Chapter 412
After a prolonged silence, Bu Eun-seol tilted his head slightly.
"Must we continue standing here like this?"
Only then did the guard snap out of his daze and open the gate.
"P-please, come in."
As the firmly shut gates swung open, an expansive courtyard and pavilions came into view.
Within the vast manor, a solemn and austere atmosphere flowed like an unbroken stream. It seemed to perfectly embody the Tang Clan's insular nature.
The Tang Clan's ultimate arts followed the principle of "never shared beyond the gates". Their martial secrets were transmitted only to blood relatives, and any outsider wishing to marry a Tang woman had to become a matrilocal son-in-law.
That such a closed-off clan, where power was concentrated entirely in the Family Head's hands, could maintain such formidable influence—
This was solely because the Tang Clan's ultimate arts and secret techniques were truly exceptional.
'Unless the Three Poison Sects have completely lost their minds... this must undoubtedly be their doing.'
As Bu Eun-seol walked while entertaining these thoughts, the guard had already guided them to the reception pavilion for outsiders.
"Please come this way."
Following the guard's directions to the guest hall, the sound of light footsteps accompanied the appearance of three figures.
They were none other than the Young Clan Head Tang Gon, his younger sister Tang Cheong, and Tang Seong—both Tang Pae's brother and the administrator of the Outer Courtyard's affairs.
"Welcome."
Tang Gon clasped his hands together.
"I am Tang Gon."
Having become the Young Clan Head, Tang Gon was said to have mastered all Eight Great Secret Arts of the Tang Family.
Moreover, perhaps because he had recently completed closed-door cultivation, his imposing presence had grown even more profound.
"Peak Leader Seon-u Jin."
As Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands in return, Tang Cheong stared intently at him.
Already aware of her unique abilities, he had completely altered even his scent.
Thus, she showed no sign of recognizing Bu Eun-seol's true identity.
"Peak... Leader?"
Hearing this unfamiliar unit name for the first time, Tang Seong blinked rapidly before asking.
"Which faction does this Peak Unit belong to, and what grade is it?"
Bu Eun-seol replied evenly.
"A third-grade unit under the Star Guard Corps. Our primary duty is handling significant matters within the Martial World."
"A third-grade unit under the Star Guard Corps?"
Wearing a bewildered expression, Tang Seong tilted his head.
"How can a third-grade unit possibly be affiliated with the Star Guard Corps?"
"As it was recently established, we currently receive assignments from the Hall of Martial Ascension."
Seeing Bu Eun-seol's unshakable composure, Tang Seong let out an understanding sigh.
"I see. So the Martial Alliance is sending a special envoy separately. You've come ahead to assist this envoy."
"No. Our unit was specifically dispatched by the Alliance in response to the Tang Clan's request for mediation."
Instantly, Tang Seong's face twisted as if he'd been struck from behind.
"You're saying... they sent a newly formed third-grade unit... for this mediation?"
He staggered as though reeling from a tremendous shock.
Even if Bu Eun-seol had spat in his face, he wouldn't have looked this flustered.
"This... is unacceptable."
Only then did he grasp the Martial Alliance's perspective on this matter.
"For such a thing to occur while the Family Head is bedridden..."
Tang Seong shook his head while looking at Tang Gon.
"We shouldn't have entertained any expectations to begin with."
Slumping his shoulders, he spoke weakly to Tang Gon.
"With much work piled up, I must take my leave first."
Tang Cheong also bit her lip before turning away.
"If this is how the Martial Alliance responds? I'll send word to Shaolin immediately!"
As the two departed, only hollow silence remained in the guest hall.
Yet Tang Gon maintained a composed smile as if nothing had happened.
"My apologies. Our clan members are rather hot-blooded by nature."
"Not at all."
"Quarters have been prepared for you. After your long journey, please rest and recover from your fatigue."
If anyone should have been shocked, it would have been Tang Gon most of all.
Yet his expression remained perfectly at ease, and every movement carried the dignified bearing expected of the next Family Head.
'You still harbor kindness in your heart.'
Bu Eun-seol found Tang Gon's gentle and amiable demeanor both welcoming and, in another sense, slightly disappointing.
After all the advice he'd given about becoming ruthless. To still maintain such a soft and warm attitude.
But Tang Gon's next words made Bu Eun-seol realize this was a misjudgment.
"And please don't feel burdened, Commander Seon-u."
Tang Gon spoke calmly.
"It wasn't I who requested the Martial Alliance's assistance, but Uncle Tang Seong. With the Family Head bedridden, my uncle wished to resolve this matter as amicably as possible."
As Tang Gon looked at Bu Eun-seol, an overwhelming majesty and tyrannical energy capable of splitting heaven and earth radiated from Tang Gon's entire being.
"But I have no such intentions. I plan to teach them a lesson—one that will ensure they never dare such provocation again."
Rumble.
For an instant, an illusion manifested—as if eight colossal elephants of indeterminate form hovered behind Tang Gon's back.
Eight-Elephant Realm.
When one's internal and external arts reach the Extreme Realm, they emanate a presence akin to these mighty elephants.
Though Tang Gon had remained secluded and thus never gained widespread fame, he was clearly no ordinary man.
Not only had he already entered the Transcendent Realm, but he had also mastered all Eight Great Secret Arts, achieving stable cultivation of both internal and external energy.
Smirk.
Bu Eun-seol smiled.
Tang Gon had not only cultivated outstanding martial arts—he was also thinking the same way as himself.
He had already become a figure with no shortcomings as the next Family Head to lead the Tang Clan.
"Young Clan Head, there's no need for you to worry too much."
Bu Eun-seol spoke in a clear, resonant voice as he looked at Tang Gon.
"I, too, will do my utmost to resolve the matter entrusted to me."
An exceedingly sharp and brilliant light lingered in Bu Eun-seol's pupils.
"So, I hope you will place just a little more trust in me."
Tang Gon, who had been tilting his head slightly in thought, wore an enigmatic smile.
"Understood."
***
The next day. Phoenix Pavilion, within the Sichuan Tang Clan.
It was the grand conference hall where the Tang Clan's high command gathered to discuss various matters.
At the center of the table in the Phoenix Pavilion sat Tang Gon, with Bu Eun-seol, clad in white garments, standing beside him.
Opposite them sat three middle-aged men dressed in gaudy robes, their expressions cold.
They were none other than the three highest-ranking hall leaders from Yunnan's Three Poison Sects.
Though they held the position of hall leaders, the Three Poison Sects had no deputy sect leaders, making them effectively the most powerful figures beneath the sect leaders themselves.
True to their status as key figures of the poison sects that dominated Yunnan, all three exuded considerable martial presence.
'How curious.'
Yet, Tang Gon found himself more preoccupied with Bu Eun-seol standing beside him than with the three hall leaders of the Three Poison Sects.
The way he stood calmly at his side made it seem as though he was deliberately presenting himself as a subordinate.
'Even if he came as a third-grade commander, he's still a special envoy from the Martial Alliance. There's no need for him to go this far.'
Tang Gon shook his head bitterly as he pondered.
'Is he trying to make a good impression on me?'
As a newly appointed third-grade commander, he must be brimming with passion and ambition.
Perhaps he was desperately eager to forge a connection with the Young Clan Head of one of the Eight Great Families.
'Well, he certainly has the ability to harbor such ambitions.'
With Seon-u Jin, this young commander, standing beside him like this, Tang Gon felt as though he had gained the strength of a thousand armies.
It was the pulsation of true qi—something only the most outstanding rising talents of the younger generation could be sensed only by.
'They say he's the successor of Master Unhindered.'
The moment he arrived at the Tang Clan, Tang Gon had mobilized his intelligence network.
He had conducted a thorough investigation on Peak Leader Seon-u Jin.
Heavenly Cliff Flying Dagger, Seon-u Jin.
A master from the Upper Realm who built his reputation traveling beyond the frontier with merchant groups, renowned for his exceptional strategic mind.
Moreover, he had fought against Cheon Hwa-in for the position of commander during the martial arts tournament and emerged victorious—proof that his martial arts were already at a considerable level among the younger generation.
'But he chose the wrong side.'
Tang Gon clicked his tongue as he glanced at Bu Eun-seol standing beside him.
'Getting dragged into a mission the Martial Alliance had already abandoned...'
And the hall leaders of the Three Poison Sects shared the same thought.
—So the Martial Alliance really has washed their hands of this.
The three hall leaders wore smug smiles.
They knew that Tang Seong, the Tang Clan's head of the outer court, had requested the Martial Alliance to mediate in this conflict.
And yet, the Martial Alliance had only sent a commander of a newly established third-grade corps as their special envoy.
In other words, it was practically a declaration that the Martial Alliance would not interfere in the Tang Clan's struggle against the Three Poison Sects.
This fight was already as good as won.
"Have you given it some thought?"
After a long silence, a middle-aged man with skin so pale it seemed painted in white powder spoke to Tang Gon.
It was Jin Cheon-gon, hall leader of the Poison Demon Sect.
"Isn't it better to settle things amicably? Rather than shedding blood in a brutal fight, a peaceful resolution would be preferable."
Tang Gon did not answer immediately, sipping his tea instead.
At his leisurely demeanor, the middle-aged man with a goatee—Jang Song, hall leader of the Poison Leaf Sect—spoke up.
"With the Tang Family Head bedridden by illness, shouldn't we avoid making this a bigger ordeal?"
At Jang Song's words, Hyeong Geuk, hall leader of the Poison Phoenix Sect—who had been glaring at Bu Eun-seol this entire time—curled his lips upward.
"Shouldn't the Tang Clan's Eight Great Secret Arts take another leap forward? Just as our sect's ultimate arts have advanced brilliantly."
Bu Eun-seol raised an eyebrow.
This was what the Three Poison Sects of Yunnan were demanding.
Instead of an all-out war, they were demanding the Tang Clan hand over their Eight Great Secret Arts to them.
'So this was their game.'
Bu Eun-seol inwardly scoffed.
Demanding the secret martial arts of the Tang Clan—the foremost family of Sichuan, one of the Eight Great Families?
This was no different from declaring war outright.
"Well, Young Clan Head?"
At Jin Cheon-gon's question, Tang Gon curled the corner of his lips.
He was well aware that the Three Poison Sects' recent rapid expansion was backed by an external force.
And now, they sought to extend their influence all the way to Sichuan using that power.
With the Family Head currently ill, they must have seen this as the perfect opportunity.
"If the Young Clan Head continues to stall, even I, as a hall leader, will have no choice but to act."
As Jin Cheon-gon smiled coldly, Jang Song of the Poison Leaf Sect nodded in agreement.
"Precisely. There's no need to stubbornly refuse a peace offering and invite punishment instead."
Hyeong Geuk, the Hall Leader of the Poison Phoenix Sect, picked up the thread of conversation.
"With the Tang Family Head in poor health, is there truly any need to stir up trouble?"
As the three Hall Leaders exchanged increasingly heated words, the clamor grew louder—
Clack.
Tang Gon, who had been silently observing until now, abruptly set down his teacup and shattered the tension with a sudden clap of his hands.
Clap.
Then, with a radiant smile, he spoke.
"Well then, since everyone's gathered, shall we begin our discussion in earnest?"
In an instant, the expressions of the Three Poison Sects' Hall Leaders twisted.
The sheer audacity of Tang Gon—clapping his hands like a teacher calling rowdy children to order, as if their prior negotiations had been mere nonsense. And to declare they would "begin" now? It was tantamount to dismissing everything they'd said until this moment as idle chatter.
Ahem.
Tang Gon cleared his throat leisurely before continuing.
"With the Martial Alliance's Special Envoy present, I expect matters to proceed swiftly."
His gaze swept over the three Hall Leaders.
"For generations, pointless conflicts have persisted between our main house and the Three Poison Sects."
A smirk curled his lips.
"Of course, I understand your position. The Tang Clan has nearly plucked your feathers clean on more than one occasion."
At that, the three Hall Leaders' eyebrows twitched.
"Perhaps perhaps that changed our family's customs. Our ancestors' generosity may have inadvertently sown the seeds of unnecessary strife."
"You dare imply—"
As Jin Cheon-gon began to retort, Tang Gon cut him off sharply.
"Share the Tang Clan's Eight Great Secret Arts? Then what will the Three Poison Sects offer in return?"
Jang Song's lips curled.
"Naturally, we would present an equivalent Ultimate Art. For example, if you were to offer Myriad Blossoms Fill the Sky, our sect would reciprocate with Returning Leaf Grafting."
Tang Gon chuckled.
"Hohoho. As if the Ultimate Arts of our clan could ever align with those of the Three Poison Sects."
"So you refuse outright."
"Indeed."
Lifting his chin, Tang Gon stared down at the Hall Leaders, an overwhelming aura radiating from his entire being.
Though momentarily flustered, the three soon masked their unease with sinister smiles.
—Perfect.
They had never expected the Tang Clan to yield to threats.
This was merely about securing a justification—a pretext for all-out war.
With Tang Pae bedridden, the Tang Clan's combat strength was weakened by more than half. And now, Tang Gon had walked right into their provocation.
—Even the Martial Alliance's envoy is in this state.
The only concern had been the Martial Alliance's potential intervention. Had they stepped in, the Three Poison Sects would have been forced to retreat to Yunnan immediately.
But instead, the Alliance had sent the commander of a newly formed third-rate corps—a clear signal that they would not interfere, no matter how fiercely the conflict escalated.
"Negotiations have broken down, then."
Jin Cheon-gon's expression darkened.
"We extended an olive branch, yet you refuse to listen."
"An olive branch? I must have missed the part where demanding our secret arts counted as goodwill."
Tang Gon's icy retort only made Jin Cheon-gon bare his teeth in a grin.
"From this moment forth, the Three Poison Sects—including my own—are enemies of the Tang Clan. Remember that well."
The other two Hall Leaders rose, turning to leave.
The war between the Sichuan Tang Clan and the Yunnan Three Poison Sects was about to begin.
"Hold."
At that moment, Bu Eun-seol, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.
"I cannot permit this conflict."
The three Hall Leaders froze mid-step.
"What nonsense is this?"
Hyeong Geuk's question was met with Bu Eun-seol's calm reply.
"The Sichuan Tang Clan is a pillar of Orthodox Murim. I will never allow such an unreasonable war."
"Do you, a mere third-grade commander of the Martial Alliance, truly believe you have the authority to dictate terms?"
Jang Song's eyes flashed, but Bu Eun-seol only smiled softly.
"Why wouldn't I?"
"With just twenty men from a third-rate corps?"
"That sounds dangerously close to a threat to slaughter the entire unit sent as the Martial Alliance's special envoy."
Bu Eun-seol's gaze remained serene as he studied Jang Song.
"Is that what you're implying?"
The unexpected counter left Jang Song stiffening.
'Is the Martial Alliance actually intending to mediate?'
No matter how lowly their rank, these envoys still represented the Martial Alliance. Harming even a single hair on their heads would invite immediate intervention.
And if that happened?
The Three Poison Sects would be sealed without a whisper of protest—or worse, annihilated entirely.
"That's impossible."
Hyeong Geuk, who had stayed silent until now, stepped forward.
"The Martial Alliance would intervene in this matter? Weren't those your own words just now?"
"Who can say?"
Bu Eun-seol's leisurely response made Hyeong Geuk frown.
'What is this third-grade commander relying on to act so boldly?'
Then the Poison Demon Sect's Jin Cheon-gon stepped forward.
"If the Martial Alliance intervenes, that's fine too. Then our sect will also request assistance from the Demon Hall."
The Poison Demon Sect had recently been incorporated into the Demon Hall. If the Martial Alliance intervened in this conflict, the Demon Hall could likewise step in.
"That would be acceptable as well."
As Bu Eun-seol replied nonchalantly, Jin Cheon-gon's expression darkened.
Could the Martial Alliance have truly decided to intervene? Impossible. Didn't they provide us with confirmed intelligence?
After a moment of blank-faced hesitation, Jin Cheon-gon snorted and spoke.
"Fine. Then I shall immediately request troops from the Demon Hall."
Whether Bu Eun-seol was bluffing could be verified instantly by mobilizing their intelligence network.
As Jin Cheon-gon made to rise from his seat, Tang Seong, who had been observing from a distance, paled visibly.
This was precisely the scenario the Tang Clan must avoid at all costs.
If the Demon Hall truly intervened, even with the Martial Alliance's support, the Tang Clan would become collateral damage in the power struggle between the two great factions.
"Commander Seon-u. Should we not avoid such an outcome?"
Unable to remain silent any longer, Tang Seong finally interjected.
"If the Demon Hall gets involved, the Martial Alliance will also face difficulties."
"It's fine."
"Fine? How could this possibly be fine?"
Bu Eun-seol waved his hand dismissively, as if it were no concern.
"I will take full responsibility for everything."
Tang Seong's eyes bulged as if he'd seen a ghost.
What nonsense is this third-grade commander spouting?
To publicly declare he would "take responsibility" for an inter-sect conflict?
Such words couldn't be uttered lightly even by the Martial Alliance's Hall Leader, let alone its Alliance Leader.
Yet this third-grade commander with no authority or capability dared make such claims with perfect composure?
"This should be entertaining."
Jin Cheon-gon bared his sharp canines in a confident grin.
"I'll send a pigeon message to the Demon Hall immediately. If the Martial Alliance intervenes, things will get interesting."
"Excellent. Will one day suffice?"
Bu Eun-seol smiled as he spoke.
"Then return here tomorrow. This commander must verify whether you truly sent that message to the Demon Hall."
Jin Cheon-gon's pupils instantly burned crimson.
"You doubt I'll send it?"
"Who knows?"
Bu Eun-seol's lips curled in a faint smile.
"Would the Demon Hall truly intervene in the affairs of a poison sect buried deep in Yunnan?"
"Enough!"
As Jin Cheon-gon whirled around in fiery rage,
"W-wait!"
Tang Seong leapt up as if scalded.
"Commander Seon-u! Hall Leader Jin! The discussion has grown too heated. Let us recess for two hours before continuing."
"Hmph."
But Jin Cheon-gon stormed out without listening.
He truly intended to send that message to the Demon Hall.
"Hall Leader Jin! Hall Leader Jin!"
Tang Seong tried to pursue, but Jin Cheon-gon had already exited the pavilion.
"Entertaining indeed."
"Until tomorrow."
Jang Song and Hyeong Geuk likewise snorted before following him out.
"Th-this is disastrous...!"
Tang Seong watched their retreating backs, cold sweat dripping.
"Young Clan Head. I shall take my leave first."
When Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands in farewell, Tang Gon nodded.
"Very well."
"Then."
As Bu Eun-seol departed briskly, Tang Seong staggered to Tang Gon and clutched his sleeve desperately.
"Do you realize what that third-grade commander has just done? He's bluffed without any authority or capability!"
"Well, it should be fine."
"Fine?"
"Wasn't conflict with them inevitable anyway?"
"Of course. But the Demon Hall's involvement changes everything."
Tang Seong groaned through gritted teeth.
"The moment the Demon Hall intervenes, this becomes a proxy war between two great powers. Our clan will have to wage their proxy war."
Once factions like the Martial Alliance or Demon Hall intervened, the Tang Clan would lose all agency in this conflict.
Such situations inevitably devolved into protracted wars where even victory could shatter a clan's foundation and strength.
Yet Tang Gon remained unperturbed.
"Didn't Commander Seon-u say he'd take responsibility?"
"But that's—!"
"Yesterday he told me: 'I'll do my utmost, so trust me.'"
"You took those words at face value and did nothing?"
Tang Gon smiled faintly.
"He doesn't seem like just another ambitious youth. They say he's a strategist capable of transforming the Pinnacle Squad into an Information Warfare Unit overnight... He likely has methods to prevent the Demon Hall's intervention."
"Hmm."
"Uncle, perhaps you should rest for the day."
Tang Gon regarded Tang Seong with pitying eyes.
"Haven't you suffered enough acting as proxy for the Family Head?"
Tang Seong bowed his head.
In the Tang Clan, the Family Head's authority was absolute, and Tang Pae ranked among the most outstanding leaders in their history.
But when he collapsed suddenly from illness, Tang Seong had been left reeling.
As Young Clan Head, Tang Gon possessed none of Tang Pae's exceptional martial arts or strategic brilliance.
So Tang Seong had rushed about desperately to fill that void and protect the clan.
Yet he couldn't avert war with the Three Poison Sects.
Was this truly unavoidable?
Before Tang Seong's eyes, visions of the Tang Clan burning fiercely seemed to materialize.
Wiping away cold sweat, he rose from his seat.
"Very well. I shall rest briefly."
He could trust neither Tang Gon nor that third-grade commander.
Ultimately, only he could prepare for the coming war.