The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 252

The revelation caused surprise among most present, except for Dan Akseon and his group.

A moment of stunned silence followed.

“Amitabha. Is that true?”

Jegeol Yeon offered a knowing smile and nodded toward Beopyeon.

“Because their actions were shrouded in secrecy, I only grasped the situation belatedly. After noticing suspicious circumstances, I’ve been monitoring them closely.”

In this world, information is power.

Jegeol Yeon, sensing she held the upper hand, continued with a confident air. “It began with the Jin family, a prestigious clan in Guangdong.”

The Jin family boasts deep historical roots, wielding considerable influence throughout Guangdong.

However, due to regional constraints and conflicts with the established Five Great Families, they remained confined, content with their dominance in the South.

“To be precise, their ties with the Namgung Family ran very deep.”

And this wasn’t limited to the Jin family alone.

It included the Divine Spear Yang Family (神槍楊家) [a family renowned for their mastery of the spear], a prestigious swordsmanship lineage with a long and storied history, as well as the Jinju Eonga family, famed for their Eonga Fist (言家拳) [a unique and powerful fist technique], and the Moyong Family of Liaoning.

These families, dissatisfied with the existing Five Great Families system centered around the Namgung Family, had long pursued a separate path.

Jegeol Yeon’s ascent to Martial Arts Alliance Leader involved ousting the Namgung Family, removing their name from the Five Great Families.

She replaced them with the Moyong Family, establishing a new power structure.

Furthermore, she successfully integrated several prestigious martial arts families under the Martial Arts Alliance banner.

The Seomun Family, the Gongson Family, and even the Guangdong Jin Family (廣東陳家).

This lent considerable weight to her words.

“At that time, the Demonic Sect’s secret manual was delivered to Jin Jareung, the head of the Jin family’s outer hall. The Danseong Escort Agency handled the delivery. Of course, the agency head was unaware of the client’s true identity.”

Back then, Jin Jareung was locked in a power struggle with his younger brother, Jin Jakeom, for the family head position, but he was ultimately defeated and lost his standing.

Jin Jakeom, upon becoming the head of the Jin family, appointed Jin Jareung as the head of the outer hall, a relatively insignificant position, instead of resorting to a bloody purge, effectively banishing him from Guangdong for life.

“To reclaim his position, Jin Jareung sought power. Eventually, he secretly began practicing demonic arts.”

However, he couldn’t escape the inevitable corruption of inner demons.

“As the leader of Cheonidan [a secret intelligence organization], I learned of his mastery of demonic arts after a lengthy investigation. Around the same time, I noticed at least ten others experiencing similar phenomena. They were all individuals craving power.”

Perhaps that explained the greater presence of individuals from the evil faction compared to the orthodox one.

“Cheonidan conducted continuous tracking and investigation of several of these individuals.”

As Jegeol Yeon revealed their list, the leaders of the Nine Great Sects, including Jinmyeong Jin-in, remained silent.

It included individuals they themselves had identified.

At that moment, Dan Akseon interjected, “Why have you withheld such crucial information until now?”

Jegeol Yeon cast a meaningful glance, fixing her gaze on Dan Akseon.

“Because I couldn’t trust anyone.”

“Not even the Namgung Family Head, who was the Martial Arts Alliance Leader at the time?”

“He appointed Chiljeolmageun [Seven Severing Demon], one of the Ten Evils, to a key position within the Martial Arts Alliance. I already knew he had traded with Chiljeolmageun using the Demonic Sect’s secret manual. I couldn’t shake the suspicion that he was being manipulated by the Demonic Sect.”

Dan Akseon frowned.

Jegeol Yeon’s explanation was seamless.

It was clear she had thoroughly prepared for this situation, anticipating it in advance.

“In fact, you all know why it was difficult to dismiss such a possibility. The Martial Arts Alliance was suffering considerable damage due to his repeated misjudgments.”

The harm caused by the Pasadan’s operation was undeniable, and even that ultimately failed to achieve its intended purpose and collapsed.

Furthermore, Namgung Baek’s precarious position due to his daughter Namgung Hyang’s illness also played a role.

Jegeol Yeon smiled, meeting the gazes of those in the hall.

“Moreover, if I had voiced these suspicions then, would anyone here have believed me?”

Jegeol Yeon chuckled.

“They would have likely halted the investigation under the guise of preventing internal strife within the Martial Arts Alliance.”

As no one offered a rebuttal and silence persisted, Jegeol Yeon spoke again.

“Since their last defeat, the Demonic Sect has been preparing for a resurgence. The core of their plan was to sway influential figures within the Central Plains to their side. They provided incomplete secret manuals, enticing them to join the Demonic Sect.”

It was a strategy of muddying the waters to catch fish [creating chaos to exploit opportunities].

“They’re trying to weaken the power of the Central Plains.”

Jegeol Yeon nodded in agreement with the head of the Mount Heng Sect’s murmur.

“From the Demonic Sect’s perspective, they have nothing to lose. In the last battle, they lost a significant number of mid-level masters. This is a way to weaken our power while simultaneously recruiting a large number of much-needed mid-level masters.”

Jegeol Yeon, sensing the atmosphere had reached a critical point, adopted a determined expression.

“Now that we know their plan, we must respond decisively and prevent the Demonic Sect from acting further. In fact, we’re already late, but…”

“Late? What do you mean?”

Jegeol Yeon’s gaze shifted in response to the question from Dangeum Jin-in, the head of the Wudang Sect.

“They have joined forces with foreign powers. Mansusan Manor, Black Night Bees, Blood Cloud Temple, Small Thunder Sound Temple, and… even the North Sea Ice Palace.”

Dangeum Jin-in was visibly shocked by Jegeol Yeon’s words.

“The Indian Yoga (天竺瑜伽) [referring to practitioners of Indian esoteric arts] and the North Sea Ice Palace? Are you saying that all five of the Frontier Wastes have allied with the Demonic Sect?”

Jegeol Yeon nodded, staring intently at Han Seolhwa.

Notably, she emphasized the North Sea Ice Palace with particular force at the end.

Dan Akseon’s gaze turned cold as he recognized her intention.

Everyone present knew that Han Seolhwa hailed from the North Sea Ice Palace.

Dan Akseon, unable to contain himself, spoke, “The North Sea Ice Palace is incapable of action.”

“How can you be so certain?”

Jegeol Yeon, who had been sneering, faltered at Dan Akseon’s response.

“Because it has already fallen.”

As confusion rippled through the room, Dan Akseon reached under the table and grasped Han Seolhwa’s hand.

“Aunt Han went there herself. And a major conflict ensued. One thing is certain: the North Sea Ice Palace has lost all its power. They are in no position to cooperate with the Demonic Sect.”

Jegeol Yeon couldn’t mask her surprise at these words.

But she quickly regained her composure and retorted, “Are you claiming she destroyed her own sect? Surely, there’s a reason I should believe these claims, correct?”

Dan Akseon glared at Jegeol Yeon, his eyes flashing with anger at her sarcastic tone.

“Don’t speak so carelessly. No one here can criticize this person without justification.”

As Dan Akseon’s temper flared,

Han Seolhwa silently squeezed his hand.

Their eyes met, and Han Seolhwa offered a faint smile and a nod.

At that moment, she also met Cho Akryang’s gaze.

Despite having several opportunities to speak, Cho Akryang had remained silent throughout the exchange between Dan Akseon and Jegeol Yeon.

He placed complete trust in Dan Akseon.

Dan Akseon barely managed to suppress his rising anger, seeing the unwavering faith in their eyes.

He spoke with a calmer tone, “Whether you believe it or not is the Alliance Leader’s prerogative. I never intended to force the Alliance Leader to believe me, just as the Alliance Leader cannot force me to provide proof of my faith.”

Jegeol Yeon chuckled at Dan Akseon’s unwavering gaze.

“In a situation where we face a great crisis and need to unite, you seem intent on sharpening your blades. I worry about our ability to work together effectively in the future.”

“I’ll return those words to you.”

“That statement is easily misinterpreted. Should I take it as a sign of distrust in this alliance?”

Jegeol Yeon, feigning curiosity, had her eyes widened by Dan Akseon’s next words.

“It seems the Alliance Leader is the one who distrusts those outside the Martial Arts Alliance.”

“What…?”

“You’re still withholding information you already possess, aren’t you? It’s as if you’re only now revealing facts you’ve been secretly investigating for eight years.”

“What are you talking about…?”

“Gangmyeong Inn.”

“……!”

“You won’t deny knowing about it, will you?”

The smile vanished from Jegeol Yeon’s face.

She never anticipated that Dan Akseon would have uncovered even that.

But the words that followed were even more shocking.

“While the Alliance Leader was safely issuing instructions to her subordinates, Aunt Han was risking her life to gather information about the Demonic Sect, even facing two of the Six Demon Lords simultaneously.”

The leaders of the Nine Great Sects reacted instantly upon hearing mention of the Six Demon Lords.

“What?”

“Is that true?”

Most of them had experienced the Righteous-Demonic War [a major conflict between the orthodox and demonic factions].

They knew better than anyone the martial prowess of the Six Demon Lords, who were known as the Guardians during that time.

In particular, Jinmyeong Jin-in and Beopyeon, who had directly fought them, were deeply affected.

“Who were the two?”

Han Seolhwa answered Jinmyeong Jin-in’s question, “It was Yeomma [King Yama] and Geomma [Great Demon].”

“……!”

A palpable murderous aura emanated from Jinmyeong Jin-in’s eyes.

Ma Yeong-gi and Mo Gyugwang.

As he recalled the names of the demons who had claimed the lives of countless Hwasan disciples during the Righteous-Demonic War, he struggled to contain his surging rage.

However, even in this state, Jinmyeong Jin-in had to ask, “Did you truly face both of them at once?”

The reappearance of these two ancient demons, who had been absent for so long, was unexpected, but Han Seolhwa’s survival after facing them was even more perplexing.

“What was the outcome?”

Even a high priest who had cultivated the Dharma couldn’t suppress the instincts of a martial artist.

Han Seolhwa replied to Beopyeon’s question with an indifferent expression, “I missed Yeomma.”

A hint of disappointment flickered in the eyes of the crowd.

But they soon realized the deeper meaning and understood.

Han Seolhwa was not one to lie.

She clearly stated that she had missed him.

That meant she had gained the upper hand against the two of the Six Demon Lords.

She had single-handedly defeated the combined assault of the two best Demonic Sect masters, second only to the Heavenly Demon.

Then, they couldn’t help but feel puzzled.

Because Han Seolhwa had only mentioned Yeomma.

“Then what about Geomma?”

Han Seolhwa calmly answered Jinmyeong Jin-in’s question, “He can no longer wield his great sword.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Because you can’t take things from this world to the afterlife.”

An expression of shock settled on the faces of the crowd.

“Amitabha!”

“Oh, Primordial Lord of Heaven……!”

Buddhist and Taoist exclamations erupted from various corners.

Yeomma was a formidable opponent, but Geomma was by no means an easy adversary.

How many masters of the righteous path had fallen victim to his Extinction of Heaven Three Forms (滅天三式) [a deadly sword technique], a style consisting of only three moves?

Her words were decisive.

The atmosphere in the hall, which had been dominated by Jegeol Yeon, immediately shifted in favor of Dan Akseon.

“They called the one who planned all of this Subo.”

Someone asked in response to Dan Akseon’s words, “Subo?”

“I believe he serves as their strategist. When he visited to recruit the Five Frontier Wastes, he always brought at least two of the Six Demon Lords with him.”

Dan Akseon revealed that Subo was orchestrating all the conspiracies that had been unfolding in secret.

“They sought to undermine martial prowess, to divide, fragment, and weaken the Central Plains martial arts world. They framed me for killing the Kunlun disciples, kidnapped the Common disciples, and even attempted to assassinate me. They also presented the Blue Flower Silver Jade to the Namgung Family Head, who was then the Martial Arts Alliance Leader.”

Dan Akseon turned his head and stared at Jegeol Yeon.

“In the end, their plan succeeded. The Namgung Family Head has been ousted from the position of Alliance Leader.”

“Nonsense!”

Jegeol Yeon’s sharp voice cut through the air.

Depending on how it was interpreted, it could appear as though she had been manipulated by the Demonic Sect and had ousted Namgung Baek.

Dan Akseon sensed an opportunity.

Jegeol Yeon was showing clear signs of agitation for the first time.

It was crucial to press her further.

“Are you truly unaware? Or are you feigning ignorance?”

“……!”

“Well, what does it matter now? Either way, it’s disappointing.”

As expected.