The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 164

The Great War (1)

At first, he thought it was simply doing a favor for the benefactor who had given him a new life.

But something felt off, and after a detailed conversation, his heart as a father grew heavy with concern.

Without his knowledge, his daughter’s feelings for Dan Akseon had already blossomed into romantic affection.

It was then that the servants of the Namgung Family, including Sibi, sprang into action.

Soon after, the magnificent main gate of the Namgung Family swung open.

Four figures entered under the guidance of the head steward, coming into view through the gate.

Namgung Baek himself came out to greet them.

“It is an honor to welcome the benefactors of our family once again.”

Cho Akryang and Beom Gyewi paused at Namgung Baek’s polite bow and fist salute.

They had anticipated an awkward situation due to their strained relationship, but Namgung Baek’s welcome far exceeded their expectations.

—Doesn’t he seem a bit different?

—Hmm. He’s become more difficult to read than before.

After exchanging those thoughts with Beom Gyewi telepathically, Cho Akryang reevaluated Namgung Baek.

The composure in his eyes and demeanor, as well as the stable energy that was far greater than before, felt much more substantial than during his time as the Martial Arts Alliance Leader.

On the other hand, Namgung Baek was also surprised.

“Is he really the young doctor I knew?”

Namgung Baek couldn’t hide his surprise at Dan Akseon’s growth, which was incomparable to what he had been three years ago.

“It’s been a while, Alliance Leader. How have you been?”

Namgung Baek smiled and nodded at Dan Akseon’s greeting.

“I owe it all to you, Doctor.”

“I don’t recall doing anything that great?”

Namgung Baek firmly shook his head at Dan Akseon’s modest remark.

“That’s not true. If I had lost Hyang-i back then, my life would have been consumed by darkness. Moreover, the opportunity to rethink the reason and value of life was also thanks to meeting Doctor Dan. So, I can only be grateful.”

After conveying his sincere feelings once again, Namgung Baek personally guided Dan Akseon’s group to the inner hall.

A garden of enormous scale stretched before them.

On the pavilion in the central pond, a sumptuous feast had already been prepared.

As they took their seats, a figure carrying a tea set and walking gracefully onto the pavilion appeared.

It was Namgung Hyang, who looked even more radiant after redoing her makeup.

“Oh?”

Dan Akseon, recognizing Namgung Hyang, stood up from his seat.

Namgung Hyang, whose eyes met Dan Akseon’s, lowered her head.

However, her neck was already flushed red, as if the sunset had descended upon it.

“It’s been a while, Miss Namgung.”

“Yes……”

Namgung Hyang replied in a barely audible voice to Dan Akseon, who was clearly pleased to see her.

Namgung Baek was inwardly dumbfounded at the sight.

She was someone who, befitting the name of the Namgung Family, looked down on most men.

Like father, like daughter, Namgung Hyang had picked up her sword again as soon as she recovered from her illness.

So now, she possessed outstanding skills among the younger generation within the family, including her own brother.

It went without saying that her haughty pride soared to the heavens.

But now, she had none of her usual spirit and was simply lowering her eyes demurely like a shy maiden in spring.

Namgung Baek found his daughter’s appearance utterly unfamiliar.

“Fortunately, your complexion looks good.”

Dan Akseon tilted his head.

“But your voice sounds a bit weak… Could there be any aftereffects or side effects from the treatment?”

Namgung Hyang shook her head in embarrassment.

“Oh, no! I’m completely healthy now.”

Namgung Hyang was still unable to meet Dan Akseon’s eyes and was at a loss.

However, her expression as she glanced at Dan Akseon revealed emotions she couldn’t hide.

Her eyes were full of surprise and excitement.

Now that she was directly facing Dan Akseon, who had completely shed his boyishness, her heart was pounding, and she couldn’t gather her wits.

But Dan Akseon, unaware of this, continued with a serious expression.

“Still, just in case, would it be alright if I examined you?”

Namgung Hyang was startled and looked at Dan Akseon.

Her face, which was so flushed that red could be seen on her skin, was filled with embarrassment.

But soon, after meeting Dan Akseon’s eyes, which held no ulterior motives, she turned her head towards Namgung Baek.

Namgung Baek nodded at his daughter’s pleading gaze.

“Is there a suitable place?”

“Then to my chambers……”

Namgung Hyang, who had opened her mouth as if she had been waiting for Dan Akseon’s question, hurriedly continued, fearing misunderstandings.

“I prepared a space where pulse diagnosis is possible, just in case. I’ve also prepared simple medical tools and herbs, and writing materials for prescriptions……”

“That’s good. Then, would you guide me?”

Namgung Hyang nodded shyly.

Having arrived at Namgung Hyang’s chambers, Dan Akseon stared intently at her.

They were alone in the room.

Namgung Hyang, who had been nurturing her feelings of affection alone, unconsciously felt her heart start to beat rapidly as she became aware of Dan Akseon’s gaze.

At that moment, Dan Akseon reached out and grabbed Namgung Hyang’s wrist.

“……!”

Unlike Namgung Hyang, who was startled, Dan Akseon was surprised for a different reason.

“Your pulse is too fast! And your breathing is too heavy!”

Namgung Hyang closed her eyes tightly in embarrassment.

“Are you taking any medication? Any special elixirs or anything?”

“Yes? No.”

“Then why is this happening?”

Namgung Hyang mustered her courage and opened her mouth towards the bewildered Dan Akseon.

“This isn’t because I’m taking elixirs or because there’s something wrong with my body.”

“Then what is it?”

“I don’t know the details, but… I’ve heard it’s a perfectly natural reaction.”

“Ah!”

Dan Akseon, belatedly realizing something, exclaimed.

And Namgung Hyang’s heart sank at Dan Akseon’s next words.

“Could it be that you have someone you’re fond of?”

“……!”

“I see.”

Dan Akseon nodded and smiled gently.

“It’s a common occurrence for someone of marriageable age, but I overlooked it.”

Dan Akseon continued with a smile.

“This is a symptom that can be called a disease and cannot be called a disease.”

“A symptom……?”

“First, can you take a deep breath?”

Namgung Hyang obediently followed his instructions.

Dan Akseon took out a wooden case containing needles from his pocket.

“I’m not putting needles in you because there’s a particular problem, so don’t worry. It’s just to calm your mind and stabilize your energy.”

Dan Akseon continued to explain as he placed needles on Namgung Hyang’s body.

“The heat generated by the longing for someone you desperately miss. That’s called Sangsahwa (相思火) [Lovesickness Fire, a traditional term for lovesickness].”

It was lovesickness.

“It’s a mental state that arises from deeply missing someone you have feelings for. In severe cases, the heat can damage the heart meridian [a concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine], but most of the time, it disappears naturally over time.”

Namgung Hyang was speechless, feeling as though her inner thoughts had been exposed.

“It’s okay. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

Dan Akseon continued to explain to make her feel more comfortable.

“In fact, lovesickness has quite a long history.”

The origin of the name dates back to the Spring and Autumn Warring States period [771 to 256 BCE in ancient China].

During the late Song Dynasty [960 to 1279 CE].

King Kang (康王), who was famous for his love of women and wine, took his subject’s wife as his concubine and falsely accused the subject, exiling him to a remote frontier.

Grieving for his wife, the subject chose to commit suicide, and when the news became known, his wife also took her own life.

Before they died, they both left the same will.

That they be buried together.

It meant that although they could not be together in life, they wanted to be together in death.

However, the enraged King Kang separated their graves far apart.

“But it is said that a tree began to grow from each of the graves where the couple was buried. The ends of the branches of those trees were facing each other. So people called those trees Sangsasoo (相思樹) [Lovesickness Tree]. The word Sangsabyeong (相思病) [Lovesickness], or lovesickness, also originated from there.”

“That’s a sad story.”

Dan Akseon nodded, seeing that Namgung Hyang’s eyes were already filled with tears.

“The feeling of loving each other is that much more poignant and obsessive.”

Namgung Hyang nodded without realizing it.

How could she not know?

His face and voice came to mind several times a day.

And she couldn’t control it herself.

While eating, while taking a walk.

Even in her dreams, she would suddenly think of him.

“It’s similar to a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It can also cause manic and depressive episodes where happy and sad emotions flood in. When you’re in a good mood, you feel like you’re flying, but conversely, you can feel depressed all day long due to the overwhelming sense of frustration.”

“Like not being able to eat, sleep, or concentrate on work.”

“That’s right.”

Dan Akseon took Namgung Hyang’s hand as if to reassure her.

“But strictly speaking, it can’t be placed in the same category as those mental illnesses. Because the outcome is clearly different.”

“How so?”

“Lovesickness becomes an opportunity for mental growth once you’ve suffered from it, but obsessive-compulsive disorder or bipolar disorder doesn’t.”

Namgung Hyang’s expression brightened.

At that moment, she was secretly hoping that this moment of holding hands with Dan Akseon would continue.

“I’ll cheer you on.”

“Pardon?”

“I hope Miss Namgung’s love is fulfilled.”

Namgung Hyang blinked, trying to understand the meaning of those words.

After a moment.

Namgung Hyang was stunned.

‘He doesn’t see me as a woman!’

Namgung Hyang finally realized the reality in Dan Akseon’s eyes, which, unlike her own, showed no emotional fluctuations.

To Dan Akseon, she was just a patient.

“Congratulations. Your severed meridians are now completely healed.”

“Yes……. Thank you.”

Tears welled up in Namgung Hyang’s eyes at the belated surge of disappointment.

“Oh? Are you alright?”

Namgung Hyang forced a smile at Dan Akseon’s worried gaze.

“After listening to Doctor Dan’s words, it feels like all my worries have disappeared. Thank you again.”

“It’s nothing. It’s a doctor’s job.”

“I think I need to gather my thoughts here a little longer, so Doctor Dan, you can go ahead and take care of your business.”

Dan Akseon, who stood up with a smile, cast a look of support towards Namgung Hyang.

“Hang in there, Miss Namgung.”

“……!”

Thus, Dan Akseon, who unknowingly stabbed Namgung Hyang’s heart once again, left her chambers.

When he returned to the pavilion, the group was already having an important conversation.

“So, the Blue Jade Bed came from the Western Regions [a historical term for regions west of China]?”

Namgung Baek nodded as Cho Akryang mentioned the bed that had been identified as the cause of Namgung Hyang’s illness.

“Yes. While investigating the merchant’s whereabouts, we traced them to the Western Regions. We couldn’t find out anything concrete after that, but there was also a place in the Western Regions that made Blue Jade Beds. They claimed they had issued a warning in advance, but they proceeded with the order because it was intended for special training.”

“The Western Regions……”

Cho Akryang’s eyes darkened.

The black-clothed men who had hindered them in Kunlun [a mountain range in China] and Mount Kongtong [a mountain in China, known for its Taoist monasteries].

Strangely, he kept getting a hunch about that direction.

It was then.

“You said the place that offered the Blue Jade was the Biryong Merchant Group?”

Beom Gyewi tilted his head.

“Why does that name sound familiar?”

Then, Beom Gyewi looked at Han Seolhwa with surprised eyes.

“Witch, aren’t those the guys who took your money and ran away?”

“……!”

Crack.

A bone-chilling cold emanated from Han Seolhwa, who belatedly remembered this.

The Black Dragon Merchant Group, located in Harbin (哈爾濱) [a major city in northeastern China], the capital of Heilongjiang Province [a province in northeastern China].

Before meeting Dan Akseon, she had visited the place to raise money for treatment, but they refused to honor the investment she had entrusted to them.

The reason was that all debt relationships had been settled at the time of the acquisition from the previous merchant group, Biryong Merchant Group, so they had no obligation to pay.

When asked about the whereabouts of the former head of the merchant group, the only information they had was that he had gone to the frontier.

In the end, she had to leave her beloved hairpin, Johwageonjam (造花乾蠶) [a decorative hairpin], as collateral to raise money.

At this time, Namgung Baek spoke again.

“I don’t think they were targeting my daughter. They were probably targeting me or my son. I suspect the Demonic Cult is behind them.”

Cho Akryang nodded.

“Hmm. That’s highly likely, but it may not be the only possibility. However, one thing is certain: other forces are moving secretly right now.”

“Other forces?”

Cho Akryang explained the stories he had experienced in Kunlun Mountain and Kongtong Mountain during his travels.

“I can say with certainty that his martial arts were by no means those of the Demonic Cult. Of course, we cannot rule out the possibility that those devils are behind it, but at least I didn’t sense any traces of it from the guy I met.”

“Thank you for telling us. We will also investigate on our own.”

Only then did Namgung Baek turn his gaze towards Dan Akseon.

As their eyes met, Dan Akseon smiled and nodded.

“You don’t have to worry about Miss Namgung anymore.”

“Ah!”

Having heard Dan Akseon’s confirmation, Namgung Baek, who had completely dispelled even a trace of anxiety, once again expressed his gratitude.

“I’m truly shameless. I should at least give you a small token of appreciation, but is there anything you want?”

“I’ve already received enough. You’ve given me a lot of elixirs too.”

A look of bewilderment appeared on Namgung Baek’s face.

“Are you talking about the Gongcheong Seogyu (空青石乳) [a rare and precious mineral with medicinal properties]? But wasn’t that all used for my daughter’s treatment?”

“……!”

A heavy silence fell inside the pavilion at that moment.