Chapter 712
Tang Pae's funeral was conducted with the utmost solemnity and grandeur.
The leaders of all the orthodox factions attended to pay their respects—the Nine Great Sects and One Gang, the Eight Great Families, and even the Martial Alliance.
Moreover, countless factions from the Demonic Path, the Unorthodox Faction, and the Black Path—those who had shared bonds of friendship with him—also came to offer their condolences.
Though Tang Pae had been the Family Head of the Tang Clan, one of the pillars of the Eight Great Families, he had never discriminated between the orthodox and unorthodox factions, maintaining close ties with many distinguished figures.
During his tenure as Family Head, he had also secretly aided those in hardship, quietly concealing his acts of charity.
When the world belatedly learned of this, they mourned deeply, realizing that a great star had fallen from the murim.
With the funeral concluded, Tang Gon naturally should have held his inauguration as the new Family Head.
But he postponed the ceremony.
Because first, he had to hunt down and execute the culprit who had manipulated his father's life and inflicted him with that accursed illness.
—The reason the Family Head had fallen ill was due to the Black Essence Pill given to him by the Lotus Merchant of the Azure River Realm.
Tang Pae's affliction had been a scheme of the Azure River Realm—a mysterious substance capable of transforming a human body into a Black Divine Artifact.
The Black Essence Pill, crafted in the Ancient Sword Forest, had been administered to him.
—Track down every faction that approached the ailing Family Head!
Tang Gon mobilized the Sichuan Tang Clan's entire intelligence network to uncover those who had made contact with his father.
But even the Tang Clan's vast information network couldn't easily unearth the truth.
'Is there no other way?'
Bu Eun-seol, watching this unfold, fell into deep contemplation.
In truth, just before his death, Tang Pae had secretly revealed the identity of the Azure River Realm's Special Divine Rank operative who had approached him—
through a hushed Voice Transmission.
And the reason he had entrusted this to Bu Eun-seol was simple.
Because he knew—better than anyone in the current murim—
that Bu Eun-seol alone stood against the Three Realms in open defiance, possessing the power to oppose them.
'A child should avenge their father, as is only right.'
Originally, Bu Eun-seol had planned to seek out the Lotus Merchant of the Azure River Realm immediately after the funeral—
to make him pay the price he deserved.
But when Tang Gon postponed his inauguration and vowed revenge, Bu Eun-seol found himself torn.
'Even if he is a Special Divine Rank operative, from the Azure River Realm's perspective, he's just a disposable pawn. It's not as if I could have the White Horse Monastery's signboard taken down over this.'
The one who had covertly approached the ailing Tang Pae—
was none other than the master of the White Lotus Pavilion at the White Horse Monastery: Hyeok Sa-gang.
Sichuan Tang Clan, Twin Saints Pavilion.
Tang Gon sat among the Tang Clan's inner circle, all of whom were seething with fury.
Through Bu Eun-seol, they had not only learned detailed information about the terrifying faction known as the Three Realms—
but also uncovered the identity of the one responsible for harming Tang Pae.
The Tang Clan's elders burned with the desire to mobilize their forces and strike down the White Horse Monastery—but they clenched their jaws in silence.
Because Tang Gon had yet to speak.
After a long silence, Tang Gon finally spoke.
"I will go to the White Horse Monastery alone and return with his head."
It was the best course of action.
The White Horse Monastery was not the Azure River Realm's headquarters, and Hyeok Sa-gang was merely a spy operating under their banner.
Even if they held him accountable, it wouldn't justify wiping out the entire White Horse Monastery.
Moreover, though their influence had waned compared to the past, the Demonic Path Ten Gates were still the Demonic Path Ten Gates.
Even if the Tang Clan mobilized all its forces, victory was far from guaranteed.
After much deliberation, Tang Gon resolved to challenge Hyeok Sa-gang alone.
As the master of the White Lotus Pavilion, Hyeok Sa-gang held a position equivalent to Chief Instructor—responsible for teaching and training all the White Horse Monastery's disciples.
Given his status and pride, he would never refuse a duel.
The elders did not oppose Tang Gon's decision and unanimously gave their consent.
Though he had yet to formally ascend as Family Head—
Tang Gon was already the one shouldering the Tang Clan's fate.
"Then, I shall take my leave."
With only his direct subordinates in tow, Tang Gon set off for the White Horse Monastery.
Once they entered the monastery's territory, he even sent his subordinates back to the Tang Clan.
When they protested, Tang Gon said:
—I am going to challenge the White Lotus Pavilion master alone. If I bring troops, the White Horse Monastery will look down on our main house.
Reluctantly, his subordinates obeyed and returned.
'The only chance for revenge is now.'
Tang Gon had not yet officially become the Tang Clan's Family Head.
If he challenged Hyeok Sa-gang as the Family Head? It could instantly escalate into an inter-sect war.
Thus, the only way to exact revenge while keeping the Tang Clan intact—was to act now.
"So this is the White Horse Monastery."
At last, Tang Gon arrived before the monastery gates.
But standing there, clad in tattered plain robes, was a lone wanderer.
It was Bu Eun-seol, disguised as Seol-so.
Striding forward, Bu Eun-seol gave Tang Gon a slight nod.
The moment Tang Gon saw those silent, tranquil eyes, he recognized him.
"You."
Though his expression initially brightened, Tang Gon soon wore a strange look as he spoke.
"Bu Eun-seol... is it really you?"
"What do you mean?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Tang Gon shrugged.
"Somehow, you seem like a completely different person."
"You're right. Right now, I am someone else."
"No, it's not the disguise—your aura, your gaze... it's as if you've become an entirely different person."
Tang Gon stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"Come to think of it, I felt this way even when you last spoke with my father."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed.
Only then did he remember—the orb Tang Pae had given him was still tucked in his robes.
"It was after receiving the orb from the Family Head that I began feeling this way."
After a moment of deep contemplation, Bu Eun-seol faintly nodded his head.
"I must visit the Demon Swordsmith later."
After all, no matter what treasure lay scattered across the land, the Demon Swordsmith would recognize it.
Having sorted his thoughts, Bu Eun-seol shifted the topic.
"Regardless, let us go together."
But Tang Gon shook his head.
"This is not a matter for the main family. It is my personal challenge."
No matter how perfect his disguise was, no matter how thoroughly he had erased his tracks—
The White Horse Monastery was still the White Horse Monastery. What if Bu Eun-seol's true identity were exposed?
It would be considered an act of treason against the Demonic Path, and Bu Eun-seol would become the enemy of a million demonic practitioners.
"That's why I brought an identity with no risk of exposure."
Bu Eun-seol spoke impassively.
"This duel absolutely requires a witness. The White Horse Monastery might try to twist the truth otherwise."
Truthfully, challenging the White Horse Monastery alone was far too dangerous.
Even if they accepted the duel and Tang Gon emerged victorious, there was no guarantee he would leave unscathed.
And if he brought the entire Tang Clan's forces, a battle would erupt before the duel could even begin.
Having considered all this, Bu Eun-seol had come under the guise of the wandering martial artist Seol-so—
To assist him alone.
"If luck turns against us, you might die as well."
"I have no choice. I chose the wrong person to befriend."
"Hahaha."
At Bu Eun-seol's jest, Tang Gon burst into laughter.
Though he called it a personal matter, having Bu Eun-seol by his side was no different from gaining an army of ten thousand.
"Did he come to watch over me until the very end?"
Tang Gon had been consumed by rage to the point of losing reason after Tang Pae's death.
But upon learning that his father had even foreseen this and told Bu Eun-seol who the culprit was—
He had regained his composure instantly.
"You are now the rightful Family Head of the main house."
His father had said so.
Which meant he was no longer the Young Clan Head—he had to become the Family Head who would bear the Sichuan Tang Clan's burdens.
"Very well."
Clearing his thoughts, Tang Gon shrugged and nodded.
"Then, let us enter."
The White Horse Monastery.
One of the Demonic Path Ten Gates, a sect renowned throughout martial history for creating the most formidable and terrifying whip technique—the White Horse Whip Art.
Originally, whip techniques had originated from the orthodox factions.
But given the Righteous Faction's disdain for odd weapons—
Whip techniques had always remained on the fringes, their development painfully slow.
The Demonic Path, however, saw things differently.
They recognized the whip's intricate techniques and devastating power, and masters who wielded it flourished among them.
Thus, whip techniques evolved through demonic practitioners until, finally—
Baek Mu-heun, revered as the Whip God, perfected the White Horse Whip Art.
And so, the White Horse Monastery was born.
"Who goes there?"
As Bu Eun-seol and Tang Gon stepped through the main gate, a guard wielding a whip white as snow blocked their path.
"Tang Gon of the Tang Clan."
Tang Gon retrieved a challenge letter from his robes and handed it to the guard.
"Deliver this to Hyeok Sa-gang, Lord of the White Lotus Pavilion."
The guard's eyes flashed upon seeing the crimson-stained letter—
For such a missive could only be a challenge letter.
"Wait here."
The guard hurried inside.
After some time, a figure who appeared to be the captain of the Guard Unit emerged, opening the gates.
"Our sect is currently refraining from martial engagements. The Pavilion Lord has no intention of accepting your challenge. Turn back."
"It seems the Pavilion Lord hasn't read the letter."
Tang Gon smirked.
"Tell him to read its contents. Unless he wishes for an all-out war between the main house and the White Horse Monastery."
"Are you provoking our sect now?"
"Provoking?"
Tang Gon's eyes gleamed sharply.
"If you knew what a great favor I'm bestowing by personally delivering this challenge, you wouldn't dare say such things."
"Wait a moment."
Realizing something was amiss, the captain retreated inside.
After a long while, the great gates creaked open, and the captain spoke.
"The Pavilion Lord summons you. Follow me."
Tang Gon nodded and entered the White Horse Monastery alongside Bu Eun-seol.
After walking some distance, they were led not to a guest hall—
But to a vast armory.
Inside, countless whips were displayed.
Some were as thick as a giant's forearm, coiled like serpents.
Others were woven from human hair.
It was as though every whip conceivable to man had been gathered here.
"Wait here."
Once the captain left, Bu Eun-seol and Tang Gon exchanged glances.
Though their paths differed, Tang Gon was the Young Clan Head of the Tang Clan—soon to be its Family Head.
Yet they had made him wait inside an armory?
"It seems they have no intention of fighting."
Tang Gon shrugged as he observed the whips lining the walls.
"Bringing us here makes that clear enough."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
An armory symbolized a faction's martial might.
Summoning guests here could only mean the White Horse Monastery sought to flaunt its power.
A sect's prestige was its strength, after all.
Hyeok Sa-gang likely intended to remind them of the White Horse Monastery's dominance—
To crush Tang Gon's spirit before the duel even began.
Indeed, this weapon warehouse surpassed even the Tang Clan's armory—the very pinnacle of poisons and hidden weapons—in sheer scale.
Moreover, considering this was a publicly accessible armory, there was undoubtedly another, more secure vault where the genuine artifacts were stored.
The true depth of the White Horse Monastery's power was beyond imagination.
Creak.
At that moment, the warehouse door opened, and a shadowy figure strode in with heavy footsteps.
Clad in a martial uniform embroidered with crimson thread, a translucent whip coiled around their waist.
It was none other than the Pavilion Lord of the White Lotus Pavilion—Hyeok Sa-gang.
"An unexpected guest has arrived."
The Pavilion Lord of the White Lotus Pavilion held a position akin to a Corps Commander, capable of mobilizing the full military might of the White Horse Monastery.
Not only did they require exceptional martial prowess, but they also needed mastery of military strategy, the art of commanding troops, and extensive connections with the leadership of various sects.
From that perspective, Hyeok Sa-gang was effectively the second most powerful figure in the monastery, surpassing even the Vice Monastery Head.
He was, in essence, the third pillar of the White Horse Monastery.
"I am Hyeok Sa-gang, Lord of the White Lotus Pavilion."
Though Hyeok Sa-gang was senior in rank and age, he greeted first as host.
Grind.
Tang Gon clenched his fists so tightly they threatened to shatter.
Before him stood the very man who had deliberately caused his once-healthy father to become gravely ill and schemed to steal the martial legacy of his sworn friend.
In that moment, he wanted nothing more than to sever that neck in one stroke and offer the head as tribute before his father's memorial tablet.
'I must endure.'
To exact vengeance, he needed to remain coldly rational.
Had Bu Eun-seol not risked his life to stand by his side, lest he forget that very lesson?
The instant he lost control, everything would crumble like foam on water.
"Young Clan Head of the Tang Clan."
Swallowing his fury, Tang Gon responded with detached courtesy.
"Tang Gon, at your service."
"I've long heard of the reputation of the Ghost of the Tang Clan, the Young Clan Head."
Hyeok Sa-gang spoke with leisurely composure.
"Why did you deliver a formal challenge, blaming me for the Family Head's death?"
Tang Gon's challenge to Hyeok Sa-gang had been clear: he demanded blood debt for Tang Pae's demise.
And should the challenge be refused, he had vowed not only to declare all-out war between the Tang Clan and the White Horse Monastery—
But also to expose Hyeok Sa-gang as a pawn of the Three Realms to the entire murim.
"Do you have any excuses to offer?"
"Of course."
Hyeok Sa-gang replied calmly.
"I have an old friend, one I've known for many years. But his health was failing, so he entrusted me with a request."
His gaze remained steady as he spoke.
"He simply asked me to don a mask and deliver a letter along with a wooden box containing... something. That was all."
"Can you prove it?"
"Naturally. However..."
Hyeok Sa-gang shook his head with a sorrowful expression.
"That friend ultimately succumbed to illness and passed prematurely. Thus, the only proof I can offer is his grave."
Tang Gon let out a derisive snort.
"How fittingly smooth-tongued for a Special Divine Rank of the Azure River Realm."
"Do you truly believe Tang Pae's words?"
"Did my father confide in you?"
Tang Gon's voice turned icy.
"Do you think the intelligence network of my clan is so laughably weak? Or do you believe the Azure River Realm can manipulate both orthodox and unorthodox sects at will?"
"I've no idea what you're talking about."
As Hyeok Sa-gang feigned ignorance, Tang Gon's tone sharpened like winter steel.
"Seems you no longer wish to maintain your position as the Lotus Merchant."
In an instant, Hyeok Sa-gang's relaxed demeanor froze over.
"Did Tang Pae become a chatterbox in his final moments?"
He was aware the Sichuan Tang Clan's intelligence apparatus had recently undergone restructuring.
But to uncover his true identity within the Azure River Realm so swiftly—
That was impossible. He knew it all too well.
"Do not dare sully the Family Head's name with that filthy mouth of yours."
Hyeok Sa-gang responded with mocking amusement.
"If it's worth sullying, then I shall."
A glacial light flickered in Tang Gon's eyes.
"Did the Family Head personally tell me such things?"
"Then you must have received the Martial Soul Lord's assistance."
The Azure River Realm was well aware of the close bond between Bu Eun-seol and Tang Gon.
And in all the world, there was only one who openly opposed the Three Realms while wielding an intelligence network vast enough to rival them—
Bu Eun-seol alone.
"How curious. Is he truly the only one you fear in this world?"
Tang Gon's lips curled in a baffled sneer.
"I cannot fathom why the Three Realms trembles so before that friend of mine."
"Nonsense."
Hyeok Sa-gang remained unshaken.
"What is it you truly want?"
"My father's vengeance."
"To topple our realm, then?"
"Far from it. That is not my task."
Flames ignited in Tang Gon's pupils.
"I merely wish to eliminate the Lotus Merchant—the Azure River Realm's lapdog who deliberately made the Family Head ill and forced the Black Essence Pill upon him."
Hyeok Sa-gang stared intently into Tang Gon's eyes.
At last, he understood: this was no grand scheme, but pure, unrelenting vengeance.
"You are poised to ascend as the next Family Head. Yet you fixate on hollow emotions instead of seeing the larger picture."
He shook his head in disdain.
"Such things become meaningless with time."
"Enough deliberation. Make your decision."
As Tang Gon spoke with frigid finality, Hyeok Sa-gang's voice took on a silken edge.
"If you lose to me, the Tang Clan will have no remaining heir. Are you prepared for that?"
His tongue slithered smoothly, intimately familiar with the Tang Clan's precarious situation.
"Forget this matter. In exchange, I shall grant you a martial manual surpassing even the Eight Great Secret Arts of the Tang Family."
"Did you think I would sell out my own father for martial arts?"
"It's not just any martial art."
Hyeok Sa-gang spoke again.
"That manual includes the method to craft the Blood Twin Blades."
The Blood Twin Blades were a hidden weapon developed by Tang Cheon-gun.
However, due to their overwhelming and brutal lethality, their blueprint had never been passed down to later generations.
Yet it seemed the Azure River Realm had somehow obtained it.
"I refuse."
"My offer isn't finished yet."
Hyeok Sa-gang smiled faintly.
"I'll also throw in a manual containing Tang Cheon-gun's hidden weapon techniques."
At his words, Tang Gon's eyebrows rose.
The lost Hidden Weapon Lore of Tang Cheon-gun, the Founder of the Tang Clan—had even that fallen into the hands of the Azure River Realm?
If he could reclaim it... the Tang Clan's martial arts would advance even further.
"Do you think those terms will suffice?"
At Hyeok Sa-gang's question, Tang Gon let out a dry laugh.
"You seem convinced that no outstanding figure will emerge from our main house."
Then he spoke calmly.
"So you believe throwing the Blood Twin Blades and the hidden weapon manual at me will make me back down."
Hyeok Sa-gang shook his head with a sigh.
"So? What changes if you cling to your pride like this?"
He spoke as if persuading him.
"Shouldn't the Tang Clan also have something in hand to progress?"
"No need for lengthy words."
Tang Gon's voice was firm.
"Choose. Will you proudly announce to the world that you are a Special Divine Rank of the Azure River Realm? Or will you continue to maintain your position as the Pavilion Lord of White Horse Monastery?"
Hyeok Sa-gang chuckled leisurely, stroking his chin.
But inwardly, he was burning with impatience.
The Special Divine Ranks of the Azure River Realm wielded immense discretionary power.
They could revive ruined sects or instigate conflicts between factions.
Like the authority of an Absolute One... they could do virtually anything they desired.
But if their true identities were exposed?
They could no longer maintain that overwhelming status.
'I never thought I'd be threatened by someone in my life.'
The Three Realms already dominated the martial world, and their intelligence network was unparalleled.
No other information organization could detect the movements of a Special Divine Rank of the Three Realms.
Yet his identity had been exposed, and now he was being blackmailed because of it.
'Actually, this is for the best.'
If Tang Gon so much as breathed a word, Hyeok Sa-gang could no longer retain his position as a Special Divine Rank of the Azure River Realm.
In fact, if Tang Gon sought revenge and attacked him directly, it would almost be a relief.
"Fine."
Hyeok Sa-gang nodded.
"If you're so eager for a duel, then let it be."
As the Pavilion Lord of the White Lotus Pavilion, Hyeok Sa-gang was one of the Ten Great Experts of White Horse Monastery in terms of martial prowess.
Not only that, but since becoming a Special Divine Rank of the Azure River Realm, he had mastered martial arts beyond imagination.
And yet, among the Rising Talents of the Younger Generation...
Hyeok Sa-gang could hardly lose to Tang Gon, who was not considered particularly outstanding.
"However, it must be kept private."
Hyeok Sa-gang wore a sinister smile.
"At a time like this, when the Orthodox and Demonic Paths are at each other's throats, we shouldn't give them more prey to fight over, should we?"
The Martial Alliance and the Demon Hall were locked in a standoff, and tensions between the two factions were growing increasingly volatile.
If word got out that a member of the Tang Clan had killed a Pavilion Lord of the Demonic Path Ten Gates...
Or if a master of White Horse Monastery slaughtered the Family Head of the Eight Great Clans...
The clash between the Orthodox and Demonic factions would spiral out of control.
"Agreed."
"Then two days from now, at dusk. We'll meet at the pavilion in the Red Pavilion Grove on the slopes of Mount Cheonpae."
Hyeok Sa-gang smiled faintly.
"If you want to run, feel free. I'll understand completely."
"Pathetic provocation."
Tang Gon replied calmly.
"Scheme all you want. Either way, your days as a Special Divine Rank of the Azure River Realm are numbered."
Hyeok Sa-gang's smile vanished.
"If you plan to blab regardless of the outcome, why should I even bother dueling you?"
"My word is final."
Tang Gon pulled out a letter from his sleeve and handed it over.
"A pledge—regardless of who wins, neither will speak of the other."
Seeing Tang Gon's seal stamped on the letter, Hyeok Sa-gang finally relaxed his stiff expression.
"Heh. Thorough, aren't you?"
"Wash your neck and come prepared."
"I look forward to it."
With a smile, Hyeok Sa-gang turned and left.
Two days later.
A cool autumn wind blew.
Amidst the crimson leaves scattering like fresh blood, two figures walked.
One of them was Tang Gon.
Since meeting Hyeok Sa-gang, he had secluded himself in his room at the guest inn, meditating endlessly.
Bu Eun-seol's martial arts were profound, and he was well-versed in the Demonic Path Martial Arts.
Moreover, he had fought members of White Horse Monastery multiple times.
If Tang Gon sought his advice...
He could gain invaluable insight for his battle against Hyeok Sa-gang.
But Tang Gon asked Bu Eun-seol nothing.
Instead, he remained alone in his room, immersed in meditation.
He was contemplating the pinnacle of martial arts that Tang Pae had achieved, reflecting once more on the profundity of his techniques.
Bu Eun-seol understood this, so he waited silently without disturbing him.
—Can he win?
—Should I tell him the weaknesses or traits of the White Horse Whip Art now?
In the past, Bu Eun-seol might have hesitated.
But Tang Gon had changed once more after Tang Pae's death.
Even if Bu Eun-seol knelt and offered the secrets to victory, Tang Gon would not listen.
Not because he was confident in winning—but because this was his first trial as the Family Head of the Tang Clan.
Countless crises would come for him in the future.
Each time, Tang Gon would have to overcome them as the Family Head.
This battle was both vengeance for his father's death and his first step as the new leader.
And...
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed.
White Horse Monastery is the most despicable gathering of the Demonic Path Ten Gates.
If his prediction was correct...
This wasn't about worrying whether the fight would be won or lost—what truly mattered was staying vigilant against Hyeok Sa-gang's schemes.