Chapter 411
"As is well known, the Tang Clan has maintained a complex web of favors and grudges with three sects from Yunnan for generations."
Upon hearing those words, Bu Eun-seol gave a faint nod.
'So it's about the Yunnan Three Poison Sects.'
The Sichuan Tang Clan had long been entangled in a bitter feud with three poison-wielding sects from Yunnan.
The Poison Demon Sect, the Poison Leaf Sect, and the Poison Phoenix Sect. These three sects were collectively referred to as the Yunnan Three Poison Sects.
And on two occasions, the Three Poison Sects had nearly faced annihilation at the hands of the Sichuan Tang Clan.
Tang Cheon-gun, the Poison Saint, who laid the foundation for the Tang Clan's Poison Studies and Poison Techniques.
And Tang Sim-bin, known as the Life-Snatching Smoke Dagger, who systematized the Tang Clan's Hidden Weapon Arts.
It just so happened that when these two peerless Grandmasters were alive, the Three Poison Sects had attempted to expand their influence all the way into Sichuan.
Had the Three Poison Sects not belonged to the faction between the Orthodox and Heterodox, would the name "Three Poison Sects" still exist in the martial world today? They would have been utterly erased.
But as time passed, the Three Poison Sects, having regained their former prosperity, seized every opportunity to extend their reach into the Sichuan region.
Because of this, the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects had clashed in conflicts both large and small.
There were even those who claimed that the Tang Clan's Poison Techniques and Hidden Weapon Arts had advanced relentlessly precisely because of their battles with the Three Poison Sects.
"The Yunnan Three Poison Sects have recently achieved remarkable growth. Perhaps because of this, they have now come to the Tang Clan in earnest—"
Yuk Cheong-a's explanation continued.
To summarize, it was said that the Three Poison Sects had rapidly expanded their influence over the past few years.
And now, their ambitions had grown so bold that they were openly preparing for a full-scale war against the Tang Clan to push into Sichuan.
'Three sects simultaneously expanding their power at an alarming rate to strike the Tang Clan...'
As Bu Eun-seol mulled over Yuk Cheong-a's words, he shook his head.
He was already aware that the Three Poison Sects had recently perfected Poison Techniques and Hidden Weapon Arts rivaling the Tang Clan's and had expanded their forces rapidly.
But for three sects to join forces and dare to challenge the Tang Clan, one of the Eight Great Families?
'This is no coincidence.'
Suddenly, Bu Eun-seol recalled the Blood Poison Valley incident he had dealt with alongside Tang Gon.
They, too, had seen their power grow over the past decade and had even cultivated Poison People who feared none of the Tang Clan's poisons.
And now, the three sects of Yunnan were engaged in the same kind of scheme.
'In the end, this means there's a hidden force manipulating the Three Poison Sects.'
"This is strange."
At that moment, Hall Leader Do Geum-ung shook his head.
"No matter how much the Three Poison Sects' power has flourished, it shouldn't be beyond the Tang Clan's ability to handle. Moreover, requesting troops from our alliance? Wouldn't it be better to call upon factions from both the Orthodox and Unorthodox paths with whom they have connections?"
The Sichuan Tang Clan had always acted independently, befitting their prestige.
Especially the current Family Head, Tang Pae, who maintained friendships not only with the Righteous Faction but also with outstanding figures from the Demonic and Black Paths, without discrimination.
If Tang Pae sought help, there would be no shortage of factions and Masters willing to lend a hand.
"That's likely because of the Poison Demon Sect. They recently joined the Demon Hall... If things go wrong, it won't just be the Tang Clan's problem."
No matter how powerful the Tang Clan might be, they couldn't recklessly provoke a sect affiliated with the Demon Hall.
But if the Martial Alliance stepped in?
Even a sect under the Demon Hall wouldn't dare act rashly. It seemed the Tang Clan was seeking the Martial Alliance's intervention to contain this conflict.
"Another major factor is that Family Head Tang Pae is currently bedridden."
In the Tang Clan, the Family Head's authority was absolute, and all decision-making power and influence stemmed from him.
With Tang Pae suddenly falling gravely ill, more than half of the Tang Clan's strength had effectively vanished.
Had Tang Pae been in good health? No matter how bold the Three Poison Sects had become, they wouldn't have dared to consider a full-scale war.
"I see."
Only then did Do Geum-ung nod in understanding.
"So the Tang Clan's request for troops is ultimately to avoid a fight, then."
In response to Do Geum-ung's words, Yuk Cheong-a nodded.
"That's correct. The Tang Clan is requesting troops and personnel to mediate this conflict."
At that, Hall Leader Mo Seok of the Cheonrim Hall blinked and asked,
"But why has a matter of mediating a conflict between factions... been placed on the agenda of our Hall Leaders' Meeting?"
To mediate disputes between factions, a Grand Council Meeting should be convened, attended by the Martial Alliance's highest leadership—not a Hall Leaders' Meeting composed of leaders under the Hall of Ascending Martial.
So why had this matter been brought before the Hall Leaders' Meeting?
'It must be one of two things.'
Even without hearing Yuk Cheong-a's answer, Bu Eun-seol could predict the situation.
'Either the Martial Alliance has conflicts with the Tang Clan and turned a blind eye...'
The current Family Head, Tang Pae, was one of the most outstanding figures in the Tang Clan's history, but from the Martial Alliance's perspective, he was also someone who rubbed them the wrong way in many aspects.
'Or the war between the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects has reached an unavoidable point.'
If it was an inevitable war no matter what? Then the Martial Alliance's intervention itself would be meaningless.
Bu Eun-seol thought the latter was far more likely.
No matter how much they disliked it, the Tang Clan had long walked the path of the Righteous Faction and was one of the Eight Great Families—they couldn't just ignore their request.
Yet the fact that this matter had trickled all the way down to the Regional Department Heads Conference under the Hall of Ascending Martial...
That alone was proof that the Martial Alliance had already reached a point where they could do nothing.
—In other words, it was an unavoidable affair.
Meanwhile, the hall leaders were racking their brains to grasp the situation.
Strictly speaking, even for hall-level figures, mediating between the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects wasn't impossible.
But given the circumstances, it seemed the high command had no will to resolve this matter at all.
They just needed a low-ranking organization to go through the motions—a scapegoat.
—Who would want to be that scapegoat?
The hall leaders shook their heads.
This was a matter of mediating a conflict between sects. Even if they wanted to back out, the slightest misstep could leave them shouldering all the blame.
"Hall leaders willing to take on the Tang Clan's request for mediation, please raise your hands."
In response to Yuk Cheong-a's question, not a single hand went up—only silence filled the conference room.
The hall leaders kept their mouths shut, exchanging wary glances.
"It seems none of the hall leaders from our hall are willing to take this on either."
At that moment, Yuk Jang-cheon let out a sigh.
"These matters can't be forced. I'll have this issue raised again at the General Hall Leaders' Conference or the Grand Council."
Only then did the hall leaders nod in relief, clasping their hands together.
"But since this matter ultimately doesn't require force, what if the Peak Unit were to handle it?"
Then, out of nowhere, Yuk Cheong-a made a sudden suggestion.
"Commander Seon-u, though young, is a prodigy who turned the Peak Unit into the Alliance's major Information Warfare Unit in one stroke. I believe he's more than capable."
As Yuk Jang-cheon furrowed his brow, she continued.
"And since he's from the Upper Realm, his diplomatic and negotiation skills should far surpass most people's."
As she elaborated, the hall leaders wore puzzled expressions.
Mediation between sects was usually handled by those with extensive experience in the martial world and high seniority.
Entrusting this to a young Peak Leader with no experience was practically the same as giving up on mediation altogether.
—They seemed quite close before. Why would she say something like this?
Just as the hall leaders were wondering, Bu Eun-seol's eyes turned icy as he deciphered Yuk Cheong-a's intentions.
'A warning to fall under her command.'
Yuk Cheong-a must have guessed that, after solving the theft case, Bu Eun-seol would reject her offer and build his own independent faction to expand his influence.
—No matter how hard you try, you won't escape my grasp.
But she still hadn't given up—she was using this opportunity to issue another warning.
—If you don't submit to me, you'll face many more hardships like this.
She was subtly pressuring him to ensure he harbored no rebellious thoughts.
But there was one thing she couldn't possibly know...
That Bu Eun-seol would have begged to take on this mission if he had to.
"Very well. I'll take it."
When Bu Eun-seol readily agreed, even Yuk Cheong-a, who had made the suggestion, doubted her own ears.
Had he really just accepted this so easily?
"Commander Seon-u."
Yuk Jang-cheon couldn't hold back any longer.
"Do you understand what this mission entails?"
"Isn't it just ensuring a full-scale war doesn't break out between the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects?"
Bu Eun-seol's casual response made Yuk Jang-cheon's brow furrow deeply.
'Has he gone mad after earning a single merit?'
No one in their right mind would take on something like this.
No—it wasn't just unwise. It was impossible.
But Bu Eun-seol's eyes were far too clear for someone who had lost his mind.
"Can you do it?"
"I'll do my best."
His resolute answer only made Yuk Cheong-a grow more impatient.
"Commander Seon-u. You should think carefully. This is a conflict between sects—if anything goes wrong, you won't be able to evade responsibility."
Bu Eun-seol nodded firmly.
"Of course. If things go wrong, This unit will take full responsibility."
At that, not just the hall leaders—even Yuk Jang-cheon's eyes flickered with disdain.
'The money manager clearly misjudged this man.'
Yuk Jang-cheon had actually held Bu Eun-seol in very high regard.
Not only had he inherited Master Unhindered's legacy, but his martial arts had been exceptional in his duel against Cheon Hwa-in.
And now, through this theft incident, he had proven not only his strategic intellect but also his outstanding analytical skills and insight.
Had the right opportunity come, Yuk Jang-cheon had even thought he might become a great figure in the Martial Alliance.
But to be so blinded by achievement that he could no longer distinguish heaven from earth?
'Was he no different from Cheon Hwa-in after all?'
Meanwhile, Yuk Cheong-a, too, couldn't hide her disappointment.
She had believed that, if properly guided, he would surely rise to greatness.
'He was just another who overestimated his own abilities.'
In truth, overconfidence in one's own skills was a trait commonly seen among outstanding young talents.
Because they had never tasted failure.
And in her eyes, Bu Eun-seol had every reason to possess such arrogance.
With martial arts and intellect far surpassing his peers, and now having amassed immense achievements... it was only natural that he had grown arrogant, convinced of his own invincibility.
'What a pity.'
Yuk Cheong-a had seen countless such young men within the Martial Alliance.
And she had also seen how, in their overambition, their wings were broken.
From her perspective, Bu Eun-seol was simply another destined to tread that same path.
"Very well."
Having made up her mind, Yuk Cheong-a nodded.
"Since Commander Seon-u is so confident, we have no choice. Does anyone else have objections?"
She glanced around, but the hall leaders merely smirked, offering no words.
"Money Manager. The consensus is that the mediation between the Sichuan Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects will be handled by the Pinnacle Squad."
"Hmm."
Yuk Jang-cheon let out a low hum before speaking.
"Commander Seon-u. Should things go awry, the Pinnacle Squad will bear full responsibility. Keep that in mind."
Under normal circumstances, Yuk Jang-cheon would never have permitted this.
But given that even the Martial Alliance's high command had deemed this a disposable mission...
He knew well that, even if things went wrong, it wouldn't be the Hall of Ascending Martial's responsibility—just a simple matter of disbanding the Pinnacle Squad.
"Understood."
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands together confidently, prompting Yuk Jang-cheon to speak again with clear displeasure.
"Then this meeting is adjourned."
Martial Alliance, Pinnacle Squad Meeting Room.
The squad members were frozen in shock at Bu Eun-seol's declaration.
—The main squad is mediating a conflict between the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects?!
In the history of the martial world, there had never been an instance where a third-grade commander mediated a dispute between sects.
Even if such authority were granted, it was not something one should readily accept.
"Commander."
Tae Mu-ryong spoke with utmost seriousness.
"This is absolutely unacceptable. Even now, you must plead to abandon this mission."
Taking a deep breath, he continued.
"To mediate between sects, seniority and authority are paramount. If the commander steps in, it would be like a child interfering in a fight between adults."
No matter how exceptional Bu Eun-seol was, he was barely past his coming-of-age.
When children fight, adults must intervene. But if an even younger child steps in, it's utterly meaningless.
"It's fine. The decision has already been made."
Seeing no change in Bu Eun-seol's expression, Jeong Jong-do cautiously stepped forward.
"Commander. This isn't about doubting your abilities. Mediation has nothing to do with skill in the first place."
Jeong Jong-do's expression was grave.
"This is a battle of authority against authority. Even if the commander has been granted the right to represent the alliance, do you really think the Three Poison Sects—who dare challenge the Tang Clan—would listen?"
Bu Eun-seol merely smiled faintly.
Truthfully, he had been intensely curious about Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do's reactions.
How they would respond upon hearing of this mission, and how they would try to persuade him.
Both had analyzed the situation perfectly and were earnestly trying to dissuade him—without offending him.
—Our commander can do anything!
In truth, such blind faith was something only the commanders of the Death Shadow War Unit, who had witnessed Bu Eun-seol's abilities countless times, could afford to have.
Had they spoken like this to him? It would have either made them sycophants or proved that they were overestimating their own abilities.
But Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do had assessed the situation, analyzed it correctly, and offered sincere counsel.
'They're functioning as they should.'
A satisfied smile tugged at Bu Eun-seol's lips as he nodded.
"You're both absolutely right."
Then, in a clear, resonant voice, he spoke.
Seon-u Jin's voice had to always be bright and melodious, after all.
"In truth, I am not going to mediate the conflict between the Tang Clan and their enemies. So you need not worry."
The two men couldn't hide their bewildered expressions.
They had been given the task of mediating the dispute between the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects—yet now he claimed he wasn't going to mediate?
"If we attempt a half-baked mediation, the Three Poison Sects will simply attack the Tang Clan again. And when that happens, they'll shift all responsibility onto us as if they'd been waiting for it."
As Bu Eun-seol continued with his precise, ice-cold explanation, Tae Mu-ryong's mouth fell open.
"Then what do you intend to do?"
"We must ensure the fight is decisive. So they can never provoke again."
"Decisive, you say?"
Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do exchanged glances, their faces paling.
What kind of absurd talk was this?
Yet at the same time, they wore expressions of relief.
Because they had already realized that Bu Eun-seol mediating the "conflict" was impossible.
Had he claimed that mediation between the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects was feasible—
The two would have staked their lives to argue him out of this mission.
"So you have a plan, then."
Having glimpsed Bu Eun-seol's true intentions, Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do let out sighs.
From what they knew, Bu Eun-seol was never one to overestimate his own abilities.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have turned the Peak Realm Members into an Information Warfare Unit.
Surely, he must have devised a solution using his exceptional cunning. The problem was that they still lacked the ability to fully grasp his schemes.
"We'll depart for the Tang Clan soon. Have all the unit members prepare."
"Are we to accompany you as well...?"
Bu Eun-seol replied in a rather playful tone.
"Shouldn't we take this rare opportunity to enjoy the breeze with our comrades and sample Sichuan's famous liquor?"
He smiled faintly at their stunned expressions.
"Let's go and properly show them the might of a Third-grade Corps."
Clatter, clatter.
Twenty martial artists galloped down the highway on fine steeds.
Clad in pristine white martial uniforms, their backs bore an embroidered pair of soaring phoenixes.
They were Bu Eun-seol and the Peak Realm Members, dispatched by the Martial Alliance.
'At least we managed to secure horses—that's fortunate.'
Normally, Third-grade unit members wouldn't even receive a single horse, let alone a carriage.
But since this mission involved visiting the Tang Clan as special envoys of the Martial Alliance, even mere unit members were granted steeds.
After an endless journey, the Peak Realm Members finally entered Sichuan.
Along the way, Bu Eun-seol had stopped at luxurious guest inns, treating his subordinates to fine wine and delicacies.
Yet far from lifting their spirits, the unit members had grown increasingly restless, as if being led to a slaughterhouse.
Mediating between the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects was an impossible task from the start.
To them, it was a mission doomed to fail, and they could already envision the Peak Realm Members disbanding before long.
But unlike his gloomy subordinates, Bu Eun-seol remained as serene as if he were on a leisurely outing.
"We'll arrive at the Tang Clan soon."
Tae Mu-ryong, riding alongside the carriage, called out.
Bu Eun-seol's gaze deepened as he studied the towering signboard of the Tang Clan's gate.
—Right now, my brother is struggling to master the clan's Eight Great Secret Arts. And he often speaks of you, Lord.
These were the words Tang Cheong had spoken when they met at Shaolin while searching for the Divine Calculator.
A shadow had crossed her brow when she mentioned Tang Gon.
Even then, Bu Eun-seol had sensed that something was amiss—either with the Tang Clan or with Tang Gon himself.
But who would have guessed it would be the Three Poison Sects making their move?
'Is this fate, then?'
He had already planned to seek out Tang Gon once his duties with the Martial Alliance concluded.
Yet now, the Tang Clan's crisis had become his mission—it only reinforced his belief that his ties to the Tang Clan ran deep.
"Whoa."
The galloping Peak Realm Members finally halted before the Tang Clan's gates.
The towering walls and firmly shut main gate exuded the majesty befitting Sichuan's foremost family.
'Even among the great families, the difference is striking.'
The gates of the Namgung Clan were always wide open, bustling with visitors.
But the Tang Clan's gates remained tightly shut, guarded by solemn sentinels. Outsiders rarely visited, and exchanges were few.
Yet this did not mean the Sichuan Tang Clan was weak.
They constantly vied for supremacy with the Namgung Clan, the leader of the Eight Great Families, and their poisons and hidden weapons influenced the entire martial world beyond Sichuan.
Had the Poison Demon Sect not joined the Demon Hall—or had the Family Head Tang Pae been in good health—
The Tang Clan would have crushed their enemies without even needing to contact the Martial Alliance.
"How may I assist you?"
A guard approached, clasping his hands. Bu Eun-seol stepped forward.
"We've come from the Martial Alliance."
When he displayed the Command Plaque, the guard's expression twisted strangely.
The Tang Clan had requested a high-ranking envoy of Hall Master Rank or above, capable of mediating sect disputes.
Yet before him stood martial artists who looked even younger than himself?
Moreover, the back of the plaque bore the unmistakable, boldly engraved character for "Three"—the mark of a Third-rate Corps.