Chapter 222 – Leaving No Lingering Attachments (1)

Jin Mu-yeong's body was buried upside down on the ground. Everyone expected the horrific sight of Jin Mu-yeong's shattered head. Dam Ho's strike had been that overwhelming.

But contrary to everyone's expectations, Jin Mu-yeong's head was neither shattered nor had he stopped breathing. This was because his head had collided with someone's chest rather than the ground.

"Cough!"

The man sprawled on the ground, coughing roughly and spitting blood, was none other than Cho Yeon-woon. He had caught Jin Mu-yeong's head with his chest at the moment it was about to hit the ground.

Thanks to this, Jin Mu-yeong's head was saved from being smashed, but Cho Yeon-woon had also received a great shock to his chest, causing his internal organs to be severely shaken.

Dam Ho's eyes wavered for the first time.

"Why?"

"Kheuk! He… is absolutely necessary on this battlefield."

"Yeon-woon!"

"Pl…ease. If he dies, the Wudang Sect will withdraw from this war. Then the Murim Alliance will be at an absolute disadvantage. So for the sake of the martial world, Mu-yeong must not be killed."

He had taken the impact that Jin Mu-yeong would have received. Even in the pain that felt like his entire body was being torn apart, Cho Yeon-woon desperately tried to dissuade Dam Ho.

It wasn't for Jin Mu-yeong's sake. It was solely for the sake of the martial world. Cho Yeon-woon's actions made everyone solemn. It also dispelled the madness that had been dominating the scene.

Many felt ashamed at Cho Yeon-woon's actions and lowered their heads. Even Nine Martial Dragons did so.

"Yeon-woon."

"Cough! Please."

Even as he coughed up blood again, Cho Yeon-woon looked at Dam Ho earnestly. Without another word, Dam Ho stepped back.

Cho Yeon-woon was the only person who could be called a friend to him. When everyone else looked at him with fearful eyes, only Cho Yeon-woon approached him without hesitation.

Now that friend was begging him, even at the cost of his own life. No matter how cold-blooded Dam Ho was said to be, he couldn't refuse such a request from a friend.

Instead, Dam Ho's gaze turned to Jin Mu-yeong.

Jin Mu-yeong, who had barely saved his life due to Cho Yeon-woon's intervention, lowered his head, not daring to meet Dam Ho's eyes. His shoulders were trembling.

It was unclear whether it was due to anger or shame. Although it would have been understandable to mock Jin Mu-yeong, no one among those present dared to do so.

It wasn't that Jin Mu-yeong was weak. It was that Dam Ho was too strong.

Only then did people recall the fact that Dam Ho had instantly killed So Cheon-san, one of the Seven Great Demons.

'That guy isn't human.'

'Mo…nster.'

In their eyes as they looked at Dam Ho, there was undisguisable fear.

People naturally feel fear towards unknown entities. If it's unclear whether the unknown entity is an enemy or an ally, the fear grows even greater.

That was the psychological state of the crowd present here now. It was impossible to distinguish whether the unknown entity called Dam Ho was an enemy or an ally. He acted on his own whims, and if he didn't feel like it, he would attack even those on the same side without hesitation.

How could one trust and fight alongside such a person?

If he were truly on their side, he would be more reliable than anyone, but could Dam Ho really be considered on their side? The warriors thought not. The reason they couldn't say anything was due to their fear of Dam Ho.

Dam Ho sensed the emotional currents stirring at the base of the crowd. He turned around without saying anything more. There was no reason for him to stay here.

The martial artists were surprised and quickly made way. A path opened before Dam Ho.

Dam Ho walked between them. Soon, his figure disappeared.

"Phew!"

"Haa!"

Only then did suppressed groans burst out from here and there.

Dam Ho returned to the annex.

"You're back?"

Jong Ri-yeon greeted him with a bright smile. She was still unaware of what had happened at the great martial arts arena.

"Where's Master?"

"The detoxification is progressing smoothly. At this rate, he might wake up faster than expected."

"Can he move?"

"Why?"

"We're leaving SakShouzhou."

"Did something happen?"

"…"

"If we use a carriage, there shouldn't be any problem with moving."

"Then let's do that."

"Really?"

Jong Ri-yeon's eyes widened.

"Yes!"

"Where are we going?"

"Far away… to a place where Master can be treated in peace."

Dam Ho's gaze turned to Sage Hyeon-so.

The face of Sage Hyeon-so, who had fallen into a coma, looked peaceful. Dam Ho looked at Sage Hyeon-so's face for a long time.

***

The events that occurred at the great martial arts arena that day gradually spread throughout the entire Shouzhou branch. Although the martial artists belonging to large sects tried to cover up their shortcomings, not everyone's lips were sealed.

It became known that Nam Hak had disrespected the wandering warriors, and as a result, he had clashed with Cho Yeon-woon. Many criticized Nam Hak.

If Nam Hak had defeated Cho Yeon-woon, the situation might have been different. But with his defeat to Cho Yeon-woon, his reputation plummeted.

Cho Yeon-woon, who had always been rated lower than Nine Martial Dragons despite being called the Drunken Dragon, was re-evaluated after this incident. People now assessed that Cho Yeon-woon might have martial prowess equal to or even surpassing that of Nine Martial Dragons.

Given the nature of martial artists who like to rank people, Cho Yeon-woon should have originally pushed Nam Hak aside and entered alongside Nine Martial Dragons. However, the reason martial artists didn't do so was because Nine Martial Dragons' reputation had hit rock bottom.

Jin Mu-yeong, who had been implicitly called Nine Martial Dragons's right-hand man, was crushed by Dam Ho, and the fact that Nam Hak had disrespected the wandering warriors became known, causing Nine Martial Dragons to be unable to hold his head up.

Of course, it would be forgotten after some time, but at the current point, the public's view of Nine Martial Dragons was not very favorable.

Those who were particularly troubled by this incident were the leaders of the Murim Alliance. This was because rumors had spread widely that the Murim Alliance was discriminating against wandering warriors and martial artists from small sects compared to those from large sects.

At a time when victory was uncertain even if all the forces of the martial world were united, such rumors were fatal. Because of this, the leaders gathered and decided to treat wandering warriors and martial artists from small sects the same as those from the Nine Great Sects or the Five Great Clans.

It was an inevitable decision for the Murim Alliance.

Now, the existence of Dam Ho had become a great burden even to the Murim Alliance. It wasn't just because he had crushed Jin Mu-yeong. His presence had grown so large that they couldn't help but be wary of him.

They didn't know when such a situation might occur again. If it did, it would be difficult to manage, and the face of the Murim Alliance would once again be dragged through the mud.

Although Dam Ho's martial prowess was valuable, it was too burdensome to simply embrace him. Thus, Dam Ho became a hot potato.

A group of people visited the annex.

The branch leader Gong Son-jung was there, as well as a familiar-looking Taoist priest. There were also martial artists with extraordinary auras.

"It's… been a while."

The one who struggled to speak first was someone Dam Ho knew well.

It was Sage Cheong-he, an elder of the Wudang Sect.

In his eyes as he looked at Dam Ho, there was an indescribable complex emotion.

Jin Mu-yeong, the pride of Wudang and their greatest talent in a hundred years, had been mercilessly crushed by Dam Ho.

Sage Cheong-he and the Wudang Sect were angry at Jin Mu-yeong's defeat. But after hearing all the circumstances, they felt more shame than anger.

It was revealed that none other than Wudang's promising talent had tried to forcibly expel Dam Ho by inciting the warriors.

Other masters of the Wudang Sect thought it could happen, but Sage Cheong-he's thoughts were different. He already felt indebted to Dam Ho, and now with the situation turning out like this, only desolation filled his heart.

It wasn't that he didn't understand Jin Mu-yeong's feelings. But not like this.

If they wanted to drive Dam Ho out, they should have demanded it fair and square. Not by inciting the warriors.

A mix of emotions crossed Sage Cheong-he's eyes.

He wanted to apologize if he could. But he couldn't. He wasn't just an individual, but an elder of the Wudang Sect. He had to think of the honor of the Wudang Sect first.

The other elders, except for him, were angry at Dam Ho. For them, the honor of the Wudang Sect was more important than the truth of the incident.

They were protesting that they couldn't work with Dam Ho. They said that as long as he was here, they couldn't dispatch high-level martial artists from the Wudang Sect to Shouzhou.

"Sigh!"

His sigh carried that much meaning. But he couldn't just keep sighing forever.

He got to the point.

"As you probably know, the atmosphere in the Shouzhou branch isn't good."

"So?"

"Please… leave this place."

At Sage Cheong-he's words, Dam Ho's eyes narrowed. Avoiding Dam Ho's eyes, Sage Cheong-he continued.

"If you don't leave, the Wudang Sect will withdraw its forces from the Murim Alliance."

"…"

"I'm sorry."

As Sage Cheong-he's voice trembled, it was then.

"You'll withdraw the Wudang Sect's forces? Go ahead."

Along with an icy cold voice, the door opened. And someone strode in.

"Sage Hyeon…geom?"

The complexions of the leaders, including Sage Cheong-he, changed completely.

The one who entered the room was none other than Sage Hyeon-geom of the Mount Hua Sect. His title as the First Sword of Mount Hua was by no means inferior to the weight of the Wudang Sect.

Gong Son-jung spoke while watching Sage Hyeon-geom's reaction.

"What do you mean?"

"Aren't you threatening to withdraw the Wudang Sect's forces if Cheon Gyeong doesn't leave now? Go ahead. Mount Hua Sect will fill that place instead."

"Hy, Sage Hyeon-geom?"

Gong Son-jung's face turned pale blue.

Sage Hyeon-geom was the representative martial artist of Mount Hua. His reputation and weight were by no means inferior to the Wudang Sect and Sage Cheong-he.

When Sage Hyeon-geom unexpectedly took a strong stance, it wasn't just Gong Son-jung who was troubled. Sage Cheong-he couldn't help but be perplexed as well.

In reality, it wasn't an easy task for the Wudang Sect to withdraw its forces from the Murim Alliance because of Dam Ho. If they did so, it was clear that the Wudang Sect would face criticism from the martial world.

Yet, they made such a threat because the Wudang Sect had no place to back down.

Sage Hyeon-geom glared at Sage Cheong-he.

"I'm disappointed, Cheong-he. Threatening to withdraw the Wudang Sect's forces for such a reason?"

"Amitabha Buddha!"

"You did the same thing back then when the Demonic Cult invaded. You made all sorts of excuses and stepped back. That's how you were able to preserve your full strength."

"That's…"

Sage Cheong-he's words were cut off by Sage Hyeon-geom's harsh criticism. Sage Hyeon-geom's words had struck at the sore spot of the Wudang Sect.

Back then, the Wudang Sect had taken a step back in the war against the Demonic Cult. The Mount Hua Sect had filled that place, and as a result, the Mount Hua Sect was driven to the brink of extinction.

Of course, there were hidden circumstances behind it, but that didn't erase the guilt of the Wudang Sect.

"The cowardly Wudang Sect should step aside. The Mount Hua Sect will fight to the death against the Demonic Cult this time as well."

"Sage Hyeon-geom, please calm down."

"Do I look calm? Persecuting someone for such an unreasonable reason."

The faces of Sage Cheong-he and the leaders showed clear signs of bewilderment. As far as they knew, Dam Ho and the Mount Hua Sect were strangers, if not worse than strangers. So they thought they would never step forward. Sage Hyeon-geom's eyes as he looked at Dam Ho were full of warmth, not hostility.

Those who didn't know about what had happened between Dam Ho and Sage Hyeon-geom couldn't help but be confused.

"I've heard the story too. Aren't you ashamed? A talent from the prestigious Wudang Sect inciting the warriors in such a manner."

"That matter…"

"Shut up, what are you going to do? Are you still going to threaten to withdraw the Wudang Sect?"

Sage Hyeon-geom's eyes shone brightly.

Sage Hyeon-geom's eyes, which had transcended the wall, were so clear and pure that even Sage Cheong-he found it hard to bear. Sage Cheong-he guessed that Sage Hyeon-geom had experienced an enlightenment.

'Has Sage Hyeon-geom transcended the wall?'

As Sage Cheong-he was also one of the top masters in the Wudang Sect, he could recognize Sage Hyeon-geom's achievement.

The current Sage Hyeon-geom was different from yesterday's Sage Hyeon-geom. Even Sage Cheong-he couldn't guarantee victory without risking his life. Confronting such a Sage Hyeon-geom and the Mount Hua Sect was burdensome even for the Wudang Sect and Sage Cheong-he.

It was when Sage Cheong-he was in such a difficult situation.

"It's fine."

Dam Ho's voice echoed in the room.

Everyone's gaze naturally turned to Dam Ho. Among them was Sage Hyeon-geom's gaze.

"What do you mean? It's fine?"

"I'll leave this place."

"What are you saying? If it's because of their threats, there's no need for that."

"Do you think I care about their threats?"

"Then?"

Dam Ho stood up from his seat.

"It's just that this is not my battlefield."

Tang Qing left the hall with his hands clasped behind his back just like that.

The Tang family warriors hurriedly cupped their fists and saw Tang Qing off.

The atmosphere changed rapidly due to Tang Qing’s attitude that had changed to a bewildering degree.

Jin Ja-gang felt as if he had moved from one blade’s edge to another blade’s edge.

There was almost no information about Tang Gui-ok.

Even though she was the Tang family head, she had almost no presence, being overshadowed by Tang Qing.

However, when Tang Qing had been unable to control his anger and exploded just moments ago, it was Tang Gui-ok who had stopped Tang Qing.

If Tang Gui-ok was a figurehead as the world believed, she absolutely could not have taken such action. Moreover, Tang Gui-ok had even opened a path for Tang Qing to escape with just one word.

She was definitely not someone who could be underestimated.

Jin Ja-gang regulated his breathing and prepared to raise Mad Blood Heaven technique at any time.

When Tang Qing’s figure disappeared, Tang Gui-ok watched Jin Ja-gang with a leisurely expression.

There was no uncomfortable gaze at all. It was an expression with warmth like that of his maternal grandfather Son Wi-hak who remained in Jin Ja-gang’s old memories. Even though they were looking directly into each other’s eyes, no awkwardness was felt.

Tang Gui-ok, with a wrinkled face that made it hard to believe she was younger than Tang Qing, spoke to Jin Ja-gang in an aged voice.

“How long are you going to keep doing that?”

Jin Ja-gang remained silent, unable to understand Tang Gui-ok’s intention.

Tang Gui-ok waved her hand.

“Leave only the Soul Seizing Chamber Master, everyone else withdraw.”

The Tang family warriors and martial artists immediately carried out Tang Gui-ok’s command, which was somewhat unexpected, without any resistance. They showed courtesy to Tang Gui-ok and began withdrawing in an instant. Even the archers guarding the walls all stood up at once, cupped their fists, and quickly disappeared.

Only the two warriors who had to carry Tang Gui-ok’s chair and Soul Seizing Chamber Master Tang Sang-yul remained in their positions.

“There’s nothing to be wary of. I intend to let you go.”

Jin Ja-gang’s eyes became even sharper.

“I’m not worthy of receiving kindness without reason.”

“From your position, you would think it’s kindness without reason, but from my position, it’s a natural proposal.”

Tang Gui-ok smiled at Jin Ja-gang’s retort.

“I’m different from elder brother. I’m someone who makes it my principle to protect and preserve so that the family’s regulations don’t go awry. Do you know what that means?”

Jin Ja-gang could answer immediately.

“That’s why you sent the people away.”

“How clever. I’ll praise you for that.”

The actions Jin Ja-gang was currently taking were shameful matters that the Tang family had to hide. It was something that wouldn’t be good to be known in detail, not only to the world but even within the Tang family.

Therefore, Tang Gui-ok had immediately reduced the watching eyes.

It was the opposite of the reason Jin Ja-gang had deliberately waited until the Tang family warriors gathered in large numbers.

“Elder brother said he would dramatically elevate you to successor and he has the will and power to do so, but if such a thing happened, it would be no small headache for me. Because the family has clear hierarchy, order, and regulations.”

The reason King of Hell Tang Qing had entrusted this to Tang Gui-ok was clearly revealed.

Tang Qing already knew how it would be handled if entrusted to Tang Gui-ok.

However, Jin Ja-gang couldn’t relax his tension. Since the watching eyes had decreased, he couldn’t know what Tang Gui-ok might do instead. Promises made with words could be overturned in an instant.

Tang Gui-ok looked at Jin Ja-gang as if asking whether this wasn’t enough.

“If you still can’t trust me, tell me what you want. Seeing that you won’t leave even though I said I’d let you go, it seems you have something else you want.”

Jin Ja-gang gripped the Soul Seizing Thread tightly so as not to let it go and answered.

“I want to leave this place together with Miss Ha-ran.”

Tang Gui-ok thought for a moment, then said.

“It’s possible.”

“Are there conditions attached?”

“Ha-ran broke the rules and must be punished. You passed the test so you have the right to choose, but Ha-ran does not. As Tang family blood, she must naturally take responsibility.”

“What should I do?”

“You can take Ha-ran with you, but pursuit teams from our family will soon follow. Since you’re clever, you might perhaps shake off the pursuit teams and live quite normally for a long time. But you should know that you can never escape our pursuit for life while you live. Even if it takes decades.”

Tang Sang-yul standing beside Tang Gui-ok raised his chin and looked at Jin Ja-gang with an arrogant expression. It was an implicit expression that he would meet Jin Ja-gang then.

Master of the Soul Seizing Chamber.

Sending pursuit teams was precisely his duty.

Tang Gui-ok continued speaking.

“It seems elder brother made some kind of deal regarding you, so if you’re lucky, only your punishment might be delayed. But Ha-ran can never escape our family’s bonds.”

Jin Ja-gang looked directly into Tang Sang-yul’s gaze and asked Tang Gui-ok.

“Is there another way?”

“If you are recruited into our family and say you’ll take Ha-ran as a reward, it would be permitted. I guarantee that.”

Only then did Jin Ja-gang understand the meaning of Tang Qing’s earlier words telling him to kill Ha-ran or take her as he pleased.

“I don’t particularly like that.”

“Of course you wouldn’t want to become a Tang, so you wouldn’t even consider that side. I already know that.”

Tang Gui-ok had accurately seen through Jin Ja-gang’s heart. Actually, anyone could tell from looking at Jin Ja-gang’s attitude.

Jin Ja-gang didn’t deny it and answered.

“That’s correct.”

“Then the remaining method is only the first one. Can you accept it?”

Jin Ja-gang stared at Tang Gui-ok for quite a while, then slowly lowered the Soul Seizing Thread’s ring.

Whirrrr.

The Soul Seizing Thread began winding up.

The Soul Seizing Thread was being released from the hostages’ necks.

“It was an easier condition than I thought. I’ll accept it.”

At that moment, Tang Sang-yul’s eyes flashed. Tang Sang-yul looked Jin Ja-gang up and down, taking in Jin Ja-gang’s appearance as if he wouldn’t forget it.

Jin Ja-gang looked at Tang Sang-yul while completely winding up the Soul Seizing Thread and storing even the ring.

Not long after the Soul Seizing Thread was released, Tang Ha-ran came up the stairs from the underground Jeol-ok. Tang Ha-ran was still wearing wedding clothes.

Tang Ha-ran was surprised to see Jin Ja-gang covered in blood, then seeing that there were no others besides Tang Gui-ok around, she guessed the situation.

“Great-aunt…”

Tang Ha-ran pressed her lips tightly shut.

Having betrayed the family and even escaped from prison, there was nothing she could say.

But Tang Gui-ok was different.

Tang Gui-ok extended her hand to Tang Ha-ran with a warm face.

“I wanted to personally put this on you on your wedding day, but the situation turned out like this.”

In Tang Gui-ok’s hand was a jade ring. Tang Ha-ran approached Tang Gui-ok with a hardened face. She knelt and received the ring from Tang Gui-ok.

“It’s a jade ring made by a craftsman in the capital, so if you sell it, it will be more than enough for travel expenses for the time being. Live happily.”

It was very paradoxical for someone who was sending pursuit teams, making it chilling.

Tang Ha-ran seemed to feel this too, as her face had turned pale. However, Tang Ha-ran nodded firmly with effort.

“I will do so, great-aunt. Thank you.”

Tang Gui-ok’s eyes narrowed as she smiled.

“Now you two may go. After one hundred days…”

Then Tang Ha-ran put strength in her stomach and answered.

“No. It’s not necessary. I won’t betray this person even if it takes not one hundred days but one thousand days.”

As a member of the Tang family, if one does wrong, it must be corrected within one hundred days. The only way Tang Ha-ran could return to the Tang family was to kill Jin Ja-gang and retrieve the Soul Seizing Thread within that time.

However, Tang Ha-ran was blocking any possibility of return from the beginning by giving up that only opportunity.

“Even if your will is so, it’s the same. We could move the timing up a bit, but there’s no need to do so.”

Tang Gui-ok asked Jin Ja-gang.

“Well then. Where do you plan to go now?”

Jin Ja-gang answered without fear.

“First, I’m thinking of going to Qingcheng Mountain.”

Tang Gui-ok nodded, then said to Tang Sang-yul.

“Soul Seizing Chamber Master. It seems these children need time, and I’d like them to be able to reach Qingcheng Mountain safely. Can you do that?”

“If it’s an order.”

Jin Ja-gang felt a strange pride as a great family from Tang Gui-ok’s words. It was like proclaiming that no one but them could touch Jin Ja-gang and Tang Ha-ran. So rather, even while thinking of killing them, they stood in a position of protecting Jin Ja-gang and Tang Ha-ran until they themselves stepped forward.

Tang Sang-yul put his hand in his chest, then took out one long bamboo slip.

Whoosh!

The bamboo slip flew and stuck at Tang Ha-ran’s feet. On the bamboo slip painted yellow, red letters were written here and there.

Tang Ha-ran’s expression became haggard.

“King of Hell’s Slip!”

Tang Ha-ran was looking at the King of Hell’s Slip while biting her lips.

“You know its meaning well.”

It was Jin Ja-gang who responded to Tang Sang-yul’s words. Jin Ja-gang pulled out the King of Hell’s Slip and broke it into two pieces without even reading it.

“Since there are many competitors, you’ll have to work hard.”

Following Zhuge family’s death warrant, now even the King of Hell’s Slip.

Jin Ja-gang let out a hollow laugh.

It truly was a tiresome life.

Tang Sang-yul put a cold sneer at the corner of his mouth.

“The vigor of young blood is truly good to see. That’s also something you can only do now. When you meet me outside, it will be somewhat different from now. Most people can’t even think of moving because their legs give out.”

Jin Ja-gang stared at Tang Sang-yul.

“Didn’t you see the threat I made just now?”

It was clear mockery that such a threat was laughable. Killing intent quickly rose and disappeared in Tang Sang-yul’s eyes.

“Heh heh heh. To shake even the Soul Seizing Chamber Master, how impressive.”

Tang Sang-yul bowed his head.

“I apologize.”

Jin Ja-gang responded with a different meaning.

“Think nothing of it.”

Tang Gui-ok laughed.

“Now, stop and go. Those who must leave should leave quickly. I’ll cheer for and bless you two from afar.”

However, Tang Ha-ran couldn’t think of moving. She was in a dazed state that looked somewhat overwhelming.

Expulsion from the family she had belonged to since birth.

And now Tang Ha-ran had become an enemy of the family and was being pursued.

The wretchedness of her circumstances from that gap would be something she’d have to overcome herself for the time being.

Especially because she knew the Tang family better than anyone.

Jin Ja-gang took Tang Ha-ran’s hand. Tang Ha-ran looked at Jin Ja-gang.

“Let’s go.”

Tang Ha-ran slowly nodded.

Jin Ja-gang took Tang Ha-ran’s hand and led her toward the Suhua Gate that led out of the Jeol-ok compound. Truly, no one blocked the two of them.

Tang Gui-ok seemed to have no interest in the two people now. As if the two weren’t there, she immediately gave orders to Tang Sang-yul.

“Six out of twenty-three died, so seventeen remain. Handle it.”

Jin Ja-gang was surprised by Tang Gui-ok’s sudden words and looked back.

Tang Sang-yul was cracking his neck left and right making “crack” sounds as he entered the underground prison..

Tang Ha-ran shouted.

“Great-aunt!”

Tang Gui-ok said without looking back.

“Whether one likes it or not, finishing things is also an adult’s duty. We can’t leave those who betrayed by communicating with the enemy as they are.”

Tang Gui-ok slowly turned her head, still wearing a leisurely yet warm smile!

“Ahhhhh!”

“Ahhh!”

From when Tang Sang-yul entered the underground prison, screams could be heard continuously.

Jin Ja-gang could smell the thick scent of blood from Tang Gui-ok’s smile.

“Am I seeing wrong? You don’t seem to dislike it very much.”

Tang Gui-ok’s eye-smile deepened. All the wrinkles on her face were smiling.

Tang Ha-ran’s voice trembled.

“Smiling Blade…”

Or Laughing Blade.

A blade hidden within a kind smile like a neighborhood grandmother.

Though different in nature from Tang Qing, Tang Gui-ok was also one person leading the Tang family.

In some aspects, she could never be considered inferior to Tang Qing.

Executing traitors as an example even at the cost of some loss.

That was the family head’s way of maintaining and strengthening the unity of the huge family that was the Tang family.

Jin Ja-gang using prisoners as hostages and killing them, and the Tang family disposing of prisoners themselves were clearly different.

From now on, even if someone acted like Jin Ja-gang again, the prisoners wouldn’t cooperate with them. And furthermore, at the Tang family’s resolute response that didn’t avoid inconvenience and loss, the prisoners would rather become frightened and want to cooperate with the Tang family.

Jin Ja-gang could feel to his bones what kind of people he had to face at this moment.