Chapter 82 – Dragon and Phoenix Assembly

Chapter 82 – Dragon and Phoenix Assembly

Even if he pondered the incomprehensible words further, nothing would change immediately. If so, it was wiser to deal with the problem at hand first.

“…What should I do about this?”

San-ho, standing in front of Tang Yun-mu's corpse, fell into thought for a moment.

Leaving it there until someone discovered it might be fine, but if they conducted an investigation for no reason, things would become complicated. Although it was certain he was the real culprit, there was no solid physical evidence. If he wasn't careful, he might be misunderstood as having harmed an innocent person.

“Mmm…”

He couldn't even bury it secretly somewhere.

Should he say he happened to see it while passing by?

No, that was a bit lacking.

‘Let's say the culprit accidentally left a trace, and I just remembered it now.’

After contemplating for a long time, San-ho eventually decided to take a straightforward approach. Originally, the more one tried to hide such things, the more complicated they tended to become.

‘While following the traces, I found Tang Yun-mu… and it would be clean to say I tried to confirm it since he was sneaking into the Poison Depository. I actually only intended to check, but since he suddenly attacked, I had no choice but to strike back.’

Having completely set up the circumstances before and after like that, San-ho brushed off his clothes and stood up from his seat.

“Ah… This won't wash out.”

The clothes, stained red with venom, were already hardening before he knew it. Murmuring that he would have to throw the clothes away, San-ho picked up the flying dagger thrown at Tang Yun-mu's feet.

‘Since the internal traitor has been cleared, only external enemies remain…’

Although the urgent fire had been put out for now, a bigger task remained in the future.

San-ho carefully retraced his past memories, especially the ones where he had seen the future. Even among the one-sided and fragmentary memories, there was much information to be obtained. The faces he had encountered amidst the tragedy of a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood came to mind.

‘It's not like I can do a background check on the internet… and I can't draw portraits one by one either.’

Whether to coax those in the enemy camp to join his side, bestow favors upon them, or use the ultimate method… first of all, he had to know who they were. Since he only knew their faces but not their names or information, he felt as if his path was blocked before he could even start.

As he pondered, San-ho muttered softly.

“Is there any good way?”

Fortunately, the opportunity came faster than expected.

***

Not long after that, from early morning, a guest visited the Tang Clan.

The guest from Hubei performed a cupped-fist salute and offered a greeting in a lively voice.

“I greet the Family Head of the Great Sichuan Tang Clan. I am Min Eun-gyeol, the Captain of the Hidden Heaven Squad under the Martial Alliance.”

“You have come a long way.”

Min Eun-gyeol waved his hand and spoke with a smiling face.

“Oh, no, it is not a long way at all. The scenery of Sichuan is so beautiful that as I sightsee, I arrived in no time. More than that, it feels like just a few days ago when we met at the Martial Alliance headquarters, have you been well in the meantime?”

“Thanks to you, nothing special happened. However, because the interior has not been organized yet and is chaotic, I seem to have shown a bad side to our guest.”

“Please do not say that, Family Head. Rather, I worry that I might have become a nuisance by holding back the Family Head, who must be busy with both public and private matters.”

“I always welcome guests who come from the Alliance.”

“It is an honor just for you to say so.”

Tang Hwa-seon, who had been smiling leisurely for a while, set down his teacup.

“Well, now that we have exchanged enough pleasantries, it seems we can get down to business. What business from the Alliance brought you all the way to Sichuan?”

“Yes, then I will speak without further delay. I have brought a letter sent by the Alliance Leader.”

Min Eun-gyeol took out an envelope from his chest pocket and presented it to Tang Hwa-seon.

“It is the invitation card for the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.”

“Mmm. It has already become that time.”

The Dragon and Phoenix Assembly.

The largest event for orthodox martial artists held once every three years.

In the Jianghu where nurturing the future was important enough to say, 'The future of families and sects lies in the rising stars,' it was also one of the few opportunities to check their martial prowess directly.

A stage of opportunity for first venture into the Jianghu, where the moniker of the Seven Dragons and Five Phoenixes was attached to the twelve most prominent rising stars.

Opening the envelope, Tang Hwa-seon examined the contents inside.

– To the Family Head of the Sichuan Tang Clan, personally.

I express my deepest respects to the Family Head, who dedicates himself to the peace and prosperity of the Jianghu martial world.

It has already been several years since the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly was first held. It is a place of peace and harmony where we look to the future of the Jianghu through the prowess of rising stars and exchange each other's martial arts.

Thus, at a time when the unity of martial artists is more important than ever, this Dragon and Phoenix Assembly intends to fulfill its role as an unprecedented new venue for harmony.

Since we wish to be reborn as a venue to discover the future of the Jianghu, transcending orthodox and unorthodox paths, it would be an unparalleled honor if the Family Head of the Sichuan Tang Clan, a great pillar supporting the Jianghu, would grace us with your presence.

We will be waiting with joyful hearts.

– From Zhuge Yun, Alliance Leader of the Martial Alliance.

As Tang Hwa-seon read the letter, his eyebrows twitched.

“…Wishing it to be a venue to discover the future of the Jianghu, transcending orthodox and unorthodox paths? Is this statement what I understand it to be?”

“Yes, the Alliance Leader said that unlike past events, this Dragon and Phoenix Assembly will not be limited to orthodox martial artists, but will be a new Dragon and Phoenix Assembly where all rising stars of the Jianghu can participate.”

“Heh…”

A sigh like a lament escaped Tang Hwa-seon's mouth.

‘What on earth is the Alliance Leader thinking?’

Having said they found traces of the Demonic Cult, is he trying to promote harmony between orthodox and unorthodox factions to grow an opposing force? No matter how urgent it is to expand their size, how could he do something like this…

“There must have been a lot of backlash. Was there no talk within the Alliance?”

“In the beginning, many people expressed opposition, but thanks to Abbot Beob-yul of Shaolin siding with the Alliance Leader, things have been smooth since then.”

At Min Eun-gyeol's words, Tang Hwa-seon's eyes widened.

“The Abbot of Shaolin? Is this Dragon and Phoenix Assembly not being held at Shaolin? Yet, he agreed to let unorthodox martial artists inside the temple?”

“Yes, rather, he said it is a good opportunity to achieve harmony and that he would welcome them with a joyful heart.”

“…”

Abbot Beob-yul, who leads the current Shaolin.

One who was evaluated as benevolent and wise, while at the same time possessing an unfathomable depth of mind. In other words, it also meant, 'a person whose intentions can hardly be guessed.'

Although he had made decisions that were difficult to understand from time to time, this kind of unconventional change was a first, so Tang Hwa-seon could not hide his wonder.

“Oh, and as you know, the location is Shaolin situated on Mount Song. The schedule is four months from now… so you can let us know whether you will attend by twenty days prior.”

Tang Hwa-seon asked Min Eun-gyeol, who had finished the conversation with him.

“Four months. Has the schedule been pushed back compared to last time?”

“It has been postponed by about a month. Unlike last time when only the Nine Sects, Five Great Families, and major sects attended, this time, we are allowing the participation of minor and medium-sized sects as well, not just the orthodox and unorthodox factions.”

“Heh. No matter how great the Big Dipper Shaolin is, can they realistically accommodate so many people?”

“Of course, not all of them. They are scheduled to go through separate selection matches… Ah, of course, the Tang Clan does not need a selection process. However, as the number of participants has increased, the number of entries is limited to fifteen.”

“Mmm…”

Tang Hwa-seon fell into contemplation for a moment.

The Sichuan Tang Clan, a pillar of the Five Great Families that ruled the Jianghu in name and reality.

However, due to their Poison Arts and hidden weapon techniques being unsuitable for sparring, they were a family that always ranked at the bottom of the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly. Thus, the past memories of receiving criticisms such as 'It is not honest, it is a martial art only for killing' from those bastards of the Nine Sects and other families were vivid.

‘It wouldn't matter at other times, but now…’

It was not long ago that the attack and fire by the culprits had occurred.

Although they had found the traitor inside the walls, finding his backer was still a long way off. The letter from the Fifth Hidden Squad Leader, which arrived a few days ago, also stated that they were still chasing the traces of the Chief Stronghold Leader and assassins.

In the midst of that, the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly where all martial artists of orthodox and unorthodox factions would attend.

If they were to receive harsh criticism there, it was obvious that the morale of the rising stars would be crushed.

Tang Hwa-seon, who had been silent, spoke in a low voice.

“…I will decide whether to attend after thinking about it more.”

“Yes, Family Head. Please grace us with your presence.”

***

Min Eun-gyeol, who had finished his conversation with Tang Hwa-seon, toured the interior of the Tang Clan under the guidance of a warrior.

His curiosity-filled steps stopped whenever he saw delicate patterns or elegant pavilions. This was because, although he had heard that the skills of the artisans in the Craftsmanship Hall were great, it was his first time seeing it in person.

At that moment, while he was admiring the pavilions and bamboo forest with shining eyes, a familiar face appeared in front of him.

“Oh, Hidden Heaven Captain? What are you doing here?”

“Huh? You are that impos… cough, I mean, the Young Master of the Tang Clan. I am Min Eun-gyeol. Please forgive my rudeness last time.”

“…”

When they had faced each other across the prison cells at the Martial Alliance headquarters, he had treated him like a younger brother, but at his sudden shift to being extremely polite, San-ho frowned slightly.

“You can speak comfortably.”

“I cannot do that. Have you been doing well without any trouble?”

“Well, do whatever you are comfortable with then… What brings you here?”

“Is it not time for the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly to be held soon? So, I came to deliver the invitation.”

“Oh…!!”

Suddenly, with his eyes shining, San-ho took a big stride toward him.

“That, all orthodox martial artists attend it, right?”

“Basically, yes. Although this time the scope has been expanded in a somewhat special way.”

“Expanded? How?”

“We decided not to discriminate based on the scale of the sect or their alignment with orthodox and unorthodox factions.”

“What? Then, you mean… unorthodox martial artists are also attending the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly?”

Since young masters of prestigious families disliked being entangled with unorthodox factions even more, it was just when Min Eun-gyeol was about to begin an uncomfortable persuasion.

“Mmm. Yes. Of course, it may be uncomfortable, but as a new venue for harmony…”

Before his words could even finish, San-ho suddenly shouted.

“That is really great!”

Huh?

Great?

Min Eun-gyeol had just returned from delivering invitations to the sects he was responsible for. And the reactions of all the previous sects were generally similar to Tang Hwa-seon, the Family Head of the Tang Clan. Just as he was getting slightly tired of persuading them with repetitive words,

Min Eun-gyeol, hearing a positive remark that it was great for the first time, blinked his eyes.

“So you mean right now, almost all forces in the Jianghu are gathering there. In one place, all at once!”

“Yes, well, that is true…?”

His words, which he was about to add saying that there was still plenty of time left, lost their purpose and scattered into the empty air. This was because San-ho, whose eyes were shining like stars, had suddenly disappeared.

***

The door of the Family Head's office burst open, and San-ho, with a flushed face, ran inside. The head of Tang Hwa-seon, who had been lost in deep thought, turned toward San-ho, whose eyes were sparkling.

“Father! Send me to the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly too!”

“…”

He had thought he was quite familiar with the unfathomable nature of San-ho by now, but he was not. He was just new and fresh every single time. Looking at his son, who no longer even thought to choose his words, Tang Hwa-seon sighed softly.

San-ho, who had suddenly blurted out his goal, lowered his eyebrows and spoke again.

“Yes? Can I not?”

“I was actually just about to call and talk to you. Because in deciding whether to attend this Dragon and Phoenix Assembly, the opinions of you youngsters are the most important.”

“What? Why do you contemplate whether to attend? We must absolutely go!”

“It is not a matter to be decided so easily. We have not even found the mastermind behind the attack on the Tang Clan yet, so if we receive harsh criticism from the public for no reason at a time like this, how would the children feel?”

Faced with the realistic concern, San-ho widened his eyes in frustration.

“No, that is exactly why we must attend!”

“Why so?”

“Finding the mastermind is extremely important, of course. But what more can we do here in Sichuan? Since the Chief Stronghold Leader and the two Squad Leaders are already chasing the traces in all directions, I think it is right for us to do what we ought to do here.”

“…What does that mean?”

“It means we should leave finding the culprits to them, and we must reveal to the whole world that the Sichuan Tang Clan is alive and well. That the Tang Clan cannot be shaken in the slightest by a mere incident of that scale.”

“…”

At San-ho's words, Tang Hwa-seon was greatly surprised.

It was not childish brashness.

Rather, it was pointing out what he had missed.

After pondering for a moment, Tang Hwa-seon threw a meaningful question.

“Might it not sometimes be a better method to avoid it?”

San-ho gave his answer without hesitation.

“Perhaps. But not for the Tang Clan. Since Father did not teach me how to avoid things either, I do not know such a method.”

“…”

It was the correct statement.

‘I had weak thoughts for a moment.’

Thinking so, Tang Hwa-seon felt a little embarrassed. At the same time, he felt his chest swell with pride.

Tang Hwa-seon tested him once more.

“However, did you not clearly state with your own mouth that substance is more important than appearance?”

San-ho, this time too, gave an answer without hesitation.

“Indeed. But this is also a way to build substance. As the art of war says, when an external enemy arises, the internal ranks are bound to unite. Now, while the clan is in disarray, is the perfect time to rally the interior with a common goal.”

“Heh…”

It was truly wise speech.

Tang Hwa-seon's eyes were filled with admiration.

Only those who believed in themselves could speak like this.

Looking at San-ho, who shone with confidence and excitement, Tang Hwa-seon shared his final concern. It was a story he was reluctant to bring up, but it was a reality that was better to know than not to know.

“…But there is one more problem.”

“What is it?”

“You have never participated in the Dragon and Phoenix Assembly before, so you wouldn't know… but it is that our family's martial arts are not suitable for sparring matches. Thus, it is difficult to expect good results, so I worry that the children will be disappointed.”

At his cautious words, San-ho rolled his eyes as if thinking for a moment.

“Ah, if it is that, there is a good method.”

“A method?”

San-ho looked around from the window of the Family Head's office and pointed down. Tang Hwa-seon's puzzled gaze landed where the tip of San-ho's finger pointed.

Tilting his head, a strange name flowed from his mouth.

“…Hidden Heaven Captain?”

There, Min Eun-gyeol was wandering around the Tang Clan with a curiosity-filled face.