Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 188

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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 188
Bang Jong-san, the Dragon Head of Gae-bang and a man of notorious reputation, sat before a beggar’s bowl gazing toward the distant sky.
Passersby occasionally tossed a few coins into the bowl, or left behind cold dumplings and rice cakes.
A martial artist of five thousand levels would naturally exude a distinctive aura that caused commoners to avoid them, yet Bang Jong-san emanated nothing of the sort. Upon closer inspection, he appeared nothing more than an ordinary beggar.
As Bang Jong-san collected the alms one by one, he continued to gaze blankly upward at the sky.
Then a young beggar carrying a straw mat under his arm approached cautiously and spoke to him.
“Hey, this spot seems to be doing well. Mind if I set up here too?”
Bang Jong-san exhaled deeply and shook his head repeatedly.
“Deokchun. This place isn’t crowded, so just take it easy.”
“Oh, you remember me?”
“Tsk! If I can’t even remember you, how would I know your name? These young ones these days, always putting on airs….”
The young beggar, Gaebangdo, scratched the back of his head with an awkward expression.
“Previously, the Master instructed me to make contact discreetly without revealing my connection to Gae-bang, since he wasn’t sure where the Jeongheol Sect was located….”
“Stop wasting time and hurry up with your report.”
“Yes, sir.”
Gaebangdo spread out his straw mat beside Bang Jong-san, knelt down, and opened his mouth.
“The matter has been concluded.”
Bang Jong-san’s expression changed.
He asked about his disciple’s condition first, his tone somewhat urgent.
“Wonguang—is Wonguang alright?”
Gaebangdo grinned and spoke.
“He is fine. There are minor injuries, but nothing that will leave lasting effects. He is currently returning after abducting Ok Binghua.”
“Phew, thank goodness… Wait? Who did he abduct? You madman! How did things unfold like this?”
“Do not worry, Master. It is a great victory. Paelyong handled the matter perfectly.”
“Ah, you bastard, you keep dragging this out. Do you want me to beat you with this beggar’s bowl? Stop stalling and speak quickly!”
“Here, the organized details. I will provide the specifics verbally.”
Pressed by Bang Jong-san’s urgency, Gaebangdo withdrew a letter from his robe and handed it over.
As Bang Jong-san read through the letter rapidly, his eyes grew wider and wider. Soon after, Gaebangdo began his detailed explanation.
“The Moyong Family’s claims have been proven false, the Geonkun Sect has been defeated, and the Geonkun Sword Master fell by Paelyong’s hand….”
It was staggering.
He had killed No Gang-ho, the renowned Geonkun Sword Master, in a one-on-one life-or-death duel?
The subsequent reports and the summary written in the letter were equally extraordinary.
…Formation activation based on mystical artifacts. Multiple casualties, Infinite Blood Assassins….
After breaking through the Heaven and Earth Net, the Dokgo Household joined forces, capturing three mid-level generals and killing two lower-level generals….
“Paelyong? Is Paelyong also unharmed?”
“Of course. He is currently recovering at the Dokgo Household’s inner residence.”
“Then….”
Bang Jong-san swallowed hard.
“Such a great victory is rare indeed. The lifeline of the Central Plains has been extended. Who would have thought the Jeongheol Sect would make such a blunder!”
Killing or capturing the generals was certainly a major achievement, but in truth, there was an even greater victory to be had.
It was the very revelation of the Jeongheol Sect itself.
“Those who created false identities and the network operatives have been rooted out en masse. Numerous moles that had infiltrated the main sect have also been identified.”
The Jeongheol Sect was troublesome not because of their martial prowess.
Friends, family, lovers.
The most terrifying aspect was that any one of them could be a sect member.
However, this time, by deploying the Heaven’s Net and mobilizing vast military forces, their identities were exposed on a massive scale.
“Returning to the Moyong Family to report, the establishment of the Alliance is currently in danger of collapse. The Peng Family, the Jegal Family, and even the Hwangbo Family appear to be shifting their stance.”
“The Alliance is already finished. There’s nothing more to see.”
Of course, the Moyong Family would resist.
But that was wishful thinking. Gae-bang would move, and Dokgo Myeong wouldn’t stop either.
“But there’s one piece missing here. What happened to the Black Bloodfiend?”
“That is….”
“Hmm?”
“There are only eyewitness accounts that he suddenly vanished while rushing out to pursue Paelyong. Currently, the Posterior Hall is searching for him like combing through lice, but….”
Bang Jong-san’s eyebrows twitched.
He soon shook his head.
“No. Tell Wonguang to pull his men back. They’ll likely just be grasping at straws.”
“Why is that?”
“The Black Bloodfiend either died or sustained severe injuries and went into hiding. He won’t be able to appear on the martial world’s stage for some time.”
Bang Jong-san could roughly guess who the culprit was.
Baek Mu-heun.
He was the one who had shown interest in Dokgo Myeong at the last gathering. I heard he had stayed at the Huashan Sect for a while before descending the mountain with Seo Geom-seong, and it seemed his destination was the Deng Yong Platform.
“Forget about that side…. But this part here—is it true that the Dokgo Household helped?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Hmm, that’s not good. Even if it was dangerous, the Dokgo Household should have restrained the junior’s actions. It shouldn’t have appeared as if they were drawing a line with the family while simultaneously receiving assistance….”
Dokgo Myeong should have shouldered all the credit and blame alone. If it became known that he had received help from the Dokgo Household, it could be said that all of this was a self-orchestrated act by the Dokgo Household.
“What did Wonguang say about it?”
“The Dokgo Household’s position is that they came to escort Paelyong initially and merely got involved, so it should be fine.”
“It’s not entirely fine. We shouldn’t give them any pretext. Tell Wonguang to be mindful of this as well.”
“Yes, I shall do so.”
“So? What’s the atmosphere in the martial world right now?”
Gaebangdo continued speaking.
“Amid the aftermath of the Blood Calamity, rumors are spreading rapidly throughout the realm centered on Murim. There are many voices condemning the Moyong Family, and alongside rumors of an unidentified heretical organization appearing, Paelyong’s reputation is growing.”
“A natural flow of events. The fellow must have acquired several new epithets?”
“More than one or two. The Black Dragon Duke, the Hegemon, the Reincarnation of Xiang Ji….”
“Ha, the Reincarnation of Xiang Ji? They’re saying he’s the reincarnation of the Overlord of Western Chu, who was known as the hero of ten thousand?”
“Yes, not only did he single-handedly defeat the Sword Demon Nogo, but by leading the martial artists and saving countless lives, someone claimed that a hero known to ten thousand has appeared.”
“Hegemon and Overlord—already the characters of Duke and Sovereign are attached before his name.”
It was common knowledge that Dokgo Myeong’s martial power and influence had not yet reached the level to receive the title of Sovereign.
Yet if he was being called this way, it meant the martial world was bestowing great praise upon Dokgo Myeong.
“What an impressive junior you are. Trapped in a snare, yet you turn it into a stepping stone for your own glory. The Jeongheol Sect must be quite vexed. Ehehehe!”
Bang Jong-san slapped his knee and burst into loud laughter, indifferent to the strange looks from passersby.
“So what does this impressive junior plan to do next?”
“He entered the inner sanctum of the Dokgo Household directly, so we haven’t been able to reach him.”
“Hmm, we’ll need to lay low for a while first.”
Bang Jong-san nodded and abruptly rose to his feet.
“Good. Since my junior has worked himself to the bone, I must set an example as his senior. It’s time I got back to work myself.”
“Are you heading to Mount Jongnam?”
“Yes. Tell Wonguang to focus on cleanup operations. We can’t give the Moyong Family a moment to breathe. We must press our advantage while we have it.”
“Understood.”
“Then I shall….”
Bang Jong-san’s gaze turned toward the distant Mount Jongnam.
“I must go lay the foundation stones of the Martial Alliance.”
* * *
After the Infinite Blood Massacre, the realm was in turmoil.
A bloody incident had occurred at Deng Yong, a renowned sacred site of the martial world, and it was an event involving an unidentified heretical sect appearing when many martial artists still remembered the aftermath of the Secret Sect Rebellion.
Amidst all this, another name rose through the martial realm.
Dokgo Myeong.
A name too grand to be merely one of the Five Generals, yet too immense to be classified as a late-stage master.
Though I had gained unprecedented renown, I could not savor it.
And for good reason….
“Have you lost your mind?”
“Are you speaking informally again? Do you really want to die? Must you keep being so insolent?”
“Have you lost your mind, sir?”
“Just die, brother.”
“Damn it!”
I screamed as if spitting fire from my mouth.
“Hey! You mad bastard! You bind a man’s limbs and expect courteous words!?”
Clang!
I thrashed against the bed, bound spread-eagle by iron chains.
That was right.
My limbs were shackled with steel chains forged from cold iron.
I whipped my head around to glare at the figure beside me.
“Seo Ryun! You come here acting all loyal and devoted—what are you doing!? Should a noble Dragon Blood like me be seen in such a pathetic state?”
Seo Ryun’s expression turned weary.
He always claimed he had no interest in such things as Dragon Blood, yet he only brought it up at times like these.
“My apologies, but Young Master, Lady Dokgo Yeon is also Dragon Blood. And this is her decision.”
“Wow, Seo Ryun—is this how you’ve always been? A real bat of a person? I never saw it before.”
“Ah, yes.”
Seo Ryun shook his head with a tired expression.
At that moment, Dokgo Yeon spoke.
“Hey, little brother.”
“What?”
Thwack!
Dokgo Yeon flicked her finger against Dokgo Myeong’s forehead.
“You were the one trying to escape the moment you opened your eyes, you fool!”
True to her words, Dokgo Myeong had been caught attempting to slip out through the window at dawn, which led to his current predicament.
Moreover, after she’d painstakingly talked him out of it, he’d tried to flee again, ultimately resulting in him being bound in chains.
Meanwhile, the Cheonma Sect Elders watching Dokgo Myeong from inside the room whispered among themselves.
“The Dokgo Household I knew was never like this…”
“Where did those people go who once displayed such impressive bearing?”
“…Hmm.”
Geum Seok-du offered a comment to them.
“It seems you’re all under a misunderstanding.”
“Huh? Why?”
“Isn’t this the household that produced Young Master Dokgo Myeong? What were you expecting?”
“…”
Wow.
That made perfect sense all at once.
After all, you reap what you sow, don’t you?
At that moment, Dokgo Ak’s brow furrowed sharply.
“Why is this happening? Those two are the only strange ones! The main household is such a dignified and impressive place!”
Despite Dokgo Ak’s protests, the group completely erased their illusions about the Dokgo Household from their minds.
And even then, Dokgo Myeong continued shrieking and thrashing about.
“You’re a critical patient. Please, just stay still.”
“Critical patient my foot! The fact that you prepared handcuffs and chains from the start means you planned this all along, didn’t you? You despicable Dokgo Household bastards! To commit such atrocities! I will never forget this grudge!”
“You’re part of the Dokgo Household yourself, you lunatic!”
Dokgo Yeon exhaled sharply through her nose.
“If you’re an injured patient, then act like one and stay quiet! What is wrong with you?”
Dokgo Myeong grumbled.
“I’m saying it’s not time to return to the household yet. There’s still so much to do.”
“Do you think you’re in any condition to be wandering around outside?”
Dokgo Yeon let out a scoff.
“The Moyong Family and the Jeongheol Sect are sharpening their blades for your head as we speak. Do you really think you can face assassins in your current state? Just focus on recovering.”
“…”
Dokgo Myeong sighed deeply without speaking, then opened his mouth.
“Sister.”
“What is it?”
“When is the Baek Ok Tournament being held?”
Dokgo Yeon paused for a moment, then spoke with an indifferent expression.
“How would I know that? It’ll open around the time you arrive.”
“So the Outer Hall Master orchestrated this?”
“Well, something like that. Did you know?”
“Obvious, really.”
When I thought about it, the relationship between Dokgo Myeong and Dokgo Yeon was quite peculiar. As cousins and martial arts companions, we got along well enough, but from a political standpoint, we were rivals.
Dokgo Yeon spoke.
“Additional forces to escort you are already on their way here. The family atmosphere has shifted considerably because of this incident, so don’t try to run. Just come quietly.”
Dokgo Myeong let out a soft chuckle.
“Do I look like I’m doing this out of concern for the family atmosphere?”
“Then what?”
“Rather, the Outer Hall Master and the Elder Council Leader are probably finding my return quite troublesome right now.”
I’d wager that among those currently involved in Dokgo Household politics, only Baek Ok-gak—that fool Ak’s father—is smiling.
I’d be surprised if he wasn’t laughing like a third-rate villain at the thought of showing the Outer Hall Master and Elder Council Leader a taste of their own medicine.
“I should give our elders a proper lesson in what respecting hierarchy truly means.”
Dokgo Myeong let out a low chuckle.
“What are you talking about?”
“Isn’t making things comfortable for our superiors what respecting hierarchy is all about? Very simply….”
Dokgo Yeon nodded her head.
‘Hmm, he’s still as twisted as ever.’
I’d thought he’d become a boring person after hearing tales of his exploits in the streets, but he was still thoroughly mad.
Dokgo Yeon, inwardly satisfied, suddenly curled up the corners of her mouth and spoke.
“But bound up like that, you look pathetic.”
“…Tch.”
Dokgo Myeong clicked his tongue and slumped.
“And things probably won’t go the way you think.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your position as Martial Arts Commander was provisionally stripped not long ago. You’ve caused trouble constantly, and while your reputation has grown, the household gained nothing….”
Dokgo Yeon trailed off while explaining, then furrowed her brow sharply.
“Ah, this is too complicated. I can’t quite put it into words. These headache-inducing matters really aren’t my style.”
“…Ah, so that’s how you’re going to play it?”
However, Dokgo Myeong had already grasped the gist of what Dokgo Yeon was saying.
Troublesome people, as always.
And foolish ones at that.
‘After what I did to them, they still haven’t come to their senses?’
Dokgo Myeong let out a snort of derision.
By now, the household’s master of bribery—our Geum San-gak Tae-im—is probably scrambling about with Uncle Dokgo Jo-hak.
“Enough of that. If you understand, then stay quiet now. Understood?”
“Sigh, what choice do I have? Let’s do this.”
“Good that you understand.”
“Then loosen these bonds for me.”
“Want to try?”
“Not falling for it. Sigh.”
Only the sound of a long sigh echoed through the room.
It was several days later.
After Dokgo Myeong was freed from the chains, he devoted most of his days to cultivation to recover from his internal injuries.
During this time, someone came to find them.
“It’s been a while, little brother.”
“…So you’re the one who came to drag me back to the family, brother?”
It was Dokgo Gun, the eldest grandson of Dokgo Cheon and the son of Outer Hall Master Dokgo Un-hak.

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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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