The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 250

It was during the exchange of greetings and recent news between Jinmyeong Jin-in, the leader of the Mount Hua Sect, and Beopyeon, the abbot of Shaolin.

Beopryo, who had been standing silently behind Beopyeon, turned his head towards Dan Akseon.

As their eyes met, Beopryo smiled gently and approached Dan Akseon.

With the utmost respect, he raised one hand in a half-palm salute.

This was a unique Shaolin tradition to honor Hye-ga, who famously cut off his own arm to prove his dedication and be accepted as a disciple by Bodhidharma.

“May the blessings of Buddha be with you.”

The sight of Beopryo, Shaolin’s highest master, paying such courteous respect to a boy who barely reached his chest, drew the attention of the crowd.

However, Beopryo continued speaking with the utmost politeness.

“Thanks to you, I was able to escape from the *samadhi* [a state of intense concentration] of countless eons and open my eyes once more. Even if the nine mountains wear away and the eight seas dry up, I will never forget the grace you have bestowed upon me.”

This was a reference to Mount Sumeru, the sacred mountain in Buddhist cosmology. The phrase ‘Nine Mountains and Eight Seas’ collectively refers to the geographical features surrounding Sumeru, symbolizing the vastness of the universe and the enduring nature of his gratitude.

It was the most outstanding praise a Buddhist disciple could offer.

Moreover, Beopryo addressed Dan Akseon as ‘Daebu’ instead of ‘benefactor’ or ‘physician.’

Traditionally, physicians are often called ‘medical students’ (Uihaksaeng), implying they are still learning and make a living by practicing medicine.

However, physicians with outstanding medical skills who are deeply respected are called ‘Langzhong’ or ‘Daebu,’ an official title signifying their expertise and societal contribution.

This was how he sincerely expressed his respect and gratitude to Dan Akseon.

“How could I call myself a physician if I simply passed by a patient in need? It was only natural for me to do what I did, so please dispense with such excessive courtesy.”

At Dan Akseon’s words, Beopryo gave him a gentle smile.

“Despite possessing such medical skills, you are so humble. It seems that the ‘apricot forest in full bloom’ will soon arrive in Muwi.”

Dan Akseon’s face turned red at Beopryo’s compliment.

*Henglin Chunman*, meaning ‘apricot forest in full bloom,’ is a proverb praising physicians with outstanding character and medical skills.

Long ago, there was a great physician named Dongfeng.

His clinic was always crowded with patients.

The reason was simple: instead of treatment fees, he asked cured patients to plant apricot trees around his house.

Years later, a forest of hundreds of thousands of apricot trees was created around his house.

People called that apricot forest ‘Dongseon Henglin.’

This is why doctors who practice true medicine are called ‘apricot forests,’ and the medical community is called the ‘apricot forest community.’

Even bookstores that mainly deal with medical books are called ‘apricot forest bookstores,’ and the practice of planting apricot trees in the yard when opening a clinic to wish for prosperity also originates from this.

On the other hand, Cho Akryang smirked and glared at Beopryo.

“Someone once said that they are ignorant fools who believe they become stronger just by shaving their heads. But for someone like that, your eloquence is quite impressive?”

“……!”

Dan Akseon looked at Cho Akryang in surprise.

That was because it was what his mother, the Demonic Physician, had said in the past.

Beopryo also seemed to know this, as he simply smiled.

“I heard that the Demonic Physician of Life and Death once referred to our monks in that way.”

“Uncle Cho, why all of a sudden…….”

Cho Akryang smiled bitterly at Dan Akseon’s bewildered expression.

There was another anecdote that followed the legend of *Henglin Chunman*.

Once the apricot forest was completed, Dongfeng allowed all kinds of animals to live freely in the forest.

And he ordered them to protect the apricots in his place.

Later, when the apricots ripened, he allowed the people in the neighborhood to exchange grain for apricots.

However, there were occasionally people who would leave half a bowl of grain and take a full bowl of apricots.

Whenever this happened, a tiger living in the forest would appear without fail.

Those who approached with impure intentions had no choice but to run away.

Dongfeng distributed the grain he exchanged for apricots to the poor, and after doing good deeds for a long time, he ascended to immortality.

Through the proverb of *Henglin Chunman*, Beopryo praised Dan Akseon, but at the same time, he subtly included Beomgyewi and Han Seolhwa, as tigers living in the forest created by Dongfeng, implying their protective role.

However, he didn’t bother to explain it in detail.

He was about to have an important conversation with Beopryo, so it was best not to deviate too much.

Meanwhile, the crowd couldn’t hide their surprise at the conversation between Beopryo and Dan Akseon.

The fact that Beopryo, one of the Five Greats of the World, was ill had never been known.

But judging from what they heard, it was clear that Dan Akseon had treated him.

‘Three of the Five Greats of the World already support the Divine Doctor!’

That was the unanimous thought of the crowd.

The Blood Demon Sovereign was already like family to Dan Akseon, so there was no need to mention it, and Jinmyeong Jin-in, called the Divine Sword of Mount Hua, was also treating Dan Akseon favorably.

In addition, Beopryo openly announced Dan Akseon as his benefactor in public.

At this time, Dan Akseon approached Beopryo, ignoring the chaotic atmosphere around him.

“Since I’ve had the chance to see you like this, may I take your pulse?”

“This humble monk has no problems anymore, though?”

At Beopryo’s question, Dan Akseon smiled and nodded.

“It’s just a doctor’s concern. I’d feel better if I checked it myself.”

At those words, Beopryo readily offered his wrist.

The crowd was surprised once again at the sight.

For a master who was one of the Five Greats of the World to so easily allow someone else access to his vital points!

It was a difficult thing to do without a great deal of trust.

Dan Akseon placed his fingers on Beopryo’s wrist to check his pulse and soon gave a bright smile.

“I’m glad you’re healthy again.”

Beopryo smiled along with the heavenly doctor.

However, his eyes flickered slightly at Dan Akseon’s next words.

“Congratulations on breaking through the wall, too.”

“……!”

The gazes pouring in from around him were embarrassing, but Beopryo readily nodded in agreement.

As a Buddhist, he could not violate the precept of not lying.

Certainly, as Dan Akseon said, it was true.

Having overcome his inner demons, Beopryo was able to leap to a higher level than before.

“It’s all thanks to Doctor Dan.”

He no longer used the title of ‘Daebu’ since Dan Akseon had already refused it.

Nevertheless, his eyes and voice were full of respect and gratitude towards Dan Akseon.

At this time, Beopyeon, who had finished greeting Jinmyeong Jin-in, approached Dan Akseon.

“Have you been well, Benefactor Dan?”

“Yes. Have you been well, Abbot?”

“Haha, this old monk has been at peace thanks to Benefactor Dan.”

Beopyeon also had a different complexion than before.

He had already been treated by Dan Akseon, and the mental anguish that had been the cause of his illness had also disappeared.

“Is Seon Master Hyegong doing well?”

“Of course. He told me to send his regards. And…….”

Beopyeon trailed off, casting a strange gaze somewhere.

“Shaolin will always respect Benefactor Dan’s wishes.”

“Yes?”

Dan Akseon, who was wondering, followed Beopyeon’s gaze and inadvertently turned his head.

It was then that he discovered a person just crossing the mountain gate and entering.

Only then did Dan Akseon understand why Beopyeon had said those words.

A woman leading several people.

It was none other than Jegal Yeon.

It was as if he had told Dan Akseon, but in fact, it was the same as telling her to listen.

Dan Akseon was able to spot a few familiar faces among the people standing behind Jegal Yeon.

They were Hwangbo Eon, the head of the Hwangbo Family, and Dangryeong, the head of the Sichuan Dang Family, whom he had met a few days ago.

Jegal Yeon calmly offered her congratulations to Jinmyeong Jin-in.

“I sincerely congratulate you on your sixtieth birthday.”

“Thank you. This humble Taoist also sincerely welcomes the Alliance Lord’s visit.”

Jinmyeong Jin-in calmly accepted Jegal Yeon’s greetings.

His eyes and attitude were full of confidence, befitting the master of the Red Cliff.

On the other hand, Cho Akryang and Han Seolhwa, who knew the truth, only found Jegal Yeon disgusting.

Perhaps sensing their gazes?

Jegal Yeon cast her gaze towards Dan Akseon.

“Has our little doctor been well, too?”

Cho Akryang’s eyebrows twitched at Jegal Yeon’s somewhat condescending tone.

However, Dan Akseon instead met Jegal Yeon with a calm gaze.

“Yes, thanks to you.”

Jegal Yeon wore a somewhat surprised expression at Dan Akseon’s composed response.

However, she soon gave a smile that was closer to a sneer.

“I’m glad to hear that. I hope that peace continues.”

“It will. I also wish the Alliance Lord a smooth future.”

Jegal Yeon’s eyes turned cold.

She didn’t like Dan Akseon’s composure.

‘Does he have something to rely on?’

Jegal Yeon’s gaze turned to Cho Akryang and Han Seolhwa, who were standing behind Dan Akseon.

‘It’s nothing more than a fox borrowing the power of a tiger.’

A fox with nothing to fear, riding on the power of a tiger.

‘I should be thankful, rather.’

That arrogance and foolishness would become a noose that strangled her own neck.

She had several cards up her sleeve that she had not yet revealed.

It was then.

Suddenly, the mountain gate became noisy.

And before long, a person entered, cutting through the air with a fluttering divine skill.

“Akseon!”

“Huh?”

Dan Akseon’s eyes widened.

A familiar divine skill of the Eight Forms of the Soaring Dragon.

More than anything, the voice of the young man who was unfolding it was familiar to his ears.

“Hyung Seongja?”

“Hahaha! You were there…… Keheuk!”

Hyung Seongja, who was running towards Dan Akseon, tumbled awkwardly to the ground.

Someone had grabbed the back of his neck from behind.

“Show some respect! You uneducated and ignorant fool!”

Hyung Doja, his senior brother, who had pinned down the struggling Hyung Seongja with his strength, apologized to Jinmyeong Jin-in with courtesy.

“I’m sorry. My master is unable to leave Samsungyo, so he entrusted me with the task of conveying his congratulations on the leader’s sixtieth birthday.”

Jinmyeong Jin-in smiled and nodded.

“Welcome. I will personally convey my gratitude to Gwangjin Dojang.”

The trends of the Demonic Sect had been unusual recently, and Gwangjin Dojang, the leader of Kunlun, who was facing the Demonic Sect head-on, could not leave his position.

So, he sent his eldest disciple, Hyung Doja, and his youngest disciple, Hyung Seongja, as envoys instead.

“Kehk! Senior brother, I’m dying.”

Hyung Doja sighed at Hyung Seongja’s groaning and shook his head.

As soon as Hyung Doja released his hand, Hyung Seongja ran to Dan Akseon and hugged him tightly.

“Wow! Our Akseon has grown so much in the meantime? If you wait a little longer, you’ll catch up to my height, won’t you?”

It had been a long time since they had become sworn brothers in Kunlun, so Dan Akseon was also filled with joy.

“Have you been well, hyung?”

“Euhaha. Well, I’m always the same. Training and more training……. Other than eating, pooping, and sleeping, training is my daily life.”

“Haha. You’re still the same. But how did you get here?”

He was a second-generation disciple in terms of seniority, so he was qualified, but Hyung Seongja had not yet reached adulthood.

The strict and old-fashioned elders of Kunlun would not easily allow him to travel.

“Hehe…….”

Hyung Seongja let out a meaningful laugh.

“When I said that if they didn’t let me go, I would go up to the Goryeon Mountains alone to catch the Heavenly Demon, they sent me here instead, saying I should go here instead?”

He tried to whisper in a low voice, but because he was born with a loud voice, everyone could hear what Hyung Seongja said.

“……That’s like you, hyung.”

Hyung Seongja, who was wearing a triumphant expression towards Dan Akseon, who was slightly dumbfounded, flinched.

He belatedly discovered Cho Akryang and Han Seolhwa standing behind Dan Akseon.

The terrible sparring he had with the three people, including Beomgyewi, flashed through his mind.

“Haha……. Hyung Seongja, a junior in the world of martial arts, greets the two seniors.”

Cho Akryang smirked at Hyung Seongja’s pale face and awkward smile.

Unlike his seemingly frivolous behavior, he could feel a distinctly different momentum in his eyes and posture.

It was a surprising development that could truly be called ‘*gwamok sangdae*’ [刮目相對 – a Chinese idiom meaning to look at someone with new eyes, acknowledging their significant improvement].

“You’ve grown quite a bit.”

“If I didn’t learn after getting beaten up like that……. No, I shouldn’t be a disciple.”

Cho Akryang liked Hyung Seongja.

The problem arose immediately after that.

Hyung Seongja, who lacked knowledge of the martial world, inadvertently looked around and saw Jegal Yeon.

“But who is that *ajumma* [a Korean term for middle-aged or older woman]?”