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EP.29 The Iron Maiden (1)

The road to the Tang Clan was more comfortable than any path I had traversed before.

Perhaps it was because it was the road from the village to the city, well-maintained for that reason.

Thanks to that, even the guards, who were always on edge, seemed to be relaxing a bit.

Or maybe it was because they were traveling with a renowned family like the Nangong Clan.

Regardless, there were no major issues on the way to the Tang Clan.

“So, you know, sis, when I first had rice cake, I was holding a potato, and it looked so unappetizing.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Rice cakes are so delicious… but I’m sorry for the potato, I think the rice cake is tastier.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Why are potatoes even potatoes…?”

“Uh… huh?”

Except for those two.

What the heck was that crazy Nangong Bi-ah doing coming this way again?

Every time I saw her, I had a headache.

‘Why on earth is she coming over here?’

Right in front of me was a grand blue carriage, so why was she still choosing to walk over here?

On top of that, every time Nangong Bi-ah came, Wi Seol-Ah, who was chirping right next to her, did not listen at all.

I really need to scold her big time someday….

“It’s strange that that Nangong guy isn’t fussing over us.”

Based on his past behavior, I would expect Nangong Cheonjun to stick closely to Nangong Bi-ah, but he was just sitting quietly inside the carriage.

“Is this acceptable then?”

Understanding that crazy guy’s thoughts was a mystery in itself.

Before long, after some time had passed since we set off, the sun was beginning to set.

It was fine for Nangong Bi-ah, being a martial artist, but despite having walked for a while, Wi Seol-Ah was still lively, chatting away with Nangong Bi-ah.

Was this what they call being born different?

“… Actually, it seems odd that you can eat so much and not be energetic.”

Wi Seol-Ah was indeed eating a lot, and while she had only gained a tad bit of roundness, wasn’t it because she moved a lot while eating?

Wasn’t this practically the mystery of the human body?

I had eaten less than her, yet I was already seeing some love handles forming.

Life…

As I continued to stare at the sky, someone from the group shouted.

“I see the Tang Clan’s banner!”

And indeed, there it was. In the distance, I could see a green flag with the character “Tang” written on it.

The number of personnel seemed to be slightly less than that of the combined Gu and Nangong groups.

I hurriedly adjusted my clothes.

Oh, I just took a nap a while ago; I hope my hair isn’t a mess.

Being sloppy like this during an important meeting with a prominent clan is such a hassle…

Still, given that there had already been drama between Nangong Cheonjun and Nangong Bi-ah, it was somewhat a relief that I wouldn’t have to worry too much about that.

As the carriage slowly came to a stop, I also prepared to rise and step out.

Once I went outside, I saw that Nangong Cheonjun had already exited and was greeting the members of the Tang Clan.

“It’s been a while, Cheonjun.”

“Have you been well, Tang Hyung?”

“Are you feeling tired lately? You look a bit pale.”

“It’s because the journey was long.”

“Ah, I see. I didn’t expect you to come all the way here.”

“Well, my sister promised she would come… I can’t let her go by herself.”

“Ah… Bi-ah, huh? I can see how you would think that. I always feel you and Cheonjun have such a strong sibling bond, while our Soyeol’s character seems to be getting more fierce with time.”

“Haha,” he said, forcing a typical plastic smile before turning his gaze towards me.

“Oh! Gu So-hyeob! Please come over here.”

What made him so naturally comfortable calling me that?

If I hadn’t known better, it would have made me feel queasy.

As I approached, I noticed a young man who was greeting Nangong Cheonjun.

He looked old enough to have surpassed adulthood and had a surprisingly gentle appearance for a member of the Tang Clan, known both for poisons and assassination techniques.

He was the Liang’s Lesser Clan Leader, Tang Juyeok.

I didn’t know his current nickname, but after the emergence of the Demonic Sect, he would soon be known as the Poison Emperor.

Tang Juyeok calmly walked over to me and offered a greeting first.

“You must be Gu So-hyeob. I’ve heard that you would be visiting our clan. Thank you for your hard journey. I’m Tang Juyeok.”

Even at such a young age, seeing him show me respect gave me a small insight into his character.

In return, I acted with the same courtesy.

“From Gu Clan…”

I was going to introduce myself by name, but then I remembered that I had told them I was Gu Jeolyub. Ugh, why did I do that?

Anyway, Gu Jeolyub is of no help. I didn’t like him from the first time I saw him.

“I’m here on behalf of the Clan Leader of Gu. He sends his apologies for not being able to participate.”

Trying to sweep it under the rug by relaying something my father didn’t even say, I was fortunate that Tang Juyeok didn’t seem to mind, keeping a smile on his face.

“Of course, the Gu Clan Leader must be quite busy, so that’s understandable. It’s just a small festival being held by our clan, and we appreciate your attendance.”

By the time the formal greeting wrapped up, I noticed Nangong Bi-ah approaching from a distance.

She lightly bowed her head in greeting to Tang Juyeok.

“It’s been a while, Bi-ah.”

“Hello.”

“Bi-ah, you’re getting prettier by the day. I hardly recognize you.”

“Thank you…”

“Oh right, our Soyeol had been causing trouble, hasn’t she? I’m sorry, she still hasn’t matured enough, and has made things difficult for you.”

“It’s okay… It was a promise after all.”

“Thank you for understanding. It seems Soyeol has been waiting a lot, both for Cheonjun and Gu So-hyeob. Considering it’s getting late, it would be best to depart now, so we will guide you.”

Finally… under the guidance of Tang Juyeok, I could enter the Sichuan Tang Gate, ending the hard journey.

For reasons I didn’t understand, if it weren’t for Nangong Bi-ah sticking so closely to me and that Nangong brat glaring at me, it would have been a somewhat pleasant trip…

“Ah… I want to eat dumplings.”

It was definitely a grueling journey.

Sichuan Tang Gate.

A righteous clan that has deeply rooted itself in the Sichuan region for centuries, renowned as the foremost authority on iron and poison in the Central Plains.

In sharpness, the Nangong Clan outranked them.

In audacity, the Hebei Peng Clan carried the day.

For delicacy, the Moyong Clan had the upper hand.

Compared to these three clans, the Tang Gate might seem to be a step behind in every aspect, but conversely, they possessed something vastly superior.

One of those was the Tangbing Tournament, born out of their confidence.

While their poison techniques are famous for assassination and poison techniques, their skills in handling iron are truly unmatched by any other.

The weapons crafted by the finest artisans in the Central Plains.

It would not be an exaggeration to call it art.

Indeed, the crafting of the Divine Sword of the Sword Sovereign and the blades forged for the heads of the Martial Alliance throughout generations were done at the Tang Gate.

Other clans that use swords have lined up to obtain weapons that bear the touch of the Tang craftsmen.

‘But, they don’t hand them out easily.’

Whether it’s the reputation of the Tang Gate or their pride, they don’t readily share the weapons they create with outsiders.

Even if you wanted to buy them, it seems unlikely that the Four Great Clans would find themselves in a situation where they would have to sell for lack of money.

Anyway, the Tangbing Tournament is basically a festival showcasing the high-quality weapons made throughout the year.

If I had to guess the rationale behind it, it’s probably something like, “Look what we can make.”

“Treat us well, and perhaps we might offer you something like this.”

In fact, there are times when they would even distribute one of the items displayed during the tournament.

But, that doesn’t particularly attract my interest. Sure, I’d sell anything I received at a high price, but that’s not my goal here.

I have no idea what intention or political motives the Tang Clan has by showcasing such things, but my purpose is not that.

‘I need to prepare to find Biwaegun.’

Let’s not forget the reason I came to Sichuan.

I’m here to find the Biwaegun of the Geumcheon Clan, the Geumcheon Clan’s treasure.

After the Tangbing Tournament, I only have these three days. This is my only chance. The only information I have is the surrounding region and environment of where the Biwaegun is located.

Even that isn’t precisely accurate.

If I can’t find the Biwaegun within these three days, who knows, I might just spill everything I know about the Geumcheon Clan at the Beggar Clan.

‘…This is getting complicated.’

“What are you thinking so hard about, Young Master?”

“Nothing at all.”

While I was ruminating with my head in my hands, Wi Seol-Ah spoke to me.

I followed Tang Juyeok’s lead into the Sichuan Tang Gate.

I’ve been here in my past life, but unlike relying on fuzzy memories from before, the majesty of the Tang Gate now was astonishing.

If I compared it to the Cheonil Market I had previously visited due to the Gathering of the Nine Dragons, the Tang Gate was even larger.

‘As expected of the Four Great Clans.’

These people, the root of righteousness, really have a different scale. Now, following the guidance, I thought I might take a little stroll after unpacking before going to bed.

Since they didn’t say not to go anywhere, a little exploration should be fine.

As I said I was taking a walk, Wi Seol-Ah immediately followed me out, and we began to walk a bit.

As we walked along the path, we came across a forest filled with trees. Just how large was this clan that they had woods within?

Crick, crack. The sound of crickets chirped with each step I took.

Following the sound of crickets filling the forest, we slowly moved forward.

I could sense that summer was approaching as the fireflies started to become visible a little further ahead.

As we continued on the path, we found a lake that seemed artificially made. It wasn’t huge, but its small size made its manicured appearance stand out.

The sight of the fireflies shining and the lotus flowers floating on the surface was beautiful enough to mesmerize even someone as unromantic as myself.

“Wow…!”

How would Wi Seol-Ah react? Indeed, her eyes widened, and she wore a smile.

I briefly contemplated whether to pat her head.

In the end, I didn’t.

“It’s so pretty, Young Master!”

“Indeed.”

Wi Seol-Ah danced gracefully along with the fireflies. I rubbed my eyes for a moment at the sight.

Sometimes.

There are times when Wi Seol-Ah looks just like the version from my previous life.

Just like now.

The Wi Seol-Ah of the present had hair that shone as if it cradled the moon, and eyes as sharp as cold blades.

Now, her hair was black like the night sky, and her face always bore a smile, radiating pure happiness.

It’s strange how different the circumstances are now compared to then.

Why was I searching for her among those memories?

Caught in that thought, I chuckled to myself.

“What am I thinking? It’s just a silly reminiscence.”

“Huh?”

“It’s nothing. Let’s head back; it’s time for bed.”

I felt I had seen enough now.

Having arrived at my destination, I thought I could rest easy tonight, so I turned to lead Wi Seol-Ah back.

“Who are you?”

A sharp voice pierced my ears like an arrow.

I turned to see where the voice came from.

There, with a surprised expression, staring at me was Nangong Bi-ah, alongside another person.

The voice belonged to her. A mysterious woman spoke to me once again.

“This is not a place where outsiders can freely wander. Who are you?”

As the moonlight shone, I could finally see the woman’s face hidden in the shadows.

That’s when I instantly recognized who she was.

Her distinct green eye was clearly visible even in the dark.

Poison Empress Tang Soyeol.

The first to achieve Immunity to All Poisons in the history of the Tang Clan.

The Iron Maiden, who would later stand alone against thousands of demons in Sichuan.

And.

She was also a woman I had personally killed in my previous life.

 

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