"I heard that the Tang Family Head agreed to help with capturing the Manggongbaek."

"Yes."

"The Nangong family lacks expertise in poisons. Since it's something we absolutely must obtain, we couldn't seek outside help and have been proceeding in secret. Your family's timely assistance is truly appreciated."

As Nangong Hyeok, who had entered the tent where Byeon Gil-tae was staying, bowed in greeting, Cheonyeong couldn't hide his surprise.

Given his reputation and position, it was no easy matter...

It could be due to impatience, or perhaps a thread of worry hidden beneath his gentle expression.

But such conduct would be impossible if his nature weren't already that way.

"Also, you asked us to withdraw the search team?"

"Ah, that was..."

"Don't be modest. If your heart hadn't been rooted in valuing people, you wouldn't have suggested it. Thank you for caring for the Nangong family's martial artists."

As Nangong Hyeok expressed gratitude in a consistently gentle tone, Cheonyeong felt awkward and gave a strained smile.

Of course, he had worried about people being harmed by the Manggongbaek's poison.

But the greatest reason for withdrawing was concern that the Nangong family's martial artists, unfamiliar with the snake's habits, might drive the Manggongbaek deeper into hiding.

"I'm uncertain how to express gratitude for your willingness to help when you didn't have to."

"Please don't mention it. If the Eastern Sword Emperor takes action directly, my help might not be necessary."

"That's not so, not at all."

"...?"

"If we only consider martial prowess, one might think that way, but the difference between knowing and not knowing is significant. This is a spiritual creature that uses poison. With an expert proficient in poisons present, what great help could I provide?"

"I'm not quite at that level, but..."

"Ha ha, is that so?"

Nangong Hyeok simply smiled at Cheonyeong's modesty.

He had led the Nangong family, one of the Five Great Families of the Central Plains, and prided himself as the supreme swordsman of the Central Plains.

Surely he would have verified?

When he heard from Nangong Seong-hwi that Tang Cheonyeong had agreed to help, Nangong Hyeok immediately selected the fastest carrier pigeon and sent an urgent message to the Green Blue Sect.

He wanted to hear directly from Sword Immortal Changlim about that day's events.

And the answer had returned.

You may trust him.

What other words were necessary?

Though they hadn't yet found even the tail of the Manggongbaek, it already felt as though they had captured it.

Heaven was helping.

For twenty years after learning of Nangong Seon-yeong's illness, he had wandered seeking a cure, but obtained nothing.

Then, as if by miracle, he discovered traces suspected to be the Manggongbaek, and coincidentally, Tang Cheonyeong appeared at that very place.

To one drowning and grasping at straw, the appearance of a rope was no different from salvation. How could his heart not race?

This was inevitable.

Heaven wished to save Nangong Seon-yeong.

So he came personally.

He came to help with anything.

Feeling the burden in Nangong Hyeok's gentle gaze, Cheonyeong cleared his throat and changed the subject.

"Ahem, in any case, all I can say is that I hope you will follow my advice well going forward."

"Advice? That's nonsense!"

"Huh?"

Cheonyeong was slightly startled by the sudden raising of his voice.

But the next words were unexpected.

"Just give orders."

"Huh?"

"The Nangong family will follow."

At the resolute tone and expression, Cheonyeong couldn't hide his confusion and blinked repeatedly.

"I know it's presumptuous, but for this matter, I'd like you to lead the Nangong family completely."

"Huh?"

Cheonyeong's eyes widened like lanterns.

Suddenly asking him to lead the Nangong family?

It was an unreasonable proposal, an extraordinary proposal.

He knew the pride of martial families reached the heavens, yet to entrust command to another...

And not just anyone, but the Nangong family?

"As I said, the Nangong family lacks knowledge of poisons and venomous creatures. Whether searching or capturing, we can only act on enthusiasm. So, Tang Family Head, please lead us. I and the Nangong family will follow."

"..."

Cheonyeong blinked repeatedly at his solemn tone.

This is...

The situation becomes difficult.

In other words, wasn't he entrusting him with full authority over the Manggongbaek capture?

It's good, a good thing.

When else would he get to command the Nangong family?

With the Eastern Sword Emperor at his side too...

If things went well, he could gain the Nangong family's full support.

But if things went wrong?

If they failed to find or lost the Manggongbaek, the backlash would certainly be considerable.

And Nangong Seon-yeong's only cure would disappear.

Though they might be friendly now, the moment things went wrong, the Nangong family would immediately turn hostile.

Wasn't it obvious?

It's because of you that things went wrong.

You take responsibility.

He should have refused.

It was a double-edged sword with far more losses than gains.

"Sigh, though I don't know what's in the Sword Emperor's heart..."

"I won't blame you."

"Huh?"

"I know, how could I not understand your heart?"

"..."

"But I have no choice but to place this burden on you."

His voice full of worry and his expression darkening.

Nangong Hyeok sighed deeply and looked at Cheonyeong.

"I ask of you. Even if things go wrong, the Nangong family will never hold you responsible. I will consider everything my decision and choice."

"That may be what you say, but..."

As Cheonyeong remained troubled, Nangong Hyeok shouted outside with determined eyes.

"Is anyone there!"

"Yes!"

"Bring paper!"

"Yes!"

At his command, martial artists moved busily, and soon paper was laid before them.

"Sword Emperor, why this?"

Before he could ask or stop him, Nangong Hyeok drew his sword and traced his fingertip across it, beginning to write in blood on the paper with a solemn expression.

"Sword Emperor!"

What he wrote in one flowing stroke was that he entrusted Tang Cheonyeong with full authority for capturing the Manggongbaek, and that even if things went wrong, he would never hold it against him. Rather, he would repay the favor for this help.

Having expressed his will on paper, Nangong Hyeok took out a jade seal from his chest.

"This is my personal seal."

"Huh?"

"I've never removed it from my body in my entire life, so no one could suspect it was stolen."

That was certainly true.

Who would dare steal such a seal from the Sword Emperor?

"Hui!"

"Yes, Father."

"Take this to the Beggar Gang's Anjian branch."

"Huh?"

"The Beggar Gang?"

At Nangong Hyeok's words, both Nangong Seong-hwi and Cheonyeong, as well as Byeon Gil-tae who had been quietly listening beside them, couldn't hide their shock.

"Sword Emperor, the Beggar Gang?"

"It's better to be certain about such matters."

"..."

"If I gave it to you, wouldn't you worry that I might take it back if things went wrong?"

"No, such thoughts..."

"The Beggar Gang will notarize my will."

At Nangong Hyeok's words, Cheonyeong held a bitter smile.

There was no need to go that far...

Cheonyeong felt somewhat embarrassed, as if his hidden worries had been exposed.

"Tang Family Head."

"Yes."

"I'm sorry."

"Huh?"

"I know I'm being stubborn. But please understand that I have no choice. This is my last chance to save my granddaughter."

It was a plea and a request.

Not yet knowing what abilities he possessed...

But the heart that could only cling to mere rumors was sufficiently understood.

The time of silent contemplation lengthened.

Everyone waited, watching only Cheonyeong's mouth.

"Sigh."

After long deliberation, Cheonyeong sighed and looked at Nangong Hyeok.

"I understand. Since that is the Sword Emperor's will, I will take on this responsibility."

"R-Really?"

"Yes, if I refuse, it looks like you'll tear off my pants legs."

"Ha ha! You truly see through my heart. Was I really about to draw my sword if you refused?"

"Huh?"

"I was joking, just joking. Ha ha ha!"

Cheonyeong watched Nangong Hyeok laugh heartily with sleepy eyes.

It sounded like the truth to me...

Just now, when he spoke, something cold passed through the back of my neck...

"Heh heh heh! Tang Family Head, don't look at me that way. It was a joke, right? Hui, what are you doing? Why haven't you brought wine yet? On this joyful day, I should enjoy immortal pleasures with the Tang Family Head and let the handle of my axe rot away."

"Yes, Father."

At Nangong Hyeok's words, Nangong Seong-hwi smiled and went outside.

Yes, what is life anyway?

It's all or nothing.

With a notarization like that, there's no refusing anyway...

Just think that things will go well. Just that things will go well.

Once this matter is resolved, he can build a solid relationship with the Nangong family.

One of the important things in life is connections, isn't it?

Having embraced the Successor Beggar and befriended two of the Three Western Sovereigns, now even the Eastern Sword Emperor.

The Tang Family was now extending beyond Sichuan to the entire world.

Just as Cheonyeong was turning his burden into resolve, commotion erupted outside.

Along with the sound of running footsteps came a familiar voice.

"Cheonyeong! I'm here! I'm here!"

"...?"

"The Tang Family sent a reply!"

Just then, Beakta and Yu Seong-yeon returned from the Beggar Gang's branch.

Carrying the Hyeon Gal clan's reply.

* * *

From early morning, the Nangong family's camp at Guhua Mountain was bustling.

Everyone moved diligently to create antidotes based on the information the Hyeon Gal clan had sent.

Martial artists on swift horses rode to various places in Anhui Province and purchased all necessary medicinal herbs from pharmacies, and even sent herb gatherers to search the mountains.

"First, we'll make what the search team will use, but continue manufacturing."

"Understood."

At Cheonyeong's instruction, the physicians worked ceaselessly to produce antidotes.

By afternoon, new martial artists appeared.

"We greet the Tang Family Head."

Nangong Seong-lim, the current family head of the Nangong family, had sent every martial artist staying at the main family, from elders to low-ranking fighters.

Perhaps because Nangong Hyeok had stayed by his side with sharp eyes the whole time, not a single person showed displeasure when receiving his instructions.

"Then I will divide you into groups."

"We await your orders!"

The moment Cheonyeong finished speaking, the Nangong family's leadership responded powerfully.

Looking at the Nangong martial artists lined up afterward, they were like an army of ten thousand.

With the might to topple an entire fortress, the burden grew even greater.

"Beakta."

"Speak."

"Have your subordinates and the Beggar Gang's operatives in this branch also participate in this search operation."

"Is that so?"

Having informed everyone of the environments where the Manggongbaek might be found, as written in the letter sent by the Hyeon Gal clan, Cheonyeong immediately gave the order to search.

"The antidote must be consumed every two hours so that its properties remain in your body at all times. First, take one, and then take additional doses each time the large drum sounds."

"Yes!"

"You must report immediately upon discovery. Absolutely do not attempt to confront it. Remember that reckless action could cost your own life and that of your comrades."

"Understood."

"The search team will only search. The combat team will handle fighting the Manggongbaek."

"Yes! Tang Family Head!"

"Then, let us begin!"

"Waaaa!"

As Cheonyeong's order fell, martial artists divided into dozens of groups began climbing Guhua Mountain.

(End of Chapter)