Avoiding Bu Eunseol’s piercing gaze, Tang Ryeong stammered, “G-Gon-ah. For now, rest at Cheongyang Pavilion with them.”
“Understood.”
The Sichuan Tang Family.
For generations, the illustrious Tang Family of Sichuan, a renowned clan, was originally a village of artisans specializing in crafting hidden weapons. As they produced various hidden weapons, they naturally became masters of the world’s hidden weapon techniques, and they began researching poisons and antidotes to apply to those weapons. Over the generations, the Tang Family became a prestigious martial clan renowned for its mastery of hidden weapons and poisons, and those who inherited their techniques gained fame throughout the martial world.
“It’s vast,” Bu Eunseol muttered, his eyes gleaming as he surveyed the expansive interior of the Tang Family estate.
In truth, the direct and branch bloodlines of the Sichuan Tang Family together barely numbered a hundred. But when including the external affiliates and the elite warriors of the Outer Court, the scale rivaled that of the Nine Great Sects.
“This is where I stay,” Tang Gon said with an embarrassed smile as he guided them through the pavilion.
His residence, Cheongyang Pavilion, was not in the Inner Court where the direct bloodline resided but in the Outer Court.
“Don’t misunderstand. This place has a large garden… and it’s close to the training grounds, so I chose it,” Tang Gon said with a hearty laugh. “It must’ve been fate. If I’d known I’d give up the successor position, I wouldn’t have bothered mastering swordsmanship…” A bitter smile lingered on his lips.
Tang Gon was not only exceptional in martial arts but also gifted in talent and character, lacking nothing. Yet, as a child of a concubine and opposed by those around him, he was unable to learn the Tang Family’s eight secret techniques, reserved for the direct bloodline. As a result, he had no supporters within the Tang Family, leaving him no choice but to hone his swordsmanship.
Knock, knock.
A soft voice came from outside. “The First Young Master has arrived.”
“Brother? Show him in at once.” Moments later, the door slid open with a soft screech, and Tang Ryeong, pale-faced but smiling broadly, entered the room.
“Brother,” Tang Gon greeted with a warm expression, bowing respectfully. Tang Ryeong smiled gently.
“Why so formal between brothers?”
“Then I’ll take my leave,” Bu Eunseol said, his face hardening as he abruptly turned to leave.
“Uh, alright,” Tang Ryeong replied.
As Bu Eunseol left with Black Leopard, Tang Ryeong stared after him, bewildered.
“Does he dislike me?”
“No, no,” Tang Gon said, scratching his head. “He’s just naturally cold in expression and speech.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. In truth, he’s very trustworthy… and a good person.” Tang Gon scratched his head again, and Tang Ryeong chuckled.
“Haha, you’ve made a good friend.”
“What?”
“I heard he risked his life multiple times to break through encirclements for you. Such a friend is rare in the martial world.”
“No, it’s not like that,” Tang Gon said, shaking his head with an embarrassed expression. “He’s not my friend.”
“What do you mean? Just now, he himself said…”
“It was just a deal,” Tang Gon said, lowering his head sheepishly.
Sensing a deeper story, Tang Ryeong quickly changed the subject, extending his arm.
“Sit, let’s talk. Bring some tea.” At Tang Ryeong’s words, a servant outside brought warm tea.
Pour.
As Tang Ryeong personally poured tea for Tang Gon, he sighed, clicking his tongue.
“You’ve grown even thinner.” Sipping his tea, Tang Ryeong spoke warmly. “Rest well at Cheongyang Pavilion for now. I’ll soon persuade Father to stop Tang Bi’s tyranny.”
“It’s fine. You don’t need to worry anymore,” Tang Gon said, shaking his head. “I returned to the family to tell the patriarch I’m giving up the successor position.”
“What? Why?” Tang Ryeong asked.
Tang Gon’s face was pained. “I’m alone, aren’t I? No matter how hard I try, the outcome will be the same. I’d only cause trouble for those around me.”
“But Tang Bi is relentless,” Tang Ryeong said, his eyes hardening with resolve. “Don’t give up just yet. I’ll help you.”
“What?”
“I’ll give you the elite warriors of my Poison Battle Clan and Eight Dagger Clan.” Tang Gon’s eyes widened at the unexpected offer. “With them, you can at least hold off Tang Bi’s schemes while you’re in the family.”
“No, I can’t accept that. How could I take your subordinates…” Tang Gon protested.
“It’s fine,” Tang Ryeong said, patting Tang Gon’s shoulder with a smile. “I’ll speak to Father about it. Just rest for now.”
“Thank you, Brother,” Tang Gon said, unable to hide his gratitude.
Click.
After Tang Ryeong left, Bu Eunseol and Black Leopard returned to the room as if they’d been waiting.
Tang Gon, seeing them, said excitedly, “Eldest Brother has agreed to help me!”
“Help? How?” Bu Eunseol asked, frowning.
Tang Gon recounted his conversation with Tang Ryeong. But something was off.
“Why… are you looking at me like that?” Tang Gon asked, noticing that both Bu Eunseol and Black Leopard were looking at him with pity. “Did I do something wrong?”
Bu Eunseol sighed, looking at Tang Gon. “What kind of person is Tang Ryeong?”
“Eldest Brother… though frail, he’s always generous to those around him. I could give up the successor position so easily because he’s here…” Tang Gon trailed off as Bu Eunseol let out a heavy sigh.
“No wonder you couldn’t build a faction,” Bu Eunseol said.
“What do you mean?”
Black Leopard scratched his head awkwardly. “Third Young Master, you’re too honest and trusting.”
“What are you saying? Are you both doubting Eldest Brother?” Tang Gon asked, blinking in confusion.
Bu Eunseol crossed his arms, frowning. “He’s giving you his forces for one reason: you’re a buffer, a shield to keep Tang Bi in check.”
“What? Why would Eldest Brother, with the largest faction, need to guard against Second Brother?”
“He’s right,” Black Leopard said cautiously. “If Third Young Master gives up the successor position, Tang Bi can focus solely on Eldest Young Master. But if you remain, Tang Bi has to deal with both of you, splitting his strength.”
“Haha, that’s absurd,” Tang Gon said.
“Though I’m young, I’ve roamed as a wanderer of Dongpyoseorang. I know a thing or two about schemes and plots,” Black Leopard said. “If Eldest Young Master truly cared for you, he wouldn’t offer just two clans but at least one of the branch family’s elite guard units.”
As an informant, Black Leopard was well-versed in the Tang Family’s structure and factions. The only way to gain real power in the Tang Family was to secure the support of high-ranking blood relatives. The warriors of the Eight Clans and Five Caves, with little authority, were of no real use.
“I understand what you’re saying,” Tang Gon said, turning away with a pained expression. “But Eldest Brother would never do that.” Though he said this, his face showed he’d already realized the truth.
As a direct blood relative of the Sichuan Tang Family, his insight couldn’t be less than that of a young boy like Black Leopard. Deep down, he’d known but had been avoiding reality.
“I’m tired,” Tang Gon said, forcing a bright smile as he turned to Bu Eunseol. “I’m going to rest.”
Though smiling, his eyes were filled with anguish. Born as the third son of the Tang Family, he had no one truly on his side. He had to bear and resolve everything alone.
“Give it to me,” Bu Eunseol said, calmly extending his hand.
Blinking for a moment, Tang Gon let out an “Ah.”
“Right, it’s all over now.” With a bitter smile, Tang Gon nodded. “I forgot. I’ll have someone prepare the hidden weapons soon.”
Turning to Black Leopard, he added, “You’ve worked hard too. I’ll give you a nice gift. Just wait a moment.”
But Bu Eunseol still hadn’t lowered his hand.
“Is… there something else you need?”
“Yes,” Bu Eunseol said, staring at Tang Gon. “Pear Blossom Leaf.”
Tang Gon’s eyes trembled, and the smile on his lips slowly faded.
“Why suddenly ask for the Pear Blossom Leaf?”
“Wouldn’t it be strange to stay here without receiving it?” Bu Eunseol said, gesturing toward the guest quarters. “No one would kick out a friend staying at their home, right?”
“You…” Tang Gon said, unable to hide his emotion.
For those with wealth or status, true friends are hard to come by. A true friend is someone who stands by you when you have nothing, when no one else is there.
Like now.
Swish.
Tang Gon took a Pear Blossom Leaf from his robes and handed it to Bu Eunseol. His hands hadn’t trembled like this since he began practicing martial arts.
“Hm,” Bu Eunseol said, tucking the Pear Blossom Leaf away and speaking in a low voice. “Now that I’ve received this, treat me as an equal. I’ll do the same for you.”
With the Pear Blossom Leaf exchanged, Bu Eunseol and Tang Gon had become true friends, transcending status and obligations.
“Alright,” Tang Gon said, nodding with a smile.
“I have a request,” Bu Eunseol added.
“Gladly, name it.”
“Be cold. Cold enough to sever even familial bonds,” Bu Eunseol said, looking at Tang Gon with a chilling gaze. “At least while I’m here.”
“That’s…”
“If you do, you could become a worthy successor to the Tang Family.” Tang Gon was speechless.
Bu Eunseol’s words meant he, too, was joining Tang Gon’s fight for succession.
“I won’t say thanks,” Tang Gon said, taking a deep breath and looking at Bu Eunseol firmly. “I’ll be a friend you won’t be ashamed of.”
Bu Eunseol turned away without a word.
But at the corner of his lips was the same faint smile he’d had when he first met Tang Gon.
***
Suyun Pavilion
Located in the southwestern part of the Tang Family’s Inner Court, this was the residence of the second son, Tang Bi.
Boom!
Tang Bi slammed his fist on the rosewood table, shouting at Tang Sa-un, the leader of the Poison Extinction Squad.
“Didn’t you say you could stop them?!”
“My apologies,” Tang Sa-un said, bowing his head and speaking in a low voice. “I predicted First Young Master would meet with the patriarch, but I didn’t expect the patriarch to allow it.”
“And you call yourself the leader of the Poison Extinction Squad? If you foresaw it, you should’ve had a plan!” Tang Bi roared.
He was wringing Tang Sa-un like a rag, blaming him entirely for failing to kill Tang Gon.
Why did Father choose the second son as the successor? Tang Sa-un thought, head bowed, letting Tang Bi’s tirade pass through one ear.
Tang Bi was highly talented in martial arts but impatient and ferocious. His subordinates lived in constant fear, always watching his mood.
“Anyway, Tang Gon’s back in the family. What now?” Tang Bi asked coldly, his anger finally subsiding.
Tang Sa-un snapped to attention and answered immediately. “He may have returned, but it was by the skin of his teeth, wasn’t it?”
“And?”
“Third Young Master will surely meet the patriarch and declare he’s giving up the successor position.”
“Hm…” Tang Bi rubbed his chin, deep in thought. “But Brother won’t just sit by. And that guy—Bu something—is with him, isn’t he?”
“No matter how great that man is, this is the Tang Family. External forces mean little in a succession struggle,” Tang Sa-un said.
To become the successor, one needed the support of the family’s blood relatives, not external allies. Even if Tang Gon brought the leader of the Martial Alliance, it would have no bearing on the succession.
“Still…” Tang Bi said, glaring at Tang Sa-un with a chilling voice. “What if he doesn’t give up the successor position?”
