The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 176

Meanwhile, Beom Gye-wi, who was observing the scene, felt a growing dissatisfaction within him.

Aside from missing his meal and the gnawing hunger, he felt that the precious time he could spend with Dan-ak-seon was dwindling, making each moment feel incredibly valuable.

Despite this, and uncharacteristically, he patiently waited for the treatment to conclude.

A martial artist himself,

he understood better than most the hardships of surviving in the Demonic Sect without any backing.

Cho Ak-ryang and Han Seol-hwa shared this sentiment.

That’s why they silently watched the proceedings.

Meanwhile, none of the Demonic Sect members who had received treatment made any move to leave.

It was their way of expressing gratitude to Dan-ak-seon.

Some engaged in quiet conversations.

However, the topic was invariably the same.

“How are we supposed to make a living here?”

Muwi was no longer a place where the law of the jungle prevailed.

Therefore, legitimate means of earning a livelihood were scarce. Some had arrived with their savings and were relatively comfortable, but those who had been fleeing the Martial Alliance weren’t so fortunate.

Dan-ak-seon, overhearing their concerns, offered a reassuring smile.

“If you consult the Shinma Merchant Guild [a powerful trading organization within the Demonic Sect], they will find opportunities for you. If you need employment, inquire with the Shinma Merchant Guild.”

“Oh! Such a solution!”

The Demonic Sect members were once again impressed by Dan-ak-seon’s meticulous and thoughtful consideration.

The treatment, which had stretched on for a considerable time, finally drew to a close as the sunset painted the sky.

The last patient was Gok Un-gyeong.

“You have quite a few accumulated injuries. Because we focused on emergency treatment during the journey, some of your muscles remain constricted.”

Gok Un-gyeong nodded impassively.

These were chronic ailments he had come to accept as an inevitable part of his life, a consequence of his constant involvement in battles.

“Fortunately, it’s not beyond recovery. But…”

Dan-ak-seon trailed off, a hint of bewilderment in his voice.

“You’ve been harboring a long-term internal injury?”

“…”

“Why would someone with considerable internal energy neglect their internal injuries like this? A few sessions of focused energy cultivation would be enough to facilitate a full recovery.”

Gok Un-gyeong’s expression betrayed his surprise.

He hadn’t expected such a detailed assessment from a simple pulse reading.

Gok Un-gyeong reluctantly spoke, prompted by Dan-ak-seon’s expectant gaze.

“I’m planning to leave the martial world.”

“Are you talking about washing your hands of the martial world?”

‘Washing hands in a golden basin’ [a Chinese idiom referring to retiring from a life of crime or violence] literally meant washing hands in a golden basin, and it was an act to cut off all past grievances and retire from the martial world.

“I intend to disappear quietly, without causing any disturbance.”

Dan-ak-seon was curious about the reason, but refrained from asking. He would listen if Gok Un-gyeong chose to share, but he felt it would be impolite to pry.

However, as a doctor, he felt compelled to say something.

“If you’re going to retire, you should prioritize treatment even more. A healthy body is essential for living as an ordinary person, not a martial artist.”

Gok Un-gyeong couldn’t argue with the obvious logic.

“Then I’ll begin the treatment.”

Gok Un-gyeong silently entrusted his body to Dan-ak-seon, who began inserting needles.

“I don’t know your story, but I hope you find happiness here. A sick body can be a significant impediment to happiness.”

Dan-ak-seon offered a gentle smile as he spoke.

Gok Un-gyeong felt a pang of guilt, as if he had done something terribly wrong.

There are no villains in the eyes of a doctor, and he felt exposed in that moment.

“Take care of your body for the sake of your future happiness.”

Gok Un-gyeong, who had been silently observing Dan-ak-seon, slowly nodded in acknowledgment.

Finally, with Gok Un-gyeong as the last patient, the treatment of the Demonic Sect members was complete.

The Demonic Sect members, who had been eagerly awaiting this moment, bowed in unison to Dan-ak-seon.

“Thank you!”

Dan-ak-seon smiled and shook his head.

“Don’t mention it. I did it because I wanted to.”

One of the Demonic Sect members stepped forward.

It was Jang Gok, known as Gu Yu-eum-so (Nine Serenades of the Underworld) [a title implying mastery of dark or mournful music].

“I’m a man who always repays favors and grudges, even if I’m ignorant of everything else. I’ve received a great favor that cannot be compared to anything else, so I will definitely repay it. Please give me a chance to do so.”

In truth, he had been experiencing the early symptoms of Inner Force Deviation [a dangerous condition where internal energy becomes unstable] for several years.

That was why he, once one of the most formidable experts in the Demonic Sect, had recently been avoiding the use of martial arts.

As a result, he had been forced to flee from enemies without even putting up a fight.

But today, he had heard words of hope from Dan-ak-seon.

He had been told that his Inner Force Deviation was not yet advanced and could be managed effectively.

He had also been assured that he could use martial arts as before, without any adverse effects.

Upon hearing those words, Jang Gok had nearly burst into tears.

Of course, he would require several more treatments in the future, but the mere prospect of recovery was enough to restore his shattered self-esteem.

Dan-ak-seon smiled and surveyed the crowd.

“As you all know, this place, Muwi, is now our home. Let’s work together to make it a good place to live.”

“Of course.”

“If it’s what Doctor Dan says, I’ll follow you to the end of hell!”

Cho Ak-ryang, Beom Gye-wi, and Han Seol-hwa exchanged amused glances.

Only Jang Gok was shouting like a devoted follower, but the expressions of the other Demonic Sect members were noticeably different from what they had been just days ago.

Some were nodding in agreement, while others were looking at him with undisguised admiration.

Of course, a few still wore expressionless faces or harbored lingering doubts.

‘They’ll come around soon enough.’

Still, Dan-ak-seon’s group wasn’t worried, as they were clearly making progress compared to the skeptical individuals they had encountered a few days prior.

And this situation provided an opportunity to reflect on Dan-ak-seon’s remarkable abilities.

Dan-ak-seon’s true strength wasn’t his seemingly miraculous medical skills, nor his unfathomable martial arts talent.

What was truly amazing was something else entirely.

It was his natural affinity and inclusiveness, which effortlessly disarmed people’s wariness.

Even now, it was evident.

Smile Hidden Dagger [a proverb describing those who are outwardly friendly but harbor malicious intent].

These were people who had encountered those who concealed knives behind their smiles more than anyone else.

They had learned the hard way that there were no truly selfless acts in the world.

As such, they were incredibly cautious and reluctant to trust others.

But in Dan-ak-seon’s presence, the solid walls around their hearts, like impenetrable fortresses, were beginning to crumble.

‘Well…’

Even Han Seol-hwa, who possessed virtually no social skills.

Even Beom Gye-wi, whose only friend was Dae Cho-ja-gon due to his unpleasant personality.

Even those two, who were generally considered embarrassing to be seen with in public, would eagerly defend Dan-ak-seon at any opportunity.

And I, the only one who considers himself normal, am no different.

Dan-ak-seon had long since become an indispensable part of their lives.

Cho Ak-ryang was lost in his thoughts.

At that moment, Jang Gok, still persistent, shouted once more.

“Please give me a chance!”

Then, as if he wouldn’t yield until he received an answer, he stood rigidly and stared intently at Dan-ak-seon.

Dan-ak-seon smiled and nodded at his unwavering determination.

“If you truly wish to, how about a sparring match with me after you’ve recovered?”

“Sparring… you mean?”

“Yes.”

Dan-ak-seon looked around at the others and spoke.

“Don’t hold back on my account, everyone. Once you’ve recovered, just have a sparring match with me. That would be the greatest gift you could give me.”

“Although I am lacking, I would be willing to spar right now if you wish!”

“Not now. After you have fully recovered. We’ll be here for a long time, so there’s no need to rush.”

The faces of the Demonic Sect members lit up at Dan-ak-seon’s kind words.

However, there was one person who couldn’t share in their joy.

Coincidentally, Beom Gye-wi noticed him.

“Brother Cho, that guy doesn’t seem to have given up yet?”

Cho Ak-ryang turned his head and looked at Gok Un-gyeong.

His eyes, once devoid of emotion, now reflected a deep inner conflict.

Was there still a spark of passion smoldering within him?

“He’s not called the Demon of Sparring for nothing, is he?”

Cho Ak-ryang smiled and nodded, observing Gok Un-gyeong’s eyes.

“If we play our cards right, we might be able to find a use for him…”

Cho Ak-ryang, muttering to himself, gestured to Sa Mu-sim.

When Sa Mu-sim approached, Cho Ak-ryang indicated Gok Un-gyeong with his eyes.

“I heard that guy wants to open a fabric store.”

“That’s right. He seems to be looking for a suitable location.”

“Has he had any luck?”

Sa Mu-sim offered a wry smile and shook his head.

“He hasn’t found anything suitable. He lacks the funds for a good location, and he’s worried that a cheaper location would be bad for business.”

“Really? That’s perfect.”

Cho Ak-ryang smiled meaningfully, his eyes gleaming.

That night.

Gok Un-gyeong lay on his bed, replaying the day’s events in his mind.

Dan-ak-seon’s words had filled him with shame.

Ignoring his ailing body was, in retrospect, a foolish act of defiance against himself.

What was the point of harboring resentment while staring at his reflection?

‘Was I just being childish?’

As Dan-ak-seon’s warm smile resurfaced in his memory, he felt even smaller.

‘I can’t believe a child that age is so wise.’

With a heavy sigh, Gok Un-gyeong rose from the bed and retrieved a money bag from his belongings.

The bag felt so light that he couldn’t help but frown.

‘Damn it.’

He had been saving diligently, but the amount he possessed was far from sufficient.

Even the inn he was staying at was the cheapest in Muwi.

The room was so cramped that it barely contained a bed, making it hardly worthy of being called a guest room.

And that wasn’t all.

He had been subsisting on noodles for every meal for days in an effort to conserve funds.

But his savings continued to dwindle.

‘I’m worried about money.’

Perhaps many martial artists in Muwi were facing similar financial anxieties, Gok Un-gyeong thought, attempting to soothe his troubled mind.

Suddenly, a cold glint flashed in Gok Un-gyeong’s eyes.

‘Expert!’

A formidable presence, far exceeding the ordinary, was nearby.

As expected.

The door burst open and a figure appeared.

“You were living in a place like this?”

The person paused at the entrance, visibly disgusted by the cramped interior.

It was Cho Ak-ryang.

Gok Un-gyeong bowed respectfully and asked cautiously.

“What brings you here at this late hour?”

“Follow me.”

Cho Ak-ryang uttered those words and turned to leave.

Gok Un-gyeong was puzzled, but he couldn’t disregard Cho Ak-ryang’s command, so he followed without questioning.

How long had it been?

After walking for some time, Cho Ak-ryang stopped at a wide-open space on the outskirts of the village, near the boundary marker.

Gok Un-gyeong felt a growing sense of unease.

Despite summoning him, Cho Ak-ryang had yet to explain the reason for bringing him here.

He simply wore an enigmatic smile.

Finally, Gok Un-gyeong couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer and spoke first.

“Why did you call me here?”

“I was wondering if we could have a sparring match.”

“Yes?”

Gok Un-gyeong, taken aback, wore a bewildered expression.

“Didn’t I already tell you? I’m no longer…”

Cho Ak-ryang cut him off.

“How long are you going to keep lying?”

“Why would I lie to the Venerable One?”

“Not to me.”

“Yes?”

“To yourself.”