Chapter 412
Chapter 412
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 412
Chapter Title: I Will Take Full Responsibility
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After a moment of silence, Bu Eun-seol tilted his head.
“Are we to keep standing here like this?”
The guard finally snapped out of it and opened the gate.
“P-Please, enter.”
As the tightly shut gate opened, a vast courtyard and several pavilions came into view.
A quiet, solemn atmosphere permeated the massive estate, as if reflecting the reclusive nature of the Dang Clan.
The Dang Clan's secret arts were never taught to outsiders. Their martial secrets were passed down only to blood relatives, and any man who wished to marry a Dang daughter had to be adopted into the family.
For such a reclusive clan, where power was concentrated in the hands of the Lord, to maintain such formidable influence…
...it was a testament to the superiority of their secret arts and techniques.
‘Unless the Three Poisons Sect has a death wish... they must have had backing.’
As Bu Eun-seol walked, lost in thought, the guard led him to a pavilion for receiving guests.
“This way, please.”
Following the guard's lead into the reception hall, he saw three figures accompanied by the soft rustle of footsteps.
They were the Young Lord, Dang Gon; his younger sister, Dang Cheong; and Dang Seong, the brother of Dang Pae, who managed the outer court's affairs.
“Welcome.”
Dang Gon clasped his hands.
“I am Dang Gon.”
It was said that Dang Gon, as the Young Lord, had mastered all Eight Great Secret Arts of the Dang Clan.
Moreover, perhaps due to recently completing his secluded training, his presence felt even more imposing.
“Seon-u Jin, Commander of the Apex Brigade.”
As Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands, Dang Cheong stared intently at him.
Already aware of her unique ability, he had perfectly altered even his body scent.
As a result, she couldn't recognize Bu Eun-seol's true identity at all.
“Apex... Brigade Commander?”
Hearing the name of a brigade he had never heard of, Dang Seong blinked and asked.
“The Apex Brigade? Which division are you under, and what class of brigade is it?”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“We are a third-class brigade under the Constellation Guard. Our main duty is to handle various matters in the martial world.”
“A third-class brigade of the Constellation Guard?”
Dang Seong, looking bewildered, tilted his head.
“Can a third-class brigade even belong to the Constellation Guard?”
“As we were recently established, we receive our missions from the Martial Ascension Hall.”
Seeing Bu Eun-seol's confident expression, he let out a sound of understanding.
“I see. So the Martial Alliance is sending a special envoy separately. You must have come ahead to assist them.”
“No. The Alliance dispatched our brigade in response to the Dang Clan's request for mediation.”
For a moment, Dang Seong looked as if he had been struck on the back of the head.
“A newly formed, third-class brigade... sent for this mediation?”
He staggered, looking deeply shocked.
He wouldn't have been this flustered even if Bu Eun-seol had spat in his face.
“This is... wrong.”
Only then did he realize how the Martial Alliance viewed this incident.
“For something like this to happen while the Lord is bedridden.”
Dang Seong looked at Dang Gon and shook his head.
“We shouldn't have had any expectations in the first place.”
His shoulders slumped, he looked at Dang Gon and spoke listlessly.
“I have a lot of work to catch up on, so I'll take my leave.”
Dang Cheong also bit her lip, then turned and said.
“How could the Martial Alliance treat us like this? I'll send a message to Shaolin immediately!”
After the two left, an empty silence filled the reception hall.
But Dang Gon wore a calm smile, as if nothing had happened.
“My apologies. The people of my clan tend to be rather hot-headed.”
“Not at all.”
“I've had quarters prepared for you. You've come a long way, so please rest and recover from your journey first.”
If anyone should have been flustered, it would have been Dang Gon.
But his expression was relaxed, and every movement carried the dignified air of a future Lord.
‘Are you still so sentimental?’
Bu Eun-seol was glad to see Dang Gon's gentle and kind demeanor, but at the same time, he felt a little disappointed.
He had advised him to become ruthless, yet he still maintained such a gentle and kind attitude.
However, Dang Gon's next words made Bu Eun-seol realize he was mistaken.
“And there's no need to feel burdened, Commander Seon-u.”
Dang Gon said calmly.
“I was not the one who requested help from the Martial Alliance; it was my uncle, Dang Seong. With the Lord bedridden, my uncle wished to resolve this matter as amicably as possible.”
An unapproachable dignity and an overpowering aura, as if capable of splitting heaven and earth, flowed from Dang Gon as he looked at Bu Eun-seol.
“However, I have no such intention. I plan to teach them a lesson so they will never attempt such a provocation again.”
*Rumble.*
For a moment, Bu Eun-seol had the illusion of eight enormous, formless elephants floating behind Dang Gon.
The Realm of Eight Elephants.
When one's internal and external arts reach the pinnacle, they emit a presence that makes it seem as if giant elephants are visible.
Because Dang Gon had remained reclusive, he had not gained much fame, but he was clearly no ordinary man.
Not only had he already stepped into the Transcendent Realm, but he had also mastered all Eight Great Secret Arts, forging a stable foundation of internal and external power.
*Smirk.*
Bu Eun-seol smiled.
Not only had Dang Gon mastered outstanding martial arts, but he also shared the same thoughts.
He had already become a man worthy of being the next Lord to lead the Dang Clan.
“Young Lord, you need not worry too much either.”
Bu Eun-seol looked at Dang Gon and said in a clear voice.
“I, too, will do my utmost to resolve the matter entrusted to me.”
An exceptionally sharp and brilliant light shone in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
“So I hope you will place a little trust in me.”
After tilting his head for a moment, Dang Gon gave a strange smile.
“Very well.”
***
The next day. Inside the Sichuan Dang Clan estate, at the Phoenix Assembly Pavilion.
It was the grand meeting hall where the leaders of the Dang Clan discussed various matters.
At the center of the table in the Phoenix Assembly Pavilion sat Dang Gon, with Bu Eun-seol, dressed in white, standing beside him.
Across from them, three middle-aged men in colorful robes sat with cold expressions.
They were the three top sect masters from the Three Poisons Sect of Yunnan.
Though they held the title of Sect Master, the Three Poisons Sect had no Vice-Leader, so they effectively held the most power after the Sect Leader.
And as befitting the key figures of the poison sects that dominated Yunnan, all three men exuded a considerable presence.
‘How curious.’
However, Dang Gon found himself more concerned with Bu Eun-seol, who stood beside him, than with the three sect masters of the Three Poisons Sect.
His calm posture, standing at attention by his side, made it seem as if he was presenting himself as a subordinate.
‘Even if he came as a third-class commander, he's still a Martial Alliance envoy. There's no need to go this far.’
Lost in thought, Dang Gon shook his head with a bitter taste.
‘Is he trying to get on my good side?’
As a newly appointed third-class commander, he must be full of passion and ambition.
Perhaps he desperately yearns to build a relationship with the Young Lord of one of the Eight Great Families.
‘Then again, he seems to have the skills to back up that ambition.’
With the young commander named Seon-u Jin standing by his side, Dang Gon felt as if he had gained an army of thousands.
It was a ripple of true energy that could only be felt from outstanding members of the younger generation.
‘They said he was the successor of the Unhindered One.’
The moment he arrived at the Dang Clan, Dang Gon had mobilized his information network.
And he had conducted a detailed investigation into the Apex Brigade Commander, Seon-u Jin.
The Flying Blade of the Horizon, Seon-u Jin.
A master from the merchant world who had built his reputation traveling between foreign merchant groups, he was said to be exceptionally intelligent.
Furthermore, he had competed against Cheon Hwa-in for the commander position at the martial tournament and won decisively, so his martial arts must also be at a considerable level among the younger generation.
‘But he's backed the wrong horse.’
Dang Gon clicked his tongue as he looked at Bu Eun-seol standing beside him.
‘To be dragged into a mission the Martial Alliance has already given up on.’
And the sect masters dispatched from the Three Poisons Sect thought the same.
—The Martial Alliance has definitely washed their hands of this.
The three sect masters of the Three Poisons Sect wore triumphant smiles.
They knew that the Dang Clan's outer court manager, Dang Seong, had requested the Martial Alliance to mediate this conflict.
And the Martial Alliance had sent the commander of a newly established, third-class brigade as their envoy.
In other words, it was tantamount to the Martial Alliance declaring they would not interfere in the fight between the Dang Clan and the Three Poisons Sect.
This battle was as good as won for them.
“Have you considered our offer?”
After a long silence, the middle-aged man with skin so pale it looked powdered spoke to Dang Gon.
He was Jin Cheon-gon, the master of the Demonic Poison Sect.
“Isn't it better to be amicable? To resolve this peacefully rather than shedding blood in a brutal fight.”
Dang Gon did not answer immediately, instead taking a sip of his tea.
At his leisurely demeanor, the middle-aged man with a goatee, Jang Song of the Poisonous Leaf Sect, spoke up.
“With Lord Dang ill, you shouldn't be causing any major trouble, should you?”
At Jang Song's words, Hyeong Geuk of the Poisonous Bee Sect, who had been glaring at Bu Eun-seol, curled his lip.
“Shouldn't the Dang Clan's Eight Great Secret Arts take another leap forward? Just as our sect's techniques have developed so brilliantly.”
Bu Eun-seol raised an eyebrow.
What the Three Poisons Sect of Yunnan was demanding.
Instead of an all-out war, they were telling the Dang Clan to hand over their Eight Great Secret Arts.
‘So this is what it was about.’
Bu Eun-seol scoffed inwardly.
To demand the martial secrets of the Dang Clan, known as the greatest clan in Sichuan and one of the Eight Great Families?
This was no different from a declaration of war.
“What do you say, Young Lord?”
At Jin Cheon-gon's question, Dang Gon's lips curled into a smile.
He was well aware that the Three Poisons Sect's recent rapid expansion was due to the intervention of an outside force.
And they intended to use that power to extend their influence into Sichuan.
With the Lord conveniently bedridden, they must have thought it was the perfect opportunity.
“If the Young Lord continues to stall, there's nothing more I can do.”
As Jin Cheon-gon smiled coldly, Jang Song of the Poisonous Leaf Sect nodded.
“Indeed. No need to invite punishment when you can accept a friendly offer.”
Hyeong Geuk, the master of the Poisonous Bee Sect, added.
“With Lord Dang unwell, is there really a need to stir up trouble?”
As they chattered noisily amongst themselves,
*Clink.*
Dang Gon, setting down his teacup, broke his long silence and suddenly clapped his hands.
*Clap.*
Then, with a broad smile, he spoke.
“Well, now that everyone's gathered, let's begin our discussion.”
Instantly, the expressions of the three sect masters from the Three Poisons Sect twisted.
Dang Gon's attitude, clapping his hands so nonchalantly to start the conversation... wasn't that something one did to get the attention of children?
Moreover, his saying "let's begin our discussion now" was no different from dismissing everything they had said so far as nonsense.
“Ahem.”
Clearing his throat, Dang Gon spoke with a relaxed expression.
“Now that the Martial Alliance's special envoy is here, I expect things will proceed quickly.”
He then looked at the three sect masters.
“For generations, there have been endless, pointless disputes between my clan and the Three Poisons Sect.”
Then he grinned.
“Of course, I understand the Three Poisons Sect's position. You were nearly uprooted by my clan several times.”
At those words, the three sect masters' eyebrows twitched.
“Perhaps that's why my clan's traditions changed. Our ancestors' generosity ultimately led to unnecessary conflict, after all.”
“What you're saying is...”
As Jin Cheon-gon started to speak, Dang Gon quickly cut him off.
“You want to share my clan's Eight Great Secret Arts? Then what will the Three Poisons Sect offer in return?”
At that, Jang Song's lips curled upwards.
“Naturally, we intend to offer a technique of corresponding value. For example, if you offer the Sky-Filling Rain of Flowers, our sect will offer the Returning Leaf Grafting Art.”
“Hahaha. How could my clan's arts and the arts of the Three Poisons Sect possibly be a match?”
“So you have no intention of agreeing.”
“Correct.”
A powerful aura rose from Dang Gon as he lifted his head and looked down on the sect masters of the Three Poisons Sect.
They were slightly taken aback, but soon, sinister smiles appeared on their faces.
—Excellent.
They never expected the Dang Clan to accept their threats in the first place.
They had merely thrown out a pretext for an all-out war with the clan.
After all, even in an all-out war, with Dang Pae bedridden, the Dang Clan's strength was as good as halved.
So for Dang Gon to fall for their provocation was actually something to be thankful for.
—And with the Martial Alliance envoy in that state.
The one thing the Three Poisons Sect had been worried about was the Martial Alliance actively intervening to mediate the conflict.
The moment the Martial Alliance got involved, they would have to retreat to Yunnan immediately.
But the Martial Alliance had sent the commander of a newly formed, third-class brigade to the Dang Clan.
In other words, it was a clear sign that they would not interfere, even if the Three Poisons Sect waged an all-out war on the Dang Clan.
“The negotiations have failed.”
Jin Cheon-gon said with a grim expression.
“You refuse to listen even when asked nicely.”
“Is that so? I was unaware that demanding to steal another's secret arts was considered 'asking nicely'.”
As Dang Gon retorted coldly, Jin Cheon-gon bared his white teeth in a smile.
“From this moment on, my sect and the entire Three Poisons Sect are enemies of the Dang Clan. I suggest you remember that.”
At that, the other two sect masters also rose and turned to leave.
The war between the Sichuan Dang Clan and the Three Poisons Sect of Yunnan was about to begin.
“Wait.”
Just then, Bu Eun-seol, who had been standing silently, spoke up.
“I will not permit this fight.”
At Bu Eun-seol's words, the three sect masters, who were about to leave, stopped in their tracks.
“What do you mean by that?”
To Hyeong Geuk's question, Bu Eun-seol calmly replied.
“The Sichuan Dang Clan is a pillar of the Orthodox Martial World. I cannot possibly permit such an unreasonable fight.”
“Do you, a mere third-class commander of the Martial Alliance, think you can preside over such matters?”
As Jang Song's eyes flashed, Bu Eun-seol smiled gently.
“Why not?”
“With your twenty-man, third-class brigade?”
“That sounds like you're saying you could annihilate our main force, the envoys of the Martial Alliance.”
Bu Eun-seol looked at Jang Song with a gentle expression.
“Is that what you're implying?”
At the unexpected response, Jang Song flinched.
‘Could it be that the Martial Alliance actually wants to mediate?’
Even if it was a third-class brigade, they had come to the Dang Clan as official envoys of the Martial Alliance.
If they so much as touched a hair on their heads, the Martial Alliance would intervene immediately.
If that were to happen?
The Three Poisons Sect would have no choice but to seal their gates without a word of protest, or in the worst-case scenario, face annihilation.
“That can't be right.”
Hyeong Geuk, who had been silent, stepped forward.
“The Martial Alliance is going to intervene in this? Wasn't that just your own arbitrary decision?”
“Perhaps.”
As Bu Eun-seol replied with a relaxed expression, Hyeong Geuk furrowed his brow.
‘What is this third-class commander relying on to act like this?’
Then, Jin Cheon-gon of the Demonic Poison Sect stepped forward.
“If the Martial Alliance steps in, that's fine too. Then my sect will have to request aid from the Demonic Palace.”
The Demonic Poison Sect had recently been incorporated into the Demonic Palace. If the Martial Alliance intervened in this fight, the Demonic Palace could intervene as well.
“That's fine as well.”
When Bu Eun-seol spoke so casually, Jin Cheon-gon's complexion changed.
‘Don't tell me the Martial Alliance really decided to intervene? That's impossible. Didn't they give us reliable information?’
After a moment of stunned silence, Jin Cheon-gon scoffed and said.
“Fine. In that case, I will immediately request troops from my Demonic Palace.”
He could find out whether Bu Eun-seol was bluffing by immediately mobilizing his information network.
As he looked ready to get up and leave at once, the complexion of Dang Seong, who was watching from a distance, changed drastically.
From the Dang Clan's perspective, that was a scenario to be avoided at all costs.
If the Demonic Palace truly got involved, even if the Martial Alliance helped, the Dang Clan would become a victim of the power struggle between the two great factions.
“Commander Seon-u. Shouldn't we avoid such a thing?”
Unable to watch any longer, Dang Seong finally stepped in.
“If the Demonic Palace gets involved, it will put the Martial Alliance in a difficult position as well.”
“It's fine.”
“Fine? How can that possibly be fine?”
But Bu Eun-seol waved his hand as if it were nothing.
“I will take full responsibility for everything.”
At that, Dang Seong's eyes widened as if he had seen a ghost.
‘What is this third-class commander spouting?’
To openly declare he would 'take responsibility' for a fight between clans?
That was not something a Martial Alliance Hall Master, no, not even a Grand Hall Master of the Martial Alliance could say so easily.
Yet a third-class commander with no status or power was saying such a thing so confidently?
“This should be interesting.”
Jin Cheon-gon bared his sharp fangs and smiled confidently.
“I'll send a carrier eagle to the Demonic Palace at once. If the Martial Alliance has decided to intervene, things are about to get interesting.”
“Excellent. Will one day be enough?”
Bu Eun-seol said with a smile.
“Then please return here tomorrow. I, too, must confirm whether you have truly sent that carrier eagle to the Demonic Palace.”
Instantly, Jin Cheon-gon's eyes flared red.
“Do you think I can't send it?”
“Perhaps.”
Bu Eun-seol wore a faint smile.
“Will the Demonic Palace really intervene in the affairs of a poison sect tucked away in Yunnan?”
“Fine!”
As Jin Cheon-gon turned away in a fiery rage,
“W-Wait!”
Dang Seong leaped forward as if he had been burned.
“Commander Seon-u! Sect Master Jin! It seems the discussion has gotten overheated. Let's take a break for a couple of hours and talk again.”
“Hmph.”
But Jin Cheon-gon didn't listen and walked out the door.
He was really going to send a carrier eagle to the Demonic Palace.
“Sect Master Jin! Sect Master Jin!”
Dang Seong tried to follow, but Jin Cheon-gon was already outside the pavilion.
“This should be fun.”
“See you tomorrow.”
Jang Song and Hyeong Geuk also scoffed before exiting the pavilion.
“Th-This...”
Watching them leave, Dang Seong broke out in a cold sweat.
“Young Lord. I will take my leave first.”
Just then, Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands, and Dang Gon nodded.
“Go ahead.”
“Then.”
As Bu Eun-seol briskly departed, Dang Seong approached Dang Gon and grabbed his sleeve as if he were about to collapse.
“Do you have any idea what that third-class commander has just done? He's just spouting nonsense without any authority or ability!”
“Well, it should be fine.”
“Fine?”
“Wasn't a fight with them inevitable anyway?”
“That may be so. But if the Demonic Palace gets involved, the story changes completely.”
Dang Seong said with a groan.
“The moment the Demonic Palace intervenes, this fight will become a power struggle between the two great factions. Our clan will be fighting their proxy war.”
If factions like the Martial Alliance or the Demonic Palace get involved, the Dang Clan loses all say in the battle.
In such a case, the conflict would likely become a protracted war, and even in victory, the Dang Clan's foundation and influence could crumble completely.
But Dang Gon said calmly.
“Didn't Commander Seon-u say he would take responsibility?”
“But, what does that even...”
“Yesterday, he told me. He said he would do his best and asked me to trust him.”
“And you believed him and just stood by watching?”
Dang Gon smiled faintly.
“He doesn't seem to be just an ambitious young man. They say he's a strategist capable of turning the Apex Brigade into an intelligence unit in an instant... I suspect he has a way to prevent the Demonic Palace's intervention.”
“Mmm.”
“Uncle, why don't you also take a day to rest?”
Dang Gon looked at Dang Seong with pity.
“Haven't you suffered a great deal in the Lord's stead all this time?”
Dang Seong lowered his head.
In the Dang Clan, the Lord's authority was absolute, and Dang Pae was one of the most outstanding figures in the clan's history.
But when he suddenly fell ill, Dang Seong couldn't collect himself.
The Young Lord, Dang Gon, was not outstanding compared to Dang Pae; his martial arts and intellect were ordinary.
So he had rushed about, trying to fill the void left by Dang Pae and protect the Dang Clan.
But in the end, war with the Three Poisons Sect was unavoidable.
‘Was it truly unavoidable?’
An image of the Dang Clan engulfed in flames seemed to appear before Dang Seong's eyes.
Wiping away his cold sweat, Dang Seong stood up.
“Alright. I'll get some rest.”
He could trust neither Dang Gon nor that third-class commander.
In the end, he was the only one who could prepare for the coming war.