Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 286

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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 286
Dokgo Jo-hak regarded Dokgo Myeong with a disapproving gaze.
Dokgo Myeong asked.
“What? What is it?”
“…Is that how you speak to your uncle?”
“Before being my uncle, you’re one of my advisors.”
“It’s the other way around! What nonsense are you spouting!”
Dokgo Jo-hak shouted sharply and shook his head vigorously.
Dokgo Myeong pouted his lips.
Basic martial techniques and external cultivation were literally the ‘foundation’—if they weren’t grueling, wouldn’t that be the real problem?
“Every time I watch the training regimen, I’m astounded at how thoroughly you and your managers have mastered the art of tormenting people.”
“Hehe, what kind of compliment is that?”
“…”
Dokgo Jo-hak sighed and gazed out the window.
Beyond the window, a scene of hell was unfolding.
“You pathetic fools! Can’t even swing an eighty-pound weight? Heavens! Even my grandmother could move faster than that!”
“Giving up? You’re giving up now? You said you’d make a name for yourself in the martial world, and you will—as someone who begged the Blood Cult to kill you!”
“The ten who participate earnestly in training will be taught breathing cultivation! Now move!”
Dokgo Myeong nodded with a satisfied expression.
Now that’s what I call real training—what else could you call it?
My capable managers bellowed at the top of their lungs, driving the disciples relentlessly. The murderous intent and killing aura blazing in the disciples’ eyes showed that true martial artists were being forged.
“Why are you nodding with such a satisfied expression?”
“Pardon? Isn’t it strange to tell me not to be satisfied after seeing that? Wouldn’t you agree, Seok-du?”
“Of course, Commander.”
The Cheonma Sect Leader’s office wasn’t occupied by Dokgo Jo-hak alone.
Jo Ryang-ui, Geum Seok-du, and Moryong Sohgyo were also seated there. They had gathered to report on matters that had occurred during Dokgo Myeong’s absence.
Thump.
Dokgo Myeong leaned back against his chair and opened his mouth.
“Setting that aside, how prepared are the disciples?”
“It seems we can consider external cultivation and basic techniques roughly complete.”
As Dokgo Myeong smiled with satisfaction, Geum Seok-du continued his report.
During Dokgo Myeong’s absence, the Cheonma Sect’s daily routine had been straightforward.
Mornings were spent on physical conditioning, afternoons and evenings on basic and external cultivation, and nights on practical combat training.
When did they rest?
Sleep was rest—what else was there?
“Has the ranking been roughly established?”
“Yes.”
“Those who’ve shown promise?”
“The five you instructed me to watch. We haven’t formally designated them, but they’ve been creating good momentum and leading the other disciples.”
Yang Un-rang, the illegitimate son of the Yang family.
Hang San-gwi, the mountain bandit from Hang San.
Bang Dan-a, who had been wandering aimlessly.
Jang Han-chung, connected through fate at Deungyong Pool.
Even Jin-sa, who came from an assassin’s background.
They were assigned in turn to the units under Namgung Sohwa, Cheolmu-baek, Dokgo Ak, Geum Seok-du, and Ye-hwa.
‘Things have changed quite a bit from my past life.’
In this life, Dokgo Ak had become a new manager, and Jang Han-chung had joined as well.
Because of this, things had become quite streamlined. In my past life, Bang Dan-a had shuttled between Namgung Sohwa’s and Cheolmu-baek’s units, but now she had settled into Dokgo Ak’s unit, and Jang Han-chung had taken command of Geum Seok-du’s unit.
‘Fate truly is a curious thing.’
Dokgo Myeong nodded with satisfaction.
“Krgh! I thought you’d slack off while I was gone, but of course it’s our Seok-du! Excellent work!”
“Thank you. It’s all thanks to your guidance, Commander.”
“We could head down the mountain now. You’re good at everything except martial arts, it seems.”
“Hehehehe!”
“Hahaha!”
As I laughed along with Geum Seok-du, I felt the sharp gazes of those seated around us.
Their eyes seemed to say we were just clowning around together.
Dokgo Myeong smacked his lips and turned his gaze away.
“Well then, shall we hear about the others?”
Dokgo Jo-hak immediately spoke up.
“Equipment from Baekryeon Cheolbang will arrive soon. It cost quite a bit, so the Geumsan Sect Leader has been having a rough time.”
“Speaking of which, where did Son Gang go? The lord has arrived, yet he hasn’t even shown his face….”
“With war on the horizon, money is pouring out like water from a bottomless bucket, so he’s been frantically working. If you have any conscience, leave him be.”
For Uncle to speak like that, he must truly be busy.
Poor Son Gang—he’ll have no hair left on his head at this rate.
“So how much has our strategist Moyong prepared?”
“I’ve completed everything.”
“Did you bring it? Ah, is that it?”
Moryong Sohgyo handed over a manuscript.
It was quite large and thick. After Dokgo Myeong skimmed through the illustrated manuscript, he nodded.
“There seem to be some rough edges, but… this looks quite plausible. Have you tested it?”
“Yes, I have.”
The expressions of Dokgo Jo-hak and Jo Ryang-ui, who had been listening silently, grew sour.
‘That training plan looks like the one I saw….’
‘How did Moryong manage to communicate with that fellow Myeong-i?’
She’s been corrupted. Corrupted indeed.
The two of them unconsciously shook their heads.
They knew what kind of training Moryong Sohgyo had prepared. Strange as it was to say, it was far too… practical for martial artist training.
“Good. Let’s proceed with this as is. If anyone refuses to cooperate, tell me. I’ll handle it.”
“Yes!”
“Good. As expected, you have the skills, our Moyong strategist.”
“Thank you.”
Only then did Moryong Sohgyo break into a satisfied smile.
That was when it happened.
Clang clang clang!
Waaah—!
Echoing sounds reverberated from all directions. At first glance, it seemed like the noise of the Cheonma Sect Disciples, but it wasn’t.
Dokgo Myeong spoke while looking out the window.
“The entire clan is making quite a commotion.”
“All the martial artists of the main house are intensifying their training. It appears to be final preparations…”
A scoff escaped involuntarily at Moryong Sohgyo’s words.
Dokgo Myeong looked at her and asked.
“What are your thoughts as strategist?”
“What do you mean, sir?”
“You must have observed their training coming and going.”
“….”
By observing training methods, one can discern what they prepare for and what they aim toward. Dokgo Myeong had also seen and felt this while touring the clan this morning.
“The Dokgo clan truly lives up to the name of the greatest martial family under heaven, lacking nothing. With so many masters…”
“Spare me the flattery. What’s lacking in this household?”
“….”
“Speak your true thoughts. What was it really like?”
Being an outsider, she seemed cautious with her words. Moryong Sohgyo nodded once and opened her mouth.
“Right now, the Dokgo clan is… preparing for a martial confrontation.”
“A martial confrontation.”
Not war, but a fight. Still, she had chosen her words carefully.
Typically, conflicts in the martial world didn’t last long.
Masters from each organization clashing directly with force. If the scale grew larger and the conflict became more serious, the nature would differ, but ultimately it remained a fight centered around a small number of masters.
But.
“If the war unfolds as you predicted, my lord… it will not be easy.”
Moryong Sohgyo let her words trail off.
Everyone here had read those two books. Because of this, not a single person had a pleasant expression.
Especially Dokgo Jo-hak, brimming with pride as a member of the Dokgo clan, wore a face as if he’d bitten into a worm.
Dokgo Myeong spoke.
“Have you delivered the books to the Outer Hall and the Elder Council?”
“Yes.”
“To the Martial Arts Department?”
“When I mentioned it was a manuscript written by the commander, Maecheon Yang, the head of the Martial Arts Department, seemed to regard it with some credibility.”
“Yet there’s been no significant change.”
“That is…”
“I’m not blaming the books. The heads of the factions won’t listen to Moyong the strategist’s voice.”
I saw this coming.
Perhaps the Outer Hall Master and Elder Council Leader glanced at it once when I mentioned I’d written it myself, but it likely became kindling or was shoved somewhere on a bookshelf soon after.
‘Still, they must have read it at least once. That’s enough to have made my point.’
Dokgo Myeong looked around at the assembled people and spoke.
“Is there anything else you wish to discuss?”
“There is. Now that a date has been set, you must attend.”
“A date? Ah….”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes brightened.
“The Hundred Sect Assembly?”
“Yes.”
Dokgo Jo-hak nodded.
“It will be mere formality.”
This assembly would be different from the previous one. Now that all politics, debates, and deliberations had concluded.
“It won’t be as lengthy as before. It will finish in a single day. There will certainly be a detailed appointment ceremony and… a proclamation of war remaining.”
A proclamation of war.
At those words, Dokgo Myeong nodded heavily.
“But what are your thoughts? Has your stance on the treatment of the Cheonma Sect changed from the beginning? Do you intend to continue with only training as it stands?”
“Yes, we are still somewhat lacking anyway.”
“Then….”
“I will handle that myself. Now, let us adjourn this meeting.”
Dokgo Myeong rose from his seat.
“Each of you must do your utmost in your respective positions. I ask for your dedication.”
To seize a victory worthy of the cost.
To shed as little blood as possible.
* * *
Twang!
An arrow flew toward the straw dummy.
It was an inner force arrow infused with true energy.
A small explosion erupted in an instant, and dust billowed upward.
“Did it work?”
Ye-hwa lowered her bow and asked.
Dokgo Myeong nodded.
“Let me see.”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes gleamed as he swung his blade.
Boom!
The wind pressure scattered the smoke, revealing the straw dummy.
A deep blue scale armor with a dark luster hung over the dummy. The arrow had pierced through the armor and embedded itself halfway in.
Ye-hwa’s expression twisted at the sight.
“…Let me try once more. I must have infused it with less true energy.”
“I saw you pour everything into that one.”
“….”
“Solid is good, so what’s the problem? You also received multiple arrowheads from Master Heo, didn’t you?”
“Well, that’s true, but….”
Ye-hwa furrowed her brow in displeasure.
The arrows were literally just embedded. Even the arrows that Ye-hwa had fired with her inner energy had failed to penetrate.
Dokgo Myeong chuckled.
‘Damn! I’ve never seen anything like this in my past life!’
Dokgo Myeong carefully examined the black-scale armor he had named after the dragon-scale robe.
It was a layered armor crafted from the teeth and bones of demonic creatures. The undergarments and ornaments also appeared to be made from demonic creature hide and fur.
Its weight was somewhat of a drawback, but it was better than wearing iron armor.
‘Short blades, hidden weapons, armor, throwing knives—and considering the basic equipment issued to each individual… the gear is already at a sufficient level.’
Dokgo Myeong pulled out the partially embedded arrow.
Basic martial techniques and external training had been completed, and equipment distribution was finished.
That left two things remaining.
Martial arts and inner energy.
The start was inner energy.
“What is this? Some kind of powder medicine….”
“Ah, it’s good stuff. Just take it. I’m only giving you things that are good for your body, so why would I give you anything bad?”
“Y, yes.”
“Ah, but you’ll feel pretty rough after taking it. In return, it’ll do wonders for your body.”
“I, I see?”
It truly did wonders. Yet the Lotus Flower Mountain Medicine was distributed—a remedy that made one feel like they were dying from the pain.
Only after confirming that all disciples had taken the medicine did Dokgo Myeong grin and speak.
“You’ll all be passing bloody stools. Hehehehe!”
The Cheonma Sect disciples took it in stride. They understood it simply meant the effects were that powerful.
They didn’t know that the Lotus Flower Mountain Medicine was a remedy so terrible that even the managers—martial masters at the peak realm—would flounder in excruciating agony.
“Aaaahhh! What did you make me consume!”
“Ugh… poison! You fed me poison… gaahhh!”
“Mother… I miss Mother… waahhh!”
For a week after taking the Lotus Flower Mountain Medicine, the Cheonma Sect compound was filled with cries of anguish.
The disciples bled dark blood from every orifice in their bodies and grew increasingly gaunt with each passing day. The disciples had more turbid energy compared to the managers, whose inner energy cultivation was deeper.
Yet the effects were undeniable.
“Why is my breathing so easy?”
“My body feels so light? Why is it this light?”
The changes were most apparent to themselves. Their movements and inner energy circulation became natural, and vitality and stamina surged forth.
Next came the Heavenly Treasure Pills.
Precious medicines that even renowned sects and families would only distribute to those with promising futures were dispensed without reservation.
A subtle atmosphere flowed among the Cheonma Sect disciples.
‘We’ve received famous blades and precious medicine now.’
‘I never thought a day would come when I’d receive treatment like this.’
‘Moreover, the Captain personally guided my energy cultivation and taught me….’
In the martial world, friends died for superior swords, and blood feuds erupted over a single elixir. How much more difficult was it to receive instruction from a master—something that couldn’t be bought with gold? Yet Dokgo Myeong had given all of it freely.
Once the disciples had adapted to the changes to some degree, the final phase of martial arts instruction began.
“Jincheon Martial Art. Truly a divine technique. You’ve even created something like this?”
“What do you think of it?”
“Let’s refine it a bit. The structure relies too heavily on the practitioner’s ability. If we adjust the method of foot strikes slightly, it will achieve even greater perfection.”
The Saheon Sect Leader first learned Jincheon Martial Art himself with an eager expression, then refined the insufficient parts for us.
After that, the Managers learned it, and following them came the disciples’ turn.
This was when Dokgo Myeong stepped forward personally.
“Did you enjoy yourselves while I was away?”
“….”
The disciples’ faces darkened.
After Dokgo Myeong’s return, there had been a brief respite while the Managers learned Jincheon Martial Art first, but that was now over.
“Everyone, start with the basic hand positions.”
“Sir, couldn’t you at least give us the secret manual…?”
“Ha, how much help is reading a secret manual anyway?”
Wasn’t it normally quite helpful?
How were we supposed to train without even looking at the manual?
“Don’t worry, don’t worry. What do you think practical martial arts means? Once you get beaten enough like in real combat, you’ll naturally learn it, won’t you?”
“…!”
“Well then, shall we begin?”
Dokgo Myeong chuckled and cracked his knuckles.
* * *
Time flowed like a stream.
Days of endless training. The chaos of the realm could not breach the walls of Cheonma Sect.
The Cheonma Sect faced a great turning point.
All the disciples obtained martial achievements they had never dared dream of acquiring.
And everyone knew what awaited at the end of all this.
“Master. A message has arrived from the Inner Hall.”
Jo Ryang-ui approached Dokgo Myeong and spoke.
The Baek Sect Council would be convened.
At last, the declaration of war.

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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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