Chapter 487: What are you splitting?

Immediately after saying I’d eaten poison and collapsed.

The chilling silence in the annex was enough to feel like a dagger to my heart, but ultimately, the situation unfolded as I had expected.

Because it was true that I had actually ingested poison.

“It seems to be the poison of the Bi-yu Flower.”

These were the words spat out by the physician examining my body.

At those words, I heard the sound of gasps from those around me.

The Bi-yu Flower, huh.

The first to react to those words was Shin Noyanim.

[You really used something nasty.]

‘I know, right.’

A wry laugh escaped me.

The poison of the Bi-yu Flower, you see, is the venom of a rare poisonous herb that grows in the northern regions, specifically at high altitudes.

It’s one of the poisons that even typical assassins don’t use when attempting poisoning.

Its effect is to temporarily block the flow of internal energy, along with…

…causing difficulty breathing, and shortly after, the body burns from the inside out until the heart stops.

While its efficacy as a poison is certain, as mentioned above, it’s a poisonous herb that isn’t typically used for assassination.

The reason is none other than…

‘Because it’s damn expensive.’

Compared to poisonous herbs with similar effects, the Bi-yu Flower is prohibitively expensive due to its rarity, and that’s the problem.

Moreover, martial artists who have reached a certain level rarely die even if they ingest poison that blocks their internal energy, which is why it’s even less commonly used.

If there’s a problem, it’s that severe aftereffects can remain.

Such as the energy center being ruined.

Or developing a heart condition that prevents further use of martial arts.

‘What a fucking pain.’

Thinking that far, I couldn’t help but laugh.

‘Seems like their personalities are more impatient than I thought.’

It wasn’t that I didn’t expect them to act like this.

In fact, I hoped for this situation to occur and even induced it.

But I didn’t expect them to come at me this quickly.

‘Did I show my hand too much?’

Was it because I acted like I knew a lot?

Or perhaps because I didn’t bother silencing Nani?

No matter what, a child from a prestigious family residing within another sect, I didn’t expect them to casually slip poison.

‘It’s a warning. That’s what this means.’

This is Tangmun’s territory. So, don’t act rashly. That was roughly the meaning.

The reason they used the Bi-yu Flower, which is expensive and less effective…

…given Tangmun’s nature of meticulously managing the food served to guests, the reason they went through the trouble of poisoning me via food despite that…

…was all a warning.

On this land.

I, or rather, we, can deal with you anytime.

No matter your background or cultivation level, we can touch you anytime, so don’t speak carelessly.

Such meaning was imbued within the Bi-yu Flower’s poison.

Thinking about it, I couldn’t help but laugh.

‘These bastards who don’t know their place.’

The sight of these rotten, corrupted scoundrels pretending to be noble while doing dirty deeds.

No matter how I looked at it, it was undeniably ridiculous behavior for a righteous sect that supposedly centered on justice and chivalry.

‘Haha, fuck. How is it that the more I learn, the less appealing it becomes?’

It was the same in my past life, but the more I dug, the more I realized how messed up things were, yet I still didn’t understand.

The desire to just tear it all down grew stronger.

What would the people who upheld their beliefs in the past think if they saw this mess?

From my perspective, they’d probably understand dying again after spitting blood.

[…Kid, are you perhaps subtly mocking me right now?]

‘Oh, how could that be.’

You’re like a sharp-eyed lynx.

Anyway, you always notice when it’s about yourself like a ghost.

Ah, right, you are a ghost.

‘Anyway.’

The deed was done.

I knew this wouldn’t end merely as a warning.

Would people who can easily pull off something like this really stop at just a warning?

‘No way.’

It was absolutely not going to happen.

“W-what…what do we do….”

Lying there with my eyes closed, I heard a choked sob.

Tang Soyeol’s voice.

Since I had swallowed the poison right next to her and collapsed, her reaction was natural.

“What do we do about our Gongja-nim… Daddy…”

Tang Soyeol sobbed, tears streaming down her face.

There weren’t many presences around.

Including the physician, it seemed to be just Dokwang and Tang Soyeol.

“First, you need to go back so we can assess the situation.”

“B-but…”

“Quickly!”

Tang Soyeol flinched at Dokwang’s shout.

Tang Soyeol then seemed unsure of what to do, before finally leaving with hesitant steps.

“…Physician Baek, please step out for a moment as well.”

“Understood… Gaju-nim.”

The Tangmun physician also went outside.

A moment of silence followed.

“Haaah…”

I heard Dokwang let out a deep, weary sigh.

Hearing that, I suddenly sat bolt upright.

“Ah, I thought I was going to die of stuffiness.”

“…Ugh?!”

As I quickly sat up, Dokwang, who was watching, looked genuinely surprised, which was rare.

“G-Gongja-nim?”

“Why are you so surprised? I was the one more surprised.”

“How on earth…?”

Dokwang’s reaction made me wear a strange expression instead.

I naturally assumed Dokwang knew I was pretending to be unconscious. But his reaction suggested he didn’t.

“…Are you alright?”

“Yes, I think I’m well enough to converse.”

For a martial artist of Dokwang’s level, noticing something like this should be easy.

The fact that he didn’t realize means…

‘Is this also a change in my body?’

Is it a phenomenon caused by practicing Energy Body Transformation Technique? Or is it an advantage gained from my body’s reconstruction?

I don’t know for sure, but it wasn’t a bad phenomenon.

If even a Hwa-gyeong level martial artist couldn’t discern it, it was a significant advantage.

Tuduk.

As I stretched slightly, rolling my body here and there, Dokwang spoke to me.

“First, allow me to apologize. I regret that you suffered such an unpleasant incident within my sect.”

At the sudden apology, I turned my gaze to Dokwang.

Judging by his eyes alone, the apology seemed sincere.

‘He probably has no choice but to feel that way.’

Tangmun’s reputation in the world is not very good.

After all, their martial arts involved poison and hidden weapons, which easily makes them shunned by others.

Although this perception lessened after Tangmun began manufacturing and exporting weapons…

…there were still those in the world who viewed Tangmun as dangerous.

That’s why they pay extra attention.

The lodging provided for guests.

The food served, etc.

They had to ensure there were no issues after several checks.

It was something even Dokwang paid close attention to, ensuring not even the slightest incident occurred.

‘With something like this happening so casually, he must be frustrated.’

I merely observed Dokwang’s reaction closely.

Still. Just as it had been from the beginning, always.

I hadn’t dismissed my suspicion towards Dokwang.

Hiding those thoughts for now, I spoke to Dokwang.

“I’m fine. Rather, it’s fortunate that things went as expected.”

“What?”

Hearing my answer, Dokwang’s eyes wavered.

“As expected? Gongja-nim, what do you mean? Could it be….”

Various questions flashed across his expression.

“Are you saying you did this intentionally?”

Dokwang, having grasped the meaning of my words, looked greatly shocked.

Seeing that, I replied sheepishly.

“I didn’t expect it to go this far… but to some extent, yes?”

It was an admission that I had aimed for this.

Upon hearing this, Dokwang frowned deeply and said to me,

“Why on earth would you do something like this?”

Why did I do this?

At Dokwang’s question, I couldn’t help but click my tongue inwardly.

“Isn’t it a good thing?”

“What…?”

“You must have gained certainty, right?”

“…!”

Dokwang’s eyes widened even more than before upon hearing my words.

The words, ‘Haven’t you gained certainty?’

That something was indeed happening within Tangmun without Dokwang’s knowledge, and furthermore, an incident that would make him dismiss his suspicions about what I said.

By witnessing this incident firsthand, Dokwang should have gained certainty.

Certainty that something was happening behind his back.

“…You mean you intentionally ingested poison for that purpose?”

He looked at me as if I were a lunatic.

Is it really that surprising that I swallowed poison myself for this?

[Well, when you say you knowingly ate poison, wouldn’t anyone be surprised?]

‘Well, that’s true, but…’

It’s just a little disappointing.

I thought Dokwang, being Dokwang, would immediately grasp the situation and say something else.

Does that mean the shock was that great?

“As for eating the poison, it’s fine because I knew I wouldn’t die anyway.”

“That’s not the issue right now…!”

Dokwang reacted rather intensely to my calmly spoken words.

‘Hmm.’

Perhaps he was worried that this incident would further worsen Tangmun’s reputation?

There was nothing I could do about that.

It wasn’t something I could consider while factoring in such things.

Just as I was starting to understand Dokwang’s reaction, thinking this might be the issue…

“What if there were aftereffects?”

“…”

“Even if you are young, what kind of reckless behavior is this?”

‘Huh.’

The conversation turned out to be much more normal than I expected, which caught me off guard.

I never imagined he’d worry about my health. This is quite unexpected.

[Isn’t it just that you have too little faith in the world?]

‘This is quite novel.’

Perhaps because of that.

I couldn’t help but chuckle slightly.

“Gongja-nim?”

“Ah, my apologies. I wasn’t laughing mockingly or anything. It’s just that Gaju-nim’s reaction was rather unexpected.”

Having said that, I got off the bed.

Kkumteul.

As I tried to move, an unfamiliar energy surged within my body.

I knew it the moment I felt it.

This must be the poison’s energy.

Perhaps because the energy felt distinctly different, I could feel it exceptionally clearly.

‘Hmm.’

Feeling that poisonous energy, I slightly furrowed my brow.

It was something I’d felt since returning to the Hyun-gye, but only after ingesting the poison did I gain certainty.

I moved my fingertips slightly and said to Dokwang.

“It’s quite astonishing that you’re worried.”

“Don’t move. The antidote hasn’t….”

“Would the justification be sufficient with this much?”

“…!”

“From my perspective, it seems sufficient.”

As I said this with a smile, Dokwang shut his mouth tightly.

Justification. Hearing the word, Dokwang seemed to realize something.

Whatever the matter, there must be justification.

Whether it’s personal revenge or moving towards something.

Or even overturning an entire sect.

Such actions require sufficient justification.

It also served as a driving force that made humans act more easily when undertaking something.

It was something Dokwang needed more than anything right now.

‘Honestly, I could just flip everything over out of anger.’

But it might not be the same for the Gaju.

I was showing him a measure of consideration.

And on top of that.

‘It’s good to have a reason for me to go wild too.’

I wanted to create a reason that would allow me to cause chaos comfortably.

[Seeing you put your mind to work only at times like this is truly saddening in many ways.]

‘You always mix insults with praise. Can’t you just do one or the other?’

[What are you talking about? It was all insults.]

‘…’

I thought you were indirectly complimenting me by saying I know how to use my head. Apparently not.

Keung.

Sniffling sheepishly, I walked past Dokwang.

“As I mentioned last time, I am not waiting for your answer, Gaju-nim.”

Meaning, I’ll do it even if you don’t step up.

“I’ll be going ahead.”

“Gongja-nim! As I said earlier, the antidote hasn’t….”

“You don’t need to give me the antidote. I don’t think I’ll need it.”

“What do you mean…?”

“It’s not as painful a poison as I thought. I’ll let you know if I need it.”

Saying that, I bowed politely and stepped outside.

I could feel Dokwang watching me leave with a vacant stare, unable to stop me.

But I was genuinely fine.

‘Strange.’

Woong.

The poison energy gathered in my body. Feeling it, I recalled…

…the other anomaly that occurred upon returning to the Hyun-gye.

I gently spread my energy towards the felt poison.

And then.

Paseuseuseu…!

The poison within my body gradually disappeared, and smoke escaped from my mouth.

Seeing that, I let out a hollow laugh.

‘So that’s why I drank all that lake water.’

I had absorbed all the water from Dokcheon Lake, but my energy didn’t increase – what a shitty situation.

I didn’t think Tang Jjemun would break her family’s treasure as a ‘gift’.

Now I could finally understand the true gift she had mentioned.

It seems I…

‘This actually works.’

The dream body that Tangmun desired so much.

It seemed I had become immune to all poisons.

---

After walking a short distance out of my residence.

I saw Tang Soyeol standing far away.

As I slowly walked towards her, Tang Soyeol seemed to spot me too, startling and running towards me.

“G-Gongja-nim!?”

“Hello.”

“How…? They said you might not regain consciousness for days… Are you okay…?”

“Ah, I’m fine. Seems the poison was weaker than expected.”

As I said that with a smile, mixing in a joke, Tang Soyeol burst into tears and hugged me.

I was quite surprised by the sudden embrace.

“Hey, why are you crying? I told you I’m fine?”

“I’m sorryyy… I’m really sorry…”

Shit.

I could feel my chest getting wet from her crying in my arms.

She must have been very worried, given what happened at Tangmun.

“When you collapsed as if acting… I thought you were lying then. I’m sorry. Really…”

“…”

Tang Soyeol’s apologetic words really stung.

[See? I told you, you shouldn’t act.]

‘…Damn it.’

It was my best acting, though.

It didn’t work. At this point, the world was definitely wrong.

It’s not me who’s wrong, it’s the world. Yep.

[That’s… no. Forget it.]

Noyanim reacting as if giving up made me feel even more annoyed.

Soothing my bitter feelings, I stroked Tang Soyeol’s hair.

“Calm down. They say I just need a few days of rest.”

“But…”

“Stop crying. I don’t feel like washing my clothes.”

Strictly speaking, the servants did the washing, but it felt uncomfortable to have them soaked with tears.

“Yes…”

At my words, Tang Soyeol pouted.

She seemed a bit hurt by my words.

Just as I was considering apologizing after seeing that…

“Tsk tsk… What a lovely sight.”

Someone approached and spoke to me.

My gaze shifted.

An old man. Dressed in deep green silk robes, with neatly styled white hair.

And moreover.

Even a faint scent of blood, similar to what I sensed from Dokwang.

He was the old man who had been nearby since Tang Soyeol approached.

“Ah.”

Seeing the old man, Tang Soyeol jumped back from me in surprise.

Judging by her reddened ears, she seemed embarrassed.

“Th-that. Ah. This… this is our Elder. Elder, this is…”

“I know, Gongnyo-nim. How could I not recognize the young hero who’s the talk of the town?”

‘Gongnyo-nim?’

I tilted my head at the title uttered by the old man.

Gongnyo? And with such extreme politeness.

No matter that she’s of the Gaju’s bloodline, it was excessive courtesy for a sect elder to show.

In such a situation, the old man approached me with a wide smile.

“So Yeomra. Young Hero So is surely called that, aren’t you? Tsk tsk… It is truly an honor to meet the person who will lead the future of the Central Plains.”

“Mm.”

“I am Tangmun’s First Elder. Tang Bwi.”

The old man introduced himself with a smile.

Tang Bwi.

It’s a name I haven’t heard before.

It’s a name I might recall if I tried, somehow.

But I had no intention of doing so.

Tang Bwi, greeting me with a seemingly kind smile.

I met his gaze and smiled back.

Hwik.

“Aah!?”

I suddenly pulled Tang Soyeol into an embrace.

Tang Soyeol cried out at the sudden action, but…

Woong.

I lightly placed a qi barrier on my fingertips and covered Tang Soyeol’s ears.

So she couldn’t hear anything.

Immediately after, looking at Tang Bwi’s face, I said as plainly as possible.

“What are you smirking at?”

“…!??”

“You asking to die?”

At my outburst, Tang Bwi’s smile instantly crumbled.