Chapter: 538
The Tang clan is shaking.
It was a rumor that began to spread subtly through the Tang clan and Sichuan.
An unbelievable event had occurred within the Tang clan.
Whispers circulated that the clan, in pursuit of vain power, had conducted human experiments.
It was rumored in the Sichuan region that the elders of the Tang clan were behind this.
Experiments involving monsters.
As a result, a staggering number of people had perished.
Rumors were also circulating that all the victims were individuals secretly kidnapped by the Tang clan.
As if conducting human experiments wasn’t enough.
They even attempted to kidnap people for that purpose.
Sapa.
The notion that a prestigious righteous clan would engage in acts usually associated with bloodthirsty Sapa rogues on the fringes was nothing short of shocking.
Of course, for now, it was still just a rumor.
Even though rumors may spread endlessly, not even half the people actually believed them.
Yet everyone within the Tang clan knew.
They knew it wasn’t just a rumor.
As night fell and the moon began to glow faintly,
Dang So-yeol lit a lamp in her room and was meeting her older brother, Dang Ju-yeok.
“How should we handle this…?”
“What are you referring to?”
At Dang So-yeol’s words, the Tang clan’s Sogaju, Dang Ju-yeok, tilted his head slightly.
A rather relaxed response.
In contrast, So-yeol’s eyes brimmed with tears.
“You know, brother…”
“Hmm….”
At So-yeol’s pitiful reaction, Dang Ju-yeok sighed.
‘I’ve been caught.’
He had hoped that So-yeol would remain unaware of the incident that unfolded in their family.
It seemed someone had let the cat out of the bag.
Or perhaps, the rumors had become so pronounced that she had simply heard about them.
“Even if I deny it, you won’t believe me anyway.”
“I will believe you. However, if I find out later that it’s not true, I will hold you responsible.”
“Hmm.”
Watching Dang So-yeol speak clearly despite her tears, Dang Ju-yeok’s eyes sparkled.
In the past, she might have complained in a somewhat childish manner.
But now, the current Dang So-yeol was different.
‘Has she matured?’
If that were true, it was quite bittersweet.
The party leader had also cherished her childish demeanor.
‘If she has indeed matured, the reason would be…’
Dang Ju-yeok smiled as he thought of the intense young man who had flashed through his mind.
“Brother?”
“I’m sorry, I was caught up in another thought.”
It was a profound moment.
When he first saw her, she was simply a member of a noble family.
Then, after a while, just Geombong’s younger sister—nothing more, nothing less.
Yet that little girl had grown enormously in just a few years.
Not only was she affecting herself, but she was also influencing the entire clan.
According to Dang Ju-yeok’s predictions, soon enough—
‘It will impact the entire Central Plains.’
This wasn’t a prediction; it was a certainty.
If it weren’t, their father wouldn’t have given such warnings.
—Beware of the old Confucius.
This wasn’t merely to label someone as a dangerous figure.
There was also an underlying meaning that urged caution.
In addition, it hinted at the fact that he was someone not to be treated lightly.
The Poison King had decided that Gu Yangcheon was an individual to handle with care.
Thus, he had surely issued a warning to the owner of the clan as well.
Of course, even if that weren’t the case, Dang Ju-yeok would have treated Gu Yangcheon carefully.
‘How could I not know?’
The current Gu Yangcheon exuded an immense presence.
It seemed bizarre that he had been oblivious until now.
Soon enough, a storm would swirl around this young man.
There were several individuals whom Dang Ju-yeok recognized as having such potential.
Those capable of causing storms merely due to their existence.
‘There was a time I wanted to be like that, too.’
Dang Ju-yeok was acutely aware that he would never achieve such status.
‘How could I have thought I could replicate that?’
Even if one were to start a whirlwind, many would be swept away in its path.
No, in fact, most would.
Objectively viewing it, he understood that he lacked the capability to withstand the tempest he’d cause.
Then, conversely, what about Gu Yangcheon?
‘That kid…’
Dang Ju-yeok pondered as he surveyed the winds, thinking of Gu Yangcheon.
It was red.
The storm surrounding Gu Yangcheon was ablaze with crimson.
Not only would he remain in the calm eye of the storm, but he would also drape his color over the winds.
That fiery wind would gradually expand and soon descend upon the entire Central Plains.
How long would it take until then?
He felt confident saying it wouldn’t take long.
‘That’s a relief.’
It was a blessing that Gu Yangcheon held a favorable view of his younger sister.
While Dang Ju-yeok mulled over this, Dang So-yeol hesitantly questioned him with a trembling voice.
“…Ah, Dad… No. Father… is he alright?”
This was a query regarding the Poison King’s safety rather than any threats to the Tang family.
Indeed, the one currently bearing the brunt would be their father.
Upon hearing that, Dang Ju-yeok smiled lightly and replied,
“Is there anywhere else I can go if not well?”
“There’s no way you can say something so irresponsible…”
“If I had to frame it, I’d say he actually seemed at ease.”
That response made no sense.
The shadow that loomed when the Tang clan was at its zenith had vanished now that they found themselves in this dire predicament.
While Dang Ju-yeok understood the Poison King’s disposition, he couldn’t help but feel regretful.
Nevertheless, he remained silent.
“Brother…”
“If that’s your choice, then I must follow it.”
“…”
“So-yeol, didn’t you notice? The look on Master’s face.”
Despite appearing bittersweet.
Or maybe looking exhausted.
The smile lingering on the Poison King’s lips appeared lighter.
When had that begun?
No, he might not even have been aware.
‘I didn’t realize my father’s smile felt heavy.’
He only now recognized it, having realized how much had changed.
—I’m sorry.
The sight of his father apologizing for his decisions was strangely unfamiliar to Dang Ju-yeok.
He couldn’t pose inquiries on how he arrived at that state.
Nor could he deny that choice.
—Even if this choice alters many things.
—At the very least, wouldn’t a righteous clan need to act in such a manner?
It might be a statement seeking to pursue romance while neglecting reality.
But Dang Ju-yeok couldn’t refute those words.
It was a truth he had momentarily forgotten.
Perhaps he’d been taking it for granted all along.
The Tang clan was indeed a righteous faction.
That very obvious proclamation weighed heavily upon him.
“It’s fine.”
“…Brother.”
“Even if this event causes a disturbance within the tang clan, my duty will be to restore it.”
He didn’t intentionally refer to it as their duty.
Dang Ju-yeok was meant to inherit the leadership of the Tang clan.
Having resolved to respect the Poison King’s selections, he was determined to shoulder whatever burdens awaited him.
“Therefore, So-yeol, you needn’t worry about anything.”
“…”
“The Tang clan will not collapse.”
If it were to crumble, he could simply raise it again.
“Thus, try not to fret.”
“…!”
So-yeol was startled by Dang Ju-yeok’s words.
It struck her why he had made such a statement.
“I know your concerns.”
That was likely the worry Dang So-yeol harbored.
“Is it about the Young Master Gu?”
“…”
Worries regarding Gu Yangcheon.
To be more precise, whether she should follow Gu Yangcheon to Shanxi tomorrow or not.
Had things gone as expected, she would have unhesitatingly accompanied him.
However, in light of their family’s predicament, it was risky for her to move as a direct descendant.
If that were the case, it didn’t matter.
“Go after him.”
“But….”
Shifting her gaze from Dang Ju-yeok’s answer, Dang So-yeol found it hard to settle her emotions.
“Actually, it’s better for you to go. Being with the Young Master Gu may prove more beneficial for you than lingering here.”
“…”
“While you’re at it, why not work your charm? Although you’re my little sister, you’re certainly not lacking in looks.”
“Brother…!”
Dang So-yeol squealed in a mix of laughter and annoyance at Dang Ju-yeok’s teasing.
Comparing herself to the women nearby, she wasn’t sure how she fared.
But truly, Dang So-yeol was rather attractive.
She exuded more cuteness than sophistication like the women around Gu Yangcheon.
And.
‘If things align and relations improve, it’d truly be the icing on the cake.’
Even should the Tang clan collapse,
If the future esteemed individual was both her son-in-law and brother-in-law, she wouldn’t be outclassed anywhere.
In Dang Ju-yeok’s thoughts, Gu Yangcheon had already become the next great figure in the world.
So-yeol gazed at her brother with a look of disbelief.
“Are you cracking jokes even now?”
“Isn’t this a moment where humor is appropriate?”
“Seriously….”
“Regardless, don’t overthink it.”
Dang Ju-yeok got up with that smile leaving his lips.
“It seems we have nothing further to discuss, and it’s late, so I’ll head off now, brother.”
“…Thank you, brother.”
She expressed her gratitude for his late-night visit.
Dang So-yeol believed that the one most strained at this point was, in fact, Dang Ju-yeok.
The current Tang clan rested upon the Poison King.
Yet since he would soon be the one managing it, it was hard to fathom just how much he cared seeing his family in turmoil.
Touched by feelings imbued within her gratitude, Dang Ju-yeok chuckled softly.
“Sure.”
Clearly, it seemed his younger sister had fostered a maturity of her own.
‘That’s what I find most regretful at present.’
Thud.
With that, the door closed.
The moment Dang Ju-yeok’s presence faded, Dang So-yeol collapsed onto her bed.
“…Haah…”
A sigh escaped involuntarily.
She feared what was about to unfold, but the weight of the burden left behind by Dang Ju-yeok was the more prominent concern.
‘…Young Master.’
During lunchtime earlier that day,
Gu Yangcheon had expressed his intention to return to Shanxi tomorrow.
That was only natural.
Gu Yangcheon was originally a guest, and given the incident with the Tang clan, it was only reasonable he wouldn’t remain any longer.
The members of the group displayed nonchalant expressions.
That was to be expected—after all, they envisioned themselves accompanying him wherever he went.
If that scenario unfolds:
‘What about me?’
What was she supposed to do?
Dang So-yeol still hadn’t developed an answer for herself.
Under usual circumstances, she would’ve undoubtedly said she’d follow him.
But how could she do that when their family was in such disarray?
Even if Dang Ju-yeok insisted it was fine to pursue that path.
Knowing that all too well, it was no wonder her nights were filled with unease.
While her worries persisted, like an echo, Gu Yangcheon’s voice slipped through her mind.
—I could die for you.
“….”
His voice—it just passed through adolescence, yet it still contained a hint of youthful innocence.
At the indifferent yet tender tone, Dang So-yeol found her ears flush red.
“…Ugh….”
What a terrible person.
How can someone toy with hearts like that without doing anything substantial?
Of course, she couldn’t voice that since she herself was infatuated with that very face.
‘…Then why can’t he just keep his eyes on the distance?’
If there was one grumble about Gu Yangcheon, it would be that.
Not only did he rattle her heart, but he also stirred those of everyone around him.
Curiously, it appeared as if he never truly gazed at that spot.
Always…
He always looked far ahead.
His eyes seemed set on places beyond their reach.
As if to convey that he didn’t belong here, his gaze felt like it could wander away any moment.
Dang So-yeol was perpetually haunted by that fear.
Although it seemed he had recently been giving some attention to this place,
the mere glimpse of him looking afar made her uneasy.
Gu Yangcheon’s gaze, locked on an unknown void, was cold enough to send chills.
That was precisely why Dang So-yeol dreaded the thought of anything separating them.
‘What if I’m not around?’
What if he simply vanished?
That sentiment wasn’t unique to her; others likely felt the same dread.
They refrained from speaking out.
They didn’t want Gu Yangcheon to realize how they perceived him.
Knowing he bore witness to their struggles,
they wished to burden him no more.
“…It’s hard…”
As she pondered, her inability to keep pace with such thoughts struck her as distasteful.
She needed to be a support.
If he was to gaze afar or pursued something distant, she had to cultivate her strength and accompany him.
It should’ve been that way…
‘…What should I do?’
With the instability looming over the Tang clan,
what worth did she possess?
She had at least hung on to the value of being the daughter of the Tang clan.
Now, even that seemed to wane.
“…Ugh…. ”
She wiped at her eyes.
Unnoticed, tears had begun to fall.
She felt ugly and disgusting for letting those feelings surface.
‘…In this situation, should I even be thinking about that?’
In moments when her father and brother bore such heavy hearts, here she was, mulling over her diminishing worth in this family.
How disgusting.
“Aah….”
Should she have reached for his hand then?
If only she had taken hold of that hand designed to make her stronger.
Would she still endure this agony?
A sentiment of regret began to rise shallowly within Dang So-yeol.
Anger towards her own impotence seeped through as well.
She wished to sink into the shroud of darkness.
At that moment, such thoughts thrummed within her.
With that,
Thud—
Just as her emotions were twisting,
whoosh—
“…!”
Dang So-yeol, cleaning away her tears, abruptly sat up.
She tossed the blanket aside, quickly pressing her back against the wall.
“…”
Whirrr…
Then she focused on extending her senses outward.
“… Suuu….”
She forced herself to constrict her breathing, which threatened to become more pronounced.
Chills raced down her spine.
‘What is this?’
The stillness around her room felt palpable.
Time was typically quiet—
Yet why did it feel overly intense this time?
‘…It’s… awfully… quiet.’
The silence thickened strangely.
Upon the recognition of that moment, Dang So-yeol’s instincts cried out.
It warned of impending danger.
Swish!
Before she realized it, a dagger was clasped in her grip.
It was an item she always kept close.
Perspiration dripped from her.
Perhaps her current nerves were mere illusions.
But Dang So-yeol was certain that this was not the case.
“…Who are you…?”
She spoke into the void.
The moment Dang So-yeol voiced those words—
Whoosh!
The flame on the table extinguished.
“An hour has passed.”
“…!”
The voice materialized not directly ahead but from Dang So-yeol’s immediate left.
Swish! Without a second thought, she swung the dagger towards the sound.
Thud—!
Before she could enact a proper strike, a hand seized her wrist.
Almost immediately after,
Thwack!
“Guh!”
A hand clamped over Dang So-yeol’s mouth.
“Mmm… gmm…!”
She squirmed with all her might, but she couldn’t break free.
Who was in front of her?
Visibility fogged, she could only comprehend a faint outline.
The figure, presumably male, donned a half-mask.
Which made it difficult to discern their essence completely.
“Precisely one hour. That’s how long it took for you to notice my energy.”
“…Huh…”
“Thankfully, your senses are still sharp. I thought it might take at least two hours.”
What on earth is he blabbering about?
Dang So-yeol failed to comprehend the man’s intentions.
Is he an assassin? If so, which faction sent him?
“There’s one minor regret: your ideal move should’ve been to escape to the entry instead of the dead-end exit.”
As he spoke, the grip on her hand eased.
It was ample space for her to finally part her lips.
“…Who are you?”
Dang So-yeol’s voice trembled as it escaped her.
With the Tang clan’s guards scattered around, he had casually stepped into her room.
Just this single feat elucidated the level of her assailant.
She couldn’t win.
A scenario steeped in desperation.
Observing the frazzled Dang So-yeol, the male continued speaking.
“Even amidst questioning, you didn’t let your gaze falter. That too is a passing grade.”
Those words were confounding.
A passing grade?
While casting sidelong glances at the man, Dang So-yeol’s eyes surveyed her surroundings.
How might she escape?
Caught in this predicament, her options seemed limited.
Yet she still needed to seek an opening.
Swish.
Could it be simple coincidence?
The grip on the dagger appeared to loosen.
Should she make a break for it and counter?
In hesitation, she held back.
A vague chill coursed through her being.
She needed to gauge the moment.
Thus she bided time while cloaking her true intent.
“…What is it you wish from me?”
“There is….”
As he began to spill his words, Dang So-yeol tightened her grip.
Boom—!
Thank goodness.
Her hand slipped free.
It was now time to retaliate.
‘But where?’
To his throat or the hand stifling her mouth?
A fleeting dilemma flickered through her thoughts.
That became her downfall.
Whoosh—!
“…!”
Her armed arm succumbed to the wave, moving against her will.
Somehow, the blade in her hand was now directed to her own neck.
“Make a plan. Execute it to the last detail. You will perish with such fleeting worries.”
“Guhh….”
Had it all been some ruse?
As she faced impending death, Dang So-yeol could only muster shallow breaths.
Any other alternative? Was there none?
‘I must live.’
She couldn’t accept death so swiftly.
An escape needed to be forged.
Observing such determination within her, his expression narrowed.
“Quite commendable.”
With those words, the man suddenly released her and stepped back.
Thud!
Dang So-yeol, unshackled from her binds, collapsed face first, inhaling ragged breaths.
“Hah… Hah… Hah…”
Dang So-yeol lifted her head, barely propped up.
She looked up to find him sitting atop the table, gazing down at her.
She inquired,
“Who… who are you…?”
Who in the world could so suddenly appear and thrust her into such chaos?
The absurdity of the situation had left her momentarily stunned.
The man, meeting her gaze, declared,
“I am the darkness.”
Dang So-yeol felt a bead of sweat slip down her back at the resonance of his voice.
“And you too must become darkness.”
“…What does that….”
Her words halted in confusion, the unknown realm ahead made her feel disoriented.
Darkness?
Dang So-yeol tried to lay out further inquiries, but—
“…!!”
She promptly sealed her lips.
This was because a smile had crept onto the face of the man who had regarded her neutrally until moments ago.
Despite the upturned corners of his mouth indicating he found amusement, his eyes exuded a frozen chill.
That bizarre appearance left Dang So-yeol speechless.
“Three years, exactly.”
Dang So-yeol likely remained oblivious.
“In three years, I will mold you into a monster.”
This encounter today.
It foreshadowed that in the future, Dang So-yeol would come to be known as the Dark Empress.
A day passed as the sun began to break on the horizon.
Sunlight gradually illuminated Tang Clan Hall, dispersing the morning mist.
Though it was still early for people to wake,
several individuals were abuzz with activity in that gap.
—“Where should I put this?”
—“Ask Miss Moyong about that!”
A variety of colorful carriages were gathered.
Countless figures were seen packing their belongings within.
The flurry stemmed from their preparations to depart the Tang clan since dawn.
They needed to commence now to set off by noon.
While there wasn’t an abundance of luggage, given the long distance, they were pressed for time.
Thus, amidst the hustle and bustle,
“…What did you say?”
Dang So-yeol grimaced at the inquiry.
“What did you just say… what was that?”
Standing before her was a figure of reverence.
The divine presence wasn’t a pressing issue,
but what stood as the concern was the elder beside him.
Dressed neatly in a blue uniform,
the elder sported white hair tied back tightly.
He was a tall figure, his exotic blue eyes accentuated by creased wrinkles—a man whose youthful looks must have been quite dashing.
He was someone she recognized well.
Of course she did.
Only a handful of days prior, he had been made a bloody mess by her father.
The elder’s identity was that of the Three Lords known as the Heavenly Sages from the Central Plains.
He was regarded as the real authority of the Namgung clan.
Namgung Jeolcheon, the Heavenly Lord.
Suddenly reappearing after a few days, he spoke to her:
“I wish to place my trust in the Gu clan.”
“…”
Dang So-yeol pressed her fingers against her forehead upon hearing the Heavenly Lord’s declaration.
Clearly, this year was marked by adversity.
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