The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 137

Divine Physician of the Demonic Cult – Chapter 137

After resting for a day at the inn, Dan Akseon prepared to resume his journey.

“Now, of the Nine Great Sects, only Kunlun and Mount Gongdong remain.”

“Which one do you want to visit first?”

“Hmm…”

Dan Akseon, who had been pondering Cho Akryang’s question, finally revealed his destination.

“I think Kunlun would be good.”

“That will be quite a long journey.”

Even using light footwork [a martial arts technique for swift travel] to travel in a straight line, it was over five thousand li [approximately 1,500 miles].

Needless to say, traveling along the roads would be even longer.

The distance would easily be several times that.

“Winter is just around the corner.”

Cho Akryang nodded at Dan Akseon’s words.

The winter weather in Qinghai was known for its harshness.

Not to mention the bitter cold accompanied by strong winds, there was also the risk of being stranded for months if heavy snow fell.

Considering the rugged terrain of Kunlun Mountain, it was wise to visit before the full onset of winter.

In contrast, the Mount Gongdong Sect was located in Gansu Province.

It was in a relatively easier location, so it would be sufficient to visit on the way back.

Just as they finished preparing to leave and were about to exit the inn, a middle-aged beggar entered.

He immediately approached Lee Rip and bowed his head.

“This is Hwajonggae, a disciple of the Five Sworn Brotherhood, reporting to the Chief.”

Lee Rip’s eyes sparkled.

Hwajonggae was panting heavily, as if he had rushed over, and his face was covered in sweat.

The fact that a branch leader-level figure had moved so urgently meant that the news he brought was important.

Lee Rip took him outside the inn.

A short while later, Lee Rip returned alone and smiled wryly at Dan Akseon.

“It seems we have to part ways here.”

“Did something happen?”

Lee Rip nodded with a troubled expression.

“There are suspicious movements in the Jianghu [the martial arts world], and I had ordered some investigations. It seems something has caught the attention of our beggars. It might be nothing, but I can’t ignore this nagging feeling.”

Dan Akseon sighed briefly.

He had grown fond of Lee Rip, as they had spent a considerable amount of time together.

He was disappointed to part ways with Lee Rip so soon after Ga Dudal left.

Lee Rip smiled at Dan Akseon.

“Don’t look so glum. This world is both vast and incredibly small. We’ll meet again before you know it.”

“Chief, you must be having a hard time too.”

Lee Rip burst into hearty laughter at Dan Akseon’s words.

“Haha. Who can I blame when I’m just naturally cautious? I always check a stone bridge before crossing, even if it looks sturdy.”

Although he joked, Lee Rip’s expression turned serious.

“I will do my work, so you do yours.”

“Chief.”

“…?”

“Thank you.”

Lee Rip, puzzled by Dan Akseon’s words, looked touched.

“You’re always working so hard behind the scenes for others.”

“…!”

Lee Rip was speechless for a moment, overwhelmed by Dan Akseon’s sincere words.

Though called one of the Nine Great Sects, the attitude of other sects towards the Beggars’ Sect hadn’t changed over the years.

With the exception of a few decent people, they often ignored the Beggars’ Sect.

They concealed their contempt with courtesy and forced superficial cooperation under the guise of righteousness.

Yet, the Beggars’ Sect received almost no benefit in return.

Of course, they didn’t do it expecting anything, but he would be lying if he said he wasn’t disappointed.

He occasionally felt deep doubts.

The Beggars’ Sect was inferior in martial arts compared to the other Nine Great Sects.

This was not because their martial arts were not excellent, but because they lacked talented individuals.

Most of those who joined the Beggars’ Sect had been worn down by the hardships of the world, so they were often uneducated, and their late entry made it difficult for them to achieve great success in martial arts.

Nevertheless, the Beggars’ Sect was always the first to step forward whenever problems arose in the Jianghu.

There were times when he was disgusted by the sight of the great sects seeking cooperation under the pretense of favors only when they needed something.

This was because the beggars of the Beggars’ Sect were always the ones who bore the brunt when things went wrong.

He couldn’t sleep well when he thought of the countless members who had sacrificed themselves to uphold the righteousness of the Jianghu.

In fact, the Beggars’ Sect suffered the greatest damage during the Great Righteous-Demonic War. However, there was no proper compensation or recognition.

They praised the Beggars’ Sect for their righteousness, but the reality was that they were always being used and ignored.

However, Dan Akseon genuinely acknowledged them.

Lee Rip felt grateful just knowing that someone recognized their hidden efforts.

And the same was true for Hongjeokmun.

Hongjeokmun smiled and spoke for Lee Rip, who was momentarily speechless.

“That is our calling and destiny.”

“Please be careful.”

“There’s no need to worry too much.”

Then Lee Rip, as if he had remembered something, prepared writing materials.

Lee Rip quickly scribbled a letter and handed it to Dan Akseon.

“It’s a letter of recommendation. The Kunlun Sect Leader has a somewhat brusque personality, but he is upright and full of warmth. He has met me before and has an open mind, so if you take this, he will gladly meet you.”

Dan Akseon, who received the recommendation letter, stared at Lee Rip.

Then he strode towards him.

Lee Rip stepped back slightly and shook his head.

“You’ll catch fleas.”

“It’s okay.”

“You might be okay, but I’m not.”

Dan Akseon, following Lee Rip’s gaze, noticed Han Seolhwa slightly frowning.

But even after seeing this, Dan Akseon hugged Lee Rip tightly around the waist.

“Thank you.”

“Haha, this is…”

Lee Rip let out an awkward laugh as if he was troubled, then patted Dan Akseon’s back with an embarrassed expression.

“I hope you get good results.”

“Chief, you too.”

“No.”

“…?”

“It’s better to be barking up the wrong tree. That means the Jianghu is peaceful.”

“Ah!”

Leaving Dan Akseon, who was exclaiming, behind, Lee Rip made eye contact with each of the others and said goodbye.

Hongjeokmun also exchanged greetings with the group.

As he was in charge of Lee Rip’s personal security, he had to stay by his side at all times.

“Then we’ll be going now.”

Dan Akseon silently watched the backs of Lee Rip and Hongjeokmun as they used light footwork to quickly disappear.

Dan Akseon, who had seen them off with a regretful look, turned to the reduced group.

“Let’s get going too.”

Fifteen days later, Dan Akseon’s group entered Qinghai Province.

Crunch.

Dan Akseon ran ahead, enjoying the sound of the snow crunching under his feet.

The endless snowfield spread out on the high plateau was a spectacle in itself.

While constantly exhaling white breaths, Dan Akseon was completely absorbed in leaving the first footprints on the pure white snowfield.

Dan Akseon, who had been running around without realizing how much time had passed, looked back at the group after a long while.

“It’s already winter here.”

Cho Akryang smiled and nodded.

Because the terrain itself was high, winter came particularly early in Qinghai.

Dan Akseon brought his frozen hands to his mouth and blew on them.

His nose was already red from running around in the snow.

Han Seolhwa firmly fastened Dan Akseon’s collar.

Dan Akseon was wearing padded pants and a thick fur vest made of fox fur.

In addition, he was wearing shoes that were thickly wrapped in multiple layers for warmth.

Because of this, he seemed to have difficulty moving his body, and his waddling gait made him look very cute.

On the other hand, the others were still dressed in light clothing.

“I feel strange being the only one dressed like this.”

Cho Akryang smiled at Dan Akseon’s words.

“In a few years, you won’t even notice this level of cold.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than Beomgyewi stepped forward.

“Doctor Dan, are you cold?”

Beomgyewi pulled Dan Akseon towards him and raised his inner energy [a martial arts technique to generate internal power].

“Stay close to me. Then you won’t be cold.”

Dan Akseon looked up at Beomgyewi, who was instantly surrounded by warmth, and smiled brightly.

“Hehe, it’s warm.”

“That’s right, unlike those two, my martial arts have many uses.”

Beomgyewi, feeling proud, cast a meaningful glance at Cho Akryang and Han Seolhwa.

The two men’s energy became fierce, but the triumphant Beomgyewi didn’t care about their sharp gazes.

Beomgyewi, who had put Dan Akseon on his shoulders and was giving him a piggyback ride, took a big step.

How long had they been walking like that?

The sun was already beginning to set.

As full winter had begun, the days had become noticeably shorter.

“We need to stock up on a lot of dry food in the next village.”

Dan Akseon looked around with a worried expression.

Qinghai Province was the largest province in all of the Central Plains [ancient China].

On the other hand, due to the barren environment, the population was also the smallest.

That’s why it was so difficult to find houses.

Fortunately, a small village came into view before nightfall.

Moreover, there was also an inn, which was rare.

It was a small but well-equipped village.

Cho Akryang pointed to the inn with a sign that read Chunlaehyang (Spring Comes Fragrance).

“Let’s rest here for a day.”

It was his way of showing consideration for Dan Akseon, who must have been tired of camping every other day.

But Dan Akseon, instead of unpacking, immediately went somewhere.

“Where are you going?”

Dan Akseon answered Cho Akryang’s question with a gleam in his eyes.

“I’m going to see if there’s an apothecary.”

“Again?”

Cho Akryang shook his head as if he couldn’t help it.

“Isn’t that an occupational hazard?”

Cho Akryang gave a wry smile at Beomgyewi’s words.

Dan Akseon never failed to search the apothecary and the market every time he visited a village.

“But I still haven’t found a place that sells Cordyceps sinensis [a medicinal fungus]. I’m sure I heard it’s a specialty of this Qinghai Province.”

“Cordyceps sinensis?”

Dan Akseon smiled and explained at Beomgyewi’s question.

“It’s a medicinal mushroom that grows on the bodies of insects or bugs. It’s called that because it’s an insect until winter and then becomes a mushroom in the following spring.”

Beomgyewi, who had been lukewarm, perked up at Dan Akseon’s explanation.

“It strengthens lung function and relieves bleeding and coughing. Above all, it replenishes yang energy [positive energy] and is very effective for nourishing and strengthening.”

“Is that also in the Poisonous Chicken Soup?”

“Yes. It’s one of the most important ingredients.”

“Then we have to get it.”

Han Seolhwa, who had noticed Beomgyewi’s intentions, gave him a look of disdain.

“But can’t you easily get Cordyceps sinensis in the Central Plains?”

Dan Akseon shook his head at Cho Akryang’s question.

“But most of them are just dried or powdered. This is the only place where you can get wild Cordyceps sinensis.”

“Doctor Dan, I’ll go with you.”

Cho Akryang stepped forward, stopping Beomgyewi from stepping forward.

“No, I’ll go with you this time.”

“No, why?”

Cho Akryang scolded Beomgyewi, who was annoyed.

“Isn’t it almost dinner time? If I let you go, I don’t know when you’ll be back.”

“That’s…”

Beomgyewi trailed off, having done that several times before.

Cho Akryang handed all the luggage to Beomgyewi and began to walk side by side with Dan Akseon.

After looking around the village for a while, they found an apothecary located on one side of the market.

“Wow! There are so many things I haven’t seen in the Central Plains.”

All sorts of medicinal herbs were placed in front of the stall.

Dan Akseon carefully checked each of the medicinal herbs with curious eyes.

He also did not forget to ask the apothecary about the efficacy and usage of the medicinal herbs.

Dan Akseon was so engrossed in the medicinal herbs that Cho Akryang’s eyes flashed.

He felt a suspicious presence approaching.

Cho Akryang glanced over to check the person.

He was in his early thirties, an ordinary-looking man with no particular features.

There was no trace of martial arts, and he didn’t feel any murderous intent, but his complexion was unusually pale.

“Huh?”

Dan Akseon, who was examining the medicinal herbs, sniffed.

“I smell poison!”

Dan Akseon’s eyes widened as he belatedly noticed the man.

Purple lips and intermittent convulsions, irregular breathing and a bloodless face – it was a typical poisoning symptom.

Moreover, he was in a very dangerous state, as if he could die at any moment.

The man, who had made eye contact with Dan Akseon, opened his mouth with difficulty.

“Please… help… me.”

Dan Akseon was surprised and ran to the man.

At that moment, Cho Akryang’s eyes flashed coldly.

Something about the man’s actions didn’t make sense.

In a crisis, it is common to ask an adult for help rather than a child, but the man specifically asked Dan Akseon, not himself.

It was impossible unless he knew that Dan Akseon was a doctor.

He felt a sense of incongruity in that series of situations, and it didn’t take long for him to realize what it was.

It was because of the man’s eyes.

As he got closer to Dan Akseon, the man’s eyes, which had been filled with fear, suddenly turned murderous.

A dagger taken out of his sleeve was aimed at Dan Akseon.