Chapter 92
Tang Ryeong, who had avoided Bu Eun-seol's murderous gaze, stammered as he spoke.
"G-Gon. Gon. For now, return to the Clear Yang Retreat with them and rest."
"Understood."
The Sichuan Tang Clan.
The renowned Tang Clan of Sichuan, whose prestige had been celebrated for generations, was originally a community of artisans specializing in hidden weapons.
But through crafting various concealed arms, they naturally mastered the techniques of the world's finest hidden weapons and began researching poisons and antidotes to coat them with.
Thus, as the generations passed, the Tang Clan became orthodox masters of hidden weapons and poisons, and those who inherited their techniques gained fame throughout the martial world.
'It's vast.'
Bu Eun-seol's eyes gleamed as he surveyed the expansive interior of the Tang Clan.
In truth, even if you combined the direct and collateral descendants of the Sichuan Tang Clan, they wouldn't number even a hundred.
But when you included the external experts affiliated with the clan—the masters of the Outer Court—their scale rivaled that of the Nine Great Sects.
"This is where I reside."
Tang Gon, who had been guiding them through the hall, wore an awkward smile.
Because his residence, the Clear Yang Retreat, was not in the Inner Court where the direct descendants gathered, but rather belonged to the Outer Court.
"Don't misunderstand. This place has a spacious flower garden... and it's close to the training grounds, so I chose it."
Tang Gon smiled faintly as he spoke.
"Perhaps it was fate. Had I known I'd give up my claim to succession like this, I wouldn't have bothered honing my sword techniques..."
A bitter smile lingered at the corners of his lips.
Tang Gon was not only exceptional in martial arts but also in talent and temperament—lacking in nothing.
Yet, as an illegitimate child facing opposition from those around him, he had been unable to learn the Tang Clan's eight secret techniques—the Eight Great Secret Arts of the Tang Family—reserved for direct descendants.
Because of this, he had no faction supporting him within the clan, leaving him no choice but to focus on mastering sword techniques.
Knock knock.
Just then, a low voice from outside called in.
"The First Young Master has arrived."
"Elder Brother is here? Show him in at once."
A moment later, with the soft sound of the door sliding open, Tang Ryeong entered the room, his face pale but wearing a warm smile.
"Elder Brother."
Tang Gon bowed his head politely, his expression brightening. Tang Ryeong chuckled.
"Between brothers, why such stiff formalities?"
"Then I shall take my leave."
As soon as Tang Ryeong arrived, Bu Eun-seol's expression hardened, and he turned sharply to leave.
"Y-Yes, of course."
After Bu Eun-seol and Heuk-pyo departed, Tang Ryeong stared blankly at their retreating figures.
"He seems to dislike me."
"N-No, that's not it. His expression and tone are naturally a bit cold."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. In truth, he's quite manly... and a very good person."
Tang Gon scratched his head awkwardly, and Tang Ryeong broke into a gentle smile.
"Hehe. You've made a good friend."
"Huh?"
"I heard he risked his life multiple times to break through the encirclement for you. Such friends are exceedingly rare in the martial world."
"That's not it."
Tang Gon shook his head with an embarrassed expression.
"He is not my friend."
"What do you mean? Just now, he himself said—"
"It was merely a transaction."
Tang Gon lowered his head awkwardly.
Sensing there was a deeper story, Tang Ryeong quickly changed the subject and extended his arm.
"First, sit down. Let's talk over tea. Bring some tea here."
At Tang Ryeong's words, an attendant waiting outside brought in warm tea.
Pour.
As Tang Ryeong personally poured tea for Tang Gon, he clicked his tongue and sighed.
"You've grown even thinner since I last saw you."
After taking a sip of tea, Tang Ryeong spoke in a caring tone.
"Rest well at the Clear Yang Retreat for now. I'll persuade Father soon to put a stop to Tang Bi's atrocities."
"It's fine. You needn't concern yourself any further."
"'Fine,' you say?"
Tang Gon shook his head.
"I returned to the main house to inform the Family Head that I renounce my claim to succession."
"What? Why?"
Tang Gon's expression twisted in anguish.
"After all, I'm alone, aren't I? No matter how hard I struggle, the outcome will be the same. I'll only be a burden to those around me."
"But Tang Bi is not one to give up."
Tang Ryeong's eyes hardened, as if he had resolved himself.
"Don't say that. Think it over a bit more. I'll help you."
"What?"
"First, I'll lend you the masters from my Poison Arrow Party and Eight Arms Party."
Tang Gon's eyes widened at this unexpected offer.
"With that much support, you should at least be able to withstand Tang Bi's schemes while staying in the main house."
"I couldn't possibly accept that. How could I take the subordinates under Elder Brother's command—"
"It's fine."
Tang Ryeong laughed and patted Tang Gon's shoulder.
"I'll explain everything properly to Father. For now, just rest."
"Thank you, Elder Brother."
As Tang Ryeong left, Tang Gon couldn't hide his moved expression.
Click.
Shortly after Tang Ryeong departed, Bu Eun-seol and Heuk-pyo entered the room as if they'd been waiting.
Seeing them, Tang Gon excitedly said:
"Eldest Brother has agreed to help me!"
"Help you? What exactly does that mean?"
As Bu Eun-seol frowned, Tang Gon recounted his entire conversation with Tang Ryeong.
But something was strange.
"Why... are you looking at me like that?"
Tang Gon realized both Bu Eun-seol and even Heuk-pyo were gazing at him with pity.
"Did I do something wrong?"
Bu Eun-seol sighed deeply while looking at him.
"What kind of person is Tang Ryeong?"
"Eldest Brother... though his health is poor, he's always treated those around him with generosity. The only reason I can consider giving up the succession so easily is because he's—"
Tang Gon's words trailed off.
Because Bu Eun-seol had just sighed so deeply it seemed the ground might cave in.
"No wonder you've failed to build any faction."
"What do you mean by that?"
Heuk-pyo scratched his head awkwardly.
"Young Master, you're far too trusting and kindhearted."
When even Heuk-pyo spoke strangely, Tang Gon blinked.
"What are you implying? Surely you two aren't suspecting Eldest Brother?"
Bu Eun-seol crossed his arms and furrowed his brow.
"There's only one reason he'd lend you his forces. Because you serve as both buffer and shield against Tang Bi."
"How can you say that? Why would Eldest Brother, who commands the largest faction, need to guard against Second Brother?"
"The Young Master is correct."
Heuk-pyo, who had been listening quietly, cautiously interjected.
"If Third Young Master abandons the succession, Tang Bi only needs to contend with the Eldest Young Master. But if you remain active, Tang Bi's forces and attention must be divided between both of you."
"Hahaha, that's stretching it."
"Though I'm young, having wandered as a mercenary among the Eastern Drifters, Western Wanderers, I believe I understand schemes and conspiracies better than most."
Heuk-pyo continued:
"If Eldest Young Master truly cared for you, he wouldn't have given just two parties... At minimum, he should have lent you one unit from the Personal Guard where the elite collateral-line masters are gathered."
As an information broker who dealt in intelligence, Heuk-pyo knew the Sichuan Tang Clan's structure well.
There was only one way to gain real power in the clan:
Earn the support of blood relatives holding high positions.
Gaining masters from the powerless Eight Parties and Five Caves was meaningless.
"I understand what you're saying."
Tang Gon turned away with a pained expression.
"But Eldest Brother would never do such a thing."
Though he spoke those words, his face showed he already understood everything.
A direct descendant of the Sichuan Tang Clan couldn't possibly be less perceptive than a young boy like Heuk-pyo.
In his heart, he'd known all along—he'd simply been avoiding reality.
"I'm tired."
Forcing a bright smile, Tang Gon said to Bu Eun-seol:
"I'll rest for a while."
Though he smiled, his eyes were filled with anguish.
Born as the Tang Clan's third son, he had no true allies in this world. Every burden fell on his shoulders alone.
"Give it."
Then Bu Eun-seol impassively extended his hand.
After blinking blankly for a moment, Tang Gon made a small sound of realization.
"Ah, right. Now that everything's concluded..."
With a bitter smile, he nodded.
"I'd nearly forgotten. I'll have someone deliver the hidden weapons shortly."
Then he turned to Heuk-pyo and spoke again.
"You've worked hard, so I'll give you a fine gift. Wait just a meal's time."
Yet Bu Eun-seol still hadn't withdrawn his outstretched hand.
"Is there... something else you need?"
"Indeed."
For a moment, Tang Gon was taken aback, but he soon thumped his chest and nodded.
"Just name it. If it's within my power to give... I'll grant you anything!"
"The Pear Blossom Leaf."
Bu Eun-seol stared straight at Tang Gon as he spoke.
"Give that to me."
In an instant, Tang Gon's pupils trembled faintly, and the smile lingering at the corners of his lips slowly faded.
"Why do you suddenly demand the Pear Blossom Leaf?"
"Wouldn't it be strange if I stayed here without receiving it?"
Bu Eun-seol gestured toward the guest quarters.
"If I say I'll stay at a friend's house for a while, no one would dare drive me out."
"You..."
Tang Gon couldn't conceal his moved expression.
Those with great wealth or high status often struggle to find true friends.
Because a true friend is one who stands by your side when you have nothing—when no one else remains.
Just like now.
Swish.
Tang Gon pulled out a Pear Blossom Leaf from his sleeve and handed it to Bu Eun-seol.
Never since he had begun training in martial arts had his hands trembled like this.
"Hm."
Bu Eun-seol tucked the Pear Blossom Leaf into his robe and spoke in a low voice.
"Now that I've received this, treat me without reserve from now on. I'll do the same for you."
Having accepted the Pear Blossom Leaf, Bu Eun-seol and Tang Gon had become friends transcending status and the divide between orthodox and unorthodox factions.
"Understood."
As Tang Gon nodded with a smile, Bu Eun-seol spoke again.
"And I have a request."
"Gladly. Speak freely."
"Be ruthless. To the point of severing even familial bonds."
Bu Eun-seol's cold gaze bore into Tang Gon.
"At least for as long as I remain here."
"That's..."
"If you do, you'll become a worthy successor of the Tang Clan."
Tang Gon couldn't continue.
Because Bu Eun-seol's words implied that he, too, would take part in Tang Gon's struggle for succession.
"I won't thank you."
Tang Gon took a deep breath and met Bu Eun-seol's eyes with firm resolve.
"I'll become a friend you won't be ashamed of."
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol turned away impassively.
Yet at the corners of his lips lingered the same faint smile he had worn when he first met Tang Gon.
Water Cloud Pavilion.
Located in the southwest of the Sichuan Tang Clan's Inner Court, this was where Tang Bi, the second son of the Family Head, resided.
BANG!
Tang Bi slammed his fist onto the rosewood table and roared at Tang Sa-un, leader of the Absolute Poison Corps.
"You swore you could stop him!"
"I have no excuse."
Tang Sa-un bowed his head, speaking in a low voice.
"We anticipated that the First Young Master would seek an audience with the Family Head... but we never imagined the Family Head would permit it."
"And you call yourself the leader of the Absolute Poison Corps? If you predicted it, you should have prepared countermeasures!"
He twisted and wrung Tang Sa-un like a rag.
Tang Bi was shifting all blame for failing to kill Tang Gon onto Tang Sa-un.
'Why did Father ever designate the Second Young Master as his successor?'
Tang Sa-un kept his head bowed, letting Tang Bi's tirade flow in one ear and out the other.
Though Tang Bi was exceptionally talented in martial arts, his temperament was impatient and cruel.
Because of this, his subordinates constantly had to tread carefully, always wary of his mood.
"At any rate, that bastard Tang Gon has entered the main estate. What do you intend to do now?"
Only after venting his rage for a long while did Tang Bi finally simmer down enough to ask coldly.
Tang Sa-un snapped to attention and answered immediately.
"Though he has entered the main estate, it was truly a case of Nine Snakes Born from the Sun—a narrow escape."
"So?"
"Without a doubt, the Third Young Master will formally renounce his claim to succession before the Family Head."
"Hmm..."
As if lost in thought, Tang Bi furrowed his brow and stroked his chin.
"But my elder brother won't just stand by and let that happen. And that man—what's his name—Bu something is still by his side, isn't he?"
"No matter how remarkable that man may be, this is the Tang Clan. External forces hold little weight in the struggle for succession."
To become the successor, one must earn the support of the Tang Clan's blood relatives—not outside factions.
Even if Tang Gon brought the Martial Alliance Leader himself, it would mean nothing in the selection of the next Family Head.
"Still..."
Tang Bi glared at Tang Sa-un, his voice icy.
"What if that bastard refuses to give up his claim?"