Chapter 395
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 395
Chapter Title: Shit Water, Though...
"Poisoned?...
No symptoms whatsoever in their bodies. What the hell did that mean?
Such thoughts surfaced on everyone's faces.
Pyeong Deok-jo alone wore a grim expression.
"...Are we really poisoned?"
Fung Geon shattered the silence.
"Yes."
Ha Mu-baek answered curtly.
"What kind of poison?"
Yu Gwi-gwang glanced at his comrades before asking.
"A poison that turns living people into flesh-eating zombies..."
The response came from Pyeong Deok-jo.
"F-Flesh-eating zombies?"
"What the...?"
The Demon-Sealing Corps members were stunned.
And why wouldn't they be?
A poison that turned healthy people into flesh-eating zombies?
They knew that getting bitten by a death zombie's fangs and poisoned would turn one into a zombie.
But that was from direct contact.
Turning into one just from inhaling the poison?
Absurd.
If such a poison existed,
the world wouldn't be this intact.
It would instantly become a hellscape of pandemonium.
"There was an incident in Muchang where that poison was released... Fortunately, we detected it in time and prepared the antidote, averting disaster."
At Pyeong Deok-jo's explanation,
all eyes turned to Ha Mu-baek.
Antidote.
Gazes pleading for the antidote.
"None. No antidote. Never dreamed the Zombie Confusion Poison would still be around. No reason to prepare."
"Th-Then we'll turn into those zombies?"
Yu Gwi-gwang's voice trembled fiercely.
After surviving all that,
to end so pointlessly.
Ha Mu-baek shook his head.
"Zombie Confusion Poison. It turns you into a flesh-eating zombie that devours everything nonstop. But a small dose doesn't do that. It has to exceed the threshold for the toxin to fully activate."
Ha Mu-baek's gaze shifted to the collapsed Fierce Dragon Corps member.
"And before that, symptoms like his appear."
Sighs of relief escaped from both the Demon-Sealing Corps and Fierce Dragon Corps.
"But the accumulated poison doesn't just vanish naturally. The more internal energy you have, the more toxin builds up. Meaning that guy's the weakest in internal energy here."
"Then if we face more of those poison zombies..."
Fung Geon's eyes flicked to the captured poison zombie.
"Exactly. Once you inhale enough Zombie Confusion Poison, you lose your mind and become a flesh-eater. Devouring everything around you—human or beast."
"Ugh..."
A groan escaped someone.
Ha Mu-baek grimaced, staring deep into the Mountain-Crossing Demonic Forest.
'Should just wipe these bastards out... Didn't expect them to produce poison zombies spewing Zombie Confusion Poison...'
The Blood Cult was putting up a tenacious last stand.
And it was a serious problem.
If there were more of those poison zombies,
and they roamed the forest encountering other Demon-Sealing or Fierce Dragon Corps units,
countless flesh-eaters would spawn in an instant.
Ha Mu-baek expanded his senses across the entire Mountain-Crossing Demonic Forest.
Searching for presences like the poison zombies they'd just fought.
None.
He scoured every inch.
Only the one he'd captured.
"Seems this is the only one for now..."
They'd appeared out of nowhere.
Undoubtedly released by the Blood Cult.
No telling where else they might be hidden.
'That's why I said to uproot them back then. Tch.'
Recalling that time soured his mood again.
Under Ha Mu-baek's menacing aura, everyone quietly gauged his mood.
"Let's detox first."
Focusing on the immediate issue, Ha Mu-baek turned to the Demon-Sealing Corps.
"Pardon? You said no antidote..."
Yu Gwi-gwang tilted his head.
"No antidote doesn't mean I can't detox you."
Ha Mu-baek said nonchalantly.
Relief mixed with resentment washed over the Demon-Sealing and Fierce Dragon Corps faces.
Resentment for withholding the crucial info so long.
Ha Mu-baek placed his palm on the vital point of the Fierce Dragon Corps member he'd knocked out.
Circulating his energy to probe inside,
sure enough, Zombie Confusion Poison rampaged within.
Not yet manifested, but
Ha Mu-baek's energy slowly crushed the poison.
One full circuit of his Invulnerability to All Poisons energy, and the poison vanished clean.
Taking less than half a quarter-hour.
In the blink of an eye.
Worlds apart from back in Muchang.
Thanks to the breakthroughs fighting Myo Gu-ung and Go Hu-rak.
Much easier handling Zombie Confusion Poison now.
"Next."
Ha Mu-baek withdrew his hand.
They exchanged hesitant glances,
then shoved the youngest forward.
Hwa Ryang.
"Don't worry. No issues detoxing you all."
Ha Mu-baek chuckled, placing his palm on Hwa Ryang's vital point.
Hwa Ryang had been close.
A bit more inhalation, and he'd have shown symptoms like the one lying there.
Thus, detoxing Fung Geon last, all were cleared.
"Report this upon return. I'll pass word my way too."
"Yes. Understood."
Fung Geon nodded.
"Good. Time to head back."
They moved toward the western wall,
where they'd first met Ha Mu-baek.
The captured poison zombie floated in the air, towed along.
Returning to the start didn't take long.
Unlike the time spent reaching the iron zombie fight.
Arriving at the wall,
Ha Mu-baek signaled three.
Fung Geon, Yu Gwi-gwang, Gwan Ha-kyeong.
The trio followed him.
Out of sight,
Ha Mu-baek sealed sound with energy barriers.
"Demon-Sealing Corps Leader, Vice Leader."
Addressing the two.
"Watch yourselves. Their actions scream untrustworthy."
"...Yes."
Fung Geon replied.
He knew.
Or rather, hadn't thought so before,
but this mission changed that.
Likely everyone here felt the same.
The mission was that kind.
Go die, or sacrifice Fierce Dragon Corps and flee.
"Against untrustworthy foes, hide everything. How you completed the mission, what happened here, your current levels."
The three nodded in unison at his advice.
"That's how you survive. How you win."
With that, Ha Mu-baek returned to the group.
The three followed.
Reunited.
"Go."
Ha Mu-baek's final word.
They ascended the wall.
Short time, yet this place felt like home now.
"Instructor. Our deepest thanks for your grace."
Fung Geon bowed deeply in salute.
"We thank you for your benevolence."
Yu Gwi-gwang, Gwan Ha-kyeong, and the recovered Fierce Dragon Corps members
all saluted and bowed low.
Sincere gratitude.
Ha Mu-baek nodded faintly.
Then turned away.
Unless he moved first, they wouldn't leave.
Pyeong Deok-jo nodded to the Demon-Sealing Corps and hurried after Ha Mu-baek.
The Demon-Sealing and Fierce Dragon Corps watched them go.
"Returning."
Fung Geon turned and said.
They leaped from the wall, dashing north.
Toward Demon-Sealing Corps headquarters.
Reentering the Mountain-Crossing Demonic Forest, Ha Mu-baek pressed on relentlessly.
As if all business concluded.
After sweeping the forest once more, he returned
with four death zombies, four poison zombies, four blood zombies.
Considered grabbing an iron zombie but deemed it excessive.
All loaded into wooden coffins in the wagon bed.
Thirteen coffins.
Filling the bed.
Filling all prepared coffins with zombies,
Ha Mu-baek climbed atop the wagon.
"Alright, let's go."
"Yes."
Pyeong Deok-jo took the driver's seat.
The well-fed, rested horses snorted.
"Hyah!"
As Pyeong Deok-jo cracked the reins,
clop clop clop.
The horses moved.
Now returning to Dragon Training Pavilion.
Ha Mu-baek glanced back at the Mountain-Crossing Demonic Forest.
Poison zombies spewing Zombie Confusion Poison.
Another reason.
To utterly eradicate the Blood Cult.
"How'd it go?"
Do Sim-geuk asked Yang Bi-chang.
Sudden question, but Yang Bi-chang understood immediately.
"Black Squad Two. No word yet."
"The rest?"
"Returned with heavy losses."
Yang Bi-chang's face soured as he spoke.
But Do Sim-geuk smiled.
As intended.
"Demon-Sealing Corps casualties?"
"Three dead, ten minor injuries, two serious. Total fifteen casualties."
"Hmm. Heavier than expected."
Do Sim-geuk stroked his chin, muttering.
In his plan, best case, Demon-Sealing Corps unscathed.
But this meant
"More idiots than thought. Maybe for the best. With big ops ahead, that level of stupidity would cause worse."
Yang Bi-chang bowed slightly at the mutter.
He was no different from Do Sim-geuk, yet a corner of his heart disagreed.
"Fierce Dragon Corps?"
The next question.
"Five survivors. That's all."
The rest dead.
Or turned into zombies by death zombies.
Or blood zombies.
Do Sim-geuk's smile deepened.
"Those five's condition?"
"Three minor, two serious."
"Recovery chance for the serious ones?"
"With proper treatment, both can recover."
The smile faded from Do Sim-geuk's lips.
"Really? Bit disappointing... Hmm..."
Pondering Do Sim-geuk
soon grinned wide.
"Well, ops after recovery anyway."
That grin was chilling.
"Why no word from Black Squad Two?"
"No idea."
No messenger pigeons, no returnees.
By departure date, they should've returned long ago.
No way scouting the west forest zombies took this long.
"Wiped out? Or deserted?"
Do Sim-geuk muttered, stroking his chin.
Spouting horrors.
Then.
"L-Leader! Vice Leader!"
Someone rushed into Do Sim-geuk's tent.
"Come in. What is it?"
The Demon-Sealing Corps warrior entered, saluted, and bowed.
"Black Squad Two returned."
Right as they discussed them.
What coincidence.
"Ghosts or what?"
"Pardon?"
The subordinate blinked at the mutter.
"Never mind. Return status?"
"All safe."
The instant reply
made Do Sim-geuk grimace briefly.
Fleeting, only Yang Bi-chang noticed.
"Got it. Dismissed. Tell squad leaders to report later."
His voice held reluctance.
"Yes."
The warrior bowed, oblivious, and left.
"All safe?"
Do Sim-geuk eyed Yang Bi-chang.
"Miraculous."
Yang Bi-chang sounded genuinely shocked.
He'd expected Fierce Dragon Corps annihilation for that mission.
Only four in Fierce Dragon Corps.
Expected some Demon-Sealing losses too.
All safe?
What happened?
"Hmm."
Unpleasantness clouded Do Sim-geuk's face.
Opposite of before.
Despite achieving Fierce Dragon Corps sacrifice goal,
Black Squad Two's safe return soured it.
"Black Squad Two had a fifth-year Fierce Dragon, right?"
Yang Bi-chang nodded.
"Yu Gwi-gwang. One."
"So surviving fifth-years now?"
"One serious, one minor, plus Yu. Total three."
"Current survival rate thirty percent?"
Yang Bi-chang's hair stood at the mutter.
He knew without asking.
Next mission for squads including those three would be hell.
Sent to die.
Survived this, so worse next.
Demon-Sealing Corps Black Squad Two returned safely to base.
No issues sprinting along the Mountain-Crossing Great Wall.
Scouting map intact.
Rest in barracks, squad leader Fung Geon submits report—mission done.
Yet they hesitated.
The air had changed since departure.
Heavy, gloomy pall over the entire Demon-Sealing Corps.
"Huh? Fung Geon? Back safe."
Then,
a fully bandaged figure spotted them.
Black Squad Fifteen leader.
"What happened to you?"
Fung Geon asked, alarmed.
The squad fifteen leader gave a wry smile.
"This happened."
Eyeing Squad Two.
"You all safe. Good. At least you."
"What? What went down?"
Fung Geon pressed urgently, but the leader shook his head.
"Report first. Talk later."
He left those words and went.
Black Squad Two watched his back.
Heavy silence descended.
Sensing the shift, they quietly returned to barracks.
Only Yu Gwi-gwang followed Fung Geon to his.
Squad leaders had solo tents.
"As expected."
Inside, Fung Geon whispered lowly.
"Good acting?"
Fung Geon awkward-laughed at Yu Gwi-gwang.
Before return,
they'd discussed future plans, responses with all members.
So he could feign surprise naturally even meeting squad fifteen leader.
Prepared for this.
"Just meet leader and vice now."
Fung Geon nodded at Yu Gwi-gwang.
"We got mysterious expert help again."
Fung Geon said gravely.
Yu Gwi-gwang nodded.
"Why late return?"
"Poisoned by weird poison zombie toxin."
Fung Geon answered Yu Gwi-gwang.
"Mysterious expert detoxed, but took time."
Yu Gwi-gwang continued.
"Didn't know the poison. Just lost consciousness."
Trading lines.
They reviewed their return discussions.
Checking for holes.
Once perfect,
Fung Geon dashed off a concise report.
Time to face those bastards.
"Good luck."
Yu Gwi-gwang left.
Time to rally squad Demon-Sealing and Fierce Dragon members again.
His role.
Moments later,
Fung Geon exited his tent.
Heading to leader's.
That guy must be antsy.
Sent to die, yet pristine return.
Judging by squad fifteen, base mood,
others fared worse.
No luck like theirs.
Mysterious expert.
That much true.
Instructor Ha Mu-baek.
Undeniably unfathomable.
Without him, they'd be like the others.
So the mysterious expert salvation was truth.
Truth hiding lies.
Hard to judge.
"Enter."
Announced at leader's tent, voice came.
Entered through subordinate-opened flap.
Leader and vice seated.
"Good work, Squad Leader Fung."
Do Sim-geuk expressionless.
Fung Geon saluted, bowed.
"Reporting safe return of Demon-Sealing Corps Black Squad Two and attached Fierce Dragon Corps."
Per Righteous Heaven Alliance regs.
Handed summary report.
Do Sim-geuk scanned instantly, passed to Yang Bi-chang.
Yang skimmed fast.
His eyes twitched minutely.
Unbelievable contents.
"Lucky."
Do Sim-geuk spoke.
"Yes."
Fung Geon agreed readily.
Truth.
Luck surviving that death trap.
"Scouted properly, all safe. Impressive."
Do Sim-geuk smiled thinly, expressionless before.
But to Fung Geon, no goodwill.
"Mysterious expert saving you again... Like last time?"
Referring to Nam Hwi saving them from iron zombie.
Of course, detailed report then.
"Yes."
"Heh. Helped by mysterious experts twice. Heaven's luck."
Sarcasm?
Do Sim-geuk's eyes sharpened.
Fung Geon met them squarely.
Truth, no need to evade.
"But no idea who this expert is...?"
Reported as unidentified.
And true.
Dragon Training Pavilion instructor, but Fung Geon doubted such a powerhouse really was.
Didn't know Ha Mu-baek's identity.
True.
"Yes."
"Different from that Nam Hwi last time."
"Yes."
Hesitation-free.
"Amazing. Mountain-Crossing Demonic Forest. Two mysterious experts in a year here. Only ones since I became leader. And you met both, Squad Leader Fung."
"Truly lucky."
Sincere.
No flaws upon scrutiny.
Just stuck to report.
"Long, tough mission. Rest today. Detailed report in two days."
"Thank you."
Fung Geon left after brief thanks.
"Thoughts?"
"Report solid. Late return reason convincing."
"Variant poison zombie..."
Do Sim-geuk frowned.
Zombie variants existed.
But none since he led.
None before either.
Except during Martial World War, Blood Cult rampage.
Then yes.
"But these incidents only for them. Suspicious."
Doubtful eyes toward Fung Geon's spot.
"Three coincidences make inevitability?"
Do Sim-geuk nodded at Yang Bi-chang.
"Fits too perfectly. Suspicious."
"Report this variant up?"
Do Sim-geuk nodded.
"To Master only first."
Yang Bi-chang's eyes widened.
His "up" wasn't master.
Righteous Heaven Alliance HQ.
They were one of six Alliance martial units: Demon-Sealing Corps.
Master was Kongdong Sect head, Alliance elder, true.
But not Corps superior.
Do Sim-geuk chuckled at Yang Bi-chang.
"Dense. Whose affiliate is Demon-Sealing?"
Alliance six units, different affiliates.
Demon-Sealing under Elder Council.
Yang recalled.
"Master's Elder Council elder. So superior."
Absurd logic.
Should report officially via Council channels, not personal.
But Yang had to concede.
Senior brother leader, he vice, both Kongdong disciples.
Ha Mu-baek lay atop the wagon heading to Muchang.
Sometimes with Pyeong Deok-jo at driver's seat, sometimes lounging thus.
"Now, what'll they do?"
New poison zombie emergence.
Fung Geon would report somehow.
All or partial, unknown.
Then where, how far would info go?
Safely to Alliance Leader So Hwi-woong via Heavenly Eye Pavilion Lord Gong Son Dan-gyeong?
'No chance.'
Demon-Sealing under Elder Council.
Elders wield heavy influence.
Council in Yeon Ja-kyeong's grip.
'Yeon Ja-kyeong. Depends on that old bastard.'
Ha Mu-baek smirked.
Could picture it without seeing.
'But Fierce Dragon Corps affiliate?'
Cadets obviously Dragon Training Pavilion.
Training there: Hidden, Wa, Fierce—all Pavilion.
Pavilion Alliance organ, independent from Leader's Hall or Council.
Nominal independence, sure.
Depending on Pavilion Lord.
But
Mountain-Crossing Demonic Forest.
Didn't know the meat shield Fierce Dragon Corps affiliate there.
Learned of Fierce Dragon existence last year upon assignment.
'Shit water... No one wanted under them.'
Alliance's dirty secret.
No unit wants such under wing.
Taking means responsibility.
Who wants for consumables?
Consume and gone.
"Gotta check."
Ha Mu-baek muttered softly.
No one claiming responsibility, Alliance affiliate yet unattached,
damn nuisance, but perhaps better for his plans.
"Hmm."
Yeon Ja-kyeong scowled at the secret report.
Via Heavenly Secrets Network.
Plant in Dragon Training Pavilion detailed it.
Requested info to read So Hwi-woong, Gong Son Dan-gyeong moves—all there, but
"Did they play me?"
Yeon Ja-kyeong grimaced fiercely, muttering.
Checking Fierce Dragon second-year list.
Squad Twenty.
Ju Wu-myeong.
Ha Seol-ran.
Her name below.
Seeing it, Yeon Ja-kyeong shuddered like struck by lightning.
"Hoo. Getting old. Forgot this..."
Focused on Blood Cult deal, missed key.
Why Pang Clan sealed gates?
What incident?
What started it?
He knew all.
Pang clan's wastrel Pang Gun-ho molested Ha Mu-baek's sister Ha Seol-ran.
That sparked everything.
First-year then, second-year now naturally.
Meaning
Next New Year past, to Mountain-Crossing Demonic Forest.
Man who defiled sister, forced one sect to seal—
would he let sister go alone?
No.
He'd follow.
If Alliance duties bind, he'd quit and follow.
Ha Mu-baek's responsible nature might send sister alone, but
variable.
"Ji Gun-wi..."
Sudden instructor.
Replaces Ha Mu-baek during absences, trains Fierce Dragon cadets.
Yet not official Pavilion instructor.
Appears, vanishes like wind at Ha Mu-baek's request. Enigmatic.
Could leave Fierce Dragon to him, follow sister.
Could pull sister from Fierce Dragon, but knew Ha Mu-baek's temperament—no.
So Hwi-woong, Gong Son Dan-gyeong knew, thus excluded Ha Mu-baek from field training as instructor.
"Then..."
Yeon Ja-kyeong pondered.
"Advance the timing?"
Post-Youth Tournament.
Field training then, soon Fierce Dragon finishes second-year, to forest.
Short gap to Ha Mu-baek following.
Pre-tournament? Can't hold tournament.
Oversteps Pavilion Lord authority.
Pavilion independent from Leader's Hall, Council.
"Ugh."
No solutions.
To keep variable Ha Mu-baek from forest.
"Advance Youth Tournament. Reason: secure field training period..."
Maximize gap between field training, Fierce Dragon deployment.
Best current plan.
Tournament timing adjustable somehow.