Chapter 129

Chapter 129
## Chapter 129: Black Wolf (3)

“They referred to the technique as the Immortal Ten Thousand Poisons Demon Control Art. Is the Leader familiar with the term Poison Blood Demon?”

“I have never heard of it.”

Sima Geon gave a slow shake of his head.

“The title is literal; it involves reshaping a person into a creature fueled by toxic blood. As I explained, once you transition into a Poison Blood Demon, you gain total immunity to every venom, and your physical form becomes as hard as adamant. Do you truly believe such a thing is human? It is a freak of nature.”

Cheol Woo cast a guarded, quiet look toward Sima Geon.

“The transformation was agonizing beyond words. The memory of how many vials of sludge I consumed or the countless swarms of stinging insects that fed on me is a blur. Eventually, they submerged me in a reservoir of pure liquid toxin. I remained soaked in that filth for a hundred days. That is how this vessel of mine was forged.”

So Surin reached for the glass of water resting on the surface of the table.

In a heartbeat, the transparent liquid shifted into a dark, swirling venom.

“Even the air I exhale is thick with blight. Just as that wretch claimed, it is highly probable that my very lifeblood has been replaced by poison.”

The smile on So Surin’s face was heavy with isolation, reflecting a deep-seated hatred for the monstrosity he had become.

“Were you forced to study the poison arts as well?”

“I was. I fought against it, but the sheer physical torment broke my resolve. That monster mocked me, laughing as he claimed it was the sole method to regulate the rot consuming my insides. I can still see his smirk clearly. How could a youth possess such a blackened soul?”

A murderous fire ignited in So Surin’s gaze, suggesting he would gladly dismember Yin Di-so if the boy stood before him in that moment.

“Just how young was this individual?”

Hearing Cheol Woo’s inquiry, So Surin allowed his aggressive posture to relax slightly.

“He hadn’t even reached twenty years. That withered husk, Blood Slaughter Grandpa, praised him as the most gifted prodigy in the entire chronicle of Ten Thousand Poisons Valley.”

“Absolute garbage! Gifted? The brat is exactly what you called him—a demonic little bastard.”

“Leader.”

So Surin focused his attention on Sima Geon.

“During my flight to freedom, the old man shared a final request for you.”

“Are you speaking of Yeon Jeok-chu?”

“Indeed.”

Sima Geon exhaled a heavy, weary breath and gave a solemn nod.

“Speak it.”

“He pleaded for you to end his life. He wanted it to be by your hand.”

“What kind of talk is that? Why mention killing? We only need to mobilize and pull him out of there.”

Cheol Woo’s voice rose in a frustrated shout, but So Surin only shook his head with a somber expression.

“It is already too late for that.”

“Too late? If we move now, we can still reach him in time.”

Cheol Woo shifted restlessly, looking as though he might sprint through the exit at any second.

“The concluding phase of the Immortal Ten Thousand Poisons Demon Control Art is known as Soul Forgetting.”

“What does that mean?”

“Soul Forgetting. It signifies exactly what is being deleted.”

So Surin gestured toward his temple.

“The old man and I were the final pair to resist. The others had lost themselves long ago. I possessed the advantage of training in Soul Capturing Arts since my youth, but the old man… his spirit was magnificent. He endured solely through sheer stubbornness. But eventually, his physical shell reached its limit. I desperately wanted to pull him with me, but it was an impossible task.”

So Surin was visibly haunted by the memory of the moment he was forced to flee while leaving his companion behind.

“Your own state is far from healthy. Regardless of the poison arts, your internal reserves are in total disarray and surging violently. It is a small wonder you are still standing.”

“I am aware. At a certain point, I began intentionally blocking the flow of the poison energy, which triggered this imbalance. I’ve attempted to realign it, but to no avail. I nearly perished several times on the journey here. However, there was a silver lining. Without the constant agony of that clashing energy, even with my Soul Capturing Arts, I likely would not have survived the Soul Forgetting transition.”

“I attempted to purge the toxic qi from your system, but it was unsuccessful. It has fused too deeply with your inherent internal power, making it impossible to separate the two.”

“It cannot be helped. I prepared myself for this outcome. That lunatic realized my situation and threw a tantrum because of it.”

Though So Surin spoke with an air of indifference, Sima Geon and Cheol Woo found it impossible to remain composed.

“Do not lose heart. We will find a way to restore your health.”

“And how would we do that?”

“We hunt down the dog who did this to you, beat him until he breaks, and he’ll give up the cure.”

“I find that unlikely. It will be no simple feat. That madman had essentially given up on me. In fact, he threatened to simply kill me and reanimate me as a jiangshi.”

So Surin brushed the threat aside with a shrug, but Sima Geon and Cheol Woo realized that Yin Di-so was more depraved than they had initially suspected. The boy had made such a horrific threat casually while snacking on sweets.

—

“So, the solution lies in extracting the toxic qi from his frame.”

Following Man Chu’s observation, Sima Geon shook his head.

“It isn’t merely inside his body. At this stage, his entire existence has become synonymous with poison.”

“That is a grim situation.”

“It is. Which is why I inquired about potential options.”

Man Chu fell into a brief silence, glancing toward the chamber where So Surin was resting.

“In my view, labeling this as a standard sickness is incorrect. Regardless, there are only two locations that might hold the key to his recovery.”

“Where are they?”

Cheol Woo couldn’t keep his curiosity in check.

“Initially, the Living Immortal Medical House. It is claimed that no ailment exists beyond the healing reach of the Living Immortals—they have no peers in the medical field.”

“Hmph.”

Cheol Woo let out a low grumble, remembering their previous encounter. Despite their significant aid in securing the Thunderbolt, those people had treated them like outcasts from the demonic path. They had even expressed skepticism regarding the acquisition of the Great Reversion Pill.

“And the second option?”

“The Sichuan Tang Family. They might actually be a better fit than the Living Immortals. No clan on earth possesses a deeper understanding of toxins than the Tangs.”

“That makes sense.”

Sima Geon nodded, his expression indicating that he had reached a similar conclusion. The Tang Family had been his first thought when considering So Surin’s salvation. Though he had never engaged them directly, their mastery over poisons was legendary, even within the circles of the demonic path.

Since Ten Thousand Poisons Valley—which shared a similar focus—had developed something as twisted as the Immortal Ten Thousand Poisons Demon Control Art, it stood to reason the Tangs might possess their own forbidden knowledge.

“But would they actually help him? We are complete strangers to them. We would be fortunate if they didn’t simply cast us out as demonic filth.”

Thunderbolt voiced his doubts, and Cheol Woo’s features darkened.

“We will plead as many times as necessary.”

“And if they refuse to listen?”

“Then we will compel them to agree.”

At his blunt answer, the group could easily imagine Cheol Woo charging into the Tang estate and issuing demands.

“However, as a precaution, shouldn’t we consult a medic from the Clear Heart Clinic? I have heard they are quite capable, even by the standards of the Living Immortals.”

Sima Ho offered his suggestion with typical caution.

“Very well. Let us have the physician examine him first. We can gauge if the Living Immortals are up to the task as well.”

Sima Geon gave his consent, and shortly after, Man Chu hurried to the Clear Heart Clinic. Since Hwang Jeong was currently away at the Living Immortal Medical House assisting Sima Jin, he returned with Hwang Jo, the newly appointed leader of the Clear Heart Clinic.

Hwang Jo was the grandson of the renowned Pill King Hall Leader Hwang Seung and was considered a premier talent among the Living Immortals.

“We should have come to your clinic, but we have inconvenienced you by bringing you here—please accept our apologies.”

Sima Geon offered a respectful bow to Hwang Jo.

“There is no need for that. I have been informed of the general situation.”

Hwang Jo dismissed the apology with a polite smile.

“Where is the sufferer? I understand his state is quite critical.”

“Follow me.”

Sima Geon escorted Hwang Jo to So Surin’s quarters. Before entering, he provided a stern warning.

“The very air he breathes out is saturated with poison.”

“What? Is it truly that potent?”

“It is. I will do my utmost to shield you, so do not be overly concerned, but please remain vigilant.”

“Understood. I have some martial training. I can sustain myself without breathing for roughly fifteen minutes.”

“That is good to hear.”

Sima Geon gave a faint smile and pushed the door open.

A sharp, unpleasant odor wafted out, but Hwang Jo was already holding his breath and remained unaffected.

Sima Geon utilized his protective qi to repel the toxic mists that threatened to envelop Hwang Jo. After a moment to ensure his safety, Hwang Jo saw that Sima Geon’s protection was holding and moved toward the bed.

So Surin was lying there, his features pinched in a mask of agony from the internal chaos of his energy.

Sima Geon could have used his own power to quiet the shimmering poison qi, but he remained at a distance to ensure the physician could make an unbiased assessment.

Hwang Jo reached for So Surin’s wrist to check the pulse.

Upon hearing of the doctor’s arrival, So Surin gave no sign of interest. He seemed to have abandoned all hope of recovery.

With a small nod, Hwang Jo slowly moved his hand forward.

Sima Geon briefly moved to stop him, knowing that direct contact with the skin was life-threatening, but Hwang Jo displayed his hands with a reassuring grin.

He was wearing gloves so thin they mimicked human skin. He had come prepared after Man Chu’s description of the toxicity.

Sima Geon eased his stance as Hwang Jo made contact with So Surin’s wrist.

Closing his eyes, Hwang Jo used his touch to explore the internal damage within the patient. His face was a picture of intense focus—and it grew increasingly grim as the minutes ticked by. Watching him, Sima Geon and Cheol Woo both looked equally concerned.

After more than fifteen minutes of careful observation, a drained Hwang Jo finally left the room.

Once they reached the open courtyard, he immediately stripped off the gloves.

He took a massive lungful of air, finally ending his long silence.

After taking a moment to catch his breath and calm himself, Hwang Jo looked toward Sima Geon.

“Based on the pulse, the situation is even more dire than I h— Aaaagh!”

A sudden, sharp yell escaped Hwang Jo as he scrambled to the side.

A massive, dark shape—the Black Wolf—was moving toward him.

“A-a wolf! Help me…!”

Standing face-to-face with the Black Wolf, Hwang Jo shook with sheer fright.

“Get back.”

Responding to Sima Geon’s command, the Black Wolf immediately turned away from the cowering physician.

“My goodness, Doctor. Your nerves are a bit more fragile than I expected.”

Cheol Woo gave a chuckle as he helped Hwang Jo back to his feet.

“It’s not my nerves! Anyone would be terrified if a giant wolf suddenly appeared in front of them!”

Still fearful that the Black Wolf might return, Hwang Jo positioned himself behind Cheol Woo.

“Hey, I gave orders to move the Black Wolf so the physician wouldn’t be startled.”

Cheol Woo barked at his brothers, who were standing around awkwardly.

However, they felt the criticism was unfair.

Even Gwa Yu, who had managed the feat of feeding the creature, hadn’t yet found the courage to get close to the Black Wolf. Thunderbolt had taken the animal out for a short time but had come back inside, using a trip to the latrine as his excuse.

The sight of the Black Wolf prowling the yard had effectively paralyzed everyone. Sima Ho had actually locked himself in a room. None of them had been thinking about the physician’s reaction.

“What’s going on?”

Thunderbolt walked up, adjusting his clothing.

“The doctor was nearly scared to death by the Black Wolf. That’s why I told you to take him away from here.”

“I had an urgent matter. My apologies, Doctor.”

Thunderbolt offered a bow to Hwang Jo.

“N-no, I am alright now. But I have truly never seen a wolf of that magnitude.”

As the initial terror faded, Hwang Jo’s fear was replaced by a sense of wonder. Aside from its terrifying size, the wolf’s silver-tinted fur gave it a supernatural aura.

“Physician.”

Sima Geon spoke up.

“Yes?”

“Please, take a seat. We need your full report.”

“Ah! My apologies.”

Hwang Jo took the seat provided, looking slightly sheepish.

“What is the verdict?”

“It is much more severe than I was led to believe. It isn’t just a matter of the internal organs, but…”

Sima Geon, wanting the final conclusion, spoke over him.

“Is there a cure?”

“It is impossible.”

Hwang Jo shook his head without a second thought.

“Even for those at the Living Immortal Medical House?”

Sima Geon pushed for more. His inward anxiety was hidden, but it was intense.

Hwang Jo knit his brows, lost in thought for a long period before letting out a tired sigh and shaking his head.

“To be honest, I cannot say for certain. The patient’s state doesn’t seem like something that can be addressed by simple acupuncture or medicine. However, at the main house, there are masters of medicine far beyond my skill—perhaps they could find a solution.”

It was a non-committal answer—somewhere between hope and hopelessness.

It was the type of vague response anyone could give. However, Sima Geon didn’t argue. He understood that Hwang Jo was providing the most honest assessment he could give.

“What is our next move?”

Cheol Woo asked, his face etched with concern.

“I don’t have an answer yet.”

Sima Geon had no immediate solution.

“But one thing is certain.”

“What is that?”

In response to Sima Geon’s question, Cheol Woo’s aura became incredibly sharp and aggressive.

“The Heavenly Demon Cult and Ten Thousand Poisons Valley! We aren’t going to let those bastards walk away from this.”

Awooooo!

As if it understood the gravity of Cheol Woo’s vow, the Black Wolf let out a piercing, resonant howl.