Is this Sichuan Tang Clan? (2)

“All the weapons needed for the shooting are ready.”

“Grand Elder! Confirmation of the Illusionary Poison Confusion Formation [환독미리진(幻毒迷理陣)] set up at the main gate of the Tang clan is complete. It’s functioning normally without any issues!”

“The distribution of Forbidden Level [금급(禁級)] Weapons has been completed! They will be used by the elders!”

Those who hurriedly rushed over poured out their reports to Tang Oe in succession.

“All the branch families residing in the territory of Tangga have been summoned back to the main family. Except for those we haven’t been able to reach, everyone is gathering without exception!”

It was a full-scale war, truly unprecedented in the history of Sichuan Tang Clan. Every direct descendant of the Tang clan residing within the main family, as well as those living in collateral families, were prepared to risk their lives without hesitation.

Yes, this is how they define the Tang clan. They didn’t know how formidable Jang Ilso was, but at least they won’t succumb without a fight.

“What about them?”

“They still have some time before they arrive.”

“Hmm.”

The distance from Emei to here is four hundred li. For an average person, it would take at least four days of continuous travel to reach here.

So, no matter how urgent the situation is, they wouldn’t be able to arrive immediately just by making up their minds. At least there would be time until sunset today.

“Double-check all the situations. And…”

Tang Oe commanded firmly.

“Issue poison and hidden weapons to the women as well.”

“G-Grand, Grand Elder! But that’s…”

The elders were taken aback.

This was Tang clan’s territory. However, not everyone here was a member of the Tang lineage.

Those who had not received the Tang family surname but had become part of the Tang family. Even though they were considered part of the prestigious Sichuan Tang, the women who married into the Tang family could not access hidden weapons and poisons.

It wasn’t because of the danger. The Tang clan was a renowned family of the region, and those who married into the Tang clan were likely from lesser-known families. There was a fear that they might leak Tang family’s secrets to their own families.

For hundreds of years, hidden weapons and poisons hadn’t been given out, and it had become a tradition.

Furthermore, this law wasn’t exclusive to those who married into the family. Even the daughters born with the Tang family surname were not allowed to access the poisons and hidden weapons considered as “secret techniques” within the Tang clan. It was a rule that had been strictly upheld for generations.

However, Tang Oe was now advocating for the overthrow of that tradition. He, who had been the staunchest and most conservative within the Tang clan.

“…B-but to outsiders…”

The edlers hesitated, as if unable to bear the thought of breaking that rule. Tang Oe, looking at them coldly, asked.

“Who are the outsiders?”

Tang Oe looked at the elders and said.

“Everyone here has pledged their lives to protect the Tang Clan. Where among them is an outsider? Just because they don’t bear the Tang family surname, does that make them outsiders?”

At his words, the elders fell silent, each with their mouths shut.

Of course, Tang Oe might have had different thoughts internally. It’s difficult to change a mindset that has been upheld for a lifetime in just a moment. However, even so, in this situation, there was no way to refute his words.

“I will take responsibility for breaking the tradition. You merely following my orders. Therefore, I will bear the consequences. You may release them. I cannot ask them to fight without providing them with the necessary tools.”

“Yes, Grand Elder. I understand what you mean.”

As long as he took responsibility himself, that was enough. As long as Tang Oe personally took responsibility, there would be no punishment from the other members of the clan.

“Hurry! This is a matter of the clan’s fate. Double-check everything! If there’s anything left unfinished, make sure to complete it somehow! Time is of the essence!”

“Yes!”

Watching the elders rush off with determined faces, Tang Oe swayed for a moment.

Cough!

With his hand covering his mouth, he coughed several times. His body trembled violently. His dry hands were shaking.

“This… is…”

There wasn’t any particular illness. His body had simply grown exceedingly weak compared to before. Even the strongest warriors could become feeble to the point of being unable to withstand it when their dantian was destroyed. And for Tang Oe, bearing the burden of this change was too much for his old age.

To be honest, just standing here and enduring was not an easy task for him. But he forcibly straightened his back.

If he still had his martial prowess, he would have fought the invading enemies without any regrets. But now, he had no remaining strength to wield poisons or throw hidden weapons.

Yet… he was still Tang Oe, loyal to the Tang clan.

Tang Oe silently gazed at the halls of Tang Manor. After a while, a murmuring voice emerged from his lips.

“How ironic…”

Once, he had found these halls dreadful.

Things that could have been his, but ultimately never became his. His life had been a journey to embrace these cursed things once again.

Betrayed by his father, overshadowed by his brother, and now even punished by his nephew. A life filled with such torment, all bestowed upon him by Tang clan itself.

Yet, Tang Oe persisted in defending this place until the end. As horrific as it may have been, it was his life. Everything he had was intertwined with this place.

He might have been a failure, but if so, he would at least remain as Tang clan’s failure. If Tang clan were to disappear, wouldn’t he then become truly nothing?

‘It’s the same for everyone.’

The significance of everyone here lies in the existence of the Tang clan. If Tang clan vanishes, not only they but also the blood and sweat of all those who contributed to the name “Sichuan Tang Clan” will disappear from the world.

So!

‘I will protect it. Even if I have to sacrifice everything.’

With tightly clenched lips, Tang Oe shouted in a hoarse voice.

“Bring more ammunition! No need to spare anything!”

“Yes, Grand Elder!”

“Tang Byeok!”

“Yes!”

“If you go to the main study of the manor, there’s a secret chamber behind it where the Lord’s poisons are kept! Bring back the vials of poison stored inside!”

“Gr-Great Elder. But without the key possessed by the Lord, it can’t be opened…”

“Break it open!”

“Ar-Are you serious?”

As Tang Byeok pondered, Tang Oe glared at him with fierce eyes.

“Do I seem like I’m joking right now?”

“…”

“If you won’t go, then I will.”

“N-No, Great Elder. I’ll do as commanded!”

Tang Byeok gritted his teeth. With Tang Oe having lost his prowess, he couldn’t possibly break into the safe. So, if it had to be done, it was right for Tang Byeok to do it.

The Grand Elder seemed truly unbothered about what might happen next. No, perhaps he didn’t even consider surviving this battle until the end.

If the Grand Elder had resolved himself to such a degree, then there was no turning back.

“We’ll use everything we have. Even if we only save the poison chamber and the furnace, we can rebuild the clan no matter what losses we suffer. Remember! We must protect the poison chamber and the furnace at all costs, no matter what it takes!”

“Yes!”

It was at that moment when Tang Oe instilled unwavering determination in everyone once again.

“F-Fireee!”

A scream erupted from behind. Tang Oe quickly scanned the surroundings with a sharp gaze.

Fire!

‘Th-the enemies already?’

Had Sapaeryeon’s bastards infiltrated the Tang Manor already? That seemed impossible.

“Is it the enemy?”

“I-I’m not sure! The flames suddenly-!”

Now Tang Oe could see clearly. The flames that had briefly flickered above the roof had instantly turned into a massive fire.

It couldn’t possibly be a natural fire.

“Confirm if it’s an attack! Quickly!”

“Yes!”

A few panicked elders rushed to check for signs of invasion. A piece of news that could ease Tang Oe’s anxious heart was soon relayed to him.

“I-It doesn’t seem to be an attack! There are no signs of intrusion.”

“Ah…”

Tang Oe, who had almost lost his footing for a moment, managed to regain his composure just in time.

It’s likely that the fire started during the process of discharging the firearms. It’s uncommon, but not entirely impossible. Of course, if it hadn’t happened, it would have been better, but it’s not an impossible problem to solve.

“Tsk. Of all times.”

Annoyed, Tang Oe exclaimed.

“Put out the fire quickly!”

“Yes, Grand Elder.”

About to turn his attention elsewhere, Tang Oe paused for a moment.

‘Wait a moment…’

That fire…

“Where is it?”

“…What?”

“The fire! Where did it start?”

Tang Oe suddenly shouted as if possessed by evil spirits. The faces of the elders, who blinked at his words, turned white in an instant.

“Ah, the Sun Pavilion [양각(陽閣)]… The Sun Pavilion!”

“What are you doing? Go quickly! Put out the fire! Hurry!”

“Yes!”

The Sun Pavilion. It’s a name that sounds gentle, but in reality, it’s not a warm place at all. It’s where the unique poisons of Tangga are manufactured, based on countless poisons and toxins from around the world. That’s why the laboratory, where all the poisons and toxins collected by Tangga over the years are stored, is located in the Sun Pavilion. It’s literally the heart of the Tang clan.

Of all places, it had to be there where the fire broke out.

“This…!”

Tang Oe couldn’t leave it to the subordinates. He sprinted with all his might, despite his body already finding it difficult to move. If the fire was in the Sun Pavilion, he couldn’t just stand by and watch.

‘It’s just a matter of putting out the fire. Fire is…’

He tried to calm his mind as he ran, but the scene he encountered at the Sun Pavilion was even more dire than he had imagined. Tang clan’s elders were rushing in, trying desperately to extinguish the fire, but there seemed to be no sign of it abating.

“Grand Elder… the fire won’t go out!”

“What… what did you say?”

Tang Oe’s face turned pale. And right at that moment…

“Fire! Fire in the workshop!”

“Fire at the Heavenly Poison Repository! Call for help immediately! It’s not an ordinary fire!”

Flames erupted from various places within Tang clan.

From the Sun Pavilion, where Tangga’s poisons were researched, to the workshop, where the sacred technologies that Tangga had to protect with their lives were kept, and even to the Repository where Tangga’s poisons were stored.

In places that could be considered the essence of Sichuan Tang Clan itself, flames erupted simultaneously.

“Put it out, put it out!”

In this horrific situation, even Tang Oe, the Grand Elder of Sichuan Tang, half lost his mind, unable to think straight.

“Put out the fire! By any means necessary! Quickly!”

A new voice burst forth.

His Sichuan Tang clan, the Sichuan Tang clan he had risked his life to protect, was burning at this moment. Even though Sapaeryon’s swords haven’t even touched it yet.

“The fire… it won’t go out! Damn it! This fire won’t go out!”

“We need to bring down the building immediately!”

“Are you out of your mind? If we bring down the Poison Repository, all the poison will be released and everyone will die! You madman!”

“Then what do you suggest? The fire won’t go out! Are we just going to let everything burn down?”

Even the elders of the clan, who had lived their lives as dignified and sensible members of the clan, lost their composure in this moment. Harsh words were exchanged.

“The fire… won’t go out?”

A dazed voice flowed from Tang Oe’s lips.

Even though seasoned experts had intervened, the fire wouldn’t go out. This meant it wasn’t an ordinary fire.

Tang Oe knew.

There was only one substance in the world capable of creating such flames.

“…White Furnace Blood [백로혈(白爐血)].”

The fire of the White Furnace must not be extinguished. Even after fulfilling its purpose, the embers must be preserved.

The eternal flame of pure white. It is the symbol and soul of the Tang clan.

That’s why the ancestors of the Tang clan scoured the world and created an oil capable of igniting an unquenchable fire.

As long as the flame of the White Furnace burns, Tangga will not vanish. Hence, it was named White Furnace Blood. This oil is the blood of the White Furnace and the blood of the Tang clan. It is so rare that only the finest artisans of Tangga are allowed to touch it.

“Why…”

The flames that consumed the manor suddenly glowed white. Seeing this spectacle, a desperate scream erupted from Tang Oe’s lips.

“Why! Why! Why!”

Amidst the blazing flames, an elderly man wielding a hammer slowly emerged.

Shinsu Tang Jopyeong.

His eyes, usually clouded, now gleamed with a piercing blue light.