Book 10 Chapter 23

Selection

The departure date for the representatives heading to the Volcanic Covenant Branch was only a few days away.

All that remained was the announcement of the candidates.

In the presence of many elders gathered at Cheonmu Hall, Majinga announced the candidates for the upcoming Volcanic Branch meeting.

As soon as the announcement ended, a murmur swept through the crowd. The reason for this unrest was the significant difference in the candidate landscape compared to previous times.

"May I ask one question?"

The question was posed by a rather odd elder.

"What is it? Speak freely."

Majinga nodded readily.

"Why are there so many candidates?"

No matter how much one thought about it, 50 candidates was an excessive number. Ultimately, fewer than ten people were needed. Even with rule changes, this was too much. This was the first time in the history of the Volcanic Covenant Branch that so many candidates had been selected. It was a number that couldn't be counted even if one used all the fingers on their hands and feet.

"Because they are naturally needed."

Majinga's words held no trace of doubt, deliberation, or hesitation. It was clear how naturally he viewed the situation. As such, it was also a rather deflating answer.

"Why? Please explain in more detail."

"It is a contingency plan. Furthermore, this Volcanic Branch meeting, marking the 100th anniversary of the Volcanic Covenant Branch, is scheduled to be conducted in a completely different way than ever before."

"Wh-what?!"

None of the elders gathered here had been precisely informed of this fact.

"Therefore, there will be no withdrawals."

Majinga replied firmly.

Majinga's stern gaze swept across the assembly, causing everyone to flinch and fall silent.

"This Volcanic Covenant Branch holds a greater significance than any previous gathering. I ask for your understanding as I cannot explain the reason yet. Moreover, although everyone is keeping quiet about it, you are well aware of the numerous incidents and accidents that have occurred on the path to Mount Volcanic. For reasons unknown, there have always been continuous accidents and incidents for those heading to the Volcanic Covenant Branch. Unexplained deaths have often occurred. Because of this, the promised number of people has never arrived at Mount Volcanic as scheduled. However, we could not blame the Black Sky Alliance. It was because they too had suffered casualties. Thus, we could not protest."

The representatives of the Volcanic Covenant Branch heading to Mount Volcanic had always lived with the risk of death. They never knew when they might be ambushed. A moment of carelessness could lead to a foolish death before even reaching their destination. Naturally, there was a high possibility of conspiracy involving either the Black Sky Alliance or the Heavenly Demon Pavilion, but without evidence, they could not properly protest the Black Sky Alliance. Furthermore, the existence of the Heavenly Tribulation Beast, which belonged to neither righteous nor demonic factions, made it difficult to unilaterally accuse and condemn only the Black Sky Alliance.

That is how political maneuvering works in the martial world when dealing with other factions. Suspicion without concrete evidence resolves nothing.

"Then what about escorts?"

If such problems occurred, escorts should naturally be provided. That would be safer. However, the problem was that this was not possible.

"As per tradition, there are none."

Majinga said.

"As you know, only the participants depart for Mount Volcanic, the location of the Volcanic Covenant Branch. Other individuals are forbidden from accompanying them. Although there is the Volcanic Sect on Mount Volcanic, it is a considerable distance from Cheonmu Peak, where the Volcanic Covenant Branch is held, and the surrounding area is a forbidden zone guarded by chosen individuals. Of course, the reason this was established as a tradition is due to the rules set by the Martial God Grand Master Taegeuksin-gun Hyukwolrin and the Martial God Demon Lord Paecheondo Galjungyeok, who created the Volcanic Covenant Branch."

While they couldn't travel with the selected representatives, there were invited observers. However, for some unknown reason, participants had to arrive at Mount Volcanic one month before the Volcanic Covenant Branch began. That was the rule, and failure to arrive within the timeframe was considered a defeat.

"Don't worry too much. While there are no escorts, there are instructors!"

Majinga said, looking at the odd elder. Given the circumstances, the instructor had to be extremely important and possess unparalleled abilities.

"Send me!"

The odd elder said without hesitation. Majinga nodded.

"I was already considering appointing you, along with the Wicked Elder, the Salt Demon Elder, and the Ice Sword Elder as instructors for this Volcanic Covenant Branch."

The odd elder frowned at the fact that Wicked was among the instructors, but since he was selected, he decided not to argue further and was satisfied. Yeomdo and Binggeom glanced at each other, and as their gazes met, they quickly looked away.

These two people, who constantly tried to keep their distance to avoid entanglement, always found themselves entangled.

That night!

"Did you summon me, Pavilion Master?"

Elder Jegal stood in Majinga's private office late at night because Majinga had secretly summoned him. The past month had been the most breathless for him.

"Welcome, Elder Jegal! I apologize for bothering you so often!"

"Not at all, please command me!"

Elder Jegal replied respectfully.

"Tomorrow is finally the departure!"

"Yes!"

"But I cannot rest easy! The fact that I have to send those children to Mount Volcanic without even finding the main culprit of the Vanishing Demon Cave collapse incident weighs heavily on my mind!"

"I am truly sorry about that. Even with all our efforts, utilizing Beiying Hall and all other institutions to their fullest, we still haven't gotten a lead… I am ashamed. I beg for your forgiveness."

"No! You have done your best as always! They are just too cunning. Don't worry too much."

"Thank you, Pavilion Master!"

Elder Jegal was sincerely grateful for Majinga's magnanimity.

"Elder Jegal, will the children be able to reach Mount Volcanic safely this time?"

Majinga's face suddenly became serious. The main topic began now.

"It will not be easy. It is highly likely that among the selected candidates, there are spies from the Black Sky Alliance or the Heavenly Tribulation Beast."

Majinga's eyes widened.

"Really? They are all descendants of prestigious righteous sects. It can't be…"

It was hard to believe.

"Didn't you learn a bitter lesson from this incident that not all disciples of prestigious sects can be trusted! Their insidious influence is clearly deeper than we imagine."

"Is there a way? Seeing as you've come this far, it seems you've made some arrangements?"

Elder Jegal smiled faintly.

"As sharp as ever. I have already placed a few trustworthy children among the candidates."

"Oh! As expected of you! Truly, you are one of the brains of Cheonmu Academy!"

Majinga's face brightened immediately.

"You flatter me. I have made a few other arrangements as well, so please rest assured. I will stake my honor to ensure the children arrive at Mount Volcanic safely. This includes the apprehension of any spies."

"Then, please take good care of it!"

"Do not worry."