Tang Pae’s funeral was conducted with utmost solemnity and grandeur.
The heads of the Nine Great Sects and Eight Great Families, the Martial Alliance and all the leaders of the righteous factions attended to pay their respects.
Countless groups from the demonic path, unorthodox sects, and black path factions with whom he had ties, sent condolences.
Though Tang Pae had been the Family Head of the Tang Clan—one of the central pillars of the Eight Great Families—he had always maintained friendships with outstanding figures regardless of righteous or demonic affiliation.
While serving as Family Head, he had quietly aided those in need and concealed his good deeds.
When the world learned of this only after his passing, people realized a great star had fallen from the martial realm and mourned deeply.
With the funeral concluded, it was only natural that Tang Gon should hold his inauguration as Family Head.
But he postponed the ceremony.
Because he first had to slay the culprit who had toyed with his father’s life and inflicted the strange illness upon him.
—The reason the Family Head fell ill with that strange disease was the Black True Pill given to him by the Rekindling Merchant of the Clear River Realm.
Tang Pae’s sickness had been part of the Clear River Realm’s scheme: they had administered the mysterious substance known as the Black True Pill—created by Ancient Sword Forest—that could turn the human body into Black Divine Artifact.
—Find and root out every single person or faction that approached the bedridden Family Head!
Tang Gon mobilized the full intelligence network of the Sichuan Tang Clan to track down everyone who had come near his father.
But even with the Tang Clan’s vast information apparatus, it was no easy task.
‘No choice, then.’
Watching this unfold, Bu Eunseol sank into deep thought.
In truth, just before his death, Tang Pae had secretly transmitted the identity of the Clear River Realm’s Emissary who had approached him.
And he had chosen to confide it only to Bu Eunseol.
Because he knew full well that, in the current martial world, Bu Eunseol alone stood openly against the Three Realms and possessed the strength to oppose them.
‘Revenge for a father should rightfully be taken by the son.’
Originally, Bu Eunseol had planned to seek out the Rekindling Merchant of the Clear River Realm immediately after the Tang Family Head’s funeral and make him pay the appropriate price.
But when Tang Gon delayed even his inauguration as Family Head and cried out for vengeance, Bu Eunseol fell into profound deliberation.
‘In any case, even a Emissary is just a pawn to the Clear River Realm. They couldn’t go so far as to tear down the White Horse Temple’s plaque over it.’
The one who had secretly approached the ailing Tang Pae was none other than the White Lotus Pavilion Lord of the White Horse Temple—Hyeok Sagang.
In the Double Star Pavilion of the Sichuan Tang Clan, Tang Gon and all the senior figures of the clan were seated together.
Every one of them burned with rage.
Through Bu Eunseol, they had not only obtained detailed information about the terrifying force known as the Three Realms, but had also identified the culprit who had harmed Tang Pae.
The elders wanted to raise troops at once and storm the White Horse Temple, yet they kept their mouths tightly shut.
Because Tang Gon had said nothing.
After a long silence, Tang Gon spoke.
“I will go to the White Horse Temple alone and take that man’s head.”
It was the best course of action.
The White Horse Temple was not the Clear River Realm’s main stronghold, and Hyeok Sagang was merely an agent bearing their identity.
Even if responsibility were demanded, it would not justify wiping out the entire White Horse Temple.
Moreover, though its prestige had declined compared to the past, the Ten Demonic Sects were still the Ten Demonic Sects.
Even mobilizing the full might of the Tang Clan could not guarantee complete victory.
After careful consideration, Tang Gon resolved to challenge him personally.
As the White Lotus Pavilion Lord, Hyeok Sagang held a position equivalent to the chief instructor. He was responsible for teaching and training every disciple of the White Horse Temple.
Considering his status and face, he would never refuse such a challenge.
None of the elders opposed Tang Gon’s decision; all expressed agreement.
Though he had not yet formally ascended as Family Head, Tang Gon was already the one bearing the full fate of the Tang Clan.
“Then I will go.”
Leading only his direct subordinates, Tang Gon set out for the White Horse Temple.
Upon reaching the sphere of the White Horse Temple’s influence, he even sent his subordinates back to the Tang Clan.
When they tried to dissuade him, Tang Gon said,
—I am going alone to challenge the White Lotus Pavilion Lord. If I bring troops, the White Horse Temple will look down on our clan.
With no choice, the subordinates obeyed and returned.
‘Now is the only chance for revenge.’
Tang Gon had not yet officially become Family Head.
If he challenged the Emissary as the Family Head, it could immediately escalate into open war between sects.
Thus, the only way to exact vengeance while preserving the Tang Clan intact… was right now.
“So this is the White Horse Temple.”
At last, Tang Gon arrived before its gates.
Yet standing there was a mercenary clad in worn martial robes.
It was Bu Eunseol, disguised as Seolso.
Stepping forward boldly, Bu Eunseol nodded toward Tang Gon. Seeing that quiet, serene gaze, Tang Gon immediately recognized him.
“You—”
A delighted expression crossed Tang Gon’s face, only to shift into something strange.
“Bu Eunseol… is that really you?”
“What do you mean?”
When Bu Eunseol asked, Tang Gon shrugged.
“You seem somehow completely different—like an entirely different person.”
“Yes. Right now, I am someone else.”
“No, not because of the disguise. Your aura, your eyes… they feel completely changed.”
Stroking his chin, Tang Gon continued. “Come to think of it, I felt something like this ever since you had your final conversation with my father.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes flashed.
Only then did he recall the bead Tang Pae had given him, still tucked in his robes.
‘He says the change began after receiving the bead from the Family Head.’
After a moment of deep contemplation, Bu Eunseol gave a faint nod.
‘I should visit the Demonic Sword Master later.’
The Demonic Sword Master could identify any treasure scattered across the world.
Having organized his thoughts, Bu Eunseol changed the subject.
“In any case, let’s go together.”
But Tang Gon shook his head.
“This is not a matter of the clan, but my personal challenge.”
No matter how perfect the disguise or how thoroughly the trail had been erased, the White Horse Temple was still the White Horse Temple.
If Bu Eunseol’s true identity were exposed, it would be seen as treason against the demonic path, making him the enemy of a million Demon Cultivators.
“That’s why I came with a clean, undeniable identity.” Bu Eunseol spoke calmly. “This duel absolutely requires a witness. The White Horse Temple might try to twist the facts later.”
In truth, coming alone to the White Horse Temple to request a spar was far too dangerous.
Even if they accepted the challenge and Tang Gon won, escaping alive was not guaranteed.
On the other hand, arriving with the full might of the Tang Clan would ignite battle before any duel could even begin.
Having weighed all this, Bu Eunseol had come in the guise of the wanderer Seolso to assist him alone.
“If your luck turns bad, you could die too.”
“Can’t be helped. I chose the wrong friend.”
“Hahaha.”
At Bu Eunseol’s jest, Tang Gon burst into laughter.
Though he spoke of going alone, Bu Eunseol’s presence was equivalent to gaining an army of thousands.
‘He came to look after me until the very end.’
After Tang Pae’s death, Tang Gon had been consumed by rage to the point of losing reason, but upon learning that his father had anticipated even that and revealed the culprit to Bu Eunseol, he had immediately regained his composure.
—You are now the proud Family Head of our house.
Because his father had said so.
From now on, he was no longer the young master—he had to become the Family Head who bore responsibility for the Sichuan Tang Clan.
“Fine.”
Shaking off his thoughts, Tang Gon shrugged and nodded.
“Then let’s go in.”
White Horse Temple.
One of the Ten Demonic Sects, it was the sect that had created the White Horse Whip Method known throughout martial history as the most powerful and fearsome whip art ever devised.
Originally, whip techniques had begun in the righteous path.
But due to the righteous sects’ characteristic disdain for unorthodox weapons, whip arts had always remained marginal, and their development had been exceedingly slow.
For the demonic path, however, it was different.
They recognized the subtle techniques and overwhelming power of the whip, and masters who favored it continued to emerge.
So, whip arts advanced through demon cultivators until finally Baek Muheun—the one called Whip God—perfected the White Horse Whip Method.
Thus the White Horse Temple was born.
“Who goes there?”
As Bu Eunseol and Tang Gon stepped through the main gate, a guard wearing a snow-white whip at his side blocked their path.
“Tang Gon of the Tang Clan.”
Tang Gon took an invitation card from his robes and handed it to the guard.
“Deliver this invitation to White Lotus Pavilion Lord Hyeok Sagang.”
Seeing the card stained red, the guard’s eyes flashed.
A red invitation of this kind could only be a challenge.
“Wait a moment.”
The guard hurriedly entered with the card.
After some time, a man who appeared to be the guard captain emerged and opened the gate.
“Our sect is currently refraining from all martial activities to the utmost. The Pavilion Lord has no intention of accepting a challenge. Please leave.”
“It seems the Pavilion Lord did not read the invitation.”
Tang Gon gave a short laugh.
“Tell him to read its contents. Otherwise, full-scale war will erupt between the Tang Clan and the White Horse Temple.”
“Are you picking a fight with our sect right now?”
“A fight?”
Tang Gon’s eyes gleamed coldly.
“If you understood how great a mercy it is for me to come personally to your sect and hand over this invitation, you would never say such words.”
“Wait a moment.”
Realizing something was amiss, the guard captain went back inside.
After a long while, the main gate opened again, and he said, “The Pavilion Lord summons you. Follow me.”
Tang Gon nodded and entered the White Horse Temple together with Bu Eunseol.
They walked for some distance, but the place they were led to was not a guest reception hall—it was a vast armory.
Inside, countless whips were displayed on every wall.
There were whips as thick as an adult’s forearm and coiled like pythons, and others twisted from human hair.
Every conceivable type of whip that humankind could create seemed to be exhibited here.
“Wait here for a while.”
Once the guard captain left, Bu Eunseol and Tang Gon exchanged glances.
No matter how different their paths might be, Tang Gon was the young master of the Tang Clan and soon to be Family Head.
Yet they were made to wait inside an armory?
“It seems they have no intention of fighting fair.” Looking at the whips arrayed around them, Tang Gon shrugged. “Calling us to an armory like this says it all.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
An armory symbolized a sect’s military might.
Bringing guests here was clearly meant to flaunt the White Horse Temple’s power.
A sect’s prestige was its strength, after all.
Hyeok Sagang likely intended to once again impress upon Tang Gon the overwhelming might of the White Horse Temple and crush his spirit.
In truth, this armory was on a scale surpassing even the Tang Clan’s—renowned as the supreme authority in poisons and hidden weapons. Moreover, considering it was a public armory, the one storing genuine masterpieces was probably kept separate.
The true latent power of the White Horse Temple must be beyond imagination.
Creak.
At that moment, the armory door opened, and a figure approached with steady steps.
He wore martial robes embroidered with red thread and had a transparent whip coiled at his waist.
It was the White Lotus Pavilion Lord of the White Horse Temple—Hyeok Sagang.
“An unexpected guest.”
As White Lotus Pavilion Lord, Hyeok Sagang held a position akin to a legion commander with full authority over the temple’s forces.
Beyond exceptional martial prowess, he had to excel in strategy and troop command and maintain broad connections with the leaders of various sects.
In that regard, Hyeok Sagang was effectively the second most powerful figure after the sect leader—
Arguably even surpassing the deputy sect leader as one of the White Horse Temple’s three pillars.
“I am White Lotus Pavilion Lord Hyeok Sagang.”
Though superior in seniority and age, he greeted first as the host.
Crack.
Tang Gon clenched his fist so hard it seemed the bones might shatter.
Standing before him was the wicked man who had deliberately sickened his healthy father and sought to steal his friend’s blade art.
He wanted nothing more than to sever that neck in one stroke and place the head before his father’s memorial tablet.
‘I must endure.’
To exact revenge, he had to remain cold.
Hadn’t Bu Eunseol risked his life to stand by his side, just to make sure he didn’t forget that?
The moment he lost self-control, everything would collapse.
“Young Master of the Tang Clan.”
Suppressing his fury, Tang Gon greeted calmly.
“I am Tang Gon.”
“I have long heard of the fame of the young master known as the Tang Clan’s Wandering Soul.” Hyeok Sagang spoke leisurely. “But why have you delivered an invitation that blames me personally for your father’s death?”
In the challenge card, Tang Gon had declared he would take Hyeok Sagang’s head to claim blood debt for Tang Pae’s death.
And if the challenge were refused, not only would full war erupt between the Tang Clan and White Horse Temple, he would also spread proof throughout the martial world that Hyeok Sagang was a pawn of the Three Realms.
“Do you have any excuses?”
“Of course.” Hyeok Sagang answered calmly. “I had a close friend from long ago. But when he fell ill, he asked a favor of me.”
Looking at Tang Gon, he continued evenly.
“He said to simply wear a mask, deliver a letter, and hand over a small wooden box containing something. That was all.”
“Can you prove it?”
“Of course. However…”
Hyeok Sagang shook his head with a regretful expression.
“My friend ultimately succumbed to his illness and passed away prematurely. Thus, the only proof this Pavilion Lord can offer is my friend’s grave.”
Tang Gon gave a short, derisive laugh.
“As expected of a Clear River Realm Emissary—your tongue is slick indeed.”
“Do you believe Tang Pae’s words?”
“It seems you’ve heard stories from my father?” Tang Gon spoke coldly. “Did you think the Tang Clan’s intelligence network was so laughable? Or does the Clear River Realm believe it can manipulate righteous, demonic, and unorthodox sects all at once?”
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
When Hyeok Sagang feigned ignorance, Tang Gon said icily,
“It seems you don’t wish to maintain your position as the Rekindling Merchant.”
In an instant, Hyeok Sagang’s relaxed expression froze.
“Tang Pae became talkative in his final moments, did he?”
He had known the Tang Clan’s intelligence organization had recently been restructured but he also knew full well it was not at a level capable of instantly uncovering his identity within the Clear River Realm.
“Do not dare sully the Family Head’s name with that filthy mouth.”
Hyeok Sagang sneered in return. “I speak it because it is worth speaking.”
Cold light blazed in Tang Gon’s eyes.
“The Family Head told me personally.”
“Then you received help from the Martial Soul Command Lord.”
The Clear River Realm knew well how close Bu Eunseol and Tang Gon were.
Moreover, the only one in the world who openly opposed the Three Realms while operating a formidable intelligence network was Bu Eunseol alone.
“How curious. Is he truly the only one you fear in this world?” Tang Gon, too, wore a mocking expression of incomprehension. “I cannot fathom why the Three Realms fear my friend so much.”
“Nonsense.” Hyeok Sagang said calmly. “What exactly do you want?”
“Revenge for my father.”
“Do you intend to destroy our Realm?”
“Far from it. That is not my task.”
Flames ignited in Tang Gon’s pupils.
“I merely wish to deal with the Rekindling Merchant—the Clear River Realm’s pawn who deliberately sickened the Family Head and fed him the Black True Pill.”
Hyeok Sagang stared straight into Tang Gon’s eyes.
He realized the man truly sought only vengeance.
“You are soon to ascend as Family Head—yet instead of seeing the bigger picture, you cling to futile emotions.” He shook his head as though pitying him. “Such things fade to nothing with time.”
“Make your decision, one way or the other.”
When Tang Gon spoke coldly, Hyeok Sagang replied in a soft, insinuating tone.
“If you lose to this Pavilion Lord, the Tang Clan will have no more candidates, will it?” His tongue moved smoothly, fully aware of the Tang Clan’s circumstances. “Forget this matter. In exchange, I will give you a secret manual surpassing even the Tang Clan’s Eight Great Secret Techniques.”
“You thought I would sell my father for martial arts?”
“It is no ordinary martial art.” Hyeok Sagang continued. “The manual includes the method to create the Blood Twin Blades.”
The Blood Twin Blades were a hidden weapon developed by Tang Cheon-gun.
But because their power was so immense and cruel, the blueprint had not been passed down to later generations.
Yet it seemed the Clear River Realm had obtained it.
“Refused.”
“My words are not finished.”
Hyeok Sagang smiled.
“I will also include a secret manual containing Tang Cheon-gun’s hidden weapon techniques.”
At those words, Tang Gon’s eyebrows shot up.
Even the hidden weapon arts of their ancestor Tang Cheon-gun—whose lineage had already been severed in the Tang Clan—were in the Clear River Realm’s hands?
If they could reclaim that… the Tang Clan’s martial arts would advance to a new level.
“Would that suffice?”
To Hyeok Sagang’s question, Tang Gon gave a short laugh.
“You truly believe no outstanding figure will ever emerge from our clan again.”
Then he spoke calmly.
“That’s why you think throwing the Blood Twin Blades and the secret manual will smooth everything over.”
Hyeok Sagang shook his head with a sigh.
“So? What changes if you keep up this pride?” He spoke persuasively. “Is that what one must hold in hand for the Tang Clan to develop?”
“No need for more words.”
Tang Gon declared firmly.
“Choose. Will you proudly announce to the world that you are an Emissary of the Clear River Realm? Or will you continue holding your position as Pavilion Lord of the White Horse Temple?”
Hyeok Sagang stroked his chin with leisurely amusement.
Inwardly, however, anxiety burned him alive.
An Emissary of the Clear River Realm wielded enormous discretion.
They could support ruined sects and rebuild them, or incite conflict between sects.
Like the authority of an absolute being… they could do almost anything they desired.
But if that identity were exposed?
They could no longer maintain such immense power.
‘I never thought I would be threatened by anyone in my lifetime.’
The Three Realms already dominated the martial world, and their intelligence network was unmatched.
No organization could detect an Emissary's movements—yet in the end, his identity had been uncovered, and now he faced blackmail.
‘Perhaps it’s for the best.’
If Tang Gon opened his mouth, he would lose his position as Emissary.
In a way, he was almost grateful for this revenge-driven charge.
“Fine.” Hyeok Sagang nodded. “If you desire a duel so badly, then let us have one.”
As White Lotus Pavilion Lord, Hyeok Sagang ranked among the top ten masters of the White Horse Temple in pure martial prowess.
Moreover, since becoming an Emissary of the Clear River Realm, he had mastered an unimaginable variety of martial arts.
There was no way he could lose to Tang Gon, who, even among the younger generation, was not considered particularly outstanding.
“But privately.”
Hyeok Sagang wore a sinister smile.
“In times like these, when righteous and demonic forces are growling at each other, we cannot feed them prey, can we?”
The Martial Alliance and Majeon remained locked in confrontation, and the atmosphere between righteous and demonic was growing ever more vicious.
In such a climate, if a member of the Tang Clan killed a Pavilion Lord of a Demonic Ten Gate sect, or if a White Horse Temple master slew the Family Head of one of the Eight Great Families, the clash between righteous, demonic, and unorthodox forces would spiral out of control.
“Agreed.”
“Then, two days from now, at sunset, meet me at the pavilion in front of Hongjeong Forest, halfway up Cheonpae Mountain.”
Hyeok Sagang smiled.
“If you wish to flee, feel free. This Pavilion Lord will understand completely.”
“A childish provocation.” Tang Gon replied calmly. “Scheme whatever you like. In any case, maintaining your position as a Clear River Realm Emissary is now impossible.”
Hyeok Sagang’s smile vanished.
“Regardless of victory or defeat, if you plan to flap your lips, why should this Pavilion Lord bother dueling you at all?”
“The Tang Clan does not go back on its word.”
Tang Gon took a single letter from his robes and offered it.
“An oath: no matter who wins, neither shall speak of the other.
Seeing Tang Gon’s handprint stamped on the letter, Hyeok Sagang finally relaxed his stiff expression.
“Hahaha. Thorough indeed.”
“Wash your neck and come prepared.”
“I look forward to that day.”
Smiling, Hyeok Sagang turned and left with a laugh.
Two days later.
A cool autumn wind was blowing.
Two figures walked, gazing at the maple leaves scattering like fresh blood.
It was Tang Gon.
After meeting Hyeok Sagang, he had shut himself in his inn room, spending the entire time in meditation.
Bu Eunseol’s martial prowess was profound, and he was well-versed in demonic arts.
He had fought White Horse Temple members multiple times in the past.
If Tang Gon sought his advice, it would surely provide great help in the fight against Hyeok Sagang.
Yet Tang Gon asked Bu Eunseol nothing.
He simply secluded himself in the inn and meditated alone.
It was to savor the supreme martial realm his father had achieved, to once again contemplate and awaken to the profound subtleties of the art Tang Pae had demonstrated.
Knowing this, Bu Eunseol did not disturb him and waited silently.
—Can he win?
—Should I tell him the weaknesses or characteristics of the White Horse Whip Method even now?
In the past, Bu Eunseol might have hesitated.
But after his father’s death, Tang Gon had changed once more.
Even if Bu Eunseol knelt and revealed the secret to victory, Tang Gon would not listen.
Not because he was confident of winning, but because this was the first trial he must face as Family Head.
Countless crises would come to him in the future.
Each time, Tang Gon would have to overcome them as the Family Head of the Tang Clan.
This battle was both revenge for his father’s death and his first step as Family Head.
‘And moreover…’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes flashed.
‘The White Horse Temple is the gathering place of the most despicable among the Ten Demonic Sects.’
If his suspicions were correct,
He should not worry about the duel’s outcome.
He should worry about whatever schemes Hyeok Sagang might employ.
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