Chapter 833: Ilcheonkyo.

I frowned, thinking I heard something strange.

‘…Did I hear wrong?’

The guy who, just moments ago, was speaking so formally, almost cuttingly, as if trying to keep his distance, suddenly calls me son-in-law. His words, brimming with desire, were utterly absurd.

Or perhaps not. Should I say it’s good because he’s being honest?

‘I understand, though.’

The hope gleaming in the Poison King’s eyes. Sensing it, I let out a small sigh. Because I could understand why he was so pleased.

His hands hesitated, unsure of what to do. I watched them for a moment before turning my gaze away.

Hwaaah–!!

I saw the mixture, still glowing.

Not just light, the power felt from the mixture was truly immense.

It was a difference that couldn’t even be compared to what I felt before adding the magic stones. I knew for sure the moment I saw it.

‘It succeeded.’

This is what the real thing looks like. It was so brilliant, there was no way I could mistake it.

‘My prediction was correct.’

It was a relief.

I had worried about what if it was wrong. How funny that my prediction turned out to be so accurate.

When the Poison King came and said the magic stones were the problem. This is what immediately came to mind.

The demonic energy of the magic stones is the issue. So, when I removed the energy and tried adding it, there was no reaction.

Therefore, since he insisted the magic stones were necessary, I reached one conclusion.

‘A different energy, not demonic energy, needs to enter the magic stones.’

Magic stones are stones containing demonic energy, so this seemed like a contradiction, but since this was the result, it’s the correct answer.

The problem was.

‘Why specifically the red magic stone?’

Out of so many magic stones, why was it the red one? If I had to question it, this was the first thought that came to mind. Why? I pondered the question, but now I think I understand a little.

‘I see.’

If I were to recall the correct answer, it wasn’t possible because it was the red magic stone. To be precise with my words, it would be more accurate to say it became possible starting with the red one.

‘The reason I said to use the red one is because it was the minimum requirement.’

I’ll need to confirm it properly, but it’s probably correct.

‘Green and blue ones wouldn’t be enough.’

The value of energy a magic stone could hold varied depending on its grade. From that perspective, the reason they specifically mentioned red was likely due to the sheer amount of energy.

‘You need to put in energy equivalent to that of a red stone to use it.’

The amount of energy a red magic stone can possess. Isn’t that about the amount needed to be usable?

That was my current prediction. It was because I didn’t have enough information to be certain.

‘Especially.’

I looked back. The magic stone used to make the mixture. After absorbing all the energy, it was a stone made by filling the void with my energy. It was the material created to make the current mixture.

However.

‘It shattered the moment it fell from my hand.’

Even though I hadn’t even finished grinding the magic stone, it broke into pieces the instant it slipped from my hand.

‘Did it break from being ground, or did it break because it fell from my hand?’

This was also something I needed to check.

‘Either way, we’ve confirmed this is the right path.’

The manufacturing of the Poison Heaven Pill was successful. That’s the only thing that matters now. After years of preparation, something succeeded; what could be more important than this?

“Master Tang.”

“Yes, son-in-law. What is it?”

“No… uh…”

His attitude changed so drastically that I was momentarily flustured, but I managed to move past it.

“…I don’t know how to roll the pills. Could you do it for me?”

“Ah-!”

Only then did the Poison King seem to snap back to reality, approaching and taking the mixture. I watched it intently.

‘It seems fine even after leaving my hand.’

The mixture, now in the Poison King’s arms, showed no change. It still held its light, and it even seemed like the energy was growing stronger.

‘Is it okay?’

Whether I could rest assured depended on the outcome, but… ‘It seems like it’ll be okay.’

Visually, there didn’t seem to be any major issues. With that much energy, at the very least, it wouldn’t result in a mediocre pill upon completion.

However, if it were to fail…

‘…that would be quite a headache.’

It meant I’d have to find another method, and just imagining it made my head hurt, but fortunately, shortly after the Poison King handled the mixture.

Time passed, and seeing the three pills before me, I could nod.

“It really succeeded….”

The Poison King murmured, sounding deeply moved.

“Truly….”

As if unable to bring himself to touch them, the Poison King gazed forlornly at the pills. I’d never seen that kind of expression before.

‘…Hmm.’

It’s understandable that he’s moved. I get that too.

“Master Tang.”

“Just say the word, son….”

“Then, could you please stop calling me that ‘son-in-law’ thing?”

“…”

The Poison King quietly nodded. The fact that he looked disappointed in the process was truly absurd. I averted my gaze and asked, looking at the pills.

“Are the pills going to the storage room now?”

“Yes, we have a space prepared.”

“So we have to wait about half a year, then.”

“If the manufacturing method is correct, that is.”

The final step of the Poison Heaven Pill’s manufacturing method. If manufacturing succeeded after adding the magic stones, it had to be kept in a cool underground space for half a year. This is a process that other pills, including Shaolin’s Great Replenishment Pill, also undergo. Although the time and location differ, they usually go through a process of maturation lasting several months. Only after that period…

‘…can I meet the Poison Heaven Pill.’

It’s a shame to wait several months, but if it’s completed, none of that matters.

‘With this.’

The plan I originally had for the Poison Heaven Pill. The commercialization of the Poison Heaven Pill. I can now aim for that.

It’s a satisfactory result. The Poison King also seemed relieved, and everything turned out not too bad. Honestly, I didn’t expect it to succeed so quickly.

‘I thought it would take at least two days, you know.’

I planned to go through a few trial-and-error attempts, and if it didn’t work, I’d invest more time in the Tang clan. That’s what I had decided and came here for, but…

‘Nice.’

It turned into something quite rewarding, so I felt good. I definitely thought so, but…

“Hmm.”

Unlike the Poison King, who was simply overjoyed, my eyes held a slight unease as I looked at the Poison Heaven Pill. It was definitely a pill, that much was certain. The energy and feel were similar to the Poison Heaven Pills stored by the Tang clan and myself. It felt a bit unstable, but I thought that might be resolved during the storage process over time.

So, in the end, it’s a successful outcome, isn’t it? Is there any need to feel uneasy? Even thinking that, a question lingered. The reason I thought this was simple.

“Master Tang.”

“Speak.”

“But can we really call that… a Poison Heaven Pill?”

After going to the trouble of making a Poison Heaven Pill, asking if it’s actually a Poison Heaven Pill. Even I thought it was a strange thing to say, but…

“…”

Surprisingly, the Poison King couldn’t answer easily either. He must have known about the problem with this Poison Heaven Pill too.

Everything else was good.

‘The concentrated energy is good, and the condition is fine.’

It’s something that wouldn’t lose out even when compared to the Great Replenishment Pill. That was indeed the pill before my eyes, but…

‘…isn’t it a bit strange to call this a Poison Heaven Pill?’

There was one major problem. And that was…

‘There’s no poison qi.’

The poison qi isn’t felt from the pill. It possesses a radiant, deep energy and the inherent sanctity of a pill. However, the most crucial part that makes it called a Poison Heaven Pill was missing. The reason why the Poison Heaven Pill is considered slightly superior when compared to the Great Replenishment Pill is precisely the poison qi. Not only does consuming the Poison Heaven Pill grant a significant amount of internal energy… it also increases resistance to poison, which is difficult to raise, hence its high evaluation, but…

‘I can’t feel it.’

The successful product of the Poison Heaven Pill I painstakingly made didn’t emit its characteristic poison qi. Even worse.

‘It feels like something else is there besides poison qi….’

Instead of the poison qi that should have been there, another energy occupied its place. It was an energy I couldn’t possibly mistake.

‘Fire qi.’

Fire qi (火氣). Those who have mastered fire arts. Or it’s the energy contained within the bodies of those who have spent countless years in front of flames. Becoming familiar with flames and embracing them within oneself. That is fire qi, but…

‘Why does fire qi suddenly feel like it’s in the Poison Heaven Pill?’

The Poison Heaven Pill, made by mixing poisonous herbs and spiritual herbs like crazy. And suddenly fire qi out of nowhere? Perhaps I wasn’t the only one who noticed this strangeness, as the Poison King’s expression had also become subtle.

‘…What could have gone wrong?’

Where did the problem occur? The pill was completed properly, so what on earth went wrong…?

‘Huh?’

As I pondered the question, a thought suddenly flashed through my mind. The reason why fire qi, not poison qi, was contained in the Poison Heaven Pill.

“No way.”

I rolled my eyes and looked at my hands.

‘By putting my energy in?’

The act of infusing my energy into the magic stone and grinding it in. Could that possibly be the cause?

‘This seems right?’

I tried to find another reason, but there was nothing else. If it wasn’t this, there’s no reason for fire qi to suddenly be contained.

‘I infused the power of the Blazing Flame Wheel Technique into the mixture.’

In response, fire qi permeated the pill. Does that mean?

“Master Tang. Please try eating just one.”

“What?”

“Just eat one quickly.”

“What nonsense are you talking about? How could I possibly-! Kuoop!”

Since he was talking so much, I just put it in his mouth. Forcing it in and making him chew, the Poison King struggled for a moment. But it was already done. Once it entered his mouth, it was too late. The Poison King glared at me resentfully for a moment, but there was nothing he could do.

Koong-!

The Poison King immediately sat down cross-legged. He did it the moment he ate it. It was also a struggle for survival. I immediately went behind him and placed my hands on his back. Conversation was unnecessary. Naturally, the Poison King couldn’t speak while cultivating.

Hoo-woong-!!

I felt the flow of energy through his back.

‘It’s certain.’

The energy distributed within him the moment he consumed the pill. It was the same situation as when one eats a Poison Heaven Pill. Except…

‘As expected, fire qi is mixed in.’

It’s just that the poison qi is missing.

‘Is there no problem with the energy itself?’

To confirm this as well, I increased the speed of the energy’s movement.

Seu-eu-eu-eu—!!!

“Keup!?”

The sudden acceleration. The Poison King flinched, perhaps feeling the shock.

“Focus.”

“…”

I spread the energy throughout his body in an instant. At the same time, I gathered the accumulated impurities, both known and unknown, and burned them with my left hand.

“…!!”

The Poison King’s reactions are so varied whenever something happens. …Why is this old man acting like this?

‘If his meridians get twisted, he’ll die. Is he fearless?’

It’s not like this is the first time he’s experienced this.

‘The energy circulates easily. It’s definitely good.’

Although it was unstable since it was just made, looking at its condition, it was clean and good. Any slight instability could be managed by spreading and stabilizing it, so this level is acceptable.

So, step by step. I circulated the energy throughout the Poison King’s body and then gathered it into a handful, placing it in his dantian.

“Kkeu…eu-euk.”

Perhaps due to the immense amount of energy, the Poison King let out a pained groan. Actually, I could have infused the energy without causing pain, but I didn’t.

‘Because it’s a bit bothersome.’

Ah well, he’s the Poison King, he can probably endure this much. That’s roughly what I thought.

Only after forcefully inserting it for quite a while…

“Keo-heok…!!”

The Poison King collapsed forward, vomiting.

Tududuk-!!

Black blood trickled from his mouth.

“Heok… Heok.”

It was the residual impurities from the purification. Although it looked painful, it was technically a luxury.

“Congratulations.”

Watching the Poison King catch his breath, I congratulated him calmly. His cultivation level had slightly increased from what just happened. Even I, who was manipulating the energy, could tell; the Poison King, the owner of the body, would know even better.

“Kkeul-eok… Hoo… Hook….”

As if he had finally managed to regulate his breathing, the Poison King looked at me. His eyes held a mixture of emotions.

“You… right now…”

“You don’t need to thank me.”

“No, it’s not about thanks-!! What are you doing without my permission?”

“Fire qi really does appear… Is it just granting immunity, or can it be mixed too? I saw that it has an effect… If this is the case…”

“No matter how much of a benefactor you are, this warrants a scolding… Wait a minute. What are you doing now?”

The Poison King raised his voice as if intending to give me a thorough scolding, but he couldn’t succeed. Just like I did with the Poison King, I took one of the completed Poison Heaven Pills (?) and put it in my mouth.

‘I’ve experimented on the Poison King’s body, so now I’ll check it myself.’

If it truly is a pill made with my energy. What changes will occur when I eat it myself? Curious about this, I immediately tried it.

The sharp aroma and taste entering my mouth. Feeling it, I chewed and swallowed it whole.

Gulp.

The pill went down my throat and burrowed deep into my body. As I prepared myself for the energy that would slowly spread, taking a breath…

“Hey, you-!”

The Poison King reacted as if shocked. His reaction was quite significant, and seeing it, I said, sounding a bit displeased.

“Since we have the Poison Heaven Pill anyway. And I even solved the problem for you. Isn’t it okay to eat just this much?”

I even provided the manufacturing method. Considering everything else I’ve done, if he’s going to react like this over me eating a little, I have nothing to say.

Just then.

“It’s not like we can’t just make more….”

“Are you alright? Hey, Young Master Gu!”

“Yes?”

The Poison King’s reaction was somehow strange.

“What did you say?”

Alright? What could that possibly mean? Before I could ask the Poison King, unable to comprehend…

“No, of course I’m fine… Huh?”

Only then did I realize.

“…What the?”

My location had changed.

“Master?”

Not only the Poison King beside me, but also a space where no human presence could be felt. I narrowed my eyes at the sudden phenomenon.

What the hell is this now…?