Chapter 640: Do We Feel Like the Villains?
Chapter 640: Do We Feel Like the Villains?
“Who are those three people?”
Instead of answering Geom Mu-geuk’s question, So Jeong-rak cast a suspicious glance his way.
“This is a poison one couldn't easily encounter, even if they went looking for it.” He stared intently at Geom Mu-geuk and asked, “Who are you people?”
So Jeong-rak’s expression suggested he truly had no idea who Geom Mu-geuk was.
Does he really not know? Or is he just a master at playing dumb?
It was impossible to judge the man’s character based on outward appearances alone.
Geom Mu-geuk had previously warned Jin Ha-gun that the enemy likely knew about his meeting with the Alliance Leader. He suspected So Jeong-rak might already know his identity. If the man truly didn't know, then even that ignorance was likely a calculated move by the mastermind.
Geom Mu-geuk was not about to underestimate his opponent this time.
“I am Geom Yeon of the West Blade Sect in Gansu. This is my older brother.”
For now, Geom Mu-geuk used his established alias and sect.
“How was he poisoned?”
Geom Mu-geuk stuck to the script. “We were drinking tea at the pavilion across the street when my brother suddenly collapsed, screaming in agony.”
There would surely be witnesses who saw him sprinting out with his brother on his back, so the story was easily verified.
“But is this really the time for an interrogation? My brother is dying!”
Even at that moment, Geom Mu-yang was clenching his teeth, enduring the sheer torture of the toxin.
Despite the urgency, So Jeong-rak didn't seem particularly rushed. He appeared to know that the poison wouldn't kill the victim instantly. Then, he dropped a decisive remark.
“Endure it. The more it hurts now, the better it will be for you later.”
That confirmed it. He knew exactly what this poison was.
“Ah! To see this poison here... I haven't heard of it being used in this age. I thought the formula was lost to time.”
Geom Mu-geuk caught a flash of irrepressible excitement crossing So Jeong-rak’s face.
So Jeong-rak turned to explain to the physicians following him.
“The poison this man is suffering from is the Centipede Python Poison. It is crafted by mixing the powdered remains of an Eight-Colored Centipede with the inner core of a Great Yin Blood Python.”
The Eight-Colored Centipede was a venomous creature known to grow as long as a grown man is tall. The Great Yin Blood Python was a spiritual creature that resided only in regions of extreme, flowing cold energy.
In other words, this Centipede Python Poison was a concoction made from two spiritual creatures that most people wouldn't see once in a lifetime.
Hearing the explanation, Geom Mu-yang felt a surge of internal gratitude.
The Poison King really gave me something precious.
He had been in so much pain that he’d forgotten the Poison King’s promise: that his resistance to toxins would strengthen significantly once the treatment was over. It made sense that such a rare poison would yield such a potent result.
Of course, Geom Mu-yang knew the Poison King hadn't administered the poison out of the goodness of his heart. It was likely a favor—or a test—because of his relationship with his brother.
So Jeong-rak’s explanation continued.
“Once afflicted by the Centipede Python Poison, the victim suffers seven days of excruciating pain, as if being burned alive. On the seventh day, they die after experiencing the agony of their blood vessels freezing solid.”
So Jeong-rak, who had been lecturing the physicians, turned back to Geom Mu-geuk.
“It is an extreme poison for which no known antidote in the world works.”
Geom Mu-geuk threw himself to the ground, grabbing the man's legs and pleading desperately.
“Please, save my brother! He’s the only family I have! Please, tell me if you are one of those three people!”
So Jeong-rak pulled Geom Mu-geuk to his feet.
“Indeed. I am one of those three.”
Geom Mu-geuk grabbed his hands, his face lighting up with joy.
“Thank heavens! Doctor! Thank you. Thank you so much!”
So Jeong-rak didn't recoil when Geom Mu-geuk touched him. Instead, he squeezed Geom Mu-geuk’s hands and said, “In that regard, your brother is a very lucky man. There are only three people in the Central Plains who can detoxify this, and he happened to be poisoned right on the doorstep of one of them.”
At that, Geom Mu-geuk let go of his hands and took a sharp step back.
“Then... does that mean my brother was poisoned because of you, Doctor?”
“What? What are you talking about all of a sudden?”
Not only So Jeong-rak, but the physicians behind him stiffened. Their expressions were filled with indignation that anyone would dare speak to So Jeong-rak with such accusation.
Geom Mu-geuk, however, raised his voice even louder.
“Even if my brother has a foul temper and many enemies, would he really just happen to be hit by such a rare poison at a tea house right in front of the Myeong-sim Clinic? This is a challenge directed at you, Doctor! They’re testing to see if you can cure it! Isn't that right?”
When Geom Mu-geuk pressed him like this, So Jeong-rak found himself unable to offer a rebuttal.
“Take responsibility! Save my brother! If he dies, I’ll tell the whole world! I’ll tell them you stood by and let him die!”
Lying there, Geom Mu-yang shook his head despite the pain. Even though they were on the same side, how could his brother be so utterly shameless?
“Save my brother!”
So Jeong-rak was flustered. Even though he would have been well within his rights to get angry and kick them out, he didn't.
“Fine. I will treat him.”
So Jeong-rak instructed the accompanying physicians to bring medicine, herbs, and medical tools.
Looking at him now, he seemed like a naive, pure soul who had spent his entire life doing nothing but practicing medicine.
Even while throwing his tantrum, Geom Mu-geuk didn't miss a single look or word from So Jeong-rak. He watched how the man reacted, how he spoke, and how he moved.
Where does that confidence come from—the confidence to not care even when I grab his legs and hands? Are you truly just an ordinary physician?
A moment later, the physicians returned with the medicine, herbs, and vials he had requested.
“This treatment requires a great deal of luck. It is such a difficult detoxification that if the herb mixture is even slightly off, it will fail.”
So Jeong-rak closed his eyes for a moment to organize his thoughts.
Geom Mu-geuk had assumed the man would dismiss everyone or retreat to a private room to prepare the antidote in secret.
“Now, listen carefully to what I say.”
Instead, So Jeong-rak began to create the antidote while explaining the process to the physicians.
At that sight, Geom Mu-geuk and Geom Mu-yang exchanged a glance. Even through his pain, the older brother looked surprised by this unexpected turn of events.
“You said only three people in the world can cure this poison, yet you’re showing everyone how to do it?”
The physicians, Geom Mu-geuk, his brother, and even other patients in the clinic were all listening.
The reason So Jeong-rak gave was even more unexpected.
“It’s not a secret technique for making poison; why would I hoard a secret for making an antidote? As a physician, what pride is there in being the only one who knows how to save a life?”
He then addressed the physicians.
“When it comes to saving people, do not keep secrets for yourselves. Spread the knowledge far and wide so that even one more life that doesn't need to end can be saved.”
“We will keep that in mind!”
The physicians’ faces were filled with reverence.
He carefully mixed the ingredients. Of course, there were hurdles. When the mixture didn't turn out as he intended, he would fall into deep thought for a long time.
Geom Mu-geuk truly hadn't expected to sit here and watch the man create the antidote, let alone teach it to others.
If the amount was even slightly off, he started over. If the ingredients weren't fresh enough, he brought new ones and started over. If the color wasn't what he expected, he remixed it.
He was so focused that his entire body was soon drenched in sweat. Perhaps because of his large build, he sweated profusely.
After two long shichen of effort, the antidote was finally finished.
So Jeong-rak took a deep breath and administered the medicine to Geom Mu-yang.
Everyone watched in tense silence.
As the pain subsided, Geom Mu-yang’s expression grew noticeably more relaxed.
“It was a success.”
At that, the other patients in the clinic cheered and clapped.
“The antidote must be taken three times over three days. I will return tomorrow morning.”
So Jeong-rak walked unsteadily, looking completely drained. The physicians supported him by both arms as they walked out together.
Watching his retreating back, Geom Mu-geuk looked down at Geom Mu-yang. “I feel like we’re the villains here.”
With a face that looked like he could finally breathe again, Geom Mu-yang replied in a weak voice, “We are the villains.”
*
The next day, So Jeong-rak mixed the medicine with just as much care.
It actually took longer than the first day.
He asked the physicians questions and even had them perform the mixing themselves midway through. He was truly sincere about educating his junior physicians.
“You should be making it yourself! What do those people know?”
It was no use, even when Geom Mu-geuk shouted.
“They are making it exactly as I instruct, so it is fine.”
“Fine? How is it fine? Can’t you see their hands shaking?”
Despite Geom Mu-geuk’s protests, he did not give up on instructing the junior physicians.
“Who are the other two people you said could make the antidote?”
So Jeong-rak paused the mixing for a moment and looked at Geom Mu-geuk.
“Surely the Divine Doctor of the Murim Alliance is one of them?”
Even though he knew it likely wasn't the case, Geom Mu-geuk mentioned him to test the waters. So Jeong-rak shook his head.
“In terms of pure medical skill, no one can surpass the Senior Divine Doctor of the Murim Alliance or the Demon Doctor of the Demonic Cult. However, being the best at medicine doesn't mean you are the best at detoxifying poisons. That is a separate matter.”
Then, a name that Geom Mu-geuk was very glad to hear escaped his lips.
“There is a woman named Chung-ui. She treats illnesses using poisonous insects. She would certainly be able to treat this poison.”
Right, she’s the one who made me immune to all poisons, so how could she be left out?
If his brother had truly been in a desperate situation with an extreme poison, he would have used his Rapid Speed Step to carry him straight to her.
Lady Chung-ui! I hope you’re doing well.
He wondered if Pyo Gi-gwang, who had become her disciple, was doing a good job massaging her shoulders.
“Who is the other person?”
After a brief pause, So Jeong-rak spoke. He was much more cautious than when he had mentioned Chung-ui.
“The Poison King of the Demonic Cult.”
Geom Mu-geuk carefully observed his expression and tone when he mentioned the Poison King.
“Do you know the Poison King?”
“I have never met him. But I have heard of his reputation.”
“What kind of person is the Poison King?”
As if he didn't even want to think about it, So Jeong-rak went back to directing the physicians in the mixing.
“If you keep acting like this, I’m taking my brother to Lady Chung-ui. Where does she live? Do you think I can’t find my way to the Demonic Cult?”
It was still no use.
And so, the second day’s antidote, created by So Jeong-rak and the junior physicians, was completed.
He confidently administered the finished antidote to Geom Mu-yang.
His complexion looked even better than the day before.
“It’s a success.”
Geom Mu-geuk felt relieved. “I’m sorry for shouting earlier.”
“It’s quite alright.”
“Tomorrow, I’ll make it. Along with that patient over there with the broken arm.”
So Jeong-rak laughed heartily at the joke. With the addition of the smile, he looked like a truly good-natured man. It made one feel guilty for even doubting him.
“I’ll say it again: your brother is a very lucky man.”
Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze turned toward his brother.
“I used to think my brother was a very unlucky man.”
He’s the man who was pushed out of the position of successor to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult because of his younger brother. How could he be lucky?
Just then, Geom Mu-yang spoke softly.
“I also think I am lucky.”
Others might think he was saying that because he had met So Jeong-rak. But Geom Mu-yang’s answer held a different meaning.
I’m lucky to have a brother like you.
Because he was still alive like this, rather than dead after losing the succession struggle. Given his personality, even if he had lived, it wouldn't have felt like living. But because he had lost to such a formidable opponent, he didn't feel particularly resentful.
“Then, I shall see you tomorrow for the final treatment.”
That day, too, Geom Mu-geuk wandered around the Myeong-sim Clinic, observing the place.
The patients were distracted by their pain, and the physicians were distracted by their work. So Jeong-rak was busy, and the other physicians were busy. Patients flooded in endlessly. In the midst of this life-and-death struggle, there was no room for suspicion to take root.
He looked here and there, but he couldn't find anything suspicious. The only suspicious person in the Myeong-sim Clinic was himself.
*
“How’s your body?”
At Geom Mu-geuk’s question, Geom Mu-yang nodded. The pain that felt like his entire body was on fire had vanished without a trace. He was completely healed after taking the third and final antidote.
So Jeong-rak hadn't made a single mistake over the three days.
“You truly are a Divine Doctor!”
When Geom Mu-geuk expressed his admiration, So Jeong-rak simply smiled.
Geom Mu-yang also expressed his gratitude. “Thank you so much. How can I ever repay this debt?”
Geom Mu-geuk chimed in from the side. “Why are you asking? Repay it with money. How much is the treatment fee?”
Considering the poison, he expected the man to name a staggering price.
“Just go. I should be the one thanking you for giving me the chance to detoxify such a rare poison.”
So Jeong-rak patted Geom Mu-geuk on the shoulder.
“I was truly moved by the sincerity of your care for your brother. Continue to get along well.”
After giving them a bright smile, So Jeong-rak turned away.
On the first day, he had looked like a large, sturdy physician, but now he looked like an immortal walking away.
Geom Mu-geuk and Geom Mu-yang left the Myeong-sim Clinic and headed toward their lodgings.
“It seems we were wrong about So Jeong-rak.”
He was, quite literally, a heaven-sent Divine Doctor. If it hadn't been the Centipede Python Poison but some other toxin, they would have truly wasted three days for nothing.
However, thanks to the effects of the Centipede Python Poison, Geom Mu-yang had gained a strong resistance to poisons.
Then, words Geom Mu-yang never expected to hear came out of Geom Mu-geuk’s mouth.
“That man is definitely a practitioner of poison arts.”
Geom Mu-yang stopped in his tracks, sensing that his brother wasn't joking.
He had been in too much pain to think clearly on the first day, but even then, he had watched and listened to So Jeong-rak carefully. In his judgment, there was absolutely nothing to suspect. In fact, that was why it felt suspicious, if anything.
But to say he was definitely a poison arts practitioner? Based on what?
Geom Mu-geuk calmly laid out his reasons.
“When he confirmed that the poison you were hit with was the Centipede Python Poison, he was genuinely happy. That joy was clearly the joy of a poison master, not a physician.”
Geom Mu-yang nodded, but he didn't think that could be proof that the man was a 'Poison Human.'
“He’s someone who made a name for himself through detoxification, so couldn't he just be happy to see a rare poison?”
As Geom Mu-yang spoke cautiously, Geom Mu-geuk offered another piece of evidence.
“Remember what he said on the first day? He said he thought the poison was 'lost' because it hadn't appeared in this age. Describing a poison as 'lost' is something those who use poison arts say.”
Geom Mu-yang tilted his head. “He’s someone with a great interest in poisons, so he could have said it that way.”
That wasn't the only thing Geom Mu-geuk found suspicious.
“He explained the poison in such detail, so why didn't he mention that?”
“Mention what?”
“The person capable of administering this poison. He said only three people could detoxify it! It would have been natural to say that only a certain few could have administered it as well.”
This time, Geom Mu-yang nodded. “He didn't mention it because he already knew who it was?”
This speculation was plausible. However, all three points were merely circumstantial; there was no concrete evidence.
“Aren't you just seeing things as more suspicious because you decided from the start that he was the mastermind?”
“No, it’s definitely him.”
For the first time, Geom Mu-yang felt like he was seeing a flaw in his brother. It felt like he was trying to force things to fit his own conclusion.
So you have this side to you as well.
He didn't dislike it. Until now, his brother had seemed disgustingly perfect. Right, he needed to have gaps like this so that he could help him.
As they walked, Geom Mu-geuk suddenly spoke as if he’d just remembered something.
“Oh, there was one more thing.”
“What is it?”
You don't have to pretend to be so perfect with me.
“When he patted my shoulder as we said goodbye earlier...”
Geom Mu-yang expected another circumstantial suspicion. But the words that came out of Geom Mu-geuk’s mouth were shocking.
“He poisoned me.”
“!”
After a moment of stunned silence, Geom Mu-yang roared.
“You should have said that first!”