Chapter 143:


    Poison to the Tang n, Medicine to the Tang n


    “An organization aiming to unify the martial arts world… Do you have any idea who these Shinchun people might be, Master?”


    Without hesitation, Tang Pae-jin replied to Mu-jin’s question.


    “I suspect they might be rted to the Demonic Alliance.”


    The Demonic Alliance, the arch-nemesis of the Murim Alliance, was a coalition of dark sect forces.


    Given that their goal was to induce internal strife within the orthodox sects, it was reasonable to suspect them.


    However, while nodding in agreement with Tang Pae-jin’s words, Mu-jin was thinking of something else.


    ‘The Demonic Alliance might be involved, but they aren’t the main yers.’


    In the second part of the novel, the final enemy was Hyeok Jin-gang, the Heavenly Sword Emperor and leader of the Demonic Alliance.Although he fought against the Heavenly Demon in the epilogue, the battle was interrupted by Shin-seung, leaving hints for the third part.


    In any case, if Hyeok Jin-gang were the head of Shinchun, there would have been no reason for the novel to end like that or for a third part to exist.


    Nevertheless, Mu-jin had a simple reason for not correcting Tang Pae-jin’s words.


    ‘Well, we still need to deal with the Demonic Alliance anyway.’


    Even if they mistakenly believed Shinchun was the Demonic Alliance, it didn’t harm Mu-jin’s position.


    “Of course, it could also be people rted to the Heavenly Demon Cult. But the problem isn’t whether they’re from the Demonic Alliance or the Heavenly Demon Cult. The issue is that someone powerful enough to pose a challenge to my father is hiding their identity and moving covertly.”


    “Indeed, to thwart their ns, we need to first prevent conflicts among the orthodox factions.”


    “I understand that too… but will Emei and Qingcheng believe us?”


    Tang Pae-jin’s furrowed brow deepened, bringing a silence to the main hall.


    The silence was then broken by Tang-gak, who had kept his mouth shut, which was unlike his usually troublesome temperament.


    “That’s precisely why I stayed behind, Master.”


    “Father?”


    Tang Pae-jin tilted his head in confusion at his father’s unusual use of ‘Master’ instead of his usual terms of endearment like ‘boy’ or ‘son.’


    But Tang-gak, ignoring Tang Pae-jin’s reaction, continued speaking.


    “Heh heh. After passing the position of Master to you, I lived as an old man without interest in the martial world. However, my granddaughter often visited me and shared interesting stories. Especially, the recent tales she told after returning from the Yongbongji Conference were quite fascinating.”


    “The Yongbongji Conference?”


    Tang Pae-jin looked puzzled while Mu-jin felt an inexplicable unease.


    “Yes. So-mi told me she found an interesting disciple of Shaolin at the Yongbongji Conference. And recently, she mentioned that Shaolin’s actions have significantly changed.”


    Ignoring Tang Pae-jin’s perplexed gaze, Tang-gak stared directly at Mu-jin.


    “So, I have a request for you. Could you help our Sichuan Tang n, Shaolin Dragon?”


    “!!!”


    Tang Pae-jin looked at Mu-jin in shock upon hearing the title ‘Shaolin Dragon.’


    “…How long have you known?”


    On the other hand, Mu-jin, maintaining a nk expression, wondered if Tang So-mi had given Tang-gak a hint.


    But it was an unnecessary suspicion.


    “Heh heh. Do you remember the time we went to Unhyangwon together?”


    Apparently, he overheard the Head of Unhyangwon calling him the ‘Shaolin Dragon.’


    “So, what kind of help are you asking for? Although my skills are outstanding among the younger generation, they can’tpare to Senior Dark King.”


    “So-mi told me. Recently, Shaolin has started forming connections with the secr world. They’ve begun business with Cheonryu Sangdan and established rtions with Wudang. So, how about forming a connection with our Sichuan Tang n this time?”


    Before Mu-jin could respond to Tang-gak’s request, Tang Pae-jin spoke first.


    “Father, what do you mean? Are you suggesting that our Tang n needs to extend a hand to Shaolin?”


    “You know as well, Master. Emei and Qingcheng have already allied. Even for our Tang n, handling the two sects of the Nine Great Sects alone won’t be easy. Even if we prevail, there will inevitably be a lot of bloodshed among our kin.”


    “Our Tang n is not easily defeated. Moreover, aren’t you still healthy and strong, Father?”


    “Heh heh. While I appreciate you thinking highly of me, I am getting old. A single fight now requires me to rest for half a month. We must start preparing for the time when I am no longer here.”


    Perhaps it was because his father, who had always been proud of his strength, was showing signs of weakness for the first time that Tang Pae-jin had a momentarily confused expression.


    However, he was a man who had lived as the head of his family. He quickly regained hisposure and organized his thoughts.


    It was foolish to cling to his pride when his nasty father was showing his weak side.


    “Mu-jin So-hyeop, can you establish a connection between Shaolin and Tang n?”


    Tang Pae-jin asked with a serious expression, and Mu-jin, looking at him, fell into thought for a moment.


    ‘I didn’t n on moving with this in mind.’


    An alliance with the Tang n? It was something he had never even considered before. But, thinking about it, it wasn’t a bad idea.


    No, it was actually a good idea.


    If they could form an alliance with the Tang n and keep Emei and Qingcheng in check, the likelihood of chaos erupting in Sichuan would decrease.


    Wars don’t simply happen because one side dislikes the other.


    A war urs when one side thinks, ‘We can win this fight.’


    However, there were a few things that needed to be addressed for this alliance.


    “I would also like to assist the Tang n, but there are a few things that need to be rified first.”


    “And what might those be?”


    “First of all, although our Shaolin interacts with the Cheonryu Sangdan and Wudang, we are not in a state of alliance or union. There are no agreements or documents that bind us. This is likely the same with our rtionship with the Tang n.”


    “Are you saying there is no contractual rtionship?”


    “That’s correct. Since there is no contractual rtionship, our Shaolin will act ording to the righteous path. If Emei and Qingchengunch an unjust attack, we can help you, but if the Tang n attacks Emei and Qingcheng unjustly, we cannot assist you.”


    While using ‘Shaolin’ and ‘righteous path’ as excuses, it was actually a pretext to prevent war.


    If they formed an alliance and the Tang n started a war first, Mu-jin would be caught off guard.


    Mu-jin’s objective was to prevent internal conflicts within the orthodox sects.


    “We are also only concerned about attacks from Emei and Qingcheng. Now that we have uncovered the secret activities of the Shinchun organization, we have no intention of starting a war.”


    “In that case, I will contact our sect. However, ultimately, the decision will be made by the Bang-geon, so I cannot give a definitive answer.”


    “That will be sufficient. It would be much more persuasiveing from you than from us.”


    Tang Pae-jin and Tang-gak thought that the Bang-geon of Shaolin would take the message more seriously if it came from Mu-jin, who had gained fame through the Yongbongji Conference.


    The two had no idea that Mu-jin was nning a night escape.


    ‘Contacting Ryu Seol-hwa through the Musculoskeletal Treatment Clinic should be fine, right?’


    Mu-jin nned to leave before Shaolin sent people to capture him.


    “You saved So-mi, captured a spy, and now you’re helping with the alliance. It seems we are only receiving help from you. Is there anything you would like to ask of us? Our Tang n never forgets a favor, so speak freely.”


    Upon Tang Pae-jin’s continued questioning, Mu-jin had to work hard to maintain a neutral expression.


    From the moment he decided to ept Tang Pae-jin’s request, Mu-jin had already thought of what he wanted to ask from the Tang n.


    And there were two things Mu-jin wanted to request.


    “First, if possible, could I get some poison?”


    “Poison?”


    Tang Pae-jin looked puzzled at Mu-jin’s request. It was not unusual to seek poison from the Tang n.


    “Keh keh keh. A Shaolin disciple seeking poison, indeed an interesting fellow!”


    Tang-gak burst into heartyughter at the unusual request from a Shaolin disciple.


    “So, who do you intend to poison? I’ll make it suitable for your target.”


    At Tang-gak’s question, Mu-jin looked at him like he was crazy and answered.


    “I intend to take it myself.”


    “…….”


    “…….”


    With Mu-jin’s bold response, Tang Pae-jin and Tang-gak started to look at him as if he were insane.


    Sensing the need for some exnation, Mu-jin added.


    “I asked because I wanted to build up a bit of resistance to poison.”


    “Ah. You mean poison for that purpose?”


    “Yes.”


    “I thought you were nning to assassinate someone with it.”


    “I hadn’t really considered that.”


    “Do you have an aversion to using poison?”


    The Tang n, which used poison as a main weapon, could be somewhat sensitive to the topic.


    “But wouldn’t it be easier to just handle things with your fists instead of using poison you’re not even good at?”


    It was simply more convenient to deal with things physically rather than wasting time nning or secretly poisoning someone.


    Tang Pae-jin burst into heartyughter, seemingly pleased with Mu-jin’s words.


    “Hahaha. It’s true that it’s better to use whatever is more convenient for you.”


    “Heh heh. So, you don’t intend to use poison, but you’re trying to build up an immunity to it.”


    “Yes.”


    Mu-jin had felt the need for this ever since his sparring match with Tang So-mi during the Yongbongji Conference.


    And if it hadn’t been for Ling-ling’s prior warning during the recent Shintooji-myung incident, he would have suffered greatly from the poison.


    “I’ll prepare the most basic poison used for poison resistance training. Achievingplete immunity in a short time is impossible, but you can build at least a minimal resistance.”


    “Thank you. And I’m sorry, but may I ask for one more thing?”


    “A request of this level isn’t even considered a request. Speak freely.”


    “I would like you to make me a specific medicine.”


    “By medicine, do you mean an antidote?”


    Mu-jin shook his head at Tang Pae-jin’s question.


    If building a resistance to poison was a recent necessity, the second thing Mu-jin desired had been a daily wish since he had possessed ‘Mu-jin.’


    It was something he had dyed because it seemed difficult to create at Shaolin.


    However, the Tang n, renowned for their expertise in poisons, had likely conducted various biological and chemical experiments, making it feasible.


    What Mu-jin had always wanted to make was…


    “A protein supplement.”


    The precious powder of fitness enthusiasts.


    * * *


    After Mu-jin had left.


    “Are you alright?”


    “Ugh. Don’t worry about me.”


    Despite Tang Pae-jin’s worried inquiry, Tang-gak, who had been hiding his pain, waved his hand dismissively while groaning.


    Tang Pae-jin, who had been looking at him sympathetically for a moment, spoke with aplex expression.


    “I wonder if it was the right decision to seek help from Shaolin.”


    “As the head of the family, you speak weakly.”


    “I’m only saying this because I’m in front of the elder.”


    Tang Pae-jin replied with a bitter smile and continued.


    “But why did you show such a weak side to the Shaolin Dragon?”


    Mu-jin might not have noticed because Tang-gak hadn’t shown his pain, but Tang Pae-jin, Tang-gak’s son, could sense it.


    The original Tang-gak was not someone who would say things like ‘I’m old’ or ‘You should prepare for when I’m gone.’


    But the answer that came was quite a bitter one.


    “You already know from the medical officer that it’s hard for me to fight any longer.”


    The Dark King Tang-gak.


    He was already nearly eighty years old, an elderly man. He maintained bnce only with immense internal energy and a high level of martial arts.


    But the severe internal injury he suffered this timepletely broke that bnce.


    The month-long rest was just to alleviate the pain.


    The medical officer had said:


    – If you overexert yourself in martial arts one more time, you will immediately lose your life.


    Tang-gak could no longer live as a martial artist. He could only participate in onest battle if he was prepared to lose his life.


    “Now that this has happened, I have a lot of thoughts. Whether it’s better to feign strength out of pride and suffer bloodshed, or to somehow protect the family and its people.”


    “You’ve chosen thetter.”


    To his son’s question, Tang-gak silently nodded.


    Looking at his father, Tang Pae-jin had aplex expression.


    The Tang n had a history of not easily trusting outsiders.


    This was due to their history of being despised for using hidden weapons and poisons, which led to them beingbeled as entric and ruthless.


    Tang-gak was a person who embodied that prejudice perfectly.


    For such a father to first show weakness and ask another sect for help…


    “It seems you liked the Shaolin Dragon.”


    “Heh heh. Not just him, but also Shaolin. Though they’re isted from the world and live in the mountains, there’s no need to worry about betrayal from them.”


    “Yes. And in my opinion, he didn’t seem like a young man who would recklessly harm our family.”


    While Tang-gak and Tang Pae-jin were discussing Mu-jin…


    Mu-jin, who had left the hall earlier, was currently…


    “Here.”


    For some reason, he was with Tang Pae-jin’s precious youngest daughter, Tang So-mi.


    “Here, you don’t have to worry about anyone listening to our conversation. Feel free to speak, Monk Mu-jin.”


    And they were alone.