Translator: Nox
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: Team 13 Assembles
#1
The training grounds were massive.
Everywhere Hyeon-do looked, there were martial artists sparring, meditating, and preparing equipment.
Flags of major sects fluttered overhead.
It felt more like a military exercise than a martial exchange.
“This place is no joke,” Yi Baek muttered.
“No distractions,” Seok-hyeon added, scanning the grounds. “Everyone’s focused.”
That was an understatement.
Even the so-called minor clans brought elite warriors.
This was where the future of Murim came to prove themselves.
Hyeon-do smiled.
‘Perfect stage.’
#2
The first day was mostly orientation.
Briefings. Rule explanations. Team assignments.
Hyeon-do’s team was designated as Team 13.
Zhegall Yeong-yeong personally handed him the team emblem.
“A symbolic number. Let’s see if it becomes lucky or unlucky.”
“We’ll make it legendary.”
The team roster was solid:
– Peng Hyeon-do (Leader)
– Peng Seok-hyeon (Tactics / Support)
– Yi Baek (Assault)
– Namgung Jin (Guest swordsman)
– Mo Seo-hwa (Healer / Poison arts)
It was an odd mix — but intentionally so.
Each team was built to test adaptability.
Namgung Jin, a guest participant from the prestigious Namgung Clan, joined late.
He bowed lightly.
“I look forward to fighting beside you.”
“Likewise,” Hyeon-do said.
But he was already analyzing him.
The Namgung Clan was famous for their lightning sword arts.
Fast, precise, and devastating.
Having one on his team could be either a blessing... or a challenge.
#3
Mo Seo-hwa arrived last.
And with her, the room’s mood shifted.
She wore white robes with pale blue trim.
Hair tied in a simple bun. Expression unreadable.
“Mo Clan’s... poison specialist?”
“That’s her. Youngest disciple of the Hundred Flowers Hall.”
The steward whispered.
Her role was critical.
Poisons. Antidotes. Field healing.
She didn’t say much — just bowed politely.
“Mo Seo-hwa. I will perform my duties.”
“Welcome aboard,” Hyeon-do replied.
Inside, he was already adjusting tactics.
Healers were rare in Murim — and poison users even more so.
But she was said to be neutral.
Neither righteous nor demonic.
Just... efficient.
#4
That evening, each team received their mission envelope.
A simulation battle.
Rules:
– Three-day campaign
– One base camp
– Capture the flag objective
– Sabotage allowed
– Martial arts permitted, but no killing strikes
It was as close to real war as possible.
And from the look of it — some teams didn’t plan to hold back.
“I’ve reviewed the map,” Seok-hyeon said.
“Our base has high ground, but fewer escape routes.”
“Standard disadvantage,” Hyeon-do replied.
“They want us to defend.”
“Or to fold quickly.”
Yi Baek cracked his knuckles.
“Then let’s flip the board.”
Hyeon-do smiled.
“No. Let’s *burn* it.”
【To be continued in Chapter 14】
