Chapter 708
The Tang Clan had been abducting orphans for human experimentation.
One day, the news spread throughout the Central Plains.
One of the Four Great Clans, responsible for distributing iron resources in the Central Plains.
Before the Blood Demon War, it was classified as a demonic faction, but after repelling the Blood Calamity, it ascended to the righteous faction.
Now, it was one of the pillars of the righteous faction that many had believed in and followed.
The guardian of Sichuan.
The Sichuan Tang Clan.
Many were shocked to learn they had committed such unimaginable atrocities.
Rumors said that countless children’s corpses, along with demon beast corpses, were piled up in the Tang Clan’s hidden underground.
When the Martial Alliance checked the records, they claimed that experiments had been ongoing for over a century.
A century.
One hundred years.
How many children had died over those hundred years?
People were furious, seething with rage.
The Poison King offered no justifications and sealed the gates, yet the anger of the people did not subside.
They demanded that the Tang Clan be made a public enemy of the Martial World.
Not content with merely expelling them, they called for their execution as a demonic faction.
While the people yearned for the alliance to take action, the Martial Alliance ultimately did not.
It was discovered that the elders acted without the current Poison King’s knowledge, and subsequently, he executed the elders for a self-imposed judgment.
Judging their past merits in safeguarding the Central Plains as a Four Great Clan, he decided not to execute them.
However, they restricted the exclusive transactions that had been ongoing through the alliance.
In the future, during the voting to elect the new leader of the Martial Alliance, the Tang Clan would be stripped of their right to participate for three generations.
Though the Martial Alliance issued these punishments to the Tang Clan, they weren’t overly harsh by any means.
In fact, they seemed quite lenient for the situation.
Considering they had committed such heinous acts, the clans doing business with the Tang Clan would naturally withdraw on their own.
Since the Tang Clan had never intervened in the affairs of the Martial Alliance, many deemed the punishments merely performative.
The public saw that while the Tang Clan had indeed committed sins, the Martial Alliance was offering consideration for past labors.
The Tang Clan had killed numerous lives for the purpose of human experimentation.
Yet, the Martial Alliance was trying to gloss over it.
Discussions surrounding the issue continued unabated.
Only the aftermath of various incidents had managed to dampen suspicions against the Martial Alliance.
However, the Tang Clan was not in the same boat.
“Damn them. I feel guilty for believing that Sichuan was safe because of them.”
“It’s the Four Great Clans and the righteous faction. How could they commit such vile acts while riding on those titles?”
“Did the Poison King truly not know anything about this? Does that even make sense?”
The standing of the Tang Clan sank lower day by day.
They claimed that the Poison King and his bloodline had no involvement in the incident, but fewer and fewer believed that.
How could a clan’s affairs unfold without the knowledge of its lord?
They doubted it; even if it were true, they wouldn’t believe it.
In their minds, the Tang Clan had become that type of place.
“Of course, it’s a place of poison, so it’s shady.”
“After all, it was founded by a demonic faction. The alliance merely turned a blind eye.”
“Now, there’s talk of the Clan’s noble standing, but it was founded by assassins. It was never a place to trust.”
Countless voices echoed the sentiments.
Curses for their clan.
Curses for the Poison King.
Even curses directed at themselves.
The fallen noble house.
The Sichuan Tang Clan.
Every time the bloodline of the Tang Clan, Poison Phoenix Tang Soyeol, heard such things, she wanted to ask.
“Why are you not speaking up?”
She wanted to ask her father, the Poison King, so many things.
But she couldn’t.
As the Poison King made his choice, he told his children.
“Even if we are innocent, being born into the bloodline means sharing the burden of the clan’s sins.”
Not knowing about the internal matters was the sin of the clan leader.
There were no excuses.
Moreover, it was sadly true that a father’s sin became the children’s sin.
That’s the nature of responsibility.
So, she resolved to bear it.
Though she felt unjust and mournful, Tang Soyeol ultimately could not find the words.
What was she unjust about?
Hadn’t the Poison King said the clan’s sin is the leader’s sin, which inevitably becomes the bloodline’s sin?
Being kept in the clan’s embrace, Tang Soyeol was no different.
She knew nothing, just being a bloodline and a Late-Stage Talent. This was not a world where such things mattered.
Countless folks turned their backs.
Countless folks hurled insults at them.
Honestly, Tang Soyeol felt that she wasn’t particularly scared.
If this truly was her sin, then those who cursed her must also accept it.
It didn’t hurt.
What frightened her was something else entirely.
What if.
What if by some chance.
“What if that person gets hurt too?”
She feared that the dear ones around her might suffer because of this.
Even if her life crumbled.
She dreaded the thought of them being harmed in the ruins.
The world was dark.
While the lights surrounding her were so brilliant, her own place was plunged into utter darkness. If she lost even the name of the noble house she barely held onto and brought harm instead—
What could she give him?
There was nothing.
Many could offer their love, but with this crude heart alone, she couldn’t stand beside him.
She knew this painfully well.
Perhaps he would understand.
He was that kind of person.
But with that single understanding, she was not strong enough to endure it.
Fortunately, there was, at least, an opportunity.
—I shall turn you into a monster.
A figure came to her in the night.
The number one assassin of the Central Plains, now her master, the King of Demons.
He said he would take her on as a disciple at the request of her father.
He also said to speak up if she didn’t want that.
He warned her that his teaching method would be very rough and cruel, and that it would be nothing compared to the pain she felt all her life.
She didn’t understand.
Why was the King of Demons coming to her with such words?
She found it incomprehensible.
—Thank you for your consideration.
From the start, there was only one choice.
Tang Soyeol chose to become the disciple of the King of Demons.
That was the only way she could take.
Time passed.
As the King of Demons had warned, it was an agonizing time.
How many times had she died?
She had countless experiences that literally meant death.
“Become numb to death.”
She grew numb.
It took her a year to become desensitized to death and to lose her fear of pain.
“Become numb to killing.”
She grew numb.
It took another year for her to become indifferent to killing her foes.
“Not bad.”
Finally, when she had killed many and her eyes no longer faltered, it was the first praise the King of Demons gave her.
At that moment, she realized that many things had changed.
Not only her realm but also something within herself had transformed.
How much time had passed?
According to him, it was barely two years. But to Tang Soyeol, it felt much longer.
In the world made by the King of Demons, much was twisted. Perhaps even time itself was like that.
Countless children’s corpses piled at her feet.
Even if this were an illusion created by the King of Demons, she felt nothing looking at it.
“How far I’ve fallen.”
Tang Soyeol judged herself.
But did she regret it?
Not at all.
“…Ah….”
The mingling of others’ blood and her own tears flowed.
Her heart raced.
Now she felt she could be by his side.
The once-dreamed realm and the ruined self no longer mattered to her.
For Tang Soyeol, that was everything.
Saah-! She walked out from the world she had been trapped in.
The darkness receded, and the blood smeared on her body washed away.
A tranquil night and the moon arrived.
The King of Demons turned to Tang Soyeol and said.
“Descend.”
“Yes.”
Only now could she finally see him.
A buzz enveloped her ears.
Under the tightly packed audience, Tang Soyeol stood on the Sparring Stage.
Set up by the Martial Alliance for the Shinryong Martial Arts Tournament.
She was there for that festival.
The fresh air brushed against her nose.
The weather was remarkably fine.
At the same time, the sounds came from all directions.
“It’s Poison Phoenix. They said she was participating in the tournament, and it seems it’s true.”
“Poison Phoenix? Then, she must be of the Tang Clan?”
“Look at that hair.”
Tang Soyeol’s dark green hair.
Even her light green eyes validated her lineage as a member of the Tang Clan.
“Tsk.”
Someone clicked their tongue at the sight.
“She’s got some nerve, baring her face here.”
“How repulsive.”
“Is she really here to perform at the alliance’s festival? Has she lost her mind?”
Everyone grimaced as they recalled the actions of the Tang Clan.
The voice, mixed with heated emotion, rippled through the surroundings.
They all voiced their disdain.
While listening to such words, Tang Soyeol wore a calm expression.
Was she unfazed?
She appeared like a sinner keeping silent.
Or was she merely enjoying the breeze?
The person facing her opened their mouth.
“How about you step down while you can?”
Upon hearing those words, Tang Soyeol looked at her opponent.
Yu Tan-Geom.
Tang Soyeol’s sparring partner chuckled as she observed her.
“I was worried it might be too brutal for a young girl to accept.”
Voices erupted all around her.
It was too rough and cruel for a woman who hadn’t even reached adulthood yet.
“If it’s now, I’d consider letting you retreat easily.”
Rather than losing and stepping down from the Sparring Stage, it was somewhat better to withdraw with less pressure.
As Yu Tan-Geom implied that, Tang Soyeol let out a soft laugh.
“Pfft.”
Yu Tan-Geom’s expression crinkled at her laughter.
“You’re laughing?”
“Thank you for your concern. I appreciate your kind heart.”
“Hah!”
At Tang Soyeol’s behavior, Yu Tan-Geom snorted derisively.
“Truly shameless, fitting for the child of a sinner.”
Her demeanor flipped.
“I thought I’d give you a little leeway since I see many enemies, but it seems unnecessary now.”
“Yes, I don’t think you need to worry about that.”
“Last time I messed up, but you can’t possibly think you will win, can you?”
Merely being in this spot faced against Tang Soyeol troubled Yu Tan-Geom.
All she had going for her was being a Late-Stage Talent.
And defeating a woman of her status didn’t mean much.
‘At least, public sentiment has turned against them.’
The Tang Clan’s reputation.
Even if she was just a young Late-Stage Talent, defeating such a woman would elevate her standing.
‘She seems to have some skill, but that’s all.’
She momentarily forgot that the Tang Clan’s martial arts were specialized for assassins.
That’s why she had fallen for Tang Soyeol’s trick.
Yu Tan-Geom thought.
Swish.
As Yu Tan-Geom drew her sword, she declared.
“Girl, you’ve made a grave mistake.”
No sooner had she lifted her sword than the air changed around them.
The swirling wind calmed down.
“In that condition, you shouldn’t have shown your skills in front of me. If you had, there might have been a chance.”
She had assessed the situation completely.
Tang Soyeol had no further chances.
“You won’t get a second chance. So step down now….”
“There you go again with the long-winded speeches. It’s getting a bit noisy.”
Tang Soyeol interrupted Yu Tan-Geom’s words.
“You little!!”
Yu Tan-Geom finally lost her patience and released her killing intent.
HUUUUK—!!!
The pressure emanating from Yu Tan-Geom engulfed the entire Sparring Stage.
The audience gasped in admiration.
“…Just seeing it makes my hands tremble. Is this the real deal of Transformation Realm?”
“While Wind Forest’s Honorary Fist was quite remarkable, Yu Tan-Geom’s level is indeed another league.”
Not long after crossing the realm, Wind Forest’s Honorary Fist was, too, a Transformation Realm martial artist, but Yu Tan-Geom was on another level.
The space around them twisted.
Rifts appeared, and afterimages hung in the void.
Only with her energy could she influence the surroundings.
That was the Transformation Realm.
“Do you believe in that fair face? Or are you counting on your talent in poison techniques? Look me in the eye; I am Yu Tan-Geom.”
She aimed her sword at Tang Soyeol.
“What could you possibly accomplish in such an open space? You have no chance of winning.”
“…”
As Yu Tan-Geom spoke, Tang Soyeol glanced around.
Her words were true; there was nothing around.
An open view that was refreshing enough to ease one’s eyes.
With the clear weather, she couldn’t even hide.
For an assassin, these were the worst conditions.
As Tang Soyeol surveyed the area, her gaze fell upon someone.
Those two eyes quietly observing the scene.
Gu Yangcheong, whose unreadable expression was fixed on her.
He stood there with arms crossed, watching intently.
She even noticed his arms tremble slightly.
It seemed he was forcing himself to endure something.
At the sight, Tang Soyeol smiled.
Though he seemed gruff and sharp, his eyes were always attuned to his surroundings.
What a considerate person.
At first, she had only been enchanted by his appearance.
But now, it didn’t matter if his image became as thick as a dragon or a saint.
She must have loved him for who he was.
That, she believed.
So.
“I will show you.”
That he no longer needs to worry about her.
Removing her gaze from Gu Yangcheong, Tang Soyeol focused back on Yu Tan-Geom.
“You’re right.”
“Huh?”
“There really is nothing here. But, that’s not much of a problem for me.”
As she spoke, Tang Soyeol pulled something from her sleeve.
It was a dagger—not just one, but dozens.
With dual short swords and a handful of daggers, Tang Soyeol raised them.
Crrr—! Clang—!
“What the?”
She tossed all the items she held onto the ground.
“…What are you doing?”
Yu Tan-Geom asked in disbelief, yet Tang Soyeol checked herself one last time and then smiled.
“I’m ready now.”
“…”
“I promise you, when I face you, I will not employ any hidden weapons. No poison, of course.”
“Hahaha….”
In response to Tang Soyeol’s words, Yu Tan-Geom burst into laughter.
As she laughed, her face twisted more grotesquely.
“So, you’re toying with me.”
“Yes.”
“…You little brat…!”
Grghghghh-! The distinct sword intent surged from Yu Tan-Geom’s sword.
“Very well. To insult me so thoroughly… I too will make a promise.”
Amid the suffocating pressure, Yu Tan-Geom spoke with deadly intent.
“I will surely mar your pretty face.”
Despite holding back her anger, Tang Soyeol smiled once more.
“I’ll be looking forward to it.”
Crack.
As Yu Tan-Geom took a deep breath to steady herself, both took their positions.
The referee watched them with a hint of concern.
Both of them got into stance.
The referee silently whispered.
“Begin.”
With that, the battle was announced.
Even though the command was given, Yu Tan-Geom did not move.
She made no dash.
She was not careless.
She had no idea what might come next.
After their previous encounter, she was certain of it.
Leaving aside the human Yu Tan-Geom, the martial artist Yu Tan-Geom was incomprehensible.
Tang Soyeol was a formidable presence.
No matter how unfavorable the situation was for an assassin, she mustn’t let her guard down.
While she held her guard high, Yu Tan-Geom focused her sword on Tang Soyeol.
“Did you know?”
Tang Soyeol spoke in a calm voice.
“I dislike clear skies.”
“…What are you saying all of a sudden?”
Disliking the sky? It was too random of a statement.
“Just as you said, there’s no place to hide. I came to realize that I am not someone who can be a light. Since then, I have come to hate clear skies.”
“Huh?”
Was this a distraction to lower her guard?
But the more she listened, Yu Tan-Geom’s sense of caution only heightened.
“Right, I can’t be a light. Even my master told me so.”
Thoughts of the King of Demons returned to her.
After asking how to shine brighter, the King of Demons had said that he didn’t know how to be a light.
Once you become an assassin, you could never be a light, and you must forget how to do so.
Shining brighter was not their role.
“So, what am I to do?” Tang Soyeol asked, feeling stifled, and the King of Demons answered her as such.
“If you can’t be a light, then become a greater darkness.”
To become the darkness that can devour light; that was what he advocated.
The King of Demons surely said so, but Tang Soyeol wasn’t fond of that either.
“It’s truly awful, really. The light is warm, and it’s right next to me. I can’t just devour it.”
“What are you getting at…?”
“So, I’ve decided to become the shade.”
Not being able to be the light and not wanting to devour it.
Then, she thought, she would be the shade so that light can rest.
Isn’t that another form of darkness?
A darkness that spreads to allow the light to take a break.
That’s right, being the shade was sufficient.
After playing hard, when she became tired and wanted to rest for a bit.
Just like a tree in the forest that blocks the sunlight to let you lean back and catch a breath.
Tang Soyeol resolved to become that kind of darkness.
That she would stand alongside him, shield him, and be the shade he could lean on anytime.
This was her proof of that.
Tang Soyeol extended her hand.
“…!”
Yu Tan-Geom flinched!
In anticipation of what might happen, she exuded her sword intent, but little did she know that this wasn’t something to react against.
Tang Soyeol murmured as she looked at her.
“Manmabyeokyuktanjeong (萬耱壁六誕定).”
And at that very moment.
Kwariaah—!!!
Tang Soyeol’s shadow unfurled its domain and enveloped the sparring stage.
Instantly, a black veil draped over the stage.
“What the…!”
Her vision was blocked.
Yu Tan-Geom, swallowed by the darkness, looked around in panic.
She could see nothing.
Instinctively, she unleashed her Qi Perception.
Tang Soyeol’s presence was nowhere to be found.
Fwoosh-!
“Geh?!”
From behind Yu Tan-Geom, something pierced through her body.
It wasn’t a sword.
It was a hand.
“Gah…!”
Yu Tan-Geom looked down at herself, blood pouring from her wound.
In the pitch darkness, despite seeing nothing, strangely enough, the pure white hand piercing through her body was clear as day.
Swoosh-!
The hand withdrew again.
Her heart was pierced.
Thud—! Yu Tan-Geom collapsed immediately.
Was this death? Yu Tan-Geom felt a chill of death.
As she was slowly falling, a soft voice whispered in her ear.
“Once.”
Tang Soyeol said as she gazed at Yu Tan-Geom.
Now, just once.
Her hell still had five more times to go.
