The Divine And Demonic Doctor [EN]: Chapter 77

The Divine Doctor of Mount Hua (77)

“Why are you chuckling to yourself like that? It’s kind of creepy.”

Cho Ak-ryang, who had been reminiscing about the past, returned to reality at Beom Gye-wi’s words.

“I just think we’ve formed a connection with a more amazing kid than we thought.”

Beom Gye-wi grinned.

“What’s there to say? It’s just a waste of breath.”

“Let’s hide ourselves now.”

As the Shaolin Temple was famous in its time, the footsteps of pilgrims never ceased.

As such, there were many people they encountered.

If even one of them recognized them, it would unnecessarily escalate the problem.

The figures of the two men melted into the shadows cast in the forest.

* * *

“The rumors were true.”

Han Seol-hwa gave Dan Ak-seon a puzzled look.

Dan Ak-seon had been deep in thought as he climbed the stairs leading to the entrance of the Shaolin Temple.

But as soon as he reached the end of the stairs, he suddenly said something incomprehensible.

Dan Ak-seon smiled brightly and pointed to the stairs.

“The number of stairs leading to Shaolin Temple. It was exactly one hundred and eight.”

The stairs, created to symbolize the one hundred and eight worldly desires, were quite a famous attraction of Shaolin.

Seeing the stairs in the story, which he had only heard rumors about, he could feel that he had come to Shaolin Temple.

Han Seol-hwa smiled at the sight.

No matter how smart and talented he was, he was still a child.

At that moment, a monk who welcomes pilgrims came from afar.

He was a young monk with an impressive shaved head and clear eyes, and judging by the absence of the *gyein* [ordination scars] on his head, he seemed to be a novice monk who had not yet officially registered as a monk.

The novice monk raised only one hand in a polite manner.

This gesture was reminiscent of Hye-ga, who cut off his arm and was allowed to enter by Dharma [Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism].

It was a tradition unique to Shaolin to commemorate his spirit of *danbigupeop* (斷臂求法) [seeking the Dharma by cutting off one’s arm].

The reason for wearing red robes is the same.

It is to remember Hye-ga’s blood shed at that time.

The novice monk, who had shown his respect with *banjang* [a half-bow greeting], quickly opened his mouth.

“May the blessings of the Buddha be with you. You have come a long way. Please write your name and purpose of visit in the guest book over there, and you will be allowed to enter the temple grounds with the permission of the *jigyeokdangju* [guest reception hall master]. You may only stay within the temple grounds until *misi* [1-3 PM], so please be aware of this to avoid any inconvenience.”

The way he rattled off the words without a break showed that he had done it more than once or twice.

“We came to see Monk Hye-gong.”

The novice monk’s eyes widened with doubt at Dan Ak-seon’s words.

“Hye-gong? There are no monks with the *hye* generation name at the headquarters.”

Dan Ak-seon checked the booklet he was holding.

“It clearly says here that he is Zen Master Hye-gong? The abbot here…….”

This time, the novice monk was flustered.

“Yes? Our abbot is using *yeon* as his *beopmyeong* [Dharma name] with the *beop* generation name?”

Dan Ak-seon thought for a moment and nodded.

He had a hunch.

If the abbot had changed before the young novice monk had entered the priesthood, it was not unreasonable for him not to know the former abbot.

“Then could you please tell the abbot? That the son of Shin-ui is asking to see him.”

“Our abbot cannot see just anyone. Moreover, he said that he is not receiving outside guests because he has important work ahead of him.”

Han Seol-hwa, who had been watching the situation, stepped forward.

“Tell him anyway. Otherwise, you might get into big trouble later.”

The novice monk flinched at Han Seol-hwa’s cold eyes and tone.

“Then I will inform the adults and come back. Please wait a moment.”

The novice monk hurriedly ran into the Shaolin Temple.

Dan Ak-seon smiled as he watched him leave.

“That little monk is so cute.”

Han Seol-hwa unknowingly burst into laughter.

It was somehow funny to see a child calling a child younger than himself cute.

“Don’t trust bald people.”

Han Seol-hwa added.

“Including Beom Gye-wi.”

Dan Ak-seon looked around and whispered.

“If you say such things carelessly, you will incur the resentment of many people.”

“It doesn’t matter. What’s so important about that?”

“Besides, Uncle Beom is different. He didn’t shave his head himself.”

“That’s why. How bad must his temper be for all his hair to run away?”

Han Seol-hwa was talking more than usual, perhaps because she was alone with Dan Ak-seon for the first time in a long time.

About two hours later.

A man walked out of the *sanmun* [temple gate].

He was a martial monk with a sturdy build and a rock-solid feel. In his hand, he held a *seonjang* [monk’s staff] that looked heavy at a glance.

“I have delivered the message to the abbot. He will give you an answer soon, so please wait a moment.”

“Nahan.”

Han Seol-hwa said nonchalantly.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of. The Nahans all have the same expression.”

Fifty years ago. And a hundred years ago.

The face, which imitated the faces of the Four Heavenly Kings guarding the *cheonwangmun* [Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings], was still the same.

Even though he must have heard her words, the Nahan in front of her remained in his place with the same stern eyes and solemn demeanor as before, without any change in expression.

After a while, a man walked out of the *sanmun*.

He was an old monk with a frail body burdened by the years, as much as the faint *gyein* above his forehead, so even moving his steps seemed precarious. However, unlike his gentle expression, his eyes held a sharp glint.

The Nahan, who had delivered the message earlier, greeted the old monk with utmost courtesy.

The abbot, Beop-yeon, who was the highest elder of Shaolin at the time and decided on all major events, was none other than him.

*Kong, kong.*

Beop-yeon, who was walking while tapping the floor with a *seonjang* made of *myeongaju* [goosefoot plant] wood, and the martial monks who silently followed him were clearly the elite of Shaolin, the Nahans.

“Are you the abbot?”

Beop-yeon’s eyes curved softly at Dan Ak-seon’s question.

His gaze was directed at Dan Ak-seon from the beginning. The child with the handsome appearance, bright and kind eyes seemed extraordinary at a glance.

But he looked familiar somehow.

Beop-yeon, who had been scrutinizing Dan Ak-seon’s face, exclaimed.

“I see it now. Those eyes and face are definitely his bloodline.”

Beop-yeon nodded greatly and approached Dan Ak-seon.

At this, Han Seol-hwa raised her hand to stop Beop-yeon’s steps.

“Speak from there.”

The Nahans’ eyebrows twitched.

Dan Ak-seon was startled by the Nahans’ suddenly changed momentum.

The *gipa* [energy field] of each individual was not comparable to Han Seol-hwa, but when several of them gathered and emitted it, the pressure was truly great.

“*Binseung* [humble monk] has been rude with a happy heart.”

Beop-yeon let out a hollow laugh and looked at Han Seol-hwa.

“It is truly an honor that the most noble senior of *gangho* [martial world] has come to this remote *pyesa* [dilapidated temple]. Although I have little experience in *gangho* because I have not crossed the *sanmun* many times, I am not so blind that I do not recognize the legends of *gangho* that have been passed down for generations.”

Beop-yeon smiled quietly.

“Are you not Senior Bingokseonja Han [Han, the Ice Valley Immortal]?”

The Nahans, who were lined up behind Beop-yeon at those words, almost lost their minds. They never dreamed that they would be facing a being called the living history of *gangho*.

That’s because, who could think that she was a master over a hundred years old just by looking at her appearance?

Beop-yeon turned his head towards Dan Ak-seon and gave him a gentle smile.

“May I greet the guest who came to see me?”

Only then did Han Seol-hwa step aside.

After all, the purpose was to give a warning, and she thought this was enough.

“Seeing the flesh and blood of Shin-ui like this makes me feel the impermanence of time.”

“I’m glad to see you too. I’ve heard a lot about you from my father.”

“Really? What did he say about me?”

“*Daejeongdaebeop* (大正大法) [Great Righteous Great Dharma]. He said you are someone who would not go the wrong way. He also said that you are someone who will lead the *beop-tong* [Dharma lineage] of Seonjong [Zen Buddhism] to the right place.”

“*Heo-heo* [a soft laugh]. It’s unexpected that he rated me so highly. His evaluation of people was always harsh.”

Dan Ak-seon smiled awkwardly.

If he heard his mother’s evaluation of Shaolin, he would never use the expression ‘harsh’ again.

No matter what, he could never say ‘crazy bastards who believe they get stronger just by shaving their heads’ in front of the Shaolin abbot.

“So, is Shin-ui doing well?”

“He passed away.”

“What?”

Beop-yeon’s eyes wavered.

Unbecoming of an old monk who had practiced for a long time, Beop-yeon sighed heavily.

“Why were you in such a hurry to leave, you.”

Dan Ak-seon unknowingly choked up at those words, which he muttered as if to himself with a clouded face. There was someone here besides himself who sincerely regretted his father’s death.

Beop-yeon, who had been immersed in his memories for a while, asked Dan Ak-seon.

“You must have had a hard time. So, you said you wanted to see me?”

At Beop-yeon’s question, Dan Ak-seon struggled to calm his agitated heart.

“I came to see a monk.”

“What is his *beopmyeong*?”

“Monk Hye-gong.”

A look of doubt appeared on Beop-yeon’s face. Then he showed a troubled expression.

“*Sasooknim* [respected uncle-master] has already entered *angeo* [seclusion] a long time ago. He has not allowed contact with outsiders, let alone us, for a long time.”

“Ah……!”

Beop-yeon’s old face also clouded over at the sight of Dan Ak-seon letting out a sigh of regret.

“Let’s do this.”

Beop-yeon suggested.

“I will ask him myself.”

Dan Ak-seon’s face brightened.

“Thank you, Abbot.”

“It’s a request from Shin-ui’s son, not just anyone, so I must try my best. How much grace has he bestowed upon us?”

Beop-yeon opened his mouth towards Han Seol-hwa.

“Please come inside. *Binseung* will guide you.”

A look of bewilderment flashed in the Nahans’ eyes.

But the abbot’s permission had already been given. They silently moved far to the sides and cleared the way.

Leaving those Nahans behind, Dan Ak-seon and Han Seol-hwa entered the Shaolin Temple.

Dan Ak-seon’s eyes sparkled as he looked around Shaolin Temple.

He was simply fascinated by the famous scenery of Shaolin.

As befitting a sacred place of *murim* [martial arts world] with a history of over a thousand years, there was nothing, from the buildings and signboards to the pillars, that did not feel the weight of time.

Power was felt in the magnificent halls, and dignity was felt in the trees that stood on the earth and stretched towards the sky.

But what was particularly impressive among them was something else.

It was people.

The monks who started *doryangseok* [cleaning the temple grounds], cleaning various parts of the temple to prepare for the morning *yebul* [Buddhist service].

But nowhere was exhaustion felt.

Regardless of age, they were simply doing their best in their given tasks with the utmost reverence and humility.

Their eyes, all upright, were the unique atmosphere of Shaolin itself.

The Nahans he had just faced were like that, but even the *hakseung* [scholar monks] who had not mastered martial arts felt the extraordinary demeanor of a practitioner.

But there were also monks who were surprised to see Dan Ak-seon and Han Seol-hwa from time to time.

Most of the young monks reacted that way.

At first, Dan Ak-seon thought that they were unfamiliar with the pilgrims. Most of the pilgrims only stay near the *jigyeokdang* and do not enter this *jungji* [inner sanctum].

Above all, it would be unfamiliar for outsiders to stay in the temple grounds so early in the morning.

But this was Dan Ak-seon’s misunderstanding.

The real reason was something else.