Chapter 57
Chapter 57
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 57
Chapter Title: Shaolin's Sword (2)
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“That body of yours is that sturdy, huh?”
Before Cheol Woo could even react, Won Jin's palm—tossed out with a somewhat playful question—thrust up into his lower abdomen.
Thud!
With the sound of a leather ball bursting, Cheol Woo's massive frame floated lightly into the air. In the opposite direction of his body's motion, a stream of bright crimson blood sprayed out.
The moment Won Jin moved to follow after Cheol Woo, a single strand of energy shot toward him. Startled, Won Jin hurriedly swung his left arm. A heavy impact transmitted through his arm to his entire body. Seizing that gap, an insidious energy seeped into him—one so threatening that he had to hastily circulate his inner energy to dispel it.
“Hmph.”
With a low grunt, Won Jin took several steps back, his gaze turning toward Sima Geon.
Impressive. Even though it wasn't fully unleashed, for the Thunderclap Hand to be neutralized so easily. How has someone of this caliber remained unknown until now?
In the brief clash, a flicker of competitive spirit appeared in the eyes of the old monk staring at the ninety-year-old, only to vanish like smoke.
While Sima Geon controlled Won Jin's movements, Cheol Woo—who had been hurled into the wall of this chamber—staggered to his feet.
The expression on Cheol Woo's face as he wiped the blood from his lips was a sight to behold.
Damn it all!
Memories he'd rather forget flooded back unbidden—the agony of being struck by the Poison Eagle Dog Fist's Weight Anchor Technique long ago. He'd trained relentlessly since that day to never fall victim to it again, yet now all those efforts felt utterly denied.
A sense of futility welled up, accompanied by an unbearable irritation rising from the depths of his chest. That irritation ignited into rage, unleashing the ferocity Cheol Woo had suppressed all this time.
As he channeled the Ink Gang Asura Qi to its limits, a tremendous storm swirled around him.
His tattered clothes flapped wildly, and his disheveled hair shot upward toward the sky.
A domineering aura overwhelmed the murderous intent he'd exuded as a warrior, encroaching on the surroundings.
Won Jin, who had been leisurely until now, furrowed his brow slightly at the true form of the Diamond Yaksha that had once made countless enemies tremble in fear. Yet it was merely a hint of embarrassment, not a trace of fear.
Won Jin extended his hand calmly, and the half-broken staff flew into his grasp.
“Heh heh! You truly possess a sturdy body. But nothing in this world is perfect. If it's sturdy, then something even sturdier can shatter it. If you can endure it, then by all means, try.”
As he circulated the Brahma Heavenly Divine Merit and straightened the staff, a subtle fiery glow rose from Won Jin's body.
“Ah, Amitabha!”
Gong Hu's mouth let out an involuntary exclamation upon recognizing that Won Jin's stance was the Dharma Three Swords, passed down solely to the Dharma Warden.
The moment Cheol Woo sensed that Won Jin's energy was no trifling matter and raised his own momentum even higher, Sima Geon stepped forward to block Won Jin's path.
“That's enough.”
Won Jin glanced at Sima Geon and nodded readily, as if he'd been waiting for it.
“Very well.”
Sima Geon grimaced at the strange smile lingering on Won Jin's lips and walked toward Cheol Woo.
Though he intuited what Sima Geon intended to say, Cheol Woo had no intention of yielding.
The injury from Won Jin was one thing, but more than that, his pride had taken a severe blow. Even if he retreated, he needed to salvage at least a shred of dignity first.
“Step aside, Leader.”
Cheol Woo glared at Won Jin over Sima Geon's shoulder. Sima Geon met his gaze with impassive eyes.
“I understand how you feel. But the fight ends here.”
Cheol Woo bit his lip hard at the look in his eyes that brooked no argument. It wasn't just the order to stop. He'd glimpsed the faint aura deep within those impassive eyes—a presence a hundred times fiercer than the killing intent of that young punk earlier or his own savage energy. When Sima Geon revealed that aura, he was truly terrifying.
Confirming that Cheol Woo's momentum had subsided, Sima Geon turned toward Won Jin and spoke.
“But it's not entirely over. The choice isn't ours to make, after all.”
Won Jin stared steadily into Sima Geon's eyes before chuckling softly.
“True enough. The choice ultimately lies with us. Now, speak. Why have you come here? What do you seek from our temple?”
At Won Jin's question, Gong Hu and the other recovering Arhats all turned their gazes toward Sima Geon in unison. Tension filled the air, as they sensed the paused fight might resume depending on his answer.
Sima Geon drew a deep breath. Without beating around the bush, he stated his demand plainly.
“We need the Great Reversion Pill. We've heard you have it here.”
“The G-Great Reversion Pill?”
“Ridiculous!”
The Arhats, who had been listening intently, twisted their faces in sharp fury. The moment the Great Reversion Pill was mentioned, they deemed negotiation impossible and reignited their battle spirit.
Gong Hu felt the same.
He'd half-suspected Sima Geon had come to the Dharma Hall for the Great Reversion Pill, but hearing it outright made the implications weigh even heavier.
What terrified him was the lack of any way to stop these two wicked foes who had come gunning for it in their current state. The Four Great Diamond Guardians lay collapsed, their acupoints sealed beyond release, while the Eight Great Diamond Guardians were already battered wrecks. He himself had sustained severe injuries.
Can Master handle them?
The most fundamental question—one he wouldn't have dared entertain before—lingered in his mind.
The martial arts of the foe he'd faced directly were unimaginably profound. Moreover, that strike that halted his master's movements just now was utterly shocking.
For the Thunderclap Hand—one of Shaolin's most powerful fist techniques—to be blocked so effortlessly was hard to believe even after seeing it with his own eyes. And the one who had unleashed it was Won Jin, his master, the pinnacle of Shaolin's experts.
Gong Hu closed his eyes tightly and carefully regulated his breathing.
The atmosphere among Gong Hu and the Arhats, who assumed the demand would be refused, was grave. Yet not one showed fear. Instead, they steeled themselves to protect the Great Reversion Pill and Shaolin's pride with their lives.
In stark contrast to the heavy mood around him, Won Jin showed no particular agitation at Sima Geon's demand for the Great Reversion Pill. He even burst into hearty laughter.
“Heh heh! The Great Reversion Pill, eh. Do you know what it is?”
“I've heard it's a spirit pill beyond any price.”
“You know well. Priceless not just for its effects, but because it's so difficult to produce. There's only one left even in our temple now.”
“I know.”
“And yet you still want it?”
“Yes.”
Stifled groans of barely contained anger erupted from various spots at Sima Geon's firm—bordering on brazen—reply.
“But why do you want the Great Reversion Pill? Neither you nor that brute there seems like you'd need it.”
Won Jin glanced at Cheol Woo, who was struggling to suppress his rage.
“......”
“At the very least, shouldn't I hear your reason? Only then can I decide whether to hand it over or die clutching it to the end.”
After a moment's hesitation, Sima Geon spoke in a somewhat forlorn tone.
“My little sister is ill. We need the Great Reversion Pill to cure her.”
“Lies! What nonsense excuse is that!”
Gong Hu snorted derisively and shouted. As Sima Geon's eyes grew icy, Won Jin gestured for Gong Hu to be silent.
“The Great Reversion Pill is indeed a spirit medicine, but it's not a cure for every ailment in the world. For a simple illness, a skilled physician would be more appropriate. We have a rather capable one in our temple. If you wish......”
“Even the Living Immortal Medical House failed.”
Sima Geon shook his head. Won Jin clicked his tongue at the mention of the Living Immortal Medical House's failure.
“Tch! If even they failed, then it's hopeless. That old quack would insist otherwise out of pride, though.”
“But they said the Great Reversion Pill could cure it?” Gong Hu asked.
Sima Geon worried that Gong Hu's piercing glare might implicate the Living Immortal Medical House.
“The Great Reversion Pill was merely one of several spirit medicines they mentioned. I considered seeking others, but with little time left for my sister, I came here.”
“What illness is it that even the Living Immortal Medical House couldn't cure?”
Won Jin asked.
“They called it the Heavenly Yin Divine Meridian.”
“Heavenly Yin Divine Meridian?”
Won Jin tilted his head and glanced at Gong Hu. Gong Hu furrowed his brow in thought but shook his head, clearly clueless.
“They said it's similar to the Nine Yin Severed Meridians, but far more vicious.”
“Amitabha!”
“N-Nine Yin Severed Meridians!”
An exclamation burst from Won Jin's lips, while Gong Hu couldn't hide his shock.
“I see. Now I understand. If it's akin to the Nine Yin Severed Meridians, the Great Reversion Pill would certainly help.”
Won Jin finally grasped why Sima Geon so desperately sought the Great Reversion Pill.
Startled by the pity on Won Jin's face, Gong Hu quickly spoke up.
“No, Master. It's tragic, but the Great Reversion Pill is the temple's treasure. We can't just give it away.”
Won Jin fell deep into thought without responding, then finally spoke.
“As you heard, the Great Reversion Pill is the last one left in our temple—a treasure we can't treat lightly. If we can't give it to you, what then?”
Sima Geon replied without hesitation.
“I must have it.”
“Everyone here will block you with their lives.”
“To save my sister, I'm prepared to plunge into hell itself.”
The air grew heavy at Sima Geon's eerily calm eyes and voice, his words carrying the resolve to draw blood.
“It seems you're not afraid of what follows—of the name Shaolin.”
“For my sister, I'll bear anything.”
Won Jin let out a hollow chuckle at Sima Geon's unwavering attitude.
It was astonishing, almost wondrous, that the name Shaolin could be treated so dismissively. The problem was that it wasn't mere bravado.
Won Jin could sense from the abyss-deep eyes of Sima Geon that there was no exaggeration in his words. He was ready to fight not just those gathered here, but all of Shaolin if needed.
Yet there was no fear or trepidation—only confidence that victory was assured.
Though impossible, a faint bloody scent teased his nostrils.
A chill ran through him, knowing how many disciples' lives hung on this moment's decision.
From Sima Geon's heavy silence emanated a ruthless selfishness that would disregard hundreds, even thousands of lives to save his sister—mingled with desperate longing and pathos.
A soft sigh escaped Won Jin's lips. Gong Hu, biting his own, looked around and shouted.
“The temple's disciples fear not death!”
Cheol Woo, who had retreated, growled as he approached.
“Is that so? We'll find out soon enough. Leader, no need to drag this out—let's just tear a few apart first.”
Cheol Woo bared a savage killing intent, as if ready to strike at any moment. His ferocity made even Gong Hu pale and step back.
It was a powder keg on the verge of explosion.
“Tch tch, so impatient. How did someone with that temperament achieve such prowess?”
Won Jin clicked his tongue and pointed to the Arhats tensed and awaiting orders.
“Those young ones may not fear death, but this old monk thinks differently.”
“Master!”
Gong Hu cried out in alarm, but Won Jin waved him off irritably.
“Think about it yourself. Our lives as old fogeys are worth little. But those children? They're the ones to lead and uphold Shaolin in the future. Would you sever their lifelines here?”
“That's......”
As Gong Hu trailed off, Won Jin's gaze shifted to Sima Geon.
“The Great Reversion Pill is indeed in the Dharma Hall. And its owner has already been decided.”
At Won Jin's words, Sima Geon's eyes turned to the fainted warrior.
“It's not widely known, but the Dharma Hall is Shaolin's sword. That's why the Great Reversion Pill remains here, absent from the main temple.”
“If it's a sword, then it seems well-chosen. Though it doesn't quite suit Shaolin.”
“That's the role of a sword. Best if it's never used, but when needed, it must decisively spill blood.”
Won Jin smiled bitterly before growing serious.
“If I give you the Great Reversion Pill, the sword meant to protect the next generation will rust. To you, nothing matters more than saving your sister, but from our temple's perspective, it's no simple choice. Our pride is at stake too.”
Sima Geon sensed what Won Jin was getting at.
“Tell me what you desire, monk.”
“I'll give you a chance to save your sister not through theft or force, but trade. Of course, from our side—forced into this unilaterally—it's hardly fair and quite unjust.”
Sima Geon felt no displeasure at Won Jin's rebuke. A warm breeze softened his impassive face. A path to the Great Reversion Pill without bloodshed had opened.
“Name your demand. I'll do anything within my power.”
“Are you wealthy?”
“Pardon?”
Sima Geon blinked at the unexpected question.
“Can you afford to buy it with money?”
“Not really. But if that's what you want, I'll prepare it.”
“Sounds like you're planning to rob someone else's pockets again.”
Sima Geon briefly thought of the Ha Hu Clan. They'd give him ten million gold if asked, but he didn't mention it.
“No need to worry. I won't ask for money. The temple isn't that desperate. Just one condition.”
“Speak it.”
“First, how about showing your true faces? A fake one doesn't suit such a weighty deal.”
At Won Jin's meaningful gaze, Sima Geon immediately released his disguise technique.
Under the moonlight, his revealed face had slightly altered features, but the aura and impression were much the same. Cheol Woo, caught off guard and releasing his own, was even more so.
“Sima Geon.”
At Sima Geon's glance, Cheol Woo grumbled curtly.
“Cheol Woo.”
“A name fitting your build.”
“Now, state your condition.”
Won Jin stared long at Sima Geon's face before speaking with utmost gravity.
“Simple. You've rusted the sword, so become the sword yourself.”