Chapter 244: Because I’m Doing Nothing
Chapter 244: Because I’m Doing Nothing
The Demon Buddha stepped out of the Great Dharma Hall.
Since it was mealtime, Geom Mu-geuk would likely be waiting for him at the entrance. Today marked the fifth consecutive day he had shared a meal with the Second Young Master.
They hadn't discussed anything of particular importance. They simply exchanged meaningless pleasantries, ate, and went their separate ways. It was much like a sparring match where both sides threw out feints to test the other's strength.
Geom Mu-geuk likely believed he was gradually growing closer to him through this, but he was dead wrong. The Great Golden Operation? Why was someone else planning an operation using his gold?
‘I’m sorry, but that operation belongs to me.’
Yes, they would become close. But in doing so, the Demon Buddha intended to turn the tables, eventually persuading Geom Mu-geuk to abandon his pursuit of the Heavenly Demon’s throne.
That was the Demon Buddha’s plan.
If he could achieve that, there would be no need to win over the other Demon Lords. It was the fastest and most certain path to victory. Of course, Geom Mu-geuk wouldn't give up easily, but the Demon Buddha saw a glimmer of possibility because of the young man's personality.
‘The Second Young Master is a creature of impulse.’
He was more emotional than anyone the Demon Buddha had ever met. That was likely why the other Demon Lords had been swayed by him. And there was one more thing.
‘He is a man who insists on keeping his word.’
Crucially, the boy sought to end this succession struggle peacefully.
‘The opportunity is definitely there.’
The Demon Buddha hadn't spent his entire life merely chanting sutras in a temple. Being accused of being blinded by power meant he had been diligent in meeting and dealing with people. He intended to use every bit of that experience to handle Geom Mu-geuk.
‘I am different from the other Demon Lords!’
With that resolve, he stepped out of the Golden Buddha Temple—only to find the air empty.
Whoosh.
There was no one at the entrance. Geom Mu-geuk, who had waited for him every day, was nowhere to be seen.
‘Why didn’t he come today?’
From what he had seen so far, Geom Mu-geuk wasn't the type to give up so easily. The Demon Buddha waited for a moment. Had he ever stood outside like this, waiting for someone else?
By the time his precious patience had run dry, Geom Mu-geuk still hadn't appeared.
The Second Young Master didn't show up the next day, nor the day after that. On the third day, unable to contain his curiosity any longer, the Demon Buddha finally went to Geom Mu-geuk’s residence.
‘What is going on?’
There, the Demon Buddha witnessed an unexpected sight.
Geom Mu-geuk was sprawled out like a corpse on a flat, wide boulder in the yard. Startled, the Demon Buddha rushed over and looked down at him. Only then did Geom Mu-geuk open his eyes. Their gazes met—one looking up, the other looking down.
“You’ve come?”
“I thought you were dead.”
“I’m sure you enjoyed that thought, if only for a moment.”
The Demon Buddha sat on the edge of the rock.
“It’s comfortable here. The stone keeps the back cool. Why don’t you try lying down?”
“I’ll pass.”
Geom Mu-geuk was definitely different from his usual self.
“You stopped showing up after coming every day, so I came to see if something had happened.”
Geom Mu-geuk stared up at the sky for a moment before speaking softly.
“Three days ago, I was about to head to your place, Demon Buddha, when I happened to look at the sky.”
The Demon Buddha’s gaze naturally drifted upward as well.
“A single bird was flying across a cloudless sky. Watching it, a thought suddenly occurred to me: I’m envious.”
The Demon Buddha looked back at him.
“Why be envious? I possess the Lightness Skill to fly like that. I can even fly higher and faster. But then I realized... ah, I’m exhausted.”
It was a tactic, certainly, but it was one infused with Geom Mu-geuk’s genuine feelings.
“I’ve spent too much time looking only forward, running without rest.”
To say nothing of his life before the regression, he had been running breathlessly even after returning. Thus, these words were his sincere truth.
The Demon Buddha couldn't tell what Geom Mu-geuk’s intention was in saying this. However, one thing was certain: he himself had lived a life of looking only forward.
Born small and ridiculed, he hadn't wanted to die that way. He hated pity and help even more. He had endured hellish hardships to reach this position.
‘Second Young Master, you have no idea what it truly means to run looking only forward.’
Now, this rock held two men who had done nothing but sprint toward the horizon.
“I’ve just been lounging around for the past few days. I apologize for not sending word.”
To the Demon Buddha’s eyes, it didn't look like Geom Mu-geuk was playing another trick. A trick required a gain, but what could he possibly gain by lying here like a broken man?
‘Then again, having accomplished so much at such a young age, it’s only natural he’d be tired.’
He thought that if he exploited this exhaustion, he might be able to make the young man give up the succession more easily than expected. The Demon Buddha made a subtle suggestion.
“Why not take a break for a while? Lay down the burden of having to become the successor.”
Inwardly, the Demon Buddha prayed for an answer like: 'Yes, I think I’ll just throw the whole succession thing away.'
But instead of answering, Geom Mu-geuk suddenly asked him a question.
“Aren't you tired, Demon Buddha?”
Despite the suddenness of the question, the Demon Buddha didn't let his true feelings show.
“I’m tired because of you. If you’d just withdraw from the race, I’d be bursting with energy.”
Geom Mu-geuk gave a faint laugh, then suddenly shouted.
“Ah! There it is! That’s the bird! The one that ruined our meals!”
A small bird was flitting about here and there.
“How do you know it’s that specific bird?”
“The way it flies is exactly like that fellow. Look at it. Isn't it saying, ‘Look at me, I’m free! Aren't you jealous?’”
“To my eyes... it looks like it’s saying its wings hurt and life is miserable because it’s doing nothing but flying forward.”
Geom Mu-geuk looked at the Demon Buddha.
The Demon Buddha was still watching the bird. He had spoken as if joking, but he was serious. He wasn't envious of that bird at all. Watching it flap its wings incessantly to stay aloft felt like looking at himself.
He was always busy. Moving with the First Young Master, meeting people, managing the Mad Monks, practicing his martial arts. 'You’re tired because you’re weak. Only those with rotten spirits complain about being tired.' Those were the words he had lived by. Meanwhile, time passed far too quickly. It made him more anxious, which made his life even busier.
‘And so, what I have left is...’
After being lost in thought for a long time, the Demon Buddha looked at Geom Mu-geuk.
The young man had fallen asleep beside him. The Demon Buddha was inwardly shocked that the youth could sleep so soundly with him right there.
‘He trusts me this much?’
He told himself it was an act. The Second Young Master was a fox; this was surely a performance to deceive him into believing he was trusted.
‘It won’t work on me, Second Young Master.’
The Demon Buddha rose from the rock without a sound.
‘It won’t work...’
As the Demon Buddha walked away toward the exit, Geom Mu-geuk spoke softly with his eyes still closed.
“Demon Buddha, let’s just set aside the succession and everything else. Let’s get some rest.”
I’ll pull gently, so just let yourself be led.
*
Geom Mu-geuk didn't visit the next day either. Naturally, the Demon Buddha found his feet moving toward the Second Young Master’s residence.
Geom Mu-geuk wasn't home, but a maidservant happened to be coming out of the building.
“Where did the Second Young Master go?”
“He received word from the Thousand Poison Forest and went there.”
“The Thousand Poison Forest?”
The Demon Buddha, who had intended to return to his own quarters, changed direction toward the Thousand Poison Forest. Though he was considered to be on the First Young Master’s side, the Poison King had not yet officially announced his support.
The fact that such a man had summoned Geom Mu-geuk meant the Demon Buddha had to see for himself. He wanted to know what they discussed and how they interacted. His pace toward the Thousand Poison Forest quickened.
*
It had been a while since I’d visited the Thousand Poison Forest.
I encountered several Poison Humans on the way. After I’d barked alongside the Poison King at the training ground, the looks they gave me were quite varied. They ranged from "We actively support the Second Young Master" to "How dare you turn our Poison King into a dog!"
When I arrived at his residence, the Poison King was in the middle of concocting something. As I drew closer, I saw it wasn't any ordinary poison he’d made before.
“That looks like no ordinary poison.”
The Poison King was so absorbed in his work that he didn't even answer. It was good to see him so deeply immersed in his own world again. I took a moment to look around the room.
The place was exactly as it had been. Not just the furniture, but the medicine bottles and tools were in the same spots. They were truly right where they had always been. Then, a certain sight caught my eye.
“Wait! This is...!”
The Poison King looked up, startled by my reaction.
“It’s something I left behind after eating it before.”
It was still sitting right there. Good grief, please clean up after yourself! Instead of nagging him, I decided to frame his laziness in a better light.
“The more dangerous the materials one handles, the more everything must remain in its familiar place. Is that it?”
The Poison King turned his gaze back to the poison he was making and replied.
“No. I’ve been so busy making this since I got back that I haven't had time to clean. I’ll have to use that as an excuse next time someone says the place is filthy.”
In the past, even Sangseon hadn't dared to enter this space freely. The Poison King did the cleaning himself. Thinking back, he had allowed me into his private sanctuary.
While I did some light tidying, the Poison King finished the elixir.
“It’s done!”
Seeing the joy flash across his face, it was clear this was a poison that hadn't been easy to create. It possessed a brilliant, variegated color, like a flower.
“It looks incredibly toxic. Who on earth did you make this to kill? The Murim Alliance Leader? The Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader?”
The Poison King suddenly thrust it toward me.
“Eat it.”
“Are you openly attempting to poison the Second Young Master of the Demonic Cult?”
“Is that not allowed?”
“Then I suppose my brother is hiding behind that screen over there.”
Despite my words, I took the pill.
“What exactly is this?”
“It is the Heavenly Energy Pill.”
I was stunned by the name. The Heavenly Energy Pill was one of the three most legendary poisons—and simultaneously, one of the greatest spirit medicines—among those who used toxins. Though it was a spirit medicine, it wasn't one that increased internal energy.
“I found a Spirit Herb in a corner of the safe house. No one else recognized such a precious thing.”
“Ah! Investigator Seo told me. He said you dug up the entire safe house, Poison King.”
“I did that to find the Flower Spirit Snake that would be nearby. Wherever there is a Spirit Herb, there is bound to be a Flower Spirit Snake. The Heavenly Energy Pill is made by combining the fruit of the Spirit Herb with the inner core of the Flower Spirit Snake.”
“Why are you giving something so terrifying to me?”
“You should be asking why I’m giving you something so precious.”
The Poison King spoke as if boasting of the pill’s effects.
“Taking the Heavenly Energy Pill grants a constitution that can withstand any heat or cold. Even without internal energy, you would survive being thrown naked into a desert or a snowy mountain.”
That wasn't all. It would provide a significant advantage when facing martial arts of Extreme Yang or Extreme Yin.
“But the problem is, isn't it so toxic that it kills whoever eats it?”
“Correct. Many have melted away trying to endure it out of greed for its effects.”
The Poison King stared intently into my eyes and added a question.
“But you can survive it, can’t you?”
“...!”
A moment of silence followed. I could tell from his expression and the look in his eyes.
“You knew.”
“Yes. I already knew you possessed a Body Immune to All Poisons. Did you think I wouldn't notice after we spent so much time together?”
The Poison King was indeed the Poison King.
“That’s a shame. I was planning to reveal that fact at a more dramatic moment.”
“I was also planning to reveal that I knew at a dramatic moment.”
“You succeeded. I’m quite surprised.”
Despite knowing I was immune to all poisons, the Poison King didn't seem as offended as I’d expected.
“I thought you’d be very upset to find out.”
“Why would I be upset? You’re the person I’ve been waiting for for a long time.”
“Someone immune to all poisons?”
The Poison King’s eyes sparkled.
“I can test all sorts of poisons on you. Now, take this first and tell me everything. How does it taste? How toxic is it? What else should I add?”
I playfully took a step back.
“I am the Second Young Master. The man who will become the Heavenly Demon. I’m the hellhound who ran across the training ground with you. I am not a test subject.”
The Poison King laughed at my banter. I realized only in this second life that my assumption that the Poison King would naturally hate someone immune to poisons was merely a prejudice.
“Fine, I’ll take it.”
I sat down in a meditative posture and swallowed the Heavenly Energy Pill. It was truly an extreme poison. Had I not possessed a Body Immune to All Poisons, I wouldn't have been able to fully dissolve this toxic energy.
The taste was also more bitter and pungent than any spirit medicine I had ever taken. It set a new record for bitterness.
“You made it this bitter on purpose just to mess with me, didn't you?”
It was a complaint I simply had to voice. Eventually, I fully dissolved the energy of the Heavenly Energy Pill. Unlike other spirit medicines, its energy didn't settle in the Dantian but seeped into every blood vessel and meridian throughout my body.
Now, even if I fell into ice-cold water, I wouldn't die of cold. I would be able to endure most flames as if I were merely warming myself by a campfire. I gave the Poison King a deep, formal bow.
“I will never forget your grace in granting me such a precious spirit medicine.”
“Forget the grace. Can you answer one question?”
“I’ll answer a hundred.”
“Who is the person you are trying to face?”
The Poison King had sensed it. He knew there was some powerful goal driving my endless progression.
“If I find another Spirit Herb, I’ll send word immediately.”
I deflected the question with that answer. Even so, it was half an answer. It wasn't a denial; I hadn't said, "There is no such person."
The Poison King’s gaze toward me deepened. Just as he was about to say something, Sangseon arrived to report.
“The Demon Buddha has arrived.”
“Why is the Demon Buddha here?”
Startled, the Poison King glared at me.
“To think you’ve actually made the Demon Buddha come to the Thousand Poison Forest. What kind of trick did you use?”
It seemed the Demon Buddha had never set foot in the Thousand Poison Forest before.
“If I had used a trick, he never would have come. He’s here because I’m doing nothing.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
The Poison King quickly moved toward the back door.
“Tell him I’m not here. That man makes me uncomfortable.”
I quickly blocked his path.
“I have a favor to ask.”
“Next time.”
“If you grant this favor, I’ll come running whenever you need a subject for a poison test.”
The Poison King sighed and ordered Sangseon to bring the Demon Buddha in.
“If I don’t agree, you’ll just pretend to be busy that day, won’t you? Or run out the back door.”
“You know I wouldn't do that.”
“That’s why I’m agreeing. Fine, what is it? Do you want me to persuade the Demon Buddha to leave the First Young Master and join your side? Or should I poison him and bury him in the forest where no one will find him?”
“It might be something more difficult than that.”
My request was something the Poison King hadn't expected at all.
“Just for today, please play along with us.”