Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 118

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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 118
Our next destination was the Black Market in Zhongqing.
The moment Dokgo Ak heard those words, his face went ashen.
“Zhongqing, you say…?”
“Yes.”
“Zhongqing? The same Zhongqing I know?”
Dokgo Ak’s eyes trembled violently from side to side.
Geum Seok-du tilted his head and whispered.
“Young Master, why are you suddenly acting like this?”
“I have no idea. Maybe I haven’t been beaten enough lately?”
“Don’t you beat him every day?”
“Ah, that’s just me petting him.”
“…Is that so?”
Geum Seok-du and Namgung Sohwa, who had come to know Dokgo Myeong relatively late, could only tilt their heads in confusion.
Unable to contain himself any longer, Dokgo Ak burst out.
“Why would you do this! Why would you do this! Are you in your right mind?! Do you know what kind of place Zhongqing is, and you’re walking in on your own feet!”
What kind of place was Zhongqing?
A place where spring weather, slightly cold even in the depths of winter, continued, and autumn was relatively long… such details were unimportant.
What mattered was that the martial force dominating Zhongqing was Paedobyeon.
An organization that, in truth and in name, was closer to being the foremost heterodox power in the current Gangho than anywhere else.
And weren’t Dokgo Myeong and Dokgo Ak people who had very deep connections with Paedobyeon?
“It’s been years since we properly humiliated Paedobyeon’s operations and damaged their reputation. Did you forget that?”
Only then did Geum Seok-du and Namgung Sohwa recall the rumors they had vaguely heard, and their eyes brightened.
Dokgo Ak swallowed a sigh and spoke.
“Moreover, a Black Market? It’s obvious that Paedobyeon is openly managing it. If we go, trouble is guaranteed.”
“Ah, it’ll be fine. Those guys are too busy fighting it out with the Jecheon Society right now to pay attention.”
“Does that make sense? If they discover us, they’ll be delighted and draw their blades without hesitation!”
“As long as we don’t get caught, it’s fine.”
At those confident words, Dokgo Ak hesitated.
“Do you have a plan?”
“Of course!”
“Let’s hear what this plan is first.”
Dokgo Myeong gestured with his chin toward Geum Seok-du.
“I’m thinking of having him make human skin masks.”
Geum Seok-du nodded.
“Fortunately, I’ve already purchased all the necessary materials. Don’t worry.”
“…You know how to do that?”
“It’s not as difficult as it looks. Even you, Young Master Dokgo Ak, would master it quickly if you learned.”
He was speaking as if the craftsmen who made human skin masks would flip their robes in shock.
‘Just what kind of person is Geum Seok-du anyway?’
Dokgo Ak asked in a faltering voice.
“W-what comes next? Surely the face mask isn’t the end of it?”
“Of course not. I’ll slip in quietly and slip out quietly.”
“And?”
“That’s the whole plan.”
“What?”
“If I wear a mask and slip in and out quietly, how would anyone know? It’s not like I’m going to broadcast it everywhere.”
“….”
Dokgo Ak pressed his forehead with a sharp thud.
‘Slip in quietly and slip out quietly?’
Who? You?
This is ridiculous. You’ve never completed a single task quietly in your entire life.
“…First, let me hear the reason why you’re so determined to go there.”
“The Secret Auction House in Zhongqing isn’t under government control, so all sorts of items come through.”
Moreover, though it was just speculation, there seemed to be a few items there that hadn’t yet been revealed to the public. If I could subtly acquire them—or rather, receive some cooperation—it would be ideal.
“Are you seriously saying you’re going there just to look around and spend some money?”
“Of course, my real purpose is different.”
“What is it?”
“To find friends like Seok-du and Sohwa.”
“…Don’t tell me this person is in a similar situation to Namgung Sohwa?”
“Completely different. This one doesn’t need help, so there shouldn’t be any major trouble.”
A pleasant smile formed on Dokgo Myeong’s lips.
Seok-du was a skilled artisan, and Namgung Sohwa was a martial artist.
And the one I was about to meet….
‘A warrior.’
-Just give the order, Commander. I’ll smash everything and return.
The assault captain of the Demon Slaying Unit.
A fierce general who always stood at the forefront of every battle, a warrior who fought most fiercely in the bloodiest places.
Dokgo Myeong was one of the few who knew his whereabouts at this moment.
‘Actually, unlike Seok-du or Sohwa, this one isn’t someone who’ll cause trouble if the timing is off.’
It was unclear whether this person even needed his help. I couldn’t be certain whether it was right to draw them into a new life.
But as always, the decision could be made after meeting them.
“Fine. How can I stop your stubbornness? But we’ll be safe, right?”
“We?”
“Huh?”
“What do you mean ‘we’? Are you coming along too?”
Dokgo Ak froze like stone.
“W-wasn’t I supposed to come with you?”
“What? Did I say something like that?”
“…Well, not exactly.”
“Why did I make such a fuss again?”
“I naturally assumed I was going too…”
Dokgo Ak’s voice grew quieter for a moment, and he shrugged his shoulders with a disappointed expression.
Dokgo Myeong let out a soft chuckle.
“Fine, whatever. If you want to follow, then follow.”
“…Really?”
“But you keep forgetting things one by one, don’t you?”
“Huh? Ah! Brother!”
“Alright then. Go fetch me a glass of cool ice water.”
“Yes! I got it!”
Dokgo Ak dashed off toward somewhere.
As he ran, Dokgo Ak sensed something odd and tilted his head, but he quickly abandoned the thought, fearing he’d be scolded for being late.
“Hehehehe. What a fool.”
Dokgo Myeong’s shoulders trembled as he wore quite a villainous smile.
Geum Seok-du, standing beside him, gazed at Dokgo Ak’s receding figure with a pitying look.
“Tsk tsk, what’s so good about it that he’d go out of his way… That fellow’s got a rough road ahead of him.”
“Seok-du. I can hear you.”
“It’s not wrong though, is it?”
“…What?”
“I have much to prepare, so I’ll hurry and pack my things.”
Geum Seok-du fled as if running away, moving at tremendous speed.
His training with weighted equipment had clearly paid off.
‘But seeing how that bastard is slowly getting bolder… I think I really need to catch him once soon.’
Dokgo Myeong clicked his tongue and turned his body.
Then he noticed Namgung Sohwa staring directly at him.
“You go pack too. What are you doing?”
“Am I not your friend?”
“What?”
“Didn’t you say earlier that Seok-du and I are Sohyeop’s friends?”
“Then aren’t you?”
“Good heavens. What kind of friend beats someone like you’re catching a dog?”
“If you don’t like it, then don’t. Who’s begging to be your friend?”
“Well, I don’t dislike it.”
“Hm?”
“It’s just that I’m naturally selective about the friends I make.”
Namgung Sohwa smiled brightly and flew away with a light, graceful movement.
‘Why is she like that?’
Just days ago, wasn’t she going around with the most gloomy and solemn expression?
Anyway, why are they all so abnormal?
‘I need to keep my wits about me.’
Dokgo Myeong shook his head and walked on.
* * *
At the Cheon-i Hall Infinite Pavilion in Wuhan, Gab came looking for Dokgo Myeong.
“Are you planning to leave?”
“Yes, I’ve imposed on your hospitality long enough.”
“…I heard you’re heading to Zhongqing rather than back to the clan. Will that be alright?”
“Yes.”
“….”
Watching Gab choose his words carefully, Dokgo Myeong let out a quiet laugh.
“I have no intention of hiding away in the clan just because of those fools, abandoning what I originally set out to do.”
“My apologies. That wasn’t what I meant to suggest….”
“Besides, how far is it from Zhejiang to here? We may not cross paths again before I return to the clan.”
That was probably unlikely to happen.
From a safety standpoint, returning to the Main Sect would be the right choice, but Dokgo Myeong showed no such inclination.
Then there was no need for further words. He was one who reported, not one who questioned.
“At the very least, allow us to arrange a carriage for you. To cover your tracks….”
“That’ll only expose this branch’s traces. I have no intention of causing trouble, so I’ll arrange the carriage myself.”
“Then perhaps try the northern district from the central market. There are Pyo-guk operations there that will transport you by carriage to a designated location for just a fee. It will be easier to cover your tracks than buying a carriage outright.”
Words were as precious as gold and jewels in this era. What more could be said of a carriage requiring multiple horses?
Buying a carriage would leave traces. Gab had been thoughtful enough to consider such details.
“I appreciate the advice. Thank you for the hospitality. Next time, let’s exchange real names and share a drink.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
“Then I’ll see you next time.”
Dokgo Myeong waved his hand and set off.
* * *
Since Wuhan was a major crossroads, finding a carriage proved surprisingly easy.
Dokgo Myeong, Dokgo Ak, Geum Seok-du, and Namgung Sohwa.
And there was one more person who might join them, so I needed to secure a fairly large carriage.
“Let’s go with this one. There’s plenty of space for luggage, and it’ll be comfortable enough for sleeping rough. Hey, Coachman. How much to Wonyang County, Zhongqing?”
“Ten silver taels, sir.”
“Usually in situations like this, if I give you about ten punches to the mouth, you’d state the real price.”
“F, five taels, sir.”
“Alright. Let’s say five taels then.”
“Th, three taels! Truly! The atmosphere in Zhongqing these days is so unsettled….”
“So you lied twice, which means two punches are fair, right?”
“…!”
And so the journey to Zhongqing began.
The carriage rolled on without pause, and the journey was far from tedious.
And for good reason….
“Hack!”
“Aaaaah!”
“Ah, no, why am I—ugh!”
Dokgo Myeong hadn’t wasted the brief moments between attacks.
Namgung Sohwa, Dokgo Ak, and Geum Seok-du lay sprawled on the ground, writhing.
“Well, shall we call it here for today?”
Dokgo Myeong dusted off his hands and grinned wickedly.
“Cough! Here? You mean we’re stopping here?”
“I’ve lost consciousness three times already.”
“Ugh! Why do you keep targeting me so relentlessly!”
Dokgo Myeong chuckled softly, observing the three who had grown closer through their ordeal.
‘Certainly an unusual combination.’
At first glance, it appeared to be merely four young people gathered together, but the reality was far different.
‘First, Dokgo Ak. That one doesn’t have much time left.’
Dokgo Myeong watched Dokgo Ak breathing heavily.
Spirit, inner energy, body.
Moments would come when these three achieved harmony, appearing once here and there. Only when one could maintain this harmony at all times and in all circumstances could one truly be said to have reached the pinnacle.
What changes when spirit, energy, and body achieve harmony?
There’s a saying: the tripod with three legs. A cauldron with three legs maintains balance without tilting.
Upon reaching the pinnacle, one no longer needs to consciously maintain this balance. Even in a casual technique, one can naturally employ the optimal combat form and inner energy circulation one is capable of.
He already seemed to be at the threshold. Once he grasped the feeling, he could break through the barrier in no time.
‘Wait, now that I think about it, isn’t that arrogant fool barely past his youth?’
What? The pinnacle in youth?
Now that he thought about it, that was indeed the case. This insolent one had been recognized for his martial talent alone.
Smack!
“Ow! Why are you hitting me again!”
“Think of it as karmic retribution from a past life. With talent like that, and you act like this?”
Whack! Whack! Pow!
“Ow! Ow! Stop! Stop hitting me! Past life? What nonsense are you—!”
Dokgo Myeong dusted off his hands and spoke matter-of-factly.
“From now on, focus on external training.”
“What, what?”
“A man with no muscle, just skin and bones. If your body can support it, you’ll break through the barrier, so train hard.”
“…!”
Dokgo Myeong glanced away slightly.
Namgung Sohwa, who had wobbled to her feet while the others lay sprawled out, was reviewing the sparring match in her mind.
‘Sohwa, that one…’
She was truly peculiar.
Clearly a master worthy of being called first-rate anywhere.
Moreover, from how much she had trained, all three of her legs were achieving nearly perfect balance.
‘The problem is that all three of those legs are far too short.’
Fortunately, her legs were simply lacking in length. Left alone, she would naturally reach that realm on her own.
‘I should procure some decent spiritual medicine for her.’
In every aspect, she currently fell short of Dokgo Ak.
But if she fought properly….
In ten fights, she would win seven.
She was precisely the person who could best demonstrate that realm was merely one condition among many in determining victory and defeat.
Then, one corner of my vision gleamed.
Only one person in our group possessed such a glimmer.
‘This Seok-du….’
In any case, he was the most peculiar one.
He had no talent in martial arts, yet his lightness skill was unparalleled, and though he was merely second-rate at best, he subtly created variables.
The type who wouldn’t die no matter where he went.
‘Me, two first-rate masters, and Seok-du.’
What is this?
Looking at it this way, couldn’t we steamroll two or three minor sects with this force?
Then, in Dokgo Myeong’s vision appeared the Coachman sitting blankly on the coachman’s stone.
“Heh, you must feel quite reassured, Coachman. These masters are following along without causing trouble, aren’t they?”
“Y-yes, of course….”
Coachman Jang wiped cold sweat from his brow.
For several days now, he had to watch four young men fighting and clashing right beside him.
‘Ugh! What madmen did I get tangled up with.’
He wiped away the tears that trickled down.
* * *
After several days of traveling while repeatedly engaging in chaotic sparring matches.
The group finally arrived at the underworld of Wonyang County, Zhongqing.
“Wow….”
“What is this….”
Dokgo Myeong gazed ahead calmly.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been here.”
Perhaps the place shrouded in the deepest darkness in all of Gangho’s martial world.
The territory of Paedobyeon, and among them, the Black Market of Wonyang County—the street they paid more attention to than anywhere else.

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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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