“As is well known, the Tang Clan has had a complex history of grudges and ties with the three sects of Yunnan for generations.”
Hearing this, Bu Eunseol gave a faint nod.
‘The matter of the Three Poison Sects of Yunnan.’
Since ancient times, the Sichuan Tang Clan had a deep-seated enmity with the three poison-wielding sects of Yunnan.
The Poison Demon Sect, the Poison Leaf Sect, and the Poison Bee Sect—collectively known as the Three Poison Sects of Yunnan.
These sects had nearly been eradicated by the Tang Clan twice.
The Poison Sage, Tang Cheongun, who laid the foundation for the Tang Clan’s poison arts and techniques.
And Tang Simbin, known as the Blazing Dagger Life-Seizer, who established the system of the Tang Clan’s assassination techniques.
It was precisely during the era of these peerless masters that the Three Poison Sects attempted to extend their influence into Sichuan.
Had the Three Poison Sects not been part of the neutral factions between righteous and demonic paths, they would have vanished entirely from the martial world by now. But as time passed, the Three Poison Sects regained their strength and seized every opportunity to expand into Sichuan.
This led to numerous conflicts, large and small, between the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects.
Some even said that the continuous development of the Tang Clan’s poison arts and assassination techniques was driven by their struggles with the Three Poison Sects.
“The Three Poison Sects of Yunnan have recently shown remarkable growth. Perhaps because of this, they are now openly challenging the Tang Clan…” Yuk Cheongah’s explanation continued.
In summary, the Three Poison Sects had rapidly expanded their power in recent years.
Now, emboldened, they were preparing to wage an all-out war against the Tang Clan to establish a foothold in Sichuan.
‘All three sects simultaneously expanding their power to attack the Tang Clan…’
Bu Eunseol, mulling over Yuk Cheongah’s words, shook his head.
He was aware that the Three Poison Sects had recently developed poison arts and assassination techniques rivaling those of the Tang Clan, as well as their rapid growth in power.
But for three sects to unite and challenge the Tang Clan, one of the Eight Great Families?
‘There’s no such thing as a coincidence.’
Bu Eunseol suddenly recalled the Blood Poison Valley, which he had dealt with alongside Tang Gon.
In just ten years, their power had grown, and they had even cultivated poison-resistant individuals unafraid of the Tang Clan’s toxins.
And now, the three sects of Yunnan were doing the same.
‘There must be a mastermind controlling the Three Poison Sects.’
“That’s strange,” said Do Geum-ung, the Jinmyeong Branch Leader, shaking his head. “No matter how much the Three Poison Sects have grown, they shouldn’t be beyond the Tang Clan’s ability to handle. And to request troops from the Alliance? It would make more sense to call on the neutral factions they’re friendly with.”
The Sichuan Tang Clan, with its formidable reputation, had always walked an independent path.
Especially the current patriarch, Tang Pae, maintained close ties with prominent figures from both righteous and demonic paths, as well as the underworld.
If Tang Pae requested aid, countless factions and masters would readily lend their support.
“It’s likely because of the Poison Demon Sect. They’ve recently joined Majeon, so the Tang Clan can’t act recklessly, as it could escalate beyond their issue,” Yuk Cheongah explained.
Even the Tang Clan couldn’t lightly provoke a faction under Majeon.
But if the Martial Alliance intervened?
The factions under Majeon would also hesitate to act rashly. It seemed the Tang Clan was seeking the Alliance’s help to contain this conflict.
“Another significant reason is that Patriarch Tang Pae is gravely ill.”
In the Tang Clan, the patriarch’s authority was absolute, and their power, decisions, and connections all stemmed from him.
With Tang Pae suddenly bedridden, the Tang Clan’s strength was effectively halved.
If Tang Pae were healthy, no matter how bold the Three Poison Sects had become, they wouldn’t dare contemplate an all-out war.
“I see,” Do Geum-ung nodded. “So, the Tang Clan’s request for troops is to avoid a fight altogether.”
Yuk Cheongah nodded at Do Geum-ung’s words.
“Correct. The Tang Clan is requesting troops and a mediator to resolve this conflict.”
Then, Cheonrim Branch Leader Mo Seok blinked and asked, “Why is a matter of mediating a conflict between factions being brought to our Young Branch Leaders’ meeting?”
To mediate a conflict between factions, a Grand Assembly attended by the Alliance’s top leaders should be held, not a meeting of the Young Branch Leaders under the Ascendant Martial Hall.
‘It’s one of two things,’ Bu Eunseol thought, predicting the situation without needing Yuk Cheongah’s response. ‘Either there’s friction between the Alliance and the Tang Clan, leading to neglect…’
The current patriarch, Tang Pae, was a remarkable figure in the Tang Clan’s history, but from the Alliance’s perspective, he had many aspects that rubbed them the wrong way.
‘Or the war between the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects has reached an unavoidable point.’
If the war was inevitable, the Alliance’s intervention would be meaningless.
Bu Eunseol believed the latter was more likely.
No matter how displeased they were, the Tang Clan was a righteous faction and one of the Eight Great Families. Their request couldn’t be ignored. Yet, for this matter to have trickled down to the Young Branch Leaders’ meeting of the Ascendant Martial Hall, it was proof that the situation was beyond the Alliance’s control.
‘It’s an unavoidable matter, then.’
Meanwhile, the branch leaders were diligently analyzing the situation.
Strictly speaking, even a branch leader could mediate a conflict between the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects. But the situation suggested the Alliance’s top leaders had no intention of resolving this matter.
They simply needed a low-level unit to make a token effort.
‘Who would want to be the scapegoat?’
The branch leaders shook their heads.
This was a matter of mediating a conflict between factions. If they mishandled it, they could end up bearing all the blame.
“Any branch leader willing to take on the Tang Clan’s mediation request, please raise your hand,” Yuk Cheongah asked.
But the meeting room was filled with silence, with no one raising a hand. The branch leaders kept their mouths shut, glancing at each other.
“It seems none of the branch leaders of this hall are willing to take it on,” Yuk Jangcheon sighed.
“Such matters can’t be forced. I’ll bring this issue back to the General Branch Leaders’ meeting or the Grand Assembly.” The branch leaders nodded in relief, clasping their hands together.
“How about letting the Supreme Branch handle this, since it doesn’t involve military force?” Yuk Cheongah suddenly suggested. “Branch Leader Seon, though young, transformed the Supreme Branch into a key intelligence unit of the Alliance in no time. I believe he’s capable of handling this.”
Yuk Jangcheon frowned, and she continued, “Coming from a merchant background, his eloquence and negotiation skills likely surpass most.”
As she explained, the branch leaders looked puzzled.
Mediating between factions typically required experienced, high-ranking figures.
Assigning the task to a young, inexperienced branch leader was tantamount to abandoning mediation altogether.
‘She seemed quite close to the Supreme Branch Leader. Why say this?’ the branch leaders wondered.
But Bu Eunseol, reading Yuk Cheongah’s intentions, felt his gaze turn cold.
‘A warning to join her side.’
Through resolving the theft case, Yuk Cheongah likely realized Bu Eunseol had rejected her offer and was building his own power base.
‘You can try as hard as you want, but you won’t escape my grasp.’
Yet, she hadn’t given up and was using this opportunity to pressure him subtly.
‘If you don’t join me, you’ll face more troublesome tasks like this.’
But what she didn’t know was that this mission was one Bu Eunseol desperately wanted to take on, even if he had to beg for it.
“Very well. The Supreme Branch will take it,” Bu Eunseol readily agreed.
Even Yuk Cheongah, who had made the suggestion, doubted her ears.
To think he’d accept this task so eagerly?
“Branch Leader Seon,” Yuk Jangcheon interjected, unable to stay silent. “Do you understand what this task entails?”
“It’s about preventing an all-out war between the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects, isn’t it?” Bu Eunseol’s response was so natural that Yuk Jangcheon’s brows furrowed deeply.
‘Has one success driven him mad?’
No sane person would take on such a task.
It was an impossible mission.
Yet Bu Eunseol’s eyes were too clear to call him mad.
“Can you handle it?”
“I’ll do my best.” His resolute answer made Yuk Cheongah grow anxious.
“Branch Leader Seon, think carefully. This is a factional conflict. If it goes wrong, you can’t escape responsibility.”
Bu Eunseol nodded firmly. “If it goes wrong, the Supreme Branch will take full responsibility.”
Not only the branch leaders but even Yuk Jangcheon’s eyes flashed with contempt.
‘I misjudged him,’ Yuk Jangcheon thought.
He had held Bu Eunseol in high regard.
As the Boundless Master’s successor, he displayed excellent martial arts in his duel with Cheon Hwain. And through the theft case, he proved his intelligence, analytical skills, and insight.
Yuk Jangcheon had thought he could become a major figure in the Alliance if given the chance.
But to be blinded by ambition and lose all judgment?
‘Is he no different from Cheon Hwain?’
Yuk Cheongah was equally disappointed.
She had believed that with proper guidance, he could rise high.
‘Just another fool overconfident in his abilities.’
Overconfidence was a common trait among talented youths who hadn’t yet faced failure.
In her view, Bu Eunseol had all the qualities to fall into that trap.
With martial arts and intelligence far surpassing his peers, and now with significant achievements, it was natural for him to grow arrogant and overestimate himself.
‘What a pity.’ Yuk Cheongah had seen countless such youths in the Alliance.
And she’d seen their wings broken by their own greed. In her eyes, Bu Eunseol was destined to follow that same path.
“Fine,” Yuk Cheongah nodded, having made her decision. “Since Branch Leader Seon is so confident, we have no choice. Any objections?”
She looked around, but the branch leaders only smirked, saying nothing.
“Hall Leader, it’s decided that the Supreme Branch will handle the Tang Clan’s mediation request,” she said.
“Hmm,” Yuk Jangcheon muttered.
“Branch Leader Seon, if this goes wrong, the Supreme Branch will bear all responsibility. Keep that in mind.”
Normally, Yuk Jangcheon would never have allowed it.
But since the Alliance’s leadership had already discarded this mission, a failure would likely only lead to the dissolution of the Supreme Branch, not affect the entire Ascendant Martial Hall.
“Understood,” Bu Eunseol replied confidently, clasping his hands.
Yuk Jangcheon, displeased, spoke, “The meeting is concluded.”
***
In the Supreme Branch’s meeting room, the members froze at Bu Eunseol’s shocking announcement.
‘The Supreme Branch will mediate a conflict between the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects?’
In martial history, no third-class branch leader had ever mediated a factional conflict.
Even if given such authority, it was something to be avoided at all costs.
“Branch Leader,” Tae Muryong said with utmost seriousness. “This is absolutely impossible. You must petition to withdraw from this mission now.”
Taking a deep breath, he continued, “Mediating between factions requires above all else status and authority. If you step in, it’ll be like a child intervening in an adults’ fight.”
No matter how talented Bu Eunseol was, he was barely past his twenties.
When adults fight, an elder must intervene. A younger child stepping in would be useless.
“It’s fine. It’s already decided,” Bu Eunseol said, his gaze unwavering.
Seeing no change in his expression, Jeong Jongdo cautiously spoke up.
“Branch Leader, this isn’t about doubting your abilities. Mediation isn’t about skill.” With a serious expression, he continued, “It’s a matter of authority against authority. Even if you have the Alliance’s mandate, do you think the Three Poison Sects, eyeing the Tang Clan, will listen?”
Bu Eunseol simply smiled.
In truth, he was curious about Tae Muryong and Jeong Jongdo’s reactions. He wondered how they’d respond to this mission and how they’d try to persuade him.
Both had analyzed the situation accurately and were earnestly persuading him without offending him.
‘Our Branch Leader will handle it perfectly!’
Such blind faith would only come from the Death Death Shadow Corps’ captains, who had witnessed Bu Eunseol’s abilities countless times. If they had said such things, they’d either be sycophants showing excessive loyalty or proof of Bu Eunseol’s overconfidence.
But Tae Muryong and Jeong Jongdo had assessed the situation, provided accurate analysis, and offered sincere advice.
‘It’s working well,’ Bu Eunseol thought, nodding with a satisfied smile.
“You’re both right,” he said in a clear, resonant voice.
Seon Woojin’s voice always had to be clear and vibrant.
“But I’m not actually going to mediate the conflict between the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects, so don’t worry.”
The two couldn’t hide their astonishment. He’d accepted a mission to mediate the conflict but wasn’t going to mediate?
“If we attempt a half-hearted mediation, the Three Poison Sects will pounce on the Tang Clan again. And they’ll pin all the blame on our branch,” Bu Eunseol explained smoothly, his words precise and cold.
Tae Muryong’s jaw dropped. “Then what’s your plan?”
“We’ll make them fight properly—so they’ll never dare provoke again.”
“Fight properly?” Tae Muryong and Jeong Jongdo exchanged stunned glances.
What kind of absurd talk was this?
Yet, they also felt a sense of relief.
Bu Eunseol understood that mediating between the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects was impossible. If he had claimed it was possible, they would have risked their lives to dissuade him.
“You have a plan,” Tae Muryong and Jeong Jongdo said, sighing in realization.
From what they knew, Bu Eunseol was not one to overestimate his abilities. If he were, he wouldn’t have turned the Supreme Branch into an intelligence unit.
He must have found a solution using his exceptional cunning, though they lacked the ability to grasp his intentions.
“We’ll depart for the Tang Clan soon. Prepare all the members,” Bu Eunseol ordered.
“Us too?” they asked.
With a playful tone, Bu Eunseol said, “Shouldn’t we enjoy the breeze and taste Sichuan’s specialty liquor with the members?”
He smiled at their stunned expressions. “Let’s go and show the might of a third-class branch.”
***
Clop, clop.
Twenty martial artists galloped along the official road on swift horses. Dressed in clean white robes, their backs bore the embroidery of two soaring phoenixes.
It was Bu Eunseol and the Supreme Branch members from the Martial Alliance.
‘At least we got horses,’ Bu Eunseol thought.
Normally, third-class branch members wouldn’t even get a cart, let alone horses.
But since they were visiting the Tang Clan as special envoys of the Alliance, each member was provided a horse.
After tirelessly traveling, the Supreme Branch finally entered Sichuan. Along the way, Bu Eunseol stopped at luxurious inns, treating the members to fine wine and food.
Yet, their morale didn’t rise; they looked like livestock heading to the slaughterhouse.
Mediating a conflict between the Tang Clan and the Three Poison Sects was an impossible task. To them, it was a doomed mission, and they could already envision the Supreme Branch’s dissolution.
But unlike the gloomy members, Bu Eunseol remained as calm as if he were on a leisurely outing.
“We’re almost at the Tang Clan,” Tae Muryong shouted, riding alongside the carriage.
Bu Eunseol’s gaze deepened as he looked at the Tang Clan’s towering signboard.
‘Right now, my brother is working hard to fully master the Tang Clan’s Eight Great Secret Arts. He often talks about you.’
Those were the words of Tang Cheong, whom he met at Shaolin while searching for the Divine Mountain Sage.
Her brow had darkened when she mentioned Tang Gon.
Bu Eunseol had suspected then that something was amiss with the Tang Clan or Tang Gon.
To think it was the uprising of the Three Poison Sects.
‘Is this fate?’
He had planned to visit Tang Gon after finishing the Alliance’s affairs. But to receive a mission tied to the Tang Clan’s troubles made him feel a deep connection with the clan.
“Whoa, whoa.” The Supreme Branch members finally stopped in front of the Tang Clan.
The high walls and tightly closed gates exuded the grandeur of Sichuan’s foremost family.
‘Even among the Eight Great Families, they’re different,’ Bu Eunseol thought.
The Southern Palace’s gates were always open, bustling with visitors.
But the Tang Clan’s gates were firmly shut, guarded solemnly by sentries, with few outsiders visiting or interacting.
Yet, this didn’t mean the Tang Clan was weak.
Rivaling the Southern Palace, the head of the Eight Great Families, the Tang Clan’s poisons and hidden weapons influenced the entire martial world beyond Sichuan.
Had the Poison Demon Sect not joined Majeon, or had Patriarch Tang Pae been healthy, the Tang Clan would have crushed them without needing to contact the Alliance.
“Who are you?” a sentry approached, clasping his hands.
Bu Eunseol stepped forward. “We’re from the Martial Alliance.”
Showing his badge, the sentry’s expression turned strange. The Tang Clan had requested a high-ranking branch leader capable of mediating a factional conflict.
Yet, here were martial artists who looked younger than him?
And the badge bore a large “Three,” signifying a third-class branch.
After a prolonged silence, Bu Eunseol tilted his head.
“Are we to keep standing here?”
The sentry snapped to attention and opened the gate. “C-come in.”
As the heavy gates opened, a vast courtyard and pavilions came into view. A serene, solemn atmosphere pervaded the estate, reflecting the Tang Clan’s insular nature.
The Tang Clan’s secret arts were never taught outside the family, passed down only to blood relatives, and those marrying into the clan had to become sons-in-law.
Despite such insularity and the patriarch’s concentrated authority, the clan maintained immense power.
This was due to the unparalleled excellence of their secret arts and techniques.
‘If the Three Poison Sects aren’t utterly reckless, someone must be pulling their strings,’ Bu Eunseol thought as he walked.
The sentry led them to a pavilion for receiving outsiders.
“This way,” the sentry said.
As they entered the guest hall, the sound of soft footsteps revealed three figures.
It was Tang Gon, the young patriarch, his sister Tang Cheong, and Tang Seong, Tang Pae’s brother, who managed the outer estate’s affairs.
“Welcome,” Tang Gon said, clasping his hands.
“I am Tang Gon.”
Having become the young patriarch, Tang Gon was said to have mastered all Eight Great Secret Arts. Fresh from secluded training, his aura was even more imposing.
“I am Seon Woojin, Supreme Branch Leader,” Bu Eunseol said, clasping his hands.
Tang Cheong stared at him intently.
Knowing her unique abilities, Bu Eunseol had completely altered his aura, so she couldn’t recognize him.
“Supreme… Branch Leader?” Tang Seong blinked, hearing the unfamiliar name. “What is the Supreme Branch, and what rank is it?”
Bu Eunseol replied calmly, “It’s a third-class branch under the Ascendant Martial Hall Corps, tasked with handling martial world affairs.”
“A third-class branch under the Ascendant Martial Hall Corps?” Tang Seong tilted his head, puzzled. “Can a third-class branch be under the Ascendant Martial Hall Corps?”
“It’s a recently established branch, receiving missions from the Ascendant Martial Hall,” Bu Eunseol explained.
Tang Seong let out an “Ah” of realization at Bu Eunseol’s confident demeanor.
“I see. The Alliance sent a special envoy, and you’re here to assist them.”
“No. The Alliance sent our branch to handle the Tang Clan’s mediation request.”
Tang Seong’s expression was as if he’d been struck in the back of the head.
“A recently formed third-class branch… for this mediation?” He staggered, clearly shocked.
Even if Bu Eunseol had spat in his face, he wouldn’t have been this flustered.
“This is… a mistake,” Tang Seong realized, understanding how the Alliance viewed this matter. “For such a thing to happen while the patriarch is bedridden.”
He shook his head, looking at Tang Gon. “We shouldn’t have expected anything.” With slumped shoulders, he said weakly, “I have pressing matters. I’ll take my leave.”
Tang Cheong, biting her lip, turned and said, “The Alliance responds like this? I’ll send a message to Shaolin at once!”
As the two left, the guest hall was filled with an empty silence.
But Tang Gon, as if nothing had happened, gave a calm smile.
“My apologies. Our clan members are quite hot-tempered.”
“No matter,” Bu Eunseol replied.
“We’ve prepared quarters. You’ve traveled far; rest and recover.”
Tang Gon was likely the most shocked.
Yet his expression was composed, his every action exuding the dignity of a future patriarch.
‘Are you still holding onto kindness?’ Bu Eunseol thought, both pleased and slightly disappointed by Tang Gon’s gentle demeanor.
He had advised him to be ruthless, yet Tang Gon remained so kind and gentle.
But his next words made Bu Eunseol realize he was mistaken.
“No need to feel burdened, Branch Leader Seon,” Tang Gon said calmly. “It wasn’t me who requested the Alliance’s help, but my uncle, Tang Seong. With the patriarch bedridden, he hoped to resolve this matter peacefully.”
Tang Gon’s presence radiated an unapproachable dignity and a domineering aura, as if he could split heaven and earth.
“But I have no such intentions. I plan to teach them a lesson so they’ll never dare provoke us again.”
Rumble.
For a moment, it felt as if eight massive elephants loomed behind Tang Gon.
The Realm of Eight Elephants.
When inner and outer energy reached their peak, one could exude an aura as if giant elephants were visible. Though Tang Gon hadn’t gained great fame due to his seclusion, he was no ordinary figure.
He had not only entered the transcendent realm but also mastered the Eight Great Secret Arts, achieving stable inner and outer energy.
Bu Eunseol smiled.
Not only had Tang Gon mastered exceptional martial arts, but he shared the same thoughts as Bu Eunseol.
He was already a figure worthy of leading the Tang Clan as its next patriarch.
“You needn’t worry either, Young Patriarch,” Bu Eunseol said, looking at Tang Gon with a clear voice. “I, too, will do my utmost to resolve this matter.”
A sharp, radiant light gleamed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“So, please trust me a little.”
Tang Gon tilted his head briefly, then gave a peculiar smile. “Understood.”
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