Chapter 537: The Beginning of Upheaval.

The mealtime, held after a long while, wasn’t particularly long.

Given the situation at the Tang family, it wasn’t possible to spend it lavishly or cheerfully.

Especially, throughout the meal, Tang Soyeol’s face looked particularly dark.

‘He had a deathly look….’

Regarding the incident that broke out in the Tang family, the Poison King likely tried to hide it as much as possible.

But he couldn’t have hidden everything, and it seemed Tang Soyeol had found out.

Honestly, I had thought Tang Soyeol would eventually find out.

But I couldn’t just leave him alone, so I forced him to sit with us.

Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah were sticking close to Tang Soyeol, taking care of him.

But that wouldn’t solve everything.

Just enough to see each other’s faces after a long time.

It was a time worth exactly that much.

“So, what did you decide to do?”

“About what?”

After finishing my meal, I walked along a quiet path and asked Moyong Hi-ah.

Our quarters were in the same direction, and I happened to have something to ask her.

“You knew the Poison King made that decision, didn’t you?”

“I did.”

Moyong Hi-ah reacted calmly to this.

Which made me curious.

“How did you know?”

“Hmm? Didn’t Young Master Gu know?”

“I didn’t. That’s why I’m asking now.”

How could I have possibly predicted that?

That the family head would act in a way that would destroy his own clan.

To my question, Moyong Hi-ah replied, brushing her hair back with her delicate fingers.

“I wasn’t exactly sure either. It was just a prediction.”

“But you ran off like that?”

Moyong Hi-ah, who had moved quickly as if she’d realized something.

But it wasn’t certainty, huh.

Perhaps feeling a bit embarrassed about acting without certainty, Moyong Hi-ah blushed slightly.

“…Even if I wasn’t sure, there was a chance.”

“What chance?”

“The chance that the Tang family head would choose righteousness (義).”

“…”

Moyong Hi-ah’s words made me flinch inwardly.

“I considered many possibilities. At the time, there were plenty of better ways, but in the end, I could only see that outcome for the Tang family head’s actions.”

Better ways.

This was from Moyong Hi-ah’s perspective.

Even if the Tang family’s shame couldn’t be hidden entirely, they should have controlled the situation to prevent too much information from leaking.

Before executing the elders who caused the trouble, they should have given themselves time to absorb and control their factions.

That, in Moyong Hi-ah’s view…

No, in the view of both Moyong Hi-ah and myself, it would have been the best method.

But the Poison King didn’t do that.

What was the reason again?

‘Because he was ashamed.’

As a martial artist, as a family head.

And also, as a righteous sect member, he felt embarrassed.

That’s why he said he couldn’t do it.

It was incomprehensible.

‘It’s a difficult thing.’

Some would call it an incompetent choice.

And they might even call it a foolish choice.

But I couldn’t say any of those things.

The reason was simple.

‘Conviction (信念).’

Because I judged that it was the Poison King’s conviction.

An action I wouldn’t… no, couldn’t take myself.

I couldn’t argue that it was wrong to the Poison King, who spoke with such conviction that it was right, ultimately because…

…I lacked a conviction I could trust and act upon as much as the Poison King did.

Therefore.

‘I need to find it.’

I had to find it.

Something I could believe in and follow as my conviction.

Something that would hold me steady amidst my constant wavering.

“Young Master Gu?”

Perhaps it was because of my silence amidst our conversation.

Moyong Hi-ah called out to me.

“Sorry, I just had something to think about. So, what happened?”

“What do you mean, ‘what happened’? I tidied up everything related to the Tang family.”

A sigh was mixed into her voice.

Judging by the exhaustion covering her face, Moyong Hi-ah seemed not to have slept properly since the incident.

Tidied up matters with the Tang family, you say.

Does that mean…

“You ended the deals?”

I was asking if she had cut off the deals the Tang family had with us, separate from the existing agreements.

Normally, one couldn’t just cut them off arbitrarily during the agreed period.

‘Given the circumstances.’

If things had escalated this much, the Tang family wouldn’t be able to say anything even if we severed ties.

Even if the Tang family unilaterally broke off the deals, there would have been no issue.

But.

“I didn’t cut them off completely. If I had, I would have been less busy.”

Moyong Hi-ah denied this.

“I just had to change the conditions a bit and revise everything related to the ratios…”

Ah.

So that’s why she was busy.

What Moyong Hi-ah was saying now was that she had to completely change the binding treaties.

And revise the transaction ratios accordingly.

‘…She’s quite something, isn’t she?’

Hearing that, I looked at Moyong Hi-ah a little differently.

I already knew she was capable.

But the reason I was surprised was more…

‘It seems her position is much higher than I expected.’

It seemed the influence Moyong Hi-ah held within the clan was greater than I had anticipated.

Her ability to assess the situation and act immediately was one thing, given her capabilities.

What I found impressive was that Moyong Hi-ah could make such revisions without the permission of the family head, Baekcheon Geomju.

Of course, Baekcheon Geomju would be the one to verify and stamp his seal, but…

‘Seeing as she did it without hesitation, it means she had permission, right?’

Knowing Moyong Hi-ah’s personality, acting first and asking questions later meant she had that much confidence.

Confidence that the family head would accept it, no matter how she did it.

Perhaps sensing my gaze filled with such thoughts, Moyong Hi-ah tilted her head and asked.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I just realized you’re quite amazing.”

“…Huh…?”

She looked at me as if I were spouting nonsense out of the blue.

I was genuinely surprised, she’s being too harsh.

Meanwhile, a question arose, and I needed to ask her more.

“But why didn’t you cut ties completely and just adjust things?”

If the Tang family’s incident spread throughout the Central Plains, the Moyong clan, which had agreements with them, would undoubtedly suffer damage.

Moyong Hi-ah would know that better than I would, yet she only adjusted things and didn’t seem to sever ties with the Tang family.

To my question, Moyong Hi-ah averted her gaze slightly and said.

“Honestly, I wanted to cut ties.”

“Mm.”

“The ship I was on caught fire. I couldn’t stay on it.”

I understood. It was a situation where that was perfectly reasonable.

“But…”

“But?”

“I realized people can’t live solely based on calculations.”

I had to be a little surprised by Moyong Hi-ah’s words.

It was impossible not to be surprised when someone I considered the most calculating among those I knew said something like that.

“What’s with that expression just now…?”

“It’s the expression of someone who heard the most surprising thing this year.”

“What did you say?”

“Just kidding.”

It wasn’t actually a joke, but seeing Moyong Hi-ah’s eyes narrow, I quickly changed my words.

‘…That Moyong Hi-ah, you know.’

A woman who, even in the Demonic Realm, coldly abandoned those she needed to, focusing solely on survival.

The fact that she handled things this way due to some sentiment sounded rather unusual to me.

“Because of who… I’m genuinely baffled.”

“What did you say?”

“It’s nothing.”

Hmph.

Moyong Hi-ah snorted and frowned.

“Anyway, now that things have turned out this way… Young Master Gu, you should prepare too.”

“Prepare for what?”

“Since the Tang family is in this state, shouldn’t the Gu family also take some measures?”

“…Well, I suppose they will, but I won’t be doing anything.”

If anything, my father or the elders would handle it.

Maybe Gu Huibi would get involved, but…

‘What could I possibly do?’

Putting aside whether I could do anything, I had no intention of getting involved.

At least, not yet.

“It’s a family matter, but you don’t seem particularly interested?”

It was embarrassing, but she was right.

It wasn’t a topic I was greatly interested in.

My sole interest was in matters related to the Blood Calamity.

Seeing my expression of disinterest, Moyong Hi-ah’s expression changed slightly.

“…Then, when you get married later, you’ll have quite a lot of work… Should I study in advance?”

“What?”

“It’s nothing. If you have no particular plans, then so be it. I have work to do, so I’ll be going ahead.”

“Wait… Hey. What did you just say…”

“If you have nothing else to do, please look after Miss Dang. She seemed quite distressed.”

Moyong Hi-ah, ignoring my question, simply stated her piece and disappeared.

“…What the?”

After seeing Moyong Hi-ah off, I touched my lips.

“Hmm…”

Now alone, Moyong Hi-ah’s words about looking after Tang Soyeol lingered in my ears.

I recalled Tang Soyeol’s face, usually smiling, now set in a dark expression.

The day I sought out Tang Soyeol regarding the jewel.

She had refused then, clearly telling me this.

“-I can overcome this.”

She was aware of her own inferiority complex.

And Tang Soyeol, who believed in herself, saying she could overcome it.

Seeing that determination, I had to give up on using the jewel on Tang Soyeol.

However.

‘Still. It feels wrong to just leave her be.’

Back then, Tang Soyeol didn’t know about the incident.

Now that things had reached this point, the situation could be different.

But to use the jewel on Tang Soyeol now?

‘No.’

That’s something I refuse now.

Tang Soyeol, who spoke of overcoming it herself, shone brightly.

I had no intention of trampling on that light.

So, should I stay by her side and offer comfort?

‘That’s not it either.’

My personality wouldn’t allow for such comfort anyway, and besides, that wasn’t what Tang Soyeol needed right now.

She needs a path.

Tang Soyeol has faith, so she needs a path to finish this more easily.

Even if Moyong Hi-ah hadn’t said anything.

I had already thought about this.

Whether this is right or not, I don’t know.

But ultimately, Tang Soyeol will make the final choice.

I will simply show her the paths that seem right to me, one by one.

After taking a few breaths inwardly, I quietly looked into the air and began.

“Senior…”

“Yes.”

My softly whispered words were immediately answered.

The response came from behind me.

When I turned my head, the Dark King was kneeling there.

‘I didn’t even sense him.’

I had called out, but I hadn’t felt the Dark King’s presence.

I just thought he might be nearby. Fortunately, he was indeed there.

I looked at him and spoke.

“We had unfinished business from last time, didn’t we?”

“Yes.”

“I will listen.”

“…”

At my words, the Dark King’s eyes lit up.

“I don’t know how to break the curse… but the latter is at least something easily doable. I will grant it anytime.”

His plea to be killed.

I could grant that anytime. Even right now.

The problem was.

“However, not right now. Because I need you, Senior.”

I couldn’t do it just yet.

“It won’t take long, but… after the task I desire is complete, I believe I can grant your request.”

“…”

“Will that be acceptable? If not, then I can’t help it.”

It meant I wouldn’t grant it if he refused. The words were laced with a clear threat.

Hearing such words, the Dark King showed no particular change in his expression.

He probably already knew.

‘That I needed to use him.’

The Dark King certainly knew his own worth, and likely pleaded with me while fully aware of it.

“What do you desire? Great being.”

As expected. The Dark King intended to accept my words nonchalantly.

Does that mean he has no choice?

“First, I want to change that ridiculous title… but setting that aside.”

I looked into the Dark King’s eyes and asked.

“How far can you go for me?”

How far could he go for me, and furthermore, for what he himself desired.

I asked about that.

And the Dark King replied.

“Anything that can be done.”

He stated firmly.

Actually, I was taken aback by those words.

“Anything…?”

“If there is someone you wish to kill, I will bring you their head. No matter who it is.”

“Oh…”

I couldn’t help but admire his words.

Coming from the greatest assassin, it carried more conviction.

After all, when it came to assassination, there was no one better than the Dark King.

What was slightly disappointing here was.

‘Is assassination the only thing I can ask for?’

The fact that it was rather awkward to actually request assassination.

Demanding the heads of the Heavenly Demon or Blood Demon would cause too many problems.

‘Besides, I wasn’t planning to ask for that anyway.’

If the Dark King wished, it was possible to mobilize the Night Watch Assassins.

His allegiance to me meant gaining control of the Night Watch Assassins.

‘If that happens, I can quickly complete one of my plans.’

I had planned to create an assassination squad within a few years, but if the Dark King were added, I could scrap that plan and substitute another.

‘This is good.’

The situation looked very promising.

Situations requiring assassins weren’t limited to just assassination; gathering information was also crucial.

Being able to command the greatest assassin force in the Central Plains was a much bigger gain than expected.

However.

“That’s good too, but there’s something you need to do for me first.”

That wasn’t what I wanted from him.

There were many people I wanted dead, but…

I preferred killing with my own hands rather than using others.

And those people I wanted dead…

‘Instead of killing them, I need to corrupt them into my pawns.’

I planned to corrupt them all into demonic beings, so I wouldn’t use the Dark King for that purpose.

So, what request did I have for the Dark King right now?

The most urgent thing at the moment was none other than…

I thought of the woman with the light green hair in my mind and called out to the Dark King.

“Senior.”

The Dark King looked up, meeting my eyes.

I looked at him and said.

“Please take on one disciple.”

“?”

Upon hearing this, a look of confusion appeared in the Dark King’s eyes.