Chapter 256

“From what I’ve gathered, it seems they’ll select personnel through an examination three days later, apart from the specially invited Taoist Masters.”

Jang Ryeokyeong’s words spilled out as he set down the bundle he was carrying.

As soon as we arrived in the city, he said he had business and headed somewhere; it appeared he had gone to gather information about the Pyeong Clan’s recruitment of Taoist Masters.

“How large does the scale seem to be?”

“About six invited individuals, and those who simply heard rumors and flocked here seem to be over eight times that number. I even saw some quite familiar faces.”

If Jang Ryeokyeong’s words were true, then indeed a large number of people had gathered.

No matter how troubled the times, for just one city, forty Exorcists gathering was something.

Of course, there would be some incompetents mixed in, but even so, Jang Ryeokyeong said it was an unusually large scale.

“It’s hard to guess what they intend to do with such a large gathering……”

Even for Jang Ryeokyeong’s group, who had some confidence in their abilities, it seemed to be a cause for concern, as it was an unusually significant matter, and they had recently encountered an overwhelming existence named Kongha.

“What do you think, brother? Does it seem better for us to back out?”

At Cheolwoong’s question, asked with feigned nonchalance, I pondered for a moment and gave my own answer.

“At present, I don’t know. Since they’ll select personnel through an examination three days later, it shouldn’t be too late to decide after seeing the criteria.”

“Well, that would be the reasonable approach.”

Anyway, since we had three days left, I stayed at the lodging and, to pass the time, helped with Jang Ryeokyeong’s group’s training.

Jang Ryeokyeong’s group expressed great gratitude as if they hadn’t expected it, but the worldly tales I heard during the process also became flesh and blood to me, so it wasn’t a bad exchange.

‘Sadoopae (Four Head Plates)……’

I heard various interesting stories, but the one that interested me the most was that.

Sadoopae (Four Head Plates), also mentioned in Cheolwoong’s story last time.

If my memory serves me right, it appeared in Yeon Jaki’s setting book, which was released as a sort of side story.

‘Wasn’t it said to be the first group she belonged to after becoming a Specter?’

That alone made it possible to infer roughly which point in time this world was replicating.

Yeon Jaki shared the same goal as Hochoong, but this era was a point far in the past, even before their first encounter.

In the original work, Hochoong met Yoo Haon’s group just as he was about to embark on a journey to seal Specters after perfecting his own talent, but perhaps even that is a distant future event now.

In other words, this era is the point when the young Hochoong is deeply immersed in training at Jinyeonsan.

I speculated so.

‘…I can’t make sense of it.’

What that difference means, I couldn’t grasp at all with the information I currently have.

First, increase my own power, find my companions, and meet Hochoong.

Only after that would it be time to think again.

“We’re ready.”

“Yes, I’ll go now.”

First, I must look at the task at hand.

Clearing my mind, I stood up and slowly began to move my steps.

To check the Pyeong Clan’s examination and the faces of the Exorcists gathered for it.

“What are your names?”

“Jang Ryeokyeong and five others. We registered our names three days ago.”

“Ah, here it is. Go inside and wait for a while.”

Thanks to Jang Ryeokyeong registering our group’s names, including mine, we could head into the examination ground prepared by the Pyeong Clan without much trouble.

Inside, there were already quite a few Exorcists who had taken their seats; the atmosphere was fierce, as if everyone had overcome life-and-death crises several times.

Unfortunately, I didn’t see the faces of Yoo Haon and other companions, but since not everyone had gathered yet, I calmly checked their information.

‘The gap is severe.’

While truly outstanding skilled individuals were visible here and there, there were also incompetents who made one wonder why they had come here.

And among those currently present, the two at the top were:

A man with a carefree feel, wearing a hat and spinning a coin tied to a straw rope, and a woman dressed in luxurious clothes, tightly wrapped so her appearance wasn’t visible.

【Jangsam】

▶Level 59

【Shin Pyoeul】

▶Level 62

‘…An incredible level.’

Given the era, I expected it to some extent, but honestly, they are skilled individuals at a surprising level.

No matter what, for such talents to exist among mere Exorcists who flocked here after hearing rumors, the saying that heroes are born in troubled times isn’t for nothing.

Feeling somewhat absurd, I glanced at Jang Ryeokyeong’s group, who were looking around from the back.

[So their level was indeed low.]

“……”

Simply put, Jang Ryeokyeong’s group was also a gathering of skilled individuals capable of saving people from the clutches of Specters, but now it seemed they weren’t at a level to have a particularly confident attitude.

Whether it was a coincidence that skilled individuals gathered or not, it seemed likely that in this era, there were also quite a few Exorcists somewhere superior to them.

‘Meeting them would also be quite a good experience.’

Feeling a somewhat competitive spirit rising, I checked the information of the remaining personnel, then sat down, closed my eyes, and began to rest.

After some time passed, a middle-aged man who appeared to belong to the Pyeong Clan revealed himself before us, accompanied by guards.

‘In the end, there were no companions……’

It was regrettable, but there was nothing to be done. From the start, I had somewhat hoped for too much luck.

Letting out a sigh and shaking off my lingering attachment, the middle-aged man, who had been observing the people gathered in the venue, soon opened his mouth.

“I am Pyeong Wonmyeong, in charge of the Chapter Engraving Department of the main family. As time has come, I will now select the Taoist Masters to whom the main family will entrust the request.”

Although he used an expression that could feel somewhat rude, the Taoist Masters showed no signs of dissatisfaction; rather, they revealed some surprise.

From that reaction, I could realize that Pyeong Wonmyeong was quite a famous figure.

“Wait, before that, can we hear the details of the request? It seems about time to tell us.”

“Unfortunately, that is impossible. The details of the request are planned to be conveyed only to those who have clearly proven their ability and have firmly answered that they will accept it.”

At those words, some murmuring began to arise.

It was certainly not a typical case, and for Taoist Masters, it wasn’t a particularly good story.

“You mean even a simple explanation is impossible? Then what are we supposed to trust to accept such a suspicious request?”

“I can only convey that, staking the honor of the main family, it is not something contrary to reason. If you cannot accept the conditions, you may leave this place now.”

In a way, it was a reckless statement, and many people let out sighs, but no one left their seats. I was the same.

‘If I hear it and think it’s not right, I’ll just leave.’

In that case, I would be on bad terms with the Pyeong Clan, but it wouldn’t be a particular hindrance. Anyway, I had to travel a very long road ahead, and they wouldn’t be able to obstruct me while chasing after me.

“I’ll assume everyone is convinced. Then, immediately, the first examination. Try breaking through the formation and reaching beyond.”

Simultaneously with those words, the presence of the Taoist Masters gathered around and Pyeong Wonmyeong’s group disappeared.

Before I knew it, I was the only one left in the venue.

“A Barrier Technique.”

[It seems deployed by a quite high-level practitioner. There’s no particularly noticeable gap.]

As he said, it was a remarkable Art Formula.

I knew from the original work’s knowledge that past Cursed Techniques were not at all inferior to modern ones, but only now did I truly feel that.

‘Even so, seeing that there was no precursor at all……’

It’s highly likely that they didn’t directly compose and deploy the Art Formula, but probably prepared a Ritual Array in advance in the surrounding space, including the examination ground.

It truly was a full-fledged examination.

[Well, even so, aren’t there many ways to break it?]

“Since we’re here, I’d like to examine it a bit more closely.”

Beyond simply the knowledge I possess, it’s an opportunity to witness past sorcery with my own eyes.

For a long time, I wandered around the surroundings where no presence could be felt, thoroughly indulging in exploring the composition of the Art Formula.

And I could roughly understand its structure.

‘It’s an Art Formula I’m seeing for the first time, but it’s clear to my eyes.’

Perhaps it’s thanks to my knowledge of ancient Cursed Techniques, or maybe because I acquired even sharper eyes after passing the trial of Cheonghongyeong.

Soon, after examining the components of the Art Formula to a satisfactory extent, I retraced the predetermined path and completely shattered the formation.

Creeeak!

[Seeing that the Dispel is simple compared to the completeness, it seems tailored for examination purposes.]

“I think so too.”

If a practitioner of this level came at me seriously, I would also have to be somewhat tense.

Having broken through the formation made by the Barrier like that, I saw Pyeong Wonmyeong’s group looking at me with surprised eyes.

“Surprising. You completely deciphered the path?”

“Wasn’t that prepared to confirm it?”

“There are various methods, but yours was the most perfect solution.”

Whether it contained respect for ability in its own way, even Pyeong Wonmyeong’s lone-wolf-like attitude had softened considerably.

Immediately after, Shin Pyoeul revealed herself a short distance away, as if she had also escaped the Barrier, and began to show interest by staring intently at me.

And as if to block that gaze, Jangsam popped out from the midpoint.

“Oh my, I didn’t expect to experience such a significant sorcery technique so suddenly.”

“…Already three passers. A joyous matter.”

Perhaps because his method of solution differed from mine, he didn’t offer particular praise, but Pyeong Wonmyeong nodded with satisfaction, not hiding his joy.

When an hour had passed like that, those who had broken through the Barrier were only 30% of the initially gathered personnel.

Among the Taoist Masters of Daehwarim, only Jang Ryeokyeong and Cheolwoong passed. Unfortunately, it seemed the rest were below the standard.

Observing the faces of those gathered, Pyeong Wonmyeong continued speaking.

“The second examination is simple. Those who are ready, step forward in turn and defeat the Shikigami before you. It’s designed not to inflict fatal wounds, but be careful, as a misstep could leave you bedridden for days.”

Glancing ahead, a Shikigami resembling a hellish ogre blocked our way, holding a giant iron club.

Its Level was a whopping 54.

Even the current Old Man Tree Specter, who had grown through repeated battles, would not be able to easily face such a level.

At its imposing presence, most Taoist Masters couldn’t muster the courage to step forward, and even the most outstanding Jangsam and Shin Pyoeul seemed to intend to watch others’ battles first without rushing.

The atmosphere of everyone just watching each other continued, and just as I was about to step forward in resignation, someone raised their hand and jumped forward. It was a man with a Level in the late 40s.

“Everyone’s scared stiff. If that’s the case, I’ll quickly take care of it first!”

Looking at such a man, the ogre’s iron club slowly began to make a metallic sound.