Chapter 771: My Nickname is the Bitch of the Valley of Evil

TL: FoodieMonster007

Ji Han stood before the Ghost Shadow Squad building to wait for Geom Mugeuk.

"Wait here a moment," Geom Mugeuk said. "You'll soon meet the Commander of the organization you'll be joining."

"Yes, I understand."

"Although you were once a Commander, you may have to start as a regular martial artist depending on the leader's evaluation."

"I'm prepared for that."

Geom Mugeuk instructed Ji Han to wait and went to the training ground behind the building.

Ji Han's heart pounded as he waited for the person who would become his leader.

What kind of person will they be? Will I be able to adapt well to the organization? I was the Soul Chasing Commander of the Evil King Sect, after all. I can't help but feel a bit bitter to start as a regular martial artist.

Nevertheless, it was his own choice to come here. He resolved to climb back up from the bottom.

A short while later, a man in a green mask walked over, leading a group of martial artists. He was Green Mask, and those following him were the martial artists of the Ghost Shadows' first group.

The first group consisted mainly of those who used swords and daos. Through continuous training, they had developed skills and organization worthy of being called elites.

Ji Han flinched. He caught a scent from Green Mask. It was not a real scent, but one that radiated from his qi.

He could smell the qi of people, and the Yellow Dragon Commander who had tormented him previously had reeked of a foul stench. The scent he caught from Green Mask, though…

The smell of blood!

A scent revealed a person's disposition. This was no ordinary person.

This person must be the Commander.

Ji Han naturally assumed Green Mask was the Commander. It seemed impossible for someone who radiated such formidable qi not to be the leader.

The members of the Ghost Shadow Squad's First Division lined up before the building, and Green Mask stood in front of them.

Green Mask looked at Ji Han.

As their eyes met through the mask's cold openings, Ji Han felt conflicted.

Should I greet him first?

However, with Geom Mugeuk absent, it felt awkward to offer a greeting. What would he even say?

Just then, Division Leader Seo Jin entered, leading her Second Division subordinates.

Ji Han's nose twitched again. Her qi carried the smell of incense from a funeral home, meaning that she was someone close to the dead.

The ghostly energy lingering around her was indeed extraordinary. Since returning from the Yellow Dragon Academy, Seo Jin had dedicated herself to training in ghost arts and had become noticeably stronger.

Because of her, the martial artists of the second group who followed her had also learned ghost arts.

Of course, Seo Jin had not passed down the unique arts of the Ghost Sect. The techniques she taught were common ones, like creating smoke for concealment or conjuring apparitions to startle people.

In this way, she differentiated her division from the other two.

Could this woman be the Commander?

Considering Seo Jin's qi and the special atmosphere of her subordinates, she also seemed like she could be the Commander.

Ji Han's gaze shifted back to Green Mask.

Then what about that masked man?

He did not seem like someone who would serve under anyone.

Green Mask and Seo Jin greeted each other with clasped hands. They appeared to be of equal rank, which confused Ji Han.

Next, Cha Yiran appeared, leading her assassins. The Third Division of the Ghost Shadow Squad had arrived.

The moment he saw her, Ji Han thought, It's this woman!

No matter how strong Green Mask was or how special Seo Jin was, neither radiated a presence as powerful as Cha Yiran's.

She was also breathtakingly beautiful. It was the first time in his life he had seen such a woman.

The women following her were also outstandingly beautiful and felt like no ordinary martial artists.

Ji Han hastily looked forward. He had almost stared, completely captivated. A bewitching scent that stimulated men radiated from Cha Yiran.

"You've arrived?" Green Mask asked.

"I'm a little late," Cha Yiran replied.

Cha Yiran exchanged greetings with Green Mask and then with Seo Jin.

Seo Jin immediately sensed her pleasant mood. "Did something good happen?" she asked.

"Why are you asking that?"

"You seem to be in a good mood."

"Not really. Maybe it's because the weather is nice?"

Although Cha Yiran feigned ignorance, she was in a better mood than ever. Ak Gunhak had arrived, and she had secured a promise from him for basic swordsmanship training. The thought of seeing him often made her steps light and brought a natural smile to her lips.

Meanwhile, seeing these three people greet each other as equals confused Ji Han even more.

Is this woman not the Commander either?

How could someone like that not be the Commander? Her presence was so powerful he would have believed her if she were a Commander or even a hall Director.

Ah, I see. This must be a gathering of Commanders!

Ji Han felt certain. After all, Green Mask and Seo Jin alone had the strength to be more than just Commanders.

Just then, two people walked out from behind the building.

Ji Han felt relieved at the sight of Geom Mugeuk, but his gaze fixed on Lee Ahn, who emerged with him.

The moment he saw Lee Ahn, he was entranced. He had truly never seen such a beautiful woman.

He had thought the same about Cha Yiran, but no. This woman was more attractive, and radiated a wonderfully pleasant scent. It was the scent he smelled when meeting a person of truly good character, and it made her beauty shine even brighter.

Geom Mugeuk stood before the martial artists of the Ghost Shadow Squad. "It's been a while. Have you all been well?"

""Yes! It's good to see you, Cult Leader!"" the Ghost Shadow Squad members thundered in response.

Geom Mugeuk walked up to Green Mask. "Your skills have improved a lot, haven't they?" he asked, though could tell just by looking at Green Mask.

"The Commander spars with me very often."

After achieving complete mastery of the Soaring Sky Sword Art, Lee Ahn had paid close attention to Green Mask. His joining the Ghost Shadow Squad was not solely because of Geom Mugeuk. She was certainly part of the reason.

Thus, just as Geom Mugeuk and the Flower Sword Supreme had done for her, she became his dueling partner. It was her way of looking after him.

"I'm learning more from the First Division Leader," Lee Ahn said humbly.

Finally, Ji Han realized that the beautiful woman was the Commander of the Ghost Shadow Squad.

So this woman is the one who will be my leader.

He had never imagined she would be so young and beautiful, but the other three surprised him more.

To think all those skilled people are merely Division Leaders!

He was truly astonished. He had not known it was this kind of organization.

Hah. Can I really be bitter about demoted to a regular martial artist in an organization where people like them are Division Leaders?

Geom Mugeuk formally introduced Ji Han to Lee Ahn. "This is a friend I met while I was away. Whether to accept him into the Ghost Shadow Squad is entirely up to you."

Ji Han politely offered Lee Ahn a clasped hands greeting. His fate now rested with this woman. "Greetings. My name is Ji Han."

"I'm Lee Ahn, the Commander of the Ghost Shadow Squad."

"It is an honor to meet you."

Ji Han grew more nervous as everyone's eyes focused on him.

"What is your background?" Lee Ahn asked.

"I was the Soul Chasing Commander of the Evil King Sect. When it comes to tracking down enemies, I'm more confident than anyone."

"Do you know what the Ghost Shadow Squad does?"

"No, I do not."

"We serve the Young Cult Leader here directly."

A surge of passion filled Ji Han's chest. He had followed Geom Mugeuk to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, trusting only him.

He knew he might not receive much attention, and if he joined an organization far from the Young Cult Leader, he might never see his face properly. Still, he never thought he'd be sent to a the Young Cult Leader's own martial unit!

Lee Ahn asked a question she often posed in such situations. "Let me ask you one thing. If an order from the Young Cult Leader conflicts with one from the Cult Leader, whose order will you follow?"

Ji Han pondered for a moment, then said, "I believe I must follow the Cult Leader's order."

Lee Ahn blinked in surprise. She had thought he would obey the Young Cult Leader. "Why choose him over the Young Cult Leader?"

"Shouldn't we aim to please the Cult Leader so that he'll let the Young Cult Leader succeed him one day? I don't know about other organizations, but where I worked, a direct unit shouldn't go against the highest-ranking superior's wishes. However, once the Young Cult Leader becomes the Cult Leader, I believe I must follow any order he gives, no matter how unreasonable," Ji Han explained. He then added with an awkward expression, "To be honest, I still don't know much about the Divine Cult, and I had no intention of joining until I met the Young Cult Leader. I came this far solely because of my connection with him. If I can just serve the Young Cult Leader, I ask for nothing else. Please give me any order. I will serve my new master loyally."

Geom Mugeuk said to Ji Han, "You made it sound cool, but in the end, you're saying you won't listen to me, right?"

Ji Han panicked. "No, that's not it…"

Lee Ahn interjected, "I like this guy. If we ever have to disobey the Young Cult Leader in the future, we can use him as a scapegoat, right? We can just say we had no choice because Ji Han insisted."

Ji Han was even more flustered. To say such a thing right to his face!

After thoroughly enjoying his flustered state, Lee Ahn made her decision. "You said your name is Ji Han?"

"……"

"I hereby appoint you as the Fourth Division Leader of the Ghost Shadow Squad."

Ji Han was startled by the words 'Fourth Division Leader'. He hesitated, saying, "I don't know if I am qualified for such a position."

Looking at the three Division Leaders before him, he wondered if he could really stand shoulder to shoulder with them.

"Right, I don't know that either."

"Then why did you choose me as a Division Leader?"

"Because the Young Cult Leader recommended you to me. He must have brought you all this way because he thinks you're someone who can be entrusted with at least a Division Leader position, right?"

Ji Han could feel his commander's absolute faith in the Young Cult Leader.

"Don't be too moved by that," Lee Ahn added. "Even though you're a Division Leader, there's no one in the Fourth Division yet."

Ji Han smiled. He did not see that as a disadvantage, but as an advantage. "Doesn't that mean I can select the subordinates I want?"

Lee Ahn smiled and looked at Geom Mugeuk. Right, he must have recommended such a smart and bold person for a reason. "From now on, you will develop the Fourth Division into a unit specialized in tracking arts, utilizing your specialty."

Ji Han was overjoyed. Could there be a better start to his new life in the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult than working directly under the Young Cult Leader? Moreover, in an organization where he could fully exercise his own specialty?

"I will devote my loyalty to you."

Geom Mugeuk smiled with satisfaction as he looked at Lee Ahn and the four Division Leaders standing before him. "The Ghost Shadow Squad is finally complete."

The First Division specialized in frontal combat, the Second Division in ghost arts, the Third Division in assassination, and the Fourth Division in tracking.

Finally, he had assembled a balanced Ghost Shadow Squad.

"You will be deployed into actual combat soon. Prepare yourselves thoroughly!"

"The room is incredibly clean," the Seventeenth Bridge remarked.

She could not have imagined the complex sequence of events that had transpired before she spoke those words.

The Faceless Warrior who rushed over upon receiving the Crescent Moon Faceless Warrior's message wore a mask with a rabbit drawn on it. Not all Faceless Warriors could draw symbols on their masks, only elites with proven skill and experience.

As luck would have it, he was the junior with the fastest movement arts.

The Rabbit Faceless Warrior rushed in, opened the window to air out the room, then threw all the clothes from the bed and table underneath the bed. After that, he requested help from the Faceless Warrior next door.

"Quick! I need tea, a tea set, and scented candles! Food and some good liquor too!"

"What in the world is going on?"

"Senior Crescent Moon is bringing a woman home."

That was enough. The neighboring Faceless Warrior scurried to bring the requested items.

He lit a scented candle in the room, and together, they moved all the unwashed crockery to the house next door. Then, the two men used their best movement arts to sweep the floor and wipe off the dust.

By the time they finished cleaning and came out, the Crescent Moon Faceless Warrior and the Seventeenth Bridge were walking toward them in the distance.

"What's this? Why is a woman here?" another Faceless Warrior passed by the front of the house and remarked with a displeased look.

SHASHASHAK!

The Seventeenth Bridge glanced in that direction at the sound of his voice, but the oblivious man had already been whisked away, practically kidnapped by the two Faceless Warriors for nearly ruining the mood.

As the two continued to walk, a shirtless Faceless Warrior wearing only a mask appeared, scratching his butt and yawning as he walked.

SHASHASHAK!

He too disappeared as if kidnapped.

Because of such desperate efforts by assistants, the two were able to arrive at the house while having a calm conversation.

"Somehow, I thought your room would be clean," the Seventeenth Bridge remarked.

The Crescent Moon Faceless Warrior subtly kicked a piece of clothing sticking out from under the bed, relieved his buddy had miraculously managed to clean so much in such a short time. Even the clothes that had been strewn across the bed were now shoved underneath it.

"The room smells nice."

"Does it? I can't tell."

"I'm thirsty. Please give me some tea, even if it's cold."

"Wait a moment."

The Crescent Moon Faceless Warrior hesitated.

Is there any tea in the house? I only drink wine at home!

There had to be some he had received somewhere.

When the Crescent Moon Faceless Warrior opened the closet, he found an unfamiliar tea caddy and tea set. Next to them was a bottle of liquor and some snacks.

That kid, to think he even thought of this.

The Crescent Moon Faceless Warrior brewed the tea and brought it out with the snacks.

"The tea is delicious, and the cookies are too."

"I'm glad."

Seeing his lover enjoy the food and drinks made the Crescent Moon Faceless Warrior very happy.

"I've now dated every man in the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult," the Seventeenth Bridge said.

"What do you mean?"

"When people see me, won't they say that? 'Isn't that the bitch from the Valley of Evil?' From now on, my nickname will be 'Bitch of the Valley of Evil'."

She was likely the first woman to come to the Valley of Evil because she liked a Faceless Warrior.

The Seventeenth Bridge summoned even more of her courage.

"I want to see your face without the mask."

It was impossible to like someone without knowing their face. Anyone who heard would call her a crazy woman. How could you like someone so much without knowing who was under the mask?

"I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."

"The longer you postpone it, the more disappointed I will be."

The Crescent Moon Faceless Warrior sighed. She was right, he could not hide his face forever. He slowly took off his mask.

A young man's face appeared.

The Seventeenth Bridge's eyes widened. Seeing him mark the mask with blood, she had expected a rugged man, but his features were gentler than she thought.

The Crescent Moon Faceless Warrior had not lied. She had seen him before during training. Among the intimidating demonic practitioners, he had stood out.

Surprisingly, she had even thought before, How nice would it be if the Crescent Moon Faceless Warrior was like him?

She sighed, "I'm disappointed."

The Crescent Moon Faceless Warrior grew flustered.

"I was so nervous, you know," she continued. "What if you're so ugly I can't handle it? What if a much older man appears? Do you know what I was thinking? I'll still go for it. I'll go with you to the end. Even if you're ugly, I'll go, and even if you're twice my age, I'll go. I was steeling my heart just like that."

She was even more worried because what if she accidentally blurted, "Did you want to date me with this face?"

"……"

"But you were so handsome!"

Relief filled the Crescent Moon Faceless Warrior's tense eyes. He stared quietly at the Seventeenth Bridge and said abruptly, "I'll take responsibility for you. I'll take responsibility for the Bitch of the Valley of Evil."

The Seventeenth Bridge's face brightened. Yes, this was the manliness she had fallen for when he rescued her. Although he looked like a boy, his eyes were those of a real man.

She walked to the window and leaned her head out. "You people over there heard that, right?"

Four Faceless Warriors were hiding below the window. They were the Rabbit Faceless Warrior, the neighbor who brought the tea, the one who had asked why a woman was there, and the shirtless one. The neighbor held a scented candle, apparently to enhance the atmosphere.

The Seventeenth Bridge had known for a while that four people were hiding outside. As a former assassin, how could she not sense their poorly concealed presence?

"That man said he'll take responsibility for me, and the four of you are my witnesses."

Among the masks looking up with awkward gazes, she spotted a drawing. "Mr. Rabbit, you heard him clearly, right?"