On Hiatus: God's Personal Reasons

Chapter 99: Plum Scent Emanating from Sword God’s Chopsticks

Ever since a decade ago, concern had always lingered in Shin Yoo’s heart.

It dated from when he first met Kang Geom, his friend and a Hunter Academy alumnus. Most people approached him for his wealth and top star mother, but Kang Geom was different. He did it solely because of Shin Yoo’s sword techniques.

After that, they’d hone their swordsmanship together, aiming for a higher level. Shin Yoo was always thrilled whenever they trained together. Kang Geom was his true friend and rival, who empathized with him.

“You’re just a rookie, not worth the effort to kill. That’s what I’m going to tell the higher-ups, so rejoice and play house at the academy.”

“W-wait, Kang Geom!”

“I don’t know that name. I’m Sword Demon from the Three Martial Association.”

“Three...Martial Association?”

“Pray that we never see each other again. The day we meet again will be your last.”

However, after a certain event, Kang Geom disappeared. Shin Yoo employed all his family connections, and received the report that Kang Geom had joined an infamous Hunter organization, Three Martial Association, as an assassin.

When Shin Yoo first heard it, he was shocked. Soon after, despair swept over him. Kang Geom disappeared because of him! He sacrificed himself to protect Shin Yoo from the Three Martial Association! Shin Yoo couldn’t stop blaming himself. If only he was stronger, then none of this would’ve happened!

Ever since then, Shin Yoo trained rigorously to rise to Rank S. After so long, the day he dreamed of finally arrived! But one day, he chanced upon a piece of news, which confused him to no end. Apparently, Kang Geom had been embroiled in a fight with the Brilliance Guild, the mastermind behind the black market. But when Shin Yoo heard he was returning to the Hunter Academy as a teacher, he was extremely delighted!

Thus, Shin Yoo immediately rushed over, eager to greet his long-lost friend. He also wanted to congratulate Kang Geom for leaving the dark side for good. But gone was the man Shin Yoo knew from a decade ago. All that remained was a heartless, one-armed swordsman who had abandoned his long-time friend on a deserted island!

Surely, it was that man’s—Yu Il-Shin’s—fault! He made Shin Yoo’s friend like this! Sword Demon wouldn’t stop referring to him as “Sword God,” so he must be from the Three Martial Association! Shin Yoo had to save his friend, who had fallen into the wrong path!

Thus, Shin Yoo returned to the academy with his Taiji twin swords. Coincidentally, he met the so-called Sword God, who’d brainwashed(?) his friend, the self-proclaimed Sword Demon!

“Prepare yourself, Shin Yoo. The grudge of Ginseng Chicken runs deep between us.”

Yu Il-Shin pointed a pair of chopsticks at him, rendering Shin Yoo speechless. Yu Il-Shin’s shabby training suit and the broth dripping from his hair made him look like a clown. As they spoke, Shin Yoo could have probably killed him ten times over!

Furthermore, Shin Yoo had invested tens of billions into the Creation-type Hunter, Kang Woo! Through his Hunter Shop, Shin Yoo had obtained the SS-grade Taiji twin swords! These bad boys should be capable of slaying even SS-rank monsters!

...Still, to challenge him with chopsticks?! Ridiculous! What kind of insult was that?!

“You!”

Yet, a thick scent of plum blossoms adrift in the air, originating from Yu Il-Shin’s chopsticks.

Tzzz!

Blood red qi beautifully weaved around the chopsticks.

Was he a Qigong-type Hunter?

Shin Yoo was astonished.

Compared to Reinforce-type or Supernatural-type Hunters, the abilities of Qigong-type Hunters differed slightly. Having S-rank potential wasn’t enough—one had to train in martial arts to fully unleash their abilities, which required blood, sweat, and tears.

Despite being an S-rank Hunter, it took Shin Yoo at least a decade to unleash his maximum potential.

“Your sword qi is incredible, but what about your techniques?” Shin Yoo crossed his twin swords, taking a stance similar to a snake baring its venomous fangs.

Tzzz!

“Snake Sword Venom Fang (Ryu)!”

Like a pouncing snake, the twin swords, exuding dark blue qi, lunged at Yu Il-Shin!

Claaaang!

But his opponent merely parried it with chopsticks! Shin Yoo’s eyes widened in shock.

“Fuck!”

Shin Yoo cursed, pulling his swords tightly, yet Yu Il-Shin’s chopsticks refused to let them go.

Sss—

Soon, Yu Il-Shin’s red sword qi coiled around Shin Yoo’s twin swords like a snake. Cold sweat broke out on Shin Yoo’s back. He had never seen anyone use sword qi like that in his life!

“Keugh!”

Grabbing his sword, Shin Yoo leaped over Yu Il-Shin’s head. Who said he only knew sword techniques?!

“Shadow Steps!”

A legendary foot technique that didn't even leave a shadow struck Yu Il-Shin like lightning. In the blink of an eye, dozens of kicks hit Yu Il-Shin’s torso like a storm, shredding his clothes!

It’s over!

His kicks could shatter even the hardest of rocks! Shin Yoo smiled in satisfaction.

Craaaack!

“Huh?!”

The sound of bones breaking came from Shin Yoo’s legs.

“Skill Sharing, Il-Ho’s Super Strong Body.”

“...!”

Yu Il-Shin was fully unscathed! Not to mention, his body had compressed to the maximum, as if transforming into a diamond! His shredded muscles covered him like armor! God knows what kind of training Yu Il-Shin underwent to achieve such a physique!

Meanwhile, Yu Il-Shin looked down at his clothes, before screaming in agony as if vomiting blood, “Aarrrgghh! My only training suit!”

Yu Il-Shin threw his head back in fury. “Absolutely unforgivable!” Then, he unleashed a kick!

“Keugh!”

Sensing that a meteorite was about to crush him, Shin Yoo released his swords and blocked the attack with his arms.

“Arghhh!”

Baaaam!

Like an ant caught in a storm, Shin Yoo flew and smashed against the wall of the cafeteria.

“Ughhh!”

He rolled on the ground for a while, letting out painful groans, barely managing to stand up.

I shielded myself with qi, but his power is... n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Throbbing—!

His arms trembled after blocking Yu Il-Shin’s kicks.

Trudge trudge—

Yu Il-Shin approached Shin Yoo with a ghastly fighting spirit.

W-where did that monster!?

Shin Yoo went white from fear.

Meanwhile, the wounded Sword Demon appeared from behind Yu Il-Shin.

“Keke, did you see that? This is the true power of Sword God, the one I serve! Compared to him, you’re just a small fry!”

Sword Demon’s ridicule only angered Shin Yoo further. As they said, sister-in-laws were more hateful than mother-in-laws.

Gritting his teeth, Shin Hoo growled, “This isn’t the end! I haven’t shown you my ultimate skill!”

Yu Il-Shin tossed Shin Yoo’s Taiji twin swords at him.

Flick! Poooop!

Shin Yoo stared in horror as they landed at his feet. Then, he looked up at Yu Il-Shin again.

“Bring it on. Use your ultimate skill.”

Deep sorrow radiated from Yu Il-Shin’s gaze. “Show me what you got. Only by defeating you can I finally let go of my Ginseng Chicken and training suit.”

“Ginseng Chicken and training suit?” Shin Yoo’s face twisted in anger. “Don’t mock me! You’re going to regret this!”

Tzzz!

Shin Yoo crossed his red and blue swords, his hair standing on ends like a hedgehog’s.

“Use the Taegeuk twin swords skill! Sword Qi Amplification!”

Baaaam!

With all his might, Shin Yoo unleashed sword qi from his SS-grade twin swords, which began amplifying.

“Try avoiding this!”

Veins bulged on Shin Yoo’s face as he aimed his sword qi at Yu Il-Shin.

“Ultimate skill! Dragon Fang!”

Shin Yoo slammed down his twin swords, which produced a sound akin to a roar of a gigantic beast!

The blue and red sword qi fused, forming a giant dragon head, which parted its jaw open.

Yu Il-Shin merely frowned as if seeing insects wriggling. Clutching the chopsticks, Yu Il-Shin then executed Mount Hua Sect’s ultimate skill.

“Plum Blossom Flurry.”

Flick!

The pair of chopsticks danced in the air.

“W-what?”

Did he just say “Plum Blossom Flurry”?

Shin Yoo was in pure disbelief. It had to be made up, right?! Yu Il-Shin just wanted to deflect his attack using invisible sword qi!

Shaaaa!

Plum blossom petals began to fall.

“Wow, it’s pretty~”

“Kyaaa.”

Lilith and Ko Myeong-Ji stared at them in enchantment. Was this an illusion or reality? The sweet scent of plum blossoms, along with dazzlingly beautiful red petals filled their vision.

-Roaaaaaar!

Flick!

Just before the enraged dragon could devour him, Yu Il-Shin thrust his chopsticks toward it! The petals swirled, turning into a giant storm that swallowed it. Yet, instead of annihilating the dragon, it merely soothed it like a water current, softening its momentum.

Flick!

The now tame dragon sword qi chased after the plum blossoms, circling around Yu Il-Shin, and...

“Return.”

-Roooooar!

Along with Yu Il-Shin’s chopsticks, the dragon circled around, heading to Shin Yoo instead.

Shin Yoo was terrified! The Dragon Fang was heading straight for him!

Ah...

...At last, he understood why Sword Demon served this man.

Yu Il-Shin is the true swordmaster!

Then, his Dragon Fang, which was about to devour its master...

Baaaam!

Shin Yoo’s vision went black.

***

“...Yikes! I didn’t mean to go this far! Wake up, Mr. Shin Yoo! Please don’t die!”

As his consciousness began to fade, Shin Yoo heard Yu Il-Shin’s voice.

“Cough!”

Turning his head slightly, Shin Yoo coughed up a mouthful of black blood.

Am I... going to die?

Shin Yoo could sense that he didn’t have long left. All his veins were torn to shreds. Even if a miracle happened and he survived, his wounds were too severe. He could probably never hold a sword any longer. In that case, shouldn’t he just die?

“Mr. Sword God! He deserves to die a hundred times for disrespecting and attacking you! But please, show mercy and spare his life!”

Thud thud!

Sword Demon begged, smashing his head to the ground until it bled.

Kang Geom...

Tears welled up in Shin Yoo’s eyes.

He knew it. This man was indeed his friend, Kang Geom. Unfortunately, he’d die first. But at least, he could depart without any regrets...

Tears streamed down his face as Shin Yoo closed his eyes.

Flustered, Yu Il-Shin exclaimed, “Oh, c’mon! We can just heal him! Healing Ring Finger of God!”

Tzzz!

A dazzling white light embraced Shin Yoo.

Strangely... it reminds me of my late mother’s embrace.

“...Huh?” Shin Yoo’s eyes darted open. He scanned his body in bewilderment. “H-how?”

His wounds had disappeared without a trace, and even his mangled veins were restored to their original state! No, they were in an even better state! As if he’d been remolded, his qi flowed more smoothly than before. What a miracle!

“Keke, how’s that?! That’s my Sword God for you!” Sword Demon triumphantly stared at Shin Yoo.

Shin Yoo shuddered. Sword Demon was right.

“I have lost...”

Plop!

Shin Yoo bowed down at Yu Il-Shin’s feet, hot tears running down his face. “You are indeed the true Sword God!”

“Huh?” Yu Il-Shin was flabbergasted. “W-wait! Mr. Shin Yoo! One fanatic is enough for me!”

Meanwhile, the students watching from the sidelines were horrified.

“M-Mr. Yu Il-Shin defeated Shin Yoo with chopsticks?!”

“Wahhhh! He’s incredible!”

Sss—

Just then, one of the students snuck out and headed for a deserted area. After confirming that his surroundings were clear, the student pulled out his phone and dialed an international number.

“I, Three Martial Association’s Dark Demon, have something urgent to report.” Anger flared in Dark Demon’s eyes. “The person who has mastered Mount Hua’s stolen sword relic showed up in Korea!”