Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 416

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

Chapter 416
“Grrrr.”
“Is it this spot? Does this feel better?”
“Kyaaa.”
“Hong Ta, it seems to be over there. Try scratching a bit lower under the chin.”
In front of Dokgo Myeong’s quarters.
Hong Lu and Hong Ta were scratching Hoa’s mane with remarkably careful, reverent movements.
Hoa lay sprawled in a sunny spot as if it were only natural, letting out contented groans.
“What’s with Dokgo Myeong keeping such a massive beast as a pet…”
Ju Won-gwang swallowed dryly, observing the peculiar sight.
Never mind the beast itself—where had that brother and sister pair come from?
Their bearing seemed far from ordinary, yet they were scratching the creature’s chin as if serving a superior.
That was when it happened.
Creak!
Dokgo Myeong stepped outside and greeted him.
“Ju Hyeong?”
“Ah yes, you must be tired from the long journey.”
“Long journey? It’s practically next door.”
“Next door or not, it’s a journey of several days’ distance.”
Dokgo Myeong gave a slight wave toward Hoa.
Hoa blinked one eye as if annoyed, then turned its head away sharply.
“What, has this beast hit puberty with that size? It’s acting like it’s the master here.”
“Kyaang!”
“Ha! Laughing? I’ve raised this one since it was young.”
Now he was even chattering with beasts.
Ju Won-gwang, a man of thoroughly ordinary common sense, decided to simply accept it.
Thump, thump.
Dokgo Myeong and Ju Won-gwang walked through the courtyard of the quarters for a moment.
“This place is called the Black Dragon Courtyard?”
“It was prepared for the Dokgo Family. From now on, anyone from the Dokgo Family can use this place. What do you think?”
“A lodging just needs to be suitable for sleep. But anyway…what’s the matter?”
As Dokgo Myeong turned his body to ask, Ju Won-gwang let out a hollow laugh.
“You can fool a ghost, but you can’t fool those eyes of yours.”
“Surely the next Gae-bang leader wouldn’t be merely attending to guests without reason. Besides…”
Dokgo Myeong stopped walking and examined Ju Won-gwang from head to toe.
Whoooosh!
He could feel the dense true energy enveloping Ju Won-gwang’s entire body rippling outward.
Not only the true energy, but his bearing was also distinctly different from when they had met not long ago.
“Something good must have happened to you?”
“I received instruction that had been postponed.”
Ju Won-gwang began to explain methodically.
“First, there are several pieces of news I need to convey.”
He pulled out a crumpled bundle of papers from his robes and handed them to Dokgo Myeong.
“I found the whereabouts of that descendant of the Namgung family you mentioned.”
“What?”
“It’s all written there—pass it along to Miss Namgung Sohwa.”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes sparkled with light.
‘Sohwa will be delighted.’
Just as Dokgo Myeong tucked the documents into his robes, Ju Won-gwang spoke again.
“Next, I met Master not long ago.”
“You met Bang Sunbae?!”
“Breaking through that barrier was thanks to his teachings back then. He transmitted the entire second half of the Heavenly Dragon Palm technique to me.”
“You saw him in person? His health! Is there nothing wrong with him? Is his mind still sharp?”
“Goodness, calm yourself. Anyone watching would think you’re the disciple here.”
“You don’t understand how deep the bond forged over bibimbap runs. And you still claim to be a beggar?”
I thought this was nonsense, but I didn’t bother pointing it out.
“Why does this bastard keep emphasizing beggar, beggar? It’s unpleasant to hear!”
“You are a beggar, though.”
Ju Won-gwang clenched his fist tightly, then slowly released it.
Well, no matter how furious he became, he couldn’t throw a punch at this man.
Not that he lacked confidence in landing the blow.
“Anyway, you needn’t worry about the Sect Leader. It seems his internal injuries were severe, so he’s been recovering for an extended period. He still has some lingering aftereffects.”
“…!”
“Open your eyes properly. I said there’s nothing to worry about, didn’t I? The aftereffects were just some back pain.”
“…Right. It’s fortunate he’s recovered from it, at least.”
Dokgo Myeong furrowed his brow. He couldn’t shake off his worry.
Bang Jong-san’s age was comparable to Heo Un-jin’s level. At that age, injuries severe enough to require extended recovery could have affected his lifespan.
“Ju Hyeong. About Bang Sunbae….”
“You were going to ask if he should retire, weren’t you?”
“How did you know?”
“Did I not ask him myself? What do you think Master answered?”
Ju Won-gwang scratched his head vigorously, speaking as if frustrated and exasperated.
“He said there’s still much work to be done, and with so many infuriating fools in the world, he absolutely cannot sit in the back and merely observe.”
“That senior is quite something.”
“Tell me about it! I’m going mad with frustration! Even if my skull had cracked back then, I should have grabbed his pant leg and held on!”
“But if he’s recovered, why isn’t he showing himself? Wasn’t the chaos within Gae-bang being sorted out?”
Ju Won-gwang let out a deep sigh.
“It seems he intends to move independently and pursue the Jeongheol Sect.”
“What? Why alone?”
“He says the Murim Alliance should have at least one hidden master, or something like that.”
“….”
“I don’t understand what’s so wonderful about this martial world that people sacrifice their entire lives for it. I really don’t get it.”
Dokgo Myeong shared that sentiment. Yet at the same time, another thought crossed his mind.
‘Still, he’s supposed to be quite impressive.’
Suddenly, the story Dokgo Wi-hak had told him came to mind.
A person of substance who remains unseen. If there were only two such individuals in the martial world, it would be a far more breathable place.
“Any news? Is that all? Didn’t Baek Jang-mun say anything else?”
“Of course he did.”
Ju Won-gwang’s eyes brightened.
“He said to make sure to attend the opening ceremony.”
“And?”
“That’s all.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Dokgo Myeong’s face crumpled.
“Is this man mocking people!”
Ju Won-gwang let out a hollow laugh.
“Why do you antagonize him so much? He’s a rare magnanimous person, and few dislike him.”
“He just doesn’t suit me.”
Few dislike someone so magnanimous?
That’s what frightened me.
When winning people’s hearts is so difficult, a person who turns nine out of ten people they meet to their side is terrifying.
Ju Won-gwang sighed.
“In any case, things are so hectic right now because of the opening ceremony. Don’t go bothering him again.”
“The date is still quite far off—what could be so busy about it?”
“Requests for visits are pouring in constantly, so of course it’s busy.”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes narrowed.
“Now that you mention it, there were already crowds at the main gate.”
“Once the event starts, it won’t be easy to make space, so they’re coming early. Everyone expects Baek Jang-mun to take a central role in the Martial Alliance.”
Though Baek Mu-heun and Dokgo Myeong had downplayed it somewhat, they hadn’t expected the martial world’s interest to intensify to this degree.
At the same time, this suggested something else.
The rules of the martial world were already being reorganized around the Martial Alliance.
“Understood. Thanks for letting me know. Anything else of note?”
“Nothing in particular. There’s still plenty of time until the opening ceremony, so don’t cause trouble and get some rest.”
“Got it.”
Dokgo Myeong grinned and walked off somewhere.
“Wait, where are you going right after we finish talking?”
“You said to rest! I’m going for a walk!”
Dokgo Myeong waved his hand and moved away.
Ju Won-gwang furrowed his brow.
“A stroll? What stroll in this desolate Martial Alliance?”
* * *
Tedious days had drifted past since my arrival at the Martial Alliance.
I’d heard that Dokgo Un-hak frequently arranged gatherings with prominent figures from various regions, but I deliberately refrained from stepping into the spotlight.
‘If I insert myself and fracture the Dokgo Family’s position, that would be disastrous. I must conduct myself with utmost care.’
A new political game had begun. Even I found it difficult to divine the future in this arena. Besides, I’d already scattered all the seeds—now was simply a time to wait.
As a result, time hung heavy on my hands.
Training the disciples would have been an option, but too many eyes were watching, making it impractical.
One day passed, then four days… and finally, the day before the Opening Ceremony arrived without incident.
‘Perhaps I’ll venture toward the main gate today.’
Rising to my feet and leaving my quarters, the managers warming up in the courtyard of the Black Dragon Residence greeted me.
“Taking another stroll today, sir?”
“What could there possibly be to see that you visit daily? Might I accompany you?”
I waved my hand dismissively.
“Never mind. Just rest yourselves.”
I trudged toward the main gate.
A low murmur of voices filled the air.
People of all descriptions passed through individual inspections and crossed through the main gate one by one.
‘Has every martial artist under heaven gathered here?’
The sheer throng of humanity was staggering—so vast that from this vantage point, one couldn’t discern where it ended.
“Please come this way. I shall guide you.”
“Ah! You must be from Nanshan Sword Gate? This way…”
“No! If this is the Martial Grand Alliance, is this how you treat guests?!”
“The Opening Ceremony is tomorrow, so if you haven’t received your credentials, please return tomorrow…”
Young disciples wearing martial robes emblazoned with “Martial Alliance” were sweating profusely as they dealt with the guests.
Judging by their bearing, they appeared to be disciples of prestigious sects. Since the Alliance’s organizational structure hadn’t yet solidified, it seemed each faction had dispatched a small contingent to handle matters.
‘As a result, everything’s become rather ad hoc.’
Well, how could mountain cultivators have ever handled such affairs before?
“Didn’t I tell you that you cannot enter! Go that way! Good heavens!”
I seized one of the loudly shouting martial artists.
“Listen here.”
“Ah, what now—kyaaaah!”
The martial artist trembled violently, as though about to faint from shock.
“D-Dokgo Myeong-i, the Great Sword Immortal! Could you be the legendary Black Blade Sword King?! Infinite Buddha! Primordial Celestial Worthy!”
“…?”
“Ah, no! My apologies. But what brings you here…”
“That matter there.”
I gestured with my chin.
“Only a handful of prestigious sects—those who inscribed their names on the Alliance’s founding roster in the early stages—were provided accommodations within. As far as I know, only they received credentials.”
“Y-you are precisely correct, sir.”
“But what exactly are all those people?”
“A mix of everyone. There are laborers, people who simply want to see inside, those requesting membership outright, and those demanding lodging….”
At those words, Dokgo Myeong pondered for a moment before breaking into a grin.
“Do we have any spare robes lying around?”
“Pardon? Why would you….”
“An amusing idea just occurred to me.”
* * *
“D-Dokgo Myeong, Great Master! This won’t do! How can you do such work?”
“You all do it, so why shouldn’t I?”
“Ah! Such humility and leading by example…!”
“…?”
I seemed to have been misunderstood, but I didn’t bother correcting them.
Dokgo Myeong changed clothes behind the main gate and stepped forward.
“Show me the roster.”
“The boy’s words are curt!”
“Ah, this is my first day working in this lifetime. My apologies.”
“Huh? What do you mean by that….”
“Rather, please show me the roster.”
“There is no roster! Just arrange a meeting with Sect Leader Baek! I am the Heavenly Sword Cultivator of Yangbaek County! When he sees me, he will surely…!”
This is quite an interesting feeling.
With my reputation rising lately, I’ve been mingling mostly with important figures, so dealing with these small-time people brought a refreshing amusement.
Dokgo Myeong attended to guests and handled various chores while moving about the sect grounds.
Then, suddenly, someone approached and asked.
“Captain, what are you doing here?”
“What’s the matter now?”
“Kid? Sohwa came along too?”
Ye-hwa and Namgung Sohwa looked at Dokgo Myeong in bewilderment.
“In the Martial Alliance, it’s customary for hidden masters who conceal their strength to live as unremarkable laborers. It’s a kind of unspoken rule. So I’m taking on that role myself.”
“…I don’t understand.”
“Move aside. There’s much work to be done.”
With the captain doing menial labor, those under him couldn’t simply stand by and watch.
From that point on, the managers and other Cheonma Sect disciples who heard the news gradually joined in and began helping with the chores.
Dokgo Un-hak, who happened to pass nearby, saw the sight and frowned deeply.
“Again, another eccentricity. If you’re going to be mad, at least do it gracefully….”
“Acting Patriarch. What troubles you?”
“It’s nothing. Let’s go.”
Thus, the Cheonma Sect became temporary Martial Alliance workers for the day, crisscrossing the inner and outer sections of the sect grounds to handle tasks.
Thanks to this, the work diminished rapidly, and Dokgo Myeong, now stationed at the main gate entrance, soon encountered a familiar face.
“Clear the way! How dare you obstruct the procession of the Nine Sects!”
“Ah, no matter what, cutting in line like this….”
“Do you think we’re the same as you lot? We received formal invitation tablets!”
A group of figures approached with leisurely strides from beyond the crowd.
The one leading them clicked his tongue.
“Tsk! How badly must you be handling things to attract every street rabble in sight and cause such a commotion?”
The Martial Alliance disciple asked.
“But, who are you, if I may ask?”
“Can’t you tell by looking?”
The disciple hastily examined their appearance and soon discovered the emblem symbolizing a particular sect.
“Ah! This disciple greets the Sect Leader of the Hwangsan Sect!”
Hyeon-gak Jingin clicked his tongue and spoke.
“How can you fail to recognize me when you’ve been entrusted with guidance? Our Sect Leader would find this quite disappointing.”
“I, I apologize. My knowledge is lacking….”
“Never mind. Just guide us quickly.”
“Y-yes, this way please.”
Hyeon-gak Jingin entered with all his irritation on full display.
Then, suddenly sensing a gaze, he turned his head.
His eyes met those of Dokgo Myeong, who stood there blankly.
“…!!”
“Greetings, Sect Leader. It’s been quite a while.”
“You, you, y-yes, you… No, who exactly are….”
“Is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
“….”
“Ah, now that I think of it, you mentioned needing guidance, didn’t you?”
Hyeon-gak Jingin abruptly turned his head away.
“No. We don’t need it.”
“Why are you being so cold?”
Hyeon-gak Jingin glared at Dokgo Myeong as if to kill him.
“Your face has gone pale, then white, and now it’s turning red—it looks like you’re about to suffer a qi deviation. I’ll safely guide you.”
“Grrrgh!”
Dear me, at your age you should be more careful.
If you break something, what then?
Hyeon-gak Jingin spun his body around completely.
“Fine. You guide us.”
He soon followed another disciple’s guidance inside.
Dokgo Myeong chuckled softly and turned away.
‘At this point, I’ve explored every corner of the fortress and gotten a good look at everyone who’s arrived.’
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes gleamed with sharp insight.
‘There’s been no sign of the sect disciples arriving these past few days.’
It was fortunate in one sense, but strange in another.
Were those bastards really going to leave the Gae-bang faction alone?
But the moment that thought crossed my mind, every hair on my body stood on end.
‘The qi of blood techniques?’
Dokgo Myeong quickly turned his gaze toward the crowd, and soon spotted the Hooded Man mixed among them.
“You…?”
A smile played at the corners of his mouth, visible beneath the hood.
“It’s been a long time.”

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