The power of the golden toad and the golden calf was remarkable. The suspicion that had filled the Black Lotus Sect Leader’s eyes dispersed quickly.

Of course, that didn’t mean the Sect Leader fully trusted us—but with this level of sincerity, he likely decided not to raise his blade first.

That much was enough. After all, the Namgung father and son accompanying us was unexpected even for us, and we had no intention of using this opportunity to eliminate the Black Lotus Sect Leader.

Well, this was merely the reaction of someone who loves money, has a peculiar sense of generosity, and is confident in his own abilities.

Sama Yuryeon, however, was still glaring at us. Though calling it a suspicious gaze might be a bit off…

It was closer to a resentful look, like she was wondering why we’d brought such a troublesome person (and to some extent, I agree), and whether we’d even considered who’d have to clean up after.

I knew that look well—having received it often from the Tang Clan’s Chief Steward…

A rare pang of guilt. To hide the sting in my conscience, I deliberately cleared my throat loudly.

“Kuheum. This is my first time at the Black Lotus Sect, and it’s every bit as grand and splendid as the Murim Alliance.”

“Kuh! As expected of the Blood Flame Sword Demon—you have an eye for quality! The others are quick to deny This One’s aesthetic sensibilities… scoundrels, all of them.”

The Sect Leader nodded in satisfaction. However, Sama Yuryeon and Tang Sowol’s reactions were quite different.

Their eyes widened like they were looking at some fraud who had glued a duck’s bill onto a raccoon’s body, claiming it was a new type of poison beast.

In other words, they looked at it like something utterly unbelievable.

I turned my head slightly, avoiding their gazes, and looked around at the buildings of the Black Lotus Sect.

Large and flashy. But how should I put it… a bit excessive.

Statues placed in completely random spots. Roofs painted only in garish colors with no sense of pattern. In the corners, strangely cheap-looking furniture could be seen.

It looked exactly like what a nouveau riche would create—gathering anything that looked expensive or fancy, all in one place.

To Tang Sowol and Sama Yuryeon, both raised in old, noble families, it must have been a nightmare to behold.

I understood now. Thanks to my time staying in the Tang Clan, visiting other prestigious orthodox sects, and staying at the Murim Alliance, I knew what elegance looked like.

I also understood now that the Sect Leader’s personal tastes, and how those tastes were reflected in the decor of the Black Lotus Sect, came across as rather vulgar. But—

“Such odd folks. If someone builds this much with their bare hands, I’d think they deserve applause first.”

“Come to think of it, you’re from Zhejiang Province too, aren’t you, Blood Flame Sword Demon? No wonder we speak the same language!”

But in Zhejiang, where life was tough even before the Black Lotus Sect existed and where the influence of the unorthodox factions was unusually strong, this was an easily understood form of success.

Although technically not from Zhejiang, both Seol Lihyang, who had lived in the unorthodox world, and Seorin, who had clashed fists with unorthodox warriors, were looking around as if unsure what the problem was.

For the record, Namgung Jong and Namgung Dowi looked like they had no thoughts at all.

So, after accompanying the Sect Leader through his bragging for some time, we eventually arrived deep within the Black Lotus Sect’s main complex, at the pavilion where the Sect Leader resided. The atmosphere shifted.

The vulgar atmosphere vanished, and now it exuded a quality that could be shown off anywhere.

“This area feels a bit calmer.”

“Mn. Naturally, comfort comes first where I spend the most time. My wife worked hard.”

“Wife? Ah…”

I looked at Sama Yuryeon with a curious expression, and she nodded with a proud tone.

“It is a wife’s duty to support her husband, is it not?”

“Heh.”

So Sama Yuryeon had started by renovating the closest place. Before regression, this had been the most chaotic part of the entire compound.

Back then, she served as the Chief Steward and strategist but not as the Sect Leader’s wife, so she probably couldn’t touch it.

I nodded and entered the pavilion, where numerous young, beautiful maidservants and elite martial artists greeted us as if waiting.

Each maid was youthful and lovely, and each warrior was at least high first-class, with some having reached the Peak Stage.

It was a blatant show of power. Fitting for the Sect Leader of the Black Lotus Sect—so I just accepted it.

But thinking about it, this must have been uncomfortable for Sama Yuryeon, who hadn’t been married for long.

I glanced her way, and our companions who had the same thought also looked at her.

Noticing their gazes, she casually shrugged.

“He’s always been a lecher. If I cared about that, I wouldn’t have married him.”

“That’s why I love my wife.”

“Fufu. I’m flattered, my lord.”

A conversation that made my brain want to shut down. Of course, it wasn’t impossible for one man to have several women, or vice versa.

Especially in the unorthodox world, such cases among powerful martial artists weren’t rare.

I wasn’t one to talk, either.

Still, there should be some limit, right? While everyone was stunned into silence, Sama Yuryeon smiled faintly and added,

“Think about it. Why oppose my husband’s pleasures and create conflict unnecessarily?”

“That may be true, but…”

“In the end, the position of wife belongs only to me. Any woman my husband has is no different from one of my subordinates. If anything, it adds more hands and feet to my arsenal. It’s a good thing—he’s increasing my power without me lifting a finger.”

“…Is that so?”

“Besides, my martial arts aren’t strong enough for me to handle everything on my own—”

“I think I’ve heard enough.”

Information I really didn’t want to know…

Just as I was internally struggling with how different they were compared to before regression, Tang Sowol nodded with a look of admiration.

“I see. That’s one way to look at it.”

“Big Sis Tang? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Mn. It’s nothing. Really, nothing.”

“Big Sis Tang? …Big Sis Tang?!”

Realizing something, Seol Lihyang grabbed Tang Sowol’s arm and began shaking it. Meanwhile, Seorin began hovering near Tang Sowol’s line of sight.

But that didn’t last long.

While we talked, we arrived at the Sect Leader’s office.

An imposing door. Upon opening it, a finely decorated interior greeted us.

The Sect Leader sat at a large desk, and Sama Yuryeon naturally took her place behind him.

It was a far cry from what I had expected… but it seemed the two of them were doing well—unlike before regression.

It was likely possible because Sama Yuryeon hadn’t grown twisted like before, and the Sect Leader hadn’t yet built up the same level of power.

As I stared at them with a complicated gaze, the Sect Leader grinned and asked,

“Though there was an unexpected guest, considering the purpose, this isn’t bad. In fact, it’s quite good.”

“Purpose?”

“That’s right. Before we get to the main point—Blood Flame Sword Demon, why do you think I invited you?”

“Well, first, probably to genuinely express your thanks. I did sort of end up playing matchmaker, after all.”

“That’s half the reason. Just where was a woman like her hiding…?”

The Sect Leader looked at Sama Yuryeon with honeyed eyes. He’s someone who treats his own people well—how much more would he cherish his wife?

It was painful to watch, but they seemed to be living their lives just fine.

Was this how others felt when they looked at me and Tang Sowol?

A brief realization passed—but then, the Sect Leader’s aura shifted dramatically.

Up until now, he had been friendly, especially after receiving those gold offerings—but now, intense pressure flowed from him.

Not to threaten. Rather, he was releasing what he had been holding back, as if preparing to speak honestly with nothing left to hide.

“My wife told me—the Tang Clan has nothing but growth ahead. And you, Blood Flame Sword Demon, are a rare orthodox martial artist who holds little hostility toward me.”

“I’m not fond of the title ‘Blood Flame Sword Demon,’ and I wasn’t happy about being brought before Senior Seorin as a hostage, either—”

As if recalling that moment, Seorin furrowed her brows faintly. I gently patted her back as I continued.

“But I know the title is a form of recognition, and thanks to it, Senior Seorin’s revenge was completed.”

Originally, I had planned to wipe out the Black Sky Sword Sect before its Sect Leader reached the Flowering Stage.

Though it happened earlier than expected, I saved myself the trouble of going to them, so it wasn’t a bad outcome for me.

“Of course, using me as a hostage to recruit Senior Seorin is a clear case of bad blood.”

“But didn’t I offer my own cherished internal medicine and the Black Lotus Sect medallion in apology?”

“Yes. Which is why I consider our grudge settled. There’s no reason to view you negatively.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Anyway, if half of this meeting was for congratulations and gratitude, the other half is simple. I wanted to establish a more long-term relationship with you, Blood Flame Sword Demon. You’ve grown much faster than I anticipated.”

The Sect Leader let out a short laugh and glanced toward Tang Sowol.

“To put it simply, I’d like to form an alliance with the Tang Clan on certain matters. Of course, I’m also asking the Namgung Clan present here.”

“This is a bit beyond my judgment. I’ll bring it up to my father, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up.”

“I understand the orthodox world’s deep-rooted hatred for the unorthodox. Even among us, it’s common to bare fangs at each other.”

The Sect Leader laughed aloud, but then suddenly stopped and turned serious.

“Still, thieves must be dealt with.”

“Thieves…?”

“The Green Forest Bandits. What other thieves do you think I’d be concerned about?”

His eyes gleamed as he spoke. The pressure that had felt intense but non-threatening now carried a murderous aura. However—

“My lord.”

“…Ah.”

At Sama Yuryeon’s quiet voice, the Sect Leader collected himself and retracted his aura.

“It seems I got a bit too worked up. My apologies.”

His reaction was impulsive, but Sama Yuryeon neutralized it with a single word. Silence followed—heavy and thoughtful.

As everyone wondered what to do next, Namgung Dowi spoke in his usual tone.

“So, the idea is to share information about the Green Forest Bandits and actively eliminate them?”

“That’s right.”

“Good real combat training for our clan’s warriors. The Namgung Clan agrees—though I have one condition.”

“Condition?”

“Black Lotus Sect Leader—no, Twin-Saber Spear King. Would you have a duel with me?”

Not a debate over distrust of the unorthodox, nor renegotiating terms. He simply wanted to fight.

The Sect Leader’s brows twitched in surprise. Yeah—he’s probably never met anyone like this before.

Maybe he mistook the silence for a refusal, because Namgung Dowi added in a slightly sullen tone,

“If not, then introduce me to another top unorthodox master.”

“I’ll… I’ll try.”

The Sect Leader reluctantly nodded—with a look that said he was staring at a total madman.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep