This is an opportunity!'
Zhuge Changxin felt his spirits flash.
I don't know how things came to this, but the winner of the competition, Dang Sang-myeong, and the third elder, Dang Seok-hyeong, who is considered a real power in the elders' council, both agreed. Because of his remarks, there would be no estrangement between the Dang family and the Jegal family. The Dang family's support for the Jegal family would not be cut off.
What choice should I make?
Zhuge Changxin's head was spinning quickly. The elders did not want Dang Yuanming to become the owner of the small house, and Dang Yuanming would want him to prove the fairness of the competition.
Originally, it was a problem that didn't need to be worried. Even if the obvious winner was a talented person who won the competition and had the right to the position, it would be difficult to climb the ladder if he fell out of favor with the elders. It would be the same even if he won the hearts of the guards. His position and 'power' were nothing compared to the elders.
It won't work. It's better to take the side of the three elders.
'… is powerless.'
Suddenly, images of the Tangming that he had seen flashed through Zhuge Changxin's mind. From the way he easily passed the first Bongwi-dae test using the unheard-of method of "Chak", to the skill of seeing through Zhuge's secret method, the True Ming An, to the swordsmanship that cut off the connection with the world of true laws, to the force that single-handedly annihilated three hundred members of the Sect…
'In the end, even the Jilsaehwan Palace was destroyed.'
Could the Tang Dynasty elders really show such inaction? Zhuge Changxin thought it would never happen. The formation commonly called Jeoljin was no different from a world. It was almost impossible to destroy such a formation without having the power to destroy the will that constituted that world.
'Unless it is the state of Hwagyeong where one puts one's thoughts into the air… .'
However, Jegal Changsin had no doubt that Dang Myeong would ascend to the rank of Hwagyeong. This was because he knew his age. Fifteen. Even if he had learned martial arts while in his mother's womb, it would be impossible. If he had been a genius like Yu Gil-jun, the Black Lotus Master, who was born with the qualities of a great master…!
I thought that they must have used some other method to destroy the formation.
In any case, from Jegal Changsin's perspective, Deungmyeong was a very annoying existence. He didn't want to confront him, but he also didn't want to help him become a small-scale lord. It was also important to please the third elder, Dang Seok-hyeong.
Finally, Zhuge Changxin, who had made up his mind, opened his mouth.
"The competition process itself was fair. At least until the lonely battle where the Bongwidae and our Jegal family could not intervene. I can guarantee that."
"There's some truth to the story. Did something happen in the Battle of Solitude?"
The third elder, Dang Seok-hyeong, asked with shining eyes. His eyes were like those of a beast that had found its prey.
Yu Myeong-myeong just stared at Jegal Chang-sin's mouth without any expression on his face. It seemed as if he was waiting to see what he was talking about.
Feeling his lips dry, Zhuge Changxin continued speaking.
"You must know the Taeeulmukgeompa. It is the Sado Bangpa located here in Sacheon. It is under the command of Heuksayeon."
"… I know. But why are you bringing it up?"
"The chief of that place, Mak In-hu, led three hundred men and entered the Jilsaehwan Palace. It is obvious what he is aiming for. He must have intended to deal with the prospective small-scale families of the parties participating in the competition."
"So that happened? And how come the damage was so small? I see. It must be thanks to the Jilsaehwan Palace."
"You can't necessarily say that."
Zhuge Changxin shook his head.
"What they entered was a new world of formations that had been opened up for the lone war. It was a coincidence. The Tangyuanjin warriors said that they had to somehow get the participants in the lone war out, but in fact, at that time, even our Zhuge family was already in a situation where they could not intervene. All they could do was close and lock the formations to prevent further damage."
"Who were the people who fought the lonely battle?" "One person was chosen from each of the seven groups, and they were number 2 Dang Yeong-ryeong, number 10 Dang Geuk-rin…"
As Jegal Changsin began to call out the names of the leaders of each group, the three elders, Tang Shixing and Tang Shizhong, the great elders, were visibly shaken. It couldn't be otherwise. It was because they heard that Tang Yeongling and Tang Geuklin had reached the final checkpoint, the Gokdokjeon, and were trapped in the formation, facing the Taeeulmukgeompa and the Sapa gangsters.
It was running until it was about to become a small business, but then it slipped.
In particular, the third elder, Dang Seok-hyeong, looked like he was finally realizing what was going on.
'It looks like this guy got lucky!'
In his mind, he imagined his granddaughter, Dang Yeong-ryeong, struggling against the Sapa warriors and exhausting even the Hwa-ryong-ho-dok before collapsing. He must have been in a relationship with a considerable number of warriors. Otherwise, how could he have lost the battle of loneliness while carrying the Dang-ga-sip-dok?
Jegal Changsin opened his mouth, conscious of Dang Seok-hyeong's sharp gaze. It's time to set the stage.
"In the end, the only ones who survived the battle of solitude were Dang Jeong-il, who abstained before the Taeeulmukgeompa entered, and Yu Myeong-myeong, who showed up at the end."
"What happened to those Taeeulmukgeompa guys?"
"They were all dead. They all looked as if they had been poisoned by a terrible poison and a dark magic. Among them were two black swords known as the sacred relics of Mak In-hu, the leader of the Taeeul Mokgeom Sect. I brought them here, so please take a look."
As Zhuge Changxin nodded, one of the Zhuge family members pulled out something wrapped tightly in a yellowish cloth. There were two black swords that looked quite extraordinary.
"… I guess that's right. I've seen that guy swing it a few times."
The chief of the swordsmanship, Dang Ji-ryong, nodded and said. The other elders looked slightly surprised. Was Mak In-hu really dead? He was a top-ranking figure among the leaders of the Sect under the Black Death League. He was not someone who could be attacked by mere later rankers.
One of the three elders, Dang Seok-hyeong, knew a way to kill Mak In-hu.
Hwa-ryong-ho-dok 一 If it was that extreme poison, which could be called the extreme of heat poison, then even a small amount would definitely be enough to kill Mak-in-hu. Even those who reached the Hwa-gyeong level had difficulty detoxifying it because it was the Dang-ga-sip-dok.
It took only a moment for suspicion to become certainty.
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"You bastard."
Dang Seok-hyung said.
"What happened in the battle of solitude? You must tell me in detail."
"Why should I say that? I understand that whatever happened in the Battle of Solitude was left unaddressed."
"Are you trying to insult the elder I just saw?"
bang!!
Dang Seok-hyung let out a roar as he stepped forward. The energy in Jin-gak was unusual. It was an atmosphere that made it seem like it wouldn't be strange if he were to leave immediately.
'It was done.'
Jegal Changsin was secretly delighted at the sight. By telling only the truth as much as possible, he was able to avoid being at odds with Dang Yuanming and provide a suitable excuse for Jang Won to attack him. Now all that was left was to just watch. If possible, he hoped Jang Won would nullify the results of the competition itself.
There were too many things about Dang-myung that he found unsettling. He had a gut feeling that if he continued like this and became the head of the household, it wouldn't be a good thing for the Jegal family.
The ground that Dangseokhyung was stepping on was continuously being dug. It meant that internal energy was continuously accumulating in the Yongcheon point of the sole of his foot. The posture that could be shot out at any moment created an atmosphere of imminent destruction.
Dang Seok-hyung said.
"What happened in the battle of solitude is only a fight between the participants. This case is out of the question. Wasn't there an outside force involved?"
"The words of the Three Elders are coming. The competition should be a place to determine the superiority of the participants. However, if the Sapa guys interfered, it cannot be considered a proper competition."
"If it was really justified, then there's no reason why you shouldn't talk about what happened inside."
The president and the elders added their remarks.
Dang-myung opened his lips as he watched the scene.
"I guess you guessed that I was making a fortune."
He smiled strangely as he spoke. When Dang Seok-hyung saw that, he felt the back of his neck become cold. It was strange. But I am the one who is pressuring him…?
"I think it was called Taeeulmukgeompa. Those Sapa guys entered the battle formation after the competition was already over."
"… What are you talking about? Are you saying that you killed three hundred people by yourself? Are you asking me to believe that now?"
"Yes. That's true. And I only killed two people in the Battle of Solitude. Dang Yeong-ryeong and Dang Geuk-rin. The others are already in the hands of the two of them…"
"bloke!!"
Wow!!
When he heard that Dang Seok-hyeong had killed his granddaughter, the third elder, Dang Seok-hyeong, kicked the ground. There was a bluish aura in his hand, and those who recognized it as the Ghost-killing Poison Palm were shocked. It was clearly an assassination. Those who were hit by the Ghost-killing Poison Palm would lose their eyesight and hearing in that order, and usually would die from bleeding in the seven holes.
In addition, as a poison master, it is greatly affected by the true nature of the caster. As a master of the dragon poison technique, Dang Seok-hyung was learning the Yan Poison Heart Technique (燕毒心法), which makes the poison more intense the more you practice it. The Gui-sal poison master containing his poison technique was bound to be particularly vicious.
The fact that he poured that out on the obvious person who was just a follower meant that he had real murderous intentions.
//
!!!
In a hurry, the Dark King's Dang Jeok-hwi and the Bongwi-dae's Dang Won-jin tried to fly away, but it was already too late. After stepping on the Jin-gak, Dang Seok-hyeong had accumulated his internal energy in Yongcheon-hyeol and was already ready to shoot forward, so his charge was truly rapid.
While the closest party member was kicking the ground, Dang Seok-hyeong was already waving his hand right in front of Dang Yuan-myeong's nose.
Dang-myung-myeong didn't dodge and just clashed his hands. Could it be that he was going to receive Dang-seok-hyeong's Gui-sal-dok-jang? However, the technique is not primarily focused on striking. Especially since the poison itself is dangerous when it comes to contact...!
The hand of the obvious person was only slightly greenish. Those who knew that it was due to the poisonous request madness had a look of regret on their faces. The poisonous request madness was only the most basic of the basics among the basic techniques. Most of the others had learned the higher level techniques.
It was absurd to confront the poisonous spirit with the poisonous spirit. In addition, there was a huge age difference between the two. Age and time were almost like internal energy. Unless there was some kind of coincidence or an incredible elixir, it was almost impossible to overcome the gap in time.
Everyone watching like that expected that a terrible sight would soon unfold.
The two people's stomachs collided. Wow, a sound that was hard to believe was flesh colliding with flesh was heard at the same time.
Phew!
A huge wave of energy spread out from the palms that had collided. The hems of Dang Seok-hyung's clothes fluttered. Those watching widened their eyes. Isn't this something that can only happen when the two people's synergy is almost equal…!
'this guy…?'
The one who was more flustered than anyone else at this moment was none other than the three elders who had spread their swords. He could feel it as he clapped his hands together.
That the internal energy of the natural order is by no means inferior to one's own.
Does this make sense?
Tang Seok-hyung has been training for nearly ten years. Naturally, his internal energy is also proportional to that. But how could Tang Dang-myeong, who is only fifteen, be able to withstand his strength?
It was something that was impossible to understand with common sense, but it was impossible not to believe what was happening right before my eyes.
'Did you pick up some elixir of life and drink it?'
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I felt like there was some corner of me that I believed in.
But that's okay. I was planning on pressing down with venom rather than tension anyway.
Soon the bastard will have no choice but to bleed to death in the dungeon.
Thinking like that, Dang Seok-hyung poured out all of his energy from the poisonous spirit of Gwisal to the heart of Dang Yuanming.
But soon I felt something strange.
'What? How are you okay?'
Even though he had released enough venom to exceed his body's capacity, Dang-myeong was smiling leisurely rather than feeling any pain...! The aura of the poisonous spirit contained in the poisonous spirit of the Three Elders, Dang Seok-hyung, was clearly strong. If it was a criminal, no, even a skilled person, the poison would have invaded them the moment they brushed past, their face would have turned pale, and their vision and hearing would have become blurred.
however.
What kind of energy was the poison request madness of Deungmyungmyeong? He had already eaten Hwalonghodok, one of the poisons of the Tang family, and grown in size. No matter how strong the poison of the Three Elders was, it was not as strong as Tang family poison.
-It deserves to decline.'
Dang-myeong thought as he watched the three elders struggling. The one who was known for his poison and poison technique in the family only had this much poison, so the family's fortunes would fall.
"The Three Elders."
Suddenly, Dang Seok-hyung opened his mouth. Dang Seok-hyung's eyes widened at that. The fact that he could speak in the midst of a showdown with his strength meant that he had some room in his internal energy.
"I guess you can't believe your granddaughter's death. Well, that's understandable. I even sent her to hear gossip, and now she lost her life, not to mention winning the competition." Dang Seok-hyung looked very surprised at the sudden mention of Deung-myeong. How could this guy…?
However, Dang Seok-hyung couldn't open his mouth to ask questions. He was already putting all his effort into releasing his tension. If he withdrew his strength, he could suffer in return.
"What was that guy talking about just now? Gossip poison?"
"Could it be that the Three Elders used the Tang family for personal gain? To give their granddaughter an advantage in the competition?"
"You bastard! Tell me in detail. What do you mean by what you just said?"
The other elders were surprised and cried out, unable to help Dang Seok-hyeong even after seeing his weakness. It was understandable, Dangga Shipdok was no different from the Dang family's heirloom. Even if he was a master of Hwagyeong, he was a valuable thing that could be killed. Its value was too great to be wasted in mere internal competition.
If this is true, even the three elders cannot avoid punishment…!
Dang-myung said it like this.
"You can check it out. Oh, the one who originally managed the Tang family poison was the Three Elders, so you should question his subordinates. What Tang Yeong-ryeong had was the Hwa-ryong-ho-dok."
"… It's called Hwa-ryong-ho-dok."
"Elder. Why did you do something like that…!"
The elder and the elder sighed. They intuitively felt that Dang-myeong's words were true. The existence of Dang-ga-sip-dok was originally a top secret. Of course. It was the most extreme poison among extreme poisons that could kill even the most skilled. The type, usage, and quantity were information that ordinary households would not know. However, Dang-myeong said 'Hwa-ryong-ho-dok' exactly!
The elders who had been dealing with the obvious were greatly discouraged, and the third elder, Dang Seok-hyeong, made a face that seemed as if he would be defeated. This was truly an unexpected situation. The inaction of the obvious, and the sudden revelation.
The leak of the Hwa-ryong-ho-dok would be revealed soon. If that happened, even if this incident was somehow resolved, he would not be able to avoid responsibility. He might even have to step down from his position as an elder. There were elders who coveted the power he held.
'I'll kill you, you bastard. I'll definitely kill you…!'
Dang Seok-hyung's face was distorted and his murderous intent was burning. If he could somehow solve the problem of his hands being tied together, he would use the poisons in his bosom to turn Yu Myeong-myeong into a handful of poisonous beasts. It was questionable whether poisons other than Dang Gaship Poison could inflict significant damage on Yu Myeong-myeong, who was not even affected by the poison of Gwisal Poison.
But there was no chance for Dang Seok-hyung.
Dang-myung said it like this.
"Bongwidaeju."
"Yes, my lord."
"If there is someone who uses the family treasure, Danggashipdok, for personal gain without due process or permission, what will be the punishment?"
"… I believe that extreme punishment is appropriate."
Dang Won-jin answered cautiously. Why would he ask such a thing? It was as if he was going to personally execute the third elder, Dang Seok-hyeong.
"Did you really come out of the liver boat?"
"If you look closely, you'll see that it's crossing the line!"
"How dare you harass the elders of the family?!"
"Can you let go of that hand right now?"
No matter how wrong he may have been, Dang Seok-hyung is an elder of the family. If he were to be interrogated by a mere posthumous Ji-su, it would be embarrassing for the family to lose face.
Just as the elders were about to throw themselves at each other with a shout,
"According to the law of the family, the three elders are sentenced to death."
As soon as the obvious words fell out.
Hwarurururyu!
As if by magic, a huge fire erupted.
The epicenter was none other than Dang Seok-hyung.
It was a powerful martial art created with the image of a dragon and a dragon. The strong energy that contained the idea of burning everything penetrated Dang Seok-hyung's long body. Dang Seok-hyung felt that the energy he felt was not ordinary and used his internal energy to create a barrier, but it was no use. The energy of the fire broke through the internal energy barrier and ignited.
The flames blazed as if they were exploding, and Dang Seok-hyung was blackened with a short gasp. The flames, which had burned every last breath, finally disappeared after his black body crumbled like a clay doll. It was something that happened in an instant.
Everyone in the room was speechless for a moment, their mouths wide open. This was because they had witnessed an unbelievable sight right before their eyes. The third elder, Dang Seok-hyeong, who was considered a powerful figure in the elders' house, had been murdered…!
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"What is this now?"
"That old man, the third elder… was hit?"
"What the heck. That hot sun power…! A person can be reduced to ashes in an instant."
"Did you have such a passionate person in your family…?"
"It's not just a review index. It's not a lie that I won the competition…!"
"That's not the problem. How are you going to handle the aftermath?"
A beat later, the mutterings burst out. They recited their impressions of the shocking sight.
Hearing those words, Elder Dang Seok-jung came to his senses and shouted.
"Are you guys following me? How dare you murder the elders of the family. Arrest them immediately!"
"yes!"
With the answer, the direct force of the Presbyterian Church entered the Dark King's Hall one after another. In the forefront was Dang Gye-jung, who was leading the Parongdae, a direct force of the Three Elders, with a stern expression on his face.
The guards blocked the way and took a stand, but the difference in strength was too great. At first glance, the number of people on the elders' side was in the hundreds.
"The guards, step back."
"My lord… ."
"Are you going to make me say it twice?"
"… … "
The official ordered the guards to be removed and marched forward. The elders and their direct armed forces were visible in front. They were in a state of imminent confrontation.
"How dare you."
As Dang-myeong slowly opens his mouth, a deep green iris suddenly appears in his eyes.
"Did you think that the elders could bypass the laws of the family?"
"The third elder, Dang Seok-hyeong, gave the family treasure, the Dangga Shipdok, the Hwa-ryong Hodok, to his granddaughter in private, giving her an advantage in the competition.
This is an act of deceiving other participants who are seriously considering the future of their family, and it is also a crime worthy of death."
The tone has completely changed. The lower part is very natural. It's as if it's been like that for a long time.
Besides
As each word of the obvious was added, he felt a tremendous pressure. The elders, as well as those who had achieved as much as Won!, began to pale. Some seemed to have difficulty breathing. Hundreds of people were unable to move.
This was because the spirit of death had formed a vast area of violence. It was not a simple spirit of death. It was a highly refined spirit of death that only a master of kendo could produce. It was influencing a radius of about a hundred square meters.
"Isn't that right? Is it right for a council of elders who commits such dirty deeds to be given the authority to deliberate on the affairs of the head family?"
In the vast dark room, only Dang-myung's voice resonates.
"I am the direct descendant of the previous head of the family, and the son of the former head of the family, Dokbong, who was stripped of his title by the Council of Elders. In addition, I am the rightful winner of the competition for the head of the family, so this alone is enough to qualify me to be the head of the family."
There is no need for the approval of a rotten elder - said Dang-myeong, looking over everyone in the audience as he continued.
"From this moment on, I am the head of the Tang family."
"!!!"
• • •
The shock spread like waves.
You claim to be the head of the family?
And what's more, he speaks with such arrogance that he doesn't even consider the Presbyterian Church…!
However, he had already revealed his incompetence by lowering the status of the third elder, Dang Seok-hyeong. The boy, who had skills that matched his arrogance, had an appearance that was confident enough to make the men's hearts beat faster.
"ah…!"
Not only the Bongwidae, but also the warriors of the Amwangdae and Dokwangdae felt their hearts tremble. It was truly an incredible spirit. Even though they were in front of hundreds of people, they were overwhelming in their momentum. It was as if they were seeing Zhang Fei, who had fought Cao Cao's army alone at Jangbanpo.
I wonder what this boy, who is showing such outstanding skills even now, will become as time goes by.
'It is right that Dang-Nam-Myeong becomes the owner of Soga-Ju…!'
Such thoughts spread invisibly among the warriors and servants of each armed force.
"…That's nonsense!"
Elder Dang Seok-jung shouted with a burst of energy. The area of life was temporarily disrupted.
"You are the one who murdered the head of the family. Where did you come up with such nonsense to try to take the position of the head of the household?"
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"sinner…?"
Dang-myung said with a strangely high voice.
"Elder Dang Seok-jung. Dang Geuk-rin, who participated in the competition, is your disciple."
"This guy is still acting like a jerk…!"
"Dang Geuk-rin died by my hand. Aren't you curious as to why he died?"
Dang Seok-joong felt a strange sense of unease. Didn't Dang Yuanming only kill two people in the battle of solitude? And one of the two, Dang Yeong-ryeong, possessed the Hwa-ryong-ho-dok. It was a clear denial.
However, Dang Seok-joong soon shook off his anxiety. He knew better than anyone else the abilities of his beloved disciple Dang Geuk-rin. He was not the kind of person who would commit any wrongdoing and ruin his lines.
"Why did you kill Geukrin…?"
"He was a traitor from the Taeeulmukgeompa."
"gibberish!!"
Elder Dang Seok-joong shouted in a fit of rage. What was he talking about? Dang Geuk-rin was a traitor from the Taeeul Mokgeompa. It was nonsense. He must have been trying to frame me.
It was at that moment that Dangseokjung was about to speak again.
"There is a witness."
"What…?"
Witness means that he was in the same space. By the way, he said that there was another person who survived the battle of loneliness besides Deungmyung. He said that he saved his life because he abstained early.
Deungmyung called him.
"Jeong-il."
"Uh, uh."
"Tell me about his atrocities."
"…that is."
Dang Jeong-il pretended to swallow dry saliva and desperately thought about it. He instinctively felt that this moment would determine his life. On one side, his father, Dang Bu-yoon, was looking at him with a surprised expression. He probably didn't know that he would receive this much attention.
Dang Jeong-il thought back to the name of the man he had seen. Ever since he was young and was treated so badly, the name of the man had always shown a shocking side. To the point where he thought that the word "sangjeonbyeokhae" would be the most appropriate for a person.
When I saved his life in the Battle of Loneliness, when I single-handedly defeated three hundred Sapa warriors, and even now.
The obvious has always been to go beyond imagination.
If you're not an idiot, you should know by now. When a person takes the obvious step, it's not always due to recklessness, but rather confidence.
So the government made a decision.
"… The contestant Dang Geuk-rin is indeed a traitor from the Taeeulmukgeompa. Many contestants lost their lives in vain to Dang Geuk-rin, and it was not for the competition, but as a strategy to weaken the power of the main family. He mockingly told me this right before he killed me. If Dang Geuk-rin had not shown up at the right time, I would have lost my life as well." At Dang Jeong-il's words, Elder Dang Seok-jung turned his head and glared at Vice-President Dang Bu-yoon. This was because he knew that he was Dang Jeong-il's father. How dare he betray him in this way…?
However, even though he is Dang Bu-yoon, there is no way he would know his son's heart. Because of the competition, they were separated for several years and only met today.
Dang Seok-joong shouted with a red face.
"Nonsense! You, Dangjeongil. What kind of conscience do you have to frame the dead Geukrin! Of course, you were not threatened by that bastard in some way?"
"No. As I said before, far from being threatened, my life was saved. Dang Geuk-rin even demonstrated a martial art that seemed to be the Tae-eul Double Swords style. If Dang Yu-myeong hadn't stepped forward, I wouldn't be here either."
Dang Jeong-il shook his head and spoke calmly.
"Even the Taeeul Twin Swords…!"
"This is a bit hard to believe. That must be the martial arts of the Makga bastard…? Isn't that something he teaches to his successors? To a mere rascal?"
"I… I've heard it before. Mak In-hu had an illegitimate child, but one day his whereabouts disappeared…"
"Wasn't that the hand of the last wife?"
"That's what the rumor said, but if he were alive, he would be around Dang Geuk-rin's age…."
"Guess… No, I guess I need to check."
Those who heard Dang Jeong-il's words began to murmur and add to their speculations. Normally, they wouldn't believe a word from a witness. However, many people remembered the bad relationship between Dang Jeong-il and Dang Yeong-myeong. This was because it happened right before the competition, and because Dang Yeong-ryeong, the granddaughter of the third elder, was involved, the entire family was in an uproar.
Even though he harbors a grudge against Dang Jeong-il, he testifies in a way that is advantageous to him. This discrepancy increases the credibility.
"Come to think of it, I've heard of those Sapa guys. They raise bugs called Myunggo. They use them to guess the life or death of people far away."
"Then, did the Taeeulmukgeompa invade after learning of Ganja's death…?"
"Considering Tang Geuk-rin's qualities, it is possible that Mak In-hu secretly cherished him. Even if he was an illegitimate child."
It is a place where people gather. Through the conversations that come and go, inferences are naturally made, and a conclusion close to the truth is quickly drawn.
The expression on the face of Elder Dang Seok-jung, who heard the words of the process, changed drastically. It was not something that could be dismissed as mere nonsense. If Dang Geuk-rin was really a spy…?
'I am not safe either.'
Dang Seok-joong, feeling a sense of crisis, looked behind him and shouted.
"Junryeongdae, Junryeongdae, what are you going to do, Nasaparyongdaeju! Aren't you going to avenge the Three Elders!"
Dang Seok-joong urged himself and the three elders to join forces. He could not bring himself to directly join hands with Dang Seok-hyung. Didn't he witness the unbelievable and vain sight of the three elders, Dang Seok-hyung? It was only natural.
However, the Parongdaeju Danggyejung could not move easily. This was because the area of murderous intent that Dangdangmyeong had spread was still intact. It was truly an unbelievable act of inaction. How deep must the internal energy of Hwahu be to be able to affect such a wide area…? It seemed that he had to raise his internal energy to the max to be able to move.
"Did you say 'Palongdaeju'? Don't act rashly."
A young man who calls himself a cowherd speaks.
"Now, as the legitimate head of the Sacheondang family, I intend to punish the elder who colluded with the traitor. If anyone interferes with this, they will be punished for disobedience."
"…!!!"
The soldiers of the military unit directly under the presbytery, including Dang Gye-jung, stopped walking at the words "disobedience." These words came from the mouth of someone who had enough force to kill the third elder, Dang Seok-hyeong. The weight of the words was enormous.
Dang-myung said it like this.
"Elder Dang Seok-jung. There are witnesses and various circumstantial evidences that testify that Dang Geuk-rin is a traitor of the Taeeul Mokgeompa. What are you going to do?"
"… I didn't know. It's different from the case of the three elders who planned the affair from the beginning."
Dang Seok-joong no longer had the presence of mind to care whether Dang Geuk-rin was a traitor or not. After the story of Dang Geuk-rin being a traitor came out, the gazes of the other elders had also become cold.
"Don't you know that your position is not light? You can't get away with saying you didn't know. What if Tang Geuk-rin had won the competition? With the full support of the elders, he would have easily risen to the top of Sogaju. Unlike my current situation."
Dang Seok-joong remained silent because it was an undeniable fact. At the same time, he regretted it. He had not properly verified Dang Geuk-rin's identity, considering his qualities. He had believed the rumor that he had lost both his parents. He had treated him like father and son, but he was a traitor from the Taeeulmukgeompa…
Although nothing has been confirmed yet, Dang Seok-joong is no fool. Listening to the gossip of his family members, he half-acknowledged that Dang Geuk-rin was a spy.
Also, according to Dang Jeong-il's testimony, Dang Geuk-lin deliberately slaughtered other participants. It was said that his intention was to cut off the bud of the party rather than compete. Perhaps that was why there were some who looked at him with a sour look. Could it be the bereaved families of those who were sacrificed by Dang Geuk-lin?
Dang-myung continued speaking.
"The entire family could have fallen into the hands of the Taeeulmukgeompa. It would have been a shame to not be able to reveal the identity of the traitor and instead have Danggeukrin be made the head of the family. As a great elder, you cannot be free from that responsibility. Do not try to evade it."
"…!!!"
"Bongwidaeju."
"Yes, my lord."
"I want to punish the elder according to the law of my family. What kind of punishment is appropriate in this case?"
'..If someone plots or participates in a treason against the original head of the family or a plot to overthrow the family, they are beheaded. If they collude with a traitor, their right arm is cut off and their military service is terminated. Of course, in the case of the elders, it is difficult to see them as colluding with a traitor."
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After saying that, Dang Won-jin bit his tongue for a moment. His lips felt like they were being burned by the young lord's rough actions. Now, he seemed to have a rough idea of what kind of person Dang Yuan-myeong was. The way he prepared the justification clearly showed his temperament as a political figure, but the way he handled it was the very definition of a traitor. He had no compromises, and he acted on what he believed in.
'This is the lord's chivalry…!'
It was not without its concerns, but it was an exciting experience for those who followed. It was also a path that could only be walked with overwhelming force.
After a moment of silence, Dang-myeong opened his mouth.
"Elder Dang Seok-joong, listen up. You almost put your family in danger by taking Gan-ja as your disciple. Not only that, you also caused the deaths of the talented people who would become the pillars of your family. Your responsibility is truly great. However, since you did not collude with Gan-ja, I will cut off my left arm as punishment.
"Consider yourself fortunate, as I will not be giving up on martial arts."
"What…!"
Elder Dang Seok-joong was astonished. He was listening to every word he said, as if he was speaking in a stream of clear water. Wasn't it truly a sight? He knew that he couldn't avoid responsibility, but it was hard to accept. Furthermore, as a gesture of charity, Yu Myeong-myeong had told him to cut off his left arm…
__He must be doing this because he knows that I am left-handed…!'
Dang Seok-joong has sharpened his teeth. The situation is such that the justification and momentum are completely in favor of the obvious. Now, even the direct armed forces do not move easily.
I glanced at the elders and they didn't seem to be willing to help either.
However, it was not easy to confront the sage. Despite his young age, his strength was extraordinary. Didn't the three elders, Dang Seok-hyeong, suffer in vain? It was an incredible power of the hot sun. It was like seeing someone being hit by Hwa-ryong-ho-dok.
'Yeah. If you use that… .'
When I thought of Hwa-ryong-ho-dok, a method suddenly came to mind. He had a poison that was comparable to Dang-ga-sip-dok.
The once ten types of gossip poison have, over time, reduced to only four.
And of those four poisons, there was only one that could be prepared.
That was the formless poison.
The formless poison was a colorless, odorless, tasteless poison. In other words, it could poison the target very secretly. It was a bit weaker than the other poisons, but even a master who had reached the level of Hwagyeong could not easily drive out the poison.
Of course, the preparation of this formless poison was not easy. It was made by the combined action of ten thousand different medicinal herbs and poisons. Mixing poison with poison does not make the poison stronger, and mixing medicine with medicine can also make the poison stronger.
There were also some herbs and poisons whose properties changed depending on how much time had passed. All of that had to be calculated to endlessly increase the poison.
Even putting aside the cost and difficulty of obtaining the ingredients, making a complete intangible poison was an extremely difficult task because the order of mixing and the maturing time were so important.
The Tanggasipdok was a family treasure, and under the care of the third elder, Tang Seok-hyeong, Tang Seok-jung had been preparing his own intangible poison for half his life. It was not yet a perfect intangible poison, but he was proud that it was almost ready.
And most importantly, it began to show the characteristics of being colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Not long ago.
It may be a little less toxic than the perfect formless poison, but that was enough. I didn't believe that Deungmyung would be able to endure it.
"… I feel responsible. I will make sure that you are punished accordingly."
Dang Seok-joong spoke with a serious expression. At first glance, he seemed to have given up on himself because he was shocked by the fact that his disciple was a traitor. Or, he seemed to have completely given up and was cornered.
"However, it would be difficult for me to cut off my left arm myself. I use my left hand more than anything. I'm not very good at using my right."
It was a lie. He had mastered the art of memorizing and spreading with both hands to some extent, and although he was left-handed, he could use his right hand just as well.
"So, I would like the Sogaju to carry out the sentence. The Sogaju's words are true. The family law is strict, and this elder has committed a sin that is difficult to wash away."
The audience looked surprised at Dangseokjung's words. This was because the elder finally spoke as if he were acknowledging Dangsangmyeong as the owner of the small house.
Dang Myeong-myeong also spoke with a strange look in his eyes.
"I want to become an example of one who can save a hundred lives - the elder's determination is admirable. Good. Elder Dang Seok-joong, please step forward."
"Then please."
Dang Seok-joong said this and stood in front of Dang Yuan-myeong.
"I never thought you would use your left hand. I was just trying to be lenient. Then I'll cut off your right arm like I always did."
"…Thank you."
Did he really not know that he was left-handed? Thinking so, Dang Seok-joong nodded. It was a good thing. He was more used to spraying poison with his left hand than his right. Furthermore, if Dang-myeong tried to cut off his right arm, he would inevitably have a blind spot in his senses. Even if he had extremely high senses, it would be difficult to respond immediately if he was this close.
A colorless, odorless, and tasteless poison would be even more difficult to detect.
The name of the man stands with his right hand. A greenish-blue aura lingers on his palm. It seems to have enough power to cut through the old flesh without resistance.
'When that bastard brings down the capital, that's when he uses the invisible poison…!'
At the same time, if I wrap my right arm around my internal energy, I should be able to escape safely. Once I poison him with the formless poison, it wouldn't be difficult to deal with him afterwards. There might be criticism from other family members, but now was not the time to worry about such things.
If this becomes the case, everything he has accomplished will be completely ruined.
If only there were no obvious reasons, the current situation could be resolved somehow. As Dang Seok-jung thought so, So Ga-ju's voice was heard in his ear.
"Then, I will execute you." It was right after the obvious words fell out.
His capital moved like lightning, without any preparatory movements.
"…!!!"
• • • •
It was before the elder Dang Seok-joong could even react. In a way, it was a natural thing. Wasn't it a natural name that once belonged to the realm of the swordsman? From his perspective, it was just a light swing of the hand following the normal swordsmanship, but from the perspective of the person being attacked, it felt like the manifestation of the swift swordsmanship of a peerless swordsman.
A blood line is quickly drawn on Dangseokjung's right arm.
'This is crazy!'
Dang Seok-joong swallows his curses inwardly. Who would have thought he would swing his sword without warning? He was hit before he could even wrap his arms around his internal energy. Today, there were unusually many unexpected events. They were all related to that bastard, Dang Myeong-myeong.
However, Dang Seok-joong did not know that even if he had surrounded himself with a wall of internal energy, he would not have been able to block the water of Dang-myeong. When he reached the level of Hwa-gyeong, even if he did not make up his mind, a certain amount of intention would be infused into all his movements.
The moment the idea of 'Bend' is put into practice, it is something that cannot be blocked by a mediocre internal energy barrier.
'It seems like they were trying to make things worse.'
Looking at Dang Seok-joong who was looking defeated, Dang Dan-myung thought. Since his senses were always on the line, he was confident that he could deal with whatever he was planning, but he didn't need to put up with it, so he quickly carried out the sentence.
Soon, with a special sound, Dangseokjung's arm fell off. The middle of the upper arm was cut off, and the cross-section was clean as if it had been cut by a rare sword. It was a wound that was hard to believe was caused by a sword.
"Ugh!"
Dang Seok-joong groaned briefly and frantically moved his left hand with shaking eyes. At first glance, it seemed like he was trying to stop the bleeding from his severed right arm.
However, Dang-myung soon sensed the abnormality and narrowed his eyes. This was because the poisonous request madness had moved on its own.
'poison?'
It seemed like Dang Seok-joong was doing something. The poison that was flowing into his body was quite a lot. In the meantime, Dokyo-cheong-gwang-gi had eaten many poisons that Dang-i-jeon had created, as well as the Hwa-ryong-ho-dok, which was a poison of the party gossip, and had grown quite large. It didn't even flinch as if most poisons didn't even reach its liver, but judging from how it was moving now, it seemed to be quite a poison.
'How strange. Is it possible to avoid the feeling like this?'
Dangsangmyeong's eyes lit up. Even the smallest amount of poison (粉毒: powdered poison) was something that could be detected by the senses of Jusamangyeok, but Dangseokjung used a strange method to avoid Jusamangyeok and sprayed poison on Dangsangmyeong.
Once you realize that he's using poison, you can see what Dang Seok-joong is doing. He's pretending to stop the bleeding, and he's squeezing some liquid with his ring finger and little finger, then using his internal energy to evaporate it and let it flow to Dang Sang-myeong. So that he can naturally inhale it.
"You are acting strangely, Elder."
Dang Seok-joong, who had been holding his breath at the obvious words, gasped slightly and was startled. This time, it wasn't an act, but his eyes really shook. His heart suddenly dropped. Did he notice the invisible poison? How…?
It doesn't make sense. The formless poison was originally created with an emphasis on the secretiveness of the dragon poison. Even the most skilled practitioners would only notice it after they'd been poisoned.
If he realized that he had used poison, it would mean that the poison had seeped into his body, and if that were true, he would have been poisoned to the point of no return, so how could he be okay? His invisible poison was almost complete, so it would be almost as powerful as the poison of Tanggasip!
However, Dang Seok-jung had no intention of resolving the doubts of the people in question. He only intended to inflict appropriate punishment.
He takes out a shuriken from his bosom and swings it.
Although the distance was a bit far, a dark green aura about three feet (90 cm) long shot up from the tip of the shuriken in an instant.
Crunch!
As expected, a swift sword strike was swung. Dangseokjung's left arm flew away violently, and blood gushed out from the cut surface. Those watching were shocked.
The man who declared that he would become the head of the household revealed that Dang Geuk-rin was a traitor and talked about punishment, and then one of the elder's arms fell off, and soon after, the other arm was also blown off. The person who enjoyed power at the top of the family was rendered powerless in such a vain way.
In the case of Dang Ji-ryong, who was mainly trained in swordsmanship, he was more surprised than the others. Did he see something when Dang Yuanming swung the shuriken?
one side.
The arm of the person who had been flying away suddenly fell to the ground in a place that everyone could see, but didn't it immediately start to turn black?
This was a phenomenon that occurred when an invisible poison seeped into the skin protected by internal energy.
"That…!"
"It's poison. It's extremely poisonous!"
"Could it be that the Elder was caught preparing the male and female? In that situation?"
"Why did I just admit it so readily…?"
.There is no shame. I am so embarrassed… ."
Many spoke in a miserable tone. Anyone could see that this was the fault of the elders. Trying to ambush while pretending to stop the bleeding… . No matter how much they use poison and secret weapons, they are a family that walks the line. This was an extremely cowardly act. The thought that they had crossed the line flashed through everyone's mind.
"I wanted to spare your life, but I also didn't intend to abandon your martial arts skills."
Fortunately, he listened to me when I told him to come here. As he said that, Dang Seok-joong aimed his shuriken at Dang Seok-joong, who was staggering from the shock of having both of his arms cut off. He no longer had any more arms left to stop the bleeding, and his complexion was quickly turning pale from the loss of blood.
"It was said that treason against the head of the household would be punished by death. Now that the head of the household is absent, I, the head of the household, can be seen as acting in his stead."
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"Ahh… Sogaju. Please…!"
"There's no need to say anything. It's just a sentence."
He cuts off Dang Seok-jung's pleading words with a pale face.
Still holding a shuriken with a long, green aura rising from it.
Dang-myung said it emphatically.
"The elder is here today. He is to be executed for treason."
The new punishment (decapitation) means killing someone by beheading them. The natural name was to swing a shuriken.
Ouch!
The head of Dangseokjung flew straight into the air with a sword strike without hesitation. He had an expression of disbelief on his face. After a brief moment of hovering, the head fell to the ground with a thud.
The body of Dangseokjung, who was already staggering, fell backwards after his head hit the ground. After falling over, a stream of blood gushed out from the cross-section of his severed neck. However, since there was already a lot of blood flowing out of his arms, the sudden surge was only temporary.
"…!!!"
There was silence for a while as the blood that had flowed out of Dangseokjung's body stained the floor in a circle and red. The shock from the brutal sight forced silence, but more than that, it was the unbelievable nature of the events that had occurred in that short period of time.
Think about it. Two of the five pillars of the Elders' House, which had effectively ruled the Tang family for over a decade, collapsed overnight. It had to be seen as a result of the self-proclaimed Sogaju's natural cause and inaction.
"The elders."
Dang-myung said it like this.
"Are you making a mockery of the laws of your home?"
"…!!!"
"They use the gossip that is no different from family heirloom for the benefit of their blood relatives, and instead of repenting for the punishment that was deserved, they harbor resentment—even to the point of trying to harm the owner of the house."
"that…."
"I will ask the remaining elders: Are you above the laws of the Tang family?"
"…no."
After answering, President Dang Ji-ryong was startled. That was because the word anti-communist came out of his mouth without his knowledge.
'... It's clear. It's obvious... Sogaju is an incredible kendo master. I don't understand it, but... .'
Tang Zhilong realized that his back was wet. He was a son-in-law, but he was originally a descendant of a swordsman from Sacheon, so he could tell at a glance. The swordsmanship that Tang Yuanming swung at the great general Tang Shizhong naturally drew a swordsmanship that he had never been able to achieve no matter how hard he tried.
It was unbelievable. To see the traces of a lifelong kendo master in the swordsmanship of a mere fifteen-year-old!
But Dang Ji-ryong believed his eyes. And it was equally hard to believe what had already happened. It was the vast area of murderous intent that had been formed, and the fact that he possessed a profound internal energy that was not inferior to the tension of the Three Elders, Dang Seok-hyeong, and a powerful heat-ray power that could burn people in an instant.
Also, I don't know how, but he appeared to be fine even in the Elder's poison. There was nothing out of the ordinary about him.
After hearing the president's answer, Dang-myung said,
"Do you think the other elders are above the law?"
"… That can't be."
"No. Only the Lord is above the law."
The elder Dang Myeong-shin and the elder Dang Myeong-hu also responded hurriedly. Their skills were not much different from those of the three elders or the great elders who had passed away. Rather, they were inferior. They probably decided that they could not count on Dang Myeong-myeong in this situation.
Dang-myeong glanced at the elders and opened his mouth. Towards everyone gathered. The voice was full of history, so everyone could hear it clearly.
"In the final stage of the competition, the battle of solitude, there was an attack by the Taeeulmukgeompa due to corruption caused by the Danggasipdok and the treasonous ones. When the Sapa guys came, I was already the only survivor of the battle of solitude, and I had to face them alone."
Dang-myeong stopped talking and looked around. Now, there was not the slightest sign of doubt in the people's words.
"I have returned from such a place. I have obtained the qualifications and am now ready to become a proper head of the household. I do not need the approval of the elders who are involved in adultery and corruption. Rather, I need the approval of you, the head of the household."
"…!!!"
The crowd was stirred by the obvious words. Not only the Dark King's Corps, the Dokwang's Corps, and the military forces directly under the Elders' Council, but also the ordinary household members who did household chores were all like that. I thought he was going to brutally kill the elders and unilaterally become the head of the household using justification and inaction, but he was asking the opinions of mere household members…?
"The family's fortunes have declined significantly. Sacheon is now in a state where the seeds of the clan are so dry that it could be called the Sadocheonha. Just like other clans and families that have fallen, the main family is also in a state of crisis where it could disappear at any time."
The obvious answer continued.
"There is only one thing I can promise as a small business owner. To ensure that you can live in peace and lead a normal life in this land of Sacheon. I consider that my calling."
What do you think? Will you accept me as a Sogajussi?
It was when the words of the obvious stopped.
Suddenly clouds gather and a thick shadow falls.
Underneath it.
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Everyone who had gathered in front of the Dark King began to kneel one by one. Not only the Bongwi Unit, but also the Dark King Unit including Dang Jeok-hwi, the Dokwang Unit including Dang Ji-hyeok, and even the military unit directly under the Presbyterian Council.
Even the servants who worked as servants or porters were no exception.
Eventually, the three elders who had been standing until the end also noticed and knelt on one knee almost simultaneously.
There was only one new model standing.
in the end.
It was the moment when a new small business was born in Sacheon Dangga.
The clouds that had been hanging over us were slowly clearing away, and transparent sunlight was pouring down. What are you talking about? Did I hear that correctly? Yeonmyeong became the head of the household? As soon as he returned, he beheaded the elder and the third elder."
"You heard correctly, Miss."
At the lady's trembling question, her old servant, Jang Chun-sam, nodded with a face filled with emotion. The loyal servant who had served the lady before she was called Dok-bong, could not abandon the familiar title even after Dang Ji-hye got married and had children.
Jang Chun-sam happened to be passing by the vicinity of the Amwangjeon Hall on business, and he came running here after witnessing a shocking sight.
"She grew up very virtuously. She looks exactly like the young lady she was when she was young. You'll probably be shocked when you see her. She has a handsome face that reminds you of Songok and Ban-an, which is only natural when you think of her husband, who is of low birth… Ahem. This old man is acting so arrogantly. Anyway, seeing her sternly scolding and punishing the elders with such an air of abstraction really made me feel like all the old pent-up feelings in Jang Chun-sam were gone…!"
"How… No, more importantly, I'm so glad you're safe…"
Tang Ji-hye felt a mixture of shock and relief and sobbed softly.
Although I sent him off calmly, I couldn't help but worry, apart from my trust in my son. This was because I knew full well that the blood relatives and disciples of the high-ranking officials of the family who participated in the Sogaju competition were formidable opponents. In the end, I had to fight with them for my survival. As a mother, I couldn't help but worry. It had been quite a while since I had been praying to the gods of heaven and earth for my son's return, bringing him clean water every day.
I didn't even hope to win the Ungamsaengsim competition. I just hoped to return safely and without any injuries.
But I heard he won the competition.
It's called Sogaju.
The elders who had lost their blood relatives and disciples found fault with him, but he instead exposed their wrongdoings and suppressed them with justification and force, and took for himself a noble position.
It was surprising and admirable, overwhelming and bittersweet. As a mother, I should have been helpful. No, from now on…!
Dokbong's eyes sparkled strangely. It seemed as if he had made some kind of decision.
"Jang No. I know it's a bit bothersome, but could you tell me again from the beginning…? From when the elders arrived at the dark tomb?"
"It's not a difficult task, Miss. I'll do it for you. Hyesalramune, that is, the third elder, Dangseokhyung. That author burst into a loud rage and quickly climbed over the wall to the poison king…"
Dang Ji-hye never got tired of listening to the story of her son who became a sorcerer over and over again.
Until the voice of the slave who was talking excitedly became hoarse.
****
__Your mother will be surprised.'
Dang-myung thought as he quickly sorted out the confusion. The news might have been delivered by now.
Even in the family, news from his mother, who lived in a remote place, could not come late. There were not many people coming and going, and Dang Jeok-hwi, who was the only one who could tell him news from outside, was in the dark.
I wanted to go see my mother as soon as possible, but there was a lot of work to do. It's not the end just because I've become a soju owner.
The two elders of the presbytery that controlled the family were killed. This means that there was an immediate vacuum in the command system. Also, he couldn't leave those in high positions in the family as they were. They were also people who had the influence of the presbytery. It didn't suit his nature to leave room for future trouble.
'New wine must be put into new wineskins.'
I had a greeting in mind.
The first thing that was brought to the attention of the elders was the family power that was wielded by the elders. From now on, when making decisions on major issues, the approval of the head of the household, not the elders, should be sought.
There was no objection from the remaining elders. The elder Dang Myeong-sin slightly distorted his expression, but that was all. The president Dang Ji-ryong was strangely obedient.
Only the fifth elder, Dang Myeong-hu, expressed some concern. He suggested that since Sogaju was young, it would be a good idea to have him act as regent for a certain period of time, at least until he became an adult.
"There is some truth to what the elders say."
Although he knew the intention, Dang-myeong nodded willingly. Suddenly, something occurred to him. In short, he was the owner of the small house, and he lacked the experience and knowledge to directly govern the family.
All that was needed was to appoint someone to compensate for that. Dang Myeong-hu seemed to think that it would naturally be their elders.
Anyway, when Dang Myeong-hu readily admitted it, Dang Myeong-hu stepped back with a dumbfounded face, and thanks to that, the transfer of authority from the Presbyterian Church to the Amdokjeon was smoothly agreed upon. In the meantime, it was revealed that the third elder, Dang Seok-hyeong, had smuggled out the Danggashipdok. The amount of Hwa-ryong-ho-dok had decreased considerably. It was also decided that the management of the Danggashipdok would be entrusted to the Amdokjeon, the head of the household.
Having thus lost most of their authority, the only meaningful power left for the council of elders was the direct armed forces that each elder had painstakingly raised: the Junryeongdae, Geonjeongdae, Parongdae, Dokgeomdae, and Amryangdae.
The price is free.
That means that the status or voice in the family tends to be determined by the inaction of oneself or the inaction of the forces that follow. The elders also had a strong will that they could not give up their direct military force, even if they did not know anything else. If they were to lose their direct military force, they would truly become old men in the back room.
But of course, he had no interest in their military force.
"Let the elders manage it as they are now. However, since they are directly under the authority, it would be right for each elder to bear the cost of maintenance. If there is a budget allocated to them, the vice-president should get rid of it."
A force of more than a hundred men is in itself no different from a monster that endlessly eats up money. The amount of supplies consumed is enormous, even if you just count the things to wear and eat.
Is that all? If the basic salary is not paid, it is only natural that loyalty will also fade. Even if you give them a few nyang every month, hundreds of nyang will disappear at once.
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Even for the elders who had been embezzling a considerable amount of money, it was bound to be a burden.
In the end, the Junryeongdae and Palyongdae, which were directly under the Daejangro and Samjangro, naturally became part of the Amdokjeon because the elders did not want to take charge of them.
The natural order was to merge the two armed forces into the Howon-dae (護院隊), and to appoint Dang Gye-jung, who was the commander of the Parong Daeju, as the commander to protect the Oewon. They, who had once been the most powerful of the powerful, were reduced to the status of guardsmen who had to work in assigned positions. Even their salaries were set the same as those of the existing Oewon warriors.
Dang Gye-jung and the other guards had dumbfounded expressions on their faces, as if they had never thought that they would be treated like this with the level of force they possessed, and Dang Sang-myeong spoke to them.
"Forget about the excessive treatment you have received so far. Don't be overconfident in your abilities. I have that much power. I won't kick you out right away, but
You will have to show that much usefulness. If you neglect your duties under the pretext of training, you will be severely punished. The same goes for causing conflict with the foreign warriors."
After giving them strict warning, he immediately placed them in the outer circle.
It wasn't just talk. They didn't come to Dang-myung with any significant power.
It was a well-known fact that the members of the Elder's direct force were made up of survivors from the previous bloody battle with Magwangcheon. However, the reason they were able to survive was because they did not come to the forefront.
The most powerful members of the family, including the head of the household, fought against the Magwangcheon masters at the forefront, and most of them were destroyed. That was why the core secrets of the household martial arts were not properly passed down.
Of course, that doesn't mean that the warriors of the escort unit were truly incompetent. It's just that the new leader's expectations were far too high.
In fact, it was hard to imagine that a common warrior family would use people with such skills as mere foreign warriors, but Yuan Myeong willingly did so. This was because he knew that he could surpass most of the family's military power.
A warrior who reached the level of Hwagyeong was like a decisive weapon that could not be opposed by anyone other than a warrior of the same level. However, no one in the family knew that Sogaju had reached the level of Hwagyeong.
__So it is right to strengthen the defense.'
After thinking about the defense of the family, Deungmyeong next called the members of the Zhuge family.
"Did you call? Sogaju."
The seven masters of the formation, including Jegal Chang-sin of the Muryangjeonju, immediately came forward. Even the way they spoke was very polite. It couldn't be otherwise. Now, the weight of the title had completely changed. With justification and force, he dismantled the council of elders and gained the approval of the family members, and immediately became the official head of the household. His authority could only be compared to that of the head of the household.
'A sleeping dragon has appeared in the Tang family…!'
Because he had committed a crime, Jegal Changsin could not simply rest in peace. In addition, he had witnessed the hand of Dang-myeong up close. His heart sank as he saw him unleashing his killing blows without any hesitation, even against the head of the family.
I was afraid that those cold hands might be directed at Zhuge Liang.
However, what Zhuge Changxin believed in was the promise of Dang Tangming that the Tang family and Zhuge family would never become estranged.
"Why did you call me…?"
"I heard that you strengthened your defenses with several layers of formations on your way back home. I heard that uninvited guests get lost and end up wandering around like ghosts."
It was a widely known story.
In Hubei, where Ma Gwang-cheon's power is gradually expanding, the reason that the Zhuge family is able to hold out, however difficult, is thanks to the secret techniques of the sorcery realm. It was said that there were several layers of formations that disrupted the senses and struck the human soul.
However, maintaining these formations required a considerable amount of resources, so the Zhuge family, whose fortunes had declined, reached a point where it was difficult to maintain the formations that protected the family without the support of the Tang family.
"… Yes. There are some aspects that are overrated, but it is true that the formations play a large role in the defense of the main house."
"That formation. I wish you would install it here too. So that the Sapa bastards can't get around."
Zhuge Changxin expressed his discomfort at Deungmyung's words.
"I'm sorry to say this to the Sogaju, but the main family's formation secret technique can only be installed with the approval of the head of the family. In addition, several valuables are needed just to install them, and since they are heirlooms from the main family… the head of the family probably won't give them to you. Also, in order to constantly activate and manage the formation technique, you need a few people who are well-versed in formation techniques, but the main family doesn't have the resources to do that…"
"You must have heard the laws of your hometown."
"…yes?"
"If you plot to overthrow the family, you will be executed."
"What are you talking about…? This Zhuge Mo guy…."
This was before Zhuge Changxin had even finished speaking.
Phoebe comb.
With a loud thud, all six of them, except for Jegal Changsin, collapsed. In an instant, their skin turned dark and they died. It was as if Dang-myeong had scattered six U-mo-chims like lightning. There was a small amount of the indestructible poison that the great elder Dang Seok-jung had used, which was just before it was completed.
As I waved my hand lightly, the needles were pulled out of the corpse as if they were lies and were sucked into Dang-myung's hand. It was the memory recovery, Mu-hak Yeon-ki-ryun.
Tang Ming said to Zhuge Changxin, who was shocked by what had happened in an instant.
"The Battle of Loneliness. The Dangyeongnyeong. The Taeeulmukgeompa."
"!!!"
• • • •
"There is no evidence - you may think so. But I know. That is enough."
The new head of the Tang family spoke softly. Zhuge Changxin felt goosebumps running down his spine. He had never expected it, but what he had been most worried about had actually happened. The next head of the Tang family knew about Zhuge's involvement in the competition…!
"As you can see, I don't have much mercy. If it weren't for the talents that Guiga possesses, I would have beheaded them all in the communal forest. Oh, and you were also acting shallow during the competitive verification. Did you think I didn't know?"
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"Let's not talk too much. Just install the same secret weapons as those installed at your hometown. That way, we can quietly get through this. There won't be any estrangement between our families."
Of course, all the costs and manpower that go into it will have to be borne by the ear. At that obvious statement, Jegal Changsin felt his eyes go dark. What should he do about this…!
I could feel that there was no room for negotiation. I had a gut feeling that if I opened my mouth here, I would also become a corpse.
"Then I believe it will proceed quickly."
At Dang-myeong's gesture telling him to leave, Jegal Chang-sin had no choice but to walk away weakly with a face that looked as if his soul had been taken away. He may be young, but he is decisive. He values causes, but he is not swayed by them.'
Dang Gyu-hyeon, who works at the General Affairs Office, judged that Dang Sang-myeong, who had naturally become the owner of Soga after the chaos had ended, was like that.
After hearing the things that were revealed in the process of punishing the elders, I thought it was fortunate that my daughter, Dang Yuri, returned safely from the competition. Even if the fact that the elder's disciple was a traitor and that the Taeeulmukgeompa had made a surprise attack were all one thing, I couldn't help but be shocked that the third elder had given his granddaughter the Hwa-ryong-ho-dok.
Even if the position of the head of the household is at stake, how can you use gossip to compete with children who are not even of good standing?
If my daughter had entered the battle of solitude, she might have died a horrible death from the poison of the Hwa-ryong-ho-dok. Or she might have been brutally murdered by the liver monk Tang Geuk-rin.
'But how did the cow stay in good health?'
When I thought about it, it was questionable. Since Dang Yeong-ryung had immediately attacked the elders, there was no explanation for that part. Could it be that Dang Yeong-ryung was unable to use Hwa-ryong-ho-dok in time?
While he was lost in thought, someone called him. It was a colleague from the General Headquarters.
"Kyuhyun. The Vice President is looking for you."
"…me?"
"Go quickly. It seems urgent."
At the urging of his colleagues, Dang Gyu-hyeon walked to the office of Vice-President Dang Bu-yoon. What could be happening? Up until now, Dang Gyu-hyeon had only been working in minor positions in the General Administration Office.
This is because appointments were mainly made based on personal connections rather than ability.
While other colleagues had some kind of connection to the elders, whether thick or thin, Dang Gyu-hyeon had no contact with anyone. It was his nature. He had no interest in internal family conflicts or power struggles among elders. He simply liked the work of the General Office, and he felt proud of the fact that he was working for the family. Although his work was close to menial tasks, he quietly carried out his assigned duties.
Young Dang Yuri was proud of her father, but at the same time, she felt sorry for him. In her opinion, her father was more capable than anyone in the General Office, but he wasted his abilities by moving from one low-level position to another just because he didn't have the connections to the Presbyterian Church.
So she made up her mind and participated in the Sogaju competition. She wanted to be her father's supporter. Since she had some talent in martial arts, it wasn't difficult for her to participate in the competition.
It wasn't that I thought I could beat all the strong contestants and become the head of the household. Even if I didn't become the head of the household, I calculated that I would be able to make friends with the children of those who held important family positions during the competition.
There is no way Dang Gyu-hyeon would not know his daughter's intentions.
'You don't have to do that.'
Although his kindness was admirable, I couldn't be completely happy about it. I knew that even if I had some connections, it would be difficult for my situation to improve significantly. It was natural. Wouldn't the higher-ups want someone who knows how to do whatever they want?
Even if his daughter had become acquainted with Sogaju Dangmyeong, her situation would not have changed much. - With that thought in mind, Dang Gyu-hyeon entered the vice-president's office.
"I heard you found it."
"Come on, come on…!"
"…?"
• • • •
Dang Gyu-hyeon looked at Vice President Dang Bu-yun with a puzzled look. He was quite an authoritative person. He also always tried to show a serious attitude when dealing with his subordinates, but he was quite flustered now. It seemed as if his feet had tripped slightly as he got up from his chair.
"Sit down first. What kind of tea do you like? Tieguanyin? Longjing?"
"No, don't be so cautious. I don't mean anything by it. I just want to get to know you better."
"The Vice-Minister is on friendly terms with me…?"
"Hmm… To be honest, the order of the Sogaju will come soon. The current general will be dismissed."
It was a given.
The reckless actions of Sogaju Dangmyeong were a topic of discussion all day long even within the General Office. As soon as he ascended to Sogaju, didn't he render the Presbyterian Church ineffective? I even heard that six corpses of Jegalga's men were removed from the Amdokjeon, although I don't know what happened. It was said that Jegal Changsin, the head of Muryangjeon, couldn't protest much due to his haggard expression, so I could only guess that there must have been some mistake on Jegalga's part during the competition.
In any case, the next step was obvious. They would kick out those who had been acting as the elders' limbs until now, and they would try to fill the position with Sogaju's own people.
Dang Gyu-hyeon looked at the vice-president Dang Bu-yoon in front of him. He was a person with average ability and ambition. He had no outstanding qualities or flaws. He was somewhat authoritarian, but he was not a bad person as a superior. He would probably be able to keep his position in this situation.
'You're benefiting from having children.'
Dang Jeong-il, the son of Dang Bu-yoon, had come forward as a witness according to the words of Sogaju Dang Yuanming. Thanks to him, the misdeeds of Dang Geuk-rin, a traitor from the Taeeulmukgeompa, were revealed, and the great general lost his composure.
But why are we bringing up the topic of the general being dismissed here?
"… As I've said this much, you probably guessed it, but you were the one who was designated as the successor. The Lord Soga personally nominated you."
"Huh? You mean me? Why…?"
"I don't know. I just heard from my son that your daughter and Sogaju were in the same group during the competition. Anyway, I feel bad about being treated like this. You will soon be the head of our General Department. But it's not yet… And if I made a mistake before, don't take it to heart…"
Although Dang Bu-yoon continued talking for a long time after that, Dang Gyu-hyeon didn't listen properly.
'her.'
It's only now that I realize that the world changed overnight. And the one who truly benefited from having a child was not Dang Bu-yoon, but him. Who would have thought he would rise to the position of governor in one breath...!
The position of the general manager is an important one that oversees and actually handles all the major and minor affairs of the family. Depending on what he or she wants, he or she has the immense power to give special benefits to all the people connected to the family, or, if necessary, to impose disadvantages.
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It would have been impossible to place him in such a position without a great deal of trust. It seemed unlikely that he would have made such a greeting simply because they were in the same group in the competition. Could it be that the Sogaju and the daughter were on a close relationship? If so, would the next head of the household be his son-in-law?
It was Dang Gyu-Hyeon who had all kinds of thoughts.
'I'll have to hear the whole story later about what happened.'
Dang Gyu-hyeon calmed his surprised heart and thought about the future. If he became the general, the first thing he would have to do was to block the money that was leaking out of the elders' pockets. He would also have to find and recover the hidden treasures of the dead elders and the third elders.
In addition, he knew very well that the previous president was also filling his own pockets in various ways. If he could normalize all of that, wouldn't the family's situation be at least three-tenths better than it is now?
'Yes. Perhaps this is an opportunity to revive the family.'
Suddenly, the words that Sogaju had said flashed through my mind. Did he say that he would make it possible for the people of Sacheon, the land that had become the world of the apostles, to live a peaceful and normal life?
He had great ambitions at a young age. Although he had put aside his military achievements while working at the General Headquarters, it would be a lie if I said that my heart didn't boil as a man when I heard those words.
There was something about Sogaju's obvious name that aroused expectations. That must have been why those gathered at the dark room knelt down and acknowledged him as if they were possessed by something.
That man appointed himself as the commander-in-chief.
Yes, even if it means putting my daughter's reputation aside, I should really show off my abilities for once…!
The look in Dang Gyu-Hyeon's eyes as he made up his mind was filled with a certain sense of determination.
****
Cancer poisoning
In the building that was once used as Dokbong's residence, Dang I-jeon, Dang Yu-ri, and Dang Mi-ryeo, who were members of the Dang clan and the Jil clan, were sitting together.
An awkward silence falls.
It was only natural. They had witnessed the scene of Dang-myung killing the elders at close range. They had been swept up in the atmosphere and had knelt down just a moment ago, so it was only natural that Dang-myung would feel difficult.
Breaking the silence, Dang-myeong opened his mouth.
"I just appointed Yuri's father as the head of the family. His name was definitely Dang Gyu-hyeon."
"What? Is that really true now?"
Dang Yuri asked back in surprise. I'm sure that when I arrived at the family home, I asked them to take care of my father and asked for a favor. But out of nowhere, the governor?
"Yes. The timing was good. Since the general had connections with many elders, he was planning to sort things out."
"Wow… You can make such a decision on your own."
"Isn't Yeonmyeong basically your master right now? Anyway, it's good. Yuri."
At the unexpected news, Dang Yi-jeon and Dang Mi-ryeo also began to speak naturally. Before they knew it, the awkward atmosphere had completely disappeared.
Dang Yuri said with a slightly trembling voice.
"…thank you."
"No. It was something I needed to do. Governing a family is something that cannot be done alone. In particular, I needed to place my reliable people in the General Office."
"Still. Couldn't you have appointed the Deputy Director?"
There was talk that it would have been possible to appoint Vice-President Dang Bu-yun, father of Dang Jeong-il, as the president.
Yu Myeong-myeong smiled silently. Strictly speaking, Dang Bu-yoon was a person from the Jangrowon side. He just left it alone because his son, Dang Jeong-il, had done well. Yu Myeong-myeong did not think that the vice-president was his person. However, he thought that there was no need to tell him that fact, so he left Dang Yu-ri to think as he pleased.
After the commotion died down a bit, Dang-Myeong said,
"You guys, now reveal your background."
"we…?"
"Yes. As I said, I need someone I can trust. Even though they've lost their limbs, there are still three elders left. It's ridiculous to keep those who depend on them in important positions. If possible, I want to use those who are related to you, like Yuri. Well, I think the previous one is on the Yakwangdang side."
Since his time in Gongdongsan, Tang Yijeon had shown extraordinary talent in making poison. It was difficult to think that he had no connection to Yakwangdang.
"… That's right. My grandfather gave me the Yakwangdang. It was before I was even born."
"You were fired for something like that?"
"I see, Mi-ryeo. That's right. Actually, I was careful about saying it because this is a story that involves you as well… ."
"I?"
Tang Yi-jeon frowned and expressed his doubts at the previous story. What kind of connection could Tang Yi-jeon's grandfather, the former head of the Yakwang Party, have with him?
Dang Yi-jeon, who had hesitated for a moment, soon opened his mouth.
"To be exact, I should say it has to do with your father. I don't know if you know, but your father was poisoned. The Yakwangdang was involved in it."
As soon as he finished speaking, the air became heavy. In contrast to the gloomy atmosphere, Dang-myeong's expression was calm.
"It's a medicine shop."
Even the muttering voice is steady and steady. That's because it doesn't waver. I had guessed that there was something suspicious about my father's death. It was just unexpected. To think that I would find a clue like this.
He is a father whose face he does not even know. From the perspective of Geomshin, who has lived for over a hundred years, it is natural that he feels like a stranger. However, could it be that it comes from the memories of the boy he accepted? It is not that he does not have a desire for revenge. It is just that it is not enough to shake Geomshin's unwavering determination.
On the contrary, it was Dang Yuri and Dang Miryeo who showed surprise.
"The Yakwangdang is involved in the death of Dokbong's husband? Did I hear that correctly?"
"Are you crazy? How dare you harm the Sogaju family… Then why isn't this known?"
"Previous. Keep talking."
At Dang-i-jeon's gesture, Dang-i-jeon slowly opened his mouth.
"Even within the main family, the Yakwangdang is a very closed off place. Even the elders can't exert much influence there."
"It's only natural. Now that Sacheon has become the world of the four heavenly kingdoms, the main family's radius of activity is almost entirely limited to this holy city. In order to maintain the family, a considerable amount of wealth is needed, and part of that is earned through the Yakwangdang."
Dang Yuri intervened. Her words must be true, since her father worked at the General Headquarters.
Save.
It is a family that was once called Sega, although it has declined. The size of the family is still too large to be considered a single family. It should be considered a single power. It is said that most of the money used in such places is covered by the Yakwangdang.
The party leader nodded.
"It's exactly as Yuri said. In addition to researching poisons and medicine, the Yakwangdang also treats the common people and prescribes medicine for payment, and the silver they earn from this is quite a bit. Not only do they handle the medicine they prescribe, they also handle the processing of the necessary medicinal materials. You can say that all the medicinal material transactions in Sacheon are done through the main Yakwangdang."
"I don't know for sure, but there's a story that the reason Black Lotus leaves us alone is because of the Yakwangdang. It's because the people rely on us. It's like giving us a favor all the time."
"That makes sense. They are the ones who suck the blood of the common people."
"Anyway, in this situation, the elders couldn't interfere with the Yakwang Party. It was almost recognized as an independent organization. The Yakwang Party's power was bound to be great."
Dang Yi-jeon and Dang Yu-ri's explanations made Dang Yu-ri quietly nod. It seemed that he knew something about the place called Yakwangdang. The most important thing in a martial arts family was of course military power, but maintaining that power was finance. Yakwangdang was the family's greatest source of wealth, so its position was bound to be considerable.
Dang-myung said it like this.
"So. How was my father poisoned? Before the party, how did you know that?"
"Your father… So, Chief Chun was a bachelor, right? According to your grandfather, he was very eloquent."
"… Are you acquainted with my father? Your grandfather, the former head of the Yakwangdang."
"Yeah. You know that after the bloody battle with Magwangcheon, public opinion of Dokbong wasn't good?"
"okay."
Before he awakened to his previous life as a swordsman, it remained in the boy's memory. At that time, so much blood was shed that those who lost their loved ones, including blood relatives, resented his mother.
"It is said that whenever the chief of the Chun clan heard criticism about his wife, Dokbong, he would run over and start a heated argument with the person. If he did that despite not having learned a single martial art, it must have been no ordinary situation."
"I think he was slapped a few times. He visited Yakwangdang every time. It is said that he became friends with his grandfather at that time."
Tang Yi-jeon's words made his eyebrows twitch. Tang Yi-jeon simply said 'hand-striking sword', but it is common sense that if an ordinary civilian who has not learned martial arts is attacked by an attack with even a little bit of history, his body will be seriously damaged. Since there is no way to remove the history, he will just end up with a bone disease.
Perhaps the reason his father, Dang Wi-ryong, visited Yakwangdang was because the details were so serious. He didn't want to worry his mother.
'… I don't feel so good.'
Dang-myung felt his heart waver a little differently than before. Was it a surge of killing intent? He didn't know why. It couldn't be because of the boy's memories.
The party leader continued speaking.
"Then something happened. In addition to the head of the Yakwangdang, there were two vice-chairmen, and one of them got into an argument with Chun Bujang. The fault was clearly on the vice-chairmen's side. He was caught swearing at your mother, Dokbong, and they couldn't even bring themselves to say it. The argument quickly grew bigger, and since he was naturally eloquent and had a good reason, Chun Bujang humiliated the vice-chairmen greatly."
The woman who ruined the family - This is what Dokbong Dang Ji-hye, the mother, often heard. Perhaps Bu-dang-ju also used similar insults. Dang-myeong's eyes lit up with a gloomy light.
"Isn't that person called Bu-gung-ju the current head of the Yakwang Party?"
"… You're quick-witted. That's right. The other vice-minister was my father, and the vice-minister who had friction with the chief of the clan was the disciple of my grandfather, the head of the Yakwangdang. His name was Dan-Hang. Anyway, the vice-minister Dan-Hang, who suffered great humiliation, couldn't control his anger and tried to use martial arts. It almost led to an unfortunate incident, but my grandfather, who happened to sense the commotion, stepped in and stopped it."
"That's when you held a grudge."
"That's right. My grandfather nominated my father as the next head of the Yakwang clan right after that incident."
"What happened to your father, Chief Chun?"
Dang-myung suddenly asked.
The previous head of the Yakwang clan had nominated his father, who was the previous head of the clan, as the next head of the clan, but the current head of the Yakwang clan said it would be the same day. It didn't seem like he was doing well.
As expected, Dang Yi-jeon said, shaking his head slightly.
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"He was a noble man. Right after that day, he took his followers and overthrew the Yakwangdang and became the head of the party. I don't know exactly how he passed away.
"He probably used poison. These stories are all based on things I've heard from my grandfather. Oh, and it was my grandfather who told me that Chief Chun was poisoned. He said that he came to his senses for a moment when they were performing an autopsy and recognized him at a glance. Mixing medicine with medicine to produce an effect that was no different from poison was his specialty that day."
Come to think of it, it was the same before the Tang Dynasty. There were many cases of mixing harmless medicinal herbs in the public forest to create poison.
Anyway, he said that he didn't hide the truth from his teacher that day, perhaps because he intended to make fun of him. After all, the Medicine King's Party had already fallen into his hands, and whatever his grandfather said before he came to his senses would be dismissed as the nonsense of a senile old man.
Since Dang Wi-ryong was poisoned on the same day as the head of the Yakwangdang, there could be no problem with the autopsy conducted by the Yakwangdang. It is said that Dokbong Dang Ji-hye, who heard the news of her husband's death, quickly completed the funeral procedures and cremated him while he was unconscious, completely destroying the evidence.
After a moment of silence, Dang-myung asked.
"…Your grandfather?"
"He is not in his right mind. It is because of the poison he took that day, and he only regains consciousness once every month. He only told me these stories when I was ten years old. I became his disciple without even knowing it."
The voice of Dang Yi-jeon, who had been speaking calmly throughout, trembled. He had become a disciple of the Yakwang Party after being recognized for his talents, but it turned out that he was the one who had turned his grandfather into a half-human and killed his father. His mother had passed away right after giving birth to him, so Dang Yi-jeon had no way of knowing the truth. The Yakwang Party members who knew the inside story were all on Dang-dan's side.
The party leader continued to speak.
"There is only one reason why he didn't kill his grandfather. He wanted to know how to remove the poison without damaging the elixir's functions."
"Elixir?"
Dang Myeong-myeong felt a little suspicious. In a way, from the perspective of the head of the Yakwang Party, the former head of the Yakwang Party and his grandson, Dang I-jeon, were just a series of troubles that had to be eradicated. But the reason they were kept alive was simply to learn the elixir processing method…?
"The main medicinal herb store is stocked with all sorts of medicinal herbs. Herbalists buy what they find, and they also receive things like yin yang in exchange for treatment or prescriptions. It has a long history."
"so?"
"Actually, even the elders don't know about this…."
After a brief pause, Dang Yi-jeon spoke.
"In the herbal medicine warehouse of the Yakwangdang, there is an inner altar of the ten thousand year fire M."
"what…?"
"Is that true?"
Dang Yuri and Dang Miryeo were surprised and asked back at the mention of the Mannyeonhwari's inner medicine. It was understandable, Mannyeonhwari was a legendary spirit said to live in lava. In particular, if you take the inner medicine properly, it is said that your Imdokyang vein will be opened up and you will ascend to Hwagyeong.
Most people dismissed it as absurd, but the highest-ranking figures in the martial arts world knew that the Mannyeonhwari really existed, and that its effects when taken properly were also tremendous. It was a hundred years ago, but the princess of the hot fire great sun palace took the Mannyeonhwari's inner medicine and gained incredible hot sun power.
The rumor that he would immediately ascend to the throne of Hwagyeong was clearly an exaggeration, but in any case, the Princess of the Sun Palace eventually ascended to the throne of Hwagyeong based on her incredible power of heat and sunlight, and that was the golden age of the Sun Palace of Hwagyeong. Although she was suppressed by the Heavenly Demon Sect after expanding her power too much…
In any case, if it was true that there was a Mannyeonhwari's inner workings, it wouldn't be strange if a bloody storm were to blow through Sacheon right away. It was a treasure that any martial artist would covet. It had a value that couldn't be measured in gold or anything like that.
The party leader said.
"It's a bit less severe with the spirit pill, but in the case of the spirit's internal organs, they inevitably contain poison. If you take it without properly dissolving it, nine times out of ten, no, ninety-nine times out of a hundred, you'll die suddenly. Or become an idiot."
"In fact, taking something like that on your own and surviving is a stroke of luck," Dang Yi-jeon added as he continued his explanation.
"Of course, there are ways to remove the poison of elixirs, such as the internal organs of a spirit. However, these methods usually damage the elixir's functions or efficacy along with the poison. As it becomes safer, its effectiveness also decreases."
"Then what is the Yakwangdangju after…?"
"He wants to consume the Mannyeonhwari's internal medicine without any damage. He wants to ascend to the Hwagyeong. And once he ascends to the Hwagyeong, he will probably lead the Yakwangdang and leave the clan. In order to become the head of the clan himself."
Dang Yuri and Dang Miryeo were shocked. Who would have thought that the Lord of Medicine, Dan-gil, would have planned something like that? Isn't this no different from treason…?
Dang-myung was still calm.
"Did you participate in the competition?"
"If I continue to stay in the Yakwangdang, I may be killed at any moment. Once I participate in the competition, I can request personal protection. The only reason I am alive is because my grandfather never told anyone how to remove the poison from the elixir. If my grandfather had passed away, I would have been eliminated as well."