The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 355

The Empress Dowager also advised that they were exceeding the boundaries of the Imperial Family’s authority and laws.

Therefore, Princess Youngsun always remembered to show respect to those close to Dan Akseon.

Just then.

One of the guards escorting Princess Youngsun subtly stepped forward.

And naturally blocked Dan Akseon’s path.

He was a man in his early fifties with particularly sharp, cold eyes.

“Huh?”

A strange light flickered in Dan Akseon’s eyes.

“Have we perhaps met somewhere before?”

He was sure he had never seen him before, but strangely, his eyes and demeanor felt familiar.

The man remained silent.

Cho Akryang chuckled at the scene.

“Shinchang Yang Family [Family known for their mastery of the spear]?”

No matter how hard one tries to conceal it, certain characteristics are bound to reveal themselves once a specific martial art is mastered.

Moreover, he couldn’t escape the notice of Cho Akryang, a seasoned expert who had seen it all in the Jianghu [the martial arts world].

The man paused for a moment when Cho Akryang accurately identified his martial arts lineage.

But he quickly regained his composure as if nothing had happened.

“Shinchang Yang Family…?”

Dan Akseon, who had been tilting his head, recalled someone from his memory and exclaimed.

“The Spear Sky Commander who guarded Chief Namgung, wasn’t he also from the Shinchang Yang Family?”

Along with the Ak Family and the Lee Family, they were known as the Three Great Spears of the World (天下三槍) [a title recognizing their exceptional spear techniques], a prestigious family of spear techniques boasting a long history and tradition.

Among them, the Shinchang Yang Family was a family with influence that rivaled even the Five Great Families [powerful martial arts clans].

Even in different eras, a military officer with the surname Yang was always listed in a key position in the Royal Guard.

This was also why they had a somewhat strained relationship with the Namgung Family.

Although there were occasional exceptions, the Five Great Families of the Murim [martial arts world] have consistently pursued a strict policy of non-interference with the government.

On the other hand, the Yang Family had a long history of service in the military.

Yang Bulwi, the Spear Sky Commander of the Murim Alliance.

This was also the reason why he, who inherited the direct line of the Shinchang Yang Family, abandoned his family.

Dan Akseon had heard in the past that he had given up his position as the young patriarch because of his loyalty to Namgung Baek.

“Do you perhaps know him?”

The man’s eyes showed a flicker of distress at Dan Akseon’s question.

But as things had progressed this far, he had no choice but to speak.

“He was my half-brother.”

“Ah! That’s why the feeling was similar.”

Dan Akseon nodded and let out a soft sigh.

“I’m truly sorry about what happened to Lord Namgung.”

The man, Yang Jeon, snorted briefly at those words.

“I am different from him.”

Unlike Yang Bulwi, who was expected to be the successor of the family early on according to the principle of direct succession, he had thrown himself into the military early on because he was an illegitimate child.

He abandoned his family and gave up his position as successor for trivial reasons.

He didn’t want to be compared to such a traitor.

Dan Akseon belatedly realized that he harbored resentment towards Yang Bulwi.

His attitude of mentioning his half-brother as if it were a very distant past was also for this reason.

“Indeed, he is different from him.”

Cho Akryang offered a cold smile.

“Sometimes, even among the stuffy guys who claim to be prestigious families, there are cases where guys like that pop up.”

Despite being blood relatives, he had a distinct presence from Yang Bulwi.

Above all, he possessed the eyes of a war demon (戰鬼) [a warrior who has experienced countless battles and honed their skills to perfection] who had endured all sorts of hells.

Those who pursue only the ultimate efficiency in battle and engrave the experiences and senses gained through actual combat deep into their bones.

As such, they were the type who displayed abilities beyond their martial prowess in extreme situations.

“Let’s increase the distance between us.”

Yang Jeon slowly nodded at Cho Akryang’s words.

Even they were inwardly troubled.

This was because the distance between Dan Akseon and Princess Youngsun had decreased as they continued their conversation.

The lines and ranges of the Shinma Samjon [Dan Akseon’s bodyguards], who were escorting Dan Akseon, and themselves, who were escorting Princess Youngsun, overlapped, so the already sharp tension was stretched as if it would break at any moment.

“As you wish, Princess.”

Princess Youngsun couldn’t hide her disappointment at those words.

But she couldn’t ignore his advice, as the Emperor himself had entrusted him with her safety.

Meanwhile, Cho Akryang and Beom Gyewi chuckled at the sight of the guards warning them with their eyes.

As they headed towards the back garden.

Princess Youngsun, who was walking at a distance from Dan Akseon, sighed softly.

“Why are you doing this?”

“I had no choice but to do it for the safety of the Princess. They are extremely dangerous individuals, even by Jianghu standards.”

“I’ve heard stories about them too. But is there really a need to worry that much? I’ve heard that Commander Yang is also one of the top warriors in the Royal Guard.”

Among the organizations related to the Imperial Family, the one with the most military power was undoubtedly the Royal Guard.

The Eastern Depot [Imperial secret service] and the Embroidered Uniform Guard [Imperial secret police] also had considerable military power of their own, but they were no match for the Royal Guard, which was in charge of the Imperial Family’s security.

A special task force that belonged to the Embroidered Uniform Guard in terms of organization, but was not actually affiliated with any organization.

Their number was only two hundred, but each individual held positions and authority equivalent to a commander-level officer.

Among them, Yang Jeon was known to be a particularly outstanding warrior who stood by the Emperor’s side.

He couldn’t hide his embarrassment at Princess Youngsun’s question.

“Such a thing should not happen, but…”

Yang Jeon, who hesitated for a moment, pointed to his subordinate, Lee Gwak, who was guarding the rear of Princess Youngsun.

“If something happens, Lee Gwak there will serve the Princess.”

At first, she was puzzled because she didn’t understand what he meant.

Soon, Princess Youngsun couldn’t help but be surprised when she realized the meaning of those words.

It meant that even if he had to sacrifice himself, he would definitely save only her.

“Was it that serious?”

It was a well-known secret that Yang Jeon was the best expert in the Imperial Family, along with the Chief Eunuch of the Eastern Depot.

They were experts who the Imperial Family had painstakingly trained, yet they were experts to the point where he couldn’t be optimistic about winning.

Only then did she realize why Yang Jeon and the other guards had more serious expressions than usual.

Princess Youngsun sighed.

“If that’s the case, there’s nothing I can do.”

They were people who were willing to give up their lives for her.

She didn’t want to make things difficult for them by insisting on her own way.

Soon, Princess Youngsun and her party arrived at the banquet hall in the back garden.

Various people who had already arrived there greeted the party with polite manners.

As the main purpose of establishing the Muwi Hall was to focus on trade with the Western Regions, most of them were foreign merchants and heads of prominent merchant groups from various parts of the Central Plains.

Princess Youngsun had no time to talk to Dan Akseon because of the people who were rushing to greet her.

It was the same for Dan Akseon, who had to deal with a constant stream of people.

The two naturally drifted apart.

How much time had passed?

Dan Akseon, who had checked the atmosphere on the Shinma Samjon’s side, whispered to Neung Somil.

“It seems like we’ve greeted the people enough, so we’ll return to Shinma Valley now.”

“Already?”

Neung Somil, who was flustered, turned his head following Dan Akseon’s gaze and smiled bitterly.

Cho Akryang, Beom Gyewi, and Han Seolhwa.

The atmosphere between the three of them, who were glaring at each other, was unusual, as if something had happened between them again.

It was truly a state where it wouldn’t be strange if something exploded at any moment.

“I understand. I trust only in you, Valley Lord.”

Neung Somil hurriedly nodded.

They couldn’t give the honored guests they had invited for the opening ceremony a sudden shock.

Dan Akseon approached Princess Youngsun, who was still surrounded by many people and talking.

Yang Jeon and the other guards raised their vigilance and watched Dan Akseon.

However, their wary eyes softened at the sight of Dan Akseon walking alone.

“I’ll be leaving now.”

Princess Youngsun was startled by Dan Akseon’s greeting.

She didn’t expect Dan Akseon to return so quickly.

But soon, she spoke with a look full of regret.

“Ah! We didn’t even have a chance to talk privately.”

Dan Akseon looked around and smiled at her regretful expression.

“Wouldn’t it be difficult today anyway?”

Princess Youngsun sighed softly after checking the long line of people still waiting to greet him.

“I have no choice but to promise for next time.”

“Then I look forward to seeing you again.”

Princess Youngsun took a step towards Dan Akseon, who was bowing his head.

“Are you serious?”

“Yes?”

“Then how about making a definite appointment this time? I’m planning to stay in Muwi for a while.”

Dan Akseon paused for a moment at Princess Youngsun’s proactive attitude.

But the most embarrassed and self-conscious person at this moment was the one who had brought it up.

Still, it was better to take courage like this than to postpone it indefinitely and have the meeting fade away.

Dan Akseon was slightly flustered by Princess Youngsun’s appearance, with her neck flushed as if the sunset had painted it.

“I’m sorry that I can’t promise an exact date. Instead, I will definitely visit you while you are in Muwi.”

“Really? You promised?”

Dan Akseon smiled and nodded at her, who was repeatedly confirming.

“Don’t worry. I won’t forget and will definitely visit you. Until then, please take care of yourself.”

After exchanging their last greetings, Dan Akseon turned around and headed to Shinma Valley with his party.

In the meantime, Beom Gyewi suddenly spoke.

“Was that princess trying to marry Dan Doctor?”

“That’s called Haga [a term for a princess marrying a commoner], not marriage.”

Beom Gyewi twitched his eyes at Cho Akryang’s correction.

“Why are you always picking on me?”

Han Seolhwa, who had been watching the two of them bickering with a pathetic look, spoke after a long silence.

“The Empress Dowager seemed to be hoping that Dan Doctor and the princess would end up together.”

“Really?”

Beom Gyewi, who was making a surprised expression, asked Dan Akseon.

“What do you think, Dan Doctor?”

Dan Akseon smiled awkwardly.

They hadn’t even discussed marriage yet, and they hadn’t even confirmed each other’s feelings.

It wasn’t a situation where he could rashly talk about marriage right away.

Above all, Dan Akseon didn’t take the current situation that seriously.

“I don’t know her well enough to say anything.”

“Still, you’re not denying it right away, so I guess you’re thinking about it?”

“No.”

“Why?”

Dan Akseon shook his head with a bitter smile at Beom Gyewi’s question.

“This isn’t the time for me to be meeting anyone. I’m too busy solving the immediate problems. So I don’t think I’ll have time until I destroy the Demonic Sect.”

Beom Gyewi was about to ask something more, but Han Seolhwa intervened.

“Dan Doctor’s ideal type is a woman like Ma Eui [Dan Akseon’s mother].”

Beom Gyewi became serious at those words.

“No, Dan Doctor. No matter what, you have to get married. You should rather find a woman like Hwaryeong [Byeok Hwaryeong].”

At those words, Byeok Hwaryeong smiled and spoke.

“There won’t be another woman like me, Gaga [term of endearment].”

Surprisingly, Beom Gyewi nodded obediently.

“Well… There’s no way there will be another woman like Ma Eui or Hwaryeong. There shouldn’t be either.”

“Gaga? What does that mean now?”

It was then that Beom Gyewi belatedly realized his mistake when he felt Byeok Hwaryeong’s stinging gaze after a long time.

It was then that his usually slow head rotated faster than ever.

“No, that’s not it. What am I supposed to do if there are two Hwaryeongs? I can’t have two wives, can I?”

“Gaga…”

Byeok Hwaryeong smiled brightly and hugged Beom Gyewi’s arm, as if she was quite satisfied with the answer.

Cho Akryang looked at Beom Gyewi’s appearance, who was belatedly sighing in relief, with a dumbfounded look.

After a while.

Cho Akryang made a serious expression towards Dan Akseon.

“I want you to be happy.”

“Yes?”

“What I mean is that your ideal type can change at any time. No matter how much your mother is, a woman like Ma Eui is…”

Dan Akseon smiled when he finally understood what Cho Akryang was trying to say.

“My mom was a warm person too.”

Suddenly, an awkward silence fell around him at those words.

Based on his experience so far, none of the rumors about Saengsa Ma Eui [Dan Akseon’s mother’s title, meaning ‘Life or Death Ma Eui’] were exaggerated.

No, rather, the rumors were understated.

And even Dan Akseon couldn’t deny this.

Dan Akseon averted his gaze from the attention focused on him and muttered in a barely audible voice.

“At least to me…”

It was an unusually unconfident, quite dejected voice.