Chapter 313: The Price
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A moment of silence.
In the deep stillness, Eul Sa-jeok’s eyes wavered.
‘Is… is he serious?’
The mysterious bamboo-hatted man’s words were shocking.
Recover a body whose dantian and even muscle meridians had been damaged?
Was such a thing even possible?
On top of that, he could be developed into a master of the Jianghu?
It was hard to believe readily.
However.
On the other hand, it was an offer that pricked up his ears.
That wasn’t all.
Above all… he had said he would guarantee escape from this prison.
Who was this person?
What kind of person could make such bold claims so easily?
The bamboo-hatted man, seeing Eul Sa-jeok’s half-believing, half-doubting expression, soon added.
“I don’t speak of things that cannot be accomplished. Whether you believe it or not.”
The solemn energy carried in that heavy voice made Eul Sa-jeok’s heart race.
‘That… is genuine.’
Eul Sa-jeok’s instinctive intuition.
The firm statement just now bestowed a strange sense of trust.
He still didn’t know who this man was, but judging from his attitude, these were not carelessly spoken words.
‘Is this an opportunity to change a fate that has fallen into the abyss!’
A distinct glint rose in Eul Sa-jeok’s dark brown pupils.
As if proving the expectation in his heart.
But Eul Sa-jeok forced himself to suppress his emotions.
It was an enticing offer, but he needed to think coolly first.
That was natural.
For if there was something to gain, there was surely something to lose as well.
That’s how worldly matters worked.
It was something he had keenly realized when his body was ruined.
The bamboo-hatted man’s offer couldn’t possibly be unconditional goodwill.
There was clearly something he wanted to obtain in return for what he bestowed.
That part raised questions.
Why me?
Why had he chosen someone expelled from White Peak Sword Sect?
He wasn’t even a famous talent, at that.
So he needed to ask about what should be asked about.
“I have a question.”
“Ask.”
“I’m… just an ordinary talent. And as you can see, my body is ruined. So why… do you insist on breaking me out?”
At that, the bamboo-hatted man wore a meaningful smile.
“Hoot. Yes, that would be what you’re most curious about.”
“If I may be so bold… please answer honestly.”
“Because it seems like it would be fun.”
At the unexpected words, Eul Sa-jeok’s eyes went wide.
“Pardon? F-fun…?”
“Correct. A kind of amusement.”
In that moment, Eul Sa-jeok’s thoughts became complicated.
‘What? Like a game, he says?’
It was difficult to grasp the intentions implied in those words.
At that moment, the smiling bamboo-hatted man spoke again.
“I mean for all of us.”
“I don’t quite… understand what you mean.”
“It’s exactly as I said. It means let’s all have fun and play together with this big toy called the Jianghu.”
Eul Sa-jeok showed a surprised expression.
‘My…!’
He couldn’t help it.
It was an outrageous statement.
To dismiss the Jianghu as a mere big toy…
Yet on another hand, his heartbeat grew even stronger.
That pounding wasn’t just from simple expectation.
It was an emotion difficult to explain in words.
How to put it – a feeling of being scared yet excited.
Anyway, he understood one thing.
Namely, formidable power.
Supreme martial might that could look down upon this vast Jianghu.
Yes, that’s right.
Being able to utter such words without hesitation meant possessing such power.
Whether that was the bamboo-hatted man himself or the organization he belonged to.
Suddenly, one word flashed through Eul Sa-jeok’s mind.
‘An age of chaos…’
Could it be that the bamboo-hatted man’s ultimate goal was the advent of the two-hundred-year cycle age of chaos?
“It seems you’re getting a sense of it.”
The bamboo-hatted man’s voice gave Eul Sa-jeok conviction.
“Ah… you really intend to throw this Jianghu into turmoil…”
“Yes, and I’m trying to include you in that. Conditionally, of course. You must be curious about that too.”
“Yes… indeed. For there is always a price to pay for anything.”
“Right. But I cannot tell you much more. Now it’s up to your choice.”
The bamboo-hatted man, saying this, rummaged through his pocket and showed something he took out.
It was a black-red colored pill.
“What is that…?”
“Now, this is the crossroads of fate. If you consume this, I’ll give you answers to your questions.”
“The price I pay… will probably be quite great, won’t it?”
“Indeed. But the value of a new life will be greater than that. More than you think. Take it.”
Eul Sa-jeok received the pill and swallowed his hesitation.
“Hmm…”
“I’ll give you a moment to think. There’s no pressure since you can refuse.”
“Then… you would kill me, correct?”
“No.”
“…”
“Killing you would only get annoying blood on my hands.”
“No, so you really wouldn’t care even if I refuse…?”
“Of course. Creating trouble by scratching an itch would be foolish. You would just spend your time confined here like usual. After all, you don’t know anything about me anyway.”
“Ah, yes… that’s true. Then please… could you give me just a little advice on my choice?”
“Hmm, better to put it this way. Venom, obsession, maliciousness… that is all I desire. If you choose to consume it here, you’re simultaneously paying the price.”
“…!”
“And.”
The bamboo-hatted man, hands clasped behind his back, continued speaking.
“Don’t forget that the toys I mentioned include White Peak Sword Sect as well.”
At that moment, Eul Sa-jeok sensed something intuitively.
‘Ah!’
One name flashed to mind like lightning.
Cheol Ryu-heun.
That’s right – was it because of that bastard?
The reason the bamboo-hatted man had deliberately sought him out.
Suddenly, past events raced through his mind.
The memory of when he was locked in the storehouse.
-S-senior brother… please hear me out first…
-Shut your mouth.
-…!
-It’s not time to flap your tongue yet.
-…
-Living so long that counting the years becomes meaningless gives you the insight to see through a person’s character. Those like you, blinded by greed and resorting to cunning schemes, typically become cowards in the face of crisis.
Cheol Ryu-heun who had said that showed no mercy.
He had stomped on his already broken shin again to inflict pain, and after receiving the written confession, he had even broken both his hand bones.
The last words that bastard said were unforgettable.
-It’s fine. Bones can reattach.
“Keukkeuk.”
A brief laugh escaped from between Eul Sa-jeok’s twisted lips.
Following that.
KKULGKEOK.
Without any hesitation, he chewed the pill finely and swallowed it.
Seeing that, the bamboo-hatted man showed a satisfied gaze.
“An excellent choice and judgment.”
“Now I hope you’ll tell me everything.”
“I shall. First, that pill contains a special toxin egg.”
At the unexpected words, Eul Sa-jeok flinched.
“What? T-toxin, you say…!”
“No need to be surprised. That toxin will restore your body. Using the innate true energy in your body as nourishment. That’s why I called it a special toxin.”
“Ah…”
“The incubation period for that egg is a fortnight. Though you won’t be able to feel it.”
“Then after that… what happens?”
“The toxin I gave you was recently perfected. When the egg hatches, it will take over the function of your dantian and also repair your ruptured muscles and bones. However…”
Right at that moment, Eul Sa-jeok nodded.
“Now I understand. The price of that efficacy is… my life.”
“Hoo hoo, you’re not slow. Consuming the toxin shortens your lifespan.”
“…”
“But in return, it brings fearsome power.”
“Then… how long can I live?”
“About forty or so.”
“Forty…”
“Now that you hear this, do you feel newly wronged?”
No sooner had the bamboo-hatted man finished his question than Eul Sa-jeok’s eyes gleamed.
“What are you saying… no. I’m quite satisfied. Am I not still young? Hu hu hu.”
Having laughed, his eyes burned even more fiercely.
“At minimum, twenty years guaranteed… if I live as a warrior during that time, I have no regrets.”
“Good – that’s the right mindset.”
“With this power, I want to take revenge on White Peak Sword Sect and Cheol Ryu-heun in the future. That’s why I chose this.”
“I’m sorry, but that matter may not be accomplished.”
“Pardon?”
“Arrangements have already been made.”
“…!”
“Cheol Ryu-heun has currently headed to the Shiwan Mountains. A trap arranged by our side awaits him there. But if he survives and returns, you’ll get that chance.”
Hearing those words, Eul Sa-jeok’s eyes sank deeply.
“It’s quite regrettable, but… I don’t feel bad. Honestly, I hope he survives and returns. I’m sorry for saying so.”
“It’s fine. His life or death is outside my concern. Such is the nature of what we’ve planned.”
“But when you say ‘we,’ do you mean you belong to an organization…”
“Heaven Emperor Society.”
“Heaven Emperor Society…”
“I am Pa Ga-wi, Grand General of Central Heaven Tower under Heaven Emperor Society.”
“Heaven Emperor Society, Central Heaven Tower… both are names I’m hearing for the first time.”
“Indeed, we’ve been thoroughly secretive until now. But before long, the whole world will know of our Society.”
Having thus spoken, Grand General of Central Heaven Tower Pa Ga-wi soon asked with a meaningful smile.
“I’d like to ease that regret of yours – is there anything else you want? Hoot, in commemoration of forming this connection.”
Eul Sa-jeok, having read the hidden meaning, wore a matching smile.
Something suddenly came to his mind.
It was the jailer’s threat.
-How dare a prisoner… hey, don’t raise your voice carelessly. If you keep acting up without knowing your place, I’ll lock you in solitary. Remember that the underground space is another hell.
‘I should repay the debt to that dog bastard.’
Having sneered inwardly, Eul Sa-jeok casually said.
“That jailer from earlier has a daughter.”
“You rascal… you want me to let you play with her as you please?”
“Yes, if I could rape her all night and then kill her… I think I’d feel a bit better.”
“Hoot, I’ll gladly grant it. And is there more?”
“There’s one more thing.”
“Tell me.”
“Please kill the visitor who came earlier. Today, before the sun sets. If possible, all of his family too… as painfully as possible…”
At that, Pa Ga-wi threw back his head and burst into soft laughter.
“Hahahaha, hahahahaha! Excellent, very good. Yes, that’s the attitude of a villain I was looking for. I’ll handle that as well. Anything else?”
“No, there’s nothing more. From now on, I’ll serve you with all my body and heart.”
When Eul Sa-jeok pledged his loyalty, Pa Ga-wi opened the door with the key.
“Let’s leave the remaining talk for later and get out of here.”
Along with those words, Eul Sa-jeok’s body floated up.
Void Grasping.
That was of course Pa Ga-wi’s skill.
Eul Sa-jeok, drawn by the gentle intangible energy, admired inwardly.
‘Indeed… he’s an exceptional warrior.’
Then he cautiously asked Pa Ga-wi.
“What kind of person is the Society Leader at the top…?”
“Our Lord is a transcendent being beyond the mortal world. One like an emperor who rules the heavens. From now on, questions about Our Lord are forbidden. Do not harbor any doubts.”
“Yes… yes. Understood. I’ll keep that in mind.”
When Pa Ga-wi moved his steps, Eul Sa-jeok, drawn by the power of Lifting Objects Through the Void, followed behind.
In the meantime.
SSIK.
Pa Ga-wi thought while wearing a smile that was barely visible.
‘Foolish fellow. Enjoy yourself to your heart’s content now. For if you become a beast of darkness due to the toxin’s influence, your life as a human will be over. That critical side effect must be kept secret. After all, one only needs to feed a dog being raised well… hoot.’
* * *
“Everyone completed it without side effects. Then I’ll be going now.”
Having said that, Cheol Ryu-heun leaped off the darkening ground and mounted Divine Wind’s back.
At his side stood Black Cloud Young Master Hwa-seong of Heaven-Shaking Sword Palace, New Kun Saber Genius On-ga of Giant Roc Saber Gate, and Violent Wolf Blade of Jackal Wolf Blade Sect, who had all achieved Hair Removal and Body Cleansing, lined up together.
But.
Something seemed to be gleaming.
It was none other than Jong-pyeong’s head.
Currently, all his once-lush hair had completely disappeared.
Jong-pyeong, having become bald, made a tearful face and pleaded.
“S-Sect Master Cheol! Isn’t this a side effect? Please fix it! Achieving Hair Removal and Body Cleansing is good, but why am I the only one who turned bald…”
But Cheol Ryu-heun’s reaction was merely bland.
“It’s not my fault. It’s because your Yang energy ran amok excessively. I’m going first. Everyone assemble at the promised place on the designated date.”
As soon as his words ended, Divine Wind soared high into the sky.
KKWANG-!
Jong-pyeong, watching the departing man and horse, shouted.
“What did you say? Keuk! No, what kind of absurd excuse is that! Why is this my fault!”
At that moment, Mun Bin and Gongse Dan-yeong came to his side and spoke in unison.
“Young Master Jong. First calm down, and think only of the advantages. From now on, washing your hair will be easy and convenient, won’t it?”
“That’s right. You just need to splash water a few times and you’ll be done easily. Ah, I’m a bit envious of that. My hair is long so it’s inconvenient.”
Damn it! Shut up! You call that comfort? You two are even worse!