The next morning, Tang Mujin convened a brief meeting with Xiang Baeksa of the Emei Sect and Gong Ryeongja of the Qingcheng Sect. He recounted, almost verbatim, the conversation he had with Zuo Hobeop and Guang Yeomra the previous evening.
Xiang Baeksa’s face was a picture of disbelief. “You’re saying the demonic cult’s warriors themselves promised to turn a blind eye if your family leaves Sichuan?”
“Yes.”
It was a delicate matter for Tang Mujin to bring up, as it could easily be misconstrued as collusion with the demonic cult. Many might have chosen to keep such a thing secret and quietly smuggle their families out. But Tang Mujin took a broader view of the situation.
If he had secretly evacuated his family without informing Xiang Baeksa and Gong Ryeongja, unforeseen complications could arise.
“The fact that you’ve spoken with high-ranking members of the demonic cult is shocking enough. How did you come to have such a relationship?”
“I once got caught up in a conflict between their warriors. It was a case of helping a wolf hunt a tiger, and the wolf promised to repay the favor someday. That’s all there is to it.”
“Hmm…”
Xiang Baeksa still seemed skeptical, so Tang Mujin added, “Elder Namgung Jincheon and Hyun Gong were present, and Master Yuyu of the Kunlun Sect can vouch for the situation.”
Eventually, Xiang Baeksa nodded. “If you say so… I understand.”
Had Xiang Baeksa harbored any ill will towards Tang Mujin, he could have blown the matter out of proportion. But Xiang Baeksa was one of those who viewed Tang Mujin favorably, having been shown consideration by him in the past. Moreover, Xiang Baeksa was not foolish enough to sow discord among allies on the eve of a major battle.
Gong Ryeongja, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. “By telling us this, are you seeking our permission?”
“More or less, yes. I am asking for your permission. Is there a problem?”
“Not really. Your family leaving isn’t a big issue. Your wives aren’t martial experts, and your daughter is still young. But it would be reassuring if you could lend us your strength.”
Gong Ryeongja was concerned that Tang Mujin might withdraw from the front lines with his family. If Tang Mujin insisted on leaving Sichuan, there was little Gong Ryeongja and Xiang Baeksa could do to stop him.
Fortunately, Tang Mujin had no such intentions. “Don’t worry. Only my family will leave the Tang estate. I will remain here.”
With Tang Mujin’s reassuring words, Gong Ryeongja’s expression brightened. “That’s good to hear. For your peace of mind, it’s better if your family is somewhere safe.”
After a brief exchange, the meeting concluded. Tang Mujin then sought out Dan Seolyeong to explain the situation.
“Given the circumstances, how about evacuating beyond Sichuan?”
Tang Mujin expected Dan Seolyeong to refuse his suggestion and insist on staying. In stories, wasn’t it always the case that the wife would insist on staying by her husband’s side as he went off to war?
He had even prepared arguments to persuade her. But Dan Seolyeong’s response was unexpected.
“Alright, then.”
”…What?”
Seeing Tang Mujin’s surprised look, Dan Seolyeong chuckled. “What? Did you want me to stay?”
“Not exactly, but… I didn’t expect you to agree so readily.”
“I know what I’m good at and what I’m not. This isn’t my area of expertise. I can’t wield a sword to save your life, so why insist on staying?”
Dan Seolyeong was always confident, yet rational and clear-headed. In the past, during their travels with Gwai, she had instinctively taken to the trees when danger approached.
“It’s a shame I won’t see the mechanism I’ve worked so hard on in action. But unless it’s something truly worth risking my life for, it’s not worth it. I’ll take the kids with me, so don’t worry. You’re sending Wana out of Sichuan too, right?”
“Uh, yes.”
Mok Wana’s poison skills were formidable, but she lacked physical prowess. Despite efforts to teach her martial arts, progress was slow and awkward.
“So, anyone not used to fighting will be moving. Where should we go?”
“Near Dongting Lake seems best, but heading further south might be safer.”
Dan Seolyeong nodded. “Dongting Lake… sounds nice. I’ve always wanted to visit. Fight until you’re satisfied, and if things get dangerous, escape to Dongting Lake. Got it?”
With that, Dan Seolyeong patted Tang Mujin on the back and headed towards Mok Wana’s quarters.
”…”
Things had progressed so smoothly with Dan Seolyeong that Tang Mujin was left wondering whether to feel relieved or disappointed. But a faint smile lingered on his lips. It was such a Dan Seolyeong-like response.
The list of those leaving the Tang estate was quickly finalized. Not only family members but also non-combatants like Chief Wang, Doctor Chu Sam, and the blacksmiths would head to Dongting Lake. However, with so many people and few martial artists among them, the journey would be slow.
Two individuals were in a slightly awkward position: Tuhee Wi Jinan-hyang and Jang Il-nam.
Jang Il-nam, out of loyalty to Tang Mujin, seemed determined to stay. “Elder, you should go to Dongting Lake too.”
Tang Mujin firmly insisted, knowing that without such insistence, Jang Il-nam would linger and pick up his sword again. “But don’t you need my help? I’ve benefited a lot from you.”
“I’ve benefited more. You’ve taken care of the children for years.”
“Even so…”
“If something happens to you, many will be heartbroken. Especially my daughters.”
Jang Il-nam hesitated, but Tang Mujin was confident he would eventually agree. “Oh, and take Nam Woong with you.”
“Woong?”
“Yes. Nam Woong is more your disciple than a Tang estate warrior. He can protect the group if needed. And if Dongting Lake isn’t safe, you might even head to the distant Hainan with him.”
Jang Il-nam nodded slightly. As expected, convincing him wasn’t difficult. But persuading Wi Jinan-hyang was another matter.
“Leave for Dongting Lake? No.”
“Jang Il-nam is going too.”
“Still no.”
“Why not?”
“People recognize me now.”
Wi Jinan-hyang had regained her long-lost youth. Among the older martial artists at the Tang estate, few didn’t remember her. She was too famous and too dazzling to be forgotten, even after decades.
“Thanks to you and Elder Hwayeon, I’ve regained my youth.”
“Which is why you should cherish it.”
“Tang Mujin, I feel like I’ve returned to my past. I’m among those who remember me at my brightest.”
Wi Jinan-hyang had spent years in a dark cave, reminiscing about her most beautiful moments, believing they’d never return. But meeting Tang Mujin had miraculously given her a second chance at life—a chance not granted to ordinary people.
“If I were among those who didn’t know my past, I might leave for Dongting Lake. But I can’t now. I’m Tuhee Wi Jinan-hyang.”
She once said that her nickname, Tuhee, wasn’t just for her beauty but because she never backed down from a fight.
Tang Mujin looked her in the eye. “Jang Il-nam will be disappointed.”
“Probably.”
Wi Jinan-hyang smiled sadly. “But this is how I want to live now. Ultimately, my choice is what matters most, right?”
A few days later, darkness fell over Chengdu. A slender crescent moon hung in the sky, but clouds obscured it.
Over a hundred warriors from the demonic cult slipped into the night streets of Chengdu. To avoid detection, they silently leaped from rooftop to rooftop, closing in on the Tang estate.
They reached the estate without being noticed. The warriors exchanged glances, their eyes brimming with a confidence bordering on arrogance.
Neither the renowned Qingcheng Sect nor the storied Emei Sect had stood a chance against them. A gathering of defeated remnants wouldn’t be able to stop them now.
The warriors of the Demonic Sect held their breath, silencing even the faintest whisper of air.
A few pressed their ears against the walls of the Tang Manor, but all they heard was an overwhelming silence.
“Not even a single guard on watch? How complacent.”
Exchanging a final glance, the warriors stepped back a few paces. Then, with light, swift movements, they sprinted forward and leaped over the wall.
The walls of the Tang Manor were taller and sturdier than those of other clans or sects, but they were no match for skilled martial artists.
The first three warriors to leap up balanced themselves by gripping the top of the wall.
But something felt off.
The wall seemed to sink slightly under their touch, and the part they held onto felt unsteady.
”…?”
Was the wall poorly constructed?
No, it wasn’t that. There was a palpable, sinister intent embedded in the texture.
Thwack!
A sudden, unfamiliar sound shattered the silence.
Instinctively, the warriors scanned their surroundings.
A few paces away from the wall, something metallic glinted under the crescent moonlight.
“A sword?”
No, it wasn’t a sword.
A thick arrow? A metal rod? No, it was closer to a spear made of iron. Though too slender to be a proper spear, it was the closest comparison.
The person who had thrown the spear was nowhere to be seen, but the slender spear was unmistakably hurtling toward them.
Its tip was razor-sharp, glistening with an unknown liquid.
”…!”
Without a word, the three warriors raised their swords to block the spear.
But the spear was no ordinary weapon; it was the result of years of relentless refinement by Tang Manor’s mistress, designed to claim victims.
The spear pierced through the warriors’ abdomens, and droplets of blood splattered against the dark night sky.
It was the first success of the mistress’s efforts.
“Ugh…”
The impaled warriors clutched their stomachs, falling to their knees in excruciating pain.
Yet they couldn’t afford to scream. Making noise would awaken the sleeping warriors of the Tang Manor, who would swiftly end their lives.
The warriors of the Demonic Sect steadied their breathing, hoping for rescue.
But soon, they felt eyes upon them. Not just one or two, but many.
In the darkness, numerous warriors stood silently, watching them.
A chilling sensation crept over them.
A young man, standing at the forefront, approached with steady steps.
The moonlight, filtering through the clouds, illuminated his face.
A young face, yet familiar to the Demonic Sect warriors who had seen him in the mountains.
The young physician who once secluded himself in a cave, studying poisons. The young novice who trailed behind the Three-Eyed Buddha.
Eight years had passed, and now the martial world had many names for him.
But the most common title was one.
“The Master of the Tang Manor…”
In the darkness, the Master of the Tang Manor bared his teeth in a grin, raising his sword.
“Welcome to the Tang Manor.”