Chapter 146
Chapter 146
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 146
Chapter Title: Flying Heaven Stronghold (3)
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Sangjeon, a village located about a hundred li from Flying Heaven Stronghold.
Dang Cheonhwa's group, who had departed from the Hahuu Clan faster than expected, happened to run into Sima Geon's group, who had spent time dismantling the Four Blood Forest.
Delighted by the unexpected reunion, they began tipping back drinks from late afternoon, eagerly sharing tales of the past few days.
As night deepened, the conversation shifted to concerns about the Blood Fiend Cult's spies lurking in the martial world.
"...They implant a gu poison into the body. It's a method they've used since ancient times, so they're likely still expanding their minions that way. If only we had enough Blood Poison Pearls, we could identify those bastards in no time. But the things are so rare that even scouring the world yields only a handful."
"Blood Poison Pearls?"
"Yes. Blood Poison Pearls."
"What are those?"
Sima Geon asked, puzzled by the unfamiliar term.
"What else? They're orbs that ward off poison. With a Blood Poison Pearl in your possession, most toxins become useless. How could it not be called a priceless treasure?"
Cheol Woo, who had been tearing into meat with gusto, wiped the grease from his mouth and asked at Dang Cheonhwa's words.
"Are they in your Tang Clan?"
"What, planning to steal one if they are?"
"Who're you calling a thief? I'm just curious about this wondrous item and want to see it. Honestly, my body's not so weak that I'd fall to some mere poison."
Cheol Woo thumped his chest proudly, prompting Noe Jeon to smirk.
"Forgot how you nearly met King Yama after getting poisoned by Eum Seolhui not long ago?"
"That wasn't poison; it was the other injuries that nearly did me in. And honestly, is the poison from those lunatics in Myeondok Valley ordinary? I survived because it was me—anyone else would've been on the road to the afterlife the moment it hit."
Dang Cheonhwa nodded in agreement with Cheol Woo.
"You're right. The poisons from Myeondok Valley are dangerous."
"Can't the Blood Poison Pearl block them?"
Dang Cheonhwa shook his head at Noe Jeon's question, his expression saying it was impossible.
"Blood Poison Pearls aren't omnipotent. Still, they could weaken them to some degree."
"So, does your clan have one?"
Cheol Woo pressed.
"We do."
"Heh heh heh! Knew it. Oh, but are they only in your Tang Clan?"
"Hardly. If my memory serves, aside from our main house, there are a few other places that possess them."
Everyone looked at Dang Cheonhwa with curious faces.
"First, the imperial palace."
Exclamations erupted simultaneously.
A place overflowing with schemes and intrigues.
If anywhere needed Blood Poison Pearls more than the martial world—where they would be used most effectively—it was the imperial court.
"I believe the North Sea Ice Palace has one too."
"North Sea Ice Palace? There's a place like that?"
Dang Cheonhwa gave Cheol Woo an incredulous look at his question.
"Hah! I never imagined I'd meet someone in the martial world who doesn't know of the North Sea Ice Palace."
Cheol Woo's face flushed slightly at Dang Cheonhwa's sigh.
"Hey, even I might not know. You knew, right?"
Cheol Woo tried dragging Noe Jeon in, but Noe Jeon raised his voice instead.
"No matter how little connection we have, who doesn't know of the Ice Palace in the distant North Sea?"
Cheol Woo whipped his head around, eyes wide.
"You knew too, boss?"
"Mm, not in detail, but of course I've heard the name."
Sima Geon's eyes flickered briefly, but Cheol Woo didn't notice.
"You—you?"
Cheol Woo asked So Soring in a trembling voice.
"Only an idiot wouldn't know. Shut up. So, where else?"
"Finally, the Heavenly Demon Cult likely has one."
"Heavenly Demon Cult? Never heard of it."
Sima Geon tilted his head.
"I don't know exactly which faction possesses it. But when the Blood Fiend Cult first stirred, there was definitely a power that had one. They discovered it could expose the cult's spies. That method was passed to us as well."
"Ah! So the gu poison you mentioned reacts to the Blood Poison Pearl."
"Precisely. Who would've thought the Blood Poison Pearl, known only for blocking poison, could make the implanted gu glow? It only detects the gu used to create their minions, but even that was immensely helpful. It might've been the decisive factor in gaining the upper hand against the Blood Fiend Cult."
"Your Tang Clan can't have Blood Fiend Cult spies then. You could catch them easily with the Blood Poison Pearl."
"Who knows. No one knows how those persistent bastards plant their spies. Still, compared to other sects, we're less vulnerable. Now that we've confirmed their spies are active, the reinforcements from our main house will likely bring Blood Poison Pearls. I'll show you if the chance arises."
"They're coming to Flying Heaven Stronghold?"
Cheol Woo's eyes sparkled as he asked.
"They won't make it in time. They'll probably head to the Nangong Clan. Who knows, but the Nangong Clan might have Blood Fiend Cult spies too..."
Creak!
Dang Cheonhwa's words cut off as the door suddenly burst open.
Nangong Gyeong stood there, pale-faced, gripping the door handle.
"Here to drink more in that condition? Tsk tsk, I said it's far from full recovery, even if you're improving."
Dang Cheonhwa clicked his tongue, but Nangong Gyeong shook his head, indicating that wasn't it.
"Big trouble, senior."
Manchu quickly rose and offered his seat to Nangong Gyeong.
"Big trouble? Don't tell me their attack has already begun?"
"No, it's not that."
"Then what? Out with it. What has you so rattled?"
Unable to bear the frustration, Nangong Gyeong downed the sake in front of Dang Cheonhwa in one gulp and raised his voice.
"The Flying Heaven Stronghold Lord has lost his mind."
Dang Cheonhwa's brow furrowed at the abrupt, contextless remark.
"Speak properly so I can understand. What do you mean the Flying Heaven Stronghold Lord has lost his mind?"
"Didn't I send a child from the main house to Flying Heaven Stronghold earlier today to explain the situation here?"
"Yes. And?"
"Just now, we got word from the Flying Heaven Stronghold Lord..."
Nangong Gyeong's gaze shifted to Sima Geon.
He hesitated, then let out a deep sigh before continuing.
"He refused these friends' help."
Dang Cheonhwa's sharp eyes twitched.
"Refused the help?"
"He said it might cause discomfort, so they shouldn't come at all..."
"That damned madman!"
Dang Cheonhwa slammed his fist down, shattering the large table.
"What's the reason? He wouldn't spout such nonsense without one."
"It's..."
"Out with it! Why is that lunatic talking such drivel?"
Nangong Gyeong squeezed his eyes shut and said,
"He refused because he can't ask for help from someone from the Heavenly Demon Cult when fighting the Heavenly Demon Cult."
"Bullshit!"
A curse exploded from Dang Cheonhwa's mouth.
"What an utter blockhead! If it were just his life—or that bastard's alone—it wouldn't matter. But it's not! Countless lives are at stake for aiding Flying Heaven Stronghold, and he rejects help over that petty reason? Is that what a stronghold leader says?!"
Dang Cheonhwa raged as if he'd beat the Flying Heaven Stronghold Lord to death if he were there.
"I've warned and scolded him countless times, yet he clings to that stubborn pride. Hah! A tiger fathered a dog of a son. He doesn't inherit even a toe's worth of his father's character. If the old lord knew, he'd wail from the underworld."
Dang Cheonhwa lamented, recalling the previous Flying Heaven Stronghold Lord, who had embodied the air of a great hero.
"What now, boss?"
Ironically, though fury boiled at Nangong Gyeong's words, Cheol Woo had missed his chance to vent due to Dang Cheonhwa's outburst, so he asked in a slightly deflated tone.
"Simple. If they don't want us, we don't go."
Sima Geon replied casually, as if it wasn't worth getting upset over.
"Hey! It's not that simple to decide."
Dang Cheonhwa interjected in alarm.
"No need to heed that fool's nonsense. I'll go talk sense into him, so don't mind it."
"He's the homeowner. If the owner says don't come, there's no reason to go."
"Still..."
Dang Cheonhwa tried persuading the turned Sima Geon for a long while, but the cold undercurrent in his calm tone forced him to give up.
'You idiot! Do you even know what you've done?!'
Dang Cheonhwa ground his remaining teeth, picturing Flying Heaven Stronghold Lord Sang Gancheon.
"So you sent the Blood Light Martial Emperor?"
Muk Noegang asked in surprise.
"Yes. Originally, I planned to assault the Nangong Clan outright, without considering Blood Fiend Cult interference. With momentum on our side, I was willing to risk letting them reap the benefits and end it decisively. But the military advisor discovered the Blood Poison Pearls, forcing a change in plans. Even if delayed, we prioritize rooting out as many Blood Fiend Cult spies as possible."
Gwan Woong's warm gaze made Hyeong Mugang smile awkwardly.
"I see. I thought you'd summoned me for reprimand over failing to counter the enemies properly."
Muk Noegang spoke with a somewhat relieved expression.
"Hahaha! No one is unaware that the force you led, Muk Clan Head, was the weakest. Yet you achieved such results—why reprimand when rewards are due?"
Gwan Woong burst into hearty laughter.
When the Black Dragon Muk Clan returned to the Heavenly Demon Cult, most welcomed them, but some factions voiced discontent.
Though they had once walked a path of glory, to them, the long-absent Black Dragon Muk Clan in the Southern Frontier seemed like an uninvited stone rolling in.
Thus, Gwan Woong placed the Black Dragon Muk Clan at the forefront to earn merits, and as hoped, they quelled all dissatisfaction with brilliant achievements despite meager forces.
"Over ten spies were uncovered in the Blood Light Martial Emperor's sector. Mostly nobodies, but two were leading factions."
"More than expected. Then in the force I led..."
"Yes. The Blood Light Martial Emperor moved to confirm and eliminate them. I intended to send only the Blood Poison Pearls, but the military advisor insisted, escalating things."
Muk Noegang's gaze naturally turned to Hyeong Mugang.
Hyeong Mugang cleared his throat a couple times before speaking slowly.
"There are two reasons for sending the Supreme Elder and summoning you here, Muk Clan Head. First, the Blood Poison Pearls are that crucial. The gu poison used by the Blood Fiend Cult to create minions—ah, they call it Soul-Seizing Gu. Anyway, the only reliable way to detect it so far is the Blood Poison Pearl. Even if it only identifies those with it, isn't that hugely useful? We couldn't entrust such a precious item to just anyone—the Blood Fiend Cult might intercept it. So we requested the Supreme Elder."
"Is the Supreme Elder trustworthy?"
"The possessors of the Blood Poison Pearl were the Iron Blood House."
"Iron Blood House..."
"Yes. The current head is the Supreme Elder's younger brother."
"I see."
Muk Noegang nodded in understanding.
"If the Supreme Elder were a Blood Fiend Cult spy, we're done for. Yet even there, one infected with Soul-Seizing Gu emerged."
A wry smile escaped Gwan Woong's lips.
"What the Lord mentioned is the second reason. In any situation, the only force offering absolute trust is the Black Dragon Muk Clan. That's why we summoned you here, not to the Supreme Elder's location."
"Then their forces..."
"The Soul Demon Sword Elder will fill the Supreme Elder's vacancy."
Muk Noegang fell silent. He knew little of the Soul Demon Sword, but Hyeong Mugang's expression suggested no great worry. More importantly, the Black Dragon Muk Clan had earned the Lord's absolute trust—not formations or such.
Muk Noegang shot to his feet and dropped to one knee.
"Your servant Muk Noegang vows to protect the Lord with his life."
"I trust you."
Gwan Woong gazed at Muk Noegang with eyes full of faith.