The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 465

Shinmaeuiseon (465)

It was the worry for his only daughter that weighed heavily on his mind.

A daughter whose life or death he couldn’t even confirm. The uncertainty gnawed at him.

Because he had cast her out for the sake of the family, Jegeolyeon was an even heavier burden on his heart. The guilt compounded his concern.

Jegeolsan, sensing his father’s mood, didn’t offer any hasty words of comfort. He understood the weight of such decisions.

Having recently become a father himself, he could vaguely understand the feelings of a parent. He knew the anxieties and hopes that came with it.

How long had they stood there in silence?

Jegeolgyeong tried to soothe his troubled heart, seeking a moment of peace.

“Let’s take a walk,” he suggested, hoping the change of scenery would ease his mind.

“I will lead the way,” Jegeolsan offered, stepping forward.

“The head of the family personally volunteers to accompany his old father. I wonder if I deserve such luxury,” Jegeolgyeong said, a hint of irony in his voice.

“It’s too early to be happy. I have quite an interesting story to tell you today,” Jegeolsan replied, hinting at important news.

Jegeolgyeong, puzzled, expressed surprise at Jegeolsan’s words.

“According to information received last night, Doctor Dan has declared Geosanbang as the Hainan Sword Sect branch, along with Great Warrior Beom.”

“Huh! That’s indeed a quick resolution. Wasn’t it only recently that they subjugated Chunguichae and handed it over to the Hyeongsan Sect?” Jegeolgyeong asked, impressed by the speed of events.

“If Doctor Dan and Great Warrior Beom, along with the Hainan Sword Sect, join forces, a clear shift in the landscape is expected, with them at the center. The current state of the Murim [martial arts world] will be greatly shaken,” Jegeolsan explained, outlining the potential consequences.

“Great Warrior Beom… You’re the only one who calls the Mangsanchoja [a wandering hero] of the world that,” Jegeolgyeong remarked, amused by his son’s formality.

“He greatly contributed to the downfall of the Demonic Sect. We must clearly distinguish between merits and faults,” Jegeolsan insisted, emphasizing the importance of recognizing contributions.

Was it because he mentioned the Demonic Sect?

Jegeolsan suddenly felt his father’s gaze directed towards his hand. He noticed the shift in his father’s attention.

A stubby finger that was only half left. A permanent reminder of past battles.

Jegeolsan, noticing that his father’s expression became more complicated as he looked at it, smiled nonchalantly and raised his hand. He tried to dismiss the significance of the injury.

“There’s no need to be sad or regretful. It’s a scar of glory for me,” he said, attempting to reassure his father.

“Hmm…” Jegeolgyeong hummed, still affected by the sight.

“Thanks to it, I was able to complete the Anti-Demonic Art. There will never be another time when the Demonic Sect will run rampant,” Jegeolsan declared, highlighting the positive outcome of his sacrifice.

Jegeolgyeong smiled bitterly and nodded. He acknowledged the truth in his son’s words.

Indeed, it was as he said.

After finishing the final battle between Justice and Evil in Sinji, Jegeolsan’s first act upon returning to the family was to compile the core principles of the Anti-Demonic Art, which he had been researching, into a book and distribute it throughout the Central Plains. His actions were swift and decisive.

Of course, there must still be remnants of the Demonic Sect somewhere in the outer regions. He knew that the threat wasn’t completely eradicated.

However, as long as the Anti-Demonic Art, the natural enemy of demonic arts, existed, they would certainly not dare to covet the Central Plains. The knowledge would serve as a deterrent.

In addition, the cost of distributing the Anti-Demonic Art for free was easily resolved thanks to the financial support of the Shinma Merchant Group. The alliance proved beneficial.

Jegeolgyeong’s eyes softened. He felt a surge of affection for his son.

“You’ve shortened my lifespan by half,” he joked, but there was genuine concern in his voice.

“That’s why I’m working so hard to practice filial piety,” Jegeolsan retorted with a playful grin.

“You rascal. Just thinking about that time still makes me furious,” Jegeolgyeong grumbled, unable to completely hide his lingering anger.

“Hahaha,” Jegeolsan laughed, unfazed by his father’s words.

“Laugh all you want. From what I can see, that kid’s stubbornness is no less than his father’s. You’ll understand this father’s feelings when you raise your own child,” Jegeolgyeong predicted, hinting at future challenges.

“Wouldn’t it be enough for our family to have just one troublemaker like me?” Jegeolsan quipped, deflecting the comment.

“Where would that bloodline go?” Jegeolgyeong countered, implying that stubbornness was an inherent trait.

“That bloodline was inherited from you, Father…” Jegeolsan pointed out, shifting the blame playfully.

“…”

“…”

Realizing that prolonging the conversation would only result in spitting on their own faces, the two silently moved their feet with awkward expressions. The playful banter had reached its limit.

How much time had passed?

As they passed through the back garden and entered the inner quarters, Jegeolgyeong opened his mouth as if suddenly reminded.

“By the way, how is the new daughter-in-law doing? It hasn’t been long since she gave birth, but I’m worried because she seems to be overdoing it these days,” he asked, expressing his concern for Wangsogun.

“It’s been several years since she became my daughter-in-law, and you still call her ‘new’?” Jegeolsan teased, but his worry was evident.

He tried to brush it off as a joke, but Jegeolsan’s face also showed unconcealable worry.

Because she was blind and deaf, there were many restrictions on taking care of the child. Her disabilities presented challenges.

Of course, the family members were helping her in many ways, but the limitations due to her disability were clear. The support was appreciated, but limitations remained.

However, Wangsogun was working hard in many ways to overcome this. Her determination was admirable.

Jegeolsan felt very sorry and supportive of his wife. He admired her strength and resilience.

“Don’t you know? My wife is a stronger woman than anyone else,” he declared, his voice filled with pride.

“I know. That’s why I’m more worried,” Jegeolgyeong admitted, acknowledging her strength while still feeling concerned.

“Then, since we’re on the subject, why don’t we stop by for a moment? She’ll be very happy too,” Jegeolsan suggested, hoping to brighten her day.

“Would that be alright?” Jegeolgyeong asked, delighted by the prospect.

He was already concerned about his grandson, who had been born recently. His thoughts were often with the child.

Inwardly, he wanted to look at him several times a day, but he had been suppressing that feeling, fearing that he might be a nuisance to his daughter-in-law. He tried to respect her space and routine.

The two turned their steps and soon entered a flower garden full of various flowers. The vibrant colors and fragrant scents filled the air.

A small pavilion located in the center of the flower garden. It offered a peaceful retreat.

Inside, a woman was holding a child wrapped in a swaddling cloth. The scene was serene and heartwarming.

Jegeolsan’s eyes softened as he looked at Wangsogun. He felt a surge of love and affection.

The sight of his wife carefully tracing the face of the child, who was fast asleep in her arms, with her fingers and engraving it in her heart was more lovely than anything else. The intimate moment touched him deeply.

A small desk was placed in front of her, and several books were piled up on it. She was dedicated to learning and self-improvement.

It was a new script researched by Jegeoljin for his sister-in-law, who could not see. A thoughtful gesture from her brother-in-law.

The raised dots engraved on the book. A tactile system designed for her.

By tracing them with her fingers, she could check the tones based on the phonetic system and understand the contents of the book. She was learning to read through touch.

At that moment, a breeze blew from somewhere, swirling up the colorful petals and enveloping the pavilion. The gentle wind created a magical atmosphere.

A very happy smile settled on Wangsogun’s face. She radiated joy and contentment.

Although she could not see the petals, she could fully enjoy the fragrance carried by the wind. She appreciated the beauty in her own way.

Above all, she was very pleased with this moment because she knew the sincerity of her husband, who had prepared the flower garden for her. She understood the love and care behind the gesture.

“Oh? Head of the family.”

“Supreme Head of the family, too…”

The maids who were assisting Wangsogun belatedly discovered Jegeolsan and his father and hurriedly approached Wangsogun. They were attentive to her needs.

Jegeolsan stopped the maids and directly sent a telepathic message. He preferred to communicate directly with his wife.

—Madam. Father has arrived.

Wangsogun’s disability was not congenital but due to acquired reasons. Her ability to receive telepathic messages remained.

Therefore, it was possible to hear telepathic messages.

Wangsogun, startled, got up with the child in her arms and respectfully bowed towards the entrance of the flower garden. She showed her respect to her father-in-law.

In response, Jegeolgyeong quietly smiled and sent a telepathic message. He wanted to reassure her.

—You are not in good health, so there is no need to be so polite. I wonder if this old man is disturbing your well-deserved rest.

Wangsogun gestured to a nearby maid. She communicated through sign language.

Wangsogun, who had handed the sleeping child to the maid, quickly moved her hands to convey her intentions. She expressed her gratitude and welcome.

Jegeolgyeong smiled and nodded at her sign language. He understood her perfectly.

—Thank you for saying that. I’m taking a walk to pass the time, would you like to be this old man’s companion for a while?

Wangsogun gave a soft smile and reached out her hand. She accepted his invitation.

One of the maids handed her a thin, long stick like a cane. The cane aided her mobility.

Wangsogun moved her feet, feeling the floor with the stick. She navigated her surroundings carefully.

Every place within the Jegeol family was already equipped with paths that she could check with her stick. The family had made accommodations for her.

Therefore, she did not have much difficulty moving around. She was able to move with relative ease.

“Give Myung to me. I’ll hold him,” Jegeolgyeong offered, eager to hold his grandson.

Jegeolgyeong, who received his grandson from the maid, looked at the small life in his arms with a new sense of wonder. He was captivated by the infant.

A happy smile never left his face as he looked down at his grandson with kind eyes. He gazed at the child with love and affection.

Jegeolsan smiled and asked.

“Are you that happy?”

“Of course. When I raised you, I couldn’t fully express my affection and raised you strictly, fearing that you might go astray, but it’s not the same with grandchildren. I can just give them love. And above all…” He explained the difference between raising a son and a grandson.

Jegeolsan let out a hollow laugh at Jegeolgyeong’s subsequent words. He anticipated his father’s teasing.

“As much as you made this father suffer, this kid will repay you in kind as he grows up, so how can I not find him adorable?” Jegeolgyeong joked, predicting future payback.

When Jegeolsan conveyed the content through telepathy, Wangsogun covered her mouth with her hand and laughed. She found the exchange amusing.

As they were walking through the flower garden, conversing through telepathy and sign language, they enjoyed each other’s company.

“Head of the family.”

Someone was approaching, calling Jegeolsan. An urgent matter was at hand.

The man, who had a neat appearance in his mid-forties, was Gamgok, the general manager who was in charge of many major and minor affairs within the Jegeol family. He was a trusted and capable administrator.

Jegeolsan, reading the urgency on the general manager’s face, stopped walking. He sensed the importance of the matter.

“What’s wrong?”

“Shinmaeuiseon, Doctor Dan of Muwi, has sent a letter expressing his wish to visit the family.”

“…!”

Surprise appeared in the eyes of Jegeolsan and his father. The news was unexpected.

In particular, Jegeolgyeong could not hide his joy at the unexpected visit of Danakseon. He was thrilled by the prospect.

For him, Danakseon was the only confidant with whom he could have in-depth conversations about formations, except for his son Jegeolsan. He valued their intellectual connection.

When Jegeolsan conveyed the news through telepathy, Wangsogun also looked pleased. She was happy to hear the news.

“If that’s the case, we should prepare grandly. So, when will he arrive?”

“That, that’s…”

“…?”

“It seems like there won’t be enough time to prepare.”

“What do you mean?”

“He has already unpacked his luggage at an inn near the family. He says he will visit at a convenient time.” The general manager explained the situation.

Jegeolsan, startled, hurriedly moved his feet. He felt a sense of urgency.

“Where is it? I’ll go and greet him myself.” He wanted to personally welcome their guest.

Putting aside the preparations, he couldn’t keep the benefactor of the Jegeol family waiting. He prioritized showing respect.

Jegeolgyeong also nodded. He agreed with his son’s decision.

“Do as the head of the family says. And General Manager, hurry up with the preparations to welcome the honored guest. There should be no negligence in serving the benefactor of our family,” he instructed, emphasizing the importance of hospitality.

“I will do my best,” the general manager replied, bowing his head.

The general manager bowed his head and stepped back, and Jegeolsan also hurried off somewhere. He rushed to greet Doctor Dan.

And half an hour later.

The main gate of the Jegeol family was wide open. A sign of welcome and respect.

And through it, two people entered, guided by Jegeolsan. He escorted their guests with honor.

It was Danakseon and Beomgyewi. The visitors had arrived.

Jegeolgyeong, who had been waiting for the two, greeted them with a bright smile. He was genuinely happy to see them.

“Welcome. I have been eagerly awaiting your visit,” he said, extending a warm welcome.

Danakseon paid his respects in return. He reciprocated the gesture of respect.

“I’m glad to see you in good health,” he said, expressing his well wishes.

Jegeolgyeong, who had been staring at Danakseon, who had grown so much that he had surpassed him, exclaimed and nodded. He was impressed by Danakseon’s growth and accomplishments.

“The time inside must not have been easy, but it is clear that you have overcome the trials and achieved great accomplishments,” he said, acknowledging the challenges Danakseon had faced.

“It would not have been possible if I had not been taught the mysteries of formations by the head of the family. Although it is late, thank you once again,” Danakseon replied, expressing his gratitude.

“Haha, we should be the ones thanking you. Thanks to you, Sani was able to return home, get married, and safely continue the family line. I don’t know how to express my gratitude to the true benefactor of our family,” Jegeolgyeong said, emphasizing Danakseon’s contributions to their family.

Jegeolsan smiled and took the words. He joined the conversation.

“Now, now. Let’s get inside first. We can’t keep the hero who saved the Central Plains standing outside forever,” he said, inviting them inside.

Was this the power of time?

Unlike the past, when he was full of poison and somewhat edgy, Danakseon smiled and waved his hand at Jegeolsan’s considerably sly appearance. He noticed the change in Jegeolsan’s demeanor.

“Don’t say that. Everyone in the world knows that the real hero is the head of the family,” Danakseon replied, deflecting the praise.

“Haha, I don’t know what to do when I hear those words from Shinmaeuiseon, the main player in the subjugation of the Demonic Sect, even if it were someone else,” Jegeolsan said, acknowledging Danakseon’s role in the war.

Jegeolsan turned his head and looked at Beomgyewi. He greeted their other guest.

“Great Warrior Beom, welcome. I really wanted to see you again,” he said, expressing his sincere welcome.

Beomgyewi gave an awkward smile at Jegeolsan’s appearance of welcoming him with utmost courtesy. He felt slightly uncomfortable with the formality.

He had heard the title of Great Warrior a few times in his life, but most of them were flattery that people uttered because they were afraid of him. He was used to insincere praise.

However, the title of Great Warrior, which was called with a sincere heart of respect like this, was somehow awkward and embarrassing. He was touched by the genuine respect.

“Hehe. The people of the Jegeol family are said to be smart, and they certainly have an eye for people,” Beomgyewi praised the Jegeol family, perhaps because he felt good inside even though he was embarrassed. He appreciated their discerning nature.

It was then that Danakseon turned his head and looked at Wangsogun. He acknowledged her presence.

Jegeolsan smiled and opened his mouth.

“You can convey your intentions using telepathy,” he suggested, facilitating communication.

“Ah!” Danakseon exclaimed and nodded. He realized the best way to communicate with her.

There was something he definitely wanted to tell her. He had a specific message to convey.