The Poisoned Realm and the Bloodied Realm (3)
“Hmm.”
Moyong Gun smiled.
“He’s rampaging properly. The urgency carries all the way here.”
It was exactly as Moyong Gun said.
The sound of the Tang Family’s large, sturdy outer walls collapsing echoed, followed by the screams of warriors who appeared to be the family’s guards.
Sound was not the only thing. The urgent atmosphere carried on the wind clearly stemmed from the heat radiating off the Tang Family members.
“However……”
Hwang Seok-tae’s eyes deepened.
“It seems he’s going in quite deep.”
Indeed. Pae Yul’s flame-like aura had already crossed the Tang Family’s outer walls.
It was an intrusion. Though not through the main gate, he had caused chaos at the walls of the Sichuan Tang Family—known as an impregnable fortress—before smashing through and boldly entering.
It was an event that would go down in Tang Family history. No expert in the world would dare think of infiltrating the Tang Family alone.
Moyong Gun shook his head.
“He has to do at least that much. Only then can he completely hold their attention.”
“But……”
A subtle worry appeared on Kang Liang’s face.
“Will he be all right? No matter how skilled the senior is, he won’t be able to handle that many alone.”
“That’s why we sent Elder Pae Yul. He excels at striking and retreating.”
“No matter how good he is at striking and retreating, once he’s trapped in an encirclement, it’s over.”
“Well, that’s also true.”
Moyong Gun looked at Yeon Hojeong.
“It seems it’s about time we moved.”
Yeon Hojeong nodded.
“I think so too.”
He took out a map from his robe.
“Have you memorized this map, Family Head?”
Moyong Gun grinned.
“Of course.”
This map was an internal layout of the Tang Family drawn by Dang Gwan himself.
It was truly remarkable. Though they were allies working together to reclaim the family, they were still outsiders. Yet he had revealed the family’s layout, steeped in the Tang Family’s long history, to these outsiders. It was not an easy decision.
“Even after this mission ends, it would be best not to harbor unnecessary thoughts.”
Moyong Gun shrugged.
“You must think I’m a fool. Or perhaps you think the Tang Family Head is a fool.”
Dang Gwan’s act of giving this map carried the meaning that, should he die, the operation must continue to the end. Even without him, he hoped they would use the building layout to complete the mission as successfully as possible.
Conversely, if this operation succeeded?
Dang Gwan intended to turn the entire family inside out. People, buildings, and formations alike.
If they succeeded while alive, the layout would change. If they failed and died, it would serve as preparation for the future.
Dang Gwan had handed over the map with such intentions.
“Then I’ll issue the operation orders.”
Yeon Hojeong pointed to a section of the map.
“The one among us with the strongest poison resistance must liberate ‘them’ from this location.”
Moyong Gun nodded.
“That would be me.”
“Correct.”
He had mastered the ancient supreme art known as Noejeonggong. As its name suggested, Noejeonggong was a martial art based on thunder qi.
It was unknown how he could contain such destructive true qi within his body. What mattered was that Moyong Gun carried that energy, and thunder qi possessed the ultimate destructive power to incinerate even the most potent poisons simply by its presence.
Combined with his years of accumulated experience and knowledge, no one was more suited for the first operation than Moyong Gun.
“Since it’s the inner courtyard, you must be cautious.”
“It will be difficult, but if the Tang Family Head’s scheme works, a gap will surely appear. To exploit that scheme, we must move now.”
“Indeed.”
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed.
“Depart immediately. You must coordinate properly with Senior Pae Yul.”
“Understood.”
“And take this with you.”
Yeon Hojeong handed Moyong Gun a black pouch.
Moyong Gun’s eyes deepened.
“You want me to use this?”
“Consider it that important a mission. Even if the mission fails, you must not lose your life.”
“A grateful yet burdensome statement.”
“Do not overestimate your own martial arts. When you must use it, do so without hesitation.”
“Very well. I’ll follow the operation commander’s advice.”
“Go.”
Flash!
A streak of light burst forth, and in an instant, Moyong Gun vanished.
It was a terrifying movement technique that was hard to believe even after seeing it. Kang Liang inwardly clicked his tongue.
“Now then.”
Yeon Hojeong looked at Hwang Seok-tae.
“You must move with me. Though your spear technique specializes in annihilation battles, it’s also well-suited for defense. In the unlikely event of an emergency, you must protect me.”
Hwang Seok-tae nodded.
“The Iron Cavalry isn’t just a combat unit that sweeps through enemy territory. Depending on the situation, it must also undertake defensive missions.”
And the commander of such a unit was Hwang Seok-tae. In terms of balance between offense and defense, he was on par with Yeon Hojeong—perhaps even superior.
“Lastly, Kang Liang.”
“Yes, Brother.”
Yeon Hojeong sighed as he looked at Kang Liang.
“Mixing personal feelings into a mission is foolish, but honestly, I’m worried.”
Kang Liang grinned.
Yeon Hojeong was sighing and grumbling. If he were truly worried, he would have either taken him along silently or instilled confidence by saying he absolutely wouldn’t die.
The fact that he openly expressed concern meant he acknowledged Kang Liang to some degree.
“I’m worried about myself too. Honestly, I’m a bit nervous.”
“Of course you should be nervous. If you’re not tense, you’ll die without even using your hands.”
“I know.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“Your sword has already reached a high realm. It’s practically close to a completed form.”
“Is that so?”
“But completing a single martial art isn’t the end. Completing martial arts is a long process, but in the world beyond, there are countless people who refine their completed techniques into their own martial way.”
“Yes.”
“You’ve also reached that level. I have no doubt this battle will be a great foundation for your martial arts.”
“Hearing you say that makes me even more nervous.”
“That’s why I’m telling you to be more nervous. You say you’re nervous, but your eyes are filled with excitement.”
“Hahaha.”
Yeon Hojeong pointed to a section of the map.
“You will wait here.”
Kang Liang’s eyes lit up.
“Is that all right?”
“It is. The problem is that deciding whether to move as reserve forces or hold the front line until the end is entirely up to you.”
“As expected.”
“I won’t say more.”
Yeon Hojeong patted Kang Liang’s shoulder.
“I trust you.”
Kang Liang was a master who had accumulated much experience at a young age.
Even with experience, a young man’s blood could sometimes cloud his vision.
But Kang Liang had none of that. Though he always spoke flippantly and wore a playful expression, he was actually a very calm person with quick judgment.
The intuitive drive that youth provided. Added to that were the experience to read the flow of battle and genius-level martial arts.
The mission given to Kang Liang could be the easiest or the most difficult, depending on how one looked at it.
“Haven’t I experienced all sorts of crazy situations by your side, Brother?”
Kang Liang rose from his seat.
“Trust my judgment.”
“Of course I will.”
“I’ll go first.”
Whoosh!
Kang Liang disappeared like a ghost, moving stealthily.
Yeon Hojeong looked at Hwang Seok-tae.
“Shall we move too?”
“Good. But is it all right to move now?”
“Hmm?”
“Pae Yul broke through the western wall, Moyong Family Head is heading to the inner courtyard through the northwest wall, and Kang Liang is waiting at the southern wall. You said you were heading to the eastern wall.”
Hwang Seok-tae tilted his head.
“Heading to the eastern wall now would only draw unnecessary attention. Is there really a need to move right away?”
“We’re not going to the eastern wall.”
“What?”
“Our destination is……”
Yeon Hojeong pointed to a section of the map.
It was a place where the ink was particularly thick.
“This place.”
“……!!”
Hwang Seok-tae’s eyes wavered.
“You’re really planning to go there?”
“I’ve intended to from the beginning.”
“The Tang Family Head won’t like it.”
“He can receive his resentment after the mission succeeds.”
“……”
“You were planning to target that place from the start, weren’t you?”
“Correct.”
“Was there a reason to do so even while deceiving our allies?”
“You have to deceive your allies before you deceive the enemy.”
“……”
Yeon Hojeong looked toward the right side.
In the distance beyond the alley, a tall pavilion stood. It was Noksu Jurui.
“Dang Gwan is the master of the Tang Family. Not just anyone can become the Tang Family’s master. Without the wisdom and strength to face all the Tang Family blood relatives alone, one can never ascend to the position of family head.”
“……”
“Yet we’ve left the Tang Family Head at Noksu Jurui and made him a command tower. It would be even better if we entrusted Senior Pae Yul’s mission to the Tang Family Head.”
“Right, I was wondering about that too.”
“The reason is simple.”
Yeon Hojeong’s gaze toward Noksu Jurui grew mysterious.
In that gaze was a strong trust he had never shown to the Poison Emperor Dang Gwan even once during his time as the Black Dark Emperor.
“Because all the key figures in the Tang Family, as well as everyone outside the Tang Family, will be watching the Tang Family Head. His mere existence will paralyze half of the Tang Family’s movements. That creates far more powerful influence than taking direct action.”
“Hmm.”
“Furthermore, the Tang Family Head has already reached his limit. The moment he enters the family, there’s a high chance he won’t be able to contain his anger.”
“That’s true.”
“That must not happen. He must remain dignified and aloof as an absolute being until the end. Only then will the Tang Family’s reconstruction be faster.”
For that one person, the others risked their lives.
Even if it were another family’s matter, Dang Gwan would likely risk his life alongside Yeon Hojeong.
That was why moving for Dang Gwan wasn’t regrettable. Even risking one’s life wasn’t a waste.
“But to keep him as that absolute being, shouldn’t he avoid meeting ‘him’?”
“No. That’s a different matter.”
“Hmm…… Well, you must have your own thoughts.”
“Anyway, let’s get up now.”
“Good.”
A subtle tension appeared on Yeon Hojeong’s face.
“I wonder how he’ll respond.”
* * *
Drip, drip.
Blood slowly trickled from the seven orifices of the two men.
Their bodies twisted grotesquely as they trembled, evoking intense fear in anyone who saw them. No one knew what kind of poison had been used or how, but two of their limbs had joints bent in the opposite direction.
They had soiled themselves with blood, sweat, and even urine. A foul stench filled the air.
Yet Dang Gwan drank his wine without changing his expression. The woman’s corpse that had collapsed on the table had already been thrown beside the two men.
“Hoo.”
The once-full wine cup was empty again.
Dang Gwan habitually refilled his cup. Even after drinking like this, he showed no signs of intoxication.
Some time passed.
“……?”
Dang Gwan turned his head toward the window.
Beyond the window, several Tang Family buildings were visible.
“……As expected.”
The thread of Yeongsadok embedded in the Fourth Elder’s heart had snapped.
He was dead. Probably killed by Dang Ho’s hand.
“Little brother.”
A smile formed on Dang Gwan’s lips.
His eyebrows were furrowed and his eyes were fierce. Yet he smiled. It was an indescribable expression.
“Do you know how easy a man you are?”
A moment later.
Rumble.
Over three hundred presences could be felt at the Tang Family’s main gate. They had sent an additional three hundred troops on top of the hundred elite soldiers waiting near Noksu Jurui.
Dang Gwan gave a bitter smile.
“I’m not fond of power struggles.”
To lift his now-heavy rear, it seemed he would have to cause quite a bit of chaos.