CFZ

As dawn broke after a restless night, the somber atmosphere persisted, and the schedule pressed on.
The havoc caused by Cheonma had pushed the branch's alert level to its peak. The problem, however, was that while vigilance had increased, there were no effective countermeasures in place.
Thus, only one course of action remained:

"Here to meet the Branch Leader…"
"Paying respects to the Tang Clan's Patriarch…."
Seeking assistance. I had sent a message to the Poison King, explaining the situation and requesting help. Though his acceptance wasn’t exactly enthusiastic—he set a variety of conditions before agreeing—he ultimately complied.

Still, the man was remarkable. If I’d let my guard down, he would have drained me dry.
"At least he came when I called. He knows why this is beneficial to him, too."
This was not a bad deal for the Poison King either. The Tang Clan, bearing the burden of their ancestors' sins and bound by their self-imposed isolation, now stood forward at the Martial Alliance's request.

Even the act of their participation provided substantial benefits.
"I’ve already ensured the Open Clan will spread this around. It won’t take long to circulate."
This was also part of why Cheol Ji-seon had been running tirelessly, day and night.
"By the end of the year, they’ll reestablish their place. While rejoining the Four Great Clans may be a stretch, reclaiming their status as a prestigious household is almost certain."

The knowledge possessed by the Tang Clan was unparalleled, ensuring their eventual resurgence.
"Iron and poison are the Tang Clan’s exclusive domains."
While other clans might dabble in working with iron, including poison in their arsenal set the Tang Clan apart. The Tang Clan had reached their position not through sheer force but through influence, much like the Moyong family.

“…Ahem.”
The Poison King appeared a bit unsettled, his gaze fixed on me. It seemed he was confused about why someone other than Mok Ri-seon was now the branch leader.
“Oh, that guy’s dead.”

I stated it bluntly.
“…What?”
“When I investigated, I discovered that he had been secretly colluding with the Celestial Stream Sect. So, I killed him yesterday and replaced him.”
“…”

I gave him the abridged version, but his expression only grew more twisted. He looked at me as though I were completely insane.
“Regardless, I sincerely thank you for your assistance, Tang Patriarch.”
“…No, no… that’s not the issue here….”

The Poison King, who seemed ready to argue further, sighed instead. He looked as though he’d rather not be entangled in this mess, which stung a little.
“Then, how should I address him…?”
“You can call him Branch Leader Shin, as his name is Shin Dogyeom.”

“…Branch Leader Shin.”
“Yes, Tang Patriarch.”
This time, Shin Dogyeom seemed flustered. He had never expected to not only take the branch leader’s position but also be speaking directly with the Poison King.
“As requested by the Alliance, I have brought reinforcements. However, given the circumstances, it isn’t a large force.”

Listening, I glanced at the Poison King.
He was as calculated as ever.
"Even now, he’s making sure to secure his position."

The phrase “as requested by the Alliance” was deliberate. It subtly underscored that the Tang Clan wasn’t acting on their own initiative but rather at the Alliance’s behest.
Moreover, “given the circumstances” emphasized that, despite their internal difficulties, they had come to help the Martial Alliance.
"This man truly exemplifies what it means to be a patriarch."

The Poison King wasn’t just a skilled martial artist—he was the quintessential leader of a clan. As was typical of conversations between those in authority, subtle power plays were unavoidable.
The issue was—
"Ah, I deeply appreciate your consideration."

Shin Dogyeom, while undoubtedly a good man, had no experience in this area. The Poison King clearly noticed it as well; his brow twitched ever so slightly.
It wasn’t a good sign.
“…If I may, as a substitute of sorts…”

The Poison King’s eyes gleamed as he began to speak. I clicked my tongue inwardly, cutting him off before he could proceed.
“We’ve already set clear terms as part of this agreement.”
“…!”

The Poison King’s expression tightened as I suddenly interrupted.
“As per the arrangement, we temporarily lifted the implicit restriction on trade with the Tang Clan within Sichuan. In exchange for manpower, the Tang Clan will secretly receive red spirit stones collected under the guise of hunting for three months.”
“…”

The more I spoke, the more contorted his expression became. His eyes burned with betrayal.
"What is this man doing?"
He glared at me fiercely, clearly thinking I was on his side.

"Well, he’s not entirely wrong, but that’s not the case right now."
I had my reasons. Having appointed Shin Dogyeom as branch leader, I couldn’t allow him to be exploited so easily.
“…I believe you’ve already confirmed the terms, Tang Patriarch.”

When I pointed it out, the Poison King seemed to recognize the situation and adjusted his stance.
“As the Star King himself just mentioned, this was not part of the original agreement.”
“What specifically?”

“An implicit matter, by nature, is not officially recognized. Including it as a condition is unreasonable.”
While he acknowledged that the Tang Clan had been unofficially restricted, he argued that it couldn’t be used against them now.
The Poison King wasn’t wrong, but—

“However, Tang Patriarch, public perception is something no one can ignore, not even the Martial Alliance. Furthermore, the implicit nature of the restriction was meant to minimize the Tang Clan’s losses when formalized.”
I stood firm. After a few rounds of verbal sparring—
"…What is the meaning of this nonsense?"

The Poison King finally sent me a private transmission, unable to hold back.
"I have my reasons."
"So, you’re intent on taking this to the end?"

"Not at all."
Scratching my cheek lightly, I replied.
"For now, just keep going. I have a plan."

I didn’t explain further, though I believed the Poison King would pick up on the hint.
“Do you wish to annul the agreement, then?”
Sure enough, the Poison King immediately escalated, rising from his seat. I reached out to stop him.

“…Please, calm yourself.”
“Calm myself? I came here to assist, and this is how I’m treated? It would be better to forget this entire arrangement.”
Sigh.

I let out a small sigh and glanced briefly at Shin Dogyeom.
“…Then, Tang Patriarch, what is it you seek?”
This was where I gave a little ground. My tone shifted to one of concession. The Poison King paused, his narrowed eyes fixed on me.

“Open the frontlines to the Tang Clan.”
“…?”
Now it was my turn to narrow my eyes.

“The frontlines?”
“Yes. Even temporarily, I ask that you grant us access.”
“Hmm…”

The frontlines were a region slightly removed from Shanxi, managed primarily by the Gu family. It was a place visited periodically by families affiliated with the righteous faction.
For families with a sword division, it was an obligatory undertaking and, moreover—
"A symbol of prestige."

Visiting the frontlines affirmed a family’s status as part of the righteous faction.
Especially now.
"I’ve heard that the frequency of red-grade beasts has increased there recently."

 
As the morning dawned after a restless night, the air remained heavy with tension, and the activities pressed forward.
The emergence of red-grade demonic beasts had brought significant changes to the frontlines. The threshold for martial artists permitted to enter had risen, and the increased danger necessitated a complete reevaluation of forces and strategies.

"So that’s what he’s after…"
At first, I wondered what exactly the Poison King was trying to gain. Now it was clear—he was seeking justification.
Though the frontlines were perilous, they presented an opportunity for honor. And since the higher risk made it easier to justify to the Martial Alliance, it was a calculated move.

However—
“…That’s something beyond the authority of the Sichuan branch,” I said.
Especially when it came to the Tang Clan, it wasn’t a matter I could address directly.

“I’m aware. That’s why I’m merely asking you to convey the message.”
“Just convey the message?”
It was clear: the Tang Clan wanted to return to the frontlines, and he was asking me to report this to the Martial Alliance.

"Unbelievable."
The more we spoke, the more absurd it became.
"This man… has he changed his approach?"

It felt like his demands had shifted since the beginning of the conversation.
"He’s talking directly to me now."
This wasn’t directed at Shin Dogyeom or the branch itself—it was aimed at me. Likely because he already knew.

"He knows that if I take it to the Martial Alliance, they’ll listen."
He was certain that if the request came from me, it would go through. That’s why he was addressing me so ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ deliberately.
"Clever fox."

His daughter might resemble a playful squirrel, but the father was as cunning as they come.
"I won’t let it slide this time."

I paused, brushing away the thought before it derailed me further.
"Maybe she’s not quite like a squirrel after all."
She wasn’t that innocent. Anyway—

“…I’ll deliver the message.”
“Thank you.”
Agreeing to pass on the message wasn’t a problem. In truth, it was about time the Tang Clan began moving again, and this provided a convenient justification.

Shin Dogyeom’s expression was hard to read as he observed our exchange.
"Did he catch on?"
There had been subtle maneuvers in our conversation. Hopefully, he understood at least some of the Poison King’s intent.

That was why I had indulged in this tedious back-and-forth.
“It was a productive conversation.”
“I appreciate your consideration.”

The Poison King rose, and I followed suit. When Shin Dogyeom tried to follow, I stopped him—there were things I needed to discuss privately.
Once outside, the Poison King turned to me.
“Is he important?”

He was referring to Shin Dogyeom.
“No, not particularly.”
“Then why go to such lengths?”

It seemed he had figured out why I orchestrated the situation. Scratching my cheek, I replied, “Since I forced him into the position, I felt a sense of responsibility. In any case, I appreciate your help.”
“Branch Leader Shin… Shin Dogyeom, was it?”
“You plan to remember him?”

“I doubt I’ll forget.”
I had successfully etched Shin Dogyeom into the Poison King’s memory. As he processed this, I spoke quietly.
“Oh, Patriarch.”

“Hmm?”
“The trading preparations are nearly complete. Once the supplies are filled, we’ll begin distribution. Including the planned openings.”
“…Is that so.”

“Yes. We’re aiming for the end of the year, but moving it up would be better.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you.”

Once the Dokcheon Pill is completed, it will be officially announced. The Tang Clan would reveal that they had perfected the pill once thought to be a relic of the past and would sell it commercially.
The Dokcheon Pill, a miraculous elixir akin to a Great Rejuvenation Pill, was previously considered priceless. Making it available for purchase would shake the martial world.
"And if the Tang Clan returns to the frontlines…."

Regardless of their past sins, the Tang Clan would reclaim their prominence.
"The only concern is the toll of creating the Dokcheon Pill."
If even the Poison King grew exhausted after crafting just a few, how would they handle production? It was a troubling thought.

"There must be a way…"
“Gu Yangcheon.”
“…Yes?”

The Poison King’s voice interrupted my musings. His next words caught me off guard.
“Is Cheonma strong?”
“…”

I froze at the unexpected question.
“…Why do you ask?”
For a moment, I wondered if he had noticed something, like his daughter had. A cold sweat trickled down my back.

“There’s been a lot of talk. I was curious and concerned. Since you’ve encountered him, I thought I’d ask.”
Thankfully, it seemed that wasn’t the case. Still, it was a difficult question to answer.
“…Strong, you say?”

"Do I call him strong?"
Objectively, yes. But saying so outright felt wrong. Denying it, however, would be a lie.
After much deliberation, I finally muttered, “…He’s strong.”

The Poison King nodded at my reluctant admission.
“I see. For you to say so with such hesitation, he must be formidable indeed.”
“…”

It wasn’t hesitation; it was embarrassment. But apparently, it came across differently to him.
"Endure it. It’s not like it’s untrue."
Even if it wasn’t widely acknowledged yet, soon, it would become undeniable.

Cheonma was strong.
Not just strong—
"Cheonma is stronger than the Three Supremes."

Soon, everyone would know that there was no one in this world stronger than Cheonma.
And I would ensure that narrative spread far and wide.