Chapter 440 – One's Own Sect's Safety Takes Priority Over the World (3)

The Yangtze River crossing the Central Plains also divided Hubei Province north and south. Therefore, those wishing to travel from south to north or north to south had to cross the Yangtze. ​

Numerous ships were crossing the Yangtze. ​

Vessels commonly called horse transport ferries. The sight of dozens of large ships capable of carrying people and horses simultaneously crossing the Yangtze was quite spectacular. However, no one by the riverbank admired this sight. Rather, their faces were filled with terror. ​

"The Demon Cult." ​

"Are they finally crossing the Yangtze?" ​

Among those by the river, despair appeared on the faces of those connected to the martial world. ​

The Yangtze was a psychological barrier preventing the Demon Cult's northern advance. Though people thought the Demon Cult would someday cross the Yangtze, they hadn't imagined they would cross en masse using so many horse transport ferries. ​

With such an enormous fleet crossing all at once, no one dared try to stop them. ​

Swoosh! ​

Where the great fleet passed, white foam arose filling the Yangtze. ​

"The Demon Cult is crossing the Yangtze so quickly. When did they prepare so many horse transport ferries?" ​

"At this rate, the Zhuge Family is in danger." ​

For the Demon Cult's forces to cross the Yangtze and reach Henan Province where the Martial Alliance and Shaolin Temple were located, they had to pass near Yungzhong Mountain where the Zhuge Family was situated. ​

The Zhuge Family was one of the Five Great Families and also one of the Martial Alliance's core forces. Such a family wouldn't just watch the Demon Cult pass through their front yard, and the Demon Cult wouldn't simply bypass the Zhuge Family either. ​

Ultimately, a clash between the two forces was inevitable. ​

On the lead horse transport ferry stood Sang Han-cheon, the Demon Cult's strategist. ​

Sang Han-cheon faced the river wind while gazing across the river. ​

He could have divided forces and moved secretly toward the Martial Alliance. Strategically speaking, that would have been more efficient. But Sang Han-cheon didn't do that. He deliberately revealed forces to display their power. ​

It was a very strategic choice. ​

The Demon Cult was no longer a sect hiding in darkness. By establishing their main base at Yueyang, they revealed their existence to the world, and now they'd even spread to numerous common people. ​

With countless followers watching, they had to display power for their sake. Thereby preventing their faith from wavering. ​

"We start with the Zhuge Family." ​

As people expected, Sang Han-cheon intended to strike the Zhuge Family first. ​

Being one of the Five Great Families, their foundation wouldn't be weak, but ignoring and passing them would only create greater future troubles. ​

For the decisive battle with the Martial Alliance, not only the Four Great Commanders but all the Demon Cult's core masters and forces were mobilized. ​

Then a woman approached Sang Han-cheon's side. ​

A young woman with a mysterious aura. Her slightly pale complexion made her appear even more mysterious. ​

Sang Han-cheon turned his head to look at the woman. ​

"Commander Yo." ​

"Strategist." ​

"How is your body?" ​

"Thanks to you, much better." ​

She was precisely Yo Sa-ran, the Blood Wheel Demon Witch, one of the Four Great Commanders. Having returned with serious wounds, Yo Sa-ran had stayed at the main base treating internal injuries. ​

Though she wanted to seclude herself longer to heal completely, Sang Han-cheon summoned her. ​

As one of the Four Great Commanders, Yo Sa-ran was major battle strength that absolutely couldn't be excluded. Sang Han-cheon wouldn't let such strength rest comfortably. ​

Ultimately, Yo Sa-ran had no choice but to lead her subordinates and participate in this expedition. ​

Sang Han-cheon nodded, pleased with Yo Sa-ran's answer. ​

"Fortunate. Now is when we need every bit of strength." ​

"I won't neglect my duties as commander over a small internal injury." ​

"Reassuring." ​

"I want to ask something. If we continue this way, we'll pass the Zhuge Family, right?" ​

"Correct!" ​

"Must we go this way? We'll definitely clash with the Zhuge Family." ​

Worry was evident on Yo Sa-ran's face. Sang Han-cheon stared at such Yo Sa-ran. ​

"Are you afraid to clash with the Zhuge Family?" ​

"Not that. I just have concerns." ​

"Perhaps because of the Wudang Sect?" ​

"Right. The Zhuge Family and Wudang Sect are close. If the Zhuge Family is attacked, the Wudang Sect won't remain idle. Then we'll suffer major losses before even clashing with the Martial Alliance." ​

"Commander Yo's thinking is quite right. The Wudang Sect will definitely join the battle." ​

Yo Sa-ran looked puzzled. ​

"You're going toward the Zhuge Family knowing that?" ​

"Indeed." ​

"Why? We could get bogged down. Then the Martial Alliance will reorganize forces and dispatch troops. The front line will be fixed near Yungzhong Mountain where the Zhuge Family is, not Mount Song where the Martial Alliance is." ​

Yo Sa-ran's voice naturally rose. ​

Though she was higher in age and seniority, Sang Han-cheon ranked above her within the Demon Cult. So she was speaking respectfully, but as the conversation kept going in circles, her voice naturally rose. ​

She didn't oppose the Divine Cult fighting the martial world, but didn't want the Cult's young martial artists dying because of it. ​

Sang Han-cheon smiled at such Yo Sa-ran. ​

His dry-as-desert smile made even Yo Sa-ran, who'd reached the absolute realm, feel chills. ​

"I understand Commander Yo's love for our Cult. What she worries about too. But what Commander Yo worries about won't happen." ​

"What does that mean?" ​

"Watch and you'll see." ​

"But……" ​

"No need to worry about the Wudang Sect. We just need to focus only on the Zhuge Family. We'll crush the Zhuge Family at once and go to Mount Song." ​

"Mmm!" ​

Yo Sa-ran groaned at Sang Han-cheon's bold declaration. ​

She knew Sang Han-cheon absolutely wasn't someone who'd speak nonsense. He'd defeated the Cult's enemies through countless divine strategies and demonic schemes. Never once had Sang Han-cheon failed when he made a guarantee. ​

'A bloody storm is coming.' ​

Yo Sa-ran's eyes trembled. ​

The Wudang Sect, along with Shaolin Temple, could be called the martial world's Mount Tai and North Star. Unlike Mount Hua Sect which suffered great damage during the first Righteous-Demonic War, they'd preserved most of their strength intact. ​

No matter how tremendous the Demon Cult's forces, they were opponents who couldn't help but be burdensome. Yet Sang Han-cheon was speaking of such a great sect as if they were nothing. ​

'Just what has he prepared?' ​

But oppressed by Sang Han-cheon's atmosphere, she couldn't ask. ​

Sang Han-cheon's eyes gazed at distant places she couldn't see. ​

***

Tension hung over Wudang Mountain. ​

Wudang Sect had also received information that the Demon Cult had begun marching toward the Martial Alliance in earnest. The problem was that the Zhuge Family existed on the Demon Cult's route toward the Martial Alliance, and the Wudang Sect wasn't far away. ​

The Zhuge Family clashing with the Demon Cult was unavoidable, and the Wudang Sect had to support the Zhuge Family with all their might. ​

If only they could avoid direct confrontation like during the first Righteous-Demonic War, but this time it was impossible. Back then, there was Mount Hua Sect as a great breakwater blocking much of the Demon Cult's rough waves, but such strength couldn't be expected from the Zhuge Family. ​

The Zhuge Family becoming one of the Five Great Families was thanks to their family's brilliant minds and formations rather than martial power. ​

Having encountered the Demon Cult's massive tsunami, the Zhuge Family naturally requested support from the Wudang Sect and Martial Alliance. Henan Province where the Martial Alliance was located was far away, so support would take considerable time even if it came. Under these circumstances, the Zhuge Family desperately desired Wudang Sect's support. ​

With fire falling on their feet too, the Wudang Sect couldn't refuse the Zhuge Family's support request. If the Zhuge Family fell, the Wudang Sect would be next. ​

In Zisao Palace, Wudang Sect's leadership gathered to discuss countermeasures. ​

Sect Leader Master Cheong-wol, Administrator Master Cheong-mu, Hubei's First Sword and Wudang Sect's face Master Cheong-heo, and even numerous elders had gathered. ​

Even Jin Mu-yeong the Peerless Sword who'd been in seclusion training for long, some first-generation disciples, and previous generation elders had gathered. That's how tremendous the crisis they felt was. ​

Among the elders, Master Cheong-gwan with the most impatient temperament raised his voice. ​

"We must immediately send support forces to the Zhuge Family. If the Zhuge Family falls, we're next." ​

"Who doesn't know that? But we must be careful. We must leave forces to defend the main mountain, and precisely calculate how many support forces to send." ​

Wudang Sect's administrator Master Cheong-mu put a brake on Master Cheong-gwan's words. Everyone's gaze focused on Master Cheong-mu. ​

One of the previous generation elders, Master Gwang-wol, asked. ​

"Then what do you suggest? I'd like to hear my disciple-nephew's opinion." ​

"Nothing much. As my martial brother says, the fact we must send support forces to the Zhuge Family doesn't change. I just think we should exclude personnel we can rely on in the future in case of the worst." ​

"By worst case, what degree do you mean?" ​

"I mean sect closure, or sect destruction." ​

"Mmm!" ​

Gloomy energy filled the hall. ​

Since establishing themselves on Wudang Mountain and opening their sect, Wudang Sect had always been at the martial world's peak. Everyone looked up to Wudang Sect, and they'd enjoyed hundreds of years of glorious times. ​

Never having suffered great blood calamity like Hua Mountain Sect, they'd never worried about the sect's survival. Even during the first Righteous-Demonic War they didn't suffer great damage, so Wudang Sect's Taoists were hoping this time would be similar. ​

"I know what my disciple-nephew worries about, but it seems excessive." ​

"Pardon?" ​

"Have you forgotten? Who we are. Do you think they could set even one foot on our Wudang Mountain?" ​

At Master Gwang-wol's bold declaration, the previous generation elders nodded in agreement. ​

Previous generation elders who'd secluded themselves for decades or more practicing only martial arts. Though they'd recently been disgraced by Dam Ho, their martial arts were still so tremendous that none in the martial world could match them. ​

"Of course I trust my martial uncles. They're Wudang Sect's last bastion. But still, we must consider the worst situation. Look at Namgung Family. Their power was as tremendous as Wudang Sect's, but they were ultimately destroyed, weren't they?" ​

"Mmm!" ​

"Martial Alliance support will take at least ten days at fastest. No one knows what might happen before then. The fact we must send support to the Zhuge Family doesn't change, but still, Wudang Sect's safety is paramount." ​

"My martial brother is right. We must first secure our sect's safety before considering support forces for the Zhuge Family." ​

Sect Leader Master Cheong-wol agreed with Master Cheong-mu's opinion. At this, Master Cheong-heo, Hubei's First Sword, looked frustrated. Unable to bear it, he raised his voice. ​

"Martial brothers. Now isn't the time to think about our sect's safety. It's time to support the Zhuge Family with all our might. Do you think our sect has a future if the Zhuge Family falls? We must depart for the Zhuge Family immediately with all personnel. Have you forgotten the promise to the Fist Demon?" ​

"Mmm!" ​

Instantly the previous generation elders and Master Cheongwol groaned. ​

Just mentioning Dam Ho's epithet made them flinch. That's how powerful the afterglow Dam Ho left them was. ​

Especially the previous generation elders who'd been humiliated by Dam Ho clearly looked displeased. Though they'd yielded to Dam Ho and promised cooperation, since it wasn't from the heart, they couldn't hide their unpleasant feelings. ​

"Who said we won't keep the promise? It's just that securing Wudang Sect's safety is priority. Surely martial nephew Cheong-heo doesn't think the promise to the Fist Demon is more important than our sect's safety?" ​

Speaking passionately with slurred pronunciation was Master Gwang-seong, whose teeth had been shattered and limbs broken by Dam Ho. His eyes mentioning Dam Ho's epithet were filled with sinister light. ​

Having suffered unspeakable humiliation from Dam Ho, his resentment and rage were truly tremendous. Naturally his voice couldn't help but be razor-sharp. ​

At that sight, Master Cheong-heo gave up saying more. He realized that whatever he said, he couldn't persuade Master Gwang-seong and the previous generation elders. ​

His chest felt heavy as if a huge rock had been placed on it. If he had his way, he wanted to rush to the Zhuge Family alone. Even the time holding meetings here felt like a waste to him. ​

Even at this moment, the elders were debating who to leave behind to preserve strength. Discussing support forces to send to the Zhuge Family had long since been pushed to the back. ​

"Huu!" ​

Just when Master Cheong-heo let out a deep sigh. ​

"Hehe! Wudang's undead old monsters have all gathered here." ​

Suddenly an ominous voice echoed through Zisao Palace. Creepily eerie power was contained in the voice. ​

Instantly, Wudang Sect's leadership in Zisao Palace were startled. Because no martial artist with such eerie power existed in Wudang Sect. ​

"Who's there?" ​

"Who are you?" ​

They raised their power while guarding all directions. Alarm appeared on their faces. ​

This was Zisao Palace. The heart of Wudang Sect. Naturally several layers of alert networks were strictly deployed. It was a strategic point among strategic points where numerous Wudang Sect masters were glaring vigilantly. For an outsider's voice to suddenly echo in such Zisao Palace naturally alarmed them. ​

Instantly someone suddenly appeared among them. ​

An old man whose face was completely covered with wrinkles so deep his age couldn't be determined. His jaundice-filled eyes looked like pus would drip from them any moment. ​

Master Cheong-wol glared at the old man. ​

"Infinite Buddha! Who are you?" ​

"I am called Phantom Demon Emperor Wi Gang-hwi." ​

"Wi Gang-hwi?" ​

"I am the Divine Cult's Cult Protection Division Leader. I came under the strategist's orders to check Wudang, but I almost didn't need to. If I'd known you were such a rabble only thinking of Wudang Sect, thinking only selfishly." ​

What appeared on Wi Gang-hwi's face was definitely a sneer. ​

One elder said.

“Even excluding the retainer warriors, thirty percent of the relatives participated in the rebellion. Moreover, those from teenagers to twenties who had resentment against Poison Dragon are direct descendants. If we kill them all, our Tang family will soon have its bloodline cut off.”

Another elder voiced his opinion.

“However, if we simply forgive them like this, discipline will not be established. We must make an example of them so such things never happen again.”

Neither side was wrong.

The leaders looked at Tang Ha-ran. Decisions must always be made by the head. Because the head is the person who must take responsibility for those decisions.

Unlike other families, the Tang family, which valued ability over gender due to the scarcity of direct descendants, allowed the family line to continue based on merit rather than gender discrimination.

Therefore, the privileges one could enjoy as family head were only possible on the foundation of unlimited responsibility.

Taking responsibility equal to the authority one possesses.

That was the duty of a decision-maker and the fundamental duty of a leader that must never be avoided.

The leaders entrusted the decision to Tang Ha-ran, but also glanced at Jin Ja-gang sitting beside them.

How much Jin Ja-gang’s opinions influenced Tang Ha-ran was also an important evaluation factor in Tang Ha-ran’s role as acting family head.

This was Tang Ha-ran’s first test as acting family head.

However, Jin Ja-gang surprisingly didn’t say a single word, and Tang Ha-ran also didn’t even look toward Jin Ja-gang.

It was Tang Ha-ran’s will to judge and decide independently from Jin Ja-gang’s influence in family matters.

The leaders were quite admired by Tang Ha-ran’s firm resolve.

Having such firm resolve while the family faced a crisis of catastrophe was praiseworthy.

However, the first decision-making power given to Tang Ha-ran was truly a difficult matter.

The leaders, moved by Tang Ha-ran’s will, offered advice one by one.

“If you won’t judge emotionally, you can view this matter from two perspectives.”

“First, according to the Five Rules of the Clan, it violates Protecting Family and Defending Country.”

Protecting Family and Defending Country. Protect the family and fight for the country.

“Second, according to the Tang Family Rules, it corresponds to ‘Those who harm blood relatives shall be expelled from the family.'”

Those who harm blood relatives shall be expelled from the family.

Tang Ha-ran nodded gratefully at the leaders’ advice.

Tang Ha-ran looked around at each of the leaders present, then opened her mouth as if having made a decision.

“First, I will decide the punishment for the retainer families who participated in the rebellion.”

Everyone focused their attention.

“I will not hold ordinary warriors accountable. However, squad leaders who led more than ten warriors will receive one year of imprisonment, hundred-man commanders will receive three years of imprisonment and be demoted to ordinary warriors after their sentences end. Thousand-man commanders will be executed to take responsibility.”

The leaders stirred.

“Isn’t the punishment too light? One year, three years?”

“Traditionally, retainer families who plotted rebellion had their men purged and their women and children made into slaves as an example. Also, the direct descendants of the instigators were imprisoned for life, never to see sunlight.”

However, Tang Ha-ran’s words didn’t end there.

“Furthermore, while the family heads are imprisoned, I will provide living expenses to their households so they won’t suffer financial hardship.”

Those words surprised the leaders even more.

“When funds are already insufficient.”

Tang Ha-ran persuaded the leaders.

“The chaos in the martial world is not ordinary. If we don’t quickly restore internal order and gain the loyalty of retainer families, we’ll eventually fall to external enemies rather than internal ones due to internal strife. We must find ways for everyone to cooperate and coexist.”

The leaders pondered Tang Ha-ran’s words thoughtfully.

“Well… Since both traitors and loyal subjects came from the same families, killing them all wouldn’t solve the problem.”

“Rather, comforting them could be an opportunity to unite everyone in the current crisis.”

“But let’s not forget the saying that internal blades are more fearsome.”

“Then what punishment do you plan for the direct descendants?”

Tang Ha-ran took a short deep breath and spoke firmly.

“Those known as the instigators have already fled. No matter how many days it takes, I will definitely capture and execute them. However, I will give the rest an opportunity.”

“An opportunity?”

“I will give them the opportunity to either be expelled from the family or be sent to distant places to serve the family.”

The leaders fell into deep contemplation.

It wasn’t a perfect plan that everyone could agree with. It gave the impression of being too soft.

Of course, considering the Tang family’s current situation, it could be called the best available plan.

After King of Hell Tang Qing fell, Tang Gwi-ok conducted excessive bloody purges to suppress dissatisfaction while failing to properly control the Tang family. While this had the effect of silencing people, it rather made those harboring resentment burrow deeper inside.

However, Tang Ha-ran wanted to bring them to the surface and give them opportunities instead.

While everyone was hesitating without easily agreeing, one person suddenly asked Jin Ja-gang.

“Poison Dragon. Though you weren’t born into the main family, you’re now properly a member of the main family. I’d like to hear your thoughts.”

Jin Ja-gang responded with a surprised tone.

“My thoughts probably aren’t important.”

“In this meeting, anyone can speak directly to the acting family head. Even if it’s not reflected in the decision, we can still hear your thoughts.”

All the leaders nodded as if they shared the same sentiment. In fact, they also wanted to hear his thoughts, knowing how exceptional Jin Ja-gang was.

Wasn’t he the one who destroyed King of Hell Tang Qing not through force but through legitimacy?

So they couldn’t help but be curious about what thoughts Jin Ja-gang held.

Jin Ja-gang answered without hesitation.

“I have never let anyone live who drew a blade behind my back without my permission.”

Startled.

The leaders flinched.

The elder who had asked became even more embarrassed.

Stories of Jin Ja-gang passing through the main gate of the Tang Family Compound were already spreading within the family. They said he gave them a chance to open the gate, but when they didn’t, he killed all the warriors guarding the gate. Even in the midst of rushing to see Tang Ha-ran!

However, asking Jin Ja-gang wasn’t without benefit.

It made them think it was truly fortunate that Jin Ja-gang hadn’t become family head.

Compared to Jin Ja-gang, Tang Ha-ran’s plan was truly the best of the best.

The leaders decided to follow Tang Ha-ran’s decision one by one without significant opposition.

***

“Waaah! Waaah!”

Jin Ja-gang returned to the room first and comforted the crying child while holding her.

After a while, Tang Ha-ran finished her remaining business and returned to feed the child.

“Phew.”

Tang Ha-ran let out a small sigh.

Jin Ja-gang asked with a smile.

“Is it difficult?”

“No. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I shouldn’t say it’s difficult at this level.”

It was a very Tang Ha-ran-like response.

“By the way, thanks to what you said, my plan worked out quite well. The retainer families seem to rationally accept that they can serve again after a few years of punishment, and most of the direct descendants chose to work for the family rather than exile since many were only simple participants. Thank you.”

Jin Ja-gang smiled slightly.

Tang Ha-ran stretched with a somewhat tired face.

“I need to bathe after feeding her. Can you pat the baby’s back for a while?”

“Of course.”

Tang Ha-ran called her maid to prepare bath water. After nursing the child, she entrusted her to Jin Ja-gang. While Tang Ha-ran bathed, Jin Ja-gang held the child supporting her bottom and patted her back.

The child burped comfortably. Poisonous energy mixed slightly with her breath.

Jin Ja-gang patted the child while removing the poisonous energy.

Before long, the child fell asleep.

When Tang Ha-ran returned, Jin Ja-gang asked.

“But shouldn’t we decide on the child’s name soon?”

Without grandfather or grandmother, they had to name her themselves. During the three days they were together in the poisonous energy, they put their heads together but couldn’t come up with a suitable name.

“Giving a childhood name isn’t easy either. He could have at least given her a name before leaving.”

This was grumbling about Tang Qing. Tang Qing quickly organized the inner compound and left immediately. Thanks to this, Bian Bu, Woon-jeong, and So-so were safe without major injuries. Only Sword Empress Im Yi-eon was bedridden after overexerting herself before fully recovering.

“Given his strong pride, he couldn’t remain here. He wouldn’t want to burden others with his debts either.”

Tang Ha-ran chuckled. She remembered Tang Qing deliberately not naming the child as revenge against Jin Ja-gang. She couldn’t understand why everyone became childishly proud over trivial matters when dealing with Jin Ja-gang.

“So let’s go with Little Poison Dragon for now.”

“No.”

“Why? I think it’s nice because it reminds me of you.”

Jin Ja-gang gave her a look as if asking what she was talking about.

“What do you mean Little Poison Dragon for the child? That’s not even my name, just a nickname.”

“Something easy to call with appropriate meaning would be good. In that sense, if we call her Little Poison Dragon, naturally people who hear the name will know the child’s father is Poison Dragon.”

“Don’t try to persuade me. Childhood names should be pretty.”

Tang Ha-ran pondered thoughtfully.

“Since she was born in poisonous energy, how about Dok-cheon! Sounds strong and good, right? Good, Dok-cheon!”

[TL Note- Dok-cheon means Poison Heaven.]

“That’s strange for a girl’s childhood name!”

“Just try calling her.”

Jin Ja-gang looked at the child.

“Dok-cheon-ah.”

Sleeping peacefully.

“See? She doesn’t like it.”

“She just seems to be sleeping?”

Tang Ha-ran made a humming sound and came over to put her arm around Jin Ja-gang’s shoulder. Then she rested her cheek against him and looked at Jin Ja-gang’s face from right beside him.

“Then since she was born in summer, how about Ha-hwa? Though personally I don’t like it because it seems too delicate.”

Jin Ja-gang showed a slightly interested expression but shook his head.

Tang Ha-ran smiled.

“This is the first time I’ve seen you being greedy.”

“I’ll ask Scholar Bian Bu later and get his help.”

While Jin Ja-gang and Tang Ha-ran were enjoying a moment of peaceful time, a maid came from outside with a message.

“The Poison Sect’s Three Cliques and a Qingcheng Sect elder have arrived. They say they have urgent matters to discuss.”

Tang Ha-ran sighed slightly and got up.

“Show them to the office.”

***

Among the Poison Sect’s Three Cliques, Baek Oh-sa, who had become the new representative of Funeral Parlour, greeted acting family head Tang Ha-ran and Jin Ja-gang.

Seeing Jin Ja-gang come out holding the child, Elder Bok-cheon opened his eyes wide.

“Ho, so that’s the child of you and the acting family head.”

Pleasure Heaven’s leader Yuk Ha-seon also couldn’t contain his fondness and opened his eyes wide.

“But is it already okay to have contact with outsiders?”

Leper Mound’s Thousand Face Demon, the old official, chuckled.

“Worrying is also fate. What we should be careful of isn’t the child who received Poison Dragon’s blood, but ourselves.”

“Ah.”

Yuk Ha-seon agreed. Then he couldn’t take his eyes off the child and looked at her lovingly.

“What’s her name?”

“Not yet…”

Tang Ha-ran interrupted Jin Ja-gang’s answer.

“We were thinking of naming her Little Poison Dragon or Dok-cheon.”

“Ah, I see.”

But Baek Oh-sa stared at the child and said.

“For Poison Dragon’s child, she’s ugly.”