397 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**The Celestial Martial Arts Paragon's Childhood Friend - Chapter 398 > Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive** There exists a plant called Guibichō. It grows only in the damp regions of the western lands. Though its appearance is quite beautiful, if ingested accidentally, it can induce severe hallucinations due to its nature as a poisonous herb. Rumors even suggest that some rogue sects use it to produce and sell hallucinogens, highlighting its notoriety as one of the most potent poisons. Additionally, it’s used to extract confessions from criminals and, if taken further, even in torturous interrogations. *Sip.* The Poison King knows this. He knows that Guibichō has a unique flavor. With sufficient resistance to toxins, it could be a celebrated plant across the entire nation. Of course, ordinary people neither have the resistance to toxins nor the ability to cultivate it. That is why the Poison King cherishes Guibichō. It was a tea enjoyed exclusively by him... or more accurately, only within the Tang Clan. It offered a better taste at a much lower price than other expensive tea leaves. On a full moon night, *Sip.* The master of the Tang Clan, the Poison King, was sitting alone on the porch sipping his Guibi tea. He preferred such tea over strong liquor. What set them apart was that these teas were all made from poisonous herbs. As he took a couple of sips, savoring the scenery, someone approached from behind. A woman cautiously came closer to the Poison King, bowing her head as a sign of respect. "Did you summon me, Master?" The woman's name was Nahi. Outwardly, she served as a maid within the Tang Clan. In essence, she was the leader of a secret assassination corps operated by the clan, the Bichalgwiddae. The Poison King, without turning his gaze towards Nahi, spoke up. "What can you tell me?" Upon hearing this, Nahi slowly knelt on one knee. She kept her eyes on the ground and began to report to the Poison King in a composed voice. "The three stationed on the left of the entrance, the two positioned at the top, and all four inside—nine in total—have been discovered." Nahi began her report on the recent events. Hearing her out, the Poison King looked at Nahi with a curious glint in his eyes. He seemed displeased about something. “Is your report incorrect?” “...” “Counting yourself, that's ten in total, all caught by Gu Gongja.” “…My apologies. I will rectify it.” Nahi bowed her head even further. The Poison King was right. She too had been spotted by the young man. A tight fist formed in Nahi's pale hand. “I don't think you're cut out for the job of a maid.” Those words the young man had uttered rang in her ears incessantly. How did she get caught? Was her response inadequate? No. She excelled at hiding her presence, and she had taken the task seriously given the Poison King's orders. Yet the young man named Gu Yangcheon seemed to recognize her instantly. ‘The first nine I could somehow understand.’ It was unexpected for Nahi to be exposed as well. Perhaps sensing her thoughts, the Poison King chuckled softly. “Do not fret. You granted me an amusing experience.” “...” The Poison King grinned and took another sip of his Guibi tea. It had started as a simple test. Having heard such rave reviews about the youngster, he was intrigued and decided to play a little prank. As soon as he stepped inside, the young man scattered his energy as if issuing a warning. And in the end, he detected even Nahi, the squad leader. She was at the peak of her powers as an assassin. If she wished, she could even infiltrate the Seven Night Assassins, led by the Dark King himself. Yet the child of the Gu clan saw through her effortlessly. ‘How did he manage that?’ In the Poison King's eyes, it was simply fascinating. Moreover, thanks to Nahi’s prior sound warning, he was able to conceal his daughter's presence, hiding in the distance. Had Nahi realized it, she would have easily detected Tang So-ryeol, hiding in the back room. The Poison King had taken considerable measures to cover his tracks. Recalling this, the Poison King couldn't help but laugh inwardly. ‘…Here I am, an old man doing everything I can for my daughter.’ He let out a sigh at the ridiculousness of the situation. Despite his ostensibly wanting the best for Tang So-ryeol, initially, even the Poison King wasn’t fond of Gu Yangcheon. What father would want to give his precious daughter to someone perceived as a scoundrel? At first, he was determined to tear him apart no matter the means. But now, his perspective had shifted slightly. “To have reached the Hana stage at that age…” The Poison King had confirmed it upon meeting Gu Yangcheon directly. He had clearly surpassed the peak, reaching the Hana stage. Achieving that before the age of twenty? It was an unprecedented feat. When considering Gu Yangcheon’s potential and future, he was positioned incredibly high, almost too admirable. In the Poison King's view, Gu Yangcheon was destined to become the greatest martial artist under heaven. He seemed to have inherited the talent of his father. Observing that, While he couldn’t have been considered chivalric. The same couldn’t be said about his son. He would pierce through the central plains currently ruled by the three lords and rise to the highest position. Additionally, contrary to the rumors of Gu Yangcheon being a libertine, he didn't entirely give off that impression. Maybe not, but didn’t people say that heroes are often womanizers? Given Gu Yangcheon’s value, that much could be overlooked. Besides, wasn’t his daughter completely enamored with him? ‘No wonder she kept talking about his looks.’ The Poison King shook his head, recalling his daughter. He knew that his daughter's taste was far from ordinary. He had wondered if any man could satisfy Tang So-ryeol's standards. ...Yet there he was, fitting her preferences perfectly. Knowing that she was utterly smitten with Gu Yangcheon, even to the point of half running away from home, the Poison King was ready to acknowledge it. Had he been just an average fool, he would have found a way to tear him apart, no matter the cost. From an early age, Gu Yangcheon is already making a name for himself throughout the martial arts world. Given his likelihood of becoming the greatest under heaven in the future, the Poison King felt a sense of satisfaction. "Who would've thought he'd respond like that in front of me." The Poison King recalled what Gu Yangcheon had said during their recent meal. - I refuse. This was the bold statement Gu Yangcheon had made when told to stay away from Tang So-ryeol unless he annulled his engagement with the Namgung family. Gu Yangcheon had declared that he wasn't going to comply with either condition. How could he be so resolute? Was it merely the rash rebellion of youth? Regardless of its nature, it was undeniably a selfish statement. Yet, in the Poison King's eyes, Gu Yangcheon possessed the talent to back such audacity. If Tang So-ryeol hadn't intervened, their conversation might have delved deeper, revealing more. It was somewhat regrettable that Tang So-ryeol interjected, preventing a more thorough discussion. The Poison King reflected and nodded to himself. "Indeed, to take my daughter, you must at least be the greatest under heaven." She was his precious child, nurtured with utmost care. It would be better to entrust her to someone with a promising future rather than an unimpressive individual. "If there's one hitch..." If in the future, an engagement indeed occurs, He would have to send his precious daughter as a concubine, and even the Poison King couldn't easily agree to that. Especially since it would represent a disparity with the Namgung family. *Clink.* Swirling the tea in his cup, the Poison King exhaled. "This... is not something I'm willing to compromise on." Even if it was an engagement that had already been initiated. It didn't matter; there were ways around it, although they might be less clean. Downing the tea, the Poison King steadied his breath and looked at Nahi. "We shall depart in three days; prepare everything without any gaps." "Understood. How should we handle tomorrow's schedule?" "The former Leader—no, I suppose we shouldn't call him Leader anymore. Nakgeom is coming here, so just be mindful of that." "Yes, Master." For now, he remains in the leader's position, but as Nakgeom had stated, he will step down. Afterward, much will be discussed regarding the headship of the Martial Alliance. "It's obvious that the Wudang faction will be eyeing it again." It's well-known that the head of the Wudang School covets the leader’s position. This time will likely be no different. What is unexpected amidst this is... "The rumor that the Blade King is targeting the leader’s position." There are whispers that the head of the Peng family is eyeing the top seat of the Martial Alliance. Recalling this, the Poison King let out a small laugh. "Impossible." Even if that incompetent man wanted the leader’s seat, could he ever sit there? It seemed unlikely. The Blade King's son seemed more of a viable contender. Yet he yearned for the leader's position. "Seems he doesn't know his place." As in the past, he was a man filled with greed matching his size. "In truth, it doesn't matter who becomes the leader." The Poison King's eyes turned chilly. If anything, having the Blade King as the leader would benefit him. A fool would be easier to manipulate. Surprisingly, the Sword King, who gave off a similar impression, showed no interest in this matter. "Something about him has changed." Perhaps it was the atmosphere. More accurately, his aura had transformed. The prickliness that surrounded Namgung Jin had diminished, replaced with the sharp energy befitting a swordsman, as the title Sword King suggested. In only a few years, what extraordinary change had transpired? The Poison King tapped the edge of his teacup, contemplating before clearing his mind. "It doesn't matter." No matter what changes befell them, they held no significance to him. Right now, something else was of greater importance. While his daughter's future was dear, even that wasn't his current priority. "Nahi." "Yes, Master." In response to the Poison King's call, Nahi lifted her gaze. What met her eyes was the full moon's light, And the deep, glowing green eyes of the Poison King, faintly illuminated. Although he smiled, that smile made Nahi shudder. "Pass this on to the Main Hall. Tell them to prepare the experimental platform in advance." "...Understood." Having relayed her response, Nahi slowly dissolved into the shadows. She moved to carry out her master’s command. Once Nahi disappeared, the Poison King turned his gaze back to the moon. He mused. Tonight’s moon shone exceptionally bright, ideal for savoring a cup of tea. ****************** After finishing my meal with the Poison King, I returned to the inn where I was staying. As soon as I entered the building, I rubbed my stomach. "...I feel queasy." My insides felt unsettled. Perhaps the tension from before was finally catching up with me. I recapped the mealtime with the Poison King and took a fatigued breath. "He was a much craftier gentleman than I anticipated." Thinking back to the Poison King’s mannerisms and expressions, I frowned. Accurate to my initial expectations, the Poison King was indeed a challenging figure to deal with. In our conversations, I could distinctly say: "He exudes the most 'family leader' presence." Of all the heads of the Four Great Families I’d met, he truly conveyed the essence of a clan leader. Perhaps not overwhelmingly strong in personal power, but his ability to steer the conversation and control the atmosphere was undoubtedly that of a politically savvy individual. It demanded my full concentration not to be swept along. "What does he want from me?" The Poison King's gaze seemed to harbor some expectation, though I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Moreover, "...Will he overlook it?" It felt as though he was willing to let my insolence slide. The audacity of stating I wouldn't give up on either my engagement or Tang So-ryeol. Surely the Poison King had heard, yet it was not broached over the meal. Could it be because of Tang So-ryeol's sudden interjection? Thanks to that, although the conversation didn't deepen further, and we got straight to the point, an unsettling feeling lingered. “Departure is set for five days from now.” I successfully managed to schedule the trip to Sichuan. The Poison King didn’t seem overly concerned about my company on this journey. If anything, he seemed pleased about it, though that was likely just my imagination. "As for the Pega side… Wasn’t Eou Cheol handling it?" Like the Tang Clan, Pa Eou Cheol, who also has roots in Sichuan, had agreed to join us on the journey. Though he made a peculiar face when I mentioned joining forces with the Tang Clan. Since he said it would be fine, there shouldn’t be any issues there. Which means the only thing left is... “Finishing training within the five days.” All I had to do was complete the training set by Paejon within that timeframe. I was planning to head straight to the cave, even now at night, to do just that. As I contemplated this and started walking, *Tug.* Someone tugged on my sleeve. Following the direction of the pull, I turned my head to find Tang So-ryeol holding onto my sleeve. I was walking back to the inn with Tang So-ryeol after finishing dinner together. Since when had she been holding onto me? I looked at her with a puzzled expression, and she just gave me a bright smile. Her recognizable eye-smile felt exceptionally deep. Since leaving the restaurant, Tang So-ryeol hadn’t spoken a word, merely following me silently. Occasionally, she looked at me and smiled without initiating a conversation. Judging by her smile, she seemed to be in a particularly good mood. Observing this, I finally broke the silence to ask. “What’s up?” “Hmm?” “You seem to be in a good mood.” “Heehee! Oh, it’s nothing!” “…Alright.” Whatever it is, if she's happy, that's good. With that thought, I resumed walking. After arriving at the inn and parting ways with Tang So-ryeol, I headed to my room. I planned to pack some clothes quickly and head straight to the cave. Since I would need to cut down on sleep to finish my training, I was prepared to pull several all-nighters. However, the moment I entered my room, “What the…?” I frowned at a bulge in my bed. It was apparent that someone was lying there. As soon as I realized it, my frustration surged. "Is it that bastard again?" I suspected it was the rascal from the Dragon’s Nest. It wouldn’t be the first time Yu Hyeok pulled off something like this. Why does this guy keep coming here to cause trouble? Without hesitation, I grabbed the blanket covering the bed. “I clearly told you not to…." I was about to vent my anger as I pulled off the blanket. But as soon as I saw who was lying there, I fell silent. The ones sleeping peacefully on my bed weren't the members of the Dragon’s Nest, or even a single person—there were two. Did they react to the noise? One of them rubbed their eyes and slowly sat up. “Gongja-nim…?” Yawning sleepily, the woman rising was Wi Seol-ah. Meanwhile, Namgung Bi-ah continued to sleep soundly, oblivious to everything. “What the….” I locked eyes with Wi Seol-ah and thought. What absurd situation was this? Barely grasping my senses, I was about to ask Wi Seol-ah what was going on when— *Creak!* The door, which I had closed, suddenly swung open, and someone entered. “Gongja-nim…! Actually, I have something to say….” “Oh.” The bold figure who entered was Tang So-ryeol. I turned my gaze to confirm it was her, realizing the moment was about to require some serious damage control. However, Tang So-ryeol stood frozen, like a statue, having already seen the scenario unfolding inside my room.