The crowd reached its frenzied height of reaction. Control was in Ryung's hands. She had applauded Jaehwan's purpose and pointed out the unneeded process and made the result, the [Depth Expedition Team], look like an idea that she had taken a big part of.

"But it's not too early to decide. We have one more issue."

Someone asked what it was and Ryung answered, "Who, then, will be in charge of the expedition team?"

Chunghuh, who was listening quietly, frowned.

"She's up to something."

Mukeuk also nodded. He, too, felt uneasy.

"Communication skill [Stealth Deception] and [Serpent Tongue]…"

They were skills that covered up anything that lacked logic or facts with the tone of voice and strength. The only ones who did not succ.u.mb to her skills were 7th stage or higher Adapters. Then, someone in the crowd asked. It was the Sword General.

"So who do you think is fit for the role?"

Ryung answered, "I think the Master of Gorgon Fortress fits the role best."

Some seemed shocked while others moaned in astonishment. As she was getting the most attention, she could claim herself to be the leader of the expedition team, but she did not do that.

Of course, people were oblivious that Ryung had calculated everything up to this point.

"I object that idea."

Mingkhan replied, "I do not trust the Master of Gorgon."

The crowd began to boo at Mingkhan, as Ryung asked, "Why are you saying that? He fits the role best."

"I, to a certain extent, agree."

He continued, "He is more powerful than any Ten-Clan Leader, and he has the intelligence as he outwitted Meng of the Disciples Clan. There's no one like him, even in history."

"That's weird. Then why are you objecting?"

"Because the leader of the expedition team needs to be something more than that."

The people fell silent. Those were the words from someone who watched the [Depth Expedition Team] depart and reach its disastrous end. Ryung then asked, with an ever-generous smile, "Then what do you think the leader needs?"

"He needs character."

It was a deliberate response.

"The leader needs character to hold powerful men in place. I think this is a must."

The crowd began to agree with what Mingkhan was saying.

"You mean, the Master does not have such character to do so?"

The people turned to Mingkhan, who changed the subject without answering, "I heard some rumors about him while on the way here."

"What kind of rumors?"

"I heard that the Master has only lived half a century and it has been only a month since he appeared in ."

The crowd began to grow uneasy as they also had heard of such rumors. Ryung then asked Jaehwan, "Is that true? Those rumors?"

"They are."

Jaehwan replied honestly. People began to shout.

"That's a problem!"

"We cannot have a man who only lived half a century to lead the expedition team!"

Jaehwan frowned at such unease.

'Is it the number again?'

Ryung continued, "Sword General, you are right in your argument. But-"

Mingkhan nodded and Ryung continued,

"We cannot bring him down because he has only lived a 'short' life. We do not know what kind of 50 years he has lived."

People began to praise Ryung's kind words again. Mingkahn spoke, "I agree. But I still think the Master needs to prove his character."

"Prove… but how can you prove such a thing?"

"I think you can do the job very well."

"Me? But how?"

"How about you perform the 'Question of Righteousness'?"

The 'Question of Righteousness.'

Ryung's 'Question of Righteousness' was famous in . Many high-stage Adapters asked to do this with Ryung to gain their rating of the 'Way of Truth'. This had the potential of entrapping Adapters into self-despair, but overcoming it granted an incredible amount of ratings.

The crowd began to cheer in approval of the idea and Ryung spoke reluctantly, "If you all want it so much…"

She smiled faintly as she turned to Jaehwan.

"Mind my manners. We have not asked the Master's opinion on this matter. I am sorry. So, do you plan to take up the leaders.h.i.+p of the expedition team?"

Jaehwan did not answer. He was looking towards the sky, at the incoming dark clouds from the distance. A faint sense of disastrous energy that Jaehwan was familiar with.

Chunghuh, without knowing where Jaehwan was looking at, groaned.

'You have been trapped by her trickery. What will you do now?'

If Jaehwan decided to pull out his sword and beat up everyone, his expedition team would be as good as gone. There was no one who would want to join the team led by a tyrant. But if he agreed, he would need to face the 'Question of Righteousness'.

Jaehwan spoke out.