Chapter 331 : Did You Pick the Poison Herb

Translator: FenrirTL

Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis

Murim Term Consultant: Kopke

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Chapter 331: Did You Pick the Poison Herb?

The rushing force slammed into the raised saber.

Despite the thunderous roar and impact, the dao didn’t break.

“Don’t be afraid! The moment you fear, you die!”

The one who shouted was Blood Heaven Blade Demon, and the one who had raised his saber like a shield to block the force was Seo Daeryong. The dao he wielded was the very one that Blood Heaven Blade Demon had given him as a gift. The very blade he had used in his younger days.

“Here it comes again!”

An even stronger force erupted from Gu Cheonpa’s hand.

Seo Daeryong channeled his inner energy into the blade and braced it upright once more.

Kwaaang!

The power was fiercer than before, but he still held his ground.

Behind the raised saber, Seo Daeryong was gripped with fear. Just this attack alone made it feel like his arms might tear off. If something stronger came, he might really die. What if his master was overestimating him? Should he say he couldn't block anymore, even now?

At that moment, his eyes fell on the word engraved on the blade’s edge.

“Peerless”

It was a word the Blade Demon had inscribed in his youth. He could feel what kind of heart his master must have had while training back then. The will to never be defeated by anyone was embedded in those two characters.

‘Yeah, I’ll endure! Even if my arm breaks, I’ll endure!’

Just as he grit his teeth and summoned his energy again, an even more powerful force surged toward him.

Swaeeaaaeeaek!

The ruthless energy flew in with even greater strength and clashed with Seo Daeryong’s resolve.

A moment later—

Tok tok.

A few gentle taps on his blade brought Seo Daeryong back to his senses. He lifted his head to find Blood Heaven Blade Demon standing next to his saber, looking at him. Had he lost consciousness while standing?

“You alive?”

“I think so.”

Seo Daeryong’s face was pale, and his arm was trembling uncontrollably.

“Did I block it?”

“You did.”

He tried to raise both arms in joy but screamed instead. Not just his arms—his whole body hurt so much that he couldn't move. It felt like he was going to die from the pain. 1

Old man Blade pressed down on the saber’s hilt that was still upright in front of him. With a thunk, the blade embedded itself into the ground.

Then he propped Seo Daeryong against it and injected inner energy into his chest to treat his injuries. If he’d blocked one more strike, he really would’ve died.

“You were scared the dao might break, weren’t you?”

“Yes.”

Seo Daeryong answered honestly.

“It’s natural to be scared. But you need to believe. You have to trust that no attack can break your saber. The Heaven-Extinguishing Saber Form is a martial art that begins and ends with that belief.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Gu Cheonpa took out a pill from his robe and handed it to Seo Daeryong.

“Take it.”

“What is it?”

“It’s a Demon Essence Elixir.”

At the mention of Demon Essence Elixir, Seo Daeryong was startled. It was one of the most renowned elixirs representing the Demonic Cult. It was the very same elixir that Geom Mugeuk had obtained in the Heavenly Cave.

“I asked the Cult Leader personally and managed to get one.”

“This is far too precious! I can’t possibly accept it.”

At that, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon shot him a cold glare and said sternly,

“Isn’t my disciple just as precious?”

Seo Daeryong flinched for a moment.

“Of course!”

“Then take it.”

Surprised and flustered, Seo Daeryong could no longer refuse and took the Demon Essence Elixir. He activated his qi and began to melt the medicinal energy into his system.

The energy of the elixir coursed through his meridians, transforming into great internal energy that settled firmly in his dantian.

When Seo Daeryong slowly opened his eyes, there was a newfound depth in them. A rich and immense internal power, far beyond what he had before, pulsed from his core. It was hard to tell whether this was a dream or reality—he was so moved he could barely believe it. He had thought he’d never get to take such a miracle elixir in his lifetime.

Seo Daeryong rose to his feet and bowed deeply before Gu Cheonpa.

“I will never forget the grace you've bestowed upon me until the day I die.”

He had been given the blade his master once used in his youth, and now even this Demon Essence Elixir. He was truly being regarded as the legitimate heir. All because he once clung to his master's trousers at the Flowing Wind Tavern, drunk beyond sense. He would never let go of that hand, not even in death.

“This level of internal energy is what’s required to handle the latter forms of the Heaven-Extinguishing Saber Form. And the training from here on will only become more grueling and painful.”

“I will endure it no matter what.”

Knowing full well that his disciple had been pushing himself to the limits—cutting down on sleep and carrying out his Underworld Pavilion Lord duties without pause—the Blood Heaven Blade Demon nodded with a proud gaze. Once this hurdle was overcome, Seo Daeryong would step into the realm of true masters.

The two of them exited the training grounds.

As the two walked side by side, blades on their backs, they radiated an overwhelming aura.

“There’s still no word from the Young Cult Leader?”

“I was told he’s on his way back, but we’re not sure exactly when he’ll arrive.”

Seo Daeryong missed Geom Mugeuk dearly. So much that he had even appeared in his dreams just a few nights ago. He couldn’t wait to meet him again—to brag that his master had granted him a Demon Essence Elixir.

At that moment, a Blade Ghost from the Southern Heavens Blade Family approached the Blade Demon to report.

“The Young Cult Leader has arrived.”

Seo Daeryong’s expression lit up instantly.

“Go on.”

“Yes, sir!”

He dashed off like the wind, wanting to see him even before he entered the Cult Leader’s Hall.

In his rush, he failed to notice the hint of joy rising on Gu Cheonpa’s face, no less than his own.

At this moment, he cared only about seeing Geom Mugeuk again.

*         *         *

“Why are you catching feelings so late in life?”

At Song Sa-hyuk’s question, So Yeonrang emptied her glass in place of an answer.

“It’s been a while since I’ve had a drink. It’s nice.”

The two were drinking at the Tower of Drunken Dreams in the Great Drunken Forest.

“I’m asking about your martial arts training. Is the Martial Alliance about to invade? Or is there some flashy swordsman you’re trying to impress?”

Even without the rumors that the One-Slash Sword Supreme had become deeply immersed in martial cultivation, her appearance alone would’ve made it clear—something unimaginable in the past.

She stood before the Great Drunken Demon without makeup, wearing a dirt-stained gray martial robe instead of the usual spotless white attire. She must have come straight from martial training just before arriving here.

“I’m the famed Sword Supreme, after all. I should see things through with the sword.”

“So what? Why all of a sudden?”

The One-Slash Sword Supreme poured herself a drink.

“What’s the big deal about a martial artist training in martial arts?”

The words, ‘Because I’m embarrassed’, rose to her throat but couldn’t come out. That drunkard would pry relentlessly, and she couldn’t give an answer like that.

She was embarrassed about the whole incident with Sa Woojong, and embarrassed about how much she’d cared about her appearance. Looking back, even her past conflict with the Blood Heaven Blade Demon was no different.

“Still, it’s a good look on you.”

With that one remark from Song Sa-hyuk, her mood lifted.

“Didn’t you say you’ve been cutting back on alcohol and focusing on training lately too?”

The Great Drunken Demon wasn’t the same old drunk who did nothing but drink. There was a different glint in his eye now that he had started to moderate himself. Seeing how everyone was changing, he wasn’t the type to just sit around drinking alone anymore.

“It’s all because of Geom Mugeuk.”

The One-Slash Sword Supreme gave a faint smile. It was true. Not just her—the change in all the Demon Supremes was thanks to him.

“It should be about time they arrive, right?”

“They’ll come when they come.”

So Yeonrang could guess why Song Sa-Hyuk was sulking.

When Geom Mugeuk left this time, he took the Demonic Buddha with him. He had probably hoped he would come along instead. And wasn’t Ma Bul one of those who originally supported the Eldest Young Master? She could practically see the disappointment dripping into his cup. Though he was known for saying all sorts of nonsense when drunk, he wasn’t one to show his emotions so openly.

‘Young Cult Leader, I guess it really is because of you.’

The One-Slash Sword Supreme emptied her last cup and stood up.

“What? Leaving already?”

“I have to train.”

“No way! You just got here—stay and hang out a bit longer.”

“Next time. Today’s training is important.”

At those words, the Great Drunken Demon downed another drink.

“The Young Cult Leader abandoned me, and now even my friend’s leaving me. Fine. Booze is my only friend.”

So Yeonrang glanced toward Lyu Bin, one of the Three Great Drunkards, who was walking toward them.

“Is that really true?”

Song Sa-Hyuk understood what she meant, but he didn’t take his eyes off his cup. 2

Lyu Bin, having reached the two, bowed respectfully and reported.

“The Young Cult Leader has returned.”

The Great Drunken Demon sprang to his feet.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“My little brother went all the way to the Wilderness and came back. Of course I have to go see him.”

To the One-Slash Sword Supreme, his words sounded more like: Let’s see how well you did without me!

“Don’t you go making a drunken scene!”

“What am I, a kid? As if I’d cause a scene there.”

With that, Song Sa-Hyuk leapt into the air and dashed across the lake using Waterborne Steps.

“Yeah, all the other Demon Supremes left the cult alongside Geom Mugeuk one by one. Even though we call each other brothers, I never once got to leave with him, so of course I feel a little bitter about it.”

So Yeonrang boarded the small ferry alongside Lyu Bin.

“Needs a lot of care, doesn’t he?”

Lyu Bin, who had been rowing, gave a faint smile, knowing she was referring to the Great Drunken Demon.

The One-Slash Sword Supreme usually never spoke to her. But today, there was something she wanted to say—as a fellow woman, and out of the fondness she felt for her best friend.

“I regret the woman I was back then. I sincerely hope you won’t be like me.”

Though many words were left unsaid, Lyu Bin understood what she meant. 3

The boat carrying So Yeonrang quietly crossed the fog-covered lake.

*         *         *

All across the Thousand Poisons Forest, poisonous mist began to rise.

Today marked a special training day for the Poison Fangs of the Thousand Poisons Forest.

Most of the participants wore one to three poison pouches around their waists.

Because of the nature of poison arts, training that involved releasing toxins into the air couldn’t be done often. There was nothing more dangerous than a poorly trained poison user. So when such training did take place, it was under the strict supervision of senior members.

Whenever poison was released, seniors with at least five poison pouches would immediately neutralize it. If the toxic mist were to blow outward on the wind, the consequences could be beyond imagination. After all, detoxifying was always more difficult than poisoning.

A short distance away, another group was undergoing training that involved escaping a space filled with poison after combining various prepared herbs into an antidote. If they were too slow, they could lose their lives. It was an incredibly perilous type of training. Senior members with seven or more poison pouches personally supervised and managed this area.

Elsewhere, trainees were practicing throwing concealed weapons laced with poison. Mastering the use of poison-coated weaponry was essential before being able to freely wield poison. The senior overseeing them was explaining the leading cause of death among Poison Fangs.

The number one cause of death? Dying from their own poison!

After that round of training ended, all the Poison Fangs gathered in one place.

The Poison King stepped forward.

“There are only two kinds of reactions when martial artists face us in real combat: either they run without looking back, or they charge in recklessly. They only have one thing on their minds—killing us before we can release our poison. Because they hold their breath while attacking, most of the time, we don’t even get to use our poison properly. At best, it’s mutual destruction.”

The Poison King, standing before the Poison Fangs, was completely different from his usual self. At least in this moment, he had stepped out of his own world to personally guide his subordinates.

The significance of the twelve poison pouches around his waist was something only the novices didn’t fully grasp. But as the number of their pouches increased, so too did the respect they held for him.

“The most important martial arts for a poison user aren’t poison techniques or concealed weapon techniques. It’s footwork and light movement. If they chase you, you need to poison them while fleeing. If they run, you need to be even faster and pursue them. You must avoid opponents who charge in swinging their swords while holding their breath. That moment will decide your life. Understand?”

A thunderous response erupted from the Poison Fangs.

“Alright, then let the training begin.”

Senior Poison Fangs stepped forward and began footwork and light movement training.

The Poison King stood silently, watching them train.

That was when Sangseon approached and reported.

“The Young Cult Leader has retur—”

Before he could finish his sentence, the Poison King was already gone. It was the moment everyone got to witness firsthand just how fast the Poison King's light movement was. 4

*         *         *

Standing still, I took a deep breath.

The main cult had its own distinct scent. Whenever I returned after leaving the cult, smelling that scent always brought a sense of relief—it meant I was finally home.

The first person to greet us was Seo Daeryong.

“Young Cult Leader!”

If we’d been alone, I would’ve rushed into his arms without hesitation.

But Seo Daeryong simply walked over with a composed face and greeted me.

“Did your journey go well?”

“How has the Division Leader been?”

But what we truly meant came through telepathy.

—I missed you! Please take me with you next time!

—And who would guard the Underworld Pavilion?

—It runs just fine without me! I’m going to follow you no matter what! I told you already!

—Sure, let’s go. We’ll cross a chamber filled with the Blood Poison Great Python and thousands of venomous snakes. Then you’ll pass through a place where a giant demonic ghost tries to crush you flat. You’ll get to savor the tension of watching your own shadow rise up and try to kill you.

—……

—……

—As much as I hate it, I’ll stay and protect the Underworld Pavilion. This damn organization won’t function without me. 5

How could I not understand? How much he must want to come with me. How much he must long for the day we went out together to the Soaring Dragon Tournament. So grow stronger, my right arm!

If Seo Daeryong was the first to greet me, then the one who greeted the Demonic Buddha first was the Poison King.

He rushed in like the wind and landed in front of us, his voice urgent as he asked Ma Bul,

“My poison herbs! Did you get the herbs?”

I stepped in front of the Poison King and said,

“I’m back. I returned safely from the life-threatening Wilderness!”

The Poison King grabbed my face and pushed me aside, his eyes fixed solely on the Demonic Buddha.

Even Ma Bul’s eyes were glowing with life as he looked at him. Wasn’t it precisely for this moment that he had endured all that hardship?

“Here it is.”

The Demonic Buddha set down the box he had personally carried. The Poison King squatted in front of it, and Seo Daeryong and I joined him, squatting beside to watch.

When the box was slowly opened, rows of poison herbs were revealed inside.

“Oh! You gathered this much? Cold Poison Grass, even Heroic Buddha Grass! And this Little Poison Grass—this one’s really hard to harvest. Thank you. Truly, thank you.”

The Poison King was overjoyed. It wasn’t the kind of happiness one feigned just because Ma Bul had gathered them—it was pure, genuine delight at obtaining the herbs.

How could the Demonic Buddha ever neglect the task of gathering poison herbs, seeing this?

“You truly have heaven-given talent.”

“I was just lucky.”

Only then did the Poison King glance at me.

“What did you gather?”

From that look—one that expected absolutely nothing—it would’ve been great if I could say, “I gathered more”, with confidence.

Instead, I pointed to one of the herbs the Poison King was examining and said,

“When that was being gathered on that mountain, it was me who suggested we harvest it. If not for me…”

The Poison King didn’t even bother listening to my awkward explanation. He just started packing the box with haste and said to Ma Bul,

“Come eat with me later!”

“Let’s do that.”

Their gazes met in the air, silent and full of understanding. Between them, I shouted out,

“I’m coming too!”

But the Poison King walked away without even replying. 6

Looking at the Demonic Buddha’s face as he watched the Poison King’s departing back, there was no trace of the exhaustion from all the time spent harvesting herbs.

“I knew it would turn out like this. You should’ve just handed me one root. Demonic Buddha, you’re heartless!”

Then someone behind me spoke.

“Then next time, go out with someone more considerate.”

When I turned around, Song Sa-Hyuk was walking toward us.

At that, Ma Bul gave me a knowing look and said,

“Now it’s your turn to bask in the glory.”

1 : Ooof, what a massive cramp, ouch. The empathic pain…..

2 : This is a bit cowardly, brother Song.

3 : About how she ended up resenting Gu Cheonpa so much after they broke up ? Or how she became obsessed with her appearance and ended up bringing men into her bedroom without asking their consent ?

4 : Lol, so eager to get his ingredients XDXDXD

5 : This running joke never gets old XDXDXD

6 : So harsh XDXDXD