Chapter 870: Like a Celestial Fairy Banished From Heaven

TL: FoodieMonster007

Bi Sayin dashed westward using his movement arts, sprinting like a child rushing to meet his friends.

When was the last time I ran with such excitement?

After running for a good while, he found them waiting at a roadside inn with tables and chairs set outside.

"Over here, over here!" Geom Mugeuk waved and welcomed him, as if certain Bi Sayin would follow. "You haven't cured your hangover yet, have you? Innkeeper, another bowl over here."

Bi Sayin sat down. Han Seol, sitting across from him, gave him a slight bow as apology for agreeing with Geom Mugeuk's suggestion without telling him beforehand. She had been swayed by the argument that this was the only way Bi Sayin could come along, but she still felt sorry.

Bi Sayin gave a faint smile and nodded as if to say it was fine. He was actually grateful she had been persuaded. Thanks to her, he could join them on this trip. "I came without even sending word to the Chairman," he groaned.

Jin Hagun, his comrade, was in the same situation. "I did the same," he admitted.

Geom Mugeuk spoke to the two of them. "It's always more exciting when you're prepared to get scolded, but did the First Wolf really let you go so easily?"

"I was puzzled too." Bi Saying nodded. He had expected the First Wolf to protest, insisting it was absolutely out of the question, but he had given his permission.

Has he decided that his Young Alliance Chairman's fate can't be un-intertwined from Geom Mugeuk's?

"Looks like he's prepared to get scolded along with me," he added.

Jin Hagun smiled faintly. Hearing about the Thirteen Evil Wolves reminded him of his subordinates in the Demon Slaying Brigade.

I wonder if they're all enjoying their leave. No, I should forget about it!

Just then, the innkeeper brought a hot soup dish to Bi Sayin.

"The food here is good. Take your time and eat," Geom Mugeuk said.

Bi Sayin tasted the soup. Just as Geom Mugeuk mentioned, it was delicious. Spicy and refreshing. He felt his insides unwind. "So, where are we headed now?"

Geom Mugeuk told Bi Sayin about their trip. "The principle of this trip is to go wherever our feet take us."

"I don't think I've ever lived like that," Bi Sayin replied.

Jin Hagun nodded in agreement. "Me neither."

Geom Mugeuk first asked the two Young Alliance Chairmans, who were pushing themselves the most for this trip. "Is there anywhere in particular you'd like to go?"

Bi Sayin and Jin Hagun shook their heads. A place might come to mind as they traveled, but nothing occurred to them right now.

"Then shall we start by going where my feet take me?"

Everyone nodded. They sensed that Geom Mugeuk had a destination in mind.

"By any chance, do you like insects?"

Jin Hagun asked with a puzzled expression. "Who in the world likes insects?"

Geom Mugeuk said with an unreadable smile, "You'll come to love them on this trip."

Hearing the sound of insects from afar, the Insect Physician raised her head.

"The crickets have been singing since morning. I suppose a welcome guest will arrive today."

Pyo Jigwang, who was warming up with a sword in the courtyard, looked at the main gate and remarked, "I hope they bring a sack full of money!"

"You rascal, why is a young man like you so obsessed with money?"

"Who do you think I learned it from? And young? I'm an old man myself now."

"What a way to talk to your old Master."

Pyo Jigwang put down his sword and brought a cup of water to the Insect Physician. "Now that you're up, have a glass of water first."

"I'm not thirsty."

"You may not be, Elder, but your body needs it."

Pyo Jigwang made her drink the water, then began to massage her shoulders. This was the start of their daily routine.

"Ah, that feels good."

"Drinking a glass of lukewarm water right when you wake up is so good for your health."

"You rascal, does someone who cares about health ruin their body like that?"

"My body was injured while doing great things."

Geom Mugeuk had met Pyo Jigwang in the past when he fought the Brawling King in the Evil Alliance. He had brought Pyo Jigwang, a man used by those behind the scenes, to the Insect Physician to be taken in as a disciple. Since then, Pyo Jigwang had been living as if reborn, serving the Insect Physician as his master.

"I keep telling you, you should train with me."

The Insect Physician was a martial master. Her medical skills were as outstanding as the Demonic or Divine Physician's not just because of her deep knowledge of poisonous insects, but because she herself was a master who had reached the pinnacle and knew a martial artist's body better than anyone.

"You do it. I'm old, everything is a bother. That's enough with the shoulders."

"Just a little longer." Pyo Jigwang continued to massage her shoulders. "By the way, are you not going to set up the formations anymore?"

Originally, the Nirvana Dream was surrounded by formations. One had to speak a code word to the boy at the village entrance and reveal who had sent them to be allowed inside. However, the Insect Physician had removed those formations, saying they were no longer needed now that she had a reliable disciple.

Still, Pyo Jigwang knew his master's heart. He knew that his master, feeling she was running out of time, was trying to save even the money for maintaining the formations to raise and teach one more child.

"Why? Are you scared because there are no formations?"

"Of course I'm scared. The world is so dangerous these days."

"Are those words befitting the mouth of a vicious man who was once the Black Dragon Commander?"

After taking Pyo Jigwang as her disciple, the Insect Physician had completely shaken off her loneliness and depression. Life with this disciple was quite enjoyable.

Only after massaging her for a while longer did Pyo Jigwang go to the courtyard and swing his sword again. He, once the Black Dragon Commander of the Evil Alliance, had been so severely injured during a mission that his body was unable to use martial arts, but he was now swinging his sword using inner qi.

He had given up on martial arts and devoted himself solely to serving the Insect Physician, but she had cured him using a treatment method involving poisonous insects. While not back to his prime, he had now recovered a significant amount of his martial arts.

The greater miracle for him, however, was something else.

"Your hips are dropping. Bend your knees more."

The Insect Physician had not only treated him but also passed on her own martial arts, which were stronger than his. She had acknowledged Pyo Jigwang as her true disciple.

"Breathe deeper. Hold your breath, that's right!" As she was instructing Pyo Jigwang, the Insect Physician spoke as if something had just occurred to her. "Jigwang."

"Yes, Master?"

"When I die, release all the insects here, and you go far away and live your own life. Don't suffer trying to carry on my work. Just live doing what you want to do."

The look in Pyo Jigwang's eyes deepened as he swung his sword. His quick-witted Master was reading his mind completely. "Why would taking care of the children be suffering?"

"It is suffering."

"So do you regret it? Spending all the money you earned in your lifetime taking care of orphans? Living a life where you were called a money-grubber?"

The Insect Physician looked up at the sky. Do I regret my life? Of course not.

"Yes, I regret it," she said.

"Then in your next life, don't live like this. Live lavishly. Earn money and buy a grand, tile-roofed house as big as a whale's back. I'll live like that in my next life, too."

Pyo Jigwang intended to continue her work even if the Insect Physician died. That was why he was doing his best to learn her medical arts.

Just then, the main gate was thrown open roughly, and two martial artists stepped inside. From the way they entered without permission, it was clear they hadn't come with good intentions.

"It seems those crickets aren't very good at distinguishing welcome guests." Pyo Jigwang led his master to a chair placed so she could watch the courtyard and sat her down. "Stay right here and don't move. I'll deal with them."

"I can't stand it now that I'm old. My anger is boiling over."

"Don't blame your age. It's because of that shitty temper of yours."

"You rascal!"

In the meantime, the two martial artists approached them.

The middle-aged man leading the way was Jo Dang, the Sect Leader of the Harmonious Sect. The man standing next to Jo Dang was Hwang Chun, Jo Dang's right-hand man and the top swordsman of the Harmonious Sect.

"Who are you?" Pyo Jigwang asked calmly.

Hwang Chun stepped forward in place of his leader. "We sent a man here a few days ago."

Pyo Jigwang quietly rebuked him. "When have we ever met that you're speaking so informally? Show some manners."

Hwang Chun's face crumpled into a scowl. "In the murim, age means nothing. Skill is what determines your age."

The Sect Leader, Jo Dang, stepped forward. "How insolent."

At his rebuke, Hwang Chun stepped back. It was clear the scolding was merely for show. If Jo Dang were a man who knew manners, his subordinate wouldn't have said such things in front of him in the first place.

"I am Jo Dang, Sect Leader of the Harmonious Sect," he introduced himself. "I should have come to see you in person from the start. My apologies."

"Welcome, Sect Leader Jo," Pyo Jigwang greeted him politely.

The Insect Physician was sitting in her chair as told, watching the courtyard.

"What brings an esteemed person like you to this place?"

"I sent a man here a few days ago."

Pyo Jigwang nodded. "I remember, and I believe I politely conveyed that their offer was rejected."

Jo Dang had come here because he wanted to buy a piece of land in another region. Knowing that the owner of that land was the master of the Nirvana Dream, he had sent his steward with a few martial artists to negotiate a reasonable price and buy it. However, the steward and the martial artists had returned covered in red welts from insect bites. The deal had, of course, failed.

Therefore, since it was an urgent and important matter, he, the Sect Leader, had come in person.

"This is a meeting with an important person, so I should have come myself from the beginning. I apologize again." After apologizing, Jo Dang said with a pleasant face, "That land, I'll buy it for a better price than the market rate."

Pyo Jigwang didn't bother asking the price. "I refuse."

"Deals always fall through because the price isn't right, wouldn't you agree? I'll give you double the land's value."

He had obtained information that a large sect was planning to relocate near that land. If he could buy that land and sell it to the relocating sect, he could make a profit of several dozen times the price.

"The land is not for sale."

"Fine. I'll give you three times the price. That's my final offer."

"Even if you offered ten times the price, I have no intention of selling."

Jo Dang frowned. These people… could they have heard the relocation rumor?

"May I ask the reason?" he asked.

Pyo Jigwang asked back, "Do you know what building is on this land?"

"I heard there's a place called the Blue Orphanage that gathers and raises orphans…" Jo Dang wore a look of disbelief. "Don't tell me you're refusing to sell because of that place? How ridiculous, Money-Grubber."

Finally, Jo Dang revealed his true colors. He had come knowing that the master of the Nirvana Dream was a physician known as a money-grubber. His expression, which had been polite until then, turned cold. Whoever bought the land would surely tear down that unprofitable place first.

"A physician mad for money," he taunted. "The rumors about you are quite widespread. Do you sell those orphans for a high price or something?"

Pyo Jigwang sighed, "You know our Elder is the Insect Physician, and yet you're this rude?"

"Yes, I hear she's good with poisonous insects," Jo Dang said, but he had an ace up his sleeve. He took an Antitoxin Bead, and a top-grade one at that, out from his pocket.

Not only that, but Hwang Chun also took out an Antitoxin Bead. The two of them had come fully prepared.

"If you understand why only the two of us came, you'd be wise not to be so stubborn."

It was a clear threat that they might kill them if they didn't sign the contract.

Jo Dang took a contract out from his robes. "Put your handprint on the contract. Don't forget, you can still make a handprint with a severed arm."

As long as he officially bought it for three times the market price, he would have a plausible excuse if problems arose later. Something like 'The money-grubber demanded three times the price, so I paid it!'

"You scum, worse than insects!" Pyo Jigwang roared in fury.

The Insect Physician, who had been sitting quietly, complained in a languid voice. "You rascal, how dare you compare precious, precious insects to scum like them?" She casually turned her head to look at Jo Dang and Hwang Chun. "Did you know that there are insects that go crazy for the Antitoxin Bead?"

After saying only that, she groaned and struggled to get up from her seat.

"Oof, my back…"

Pyo Jigwang interpreted her words for the two men, who didn't understand. "She means that there are poisonous insects that even a high-grade Antitoxin Bead can't stop."

Geom Mugeuk was strolling happily with his friends. "Alright, watch carefully from now on," he explained excitedly as he led the way. "When we turn that corner, there'll be a boy sitting on a wooden bench. Next time you come, just say this to him. 'Boy, go and bring a bottle of wine brewed from insects.' Then the boy will ask who sent you. That's when you answer, 'I was sent by the handsome and dashing Young Cult Leader Geom.' Got it?"

When they turned the corner, there was indeed a wooden bench there, and a boy sitting and reading a book on it.

"You've really grown a lot!" Geom Mugeuk remarked.

The boy, who had grown so much since he last saw him, also recognized Geom Mugeuk. "Long time no see, sir."

"Remember the people standing behind me, and guide them well next time they come. They're hard to forget once you've seen them, so you'll recognize them right away. Oh, that scary-looking hyung is actually a nice guy, so guide him well too. Hey, friends! See? You wouldn't even be able to get through here without me."

Just as Geom Mugeuk was showing off to his heart's content, the boy said, "You can get to the Nirvana Dream by going straight down this path."

Geom Mugeuk blinked in confusion,. "What are you talking about?"

"The Elder has removed the formations."

Five people walked past Geom Mugeuk, who was standing there blankly.

The scary-looking hyung said a word as he passed. "Friend, bring us a bottle of wine brewed from insects."

"He just said you don't need the wine anymore!" Geom Mugeuk whined, feeling alone, but he gave the boy some pocket money anyway.

The boy was shocked. "You're giving me this much?"

"I'm giving it to you because I'm proud to always see you reading. Buy lots of books and read them. That will surely be your path to survival! Hey, friends, wait for meeee!"

Geom Mugeuk ran after his friends.

The boy, looking down at the money slip, bowed his head politely to Geom Mugeuk.

After they had walked for a while and the Nirvana Dream came into view, Geom Mugeuk introduced the Insect Physician. "You have no idea what an amazing person Elder Insect Physician is. She's a noble soul who has dedicated her entire life to children. She's kind yet graceful, her medical skills are on par with the Divine Physician, and she possesses great knowledge and upbringing.

"Why do you think this place is called the Nirvana Dream? It's because she's like a celestial fairy banished from Heaven, that's what I'm saying. Elder, I'm here!"

Throwing open the main gate of the Nirvana Dream, Geom Mugeuk and his friends stepped inside, but they were rendered speechless by the scene unfolding within.

The Insect Physician was just about to make a large insect in her hand bite the shirtless Jo Dang, whose entire body was already covered in wounds as if bitten by other insects.

Just as she looked over at them, pleased by Geom Mugeuk's visit…

CHOMP!

The insect she was holding mercilessly bit into his body, and Jo Dang screamed, "Aaaaaaaargh!"

Hwang Chun, who had fainted, came to his senses. He crawled toward the entrance and begged, grabbing the leg of someone who had just entered.

That person happened to be Bi Sayin, but Hwang Chun was in no state to recognize whose leg he was holding.

"…Please save me!"

Whether he had been beaten or bitten by insects, Hwang Chun's face and body were swollen beyond recognition.

Bi Sayin looked at the Insect Physician, who was smiling brightly at them with a blood-smeared face, and whispered quietly in Geom Mugeuk's ear, "I think she's more like a devil banished from Hell, though?"