Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 384

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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 384
The days blurred together in endless activity.
The Law Enforcement Division was now approaching its final stages of completion.
“Operations are progressing smoothly.”
“So I can finally get some sleep starting today?”
“Ah… we just received contact from the Hao Sect. I need to send an immediate response.”
“…?”
“And I need to review the cooperation frameworks with the Heavenly Palace Sect, the Moyong Family, and the Great Mountain faction….”
“Argh!”
Though the excessive workload was turning Dokgo Jo-hak’s hair white strand by strand, things were progressing well regardless.
The Cheonma Sect was also complete.
Thirty newly recruited disciples, along with ten from the Great Mountain faction and ten from the Heavenly Palace Sect, had finished their adaptation training and joined the main unit.
“Welcome the new recruits! The fake captain has arrived! Clear the way!”
“We’re honored to serve!”
“Close your eyes. What do you see?”
“Ah, I see nothing!”
“That’s your life in the Cheonma Sect.”
“…!”
“But which unit is the fake captain being assigned to?”
The new recruits were distributed across three units, excluding the four units where the ten from the Heavenly Palace Sect had joined and the five units remaining in Zhejiang.
Among them, several including Neungmyeong, who had drawn everyone’s expectations and attention, were not assigned to any unit.
“Pardon? You’re saying I should take command of the newly established Sixth Unit?”
“Indeed. It is the Commander’s will. You, Neungmyeong, shall become the leader of the Cheonma Sect’s reserve unit.”
At Jo Ryang-ui’s words as he presented the appointment document, Neungmyeong felt dizzy.
“B-but even the senior members of the Five Pillars of Cheonma aren’t unit commanders yet. How could I possibly….”
“Your rank will naturally be lower than the existing members. Besides, the Sixth Unit you’ll lead is small in number and has special duties as a reserve force, so it should be manageable.”
“Special duties, you say? What exactly…?”
“When members of the First, Second, or Third Units die or are injured and need replacement, your unit fills those vacancies. It’s a flexible unit that adapts to circumstances.”
“I… I’m not entirely certain, but I’ve heard the three main units each have distinct characteristics and different training methods….”
“You’ve grasped it well. Therefore, the Sixth Unit will participate equally in all training methods.”
“Ugh….”
“…?”
“Uhhh….”
“Why, why are you like this?”
“Uwaaaah!”
Whether he wailed under the burden or not, Neungmyeong became the commander of the reserve unit.
Additionally, a Seventh Unit was also created.
“I look forward to working with you all. I’m Hong Lu.”
“Hehehehe! I’m Hong Ta! Pleased to meet you!”
None other than the siblings Hong Lu and Hong Ta, leading the Great Mountain faction’s unit.
Thus, the Cheonma Sect completed its reorganization with the original five units and two new special operations units.
“Today’s the day we crush those bastards!”
“Hahaha! If you can, try it! Our unit is the best!”
“Kill them all! The third unit is the strongest!”
The cheerful sounds of training echoed through the Cheonma headquarters.
From the top floor where the sect leader’s office was located, Dokgo Myeong looked down at the disciples through an open window and let out a soft chuckle.
“Even after morning training, they’re still brimming with energy. I could push the intensity higher.”
Just then, a voice came from beside him.
“I heard Manager Geum and Unit O stayed in Zhejiang, yet it’s still bustling with activity.”
“With them gone, quite a few new members have joined.”
“Usually when you have masters of that caliber, you’d split the units. Are you not considering that?”
“They’re still far from ready.”
Dokgo Myeong replied offhandedly and turned around.
Standing there was Hu Gu-dangju Ju Won-gwang.
Dokgo Myeong’s expression changed instantly.
“Anyway, let’s get back to business matters.”
“Right.”
“Where exactly has Bang Sunbae gone?”
“It seems he’s hiding somewhere recovering. Or perhaps he’s moving freely on his own.”
“Tsk, he should consider his age.”
“Indeed.”
Dokgo Myeong changed the subject.
“Anyway, Baek Mu-heun finally made contact, right?”
Since the war ended, there had been no word, and I wondered if he’d died somewhere.
‘No, he’s not the type to collapse anywhere.’
Just as the Dokgo Family had been busy with cleanup, Baek Mu-heun must have been occupied as well.
Ju Won-gwang opened his mouth.
“It seems the behind-the-scenes agreement for the Murim Alliance’s restructuring is complete. He wants to meet before that.”
“Behind-the-scenes agreement? Isn’t that just finalizing the details within the Secret Council now?”
Ju Won-gwang’s eyes widened.
“How do you know about the Secret Council?”
“You know about it? Did you take over from Bang Sunbae by any chance?”
“Uh, well… wait.”
Ju Won-gwang was momentarily startled.
“You! Did you just test whether I knew or not?!”
Dokgo Myeong simply smiled wickedly.
Ju Won-gwang’s expression went blank for a moment.
‘So this is the kind of man who plays with the world. Still, this guy really….’
Ju Won-gwang swallowed dryly and continued.
“He said it would be best to meet in Hubei in five days. Some members of the Secret Council will be attending as well.”
“Understood. I’ll make the preparations.”
Emissaries from the major martial sects were already moving about actively. Naturally, our Family Head’s representative was meeting with outside guests day after day, continuing conversations.
In other words, the opening of the Martial Alliance was now imminent.
‘But he’s calling me in the name of Milyeon.’
I had finally arrived at this point. In my past life, I only knew of Milyeon’s existence, but now I had finally received an invitation.
“Hmm….”
Dokgo Myeong, who had been gazing out the window for a moment, asked in a casual tone.
“By the way, did they say anything separate about bringing companions?”
“There’s no such restriction. Of course, only you can enter the conference hall alone.”
“Then let me bring just one person.”
“One person? Who are you talking about?”
“There is someone. A fellow who needs some management these days.”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes gleamed.
* * *
Slash!
A dark, late night with a gloomy atmosphere.
In a secluded training ground of the Dokgo Family, the sound of a blade cutting through the air echoed.
Slash! Scrape!
The sword strikes were so sharp that moonlight seemed to shatter at the blade’s edge. The sound itself was like paper being torn by a razor blade.
“Huff! Gasp!”
The young man was breathing heavily.
How long had he been devoted to training?
His eyes were hazy and his entire body was drenched in sweat. Each time he swung the sword, droplets of perspiration scattered in all directions.
Wobble.
Suddenly, perhaps from the strain of arduous training, the sharp sword path wavered.
‘I can’t make a sound of complaint over something this trivial!’
The young man clenched his lips tightly and spun his body around.
There stood a massive stone boulder used for training.
“Hah!”
Light flashed in the young man’s eyes.
He threw his entire body into the strike, bringing his sword down toward the stone.
Flash!
The sword light engulfed the boulder.
But nothing happened.
“Gasp, huff….”
The young man remained in the posture of his downward strike, breathing laboriously.
The moment sweat that had run down the hilt dripped onto the ground.
Crack!
A hairline fracture appeared vertically on the stone.
Craaack! Rumble!
With a sharp crack, the stone split apart on both sides.
“Huff! Huff! Gasp!”
The young man, Dokgo Ak, finally collapsed to the ground.
While catching his breath, he lifted his head to examine the cross-section of the Cheongang Stone that had been severed in a single stroke.
The cut surface was remarkably smooth, but jagged, fractured edges were visible at the corners.
“…Damn it.”
Dokgo Ak struck the ground with his fist in frustration and let out a sigh.
Shiver.
As he unsteadily got to his feet, his entire body convulsed with muscle spasms. His body’s recovery couldn’t keep pace with the excessive training he’d been pushing himself through lately.
‘And I’ve only done a little of that, yet I’m already like this.’
Dokgo Ak clenched his teeth and resumed his sword stance.
‘Let me try just once more.’
If I just sat idle, I’d only regress.
That was when I was about to swing my sword again.
“Just as expected of a young master from a prestigious family—using such expensive Cheongang Stone for training. This is why those who’ve never earned money with their own hands are hopeless.”
Someone entered the training grounds.
“This is all Law Enforcement Division property, you know. Are you trying to bankrupt me on purpose?”
Dokgo Myeong grinned and poked his face through the split Cheongang Stone.
Dokgo Ak smiled briefly, pleased to see him, but then his expression turned guarded.
“Taking a midnight stroll? You’ve got it easy. What’s going on?”
“That’s what I should be asking you.”
“I… I just couldn’t sleep, so I was loosening up a bit.”
Sheathe!
Dokgo Ak hastily sheathed his sword to hide his trembling hands.
Dokgo Myeong stared at him for a moment, then let out a scoff.
“Heh! You’re drenched in sweat and that’s what you’re going to say? At least make it believable.”
“…Isn’t the proper thing to do in situations like this to pretend to believe even when you know the truth?”
“Not a chance.”
Dokgo Ak’s expression turned awkward when Dokgo Myeong suddenly threw something at him.
Thud!
Dokgo Ak barely caught the flying object right in front of his head, his brow furrowing.
What he held in his hand was a small gourd bottle.
“What did you throw at me?”
“Hundred-year Fleece Flower extract.”
“Huh?”
“Extract made from ground hundred-year Fleece Flower, I’m telling you.”
Pop!
With those words, Dokgo Myeong pulled out a similarly shaped gourd bottle from his waist, uncorked it, and brought it straight to his lips.
“Wait. What? How many years?”
“The Daesan disciples brought it. Accept it gratefully. I’ll pay you back double later.”
I never asked for anything, yet you demand I repay you with my life? You shameless bastard….
“Now that I think about it, you’ve been scavenging for something whenever you get a chance lately, haven’t you?”
“Yeah. I want to break through the wall. For now, I’m trying to build up my spiritual core a bit, going for quantity over quality. Ugh! The taste is absolutely horrible. I really should add some honey or something….”
At those words, Dokgo Ak’s expression darkened.
‘Even someone this strong struggles to become stronger. Who am I to complain… I just need to work harder.’
Dokgo Ak uncorked a gourd bottle and drained it in one gulp.
Whoosh!
Though it tasted terribly bitter, remarkably, the depleted vital energy began recovering immediately.
While marveling at the effect, I grimaced at the lingering bitterness in my mouth when Dokgo Myeong suddenly spoke up.
“Are you really that concerned about Sohwa and Mu-baek?”
“What?”
“I’ve told you countless times—arriving first doesn’t mean anything. What’s so special about realm? When I was at the peak, how many rising masters did I crush?”
“Did you really master mind-reading or something?”
Dokgo Ak let out a hollow laugh.
‘He always says the right thing at the right time.’
I knew what he said was true. Dokgo Myeong was always right.
But it didn’t resonate deep in my heart. My mind understood, but I lacked the emotional capacity to accept it.
“I get it. I understand what you’re saying.”
Dokgo Myeong narrowed his eyes sharply and tapped my shoulder.
Thwack!
“Ow! Why’d you hit me!”
“Hit you? I barely tapped you. You’re such a baby.”
“Barely? You were trying to mash flesh into flesh! I heard my bones crack!”
Dokgo Ak grumbled and rubbed the spot where I’d been struck.
Then, in a much quieter voice, I spoke.
“I really do understand. It’s not actually because of Manager Namgung or that bastard Cheolmu-baek.”
“Then what?”
“Just… I was thinking I should focus more on my training….”
Dokgo Ak trailed off vaguely, then fell silent.
Perhaps it was because tonight felt unusually exhausting, the night unusually dark, and the moon unusually bright.
The true feelings I hadn’t wanted to voice spilled out.
“I know everything you say is right. I know, but… honestly, I’m not sure.”
“Hm?”
“Unlike the other managers, I didn’t accomplish much in this war. No, it’s been similar every time….”
Dokgo Ak’s words trailed off as I gazed into the distance.
“Lately, their faces keep coming back to me. If I’d just broken the blade tip once, if I’d thrust straight ahead instead of swinging left first, then… couldn’t I have saved the ones buried in the sword tomb?”
“Hey.”
“Wait. I know. I know it’s meaningless thinking. I’m a peak master in my own right. If my heart wavered that easily, would I even be called a master?”
But as always, I was my own harshest critic.
“I just wonder if I’m weak. It always feels like I’m falling behind the other managers….”
“….”
“Above all, I was never someone you wanted to bring into the Cheonma Sect from the beginning anyway.”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes widened in shock. He had never imagined Ak harbored such thoughts.
Dokgo Ak’s words continued.
“I was just some reckless fool, and somehow I pestered my way into becoming a manager, but I keep falling behind… so what I’m saying is… the disciples might suffer because of me for no reason… ugh, damn it.”
Dokgo Ak ran his hand roughly through the back of his head and blurted it out.
“The other managers are people you chose directly, but I’m not one of them.”
“….”
“But when I realized I wasn’t providing much help, I felt frustrated, so I threw myself into training.”
Dokgo Myeong sighed and opened his mouth.
“I never thought you’d be harboring such pointless thoughts.”
At those words, Dokgo Ak felt his heart sink.
But what Dokgo Myeong said next was just the beginning.
“Think about what you just said in reverse.”
“Huh?”
“Listen, you were never even on my radar to begin with. The Cheonma Sect was originally supposed to end with four managers.”
“…?”
“Yet here you are now, standing alongside them. Unlike the ones I chose from the start, you convinced me through your own strength.”
Dokgo Ak’s eyes wavered at those words.
“And do you think I recommended you as a military commander on a whim?”
“That’s just because our father was the commander-in-chief and you’re the sect leader, so as someone of the same blood….”
“When have I ever cared about bloodlines! Bloodlines, schmoodlines—everyone is equal before my fists! Don’t you remember your father? Huh?”
Yes, of course I remember.
But this unfilial brother treats it like something to be proud of….
‘But now that I think about it, that’s exactly how it was.’
Dokgo Ak suddenly felt bewildered.
The heaviness that had seemed to weigh on his mind began to lift slightly.
Then Dokgo Myeong continued.
“Of course, there are several reasons I entrusted you with the position of military commander. Your status is one, and I also hope you’ll grow stronger. So work hard.”
“I, I see. Understood.”
“If you’re still frustrated though… I do have one method.”
“A method?”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes gleamed brightly.
“Nothing special… if training isn’t helping much, there’s only one way.”
“What is it? Tell me—I’ll do anything!”
Dokgo Myeong asked casually.
“Anything?”
A sudden sense of foreboding washed over Dokgo Ak, and he flinched.
But Dokgo Myeong was already grinning wickedly.
“Heheheh! Your enthusiasm is admirable. Then how about we take a trip together after all this time?”
“A trip? You want to get some fresh air?”
“Come on, what fresh air? I’m leaving for Hubei tomorrow anyway. I’m just asking you to come along.”
“What does that have to do with training?”
“We’ll spar to the death on the way there. You’ll be my martial arts partner, and you’ll gain real combat experience in the process. What do you say?”
“…!”
“Hehe, let’s travel together like old times, just the two of us.”
A chill ran down my spine, but the milk was already spilled.
Thus, Dokgo Myeong finished his preparations to depart with Dokgo Ak for the Milyuan Conference.

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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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