The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 127

신마의선 (127)

Cho Ak-ryang couldn’t laugh, nor could he get angry.

In the meantime, the ship they were on entered the harbor of Hainan Island.

After the Hainan Faction warriors furled the sails, dropped anchor, and finished mooring, they went straight into the baggage hold inside the ship.

And after a while.

There was a group of people tied up with thick ropes, being dragged out in a line.

“Who are those guys?”

Byuk Hwa-ryung cast a chilling gaze at Bum Gye-wi’s question.

“Those who were pillaging nearby.”

The nearby seas, including Hainan Island, had long been plagued by pirates, including the Wae [Japanese pirates].

The court, which had been troubled by this issue for a long time, decided to actively utilize the Hainan Faction as a solution. That’s why the court offered the Hainan Faction unprecedented mutually beneficial conditions.

In exchange for suppressing the surrounding pirates, they were exempted from taxes in this area and granted the Hainan Faction near-absolute authority.

You could tell just by looking at the hawk Byuk Hwa-ryung brought with her.

一鷹二馬三妾 (Il-eung-i-ma-sam-cheop) [First, a hawk; second, a horse; third, a concubine].

It means that the number one pleasure in the world is falconry, the second is horseback riding, and the third is having a concubine. This saying highlights the luxuries and status symbols of the elite.

That’s how much it wasn’t an animal anyone could raise.

The goshawk sitting on Byuk Hwa-ryung’s shoulder was especially so.

It only lived in the Haedong region [historical Korean peninsula] and was very difficult to tame, so the king of the country would present it to the imperial family along with a falconer who had tamed the hawk.

Therefore, it was only allowed to relatives close to the emperor.

No matter how much wealth and glory a high-ranking official enjoyed, they could not raise a goshawk, nor should they.

This was a serious crime that could be regarded as challenging the dignity of the imperial family.

Nevertheless, Byuk Hwa-ryung openly carried a goshawk, and the officials thoroughly condoned it, even though they knew.

Not only that.

The ships operated by the Hainan Faction were warships properly built with naval battles in mind.

They even carried cannons.

Weapons using gunpowder were, in any case, under the authority of the court.

The reason why the Byeokryeokdang of Shanxi, which was famous for its thunderclap bombs in the past, was wiped out was also because of this.

Currently, the Hainan Faction is the only Murim [martial arts world] faction that the court has allowed to use gunpowder weapons.

* * *

Cho Ak-ryang and Bum Gye-wi, guided by Byuk Hwa-ryung, arrived at Changhae Pavilion, where all the major and minor affairs of the Hainan Faction were decided.

“Oh! Who is this! Isn’t this our son-in-law, who hasn’t shown his face for ten years!”

An old man with a good physique as much as his fierce impression greeted Bum Gye-wi.

It was Byeok Dae-kyung, the head of the Hainan Faction and Byuk Hwa-ryung’s father.

Although it was quite a biting remark, the three middle-aged men who were guarding his side were showing genuine favor.

‘If the youngest marries that guy, we’ll have a chance too!’

‘I don’t have to be the vice-leader, just take her away!’

‘If Hwa-ryung leaves this place, it’s our world!’

Each had different thoughts, but the common goal was only one.

It was for Byuk Hwa-ryung to marry Bum Gye-wi and leave Hainan Island.

Married daughter.

According to Hainan’s customs, Byuk Hwa-ryung must step down from the position of vice-leader upon marriage.

‘Please!’

The three brothers looked at Bum Gye-wi and Byuk Hwa-ryung with earnest eyes.

Because they always had to deal with pirates like the Wae, the Hainan Faction’s laws were a bit different from those of the central factions of the Central Plains [China’s heartland].

Because they pursued efficiency and practicality, that tendency naturally influenced the faction’s keynote, and as such, their martial arts were also very practical.

In other words, to succeed in Hainan Island, you need ability.

The responsibilities and authority according to position are also determined solely by performance.

Due to Byuk Hwa-ryung’s achievements, which had come to the fore after she passed her coming-of-age ceremony, the three had always been the subject of comparison with her.

It’s not that they don’t have the ability.

It’s just that Byuk Hwa-ryung is too outstanding.

Even though the siblings’ relationship wasn’t bad, Byuk Hwa-ryung’s existence was like an insurmountable wall to them.

So Bum Gye-wi had no choice but to be their hope.

Byeok Dae-kyung, who had been sending unpleasant glances at Bum Gye-wi, flinched.

Feeling the stinging gaze, he turned his head and saw Byuk Hwa-ryung staring at him with a venomous look.

“Ahem.”

Byeok Dae-kyung, who cleared his throat, said to Bum Gye-wi.

“First, get rid of your fatigue from the journey. I’ll tell you in advance, you must abide by the rules of our Hainan Sword Sect here.”

This place is also the Hainan Faction, which is nominally righteous.

It was absurd to receive the two of the Ten Evils as guests.

However, there is no parent who can win against their child, so he couldn’t ignore his only daughter’s wish.

Byuk Hwa-ryung had already declared that she would rather live alone for the rest of her life if it wasn’t for Bum Gye-wi. Knowing better than anyone else that she always keeps her word once she says it, he couldn’t treat Bum Gye-wi carelessly.

Still, on the one hand, he still didn’t like Bum Gye-wi.

It was as if he was losing his precious daughter to a bandit-like guy.

Byeok Dae-kyung cast his gaze towards Cho Ak-ryang.

“Please, make yourself comfortable.”

In response to Byeok Dae-kyung’s polite attitude, Cho Ak-ryang also clasped his hands in respect.

“I am grateful for the head of the sect’s kindness.”

Bum Gye-wi was a prospective son-in-law, so he could be treated casually, but not Cho Ak-ryang. This was even more so considering his reputation and position in Gangho [the martial world].

After exchanging simple greetings, Cho Ak-ryang and Bum Gye-wi headed to their lodgings, guided by a servant.

Byeok Dae-kyung, Byuk Hwa-ryung, and his brothers began a meeting to discuss the disposal of the captured pirates.

While heading to the assigned lodging, Bum Gye-wi whispered softly to Cho Ak-ryang.

“Cho hyung [older brother/respected friend], don’t you have a good idea?”

“I do.”

Bum Gye-wi was delighted.

“As expected, our Cho hyung! I knew I could count on you!”

“The solution is simple. You marry Hwa-ryung.”

Bum Gye-wi made a face as if he had chewed on a bitter melon.

Cho Ak-ryang continued to persuade him, seeing Bum Gye-wi’s reluctance.

“Let’s be honest with each other. Has there ever been a woman who has sincerely admired you this much?”

“…….”

“Ten years. A whole ten years. She waited for you, a public enemy of Murim, without any conditions. Besides, she’s the vice-leader of the Hainan Faction, so her background is more than enough. And her beauty isn’t lacking either. Not to mention her age.”

“…….”

“Shouldn’t you be bowing down and taking her away?”

Cho Ak-ryang delivered the final blow to Bum Gye-wi, who was contemplating.

“Besides, the story of marriage is something you promised yourself. The Mangsang Choja [Dreaming Hermit] of the world wouldn’t think of going back on his word, would he?”

“I can’t break my promise.”

Cho Ak-ryang nodded.

“Yes. Even if it’s nothing else, the only advantage of Mangsang Choja is that he thoroughly keeps his word.”

Cho Ak-ryang smiled and patted Bum Gye-wi on the shoulder.

“Good. It’s been easily resolved. Then go pick a handful of flowers and propose to Sister Byeok.”

At those words, Bum Gye-wi sighed deeply.

“Hoo. But there’s something Cho hyung doesn’t know.”

“What is it?”

“The bet to make a lover within five years. I won that.”

“What? You had a lover? Who is it?”

“Min So-rin.”

“Min So-rin?”

Cho Ak-ryang, who had been tilting his head, was startled and asked back.

“Don’t tell me it’s that Min So-rin I know? The daughter of the Yunnam Johyung Merchant Group?”

When Bum Gye-wi nodded, Cho Ak-ryang couldn’t hide his embarrassment.

“Hey, you crazy bastard! She’s Hwa-ryung’s friend!”

“Isn’t it true that no one can predict the relationship between men and women? And it’s not like I cheated. I wasn’t even dating Hwa-ryung back then.”

Bum Gye-wi stared at the empty air with a wistful look.

“Don’t say too much like that. It’s a painful memory for me too.”

“Painful memory?”

“I really thought about marriage…”

“…?”

“I got dumped at the decisive moment.”

“Why?”

Instead of answering, Bum Gye-wi glanced down at his lower body.

Cho Ak-ryang was speechless for a long time.

Only then did he understand the whole situation.

“Sister Byeok will be furious if she finds out.”

Knowing her personality, she would never let it go.

Cho Ak-ryang didn’t want to be here any longer.

“Suddenly, I miss Doctor Dan. Take care.”

Tuk.

Bum Gye-wi grabbed Cho Ak-ryang’s shoulder.

“Since Cho hyung already knows everything, you’re an accomplice.”

Cho Ak-ryang sighed so deeply that the ground sank.

“Haa… I shouldn’t have done anything with you in the first place.”

Cho Ak-ryang said firmly to Bum Gye-wi.

“Just get married. There’s no other way out of the situation right now.”

“What if she finds out later? It’s not just me who dies. Min So-rin dies too.”

“Still, would she kill her husband?”

“She’ll just keep me alive. Like I do to that Neung So-mil and Ga Du-dal.”

“It’s all cause and effect. Take responsibility for what you’ve done.”

“What about Cho hyung?”

“Me? I’m going back to get the Yeomhwadancheol [a legendary medicinal herb].”

“Are you really going to do this?”

“Did I tell you to? You’re the one who caused all the trouble, what do you want me to do?”

It was when the two of them were bickering like that for a long time even after arriving in front of the accommodation. Byuk Hwa-ryung walked over, as if the meeting was over, and put her arm around Bum Gye-wi’s arm in a gentle manner.

“What are you talking about so fun?”

Cho Ak-ryang and Bum Gye-wi smiled awkwardly.

Cho Ak-ryang glared at Bum Gye-wi, who was rubbing the goosebumps on his arm, and asked Byuk Hwa-ryung.

“Do you know about Yeomhwadancheol?”

“Yeomhwadancheol?”

Byuk Hwa-ryung, who asked back with a puzzled face, smiled brightly and looked up at Bum Gye-wi.

“Of course I know. I even know where it is.”

Byuk Hwa-ryung gave Bum Gye-wi a meaningful smile.

“I can bring it to you right now if I want to…”

Cho Ak-ryang’s face brightened.

“Then right now…”

At that moment, Byuk Hwa-ryung cut off Cho Ak-ryang’s words.

“I need approval before that.”

“Approval?”

Byuk Hwa-ryung, who nodded, stared intently at Bum Gye-wi.

“Yes, Bum gaga’s (哥哥) [term of endearment for older brother/boyfriend] approval.”

Bum Gye-wi’s eyes wavered.

Even if he was oblivious, there was no way he wouldn’t know what that approval meant.

“Can’t you just give it to me?”

Byuk Hwa-ryung had a momentarily ecstatic expression at Bum Gye-wi’s brazen demand.

Cho Ak-ryang was inwardly dumbfounded at the sight.

How flowery must her head be to like even that shameless appearance!

However, Byuk Hwa-ryung soon changed her expression.

“No.”

Byuk Hwa-ryung glared with a sulky expression.

“Don’t tell me you’re planning to get that and then run away?”

When Bum Gye-wi made a startled expression, Byuk Hwa-ryung’s eyes turned chilling.

“It can’t be. Right?”

As the atmosphere gradually became more and more brutal, Cho Ak-ryang quickly stepped in.

“Why don’t you two take a walk together for once, instead of doing this here?”

Unlike Bum Gye-wi, who was clearly reluctant, Byuk Hwa-ryung had a bright smile at those words.

“Good idea.”

Byuk Hwa-ryung, who nodded, grabbed Bum Gye-wi’s hand and led him.

“Let’s go. I’ll make you fall in love with the charm of Hainan Island.”

Like a cow being dragged to the slaughterhouse, Bum Gye-wi cast a desperate look at Cho Ak-ryang.

Inwardly clicking his tongue at the sight, Cho Ak-ryang finally turned away from Bum Gye-wi.

Shortly after.

A fast ship carrying the two left the port of Hainan Island.

As someone who had lived on the sea all her life, Byuk Hwa-ryung was skilled at handling ships.

The fast ship, cutting through the waves and heading out to the open sea, stopped only after Hainan Island was far away.

Inside the swaying ship, entrusting their bodies to the waves, the two stared silently at the open sea.

“It’s really wide, isn’t it?”

It was after a long time that Byuk Hwa-ryung opened her mouth.

“I like the sea.”

Bum Gye-wi nodded perfunctorily. Then Byuk Hwa-ryung slowly got up and grabbed the anchor.

Byuk Hwa-ryung smiled at Bum Gye-wi, who flinched.

Then she swung the anchor towards the surface of the water.

The fast ship staggered greatly with a tremendous splash.

Bum Gye-wi burst out.

“What are you doing!”

Byuk Hwa-ryung smiled quietly and then pulled the anchor instead of answering.

Then, red blood spread over the blue surface of the water.

Koo-oong.

At the same time, a huge great white shark was pulled onto the fast ship.

Byuk Hwa-ryung grabbed the great white shark, which was struggling even with the anchor pierced through its head, and took out a small knife and cut out a large piece of flesh.

Then, she bit off a piece of flesh with blood dripping from it.

“That’s why I like Bum gaga.”

Byuk Hwa-ryung’s mouth, chewing on the great white shark’s flesh, was covered in blood.

In that state, Byuk Hwa-ryung grinned.

“The unrestrained and ever-changing appearance resembles the sea.”

“Didn’t someone say I’m thoughtless and capricious?”

Sparks flew from Byuk Hwa-ryung’s eyes.

“Who dares to talk such nonsense? Who is it?”

Bum Gye-wi couldn’t bring himself to say Cho Ak-ryang’s name at that brutal sight.

But one thing became clear.

‘This isn’t it. No matter how I think about it, I can never be with that woman.’