Chapter 875
As the night passed and dawn began to break, the atmosphere dropped sharply, but the schedule continued uninterrupted.
Due to the actions of Cheonma, the branch’s alert level spiked dramatically. The real issue, however, was that while the alertness increased, there was a lack of substantial countermeasures.
Therefore, there was only one choice left to make.
“I’d like to meet the branch manager…”
“I will meet the Lord of the Party…”
It was a plea for help. I sent a letter to the Poison King, explaining the situation and requested his assistance. The Poison King… well, he was somewhat agreeable? Not exactly eager… After some bargaining, he accepted my request with conditions.
Regardless, he’s quite the impressive guy. If I had let my guard down, I might have ended up with my spine liquefied!
‘Still, he came willingly, even though he doesn’t know why I called him.’
This was not a bad situation for the Poison King either. A clan burdened by the sins of its predecessors willing to step forward on behalf of the Murim Alliance. That alone was a significant advantage.
‘This part has already been leaked… so it’ll spread in no time.’
That was one of the reasons why the iron wire was running around day and night.
‘I have to get something done by the end of this year at the latest.’
Rejoining the Four Great Families might be a stretch, but it wouldn’t take long to be ranked among the prestigious families again. After all, the knowledge the Tang Clan possessed was something that other clans couldn’t dare to replicate.
I expected to find my place fairly soon.
‘Iron and poison are the exclusive domains of the Tang Clan.’
While other places might dabble in iron handling a bit, when it comes to poison, the Tang Clan was in a league of its own. To consider, the Tang Clan rose to prominence more through influence than sheer force, much like the Murong Clan.
“… Ahem.”
The Poison King looked at me, seemingly taken aback. It was unusual for someone other than Mokri Seon to be the branch manager.
“Oh, that guy is dead.”
So, I just said it straight out.
“… What…?”
“I found out he was conspiring with Gyecheon Gate, so I killed him and swapped him out yesterday.”
“…”
When I simplified it that way, his expression fell apart even more. It was as if he were thinking, “What the heck is this madman talking about?”
“Regardless, thank you so much for your help, Your Majesty.”
“… No, it’s no problem at all…”
The Poison King, who had started to ask something, suddenly fell silent, letting out a heavy sigh.
What can I say? His expression hinted at not wanting to get tangled up in this mess. It was a little hurtful.
“Then, what should I call you…?”
“He’s branch manager Seongdo, so you can call him Branch Manager Seong.”
“… Chief of the Holy Branch.”
“Yes, yes, Your Majesty.”
This time, Seong Do-gyeom seemed flustered. He probably never imagined he’d end up in such a lowly position, chatting directly with the Poison King.
“We prepared support for the main text as requested by the alliance, but given the current situation, we can’t offer a large number of personnel.”
I stole a glance at the Poison King while he was speaking.
This old man was definitely sure of his words.
‘Even amidst all of this, he’s thinking of getting what he needs taken care of.’
As per the alliance’s request, it subtly expressed that we weren’t taking the lead but rather responding to their pleas.
Moreover, it implied…
‘Given the situation, there aren’t many people available.’
The current state of the Tang Clan wasn’t favorable. Still, a message was clear: They had come to assist the Murim Alliance.
As expected…
‘… This guy definitely knows how to handle the household.’
He was a man who embodied the responsibility of a leader rather than being just a powerhouse. The Poison King was clearly that type.
Just like the conversations between leaders typically go, shallow clashes were a given.
However, the hang-up here was…
“Oh, I truly appreciate your consideration.”
This Seong Do-gyeom is just a sage in name, and he has no prior experience in this matter.
And that…
“Hmm.”
The Poison King seemed to catch on as well; his brows twitched for a brief moment.
That wasn’t a good sign.
“… Well then. I suppose I shouldn’t call you a substitute, but…”
The Poison King’s eyes lit up, as he began to speak. Seeing this, I silently clicked my tongue and countered.
“However, we also set a clear condition.”
“…!”
When I suddenly interjected, the Poison King narrowed his brows.
“The trade with the Tang Clan, which had been tacitly forbidden, was temporarily lifted only in Sacheon. In exchange for providing manpower, didn’t we secretly agree to supply the red magic stones obtained during our hunting in the alliance over the span of three months?”
“…”
The more I spoke, the more bizarre the Poison King’s expression became.
The feeling hidden beneath was probably one of betrayal.
‘What on earth is this guy doing?’
He glared at me with a fierce look, likely believing I was siding with the Poison King.
‘That’s not entirely incorrect, but let’s say it’s a bit off at the moment.’
I had my own position to maintain here.
Given that Seong Do-gyeom just became branch manager, I couldn’t allow such things to slip through.
“… I assume you’ve already confirmed the terms.”
Pointing out the pause in the conversation, the Poison King changed his attitude as if he realized something.
“As the King himself just mentioned, that’s a different story.”
“What do you mean?”
“An implicit matter means it wasn’t officially acknowledged. Including this as a condition makes no sense.”
I admitted the Tang Clan didn’t get the trade because of the incident, but ignoring it because it was implied doesn’t quite cut it either.
That was the Poison King’s stance.
“However, Your Lordship, public perception is something no one can ignore. The same goes for the Murim Alliance itself. Also, the reason it was left unspoken was to minimize potential damage to the Tang Clan if it were made official.”
I didn’t budge an inch. As we exchanged opinions several times.
-…What are we doing right now?
The Poison King couldn’t hold his tongue anymore and sent me a private message.
-…I have my own position in this too.
-So, are you suggesting we go all the way?
-That’s not the case.
I scratched my cheek lightly.
-For now, could you please keep it going? I have a thought brewing.
It’s always best to not divulge too much, but I thought the Poison King might get pretty upset if this dragged on too long, so I offered a subtle nudge.
It was nothing major, but I believed the Poison King would catch on.
“If you do that, do you wish for it to remain unmentioned?”
As expected, the Poison King reacted instantly and strongly.
He pushed up from his seat, and I quickly grabbed his arm.
“…Please, hold it together.”
“Hold it together? What kind of behavior is this toward someone who came to help? It might be best to forget this conversation ever happened.”
“Phew…”
Feeling the tension, I sighed quietly, eyeing Seong Do-gyeom’s reaction.
“…Then, what does the Lord of the Party desire?”
I chose to concede at this point. It was that kind of situation.
At my words, the Poison King halted, narrowing his eyes at me.
“Please open a passage to the front lines for the Tang Clan as well.”
“…”
After hearing the Poison King, I found myself narrowing my eyes in turn.
“Are you talking about the front lines?”
“Correct. Even if only temporarily, I hope you’ll grant that.”
“Hmm…”
The front lines are located a little ways off in Shanxi.
Most of it is managed by the Gu family; however, it’s a place that families belonging to the righteous sect often visit from time to time.
For any family that has established a sword practice, this is obligatory. Moreover…
‘A symbol of a prestigious family.’
Visiting the front line is proof that a family belongs to the high ranks of the righteous sect.
Especially in the current situation, visiting the front line held even more weight.
‘I heard that the frequency of encountered red monsters has increased too.’
I hadn’t heard it directly due to my time spent wandering outside. Since the emergence of the Red Demons, there had been changes along the front lines.
Entry points for martial artists have risen, and the level of danger has spiked, requiring a reevaluation of both strategy and power.
‘What on earth is this guy planning?’
I had been pondering why he sought this, and it seemed the Poison King was looking for some justification.
While heading straight to the front lines was risky, it was undoubtedly honorable.
The gravity of this request meant the alliance would likely make some accommodations.
But—
“…That’s… well, it’s something the Sacheon branch cannot resolve.”
Since it was the Tang Clan, speaking up now wasn’t suitable.
“I know. Hence, I merely want you to communicate it, at least.”
“Just communicate it…?”
The Tang Clan wishes for a return to the front lines. That’s a message to deliver to the main clan.
I felt that was what it really boiled down to.
‘This is absurd.’
The more we spoke, the more outrageous it became.
‘Has this old man, in fact, altered his proposal?’
It appeared what he initially wished to ask for was very different from his current request.
I began to realize it was quite aimed at me personally.
‘He’s addressing me instead of Seong Do-gyeom or the Tang Clan itself.’
Perhaps he thought I would do the deed.
‘If he voiced it to me, he believes I would manage to convey it back to the main clan.’
I concluded that was why the Poison King handed it over to me as if expecting me to understand.
‘This dude is definitely cunning.’
He’s like a crafty fox. My daughter is all cute and squirrel-like. Why is it the father that ends up being the schemer…?
-This time, I won’t just roll over.
“…”
I was trying to think of her as a squirrel, but the image in my head made my stomach drop.
‘…Is she really even a squirrel?’
Not quite, but definitely not all that cute either.
In any case…
“…I’ll take it upon myself to pass it along.”
“Thank you.”
I resolved to relay the message like that.
Honestly, it was about time the Tang Clan initiated some movement, so it worked as a good justification.
“…”
Seong Do-gyeom’s expression after observing the whole conversation turned mysterious.
‘Did he figure it out?’
There had been several exchanges during our discussion, and I hoped he would catch a glimpse of the Poison King’s true intention.
That’s the reason I had engaged in this tedious conversation with the Poison King.
“It was a productive conversation.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
Once the words were spoken, the Poison King rose. I stood as well.
Seong Do-gyeom attempted to follow, but I halted him, as they needed to speak between themselves.
The moment we stepped outside, the Poison King turned his gaze towards me.
“Is he a significant figure?”
He was referring to Seong Do-gyeom.
“No, that’s not it.”
“Then, why on earth did you go through all this trouble?”
The Poison King had clearly caught on to my underlying motives.
I said, scratching my cheek.
“Well, I kind of forced him into this position, and I felt some sense of responsibility for this mess. Anyway, thank you for your help.”
“Branch Manager Seong… his name is Seong Do-gyeom.”
“Are you planning to remember him?”
“I doubt I’ll forget.”
I successfully implanted Seong Do-gyeom into the Poison King’s mind.
With that conclusion settled, I quietly continued.
“Oh, dear Lord.”
“Hmm?”
“The preparations for the upper building are nearly complete. Once we stock up on the right amount, we’ll make our move. Also, if feasible, let’s open it up.”
“…Is that so?”
“The timeline is flexible, aiming for this year at the least… it’s better to pull it sooner if possible.”
“I’ll give it a try…”
“Yes, I appreciate that.”
Once the Dokcheondan is completed, an announcement will be made through the opening.
The Tang Clan has successfully reconstructed the past elite units. The plan is to sell them commercially.
The elite-level units of Yeongdan couldn’t be purchased with money before, but if they become available for sale, what kind of changes might occur?
‘If the Tang Clan also goes back to the front line…’
Leaving past sins aside, it seems like the Tang Clan can quickly reclaim its stature.
‘What worries me is the amount invested in producing the Dokcheondan.’
If the world’s Poison King can churn out only a few before tiring, I was perplexed about how to manage that area.
‘If there’s a method worth pursuing…’
“Old Confucius.”
“… Yes?”
I snapped back to reality from my thoughts, focused on the Poison King’s words, and awaited what came next.
“Is this Cheonma fellow strong?”
“…”
It was an unexpectedly sudden question.
“…Um… why are you asking that?”
Could it be that this man, like my daughter, has caught onto something? I felt beads of sweat trickling down my back.
“I’ve heard plenty of talk about him and got curious. It concerns me. Since you said you’ve met him before, I figured I’d ask.”
Fortunately, it didn’t seem to be that. Still, it was awkward to answer.
“Well….”
Is he strong?
‘Should I really call him strong?’
In general terms, I’d say he is strong… but I just couldn’t bring myself to voice it.
Conversely, saying he’s not strong would be odd.
After a long moment of contemplation, I managed to respond.
“…He is strong.”
I gritted through my embarrassment, and the Poison King nodded.
“I see… if that’s how tense you are while saying it, he must indeed be quite formidable.”
“…”
It wasn’t a nervous expression; it was more of a grimace to hold back my embarrassment, but that’s how it came across to the Poison King.
‘…Just hold on. It’s not like I’m reporting some ordinary news.’
Right now, it’s not common knowledge, but soon…
In just seven weeks, this would become quite the sensational talk.
Cheonma is powerful.
Rumors like that will spread bit by bit.
And it’s not just about being strong.
‘Cheonma is stronger than the Three Lords.’
There’s no one in this world stronger than Cheonma.
Such tales will spread like wildfire, and I intend to be the catalyst behind it all!
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