Previously on Supreme Divine Physician in the City...
After being cornered by the Sword God's relentless assault, Ye Xuan draws his Dragon Sword and declares he only needs one strike to end the battle. While the crowd mocks his arrogance, the Sword God believes in him and asks Ye Xuan to fulfill his wish of witnessing that single strike. Ye Xuan agrees, and the chapter ends as he takes a swift step towards the Sword God.
Ye Xuan’s magnificent long sword in his hand rose again, a sweeping arc across the void, sword shadows like a surging tide. The Sword God perceived every trajectory with absolute clarity. Yet, strangely, despite understanding each movement and quickly identifying a counter-move, he found himself unable to raise his hand, let alone his sword. The reason... he was already deceased. Silently, peacefully, without a whisper. The Sword God fell! The scene froze. Ye Xuan stood behind the Sword God, sword in one hand, his gaze lowered, his face an impassive mask devoid of any emotion. The Sword God remained behind Ye Xuan, katana gripped tightly in his hands, his aged eyes wide with astonishment and ecstasy, as if the final frozen moment was the pinnacle of his existence. It has been said that witnessing is a privilege; this perfectly encapsulated the Sword God's final moments. He witnessed the majestic power of Ye Xuan’s strike. He witnessed the ascension of an unmatched new star. He witnessed the world’s most terrifying and incredible talent. He witnessed Ye Xuan! "Father..." From within the crowd, Chiba Sakurako, witnessing the petrified instant, closed her eyes in sorrow, silent tears tracing paths down her exquisite cheeks. The assembled multitude seemed to perceive a shift, and the atmosphere gradually hushed. Suddenly, a voice cried out: "The Sword God is dead!" "What? The Sword God is dead?!" "Look, there's a crimson line on the Sword God's neck!" "The bloodline is widening!" "The Sword God has fallen!" "..." Unseen, unheard, the entirety of Canglang Island erupted with countless exclamations of shock and disbelief. Following the fervent cries, a sudden hush fell, all eyes fixated on the fallen Sword God, a collective sense of blankness and world-shattering realization dawning upon them. Even now, it felt impossible to comprehend that the Sword God had… perished! How did he die? What transpired? Where am I? Who am I? Bang! Amidst the profound silence, the imposing figure of the Sword God, under the gaze of innumerable onlookers, finally descended to the ground, carried by a gentle breeze. The dull thud of his fall was like the tolling of Hell’s death knell, officially heralding the Sword God’s demise! Every soul within earshot couldn't help but shudder, their hearts lurching violently before succumbing to a quiet, introspective dread. One strike. Ye Xuan had spoken of one strike. And it was, indeed, only one strike! "Monster, an absolute monster!" "To instantly fell the Northern Federation’s Sword God with a single blow, what level of power is required? Is Ye Xuan truly as young as he appears?" "Is he even human? He's a true monster!" "..." Within the crowd, countless individuals trembled involuntarily, their gazes shifting towards Ye Xuan. Observing the gleaming sword in his grasp, an icy chill permeated the air, their minds reeling in utter shock! This was a duel of profoundly disparate strengths. Ye Xuan understood this. Chiba Sakurako grasped this. The Sword God, already deceased, knew this as well. In fact, everyone present was aware of it. Yet, prior to this moment, a significant portion had anticipated the uneven match would result in the Sword God's triumph over Ye Xuan, not that… Ye Xuan would conclude the battle with a solitary strike! A single, decisive strike! Slaying the Sword God! What terrifying force was contained within that single blow? In the entirety of this arena, who could possibly withstand such an attack? Silence. Utter, profound silence. Gazing upon the Sword God lying unmoving on the cold earth, every person present seemed to have been rendered immobile, their faces frozen, their eyes vacant, unable to return to full awareness. They dared not fully recover their senses. At moments like these, it felt as though anyone who dared to break the silence might become the next target of Ye Xuan’s blade! What is true intimidation? This was it, absolute, unquestionable intimidation! Under its immense weight, the entirety of Canglang Island sank into a quietude that felt eternal… Finally. A figure of striking beauty emerged from the throng, shattering the prolonged, tense stalemate. It was an exceptionally captivating woman, clad in a traditional kimono and wooden clogs, her graceful, delicate steps exuding an exotic allure; her peerlessly beautiful face drew countless captivated gazes. Chiba Sakurako, the Sword God's daughter! "Rumors spoke of the Sword God's daughter possessing martial arts talent surpassing even her father; could she be here to exact vengeance for her father on the spot?" "Seeking revenge now would be akin to throwing her life away, wouldn't it?" "..." Upon witnessing Chiba Sakurako's appearance, someone in the crowd voiced a hesitant question. However, Chiba Sakurako seemed entirely detached from the surrounding murmurs. Her demeanor remained remarkably composed, as if the deceased was not her father, but merely an unknown passerby. Under the expectant gazes of the crowd, Chiba Sakurako slowly approached Ye Xuan. Ye Xuan held his sword steady, looked towards Chiba Sakurako, and let out a soft sigh, "I hope you understand." "I understand."
Chiba Sakurako lowered her gaze, a strained smile gracing her features. "Then, I thank you!"
With those words, Chiba Sakurako offered Ye Xuan a deep bow.
Her gratitude was genuine!
The onlookers were utterly bewildered by this turn of events.
What was transpiring? Ye Xuan had vanquished the Sword God, and though Chiba Sakurako was the Sword God’s daughter, her response wasn’t vengeance but...? A bow of thanks?
Where was Chiba Sakurako’s pride? Had her virtue and integrity vanished?
Only Ye Xuan, however, truly grasped Chiba Sakurako’s inner turmoil at that precise moment.
It was because both of them unequivocally understood that the Northern Federation’s Sword God was a genuine martial artist.
For such a warrior, death was never the ultimate fear; a far more terrifying prospect than death was an opponent’s pity or a victor’s leniency.
To be unrecognized by one’s rival was the ultimate shame!
In truth, Ye Xuan had unleashed his full might, concluding the battle with a single, decisive strike. While it appeared brutal and unfeeling, it was, in fact, the highest form of respect he could bestow upon the Sword God. Conversely, had Ye Xuan held back, even if the Sword God had emerged victorious, he likely would not have continued living.
He would have lacked the courage to face the world!
The outcome of this duel had been inescapable: either the Sword God would perish, or both Ye Xuan and the Sword God would meet their end...
Ye Xuan shut his eyes, a wave of sorrow washing over him. Even for one with an unshakeable resolve, a tremor of emotion could not be suppressed at that juncture.
The Sword God, truly worthy of admiration!
"Until we meet again, farewell."
Chiba Sakurako’s hushed voice echoed in his ears.
Ye Xuan opened his eyes, witnessing Chiba Sakurako carrying the Sword God’s lifeless body as she departed Canglang Island.
Swiftly, the father and daughter disappeared entirely from Ye Xuan’s sight.
He let out a gentle sigh, lifting his head. His clear gaze calmly swept across the assembled crowd.
His distinct voice then resonated, "Esteemed witnesses, has the verdict of the match between myself and the Sword God been rendered?"
