884 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Outside, I searched for the Poison King. The reason was obvious: the Dokchundan. The moment I faced the Poison King, I asked. “How is everything progressing…?” I trailed off mid-sentence, closing my mouth. The Poison King was staring at me. Observing his expression, I spoke. “…Are you alright?” I found myself asking out of concern. That’s how grave the Poison King’s expression was. It was as if he might collapse any moment. Concerned, the Poison King replied. “…Are you, young master Gu, alright?” “Pardon? Me?” Surprised by his concern, I asked back. “Your face looks unusually red.” “...” I immediately touched my cheek. I could feel the heat. It was much hotter than usual. ‘What the heck.’ Why is this happening? I swallowed nervously, feeling embarrassed. It seemed the previous incident still lingered. ‘Damn it.’ Was it Namgung Bia's actions and reactions towards me? Or was it Tang Sohyeol's words and expressions that troubled me? Whatever it was, it wasn’t good. ‘How did I get to this age only to be affected by such trivial matters?’ Even if I included my past life, the number was not small, yet just a bit of agitation had me flustered. It was truly embarrassing. Was this all I amounted to? ‘Sigh…’ I took a deep breath to calm myself, circulating energy through my body to forcibly steady it. Feeling the heat slowly dissipate, I murmured. “…It’s just a bit warm. The weather is unusually hot today.” “But it will be winter soon.” “It can be warm in winter too.” “Others are wearing woolen clothes.” “…I just have a lot of body heat.” “Hmmm….” The Poison King gave me a strange look. Did this man know something? ‘No, he wouldn’t know.’ If he knew, he wouldn’t be speaking to me like this. ‘If he knew, he would immediately put holes in me to pour poison, not just watch quietly.’ Knowing the Poison King’s personality, if he understood Tang Sohyeol’s intentions, he would genuinely try to kill me. Therefore, he must just find it peculiar. I added, as if explaining. “I’m serious. And, the one who deserves concern should be the family head, not me…. Are you really alright?” “Well…. hmm, will you believe me if I say I’m alright?” “No.” “Then I’m not alright.” “Yes. That’s how it seems.” “...” His glare was quite sharp. Perhaps I teased him too much. "Ahem... The concern is genuine. Should I call a doctor for you?" “I'm fine. So, what brings you here?” “I came to ask about the preparations.” “Can my appearance serve as an answer?” “Yes, it’s certainly enough…. But can we meet the timeline?” “We’ll try.” “Your answer is a bit ambiguous.” “Well, should I say, ‘Even if it kills me, I’ll try’ instead?” “Yes.” “Pardon?” “Just joking.” To be honest, I meant it seriously, but I diverted the topic as the Poison King’s gaze was intimidating. Like my words, the Poison King seemed displeased, glaring at me before letting out a sigh and adding. “…While I can meet the timeline, it's a bit challenging.” I understand. The manufacturing method did not suit the Poison King at all. The supply of materials became smooth thanks to the Martial Alliance, but the crucial part was the last ingredient. ‘The Poison King’s energy.’ The Dokchundan would only be completed with the Poison King’s energy, laced with toxicity. And quite a substantial amount of it was needed. ‘It’s a quantity that would leave one exhausted after making it once.’ I heard that no matter how hard you try, you can only make about three Dokchundans in seven days and nights. This is the absolute limit, and practically you'd average around two. ‘Even that’s a significant number….’ Taking the example of the Dae Hwandan, it was said to take several months, sometimes even a year, with multiple people involved in its creation. Comparing that to producing one or two Dokchundans of similar or greater potency weekly? It was an incredible feat, making commercialization a possibility. “I’ve mentioned it to the upper echelon. Have you had any contact?” “Likely, the young master has spoken to them separately.” “Hmm.” Such a significant matter discussed not by the Poison King but by Tang’s young master…? That means. ‘He might be preparing to pass the baton.’ It could be seen as preparing to hand over the position of family head. Gradually assigning duties to make him accustomed, perhaps. ‘Even though it seems early… the timing is indeed right.’ Judging by age, even if the Poison King is in his prime as a martial artist, preparing now would ease the transition later. Even if we put this aside. “If it's difficult, is there any other method?” “Another method?” “Like producing it with the young master.” If it's challenging, involve the young master in the Dokchundan production. Or there are other elders too. Maybe they can help increase the quantity comfortably. But when I ask. “Haha.” The Poison King chuckled incredulously. “Young master Gu.” “Yes.” “You seem to… have some significant misunderstandings.” “Pardon?” “I suppose that’s possible. People like you generally wouldn’t know.” “I don’t quite understand what you mean.” People like me, what did he mean by that? “In your eyes, does my energy seem lacking?” “...” I paused, contemplating his words. The Poison King’s energy? I narrowed my eyes, thinking deeply. ‘Is it lacking?’ No, it wasn’t lacking. Though, that didn’t mean it was abundant either. Perhaps reading my thoughts, the Poison King smirked and said. “At least among those in my rank, I possess quite a lot of energy. To put it plainly, even within the flowering level, among those of the highest caliber, I belong to the upper echelon.” “…Is that so?” Although surprised, it wasn’t unfathomable. The very act of utilizing poison techniques consumes a considerable amount of internal energy. Originally, martial arts focusing on alchemy had such effects. So, when the Poison King brought up the topic now... "What he means is that even people very different from you, who struggle greatly, wouldn't make much of a difference even if others help—which means, not everyone has the same capacity as you." “…!” "You're aware you possess an extremely unusual amount of energy. Hence, your inability to comprehend the situation well." “…Ah." "I understand. It's not uncommon for geniuses to struggle to understand the average." “...” The sudden acknowledgment of being a genius made my head throb slightly. I had no words. It's true. In both my previous and current life, I've never really been short on energy, aside from the early stages. The same went for when manufacturing the Dokchundan. Apart from the inefficiency of the Poison King's absorption of energy, the difference was stark. While I could produce a few without stopping, the Poison King could only manage one. That difference was rather significant. Recognizing that, even if it’s a matter of talent, I couldn't exactly argue against it. Anyway. The Poison King's intentions boiled down to one thing. "If you're not assisting, this is the best we can do." “…Yes. My apologies.” "No need." Since I was asking for the impossible and apologized immediately, the Poison King accepted it with a smile. To him, it must've seemed like a clueless comment from a genius. Should I be grateful for that…? ‘In the end, this is the best quantity we can achieve.’ Though I desired quicker results, this wasn’t bad. The drawback was that the Poison King’s life was being drained, but that was acceptable too. ‘It’s not my life being drained, after all.’ So, I nodded. “…Then, I’ll begin preparations at this stage.” “Understood.” “Yes, then…” I intentionally maintained a concern-filled expression though there was little I could do. ‘Please, take it easy.’ “Still, if possible, do it quickly even if it hurts.” “…?” “Oh, sorry…. That slipped out.” My genuine thoughts had slipped. Feeling sheepish, I smiled awkwardly as the Poison King looked at me incredulously. “…Hah.” His laugh felt oddly cold. And so, I quickly left. ****************** Returning to my place, I found someone inside. There was only one person who could come and go as they pleased without my permission. “…You’re here?” “Yes.” It was Cheol Jiseon, sitting at a desk with eyes brimming with fatigue as he read a document. “Are you alright?” “…No.” “Good, I'm glad to hear you’re okay.” “...” Ignoring him, I sat on the opposite side. Though Cheol Jiseon frowned momentarily, he soon reverted to his usual expression. He probably realized glaring wouldn’t yield any answers. “How did the task I asked about go?” I swiftly switched to business. “…The top agreed, and we’ll proceed as soon as the preparations with the Tang Clan are complete.” “I just discussed that with the Poison King. It looks good to proceed.” “Then, I’ll relay the message immediately.” An efficient conversation. We exchanged no unnecessary words. We both knew time was short, so chitchat was avoided. “I’ve also sent a letter to the main sect.” “What did they reply?” “It should arrive in a few days.” “Tell the branch leader to handle it.” Without waiting, I needed to head to Henan. The letter to the main sect was primarily for show. “What about the other matters I asked you to investigate?” “Information is coming in, but…” Cheol Jiseon trailed off with a troubled look. “Nothing definitive seems appropriate…” The information I sought pertained to Yeon Ilcheon. I was trying to track every matter related to him, yet beyond the known history, nothing significant surfaced. That made sense. Being a figure from centuries ago, what more could there possibly be? A normal person might think so. ‘Tsk.’ To me, continuous verification was essential. “Just give me whatever’s come in.” “There’s a lot. Are you sure you don’t want it summarized?” “Do you have time for that?” “…Not really….” “Then just give it.” If there was no time, reducing or eliminating sleep was the answer. Normally, I’d ask for a summarized version, but doing so might push Cheol Jiseon into overwork. To prevent that, I needed to reduce my sleeping time. After all, I wasn’t one to perish from overworking. “Alright, that's settled… Next.” “…Ah, before that.” “Hmm?” Cutting me off, Cheol Jiseon handed over a letter. “It’s a letter from the strategist.” The only person Cheol Jiseon referred to like that was someone I knew. Jegal Hyeok. It was his letter. Nodding, I took the letter. “What suddenly…” Unfurling the letter, I narrowed my eyes at its contents. Noticing my reaction, Cheol Jiseon asked worriedly. “…Is everything okay?” Cheol Jiseon wouldn’t have read the letter. By default, any correspondence from Jegal Hyeok was for me to read first. He asked curiously, nodding, I confirmed. “It’s fine. Let’s conclude for today. I need to finish my tasks quickly.” “What does it say—” Cutting off Cheol Jiseon, I handed him the letter to read. His expression also turned serious after reading. The letter read: - The Divine Dragon Division is moving to seize Gwiakchang. - It seems they haven’t identified the exact personnel, but the location of Gwiakchang appears to have been compromised. “This…?” “Don’t worry about it.” I stopped Cheol Jiseon before he could say more. “It probably isn't a big deal.” I said as I stood. “We have to move a bit faster.” I raked my disheveled hair back. “Inform the sword division and the branch leader. Be ready to leave as early as tomorrow.” I initially thought of departing in three days at the latest, but the timeline had drastically shortened. Something on their end had started moving. And right at the time I arrived in Sichuan. Could this really be a coincidence? ‘Hard to say.’ They established the Sacred Dragon Division to counter the demons and heretics, yet they moved the Divine Dragon Division while I wasn't present. Should this be dismissed as coincidence? I narrowed my eyes. ‘It’s more likely not.’ The intention seemed quite evident. Even if it's not, it remains that the main sect has begun to make a move. Therefore. ‘We need to do something as well.’ The course of action was already determined. I looked at Cheol Jiseon and said. “Send word to Gaebang and inform the main sect as well. As for the timing….” To make sure they couldn’t focus entirely. “Ensure the information reaches Henan slightly faster than the rumors spread.” We needed to create a large stir. ****************** The next day. News erupted from Sichuan that the Tang Clan had successfully restored their family elixir, the Dokchundan. However, despite such news, the Tang Clan had chosen not to make any official statements. Restoration of the Dokchundan, which had been a long-cherished desire of the Tang Clan. If it were truly the case, a significant uproar could be expected in Zhongyuan. The issue was… this shocking rumor wasn’t the only one circulating. Not only were they rumored to have restored the Dokchundan, but there was also talk of its commercial sale. An elixir that even those affiliated with Shaolin, Wudang, and Mt. Hua would hesitate to acquire. The idea that it could be purchased was truly preposterous. However, surprisingly, letters confirming this information as true were swiftly being dispatched to Henan. Simultaneously, A swift bird flew towards the Sichuan branch. In its rapid flight was a messenger pigeon. Attached to the bird’s leg was a letter, adorned with a distinct floral pattern. That was unmistakably the emblem of the Baekhwa Merchant Guild.