The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 118

Jin Jo-woon, who had been listening, quietly spoke up.

“Surely, we shouldn’t hold it against a doctor for saving someone’s life?”

Yang Il-so paused momentarily before speaking again in a firm tone.

“I urge the Sect Leader to remember the purpose of this petition: to create a place where the orthodox sects cannot enter. Do you think that’s reasonable?”

“Muwui is a remote area, no different from being beyond the borders. It’s a region where our influence doesn’t reach, so we don’t even pay attention to it. Moreover, our sect has received help from Shinui [referring to Dan Ak-seon’s father, a renowned doctor] in the past, hasn’t it?”

Yang Il-so did not yield.

“Then, shouldn’t we offset the favors and grudges between Shinui and Ma-ui [Dan Ak-seon’s mother, known for her controversial medical practices]? In the end, we owe them nothing. Therefore, there’s no reason to grant their request.”

Jin Jo-woon frowned, looking troubled.

Yang Il-so spoke again.

“Let’s say we repay the favor from Shinui with the petition. But the grudge with Ma-ui still remains.”

“……?”

“Shouldn’t we make a clear calculation of the damage Ma-ui has inflicted on our sect?”

“Do you have another method in mind?”

“The Sacred Water Divine Pill would be good, wouldn’t it? It would be even better if we could get the manufacturing method.”

Jin Jo-woon’s expression hardened.

He couldn’t possibly be unaware of the rumors in Jianghu [the martial arts world] about the Sacred Water Divine Pill.

Obtaining it would undoubtedly be of great help to the revival of the Hengshan Sect.

‘But…’

It was excessive greed.

By coveting something small, he could lose something much bigger.

Above all, they were precious guests visiting Hengshan with good intentions, and Jin Jo-woon was not so shameless as to demand something from him based on a grudge unrelated to him.

Jin Jo-woon looked around.

Most were silent, watching Yang Il-so’s reaction.

And some had expressions that showed they were tempted by the Sacred Water Divine Pill.

“I will think more about that matter,” Jin Jo-woon said, ending the discussion for now.

As soon as the meeting ended, Jin Jo-woon followed Yang Il-so, who was getting up from his seat.

“Elder Brother, let’s talk for a moment.”

Yang Il-so looked around and frowned.

“Sect Leader, you shouldn’t call me that in public. How many times have I told you? Although we are brothers, in public, we are the Sect Leader and an Elder. So, the title…”

“What does it matter? It’s just us.”

Jin Jo-woon gave Yang Il-so a gentle smile.

“I know better than anyone that Elder Brother cares about our sect more than anyone else.”

“……”

“But wouldn’t you give me your support this time? I’m worried that our brotherhood might be seen as being at odds.”

Yang Il-so stared at Jin Jo-woon.

The eyes that were once as hot as molten iron in a furnace were now as calm and steady as clear tea.

That made it even more burdensome.

“Do you think my words and actions undermine the Sect Leader’s authority?”

At Yang Il-so’s words, Jin Jo-woon smiled and shook his head.

“Of course not.”

He spoke indirectly, but the meaning within was clear.

After a period of silence, Yang Il-so spoke.

“The Sect Leader is in a position where he must bear the full weight of that authority.”

Disappointment flickered across Jin Jo-woon’s eyes.

He was not foolish enough not to understand the true meaning of those words.

It meant not to rely on him and to establish his own authority.

In other words, it was none of his business, so he should handle it himself.

Just before turning away, Yang Il-so said.

“Shouldn’t the Sect Leader prioritize the sect’s practical interests above all else? Before being swayed by empty honors like being one of the Nine Great Sects.”

“……”

Watching Yang Il-so’s retreating figure, Jin Jo-woon sighed.

It wasn’t just a year or two that he had been disagreeing with his decisions every time. But the extent of it was becoming more frequent. These days, he was even worried that they might cross a point of no return.

‘Where did it all go wrong?’

No matter how much he retraced his memories, he couldn’t figure it out.

That’s why he felt even more frustrated with the current situation.

* * *

At the entrance to the Hengshan Sect.

“It feels empty without Auntie by my side,” Dan Ak-seon remarked, missing Han Seol-hwa.

At Dan Ak-seon’s words, Lee Rip wore a bitter smile.

“I have a bad history with the previous generation, and I don’t know how the Hengshan Sect will react, so it’s better to be careful.”

“A bad history?”

At Dan Ak-seon’s question, Lee Rip and Hong Jeok-mun looked embarrassed.

“It’s not right for us to talk about it when the person involved isn’t here. You’ll hear it directly later.”

Dan Ak-seon was very curious, but he suppressed his curiosity by nodding.

He didn’t want to make the two people uncomfortable.

For that reason, Lee Rip and Hong Jeok-mun were the only ones escorting Dan Ak-seon.

Thus, Dan Ak-seon’s group ascended Hengshan, passing through Yeongseongmun Gate, Bannyongjeong Pavilion, and Jeongcheonmun Gate in order.

The slope was quite steep, but the climb was not boring.

As the largest palace-style ancient architectural complex in the south and the largest of the Yue Temples in the Five Peaks, there was plenty to see.

But there was something unique.

Not only were there Taoist temples, but there were also Buddhist temples in various places.

Lee Rip, quick to notice, pointed around.

“Strictly speaking, the Hengshan Sect has Taoist leanings, but it’s not a purely Taoist sect. Under the banner of Hengshan, it’s a place with a tolerant spirit that embraces all cultures. And that’s what has made the Hengshan Sect what it is today.”

As the leader of the Beggars’ Sect, Lee Rip knew a lot.

Listening to the legends and background stories associated with various attractions, they lost track of time.

After walking for a while, they arrived in front of Seongjejeon Hall.

Many people were already lined up in the main hall, where the most important ceremonies were held, waiting for them.

An elderly man at the head of them greeted Dan Ak-seon’s group with a smile.

“I, Jin Mo, sincerely welcome the precious guests who have visited our sect.”

Lee Rip smiled and clasped his hands in return.

“This old beggar doesn’t know what to do with the Sect Leader’s hospitality.”

At those words, Dan Ak-seon wore a somewhat surprised expression.

It was because he realized that the person standing before him was Jin Jo-woon, the Sect Leader of the Hengshan Sect.

A gently curved eye shape and a benevolent smile.

The impression of being a weak scholar who had failed the civil service examination was very different from what he had heard.

He had such a gentle aura that it was hard to believe he was the leader of a sect.

Was this the same man who had fought fiercely until he reached the Green Forest’s Chief Piaoja [a powerful bandit leader], Evil Tiger Lord, and Yangpaegusang [another formidable martial artist]?

But unlike his ordinary first impression, he was an outstanding swordsman who was said to be among the top ten in the Central Plains.

Dan Ak-seon also bowed to Jin Jo-woon.

“I am Dan Ak-seon, an unknown doctor, and I greet the Sect Leader of the Hengshan Sect.”

A strange light flashed in Jin Jo-woon’s eyes as he looked at Dan Ak-seon.

“Haha. Unknown? Your modesty is too much. The rumors that you treated the daughter of the Martial Alliance Lord, whom all the doctors in the world had given up on, have spread far and wide.”

Not only that.

Traces of well-honed martial arts could be felt in his deeply concealed gaze, posture, and gait.

‘Indeed…’

Jin Jo-woon nodded inwardly, recalling something.

Although they were not traveling with him now, the rumors that three great masters who shook Jianghu were accompanying the boy in front of him had already spread.

As Jin Jo-woon’s eyes met his, Lee Rip smiled and said.

“You don’t have to worry about us beggars. We’re just here as this child’s escorts.”

Jin Jo-woon nodded and turned around, introducing the elders of the Hengshan Sect.

They were all Jin Jo-woon’s brothers, with Yang Il-so being the only senior brother.

“Yang Il-so.”

Lee Rip frowned.

Unlike the other elders, who exchanged pleasantries with courtesy, only he was excessively cold in his attitude.

Lee Rip tried to brush it off, but Hong Jeok-mun was different.

“Even a dog eats half at home, but this is too much,” Hong Jeok-mun muttered, expressing his displeasure at the lack of hospitality.

Hong Jeok-mun, who suddenly opened his mouth, glared at Yang Il-so.

“Did you chew on a bitter root from this morning? Or were you born with that kind of face? If it’s the latter, I’ll apologize.”

Yang Il-so was greatly taken aback by Hong Jeok-mun’s words.

But soon his face turned red with anger. No matter how famous the opponent was, even if he was Quick Hands Yeoui [Hong Jeok-mun’s nickname] of the Beggars’ Sect, this was the territory of the Hengshan Sect.

He had crossed the line too far.

“Haha. It seems there was a misunderstanding,” Jin Jo-woon said, hurrying to smooth things over.

But Yang Il-so suddenly opened his mouth.

“There is a reason why I cannot show courtesy.”

Yang Il-so, who openly expressed his displeasure, cast an unkind gaze at Dan Ak-seon.

“The son of Shinui should be welcomed, but the son of Ma-ui cannot be welcomed.”

“Elder Yang!”

Jin Jo-woon tried to dissuade him by even mentioning his position, but Yang Il-so seemed unwilling to change his mind.

“Isn’t it natural for a child to be responsible for his mother’s mistakes? If not, he shouldn’t even think about relying on his father’s influence.”

Dan Ak-seon looked up at Yang Il-so with bewildered eyes.

“What are you talking about?”

Yang Il-so snorted coldly.

“Don’t tell me you don’t know about Guigwangma Ryun Jo-go [Ma-ui’s controversial past actions]? Or are you going to pretend you don’t know because it’s a past matter?”

Jin Jo-woon was flustered.

There was no rudeness like this.

Hadn’t he politely asked several times not to mention that matter? Even if he did mention it, it was right to bring it up when the time was ripe and a conversational atmosphere had been formed.

“Haa…”

Jin Jo-woon sighed deeply.

Even at this moment, he was blaming himself.

Won Gong Bo Geom [the Hengshan Sect’s divine object].

He felt heavy-hearted, as if all of this was happening due to the absence of the divine object symbolizing the Sect Leader’s authority.

Although he was the Sect Leader, he was just a sinner who had committed an unforgivable crime against the sect by losing the divine object.

On the other hand, Lee Rip found the current situation quite interesting.

To be so ignored in front of the Sect Leader! Even if the position was a senior brother, it was something that couldn’t happen.

Wasn’t it the same as ignoring his own sect’s Sect Leader?

Then, suddenly, his spine turned cold.

It was a great relief that Han Seol-hwa was not accompanying them.

It was because he knew how much she cherished Dan Ak-seon.

If she had been here, the area would have already been devastated by the treatment of ignoring Dan Ak-seon.

If she decided to wipe out the Hengshan Sect, not only the people in this place but also the founder of the Hengshan Sect, Ha Won-il, would not be able to stop her.

Unaware of Lee Rip’s thoughts, Yang Il-so continued to speak triumphantly.

“If you admit that this visit is only as the son of Shinui and not Ma-ui, then I might think differently.”

Did he mean to deny his mother?

“Senior Brother!”

Jin Jo-woon, unable to bear it any longer, shouted.

At that moment, Dan Ak-seon, who had been standing silently, opened his mouth.

“I also feel sorry for your sect’s misfortune. But is that something to blame a doctor who saved someone’s life for?”

“Isn’t it natural? If the dying man hadn’t been saved by Saengsama-ui [another name for Shinui], it wouldn’t have happened in the first place.”

“In that context, we would end up blaming the master who taught him martial arts, or even the parents who gave birth to him, but that doesn’t make sense, does it?”

“What?”

“Also, if that’s the case, we would have to blame the people of the Hengshan Sect who had a grudge against him.”

“……!”

“According to Elder’s words, everyone related to that person would be a sinner to the Hengshan Sect.”

Yang Il-so paused at Dan Ak-seon’s too confident gaze.

He had expected that the matter would be easily resolved by intimidating and coaxing him since he was still a child, but his eloquence was extraordinary.

Without giving him a chance to catch his breath, Dan Ak-seon said.

“I admit that my mother may be subject to criticism. But that criticism should be for not saving people. This goes for my father too.”

Yang Il-so was flustered and couldn’t say anything back.

There, Dan Ak-seon drove the wedge in.

“No one can criticize a doctor for saving someone’s life.”