I came down from Mount Zhongnan with the Dark Soul Corps Master and the Dark Soul Squad he led, heading for the Tang Clan.
As I had feared, there were assassin attacks, but… unless the Slaughter King himself came, they posed no real threat.
After all, on our side we had the Dark Soul Corps Master, a fully matured Transcendent Peak martial artist.
Thanks to that, even though we faced far more first-rate assassins and Slaughter Ghosts than last time, we took them down with much greater ease.
We cleared them out in one sweep, so when I later return to the tomb Gwiyeong Sin-tu prepared for himself, there should be no major problems.
We arrived at the Tang Clan without any trouble other than the assassins. Having already heard the news, the retainers and household members looked at Tang So-wol and me with a mix of worry and relief…
"You two are forbidden from leaving Chengdu for the next three years."
That was what Tang Jincheon said to us.
"Wh-why, Father?!"
"Hmm. Honestly, if every time you go far away something like this happens, I'd ban you too…"
"Be quiet! Young hero, whose side are you on anyway?!"
"Well, I didn't know there were sides to take here."
As I let out a deep sigh, Tang Jincheon continued in a slightly trembling voice.
"So-wol. And my prospective son-in-law. To be honest, I am anxious, and I am afraid."
"Father?"
"Clearly, you are both strong for your age, and I myself am strong enough to rank within the top ten in all the Central Plains… but the thought of you encountering an opponent beyond your level in a place my hands cannot reach—I shudder just imagining what might happen."
"That is…"
Even Tang So-wol could not help but pause when Tang Jincheon expressed his concerns so directly.
Her sharply raised eyes softened back to their usual gentleness, her stubbornly sealed lips relaxed into ease, and the hand she had placed on her waist slipped back to its place.
Tang So-wol knew it too. Every ordeal we had faced was extraordinary, each one fraught with danger… and above all, they had happened far too often.
If every journey through the martial world were like this, there would not be so many rising talents leaving their sects to wander alone as there were now.
"Of course, I am not saying you must never leave Chengdu for the rest of your lives. I am only saying that I would like you to achieve a higher level of accomplishment first, so that this worry-ridden father can rest easy."
"Father…"
Tang So-wol was momentarily at a loss for words at Tang Jincheon's remark, but she continued in a calm voice.
"In three years, the Dragon Phoenix Gathering will be held."
"I cannot stop that, can I? Besides, looking at the growth of you two, I think I can rest easy after three years."
In truth, even reaching first-rate was enough to ensure one wouldn't get beaten up wherever they went. At that level, one could serve as the head of a small martial hall or apply to join the Martial Force Unit of a well-known sect.
That was probably why he had initially felt at ease allowing Tang So-wol's Murim Debut. Of course, she had been kidnapped by me right after.
At any rate, the current Tang So-wol was clearly stronger than she had been back then.
Her Hidden Weapon Art, which had been relatively clumsy, had reached the level where, after training under the Dark Soul Corps Master, she could skillfully wield the Soul-Chasing Flying Butterfly — the only one she had.
As for her poison art, there was no need to even mention it. It had been quite some time since she became capable of bringing down even a Peak Realm martial artist of a higher level than herself.
Part of it was the increased power of her poison art from the purple poison-nurturing herb, but more than that, it was thanks to her heightened overall understanding of martial arts from going through real combat and facing threats to her life.
For a martial artist, a crisis is inherently an opportunity. As long as you don't die, there's always something to gain.
That was how I managed to reach Transcendent Peak with rootless martial arts, and it was also how Tang So-wol, who had been stuck at a wall for a long time before the regression, broke through and reached the Harmony Realm at a relatively young age — because she had crossed the line between life and death.
But more important than enlightenment is internalizing that enlightenment into one's own body.
The same applied to Tang So-wol. Having experienced such dense experiences in a short period, she needed time to organize the insights she had gained and make them her own.
I was in the same boat, having stolen and learned some of Zhongnan's martial arts this time, and having been taught the essence of the Gwiyeongbo.
Still, I wasn't sure if three whole years were necessary…
No, perhaps Tang Jincheon wasn't simply referring to the time needed to digest enlightenment.
Tang So-wol was already a fully-fledged first-rate martial artist. I had the experience of having crossed over once, so I broke through the Peak Realm's wall easily, but Tang So-wol would have a fair amount of trouble.
Countless people live their entire lives as first-rate martial artists and die that way, and as if to prove it, the wall of the Peak Realm stands tall.
However, the talent and constitution Tang So-wol possessed, along with the background of the Sichuan Tang Clan, were in themselves a fortuitous encounter that could not be compared to anything else.
The meaning of the three years Tang Jincheon mentioned was probably…
"So-wol. Starting in three days, I intend to teach you the first half of the Myriad Streams Returning to Origin Divine Art. I will make you surpass the wall within three years."
"Th-that is a martial art that only Brother can learn, is it not?!"
"That Cheong fellow has set his mind on the Hidden Weapon Art rather than the poison art. He actually has more talent in that direction as well. Therefore, I have decided to teach him the Dao Companion Three Yang Returning Origin Art, so you need not worry."
"That is not the issue. Of course, I understand that since the Myriad Streams Returning to Origin Divine Art is a poison art, the Dao Companion Three Yang Returning Origin Art suits Brother better… but both are martial arts permitted only to the clan head and the young head, Father."
"That's right. However, So-wol passing the Myriad Streams Returning to Origin Divine Art to you has been a settled matter for a long time."
"Huh?"
"The moment So-wol was born with the Poison Spirit Constitution in this Tang Clan, and nowhere else, not only I as the clan head but every elder and retainer approved unanimously. Naturally, Cheong also heard of it when he formally became the young head and agreed. So don't worry about complicated matters and just focus on learning the Myriad Streams Returning to Origin Divine Art. It's not called a divine art for nothing, so don't take it lightly."
"Ugh…"
Tang So-wol could not continue speaking and merely tilted her head.
Well, I understood that reaction. The Myriad Streams Returning to Origin Divine Art was especially treasured among the Tang Clan's secret arts.
It must have been a bewildering story for Tang So-wol, who had never once coveted the position of young head.
But in the end, she would learn the Myriad Streams Returning to Origin Divine Art. At least, that was how it was in her previous life.
At the time, Tang So-wol had heard that the Myriad Streams Returning to Origin Divine Art was a divine art that allowed various kinds of poison energy to seep into one's internal energy.
Originally, poison arts were martial arts where the higher one's achievement, the more poison energy permeated one's internal energy—but most could only carry one or two types of poison.
And even that was inefficient; unless one directly channeled it into an opponent, it was common to carry other poisons and use them to supplement the poison art.
Indeed, hadn't the Vice-Captain of the Poison Blood Squad fought by using his poison art alongside other poisons he'd brought, employing his venom-wielding techniques?
The Myriad Streams Returning to Origin Divine Art, by contrast, had poison energy that dissolved into the internal energy far more intensely than other poison arts, and by steadily consuming other poisons, one could dissolve various kinds of poison energy into the internal energy and use them selectively.
Thanks to that, achieving great success granted immunity to all poisons, and reaching the Harmony Realm meant the poison energy dissolved not only into the internal energy but fully into the flesh, transforming the entire body into a Poison Human bearing poison in every part.
Doesn't that sound like an ability you've heard of somewhere?
That's right. The Myriad Streams Returning to Origin Divine Art was a martial art that went beyond handling poison—it sought to become poison itself.
It was only natural that the Poison Spirit Constitution—a body born closer to a poison creature than a human—would resemble its abilities.
So then, was there no meaning at all in Tang So-wol, who was born with the Poison Spirit Constitution, learning the Myriad Streams Returning to Origin Divine Art?
That wasn't the case.
Rather, it was said that the Poison Spirit Constitution, upon meeting the Myriad Streams Returning to Origin Divine Art, could push its potential to the absolute limit.
However, originally, it was said that one only learned it after reaching the Peak Realm…
Well, that part was something Tang Jincheon would handle on his own. Even if it was a bit early, someone who had reached the Harmony Realm through poison art would surely find a way.
Above all, Tang Jincheon, who doted on his daughter, would never have Tang So-wol do anything dangerous.
I lightly patted the shoulder of Tang So-wol, who was flustered.
"If everyone says it's fine, what's there to hesitate about?"
"B-But…"
"Surely you're not thinking of driving your brother out and taking the clan head position for yourself?"
"How could I! I have no such ambition, and I know very well how well my brother has treated me. A person with any sense of decency would never do such a thing!"
"Then it's all settled. Stop worrying and just train hard."
"No, no. It's not that simple, young hero. There's legitimacy, tradition… quite a few complicated matters tangled up in this."
"Well. From where I stand, you're making an easy matter far too difficult. Those around you say it's fine, and you yourself say it's fine—so what's the problem?"
"R-Really?"
Tang So-wol tilted her head, blinking. She was probably confused, but to my eyes she looked adorable—though my quiet chuckle lasted only a moment.
Tang Jincheon spoke with a peculiar expression.
"You know, son-in-law, it's a bit odd for me to say this, but don't you feel any ambition? It's rare for a woman to become clan head, but the Tang Clan has seen precedents before. With So-wol's ability, she could aim for it if she set her mind to it."
"Perhaps."
"Becoming the husband of the Tang Clan head is practically the same as seizing the power and authority that commands all of Sichuan. As a live-in son-in-law, it might lack a bit of polish, but isn't it a position anyone would covet?"
"I have no interest. What I need was never the Tang Clan—it's Tang So-wol herself."
"Oh…?"
"Besides, even if I took control of the Tang Clan, it's not as if I'd suddenly attain great enlightenment and reach the Harmony Realm. Rather, along with the power would come more responsibilities, and I'd find myself with more days unable to focus on my martial arts. Just as you are, father-in-law, and as the Sect Leader of Zhongnan I met the other day is as well."
I know that someday the Heavenly Demon will invade.
Before that overwhelming martial might, even Harmony Realm martial artists will pale, and the Five Great Families and Nine Great Sects and One Gang, which have enjoyed prosperity for so long, will crumble.
I know that Tang So-wol, having witnessed the extermination of her clan, will have her hair turn white.
The power of the Tang Clan I saw with my own eyes was far greater than I had imagined, but I cannot rest easy with it.
Because it is utterly insufficient to stop the unavoidable destruction that is the Heavenly Demon.
Unless Tang So-wol abandons the Tang Clan and runs away, there are only two things I must do.
To make myself and those precious to me stronger than before the regression, and to protect them. And to spread word of the Demonic Cult's danger so that the Central Plains' martial world can prepare in advance.
Beyond that, no matter how great the wealth, glory, and honor, they would hold little meaning for me.
Was it because he had read my true intentions? Tang Jincheon shook his head in disbelief.
"A daughter who says she doesn't want to learn even when offered, and a son-in-law who has no interest in the Tang Clan's power… You two really were made for each other. A match made in heaven, no doubt."
"Father?!"
"Oh. I think so too."
"Young hero Cheon, what exactly are you agreeing to?!"
Tang So-wol, her face flushed red, jumped up from her spot and then began pounding my shoulder wildly.
It didn't hurt, but… I'd learned from experience that if I teased her any further here, she'd genuinely sulk.
So I just stood there taking the hits, and Tang Jincheon let out a dry laugh as he tried to calm Tang So-wol down.
"Enough. Don't torment your son-in-law too much, So-wol."
"Torment him? I wasn't—"
"If you're truly troubled, take three days to rest and think it over. But right now, there seems to be something more important at hand."
With that, Tang Jincheon lightly spread his arms and pulled Tang So-wol into a gentle embrace.
"I'm late in saying this, but I'm glad you're safe. My daughter."
"Eut. I—I'm sorry for causing you worry, Father…"
As I quietly clapped at the touching scene between father and daughter, Tang Jincheon, having released Tang So-wol, stared at me intently before slowly opening his arms.
"You've worked hard too, son-in-law. How about one?"
"Hmm. I'll pass."
"Good. Actually, I thought it was a bit much even as I said it."
"…"
If he felt that way, he shouldn't have asked in the first place.
***
"I picked it up on the way."
Before entering my room, I stopped by the Outer Court Hall and handed Seol Ri-hyang the secret manual for Glacier True Energy. But.
"…Surely you didn't come by right after returning just to dump your trash on me?"
"…"
Honestly, even when I bring her something good, this is the reaction I get.