Training the Masses (1)

The two low level Namgung clan members looked down at their laps and clenched their fists. They wanted to disagree with what I had said, but they knew it was the truth. And with such clear reasons for my confidence, it was obvious what option they should take.

They were being offered a chance to a better life, one where they wouldn't be disposable dogs to a clan that didn't care about them. But yet they still hesitated, they must have family within the Namgung clan that need to be extracted if they want to join us.

Before either of the two low-level Namgung clan members could speak, a gentle voice entered their ears.

"You have family within the Namgung clan, don't you? A daughter or son, a wife, nephews, parents too old or too young to work for the clan yet?"

A simple nod of their heads was all I needed to see to understand their situation. If they left the Namgung clan now, their families would surely suffer. So, if they want to join us now, they'll need to return to the Namgung clan empty handed, or with a deal. So once they reach their families they can escape during the night.

"Very well, as of right now we won't be selling the Namgung clan the dragon horn blade. But we would like you to return to your clan with an offer. If they bring us a million Nyangs within three days, we'll send them a better dragon horn weapon."

The two Namgung clan members looked up at me in confusion, but a moment later they caught on and realized what my plan was.

"We will deliver your words to the clan leader." The leader of the two said with a bow. "We wish you well in the production of the next dragon horn weapon."

"Oh, one more thing before you go." I replied as the leader of the two stepped over to his friend to help him get up.

"Yes, cult leader?"

"Pyo Kang, reattach that one's arm." I said, tossing a needle and thread over to Pyo Kang.

"Yes, Master."

As Pyo Kang began to sew the Namgung clan member's arm back on, I began sending telepathic messages to the other member.

'When you return to the Namgung clan, don't speak about me being the cult leader. If they get suspicious of me using this cult as a base of operations, they'll reject the deal and attack us themselves.'

The man was surprised, as the last thing he expected was to hear a telepathic message after I had removed the arm of his friend. He would soon respond to my message with a telepathic message of his own.

'I'll make sure you stay out of it, and if all goes well, the million Nyangs, my family and my friend's family will be here in three days.'

Pyo Kang finished reattaching the man's arm, it was obvious that they were skeptical about what he was doing. But when they saw that his reattached arm hadn't lost any strength or had any hinderances with its movement, they were only more determined to join our side.

---

An hour after the two Namgung clan warriors had left the Demon Dragon Cult's headquarters, every member of the cult could be seen in the main plaza, except for the eccentric blacksmith who never left his forge.

Standing in front of the crowd of cultists was Baek Il, the previous leader. He had done what he was told and gathered everyone within the cult. He didn't know why the dragon who now ruled the cult wanted everyone to gather here, but he figured that reason would be revealed soon.

The crowd, however, was not happy to be summoned like this, as their incessant murmuring echoed throughout the plaza. Their disgruntled feelings were all directed at Baek Il, who had summoned them without even giving them the reason for their summoning.

"Why are you being quiet leader? Tell us why you summoned everyone!"

"Yeah! Why did you summon us?"

Those were some of the more audible cries I could hear from the crowd while I stood atop the cult leader's building.

"Pyo Kang, Pyo Yong, I'll leave training the regular members of the cult to you, Pyo Kang will take half and Pyo Yong will take the other half. I will be taking the executives, so don't worry about them."

"How should we go about training them?" Pyo Kang responded from behind me.

"You may train them however you deem fit, but I'll tell you both this. In six months, there will be a competition to determine which half of the cult is stronger. The winner's side will get to learn my Silver Breath arts and the loser will have to endure extra training under me for a week."

My personal martial arts, something I didn't teach anyone but myself how to perform. Such a powerful set of martial arts techniques for the winner of a training competition would give good drive for the both of them to give their all.

"As you command Master."

"Good. Then let's begin."

I jumped off the sect leader's building alongside Pyo Kang and Pyo Yong, landing in front of the crowd of cultists in the plaza a moment later. Not a single member noticed us land, as they were still berating Baek Il with questions.

"Listen well, I will say this only once!"

My yell containing internal energy echoed throughout the plaza, leaving every cult member motionless.

As the echoes of my words died out through the plaza the crowd grew silent. Each and every member now confused as to what the next words to leave my mouth would be.

"From this day forward, I will be reclaiming control over this cult. And from this day forward, your training from hell will begin. Behind me are my disciples, they will be in charge of your training, and if you disobey them, a swift end will meet you."