Chapter: 833
I frowned as if I had heard a strange sound.
‘… Did I hear that wrong?’
Just a moment ago, the gentleman who was speaking so politely as if trying to put distance between us suddenly called me his son-in-law. I can’t help but feel dumbfounded by his lust-laden words.
Or maybe it’s better to say that I appreciate his honesty?
‘I understand, but…’
Hope sparkled in the eyes of the Poison King. I let out a small sigh; I couldn’t say I didn’t understand why he liked it so much.
My hand hesitated, unsure of what to do. I quietly observed it before turning my gaze away.
Hwaaaaa—!!
I could still see the dough shining!
Was it just the light? The energy radiating from the dough was truly phenomenal.
The difference was incomparable to what I felt before adding the magic stone. I could tell immediately upon seeing it.
‘It was a success.’
This was the real deal. It was so magnificent that it was impossible to overlook.
‘My prediction was correct.’
What a relief!
I was worried I might be wrong, but ironically, my guess turned out to be spot on.
When the Poison King came and said that the magic stone was a problem, this was the very thought that instantly popped into my head.
The issue was the magic energy within the magic stone. I had pulled out the energy and put it back in, but there was no reaction.
So, since he insisted that the magic stone was needed, my conclusion was clear.
‘An energy other than magic energy must be infused into the magic stone.’
Certainly, it’s called a magic stone because it contains magic, which seems contradictory, but given the result, it was the right answer.
The real question is:
‘Why precisely the red magic stone?’
Among the slew of magic stones, why was it the red one? This was the first thought that arose when I considered the question. And why is that? Now I think I have a bit of an inkling.
‘Aha.’
Thinking it through, it might not have been possible if it hadn’t been for the red magic stone.
To be precise, it would be better to say it was possible “from” the red one.
‘I suggested using red because that was the minimum requirement.’
I’ll need to further validate this, but it’s probably correct.
‘It’s insufficient with just green and blue.’
The amount of energy a magic stone can contain varies by its grade. In that regard, calling it red specifically relates to the quantity of energy involved.
‘You need to infuse at least that much red energy to utilize it.’
The amount of energy a red magic stone can contain.
I reckon you need to reach at least that level to be able to use it.
That was my immediate assumption, given the limited information available.
‘Especially.’
Looking back, the magic stone I used to create the dough.
The stone that absorbed all the energy and had my energy infused into the voids—it was the material I made to create the current dough.
However.
‘It shattered the moment it left my hands.’
The magic stone broke into pieces upon falling from my hand, even though I hadn’t even ground it all up.
‘I wonder if it broke because it was ground or merely because it fell from my hand.’
This was yet another detail that required verification.
‘In any case, it’s already established that this is correct.’
The creation of Dokcheondan was a success. This is what’s most important now.
What could be more significant than successfully accomplishing something I’ve prepared for years?
“Your lordship.”
“Yeah, son-in-law. Do you have something to say?”
“No… Ah…”
His sudden change in attitude momentarily flustered me, but I managed to navigate through it somehow.
“… I don’t know how to make spirit tablets, could you help me out?”
“Ah—!”
Only then did the Poison King snap back to his senses, stepping closer to grab the dough.
I watched him intently.
‘There’s no problem if it leaves your hand.’
The dough that went into the Poison King’s embrace remained unchanged. It still glimmered and even seemed to be gaining strength.
‘Is everything alright?’
We’ll know if we can indeed relax once the results come in.
‘I think it should be fine.’
At first glance, it didn’t seem like there would be any significant issues.
At that level of energy, at least when completed, it shouldn’t result in just an ordinary spirit tablet.
However, what if it fails?
‘… That would be a bit of a headache.’
Just the thought of needing to find another approach was enough to give me a headache.
Thankfully, after the Poison King handled the dough, shortly after.
As time trickled by, I could nod in acknowledgment while looking at the three spirit tablets before me.
“It’s truly a success….”
The Poison King mumbled with a voice drenched in emotion.
“Really….”
He gazed at the spirit tablets with such sadness as if he couldn’t even bring himself to touch them.
That was an expression I had never seen before.
‘…Hmm.’
It was quite touching. I totally understood that.
“Your lordship.”
“Just speak… .”
“Then, could you stop calling me son-in-law for a bit?”
“…”
The Poison King nodded quietly. It was utterly ridiculous to see that regretful expression on his face.
I tried to avoid looking at him and questioned while staring at the spirit tablets.
“Are the spirit tablets now going to the storage room?”
“There is a space prepared.”
“So that means we have to wait about half a year.”
“If the recipe is correct.”
The final step in the creation of Dokcheondan.
If we successfully incorporated the magic stones, it must be stored underground for half a year at a stable, cool temperature.
This is a procedure that must be undertaken by various sects, including the Shaolin Temple.
Though the time and circumstances vary, it’s generally said that they undergo a ripening process that often takes several months.
Only once that time ends can we finally—
‘Meet the Dokcheondan?’
It’s unfortunate that I have to wait several months. Still, as long as it’s completed, I don’t mind.
‘With this.’
Initially, I was planing for the Dokcheondan.
Commercialization of Dokcheondan. That was now within reach.
It was a satisfactory outcome. The Poison King seemed to finally release a sigh of relief, and everything turned out quite favorably.
Honestly, I didn’t expect to achieve success so swiftly.
‘I thought I’d at least have to use it for two days, even in the worst-case scenario.’
After a few trial-and-error attempts, I thought I’d invest a bit more time into the process if it didn’t work out. That was how I came to that conclusion.
‘Nice.’
It felt good since it was something I could take pride in. I surely thought that way…
“Hmm.”
Yet contrary to the simply joyful Poison King, a slight unease crept into my eyes as I glanced at the Dokcheondan.
It was certain this was a spirit tablet.
The energy and essence felt remarkably similar to that of the Dokcheondan I was storing away. It felt a tad unstable, but I hoped this would resolve during the preservation process.
But if it ends well, shouldn’t I truly be satisfied?
Even while pondering that, I found doubts lingering.
The reason I felt this way sprung from something else.
“Your lordship.”
“Speak.”
“But can we really call that… Dokcheondan?”
Having gone through all the trouble to create a Dokcheondan, could it even be called that? I know it sounded odd, but…
“…”
Surprisingly, even the Poison King hesitated in response.
This only meant he understood there was indeed a flaw with the Dokcheondan.
Everything seemed correct.
‘The concentrated energy is great, and the condition is acceptable.’
It was a product that wouldn’t lose out compared to the Great Transformation. Which brought us to the spirit tablet right in front of me.
‘…Yet doesn’t it seem peculiar to call this Dokcheondan?’
There was one major problem with this.
‘It lacks poison.’
The lack of toxins in the spirit tablet is what stands out. It possesses a brilliant, profound energy, and maintains that unique purity of a spirit tablet. Still, the most crucial aspect—the poison that is supposed to belong to Dokcheondan—is absent.
The reason the Great Transformation is viewed slightly more favorably when compared is primarily because of the presence of poison.
Simply consuming the Dokcheondan grants you a substantial supply of inner energy while also providing much-needed resistance to toxicity, often regarded as difficult to enhance.
‘I can’t feel it.’
The successful batch of Dokcheondan I created doesn’t possess its characteristic toxicity. Even further…
‘It feels like there’s something other than poison….’
The poison energy that should have been present has been replaced by something else.
An energy I couldn’t possibly overlook.
‘Flame energy.’
The energy of fire.
Those who have trained in fire arts.
Or the energy that lingers within bodies of those spending long periods in front of flames.
Building a rapport with fire and embracing it.
That is what constitutes flame energy.
‘Why suddenly feel the flame energy in the Dokcheondan?’
Dokcheondan, a mad concoction of poison; how could fire energy appear out of the blue?
It seemed I was not the only one who caught on to this peculiar detail, as the Poison King wore a subtle expression as well.
‘… What went wrong?’
Where did the hitch originate? I distinctly finished creating the spirit tablet, so what in the world spun it into chaos…?
‘Huh?’
While contemplating this question, an epiphany struck my mind.
The reason Dokcheondan contained fire energy instead of poison—
“Could it be?”
I rolled my eyes and glanced at my hands.
‘Did I infuse my own energy into it?’
Having poured my energy into the magic stone and ground it, could that be the cause?
‘This feels about right.’
No matter how much I sought other explanations, none made sense outside of this.
Unless it were this, there’d be no reason for the flame energy to leap out so readily.
‘I incorporated the energy of the Gu Flame Wheel Technique into the dough.’
As a reaction, the spirit tablet absorbed the flame energy. What does that mean?
“Your lordship, please try one.”
“What?”
“Just eat one quickly.”
“What nonsense are you speaking? How can I—! Cough!”
His speech faltered, so I merely shoved it into his mouth, forcing him to chew, causing the Poison King to flail about momentarily.
Once it was in, it was far too late for it to be removed now.
For a moment, the Poison King shot me a look of resentment, but he had no option left.
Thud—!
The Poison King promptly sat cross-legged. This was an immediate reaction after eating. It was also merely a struggle to survive.
I swiftly moved behind him, placing a hand on his back.
No dialogue was necessary; naturally, it was clear he could not speak while focusing his energy.
Whoooosh—!!
I felt the flow of energy rushing through my back.
‘That’s definite.’
As he ingested the spirit tablet, the energy distributed itself within him.
It was akin to what occurred when consuming Dokcheondan.
Except.
‘As expected, the fire energy is mixed in.’
It was only the absence of poison.
‘Is there a problem with the energy?’
I hastened the flow of energy in order to confirm it.
Swoosh—!!!
“Gah?!”
The unexpected surge of energy startled him, prompting the Poison King to flinch.
“Focus.”
“…”
In an instant, I distributed the energy throughout the area.
Simultaneously, I collected the accumulated impurities and burned them with my left hand.
“…!!”
Every time a development unfolded, the Poison King displayed a variety of reactions.
…Seriously, what’s going on with this old man?
‘If this continues, he might just die of blood clotting. Isn’t he afraid at all?’
It’s not like he hasn’t done it once or twice.
‘It’s easy to manage energy flow. It’s looking good.’
Though still somewhat unstable since it had just been crafted, it was neat and pleasing visually.
A bit of wobbling was acceptable as long as I spread it out and stabilized it; this level was simply adequate.
Thus, I systematically distributed the energy throughout the Poison King’s body, gathered it into a handful, and placed it in his danjeon.
“Guh… ugh.”
The excessive quantity of energy seemed to weigh down the Poison King as he emitted a muffled groan.
Truth be told, I could have infused the energy without inflicting any pain, yet I didn’t.
‘That just seemed a tad troublesome.’
Oh well, I reasoned that he’s the Poison King, so he ought to bear this much. That was my half-hearted rationalization.
After a good amount of time fiddling around.
“Gah…!!”
The Poison King collapsed, spewing out what was inside him.
Thud thud—!!
Black blood oozed from his mouth.
“Ha… cough.”
This was simply the residual impurities after purification. Though it appeared painful, it was a luxury in its own right.
“Congratulations.”
I casually offered my congratulations while observing the Poison King regulate his breathing.
The ordeal had slightly enhanced my level of mastery. I could tell even while handling the energy; for the Poison King, the owner of that body, the awareness must be even sharper.
“Cough… Whew… Whew…”
Finally managing to stabilize his breath, the Poison King glanced over at me.
His eyes reflected a multitude of conflicting emotions.
“You… you just…”
“You don’t have to say thanks.”
“No, I’m not saying thank you—!! What in the world are you doing without my permission?”
“Is the fire energy really developing… Is it purely immunity, or can they be combined? I’ve seen that it works… If so…”
“No matter how much of a benefactor you may be, this soul has to… Wait… what are you even doing right now?”
The Poison King seemed poised to become enraged, but for whatever reason, he fell short.
This was because just as he had fed me, I had also taken one of the completed Dokcheondan and shoved it in my mouth.
‘I’ve experimented on the Poison King’s body before, so this time I’ll confirm it for myself.’
If this is truly the spirit tablet crafted from my energy, how would it differ when consumed directly?
This sparked my curiosity and I promptly decided to give it a go.
The pungent aroma and flavor embarked on my palate. I savored it before chewing and swallowing it down.
Gulp.
The spirit tablet descended past my throat straight into my inner depths, and just as I steadied my breath in preparation for the energy to gradually spread.
“Hey, you—!”
The Poison King reacted as though he were shaken from his stupor.
The response was so dramatic that I found it amusing enough to express my disappointment.
“I mean, I already made the Dokcheondan anyway. I’ve just finished solving the problem for you. Is it truly so much to ask to eat this little bit?”
After all, I had provided the recipe as well. Considering everything else I’d done, if he made such a fuss over just eating this, I felt I had nothing further to say.
At that moment.
“Come on, it’s something I can just make again….”
“Are you alright? Hey, Prince Gu!”
“What?”
The Poison King’s reaction appeared strangely off.
“What are you saying?”
“Are you alright?!”
At the instant I had been about to convey my confusion to the Poison King,
“No, of course I’m alright… Huh?”
Only then did I finally pick up on it.
“…What?”
The spot where I stood had shifted.
“Your lord?”
In a space entirely devoid of human presence, not even the Poison King who had been to my side.
I squinted at the sudden occurrence.
What in the world was going on now…?
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