Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 208

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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 208
The captains of the Paramountcy were talents that anyone would covet.
Dokgo Ak, possessing the most solid foundation of all.
Geum Seok-du, endowed with countless skills.
Namgung Sohwa, blessed with perfect balance.
Cheolmu-baek, born with a physique of ancient legend.
And Ye-hwa, who carried within her the unparalleled assassination techniques of the ages.
To call them rough gems was insufficient. They were golden mines of talent.
Yet even a gold mine of ten thousand taels remains nothing but buried stone if left unexcavated.
‘These ones have grown too comfortable in their ways. Martial training alone will not suffice.’
They say that success in any field requires obsession.
True enough, but my thoughts differed somewhat.
Mere obsession narrows one’s vision and leaves you spinning in place.
‘The phrase “breadth of knowledge” exists for a reason.’
After all, even madmen relate everything they do back to their own pursuits. If that were the case, I needed to help them see further and more broadly.
“…Therefore, what I’m saying is that you all need masters now.”
“Masters… sir?”
Even after my lengthy discourse, the captains still wore bewildered expressions.
“Our household may be rather confined in some respects, but there’s nowhere else where such remarkable individuals gather.”
“…?”
“So from now on, I intend to take you to meet your masters.”
“Masters, plural, sir?”
“Since each of you possesses different talents, we must tailor accordingly. Heh heh.”
“….”
Silence fell.
They all exchanged glances like fresh recruits just enlisted in the Paramountcy.
Regardless, I began the journey to find their masters.
The first was….
“Ye-hwa.”
“Yes?”
“Would you like to go meet my old sparring companion?”
“…?”
* * *
Long, slender limbs, towering height, a beauty once said to possess the voice of a phoenix.
Yet the moment she opened her mouth, she became a wild beast—Dokgo Yeon spoke in utter disbelief.
“Is this right?”
“What is?”
“Didn’t you have a serious match with our father?”
I clicked my tongue.
“Mind your words with more dignity. Honestly, how can a person be so frivolous….”
“What’s wrong with him? The kid’s rotten to the core.”
Dokgo Yeon scoffed.
Dokgo Myeong shook his head as if he couldn’t stop her.
“When did you ever care about such things, Sister?”
“Fair point.”
Dokgo Yeon nodded matter-of-factly.
“So this little brat is your captain?”
“…Please don’t call me that.”
Ye-hwa’s eyes narrowed sharply.
The expression was rather endearing, so Dokgo Yeon let out a soft laugh.
“Yes, she is my captain.”
“Why did you bring her here?”
“The Assassination Unit won’t have assignments for a while anyway, and you’ll be itching for action. Just look after her for a bit.”
“Huh?”
Dokgo Yeon’s expression turned bewildered.
Ye-hwa stared at her with guarded eyes.
Dokgo Myeong’s hand rested on Ye-hwa’s shoulder.
‘It feels like he came to ask me to look after his child…’
The situation did seem a bit odd.
Of course, Dokgo Yeon didn’t mind at all.
“Hmm, this little brat seems quite capable…”
“Please don’t call me that.”
She focused on the eerie aura emanating from Ye-hwa.
“Is she part of our division too?”
“Why do you keep trying to drag me into this? Don’t cross the line.”
“You like it but play hard to get.”
“What did you say?”
“Never mind.”
Dokgo Yeon’s eyes gleamed.
“Fine. So should I teach her martial arts? Or something else?”
“Teach her real combat. And spar with her too.”
“What do you mean?”
“Instill in her the proper way a martial artist fights.”
Ye-hwa’s weakness.
She was still not skilled in actual combat. Though she’d been forcibly granted mastery through the Salgok’s supreme techniques and became an expert, she didn’t display the true power of a peak master.
A half-baked peak master.
To become a true master, one had to know how to fight like a real martial artist.
Dokgo Yeon nodded.
“I don’t care what Father says.”
“Don’t worry. You won’t have time for that anyway.”
Dokgo Yeon chuckled softly.
“Good, little one. Are you prepared?”
“Little one… tsk.”
Ye-hwa clicked her tongue sharply.
“I have been ready for some time. I look forward to working with you.”
“Very well.”
Dokgo Myeong, who had entrusted Ye-hwa to her care, rose abruptly to his feet.
Next came Geum Seok-du.
“Our Seok-du.”
“Where should I go? Would the Martial Arts Department suffice?”
“No. We’re raiding Cheon I-gak.”
“Pardon?”
Dokgo Myeong headed toward the most heavily secured organization in the main clan.
Cheon I-gak.
The nerve center of the main clan’s intelligence network spread throughout the Central Plains.
Whoosh!
In that brief span, countless pigeons and hawks flew into Cheon I-gak, and martial artists concealing their presence rushed about frantically in all directions.
“W-why are we here….”
Dokgo Myeong did not respond and knocked on the gate of Cheon I-gak.
A voice came from within.
“Who goes there?”
“I am Chammaedaejoo Dokgo Myeong. I sent word ahead.”
“….”
Silence hung heavy in the air.
After a moment, a resolute voice rang out.
“Please leave.”
“….”
“The Sect Leader has given no special instructions. Security has been strengthened due to war preparations….”
“Not even showing my face, and turning me away at the gate?”
In that instant, Geum Seok-du felt a chill creeping down his spine.
And immediately after.
Crash!
Dokgo Myeong kicked open the gate and strode inside.
“W-what is the meaning of this….”
Chaos erupted within Cheon I-gak.
Dokgo Myeong crossed the threshold with an unbothered expression.
Thud, thud.
Walking leisurely into the interior of Cheon I-gak as if taking a stroll, Dokgo Myeong spoke to the members who had gathered around him.
“Go tell your director that I’ve come to collect a debt.”
His tone was arrogant beyond measure.
Yet perhaps due to that subtle pressure, the council members found themselves inadvertently entering the hall and relaying the message.
“Please come inside. The Sect Leader has permitted the meeting.”
“Then why did you brush us off in the first place?”
Dokgo Myeong chuckled softly, glancing at Geum Seok-du.
“Seok-du. Let’s go.”
“Ugh….”
Geum Seok-du followed Dokgo Myeong with a grimace on his face.
Soon the two entered Cheon I-gak’s office.
There sat a man with an utterly unremarkable appearance.
“No matter how renowned a dragon’s blood may be, kicking down the doors of Cheon I-gak is crossing a line.”
It was Cheon I-gak’s master, Jang Pyeong.
This was the first time I was seeing him face to face, and he cut quite an enigmatic figure.
Dokgo Myeong responded.
“I believe I sent word ahead.”
“Sending word does not automatically grant entry. This place is where the eyes and ears of the main clan converge, after all.”
Dokgo Myeong let out a quiet laugh.
“Not even tea for guests?”
“…Please, sit.”
Dokgo Myeong and Geum Seok-du sat across from Jang Pyeong.
Soon teacups were placed before them.
Jang Pyeong stared intently at Dokgo Myeong before speaking.
“How unexpected.”
“What is?”
“I never thought you would come in person.”
“I do have a reputation for being full of surprises.”
Jang Pyeong, watching Dokgo Myeong laugh, opened his mouth calmly.
“I see.”
“Indeed.”
“Young Master.”
“…?”
“Once you’ve finished your tea, you should take your leave.”
Jang Pyeong took a sip of the steaming tea before speaking.
“No matter how much the Young Master….”
“Branch Master.”
“…?”
“My temporary suspension as Branch Master has been revoked. I am the True Branch Master.”
“Of course. My apologies, True Branch Master.”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes narrowed.
He had deliberately tried to provoke him, yet Jang Pyeong showed no sign of being affected. It was natural in a sense, but it meant he was not the type to be rattled by such shallow provocations.
“No matter how much the Branch Master may be the leader of a faction and possess dragon’s blood, you cannot kick down the gates of Cheon I-gak. Much less…while bringing subordinates with you.”
Jang Pyeong signaled Geum Seok-du with a glance.
Dokgo Myeong nodded.
“I’ll concede that I may have overstepped.”
“Then….”
“But before that, you must settle a debt.”
“What debt are you referring to?”
Dokgo Myeong laughed coldly.
“The communications my men sent to me through Cheon I-gak were intercepted midway.”
“….”
“It was a misunderstanding—I didn’t intend it. I’d rather you not make excuses about it. And please, don’t claim ignorance. If you truly didn’t know, well… that becomes a far greater problem than I’d like.”
“….”
“Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Jang Pyeong’s face remained expressionless, as though wearing a mask.
Dokgo Myeong thought his blank countenance resembled that of an assassin. Perhaps he had once been one.
“Of course. I was aware.”
“Then why did you let it slide? Am I now to doubt the eyes and ears of the main house?”
“They’re already being purged.”
“Purged?”
“The Outer Hall and the Elder Council have expended considerable resources in this effort to pressure the current Sect Leader.”
Dokgo Myeong quickly grasped the meaning and nodded.
“That’s fortunate. But that’s separate from settling accounts, wouldn’t you say?”
Jang Pyeong pondered briefly before nodding.
“The moment I accept that settlement, both factions will view Cheon I-gak with suspicion. Surely you’re aware of that?”
Cheon I-gak occupied a delicate position. His words were pointing to that very fact.
Dokgo Myeong chuckled.
“Ha, our Sect Leader Jang still doesn’t know me well. Do I seem like the type to worry about such things?”
Jang Pyeong offered a faint smile.
“You certainly do.”
“That would be quite rude to admit.”
Jang Pyeong erased his smile as though the jest had run its course and spoke.
“Tell me. What do you want?”
“This fellow.”
Dokgo Myeong slapped Geum Seok-du’s back with a loud thwack.
“Could you take him under your wing?”
Geum Seok-du flinched.
‘What about my opinion?’
Of course, he would do it if he could.
The problem was….
‘Ugh, why does he look at me like that?’
Jang Pyeong, an utterly ordinary-looking man by appearance alone, was staring at him with eyes like dark, hollow knots.
Jang Pyeong slowly opened his mouth.
“What do you mean by that?”
“This fellow wants to establish an organization like Gae-bang.”
“You speak of Gae-bang?”
“Have Cheon I-gak teach him a bit. Even if he faces territorial resistance, just leave him be and let him learn by watching and studying from the sidelines on his own.”
Jang Pyeong narrowed his eyes.
“You’re asking for something difficult.”
“Difficult, you say?”
“Are you thinking of extracting information through this man?”
Dokgo Myeong blinked and burst into laughter.
“Listen here, Sect Leader Jang.”
“Yes, Master.”
“I’m telling you, the Gae-bang Master and I are senior and junior to each other. Hu Gu-dangju and I address each other as brothers.”
“….”
“No matter how excellent the main family’s intelligence network is, it falls far short compared to Gae-bang. Why would I bother extracting information? I might as well just ask the beggars.”
In that instant, Jang Pyeong’s expression hardened.
Dokgo Myeong put on an awkward performance as if he’d made a mistake.
“Oh dear, did I say something unnecessary again? Don’t misunderstand. I know full well how impressive Cheon I-gak is! Really!”
“….”
“It’s just that compared to Gae-bang, it’s a bit… well, that’s just how it is. Please understand.”
Jang Pyeong laughed once more.
Yet his eyes still held no emotion whatsoever.
“So you’re saying to teach him?”
Dokgo Myeong grinned widely.
“Feel free to treat him harshly. Don’t worry about my feelings and handle him moderately. Just let him experience as much as possible.”
“Cheon I-gak only accepts those who have received special training. Without a foundation, he will suffer considerably. Can this person endure it?”
At Jang Pyeong’s concerned words, Geum Seok-du, who had been quiet until now, suddenly burst out.
“I can certainly endure that much!”
“…That much?”
One corner of Jang Pyeong’s eye twitched slightly.
Geum Seok-du realized his slip of the tongue in an instant and flinched in surprise, while Dokgo Myeong laughed with satisfaction.
‘As expected of Seok-du. He’s learned how to work his mouth quite well. He’s ready to descend the mountain.’
Jang Pyeong smiled gently.
“Very well, Manager Geum. I will teach you much at Cheon I-gak.”
“Oh, uh… I, I made a slip of the tongue….”
“Then I look forward to working with you.”
Dokgo Myeong stood without looking back.
He had found a master for Geum Seok-du.
Next was Cheolmu-baek.
The office of the Martial Arts Division Master.
Maecheon Yang nodded and spoke.
“So what you’re saying is….”
“….”
“You want me to place him in the basic class rather than personally training him like last time?”
“Exactly. Our Maecheon Deputy Leader truly has a quick mind!”
“Heh heh.”
Maecheon Yang laughed.
Yet while his mouth smiled, his expression had stiffened awkwardly.
‘A foreigner with a foreign surname… and not even an absolute master?’
The person Dokgo Myeong had brought.
He was none other than Cheolmu-baek.
“I’m afraid I don’t quite understand the Young Master’s… or rather, the Sect Leader’s intentions. Might I ask just one thing?”
“Of course.”
“Cheolmu seems to be a master who has already established his own school. The basic class consists mostly of children around the age of enlightenment. Would the level truly match?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying. This is far too much of an insult to me.”
Cheolmu-baek crossed his arms and snorted sharply.
Dokgo Myeong let out a derisive snort and spoke.
“This fellow only just barely grasped the fundamentals of leg techniques a short while ago—he has virtually no foundation.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Simply put, his body is excellent, but he doesn’t know how to use it properly.”
“That would mean….”
Maecheon Yang’s eyes brightened.
“I shouldn’t force too many things upon him?”
“Exactly!”
“If I simply instill the basics, he’ll find the correct path on his own?”
“That’s it precisely. Treat this fellow less like a person and more like a beast or wild animal when teaching him.”
“Oho.”
Maecheon Yang stroked his beard, his eyes gleaming with delight.
“Mm, quite an intriguing situation indeed. Very well. I’ll have the Martial Arts Department take him.”
“Excellent! As expected of Deputy Leader Maecheon! You truly have vision!”
“Tsk!”
Cheolmu-baek made a bitter expression.
He would have preferred a bloody battlefield to sitting among mere fifteen-year-old Young Masters.
‘This too is a battle I must overcome….’
Though his heart felt heavy, he simply squeezed his eyes shut.
Next came Dokgo Ak’s turn.
There was a master perfectly suited for one who would newly cultivate martial arts.
“…You’re asking me?”
“Yes, Sect Leader.”
Dokgo Wi-hak regarded his nephew Dokgo Ak with a peculiar gaze.
Dokgo Ak met his uncle’s gaze with a grave expression.
“Which of the Eight Divine Techniques of the main house have you mastered?”
“That is… I have mastered the Solitary Yang Sword Technique.”
Dokgo Wi-hak nodded.
“A heavy sword technique focused purely on offense. Then I can be of some assistance to you.”
Dokgo Ak thus placed himself under Dokgo Wi-hak’s tutelage.
And finally.
Dokgo Myeong stood face to face with Namgung Sohwa.
“Are you prepared?”
“…So I was meant to train with you after all?”
Dokgo Myeong gave a light nod.
“Moyong’s plaque. It is now within reach.”
Namgung Sohwa’s eyes trembled faintly.
Dokgo Myeong spoke with resolve.
“You have had no time to cultivate steadily until now. I shall use this opportunity to impart the Nameless Sword Technique to you in its entirety.”

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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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