The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 67

Tae-won has long been a military stronghold, defending against northern barbarians. The enduring presence of the old fortress built in the past underscores this strategic importance.

Phoenix Castle, often called the second largest ancient castle alongside Pyeongyo Castle, stands as a testament to this history.

Baekgeommun [White Sword Gate] occupied a key position, guarding the north gate of Phoenix Castle.

Although its power has waned and its influence within the Murim [martial arts world] is now insignificant, its regional standing remains solid, closely tied to Phoenix Castle throughout history.

This is because it was the only righteous sect that had been playing the role of the local guardian.

Around midnight, when darkness had fully descended.

Beomgyewi, with the distant buildings of Baekgeommun in sight, retrieved a pill from his pocket.

“Should I only take half, considering how precious it is?”

Gazing at the few remaining Holy Water Pills, Beomgyewi clicked his tongue, a hint of regret in his expression.

After a moment of contemplation, Beomgyewi made up his mind.

“Eh, let’s just eat it.”

Even if I see blood, my mind must remain clear.

Beomgyewi, casting aside any reservations, placed the pill in his mouth and unleashed the murderous intent he had suppressed deep within his heart.

“How dare you touch Doctor Dan?”

The thought of Dan Akseon, and the suffering he must have endured, ignited a fierce anger within him.

Koo-oong.

As Beomgyewi kicked off the ground, the earth beneath him buckled, unable to withstand the force, and spiderweb-like cracks radiated outwards.

In that instant, Beomgyewi’s figure shot into the air.

Leaping thirty feet in a single bound, Beomgyewi hurtled directly towards his target.

Kwaang!

The main gate of Baekgeommun exploded as Beomgyewi crashed into it like a meteor.

Woo-ji-geun.

Following the initial impact, the Jeogaekdang [guest hall], designed to welcome visitors, was utterly demolished.

“An attack!”

Someone’s scream, like Kyung Ho-sung [alarm], triggered a chorus of horn blasts and shouts from all directions, as warriors poured out from every building.

Most were still in their sleepwear, clearly roused from their beds.

Nevertheless, the weapons they brandished reflected the same alertness as their eyes.

But they were all embarrassed.

Who would dare to breach the walls of Baekgeommun? Even Jangnakbang [Long Joy Clan] at its peak wouldn’t even consider such an act.

Baekgeommun held a symbolic position in Taewon.

“There is only one enemy!”

Already, more than fifty warriors were densely surrounding the intruder.

However, despite their overwhelming numbers, tension etched itself onto their faces.

The opponent’s presence was extraordinary.

Beomgyewi, scanning the scene, grabbed the Daechojagon [Great Thorn Dragon Cudgel] he carried on his back.

Koo-oong.

A veteran warrior, seasoned in the ways of the gangho [martial world], shouted in shock.

“Mangsanchoja [Mad Mountain Choja]!”

He recognized Beomgyewi’s unique weapon, the Daechojagon, along with his imposing physique and thorn-like beard.

“……!”

A palpable unease spread among the Baekgeommun warriors.

Ignorance might have been bliss, but now that they knew Beomgyewi’s identity, none dared to move first. Beomgyewi glared at them, a low growl rumbling in his chest.

“Bring the guy.”

Cheolkeureok.

Beomgyewi tightened his grip on the Daechojagon.

“Or die, all of you.”

He lacked Cho Ak-ryang’s talent for overwhelming opponents with words, so this approach suited him better. And wasn’t Beomgyewi more confident than anyone else in turning the opponent into scorched earth?

‘If I sweep them away, he’ll be among them.’

Beomgyewi is a master who has reached the level of Simuiungi (心意運氣) [Mind-Intent-Qi Circulation].

The murderous intent that arose naturally from his will intensified, becoming almost palpable. Instantly, the faces of the Baekgeommun disciples surrounding him paled under the terrifying pressure.

The eyes that dominated the surroundings and the formidable presence.

The terrifying pressure that only a great master could exert was dominating the entire space in which they were standing.

Just as Beomgyewi was about to launch his attack.

―I found it.

A line of jeoneum [telepathic message] flew in.

Beomgyewi turned his head, his gaze drawn to the direction from which the jeoneum originated. He locked eyes with a man who cautiously revealed himself beyond the collapsed wall.

It was Yeop Dan-yeong.

His face was slick with sweat, a testament to his hurried arrival.

“Tsk! Why does he have to come at this time?”

Beomgyewi frowned, a hint of disappointment in his expression.

“You were lucky, you guys.”

Without a second glance, Beomgyewi turned and pursued Yeop Dan-yeong, who had already vanished. He disappeared into the darkness.

“What on earth is going on?”

The Baekgeommunju [White Sword Gate Lord], arriving late, pressed the disciples who stood in bewildered silence.

But they were equally clueless.

Among the disciples exchanging confused glances, one stepped forward.

It was the Jigaekdangju [Outer Hall Master], responsible for guarding the outer perimeter.

“The intruder was Beomgyewi.”

“What?”

In the eyes of Baek Un-gyeong, the Baekgeommunju, who surveyed the collapsed gate and Jigaekdang building, an undeniable suspicion took root.

“Why is that person here?”

Baek Un-gyeong couldn’t comprehend the situation at all.

Baekgeommun had not participated in the Murim Alliance’s campaign against the Ten Evils. Moreover, they had no apparent feud with him. In fact, their areas of operation were so distant that there had been no opportunity for conflict.

“I also don’t know the details because I’m in a hurry…….”

The Jigaekdangju, his words hesitant, mentioned a point that remained unclear.

“He mentioned Baek Un-hwi Doryeon-nim’s [Young Master] name.”

“Hwi-ah? Why is he looking for that child who cut off his steps a long time ago?”

“I don’t know that either.”

Baek Un-gyeong, his eyes darting around in bewilderment, let out a heavy sigh.

‘What on earth are you doing!’

Attracting a monster like Beomgyewi was no small matter.

Baek Un-gyeong’s heart grew heavier at the groans of the injured echoing from the collapsed buildings.

“Take care of the injured and send a jeonseogu [message hawk] to the Murim Alliance!”

As soon as Baek Un-gyeong’s instructions were given, the Baekgeommun disciples, previously frozen in place, sprang into action.

* * *

A small village, half a day’s journey from Taewon.

An inn stood out, its lights a beacon in the surrounding darkness.

Inside, Baek Un-hwi faced Baek Cheon-in.

The thick Daehwangchok (大黃燭) [large yellow candle], as thick as an arm, dripped wax and illuminated the surroundings, but a deep shadow lingered on the faces of the two men.

The candlelight flickered intermittently in the wind that seeped through the window.

The shadows dancing on the wall amplified the already troubled atmosphere.

“There will be another opportunity next time.”

After a long silence, Baek Un-hwi broke the quiet.

“Fortunately, rumors related to the son of righteousness’s whereabouts have not spread.”

Baek Cheon-in, stroking his white beard without a word, betrayed anxiety in his eyes.

“But I don’t think there will be much time.”

Now that the elites of Jangnakbang had vanished entirely, it was only a matter of time before gossip about him circulated.

“Don’t worry. If you keep knocking, the door will open someday. There are plenty of people who can replace Jangnakbang.”

Baek Cheon-in frowned at Baek Un-hwi’s confident tone.

“I’m afraid I’ve stirred up the grass and startled the snake [alerted the enemy].”

Having experienced it once, Bingokseonja’s [Ice Valley Immortal’s] vigilance would be heightened. Moreover, the Jangnakbang disciples sent into Sinmagok [New Devil Valley] had disappeared without a trace.

“Maybe the rumors related to Bingokseonja are true…….”

To vanish as if their existence had been erased, without even a whisper, suggested something extraordinary.

“Don’t worry. I will definitely succeed this time.”

“How?”

Baek Un-hwi picked up the cold tea and brought it to his mouth.

After wetting his lips with a sip of tea, Baek Un-hwi spoke.

“I’m thinking of bringing in Binggung [Ice Palace] of Bukhae [North Sea].”

“……!”

Baek Cheon-in straightened his posture, a look of delight on his face. He knew that she was once a master who symbolized Bukhaebinggung.

“It won’t be easy to move them?”

“The position of inspector is very useful at times like this.”

Although not directly affiliated with the Murim Alliance, Binggung was the only sect in Saeoe [Beyond the Border] where the Murim Alliance could exert influence.

“Even if they only know the whereabouts of Bingokseonja, they will run barefoot.”

“Why?”

At Baek Cheon-in’s question, Baek Un-hwi smiled meaningfully.

“It’s difficult to reveal the reason, but it’s because the situation they are in right now is not good.”

He was fully aware of the unusual movements in Saeoe recently, allowing him to guarantee this much.

“They will definitely come to find her. Because it’s a matter of their survival.”

Baek Cheon-in discarded his disbelief at Baek Un-hwi’s confident demeanor.

“The day will soon come when our Baekgeommun will dominate the world.”

At Baek Un-hwi’s words, Baek Cheon-in stroked his beard with a satisfied expression, a habitual gesture.

“It feels good just thinking about it.”

It was then.

Baek Un-hwi suddenly felt strange.

A subtle sense of unease, difficult to pinpoint.

“Why?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

The moment Baek Un-hwi spoke, forcing a smile in response to Baek Cheon-in’s question, his face hardened.

“……!”

Suddenly, all the hairs on his body stood on end, as if he had been doused in ice water.

‘This is?’

Baek Un-hwi hurriedly looked around.

The air surrounding them was gradually becoming heavier.

Only then did he realize that the reason was the thick murderous intent that permeated the air.

Beolkeok.

Suddenly, the door burst open and a man with a massive physique poked his head in.

While the two men were speechless with shock, Beomgyewi calmly pulled up a chair and sat between them.

Baek Cheon-in looked at Baek Un-hwi in embarrassment.

“Do you know him?”

He was also a huge physique, but the opponent was a head taller than him. He had never seen such a monstrous physique in his life.

Beomgyewi, looking back and forth between Baek Cheon-in and Baek Un-hwi, smiled.

“Is it you?”

The inspector was said to be the Baekgeommunju’s younger brother, so it wouldn’t be the old man in front of him.

Baek Un-hwi’s heart sank as he met Beomgyewi’s gaze. Only then did he recognize the other person’s identity.

Baek Cheon-in, noticing his nephew’s unusual expression, extended his palms while seated.

Jjeo-eong!

The Jangryeok [Palm Force] that exploded on the opponent’s back swept through the room roughly.

“Keu-ak!”

It was then that a desperate scream echoed.

It was the scream that came from Baek Cheon-in’s mouth, who had launched the preemptive strike.

Baek Cheon-in looked down at his own hands, his wrist bones broken and dangling, with an astonished face. Then he vomited blood.

“How can there be such an absurd Hosinganggi (護身罡氣) [Body Protecting Qi]…….”

It was like hitting a huge metal fortress.

Baek Cheon-in, muttering to himself, couldn’t finish his sentence. Suddenly, a large hand shot out in front of him and grabbed his head.

Baek Cheon-in, gasping for air, tried to reach out his hand again.

Ududuk.

At the same time, a chilling sound erupted from within Beomgyewi’s grip.

“……!”

Baek Un-hwi’s eyes shook uncontrollably.

Baek Cheon-in’s hand, fallen limply.

His head, bleeding from his nose and already lifeless, was crushed by Beomgyewi’s hand.

His eyes, wide open in death, were filled only with astonishment and fear.

Baek Un-hwi shouted in a hurry when he made eye contact with Beomgyewi.

“If you hurt me, the Murim Alliance will never sit idly by!”

Beomgyewi laughed in vain.

“How long has it been since they put a bounty on my head, why are you being so new?”

Baek Un-hwi, at a loss for words, shifted his eyes uneasily, when the door opened and Yeop Dan-yeong quietly entered.

Yeop Dan-yeong, belatedly discovering Baek Cheon-in bleeding from his nose and dying, froze in his place.

‘It’s a mess!’

Beomgyewi completely loses his mind once he sees blood.

Knowing him well, he judged that it was impossible to quietly resolve the situation.

‘Ssibal [Damn it]!’

No, not to mention the repair, it has now become difficult to get out of this place safely.

Yeop Dan-yeong glared at Baek Un-hwi. It’s all because of that idiot. Then suddenly he felt strange.

Because Beomgyewi’s eyes looking at him were so clear.

Yeop Dan-yeong asked carefully.

“Are you okay?”

“What?”

“That……, madness…….”