Chapter 52
Chapter 52: Third-rate Martial Family Becomes the Best Under Heaven
A secluded basin lay nestled within the deep mountain folds. At its center burned a crackling campfire, encircled by provisions stacked as high as a hillock.
Fastened to the topmost bundle, a pennant flapped vigorously against the biting mountain wind, bearing six finely stitched characters: [Sichuan’s Great Tang Clan (四川之大唐家)].
“Young Lord. Are you experiencing any discomfort?”
A man with a severe countenance directed the inquiry toward the youth resting beside him.
Tang Gun, the young lord of the clan, had been staring vacantly into the dancing embers. Jerking himself awake from his reverie, he responded promptly.
“Not in the slightest, Chief of the First Poison. I am perfectly hale.”
Though they had traversed a grueling stretch all the way from Sichuan, his tone remained resilient and firm.
The Chief of the First Poison offered him an affectionate grin.
Just as expected of our Young Lord. He possesses the mettle of a true man.
Escort guards often traded an old adage:
A single day of forced marching requires three days of respite; a three-day trek demands ten; and a ten-day journey insists upon a whole month to mend.
Such words reflected the harsh toll exacted by roughing it in the wilderness.
If even battle-tested, weathered escorts withered under such strain, how much more taxing must it prove for a lad of barely fifteen, only just beginning his classical studies?
He had braved the perilous Jiange Pass, tramping across wilderness and slumbering beneath the open heavens for over two months. For a boy making his maiden voyage into the martial world, the fatigue had to be settled deep in his marrow.
Only three paths connected Sichuan to the eastern realms beyond its borders.
One could advance toward the ancient Three Kingdoms stronghold of Hanzhong to pass into Shaanxi Province.
One could challenge Jiange Pass, renowned for the terrifying wooden trestles suspended over abyss-like precipices.
Or one could board a vessel and navigate the famous Three Gorges of the Yangtze downward toward Hubei Province.
Out of those avenues, Tang Gun, alongside the First Poison unit and the remaining Tang Clan entourage, had resolved to tread the sheer suspended trestles of Jiange.
“A warrior traversing the jianghu must constantly guard against the perils of sleeping exposed to the elements. Should you drop your vigilance simply because you cultivate internal arts, hidden sickness will seep straight into your bones. The second you detect the slightest malaise, inform me at once.”
Having been deprived of his father during his tender years, Tang Gun shouldered an obligation vastly disproportionate to his age.
The Chief of the First Poison spoke with genuine concern, and Tang Gun was deeply appreciative of such care.
“I will bear that in mind. My thanks, Chief of the First Poison.”
Tang Gun responded with vigor, yet an instant later, a subdued breath escaped his lips.
“Above all else, my mind cannot rest wondering when we will finally tear that degenerate Sex-Crazed Fox limb from limb.”
Degenerate. Such an uncouth term hardly suited the scion of a distinguished lineage, let alone its presumptive heir.
Even so, the Chief of the First Poison offered no correction.
He was in complete accord that the Sex-Crazed Fox was a contemptible creature, and disciples of the Tang Clan had never been celebrated for mild or passive dispositions anyway.
“We ought to have pinned him down and ended his breath back at Jiange Pass. Now that we have crossed beyond Sichuan, hunting him down has turned into a wretched chore.”
Though the prestige of the Tang Clan ascended with each passing day, that authority held sway strictly within the borders of Sichuan.
Once outside their home territory, they commanded no underground intelligence apparatus to lean upon, nor did they have influential allies to petition for aid.
Tang Gun let slip a self-mocking grin.
We may style ourselves a noble lineage, but is this the true ceiling for an upstart martial clan?
Being a man of few words, the Chief of the First Poison found himself at a loss for consoling phrases.
In his stead, the Vice Chief of the Poison and Medicine Hall, who had accompanied the expedition, chimed in.
“Do not fret excessively, Young Lord. After all, one of our key purposes on this venture is to scout an optimal location to plant an external branch beyond our territory.”
When measured against the wider realm, Sichuan was essentially an isolated enclave.
The surging Yangtze River snaked along its perimeter like a natural moat, which spoke volumes of its seclusion.
Even if central Sichuan boasted rich and bountiful soils, every thoroughfare running eastward was treacherous, grievously impeding both transit and commerce.
“Word spreads that the Sex-Crazed Fox was spotted retreating in the direction of Jiangxi. That circumstance plays in our favor. Beyond anything else, Jiangxi lacks a monolithic martial sect wielding absolute dominion over the region.”
“That may well be a boon, but… did you not also mention that dark-path sects crawl across the area in equal numbers? That would afford him just as many shadows to burrow into.”
Tang Gun clenched his jaw tightly.
“By my dignity as young lord, I vow not to set foot back home until I have steeped that vile mongrel in venom and snuffed him out! To think he dared purloin an aphrodisiac brewed for venomous beasts simply to prey upon women!”
Although concocted for lesser creatures, the mixture still triggered an abnormal reaction when ingested by humans.
In particular, it agitated yin energy.
That was the very reason the Sex-Crazed Fox—a scoundrel who used violence against women regardless—had gone out of his way to pilfer the substance and administer it to his victims.
“Even so, we can consider it a stroke of luck that the filthy brute cannot master his cravings even while on the run. That flaw alone keeps our pursuit from running cold.”
“The Chief of the First Poison remarks wisely, Young Lord. Rushing blindly is far worse than steady patience. Settle your thoughts.”
Tang Gun inclined his head at the counsel offered by his two elders.
To a green youth taking his initial strides into the jianghu, the guidance of seasoned veterans was as priceless as polished gold and fine jade.
Yet, owing to his youth, nagging doubts inevitably lingered.
“Apprehending the Sex-Crazed Fox is one hurdle, but what comes afterward poses another dilemma entirely. Where beneath heaven are we supposed to establish our branch?”
For the Tang Clan, founding a stronghold outside Sichuan was not a mere ambition; it was an imperative for survival.
Within the interior of Sichuan, further territorial growth was entirely choked off.
The cause was glaringly obvious.
Since ancient eras, Sichuan had belonged to Emei and Qingcheng.
“In order to slip past the restrictions laid down by Emei and Qingcheng, founding an external branch is vital. It is no hyperbole to claim that the survival and prosperity of our clan rest upon this campaign.”
Tang Gun gnawed his lip, muttering beneath his breath.
“If only our clan were not fettered by those cursed irons…”
Even while hemmed in by Emei and Qingcheng—both prominent pillars of the Nine Sects—Sichuan remained vast, and the Tang Clan stood out as the most explosively rising martial powerhouse in modern memory.
Put plainly, had they resolved to disregard the pressure and forcefully widen their domain, they possessed the martial caliber to attempt it.
Nevertheless, the Tang Clan had dispatched their young heir on this remote trek to anchor a satellite branch.
The reason was clear-cut.
Whenever Emei and Qingcheng commanded them to cease…
The Tang Clan had no alternative but to bend the knee.
“It cannot be altered. That is the tragic constraint placed upon a family nurtured by the Nine Great Sects and Five Great Houses.”
“Self-righteous hypocrites. ‘Never forget your station as mere tools meant to fight poison with poison.’ Bah!”
The Vice Chief of the Poison and Medicine Hall vented a hollow, biting sneer, while the Chief of the First Poison bared his teeth, letting out a low, menacing rumble.
It was precisely as stated.
The Sichuan Tang Clan had been molded, elevated, and patronized by the Nine Great Sects and One Gang alongside the Five Great Houses.
“Let it rest. Spitting curses alters nothing. Only persistent endeavor will redraw our destiny. Let us shelve this discussion and rest for tomorrow’s…”
A subtle rustle drifted across the brush in the distance.
Instantly, every martial artist sharpened their focus, their gazes snapping toward the source of the noise.
“Forgive the interruption… We noticed your fire and ventured over.”
A modest band of three or four traveling peddlers emerged into view.
Noticing that the newcomers harbored no threat, the Chief of the First Poison flashed a quick hand signal, prompting the Tang Clan warriors to immediately assume dignified, composed postures.
“Pardon our intrusion, but might we share the perimeter of your camp for the evening?”
Recognizing that the assembly consisted of martial practitioners, the peddlers’ faces brightened with immediate relief.
Yet that relief evaporated in a heartbeat.
Sichuan’s Great Tang Clan.
The instant the traders took in the characters blazoned across the banner, the color drained from their skin, and they stammered out a terrified query before Tang Gun could even voice his consent.
“Eeek! C-Could you truly be the esteemed masters of the Sichuan Tang Clan?!”
“…We are.”
“F-Forgive our brazen disrespect! We will withdraw this instant!”
Tang Gun could only shake his head, wearing a wry grin.
He refrained from offering hollow courtesies to persuade them to stay.
Even were he to urge them, they would never heed him, and even should they remain, they would pass the dark hours trembling in sheer dread.
“Hahaha. When will our house ever shake free from this tainted reputation?”
“This is hardly our first encounter with people who evaluate us purely on the basis of baseless slanders. Hah!”
“I view this as merely one more tribulation our clan is destined to overcome.”
Wudang embodied the sword of Taiji.
Accordingly, the majority of Wudang adherents exuded an unhurried, serene Daoist poise.
Namgung represented the sword of sovereigns and vast azure heavens.
Accordingly, swordsmen of the Namgung noble house projected an overwhelming grandeur that peered down at all beneath heaven.
What, then, of the practitioners hailing from the Sichuan Tang Clan, who made their living through venom and concealed weapons?
Those who had never crossed paths with a Tang Clan member consistently insisted:
Just like the martial methods they practiced, each and every Tang Clan warrior was callous, malicious, and treacherous.
“Let us sleep. A grueling trek awaits us at dawn.”
“Understood, Young Lord.”
“Particularly you, Chief of the First Poison. You are tasked with directing the tracking while we advance, so your recuperation takes precedence.”
“I shall look after myself, Young Lord.”
The following dawn, sunlight crested the jagged horizon.
The Tang Clan contingent broke camp without lingering.
Through the daylight hours, they pushed forward at a consistent pace toward their objective, periodically taking in briefings from the scouts dispatched ahead to pursue their target.
Advancing with haste, they arrived at a modest settlement just as the sun leaned toward dusk.
“Young Lord, this is Oeryu Village, resting at the threshold of Ak’an County. Shall we halt our march here and secure lodgings at an inn for the night?”
“I was about to suggest the very same. Now that we have arrived at a settlement, we ought to wash away the accumulated grit of the road.”
Stepping inside the tavern, however, brought yet another stinging reality check.
“Welcome in! W-Wait… Tang? Could you be honored masters belonging to the Sichuan Tang Clan?”
“Indeed we are.”
The innkeeper, who had been beaming ear to ear at the prospect of hosting a large party, turned utterly white the moment his eyes landed on the character [Tang (唐)] stitched across their robes.
Even out here, the foul reputation of our clan has sunk deep roots.
Suppressing a sigh, Tang Gun unfastened his purse.
Experience had shown him that, when acting as paying patrons, silver served as the quickest solvent to polish their tarnished name.
“Ready chambers for the entire retinue, provide boiling water for washing, and arrange a feast with plenty of wine. You may pocket whatever remains of the coin.”
“Such astonishing silver… T-Thank you, young master!”
Clutching the hefty pouch of silver bullion, the innkeeper scurried off in a daze.
Though apprehension still lingered within his gaze, exhibiting the disciplined courtesy and poise of a righteous martial clan throughout their stay would gradually plant more favorable rumors.
Guided to their respective quarters by an attendant, the group subsequently gathered in the common room below to await their meal.
“Um… distinguished masters of the Tang Clan.”
A scullery boy shuffled forward, his knees knocking uncontrollably.
The Chief of the First Poison addressed the child on Tang Gun’s behalf.
“What troubles you, lad? We harbor no malice toward you, so speak without shaking.”
“A-A dispatch was brought for you… originating from a place known as Baek Estate in Muju.”
The Chief of the First Poison, the Vice Chief of the Poison and Medicine Hall, and Tang Gun all widened their eyes in surprise.
“Baek Estate? We have never heard of such an estate. How could they possibly know we were lodging here?”
“I-I know nothing of it… A runner merely dropped it off and requested that it be delivered to your hands…”
The Chief of the First Poison accepted the parchment and examined it minutely, sweeping his fingers along the seams.
“No hidden venom or triggers are concealed within. It does not appear to be an ambush.”
Tang Gun took the missive and snapped the wax seal.
His eyes rounded in disbelief as he read through the lines.
“This is absurd!”
“Young Lord, what does it state?”
“This Baek Estate claims they have captured the Sex-Crazed Fox alive and currently hold him confined!”
“Is that true?!”
“Hahaha! They express a desire to form amicable ties with our clan, utilizing the Sex-Crazed Fox as the pretext! The letter extends a formal and exceedingly gracious invitation!”
“This is phenomenal news! A stroke of sheer fortune! Boy! How distant is this Baek Estate from our current location?”
Rattled by the thunderous exclamation, the young server shuddered even more violently.
Catching sight of the boy’s dread, Tang Gun passed him a piece of silver. Heartened by the unforeseen bounty, the boy managed to steady his voice.
“F-From our Oeryu Village to the Baek Estate within Ak’an County takes approximately three shichen on foot.”
“Three shichen! If we double our stride, two shichen will be more than sufficient!”
“Hahaha! Young Lord, why not consume a modest morsel here and hold our grand feast at the Baek Estate?”
“An excellent suggestion! The missive explicitly states they will lay out a banquet the second we arrive!”
Ever since venturing out of Sichuan, the Tang Clan had encountered nothing but frigid glares and turned shoulders.
Being welcomed with such eager hospitality by way of a single message was more than enough to invigorate everyone’s spirits.
“Everyone, clear your bowls with haste! We depart immediately!”
“Understood!”
Abandoning Oeryu Village, the Tang Clan surged along the roadway in buoyant spirits.
They unleashed their lightfoot techniques, gliding across the terrain like darting swallows.
Even though apothecaries from the Poison and Medicine Hall accompanied the group, they were martial practitioners in their own right.
Not a single soul dropped behind, allowing them to reach the borders of Ak’an County well before twilight settled.
It was at that juncture that Tang Gun spotted a contingent of martial artists stationed alertly at the crest of a mountain pass.
“Hmm? Young Lord. Those individuals project formidable auras.”
“So it appears.”
Five or six martial artists stood flanking a striking man who seemed to hold command.
Could they have been dispatched from the Baek Estate to receive us?
The Tang Clan slackened their speed, nearing the unfamiliar warriors with measured steps.
Tang Gun stepped out from the formation and offered a cupped-fist salute.
“Greetings. I am Tang Gun of the Tang Sect. Have you arrived on behalf of the Baek Estate?”
The handsome man’s brow arched slightly.
Precisely at that second—
“Ah, Brother Tang!”
Tang Gun fought to conceal his astonishment as he pivoted toward the newly arrived figures.
Brother… Tang? But we have never crossed paths before…?
Strangely, this newly arrived cohort had placed a young boy at the very forefront.
The boy offered a broad, radiant grin in his direction, yet the moment his eyes shifted toward the handsome man already waiting there, his expression instantly turned to stone.
What under heaven is transpiring here?
An awkward, tense three-way impasse began to take form.
“Little Brother. Did we truly have to march all the way out here to receive them?”
“Naturally. Esteemed guests are arriving, are they not?”
“…You aren’t going to these lengths simply to tally points and secure our wager, are you?”
“Do you take your own younger brother for such a low scoundrel?”
“…”
“Tsk. Must I demonstrate to you what a genuine low scoundrel behaves like…?”
“Perish the thought! I would never view you in such a light, Little Brother! Never!”
Yanghwi offered Gu Ak a sly smirk, then cast a backward glance toward the retainers following behind them.
It seems everyone remains imprisoned by their own biases.
The Tang Clan is callous and deceitful. That is precisely why they resort to vile instruments like poison and concealed weapons.
Having absorbed such gossip throughout the realm, every single retainer wore an uneasy, guarded frown.
In reality, they are the exact reverse of those rumors.
Well, that misconception would dissolve the moment they encountered the Tang Clan face-to-face.
After once more cautioning his subordinates not to let their prejudice show, Yanghwi quickened his pace.
Upon reaching the periphery of Ak’an County, he caught sight of an agreeable, familiar figure in the distance.
Acting on impulse, Yanghwi shouted out.
“Brother Tang!”
To behold Brother Tang, typically so rigid and intractable, looking like a mere lad… This is truly an extraordinary sight.
Beaming at the thought, Yanghwi drew near, only for his vision to slide slightly to the flank.
A striking man commanding six martial artists stood engaged in discussion with the Tang Clan.
Why on earth is a whelp from the Namgung noble house… lingering here?
Events were transpiring in a manner completely at odds with what he had learned in his former life.
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