Chapter 38: To Go Far, One Must Rest (1)

In the distance, Bogda Peak was clearly visible. The wind carried warmth, but the eternal snow crowning the summit would never melt.

Situated at the easternmost edge of the Tianshan Mountain Range, Bogda Peak was revered as a sacred mountain by the local people.

So much so that the enormous lake at its midpoint had been named Heavenly Lake.

From the pavilion in the rear garden of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge, the full splendor of Bogda Peak was vividly displayed.

It was because of this view that Eun Ha-seong, the Lodge Master of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge, had insisted on establishing it here.

Eun Ha-seong was sixty-two years old this year. Yet his outward appearance did not look a day over forty.

Eyes that burned with the fierce intensity of a tiger stalking its prey, a broad nose, firmly set lips, and a square jaw—all combined to give him a formidable appearance.

Eun Ha-seong stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing upon Bogda Peak. He loved the snow-covered landscape of Bogda Peak. He loved it so much that he had built Western Heaven Mountain Lodge in the place where the view was finest.

Behind Eun Ha-seong stood a man in his early fifties, a middle-aged figure who stood at attention. Upon his face and neck were grotesque scars, as though worms had crawled across them.

The man's name was Cho Hyeol-san—Eun Ha-seong's longtime confidant and the Chief Steward of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge.

After gazing silently at Bogda Peak for some time, Eun Ha-seong suddenly spoke.

"Where is Cheon-saeng?"

"There has been no word yet."

Cho Hyeol-san answered respectfully.

"Hm! He's late this time."

"Could something have happened?"

"Surely not."

Eun Ha-seong nodded.

Gyeong-cheon-saeng was one of his most trusted confidants. He had been instrumental in the founding of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge and was so loyal that he would not hesitate to lay down his life for Eun Ha-seong.

"When Cheon-saeng returns, give him some rest."

"Understood."

"And the situation at the Blood Demon Grave?"

"The supply of manpower remains an issue. But when Cheon-saeng returns, things should ease up somewhat."

"See to it that you manage it well."

"I will."

Cho Hyeol-san bowed deeply.

Eun Ha-seong's gaze returned to Bogda Peak.

"Xinjiang alone is not enough. You understand?"

"Of course. How could I not know your will?"

"The day we fulfill our dream draws near. The closer we get, the more vigilant we must be."

"I will take greater care."

"Mm!"

As Eun Ha-seong nodded—

"Lodge Master."

A martial artist of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge came running toward the pavilion.

Cho Hyeol-san furrowed his brow as he watched the man approach. This was the place where Lodge Master Eun Ha-seong sought repose. One had to be extremely mindful of one's bearing.

His subordinates could not possibly be unaware of this, yet to come running in such a state of agitation was unsettling. But assuming there must be a reason, he kept his silence and watched.

Finally, the martial artist reached the pavilion and knelt.

"I apologize, Lodge Master. But the matter is urgent."

"It's fine. What is it?"

"A guest has come seeking the Lodge Master."

"Me?"

A puzzled expression appeared on Eun Ha-seong's face.

Eun Ha-seong rarely showed himself unless the matter was of considerable importance. Though countless people had sought an audience, he had met with almost none, for precisely this reason.

The problem was that his subordinates were well aware of this. Ordinary visitors were filtered out by them. For a subordinate to come running like this meant the visitor was of greater significance than expected.

"Who is it?"

"The young master of the Blood Scale killing curtain."

"The Blood Scale killing curtain?"

Eun Ha-seong's eyes lit up with interest. It was such an unexpected name. Cho Hyeol-san wore an equally surprised expression.

"Lodge Master?"

"Hm! Have they caught the scent?"

At Eun Ha-seong's murmur, Cho Hyeol-san's expression grew grave.

"If they truly have caught wind of it, we are in danger."

"Indeed! But it was about time. If they hadn't noticed anything by now, that would have been the strange thing."

"What would you like to do? Perhaps we should eliminate them now—"

"Let's meet first. We need to know how much they've figured out before we can formulate a countermeasure. Show them to the Guest Reception Hall."

A cold smile appeared at the corner of Eun Ha-seong's lips.

"Understood."

The subordinate rushed off.

"The Blood Scale killing curtain…"

Twenty years ago, a remarkable itinerant swordsman named Sim Su-myeong had appeared in Xinjiang. Among wandering martial artists, he possessed exceptional martial arts and powerful leadership.

Though ferocious in battle, his uniquely generous temperament had drawn many followers. The gathering of these followers had formed what became the Blood Scale killing curtain.

Though it was an organization made by wandering swordsmen, no one dared underestimate the Blood Scale killing curtain. Their strength was comparable to many a sect in the Central Plains.

Five years ago, when the Blood Sand Wind had ravaged Xinjiang, the Blood Scale killing curtain, for reasons unknown, had not intervened. This had allowed Western Heaven Mountain Lodge the opportunity to suppress the Blood Sand Wind.

Had the Blood Scale killing curtain quelled the Blood Sand Wind before that, Western Heaven Mountain Lodge would never have risen as it had.

"How interesting! They've finally begun to move."

Eun Ha-seong's smile deepened.

The Guest Reception Hall, long desolate and deserted, now had lanterns hung. Martial artists stood guard around the hall as Sim Ok and Heuk-no ascended.

Sim Ok gazed at the martial artists on guard and murmured,

"Their martial bearing is formidable."

"You must be careful, my lady."

"I know, Heuk-no."

The two opened the door and entered the Guest Reception Hall. There, waiting for them, were Eun Ha-seong and Cho Hyeol-san.

Even upon their arrival, neither Eun Ha-seong nor Cho Hyeol-san spoke.

'A test?'

Sim Ok's eyes gleamed.

She looked back and forth between the two before settling her gaze upon Eun Ha-seong.

"Sim Ok of the Blood Scale killing curtain greets the Lodge Master of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge."

"A pleasure to meet you. I am Eun Ha-seong, master of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge. How did you recognize me?"

"I felt that the Great Hero Eun's aura was somewhat stronger. And I sensed the bearing of a ruler."

"The bearing of a ruler. The Blood Scale killing curtain has a perceptive young master. Young Master Sim is to be envied."

"Thank you."

"Please, sit."

Eun Ha-seong gestured for Sim Ok to take a seat.

The two sat simultaneously, while Cho Hyeol-san and Heuk-no took positions behind their respective masters.

"What an honor! To meet the young master of the Blood Scale killing curtain in person."

"I am equally honored to meet the Lodge Master of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge, whose renown precedes him."

"Is that so?"

A faint smile graced Eun Ha-seong's lips. At first glance, it appeared infinitely benevolent.

Had Sim Ok not gathered information about Eun Ha-seong beforehand, she might well have been deceived by his appearance.

"Shall we have some tea?"

No sooner had Eun Ha-seong finished speaking than Cho Hyeol-san brought a tea set.

Eun Ha-seong personally heated water over the brazier and placed tea leaves in the pot.

"This is tea grown only here in the Tianshan Mountains. It should be quite pleasant to drink."

"What an honor. To be served tea brewed personally by the Lodge Master."

"You are the second outsider to receive this treatment. You may consider it a great honor."

"I'm curious who the first was."

"Someone you could never imagine."

"That only makes me more curious."

"Excessive curiosity can sometimes invite misfortune."

"I have a terrible habit of not letting go of things that interest me. That's why Father scolds me often."

Sim Ok offered a captivating smile. Eun Ha-seong returned it.

"Well, a young person's curiosity can sometimes be the engine of progress."

"Thank you for understanding."

"It seems to be ready."

Eun Ha-seong poured tea into a small cup and handed it to Sim Ok. Sim Ok raised it to her lips.

"The subtle fragrance is exquisite."

"People often think Dragon Well or Biluochun are the finest, but the tea from these Tianshan Mountains is no less remarkable. It cannot be cultivated, so we hire special herb gatherers to harvest it. That is how rare it is."

"Thank you for letting me taste such a treasure."

"You're like a niece to me. What is there to begrudge? There's plenty of tea, so drink freely."

The smile on Eun Ha-seong's lips deepened further.

"It truly is wonderful."

"When you leave, I'll have some packed for you to take along."

"Thank you."

"Oh, how is your father? I've been meaning to visit, but time never permits."

"He says the same thing. He wishes to meet you someday."

"That is an honor."

"He has always said this: If the master of Western Heaven Mountain Lodge walks only the righteous path, he will surely become the ruler of Xinjiang."

"The righteous path…"

The words lingered for quite some time. But Eun Ha-seong's expression hardened slightly.

Sim Ok did not miss this change.

"And he also asked me to convey this: He has absolute faith in you."

"That is too generous a compliment. I must surely repay his faith. Was it to convey these words that he sent you?"

"That is one way to put it."

"Please arrange a meeting with your father someday. He speaks so kindly that I, as the younger generation, cannot simply let it pass."

"I will."

"I shall prepare a banquet this evening. Please stay for the day."

"I am grateful for your hospitality."

"Don't mention it. Between us… Steward Cho will show you to your quarters. We shall meet again this evening."

"Understood."

"Then I'll take my leave."

At Eun Ha-seong's gesture, Sim Ok rose from her seat.

Cho Hyeol-san approached her and spoke.

"I will escort you. Please follow."

"Thank you. Then I shall see you later."

Sim Ok bowed to Eun Ha-seong and followed Cho Hyeol-san outside. Heuk-no followed quietly behind.

When the door closed and he was alone, Eun Ha-seong murmured softly.

"Insolent!"

***

Cho Hyeol-san led them to a small detached house deep within Western Heaven Mountain Lodge.

"You may stay here tonight."

"Thank you."

"I will send someone to escort you to dinner. Please rest well."

"I will."

"One more thing, from an excess of caution: please refrain from going out if possible."

"Why is that?"

"There are many wild beasts. Should anything happen to the young master of the Blood Scale killing curtain while under our roof, we would bear the full consequences. I ask that you consider both our positions and ensure such an incident does not occur."

Cho Hyeol-san fixed Sim Ok with a steady gaze. His eyes glinted coldly.

Sim Ok nodded.

"Understood. I wouldn't dare go out, if only for fear of the beasts. I shall comply."

"Thank you. Then I shall see you this evening. Until then…"

Cho Hyeol-san smiled and withdrew.

Sim Ok watched his retreating figure for some time.

"Wild beasts? How amusing."

Her scoff scattered into the wind.

In Mang-ryo’s opinion, Jin Ja-gang was definitely targeting the well.

They had even reduced the number of warriors guarding it from four to one to make it appear poorly defended.

Yet, Jin Ja-gang never showed up.

‘Why?’

Could he have noticed the ambush?

Or was he hiding in the Extreme Poison Sect like he had in the Mixed Spring Ground, planning to hold out for at least another month?

Until everyone’s vigilance completely collapsed?

Something was wrong. It felt like something had gone wrong along the way.

In any case, since Jin Ja-gang hadn’t appeared, Mang-ryo couldn’t say anything to Miao Ligoujao.

Meanwhile, a warrior came running and reported something to Miao Ligoujao.

After hearing the warrior’s report, Miao Ligoujao said to Mang-ryo:

“According to Elder Go’s investigation, it seems there was a lot of sulfur mixed in the water that was stored in the reservoirs. When they poured it on the fire, it created smoke that caused the poisonings.”

Mang-ryo’s eyebrows twitched.

‘Sulfur? In the reservoirs?’

There is a lot of sulfur near the Extreme Poison Sect. Even the water flowing through the valleys contains sulfur.

That’s why potable water is scarce and there’s only one well here.

So it’s not strange that there would be sulfur in the water stored in the reservoirs. Moreover, sulfur isn’t just one element but exists as various compounds, some of which could be highly toxic.

But Mang-ryo’s heart was beating even faster than before. The Mixed Spring Ground, where Jin Ja-gang had spent over a month, was a place filled with sulfur.

“That’s enough, isn’t it? Let’s stop bothering each other with these matters. Especially that little brat—I’m tired of even mentioning him.”

Despite Miao Ligoujao’s words, Mang-ryo became even more convinced that Jin Ja-gang had infiltrated.

“Sect Leader. We must immediately declare a state of emergency, form a search party, and search the entire Extreme Poison Sect. That brat must have realized we were guarding the well and gone into hiding.”

Miao Ligoujao’s face contorted.

“I told you to stop! I’ve already been quite lenient with you.”

“If not now, we’ll lose him!”

“Enough! How much longer do you intend to test my patience! That little brat, little brat, little brat! I’m absolutely sick of it!”

Miao Ligoujao berated Mang-ryo.

“From this moment on, Elder Mang is confined to his quarters until I give further orders! If you disobey, I’ll immediately strip you of your elder position and detain you!”

Mang-ryo’s eyes widened, and his face contorted.

“Sect Leader!”

Mang-ryo’s face turned bright red, but there was nothing he could do.

“You’ll regret this.”

Miao Ligoujao gestured to the warriors.

“Escort him!”

“Yes!”

Mang-ryo bit his lip as he was surrounded by warriors and forced to return to his quarters.

Miao Ligoujao also returned to his office with a displeased expression. He was furious thinking about how he had spent the entire night motionless because of Mang-ryo’s ridiculous delusions.

Back in his office, Miao Ligoujao shouted:

“Bring me breakfast!”

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

Mang-ryo had been forcibly confined to his quarters.

Until now, Miao Ligoujao had still shown some respect to Mang-ryo because of his past achievements, but he had greatly offended the Sect Leader this time, making it difficult to receive any further consideration.

Now Mang-ryo was essentially finished in the Extreme Poison Sect, not even receiving the treatment of an elder. Actually, since the Extreme Poison Sect could hardly be called a proper sect to begin with, even the “elder treatment” was a laughable concept.

In a proper sect, an elder would be in a position to check and advise the sect leader, but in the Extreme Poison Sect, an elder was no different from a subordinate who simply followed the sect leader’s orders.

The problem was that he could no longer enjoy even the privileges that came with the elder position.

Overnight, he had gone from being the second-in-command of the Extreme Poison Sect to being confined to a back room unable to do anything, all because of Jin Ja-gang.

“Aaaarg!”

Mang-ryo flipped over the breakfast tray that had been brought to his quarters.

Even after fuming, his anger was not appeased, so he smashed the furniture in the room.

“That stupid Sect Leader! What nonsense! I built up the Extreme Poison Sect with my blood and sweat, and now he dares to disrespect me?”

Bang! Crash!

Only after breaking the furniture in the room for quite some time did his temper finally subside.

Mang-ryo took a deep breath and sat on a half-broken chair.

“Haaah.”

Even at this moment, the thought that Jin Ja-gang was out there somewhere made him want to rush out immediately. But if he did that, he would truly be imprisoned.

“Ugh.”

Mang-ryo gritted his teeth and looked at the overturned food tray on the floor. It was a simple meal with mixed grain rice and a few vegetable side dishes.

Though he had flipped the tray in anger, it was true that he was hungry after being outside all night.

“You there!”

One of the warriors standing outside Mang-ryo’s quarters entered when he called.

“Clean this up and bring me breakfast again.”

The guards outside were tasked with both serving and monitoring Mang-ryo, but they had unpleasant expressions, annoyed by Mang-ryo’s difficult personality.

“Yes, yes.”

The warrior answered halfheartedly and was about to leave.

At that moment, Mang-ryo detected a strange smell.

It was a very faint odor in the room, emanating from the overturned food tray on the floor.

A slightly pungent smell.

Mang-ryo’s hair stood on end.

“Hey!”

Mang-ryo called to the warrior who was about to leave.

He beckoned him closer and pointed to the floor.

“Aren’t you hungry?”

The warrior’s face was full of irritation.

“What?”

Mang-ryo smiled at the warrior. He was trying to smile gently, but to the warrior, it looked creepy.

Mang-ryo spoke as sweetly as possible:

“You haven’t eaten breakfast, have you? Come, don’t be shy, eat.”

Mang-ryo personally scooped rice from the overturned bowl with his hands and offered it to the warrior along with chopsticks.

“No, Elder.”

The warrior almost asked, “Do I look like a beggar to you?” but couldn’t quite say it. Despite Mang-ryo’s fallen status, he still had the martial prowess to snap the warrior’s neck with ease.

“I told you to eat, didn’t I?”

Mang-ryo, still smiling, tugged at the warrior’s collar. Then suddenly, he grabbed the warrior’s hair at the back of his head and forcibly tilted his head back. He then stuffed the rice into the warrior’s open mouth.

“Kuk kuk!”

Holding the warrior’s hair, Mang-ryo smiled and said:

“Chew it well and swallow. I won’t let go until you eat it all.”

The warrior had no choice but to chew and swallow the rice.

“That’s right, that’s right. Very good eating.”

Mang-ryo was extremely pleased. When the warrior had swallowed all the rice, he released his hair.

The warrior stepped back with a displeased expression and said:

“Even if you are an elder, this is too much!”

The smile disappeared from Mang-ryo’s face.

The warrior became frightened and closed his mouth.

“T-then, I’ll bring a new breakfast tray as ordered…”

Just as the warrior was backing out of the quarters…

He suddenly staggered.

“Huh?”

The warrior fell to his knees and shook his body.

“What? What’s happening?”

He began to retch.

“Urgh, urgh!”

Mang-ryo simply watched. The warrior turned his head and reached out toward Mang-ryo.

“E-Elder!”

The warrior’s eyes were bloodshot, as if inflamed. His body twitched, and he breathed rapidly.

Thud.

The warrior collapsed forward and convulsed.

He broke out in a cold sweat and clutched at his chest.

“E-Elder… ugh!”

The warrior’s face gradually turned black, while his lips became pale.

Only then did Mang-ryo get up, lift the warrior’s eyelids, and check his fingernails and toenails.

Then he smiled so broadly he couldn’t possibly smile any wider, without making a sound.

Mang-ryo was filled with joy.

As he had predicted, the warrior was dying from acute arsenic poisoning!

Arsenic is made from various materials, particularly from sulfurous minerals. This was entirely predictable from the moment they mentioned the sulfur smell in the reservoirs.

“I told you he was here! I said you’d regret not believing me!”

Jin Ja-gang—it was unbelievable what kind of person he must be to go this far.

What kind of mind did he have to be able to invade a place full of armed warriors at just ten years old to take revenge!

And to succeed with that plan!

“He’s insane. Absolutely insane.”

And that’s why Mang-ryo was delighted.

If the person who had ruined his body had been ordinary, he might have felt more self-loathing.

But this boy wasn’t ordinary—he was insane. Being defeated by someone insane made it somewhat less humiliating.

“I must catch you with my own hands. I want to see the fear in your eyes when I grind your bones! I want to see you beg me for your life once more!”

Mang-ryo stood at the door.

If he stepped outside, he would be disobeying Sect Leader Miao Ligoujao’s orders.

He would be stripped of his elder position and imprisoned.

But Mang-ryo didn’t care and raised his hand.

Bang!

He struck the door with his palm, blasting it off its hinges.

Then he strode outside.

The sunlight poured down blindingly bright.

Mang-ryo grinned, baring his white teeth.

“Well, let’s see what you’re capable of.”

* * *

Unlike Mang-ryo’s joyful expression, the outside was in complete chaos.

“Ugh…”

“S-save me…”

Like worms crawling out after rain, the warriors of the Extreme Poison Sect were crawling all over the ground. There were already visible corpses.

“Bleugh! Bleugh!”

Warriors who weren’t severely poisoned were vomiting everywhere.

The few unaffected warriors were simply panicking, not knowing what to do.

One of the unaffected warriors, who was tending to a comrade vomiting blood, saw Mang-ryo and called out:

“Elder! Please help! These friends suddenly…”

Mang-ryo stopped and looked down coldly at the warrior.

“Why aren’t you dead yet?”

“…What?”

“Have you eaten breakfast?”

“N-no, not yet…”

“Hmm, I see.”

Mang-ryo walked past without paying any more attention.

After checking with the unaffected warriors around, Mang-ryo came to one conclusion.

Everyone who had eaten was poisoned without exception.

In such cases, the highest probability was that poison had been added to the well water used for cooking rice. But they had been guarding the well all night, so it would have been difficult to poison it.

Mang-ryo immediately went to the kitchen. There too, only a few had survived, with most lying on the floor.

“Elder!”

“Did you eat?”

“What? I haven’t yet…”

Mang-ryo went to the rice containers beside the kitchen. He opened the lids of several large rice containers one by one and smelled them.

“Not the rice containers.”

For one thing, the lids would have been too heavy for Jin Ja-gang to lift, and with multiple rice containers, it would have been awkward to secretly poison all of them.

He also checked the large water jars.

These were jars where they stored water drawn from the well. The water jars were even larger than the rice containers, requiring a footstool to see inside, and they were covered with extremely heavy lids.

Since the kitchen needed to maintain the fire, people were on guard even at night, making it difficult to poison the water jars.

“Hmm. Then…”