Myst, Might, Mayhem

Chapter 222 – Mixed-blooded (3)

“Just because I’ve cleanly accepted my defeat doesn’t mean I have an obligation to tell you everything about myself. So kill me.”

“Is that so? That’s quite a shame. I was curious as to why you have something like a bug in your stomach.”

‘!?’

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard’s eyes widened.

‘How does he know about that?’

This was something even his master didn’t know.

How much had he been manipulated by that fellow because of this, unable to say anything even to his master?

Even if he wanted to speak, he couldn’t do anything because of the thing in his stomach.

That was because there was a prohibition that prevented him from even mentioning it.

‘How did he find out?’

Even if he wanted to tell someone about this fact, he couldn’t do anything due to the prohibition.

The moment he mentioned it even slightly with his own mouth, the thing in his stomach would destroy his danjeon, and on top of that, it would drive him to his death.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un, who had been observing him intently, spoke.

“It seems I’m right.”

“…”

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard couldn’t give any answer to Mok Gyeong-un’s words.

He didn’t know if saying yes or no would be a problem, but even a slight mistake could lead to his danjeon being destroyed, so he had to be cautious.

He hoped this person would dig deeper into this matter.

“Hmm.”

“…”

“Your expression looks like you’re desperate to say something but forcibly holding back.”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard’s face brightened.

“It seems I’m right?”

He was truly a clever fellow.

Although he despised showing his face to others, at this moment, it seemed he needed to make the most of his expressions.

-Judging by his reaction, it really seems to be the case.

Cheong-ryeong said to Mok Gyeong-un.

Mok Gyeong-un nodded and replied through voice transmission.

-It appears so.

-To think there’s a bug inside his body…

-It seems to be a real Poison Gu.

-A real Poison Gu?

The method of creating a Poison Gu is extremely vicious.

Dozens or hundreds of poisonous creatures are put into a jar, and the lid is not opened until only one survives.

The worst one that survives is called a Poison Gu.

When Mok Gyeong-un said it was a real Poison Gu, he meant a proper venomous insect, similar to Gyuso Hwa, born by trapping the vengeful spirits of Corpse Blood Valley and having them devour each other, rather than a methodical issue.

Of course, Cheong-ryeong also understood Mok Gyeong-un’s words correctly.

-Then, is there really a Poison Gu inside this Western Region fellow’s stomach?

-Yes. It’s definitely there.

It was clearly visible to Mok Gyeong-un’s right eye, which had opened the power of the Third Eye.

Of course, he hadn’t realized this from the beginning.

He had opened the power of the Third Eye to observe the breathing technique of the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard’s lightness skill, but he discovered another qi condensed in his stomach.

A Poison Gu, which feeds on blood and qi within the body, was a living being, so it possessed a distinctly different qi compared to ordinary insects.

-It’s surprising. To think there was someone who could actually handle a Poison Gu.

-That’s right. I’ve heard from Grandfather and read about it in the Southern Barbarian Poison Book, but this is my first time seeing one actually inside a person’s body.

Interest flashed in Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes.

His interest was exceptional when it came to poisons and medicinal ingredients, as he was knowledgeable about them.

Especially if it was a poison he had only read about in books and had never seen in person, his interest was even greater.

-Should a Poison Gu, which is a type of poison, be considered an addiction?

-It can be considered an addiction. However, I’ve heard that a Poison Gu is closer to a means of restraining others rather than just serving as a poison.

-A means of restraint?

-Yes. This type of Poison Gu implanted inside the body doesn’t come as a single one but as a pair.

-A pair?

As he was puzzled, Mok Gyeong-un spoke to the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard.

“Even if you’re under a prohibition, nodding or shaking your head won’t cause a major problem, so stop making expressions.”

“…”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard frowned, feeling embarrassed.

Paying no heed to his reaction, Mok Gyeong-un continued.

“Is it a Poison Gu?”

‘Ah!’

At that question, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard nodded with trembling eyes.

He had never been able to tell anyone, but he never dreamed that someone would appear who could accurately identify the existence of this Poison Gu inside his body.

Seeing his brightened expression, Mok Gyeong-un continued.

“It’s unlikely that you would put something like this inside your body voluntarily, so someone must have forcibly inserted it, right?”

“…”

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard nodded at that question.

“Then, regardless of your own will, you’re following the orders of the one who put the Poison Gu inside you?”

“…”

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard nodded.

Mok Gyeong-un, who had been staring intently at him, became lost in thought for a moment and then asked.

“Is it someone inside the imperial palace?”

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard nodded.

It was like playing twenty questions, but so far, there were no “no” answers.

“Is it someone in a high position?”

The Embroidered Uniform Guards nodded at that question.

“I see. Well, to be honest, I’m not particularly interested in who did it, so let’s end it at this point. Rather, this question would be better.”

“…”

“Do you want to get rid of the Poison Gu?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s question, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard nodded without a moment’s hesitation.

It went without saying that he wanted to get rid of it.

Could it be that this person knew a way?

He stared intently at Mok Gyeong-un with desperate eyes, and Mok Gyeong-un smiled and said.

“That’s good.”

With those words, Mok Gyeong-un untied the black cloth covering his face.

Surprised by his sudden action, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard couldn’t help but be inwardly astonished.

‘What?’

Although his voice sounded somewhat young, he thought that someone with the martial prowess to create a peerless sword technique would have a certain age.

However, this face didn’t look like he had even reached his twenties.

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard asked with an absurd expression.

“You… don’t tell me you’re not even in your twenties?”

“No. I’ll be eighteen soon, but for now, I’m still seventeen.”

“Ha!”

It was unbelievable.

He was only seventeen years old?

Was he saying that he had been overwhelmed in martial arts by such a young fellow?

He was at a loss for words.

As he looked at Mok Gyeong-un, who was younger than he expected, with bewilderment, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard suddenly had a question.

Why did this fellow reveal his face?

As he was puzzled, Mok Gyeong-un spoke.

“I’ll give you a choice.”

“A choice?”

“Yes. Even if you die here, you probably won’t feel particularly wronged since you’ve already accepted death, but should I say I’m giving you an opportunity?”

“Giving me an opportunity? What on earth are you talking about?”

“It’s simple. If you help me with what I’m trying to do, I’ll help you remove the Poison Gu from your body.”

‘!?’

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard momentarily hesitated.

This fellow was literally proposing a deal to him.

‘He said he would help me remove the Poison Gu?’

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard’s mind became complicated in an instant.

He couldn’t do anything, not even tell his master the truth because of the Poison Gu.

However, if he could just remove this, the situation would change.

Wasn’t this the moment he had longed for?

However…

‘What if it’s a lie?’

In the first place, this proposal itself was no different from blackmailing him by holding his weakness.

Moreover, what if this fellow’s words were false?

Could he really remove the Poison Gu?

‘…That fellow said even Hwata or Pyeonjak couldn’t remove the Poison Gu.’

So how could this fellow eliminate it?

His mind gradually filled with doubts.

Mok Gyeong-un then spoke to him.

“You’re suspicious, aren’t you?”

“…Do you think I can trust your words as they are?”

“The Poison Gu attached inside the body isn’t a single one but a pair. There’s a parasitic type in the host’s body and a commanding type that controls it. The parasitic type is thoroughly controlled by this commanding type, and if it tries to cause harm, it will harm the host itself. Am I wrong?”

At these words, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard’s eyes trembled.

It was too accurate to deny.

It was almost the same as what that fellow had said.

[Don’t act rashly. I’m warning you in advance, as long as the commanding type is with the headquarters, you must faithfully follow the headquarters’ orders.]

-Gnash!

Just recalling it made his teeth grind.

But what was this fellow’s true identity?

Not only did he possess monstrous martial talent befitting a Grand Master despite not even being in his twenties, but he was also quite knowledgeable about poisons?

“You…”

“You’re willing to die anyway, so it’s ridiculous to hesitate when given such an opportunity. Let me help you make that choice quickly.”

“What?”

“Count to five precisely.”

-Grip!

With those words, the blade of the Evil Commandment Sword pressed against the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard’s neck.

With an ordinary sword, it wouldn’t cut or slice unless it was drawn, but just by touching the blade, it stung, and blood flowed.

It didn’t seem like an ordinary sword.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un began counting.

“One.”

“Wait a moment!”

“Two.”

He had no intention of listening.

Moreover, he was counting at an extremely fast pace.

“Three.”

In an instant, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard became even more conflicted.

If he didn’t accept this fellow’s proposal, he would lose his life here.

No, come to think of it, he was already in danger of dying at this fellow’s hands.

It was just that one more path had opened up.

“Four.”

Now there was only one number left.

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard, grasping his head that felt like it would explode, spoke to Mok Gyeong-un, who was about to open his mouth.

“I’ll do it.”

-Swish! Sreung!

As soon as he finished speaking, Mok Gyeong-un removed the sword from his neck and sheathed it into the scabbard.

Cold sweat beaded on the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard’s forehead.

In a brief moment, he had been consumed by countless worries as if time had stopped.

However, he concluded that if he was going to die anyway, he might as well take a risk.

Mok Gyeong-un smiled and said to him.

“It was much easier to choose, wasn’t it?”

‘Ha! Easy?’

It was unbelievable.

What was easy about putting his life on the line?

The young fellow was more vicious than he looked. However, there was no point in arguing about it.

Taking a deep breath, he asked.

“…So what is this task?”

At this question, Mok Gyeong-un approached Song-ah, the daughter of the Hong Bong Meat craftsman, who had been watching them with a confused expression.

Startled by Mok Gyeong-un suddenly approaching her, she asked.

“Wh-Why are you doing this?”

“Just close your ears for a moment.”

“Pardon?”

-Tatatap!

Mok Gyeong-un quickly pressed her acupuncture points.

However, she didn’t particularly faint or anything.

Mok Gyeong-un said something to her.

“Huh? The s-sound?”

But she couldn’t hear Mok Gyeong-un’s voice.

Seeing her bewildered expression, Mok Gyeong-un smiled brightly, gestured for her to wait a moment, and approached the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard, saying.

“As a Thousand-men Commander, you hold a senior 5th-rank official position, so you must have a fairly high rank within the Embroidered Uniform Guards, right?”

“It’s a mid-level executive position. It’s not a position with decision-making authority over anything.”

“You shouldn’t try to downplay it from the start. I haven’t even properly made the proposal yet.”

“…”

As he fell silent, Mok Gyeong-un continued.

“Then, let’s start with the most difficult proposal first.”

“The most difficult?”

“Yes. I’d like you to help someone escape from the underground Golden Jade of the imperial palace. Is that possible?”

‘!?’

As soon as he finished speaking, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard’s eyes widened.

He had expected a troublesome proposal, but something entirely unexpected had come out.

“What are you saying…”

“It’s exactly as you heard. I asked if you could bring out the person I want from the underground Golden Jade of the imperial palace.”

Mok Gyeong-un smirked at him.

Come to think of it, there might be no need for him to go in personally.

If he could manipulate a Embroidered Uniform Guards of the Thousand-men Commander rank, which was a senior 5th-rank position, wouldn’t it suffice to have him go in and bring the person out?

-Not a bad idea.

Cheong-ryeong also agreed with Mok Gyeong-un’s thought.

If there were other options, there was no need to take unnecessary risks.

However…

“Regardless of being accused of treason or whatnot, I cannot fulfill that request.”

“You can’t fulfill it?”

“I don’t know exactly who you’re trying to help escape, but even as an Embroidered Uniform Guard, we don’t handle all affairs within the imperial palace.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“The Embroidered Uniform Guards is divided into six departments, and the tasks vary accordingly.”

“Six departments? Then, what is your task?”

“I belong to the investigation department as part of the Military Selections Department. If someone like me interferes or meddles in the affairs of other departments, I’ll be arrested for overstepping my authority.”

“…That’s quite a troublesome rule.”

Mok Gyeong-un scratched his head.

He thought it would be possible with an Embroidered Uniform Guard of the Thousand-men Commander rank, but it wasn’t going to be resolved easily.

Mok Gyeong-un then said.

“Then, can’t you do it secretly, even if it means overstepping your authority?”

At this question, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard let out a hollow laugh and said.

“Does the imperial palace seem that lax to you? Not only are there experts from the Embroidered Uniform Guards but also from the Eastern Depot and Western Depot. The underground Golden Jade of the imperial palace is guarded by the Golden Jade Horse Troops in addition to the Embroidered Uniform Guards. It’s virtually impossible for me alone to secretly infiltrate such a place and help someone escape.”

It was quite complicated.

Come to think of it, if this could be easily resolved, they would have taken the approach of bribing someone from the Embroidered Uniform Guards in charge of managing the Golden Jade to help with the escape in the first place.

‘Hmm.’

He considered forcing the issue by holding his life as collateral, but if a situation arose where the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard failed the task, it would become even more difficult to carry out the escape.

In that case, his usefulness would be diminished.

Mok Gyeong-un shrugged his shoulders and said.

“Then, there’s no other way. It’s of no help to me at all…”

“If you really intend to enter the underground Golden Jade of the imperial palace, there is one method.”

Before Mok Gyeong-un could finish his sentence, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard spoke.

Mok Gyeong-un asked with a puzzled expression.

“What’s the other method?”

“Entering through the Guard Trials.”

Mok Gyeong-un showed no particular reaction to his words.

That was because it was already part of their plan.

Their primary objective was to infiltrate the underground Golden Jade by becoming a Embroidered Uniform Guards through the Guard Trials.

“That’s already…”

“After completing the Guard Trials, there’s a month-long Embroidered Uniform Guards apprenticeship for the final selection.”

“An Embroidered Uniform Guard apprenticeship?”

This was the first time he heard about it.

Their plan was to carry it out in a completely different way.

That’s why Noble Imperial Concubine Seo’s help was crucial.

At that moment, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard answered Mok Gyeong-un’s question.

“It’s a new addition based on the commander’s opinion. The selected recruits will apprentice at each department of the Six Departments on a five-day rotation for a month.”

“So it’s to gain experience beforehand?”

“Something like that. Here, the Four Departments, which manages the Golden Jade, will also have an apprenticeship.”

“Oh, is that so? Then there will be an opportunity to enter the Golden Jade.”

“No. That’s not the case.”

“What do you mean?”

“The underground Golden Jade of the imperial palace has mechanical traps, and its structure is highly complex and dangerous. Only trained Embroidered Uniform Guards who have memorized the entire Golden Jade Battle Map can enter. Therefore, as far as I know, the plan is to have the apprentices only manage the general Golden Jade in the outer city.”

At his words, Mok Gyeong-un tilted his head and said.

“That means the information you’ve provided won’t be of much help.”

“Listen until the end. Originally, that’s how it was supposed to proceed, but there’s still a short period left until the trials. Within that time, I can help by slightly changing the regulations.”

“Slightly changing the regulations? What do you mean…”

“I’ll try to make it so that the Embroidered Uniform Guards apprentices can also be deployed to the underground Golden Jade.”