“Originally, Eldest Young Master’s support base was so strong that the other two successors had virtually no chance, but now the situation has changed.”

“In what way?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s question, the Poison King Baek Sa-ha smirked and said in a meaningful voice,

“Depending on your choice, the dynamics can shift.”

“My… choice?”

“Yes. Your choice.”

Mok Gyeong-un’s choice.

That was the Poison King Baek Sa-ha’s judgment.

In fact, this judgment was not made lightly.

Mok Gyeong-un was the disciple of the Shadow Clan, which oversaw confidential matters and intelligence within the Heaven and Earth Society, and he was also the disciple of the Baek Clan, which specialized in poison and mass killing.

That alone placed him in a significantly important position.

“Within the Heaven and Earth Society, there are numerous martial arts families, sects, and factions. Each of these groups, when gathered together, can become a great force, but among them, there are particularly important groups that play crucial roles. Representative examples are our Baek Clan and the Shadow Clan, which handles confidential matters.”

The power of these two groups was extremely important for those vying for the position of successor, considering their future prospects.

That was why the second disciple, Jang Neung-ak, and the third disciple, Wi So-yeon, coveted Mok Gyeong-un.

As if recalling this, Mok Gyeong-un nodded.

“Moreover, an even greater variable of power has been born today.”

“A variable of power…”

“Keke, it’s none other than this master and you.”

Baek Sa-ha said with a triumphant expression, shrugging his shoulders.

Coincidentally, both Baek Sa-ha and Mok Gyeong-un had broken through their thresholds and reached the Transformation Realm.

Even within the Heaven and Earth Society, only a handful of individuals had reached this realm, and their power was no exaggeration to say it was on par with the scale of a small to medium-sized sect.

“With the power of this master and you, we can change the dynamics of this competitive landscape. Even with just the two of us, it’s sufficient. Kekeke.”

“Ah… I see.”

“Why is your reaction so lackluster? Do you lack confidence in the power you possess?”

Baek Sa-ha frowned and asked, dissatisfied with Mok Gyeong-un’s flat response.

At this, Mok Gyeong-un shook his head and replied,

“It’s not particularly that.”

“Then why do you seem so deflated?”

“I just think it’s meaningless if it’s not definite.”

“If it’s not definite? Don’t tell me you’re not satisfied even after breaking through your threshold?”

“It’s just a path that needs to be traversed anyway.”

‘!?’

Mok Gyeong-un answered nonchalantly.

At his words, Baek Sa-ha inwardly clicked his tongue.

Baek Sa-ha had broken through his threshold after a long time, so he felt no regrets.

Countless martial artists aspired to break through their thresholds and become supreme masters, but the reality was that many failed to surpass the first-rate level.

Yet this child was continuously looking upward.

Was his goal from the beginning different?

At this, Baek Sa-ha patted Mok Gyeong-un’s shoulder and spoke in a solemn voice,

“Your words are correct. This master was about to be satisfied with a small achievement and fail to see the bigger picture. I was truly foolish as a cultivator of martial arts.”

‘Hmm?’

Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes flickered with surprise at Baek Sa-ha’s self-reflection.

Mok Gyeong-un had not meant it in that sense.

He simply believed that his current martial prowess was still insufficient, considering the various threads involving his targets of vengeance.

To Mok Gyeong-un, martial arts were merely a tool for revenge.

Of course, for Baek Sa-ha, who was unaware of this, Mok Gyeong-un’s attitude seemed like the true stance of a martial artist.

-It seems that old man is misunderstanding something trivial.

Cheong-ryeong chuckled, finding this scene amusing.

At this, Mok Gyeong-un shrugged and replied,

-Misunderstanding is one’s own freedom.

-Well, that’s true.

-By the way, Cheong-ryeong.

-What is it?

-Didn’t we have a bet?

-What bet are you talking about?

-If I recall correctly, Cheong-ryeong clearly said that if I overcome the wall within three years, you would become my slave…

-Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Cheong-ryeong screamed so loudly that it seemed like her ears would tear.

Mok Gyeong-un, who usually remained unfazed by most things, felt like his eardrums would fall out from the noise.

-Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!

-…Are you going to keep doing this?

-Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!

-I’ll consider the bet void, so stop it. It’s noisy.

-…

As soon as Mok Gyeong-un nullified the bet, Cheong-ryeong fell silent as if nothing had happened.

Mok Gyeong-un inwardly clicked his tongue at Cheong-ryeong’s behavior.

On the other hand, Cheong-ryeong inwardly let out a sigh of relief.

She was already living a life as a spirit servant, no different from a slave, and if she had to treat this fellow like a true master on top of that, she would rather be completely annihilated.

‘This annoying brat.’

It was a bet that could never have been valid in the first place.

What kind of madman would reach the Transformation Realm within a mere two months of learning martial arts?

If he had reached the Transformation Realm through enlightenment, it would have been understandable, but he had even forcibly penetrated the essence, energy, and spirit by inferring the flow of energy.

He was truly a monstrous fellow.

Perhaps he was a variable in and of himself, created by the heavens.

At that moment, the Poison King Baek Sa-ha spoke,

“I apologize for getting carried away with excitement and engaging in idle chatter. Anyway, as you said, regardless of achievements or such matters, we still need to make a choice.”

“…”

“Given Eldest Young Master’s temperament, once he regains his senses, he will pressure you and this master in any way possible. His speed will be very swift.”

Mok Gyeong-un also agreed with this.

If Na Yul-ryang was similar to him, it would be no exaggeration to say that the war would begin the moment he opened his eyes.

In that case, as Baek Sa-ha said, they had no choice but to build a force that even Na Yul-ryang could not recklessly move against.

“Your words are correct, Master.”

“Then, will you choose Jang Neung-ak or Wi So-yeon? In this regard, I will fully follow your choice.”

In fact, the person Baek Sa-ha had in mind was the youngest disciple, Wi So-yeon.

The second disciple, Jang Neung-ak, had a treacherous side to him and was not a trustworthy figure.

However, the reason he gave Mok Gyeong-un the choice was that he believed the future leaders of the Heaven and Earth Society would be the younger generation of successors, not his own generation.

‘But this fellow will also choose Wi So-yeon, won’t he?’

What Wi So-yeon lacked was a support base.

If the Baek Clan, the Shadow Clan, and their master-disciple duo supported her, she could establish a force that rivaled Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang.

‘For now, Wi So-yeon is the most suitable candidate. With your astute insight, you should be able to see that much, right?’

That’s what he thought, but…

“Then, I think Jang Neung-ak would be better.”

“What?”

For a moment, Baek Sa-ha’s expression stiffened.

He was inwardly disappointed by Mok Gyeong-un’s unexpected choice.

‘No, why would you choose that fellow of all people?’

Among the three, Jang Neung-ak had the weakest martial prowess, was treacherous, and had a personality close to being reckless.

In Baek Sa-ha’s view, Jang Neung-ak was the least suitable to be the Society Leader.

At this, Baek Sa-ha sighed and asked,

“Are you sure about choosing Jang Neung-ak?”

Since he had given Mok Gyeong-un the choice, it was difficult for him to openly oppose, but he at least wanted to know the reason.

It was unlikely that this cunning fellow would make such a decision without any thought.

Or could it be…

Baek Sa-ha’s gaze turned towards the unconscious Woo Horang.

He was aware that Woo Horang was the chief disciple of Bright Blade King Son Yun and the leader of the Giant Watchtower Group.

He was said to be Wi So-yeon’s right-hand man, wasn’t he?

Judging from the traces around, it seemed that Mok Gyeong-un had also fought him before Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang.

‘Could it be related to that?’

If that was the case, Baek Sa-ha could mediate to some extent.

Although he couldn’t interfere with the enmity between the Society Leader’s successor, he had some room to intervene in conflicts between young individuals.

However,

“Jang Neung-ak’s subordinates are extremely loyal to their lord, regardless of what kind of person he is. On the other hand, Wi So-yeon’s subordinates seem to view her as a woman to be admired rather than their lord, regardless of her character.”

“What? A woman to be admired?”

“Yes.”

“Oh my…”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, a sigh of disappointment escaped Baek Sa-ha’s mouth.

He had intended to mediate if the conflict was the cause.

However, if what Mok Gyeong-un said was true, it meant that Wi So-yeon lacked the fortune of having talented subordinates, regardless of her character.

Of course, if they supported her, the situation would improve considerably.

But if the person who was to become the leader fundamentally lacked the ability to lead subordinates, supporting them would not end the problem.

‘…Could her beauty be a disaster?’

Wi So-yeon was a peerless beauty.

Any man would inevitably fall for her dazzling beauty.

Baek Sa-ha had not considered this to be a significant problem.

He believed that as long as she led her subordinates with strong leadership, it would be fine.

However, if her close subordinates viewed her as an object of desire rather than their lord, as Mok Gyeong-un said, he might need to reconsider.

‘If she can’t lead her subordinates…’

He couldn’t say that Mok Gyeong-un’s judgment was wrong.

Although Jang Neung-ak’s personality and talent could be considered inferior to Wi So-yeon’s, when it came to the position of leading a group, Jang Neung-ak seemed to be the better choice.

At this, Baek Sa-ha nodded, indicating his understanding.

“Alright. Do as you wish. Then, go to Jang Neung-ak and convey your intentions.”

“I understand. Then, what about you, Master?”

“I will quickly clean up this place, meet with the Shadow Clan leader to inform him of this matter, and then discuss an alliance between the Shadow Clan and the Baek Clan.”

“Ah…”

He had indeed needed someone to handle the situation.

Thinking it was a good opportunity, Mok Gyeong-un clasped his hands in a gesture of gratitude towards the Poison King Baek Sa-ha.

“Thank you.”

“Keke, what are you thanking me for? Your affairs are now this master’s affairs as well.”

“…”

“What are you doing? Hurry. We need to quickly establish our forces before Eldest Young Master wakes up.”

“I understand. Then, I’ll leave it to you.”

With those words, Mok Gyeong-un turned his body and approached someone who was lying unconscious.

At this, Baek Sa-ha frowned and asked,

“What are you trying to do? Didn’t this master say he would handle things here?”

“Ah. I think I need to take this friend with me.”

The person Mok Gyeong-un pointed to was none other than Woo Horang, the Grand Leader of the Giant Watchtower Group and a close subordinate of the third disciple, Wi So-yeon.

At this, Baek Sa-ha, not understanding, asked,

“Why would you, who said you’re going to meet Jang Neung-ak, take that fellow with you? Don’t tell me you’re planning to give him as a gift to show your support?”

“No. It’s not that. I’m going to visit Wi So-yeon first.”

“What?”

Now what was this about?

He said he wouldn’t choose Wi So-yeon, so why was he going to her?

As Baek Sa-ha was puzzled, Mok Gyeong-un approached him and whispered something quietly in his ear.

Hearing this, Baek Sa-ha frowned and asked,

“No. Is that even possible?”

“We’ll know once we try.”

“…I’m not sure if you’ll unnecessarily provoke Wi So-yeon.”

Baek Sa-ha couldn’t hide his concern.

However, Mok Gyeong-un, as if not minding it at all, hoisted the unconscious Woo Horang over his shoulder and said,

“We’ll know once we try. Then, please take care of cleaning up this place. Ah… That friend lying over there is Seok Jung, the escort the Shadow Clan leader assigned to me. You can take him with you when you go to the Shadow Clan.”

Having made his request, Mok Gyeong-un carried Woo Horang and left.

Watching his back, Baek Sa-ha clicked his tongue.

He wasn’t sure if things would go according to the fellow’s intentions.

Would Wi So-yeon, who desired to be the Society Leader of the Heaven and Earth Society, accept that?

He was concerned that it might only increase the number of enemies.

‘Hmm.’

Baek Sa-ha, who had been staring in the direction Mok Gyeong-un had gone, clicked his tongue and soon approached the unconscious Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang.

He didn’t know how things had come to this point, but the war of life and death with this fellow had begun.

However, now that the war had started, he had no intention of losing.

‘Since you’ve touched me and the Baek Clan, be prepared for the consequences.’

Baek Sa-ha, who had issued a warning in his mind, carefully glanced around.

He couldn’t detect anything with his senses.

After surveying the surroundings, Baek Sa-ha…

“Ahem.”

Slyly placed his foot on Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang’s right ankle and applied force, pressing down firmly.

-Crack!

The sound of the ankle breaking could be heard.

Since his right wrist was already broken and his right eyeball had been taken by Mok Gyeong-un, it wouldn’t be strange if his right ankle was additionally broken here, would it?

“Kekeke.”

***

The residence of the Society Leader’s third disciple, Wi So-yeon.

A man with a bruised face was entering that place.

He was Yeop Wi-seon, the youngest disciple of Bright Blade King Son Yun.

“Oh! Brother Yeop!”

As he entered the pavilion, a young man who had been training by balancing a large stone on a thick short sword in the courtyard of the residence greeted him cheerfully.

His name was Yang Il.

He was the leader of the Transient Sword Group^[1] and one of Wi So-yeon’s close subordinates.

“Brother Yang.”

Yeop Wi-seon clasped his hands in a greeting, his face somewhat flushed.

Inwardly, he was extremely embarrassed.

He had gone to the Corpse Blood Valley to report but ended up fighting with a trainee, and to make matters worse, he had caused an incident that resulted in him being locked up in a dark room for several days of secluded training.

He thought he would be imprisoned for at least a few months.

However, for some reason, his master, Bright Blade King Son Yun, had released him about half a quarter of an hour ago.

[If you cause trouble one more time, you’ll truly be in secluded training for a year. Understand?]

Of course, he had given a chilling warning.

At this, Yeop Wi-seon had even shed tears as he begged for forgiveness.

It was fortunate that no one had seen it, but thinking about it now made his teeth grind.

If it weren’t for that bastard named Mok Gyeong-un, he wouldn’t have suffered like this and fallen out of favor with the young lady.

‘That son of a bitch.’

Someday, he would get his revenge.

He had already heard that the bastard had become the disciple of the Shadow Clan leader.

At least that was fortunate.

If the bastard had become the disciple of the Thunderbolt Fist King or his master, Bright Blade King Son Yun, it would have been difficult to seek revenge, but since he became the disciple of an executive below the Five Kings, there would always be an opportunity.

Anyway, this wasn’t important right now.

He was already on his way here with his master’s orders.

“Brother Yang. Where is our senior brother? Is he with the young lady?”

“Grand Leader Woo Horang has gone to fetch someone on the young lady’s orders.”

“…He went to fetch someone? Then where did he go?”

“Why? Did something happen?”

“Our master is looking for him.”

“Ah. Did the Bright Blade King master call for him?”

“Yes.”

“Grand Leader Woo Horang is waiting for someone named Mok Gyeong-un near the residence of the Poison King’s Baek Clan.”

‘!?’

At those words, Yeop Wi-seon tilted his head.

Now what was this about?

Why was he waiting for Mok Gyeong-un near the Baek Clan’s residence?

“…Why?”

“What do you mean why? It’s to recruit him, of course.”

“What?”

Yeop Wi-seon showed disgust at those words.

He was already planning to tell the young lady that they shouldn’t recruit Mok Gyeong-un, that bastard, especially after learning that he was a hostage of the righteous faction, but what was this absurd news?

This wouldn’t do.

If this was true, he had to immediately inform the young lady…

-Creak!

At that moment, the entrance to the residence opened, and someone entered.

Yeop Wi-seon’s expression instantly distorted hideously.

That was because the one who had entered was none other than that damn bastard.

“Mok Gyeong-un!”

However,

“Oh. It’s been a while. What a coincidence. This person is your senior brother, right?”

“What?”

-Thud!

Mok Gyeong-un lifted someone he was carrying on his shoulder with one hand, as if he were a sack.

Seeing him, Yeop Wi-seon and Yang Il’s eyes simultaneously widened.

‘No way?’

‘S-Senior brother?’

The person lifted by Mok Gyeong-un’s hand was none other than Woo Horang, the chief disciple of Bright Blade King Son Yun and one of the Five Tigers, known as the top successors of the Heaven and Earth Society.

He was known to be someone that only executives could handle, yet seeing him unconscious and covered in blood, as if he had suffered serious injuries, the two couldn’t hide their shock.