The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 90

The rain of red plum blossoms poured down like a meteor shower.

Han Seolhwa couldn’t possibly be unaware that each and every plum blossom filling her vision was the essence of materialized sword energy. Yet, she remained steadfast, her eyes still radiating an aloof gaze as she stood her ground.

The moment the star cluster of falling plum blossoms engulfed Han Seolhwa.

“Oh, dear!”

Exclamations of shock burst from the crowd.

A technique of Starfall Density (星落密密) that seemed to offer no escape.

It was clear that anyone other than a Diamond Indestructible would be torn to shreds.

Clang!

The red mist created by the plum blossoms.

It was then that a sharp sound erupted from within.

Along with the sound of shattering ice, the falling plum blossoms scattered into the air all at once.

And Han Seolhwa’s figure reappeared.

The space within ten yards of her.

The crowd’s eyes widened in astonishment as they discovered dozens of large and small ice blades densely filling the air.

They were overwhelmed by the divine might of the ultimate Principle-Energy Manifestation [a technique that combines inner energy with the principles of the world to create physical forms].

In contrast, Jinmyeong Jin-in calmly moved his sword.

The moment the sword in his hand struck a point in the air, the shadows of blossoming red plum blossoms surrounded Han Seolhwa like a vast river.

The seventeenth stance, Plum Shadow Creates River (梅影造河).

The dazzling and vivid sword flowers formed a massive vortex, pressing down on Han Seolhwa. In comparison, Han Seolhwa was simply waving her sleeves around.

There was no profound technique or fearsome power contained within those simple movements, yet the red plum blossoms began to scatter one by one.

Even the crimson surging Violet Origin Energy (紫霞真氣) was being cut apart strand by strand by Han Seolhwa’s gestures.

That wasn’t all.

The ice blades floating in the air seemed to twitch once.

Following Han Seolhwa’s will, they all rushed towards Jinmyeong Jin-in.

Clatter!

Along with the sharp explosions erupting from all directions, the red plum blossoms shattered into pieces. The areas where the ice blades passed froze the air, leaving behind a trail of pure white afterimages.

A chilling coldness pierced through the collapsing red plum blossoms.

Crack.

The pure white frost that started beneath Han Seolhwa’s feet spread at a terrifying speed, reaching Jinmyeong Jin-in in an instant.

“……!”

The eyes of the Hwasan disciples shook violently.

Because the frost that had already climbed up to his ankles had engulfed Jinmyeong Jin-in in the blink of an eye.

As they couldn’t hide their shock at the sight of Jinmyeong Jin-in covered in pure white frost, Jinmyeong Jin-in opened his closed eyes and slowly extended his sword forward.

Then, a streak of red aura flickered above the frozen air.

And the aura that slowly gathered in one place began to take the form of a flower bud.

As if not allowing this, Han Seolhwa waved her sleeve once more.

Then, a chilling coldness, incomparable to the previous one, surrounded Jinmyeong Jin-in.

In that state, the two stood there without moving.

The situation had already changed from techniques to a contest of each other’s inner energy.

Despite being a considerable distance away, the crowd was simply dumbfounded by the formidable power swirling around the two.

Fragments of energy soared like blades from all directions.

Just facing them was enough to send shivers down their spines.

How much time had passed like that?

In the midst of the frigid cold, Jinmyeong Jin-in finally bloomed a single red plum blossom.

It was the eighteenth stance of the Plum Blossom Sword Formation, Plum Endures Snow’s Chill (梅忍雪寒).

The single flower that bloomed in the frozen air was redder and more vivid than any other plum blossom.

It was then that the two’s gazes intertwined in the air.

Without either one taking the lead, the two launched themselves towards each other.

Clang!

Despite the clash of sword and hand, an unbelievable impact echoed out. At the same time, a massive cloud of dust created by the storm of energy engulfed the two.

“…….”

No one in the arena opened their mouth.

A shocking battle that transcended the limits of humanity!

The overwhelming sight was suffocating just to watch.

In fact, the crowd was simply staring blankly at the two’s battle, forgetting to even breathe.

Soon, as the dust settled, the scene inside the arena was revealed.

“Ah!”

A gasp burst from someone’s mouth.

Finely shattered ice particles scattered and fluttered.

The ice flowers pouring down as if they had moved the Milky Way in the sky were as red as plum petals.

The spectacle of ice plum blossoms (氷梅花) shimmering in the sunset was truly magnificent.

Moreover!

“Subtle Fragrance Drifting (暗香浮動)…….”

Myeonggeom unknowingly muttered to himself.

He realized that the subtle plum fragrance that surrounded them was the divine skill created by the final stance of the Plum Blossom Sword Formation, Plum Blossom’s Myriad Miles Fragrance (梅花萬里香).

The crowd, who had been staring blankly, belatedly trembled.

It was that thrilling of a martial arts contest.

How many times in their lives would they be able to witness such a battle?

However, the two who had actually exchanged blows were simply smiling quietly at each other.

“Indeed…….”

Han Seolhwa slowly opened her mouth, her eyes curving gently.

“It was a sword worthy of the name Heavenly Five Wonders (天下五絶).”

“It’s worth living this long.”

“……?”

“To think that I would be recognized by a Seonja [a being who has attained a high level of spiritual cultivation] like you.”

“Are you discussing age in front of me?”

“When else would I ever get the chance to talk nonsense to a Seonja like you?”

Han Seolhwa chuckled.

Looking at her, a bitter emotion filled Jinmyeong Jin-in’s eyes.

“Time really flies.”

Especially at this moment, his past life felt like a fleeting moment (一寸光陰).

Han Seolhwa nodded slightly, meeting Jinmyeong Jin-in’s eyes, which were filled with complex emotions of regret.

“It’s been enough time for that greenhorn swordsman to be reborn as a master.”

A faint smile settled on Jinmyeong Jin-in’s face at Han Seolhwa’s blunt consolation.

“Would you like a cup of tea?”

Han Seolhwa nodded and gestured to Dan Akseon, who was far away.

Dan Akseon, who had been running over, looked up at Han Seolhwa and Jinmyeong Jin-in with sparkling eyes, her cheeks flushed red.

“To think there could be such a beautiful sword technique in the world! It’s really amazing!”

Her eyes were filled with the lingering emotions of the martial arts contest she had witnessed just moments before.

“It’s just an obsession gained by pouring in years of time.”

Jinmyeong Jin-in, who had started speaking like that, smiled bitterly with complex eyes.

“The thing I wanted to obtain the most was something else. It’s just a sword I obtained instead of giving that up.”

Dan Akseon, who didn’t know the hidden story between the two, tilted her head, not understanding.

“I thought only your swordsmanship had improved, but you’ve also become skilled at making people feel embarrassed with your words.”

Jinmyeong Jin-in smiled at Han Seolhwa’s rebuke and guided the two.

One person approached Myeonggeom, who was staring blankly at the scene.

“Did you see it?”

Myeonggeom sighed at Pung Hyeonja’s question.

“I don’t know.”

“……?”

“I thought I saw it clearly, but when I think about it again…… I don’t know.”

Pung Hyeonja smiled and nodded.

He could fully guess how great the shock Myeonggeom had received through this martial arts contest was. Especially in a situation like now, where he was facing a wall, there was no need to say more.

“However……, I know what Great Grandmaster was fascinated by.”

Myeonggeom muttered with a dreamy expression.

“Hwasan’s sword is this beautiful.”

* * *

Following Ga Dudal’s guidance, Cho Akryang and Beom Gyewi entered the inn.

It was an inn that seemed to have a long history at a glance.

Not to mention the signboard, the old tables and chairs contained the weight of time.

“It may look shabby, but it’s the most famous inn here. It boasts a history of over a hundred years. It can be said to be the origin of Youpo Noodles (油泼面) [a type of thick, hand-pulled noodles topped with hot chili oil], which has been preserving its taste for four generations since the first cook opened it.”

Ga Dudal, who was continuing his explanation, lowered his voice and whispered.

“There’s even a saying that the Hwasan disciples don’t do closed-door training because of this dish, just like monks secretly climbing over the wall because of Buddha’s Delight [a vegetarian dish so delicious it tempts monks to break their vows].”

“It’s just noodles, right? What’s so great about it?”

Ga Dudal became serious at Beom Gyewi’s taunt.

“That’s because you haven’t tried the Youpo Noodles here yet.”

“……?”

“Even in the vast Jungwon [the Central Plains of China, often used to refer to the civilized world], Shanxi and Shaanxi are traditionally famous for their noodle dishes. But the difference is clear. The Shanxi region emphasizes broth, while the Shaanxi region emphasizes noodles. In particular, the wide and thick Youpo Noodles, like a belt, have an excellent chewy texture. If you add the spicy flavor of chili peppers to that……. Kya! What’s there to say? Just try it. You’ll definitely know that I’m not just saying this for no reason.”

Cho Akryang chuckled at Ga Dudal’s non-stop explanation.

“Anyone would think you’re a native here. How does a guy who hasn’t even been near Hwasan know so much about this place?”

“It’s the power of prior investigation.”

“Prior investigation?”

Ga Dudal nodded as if it were natural at Cho Akryang’s question.

“Just stealing as you feel like it is the lowest of the low. A true Gentleman on the Roof (梁上君子) [a skilled thief], who has reached the realm of Investment (投道) like me, starts the Stealing Road (偸路行) by thoroughly investigating the target.”

Cho Akryang gave him a dumbfounded look.

“You were planning to rob Hwasan?”

Ga Dudal smiled awkwardly.

“Well, not right now, but…….”

“What’s there to steal?”

“Why wouldn’t there be? Starting with the Jasodan (紫霄丹) [a powerful healing elixir], which has excellent effects on internal injuries, there are no swords that aren’t famous among the swords carried by the sect leader and the first-generation disciples.”

“…….”

“And that’s not just Hwasan. All the Nine Great Sects are the same.”

Ga Dudal proudly revealed his ambition.

“Before I die, I will steal all the treasures of the Nine Great Sects, including the Five Great Families, and exhibit them in the middle of Jungwon. That is my ultimate wish and goal for Investment.”

At those words, Beom Gyewi tilted his head.

“The Beggars’ Sect won’t have anything to steal, right? Are you going to steal the beggars’ bowls?”

“Do you know what my theory is?”

Ga Dudal opened his mouth with a serious face.

“Everyone in the world has something to steal. Even the dead.”

However, Cho Akryang and Beom Gyewi were indifferent.

Ignoring Ga Dudal, the two sat at the table and ordered the Youpo Noodles that Ga Dudal had praised so much.

While waiting for the food, Cho Akryang’s eyes lit up as he discovered a man entering the inn while quenching his thirst with a cup of tea.

Considering that it was well past mealtime, it was a very coincidental event.

Afterwards, Cho Akryang smiled faintly as he confirmed that customers were entering sporadically.

“Five.”

Beom Gyewi grinned at Cho Akryang’s words.

“Hehe. I won. The guys I found are six.”

Cho Akryang frowned slightly.

“Are you sure?”

At those words, Beom Gyewi began to count his fingers.

“One on the roof, two inside the inn, one on each of the east and west walls of the inn. Finally, the dumpling stall in front of the inn.”

Cho Akryang shook his head as if he knew it would be like this.

“The dumpling stall isn’t one of them.”

“Yes, it is.”

“What’s the basis?”

“He looked just like the Murim Alliance [a coalition of martial arts sects].”

Cho Akryang gave him a dumbfounded look.

“Are you a fortune teller? Can you know someone’s identity and background by their face?”

“If you don’t believe me, you can go ask him.”

Cho Akryang stopped Beom Gyewi, who was about to get up.

“Stop it. We’ve dragged them all the way here, are you going to ruin it at the end?”

“I’m telling you, it’s true. If you really don’t believe me, let’s bet on it.”

“Bet?”

“Give up if you’re not confident.”

“Okay. Let’s do it.”

Just as Cho Akryang, who had willingly accepted the bet, was about to set the conditions, Ga Dudal carefully opened his mouth.

“Those guys are from the Murim Alliance, right?”

Beom Gyewi nodded.

“It’s obvious, isn’t it?”

Cho Akryang chuckled.

“How can they do surveillance with such pathetic skills?”

Their skills were that terrible.

“But why is the Murim Alliance chasing us?”

“They’re trying to find out our identities.”

Ga Dudal was startled at Cho Akryang’s answer.

“Yes? Then……?”

“They’re suspicious of our identities. They’re not sure, so they’ve attached surveillance like this.”

Ga Dudal frowned without realizing it.

“Damn it…….”

Then he sighed deeply.

“I really stepped in it.”