Chapter 414
The next day.
Sichuan Tang Clan, Phoenix Pavilion conference hall.
Outside, a light rain was pattering down.
Tang Gon was gazing out the window where a chilly wind blew in.
'How strange.'
Having heard the report from his trusted subordinate about the Poison Demon Sect's situation, Tang Gon found the whole thing bizarre.
'This is enough to make ghosts weep. Commander Seon-u. It's not as if he exerted any real force.'
Tang Gon had been treating Seon-u Jin, the Martial Alliance's third-grade commander, and his subordinates with utmost courtesy and respect.
But he had never expected that a mere third-grade commander would resolve this matter.
He had long accepted that war was inevitable. That was why he hadn't paid much attention to whatever actions Seon-u Jin might take.
Yet something inexplicable had happened.
Jin Cheon-gon, the hall master of the Poison Demon Sect, which had been incorporated into the Demon Hall, and his subordinates had suddenly turned tail and fled.
The Tang Clan's intelligence network had scrambled to uncover the inside story, but in the end, they could only conclude that the reason remained unknown.
'Hmm.'
As Tang Gon stroked his chin, lost in thought—
Creak.
The conference hall doors opened, and two figures stepped inside side by side. It was Jang Song and Hyeong Geuk.
Before Tang Gon could even sneer, Jang Song took the initiative.
"It seems Hall Leader Jin could not bear the weight of his own reckless words and has returned. Dragging the Demon Hall into such matters would be too significant an affair, would it not?"
Jang Song spoke with an expression of utmost solemnity.
"Though we are called the Three Poison Sects, the Poison Demon Sect has always walked its own path."
What a preposterous excuse.
Tang Gon, who had been staring at the two with unblinking eyes, spoke coldly.
"Just say what you came to say."
It was an extraordinarily insulting remark.
Yet Jang Song remained perfectly composed as he continued.
"We request a duel."
"A duel?"
"Indeed."
A sinister smile played on Jang Song's lips.
"Having come all the way from Yunnan, how could we leave without witnessing the Tang Clan's Eight Great Secret Arts?"
'So they intend to drag this out to the very end.'
Just because Jin Cheon-gon had retreated didn't mean the conflict with the Three Poison Sects was over.
'Since they can't wage an all-out war immediately, they're trying to break our momentum.'
Though the Poison Demon Sect had withdrawn, the other two sects were still forces that couldn't be ignored.
If a duel could bring this fight to an end, it wasn't such a bad proposal.
'And it's not a bad offer for the main house either.'
After all, victory was assured. Having finished his deliberations, Tang Gon nodded.
"Very well. The location?"
"No need to go far. I hear the Tang Clan has many fine training grounds."
Tang Gon's expression shifted slightly at Jang Song's words.
If they were bold enough to request a duel, they must be confident of victory. He had assumed they planned to stage a grand public duel to humiliate the Tang Clan's prestige.
But they intended to hold a quiet duel within the Tang Clan's grounds?
'They mean to defeat me and crush the main house's morale.'
Tang Gon saw through their scheme.
With Tang Pae bedridden, he was the one currently responsible for the Tang Clan. If he were to lose this duel in front of the direct lineage members—
"The Young Clan Head of the main house defeated by the hall masters of the Yunnan Three Poison Sects? Even if we go to war with them, we'd stand no chance."
The Tang Clan's bloodline members would begin to doubt Tang Gon's abilities, and in any future all-out war, they wouldn't dare expect victory.
"Fine."
Yet Tang Gon agreed readily.
After all, he was just as confident that there was no chance he would lose to the Three Poison Sect's hall masters.
"It's raining today, so let's meet tomorrow around the Mi period (1-3 PM) at the main house's training ground."
Jang Song and Hyeong Geuk exchanged glances and smiled.
Then, still grinning, they nodded.
"Very well. We'll see you then."
As they turned to leave, their eyes flickered with an inky blackness.
But Tang Gon, seeing only their backs, missed that glint entirely.
Quiet Heart Pavilion.
The residence provided by the Tang Clan for Bu Eun-seol and the Peak Realm Members in the Outer Court.
When news arrived that Jang Song and Hyeong Geuk had requested a duel, Bu Eun-seol issued an order to Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do.
"When I give the signal during tomorrow's duel, the main unit is to arm themselves and stand by at the Tang Clan's main gate."
Tae Mu-ryong's face stiffened instantly.
In other words, didn't this mean a major enemy force might descend upon the Tang Clan tomorrow?
When Tae Mu-ryong hesitated, Jeong Jong-do, standing beside him, cautiously spoke up.
"Commander. Apart from the two of us, the rest of the unit members are fresh recruits who've only just finished training. If a force capable of assaulting the Tang Clan head-on were to attack... our main unit wouldn't stand a chance."
"We're not fighting. We're holding the line. To ensure no one gets through."
"No one gets through...?"
Jeong Jong-do blinked blankly for a moment before letting out a soft Ah.
"I see. As long as we stand guard, it won't matter who they are—they won't be able to pass. Challenging our main unit would be no different from challenging the Alliance itself."
"Exactly."
Bu Eun-seol's lips curled slightly.
"It doesn't matter who the opponent is. Frankly, the likelihood of such a scenario is slim. This is merely a precaution. Secondly, since the Tang Clan has treated us generously, consider it repayment for their hospitality."
At this, Tae Mu-ryong, who had been listening silently, seemed to realize something and asked,
"Commander, you suspect there's a high probability of factions within Sichuan collaborating with the Three Poison Sects?"
"Correct."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"Given how boldly the Three Poison Sect's hall masters have been provoking the Tang Clan within their own territory, it's likely they've secretly stationed allied forces nearby."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
"There's a possibility they've stationed assassins there."
Jin Cheon-gon had clearly mentioned deploying an assassination squad within Sichuan.
Of course, assassins wouldn't attempt to infiltrate through the main gate.
But under the assumption that there might be other factions collaborating with them, Bu Eun-seol intended to station elite forces.
"That seems impossible, doesn't it?"
At that moment, Jeong Jong-do spoke up.
"No matter how much the Three Poison Sects of Yunnan have flourished recently, how could they possibly dare to station troops in Sichuan?"
"The plans laid out so far weren't devised overnight."
Then, Tae Mu-ryong addressed Jeong Jong-do.
"They must have been preparing to strike the Tang Clan for a long time. They could have slowly and discreetly deployed their forces over time."
"Slowly..."
Jeong Jong-do's eyes narrowed slightly, as if realizing something.
What if the Three Poison Sects had been infiltrating small groups of troops bit by bit in advance? The Tang Clan might not have detected it.
"That could indeed be the case."
As Jeong Jong-do nodded, Tae Mu-ryong turned to Bu Eun-seol.
"Even though the Poison Demon Sect retreated, the fact that they still demanded a duel suggests a high probability they've already stationed troops."
Bu Eun-seol gave a faint nod in response to Tae Mu-ryong's analysis.
'He's quite sharp—both in intellect and temperament.'
Like Yu Un-ryong, Tae Mu-ryong possessed an innate, exceptional insight and the disposition of a brilliant strategist.
This was fortunate for Bu Eun-seol.
Having an outstanding strategist meant the probability of success in any scheme was significantly higher.
Knock knock.
Just then, the sound of knocking came from the door, followed by the low voice of a young unit member.
"Unit Leader. A martial artist from the Iron Core Pavilion requests your presence."
'Iron Core Pavilion.'
That was where the Young Clan Head, Tang Gon, resided.
"Understood."
Bu Eun-seol immediately responded before addressing Tae Mu-ryong and Jeong Jong-do.
"Regardless, prepare the unit members so they can mobilize swiftly when I give the signal."
"Understood."
As the two clasped their hands in acknowledgment, Bu Eun-seol stepped outside.
There stood a sharp-eyed young martial artist, his entire body exuding a chilling aura, his hands respectfully clasped.
"I am Un-jeong of the Iron Core Pavilion, paying my respects to the Unit Leader."
"What is the matter?"
"The Young Clan Head instructed me before entering Qi Circulation to escort you to the Iron Core Pavilion by the Sin Period (3-5 PM)."
"Very well. Lead the way now."
Un-jeong immediately took the lead, guiding Bu Eun-seol through the Tang Clan's Inner Courtyard to the guest hall within Tang Gon's Iron Core Pavilion.
"The Young Clan Head will emerge shortly. Please wait here for a moment."
"Understood."
Once Un-jeong left, an attendant served tea.
Bu Eun-seol sipped the tea and sat quietly.
Dung dung dung. Ching ching ching.
But something felt off.
A faint, discordant noise reached his ears—an unpleasant, grating dissonance that set his nerves on edge.
'Does he have an interest in musical arts?'
Just as Bu Eun-seol tilted his head in puzzlement—
—Grrroooan...
Amidst the faint noise, an almost imperceptible, pain-laden moan seeped through.
'Qi Deviation?'
Bu Eun-seol instantly recognized the moan as Tang Gon's.
A groan that agonized during Qi Circulation could only mean one thing—he had fallen into Qi Deviation.
'Tang Gon!'
Bu Eun-seol rose from his seat but didn't rush toward the sound immediately. Instead, his expression darkened as he stamped his foot.
Thud.
A low vibration resonated, and his senses sharpened through the Heart's Eye of Empty Perception.
He needed to assess the structure of the building first, preparing for any unforeseen situation.
'There.'
Running toward a long passageway, he found a tightly shut door.
Dung dung dung. Ching ching ching.
From behind it, the same grating, unpleasant noise grew louder.
'Is this the training room? In such an easily accessible location?'
Bu Eun-seol couldn't comprehend it.
Training rooms were typically secluded, built in hidden places to prevent disturbances, fortified with iron doors and internal locks.
And Tang Gon was the Tang Clan's Young Clan Head—the second most prestigious figure in the clan.
To use a solitary confinement cell inside his residence—one where sound leaked out—as a training room?
Click.
He hastily opened the door.
Inside, Tang Gon sat in the lotus position, deep in Qi Circulation.
'So... it was true.'
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened as he surveyed the room.
Tang Gon wasn't meditating normally.
Beneath his lotus position were sharp acupuncture needles. The room was filled with Qi-Scattering Powder to disperse internal energy and Confusion Incense to cloud the mind.
On the opposite wall, a long cord connected to drums and gongs outside continuously produced noise.
'He was tempering his spirit and mind simultaneously.'
Tang Gon had deliberately created an environment where Qi Circulation was nearly impossible—one that could easily induce an Inner Demon.
And yet, he was training both his Internal Energy and his spirit at once.
'Is he refining Poison Art as well?'
On one side, jars contained Extreme Poisons—substances that could kill with a single drop.
"Ugh..."
Tang Gon groaned again, eyes still closed.
Pushing himself too hard before the duel, he seemed unable to break free from the Inner Demon's grip on his own.
"Snap out of it."
Bu Eun-seol's clear voice rang out as he immediately placed a hand on Tang Gon's back, channeling his Internal Energy into him.
"He's failed his Breakthrough. Multiple times, at that..."
Bu Eun-seol's gaze darkened as he examined Tang Gon's body.
The traces of brutal suffering were etched into his flesh—
Countless failures and setbacks. The brutal scars of repeatedly teetering on the boundary between life and death...
And yet, Tang Gon's talent had yet to fully blossom. Because of that, he had been forced to endure this vicious cycle of relentless training.
Oooooom—
Just then, as Bu Eun-seol channeled his True Qi into him, Tang Gon's Qi Circulation reached its peak, sending faint vibrations rippling through his body.
Huuuuk.
Finally regaining his senses and completing his training, Tang Gon swiftly pushed Bu Eun-seol's hand away.
"You wasted precious True Qi on me."
Tang Gon smiled sheepishly, his mouth filled with blood.
He must have been biting his lips hard the entire time to keep himself conscious.
"How did you end up here?"
"I heard loud noises. So I came."
Only now grasping the situation, Tang Gon let out a faint chuckle.
"My apologies. My Qi Circulation took longer than expected... I suppose the noise was quite loud."
Had Bu Eun-seol not arrived, Tang Gon might have fallen deeper into his Inner Demon, losing a significant portion of his Internal Power—or worse, suffering severe aftereffects.
Yet despite clawing his way back from death's doorstep, Tang Gon's expression remained eerily composed.
"Why did you set up a Training Room in a place like this?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Tang Gon gave a bitter smile.
"After seeing me train like this, the Family Head arranged this place for me."
A strange answer.
As Bu Eun-seol tilted his head in confusion, Tang Gon continued.
"Forgive me, but my training isn't over yet... Could you wait just a little longer? It won't take much time."
"Understood."
No sooner had Bu Eun-seol replied than Tang Gon strode toward the poison jars, their foul stench permeating the air.
Bu Eun-seol watched him silently before stepping out of the Training Room.
Outside, he noticed traces of numerous people coming and going near the door.
Studying them carefully, Bu Eun-seol finally understood Tang Gon's earlier words.
"So that's it."
Since Tang Gon trained with his life on the line, he must have repeatedly found himself in peril.
That was why Tang Pae had set up the Training Room in a place where people could come and go freely—where anyone could easily hear Tang Gon's cries.
So that help could arrive the moment danger struck.
"Why go to such extremes?"
The training method Tang Gon practiced bordered on Penance—a method so extreme that even Langya Pavilion, which prioritized Practical Combat Martial Arts, would only consider it for those who staked their lives on martial prowess.
A single misstep could lead to irreversible disaster.
And yet, the Young Clan Head of the Tang Clan was doing it.
Even on the eve of a duel, no less.
Bu Eun-seol swallowed a sigh.
Judging by the marks of suffering on Tang Gon's body, he had already reached a level where a Breakthrough should have been more than possible.
By all rights, he should have already ascended to a higher Realm.
But he was still trapped, unable to break through that thin shell.
"A Breakthrough happens naturally when all conditions are met."
Meaning Tang Gon was still lacking something.
"Tang Gon possesses talent no less remarkable than the Tang Family Head's."
Public opinion held that Tang Gon, the Young Clan Head of the Tang Clan, was not particularly gifted.
But Bu Eun-seol knew better.
If Tang Gon ever began his Breakthrough... he would leap several stages at once, becoming a martial arts master of terrifying prowess.
Creeeak—
Just then, the door opened with a heavy thud.
Thud. Thud.
With unsteady footsteps, Tang Gon stumbled into the guest hall where Bu Eun-seol sat, his body ragged like a torn cloth.
"You've seen me in quite an unsightly state."
Collapsing onto a chair with a groan, Tang Gon was immediately served Cold Fragrant Tea by an attendant, as if they had been waiting.
After taking a moment to steady his breathing, he drained the cup in one gulp before speaking with a bitter expression.
"Normally, I could finish without issue... But with the duel approaching, my Mental Power must have wavered slightly."
"Why push yourself like this?"
Bu Eun-seol's face was full of concern.
"The Tang Clan has many refined martial arts. Is it truly necessary to train both Spirit and Mind and Internal Power simultaneously in such a manner?"
"Ah. So you know of this training method."
Tang Gon smiled awkwardly.
"Well, this method is far too rigid and dangerous—hardly fitting for the heir of a noble family."
With a self-deprecating mutter, he exhaled deeply.
"But I must grow stronger as quickly as possible. If I followed the same path as others, I'd only ever be as strong as them."
"Does the Tang Clan doubt your qualifications as Young Clan Head?"
"Well... that could be one reason."
Shaking his head, he walked toward the window.
"But... it's not just that."
Gazing at the Full Moon outside, Tang Gon murmured faintly.
"I have a remarkable close friend. And all this time, I've only ever received his help."
His pupils darkened as if dredging up old memories.
"Thanks to him, I became Young Clan Head. But with my current abilities, I can't be of any use to him. So... I must train relentlessly, so that one day, I can stand beside him as his equal."
Bu Eun-seol fell silent.
He could guess that the "close friend" Tang Gon spoke of was none other than himself.
"If he is truly your close friend, is standing beside him really necessary?"
Bu Eun-seol offered a gentle smile.
"A close friend who shares your very soul would find strength in your existence alone."
"He walks a path of thorns where others dare not tread."
Tang Gon exhaled a deep sigh as he spoke.
"That road must be unbearably lonely and fraught with danger. That's why I wish to stand tall as soon as possible—to become someone capable of aiding him."
Tang Gon must have been keeping track of Bu Eun-seol's movements all this time.
And now, for the sake of the Heir of the Demon Hall—
He was striving to reach a level where he could stand shoulder to shoulder with him.
"Ah, forgive me for rambling about pointless things."
Shaking his head, Tang Gon fixed Bu Eun-seol with a steady gaze.
"The reason I summoned the Commander in such haste was—"
"I already know."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
"Once the duel begins tomorrow, I will position my main force before the Tang Clan's gates. To ensure no underhanded tricks are played."
"Just as I thought. I expected nothing less."
Tang Gon's lips curled into a faint smile.
"Commander Seon-u is not only highly skilled in martial arts but also sharp-witted and bold to boot."
Then, with a resolute expression, he added—
"But there's no need for that."
He spoke firmly—and with words entirely unexpected.
"No matter what schemes they hatch, no matter who dares invade our main estate—let them be."
Tang Gon's expression was unshakable.
"That is what I wished to ask of you, Commander. That is why I called you here."
Surprisingly, Tang Gon had also seen through Jang Song and Hyeong Geuk's schemes.
And yet, he was requesting that their plots not be obstructed.
"I find it difficult to understand the Young Clan Head's intentions."
As Bu Eun-seol's face betrayed his bewilderment, Tang Gon continued.
"As I mentioned before, it was Uncle Tang Seong who contacted the Martial Alliance. After the Family Head collapsed, my uncle's resolve weakened considerably."
The Tang Clan's strength rested entirely upon its Family Head, and Tang Pae was one of the most exceptional figures in the clan's history.
When such an iron-willed man suddenly fell ill and remained bedridden, even Tang Seong had been left restless—unable to find his footing.
"The fact that the Three Poison Sects have long prepared to attack our main estate is hardly news. And with the Family Head incapacitated, they must see this as the perfect opportunity."
A formidable aura, one capable of shaking the heavens, radiated from Tang Gon's eyes.
"But I intend to turn this crisis into an opportunity. I will crush the Three Poison Sects' leaders' schemes with dignity and reaffirm our clan's might."
Tang Gon clenched his fist, and a scorching heat, intense enough to melt steel, flickered in his gaze.
"I will remind them just how the Tang Clan established its dominance in Sichuan. Who the true Tyrant of Sichuan is!"
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
'He has already grown into a worthy successor.'
Tang Gon was not avoiding his trial—he was preparing to use it as a stepping stone for his next leap forward.
And that determination had surely been influenced by the friend he had always wanted to stand beside.
"Understood."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"As you wish, neither I nor my main force will intervene."
After all, aiding Tang Gon was not something Seon-u Jin's identity could openly do.
But acting in secret as the Martial Soul Lord would not break their agreement.
"Thank you for understanding."
Tang Gon clasped his hands together.
"Had we met under better circumstances, we could have shared drinks and talked through the night. What a shame."
Bu Eun-seol chuckled softly.
The sentiment was mutual.
As a smile touched Bu Eun-seol's lips, an identical one appeared on Tang Gon's face.
True men needed no lengthy explanations. With just a single glance, the two had reached an unspoken accord.
"May I ask one more thing?"
"Of course."
"Why is the Commander going to such lengths for our clan? The Martial Alliance's stance is clear, is it not?"
That the Martial Alliance had no intention of aiding the Tang Clan in this matter was painfully obvious.
Otherwise, they would never have dispatched a mere Third-grade Commander to mediate a sect dispute.
And yet, contrary to expectations, this young Third-grade Commander was dedicating himself wholeheartedly to the Tang Clan's cause—
From Tang Gon's perspective, it was both impressive and perplexing.
"May I hear your reason?"
Bu Eun-seol scratched his ear as if it were nothing.
"It's a bit embarrassing to admit to the Young Clan Head."
"Why is that?"
"It's really nothing significant."
"I would very much like to know, if possible."
Tang Gon's expression was earnest. His eyes, brimming with curiosity, resembled those of an innocent child.
Though he usually carried himself with the solemn dignity befitting a young clan head—when facing someone he liked, he reverted to his true self.
'Some things never change.'
Suppressing an inward laugh, Bu Eun-seol scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"Well..."
Then, with an indifferent expression, he said—
"I just really hate the Three Poison Sects."
Tang Gon's eyes widened.
His expression was one of sheer, dumbfounded shock—as if he'd been struck from behind.
"Pfft—Hahahaha!"
A belly laugh erupted from Tang Gon as he shook his head.
"So even the Martial Alliance has its share of eccentric geniuses."
For a brief moment, he recalled the most peculiar oddball he had ever known.
Unaware that the two were one and the same.
"Then, if you'll excuse me."
As Tang Gon clasped his hands in farewell, Bu Eun-seol asked—
"Are you heading back to the Training Room?"
Noticing the concern etched between Bu Eun-seol's brows, Tang Gon smiled faintly.
"Isn't the martial world a place where one must stake their life every single day?"
"A warrior's true rest... comes only after their final breath."
Those were words Bu Eun-seol had once spoken to Tang Gon.
Thud. Thud.
Turning away, Tang Gon strode resolutely toward the Training Room—his bearing that of one who had transcended life and death.
Unable to abandon everything and wander the martial world freely—
He had always staked his life on training within the confines of the Tang Clan.
'Don't worry about me.'
With a faint smile lingering on his lips, Bu Eun-seol watched Tang Gon's retreating figure.
'The Dang Clan will be fine now.'
A crimson glint flashed abruptly in his eyes as he turned away.
As Seon-u Jin, his assistance ended here.
From this moment onward—as a Peerless Grandmaster of the Demonic Path—he would sweep away in a single stroke all the vermin lurking around the Dang Clan.