
Mangnyang was astonished by the cryptic language of the Cheonam Biseo and concluded that only the Nameless Ritual Book could interpret it. I quietly listened to his realization.
‘That’s the same story I heard before.’
After hearing that, I decided to obtain different information from Mangnyang.
“Mangnyang, do you believe this Cheonam Biseo or the Nameless Ritual Book itself possesses special abilities?”
This was a question I had never asked before.
Mangnyang’s eyes widened slightly as he replied,
“This is not a spellbook. Unlike the spellbooks of the Left Door Sect, which contain divine powers enabling extraordinary feats, such texts do not hold significant power by themselves. During my time in the Imperial Palace, I possessed many Nameless Ritual Books, but nothing ever happened.”
Exactly. This was strange.
I had grasped the Cheonam Biseo right before my death and gained a new life. I believed time reversal itself was a power of the Cheonam Biseo. However, despite having come into contact with countless Nameless Ritual Books containing similar cryptic languages, Mangnyang had gained no abilities.
Were the Cheonam Biseo and the Nameless Ritual Book created for different purposes?
Or was the method of activating the abilities different?
If so, why?
Perhaps Mangnyang had obtained special abilities but was pretending otherwise, but that possibility was too low. If that were the case, he could have easily taken the Nameless Ritual Book from the Imperial Palace, and he had no reason to obsess over teaching me for three years.
I asked another question.
“Have you heard that the village near the Jianghe River burned down and disappeared five years ago?”
“Of course. I was running my business here at that time as well.”
“Hmm… Have you ever seen a creature like this?”
After a moment, I took out my writing materials and drew the fearsome creature that had killed me for the fourth time, a giant with a terrifying appearance. Upon seeing the image of a monster writhing with hundreds of eyes and tentacles, Mangnyang was taken aback.
“W-Where did you see this?!”
“……?”
I was greatly shocked by what came next.
“This creature is exactly illustrated in the third chapter of the Nameless Ritual Book!”
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