The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 22

The three people felt their hearts sink. Dan Akseon left them behind and stood up.

“Where are you going?”

At Cho Akryang’s question, Dan Akseon smiled.

“I’m going to prepare lunch and dinner in advance.”

“Already? Didn’t you just have breakfast?”

“I think I’ll be busy today.”

Dan Akseon said with an excited face.

“I’m going to brew the wild ginseng I got yesterday.”

“All day long?”

“Yes. The result will be better if I put my heart into it.”

Cho Akryang stared blankly at Dan Akseon’s back as he walked toward the main building.

He had a thoughtful expression on his face.

Soon, when Dan Akseon’s figure completely disappeared, Cho Akryang suddenly opened his mouth.

“The mixed origin [a philosophical concept referring to the undifferentiated state of existence] is the ultimate nothingness [the state of being without limits or form].”

Beom Gyewi and Han Seolhwa looked at Cho Akryang with puzzled eyes. However, their expressions changed at Cho Akryang’s next words.

“Since there is no set rule, there is no limit…….”

“Brother Cho, are you talking about that now?”

Cho Akryang raised his hand to stop Beom Gyewi. Then, he continued his dictation for a long time.

“……Ups and downs are intertwined, repeating progress, so that is the clear root and essence of power.”

Han Seolhwa and Beom Gyewi stared at Cho Akryang with surprised eyes.

This was because the content Cho Akryang had just mentioned was the key formula of his inner energy cultivation method.

“That, could it be Brother Cho’s……?”

At Beom Gyewi’s cautious question, Cho Akryang nodded.

“If we’re going to do it, we should do it properly.”

On the other hand, the two were still staring at Cho Akryang with surprised eyes.

He was one of the Five Supreme Masters of the world.

As such, his pride in his martial arts was greater than anyone else.

But to think he would readily reveal his unique secret method like this.

At that moment, Cho Akryang opened his mouth.

“It’s for that child.”

Cho Akryang’s gaze was directed towards the main building.

“Isn’t that child doing her best for us even now? I can’t betray that child’s faith.”

Beom Gyewi nodded.

“Me too. I can’t think of anyone other than Doctor Dan to pass on my martial arts to.”

Han Seolhwa’s thoughts were no different.

“I don’t want to disappoint that child either.”

The three people nodded, meeting each other’s eyes. Then, they revealed their own unique secret method formulas in turn.

They willingly joined forces for Dan Akseon.

A martial arts research group of great masters, unprecedented in martial arts history, was thus formed.

* * *

Dan Akseon, who had inserted needles between Han Seolhwa’s ear and jaw, carefully asked.

“How is it?”

“I still don’t feel anything.”

“Really? Hmm…….”

After pondering for a moment, Dan Akseon slightly turned the needle and inserted it about half a ‘pun [a traditional Korean unit of measurement, approximately 0.12 inches]’ deeper.

“Would you like to circulate your true energy?”

Following Dan Akseon’s words, Han Seolhwa slowly raised his true energy.

“Ah!”

A short exclamation flowed from Han Seolhwa’s mouth.

“How does it feel?”

“My face feels a little itchy.”

Dan Akseon’s face brightened.

“Really?”

“Why are you so happy?”

“I can’t help but be happy. It’s proof that your senses are returning.”

No sooner had those words ended than Dan Akseon picked up a needle and inserted a short needle into the Yigeunhyeol [acupuncture point behind the ear] behind her ear.

“How is it this time?”

“It stings a little.”

“It’s a place where nerves are densely distributed. You frowned slightly when you said it stung just now.”

“I did?”

“Yes.”

Dan Akseon looked around and sighed.

“I wish I could show you, but it’s a pity I can’t. I should buy a mirror when I go to the village next time.”

At that moment, Han Seolhwa felt her facial muscles move slightly.

“Ah! You just smiled.”

Dan Akseon smiled brightly at Han Seolhwa.

“So that’s how you smile. You’re so pretty.”

‘This child is really…….’

Han Seolhwa felt that Dan Akseon, who was smiling with a newly found, deeply pleased expression, was amazing. It was because she knew how difficult it was to be so transparently happy for others.

“Thank you.”

“Hehe. It’s nothing.”

Dan Akseon said, removing the needles that were stuck all over her body.

“It definitely helps to understand the flow of true energy.”

“It’s thanks to your excellent medical skills.”

Dan Akseon smiled shyly at Han Seolhwa’s compliment. But that smile didn’t last long.

This was because it suddenly became noisy outside.

“Huh?”

Dan Akseon, who had cast her gaze out the window, wore a puzzled expression.

A person confronting Beom Gyewi at the entrance of the Divine Devil Valley came into view.

But Beom Gyewi’s atmosphere was unusual.

“Uncle Beom! Wait a minute!”

Dan Akseon shouted loudly and hurriedly ran out of the wooden house.

Beom Gyewi was inwardly dumbfounded.

He didn’t remember many people who could withstand the killing intent that he had openly released. Above all, judging from his trembling legs, it didn’t seem like he had learned martial arts, but he was still holding on like this.

Even with a warning filled with threats, the man did not back down.

“I heard that the young valley lord has a companion, and I see that it is the great hero.”

Young valley lord? Companion?

Seeing Beom Gyewi looking puzzled, the man repeated what he had said at first.

“Please inform the young valley lord. Poong Jinseong requests an audience.”

Clang.

Beom Gyewi gripped the Daechojagon [a large, heavy staff] he was carrying on his back.

“If Doctor Dan doesn’t know you, it will be difficult for you to return alive.”

It was then.

“Uncle Beom! Wait a minute!”

Beom Gyewi paused at the sound of Dan Akseon’s voice heard from afar. Dan Akseon’s figure running from afar was visible.

“Huff, huff.”

Poong Jinseong bowed politely to Dan Akseon, who was panting as she hurriedly ran over.

“Have you been well, Young Valley Lord? No, I should call you Valley Lord now. Haha, habits are so scary.”

Dan Akseon sighed at Poong Jinseong’s jest.

“Come in first.”

Beom Gyewi looked at Dan Akseon with a puzzled face.

“Doctor Dan, do you know him?”

Dan Akseon nodded with a bitter smile. Beom Gyewi, feeling awkward, stepped aside.

Walking into the main building following Dan Akseon, Poong Jinseong looked around.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been here. It’s a scenery I’ve missed.”

“You’ve suffered because of me, right?”

“I was a little surprised.”

Poong Jinseong sighed.

Aside from the suspicion that Dan Akseon was related to a black society gang with a kill order, he felt his heart sink when he received the news that she had been taken to the infamous Pasa Group’s branch.

‘That Gwakga [likely a character’s name]’s heart was like a viper.’

This was clearly his fault for not handling it properly.

Still, he was a member of the Martial Arts Alliance, but he never thought they would be so shameless. But the temporary branch of the Pasa Group, which he arrived at after staying up all night, was engulfed in flames.

All members of the Pasa Group were dead.

Rumors spread that they could not avoid the fire because they were drunk, but Poong Jinseong could not believe this. Martial artists who could be said to be the elite of the Martial Arts Alliance were massacred because they couldn’t overcome their drunkenness.

Fortunately, Dan Akseon was not there.

He tried to quickly resolve the situation, but his feet were tied to the Martial Arts Alliance’s investigation for a considerable period.

So, he finally finished and came to visit the Divine Devil Valley.

“I’m sorry.”

Poong Jinseong wore a puzzled expression at Dan Akseon’s words.

There was no reason for Dan Akseon to apologize. Then, he belatedly recalled what he had said at their last meeting and smiled.

“Are you just going to make up for it with words?”

Poong Jinseong was not one to miss this opportunity.

“Please withdraw my expulsion.”

“Yes?”

Poong Jinseong smiled.

“Blood Demon Lord [a powerful and feared martial artist], right?”

Seeing Dan Akseon’s expression unable to hide her surprise, Poong Jinseong quietly nodded.

“I knew he was staying here.”

“How did you know?”

“There were many rumors about him. I was also concerned about the medicinal ingredients that you have been obtaining recently. I couldn’t understand why you suddenly expelled me. So, I thought about it……, and that name came to mind.”

Poong Jinseong looked at Beom Gyewi, who was standing far away.

“Then that person is……, Mangsang Choja [a title or epithet, possibly referring to a wandering or eccentric master]?”

“……!”

“Don’t be surprised. How can I not know when I see that scary appearance and the Daechojagon [large staff]?”

Poong Jinseong looked at Dan Akseon and smiled.

“What are you going to do now? I found out the secret that you were hiding? Are you still going to expel me?”

“I don’t want you to be in danger. Even this time, because of me…….”

“I’m threatening you right now.”

“Uncle…….”

Poong Jinseong took Dan Akseon’s hand.

“I know very well what you are worried about. So, I took some measures before coming here.”

“Took measures?”

“You probably expected that I would stop by the Martial Arts Alliance.”

Poong Jinseong continued to speak to Dan Akseon, who was nodding.

“I vouched for your identity there.”

Dan Akseon looked at Poong Jinseong with surprised eyes. In response, Poong Jinseong nodded as if it were nothing.

“If you are at odds with the Alliance, I will also be at odds with them. I’m on the same boat as you.”

“Why on earth…….”

“Didn’t I already tell you? Who in the world would give up their family?”

Poong Jinseong smiled quietly, looking at Dan Akseon’s face.

“If you kick me out now, it means you’re telling me to go die, Valley Lord.”

Poong Jinseong continued his usual jest to Dan Akseon, who couldn’t answer.

“Hoo…….”

In the end, Dan Akseon had no choice but to give in.

“I’ll withdraw the expulsion. And I apologize once again. You’ve been through a lot because of me, right?”

“Haha. When wasn’t it like that?”

Poong Jinseong asked back with a satisfied face and said to Dan Akseon.

“Would you introduce them to me? Now that we’re on the same boat, it’s only natural to say hello.”

A little later.

Poong Jinseong came face to face with the three people.

“I am Jinseong of the Poong family. I am leading a small medical family called Jinseong Medical Family [a family specializing in medicine], though I am lacking.”

“Jinseong Medical Family [a family specializing in medicine]?”

Cho Akryang’s eyes sparkled.

He had also heard about the Jinseong Medical Family [a family specializing in medicine], which had recently been gaining fame with terrifying momentum.

On the other hand, Beom Gyewi and Han Seolhwa were indifferent.

Despite such uncomfortable gazes, Poong Jinseong still did not lose his smile.

“I am also close with the Valley Lord, so please take good care of me.”

Cho Akryang nodded and asked Poong Jinseong with profound eyes.

“I will. I heard you were involved with the Martial Arts Alliance?”

“Some recent events have connected me to them and I have a relationship with them.”

“Martial Arts Alliance! Are you on the same side as those damn bastards?”

Poong Jinseong waved his hand at Beom Gyewi, who was shouting.

“It’s just a relationship where we give and receive help.”

“Could he be a spy from the Martial Arts Alliance?”

Poong Jinseong nodded as if he understood Beom Gyewi’s appearance, who still couldn’t shake off his suspicion.

“Suspicion cannot be erased with words. Just know that one of my teachers was a Medical Demon [a highly skilled but unorthodox doctor]. I also distinguish between politics and patients like the Valley Lord here.”

Beom Gyewi’s suspicion was slightly relieved when he mentioned the Medical Demon [a highly skilled but unorthodox doctor].

At this time, Poong Jinseong placed the items he had brought on the table.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve visited, and I didn’t want to come empty-handed as a guest, so I prepared a small gift.”

Poong Jinseong unwrapped the silk he had brought and opened the box inside.

“Wow! These are the things I needed!”

That’s because the box was full of medicinal ingredients that were hard to find.

“If you need any medicinal ingredients in the future, please tell me.”

“Thank you, Uncle!”

Dan Akseon hugged Poong Jinseong tightly. It was then that Poong Jinseong, who was enjoying the pleasant feeling, flinched.

It was because of Dan Akseon’s words that followed.

“Then please get me some Sky Blue Petroleum [a rare and valuable medicinal ingredient].”

The smile disappeared from Poong Jinseong’s face for the first time.