Chapter: 397
There is something called “Gwibicho” (Ghost’s Herb).
It’s a plant that only blooms in the humid areas of the west.
It looks beautiful, but it’s a type of poisonous herb that, if swallowed accidentally, causes horrific hallucinations.
It’s so toxic that there are even rumors that the Sapha group uses it to make hallucinogenic drugs.
Moreover, it’s also used to coerce confessions from sinners, and if you dig deeper, it’s a poisonous plant used for torture.
Slurp.
The Poison King knows.
What I’m trying to say is that Gwibicho has a unique flavor to it.
If one has sufficient resistance to poison, this plant would be hailed across the nation.
Of course, ordinary people have no tolerance for poison and can’t cultivate it.
That’s why the Poison King liked Gwibicho.
It was a tea enjoyed solely by him… no, to be precise, it was a tea relished only by the Tang Clan.
He could enjoy a better taste at a much lower price than other expensive tea leaves.
On a night when the full moon bloomed.
Hoo-rruk.
The owner of the Tang Clan, the Poison King, was sitting alone on the porch, sipping his herbal tea.
He liked this tea more than strong liquor.
The only distinction was that all these teas were made from poisonous plants.
As he took a sip or two while enjoying the scenery, someone appeared behind him and approached.
The woman carefully approached the Poison King, bowed her head, and offered her respect.
“…Did you call, Master?”
The woman’s name is Nahi.
On the surface, she works as a servant in the Tang Clan.
But in essence, she’s part of a secret assassination group operating within the Tang Clan.
She was the leader of the Bicheolguidae (Perceptive Phantom Corps).
The Poison King, without looking at Nahi, opens his mouth.
“How does it look?”
Nahi, hearing this, slowly kneels down.
With her gaze directed at the floor, she begins to report in a calm voice.
“The three positioned to the left of the entrance, the two above, and the four placed inside. All nine have been detected.”
Nahi started to report on what had happened a few hours ago. Upon hearing this, the Poison King gazes at her with peculiar eyes.
His expression conveyed that something displeased him.
“Isn’t the report incorrect?”
“…”
“Ten of you guys, including me. Wasn’t everyone caught by the old prince?”
“…I apologize. I will rectify it.”
Nahi’s head bows even lower. The Poison King was right.
Because she too had been discovered by that young man.
Nahi’s fair hand tightly clenches into a fist.
-I don’t think you’re the type of person who would do all the work.
The words of the young man echoed in her ears. How could she have been caught?
Was her response lacking?
No.
She considered herself quite adept at hiding her presence and was confident in that.
Moreover, she had been earnest in her duties as it was the King’s command.
It seemed that the young man named Gu Yangcheon recognized her as soon as he laid eyes on her.
‘I can somewhat understand the first nine.’
It was unexpected for Nahi that even she had been exposed.
Had he sensed her thoughts?
The Poison King spoke with a faint smile.
“Don’t take it too hard. I had a rather entertaining experience because of you.”
“…”
The Poison King chuckled as he took another sip of his Gwibicha.
At first, it had been a simple test.
Everyone boasted about how exceptional he was, and out of curiosity, he thought to play a prank.
As soon as he entered through the entrance, it was as if a warning signal was sent scattered in all directions.
How could he end up exposing the excellent leader Nahi?
She is an assassin at the height of her prowess.
If Nahi desired, she could easily find herself in a significant position, even among the Seven Night Assassins, where the Dark King reigns.
The child of the Gu family effortlessly discerned her true identity.
‘How on Earth did he do that?’
To the Poison King, it was nothing short of a marvel.
Furthermore, because Nahi had informed him in advance, he had been able to mask the presence of his daughter, who had been hiding far away.
If Nahi noticed, she would surely have sensed Tang So-yeol’s presence lurking in the back room without any trouble.
The Poison King had taken preemptive measures and made substantial bets.
Thinking of that, the Poison King had to stifle a laugh inside.
‘…At my age, I’m going through all this trouble for my daughter.’
It’s quite a sigh-worthy situation, isn’t it?
Moreover, though it was indeed for Tang So-yeol’s sake.
As with everyone else, the Poison King was not fond of Gu Yangcheon at first.
What father would want his precious daughter to be with such a worthless guy who only goes around chasing women?
At first, he was determined to find some means to tear them apart if he got the chance.
However, now he’s holding a slightly different perspective.
‘At that age, reaching Hwa-gyeong….’
The Poison King was convinced after meeting Gu Yangcheon face-to-face.
It was evident he had reached an extraordinary level, touching the Very Peak. Hwa-gyeong before even reaching adulthood?
This would go down in history as an unprecedented record.
Considering Gu Yangcheon’s possibilities and future, it’s not bad—no, it’s exceptionally brilliant.
In the Poison King’s eyes, Gu Yangcheon is set to reach the pinnacle of the world without a doubt.
It feels as if he inherited his father’s talent.
When he sees that.
In the end, he didn’t do anything particularly admirable.
But he believed his children would be different.
Breaking through the vast realm ruled by the three beings and ascending to the highest position.
Moreover, contrary to the rumors of him being a lecher, Gu Yangcheon doesn’t seem to be that kind of person after all.
It might not be the case, but isn’t that the nature of heroes?
When weighing Gu Yangcheon’s values, he could certainly surpass that.
Especially since his own daughter’s life and death hung in the balance.
‘No wonder he’s had such a striking face.’
The Poison King shook his head, recalling his daughter.
Having recognized that his daughter’s insight was far beyond ordinary, he wondered if there was anyone who could satisfy such discerning tastes.
…Then, a person who perfectly matched that standard appeared suddenly.
If Tang So-yeol was so infatuated with Gu Yangcheon that she went so far as to run away from home, the Poison King was prepared to acknowledge it.
If it had been a mediocre individual, he would have done everything in his power to sever their ties.
However, if young thoroughbreds like Gu Yangcheon, who has already made a name for himself across the Central Plains and holds potential for a future as the best, the Poison King would agree.
‘I never expected him to respond like that in front of me.’
The Poison King recalled Gu Yangcheon’s words at the dining table just before.
-I don’t want that.
These were the bold words he tossed out to the Poison King himself when told to leave Tang So-yeol’s side.
He had told him to distance himself from Tang So-yeol unless he broke off the engagement with the Namgung Clan.
Gu Yangcheon boldly declared he would do neither.
How is that even possible?
Could this be a rebellious outburst of youth?
Regardless, it still sounded selfish.
In the Poison King’s view, Gu Yangcheon appeared capable of managing such selfishness.
Had they continued the conversation without Tang So-yeol’s interruption, perhaps they would have arrived at a more profound answer.
It was a bit disappointing to not have caught it fully due to Tang So-yeol’s sudden involvement.
The Poison King nodded slightly after reflecting on that point.
‘Sure, you need to be the world’s best to claim my daughter.’
She is his daughter, cherished and treated like a treasure.
Sending her to a worthless lout was simply impossible; it’s far better to let her be with someone with a guaranteed future.
‘Still, there are some concerns.’
If, in the future, they end up engaged.
It would become evident that he’d have to send his precious daughter off as a concubine.
That was something even the King could hardly allow.
Particularly since it would create a gap between them and the Namgung Clan.
Clink.
Shaking the teacup brimming with tea, the Poison King exhales.
‘This part… It’s going to be hard to yield.’
Hadn’t he already started the engagement?
Yet, it didn’t really bother him. It’s not like there were no alternatives.
Though that alternative might be a bit messy.
After swallowing his tea in one go, the Poison King took a deep breath, turned to Nahi, and spoke.
“We’ll set off in three days, so make all necessary preparations.”
“Understood. What about tomorrow’s schedule?”
“The leader… no, I shouldn’t be calling him a leader anymore. The Swordsman is coming this way, so just keep an eye on that.”
“Yes, Master.”
Though he still holds the title of leader, as he said, he would be stepping down.
After this, there will surely be plenty of discussions about who will take over the Murim Alliance leadership.
‘It’s obvious that the Wudang Sect will be seeking opportunities once again.’
It was common knowledge that the Wudang’s sect leader was eyeing the leader’s position.
It was likely that this time would be no different.
Yet an interesting tidbit was…
‘The rumor that the Dao King is vying for the leader position.’
There were whispers that the owner of the Peng Clan was secretly coveting the position of the Murim Alliance leader.
Thinking of this, the Poison King couldn’t help but chuckle.
‘Impossible.’
Would that incompetent guy dare to pursue the leader’s seat?
No matter how one looked at it, it was sheer foolishness.
In fact, it seemed more plausible for the Dao King’s son to come forth instead.
Yet, even so, Darah was still hungering for the position.
‘Clearly, he doesn’t know his place.’
He had always been a man filled with greed, as indicated by his size.
‘In reality, it doesn’t matter who takes on that role.’
The Poison King’s eyes turn icy.
In truth, it would actually benefit the Murim if the Dao King became the leader.
After all, he was such a simpleton—easier to deal with.
What’s more, it was quite surprising that the Sword King, whom he thought to be close to the Dao King, didn’t seem to have any interest in this matter.
‘Something has shifted.’
Could it be described as a change in atmosphere?
More specifically, the momentum has altered.
The disheveled sensation from Namgung Jin had diminished, replaced by the fierce energy of a sharp swordsman, just like the title of Sword King suggested.
Though hardly a few years had passed, what kind of upheaval could have occurred?
Tap-tap. As the Poison King pondered while tapping his teacup, he soon closed his eyes to clear his mind.
‘It doesn’t matter.’
No matter what changes take place with them, it had no bearing on him.
What was currently significant was something entirely different.
While his daughter’s future was indeed precious…
That wasn’t even what mattered to the King at this moment.
“Nahi.”
“Yes, Master.”
At the Poison King’s call, Nahi lifts her head.
As she shifts her gaze, the full moon beams down.
Accompanying that moonlight were her deep green eyes that shimmered faintly.
Though the Poison King’s eyes were smiling, that smile made Nahi shrink back.
“Inform the main office to heat the experimental platform from now on.”
“…Understood.”
After conveying her response, Nahi slowly fades into the darkness.
It was to carry out her master’s orders.
Just after Nahi disappeared, the Poison King turned his head back to gaze at the moon.
The Poison King mused.
Tonight, the moon shines unusually brightly, making it an excellent night for tea.
After wrapping up my meal with the Poison King, I returned to the guesthouse where I was staying.
The moment I entered the building, I rubbed my stomach.
“…My stomach hurts.”
I felt quite queasy.
I wondered if the effects of the tension finally decided to take their toll.
I had to catch my breath as I thought back to that last meal time.
‘He was a much more cunning man than I expected.’
Frowning at the recollection of the Poison King’s tone and expressions.
As if my initial impressions were spot on, the Poison King was truly a difficult character to deal with.
Let’s express it after Direct Dialogue.
‘He’s the most patriarchal of them all.’
Among the heads of the four great families I’ve met, I’d say he’s the epitome of a patriarch.
While he may not wield overwhelming power, he certainly knows how to steer a conversation.
Without a doubt, he’s the most polished politically-developed fellow I’d encountered.
Thanks to that, I had to be on high alert to avoid getting swept away by the flow.
‘What does he want from me?’
The Poison King seemed to look at me like he wanted something, but I couldn’t guess what it was.
What’s more,
‘…Is he just going to let it slide?’
I also felt as if he was going to brush off my rudeness towards him.
It felt trivial when I declared I wouldn’t give up on my engagement or my relationship with Tang So-yeol.
He must have overheard that, yet it didn’t come up during the meal at all.
Could it have been Tang So-yeol’s sudden interruption?
Thanks to that, we never got to fully delve into deeper discussions, leading us to the main point. But I couldn’t shake off the disquiet.
‘Our journey is five days away.’
Luckily, I managed to finalize the schedule for the trip to Sacheon.
It seemed the Poison King didn’t care much about who he’d travel with.
To the contrary, I got the feeling that he favored me. But surely, that must be my imagination.
‘What was it about Woo-cheol taking care of the other side?’
Paewucheol, who shares roots with the Tang Clan in Sacheon, was also set to accompany us.
When he mentioned he’d go with the Tang Clan, he wore a somewhat peculiar expression.
Since he claimed it was fine, this part likely shouldn’t be an issue either.
So the only thing left is:
‘Finishing up training in the next five days.’
It’s just about completing the training set by the Emperor.
To do that, I’d probably go straight into the cave, even in the dead of night.
Just as I was thinking that while walking.
Pull.
Someone tugged at my sleeve.
Turning toward the source of the force, I found it was none other than Tang So-yeol grasping my clothing.
I had been walking to the guesthouse with her right after our meal.
But now I wondered… just how long had she been holding on to me?
When I looked at her with a puzzled expression, she smiled broadly at me.
Her trademark eye-smile seemed to radiate deeper than usual.
After Tang So-yeol left the dining area, she had only been following me silently.
Every so often, when glancing over, she’d just smile sweetly, and we wouldn’t exchange many words.
From just that smile, I could gauge that she must be in a rather good mood.
Seeing that, I found myself breaking the silence first.
“What’s up?”
“Huh?”
“You seem to be in a good mood.”
“Hehe! No way!”
“…Okay.”
Well, good is good, I guess. Thinking that way, I decided to set off again.
After reaching the guesthouse and parting ways with Tang So-yeol, I headed to my room.
I planned to just throw on some clothes and then head straight to the cave.
I felt that I had to cut down on sleep to finish up my training, so I intended to pull some all-nighters.
The instant I stepped into my room.
“What the…?”
I furrowed my brow at the sight of an odd bulge in my bed.
It was immediately clear someone was lounging in my bed.
As soon as I registered that, I braced myself.
“…Who the heck is this?”
Is it that slumbering dragon again? Hadn’t that occurred before? Was it the same case with Woohyuk?
Why does this kid keep showing up here to stir things up?
Without a second thought, I grabbed the blanket covering the figure and yanked it away.
“I clearly told you not to come…”
Just as I was about to pull the blanket off and unleash my frustration.
I had to swallow my words as I caught sight of the person sprawled across the bed.
The person peacefully dozing on my mattress was neither a sleeping dragon nor a singular person, but two.
Had one of them stirred due to the noise?
One of them slowly rubbed her eyes and rose.
“Your Majesty…?”
The sleepy-looking lady, who yawned slightly before sitting up, was Wi Seol-ah.
Still, the other person, Namgungbia, lay there as if nothing were amiss.
“What in the….”
I thought as I locked eyes with Wi Seol-ah.
What on Earth is this absurd situation?
Just then, barely regaining my composure, I was about to ask Wi Seol-ah what on Earth was happening.
Creaaak-!
My door, which had been shut tight, swung open, and someone marched in.
“Your Majesty…! Actually, I have something to tell you…”
“Oh.”
Stepping boldly into the room was none other than Tang So-yeol.
In an instant, I turned my gaze, my surprised reaction meeting Tang So-yeol’s eyes.
This was meant to strategize the current state of affairs.
But Tang So-yeol was already frozen stiff like a stone, staring wide-eyed at the chaotic scenario unfolding within the room.
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