Chapter 411
Chapter 411
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 411
Chapter Title: An Unenviable Task
-----------------------------------------------------------------
“As is well known, the Dang Clan has a long and complicated history of grudges with the three sects of Yunnan.”
Hearing this, Bu Eun-seol gave a slight nod.
‘The matter of the Three Poison Sects of Yunnan.’
The Sichuan Dang Clan had long been at odds with three poison-wielding sects from Yunnan.
The Poison Demon Sect, the Poison Leaf Sect, and the Poison Wasp Sect. Together, these three were known as the Three Poison Sects of Yunnan.
And the Three Poison Sects had twice been on the verge of annihilation at the hands of the Sichuan Dang Clan.
First was Dang Cheon-gun, the Poison Saint who laid the foundation for the Dang Clan's poison arts and techniques.
Then there was Dang Sim-bin, known as the Life-Stealing Dagger, who systematized the clan’s hidden weapon arts.
It was precisely when these peerless masters were active that the Three Poison Sects had tried to extend their influence into Sichuan.
If the Three Poison Sects hadn't been sects of poison that walked the line between justice and evil, they would have been completely wiped from the martial world by now.
But as time passed, the Three Poison Sects recovered their strength and, whenever an opportunity arose, attempted to expand into Sichuan.
This led to numerous conflicts, both large and small, between the Dang Clan and the Three Poison Sects.
It was even said that the constant development of the Dang Clan's poison arts and hidden weapon techniques was a direct result of their battles with the Three Poison Sects.
“The Three Poison Sects of Yunnan have seen remarkable growth recently. Perhaps because of this, they have now approached the Dang Clan to provoke a full-scale….”
Yuk Cheong-a’s explanation continued.
To summarize, the Three Poison Sects had rapidly expanded their power over the last few years.
And now, their audacity having grown, they were preparing for an open, all-out war with the Dang Clan to advance into Sichuan.
‘Three sects rapidly expanding their power at the same time to strike the Dang Clan… is it?’
Mulling over Yuk Cheong-a’s words, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
He was aware that the Three Poison Sects had recently perfected poison arts and hidden weapon techniques rivaling those of the Dang Clan and had expanded their influence dramatically.
But for three sects to join forces to attack the Dang Clan, one of the Eight Great Families?
‘Such a coincidence is impossible.’
Bu Eun-seol was suddenly reminded of the Blood Poison Valley, which he had dealt with alongside Dang Gon.
They, too, had grown in power over the last decade and had even cultivated poison-men who were immune to the Dang Clan’s toxins.
And now, the three sects of Yunnan were doing something similar.
‘Ultimately, this means there's a force manipulating the Three Poison Sects from behind.’
“This is strange.”
At that moment, the Jinmyeong Hall Master, Do Geum-ung, shook his head.
“No matter how much the Three Poison Sects have flourished, it shouldn't be to the point where the Dang Clan can't handle them. And requesting troops from our Alliance? It would be better to call on the orthodox and unorthodox factions they have ties with.”
The Sichuan Dang Clan had always walked its own path, befitting its prestige.
The current patriarch, Dang Pae, in particular, had cultivated friendships with outstanding individuals from not only the orthodox faction but also the demonic and unorthodox paths.
If Dang Pae were to ask for help, there would be no shortage of factions and masters willing to lend a hand.
“It is likely because of the Poison Demon Sect. They have recently been incorporated into the Demonic Sanctum… If things go wrong, it would no longer be just the Dang Clan's problem.”
Even a clan as powerful as the Dang Clan couldn't rashly touch a sect belonging to the Demonic Sanctum.
But if the Martial Alliance were to step in?
Then even a sect of the Demonic Sanctum would not act rashly. It seemed the Dang Clan was trying to resolve this conflict by requesting the Alliance's help.
“Furthermore, the fact that Patriarch Dang Pae is bedridden could be a major reason.”
In the Dang Clan, the patriarch’s power was absolute, and all decision-making authority and connections stemmed from him.
With Patriarch Dang Pae suddenly falling gravely ill, the Dang Clan's power was effectively halved.
If Dang Pae were well, the Three Poison Sects, no matter how audacious, would never have considered an all-out war.
“I see.”
Only then did Do Geum-ung nod in understanding.
“So, the Dang Clan’s request for troops is ultimately a way to avoid a fight.”
Yuk Cheong-a nodded at Do Geum-ung’s words.
“That is correct. The Dang Clan is requesting troops and personnel to mediate this conflict.”
Then, the Cheonrim Hall Master, Mo Seok, blinked and asked.
“A matter of mediating a conflict between factions… why has it come to our Council of Hall Masters?”
Mediating a dispute between factions required a Grand Assembly attended by the Martial Alliance's top leaders, not a Council of Hall Masters.
So why had such a matter been brought to the Council of Hall Masters, a gathering of Hall Masters under the Deungmu Hall?
‘It must be one of two things.’
Bu Eun-seol could predict the situation without even hearing Yuk Cheong-a’s answer.
‘Either there’s friction and issues between the Martial Alliance and the Dang Clan, leading them to be ignored…’
The current patriarch, Dang Pae, was one of the most distinguished figures in the Dang Clan's history, but from the Martial Alliance's perspective, he was also a man with many troublesome aspects.
‘Or the war between the Dang Clan and the Three Poison Sects has reached an unstoppable point.’
If the war was inevitable no matter what, then the Martial Alliance's intervention would be meaningless.
Bu Eun-seol thought the latter was more likely.
No matter how much they disliked him, the Dang Clan had walked the path of the orthodox faction for generations and was one of the Eight Great Families. The Alliance couldn't simply ignore their request.
Yet, for this matter to have trickled all the way down to the Deungmu Hall's Council of Hall Masters…
It was proof that the situation was already beyond the Martial Alliance’s control.
—So, it's inevitable.
Meanwhile, the Hall Masters were also furiously trying to grasp the situation.
Strictly speaking, it wasn't impossible for individuals of their rank to mediate the dispute between the Dang Clan and the Three Poison Sects.
But from the looks of it, the leadership had no intention of resolving the issue.
They just needed a low-level organization to make a token effort.
—Who would want to be the sacrificial lamb?
The Hall Masters shook their heads.
This was a matter of mediating a conflict between factions. Even if they wanted to back out, a misstep could lead to them taking all the blame.
“Any Hall Master willing to handle the Dang Clan’s mediation request, please raise your hand.”
In response to Yuk Cheong-a’s question, not a single hand was raised. The meeting room was filled with silence.
The Hall Masters remained tight-lipped, only exchanging glances.
“It seems none of our Hall Masters are willing to take this on.”
At that moment, Yuk Jang-cheon let out a sigh.
“One cannot be forced into such matters. I will raise this issue again at the General Council of Hall Masters or the Grand Assembly.”
The Hall Masters finally nodded in relief, clasping their hands.
“Since this matter also doesn't involve the use of force, how about the Apex Unit?”
But then, Yuk Cheong-a made a sudden, unexpected remark.
“Captain Seonu may be young, but he is a capable individual who single-handedly turned the Apex Unit into one of the Alliance's key intelligence units. I believe he is more than capable of handling this.”
As Yuk Jang-cheon frowned, she spoke again.
“Coming from the upper echelons, his skills in rhetoric and negotiation should also be superior to most.”
As she continued her explanation, the Hall Masters wore puzzled expressions.
Mediating between factions was typically a job for experienced individuals of high standing.
Entrusting this task to that young, inexperienced captain of the Apex Unit was tantamount to giving up on mediation altogether.
—She seemed to be on quite good terms with the Apex Unit's captain. Why would she say something like that?
While the Hall Masters were perplexed, Bu Eun-seol, who had seen through Yuk Cheong-a’s intentions, felt his eyes turn cold.
‘It’s a warning to come under her command.’
Yuk Cheong-a must have guessed from his resolution of the theft case that Bu Eun-seol would reject her offer and build his own power base.
—No matter how hard you try, you won't escape my grasp.
But she hadn't given up yet and was using this opportunity to issue another warning.
—If you don't join me, you'll face many more difficult situations like this.
She was subtly pressuring Bu Eun-seol to prevent him from harboring any other ideas.
But there was one thing she couldn't possibly know…
That this was a mission Bu Eun-seol would have begged to undertake.
“Very well. My unit will take it.”
As Bu Eun-seol readily agreed, even Yuk Cheong-a, who had proposed it, doubted her own ears.
Did he really just agree to take on this task so readily?
“Captain Seonu.”
Yuk Jang-cheon, unable to watch any longer, spoke up.
“Do you know what kind of task this is?”
“I just need to prevent an all-out war between the Dang Clan and the Three Poison Sects, correct?”
As Bu Eun-seol said it so matter-of-factly, Yuk Jang-cheon’s brow furrowed deeply.
‘Has one achievement driven him mad?’
No one in their right mind would ever take on this task.
No, they couldn't take it.
But to say Bu Eun-seol was mad, his eyes were far too clear.
“Can you do it?”
“I can only do my best.”
As Bu Eun-seol answered resolutely, it was Yuk Cheong-a who grew anxious.
“Captain Seonu, you should think carefully. This is a dispute between factions. If something goes wrong, you won't be able to evade responsibility.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded firmly.
“Naturally, if things go wrong, my unit will take full responsibility.”
At that, a flicker of contempt passed through the eyes of not only the Hall Masters but also Yuk Jang-cheon.
‘I misjudged the man.’
Yuk Jang-cheon had actually held Bu Eun-seol in very high regard.
He was the successor to the Unhindered One and had displayed excellent martial arts in his duel with Cheon Hwa-in.
And through the recent theft case, he had proven he possessed not only strategic intellect but also outstanding analytical skills and insight.
He had thought that with the right opportunity, Bu Eun-seol could become a great figure in the Martial Alliance.
But to be so blinded by the prospect of merit that he couldn't see the reality of the situation?
‘Was he no different from Cheon Hwa-in?’
Meanwhile, Yuk Cheong-a couldn't hide her disappointment either.
She had thought that with her guidance, he would surely rise to great heights.
‘He was just a man who overestimates his own abilities.’
In fact, overconfidence was a common trait among brilliant young people.
Because they had never experienced failure.
In her eyes, Bu Eun-seol had all the qualifications to possess such a trait.
He possessed martial arts and intellect far superior to his peers, and having just achieved a great merit… it was only natural that he would become arrogant and overestimate his own abilities.
‘What a shame.’
During her time in the Martial Alliance, Yuk Cheong-a had seen countless such young people.
And she had seen them have their wings clipped by their own greed.
From her perspective, Bu Eun-seol was just another person destined to follow that same path.
“Very well.”
Having made up her mind, Yuk Cheong-a nodded.
“Since Captain Seonu is so confident, there is nothing to be done. Are there any other opinions?”
She looked around, but the Hall Masters merely smirked and said nothing.
“Hall Lord. It has been decided that the Apex Unit will handle the Sichuan Dang Clan’s mediation request.”
“Hmph.”
Yuk Jang-cheon grunted and said.
“Captain Seonu, if this mission goes wrong, the Apex Unit will bear all responsibility. I hope you keep that in mind.”
Normally, Yuk Jang-cheon would never have allowed it.
But since this was a mission that even the Martial Alliance's leadership was ready to discard…
He knew full well that if things went wrong, it would end with the Apex Unit being disbanded rather than the entire Deungmu Hall taking the blame.
“Understood.”
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands confidently, and Yuk Jang-cheon spoke with a displeased expression.
“Then this meeting is adjourned.”
***
Martial Alliance, Apex Unit meeting room.
The unit members were all frozen by Bu Eun-seol’s shocking words.
—Our unit is going to mediate the conflict between the Dang Clan and the Three Poison Sects?
Never in the history of the martial world had a third-class captain mediated a conflict between factions.
Even if granted such authority, one should never accept it so readily.
“Captain.”
Tae Mu-ryong spoke with an exceptionally serious expression.
“This mission is absolutely impossible. You must plead to be relieved of this duty, even now.”
Taking a deep breath, he continued.
“To mediate between factions, seniority and authority are paramount. If you step in, Captain, it will be like a child intervening in a fight between adults.”
No matter how outstanding Bu Eun-seol was, he was still a young man who had just come of age.
When children fight, an adult should intervene. If an even younger child steps in, it’s completely useless.
“It’s fine. The decision has already been made.”
Seeing no change in Bu Eun-seol's eyes, Jeong Jong-do cautiously stepped forward.
“Captain, this is not because we distrust your abilities. Mediation, by its very nature, has little to do with ability.”
Jeong Jong-do spoke with utmost seriousness.
“This is a clash of authority against authority. No matter how much authority you have been granted as a representative of the Alliance, there is no way the Three Poison Sects, who are challenging the Dang Clan, will listen to you, is there?”
Bu Eun-seol simply smiled faintly.
He had been very curious about how Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do would react.
How they would respond when he accepted this mission, and how he would persuade them.
Both Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do had analyzed the situation correctly and were earnestly trying to persuade him without hurting his feelings.
—Our captain can do anything!
In truth, that level of faith was something only the captains of the Four Shadows Division, who had witnessed Bu Eun-seol's abilities countless times, could possess.
If these two had said something like that, it would have been a sign that they had become sycophants engaging in excessive flattery, or that he himself was overconfident in his abilities.
But Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do had assessed the situation, provided an accurate analysis, and offered loyal advice.
‘Things are proceeding as they should.’
A satisfied smile on his face, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
“Everything you’ve said is correct.”
Then he spoke in a clear voice.
Seonu Jin’s voice always had to be clear and resonant.
“In truth, I am not going to mediate the conflict between the Dang Clan and their enemies. So you can rest assured.”
The two men couldn't hide their bewilderment.
He had received a mission to mediate the dispute between the Dang Clan and the Three Poison Sects, but he wasn't going to mediate?
“If I were to attempt a half-hearted mediation, the Three Poison Sects would just challenge the Dang Clan again. If that happens, they will eagerly shift all the blame onto our unit.”
Tae Mu-ryong’s mouth fell open at the fluent, precise, and cold explanation.
“Then what do you plan to do?”
“We need to make them fight properly. So that they can never provoke them again.”
“Make them fight properly?”
Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do looked at each other, utterly dumbfounded.
What kind of absurd statement was that?
But at the same time, they looked relieved.
Because Bu Eun-seol recognized that it was impossible for him to ‘mediate’ the conflict.
If he had claimed that mediating was possible, the two would have risked their lives to stop this mission.
“So you have a plan.”
Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do, having grasped Bu Eun-seol's intentions, let out a sigh.
From what they knew, Bu Eun-seol was not a man who overestimated his own abilities.
If he were, he wouldn't have turned the Apex Unit into an intelligence unit.
He must have found a way to resolve this using his brilliant strategic mind. The problem was that they still lacked the ability to fathom his thoughts.
“We will be leaving for the Dang Clan soon. Have all the members prepare.”
“All of us are going… you mean?”
Bu Eun-seol spoke in a playful tone.
“Shouldn't we get some fresh air with the unit members and enjoy some of Sichuan’s famous liquor?”
He smiled at the two dumbfounded men.
“Let’s go and show them the true might of a third-class unit.”
***
*Clop, clop.*
Twenty martial artists rode swift steeds along the main road.
They were dressed in clean white martial arts uniforms, with two flying phoenixes embroidered on their backs.
It was Bu Eun-seol and the members of the Apex Unit from the Martial Alliance.
‘At least we got horses. That's a relief.’
Normally, third-class unit members were not even provided with a single horse, let alone a carriage.
However, since this was a visit to the Dang Clan as special envoys of the Martial Alliance, even the regular members were given horses.
After pressing on relentlessly, the Apex Unit finally entered Sichuan.
Along the way, Bu Eun-seol had stopped at lavish inns and treated the members to delicious food and wine.
Despite this, the members’ morale did not rise; instead, they looked as if they were being led to a slaughterhouse.
Mediating the conflict between the Dang Clan and the Three Poison Sects was an impossible task from the start.
From their perspective, it was a mission that could never succeed, and they could already envision the Apex Unit being disbanded in the near future.
But unlike his gloomy members, Bu Eun-seol remained as calm as if he were on a leisurely outing.
“We will arrive at the Dang Clan soon.”
Tae Mu-ryong, riding beside the carriage, called out.
Bu Eun-seol’s gaze deepened as he looked at the tall plaque of the Dang Clan.
—My brother is currently striving to perfectly master our family's Eight Great Secret Arts. And he often speaks of you, Lord.
That was what Dang Cheong had said when he had met her at Shaolin while searching for the Divine Calculator.
A dark shadow had clouded her brow as she spoke of Dang Gon.
At the time, Bu Eun-seol had guessed that something was amiss with the Dang Clan, or with Dang Gon himself.
But he never imagined it would be the rise of the Three Poison Sects.
‘Is this also fate?’
He had planned to visit Dang Gon anyway once his work at the Martial Alliance was finished.
But to receive a mission related to the Sichuan Dang Clan's crisis… it made him feel anew the deep connection he had with the clan.
“Whoa.”
The galloping members of the Apex Unit finally came to a halt before the Dang Clan.
The high walls and firmly shut main gate exuded a majesty befitting the number one family in Sichuan.
‘Even among the Great Families, they are quite different.’
The gates of the Namgung Family were always wide open, with a long line of visitors.
But the Dang Clan's gates were firmly shut, guarded by solemn sentries. Few outsiders ever visited, and they had little interaction with others.
This did not mean the Sichuan Dang Clan was weak.
They had always vied with the Namgung Family, the head of the Eight Great Families, for the top position, and the poisons and hidden weapons they produced influenced not just Sichuan but the entire martial world.
If the Poison Demon Sect hadn't joined the Demonic Sanctum, or if Patriarch Dang Pae’s health were sound, the Dang Clan would have crushed them without ever needing to contact the Martial Alliance.
“What brings you here?”
A guard approached and clasped his hands. Bu Eun-seol stepped forward.
“We are from the Martial Alliance.”
When he showed his token, the guard’s expression turned strange.
The Dang Clan had requested high-ranking officials at the Hall Master level or above, capable of mediating a conflict between factions.
But these martial artists looked even younger than him.
And on the back of the token, wasn't the number three, symbolizing a third-class unit, emblazoned for all to see?