Chapter 884: I missed you.

I went outside and looked for Dokwang.

The reason, naturally, was the Poison Pill.

As soon as I faced Dokwang, I asked,

“How is it going….”

I stopped talking and closed my mouth.

Dokwang stared at me. Seeing his expression, I said,

“…Are you alright?”

I was so worried I couldn’t help but ask. That’s how bad Dokwang’s expression was. To put it mildly, he looked like he might collapse any second. To my worried words, Dokwang replied,

“…Are you alright, Gu Gongja?”

“Huh? Me?”

Surprised to be asked about myself, I asked back.

“Your face is really red, so I asked.”

“…”

I immediately touched my cheek with my hand. I felt a fever. Much hotter than usual.

‘Damn.’

Why is this happening? I swallowed hard, my face feeling like hell. It seemed the aftereffects from just before were still lingering.

‘This is really messed up.’

Was it Nangong Bi-ah’s actions and reactions towards me that caused this? Or was it Tang Soyeol’s words and expression towards me? Whatever it was, it wasn’t good.

‘How old am I supposed to be to be acting like this over something so minor?’

Considering my past life too, the number isn’t exactly small, yet I’m like this after just a little shaking. I’m incredibly embarrassed. Was I really only this much?

‘Hoo….’

I calmed my breathing and circulated energy through my body. I forcibly calmed myself down. The heat slowly subsided. Feeling it, I said,

“…I was just a bit hot. The weather’s unusually like that today.”

“But winter is coming soon?”

“One can still be a bit hot even in winter.”

“Everyone else is wearing fur coats?”

“…I naturally have a lot of body heat.”

“Hmm….”

Dokwang glanced at me with a strange look. This old man, does he know something?

‘No.’

‘He wouldn’t know.’

If he knew, he wouldn’t be treating me like this right now.

‘If he knew, he’d be drilling holes in my body and pouring poison in, not just staring calmly.’

Given this old man’s personality, if he knew Tang Soyeol’s intentions, he would have genuinely tried to kill me. So, he’s probably just looking at me strangely.

I added an explanation as if to clarify.

“It’s true. And, the worry shouldn’t be directed at me, but rather at the Tang family head…. Are you really alright?”

“Me? Well…. Hmm, would you believe me if I said I was fine?”

“No.”

“I’m not fine.”

“Yes. That’s how you appear.”

“…”

His glaring eyes were quite sharp. I must have teased him too much.

“Ahem… my concern is genuine. Should I call for a physician?”

“I’m fine. So, what was it you wanted?”

“I came to ask how the preparations are going.”

“Can my appearance serve as the answer?”

“Yes, that alone is quite sufficient…. But I was wondering if you can meet the deadline.”

“I’ll have to try.”

“That’s a rather ambiguous answer.”

“Then, would you prefer I say I’ll try even if I die?”

“Is that better?”

“Yes.”

“Yes?”

“I’m joking.”

Honestly, I meant it, but Dokwang’s eyes were scary, so I changed the subject. As if reading my mind, Dokwang glared at me, clearly displeased, then sighed and added,

“…I can meet the deadline, but it will be quite difficult.”

I understand. The manufacturing method was extremely ill-suited for Dokwang. While sourcing the materials became smoother thanks to the Murim Alliance’s involvement, the crucial part was the final ingredient.

‘Dokwang’s energy.’

Dokwang’s internal energy, imbued with poison, had to be added for the Poison Pill to be completed. And not just a small amount, but a vast quantity of energy was needed.

‘An amount that would leave him bedridden after making just one.’

I heard that even working diligently, Dokwang could only make three Poison Pills in seven days and nights. That was even with him giving it his all. If that was the absolute maximum, the average would be two, I suppose.

‘Even that is an incredible number when you think about it….’

Take the Great Restoration Pill, for example; they say multiple manufacturers worked for months, sometimes even years, to create just one. Compared to that, one or two Poison Pills a week with similar, no, even higher efficacy? That was an absurdly high number, which is why commercialization became a viable option.

“I’ve brought it up with the merchant guilds. Have you made contact?”

“Perhaps the young master of the house spoke to them separately.”

“Hmm.”

The young master of the house, not Dokwang, handled such an important matter…? That means…

‘He’s probably getting ready to hand things over soon.’

It wouldn’t be wrong to assume he’s preparing to transfer the position of family head. It’s likely an intention to familiarize him by having him handle tasks gradually.

‘It feels a bit early… but perhaps not, considering the timing.’

Even if Dokwang was in his prime, considering his age, preparing now would make the transition smoother. Putting that aside for now.

“If it’s difficult, are there any other methods?”

“Other methods?”

“Like manufacturing it together with the young master of the house.”

If it’s hard, have the young master help make the Poison Pills too. Or, there are the remaining elders. Wouldn’t it be possible to produce a sufficient quantity if they helped? I asked, but.

“Haha.”

Hearing me, Dokwang let out an incredulous laugh.

“Gu Gongja.”

“Yes.”

“You…. seem to be greatly mistaken about something.”

“Huh?”

“It’s understandable. Normally, people like you wouldn’t know about these things.”

“I don’t quite understand what you mean.”

People like me… I wondered what that meant. What does ‘like me’ mean?

“Does the amount of my energy seem small to you?”

“…”

I paused for a moment at his words. Dokwang’s energy? I narrowed my eyes and thought.

‘Is it small?’

No, it wasn’t small. However, I didn’t think it was particularly large either. Perhaps sensing my thoughts, Dokwang chuckled and said,

“At least within the same realm, I have a considerable amount. If you were to be precise, I’d be among the top tier even within the Hwagyeong realm, especially those called ‘King-level’ (王級).”

“…Is that so?”

I was surprised, but it wasn’t entirely unexpected. Practicing poison arts itself consumes a lot of internal energy. Martial arts focused on potent techniques were inherently like that. Then, the reason Dokwang is bringing this up now is….

“It means that even if someone like me struggles, others helping won’t make much of a difference. It means they aren’t like you.”

“…!”

“I know you possess an unusually vast amount of energy. So, you probably don’t understand the situation well.”

“…That.”

“I understand; geniuses have always struggled to comprehend ordinary people.”

“…”

“You’re probably the same.”

Being called a genius out of the blue gave me a slight headache. I had nothing to say. Certainly. In both my past and present lives, except for the very beginning, I’ve never lacked energy. It was the same when manufacturing the Poison Pill. It was strange how Dokwang’s energy was consumed inefficiently, but even setting that aside, the difference was stark. I could make several without stopping, but Dokwang can only manage one. That’s a significant difference. Looking at it that way, I couldn’t argue about talent.

Anyway. Dokwang’s point was ultimately just one thing.

“Assuming you don’t help, this is the best we can do.”

“…Yes. I apologize.”

“No, it’s alright.”

Since I asked him to do the impossible, I apologized immediately, and Dokwang accepted it with a smile. He probably saw it as a naive remark from a clueless genius. Should I consider this fortunate…?

‘So, the quantity is indeed the best we can manage right now.’

I just wanted it faster, but it’s not bad. It’s a shame Dokwang’s life force is being consumed, but that’s fine too.

‘It’s not me being drained, after all.’

So, I nodded.

“…Then, we’ll proceed with the preparations as things stand.”

“Understood.”

“Yes, well then….”

I said with a face full of concern but resignation.

‘Please take it easy.’

“But if possible, please hurry even if you’re sick.”

“…?”

“Ah, sorry…. That was my inner thought.”

My true feelings slipped out unintentionally. I gave an awkward laugh, and Dokwang looked at me incredulously.

“…Hoho.”

I felt a chill in his laughter. I immediately bolted.

---

When I returned to my quarters, someone was inside. There was only one person who could enter without my permission.

“…You’re back?”

“Yeah.”

It was Cheoljiseon. The guy was sitting at the desk, looking at a letter with eyes steeped in exhaustion.

“Are you okay?”

“…No.”

“Oh, good. Glad to hear you’re fine then.”

“…”

I lightly ignored him and sat opposite him. Cheoljiseon’s expression crumpled for a moment, but he quickly restored it to normal. He probably knew glaring wouldn’t get him anywhere.

“What about the thing I asked for?”

We immediately got down to business.

“…The merchant guilds are settled. Once the Tang family is ready, we’ll proceed immediately.”

“I just discussed that with Dokwang. It seems we can proceed.”

“Then, I’ll pass it on right away.”

It was a clean conversation. We didn’t exchange any unnecessary words. Knowing we were both short on time, small talk wasn’t needed.

“I sent a letter to the main sect too.”

“The reply?”

“It should arrive in a few days.”

“We’ll have to tell the branch chief to handle it upon receipt.”

I had to go to Hanam without waiting. Besides, the letter sent to the main sect was just for show anyway.

“What about the other things I asked you to look into?”

“Information is coming in, but….”

Cheoljiseon trailed off, his face looking troubled.

“After checking, there’s nothing that seems quite right….”

The information I asked him to look into concerns Yeon Il-cheon. I’m trying to grasp everything related to him, but aside from known history, there isn’t much. That makes sense. He lived centuries ago; what could possibly be found? A normal person would think that.

‘Tsk.’

But I had to keep checking for anything, no matter how small.

“Just give me everything that’s come in so far.”

“There’s a lot. Is it okay if it’s not summarized?”

“Do you have time for that?”

“…No….”

“Then just give it to me as is.”

If I lacked time, I could just reduce or eliminate my sleep. Normally, I’d ask for a summary, but asking that might actually push Cheoljiseon into burnout. To prevent that, I needed to cut into my own time. At least my body wouldn’t die from overwork.

“Okay, that’s settled then…. What’s next?”

“…Ah, before that.”

“Hmm?”

Cheoljiseon interrupted me and handed me a letter.

“It’s a letter from the strategist.”

The strategist. As far as I know, there’s only one person Cheoljiseon calls that. Je gal-hyeok. It was a letter from him. I nodded and took the letter.

“What’s this all of a sudden….”

I took the letter and opened it. Then, seeing the words written, I narrowed my eyes. Cheoljiseon, seeing my reaction, asked with a worried expression.

“…Are you okay?”

Cheoljiseon probably hadn’t read the letter. Letters from Je gal-hyeok were always meant for me to read first. He asked, seemingly curious. I nodded at his words.

“I’m fine. Let’s wrap up our talk for today. I feel like I need to finish what needs to be done quickly.”

“What do you mean-.”

Cheoljiseon asked, so I just handed him the letter. Cheoljiseon also stiffened his expression after taking and reading it. The letter read:

-The Divine Dragon Brigade (신룡대) is preparing to move to capture the Ghostly Spear (귀악창).

-They don’t seem to have identified the exact personnel, but the Ghostly Spear’s location appears to have been discovered.

“This…?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

I stopped Cheoljiseon before he could say anything.

“It’s probably not a major issue.”

As I said that, I stood up.

“Instead, we need to move a little faster.”

I brushed back my messy hair.

“Inform the Sword Brigade and the branch chief. Tell them to be ready to depart as early as tomorrow.”

I had planned to leave in at least three days, but I’ve shortened that interval. They’ve started making a move. And precisely when I arrived in Sichuan, no less. Could this really be a coincidence?

‘Hmm.’

They established the Sacred Dragon Brigade (성룡대) to counter the unorthodox factions, including the Demonic Cult, and now they’re mobilizing the Divine Dragon Brigade while I’m away. Should I consider this a coincidence? My eyes gleamed.

‘The chances of it not being one are higher.’

There’s a clear intention behind it. Even if it wasn’t intentional, the sect is still making a move. Therefore.

‘We need to make a move too.’

What to do was already decided. I said, looking at Cheoljiseon.

“Later, when you send word to the Beggars’ Sect, also relay the information to the main sect. The timing….”

So they can’t fully concentrate.

“Slightly faster than rumors spreading, perhaps when the information reaches Hanam.”

We need to make a splash.

---

The next day.

Starting from Sichuan, word spread that the Tang family had succeeded in restoring their ancestral elixir, the Poison Pill. However, the Tang family did not issue any statement regarding these rumors. The restoration of the Poison Pill, a long-held aspiration of the Tang family. If this were truly true, it was expected to cause a significant stir in the Central Plains. The problem was…. this wasn’t the only shocking rumor. Rumors also suggested that not only had they restored the Poison Pill, but they planned to sell it commercially. This was a divine pill that even those belonging to Shaolin, Wudang, and even Mount Hua couldn’t dare obtain. And to think it could be obtained with money? It was truly unbelievable, but. Surprisingly, letters confirming this information were rapidly flying towards Hanam.

And at the same time.

Bbiik-!

Conversely, another bird swooped towards the Sichuan branch office, crossing paths. A carrier pigeon flying at high speed. A letter was tied to the bird’s leg, bearing a distinctive floral pattern. That was…. Clearly, the symbol representing the Hundred Flowers Merchant Guild.