The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 354

“Young Master Gu!”

Leaping down from the platform, Neng Somil rushed towards Dan Ahkseon, who was just entering the venue.

Neng Somil, showing utmost respect, immediately led Dan Ahkseon to the seat of honor.

Many people couldn’t hide their surprise at the sight.

Neng Somil’s courteous attitude towards Dan Ahkseon was vastly different from the dignified demeanor he had maintained throughout the event.

The Three Divine Devils, along with Byeok Hwaryeong and Ju Jangmyeong, who had trained with him in the Divine Devil Valley, naturally followed behind.

“Is that the boy I’ve only heard about?”

Murmurs spread among the heads of the Western Region merchant groups and dignitaries from various fields as they finally saw the true master of Muwi with their own eyes.

“The Divine Doctor of Mount Hua!”

“I heard he’s only sixteen years old…”

“Hehe, the aura he exudes is truly remarkable.”

Dan Ahkseon, receiving all the attention, felt almost dizzy as he moved towards the seat of honor.

So many people were greeting him from all directions.

Finally, Dan Ahkseon, guided by Neng Somil, sat in the seat of honor and let out a soft sigh.

“Haa. I expected it to some extent, but I really didn’t know so many people would gather.”

Then, Dan Ahkseon suddenly realized that one of the seats of honor was empty.

Neng Somil gave him an awkward smile, looking troubled.

“I’m sorry, Young Master Gu. We have one more distinguished guest arriving, so we may have to postpone the opening ceremony for a bit.”

Dan Ahkseon nodded with a smile.

“Yes, I’m fine with it.”

Unlike Dan Ahkseon, who readily accepted, the atmosphere around Cho Ahklyang, Beom Gyewi, and Han Seolhwa turned icy cold, as if a blizzard was raging.

Sensing the unease of Neng Somil, who was watching them, Dan Ahkseon whispered softly.

“The three of them had a three-way duel this morning. They ran out of time and couldn’t finish it, so they’re in a bad mood right now.”

“Ah!”

It was a very them reason, making Neng Somil nod in understanding.

Beom Gyewi suddenly spoke to Neng Somil.

“Hurry up and finish. As soon as we get back, we’re going to settle this once and for all.”

“What, Inma [a derogatory term for a demon or evil being]?”

Cho Ahklyang flared up at those words, but he suppressed his boiling anger with an effort when he met Dan Ahkseon’s gaze.

Han Seolhwa was the same.

Neng Somil felt his legs go weak from the cold glares directed at the two of them.

However, he couldn’t dare to mediate between the three of them.

The murderous intent they were emitting towards each other was just that intense.

He was stuck, not knowing what to do, when.

“Ah! The distinguished guest is arriving over there.”

Neng Somil’s face lit up at the appearance of one person.

“Ah!”

Dan Ahkseon, following Neng Somil’s gaze, turned his head and let out a soft exclamation.

Soldiers of the Muwi Guard lined up on both sides.

The person entering with a considerable number of guards was someone Dan Ahkseon had met not long ago.

The last guest Neng Somil was waiting for.

It was Princess Yeongsund, the current emperor’s sister.

Neng Somil straightened his clothes and knelt towards Princess Yeongsund.

“Your Highness! I, Neng Somil, the lord of Muwi, greet Princess Yeongsund!”

As soon as that cry ended, most of the people gathered here shouted in unison with utmost respect.

“Ten thousand years! Ten thousand years!”

Only the emperor could receive the three shouts of “ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years.”

The empress, the emperor’s spouse, and the princes received “ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years.”

For the emperor’s sister, the princess, the imperial etiquette was to offer two shouts of “ten thousand years,” one level lower.

Dan Ahkseon also bowed respectfully, following Neng Somil.

Only the Three Divine Devils remained standing, not caring about the attention of those around them.

Since Han Seolhwa was so calm, they couldn’t possibly pay respects to Princess Yeongsund alone.

No matter what, it was a matter of pride.

Han Seolhwa, meeting Princess Yeongsund’s gaze, nodded lightly.

The guards of the Geumuiwi [Royal Guard], who were escorting Princess Yeongsund, glared with wide eyes.

Depending on the circumstances, it was an impolite act that could be framed as treason and punished.

On the other hand, Princess Yeongsund gestured to stop those guards.

She had already heard about the status of the three in the Murim world [martial arts world].

Especially because of the story between Han Seolhwa and her mother, the Queen Dowager, even she couldn’t treat her carelessly.

Princess Yeongsund stepped forward and smiled at Han Seolhwa.

“Have you been well? The Queen Dowager asked me to convey her regards. She also said she looks forward to seeing you again.”

Han Seolhwa, smiling faintly, pointed to the empty seat of honor, replacing her answer.

Only when Princess Yeongsund took her seat did the people raise their heads.

“His Majesty the Emperor has bestowed a signboard, wishing for the infinite development of Muwi Hall.”

As soon as Princess Yeongsund finished speaking, one of the guards escorting her carefully carried out a long object wrapped in red silk.

When the silk was removed, the signboard, on which the emperor had personally written the letters and which had been reborn with even more vigorous strokes through the hands of artisans, revealed its appearance.

“Oh!”

Small and large exclamations erupted from various places.

The fact that the emperor himself participated in the production of the signboard and bestowed it.

The meaning contained within was truly significant.

Among the numerous merchant groups in the Central Plains, the Divine Devil Merchant Group was the only one that had received the emperor’s official recognition.

It was a moment when the trust of merchants from the Western Regions towards the Divine Devil Merchant Group became even more solid.

Starting with the congratulatory speech of Princess Yeongsund, who attended this event representing the imperial family, the signboard was hung on the upper part of the entrance building symbolizing Muwi Hall.

And Neng Somil formally declared the opening of Muwi Hall.

Fireworks exploded from all directions amidst cheers, and soon, a carefully prepared performance followed.

Dan Ahkseon looked around with a satisfied expression.

The people smiling brightly along with the splendid music.

That peaceful sight was so pleasing to see.

It seemed that Muwi, which he had dreamed of for so long, had finally taken on a proper form.

As it was the scenery he had longed for so much, his feelings upon facing it were extraordinary.

He was immersed in that happy and bustling atmosphere for a while.

“It’s a good sight.”

Dan Ahkseon suddenly came to his senses at the voice he heard.

Dan Ahkseon bowed to Princess Yeongsund, who had approached him and was speaking to him.

“Everything is thanks to His Majesty’s boundless grace.”

At Dan Ahkseon’s polite answer, a small disappointment flashed across Princess Yeongsund’s face.

She felt a clear sense of distance, different from their previous meeting.

Of course, it was difficult to have a casual conversation like before, given the occasion.

But even so, she couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

Still, she tried not to show it and smiled brightly.

“I didn’t know I would keep my promise so quickly.”

“Promise?”

Princess Yeongsund widened her eyes at Dan Ahkseon’s question.

“You told me that day, didn’t you? To come to Muwi anytime.”

“Ah!”

“Could it be that I misinterpreted the words you said as a mere formality?”

“No. That can’t be.”

Princess Yeongsund giggled at Dan Ahkseon’s flustered gesture of waving his hand.

Dan Ahkseon belatedly realized that she was joking and smiled back.

“I’m glad you look healthy.”

“It’s thanks to you. As you said that day, I’ve been taking walks often and trying to relieve my worries recently.”

Princess Yeongsund also began to converse freely with Dan Ahkseon’s more relaxed smile.

The Geumuiwi guards who were watching the scene couldn’t hide their bewilderment.

It was the first time they had seen her, the precious daughter of the imperial family, showing such a youthful side, except for her close relatives.

They weren’t the only ones surprised.

The people who were glancing at the two, who seemed very close, were each impressed by Dan Ahkseon’s connections.

At least in this Muwi, Dan Ahkseon was an absolute symbol.

But to further exert such close influence on the imperial family.

On the other hand, Princess Yeongsund was taking the gazes and attention pouring on them in a different sense.

‘The more I see him, the better he is.’

The gazes towards her were half mixed with wariness and curiosity.

But in the eyes of the people towards Dan Ahkseon, there was only undisguised respect and affection.

‘Is there anyone else who receives so much trust from people at this age?’

Even if the emperor himself were to step forward in this place, it would be difficult to expect this level of treatment.

It was a moment when she realized what position Dan Ahkseon held in this Muwi.

As her thoughts reached this point, a hint of anxiety slowly raised its head.

‘It could become dangerous.’

The emperor, who must have absolute authority and influence in the world in any situation.

From his point of view, the current situation in this Muwi might not be welcome.

At least it was clear that the people of this Muwi admired Dan Ahkseon more than the emperor.

What was even more surprising was that all of this was the result of not reigning with power and fear, but only with respect.

It was a sight reminiscent of the peaceful era of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors.

At this time, Princess Yeongsund smiled slightly as their eyes met by chance.

‘Maybe I can be his shield.’

She thought of one way she could protect Dan Ahkseon at this moment.

The emperor, even if he was obsessed with power, had a particularly weak side towards his own flesh and blood.

In fact, he also showed consideration and made concessions in many ways.

And for this, one condition had to be met.

It was her marriage to him.

Princess Yeongsund’s face turned red without her knowing as she thought of this.

She felt a little embarrassed as she seemed to be excited alone in a situation where even rough marriage talks had not yet taken place.

Dan Ahkseon, who naturally couldn’t know this, gave her a worried look as he saw Princess Yeongsund’s blushing face.

“Are you feeling unwell anywhere?”

Princess Yeongsund flinched at Dan Ahkseon’s momentum, as if he was about to rush to check her pulse.

“Ah! No, I’m fine, so you don’t have to worry.”

While the two were talking.

One person carefully approached the two of them.

It was Neng Somil.

“How about moving the location at this point? I have prepared a separate place so that the two of you can continue your conversation comfortably.”

It was his own measure to prevent any possible situation in advance.

However, Dan Ahkseon tilted his head.

“Is there really a need to do that?”

Dan Ahkseon liked the current atmosphere of sharing joy with everyone very much.

But Neng Somil made a crying face.

“Young Master Gu, please save me.”

Dan Ahkseon finally realized the reason at Neng Somil’s gesture towards the Three Divine Devils.

The murderous intent still raging between the three cold people.

Due to this, the Geumuiwi guards escorting Princess Yeongsund were also on high alert, not letting their guard down.

They were trained to react to murderous intent throughout their lives.

Especially for those who had sharpened their senses to sensitively detect even the slightest flow of murderous intent, facing the thrilling murderous intent pouring out from such a close distance was truly close to a disaster.

Besides, there was also an external reason.

“It’s unavoidable for efficient security. If even a scratch occurs to the princess, it won’t end with just my head falling off.”

Dan Ahkseon smiled bitterly at Neng Somil’s earnest plea.

“Okay.”

Dan Ahkseon and Princess Yeongsund soon moved to the secluded rear garden of the inner hall that had been prepared separately.

Thanks to this, the Three Divine Devils and Byeok Hwaryeong naturally took the form of escorting Dan Ahkseon, and Princess Yeongsund took the form of having four core experts of the Geumuiwi exclusively guarding the four directions.

While moving to the separately prepared place, Princess Yeongsund greeted the Three Divine Devils and Byeok Hwaryeong.

“There are many eyes watching, so I’m only greeting you now.”

The four people looked at Princess Yeongsund with surprised eyes.

Even though they belonged to the Murim world, they didn’t expect her, the precious daughter of the imperial family, to take the initiative to greet them.

But Princess Yeongsund was showing courtesy to them with an attitude that it was natural.

This was because the Queen Dowager had called her separately and given her direct instructions.

―If you want to get him, you must first win the hearts of the people who are with him.