Chapter 1146: I’ve Done As Much As I Could For Now (Part 1)
[I’m going to use elixir/spiritual pill interchangeably]
‘No, what kind of elixir is this....’
There were too many things that didn’t make sense logically.
First of all, how did they create such an elixir? But that was a problem that could be set aside for now. The more important question was why they were being given this elixir in the first place.
‘And that too, an elixir that the Tang Family’s Sogaju evaluated so highly....’
Of course, it was a bit small in size. Generally, an elixir was said to be at least the size of an almond, but the elixir they held in their hands now was the size of a bean.
But so what? Whether it was the size of a bean or a grain of rice, if it was a high-grade elixir, wouldn’t it be normal for a bloody storm to break throughout Kangho if it were released?
Strong martial artists risked their lives in Murim. If there was any way to enhance their martial skills, they would rush to the place where the rumors of elixirs emerged, abandoning everything else. Even though they knew the chance of obtaining an elixir with their skills was slim, they couldn’t give up that small hope.
‘But why distribute such elixirs like this?’
Everyone looked at Chung Myung with faces of disbelief. Instead of dividing the elixir into smaller pieces, wouldn’t there have been enough proper-sized pills for each of the disciples of Mount Hua?
Which sect’s chief would distribute elixirs meant for their disciples to others?
“Is... is it really a spiritual pil?”
So, it was natural to doubt even if you knew.
“Is it... poison?”
“Why would they feed us poison!”
“Because we’ve been sluggish lately, are they trying to make us work harder by feeding us poison? If you don’t want to die, work hard....”
Those who were about to refute that it didn’t make sense looked at Chung Myung with a suspicious look. It was an absurd thing to say, but with that guy, it was possible...
“The Tang Family Chief said it’s an elixir!”
Ah, that’s right.
“Ah, no. It’s the Tang Family. Those nobles eat poison like elixirs, don’t they? Then, isn’t poison also an elixir?”
“Huh?”
As if there was some logic to it, the disciples’ gaze turned back to the Tang Family. Then, Tang Pae protested with a look of injustice.
“No matter what, I can distinguish between poison and elixir! And it’s just a baseless rumor that the Tang Family people eat poison like elixirs!”
“...Really?”
“What about the Heavenly Poison?”
“That’s a different issue! If we could increase our inner strength by eating poison, we would have more inner strength than the Shaolin! We would have beaten up Namgung!”
“No, why are we suddenly...?”
That statement seemed to convince everyone, and they all nodded their heads.
“Then, is this really a spiritual pill...?”
The doubt was resolved, but a bigger question arose.
With bewildered expressions, when they sent looks seeking explanation, Chung Myung casually tilted his chin.
“If you’ve all received it, then eat it.”
“....”
“Don’t bother saving it for later. Eat it all and cultivate when the elders guard you.”
“No....”
Even Beast Palace, with a bewildered face, asked Chung Myung.
“I-Is it really okay to eat this?”
“Then why would I give you something you can’t eat?”
“I didn’t mean that....”
If they had been alone here, regardless of their dignity, they would have swallowed the spiritual pill as soon as they had it in their hands. However, since there were so many in the same situation, it was ambiguous for someone to step forward and eat the spiritual pill first.
“...”
“However... Have a grateful heart for the Lord and the elders of the Mount Hua Sect who collapsed from exhaustion making this pill. That’s a separate matter.”
The Tang Family members nodded with a heavy heart.
“Are you going to do this?”
When Chung Myung asked with clenched teeth, Tang Gunak shrugged.
“What can I say? Should I say it was nothing?”
“Actually, it wasn’t that difficult.”
“You’re making it seem easy. If it’s so easy, aren’t we the fools who can’t even do that simple thing?”
“...”.
“To avoid becoming fools, I have to say something, even if we have to endure blame without making excuses, right?”
“Ugh....”
Chung Myung groaned.
“No, I mean, it’s not that....”
As he absentmindedly turned his head, he suddenly stepped back in surprise. The guys who were dying a moment ago without any vitality were now looking at him with shining eyes, and it was a bit overwhelming.
Flustered, Chung Myung malfunctioned.
“That, uh....”
“Oh, for real.”
At that moment, a savior appeared.
“It’s not like we’re training puppies! Are you going to sit here in front of the spiritual pill and die?”
People’s gaze turned towards the source of the loud voice. In no time, Im Sobyeong sat on the floor with a dejected look, had thrown away his fan and was frowning arrogantly.
“Whether you’re grateful or repay the favor, that’s up to each of you. Well, for those of you who don’t mind being polite, let’s eat now that the order is given. Yeah? Are you going to sit there and cover this and that when your legs are about to give out right now?”
“Uh....”
It was a valid point.
“If you’re not going to eat, clear out. I’m going to eat.”
Without hesitation, Im Sobyeong swiftly stuffed the Self-Cultivation Pill into his mouth and began devouring it with gusto.
Wasn’t being the first always the hardest?
After Im Sobyeong broke the ice, others one by one sat down and, adopting the same pose, pushed the Self-Cultivation Pill into their mouths.
“But, Chung Myung.”
When Jo Gol raised his hand as if he didn’t understand something, Chung Myung waved his hand as if he couldn’t be bothered to listen.
“Just eat like everyone else.”
“No, it’s not that.”
“Oh, just eat. There’s nothing we can do about what others give us. We’re all eating the same thing. It’s not like eating a bit more of it is going to make a difference or anything.”
“No, it’s not about that.”
“Huh?”
Jo Gol, showing his share of the Self-Cultivation Pill, contorted his face.
“Doesn’t it seem like our share is a bit smaller than others?”
“....”
“Are you really sure it’s all the same?”
“....”
“Don’t cheat and tell the truth. If you say it now, I’ll let it slide.”
Chung Myung, who had a popped vein on his forehead, rolled up his sleeves for the first time in a long while.