Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 326

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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 326
The day Dokgo Gun’s left army first encountered Pacheonggun.
Dokgo Hye, who had taken to the front lines alongside Dokgo Gun, raised her eyebrows in puzzlement upon seeing the fluttering four-colored banner.
“Black, white, red, and blue?”
“What troubles you?”
“Hmm.”
Dokgo Hye narrowed her eyes as she studied the banner.
“They invoke the names of the Heavenly Kings while employing the colors of the four seasonal deities of the cardinal directions. And if they call themselves Pacheonggun, claiming to protect Indra, then the Four Heavenly Kings must be their representatives.”
Those who held such deeply rooted beliefs never overlooked even the smallest detail, always imbuing it with meaning.
Yet this was truly peculiar.
For those with roots in Buddhism, they seemed remarkably heterodox.
“The Twin Horse Alliance, then. They appear to have conducted considerable research in their own way. I would very much like to see the face of this so-called sect leader.”
“I have heard that he has never revealed himself in the martial world until now.”
“He will have no choice but to show himself now.”
Dokgo Hye’s eyes gleamed with intensity.
“The clamor of an encampment is often linked to bluster and empty show, but that does not mean there is no substance. Exercise particular caution.”
Despite Dokgo Hye’s warning, Dokgo Gun’s expression remained composed.
“I too sense their military spirit, so please do not worry.”
Dokgo Gun’s perception turned toward Pacheonggun.
Their military spirit was strange—far too strange.
Normally, when forces gathered like this, one should feel morale, whether high or low. Yet Pacheonggun maintained nothing but an eerie silence, releasing no momentum whatsoever.
The elite of the left army felt an uncanny sense of rejection. They were creating oppressive pressure through their silence.
Dokgo Hye suddenly noticed that Dokgo Gun was staring intently at them.
“What are you looking at so intently?”
Dokgo Gun replied.
“There is one among them who is staring at me.”
“Is that so?”
The distance was still considerable, and lost among the crowd, it would be difficult to sense a gaze, yet Dokgo Gun spoke of it matter-of-factly.
“An old man in teal-blue armor, I presume.”
“That is correct.”
Green primarily symbolized the east, marking him as one who held the position of Jiguk-cheon among the Four Heavenly Kings.
“Eight feet tall, a scar running through his lips. His face seems familiar… Could it be Muyong Top?”
“The former Elder Council Leader of the Moyong Family?”
“Yes, a master of the previous generation who was pushed aside by the current Moyong Family head. I thought he had withdrawn entirely, yet here he appears in such a state…”
Dokgo Hye’s eyes sharpened with keen perception.
“Now I recognize the middle-aged man beside him as well. Moryong Han—known as the reckless scion of the Moyong Family, the bloodline of the current family head. I heard he was in his mid-twenties, yet…”
He appeared to be at least twice that age.
Yet Dokgo Gun seemed surprised by a different matter.
“You knew of Moryong Han as well?”
“I have taken considerable interest in the Moyong Family in various ways.”
Dokgo Hye’s eyes narrowed to slits.
“The bloodline of the Family Head. The Junior Family Head lost his head to Myeong-i, so this must mean the last remaining heir has been reduced to such a state… I should inform the main branch.”
“Yes.”
Dokgo Gun suddenly gestured.
When the Left Army’s strategist approached with a respectful posture and bowed, Dokgo Gun spoke without even turning to look at him.
“Send word immediately to the main house via Jeon Seo-eung, documenting the identity of Pacheonggun.”
“The identity of Pacheonggun, sir?”
“The previous Elder Council Leader Muyong Top and the current Family Head’s son Moryong Han. It also appears that Elders who had concealed themselves on the front lines and the Family Heads of vassal clans are present as well.”
“Yes, yes?”
“Also note that they appear to be experimental results of the Northern Ming Technique. Based on their extreme momentum, it seems they have even tampered with their true origin qi.”
“That, what does that even…”
The strategist stammered in confusion.
It was shocking enough to discern the identity of enemies at such a great distance without even exchanging words, but the information delivered so calmly was far too startling.
“Report it as is since I’m certain. Is there some problem?”
“It is not that, sir. I merely thought that such information reaching the main branch might cause confusion in the overall situation, so perhaps we should first verify the details and authenticity…”
Dokgo Gun still did not turn around as he spoke.
“The information I send via Jeon Seo-eung will be my responsibility, so you need not concern yourself with its authenticity. The Left Commander will make his own judgment without explanation, so there is no need to worry about that either. Is that clear?”
“I, I apologize.”
“Then send the messenger immediately. And dispatch an additional courier just in case.”
“I shall execute it at once.”
The strategist departed.
Dokgo Hye asked.
“So they are not four people after all.”
“He is my father’s man.”
“His loyalty seems remarkable. You have chosen well.”
“Indeed it would seem so.”
Dokgo Hye’s gaze turned back toward Pacheonggun.
“This is truly incomprehensible.”
Dokgo Hye’s expression had hardened into something rigid.
‘What objective could make one reduce even his own son and one like a master to such slavery?’
Dokgo Hye turned to look at her disciple.
Even knowing the enemy’s identity, Dokgo Gun continued to stare at them with the same expression as before.
“You have not taken your eyes off them since earlier. Was it such a shock?”
“Shock? What do you mean?”
Dokgo Gun looked at her in confusion before continuing.
“I was merely sensing the principles of the martial world.”
“The principles of the martial world?”
“Strength submits to greater strength and receives shackles, but in exchange receives greater power from that strength.”
Dokgo Hye fell silent for a moment before asking.
“Is that how you see the martial world?”
“That is not the case.”
“Then?”
“The martial world I see is far more… chaotic and willful than that.”
The subtle smile that always graced Dokgo Gun’s face shifted ever so slightly.
“Just when you think you understand it all, there are places you cannot. This world, this martial realm—it is such a place.”
At that moment, four figures emerged from among the enemy ranks.
They were the Four Heavenly Kings of Pacheonggun.
Dokgo Gun instinctively sensed that a far greater battle than he had anticipated would unfold here today.
* * *
“Reveal your names, martial artists of the Moyong Family.”
Dokgo Gun gazed upon the Four Heavenly Kings and spoke.
“Black Dragon. We have no individual names.”
“I know of you. Are you not Muyong Top, once called the sharpest blade in the western reaches of the Central Plains?”
“Muyong Top… Muyong Top….”
He muttered the name vacantly before responding.
“A name both familiar and strange. I am the East Azure King.”
Dokgo Gun’s thoughts suddenly turned to Dokgo Myeong.
That child would surely have made some jest about being afflicted by something in this situation.
‘There is not a single similarity between them. It is hard to believe they are the same blood, living under the same roof.’
Dokgo Gun’s eyes gleamed with piercing intensity.
The bearing of the Heavenly Kings differed greatly from one another.
In contrast to the composed Muyong Top—or rather, the East Azure King—the one who appeared to be the West White King, Moryong Han, shifted his body as though eager to rampage at any moment.
The South Scarlet King was a slender woman, yet her killing intent and fighting spirit roiled within her.
The North Black King grasped two massive iron implements that seemed difficult to wield, his gaze fixed steadily forward in silence.
By nature, one could discern the character and essence of martial prowess merely from the aura one emanated. Dokgo Gun immediately recognized that their distinct natures were deliberately divided.
‘Four as one.’
One would need to see it to be certain, but their martial techniques would surely move in such a manner.
‘They remind me of someone.’
Dokgo Gun gazed upon them and spoke.
“Do you desire a full-scale confrontation, or would you prefer to settle this in single combat? Choose what you wish.”
At Dokgo Gun’s words, the East Azure King shook his head.
“Neither you nor we have a choice.”
“No choice?”
“Our orders are to create a river of blood here.”
The West White King, once called Moryong Han in his youth, spoke with the appearance of someone aged decades beyond his years.
“Blood must be spilled in this place.”
A killing intent rose like wisps of smoke.
It was no half measure.
It seemed this day would be longer than anticipated. Dokgo Gun nodded and spoke.
“Dokgo Family, hear me.”
Though his voice was low, it resonated throughout the entire camp.
“The enemy thirsts for blood. There is no need for captives. Do not spare the assassins.”
“Yes!”
The elite martial artists of the Left Army roared in unison.
Pacheonggun.
I knew not from where these wretches had crawled forth, yet they could never stand against the finest of the finest from the greatest family under heaven.
“Come then. I wish to witness the martial prowess built upon sacrifice.”
Dokgo Gun drew his blade as he spoke.
The East Azure King opened his mouth.
“Pacheonggun, advance.”
Thus began the first battle with Pacheonggun.
Boom boom boom boom!
Dokgo Gun and Dokgo Hye faced the Four Heavenly Kings.
Similarly, the Pacheonggun and Left Army that stood opposite each other began their charge toward one another in an instant.
“They come! We shall triumph in direct combat!”
“Strike down the lackeys of the Moyong Family!”
The vanguard martial artists of the Left Army, brimming with soaring confidence, swung their blades toward Pacheonggun.
But in that instant.
Flash!
Kaboom!
With a deafening roar, the vanguard’s advance halted.
The martial artists of the rear ranks stopped in confusion, following suit.
‘What just happened?’
Something seemed amiss with the Dokgo Family martial artists who had charged forward so valiantly at the front.
Splorch!
A corpse severed at the waist rolled across the ground, and blood poured down like rain.
Thud thud!
Fragments of what had once been human scattered in all directions.
Crude.
It was crude power. There was no refined technique, no subtlety whatsoever.
And yet it was devastating.
The martial artists of the Dokgo Family doubted their own eyes as they witnessed a sword force that bisected a master’s body in a single stroke.
“….”
Only after our front line fell did the vanguard of Pacheonggun finally come into view.
With faces caked in blood, they rolled only their eyes as they gazed upon the Dokgo Family’s forces.
Flash!
A crimson radiance poured forth.
In that moment, all felt it.
That these beings had been forged through some twisted, unnatural method.
That they were instruments of power built upon the sacrifice of something immense.
Crash! Boom! Boom!
Thus did Pacheonggun make his entrance onto the battlefield, displaying such devastating martial prowess.
* * *
Dokgo Myeong’s expression hardened at Geum Seok-du’s words.
“The Elders, the direct bloodline, the merit families—they did all that to them? Then the reason they were so consumed with internal purges was….”
“Yes. It pains me greatly to say this, but it appears they were procuring materials.”
Materials.
No matter how much of an enemy one might be, what kind of regard did they have for human lives?
“You mentioned encountering someone called Blacktooth Poison Fist when you returned from Seonsan before, did you not?”
“Yes, there was such a fellow.”
“At that time, you said you confirmed the presence of a golden seal in his lower dantian. We believe that man was also part of Pacheonggun.”
“Huh….”
A sigh escaped unbidden.
Without realizing it, Dokgo Myeong glanced toward Moryong Sohgyo.
Moryong Sohgyo’s complexion had gone beyond pale—it was a sickly blue.
‘The Northern Ming Technique… I haven’t experienced it myself, but according to the texts, it’s a martial art that absolutely cannot be completed.’
Even the Jeongheol Sect disciples, who engaged in all manner of grotesque practices, faced the same limitation.
Even if it were possible by some miracle, it couldn’t be done through ordinary means.
‘It’s impossible without someone like that bastard Hyeok Wi-sang. Which means….’
They were consuming something. Something that should never be consumed.
‘A disposable card, used once and discarded. They never had any intention of preserving Pacheonggun in the first place.’
“Still, even for a blood sect, how did they produce such numbers?”
“That’s one of the terrifying aspects of blood arts.”
“What do you mean?”
“They can mass-produce half-baked masters. That’s the power of the Twin Horse Alliance—or more precisely, the Jeongheol Sect.”
They would stand no chance against a true master.
The problem was that this was a battlefield.
This wasn’t a formal duel where opponents faced each other and someone called out “Ready, begin!”—even half-baked masters possessed formidable combat strength in such conditions.
Of course, this was merely conjecture; I felt I needed to experience it firsthand to truly understand.
‘In any case, I’m fortunate we rescued our allies in time. If they had been deployed, it would have been catastrophic.’
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes narrowed.
“Still, the numbers should have been insufficient. The Moyong Family doesn’t have as many retainers as the main house.”
Geum Seok-du spoke.
“As a native of Zhejiang, I made separate inquiries about this. Weren’t there frequent sightings of previous-generation horse masters near the Moyong residence just before the war broke out?”
“You don’t mean…?”
“After the war actually began, they were no longer seen. It appears the Moyong Family, in fulfilling their responsibilities as a martial clan, captured not only Sima Waidao and the Black Blade gang—even those they were said to have killed—and used them as well.”
The Moyong Family’s corruption was already well-known. Years ago, when Dokgo Myeong had brought Geum Seok-du, he had even mentioned the connection between a Black Blade master he’d killed and the Moyong Family.
Still, even so….
“Efficiently insane, these people are.”
In the end, how long could they hold out with martial arts obtained in such a manner?
If left alone, they would destroy themselves.
However, the problem was that having drawn the situation this far, I could not afford to wait until then.
‘This is beyond what the Cheonma Sect can handle.’
A judgment at the strategic level was necessary. Simply striking down key masters and withdrawing as we had been doing could not significantly impact the overall battle situation.
It was then.
Kiiiiiek!
“It’s Jeon Seo-eung.”
Ye-hwa, spotting a black dot in the sky, spoke.
Soon, Moryong Sohgyo, still wearing her gauntlets, received the information from Jeon Seo-eung and widened her eyes in astonishment.
“The Left Commander of the main force has requested our return.”
“…!”
“What will you do?”

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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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