Chapter 143
Chapter 143
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>Translator: Ryuma
>Chapter: 41
>Chapter Title: Venom Slaughter King (3)
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Inside the manor of Baek Sa-ha, one of the Five Kings known as the Venom Slaughter King.
This place, also called the Baek Clan manor, was bustling with Baek Clan relatives gathered for the first birthday celebration.
Even without outside guests, there were easily dozens of family members.
In the courtyard, chefs were busy preparing food in a temporary outdoor kitchen for the party, while relatives sat at tables, raising glasses of liquor to celebrate the occasion.
As the festivities continued in full swing, Madam Jang, wife of Baek Sa-ha, suddenly rose from her seat upon receiving an urgent message and headed somewhere.
Walking along, she clicked her tongue.
"So you came after all."
"Yes. With the three-year mourning period ongoing, today was the only suitable excuse to visit."
The man in his early thirties with sharp, slanted eyes responding to her was Baek So-gang, Baek Sa-ha's second son and the outer steward.
The reason they were rushing to change locations like this was due to some unexpected visitors.
"The second young master and the third young lady, was it?"
"Yes. They each brought their own close aides."
"Sigh. They've come with determination."
"What can we do? They want Father's support."
"I suppose."
The Heaven-Earth Society was growing increasingly fierce in its succession struggle.
Rumors that the Leader's illness had worsened had made the candidates' movements even more urgent.
In the midst of this, Clan Head Baek Sa-ha, the Venom Slaughter King, had not endorsed any of the Leader's disciples.
That was why they would push for a clear answer today, no matter what.
"Truly troublesome."
"Indeed. But wasn't this a problem bound to arise eventually?"
"Even so, don't you know your father's temperament?"
"Well... Sigh."
Baek Sa-ha's second son, outer steward Baek So-gang, let out a deep sigh.
As his mother said, his father never took back a word once spoken.
That was what worried him.
He feared some unnecessary trouble might arise.
"Did you separate their rooms?"
At Madam Jang's question, her second son Baek So-gang nodded.
They had no choice; leaving the two successors in the same reception room could lead to who-knows-what.
Then she said,
"When they arrive, bring them together into one room."
"Pardon? But if we do that..."
"Keeping them separate would only make it harder to refuse them."
"Ah..."
"Better to show them all at once that you're choosing no one. That way, they'll back off quietly."
"Mother, you're absolutely right."
Her second son Baek So-gang nodded in agreement, convinced.
Just as they were about to pass the front hall toward the reception annex,
"Please wait a moment!"
Someone came rushing toward them.
It was one of the warriors guarding the manor entrance.
"Great Madam."
Madam Jang asked, puzzled,
"What is it?"
"W-Well, another guest has just arrived."
"A guest? Didn't I say to seek permission and turn away anyone not a relative or pre-approved?"
"Yes, that's true, but..."
She had given clear instructions beforehand—why come here now?
She shook her head.
"Then send them away."
"Look at this."
With that, the entrance guard pulled something from his bosom.
It was none other than,
"What is that?"
The top plaques from the Blood River Valley checkpoint.
Not one, but three of them.
Knowing what they signified, wrinkles formed on Madam Jang's brow.
* * *
In a single reception room were gathered the Leader's second disciple, Jang Neung-ak, and third disciple, Wi So-yeon.
Their close aides stood behind each of them.
"Sigh."
Jang Neung-ak sighed in irritation.
He had arrived at the manor first, expecting naturally to meet Baek Sa-ha before Wi So-yeon.
Yet after making him wait in the reception room, they now called him to the same room.
It had soured his mood considerably.
'...Whether that's fortunate or not.'
Wi So-yeon felt just as uncomfortable.
At least she had avoided Jang Neung-ak meeting Baek Sa-ha first, but facing him together might make persuasion difficult.
It could turn into mutual checking, or worse, open conflict if they started undermining each other.
-The door slid open.
A dignified-looking woman in her late fifties, with streaks of gray in her hair, entered the now heavier atmosphere of the reception room.
Upon seeing her, second disciple Jang Neung-ak and third disciple Wi So-yeon both rose simultaneously, clasping their hands in a formal salute.
"We pay respects to the Baek Clan's Great Madam."
"Great Madam, it's been a while."
As the Leader's disciples, they were already acquainted with her.
Out of respect for Baek Sa-ha's wife and the Baek Clan's matriarch, Madam Jang, Wi So-yeon had removed her hairpins and white mourning veil.
She spoke first.
"We congratulate you on your grandchild's first birthday."
'This woman.'
Jang Neung-ak's brow furrowed slightly before he forced a smile.
"How joyous."
'Ahh.'
Madam Jang inwardly clicked her tongue at their congratulations.
How could they turn even a blessing into such subtle sparring?
Their awareness of each other was all too obvious.
Of course, she understood as rivals in competition.
-Swish.
"Thank you. We're deeply grateful that two disciples of the Leader have come to this humble place to celebrate our grandchild's health."
"It's only right to congratulate. But where are Venom Slaughter King and the young clan head?"
Jang Neung-ak cautiously asked, glancing at Baek So-gang, the outer steward beside her.
Of course, Great Madam Jang was an elder of the household too, but with potential next Leader candidates visiting, it was odd that even the true star of the birthday celebration, the young clan head, hadn't appeared.
Second son Baek So-gang answered.
"My apologies. With the birthday party ongoing, my brother is busy attending to the relatives and couldn't step away, so Mother and I have come to greet you."
"Ah, I see."
"Yes. Please understand."
"No need for apologies. You came in the midst of the party—it's only natural you're busy."
Wi So-yeon said softly with a smile.
Not to be outdone, Jang Neung-ak added,
"No need to mind us. I'm not so lacking in decorum. Hahaha."
What an amusing sight.
Jang Neung-ak's arrogance was well-known in the Heaven-Earth Society, yet here he was, currying favor so adorably.
'He needs Father's support that badly.'
Then Jang Neung-ak pointed to the gift box beside him.
"Since we're here anyway, I'd like to at least pay respects to Venom Slaughter King after so long."
Seeing him take the lead, Wi So-yeon chimed in as if in harmony.
"Senior brother seems to think the same. I too wished to see Venom Slaughter King in person after ages, offer congratulations, and chat a bit."
At her words, Jang Neung-ak let out a faint breath.
He didn't like her butting in.
She was trying to interfere, but did he plan to let her?
-Snap.
Jang Neung-ak opened his fan and fanned himself.
"I wonder if junior sister needs to be here. I'll represent us in meeting Venom Slaughter King, so why not head back?"
"How could I? It's a rare chance to see an elder like an uncle, and leaving without even showing my face would be the real discourtesy."
"No discourtesy. I'll convey everything properly—don't worry."
"No, it's fine."
Wi So-yeon refused flatly.
Jang Neung-ak glared fiercely at her.
Madam Jang inwardly clicked her tongue watching the two successors openly showing hostility.
'The trouble I feared might happen.'
Feeling she had to intervene,
"You two..."
A voice came from outside the reception room.
"Great Madam, a disciple of the Dark Clan Leader has arrived."
'!?'
Jang Neung-ak and Wi So-yeon both furrowed their brows at once.
What was this?
'How did he...?'
'That guy's here?'
They had assumed Mok Kyung-un had just delivered his gift and left.
They couldn't fathom how he entered the manor.
Then Madam Jang clasped her hands toward the two, bowing her head slightly.
"My apologies, but may I also invite the Dark Clan Leader's disciple here briefly?"
"Mok... I mean, why the Dark Clan Leader's disciple?"
"I felt I should seek the same permission from you both."
"The same permission?"
Jang Neung-ak and Wi So-yeon couldn't hide their confusion at Madam Jang's words.
What was she trying to say?
But they were the ones in need now; refusing her to look good was hard.
"...Very well."
"I'm fine with it too."
Soon the door opened, and Mok Kyung-un appeared.
Mok Kyung-un gave a formal salute to everyone, bowing his head.
"I am Mok Kyung-un, disciple of the Dark Clan Leader."
'...No ordinary beauty.'
Madam Jang inwardly marveled at Mok Kyung-un's face.
It was the first time she saw a man's face that struck her more as beautiful than handsome.
But that lasted only a moment.
"So you're the Dark Clan Leader's disciple. I am the wife of Baek Sa-ha."
"Ah, so you're the Great Madam."
Mok Kyung-un lightly clasped his hands and bowed again.
As she moved to introduce Jang Neung-ak and Wi So-yeon, Jang Neung-ak waved it off.
"We already greeted outside, Madam."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes. I've paid respects to the two."
At Mok Kyung-un's reply, Madam Jang pointed to an empty chair.
"Then please sit."
"Yes, thank you."
Mok Kyung-un went there, scanned everyone once, then sat.
Wi So-yeon was in the seat next to him.
"How did you get in?"
She whispered to Mok Kyung-un.
At her question, he smiled faintly.
"I had business."
"That's not what I'm..."
Before Wi So-yeon could finish,
Madam Jang clasped her hands toward all the guests and bowed.
"I must apologize and seek your understanding as guests gathered here. As you know, my husband is currently observing the three-year mourning. That's why we're all in mourning garb."
No one was unaware of that.
She continued.
"We're grateful you've come, but my husband is in no state to meet anyone right now."
"...What do you mean?"
Jang Neung-ak asked with narrowed eyes.
She replied,
"Exactly as I said. My husband has cut off all contact with the outside. Thus, I must regrettably ask for your understanding."
"But aren't you holding a birthday party now?"
"He hasn't even appeared for that."
At Madam Jang's words, both Jang Neung-ak and Wi So-yeon fell silent.
Who would have expected, coming here as an opportunity, to be told they couldn't meet even after entering the house?
Even as one of the Five Kings, sending off next-Leader contenders without showing his face was hard to comprehend.
Both grew irritated by the unexpected variable and hesitated to agree readily, when Madam Jang said to Mok Kyung-un,
"Likewise, the Dark Clan Leader's disciple should withdraw this time..."
"That won't be possible."
'!?'
Refusal before she could finish.
Madam Jang furrowed her brow, staring at Mok Kyung-un.
She, Baek Sa-ha's wife, was earnestly asking, yet this manner of speaking?
"I clearly said I'm seeking your understanding..."
"My apologies, but as I understand, the privileges of three top plaques are set by Society rules—no one can refuse."
"..."
The Great Madam bit her lower lip.
Mok Kyung-un was correct.
The bearer of three top plaques from Blood River Valley checkpoint could seek guidance from any executive, without exception.
And that executive could not refuse.
It was Society law everyone must obey.
But the problem was Baek Sa-ha was effectively unreachable.
That's why she had subtly asked for understanding before everyone, including the Leader's disciples.
She thought Mok Kyung-un would heed their presence and not press further.
But her expectation missed.
'This boy really...'
Was he oblivious? Stubborn?
Either way, it was most troublesome.
Granting Mok Kyung-un an exception due to Society rules would put the successors in a bind.
It was a true dilemma.
Indeed, Jang Neung-ak and Wi So-yeon watched intently for her response.
If she let only Mok Kyung-un in citing rules, they would rebel.
-Swish.
Then second son Baek So-gang beside her tugged her sleeve and shook his head.
Madam Jang let out a long sigh.
'No choice.'
She had tried refusing at her level, but it seemed impossible.
Perhaps letting them experience it firsthand was better.
* * *
Everyone followed Madam Jang and second son Baek So-gang to the deepest part of the manor.
Behind the main hall was an ancestral shrine, and beside it, a small annex building.
Upon arriving before it, Baek So-gang sought their patience.
"Please wait here a moment."
Baek So-gang entered the annex.
After about half a quarter-hour inside, he emerged.
Faint steam rose from his shoulders as he came out.
Wondering why,
-Swish.
Baek So-gang saluted everyone, bowing several times.
"Thank you for waiting. I informed Father of the young masters, ladies, and the Dark Clan Leader's disciple seeking guidance."
"He'll see us?"
Jang Neung-ak asked.
Baek So-gang looked troubled, then spoke.
"...He said he will."
"Oh! Then I'll go first..."
"But there are conditions."
"What?"
Jang Neung-ak's voice rose slightly at Baek So-gang's words.
Already annoyed, thinking Mok Kyung-un might meet while they were turned away, now this talk of conditions—he could barely hide his displeasure, even seeking support.
On the other hand,
"May I ask what the conditions are?"
Wi So-yeon asked calmly.
She figured the needy side should yield in this situation.
At her question, Baek So-gang went back inside and brought out something.
It was a small table with a teapot and several teacups on it.
"This is..."
"Drink the tea we serve. If you can neutralize it with internal energy or endure at least a quarter-hour, you may enter."
'!?'
Everyone couldn't hide their bewilderment at his words.
What did this mean?
Drink tea and endure to enter?
Then Wi So-yeon furrowed her fine brow.
"Is the teapot filled with poison?"
"Yes."
'What?'
Murmurs rose at second son Baek So-gang's answer.
They wondered what condition for entry—who expected poison?
Jang Neung-ak said incredulously,
"Are you jesting? Drink poison and endure to enter—what kind of...?"
"My apologies. But if you can't, you might face embarrassment inside."
"Embarrassment?"
"Yes. Father—no, the clan head said it's fine to reveal. This annex is filled with toxic miasma."
'!?'
Jang Neung-ak frowned, eyeing the annex.
Filled with toxic miasma?
As he puzzled, Great Madam Jang spoke instead.
"That's why I sought your understanding earlier. Entering could harm you."
"Ha..."
"Even in our household, only four including this child can enter. Even Baek clansmen trained in poison arts from youth struggle with the intense toxins, so I had no choice."
"..."
"Will you still enter?"
At her words, Jang Neung-ak and Wi So-yeon hesitated.
They couldn't grasp why the interior was laced with toxins or why Baek Sa-ha stayed inside.
But it seemed entry was the only way to meet him.
'...Poison.'
The issue was the poison.
From Madam Jang and Baek So-gang's words, it wasn't ordinary.
An absurd situation.
Must they go this far to meet the Venom Slaughter King?
'Damn it.'
Jang Neung-ak shook his head.
Irritation surged, but no alternative now.
Securing Baek Sa-ha's support would let him crush Wi So-yeon and even contend with the eldest senior brother.
No reason to hesitate, no matter how uneasy.
Just worried about,
'Baek Clan's poison.'
He knew Baek Sa-ha's Baek Clan poison arts ranked among the top three in the Central Plains.
Not easily countered without Sichuan Tang or Western Ouyang clans—supreme venom techniques. Could he endure?
'...Endure a quarter-hour.'
Might need to protect organs with internal energy from the start.
Jang Neung-ak glanced at Wi So-yeon.
She too hesitated, sharing the concern.
'Sigh.'
Fine.
Equal conditions for all—stepping up first preserved face.
As resolved Jang Neung-ak moved forward,
-Pour.
'!?'
Someone ahead was already filling a cup.
It was Mok Kyung-un.
No one expected him to step up first.
Then Baek Clan's second son Baek So-gang, looking somewhat worried, said,
"Are you sure?"
This wasn't ordinary poison.
It was condensed miasma from the annex dissolved in water—even poison art masters struggled.
'His internal energy seems shallow; if he drinks recklessly and trouble brews before detox...'
That concerned Baek So-gang.
By his sense, Mok Kyung-un was merely at peak entry level.
At that level, high chance of failing against the poison.
Thus, Baek So-gang whispered劝阻,
"Young Master Mok. To be frank, don't overdo it. With your current internal energy cultivation..."
-Gulp!
Mok Kyung-un downed the cup in one go.
'What?'
Baek So-gang looked shocked.
He meant to give time to circulate energy, yet he swallowed the near-deadly poison tea outright?
And his next words were astounding.
"It's sweet."
'!?'