Chapter 32 – Natural Enemy (1)

The warriors stood in formation at the entrance of the Nine Progress Gate, as instructed by the family head.

These were warriors I had never seen before since I came to the Sichuan Tang Family.

They were here because the Beggar’s Gang, a union of beggars, had sold us information about the whereabouts of those who had sold information to us and fled.

Their location was said to be Yeongcheon Province, the capital of this nation.

It seemed they had fled to a crowded place to hide.

Even in my previous life, the best hiding spots for people were always places bustling with crowds, like Seoul.

It appeared they had used their heads more than I thought.

But what good was intelligence if it couldn’t change their fate?

On our side was the most psychotic family in all of murim. The odds were not in their favor.

There was no way they could escape their predestined deaths.

This was evident in the way the Tang Family warriors’ eyes turned menacing the moment their location was identified.

Until the very moment of departure, the family was filled with an atmosphere akin to ferocious predators growling before a hunt, and today was the day of the send-off ceremony.

“Then I’ll be off now. Take care of yourself, son-in-law.”

“Yes, Father-in-law. Please be careful.”

“What do I have to be careful about? Those bastards are the ones who need to worry. Hahaha! Don’t concern yourself.”

“Y-Yes, of course. Haha… ha…”

That much was already a foregone conclusion we all understood.

As I awkwardly laughed, my father-in-law turned toward the warriors and shouted.

“I will deliver one hundred punishments and one hundred warnings to the scoundrels who dared disgrace the Tang Family! Let’s go!”

“Yes, Family Head!”

With the family head’s cry, the warriors charged out through the Nine Progress Gate.

The large white castor bean leaf pattern on their backs caught my eye.

If the ordinary Tang warriors I had seen in the family manor typically symbolized poison with their green attire and embroidered castor bean leaf resembling a maple leaf on their chests, the warriors following the family head wore striking black martial arts uniforms with a large white castor bean leaf that covered their entire backs.

Another distinctive feature was their unusually clear eyes.

They looked like the eyes of madmen, radiating an unhinged clarity.

Even in my previous life, elders used to say to beware of people with such eyes. These people definitely didn’t give off a normal vibe. Watching their backs recede into the distance, I asked nunim about their identity.

“So, Miss Hwa-eun, who are those people? I’ve never seen them since I came here.”

“Oh, they’re the ones who handle the more… rough tasks.”

“Rough tasks?”

“Yes, they mostly specialize in erasing people. That’s why we call them the Poison Extermination Squad.”

‘That’s not “a little rough” at all…’

It turned out that the warriors my father-in-law had taken with him belonged to the Poison Extermination Squad.

The squad specialized in certain “rough tasks”, as nunim described, within the Sichuan Tang Family, an infamous assassination clan in the Central Plains.

‘That’s not just rough… and they’re erasing people, not words mistakenly written in pencil…’

Hearing nunim nonchalantly use the phrase “erasing people”, as if she were talking about correcting a mistake, sent cold sweat dripping down my back.

Once again, I found myself overwhelmed by the true nature of the Tang Family, to the point where my guts shrank to the size of a pea.

Though nunim was so stunningly beautiful that I often dreamed of naming my child Yang Guifei after her… (TL: Yang Guifei is known as one of the Four Beauties of ancient China.)

The Tang Family… I still hadn’t fully adapted to this place. And nunim’s casual words were always so bloodthirsty.

‘Family… that seems like a very dangerous thing to say?’

***

Several days passed after my father-in-law’s departure, and my period of rest came to an end. Training resumed.

As always, the first training to resume was internal energy training.

Today marked the beginning of my practice in a new mental cultivation technique known for its efficiency.

However, there was a problem right from the start.

Learning the intricate names and meanings of the dantian’s components turned out to be an incredibly complicated affair.

Not only were the names complex, but their meanings were intertwined with concepts like taiji and eight trigrams, which made my head spin.

For someone like me, who had absolutely no prior knowledge in this field, it was impossible to absorb all this information in such a short amount of time.

What was all this talk about the combination of eight trigrams and yin-yang, or internal observation and whatnot?

However, since it was essential knowledge, I had been learning bit by bit from nunim and grandfather, but a sudden surge in my internal energy caused an issue.

Originally, I was supposed to slowly accumulate proficiency in Five Poisons Returning to Origin Technique while simultaneously completing my theoretical studies.

Once I mastered Five Poisons Returning to Origin Technique, I was supposed to naturally transition into Ten Poisons Returning to Origin Technique. However, before I could even accumulate proficiency, all of my internal energy had already gathered.

This left me in an awkward position where my internal energy exceeded my level of theoretical knowledge.

Because I hadn’t yet fully learned about the dantian and meridians in the human body, my lack of understanding made it impossible for me to fully comprehend grandfather’s explanations. In the end, I had no choice but to rely on a shortcut again.

The shortcut involved having Grandfather, the Man of Ten Thousand Poisons, infuse me with true qi, just as he had when I learned Five Poisons Returning to Origin Technique.

Grandfather would directly inject energy into my body, manipulate it internally, and I would memorize and replicate the process.

Even though I lacked natural talent, considering the future, achieving enlightenment was critical. Ideally, I should learn both theory and practical application comprehensively and enter the new technique on my own. But given the circumstances, it couldn’t be helped.

I had an overflow of internal energy that I needed to manage, and I needed to switch to a more efficient internal energy cultivation technique to utilize it.

“Pay close attention to what I guide you through. If the Five Poisons Returning to Origin Technique channels the energy in your body from left to right and absorbs it back into your dantian, then the Ten Poisons Returning to Origin Technique creates two simultaneous flows within that process.”

“One flows from left to right, and the other from right to left?”

“What nonsense are you talking about?! Internal energy must always flow from left to right. If it flows from right to left, it becomes reverse circulation and disaster strikes!”

“Reverse circulation?””

“That’s something only those wicked unorthodox sects and evil practitioners are interested in. Don’t concern yourself with it.”

“Yes, so you’re saying the two flows rotate in the same direction?”

“Exactly. Both flows rotate from left to right, and the circulating energy is then absorbed back into the dantian.”

‘So basically, if Five Poisons Returning to Origin Technique is like a single-flow engine, then Ten Poisons Returning to Origin Technique is a dual-core system, like having a two-engine setup?’

I immediately grasped what Grandfather meant and began dividing my body in half mentally, visualizing two flows rotating within me as I mimicked the energy manipulation guided by Grandfather.

Before long, the slightly awkward sensation in my energy disappeared, and the two flows began circulating slowly, feeding off each other like a self-sustaining loop.

It felt as if a single, slow, and massive flow had transformed into two faster and more intense currents within a larger wave.

As I successfully followed his guidance, I heard Grandfather’s praise in my ear.

“Yes, that’s it. You’re doing well. You’ve grasped this even faster than Five Poisons Returning to Origin Technique.”

When I first learned Five Poisons Returning to Origin Technique, it took me nearly half a day to get the hang of it. This time, I succeeded after only two or three attempts.

After completing the Greater Circulation, I expressed my gratitude to Grandfather for his help.

“It’s all thanks to your guidance, Grandfather.”

“Haha, you rascal.”

According to nunim, proper etiquette was the most important thing when learning martial arts.

Recalling her advice about maintaining manners even in the practice of lethal techniques, I made sure to thank him, and Grandfather smiled warmly, clearly pleased.

‘Good thing I did that.’

With that, my initiation into Ten Poisons Returning to Origin Technique was complete. Grandfather handed me a throwing dagger and said.

“Now, try using your internal energy to throw it. You’ll feel a completely different sensation compared to when you used Five Poisons Returning to Origin Technique.”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

Receiving the throwing dagger from him, I began channeling my internal energy using Ten Poisons Returning to Origin Technique, circulating it throughout my body.

This overwhelming power, unleashed by the dual-core energy engine!

Having transcended the limitations of the crude Five Poisons Technique, my new cultivation method surged through my entire body like an unstoppable torrent.

As my body brimmed with this energy, I followed the steps I had been taught and hurled the dagger at the scarecrow.

-Ssshing!

The speed was incomparable to that of Five Poisons Returning to Origin Technique.

The dagger pierced through the scarecrow, flew past it, and struck the stone wall behind, ricocheting off with a loud clang.

-Clang!

The sight left me speechless in awe, and an exclamation naturally escaped my lips.

“Ohhh!”

‘Amazing!’

When I looked at my hands with an astonished expression, Grandfather, the Man of Ten Thousand Poisons, smiled and asked.

“How is it? That’s the difference between Ten Poisons Returning to Origin Technique and Five Poisons Returning to Origin Technique. You’ll also have greater resistance to most poisons. To elaborate, this technique allows you to accept poisons more…”

“This is Ten Poisons Returning to Origin Technique…”

I thought it would be twice as powerful as Five Poisons Returning to Origin Technique, but this wasn’t just double, it felt closer to four times stronger.

As Grandfather finished his explanation and I marveled at my newfound prowess, he continued speaking.

“From now on, you’ll begin learning advanced techniques like movement arts, palm techniques, and fist techniques. Since you’ve entered the Ten Poisons Returning to Origin Technique, you’ll now be able to infuse weapons with qi or even project it.”

Even though I didn’t know much about martial arts, I was, of course, familiar with things like palm strikes or the Instant Movement Technique from Shaolin Temple. The mention of projecting qi made me so excited that I was already looking forward to tomorrow’s training.

Palm strike!

Wasn’t that every man’s fantasy?

For that reason, I couldn’t hold back and immediately suggested to Grandfather that we start learning it today.

After all, there’s a saying: “Strike while the iron is hot.”

“Well, why not start right now…”

“Haha, you impatient brat. If you rush everything, you’ll only get indigestion. Your body still needs time to adjust to the new cultivation method. Wait a bit longer. If you’re bored, practice throwing daggers some more. I’m going to read a book.”

Grandfather dismissed my request with a laugh, pulled out a book from his robe, and started flipping through it.

The book had a red paper cover tied with a yellow string. When I glanced at it curiously, Grandfather’s expression turned serious as he spoke.

“You seem curious, but don’t even think about taking an interest in this.”

“What is it, exactly, that I shouldn’t be interested in?”

“It’s a copy of the Blood Water Poisonous Claws manual. I’m reviewing it to understand the martial principles contained within. There’s nothing beneficial for you in this.”

Apparently, it was a copy of a demonic art manual that Grandfather had obtained from Haenam Island. He was examining it to extract any valuable knowledge while discarding anything dangerous, just as my father-in-law had done before.

At that moment,

Nunim suddenly appeared, giving me an odd sense of déjà vu.

“Grandfather! You must come to the Family Head’s Hall immediately!”

Looking toward the entrance of the second training courtyard used exclusively by Grandfather and the Tang Family’s direct descendants, I saw Nunim gripping the doorframe with an urgent expression as she called out to us.

“Why the Family Head’s Hall? Since your father isn’t here, your mother should handle any trivial matters.”

Grandfather asked why he was being summoned when the mother-in-law could handle the matter in the absence of the father-in-law.

In response, Nunim spoke again in an even more urgent voice.

“Someone from the Sichuan Magistrate’s family has arrived.”

“Someone from the Sichuan Magistrate’s family?”

“The Sichuan Magistrate?”

The Sichuan Magistrate, one of my VIP customers for the erectile dysfunction medicine I had crafted.

At her words, Grandfather and I exchanged glances, wondering why someone from the Magistrate’s family would be here.

As if embarrassed, Nunim blushed and hesitantly explained.

“Well… it seems the Sichuan Magistrate recently brought in a new concubine, and… he took much more of the medicine than we advised. Now he’s teetering on the brink of death…”

“What?!?”

‘Oh, for crying out loud…’

Despite all the detailed instructions we gave him, he still managed to mess things up.

Grandfather’s face turned alarmed as he rushed to the Family Head’s Hall. Eventually, we learned that one of the Tang elders in Chengdu was already working to slow down the Magistrate’s poisoning, but Grandfather, the Man of Ten Thousand Poisons, had no choice but to personally intervene to treat the Magistrate.

If the Magistrate died like this, his family might end up blaming us for his death.

Even though it wasn’t our fault, you couldn’t trust high-ranking individuals to be reasonable about such matters.

After all, VIP customers tend to have this peculiar habit of blaming the manufacturer for their own mistakes.

‘I really hope this doesn’t turn into a huge problem for me…’

I was worried that they might hold me accountable for something, but unexpectedly, the Tang Family, despite its ruthless reputation, displayed a strong sense of loyalty.

Seeing my pale face, Grandfather, the Man of Ten Thousand Poisons, patted me on the shoulder and said,

“Don’t worry, Soryong. What you did was done under the name of the Tang Family. You’re one of us now, and the family will take responsibility.”

“Ah, understood.”

Hearing about the Tang Family’s loyalty eased my mind a little, allowing me to shed some of the lingering anxiety. Once the preparations were complete, Grandfather, much like my father-in-law, departed through the Nine Progress Gate.

“I’ll take care of this matter quickly, so I leave the family in your hands.”

“Yes, father, don’t worry and have a safe trip.””

“Soryong, you’re the only man left in the house so you must protect the women.”

His words, spoken as if he were being deployed to a battlefield instead of going to treat an old man with… a rather embarrassing condition, were clearly meant as a heartfelt reminder.

Thinking it was just the excessive concern of an elder, I smiled and responded.

“Of course. Until you return, I will protect Miss Hwa-eun and Mother-in-law.”

“Yes, that’s the spirit. Ah, and regarding your training, Hwa-eun will assist you, so you can rely on her.”

“Miss Hwa-eun will?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

With that, Grandfather hurriedly set off for Chengdu, where the Sichuan Magistrate resided. Watching his figure disappear into the distance, I turned my head and noticed Nunim standing beside me, smiling.

“Soryong, you’ll have to work hard. I’m going to be strict with you.”

“Of course, Miss Hwa-eun.”

Nunim’s warning that she would teach me strictly made me think that I needed to give it my all. Just as that thought crossed my mind, she continued.

“If you work hard, I’ll teach you not only movement arts and palm techniques, but also how to use the Tang Family’s whip.”

“Whip?”

“Yes. I’m probably the best whip user in the entire Tang Family.”

The whip, huh?

At the mention of Nunim being proficient with the whip, forbidden knowledge from my past life suddenly came to mind, leather, whips, and a certain image of a queen-like…

‘I really don’t like pain, though…’

I couldn’t help but hope that Nunim’s preferences were a bit more… normal.

***

If you find any errors or have suggestions, please feel free to provide feedback.

Thank you for reading!

[Author – 에르훗]

[Translator – bjgoofy]