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Chapter 340: When the Sky Begins to Darken

As the sky started to turn black, it was the same feeling for Tang Soyeol.

The surrounding energy spread forth, and when the unknown texture began to permeate the area, the first thing Tang Soyeol did was shout, “Run! Right now!”

She urgently warned her fellow Gwandosaengs. They were all competitors in training, but nothing was more valuable than their lives.

Decision-making had to be quick. Her father, known as the Poison King, always said that since they lived as both a Righteous Faction and a shadowy organization, they had to constantly be aware of threats and make rapid judgments.

Living in a place where both poison and darkness thrived, Tang Soyeol had always considered this aspect of her life. There were always dangers. Even if they were all from the same Righteous Faction, trusting no one was the best path forward. This was the education imparted by the Poison King.

Only family could be relied upon, so she was told to never lower her guard.

Ironically, her father, who used to teach this lesson while tormenting fellow Righteous Faction members, made it all the more believable.

Later, without much difficulty, Tang Soyeol ascended to the Poison Phoenix.

The Poison Phoenix was a title under the Tang Clan. Even if it was said to be somewhat lesser in prowess compared to other dragons and phoenixes, the name “Poison” had long been associated with the Tang Clan, and it was a reputation that few martial artists objected to. Thus, it wasn’t strange for Tang Soyeol to rise to the Poison Phoenix.

Her older brother was also known as the Poison Dragon among the Late-Stage Talents. The title of “Poison” was closely tied to the Tang Clan, so it was expected.

However, Tang Soyeol felt embarrassed by her title.

It wasn’t the title of Poison Phoenix that embarrassed her. How could being the most outstanding Late-Stage Talent in the Central Plains be something to be ashamed of?

It was simply that Tang Soyeol felt ashamed of herself.

She had not earned the strength to deserve such a title.

Seeing just the faces of those she would meet at the Dragon Meeting every year, she knew that the prodigies known as the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes were all superior to her.

Even if she, as the Poison Phoenix, still ranked below them, she was aware that her position was not high at all.

Would others, who seemed keen to judge others, not know that?

They knew perfectly well. After all, they were just part of a prominent family’s bloodline.

Knowing this, Tang Soyeol wore her mask even more diligently.

As a noble bloodline, she had to maintain her composure and put in extra effort to keep her strength from falling behind.

If asked whether these efforts would narrow the gap with others among the Late-Stage Talents, the answer was no.

Recognizing that there are things that simply cannot be narrowed, was not a difficult realization.

It wasn’t that she had no talent; she had just enough to not be called a genius.

That was her self-assessment.

“Is that such a bad thing?”

As the day went on, Tang Soyeol pondered this question.

Was it truly such a bad thing?

Though she couldn’t keep up with geniuses, she was treated similarly to them.

Even if it was because of her family name, isn’t that fine?

Holding on to such thoughts, she suddenly felt a surge of disgust and couldn’t hold it back as she hurled.

Shame surged to the back of her throat, making it unbearable.

The Tang Clan had expectations for her.

Wasn’t it said that she had immunity to all poisons?

Having built resistance to every poison out there, even learning the Tang Clan’s renowned Poison Technique wouldn’t bring her to the realm of genius.

The elders of the Tang Clan, including the Poison King, were observing her as if she had that potential.

What did that mean?

Tang Soyeol thought it was meaningless.

If it was merely expectations borne out of their greed, then it truly was meaningless.

Time flowed on, and Tang Soyeol began to pay more attention to her appearance.

No matter how she felt inside, she needed to present herself at least like the child of a noble house.

Just as always, at social gatherings with members from other prominent families, sipping tea from her Poison Tea gave rise to such thoughts.

“So pathetic.”

She thought, insulting herself as she reflected on her current situation.

Inside, she thought this while her face remained smiling.

“What am I doing now?”

Although she had reached a point of excellence, she seemed to remain stagnant.

She had heard the news of the Sword Peak reaching its pinnacle.

The Sleeping Dragon and Sword Dragon were just a matter of time, but she wasn’t certain about the Two Dragons.

Of course, she had no interest in the Thunder Dragon, but she knew it wouldn’t be long before that news arrived either.

Though there were murmurs of Seolbong being weaker, she had already made a name for herself with talents other than pure prowess.

In the end, it seemed that only she would be left behind.

Unable to shake off these notions, Tang Soyeol continued to wear her mask.

Amidst this, someone suddenly said, “Ah, Tang Young Lady, about the Tangbing Tournament…”

Someone brought up the topic.

Who was it?

She couldn’t remember well.

It must have been someone from the Sichuan region. Tang Soyeol preferred to not remember names.

“Yes….”

But she had to respond with a smile.

“I hear the Gu Family’s Bloodline will be attending as well. Is that correct?”

“Oh my, the Gu Family?”

As she replied, Tang Soyeol recalled where the Gu Family was located.

It was a prominent family in the Shanxi region, with the Sword Peak’s Clan Leader being the famous Hohyeob.

“Gu Family’s Bloodline, eh…”

Originally, the Tangbing Tournament was one of the few representative events of the Tang Clan, so they would usually send out invitations even if they didn’t attend.

As for the noble family from Shanxi, the distance was substantial, and it was unusual for them to come all the way here.

Since it was unlikely they would come, she didn’t think there would be much significance in the relationship.

Yet, they were specifically coming, so Tang Soyeol felt a prick of interest.

“Who could it be?”

Although they mentioned bloodline, it couldn’t be the Sword Peak.

She heard that Sword Peak was responsible for the older family’s affairs and that they had gone to the front lines.

So was it her sister?

“Did she have a younger sibling?”

She thought she might have.

She didn’t exchange many words with the Sword Peak but remembered her sister shining brightly while talking about her.

That radiant smile of hers was worlds apart from the Sword Peak’s demeanor.

“Gu Family, huh?”

Seemingly intrigued by the Late-Stage Talent’s words, someone else chimed in.

“Yes.”

“Is it true…the Gu Family has someone coming?”

“No, I’m not Tang Young Lady, so how could I know that?”

It was strange how he thought he’d know about the Tang Clan’s hosted event.

While Tang Soyeol may not know much either, it was odd.

“If the Lesser Clan Leader is coming, it could be interesting.”

“Huh? The Lesser Clan Leader? Does the Gu Family already have a Lesser Clan Leader?”

Everyone tuned in closely to this man’s story.

So the Gu Family already had a Lesser Clan Leader?

As their interest piqued at his words, the man continued with a smugness that came over him.

“It’s quite a remarkable rumor. They say there’s a son in that house, and he’s already being treated somewhat like the Lesser Clan Leader.”

“Wow, a son? That’s nice for them. At least there won’t be a competition for the Clan Leader title.”

“I heard the family is having a tough time.

“Let’s not talk about that…”

Still, it appeared that the discussion of these rumors made the cousin feel uncomfortable.

“Anyway…they say he’s being treated like the Lesser Clan Leader, but not the best of rumors.”

“Rumors? What kind of rumors?”

Given that it was about the Shanxi region, news likely didn’t reach Sichuan too well.

In fact, had it not been for the Sword Peak or Hohyeob, she might not have found this entertaining at all.

“I heard he’s quite the wastrel.”

“The son of Hohyeob…?”

The very son of Hohyeob?

It couldn’t be that the son of a once-famous martial artist was now being labeled a waste in the Central Plains, not to mention hailing from the family of the now-renowned Late-Stage Talent known as the Sword Peak’s sibling.

“A waste?”

“Hmm…”

Tang Soyeol couldn’t quite grasp it from her perspective.

But it felt oddly familiar: The name was like déjà vu.

“Just how bad was it… ah, I heard he insulted the daughter of the Peng Family and ended up being engaged to her.”

‘Ah.’

It finally clicked in her mind, reminiscent of the rare few friends she had like Peng Ah-Hee.

‘So it was him?’

She remembered that she had heard some of the tales, and back then, she had even listened intently as Peng Ah-Hee raged about it, all the while Tang Soyeol had offered her support, relieved to not be linked with such a disgraceful figure.

“Oh, the son of Hohyeob is such a philanderer? I’m curious…”

“Word has it that he has zero talent when it comes to martial arts.”

“Well, that’s quite a scandal. Wasn’t he renowned as a dignified heir?”

The room exploded with laughs as they exchanged these tales.

In the midst of this, Tang Soyeol chose to remain silent.

In such situations, she preferred to avoid getting entangled. Who knows what could happen later if she ventured her thoughts?

“Oh, didn’t you say the Nangong Clan is also coming?”

“Indeed.”

“Nangong? You mean…that Thunder Dragon is coming?”

Since the Nangong Clan was also distant, she thought they would opt out, but with the mention of the Thunder Dragon, the story of the Lesser Clan Leader from the Gu Family was quickly overshadowed by the tales of the Thunder Dragon.

To these people, the figure of the Nangong Clan’s Thunder Dragon would undoubtedly loom larger.

Of course, there was someone even more important to Tang Soyeol.

“My sister is coming too.”

Aside from the Thunder Dragon, there was one more bloodline who wasn’t well-known to most but was precious to Tang Soyeol: Nangong Bi-ah, the beautiful lady.

“Is it going to be okay?”

With thoughts of her sister drifting in her mind, Tang Soyeol glanced around with concern.

There would be quite a number of male Late-Stage Talents at the Tangbing Tournament.

Would inviting Nangong Bi-ah into such a male-dominated space be appropriate?

After all, her sister had to be at least moderately good-looking.

Though she had practically begged her to come, she had never anticipated she would actually agree.

And thus, worries churned within her.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen her.”

In the thought of reuniting with a close sister, the worries about the Gu Family’s wastrel quickly faded.

At that moment, she didn’t know.

“—They say he’s called Gu Jeolyub.”

As time flowed on, the person who had crossed paths with Tang Soyeol while disguising his true identity would come to mean so much to her.

Highlighted by that striking face, she would find herself committed to doing the unthinkable.

The Gu Family’s wastrel was unexpectedly—very, very handsome, fulfilling the criteria for a face-value.

The Gu Family’s Bloodline was different; unlike the rumors of lacking martial talent, it was not long before one could witness him effortlessly shattering the arms of the Thunder Dragon.

The man who had previously boasted to have dismissed him now bit his tongue in silence.

The so-called wastrel who had trifled with the name of a son, it turned out, shattered the noble thunder dragon.

Strangely, no scandal broke out from that incident.

The Nangong Clan might have suppressed it, and considering the clan’s influence, it was possible that witness accounts were silenced or carefully muted.

For Tang Soyeol, however, the details of such things bore little import.

What lingered in her memory was the image of those fierce eyes, the sound of his voice, and the overwhelming strength that overpowered the Thunder Dragon.

“—Gu Jeolyub…”

In hindsight, she reflected on how foolish she had been.

She was head over heels at merely glancing at his silhouette.

She hadn’t realized she was such an easy woman.

Yet, considering just how handsome he was, wasn’t it reasonable to feel that way?

As thoughts churned, she sought reasons to convince herself.

In the midst of this, for some reason, even Nangong Bi-ah took an interest in the Gu Family’s Bloodline, though she had claimed it wasn’t a direct liking.

So she chose to believe it.

“—How many kids will I have?”

Observing the receding figure, she began to entertain such thoughts.

Considering the Gu Family, wouldn’t even her father allow it?

If not, well then perhaps as a son-in-law it could work out, especially since he was claimed to have secured the position as the Lesser Clan Leader?

She filled her mind with all sorts of whimsical fantasies.

Until now, living in a cramped, dreary environment, her life had been somewhat dreary, but merely meeting that person made her forget and live in the moment.

Was that love?

Looking back now, she thought it wasn’t.

Or was it?

Honestly, she couldn’t tell.

“—Huh? Engagement?”

Hearing the news of an engagement with someone she barely met made it so she couldn’t eat for days.

And it was her close sister who was engaged to that person.

How shocked was she?

Was it any wonder she fancied running away?

Though whether to assume her departure was to escape or had its bits of negotiation mixed with threats didn’t matter.

What was she even going for?

It wasn’t some trivial family match; it was an engagement to the Nangong Clan.

What could she even do about it without having hardly spoken to the person?

What kind of reckless thought did she entertain?

At some point, she had likely become a bit insane.

And amusingly, she thought, “—It’s ruined.”

But upon seeing his face again, she found joy once more.

Though she knew well enough his actual name was not Gu Jeolyub, nor was he characterized purely by kindness.

Yet still, she delighted in looking at him.

She enjoyed the way he spoke, and even the hostility in his gaze warmed her heart.

Was that love?

Was this yearning?

As of then, that was how Tang Soyeol thought.

But it wasn’t love.

That was not love.

The difference between being enchanted and loving was starkly different.

It wouldn’t take long for Tang Soyeol to realize that difference.

“—Is it cold?”

“Exactly! Why are you dressed so lightly? Are you trying to light a flame of your own?”

Even while humorously dispelling warmth from her own body.

“—You really can’t eat this. Why the insistence… ah! I don’t drink Poison Tea!”

She unconsciously cared for him, her efforts hidden from view.

“—You’ve done well.”

Even against her resistance, he played along with her insistence.

The emotions flooding her were, in utterly different spectrums.

This happened during an incident that took place at the Shinryong Temple.

What had been said?

Poison Phoenix was nothing more than a famed illusion?

Around the time such rumors started to spread, Tang Soyeol had not given them much thought.

After all, they were true.

What was remarkable was that unlike the past when smiling outside, she felt entirely peaceful now without any burdens.

Even now, she could regard others’ words with indifference.

Whether it was that or simply feeling a bit more at ease.

No, she hadn’t achieved complete peace.

Residual feelings of inferiority still trailed her.

“The Sword Dance Hero is fiercer than the rumors suggest. Perhaps even surpassing the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes.”

“The Sword Sovereign’s successor is a monster.”

“It seems Seolbong has extended their domain into the Shinryong Temple.”

The women around him were all outstanding, even if entrapped, she was still overlooked.

In past discussions with Moyong Hi-ah, she said to Tang Soyeol, “What do you want to accomplish?”

“Excuse me?”

When she looked puzzled, Moyong Hi-ah sighed and said, “I’ve been wondering what you want to do beside him. It seems you are neither wishing to take him nor to delve deeper. What is it that you desire?”

What would she respond?

Even recalling it now, Tang Soyeol didn’t have a solid reply.

Just as Moyong Hi-ah had said, she didn’t wish to usurp his side.

She bore no intent to covet him.

If one were to argue, she merely wanted to be beside him.

Ironically, she neither harbored thoughts of forcefully snatching him nor prioritized immersing herself beside him; she simply desired to be acknowledged.

Though she yearned for him to treat her kindly, was that too much to ask?

Ah, was that desire in itself?

“I’ll take him.”

Moyong Hi-ah confidently stated to her.

Initially taken aback, Tang Soyeol found a sense of dignity in her confidence.

Unlike herself, perpetually secluded, she appeared strong, aspiring to claim her own space and harbor her own desires.

Was that what spurred Tang Soyeol to make efforts?

“—Please.”

She had asked her friend for help.

She repeated it many times, but Tang Soyeol was quite mediocre in terms of martial ability.

A generous view might categorize her as capable.

However, when it came to poison, she categorized herself as competent.

As it pertained to poison techniques being included in the category of martial ability, she had some measure of confidence.

Her preference for poison leaves and her habit of brewing poison tea leaned towards personal taste, yet it was regarded as a talent recognized within her family.

Thus, she decided to pursue what she excelled at.

Training in Poison Techniques was relatively straightforward.

She had to constantly wound herself to build resistance and undergo cycles of poisoning and detoxification to match her poison with her body’s toxins.

This was a technique only achievable by those of the Tang Clan bloodline.

Among these capabilities, Tang Soyeol had a notably quick detoxification response.

That was viewed as a talent by the Tang Clan.

If one were to mention a downside, it would be that her detoxification occurred so quickly that her training in Poison Techniques became sluggish.

While she repeated her training through focused meditation, one day progress could come, but for Tang Soyeol, that pace felt slow.

So, she aimed to find methods.

If her detoxification was rapid, she could speed up the rate at which she poisoned herself.

“—This doesn’t seem right, Soyeol.”

Peng Ah-Hee gasped when she heard the methods Tang Soyeol proposed.

“How can you use such a brutal method?”

“It’s alright. The medicine is potent, so there won’t be scars.”

“But…”

“Please.”

Peng Ah-Hee continued to refuse, but Tang Soyeol’s firm plea ultimately led her to support her.

The method was simple:

Create a wound and inject poison into the wound, thus self-poisoning.

With the poison entering the injury, the rate of poisoning would accelerate, making it a highly dangerous method to employ.

Even for one who belonged to the Tang Clan, such a procedure could induce horror if the Poison King were to hear.

However, Tang Soyeol decided to attempt it.

And she found results, even better than she expected.

She could quickly feel the progression in her Poison Techniques.

Peng Ah-Hee created wounds on Tang Soyeol’s body.

Even though she could have done it herself, it was far more precise when someone else executed it.

And since she wanted to keep her skin hidden as much as possible, it was something too sensitive to ask from a stranger.

“Good.”

Though the pain of poisoning arrived stronger than anticipated, her detoxification abilities mitigated that to some degree, and with Peng Ah-Hee’s carefulness, she could avoid scarring.

Tang Soyeol felt it would be better this way.

If so, wouldn’t it be a bit easier to stay closer to him?

She wanted to believe in that notion.

It was an utterly ridiculous thought.

“—Idiot.”

How long had she bled from her wounded forearms?

Dizzy with despair, she felt utterly unhelpful.

In her blurred vision, she caught sight of Nangong Bi-ah facing off against the assailant that targeted her.

She couldn’t fathom how powerful the opponent was.

With a single motion, the sound of impact rang out.

“Ugh…!”

Watching the sister she thought would be unreachable now scrambling pathetically on the ground filled her with dread.

“Soyeol…!”

It was dangerous.

If allowed to continue, her sister would perish.

In the chaos, she considered, “If my sister dies…”

Within her fading consciousness, she recalled his face.

If her sister were to perish, she would grieve, but he would grieve even more, surely.

Such thoughts crashed into her mind, quickening her breath.

Swish—!

The sound of a sword cutting through the air faintly reached her ears.

Nangong Bi-ah, who had rolled on the ground, would rise again to wield her sword.

This could not continue.

If only she would abandon the thought of protecting someone like her.

“… Ah.”

Why would my sister act in defense of someone like me?

Tang Soyeol was bewildered by this.

Being the lover of someone, standing guard with shared feelings, how could she fail to see that?

Hadn’t she always yearned for her to depart?

Didn’t she say she didn’t like the idea?

While she may have complained, why was she now courting the affection of the one she once rejected?

“I despise her!”

No doubt she still harbored displeasure.

Yet, her sister should not die to protect her in this place.

“Move!”

What is love?

In the past, she didn’t understand, but now she did.

“Move!”

Rather than being excited by seeing his face, the mere whisper of his name enough would churn her stomach.

Her heart trembled at the slightest gesture, and her spirit surged at the sound of his voice.

She was swayed by banal words and yearned to hover close by.

“Move!”

Those he treasures mustn’t be hurt for his sake.

It ran contrary to her very being, and for that reason, she wished to protect them.

“Am I foolish?”

If Moyong Hi-ah heard this, she would have likely laughed at her.

No, she would definitely mock her.

How ludicrous it was to fear his sorrow and profess to protect those he cherishes.

Yet, that was the essence of Tang Soyeol’s love.

Swish—!

“Soyeol!”

The blade dug into Tang Soyeol’s thigh, splattering blood as she felt the piercing pain.

With a jolt of fear, she pressed the blade into herself.

The ghastly sound drew the attention of those embroiled in combat.

Even the middle-aged man flinched and halted at the sight.

It was clear he targeted her.

Tang Soyeol thoughtfully contemplated.

“Don’t move.”

Though her mind drifted further into haziness, her words remained clear.

“… If you lay a finger on my sister, I will stab myself right here and die.”

The sharp dagger pressed against her throat sent chills through her veins.

The other glanced over, smirking.

“How foolish. You dare threaten me with your life, child? It’s a lowly performance. Do you truly think it would work on me?”

“I believe it has; that is why you’ve ceased moving.”

The blood dripped down, and though she might faint at any moment, Tang Soyeol grit her teeth and held on.

“Your aim is me, isn’t it? Then I’ll willingly surrender. Just let my sister and my friend go.”

“How audacious for a girl to issue such a threat. Why should I spare them when I could just kill all of you and take you as I please?”

The Black Night Princess scoffed as Tang Soyeol smirked back.

She had to keep her composure.

“Be thankful. That awkward threat of yours actually managed to sway me.”

As the Black Night Princess kicked her, Nangong Bi-ah spat forth black blood.

“While I intended to kill you later, circumstances dictate otherwise.”

With a tinge of regret, she attempted to leave the scene.

Crack—!

Yet, Nangong Bi-ah would not allow the Black Night Princess to pass.

With her pure white hand, she grasped at her ankle.

“Not… going…”

“…Such a foolish girl.”

After all that, she still had some strength left?

Whoosh!

A flick of the tongue sent forth a wave of energy to shove Nangong Bi-ah away.

Bang—!

“Sister!”

“I won’t kill you yet. I’m merely sending you far away. Put it behind you.”

Faced with a rapidly unfolding consequence, the Black Night Princess spoke as she moved on.

Time was of the essence.

As she approached again, Peng Ah-Hee drew her weapon, preparing to counter.

Despite her quivering body and disheveled appearance, she mustered every ounce of energy.

“… Stay back.”

“Since the last time, I see the Late-Stage Talents’ arrogance has grown. Drawing weapons against opponents they cannot reach is not bravery. You’re just a daughter of the Peng Clan.”

Glimpsing those purple eyes that shone like gems, Peng Ah-Hee trembled.

As she did, Tang Soyeol, shaking, caught onto Peng Ah-Hee’s wrist.

“Don’t.”

“… Soyeol…”

Despite Tang Soyeol’s feeble grasp, Peng Ah-Hee’s energy was too easily extinguished.

Consumed by fear, she had succumbed entirely.

The Black Night Princess chuckled, extending her hand, eager to draw Tang Soyeol in.

Upon seeing the dark energy, Tang Soyeol closed her eyes.

Just then—

Tap, tap, tap—!

From behind the Black Night Princess, someone leaped in for an ambush.

It was none other than Cheol Jiseon.

“Ahh—!”

Sword out in a vertical slice, he lunged in with reckless abandon.

The issue was, the Black Night Princess was not someone to be caught off guard by such a clumsily executed move.

She must have sensed it beforehand.

Swish—!

Bang!

“Ggahh…!”

In one swift motion, the released energy knocked Cheol Jiseon away and sent him flying into the bushes.

It appeared like he meant no harm.

However, if any disturbances arose, the Black Night Princess seemed ready to blow up the entire place.

Her expression contorted in irritation.

“If they dare to interfere, I will make sure to kill every last one.”

With an intense anger bubbling underneath, she glared.

Now that only she stood in the way, the matter escalated.

While she had initially found it too easy to deal with Late-Stage Talents, they had ended up wasting her time.

To further delay could lead to complications.

Holding that thought, the Black Night Princess reached forward.

“Now let’s—”

“Gu Jeolyub!”

In an instant, a voice echoed behind her, sending shivers down the Black Night Princess’s spine.

At that moment, she felt an eerie sense of foreboding.

Her immense power had suddenly come under threat as she swerved and grasped instinctively.

“Who…?”

The figure standing there was unmistakably a young man, his black hair and dark eyes giving him a profound aura.

He appeared slightly older than expected, already exceeding a certain level of proficiency.

“I won’t trouble myself by inquiring your name. It’s not of much interest.”

Tua Pacheonmu (Breaking Heaven Technique).

At this, the Princess realized something was amiss.

“Anchor.”

As his fist met the wind, a storm erupted, sending ripples across the mountain like an explosion of immense force.

The impacts resonated throughout Mount Tai.

 

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