Chapter 537: The Beginning of an Upheaval (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 537: The Beginning of an Upheaval (3)
Our first proper meal together in some time was a brief affair.
Given the circumstances surrounding the Tang Clan, it was hardly an occasion for a lavish or cheerful gathering. Throughout the meal, I noticed Tang Soyeol’s expression was particularly grim.
She looked utterly miserable…
The Poison King had likely tried to shield her from the worst of the Tang Clan’s troubles, but he couldn’t have hidden everything. It seemed she had found out the truth.
If I was being honest, I had expected she would learn of it sooner or later. Still, I couldn’t just leave her to brood alone, which is why I had insisted she join us. Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah stayed close by her side, doing their best to look after her.
But their kindness could only do so much. The meal was little more than a chance to see each other after a long separation—worth that much, and nothing more.
* * *
“So, what did you decide to do?” I asked Moyong Hi-ah as we walked along a quiet path after the modest meal.
Our residences lay in the same direction, and as it happened, I had something I wanted to ask her.
“About what?”
“You knew the Poison King was going to make that decision, didn’t you?”
“I did.”
Her reaction was utterly nonchalant, which only deepened my curiosity.
“How did you know?”
“Hm? You didn’t, Young Master Gu?”
“No. That’s why I’m asking now.”
How could anyone have predicted it? That a clan lord would take actions that would shatter his own family.
In response, Moyong Hi-ah brushed her hair back with a delicate, jade-like hand. “I wasn’t entirely certain, to be honest. It was merely a prediction.”
“But you rushed off as if you were sure.”
She had moved with such swift certainty, and yet she claimed it was only a guess. As if slightly embarrassed by her own decisiveness, a faint flush coloured Moyong Hi-ah’s cheeks.
“…Even if I wasn’t certain, there was a significant chance it would happen.”
“What chance?”
“The chance that Lord Tang would choose righteousness.”
I flinched inwardly at her words.
“I had considered many possibilities. Given the circumstances, there were plenty of more… prudent options available. But in the end, I could see no other outcome for Lord Tang’s actions.”
Prudent options. That was from Moyong Hi-ah’s perspective.
Even if they couldn’t conceal all of the Tang Clan’s shame, they should have controlled the narrative to prevent too much from leaking out. Before beheading the elders responsible for the incident, they should have taken the time to absorb and neutralise their factions.
In Moyong Hi-ah’s eyes—no, in both our eyes—that would have been the optimal method.
But the Poison King hadn’t done that.
His reason?
Because it was shameful.
As a martial artist, as a clan lord, and as a member of the Orthodox Faction, he had said he was too ashamed to act otherwise. Was that why he claimed he couldn’t do it?
It was something I couldn’t fully comprehend.
It’s a difficult thing to grasp.
Some would call it an incompetent choice. Others might even deem it foolish. But I found I couldn’t voice a single word of criticism.
The reason was simple.
Conviction.
I judged that to be the Poison King’s unwavering conviction. An action I wouldn’t—no, couldn’t—take myself.
The reason I couldn’t refute the Poison King, who had spoken with such absolute certainty that his path was right, was ultimately because… I lacked a conviction I could believe in and act upon with equal strength.
So.
I have to find it.
I had to find it. Something I could believe in and follow as my own conviction. Something that could steady my wavering self and allow me to stand firm.
“Young Master?”
Perhaps because I had fallen silent mid-conversation, Moyong Hi-ah called out to me.
“Sorry, I was lost in thought for a moment. So, what did you do?”
“What else could I do? I sorted out everything related to the Tang Clan.”
A sigh tinged her words. Judging by the exhaustion written plainly on her face, it seemed Moyong Hi-ah hadn’t slept properly since the incident.
Sorted out things with the Tang Clan. Did that mean…
“You ended the deals?”
I was asking if she had severed the formal agreements with the Tang Clan, and separately, the ongoing trade relations. Normally, one couldn’t unilaterally break such contracts during the agreed-upon period.
But given the circumstances…
With a scandal of this magnitude, the Tang Clan wouldn’t be in any position to complain if the Moyong Clan cut ties. Even a unilateral termination would likely go unchallenged.
However.
“I didn’t cut them off completely. If I had, I would have been far less busy.”
Moyong Hi-ah denied my assumption.
“I just had to completely revise the terms and conditions, as well as the profit ratios…”
Ah. So that was why she had been so swamped. She had essentially renegotiated all existing treaties and overhauled the associated trade agreements.
…This girl is truly something else.
Hearing that, I saw Moyong Hi-ah in a new light. I already knew she was capable, but my surprise stemmed from something else.
It seems her authority within the clan is far greater than I expected.
The power Moyong Hi-ah wielded appeared more substantial than I had realised. Assessing the situation and acting immediately was a testament to her ability, that much was clear. What truly amazed me was that she could unilaterally push through such significant revisions without the prior permission of the clan lord, the White Heavenly Sword.
Of course, final confirmation and sealing the agreements would be his responsibility. The fact that she acted so decisively means she must have been granted that latitude.
Knowing Moyong Hi-ah’s meticulous personality, for her to act first meant she possessed the confidence that the lord would ultimately endorse her decisions.
As if sensing the meaning behind my gaze, Moyong Hi-ah tilted her head. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I was just thinking how remarkable you are.”
“…Huh…?”
Her eyes questioned what kind of nonsense I was spouting suddenly. I was genuinely impressed, but she seemed to find it baffling.
Another question surfaced, and I pressed further. “But why only adjust the terms? Why not sever ties completely?”
If word of the Tang Clan’s disgrace spread throughout the Central Plains, the Moyong Clan, bound by association, would surely suffer collateral damage. Moyong Hi-ah would know that better than I, yet she had chosen to renegotiate rather than cut losses.
To my question, Moyong Hi-ah averted her gaze slightly. “Honestly, I wanted to.”
“Mm.”
“The ship we were on caught fire. I couldn’t just stay aboard with them.”
I understood. The situation certainly warranted such a response.
“But.”
“But?”
“I realised a person cannot live by calculation alone.”
I couldn’t help but be surprised by the words that came from Moyong Hi-ah’s mouth. Coming from whom I considered the most calculating person I knew, it was startling.
“What’s with that expression this time…?”
“The face of a man who just heard the most surprising thing all year.”
“What did you say?”
“I’m kidding.”
It wasn’t entirely a joke, but seeing her eyes narrow, I quickly backtracked.
…For Moyong Hi-ah of all people to say that.
This was the woman who, even in the Demon Realm, had coldly abandoned those deemed necessary sacrifices for survival. To hear she had acted out of something other than pure pragmatism sounded rather novel.
“Because of someone… This is utterly ridiculous.”
“What was that?”
“It’s nothing.”
Hmph. Moyong Hi-ah snorted and furrowed her brow.
“Anyway, since things have turned out this way… you should prepare as well, Young Master.”
“Prepare for what?”
“With the Tang Clan in such a state, shouldn’t the Gu Clan be taking measures?”
“…Well, I’m sure the clan will do something. But I won’t be involved.”
Even if action was required, my father or the elders would handle it. At most, Gu Huibi might step in. What would I do? Leaving aside whether I could do anything, I had no intention of getting involved. Not yet, at least.
“It’s your family’s business, yet you don’t seem very interested, do you?”
It was slightly embarrassing, but she was right. It wasn’t a matter that particularly concerned me. My focus remained solely on matters related to the Blood Calamity.
When my expression made my disinterest clear, Moyong Hi-ah’s demeanour shifted slightly.
“…Then, things will get rather busy for me after we are married… Should I begin studying the clan’s affairs in advance?”
“What?”
“It’s nothing. If you have no particular plans, then I suppose it can’t be helped. I have much to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”
“Wait… Hey. What did you just say…”
“If you have nothing pressing, please look after Lady Tang. She seems to be having a very difficult time.”
Moyong Hi-ah, ignoring my question, simply said her piece and vanished.
* * *
“…What was that about?”
After she left, I touched my lips thoughtfully. “Hmm…”
Alone now, Moyong Hi-ah’s parting words about Tang Soyeol lingered. The image of Tang Soyeol’s face, devoid of its usual smile and shadowed by gloom, surfaced in my mind.
I recalled the day I had sought her out regarding the jewel. She had refused it outright, telling me in no uncertain terms:
—I can overcome this on my own.
Tang Soyeol, acutely aware of her own insecurities, had believed firmly in her ability to conquer them. Seeing that resolve, I had abandoned the idea of using the jewel on her.
However.
Still. It feels wrong to just leave her to struggle.
Back then, Tang Soyeol hadn’t known the full extent of the incident. Now that the truth was out, things were different.
But to use the jewel on her now?
No.
I refused to do that. The Tang Soyeol who had declared she could overcome her trials alone had been shining with a brilliant light. I had no intention of trampling that radiance.
Then, should I stay by her side and offer comfort?
That isn’t the answer either.
Not only was I ill-suited for such a role, but it wasn’t what Tang Soyeol truly needed right now.
She needed a path forward.
Tang Soyeol had faith in herself; what she required was a route that would make her journey smoother. Even without Moyong Hi-ah’s suggestion, I had already considered this.
I didn’t know if this was the right way or not. But the final choice would be hers alone. I would simply show her the paths that seemed viable to me, one by one.
I took a few deep breaths and spoke softly into the empty air. “Senior…”
“Yes.”
A reply came immediately to my quiet call. It came from behind me. When I turned, the Dark King was kneeling there.
I hadn’t even detected his presence.
I had called for him on a assumption, hoping he was nearby. Thankfully, he was.
I looked at him and spoke. “We have that unfinished conversation from last time.”
“Yes.”
“I will grant your request.”
At my words, the Dark King’s eyes gleamed with intensity.
“I don’t yet know how to lift the curse… but the latter is something I can fulfil easily enough. I will grant it when the time comes.”
His request for death. That was something I could grant at any moment. Even now.
The problem was…
“However, not at this very moment. Because I need you, Senior.”
It couldn’t be now.
“It will not take long… but after I have finished what I require, I believe I will be able to grant your request.”
“…”
“Is that acceptable to you? If you refuse, then there is nothing more I can do.”
My words carried a clear threat: if he refused my terms, I would not honour his wish.
Hearing this, the Dark King showed no change in expression. He must have anticipated this. That I would need to use him.
The Dark King couldn’t have been ignorant of his own value; he had pleaded with me fully aware of the implications.
“What is it that you desire, Great One?”
As expected. The Dark King was prepared to accept my conditions without protest. Was he truly that desperate?
“First, I’d like to change that damned title… but let us set that aside for now.”
I looked directly into the Dark King’s eyes. “How far are you willing to go for me?”
For me, and by extension, for the fulfilment of his own desire, what limits would he respect?
To this, the Dark King replied without hesitation. “Anything that lies within my capability.”
His words, in their stark simplicity, gave me pause.
“Anything…?”
“If there is someone you wish dead, I will bring you his head. No matter who it may be.”
“Oh…”
I couldn’t help but be impressed. Coming from the world’s greatest assassin, such a statement carried immense weight. When it came to assassination, there was truly no one better than the Dark King.
The only slight disappointment was… Is assassination the only thing I can request?
The problem was, making such a request felt somewhat awkward. Asking for the heads of figures like the Heavenly Demon or the Blood Demon would be problematic for numerous reasons.
It’s fine, since that isn’t what I intended to ask for anyway.
If the Dark King was willing, he could mobilise the entire Night Reapers organisation. Him pledging himself to me was tantamount to gaining control of the Night Reapers.
If that comes to pass, I can accelerate one of my plans significantly.
I had been planning to establish my own assassination squad within a few years, but with the Dark King in the picture, I could scrap that plan and focus on other objectives.
Not a bad turn of events.
From a strategic viewpoint, it was a considerable gain. Assassins were needed not just for killing, but for intelligence gathering as well. Commanding the greatest assassination squad in the Central Plains was a far greater asset than I had initially anticipated.
However.
“That is well and good, but there is something else you must do for me first.”
What I wanted from him wasn’t that.
There were many I wished dead, but I preferred to kill them with my own hands rather than relying on another. And concerning those specific individuals I needed to eliminate… Rather than killing them outright, I need to turn them into Demonic Humans and utilise them.
I planned to corrupt them all with Demonic Qi, so the Dark King’s services wouldn’t be required for that purpose.
So, what was the favour I was about to ask?
The most urgent matter at hand was something else entirely.
I called to the Dark King, picturing the woman with light green hair in my mind. “Senior.”
The Dark King raised his head, and our eyes met.
I looked at him and made my request. “Please take on a disciple for me.”
“?”
A clear question surfaced in the Dark King’s eyes.