Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 238

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 238
“In any case, I apologize for my rudeness in meeting someone of such renowned fame so suddenly. You are clearly not someone I should have spoken to so carelessly. I am Jo Ryang-ui of the Kangso Jo Clan. My courtesy name is Wonmyeong.”
The commotion subsided as Jo Ryang-ui bowed respectfully and offered a proper greeting.
“I currently serve as the Overseer of this Pavilion, though I’m little more than a menial laborer, so please feel free to address me as you wish. It is an honor to make your acquaintance.”
What a world this was.
Dokgo Myeong marveled inwardly.
‘My, he’s studied the classics—his manners and bearing are truly refined.’
Having spent time only with uncouth ruffians of Gangho, this was a refreshing change.
Dokgo Myeong smiled with satisfaction before belatedly responding.
“Ah, allow me to introduce myself as well. I am Myeong-i of the Dokgo Family in Honam. As for my courtesy names… I won’t boast, but I have so many that I haven’t settled on just one. Please call me whatever feels natural.”
“Then I shall address you as Sohyeop. Now then, what brings you to this place, Dokgo Myeong Sohyeop?”
Dokgo Myeong abruptly broached the main subject.
“Without further ado, would you consider following me?”
“Pardon?”
“I’ve assembled a force and need someone to handle various administrative duties. You strike me as a suitable talent for the position.”
Dokgo Myeong flashed a confident smile.
How could one refuse such an offer?
The answer was naturally…
“What are the conditions?”
“Hmm?”
“The conditions, sir. You must state the conditions so that I may make an informed decision, no?”
“Well…”
“I suspect Sohyeop sought me out knowing of my past?”
Dokgo Myeong flinched slightly.
“Ah, it’s not that I conducted an investigation, rather…”
Jo Ryang-ui spoke calmly.
“It’s quite alright. Surely the esteemed Dokgo would not have come to see a man of no consequence?”
“…”
“What I wish to convey is that despite my current circumstances in this place, I am a man of considerable intellect. Therefore, I ask that you offer generous terms.”
He was confident—not drunk on baseless arrogance, but genuinely self-assured.
It was a far cry from the pitiful figure who had endured unjust treatment mere moments before.
Dokgo Myeong exhaled deeply.
“Ha, there’s no helping it. I didn’t expect this.”
“…?”
“I was planning to persuade you with words first, then demonstrate…”
“Pardon?”
With a chilling tone, Dokgo Myeong’s hand moved toward something.
Jo Ryang-ui startled and hastily retreated.
“Sir, even if my words offended you, surely you wouldn’t just draw your blade…? What are you doing?”
“What are you doing, for that matter?”
“Ah, I thought you were threatening me….”
“Heh, why would I threaten someone I’m trying to employ? Come here first. I said come here, didn’t I?”
Jo Ryang-ui hesitantly stepped forward again.
What Dokgo Myeong produced was neither a blade nor a dagger—just a single sheet of paper.
“Read it.”
“What is this?”
“My sincerity, you might say?”
Jo Ryang-ui blinked as he unfolded the paper before him.
Dokgo Myeong grinned widely.
* * *
When recruiting people, some spout nonsense.
They talk about gaining pride and fulfillment, accumulating experience and knowledge.
A family-like atmosphere, responsibility like serving a master, and all that drivel.
Yes, fine words indeed. If someone wants to live so magnificently and nobly on their own terms, who am I to stop them?
But you can’t force that on others.
In truth, securing someone’s time, loyalty, and effort doesn’t require anything grandiose.
The Managers of the Cheonma Sect were peculiar sorts who needed special handling, but generally, you can win hearts simply by honoring a few basic things.
In short….
“Your salary will be fifteen silver taels.”
It was something as simple as money.
“Here, fifteen silver taels is what we earn in a year….”
“A year? I’m talking about your monthly wage.”
“…!”
“Is that insufficient? Then twenty taels?”
“Gasp!”
“Thirty taels!”
“Wheeze!”
“Ah, forget it! Fifty taels! Plus an additional ten taels raise every year, and if you do well, I’ll double it without asking!”
“…!”
“And let me promise you this—there won’t be any petty nonsense like delayed wages.”
Jo Ryang-ui’s eyes began to waver.
Dokgo Myeong immediately continued.
“I won’t meddle much in how you handle affairs. Overseer Jo, your only superior will be me, and everyone else will be more like collaborators.”
“…!”
“You can do what you want on your own, and if you want to stop, you can. Ah, and you won’t have to worry about budget constraints either. I happen to have quite a bit of money.”
Jo Ryang-ui’s lips visibly dried out.
Dokgo Myeong drove the final nail. Perhaps this was the most important part.
“However, if you’re to remain under me, you must continue demonstrating your abilities. And you must have dreams. If you don’t strive to achieve them, you’ll be dismissed. Of course, even then, I’ll help you find work to make a living.”
To summarize, it amounted to this.
High pay, only one superior and many subordinates, do only what’s necessary, pursue your desires freely, merit-based evaluation, and future security guaranteed.
Glug, glug!
Jo Ryang-ui swallowed hard repeatedly.
After a moment of silence, he opened his mouth.
“Why would you go to such lengths?”
“What do you mean?”
“Isn’t the Dokgo Family a place where countless talented individuals from across the realm gather? Moreover, I’ve heard that Myeong Sohyeop attracts the attention of all Zhongyuan.”
“Perhaps you accumulated much virtue in your past life, Overseer Jo.”
For me, it was a sincere answer, but Jo Ryang-ui seemed caught off guard by my response and let out a hollow laugh.
“I’ve never heard such a thing in my entire life. Rather, I’ve been told that I must have committed terrible sins in my past life to be born with this face.”
“….”
“Damn it! Yes, my face is ugly, but why must you drag my ancestors into this? Isn’t that right?”
Jo Ryang-ui suddenly grew angry and stared at me.
‘What does he expect from me?’
It seemed like he was waiting for some kind of response.
Suddenly, I recalled what Namgung Sohwa had once told me: ‘In those moments, just show some empathy.’
“Ah, well, your face is indeed rather ugly, Overseer Jo.”
“What?!”
“Hmm? Why are you reacting like that?”
“You’re the one who should be persuading me—why would you say such a thing?”
I shrugged my shoulders.
“It’s not a lie, is it?”
“Is this man serious?”
“Hmm? Why? Didn’t you just say it was fine as long as it wasn’t a lie?”
“…!”
Hehehehe!
Jo Ryang-ui glared at me as if he wanted to kill me, but I simply laughed with an innocent expression.
Watching me, Jo Ryang-ui couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle himself.
‘What kind of person is this?’
There were three typical reactions people showed when dealing with him.
The rude ones mocked him openly, the cunning ones showed subtle disdain, and the virtuous ones either avoided the topic entirely or offered unnecessary advice.
But me?
I teased him openly yet warmly, showed no contempt, and spoke honestly.
I seemed to have no interest in appearances whatsoever. As if I desired Jo Ryang-ui himself as a person.
Then I spoke.
“You asked why I would go to such lengths?”
“…?”
“I told you earlier that what was written there came from my heart. That’s your answer.”
“What do you mean?”
“The monthly salary, the authority—those are merely expressions of my sincerity. I’m evaluating and treating you this highly. Consider it a demonstration of that regard.”
“….”
“Such things lose their meaning when spoken aloud. At least, that’s what I believe. If you find anything lacking, tell me anytime.”
Dokgo Myeong spoke with a smirk.
Jo Ryang-ui clamped his mouth shut.
His words had been confident enough, but had he ever received such treatment in his entire life?
People had always told him that inner character mattered more than appearance.
But appearance was important.
Very important indeed.
Those blessed with handsome features received the world’s kindness effortlessly. Conversely, those without had to cultivate their inner selves diligently if they hoped for any kindness at all.
Resenting this deeply, he’d recklessly charged ahead on impulse, and through rolling and tumbling, he’d ended up here at rock bottom.
Yet now he was being treated with respect.
“What could you possibly believe in to go this far?”
“Tsk, why suddenly act weak? I liked that you seemed proud.”
Jo Ryang-ui exhaled sharply.
Pride, he thought.
That too was something people had cursed him for all this time. An ugly bastard with a foul personality to match…
Jo Ryang-ui shook his head vigorously and opened his mouth.
“Indeed, it is a condition that stirs my heart.”
“Hmm?”
“Sohyeop’s Cheonma Sect is an organization brimming with potential. I’ve heard it’s still small in numbers, but each of the managers is strong enough to command a division of the main Musa Corps—that’s what I understand.”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes widened.
“You must be preparing for expansion from now on, yes? Having cultivated an elite force, the next step is to grow in size and strengthen the foundation. A sound strategy.”
“…!”
“Fortunately, unlike most martial artists, Sohyeop seems to understand the power of the written word. To expand, you need educated men, so you’re recruiting me as a strategist, I presume.”
“How did you deduce all of that?”
“Through rumors and inference.”
“But why suddenly say such things?”
Jo Ryang-ui tilted his head in confusion.
“Didn’t you say I looked pathetic without pride?”
“Hmm?”
“So I tried to look like I had some self-respect and knowledge. Going forward, I’ll do better…”
That was when it happened.
“Hey, you bastard! Where the hell did you go!”
A voice like a pig being slaughtered echoed from above the pavilion.
Thud, thud, thud!
Soon the Chubby Sect Leader came thundering down the stairs with heavy footsteps.
“Damn it! Look at this useless wretch! When did he whine about his monthly stipend, and now he’s been lounging around this whole time?”
The Sect Leader reeked of alcohol, as if he’d been drinking since morning.
“No, it was just for a moment…”
Jo Ryang-ui stammered, trying to explain the situation.
Smack!
The portly man waddled forward and suddenly smacked Jo Ryang-ui across the back of the head.
“Don’t you dare! What kind of nonsense is this!”
“….”
The Sect Leader, who had been hurling curses, finally turned his head slightly to look at Dokgo Myeong.
“Say, who might you be?”
Dokgo Myeong glanced at Jo Ryang-ui, then looked back at the Sect Leader.
“Who are you?”
“I am Gong Son-chu, the Sect Leader of the Baekgang Pavilion. If you’re a guest, come back in the evening. We don’t conduct business during the day.”
“Hmm, Sect Leader. But why did you hit that man just now?”
“What business is it of yours?”
“Just curious, that’s all.”
“This fool made a mistake, so he deserved the beating. I didn’t hit him for no reason….”
“Ah, I see?”
Right after those words.
Whoosh!
The Sect Leader suddenly saw darkness rushing toward his eyes.
‘In broad daylight? What is this? How is this happening?’
Oh, now he realized it wasn’t darkness.
That wide, flat thing was… the sole of a shoe.
‘But why is the sole coming at my face? Wh, wha? It’s getting closer…!’
And in that moment.
Crash!
Gong Son-chu, the third-generation Sect Leader of the Baekgang Pavilion.
He experienced the sensation of flying through the air for the first time in his life.
“Wow….”
Jo Ryang-ui blinked as he watched Gong Son-chu.
Blood was pouring from his nose like a waterfall.
Gong Son-chu’s body spun like a ball on its axis before slamming into the ground.
“Ugh!”
Gong Son-chu, with a perfect shoe print stamped across his face, twitched.
Dokgo Myeong wiped the sole of his shoe against the ground several times as if he’d stepped in something filthy.
“If you make a mistake, you deserve to be hit. That’s the truth. I acknowledge it.”
Dokgo Myeong glanced sideways at Jo Ryang-ui.
“So?”
“Yes?”
“I didn’t hear the rest. Say it properly this time.”
Jo Ryang-ui chuckled softly.
“From now on, I ask for your guidance. I shall serve you as my lord.”
“Good, I look forward to working with you. I’m your lord now, so speak freely.”
“Yes.”
“Shall I take revenge for you?”
Jo Ryang-ui’s eyes gleamed at Dokgo Myeong’s words.
“Please don’t, sir. He’s not worth the effort.”
Dokgo Myeong’s brow furrowed.
“What kind of bastard goes around saying revenge isn’t worth it? If you’ve been wronged, you repay it!”
“Pardon? I never said revenge wasn’t worth it, sir.”
“Huh?”
“I was saying that if it’s to be done, I should be the one to do it.”
Jo Ryang-ui smiled coldly.
“Would you wait just a moment?”
With those words, Jo Ryang-ui vanished in a flash, only to return moments later carrying a book and various miscellaneous items.
“Ugh, you bastard Jo Ryang-ui… go, hurry to the magistrate’s office… bring some people. Oh, I’m dying…”
Jo Ryang-ui approached Gong Son-chu, who still hadn’t regained his senses.
Dokgo Myeong tilted his head, watching him curiously.
‘What is he trying to do?’
Standing directly in front of Gong Son-chu, Jo Ryang-ui opened the book and cleared his throat before beginning to read aloud.
“The fourth month of the Year of Jiap, the third day. Delayed half a month’s wages and struck the cheek three times with the back of the hand.”
“Huh? What does that—”
Crack! Smack! Slash!
“Agh! Argh! Ugh! You, you madman! What are you doing!”
Screams erupted from Gong Son-chu’s mouth.
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes went wide as saucers.
‘Could it be…?’
Jo Ryang-ui calmly turned another page and began reading again.
“The first day of the following month. Kicked the shin five times…”
Bang! Thud! Crack!
“Agh!”
“Struck the crown of the head three times with a broom…”
Whack! Whack!
“Gasp!”
Smack!
Jo Ryang-ui swung the broom with an expressionless face and turned another page of the book.
“The next day, cold tea water… hmm, there’s no tea water? Wait a moment.”
Jo Ryang-ui fetched tea water and poured it over Gong Son-chu’s face.
“Blugh! Blugh!”
“Now, continuing…”
Dokgo Myeong stared blankly at the scene.
‘Could it be… a record of everything he’s suffered?’
He’d written it all down?
A chill ran down Dokgo Myeong’s spine.
‘Was he always like this?’
Thinking back, he was the one who smashed his superior’s head with a wine bottle at the Martial Alliance’s Military Bureau.
‘T-terrifying fellow….’
Dokgo Myeong shuddered involuntarily.
Crack! Crack!
Jo Ryang-ui methodically enumerated the wrongs he had suffered and exacted his vengeance.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————