Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 146

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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 146
“I learned of it while pursuing the Jeongheol Sect’s movements.”
“You realize that’s a weak answer, don’t you?”
“It’s the truth.”
Even if it was from a past life, I had indeed learned it while fighting the Twin Horse Alliance, so it wasn’t a lie.
Dokgo Myeong continued with his prepared response.
“While investigating the upper regions of northern Zhongyuan, I came across the name of Cheontongtaein, a mysterious sage said to see the future, and discovered he was a martial artist of Gangho.”
“I’m uncertain. It sounds like you’re lying, yet it doesn’t quite feel that way.”
A master of the Wuji Realm would inevitably have their upper dantian equally opened. Discerning truth from falsehood in the realm of foresight and intuition would be simple enough.
“Must there be so little trust between senior and junior?”
“If that’s all you have, you’d be a shameless junior mocking your senior.”
Dokgo Myeong let out a quiet chuckle.
“While researching the history of Gangho, I discovered the existence of the Jeonjin Sect—the predecessor or original source of the Jongnam and Huashan Schools.”
“….”
“And I learned that its lineage has not yet been severed.”
There existed an ancient Daoist sect that became the root of countless Daoist schools within Gangho, including the Huashan and Jongnam Schools.
The Jeonjin Sect was that mysterious branch that vanished centuries ago.
Though no roots remained now, the martial arts and profound Daoist teachings of the Xuanmen Zhengzong persisted. And a single person had inherited them.
That man was Baek Mu-heun.
“And?”
“A mysterious sage of the upper regions, and a master of the shadowed martial world who covertly obstructed the Jeongheol Sect’s activities using Daoist martial arts. The patterns matched, yet his identity remained mysteriously obscured. I only managed to learn one name—Baek Mu-heun. So I requested more detailed information from Ju.”
Perhaps because I was speaking of Baek Mu-heun, I suddenly recalled something he had once told me.
-You’re too direct. If there are things you cannot say in full, then don’t speak of them at all.
-Speak only the facts you can share and leave the gaps empty. The listener will fill in the blanks themselves.
As I spoke of Baek Mu-heun, I felt a strange sentiment at how composed I remained, more so than expected.
‘Is it because I’ll kill him someday that I’m so calm? Or have I simply grown that much?’
What was certain was that I wouldn’t know until I faced him directly.
He had been my teacher in some ways, my superior, my colleague, and my enemy.
Bang Jong-san spoke.
“There are many gaps in your story.”
“Must I explain the method by which I learned this?”
“No, never mind. From what I hear, it sounds like you learned it by chance.”
“Where is there chance in this world? Concealment always leaves traces. I merely discovered the inevitable flaws.”
Suddenly, Bang Jong-san let out a hollow laugh.
“You speak exactly like him. He said your discovery of him was no accident either.”
Dokgo Myeong’s expression hardened.
“That man… or rather, did Baek Mu-heun say such a thing?”
“He did.”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes flashed.
‘Baek Mu-heun, you already knew of me.’
Indeed, there’s no way I couldn’t have known.
He was already preparing before the Jeongheol Sect arrived.
Since I’ve fought the Jeongheol Sect more fiercely than anyone in recent times, it would be a lie if I didn’t know.
“Is he the leader of the organization your senior belongs to?”
“We are equals. There is no leader. Besides, it’s hardly grand enough to be called an organization—more of a gathering, really.”
“Yet the members of that gathering must be the great elders of the Baek faction and orthodox sects. And it was Baek Mu-heun who brought them together.”
“You certainly know a great deal. Yes, that’s correct.”
Dokgo Myeong regarded him for a moment, then exhaled a long breath.
“The fact that you speak so candidly suggests you have no intention of arranging a meeting between me and him just yet, does it not?”
“Rather, I should ask—why do you wish to see him?”
“He is necessary.”
“For what reason?”
“To restructure the power dynamics of the realm anew.”
Ju Won-gwang lifted his head.
Bang Jong-san’s eyes twitched slightly.
“What did you just say?”
“Now I am certain. A man whose very existence draws in the Huashan and Songshan factions, who already enjoys the protection of the Kaifang Alliance, and who stands against the Jeongheol Sect alongside numerous masters of Gangho—he is precisely what we need.”
Bang Jong-san stared at Dokgo Myeong before breaking into a grin.
“I heard about your plan from my disciple. But do you truly have the capability to pull it off?”
“First, I will attempt it. Whether it succeeds or fails is something to be determined through action.”
“We are people of greater influence than you. Yet we could not draw out the Jeongheol Sect.”
“Because despite your influence, you hold too much in your embrace to move freely. You should be ashamed.”
Bang Jong-san chuckled and his intensity subsided.
“This is why I like you. You’re presumptuous, but you curse so openly that I can’t even hate you—it’s actually refreshing.”
Perhaps it was because his body, energy, and spirit all transcended a certain threshold.
Without any sense of him withdrawing his aura, there was no perceptible change as he shifted from a master discussing the realm to an ordinary middle-aged man.
Bang Jong-san spoke.
“When the time comes, he will seek you out.”
That was sufficient.
Dokgo Myeong replied.
“Tell him not to make me wait long—hurry. If it takes too long, I will come to him myself.”
Bang Jong-san regarded Dokgo Myeong with an enigmatic expression, then let out a series of chuckles.
Dokgo Myeong returned the laughter in kind.
After a long moment of mutual laughter, Bang Jong-san rose from his seat.
“I suppose it’s time I took my leave.”
“Are you departing already?”
“I’ve had food and drink, tested our martial prowess against each other, and heard what needed to be said and delivered what needed to be conveyed. I should be going. Though it seems I’m leaving with nothing but having imposed upon you.”
“Then would you grant me one request?”
“Hmm? What is it?”
Dokgo Myeong glanced subtly toward Geum Seok-du.
Seok-du’s eyes widened as he grasped the meaning behind that gaze, but Dokgo Myeong continued without hesitation.
“That fellow’s dream is to build a sect like the Beggar Clan.”
“Huh? What did you say?”
“Oh, no! Master! Why would you say that…?”
Dokgo Myeong watched Seok-du’s eyes flutter with embarrassment as his words trailed off.
“Seok-du. If there’s something you wish to ask, ask away. This opportunity won’t come again. I would also be grateful for any guidance from my senior. It will be of great help in achieving that fellow’s dream.”
Bang Jong-san regarded Dokgo Myeong with fresh eyes.
“Will such a request suffice?”
“Of course.”
Bang Jong-san laughed.
“Now I understand why you have people at your side.”
Bang Jong-san turned his gaze toward Seok-du.
“Why not establish a sect like the Wudang or Shaolin instead? Building a faction of beggars—what’s the use? Still, it’s admirable. Go ahead and ask.”
Seok-du’s eyes fluttered in confusion before he carefully opened his mouth.
“Then… if I may humbly inquire, how were you able to lead so many members of the Beggar Clan?”
“What kind of question is that?”
“How did you stand above so many people? It’s difficult enough to make one person listen. How much more so with great numbers—it’s hard to earn loyalty and respect. Surely… it was through martial prowess?”
Bang Jong-san’s eyes fluttered before a hearty laugh burst forth.
“Ha ha ha! Like master, like servant, they say. Did our junior recruit subordinates who resemble him?”
Dokgo Myeong’s brows furrowed sharply.
“Me? Him? Wow, you really set the bar high, senior.”
“What. You’re remarkably alike.”
Bang Jong-san chuckled and turned his gaze to Seok-du.
“Martial prowess is not what matters, boy.”
“Sir?”
“You must show those who follow you why you built your sect, what you’re pursuing. That alone is enough.”
“You mean it’s not about money, martial prowess, or power?”
“What are you saying? Of course those are necessary. You don’t expect them to work for free, do you?”
“No, that’s not what I meant.”
“In lofty terms, it’s pride. In simple terms, don’t humiliate your disciples. That’s enough.”
In this world, there are many who will offer their loyalty if you feed them, preserve their dignity, and let them find joy in their endeavors.
Some might call it nonsense, but such people existed in abundance. It was difficult precisely because it was so simple.
“Pride…”
Seok-du fell into thought for a moment.
The enlightenment he had felt from Hodal-saeng of the Mandeung Family, the emotions he had experienced hearing the history of the Beggar Clan—all of it swirled chaotically in his mind.
Watching the silent Seok-du, Dokgo Myeong thought to himself.
Perhaps the foundation of a sect that would be remembered throughout the history of Gangho was being drawn in that fellow’s mind at this very moment.
* * *
Bang Jong-san rose from his seat.
Lost in thought, Seok-du did not see him off.
Bang Jong-san turned back before leaving the manor.
“Junior, I’m really going now.”
“Yes, Senior. Travel safely.”
“Ah, one last thing….”
His gaze fell upon Namgung Sohwa.
“You must be Sohwa?”
“Pardon?”
Bang Jong-san smiled gently as he looked at Namgung Sohwa.
“Beautiful, resolute… you’ve grown wonderfully.”
“Yes, yes?”
“You’ve grown so well that you’ve even drawn a blade to my throat—your father must be laughing heartily in the afterlife.”
Namgung Sohwa’s eyes widened.
Hyeon.
It was her late father’s name.
“How do you know my father’s given name, Lord Bang?”
“Greet me first, girl. I saw you once when you were just a tiny babe, yet you leave without even a proper greeting?”
“I, I apologize. I am Sohwa of the Namgung clan.”
Namgung Sohwa hastily performed a bow.
Bang Jong-san’s expression grew somewhat wistful before he nodded.
“I had some connection with your father.”
“How, how so….”
“The title ‘Lord of the Open Sect’ means having the widest connections in all the realm. I would occasionally provide him with shelter.”
“…I apologize for the late greeting.”
Bang Jong-san let out a short sigh.
“You must have suffered greatly. It was difficult, wasn’t it?”
Namgung Sohwa’s long eyebrows trembled slightly.
Yet soon, she smiled firmly.
“I am fine now.”
“Good, I’m relieved to hear that.”
Bang Jong-san, who had been smiling in return, rummaged through his robes and produced a silk pouch—the only unblemished item on his person—and held it out to her.
“I think it’s best you take this.”
“What is this?”
“An item recovered from the Dark Citadel by the Open Sect. I kept it unused just in case… but it seems fate has woven our threads together.”
Rustle!
Namgung Sohwa carefully unwrapped the silk.
Inside lay a single small elixir.
Bang Jong-san spoke.
“It is the Heavenly Spirit Pill. It was the Namgung clan’s secret family medicine.”
“…!”
“Take it with you.”
“I… I can’t possibly accept this… but…”
Namgung Sohwa, always so resolute, stammered as if something had broken inside her.
Bang Jong-san chuckled and patted her shoulder lightly.
“What use does an old beggar have for elixirs? The young ones need to eat them and grow strong.”
“…”
“Well now, aren’t you going to thank me?”
“Thank you… Thank you so much, Lord Bang. Truly.”
“Fulfill your dreams. Your father was a remarkable swordsman, beyond mere martial prowess.”
“…Yes.”
Namgung Sohwa gripped the silk pouch tightly.
Bang Jong-san turned his head slightly.
“Junior, be careful from now on.”
“Of course.”
“You’ve certainly made it onto the Jeongheol Sect’s assassination list by now. And I hear Am Seong-ju, the lord of the Moyong Family’s intelligence network, is gnashing his teeth as well.”
“I’ll thrash them all and set things right in Gangho.”
“As if you care about such things! Haha!”
“Where will you go now?”
“Where the water flows, where the mountains stand, where the people are kind and begging goes well.”
Bang Jong-san added one final remark.
“And where I can keep an eye on the Jeongheol Sect’s rear.”
Dokgo Myeong nodded.
“I wish you good fortune.”
“Even empty words are appreciated.”
“I mean it sincerely. Be careful.”
Bang Jong-san laughed and turned away.
Boom!
The moment his feet left the ground, Bang Jong-san’s form stretched impossibly long.
In a single blink, he had become a speck and vanished.
Dokgo Myeong watched his departing figure in silence and thought.
‘Take care, Senior. Please endure.’
In my past life, your lifespan was not long…
In this life, I hope we meet often—sparring together, sharing bibimbap, singing songs, and living in peace.
* * *
Dokgo Myeong and Ju Won-gwang sat facing each other alone.
Geum Seok-du remained lost in thought, Namgung Sohwa had shut herself in her room, and Dokgo Ak was sparring with Cheolmu-baek.
Ju Won-gwang spoke.
“In any case, I’m glad it worked out well.”
“Did it work out well? You brought one of the Five without any prior notice and it worked out well? Hey, Brother Ju. Want a taste of my fists?”
“Huh? You call me brother and still do this?”
“Just because I call you brother doesn’t mean my fists won’t land, does it?”
“…This wretch isn’t even worth a street thug.”
Ju Won-gwang grumbled and pulled a book from his sleeve, tossing it over.
“The movements of those people you asked about back then. I couldn’t find many. They’re all disappeared types.”
“Still, you found quite a lot. Thanks. Did you deliver the message I asked you to?”
“I did. But what are you going to do with all of them?”
“I’m going to recruit them into my martial retinue.”
Ju Won-gwang’s eyes widened in shock.
“They’re all notorious eccentrics in their respective regions, and you’re going to make them part of your retinue?”
“No matter how eccentric, am I not worse?”
“Well….”
That’s true enough.
This bastard is the greatest eccentric under heaven.
“Ha, well.”
“Since you’ve already heard from your senior about Baek Mu-heun….”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes gleamed.
“What about the Moyong side?”
“People are gathering from all directions. They don’t seem to be moving as one unified force, but rather infiltrating from all sides.”
“Their level?”
“Roughly first-rate to peak. They move in small groups of three, forming squads.”
“A good catch. Their commander is Am Seong-ju, right?”
“Master must have told you.”
“Yes.”
Am Seong-ju.
A major player. An elder and pillar of the clan who oversaw their intelligence operations.
“We can’t let him slip away. You understand that, right?”
“Of course.”
Dokgo Myeong smiled coldly.
“I’ve rested well enough. Time to get moving again.”

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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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