Chapter: 489
A messenger went to the Gu Clan.
I gulped at Nahi’s words.
‘What should I do…?’
drip, drip Cold sweat started rolling down my face.
This was the one part I hadn’t anticipated.
The Poison King’s response, in a way, was the most expected action from a head of a clan.
A guest from another clan suffered harm at the hands of his own family.
Naturally, it was his duty to relay this information back to his relatives.
‘Wow, he’s really keeping this under wraps.’
Most people, when something like this happens, are busy trying to cover it up.
The mere existence of ill feelings between the two families is a problem in itself, and on top of that, it could jeopardize the standing of the Tang Clan.
It’s generally assumed that such matters should be dealt with quietly.
Yet, it’s shocking that the Poison King is actually protecting this; it leaves me utterly confused.
‘Is he really the kind of person who would protect something like this?’
I didn’t think so.
Honestly, even now, I still think he isn’t.
While I do acknowledge the Poison King is more collected than I expected, it’s hard to view him as a head of household untouched by the world’s grime.
Which means…
‘Does he have some ulterior motive here?’
I still don’t know for sure.
And, if possible, I hoped this wouldn’t turn into a problem.
‘…There’s no way something will happen, right?’
I’m sure he relayed that he had been poisoned but was fine. That must have been how it went.
What’s more,
‘If my father sees this, I doubt anything bad will happen.’
It had to be that way.
If there were trouble, it would be quite difficult.
Since I returned, there have already been far too many incidents, and if this were to pile up on top of that, who knows what might happen.
So… I desperately prayed that nothing serious would occur; I hoped against hope, but…
It took barely a few days for me to realize this was a world without gods who heed such prayers.
In Sacheon, there are several districts, but the most representative one ultimately depends on how close it is to the Tang Clan.
Even if it’s not the Tang Clan itself, Paega can be considered a leading family of Sacheon.
Moreover, there are many well-known families around, including various sects.
In a world ruled by the Magical Gates, proximity to the leading family comes with advantages.
By providing them with support funds, you can come under their protection.
Especially since the Tang Clan handles commerce very well, just like Mo Yong-se.
Sacheon’s county was as vast and well-managed as Hanam, which has a stronghold.
“Big brother!”
Just as I arrived at the district, a large man greeted me as soon as I stepped onto the street.
It felt like ages since I last saw Pae Woo-cheol.
“It’s been a while.”
“Hahahahaha! How have you been!”
Pae Woo-cheol, with a menacing grin, lunged toward me for a hug.
I shifted my body slightly and tossed Cheol Ji-seon aside.
“Ugh!? Wait…!”
Cheol Ji-seon, unable to react in time, landed right in Pae Woo-cheol’s embrace.
Sorry, but I don’t have a taste for hugging guys.
The funny thing is, Pae Woo-cheol just continues to embrace Ji-seon as if he doesn’t care.
“How have you been, Brother Ji-seon?”
“Ahh…! Wait… hold on…!”
Cheol Ji-seon cried out as if in any pain, but it seemed like Pae Woo-cheol was deaf to him.
“Can we just leave that as it is?”
Woohyuk, who had been wandering around lost for two days, commented on the situation.
“Leave it be, he looks happy.”
“He looks happy…?”
Cheol Ji-seon, nearly fainting under the immense pressure, was in my view.
But I believed this too was a form of happiness.
Or something like that.
As I stood there, sniffing, Woohyuk cast a peculiar look in my direction.
Feeling his gaze, I asked:
“Why?”
“Are you okay?”
“What do you mean?”
“You said you ate poison.”
“Oh.”
How did you know that?
I chuckled at Woohyuk’s words, wondering how he had heard that.
“I’m just a little hungry.”
“You ate more poison because you were hungry?”
“It was delicious.”
“…”
Woohyuk stared at me as if I had lost my mind.
To be honest, the taste wasn’t bad at all.
‘Oh, this isn’t good.’
Visions of Dang So-yeol’s face whenever I shared poison tea flashed in my mind; she did say it was tasty.
I began to wonder if perhaps I was developing a tolerance.
For now, I guess I’ll just pretend I didn’t notice.
“Did you have a good conversation?”
“Hmm…”
I asked if he had a nice chat with Goeseon, but Woohyuk hesitated for a moment.
“Why?”
“No, nothing happened.”
He wore a face suggesting something definitely occurred, and yet he responded with “nothing happened.”
I wanted to press him for details, but I decided against it.
“By the way.”
“Hmm?”
“Why is the guy who said he’d leave after meeting the teacher still here?”
“…”
Upon hearing my words, Woohyuk flinched.
Did you think I would forget? No way.
After the comment, Woohyuk immediately sped ahead and began whistling.
“Ah…. I’m hungry. What should I eat? Should I have meat?”
More of that ridiculous nonsense.
Amid all this, that Taoist wants to chow down on meat again…
In light of his laughable attitude, I let out a small sigh and followed him.
I had no intention of shooing him away, but the sight was rather aggravating.
While I was trying to walk on with a “no-notice” attitude,
“Oh, right! The teacher said he wants to see you again.”
“Huh?”
I raised my eyebrows at Woohyuk’s words.
The Goblin really asked for me to come again?
I recalled the last time when Namgung Myung kicked me out, raising more questions.
‘That can’t be something Namgung Myung said… So, did Goeseon call on his own?’
I had no idea why Goeseon wanted to summon me back.
However, it didn’t really matter.
‘I was going to go back anyway. This is just a good excuse.’
I had already planned to visit relatively soon.
Thus, being called was actually a positive.
“How long do I have to go?”
“…He didn’t mention when. Considering our teacher’s nature, I think you could show up sometime during the seventh night.”
“…He sure is laid back about this.”
“Haha!”
I had to ponder where that cheeky attitude originated; seeing Goeseon gave me a slight idea.
As I watched Woohyuk laughing like that, I recalled something I had been curious about for a long time.
“Come to think of it, how did you become a disciple of that fellow?”
The lazy genius of the shaman sect. How did Woohyuk, the dormant dragon, become Goeseon’s pupil?
That was something I was secretly interested in.
“…Hmm.”
Woohyuk mulled over my question for a moment, then smiled slightly and gave a timeless answer.
“It wasn’t anything special… just.”
His smile seemed refreshing and nostalgic simultaneously.
“Let’s all get along, as castaways… something like that.”
“What are you on about?”
This guy’s talking as if he doesn’t really have the faintest idea. It appeared he had no intention of elaborating, so I stepped ahead.
Leaving Woohyuk behind, I headed toward a place filled with women.
shudder
I noticed someone flinch as I approached.
It was Dang So-yeol.
Having promised to visit together, she was also part of the group this time.
But since that last incident, it felt like each time Dang So-yeol saw me, she’d subtly dodge away.
What’s up with that…?
I left the hesitating Dang So-yeol behind.
I spoke up to another who was checking out what was going on.
“Is it fun?”
“Oh, yes!”
Wi Seol-ah beamed brightly at my question.
She looked significantly more mature than when I first laid eyes on her, yet it seemed some aspects had not changed at all.
‘It seems her looks are growing colder by the day.’
The reminiscence of her past life still lingered, as Wi Seol-ah’s appearance had matured more with each passing day.
Moreover, a distinctive cool air surrounded her.
Just like in her previous life with the divine sword.
Yet, with plenty of laughter, the corners of her eyes were slightly curved.
That created quite a difference.
As I gently ruffled Wi Seol-ah’s blonde hair, someone spoke from beside me.
“What’s going on?”
It was Mo Yong-hee.
There was an odd sense of joy seeing a familiar face again after what felt like an eternity.
Hiding my feelings, I turned to Mo Yong-hee and asked.
“What do you mean?”
“That.”
At Mo Yong-hee’s gesture, I glanced around.
“Ah.”
Then I understood what Mo Yong-hee referred to.
She must be talking about the hidden martial artists surrounding us, either knowingly or not.
They were concealed, not just atop buildings, but even between ordinary citizens.
Countless hidden martial artists lurked about.
All of them were associated with the Tang Clan.
They were likely the martial artists unleashed by the Poison King.
I contemplated their presence.
‘Is it intended for my protection? Or is it to surveil me?’
Most likely, it’s both.
Since I had suffered harm within the clan, they would want to ensure my safety; at the same time, there were reasons for monitoring my actions based on what I had previously stated.
I shifted my gaze back to Mo Yong-hee. Prolonged eye contact felt uncomfortable.
“You don’t need to worry about it.”
“What on earth are you doing…?”
With furrowed brows, Mo Yong-hee replied, causing a slightly aggrieved sensation to wash over me.
“No, but I heard you ate poison. Shouldn’t you be showing concern first?”
At that moment, Namgung Bi-ah, Wi Seol-ah, and even Mo Yong-hee were present in the annex.
Out of the blue, the three of them didn’t seem particularly concerned.
Feeling a bit left out, I voiced my sentiments, yet Mo Yong-hee answered me with a nonchalant look.
“…Sir, after witnessing your little show, how could I possibly believe you?”
“…”
Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah nodded in agreement with Mo Yong-hee.
Wow, that hurts; is it really that glaringly obvious?
[I told you it wasn’t that obvious, you fool.]
Noya suddenly punctured my thoughts like a ghost.
“No, I assure you that I really did consume the poison…”
“I never thought you would swallow it without any intention behind it. Even if the world appears chaotic, you are the most cautious. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“…”
What a load of nonsense.
I found myself at a loss for words against Mo Yong-hee.
“Are you looking to concoct trouble again?”
“It’s not that significant…”
“Then that means it will undoubtedly lead to a gigantic mess.”
“Are you actually listening to what I’m saying?”
“Yes.”
Mo Yong-hee lightly brushed her hair aside as she spoke.
“Considering you aren’t able to explain it clearly to us, I can sense it’s dangerous.”
“…”
“If I ask, I’m well aware that you won’t respond. Trust me on that.”
drip, drip Cold sweat trickled down; every word pinched like ice.
As I always found, I shouldn’t prolong conversations with Mo Yong-hee.
Because, no matter what I say, I know I’m going to lose.
Thus, I had no choice but to utilize the same tactic Woohyuk had used on me.
“By the way, where did the White Lotus Sword go?”
“I know you’re dodging the question; let’s let it slide this one time. Your aunt went out to meet someone.”
“…Oh, right. Thanks.”
I ended with a cough and scratched the back of my head.
This isn’t working at all, darn it…
Continuing to walk uncomfortably, Mo Yong-hee, who had been subtly fanning me, asked me a question.
“Then, Master, where are we heading now?”
Having entered the district a while ago and still merely walking, this must be a burning question for everyone.
Not just Mo Yong-hee, all eyes were on me, curious about our destination.
Feeling their gazes, I pointed straight ahead with my hand.
“We’re nearly there. It’s just up ahead.”
“What’s up ahead… huh?”
With my gesture, Mo Yong-hee looked up and let out a brief sound.
She seemed to have immediately grasped where I was heading.
Directly in front stood a massive building, which I recognized as the second largest in the district.
The biggest one should be the trading hub that had the deepest ties to the Tang Clan.
The second-largest is…
“The White Flowers Merchant Association…?”
It was the Sacheon branch of the White Flowers Merchant Association run by Lady Mi.
“I heard you had business to attend to… No, it’s the head of the White Flowers Association you meant.”
“Hmm? What was that?”
That title felt slightly strange, didn’t it? Am I imagining things?
However, as it wasn’t terribly critical, I decided to let it be for now.
“I’m not planning to eat there until dinner; I have some appointments.”
The reason I specifically sought out the White Flowers Merchant Association in this district.
As I mentioned last time, it was to sell off some items I had stashed away.
‘Selling them haphazardly will just lead to more trouble.’
These items are worth a good chunk, and given their rarity, selling them randomly could lead to complications.
If even a rumor were to spread, it could become a hassle.
‘Soeom-ra has been flaunting a nightlight hanging around…’
If such a rumor spreads, it could attract the wrong crowd.
I don’t consider it particularly dangerous.
I’m just saying it’s annoying to have to clean it all up.
It’s a hassle to clear out, one by one.
Plus, having used Lady Mi’s name previously, selling the night liquor at the White Flowers Merchant Association would relieve me of some guilt too.
In matters concerning my somewhat biting conscience.
[Aesong, are you saying you feel guilt?]
‘Of course. I’m still human.’
[Not anymore.]
‘…’
What the heck.
You’re really stabbing me while I’m down.
After a long, resigned sigh, I headed towards the entrance of the association.
“I’ll be back soon. You all stay on the first floor. It won’t take long.”
Immediately after relaying that message to the group, I reached out to open the door.
creak
“Hmm?”
Before I could grasp the doorknob, someone appeared and opened the door.
“Hmm?”
“Huh?”
The door swung open, and as the figure appeared, we locked eyes, both equally surprised.
He was a familiar face.
An elderly man with a menacing look, and a skinny boy.
I exclaimed in disbelief, looking at them.
“Shin-ui?”
It was none other than Shin-ui and Jegal Hyuk.
Just as I pondered why they showed up at the White Flowers Merchant Association instead,
‘What’s going on?’
I couldn’t shake my bewilderment as I regarded Shin-ui.
His gaze, initially shocked at seeing me, had turned towards someone else now, not me.
Following that gaze, I turned around.
‘What the?’
There stood Cheol Ji-seon, frowning while looking at Shin-ui.
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