Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 202

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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 202
“There are three major matters to discuss at this Hundred Clans Tournament. Though there have been some changes along the way, the overall direction remains the same, so we shall proceed accordingly. Beyond these, there will be various minor issues, so please feel free to voice your opinions without reservation.”
With Wi Baek’s words, the atmosphere in the great hall grew heated.
Three matters.
The first concerned reorganization within the family—matters such as consolidating or stripping qualifications from poorly performing branch halls.
The second was determining the Dokgo Family’s overall direction regarding the Central Plains. If the first was internal family business, this was external.
And finally, the matter concerning Moyong.
This was the true subject.
Originally, it had been framed as deciding the main family’s stance toward Moyong, but circumstances had shifted when the Moyong Family drew criticism from the entire martial world.
This matter was no longer about Moyong itself. It had become a power struggle between Dokgo Myeong and the two factions entangled with him.
What had merely been a passing stage had somehow become an issue that shook the political landscape within the family.
The Outer Hall Master’s, Dokgo Un-hak’s, eyes grew sharp.
‘In the end, nothing significant has changed since then.’
After his meeting with Dokgo Myeong, Dokgo Un-hak had shifted the family’s internal and external forces to a defensive posture, remaining vigilant against the movements of the Elder faction and Dokgo Myeong’s faction.
Yet nothing had materialized. In fact, just before the Hundred Clans Conference, Dokgo Hwi-hwa had even approached him asking for his support.
“The performance of the Yeoryeong Hall has been inadequate.”
“That’s because this hall’s members were assigned to the Martial Arts Department…!”
Dokgo Un-hak let the various voices pass through one ear and turned his gaze elsewhere.
He looked at Dokgo Hwi-hwa, then at Dokgo Jo-hak, and finally at his son Dokgo Gun, seated in the middle.
‘Something feels off.’
It was ambiguous.
Something seemed to be flowing incorrectly, yet as several minor matters were raised, there had been no major confrontation.
Like a warm-up before the main bout, the various halls continued to fall short of a majority, with power struggles and raised voices exchanged back and forth.
Then, in an instant.
“There is one matter I wish to discuss.”
One of the Sect Leaders raised his hand and spoke.
It was none other than Dokgo Jo-hak.
“Please, speak, Baek Ok-gak.”
“I hear that the conflict between the Jecheon Alliance and Paedobyeon has been intensifying. What is the main family’s stance on this matter?”
The atmosphere stirred once.
Dokgo Un-hak regarded Dokgo Jo-hak with a peculiar expression.
Dokgo Jo-hak met that gaze confidently.
‘What is he doing?’
‘What are you talking about?’
It was already settled.
Even the related Outer Hall and Elder Council had not touched Paedobyeon, yet Dokgo Myeong’s faction had suddenly brought it up.
“Paedobyeon’s expansion has exceeded all bounds. Since their power now borders our own, we cannot simply leave it unchecked. Should we not address this matter properly?”
Though Paedobyeon was far smaller in scale, they were rapidly expanding their forces by rallying the dark societies of each region at an astonishing pace.
Dokgo Un-hak immediately opened his mouth.
“We have already made an agreement with them. Are you trying to overturn that now?”
“When did I ever say I would overturn it? I merely thought it was something we should address before moving forward. Besides, isn’t that agreement merely temporary in nature?”
“There’s no need to invite trouble by scratching at old wounds.”
Dokgo Jo-hak let out a sly chuckle.
“Still, we must determine whether they are enemies or allies before we proceed. We’ve already had friction once—surely we won’t allow it to happen again?”
As Dokgo Un-hak fixed his younger brother with a piercing gaze.
One man spoke up in a timid tone.
“Y-you’re not wrong about that.”
It was Geumsan Sect Leader Son Tae-im.
“Paedobyeon’s tyranny has exceeded all bounds.”
“What does that have to do with the main family?”
“Isn’t Paedobyeon at odds with the Jeongcheon Alliance, which has formed a pact with the main family? Who’s to say they won’t target the Jeongcheon Alliance after the Jecheon Alliance?”
Several people nodded at Son Tae-im’s words.
“He has a point. The main family is currently in peace with the Jeongcheon Alliance.”
“What’s there to debate? They’re nothing but filthy dark path heretics.”
The voice erupted from where the Elders and Former Meritorious Subjects were seated.
Dokgo Un-hak stared at them with a bewildered expression before letting out a hollow laugh.
‘Was this it?’
Had they touched upon Paedobyeon to extract Dokgo Myeong? To put the Outer Hall in a difficult position?
I’d heard that Geumsan Sect Leader Son Tae-im had been diligently meeting with the Former Meritorious Subjects….
‘It seems he lured them in with talk they would find appealing.’
But what could be done about this?
My relationship with Paedobyeon had ended with a single transaction. There was no room for reconsideration.
“We shall vote.”
Hands rose.
Sixty-nine in favor.
It was a majority. When even Dokgo Un-hak raised his hand, the Outer Hall followed suit.
In an instant, consensus had been reached to make Paedobyeon an enemy.
‘What are they thinking?’
Dokgo Un-hak’s eyes flashed as he stared at the opposing side.
* * *
The grand council continues for two or four days if opinions cannot be unified on a particular matter. It was natural that there were breaks in between.
As soon as the break began, Dokgo Un-hak encountered Dokgo Hwi-hwa.
“Alliance Leader. It seems things are about to begin in earnest.”
“Indeed. Is this the final matter then?”
Dokgo Un-hak’s eyes gleamed.
“There’s nothing to fuss about—it should pass without difficulty. I have faith in you.”
“Do you know something?”
“Pardon?”
“The very word ‘faith’ comes from an inability to trust the other party.”
Dokgo Un-hak’s eyes grew cold.
“You continue to react in ways that invite misunderstanding.”
“Tsk tsk, am I not known for having a rather disagreeable nature?”
“Let us settle our future disputes amongst ourselves.”
Dokgo Hwi-hwa let out a laugh before suddenly asking a question.
“Outer Hall Master. Why does the Sword King of All Under Heaven seem so anxious, so unlike yourself?”
Dokgo Un-hak chuckled softly.
“Does provoking me benefit you in any way?”
“The way you keep pressing forward looks like a young colt with its tail on fire.”
Dokgo Un-hak suddenly burst into laughter.
“Alliance Leader. I am not afraid. I am merely vigilant. I worry that you might meddle in the southern expansion project currently underway at the main hall. You’ve already made your move, haven’t you? Did you think I wouldn’t notice?”
Dokgo Hwi-hwa’s face hardened.
“Are you threatening me now?”
“You may interpret it that way if you wish. I simply hope you make a wise choice.”
With those words, Dokgo Un-hak turned and returned to his seat.
Dokgo Hwi-hwa watched his retreating figure with narrowed eyes.
Soon, another figure entered her line of sight.
“….”
A young man bowing his head respectfully.
It was Dokgo Gun.
As always, he offered his greetings with a faint smile and followed after his father.
The meeting resumed thereafter.
After several matters were discussed at length, the main topic finally emerged.
“…Recently, the martial world’s voice regarding the Moyong Family has grown loud. Since Young Master Dokgo Myeong is deeply entangled in this matter, we must establish the main family’s clear position on it.”
Dokgo Un-hak was the first to speak.
“Before that, I believe we must address the matter of the Patriarch first.”
“Please, speak your mind.”
“The Dokgo Myeong currently imprisoned in the Detention Hall has had his Patriarch status stripped, yet he impersonated the main family’s Martial Patriarch and incited the Warlords to wage a great battle against the Moyong Family.”
“It was a justified battle! Do you know what public opinion regarding the Moyong Family is now!”
“That may be so.”
A rebuttal emerged, but Dokgo Un-hak simply suppressed it with a quiet addition.
“Yet it is also true that it went against the wishes of anyone in the main family.”
“….”
“Before we establish the main family’s position on the Moyong Family, we must first determine Dokgo Myeong’s additional crimes.”
Dokgo Jo-hak exclaimed.
“Additional crimes? He is already imprisoned and being punished!”
“Is merely one month sufficient? Or do you disagree, Jipbeop-bu Leader?”
Dokgo Un-hak’s gaze turned toward Dokgo Yeon-sin, who sat in silent contemplation.
Dokgo Yeon-sin opened his mouth.
“The Jipbeop-bu’s judgment remains unchanged. If you believe reconsideration is necessary, make your determination here and send an order to our department. We will handle it.”
Dokgo Yeon-sin answered tersely in a firm tone, then closed his mouth once more.
In the end, it was telling me to make the judgment myself.
“Then let us discuss this matter clearly and move forward.”
“We must also establish clear punishments for those who supported and aided Dokgo Myeong’s activities.”
“Indeed. This is not something to overlook lightly. Already, there are more than a few factions that have split from the main house because of Dokgo Myeong.”
Voices came from the Outer Hall’s sect leaders.
The Outer Hall Master simply turned his gaze in silence and looked toward Dokgo Hwi-hwa.
‘What will you do?’
After a brief commotion.
Dokgo Hwi-hwa opened her mouth.
“Hmm, we certainly need to address this matter properly. Isn’t it true that firm discipline often helps more than leniency toward the young?”
“…?”
“Though the results turned out well, we cannot simply let this pass. Especially given his status, it was necessary to bring this up. You spoke well, Outer Hall Master.”
At Dokgo Hwi-hwa’s smiling expression, Dokgo Un-hak’s face became peculiar.
“So then… since we’re on the subject, what if we summon him here?”
* * *
Dokgo Myeong entered the great hall with leisurely steps.
Having not washed for several days, his appearance was disheveled, and with only one meal a day from the Bijeok Pill, his cheeks had become hollow and gaunt.
Yet before the main house’s sect leaders, his unwavering composure caused everyone’s eyes to gleam.
‘His bearing is remarkably composed.’
‘I heard he had a more tyrannical nature….’
Swoosh!
At that moment, the sound of the family head’s robes rustling came from the upper seat.
Everyone could feel that Dokgo Cheon had begun to focus intently the moment Dokgo Myeong appeared.
Wi Baek opened his mouth.
“Dokgo Myeong.”
Wi Baek spoke to Dokgo Myeong in informal speech.
There was no reason to use formal speech toward one who came before the hall in the status of a criminal.
“Yes, Overseer Wi.”
“Your presence here now is to judge your crimes before we discuss the family’s great undertakings.”
His voice was firm and measured.
His tone was extremely businesslike.
“Do you have anything to say regarding this?”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes swept across his surroundings.
And he answered with a light smile.
“I do not.”
“There may be additional punishments. This is your last chance—if you have anything to say, prove yourself now before the sect leaders of the White Hall.”
“Then let me ask first. What exactly is my crime?”
One of the Outer Hall sect leaders suddenly stood up and shouted.
“Dragging the main house into your schemes when you’re not even the heir!”
“That’s not worth discussing since I clearly drew a line between myself and the family from the start. Next.”
“Huh….”
Someone spoke again to Dokgo Myeong, who had shut down the criticism with a brief remark.
“Regarding the matter between Jeongcheon Alliance and Paedobyeon….”
“That affair is already in the past, and we’ve agreed to let it go. Will you drag up something the Family Head has already pardoned? Next.”
The atmosphere grew increasingly strange.
A man who had admitted his crimes and entered the prison tower was not backing down an inch, refuting everything.
The problem was that Dokgo Myeong had already acknowledged these crimes and was simply accepting his punishment.
“Next… No, let’s stop here, shall we? What is this right now?”
The atmosphere became peculiar as Dokgo Myeong let out a soft laugh.
“Is that all? Are these all my crimes? If this is the end, I’m truly disappointed?”
Dokgo Myeong spoke while looking at Dokgo Un-hak.
Just as Dokgo Un-hak’s face began to contort.
A single voice rang out.
“The truth is, those things aren’t what’s important.”
“….”
“Despite being the family’s bloodline, you’ve irresponsibly caused incidents. Isn’t your conduct and ideology the real problem?”
It was Dokgo Gun.
At his soft yet resolute tone, Dokgo Myeong’s expression hardened.
“And then?”
“Your actions thus far seem less about benefiting the family and more about using the family’s standing to line your own pockets. How do you explain this?”
Words could be interpreted in different ways, he had said.
What could be called taking good care of oneself might also be seen as selfishly bringing trouble upon the family.
“That’s not wrong.”
“…I have overstepped the line quite often.”
The conservative Elder faction, the old meritorious subjects devoted only to the family, and even the Sect Leaders of the Outer Hall led by the Outer Hall Master.
All of them were looking at Dokgo Myeong with peculiar gazes.
The expressions of Dokgo Jo-hak and Son Tae-im, along with others from Dokgo Myeong’s faction, hardened.
‘This isn’t good. The atmosphere….’
‘Young Master!’
Dokgo Myeong met Dokgo Gun’s eyes with a composed expression.
“Ah, so that was the problem. My goodness.”
Dokgo Myeong nodded his head with a very awkward expression.
Those who had been worried about him moments before froze in place.
‘…My son.’
‘Surely not? No, it can’t be? Surely not even at the Hundred Clans Tournament….’
‘No! The Young Master’s mouth is opening!’
In the moment Son Tae-im, the man who had suffered most from Dokgo Myeong, turned pale.
Dokgo Myeong’s mouth finally opened.
“Isn’t it natural that when people are too lenient, one tends to push even further?”
“…?”
“I was raised watching these things. I simply did the same, but it seems it was actually wrong.”
The moment Dokgo Myeong finished speaking, the hall erupted into chaos.
“How dare you!”
“Dokgo Myeong! What do you mean by that!”
Regardless of faction, position, or interest, everyone raised their voices in anger.
The reason for this uproar was simple.
Dokgo Myeong had just openly mocked them.
-Are you any cleaner than me? I learned from watching you.
And he said it right here in the hall, with the Family Head watching from above.
‘This man has lost his mind.’
‘He’s digging his own grave.’
The Elder Council Leader’s face twisted, and the Outer Hall Master let out a scornful laugh.
Son Tae-im was practically screaming “It’s over!” while tearing at what little hair remained on his head.
Dokgo Myeong remained indifferent.
‘What? It’s true, isn’t it? I didn’t say anything wrong.’
Dokgo Myeong swept his calm gaze across the chaotic hall.
Still, I should try to salvage this.
The main point hasn’t even begun yet.
“Brother. Or rather, Dokgo Yeon-sin.”
“Speak.”
“You said the problem was that it wasn’t for the family’s benefit, correct?”
Dokgo Gun nodded.
Dokgo Myeong let out a slight laugh and asked.
“Why should I do that?”
“…?”
“Why should I work for the family’s sake, is what I’m saying.”

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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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