Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 27

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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 27
Seo Ryun’s expression hardened, and deep furrows carved themselves into his brow.
“What did you just say?”
“I said you’re no different from street thugs in back alleys. Actually, those bastards are better. Aren’t they?”
“Your words are excessive.”
Dokgo Myeong twisted his lips into a sneer.
“Even street thugs know to grovel when their boss is around. Yet the leader of the Dokgo Clan’s martial squad sees me and just ignores his superior?”
Dokgo Myeong let out a scornful laugh.
“I can’t travel with riffraff like you, so I’m heading back to the Family compound.”
Seo Ryun bristled.
“Are you really upset just because I issued one camp order on my own?”
“That’s exactly the problem—acting on your own whims. You fool.”
Seo Ryun’s face flushed with displeasure.
“….”
“….”
The atmosphere in the gathering grew silent, then cold.
Seo Ryun glanced around briefly, then exhaled a deep sigh.
“Since this is the young master’s first venture into the Gangho, I merely extended consideration. If it displeased you, I apologize.”
To anyone watching, it was a reluctant retreat.
Dokgo Myeong regarded Seo Ryun with disdain.
“Seo Ryun. Who is the representative of this delegation?”
“….”
“Answer me.”
“…The young master, sir.”
“Right. And a representative is someone who takes responsibility.”
“….”
“Just as you said, a man who ignores his superior and acts on his own whims over trivial matters is worthless. All you can do is follow orders and offer a few remarks at best.”
Seo Ryun clenched his teeth.
Those words felt like a direct insult to the dignity of a martial artist.
“Even if those orders are wrong?”
“You don’t have the right to judge that.”
“I serve the Dokgo Clan, not the young master!”
His voice rose without his realizing it.
He was not a dog that barked on command—he was a martial artist who acted according to his convictions. If Dokgo Myeong made a wrong decision, he believed it was his duty to correct it for the sake of the Clan.
At those words, Dokgo Myeong scratched his ear and laughed mockingly.
“Remarkable. The Family is in fine shape indeed. A man openly committing insubordination dares to call himself a leader.”
“Young master! Your words are out of line!”
Seo Ryun shouted sharply.
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes turned cold.
“When we return, step down from your position immediately. You’re unfit for it.”
“You’re overstepping your bounds right now, Young Master! Any more of this vulgar language and….”
Whoosh!
A sinister aura erupted from Seo Ryun’s entire body as his emotions surged.
Dokgo Myeong’s expression shifted instantly.
Roaaaar!
A demonic aura blazed forth, swallowing Seo Ryun’s presence in an instant.
Seo Ryun flinched in surprise and instinctively took a step back.
“You fool.”
Though his tone was measured and calm, everyone scattered around felt their skin crawl.
“Inside the Family compound is one thing. But we’re outside it now.”
“What are you saying….”
“Right now, I’m not some mediocre novice of the Gangho. I’m the one representing the Dokgo Clan before all the warlords gathered in the Jingcheng Alliance.”
“…!!”
Seo Ryun’s eyes widened as if they might tear.
“Thoughts reveal themselves through words and actions. What do you think all the masters from various regions gathered at the Jingcheng Alliance will sense from your conduct and that of your men?”
Dokgo Myeong swept his cold gaze across the surroundings.
“And what will your men think when they see their commander flaring up his aura as if he’s about to devour his superior?”
“That, that is….”
Seo Ryun had no words to respond with.
Frankly, inside the Family compound, Seo Ryun could have looked down on Dokgo Myeong. His loyalty might be questioned, but that would be a personal matter.
But the moment they crossed the gate, the White Tiger Squad had to be willing to die at Dokgo Myeong’s word. Because the prestige of the Dokgo Clan itself rested on their conduct and actions.
“It seems you understand what I’m saying.”
Dokgo Myeong chuckled softly and turned away.
“I have no intention of being made a fool of because of you lot. So go back quietly.”
Whoosh!
The aura Dokgo Myeong had been releasing vanished without a trace.
All that remained was the silence that enveloped the surroundings.
“….”
Seo Ryun’s mouth opened and closed uselessly before he clenched his fists and lowered his head.
* * *
Stars glimmered in the sky, and the campfire burned with a pleasant glow.
Yet the atmosphere of the camp was bleak.
Small groups gathered around fires to eat, but not a single word flowed easily among them.
Meanwhile, Dokgo Myeong, the very person who had created this desolate atmosphere, contentedly tore into dried meat.
“Man, this is pretty good. Brother Jang really does have excellent cooking skills, doesn’t he?”
“…Sigh.”
Jang Sam let out a deep sigh, yet he still carefully pulled out another piece of dried meat and fed it to Dokgo Myeong’s mouth.
“You certainly have it easy, Young Master. I feel like I’ll get indigestion—I can’t even get food in my mouth….”
“We do all this to eat and live, don’t we?”
“Ah, yes. You’re remarkable.”
Jang Sam let out a stifled laugh as if he couldn’t hold it back.
Just then, a familiar voice reached his ears.
“…You glutton. It’s strange that you can actually swallow that much.”
The figure approaching the campfire with an unsettled expression was none other than Dokgo Ak.
“You’ve been sneaking around avoiding the procession all this time—what wind blew you here?”
Dokgo Ak opened his mouth as if the question wasn’t even worth answering.
“Are you really planning to drive out the White Tiger Squad?”
“What? Those guys still haven’t left?”
“You’re serious. What a madman…”
“But what brings our illustrious greatest scoundrel here?”
“Don’t call me a scoundrel!”
“Your voice is rather loud, little brother.”
Dokgo Myeong smiled in a spinning manner as he looked at him.
Dokgo Ak felt goosebumps rise on his skin in that instant.
“D-don’t call me a scoundrel…”
“Don’t?”
“…please.”
Dokgo Ak squeezed his eyes shut.
Why, exactly!
Why did he become so small whenever he stood before this man, even when he wanted to resist!
“So what’s your business? Did you come to tell me not to drive them out?”
“Hmph, as if. He dared defy Yong Hyeol, so there’s no reason to stop him…please.”
When Dokgo Myeong’s eyes widened, Dokgo Ak flinched and added to his words.
Dokgo Myeong chuckled and swallowed the dried meat.
“Then what is it?”
“I just…”
Dokgo Ak suddenly closed his mouth and stared intently at Dokgo Myeong.
“…It’s nothing. I simply came to see what you were thinking.”
Dokgo Ak then trudged away toward his carriage.
Dokgo Myeong blinked and fell into thought.
“Has his mouth sickness relapsed? I should pick a day to deal with him…”
“Young master, please…”
Dokgo Myeong laughed and turned his head.
“Rather, you should rest soon. I’ll prepare your bedding.”
“In a moment. I have one more guest to receive.”
“Sir?”
It was just as Jang Sam tilted his head in confusion.
Thud, thud!
Before the words even finished, heavy footsteps echoed.
“…Young master. Might I trouble you for a moment?”
A man with a haggard expression.
Seo Ryun had come seeking Dokgo Myeong.
* * *
Crack! Snap!
The stacked firewood collapsed as it burned, sending sparks dancing into the air.
“I apologize.”
Seo Ryun bowed his head first, his face rigid.
“As a martial artist and leader of the White Tiger Squad, I displayed conduct unbecoming of my station.”
Dokgo Myeong paid him no attention, merely stirring the campfire with a poker, and Seo Ryun exhaled softly.
Dokgo Myeong’s lips finally opened after a long pause.
“Why haven’t you left yet?”
“….”
Though his tone was light, I sensed these were no idle words. If things went wrong, this young master would head toward the Jingcheng Alliance alone.
“If that is your command, I shall depart immediately.”
“….”
Only then did Dokgo Myeong turn his head to look at Seo Ryun.
“Then leave now. What are you doing?”
“…If you permit it, I wish to correct my mistake.”
“Why?”
“Pardon?”
“Why would you bow your head to a dull-witted fool who trampled your pride before your subordinates?”
Thud!
Dokgo Myeong tossed the poker as he spoke.
Seo Ryun took a moment to choose his words carefully.
“If I can set things right by bowing, then that is what I shall do.”
In that moment, Seo Ryun had the illusion that the corners of Dokgo Myeong’s mouth curved upward slightly in the flickering firelight.
“Fine. I accept your apology.”
“Then….”
“But continuing to escort me is another matter entirely.”
“…Pardon?”
“If you intend to remain so complacent and merely provide protection and directions going forward, then leave. I have no need for it.”
At his merciless words, Seo Ryun’s expression hardened like stone.
Dokgo Myeong sighed briefly and continued.
“Have you ever wondered why I’ve been changing my route and stopping at villages and cities so consistently?”
“That is….”
Dokgo Myeong let out a short laugh.
“Obvious, isn’t it? I figured you distinguished gentlemen would assume I was simply being capricious.”
Seo Ryun was taken aback, and the White Tiger Squad members who had been subtly listening flinched. Indeed, that was exactly what they had all thought.
After a moment of contemplation, Seo Ryun bowed his head.
“…I apologize. Please teach me.”
“It was to gather information.”
“…!”
“Which organizations would come to the Jingcheng Alliance, who would arrive, and for what purpose.”
Dokgo Myeong’s pupils sank deeply as the flickering flames danced before his eyes.
“There could be organizations targeting us, so it was also to take preventive measures beforehand.”
“If only you had informed us in advance….”
“What of the White Tiger Squad would I trust?”
He had a point.
How could I expect them to act competently or trust them when I’d shown them nothing?
“My apologies. That was a careless remark.”
Seo Ryun bowed his head obediently.
“Then, could it be that Young Master Dokgo Ak’s frequent misconduct was also….”
“Ah, that’s just because he’s a reckless fool.”
“….”
“….”
Seo Ryun’s expression grew bitter.
And in that moment, he let out a hollow laugh.
“…I’ve truly been acting like an idiot.”
“Well, since I didn’t order that, it can’t be helped.”
“No. I was incompetent.”
Seo Ryun spoke firmly.
Protection wasn’t merely about throwing oneself in front of arrows or blocking blades. Anticipating potential threats and responding to them was also part of one’s duty as a guardian.
‘I could have at least sent a few members outside to gather intelligence.’
If I was concerned that Dokgo Myeong and Dokgo Ak were inexperienced in the Gangho, I should have assisted them wholeheartedly. Not by ignoring them.
‘In the end, it was my own immaturity.’
Would it have been different if I had been protecting Dokgo Cheon?
If the Family Head frequently halted the procession, I would have thought, ‘Ah, there must be some purpose to this.’ Even if branch family leaders had done so, I would have accepted it.
No, I would have discerned my superior’s intentions first and acted accordingly.
Seo Ryun felt a wave of self-reproach wash over him.
“Then, tell me again. Do you still think I should take the White Tiger Squad with me?”
Seo Ryun bit his lip hard.
“Please give me another chance.”
Thud!
Seo Ryun dropped to his knees and bowed his head.
Dokgo Myeong gazed at Seo Ryun’s upright crown for a moment.
A smile formed at the corners of Dokgo Myeong’s lips.
‘He’s a bit rough around the edges, but he’s not completely hopeless.’
I turned my gaze to observe my surroundings.
I could see the White Tiger Squad members, pretending indifference while stealing glances. What gleamed in their eyes was not contempt or anger, but concern for their commander.
‘They’ve been trained well.’
I understand. He was so focused on resolving his subordinates’ grievances that he overlooked what truly mattered.
Dokgo Myeong recalled Seo Ryun, the White Tiger Sect Leader from his past life.
Though straightforward and occasionally careless in character, preventing him from reaching the core of the Family, he was known as a man respected by his own people.
-Damn it! Commander, are you alright?
-I should have taken that blade for you instead? Are you alright? Get your head straight!
Suddenly, Dokgo Myeong glimpsed familiar faces in the eyes of the White Tiger Squad members gazing toward him.
“Alright.”
Dokgo Myeong exhaled deeply.
Seo Ryun, who had bowed his head, and the White Tiger Squad members around him flinched.
“Sect Leader Seo. Get up now.”
“If you would forgive me….”
“Ignoring orders has become quite the habit, hasn’t it?”
“No, sir.”
Whoosh!
Seo Ryun sprang to his feet like an arrow.
“When was it you said you had no intention of being loyal to me?”
“That, that was….”
“Why, just a moment ago you looked ready to throw a punch.”
“That, that time I made a mistake….”
Seo Ryun stammered his words.
Dokgo Myeong laughed lightly.
Dokgo Myeong grasped the flint again and spoke.
“How much time do we have left in our schedule?”
“Even traveling at this pace, we have about three or four days of leeway.”
“From now on, the White Tiger Squad will gather information on their own, so we’ll have a day or two more of flexibility.”
Seo Ryun’s eyes gleamed.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Good. We won’t take a boat at the Hong River—we’ll travel by land instead. We’ll head north for a bit and stop somewhere along the way.”
“Does that mean….”
Seo Ryun’s eyes shone brightly.
“Do I need to explain why I changed our route?”
“No. I will follow your lead.”
Seo Ryun’s face brightened.
Dokgo Myeong nodded.
“Then I’ll count on you again, Sect Leader Seo. The road ahead will be arduous.”
It was something I had said before departure as well.
But the resolve with which Seo Ryun received those words was entirely different now.
“I humbly accept your command.”
Seo Ryun rose from his seat, cupped his fist in salute, and bowed his head.
* * *
The original plan was to travel along the main road and then switch to a boat route at the Hong River ferry.
However, just before arriving at the Hong River, the delegation continued northward without taking the waterway.
‘It’s been a long time since I’ve been here.’
The reason I had deliberately altered the route to come to this place was because there was a matter here just as important as going to the Jingcheng Alliance.
Dokgo Myeong gazed out at the surrounding landscape with a peculiar expression.
Though it was quite large in scale, it was an otherwise ordinary village—except for one thing.
“Young Master? What kind of place is this exactly?”
Jang Sam peered outside the carriage with a tense expression.
Among the people passing by, roughly six out of every ten carried weapons. Had a stranger seen this, they might have suspected it was a hideout for bandits or rebel conspirators.
Dokgo Myeong chuckled and spoke.
“It’s a place called Maeseon Village.”
“A village that sells swords? Could this possibly be… territory of the Wanderer’s Realm?”
“That’s right.”
Among wanderers who drifted like wind and water, there existed those who sold their martial prowess for coin. And to sell goods, one needed a marketplace, didn’t one?
Maeseon Village was established precisely for that purpose.
“What business do you have here?”
“There’s someone I need to find.”
My eyes grew distant and heavy.

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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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