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Chapter 487 – What to Split.

Right after I collapsed, claiming I had been poisoned.

The pungent silence in the annex was sharp enough to pierce my heart, but as expected, the situation unfolded just as I anticipated.

The truth was that I had indeed ingested poison.

“It seems to be the poison of the Pio Flower.”

That was what the physician murmured while examining my body.

At those words, I could hear gasps from around me.

The Pio Flower, huh?

The first to react to that was Shin Noya.

[You really used something nasty.]

‘No kidding.’

A bitter laugh escaped me.

The poison of the Pio Flower is a rare toxic plant that grows in the northern regions, specifically in high altitudes.

It’s one of the poisons even assassins usually shy away from when attempting to kill.

The effect blocks the flow of energy momentarily, while causing respiratory distress, and in a short while, it brings excruciating pain as one’s heart stops beating.

It’s undeniably effective as a poison, but as I mentioned earlier, it’s not typically used for assassination.

The reason being…

‘It’s ridiculously expensive.’

The Pio Flower is extremely rare compared to other poisons of similar efficacy, which makes it excessively pricey.

Moreover, a martial artist who has reached a certain level rarely dies even after ingesting poisons meant to block energy flow.

The issue that remains is the potential for severe aftereffects.

Like damage to the Lower Dantian.

Or developing chronic issues with the heart, rendering one unable to use martial arts.

‘What a bunch of nonsense.’

Thinking about that couldn’t help but bring a laugh.

‘They seem to be more hasty than I thought.’

It’s not that I didn’t expect this outcome.

In fact, I had hoped for this situation to unfold and had even maneuvered it that way.

But I hadn’t anticipated them coming at me this quickly.

‘Did I make it too obvious?’

Maybe it was because I acted like I knew a lot.

Or perhaps it was because I didn’t bother to silence Nahi’s mouth.

No matter what, it was absurd that a child of a great house would casually poison me while being in a rival clan’s territory.

‘A warning, right?’

This land belongs to the Tang Clan. Meaning, don’t act recklessly. It was a thinly veiled message.

The reason they used the expensive and less efficient Pio Flower was that, given the Tang Clan’s nature, they would have to manage the food they served guests meticulously. Therefore, the fact that they managed to poison the food was also a warning.

Here, we can dispose of you at our convenience.

Regardless of your background or realm, we can handle you, so watch your words.

The meaning behind the Pio Flower’s poison was laden with such implications.

Recalling that made me chuckle.

‘Ignorant fools, really.’

Those rotting, filthy individuals pretending to be noble.

No matter how you looked at it, this was far from the righteous faction that centered around virtue and harmony.

‘Haha, what’s happening that I’m losing faith in them more and more?’

It was the same in my previous life. The more I delved into it, the more I realized how rotten it all was.

I was increasingly overwhelmed with the desire to tear it all down.

What would those who defended their beliefs in the past think upon witnessing this?

I could imagine them barfing blood and dying again from the sheer horror.

[… Hey, are you mocking me right now?]

‘Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it.’

You sharp-eyed little weirdo.

Anyway, it was clear they realized I was talking about them.

Ah, I guess I am a ghost after all.

‘Regardless.’

The matter had escalated.

I knew this wouldn’t end just as a mere warning.

Did the ones who could easily instigate such an event really think it would end there?

‘Of course not.’

That would never happen.

“… Uh… uh… what… what do we do….”

As I lay there with my eyes closed, a whimpering voice reached my ears.

Tang Soyeol’s voice.

It was natural for her to react like that since I had just collapsed after swallowing poison right beside her.

“What should we do about our Prince… Dad….”

Tears streamed down Tang Soyeol’s face as she sobbed. There weren’t many presences around.

Other than the physician, the Poison King, and Tang Soyeol, that was about it.

“First, you need to check the situation, so go back.”

“But…”

“Quickly!”

At the Poison King’s shout, Tang Soyeol flinched.

Tang Soyeol seemed lost, unsure of what to do, and then, reluctantly, she walked outside.

“… Physician Bai, kindly step outside for a moment.”

“Understood… Clan Leader.”

The Tang Clan’s physician left as well. After a brief silence, I heard a long sigh from the Poison King.

“Haa…”

Hearing that made me spring up.

“Ah, I thought I was going to die from frustration.”

“… Ugh?!”

As I suddenly sat up, the Poison King was visibly shocked for once.

“… Gu, Gu Gongja?”

“Why are you so surprised? I’m the one who’s more surprised here.”

“How did…?”

In response to the Poison King’s bewilderment, I could only give a strange look.

I had assumed he would know I was pretending to be unconscious. But now he looked as if he had no clue.

“… Are you okay?”

“Yes, I seem fit enough to hold a conversation.”

If a martial artist of the Poison King’s caliber couldn’t notice something like this, it must be quite a significant advantage.

Crack.

Loosening up as I moved around, the Poison King began to speak to me.

“… First, I owe you an apology. Something unfortunate happened under my care.”

The sudden apology drew my gaze to the Poison King.

Just looking at his eyes, it was clear he was sincere.

‘How could that be avoided?’

The Tang Clan doesn’t have the best reputation out there.

After all, they were known for using poison and hidden weapons. That naturally made them an easy target for others to avoid.

Although they claimed their reputation improved after starting to make and export weapons, they still faced skepticism.

So it was only natural to be more cautious.

In the lodging where guests were received.

The food served, and everything needed to be vetted carefully to avoid any issues.

Especially someone like the Poison King was vigilant about that.

‘Now that such an incident happened so carelessly, I can see why he would be upset.’

I studied the Poison King’s reaction attentively.

As has been the case from the beginning, I had yet to shake off my doubts about him.

With that calm demeanor, I spoke to the Poison King while keeping my suspicions hidden.

“It’s alright. I’m just glad it went as I expected.”

“What?”

The Poison King’s eyes widened at my response.

“Expected? Gu Gongja, what do you mean by that? Could it be….”

His expression was filled with complex questions.

“You mean to say that you did this on purpose?”

Upon realizing the intention behind my words, the Poison King appeared to be significantly shocked.

Seeing that reaction, I awkwardly replied.

“I didn’t expect things to go this far… but somewhat, yes?”

I acknowledged that I had intended this to some extent.

Upon hearing that, the Poison King frowned deeply and said,

“What exactly are you trying to achieve with this?”

What was I trying to achieve, you ask?

Inside, I wanted to click my tongue in annoyance.

“Isn’t this a good thing?”

“What…?”

“You’ve gained certainty, haven’t you?”

“…!”

At those words, the Poison King’s eyes widened even more than before.

Didn’t he have certainty about the fact that something was happening in the Tang Clan without the Poison King’s knowledge? Additionally, an event that should dispel any doubts about what I said should have given him confidence.

He should have established that something was being executed unnoticeably.

“… So you mean to say that you deliberately ingested poison for that very reason?”

He looked at me as if I were a madman.

Did he really think it was such a dramatic act for me to voluntarily swallow poison?

[Well, wouldn’t you be surprised knowing someone would voluntarily consume poison?]

‘That’s true.’

I could only feel a bit regretful about it.

I had thought that with his experience, he’d quickly comprehend the situation and move on to other matters.

Perhaps that meant the shock had truly affected him.

“I knew I wouldn’t die consuming it anyway, so it was fine.”

“That’s not the issue here…!”

To my nonchalant remark, the Poison King reacted somewhat dramatically.

‘Well.’

Was he perhaps worried that this incident would worsen the perception of the Tang Clan?

That was something I couldn’t do anything about.

I had no intention of sweet-talking or softening the situation.

If there was going to be a problem from this, it would be for the Poison King because he was worried about how this would be perceived.

As those thoughts crossed my mind, just as I began to understand the Poison King’s concerns.

“What if there are lingering aftereffects?”

“…”

“No matter how young you are, is this a good risky act?”

‘Oh?’

The conversation had turned far more normal than I had expected, leaving me even more flustered.

I hadn’t imagined he would be worried for my well-being. This was rather surprising.

[Does this mean you simply don’t trust the world?]

‘That was a refreshing take.’

Maybe that’s why I unintentionally chuckled.

“Gu Gongja?”

“Oh, I apologize. I wasn’t laughing at you. Your reaction caught me off guard.”

Having said that, I stepped down from the bed.

Stretching my limbs, I felt the strange energy within me. As soon as I sensed it, I realized.

So this is Poison Qi.

It felt particularly distinct since the energy felt very different.

‘Hmm.’

As I sensed that Poison Qi, I frowned slightly.

I had sensed it when I returned to this realm, but it wasn’t until I ingested the poison that I confirmed my thoughts.

I moved my fingertips slightly and spoke to the Poison King.

“It’s intriguing that you worry so much for me.”

“Don’t move. The antidote isn’t…”

“I believe this is enough justification, wouldn’t you say?”

“…!”

“It seems sufficient from my perspective.”

When I smiled and said that, the Poison King clamped his mouth shut.

Justification. It appeared the Poison King was realizing something upon hearing that.

No matter what kind of action it was, there must be justification.

Whether it was for personal revenge or moving towards some goal.

Even for actions that might upturn a great clan.

Such actions required ample justification.

That was especially important for the Poison King at this moment.

‘For me, I could turn the world upside down out of anger if I wanted to.’

But he couldn’t do that as the Clan Leader.

So it was thoughtful of me to provide him with that.

Also.

‘It would be great if I had a reason to act freely.’

I wanted to create a valid reason to let loose.

[Seeing you only think about these matters sometimes, it’s a bit sad in many ways.]

‘You always mix criticism with praise. Why not stick to one?’

[What does that even mean? It’s all criticism.]

‘…’

When I thought you’d be praising me for my cleverness, I realized I was completely wrong.

Cough.

I cleared my throat as I strolled past the Poison King.

“I mentioned it last time, but I’m not waiting for your response.”

Meaning, even if you don’t intervene, I’ll handle things myself.

“I’ll be taking my leave now.”

“Gu Gongja! I mentioned it before, but the antidote isn’t….”

“I don’t think you need to give me an antidote. I think I’ll be fine.”

“What do you mean…?”

“It’s not as painful of a poison as I thought. If I need it, I’ll let you know.”

With those words, I inclined my body and stepped outside.

I could feel the Poison King watching me with a dazed expression, unable to even stop me, as I exited.

Really, I was okay.

‘How interesting.’

Woo Hyeok.

Feeling the gathered Poison Qi in my body, I reflected on the unusual occurrence I encountered when I entered the current realm.

As I lightly spread my energy toward the feeling Poison Qi.

Poof!

The Poison Qi began to dissipate gradually, seeping out of my mouth as vapor.

Seeing that, I couldn’t help but laugh in resignation.

‘I was wondering why I drank all that lake water.’

It seemed I had absorbed all the water from the Poison Lake, yet didn’t gain any energy from it.

I figured Tang Je-mun wouldn’t have smashed the clan’s treasures just as gifts.

Now I was starting to comprehend the actual gift she had mentioned.

I was undoubtedly…

‘So it actually worked.’

The dream physique that the Tang Clan had long desired.

It seemed I had achieved Immunity to All Poisons.

After walking a bit, I stepped out of my lodging. In the distance, I spotted Tang Soyeol standing there.

As I slowly approached, Tang Soyeol seemed to have noticed me and rushed over, startled.

“Prince?!”

“Hello.”

“How…?? I thought you might be out of it for days…. Are you okay…?”

“Oh, I’m fine. I guess the poison wasn’t as strong as I thought.”

As I joked while smiling, Tang Soyeol burst into tears and came to embrace me.

I was caught off guard by the sudden hug.

“Why are you crying? I told you I’m okay!”

“I’m so sorry… I’m really sorry….”

Sheesh.

I could feel her tears soaking into my chest.

Clearly, she was very worried since I’d suffered a scare in the Tang Clan.

“Seeing you collapse like that… I thought it was a lie. I’m so sorry, really….”

“…”

Tang Soyeol’s words were painful to hear in apology.

[See? I told you not to act!]

‘… Damn.’

I had put a lot of effort into that act.

Clearly, something is wrong with the world if this didn’t work.

It wasn’t my fault; the world was at fault. For sure.

[That’s… not true. It’s fine now.]

With Noya seemingly giving up, my annoyance only deepened.

I patted Tang Soyeol’s head to soothe my vexations.

“Calm down. They said I just need to rest for a few days.”

“But….”

“Stop crying. It makes me worry about laundry.”

Truth be told, my attendants would handle the washing, but I still felt uneasy about getting my clothes wet with tears.

“Yes….”

Tang Soyeol’s expression turned sullen at my words.

It seemed my comments hurt her feelings a bit.

While I contemplated how to apologize…

“Hehe… it’s quite a sight to behold.”

Someone approached us with that remark.

My gaze shifted.

It was an elder. Dressed in deep green silk robes with neatly groomed white hair.

Plus, he had a faint Blood Scent similar to the Poison King.

He was the elder who had been near Tang Soyeol since her arrival.

“Ah.”

Upon seeing the elder, Tang Soyeol jumped back in shock.

Her ears turned red, indicating her embarrassment.

“Uh… Ah. This is our Elder. Elder Lee, this is….”

“I know. Lady. How could I not recognize the young hero about whom everyone is buzzing lately?”

‘A young hero?’

I tilted my head at the honorific used by the elder.

“Lady” along with such extreme respect.

No matter how you slice it, even if she’s the Clan Leader’s child, it seemed excessively polite for an elder of a clan.

Seeing that, the elder smiled brightly as he spoke to me.

“I am Elder Lee. You may call me Tang Bui.”

The elder introduced himself with a smile.

Tang Bui.

I had never heard that name before.

I might recognize it if I thought hard about it.

However, I had no intention to.

The elder was watching me with a friendly smile, and I returned the smile and spoke.

Swish.

“Ah!?”

Without warning, I pulled Tang Soyeol close to me.

Her surprised cry echoed as I suddenly acted.

Woo Hyeok.

I lightly placed an energy barrier around Tang Soyeol’s ears.

I didn’t want her to hear a word.

Right after, I looked at Elder Lee and said as plainly as I could.

“What to split.”

“…!?”

“Do you want to die?”

At my outrageous declaration, Elder Lee’s smile instantly crumbled.

 

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