The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 346

Dan Akseon, having concluded his trip to Beijing and returned to Muwi, immediately met with Neung Somil to discuss the information he’d gathered from Dongchang [a Ming Dynasty secret police agency].

“Dongchang made such a proposal?”

Neung Somil paused, considering, before inquiring about the details.

After a brief explanation, Neung Somil nodded.

“I think we can accept it.”

“Are you sure that’s alright?”

“Didn’t you already agree? Besides, even if they haven’t revealed themselves, they’ve likely already planted spies throughout Muwi. If they’re willing to bring this into the open, we have nothing to lose. Instead, we should use this opportunity to figure out what they’re trying to investigate.”

Sa Musim, who was also present, cautiously asked,

“You mean to monitor them in return?”

“Yes. They haven’t mentioned the exact reason for sending investigators. There might be other hidden motives, so caution is wise.”

Sa Musim, along with Cho Akryang and Han Seolhwa, nodded in agreement.

Dan Akseon, however, cautiously inquired,

“Is this really alright? I’m worried that Dongchang, which has been friendly to us, might become hostile as a result.”

“Friendly?”

Neung Somil chuckled.

“You shouldn’t expect genuine goodwill from those people.”

“Why not?”

“Providing crucial clues to Master Gok [referring to Dan Akseon] was solely for their own benefit.”

Neung Somil elaborated.

“Through this recent power struggle, the conservative faction, led by the Minister of Revenue, has been largely ousted and lost influence. Conversely, the power of the Minister of Personnel, who is at the opposite end of the spectrum, has grown stronger. I heard that the Minister of Personnel has now been appointed as a Grand Scholar of the Inner Cabinet [a high-ranking advisory position]. Thanks to that, the eunuchs are thrilled.”

“Eunuchs?”

“The Inner Cabinet is an advisory body to the Emperor. However, the Emperor can’t visit the Inner Cabinet every time he needs advice. Therefore, they send official advisory documents called memorials to the Inner Cabinet.”

The eunuchs’ central organization, Sarye Gam [the Directorate of Ceremonial], controlled the delivery of those documents.

As such, the stronger the Inner Cabinet becomes, the more the eunuchs’ power increases.

“Dongchang only used Master Gok to depose the Minister of Revenue. So, you should always be wary of their goodwill in the future.”

Dan Akseon nodded at Neung Somil’s sincere advice.

“I understand. I’ll keep that in mind.”

At that moment, as if suddenly remembering something, Dan Akseon asked,

“By the way, how is the investigation into Subo progressing?”

“That’s what’s giving me a headache.”

Neung Somil sighed softly and shook his head.

“We have some information and are cooperating with Gaebang [a beggars’ organization that serves as an intelligence network], but it’s hard to get a clear picture.”

Even though they were scouring the world for information through connections with Heukjeom [black market network], the identity of this Subo remained a mystery.

“In such cases, there are only two possibilities to consider.”

First, the existence of Subo itself was an illusion.

“But we already know he exists.”

“Then there’s only one thing left.”

“What is it?”

Neung Somil’s expression turned serious.

“A vast workforce comparable to our information network, or an organization that systematically conceals information.”

“Do you have any idea where that could be?”

After a moment of consideration, Neung Somil nodded.

“Dongchang.”

“Dongchang?”

“Yes, it’s the only place with the organizational power and information control that encompasses Gaebang and Heukjeom.”

“So that’s why you told me to be wary of the eunuchs.”

“It’s not certain yet. I’m just keeping the possibility open.”

Dan Akseon sighed, resigned.

“Then there’s nothing we can do right now. I should prepare, then.”

“Prepare?”

“We should use this opportunity to strengthen our internal affairs.”

Cho Akryang nodded.

“Not a bad idea.”

Dan Akseon had been stuck in a rut for a while, with little progress in his martial arts.

Cho Akryang had been watching him closely, more than anyone else, as he grew impatient and pushed himself harder.

But recently, there were signs that the wall was breaking.

It wasn’t hard to guess what had triggered it.

The birth of his child.

From that moment on, his eyes and expression had changed noticeably.

Dan Akseon smiled and looked at Cho Akryang and Han Seolhwa.

“You two need time as well, right?”

“Did you know?”

“We’ve always been together.”

At Dan Akseon’s words, Cho Akryang and Han Seolhwa exchanged awkward glances.

The truth was, they were training because they didn’t want to be left behind by Beom Gyewi, but their pride wouldn’t allow them to admit it.

At that moment, Dan Akseon suggested,

“Then why don’t we all train together?”

“Together?”

“Yes. Wihwa Shin Gong [a martial arts technique] was created together from the beginning. The three of you have also made great progress while studying it. Training is up to each individual, but sharing insights and researching in various ways could lead to great results.”

Originally, after reaching a certain level of achievement, training was usually done individually.

This is because the martial arts learned by each person are different, and their understanding of depth and martial principles varies.

But what Dan Akseon said wasn’t entirely unreasonable.

So, while they were inwardly contemplating, Dan Akseon turned to Neung Somil.

“Uncle Neung, please join us too.”

“Me too?”

“Of course. You were the first to learn Wihwa Shin Gong, after all.”

Neung Somil smiled awkwardly as he recalled those days.

There was a time when he was deeply conflicted about giving up his existing martial arts and learning new ones.

But looking back, it was the best decision he ever made.

“I will.”

Dan Akseon then asked Sa Musim.

“Chief Sa, you’ll join us too, right?”

“I haven’t learned Wihwa Shin Gong.”

“Neither have Uncle Cho or Aunt Han. But there’s a saying that all rivers flow to the sea. If we train and research together, we’ll surely gain insights.”

“I will focus on assisting you all as I have always done.”

“No. I’ll take care of the preparations this time, so please make time, Chief.”

“You mean Master Gok himself?”

“Yes. So I think I’ll need about a month to prepare. I’ll contact Uncle Beom too.”

The faces of some people hardened at the mention of Beom Gyewi.

It was Cho Akryang and Han Seolhwa.

“Do we have to?”

“Is that really necessary?”

Dan Akseon smiled and nodded.

“He was one of the creators of Wihwa Shin Gong. I don’t know if he can come, but I should let him know.”

The two reluctantly nodded.

Then, suddenly remembering something, Cho Akryang asked Dan Akseon.

“But what are you going to prepare?”

Dan Akseon grinned.

“I’m going to make a medicine that can maximize the results of our training.”

* * *

A sleek ship cut through the waves, approaching Hainan Island.

It was one of the few speedboats in the Shinma Sangdan [a merchant group], designed for rapid communication.

The person who disembarked, docking skillfully at the port, was the Deputy Leader, second-in-command of Sojeoksan [a bandit group].

“Welcome.”

As befitting his position, the Hainan Sword Sect members greeted him with great courtesy.

After exchanging brief greetings, the Deputy Leader immediately got to the point.

“Where is Senior Beom now?”

At that question, the faces of the Hainan Sword Sect disciples showed embarrassment.

After a moment, one replied,

“He’s probably at the training ground.”

“Which way is the training ground?”

“It’s a bit…”

“…?”

“Hmph, never mind. Follow this road to the main compound, and you’ll see the main gate. You can get directions there.”

“Thank you.”

The Hainan Sword Sect disciples sighed as they watched the Deputy Leader hurry away.

Shortly after, the Deputy Leader arrived at the training ground and couldn’t hide his dismay.

“What is this?”

Dozens of men, covered in blood and scattered throughout the training ground as if they had been attacked, caught his eye.

A terrible sight, with no unscathed place to be found!

The Deputy Leader was stunned and froze on the spot.

It was then that he heard a voice.

“Oh? There’s still one guy standing?”

The Deputy Leader turned his head at the sudden voice and was startled by the sight of Beom Gyewi approaching with a sinister smile.

“I, I am Dan Neungjin, the Deputy Leader of the Shinma Sangdan! I came directly because Master Gok has a message to deliver!”

“Dan’s doctor?”

Beom Gyewi, who approached with a delighted expression, urged the Deputy Leader.

“What is it? Tell me quickly.”

“That, that’s…”

The Deputy Leader hurriedly explained why Dan Akseon had sent him.

“Group training? What are you thinking of doing?”

At the Deputy Leader’s question, Beom Gyewi was lost in thought.

“Hmm…”

Byukhwa Ryung, unusually affectionate, approached and leaned her head on Beom Gyewi’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry, Gaga [term of endearment].”

“But my promise with my woman is important.”

Byukhwa Ryung smiled brightly at Beom Gyewi’s words.

“Thank you for saying that. But I think we’ve achieved our goals, so it’s okay to leave.”

“Really?”

“Of course. How much have I taught you so far?”

All that was left was the process of internalizing the teachings through self-discipline.

“I’ll have to check later if you’ve done your personal training properly.”

Beom Gyewi smiled brightly and nodded.

“Okay. Let’s go!”

Beom Gyewi went straight to Byuk Dae Gyeong, the Moonju [sect leader] of the Hainan Sword Sect.

The high-ranking officials of the Hainan Sect, including the elders, cheered inwardly at Beom Gyewi’s announcement that he was returning to Muwi.

Beom Gyewi, who returned to the training ground, shouted,

“Wake up!”

The martial artists, who were trembling as if struck by lightning, staggered and struggled to get up.

“I have to go to Shinma Gok for a while. It may take six months or a year. But one thing is certain.”

“…?”

“I will definitely come back and check if you have trained properly.”

If it were normal times, they would have trembled at those words, but the eyes of the martial artists, which had been gray and dead, began to shine.

“So, from today until I leave, it’s hell training.”

The faces of the Hainan Sect martial artists turned pale.

The special training they had been doing so far was this intense, so they had no idea how much more terrible the hell training would be.

But they squeezed out the remaining strength and shouted,

“Yes, sir!”

“We can do anything!”

Beom Gyewi blinked at their unusual appearance.

“What’s wrong? Why are you all so energetic?”

The Hainan Sect martial artists were determined, their eyes resolute.

A ray of hope that hung over the end of a long despair.

‘This hell will end soon!’

Any misfortune can be endured if the end is in sight.

They were doing their best to manage their expressions so that Beom Gyewi wouldn’t change his mind.