Chapter 640: I Feel Like We're the Villains

TL: FoodieMonster007

"Who are those three people?"

Instead of answering Geom Mugeuk's question, So Cheongrak responded with a suspicious gaze of his own.

"This isn't a poison you'd encounter easily, even if you were looking for it."

He stared intently at Geom Mugeuk and asked, "Who are you?"

So Cheongrak's expression made it seem as if he genuinely did not know who Geom Mugeuk was.

Did he truly not know? Or was he only pretending? It was impossible to judge what kind of person he was from his appearance alone.

Geom Mugeuk had told Jin Hagun that they would even know he had met the Chairman. He considered that this So Cheongrak might also know his identity. If he did not, that too would be part of the mastermind's plan. That was how seriously Geom Mugeuk was taking his current opponent.

"I am Geom Yeon of Gansu's Western Blade Sect. That is my older brother."

For now, Geom Mugeuk revealed his identity using the name and sect he always used for his disguises.

"How did he get poisoned?"

Geom Mugeuk answered honestly. "We were drinking tea at a teahouse across the street when my brother suddenly cried out in pain and collapsed."

There would be witnesses who saw him carrying his brother out of that place, so his story would be quickly confirmed.

"But can we really afford to waste time like this? My brother is dying!"

Even at that moment, Geom Muyang was gritting his teeth to endure the agony.

Despite seeing this, So Cheongrak did not seem very rushed. He appeared to know it was not a poison that would kill instantly. Then he spoke the decisive words.

"Endure it. The more it hurts, the more beneficial it will be for you."

From that statement, Geom Mugeuk could tell. So Cheongrak knew exactly what this poison was.

"Ah! To see this poison here. I'd never heard of it being used in this era, so I thought it was a lost poison."

Geom Mugeuk saw an unconcealable passion flash across So Cheongrak's face.

So Cheongrak explained to the physicians who had followed him. "The poison this man has been afflicted with is called the Scorpion Python Poison. It's a poison made by mixing the ground powder of the Eight-Colored Scorpion and the inner core of the Lunar Blood Python."

The Eight-Colored Scorpion was a poisonous centipede known for its eight colors and a length equal to an adult's height. The Lunar Blood Python was a serpent-like spirit beast that lived only in regions overflowing with extreme yin energy.

In other words, this Scorpion Python Poison was created by mixing two spirit beasts that one would be lucky to see even once in a lifetime.

Hearing the explanation, Geom Muyang was inwardly moved.

The Poison King really gave me a precious poison.

The pain had been so great that he had forgotten the Poison King's words about how his poison resistance would strengthen after the treatment. It must have such a powerful effect because it was such a precious substance.

Of course, Geom Muyang knew he had not been poisoned with this because he was well-liked. It was likely due to his relationship with his younger brother.

So Cheongrak's explanation continued. "Once poisoned with the Scorpion Python Poison, one suffers excruciating pain as if being burned by fire for seven days. On the final seventh day, they die feeling the pain of their entire body's blood vessels freezing over."

So Cheongrak, who had been explaining to the physicians, turned his head to look at Geom Mugeuk and remarked, "It's a deadly poison that no antidote in the world can cure."

Geom Mugeuk prostrated himself, grabbing So Cheongrak's leg and begging. "Please save my brother! He's the only brother I have. Please, tell me you're one of those three people!"

At that, So Cheongrak helped Geom Mugeuk to his feet.

"That's right. I am one of those three people."

Geom Mugeuk rejoiced and grabbed his hand. "What a relief! Physician! Thank you. Thank you so much."

So Cheongrak did not resist at all when Geom Mugeuk touched him. Instead, he gripped Geom Mugeuk's hand tightly and said, "In that regard, your brother is a very lucky man. There are only three people in the Central Plains who can detoxify it, and he happened to be poisoned near where one of them is."

At that, Geom Mugeuk released the hand he was holding and took a step back.

"Then does that mean my brother was poisoned because of you, Physician?"

"What? What are you suddenly talking about?"

Not only So Cheongrak, but the physicians behind him also stiffened their expressions. They wore looks that seemed to ask how he dared to speak to So Cheongrak in such a way.

Geom Mugeuk, however, raised his voice. "My brother might have a bad temper and plenty of enemies, but how could he just happen to get hit by such a rare poison? Especially in a teahouse right across from the Myeongsim Clinic! This is a challenge aimed at you, Physician. Someone is asking, 'Can you detoxify this poison!' Isn't that right?"

As Geom Mugeuk pressed him, So Cheongrak could not find a way to refute it.

"Take responsibility. Save my brother! If my brother dies, I'll tell everyone in the world! That you, Physician, let my brother die!"

Lying down, Geom Muyang shook his head despite the pain. He was on the same side, but how could his brother be so shameless?

"Save my brother!"

So Cheongrak was flustered. It was a situation where he would have been justified in getting angry and kicking them out.

"Alright. I'll detoxify him."

So Cheongrak had the physicians who came with him bring medicine, herbs, and treatment tools.

Looking at him now, he seemed like a naive and pure person who must have practiced only medicine his entire life.

Even while acting unreasonable and throwing a tantrum, Geom Mugeuk did not miss a single glance or word from So Cheongrak. He watched how he reacted and spoke.

Where does this confidence come from, to not mind being grabbed by the leg and hand? Are you really an ordinary physician?

A moment later, the physicians brought the medicine, herbs, and vials he had requested.

"This treatment will require a great deal of luck. It's such a difficult detoxification that even a slight mistake in the herbal combination will lead to failure."

So Cheongrak closed his eyes for a moment to organize his thoughts.

He had naturally assumed the antidote would be made in private, after dismissing everyone or going into a room alone.

"Now, listen carefully to what I say from now on."

So Cheongrak began to make the antidote while explaining everything to the physicians.

At this sight, Geom Mugeuk and Geom Muyang looked at each other. His brother, despite his pain, wore a surprised expression, as if this was truly unexpected.

"You said only three people in the world can detoxify this poison, yet you're teaching it to everyone?"

Not only the physicians but also he and his brother were listening, along with the other patients.

The reason So Cheongrak revealed was even more surprising. "It's not a secret recipe for making poison, so what's the point of hoarding the secret to making an antidote? As a physician, what's there to be proud of in being the only one who knows how to detoxify something?"

He then told the physicians, "When it comes to saving people, don't keep your own secret methods. Spread the knowledge far and wide to save even one more life that doesn't need to be lost."

"We will take it to heart!"

The physicians' faces were filled with respect.

He combined the ingredients with great care. Of course, there was a struggle in the process. When the combination did not turn out as he intended, he would be lost in deep thought for a long time.

Geom Mugeuk truly never imagined he would come here and watch him make the antidote. And to think he was even passing on the knowledge to the other physicians.

If the amount was even slightly off, he would start over. If the ingredients were not fresh, he would bring new ones and make it again. If it did not produce the color he had in mind, he would combine them again.

He was so focused that his whole body was soon drenched in sweat. Perhaps because of his large build, he sweated a lot.

After a long effort that lasted four hours, the antidote was finally made.

So Cheongrak took a deep breath and had Geom Muyang take the antidote.

Everyone watched with bated breath.

As the pain subsided, Geom Muyang's face became somewhat more comfortable.

"It's a success."

At that, the other patients there all cheered and applauded.

"The antidote must be taken three times over three days. Come back tomorrow morning."

So Cheongrak was completely drained and staggered as he walked. The physicians supported him by both arms and walked out with him.

Watching his retreating back, Geom Mugeuk looked down at Geom Muyang and said, "Somehow, I feel like we're the villains."

With a face that said he finally felt like he could live, Geom Muyang said in a weak voice, "We are villains."

The next day, So Cheongrak again meticulously prepared the medicine.

It actually took even longer than the first day.

He would ask the physicians questions and even had them do the mixing themselves at times. He was truly sincere about educating his junior physicians.

"You should make it yourself! What do those people know!"

It was no use even when Geom Mugeuk shouted.

"It's fine, they're making it exactly as I instruct."

"What do you mean it's fine? Can't you see their hands are shaking?"

Despite Geom Mugeuk's protests, he did not give up on having his junior physicians do it.

"Who are the other two people you said could make the antidote?"

At that, So Cheongrak had them pause the mixing and looked at Geom Mugeuk.

"Of course, the Divine Physician of the Murim Alliance must be one of them, right?"

Even though he knew it was not the case, he casually mentioned him, and So Cheongrak shook his head.

"In terms of medical skill alone, no one can match the Divine Physician of the Murim Alliance or the Demonic Physician of the Demonic Cult. However, just because one's medical skill is the best doesn't mean they are the best at detoxifying poisons. That's a separate matter."

Then, a name that was very welcome to Geom Mugeuk's ears came out. "There is someone called the Insect Physician. She is a person who treats illnesses using poisonous insects. She would certainly be able to cure this poison."

Right, how could she, the one who gave me Myriad Poison Immunity, not be on the list?

If his brother had truly been hit with a deadly poison and the situation was urgent, he would have carried him on his back and run to her using the Swift Step.

Insect Physician! Are you doing well?

He wondered if Pyo Jigwang, who became her disciple, was massaging her shoulders well.

"Who is the other person?"

After a brief pause, he spoke. He was much more cautious than when he had mentioned the Insect Physician.

"The Poison King of the Demonic Cult."

Geom Mugeuk carefully observed his expression and words when he mentioned the Poison King.

"Do you know about the Poison King?"

"I've never seen him. But I have heard of his reputation."

"What kind of person is the Poison King?"

As if he did not even want to think about it, he once again instructed the physicians on the mixing.

"If you keep this up, I'm going to carry my brother and go to the Insect Physician. Where does she live? Do you think I can't find my way to the Demonic Cult?"

But it was no use.

And so, the second day's antidote, made by So Cheongrak and his junior physicians, was completed.

He confidently had Geom Muyang take the completed antidote.

At that, his complexion improved even more than yesterday.

"A success."

Geom Mugeuk was relieved.

"I'm sorry for shouting earlier for no reason."

"It's alright."

"Tomorrow, I'll make it. With that patient over there with the broken arm."

At that joke, So Cheongrak laughed brightly. With the addition of his smile, he looked like a genuinely good person. So much so that Geom Mugeuk felt sorry for doubting him.

"I'll say it again, your brother is a very lucky man."

Geom Mugeuk's gaze turned to his brother.

"I always thought my brother was a very unlucky person."

How could a man who was pushed out of the line of succession for the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult because of his younger brother be a lucky person?

Just then, Geom Muyang said softly, "I think I'm lucky too."

Other people would think he was saying this because he met So Cheongrak.

But Geom Muyang's answer held a different meaning.

Having a younger brother like you is also lucky.

Because even after losing that succession battle, I did not die and am still alive like this. Given my personality, I would not have felt like I was truly living even if I survived, but you made it so I did not feel too resentful, having lost to such a formidable opponent.

"Well then, I'll see you for the final treatment tomorrow."

That day too, Geom Mugeuk wandered around the Myeongsim Clinic, observing the place.

The patients were frantic with pain, and the physicians were frantic with work. So Cheongrak was busy, and the other physicians were busy too. Patients poured in endlessly. On the crossroads of life and death, there was no room for suspicion to creep in.

He looked all over, but he could not find anything suspicious. The only suspicious person in this Myeongsim Clinic was himself.

"Are you feeling okay?"

At Geom Mugeuk's question, Geom Muyang nodded. The pain that felt like his whole body was on fire had vanished without a trace. He was completely cured after taking the third and final antidote.

So Cheongrak had not made a single mistake for three days.

"You truly are a divine physician!"

As Geom Mugeuk exclaimed in admiration, So Cheongrak smiled.

Geom Muyang also expressed his gratitude to him. "Thank you so much. How can I ever repay this kindness?"

Then Geom Mugeuk said from the side, "What are you asking for? You should pay with money. How much is the treatment fee?"

Considering the poison, he thought whatever price So Cheongrak named would be it.

"Just go. I'm the one who should be grateful for giving me the opportunity to detoxify such a rare poison."

So Cheongrak patted Geom Mugeuk's shoulder. "I was genuinely moved by how much you care for your brother. Continue to live well."

After giving them a bright smile, So Cheongrak turned away.

On the first day, a large-bodied physician had walked over, but now, a divine immortal was walking away.

Geom Mugeuk and Geom Muyang left the Myeongsim Clinic and started walking toward their residence.

"It seems we were wrong about So Cheongrak."

He was truly a divine physician sent from the heavens. If it had been a different poison and not the Scorpion Python Poison, they would have truly suffered for three days for nothing. However, thanks to the effects of the Scorpion Python Poison, he had gained a strong resistance to poison.

Just then, unexpected words came from Geom Mugeuk's mouth.

"That man is definitely a poison arts user."

Sensing he was not joking, Geom Muyang stopped walking.

On the first day, he was too out of it from the pain, but even then, he had carefully watched and listened to So Cheongrak. In his judgment, there was nothing to be suspicious about. If anything, that in itself was suspicious.

But he's definitely a poison arts user? For what reason?

Geom Mugeuk calmly stated his reasons. "When he confirmed that the poison you were afflicted with was the Scorpion Python Poison, he was genuinely happy. That joy was clearly not that of a physician, but of a poison arts master."

Geom Muyang nodded, but he felt that could not be proof that he was a poisoner.

"He's famous for detoxification, so couldn't he have been happy about a rare poison?"

When Geom Muyang spoke cautiously, Geom Mugeuk presented another piece of evidence. "Remember what he said on the first day? He said he thought the Scorpion Python Poison was a lost art because it hadn't appeared in this era. Describing a poison as a 'lost art' is something users of poison arts would say."

Geom Muyang tilted his head. "He's very interested in poisons, so he might talk like that."

That was not the only thing Geom Mugeuk was suspicious about.

"He explained the poison in such detail, so why didn't he mention that one thing?"

"What thing?"

"The people who can administer this poison. If he said, 'There are only three people who can detoxify it!' then it would have been natural to also say who could administer it."

This time, Geom Muyang also nodded. "He didn't say it because he already knew who it was?"

This speculation was plausible. However, all three points were just circumstantial evidence, not concrete proof.

"Aren't you just seeing him as more suspicious because you've already concluded he's the mastermind?"

"No, it's definitely him."

For the first time, Geom Muyang felt like he was seeing a flaw in his younger brother. It felt like he was trying to force his argument by fitting the pieces together somehow.

So you had this side to you too.

He did not dislike it. Until now, he had only shown a disgustingly perfect side. Right, there needs to be a gap like this for me to help.

As they were walking, Geom Mugeuk spoke as if something had just occurred to him. "Oh, there was one more thing."

"What is it?"

You don't have to pretend to be this perfect for me.

"When he patted my shoulder as we were leaving…"

Geom Muyang thought it would be another circumstantial suspicion, but shocking words came from his younger brother's mouth.

"He poisoned me."

After a moment of stunned silence, Geom Muyang roared. "You should have said that first!"