Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 247

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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 247
Son Baek-chan was promptly guided to a spacious training ground.
The murmur of countless voices filled the air.
The training ground was already packed with people.
‘It seems they’re all like me—those who failed the previous rounds. But… what about them?’
Son Baek-chan’s brow furrowed as he surveyed the training ground.
Scattered beneath the eaves were several people sprawled out.
Though they occasionally groaned in pain, suggesting they were still alive, their condition looked far from good.
‘Are they the ones injured in the earlier matches?’
Even so, could they really leave people lying around like dried fish?
“Tsk, tsk! The first trial was like that, and now this. There’s a rumor that the Cheonma Sect Master is skilled in martial prowess but lacks manners…”
Just then, a peculiar voice came from behind.
“What’s this? Are you some kind of skilled fighter?”
“Huh?”
Turning around, I found a young man standing there.
“Hmm, doesn’t seem like it?”
He scratched his chin and tilted his head in confusion, his demeanor appearing quite frivolous.
Son Baek-chan’s brow narrowed.
“…What did you just say?”
“Ah, don’t mind it. More importantly, could I get past you?”
“Ha, of course.”
These young people these days…
Son Baek-chan shook his head, but the young man didn’t pass by him—instead, he stood beside me and struck up a conversation.
“You seem quite experienced. Are you planning to participate in the martial competition?”
“Of course. I’m definitely going to join the Cheonma Sect.”
“Wow, you’re quite ambitious. Why are you so determined to join?”
“Ha, why would acquaintances do this?”
“Huh?”
Son Baek-chan cleared his throat and lowered his voice as if sharing a secret.
“The conditions of the Cheonma Sect are so favorable. Not only do you become part of the greatest martial faction under heaven, but they also provide martial techniques and elixirs, plus an enormous monthly stipend…”
Son Baek-chan’s lips curled upward.
“How could I give that up? With such conditions, I’d stake my very life on it. Ha ha!”
Son Baek-chan had meant it as a joke, but the young man’s reaction was peculiar.
“Wow, even your life?”
“…?”
“Kuh, I’ll remember that resolve of yours. Now, do your best.”
“Huh? What did you say?”
The young man walked toward the center of the training ground and stood in the middle, then suddenly clapped his hands.
“Everyone, please pay attention.”
The crowd turned with bewildered gazes. The young man then opened his mouth.
“Pleased to meet you. I am Dokgo Myeong.”
A brief introduction without flowery words.
The quiet atmosphere that had settled for a moment erupted into chaos in an instant.
“Wait, is that really true?”
“Gasp! The Black Dragon Robe! It really is him!”
“Myeong Sohyeop! I was at the recruitment board that day!”
Dokgo Myeong glanced around and tilted his head in surprise.
“How unexpected. I was told that most of you gathered here had complaints or much to say about the examinations I prepared… yet you’re cheering far more warmly than I anticipated?”
The crowd fell silent in an instant.
Dokgo Myeong grinned widely.
“Ah, don’t worry. I actually quite like people with such rebellious spirits. Besides, aren’t there those among you who fell short by an unfortunate margin?”
“…?”
“That’s why I intend to offer you all here a special privilege.”
“A special privilege?”
“What kind of privilege are you talking about?”
At the people’s questions, Dokgo Myeong spoke with a confident and resolute tone that inspired trust.
“Those who pass the additional examination here will be considered as having passed not only the first round but this round as well.”
The crowd stirred with excitement.
So only the interview remains?
Since the interview would merely ask about personal details, wasn’t this essentially the same as passing?
“Then I’ll explain the rules from now on. For convenience, I’ll speak casually from here on.”
Everyone focused on Dokgo Myeong’s words.
“The condition is simple. The time limit is half a shichen!”
Dokgo Myeong grinned widely.
“During that time, you just need to show anything in a martial match.”
“…?”
“Against me, that is.”
What? Against whom?
…You?
“In short, you just need to display whatever skills you possess. Landing even one blow on me, surprising me, remaining conscious despite being hit, or even successfully escaping—any of these will suffice.”
The murmuring grew louder and louder.
Dokgo Myeong’s smile vanished, and he spoke while meeting each person’s eyes one by one.
“Those without confidence should withdraw now. I won’t tolerate anyone giving up mid-examination or causing disruptions. You must remember this is your last chance.”
Chance.
At that word, a light of conflict flickered in everyone’s eyes.
For some, it was a chance to become a martial artist of the Heavenly First House and a member of the Cheonma Sect; for others, it was a chance to test their skills against a martial artist who had built a reputation as undefeated and a worthy opponent to ten thousand, or even an opportunity to escape a martial match through flight.
Perhaps due to the pressure of those around them.
Or perhaps due to pride.
“None.”
No one withdrew.
Dokgo Myeong raised his voice toward the entrance.
“Close the doors!”
Screeeech! Boom!
The doors shut from outside moments later.
As tension mounted steadily, Dokgo Myeong’s lips parted once more.
“Well then, shall we begin?”
With those plain words, I released my hands from behind my back.
Whoooosh!
As if a dam had burst, a terrifying aura erupted from my entire body.
“Gasp!”
“Ugh!”
The applicants startled and scrambled backward in a flurry.
A clearing roughly three paces wide formed around me.
I spoke.
“What are you doing? Come forward.”
“…!”
“Did you really come here without even this much resolve?”
The sound of nervous swallowing echoed from various corners.
They had made their decision.
They had sworn to seize this opportunity.
‘But….’
Who would charge forward first?
Who would be the first to thrust their hand into the tiger’s jaws?
In that deafening silence, they only exchanged wary glances.
“Kaaaaack! Ptooey!”
From somewhere came the sound of someone hawking up phlegm.
“What’s the worst that could happen—death? Get out of the way, you cowards! Hyaaah!”
Ching!
A clear, ringing blade sang out.
A woman charged at me without even looking back.
“Huh?”
My eyes widened as I recognized her face.
Then I let out a hollow chuckle, muttering in a voice barely audible to others.
“So it’s her. She certainly has guts, I’ll give her that.”
I smirked and slowly swung my arm.
Crash!
A sound like shattering pottery erupted.
“Huh?”
The woman’s mouth fell open in shock.
The tip of her blade had vanished from sight.
Something flashed past, and half the blade vanished.
Thud!
The sword blade, broken a moment too late, embedded itself in the ground.
The woman alternated her gaze between the bisected sword and Dokgo Myeong’s face inches from her own.
“My goodness, what madness!”
Dokgo Myeong chuckled.
“You’re definitely passing! Bang Dan-a, you’re through!”
“Huh? How do you know my name…?”
She didn’t finish her sentence.
Because a sudden bolt of lightning struck before Bang Dan-a’s eyes.
Crack!
Her forehead snapped back, and with that same momentum, she soared upward and flew out of the training grounds.
Thump!
“Ugh.”
Bang Dan-a collapsed with a single cry.
The applicants blinked their eyes.
‘Wait, he said she passed?’
‘She passed, so why is he knocking her out?’
‘Did he just do that with a flick?’
Dokgo Myeong brushed off his right hand and let out another hollow laugh.
“They used to say she was well-behaved back then, but it seems that was a lie. So what did this one do to end up here?”
Bang Dan-a—a woman whose name belied her nature, with not a shred of grace to be found.
Born an orphan, she had become a disciple of some rural sect, but after repeatedly clashing with her senior brother, she had stabbed him with her sword and taken the path of a ronin.
In her previous life, she had even moved back and forth between Mu-baek and Sohwa’s units.
‘Her skills aren’t fully ripened yet, but she’s definitely not the type to fail the first test… Well, it’s obvious.’
She must have challenged the test, saying she didn’t like it, and gotten kicked out.
Dokgo Myeong continued chuckling before suddenly wiping the smile from his face and surveying his surroundings again.
The moment his gaze shifted, the applicants flinched.
Dokgo Myeong spoke.
“What are you doing? Come in.”
Come in? Would you go in after seeing that?
Dokgo Myeong sighed.
“I have no choice. If you won’t come, I’ll go to you.”
Why are you the one coming?
And isn’t that the wrong thing to say in this situation?
Before anyone could stop him, a brilliant light flashed in Dokgo Myeong’s eyes.
Boom!
“Ahhhhh!”
“Gasp! What is this person—!”
A deafening explosion erupted from the training grounds.
People flew about in disarray, and screams and groans echoed ceaselessly.
“Stop! I give up! I surrender!”
“Let me out! I’m not doing this!”
“You said no quitting midway! You let us in freely, but not out?!”
“Gasp! Don’t come! Don’t—!”
Crash! Boom!
Explosions erupted in succession.
Meanwhile, the young White Tiger Guards stationed at the training hall entrance broke into cold sweat.
“W-what on earth is happening inside…?”
“Don’t concern yourself with it. Just close your ears and shut your eyes.”
The Squad Leader beside him shook his head vigorously.
That was when it happened.
Thud!
The door shuddered violently once.
The moment the two White Tiger Guards glanced toward the door.
Bang bang bang bang!
“O-open the door! Open it! Ahhhhh!”
“N-no! Let me out! Please!”
Desperate pounding and anguished cries came from within.
“Wait just a moment!”
The pale White Tiger Guard hurriedly reached for the bolt, but his Squad Leader stopped him.
“Don’t.”
“B-but!”
“If you open that, we’re finished too.”
“…!”
“There’s no choice. The opponent is the Young Master. They’ve dug their own grave.”
The young White Tiger Guard’s hand slipped away from the bolt.
Boom!
Soon another explosion sounded, and the trembling gate fell silent.
The White Tiger Guards holding the door shut muttered with their eyes squeezed shut.
‘Please forgive us.’
‘May they find peace in the afterlife.’
* * *
“What do you make of it?”
At Dokgo Gun’s question, Dokgo Hye turned her head.
“What are you referring to?”
“The test, of course.”
“It was more ordinary than I expected.”
Dokgo Hye spoke matter-of-factly.
“Since you and your brother called him an unpredictable child, I was curious what kind of outrageous behavior he might display.”
Dokgo Hye, Dokgo Gun, and Shin Heum sat side by side, observing the examination.
Dokgo Yeon had left after enduring it for about an hour, claiming boredom.
“It seems that’s how it appeared to your eyes, Aunt.”
“Wasn’t that how it appeared to yours?”
“Since this is my first time witnessing such an examination, it still strikes me as rather peculiar.”
At Dokgo Gun’s response, Dokgo Hye nodded as if understanding.
Who was Dokgo Gun?
The eldest grandson of Dokgo Cheon, a dragon among dragons and a sword dragon—the man once called the greatest prodigy of his generation before Dokgo Myeong.
There would have been no need for him to make such a fuss merely to recruit people.
Dokgo Hye spoke calmly.
“While the difficulty varies, similar examinations are conducted by martial sects, noble clans, and even kingdoms when administering their martial arts civil service exams.”
“Can people truly be judged by such tests?”
“One can assess the level of internal and external cultivation. However, precisely because it’s so straightforward, it remains uncertain, which is why we employ additional tests as well.”
Typically, they would have candidates lift stones weighing several hundred pounds, or ask them to imprint hand seals without breaking wood, and so forth.
“I see.”
“Of course….”
Dokgo Hye gazed toward the platform with a smile.
“Myeong-i’s inner circle appears to have chosen this examination to focus primarily on spiritual qualities rather than such things.”
Dokgo Hye smiled gently.
“There’s a certain elegance to it, wouldn’t you say? The attitude and mindset with which one approaches the challenge. To concern oneself with such things in this age of the martial world—there’s a freshness to it that’s pleasant to observe.”
Dokgo Gun murmured in an even tone.
“One could certainly call such things fresh.”
“Wasn’t that how it appeared to your eyes?”
“It appears to me as a standard I cannot easily comprehend. However….”
“However?”
“It does seem certain that Myeong-i’s inner circle possesses discerning judgment in reading people.”
The tent and stone platform were cleared away, and people began entering the Cheonma Sect courtyard.
These were those who had passed the first examination.
Perhaps because the riffraff had been filtered out in the first round, there existed among the crowd those who displayed the bearing of a crane standing among chickens.
At that moment, someone beside them interjected into the conversation.
“In my view, while the managers’ discernment is noteworthy, the exceptional quality of those who gathered here also seems to have played a part.”
It was Shin Heum, who had been quietly maintaining his position.
“There appear to have been desirable talents among them, Sect Leader Shin.”
“Hehe, that was indeed the case, but many of them seem to exceed my station, I must say.”
“Exceed your station?”
“They say that a master must be accompanied not only by opportunity but also by circumstance. Doesn’t it truly appear that way?”
Shin Heum smiled knowingly.

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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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