The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 247

Sinma’s Physician (249)

Among the many descriptions of Mount Hua, the most famous is “The Most 奇險天下第一山 (Strange and Dangerous Mountain Under Heaven).”

This saying highlights that among the Five Great Mountains, Mount Hua is renowned as the most peculiar and treacherous, yet also the most famous mountain under heaven.

Indeed, Mount Hua is characterized by bizarre rock formations and cliffs that would deter ordinary people from attempting to climb it.

Among its peaks, Nanan Peak, also known as the South Peak, stands as the highest and most perilous point of Mount Hua.

The summit of this peak offers a panoramic view of the entire mountain range.

A lone figure stood atop that summit.

He was an old Taoist, possessing a refined aura reminiscent of a divine hermit.

He stood motionless, gazing at the endless sea of clouds surging beneath Nanan Peak.

How long had he been standing there?

“Senior Brother Sect Leader.”

At the sound of the voice, the old Taoist slowly turned around.

Jinmyeong Jin-in offered a wry smile upon seeing his junior brother, whose troubled expression was impossible to conceal.

“Judging by your face, I believe I already know what’s on your mind, Junior Brother.”

At those words, Jinhyun Jin-in sighed deeply.

He was old enough to be respected as a renowned figure in the Jianghu [the martial arts world], known as the Qingsim Hongmae of the Red Cliff, but in the presence of the old Taoist before him, he always felt like an immature junior brother.

“Please, Senior Brother Sect Leader, you must save me.”

Jinhyun Jin-in pleaded with the current Sect Leader of the Mount Hua Sect, a figure recognized as one of the Five Supreme Masters and revered as the Divine Sword of Mount Hua.

“Because you canceled your 70th birthday celebration, the esteemed guests from the Jianghu who made the arduous journey are causing quite a stir.”
A look of confusion crossed Jinmyeong Jin-in’s face.

“If they came to celebrate my birthday, it implies they have some connection to me. Surely, they aren’t individuals prone to anger or dissatisfaction, are they?”

Moreover, they undoubtedly knew his true intention: to mourn the death of the Beggars’ Sect Leader alongside them.

“It would be a relief if they were simply angry or cursing.”

Jinhyun Jin-in wore a distressed expression.

“They’ve essentially set up camp at the entrance to the main mountain, claiming they’re enjoying the scenery of Mount Hua. Since they’re using sightseeing as a pretext, we lack any justification to issue an eviction order, leaving us unable to simply kick them out.”
The core issue was that these guests were all highly respected figures within the Murim [martial arts] world.

“Haha, those people are certainly persistent…”

“Regardless, we need to gather at some point, don’t we? Elder Hong of the Beggars’ Sect has already sent a visiting card.”

“The Quick-Handed Hong?”

“The Murim Alliance has also sent a visiting card.”

“Hmm.”

Stroking his pure white beard that reached his chest, Jinmyeong Jin-in pondered the situation before slowly nodding.

It wasn’t difficult to deduce the reason for their gathering.

It was likely concerning the issue that had already been raised at Irip’s funeral.

Sharing the lists of missing individuals from each sect.

“Did you discover anything?”

It was a question without context, yet Jinhyun Jin-in immediately understood his senior brother’s meaning.

“There were three. One second-generation disciple with the character ‘Poong’ in their name and two third-generation disciples with the character ‘Myung’.”

“So, three. Fewer than I anticipated.”

Jinmyeong Jin-in nodded.

“Invite the guests inside with due courtesy.”

“Understood. I will make preparations discreetly.”

The individuals entering the gates of the Mount Hua Sect one by one held significant reputations and positions within the Nine Great Sects.

Jinmyeong Jin-in had canceled the scheduled 70th birthday celebration out of respect for the Beggars’ Sect, which was still in mourning.

Respecting his gesture, they refrained from sending a large contingent in a boisterous manner, opting instead for only the key decision-makers and a small number of accompanying disciples.

The Mount Hua Sect reciprocated by preparing a simple meal rather than a lavish feast.

Above all, Sect Leader Jinmyeong Jin-in demonstrated his sincerity by personally greeting the guests at the mountain gate.

“Thank you for Mount Hua’s consideration.”

Jinmyeong Jin-in cast a sympathetic glance at Hongjeokmun’s greeting.

It was because Hongjeokmun was still wearing mourning attire.

“You’ve undertaken a difficult journey. You must be incredibly busy as it is…”

“Since the new Sect Leader position remains vacant, I had no choice but to attend in his stead.”

“I am truly ashamed.”

“There’s no need to be. In truth, we beggars always welcome a feast, regardless of the occasion. It means we might get a little more to eat, right? So, don’t be so somber and consider holding a grand banquet. That’s what I came to suggest.”

Jinmyeong Jin-in’s eyes softened at Hongjeokmun’s jest.

He recognized Hongjeokmun’s sincerity in attempting to ease his spirits.

“If that’s the case, please come inside.”

Beyond their usual camaraderie, Jinmyeong Jin-in extended the utmost courtesy to Hongjeokmun, who was representing the Beggars’ Sect Leader.

“Of course. How could a beggar refuse food when invited to a feast?”

Hongjeokmun laughed heartily and entered, guided by the Mount Hua disciples.

In the meantime, key figures from various factions continued to arrive.

As the majority of the guests entered Mount Hua, a look of puzzlement appeared on Jinhyun Jin-in’s face, who was assisting Jinmyeong Jin-in in greeting the arrivals.

“Senior Brother Sect Leader, are you perhaps waiting for a particular guest?”

“Does it seem that way?”

Just then, Jinmyeong Jin-in’s face lit up as he offered a sheepish smile in response to his junior brother’s question.

He had spotted the approaching figures at the mountain gate.

It was Dan Ahk-seon and his companions.

“Welcome.”

Han Seol-hwa offered a faint smile at Jinmyeong Jin-in’s warm greeting.

“Already seventy years old. Time truly flies.”

“Haha. It’s a rather cruel companion.”

“……?”

“It seems that the one who unfailingly visits me avoids the immortals, hence my remark.”

Han Seol-hwa smiled wryly at Jinmyeong Jin-in’s jest about time.

“Blessings differ.”

He could only envy Jinmyeong Jin-in for fully enjoying his natural lifespan.

Only then did Jinmyeong Jin-in turn his attention towards Dan Ahk-seon and Cho Ahk-ryang, who were standing behind Han Seol-hwa.

“Thank you for coming.”

Cho Ahk-ryang wore a surprised expression at Jinmyeong Jin-in’s willingness to welcome him.

However, he quickly bowed his head in acknowledgment.

“Thank you for your hospitality.”

“Then, please come inside.”

Following Jinmyeong Jin-in, who personally led them through the mountain gate, the group began to move.

Even amidst the activity, Dan Ahk-seon was looking around.

Then, he breathed a sigh of relief.

“Fortunately, it seems I’m not late.”

Dan Ahk-seon had hurried here because Hongjeokmun had informed him in advance about this gathering at Mount Hua.

Hongjeokmun’s message indicated that Je Gal-yeon would also be attending the event.

“Oh? Who is this?”

“Oh! Doctor Dan!”

Dan Ahk-seon was momentarily taken aback upon entering the mountain gate.

The figures of the Nine Great Sects, whom he had become acquainted with during the joint letter incident, greeted him without exception.

However, the atmosphere was somewhat peculiar.

Most of them welcomed Dan Ahk-seon with genuine happiness, while the members of the Cheongseong Sect displayed obvious discomfort.

In particular, some individuals were visibly embarrassed by the presence of Cho Ahk-ryang, who was accompanying Dan Ahk-seon.

While they didn’t openly express dislike, the Gongdong Sect also seemed intent on ignoring Cho Ahk-ryang.

“Haha, the head of the Ten Evils is confidently strolling into Mount Hua, the sacred place of Taoism.”

Someone muttered with dissatisfaction.

This was because Mount Hua was synonymous with the symbol of China.

The word “China” (中華) was a combination of the “Jung” (中) from Jungwon [Central Plains] and the “Hwa” (華) from Mount Hua.

The legendary emperors of ancient times, the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors (三皇五帝), all established their foundations within 300 li [approximately 150 kilometers] around Mount Hua, and the history of the Han people originated from them.

This is why the saying that Mount Hua is the root of the Chinese nation exists.

The reason why emperors who unified the Jungwon world always climbed Mount Hua or performed sacrifices towards it was also due to this significance.

As such, Mount Hua held an important position in the current Murim world as well.

However, Cho Ahk-ryang didn’t even scoff at those words.

There was no point in arguing with those determined to belittle him.

“Hey, keep it moderate. Don’t you realize you’re disrespecting the host?”

“……!”

The person from the Cheongseong Sect, who had been complaining, quickly fell silent at Hongjeokmun’s rebuke.

It was true.

Sect Leader Jinmyeong Jin-in of the Mount Hua Sect had volunteered to guide them personally.

In that situation, it was a significant mistake and rudeness for the guests to make such remarks.

“Elder Hong!”

Dan Ahk-seon quickly approached Hongjeokmun after spotting him.

“Thank you for informing me in advance.”

Hongjeokmun smiled and nodded.

“It’s a relief you weren’t late. Now, take a seat. You must be tired from the long journey, so fill your stomach first.”

Dan Ahk-seon bowed his head as Hongjeokmun gestured towards the food placed before him.

It was then that Dan Ahk-seon, who had been staring blankly at the untouched food, did something unexpected.

He separated some of the food and stuck chopsticks upright into it.

It was Doodooban (倒頭飯), also known as Sajatbap [food offered to the deceased].

The chopsticks stuck in the food were called Tagubong (打狗棒), which meant “to beat away the dog” if it tried to steal the rice on the way to the afterlife.

The crowd was visibly embarrassed.

After all, they had gathered to celebrate the birthday of the Sect Leader of the Mount Hua Sect.

To present such an ominous Doodooban in such a setting.

Dan Ahk-seon, belatedly realizing the uncomfortable gazes directed at him, wore an apologetic expression.

“Ah! I’m sorry. It’s become a habit…….”

On the other hand, Hongjeokmun stared at Dan Ahk-seon with an impressed look.

“Have you been doing this for the Sect Leader every time?”

“Yes…….”

The renowned figures, finally understanding Dan Ahk-seon’s true intentions, each let out exclamations of admiration.

“Then this shouldn’t be missing.”

Clunk.

Someone placed a glass of alcohol in front of the Doodooban for Irip.

It was Jin Jo-woon, the Sect Leader of the Hyeongsan Sect, who had arrived earlier.

Starting with this gesture, the renowned figures began to place the foods that Irip had enjoyed in his lifetime in front of the Doodooban.

Hongjeokmun, watching the scene unfold, raised his reddened eyes and looked up at the sky.

“Still, it seems it wasn’t all in vain, Sect Leader.”

A moment of silence descended upon the hall.

After a while.

Cho Ahk-ryang and Han Seol-hwa’s eyes met.

They both sensed an unusual presence not far away.

As expected.

The area below the mountain gate began to grow noisy.

Just then, a Mount Hua Sect disciple rushed towards them.

A third-generation disciple whom he had once seen in Muhan.

The Plum Blossom General Sword (梅花總劍), who leads the Plum Blossom Sword Formation, Myeonggeom.

Myeonggeom paid his respects to Jinmyeong Jin-in and then spoke with a bewildered expression.

“A guest has arrived from the Shaolin.”

“From the Shaolin?”

Myeonggeom nodded at Jinmyeong Jin-in’s question.

It was unexpected that the Shaolin had sent someone, but even more surprising words followed from Myeonggeom’s mouth.

“The Abbot of Shaolin, Monk Beopyeon, has come here with the Chief of the Vinaya Hall, Monk Beopryo.”

Buzz.

A small commotion spread among the people.

It was because of the Dharma name Beopryo.

Jinmyeong Jin-in, and Cho Ahk-ryang, along with Beopryo, were known as the strongest in the world, the Five Supreme Masters.

The Walking Tripitaka, which meant the walking Janggyeonggak [Buddhist scripture repository], was Beopryo.

It was highly unusual for Beopryo, known as the foremost master of the Shaolin, to descend from Mount Song.

Above all, with three of the Five Supreme Masters gathered in one place, public interest was naturally piqued.

The mysterious sect that had vanished after the Righteous-Demonic War, the Lee Hwa Palace (李花宮) [Plum Blossom Palace].

Excluding the Palace Lord of that place, Yeon Ok-sang, the Moon Spirit Palace Lord (月靈宮主), and Kang Wi-ryong, who had disappeared without a trace after engaging in eccentric behavior befitting his nickname, the Drunken Gambler Ghost (酒狂賭鬼), all of the Five Supreme Masters had converged.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

Jinmyeong Jin-in, after seeking the public’s understanding, headed towards the mountain gate.

And after a short while.

Two monks entered the hall, guided by Jinmyeong Jin-in.

The clear precepts evident on their cleanly shaved heads.

The old monk wearing the red robe, symbolizing the blood of Hye-ga of the Second Patriarch [Bodhidharma’s successor], was Beopyeon, the current Abbot of the Shaolin.

And the monk with a large physique following him with a respectful demeanor was Beopryo.

“Does this mean that all three great masters of Jungwon have gathered?”

Hongjeokmun gave an embarrassed smile at someone’s words.

He had somehow been grouped together with them, and while it sounded flattering, there was an unbridgeable gap in martial prowess between Cho Ahk-ryang and himself from the start.

The existence of Beopryo was the same.

Even just observing his eyes and energy, he was a master of a different caliber than himself.

‘Oh?’

On the other hand, Cho Ahk-ryang suppressed his inner unease.

Behind Beopryo, who walked with a cane, something as large and long as him was partially visible.

Although it was wrapped in thick cloth, Cho Ahk-ryang immediately recognized what it was.

It was undoubtedly the Daechojagon [Great Thicket Dragon Staff], the famous weapon of Beomgyewi’s Seongmyeongbyeonggi [Life-Bound Weapon].

He must have brought it to return it to Dan Ahk-seon and his party.

‘If that thing goes back into that bastard’s hands, he’ll rush to me right away, demanding a duel…….’

Cho Ahk-ryang’s head was already throbbing at the mere thought.