Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 382

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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 382
“No need for long explanations. Just go to the Cheonma Sect.”
Jang Do-gang, the Tortoise Shell Sect Leader who had retired due to injuries sustained in this war, offered this advice to Neungmyeong, a newcomer who had visited his home.
“B-but, Sect Leader! What do you mean by that all of a sudden!?”
“Your reason for visiting me repeatedly is obvious. Even though I’ve retired, I still hear all the family news. I hear the Cheonma Sect is recruiting people?”
“Oh, no! I really came to pay my respects!”
“As if! Why would a promising young master with a bright future visit a washed-up retiree who’s lost his martial prowess?”
“Washed-up? You’ll always be my Sect Leader!”
“Don’t talk with your mouth full of flattery.”
“That’s not it at all!”
Watching Neungmyeong shout with rigid military bearing, Jang Do-gang let out a hollow laugh.
‘Looking at him like this, he really is a newcomer.’
This kid, who still hadn’t shed his youthful appearance, had grown remarkably.
At first, I thought some bumbling fool had joined us, but it’s no exaggeration to say that many owe their lives to him. I was one of them.
“Hey, you counterfeit Young Master Myeong-i.”
“Counterfeit Young Master Myeong-i…”
“You’re wasted in the Tortoise Shell Sect. Not that I should be saying this now that I’m retired.”
“…!”
“Your seniors all know it too. So when the opportunity comes, knock on the Dharma Protector Division’s door quickly.”
“But the debt of gratitude I owe you, Sect Leader…”
“What debt? Didn’t I also save my life thanks to you?”
Jang Do-gang grinned widely and waved his hand dismissively.
“So stop visiting me now. No one will say anything to you about it.”
“…If you ever have any difficulties, please tell me. I’ll come running immediately.”
“Difficulties?”
Jang Do-gang let out a hollow laugh and gestured to his surroundings.
“Don’t you see this? I’m living better than you now! So stop visiting! Let me retire from martial affairs and enjoy my retirement!”
Neungmyeong turned his gaze away with a reluctant expression at those words.
The magnificent estate and the glittering decorations hanging everywhere caught his eye.
That was right.
The Dokgo Family had given Jang Do-gang not only farmland but also a grand estate.
A very successful retirement indeed.
* * *
Thus, back under the Dharma Protector Division, the Cheonma Sect.
Among those carefully selected who showed promise, Neungmyeong was one of them.
And…
“Myeong-i?”
“The counterfeit captain?”
“I heard from others that even in different units, his nickname was the fake Young Master Myeong-i.”
“In the Tortoise Shell Sect, they say he was treated almost like a good luck charm.”
When word spread that “Young Master Myeong-i” had arrived, the Cheonma Sect disciples made time in their schedules to come observe him and the other new candidates.
Neungmyeong, stiff with tension, felt he would crawl into a mouse hole if one existed.
‘Damn it! I told them not to call me Young Master Myeong-i!’
Neungmyeong resented the senior disciples from the Tortoise Shell Sect and wore a bitter expression.
Then, at last, he took the examination alongside the other “Cheonma Sect new candidates.”
The first test was Cheolmu-baek’s physical examination.
“Myeong? Why are you using the Captain’s name?”
“It’s Neung! Myeong-i, Captain Cheol!”
“I trust you can bear the weight of that name. Adding one more iron weight.”
“…!?”
Cheolmu-baek, who had always placed great significance on names, casually placed a solid iron weight onto Neungmyeong’s lower back.
The second test was a martial duel with Dokgo Ak.
“What? What’s your name?”
“M-Myeong-i, sir!”
“Myeong? Just Myeong? Not even a full name, just a single character—Myeong?”
“Y-Yes, that’s right!”
“…You look a bit similar too. Your build and all. Come here. I’ll test you personally.”
“…!!”
Neungmyeong was tormented until he was utterly exhausted, then continued taking the remaining tests.
There were some good things, though.
Normally, if an examiner took any notice of you, the other applicants would try to interfere, but this time there was none of that.
“H-Hang in there.”
“Tsk tsk. Why did your name have to be Myeong-i.”
Pat pat.
Rather, the other applicants patted Neungmyeong’s shoulders and back, offering words of encouragement.
‘Was the Cheonma Sect not my place? Did I come here by mistake?’
Neungmyeong felt like crying.
* * *
The final test.
More of an interview than a test, Neungmyeong found himself facing Dokgo Myeong and his associates once again.
“I-I’m Myeong of the Neung family! Sir, Protector Leader!”
“Yes, pleased to meet you.”
“I-It’s an honor!”
“Ugh, my ears are ringing!”
“I-I’m sorry….”
As Dokgo Myeong skimmed through the documents about Neungmyeong, his eyes suddenly gleamed.
Then he turned his head sharply left and right.
“What did you all think?”
The managers seated on either side added their comments.
“His strength and stamina were average.”
“His fundamentals are quite solid.”
“His martial technique is rather sharp, wouldn’t you say?”
“His perception is at a decent level.”
These were the assessments from Cheolmu-baek, Namgung Sohwa, Dokgo Ak, and Ye-hwa in turn.
At their lukewarm evaluation, Neungmyeong’s shoulders drooped, but Dokgo Myeong’s eyes gleamed once more.
These fools didn’t realize their own standards had risen—that’s why they called it ordinary. What could that mean?
‘Is that really all there is?’
I examined Neungmyeong carefully.
At my gaze, Neungmyeong flinched and shrank his shoulders.
‘I remember crossing paths with him on the battlefield, but I don’t know much about his actual performance.’
I reviewed the section of Neungmyeong’s file that detailed his accomplishments in this war.
Blood relative of the Honam Neung clan, martial academy grades: below average, enlisted by the Tortoise Shell Sect Leader, first-year recruit participating in the war….
…Repelled surprise attacks, cut off supply lines, rescued numerous lives….
…In the Seoho Pacheonggun battle, after one unit’s front line was annihilated, he gathered members from other martial units to form a temporary unit. Through a counterattack following the transfer of command authority, the front line was recovered. Five Sect Leader-level warriors killed, seven peak masters killed.
These are all his individual accomplishments? Not a combination of four or five people’s merits?
What in the world has this newly recruited martial unit member been doing out there?
“You did all of this yourself?”
“Y-yes? I’m… I’m not sure what you mean….”
“Tsk, you look rather simple-minded… where did a fellow like you come from?”
“I-I apologize!”
“No, what are you apologizing for? That was a compliment.”
“I’m just sorry for everything….”
Now that I thought about it, this fellow’s name had come up during the merit distribution at the White Horn Conference too.
“Good. How could I cast out someone who’s accomplished this much? From now on, you’re one of us.”
Neungmyeong’s expression brightened considerably.
“Really, sir?”
“Ah, wait.”
I glanced to the side.
“Hoa. What do you think?”
“Grrrrr!”
Hoa, who had been lying in the room chewing on something, slowly turned his head.
Flash!
Hoa stared intently at Neungmyeong, then quickly turned his head away as if annoyed and closed his eyes.
“Seems fine. Alright! I’m counting on you.”
“Y-yes! Thank you for having me!”
“Now go introduce yourself to the other disciples. Next!”
“Yes, sir!”
Neungmyeong rose from his seat with an overflowing heart.
And the moment he opened the door.
Peek.
I spotted countless Cheonma Sect disciples gathered outside, their eyes gleaming with excitement.
“That guy?”
“They said he’s a fake Captain Myeong-i?”
“Oh ho.”
The Cheonma Sect disciples openly showed their interest in him.
Neungmyeong’s face twisted miserably.
* * *
“How many?”
“With Neungmyeong at the helm, the Second Army of the Cheonma Sect numbers exactly thirty members.”
“That’s quite a lot.”
Unlike before, this time I had carefully selected only those who were already somewhat refined talents, yet thirty people had been chosen.
Namgung Sohwa asked.
“So what should we do from here on?”
The Cheonma headquarters bustled with activity.
The managers asked Dokgo Myeong about the work ahead.
Dokgo Myeong’s answer was always straightforward and concise.
“They need to adapt first. So they blend in well with the existing members without clashing.”
“Ah, so an adaptation period of a few weeks then…”
“Huh?”
“Yes?”
“An adaptation period? Why would adapting them be so difficult?”
“…”
“Wait a moment. I have a method to adapt them all at once.”
In that instant, Namgung Sohwa felt her spine tingle with unease.
“I’m just asking… what exactly is this method?”
“People naturally grow close when they roll around together. Gather everyone.”
“…”
And so Dokgo Myeong assembled both the existing disciples and the newcomers in one place.
“Welcome to the Cheonma Sect.”
“Yes!!”
A thunderous roar erupted from the newcomers, so loud it seemed to shake the headquarters.
“So that you can adapt well to the Cheonma Sect from now on, I will personally train you all for a while!”
“Yes!!”
“Excellent! Your enthusiasm is truly a sight to behold. Now, one last thing… if anyone doesn’t want to do this, you’re free to leave right now. There’s no quitting midway. Anyone leaving?”
“None!!”
The newcomers’ eyes sparkled like morning stars.
The new dragon of the Dokgo Family, a martial artist of legend called the Army King in his twenties, a genius who foresaw everything about war, and a legendary figure who rose from the bottom to the pinnacle of the martial world!
That Dokgo Myeong himself would personally train them? Wasn’t this exactly why they joined the Cheonma Sect!
Meanwhile, beside these eager newcomers…
“This is… that, right?”
“That seems about right.”
“Surely you’re not starting again? This is insane. Just one more week! No, wait! Please, just one more day!”
“Damn it! Damn it all! All the good days are gone! Argh!”
“Nooo! Father! Mother! Sob…!”
The existing Cheonma Sect disciples were drowning in despair, venting their resentment to the heavens.
Some of those who had already resigned themselves to their fate chuckled as they watched the newcomers.
“Hehehehe! Look at that smooth skin. How cute, so cute.”
“You should’ve run when you had the chance.”
“Back in my day, if you blushed like that, the captains would start beating your shins right away. Tsk tsk!”
“Just wait. It’s going to be very enjoyable.”
“…?”
Amid this contrasting atmosphere, Dokgo Myeong spoke to the existing disciples.
“No matter how much I picked some tougher ones this time! You won’t lose to these newbies, right? Come on, I’ve personally trained you all these years—surely you won’t fall behind? Of course not!”
“…!”
“But if there’s anyone who does… we’ll need to have a private meeting, won’t we?”
Whoosh!
Fire blazed in the eyes of the existing disciples.
They would not lose.
They would avoid a private meeting at all costs!
‘Wait, wasn’t this supposed to help the newbies and existing disciples get along?’
‘Why are you pitting them against each other?’
The captains stared at Dokgo Myeong with bewildered expressions, but it was already too late.
“Oh, and captains—let’s make yours about three times as much.”
“Pardon? Us too? But three times…?”
“That’s right. You understand, don’t you? Let’s do our best.”
Flash!
The captains’ eyes gleamed as they glared at the existing disciples and newcomers alike.
There were no colleagues here anymore. Only rivals to be defeated.
Thus began the newcomers’ adaptation(?) training.
First, a thick chunk of metal was delivered to each person.
“Ah, strength training?”
“It’s quite heavy. The Cheonma Sect certainly doesn’t take external cultivation lightly.”
Dokgo Myeong opened his mouth.
“Then for our gentle start, how about you carry that and lap around the main compound about a hundred times? Since the newbies’ only weighs a hundred pounds, it’s perfect for a warm-up.”
Carry that?
And lap around this vast family compound that many times?
That was when it happened.
“Move aside!”
“I’m going first! Get out of the way!”
“Kyaaaah!”
Pababababak!
The moment Dokgo Myeong finished speaking, the managers and existing disciples instantly shouldered the metal ingots and rushed out of the Cheonma Sect.
“Wh-what?”
The newcomers stood frozen, their vacant expressions betraying their confusion.
“Kraaagh!”
Neungmyeong, positioned at the very front, swiftly hoisted a metal ingot and began chasing after the senior disciples who had already bolted ahead.
“Wh-wh-what!”
“Run! Hurry!”
“Wh-what is this?!”
As always, the Cheonma Sect’s beginnings were shrouded in chaos.
* * *
Ordinarily, martial artists rarely abandon the martial sects and organizations they’ve joined. Any attempt to change affiliations typically results in considerable backlash.
But Dokgo Myeong’s situation was different.
“You wish to join the Dharma Protector Division?”
“Yes. I wish to… repay the debt of gratitude…”
“Very well. If you’re going to Young Master Dokgo Myeong, there’s no helping it. Do your best.”
Dokgo Myeong’s standing among the leadership had risen considerably—no, dramatically. Particularly because he imposed no conditions whatsoever and provided support as though simply giving it away, talented individuals without backing began flocking to him.
As a result, Dokgo Myeong’s lips never ceased smiling.
“Kehehehe. This is the true power of authority. Do you see it? This overwhelming prestige and renown? Hehehehe!”
“Why does watching him get so arrogant irritate me so much?”
“If they knew the Captain’s true nature, no one would want to join…”
“Tsk tsk, poor victims.”
“Enough noise. Have all the newcomers sign contracts. Make sure they can’t backtrack later!”
Thus, the Dharma Protector Division successfully recruited talented individuals without significant obstruction.
Naturally, both major factions were beside themselves with fury. After hastily implementing internal discipline, the influx of people joining the Dharma Protector Division slowed, but by then, an overwhelming number had already been recruited.
The Dharma Protector Division had become bustling overnight.
While Jo Ryang-ui and Dokgo Jo-hak frantically divided and assigned people, Dokgo Myeong received an unexpected visit from some familiar faces.
“Young Master! It’s been so long. You haven’t forgotten about us, have you?”
“Huh? How did you all get here?”
“We’ve come to be of service to the Cheonma Sect!”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes widened in astonishment.

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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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