The Eldest Daughter of the Sichuan Tang Clan Protects Her Family

Chapter 30: An Unkind Talent

Red carp swam amidst the vibrant lotus flowers swaying gently in the breeze. It was a peaceful, idyllic scene.
Thwack.
A young girl diligently practiced her swordsmanship in the tranquil garden. The Tang Clan members passing by would smile at her, amused by her earnest efforts.

As a prominent martial arts clan, the Tang Clan often hosted visiting warriors. Countless swordsmen had stayed at the Tang Clan estate, yet none had so brazenly displayed their skills within the garden. They would either retreat to a secluded mountain peak or inquire about the availability of a training ground.
Her display was clearly meant to attract attention.
The gatekeepers chuckled amongst themselves, watching her. “She’s still young.”

“Aye, at that age, I also thought I would become the greatest warrior in the world.”
“Considering your illiteracy, that seems unlikely.”
Their words, clear and distinct, reached Jeomchil’s ears, and she flushed with shame, quickly lowering her sword and hurrying away. ‘This is so embarrassing!’ She had been diligently practicing, hoping to be noticed, but to them, she was just a child playing pretend.

Fortunately, the setting sun masked her flushed cheeks.
Having practiced since the hour of the rat, she retreated to a secluded corner, hiding behind a pillar.
An old man, sitting by the pond, nursing a bottle of wine, chuckled at her, as if asking, ‘Tired already?’ His amusement only intensified her shame.

She dropped her worn sword to the ground and slumped against the pillar, burying her face in her knees, tears welling up in her eyes. ‘Jincheol promised we would stay together…’
She and the Divine Physician had narrowly avoided being taken to Martial Alliance headquarters, finding refuge within the Tang Clan estate. It had been a dream come true, but it hadn't lasted. She had been informed, out of the blue, that the Divine Physician would remain, but she would be sent away.
She knew the reason. The Divine Physician was invaluable, his skills in high demand. Even hidden in the mountains, people risked their lives to seek his treatment.

The martial artists who visited the Yeonjudan had praised her talent, some even hinting at taking her on as a disciple. She had been tempted, but she hadn’t wanted to leave the Yeonjudan, and the Divine Physician had discouraged it, advising her to wait, to find the best possible teacher if she truly wanted to pursue martial arts.
Perhaps that had given her a false sense of her own importance, her own value.
Her exhaustion amplified her despair, and she began to sob. She looked up, her tear-filled eyes taking in the meticulously manicured garden, the opulent pavilions.

‘I could be valuable to the Tang Clan too…’ Was it because she used a sword? The Tang Clan specialized in hidden weapons, not swords. Was that why she wasn't needed?
She rested her cheek against her arm, her heart heavy. Nearly a month had passed, and the clan heiress hadn’t contacted her. The Tang Clan was different from the Yeonjudan. They were rigid, hierarchical. The main family members were distant, unreachable figures, their world far removed from hers. She couldn't even approach them, let alone ask for their help. Perhaps the clan heiress didn't even know she was here.
So, she practiced her swordsmanship with renewed determination, a silent act of defiance. ‘I can be useful. You’ll regret not taking me in.’
But no one paid her any attention. Even the old man, who had been watching her with amusement, stood up and left. She watched his retreating figure, her lips trembling.

Drip. Drip.
Just as she was about to burst into tears, warm raindrops landed on her nose. She looked up. The sky, now overcast, had opened up, releasing a torrent of rain.
Whoosh.

She remained motionless, letting the rain soak her clothes, her skin, her hair. She didn't move, even as the rain stung her eyes.
“Why am I so… inadequate…?” She had never truly been needed. Even her parents had abandoned her. Those who praised her talent, her skills, eventually left, their ailments cured, their wounds healed.
She should be used to it by now. Why did every act of kindness, every fleeting moment of acceptance, leave her feeling so… empty?

Her gaze, unfocused, drifted across the vast estate. ‘Would things have been different if I had been born here?’ She couldn't answer, not with a yes or a no. She couldn’t even imagine it. She couldn’t picture herself surrounded by luxury, at ease in a world of privilege.
A shadow fell over her.
“Tsk tsk. Why are you crying like a lost little lamb?”

It was the Tang Clan Elder, Tang Min. He pulled her towards the shelter of the pavilion roof, out of the rain.
The sound of the rain filled the silence.
After a while, he asked, "Why were you crying?"

Jeomchil looked up at him. Perhaps this was her chance. Perhaps he would listen.
Gathering her courage, she spoke. “I want to learn the Tang Clan’s martial arts.”
“Hmm?”

“Of-of course, I’ve never used hidden weapons, but I’m a quick learner. I’m confident I can master anything you teach me! I… I might not look like it, but if you give me a chance…”
“Hahaha.” He burst into laughter. “Don't ever tell anyone you lack talent. You’ll get beaten up.” He grinned mischievously. “Not by me, of course. But those who are insecure about their own abilities tend to lash out at those who claim to be untalented yet hardworking. It’s a dangerous combination.”
“Do I… have talent?” Her eyes widened.

“Of course, you do. Why else would I risk my precious reputation by parading you around in front of those Wudang fools?”
Though his reputation seemed anything but precious, she didn’t argue. His next words were far more surprising.
“Wudang? Are you talking about the Wudang Sect?”

“Well, the Mount Hua and Qingcheng Sects also expressed interest, but I can’t be bothered with all that back and forth. I think you’d fit in well with the Wudang Sect. There’s someone there who reminds me of you.” A mischievous glint flickered in his eyes. “I wonder how that arrogant old coot, who claims he has no worthy disciples, will react to a talent like you.”
“Arrogant… old coot? Is that his title?” Did such a title even exist?
She looked at him skeptically.

“His title is…” He clicked his tongue, a look of disgust on his face. “Tsk, it’s too good for him. Just call him Arrogant Old Coot.”
…She had a feeling that wasn’t a good idea.
Like the other members of the Divine Physician’s troupe, this old man was… eccentric.

Having correctly assessed his madness, she turned away, her desire for conversation extinguished.
As she gazed at the rain-soaked garden, his voice reached her again. “Why do you want to learn the Tang Clan’s martial arts?” Without waiting for an answer, he added, “Do you want to stay here?”
She nodded silently.

He shook his head. “Give up. Your talent is… unkind.”
“…Is there such a thing as a kind talent?”
He chuckled. “You’ll have to live with your talent, whether you like it or not. So, accept it while you’re still young.” He suddenly paused, as if struck by a thought, his arms crossed, his head tilted. “Ha, did you save a nation in your past life or something? You seem incredibly fortunate. To encounter us just before death, to receive such valuable advice from a master like myself simply because you cried… Tell me your birth date. I need to know what kind of luck you were born with.”

Though his tone was mocking, his words held a strange sincerity. Unable to deny the truth in his words, she remained silent.
Silence descended once more, the sound of the rain intensifying.
Whoosh.

The refreshing sound washed over her, clearing her thoughts. Of all the words he had spoken, only one sentence resonated within her.
“…What do you mean, I won't be able to live as I please?”
“There are many madmen in the martial world. And some of them are just… ridiculously strong. It’s a terrible combination, especially when they also have inflated egos.” He clicked his tongue. “They’re insane and powerful, so there’s no reasoning with them. You have to constantly praise them, tell them they’re the best. But they’re also… not quite strong enough to justify such arrogance.” He shook his head, as if recalling someone specific. “It would be easier if they just accepted reality, but they can’t. So, they lash out, challenging anyone they perceive as a threat, obsessed with titles and rankings, like the Heavenly Ten Swords or the Three Great Swordsmen. ‘Oh, I’ll tear that master limb from limb and become the strongest in the world!’ You’ll encounter them eventually, especially as you get older.”

“…Just ignore them.”
He chuckled. “The world isn’t as forgiving as those Yeonjudan physicians. If you ignore them, they’ll find a reason to fight, targeting what you cherish most, until you’re forced to react.”
Her gaze, filled with curiosity, turned towards him. He was looking at the pavilion roof, watching the raindrops dripping from the intricate wind chimes.

He smiled faintly. “Showing even a hint of mercy will only attract every wannabe warrior looking to make a name for themselves. So, train hard, become strong. Become so powerful that no one would dare challenge you. That’s the only way to find peace.”
He started to say something, then stopped abruptly, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. He reached out and gently stroked her wet hair, a faint warmth emanating from his hand, drying it. His voice, now gentle, almost fatherly, held a hint of sadness. “Talent is like a bright flame, attracting all sorts of insects. To avoid them, you either have to become the sun, so bright that they can’t even approach, or you have to hide within a protective shell, growing slowly, in secret.”
His voice softened, a hint of bitterness coloring his tone. “The Tang Clan can neither make you the sun nor offer you the protection you need.”

“Why? Though I lived in seclusion, I’ve heard of the Sichuan Tang Clan’s power. Why wouldn't they be able to…?”
The playful expression vanished from his face.
“Because you’re not a direct descendant.” His sudden shift in tone startled her.

“Do you know the difference between a sect and a clan?”
“…”
“A clan is limited by blood.”

She stared at him, waiting for him to explain.
“Within a sect, you can rise through the ranks based on your own merit, learn even the highest-level techniques. But a clan has boundaries, limitations based on blood. Within the Tang Clan, there’s a limit to what you can learn. They’ll only train you enough to be useful, to protect the clan.” He paused, then offered a glimmer of hope. “But within a sect, unless they’re blind, they’ll nurture your talent, teach you everything they know. You’ll form strong bonds with your fellow disciples, and as you grow older, you’ll have students of your own, who will respect and care for you. For your future, it’s better to join a sect.” He scratched the back of his head, then added, almost as an afterthought, “Of course, I’m not saying this because I believe it. Actually, I suggested you join the Tang Clan. But Sohwa… she convinced me otherwise.”