Tang Mujin didn’t need much time for his research.

As a self-proclaimed master, Tang Mujin believed that only two things were essential for research. First, an idea that was both innovative and feasible. Second, the ability to bring that idea to life.

Once the idea was conceived, it was as good as done, and with his ample abilities, Tang Mujin’s research concluded in no time. Of course, the involuntary dedication of his test subjects played a significant role in the swift completion.

Thanks to this, Tang Mujin was confident.

“The lethality is sufficient.”

He hadn’t tested his new poison technique on a human life yet. But Tang Mujin wasn’t a stickler for principles; he could gauge the power of his new technique without needing to take a life. Just as a skilled chef can tell if a dish is well-made by its aroma, or a master swordsman can judge a sword’s quality with a light tap, so could he.

What Tang Mujin needed now was repeated practice. Just as martial artists engrave sword paths into their bodies through endless training, he too needed to go through a process of repetition.

However, a small problem arose. Namgung Myung, Hyun Gong, and Hong Gyeol were all avoiding him, which naturally disrupted his practice.

This was something he had anticipated, yet Tang Mujin couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret.

“There’s no hardship to speak of. I’ve just been wandering around here and there.”

Tang Mujin said this while looking at the Yellow Spirit, noticing something peculiar—he wasn’t carrying a sword.

“Have you put down your sword, sir?” “It’s about time, isn’t it? I’m treated like an old relic even in the Cheongseong sect now.”

Of course, that couldn’t be true. A person of great character and virtue is always respected, regardless of age.

“I intended to visit you as soon as I returned to Seongdo, but with the Cheongseong sect closing its doors, I was hesitant to approach Cheongseong Mountain.” “I understand.” “But since you’ve come to see me despite the closed doors, there must be a reason.”

The Yellow Spirit smiled, as if proud, and began to speak.

“Ah, well, the thing is…”

But he suddenly stopped, staring intently at something.

At the same time, his right hand instinctively reached for his waist, searching for a sword that wasn’t there.

Tang Mujin followed the Yellow Spirit’s gaze. There, watching a spar between Manryeok Song and Hong Jeolgae, was Eom Sowol.

Unable to grasp his sword, the Yellow Spirit shouted to Tang Mujin.

“Tang Master! Why is that person here? Isn’t he a high-ranking figure in the Demonic Cult?”

“It’s a bit complicated. Follow me.”

Sam Anbul led the Yellow Spirit and Tang Mujin to the back of the medical room and began to explain.

The former cult leader. The current leader who rose to power by killing the former one. The changes brought by the current leader, the war between the righteous and the demonic sects, the victory of the righteous, and the defeat of the demonic sect. The current leader realizing he wasn’t fit to lead. The leader and the great protector returning to the demonic sect alone, facing the desolate Tianshan. Finally, the capture of the leader by Gwangjong. The great protector, Yeom Soyul, risking his life to come to the Huashan sect to ask for the leader’s death.

It was quite a long story. Even the Yellow Spirit, who had been trembling with anger, managed to calm down a bit.

”…The Demonic Cult you knew is gone. What’s left in Tianshan is just a shell, and the current leader realized he was never meant to be a leader. Moreover, he lacks the ability to handle or rebuild the Demonic Cult. He may seem coherent at times, but he’s undoubtedly gone mad. The current leader is just a madman who once belonged to the Demonic Cult.”

The Demonic Cult that Sam Anbul was part of and the one that followed were entirely different entities. Sam Anbul never acknowledged Yeonsu as the leader. Thus, he drew a clear line between the Demonic Cult and the current leader.

The Yellow Spirit took a deep breath and asked Sam Anbul.

“But that’s a story about the leader, not the great protector.” “I have three things to say. First, the great protector Yeom Soyul killed the leader. Second, the leader doesn’t represent the Demonic Cult.” “That doesn’t matter. The fact remains that the great protector came to Seongdo and caused a massacre!”

The Yellow Spirit shouted with a fairly loud voice, but Sam Anbul remained calm as he concluded.

”…Lastly, third, you’re not unrelated to the current situation.” “Sir!”

Tang Mujin, who had been quietly listening, was startled and interjected. The story Sam Anbul was about to tell wasn’t something that should be brought up lightly.

However, Sam Anbul glanced at Tang Mujin and said.

“You’ll find out eventually. It’s better to know now.”

Before Tang Mujin could say anything, the Yellow Spirit asked in a trembling voice.

“What do I have to do with this situation?” “It’s simple. Do you know the leader’s name?” ”…I don’t.” “It’s Yeonsu.”

The Yellow Spirit’s eyes widened, and he froze as if struck by lightning.

“Yellow Spirit. The young beggar you taught martial arts out of compassion in your youth became the leader and started the war between the righteous and the demonic sects. If it weren’t for your compassion, the war wouldn’t have happened, and the great protector wouldn’t have attacked Seongdo on the leader’s orders.”

Sam Anbul’s story left out one crucial point. If the Yellow Spirit hadn’t acted as he did, the Taoists of the Cheongseong sect, the nuns of the Emei sect, and the people of the Tang family wouldn’t have died.

And the Yellow Spirit wasn’t foolish enough not to understand that implication.

“Did I…?” “I’m not blaming you. You didn’t teach that young beggar the basics of martial arts expecting this situation to arise.”

Sam Anbul’s way of speaking was somewhat unique. He didn’t always follow a perfectly logical sequence, but he always held the reins and ensured his point was made.

Even now, Sam Anbul had complete control of the conversation.

He took a breath and continued.

“But since you’re not unrelated, you shouldn’t ignore our story either. Do you understand?”

The Yellow Spirit couldn’t bring himself to answer and hung his head.
Sam Anbul spoke again, calmly.

“Now that you understand, let’s summarize the conclusion simply."
"First, the great protector has turned against the leader."
"Second, the great protector will help kill the leader."
"Third, there will soon be a showdown with the leader in Seongdo."
"So, if you want to discuss the great protector’s faults and ponder the causes, save it for after the leader is dead. It’s not because everyone has forgiven the great protector that he’s still alive. Any objections?”

The Yellow Spirit shook his head weakly.

He couldn’t easily dismiss what he had just heard.
If he were to take it a bit further, it meant he had raised the leader of the Demonic Cult, destroyed the existing Demonic Cult, and caused this bloodshed.

“Alright. I’ll take that as understanding.”

Sam Anbul said this and stood up.
Tang Mujin tried to console the Yellow Spirit.

“Yellow Spirit, don’t worry too much. Sam Anbul made it clear that you didn’t intend for this situation. Besides, not many people know about this. There’s no one to spread the story.”

The Yellow Spirit took a slow breath, conflicted, and looked at Tang Mujin.

He seemed to have a lot he wanted to say.

With a deep sigh, the Yellow Spirit began to speak again.

”…Yes. I didn’t come to see you because of the great protector’s actions.”

The heavy atmosphere was burdensome, so Tang Mujin responded lightly to the Yellow Spirit’s words.

“Ah, yes. Of course. What brings you here?” “As you know, our Cheongseong sect has closed its doors, and all communication has been cut off. All the Taoists are quietly staying on Cheongseong Mountain.” “I understand.” “But recently, a young Taoist disappeared without a trace. At first, we thought he had sneaked out of Cheongseong Mountain out of frustration.”

At first, they thought that was the case.
In other words, it turned out not to be.

The Yellow Spirit spoke in a subdued voice.

“Just the other day, the body of the missing Taoist was found hanging from a tree on the cliff of Cheongseong Mountain. There was writing in blood on the cliff, demanding the head of a traitor.” ”…So what did you do?” “How could we respond when we don’t even know who the traitor is?” “Indeed, that’s true.” “That’s why I came to see you. I thought you might be able to find out something through the body. But now…”

The Yellow Spirit looked at Sam Anbul, then buried his head in his hands.

“Now I think I know.”

“What do you think you know?”

”…You said there would be a fight with the leader in Seongdo soon, right?”

“Yes.”

“Now I think I know who did it and who the traitor refers to.”

Now Tang Mujin understood too.

There are only a few people capable of quietly entering Cheongseong Mountain, where all the Taoists are gathered, and capturing someone. But among those people, there’s only one madman who would commit such a brutal act against the Cheongseong sect, which has no direct connection to the current situation.

The leader is targeting the great protector.