Chapter 85 – Who Exactly Is the Young Master of the Tang Clan

Chapter 85 – Who Exactly Is the Young Master of the Tang Clan?

“This should be enough, right?”

Having completed all preparations, San-ho placed his hands on his waist with a proud face. Without even time to feel the flow of time like flowing water, the departure date for the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly had arrived before he knew it.

“So this was still left.”

San-ho, who stretched out wide, popped the elixir pill on the tea table into his mouth. The elixir pill that melted in his mouth was so precious that its value was hard to estimate.

However, San-ho's attitude was extremely indifferent, like a modern person taking multivitamins. It was the principle that once precious things became common, they no longer seemed precious.

'I gave the special elixir pill to Tang Hae-soo, and distributed the rest of the spirit medicines evenly among the participants, so surely they won't lose in a battle of internal energy.'

There was a saying in the Jianghu.

That when one was a child of the Five Great Families, they ate spirit medicines like snacks.

Of course, there was no one who did not know that this saying was half a joke. However, recently, the warriors of the Tang Clan were truly eating spirit medicines like snacks, without any need to exaggerate. This was all because San-ho had thoroughly raided the storehouses of the Waterway Forts and the Martial Alliance.

The elixir pills and spirit medicines that the Chief Stronghold Leader and the Alliance Leader of the Martial Alliance had accumulated step by step were accumulated entirely as internal energy in the dantian of the rising stars of the Tang Clan. With a satisfied expression, San-ho finally picked up his travel bag.

'Since we don't know what might happen there, I have to make sure everyone is well prepared.'

Was it not said that one had no interest in chanting sutras but only in the offering food?

San-ho was more interested in the people who would visit the assembly than in winning the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly. It was in a similar context that he preached the new training method and fed the spirit medicine to Tang Hae-soo.

Since his true goal was to examine the forces of the Jianghu, steadily raising the internal energy of those who would focus on the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly was a kind of insurance.

“Young Master, are you listening? The beef jerky pieces are in the inner pocket of the travel bag, and the Golden Sore Salve is right next to it. And this is…”

At that moment, the voice of Sawol, who sounded like an overprotective parent, reached San-ho's ears. As Sawol chattered without resting for a moment about various emergency medicines, snacks, and spare clothes, San-ho reluctantly interrupted him.

“Won't everything be there when we arrive?”

“You never know when something might happen. So, can't I go with you? Anyway, a few servants aren't included in the number of guests.”

“You have to do what I asked you to do.”

“Ugh… Who on earth is this kid anyway?”

Beside the complaining Sawol, Mua was sleeping soundly.

After Mua manifested in the child's body, the child frequently fell asleep. Sometimes the child did not wake up for days, so they even showed the child to a physician, but only the answer that the child was simply asleep returned.

“Take good care of the child. I think this kid will help me later.”

“This tiny baby? Helping you, Young Master?”

“Yes.”

Sawol, who was scanning Mua with a suspicious gaze, muttered.

“Sigh… Then I think the baby needs to grow up quickly.”

“Isn't feeding and raising them your specialty?”

“Do you think I'm a nanny? You always just pick up this and that, Young Master! I'm already busy taking care of Torong and Yongyong's meals, and now I have to feed Seori twice a day too.”

As if it understood its name, the snow leopard, which was rubbing against his ankle, let out a purring sound.

“My, you even gave it a name and get along well. The four of you play well together, and I will buy you something delicious.”

From housework to childcare. Since they could not let anyone else into the annex, Sawol took charge of everything alone. Just as the exhausted Sawol was about to say something, the voice of another servant was heard from outside.

“Young Master. The Family Head has ordered all the rising stars of the Tang Clan to gather at the training ground.”

***

The training ground was filled with more tension and anticipation than ever before. The dazzling sunlight passed through the bamboo forest, drawing soft patterns on the ground of the training ground.

Tang Hwa-seon, standing in front, slowly scanned the training ground while locking eyes with each person. In the eyes of the lined-up martial artists, the determination containing their respective goals shone vividly.

“All those who will take responsibility for the future of the Tang Clan have gathered.”

There were fifteen rising stars in total heading to Shaolin.

Tang Hae-soo and Tang San-ho, who were of the direct lineage of the Family Head and whose martial arts were recognized, and thirteen collateral martial artists thirty and under were selected.

“For the achievement of martial arts, it is important to acquire enlightenment through direct experience, but it is also crucial to broaden one's insights through new things. The world is wide and infinite martial arts exist, so seeing them directly will also be of great help.”

Tang Hwa-seon's low voice continued.

“Therefore, five more rising stars belonging to each hall will be selected to leave for Shaolin together.”

“Yes!”

Since twenty more guests could attend in addition to the fifteen participating in the competition, the eyes of the martial artists filling the training ground sparkled.

Originally, it was standard for the family's hall leaders and elders to be included. However, Tang Hwa-seon's thinking changed after San-ho, who had gone on a journey through the Jianghu, saw and experienced new things and achieved accomplishments that made others view him in a completely new light.

That showing the wide world was just as important as developing the family's martial arts within the Tang Clan Village. Thus, this time, the opportunity went to the young rising stars.

“It is written in the Doctrine of the Mean: study widely, inquire minutely, think carefully, and distinguish clearly. All of this is to practice earnestly and progress on your own. Make this Dragon and Phoenix Assembly a place of opportunity and a place of learning.”

“Yes!”

The blood of the young martial artists boiled.

Their hearts pounded, mixed with the excitement of encountering new martial arts and the desire to gauge their efforts so far.

“It is time to make our entry to the world once again. Show them the future of the Tang Clan.”

“Yes!”

A thunderous shout erupted.

Tang Hwa-seon, who smiled softly, led the martial artists out of the training ground.

As the grand main gate slowly opened, an unfamiliar excitement filled the faces of the martial artists. The reason the scene they always faced was so new was probably because a change had come from their hearts first.

Tang Hwa-seon turned his head toward those looking at his back.

He was deeply moved. Had the steps leaving for the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly ever been this light? Had it not always felt like facing something unavoidable?

But this time was different.

This time, such anxiety or worry did not arise.

What filled him was only expectation.

The pride of wanting to show off the new future of the Tang Clan.

Tang Hwa-seon's gaze lingered for a moment on San-ho, who had become the start of all these changes. The one who woke up what was forgotten and made them face what they had avoided. A new wind blowing into the stagnant Tang Clan.

Now it was time to reveal the weapons carved by that wind to the world.

“Let's go.”

A voice containing intense fighting spirit led them.

***

The birth of a new strong person was always exciting.

The news that the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly would be held heated up the Jianghu. Above all, the fact that the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, which had been called a festival of great sects and prestigious families, was opened fairly to everyone was enough to draw the attention of busybodies.

A competition that did not debate orthodox and unorthodox, did not divide by scale, and only looked at skill.

Indeed, a confrontation of pure strength and strength.

In the Jianghu where the strong survived, there would be nothing more interesting than this.

In markets, taverns, training grounds of sects, and even on the streets. Whenever they made eye contact, they blossomed into conversations about the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.

Who would win the title of the Seven Dragons and Five Phoenixes!

Which side would occupy more wins between the Five Great Families and the Nine Sects!

Which unorthodox factions would participate!

Difficult problems whose results were not yet known poured out without end. In the minds of those who predicted victories while listing the names of such prominent rising stars, there was one common question.

Of the countless rising stars, only one person.

Who would rise to the highest position!

The steps of the people of the Jianghu, who were waiting for the one to occupy the shining glory, headed toward Mount Song. It was the start of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, which gathered hotter interest than ever before.

Of course, talk of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly was in full swing even in Drunken Lotus Pavilion, the best tavern under heaven. Two men sitting in the center of the tavern spoke in voices that were barely audible to their surroundings.

“Ah, my friend. Won't the winner be Mount Hua or Shaolin this time as well?”

“It's about time a winner came out of the great families. What was it, didn't a winner come out of the Seomun Clan before?”

“That's all in the past. Perhaps because the martial artists of the great families are full, they lack desperation, I say. Surely, in terms of martial power, the disciples of the sects are a cut above.”

“Even so, we can't ignore the high-level martial arts they inherited and the power of their spirit medicines, can we?”

“That makes sense too. Then, assuming you are right, if you were to predict the winner this time, who would it be?”

“What? Well…”

The man, who pondered for a moment, opened his mouth.

“Wouldn't it naturally be Namgung or Murong? Aren't the Young Clan Leaders of both Namgung and Murong individuals who received the title of the Seven Dragons and Five Phoenixes? Moreover, considering the wealth and honor of their families, they are truly the future of the Jianghu.”

The man who was predicting a sect's victory also agreed with that opinion and added.

“Indeed. Ah, I think the saber techniques of the Paeng Family might unexpectedly shine. Since unorthodox martial artists are mixed in anyway, it might be better to push through with strength.”

“Oh, since the participants have changed, that might be the case.”

The man, who nodded, continued.

“Either way, it is obvious that the competition will be fiercer than ever before.”

“Why is that?”

“In the past, only orthodox martial artists paid attention to the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, but now the eyes of the entire Central Plains are focused on it, so everyone will fight with their lives on the line. Unorthodox martial artists for recognition, and orthodox martial artists for saving face. If they happen to lose to the unorthodox side, there would be no greater humiliation.”

“Aha. That is true as well.”

“Furthermore, since they will decide where to align themselves in the future based on the results of this Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, they will charge in with fire in their eyes even for the sake of power.”

The man, who lifted the liquor bottle and gulped it down, wiped his mouth.

“By the way, someone said they saw the Tang Clan passing through Chongqing a few days ago.”

“Already? Are they trying to go early and tour Shaolin since they will be eliminated in the early rounds, or what? Hahaha!”

“Shh, shh! Hey man, are you crazy? Do you want your head to fly off, that you easily spit out such reckless words?”

“Oops, I drank too much. I'm sorry.”

It was then.

A hand came down onto the shoulder of the man who was laughing awkwardly while scanning their reactions.

“Great heroes, how can those who earn their living by the sword in the Jianghu still be so ignorant of the trend?”

“Wh-What?”

The owner of the hand spoke in a playful voice.

“You see, for this victory, the Tang Clan is highly likely—that's what I'm saying.”

“Huh, what does a waiter know?”

“Where else would there be someone as well-versed in Jianghu rumors as a waiter? This is a secret… gather round.”

At those sensible words, the faces of the two men gathered toward the center. Interested gazes waited for the waiter's next words. The waiter, who glanced around, tilted his head and whispered softly.

“Have you heard the rumor that a tremendous rising star has appeared in the Sichuan Tang Clan?”

“What, do you mean the Dark Flower? I thought that was already known to be a false rumor.”

“That Dark Flower is actually the Young Master of the Tang Clan. It's a story that everyone who should know already knows.”

“………”

“You know about the escort agency business of the Waterway Forts that caused a stir in the Central Plains recently, right?”

“Of course, we know. Didn't the Tang Clan practically monopolize Yangtze River logistics? There were quite a few merchants trying to align themselves with them.”

“The one who persuaded the Chief Stronghold Leader of the Waterway Forts to monopolize the distribution of logistics on the Yangtze River is precisely that Young Master. Is that all? They say the Alliance Leader of the Martial Alliance also took note of the Young Master's martial arts and showered him with all kinds of gifts.”

“……”

At the waiter's words, the two men furrowed their brows.

“Look here. You should keep your nonsense within limits.”

“Indeed. Tsk, tsk. You should keep it reasonable for us to at least pretend to believe you. How can you say such ridiculous things…”

“No, first listen to the end. In addition, the Young Master defeated eighteen unorthodox groups…”

Thwack!

When a cheerful striking sound rang out, the waiter could not finish his sentence and grabbed his head. Behind him, a low voice as calm as a lake followed.

“Stop talking nonsense and get back to work.”

“Ah, Boss!”

The waiter, who wore a tearful face, quickly ran toward the man wearing a veil. The remaining two men only tilted their heads at the utterly unbelievable words.

“This my first time hearing the story of the Tang Clan's Young Master… has he ever stepped out into the Jianghu before?”

“I haven't heard anything in particular either. However, I did hear that the Tang Clan's Lord, the Ten Thousand Poisons Divine King, and the Chief Stronghold Leader of the Waterway Forts, the Fist Demon, went to the Martial Alliance together. I wonder if it is related to that.”

“Hmm………”

“Ah, even I find it ridiculous to say. How on earth could the Tang Clan win a martial arts duel? I haven't even seen them make it to the semifinals even once. Just forget about it.”

“Tsk, that wishful thinking was indeed excessive.”

It was a fact known to everyone that the Tang Clan was weak in martial duels. There was bound to be a reason for things without precedent. Those who dismissed the waiter's words as nonsense drank from their liquor bottles again.

***

The tea room where the servants of Drunken Lotus Pavilion rested.

Un-jo, who was caressing the back of his head where a large lump had formed, said.

“Boss, aren't you going to watch the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly?”

“What would I do if I went?”

“Come on, what do you mean? You'd go to cheer for your disciple.”

“I have no intention of creating unnecessary fuss.”

Do Yi-gyeom shook his head slightly.

The years he had hidden his identity numbered fifty. He had already revealed his identity to the Alliance Leader of the Martial Alliance, but most martial artists still did not know Do Yi-gyeom's identity. But what if he suddenly appeared at the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly as the Flowing Cloud Sword, one of the Ten Venerables of the Martial World? It was obvious that the Jianghu martial world would be shaken.

“Hmm. If you went, Boss, San-ho would like it, so it's a pity.”

“………”

“It's not like you need to hide your identity anymore anyway. It would be great to go and boost your disciple's spirit, and also to clearly certify: 'If anyone touches my disciple, they die!'”

As Un-jo chuckled and laughed, Do Yi-gyeom let out a deep sigh.

“Does he look like a kid who would lose his spirit anywhere he goes?”

“That's true. So, are you really not going?”

“…Let me think about it.”

Do Yi-gyeom had already been more than half persuaded by Un-jo.

Wondering what luggage he should pack, he stood up from his seat and suddenly spoke.

“By the way, Un-jo.”

“Yes?”

“Do not take any more orders from those customers earlier.”

“Yes? How?”

Although his face was still expressionless, Un-jo, who had watched him for a long time, realized that Do Yi-gyeom was not in a good mood right now. If so, this was no joke.

However, he couldn't exactly tell the customers, 'The boss told me not to take your orders,' could he? Since when did the boss become so emotional! Un-jo made a crying face.

“Well. Just tell them we ran out of ingredients.”

“No, how can we run out of ingredients specifically for them…”

“……”

Without a reply, Do Yi-gyeom turned his head sharply, and his back grew distant.

“Boss? Boss?!”

It hasn't even been two hours since we opened for business!

Those customers are wearing swords!

Un-jo's sad cry echoed like a reverberation.