CHAPTER 5

Six Years

"Son!"

Namgung Sanyoung had two children with Dang Hosan.

The eldest, Dang Gyujin, was so talented that even the Nine Sects took notice, and her reputation as "Cheonyeop Seonja" (Thousand Leaves Fairy) was well known throughout the martial world of Sichuan.

The second child, Dang Yuchang, was no different. Though he did not quite match his older sister, he was already recognized as a brilliant young prodigy, earning the title of "Amyeong Gijae" (Dark Shadow Genius).

Their accomplishments not only upheld but also glorified their father's name. Within the Tang Clan, the siblings were praised as "Hofuhoja" (Like Father, Like Son), emphasizing their strong lineage.

To Namgung Sanyoung, who lacked affection in her marriage to her rigid and unyielding husband, these children were her greatest pride.

"Have you been well all this time?"

"When did you return? Have you achieved your goal?"

Ahead of the Clan Head's visit, Dang Yuchang had voluntarily secluded himself in training for half a year. He did not want to show a weak appearance before the Dark Lord.

"I have succeeded in reaching the small attainment stage of Dark Shadow Qi."

"Magnificent, my son! I knew you would accomplish it!"

Namgung Sanyoung embraced Dang Yuchang tightly.

Dark Shadow Qi, once unleashed, allowed one to move as stealthily as a shadow, making it a prized technique even within the Tang Clan.

The fact that he had reached the small attainment stage was a source of immense pride.

After this brief moment of reunion, Dang Yuchang spoke, causing Namgung Sanyoung's brow to twitch.

"I heard about the illegitimate child. He dared to speak rudely to you?"

"…Don't even mention that vile creature. How dare he act so ungrateful after all I've done to raise him! I will not stand for this—"

"That is exactly why I bring this up."

"Hmm?"

"If he truly has someone backing him, trying to investigate now would only alert them. Wouldn't that be unwise?"

"To strike the grass and startle the snake."

"Yes, you're right. If someone is trying to undermine the Nine Dragon Branch Clan, we must root them out completely. What do you propose?"

"During the Clan Head's visit, I will recommend the illegitimate child."

"…What?"

Dang Yuchang covered his mouth with a folding fan and smiled.

Namgung Sanyoung's eyes widened at this completely unexpected suggestion.

"Wouldn't his backer, feeling emboldened, reveal themselves? I don't know how they plan to use that illegitimate child, but—"

"They will likely drug him to enhance his level, making it appear as though he is more talented than he really is. Naturally, they will have to step forward to ensure he gains recognition… and that's when we wipe them all out."

"Exactly."

Namgung Sanyoung laughed heartily after realizing Dang Yuchang's plan.

"Hohoho! That's quite the scheme. If this works, that brat will surely fall out of favor with the Clan Head and be expelled."

"Indeed."

"But this could also bring unnecessary trouble to our Nine Dragon Branch Clan. If the Clan Head believes we failed to control a mere child and allowed internal strife, he may become furious."

"That all depends on how we present it. We will merely recommend him out of brotherly concern, and if he causes an incident, all the blame will fall on him."

Additionally, this would serve to highlight the contrast between Dang Yuchang's sibling pair and the illegitimate child, elevating their status even further.

"'An incident,' you say? What do you have in mind?"

At Namgung Sanyoung's question, Dang Yuchang smirked—a smile eerily similar to his mother's.

After hearing the full extent of his scheme, Namgung Sanyoung sighed, both satisfied and slightly regretful.

"Sigh! If only your sister could be as clear-headed as you. She is sharp in all matters except when it comes to that boy."

"That is simply because of her kind heart. But after this event, even her opinion will change."

The eldest daughter, Dang Gyujin, was the only person in the Nine Dragon Branch Clan who was sympathetic toward Unhui. This had always frustrated Namgung Sanyoung.

Creak!

At that moment, the door suddenly opened. The head maid entered.

"I apologize for the interruption, but I have urgent news."

"What is it?"

"A message has arrived stating that the eldest young lady will arrive in Guryong County in ten days."

"Jinah? She said she would come for the event, and now she's finally on her way. Hohoho. But what's the problem?"

"Well…"

"Speak clearly!"

Namgung Sanyoung narrowed her eyes in irritation. The head maid lowered her head even further.

"It seems she has heard about the incident at Baeksaekjeon (White Pavilion) and is furious."

"What?!"

Namgung Sanyoung's eyes burned with fury.

At that moment, she failed to notice a spider quietly climbing up the window.

Ssshh! Ssshh!

Inside the small chamber of Baeksaekjeon.

For the past two months, I had not stepped outside even once, completely devoted to my training.

I pushed my body to the limit.

The intensity resembled a tiger relentlessly chasing its prey before delivering a fatal bite.

Pa-pa-pa-pak!

The Twelve Strikes of the Fierce Tiger—a high-level fundamental technique among vagrants—was incredibly difficult to master as it required treating one's entire body like a weapon, including fists, palms, fingers, and feet.

Every fiber of my body screamed in agony.

I was forcing muscles I had never used before, and the abrupt, sharp movements strained my tendons.

But this was the best technique to refine my body quickly.

Every day, I took the Ghost Pill to cleanse my meridians and pushed my muscles to the brink to forge a stronger body.

However…

—"Are you talking about the Heavenly Demon Cult? But the current Heavenly Demon has been missing for six years!"

I had no time to celebrate my progress.

I had learned shocking news from Hyeongsam.

Six years!

It had been six years since Yeon Unhui died.

—"Because of that, the cult is now in the middle of a civil war between the Nine Great Demon Lords—"

I had considered the possibility that the Rebirth Wheel Technique might not align perfectly with real-time.

But I never imagined the time gap would be this massive.

I had assumed, at most, a few months would have passed.

But now, the world I knew had completely changed.

The cult was in the midst of a brutal civil war.

The Demon Alliance was fracturing.

The Central Plains were waiting for the right moment to wipe out Mount Heaven.

The era had plunged into chaos.

It felt like something could explode at any moment.

I grew restless.

I needed to escape the Nine Dragon Branch Clan as soon as possible.

I had to uncover the true state of the cult.

"...No, not yet."

But I soon dismissed that thought.

Acting recklessly under the identity of Dang Unhui could lead to irreversible consequences.

I had to be patient, carefully assessing the situation while waiting for the right moment.

The civil war in the cult was likely caused by that Hui bastard.

If I could confirm that, I could make my move.

For now, my priority was to maximize my strength.