The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 493

Dan-ak Seon opened his eyes, feeling the morning sunlight filtering through the window.

Unlike his usual routine of starting the day at dawn, he woke up quite late today.

After splashing his face with cold water to shake off the lingering sleepiness, he glanced at the medical books stacked on the table beside his bed.

They were volumes titled “Esoteric Compendium of Divine Herbs” and “Essential Compendium of Life and Death.”

These were the extensive clinical treatment records meticulously compiled by his parents during their lifetime.

A smile touched Dan-ak Seon’s face, still etched with fatigue.

The sleepless nights he had endured were undeniably worth it.

Based on his accumulated experiences, he had been adding annotations to supplement the records, correcting errors, and compiling them anew. Thanks to this diligent work, the project was nearing completion.

After returning the medical books to their place on the shelf, Dan-ak Seon stepped outside.

The panoramic scenery of Shinma Valley unfolded before him, accompanied by the cool breeze wafting from afar.

In the distance, near the pond, Beom Gye-wi and Byeok Hwa-ryeong were playfully engaging with Beom Ryeo-hwa.

Beom Ryeo-hwa’s constant bursts of laughter and the sight of her parents watching her with affectionate smiles created a heartwarming scene.

Cho-ak Ryang and Han Seol-hwa were just entering the valley entrance.

It appeared they had ventured to the village for a leisurely walk and some shopping.

They were laden with luggage.

Sa Mu-sim was deeply engrossed in organizing the ledger under the cool shade of a tree.

And Tak Yeo-sang was in the garden near the warehouse, meticulously examining medicinal herbs and diligently recording her observations.

These were extraordinarily peaceful days.

As he basked in the warmth of this daily life, a genuine smile graced his face.

In that moment, he felt an overwhelming desire to live like this forever.

Then, someone hurrying into Shinma Valley caught his attention.

It was So Jeok-san.

And trailing behind him was a merchant he had occasionally seen at the Shinma Merchant Guild.

So Jeok-san, familiar with Shinma Valley from his numerous visits, naturally headed towards the main building.

Conversely, the man following So Jeok-san gazed around with wide, curious eyes, as if beholding a completely different world.

Then, So Jeok-san belatedly noticed Dan-ak Seon and quickly approached to bow.

“Valley Lord, you’re here.”

“Did you receive a message from the Imperial Family?” Dan-ak Seon inquired.

So Jeok-san nodded and handed over the letter from Neung So-mil.

As he unfolded the letter to examine its contents, everyone naturally gathered around Dan-ak Seon.

So Jeok-san proceeded to explain the situation to the others.

“She said she will use the Geumuiwei [Imperial Secret Police] to strike at Dongchang [Eastern Depot, a Ming Dynasty secret police agency]. She says there is something needed to do so.”

“What is it?” Beom Gye-wi asked.

So Jeok-san’s gaze shifted to one person.

“We need to find out who the Dongchang figure that Cheonui [Neung So-mil’s alias] saw was.”

Tak Yeo-sang’s expression clouded over for a moment.

She vividly recalled Sa Jong-ak entering the formation and the man who had attempted to stop him.

“First, we need to create a composite sketch to identify him, but if necessary, I may have to testify directly at the Imperial Palace.”

At So Jeok-san’s words, Tak Yeo-sang nodded resolutely.

“I will do everything in my power.”

Tak Yeo-sang’s face was set with determination.

“If I don’t properly sever my toxic relationship with him, I will never escape this cycle of evil.”

More importantly, the situation had drastically changed.

The primary reason she had been manipulated by Sa Jong-ak until now had vanished.

The patients she had selflessly saved.

Sa Jong-ak could no longer exploit them as hostages to threaten her.

“I will risk my life to apprehend him.”

So Jeok-san nodded, acknowledging Tak Yeo-sang’s unwavering resolve.

“I’m relieved to hear that. I will be sure to convey Cheonui’s will. Then, could you begin by describing his appearance?”

So Jeok-san gestured towards the man he had brought.

“This is my younger brother, who has been with me since my days in Sunui-bang [a medical bureau]. He is a skilled painter, so I brought him to create a composite sketch of the person.”

The man, introduced as Yang-woo, bowed deeply.

“My name is Yang-woo.”

Yang-woo, having introduced himself, promptly began to draw based on Tak Yeo-sang’s detailed description.

As time elapsed, surprise flickered in Tak Yeo-sang’s eyes.

Contrary to his modest introduction, Yang-woo’s painting skills were remarkably refined.

“That’s right. That’s exactly his face.”

Tak Yeo-sang affirmed, pointing to the completed composite sketch.

But then.

“Isn’t the style of painting familiar?”

Cho-ak Ryang, who had been silently observing the composite sketch, tilted his head in contemplation.

Yang-woo offered an awkward smile and replied.

“My teacher is named Yeom Sa-in. I have been studying under him for two years, so it’s not surprising that our painting styles are similar.”

Cho-ak Ryang smiled at the mention of his old friend.

“Yeom Ga took on a disciple? Well, it would be a waste to let his skills go unused.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you. That you are my teacher’s close friend…”

Cho-ak Ryang nodded at Yang-woo’s cautious words.

“He used to complain about being tired of living, but it seems he’s doing well in his own way. Seeing that he’s taken on a disciple.”

“Actually…”

Yang-woo hesitated, his eyes reflecting distress.

“He hasn’t been doing so well recently.”

“Is something wrong?”

Yang-woo, after a moment of hesitation, replied with difficulty.

“He’s been complaining several times a day that the ground is sinking.”

Cho-ak Ryang, puzzled, coughed at Yang-woo’s next words.

“He said that his only friend secretly got married… He said that he had been comforted by the fact that he had a friend to grow old with, but now he is left alone…”

“Well, there are things you shouldn’t say in front of your disciple.”

Cho-ak Ryang offered a wry smile.

The image of the grumbling Yeom Sa-in materialized in his mind.

“Tell him I’ll visit him soon. He’s just getting old and grumpy.”

Then, So Jeok-san smiled and spoke.

“Then we will return now. We need to deliver the composite sketch of the person to Dochalwon [Office of Special Investigation].”

As So Jeok-san and Yang-woo departed, Tak Yeo-sang sighed softly.

Everyone remained silent, understanding the turmoil she must be experiencing.

They hesitated to initiate a conversation. Then.

“Don’t worry too much.”

Dan-ak Seon offered a gentle smile to Tak Yeo-sang, who looked up at him.

“What’s important is the future. You can’t change the past, but you can shape the future from this moment forward.”

“If I dedicate the rest of my life to medicine, saving people, will this heavy sin eventually disappear?”

“I don’t know. But…”

Tak Yeo-sang felt a glimmer of hope at Dan-ak Seon’s next words.

“The ancient sages believed in looking back when you lose your way, and the old scriptures also valued knowing how to turn back before going too far, even if you take the wrong path.”

Tak Yeo-sang nodded silently at Dan-ak Seon’s wisdom.

The proverb of “Middojiban (迷途知返),” meaning to return to where you first started if you get lost, resonated with her more profoundly than ever before.

* * *

Neung So-mil, upon receiving the composite sketch sent by So Jeok-san, immediately summoned key figures from Dochalwon.

“Do you recognize this person?”

The officials of Dochalwon, after examining the composite sketch, swallowed nervously.

Within Dongchang, this man was the second-in-command, untouchable except by the Jangin Taegam (掌印太監) [Director of the Eastern Depot], the head of Dongchang.

He was known as the “欽差總督東廠官校辦事太監 (Heumcha Chongdok Dongchang Gwan Gyo Bansa Taegam),” or “提督東廠 (Jedok Dongchang)” [Deputy Director of the Eastern Depot] for short.

The Jangin Taegam had under him the Cheopyeong Gwan (貼刑官) [Official in charge of punishments], called the Janghyeong Cheonho (掌刑千戶) [Commander of Punishments].

Those with the positions of Jangban (掌斑) [Section Chief], Yeongban (領斑) [Team Leader], and Sabang (司房) [Department Head] under the Cheopyeong Gwan numbered over forty, and they each commanded the Dangdu (堂頭) [Field Leader], who were the heads of the field operatives.

In reality, the Jangin Taegam merely conveyed his directives, while this man commanded and controlled the hundred thousand members of Dongchang.

One of the officials cautiously spoke.

“Now that this person’s identity has been revealed, shouldn’t we immediately pressure Dongchang?”

Neung So-mil shook his head, lost in thought.

“Too soft.”

Given their expertise in manipulating information, a careless approach would provide them with an opportunity to escape.

Instead, he needed to seize this moment to strike decisively, leaving them no room to maneuver.

Neung So-mil, after a long period of contemplation, spoke again.

“We need to use this to force Dongchang to abandon the card called Beonga Ryong themselves.”

“Is that feasible?”

Neung So-mil nodded in response to the question.

“It has to be.”

Then he grinned.

“That’s why I drew my sword.”

Neung So-mil, clutching the composite sketch, immediately rose and headed towards a specific destination.

He promptly sought out Sarye Taegam [Director of the Directorate of Palace Attendants] and requested a private meeting.

“What brings you here at this late hour?”

At Sarye Taegam’s question, Neung So-mil placed the composite sketch of a person’s face on the table.

“It seems that Dongchang is not what it used to be these days? Leaving trails like this.”

Sarye Taegam frowned as he examined the composite sketch.

He, too, recognized the person depicted.

Neung So-mil, who had been silently observing Sarye Taegam, suddenly spoke.

“He is associated with Sa Jong-ak.”

“Are you certain?”

Sarye Taegam, initially questioning, soon offered a bitter smile.

He knew better than anyone how meticulous Neung So-mil was.

Such confidence implied that he possessed irrefutable evidence.

As expected.

“Soon, this person’s composite sketch will be disseminated throughout Jungwon [Central Plains, i.e., China].”

Sarye Taegam glared at Neung So-mil.

“What is your demand?”

“If you wish to prevent the situation from escalating, Dongchang must directly apprehend this individual and deliver him to me. If not…”

Neung So-mil hesitated for a moment, then smiled grimly.

“You can anticipate the consequences. You will witness how I wield the sword that His Majesty entrusted to me, using it to its fullest extent.”

Sarye Taegam sensed that Neung So-mil’s words were not mere threats.

“Everyone in Sabang [the Six Ministries] is eager to hasten my retirement.”

Sarye Taegam, letting out a hollow laugh, met Neung So-mil’s gaze.

“How far must you go to resolve this situation?”

“At the very least, I require this person’s head. Dongchang will also need a significant overhaul.”

“Hmm…”

Sarye Taegam, after a period of silence, spoke again immediately after Neung So-mil issued his final warning.

“If I rise from this seat, I will commence this task immediately. I believe Gonggong [eunuch official] understands his responsibilities. This is the last opportunity I can offer Gonggong.”

“Are you suggesting this despite knowing that Byeongpil Taegam [Grand Secretary Eunuch] has been a loyal subject, devoted to His Majesty, myself, and the court for an extended period?”

The Byeongpil Taegam mentioned by Sarye Taegam held a position within Saryegam [Directorate of Palace Attendants].

In other words, he was the current head of Dongchang, Jedok Dongchang.

“Of course.”

Neung So-mil remained resolute.

It was irrelevant whether he was directly involved in this matter or not.

Above all, the Dokju (督主) [Director] in charge of Dongchang should have intervened to resolve the situation long ago.

Since this entire situation stemmed from his right-hand man, the owner of the arm had to be held accountable.

This served as a stern warning to those powerful individuals attempting to manipulate Dan-ak Seon and the Jungwon Murim [Central Plains martial arts world] for their own agendas.

Even after Neung So-mil departed, Sarye Taegam remained seated, lost in deep thought.

How much time had passed in this manner?

“Now that I’ve decided to dance with the sword, I won’t mind if that sword cuts out my flesh.”

He occupied the pinnacle of ten thousand eunuchs, yet he had maintained a cautious, wait-and-see approach until now.

But having broken his long silence, he finally took action.