Chapter 70: Chapter: Mission, Espionage (1)

Gwon Pyowol was strong, and the Supreme Realm was in a league of its own.

That one statement was enough to assess the sparring matches that day.

Among the Dragon Phoenix Squad members who followed Mok Riwon, only Namgung Jincheon lasted more than a few seconds against Gwon Pyowol.

It was a situation that could bring despair due to the overwhelming difference in realms, but these were the talents referred to as the next generation of the orthodox faction.

They weren’t weak enough to crumble after just one defeat.

“Huff!”

The Pavilion of the Dragon Phoenix Squad was filled with rough breathing and enthusiasm.

The three training grounds were rarely empty during daylight hours, and even after sunset.

Five days after the sparring matches.

While these young, passionate martial artists who had witnessed a higher realm were overcoming their defeat and immersing themselves in training...

“A mission has been assigned.”

A mission was given to them.

In the Dragon Phoenix Squad’s captain’s office.

As Tang Hwa-seo waved the letter in her hand, five pairs of eyes followed its movement.

Their expressions varied.

“Finally!”

Mok Riwon was so excited that one might think if he had a tail on his backside, it would be spinning like a windmill.

“In the end...”

Zhuge San and Hyeun looked annoyed.

“Hm.”

Namgung Jincheon and Il-woon were indifferent.

It was quite entertaining to see such mixed reactions, but that was it.

Tang Hwa-seo’s expression wasn’t good.

With these people?

Already?

“Where are we going?!”

At Mok Riwon’s question, Tang Hwa-seo felt a sigh escape her lips.

Well, I guess we’ll have to work with what we’ve got.

Espionage is difficult.

Except for Zhuge San, these people weren’t suited for espionage.

And as luck would have it, the mission they were assigned was just that.

“...We are going to Shaanxi.”

“Shaanxi! You mean THE Shaanxi? The one with Mount Hua and Mount Zhongnan?!!!”

As always, the burden of worrying fell on Tang Hwa-seo’s shoulders.

Mok Riwon was just trembling with excitement, once again caught up in his romanticism. The other members also showed a hint of anticipation for the outing.

Tang Hwa-seo felt cold sweat running down her back.

...Two weeks until departure.

They needed even more rigorous training from Kang So-so.

* * *

Yeom So-so felt perplexed by Tang Hwa-seo’s request. It was a sensation she hadn’t felt in quite a while.Rread latest chapters at novelhall.com

“You want me to turn them into spies? In two weeks? Me?”

“...I’m sorry.”

She was truly sorry, but there was no other choice.

This was their very first mission. The first mission that was assigned since the Dragon Phoenix Squad was formed.

Its importance naturally couldn’t be overstated, and Tang Hwa-seo needed to achieve at least partial success in this mission for the sake of their performance record.

Of course, Yeom So-so was well aware of her circumstances.

“Hmm...”

Yeom So-so stroked her chin while humming.

Before her were four wet-behind-the-year youngsters.

Although Yeom So-so’s main profession was assassination, she was more skilled in intelligence gathering than anyone else, yet... these were failing students who would trouble even her.

Those two brats at least...

Il-woon and Hyeun at least pretended to listen when told. They were the type who could be taught through defeat.

But...

“...Can’t we just leave those two behind?”

Yeom So-so said, looking at Mok Riwon and Namgung Jincheon.

Tang Hwa-seo barely held back from saying, I wish we could.

“Wh-What do you mean...!”

Mok Riwon looked at Tang Hwa-seo pitifully, as if begging not to be abandoned, while Namgung Jincheon just glared.

What escaped Tang Hwa-seo’s lips was, once again, a sigh.

“...It’s an order for all members to deploy.”

“Tsk.”

Maybe it would be better to have him play the role of a well-mannered young master...

No, that won’t do.

Tang Hwa-seo shook her head vigorously to steel her wavering heart.

The important thing in this Shaanxi trip was to use their status to poke around in various places.

Wasn’t Mok Riwon the one who needed to do that instead of Namgung Jincheon, who would be confined to the carriage?

Tang Hwa-seo decided to be harsh.

“Young Hero Mok! Is that all you can do?!”

“B-But...!”

“Hurry and counterattack!”

Mok Riwon’s eyebrows trembled.

Tang Hwa-seo felt her heart breaking at his face full of betrayal.

But all of this was for Mok Riwon’s sake.

So Tang Hwa-seo willingly took on the role of the villain.

Watching this farce, Yeom So-so, thought.

There’s never a dull moment.

If it wasn’t her job, the antics of these people would be quite an entertaining spectacle.

* * *

Mok Riwon’s face was half-dead as he walked through the Alliance’s corridor.

It had been a week already. Mok Riwon, who had been hearing nothing but bad words all day with even the other members joining in, couldn’t find peace of mind even for a moment, so he had secretly escaped like this.

“...Ink Dragon?”

The voice that suddenly entered his ears belonged to none other than Golden Sword Gwon Pyowol.

Mok Riwon’s head whipped around.

And his face brightened.

“Great Expert Golden Sword!”

“Is something wrong? You don’t look well.”

Mok Riwon felt his emotions rising at those words.

He felt like pouring out all the grievances he hadn’t been able to express.

Just as he was about to open his mouth to complain, his eyes fell on Gwon Pyowol’s scabbard.

“G-Great Expert! Your scabbard!”

“Ah, you mean this.”

It was no longer golden.

He was wearing a shabby scabbard that ordinary martial artists might use.

“I felt it didn’t suit me yet, so I put it away for now.”

A smile that seemed almost relieved spread across Gwon Pyowol’s face as he stroked the scabbard.

Mok Riwon was momentarily flustered, but then smiled.

I see.”

He must have had a change in mindset, Mok Riwon did not bother asking about it.

He simply said.

“Congratulations. It seems you’ve had an enlightenment!”

“Just a small one.”

Gwon Pyowol chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. Then he asked Mok Riwon again.

“But why does your face look like that?”

He looked concerned.

Mok Riwon’s heart tightened again, and after a moment’s hesitation, he sighed and poured out his heart.

His litany of woes lasted nearly an hour.

After hearing everything, Gwon Pyowol stroked his chin and nodded.

“Hmm, it is certainly a difficult task. To plant a dagger in another’s heart.”

“Indeed! How can I be cruel to people who haven’t committed any sins?! I think the Young Lady and Senior... especially Sword Dragon is being too much!”

Gwon Pyowol smiled awkwardly.

It seems he doesn’t get along well with Sword Dragon.

Seeing how innocent this friend was, Gwon Pyowol pondered what words might be helpful to Mok Riwon.

Having done more than enough espionage missions during the era of the Bloodied History, Gwon Pyowol recalled how he had overcome difficulties during his training.

“...Ah.”

Something came to mind.

“How about trying this?”

Mok Riwon tilted his head.

Gwon Pyowol’s smile was a bit mischievous.

And after that secret conversation, the next day at the training ground.

“...My goodness.”

Tang Hwa-seo was /genesisforsaken