The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 76

The place where Yi Rip and Hong Jeok-mun were taken was a gazebo in the backyard of the inn.

Several dishes were already prepared in the empty gazebo.

“I set it up here so you can eat comfortably.”

Yi Rip exclaimed, touched. “They say a capable dog doesn’t come from a weak father! You really know how to win people’s hearts!”

Hong Jeok-mun felt the same way.

He couldn’t help but drool as he looked at the liquor bottles on the table.

“You do realize this is a nuisance, right?”

As Han Seol-hwa threw cold water on the friendly atmosphere, Dan Ak-seon dissuaded her.

“They’re grateful people.”

Dan Ak-seon sincerely thought so. Even though they had a connection with her father, they had never met her before.

“Grateful, my foot.”

Han Seol-hwa scoffed. “If I hadn’t saved them that day, they wouldn’t even be here.”

The two men’s faces crumpled pitifully.

“Come on, Senior… why are you bringing up old stories…”

“W-wasn’t that when we were young?”

Unlike the two flustered men who even stammered, Dan Ak-seon showed curiosity.

“You had a connection with them?”

A faint smile appeared on Han Seol-hwa’s lips. Seeing this, Yi Rip hurriedly opened his mouth.

“S-Senior!”

“…?”

“I am, in name, the Beggar Clan’s leader.”

“So?”

“I have a little bit of dignity, you see.”

Han Seol-hwa chuckled. “Time really flies. To think that the little brat who clung to me, crying with his eyes swollen from being beaten up…”

“Senior, please…”

At Yi Rip’s desperate plea, Han Seol-hwa reluctantly closed her mouth.

Dan Ak-seon was very curious about what they were talking about, but she didn’t ask any further. Yi Rip and Hong Jeok-mun’s expressions looked that pitiful.

Once the situation was settled, the four sat down at the table and began to eat.

As time passed and the meal was coming to an end, Yi Rip cautiously observed Han Seol-hwa before asking.

“By the way, what’s the reason for treating us so generously?”

“It’s a thank you for everything so far,” Dan Ak-seon said with a smile. “You don’t need to be here for me anymore.”

“Huh? What does that mean?”

Doubt appeared on Yi Rip’s face. He was curious about the reason for rejecting their goodwill. However, his expression turned serious at Dan Ak-seon’s next words.

“We’re going on a trip.”

“We?”

At Yi Rip’s question, Dan Ak-seon said, “Yes. Me and this lady here. Other people who are helping me will also go together.”

“Hmm.”

Yi Rip’s eyes became serious.

“So…”

Yi Rip, who had been silently watching Dan Ak-seon, opened his mouth after a moment. “You want us to spread rumors?”

As expected of the Beggar Clan’s leader, Yi Rip’s perceptiveness was second to none. But this time, his intuition was off.

“Pardon? What are you talking about?”

“Huh? Didn’t you come to ask us to spread rumors?”

“I just came to let you know so you wouldn’t waste your efforts.”

Yi Rip was rather taken aback by the pure goodwill that contained no ulterior motives.

“I’m sorry about this. I misunderstood.”

Dan Ak-seon responded with a smile as she watched Yi Rip laugh awkwardly. Even that smile was so pure that Yi Rip felt genuinely ashamed.

“We won’t be here for a while. We’re going to travel all over the Central Plains [the central region of ancient China, often associated with the Han Chinese heartland].”

If the fact that she was not in Shinma Valley was known, there would be no reason for martial artists to flock here.

“But do you really need to go that far?”

Yi Rip revealed his thoughts while looking at Han Seol-hwa. “Just us stepping in should be enough to stop most guys from causing trouble. If you’re leaving on a trip to avoid them…”

“It’s not that. I have something to do.”

“Something to do?”

Han Seol-hwa, who held the highest position in the Jianghu [the martial arts world], and Dan Ak-seon, who was the subject of the hottest rumors in the current Jianghu. He was very curious about what the two wanted to gain through their travels.

“I can’t tell you that. You’ll find out naturally as time passes, so please understand for now.”

“Well, if you say so, I understand. It’s just my occupational disease. Haha.”

Yi Rip, who still had lingering feelings, ended up just smacking his lips.

“Okay, if that’s the case, we’ll keep that in mind. I hope you achieve everything you want through your travels.”

“Thank you. I won’t forget this help.”

“What help? Don’t worry about it. Haven’t we already been treated to such a wonderful meal? Besides, considering the grace I received from the Divine Doctor, this much legwork is nothing.”

With that, they exchanged greetings and parted ways.

Returning to Shinma Valley, Han Seol-hwa asked, “When are you planning to leave?”

“I should leave with some leeway. I need to say goodbye to Uncle Pung before leaving.”

Han Seol-hwa nodded silently.

When the two returned to Shinma Valley, Sa Mu-sim and Neung So-mil were busy preparing for the trip.

But something was strange.

The luggage was simpler than expected.

And soon, they found out why.

“You’re not coming with us?”

At Dan Ak-seon’s question, Sa Mu-sim replied with a smile. “Someone has to protect this place, right? If it’s not touched by human hands, a house can become a ruin in an instant.”

“But…”

Neung So-mil glanced at Cho Ak-ryang and Beom Gye-wi and whispered, “I’d rather drink sewage than travel with those guys.”

Neung So-mil’s eyes were sunken, showing how much he had suffered.

Sa Mu-sim added to that. “There are many things we’ve started that we can’t just leave behind to leave carefree.”

The trade with the Pasak Kingdom had not yet been completed. To confirm the results and promote future plans, the person in charge had to stay in place.

“We’ll be waiting here until you return.”

Dan Ak-seon soon agreed to the two’s firm intentions.

At that time, Sa Mu-sim carefully asked, “So, I’m asking, would it be okay to use the medicinal herbs here to mass-produce the restorative pills?”

“Yes, of course. I’ll tell you the manufacturing method.”

“Thank you.”

Sa Mu-sim’s expression brightened at the simple permission.

At that moment, the person they were waiting for entered Shinma Valley. It was Pung Jin-sung, who had rushed over as soon as he heard the news.

“You’re leaving on a trip?”

“Yes.”

Dan Ak-seon took the time to explain the reason for making such a decision.

Pung Jin-sung let out a soft sigh.

“It won’t be an easy trip.”

“But I have to try. I’ll also be training in martial arts during the trip, so even if I fail, it will be a meaningful trip.”

Pung Jin-sung quietly smiled at Dan Ak-seon’s eyes, which were filled with firm determination.

“Three years… that’s quite a long time.”

Pung Jin-sung barely managed to hold back a sigh.

Dan Ak-seon leaving Shinma Valley and going out into the world was what Pung Jin-sung himself wanted the most. Nevertheless, hearing the reason made him feel heavy-hearted, thinking that she was going down a very difficult path.

‘I can’t stop her.’

It was a matter of Dan Ak-seon’s life.

Pung Jin-sung looked at Dan Ak-seon with complicated eyes.

Just a year ago, she was just like a child, but now she was preparing to throw herself into the world to pioneer her own destiny.

“Please see, hear, experience, and learn a lot. And don’t forget that I’m waiting for you.”

* * *

Four days later, Dan Ak-seon’s party, who had finished their preparations, left Shinma Valley.

“Then please be careful on your trip.”

Pung Jin-sung bowed his head to Cho Ak-ryang, Beom Gye-wi, and Han Seol-hwa.

“Please take good care of the Valley Lord.”

“Don’t worry.”

Beom Gye-wi also pounded his chest and shouted boldly. “Trust me! I won’t let a single drop of blood touch Doctor Dan’s fingers.”

Han Seol-hwa replaced her answer with her usual aloof gaze.

After exchanging greetings in turn, Dan Ak-seon and his party left Shinma Valley.

The three people who were seeing them off with regretful expressions stayed in that spot until Dan Ak-seon’s figure completely disappeared.

“Then I should check the medicinal herb warehouse first.”

Although it was easier to manufacture than the Sacred Water Elixir, the restorative pill itself was a very labor-intensive elixir. So Pung Jin-sung decided to teach them the manufacturing method himself.

As Pung Jin-sung walked away and only the two of them were left, Neung So-mil sighed with a bittersweet expression.

“I must still be a bad guy.”

“Why do you say that?”

“I feel somewhat sad and regretful, but…”

“But?”

“I’m happier.”

“Haha. I fully understand your feelings. You’ve suffered a lot in the meantime.”

Sa Mu-sim smiled and encouraged Neung So-mil.

“Then let’s work hard and change this place. I want to see the surprised faces when those people come back.”

“Just thinking about it makes me feel good.”

The two, who had joined forces, smiled brightly.

* * *

One month later.

Along with Namjon Wudang [Southern Wudang, a Taoist martial arts school], the two prestigious orthodox sects that support the orthodox martial arts world, Buksung Shaolin [Northern Shaolin, referring to the Shaolin Monastery].

Mount Song is where the Shaolin Temple is located.

While checking the plan on the path leading to Shaolin Temple, Dan Ak-seon carefully opened his mouth, looking at Cho Ak-ryang’s expression.

“Uncle, are you really okay?”

Cho Ak-ryang smiled and nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll try to endure it this time.”

In fact, Cho Ak-ryang had been feeling complicated ever since coming here.

It was because of the memory of that day when he almost lost his life to the three experts the Martial Arts Alliance had deployed.

In particular, he couldn’t forget Ryo Beom, the leader of the Nahan Hall.

It was as clear as yesterday that he had been on the verge of death due to the Lion’s Roar, which specialized in destroying protective energy.

‘Hmph!’

The image of the guy apologizing just before he died came to mind.

Still, being a monk, he seemed to have the only conscience among them.

He was ashamed that those who were called eminent monks had abandoned their honor and launched a joint attack.

“Don’t worry about me and be careful.”

Dan Ak-seon smiled brightly. “Thank you. Then I’ll be back.”

Beom Gye-wi glanced at Cho Ak-ryang, watching Dan Ak-seon walk away with Han Seol-hwa.

“Why?”

“Cho, are you really okay?”

“Don’t worry. Didn’t I already say that? That I would follow Doctor Dan’s will.”

“Then…?”

“I have to put aside my personal grudges for a while.”

“Tsk.”

“…?”

“I was hoping that Cho wouldn’t be able to contain his anger and would run out.”

“If I ran out?”

“Cho, it’s not too late now. Before Doctor Dan arrives, let’s go and overturn Shaolin. Don’t be afraid that your martial arts have weakened. I’ll be behind you, Cho.”

“What about Doctor Dan?”

“Actually, all of this is for Doctor Dan.”

Beom Gye-wi grinned.

“Originally, sick guys listen to the doctor better, right? Like us.”

Cho Ak-ryang decided not to deal with Beom Gye-wi anymore. But he couldn’t. It was because of his next question.

“But will it work out as Doctor Dan says?”

“Hmm…”

Cho Ak-ryang recalled the memory from a month ago.

* * *

A month ago, Dan Ak-seon said that she had found a way.

“Let’s go on a trip!”

Even at this time, Cho Ak-ryang didn’t think much of it. He thought that the method was to calm his mind through travel.

Beom Gye-wi and Han Seol-hwa’s reactions were not much different.

“Suddenly?”

Then Dan Ak-seon said this.

“Yes. There’s a way for us to live together with dignity. If my plan works out, you guys won’t have to hide your identities anymore.”

Then Dan Ak-seon took out a thick book.

“It’s my father’s medical record.”

“How are you going to use that?”

“I’m going to visit the people written here.”

Dan Ak-seon explained to the party, who were still puzzled and didn’t know what was going on.

“My father has never received a medical fee even once.”

“So?”

“I think it’s time to receive the medical fees that they promised to pay someday.”

“If it’s money…”

Dan Ak-seon shook her head, cutting off Cho Ak-ryang’s words.

“No.”

“…?”

“I’m going to receive the medical fees as something other than money.”

Dan Ak-seon explained her plan.

When the explanation was over, the party couldn’t help but be amazed.

“Is that possible?”

Dan Ak-seon opened the book and showed Cho Ak-ryang the names of a few people to confirm, towards Cho Ak-ryang, who was half-doubtful.

Cho Ak-ryang muttered without realizing it after confirming this. “It might be possible…”

Beom Gye-wi and Han Seol-hwa also soon agreed. But the real problem was from now on.

“Are you going to visit all these people here?”

Dan Ak-seon nodded at Beom Gye-wi’s question.

“Yes. So it seems like it will be a long trip… but I have to do it anyway. That’s the only way.”

And she carefully asked, “Will you come with me?”

The three naturally agreed.

Because they had no reason to object.

The trip that started like that has come to this day.