875 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

In the early morning hours, as the night fades to dawn, the atmosphere tightly wound with tension continued its course. Due to the actions of Cheon Ma, the level of vigilance within the branch soared dramatically. The issue was that the vigilance increased, but there were no solid countermeasures in place. Thus, the chosen approach was singular. “I wish to see the branch leader…” “I wish to see the Tang Clan leader…” Seeking help. I sent a letter to the Poison King requesting assistance due to the current situation, and he accepted…? Perhaps not wholeheartedly, but after various conditions were put forth. Regardless, an impressive figure. Had I been careless, he could have drained me until there was nothing left. ‘Still, he came at my call, understanding the reason.’ This matter wasn't unfavorable for the Poison King either. With the sins of the previous generation burdening them, the Tang Clan found solace in closing off. Yet, with the alliance’s request, to come forward willingly presented significant advantages. ‘I’ve already let the rumors spread on this matter… It won’t take long for the news to circulate.’ One of the reasons Cheol Jiseon was constantly rushing day and night was partly due to this matter. ‘It needs to be resolved within this year at the latest.’ Re-entering the ranks of the Four Great Clans might be ambitious, but they would soon reclaim their status among the renowned families. The knowledge the Tang Clan possessed was unparalleled by any other clans. It was anticipated that it wouldn’t take long for them to find their place once more. ‘Iron and poison are exclusively the domain of the Tang Clan.’ While others may dabble in handling iron, in matters involving poison, the Tang Clan was overwhelming in its dominance. Indeed, the Tang Clan, like the Moyong Clan with its immense influence, rose to its position not solely by military might. “…Hrmph.” The Poison King looked somewhat taken aback, casting his gaze on me. It seemed unusual to him that a person unrelated to Mok Liseon would be appointed branch leader. “Ah, that fellow is dead.” So, I decided to be straightforward. “…What…?” “Upon investigating, I found him in cahoots with Gae Cheonmun, so I disposed of him yesterday and replaced him.” “...” When I summarized it succinctly, his expression further crumpled. It was as if he was contemplating, ‘What nonsense is this madman spouting?’ “Nonetheless, I sincerely appreciate your willingness to assist. Clan Leader Tang.” “…Not sure if it's assistance, but still….” The Poison King, who seemed to want to question further, paused before letting out a sigh. His expression seemed to say he wanted nothing to do with this mess. It stung a bit. “So, what should I address you as…?” “As Seong Dogyeom is the branch leader, it would be appropriate to call him Branch Leader Seong.” “…Branch Leader Seong.” “Yes, yes. Clan Leader Tang.” This time, Seong Dogyeom appeared flustered. He probably never imagined abruptly ascending to the role of branch leader or conversing with the Poison King like this. “I brought along the support from the headquarters as requested by the Alliance, but considering the current situation, the manpower isn’t substantial.” Hearing this, I glanced towards the Poison King. As expected, his words were precise. ‘Even amidst this, he’s ensuring he gets his due.’ Just as the Alliance requested assistance. Implying it wasn’t us stepping forward first but that it was at your request. Additionally, Given the situation, the manpower isn’t substantial. It encompassed that, despite the unfavorable situation of the Tang Clan, they had come to aid the Martial Alliance. Indeed…. ‘…This gentleman is undoubtedly a capable clan leader.’ Rather than merely being an exceptional martial artist, he was a man who had the makings of a clan leader. The Poison King was certainly in this mold. Typically, conversations between the person in charge and another in charge often included subtle power plays. The point of contention here was…. “Ah, I am genuinely grateful for your consideration.” This Seong Dogyeom was merely a good person, lacking experience on this end. And that…. “Hmm.” The Poison King seemed to realize as well, as his eyebrows twitched ever so slightly. This wasn’t favorable. “…If that’s the case. It may not be a substitution, but….” The Poison King, ready to proceed with his point, was interrupted as I interjected, clicking my tongue inwardly in disapproval. “In return, we've clearly set our terms, haven’t we?” “…!” As I abruptly cut in, the Poison King frowned. “We have tacitly lifted the informal restrictions on dealings with the Tang Clan solely in Sichuan for a limited time. In exchange for providing manpower, we agreed to secretly transfer the red ore mined under the guise of a hunt from the Alliance for three months.” “...” The more I spoke, the more peculiar the Poison King's expression became. Within his eyes was likely a sense of betrayal. ‘What’s exactly happening here?’ He glared at me ferociously as if trying to bore holes through me with his eyes. Perhaps he assumed I was on the Poison King’s side…. ‘While that’s not entirely wrong, it’s not feasible now.’ I too had obligations. Having appointed Seong Dogyeom as branch leader, I couldn’t let him be overtaken like this immediately. “…I was informed the conditions have already been acknowledged.” When I emphasized this in between pauses, the Poison King seemed to recognize something, shifting his demeanor. “That was, as Seong also mentioned moments ago, a different matter.” “And what might that be?” “What I refer to as an implicit matter ultimately implies that it didn’t proceed officially. Including it as a condition is nonsensical.” Acknowledging the Tang Clan’s mishap not being provided wasn’t wrong, but since it was tacit, it didn’t make sense to challenge it. The Poison King's perspective was thus, but. “However, Clan Leader Tang. The public’s perception is something no one can disregard, not even the mighty Martial Alliance. Besides, simply overlooking it as implicit was also done to minimize the damage to the Tang Clan if made official.” I too stood my ground unwaveringly. As we neared the end of a few rounds of verbal exchanges. -… What exactly is going on here? The Poison King, seemingly unable to hold back, sent a telepathic message to me. -…I have obligations too. -So. Is this to push it to the end? -No, that’s not my intention. I scratched my cheek slightly as I replied. -For now, please continue a bit further. I have a plan in mind. Not mentioning it outright might be the best approach, but if things continue like this, the Poison King might sulk considerably, so I decided to lend him a slight helping hand. Though it was a minor thing, I believed the Poison King would catch on. “And so, do you wish for this matter to be forgotten?” As expected, the Poison King immediately took a strong stance, rising abruptly from his seat. Witnessing this, I reached out to stop him. “…Please, calm yourself.” “Calm myself? I have come to offer help, yet what is this conduct? It's better to consider this conversation as nonexistent.” “Phew….” I let out a small sigh, glancing at Seong Dogyeom as if gauging his reaction. “…Then, Clan Leader Tang, what is it that you truly seek?” At this point, I decided to give in. It was an attitude that implied such. Upon hearing my words, the Poison King halted his actions. With narrowed eyes, he addressed me. “Could you also open the path to the frontline for the Tang Clan?” “...” Listening to the Poison King, I narrowed my eyes as well. “The frontline, you say?” “Yes. Even if temporarily, I hope you can open it.” “Hmm….” The frontline, a region a bit distant from Shanxi, primarily handled by the Gu family. Yet, any clan affiliated with the Orthodox Faction visits from time to time. It’s an obligatory undertaking for any clan that forms a sword troupe. Furthermore, it stands as a testament to: ‘Being recognized as a renowned family within the Orthodox Faction.’ Visiting the frontline symbolizes that recognition. Particularly in the current situation. ‘I heard the frequency of red monsters has increased.’ I haven’t been able to confirm much, given how I've been constantly on the move. Ever since the appearance of the red monsters, the dynamic at the frontline has changed dramatically. The required martial level for entry has risen. With heightened danger, there is a need to reconstruct strategic and tactical responses. ‘What has he been planning?’ I wondered what exactly he was planning to ask when he demanded something like this. The Poison King was seeking justification. Though heading to the frontline presented significant danger, it also promised honor. Given the high risks, it was, in fact, an easy arrangement for the alliance to approve. However. “…It’s beyond my… no, it’s beyond the capabilities of the Sichuan Branch to endorse such approval.” Especially not with the Tang Clan, given the current standing. It wasn’t something that could be voiced aloud. “I am aware. Hence, I am merely asking if you could convey my request.” “Just convey it, you say…?” The Tang Clan is requesting to return to the frontline. If you could inform the main alliance of this, it would be appreciated. That’s essentially what he seemed to be suggesting. ‘What a difficult situation.’ The more we conversed, the more absurd it felt. ‘This gentleman seems to have changed his intentions somewhat?’ It felt like the initial demand and the latter request were entirely different. This thought stemmed from: ‘He seems to be directing this at me.’ Rather than speaking to Seong Dogyeom or the branch itself, it felt more aimed directly at me. Possibly, he was aware of the reason. ‘He expected that if I request it to the main alliance, it would certainly pass.’ The confidence stemmed from the thought that if I personally placed the request before the main alliance, they would heed it. Hence why the Poison King aimed his words for me to hear. ‘Crafty fellow.’ He was indeed a sly gentleman. Unlike his daughter, who was endearing like a squirrel. But why did her father have to be... - I won’t be swayed this time. “...” As I almost thought of his daughter as a squirrel, I couldn’t help but erase the thought I held. ‘…Perhaps not entirely a squirrel?’ Not exactly that, and not entirely endearing either. Anyhow…. “…I will try to convey it.” “Thank you.” Conveying the words was promised. Truthfully, the Tang Clan needed to make a move soon, so it was fine as a pretext. “...” Seong Dogyeom, having witnessed the conversation, bore a complex expression. ‘Did he catch on?’ During the conversation, subtle power struggles played out, and the intent behind the Poison King's words, which they hoped Seong Dogyeom noticed, as it paralleled their intentions with holding the Poison King for this demanding conversation. “It was a worthwhile conversation.” “Thank you for your consideration.” With those parting words, the Poison King stood up, and I followed suit. As Seong Dogyeom seemed about to follow us out, I halted him. There were things we needed to discuss privately. As soon as we stepped outside, the Poison King queried me. “Is he a significant figure?” Indicating Seong Dogyeom with his question. “No, not in that manner.” “Yet you went this far?” The Poison King seemed to realize the reason behind orchestrating such a situation. Rubbing my cheek, I responded to his query. “I kind of forced him into the role, and so out of a sense of responsibility, I decided to do this. Anyway, thank you for the assistance.” “Branch Leader Seong… His name was Seong Dogyeom, wasn’t it?” “Are you planning to remember it?” “I don’t think I’ll forget it.” Successfully implanting Seong Dogyeom in the Poison King’s mind, I proceeded in a hushed tone. “Ah, Clan Leader.” “Hmm?” “The preparations for the merchant trip are nearly complete. Once a sufficient amount is gathered, it’ll proceed. Possibly in cooperation with the Gate.” “…I see.” “The timeframe is flexible, aiming for within this year…speeding it up would be beneficial.” “I’ll see what can be done….” “Yes, I’d appreciate that.” Once Completed, the Dokcheondan was to be announced through the Gate. Declaring that the Tang Clan reconstructed the legendary elixir, and that it would be available commercially. The prospect of selling an elixir, comparable to the legendary Daehwandan, which money could not buy, raised questions about the impact such availability would have. ‘If, on top of that, the Tang Clan returns to the frontline.’ Rising beyond old sins, the reemergence of the Tang Clan wouldn’t seem an insurmountable challenge. ‘However, concern arises with the quantity needed for producing the Dokcheondan.’ Even a Poison King mentioned creating a few tires him, raising questions about how to manage that aspect. ‘There should be a feasible approach….’ “Young Master Gu.” “...Yes?” Breaking my thoughts to hear the Poison King’s words, I braced for what followed. “Is this Cheon Ma person strong?” “...” It was quite an unexpected question. “…Suddenly, why ask that?” Caught off guard, a sudden chill ran down my back as I wondered if this gentlemen, like his daughter, had noticed something suspicious. “I’ve heard much about them, raising my curiosity and concerns. Since you've reportedly encountered them, I thought I'd ask.” Fortunately, it didn't seem to be the case that he realized anything further, yet it was still a tricky question to answer. “Well….” Is he strong…? ‘Should I say he’s strong?’ In general terms, he is strong indeed… but it felt awkward to admit that out loud. Yet, saying otherwise would be strange. After pondering for quite a while, I managed to respond, albeit reluctantly. “…He is… strong.” Suppressing my embarrassment, I said this, and the Poison King nodded at me. “I see… If you express it with such hesitation, he must indeed be quite formidable.” “...” It wasn’t that I was nervous; I just grimaced to mask my embarrassment, yet the Poison King interpreted it differently. ‘…Hold on. It's not like anyone overheard.’ Even if unspoken now, soon enough, it would undoubtedly become reality. Cheon Ma is strong. Such phrases would start to spread gradually. Not just any kind of strong. ‘Cheon Ma is stronger than the Three Sages.’ There's no one in the world stronger than Cheon Ma. Such tales would echo everywhere. And I would ensure they did.