Jihan stood before the Gwiyeongdae building, waiting for Geomugeuk.
"Wait a moment. Soon, you'll meet the leader of the organization you're about to enter."
"Yes, I understand."
"Though you were once a leader yourself, depending on the chief's evaluation, you may have to start as an ordinary member."
"I am prepared for that."
After making him wait, Geomugeuk headed to the training ground behind Gwiyeongdae.
With a pounding heart, Jihan waited there for the person who would become his leader. What kind of person would they be? Would he be able to adapt well to the organization?
Meanwhile, another thought crossed his mind.
'Still, I once served as the Chuhon Daeju of the Sawangmun. Starting as an ordinary member would leave a rather bitter taste.'
But this was his choice. He would climb back up from the bottom.
Shortly after, a man wearing a blue mask walked over, leading warriors. He was Cheongmyeon, and those following him were the First Unit warriors of Gwiyeong.
The First Unit warriors consisted mainly of those who used swords, and through continuous training, they now possessed the skills and teamwork worthy of being called elite warriors.
Jihan flinched for a moment. He had caught a scent from Cheongmyeon. Not a real smell, but a scent emanating from his qi.
A foul stench had emanated from the Haryong Danju, who had tormented him. Just so, Jihan could smell scents from people's qi.
The scent he caught from Cheongmyeon was precisely:
'The smell of blood!'
Through the scent, he realized what kind of disposition the man possessed. He was no ordinary person.
'So this man is the leader.'
Jihan naturally assumed he was the leader. Someone who revealed such tremendous qi couldn't possibly not be the chief.
The First Unit members of Gwiyeongdae lined up in formation before the building, and Cheongmyeon stood before them.
Cheongmyeon looked at Jihan. When his gaze met the cold eyes behind the mask, Jihan wavered.
'Should I greet him first?'
But with Geomugeuk not present, it was rather ambiguous to greet him first. What could he say?
Just then, Second Commander Seojin entered, leading her subordinates.
From her qi came the scent of incense burned at a funeral parlor. It meant she was close to the dead.
Indeed, the ghostly energy surrounding her was extraordinary. Since returning from the Yellow Dragon Martial Hall, she had devoted herself to ghost arts training and had now grown noticeably stronger.
The Second Unit warriors following her were versed in ghost arts. Of course, she hadn't passed on the secret ghost arts exclusive to the Ghost Gate. What she taught was common ghost arts known by all who practiced them.
Creating smoke to hide, or making ghost objects to startle people.
In this way, Seojin differentiated her Second Unit warriors from the others.
'Could this woman be the leader?'
Given Seojin's qi and the unique atmosphere of her subordinates, she too felt like a leader.
Jihan's gaze turned to Cheongmyeon.
'Then who is this masked man?'
He didn't seem like someone who would serve under another.
Then Cheongmyeon and Seojin greeted each other with cupped hands. They seemed to be of equal rank, so Jihan grew more confused inwardly.
Then Chairan appeared, leading assassins. Following the First and Second Units, the Third Unit of Gwiyeongdae had arrived.
The moment he saw her, Jihan knew.
'It's this woman!'
No matter how strong Cheongmyeon was or how special Seojin was, neither displayed the presence Chairan did. Moreover, she was far too beautiful. He had never seen such a beautiful woman in his life.
Moreover, the women following her also possessed outstanding beauty, and they too felt far from ordinary in skill.
Jihan hurriedly averted his gaze and looked forward. He had nearly stared at Chairan in a daze. From Chairan came a bewitching scent that stirred men.
"Have you arrived?"
"I'm a little late."
After exchanging greetings with Cheongmyeon, Chairan also greeted Seojin. Seojin sensed her mood.
"Has something good happened?"
"Me?"
"Yes, you seem to be in a good mood."
"Nothing in particular. Is it because the weather is nice?"
She feigned ignorance, but Chairan was in a better mood than ever. Akgunhak had come, and she had been promised basic swordsmanship training from him. At the thought of being able to see him frequently from now on, her steps were light and a smile formed naturally at her lips.
The sight of them greeting each other as equals confused Jihan even more.
'Is this woman not the leader either?'
How could someone like that not be the leader? No, in fact, she had such presence that he could believe her to be a branch leader, or even a sect leader.
'Ah, I see. It's a gathering of leaders!'
Jihan became convinced of this. Cheongmyeon and Seojin both possessed qi worthy of being leaders.
Then two people walked out from behind the building.
Jihan's gaze, which had been relieved at the sight of Geomugeuk, fixed as if nailed upon Ian, who emerged with him.
The moment he saw her, Jihan lost his soul. Truly, he had never seen such a beautiful woman. He had thought the same when seeing Chairan, but no. This woman was the first.
From her came an incredibly pleasant scent. Whenever he met a good-natured person, he caught exactly that scent. It made her beauty shine even brighter.
Geomugeuk stood before the Gwiyeongdae warriors.
"It's been a while. Have you all been well?"
"Yes! It's been a while, Young Cult Leader!"
The Gwiyeongdae warriors' resounding voices echoed.
Geomugeuk walked up to Cheongmyeon.
"You've improved greatly in the meantime?"
Geomugeuk could tell he had grown stronger just by looking at him.
"The leader has taken great care of me."
After achieving the Bicheon Sword Arts, Ian had taken great care of Cheongmyeon. His entry into Gwiyeongdae wasn't solely because of Geomugeuk. Surely, he himself was part of the reason. So just as with Geomugeuk and the Ilhwa Sword Sovereign, he had become a martial arts friend, competing in martial prowess. That was how Ian looked after him.
"I am learning more from the First Commander."
Only then did Jihan realize that the woman who had come out with Geomugeuk was the leader of Gwiyeongdae.
'So this woman is the one who will become my leader.'
He had never imagined she would be so young and beautiful. What was even more surprising were the other three.
'They are mere commanders!'
He was truly surprised. He had no idea it was such an organization. Feeling bitter about starting as an ordinary member? When even people like these were merely commanders of this organization?
Geomugeuk formally introduced Jihan to Ian.
"A friend I made during my recent travels. Whether to accept him into Gwiyeongdae is entirely your decision."
Jihan respectfully cupped his hands and greeted Ian. His fate now lay in this woman's hands.
"I am Jihan."
"I am Ian, leader of Gwiyeongdae."
"It is an honor to meet you."
With everyone's eyes focused on him, Jihan grew even more nervous.
"Where are you from?"
"I hail from Sawangmun, where I served as the Chuhon Daeju. When it comes to pursuing enemies, I am second to none."
"Do you know what kind of organization Gwiyeongdae is?"
"I do not."
"It is a direct subordinate organization for the Young Cult Leader here."
At those words, passion welled up in Jihan's chest.
He had followed Geomugeuk alone to the Cheonma Divine Cult. He had already heard they might not care for him once he arrived. Entering an organization distant from the Young Cult Leader would mean barely seeing him properly, but a direct subordinate organization of the Young Cult Leader!
Ian asked the question she usually asked in such situations.
"Let me ask you one thing. If the Young Cult Leader's orders conflict with the Cult Leader's orders, which would you follow?"
Jihan seemed to ponder for a moment.
"I believe I should follow the Cult Leader's orders."
It was an unexpected answer; she had expected him to choose the Young Cult Leader's orders.
"What is your reason?"
The reason was simple.
"Isn't it that the Young Cult Leader can only become the Cult Leader if I show myself well to the Cult Leader? While I don't know about other organizations, a direct organization shouldn't do anything that goes against the Cult Leader's mood. Instead, once the Young Cult Leader becomes the Cult Leader, no matter how unreasonable an order he gives, I believe I must follow it absolutely."
After answering thus, he added with an embarrassed expression.
"Honestly, I still don't know much about the Divine Cult, and I had no intention of joining before meeting the Young Cult Leader. I came here solely because of my connection with the Young Cult Leader. If I can simply serve him, I want nothing else. Please have me do anything. I will devote my full loyalty."
Geomugeuk said to Jihan.
"You make it sound impressive, but ultimately you're saying you won't listen to me, right?"
Jihan flustered.
"That is not it. That's not—"
Then Ian intervened.
"That's exactly why I like it. Later, if there's ever a need to defy the Young Cult Leader's orders, he'd be perfect to use as a scapegoat. Jihan was stubborn, so we couldn't help it."
Jihan grew even more flustered. Saying such things right in front of the person!
After thoroughly enjoying his flustered appearance, Ian made her decision.
"Jihan, was it?"
"Yes."
"I appoint you as the Fourth Commander of Gwiyeongdae."
Jihan was startled by the words "Fourth Commander."
"I do not know if I am qualified."
Having seen the three commanders earlier, he truly wondered if he deserved to stand shoulder to shoulder with them.
"Yes, I don't know either."
"Then why did you appoint me as a commander?"
"Because I received the Young Cult Leader's recommendation. He must have brought you here because you're capable enough to handle the position."
Jihan could feel it. Her absolute faith in the Young Cult Leader.
"But don't be too moved. A commander is just a title when there isn't anyone in the Fourth Unit yet."
Jihan instead saw that as an advantage.
"Does that not mean I can choose the subordinates I want?"
Ian smiled and looked at Geomugeuk. Yes, this was why he had recommended someone so smart and bold to her.
"Going forward, grow the Fourth Unit into an organization specialized in pursuit arts, utilizing your expertise."
Jihan was overjoyed. Could there be anything better for starting a new life in the Cheonma Divine Cult? A direct subordinate organization of the Young Cult Leader, where he could utilize his expertise?
"I will devote my full loyalty."
Geomugeuk smiled pleasantly and looked at Ian and the four commanders standing before him.
"Gwiyeongdae is finally complete."
Frontline fighters of the First Unit, ghost arts users of the Second Unit, assassination specialists of the Third Unit, and pursuit specialists of the Fourth Unit.
It was the moment a balanced Gwiyeongdae was completed in every aspect.
"We'll be deployed to real combat soon. Prepare thoroughly!"
* * *
"The room is incredibly clean."
She couldn't imagine what had transpired before those words left Sipchilgyo's mouth.
The mask of the Masked Guest who had rushed over upon receiving the message was painted with a rabbit. Perhaps because things were falling into place, this junior, who possessed the fastest footwork, happened to be nearby. Not just any Masked Guest could paint a symbol representing themselves on their mask. Only the old-timers with accumulated skill and years of service could do so.
The Rabbit Masked Guest opened the window and started ventilating. He threw all the clothes piled on the bed and table underneath the bed.
He ran over to ask a neighboring Masked Guest for help.
"Hurry! I need tea, tea utensils, and incense! Also food and good wine!"
"What on earth is going on?"
"Senior Crescent Moon is coming with a woman."
Those words were enough. The neighboring Masked Guest quickly gathered everything asked for.
He lit incense in the room. All leftover dishes were moved next door. He swept the floor and wiped away the dust. Both demonstrated their finest footwork and movement arts.
By the time the two finished cleaning and came out, the Crescent Moon Masked Guest and Sipchilgyo were walking from afar.
Just then, another Masked Guest passed by the house and said with a displeased look.
"What? A woman here?"
Swish.
By the time Sipchilgyo looked over at his voice, the one who had nearly ruined the atmosphere had already been spirited away by the two Masked Guests.
As the two continued walking this way, this time a Masked Guest appeared scratching his rear, wearing only a mask with his top off. As he walked while yawning—
Swish.
He too disappeared as if kidnapped.
Only thanks to such desperate efforts were the two able to arrive at the house while having a calm conversation. They could even hear such words from her.
"Somehow, I had a feeling the room would be clean."
The clothes protruding from Crescent Moon's bed were promptly shoved back underneath with a foot. The garments that had been strewn on the bed were now piled beneath it.
Truly, it was a miracle to have cleaned this much in such a short time.
"A good smell is coming from the room."
"Is that so? I don't notice it."
“I’m thirsty. If you have even cold tea, please give me some.”
“Wait a moment.”
Did he have tea at home? He drank liquor at home, not tea. He could only hope there was something he’d received and put away somewhere.
When the Crescent Moon Faceless Guest opened the cupboard, there was a tea canister.
An unfamiliar tea canister and tea utensils. Beside them was a bottle of liquor, and there were snacks as well. That fellow—he’d even thought of this in the meantime.
The Faceless Guest brewed tea and brought it out with the snacks.
“The tea is good, and the sweets are good too.”
“I’m glad.”
Seeing how pleased she was put the Crescent Moon martial artist in a good mood as well.
“I’ve now dated every man in the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.”
“What do you mean?”
“That’s what people will say when they see me, won’t they? Isn’t that the woman from the Valley of Villains? From now on, my nickname will be ‘that girl from the Valley of Villains.’”
After all, she was probably the first woman to come to the Valley of Villains because she liked a Faceless Guest. Sipchilgyo mustered even more of that courage.
“I want to see the face beneath your mask.”
Because she couldn’t like someone whose face she didn’t even know. Even now, if someone heard, they would call her a madwoman. How could she like him so much without knowing who might come out from under that mask?
“I fear you may be disappointed.”
“The longer you put it off, the greater that disappointment will become.”
She was right. He couldn’t go on forever without showing her his face. The Crescent Moon Faceless Guest slowly took off his mask.
A young man appeared from beneath it. Judging only by the way he marked his mask with blood, she had thought he would look like a rugged manly man, but his features were gentler than she had expected.
And the Crescent Moon Faceless Guest had not lied. It really was a face she had seen during training. Among all those grim-looking demon practitioners watching, this face had stood out.
And, astonishingly, she had thought this:
If only it were him.
Sipchilgyo said to him,
“I’m disappointed.”
Just as the Crescent Moon Faceless Guest was flustered—
“I was really nervous, you know. What if you were so ugly I couldn’t handle it? What if some uncle way too old came out?”
Were you going to date me with that face? She had been even more worried because she wasn’t the kind of person who could say such a thing.
“Do you know what I even thought? I’d still go. I’d go with you to the end. Even if you were ugly, I’d go; even if you were twice my age, I’d go. I had steeled myself that firmly.”
“And?”
“You’re far too handsome, aren’t you?”
Relief settled into the tense eyes of the Crescent Moon Faceless Guest.
After gazing quietly at Sipchilgyo, he suddenly said,
“I will take responsibility. I will take responsibility for that girl from the Valley of Villains.”
At the Crescent Moon Faceless Guest’s words, Sipchilgyo’s face brightened radiantly.
Yes, she had fallen for the manliness he had shown when he saved her. Though he looked like a boy, his eyes were truly those of a man.
“You people over there heard that too, right?”
She walked to the window and stuck out her head.
Below the window, four Faceless Guests were hiding. They were the Rabbit Faceless Guest who had come running after receiving the voice transmission, the next-door Faceless Guest who had brought the tea and snacks, the Faceless Guest who had asked why a woman had come, and the bare-chested Faceless Guest. In the next-door Faceless Guest’s hand was a scented candle.
In truth, Sipchilgyo had known for a while that four people were hiding outside the window. As a former assassin, how could she fail to sense the presence of people hiding so carelessly?
“He said he would take responsibility for me. The four of you are witnesses.”
Among the masks looking up at her awkwardly, she discovered one with a drawing on it.
“Rabbit-nim, you definitely heard that, right?”