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As dawn approached after a long night.

In the suddenly lowered atmosphere, the schedule continued.

Due to the incident caused by the Heavenly Demon, the branch’s alert level rose sharply.

The problem was that while the alert increased, there were hardly any countermeasures in place.

Thus, the chosen method was one.

“I have come to see the branch leader…”

“I am here to see the Tang Clan Leader…”

Asking for help. I sent a letter to the Poison King, explaining the situation and asking for assistance, and the Poison King accepted the request, albeit with various conditions.

Anyway, he’s an impressive guy. I almost got my spine taken out if I let my guard down.

“Still, he did come willingly, so I can’t complain.”

This incident was not a bad situation for the Poison King either.

The Tang Clan, intoxicated by the sins of their predecessors, was now stepping forward at the Martial Alliance’s request.

That in itself was a considerable advantage.

“I’ve let it loose among the Beggar Clan, so… it won’t take long to spread.”

Cheol Jiseon was running around day and night for a reason related to that.

“I need to make a move before the end of the year, at the latest.”

Re-entering the four great clans might be a bit of a stretch, but we would soon be among the great houses.

After all, the Tang Clan possessed knowledge other clans couldn’t dare to match.

I expected that it wouldn’t be long before they found their footing.

“Tang Clan has sovereignty over both iron and poison.”

While other places can do a bit with iron, when it comes to poison, the Tang Clan excels.

In the first place, the Tang Clan rose to prominence more through influence than brute force, unlike the Moyong Clan.

“…Ahem.”

The Poison King looked a bit flustered and glanced at me.

It seemed unusual that someone other than Mokriseon was the branch leader.

“Ah, that gentleman has passed away.”

So, I spoke frankly.

“…What…?”

“When I found out that he was making secret deals with Gyecheon Sect, I killed him yesterday and took his place.”

“…”

When I briefly explained, his expression crumpled even further. He looked like I had just told him something utterly insane.

“Nevertheless, I sincerely thank you for your assistance, Tang Clan Leader.”

“…No, it’s not ‘nevertheless’…”

The Poison King began to ask something, paused, and then sighed.

What can I say? He had an expression that conveyed he didn’t want to get tangled up in this. It stung a bit.

“Then, what should I call you…?”

“Since I am the branch leader, you may call me Seong Do-gyeom.”

“…Seong Branch Leader.”

“Yes, yes. Thank you, Tang Clan Leader.”

Now it was Seong Do-gyeom who looked puzzled. He probably never imagined he’d end up in a lower position and conversing with the Poison King like this.

“I have prepared support from the main sect as requested by the alliance, but… due to the current circumstances, there’s not a lot of manpower.”

As I listened to him, I stole glances at the Poison King.

This guy isn’t one to miss out on his own benefits.

“It means, we’re not the ones initiating help; it’s your request that moves us.”

That was subtly hinted at as well.

Moreover, he implied that due to the current situation, manpower was limited.

The Tang Clan’s situation isn’t ideal, yet they’ve come to help the Martial Alliance. That’s what lay beneath his words.

Truly…

“…This guy is definitely the Clan Leader.”

More than being an exceptional martial artist, he was the kind of man that a clan leader should be. The Poison King was certainly that way.

Typically, conversations between superiors involve some subtle power struggles.

What was concerning here was…

“Ah, I really appreciate the consideration.”

Seong Do-gyeom was merely a good man, but he lacked experience in this area.

And it seemed that the Poison King also caught onto that. His eyebrows twitched slightly.

Not good.

“…Then, although it’s not an actual exchange…”

The Poison King’s eyes sparkled as he began to speak. Seeing this, I clicked my tongue inwardly.

“In return, we’ve placed firm conditions on our end.”

“…!”

When I suddenly interjected, the Poison King’s expression furrowed.

“We temporarily relaxed the unofficial ban on trade with the Tang Clan in Sichuan, and in exchange for providing manpower, we agreed to secretly supply the red demon stones obtained under the pretense of hunting for three months.”

“…”

As I spoke, the Poison King’s expression grew more bizarre.

The emotion buried within him seemed to be betrayal.

‘What’s he doing right now?’

He shot me a deadly glare, likely thinking that I was on his side…

‘That isn’t entirely wrong, but it definitely feels odd right now.’

I had my own stance.

Once I appointed Seong Do-gyeom as the branch leader, there was no way I could let this slip through.

“…I believe you are aware of the terms set.”

Pinpointing that opening in his argument seemed to have made the Poison King realize something.

“Yes, as the Star King just mentioned. That’s a different story.”

“What do you mean?”

“The unspoken matters, in the end, imply that they were not officially recognized. Introducing this as a term is unreasonable.”

He acknowledged that the Tang Clan made a mistake, but since it was unspoken, it was illogical to hold that against them.

That’s the Poison King’s stance.

“However, Tang Clan Leader, no one can overlook the public’s perception. The Martial Alliance is no different. Also, the reason it was passed as unspoken was to mitigate the harm to the Tang Clan when it’s formalized.”

I wouldn’t retreat even a step. After a few exchanges back and forth,

-…What are we doing right now?

The Poison King couldn’t hold it any longer and sent me a mental message.

-…I have my own reasons for this, too.

-So, you want to fight until the end?

-Not exactly.

Barely scratching my cheek, I replied.

-For now, please continue as is. I have my own thoughts on this.

Not revealing my reasoning was likely the best course of action, but if we went on like this, it felt like the Poison King would be seriously offended, so I offered him a slight help.

It was a trivial statement, but I believed that the Poison King would catch on.

“Then, are you hoping this will all be forgotten?”

Just as expected, the Poison King responded immediately with strength.

He stood up from his seat, and seeing that, I grabbed him.

“…Please calm down.”

“Calm down? What kind of behavior is this towards someone who came to help? It would be better to consider this matter void.”

“Phew….”

I let out a small sigh while glancing at Seong Do-gyeom.

“…Then, what does the Tang Clan Leader desire?”

At this point, I’d concede. It felt like the right attitude to take.

My words made the Poison King pause. With narrowed eyes, he said to me,

“Open the path to the front line for the Tang Clan.”

“…”

Hearing the Poison King’s words, I had to narrow my eyes this time.

“The front line?”

“Yes. Even if it’s temporary, I hope you will open it.”

“Um….”

The front line is a region located somewhat away from Mount Shan.

Most of it is managed by the Gu Clan, but it’s also a place that families belonging to the Righteous Faction visit occasionally.

It’s a necessary task for families that form a sword team.

Moreover, it stands as a “symbol” for the esteemed houses.

Visiting the front line signifies proof that one’s clan belongs to an esteemed family of the Righteous Faction.

Particularly in the current situation, it’s even more significant.

‘I heard that the frequency of red demon beasts has increased as well.’

I hadn’t heard much due to being out and about, but since the advent of the red demon beasts, changes had occurred in the front line too.

The entrance’s level for those entering had risen, and the level of danger had increased, necessitating a reconfiguration of our strategy.

‘What’s he after…?’

I wondered what he aimed to gain from this, but it seemed the Poison King was seeking legitimacy.

Heading straight to the front line is risky, but it can certainly satisfy one’s honor.

Given the high risk, it should be easy for the alliance to accept as well.

However…

“…That’s something I… no, that is beyond the authority of the Sichuan branch.”

It wasn’t just any place, it was the Tang Clan, and revealing my position wasn’t an option.

“I know that. Hence, I am only asking you to relay my words.”

“Relay your words…?”

The Tang Clan is requesting the return to the front line. It seemed they wanted me to communicate that to the main sect.

How absurd.

The more we talked, the more ridiculous it became.

‘This guy must have swapped something around.’

It seemed that the initial request was different from the current one.

The reason for this thought was clear.

‘This is directed at me.’

This was less about Seong Do-gyeom or the branch itself and more about me.

I surmised it was because he understood I would convey the message to the main sect.

Not just anyone else, but I, personally, would ask the main sect, and they would likely entertain the issue.

It was clear that the Poison King was asking me to relay that.

‘This guy’s crafty.’

He’s a sly old man. His daughter is adorably like a squirrel, but what about him?

-This time, I won’t let it slide.

“…”

I initially thought of her as a squirrel, but that just made me lose my words.

‘…Not quite a squirrel?’

That’s not quite it; she wasn’t just adorable.

In any case…

“…I will relay your message.”

“Thank you.”

Communicating it seemed to be feasible after all.

Honestly, it was time for the Tang Clan to make its move, so it looked fine as a public stance.

“…”

Seong Do-gyeom’s expression was mysterious after observing the conversation.

‘Has he figured it out?’

There were several rounds of subtle power plays during the recent exchange, and I hoped Seong Do-gyeom had caught a glimpse of the Poison King’s intentions.

That was why I had ensnared the Poison King and repeated this tedious conversation.

“It was a good talk.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

When the conversation concluded, the Poison King rose from his seat. I did likewise.

Stopping Seong Do-gyeom since he seemed to want to follow, I didn’t allow it. The two of them had something to discuss.

As soon as we stepped outside, the Poison King turned to me and asked,

“Is he an important figure?”

He was referring to Seong Do-gyeom.

“No, not really.”

“Then why go to such lengths?”

The Poison King seemed to have caught onto why I created such a situation.

Rubbing my cheek, I replied.

“I had to force him to sit due to my own responsibilities. Anyway, thank you for your help.”

“Seong Branch Leader… his name is Seong Do-gyeom.”

“Will you remember?”

“I doubt I will forget.”

I succeeded in embedding Seong Do-gyeom’s name in the Poison King’s mind.

Assessing that, I spoke in a hushed tone.

“Ah, Clan Leader.”

“Yes?”

“The preparations for the Upper House are nearly complete. Once we sufficiently gather supplies, we will proceed. Ideally along with the opening of the path.”

“…Is that so?”

“I’m aiming for a timeline within this year, but it would be best to expedite it.”

“I will try my best…”

“Yes. I appreciate that.”

Once the Poison Heavenly Pill is complete, it will be made public through the opening of the path.

The Tang Clan has completed the Spirit Pill of the past. They will sell it commercially.

The high-tier spirit pills from the Daehwan Clan couldn’t be bought with money, so it raises questions about what changes might occur if they can be purchased.

‘Furthermore, if the Tang Clan returns to the front line…’

Leaving aside the sins, the Tang Clan itself re-establishing its prominence didn’t seem too difficult.

‘What worries me is the amount I need to bet on creating the Poison Heavenly Pill.’

If the infamous Poison King gets tired after making a few, then how do I handle that?

‘There has to be some viable method…’

“Gu Gongja.”

“…Yes?”

Lost in thought about methods, I barely snapped back to reality at the Poison King’s voice. I waited for his next words.

“Is the Heavenly Demon strong?”

“…”

I was taken aback by the unexpected question.

“…Why are you asking all of a sudden?”

Could he have caught on to something like my daughter? Cold sweat began to prick my skin.

“I’m just curious because I’ve heard many things. I’m worried too, and since you’ve met him, I thought to ask.”

Fortunately, it didn’t seem like he had caught on. Still, it was a difficult question to answer.

“Well…”

Is he strong…?

‘Should I say he is strong?’

Generally speaking, I suppose he is, but saying that aloud felt odd.

Saying he isn’t would sound strange as well.

I pondered for some time before finally answering.

“…He is strong.”

Swallowing my embarrassment, the Poison King nodded at my response.

“I see… If you’re that nervous when speaking of him, he must indeed be quite strong.”

“…”

It wasn’t nervousness; it was embarrassment from holding back the truth. But the Poison King seemed to misunderstand.

‘…Endure. It’s not an ill-spoken word.’

For now, that wasn’t the truth.

Sooner or later, it would become factual.

The Heavenly Demon is strong.

Those rumors would gradually spread.

Not just strong, but…

‘The Heavenly Demon is stronger than the Three Eminent Beings.’

In this vast world, there is no one stronger than the Heavenly Demon.

And so, the story would be spread in all directions.

This would be my doing too.

 

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