Chapter 222: Why Does Looking at You Irritate Me So Much?
Chapter 222: Why Does Looking at You Irritate Me So Much?
The basement was a literal dungeon.
The prisoners were confined to individual solitary cells. Since Geom Mu-geuk had been paired with the Poison King during transport, he was assigned to the cell directly across from him.
"You’ve seen what happens to those who cause trouble," one of the warriors threatened before the guards finally withdrew.
Fortunately, the iron doors featured palm-sized windows, allowing the prisoners to see one another and converse.
"Damn it! I just got out of one hellhole only to be locked in another!"
"This place is even filthier than the last one."
"I overheard the guards. They said they’re taking people from here to some secret experiment site."
"Dammit! We’re going to die like dogs at this rate!"
"We have to find a way out, no matter what!"
The prisoners vented their fear through a chorus of curses and complaints. Amidst the noise, Geom Mu-geuk sent a voice transmission to the Poison King, whose face was visible through the opposite window.
\- Have you ever been locked in a dungeon before?
\- Never.
\- I’m sorry. I shouldn't have dragged you into such hardship.
\- It’s fine. When else would I get to experience something like this? Don’t worry about me.
The Poison King spoke as if it truly didn't matter. He seemed like the type who would loathe such treatment, yet his face remained calmer than any of the other Demon Lords would have been in his shoes.
\- Looking at him earlier... that third-rate poisoner’s skill in administering toxins was actually quite decent.
It was the first time he had offered any praise to the True Poison Recluse. There must have been a nuance to the man's technique that only the Poison King’s eyes could perceive.
\- He is the top poison master of the Unorthodox Faction, after all.
\- That’s why it makes me even angrier. If he has that kind of skill, he should be crafting proper medicine, not this filth.
About two hours later, a meal was served.
It was a lavish spread, resembling a final feast for the condemned. The prisoners began devouring the food ravenously. They had been intentionally starved during the journey, and even if they hadn't been, the quality was high enough to tempt anyone.
The reason for such hospitality was simple.
\- The food is laced with Wild Rage, the Poison King noted.
\- They’re feeding us Wild Rage already?
\- It’s not just Wild Rage; they’ve packed it with all sorts of experimental drugs.
\- Since they’re starting the moment we arrive, it seems Ya Yul-han or Aecha ordered them to accelerate the schedule.
That much was obvious. They had pushed the prisoners through a twenty-day journey in just ten.
\- Actually, this works out for us. It means we can leave this stifling place a day sooner.
\- If you took the medicine I gave you beforehand, the Wild Rage will be neutralized instantly.
\- Understood.
Of course, even without the antidote, Mu-geuk was essentially immune. If Formless Poison couldn't affect him, these miscellaneous drugs stood no chance.
They ate the provided food like livestock being fattened for slaughter. Those who had been screaming in frustration earlier were now secretly looking forward to the next meal. Since they were being served fine cuisine and alcohol usually reserved for high-class inns, the prisoners—who had eaten nothing but garbage for weeks—drank and ate with wild abandon.
\- You’ve definitely set a solid plan, right? the Poison King asked.
\- Didn't you say you’d leave everything to me?
\- I’m only asking because you look far too relaxed. Practicing martial arts in a place like this?
Whenever he had a spare moment, Mu-geuk sat in the lotus position, practicing the Heavenly Demon Body Protection Art. Opportunities to be undisturbed for an entire day were rare. Since he had yet to reach Great Achievement with the technique, he focused on his cultivation whenever the chance arose.
The Poison King seemed curious.
\- What kind of martial art are you practicing?
Mu-geuk couldn't exactly admit he was learning the Heavenly Demon Body Protection Art.
\- I am practicing a mental cultivation method.
\- Why are you training so hard?
\- Because I believe one must be strong to be truly free.
\- Aren't you strong enough already?
\- Not enough to enjoy the kind of freedom I desire.
\- And what is this freedom you want?
After a brief pause, Mu-geuk answered.
\- A life where I can stop my footsteps wherever I wish.
Perhaps because it was an unexpected answer, the Poison King fell silent. It sounded like something anyone could do, but he knew all too well that in the Murim, it was the hardest goal to achieve.
\- The path you walk... is not one where you can stop of your own volition.
\- That is why I am working hard. So that I can halt my steps and look up at the sky whenever I please.
He had people close to him with whom he shared life and death, but he wanted a life where they did not bind one another. That was the freedom Geom Mu-geuk desired.
The Poison King stared at him without a word. This time, Mu-geuk asked a question.
\- Do you have a dream, Poison King?
\- A dream at my age? Don't be ridiculous.
Whether he was dodging the question or simply didn't want to answer, the Poison King vanished from the small window.
Poison King, if you hadn't met me, things might have been different. But now that we've met, I won't let you suffer your previous fate.
That was why Geom Mu-geuk had engraved the title 'Poison Sovereign' on the man's gloves. He wanted to ensure the man's dream didn't turn into a dark obsession. He wanted him to contemplate the true meaning of being 'unrivaled under heaven' in the light, not the shadows.
Mu-geuk sat back down and resumed his cultivation.
*
"Please, have your meal!"
Seo Dae-ryong entered the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon’s room, carrying a tray of neatly prepared dishes. Some were bought, and some he had cooked himself.
He had never been this nervous in his life. He hadn't trembled this much even on the stage for the finals of the Young Dragon Tournament.
"Thank you."
The voice was low but soft. The goodwill the Smiling Demon felt toward Geom Mu-geuk was extending to Seo Dae-ryong.
"If you need anything else, please let me know!" Seo Dae-ryong bowed so low his waist nearly snapped.
Just then, the Smiling Demon spoke. "There is no need for such excessive formality. You are a man who will one day become a Demon Lord yourself."
At the mention of 'Demon Lord,' Seo Dae-ryong’s heart hammered against his ribs. Could he really become a Demon Lord on the same level as this terrifying monster?
He was about to leave, but unable to suppress the emotions surging within him, Seo Dae-ryong blurted out, "I don't know if I'm the kind of person who deserves that."
At that moment, his reason screamed at him. Hey, what are you doing? Shut your mouth!
His mind tried desperately to stop him, but his mouth, driven by his heart, was already spilling words.
"I became my Master's disciple by chance, but I honestly don't know if it's because of my own ability or because of the Pavilion Master. I don't know if this is the right destiny for me, or if I'll just end up overextending myself and dying a pathetic death. Right now, I feel like I'm just being pushed along by the current. Can someone like me really become a Demon Lord? Can I really become like you, Lord Smiling Demon?"
As he finished, Seo Dae-ryong felt lightheaded. What have I just done?
I finally did it. Of all the people in the world, I vented to the Extreme Evil Smiling Demon? Asking if I can become a Demon Lord? Is that a challenge?
Seo Dae-ryong hurriedly bowed his head. "I am sorry. I must have momentarily lost my mind."
As he turned to rush out, the Smiling Demon spoke. "The Second Young Master seems to cherish you quite a bit."
Startled, Seo Dae-ryong turned back. The two eyes within the Smiling Demon's mask were staring straight at him.
"Yes, I know!"
The moment the words left his mouth, Seo Dae-ryong realized his mistake. I know? What do I know? I should have said, 'Thank you for telling me.'
"No, that's not it. What I meant earlier was..."
Then, the Smiling Demon said, "I know as well."
It sounded as if he understood exactly what Seo Dae-ryong was feeling. Their eyes met. Those eyes were smiling. It was the first time Seo Dae-ryong had faced the Smiling Demon's expression directly. It was terrifying.
"I made many mistakes today. I am truly sorry."
The Smiling Demon spoke calmly. "If you didn't make mistakes in my presence, wouldn't that be the real mistake?"
Exiting the room, Seo Dae-ryong let out a long, shaky sigh. He couldn't even process what had just happened. I did say goodbye before leaving, right? It felt like a dream. To have such a long conversation alone with the world's most terrifying man! It was both moving and horrifying.
Pavilion Master! Please come back soon! Your cherished right-hand man is going to cause a disaster at this rate!
*
Three days had passed since they were locked in the dungeon. One of the prisoners began showing symptoms.
"Aaaaaaaagh!"
He let out a monstrous scream and pounded on the door, but the reinforced iron wouldn't budge. His face appeared at the small window. Blood was streaming from his eyes and nose. He had lost his reason, thrashing about in a violent frenzy.
Since the prisoners didn't know they were test subjects for Wild Rage, they assumed he had simply gone mad from confinement.
"You crazy bastard! Stop it!"
"Shut up! Do you want to die?"
But the man only grew more frantic. Seeing this, the Poison King grew angry.
\- That third-rate poisoner actually sold this kind of drug for money?
As if on cue, the True Poison Recluse arrived and watched the maddened man through the window. The prisoner rushed over and slammed his face against the opening, his bloodlust exploding.
Bang! Bang!
He smashed his head against the iron door repeatedly. The sight of blood pouring from his eyes, nose, and forehead was gruesome, but the True Poison Recluse’s gaze remained cold and indifferent.
Eventually, the prisoner slammed his head against the wall one last time and collapsed, dead. The subordinates who followed the Recluse took the body away with practiced ease, as if this were a daily routine.
The True Poison Recluse toured the other cells, examining the condition of each prisoner. He looked into the room where Geom Mu-geuk was. Mu-geuk sat against the wall with his head bowed, projecting no aura whatsoever.
Next, he peered into the Poison King’s cell. The Poison King, who had been sitting in the middle of the room, glanced toward the window.
The moment their eyes met, the True Poison Recluse felt something different.
Is he... mocking me?
Surely that couldn't be the case, but he didn't like the look in the man's eyes. The Poison King bowed his head and lowered his gaze, and the True Poison Recluse moved on.
After checking all the rooms, the Recluse turned to leave but stopped to look into the Poison King’s cell one more time. This time, the Poison King was sitting with his back turned, seemingly lost in thought.
As soon as the True Poison Recluse left with his subordinates, Mu-geuk sent a voice transmission.
\- How did it go?
\- Why do you even ask? Success, obviously.
\- As expected! You are incredible.
The Poison King had managed to administer a toxin to the True Poison Recluse during that brief encounter. Later, when the Unorthodox Path Alliance performed an autopsy, they would need to find evidence that the Recluse had been poisoned by his own Wild Rage. This was a primary reason for their infiltration.
\- To poison the top poison master of the Unorthodox Faction while looking him in the eye! Who else in the Murim could pull that off? You are a true Poison Sovereign!
\- I only administered a minute amount for now so it won't be noticed. I’ll have to gradually increase the dosage.
The Poison King’s words were humble, but his expression was smug. Sensing he wanted to boast more, Mu-geuk added more praise.
\- And to do it to someone outside while you were locked inside the cell! I’m going to brag to everyone when we get back. I’ll tell my father about this magnificent feat. Your poison arts were a work of art, Father!
\- Why bring the Cult Leader into this...
At the mention of telling his father, the Poison King looked embarrassed but secretly expectant. Perhaps that was why he became even more confident.
\- I’ll poison him a little more every time he comes down.
The True Poison Recluse likely thought he was the one conducting the experiment, but in reality, he was the test subject.
*
When the second and third victims died in quick succession, the prisoners realized the food was tainted. Only then did they stop eating.
The True Poison Recluse appeared once again, walking slowly down the corridor.
"I heard some people aren't eating their meals?"
Curses were hurled at him. Prisoners shouted that they would tear him apart if he stepped inside, but no one dared to move. The image of the Blood Snake melting into a puddle of gore was too fresh in their minds.
"If you leave food behind, you will die by my poison. Even if you beg me to kill you, I will never show mercy."
After wielding the whip, he threw them a rotten carrot.
"If you survive here, I won't send you back to the dungeon; I'll set you free. One or two of you might actually make it out alive."
No one believed him, yet the lie was effective. In the depths of despair, even a rotten carrot becomes a comfort.
Then, the True Poison Recluse stopped in front of the Poison King’s cell. Peering through the small door, he spoke to his subordinate.
"Open this door."
The subordinate complied.
"Come out."
The Poison King walked out. It was an unexpected turn of events that neither Mu-geuk nor the Poison King had anticipated.
The True Poison Recluse stared at the Poison King and said, "Why does looking at you irritate me so much?"
As an Absolute Master of the Unorthodox Path, he seemed to have sensed some ill-fated destiny from the encounter. He offensively tilted the Poison King’s chin up with his finger.
"Strangely, I don't like the look in your eyes."
Even now, the Poison King didn't look frightened. Even if Mu-geuk had sent a voice transmission telling him to act scared, there was no way a man who had never shown fear in his life could start now—especially when he was already thoroughly annoyed.
The True Poison Recluse slowly raised his hand to deliver a slap. The Poison King’s lips twitched. Don't do it, unless you want to die. The words were written all over his face.
Mu-geuk shouted through his small window.
"It’s because the two of you look alike!"
The Poison King and the True Poison Recluse both snapped their heads toward Geom Mu-geuk at the same time.
"What? We look alike?"