Crack! Crack-crack!

“Ugh…!”

He gritted his teeth, enduring the pain while lying on the ground. The Tua Pacheonmu technique that had manifested within his body was working hard to restore the damaged flow of energy.

As his disrupted inner energy began to circulate smoothly again, a gentle flow returned to his meridians. Though his body had not yet fully recovered from the backlash caused by the intense battle, at least he could breathe properly now, and he finally exhaled the breath he had been holding.

“Hah… hah…”

Lying facedown, breathing heavily, he felt the person who had been touching his back click their tongue in disapproval.

“Tsk tsk… this is what happens when you do everything I specifically told you not to do.”

“…Phew…”

Had he been recovering on his own, it would have taken a long time for his body to return to its original state. But having someone there to help had sped up the process significantly—by at least twice as much.

Crack.

His muscles screamed in protest as he tried to rise, reminding him that the backlash wasn't completely over yet.

Suppressing the pain, he lifted his upper body and glanced at the person who had helped him.

The first thing he saw was a pair of eyes filled with clear disapproval.

“You look like a mess.”

“…How did you get here?”

Wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, he asked Paejon a question.

How had this man even gotten here?

‘I made sure to hide my presence when I left.’

It was shocking enough that someone had been there to catch him when he was about to collapse, but realizing it was Paejon who had done so had been even more surprising.

He was grateful, but that didn’t mean there weren’t questions that needed answering.

He had been careful to assess his surroundings before slipping away. Even though someone had left with him, it wasn’t as though Moyong Biyeon was a careless or inexperienced martial artist who would make such an obvious mistake.

If that was the case, then it could only mean that Paejon had secretly followed him at full strength.

But the question remained—

‘When did this man start following me?’

He had been sure that Paejon’s presence was far from him when he left. No matter how skilled Paejon was as one of the Three Masters, his current level was far from perfect, and it should have been difficult for him to track Gu Yangcheon’s movements.

‘Could it be that I didn’t sense him following me?’

It was a perplexing situation. Perhaps sensing his confusion, Paejon grinned and spoke.

“Child, you may try to escape, but you will always remain in the palm of my hand.”

“…”

“I had a feeling you were up to something… and sure enough, here you are, sneaking off to fight in the middle of the night. Couldn’t you hold back your restlessness for once?”

Paejon chuckled to himself, and though his words were laced with amusement, they sent a chill down Gu Yangcheon’s spine. His taunts were not what mattered right now.

‘How much did he see?’

What worried Gu Yangcheon the most was how much Paejon had witnessed. While Paejon was aware of some of the mysterious power he possessed, he didn’t know all the details.

But the battle with Tang Deok had revealed much more. Not only had he used Ma-inhwa (Demonification) from the beginning, but he had also demonstrated enhanced martial arts techniques that were fueled by demonic energy.

He had declared a corrupted Jeokcheon (Red Heaven) domain and had fought Tang Deok using black flames. There was no denying that his abilities were far from ordinary.

If Paejon demanded an explanation for what he had seen, things could become quite troublesome.

“…”

Gu Yangcheon wasn’t sure how he could explain this. While he was lost in thought, Paejon spoke again.

“Child.”

“…Yes.”

“We need to have a conversation, don’t we?”

“….”

Damn it.

A cold sweat ran down Gu Yangcheon’s back as Paejon's words sank in.

“What exactly happened just now?”

“…”

Of course, Paejon was asking questions. How was he supposed to answer?

“About that…”

Should he explain how he had gained the demonic energy? Or why he had gone after Tang Deok in the dead of night?

His mind was racing with a dozen different thoughts. He even considered whether he should tell Paejon about his regression.

But before he could gather his thoughts, Paejon, with a stern look in his eyes, spoke again.

“Child, how did you manage to mix those energies?”

“…What?”

“The technique you used. When you performed the first stance, you mixed the heat from your flame arts with the Tua Mugwon. Is that correct?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

In his fight with Tang Deok, particularly toward the end, Gu Yangcheon had mixed the flames from Guyeomhwarungeong with Tua Pacheonmu. He had combined it with the first stance, Tua Mugwon.

As proof, the area behind Tang Deok, where he had collapsed, bore the scorched remnants of the Guyeomhwarungeong's heat.

“How is that even possible?”

“…”

Paejon’s questioning seemed genuine, but Gu Yangcheon was struggling to make sense of the situation.

Was that really the first thing he wanted to ask?

“You’re curious about that?”

“Hm? What else should I be curious about?”

Paejon’s response, spoken as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, left Gu Yangcheon wondering. Had Paejon missed something? It was possible.

Though he had initially thought Paejon had followed him from the beginning, perhaps the old man had arrived later and hadn’t seen everything.

As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Paejon spoke once again.

“As I’ve told you before, I don’t care what secrets you’re hiding or what power you possess.”

“…”

Gu Yangcheon bit his lip at that. What Paejon was implying was clear: he had seen everything.

Paejon had likely learned about the demonic energy back when they had encountered Cheonma. And while he had previously chosen not to pry, he must have noticed everything this time.

And yet, after seeing everything, the only question Paejon was asking was how Gu Yangcheon had mixed the two energies simultaneously.

“All I care about is whether or not you can master the Tua Pacheonmu. Beyond that, nothing else matters.”

“That’s…”

This man’s obsession with martial arts was almost disturbing. Even after witnessing everything that had transpired, all he cared about was the technique.

Gu Yangcheon couldn’t help but think how absurd it was.

Whether Paejon realized this or not, he pressed on with his questions.

“Well? Did you find it easier to maintain?”

“Not really.”

This was the truth.

It had been harder to use Guyeomhwarungeong in conjunction with the Tua Pacheonmu, not easier.

‘And the result…’

Gu Yangcheon glanced at the devastation caused by Tua Mugwon.

While the stance was powerful and its execution was brief, the problem was that he couldn’t use it twice in succession. Just one usage had left his body in this state.

Paejon frowned slightly, as though disappointed by this answer.

“Hm…”

What was there to be disappointed about? It wasn’t as if anyone could handle more than two types of energy at once.

Despite this, Paejon withdrew his hand and stood up.

“I thought it wasn’t bad, but if you can’t use more than two energies at once, it’s meaningless.”

“Are you going to try it yourself?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Do you think everyone in the world is as strange as you?”

“…”

Gu Yangcheon’s face involuntarily twisted in irritation at the insult. But Paejon didn’t seem to care. Without warning, he spun around as if he was about to leave.

Was he really just going to leave now, without any further explanation?

Gu Yangcheon, confused by the abruptness of it all, quickly called out.

“Elder, where are you going…?”

“Back. Where else would I go? It’s not like there’s anything else to do in the middle of the night.”

“Are you seriously just going to leave like this?”

What was this man? He was really going to leave after cleaning up his mess? Not that Gu Yangcheon wasn’t grateful, but it left him feeling unsettled.

Noticing Gu Yangcheon’s expression, Paejon smirked and spoke.

“You don’t seem eager for me to stay, so why the face?”

“When did I ever say that?”

“And besides, you’ve got business with the Baekryeongeom and that large fellow over there, don’t you?”

“…”

He had no response to that. Paejon always seemed to say things that left no room for argument.

“How could you be doing all this alone if you didn’t want to show me what you’re up to? Knowing that, I’ve kept out of it.”

Hearing those words made something click in Gu Yangcheon’s mind.

“Then… why did you follow me this time?”

When he asked this with a curious expression, Paejon let out a sigh and laughed.

“I warned you not to use that technique in real combat, didn’t I? But I had a bad feeling, so I followed you anyway. And lo and behold, child, don’t you understand that warnings are given for a reason?”

“…”

Great, now he was getting scolded again. Avoiding eye contact, Gu Yangcheon stayed silent as Paejon clicked his tongue in disapproval.

“Tsk tsk… if I hadn’t come, you might have died right here. Don’t you realize that?”

“I’m very grateful.”

“Oh sure, I bet you are. What a way to show thanks.”

Truthfully, if Paejon hadn’t intervened, Tang Deok could have regained consciousness first and killed him. For that, Gu Yangcheon really was grateful, though Paejon didn’t seem convinced.

“There won’t be a second time.”

This time, Paejon’s tone was much colder than usual.

“If you ignore my warnings again and end up in grave danger, I won’t be there to save you. While I expect a lot from you, I have no intention of taking on a disciple who can’t even recognize the difference between serious and trivial matters.”

The words were harsh, but they were true. Gu Yangcheon reluctantly nodded.

“I understand.”

Satisfied with his answer, Paejon wasted no time and leaped into the air, disappearing from view. True to his word, he wouldn’t involve himself any further.

For a moment, Gu Yangcheon stood there, wondering how Paejon could walk away so easily without asking for an explanation.

Was he really only interested in martial arts? If so, Paejon’s obsession bordered on madness.

After watching the direction in which Paejon had disappeared, Gu Yangcheon turned his gaze toward Tang Deok.

He began walking.

No matter what Paejon did, Gu Yangcheon couldn’t afford to forget his own objective.

With each step, pain surged through his body.

While Paejon had restored his condition to some degree, the backlash from the martial arts hadn’t fully subsided yet.

Bearing the pain, Gu Yangcheon finally reached Tang Deok, who still lay unconscious. He crouched down and extended his hand toward him.

Even as he reached out, doubts crept into his mind.

‘Will this even work?’

No matter how close to death Tang Deok was or how deeply unconscious he had fallen, Gu Yangcheon was in a similar condition. Could he really corrupt someone with such resistance to demonic energy?

The worry gnawed at him, but even if this didn’t work—

‘If it doesn’t, I’ll just kill him.’

If he failed, he would simply kill Tang Deok and be done with it. With that thought in mind, Gu Yangcheon didn’t hesitate as he reached out and placed his hand on Tang Deok’s back.

And then, he began pouring demonic energy into Tang Deok’s heart.

   ******************
   

Swish. He moved through the tall grass, pushing it aside as he walked. The insects, which had been noisily chirping, fell silent the moment he approached.

Perhaps it was because the demonic energy and killing intent clinging to his body hadn’t fully dissipated. Or maybe it was due to the aura ahead of him.

It was likely the latter.

Although the distance wasn’t far, the closer he got to his destination, the more a pungent, metallic scent filled his nose.

He wrinkled his nose in disgust.

‘This smell…’

It was the scent of blood.

The stench of blood was wafting from somewhere ahead.

He pushed through the darkness that obscured his vision, moving toward the source of the scent.

When he finally reached his destination, the reason for the strong smell of blood became clear.

The area was drenched in it.

“Oh, you’re here?”

Standing over an artificially created pool of blood, Moyong Biyeon, also known as Baekryeongeom (White Lotus Sword), greeted him.

“…”

He said nothing as he stared at her.

Her casual greeting stood in stark contrast to her current state, which was anything but calm.

Scattered all around were what looked like the brutally slaughtered bodies of bandits, their blood soaking the ground.

Blood dripped from the tip of her sword, and the white clothes she wore were stained with crimson splatters.

There was something unsettling about the way she smiled, blood lightly smearing her pale cheek.

The more she smiled at him like that, the more madness seemed to seep through.

When he had asked her to take care of the bandits, she had gladly accepted, asking if such a task would be enough for her.

Since the bandits were part of the unorthodox factions, she had sufficient justification. And from the looks of things, she had taken care of them just as he had asked.

Perhaps noticing the displeasure on his face, Baekryeongeom gave an awkward laugh.

“It’s a bit much, isn’t it? Not a pretty sight, huh?”

While it certainly wasn’t pleasant, his discomfort wasn’t because of the blood or the mess.

“It’s not that. I’m just thinking that it’s going to take a while to get rid of the smell of blood.”

“Aha…?”

It would have been better if she had killed them cleanly. Now, she had left a huge mess for him to deal with.

With Baekryeongeom’s skill, she certainly could have handled it more efficiently. So why had she done it so violently?

Sensing his unspoken question, she answered with a slight shrug.

“They had foul mouths. I got a bit angry without meaning to.”

“…I see.”

So the bandits had said something they shouldn’t have. It made sense, given the kind of task he had brought Baekryeongeom along for. Even so, the result was far more brutal than he had anticipated.

‘Well, in any case.’

At least the job was done, and that was what mattered.

“But, Yangcheon.”

“Yes?”

Just as he was trying to think of this in a more positive light, Baekryeongeom pointed toward something behind him, a confused look on her face.

“Who’s that?”

The person she was pointing at was a large man who was biting his lip as he stared at the bloodbath in horror.

That man was none other than Tang Deok, the leader of this group of bandits, who would later be known as the Green King.

Tang Deok’s shoulders trembled violently as he took in the sight of his slain comrades. Rage boiled inside him as he realized they had all been killed.

But, of course—

“Greet her.”

“…”

At Gu Yangcheon’s command, Tang Deok couldn’t even muster the strength to voice his anger. Instead, he bowed respectfully to Baekryeongeom.

Baekryeongeom tilted her head in confusion, clearly unable to make sense of the situation.

Without addressing her confusion, Gu Yangcheon flashed a grin and introduced him.

“He’s my new bodyguard.”

Tang Deok’s shoulders trembled even harder, but he remained silent, unable to voice any objections.

After all, he had been ordered not to speak until he was given permission.

The sight before him confirmed one thing:

Tang Deok had become a demon, and Gu Yangcheon had successfully executed his plan.

 
   ******************
   

By the time they returned to the campsite, the sun was just beginning to rise. He had hurried back, worried he might be late.

Fortunately, they had arrived in time. After arriving, he pretended nothing was wrong and ate breakfast as if it were just another normal morning.

Of course, it was all just an act. His body was not in good shape.

‘I'm dying here…’

The aftereffects of the backlash hadn’t completely worn off yet, and even though Tang Deok had fainted after being demonified, having just turned a martial artist of the Hwagyeong level into a demon had taken a serious toll on his body.

In fact, his condition was quite poor.

But he couldn’t let it show, so he bore it in silence.

Namgung Bi-ah, who had woken up, gave him a curious look, but she didn’t say anything.

It was surprising—he had expected her to ask questions.

While Namgung Bi-ah remained quiet, someone else approached him with a question.

“Gongja-nim, who is that person?”

It was just after noon when Tang So-yeol appeared, looking at Tang Deok, who was standing behind him, and asked.

Tang Deok was hidden beneath the Pipungui (Blood Wind Robes) he had prepared for him, keeping his appearance concealed.

“He’s my bodyguard.”

“Your bodyguard?”

“Yeah. Lady Mi sent another one.”

“Ah… Lady Mi sent him.”

Upon hearing that, Tang So-yeol nodded without suspicion.

Given what had happened with Baekryeongeom, using Lady Mi as an excuse was the easiest solution. The only thing to be mindful of was Tang Deok’s reaction.

Stay still.

He warned Tang Deok, sensing the rising emotions behind him.

He could feel Tang Deok clenching his fists and trembling in rage. It was most likely because of Tang So-yeol.

After all, Tang So-yeol was part of the Tang clan, the bloodline that Tang Deok despised the most.

As he observed Tang Deok’s reaction, a question crossed his mind.

‘Did the Poison King know?’

While the Cheonmu Jiche Birth Plan might have ended with Tang Bisung, it seemed unlikely that the current descendants of the Tang clan knew nothing about it.

Even if the ambition to elevate the Tang clan to the top had been Tang Bisung's personal goal, there was no guarantee that his descendants didn’t share similar aspirations.

The more he thought about it, the more he began to wonder about Tang So-yeol’s future as the Poison Queen.

Currently, Tang So-yeol was a talented but unremarkable martial artist, yet in the future, her reputation would be completely different.

She would become known as Dokbi, the Poison Queen who could withstand all poisons, a feat even the Poison King, Tang Bisung, hadn’t achieved.

Tang So-yeol was destined to reach the pinnacle of Mandok Bulchim (Immunity to All Poisons).

But now, a question troubled him.

The current Tang So-yeol didn’t seem to have the talent to reach such heights. While her skills weren’t bad, compared to the monsters around her, she seemed lacking.

To put it more precisely, calling her a genius would be an overstatement.

For Tang So-yeol to have reached such a high level through effort alone… it seemed far-fetched.

And so, the question arose.

Recalling the Cheonmu Jiche Birth Plan, that absurd experiment, he couldn’t help but wonder:

Was the Tang So-yeol standing before him really someone who had reached such a level through sheer effort alone?

That unsettling doubt gnawed at him.

Tang So-yeol, noticing his gaze, tilted her head in confusion as if wondering why he was looking at her like that.

Shaking off the thought, he sighed internally.

No matter how rotten the Tang clan was, it couldn’t possibly be as corrupt as his imagination suggested.

No. It had to be that way.