243 - Genius Martial Arts Trainer

◈ Odokmun (1) On the second day of Dang Sumi and the poison masters from Sichuan Tang Clan analyzing the poison array of Odokmun, the leadership convened once again. It was a day earlier than the three days that Solar Palace's Mistress and Dang Sumi had wagered. “What’s the progress?” “Have you found a solution?” In response to the urgent inquiries of the two palace mistresses, Dang Sumi answered. Naturally, Gu Yangpa was acting as an interpreter in between. “I've heard Odokmun is the best in the southern barbarians when it comes to poison. Indeed, it wasn't easy.” The Solar Palace's Mistress snorted at this response. “Hmph. So, you’re saying you’ve failed, after all.” However, Dang Sumi shook her index finger sideways with a smile at Beast Palace's Mistress's remark and replied. “That’s not it. Given enough time, I am confident we could dismantle it completely, but you said time is of the essence, right? So I've found a slightly risky but possible workaround.” “A workaround?” “In the realm of poison arts, there is a saying, ‘using poison to counter poison.’ It's derived from the concept of using barbarians to control barbarians.” “Are you suggesting using poison to dismantle the poison array?” “With the amount of poison we're dealing with, it’s impossible for the five of us to carry enough antidote. Instead, there's a way to make the poisons within the array consume each other.” Saying this, Dang Sumi drew a circle on the ground. It was a representation of the swamp area of Odokmun. “Based on our observations over the past two days, there are five main spots within the poison array where the flow of the poison seems unnatural or forced. Due to the various poisons scattered within the array, artificial flows have been established to prevent them from clashing.” Dang Sumi marked five points on the circle she drew on the ground. “So, if we could simultaneously disrupt just those five spots, the poisons would start attacking each other. Of course, you’d need at least five experts capable of shaking the array at those points in one blow.” “...What happens if we fail?” “Well, the array would only tremble slightly. However, during that brief disruption, the attacking individuals will be engulfed by the rebounding poisons and dissolve into a pool of toxins.” As her explanation ended, those gathered for the meeting exchanged glances. They had to decide who would undertake the dangerous task of attacking those five critical points in the poison array. “Bringing such a perilous proposal as a solution. Is this not irresponsible?” Dang Sumi responded to the Solar Palace's Mistress's criticism with a seductive smile. “Oh my. Solar Palace Mistress, you seemed so confident, am I wrong, or are you perhaps not as sure of yourself?” “Hmph. I am confident of success. The problem lies in the other four open positions, doesn't it?” As if on cue, Beast Palace's Mistress spoke up first. “Hahaha! If those southern cheapskates can do it, there's no way I can't!” Then Mu Jin and Gu Yangpa stepped forward. “I'll take one of the spots as well.” “I will do the same.” In a way, the leaders of each faction were all stepping forward. The issue was the last position. As they needed to simultaneously collapse all five points, the most skilled among them had to be chosen for that remaining spot. While pride might compel another from one's faction to step up, considering the exposure to deadly poison if they failed, it was a complicated decision. ‘In our ranks, Mu Kyung comes closest after me…’ However, Mu Kyung’s martial arts were not suitable for this kind of mission. What was needed was a single, powerful blow rather than complex and diverse martial arts. For a powerful strike, Mu Gung was more suitable than Mu Kyung. But looking at it from that perspective, there was another man in a rival faction who was even better suited than Mu Gung. “In that case, how about entrusting the remaining spot to the external enforcer of Solar Palace?” Upon Mu Jin's suggestion, those gathered began nodding in agreement, each subtly reading the room's atmosphere. “Hahaha. Truly, it’s a shame such a talent would stay in Solar Palace!” “Hmph. He’s a man that fools like you wouldn't even know how to embrace.” Even amidst this, the palace mistresses couldn't help but bicker. “If it’s Geum Yang-hwi, I can trust him with the task.” As Gu Yangpa voiced his consent, the Solar Palace's Mistress scowled slightly and spoke. “The external enforcer is still a member of Solar Palace. It’s not for you to decide whether you trust him or not.” Only then did Mu Jin understand why the Solar Palace's Mistress often gazed disapprovingly at Gu Yangpa. ‘Indeed, she might be bitter about losing such a talented individual.’ Despite Mu Jin’s thoughts, the plan suggested by Dang Sumi seemed likely to proceed naturally. With all five representatives chosen, Dang Sumi, wearing a peculiar smile, addressed the Solar Palace's Mistress. “With the solution decided, it’s now time for you to fulfill your end, Solar Palace Mistress.” It was a reminder of the promise to apologize, but the Solar Palace's Mistress refused. “I will apologize once this war is over. If the plan fails and we dissolve into nothing but toxic mist, wouldn’t apologizing now be in vain?” In response to her claim, the Beast Palace's Mistress chided. “Such pettiness befitting a southerner. Hahaha.” This time, Mu Jin inwardly agreed with Beast Palace's Mistress. --- At the center of the swamp filled with poisonous mist. There stood a manor where people lived. Astonishingly, from the manor’s walls onward, no poisonous mist flowed. This manor was, in fact, the stronghold of the faction known as Odokmun in the southern regions. In the heart of this manor, in a grand pavilion, three men gathered for a meeting. “How long do you intend to stay hidden like this?” An elder dressed in the characteristic martial garb of the Jomchang School frowned as he asked. He led the hundred Jomchang swordmasters here as reinforcements, and was an elder known as the Sunlight Sword of the Jomchang School. Hwang Gon tried to calm the Sunlight Sword, but his words only further incensed him. "Barbarians of the southern tribes…even if there were ten thousand of them, they couldn’t stand against the mighty Jomchang School. Why do we cower here in hiding?" Listening to Sunlight Sword's rhetoric, Hwang Gon could barely suppress a sigh. He wondered why he would utter such nonsense when these very 'barbarians' were supposed to be their allies. The Master of Odokmun gave him a look that clearly asked for translation, so Hwang Gon somewhat tactfully relayed the message. “The Elder Sunlight Sword would prefer to confront the enemy outside rather than remain in hiding.” “…Are all martial artists from the central plains so foolish? Ignoring the difference in numbers just to utter such nonsense.” “Sigh. It seems his anxiety got the better of him.” Acting as both translator and mediator between them left Hwang Gon feeling understandably disheartened. Of course, Sunlight Sword paid no mind to Hwang Gon’s feelings. “It has already been four days of being trapped here. In other words, our caravans bound for Jomchang School have been halted for four days.” “Have no fear. We have a plan to make them retreat while we hold out from inside. And when they disperse, we plan to defeat them individually.” Sunlight Sword asked, squinting, “How do you plan on making them retreat?” “They’ve summoned most of their forces here, meaning their main base is left unguarded.” “Attacking their main camp... How do you plan to do that from inside this trap?” “Before being trapped here, we sent people out. They will soon attack their rear, compelling them to return to defend the Beast Palace and Solar Palace.” After hearing the plan, Sunlight Sword responded skeptically. “We'll see. I don’t know if the poison array outside will hold out long enough.” Naturally, the Master of Odokmun smirked in response. “If you are that doubtful, why not step outside and experience it yourself?” For a moment, Sunlight Sword glared at him. “Hmph. Since we are still ‘allies,’ I’ll put my trust in you.” Lacking the courage to test the deadly poison array on his own body, Sunlight Sword feigned arrogance with his reply. The Master of Odokmun barely managed to suppress a laugh at such pitiful posturing, primarily because they still needed their allies' strength. ‘Hmph. This poison array is the pride of our lineage, built over generations. No one in the world can penetrate it.’ To the Master of Odokmun, it was infuriating to remain allied with someone who disregarded such a formidable poison array, almost as annoying as conversing with that foolish Beast Palace's Mistress. ‘Once we crush Beast Palace, next will be Solar Palace and their ilk!’ The Master of Odokmun kept these thoughts private as he glanced at Hwang Gon and Sunlight Sword. His fixation on Beast Palace wasn’t merely about territory. ‘If we could acquire and study the poison from that accursed Mancr's territory, we could wipe out these fools and even those from Solar Palace!’ His true plan was to utilize the toxic herbs in the Beast Palace's territory to create the ultimate poison, aiming to obliterate both the forces of Solar Palace and Hwang Gon. Meanwhile, perhaps embarrassed by his fear of the poison array, Sunlight Sword changed the subject swiftly. “In any case, as long as we stall for time, those forces will scatter.” “Yes. They will never break through that poison array.” “Heh heh. It’d be best if we dealt with those so-called barbarians of Beast Palace first. They say those Shaolin fools are siding with them.” His gaze, incongruous with his sage-like appearance, brimmed with a chilling, venomous intent as he spoke. Remarkably, Sunlight Sword was already aware that Mu Jin and his party were allied with Beast Palace, a fact revealed by Hwang Gon. During a previous skirmish, recognizing Mu Jin's unique weapon, he quickly deduced their identity. In fact, Sunlight Sword and the Jomchang swordmasters had come here specifically to confront those Shaolin monks. “This is the perfect chance to teach those insolent Shaolin apprentices just what true superiority looks like. Ha ha ha.” The reason Jomchang could only send a hundred reinforcements was simple. With reinforcements already dispatched to aid Mount Hua in Shaanxi Province, they were short of disciples. Learning that Shaolin monks were present here angered Jomchang, fearing it was a ploy to cut off their supply routes during their absence. Despite this, Sunlight Sword had confidence. He believed a hundred of Jomchang’s elite disciples could easily wipe out both the Shaolin monks and the Beast Palace. Of course, that was purely Jomchang’s perspective. Seeing Sunlight Sword disguise himself with sage-like laughter while harboring murderous intent, Hwang Gon silently clicked his tongue. 'You’re no match for them, naive Taoist.' Hwang Gon, despite revealing the presence of the Shaolin monks, withheld information about their prowess. Especially after witnessing Woo Jin—the Shaolin Divine Dragon’s skills during a previous battle, which clearly surpassed Sunlight Sword’s abilities. It was a level even Hwang Gon would need to exert his full strength to overcome. Despite facing formidable adversaries, Hwang Gon seemed unperturbed. In truth, he withheld a critical piece of information from those present. 'In a few days, the sorcerer will arrive.' This was the Yin-Yang parasite concealed within the millennial ginseng consumed by the winner of the Yongbong Tournament, the Shaolin Divine Dragon. Having recognized Woo Jin, Hwang Gon had immediately sent a message to Odokmun upon his return. He had already received confirmation that the sorcerer waiting at the Martial Alliance was being dispatched here to attempt to brainwash Woo Jin. Simply put, the sorcerer hadn't yet arrived due to the great distance between the Martial Alliance and this location. ‘The plan might have hit a snag, but if I manage to take control of the Shaolin Divine Dragon, the rewards will be even greater.’ Hwang Gon intended to destabilize the enemy forces with those they had dispatched outside and, in the meantime, use the newly arrived sorcerer to brainwash the Shaolin Divine Dragon. This was the grand scheme Hwang Gon envisioned. Of course, he kept this plan entirely to himself, maintaining a stoic, unreadable expression. Thus, each leader of the three factions entertained different thoughts, exemplifying the phrase "same bed, different dreams," as the meeting progressed briefly. “P-Prince! Sir!” Suddenly, an Odokmun poison master rushed into the pavilion, shouting breathlessly. “They’re advancing towards the poison array!” The carefully laid plans they had concocted began to unravel.