The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 415

Danakson (415)

Ga Dudal asked back, surprised. “You broke through that formation?”

Danakson, quenching his thirst with the water Han Seolhwa handed him, nodded.

“How on earth…?” Ga Dudal gazed at the swaying mist over Danakson’s shoulder, disbelief etched on his face.

He hadn’t been idle either. He’d been searching for a way to break the formation, but to no avail. He couldn’t even guess at its operating principle, let alone find a way through. And he didn’t dare step inside rashly.

“Looks like you’ve been through quite a bit,” Cho Akryang said. Danakson smiled bitterly. It was as he said; a series of difficulties from the start. Though he’d grasped one of the Eight Gates, the formation, once triggered, showed no mercy to intruders. He’d nearly died countless times.

The formation’s power far exceeded expectations. Estimating the rapidly changing positions of the Eight Gates was incredibly difficult. He had to mobilize all his senses to receive surrounding information while simultaneously calculating the formation’s flow and changes in his head. That alone demanded considerable concentration and mental strength.

Fortunately, he grew accustomed to the changes and flow of the formation over time, eventually finding the Life Gate. The Wihwa Divine Art [a mental art specialized for healing and enhancing perception] played a significant role. It was perfectly suited for keenly grasping the flow and changes of the Five Elements [the five basic elements in traditional Chinese philosophy: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water].

Finally, stepping through the Life Gate, the fog cleared as if by magic, revealing the Divine Land [a hidden and sacred training ground] nestled below the steep cliff. Its enormous size left him speechless. He’d expected something like the Divine Devil Valley or the Three Stars Fortress of Kunlun [famous martial arts locations]… instead, a vast area, easily encompassing more than one province, stretched before him. He couldn’t fathom how they’d set up a formation covering such a vast land.

But the real problem was something else. Cho Akryang, noticing Danakson’s hardened expression, asked cautiously, “What did you see to make you like that?”

Danakson shuddered, his face pale, and said urgently, “We need to hurry. We don’t have much time.”

Everyone’s expression hardened at his words. “I think we’ve been too naive about the threat lurking inside.”

The Demon Worshipping Army’s strength far exceeded expectations. According to information from Subo and the Sam Mol Twins, about a thousand demons were originally training inside the Divine Land. Three hundred had finished their training and left, leaving about seven hundred. The problem was their condition.

The demons and Sam Mol Twins he’d encountered in Kunlun at least had complete reason. They felt fear and hesitated depending on the situation. But these demons were different. Their eyes, filled with madness and murderous intent, belonged to beings no longer human. Danakson had never seen such a state before. It was as if they’d forcibly combined Demonic Possession and Last Flash [extreme states of demonic influence and desperation].

“It seems like they’ve carved out their humanity to only follow the Heavenly Demon’s orders thoroughly,” Danakson said.

Bumgyewi, after a moment of thought, spoke up. “Then isn’t that a good thing?” He addressed the puzzled group, “Now that Doctor Dan has returned, this formation is no longer a problem.”

“And?” Cho Akryang asked.

Bumgyewi grinned. “Let’s just rush in and sweep them away. Wouldn’t the three of us be enough?”

Danakson shook his head. “There are too many of them to do that. Frankly, I think it would be dangerous even with our strength.”

“Only seven hundred?”

Danakson sighed softly at Bumgyewi’s question. “I think the Heavenly Demon [the leader of the Demonic Cult] is there too.”

The palace in the valley’s center radiated dense demonic energy so chilling that even Danakson was taken aback. The black mist wriggling and swirling around the palace contained tremendous power unlike anything he’d ever experienced. A double formation interacted with the external formation, forming the core of the Divine Land, making it impossible to break through.

Cho Akryang nodded. “I think we need to meet the Beggars’ Sect Leader [the leader of a large information network] first.”

The Nine Great Sects [the most powerful martial arts sects] had focused their efforts on dealing with the Demonic Cult. Now that they’d discovered the Divine Land, their original goal, it was time to move forward. They needed to talk to Hong Jeokmun to clearly convey the current situation and establish future plans.

* * *

A few days later, Danakson arrived in Muwi and went straight to Neung Somil and Sa Musim. He was exhausted from running non-stop for several nights, but there was no time to rest. “Please gather the experts.”

Neung Somil and Sa Musim sensed from Danakson’s serious eyes that the final battle was approaching. After briefly explaining the Divine Land’s situation, Danakson went outside and headed to a brewery on Muwi’s outskirts.

Kang Wiryong, leaning against the gate and sipping alcohol, smiled slightly. “You have a look on your face that you have something to ask for again.”

“Yes. Actually…” As Danakson explained, the smile gradually disappeared from Kang Wiryong’s face.

“So, you’re saying I should lend a hand too?”

“The more experts, the better.”

“I will,” Kang Wiryong answered unexpectedly. It was a golden opportunity to completely wipe out the Demonic Cult so it could never rise again. He wouldn’t refuse this.

‘If the Demonic Cult runs rampant, this place won’t be safe either.’ If the Righteous-Demonic War [a conflict between good and evil martial arts factions] broke out again, Muwi, the center of the Central Plains martial arts world, would be a prime target. More than anything, he couldn’t tolerate damage to the Peach Blossom Land [a valuable product or resource] manufacturing facilities and the Peach Blossom Land stored in the warehouse, which he’d worked so hard to create.

Immediately after Danakson expressed his gratitude, he spotted Hong Jeokmun approaching from the opposite side and ran to him. He’d stopped by the Sinma Merchant Group’s [a powerful merchant organization] base on the way to Muwi and sent a messenger bird in advance, so Hong Jeokmun had arrived in Muwi first and was waiting.

“You found the Divine Land?” Hong Jeokmun looked at Danakson admiringly. “You’ve worked hard. You’ve made a great contribution.”

“It’s too early to be sure. Until we sweep away the Divine Land, we can’t be sure of anything.” Danakson’s explanation made Hong Jeokmun thoughtful.

“I’ve already sent messenger birds to the Nine Great Sects. Given the situation, even the heavy-assed leaders of the Nine Sects must have already left for here.”

As they walked and talked, they arrived at Sinmaeui House [likely a residence or headquarters].

“Young Master!” Pung Jinseong was the first to greet Danakson, followed by Ju Choun, Ju Jangmyeong, and Adu, who ran and hugged him. After briefly catching up, Danakson dismissed the group and headed to where the patients were staying.

Gwangseongja, having already heard of Danakson’s arrival, welcomed him on behalf of the Kunlun disciples. An unusual light flashed in Gwangseongja’s eyes as he glanced at Hong Jeokmun, who was with Danakson.

“I thought there were a lot of messenger birds coming and going recently… Is it time?” Gwangseongja quickly grasped the situation.

Danakson smiled bitterly. “Yes. We’re going to gather elite forces here and strike the Demonic Cult.”

“Kunlun will be with you then.” Most of them were injured, so they wouldn’t be of great help, but Kunlun wouldn’t use that as an excuse to back out.

Danakson smiled quietly and nodded, understanding Kunlun better than anyone else. Even if he tried to dissuade them, they would seek revenge on their own. He couldn’t help but respect Kunlun’s will.

“But never forget,” Danakson said. Gwangseongja nodded, burning with fighting spirit.

“Remember that you have a heavy responsibility to rebuild Kunlun.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve never taken the weight on my shoulders lightly.” The two shook hands, promising each other, and nodded.

* * *

That night, Danakson, having finished a long meeting with Hong Jeokmun, headed to the back garden of the clinic. Cho Akryang, Han Seolhwa, and Bumgyewi were already waiting. It was a familiar place where they usually ended their day chatting and relaxing.

“Welcome, Doctor Dan,” Bumgyewi said, smiling and handing Danakson a teacup. The cold tea boiled and raised hot steam, heated by Bumgyewi using Samadhi True Fire [a powerful internal energy technique].

“Thank you.” Danakson took a sip of the hot tea, shaking off his fatigue.

Bumgyewi suddenly spoke. “But Doctor Dan…”

“Yes?”

“What do you want to do when the battle with the Demonic Cult is over?”

“Well…” Danakson hesitated, unable to answer immediately. He’d only been thinking about the immediate goal and hadn’t considered what would happen afterward.

After a moment, Danakson smiled awkwardly. “Maybe I’ll continue to be a doctor?”

“Really? Then why don’t you come to Hainan Island and live with me?” Bumgyewi raised his hand and pointed to Cho Akryang and Han Seolhwa. “Let’s leave those annoying burdens behind. There are plenty of patients there anyway.”

Cho Akryang and Han Seolhwa, who’d been listening quietly, flared up. “What nonsense are you talking about?”

“I’m so dumbfounded I can’t even laugh,” Cho Akryang retorted.

“The battle with the Demonic Cult hasn’t even started yet, and you’re already discussing what will happen after that?”

“You have to plan your life in advance. Anyway, dealing with those guys is nothing.” Bumgyewi clenched his fist and shrugged his shoulders. “Ah! It’s a pity. If I had the Great Beginning Scripture [a powerful martial arts manual] in this hand, I would have just swept them all away by myself.”

Cho Akryang laughed at Bumgyewi’s boasting. “You’re exaggerating, you’re exaggerating [Korean slang for bluffing or boasting].”

Han Seolhwa smiled and echoed Cho Akryang’s words.

“……”

Swish. Before he knew it, the air around her had frozen coldly, and her unique eerie aura was swirling around her like a storm.