Chronicles of the Martial God’s Return - Chapter 79

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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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“Hmm—Punggeommun, is it…….”
Namgung Cheon, who had come rushing from Ak-yang at Kwon Mu-jin’s summons, removed his hat and sat down, turning over Dan Woo-hyun’s words in his mind. It was certainly a sect he’d heard of somewhere before.
It seemed to be a sect registered with the Murim Alliance, but not deeply enough etched into Namgung Cheon’s memory to stand out.
“Truth be told, I’m not certain. It doesn’t strike me as a particularly renowned sect. On matters like this, wouldn’t you know better than I, Kwon Mu-jin?”
Namgung Cheon was the former Murim Alliance Leader. Of the sects that claimed to represent the righteous path, nine out of ten held membership in the Murim Alliance. It was only natural that he couldn’t recall every single name.
“I’m afraid I don’t know it either.”
Kwon Mu-jin shook his head as well.
He too held considerable standing within Muhwangseong.
Most of those he dealt with were either from the Demonic Sect, or figures from the Nine Schools and One House or the Eight Great Families, which meant he had no reason to remember minor sects.
Had he known anything substantial about Punggeommun beforehand, he wouldn’t have gone to fetch Namgung Cheon in the first place.
“Hmm, yet it’s strange. No matter how much a sect dominates the Ak-yang region, to carry on so recklessly…….”
Namgung Cheon released a sigh.
Their conduct reminded him of the Evil Sects. During his years as Murim Alliance Leader, things he had not foreseen were coming to light one after another.
The bitterness of it was beyond words.
“When anyone gains power, it’s only natural they wish to test it. They are no different.”
Hearing Dan Woo-hyun’s words, Namgung Cheon let out a small groan. “Hmm.”
All living creatures follow an ordained law—the hierarchy of predator and prey.
When that balance shatters and power tips to one side, the inevitable urge awakens to use that power to consume all others.
That is Ak-yang’s current state.
There is no one who can devour Punggeommun.
Thus they grow ever more reckless.
They know better than anyone that there is no one who can stop them, no matter what they do.
Hyun-ryung Hong Won-chang could be considered somewhat of an exception, but the magistrate has never been fond of involving itself in martial affairs.
The doctrine of Non-interference came about for this very reason—authorities withdrawing their hands one by one, since intervention yields nothing but ruin.
Having contemplated this far, Namgung Cheon spoke with careful deliberation.
“Still, I’m relieved they withdrew quietly. Their methods were crude, but they complied and retreated all the same.”
“If that were truly all it amounted to, I would be relieved…….”
Dan Woo-hyun regarded Namgung Cheon in silence.
Namgung Cheon appeared to be a man who had experienced everything the world had to offer, yet in truth he had not.
He was one born into power and backed by lineage; consequently, despite his age, he seemed unfamiliar with the true workings of this ecosystem.
All he had ever observed were fools who propped up the Namgung Clan and trembled at the name of the Sword Sage.
Punggeommun must have harbored some purpose. This estate would have been necessary to achieve that purpose.
Dan Woo-hyun did not wish to dig deeper into their intentions.
Regardless…….
‘They will apply pressure.’
Dan Woo-hyun let out a soft laugh.
What was to come loomed crystal clear before his eyes.

“His daughter attends Cheongsonghakdang School, yet the man himself is unemployed?”
“That is correct.”
“He pours substantial sums to the magistrate, and Cheongsonghakdang School is no cheap prospect either……. Where exactly is all this money flowing from?”
“He doesn’t appear to conduct business with merchants, so it must be inherited wealth, wouldn’t you say?”
“Hmm…….”
Having returned to the sect, Hu Ja-ryung swallowed a groan and furrowed his brow.
From the size of the estate, the sum seemed considerable, but he’d calculated that two hundred silver coins would be enough to acquire it.
After all, he possessed the name and authority of Punggeommun in Ak-yang, while the other was merely a common citizen.
He’d been certain the prospect of losing his life would compel the man to sell without delay.
But circumstances had taken an unexpected turn.
Who would have thought he’d present himself with such confidence.
Tap-tap.
“Have you made your move?”
“Even now, our people are moving through town. Soon they’ll be too frightened to resist our demands.”
“Good. And the magistrate?”
“The magistrate is currently away on official business. We’ve already bribed Hyun-seung, and he’s agreed to cooperate, so he should act soon enough.”
“Ha! Then we’re set. If those fools have any sense at all, they’ll come running to buy the estate from us immediately.”
Hu Ja-ryung burst into raucous laughter and leaned his body back against the chair.
Tormenting the weak was truly delightful. The more they thrashed and struggled, the more exquisite it felt to watch and savor the taste of victory.

“Hmm.”
Namgung Cheon, who had come to fetch Dan So-mi while wearing his ceremonial hat, had somehow made his way into the interior of Cheongsonghakdang School.
This was the office where the School Master resided, and seated there, Namgung Cheon regarded the man before him with a puzzled expression.
In truth, this was the first time he had seen his face.
“Tell me—what business brings you to seek out this old man?”
“Well, ah, haha, you see…”
The School Master broke into an uncomfortable sweat.
The moment he caught sight of Namgung Cheon’s face as he removed his hat upon entering the office, it was not fear he felt, but an overwhelming pressure.
Though the School Master’s forehead beaded with perspiration, he soon steadied himself and began to speak.
“The matter is this: of late, So-mi’s conduct has been casting an unfortunate shadow over the School.”
“An unfortunate shadow?”
Namgung Cheon nodded thoughtfully, making small sounds of consideration.
Dan So-mi was still just a child. If she had truly misbehaved, he would need to discipline her and correct her ways.
When Namgung Cheon asked for an explanation, the School Master continued.
“It began merely as a game of Land Capturing, but it has spread like gambling, and now most of the children at the School have fallen into its grip. And at the center of it all stands Dan So-mi.”
“Is it truly so grave a matter?”
Certainly there was no excuse for engaging in gambling, but this was nothing more than the innocent play of children.
Surely a word of admonition from the School Master would suffice?
“Our Cheongsonghakdang School hosts not only the children of high officials and nobles, but also many youths from renowned families throughout the Central Plain. For this child, Dan So-mi, to muddy the School’s reputation—many parents have demanded that we expel her.”
“……And so?”
“W-well…… th-therefore…… we can no longer…… accept So-mi. That is the conclusion of Cheongsonghakdang School.”
Namgung Cheon’s eyes narrowed as he regarded the School Master.
It was already two or three months ago when he had first heard from Dan So-mi about this game of Land Capturing. Yet until now there had been not a word, and suddenly this matter was being raised without warning—it did not sit well with him.
A troubling thought stirred in his mind, but Namgung Cheon soon shook his head and dismissed it.
It made no sense.
Would a sect belonging to the Murim Alliance truly pressure him in such a manner over a mere estate not being sold?
Namgung Cheon rejected every suspicion and rose from his seat.
He intended to collect So-mi from outside and return to the estate. This matter would need to be discussed with Dan Woo-hyun.
“I understand well enough. For now, I shall report this to the Lord of the Estate.”
“Th-thank you very much.”
Namgung Cheon placed his hat back on and stood. He felt the School Master’s piercing gaze upon him as he opened the door and stepped outside.
Dan So-mi, who knew not how long she had been standing there, was smiling brightly.
It seemed she had overheard everything.
“Grandfather, shall we go?”
“Y-yes, let us go.”
The child said nothing more.
Though she had spent considerable time at the School and would surely feel the sting of parting from her friends, she did not once allow sadness to cross her face as she reached out her hand.
She displayed a composure that one would rarely find in a child of her years. Even Namgung So-hye had not shown such restraint.
Namgung Cheon sighed and took Dan So-mi’s hand as they left the School.
“So I can’t come to the School anymore?”
“Well…… we shall ask your father about it first.”
“Hehe, So-mi doesn’t mind. The School is fun, but I like being with Father and Grandfather and the other men much more.”
“Haha, how kind of you to say. Indeed, what is a School compared to that? This old man shall teach you all you need to know.”
As they departed Cheongsonghakdang School, neither lost their smile.
The way she did not glance back even once, showing not the slightest regret, made him think—was this child’s consideration for his sake?
“Shall we buy some candy today as well?”
“Yes! I’d love to. I got my allowance yesterday, so I’ll treat you.”
“Haha, will this old man be treated by you?”
“Hehe, don’t you want me to buy for you?”
“No, no indeed. I find myself quite looking forward to it.”
They headed toward Market Street.
Yet something about the atmosphere there felt peculiar.
Just days before, there had been nothing like this, but today the merchants along Market Street seemed to be avoiding the gaze of Namgung Cheon and Dan So-mi.
Namgung Cheon tilted his head in bewilderment.
Dan So-mi, too, seemed to sense the shift. The hand clasped in Namgung Cheon’s tightened. She appeared to tense without thinking, her nerves stirred by an atmosphere she had never experienced before.
They paid no heed and sought out a street vendor selling candy. Yet the moment their eyes met, the merchant for some reason hurried to pack up his stall.
Namgung Cheon approached slowly and spoke.
“You’re not selling candy?”
“Oh, that’s…… well. Today I’ve…… sold out.”
“But everything here is candy, is it not?”
“……Ah! M…… my parents are ill, so I need to hurry home to check on them.”
“Hmm…… before you go, sell me just one. As you can see, my granddaughter has quite a fondness for your candy.”
“Ah ha ha, I’m…… I’m terribly sorry.”
The street vendor seemed desperate to avoid making even a single sale—he moved to pack up his stall and leave with remarkable haste.
Watching him more closely, the vendor appeared to be in some kind of pain. He limped noticeably, as though beaten, and let slip the occasional wince of discomfort.
Namgung Cheon turned to look at Dan So-mi.
“Something feels off about this. Let’s head back to the manor.”
“Yes, Grandfather.”
Dan So-mi followed Namgung Cheon, his hand clasped firmly in hers, back toward the manor. But unlike when they’d left the School, she glanced back over her shoulder to look at the street vendor once more.
She saw him watching from a distance, his eyes dark with bitterness.

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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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