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Chapter 138 – Shadow Clan Master (2)
Just an hour and fifteen minutes ago,
Mok Gyeong-un sighed lightly as he looked at the window paper, illuminated by the surrounding torches.
Things were unfolding just as he had anticipated.
Mok Gyeong-un glanced at the scroll he held in his left hand.
It was something that the evil spirit possessing Byeok, the bodyguard of the Shadow Clan Master, had secretly brought.
Every day at the same time, the Shadow Clan Master repeatedly read this scroll.
[Hmm. I think I should read it now.]
-You should.
Judging by the situation, it seemed there wouldn’t be an opportunity to examine it leisurely.
And if he were to be caught with it during a room search, things would escalate further.
With that, Mok Gyeong-un unrolled the scroll.
-Rustle!
It was quite worn, indicating how much it had been handled.
The half-unrolled scroll.
The evil spirit possessing Byeok frowned upon seeing it.
[This is…]
The evil spirit had only seen the Shadow Clan Master reading it but had never seen its contents.
So he had no idea what it was about.
However,
-This… It’s not our language.
Surprisingly, the scroll was not written in Hanyu (Chinese) but in an utterly unrecognizable script.
Cheong-ryeong, seeing it for the first time as well, tilted his head while holding his pipe.
The curvy writing was difficult to find any regularity in, making it unlikely to be a secret code.
If that was the case, it might not be a language from the Central Plains…
[Oh, this looks like the language of Persia.]
-What?
Cheong-ryeong’s eyes widened as she stared at Mok Gyeong-un.
The country known as Persia, or Parsa, was a place he knew to be located on the northern coast beyond the Western Regions, not in the Central Plains.
-Kid, can you read this?
[Roughly, yes.]
-What?
How could this kid read it?
As she was puzzled, Mok Gyeong-un scratched his head and said,
[My grandfather taught me.]
-Grandfather?
[Yes. He taught me a few languages besides Hanyu. He said it would be helpful for studying medicine from the Western Regions.]
-Hah…
He taught the language of Persia, which might never be used in a lifetime, just to teach medicine?
Cheong-ryeong became curious about what kind of person Mok Gyeong-un’s grandfather was.
But that wasn’t important right now.
-What does it say?
[Well, it seems to be some kind of poetic verse. This body, burned in the sacred fire, has no attachment to life and death. On the path I wish to take, I illuminate the light…]
-Enough.
[Pardon?]
-… I understand.
[You do?]
-Yes. I thought it might be a martial arts verse, but it’s not. This is a scripture.
[Scripture?]
A scripture, like a Buddhist sutra, isn’t it a text used for religious prayers?
What kind of scripture was this?
As Mok Gyeong-un was puzzled, Cheong-ryeong clicked his tongue and said,
-It’s truly deplorable. The head of the confidential information department in the sect is a worshipper of fire.
[Worshipper of fire?]
Something came to Mok Gyeong-un’s mind as he tilted his head.
It was the word “Baehwa” mentioned in the conversation between the Shadow Clan Master and the External Affairs Director.
Baehwa literally meant bowing to fire.
Could it be related to this scripture about worshipping fire?
[Worship… Baehwa[1]…]
-Huh? How do you know about the Baehwa Faith?
[Baehwa Faith? What’s that?]
-This scripture. It seems to be a scripture of the Baehwa Faith.
[Baehwa Faith?]
“Ah…”
Unlike Mok Gyeong-un, who was questioning, the evil spirit also nodded as if he knew something.
Cheong-ryeong puffed on his pipe and explained to the puzzled Mok Gyeong-un,
-They’ll likely break in soon, so I’ll give you a brief explanation. The Baehwa Faith is literally a religious group that reveres fire. They worship a god from the Western Regions that you’ve never heard of.
[A god from the Western Regions?]
-Yes. It’s a kind of impure heresy. Well, it’s tiresome to discuss such things. At one point, this Baehwa Faith entered the Central Plains and spread among the common people.
[Hmm.]
Most religions were like that.
They started from the lowest class, the commoners.
Those who had nowhere to rely on and were impoverished wanted to hold onto something and rise.
-As the doctrine of the Baehwa Faith spread, it suddenly grew rapidly and became a threat to those who believed in Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism as their core principles.
‘A threat?’
Rather than a threat, wouldn’t they have viewed it unfavorably?
Anything new was bound to face rejection in some way.
[… Listening to the story, it doesn’t seem to have had a good outcome.]
-That’s right. They were accused of deceiving the world and misleading the people, leading to a massive crackdown. That was about a hundred years ago. But I didn’t know there were still people who believed in the Baehwa Faith, let alone someone in charge of information and secrets in the Heaven and Earth Society.
Cheong-ryeong spoke as if disappointed.
From this, it seemed that she also didn’t view the Baehwa Faith favorably.
If a dead spirit like her felt this way, it could be imagined how most people would think about this religious group.
At that moment, a shout was heard from outside.
-Intruder, listen up. If you don’t surrender immediately, we will shoot to kill.
Mok Gyeong-un tried to roll up the scroll again.
But as he did so, something fell out from inside and was about to hit the floor.
He caught it as if snatching it mid-air.
-Tap!
‘Hmm?’
What was this?
[اهریمن]
Along with this word, something was written below.
Rather than a doctrine, it seemed to be giving a strong warning.
Mok Gyeong-un stared at it intently, then inserted the paper with that word back into the scroll and handed it to the evil spirit.
***
Back to the present.
The Shadow Clan Master gripped the blade’s handle, ready to exert force.
It was at that very moment.
“But you know, if you behead me, everyone will find out that Master is a worshipper of fire. I wonder if that would be alright.”
‘!?’
At those words, the Shadow Clan Master’s expression stiffened.
Seeing his reaction, a glimmer of surprise flashed in Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes.
His prediction was indeed correct.
When he mentioned reciting the scripture at a similar time every day, Cheong-ryeong had said that the Shadow Clan Master might be a believer of the Baehwa Faith, a religion that worships fire.
-Slam!
At that moment, the Shadow Clan Master grabbed Mok Gyeong-un by the collar and roughly shoved him against the wall.
-Bang!
His characteristic demeanor that seemed infinitely light had completely vanished, and he glared with eyes filled with murderous intent as he spoke,
“You bastard… Where did you hear such a rumor?”
“A rumor?”
-Slice!
The blade slightly dug into Mok Gyeong-un’s neck.
If he slashed here, his neck would be cut.
Mok Gyeong-un chuckled and said,
“If it’s a rumor, you could just laugh it off. Why are you overreacting like this?”
“You…”
-Stab!
The blade dug deeper into Mok Gyeong-un’s neck.
It was to clearly show that he could kill him.
However,
‘This kid?’
The Shadow Clan Master’s eyes sharpened.
Even when his life was in immediate danger, Mok Gyeong-un still maintained a smile.
It wasn’t because he was confident that the Shadow Clan Master wouldn’t slash him.
It seemed as if he had no attachment to his life or wasn’t afraid of death at all.
This was the first time he had seen someone like this.
“Aren’t you afraid?”
“Of what?”
“That you might die at any moment.”
“If I die, I die. If I live, I live. What more is there to think about?”
“…”
At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, the Shadow Clan Master fell silent.
Then, after glaring at Mok Gyeong-un for a moment, he spoke again,
“You said everyone would find out if you killed me. Have you told this to anyone else?”
The Shadow Clan Master’s eyes trembled slightly as he asked this.
He was worried that someone else might already know.
Mok Gyeong-un smiled and said,
“Who knows? Maybe I said that because those who should know already know?”
-Thud!
“Ugh!”
As soon as he finished speaking, the Shadow Clan Master’s hand struck Mok Gyeong-un’s abdomen.
It looked like a simple strike, but the impact spread inward, causing pain throughout his internal organs.
But it didn’t end there.
-Twist!
The Shadow Clan Master grabbed Mok Gyeong-un’s abdomen with his five fingers and twisted it as if turning.
As the muscles twisted, immense pain surged through him.
“If you don’t speak properly right now, you…!”
The Shadow Clan Master frowned as he spoke.
This technique was something he had personally devised as a master of torture, maximizing pain by inducing internal pain and then twisting the muscles.
It was a method as painful as bone-breaking and muscle-tearing.
But there was no change in Mok Gyeong-un’s expression.
‘This kid?’
Except for briefly holding his breath the moment the internal pain was inflicted, he maintained a smile amidst this tremendous pain.
What kind of person was he?
-Drip!
At that moment, blood flowed from Mok Gyeong-un’s mouth.
It was a natural phenomenon since he had suffered internal injuries.
He was such a vicious person that his expression didn’t change even when he was in pain and bleeding.
The more he learned about him, the more he realized that this kid was truly unique in many ways.
From his martial arts talent to everything else.
Although it was a pity, this secret must never be revealed.
“… Tell me who you told. Then I’ll spare your life.”
“You shouldn’t do that.”
“What?”
“If you find out who I told, you’ll have to kill that person and me too. That’s how a secret disappears, right?”
-Twist!
The Shadow Clan Master twisted Mok Gyeong-un’s abdominal muscles even more.
And he pressed on in a low voice,
“Who are you trying to teach?”
“I’m not trying to teach you. I just said that because you were telling such an obvious lie about sparing my life.”
“You…”
Mocking him in this situation?
It was incomprehensible what he was doing in a situation where provoking the other party would bring no benefit.
Even if he wasn’t afraid of death, this was going too far…
It was then.
“This body, burned in the sacred fire, has no attachment to life and death. On the path I wish to take, I illuminate the light. Joy and sorrow shall remain as mere dust. Pity the troubled sentient beings.”
‘!!!!!!’
At the scripture recited from Mok Gyeong-un’s mouth, the Shadow Clan Master’s expression froze.
How did this kid know the scripture, the doctrine of the Baehwa Faith?
The Shadow Clan Master couldn’t hide his bewilderment.
‘How could it be?’
It was absolutely impossible for him to have seen his scripture.
Even if he had seen it, it was written in the language of Persia, the predecessor of the Baehwa Faith, so only a handful of people in the Central Plains, let alone within the Heaven and Earth Society, could read it.
Even among the few remaining believers of the Baehwa Faith, who had barely survived the persecution, most couldn’t read it properly, so how could this kid recite it?
That was absolutely not the case.
But how could he recite the contents of the scripture so fluently and accurately?
Unless he already knew…
-Release!
The Shadow Clan Master hurriedly removed his hand completely from Mok Gyeong-un’s abdomen and said,
“You… Could it be that you’re a believer of our faith?”
Chapter 139 – Shadow Clan Master (3)
After nearly a hundred years of constant persecution, few believers of the Baehwa Faith could read the original scriptures, even among the surviving members.
The Shadow Clan Master didn’t think Mok Gyeong-un would be able to read the original text in the Persian language.
Persian was unexpectedly difficult to learn, and experts in it were extremely rare throughout the Central Plains.
‘Ah!’
Assuming all of this, it meant that Mok Gyeong-un already knew the doctrine of the scripture.
-Release!
The Shadow Clan Master hurriedly removed his hand completely from Mok Gyeong-un’s abdomen and said,
“You… Could it be that you’re a believer of our faith?”
‘Believer?’
At the Shadow Clan Master’s question, Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes sparkled.
He had predicted various scenarios of how the Shadow Clan Master would react if he recited the contents of the scripture, and quite an interesting reaction had emerged.
-… Don’t tell me you’re planning to pretend to be a believer?
Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue and spoke.
She didn’t approve of Mok Gyeong-un getting involved with the Baehwa Faith.
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And,
-It’s your choice if you want to deceive him. But how much do you think you can deceive him with just one scripture? A suspicious eunuch like him will quickly see through it.
‘Well, if it’s just that, it might be possible.’
The Shadow Clan Master was in charge of information and spies in the Shadow Clan.
Regardless of his hidden identity, he was a suspicious person, so if Mok Gyeong-un clumsily pushed forward as a believer, he could be easily exposed, as Cheong-ryeong warned.
Deception is a gamble.
The way to increase the probability of that gamble is to base it on as much truth as possible.
With that, Mok Gyeong-un,
“Who knows.”
“What?”
“Although I have received teachings about the scripture, it’s difficult to call myself a believer with just that.”
At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, one of the Shadow Clan Master’s eyebrows arched up.
What was this kid saying now?
He received teachings about the scripture?
“What do you mean by that?”
“It’s exactly as I said. I received teachings about the scripture, but I didn’t become a believer. If I had to specify, should I say I’m a follower?”
“Follower?”
There is a strict difference between a believer and a follower.
A believer is someone who is completely subordinate to the faith and works for it.
On the other hand, a follower refers to someone who believes in the religious group and its doctrine.
‘Follower…’
With that, the Shadow Clan Master asked in a voice filled with suspicion,
“… You said you’re a follower, so who taught you about our faith’s scripture?”
“I don’t know.”
“What? You don’t know?”
What was he saying now?
Mok Gyeong-un shrugged and said,
“The old master who taught me the scripture didn’t tell me his name.”
“He didn’t tell you his name?”
“Yes… He firmly refused to tell me. He said if I knew his name, I would face the same difficulties as him.”
At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, the Shadow Clan Master’s eyes narrowed.
The Baehwa Faith had long been heavily persecuted, so most of its believers were organized in small groups, and sometimes they didn’t even know each other’s identities.
‘There’s some truth to that.’
There was no way he would reveal his true identity to a non-believer.
However, as a high-ranking position of Father, he had some knowledge of the identities of important believers in each base.
“Do you remember the appearance of the old master you met?”
At the Shadow Clan Master’s question, Mok Gyeong-un casually replied,
“He had a face full of age spots and a thick gray beard that reached his chest.”
“Any other distinguishing features?”
It was impossible to identify someone with just that.
Wasn’t what he just described a natural phenomenon of aging that occurs with age?
Mok Gyeong-un shrugged and said,
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Supreme Magus - Chapter 900 The Red Sun Part 2
Supreme Magus - Chapter 900 The Red Sun Part 2
“His thick beard and long eyebrows covered half of his face, and he had a shabby appearance, so it’s difficult for me to describe any specific features.”
“There’s no way to know who he is like that.”
“Of course not. But would someone who doesn’t even teach his name carelessly show his proper appearance?”
At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, the Shadow Clan Master’s eyes narrowed.
It was definitely a valid point, but he couldn’t trust it.
The Shadow Clan Master spoke in a sharp voice,
“Do you think I would readily believe that you received teachings about our faith’s scripture from an old master whose name and face you don’t even know?”
“Of course, it would be hard for you to believe.”
“Then why would I…”
“I received teachings about the scripture from him in the original language.”
‘!?’
The Shadow Clan Master frowned.
Receiving teachings about the scripture in the original language meant he had learned it in Persian, not Hanyu (Chinese).
If he knew the original text to that extent, he was definitely not an ordinary believer.
But there was no proper evidence.
As if reading his thoughts, Mok Gyeong-un turned his head and pointed to the desk with his eyes.
On the desk were writing tools.
Seeing his intention to write, the Shadow Clan Master glared at Mok Gyeong-un’s face for a moment before releasing his remaining hand that was grabbing his collar.
“… Try writing it.”
Mok Gyeong-un went to the desk, poured water to grind the ink, dipped the brush in the ink, and began writing on the paper.
-Swish!
[من از مرگ و زندگی پشیمان نیستم زیرا این جسد با آتش مقدس سوخته است. بگذارید نور به راهی که می خواهید بروید تابد و شادی و غم همه جز خاک خواهد بود. چه موجود با احساس رقت انگیز]
[This body, burned in the sacred fire, has no attachment to life and death. On the path I wish to take, I illuminate the light. Joy and sorrow shall remain as mere dust. Pity the troubled sentient beings.]
‘!!!!!!’
The Shadow Clan Master’s eyes trembled rapidly as he watched this.
The gaze that had been filled with disbelief until before Mok Gyeong-un started writing changed in an instant.
‘How can this be?’
This wasn’t a handwriting that could be written by clumsily memorizing the shape, but one that required proper learning.
If one drew the strokes like a picture, it couldn’t be written like this.
The Shadow Clan Master, who had studied the Persian language for a long time, was even more certain of it.
‘He must have learned from a believer of at least Father level.’
Otherwise, there was no way he could write Persian so skillfully.
The Shadow Clan Master, who had been looking at the scripture written in Persian with amazement, turned his gaze to Mok Gyeong-un.
This could be definitive proof.
Why would Mok Gyeong-un, a 17-year-old from a renowned martial arts family in Anhui Province, learn Persian and use it for anything?
‘Ah…’
Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue as he witnessed this scene.
Thanks to Gyeong-un proficiency in Persian, that suspicious eunuch was gradually lowering his guard.
After all, unless one was a merchant or an interpreter authorized to trade across the Western Regions, there would be no reason to learn Persian.
It was truly a coincidence that he had learned it from his so-called grandfather.
At that moment, the Shadow Clan Master spoke,
“The believer who taught you Persian must have been at least a Father.”
“Father?”
“A high-ranking believer who can give teachings about the scripture in our faith.”
“Ah… Is that so?”
“Yes. Those who can teach in the original language are few now, so it would have been better if you knew his name.”
The Shadow Clan Master clicked his tongue as if genuinely regretting it.
Then he asked,
“Did he only teach you the scripture and Persian?”
At this question, Mok Gyeong-un hesitated for a moment as if he had been waiting for it and opened his mouth,
“Ah… Now that I think about it, he seemed to be searching for something.”
“Searching for something?”
“Yes. My memory is hazy, but at that time, I heard him clearly say… Ah, right. He said he was searching for the incarnation of Ahriman.”
At those words, the Shadow Clan Master’s eyes widened in surprise.
Mok Gyeong-un had anticipated that the Shadow Clan Master would react this way.
That’s because,
[اهریمن]
That sentence at the beginning of the paper inserted between the original scripture.
That word was Ahriman.
He hadn’t even told Cheong-ryeong about the interpretation of it, but,
[Beware, for the incarnation of Ahriman may appear in this world.]
It had a sentence of warning written on it.
It seemed to be some kind of revelation within the Baehwa Faith.
He thought this also had value in using it, and judging by the Shadow Clan Master’s reaction, it seemed successful.
It was then.
-Grab!
The Shadow Clan Master grabbed Mok Gyeong-un’s shoulder and spoke, unable to hide his excitement,
“I think I know who taught you the original text.”
“Hmmm?”
What?
He knows who taught this?
It was truly an absurd situation to say he knew who a non-existent, imaginary person was.
However, Mok Gyeong-un didn’t show it.
Regardless, the Shadow Clan Master had a completely excited expression.
‘Only two Guardians, including myself, have heard the revelation of the Holy Fire that he prophesied. Among them, only Guardian Jang is over sixty years old.’
If what Mok Gyeong-un said was true, it had to be Guardian Jang.
He had been discouraged, thinking that both Guardians had died after his disappearance.
But if this was true, it was a great relief.
“If you received teachings from him, you can’t be considered a mere follower. You also have the qualification to be a Father.”
‘Hmm?’
He has the qualification to be a Father?
Who did he guess it was to have this reaction?
Although puzzled, Mok Gyeong-un casually expressed humility.
“I only learned the scripture, so how can I have the qualification to be a Father? But you said you think you know who it is…”
“Since he kept it a secret from you until the end, it’s difficult to tell you right away. But one thing is certain: he is a very high-ranking person in our faith.”
“Ah…”
“Do you happen to know where he went after teaching you the scripture?”
“… I apologize, but I don’t know. He suddenly disappeared one day.”
“Ah…”
At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, the Shadow Clan Master couldn’t hide his disappointment.
Still, he thought he should find solace in the fact that the Guardian, whom he had thought dead, was alive.
As he was thinking that, Mok Gyeong-un spoke to him in a low voice,
“But before the old master disappeared, he left something behind.”
“He left something behind?”
“Yes.”
“What is it?”
The Shadow Clan Master asked in a voice filled with anticipation, thinking it might be a clue.
“It was a sentence written in Persian, but it was so vague that I couldn’t understand its meaning.”
“He wrote it in Persian? Try writing it.”
With that, Mok Gyeong-un picked up the brush and wrote a word.
[شمشیر روح]
‘!?’
Seeing this, the Shadow Clan Master frowned.
Then he soon opened his mouth and muttered,
“Blade of the Soul?”
That’s what it would be if directly translated from Persian.
What does this mean?
After pondering for a moment, he spoke as if he had realized something,
“Ghost… Blade?”
The Blade of the Soul could also be called the Ghost Blade.
If it was according to the sentence he had left, the only thing that immediately came to mind was the Ghost Blade, one of the Eight Stars who was called the current supreme master of the martial arts world.
At the Shadow Clan Master’s speculation, the corner of Mok Gyeong-un’s mouth curled up.
‘Ha!’
Seeing this, Cheong-ryeong sincerely clicked her tongue.
What a truly absurd guy.
He created a plausible lie based on the information he knew, matching the Shadow Clan Master’s reactions, and now he was leading the situation as he intended.
‘… He intends to make this ball-less search for the Ghost Blade.’
Chapter 140 – Annihilating Poison King (1)
The Shadow Clan Master gently placed his hand on Mok Gyeong-un’s shoulder and spoke with a benevolent smile,
“We are now in the same boat.”
“I will keep that in mind. I will contribute to the revival of the faith.”
The Shadow Clan Master nodded with a satisfied expression, then crossed his hands, brought them to his shoulders, slightly bowed his head, and spoke in a reverent voice,
“May the Holy Fire’s blessing be upon you.”
Mok Gyeong-un followed suit.
“May the Holy Fire’s blessing be upon you.”
“Ohohoho. Then get some good rest.”
“Yes.”
With that, the Shadow Clan Master left the private residence.
The Shadow Clan Master’s attitude, which had been as if he would kill Mok Gyeong-un at any moment until just now, had changed to be quite favorable.
It was because he was convinced that Mok Gyeong-un, who could write and read the original scripture in Persian, was a follower of the Baehwa Faith that worshipped fire.
After the Shadow Clan Master’s presence had completely disappeared, Cheong-ryeong’s voice reached Mok Gyeong-un’s ears.
-You really have a knack for using your head.
With a single lie, Mok Gyeong-un had led the situation as he intended.
He had made it seem as if they were on the same side and made the Shadow Clan Master interested in the person he was searching for, the Ghost Blade.
Mok Gyeong-un chuckled and replied,
“The more hands helping, the better.”
Helping hands?
It must mean there are more useful pieces to take advantage of.
Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue and said,
-That’s true, but it’s best to be careful.
“Careful… of the Shadow Clan Master?”
-Yes. Those who worship fire are not called heretics and persecuted for no reason.
“That’s interesting.”
-What is?
“It’s surprising that someone who claims to dislike black-and-white logic is so passionate about a religion that came from the Western Regions.”
-…
At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Cheong-ryeong was at a loss for words.
It was difficult to refute a statement that pierced right through the heart of the matter.
She had expressed her hatred for the black-and-white logic between the righteous and evil factions with her own mouth, but when faced with a believer of the Baehwa Faith, which was called a heresy and persecuted, didn’t she treat them with prejudice?
She spoke in a slightly lowered voice,
-… You’re right. This is also a kind of prejudice.
Mok Gyeong-un smiled at her readily admitting it.
He liked this aspect of her.
Of course, her words didn’t end there.
-But I have experienced that era. They also treat those outside their own religious group as heretics. If you know that, it’s best to be cautious.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
-Anyway, even if you’ve made the Shadow Clan Master move, there’s not much difference in having to move with your own feet.
“That’s true.”
Mok Gyeong-un had set up the situation as if the clue to the incarnation of Ahriman might be connected to the Ghost Blade, one of the Eight Stars and possibly the enemy who killed his grandfather.
So he thought the Shadow Clan Master might tell him something he knew about the Ghost Blade, but surprisingly, he also knew nothing.
[… It’s quite troublesome that the Ghost Blade might be the clue.]
[Do you know something?]
[About the Ghost Blade?]
[Yes.]
At Mok Gyeong-un’s question, the Shadow Clan Master shook his head.
As the head of the Shadow Clan in charge of information in the Heaven and Earth Society, he thought he might know something.
But the unexpected answer drained his energy.
[… I’ve heard rumors that the Ghost Blade might be a master of the Heaven and Earth Society.]
[You mean the rumor that the Ghost Blade might be the Society Leader’s personal bodyguard?]
[Yes.]
[A kid who hasn’t been in the organization for long has heard all sorts of rumors. Yes, there was such a rumor at one point.]
[Is it just a rumor?]
[I don’t know.]
[What do you mean, you don’t know?]
[Rumors can have various tendencies. They can be completely false, or they can circulate because they are close to the truth.]
[… Which side do you think it is, Master?]
[I can’t give a definite answer.]
[Why?]
[Only the Society Leader himself knows the identity of his personal bodyguard. I’ve heard that even the vice-leader, known as the Society Leader’s right-hand man, doesn’t know.]
At the Shadow Clan Master’s words, Mok Gyeong-un thought it seemed fishy.
Rumors didn’t spread for no reason.
However, at this point, even if he was suspicious, it was difficult to directly contact the Ghost Blade.
He had considered using Cheong-ryeong and the spirit servants, but since the spiritual perception of masters above the peak was incomparable to those below, it was difficult to make them move recklessly.
Moreover, he had heard that Cho Tae-cheong, who might surpass even the Primal Killing Pavilion’s diviner In Seo-ok with his techniques, was guarding the main hall where the Society Leader resided.
In many ways, he still lacked strength.
However, Mok Gyeong-un, who couldn’t just wait while building his strength, carefully said to the Shadow Clan Master,
[I heard that Elder Baek Sa-ha, the Annihilating Poison King, had confronted the Ghost Blade. I know he’s the only one who survived after fighting him. Wouldn’t he know something?]
[… He probably would.]
[Then how about trying to contact Elder Baek Sa-ha?]
[That would be difficult.]
[Pardon?]
Why was it difficult?
As Mok Gyeong-un was puzzled, the Shadow Clan Master clicked his tongue and said,
[The Annihilating Poison King is currently in seclusion, observing a three-year mourning period for his deceased mother. Unless it’s a special case, he’s not meeting anyone.]
[Ah…]
The three-year mourning period is observed for three years after a parent’s death to fulfill one’s duty and filial piety towards them.
After the burial, the ancestral tablet is enshrined in the mourning hall, and the mourner resides in a hut, offering ritual meals to the deceased morning and evening.
Sometimes, during the three-year mourning period, especially in the early stages, no guests are received except for blood relatives.
The Baek family, the Annihilating Poison King’s household, was like that.
‘This is unexpected.’
If the Shadow Clan Master moved, wouldn’t it be easier to obtain information?
But with this, it became difficult.
Mok Gyeong-un said as if he had no choice,
[… Then how about I go?]
[You?]
[Yes. I happen to have three first-place tokens, so I can ask the executives for guidance.]
[You’re going to use that for this?]
[Yes.]
At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, the Shadow Clan Master couldn’t hide his bewilderment.
It was an opportunity to receive guidance from two of the Eight Stars, known as the supreme masters of the era, among the Five Kings.
Why would he give up that opportunity and ask for guidance from the Annihilating Poison King, who, in a sense, practiced a unique poison art different from ordinary martial arts?
[Isn’t that too much of a waste?]
[Of course, it could be, but I also want to do something for our faith. Please let me lend a hand.]
[Ah…]
At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, the Shadow Clan Master couldn’t hide his satisfaction.
What believer wouldn’t be happy to hear that he would fulfill his duty as a follower of the Baehwa Faith?
[If you’re willing to do that, there’s nothing more I could ask for. Then, since we’re already at it, tomorrow might be a good day.]
[Tomorrow?]
[Yes. It seems that Baek Sa-ha’s grandson is having his first birthday tomorrow.]
[First birthday?]
[Even if he’s in the middle of a three-year mourning period, he won’t just overlook his grandson’s first birthday, who will carry on the family line. They’ll have a simple feast, even if it’s just with close relatives.]
Since it was his grandson’s first birthday, his mood would be better than usual.
The Shadow Clan Master suggested taking advantage of this.
[I was planning to send a gift to the Annihilating Poison King anyway. If you deliver it and carefully request the benefit of the three first-place tokens, it should work out.]
***
Early in the morning before the sun had risen,
-Creak!
Jang Neung-ak, the second disciple of the Society Leader, hurriedly came to the residence of his blind subordinate, Wi Maeng-cheon, after receiving an urgent message.
Jang Neung-ak, who had come to the residence, couldn’t contain his anger and gnashed his teeth.
Wi Maeng-cheon’s head, decapitated and dead.
What kind of sudden calamity was this?
-Grab!
Jang Neung-ak grabbed the collar of Jong-im, Wi Maeng-cheon’s subordinate, and pressed him,
“What the hell were you doing for this to happen?”
“… I apologize.”
Jong-im couldn’t say anything and only uttered an apology.
At his response, Jang Neung-ak threw Jong-im to the floor.
-Bang!
“Ugh.”
Jang Neung-ak, who had thrown him to the floor, glared at the guard warriors prostrating as if confessing their sins with sharp eyes.
Then he soon spoke,
“What kind of guards are you who can’t even protect your own master? Behead them all.”
“Yes.”
-Swish!
At Jang Neung-ak’s order, Ho Jong-hyeok, the third-ranked member of the Five Mountains Alliance and the Grand Clan Leader of the Destruction Clan, raised the huge ax he was carrying on his shoulder.
The four guards, frightened, pleaded with tears in their eyes,
“P-Please spare us!”
“We were also suddenly attacked.”
At their pleas, Jang Neung-ak snorted.
They all claimed to have fallen asleep at that moment and knew nothing, yet now they were begging to be spared.
“Kill them.”
-Slice!
“Ugh!”
Despite their desperate pleas, they all ended up with their heads cut off by Ho Jong-hyeok’s ax.
Still not appeased, Jang Neung-ak, the second disciple of the Society Leader, considered killing even Jong-im, who was known as Wi Maeng-cheon’s right-hand man.
However, the other subordinates dissuaded him.
“Please hold back. If you do that, there will be no one to lead Maeng-cheon’s subordinates.”
“…”
There were about fifty elite warriors personally trained by Wi Maeng-cheon.
If Jong-im, a lieutenant-level subordinate who had been managing them, was also killed, their morale might decline, and it could become difficult to control them.
Knowing this, Jang Neung-ak also barely restrained himself.
However, this was not something that could be overlooked.
‘How dare they kill this young master’s subordinate.’
What an absurd bastard.
He had carried out this audacious act not elsewhere but within the inner city of the Heaven and Earth Society.
Touching his person, who might become the next Society Leader, was essentially equivalent to declaring war.
-Swish!
At that moment, someone touched the cut surface of Wi Maeng-cheon’s severed neck and spoke,
“He’s no ordinary person.”
“What?”
“He cut Maeng-cheon’s sword and neck with a single slash.”
A man with an angular jaw and a fierce-looking face pointed to Wi Maeng-cheon’s broken Bamboo Sword on the floor.
Although it was impossible to know exactly how the duel unfolded since the cunning bastard had erased all the footprints on the floor, one thing could be inferred from the broken sword and the cut surface of the neck.
Jang Neung-ak’s eyes sharpened.
‘He cut Maeng-cheon’s sword and neck with a single slash?’
To do that, one had to be a tremendous master of the sword and have reached the perfected realm of the supreme stage.
A woman in colorful clothes with thick lips approached and said,
“Then the suspects are narrowed down to some extent.”
Wi Maeng-cheon was a subordinate of Jang Neung-ak, the second disciple of the Society Leader.
If someone was bold enough to kill Wi Maeng-cheon in the middle of the night, it would be the work of those who wanted to hold him back from becoming the next Society Leader.
‘Na Yul-ryang… Wi So-yeon…’
The first people that came to mind were naturally his older and younger martial brother and sister competing for the position of the next Society Leader.
They were also supreme masters of the sword, so this kind of thing was possible.
Moreover, they were in a situation where they were fiercely competing for power with him, so they had sufficient justification to carry out such an act.
However, it was unlikely that they had personally come out like rats just to deal with one of his subordinates.
In that case, the number of suspects was significantly reduced.
The two wenches that Grand Young Master Na Yul-ryang boasted about and that bastard who was Wi So-yeon’s right-hand man.
Except for them, no one could have possibly cut Wi Maeng-cheon’s sword and neck with a single slash.
-Creak!
“Find them. No matter what.”
“Yes, sir!”
At his words, the remaining four members of the Five Mountains Alliance bowed their heads and shouted in unison.
Amidst this, there was one person watching with frustrated eyes.
It was none other than Jong-im, Wi Maeng-cheon’s subordinate.
‘Damn it… They’re not even considering me as a suspect.’
Jong-im knew the true culprit behind this incident.
Of course, he would.
Because he was the one who had moved together with Wi Maeng-cheon on his orders.
However, apart from that, he couldn’t reveal this fact.
The reason was that he himself was not Jong-im, but Wi Maeng-cheon, who had become a spirit servant and possessed the body of his subordinate.
‘My lord… I apologize.’
He could no longer serve Jang Neung-ak.
Since he had become a spirit servant, he couldn’t defy Mok Gyeong-un, and if he did, his wife and child would lose their lives.
At that moment, Jang Neung-ak, who had been gnashing his teeth, muttered while glaring at somewhere,
“No. This is perfect timing. I can see those damned things there.”
‘There?’
Where was Jang Neung-ak referring to when he said “there”?
***
Around noon.
Mok Gyeong-un was heading somewhere, accompanied by his guard warrior, Seok Jung.
That place was none other than the estate of Baek Sa-ha, the Annihilating Poison King, one of the Five Kings of the Heaven and Earth Society.
‘Damn it.’
Seok Jung, who was in charge of guarding Mok Gyeong-un, found this situation quite awkward.
He had tried to avoid encountering him as much as possible, but he had no choice but to deliver the gift from the Shadow Clan Master.
He had no choice but to cater to him as much as possible.
Mok Gyeong-un smiled and said to him, who was very tense,
“Is your lover doing well?”
-Flinch!
When Mok Gyeong-un asked about his lover under the pretext of a greeting, Seok Jung felt shivers all over his body.
Mok Gyeong-un’s words sounded more like a warning after a long time rather than a greeting.
Seok Jung spoke in a trembling voice,
“I, I will never act in a way that harms you, Young Master.”
“What did I say?”
“…”
Damn it.
Then he should have just asked if he was doing well instead of asking about his lover.
Seok Jung felt an urge to retort, but he didn’t show it.
Mok Gyeong-un was too frightening for him to do that.
“Is that large case on your back the gift prepared by Master?”
“Yes, it is.”
“The gift should be to his liking.”
“I believe he put a lot of thought into it.”
“That’s a relief, then.”
Well, the gift wasn’t the essential thing.
He had to somehow persuade Baek Sa-ha, the Annihilating Poison King, to obtain information about the Ghost Blade, one of the Eight Stars, from his mouth.
However, the timing was really bad.
Of all things, he was observing a three-year mourning period.
‘Persuade him.’
For now, he had received and familiarized himself with the information about Baek Sa-ha and his family from the Shadow Clan Master.
But it seemed that Baek Sa-ha was a person with a more difficult personality than he had thought.
So persuading him didn’t seem like it would be easy.
At that moment, Seok Jung, who was walking ahead, pointed somewhere with his chin and said,
“It’s over there.”
A grand estate was visible where he pointed.
In terms of size, it was smaller than the Shadow Clan, which handled confidential information, but it was quite large, befitting one of the Five Kings, who could be considered high-ranking executives.
“Shall we go, then?”
Mok Gyeong-un approached the entrance of the estate with him.
Two warriors wearing mourning clothes were guarding the front gate.
However, before they could reach there,
‘Hmm?’
Mok Gyeong-un turned his head and saw a group of people approaching.
Leading the group was a woman wearing a bamboo hat and a veil, and she was none other than,
‘Wi So-yeon?’
She was Wi So-yeon, the third disciple of the Society Leader.
Why was Wi So-yeon coming here?
As he was thinking that, he saw another group of people coming from a different path.
They were none other than,
‘Oh… Goodness.’
Jang Neung-ak, the second disciple of the Society Leader, and his subordinates from the Five Mountains Alliance, no, the Four Mountains Alliance now, were coming here together.
Chapter 141 – Annihilating Poison King (2)
Thanks to the Annihilating Poison King, Baek Sa-ha, observing a three-year mourning period, no one had succeeded in making contact with him.
The same was true for Wi So-yeon, the third disciple of the Society Leader.
Even if she had the qualifications to be the next Society Leader, her authority didn’t reach that of the Five Kings, who could be considered high-ranking executives of the Heaven and Earth Society.
Thus, without a proper justification, she hadn’t had the opportunity to contact the Annihilating Poison King.
However, she finally had a chance to meet him.
It was none other than the first birthday celebration of Baek Sa-ha’s grandson, Baek Oh-chan.
‘If I miss this opportunity, it will be difficult until the three-year mourning period ends.’
Among the high-ranking Five Kings, only Bright Blade King Son Yun supported her.
If she gained the support of the Annihilating Poison King, Baek Sa-ha, here, she would secure a supporting force that could rival Jang Neung-ak, the second disciple, to some extent.
However,
“Young Lady.”
A man in his mid-thirties with a stylishly grown beard gestured with his chin.
As she turned her head,
‘Ah…’
She saw a group walking from the southwestern path.
That group was none other than Jang Neung-ak, the second disciple, and his subordinates.
The Five Mountains Alliance.
Enduring Tyrant Fist, the Grand Clan Leader of the Hegemon Fist Group, and the first-ranked member.
Wi Maeng-cheon, the Blind Swordsman and the second-ranked member.
Ho Jong-hyeok, the Grand Clan Leader of the Destruction Clan and the third-ranked member.
Seo Hye-in, the leader of the Grass Smoke Group and the fourth-ranked member.
Jeo Mo-pal, the fifth-ranked member and practitioner of the Geo-am Fist.
They were all young masters of the later generation with high reputations within the Heaven and Earth Society.
Among them, the one considered the best was undoubtedly Enduring Tyrant Fist, the first-ranked member.
He was one of the Five Tigers, called the best masters of the later generation in the Heaven and Earth Society, and his father was Ko Yeon-byeok, one of the Three Society Guardians and the Guardian who oversaw all of the Heaven and Earth Society’s defenses.
‘He brought all his subordinates… No, only four of them?’
The second-ranked member, Wi Maeng-cheon, was not present.
Despite being blind, he was famous for his tremendous swordsmanship.
Anyway, judging by the fact that he had brought his subordinates, their purpose seemed to be the same.
‘… The Annihilating Poison King.’
It was to bring Baek Sa-ha to their side.
However, she frowned with strong hostility.
‘Why is he doing that?’
The reason was that Jang Neung-ak was glaring at her and Woo Ho-rang, who was standing to her right, with eyes filled with murderous intent.
She didn’t know, but Jang Neung-ak had a reason for doing so.
‘Could it be him?’
The man in his mid-thirties with a short beard who Jang Neung-ak was glaring at.
He was Woo Ho-rang, the chief disciple of Bright Blade King Son Yun, one of the Five Kings, and the Grand Clan Leader of the Residence Destruction Group.
He was Wi So-yeon’s subordinate and one of the Five Tigers, the supreme masters of the later generation in the Heaven and Earth Society.
He had reached the supreme stage in his mid-twenties, and it was no exaggeration to say that his martial prowess had already reached the executive level.
Yang Il, the junior leader of the Transient Sword Group, and Gi Ok-ryeon, the eldest daughter of Gi Hae, the Valley Master of Sun Rock, who followed behind him, were also quite skilled as high-ranking masters of the later generation.
However, in Jang Neung-ak’s eyes, only Woo Ho-rang stood out.
‘If you are the one who killed Maeng-cheon, this young master will also cut off your head and soak that wench Wi So-yeon’s bed with your blood.’
Sensing this strong murderous intent and hostility, Woo Ho-rang also became more vigilant.
As his hand unconsciously reached for his sword handle,
“Maintain your composure.”
“Ah.”
At Wi So-yeon’s low warning, he lowered his hand again.
If he fell for the provocation and caused a commotion here, it would disrupt their plan.
He wasn’t the only one thinking this.
“My lord, please calm down for now. We can’t confirm the culprit yet, and if we create a disturbance here, it will be disrespectful to the Annihilating Poison King.”
“… Understood.”
At the advice of Ko Yeon-hu, the first-ranked member, Jang Neung-ak, the second disciple of the Society Leader, nodded his head.
No matter how agitated he was, he wasn’t lacking in judgment to that extent.
As they were approaching, someone caught Jang Neung-ak’s attention.
“Oh, Mok Gyeong-un.”
It was none other than Mok Gyeong-un.
Similarly, Wi So-yeon, who had been too focused on being wary of Jang Neung-ak, also noticed Mok Gyeong-un at the entrance of the Annihilating Poison King’s estate.
‘Mok Gyeong-un?’
Why was he here?
He hadn’t even joined anyone’s faction yet.
As she was puzzled, Jang Neung-ak waved his hand with a smile towards Mok Gyeong-un.
“Are you doing well?”
Seeing him act friendly as if they were close, Wi So-yeon frowned.
What?
She clearly remembered that things didn’t go well between them, so why was her martial brother acting so favorably as if they were close friends?
Could it be that he had tried to win him over again in the meantime?
Feeling a slight unease, she quickly acknowledged Mok Gyeong-un.
“It’s been a while. Have you been well?”
‘It’s been a while?’
At Wi So-yeon’s greeting, it was Jang Neung-ak’s turn to furrow his brows.
What was she saying now?
Could it be that this wench had made contact with the kid he had his eyes on?
How dare she covet what was his?
With such thoughts, Jang Neung-ak’s anger was about to rise again.
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un bowed his head with a polite gesture and greeted them.
“Mok Gyeong-un, a disciple of the Shadow Clan Master, greets Young Master Jang Neung-ak and Young Lady Wi So-yeon.”
“Yes.”
“Alright.”
At his greeting, the second disciple Jang Neung-ak and the third disciple Wi So-yeon unintentionally found themselves looking at each other as they responded simultaneously.
Wi So-yeon clasped her hands together, slightly bowed her head, and greeted politely.
“Greetings to my martial brother.”
“Hmph, you look quite lively.”
Unlike Wi So-yeon, who had greeted respectfully as she had to uphold the etiquette towards her senior despite their mutual wariness, Jang Neung-ak openly acted coldly.
She was already used to this attitude of his, so she didn’t particularly mind.
“The same goes for you, senior brother.”
“What?”
Jang Neung-ak’s voice rose slightly, as he was already suspicious of her due to the incident of Wi Maeng-cheon’s death.
Concerned about this, Ko Yeon-hu once again quietly dissuaded him.
“My lord, this is not the place.”
-Creak!
At those words, Jang Neung-ak gnashed his teeth and shook his head.
It was difficult for him to calm his anger easily since the incident had occurred just a few hours ago.
However, for the sake of their grand endeavor, he had to endure it for now.
Jang Neung-ak turned his head away from Wi So-yeon as if he couldn’t stand the sight of her and said to Mok Gyeong-un,
“You have a lot to do to gain trust, so what brings you here?”
At that question, Wi So-yeon also looked at Mok Gyeong-un.
She was also curious about that.
Mok Gyeong-un pointed to the large wooden case that the guard warrior Seok Jung was carrying on his back and replied,
“As you can see, I came here on the Shadow Clan Master’s orders to deliver a birthday gift and pay my respects to Elder Baek Sa-ha, the Annihilating Poison King.”
“Oh, is that so? You had the same business as this young master.”
“Ah, yes, it seems so.”
“But you haven’t made any other acquaintances in the meantime, right?”
Jang Neung-ak blatantly glared at Wi So-yeon once and asked Mok Gyeong-un.
It was as if he was asking if he had contacted other potential successors instead of him.
Mok Gyeong-un smiled and replied,
“How could that be possible?”
“…”
At those words, Wi So-yeon frowned her pretty brows.
Could it be that Mok Gyeong-un’s heart had turned towards Jang Neung-ak instead of her?
If that was the case, it would be quite troublesome.
The Shadow Clan, which controlled information, was also very important.
At that moment, Jang Neung-ak looked at Wi So-yeon with a triumphant expression as if he had won and said,
“Yes, that’s how it should be. I have high expectations for you.”
-Grip!
Wi So-yeon clenched her hand tightly.
Normally, she wouldn’t fall for such childish provocations or mind games.
However, it was hard for her to tolerate her opponent, who was also vying for the position of Society Leader, trying to snatch away what she was aiming for in this manner.
So she said,
“Mok Gyeong-un.”
“Yes, young lady.”
“You’re keeping the token I gave you safe, right?”
She revealed what she originally had no intention of disclosing.
At those words, Jang Neung-ak’s expression, which had been triumphant until just now, instantly turned fierce.
What was she talking about, a token?
‘Token?’
He wasn’t the only one reacting to those words.
Woo Ho-rang, known as Wi So-yeon’s right-hand man and the grand disciple of Bright Blade King Son Yun, also frowned and looked at Mok Gyeong-un.
He had thought that he was the only one who had received a token from her.
But this kid, who looked like a male courtesan, had received a token from the Young Lady?
“Yes, I’m keeping it safe.”
‘This bastard…’
At Mok Gyeong-un’s answer, Jang Neung-ak’s mood soured.
Just now, he had responded as if he hadn’t gotten close to other potential successors, but he had received a token from that damn wench?
This was not something he could overlook.
“You…”
As Jang Neung-ak was about to express his displeasure towards Mok Gyeong-un,
“My lord, shouldn’t we first participate in the celebration and offer congratulations to Elder Baek Sa-ha, the Annihilating Poison King?”
“…”
At the words of Ho Jong-hyeok, the Grand Clan Leader of the Destruction Clan and the third-ranked member, Jang Neung-ak closed his mouth.
Yes, this wasn’t the time to do this here.
First, he had to meet with the Annihilating Poison King and settle the matter, and it wouldn’t be too late to do it afterward.
If he missed today, the opportunity would slip away for a while.
“… Let’s talk in a bit.”
At his words, Mok Gyeong-un made a small bow.
Then, Jang Neung-ak abruptly turned his head and went ahead to the entrance of the estate.
Seeing his behavior, Mok Gyeong-un smiled nonchalantly.
Then, it was Wi So-yeon’s turn to speak.
“Didn’t you say you dislike conflicts?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“But it seems like your stance has changed a bit from back then.”
“How could that be? My thoughts remain unchanged.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
Wi So-yeon stared at Mok Gyeong-un intently, then shook her head and said,
“Alright, I’ll believe your words. But my second martial brother is different. I didn’t just let you go back then to yield to him.”
At her words, Woo Ho-rang, the grand disciple of Bright Blade King Son Yun, frowned.
Her words, openly coveting Mok Gyeong-un, were grating to him.
However, unlike his junior martial sister Yeop Wee-seon, he had some experience and composure, so he didn’t reveal his emotions.
“I have other urgent matters to attend to now, so let’s talk later.”
With those words, she also hurriedly entered the entrance of the estate.
If she didn’t hurry, her second martial brother Jang Neung-ak would take the lead.
As they went in first, the guard warrior Seok Jung, who had been extremely tense, staggered as his legs went weak.
-Tap!
Mok Gyeong-un grabbed his arm.
“Ah, be careful. It’s a precious gift.”
“M-My apologies.”
Seok Jung clicked his tongue inwardly.
It hadn’t been long since Mok Gyeong-un became a disciple of the Shadow Clan Master, but he didn’t expect two potential successors of the Society Leader to covet him and engage in a battle of nerves with each other.
The person involved was unfazed, but he himself was trembling.
‘Is he really not affected?’
Receiving attention from those two people was quite burdensome.
If either of them turned against him, troublesome things were bound to happen.
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un said,
“Shall we go in too?”
“… Understood.”
I don’t know.
What could people like him, who were mere subordinates, do anyway?
It was more comfortable to just do as he was told.
As they were about to enter the entrance of the estate, at that very moment,
“Halt.”
The warriors guarding the entrance crossed their sword sheaths and blocked the way.
The atmosphere was quite different from when they had let Jang Neung-ak’s group and Wi So-yeon’s group pass through.
“What business brings you here?”
“Ah, I am Mok Gyeong-un, a disciple of the Shadow Clan Master. As you can see, I have come on my Master’s orders to deliver a gift to celebrate the joyous occasion of the Baek family.”
At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, one of the warriors clasped his hands and said to Mok Gyeong-un,
“So you are a disciple of the Shadow Clan Master.”
“Yes.”
“I apologize, but you can leave the gift here…”
The warrior pointed to a piece of paper on a table inside the entrance and continued,
“Write the names of the Shadow Clan Master and his disciple in this visitor’s log and leave.”
“Pardon?”
Mok Gyeong-un tilted his head.
Did this mean he should just leave the gift here and go?
Mok Gyeong-un scratched his head as if it was troublesome and said,
“It’s a bit difficult to just leave the gift and go.”
“Although today is a joyous occasion for the Baek family, they are still in the middle of a three-year mourning period. The Annihilating Poison King has given orders to seek understanding from most guests, except for relatives and a few others.”
It seemed that those few others included the Society Leader’s disciples.
They were being blocked right from the entrance.
“Ah, is that so?”
“So please just turn back…”
“I’m sorry, but it’s difficult for me to just turn back as well.”
“Oh my… Are you taking the Annihilating Poison King’s words lightly?”
The warrior raised his voice and spoke in a warning tone.
Mok Gyeong-un shrugged and said,
“How could that be? Then let me visit with a different status.”
“What? A different status?”
-Tap!
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un took something out from his bosom and placed it on the table.
‘!?’
Seeing this, the warrior’s eyes widened.
It was the three first-place tokens he had received from the Corpse Blood Valley.
It was only natural to be surprised to see him possess three first-place tokens, which were difficult to obtain even one.
Mok Gyeong-un smiled at the speechless warrior and said,
“I intend to seek guidance from Elder Baek Sa-ha, the Annihilating Poison King. Can you refuse this as well?”
Chapter 142 – Annihilating Poison King (3)
Inside the estate of Baek Sa-ha, one of the Five Kings and the Annihilating Poison King.
This place, also known as the Baek family’s estate, was bustling with relatives gathered for the first birthday celebration.
Even though no outside guests were received, there were at least several dozen people just from the relatives.
In the garden, maids were preparing food in a temporary outdoor kitchen for the celebration, and relatives were sitting at tables, raising their glasses to celebrate the first birthday.
In the midst of the ongoing celebration, Baek Sa-ha’s wife, Madam Jang, rose from her seat and headed somewhere upon receiving an urgent message.
As she walked, Madam Jang clicked her tongue and said,
“They’ve come after all.”
“Yes. Since he’s in the middle of a three-year mourning period, today was the only proper justification for them to visit.”
The man who appeared to be in his early thirties with sharp eyes, answering her words, was Baek So-gang, the second son of the Annihilating Poison King Baek Sa-ha and the one in charge of external affairs.
The reason they were hastily changing locations was due to sudden guests.
“You said it was the second young master and the third young lady?”
“Yes. They each brought their subordinates.”
“Sigh. It seems they’ve made up their minds.”
“What can we do? They came because they want Father’s support.”
“That’s probably the case.”
The current Heaven and Earth Society was facing an increasingly fierce succession dispute.
Due to rumors that the Society Leader’s illness had worsened, the potential successors’ movements had become more agile.
Amidst this, the family head, the Annihilating Poison King Baek Sa-ha, had not supported any of the Society Leader’s disciples.
Thus, they would try to get a definite answer from him today, no matter what.
“It’s truly troublesome.”
“You’re right. But wasn’t this a problem that would eventually come?”
“Even so, don’t you know your father’s temperament?”
“Well… Sigh.”
Baek So-gang, the second son and the Outer Master, let out a sigh.
As his mother said, his father would never take back a word he had uttered.
So he was worried.
He was concerned that an unnecessary commotion might occur.
“Did you separate the rooms?”
At Madam Jang’s question, the second son Baek So-gang nodded.
There was no other choice, as it was impossible to know what would happen if the two potential successors were placed in the same reception room.
Then she said,
“Combine them into one room when they arrive.”
“Pardon? But if we do that…”
“If we keep them separate, it will be harder to refuse.”
“Ah…”
“It’s better to show them that we’re not choosing anyone when they’re together, so they’ll quietly back down.”
“Your words are wise, Mother.”
The second son Baek So-gang also nodded in agreement, as if he understood.
It was at that very moment when they were about to pass through the pavilion housing the reception room.
“Please wait a moment!”
At that moment, someone hurriedly ran towards them.
He was none other than one of the warriors guarding the entrance of the estate.
“Madam.”
Madam Jang asked with a puzzled expression,
“What’s the matter?”
“Well, another guest has just arrived.”
“A guest? Didn’t I tell you to seek understanding and send them back if they’re not relatives or pre-arranged visitors?”
“Yes, that’s true, but…”
Why had they come here when instructions had been given in advance?
She shook her head and said,
“Then send them back.”
“Please take a look at this.”
With those words, the warrior guarding the estate entrance took something out of his bosom.
It was none other than,
“No way. Is that…?”
The first-place tokens from the Corpse Blood Valley entrance.
Not just one, but three first-place tokens.
Knowing what this meant, Madam Jang’s brows furrowed.
***
The second disciple of the Society Leader, Jang Neung-ak, and the third disciple, Wi So-yeon, gathered in a single reception room.
And behind them, their respective subordinates were seated.
“Sigh.”
Jang Neung-ak let out a sigh as if he was annoyed.
Since he had entered the estate first, he thought he would naturally be able to meet the Annihilating Poison King Baek Sa-ha faster than Wi So-yeon.
However, they made him wait in the reception room, and now they were calling them to the same room.
As a result, his mood had become quite unpleasant.
‘… I don’t know if I should say it’s fortunate or not.’
Wi So-yeon was also uncomfortable.
Fortunately, she was able to avoid the situation where her second martial brother met with the Annihilating Poison King first, but if they faced each other like this, persuasion might become difficult.
It was because they might have to keep each other in check, and if they blatantly disparaged each other, it could turn into a full-blown confrontation.
-Creak!
At that moment, the door opened, and a middle-aged woman in her late fifties with graying hair appeared in the reception room, where the atmosphere had become even heavier.
Seeing the dignified woman, the second disciple Jang Neung-ak and the third disciple Wi So-yeon simultaneously stood up and greeted her with clasped hands and bowed heads.
“Greetings to the Baek family’s Madam.”
“It’s been a while, Madam.”
Since they were disciples of the Society Leader, they were already acquainted with her.
Wi So-yeon also took off her bamboo hat and white veil out of respect for Madam Jang, the wife of the Annihilating Poison King and the grand matriarch of the Baek family.
She took the lead first.
“Congratulations on your grandson’s first birthday.”
‘This wench.’
Jang Neung-ak slightly frowned but soon forced a smile and said,
“It’s truly a joyous occasion.”
‘Ah…’
At the congratulations from these two, Madam Jang clicked her tongue inwardly.
She couldn’t understand how they engaged in such subtle mind games while offering congratulations.
It was too obvious that they were conscious of each other.
Of course, she understood since they were in a competitive relationship.
-Swish!
“Thank you. I’m deeply grateful that you, the two disciples of the Society Leader, have come to this humble place to celebrate my grandson’s well-being.”
“It’s something we should congratulate, of course. But the Annihilating Poison King and the Young Family Head…?”
Jang Neung-ak carefully asked, glancing at Baek So-gang, the Outer Master and second son, standing next to her.
Of course, Madam Jang, as the grand matriarch, could also be considered an elder of this household, but how could the true protagonists of the first birthday celebration, the Young Family Head, not even show up when the potential successors who might become the future Society Leaders had come?
Baek So-gang answered this question.
“I apologize. Since it’s in the middle of the first birthday celebration and my older brother has to attend to the relatives, he couldn’t spare a moment to come.”
“Ah, is that so?”
“Yes. Please understand.”
“There’s no need to seek understanding or anything. It’s only natural to be busy when we’ve come during the celebration.”
Wi So-yeon spoke softly with a smile.
Jang Neung-ak also didn’t want to lose,
“You don’t need to mind. I’m not someone who lacks that much courtesy. Hohoho.”
It was a truly amusing sight.
Jang Neung-ak’s arrogant attitude was quite well-known within the Heaven and Earth Society, but seeing him try to cater like this was enough to make one feel astonished.
‘That’s how much he needs Father’s support.’
At that moment, Jang Neung-ak pointed to the gift box he had placed beside him and said,
“Since we’ve come all this way, I’d like to pay my respects to Elder Baek Sa-ha, even if it’s just a formality.”
Seeing Jang Neung-ak take the initiative, Wi So-yeon also chimed in as if agreeing,
“It seems we had the same thought, martial brother. I also wanted to directly meet Elder Baek Sa-ha, offer congratulations, and have a conversation about this and that.”
At her words, Jang Neung-ak let out a soft sigh.
He didn’t like how she was trying to get involved in any way.
It seemed she was trying to interfere with his business, but did she think he would easily let it slide?
-Swish!
Jang Neung-ak fanned himself with a folding fan and said,
“There’s no need for martial sister to be here. I’ll meet Elder Baek Sa-ha as a representative, so you can just leave.”
“How can I do that? It’s an opportunity to meet someone who is like an uncle after a long time, so leaving without even seeing his face would be disrespectful.”
“Why would it be considered disrespectful? I’ll convey the message well, so don’t worry.”
“No, it’s alright.”
Wi So-yeon flatly refused.
Jang Neung-ak glared at her fiercely.
Seeing the two potential successors now openly expressing hostility towards each other, Madam Jang clicked her tongue inwardly.
‘The situation we were concerned about might unfold.’
Feeling that it couldn’t be helped, Madam Jang finally tried to intervene.
“You two…”
At that moment, a voice was heard from outside the reception room.
“Madam, the disciple of the Shadow Clan Master has arrived.”
‘!?’
Hearing this, Jang Neung-ak and Wi So-yeon simultaneously frowned.
What was this about?
‘How did he…?’
‘The kid entered?’
The two of them naturally thought that Mok Gyeong-un would have just delivered the gift and left.
But they had no idea how he had entered the estate.
Then, Madam Jang clasped her hands together, slightly bowed her head towards the two of them, and opened her mouth,
“I apologize, but would it be alright to call the disciple of the Shadow Clan Master here for a moment as well?”
“Mok… No, why the disciple of the Shadow Clan Master?”
“I think I need to seek the same understanding from both of you and the disciple of the Shadow Clan Master.”
“The same understanding?”
At Madam Jang’s words, Jang Neung-ak and Wi So-yeon couldn’t hide their bewilderment.
What was she trying to say?
However, they were in a position where it was difficult to refuse her request, as they wanted to make a good impression on her.
“… Alright.”
“I don’t mind either.”
Soon, the door opened, and Mok Gyeong-un appeared.
Mok Gyeong-un clasped his hands together, bowed his head, and greeted everyone.
“I am Mok Gyeong-un, a disciple of the Shadow Clan Master.”
‘… He’s not just ordinarily good-looking.’
Madam Jang couldn’t help but admire Mok Gyeong-un’s face inwardly.
She had never seen a man’s face that gave off a beautiful impression rather than a handsome one.
But that was only for a moment, and,
“So you were the disciple of the Shadow Clan Master. I am the wife of Elder Baek Sa-ha.”
“Ah, so you are the Madam.”
Mok Gyeong-un lightly clasped his hands together and bowed again.
Then, she was about to introduce Jang Neung-ak and Wi So-yeon, but Jang Neung-ak waved his hand and said,
“We already exchanged greetings outside, Madam.”
“Ah, is that so?”
“Yes, I have greeted the two of them.”
At Mok Gyeong-un’s answer, Madam Jang pointed to an empty chair and said,
“Then have a seat.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Mok Gyeong-un went there, glanced at everyone once, and sat down.
Wi So-yeon was sitting next to him, and,
“How did you get in?”
She whispered to Mok Gyeong-un in a low voice.
At her question, Mok Gyeong-un smiled and replied,
“I have some business to take care of.”
“That’s not what I’m asking right now…”
Before Wi So-yeon could finish her sentence,
Madam Jang clasped her hands together, slightly bowed her head towards all the guests, and spoke,
“I’m afraid I have to seek your understanding, even though you have all gathered here. As you know, my husband is currently observing a three-year mourning period. That’s why we are all wearing mourning clothes.”
Of course, no one was unaware of this.
She continued,
“I’m grateful that you have come, but… I don’t think my husband will be able to meet anyone at the moment.”
“… What do you mean by that?”
Jang Neung-ak asked with narrowed eyes.
At his question, Madam Jang replied,
“It’s exactly as I said. My husband is currently living in isolation from the outside world. So I have no choice but to seek your understanding.”
“But aren’t you holding a first birthday celebration right now?”
“He didn’t even attend the first birthday celebration.”
At Madam Jang’s words, both Jang Neung-ak and Wi So-yeon fell silent.
They had come to take advantage of this opportunity, but who would have expected to hear that they couldn’t even meet him after entering the household?
No matter how much authority one of the Five Kings had, it was hard to understand how he could send them away without even showing his face when potential successors competing for the position of the next Society Leader had visited.
Both of them were displeased due to the unexpected variable and couldn’t readily agree.
Then, Madam Jang said to Mok Gyeong-un,
“Likewise, the disciple of the Shadow Clan Master should also just withdraw this time…”
“I’m afraid that would be difficult.”
‘!?’
Before she could finish her sentence, a rejection was expressed.
At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Madam Jang frowned and looked at him.
She was earnestly seeking their understanding, so what kind of manner of speech was this?
“I clearly said I was seeking your understanding…”
“I apologize, but as far as I know, the benefit of three first-place tokens is established by the sect’s rules, so no one can refuse it.”
“…”
At those words, Madam Jang bit her lower lip.
Mok Gyeong-un’s words were accurate.
Anyone who possessed three first-place tokens from the Corpse Blood Valley entrance could seek guidance from any executive, regardless of who they were.
And that executive could not refuse it.
Since it was established by the sect’s rules, everyone had to accept it.
However, the problem was that the Annihilating Poison King Baek Sa-ha was in a state where he couldn’t meet anyone.
That’s why she had politely sought their understanding in front of everyone, including the Society Leader’s disciples.
She thought that Mok Gyeong-un would no longer demand guidance, at least out of consideration for them.
But that expectation was off.
‘This child, really…’
Was he lacking in tact? Or was he just stubborn?
Whatever it was, it had become quite troublesome.
If they made an exception for Mok Gyeong-un to meet him due to the sect’s rules, what would happen to the potential successors?
It could be described as a dilemma.
In fact, Jang Neung-ak and Wi So-yeon were focusing on what answer she would give.
If she tried to let only Mok Gyeong-un in, citing the sect’s rules, there was an atmosphere that they would protest.
-Swish!
At that moment, the second son Baek So-gang, who was standing next to Madam Jang, grabbed her sleeve and shook his head.
Madam Jang let out a long sigh.
‘There’s no other way.’
She had tried to refuse and send them away on her own terms, but that seemed difficult.
It might be better to experience it directly.
***
Everyone followed Madam Jang and the second son Baek So-gang to the innermost part of the estate.
Behind the main hall, there was a shrine for the ancestors, and next to it, a small detached building was located.
When they arrived in front of this place, the second son Baek So-gang asked for their understanding.
“Please wait here for a moment.”
Baek So-gang entered the detached building.
It took about half an hour after he went inside before he came out again.
However, a faint steam-like substance was rising from his shoulders as he emerged.
As they were wondering why,
-Swish!
The second son Baek So-gang bowed his head several times towards everyone with a polite gesture and said,
“Thank you for waiting. I have informed Father about the young masters, the young lady, and the disciple of the Shadow Clan Master who has come to seek guidance.”
“Did he say he would meet us?”
Jang Neung-ak asked.
The second son Baek So-gang made a troubled expression and soon opened his mouth,
“… He said he would meet you.”
“Oh! In that case, I’ll go first…”
“But there is a condition.”
“What?”
At Baek So-gang’s words, Jang Neung-ak’s voice rose slightly.
He was already displeased, thinking that they could have met but were trying to send them away because of Mok Gyeong-un.
But now he was talking about a condition, and no matter how much he came to gain his support, it was difficult to hide his displeasure.
On the other hand,
“May I ask what the condition is?”
Wi So-yeon calmly asked about it.
She thought it was right for the one in need to comply in the current situation.
At her question, Baek So-gang went into the detached building and brought something out again.
It was a small table, and on it were a teapot and several teacups.
“This is…”
“If you can drink the tea we serve and dissolve it with your internal energy, or if we determine that you can endure it for more than an hour, you can enter.”
‘!?’
At his words, everyone couldn’t hide their bewilderment.
What was this about?
What did it mean to drink the tea and endure it to enter?
Then, Wi So-yeon frowned her pretty brows and said,
“Could it be that what’s in the teapot is poison?”
“That’s right.”
‘What?’
At the second son Baek So-gang’s answer, everyone stirred.
They had been wondering what the condition was to enter and meet him, but this was completely unexpected.
Who would have thought they would be offered a cup of poison?
Jang Neung-ak spoke as if it was absurd,
“Are you joking now? Drink the poison and endure it to enter, what kind of…”
“I apologize. But if you can’t do this, you might face a setback if you go inside.”
“A setback?”
“That’s right. Father, no, the Family Head said it was alright to tell you, so I’ll reveal it. Currently, the inside of this detached building is filled with poison qi.”
‘!?’
At his words, Jang Neung-ak frowned and looked at the detached building.
The inside was filled with poison qi?
As he was puzzled, Madam Jang, the grand matriarch, spoke instead of the second son Baek So-gang,
“The reason I sought your understanding was because of that. I did so because entering there might harm you instead.”
“Hah…”
“Even within the family, at most, only four people, including this child, can enter. The inside of the detached building is filled with such strong poison qi that even the Baek family members who have learned poison arts since childhood find it difficult to endure, so I had no choice but to seek your understanding.”
“…”
“Yet, will you still enter?”
At her words, Jang Neung-ak and Wi So-yeon hesitated for a moment.
It was difficult to know why the inside was filled with poison qi or why the Annihilating Poison King Baek Sa-ha wasn’t coming out from there.
But based on what they were saying now, it seemed there would be no chance to meet him unless they went inside.
‘… Poison.’
The problem was simply the poison.
Judging from what Madam Jang and the second son Baek So-gang were saying, it didn’t seem to be ordinary poison qi.
It was truly an absurd situation.
Did they have to go this far to meet the Annihilating Poison King?
‘Damn it.’
Jang Neung-ak shook his head back and forth.
Irritation surged through him, but there was no other way in the current situation.
If he gained the support of the Annihilating Poison King, he could definitely push Wi So-yeon out of the competition and even match his eldest martial brother to some extent.
No matter how unpleasant and distasteful it was, there was no reason to hesitate.
However, what was worrying was,
‘The poison of the Baek family.’
The poison arts of the Baek family led by the Annihilating Poison King Baek Sa-ha were known to be among the top three in the Central Plains.
He had heard that it was an extremely vicious poison art that was not easy to detoxify unless one was from the Sichuan Tang Clan or the Guyang Clan of the Western Regions. He wondered if he could easily endure it.
‘Endure it for an hour…’
It might be difficult if he didn’t protect his internal organs with internal energy from the beginning.
Jang Neung-ak glanced at Wi So-yeon.
She also seemed to be hesitating, concerned about the same thing as him.
‘Sigh.’
Alright.
If the conditions were the same for everyone, it was best to take the lead first.
That way, he could save some face.
Jang Neung-ak, who had made up his mind, was about to step forward at that very moment.
-Sizzle!
‘!?’
At that moment, he saw someone already filling a cup in front of him.
It was none other than Mok Gyeong-un.
He had not expected him to suddenly take the lead.
Meanwhile, the second son of the Baek family, Baek So-gang, spoke with a somewhat worried expression,
“Are you sure you’ll be alright?”
This poison was no ordinary poison.
It was a level that even skilled poison masters would find difficult to endure easily, as it was condensed from the poison qi inside the detached building and mixed with water.
‘His internal energy level seems shallow, if he drinks it carelessly and something happens before we can detoxify him…’
That was Baek So-gang’s concern.
Based on his spiritual perception, Mok Gyeong-un’s internal energy level seemed to be at most at the initial stage of the peak realm.
With this level of internal energy, there was a high probability that he would not be able to withstand the poison and would face a setback.
Baek So-gang admonished in a whispered voice,
“Young Master Mok. To be honest, don’t overdo it. With Young Master Mok’s current internal energy cultivation…”
-Gulp!
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un downed the cup in one go.
‘Oh my?’
Baek So-gang’s expression became perplexed.
He had tried to give him time to sufficiently raise his internal energy, but he just swallowed the extremely poisonous tea in one go?
But what he said next was quite a sight.
“It’s sweet.”
Chapter 143 – Annihilating Poison King (4)
‘What? Sweet?’
Baek So-gang, the second son of the Outer Master of the Annihilating Poison King Baek Sa-ha, clicked his tongue inwardly as if it was absurd.
Contrary to his appearance, the kid seemed to be full of bravado.
This extreme poison was something that even skilled internal energy masters would find difficult to endure if they didn’t purposely engage in breathing and energy circulation techniques.
Let alone Mok Gyeong-un, who was merely at the early stage of the peak realm, he couldn’t possibly withstand it.
‘I need to prepare.’
The fortunate thing was that this was the Baek family’s estate.
They were prepared to detoxify him if necessary.
At that moment, someone approached.
“Is it enough to drink it and endure for an hour?”
It was Jang Neung-ak, the second disciple of the Society Leader.
Since he had a reputation to uphold, he had wanted to be the first to drink the poisoned cup.
However, Mok Gyeong-un had beaten him to it, and his mood seemed unpleasant, judging from his expression.
“My lord!”
Seo Hye-in, the leader of the Grass Smoke Group and the fourth-ranked member of the Five Mountains Alliance, called out to him with a worried look.
No matter how much he wanted to gain support, drinking the poison that only four people could endure even in the Baek family, where skilled poison masters gathered, was an extremely dangerous act.
-Swish!
At that moment, Ho Jong-hyeok, the Grand Clan Leader of the Destruction Clan and the third-ranked member, shook his head.
“Shouldn’t we stop him? This is too much, no matter what…”
“Are you going to insult our lord?”
“Pardon?”
“What do you think will happen to our lord’s reputation if he backs down in front of other potential successors?”
At Ho Jong-hyeok’s words, Seo Hye-in closed her mouth.
His words made sense.
Although the condition was somewhat absurd, retreating in this situation would be equivalent to taking a step back in the competition for the successor position.
At that moment, Wi So-yeon, the third disciple of the Society Leader, also stepped forward and said,
“I will drink it too.”
She had also made up her mind.
In fact, Wi So-yeon possessed more extensive internal energy than anyone else, so she had some confidence.
However, she had never directly swallowed poison and done such a thing before, so she had hesitated for a moment.
‘… I can’t yield.’
From Wi So-yeon’s perspective, she absolutely needed the support of the Annihilating Poison King Baek Sa-ha.
That’s why she couldn’t back down like this.
As she approached the table with the teapot containing the poison, she glanced at Mok Gyeong-un.
‘Reckless.’
She had felt it from the first time she saw him, but this person was treading between boldness and recklessness.
She had directly confirmed his internal energy level in the Corpse Blood Valley report.
If it were an ordinary poison, he might be able to expel it from his body even with the internal energy of the initial stage of the peak realm if he continuously engaged in breathing and energy circulation techniques.
However, the current poison was on a completely different level.
It was an extreme poison created by the Baek family, one of the top three in the Central Plains when it came to poison arts.
If one didn’t possess supreme-stage internal energy, it might be difficult to endure.
‘Why is he going this far?’
She couldn’t understand Mok Gyeong-un at all.
If he had obtained the first-place tokens from the Corpse Blood Valley entrance, he should have sought guidance from the two people who held the title of Eight Stars, the supreme masters of the Central Plains, among the Five Kings.
But why the Annihilating Poison King, of all people?
‘What exactly does he want to learn?’
The Annihilating Poison King’s main martial art was poison arts.
It was a field that was completely different from ordinary martial artists, so even if he sought guidance, there wouldn’t be much gain. She couldn’t understand why he was doing this.
‘Is he an oddball?’
Anyway, it didn’t matter.
Now that things had turned out this way, she would be able to confirm Mok Gyeong-un’s true skills.
Since her martial brother had mentioned that he was in the realm of the supreme stage, she would be able to see if he had really progressed that much in this short period.
-Gulp!
At that moment, Jang Neung-ak swallowed the poison in the cup in one go.
Since Mok Gyeong-un had done it first, he couldn’t show himself drinking it slowly.
However, because it was an extreme poison, it was difficult to completely hide his expression.
‘Ugh.’
Along with the burning pain in his lips, nausea and extreme disgust surged up.
He felt like vomiting it out, even if he had to retch.
‘Damn it.’
They wanted him to eat this and endure for an hour?
Rather than an hour, he had to first detoxify the poison that had entered his body.
Even though he was protecting his esophagus and stomach walls with internal energy as soon as it entered, it still felt burning, and he was even getting a headache.
It was indeed worthy of being called the Baek family’s extreme poison.
‘I can’t show it.’
Jang Neung-ak tried his best to manage his expression.
His subordinates were also watching, and he couldn’t make a distorted face in front of that damn wench.
‘Sigh.’
Next, Wi So-yeon also swallowed the poison in the cup.
She didn’t even want to taste it, so she wrapped her mouth and tongue with internal energy and swallowed the poison.
Therefore, she could pay more attention to her expression compared to Jang Neung-ak.
However, even though she protected her tongue, she couldn’t help but frown at the stinging smell that passed through her throat and pierced her nose.
“Cough.”
Wi So-yeon, who had unknowingly coughed softly, turned her head with a reddened face.
What kind of unsightly behavior was this?
Coughing because of the nauseating smell.
She felt somewhat embarrassed, but anyway, she had to endure for an hour or quickly dissolve this extreme poison.
-Sizzle!
Not long after, a purple vapor rose from Wi So-yeon’s shoulders.
She wasn’t the only one.
Jang Neung-ak, the second disciple of the Society Leader, also started to have purple vapor rising from his shoulders, although slightly later than Wi So-yeon.
‘As expected!’
Wi So-yeon’s subordinates showed a triumphant expression upon seeing this.
Her profound internal energy was already famous within the Heaven and Earth Society.
‘Damn that wench.’
Jang Neung-ak cursed Wi So-yeon inwardly.
If it weren’t for her bizarre constitution, she would never have caught the Master’s eye.
At this rate, that wench might dissolve the poison first.
Therefore, Jang Neung-ak focused even more on expelling the poison from his body.
-Whoosh!
Perhaps because of that, the purple vapor above Jang Neung-ak’s shoulders became even thicker.
Madam Jang, the wife of the Annihilating Poison King Baek Sa-ha, and Baek So-gang, the second son, couldn’t help but admire this scene inwardly.
That poison was an extreme poison close to the poison qi that filled the detached building.
Being able to dissolve the poison that even the martial artists who had learned the Baek family’s poison arts couldn’t handle rashly was truly remarkable.
‘It’s not ordinary internal energy.’
They had heard that the Society Leader’s disciples all had deep internal energy, and it seemed to be true.
At this rate, it seemed they would be able to completely dissolve the extreme poison within half an hour, not even an hour.
However,
‘What’s this?’
The second son Baek So-gang looked at Mok Gyeong-un with a questioning gaze.
Unlike the Society Leader’s potential successors, Mok Gyeong-un was just standing still.
He thought he might be doing that because he was barely enduring it by raising his internal energy, but there was no sign of distress or anything on his face.
Rather, he even seemed relaxed.
‘… Is he really enduring the poison?’
It didn’t seem that way at all, no matter how he looked at it.
Those two potential successors had not cultivated their internal energy as deeply, so enduring it would be their best option, but why was there no change in his expression at all?
Wasn’t he having any difficulty?
It wasn’t just him who had this question.
‘What the hell is with this bastard?’
Jang Neung-ak also couldn’t hide his bewilderment when he saw Mok Gyeong-un standing still without even dissolving the poison.
Why was he just standing there?
This poison was so strong that if he didn’t quickly dissolve it, it could not only strain his internal organs but also affect his brain.
‘It should be dangerous, right?’
Wi So-yeon also looked at Mok Gyeong-un with concerned eyes.
He was the one who had drunk the poisoned cup first.
Yet, the fact that he still wasn’t raising his internal energy to dissolve the poison seemed extremely dangerous.
Unable to stand it any longer, the second son Baek So-gang approached and spoke in a low voice,
“Young Master Mok, if you’re having trouble expelling the poison qi, please say so.”
Trying too hard to pretend he was fine could lead to trouble.
However,
“It’s alright. But if there’s no problem with drinking the poison, can’t I just go in?”
‘!?’
At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Baek So-gang’s eyes narrowed.
If there’s no problem, he can just go in?
Could it be that he was really fine even though he had drunk the poison and hadn’t even expelled it?
“Young Master Mok… Are you really alright?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
‘How could that be?’
Baek So-gang looked at Mok Gyeong-un’s face.
Then, his eyes soon turned into a gaze of incomprehension.
That’s because if he had been poisoned, there should have been changes in his lips and complexion first, but there were no such signs at all on Mok Gyeong-un.
‘… Hah.’
What on earth was going on?
He shouldn’t have learned poison arts, so how could he be so unaffected after drinking the extreme poison?
As he was utterly baffled, Mok Gyeong-un said,
“Can I go in?”
“Young Master Mok… By any chance…”
He wanted to ask if he could examine his body with internal energy.
However, that was an act that completely deviated from martial etiquette even among members of the same Heaven and Earth Society.
Therefore, he couldn’t bring himself to say those words.
So,
“Young Master Mok, may I verify something for a moment?”
“Verify?”
“That’s right.”
There was a way to examine the body with internal energy, but there was also another method.
If Mok Gyeong-un’s saliva was dropped into a neutralizing liquid, they could determine whether he had been poisoned or not.
Those who practiced poison arts always carried this with them.
The second son Baek So-gang took out a small bottle the size of two fingers joined together from his waist and soaked a white handkerchief with the liquid.
Then he said to Mok Gyeong-un,
“Please put your saliva on this.”
“It’s not difficult, but is there a need to verify?”
“Pardon?”
“The ingredients seem to be a combination of picrotoxin, aconitine, urushiol, blue softshell turtle intestine poison, jimsonweed, mandrake, white snakeroot, Carassius auratus, Aconitum carmichaelii, red-striped scorpion venom, fire ant venom, poison dart frog venom, wasp venom, yohimbine, tetrodotoxin, and the yellow seeds of the oleander flower. Am I right?”
‘!!!!!!!!’
At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, the second son Baek So-gang’s eyes widened as if they would pop out.
For a moment, he doubted his own ears.
‘What the hell is this…?’
He was so shocked that he was at a loss for words.
The reason was that the extreme poison was created by condensing all the ingredients Mok Gyeong-un had mentioned.
The only ones who knew the main ingredients of this poison were the Annihilating Poison King Baek Sa-ha and his sons.
It was a combination of ingredients that were extremely difficult to obtain, and if the poison was condensed to this extent, it would be difficult for even skilled poison masters to identify even after a long analysis.
‘… This is unbelievable.’
It was so absurd that he wanted to deny it.
Mok Gyeong-un then said to him,
“Did I miss anything?”
At this question, the subordinates of the Society Leader’s second disciple Jang Neung-ak and third disciple Wi So-yeon looked at him with disbelief.
Was it possible to identify the ingredients after swallowing the poison, as if guessing food ingredients?
No matter what, this was too much.
As they were thinking that,
“… You got everything right.”
A shocking answer came from Baek So-gang’s mouth.
‘He got it right?’
‘Did he just say he got it right?’
‘What is this?’
The subordinates of the two potential successors were all astir.
Was it possible for someone who wasn’t a skilled poison master or a pharmacist to correctly identify the ingredients of a poison right after ingesting it?
They all had expressions of disbelief.
Meanwhile, Madam Jang, who was also surprised by her son Baek So-gang’s words, asked,
“… Young Master Mok, have you learned poison arts by any chance?”
“How could that be?”
“Then how did you know the ingredients of the poison?”
“Ah, I’ve been interested in medicinal herbs and poisonous plants since I was young, so I studied them.”
“Studied? On your own?”
At this question, Mok Gyeong-un thought of his grandfather, but he had no reason to reveal that to them.
And after coming out and experiencing the world, it seemed that some appropriate humility was necessary to a certain extent.
So,
“How could I have learned it on my own? I received help from the physicians and pharmacists around me.”
“Hah…”
Madam Jang was dumbfounded by those words.
It was difficult to fully believe this answer, but if Mok Gyeong-un was really this skilled in identifying poisonous plants or medicinal herbs due to his interest, he could be called a genius.
It wasn’t easy to differentiate the taste of medicinal herbs that were less harmful to the body.
Let alone poisons that were closer to pain than taste.
‘Who the hell is this child?’
If his level of identifying poisons was this high, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that he was close to the Young Family Head of the Baek family, no, the Annihilating Poison King Baek Sa-ha.
As they were amazed, Mok Gyeong-un spoke as if it was no big deal,
“If someone is interested in medicinal herbs or poisonous plants or has studied them, anyone can easily guess it. I don’t understand why you’re reacting like this.”
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