Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 25

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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 25
Clang!
Dokgo Jo-hak thrust his chair back and shot to his feet, his voice thundering.
“Are you attempting to insult us?”
Dokgo Myeong smiled slyly, tilting his head with mock innocence.
“My, my, Uncle, you certainly harbor quite the rage. Yet you ignite your fury before even hearing the full account?”
“Do you think I cannot fathom your intentions?”
Dokgo Jo-hak ground his teeth.
“Intentions? What intentions do you speak of?”
“You mean to take the representative position for yourself while my son stands as mere decoration!”
“That’s not it at all.
“…What?”
In that instant, Dokgo Jo-hak’s expression froze in bewilderment.
Dokgo Myeong chuckled and shrugged his shoulders.
“Why would I concern myself with such matters between cousins? Despite my seniority, we share the same generational rank.”
“What, what?”
“We simply go together. Not as decoration.”
Dokgo Jo-hak’s expression grew peculiar.
“…So you truly intend to serve as representative alongside Ak-i?”
“That’s what I’m saying.”
But why, exactly?
What could possibly drive such a decision?
At that moment, Dokgo Myeong smacked his lips and shook his head as though disappointed.
“Well, if it displeases you, Uncle, I suppose I could simply go alone…”
“No, no!”
Dokgo Jo-hak hastily waved his hand.
‘There’s nothing wrong with this. In fact, isn’t it better?’
If both went together, wouldn’t it create the perfect stage for comparison?
“Yes, it would be splendid if you both went. After all, blood relatives ought to support one another. Hehe…”
To any listener, his words rang hollow. Silence settled over the great hall.
Dokgo Jo-hak’s expression twisted at the awkward atmosphere.
“…In any case, having two direct descendants serve as joint representatives would certainly present a respectable appearance. I approve.”
“Then it’s settled.”
Dokgo Myeong’s smile widened wickedly.
Dokgo Jo-hak returned the smile.
‘Hehe, changed his nature? Hardly. A dull mind remains dull.’
Dokgo Jo-hak’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
To squander such a golden opportunity!
From Dokgo Jo-hak’s perspective, nothing could be better. In fact, it was ideal.
Meanwhile, Dokgo Myeong’s laughter flowed with genuine delight.
‘Oh, isn’t this delightful?’
Yes, I should laugh.
Later, when I think back on today, I’ll probably want to cry, so shouldn’t I laugh while I can?
“Hahaha!”
“Hehehehe!”
The two men laughed, each harboring different thoughts.
‘And what about my opinion?’
Meanwhile, Dokgo Ak stood trembling with a miserable expression on his face.
But then.
“Wait a moment, please.”
Wi Baek’s flat, emotionless voice rang out through the great hall.
“Explain yourself, Young Master Myeong. What is your reason for making such a proposal?”
“What explanation is needed? My uncle wishes to send this fellow away so badly, and as his nephew, I’m simply offering to go along with my cousin.”
“I cannot send two Dragon Bloodlines away for such personal reasons. It would diminish the Main Sect’s prestige.”
“The rank doesn’t match? What kind of reasoning is that?”
“That’s correct.”
“Chief Administrator! Why are you questioning something already agreed upon!”
When Dokgo Jo-hak suddenly shouted, Wi Baek’s obsidian-like eyes turned toward him.
“Sect Leader of Baek Ok-gak. I am currently sitting here as the Family Head’s representative.”
“…!”
“I ask that you maintain the dignity befitting a Sect Leader.”
Though his tone was flat, there was a subtle pressure behind it.
Even Dokgo Jo-hak flinched momentarily and fell silent.
Wi Baek turned his head.
“Young Master Myeong. What do you think?”
Dokgo Myeong stared at Wi Baek for a moment, then slowly opened his mouth.
“You keep talking about rank and status, but if I go alone, would that really be appropriate?”
“As I said, you are of the direct line of the Main Sect.”
“Apart from that, I’m just someone who’s been called a fool under heaven. I have no intention of boasting about fortunate bloodlines.”
For the first time, something flickered in Wi Baek’s eyes.
Dokgo Myeong continued.
“In contrast, Alliance Leader Im Cheong-gun is truly a great hero. A righteous swordsman who has lived through turbulent times, and the leader who built and has guided the Jeongcheon Alliance.”
“Get to the point.”
“Therefore, wouldn’t it be more appropriate in terms of rank for two direct descendants to go?”
“….”
“If you still find it unsuitable, Chief Administrator, why not hold another vote?”
Most of the Sect Leaders gathered in the great hall had already been won over.
Wi Baek fell silent for a moment, as if contemplating.
The great hall became quiet in an instant.
“Your words are not without reason.”
Wi Baek eventually nodded his head.
“I will make the decision that both Young Master Dokgo Myeong and Young Master Dokgo Ak will participate in this Jeongcheon Alliance expedition.”
* * *
After the meeting ended, Dokgo Myeong returned directly to Saheongang.
Son Tae-im followed him to his quarters with an expression of utter exasperation.
“I don’t understand, Young Master. What exactly are you thinking?”
“What do you mean?”
“Weren’t you preparing all this to become the representative of this delegation? If that was your intention, there were other ways to accomplish it without spending so much money… Ugh!”
Son Tae-im trailed off mid-sentence and rubbed his stomach as if it ached.
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes gleamed.
“Ah, it seems our esteemed Geumsan Sect Leader didn’t approve, did he?”
“…?”
“Of course! As a mere young master, I must be mindful of our great Geumsan Sect Leader’s wishes when conducting business. Isn’t that right?”
At those words, Son Tae-im, who had been trembling, immediately hung his head low.
“I… apologize. I should follow your wishes, Young Master. I’m merely here to… assist you….”
“Good, then you understand.”
Son Tae-im kept his head bowed as his shoulders trembled.
‘How did I end up with my nose caught in the hands of this wretched bastard….’
Clatter!
Just then, Jang Sam, who had brought tea, looked between Son Tae-im and Dokgo Myeong alternately before speaking.
“But Young Master, I think what Director Son said isn’t entirely wrong… Why exactly are you bringing Young Master Ak along?”
Even Jang Sam, having heard the full story, asked with a confused expression.
Dokgo Myeong chuckled softly.
“A useful idea occurred to me.”
“A useful idea?”
“Exactly! So you did have something in mind!”
Son Tae-im’s head snapped up suddenly.
From his perspective, Dokgo Myeong was a ruthlessly cunning man, but he had to acknowledge his abilities.
‘He’s not the type to give away his own things! He must certainly have some hidden agenda!’
After all, hadn’t he even bribed the sect leaders? It was clear from the start that he had ulterior motives.
“That fellow is far more useful than he appears.”
“You mean Young Master Ak?”
Jang Sam wore a puzzled expression.
Dokgo Myeong grinned wickedly.
“Yes, he’s a direct descendant after all.”
“What? A direct descendant?”
“Yes, how useful is that? Hehehehe!”
Dokgo Myeong let out his characteristic eerie laugh.
At the sound of that laughter echoing in their ears, both Son Tae-im and Jang Sam felt a chill run down their spines.
“Well, regardless. Tae-im, you should prepare as well.”
“Pardon? What preparations are you referring to?”
“What do you mean ‘what’? I’m talking about preparing to go to the Jeongcheon Alliance.”
“Why would I need to….”
“Obviously, you’re going too.”
“Pardon? Me, me, me?”
Son Tae-im’s complexion rapidly drained of color.
“Why would I go there!?”
“So you want that reckless fool and his dull-witted gang to represent us?”
Son Tae-im’s face twisted.
He absolutely did not want to get entangled with that reckless fool and his gang of idiots.
‘Who’s the reckless one and who’s the dull-witted one anyway?’
No, that wasn’t the issue right now.
“There’s no way permission would be granted for me to go as well, is there…?”
“No, you’ll get permission. Don’t worry. If it doesn’t come through, I’ll make sure it does. I’ll even disguise you as a mere servant instead of a sect leader if needed and bring you along.”
“That… the Main Sect’s affairs have been quite overwhelming lately. If I go as well….”
“Then just finish all the work before we leave.”
Dokgo Myeong spoke with a cheerful smile.
“Oh, and while you’re at it, submit the budget request and handle all those trivial matters like arranging guards.”
“….”
“I trust you understand. Then I’ll be off to train, so make sure you’re prepared.”
Dokgo Myeong headed briskly toward the Rear Training Grounds of Saheongang.
Son Tae-im stared blankly at his retreating figure.
He had planned to handle the backlog of work while that man was away and enjoy some peace for a while….
‘I have to follow him?’
That devil incarnate?
Thump!
Son Tae-im finally collapsed onto the ground.
“Heh heh, uh-heh heh heh.”
Son Tae-im let out a hollow laugh with an expression as if the heavens themselves had crumbled.
Jang Sam, who had been watching quietly, cautiously approached him.
“Are… you alright?”
“I’m fi… ugh, k-kugh!”
Alright, my foot.
He was practically sobbing his heart out.
Jang Sam shook his head slowly.
“…You’ll get used to it eventually. Time heals all wounds, they say.”
As a senior (?) in serving Dokgo Myeong, Jang Sam offered sincere consolation.
“…Hang in there.”
“K-kugh!”
Though their relationship had begun as a karmic misfortune, Jang Sam now found this man less hateful than simply pitiable beyond measure.
With each gentle pat on the back from Jang Sam, Son Tae-im burst into tears.
* * *
Before a modest spread of wine and dishes, Wi Baek reported a summary of the day’s events.
“Young Master Dokgo Myeong and Young Master Dokgo Ak. And even Sect Leader Son Tae-im will be joining us.”
“Myeong-i personally chose Ak-i?”
“Yes, Sect Leader.”
“He’s trying to set him up as a figurehead?”
“No. He even mentioned lineage and insisted on making him a co-representative.”
Dokgo Cheon’s eyes widened in surprise.
‘What is that fellow plotting this time?’
Since I had set the stage, I had anticipated that Dokgo Myeong would ultimately take charge of this matter.
But Dokgo Ak?
I could understand Son Tae-im, as she was essentially Dokgo Myeong’s person, but Dokgo Ak made no sense whatsoever.
‘What strange scheme is he cooking up now?’
That fellow would never split his own rice cake in half.
Impossible. He’d sooner slap someone’s cheek and steal what’s theirs.
Dokgo Cheon, lost in thought, picked up the wine bottle.
“Pour me a cup.”
“Thank you.”
“Okho Spring wine. It has quite a pleasant aroma.”
Dokgo Cheon poured wine into Wi Baek’s cup and asked in a subtle tone.
“What do you think?”
“About this matter, sir?”
“No, about that fellow Dokgo Myeong.”
Wi Baek lowered his eyes for a moment, then continued speaking.
“It’s difficult to say with certainty.”
“Ha, if the Precious Pearl can’t discern it, who can?”
Precious Pearl—it was the nickname of Wi Baek, called the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel of Dokgo Cheon, the Dragon Among Men.
“It’s not unfavorable.”
“High praise indeed.”
“It’s merely acceptable, but Young Master Myeong has never yet produced a result built entirely by his own hands from the beginning.”
“That’s true as well. Until now, he’s only repelled the incoming waves, never stirred them up himself.”
And now that fellow was taking action for the first time on his own initiative.
Even borrowing the name of the Dokgo Family, which he had shown no interest in before.
“Grant whatever he requests, within reason.”
“I will provide full support within the bounds of family law.”
A truly characteristic response from Wi Baek.
Indeed, that’s why he was such an important figure.
Dokgo Cheon smiled with satisfaction and emptied his cup.
* * *
“Young Master! Everything is prepared! We’re ready to depart whenever you wish!”
Jang Sam approached with a travel pack slung across his shoulders, speaking as he came.
Behind Jang Sam, the delegation stood in neat formation, all preparations complete.
Dokgo Myeong made a subtle gesture and turned to look at Dokgo Wi-hak.
“Then, I shall take my leave.”
“Very well.”
Dokgo Wi-hak’s eyes grew serious.
“Be cautious.”
“Don’t worry. Who would dare attack a delegation of the Dokgo Family? If they did, I’d simply—”
Dokgo Wi-hak shook his head.
“I mean be cautious with your conduct.”
“Come now, what’s wrong with my conduct?”
“Have you no conscience?”
“….”
“Don’t go striking people rashly, don’t curse them… please, be mindful of your words and actions.”
“….”
“I’m not asking you to endure everything. But you must bear it at least three times. Do you understand?”
Really, how many people have I beaten that he keeps going on about this?
Let’s see—Dokgo Ak, the Muhakbu Instructors, Baek Woon-cheon, Son Tae-im….
That’s hardly excessive, is it?
“And… Guizhou has many waterways, so the journey often takes a toll on one’s health. Make sure to rest appropriately.”
“Yes.”
“Don’t skip meals, maintain good relations with the Guards… ”
Dokgo Wi-hak opened his mouth as if to say something more, then closed it again.
“…Take care of yourself.”
Realizing he had been lecturing in a manner unbecoming of him, Dokgo Wi-hak ended awkwardly.
Dokgo Myeong smiled faintly and nodded.
“Then I shall return safely.”
“Yes.”
Dokgo Wi-hak watched his son’s departing figure.
‘He’s grown so much.’
When did his back become so broad?
He was a young man finding his own path, and that sight filled me with pride.
My role now, as I had once said, was to hold an umbrella so he could shelter from the rain when times grew difficult.
* * *
“I am Seo Ryun, commander of the White Tiger Guard escorting this delegation. It is an honor to serve.”
A stern-faced man bowed respectfully.
“The journey will be arduous. I’m counting on you.”
“…Yes? Ah, yes. I understand.”
Seo Ryun tilted his head in confusion at the unexpected remark.
Dokgo Myeong chuckled softly and climbed into the carriage.
Creeeeak—!
The main gate of the Dokgo Family swung open with a heavy groan.
‘Finally, I’m leaving.’
Dokgo Myeong exhaled deeply and smiled.
I could have left whenever I wished, but until now, my hesitant resolve had kept me lingering.
‘Let’s go.’
Dokgo Myeong gazed out from the carriage window, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

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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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