The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 229

The Divine Doctor’s residence was nestled in the inner courtyard’s serene garden.

For the first time in what felt like an age, Sa Musim was leisurely savoring the fragrant steam rising from his teacup.

Recent events had kept him relentlessly occupied, leaving him little time for personal respite. Today, however, a rare moment of tranquility had presented itself.

But before he could fully immerse himself in the peaceful interlude, someone came rushing towards him, their footsteps hurried and anxious.

It was Neung Somil.

“What is it?” Sa Musim asked, a flicker of unease stirring within him, prompted by the urgency etched across Neung Somil’s face.

His apprehension proved well-founded.

Neung Somil, having reached Sa Musim, extended a letter towards him.

“The Murim Alliance [a coalition of martial arts clans] themselves delivered this letter.”

“The Murim Alliance?” Sa Musim repeated, surprised.

“Yes. They handed over the letter at the entrance and are awaiting a reply.”

“Why on earth would they…?” Sa Musim trailed off, a frown deepening on his face.

After swiftly scanning the contents of the letter, Sa Musim let out a low groan, his expression grave.

“Hmm… this is truly concerning.”

With a decisive movement, Sa Musim cleared away the tea set and rose to his feet. He strode purposefully across the garden towards Dan Akseon’s clinic.

A short while later, Dan Akseon, the Three Divine Demonic Dignitaries, Sa Musim, and Neung Somil were gathered together, the atmosphere thick with tension.

Ak Ho-gun was also in attendance, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

“It’s a letter from the Murim Alliance,” Dan Akseon announced, handing the letter to Ak Ho-gun.

Ak Ho-gun’s eyebrows furrowed as he examined the contents of the missive.

—Hand over the Demonic Cult [a martial arts sect often portrayed as villainous] follower affiliated with the Green Forest [a group of bandits or outlaws], who is being concealed within the Divine Doctor’s residence, to this Alliance.

The letter was concise, containing only a single line of instruction.

However, the implications of that single line were far from simple.

Moreover, the crimson seal affixed to the end of the letter served as irrefutable proof that it was an official communication from the Murim Alliance Leader.

“Our information has been compromised,” Dan Akseon stated, his voice grim.

Ak Ho-gun frowned at Dan Akseon’s words.

“That implies the presence of a spy within our ranks.”

Ak Ho-gun felt a sharp pang of guilt. The information had been leaked just as they had begun to integrate with Muwi.

Ak Ho-gun couldn’t dismiss the possibility of a spy within the Green Forest, which only amplified his displeasure with the current predicament.

Sa Musim spoke, his expression serious. “Since they’ve made mention of the Demonic Cult, remaining silent is not an option. If they exploit this to ignite a public opinion war, the favorable momentum we’ve been cultivating could be reversed.”

If rumors began to circulate that the Divine Doctor’s residence was harboring a follower of the Demonic Cult, even the Nine Great Sects [the most influential martial arts schools], who had been amicable until now, were likely to reconsider their stance.

“What course of action do you propose?” Ak Ho-gun inquired, turning to Dan Akseon.

Dan Akseon responded with unwavering resolve. “Under no circumstances will we hand over the patient.”

“I understand the treatment is nearing completion?” Ak Ho-gun asked.

Dan Akseon frowned at Ak Ho-gun’s ambiguous words.

“What are you implying?”

“It’s as I said. Jin Yeongsan remains affiliated with the Green Forest. Once his treatment concludes, he will return to my command.”

“Are you suggesting that you might hand him over?”

“I might. Especially given his knowledge of Demonic martial arts.”

Dan Akseon fixed Ak Ho-gun with a piercing stare.

He couldn’t bear the thought of surrendering the patient he had painstakingly treated and saved to the clutches of the Murim Alliance.

He could only imagine the trials and tribulations that awaited him there.

As Dan Akseon’s expression hardened, Ak Ho-gun chuckled softly.

“But I have no intention of handing him over to the Murim Alliance. Why would I do them any favors? I wouldn’t give them even a speck of dust.”

Ak Ho-gun continued, as if bestowing a great kindness. “It would be far better to entrust him to your care.”

Dan Akseon inwardly swallowed a bitter smile at Ak Ho-gun’s ever-present cunning.

“Then we are left with only one viable option,” Dan Akseon stated, outlining the countermeasure he had devised.

“We must confront them directly.”

“Confront them head-on?” Ak Ho-gun questioned.

“We reveal the entire truth, as it stands.”

Ak Ho-gun raised an eyebrow at Dan Akseon’s words. “Against those devious bastards? Do you genuinely believe that will be effective?”

“It will be effective enough, so have no worries, Chief,” Dan Akseon assured him.

“But…”

“I will personally handle the situation,” Dan Akseon interjected.

Ak Ho-gun scrutinized Dan Akseon, his eyes filled with dissatisfaction.

“You’re not going to confide in me?”

He could surmise the reason for Dan Akseon’s reticence, but Ak Ho-gun couldn’t suppress his displeasure.

Dan Akseon’s demeanor betrayed no signs of panic or surprise, indicating that he had anticipated this situation from the outset.

“You will discover the truth soon enough. So try not to be too disappointed,” Dan Akseon said.

Ak Ho-gun rose from his seat without uttering another word.

Such meetings were likely to recur in the days to come.

To avoid a repeat of the humiliation they had suffered today, identifying the spy within their ranks was of paramount importance.

As Ak Ho-gun departed, Dan Akseon released a soft sigh.

“Assuming the Demonic Cult is our adversary, is the Murim Alliance Leader truly an enemy? Or could they be an ally?”

“What do you mean?” Cho Akryang asked, his brow furrowed.

Dan Akseon revealed the thoughts that had been swirling in his mind. “Our initial objective was to expose the connection between the Murim Alliance Leader and the Demonic Cult. But for them to bring up Demonic martial arts first, something doesn’t quite align.”

Neung Somil cautiously offered his perspective. “It’s not too late to unravel that mystery later. Our immediate priority is to maintain the initiative in this confrontation. If they preemptively announce that we are protecting a follower of the Demonic Cult, the very justification that has underpinned Muwi’s existence will crumble.”

“Is there any way to buy us some time?” Dan Akseon asked, seeking a solution.

Neung Somil paused, gathering his thoughts.

“What about this?” Neung Somil suggested, his eyes gleaming with inspiration.

“We respond by stating that we have the Demonic Cult follower in custody for a thorough investigation. That way, the Murim Alliance loses its justification for demanding Jin Yeongsan’s custody. We can further argue that treating Jin Yeongsan was a necessary step in the investigation, thereby preventing them from finding fault with our actions.”

Dan Akseon nodded in approval.

“Very well. Let’s proceed with that approach for now.”

Neung Somil began to draft a reply to the Murim Alliance.

Turning to him, Dan Akseon added, “Oh, and please inquire about any significant upcoming events in Murim. We may need to publicize the current issue at a gathering where everyone is present. We can’t allow the Murim Alliance to manipulate public opinion in this manner.”

“That won’t be difficult,” Neung Somil replied, a smile playing on his lips as he continued to pen the letter.

“The Mount Hua Sect Leader’s 70th birthday banquet is in two months. We’ve already received an invitation.”

Han Seolhwa, who had been silently observing from her seat, reacted to those words for the first time.

“Has that greenhorn already reached that age?” she muttered, a hint of surprise in her voice.

Realizing that she had inadvertently drawn attention to herself, Han Seolhwa paused, a touch of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.

Beom Gyewi, who had been staring at Han Seolhwa with a blank expression, suddenly spoke. “How old are you, anyway?”

“…” Han Seolhwa silently averted her gaze, avoiding the curious stares of the others.

Her reaction served to lighten the tense atmosphere, injecting a moment of levity into the proceedings.

At that moment, Dan Akseon requested another favor from Neung Somil. “I understand that the Beggars’ Sect [a network of informants and spies] is also investigating this matter, correct? Please arrange a meeting for me with their Chief.”

Neung Somil, having completed the letter to the Murim Alliance, nodded with a smile. “I will.”

* * *

Deep darkness enveloped the land as dawn approached.

The faint moonlight, barely visible as the new moon neared, quietly dispelled the shadows.

Taking the flowing blue moonlight as a companion, Irip and Hong Jeokmun clinked their glasses together on the rooftop of a tall building.

“Wouldn’t it be more enjoyable to eat on the street? What’s with all this fuss at our age?” Hong Jeokmun grumbled, his voice laced with playful annoyance.

Irip chuckled at Hong Jeokmun’s nagging. “Doesn’t it remind you of the old days? There was a time when we dreamed of looking down on Murim from such a vantage point.”

“So you’ve finally reached the pinnacle,” Hong Jeokmun said.

“Tsk tsk. All I’ve done is embrace the street life; I’m merely a gang leader,” Irip retorted, raising his glass towards the heavens.

After gazing at the crescent moon for a long moment, he suddenly spoke. “I have a fondness for the new moon. It appears only briefly at dawn and vanishes into the twilight as the sun ascends…”

“Are you already drunk? What nonsense are you about to spout now?” Hong Jeokmun chided, cutting him off.

Undaunted by Hong Jeokmun’s scolding, Irip continued, his voice tinged with melancholy. “It’s so pitiful that it tugs at my heartstrings. It endures all manner of hardships in the world and disappears silently, leaving behind a heartbreaking charm.”

“…”

“Isn’t it just like our Beggars’ Sect?” Irip asked.

After pouring the liquor into his mouth in one swift motion, Irip frowned.

“Keuh…”

“Don’t overindulge. Are you only living for today? You have a great deal of work to attend to tomorrow,” Hong Jeokmun cautioned.

With his face flushed from the potent energy of the fiery liquor, Irip smiled bitterly. “Isn’t it pathetic? What’s so extraordinary that they’re struggling so fiercely to obtain? At times, I grow weary of it all. When I confront the true nature of this monster we call Murim, the one we’re entangled in.”

Hong Jeokmun, understanding Irip’s underlying concerns, responded by refilling his empty glass with liquor.

After emptying the glass in quick succession, Irip let out a soft sigh.

“But what’s the point of it all? Everyone becomes equal in the face of death. Myself included,” Irip said.

Hong Jeokmun was momentarily at a loss for words, unsure how to respond to Irip’s casually uttered sentiment.

Irip didn’t expect an answer, as he quietly smiled and gazed at the sky.

“Good.”

Was it due to the waning moon? The starlight seemed particularly brilliant tonight.

The chilling starlight, as if poised to cascade down at any moment, filled his heart.

Irip quietly extended his hand towards the sky.

“There are things that are even more beautiful because they remain unattainable,” he said.

“Just like that starlight.”

‘And like the peace of Murim,’ he thought.

Hong Jeokmun slowly nodded his head in agreement.

“It seems the Demonic Cult bastards will soon be stirring again. In a situation where we should be united in our efforts to confront them, Murim is embroiled in internal strife, each faction vying to protect its own interests.”

“Are you referring to the aristocratic families?” Irip asked.

Hong Jeokmun’s eyes flashed with displeasure. “The Murim Alliance’s momentum is unsettling. Fortunately, Muwi’s decision to embrace the Green Forest has averted immediate bloodshed, but Ji Nangri, that cunning little fox, won’t simply stand idly by.”

“The tree desires tranquility, but the wind refuses to relent,” Irip said.

Irip roused his spirit, his expression hardening. “There’s no alternative. I’ll meet with the Murim Alliance Leader myself.”

“You yourself?” Hong Jeokmun asked, surprised.

“Who else can quell that sly fox with mere words?” Irip asked.

Irip adopted a solemn expression. “Who is the first to step forward when the world teeters on the brink of crisis? That’s right! It’s Irip, the Dragon Head Chief of the Beggars’ Sect, that’s who.”

Hong Jeokmun scratched his head, his expression unwilling. “Just the thought of seeing the faces of those shameless aristocratic families makes my skin crawl.”

“Huh? Why you? I’m going to the Murim Alliance alone,” Irip said.

Hong Jeokmun frowned. “Is that something a Chief, who is supposed to be a leader, should say in front of the Law-Protecting Elder?”

“You have other matters to attend to,” Irip said.

“…?”

“Please investigate the Moryong Family. Uncover the secret dealings between the Seven Fiends [a group of powerful and evil martial artists] and the Murim Alliance Leader. We need concrete evidence of their collusion,” Irip said.

At those words, Hong Jeokmun erupted in anger. “Are you sending me away alone again! I should just resign as an elder, damn it! Aren’t you being too harsh on someone who’s growing old alongside you? I can’t do it! No, I refuse!”

Irip stared at Hong Jeokmun with a serious look. “Jeokmun-ah,” he said, using a more familiar and intimate form of address.

“What? Why are you suddenly lowering your voice like that? If you’re going to invoke the Beggars’ Sect’s cooperation, forget it. It’s no longer effective,” Hong Jeokmun retorted.

“You’re the only one who can do this,” Irip said.

“…!”

“If they’re caught, they’ll undoubtedly bare their fangs. There’s no one but you who can withstand that danger,” Irip said.

“Haa…” Irip held out a bottle of liquor to Hong Jeokmun, who was sighing as if the ground was giving way beneath him.

“I’ll offer you this last drink for my friend, who is about to endure great hardship,” Irip said.

“Why are you doing things you never used to do? You’re scaring me,” Hong Jeokmun said.

“Your Chief is simply being generous,” Irip replied.

Hong Jeokmun snatched the bottle of liquor from Irip’s hand and snorted derisively. “I knew it. There are only a few drops left, but you’re still showing off…”

Hong Jeokmun’s words were cut short.

Before he could finish speaking, Irip had already soared into the sky, flying away with incredible speed.

Having parted ways with Hong Jeokmun, Irip immediately employed his lightness skill [a martial art technique that allows for swift and agile movement] and headed towards Mu Han.

How long had he been running like that?

As he left the main road and entered the mountain path, Irip suddenly came to a halt.

An eerie and oppressive murderous intent permeated the air!

Sensing this, Irip chuckled and opened his mouth. “Which deceased individual is welcoming this old beggar so warmly?”

At that very moment, a pair of eyes flashed coldly in the darkness.

The source of the murderous intent smiled and slowly emerged, revealing his figure under the starlight.

Irip was startled by the appearance of the other party.

“Seven Fiends?” he exclaimed.

“That’s correct. It is I,” the figure replied.

A terrifying demonic energy erupted from No Danyang’s eyes.

“The road to Bukmang Mountain is long. So leave that heavy body here and be on your way,” No Danyang said.