Chapter 504: Give it to me just once.

As if loosening up, right after finishing training, I checked the sky.

It was still early for the sun to set.

‘Hmm.’

Similarly, it was also way too early for my body to loosen up, but…

I had to gather and put on the martial attire I had taken off.

Since not even a little sweat had flowed, I was quite disappointed, but it couldn’t be helped.

‘Now isn’t the time for training.’

If it were up to my heart, I’d want to hole up somewhere like a cave and go into seclusion.

But the situation wasn’t favorable.

‘Still, I moved diligently in my own way.’

I moved so intensely, wanting to make even a little time count.

Not even a speck of sweat, truly as small as a mouse dropping, flowed.

Even my body didn’t get tired.

‘Tsk.’

Is it because my level has risen, or because my body has changed? It should be something to be happy about either way, yet I feel a strange unease.

It’s probably because I haven’t properly examined my body.

‘It’s damn frustrating not knowing my own body well.’

Due to undergoing rapid changes, I didn’t properly know this body.

Even after checking it for days on end.

How hard are the strengthened skin and muscles, how much movement does it take to get tired.

As my capacity has widened, what happens to the amount of Qi.

How much compression and rotation can it withstand.

It was simply too insufficient to confirm all of this.

In other words.

‘My body’s limits have increased that much.’

My body has become strong enough that I can’t even see its limits even after spending this much time.

That much, at least, I could know for sure.

‘At this level, how much would it be compared to my skills in my past life?’

I thought it was about that much, maybe 20%. But now, I suspect it might be around 50%.

Of course, it’s not exact. As I said again, there wasn’t enough time to confirm this.

‘Especially regarding durability, it’s just a bit bothersome…’

The fastest way to know the strength of muscles and the toughness of skin is…

To cut and tear it myself.

You might think, ‘What kind of crazy act is that?’

Because a martial artist’s skin, after all, becomes tougher the more it’s torn and regenerates.

There were actually people who cauterized themselves with fire when training external martial arts.

It was also something I did in my past life, claiming it was for training.

If you just endure the pain, you get stronger.

There was no easier or faster way than this.

[…So, you’re saying you’ll tear your own flesh. Is that what you mean?]

‘If it’s necessary later.’

For better combat, it was necessary to understand my body’s condition.

How much I can endure. How many hits it takes to get injured.

Up to what point is just before death. I needed to know all of this.

‘Just when I thought I’d adapted a bit. Tsk.’

My body before shedding was just starting to take shape recently, after using and training it all this time.

To think it would change so unpredictably.

Squeeze.

Clenching my fist, I furrowed my brow.

I needed time.

However, I knew that time was also the thing I lacked the most right now.

What should I do?

I considered delving deeper, but recalling the task ahead, I moved my Qi.

Grrr-!

As the Qi seeped into my body, a reaction immediately occurred.

The sensation of my skin shifting and my skeleton twisting.

The pain was laughable compared to the agony of the Two-Winged Heaven Dance (투아파천무).

At most, it was like breaking a few bones.

Compared to the Two-Winged Heaven Dance, which always felt like being ground down, this was child’s play.

Crack-!

The bones that had been creaking for a while stopped. It meant the body’s transformation was complete.

I felt my field of vision lower and my body shrink.

After confirming that the Qi-Body Transformation Technique (기체변역술) had worked properly, I properly put on my martial attire.

Right after that.

“You’re late.”

I said, looking at the woman who had arrived behind me.

It was Nahi.

The moment she saw me, she avoided my eyes. I wondered why she was acting like that.

I figured it was probably because she had witnessed my body transforming firsthand.

“…I’m sorry.”

“Why are you late?”

I had called her quite a while ago, but Nahi arrived later than I expected.

I asked out of curiosity, but perhaps she misunderstood me, as Nahi trembled and knelt.

“…I’m… I’m sorry.”

“…Hmm.”

Seeing that, I had to scratch my cheek.

Did I go too hard when subduing her? She seemed utterly intimidated.

“…No, I mean… Did someone say they were going to kill you?”

Or maybe not? It felt like that might have been the case.

“Forget it… Just tell me why you’re late.”

Putting the awkward feeling aside, I asked the reason for her lateness.

“Well… Elder Il-jangro had given me some tasks…”

Elder Il… that must be referring to that old geezer, Dangmyeon or Dangbwi?

“What was it?”

“…The order was to separately concoct a paralyzing poison.”

“A paralyzing poison, huh? Who were you planning to feed it to?”

“…”

“Judging by your state, you were planning to feed it to me, weren’t you?”

There was no answer, but looking at Nahi’s eyes, I knew without hearing it.

‘What a foolish old man.’

I watched calmly, wondering if he was planning some grand scheme.

A paralyzing poison.

‘Not intending to kill, but to paralyze?’

If the intention is to use a paralyzing poison instead of a lethal one.

It seems there’s something else going on.

‘Hmm.’

Hearing that, I pondered what to do.

Since I’m curious about what he’ll do, should I just leave it for now?

Or perhaps…

‘Should I just go and flip things over?’

Nod.

I tilted my head and looked at Nahi.

Nahi, meeting my gaze, trembled.

The reason I urgently tried to gauge my body’s strength and limits was none other than this.

‘At this level…’

Is it possible to overturn everything?

That was what I needed to confirm.

And.

‘It doesn’t seem like it would be that difficult.’

I gained the confidence that it was possible.

Originally, due to the nature of the Tang Clan (당문), overturning things would have been impossible.

But now, precisely because it’s the ‘Tang Clan’, it has become possible.

And for good reason.

‘Because I am immune to all poisons (만독불침).’

I’ve developed resistance to poison. And not just any resistance, but a very strong one.

This alone makes running wild within the Tang Clan not a difficult task.

‘Living life, I’ve become all sorts of things.’

Immunity to all poisons.

Whether my actual body has reached the state of ‘immunity to all poisons’ is unknown.

What’s important is that I’ve gained strong resistance to poison.

That’s enough.

‘It’s more than enough to kill that rotten old geezer.’

If I had to pick a problem.

‘It’s whether I can clean up the mess after starting this.’

For that purpose, I brought it up with the Poison King (독왕), even securing justification.

Since I don’t know the Poison King well, it’s insufficient to trust him completely.

Therefore.

‘I must consider all possibilities.’

I trust no one.

As much as I experienced in my past life, this was the aspect I valued most in this life.

[So, what are you planning to do?]

I shifted my thoughts at the old man’s words.

‘Originally, I planned to finish it within a few days at most.’

Today, or perhaps tomorrow.

I’ll have to finish it at the right time, watching the Poison King’s movements.

For that, I kept Nahi close.

I even deliberately made it obvious and swallowed the poison.

Even as I piece together the situation like this, if there’s something bothering me.

‘It’s Father…’

Father coming to Sichuan now is the problem. I don’t know if he really came after receiving the letter, but…

Putting that aside, I’m concerned about whether I can handle this behind Father’s back.

‘…Ugh.’

This is annoying. In many ways.

“Hey.”

“Yes, yes…!”

I called Nahi. I saw Nahi flinch at my call.

“Have you talked to your brother?”

“…Yes.”

“That’s fortunate.”

When Dangdeok (당덕) was mentioned, Nahi’s expression darkened.

Perhaps it’s because she’s now fully aware that even Dangdeok has been corrupted by me.

‘Come to think of it, weren’t these guys also aiming for something like that?’

Nahi from the inside, Dangdeok from the outside.

They must have intended to do something for their own goals.

‘Both of them must have failed anyway.’

Recalling my past life. Dangdeok was obsessed with power.

He was a demon (마인) writhing with an unknown vengeful desire to destroy the Tang Clan.

Seeing how he flew into a rage upon hearing that the Demonic Cult (마교) had occupied Sichuan, and that I had killed the Poison Princess (독비).

‘Whatever he tried to do, the result was failure.’

What Dangdeok was doing outside might have failed.

‘Or…’

My gaze turned towards Nahi.

‘It might have gone wrong from the inside.’

It’s possible.

As I recall the events of my past life.

I could tell things hadn’t gone properly.

“This is an order.”

I spoke, infusing my words with Qi.

Nahi’s body immediately stiffened.

“You just need to answer honestly.”

I approached her and met her gaze.

“I intend to kill Elder Il starting now.”

“…!”

I saw Nahi’s eyes flash upon hearing my words.

From that, I could tell.

That Nahi had just felt a slight thrill at my words.

Sensing this, I smiled and asked.

“For that. How far can you go?”

How far can you go?

In reality, I could make her give up her own life by commanding her with Qi.

But I asked her anyway.

It’s not to gain loyalty, nor to boost her motivation.

Such useless things aren’t necessary.

This was purely for confirmation.

“You want that too, don’t you? Or not?”

“…I… I…”

At my question, Nahi’s eyes kept shaking.

It was as if an earthquake was happening.

As I quietly watched those eyes, Nahi, who had been trembling, finally spoke.

“I… I can do… anything…”

“Anything?”

“Yes….”

Hearing that answer, I nodded.

“Good. Then I have one favor to ask.”

“…”

There was no refusal this time either.

It wasn’t a particularly difficult request.

At most, it was to resolve the questions that arose recalling the Tang Clan from my past life.

The topic I recalled earlier.

Considering that Dangdeok became a demon (마인) in my past life, and that he had managed to preserve his life.

I had to consider the possibility that not just Nahi, but others involved in this matter might have failed.

If that’s the case, one hypothesis naturally arises.

‘The possibility that the rotten roots know about those who are trying to cut off their own sprouts from the beginning.’

This is about whether they know that others, including Nahi, are trying to do something.

Whether they realize it later, or know it from the start, is unknown.

However, if…

If they know something from the start.

That would be a bit problematic.

‘They called it a paralyzing poison, didn’t they?’

The paralyzing poison that side prepared.

Nahi said she prepared it to use on me, and due to the restrictions placed on her, she cannot lie.

But then again.

‘What if she actually knows the truth differently?’

This would cause problems. Although she heard it that way.

If the reality is different, it’s completely useless.

‘…In that case.’

If such a situation truly arises.

‘Who were they planning to use it on, if not me?’

I thought about this, and my eyes lit up.

Because there was a possible scenario.

If it matches my prediction, that would also be an annoying problem.

‘It’ll be fine.’

Despite the lingering unease, my actions were somewhat relaxed.

The reason is simple.

‘Because I’ve made preparations.’

Whatever happens, I’ve prepared to resolve it.

All I need to do now is confirm it.

******************

On the outskirts of the Tang Clan (당문), a large residence near the mountains.

This was a residence used by the Tang Clan’s bloodline members, specifically where the Poison King’s (독왕) treasured daughter resided.

One might wonder why the Clan Leader’s (가주) most cherished bloodline member resides in such an outer area, especially near the mountains.

This was something she had personally requested from the Clan Leader.

Grrr.

A large wolf growled contentedly in the yard.

It was a giant mountain wolf with black fur.

It was one of the few remaining wolves born in Sichuan, where demonic beasts (마물) appeared.

It was the beloved pet of Tang Soyeol (당소열), a member of the Tang Clan’s bloodline and the Poisonous Crane (독봉).

“Feeling good?”

Hearing the wolf’s growl, Tang Soyeol smiled.

It seemed the brushing, done after a long time, felt good.

“I’m sorry. I should have done this more often.”

Grrr…

“You understand? Thank you.”

At Tang Soyeol’s words, the wolf moved its body, showing affection.

Seeing the large wolf act so affectionately was amusing, yet also cute.

At least, from Tang Soyeol’s perspective.

Touching the wolf’s upturned belly, Tang Soyeol thought.

‘I wish Young Master-nim (Gongja-nim) would approach me like this too.’

Recalling a young man resembling a fierce wolf, Tang Soyeol couldn’t help but sigh.

It was a sigh filled with frustration.

The cause wasn’t the young man, but herself.

‘…No. If he approached, I wouldn’t be able to do anything anyway.’

It was a kind of lament.

Tang Soyeol had recognized that a problem had arisen since the last time she was embraced by Gu Yangcheon (구양천).

When she heard the powerful heartbeat in his embrace.

When she realized that, although she thought his build was small, his chest was much broader than expected.

From that moment, she hadn’t been herself.

She couldn’t even meet Gu Yangcheon’s eyes properly, let alone hold a conversation comfortably.

‘…Why am I like this?’

Did I just realize my feelings now? That couldn’t be it.

I realized my feelings of affection long, long ago.

So what is the problem?

‘…This isn’t the time…!’

This wasn’t the time to be flustered and distant, yet Tang Soyeol felt her situation and was filled with frustration.

Her fiancé, Namgung Bi-ah (남궁비아), seemed to know her place, positioning herself confidently and firmly.

Wi Seol-ah (위설아), while appearing inactive, was staking her claim beside him.

Furthermore, Moyong Hi-ah (모용희아), despite arriving last, possessed outstanding abilities and naturally secured her position.

‘…And me?’

Tang Soyeol had to realize she was standing alone and apart in this situation.

‘What should I do…?’

She wasn’t as talented as Namgung Bi-ah or Wi Seol-ah.

She knew she was pretty, but not absurdly beautiful like those two.

Moreover, she wasn’t as adept at handling people or as exceptionally intelligent as Moyong Hi-ah.

She had recently come to firmly realize how lacking she was.

The only thing she could rely on was her family background.

Namgung Bi-ah was born into the Namgung family, and Moyong Hi-ah was of the Moyong clan’s bloodline.

Even Wi Seol-ah was the granddaughter and successor of the Sword Master (검존), wasn’t she?

Even her background, which shouldn’t be envied by others, felt subtly inferior.

‘….’

There’s no answer. Truly, no answer.

If things continue like this, it feels like it will become increasingly difficult to stay by Young Master Gu’s side.

‘…What should I do. Really, what should I do?’

Can I stay by his side without any abilities?

Gu Yangcheon might say it’s fine, but that wasn’t something Tang Soyeol desired.

I must not be incompetent.

Gu Yangcheon was exceptionally outstanding. Having an incompetent self beside him was a problem.

To stay by his side, she had to achieve something.

Tang Soyeol recalled what Moyong Hi-ah told her every day.

-You must be someone who isn’t ashamed to be by his side.

When Gu Yangcheon isn’t around, Moyong Hi-ah is always reading some thick, mysterious book.

Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah practice their swords every day.

So what is Tang Soyeol doing amidst them?

Suddenly.

The brushing of the wolf stops.

And Tang Soyeol examined her palm.

She saw rough, cracked skin and plenty of calluses.

It was like evidence that Tang Soyeol was always making an effort.

‘But there are no results.’

Unlike her efforts, the results were poor.

Her martial arts didn’t improve; the only thing growing was her hair.

She carefully touched her hair, which she had diligently cared for and grown long.

‘…’

Since the women beside Gu Yangcheon all had long hair, Tang Soyeol, who previously had short hair, was also trying to grow hers out.

The strange self-loathing she felt from this tormented Tang Soyeol.

‘If it’s like this… I’m just a copycat.’

She always tried to improve.

But it was overwhelming to catch up to those soaring ahead.

“Haa.”

A sigh escaped her.

Despite coming all the way to Sichuan with Gu Yangcheon, Tang Soyeol, unable to make any significant progress, could only keep sighing.

What should I really do? As she was pondering this.

“Ho ho, are you home?”

A voice was heard from outside the residence. Tang Soyeol looked up, and an old man’s face appeared.

She hurriedly stood up.

“Ah… Elder-nim.”

“I apologize for the sudden visit.”

“Not at all….”

The old man was an Elder of the Tang Clan.

He was one of the people who had cherished her like a granddaughter since she was young.

Tang Soyeol forced a smile as she looked at him.

“What brings you here?”

“It’s nothing major… I just happened to want to see your face, so I stopped by.”

“Ah, in that case, I could have a servant bring some tea…”

“Oh.”

At Tang Soyeol’s words, Elder Il’s eyes lit up.

Then, he took something out from his robes.

“It felt a bit awkward just seeing you, so I happened to bring some good tea as a gift. How fortunate.”

“Oh my…. You didn’t have to.”

“Haha, but how could I come empty-handed?”

Elder Il gave a good-natured smile and offered the tea in his hand to Tang Soyeol.

Just as Tang Soyeol was about to take Elder Il’s gift with her hands.

Grip-!

Thump-!

The item held in Elder Il’s hand was dropped to the floor with a thump.

It was because someone had grabbed Elder Il’s wrist.

“…!”

Elder Il’s eyes widened at the sudden contact.

It was a large hand and pressure.

“What the…!”

Elder Il looked in surprise at the one who blocked him, showing signs of panic.

The man who blocked him merely stared at Elder Il with a cold gaze.

“You rascal…! What do you think you’re doing?!”

Elder Il shouted furiously, but the man remained unresponsive.

Just then.

“Unauthorized approach is forbidden.”

The man, Dangdeok, spoke while looking at Elder Il.

Upon hearing those words, Elder Il’s brow furrowed deeply.