Chapter 53
In the end, Dang Jin-ak couldn’t change Dok Go-ryong’s stubborn mind even once. As he drooped his shoulders in defeat, Eun Sowol tugged at the hem of his pants.
“Ajusshi, did you really come because you wanted to travel with Uncle?”
“Yes. Sowol, can you please talk to your uncle for me? I left home to learn about the world—can’t go back after just one day.”
“My uncle is super stubborn. I can’t change his mind either.”
“I can hear you, little brat.”
Sowol flinched and slowly leaned closer to whisper in Dang Jin-ak’s ear.
“But… is it really okay for you to be here? What if your stepbrothers bully you after knowing the truth?”
“You don’t have to worry about that. Father said he would cut out the root of power struggles in the clan. And this journey to the world? Father gave me permission.”
He just became the young master… and they allowed him to leave that easily?
“Hmm… suspicious. Ajusshi, are you secretly following us to find out some kind of secret?”
Seeing her suspicious eyes, Dang Jin-ak looked shocked.
“Why would I dig up the secret of my savior? I’m really just following him because I admire his strength.”
When she kept doubting him, Dang Jin-ak looked like he was about to cry. Sowol felt a bit guilty.
‘Maybe I was too mean? He’s the one who helped me get treatment at the Dang family’s place.’
“Ugh.”
Suddenly, Sowol groaned. Dok Go-ryong quickly turned and held her up.
“What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”
“It’s not really pain… just tight around here.”
Sowol pointed to her upper stomach. It wasn’t as painful or hot like before, but something felt twisted there.
They had barely left the Dang clan, and now she was feeling sick again. She started to worry.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
Dang Jin-ak reached out and checked her pulse. He was serious, like a real doctor, and both Sowol and Go-ryong stayed silent.
“Your energy is blocked. Some acupuncture will help. Hold still—it won’t hurt.”
He pulled out a thin needle and gently placed it in her arm. Right away, her tight chest felt like it had opened up.
“Wow… ajusshi, you know medicine too?”
“Huh? I didn’t say? I’m actually the direct student of the Dang Clan’s elder.”
Sowol and Go-ryong’s eyes went wide.
“Wait… before we met the Divine Doctor, didn’t you already figure out Sowol’s illness?”
“Huh… really?”
Go-ryong mumbled, and Sowol suddenly remembered.
She was in pain, captured by bandits, and he helped her get better for a bit.
‘I totally forgot about that!’
If he was the top disciple of the famous doctor, he might even be better than regular physicians.
And if he beat his brothers to become the young master, his martial skills must be strong too.
“Uncle.”
Sowol looked up at Dok Go-ryong. He seemed to be thinking the same and gave a small nod.
“He can come with us.”
While collecting the needle, Dang Jin-ak’s face lit up.
“Really?!”
“Yes. But if she gets sick again, you must treat her like this. That’s the condition.”
“Of course! I’m better than most famous doctors! I’m also great at identifying rare herbs, so I’ll definitely help on the elixir quest!”
Sowol watched him bouncing with excitement and thought:
‘Traveling with the Poison King… if they help each other grow, it’ll really help in the war against the demonic cult later.’
And with a personal doctor by her side, maybe she could travel with Uncle even longer.
“Ajusshi! Let’s get along from now on!”
She grinned and held out her hand. Dang Jin-ak smiled and took her tiny hand.
‘Yes… being close with the Poison King will be useful…’
“But Sowol… I’m only twenty-one… can’t you call me oppa instead of ajusshi?”
“…”
Sowol quietly wondered if this journey was really a good idea.
Seven Days and Nights Later
They had been traveling without rest. Since their goal was to reach Yunnan quickly, they camped outside every night.
Late one night, Sowol was sleeping with her head on Dok Go-ryong’s lap. He was leaning against a tree, half asleep.
Dang Jin-ak added wood to the fire and glanced at the two peacefully sleeping relatives. Just a little while ago, he had been laughing and acting silly. But now his face was tense.
‘The Demonic Cult…’
He remembered something his father once said:
“I believe the Hongwol Trading Company is linked to the Demonic Cult. But those injuries couldn’t come from infighting. It means there’s another outsider using demonic arts.”
“I think that outsider is Gwangryong. He is your savior, yes, but he’s hiding something. He didn’t tell us everything.”
“Go with him. See with your own eyes whether he’s really part of the cult or just a powerful man who cares deeply for his niece. If he is from the cult… eliminate him immediately.”
Dang Jin-ak recalled his father’s words clearly.
He had denied them at first, feeling insulted that someone would suspect his savior.
‘But… I can’t deny there’s a seed of doubt in my heart.’
He had seen it himself—how Dok Go-ryong killed the leader of the Hongwol group.
It was brutal. Even martial artists of the evil sect would be shocked.
When he got worked up, he didn’t seem to hear anyone.
At first, Dang Jin-ak thought he lost control from grief. But…
‘If he really learned demonic arts… that would explain it.’
Dang Jin-ak took a deep breath and shook his head.
‘Get a grip! Don’t fall into paranoia. Why did I come here?’
He had come to disprove his father’s suspicion.
His father only let him go because he agreed to watch Dok Go-ryong and confirm whether he was a spy for the cult.
But really, Dang Jin-ak had wanted to believe in him.
Of course, he also wanted to gain experience and improve his martial skills.
Among people his age, Dang Jin-ak was considered very strong. But Dok Go-ryong, only two years older, completely outclassed him.
He hadn’t even seen all his skills yet, but when he cornered the Hongwol leader, the pressure and killing intent were overwhelming.
That moment made Dang Jin-ak realize just how small his own talent was.
‘Stop thinking about everything else. This is a chance to rise to the top. Learn with humility. Make it your own.’
He felt like just being near Dok Go-ryong would teach him a lot.
Finally, Dang Jin-ak relaxed and closed his eyes.
Even camping outside was starting to feel a bit normal.
Later in the Journey
“Ugh… I’m dying…”
A tired voice echoed softly.
As soon as they got a room at the inn, Dang Jin-ak collapsed onto the bed.
When they had just left the Dang family, he looked fresh and shiny. Now he was worn out and skinny.
At first, he hadn’t thought it would be hard. A day or two using light steps (Qinggong) was normal. He thought they’d use horses or wagons after a while.
But Dok Go-ryong had traveled to Yunnan…
Without skipping a single day,
Using only Qinggong the entire way.
“This is insane!”
Dang Jin-ak shouted, eyes blank. Sowol and Dok Go-ryong looked at him like he had gone mad.
“I’ve used more Qinggong in this trip than I have all year! And you were carrying Sowol the whole time! How are you not tired?!”
“I’m tired too.”
Dok Go-ryong was calmly unpacking without a hint of exhaustion.
Dang Jin-ak, still lying flat, didn’t believe it one bit.
“Haha… yeah… that’s the kind of guy worthy of me calling him hyung. The mighty Dang Jin-ak won’t fall like this!”
He clenched his teeth and pushed himself up, though his legs shook like a baby deer’s.
Sowol clapped for his amazing willpower. Go-ryong shook his head and opened the door.
“Uncle, where are you going?”
Sowol tilted her head. Dang Jin-ak went pale thinking they had to go somewhere again.
Go-ryong snorted.
“Don’t you want to eat?”
“Oh.”
The two of them quickly realized he was heading to the dining area and rushed to follow him downstairs.
