Beakta, who had visited the Beggar Gang's Anjian branch, was returning to the inn street with an unexpected person.

"Ha ha, Successor Beggar, to think you've come to Anhui! If you had notified us in advance, we would have welcomed you properly."

"I myself didn't expect to meet the Nangong Family Head here."

"Circumstances led to this."

Nangong Seong-hwi, the Nangong Family Head, smiled awkwardly.

"Then, will you be heading to Guhua Mountain soon?"

"Yes, the search team will contact me as soon as they discover something."

"Hmm, a spiritual creature, you say..."

It was the first Beakta had heard of this.

About a month ago, rumors began spreading quietly that a herb gatherer on Guhua Mountain had discovered a strange cave.

And when the Nangong family heard these rumors, they quickly sent an investigation team and discovered it matched records from legends.

Specifically: Manggongbaek—a massive white snake from Anhui's legends.

However, in the historical records accumulated over generations, it was mentioned only a few times, and no one had actually seen it.

"I trust the eldest young lady is still the same?"

"Yes."

At Beakta's words, Nangong Seong-hwi's expression darkened.

It was because of the Nangong Family Head's eldest daughter, Nangong Seon-yeong.

The fact that she was born with the Seven Yin Severed Meridian was already a well-known public secret in the martial world, wasn't it?

Those born with the Seven Yin Severed Meridian would, as the name "Severed Meridian" suggested, have yin energy continuously expanding, with yang energy unable to suppress it, resulting in severed meridians and death before adulthood in most cases.

Unlike the Nine Yin Severed Meridian, which couldn't be cured, there was a treatment method, but it wasn't easy.

Yang energy capable of suppressing the amplified yin energy.

Without obtaining something like the inner core of the legendary thousand-year-old fire fox said to contain extreme yang energy, it was incurable—truly a disease among diseases.

Thus, the Nangong family had searched everywhere, collecting any spiritual herbs and creatures containing yang energy they could find. That's why they could instinctively recognize the Manggongbaek just from traces.

They had searched so desperately for so long.

"Fortunately, rumors about the Manggongbaek don't seem to have spread widely. I only learned of it after visiting the branch."

"Ha ha, the Beggar Gang's branch chief in Anhui has provided much assistance. Since it's a spiritual creature, anyone would covet it..."

"Isn't saving a life the priority? One shouldn't be greedy when trying to save someone's life."

"Thank you for saying so. But we're causing trouble one way or another. After the Family Head suspected it might be the Manggongbaek, he immediately ordered the entire Guhua Mountain region sealed off."

Nangong Seong-hwi scratched his head awkwardly.

When traces were discovered, the Nangong family first sought the Beggar Gang's cooperation to control rumors and sent all the family's martial artists to seal off the Guhua Mountain area.

That's why the wharf was full of Nangong family martial artists.

Thanks to this, the spread of rumors slowed, and those with greedy intentions hadn't yet gathered.

"Ugh, that's completely natural. It's the only solution to cure the Nangong Family Head's eldest daughter. If others took it first, it would be a disaster."

"Thank you for understanding."

"Anyway, we need to find it quickly."

"Yes, rumors can't be controlled forever. With the Beggar Gang's help, we've slowed the spread, but if it becomes known outside, those seeking the spiritual creature will swarm like bees."

"Hmm."

"The main family's search team is already searching all of Guhua Mountain, so good news should come soon, shouldn't it?"

"Yes, it definitely will."

"Your words are truly reassuring. Actually, this might be our last chance."

Nangong Seong-hwi smiled bitterly.

Nangong Seon-yeong, his eldest daughter, was his niece, wasn't she?

It must be heartbreaking to see her fate approaching adulthood.

"By the way, is the Tang Family Head really going to Guhua Mountain too?"

When Nangong Seong-hwi, whose mood had darkened, changed the subject and asked, Beakta nodded.

"Yes, my acquaintance is looking for someone who operates an inn there."

"An inn, you say?"

"A place called Byeol-un Inn."

"Ah, Byeol-un Inn?"

"You know of it?"

"Know of it? That's where our Nangong family's search team is currently staying."

"Oh, is that so?"

A thought suddenly flashed through Beakta's mind as he smiled broadly in response.

Wait, now that he thought about it, didn't he have someone at his side who was proficient in poisons?

"Ah, by chance, have you found a poison expert?"

"A poison expert?"

"Yes, if it really is the Manggongbaek, the poison must be quite severe, wouldn't it?"

"That's true. But finding someone proficient in poison isn't easy, is it? Most in that field are either sinister or have bounties on their heads... We were also concerned about unwanted rumors."

"Then, what preparations have you made against poison?"

"Just antidote pills, that's all."

"Ugh, what if you're poisoned with something the antidote pills can't cure?"

"What can we do? All we have about the Manggongbaek are a few lines recorded in legends..."

"Hmm, then, would it be alright if I recommended someone proficient in poisons?"

"Huh? Someone proficient in poisons?"

When Nangong Seong-hwi looked at him with interest, Beakta nodded with a pleased smile.

"Yes, my acquaintance who came with me is very proficient in poisons. You know the incident that occurred at the Green Blue Sect, don't you?"

"I've heard of it. Then the person you're referring to is?"

"The Family Head of the Tang Family in Sichuan, Tang Cheonyeong."

"Ah, so he's the protagonist of the rumors that led to the Jiulong Assembly! I remember the Family Head laughing when he heard the news from Sichuan, saying a young dragon had appeared."

At those words, Beakta suddenly startled and asked.

"That, surely you haven't heard the rumor about the 'Jiao Dragon' or something, have you?"

"I've heard it called that, but the Family Head got furious about it. He said how dare they carelessly attach the character 'Jiao' to a dragon."

"Phew..."

At those words, Beakta let out a relieved breath.

He knew what kind of trouble would arise the moment the term "Jiao Dragon" came up.

But fortunately, the Nangong family seemed to have a good perception of Cheonyeong.

The Nangong family's elder, who had stepped back from the position of Family Head to take a seat in the council of elders but still actively participated and wielded tremendous influence in the martial world, had spoken favorably of him.

Good.

It wouldn't be bad to establish a connection with the Nangong family at this opportunity.

Who knew?

Perhaps this connection would change the martial world's evaluation of the Tang Family.

And if this matter goes well...

Cheonyeong would become a benefactor who saved the granddaughter so carefully cherished by the Nangong family's elder.

Whether what had coiled up on Guhua Mountain was the Manggongbaek or not, the Nangong family wouldn't forget the help they received.

"But is the Tang Family Head really proficient in poisons?"

"Of course. Absolutely. I saw it directly at the Green Blue Sect."

"Directly?"

"Yes. He identified the vicious corpse poison used by assassins and even provided the solution to it."

"Really? The corpse poison that has no antidote?"

"That's not all. This is a secret, so please keep it to yourself."

Beakta lowered his voice, and Nangong Seong-hwi unconsciously leaned closer to listen.

"The Tang Family has deep connections with the Yunnan tribes."

"Huh?"

"Yes, the Yunnan Xiangal tribe leader directly sends poison experts to exchange with the Tang Family."

"Wow!"

Nangong Seong-hwi burst into laughter.

So proficient in poisons...

Poison was treated as something despicable, used mainly by assassins and other sinister individuals, or by those learning medicine to discover antidotes.

Yet a martial family was researching poisons?

On one hand, he was worried.

"Hmm, then, is the Tang Family perhaps unorthodox?"

"Huh?"

"If so, it would be difficult for them to participate in this matter..."

"Please don't say such things."

"Huh?"

"Orthodox and unorthodox—they're orthodox-leaning, to be precise. You know how much Sword Immortal Changlim of the Green Blue Sect cherishes the Tang Family Head? Not only that, we're on very close terms as well. Why else would I, a Successor Beggar, have come all the way to Anhui with him?"

"That may be true, but poison is..."

"You don't understand because you don't know. The reason he came to study poison..."

Beakta worked hard to create a good impression of Cheonyeong.

From being indignant at beggars being kidnapped and pursuing assassin organizations, to opening new lives for beggars near Ganyang...

Through appropriate exaggeration, he packaged Tang Cheonyeong as a young hero.

"Wow! Such a thing! Truly an extraordinary person. I apologize for the misunderstanding. If such a wonderful person exists, I would like to ask for help by any means."

Nangong Seong-hwi finally let go of his suspicions and nodded repeatedly with a smile.

That Tang Cheonyeong should know of my efforts.

Beakta, feeling proud at the thought of boasting to Cheonyeong, entered the inn street.

"Huh? What's that?"

"I'm not sure?"

It was a strange sight.

A crowd of people had gathered in a circle in front of the inn, and the atmosphere seemed like they were watching a fight...

And among the spectators, a martial artist in familiar blue clothing was briefly visible.

Clearly a Nangong family martial artist.

And he was sitting on the ground.

Inn, Nangong family, fight... Tang Cheonyeong?!

"Wow! This, this bastard, surely...?"

When Beakta's sudden thought made his eyes widen in shock, Nangong Seong-hwi, still unsure of the situation, tilted his head.

"What's the matter?"

"Huh? Oh, well, that is..."

He couldn't bring himself to answer.

This damned...! 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

I warned him so firmly not to cause trouble!

Here I am, working so hard to establish a connection with the Nangong family, my tongue practically hurting from talking.

And he goes and breaks everything.

What am I to do?

Given his nature, he wouldn't have ended it moderately.

If he'd caused an injury...

Given Nangong Seong-hwi's personality, he wouldn't simply overlook harming his people.

In the worst case, they might not only be denied access to Guhua Mountain but even be driven out of Anhui.

"Hmm, I'm curious why so many people have gathered but the patrol squad isn't visible. Shall we go check?"

"Huh? Oh, wait, just a moment."

"Why is that?"

Why indeed?

Because that patrol squad might be crippled down there right now.

"Well, that is..."

What was he supposed to say?

Too flustered to think of an excuse, Beakta was sweating profusely.

That's when it happened.

"Huh? Myeongson."

"...Huh?"

A familiar voice called to him from a distance away from the spectators.

Turning his head, he saw Cheonyeong smiling at him.

But... on a roof?

"Why are you up there?"

"Best view from here."

"Huh? Best view? Of what?"

"The fight."

Beakta offered countless thanks to a Buddha he didn't even believe in.

Thank goodness Cheonyeong wasn't the one fighting—he was just a spectator!

But what fight was this?

"Yu Seong-yeon just defeated the Nangong family's patrol squad captain."

"..."

"Come quickly."

At Cheonyeong's bright smile and words, Beakta couldn't help but laugh in disbelief.

Ah, damn it.

Not Tang Cheonyeong, but Yu Seong-yeon had fought the Nangong family's patrol squad captain.

And he had won.

In the end, whether you flip it or throw it...

All his efforts came crashing down.

Ah, those damned fellows.

Whether it's the foolish Taoist or the ill-tempered Tang fellow, they're both troublemakers.

It's all because of that bastard Tang Cheonyeong.

What fault could the Green Blue Taoist have?

"Birds of a feather flock together"—that's why parents always warn against bad friends.

(End of Chapter)