After hearing Tang So-yeol's cryptic mention of the Poison King’s ominous invitation, I finished what could barely be called a meal, whether I ate it through my mouth or nose, and promptly set off.

As I wandered through the streets, my thoughts twisted around how to politely decline the Poison King's invitation. But no solid excuse came to mind that might satisfy him.

“Surely, it’s just a meal.”

At least, that’s what I told myself.

There’s a pretty high probability that’s all it is, yet an inexplicable chill ran down my spine.

“Would he actually try to poison me?”

Even though I knew that a master of poisons like him wouldn’t stoop to such measures, rumors abounded, and his reputation as a doting father made me a bit uneasy.

Normally, someone of his stature as the head of one of the Four Great Clans wouldn’t act without reason, but…

“…When I think of Baekcheon Sword Lord, I’m not so sure.”

I’d come to realize that none of the clan heads were exactly “normal.” They hadn’t seemed like such people in my past life, or maybe I’d just been oblivious.

Or perhaps things had changed.

“Probably not.”

No matter how many things change, if something like that had changed, it would be strange. It’s more likely that they were always peculiar, and I simply hadn’t noticed. That must be the case.

Otherwise, the future of Zhongyuan is…well, a disaster to begin with.

Sigh.

It seems everyone I’m tangled with is either crazy or completely unhinged, and I can’t help but let out a sigh.

As for this meal with the Poison King—if I could skip it, I would, but it’s not that simple. The Tang Clan controls Sichuan, where I planned to head.

And Tang So-yeol, thrilled about my journey, had already run to inform him.

Ignoring it wouldn’t be an issue if I chose not to go. Going alone wasn’t strictly necessary.

The Poison King, however, had other matters to attend to in Sichuan as well.

“He’s escorting prisoners.”

Prisoners kept underground by the Wulin League—the Black Dragon Sword and his gang, who attacked Shinryong Hall and spread my name across Zhongyuan.

The Poison King’s task was to transport them to the Tang Clan.

Remembering that, I frowned.

“They’re resorting to such brutal methods.”

There was no need to leave Hanan to torture prisoners. But there are always those who won’t talk, no matter what.

The Tang Clan is where even those types break.

Now they’re seen as one of the pillars of the orthodox sects. This is only possible because they handle the dark and murky tasks the orthodox sects cannot openly take on.

Most of Zhongyuan either ignores this fact or tacitly accepts it.

But I know.

In my previous life, when the Demonic Sect took over Sichuan…

After killing the Poison King, my next stop was the Tang Clan’s underground chambers.

I saw hell there.

If it was a scene even I, who had seen it all, would prefer to forget, then it surely was hell.

The Poison King must have been aware of these practices, making it hard for me to see him in any positive light.

The Wulin League knows about the Tang Clan’s dark side, which is why they asked the Poison King to bring them to Sichuan. It just confirms that the Wulin League isn’t as clean as it appears.

“Of course.”

No place can survive by remaining entirely clean. I know that better than anyone, but it doesn’t mean I want to delve into that truth.

Click.

Even so, I couldn’t decline this meal with the Poison King.

The reasons I shouldn’t go were significant, but the reasons I should were much larger.

“Nothing ever goes right. What a wretched world.”

My main reason for going to Sichuan was to secure the White Marble Stone, which could complete my imperfect realm and elevate my cultivation.

And to obtain the White Marble Stone…

I needed the Tang Clan’s approval.

Thus, I couldn’t carelessly refuse the Poison King’s invitation to dinner.

If things had gone as planned, I would have relied on Tang So-yeol to help me avoid it.

“No other choice now.”

Without another option, I sighed and continued walking.

By the time I reached my destination, it was evening, and my focus shifted to the task at hand.

The Poison King’s dinner was scheduled for the evening, but I had other business to attend to during the day.

The guards blocking the entrance recognized me and stepped aside.

It seemed they’d been informed of my arrival.

I gave a slight nod and entered.

As I walked, I noticed the waves of white-embroidered patterns on their robes, signifying they were Taoists of Kunlun. In Zhongyuan, only one sect bore such embroidery.

Once inside, I sensed similar energies all around—the unmistakable aura of Kunlun’s Taoists.

I kept walking, aware that my destination was just ahead, beyond a certain door.

Creak.

I opened the door carefully, and an elderly man who had raised himself halfway on his bed welcomed me.

“You’ve arrived.”

His white hair and deeply lined face exuded a calm wisdom.

Though one arm appeared severed above the wrist, he waved at me with the other.

This was none other than the Blue Sea Lone Sword.

After sitting down cautiously, I accepted the tea and refreshments he offered.

“Have you been well?”

“Yes, though I regret interrupting your busy schedule,” he replied with a gentle smile.

“It’s been quite some time.”

It had probably been about a month. We’d crossed paths a few times since the incident, but this was the first time he’d directly summoned me.

The Blue Sea Lone Sword smiled as he addressed me.

“Your name is on everyone’s lips these days, isn’t it?”

“…Not to that extent.”

Though I dismissed it, his statement wasn’t far from the truth.

I’d heard kids in the back alleys of Hanan had even started playing a game called “So Yeomra.” If I caught them, they’d end up with a few lumps on their heads, but it was a shame I hadn’t seen it myself.

Unaware of my thoughts, the Blue Sea Lone Sword chuckled.

“You’ve achieved great things. It’s not necessarily a bad outcome.”

“…Yes.”

If it’s good, it’s good. But I know the rumors were manipulated by the League, which leaves a bitter taste.

Suppressing my unease, I asked the Blue Sea Lone Sword about his health.

“I am well, truly,” he responded.

But I didn’t believe him.

The severed wrist and his confinement to bed hinted at severe internal injuries.

“…And the situation isn’t favorable either.”

While Shinryong Hall was under the League’s jurisdiction, Kunlun was responsible for its oversight.

The attack by the Black Dragon Sword left them with a moral burden.

The leader of the League, Jang Cheon, stepped down, and rumors were circulating that the Blue Sea Lone Sword was also considering retirement as the head of Kunlun.

Though just a rumor, Kunlun had taken measures post-incident, holding small ceremonies for the deceased and preserving bodies for families to claim.

In my view, Kunlun had fulfilled its responsibilities, but public opinion wasn’t as forgiving.

Kunlun was now often mentioned alongside phrases like “inept noble sects” and “a mere facade of its former self.”

But was Kunlun truly incompetent?

“Hardly.”

At least I didn’t think so, though I couldn’t say the same for others.

After a pause, I finally asked the Blue Sea Lone Sword.

“Why did you call me?”

When he didn’t answer immediately, I knew he needed time to gather his thoughts.

When he finally spoke, he looked at me with gratitude.

“I called you…to thank you.”

“…Didn’t you say that before?”

It was the first thing he’d said to me after regaining consciousness, and it was just as unwelcome now as it had been then.

“Gratitude isn’t something that fades.”

“…Fine.”

I accepted his words, though they felt heavy. He then pulled something from his robe—a gold coin the size of a brass coin, intricately decorated.

“I hear you’re heading to Sichuan soon. Is that true?”

“Yes? Oh, yes, that’s right.”

Somehow, everyone seemed to know about my trip.

“This is a token of my gratitude. I prepared it upon hearing you were going to Sichuan.”

A token for Sichuan? It was better to accept it, but accepting it under the guise of gratitude didn’t sit well.

“I can’t accept this, Master.”

I wasn’t worthy. My actions had led to numerous deaths, and though some had survived, the ones who died shouldn’t have had to.

My refusal was met with a moment of silence, and then he stroked his beard thoughtfully.

“It seems you carry an inexplicable guilt.”

“…”

“What is it that burdens you so?”

The Blue Sea Lone Sword’s words cut deep, but I couldn’t answer.

Perhaps sensing my silence, he sighed softly and spoke again.

“If not for gratitude, accept it as a gift.”

“A gift?”

“You remember when I told you I favored you?”

“Yes.”

“When I entered Shinryong Hall, you said you favored me.”

“Then take this as a sign of that favor.”

“…”

Seeing the Blue Sea Lone Sword’s determined expression, I took the token and tucked it away. He seemed pleased, smiling as he nodded.

“Use it when you reach Sichuan.”

“Where exactly?”

He told me the location, and I couldn’t hide my surprise.

The place he described was exactly where the White Marble Stone was rumored to be.

“How?”

How could he know of that place?

I was lost in thought when he continued with a faint smile.

“I hope this helps you on your path.”

“…”

A glimpse of genuine warmth in his gaze made me bite my lip.

“I hope you find peace, a place where you, and not others, feel at ease.”

Peace.

While I couldn’t grasp his intent, the sentiment lingered.

“…Thank you.”

Even though the word felt hollow, I bowed to him. I lacked the courage to question him further.

Patting my head, the Blue Sea Lone Sword’s words stirred many thoughts within me. Peace…a distant concept, but one I wished to reach someday.

That peace.

By the time evening came, his words made me scowl.

“Peace, my foot.”

This world was as broken as ever, and I realized peace wasn’t something I could ever know.

The banquet table was laden with food that looked delectable to anyone, but I hadn’t touched a bite.

How could I, with this man seated across from me, tea in hand?

The Poison King, the Tang Clan’s master, broke the silence.

“Let me ask you again, Young Master Gu.”

There was no poison in the food, but his intense gaze felt like it would choke me.

Barely suppressing my sigh, I finally understood.

He had asked me a question—a question far more burdensome than I had anticipated.

“Will you take my So-yeol with you?”