Chapter 74

The Divine Physician (74)

Although he was aware of Danyi's gentle disposition, it was particularly heartbreaking to see her trying to endure and persevere on her own.

At the same time, the current situation was extremely frustrating.

He wanted to be of help, but he didn't know how.

"Damn."

Fan Jiewei took a swig of alcohol from the bottle.

Having drained three bottles in an instant, Fan Jiewei, with a flushed face, called out to Chao Elyang.

"Brother Chao."

"…?"

"What if we leave?"

"What?"

"Seeing Danyi suffer like this… It seems to be because of us."

Chao Elyang frowned.

"Is it really because of us? The people from the Hall of Tranquil Pleasures came here to target Danyi from the beginning."

"But if we weren't here, would they still have targeted Danyi?"

"What are you talking about…"

Chao Elyang trailed off, realizing what Fan Jiewei was trying to say.

"Initially, we went to the Martial Arts Alliance because of that, and our identities were revealed because of that. And now, we're hiding because we're afraid of being exposed."

Chao Elyang couldn't respond.

Fan Jiewei asked him again.

"If we leave, what do you think will happen to Danyi?"

After some contemplation, Chao Elyang finally spoke.

"She would be freer than now."

Fan Jiewei nodded.

"The reason for her hiding would be gone. Even without us, there's the witch to look after Danyi."

Unlike them, Hansuehua was not one of the Ten Great Evils, so she didn't need to worry about the attention of the martial world.

At that moment, Neng Suomi, who had been listening silently, spoke cautiously.

"But is it really okay?"

"What do you mean?"

In response to Fan Jiewei's question, Neng Suomi expressed his concern.

"Unlike Senior Chao, Senior Fan needs consistent treatment, right?"

That was true.

Chao Elyang's treatment had made significant progress.

His internal injuries were already healed, and the lack of internal energy would be resolved with time.

On the other hand, Fan Jiewei's situation was a bit different. Although he had improved from before, his madness could recur at any time without the help of Shendan and Danyi.

"Well, it'll be fine somehow."

Seeing the worried look in Neng Suomi's eyes, Fan Jiewei chuckled.

"Even now, I've managed to live through worse situations. It'll be fine."

Fan Jiewei smiled at Chao Elyang.

"Isn't that right?"

At this point, Hansuehua, who had been silently observing, suddenly spoke.

"Idiot."

Hansuehua glared at Fan Jiewei with a displeased look.

"The child is already grieving the loss of someone. What if you suddenly leave? Have you thought about how much harder it would be for her?"

"Instead, if we leave, she might gain more connections."

"What?"

"Look at the Beggar Sect. They came here to protect Danyi. The Martial Arts Alliance leader, who owes Danyi, won't just stand by. And last time, the Huashan disciples were also very friendly to Danyi, right?"

Hansuehua was momentarily speechless, as his words weren't entirely wrong.

"Being with us or without us, which would be more beneficial for Danyi in reality?"

"…!"

Hansuehua was inwardly stunned.

She never thought she would be outwitted by Fan Jiewei.

'Is it because he's drunk?'

At that moment, Fan Jiewei sighed.

"This might even make me sick."

He pointed to his chest.

"I can endure a headache, but I can't bear this pain."

Chao Elyang revealed a complicated look. He never thought such words would come from the notorious Wanshan Hermit.

"Brother Chao, let's pack our things."

"…"

"Let's leave."

"Wait. This isn't a decision to be made so easily."

"What's so difficult? If we weren't here, Danyi would have lived happily. We should make it happen for her now."

Neng Suomi glanced at Hansuehua, hoping she would intervene. However, she remained silent, her icy gaze betraying her disapproval.

As the situation unfolded, Neng Suomi suddenly felt uneasy.

No matter how he thought about it, this didn't seem right.

Most importantly, he couldn't bear to see Danyi's sorrow after the two of them left.

'Damn!'

Neng Suomi quietly left, trying to make as little noise as possible.

Some time later.

Danyi, who had heard Neng Suomi's story, was shocked and rushed over.

"Even if you leave, you should at least say goodbye to Danyi."

"I can't say it if I see that face. Let's just go."

As they were talking, they heard hurried footsteps and froze.

Danyi, who had been checking the packed belongings Fan Jiewei had prepared, looked anxious.

"Where are you going?"

"Uh, well…"

Holding the large bag, Fan Jiewei was at a loss for words.

Recalling that moment, he felt a renewed sense of regret. Danyi was the only one who had shown concern for him since his master.

Danyi then turned to Chao Elyang.

"Uncle, are you leaving too?"

"I'm considering it."

Seeing Danyi on the verge of tears, Chao Elyang spoke in a comforting tone.

"Think about it. Without us, you can achieve anything you want."

"What do I want?"

"You won't need to hide here, and you can establish the medical principles you desire."

Chao Elyang didn't miss the hesitation in Danyi's eyes.

"You said you would face your destiny. Perhaps this is the first step."

"…"

"Your foundation in martial arts is already laid. With Sister Han's help, you can complete the rest. In fact, if you master Sister Han's martial arts, you will eventually become the best in the world."

Danyi remained silent, her head bowed. Fan Jiewei suddenly felt uneasy.

Chao Elyang was also heavy-hearted.

How long had they stood there?

"Do you know?"

Danyi looked up, meeting their eyes.

"Even if you give me all those people, how can they compare to you two?"

They were puzzled by her sudden words, but then they remembered the conversation with Hansuehua.

Someone must have told Danyi about it.

Looking around, they saw Neng Suomi quickly hiding in the distance.

Fan Jiewei's eyebrows twitched.

'That guy?'

At that moment,

"I'll find a way."

Danyi spoke again, meeting their eyes.

"Please give me one day."

Chao Elyang was inwardly surprised.

Her gaze was so intense that even the great ones would be taken aback.

Seeing Danyi's new resolve, Chao Elyang and Fan Jiewei finally relented.

"Thank you."

Leaving those words, Danyi turned and disappeared back into her pavilion.

"You're the idiot."

Hansuehua, who had approached quietly, scolded Chao Elyang and Fan Jiewei.

Fan Jiewei's eyes turned fierce.

It was like being slapped when you wanted to cry. However, he was speechless when Hansuehua continued.

"Do you really not understand why that child is trying so hard?"

Hansuehua, who had been looking at them with disdain, turned away coldly.

* * *

That night.

Danyi, staring at the flickering candle, sighed deeply.

'Is this the only way?'

In fact, she had been considering a method for a long time.

She had only delayed it, hoping to find a better solution. That was why she had asked for one day from Chao Elyang and Fan Jiewei.

She needed time to make a decision, not to find a method.

Danyi walked to her study and took out two booklets.

The clinical records that accompanied the Records of Life and Death and the Records of Water and Fire.

As she flipped through the pages, her eyes wavered with conflict.

But she soon nodded.

Thinking of Chao Elyang and Fan Jiewei, she steeled her resolve.

Danyi left the pavilion again at dawn the next day.

Chao Elyang and Fan Jiewei had been pacing in front of the pavilion all night, the light never going out.

Seeing the two, Danyi smiled softly.

Then she turned to Chao Elyang, meeting his gaze.

"Leaving the world or establishing medical principles are both good, but…"

With a more relaxed expression, Danyi continued.

"What I truly want is to continue living with you two, just as we have been."

"Doctor Danyi…"

Chao Elyang's expression was complicated.

The words he had said to Danyi last night.

That she could achieve her goals without them.

Danyi then turned to Fan Jiewei.

"And we don't need to hide anymore."

"…?"

Danyi smiled brightly.

"I found a way."

* * *

In a corner of the Wuwei market.

Li Li, who had spread a mat in a place where passersby could easily see him, sat down and stretched lazily.

"Damn, what a good day for begging."

Li Li, leaning against the wall with a relaxed look, suddenly felt a piercing gaze on his face.

Turning his head, he saw Hong Jikmun standing close, staring at him intently.

"Why are you here so early?"

"Really, why are you here?"

"Why? Can't I come here?"

"The position of the sect leader isn't that leisurely, you know."

"Are you starting to take an interest in the sect leader position? Just say the word, and I'll make you the successor…"

"Stop the nonsense."

Seeing the unusually serious look in Hong Jikmun's eyes, Li Li chuckled, feeling deflated.

"Because I'm worried."

"…?"

"Your personality, I thought you might cause trouble."

"What do you mean? Why would I cause trouble?"

"Because of those guys."

"What…? Oh!"

Following Li Li's gaze, Hong Jikmun turned his head and his face contorted.

"Why are they here?"

Seeing a group of martial artists entering the market, a murderous aura emanated from Hong Jikmun's eyes.

Suddenly, a tattered cloak flew over and covered Hong Jikmun.

Li Li, who had hidden Hong Jikmun, smiled quietly.

"Watch and learn."

Li Li concealed his aura, transforming into an ordinary beggar.

He waited quietly for the martial artists to pass by.

Then, at a certain moment, he threw his begging bowl.

Crack.

One of the martial artists, who happened to be passing by, stepped on the bowl.

The timing and position were so perfect that it was impossible to avoid.

"…?"

The martial artist was taken aback.

Seizing the moment, Li Li jumped up and started shouting loudly.

"Hey, you heartless bastards! Not only do you not give alms, but you break my bowl? Damn, I'll fry you in shit! Don't you fear the heavens?"