406 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

“If you can make the antidote, I’m willing to pay any amount.” Moyong Seop, the representative of the delegation from the Mo Yong Se Ga, accepted immediately. He knew they could make the antidote, but it would require time and manpower, so he asked them to cover the costs. “Alright. Let's get started on making the antidote right away.” Dang Hwarin returned to the secret garden and conveyed her message to Uigakju and Dokmu Hu. “There’s no need to rush. I’ve informed Mo Yong Se Ga’s people that it might take a few months to prepare the antidote.” Uigakju attempted to calm the anxious Dang Hwarin. “It won’t take that long.” “We have research materials from Dang Geoh, but the poison used on the young lord wasn’t designed to be antidote-friendly. It won’t be easy.” The poison was created by Dang Geoh to take control of the Dang family. Since it wasn’t meant to be neutralized, finding an antidote, even with existing materials, would be challenging. Ordinarily, that is. “Hehehe. There’s already an antidote.” Dang Hwarin replied with a sly smile. “What do you mean...? Your hands?” Uigakju observed the white and green auras flickering between her forefinger and thumb. The two energies merged and quickly transformed into harmless smoke. “By mastering the Poison Qi Arts, I’ve learned how to neutralize the toxins I absorb. Crafting this aura into medicine is a different story, though.” “...” Uigakju, Dang Mu Gi, was speechless at the sight before him. “It seems the ingredients needed might include Huang Bai, Ma Huang, Croton, Fish Mint, and Monkshood? I lack comprehensive knowledge of herbal medicines, but we can start from here.” “Goodness... You can even identify the necessary herbs.” “Yes. Once the antidote is made, please give it to me. I’ll test it to ensure it works.” Creating a medicine to neutralize a particular poison usually requires extensive animal and human testing. However, as a complete Poison Expert, Dang Hwarin could dramatically shorten what would normally take significant time. “That should be sufficient. Uigakju and I will handle the preparation of the medicine and toxins, so you focus on your training.” “Yes. I’ll be at the training grounds.” Dang Hwarin nodded at her master’s words and disappeared to continue her training. --- “I knew she could control the poison qi at will and store it in her body, but I didn't expect her to be able to concoct antidotes on the spot.” She possesses the poisons of Dang Geoh within her and has comprehended the perfect method to neutralize them. On top of that, by consuming the antidote, she can discern what’s missing and gauge its effectiveness without being affected by the poison’s force. Her words about finding an antidote quickly were far from mere bravado. Uigakju couldn't help but admire Dang Hwarin. “As soon as she learned the Poison Qi Arts, she quickly grasped the method. I didn’t foresee that a complete Poison Expert would gain such a capability.” Dokmu Hu laughed, proud of her disciple's outstanding talent. “Such abilities would leave even those who have studied poison arts and medicine at the Sichuan Dang family for decades speechless.” “Sometimes, it confounds me. She accomplishes in the blink of an eye what took me ages to learn, yet struggles with what seems like the simplest things.” Dokmu Hu, herself a half-Poison Expert, would sometimes be taken aback by the unexpected capabilities of a complete Poison Expert. “A complete Poison Expert... Perhaps the next generation of the Dang family could count among the top five warriors of the world.” As a martial artist, it’s imprudent to speculate about the foremost warrior in the land. However, considering Dang Hwarin’s current state, she could become one of the few elite masters. Dang Mu Gi, as a martial artist of the Dang family, couldn’t conceal his expectations. “That child will likely wish for her firstborn in her twenties, more than becoming the world’s greatest warrior.” “Hahaha. At least there's no concern about children going through a rebellious phase.” “Indeed.” Both Dokmu Hu and Uigakju looked towards the training grounds with fond smiles. ** “Have you guys read the third volume of Dang Ga Foong Yoon?” While they were quietly working on developing the antidote in the secret garden, the Sichuan Dang family was abuzz with discussions about the third volume of Dang Ga Foong Yoon. “I did! Thanks to Dang Jeong, I was so thrilled last night I couldn’t sleep!” “Why is it so fascinating to see two women fighting over Dang Jeong?” “The Daseo Gak referred to the catfight between the women as a ‘meow battle.’” Chimed in one of the guards who had visited the Daseo Gak. “A meow battle? A cat fight! I don’t know who coined that, but it’s a fitting term.” “I thought it was over when he got poisoned by the seductress! Who would have guessed it would turn into a tale of Cheng Hong Yi Hua Gang? I was astounded by Ho Pil’s writing.” “I was in awe when they introduced a moving Poison Killing Space!” “Absolutely! If that seductress hadn’t been a member of the Demonic Cult, the story would have ended there!” “Darn those Demonic Cult bastards!” I'm glad we waited with anticipation. Ho Pil never disappoints. Whether internal or external to the Dang family, members or guests, everyone gathered and chattered excitedly about Dang Ga Foong Yoon. “Though the third volume was exciting, wasn’t the notion of a moving Poison Killing Space a bit too far-fetched?” When everyone joined in the chatter, naturally, there were those who expressed their criticism. “What? Are you questioning Ho Pil’s writing now?” “No! But listen. What exactly is a Poison Killing Space? Isn’t it a tactical formation using poison and hidden weapons? Even if Dang Jeong could move within it, the formation itself shouldn't be mobile.” “He achieved a realm enhancement after being intimate with Cheng Hong Yi Hua.” “Even with a realm enhancement, there’s an insurmountable gap between the seductress and Dang Jeong. Isn't this pushing it a little too far? I’ve only managed to read through Dang Ga Foong Yoon five times, but one must address oversights!” “Well, that...” Could it really be Ho Pil’s research mistake? The critique from a martial artist shook some of the Dang family devotees. “Tsk tsk. These people have never seen the Poison Killing Space.” Someone clicked his tongue and appeared, looking down on the one who had pointed out the inaccuracies. “What are you saying?” The newcomers were none other than the martial artists from Ui Gak. “Haven't you seen the moving Poison Killing Space?” “I doubt they have. Only those of us who have faced the Demonic Cult have had the honor of witnessing it firsthand.” The martial artists from Ui Gak shook their heads in disapproval, looking at the other Dang family's martial artists with a hint of pity. What exactly are the Ui Gak guys going on about? Some of the Dang family's martial artists were puzzled as someone suddenly recalled a clue. “Wait a minute! Weren’t you once Ho Pil's escort?” “What?! Are you saying the Poison Killing Space actually exists? And the moving one too? Do you know something about this?” “This is why we shouldn’t even engage in conversation with fake readers who haven’t traveled directly with Ho Pil.” “My sentiment exactly. It's disgraceful that such people are even considered readers these days. As a member of the Daseo Association, I find it utterly disappointing!” The martial artists from Ui Gak shrugged their shoulders at each other and let out a dismissive laugh. “Please, just tell us! It’s driving us insane!” The avid readers of Dang Ga Foong Yoon pleaded, practically pounding their chests, but none of the martial artists from Ui Gak offered an answer. What on earth are they talking about? The Poison Killing Space? How is it related to Ho Pil? The inquisitive readers eyed the martial artists from Ui Gak with burning curiosity until Dang Pae, wearing a self-satisfied smile, stepped forward. “The Poison Killing Space is real.” “What?!” “It was developed by Ho Pil and Miss Dang Hwarin. It’s martial arts, and you should have seen the Demonic Cult members melting away in the Poison Killing Space.” “Goodness. Is that true, Dang Pae?” All eyes widened in shock as they turned to Dang Pae. Dang Pae relished the attention. To savor the limelight a bit longer, he reenacted the bold moves of a certain lady in front of the Demonic Cult and exclaimed, “It’s true! Miss Hwarin called out to the Demonic Cult, ‘I am the butterfly that walks in darkness. Come, welcome to my Poison Killing Space!’ It was amazing!” Now, there should be a flood of questions. Though Dang Pae was prepared to mimic the scene, there was only silence. ‘Why so quiet?’ Oddly, it felt cold, especially his back. This seemed like déjà vu. Dang Pae tried to ignore the chill down his spine and turned his head around. “Hey, Dang Pae. When did I ever say that?” The owner of the Poison Killing Space was standing there with a cold smile. “Miss Hwarin?! What are you doing here?” “I was on my way to gather some herbs.” “Hahaha...” Oh no. Dang Pae cursed his loose lips that followed the flow and atmosphere too eagerly. “Miss Hwarin, can you really wield the Poison Killing Space?” “The butterfly that walks in darkness! Will you show us?” “What?! To hear that famous line in person? Everyone gather!! All together now!!” “““Come, welcome to my Poison Killing Space!””” The ardent fans of Dang Ga Foong Yoon sensed the atmosphere turning chilly but couldn’t contain their curiosity. “Aaah! Dang Pae! You’re just dead meat!” “Please, spare me!!!” ** “It’s finally done.” “Thank you all for your hard work.” The soothing spring breeze had vanished as the heat of Sichuan arrived. The completed antidote lay before Dokmu Hu. “To think the last ingredient we struggled with turned out to be ginseng.” Dang Hwarin looked at the antidote with a dazed expression. Blending their expertise to create the medicine was the easy part. The challenge was how to revive someone who had been poisoned for a long time. The endeavor of finding a way to counteract and heal at the same time took longer than they had anticipated. “If a physician with no skills wants to be praised as a virtuoso, there’s no better saying than to carry Korean ginseng.” In the end, the solution they devised, after much deliberation, was the premium ginseng gifted by Mo Yong Se Ga. “What a preposterous remedy. At this rate, Korea might as well be cultivating gold nuggets.” Dang Hwarin found herself curious about her fiancé’s homeland. “With so many people clamoring for Korean ginseng, even the Dang family has a hard time procuring quality ginseng.” Ginseng from Korea, the country where the sun rises, had myriad uses. To obtain it under the setting sun in Sichuan, one had to pay a staggering price. “I’m also surprised. I knew ginseng was effective but never imagined premium Korean ginseng would be this potent...” Uigakju recorded each ingredient necessary for the completed antidote. On the paper, it listed the miraculous properties of ginseng from Mo Yong Se Ga, emphasizing its necessity due to its countless benefits, including detoxification, energy restoration, and blood enhancement. “Mo Yong Se Ga must be delighted, having the luxury to use such rare ginseng so freely.” Dang Hwarin remarked with a tone of disbelief. “If you were to say that consuming an antidote made with Korean ginseng in Sichuan is necessary, it would imply uprooting your family's financial support. But for Mo Yong Se Ga, it’s feasible.” “I heard they’ve monopolized the ginseng trade routes. Just how much do they earn?” The cost of the ginseng used in their experiments alone was beyond what could be covered by selling copies of Yun Ho and Dang Ga Foong Yoon. Dang Hwarin tried to calculate the income of Mo Yong Sang Ah on her fingers but gave up, finding the amount too mind-boggling to comprehend. “Hmm... Now that it's done, I suppose we should meet the people of Mo Yong Se Ga. Hwarin, why are you getting up?” Dokmu Hu looked at his eager disciple with a curious expression. “Time to hit them up for compensation!” Dang Hwarin clenched her fists, ready to storm to the delegation from Mo Yong Se Ga. Dokmu Hu sighed quietly and, furrowing his brow, began to advise his disciple. “I understand the hardship of wasting your time, but don't make excessive demands. If we help the distressed with acts of kindness but then aim for wealth, how are we different from the selfish sects?” “She made money by trying to kill her own husband, so shouldn’t this be fine?” Dang Hwarin responded curtly. “Hwarin.” Dokmu Hu gently chastised, puzzled by his disciple’s harsh demeanor. “I don’t know. The more I think about this woman, Mo Yong Sang Ah, the more annoyed and irritated I get for some reason.” Dang Hwarin responded, furrowing her brows. She didn’t know why she felt this way either. Though she made the medicine out of empathy, hearing that Mo Yong Sang Ah was a victim like her due to the Demonic Cult’s conspiracy didn’t change her irritated feelings. For some reason, just thinking about Mo Yong Sang Ah made her feel uneasy. There was a peculiar hostility growing within her as a woman. Why was she feeling this way? Dang Hwarin couldn't fathom it. “Hmph.” “Dokmu Hu, it’s likely because both of their husbands are Korean,” Uigakju interjected, stopping Dokmu Hu before he could say anything further. “Even so, considering her family accommodates her every need. What does she plan to do with a large sum from Mo Yong Se Ga?” No matter how much she thought about it, Dokmu Hu was puzzled. Dang Hwarin had no reason to covet riches. As a complete Poison Expert receiving the treatment of a direct descendant, all conveniences were provided by the Dang family. Not only her basic needs, but anything she desired could be acquired by the family. There wasn’t any reason for her to require a substantial amount of money. What could she possibly be planning to do with the money from Mo Yong Se Ga? Dokmu Hu asked, seeking to understand his disciple's intentions. Dang Hwarin replied with a confident smile. “Of course, I plan to spend it on Yun Ho.”