Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 189

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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 189
The martial world trembled at the character for “sect.”
Most of the ruling class leading the martial world of this era had either experienced the chaos of the Demonic Cult Incident or grown up in its aftermath.
Thus, the sudden emergence of a heretical organization sent shockwaves throughout the entire martial world.
A man cannot travel a thousand li in a single night, but words can traverse that distance.
Within days, the entire martial world buzzed with talk of what had transpired at Dengyongji.
Whenever the Mogyeong Household’s atrocities were mentioned, all erupted in outrage, and when discussing the tragedy at Dengyongji, both righteous and demonic sects fell into somber silence.
Yet amidst it all, one name drew particular attention.
It was Dokgo Myeong and the Cheonma Sect.
“Hah.”
A short breath escaped, betraying slight tension.
Seo Ryun now stood before the annex where the Cheonma Sect members were staying.
Due to the endless aftermath and cleanup, he hadn’t managed a proper conversation with any of the Cheonma Sect members until now.
‘I’ve seen their faces in passing, but what kind of people are they really?’
A complex mixture of anticipation, nervousness, and a hint of envy stirred within him.
Woven into that envy was a faint thread of jealousy.
‘From now on, those directly serving the Young Master will be them.’
Unlike him, who had ended up serving Dokgo Myeong almost by accident, the Cheonma Sect members were those Dokgo Myeong had personally chosen and selected.
He understood it was absurd that he, the leader of the White Tiger Brigade, would now become Dokgo Myeong’s direct subordinate, yet human emotions were truly peculiar.
‘No, such thoughts are pointless. The Young Master is not one to discriminate. I need only serve with loyalty.’
Seo Ryun genuinely believed this.
In truth, his affection and anticipation for the Cheonma Sect, with whom he would now serve Dokgo Myeong together, far outweighed any jealousy.
“Oh? Aren’t you Brigade Leader Seo?”
Just then, Geum Seok-du emerged from the annex, his eyes widening as he greeted him.
“Well, if it isn’t the wandering guest Geum. I trust you’ve been recovering well?”
Seo Ryun offered a playful bow with cupped fists. Geum Seok-du laughed awkwardly.
“I never expected even Brigade Leader Seo to have heard my epithet.”
“News travels. A guest like the wind—it’s quite a fitting title you’ve earned.”
“But why do you omit the first two characters when you say it?”
“….”
“If you stay silent like that, I might actually feel hurt.”
“My apologies.”
“Your apology only makes it worse.”
“….”
“Ha, I’m only joking. I was actually considering growing it out. Then the original wouldn’t disappear either, would it?”
Geum Seok-du ran his hand across his scalp, which had grown rough as if whiskers were sprouting.
“….”
Seo Ryun chose not to mention that epithets don’t fade so easily.
If he grew his hair out, they would likely use it as an excuse to tease him even more.
“Ah, but you’ve come to pay your respects, haven’t you? Do come in. Everyone will be delighted to see you.”
Thus, with Geum Seok-du’s guidance, Seo Ryun finally came face to face with the Cheonma Sect Elders.
“Everyone, Seo Hall Master has arrived. You’ve all seen him before, haven’t you?”
“Allow me to introduce myself formally. I am Seo Ryun. In the martial world, I am known as the Fierce Tiger Swordsman, and I lead the White Tiger Brigade under the Dokgo Household.”
Seo Ryun examined the Cheonma Sect members with eyes brimming with anticipation.
He had expected to exchange refined greetings with them—people who exuded an uncommon presence and carried the weighty atmosphere befitting martial artists.
But that expectation…
“What’s this? A spy? There’s no way the Commander would have someone so refined under him?”
“Sister Sohwa, who knows. He might actually be rotten to the core inside.”
“Still, he looked pretty strong. Should we test our skills against him lightly…?”
“Ah! Everyone! Why are you like this! Seo Hall Master is not that kind of person! What are you doing!”
“I don’t believe it. There’s no way someone from the Central Plains serving the Commander could be normal.”
“That’s true enough.”
“He could be a puppet of the Jeongheol Sect. With just one strike from me, Baek Si…”
What was this—this rudeness that came as naturally as breathing?
Seo Ryun found himself squeezing his eyes shut without realizing it.
‘Ah, I was mistaken.’
Right, I should have had the proper expectations.
These were the subordinates of Dokgo Myeong, after all—no one else.
Only after Geum Seok-du made a great fuss did Namgung Sohwa finally come forward with a polite apology.
“I… apologize for the rudeness. It has been so long since I received such a formal greeting…”
“Think nothing of it. Please don’t concern yourself. It was my mistake for not anticipating this…”
“I am Namgung Sohwa of the Namgung clan. I greet you, Senior Fierce Tiger Swordsman. I have often heard tales of you. I look forward to your guidance and instruction going forward.”
Despite her initially cold and formidable impression, Namgung Sohwa conducted herself with remarkable propriety and courtesy.
“I too have often heard of the Azure Heaven Sword Phoenix. You live up to the reputation, and then some.”
“Azure Heaven Sword Phoenix? What is that?”
“Ah, of course. Since you’ve been within the clan, you wouldn’t have heard the stories circulating outside yet.”
“Pardon?”
“The gossips have been talking about the Cheonma Sect constantly these days. An epithet was bound to emerge.”
Namgung Sohwa murmured suddenly, her voice catching with emotion.
“So that really is my epithet. Azure Heaven Sword Phoenix…”
The corners of her eyes and her throat trembled slightly. She appeared to be swallowing something that threatened to overflow.
“That’s wonderful. Thank you for telling me.”
She bowed her head lightly.
Everyone knew how much meaning the word “Azure Heaven” held for her.
Then, Ye-hwa’s eyes sparkled as she asked.
“Do I have an epithet too?”
Namgung Sohwa patted Ye-hwa’s back gently.
“Introduce yourself first, Ye-hwa.”
“Ah. Yes, Sister.”
“You too, Mu-baek. Come on.”
Cheolmu-baek and Ye-hwa took their turns bowing respectfully.
“I am Cheolmu-baek, come from beyond the Northern Barrier. There is little of note to introduce about myself.”
“My name is Ye-hwa of the Gwak family. I have devoted myself to the study of archery.”
Though she was a Sak-mok foreigner and merely a young girl, Seo Ryun maintained his courteous demeanor and returned her greeting with proper etiquette.
“Pleased to meet you. How shall I address you both?”
“Please feel free to call us as you wish.”
“Then, since the young master introduced you as elders, I shall do the same.”
Cheolmu-baek suddenly shook his head.
“If we served the commander first, we are certainly not your subordinates. Please, speak freely. That is the way of the steppes, and it is also the way of the Central Plains.”
Geum Seok-du clapped his hands together from the side.
“That sounds like a good idea. You all agree, yes?”
“Yes, it is good.”
“Yes, I like it.”
Seo Ryun offered an awkward smile before nodding.
“Very well. Let us do it that way.”
Seo Ryun spoke, looking toward Ye-hwa.
“By the way, have I mentioned your epithet? Elder Gwak has been given the name ‘Crimson Bow Immortal Maiden.'”
“Crimson Bow Immortal Maiden…”
Ye-hwa nodded with a satisfied expression.
Namgung Sohwa gently patted Ye-hwa’s head and asked.
“Do you like it?”
“I am uncertain. But I thought my father would be very pleased to learn that I have earned an epithet, so I asked.”
“Yes, he will be delighted when we inform him through the communication network.”
Seo Ryun now turned his gaze toward Cheolmu-baek.
“Elder Cheolmu has been given the epithet ‘Azure-Eyed Wolf.’ There are also rougher names like ‘Great Strength Demon’ or ‘Great Strength Warrior,’ but the tone is rather…”
“Blue-eyed wolf.”
Cheolmu-baek showed little interest, merely nodding without further comment.
Then Geum Seok-du spoke to Cheolmu-baek with playful laughter.
“It seems you are pleased. You have an excited expression.”
“I am not excited.”
“Are you certain?”
“I am not excited.”
Seo Ryun observed them with a peculiar gaze.
Geum Seok-du, Namgung Sohwa, Cheolmu-baek, and Ye-hwa—all four of them.
I had heard they had only recently come together, yet they all seemed to share a similar essence.
‘They are good people indeed.’
They placed greater weight on what fame meant to each of them individually rather than on the fame itself.
Moreover, one would expect such renown to inflate their pride, yet they seemed entirely uninterested in such things from the start.
‘Now I understand why the young master chose them.’
The light in Seo Ryun’s eyes as he regarded the Cheonma Sect grew noticeably softer.
After that, casual conversation continued in a warm atmosphere.
Since Seo Ryun was so refined and the Cheonma Sect Elders had no rough edges, a pleasant mood permeated throughout.
“By the way, Sect Leader Seo, may I ask one thing?”
“Ask away, Elder Geum.”
“Is the young master… doing well?”
Seo Ryun’s expression darkened slightly.
“I’m not entirely sure.”
“The ones who came to the estate today—they’re warriors from the Jipbeop-bu, correct?”
“That’s right. The Sect Leader of Yeonsin, the eldest son Dokgo Gun, came with them.”
“Hmm.”
This morning, Dokgo Gun and the Jipbeop-bu warriors had arrived at the estate.
Currently, Dokgo Myeong and Dokgo Ak were dealing with them, and Dokgo Yeon, Dokgo Gun’s younger sister, was with them as well.
“…”
“…”
The atmosphere in the hall grew somewhat subdued.
Seeing the serious expressions on the Cheonma Sect members’ faces, Seo Ryun let out a hearty laugh.
“Don’t worry so much. Even if it’s the Jipbeop-bu, they won’t act rashly toward Jeongheol and will maintain proper courtesy. Besides, the Sect Leader of Yeonsin is a cautious man, so it should be fine.”
“Pardon?”
The Cheonma Sect Elders all blinked their eyes, staring at Seo Ryun.
Seo Ryun realized he’d said something foolish.
“What, what is it? Did I misspeak?”
“Ah, it seems you’ve misunderstood.”
Geum Seok-du shook his head.
“We weren’t worried about you, Commander. Isn’t that right?”
“Yes, well. Of course?”
“Your recovery isn’t complete yet, so it’s too soon to fight.”
“My inner strength hasn’t fully recovered either, so I was only worried a conflict might break out.”
This time, Seo Ryun blinked blankly.
Then he remembered the fact he’d forgotten.
That’s right.
His opponent was Dokgo Myeong.
‘Still…’
Seo Ryun’s eyes narrowed.
What was certain was that the atmosphere Dokgo Myeong faced right now would not be nearly as warm as this place.
* * *
Around a circular table sat the four cousins—Gun, Yeon, Myeong, and Ak.
Though they were of the same generation and should have been close, the atmosphere was not particularly pleasant.
“How’s your body?”
The eldest grandson of Dokgo Cheon, the man called the best prospect under heaven—the Sword Dragon, Dokgo Gun.
He still held a faint smile at the corners of his mouth.
“Ah, I’m feeling terribly unwell. I think I might collapse at any moment.”
True to his words, a faint scent of blood and medicinal herbs emanated from me. It was almost amusing how I could jest so lightly despite my condition.
Dokgo Gun suddenly retrieved something from his robes—a small wooden box.
“Take it.”
“What is this?”
“Hwan Ryeong Dan. Have you heard of it?”
“You mean the main house’s Hwan Ryeong Dan?”
“Yes, so you know of it.”
“But why…?”
“The Outer Hall Master said you’ve accomplished something great and asked me to deliver this to you.”
“…”
I opened the wooden box with a suspicious expression.
Inside were roughly ten medicinal pills, each the size of a pinky nail.
Hwan Ryeong Dan was the main house’s precious tonic, exceptionally effective against internal and external injuries. The clear, refined fragrance it emitted confirmed its authenticity.
Dokgo Gun spoke with a smile still gracing his face.
“It is Uncle’s gift. Accept it without hesitation.”
I stared intently into the box before closing the lid.
“Then I gratefully accept. I should offer my thanks to Uncle later.”
Just then, Dokgo Yeon exhaled sharply through her nose.
“What? Why do you speak casually to me but use formal speech with your brother?”
“Well, once I’m fully recovered, won’t you spar with me?”
“You cunning bastard!”
As the atmosphere was about to become lively.
Dokgo Ak, who had remained silent with a tense expression throughout, finally spoke.
“Why did you come here as well, Elder Brother Gun?”
“Ak. Is this a place I shouldn’t visit?”
“That’s not it, but surely Sister Yeon and Seo Dae-ju alone would have been sufficient?”
Dokgo Gun spoke gently.
“Such was the household’s command.”
“What command do you speak of?”
“It seems this is not something you need concern yourself with, Ak. Household matters are simply that way, are they not?”
Dokgo Ak flinched momentarily.
Though his words were spoken with a soft smile, they struck like the prick of an awl.
Dokgo Gun immediately shifted his gaze back to me.
“It is the main house’s order. Since the household’s circumstances have changed, recover adequately and return accordingly.”
I let out a small laugh.
“You want me to depart immediately? What if my internal injuries worsen on the road? I can’t go. No, I won’t go! You’ll have to drag me!”
“Are you stalling for time?”
At Dokgo Gun’s words, I hesitated.
Then I smiled wickedly.
“I’m asking just in case, but….”
“….”
“Was this game the Outer Hall Master created actually orchestrated by you, brother?”
Dokgo Gun tilted his head.
“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
“Of course you wouldn’t.”
“I’m telling you again—I have no intention of becoming your enemy.”
Dokgo Myeong stared directly into Dokgo Gun’s eyes.
“Very well then. So tell me about the household’s situation.”
Dokgo Gun answered as if it were nothing of consequence.
“Listen without misunderstanding. You stand accused of violating household law. This is the Jipbeop-bu Leader’s judgment.”
The Jipbeop-bu Leader, who never interfered in politics, had moved.

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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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