Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 158

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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 158
“It’s been quite a while, Outer Hall Master.”
“I pay my respects, Elder Council Leader. Have you been well all this time?”
At Dokgo Un-hak’s words, Dokgo Hwi-hwa’s lips twisted into a distorted smile.
“Indeed, the Outer Hall Master is a courteous gentleman to everyone, aren’t you?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“You ambush someone and slap their cheek, then greet them with pleasantries? I wouldn’t have had the audacity to do such a thing.”
“Heh, but you’re an elder of the household, so shouldn’t we maintain proper courtesy?”
….
“Please don’t be like that. This is all just friendly competition, isn’t it?”
“Friendly competition? Do you know how many lives from the branch families have been lost to those damned Pae-do Faction dogs?”
Dokgo Hwi-hwa spoke with a stern expression.
Dokgo Un-hak let out a soft chuckle.
“When did you start caring about the lives of branch families outside the household? Haven’t you yourself, using that as justification, torn plenty of flesh from the main branch?”
At those words, Dokgo Hwi-hwa suddenly whipped her head around and raised her voice.
“You there!”
“Yes, Council Leader.”
“Go fetch me some digestive herbal soup. I feel like everything I ate for lunch is about to come back up.”
“I’ll bring it at once.”
“And bring a bucket of salt as well.”
“Salt… did you say?”
“Do I need to repeat myself?”
“No, I’ll fetch it immediately.”
Dokgo Un-hak let out a hollow laugh.
“Not even offering tea, and treating a guest like this—where are your manners?”
“I’ll listen if you have something worth hearing. But if you continue spouting nonsense, you’d best leave before you embarrass yourself further.”
It had only been a few months since Dokgo Un-hak mobilized the Pae-do Faction to cut off Dokgo Hwi-hwa’s power base.
Since then, a mudslinging war had raged between the two factions. There was no chance of civil discourse between Dokgo Un-hak and Dokgo Hwi-hwa, the leaders of their respective camps.
“Then I’ll get straight to the point. I have my pride, and I can’t very well be insulted with salt.”
Dokgo Un-hak wiped the cunning smile from his face and opened his mouth.
“Dokgo Myeong.”
“Hmm?”
“That boy seems to be overstepping his bounds. Don’t you think it’s time to call him back?”
Dokgo Hwi-hwa’s eyes narrowed.
“Now that’s an unexpected topic. Does the Outer Hall Master have so much leisure time that you can afford to worry about your nephew in this situation?”
“I hear the Elder Council has suffered no small losses in Zhejiang.”
“Of course, with trade volume so enormous, losing that connection entirely is a significant blow.”
“Exactly my point.”
“However, even if we’re to assign blame, that’s something to address after the boy returns. It’s not a matter that affects the greater situation, so there must be a reason you came to see me directly…?”
Dokgo Hwi-hwa drew out her words in a murmur, then let out a low chuckle.
“Oh, so you’ve come to suggest we tear apart the Neutral Faction between ourselves?”
“I cannot help but admire the Sect Leader’s keen insight.”
Dokgo Un-hak smiled.
Yet his eyes had turned cold.
‘A formidable opponent indeed.’
He had barely begun his opening statement, and the old man had already seized control of the conversation.
Yes, I disliked this old man.
Though he had built the greatest household under heaven alongside my father, he was precisely the figure blocking my path forward.
Dokgo Hwi-hwa wore a peculiar expression.
“Hmm, I’ve heard the reputation of Dokgo Myeong in the martial world hasn’t been particularly favorable lately.”
Recently, Dokgo Myeong had been called the Mad Sword Dragon after the Fallen Dragon—a reckless, wild sword dragon.
That epithet, already bordering on infamy, was spreading as vicious rumors with truth and falsehood cunningly intertwined.
They called him a reckless fool with no sense of propriety, a filial impiety who raised his hand even against his elders, a ruffian who wouldn’t move on without beating or killing someone…
And now the arrows of that infamy were pointing toward the Dokgo Household itself.
“The Posterior Disciples who participated in the martial tournament at Dengyongji have returned to their places, and now the masters who trained them are raising their voices. There are claims that the Dokgo Household is doing nothing.”
“Surely you don’t believe this public opinion formed naturally?”
“Of course the Moyong Family stirred it up.”
“And?”
“Would it be acceptable for the main household to assist in that propaganda war? It’s not as though we’re speaking of matters unrelated to the Moyong Family—we’ve become victims who lost children and brothers.”
“…”
“Isn’t the greatest problem here that the responsibility isn’t borne by Myeong-i alone, but by the entire main household?”
It was a matter of accountability. For Dokgo Myeong, it was unavoidable.
Even within the household, massive sums of silver had flowed through the lands of Zhejiang before we withdrew, so responsibility had to be assigned.
Externally, the Moyong Family, which has yet to take any ‘overt’ action, is manipulating public opinion. If we simply leave Dokgo Myeong alone, the Dokgo Household’s reputation could be dragged through the mud under the pretext of harboring a criminal.
“So we have no choice but to hold Dokgo Myeong accountable, and you want to escalate this matter?”
“We actually attempted to do so, but that fool flatly refused, and the matter fizzled out.”
Just then, sounds of movement came from outside.
“Sect Leader, I’ve brought the medicinal broth and salt.”
Dokgo Un-hak chuckled softly and gazed directly at Dokgo Hwi-hwa.
“What will you do?”
“…”
Dokgo Hwi-hwa seemed to ponder briefly before speaking.
“I’m sorry to trouble you twice, but have them take away the medicinal broth and salt. Instead, bring some tea. I forgot to serve tea to the Outer Hall Master.”
“Yes, I shall do so.”
Dokgo Un-hak broke into a grin.
Soon the tea arrived, and the two drank in silence.
After finishing a cup, Dokgo Hwi-hwa spoke.
“I’d like to hear the details.”
“There’s nothing complicated about it. Summon him and hold him accountable. That’s all.”
“Restrain him first, then divide up the Neutral Faction while it’s still reorganizing. I understand the words, but…”
Dokgo Hwi-hwa tapped the table rhythmically.
“The problem is this: would that bastard really have the audacity to act without any preparation?”
The moment Dokgo Hwi-hwa finished speaking, she shook her head vigorously.
“There’s no way. Absolutely no way… Hah, this is ridiculous.”
Dokgo Hwi-hwa suddenly found her own thoughts amusing and let out a scoff.
‘Is that bastard twenty-two now? Or twenty-three?’
How utterly absurd.
Here I was, Dokgo Hwi-hwa of all people, wary of a Young Master barely past his coming of age.
Yet on the other hand, there was no shame in it. Dokgo Myeong was someone worthy of such caution.
As if reading my thoughts, Dokgo Un-hak let out a chuckle.
“Hehehehe! Surely the great Elder Council Leader isn’t getting cold feet, are you?”
“Spare me such cheap provocations.”
Dokgo Hwi-hwa furrowed her brow.
“That man is skilled in schemes and stratagems. What if he possesses a truth we’re unaware of that could absolve him of responsibility, or if Cho-hak has already informed him and he’s prepared countermeasures? We could easily face a backlash.”
“It doesn’t matter. Public opinion has already shifted, and he bears responsibility regardless.”
Does truth and fact matter?
No. In political struggle, what matters is who believes what and how.
Even if Dokgo Myeong possessed a truth that could overturn the entire situation, once the yoke has been placed upon him, escape becomes difficult.
“Even if there were a loophole to slip through, once he has unilaterally harmed the main house, overturning it won’t be easy.”
Her eyes gleamed.
“Are you perhaps thinking of holding a Council Assembly?”
“Of course. To remove the leader of a faction, we must naturally convene a Council Assembly.”
When the Outer Hall and the Elder Council faction unite, a Council Assembly becomes possible.
Of course, there exists the variable of those Sect Leaders who follow only the Household Head, but the Household Head is expected to remain neutral in this situation.
Once the assembly convenes, they will surely cast their votes according to their own convictions rather than abstaining.
“Even so, there’s a flaw in this plan.”
“A flaw, you say?”
“That bastard won’t be unable to wage a public opinion campaign. What if he simply avoids returning to the household and instead focuses on preventing the Council Assembly from being held, preparing a way to evade responsibility from outside?”
“That won’t be possible. There’s a reason Myeong-i must return to the household.”
“You have a way to bind his hands?”
“What do you think his current position is?”
“Well…”
The leader of a faction is an unofficial position. Dokgo Myeong’s official title is still Master of the Martial Corps.
And by the strict family law, the Master of the Martial Corps has one obligation.
Suddenly, Dokgo Hwi-hwa’s eyes widened.
“This woman… has it already passed?”
“Yes, though it’s a nameless Martial Corps, it is so.”
For the Martial Corps to continue existing, it must produce results within this year.
But Dokgo Myeong has yet to produce any results.
There is the matter of rooting out the traitor, but that was conducted informally under the Household Head’s orders at the family level. It cannot be recognized as an official achievement.
Dokgo Un-hak laughed with a sharp edge.
“When two people sit across from each other, there’s no need for a third party to meddle. We should nip it in the bud before it blooms, or crush it underfoot.”
* * *
After the drinking gathering, Dokgo Myeong and his group stayed at Gwak Dae-ryong’s residence for a few more days.
During that time, Gwak Dae-ryong seemed to have long conversations with Ye-hwa late into the evenings.
Dokgo Myeong and the others didn’t rush them and waited patiently.
Two days later.
When Ye-hwa appeared in the morning, she had Gwak Dae-ryong’s Gwan-il-jeok-gung slung diagonally across her back, and a quiver as white as pure snow hung from her waist.
‘More than two sacred treasures of the Assassination Valley have been passed down. She’s truly become the legitimate successor of the Assassination Valley now.’
The group finished packing and prepared to depart.
Gwak Dae-ryong patted Ye-hwa’s shoulder and spoke.
“I’ve already said everything there is to say. Go observe the martial world well and return.”
“Yes.”
“Make sure to stay in contact, and if things get difficult, plant a White Arrow in that bastard’s brow and come back.”
Dokgo Myeong beside him grumbled.
“Gwak, I’m listening, you know?”
“I know you are.”
“…Ah, right.”
Gwak Dae-ryong chuckled and approached Dokgo Myeong.
“Now go. Please take good care of our Ye-hwa.”
“I said I would. But really, it’s not like you’re sending off a daughter to be married.”
“What? Married? How dare you!”
Gwak Dae-ryong’s eyes filled with blood.
Dokgo Myeong panicked and waved his hands.
“Damn it! It’s just a figure of speech! And what’s wrong with me anyway?”
“So you did have ulterior motives!”
“What are you—”
“As long as I draw breath, that will never happen! Do you understand!?”
“…”
Dokgo Myeong’s expression turned bitter.
Gwak Dae-ryong spoke with intensity.
“You must protect our Ye-hwa well. If any bastard approaches her, just break his jaw! Understand?”
“Y-yes…”
“I’ll hear martial world news from time to time. If I hear anything suspicious about our Ye-hwa? I’ll make sure you never sleep another night in your life.”
Gwak Dae-ryong glared at Dokgo Myeong with eyes blazing like flames.
This was a man who had single-handedly annihilated the Assassination Valley, one of the Central Plains’ most notorious assassin groups.
Dokgo Myeong, unable to resist the pressure, nodded vigorously.
“Yes, yes, I understand.”
“…I’m trusting you.”
And so the group set out on their journey.
Gwak Dae-ryong seemed reluctant, muttering complaints as he deliberately followed me to the edge of the village.
When the moment to part finally arrived.
Dokgo Myeong spoke.
“Brother Gwak.”
“What is it?”
Dokgo Myeong assumed the fist salute position.
Then, with the precision of a brushstroke painting, he bowed deeply at the waist.
“I’m grateful. For so many things.”
For teaching me how to live as a human being in my past life.
And for helping me find my place in this life.
Dokgo Myeong conveyed the gratitude he couldn’t bring himself to speak aloud in this way.
Gwak Dae-ryong let out a soft chuckle.
“What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?”
“Don’t worry about the assassins. I’m planning to handle it.”
Gwak Dae-ryong’s expression hardened.
“You have no reason to do that. What are you talking about?”
“I should repay a debt of that magnitude. To ensure my brother enjoys a peaceful retirement.”
“Enough. It’s my karma.”
“Now that Ye-hwa has become my person, it’s my karma too. I won’t accept any objections. Just understand it that way.”
Gwak Dae-ryong’s eyes wavered.
Dokgo Myeong grinned and spoke.
“Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad if we didn’t meet again like this.”
“What?”
“We’ll live our lives, and when we’re both old with white hair, let’s share a drink and talk about what kind of lives we’ve lived. That would be nice.”
Dokgo Myeong recited the very words he had once heard from Gwak Dae-ryong.
When I was Dokgo Hyeon, I couldn’t understand them, but now as Dokgo Myeong, I could.
Dokgo Myeong slowly released the fist salute with a sense of relief and straightened up.
But that was when it happened.
“Heh!”
Gwak Dae-ryong let out a scoff as if finding it utterly ridiculous.
“How unlike you to put on such airs. What’s this pathetic act?”
“Huh?”
“Don’t give me that nonsense. Why are you doing this?”
“Well…”
“Come visit often with Ye-hwa. We’ve finally become sworn brothers—why would you live without seeing each other? I’ll prepare bedding and provisions, so just bring expensive liquor. I should enjoy some benefits from being connected to the wealthy Dokgo clan.”
“…!”
At those words, Dokgo Myeong’s eyes widened in surprise.
After hesitating for a moment, Dokgo Myeong burst into laughter.
“You’re right, that makes sense.”
“Why are you like this?”
“Then… let’s meet next time. I’ll bring some good liquor, so you work on improving your cooking skills.”
“Alright. I’ll be waiting.”
Yes, it was always better to look forward to the next meeting than to dwell on parting.
And so I parted ways with Gwak Dae-ryong.
Dokgo Myeong turned to face his companions and shouted.
“Alright, everyone pay attention!”
Dokgo Myeong looked around at his group.
Five pairs of eyes turned toward Dokgo Myeong.
Dokgo Myeong grinned wickedly.
“Hehe, my five proud generals have all gathered at last.”
“Five generals?”
“That doesn’t sound right at all.”
In that instant, veins bulged across Dokgo Myeong’s brow.
‘Let’s keep this pleasant. We’ve finally all come together.’
Dokgo Myeong forced a smile and let it pass.
I couldn’t afford to start bickering from the very beginning, could I?
“Now let’s do this properly. This is the beginning of our journey to conquer the martial realm.”
Just then, a small murmuring voice came from somewhere.
“Conquer? That’s strange.”
It was Ye-hwa.
“Shh! He’s just embarrassed and taking it out on us.”
That was Namgung Sohwa.
“Wooooo!”
The source of that spiritless cheer was Geum Seok-du.
“I understand, sir.”
“Tsk, how can we even call him our senior?”
That was Cheolmu-baek and Dokgo Ak.
Not a single one of them gave the same reaction.
Finally, the veins on Dokgo Myeong’s forehead bulged prominently.
“You bastards!”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa! His eyes are rolling back! They’re rolling back!”
“Why are you clenching your fists! I responded, Master! Gack!”
Crash! Bang!
The five scattered in all directions as Dokgo Myeong’s eyes gleamed with murderous intent and he began to growl.
Then Dokgo Ak shouted.
“W-wait, stop!”
“Is that your dying wish?”
“D-dying wish? Why would you say that! More importantly, where are we even going! We need to decide that first!”
“Ah, where are we going?”
“Yeah!”
Dokgo Myeong nodded.
“Listen up.”
“What?”
“Those assassins are tougher than cockroaches. Let’s go hunt down the survivors.”

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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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