Two died.

No, many martial artists including the Dokgak-gwi lost their lives, but the Blue Serpent Sect remembered only the deaths of two.

Jeok Seohwa, the Sect Leader of the Blue Serpent Sect, and his son Jeokseong.

The son paid the price for the sins he committed in the past, and the father died trying to protect such a son.

Yet no one sympathized with paternal affection.

Rather than sympathy for the dead, and more than revenge, choosing their own future.

That was the nature of those belonging to the Unorthodox Faction, and one could not deny it was the realistic conclusion of martial artists who had lived suffering through hardship.

Cheonyeong, the Family Head of the Tang Family.

He, the victor of this fight, extended his hand.

Before No Gwanyeong, who had collapsed after being defeated by the Ghost Hand.

If a more powerful person extends his hand, it would be right to grasp it and plan for the future.

But wasn't it amusing?

Not offering a large share, nor proposing to conquer the world together.

But promising to repay any grudge.

It was simply refreshing.

Was there such a person?

They should naturally be consumables.

When brought in, treated as precious talents of the family, but once they became part of it, wasn't it the habit of those in power to treat them like consumables—driven into war and discarded?

And wasn't it the fate of martial artists bound to families to accept this naturally as destiny?

But he said he would take responsibility.

"Then! If I die, the Tang Family will take responsibility for my family?"

It was someone's question.

The martial artists of the Blue Serpent Sect waited for Cheonyeong's answer to represent everyone's heart.

"For life. Just as you are my household, your families are also my household. And if my household suffers an unexpected accident, I will dig into death until I die. And I will take revenge. That is what I solemnly promise you, and that is the duty of the Tang Family I lead."

"..."

"However, do not hastily grasp my hand. My resolve, the laws of the Tang Family, are only valid for those who follow and uphold the rules as my household."

Murmurs spread among the martial artists at Cheonyeong's words.

And.

The loud sound of metal falling silenced the murmurs.

One of the martial artists belonging to the Dokgak-gwi stepped forward to where all eyes were focused.

"I am Cheon Il-guk. I am the least capable person in the Dokgak-gwi. Will you make that promise to me as well?"

At his question, Cheonyeong split his lips into a smile and said.

"From now on, you are my household."

Cheonyeong spoke, and Yongcheon patted his shoulder with his large hand, smiling.

"I am Yongcheon, the Vice Family Head."

"I am Chun-il, the Outer Hall Master."

"I am Hwang-sam, the Martial Arts Master of the Tang Family. I look forward to working with you."

As soon as Cheonyeong made his decision, everyone congratulated him on joining the family. Without asking anything else.

At that simple greeting that meant nothing, Cheon Il-guk barely suppressed something welling up inside and stood behind Yongcheon, facing the Dokgak-gwi. As if confronting them.

The loud sound of metal falling continued in succession.

And before long, the number of those standing behind Yongcheon far exceeded the martial artists of the Blue Serpent Sect.

With even the commander of the Dokgak-gwi, Seo Gu-pyeong, having turned, who would dare raise a sword against Cheonyeong?

Only those who made different decisions left the Blue Serpent Sect quietly, abandoning their weapons.

"Family Head! Those guys..."

"Let them go."

"Pardon?"

"The fight is over. We must respect their choice."

"Understood."

At Cheonyeong's words, Yongcheon shouldered the iron ball on his back and released the fist he had been clenching.

What differed from before was that Yongcheon, Hwang-sam, and Chun-il no longer confronted the Dokgak-gwi.

This was because the martial artists of the Blue Serpent Sect, led by Seo Gu-pyeong, the commander of the Dokgak-gwi, had already knelt before Cheonyeong and bowed their heads.

"Blood Sword Seo Gu-pyeong swears loyalty to the Family Head."

"We swear loyalty!"

Slightly fewer than one hundred.

Cheonyeong approached those who had bowed their heads in unison. He helped Seo Gu-pyeong to his feet.

"Let us do well from now on. Commander Seo Gu-pyeong."

"Yes!"

"We should hold a celebration welcoming the new members and perform proper rites before heaven and earth, but for now, it is more important to handle more pressing matters first."

"Pardon?"

"Prepare for the funerals of the dead and treat the wounded. The ceremony and celebration for the new members can wait."

"Yes! Family Head!"

As soon as Seo Gu-pyeong answered, he turned his back and gave orders to the Dokgak-gwi.

Efficient.

Though there might be a desire to make a good impression as this was their first task, the smooth handling of matters without detailed instructions was because they were far more experienced than the existing household members of the Tang Family.

This is why experienced people are valued.

"The Family Head is truly remarkable."

No Gwanyeong, who had been sitting, spoke with a smile.

But his tone had changed.

Not speaking as a brother, but with respectful language toward the Family Head.

Cheonyeong, noticing that he had accepted his request after saying he would give it careful thought, smiled faintly.

"I never expected you would win hearts in such a way."

"I simply showed sincerity. Those who may become my household cannot be coaxed with promises I cannot keep or sweet words, can they?"

"That is true."

"Actually, I am a bit surprised myself. It worked better than expected."

Cheonyeong scratched his head and laughed with a playful expression.

"It was probably the first time."

"Pardon?"

"There probably was none."

"..."

"A person who would take responsibility for your family even if they died. The Family Head said he would entrust their backs to you. And that sincerity reached their hearts."

"Then I am fortunate. It seems my sincerity in asking you to watch from the side was also conveyed to you, Brother."

At Cheonyeong's question, which held a bright smile, the Ghost Hand respectfully bowed his head and spoke.

"Brother? That is not fitting. Please call me Elder. And do not hesitate to speak informally from now on."

"I will consider speaking informally later, Elder."

Cheonyeong grasped No Gwanyeong's hand.

He was the first elder of the Tang Family.

And not just anyone, but one of the Ten Heroes of the Sichuan Unorthodox Faction.

He would be a great strength.

"Now that you have completed your revenge, what do you plan to do?"

"Hmm, well. First, let's take down the signboard and ask the Divine Work Pavilion Master to repair the building?"

"There is something you must do before that."

"Something I must do?"

"You must take control of the branches."

"The branches?"

"Yes, all fifteen of them. If left alone, they will have other ideas."

"I see."

"Leave it to me."

"Pardon?"

"Consider it the first gift I give as your new elder."

No Gwanyeong spoke firmly.

Cheonyeong, who had been watching for a moment, smiled and answered.

"Then I will entrust it to you. I would like to help as well, but I just remembered something I must do."

"Something you must do?"

"Yes."

"What?"

"They say 'officials are not affected by martial affairs,' but such a great commotion has occurred in my own front yard. It is only right that I go with heavy hands to apologize. If I ignore it and they become upset, it could be a serious problem, no?"

"I see. Hahaha! To think of even that person, you are truly trustworthy, Family Head."

No Gwanyeong laughed loudly.

Cheonyeong had now grown to become the master of a mid-tier family that controlled not only Ganyang but also Seongdo.

Having won over the Dokgak-gwi, his power had increased.

Usually, when such power suddenly appears, one would worry about what to do, and most would hesitate.

But Cheonyeong had grasped the direction correctly.

He knew it well.

The Officials.

There was nothing good in ignoring them.

"Then, while you are at it, why not also take interest in the merchant circles of Seongdo?"

"The merchant circles?"

"Yes."

"Hmm."

Cheonyeong stroked his chin and nodded.

The merchant circles of Seongdo.

It was a place with capital and influence incomparable to Ganyang.

Had he not already had experience meeting them?

If he joined hands with them?

It would naturally be of tremendous help to the Tang Family's development.

The same was true for the merchants.

Now, was he not the Family Head of a weak family who used to go around begging to trade, carrying leather?

The management rights of the Ongjin Ferry.

It would surely be a great advantage to merchants.

And with the agreement with Merchant Commander Nam Gwang-ro, it was possible to transport quickly and safely along the Yangtze River from Sichuan to Hubei.

And most critically, the exclusive trading rights with the Yunnan Xiangali tribe that he held in his hands but had not yet used.

Weren't such things that the merchants of Seongdo would covet right in his hands?

Of course, he would have to meet the Merchant Commander and have a drink, and frequently visit the Xiangali tribe to pay respects, so he would be busy.

"I should meet them, the merchant circles as well."

"Do so. Then, before I depart for the branches, I will quickly arrange a meeting."

"Pardon? You, Elder?"

"Of course. Hahaha! I have at least that much power."

"Haha! This is something. I really made a good choice."

It was a momentary decision.

Back then, stopping his hand an inch before No Gwanyeong's throat.

"I made a good choice."

"Pardon?"

"At the time of the Yin Hand Chamber."

"..."

"Would it have been possible?"

At No Gwanyeong's words, Cheonyeong pondered for a moment, then shook his head.

It would have been impossible.

If No Gwanyeong had harbored killing intent then, he would have died without a doubt.

"Baekta was right."

"Pardon?"

"Now I see that I was fortunate."

"Hahaha, was it fortune?"

"..."

"Does a persimmon fall into your mouth just by standing under a persimmon tree with your mouth open? The Family Head climbed the tree yourself and examined the persimmon tree, so you were able to obtain better and tastier persimmons than others."

"Ah!"

Fortune and opportunity.

They do not come to those who do not strive.

Just as the saying goes: "Do your best and leave the rest to Heaven."

"I will take my leave now. Even for someone like me, it is difficult to take control of all the branches alone, so I have much to discuss with Commander Seo Gu-pyeong."

"Thank you."

No Gwanyeong walked quickly and began conversing with the commander of the Dokgak-gwi.

And.

"Family Head!"

Sanghui appeared leading the Blue Warrior Unit and Green Warrior Unit, each holding a sword in both hands.

Who would stop their steps?

The Blue Serpent Sect had already fallen into the hands of the Tang Family.

Her torn clothes were wrapped with cloth, and her hair was tied carelessly as if it had come loose, but fortunately, there appeared to be no major wounds.

Slightly regrettable.

If he had obtained the Samgyeong as well as the Dokgak-gwi, it would have been of great help to the Tang Family's fighting strength.

But that was in the past.

And even then, they would not have been won over.

Cheonyeong, brushing aside the brief regret, spoke encouragingly to Sanghui.

"It seems like a great victory?"

"The Family Head's strategy was effective. Five dead, twelve seriously wounded."

"Hmm."

Cheonyeong's face darkened.

It had been a difficult fight from the beginning.

Without Danya's weapons, and if the Samgyeong had not been careless and underestimated the Tang Family, it would not have been an easy victory.

Death and injury.

Inevitable byproducts that follow in war.

But.

"The bodies?"

"They have been properly collected."

"Good. Contact Gongsun Seung and tell him to prepare a grand funeral. If they have families, make sure they receive sufficient compensation. Spare nothing. Tell them I will personally meet their families later to apologize."

"I will do as you command."

At Cheonyeong's words, Sanghui bowed her head and answered forcefully, then continued.

"We offer our congratulations on the great victory, Family Head."

"We offer our congratulations."

Following Sanghui, the ringing voices of the Blue Warrior Unit and Green Warrior Unit echoed, and everyone in the Blue Serpent Sect turned to look at them.

And through the conversation between the two, they realized that Cheonyeong's words of winning them over were sincere.

"What are you doing! Move the bodies over there! Quickly move the wounded this way!"

Once again, the Blue Serpent Sect—no, the Tang Family—began to show signs of vitality.

(End of Chapter)