The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 42

Having completed all preparations, Dan-ak Seon smiled at Namgung Hyang, who was lying on the bed.

“You’ve endured well so far.”

Namgung Hyang asked with a slightly worried look.

“Can I really get better?”

“Don’t worry. You’ll be able to return to your original life. But can you promise me just one thing?”

“A promise…?”

“Please keep the treatment method a secret. And no matter what happens during the treatment process, don’t be surprised or alarmed. The success or failure of this treatment depends on the patient’s faith.”

After pondering for a moment, Namgung Hyang smiled faintly and nodded.

“The fact that I have a secret to keep means there’s a higher chance I can live, right?”

Namgung Hyang said, looking into Dan-ak Seon’s eyes.

“I trust the doctors.”

“Then, let’s begin.”

As soon as Dan-ak Seon finished speaking, Han Seol-hwa and Beom Gye-wi stood on either side of Namgung Hyang.

Each of them reached out and held her wrist.

Namgung Hyang’s eyes wavered at first, but she soon regained her composure, remembering Dan-ak Seon’s words.

“Please stand guard in case of any unforeseen circumstances.”

Cho-ak Ryang nodded at Dan-ak Seon’s instruction.

Soon, Dan-ak Seon opened the wooden case containing the Seonang and Malyung needles.

“Then, let’s begin.”

* * *

Late into the night, around the end of Ja-si (11:30 PM – 1:30 AM) [a traditional Korean time division].

The masters of the Murim Alliance [a martial arts alliance] were surrounding the detached residence, maintaining strict vigilance. Meanwhile, Namgung Baek stood tall in a high pavilion overlooking the detached residence, without moving an inch.

He had been guarding that spot for three hours already.

In fact, as time passed, his insides were burning with anxiety.

It was even worse because he couldn’t know the situation inside the detached residence…

Then, at that moment, a strange light flashed in Namgung Baek’s eyes.

“Hmm?”

He felt a strange energy emanating from the detached residence in the distance.

A rough and overbearing energy of extreme Yang [positive, masculine energy in Taoism] and a delicate but eerie energy of extreme Yin [negative, feminine energy in Taoism]; it was an amount so great that even Namgung Baek felt a chill.

‘To be able to extract that much energy!’

Namgung Baek couldn’t help but be inwardly impressed.

There was a reason why he was so confident in the secret art of the Poison Clan. He didn’t regret the elixirs he had brought and offered so far.

If someone who didn’t know better saw it, they might mistake it for two absolute masters engaging in a life-or-death internal energy battle inside.

At that moment, the Yin and Yang energies, which had been gradually increasing their power as if testing each other, seemed to merge into one at a certain point and transformed into an energy with a completely different feel.

A boundless warmth and an immeasurably pure true energy, like a mist. It was an energy that made one’s heart feel at ease just by sensing it.

“This!”

A look of bewilderment escaped from Namgung Baek’s lips.

He belatedly realized that he had unknowingly moved close to the railing of the pavilion.

“At this distance, to this extent…”

Namgung Baek, after checking the detached residence, quickly sent a telepathic message to Changcheon Danju, who was commanding the escort.

—Pull yourself together!

Namgung Baek saw Changcheon Danju looking surprised.

He had belatedly realized his state of approaching the detached residence.

The problem was not just him.

A significant number of the warriors stationed around the detached residence for protection were leaving their posts and moving towards the detached residence as if possessed by something.

—Immediately move your subordinates back.

As Namgung Baek’s instructions were issued, the warriors guarding the detached residence retreated like a receding tide.

Shortly after, Changcheon Danju Yang Bul-wi, who had climbed onto the pavilion, knelt with a flushed face.

“Please forgive my subordinate’s disgraceful behavior.”

Namgung Baek didn’t particularly rebuke Yang Bul-wi.

The energy surrounding the detached residence had that much power to draw people in.

The higher one’s level of martial arts, the stronger the temptation would be felt. However, one thing was certain: it was not a sinister technique of the Demonic Sect.

The Namgung Family’s traditional internal energy cultivation method, the Azure Sky Grand Evolution Divine Art, originally possessed the property of dispelling evil energy. However, he couldn’t feel any sense of rejection or repulsion.

That meant it was an energy that was not wicked but pure.

“Even so, to exhibit this level of internal energy? Just what kind of treatment is it…”

Namgung Baek stared intently at the detached residence.

His heart was still pounding, but somehow he felt more at ease.

* * *

As the treatment entered its fourth hour.

“You’ve endured well. Now, it’s the final hurdle.”

“Yes, I can do it.”

Namgung Hyang replied in a tired voice to Dan-ak Seon’s words.

Her body was soaked with sweat, and dozens of needles were stuck all over her body.

However, her eyes were not faltering in the slightest.

Dan-ak Seon nodded at her unwavering will.

“From now on, I will remove the needles one by one to allow the Qi [vital energy] to flow in that direction. Very little by little, slowly.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Dan-ak Seon carefully began to remove the needles that were stuck between Namgung Hyang’s neck and shoulders.

“From now on, you must not open your mouth. Focus as much as possible on maintaining your breathing. Even if there is pain, do not be surprised.”

Namgung Hyang blinked her eyes to answer.

Soon, as the needle was completely removed, Namgung Hyang flinched. As true energy began to flow through her meridians [energy pathways in the body], the tingling and tickling sensations came as unfamiliar stimuli.

“It’s okay. It’s a perfectly normal reaction. It’s proof that your senses are returning.”

With those words, Dan-ak Seon continued to remove the needles. Then, he grabbed the needles placed between her navel and pubic bone, at the Junggeuk (CV3) and Gwanyuan (CV4) acupoints [specific points on the body used in acupuncture].

At that moment.

As it was a sensitive area for a woman, Namgung Hyang’s eyes flickered slightly.

It was an extremely subtle difference, but the result was significant.

The brief emotional disturbance led to a breakdown in her carefully maintained breathing. It was also then that the true energy, which had been extending through the Great Meridian to the Minor Meridians, lost its balance and began to run wild.

As a terrible chill and tremendous heat surged simultaneously, Namgung Hyang’s vision blurred, and she momentarily lost consciousness.

At that moment, the large needle in Dan-ak Seon’s hand pierced below Namgung Hyang’s solar plexus.

“Haa…”

A white breath was exhaled from Namgung Hyang’s mouth, barely regaining her breath.

Crack.

The chilling breath touched the ceiling and turned into white frost, spreading in all directions.

At the same time, intense heat soared from her entire body.

It was a terrifying heat that even Dan-ak Seon was surprised and stepped back.

In an instant, Namgung Hyang’s clothes turned to ashes and scattered.

“…!”

As Namgung Hyang, now naked, was overcome with embarrassment, a resolute shout grabbed her mind.

“Pull yourself together!”

As Namgung Hyang’s wavering eyes found their focus, Dan-ak Seon checked Han Seol-hwa and Beom Gye-wi.

They had already exceeded their limits long ago.

Sweat was pouring down their faces like rain, and their fingertips were trembling faintly.

“Hang in there! We’re almost there!”

At Dan-ak Seon’s voice, filled with anguish, the two gritted their teeth.

“Now!”

And with Dan-ak Seon’s signal, they once again concentrated all their mind and will on operating their true energy with all their might.

* * *

The door of the detached residence opened, and Dan-ak Seon walked out.

Behind him, Han Seol-hwa and Beom Gye-wi appeared in turn.

At the sight, Namgung Baek immediately darted forward. And like a giant roc [a mythical bird of enormous size and strength], he cleaved through the air and landed in front of the detached residence.

“How did it go?”

At Namgung Baek’s voice, filled with anxiety, Dan-ak Seon, who was staggering from exhaustion, collapsed on the spot.

Only then could Namgung Baek properly examine Dan-ak Seon’s appearance.

A face as white as paper.

Above it, the traces of sweat were clear.

The sweat had all evaporated, leaving only a rough saltiness.

Moreover, his lips were cracked like a parched rice paddy.

The doctors Han Seol-hwa and Ak-il also showed clear signs of exhaustion.

‘What on earth happened?’

Namgung Baek felt an ominous feeling creeping up.

It was understandable for Ak-il, who was a doctor, but it was very rare for even a master like Han Seol-hwa to show such a haggard look.

“Is Hyang safe?”

At Namgung Baek’s urging, Han Seol-hwa and Ak-il only looked at Dan-ak Seon without answering.

Dan-ak Seon was the same.

Like a wet towel, he was drooping and unable to say anything. Eventually, Namgung Baek, unable to bear it any longer, moved to step inside the detached residence.

Thud.

At that moment, someone grabbed his wrist.

It was Dan-ak Seon.

Dan-ak Seon, who had struggled to lift his head, shook his head as his eyes met Namgung Baek’s.

“…!”

Namgung Baek’s heart sank.

“Hyang-ah!”

Namgung Baek’s figure shot towards the detached residence like an arrow released from a bow.

Just in time, Poong Jin-sung, who was leaving the detached residence, hurriedly blocked Namgung Baek.

“What are you doing?”

Poong Jin-sung was surprised as he rebuked Namgung Baek.

It was because of the terrifying murderous intent pouring from his eyes.

Namgung Baek growled lowly.

“If anything happens to that child…”

“What are you talking about? What do you mean, something happens?”

“…?”

While Namgung Baek was flustered by Poong Jin-sung’s words.

A voice came from behind.

“The treatment was successful.”

It was Dan-ak Seon.

“Then why just now…?”

Dan-ak Seon sighed at Namgung Baek, who was turning around with a surprised face.

“I was about to say that stability is the priority, so please postpone the visit, but the Alliance Leader rushed in.”

“Then Hyang can live?”

“Yes. Unless something special happens, she will be able to enjoy her natural lifespan.”

“What do you mean by something special?”

“A hasty guardian disturbing the patient’s stability.”

“…!”

Namgung Baek hurriedly stepped back from the detached residence. And after a while, Cho-ak Ryang walked out of the detached residence.

He had been guarding the place until the end for protection.

“The patient has regained consciousness.”

At those words, Poong Jin-sung entered the detached residence again.

Cho-ak Ryang approached the group and cast a pitiful look.

“Everyone has worked hard.”

Han Seol-hwa and Beom Gye-wi nodded silently. Dan-ak Seon smiled weakly and looked at Cho-ak Ryang.

“Uncle, you’ve worked hard too.”

“What have I done? Doctor Dan was the most exhausted.”

That was true.

If Dan-ak Seon had not calmly dealt with the several crises that came during the treatment, it would have certainly led to a terrible result.

Although he is a doctor, Dan-ak Seon is still a child.

Nevertheless, the sight of him pouring his physical and mental strength to the limit to save the patient gave Cho-ak Ryang a strange sense of emotion.

The harsh Murim world, where one has to kill the opponent to survive.

It made him realize once again that a completely different world exists.

“What do you mean? It’s a natural thing to do.”

The answer that came back was also like Dan-ak Seon.

It was then.

“Hyang-ah!”

At Namgung Baek’s surprised voice, the group’s gazes turned to the entrance of the detached residence. Namgung Hyang was seen walking out, supported by Poong Jin-sung.

Her complexion was still pale, and her body was thin, but at least her eyes were full of life.

Seeing this, the emotions of agitation were fully revealed on Namgung Baek’s face. It was the first time he had seen his daughter walking on two feet like this since she had fallen ill.

Namgung Baek approached her and carefully took her hand.

The warmth conveyed through her hand quietly melted his frozen heart.

Her face, which had always been distorted by pain, was also wearing a more comfortable smile.

Namgung Baek bowed his head to Dan-ak Seon.

“Thank you. Thank you so much…”

“Let’s postpone the greetings for later. Shouldn’t these people rest too?”

“I understand.”

Namgung Baek nodded at Cho-ak Ryang’s words. And with a regretful heart, he said to Namgung Hyang.

“I’ll come again.”

Namgung Hyang responded with a bright smile.

“I’m sorry. You must have had a hard time because of me, right?”

“No. It’s all okay now.”