Chapter 59
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 59
Chapter Title: Tang Clan Village
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Tang Clan Village.
It was originally a hamlet where the clan members of the Sichuan Tang Family gathered and lived.
But as the Sichuan Tang Family grew in size and outsiders came and went more frequently, it had now expanded beyond a village into a small city.
Tang Clan Village was largely divided into the outer courtyard and the inner courtyard. While access to the outer courtyard was generally free, entry to the inner courtyard was strictly controlled.
This inner courtyard was where the Tang bloodline resided, the true heart of the Sichuan Tang Family.
Seol Hwa-un and his group let out exclamations of awe upon first seeing the inner courtyard.
“Wow!”
If the Namgung Family or Huangbo Family boasted vast, open estates of enormous scale, the Tang Clan Village's inner courtyard was surrounded by towering walls on all sides, resembling an impregnable iron fortress.
The Sichuan region had long suffered frequent invasions by foreign enemies, with wars never ceasing.
The Tang inner courtyard had taken on its current form as Sichuan's shield, blocking those invaders.
This desperate need for survival had led them to focus on more practical martial arts, resulting in the Tang Family's signature techniques—hidden weapons and poisons—becoming renowned to this day.
Creaaaaak!
The inner courtyard gate, over three zhang tall, swung open.
A gaunt, scholarly middle-aged man stood before the lined-up warriors.
He cupped his fists politely toward Seol Hwa-un and his group.
“We welcome you to our humble clan.”
He was the Inner Steward of the Sichuan Tang Family. The Inner Steward managed the practical affairs of the inner courtyard and was, in fact, the second most powerful figure after the clan head.
For him to greet them personally showed just how highly the Tang Family valued Seol Hwa-un's group.
Of course, the basis for that judgment came from the letters Dang Cheong had periodically sent to the clan.
Those letters detailed the many exploits of Seol Hwa-un and his companions.
In particular, the account of the battle with the Four Sichuan Demonic Sects—which had not yet spread as rumor—described in detail how Seol Hwa-un had defeated the Blood Sound Four Evils, a feat even the Tang Family found hard to believe.
And rightly so, for it was a monumental event: a youth from the Outer Realm had felled the leader of one of the Eight Demonic Gates.
The extraordinary welcome did not end there. They were given one of the inner courtyard's buildings to stay in.
The Tang inner courtyard originally had no guest quarters. Even when visitors arrived, they were housed not here but at the clan-owned inns in the outer courtyard.
Thus, allowing Seol Hwa-un's group to stay in the inner courtyard was an immense gesture of hospitality.
Even Dang Cheong had not anticipated this. Unaware of the circumstances, Seol Hwa-un and his group casually unpacked in the inner courtyard building.
Dang Cheong cautiously asked the Inner Steward.
“Inner Steward, I am grateful, of course, but may I ask why you are extending such courtesy?”
Surprisingly, Dang Cheong's tone was far more deferential than befitting a young clan heir. The Inner Steward's position was no light matter.
Inner Steward Ma Seong-woo—as his surname indicated—was not of Tang blood but a talent recruited from outside by the clan head.
At some point, it had become tradition for the Inner Steward to be an outsider rather than a blood relative.
There was a reason for this. If the massive organization of the Sichuan Tang Family were run entirely by blood relatives, it would grow lax and corrupt.
To guard against that, they brought in outsiders for the vital role of Inner Steward, maintaining tension within the clan.
In other words, Ma Seong-woo, who held such a critical position, was a man of exceptional ability.
“Of course, Young Master.”
The Inner Steward continued with a faint smile.
“We took into account your deep fondness for them, and beyond that, our desire to foster good relations with the North Sea Ice Palace.”
“You hold the North Sea Ice Palace in high regard.”
“If your letters are accurate, Young Master, their fame will soar in no time.”
Dang Cheong nodded in agreement. The Inner Steward went on.
“The North Heavenly Dragon's actions are nothing short of revolutionary. To fell the Blood Sound Four Evils—who would have thought? Without your letter, I never would have believed it.”
“It is indeed remarkable.”
“No, it's more than some prodigy defeating a Demonic Gate leader. This will create enormous ripples.”
Dang Cheong's expression grew serious.
“……Please explain in detail.”
“The Central Plains martial world is currently dominated by major powers like the Martial Alliance, Righteous Heaven Alliance, Demonic Alliance, and others, each solidifying their territories.”
The Righteous Heaven Alliance was newly formed, but the Eight Great Families had long been viewed as a single force, so it made little difference.
“And now the North Sea Ice Palace has thrown a massive stone into the mix. The Demonic Alliance won't sit idly by, which will naturally draw in the Righteous Heaven Alliance as well.”
“I see.”
“Though divided, the Martial Alliance—still not entirely estranged from the righteous side—cannot ignore it either. If these great powers so much as stir…….”
The Inner Steward's eyes gleamed.
“Like small ripples gathering into massive waves, the situation could shift dramatically. And the biggest wildcard here is the North Sea Ice Palace.”
“Ah.”
“They boast an unparalleled genius in the North Heavenly Dragon, yet they are few in number. Still, in a short time, they have stirred countless storms.”
In truth, ever since entering the Central Plains, Seol Hwa-un's group had been entangled nonstop in incidents with major and minor forces.
“Perhaps the North Sea Ice Palace's entry into the Central Plains this time is not truly for the grand assembly, but for some hidden true purpose.”
Dang Cheong, who had observed Seol Hwa-un's group all along, found it hard to agree outright, but he could not dismiss the Inner Steward's view.
“What do you think that might be?”
Stroking his short goatee, the Inner Steward replied to Dang Cheong's question.
“It may be premature, but…… I suspect the North Sea Ice Palace seeks to establish a foothold for advancing into the Central Plains.”
“……!”
“That said, there's no need to reject them outright. With strength surpassing most sects, allying with them would greatly benefit our clan, no?”
* * *
Seol Hwa-un's group was soon invited to lunch and dined lavishly with the Inner Steward and other key Tang figures.
Some found the spicy Sichuan cuisine not to their taste, but the Tangs' thoughtfulness provided milder dishes as well, allowing most to enjoy a satisfying meal.
As they emerged after eating, Seol Hwa-un ran into Dang So-gyo.
“You're finally out. I've been waiting forever!”
Seol Hwa-un smiled gently.
“Were you waiting for me?”
“Of course! You're at my home—I have to show you around!”
“Very well. I look forward to it.”
Seol Hwa-un turned to meet the North Wind Brigade Leader's gaze. The man nodded in understanding.
“Understood. We'll head back first.”
“My apologies, North Wind Brigade Leader.”
“No need. Everyone, return to the lodgings!”
And so the rest of the group departed first, leaving only Seol Hwa-un and Dang So-gyo.
Beaming happily, she took his hand and tugged.
“Great! Follow me!”
Dang So-gyo and Seol Hwa-un wandered the inner courtyard.
“What do you think? Cool building, right? Isn't this tree majestic?”
Though she had offered to guide him, Dang So-gyo merely dragged him around aimlessly, asking for his impressions without any real introductions.
Seol Hwa-un replied with a wry smile.
“Yes, indeed.”
In truth, Dang So-gyo had no real intention of showing him the Tang Clan. She simply enjoyed strolling alone with him like this.
She occasionally stole glances at his face, a strange smile playing on her lips.
‘He's so husband material. So handsome.’
‘This guy's lost in thought again.’
Seol Hwa-un spoke.
“What a shame.”
Her eyes widened at the unexpected words.
“What do you mean?”
“I was looking forward to So-gyo introducing me to her home…… It seems my expectations were too high.”
Dang So-gyo flinched despite herself. Even she knew her effort had been half-hearted. But she declared boldly.
“Well, homes are all the same. What were you expecting? You've seen the much grander Namgung Family.”
“True enough.”
Though she had said it herself, hearing Seol Hwa-un agree so readily irked her.
“Fine! Where do you want to go in our home?”
Seol Hwa-un thought for a moment before saying.
“I've heard the Tang Iron Forge is famous. Would you show me?”
Given their reliance on hidden weapons, the Tangs' metallurgy was of the highest caliber.
Dang So-gyo's face scrunched up involuntarily.
“Ugh…… It's noisy there.”
“If you don't want to, no need.”
“Fine! Since it's a rare request from Brother Seol, I'll take you.”
Seol Hwa-un smiled gently.
“Thank you.”
She led him deep into the inner courtyard. The sound of hammers on metal grew audible from afar.
Thud…… thud…….
“Ugh, so loud.”
Dang So-gyo grumbled but did not stop.
Soon, smoke-belching forges came into view. An impressive six large ones stood in a row.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
The ringing of metal grew sharper. Seol Hwa-un nodded.
‘The sound is distinct, indeed.’
“This is the Iron Forge.”
Even as the two appeared, the blacksmiths remained focused on their work, paying them no mind.
Seol Hwa-un slowly toured the forges. In front of each, the blacksmiths' creations were displayed.
From weapons to farming tools and various implements—a diverse array.
In fact, the Sichuan Tang Family did not merely craft arms; they produced and sold a wide range of goods with their skills, generating substantial revenue.
‘Impressive. Superior quality. No wonder people pay premium for Tang wares.’
Seol Hwa-un had come to the Iron Forge with a specific purpose in mind.
‘Skilled blacksmiths, but…… we have plenty at this level in the palace.’
He sought to have a certain ‘item’ made, which was why he had ventured here. Yet no smith met his required standard.
‘Too much to hope for, after all?’
At that moment, Dang So-gyo muttered to herself.
“Since we're here, I should go see Grandfather.”
“……?”
She scampered to the smallest, most unassuming forge.
“Grandfather!”
As if in response to her call, an elderly man with flowing white hair soon emerged.
“So-gyo?”
“Hee hee hee!”
She threw her arms around him at once. The frail old man smiled kindly.
“Ho ho ho, you rascal. When did you return?”
“Just this afternoon.”
“You imp! And you only come now?”
“Sorry, hee hee hee.”
Seol Hwa-un stood frozen upon seeing the old man.
“……!”
A rare look of surprise crossed his face.
‘That old man……!’
He emitted no aura whatsoever, but Seol Hwa-un's keen senses detected the immense power the elder concealed, if only faintly.
Among all the experts he had encountered since entering the Central Plains, this one was overwhelmingly superior.
‘Just who is he?’
