Call Of The Spear [EN]: Chapter 58

At that moment, Daeho sat face to face with Maeung, the enforcer elder of the Ilwol Sect.

After a long silence, he gestured as a servant brought tea, finally speaking.

“Please, have some. This is the Ilwol Sect’s prized Yeoryeong tea. Have you heard of the Yeoryeong spirit herb?”

The servant placed the tea and glanced at Sangun, her eyes strangely wavering as she looked at him.

Her tightly closed lips also seemed odd.

Sangun, sensing something unusual, responded to Maeung’s question.

“Yes. Isn’t that the spirit herb that sounds like a child’s laughter when the wind shakes it? But I didn’t know you could make tea with it.”

Ordinary people called it a haunted plant, but it was a very beneficial spirit herb for Taoists.

“Haha, you wouldn’t know. Yeoryeong tea clears the mind and easily replenishes spiritual energy. Your spiritual energy will rapidly increase for half a day.”

Sangun nodded and lifted the tea, smelling its aroma. Just smelling it made him feel relaxed and his mind clear, as Maeung had said.

At Maeung’s gesture, the servant went outside, and a deep smile spread across his lips.

Sangun was about to take a sip of the tea but put it down again. Maeung’s eyebrows slightly rose and then lowered.

“I’m curious as to why you wanted to see me.”

Maeung had called him first, so he intended to listen to what he had to say. It would probably be the same old story, though.

“Ahem, as you know, the current Taoist world is in turmoil, isn’t it? Therefore, many say we can’t just leave the Demonic Path fellows alone.”

Despite Maeung’s words, Sangun quietly held the teacup with both hands and looked down at it.

“Anyway, that’s why the Taoist sects in Bangok are currently planning to send young Taoists from each sect to the Demonic Path region.”

Maeung finished speaking and tapped the table with his finger. Sangun narrowed his eyes and nodded reluctantly.

“Can you tell me what they intend to do by sending them there?”

Just listening to it, it sounded like they were trying to send the Taoists to their deaths.

“What else could it be? They’ll be observing their movements and trying to disrupt their plans…”

“Is that the only reason?”

“Yes. That’s the only reason.”

Maeung also spoke in a tone that suggested he couldn’t fully understand it. After all, no matter how much Maeung was the enforcer elder of the Ilwol Sect and possessed the realm of Hwanseon [a high level of spiritual attainment], he couldn’t go against the words of someone with a higher position or realm.

Moreover, deciding on such important matters would be up to the Taeseon [grand elders] of each sect.

‘Disrupt their plans…’

That meant they were also provoking them.

“So, are you saying you want to send me there?”

“Yes. If it’s you, you have a high chance of returning alive. Above all, it’s you who faced Guieumna Chal alone! I’ll say it shamelessly: if you represent the Ilwol Sect and go to Sagal Pass, I will reward you handsomely!”

Sangun put down the tea and stroked his chin. A reward from the Ilwol Sect, known as the best sect in Bangok.

He couldn’t possibly not know what that meant.

Various elixirs and pills good for cultivation, as well as places with abundant spiritual energy perfect for training.

But no matter how good the conditions were, he wasn’t moved.

‘I’m not human [referring to his unique circumstances and goals].’

Besides, the top priority was to seize the Bokjwa Token of Geummyeongjiryung [a valuable artifact]. That would also give Sangun various kinds of help.

After a moment of contemplation, Sangun opened his mouth.

“Well, it’s a shame there’s nothing to chew on when there’s Yeoryeong tea.”

“If that’s the case, I’ll call the servant…”

“No. I happen to have something good, so it’s alright. It’s been over a month since I stayed at Guimun, so I’d like to treat you to this much.”

With that, he took out a bowl containing Yakgwa [a traditional Korean honey cookie] from Gongjeonggang. The shape was like a lotus flower, a rare sight.

“This is called Boryeonja Yakgwa. The sweetness is excellent, so I hope Seonsa [Taoist master] Maeung will try it.”

“Haha, thanks to the Taoist, my eyes and mouth will have a treat! I’ll enjoy it!”

Maeung looked at the lotus-shaped Yakgwa, smelled it, and took a bite. It wasn’t too sweet but had a delicate sweetness, and it was a light taste with less of the unique stickiness of Yakgwa. He thought it was just the shape, but the subtle scent of flowers lingered in his mouth, making it a delicacy.

“Ho, Boryeonja, you say? I’m not very knowledgeable about snacks, but this is the best Yakgwa I’ve ever had. It’s even better when you drink it with Yeoryeong tea!”

“I’m glad you like it.”

Sangun also ate a Yakgwa and sipped the Yeoryeong tea.

After enjoying the refreshments for a while, Maeung looked at him with a more relaxed face and asked.

“So, have you made a decision now?”

“Yes.”

Sangun put down the empty teacup and said.

“I don’t think I can do it. I have to leave this place now.”

“…Is that so.”

A coldness flashed in Maeung’s eyes.

“I also wanted to go to Sagal Pass, but it’s a shame. I wanted to learn about the Demonic Path’s secret arts.”

As he said with an awkward smile, Maeung replied in a calm voice.

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

Then Sangun’s brow furrowed.

Instantly, his face turned purple. Immediately after, cold sweat streamed down his body.

Sangun looked at him with a face that said he didn’t understand at all. He didn’t need to think long to know why these symptoms were appearing.

Poison.

“What did you do…!”

“You must have heard of it at least once: Jawoondok (Purple Fall Poison).”

“Jawoondok, one of the ten most potent poisons?”

“Yes, you guessed it right. But don’t worry too much. Do you think I would do this if I wanted to kill you? It was an unavoidable measure for the sect. I have the antidote, so you won’t die if you don’t do anything foolish!”

With that, Maeung got up from his seat and suddenly strolled around the main hall.

“Sagal Pass is a very dangerous place for Doseon [a lower level of Taoist cultivation] or Biseon [a slightly higher level] to wander around. Those who have only been training in the training hall have no practical experience. No matter how high their realm is, they can’t help but be careless. So they are easily defeated by the Demonic Path. Some even lose their lives to cunning tongues!”

Maeung shook his head with a look of pity and sighed.

“Taoists of the Seondo Sect [orthodox Taoist sect] must repay what they have received. Demonic Path and Seondo – anyone can see what is right, but we need to show that we are right. It’s a matter of face. So the Ilwol Sect, called the best sect in Bangok, can’t be left out. But it’s the same as having innocent disciples die in vain. I’ve spoken to the headmaster and the grand elder, but they are only focused on their own cultivation and have no interest! So what can I do? I have to do this!”

Sangun felt the extreme poison circulating in his body and let out a hollow laugh.

He never thought he would be poisoned. Moreover, he was justifying his actions while talking to himself, which was absurd.

Most of the ten most potent poisons are colorless and odorless. Once poisoned, it is difficult to cure with most antidotes.

However, it’s not like there are no antidotes. Except for two of the ten most potent poisons, antidotes exist. Fortunately, Jawoondok belongs to the latter, so there is also an antidote.

But Maeung would also have that antidote, so Sangun had no choice but to do as he was told.

Otherwise, his whole body would turn purple and he would die!

“If you don’t want to die, represent the Ilwol Sect and go to Sagal Pass. No matter how much you are a hero who stopped Guieumna Chal, you are only a Biseon at best. You must know that you can die without anyone knowing in that realm. If you do as I say, how could I, as someone walking the path of Seondo, commit indiscriminate killing? Think of this as an opportunity to broaden your horizons.”

With that, Maeung sat back down and began to persuade him in a slightly gentler voice.

“If you come back alive from Sagal Pass and keep this matter a secret, I will treat you handsomely. If you want, I will generously support you with the position of guest elder of Ilwol, as well as places and Seondan [spiritual pills] necessary for cultivation.

Isn’t that a good condition for you? Shouldn’t a man achieve the Great Dao [the ultimate goal of Taoist cultivation]?”

Then the corners of Sangun’s lips rose like a madman. He grinned and then burst into wild laughter, slamming the table.

Maeung understood him.

How could he not go crazy after being suddenly poisoned? The spirit of a Taoist is strong, but even so, he has not escaped the shackles of humanity.

In any case, him going crazy was not the result Maeung wanted.

“It was a decision for the sake of the greater good. I didn’t poison you because I wanted to kill you, so calm down. Aren’t you still young?”

“You poison a young man of a young age and say that so well.”

Suddenly, Sangun’s atmosphere changed.

The one who was laughing like crazy was gone, and only a man with a sneer was glaring at him.

Then an anomaly occurred.

Maeung, who was staring at Sangun in bewilderment, suddenly frowned.

“Cough!”

Maeung, clutching his chest, suddenly vomited blood. Sangun, who was watching the scene with satisfaction, laughed again.

“AHAHAHAHAHA!!”

“W-What did you do!!”

“Haha! Doesn’t the Taoist remember what you did to me? What did I do? Are you asking even though you know everything? Just like you poisoned me, I just applied poison to the Yakgwa! You didn’t even know and ate it so deliciously!”

Maeung immediately rolled up his sleeves and checked his body. His fingernails, as well as various parts of his body, were stained with red spots, and the shape of the spots looked like small spiders. Maeung cried out in dismay.

“Jeokjudok (Red Spider Poison)!!”

It was Jeokjudok, which turns the whole body red with red spider-shaped spots when poisoned.

“Like Jawoondok, Jeokjudok… doesn’t kill you immediately unless the sorcerer performs Go (鼓) [a ritual to amplify the poison’s effects]. Now, what are you going to do?”

“Don’t you think I can kill you right now!”

“If you do that, will I just stand still? The moment Seonsa uses his hand, I will also detonate the poison. If Hwanseon and Biseon fight and end up dying together, there’s nothing wrong with that!”

As he said, the situation would not change even if he suppressed him with force. Maeung gritted his teeth and glared at him. He shrugged and sneered as if to say, ‘What are you going to do?’

“But I think you’re mistaken about one thing.”

“Mistaken? What do you mean?”

Maeung, who was frantically turning his head, snapped sharply.

“By any chance, do you know Churyeongju (Ugly Collar Silk) [a legendary artifact said to grant immunity to poisons]?”

“How could I not know that? It’s said to achieve immunity to all poisons (萬毒不侵)……”

Maeung, muttering, looked at Daeho and mouthed.

“Don’t tell me!”

Sangun smirked.

“I was lucky enough to obtain Churyeongju. Is that why?”

Sangun took out a dagger from his chest and cut his index finger. Then, purple blood dripped down, piercing through the floor of the main hall!

“What a waste.”

He smiled slyly and took out a medicine bottle from his chest, receiving the Jawoondok.

Churyeongju, which he had obtained from Cheonyodong.

It was Sangun who had obtained it.

No matter how potent the ten most potent poisons were, they would not harm him.

“Unless it’s Bungyangchosu (崩揚醋嗽) [another extremely potent poison], said to be the best of the ten most potent poisons, it will be difficult to harm me.”

He thought it was a stroke of luck that he had obtained Churyeongju there at that time.

Even if it was immunity to all poisons, it didn’t mean there was no damage, but it was something that could be dealt with with a little bit of Qi [spiritual energy] circulation.

Maeung, who had been standing up from his seat, slumped back down and looked at him with a hollow face.

“W-Why……”

“Why? You’re saying strange things.

What did you say? It was for the sake of the greater good? I’ll return those words as they are. I’m the same.”

For the sake of the greater good.

How ironic these words were.

Sangun sharply looked down at Maeung, who was discussing the greater good for his own personal gain. These guys would say the greater good and mercilessly kill even newborn babies.

‘What is the difference between Seondo and Demonic Path?’

The Seondo and Demonic Path that he had seen, read, and felt were no different.

What difference would there be to the Taoists who worship power, regardless of law or anything else?

“I’m sick and tired of your petty greater good. The greater good is a funny word.”

Sangun said with a sneer.

“What do you want…!”

Maeung shouted, swallowing his anger with a reddened face. It seemed that he had not properly grasped his subject.

He wanted to tease him a little, but unfortunately, time is always tight.

“Revenge for protecting Yeongnaesan. Hand over the Bokjwa Token of Geummyeongjiryung.”

Maeung’s eyes widened.

“That’s all I want.”

Sangun smiled as he looked at Maeung, who had an incomprehensible expression.