Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 360

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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 360
The Moyong Family’s Grand Estate.
In a spacious hall, the wounded from the Cheonma Sect, White Tiger Corps, and Heavenly Bow Sect huddled together.
“Daughter!”
“Father!”
And there, Ye-hwa finally came face to face with her father. She had rushed to the estate in a daze and had been caught up in fighting ever since, leaving no opportunity for a single word between them.
Ye-hwa expected to embrace her father and share a touching reunion, but…
“So this cold-hearted daughter of mine finally remembers her father exists?”
“What?”
In that instant, Gwak Dae-ryong struck her forehead like a thunderbolt.
Smack!
“Ow!”
It hurt. It hurt so much that tears welled up in my eyes without my realizing it.
“…??”
Ye-hwa looked up at Gwak Dae-ryong with bewildered eyes, clutching her head where a bump was already forming.
Gwak Dae-ryong let out a hollow laugh.
“Still don’t know what you’ve done wrong, do you? Why aren’t you opening those pretty eyes properly, my heartless daughter?”
“W-what?”
“I tell you, raising children is pointless. You’ve been away for a while, and now you’re looking at your own father with eyes full of defiance, trying to defy me…”
“That’s not true at all! What are you talking about…?”
“Oh? Now you’re talking back?”
Watching Ye-hwa stumble over her words in confusion, Gwak Dae-ryong snorted sharply.
“Fine, I’ll overlook you not showing your face during the holidays. But when did you stop sending word? What were you thinking?”
“…!”
“Am I supposed to hear about my daughter through inquiries at the tavern in the lower village? And what did I find out? That you went to war? Do you know how frantically I rushed here?”
Only then did Ye-hwa realize her mistake, and her face went pale.
“Ah, no… I was just so busy with training and missions…”
“Of course, the affairs of the world must be more important than an old father. Ah, when you grow old, you should just die. Being old is a sin, a sin…”
“Why are you saying that! You know that’s not true.”
“How would I know? We don’t even share blood, so maybe we’ve seen all there is to see between this old father and you. That’s it. It’s all my fault…”
“We’ve seen all there is to see? That can’t be right!”
“Huh! Now you’re even raising your voice to your father!”
“N-no, that’s not what I meant…”
Even the Cheonma Sect disciples began stealing glances at the two of them.
‘Wow, I didn’t know Manager Gwak could be overwhelmed so easily.’
‘Who is that? He’s almost at our captain’s level.’
‘He’s Manager Gwak’s adoptive father, and he’s our captain’s sworn brother, I heard.’
‘Ah, then that makes sense.’
The disciples who had been whispering suddenly understood and fell silent again.
Not knowing what to do, Ye-hwa finally hung her head low.
“I was wrong. I’m sorry.”
“Do you know what you did wrong?”
“I didn’t visit you, and I didn’t contact you often.”
“Do you have any idea how much my heart ached?”
“…I’m sorry.”
“Yes, you should have done that first.”
“I missed you.”
“Good. Come here.”
Only then did father and daughter embrace each other tightly.
Gwak Dae-ryong recalled the small girl who used to fit perfectly in his arms. But she had grown so much without him realizing it.
“You’ve grown well. Really grown so much. You must have had a hard time.”
“It’s all thanks to you, Father.”
“Of course it is.”
“Hehe.”
Now she even laughed.
In truth, I felt joy seeing her talk back, raise her voice, and show confusion—things she never used to do.
‘She was the kind who wouldn’t even eat unless spoken to…’
I also saw the subordinates following Ye-hwa. She had truly become a capable person in her own right.
‘Is there any greater joy in this world?’
Gwak Dae-ryong ruffled Ye-hwa’s hair affectionately.
Only then could Ye-hwa ask what she had been curious about.
“By the way, you said Cheonma Sect? Are those people… the ones I’m thinking of?”
“Yes, they’re the remnants of Milmilgok.”
“Did you… teach them martial arts?”
Ye-hwa looked at the Cheonma Sect disciples with concern.
Gwak Dae-ryong answered calmly.
“Yes, I taught them martial arts instead of assassination techniques. And I taught them farming even more diligently.”
“What?”
“Those who found more enjoyment in farming simply became workers. Only those who showed real aptitude became disciples. Actually, there’s one you might remember—would you like to meet him?”
As Gwak Dae-ryong gestured toward someone, one of the Cheonma Sect disciples leaped forward and bowed before Ye-hwa.
“First disciple Gung-pyeong greets you, Senior Sister.”
“S-Senior Sister…?”
Ye-hwa visibly flustered.
Gwak Dae-ryong explained with a faint smile.
“Since you learned before them, you become the sect founder, first disciple, and senior sister.”
“I’m the sect founder? Then you are…?”
“Please lower your speech. There is no etiquette in this world for disciples to use formal language toward their teacher.”
Bewilderment bloomed across Ye-hwa’s face. It was natural—she had suddenly acquired dozens of elderly disciples.
“You… no, you are my disciple? Gung-pyeong?”
“Yes, that is correct. The Sect Leader gave me this name.”
“Wait. Your face looks familiar somehow….”
Gung-pyeong smiled broadly.
“I was once called Number 113. Do you remember?”
“Ah…!”
Ye-hwa recalled the past.
Around the time she had organized Milmilgok, he was the assassin who had received praise from Dokgo Myeong for the first time, saying she had answered well.
He was smiling. Not only was he alive, but he stood before her now as a proper person.
“I’m so glad. Really so glad.”
“I am the one who is honored. I’m grateful to be able to repay even a small debt of gratitude to you.”
“A debt of gratitude?”
“Because I met you, I was able to live as Gung-pyeong instead of Number 113. I haven’t even repaid one hundredth of that debt yet.”
“Ah….”
At those words, Ye-hwa felt a joy so overwhelming that her chest swelled.
‘Is this it? Is this why the other managers looked so happy when they spoke of their dreams?’
She felt so proud that she wanted to jump up and down right then and there.
Suddenly, Ye-hwa felt her own ‘goal’ forming in her mind, just like the other managers had theirs.
That was when it happened.
“…If someone saw this, they’d think you two were lovers reuniting.”
That distinctive teasing, humming voice. It was none other than Dokgo Ak.
“Manager Ak?”
“If you’re done greeting, hurry up and come. How long are you going to keep chattering?”
“Why are you suddenly irritable?”
“Who said I was irritable!”
“You just did.”
“I didn’t!”
“Let’s say you are.”
“I’m not!”
“So let’s just say you are.”
“You say that every time! Are you trying to get away with it again like this!”
As Ye-hwa giggled, Dokgo Ak grumbled and turned his gaze toward Gwak Dae-ryong.
“Well… Elder Gung. It’s been a while. Thank you for your help this time.”
Gwak Dae-ryong stared at Dokgo Ak with a peculiar gaze, then looked at Ye-hwa again, and soon looked back at Dokgo Ak.
“You… were you the cousin of that Myeong-i’s younger sibling?”
“Ah, yes.”
“No?”
“Pardon?”
“Yes, you shouldn’t be.”
“…W-what do you mean, sir?”
“You shouldn’t be. Not from now on either.”
At Gwak Dae-ryong’s murderous expression, as if he were about to emit killing intent itself, Dokgo Ak could not hide his bewilderment.
“So, what’s the matter?”
“I apologize for interrupting your reunion, but would it be alright if I took Ye-hwa with me?”
Gwak Dae-ryong paused for a moment before his eyes narrowed.
“…Could it be you’ve found it? Does it really exist?”
“I’m not certain yet.”
“Very well, we can discuss the details later. Hwa-a, go ahead and check it out.”
“Yes.”
“And tell that rascal Myeong-i that if you need any help, just ask.”
“Actually, there may come a time when we need assistance from the Heavenly Bow Sect disciples.”
“Father, I’ll be going now.”
Dokgo Ak and Ye-hwa bowed respectfully and turned to leave.
Gwak Dae-ryong quietly watched the two figures receding into the distance.
His gaze then shifted beyond them, toward the ominous separate building standing tall in the distance.
* * *
A separate building located behind the Moyong Family’s Elder Council headquarters.
Despite it being midday, the shadows were particularly deep in this area. Tall walls surrounded it on all sides, and dense trees grew within, making it impossible to see inside from the outside.
Officially, it was a private space where Elder Council Leader Muyong Cheol could rest while attending to his duties.
“Are you certain it’s really here?”
“That’s what Muyong Tae said.”
“It could be a trap. Once the main force arrives, then….”
“I can’t leave this to anyone else’s hands. I have to find it. Only I can….”
Namgung Sohwa searched through the building’s interior like someone possessed, turning over every stone.
It has to be here. It must be here. Or rather, I wish it weren’t.
Even as I tore through the building, my heart remained in turmoil. I couldn’t even understand what I truly hoped to find.
I recalled the words Muyong Tae had left for me alone, spoken as if on a whim.
-In the separate building behind the headquarters, reserved for the Elder Council Leader’s personal use. If you search carefully, you’ll find an iron door leading underground. There will be traps, but within lies the Alliance Leader’s private research chamber. If you examine it carefully….
-Your relative’s corpse should also be preserved there.
At those words, I had no choice but to rush here without even treating my internal injuries.
Of course, Dokgo Myeong, Geum Seok-du, and Dokgo Ak came with me.
At that moment, Geum Seok-du sidled up next to Dokgo Myeong and spoke.
“Captain, do you really think it’s here?”
“I don’t know.”
“…Wouldn’t it be better if it weren’t?”
“….”
Dokgo Myeong couldn’t bring himself to respond and let out a sigh.
‘Whether it’s here or not, it’s a problem either way.’
That was when it happened.
Thud! Boom!
A hollow sound echoed from one section of the floor.
Geum Seok-du and Dokgo Myeong rushed over, and soon Dokgo Myeong pried up a portion of the flooring and spoke.
“…Ak. Go bring the child here. Just in case.”
“Got it.”
“While you’re at it, tell the disciples to keep everyone away from this area.”
“Understood. I’ll be back shortly.”
As Dokgo Ak departed with a bound, Dokgo Myeong rolled up his sleeves.
“Everyone, stand back.”
Crash! Crunch-crunch-crack!
Dokgo Myeong roughly shoved the furniture aside and completely tore up the floorboards.
Then a hidden door appeared.
“So it really… was here.”
Geum Seok-du placed his hand on the door, then jerked it back in alarm.
“It’s freezing cold!”
“What?”
“It’s this cold even though it’s not winter… Something’s wrong. And it looks like there are mechanisms installed too. If we just pull it or break it, we have no idea what might happen inside.”
Dokgo Myeong and Geum Seok-du exchanged a glance at Namgung Sohwa.
Namgung Sohwa said nothing, staring intently at the iron door.
Just then, Dokgo Ak returned with Ye-hwa.
Ye-hwa stepped forward and spoke.
“Let me take a look. There might be some strange sorcery at work here.”
“Don’t worry about the mechanisms. Disarming them shouldn’t be too difficult.”
The work didn’t take long.
After Ye-hwa’s examination revealed no curses or barriers were applied, Geum Seok-du brought various tools and succeeded in forcing the door open.
Screeeech!
The moment the door opened, everyone instinctively pinched the bridge of their nose.
“This smell is….”
“…Blood?”
From the stagnant air came a wave of cold and a pungent, metallic stench.
Namgung Sohwa spoke immediately.
“You all don’t need to come.”
“Sister. Wait….”
“Hwa-a, it’s fine. Really, it’s fine.”
Namgung Sohwa spoke with a smile, but Dokgo Myeong shook his head firmly.
“If you’re going to be fine, let’s go together. I’ll lead the way.”
“…Yes, please.”
The passage descending underground was lined with night-luminous pearls. However they had adjusted the angle of the light, it wasn’t a subtle glow—the entire passage was bright as if torches had been lit.
“….”
Following the path downward, the slope soon leveled out into a long corridor. On both sides of this passage—cold enough to chill the bones—countless rooms stretched out like a prison.
“…!”
Those examining the rooms soon covered their mouths.
“This is insane….”
Only Dokgo Ak muttered something like a groan, and after that, no one else spoke.
The group, their expressions hardened, walked forward as if by agreement, their gazes fixed straight ahead.
After walking for some time, Geum Seok-du broke the silence.
“Over there, it seems an intense cold is emanating from the room at the end of the passage. Such cold… even eternal frost couldn’t produce this…”
“It’s the Glacial Essence.”
“Pardon?”
“The Northern Sea Glacial Essence, one of the legendary treasures of the martial world. I was fortunate enough to see it once. It’s one of the treasures that can preserve even decaying things in their original state by lowering the surrounding temperature to extreme levels.”
Soon Dokgo Myeong pushed open the stone door.
A misty cold aura spread across the floor and rushed out.
And at the sight revealed within the room, gasps and sighs escaped from everyone’s lips.
“Ah…”
Namgung Sohwa covered her mouth with her hand.
The managers could say nothing and closed their mouths.
Dokgo Myeong spoke in a low voice, belatedly.
“Seok-du.”
“Yes.”
“Go upstairs and make some preparations. You understand what I mean?”
“Yes, Captain.”
The room was filled with numerous coffins.
She opened the coffin at the very front, and there she finally collapsed to the ground and burst into tears.
* * *
Around the time Dokgo Un-hak arrived at the Elder Council’s courtyard, leading his subordinates to see Dokgo Myeong.
“That is not permitted.”
The Cheonma Sect disciples blocked his path.
Dokgo Un-hak narrowed his brows.
“I have business with the Cheonma Sect Leader. Step aside.”
“That is not permitted.”
“What?”
“We have orders not to allow anyone to approach within ten zhang.”
“Do you not know that I am the Chairman of the main family?”
“We do.”
“Yet you still act this way…”
It was outright insubordination, but rather than reproach them, Dokgo Un-hak examined them with a face of incomprehension.
“I do not understand. Why would you, the heroes of this war, go to such lengths?”
That was when it happened.
“I shall personally escort the Chairman. Cheonma Sect disciples, do not worry and clear the way. The Commander will understand as well.”
Someone walked out from behind the Cheonma Sect disciples.
“Seo Daejoo?”
“The White Tiger Sect Leader pays his respects to the Chairman.”
“Will you explain the situation to me?”
The war had ended, but their work was only beginning. In this moment, when every second counted to clean up the battlefield, it was a situation difficult to comprehend.
“Yes, I will guide you.”
Seo Ryun immediately led Dokgo Un-hak forward, and by the time his explanation concluded, the two of them had arrived before the annex beyond the stone wall.
“…Is that truly the case?”
“It is.”
Then, a faint sound carried on the wind.
It was the weeping of a woman.
The stifled sobs soon transformed into mournful cries, and the cries soon became anguished wails.
“….”
The wails were unbearably painful. The sorrow of a child reproaching their own unfilial conduct, of the youngest who had lost both sister and older brother, pierced through to the heart.
Dokgo Un-hak could not bring himself to take another step forward.
“…I shall remain at the main residence. Should you need anything, do not hesitate to ask for my assistance.”
For all people are ultimately someone’s child and family member, and Dokgo Un-hak was no exception.
With those words, he quietly turned back.

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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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