Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 380

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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 380
The Dokgo Household had always hungered for recognition. To any observer, they wielded tremendous power, yet they’d had virtually no stage upon which to display it.
How frustrating it must have been to keep a legendary blade merely as decoration.
But now, they had finally proven themselves boldly to the world.
“Doesn’t this mean our main house can now truly be called the greatest power under heaven?”
“Forget ‘household.’ We should be called the greatest force under heaven.”
“And we didn’t just defeat the Moyong Family—didn’t we crush those vicious Jeongheol Sect dogs?”
Moreover, generous rewards had been distributed to all who had contributed.
From the masters of the Warrior Corps to the lowliest servants, everyone spent their days in joy, as if half-drunk on celebration.
Of course, as always.
The situation looked quite different to those in power.
“Many have died, and our financial expenditures have been substantial. It seems we need major decisions at this opportunity.”
Those who would lead the Dokgo Family forward had gathered in the main hall.
Wi Baek calmly outlined the household’s problems.
“Our territory has expanded to Jiangxi and Zhejiang, yet we lack sufficient personnel to manage it.”
“More positions have opened, but there aren’t enough qualified people to fill them.”
Dokgo Un-hak tossed down the documents with a sigh.
“The problem is that too many key personnel died in the conflict. Many are requesting retirement as well… What does the Overseer think?”
“For now, the household’s elevated status should suffice. However, if this continues too long…”
“We’ll have grown in size without substance.”
Dokgo Un-hak pressed his eyes wearily, rubbing the bridge of his nose. This was the seat of power he’d long desired, yet he couldn’t deny he’d assumed it at a troublesome time.
“Still, many talented individuals were discovered during the war. Let’s prioritize filling positions with them.”
Dokgo Gun, the former Yeon-sin Sect Leader and current Outer Hall Master, spoke next, following his father’s lead.
“Personnel decisions made too hastily invite backlash. The Outer and Inner Halls should cooperate to carefully select talent…”
“The Outer Hall?”
“….”
“Tsk tsk, why does the Outer Hall suddenly matter here?”
Elder Council Leader Dokgo Hwi-hwa interjected.
“A tree destined to grow tall does so by weathering storms. Will our main house be greatly shaken by facing some headwind?”
“Still, we cannot assign those without proper preparation.”
“Didn’t we open the household treasury through this merit distribution precisely for this? We should put promising ones to use immediately. Selection and deliberation only bring headaches.”
“Why don’t you simply say you’re trying to promote the Elder Council’s people?”
“And aren’t you trying to mark promising ones for yourself beforehand?”
“Your words are excessive.”
“Oh my, my senility has made me misspeak to the acting household head.”
The two continued their psychological warfare, neither yielding an inch.
‘I must win over more talented individuals to my side. This is my chance to break the Elder Council’s power.’
‘Do you think I don’t see through your schemes? I conceded credit in this war due to misfortune, but I have no intention of surrendering control as well.’
The Dokgo Household now had many vacant positions of power.
With the war ended, the cooperation between the two factions had concluded—it was time to resume their shadowy struggle for authority.
“…By the way, why does the Enforcement Division, which should be most sensitive to this matter, have no opinion?”
At Dokgo Un-hak’s words, everyone’s gaze converged on a single point.
There stood Dokgo Jo-hak, the Commander of the Enforcement Division, barely managing to keep his vacant eyes open.
“We intend to fill the positions ourselves, so there’s no need to worry… Cough! Ugh!”
Dokgo Jo-hak coughed dryly and let out a groan.
Dokgo Un-hak narrowed his eyes.
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine.”
“Where is that fool Myeong-i, the Deputy Leader, and what is he doing that you’ve had to step in again?”
“I wish I knew.”
“….”
“I just… shouldn’t have joined hands with that fool from the start… what sin did I commit in my past life to deserve this….”
Dokgo Jo-hak muttered in a gloomy voice. While those who had been suffering from overwork were gradually recovering their composure, Dokgo Jo-hak grew thinner with each passing day.
Dokgo Hwi-hwa broached the subject carefully.
“By the way, isn’t the Enforcement Division also struggling to fill its ranks? What do you think about this matter?”
“We were already planning to conduct large-scale recruitment. We need to replenish our personnel quickly.”
Dokgo Jo-hak said this after regaining his composure by gulping down cold tea water.
Dokgo Hwi-hwa chuckled.
“Oho. So the Enforcement Division’s position is closer to mine. Now then, Acting Household Head. You heard that clearly….”
“Ah, that’s not quite it.”
“…What do you mean?”
“The Enforcement Division will fill its own positions as we see fit, so let the two of you decide the family matters among yourselves.”
Dokgo Hwi-hwa and Dokgo Un-hak’s brows furrowed.
Dokgo Un-hak asked.
“Didn’t you just say you’d conduct large-scale recruitment?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Then isn’t that why we’re having this discussion? Since positions and people are limited, we need to establish a policy… Wait, surely you’re not planning to fill it with outsiders like the Cheonma Sect?”
“How could that be? Of course we’ll recruit some outsiders, but for a large organization like the Enforcement Division, it’s essential to have many who understand internal affairs.”
“Ugh, how frustrating!”
Dokgo Hwi-hwa slammed the table and raised his voice.
“Why do you keep dancing around the subject? So what exactly does the Enforcement Division intend to do?”
“Ah, well… before that, let me refill my tea.”
“…?”
Dokgo Jo-hak suddenly picked up the teapot and filled his empty cup, then leisurely took a sip.
While Dokgo Hwi-hwa was bewildered, Dokgo Jo-hak instead wore a smile on his lips.
‘Ah, so this is what power tastes like!’
If he’d done this normally, he would’ve been cursed at, but look at this now. Who holds the sword?
That fool Dokgo Myeong did dump all the work on him….
The increased authority, the changed position, the rights as an independent organization—this impudent nephew had truly placed the promised power in his hands.
“…You certainly savor your tea for a long time.”
“Ah, forgive me. The tea is quite exquisite, you see.”
Dokgo Jo-hak set down his cup with a gentle smile.
“The position of our Enforcement Division is as follows. Each department originally possesses independent authority over personnel appointments, does it not?”
“…?”
“We shall recruit talented individuals and fill our positions independently, regardless of the family’s overall directives. Therefore, the Enforcement Division need not concern itself and may proceed with its work.”
“What you’re saying is….”
“The Enforcement Division’s position.”
Dokgo Un-hak clicked his tongue.
“So what you’re telling me is that the Enforcement Division will disregard the family’s directives and simply recruit whoever it deems necessary ‘independently’?”
“Yes, precisely.”
“What!”
Dokgo Hwi-hwa, who had grasped the meaning a moment too late, stiffened visibly.
“No matter what, to bring in so many people, you’d need cooperation from each organization and faction! You’re saying you’ll just recruit whoever you want?”
“Cooperation? Is there such a provision in the family code?”
“Right now, the family code isn’t the issue….”
“Jipbeop-bu Leader, is there perhaps such a provision in the code?”
Jipbeop-bu Leader Dokgo Yeon-sin, who had been sitting quietly to the side, finally spoke for the first time.
“There is not.”
Dokgo Jo-hak smiled wickedly.
“So you say.”
“…You’re going to be aggressive from the very start?”
“I’m afraid I don’t understand your meaning.”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk! You’ve been influenced by that Dokgo Myeong as well. In any case….”
Dokgo Hwi-hwa laughed while her eyes gleamed with hostility as she glared at Dokgo Jo-hak.
Dokgo Un-hak did not remain idle either.
“If we don’t release people to you, won’t the Enforcement Division find itself in a difficult position?”
Meeting the cold gaze of my elder brother Dokgo Un-hak, I let out a hollow laugh.
‘I used to be terrified whenever my elder brother looked at me like that….’
Am I still afraid now?
Honestly, somewhat.
But everything has changed since then.
“When was it that we were never in a difficult position?”
“You…?”
I lifted my teacup once more.
“In my opinion, people will flock to us if we make the opportunity available. They won’t simply stay away.”
I added another remark, recalling my nephew’s manner of speech.
“Or perhaps you’d like to make a wager on it?”
* * *
A few days later.
“Come, come! You mustn’t go that way! Please come this direction!”
“Gasp! Aren’t you Maecheon Yang from the Cheonma Sect?”
“Oh! Aren’t you the one I saw on the Seoho front lines back then?”
“Do you remember?”
“Fang Dan-a! I owe you a debt of gratitude from Seoho.”
“Miss? What kind of nonsense is that!”
“Fang Member! Since people are coming from outside the household, you should watch your tongue!”
The entrance to the Jipbeop-bu, which had been expanded at an unprecedented pace, was in absolute chaos.
It was a sea of humanity. Ever since the Jipbeop-bu announced they were recruiting personnel, a staggering number of people had been flooding in from the very next day.
“More than half of them are from the main household, aren’t they? They should all have existing affiliations. My, I never expected this many….”
Jo Ryang-ui marveled.
“Even with the Outer Hall and Elder Council enforcing internal discipline, they’re still choosing to come over to our side.”
Dokgo Jo-hak couldn’t hide his satisfied smile.
“I told you quite a few would come, didn’t I? Ah, this should be double the number. Tsk tsk!”
Dokgo Myeong appeared out of nowhere, chewing on something noisily as he interjected.
The moment Dokgo Jo-hak saw Dokgo Myeong’s sly face, his brows furrowed sharply.
“You brat! Go inside and stay put! Stop making a nuisance of yourself!”
“What? When I’m playing around, you scold me for playing, and when I come out, you scold me for coming out. Our Overseer is quite demanding, isn’t he?”
“You, you insolent….”
Dokgo Jo-hak trembled, his fists clenched tight.
Crunch, crunch.
Dokgo Myeong continued chewing on some strange herb in the meantime.
“What are you chewing on so indecorously anyway?”
“Oh, this? It’s a three-hundred-year-old ginseng. I received it as a bribe from Zhejiang.”
Received as what?
More importantly, how many years old? Wouldn’t that be a mystical herb?
“I want to increase my inner energy, but mediocre ones don’t show any effect even after eating one or two.”
“So you’re just chewing on it like dried meat?”
“It’s hard to find quality mystical herbs, so I’m going for quantity over quality. Ah, I have one more hundred-year-old one left. Would you like it?”
“….”
“If not, never mind. Hoa, you eat it.”
“Grrrrrowl!”
Hoa, now truly the size of a tiger, deftly snatched up one ginseng and crunched it noisily.
‘Why is he trying to increase his inner energy again?’
Such a question crossed my mind, but I quickly forgot it in the face of the crowd pouring in like clouds.
“I did trust your bold claims, but I never expected this many even so….”
Many. Truly many.
Among them were even talented martial artists from other military units that Dokgo Jo-hak had been keeping an eye on.
“Hehe! This is all thanks to my virtue. With how much good karma I’ve accumulated, how could talented individuals not flock here despite the interference from those around me?”
“…Your virtue can freeze to death.”
Dokgo Jo-hak let out a scoff, but he couldn’t entirely deny it.
Most of those who came to the Jipbeop-bu were people who had received help from the Cheonma Sect. Beyond that, there were also many who had heard of Dokgo Myeong and the Cheonma Sect’s reputation and sought them out.
Yes, I had to acknowledge what deserved acknowledgment.
Dokgo Myeong possessed a peculiar power to draw people toward him.
‘I heard this man conducted every battle while prioritizing the preservation of life.’
Because of that, many people had survived, and I’d heard that countless others felt indebted to the Cheonma Sect.
Dokgo Jo-hak asked casually.
“…Did you deliberately aim for this?”
“Pardon? What do you mean?”
Dokgo Jo-hak turned his head.
“Never mind. Forget it.”
“How dull of you.”
“This brat’s speech habits have been getting worse lately….”
Dokgo Jo-hak clicked his tongue and shook his head.
It was a foolish thought.
Dokgo Myeong was still the kind of man who climbed the sword pavilion with a bottle of liquor every dawn. Would such a man have deliberately orchestrated this?
‘In any case, Elder Brother and Father must be feeling quite troubled.’
So many talented individuals had gathered despite their attempts at restraint.
“By the way, how many of them do you plan to select for the Cheonma Sect?”
“Yes, we will be selecting some.”
“I understand the Cheonma Sect’s bond is extraordinary. Won’t accepting new members shake that?”
“On the contrary, they’d be delighted, wouldn’t they?”
They’d probably be drooling at the prospect of new recruits and junior members arriving.
“Well, since we’re on the subject, we should examine their character too.”
“…Examine what? Character?”
“The first condition for joining the Cheonma Sect is character, the second is character, and the third is character. Didn’t everyone know this?”
If that’s what counted as good character… what exactly was it?
Perhaps Dokgo Myeong operated by entirely different standards than ordinary people.
“Character, you say… So, how exactly do you plan to assess that?”
“When people are pushed to their limits, their true nature inevitably surfaces.”
Dokgo Myeong grinned wickedly.
Dokgo Jo-hak felt a sudden chill run through him and shuddered.
“And Hoa here possesses a rather mysterious ability as well.”
Dokgo Myeong scratched Hoa’s luxuriant mane vigorously.
“Grrr! Grrr!”
Hoa was a mystical beast capable of distinguishing truth from falsehood.
Moreover, since the disciples and managers had now become fairly refined, their eye for judging people had improved considerably. Unlike the early days when they carefully selected individuals, they could now recruit through simple trials.
It was at that moment.
“Captain! Captain!”
“Sohwa? What’s the matter now?”
Namgung Sohwa rushed urgently toward Dokgo Myeong.
“You need to come see this right away! It’s a serious matter!”
Dokgo Myeong let out a sigh.
“Such is my fate. There’s never a peaceful day. Fine, let’s go! But what’s happened?”
“A guest has arrived from outside, but that person is….”
Namgung Sohwa trailed off, her expression unusually troubled.
That was when it happened.
“You traitorous bastard! Who gave you permission to wander about freely!”
A loud voice erupted from within the Jipbeop-bu.
The moment I rushed toward the sound.
Crack!
Dokgo Myeong witnessed one of the Cheonma Sect members getting slapped across the face.
“…!”
Dokgo Myeong’s expression hardened.
A Cheonma Sect member with a split lip, his head thrown back.
He was none other than….

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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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