Having avoided Bu Eunseol’s murderous gaze, Tang Ryeong stammered.
“G-Gon-ah. For now, go back to the Clear Rising Pavilion with them and rest.”
“Understood.”
The Sichuan Tang Clan.
A prestigious family of Sichuan that had built its reputation over many generations, the Tang Clan originally began as a clan village of artisans specializing in crafting hidden weapons. However, as they crafted various hidden weapons, they naturally became proficient in the techniques of wielding them and began researching poisons to apply to their blades and the corresponding antidotes.
Continuing this legacy unbroken, the Tang Clan became the orthodox martial family of hidden weapons and poison under the heavens, and those who mastered its techniques spread their fame throughout the Murim.
‘It’s vast.’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes shone as he gazed at the expansive interior of the Tang estate. In truth, combining the direct and collateral bloodlines of the Sichuan Tang Clan, there were fewer than a hundred members. However, if one included the external figures and masters of the Outer Court who served the Tang Clan, their scale rivaled that of the Nine Great Sects.
“This is where I stay.”
Tang Gon, guiding them through the pavilion, wore an embarrassed smile.
His residence, the Clear Rising Pavilion, was located in the Outer Court, not the Inner Court where the direct lineage gathered.
“Do not misunderstand. I chose this place because it has a large flower garden… and it is close to the training grounds.”
Tang Gon laughed unpretentiously.
“I suppose it was fate all along. If I had known I would be giving up the position of successor like this, I wouldn’t have needed to train in swordsmanship so arduously…”
A bitter smile lingered on his lips.
Tang Gon was not lacking in martial arts, talent, or temperament. There was no aspect in which he fell short. However, because he was an illegitimate son and faced opposition from those around him, he had been unable to learn the Tang Clan’s Eight Great Secret Arts, which only direct descendants could master.
Because of this, there was no faction within the Tang Clan that supported him, and Tang Gon had been forced to train in swordsmanship instead.
Knock, knock.
At that moment, the low voice of a maidservant came from outside.
“The First Young Master has arrived.”
“Elder Brother? Show him in at once.”
A moment later, with the sound of the door sliding open, Tang Ryeong entered the room, his pale face beaming with a smile.
“Brother.”
Tang Gon, wearing a welcoming expression, bowed politely, and Tang Ryeong smiled broadly.
“Why such stiff formalities between brothers?”
“Then I shall take my leave.”
As Tang Ryeong arrived, Bu Eunseol’s expression hardened, and he turned abruptly to leave.
“P-please do.”
As Bu Eunseol left with Black Leopard, Tang Ryeong watched his retreating figure blankly.
“It seems he dislikes me.”
“Oh, no. His expression and manner of speech are just naturally a bit cold.”
“Was that it?”
“Yes. In reality, he is manly and… a very good person.”
When Tang Gon scratched his head, Tang Ryeong smiled gently.
“Huhu. You have a good friend.”
“Pardon?”
“I heard he risked his life several times to break through the encirclement for you. Such friends are very hard to come by in the Gangho.”
“No.”
Tang Gon shook his head with an embarrassed expression.
“He is not my friend.”
“What do you mean? Just now, he said with his own mouth…”
“We merely made a transaction.”
Tang Gon lowered his head as if ashamed. Seeing that there seemed to be a deeper story, Tang Ryeong quickly changed the subject and extended his arm.
“Sit down first. Let us sit and talk a little. Bring some tea here.”
At Tang Ryeong’s words, the maidservant waiting outside brought warm tea.
Pour.
Tang Ryeong poured tea for Tang Gon himself, smacking his lips and sighing.
“Your face has become even more gaunt in the meantime.”
Taking a sip of tea, Tang Ryeong spoke in a benevolent voice.
“Rest well at the Clear Rising Pavilion for the time being. I will soon persuade Father to put a stop to Tang Bi’s tyranny.”
“It is fine. You need not concern yourself any further.”
“Fine? What do you mean?”
Tang Gon shook his head.
“The reason I returned to the main house is to tell the Patriarch that I will renounce the position of successor.”
“What? Why?”
Tang Gon spoke with a pained expression.
“Am I not a loner anyway? Even if I try to endure, the result will be the same. I will only cause trouble for those around me.”
“But that rascal Tang Bi is one who does not know how to give up.”
Tang Ryeong, as if resolving something, put strength into his eyes and spoke.
“Do not say that; think on it a little longer. I will help you.”
“Pardon?”
“First, I will give you the masters of the Poison Arrow Hall and the Eight Arms Hall under my command.”
At the unexpected proposal, Tang Gon’s eyes widened.
“With that much, you should be able to at least withstand Tang Bi’s clutches while staying in the main house.”
“I cannot do that. How could I take the subordinates under Elder Brother’s command…”
“It is fine.”
Tang Ryeong laughed and patted Tang Gon’s shoulder.
“I will speak well to Father. Rest for now.”
“Thank you, Brother.”
As Tang Ryeong left, Tang Gon could not hide his moved expression.
Click.
Shortly after Tang Ryeong left, Bu Eunseol and Black Leopard entered the room again as if they had been waiting.
Seeing the two, Tang Gon spoke excitedly.
“My eldest brother has agreed to help me!”
“Help you? How exactly does he intend to help?”
When Bu Eunseol furrowed his brow, Tang Gon relayed everything he had discussed with Tang Ryeong.
But something was strange.
“Why… are you looking at me like that?”
Tang Gon realized that not only Bu Eunseol but even Black Leopard was looking at him with pity.
“Did I do something wrong?”
Bu Eunseol sighed as he looked at Tang Gon.
“What kind of person is Tang Ryeong?”
“Elder Brother… although his health is poor, he is a person who always treats those around him with generosity. The reason I can easily give up the position of successor is also because Elder Brother exists…”
Tang Gon’s words did not continue. Bu Eunseol let out a sigh so deep it seemed the ground would collapse.
“No wonder you couldn’t build a faction.”
“What do you mean?”
Black Leopard scratched his head with an awkward expression.
“The Third Young Master is too pure-hearted and trusts others too easily.”
When even Black Leopard said something strange, Tang Gon blinked.
“What does that mean? Surely you two aren’t suspecting Elder Brother?”
Bu Eunseol crossed his arms and furrowed his brow.
“There is only one reason he gives you his forces. Because you are a buffer and a shield that can block Tang Bi.”
“What nonsense is that? Why would Elder Brother, who has the largest faction, need to be wary of Second Brother?”
“The Young Master is right.”
Black Leopard, who had been listening quietly, spoke carefully.
“If the Third Young Master gives up the successor position, Tang Bi can rest easy and focus solely on dealing with the First Master. However, if the Third Young Master remains standing, Tang Bi has to deal with both of you, so his forces and power are divided.”
“Hahaha, that is a stretch.”
“Although I am young, having rolled around as a wandering vagrant in the East Drifter, West Wanderer, I think I know more about conspiracies and schemes than anyone.”
Black Leopard spoke again.
“If the First Master truly worried about the Third Young Master, shouldn’t he have given you not just two halls, but… at least one Royal Guard Squad where the collateral masters are gathered?”
Because Black Leopard was a wandering vagrant who dealt with information, he knew the structure and power dynamics of the Sichuan Tang Clan well.
There was only one way to gain proper power in the Tang Clan: receiving the support of blood relatives who held high positions within the clan. Gaining masters from the Eight Halls and Five Caves, who had no particular voice or authority, was useless.
“I understand well what you are saying.”
Tang Gon turned away with a pained expression.
“But Elder Brother is absolutely not that kind of person.”
Though he said so, his expression showed he had already realized everything. A direct descendant of the Sichuan Tang Clan could not possibly have less observational skill than a young boy like Black Leopard. He had known everything inwardly but had been turning away from reality.
“I’m tired.”
Forcing a bright smile, Tang Gon spoke to Bu Eunseol.
“I will rest a little.”
Though he was smiling, Tang Gon’s eyes were filled with anguish. Born as the third son of the Tang Clan, yet he had no one on his side in this world. He had to shoulder and solve everything alone.
“Give it to me.”
At that moment, Bu Eunseol calmly extended his hand.
Blinking for a moment, Tang Gon made an ah sound.
“Ah, right. Now that everything is over.”
Smiling bitterly, Tang Gon nodded.
“I had forgotten. I will have someone fill the hidden weapons for you soon.”
Then he spoke to Black Leopard again.
“You suffered as well, so I will give you a good gift. Just wait for the time it takes to eat a meal.”
However, Bu Eunseol still did not withdraw his extended hand.
“Do you… need something else?”
“Yes.”
Though momentarily flustered, Tang Gon soon tapped his chest and nodded.
“Just say the word. If it is something I can give… I will give you anything!”
“The Pear Blossom Tree Leaf.”
Bu Eunseol stared intently at Tang Gon.
“Give that to me.”
Tang Gon’s pupils trembled slightly, and the smile hanging on his lips slowly faded.
“Why do you suddenly demand the Pear Blossom Tree Leaf?”
“Wouldn’t it be strange to stay here without receiving the Pear Blossom Tree Leaf?”
Bu Eunseol pointed to the guest quarters.
“If I say I am staying at a friend’s house for a while, no one will kick me out.”
“You are…”
Tang Gon could not hide his moved expression.
Those like him, with much wealth or high status, sometimes found it hard to gain true friends. Because a true friend is someone who stays by your side when you have nothing. When there is no one around you.
Just like now.
Sreuk.
Tang Gon took a Pear Blossom Tree Leaf from his bosom and handed it to Bu Eunseol. Since learning martial arts, his hand had never trembled like this before.
“Hmm.”
Tucking the Pear Blossom Tree Leaf into his robe, Bu Eunseol spoke in a low voice.
“Since I have received this, treat me comfortably from now on. I will also treat you comfortably.”
Having received the Pear Blossom Tree Leaf, Bu Eunseol and Tang Gon had become friends transcending status and formalities.
“Understood.”
As Tang Gon smiled and nodded, Bu Eunseol spoke.
“And I have a request.”
“Gladly. Say anything.”
“Become cold-blooded. Enough to sever even the affection of blood ties.”
Bu Eunseol looked at Tang Gon with a cool gaze.
“At least while I am here.”
“That is…”
“If you do that, you can become a worthy successor of the Tang Clan.”
Tang Gon could not continue speaking. Because what Bu Eunseol said meant that he, too, was joining Tang Gon’s fight for succession.
“I will not say thank you.”
Taking a deep breath, Tang Gon looked at Bu Eunseol and spoke forcefully.
“I will become a friend who is not shameful to you.”
Instead of answering, Bu Eunseol turned away calmly. But a faint smile hung on his lips, just like when he first saw Tang Gon.
***
Water Cloud Pavilion.
Located in the southwest of the Sichuan Tang Clan’s Inner Court, this was where the second son of the Patriarch, Tang Bi, resided.
Bang!
Slamming the rosewood table hard, Tang Bi shouted at the Captain of the Absolute Poison Squad, Tang Sa-woon.
“Didn’t you say you could definitely stop them!”
“I have no face to show.”
Tang Sa-woon spoke in a low voice with his head bowed.
“I predicted that the First Young Master would see the Patriarch… but I did not know the Patriarch would permit it.”
“And you call yourself the Captain of the Absolute Poison Squad? If you predicted that, you should have prepared countermeasures!”
He was truly twisting and wringing him like a rag. Tang Bi was blaming Tang Sa-woon entirely for failing to kill Tang Gon at this opportunity.
‘Why did Father designate the Second Young Master as a successor?’
Tang Sa-woon, head bowed, thought this while letting Tang Bi’s nagging flow in one ear and out the other. Tang Bi had excellent talent for martial arts, but his personality was impatient and fierce. Because of this, his subordinates always had to walk on eggshells around him, constantly anxious.
“Anyway, that bastard Tang Gon has entered the main house. What do you intend to do now?”
Only after venting his anger for a long time did Tang Bi ask coldly, seemingly having cooled down a bit.
Tang Sa-woon came to his senses only then and answered immediately.
“He entered the main house, but wasn’t it truly a narrow escape from death?”
“So?”
“Surely the Third Young Master will see the Patriarch and declare that he will renounce the position of successor.”
“Hmm…”
As if deep in thought, Tang Bi stroked his chin with furrowed brows.
“Elder Brother won’t leave him be, will he? And that guy has someone named Bu… something beside him, right?”
“No matter how great a figure he is, this is the Tang Clan. In a succession struggle, the power of external forces has little meaning.”
To become the successor, one had to receive the support of blood relatives within the Tang Clan, not external forces. Even if Tang Gon brought the Martial Righteous Alliance Leader, he would be powerless in the selection of the successor.
“Still…”
Tang Bi glared at Tang Sa-woon and spoke in a chilling voice.
“What if that bastard doesn’t give up the successor position?”