A Surgeon Who Uses Martial Arts [EN]: Chapter 84

The Great War (4)

‘This is really strange.’

Hyeong-seok sat on the living room sofa, touching his waist and tilting his head.

It was all because of the manual therapy his son had given him.

The stabbing waist pain had vanished as if it had been washed away.

He tried turning his waist left and right.

Even bending backward didn’t cause any pain.

The doctor had clearly said:

“Non-surgical treatment for early-stage disc issues is like a long marathon. You must consistently receive medication and manual therapy to prevent the worsening of symptoms.”

But what do you know?

Contrary to the doctor’s warning, Hyeong-seok’s waist had become completely fine.

Come to think of it, this wasn’t a one- or two-day occurrence.

It was the same when he suffered from kidney stones.

His stomach would throb, and then he could urinate without problems.

‘It seems there really is a mysterious power in his son’s hands.’

‘His son’s hands are magic.’

Hyeong-seok could now accept this as truth.

Ding-dong~

Suddenly, at the sound of the doorbell, Hyeong-seok looked towards the entrance.

He thought his son, who had gone for a walk, had returned, but it wasn’t him.

While he was lost in thought, his wife was entering the hallway, holding two bundles of 2L x 12 bottled water in both hands that had been delivered by 택배 [Taekbae – Korean delivery service].

“You should have told me. You’re not strong enough to carry that.”

Hyeong-seok said, rushing to the entrance.

“It’s okay. I can’t have someone with a bad back carrying heavy things.”

“I’m perfectly fine now.”

“Don’t overdo it and rest when you can. A disc issue isn’t something that heals overnight.”

“If I can’t even lift two bundles of water, I should quit 택배.”

Hyeong-seok hurriedly took the water from his wife’s hands and moved it to the kitchen.

His waist pain was usually manageable, but it would worsen severely when lifting heavy objects.

But not today.

His waist felt as light as if it had wings.

As long as he didn’t overexert himself, it didn’t seem like his waist condition would deteriorate in the future.

“Easy peasy.”

Hyeong-seok put down the water and dusted off his hands.

“Are you really okay? You’re not pretending to be okay, are you?”

“Of course. You know my acting skills are terrible.”

Hyeong-seok chuckled and continued.

“It’s good to have a doctor for a son, don’t you think? He fixes his dad’s back pain in a jiffy.”

* * *

At that time, Jun-hoo was taking Ddol-ddol for a walk in a nearby park.

Perhaps because he had been living in the hospital (indoors), he wanted to get some fresh air.

Walking in a place with an open view and feeling the soft, warm breeze was enjoyable.

Watching Ddol-ddol’s chubby, bread-like butt waddling ahead was another kind of fun.

‘I’m glad. The disc treatment was successful.’

Jun-hoo looked up at the sky and muttered to himself.

Contrary to his worries, the disc decompression using internal energy was a great success.

There was no disc damage, and no nerve damage either.

The internal energy precisely pushed out only the bulging disc.

Internal energy treatment combined with modern medicine was remarkably effective.

Previously, he had even performed extracorporeal shockwave therapy on his father, so no lengthy explanation was needed.

Come to think of it, the Martial Arts Alliance Leader also had a disc issue, didn’t he?

Jun-hoo recalled the Martial Arts Alliance Leader he had met in the Murim [Martial Arts World].

Martial Arts Alliance Leader Cheon Tae-ryong suffered greatly from back pain in his later years.

He received acupuncture and cupping from the Martial Arts Alliance physician, but his condition only worsened.

The radiating pain that started in his back had spread to his legs.

Looking back now, with the modern medical knowledge he had acquired, it was a tragic situation.

Without knowing the root cause of the back pain, the disc, they kept stimulating the blood vessels and bones around the waist, so how could it be treated?

After gaining sufficient medical knowledge in the modern world, Jun-hoo suddenly thought that it would be nice if he could return to the Murim as well.

Modern medicine would be a ray of light for the Murim compatriots suffering from various injuries and diseases.

Blink.

Jun-hoo closed his eyes for a long time and then opened them.

Of course, nothing had changed.

The modern Jun-hoo becoming the Murim’s Jun-hoo did not happen.

‘Was it because he died in the Murim?’

‘This is all just lingering attachment. Let’s do our best in the life we have now.’

Having changed his mind, Jun-hoo sat on a nearby bench. He searched for information about 반려견 [companion dogs/pets] on his phone.

Perhaps because Ddol-ddol had become a new family member, he became curious about 반려견.

Jun-hoo nodded as he examined the numerous breeds and their characteristics.

Just like people, 반려견 also had different personalities depending on their breed and upbringing.

But it was at that moment.

“Kkeueueung.”

Ddol-ddol let out a pitiful groan and quickly hid himself under the bench.

Feeling that something was wrong, he looked around and saw a large dog with black fur.

The large dog was dragging its owner here and there.

The owner couldn’t handle the large dog’s strength and was struggling, looking like they would drop the leash at any moment.

Jun-hoo felt a sense of foreboding and tied Ddol-ddol’s leash to the bench.

“Kyaaaa! Ralph!”

The large dog owner’s scream erupted. They had finally dropped the leash.

‘Why does a bad feeling never miss?’

Pa-ba-ba-pat!

Jun-hoo stepped on the 보법 [Bobeop – a martial arts footwork technique] and chased after the large dog.

The situation was the worst.

The large dog had run towards a kindergartener playing in the playground.

The fierce and large snout was wide open.

Sharp fangs were about to cover the kindergartener.

Jun-hoo caught up with the large dog and grabbed its snout tightly with his right hand.

맹사수(猛蛇手) [Maengsasu – Fierce Snake Hand].

The large dog couldn’t move, a martial art that embodies the image of a snake grabbing its prey.

It shook its snout and struggled, but it was in vain.

‘Huh, that was close.’

Jun-hoo finally let out a sigh of relief.

It was fortunate that Jun-hoo was at the scene.

If not, a major disaster would have occurred.

“Are you okay, little one?”

“Euaaaaaang!”

The surprised child responded with tears instead of an answer.

The child’s mother, who was a little further away, was also startled and approached the scene.

She was busy hugging the child and calming them down.

However, since the situation was not over, Jun-hoo emitted internal energy and wrapped it around the large dog.

It was called 투기 [Tugi – Aura/Fighting Spirit].

It was a technique that suppressed the opponent by embodying energy, but it consumed a lot of internal energy, so it was not often used even in the Murim.

“Kkiiiiing. Kkiiiiing.”

The large dog, suppressed by 투기, trembled.

It peed on the spot and staggered.

The shock would last for several hours, so it would be docile during that time.

Only then did Jun-hoo release his hand that was holding the large dog’s snout.

“Hey. What did you do to our Ralph? He’s dying!”

The large dog’s owner approached Jun-hoo and started to argue.

Instead of bowing their head in apology, they were acting impudently.

Jun-hoo clicked his tongue in disbelief.

“Your dog almost bit a child. Shouldn’t you be the one apologizing?”

“No! Did our Ralph bite the child? He hasn’t bitten yet.”

“Are you crazy? How can you say that?”

Jun-hoo’s anger soared to the top of his head at the owner’s absurd logic.

Even in this situation, they were defending their 반려견.

Did their 반려견 take precedence over the lives of others?

“Our Ralph doesn’t bite people. He just likes people and greeted them enthusiastically.”

“Enough with the nonsense, and get lost quickly.”

Jun-hoo took out his phone and took pictures of the owner and the large dog.

“Oh my? What are you doing?”

“Can’t you see? I took a picture. I’m going to report you. Didn’t you know that the breed is Rottweiler, and it’s mandatory to wear a muzzle?”

Jun-hoo used the 반려견 information he had just searched.

“Tsk. You’re so unlucky, really. Report me. Do you think I’m scared?”

The owner took the staggering large dog and disappeared from the park.

Only then did peace return to the park.

Jun-hoo approached the still frightened child and subtly performed 점혈 [Jumhyeol – Acupressure].

Hoping that the child would regain stability.

“Thank you. Student. Thanks to you, our child is safe. If it wasn’t for you, something terrible would have happened to Serin.”

“I just did what I had to do. Then, I’ll be going.”

Since he didn’t feel like taking a walk anymore, Jun-hoo took Ddol-ddol and returned home.

The world is wide, and there are many 쓰레기 [Sseuregi – Trash/Scum].

* * *

That evening, Jun-hoo was wandering around the middle school he had graduated from.

The place where he was supposed to meet Ji-ae was right here.

Having come out a little earlier than the appointed time, Jun-hoo searched for information about Ji-ae.

Just as Jun-hoo had diligently accumulated medical knowledge, Ji-ae was also steadily gaining acting experience.

She was playing significant supporting roles in fairly major movies and dramas.

However, she was facing difficulties due to being embroiled in a controversy over her acting skills in the most recent drama she had filmed.

-Even my dog can act better than that. Who did she learn acting from?

-If you’re ugly, you should at least be good at acting. She’s not going to get cast in the future. Tsk tsk tsk.

-Her screen time increased, so her skills were immediately exposed, right? Kkkkk

The 악플 [Akpeul – Malicious Comments] were sharper than swords.

Jun-hoo, who was not the person involved, was hurt by the 악플.

Perhaps that’s why, Jun-hoo felt sorry for Ji-ae, who had to endure even these 악플.

At the same time, he was also curious about the mindset of the people who wrote these 악플.

Constructive criticism is one thing, but is it enjoyable to curse and condemn others?

Not only in the Murim but also in the modern world, 사파 [Sapa – Evil Sects] existed.

Vroom.

A car stopped next to Jun-hoo just in time.

“Seo Jun-hoo. Get in!”

Ji-ae’s face was visible as the car window opened. Jun-hoo sat in the passenger seat and fastened his seatbelt.

“Is it because you’re an actress that you travel by car?”

“Now there are quite a few people who recognize me.”

Ji-ae smiled shyly.

“Aren’t you going to get into some weird scandal by meeting me? Are you sure it’s okay?”

“You worry too much. It’s an overreaction to not be able to meet a male friend just because you’re an actress. This much is fine.”

“I’m glad if you’re okay with it.”

“You were looking at your phone. Don’t tell me you searched for me?”

“Yeah.”

Jun-hoo answered briefly.

The articles and 악플 he had just searched for came to mind, making it difficult to deal with Ji-ae.

He didn’t know whether it was right to keep his mouth shut or to offer comfort.

Even Jun-hoo couldn’t figure it out.

“Don’t worry about the articles and 악플. They’re all saying things without knowing me.”

Unexpectedly, it was Ji-ae who brought up the article first.

“And isn’t this how you learn one by one? I realized while filming this time that I don’t think I’m suited for villain roles.”

“…….”

“It becomes too unnatural when I try to act spiteful.”

“I haven’t seen the drama, but a villain role doesn’t suit you.”

Jun-hoo nodded and continued.

“You can’t act out a personality that you don’t have.”

“What? Are you teaching me now?”

“How dare I teach a great actress? I’m just saying.”

Ji-ae chuckled at Jun-hoo’s joke.

Jun-hoo thought it was fortunate that Ji-ae seemed more cheerful than he had worried.

After all, Ji-ae would have her own know-how to solve the hardships of being an actress.

Vroom.

The car left the school.

Jun-hoo had dinner with Ji-ae in a restaurant room in a downtown area for the first time in a while.

They talked about Hae-na.

He listened to Ji-ae’s acting life.

He also talked about his life as a doctor.

Perhaps it was because they had been friends since before they were old enough to think, it was easy, comfortable, and natural to confide in each other.

But why?

The worry about Ji-ae, which he thought he had completely brushed off, was resurfacing from time to time.

Throughout the time together, Ji-ae was a little too bright. Too cheerful, too excited, and too often laughing.

Her attitude, as if she had no worries about anything in the world, bothered him.

“It’s good to have old friends. I can’t talk this comfortably with people at work.”

Ji-ae opened her mouth on the way back to the neighborhood after dinner.

“I really enjoyed today. Thank you for making time for me.”

“I’m the one who’s thankful. I was able to change my mood properly thanks to you. But Ji-ae,”

Jun-hoo said, setting the mood.

“Are you really okay?”

“Huh? What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“Aren’t you pretending to be okay when you’re not? Your behavior today is excessively bright.”

“If it’s a problem if I’m bright and a problem if I’m depressed… what am I supposed to do?”

In an instant, a cold wind was contained in Ji-ae’s voice.

It was a side she had never shown before.

“Tell me. What am I supposed to do?”

“Actually, it’s not a problem if you’re bright, and it’s not a problem if you’re depressed, if you’re honest with your emotions.”

Jun-hoo continued calmly.

“I just think you’re hiding something.”

“Are you now dabbling in psychology in addition to medicine? I’m just acting like myself.”

There was a lot he wanted to say, but Jun-hoo closed his mouth.

He judged that a proper conversation would not be possible in this agitated situation.

“I think I was too worried about you. I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry too. I didn’t have to get angry.”

“Can you drop me off there?”

Jun-hoo pointed to a nearby crosswalk with his index finger.

“You have to go further home. I’ll take you home.”

“I’m going to buy something to take in.”

Jun-hoo got out of the car, waved his hand, and parted ways with Ji-ae.

And he immediately got into a taxi that was following behind.

“Driver, please follow that car in front of us. It’s my girlfriend’s car, and I’m going to follow her and give her a surprise!”