Chapter 397: Oh Dear.

There is something called Gwibicho (Ghost-Not-Grass Herb).

It is a plant that only blooms in humid regions of the western territories.

Though it looks beautiful, it is a type of poisonous herb that causes terrible hallucinations if accidentally ingested. It was one of the potent poisonous herbs, so much so that rumors circulated that unorthodox sects used it to create and sell hallucinogenic drugs. Furthermore, it was used to extract confessions from criminals, and delving deeper, it was even used for torture, but…

Trickle.

The Poison King knows.

That Gwibicho has its own unique taste.

If one had sufficient resistance to poison, it would have been a plant celebrated throughout the land.

Of course, ordinary people wouldn’t have poison resistance, nor could they cultivate it.

That’s why the Poison King liked Gwibicho.

It was a tea enjoyed only by him… no, to be precise, only within the Tang Clan. Because he could enjoy a better taste at a much lower price than other expensive tea leaves.

On a night when the full moon bloomed.

Slurp.

The master of the Tang Clan, the Poison King, sat alone on the wooden floor, sipping Gwibicha. He preferred this kind of tea over strong medicinal liquors. The only difference, perhaps, was that all those teas were made from poisonous herbs.

As he enjoyed the scenery while sipping a couple of mouthfuls, someone appeared behind the Poison King and approached. The woman carefully approached the Poison King’s side, bowed her head, and paid her respects.

“…Did you summon me, Master?”

The woman’s name was Nari.

On the surface, she worked as a servant belonging to the Tang Clan, but in essence, she was the leader of an assassination squad secretly operated by the Tang Clan. She was the leader of the Hidden Ghost Squad (備察鬼隊).

The Poison King opened his mouth without looking at Nari, who had approached.

“How did it look?”

Hearing his words, Nari slowly knelt on one knee. Then, keeping her gaze fixed on the floor, she began to list the details for the Poison King in a calm voice.

“Three stationed to the left of the entrance. Two stationed above, and four members stationed inside. All nine were discovered.”

Nari began reporting on events that had occurred a few hours prior. Upon hearing this, the Poison King looked at Nari with a peculiar expression. His expression suggested displeasure.

“Is your report incorrect?”

“…”

“Including you, that makes ten people. All of them should have been discovered by Young Master Gu, shouldn’t they?”

“…I apologize. I will correct it.”

Nari’s head bowed even lower. The Poison King was correct. Because she too had been discovered by that young man.

Nari’s white fists clenched tightly.

-You don’t seem like the type to work as a servant.

The young man’s words echoed buzzingly in her ears. How could I have been discovered? Was my response unskilled?

No. She was quite adept at concealing her presence, and she possessed confidence. Moreover, she had been acting with genuine intent due to the Poison King’s command. The young man named Gu Yangcheon seemed to have recognized her the moment he saw her.

‘I could somehow understand the nine people beforehand.’

That she herself had been found out was an unexpected event from Nari’s perspective.

Perhaps sensing Nari’s thoughts, the Poison King spoke, a small smile forming.

“Don’t worry too much about it. Thanks to you, I experienced something interesting.”

“…”

The Poison King grinned and took another sip of Gwibicha. At first, it was a simple test. Hearing he was such a remarkable child, I became curious about how outstanding he was, so I decided to play a little prank. As soon as he entered the entrance, he scattered his fighting spirit as if issuing a warning. And ultimately, he even discovered Nari, the squad leader. She is a figure who has reached the pinnacle of perfection as an assassin. If Nari wished, she could even join the Seven Night Assassins, led by the King of Assassins, a testament to her considerable standing. The child from the Gu family noticed her identity nonchalantly.

‘How on earth did he do it?’

From the Poison King’s perspective, it was simply astonishing. Furthermore, thanks to Nari informing him beforehand via telepathy, he was able to erase the presence of his daughter, who was hidden far away. If even Nari noticed, he would have easily detected Tang Xiaoye’s presence hidden in the back room. The Poison King had made considerable preparations in advance. Recalling that, the Poison King had to laugh inwardly with a sense of futility.

‘…At this age, I’m resorting to all sorts of things for my daughter.’

Thinking about what a state this was, a sigh escaped him. Moreover, while it was ostensibly for Tang Xiaoye’s sake… like others, the Poison King initially disliked Gu Yangcheon. What father would want to give their precious daughter to such a scoundrel who goes around chasing women? Initially, his intention was to tear Gu Yangcheon apart by any means necessary if he ever found him. But now, he harbored slightly different thoughts.

‘Hwa-gyeong at that age…’

The Poison King was certain after facing Gu Yangcheon directly. He had clearly reached Hwa-gyeong, surpassing the peak. Hwa-gyeong before reaching adulthood? This would be an unprecedented record in history. Considering Gu Yangcheon’s potential and future, it was not a bad position, nay, an exceptionally outstanding one. In the Poison King’s eyes, Gu Yangcheon was certain to reach the pinnacle of the martial world in the future. It felt as if he had inherited his father’s talent perfectly. Seeing that. Although he himself did not become a chivalrous hero… he believed his child would be different. Breaking through the Central Plains currently dominated by the Three Venerables. Reaching the highest position. Moreover, contrary to the rumors of Gu Yangcheon being a womanizer, he didn’t quite seem like one. It might not be the case, but isn’t it said that heroes often have a taste for beauty? Considering Gu Yangcheon’s value, such a trait could be overlooked. Besides, wasn’t his daughter completely smitten with him?

‘No wonder she kept mentioning his face.’

The Poison King shook his head, thinking of his daughter. He knew his daughter’s taste in people was quite far removed from ordinary. He wondered where he could find a man who would satisfy such Tang Xiaoye. Yet, a man who fit her criteria perfectly had appeared out of nowhere. If Tang Xiaoye was so deeply infatuated with Gu Yangcheon that she’d leave home and essentially run away, the Poison King was prepared to accept it at this point. If he were a mediocre fellow, he would have torn him apart by any means necessary, but… From such a young age, he was already making a name for himself throughout the Central Plains. If it was Gu Yangcheon, who had a high probability of becoming the number one under heaven in the future, the Poison King could be satisfied.

‘I never expected him to give me such an answer.’

The Poison King recalled what Gu Yangcheon had said during their recent meal.

-I don’t like that.

That was the words he spat out so confidently to the Poison King himself when told to stay away from Tang Xiaoye. He had been told to leave Tang Xiaoye’s side unless he broke off the engagement with the Namgung Family. Gu Yangcheon declared he would do neither. How could he do that? Was it childish defiance possible only because he was young and immature? Whatever the reason, it was undeniably selfish, but in the Poison King’s view, Gu Yangcheon possessed the talent to handle such selfishness. If Tang Xiaoye hadn’t interrupted and the conversation had continued, perhaps a deeper answer could have been heard, but Tang Xiaoye couldn’t hold back and intervened, so it was somewhat disappointing not to hear it properly. The Poison King nodded slightly after recalling that much.

‘Right, if he wants to take my daughter, he needs to be at least the number one under heaven.’

She’s his daughter, raised with utmost care like a treasure. Rather than sending her to some incompetent nobody, it was better to send her to someone with a guaranteed future.

‘However, if there’s one sticking point…’

If they were to eventually get engaged in the future. It would be the fact that he would have to send his precious daughter as a concubine. That was not something the Poison King could easily permit. Especially since it would create a disparity with the ‘Namgung’ family.

Swish.

Swirling the tea filling his cup, the Poison King let out a breath.

‘This part… it would be difficult to concede.’

Didn’t they already have a prior engagement? Even so, it didn’t matter. Because there was a way. The problem might be that it’s a somewhat messy method.

The Poison King downed the swirling tea in one go, took a breath, and looked at Nari as he spoke.

“We will depart in three days, so prepare meticulously.”

“Understood. What should I do about tomorrow’s schedule?”

“The Alliance Leader… no, I shouldn’t call him the Alliance Leader anymore. Rakgeom said he’s coming this way, so just be mindful of that when preparing.”

“Yes. Master.”

Although he still holds the position of Alliance Leader, as he himself said, Rakgeom will step down from the position. After that, there will be much discussion regarding the position of Alliance Leader for the Martial Arts Alliance.

‘It’s obvious the Wudang Sect will be eyeing it greedily again this time.’

It was common knowledge that the Wudang Sect Leader was aiming for the Alliance Leader position. It probably won’t be any different this time. What’s surprising in this situation is…

‘The rumor that the Dao King desires the Alliance Leader position.’

Talk that the head of the Peng Family is aiming for the leadership position of the Martial Arts Alliance has been subtly reaching my ears. Recalling that, the Poison King let out a chuckle.

‘Impossible.’

Even if that incompetent man desires the Alliance Leader position, could he dare to take it? No matter how I think about it, it’s impossible. It seems more plausible for the Dao King’s son to step forward. Yet, he covets the Alliance Leader position.

‘He doesn’t seem to know his place.’

It was the same in the past; he was still a man full of greed, matching his large physique.

‘In reality, it doesn’t matter who becomes leader, but…’

The Poison King’s eyes grew cold. It might even be beneficial if the Dao King becomes the Alliance Leader. Because that foolish fellow would be easy to manipulate. What’s unexpected is that the Sword King, whom I perceived as similar to the Dao King, shows no interest in this matter.

‘Something has changed.’

Should I call it his aura? More precisely, his momentum has shifted. The abrasive feeling I sensed from Namgung Jin has lessened. Instead, he was filled with the aura of a sharp swordsman, just like his epithet, Sword King. Barely a few years have passed, yet what kind of anomaly could have occurred?

Tap, tap. Tapping his teacup, the Poison King shifted his thoughts, then closed his eyes to clear his mind.

‘It doesn’t matter.’

Whatever changes they might undergo, it wouldn’t concern me. Because there was something else important to him right now. While his daughter’s future was precious… it wasn’t even the most important thing to the Poison King right now.

“Nari.”

“Yes. Master.”

Nari raised her head at the Poison King’s call. Shifting his gaze, what entered Nari’s eyes was the moonlight from the rising full moon, and… her own deep green eyes, shining faintly in response. The Poison King’s eyes were smiling, but seeing that smile, Nari felt compelled to shrink back.

“Relay this to the main sect (本門). Tell them to prepare the experimental subjects starting now.”

“…Under…stood.”

After replying, Nari slowly dispersed into the darkness and vanished. She was acting to fulfill her master’s command.

Immediately after Nari disappeared, the Poison King turned his head again and looked up at the moon. The Poison King thought. The moon tonight was exceptionally brilliant; it was perfect weather for drinking tea.

---

I returned to the inn where I was staying after finishing my meal with the Poison King. As soon as I entered the building, I rubbed my stomach.

“…My stomach hurts.”

I felt quite nauseous. It was probably the lingering effect of being under immense tension. I let out a tired sigh, recalling the meal we just had.

‘He was a much more slippery old man than I expected.’

I scowled, recalling the Poison King’s manner of speaking and expression. Just as I initially predicted, the Poison King was indeed a difficult person to deal with. To put it bluntly after conversing with him directly.

‘He’s the most like a Clan Head.’

Of the leaders of the Four Great Families I’ve met, he was the most like a Clan Head (家主). While perhaps not possessing overwhelming martial power, the way he controlled the flow of conversation and dominated the atmosphere confirmed he was the most politically developed individual. Thanks to that, I had to concentrate considerably to avoid getting swept away by the conversation’s current.

‘What does he want from me?’

The Poison King looked at me as if expecting something, but I had no idea what it could be. Moreover…

‘…Is he letting it slide?’

It also felt like he was going to let my earlier rudeness slide. The words I spoke about not giving up on the engagement or Tang Xiaoye. The Poison King must have heard them, yet nothing came of it during the meal. Was it because Tang Xiaoye suddenly intervened? Thanks to that, the conversation didn’t continue further, allowing us to get to the main point, but the lingering unease couldn’t be helped.

‘First, departure is in five days.’

Fortunately, I succeeded in setting the schedule for the trip to Sichuan. The Poison King didn’t seem particularly concerned about the accompaniment either. In fact, I thought I sensed a hint of pleasure, but that must be my imagination.

‘As for the Pak Family… didn’t that guy Pak Ucheol say he’d handle it?’

Pak Ucheol, who is rooted in Sichuan like the Tang Clan, is also scheduled to accompany me. Pak Ucheol did make a subtle face when I mentioned going with the Tang Clan, but he said it was fine, so there shouldn’t be any issues there.

That leaves…

‘Finishing the training within five days.’

The only thing left is to complete the training assigned by the Peak Master within that timeframe. For that purpose, I figured I’d head straight to the cave even now that it’s night. As I thought that and moved my feet…

Squeezing.

Someone grabbed the sleeve of my clothes. Following the direction of the force, I turned my head, and the one holding my clothes was none other than Tang Xiaoye. I had been walking back to the inn with Tang Xiaoye right after our meal ended. By the way… when did she start holding it?

As I stared at her strangely, Tang Xiaoye smiled brightly upon meeting my gaze. Her characteristic eye-smile felt unusually deep. Tang Xiaoye hadn’t said a word to me since we left the dining hall, only following along. When I occasionally glanced at her, she would just smile like this, without any particular conversation. I could only gauge from her smile that she seemed quite happy. Seeing that, I eventually broke the silence and asked.

“What’s wrong?”

“Hm?”

“You seem quite happy.”

“Heehee! It’s nothing!”

“…Right.”

Well, whatever makes her happy is good. Thinking that, I decided to move forward. After arriving at the inn and parting ways with Tang Xiaoye, I headed to my room. I planned to quickly change clothes and head straight to the cave. I figured I’d need to minimize sleep to finish my training, so I intended to stay up many nights.

The moment I entered my room…

“What the?”

I scowled upon seeing something bulging under the bedspread. It looked exactly like someone was lying on my bed. As soon as I confirmed it, anger surged.

“…You bastard?”

I thought it might be that Sleeping Dragon guy again. Did that Woo Hyuk fellow do this last time too? Why does this bastard keep causing trouble here? Without hesitation, I yanked off the blanket covering it.

“I definitely told you not to come here…”

As I pulled off the blanket, intending to yell, I instantly shut my mouth upon seeing the person lying on the bed. The figures sleeping soundly on my bed were not from the Sleeping Dragon group; in fact, there were two of them.

Perhaps reacting to the sound. One of them slowly rubbed their eyes and woke up.

“Young… Master…?”

The woman who yawned slightly and sat up, looking tired, was Wi Seol-ah. And Namgung Bi-ah was still sleeping soundly as if nothing was happening.

“What the…”

Meeting Wi Seol-ah’s eyes, I thought. What is this absurd situation now? Just as I managed to compose myself and was about to ask Wi Seol-ah what was going on…

Creak!

My door, which I had closed, suddenly swung open, and someone entered.

“Young Master…! Actually, there’s something I need to tell you…”

“Ah.”

The person who entered assertively was Tang Xiaoye. With a look of realization, I turned my gaze to check on Tang Xiaoye. It was to sort out the current situation, but Tang Xiaoye had already seen what was happening in the room and had frozen stiff as a stone.