Chapter 487: What Are You Looking At (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 487: What Are You Looking At (2)
The awkward silence that followed my performance was excruciating, like daggers stabbing into my heart. Still, the outcome was exactly what I had anticipated.
It was true that I had consumed poison.
“I believe it is poison from the Biyu flower.”
That was the medic’s diagnosis after examining me.
Gasps rippled through the surrounding crowd.
Biyu flower, huh.
Elder Shin was the first to react.
[They used a nasty one, huh?]
Indeed.
I couldn’t help but scoff internally.
The Biyu flower is a rare, poisonous herb that grows in the high-altitude northern regions. However, it isn't typically used by assassins to kill their targets.
Its poison halts a person's Qi flow instantly, soon stopping the heart while causing a burning agony within the body. It's a potent poison, but as mentioned, it's not used for assassinations.
There's only one reason for that…
It's disgustingly expensive.
Their rarity makes them exorbitantly priced. Moreover, the poison isn't strong enough to kill a highly skilled martial artist, so its usage is even rarer. However, it can cause painful aftereffects, like shattering a person's Dantian or damaging their heart, rendering them incapable of ever practicing martial arts again.
What a joke.
The thought made me smile inwardly.
They were in more of a hurry than I expected.
I had anticipated something like this. In fact, I had hoped for it—planned for it—but I hadn't expected it to happen so soon.
Was I too noticeable?
Was it because I knew too much? Or perhaps because I hadn't bothered to silence Nahee's mouth?
A blood relative of another noble clan was dining here as a guest. I hadn't thought they would dare to poison my food under these circumstances.
It's a warning. That's what they're trying to say.
This is the Tang Clan's territory. They're telling me to stay out of their way.
They even used an incredibly expensive herb to do it. They had to serve all the guests while ensuring only my food was tainted. Yet, they chose this messy method just to send a warning.
The message was clear: on their land, they can eliminate me regardless of my background, so I'd better keep my mouth shut.
That was the hint they were trying to give.
The mere thought made me scoff.
These insects don't even know their place.
Rotten bastards, acting all noble while committing the most disgusting acts.
No matter how I thought about it, the fact that they're considered part of the Orthodox Faction is a joke.
Haha, for fuck's sake. How is it that I like them less and less as time goes on?
It was the same in my past life. The more I learned about them, the more my hatred grew. I even wanted to destroy them all.
What would the heroes of old think if they saw this? I'd totally understand if they vomited blood from disgust and died all over again.
[…Brat, are you perhaps talking about me?]
Oh, of course not.
What a sharp old bobcat. He always notices when I'm thinking about him.
Anyway,
That's what happened, and I knew it wouldn't end with just a warning. Would they really stop there when they had more than enough resources to easily see this through?
Of course not.
There was no way they would stop there.
"...W-What... What do I do...?"
While I kept up my act, lying still with my eyes closed, I began to hear someone crying. It was Tang Soyeol.
Her reaction was understandable. A guest had just collapsed after eating poisoned food.
"What do we do about Young Master... Daaaad..."
I felt Tang Soyeol's presence as her tears hit the floor.
Only a few people remained: Tang Soyeol, the Poison King, and the medic, I presumed.
"First, go back. We need to observe the situation."
"B-But..."
"Now!"
Tang Soyeol flinched at the Poison King's shout. Hesitant and unsure what to do, she reluctantly walked away.
"...You should leave for a moment as well, medic."
"Understood, my Lord."
Silence fell after the two departed.
"Hah…"
I heard the Poison King heave an exhausted sigh.
Hearing that, I sat up immediately.
"Ugh, I thought I was going to die of boredom."
"...Hugh!?"
The Poison King, rarely ever caught off guard, reacted with shock.
"...Expert Gu?"
"Why so surprised? You scared me, too."
"How…?"
I gave him a strange look. I'd assumed the Poison King knew I was acting. Apparently, he hadn't.
"...You are okay?"
"Yes, well enough for us to talk."
A martial artist of the Poison King's level should have easily detected my act. This could only mean one thing.
The change in my body.
Was it because I was using the Qi Body Transformation Technique? Or was it due to the complete systemic change my body had undergone? I didn't know which, but it worked to my advantage. It was extremely beneficial that a Fusion Realm martial artist couldn't sense my Qi.
Crack.
As I stretched and looked around, the Poison King spoke.
"...First, I must apologize. I'm sorry you had to endure such an experience in our clan."
I studied him after his sudden apology. He seemed sincere, judging by his eyes.
I guess that makes sense.
The Tang Clan's external reputation is far from pristine. Their specialization in poisons and assassination weapons naturally makes outsiders wary. This wariness lessened when the clan began producing and selling weaponry, but some still view them as dangerous.
Because of this, the Tang Clan is exceptionally cautious when hosting guests, especially regarding food. They double- and triple-check everything they serve. Even the Poison King is extra vigilant to prevent any trouble.
And then this happens. He must be deeply conflicted.
For now, I simply observed his reaction. From the very beginning, I hadn't dismissed my suspicions about him. Keeping those thoughts to myself, I addressed him.
"It's fine. I'm actually glad things unfolded as I expected."
"What?"
The Poison King's pupils shook at my response.
"As you expected? What do you mean, Expert Gu? Do you mean…" His expression was fraught with unspoken thoughts. "You did this on purpose?"
He seemed utterly shocked as he grasped my intention.
Seeing this, I replied, "I didn't think they'd act so soon, but yes, I expected it."
I admitted my intent freely.
The Poison King frowned. "How are you going to deal with this?"
What does he mean, 'how'?
I clicked my tongue quietly. "Isn't it actually good that this happened?"
"What…?"
"Now you've become certain."
"...!"
The Poison King's eyes widened further. I had told him he was certain now.
I was referring to the foul schemes happening behind the scenes within the Tang Clan, the very things I had previously hinted at to him. Surely, after what just happened, the Poison King could no longer deny it. Something was rotten within the clan, unknown to him.
"...So you purposely consumed the poison, knowing all that?"
He looked at me as if I were insane.
Was it really that crazy to willingly eat poison?
[Who wouldn't be shocked to learn someone purposely consumed poison?]
Well, that's true.
I was just a little disappointed. I thought the Poison King would have realized it immediately and started discussing our next steps. I guess it was just that shocking for him.
"I ate the poison because I knew it wouldn't kill me."
"That's not the point…!"
The Poison King reacted loudly to my calm reply.
Hmm.
Perhaps he was worried about the Tang Clan's reputation suffering because of this incident? That wasn't something I could, or would, do anything about. I'm not considerate enough to fret over such things.
If that was his concern, I could understand it.
"But what if there are negative aftereffects?"
"…"
"You may be young, but you can't be so reckless."
Huh.
I was taken aback by how… normal his concern was. I hadn't expected him to worry about me. This was unexpected.
[Are you sure it's not just you having no trust in the world?]
This is a bit refreshing.
Because of that, I couldn't help but smile.
"Expert Gu?"
"Oh, sorry. I wasn't mocking you. I just found your reaction unexpectedly… normal."
I got down from the bed after saying that.
Wriggle.
As I moved, I felt an unfamiliar energy inside my body. I recognized it immediately.
It's Poison Qi.
Its sensation was distinct and noticeable compared to my other Qi.
Hmm.
I scowled slightly at the feeling. I'd sensed this change ever since returning to this world, but consuming the poison confirmed it.
I spoke to the Poison King while flexing my fingertips. "It's refreshing that someone is worrying about me."
"Don't move yet! The antidote hasn't fully—"
"Is this justification not enough?"
"…!"
"At least I feel that it is."
The Poison King fell silent when I spoke with a smile.
Justification. He seemed to realize something upon hearing that word.
Every action needs a reason, a cause. It makes it easier for a person to act, and it's what the Poison King needed more than anything right now.
Although, honestly, I think it would've been understandable for him to act even without one.
But I gave him the benefit of the doubt; his perspective as a clan lord is different.
Not only that…
But it's nice for me to have a reason to go on a rampage, too.
I wanted an excuse to go wild without feeling the slightest guilt.
[For you to only use your brain for things like this, it's rather sad to see.]
You always mix insults and compliments. Could you just pick one?
[What do you mean? Those were all insults.]
…
I thought he was complimenting me for using my head. Guess not.
Tch.
I scoffed awkwardly and walked past the Poison King. "Like I told you before, I'm not waiting for your approval."
I was making it clear I would take action regardless of his stance.
"I shall take my leave now."
"Expert Gu! I told you, the antidote hasn't been prepared yet…"
"You don't need to give me one. I don't think I'll need it."
"What do you mean…?"
"It's less painful than I expected. I'll ask if I really need one."
With that, I left the building. I could feel the Poison King's soulless stare on my back, utterly at a loss for how to respond, but I really was fine.
How interesting.
Woong.
I focused inward, noticing the Poison Qi that had gathered into a clump within my body. As I said before, a change has occurred within me.
I directed my own Qi toward the foreign Poison Qi.
Then.
Fwoosh…!
The Poison Qi inside me began to dissipate, and a wisp of steam escaped my lips.
I smiled in disbelief.
I wondered where all that lake water went.
I had gulped down an entire lake's worth of water, yet my Qi hadn't increased at all, which was rather annoying. I never thought Tang Jaemoon, by making me destroy a clan treasure, would actually be giving me a gift.
But now, I understood the true meaning of her 'present.'
It seemed…
So this works, huh?
I had achieved a state the Tang Clan had dreamed of for centuries.
The Ten Thousand Poisons Immunity.
* * *
After walking a short distance from the building, I spotted Tang Soyeol standing far ahead. As I approached, she noticed me and ran over.
"Young Master!?"
"Hey."
"How…?? They told me you might be unconscious for days… Are you feeling okay?"
"Oh, yes, I'm fine. The poison was weaker than I expected."
I responded with a playful tone and a smile. Suddenly, Tang Soyeol hugged me, crying.
I was stunned by the suddenness of it.
"Wait, why are you crying? I told you I'm fine."
"I'm sorry… I'm really, really sorry…"
Damn.
I could feel my chest growing damp from her tears. She must have felt incredibly guilty since this happened under the Tang Clan's roof.
"I thought you were just acting at first, because of how you fainted… I'm sorry. I really am…"
"…"
Her apology only made me feel worse.
[See? I told you that you shouldn't go around acting.]
…Damn it.
I gave that performance my all. But it didn't work. At this point, I'm sure the problem is with the world, not me. Obviously, it's not me. It's the world that fails to appreciate my greatness.
[That's… never mind.]
Elder Shin sounded like he had given up on me, which annoyed me even more.
I continued to calm Tang Soyeol down, gently brushing her hair.
"It's fine. They just said I need to rest for a few days."
"But…"
"So stop crying. It's more work for me to wash my clothes, you know."
Servants might wash them, but I still wasn't fond of my clothes getting soaked with tears.
"Okay…"
Tang Soyeol looked a little hurt by my words. It seemed I had unintentionally insulted her.
Just as I thought about apologizing,
"Hehe… what a nice sight to see."
Someone approached, speaking up. I looked over.
It was an old man. He wore dark green robes and had neatly trimmed white hair. Simultaneously, I detected a bloody scent from him, similar to what I sensed from the Poison King.
He had been there since I first spotted Tang Soyeol from a distance.
"Oh."
Tang Soyeol quickly backed away from me upon seeing the old man, her ears turning red with embarrassment.
"Oh… Um, ah, yes. This is an Elder of the clan. Elder, this is…"
"Oh, I know who he is, Young Lady. How could I not know the young hero who has become so famous recently?"
Young Lady?
I tilted my head, confused. He was addressing her formally? Tang Soyeol is a direct descendant of the clan lord, but for an Elder to use such honorifics toward her was excessive.
The old man smiled brightly and spoke to me. "Lesser King of Hell—I believe that is your title? Hehe… I am honored to meet the man who will lead the future of the Central Plains."
"Hmm."
"I am the First Elder of the Tang Clan. Tang Bui."
The old man smiled as he introduced himself.
Tang Bui.
A name I hadn't heard before. It was possible I might recall it if I dug through my memories, but I couldn't be bothered.
Tang Bui wore a kindly smile. Staring at his face, I offered a gentle smile in return.
Swish—!
"Ah!?"
In the next instant, I abruptly pulled Tang Soyeol behind me. She gasped in shock at my sudden action.
Woong—
I discreetly enveloped her ears with a sound barrier to ensure she wouldn't hear what came next.
Then, I stared directly at Tang Bui's face and spoke in the rudest tone I could muster.
"What are you looking at?"
"…!?"
"Do you want to die or something?"
Tang Bui's kindly smile shattered instantly under the force of my explosive words.