Chapter: 536
Could it be that the Poison King took the wrong medicine?
If not, I couldn’t comprehend what I had just heard.
“The Tang Clan comes from the Four Great Families?”
“Yes. An announcement will be made soon.”
“… Are you insane…?”
I’m not saying it could happen; I’m saying it’s certain that it will be announced.
What I mean is this.
“… Are you telling me that you already sent a letter to the Murim Alliance?”
“Yes.”
This means it’s not the Murim Alliance that mentioned it, but rather the Tang Clan that requested to step down.
They want to come down from the Four Great Families. That must be what they wrote in the letter.
The problem is…
“Does that mean it just comes down because it wants to…?”
The Four Great Families are more of a symbolic status than an actual formal position.
It’s just a fancy title given to the four most outstanding families in the Central Plains.
It meant that the Tang Clan couldn’t just waltz down whenever they pleased because they wanted to.
At this, the Poison King gives me a bitter smile.
“Does it seem impossible?”
“…”
“I believe it’s possible.”
At the King’s words, my cold head began to heat up in disbelief.
“Lord of the Gu Clan, could it be that you wrote it all down and sent it…?”
“Not missing a single character.”
“Have you lost your mind?”
What occurred at the clan, the experiments we were conducting.
It meant that he detailed everything about the elders and sent it to the Alliance.
‘Is he really out of his mind?’
Even if he didn’t do that, it wouldn’t be long before an inspection came out of the clan.
At that point, hiding it would be difficult enough, let alone writing everything and sending it to the Alliance.
“Are you planning to screw everything up?”
That was no different from saying he intended to ruin the clan completely.
I brought it up because it was so absurd.
But the Poison King just smiled dryly.
Is he really laughing at this situation…?
‘No wonder he killed all the elders without caring about people’s judgment.’
He beheaded the elders as if they didn’t exist, regardless of what others thought.
Was that the reason he went all out doing the job?
Only then did I finally understand the Poison King’s actions.
‘What was he thinking?’
Was his intention to destroy the clan from the start?
A nobleman, the head of a prestigious family…?
‘So that’s why Mo Yong-hee ran away?’
I recalled Mo Yong-hee sprinting as if she understood something.
I was curious why she was dashing so quickly; if she expected this, it made sense.
‘Because the Moryong family is commercially tied with them.’
They had also signed an agreement with the Tang Clan.
If the Tang Clan chooses to collapse of its own accord here…
‘…the whole landscape will change.’
It wasn’t just the Tang Clan collapsing that was a problem; the aftermath would be significant as well.
It seemed like Mo Yong-hee had predicted this and was trying to respond as quickly as possible.
If the Tang Clan collapses, the balance of power will shift.
The meaning behind this statement is that the value of the Tang Clan is enormous.
Even if the prestigious family right beneath it collapses, things would get noisy.
If the Tang Clan were to do that, the rippling effects would be monumental.
That’s why it raises more questions.
“…Why did you make that choice?”
No matter how I looked at it, the choice the King made was incomprehensible.
‘I thought maybe the Tang Clan could perish.’
It was such a wild idea, and I thought there would be considerable damage.
What if it collapsed because of others?
I didn’t expect the Poison King would think to destroy the Tang Clan himself.
I truly wondered why that was.
It was a choice I would never make.
Then the Poison King fell into a brief silence, looked me in the eye, and began to speak.
“It’s thanks to the former clan head.”
“…Huh?”
I had to pause at the King’s words.
Why is he suddenly talking about my father here?
I wondered if he had stumbled onto something, but he said it was ‘thanks to’ the Poison King, not because of him.
“He told me, ‘Are you sure you’re on the right path after seeing this?’”
“…”
“That statement is correct. At least, it isn’t something a proper sect would do.”
There’s no way to refute that.
Whatever the motive, the events that happened just before aren’t something a proper sect would undertake.
But…
“That’s not something the King would do, though.”
“Are you so sure?”
“…What are you talking about?”
“I didn’t get involved. Are you sure about what Young Master Gu is asserting?”
“…”
The Poison King asks with bright eyes.
The project for creating the Cheonmujiche and all the countless wicked acts committed to create it.
If you ask me if the King had nothing to do with that affair…
‘…No.’
I could only trust it; I wasn’t confident.
The Poison King read my expression and gave a slight smile.
“I didn’t do it.”
“Then…”
“Even if I say that, there will be fewer people willing to believe it. That’s the reality.”
True.
That’s the reality.
Even if you say you didn’t do it, fewer people would take it on faith in this situation.
“And even if I didn’t intervene, I would have to assume responsibility.”
“Is there any reason for you to do that…?”
“If there’s a reason, it’s the reason Young Master Gu just provided.”
“What?”
“Because I am the head of the Tang Clan.”
“…”
In a tone that seems calm, or as if he has accepted fate.
There are countless feelings mixed together in his soft voice.
“I may not have done anything significant as the clan head so far, but I should at least do something before it’s too late.”
“…So why does it have to be dismantling the family name?”
“Ha ha.”
Though I say it sincerely, the Poison King laughed heartily as if he found something amusing.
“Even stepping down from a title of honor will not ruin my family.”
“Aren’t we standing on land where people live and die for their honor?”
“That’s true. I was one of them.”
Originally, martial artists were like that.
The reason many of them increase their power is indeed for honor.
Many men even had a life-long dream to gain recognition.
That’s why they soared and plummeted for just a nickname.
I don’t see that as a bad thing.
What does it matter to me how others live their lives?
It just means there are many people like that.
Why bother in a place like that?
“Do you have a reason to sacrifice your honor?”
Does the Poison King have a reason to do that?
I wouldn’t know what to say even after hearing him.
“Old Confucius.”
“Yes?”
“Do you know how to revive an old tree whose roots are rotten?”
I looked into his eyes.
My mouth opened slightly.
By meeting the gaze of the Poison King, I found myself speechless.
He had already made his choice.
“It’s about pulling it out completely and replanting fresh seeds.”
“…So you mean tearing it all down and starting again?”
“Perhaps so, but not down to the roots! Ha ha.”
If the Tang Clan had indeed done human experimentation and kidnapped people for that purpose,
It could have left stains not just on their roots, but also on their reputation in the Four Great Families, marking them as unworthy in the Alliance.
Given that the Tang Clan emerged from a side clan, it would be easier to pull the trigger.
And yet, he wants to do it despite knowing all that?
Why in the world…?
“It’s embarrassing.”
“…Embarrassing?”
“I can no longer endure the shame, Young Master Gu. I’m sorry for the children, but this is a necessity.”
Whether it was due to my lack of conscience or if those feelings had long dried up, I didn’t know.
I was unable to accept his convictions.
Then, unexpectedly,
“Thank you.”
The Poison King suddenly expressed gratitude towards me.
I widened my eyes at that statement.
“…What are you talking about all of a sudden?”
Why is he thanking me out of the blue?
“I’m aware that your anger stems from my daughter.”
“…!”
My heart sank at the words from the Poison King.
I realized I had learned something I was unaware of.
Was that the reason why I felt claustrophobic when listening to the words of the Poison King?
I had a vague sense of the turmoil Tang So-yeol would face if the Tang Clan were to collapse.
‘No wonder I was so agitated…’
It seemed that was the underlying issue.
This was something even I hadn’t comprehended.
“I’m sorry for my son and daughter. This is my choice.”
“…Your Majesty.”
“I’ll be feeling embarrassed again soon, but I feel this will be less embarrassing this way. I haven’t abandoned my honor. Right now, this act preserves my dignity.”
So please, no more talk about it.
With that, the Poison King was dismissing my inquiries.
Thus, I fell silent.
I had no more words; there was nothing I could confidently say.
It had always been like this.
Those with firm beliefs, who misstep onto paths they shouldn’t have, frequently seal others’ lips with their resolve.
While slightly looking away, the Poison King calmly addressed me.
“Shameless as it may be, please look after my daughter well, Young Master Gu.”
What does that even imply?
Does this mean if the Tang Clan collapses, I should rescue her or something?
I wasn’t sure what he meant otherwise.
But currently, the only answer I could offer was one.
“…Don’t worry.”
I may not know much else but this one statement was genuine.
Hearing my response, the Poison King smiled and nodded, then spoke.
“Alright, that’s sufficient.”
The way he addressed me—quietly—indicated that he had finally acknowledged me.
After leaving the Poison King’s residence, I took a step away.
Since I couldn’t keep someone busy with plans ahead, it was time for me to do my own tasks.
‘I guess I should start planning my schedule soon, too.’
The main events were already lined up.
But as for what to do next, I hadn’t decided that yet.
‘I need to go home first, though.’
Returning to Gu Clan.
That had to take precedence.
‘…If I had my way, I’d rather go somewhere else than home.’
From the hidden caves in Guangdong filled with centuries-old iron deposits to various opportunities I had tidied up, I was at a point where I wanted to take them one by one.
‘But diving into that right now would be too much.’
There were many pressing matters to handle first.
Not to mention the promises made with deities.
The gem I intended to use on Nahi was also due.
Even beyond that, the single most important factor was:
‘I need power.’
A serious training session is what I required most right now.
‘…I’m still lacking.’
Even though I touched the mirror, became a dragon, and gained enhanced strength, it was still insufficient.
I was inadequate even in terms of personal power to confront the Celestial Steed and Blood Demon.
I still couldn’t react to the Dark King’s movements, and there was an unbearable distance to those who have risen higher.
On top of that…
‘I need to establish a foundation as well.’
Together with mastering Tuapa Tianmu, I had to reach a level in Gu Flame Wheel Technique.
Only then would my father spill the beans about my mother.
I needed time to gather strength.
And the circumstances when that could happen seemed to dwindle.
“…Probably now won’t come again.”
Now was the golden opportunity.
In just a few years, unforeseen incidents would follow one after another.
Even excluding the mess I orchestrated.
I had to build my strength to handle the major obstacles looming ahead.
‘At this point, gaining more from luck has its limits.’
My stakes were not just sufficient; they overflowed.
Given that my physique was wired efficiently, what remained was self-training.
Alright, let’s go for it.
It’s time to act when it’s needed.
If I had to return to the clan for a while, now was perfect for bulking up.
With determination, I returned to my abode.
“Hmm?”
I noticed my father, who hadn’t been around all night, standing in the yard.
And there, beside him…
‘Is that Wi Seol-ah?’
What was she doing holding my clothes?
What the…?
As I stepped in, their eyes turned toward me.
“Oh, Young Master!”
“What are you doing?”
“…Um…”
In response to my question, Wi Seol-ah hid the clothes behind her back and hesitated before continuing.
“…I was doing laundry…”
“Laundry…? What? Could it be that?”
“Yes…”
She pointed at the clothes, indicating that was indeed the case.
Wait, you were washing my clothes?
“…Why?”
Why is she handling my clothes?
I asked with that intent, and I saw Wi Seol-ah’s face redden gradually.
Since her skin was so pale, it was especially noticeable.
“Oh, it’s been so long… I just remembered a little while back… It just happened naturally.”
With an awkward laugh, I couldn’t help but furrow my brow.
Are you seriously implying you washed them without even realizing it was mine? What kind of absurd instinct is that?
Searching for a cause left my heart feeling a tad bitter.
‘…This seems to be my fault somehow.’
Was it because I brought Wi Seol-ah over as a maid?
Clearly, there were some odd behaviors lingering.
‘…Now that I think about it, it seems like there’s been more laundry done than usual lately.’
After training or going out, my room would be cleaned.
For some reason, a pleasant fragrance lingered.
“Did you… clean without me knowing?”
“…!”
Wi Seol-ah flinched, blushing at my somewhat tentative question.
I assumed it was the clan’s servants taking care of me, yet it turns out it was Wi Seol-ah!
“Why did you do that?”
“… I just had some free time…”
“If you’re going to do something, at least inform me. You’re not some stealthy little deer.”
The fundamental question is why you’re performing this in secret?
Wi Seol-ah lowered her head at my bewildered words.
“I’m sorry…”
I wasn’t sure if sneaking in would be problematic.
At least from my point of view, she certainly didn’t owe me an apology.
“That’s not something you need to be sorry for. That’s what I should be saying. So… if you do something nice for me, just let me know. That way, I’ll be able to thank you.”
I tried to tousle her hair, smiling at Wi Seol-ah’s reaction, but as I remembered my father standing next to me, I abruptly paused my hand.
Wi Seol-ah’s glances turned surprised as she noticed my unrealized intent.
I barely diverted my focus and asked my father.
“Are you heading out?”
My father’s eyebrows raised slightly at my question.
“How did you know?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I’m about to leave.”
“…Oh, that.”
It just felt that way.
Perhaps due to my frequent monitoring of my father recently, I could perceive a subtle alteration in his demeanor.
“I just had a feeling that this would be the case.”
“…Hmm.”
“But, what were you discussing with her?”
“It wasn’t anything important.”
That clearly meant he wouldn’t share.
I turned to look at Wi Seol-ah.
“…Uh…”
Wi Seol-ah also seemed to be dodging my inquiry.
What’s the deal…? This is giving me anxiety.
I wanted to dig deeper into it but opted to put a pin on it for now.
“…Let’s set that aside. Are you genuinely leaving now?”
“Now that the task is fulfilled, I have no reason to linger.”
That indicated he had wrapped up all the Poison King’s requests.
This meant he had handled all the elders overnight.
“If that’s the case, why not just go together? I mean, I might leave by tomorrow either way.”
After voicing those words, I was internally shocked.
Under ordinary circumstances, I would’ve cheered for him saying he would leave.
I never figured I’d invite my father to go with me.
It was simply embarrassing.
My father appeared taken aback by my invitation, his eyes widening in astonishment.
“No… I just did that as a courtesy. I absolutely must leave.”
I continued rambling as though I was making empty excuses. It felt as if I had to come up with something.
My father regarded me as I said this.
“It’s impossible.”
That was an outright rejection.
“I figured as much.”
Feeling slightly awkward, I scratched my head in embarrassment.
“Normally, that would’ve been acceptable.”
He started to provide explanations that seemed unnecessary.
“If I delay much longer, I’ll be in serious trouble.”
“Who’s going to be angry?”
“…”
Although he didn’t respond directly, when I looked into his eyes, I sensed a substantial dilemma.
Amidst all this.
-This will be the third day…
I faintly heard such words. What could that mean?
Anyway, it meant he wouldn’t be able to go together.
“…Then, there’s nothing I can do. I will see you at the clan…?”
I lightly surrendered, thinking about saying my farewells.
But my father extended something toward me.
It was a hand.
A solid, large hand belonging to my father.
“…?”
I looked at him, bewildered about what he was trying to convey, but he just kept staring at me quietly.
As we engaged in this silent contest, my father finally broke the silence.
“Catch it.”
“Oh.”
That single phrase made me understand his intention.
Without delay, I grasped my father’s hand.
Given the sheer difference in size, my hand merely wrapped around his.
Now that I think about it…
‘Is this my first time?’
I think this is the first instance I’ve ever held hands with my father like this.
I can’t recall ever doing that before.
At best, a couple of brief seconds. After a fleeting moment, devoid of any sentiment, our handshake was promptly released.
“I’ll head out first. Be safe on your way back.”
“…Huh?”
My father’s words caught me off guard.
Weren’t you trying to verify something?
I expected precisely that.
“Father…?”
Pock!
I shouted his name, but he vanished into embers right before my eyes.
“…Are we seriously continuing like this?”
You just shake hands and disappear into thin air?
How ludicrous. You just show up out of nowhere and then vanish casually.
My father remained a difficult man to grasp.
“Ha ha.”
I chuckled, inspecting my hands.
My father’s hand was warmer than I anticipated.
Could it be due to the influence of his alchemical prowess?
That thought made me laugh awkwardly.
What remained was warmth and an indescribable feeling.
Knock knock.
I brushed my hands off and turned my attention to Wi Seol-ah.
Wi Seol-ah was watching me with her signature wide eyes.
Somehow, it felt as if the corners of her eyes were smiling.
That was charming, but honestly…
‘So troublesome.’
With that thought, I casually ruffled her hair.
“Eek!”
The cute scream of Wi Seol-ah echoed; it had been a while since I enjoyed hearing that.
“Y-young Master, just a moment…!”
“Who told you to stare like that?”
As I casually stroked her silky hair a few times, Wi Seol-ah frowned.
Feeling that, I withdrew my hand. If I continued, she would definitely sulk.
I stepped back slightly and looked at Wi Seol-ah.
“Let’s go eat. I’m hungry.”
“Yes.”
It felt nostalgic, wanting to share a meal together.
To my relief, Wi Seol-ah also wore a cheerful expression.
In that case…
“Since we’re at it, let’s invite the kids too. It’ll be nice to have a meal together.”
“…Yes.”
…Is she not fond of that?
Her expression darkened for some reason.
‘Just a misunderstanding, I’m sure.’
There’s no way Wi Seol-ah wouldn’t like food.
I shrugged this off and started moving.
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