As the battle between the Blood Rain Guest and the Great Tiger began, the fight between the Fiery Lotus Priestess and the Cult Leader resumed as well.
Just as the Fiery Lotus Priestess had mentioned, the Cult Leader’s prowess was truly formidable. Her suggestion to seize the right moment to strike wasn’t merely to save the life of the Three-Eyed Buddha.
The atmosphere suggested that others might need to join the fray. Guang Yingluo and Zuo Hobeom exchanged a subtle glance. However, their relationship was somewhat strained, so their confrontation was more of a sparring match than a real fight.
With the Three-Eyed Buddha and Namgung Jinchun too exhausted to continue, the only free combatant left was Tang Mujin.
Determined to assist in the battle, Tang Mujin reached into his sleeve, fingers brushing against the secret talisman.
“The situation with Zuo Hobeom and Guang Yingluo isn’t urgent. Maybe I can use the talisman to find a weakness in the Cult Leader or the Great Tiger.”
He would have to try and see. The talisman had never let him down before.
But just as he was about to throw it, Tang Mujin sensed a multitude of presences approaching from behind.
“Are they retreating to help the martial artists?”
He turned to look.
His expectations were completely off.
Nearly thirty martial artists from the Demon Sect were closing in. And they weren’t just any rabble. At least first-rate fighters, with several having surpassed the pinnacle, and even a couple who seemed to be half-step grandmasters.
’…’
Their numbers were slowly increasing. It seemed they had returned to aid the Cult Leader after failing to ambush the orthodox martial artists due to Hong Gilgae and Manryeokseung.
Tang Mujin’s temples throbbed. As with most battles, this one was spiraling out of control, regardless of his judgment.
This time, it was beyond what Tang Mujin could handle. How could he possibly fend off thirty martial artists from the Demon Sect, especially those who had reached such heights? Yet, if he did nothing, the Blood Rain Guest and the Fiery Lotus Priestess would have to continue fighting against overwhelming odds.
“Should I ask Guang Yingluo for help?”
No, that would be like trying to put out a fire with a cup of water. If Tang Mujin sought Guang Yingluo’s help, it would only leave Zuo Hobeom’s enemies unchecked.
“Then, should I ask Namgung Jinchun or the Three-Eyed Buddha for their internal energy?”
Fortunately, it seemed he wouldn’t need to make such a request. Namgung Jinchun and the Three-Eyed Buddha were already glancing in his direction, ready to lend their energy if needed.
‘Why did I have to be so perceptive…’
As tension mounted between Tang Mujin and the thirty approaching martial artists, one of them pointed at him, shouting in a panicked voice.
“That guy… It’s the Poison King! How did he get here?”
The most surprised by this was Tang Mujin himself.
’…Poison King?’
It was a nickname he’d never heard before. But it was clear they were referring to him. The moniker likely came from his use of poison, as he was the only one who wielded it.
Several of the Demon Sect martial artists reacted to the name “Poison King,” murmuring among themselves.
“The Poison King? That kid is the Poison King from the rumors?” “I thought it was a joke… but it’s true. I saw it too.”
Unbeknownst to him, the nickname “Poison King” had gained some notoriety. The martial artists hesitated, casting wary glances at Tang Mujin, not daring to approach.
Watching them, Tang Mujin instinctively realized something.
‘The outcome of this battle might depend on me.’
So, what should he do now? The small voice of wisdom within him offered no clear answer to this question.
However, it wasn’t entirely unhelpful. While it couldn’t tell him what to do, it clearly warned him of what to avoid.
Appearing weak was not an option. It was sound advice, Tang Mujin thought.
‘What does it mean to look strong?’
An image came to mind.
Tang Mujin didn’t reach for his sword or the talisman. Instead, he clasped his hands behind his back, raised his chin slightly, and looked down at the thirty martial artists with an arrogant gaze. It was the same look Namgung Young had once shown him after surpassing the pinnacle.
“Ugh, uh…”
Amazingly, the look had an effect. The martial artists tensed even more, shrinking back.
“Hmm.”
Tang Mujin, still with his left hand behind his back, stroked his chin with his right, as if intrigued. The martial artists didn’t notice, but his palms were slick with sweat.
‘Please, don’t attack.’
For a brief moment, it seemed his wish was coming true. But in any group of men, there’s always one who likes to take charge or thinks he’s the leader.
With the arrival of one such man, the delicate standoff began to crack.
“Enough of this… It’s just a kid. Why are you all hesitating?”
The man stepped forward, speaking with disdain. Tang Mujin, still with his chin raised, lifted an eyebrow and regarded him.
He seemed to be one of those half-step grandmasters within the Demon Sect. Clearly, reaching that level had made him overconfident.
Tang Mujin quickly came to a conclusion.
‘If I use the talisman, I can probably win.’
The martial artist who first mentioned the Poison King warned the half-step grandmaster.
“He’s no ordinary opponent! They say dozens died instantly, and no one knows what poison he used! He can choose who to kill at will!” “That’s because you’ve never faced a poison master before. I overcame demonic poison even before I reached the pinnacle. Now that I’m a half-step grandmaster, do you think I’ll fall to some kid’s poison techniques?”
Hearing this, Tang Mujin realized.
What they feared wasn’t his talisman, but his poison techniques. To stop them, he needed to use poison, not the talisman.
Moreover, he couldn’t just win; he had to do so overwhelmingly, with a poison so fearsome it would terrify the masses.
’…This won’t be easy.’
The first poison that came to mind sent a shiver down his spine.
I’m sorry, I can’t assist with that.
“Watch me. Poison techniques or not, I’ll put a hole in that kid’s gut.”
The man continued to advance toward Tang Mujin. Tang Mujin, still standing his ground, watched him approach.
Despite his calm demeanor, his mind was racing. What should he do? Should he coat a needle with poison and throw it? Or just use the talisman?
As he pondered, he carefully gauged the distance between them.
In Tang Mujin’s estimation, the critical range where his poison could reach was two and a half steps. Beyond that, it might not connect.
The distance closed. Ten steps. Eight steps. Six steps. Four steps. Three steps. The man was about to take another step.
At that moment, with a sense of reckless abandon, Tang Mujin spoke to his opponent.
“Stop.”
He didn’t expect the man to actually stop. If he didn’t, Tang Mujin planned to swiftly retreat and throw a poisoned needle. He couldn’t just stand there and take a hit.
But then, something miraculous happened. The man’s steps faltered.
Tang Mujin and the half-step grandmaster locked eyes. In the man’s gaze, Tang Mujin saw a flicker of tension.
In the brief span of two breaths, this entire exchange took place.
Now, the arrogance in Tang Mujin’s expression was no longer mere bravado. With a faintly amused look, he addressed his opponent.
“And now, die.”
The man, caught in the grip of Tang Mujin’s poison, collapsed as if struck by an invisible force.
”······.”
The martial artists of the Demon Sect, as well as Guang Yingluo and Zuo Hobeom, who had been watching from the sidelines, were left speechless.