Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 78

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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 78
Geum Seok-du paused to reflect on his life for a moment.
A disciple of Manpaknoesa, a man who elevated gambling to the realm of martial arts, a member of Gangho who now served a lord whose mind had truly departed, a man who encountered somewhat incompetent older brothers and became the youngest of the trio…
Geum Seok-du felt that his life had become remarkably colorful of late.
Now, he who was once nothing more than a back-alley gambler…
“Ah, you’ve lost again, Master.”
“…Hmm.”
“That’s why, you see, using obvious sleight of hand is considered amateurish.”
“What was that just now?”
“The exact same hand movement. Look, seamless, isn’t it? Even masters of observation like yourself would be fooled if you don’t know the technique.”
“Indeed, quite true.”
…After all, he was teaching gambling to Maecheon Yang, the Three-Blade Swordsman and master of the Muhakbu of the greatest martial family under heaven, who once earned renown as a peak-level swordsman throughout the southern martial realm.
“It’s fascinating, but wouldn’t it be difficult to fool the eye if you anticipated it beforehand and focused on the hands?”
“An excellent observation. Shall we try another round?”
“Deal the cards.”
“Ten coins this time? Hehe! Here, the cards are dealt.”
Flick! Tap! Flicker!
Strange sounds mixed in as the cards were being dealt.
But Maecheon Yang was not so inexperienced as to let his attention waver at such things.
He maintained his focus, watching Geum Seok-du’s hand movements intently.
“Behold.”
Yet again, Geum Seok-du’s hand was superior.
Maecheon Yang marveled.
“Hmm, I’ve lost again. It’s not luck, so how did you manage it?”
“In truth, I had hidden a card in my sleeve beforehand.”
“What?”
“You were so focused on my hands, Master, that you didn’t notice the sound in the middle, did you? That was actually the sound of me retrieving the card from my sleeve.”
“Ah! A blend of false and true deception… Gambling truly conceals the principles of martial arts within it.”
“You understand it! Haha!”
Meanwhile, someone was watching this scene from afar.
“What exactly am I witnessing right now…?”
He had come to find Geum Seok-du to handle the matter concerning the Jeongheol Sect.
Dokgo Myeong’s furrowed brow deepened to an impossible degree.
* * *
“No, no! I’m telling the truth! The Master really did ask me to gamble with him… Ugh!”
“You brat! Do you think our Maecheon would do such a thing?”
“I’m serious! Gasp!”
“Huh? You dodged it? Your martial arts have improved?”
“Y-yes, that’s right! It’s all from martial training… Argh! You hit my bone! My ribs!”
“I aimed for it on purpose, you bastard!”
Crack!
“Ugh!”
Geum Seok-du’s jaw twisted as he crumpled to the ground.
Dokgo Myeong, breathing heavily through gritted teeth, whipped his head around.
“….”
Maecheon Yang broke into a cold sweat.
Those weren’t the eyes of a man—they gleamed with a chilling, predatory light. Even in broad daylight.
‘No, but I’m his senior, after all….’
Maecheon Yang cleared his throat several times before speaking.
“…Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Am I not?”
“Pardon? I’m not sure what you mean….”
“I must be mistaken then. Right?”
It felt like he was about to make truth itself into a lie.
Maecheon Yang swallowed hard.
“You misunderstand me. Surely you don’t think I’ve fallen into gambling?”
“….”
“It’s simply that Geum’s words held some truth. As I pondered how best to educate my disciples, I wondered if gambling might serve as one pedagogical method, so I proposed….”
“….”
“Why do you regard me with such suspicion?”
Disappointment flickered across Dokgo Myeong’s eyes.
A man favored by Dokgo Cheon, respected as a master by the Main Sect’s warriors—how had it come to this?
“Please, hear me out further.”
“….”
“I don’t employ such methods every time. Most of the time, I focus on foundational training and basic techniques.”
“And?”
“From what I gathered, he seemed to have learned finger techniques and palm methods through the Dokgo Family’s martial arts alone, so I devised this approach. Even Cheoldugong said it was for deception’s sake….”
“Isn’t martial training supposed to involve striking and receiving blows?”
“Heh, each person has their own teaching method that works best for them.”
Maecheon Yang was renowned for tailoring his instruction to each individual student.
Elements that sparked interest naturally led to greater dedication from trainees.
Indeed, gambling-based training had proven far more effective for Geum Seok-du than ordinary martial practice.
“Then why didn’t you use such methods with me?”
“You suddenly showed up demanding a match.”
“….”
“And before that… I’m ashamed to say, no method I tried proved particularly helpful.”
Maecheon Yang smiled bitterly.
“It was my shortcoming. I still regret it deeply.”
“Never mind. It’s not that serious.”
Dokgo Myeong waved his hand dismissively.
A vague memory surfaced in my mind.
When all the instructors at Muhakbu gave up, Maecheon Yang had even conducted lessons himself.
Wait, how do I remember this?
At that moment, Maecheon Yang chuckled and continued speaking.
“In any case, it was not mere gambling, but gambling for the sake of martial arts training.”
“Ah, yes?”
“If you set aside your preconceptions, it proves quite useful for learning numerical calculations, positioning techniques, and psychological warfare. I shall teach you well, so have no worries.”
“…Let’s consider it that way for now.”
“Hehe, I knew you would understand, sir.”
Dokgo Myeong reluctantly nodded his head.
After all, he had witnessed Geum Seok-du deflect at least one of his own attacks even while being pummeled.
‘Still, surely not… this fellow couldn’t possibly….’
A master at the pinnacle of skill would hardly fall into gambling.
I should observe him for a while longer.
That was when it happened.
“Look at that!”
“You’re awake?”
“Didn’t I tell you! It’s martial arts training!”
Geum Seok-du, who had risen to his feet, cried out as if wronged.
“Where do you get off shouting!? The fact that you have the energy to yell means you’re slacking off on your training!”
“Sl, slacking…?”
Geum Seok-du trembled.
Did he not realize what hellish training Maecheon Yang inflicted with that benevolent face of his?
Moreover, after training ended, he had to go to Geumsan Sect and learn until he nearly dropped dead?
“Seok-du, back in my day, I climbed cliffs to build stamina! You understand?”
“How would I know? And as I’ve said repeatedly, I am older than you, sir.”
“Yet you’re weaker than me.”
“In exchange, I know how to do more things than you, sir.”
“What did you say?”
“Did I say something wrong?”
“This bastard….”
“Wait, hold on!”
Geum Seok-du stretched out his hand.
“What is the matter, sir?”
“Ah, right.”
Dokgo Myeong looked first at Maecheon Yang without answering.
“Vice-leader Maecheon, I apologize for interrupting the lesson. But may I take this fellow away for a moment?”
“Of course. There was no need to ask me in the first place.”
“Still, you are his teacher, so I should ask for your understanding. Then I shall take him for a while.”
“Sir, what about my opinion?”
“Is that really important?”
“…?”
With long, purposeful strides, I hurried after him.
“Wait, what exactly is going on here?”
“The Family Head has given his permission.”
“…!”
My expression shifted in an instant.
“Is this that matter you mentioned beforehand?”
“Yes, you’ve finished the preparations, haven’t you?”
I nodded in affirmation.
“Yes, but are you certain about this? You said it would be dangerous.”
“When has anything ever been safe?”
That’s true enough.
But please, let’s try doing something that isn’t dangerous for once!
* * *
On a night sky thick with clouds, the clouds themselves are scarcely visible. They have obscured the moonlight and starlight that would have reflected their forms. Only the faint lunar glow peeking through the clouds revealed their presence in that darkness.
Only the faint moonlight glimpsed beyond the clouds testified to the existence of clouds and moon in that place.
“Tomorrow looks like it will bring heavy rain. The sky is so gloomy.”
“Be quiet. Idle chatter is forbidden during patrols, isn’t it?”
“How else am I supposed to pass the time if I can’t even chat?”
“Your voice is too loud.”
Even in deep darkness, the grounds of the Dokgo Family were not dark.
The lanterns of the warriors patrolling with meticulous care illuminated the shadows.
Yet no matter how bright the light, darkness could never be completely driven away.
Whoosh!
Something moved within the darkness beneath the eaves.
There was no sound of footsteps or breathing. Only the air trembled, and a faint breeze pressed inward.
Tap!
The Black-Robed Man, wrapped in darkness itself, swiftly scaled the wall of Saheongang.
After clearing the wall, the Black-Robed Man remained motionless, holding his breath for a long while.
“….”
Saheongang was particularly dark and silent.
Unlike the other pavilions, it had neither a dedicated warrior corps nor an honor guard.
Slip!
Only after waiting for some time did the Black-Robed Man move smoothly, gliding forward.
Creak—!
The Black-Robed Man carefully pushed open the door and crept toward the corner of the room.
“Mm, mm….”
A young man lay sleeping, breathing steadily.
Dokgo Myeong.
The fellow was scratching his belly and snoring away.
‘He’s truly asleep.’
The Black-Robed Man’s eyes gleamed as he reached toward Dokgo Myeong.
Or rather, the moment he was about to reach.
Snap!
Dokgo Myeong’s closed eyes flew open and he grinned wickedly.
“I knew you’d try that, you bastard.”
“!”
Boom!
The Black-Robed Man stepped back.
Dokgo Myeong threw off his blanket with a wicked smile.
“Ever heard of the Guisik Technique? If you dial it down a bit, it’s perfect for playing dead.”
“….”
“I don’t know who you are, but if you’re going to underestimate me, at least do it properly!”
Dokgo Myeong’s foot struck the ground.
Thud!
A heavy tremor, rapid approach.
The Whirling Heaven Palm Strike.
The true energy embedded in the straight punch burned white-hot.
That was when.
“…I was planning to take you quietly.”
The Black-Robed Man’s voice echoed ominously.
At the same moment, Dokgo Myeong’s eyes widened.
The voice had come from behind, not in front.
“There’s more than one of you…!”
Dokgo Myeong spun his head around urgently, but.
Whoosh! Crack!
Something swung through the air, and Dokgo Myeong crumpled.
His eyelids slowly closed as he fell to the floor.
Beyond them, two Black-Robed Men approached.
Dokgo Myeong lost consciousness.
* * *
“Gasp!”
Splash!
Cold water drenched his face.
Dokgo Myeong jolted awake and lifted his head.
“What is this suddenly….”
“You’re finally awake.”
“You bastard!”
Dokgo Myeong tried to leap to his feet.
Clang!
Yet with that metallic ring, my body was violently thrown backward and I collapsed to the ground.
It was because of the iron chains and shackles binding my limbs.
And these were no ordinary material. When I tried to channel my inner force, a terrifying cold seeped into my meridians.
“…Ten-Thousand-Year Frigid Iron?”
“If you thought you could escape, abandon that hope.”
“Channeling your inner force will cause internal injuries.”
Two Black-Robed Men spoke in turn.
A burly man openly radiating killing intent in waves, and a swordsman with a blade at his waist speaking with measured courtesy.
“Answer our questions obediently, and there will be no pain.”
Thud!
The burly man approached.
Were we in a cave?
His voice echoed and reverberated off the walls.
Dokgo Myeong’s brow furrowed sharply.
“Good grief, you ignorant fools. Normally in situations like this, you’re supposed to promise to spare someone’s life, even if it’s a lie, aren’t you?”
“….”
“Why do you keep saying you’ll kill me without pain? Is your brain really that slow?”
Silence fell in an instant.
The burly man growled.
“You’ve lost your mind. Do you not understand your situation?”
Dokgo Myeong sneered.
“For someone so stupid, you certainly have a lot of weight to throw around.”
“You insolent….”
“Enough.”
Just as the burly man stepped forward, the swordsman extended his hand to block his path.
“Young Master.”
The man lowered his body and met Dokgo Myeong’s gaze.
“If you’re waiting for reinforcements, give up hope. We left no trace whatsoever when we brought you out from your family.”
“So?”
“Not even a search party will come until sunrise tomorrow morning. So answer our questions obediently.”
“Would you talk if you were me?”
Whoosh! Crack!
In an instant, my head was violently snapped back.
The burly man shook out his hand.
“They say he’s the type who won’t open his mouth even facing death. Indeed, he is exactly that kind of man.”
Ptui!
As I spat, blood mixed with the saliva.
Dokgo Myeong laughed with a hiss.
“Not even ticklish. Anyway, you Jeongheol Sect bastards were generally soft-fisted. That’s why the Sinheol Sect dogs look down on you.”
“…!”
A murderous glint flashed across the eyes of the two men, barely concealed by their masks.
“…Just how much do you know?”
“Quite a bit. Perhaps even more than you two.”
“You bastard!”
Crack!
Dokgo Myeong’s head snapped to the side once more.
Dokgo Myeong laughed heartily.
“Now that’s the touch of a true Black Bloodfiend technique. Without even using Explosive Blood Force, you two are clearly genuine products of the Headquarters.”
The two Black-Robed Men flinched in surprise.
“What in the…!”
“Seeing that everyone I’ve encountered has mastered Black Bloodfiend Force, I can roughly figure out who’s managing the current foothold in Zhongyuan.”
“…!”
“You two wouldn’t normally act so recklessly. But the bait was cast perfectly, so you’ve been moving without restraint.”
“How does the Young Master possess such information?”
Dokgo Myeong answered with a voice full of laughter.
“I saw it from the future, you young fools.”
“What does that even….”
That was the moment.
Thud! Thunk!
The sound of stones tumbling echoed through the cave.
The gaze of the Black-Robed Men and Dokgo Myeong turned toward the source simultaneously.
Smack!
In that instant, a hand suddenly thrust out from the cave entrance.
“Huff, huff… Why in the world is there a cave on such a cliff….”
“…!”
The owner of that hand crawled up laboriously and collapsed face-first on the ground.
“Ugh, I’m done for.”
Gasp! Gasp!
The man lay sprawled on the ground, catching his breath for a moment.
After breathing heavily for some time, the man staggered to his feet and his eyes went wide.
“Huh! What! There’s two of them?”
“Who are you!”
“G-Young Master! You didn’t mention there would be two of them!”
A man had suddenly appeared in the cave.
Seeing the man’s face, Dokgo Myeong grinned widely.
“Ah, Seok-du, welcome!”
It was none other than Geum Seok-du.

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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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