At Cheonyeong's answer, the crowd fell silent as if water had been poured over them.

They had thought he would choose one of the two.

But why?

Why go to the trouble?

Cheonyeong had no intention whatsoever of joining the world divided into Orthodox and Unorthodox.

He had already seen too much.

That whether it was Orthodox or Unorthodox, it was utterly meaningless...

Of course, there was a saying that one should ride the right line.

Because there were many who had climbed to high places by riding that line.

Thus, numerous minor sects offered up their livers and gallbladders to form a connection with even a slightly stronger sect, volunteering to become their younger brothers.

Because that would help in leading their families.

The so-called backer.

'I know someone in the Beggars' Sect, or I know someone in the Blue Serpent Sect.'

He didn't want to say that.

Isn't it embarrassing?

In the end, it would be nothing more than swaggering with someone else's power.

The Tang Family must grow strong by its own power.

The Tang family strengthens itself.

He would not make it a mediocre sect that just borrows the fox's authority.

He had also seen many.

Those who had lowered themselves to enter under the command of a great sect.

The moment he chose, he too would become like them.

No matter which side he chose, the Tang Family's estate would inevitably be swayed by their will.

They would have to be mobilized whenever there was a matter, on the grounds of belonging, and would have to bow and scrape to please them.

The corner of No Gwanyeong's lips twitched as he stared intently at the figure of Cheonyeong standing tall with a firm will.

"Keuk, keuk keuk, keuhat-hat-hat!"

And then he suddenly started laughing like a madman, even throwing his head back.

Was it that funny?

Well... it was a bit of a cringey thing to say. But what could he do? That was his sincere feeling.

"Keu keu keu, keu-hak-hak-hak-hak!"

"..."

"Heok, heok, eoh-heok-heok-heok."

"Will you stop laughing?"

Cheonyeong frowned at the sight of No Gwanyeong, who couldn't seem to stop laughing.

"...Keut-keut, I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

"..."

Although No Gwanyeong finally stopped laughing and waved his hand, Cheonyeong pouted his lips, looking at him with narrowed eyes.

Making a person feel embarrassed...

Well, still, it was a relief that the moment the laughter burst out, the pressure from No Gwanyeong that had been pressing down on the surroundings disappeared.

"The Tang Family's estate... yes, I see."

No Gwanyeong, who had returned to his original state with a deep breath, nodded his head as if savoring Cheonyeong's words.

"But it won't be easy."

"..."

"There will surely be those who covet it... someone like you, a sect founded by you."

"That's unlikely. It's just Ganyang. And it's small enough that we have to use all our strength to fight a minor sect like the Yin Hand Chamber."

"No, no. Is there a saying 'an awl in a bag' for no reason?"

An awl in a bag.

It means that a person with outstanding talent will naturally stand out even if they are hidden.

At those words, Cheonyeong let out a small laugh and showed humility.

"You see me in too high a regard."

"No. It's not too high."

"..."

"Yes, it's Ganyang. It's still a small sect. But, you see, when you get to be our age, you develop an eye for people."

"Is that so?"

"Of course, it is. Perhaps that beggar punk over there had a similar thought to mine."

Nosanggae laughed awkwardly at No Gwanyeong's mention.

"In my eyes, you are an awl, no... a dagger, for sure."

"..."

"You and your brothers... sworn brothers, I suppose. I heard you're only around seventeen. And, those brats called the Hoyeon Brigade, it's obvious they were vagrants. Until just a while ago."

Cheonyeong didn't answer.

"But, you, leading just that force, have destroyed the Yin Hand Chamber of over a hundred people. Without anyone's help. That's not an easy feat."

"..."

"I've looked into you, albeit briefly. A person who had nothing until he left his hometown at thirteen, returned in just four years with skills so great that my hands sweat. You must have had a fortuitous encounter. But, I have never heard of any genius growing so much in such a short time."

Of course, that would be the case. Because I regressed.

Because I returned with all the memories and experiences of my past life, and the tremendous fortuitous encounter of the Samyang Divine Art.

I have no choice but to be different from anyone else...

"But I do know this."

"Yes?"

"The fist and foot techniques you used were the Six Harmonies."

"Ah... my learning is shallow."

"If it were just the Six Harmonies, I would not have been surprised. I would not have even tried to hold your hand with expectations for your future. A fight with the Beggars' Sect would inevitably be a great loss for the Blue Serpent Sect as well."

"..."

His eyes shone.

"But that wasn't just the Six Harmonies. No, it seemed you had realized the true meaning contained within the Six Harmonies."

"That's surprising. Just by looking at the movements..."

"You don't deny it."

"Ah... well, it's the truth."

"Yes, it's not an easy thing. It took me fifty years just to realize the true meaning of the martial arts I learned. But you, you did it in just four years."

"..."

"Perhaps you didn't even need a fortuitous encounter in the first place. The eye to see martial arts and the ability to comprehend it are given by heaven. It's not an easy thing even for any peerless genius."

To say it again, because I regressed.

"I covet you. You... to the point where I want to risk a battle with the Beggars' Sect."

"I'm not particularly interested in getting attention from men. Especially from old men..."

No Gwanyeong smiled as Cheonyeong grumbled.

It could have been an offensive joke, depending on how one heard it.

But to No Gwanyeong, who had already taken a liking to Cheonyeong, it just sounded like a funny joke.

"Anyway, it's settled."

"What is?"

"Didn't you say the Tang Family's estate is just the Tang Family's estate?"

"That's right...?"

"Since you didn't choose, doesn't that mean there's a chance to form a connection in the future?"

"..."

"We'll be seeing each other often in the future. I have a habit of not letting go once I get interested."

Cheonyeong frowned at the sly grin.

Damn it, so blatant...

It seemed there would be a lot of troublesome things.

"Great Hero No."

"What's with the 'Great Hero'. Just call me Big Brother No, intimately."

"Pardon? But the age difference..."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"..."

"I am a person who does not place meaning on age. Also, are you not a Family Head, and am I not an Elder?"

After thinking for a moment at those words, Cheonyeong said.

If he says so himself.

"Big Brother."

"Now, that sounds good. It's the best thing I've heard recently. Go on, speak."

"Then, may I assume you will no longer interfere in the affairs of Ganyang?"

Lee Ilpyeong, who had been just rolling his eyes at the unfolding situation, was startled by Cheonyeong's words and looked at No Gwanyeong.

"The affairs of the Tang Family's estate are for the Tang Family's estate to handle."

"..."

"Since you did not choose, it is not a fight between Orthodox and Unorthodox, is it? I have no justification to interfere."

No Gwanyeong, who had ignored Lee Ilpyeong's pleading gaze, cut him off as if drawing a line.

"Gh-Ghost Hand! Help me! The Yin Hand Chamber!"

Although Lee Ilpyeong pleaded earnestly, No Gwanyeong's expression did not change one bit.

If he had wanted to interfere, he could have easily interfered.

Because the justification of the powerful is something that can be a nose ring if you hang it on your nose, and an earring if you hang it on your ear.

Thus, No Gwanyeong's withdrawal was a favor to the Tang Family's estate.

It must have been a stepping stone for a future connection.

What could he do?

When he was being seen in such high regard...

Also, the power of the Blue Serpent Sect might be helpful someday...

Since he didn't make a distinction, it was enough to form a connection with either the Orthodox or the Unorthodox and occasionally receive help.

However.

"Big Brother."

"Speak."

"May I ask one thing?"

"Of course."

"By any chance, was the Blue Serpent Sect involved in the destruction of the Mandeok Estate?"

"...And if it was?"

"It would not be a good connection."

Cheonyeong said with indifferent eyes.

And No Gwanye-ong, who was staring intently into those eyes, shook his head.

"No. At least as far as I know... there may be those who lent their names to the bribes offered by the Yin Hand Chamber Master."

"I see. Thank you for your answer."

Cheonyeong bowed his head in greeting.

He didn't believe his words, but he believed his own insight. At least in his eyes, he didn't seem like a person who would lie.

"I will ask one thing as well."

"Please speak."

"Although it is the affair of the Tang Family's estate, how do you plan to deal with Lee Ilpyeong and the warriors of the Yin Hand Chamber?"

"Pardon?"

"I... have to make a report as well."

"Ah... I plan to deal with them according to the law of the Tang family."

"The law, you say. What kind of law is that?"

At No Gwanyeong's question, Cheonyeong gripped the hilt of his sword.

Seugeok!

It was a clean trajectory, and an indifferent and cruel trajectory.

Tuk.

Lee Ilpyeong's head, his eyes not even closed, rolled on the floor.

A futile death.

But everyone had watched, and they could fully understand the law of the Tang family that Cheonyeong had spoken of.

"The Tang Family's estate will not leave any grudges behind."

"That's unexpected."

"..."

"I thought you would at least vent your anger for the grudge."

"What for?"

Cheonyeong let out a small laugh.

Thinking of the anger from the past, he wanted to beat him up, savoring the memory with each blow, and vent his anger.

But there were too many onlookers.

For a Family Head, it would just look unseemly.

"Anyway, was that an answer to your question?"

"I understand fully. But, I ask of you... I hope that death ends with that one."

"Thank you for the advice. I was thinking the same. I didn't want to stain the beginning of the Tang Family's estate with too much blood."

No Gwanyeong nodded at Cheonyeong's words.

It was already nailed down as the affair of the Tang family.

Even if he had killed not only Lee Ilpyeong but everyone belonging to the Yin Hand Chamber, the Blue Serpent Sect could not interfere.

But, too much death would have the opposite effect.

The death of Lee Ilpyeong alone would remain as revenge for a grudge, but too many deaths would only make him be remembered as a slaughterer.

No matter how Unorthodox, how could one not care about their reputation?

That was the reason No Gwanyeong had gone out of his way to advise Cheonyeong.

"As expected... you are worth watching. I must be going now. Let's see each other often in the future. And visit our Blue Serpent Sect soon."

"If you invite me..."

"Yes."

No Gwanyeong clasped his hands behind his back and turned his body sharply.

For someone who had been talking about connections just a moment ago, it was an extremely cold action, but this seemed more like his original personality.

"You beggar punk."

"It's Nosanggae."

"Keuk keuk, getting all worked up... let's see each other again. And give my regards to the Drunken Beggar. Tell him I'm always aiming for his neck."

"I will."

With those words, No Gwanyeong left abruptly, as if he had no lingering attachments.

Cheonyeong, who was watching his back, let out a small laugh.

A chest left in the place where No Gwanyeong had left.

And a single telepathic message.

[Use it to supplement.]

It was obvious what was inside the chest.

A good-natured person is also generous.

What could he do?

It was rude to coldly refuse what an elder was giving.

As Cheonyeong approached to take the chest.

"Please spare us!"

"..."

The shouts of the Yin Hand Chamber members, who had suddenly bowed their heads, stopped Cheonyeong's steps.

"If you just spare us, we will do anything. Please..."

Cheonyeong looked at them, who were shouting with their heads bowed, with indifferent eyes.

Ah, damn it, they're in the way.

I have to take the chest first.

And now, the grudge of the Mandeok Estate was over.

With the death of Lee Ilpyeong...

Now it was time for the Tang Family's estate to move forward.

"Yongcheon."

"Speak! Family Head!"

Yongcheon rushed over and knelt before Cheonyeong.

It was a different tone from usual.

Even the foolish and bright Yongcheon knew.

That the only person who should be standing here, where everyone was bowing their heads, was his Family Head, Tang Cheonyeong.

"Smash it all."

"Pardon?"

"There is no such place as the Yin Hand Chamber in Ganyang anymore. The traces they left behind must all be smashed and left as ruins. So that everyone will remember our victory clearly."

"...Yes!"

Yongcheon, who had answered forcefully after a moment's hesitation, gripped his iron pestle.

Kwa-aaang!

The iron pestle danced, and the Yin Hand Chamber was destroyed.

"Please spare us."

And the warriors of the Yin Hand Chamber repeatedly begged Cheonyeong for forgiveness.

These guys, really...

I have to take the chest...

The Tang Family's Departure from the World