---

0146 ———————————————-

Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors

Soon after, I was guided into the inner chamber of the Four Talents Sect. As I glanced around at the experts of the sect surrounding me, I thought to myself, ‘These aren’t just your average gatekeepers. They’re practically elder-level from any other sect… Why on earth would such elite experts be guarding the entrance day in and day out?’

I had initially brushed off their capabilities, but it was clear that the strength of these three was no joke. Even if I poured all my energy into it, defeating them without injury seemed almost impossible. It was strange; despite the Four Talents Sect being a large clan, elite experts of this caliber couldn’t just be found lying around.

Seated inside the inner chamber was a middle-aged man emanating a powerful aura, patiently waiting for me. Without preamble, he stated, “So you’re the worldly genius. Truly capable of upending the Four Talents’ local branch.”

I was taken aback. I had consciously reduced the Heavenly Blood Sealing Technique to a half-stage to flow my internal power without appearing too overbearing, and yet he showed no sign of being fazed. It seemed he believed he could assess my true capabilities and still maintain control over his own.

I carefully gauged the middle-aged man’s gaze and energy, realizing quietly that his aura overflowed, wrapping around the space thickly. ‘A Peak Expert…’

If there was a Peak Expert in the Four Talents Sect, it could only be one. And it was undoubtedly an elder-level expert.

I bowed to him and said, “It’s an honor to meet you, the head of the Four Talents Sect.”

“Do you know who I am?”

“You are the Lord of the Four Talents Sect, the One-Handed Demon, Tang Mugyeok, aren’t you?”

He chuckled softly, pleased with my quick recognition. “Indeed. I am the one leading the Four Talents Sect.”

The One-Handed Demon, Tang Mugyeok! I had heard of him; he was among the major powerhouses of the Sichuan region and the head of the Four Talents Sect. Like other prominent martial arts clans, it was common for the top sect leaders to be among the strongest experts in the martial world. So it wasn’t unexpected that the head of the well-established Four Talents Sect in Sichuan would be an incredible powerhouse.

Moreover, Tang Mugyeok was said to have reached a Peak level in his martial arts, feared quietly across the Central Plains as a “Death God,” especially after inflicting a serious defeat on the Poison Demon from the Eight Demons of Martial Daos.

Although he was somewhat unfamiliar to me, it made sense; the Thunder God Lineage’s Lee Kwang likely never paid the Four Talents Sect much attention, given that he had no expected engagements with a figure like Tang Mugyeok in his lifetime.

‘Anyway, the One-Handed Demon is one of the top secret technique users in the Central Plains. I need to tread carefully.’

I felt a wave of tension rising within me.

During a previous fight with first-class experts to aid Jin So-cheong, even Zhan Long, who was also skilled in secret techniques, had garnered an endless amount of warnings from my older brother. Considering Jin So-cheong’s true abilities, this was a serious concern. The fact that even a Peak Expert like Jin So-cheong would have to prepare thoroughly for a confrontation with expert secret techniques only underscored the seriousness of the situation.

Not to mention that Tang Mugyeok was a level of skill far beyond Zhan Long. There was a high possibility this meeting could very well become my grave.

Tang Mugyeok spoke, “So, Baek Woong, what brings you to our Four Talents Sect?”

“As I mentioned, I came to purchase some information.”

“Buying information… That’s a rather unfamiliar concept to us, but it’s not impossible. If you can provide adequate compensation, we can arrange for it.”

His tone was fairly positive as he clasped his hands together, unable to hide his curiosity. “Tell me what information you seek, and I will assign a price for what you want.”

“…….”

I felt slightly disadvantaged. Setting a price on information might seem okay at first glance, but it practically shouted that he was willing to take advantage of me. Still, given my current inability to restrain him during this negotiation, I cleared my throat and spoke.

“Hmm… I came here seeking the last whereabouts of the Heavenly Doctor, Dongbang Mu-gyeol.”

Tang Mugyeok’s eyebrows twitched, and after a moment of contemplation, he declared, “Bring me some gold!”

“…Huh?”

“In my eyes, that information holds a value worth a thousand gold. It seems gathering that amount might be tough for you, so I’d settle for at least one gold piece.”

One gold piece.

To an average commoner, that was an unimaginable fortune. Even those in positions of power or wealthy merchants would come pleading on their knees for such an amount. One could reasonably think it was excessively priced, even considering how precious information can be. I listened to Tang Mugyeok’s demand, then countered.

“Is there anything corresponding in physical goods if I don’t have gold?”

“Sure, things like rare treasures from the martial world, extraordinary martial arts manuals, or even a peerless spiritual pill would be acceptable.”

“Perhaps it might be better to offer gold for this.”

At that, Tang Mugyeok chuckled lightly. “I’d also like to point out that I’m not even asking why you’re seeking Dongbang Mu-gyeol. Right now, I could easily suppress you through brute force without a second thought, yet I’m choosing not to. Consider that a remarkable favor from the Four Talents Sect.”

“……”

Feeling the underlying menace in his words, I fought the urge to take a jab at him and continued.

“On that note, I’d also like to know how the Four Talents Sect views Dongbang Mu-gyeol, and how they would act if he were to return.”

“Oh… So you’re confident enough to offer up some gold?”

“It’s more of a matter of how much goodwill you might offer.”

As I cleverly skirted around the topic, Tang Mugyeok burst into a belly laugh. “Hah, that boldness isn’t bad. Very well; if you provide the gold, I’ll share that information as well.”

“Understood.”

I reached into my sleeve for the wooden armor and pulled out the remaining gold piece, placing it on the table.

Thud.

“……”

The moment Tang Mugyeok’s expression shifted as if watching a grandchild perform was oddly amusing, I couldn’t help but grin. “Please appraise it. I assure you it’s flawlessly pure gold.”

Even a Peak Expert wouldn’t expect someone like me to be carrying around gold pieces. Technically, I just retrieved it from the internal space of the wooden armor, but there was no way Tang Mugyeok would know about that. He reached for the gold, inspecting it thoroughly before letting out a sigh.

“… Hah, it’s genuine.”

“Do you recognize it right away?”

“Due to the nature of my work, I often handle substances like this. I have an eye for it, comparable to any decent appraiser.”

After he made that remark, Tang Mugyeok gazed at me with keen, transparent eyes.

“Now, as promised, I will reveal the information. However, before that, I’d like to ask something.”

“What is it?”

“What are your intentions regarding Dongbang Mu-gyeol once you find him?”

I replied casually, “I want to know why he played Mahjong with the Tao King at the Unfinished House.”

“Oh, that incident.”

Tang Mugyeok seemed to understand me without difficulty but then revealed a peculiar expression. “But do you think you can protect yourself against Dongbang Mu-gyeol?”

“I believe I’ve trained adequately in self-defense martial arts.”

“Then, I won’t say more.”

A moment later, Tang Mugyeok began revealing the ‘information.’

According to him, Dongbang Mu-gyeol had visited the Four Talents Sect about three months ago, which was long before my reincarnation began. He had insisted on studying the sect’s poison techniques, and Tang Mugyeok had initially tried to politely send him away. However, after arguments broke out, both unwilling to back down out of pride, a confrontation ensued.

Eventually, Dongbang Mu-gyeol was overwhelmed and ultimately fled. Tang Mugyeok voiced regret as he continued.

“The elite of our family, the Ten Thousand Poison Squad, has since been keeping watch in case that old man tries to make trouble again.”

“I see.”

The three Peak Experts I encountered at the entrance were members of the Ten Thousand Poison Squad, the finest elite that the Four Talents Sect prided itself upon, directly under the Elder and almost matching in power. Having trained viciously in the art of poisons and secret techniques since childhood, their skill level was extraordinary.

‘It seems Dongbang Mu-gyeol must have stolen the Sleep Inducing Powder from the Four Talents Sect back then.’

I wanted to confirm this directly, but it was a tall order. If I were in Tang Mugyeok’s shoes, I wouldn’t dare mention that my sect’s secret storage had been robbed, and I would go to great lengths to hide that fact. I needed to be cautious not to provoke a tiger’s whiskers.

I asked out of curiosity, “I’ve heard that Dongbang Mu-gyeol’s medical skills are often touted as the best in the world. Why do you think he sought out your poison techniques?”

“Hmm… I have thought about that quite a bit.”

Not alarmed by my question, Tang Mugyeok took a sip from his tea before responding, “He seemed desperate. It was more than just a casual interest; it appeared he genuinely needed the skills. Of course, I turned him down outright since I could never teach him, but he made all sorts of extravagant offers trying to win me over.”

“Was he that desperate?”

“Yeah. Looking back, he seems to have been seeking a realm of unity between medicine and poison.”

Dongbang Mu-gyeol was eager to learn about poisons. I mentally noted that info and asked again, “Is it possible to heal illnesses with poison?”

“Not impossible. Medicine and poison are actually one and the same. Used correctly, poison can serve as medicine. The key is the concentration and ratio of the ingredients.”

“Even if it’s a disease brought about by a curse?”

“A curse? Are you talking about spells?”

“Yes.”

“Hmmm…”

Tang Mugyeok seemed taken aback by that particular aspect and frowned as he fell into thought. After a short while of contemplation, he finally answered. “With regular poison, it’s unlikely. Curse poisons differ from others as they bear no physical mediums or pathogens, making them inherently difficult to counteract. However, there exists a theoretical poison that can sever even the causal ties of spells.”

“What kind is that?”

“Formless Poison! It’s the strongest poison that only theoretically exists.”

Formless Poison!

It was a concept I had never heard of before. Even after nearly a decade of dedicated study in medicine under Hwa Seong-myeong, I had never come across such a term. As I tilted my head in confusion, Tang Mugyeok elaborated.

“As far as we know, no one has successfully created Formless Poison. Our Four Talents Sect, as well as the Wan Poison Gate and the Forgotten Soul Valley, have never achieved it in history. It exists only as an ultimate aspiration.”

“But if Formless Poison can sever the root of spells, does that not mean it’s also not a physical poison?”

At my question, Tang Mugyeok’s face exhibited a hint of admiration. “Exactly. You seem quite sharp.”

“Um… If Formless Poison isn’t a physical poison, then how is it created in the first place?”

I asked, utterly baffled. Having personally concocted poisons from the Black Headed Snake, I knew just how elaborate the process was. A non-physical poison contradicted everything I understood. Tang Mugyeok seemed to enjoy discussing poisons and replied eagerly.

“The principle of Formless Poison lies in unbinding the most fundamental links that exist in all things. Naturally, it goes without saying that any physical poison can be countered by another substance. However, if there is a poison that could exist without physical mediums, then no means could create an antidote or defense against it.”

“It sounds almost like a novel.”

“Ha-ha. That’s why practicing poison techniques feels like dreaming. It mirrors the aspirations of martial artists who seek to reach the pinnacle of their abilities.”

I felt that if I didn’t pivot the topic, Tang Mugyeok would continue endlessly about poisons. Therefore, I shifted gears.

“Dongbang Mu-gyeol seemed to have encountered the Tao King afterward, sweeping through the underworld’s gambling circles, and subsequently vanished after playing Mahjong at the Unfinished House.”

“I heard about that too. Truly an unpredictable individual.”

“Do you have any guesses as to where Dongbang Mu-gyeol might have gone?”

“He likely went to Yunnan. The last information I gathered indicated he passed through the territory of the Five Yue Clan in Yunnan.”

“……?”

Yunnan?

That was the southernmost part of the Central Plains, leading out of China into the land of the Southern Barbarian tribes. In other words, going through Yunnan and then the Five Yue territory implied he had left the Central Plains entirely. My expression shifted to one of shock as Tang Mugyeok spoke again.

“As an advice, I’d recommend not pursuing Dongbang Mu-gyeol. While it would be ideal if you could bring him back, going up against that old fox is decidedly unwise. I hope a young talent like you doesn’t rashly sacrifice your life.”

“Is Dongbang Mu-gyeol’s martial arts really that formidable?”

“To speak without restraint, his internal power is most certainly among the best in the world. He’s exceptionally close to being a peerless figure.”

“……!!”

I felt as though Dongbang Mu-gyeol’s martial prowess was rising in my mind. Until now, I had merely thought of him as one among the Peak Experts, but hearing those remarks indicated he was something far beyond that. The Dharma Guardian couldn’t handle him without significant preparation, and that pointed to undeniable truth.

If not for his skills, Tang Mugyeok wouldn’t have been able to escape intact under the concentrated assault of the sect’s best experts.

‘This is something I need to take seriously.’

Until now, I believed I could at least make a getaway with Zhan Long and Baek Woong-s formation if I had to face Dongbang Mu-gyeol. But if he turned out to be more formidable than anticipated, I might be subdued before even getting the chance to do something. I needed to find a way to either match or surpass his level of power.

“I apologize, but could you tell me what characteristics his martial arts possess?”

“Ah, so you do intend to pursue him.”

“Yes. Even if he heads to the land of the Southern Barbarians, I will find him.”

“Good. His cultivated techniques seem to be focused on hand techniques and palm techniques, displaying an unrivaled combination of strength and grace. He exceptionally excels in seizing control in close-quarter engagements and is very familiar with manipulation through strong pressure. Moreover, he can raise his Protection Energy quite rapidly, so be extraordinarily careful.”

“……”

He can intentionally gather power to manifest his Protection Energy?

That was something beyond what ordinary martial artists would ever dream of. Unlike Sword Qi or Sword Flame, creating Protection Energy required pure realization, with a staggering consumption of internal power. The amount he needed exceeded that of Thunderclap spells; any usual martial artist would put their lives on the line trying to create their Protection Energy. If Dongbang Mu-gyeol could forcefully defend himself with Protection Energy, then he would surely possess astounding internal power.

I didn’t quite understand. “With that level of martial power, why hasn’t he made a name for himself among the martial artists?”

“Who knows? It’s not my concern.”

“……”

Tang Mugyeok’s curt response made it obvious he bore a strong dislike for Dongbang Mu-gyeol. For someone to engender such animosity from the head of a clan that dominates the martial world like a Death God wasn’t to be taken lightly.

I added a side question, “If the Human Face Pillar really exists, what would be the method to extract its Inner Dan?”

“Ah ha! So you enjoy novels too. You think such a thing exists?”

“Well, hypothetically speaking….”

“Hmmm… if it did, I would first drain all bodily fluids and wait for the Inner Dan to reveal itself, then prepare an antidote ahead of time to switch out with a secret technique. After being buried underground for thirty-three days without sunlight and in a cool place, the excess poison would dissipate, and at that point, I’d use elixir techniques for careful refinement.”

“Got it. And what about the corpse?”

“That corpse would also be like a mass of vital energy; after purging its poison and drying it, it could be consumed for effects akin to a spiritual pill, or invigorating rejuvenation. Legends say consuming the face portion offers immortality.”

Tang Mugyeok seemed to engage in my queries with a hint of amusement. I doubt anyone other than me would risk asking so many questions about poisons after presenting a gold piece here at the Four Talents Sect.

“Thank you.”

I nodded appreciatively, having now learned methods to recycle the Human Face Pillar remains.

“Do you happen to know the whereabouts of the Tao King?”

“That guy has also gone into hiding. You should try asking at the Open Route.”

“Understood.”

With my business concluded, I left the Four Talents Sect and made my way to a deserted area. There, I activated the Golden Lamp Technique before returning to an isolated valley.

Beside me, Miho commented with interest, “Looks like you wrapped up the conversation nicely. No need to resort to enchantment techniques.”

“Well… glad to hear that.”

Before meeting with Tang Mugyeok, Miho had used her camouflage technique to conceal herself near him. Such a feat was only possible for an elite demon like Miho.

Having transformed into an inanimate object, there was no way Tang Mugyeok – regardless of his prowess – would notice her presence. If the conversation went south or if a battle broke out, Miho was poised to leap out and cast her Enchantment Technique or launch a surprise attack. But since Tang Mugyeok turned out to be surprisingly reasonable, no such measures were necessary.

Miho remarked, “So the next destination is Yunnan then.”

“Yeah.”

I lit up with determination. “But before that, I should find some experts who can match Dongbang Mu-gyeol.”

 

---