The Chairman of Pharmaceutical Company is a Poison King - Chapter 87

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 87: New Seoul Chinatown (1)

Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud!

Tae-ju arrived at the Jecheonwon headquarters located on the outskirts of New Seoul by helicopter sent by Deputy Director Moon Gyeong-sik.

Ilbaek came along after a long time.

The dress code was casual training clothes.

Ilbaek was sleeping soundly inside the chest area of his top.

I should let him see the outside world like this from time to time.

Though he has the disadvantage of his face constantly changing, unless someone has particularly keen eyes, they wouldn’t notice.

Deputy Director Moon Gyeong-sik was already waiting at the Jecheonwon headquarters helipad.

“Welcome. I’m not sure what title I should use to address you…”

“Chairman is what I’m most used to.”

“Yes, Chairman Kim. Actually, I thought about it a lot. Whether I should request your assistance or not, since your status has changed significantly from before.”

Lord of Paju Domain, lifetime mayor of Gurye.

How could it compare to when he was just a pharmaceutical company chairman?

Even the director of Jecheonwon would have to bow respectfully before Tae-ju.

“You can always make requests related to demons. Don’t worry about it.”

“Ah… thank you. Then this way.”

Tae-ju entered the morgue in the basement of Jecheonwon with Moon Gyeong-sik.

The content of the message he received in his home training room:

The Leaders Club demon Sergei and the Hapbin Prison demon Daigo, whom he had personally captured and handed over to Jecheonwon, had both died mysteriously at the same time.

“I’m truly sorry. You captured two demons that are difficult to take alive, but we failed to manage them properly…”

That was actually true.

Capturing demons alive was nearly impossible.

Even killing them after capture was difficult.

There were supposedly a few live captures in the past, but not a single one had been caught in the last 10 years.

The morgue freezer opened.

The demons who had transformed into demonic beasts after death.

At that moment!

Pop.

“Meow?”

Ibaek-i poked his head out from Tae-ju’s chest.

Then.

“Kyaak!”

Ibaek-i gagged at the sight of the demonized creatures.

“You stay inside for now.”

“Meow.”

Pop.

Tae-ju examined the corpses and asked Moon Gyeong-sik.

“When did they die?”

“Right after the victory ceremony. And they died simultaneously.”

“Exactly the same?”

“Within a 1-second interval. Daigo died first, then Sergei second.”

One second meant they died simultaneously.

“Were they still wearing mana restraints?”

“We had restraints on both hands, feet, heart, and head – six places total. They probably didn’t have the strength to move even a fingertip.”

Then suicide would have been impossible too.

“What was the cause of death? You must have performed autopsies.”

“Their brains exploded, you could say. Shattered into pieces.”

Moon Gyeong-sik continued with a serious expression.

“We conducted detailed MRI scans from the moment we captured them. There was nothing like metal or foreign objects in their heads. It wasn’t external trauma, and there’s no possibility of drugs either…”

Then he took out two specimen bottles stored in the freezer.

“These are parts of their brains collected during the autopsy.”

“May I examine them?”

“Please, go ahead.”

Tae-ju opened the specimen bottle.

It was frozen solid, having truly turned into liquid state.

He melted it slightly and brought his nose close.

‘Hmm.’

There’s a strange smell.

Most of it was the rotten smell from decomposing brain tissue.

‘This…’

Strange.

It’s not unfamiliar.

Of course, from the experiences of Jeoldaedokma Danggumak.

‘Could it be?’

That’s impossible.

This is Earth, not Gangho.

He smelled it once more.

‘Right. No doubt about it.’

Traces of Gu poison.

A forbidden poison technique known in Gangho.

Especially the Gu poison of the Five Poisons Gate was famous.

Gu poison is a type of small insect.

It enters and operates in the human body like a parasite.

There are countless types and numbers.

They control and dominate the minds of those afflicted with Gu poison, emit minute toxins to make them sick, drain their internal energy, or like this, explode inside the head to turn the brain into mush.

‘It’s definitely Gu poison.’

The simultaneous deaths also made sense.

There must have been a caster who made the Gu poison explode.

Gu poison techniques require a very high level of poison mastery.

For that reason, they’re also hard to detect.

It’s suspicious that Gu poison exists on Earth, but…

‘There’s someone who fed this Gu poison to demons?’

Gu poison would work on demons too.

Because they’re half human as well.

Who could it be.

An individual, or an organization?

“Deputy Director Moon, how far has the investigation into these guys progressed?”

“I’ll show you in the investigation situation room.”

Jecheonwon investigation situation room.

Detailed information about demon Sergei and demon Daigo appeared simultaneously on the large screen.

The list of victims killed by them, the workplaces they had been through, card or financial transaction records, phone call logs…

A memory suddenly came to mind.

“Deputy Director Moon, when you called me after the Great Wall Wave War ended, you mentioned finding clues about demons, right?”

“Yes, I remember. I said I would formally request help after supplementary investigation.”

“What kind of clue was it?”

“Well…”

Moon Gyeong-sik displayed Sergei and Daigo’s card payment records together on the screen.

“Actually, these two operated in different regions, and their jobs and hobbies were completely different, so there wasn’t a single overlapping area. However, there was just one thing.”

Moon Gyeong-sik pointed to a section of Daigo’s card payment statement with his finger.

“Here, a restaurant called ‘Geumyonggak,’ it’s a shop in New Seoul Chinatown. Daigo made a payment there in October 2322.”

And pointing to another receipt.

“Sergei visited New Seoul Chinatown in May 2322 and went to ‘Cheongwha-chun’ for dinner.”

“Hmm….”

“Besides this, both of them frequently visited Chinatown in the past. Though not on the same dates and places.”

It was a common point, but it couldn’t be considered a definitive clue.

“It’s ambiguous.”

“Yes, so we only conducted our own investigation and didn’t make any special requests.”

Different dates, different restaurants.

The only common part was New Seoul Chinatown.

Chinatown was one of New Seoul’s tourist attractions.

On weekends, it was packed with people to the point of bursting.

“Actually, investigating Chinatown is a big burden for both the police and the Imperial Intelligence Agency. Every little thing gets called racial discrimination or excessive investigation due to hatred.”

China that had disappeared.

So Chinese refugees who had fled to the Samhan Empire.

At first, they didn’t mix well.

The three East Asian countries weren’t particularly close either.

Plus the rumors floating around the Empire at the time.

– There are particularly many demons among the Chinese.

– Aren’t they the ones who enjoyed eating human flesh from the past?

– Not just Chinese, but Japanese must also be crawling with demons.

It was a burden for the Imperial government.

Now that East Asia was unified under the Samhan Empire, it could potentially cause ethnic conflicts if handled carelessly.

But it couldn’t be dismissed as mere rumors… the Gurye Three Demon Trio were also Chinese, weren’t they?

It was also suspicious that traces of poison magic were found on these corpses.

It was also dubious that they had been safe until now but died right after the victory ceremony ended.

The victory ceremony was also an event to announce the Emperor’s well-being to the world.

Though not widely known, the Emperor had suffered for years due to demons.

But now he was in good health.

Naturally, he would also be interested in the captured demons.

Ways to find or eliminate poison magic.

Either the caster directly retrieves it, or….

‘A master-level expert can find it by injecting mana or internal energy into the body of someone afflicted with poison magic. It’s also possible to eliminate it.’

For example, what if it was a Grandmaster like the Emperor?

What if the Emperor personally interrogated the demons and revealed the existence of poison magic?

Of course, Tae-ju with his 9th level Honweonmusangdokryeongong could also do it.

‘Should I have examined them earlier?’

But back then, he didn’t even know poison magic existed.

“I should go take a look.”

“Huh? Where….”

“Chinatown, I mean.”

“By yourself? Should I form an investigation team?”

“No, hmm… just in case, please assign just one investigator to support me.”

“Understood.”

Let’s go to Chinatown.

To verify if the circulating rumors are true.

Who knows?

Maybe I can catch the scent of demons.

* * *

Tae-ju came to New Seoul Chinatown.

Not alone, but as a pair.

But the person Moon Gyeong-sik assigned was none other than.

“It’s truly an honor, Chairman. To be conducting an operation together like this….”

“…Yes.”

It was Jeong Yeon-hee, the granddaughter of Baekdu Group.

“Weren’t you originally with the Capital Defense Command?”

“I was transferred. Imperial Intelligence Agency demon division investigators are recruited this way originally.”

“I see.”

It made sense.

She was exceptionally talented.

A sharp awl in a pocket is bound to poke through.

‘…Even looking again, she has good bone structure.’

It was a body optimized for learning martial arts.

Should I pretend not to notice again?

But this would be neglecting my duty as a martial artist.

Ah, how can I just leave such talent alone?

When Tae-ju stickily examined her from top to bottom, Jeong Yeon-hee’s face reddened as if flustered.

It was a bit awkward.

There was plenty of room for misunderstanding.

Suddenly!

“Meow?”

Sambaek-i poked his head out from under Tae-ju’s chin again.

“Oh my? It’s a cat? How cute.”

“Meooow….”

Taking out a piece of jerky from his pocket and putting it in Sambaek-i’s mouth.

“It’s not time to come out yet. Stay inside.”

“Meow.”

Jeong Yeon-hee made a disappointed expression and then.

“Um, what should we do in Chinatown?”

“…Let’s go eat first.”

Tae-ju went to Geumyonggak first.

As soon as they entered.

“One jjajangmyeon and one sweet and sour pork, please.”

Then Jeong Yeon-hee said.

“I didn’t order anything though?”

“Ah! I didn’t mention that. I’m going to eat it all myself.”

“What? Why….”

The jjajangmyeon and sweet and sour pork came out.

Tae-ju pulled the dishes toward himself and began inhaling the food.

Jeong Yeon-hee was dumbfounded.

What’s with this person?

Is he really eating alone?

After finishing the meal, Tae-ju went to Cheongwha-chun.

There he ordered jjamppong and fried rice.

Slurp! Chomp chomp.

‘I’ll be misunderstood as a glutton.’

But it couldn’t be helped.

These two restaurants were places that the demons Daigo and Sergei had visited. What if there was poison?

He happened to be hungry too.

After that, they walked around Chinatown.

As a palate cleanser, he also bought a tanghulu to eat.

Of course, by himself.

Jeong Yeon-hee seemed slightly sulky.

By the way, the rumors circulating in the Empire about Chinese demons weren’t just baseless gossip after all.

‘Well, just because it’s called Chinatown doesn’t mean only Chinese Empire citizens live here.’

Scents were rising from here and there.

From Geumyonggak, from Cheongwha-chun, and even from small street shops.

‘This is huge?’

Tae-ju looked at Jeong Yeon-hee and said.

“Listen carefully to what I’m about to say.”

“What…?”

“Leave Chinatown right now and wait at the entrance. Support forces will arrive later. Join them and come in together then.”

Jeong Yeon-hee’s eyes widened.

Because she understood what Tae-ju’s words meant.

“I, I’ll go with you…”

“Follow orders. If you disobey, you won’t be able to work at the Ministry of National Intelligence anymore.”

“…Yes, understood.”

“And let’s meet separately later.”

“What?”

“Don’t misunderstand – it’s definitely not a date request.”

“…Hmm.”

Tae-ju called Section Chief Moon Gyeong-sik.

– I’ve answered, Chairman.

“If possible, mobilize all available Awakened units and enter Chinatown. This is an operational situation.”

– …What?

“Remember this. You must come fully armed and bring as many as possible.”

Click!

Tae-ju hung up the phone.

And pulled his hood over his head.

“Nyaaang?”

Ilbaek came out.

“Ilbaek, time to earn your keep, right?”

“Nyang!”

Where should he start?

He should hit the place with the strongest scent first.

* * *

Immortal Realm.

The Immortals’ obsession with wanting to enjoy movies, dramas, and games in a comfortable space was remarkable.

The building’s exterior was already completed.

Now interior work was in progress.

Moreover, from far away, the sound of thump thump thump thump, the Swordsman making roads, could still be heard.

Danggumak took a commemorative photo in front of the magnificently built 7-story pavilion.

With a solemn expression, adjusting the angle so both his face and the gift behind him would be visible.

Click!

“Hmm, it came out well.”

To build this quickly.

And it’s even sturdy.

Sturdy enough to withstand even Earth’s weapons and cannons.

As expected, Immortals are high-quality workers.

He didn’t make them work for free.

He fed them snacks from time to time.

Cookies, chocolate, candy, and even a little whiskey – half a glass each.

But since there were too many Immortals, the Earth snacks he had brought were almost gone.

‘It should be time for it to arrive.’

The delivery from Earth, that is.

But as soon as he thought of it.

Zzzirrrrr!

“It’s here!”

At Danggumak’s shout, the construction work stopped instantly.

Immortals rushing over in droves.

“What?”

“It’s here?”

“Where?”

“Hey, stop pushing!”

He quickly removed the Earth items and filled it with prepared Immortal Realm items.

Mainly Seondo techniques and talismans.

Since he said there were still many protective charms left, he used other talismans.

Now to check the delivered items.

But the soju and beer that Taebaeok Seonin had so desperately wanted were nowhere to be seen.

All just snacks and food items.

‘Hmm, tsk tsk, Ju-seon will be disappointed.’

He had been singing about somaek, somaek so much.

Well, he’ll probably send a cocktail set next time.

But there was a leather bag included.

‘What’s this? A luxury item?’

Danggumak read the letter Tae-ju had sent.

His eyes slowly moved down.

Suddenly he was startled.

“Huh!”

Subspace?

This works?

‘Qu, quickly…’

He hurriedly took out the subspace bag, opened it, and poured it onto the ground.

Clatter clatter clatter!

All sorts of items poured out.

Tablets, spare smartphones, enormous amounts of cola, wine, green bottles of soju and beer, somaek glasses, and even chicken boxes from numerous brands still steaming hot.

“Wowwwww!”

“Excellent! It’s somaek!”

“Huh? That, that’s…”

“Ch, chicken? Crispy chicken?”

“Then we can have chimaek too.”

“Hehe, how moving. Chimaek that we only saw in dramas.”

Danggumak put the emptied subspace bag back into the Shared Warehouse.

And then.

“Is there an Immortal here with a gourd treasure?”

“Me! Me! I have one. But… there’s nothing inside. It was originally full of Seondo techniques, but they were all confiscated.”

“It doesn’t matter! Give it to me quickly.”

“You said you didn’t need it before.”

“I need it! I’ll pay later, quickly!”

Whoosh!

A gourd that could contain anything, sized for one person, was thrown to Danggumak.

He quickly caught it and put it in the Shared Warehouse.

As soon as he put it in, the light flickered out!

It was close, but it was safe.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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