Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 277

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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 277
The turmoil that erupted within the Hwangbo Family was quelled before long.
Hwangbo Un, the Overseer, could only hear the detailed account from Hwangbo Cheong once the night had fallen completely.
“Baek Won-ju was a traitor?”
“Indeed.”
“The plague that swept through the family was the work of that guard… So-so?”
“Yes. It’s been confirmed just now.”
Hwangbo Un closed his eyes tightly for a moment, then opened them.
“May I ask as your cousin rather than as Overseer?”
“Go ahead.”
“Brother. You haven’t lost your mind, have you?”
“Do I appear to have?”
His eyes were clear—far too clear. There was even a hint of unwavering resolve in them. That made it all the more terrifying.
“Must I truly accept this tragic reality? Baek Won-ju was a man who served the main house for nearly two decades. Do you know how many jars of wine I drank while worrying about his future and the family’s?”
“…”
“So-so was such a lovely and kind child. I had even planned to call in a matchmaker later to find her a good match… How can this be reality?”
Hwangbo Un poured out his words as if in agitation, then released a long sigh.
Only after a considerable time had passed did he nod his head.
“So that’s what you were doing. Cleaning up the internal affairs.”
“Yes, with the help of the Dokgo Family… or more precisely, Dokgo Myeong Sohyeop.”
“Why would you do that? To owe a debt to such a young pup? How does that make sense? Of all people…”
“Correcting our mistakes took priority, even if it meant that.”
“Couldn’t the main house have handled it?”
“We haven’t been able to until now. I must admit it. We were incompetent and complacent.”
“…”
Hwangbo Un fell silent.
Hwangbo Cheong let out a soft chuckle.
“I’m counting on you going forward. Your role as Overseer has become more important than ever during this period of internal discipline.”
“…Family Head.”
“I intend to maintain the gate closure temporarily. See that internal discipline is thorough.”
Hwangbo Un spoke with a trembling voice.
“Family Head. I had actually planned to bring you down.”
“I know.”
“If you knew, why would you do this?”
“Wasn’t it because I thought you’d do better? Then take this position whenever you wish.”
Hwangbo Un let out a hollow laugh.
“You’ve changed.”
“I had no choice. It’s actually a relief. Wi Mu-jin recovered, the internal affairs are settled, and it feels like a rotten tooth has been pulled.”
Though his words came out refreshingly, anger and sorrow were etched across Hwangbo Cheong’s face.
How could it be otherwise? His heart was laid bare.
Yet despite this, he was trying to change.
Hwangbo Un shook his head slowly.
“With only complicated matters ahead, why would you want to be a family head? Leave that to your brother.”
Hwangbo Cheong laughed weakly.
Hwangbo Un also offered a bitter smile before shifting the conversation.
“We’ve received a debt of gratitude. From that young man.”
“…Yes, we’ve received a debt of gratitude. Though he called it a transaction.”
“That was merely his way of easing our burden. Who would help another person to this extent for such a trivial price?”
Hwangbo Un exhaled deeply as he spoke.
“A debt of gratitude must be repaid.”
“That’s my intention.”
Hwangbo Cheong smiled faintly and turned his body.
“For that to happen, we must grow stronger as well. Let us compose ourselves and advance with renewed vigor. We must reclaim our former name.”
“Yes.”
“I’m counting on you, Overseer.”
The Tiger of Shandong.
It was time to reclaim that name.
* * *
“Huff, huff.”
Namgung Sohwa wiped the sweat from her brow and relaxed her stance.
Dokgo Myeong, who had been extending his hand, also relaxed his stance.
Both of them were unarmed, relying only on their bare hands.
“It seems to be complete now, doesn’t it?”
At Dokgo Myeong’s question, Namgung Sohwa nodded.
“It was already a complete martial art.”
“Still, we reinforced the incantations and added new techniques.”
“At least… from my perspective, it seems more than sufficient.”
“I agree. That’s fortunate.”
Dokgo Myeong brushed off his hands.
The two had not been sparring. If they had been, Namgung Sohwa would be wiping blood now, not sweat.
What they had done was create a martial art exclusive to the Chammadae.
‘No, it was already created.’
Namgung Sohwa gazed at Dokgo Myeong with renewed amazement.
When he had produced the secret manual for a martial art the Chammadae would learn, she had been quite flustered.
‘It was the same when I was learning. Where does he keep getting these martial arts from? It doesn’t seem like they came from the Dokgo Family’s secret archives.’
What was even more surprising were the moments when they put their heads together to study the secret manuals whenever time allowed during their schedule. She thought there was nothing left to surprise her, yet she had gasped in admiration countless times.
Namgung Sohwa spoke with a worried expression.
“Did I perhaps disturb a complete martial art? Shouldn’t the other managers have participated as well?”
“Other managers? Who?”
“Any of the four. They’re all outstanding in their respective fields.”
“Did Mubai recently achieve enlightenment like Balgyeong? Seokdu who’s only good at lightness martial arts? Or that bastard Ak? Yehwa? Would any of them be helpful with this?”
“Well….”
Namgung Sohwa, who had been trying to offer a kind response, eventually let out a small laugh and spoke.
“You’re right about that.”
“It helped because you’re the one who has mastered the Nameless Sword and the Spatial Sword.”
Among the managers, Namgung Sohwa was the only one who had deeply researched martial theory rather than martial techniques.
“In any case, it seems roughly complete. What do you think?”
“What more can I say? This is quite remarkable.”
Namgung Sohwa’s eyes gleamed.
“The entry is easy, but it’s become a martial art that requires extensive training to achieve mastery. It balances both depth and power.”
It resembled a common orthodox martial art, but there was a difference.
It was practical.
While typical orthodox martial arts emphasize practical application only after considerable training, this one prioritizes practicality first, then incorporates enlightenment and philosophy.
“Hearing you say that gives me confidence.”
Dokgo Myeong smiled and nodded.
I had truly put in the effort.
I had poured everything from the martial theory I created by gathering those miscellaneous techniques in my past life, combined with all I had gained in this new life.
‘The Family Head, the Saheon Sect Leader, Senior Bang, Wi Mu-jin, the Eight Divine Techniques, the Heavenly Outer Realm… everything I’ve seen, experienced, and learned is here.’
I had dissected, analyzed, and reassembled every martial art I had learned and experienced.
Of course, it was difficult to say it was perfect yet. Since the martial art itself had a short history, it could only rely on the aptitude of those who learned it.
But time would resolve that. As time passed, it would undoubtedly become an even superior martial art.
Namgung Sohwa asked.
“So what’s the name of this? It’s closer to body movement than a fist technique. If done well, it seems it could even be adapted into weapon techniques….”
“Zhengtian Wu.”
Zhengtian. The name meant to shake the heavens themselves.
It was a martial art that embodied the aspirations of the Chammadae, which had been a nameless unit.
Namgung Sohwa let out a relieved sigh at those words and nodded.
“Good. Fortunately, it’s a reasonable name.”
“Hm? What kind of reaction is that?”
“I thought you might come up with something like Chammafist or Chammahand.”
“No matter what, would I name it so thoughtlessly?”
“….”
Namgung Sohwa silently observed Hoa, who was dozing in the corner making soft snoring sounds.
She simply shook her head without speaking.
“What is it? That seemed like a very disrespectful reaction.”
“It’s a misunderstanding. Anyway, you said Zhengtian Wu? Let’s spar once more.”
“You’re changing the subject now, aren’t you?”
It was the moment Dokgo Myeong glared.
Someone entered the training grounds.
“Pardon the intrusion. If your training is finished, would it be alright if I took up some of your time?”
The person who slowly entered the training grounds was none other than Hwangbo Cheong.
“Ah, I’ll vacate my seat for you.”
“No need. You come along as well.”
“Pardon?”
* * *
The fact that he came in person without summoning me was already considerable courtesy, but Hwangbo Cheong even brewed the tea himself using the tea utensils.
“How is your son recovering?”
“He’s making good progress. His injuries are one thing, but his stamina has deteriorated significantly, so we’ll need to take our time with his recovery.”
Dokgo Myeong paused for a moment before asking.
“What about his martial prowess?”
“It’s fine. What matters most is that he returned alive.”
Dokgo Myeong smiled and nodded in agreement.
“I hear your second son also possesses considerable talent. You needn’t worry about succession, then.”
“To be honest, the second son’s martial aptitude falls considerably short of the eldest.”
Hwangbo Cheong chuckled softly.
“But he’s a man of tremendous diligence. As the saying goes, there’s no cause for concern.”
Dokgo Myeong smiled back in return.
Despite the turmoil that had erupted within the family mere days ago, a warm atmosphere now pervaded the room.
“I’m truly grateful. You’ve done me a great service.”
“It was merely a transaction, so please don’t feel burdened.”
“The transaction was only for my son’s recovery. Helping us reorganize the family’s internal affairs was not part of our agreement.”
“….”
Hwangbo Cheong spoke matter-of-factly.
After taking a sip of the hot tea, he spoke again.
“Why did you help us?”
“Rather than helping the Hwangbo family, I simply couldn’t leave those bastards alone.”
“Is it a matter of righteousness?”
“I have no interest in such things.”
“Then is it a grudge?”
“There may be some of that as well.”
“Some, you say….”
Hwangbo Cheong let out a quiet laugh and continued.
“I understand. Then it’s time I fulfill the final condition you requested before the conference.”
“You’ve already prepared it?”
“I made it the highest priority.”
With those words, Hwangbo Cheong turned his gaze toward Namgung Sohwa.
“…?”
Suddenly finding herself the focus of his attention, Namgung Sohwa’s expression grew bewildered. Hwangbo Cheong, smiling faintly, opened his mouth.
“I hear you dream of rebuilding your family.”
“Yes, that is so, but….”
“One of the Namgung branch families must be living in seclusion.”
Namgung Sohwa’s eyes widened in surprise.
“The main family was secretly supporting them. Though they stopped sending aid and cut off contact more than a decade ago… they must still be alive.”
“A branch family? Father said we were surely the last ones.”
“They were living in Henan under the surname Gwan. His real name was Namgung Hun. He used the alias Gwan Wi-hun. If we get help from Gae-bang, we should be able to find him.”
Namgung Sohwa’s lips trembled.
She had believed all the Namgung clan were either exterminated or had turned their backs, but now there was someone from a branch family still alive.
“Th-thank you so much.”
“Not at all. It was simply the right thing to do to repay the kindness of the previous generation. And…”
Hwangbo Cheong set down a stack of documents.
“These are the farmlands and some business ventures that once belonged to the Namgung in Anhui. Given the time constraints, I could only recover this much. And even this is only a portion. Most of it is likely still held by the Moyong Family.”
As Namgung Sohwa stood bewildered, Hwangbo Cheong continued with a pleased smile.
“You’ve found yourself a good master. I wondered why a descendant of the Namgung served the Dokgo Family… but if your master asks for something like this, then he’s certainly worth serving.”
Only then did Namgung Sohwa realize this was something Dokgo Myeong had requested.
Namgung Sohwa gripped the documents tightly with trembling hands.
“Th-thank you. I don’t know how to repay this…”
No matter how much of a transaction it was, giving this up so readily couldn’t have been easy. Especially not when the family was in such turmoil.
Hwangbo Cheong shook his head.
“It was a transaction. And these have returned to those they should belong to. Direct your thanks to your master.”
“M-Myeong Sohyeop.”
Namgung Sohwa looked at Dokgo Myeong with overwhelming gratitude in her eyes. Somehow, she couldn’t even bring herself to use his title.
Dokgo Myeong nodded.
“Yeah, yeah, I know you’re grateful. Now you can respect me even more going forward.”
“…”
“Ha! Where else can you find a master like this? From now on, serve me with all your heart and sincerity out of gratitude. Got it?”
“You really are something.”
At Dokgo Myeong’s teasing, Namgung Sohwa let out a hollow laugh.
As her elevated emotions suddenly subsided, the weight of the documents in her hands became suddenly real.
Dokgo Myeong spoke.
“You can go now. Go examine those documents carefully.”
At Dokgo Myeong’s consideration, Namgung Sohwa looked toward Hwangbo Cheong.
“Forgive me, but may I take my leave?”
“Of course. If you have any questions, simply ask anyone to take you to the Jae-gyeong pavilion. The main family’s overseer will explain everything in detail whenever you wish.”
“Thank you.”
Namgung Sohwa bowed respectfully and hurried out.
Dokgo Myeong grinned and looked at Hwangbo Cheong.
“The transaction is now complete.”
“You’ve done well.”
“Not at all.”
“Even after receiving warnings from the Gae-bang lord, I was careless. I never imagined they had infiltrated the main family this deeply.”
“There’s likely more where that came from.”
“Indeed. So I’d like to make you a promise of sorts. A small token of gratitude, shall we say.”
Hwangbo Cheong’s eyes deepened with intensity.
As Dokgo Myeong blinked, his words continued.
“I’ve heard the Murim Alliance was established to wage war against the Blood Cult. But as you can see from the Jegal Family Head, even if the alliance is formed, it will inevitably become a political arena where factions struggle over interests behind the scenes.”
It was something I had already anticipated.
Still, I believed the Murim Alliance was absolutely necessary.
In my previous life, the alliance of great families led by the Moyong Family brought countless conflicts to the martial world, and only after the True Blood Cult revealed itself did the Murim Alliance finally come into being.
No matter how predetermined the political maneuvering and struggle for power, having it was better than not.
“So the main family will stand at your side. We shall become your steadfast ally.”
“…!”
Dokgo Myeong nearly spat out his tea in that instant.
“Surely you understand what I’m implying?”
“I understand well enough. But there’s no need for the Dokgo Family to stand beside me. I too will exert myself in factional struggles for the main family’s interests.”
“….”
“However, if it concerns matters related to war with the Twin Horse Alliance… I will lend my support to your cause.”
“Heh.”
Dokgo Myeong exhaled softly.
I hadn’t even dared hope for this much. I would have been satisfied simply securing what needed securing and building good relations for the alliance’s future benefit.
Yet I had just gained an ally. Though their power had waned, they remained one of the Four Great Families.
“Has my sincerity reached you?”
Dokgo Myeong nodded.
“More than enough.”

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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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