Doctor’s Rebirth - Chapter 203

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 203
‘But I never expected things to change in such a mad direction…!’
At least the world isn’t burning.
He didn’t set fire to the castle and kill everyone equally regardless of age or gender to become a blank slate…right?
Human rights… exist by Central Plains standards.
From a debtor’s perspective, it’s better to receive proper education in shop management and be supplied with clean ingredients to sell, rather than working as a slave until death in salt fields or mines.
Plus, having a chance at rehabilitation and an opportunity to obtain my own shop is better…right?
Jin Cheon-hee suddenly looked at Sama Hyeon.
Sama Hyeon bent his thumb and index finger to make a money gesture.
‘Right, it’s nothing compared to the original where he flayed people’s faces. It’s true, but….’
Still, I never expected the result to be the introduction of modern-era capitalism…!
“The Golden King listened well to what you said.”
“He listens to anything that makes money. I’ve run several experiments and confirmed the profits are much greater. You called this ‘win-win,’ didn’t you? Is that the right term?”
This was the same one who remembered when the old Jin Cheon-hee called surgery “surgery.”
This time, it seemed he also remembered the word “win-win” that I had casually mentioned.
“Yeah. That’s right.”
“It’s good, right~ Even if we’re a heretical sect, how long should we live bleeding? Besides, whenever the Ju Wang saw a Buntta, he’d crush it flat. Brother, people need to study. That’s why I’m trying to live righteously now.”
The founder of the Gangho franchise brought his hands together and prayed solemnly.
“I’ll follow the law as much as possible, avoid violence as much as possible, and resolve things through dialogue as much as possible. Our Golden Blood Sect needs reform too. Violence is a relic of the old generation. Sigh. I hate ignorant people the most. If I crack some ignorant fool’s skull and get a scratch on my delicate, beautiful hands, what then?”
“….”
Where is the Golden Blood Sect heading?
Sama Hyeon rose to the position of direct disciple through the Golden King’s favor.
“Still, shouldn’t you learn martial arts?”
The younger brother nodded at his older brother’s question.
“Unfortunately, this world is full of ignorant people, so what can I do? I have to protect my own money. In that sense, I’d really appreciate it if you made gloves for me, brother. And one for you too.”
The future leader of the Golden Blood Sect spoke in a wistful voice.
‘Sama Hyeon. I have a feeling that in the future, your epithet will definitely include both Gold (金) and Bizarre (怪) together.’
In any case, a younger brother who lives as a heretical sect while maintaining human decency(?)
Though somewhat twisted in taste, that could also be called genius in a way.
It’s too grand a matter to dismiss as mere cunning.
Sure enough, passing by a street stall, I saw several shop owners greeting Sama Hyeon with respect and awe.
It was popularity reminiscent of an election campaign in modern times.
“Earn well. May your business flourish. Freedom is not far away now.”
Sama Hyeon offered blessings to them.
“….”
I, Jin Cheon-hee, possess a soul of forty years old, yet only now do I feel I understand one facet of this world.
* * *
Thus I bought plenty of food and set it down on the table provided by the street stall.
Perhaps because Sama Hyeon’s touch had reached this place too, the stall owner gave us one extra plate.
“This precious bowl, thank you, brother. Freedom, freedom. I know that repayment is not far away now.”
The establishment was thriving, with customers flowing in and out without pause.
“Wouldn’t most criminal organizations typically overturn the tables and demand immediate debt repayment?”
“That would waste an entire day’s work, brother. It would disrupt productivity and reduce the money coming to me. That’s just foolish~”
I hadn’t expected him to advocate for freedom with such fervor, like some charlatan.
“It’s best to befriend those who can repay their debts quickly. That way, they become good publicity afterward, our subordinate branches continue ordering ingredients from them, and if needed, they can serve as our eyes and ears for gathering information.”
Sama Hyeon spoke while lifting noodles to his mouth with chopsticks.
“I’m telling you, this place really is delicious~”
And it truly was exceptionally delicious.
These noodles, braised in broth, possessed an exquisite blend of seafood flavor with a spicy finish.
Then I heard a familiar voice.
“Hahaha, so you’ve come! Seeker of blood and darkness!”
Turning my gaze, I saw a masked figure along with Namgung Un and Namgung Yeon, siblings.
The masked person wore a large whip at their waist, and seeing it, I recalled the epithet “Hyeolpyeon-wang.”
“Lady Dang…is that you?”
“I am Hyeolpyeon-wang!”
Namgung Un spoke urgently.
“That period hasn’t ended yet. Based on her inner energy cultivation speed, they say she’ll return around next year. As you know, she hasn’t mastered demonic techniques!”
I sensed smoothness in his words.
This was the kind of sensation you could feel from someone who had repeated the same thing dozens, hundreds of times.
‘So the rumors about the Sichuan Tang Family constantly leaving Dang-a in his care were true.’
My suspicion was correct.
For the sake of friendship between the Sichuan Tang Family and the Namgung clan, Namgung Un had been sacrificed.
Whenever Dang-a appeared in the Gangho under orders from the elders, he always had to follow at her side, quickly making excuses and cleaning up her messes.
From the Namgung clan’s perspective, it was a profitable arrangement.
The Sichuan Tang Family was a place where both favors and grudges were clear.
By grinding away Namgung Un, they could obtain some of the Sichuan Tang Family’s medicinal herbs and tea leaves at reduced prices and pocket the profits.
Moreover, changes had occurred in Namgung Yeon, who used to stammer while accompanying Dang-a.
“Hello. Jin Cheon-hee. It’s been…quite a while.”
Her voice remained quiet, but her stammering had improved considerably.
A friend.
Perhaps it was because she had gained a peer who, though somewhat eccentric, always supported her.
Or perhaps it was because spending time with Dang-a had made her speak more frequently.
Namgung Yeon no longer stammered.
‘Her expression has brightened considerably too.’
It was a good thing.
Hadn’t it been said that the Namgung clan had subtly looked down on Namgung Yeon?
That’s why she had continued to be hurt and intimidated.
Sometimes what an older brother cannot solve no matter how hard he tries, a friend can unexpectedly resolve.
I cupped my fists in greeting to the three of them.
“It’s good to see you all well. Hyeon, these are the Celestial Dragon Sword Namgung Un, his sister Namgung Yeon, and Hyeolpyeon-wang Dang-a.”
“It’s an honor to meet you all.”
“And this young man is my sworn brother—Sama Hyeon.”
Strictly speaking, he was my “sworn brother on the waiting list, number two,” but I omitted that detail.
Sama Hyeon seemed pleased to be introduced as my sworn brother and grinned widely.
“I’ve come representing the Golden Blood Pavilion.”
“The Golden Blood Pavilion!”
At those words, Namgung Un’s eyes widened slightly.
“Could you be the one who recently became a direct disciple of the Golden King…?”
“As expected of the Namgung clan—you’re well-informed. Yes, that’s correct.”
I never expected to see Sama Hyeon’s business smile for the first time like this.
And he looked quite practiced at it.
“Brother Jin, I’m envious. How did you manage to take a direct disciple of the Golden King as your sworn brother?”
At that, I let out a bitter laugh.
“There were circumstances that warranted it.”
“Speaking of which, our main family recently opened a new inn. Won’t you join us?”
We had already finished eating.
Still, at my age with a vigorous appetite, my stomach had room for more.
[What do you think?]
At my silent transmission, Sama Hyeon chuckled.
[The Namgung clan’s inns are famous for their exquisite flavors. Let’s go and learn something, brother~]
At that, I nodded.
“Then we’ll gladly accept your invitation.”
And so our group arrived at the Namgung clan’s inn.
The scent of new construction lingered, as it hadn’t been open long.
Wafting through it was the rich aroma of broth—truly exquisite.
The server immediately recognized Namgung Un and Namgung Yeon and clasped his fists in salute.
“Young Master!”
“Haha, it’s been a while.”
The server seemed to be acquainted with Namgung Un.
‘Indeed, his connections run deep.’
The server spoke without hesitation.
“I’ll show you to the best table.”
We took our seats at the finest table and each ordered our dishes.
This time I ordered the sliced raw fish and meat along with spicy duck, and I was already looking forward to it.
“Brother Jin, your bearing seems to change each time I see you.”
“You’re too kind.”
I answered calmly.
“I’ve heard the general story about the Mudang Sect. They say you achieved great merit there—because of you, my father has been pestering me endlessly. You’ll have to take responsibility for that, brother.”
Namgung Un began his story from there, and we each shared tales of our lives.
‘So this is what they call the bonds of fate in the Gangho.’
It was a scene I had long admired in martial arts novels.
Others might have laughed, but I had always wanted to share a table with martial artists connected to me like this and discuss how the world turned.
Dishes began arriving one by one.
Dang-a had no choice but to lift her mask when it came time to eat.
I remembered her face still bearing traces of youth the last time, but now she had the appearance of a high school senior in Korean terms.
‘She’s grown so much.’
Hadn’t she said there was one more year until she regained her senses?
Jin Cheon-hee asked.
“Then all three of you are attending the Yongbong Assembly?”
“Neither I nor Yeon wanted to attend. Lady Dang’s father wept, saying wouldn’t it be better if she didn’t create any more dark history. We’re just here as decorative screens.”
“Wait, he… wept?”
At Jin Cheon-hee’s question, Dang-a grumbled.
“He said he would burn the last flame of his life at this Yongbong Assembly, and he wept bitterly!”
Jin Cheon-hee quickly sent Namgung Un a look that asked ‘Is this really not demonic cultivation?’ and Namgung Un answered with a pupil movement that said ‘It really isn’t.’
“Lady Dang. You don’t mean… self-termination?”
“Of course not. I don’t do such things. But the black flame dragon within me whispers! That my life is not long!”
Namgung Un spoke quickly.
“Isn’t it said that night is darkest before dawn? Our family elder hinted that this is the peak, and especially since Dang-a is a talented vessel produced by the Dang Family. He said her heart demon must run deep.”
…As a side note, the original Hyeolpyeon-wang was one of those who survived until the very end of the novel.
She was famous throughout the Gangho for clinging to life tenaciously through all those calamities.
It was insane survival instinct.
‘So Hyeolpyeon-wang had times like this.’
I hadn’t expected to encounter something unseen in the novel, so I picked up meat and placed it in Hyeolpyeon-wang’s bowl.
“Are you pitying me?”
At Hyeolpyeon-wang’s question, Jin Cheon-hee answered calmly.
“No. I simply know that those who harbor a black flame dragon in their hearts must eat well.”
“Right. Sister Dang. Eat mine too.”
Namgung Yeon calmly picked up her own meat and placed it in Hyeolpyeon-wang’s bowl.
Hyeolpyeon-wang glanced at Namgung Yeon, her sworn sister, then nodded.
“I’m convinced. Blood and flesh—they make me strong! This meat is red flesh. It’s what I need!”
At that moment, a voice came from behind.
“Ah, isn’t this the great hero Namgung?”
“Oh, aren’t these people from the Jin Ju-eonga? And there are members of Ha Buk-paeng-ga as well.”
Namgung Un greeted them warmly.
It seemed Jin Ju-eonga and Ha Buk-paeng-ga, along with several minor-to-mid-sized sects, had been drinking at the back tables.
The leaders of the group, one from Jin Ju-eonga and one from Ha Buk-paeng-ga, had come to greet Namgung Un after recognizing him.
Both of them had their faces flushed red, clearly drunk from drinking since broad daylight.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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