Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 461

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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 461
Seo Hwi, the Sect Leader of Yirong Sect, widened his eyes.
“Someone came?”
“Yes, the Alliance Leader of Geumsan Commerce Guild! He’s the financial director of the Dokgo Family’s Dharma Protection Division!”
“The Gold King?”
A major figure.
Not just any major figure, but one I couldn’t possibly handle.
‘How could such a person come to this place?’
Excluding the Emperor, the ruler of this empire, there were only two places in the world that wielded wealth comparable to being the richest under heaven.
Baek Mu-heun, the Alliance Leader of Zhongyuan Commerce Guild, whose identity as a mysterious figure of the merchant world had only recently been revealed.
And then there was the Dokgo Family, the greatest clan under heaven.
More precisely, within the Dokgo Family, it was the Dharma Protection Division, and within that division, the Geumsan Commerce Guild.
The King of Money who led the Geumsan Commerce Guild.
The man who started as a mere merchant and earned a reputation even in the martial world—the Gold King, Son Tae-im.
“Show him in. With respect.”
“Yes! I shall escort him at once——.”
At that moment, the office door burst open.
“No need for that.”
“…!”
A middle-aged man of moderate build walked in with only a single subordinate.
Seo Hwi instinctively shot to his feet, then suddenly realized his mistake and found himself in an awkward half-standing position.
But having already risen, sitting back down would be even stranger. He straightened his knees and clasped his fist in salute.
“I have heard much of your illustrious name, Gold King. But what brings you to grace this humble place?”
“Just sit.”
Seo Hwi’s expression visibly twisted.
‘Just sit?’
Wasn’t that far too curt?
He showed up out of nowhere without introduction—what kind of manner was this?
“Your thoughts are written all over your face.”
Scrape.
Son Tae-im pulled a chair without permission and plopped down into it.
“Your actions are equally reckless.”
Seo Hwi’s eyes flashed.
“What is the meaning of this…?”
“No sense of propriety either.”
“…?!”
“I heard you were closer to a commerce guild than a martial sect, but that must have been wrong information. You don’t even know the basics.”
“What did you just say?”
“Do you not know who I am?”
Seo Hwi bristled.
“I understand, Golden King. But tell me… does the Golden King of all under heaven have two lives? What gives you the confidence to be so disrespectful?”
Seo Hwi made no effort to conceal his killing intent.
He had long since noticed that his opponent hadn’t even mastered the most basic martial techniques. Even the attendants following behind were below third-rate.
But Son Tae-im remained composed.
“Before I’m a Golden King, I’m a merchant. And merchants are people who conduct transactions. Do I need to explain further?”
“…A transaction?”
“Now sit down. Time is precious.”
Seo Hwi’s momentum visibly diminished.
He frowned and took his seat.
Beyond the aura of inner power, there exists a certain dignity and gravitas that those who have accomplished much possess. Son Tae-im had precisely that quality.
“You’re not going to serve tea?”
“…Bring it.”
The subordinates slowly brought tea.
Though this was clearly his own courtyard, Son Tae-im remained at ease while Seo Hwi sat tensely, glaring at him.
“Dragon Well tea. Fine quality.”
Soon after, Son Tae-im took a sip without even checking for poison with a silver needle.
Just as Seo Hwi was about to burst out in frustration, unable to grasp the situation, Son Tae-im broached the main topic.
“There are two reasons I’ve come here today. First, to settle the debts of a man named Gwan Wi-hun.”
“Gwan Wi-hun? That vermin?”
Seo Hwi’s expression turned incredulous.
“You’re telling me the mastermind was Geumsan Trading Company? You caused all this commotion for such a trivial reason? What is that wretch to you that the Golden King himself would come forward?”
“Ah, the reason I came personally is actually the second one.”
Clink.
Son Tae-im set down his teacup and spoke leisurely.
“I’ve come to settle accounts with the Yiryong Sect.”
“…!”
Seo Hwi’s eyes widened. Son Tae-im didn’t give him time to respond, simply tossing out a question.
“Do you enjoy making money so messily?”
“Do you truly… wish to die?”
“Kill me? This Golden King? Hehehehe!”
Son Tae-im laughed.
“Can you really do it?”
Crunch.
A sinister sound emanated from Seo Hwi’s teeth as if they might crack.
“Explain yourself.”
“I’ll compensate you sufficiently. How much capital does the Yiryong Sect operate?”
“How would I know that off the top of my head…”
“You don’t even know that.”
Seo Hwi stared at Son Tae-im with a hardened expression.
His first thought was: ‘Is this really the Golden King?’
Yet as the conversation continued, I felt caught in some inexplicable pressure. Now, a hint of fear even crept in.
Why? Why did someone like this move at all?
Someone who was practically the second richest merchant under heaven itself… why?
“You have quite the curious expression.”
“Isn’t that natural?”
“I intend to take control of Hapbi this time.”
“…?!”
“Why? My lord desired it. And he mentioned being bothered by unsightly things.”
“You damned bastard…!”
“Have you ever raised a dog?”
When I cut him off at the right moment, Seo Hwi faltered.
“Dogs bark. But beasts don’t. Animals know their own strength. When a beast growls even once when it needs to, the mutts just collapse on their own.”
“Are you calling me a mongrel? Do you truly wish to die?!”
Son Tae-im laughed coldly.
“Shut up and listen.”
“…!!”
“Now is the time to listen. Not to bark. You don’t even know what I’m about to say yet, do you?”
Son Tae-im took another sip of tea.
“From now on, I will pour all the surplus funds that Geumsan Trading Company possesses into this place, Hapbi. How much do you think that is? I’m sure it’s enough to shake not just Hapbi, but the entire surrounding region.”
“…!”
“Let’s see. The main source of Yiryong Gate’s funds is the Salt King’s debt, right? Then to start, I should lend money to the creditors without interest. Next, the gambling dens and black markets? I’ll cut off all the money sources. Ah, and there must be bribes Yiryong Gate has scattered around. I’ll simply double that amount and spread it myself.”
“W-what are you saying now….”
“Your expression is wonderful. Now you’re beginning to grasp the situation.”
Son Tae-im leaned back against the chair calmly.
He spoke as if bestowing mercy.
“Close your business and leave this place as soon as possible. I’ll make sure you’re well compensated.”
“You suddenly appear and warn me like this… do you think I’ll just back down?”
“Does this sound like a warning? No, I told you. This is a transaction. I’m making you an offer.”
“How is this an offer?”
Son Tae-im continued.
“If you start to respond, I’ll pour in exactly double the money. If you block that too? I’ll add another double on top. I might take losses elsewhere… but that’s fine. I have plenty of money. Very plenty.”
“….”
“Ah, are you thinking of retreating for now and coming back later? Don’t do that. There’s not a single place in this Central Plains that Geumsan Trading Company’s carriages don’t reach. If you try any tricks, you’ll be receiving night visitors for a long time. They call them assassins in the martial world.”
He’s insane.
Not just insane—properly, thoroughly insane.
No matter how much they control Hapbi, it’s still just a backward region.
Yet he would go this far? Follow me even if I went elsewhere?
“Hm.”
My throat was dry.
Seo Hwi slowly grasped the teacup.
Clatter, clatter.
The hand holding the cup trembled, and tea spilled over the rim. He couldn’t even bring the cup to his lips, instead parting his parched lips.
“Why, why go to such lengths… ? The losses to Geumsan Commerce must be severe….”
Son Tae-im chuckled softly.
“Didn’t I tell you? My commander desires it.”
“…!”
“So, will you accept the proposal?”
* * *
Days later.
Seo Hwi, who had been in a daze, summoned his subordinates with murderous intent radiating from him.
“Bring me everyone connected to that bastard Gwan Wi-hun.”
“Yes?”
“That one seems important. If I take them hostage and shake things up, it’ll work out somehow, won’t it?”
At first, he’d thought it was merely a threat. After all, what mad merchant would bear losses and pour out money?
But when Geumsan Commerce suddenly began reconstruction work on the abandoned Namgung estate, he realized it was far more than simple intimidation.
‘Hiring local workers instead of outsiders. And paying them double the usual rate at that.’
All the laborers in the region began receiving Geumsan’s coin.
Moreover, since the commerce also provided meals for these workers, the street inns and taverns naturally began receiving Geumsan’s money as well.
Vitality returned to the streets.
Yet for Iryong Sect, it was violence wielded through money pouring down upon them.
“B-but if we proceed so recklessly and Geumsan Commerce or the Martial Alliance reacts, what then?”
“We’ll have to leave for Junggyeong before that.”
“Yes? You mean Junggyeong?”
“We’ll enter under Paedobyeon’s command.”
Just as Seo Hwi harbored dark intentions and prepared for a final desperate gambit.
A group attacked Iryong Sect.
“S-Sect Leader! Some ruffians have broken in!”
“What?! Which ones?! The Martial Alliance shouldn’t be able to touch us!?”
“Black Blades from nearby! Black insignia… it’s Hao Sect! Their numbers exceed ours threefold! And there’s one monstrously powerful one…!”
“What?!”
This couldn’t be coincidence. Was there any place as deeply entangled with the merchant world as the Black Blades?
“Damn it all!”
Seo Hwi drew upon his inner energy and rushed out immediately.
But there stood Dokgo Myeong, disguised as a Hao Sect member, and he was subdued without difficulty.
Before the subdued Seo Hwi, Son Tae-im appeared once more.
“Heh heh, you certainly know how to stir up trouble. You should have simply taken the money and withdrawn.”
“Y-you despicable….”
“You should have accepted the proposal sooner. I’ll be enjoying your business quite well.”
And that was the end of it.
Iryong Sect vanished without a trace or sound.
* * *
Reconstruction work had begun.
Even if we rebuilt the entire old estate, it would be useless for now. We decided to quickly construct only the necessary buildings and gradually expand from there.
“Gulp.”
The top floor of Hapbi’s finest tower.
Namgung Hun, who had been gazing at the old estate whose framework was now fully erected, swallowed his tears.
“Just days ago, that place was nothing but wasteland, and I was nothing but a vagrant….”
“Don’t say that. This is just the beginning. Have a drink.”
“Thank you.”
Namgung Hun drank the liquor in silence.
Watching the old Namgung estate grounds begin to rise again, his chest grew warm.
Then, a voice like some drunkard’s came from beside him.
“My, what rich sensibilities you have. Is this really the time for that?”
“Ah, come on!”
“What now! I was just being considerate!”
Namgung Hun wiped his eyes with an embarrassed face.
Though slightly awkward, his tears had dried up because of it.
This gathering was both a small celebration and a farewell before Dokgo Myeong’s departure. Unlike Namgung Sohwa, who had no choice but to remain in Hapbi, Dokgo Myeong had simply decided to move on.
Namgung Sohwa asked Namgung Hun.
“By the way, have the messengers we sent to various places received replies?”
“Yes, those living in hiding sent their replies immediately. They said they would come even if they had to fly.”
“That’s fortunate!”
“People, power, wealth, reputation, martial prowess—of these five things, everything except power is being prepared.”
Though power remained, in truth it would naturally follow once the Namgung’s strength grew.
Namgung Hun looked at Dokgo Myeong.
“I must tell you as well. I am genuinely grateful. I’m not sure what I can do for you, but I will certainly repay this debt someday.”
Namgung Hun bowed his head.
Dokgo Myeong, who had been stuffing his mouth full of side dishes, grinned.
“Don’t forget those words. Where in this world is anything free?”
“Haha, that’s true.”
Soon Namgung Hun erased his smile and glanced subtly around.
He called out to Namgung Sohwa in a hushed tone.
“Sect Leader.”
“Yes?”
“There is something I’ve been deliberating whether to say….”
“Please, speak freely. What is it?”
“In truth, I believe one more thing is necessary for the complete restoration of our family. Especially given that you, Sect Leader, will be stepping onto dangerous battlefields. Do you know what that is?”
“What…?”
“An heir.”
Thud!
In that instant, Namgung Sohwa’s wine cup slipped from her fingers.
“…Yes, yes? What do you mean I need to have something?”
“I was referring to an heir, ma’am.”
An heir? What heir?
The kind I know? Not the heir meaning succession of affairs, but the kind referring to a child who carries on the bloodline… an heir?
‘Where in the world would I find that?’
For a moment I thought foolishly, then belatedly came to my senses and opened my eyes wide.
“Me? Me, me?”
“Right now, the Sect Leader is everything to this household. That simply will not do. For the sake of the family, and for the Sect Leader’s sake as well.”
“Are you saying I should hold a wedding ceremony right this instant?”
“How could that be possible? There are other methods, such as taking in a disciple or adopted son. I merely wished to inquire beforehand about the Sect Leader’s thoughts regarding the future.”
“Well, that is….”
“While it is true that in the martial world, marriages are often delayed or foregone entirely, if the household had remained stable, wouldn’t a suitable match have been arranged by now? So I wondered….”
Namgung Hun let his words trail off slightly, then asked in a subtle tone.
“Is there perhaps someone you have in mind, or a man with whom you have made a promise for the future?”
“That, this, this matter should be discussed later….”
“Please do not feel pressured. I merely wish to know how to prepare going forward.”
Don’t feel pressured? Those words themselves are the pressure.
‘This, I can’t just let this pass.’
The Overseer was staring at me with an intensity that seemed to burn with fire. My mind went blank and my throat tightened.
In that moment, Namgung Sohwa quickly shifted her gaze.
She saw a man with his mouth open in surprise, and she immediately grabbed his arm firmly.
“…Huh?”
Before Dokgo Myeong, the man whose arm had been seized, could even speak, Namgung Sohwa poured out her words.
“I didn’t mention it because I thought you’d notice, but it’s Dokgo Myeong here!”
“My!”
Namgung Hun let out an exclamation.
“As expected! How fortunate! Since you’ll be together even when heading to the battlefield, there’s nothing to worry about!”
Tense!
In that instant, I felt Dokgo Myeong’s entire body stiffen.
Namgung Sohwa squeezed the hand gripping his arm with force and whispered through gritted teeth.
“Just go along with it. Just this once. Please!”
“…?”
Dokgo Myeong blinked with a vacant expression on his face.

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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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