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Chapter 425: The Snake

“What on earth should I do with this?”

That was the thought that crossed my mind as I stared at the snake looking directly at me.

Ignoring the yellow eyes, just looking at the red scales was enough to tell.

This thing.

‘It looks just like the one I killed earlier.’

No matter how I looked at it, it seemed that way.

Of course, there’s nothing particularly strange about it.

The red demon beast that appeared in the river is called the Red Water Snake (赤水蛇).

The Red Water Snake is a demon beast that shows up in both rivers and seas.

It’s fairly large compared to other red demon beasts, but despite its size, it wasn’t unwieldy or difficult to handle.

If there was a problem, it was simply that its habitat was water.

And there’s also…

‘As far as I know, it uses poison.’

Its fangs contained deadly venom, and I remembered it as a demon beast that emitted toxic energy from its mouth.

But I didn’t feel any of that when I faced it.

Not to say there aren’t some that don’t use it…

‘How strange.’

It also called me something like “great” when looking at me.

It felt as if it was deliberately trying not to attack me.

Why is that?

Why me?

The fact that a demon beast spoke to me was odd enough, but what puzzled me the most was that it seemed to show me some kind of goodwill.

‘This one too.’

As my gaze shifted, I noticed a smaller Red Water Snake staring at me vacantly.

This little one was the biggest source of my current worry.

What is this thing?

Frowning at the small Red Water Snake, I thought.

‘You nearly got me killed.’

Right after pulling the demon stone from the demon beast’s body, I felt something strange coming from the stone.

Upon inspecting it, I instinctively knew.

There was an unknown stirring coming from within it.

Feeling stirrings in a demon stone? What is this, some sort of egg? Suddenly, stirrings?

I was astonished to the point where I almost choked on the river water.

Even more astonishing was that upon discovering it, I instinctively knew how to hatch it.

Hatching.

Yes, I could hatch this demon stone.

What would come out when it hatches? I couldn’t know that, but one thing was clear.

So, what should I do?

I didn’t have time to ponder. Even before I could think it through, I found myself instinctively pouring my energy into it.

‘This is…’

The method of hatching was simple.

Instead of absorbing the demon energy from the stone with the Demonic Absorption Technique, I would do the opposite and inject energy into it.

Just like how one corrupts a human by injecting them with demonic energy.

I was applying the same principle to the demon stone.

How did I know? It felt as if someone had told me to do it.

The only problem was…

‘Why is it consuming so much…?!’

The stone was crazily sucking up my energy.

I thought it would consume some, but the extent was far beyond what I expected.

Thanks to my considerable inner strength and opportunities, I had more than usual in my current realm, yet it was still devouring more than that even in such conditions.

‘It feels like I’ve already given half of it away.’

I thought I would have plenty left over since I hadn’t used much in battle.

The amount it was consuming was concerning.

Moreover, I couldn’t stop giving it energy.

‘This mad thing…?’

Initially, I had been pouring energy into it voluntarily, but at some point, the stone was absorbing my energy instead.

Normally, this would be something I could just cut off, but this was different.

The way it absorbed my energy made me feel that if I forcibly cut it off, it would twist my blood qi and possibly lead to a demonic transformation.

Especially since I was in water, it was hard to struggle, and with my energy being absorbed, I felt I might just die.

If I let it drain me entirely, I might really die.

Thinking that, I desperately tried to regain my focus.

I couldn’t die here in such a stupid place.

While my mind was set, there wasn’t really a method to escape.

My energy was running low.

‘Shit.’

At this rate, it felt like all my energy would be drained.

What to do?

As I fell deeper into a genuine crisis, feeling I had to come up with a solution.

Thud-!

Finally, the draining of energy stopped.

‘…Hah.’

I immediately checked my body at that sensation.

All of my energy had been drained, leaving only a tiny amount.

If it had absorbed just a bit more, it would have really been game over.

Relief surged through me, knowing I hadn’t died.

Crack-!

I felt something strange from the demon stone in my hand.

The stone had cracked.

And suddenly, I felt something in my hand.

Frowning as I checked, a red snake was coiling around my arm.

As shocking as it was, it was crucial to get out of the water.

With my energy running out, my breaths were getting shorter.

I needed to survive first, regardless of the snake, so I quickly made my way to the surface.

Now, back to the present.

“What are you?”

I faced off against the snake that had burst forth from the stone.

A demon beast popped out of a demon stone.

‘…Is this the usual way?’

It probably wasn’t.

I had never heard of a demon beast emerging from a demon stone, nor had I seen it in my life.

Of course, I had never sought knowledge or had an interest in the breeding or birth of demon beasts.

But I at least knew that demon beasts don’t just come out of demon stones.

‘Then what is this?’

This made it even weirder.

Not only had this red demon beast suddenly appeared, but it was also behaving like it wanted something from me.

As if it were begging for my affection, which looked utterly ridiculous.

It almost reminded me of my past life.

I felt quite disgusted.

“…This is just ridiculous.”

I frowned deeply and then relaxed my grip.

So the snake fell to the ground with a thud.

Thud-.

The moment it hit the ground, it quickly climbed back up my body again.

What on earth was it doing?

Does it think I’m its parent?

‘A parent of a demon beast? What kind of nonsense is that?’

Being seen for the first time, does it perhaps think I am its parent?

Though that’s a story that often gets used, it wouldn’t apply to demon beasts.

Which means…

This Red Water Snake is definitely different from ordinary demon beasts.

‘Does that mean there’s something different about me too?’

Throughout my travels, demon beasts had attacked me a few times, and I had hunted them each time, but nothing like this ever happened.

‘What could it be?’

The appearance of the red demon beast, and now a baby demon beast popping out of the stone.

Adding just one of those would complicate things, but to have both at once?

“Hah…”

It was a situation where I could only sigh.

Shah?

Hearing my sigh, the Red Water Snake peeked, as if asking what was wrong.

Seeing that, I frowned slightly and spoke.

“I’m going outside, so you go back in.”

If it understood my words, the snake slid back into my sleeve and vanished.

This thing really seems like it understands me…?

‘Is it really a different one?’

I still couldn’t be sure.

Whether this was the child of the beast I had slain, or the same beast, I couldn’t ascertain.

In this situation, simply killing it and getting rid of it would probably be the easiest solution.

But for some reason, I felt uneasy about killing it and stopped.

‘For now, I’ll wait and see.’

It seems to listen, and it didn’t feel like it was causing me any harm.

For now, I’ll stay cautious.

Screech.

I opened the door and stepped outside.

As I climbed the stairs, the deck came into view.

It was night, and the distinct smell of the river filled the air.

As I stepped outside, I saw several people already on the deck.

Most were on night watch.

Perhaps due to the incident earlier in the day, the guards had noticeably heightened their vigilance.

Observing this briefly, I moved on.

There was someone I wanted to find.

Walking to the very front of the vessel, a figure sitting at the edge came into view.

As I approached slowly, he seemed to notice my presence and turned toward me.

Perhaps it was the night, but his green eyes appeared particularly bright.

Giving a slight bow, I inquired, “Why are you outside, Tang Clan Leader?”

“Gu Gongja.”

Facing the Tang Clan Leader, the Poison King.

“It’s late in the evening. You must be tired; why are you out here?”

“…I haven’t been able to sleep at all tonight.”

“Is that so?”

Judging by his expression, he seemed quite troubled.

After all, the appearance of the red demon beast was a grave issue for the clan leaders.

As those who hold wealth and prestige in the region by safeguarding the peace and safety, they’d certainly be the most sensitive to unexpected upheavals.

Especially the clan leaders of the great clans known as the Four Great Clans would be even more so.

‘But that doesn’t seem to be the only problem.’

There was a strange atmosphere suggesting there were other issues at play, but it wasn’t the time to pry into that. Asking wouldn’t guarantee an answer.

After a brief exchange of greetings, the Poison King and I just stared at each other in silence.

After a few seconds, it was surprisingly the Poison King who broke the silence.

“…What’s the matter?”

His voice held a slightly wary tone. Why was he suddenly wary of me?

He hadn’t seemed displeased earlier, but now it felt different.

“I haven’t come seeking any particular business. I just stepped out for a walk and happened to find you here…”

“I know that you approached with some intention.”

“…!”

I swallowed hard at the Poison King’s words.

How did he know? We hadn’t even talked yet, but he already guessed.

‘This old man is sharp.’

Indeed, he appeared to be the most clan-like leader among the leaders of the Four Great Clans.

I thought that to myself, while externally acting ignorant.

“Intention? What do you mean by that? I’m not sure I understand.”

“I’m aware that Gu Gongja isn’t the type to approach without any intention.”

“…”

Haha.

I let out a short laugh at the Poison King’s words.

Having adjusted my expression that I managed to keep friendly, I now returned to my more natural state.

There was no longer any need for pretense because he had already seen through me.

Noting my expression change, the Poison King narrowed his eyes and spoke.

“What do you seek?”

A concisely worded question that needed no elaboration.

It seems the Poison King already understood what kind of notion I had.

Helping out with the eradication of the red demon beast.

Honestly, that wasn’t something I had to seek approval for.

Without my intervention, the red demon beast would have been dealt with regardless.

However, had I not intervened, the ruckus of the Red Water Snake might have brought about more casualties.

The proper course of events would have been to just say I managed to survive because of it.

That was part of the duty one has as a leader.

Especially since the Poison King, as the head of the Tang Clan, could not simply overlook me.

That’s how relationships work.

The responsibilities that come with being a clan leader are such.

Moreover.

‘Though he seems wary of me, it doesn’t mean he wishes to ruin our relationship.’

The Poison King hadn’t overlooked the value or potential I carried.

Thus, he was now asking about my intentions.

Sensing this, I couldn’t help but smile slightly.

“No, I’m not asking for anything that big.”

At my words, the Poison King’s eyebrows knitted together, indicating he was irked by the notion that even if it wasn’t something big, I still had a request.

However, the fact that he didn’t outright refuse suggested he was allowing it in a tacit way.

“It’s really nothing major. Just….”

“Before that.”

Just as I was about to suggest, the Poison King interrupted me.

What was it?

“I have something I want to ask you.”

“What is it?”

He was asking me a question. When I looked at him with curiosity, he asked directly.

“The weakness of an elite rank demon beast. How do you know about it?”

“Hmm.”

Ah.

Only upon hearing that question did I realize why the Poison King had been scrutinizing me.

The sudden appearance of the red demon beast, thought to be a rank we hadn’t seen in hundreds of years, was astonishing enough.

But it must have been even stranger for him to witness someone effortlessly hunt it down like it was nothing.

He wasn’t likely expecting I had done something dramatic.

But it was certain he regarded me with suspicion.

Sigh.

‘This is absurd.’

After saving him, he’s doubting me?

Look at this guy.

I can understand, but that doesn’t make it any easier to swallow.

‘If things had gone smoothly without the red demon beast appearing, it could have ended with me getting attacked by some bandits.’

With the emergence of the red demon beast, events had gotten a bit tangled.

And where exactly had the bandits waiting in ambush gone?

‘They probably got eaten.’

If they were lurking around, they must have either fled at the sight of the red demon beast or been devoured by it.

“Do you think I’m suspicious? That I intentionally tried to hinder the transport?”

“I don’t believe you have such intentions.”

“Then?”

“I suspect, rather, your actions back then.”

Your actions when you saw the red demon beast, hunting it down without a hint of hesitation, which left me at a loss to make sense of your behavior.

“…How is it possible? I just don’t understand.”

“There’s no need for you to understand.”

“What?”

The Poison King’s expression scrunched at my retort. Did he view it as sarcasm?

“There’s no need for you to understand that which you cannot.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“When you saw it, you immediately recognized its weaknesses. That’s why I went after it.”

“…!”

At my bold words, the Poison King’s expression shifted.

From being scrunched to one of disappointment.

What I meant was simple.

I recognize. So I acted.

Is it my fault you don’t know?

It meant something along those lines.

If anyone else had said that, it might have garnered a fierce retort.

But what’s my reputation in the world?

I’m already known as the youngest peak martial artist, and should rumors spread, they might even know I’ve reached the Transformation Realm.

The Poison King is already aware of all this, and to reach the Transformation Realm at such an age means…

‘It indicates I’m an extraordinary talent.’

In the Central Plains, they must see me as a god-send talent.

Initially, I found those words irritating and degrading, but now I had somewhat reconciled with the idea.

Given the situation, I should use these rumors to my benefit.

Seeing the Poison King’s stunned expression gave me an odd feeling of satisfaction.

“Are you suggesting… right now…?”

“If not this, do you think I’ve been battling red demon beasts for ages? Is that what you’re suggesting?”

That does hold true. I have battled them since my previous life.

“I merely wanted to offer my assistance, but I never expected to be doubted like this… It stings a bit.”

In truth, it didn’t hurt at all.

In fact, I felt like I had seized onto a small point for leverage.

Continuing, I saw the Poison King’s expression flicker with unease.

That excuse worked like a charm.

As long as I had the rumors and the might to validate my claims, I could pivot the narrative however I saw fit.

Look now, the Poison King, seemingly unable to decide what to say, just fluttered his lips.

“…My apologies. This time, it was my mistake.”

Although his suspicious look hadn’t completely vanished, it seemed he felt there was no other way and was apologizing.

I feigned a slight expression of relief.

“It’s all right… thank you for your apology.”

While such conversations bored me to death, it was a necessary hassle.

If I didn’t clean up the aftermath, it might lead to something worse later on.

Moreover, since the Poison King had apologized first, it made it somewhat easier for me to ask for what I needed.

“Tang Clan Leader, if it’s not too much trouble, may I ask for one favor?”

“…Go ahead.”

“There’s no need to be so tense. It’s not a colossal request.”

Is he expecting something monumental?

Not really.

‘From my perspective, it may seem big, but from his view, it might not be significant at all.’

While the Poison King seemed tense about what I might request, it certainly wasn’t something so grand.

I could have asked for an expensive spirit pill, or perhaps a renowned sword worthy of the Tang Clan, but what I desired was simply…

“I’ve heard there’s a lake in your clan.”

“Hmm?”

Surprising the Poison King with an unexpected mention of a lake.

“It’s called Poison Lake (毒理湖水)…”

Once a hero who had defeated the Blood Demon left it as a legacy, the ancestor of the Tang Clan, Duokjeolcheon.

This deep lake is filled with potent poison, making the vicinity deadly for ordinary people who come near.

Such toxic waters could serve as ingredients for the poisons used by the Tang Clan.

As no one was able to discern its source, this was considered one of their treasures.

“I’ve been curious about it since childhood. May I see it once?”

While I smiled, the look on the Poison King’s face turned skeptical.

He seemed unable to comprehend why I would want to see it.

‘Why would I even be interested?’

The only reason was one.

‘White Horse Stone.’

This stone was hidden somewhere in the depths of that lake.

 

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