Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 419

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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 419
Everyone had anticipated that the first order of business would be establishing a combat division.
The Martial Alliance had launched despite suppressing various concerns and objections, leaving its position more precarious than expected. Naturally, it needed to prove the organization’s necessity and legitimacy to the world, and in the martial realm, military might was the only thing that could satisfy all such demands.
The question was who would lead this symbolic division.
Since the future dominance of the Martial Alliance depended on this, everyone was eagerly anticipating the decision.
Baek Mu-heun would surely obtain the position of Alliance Leader and step back—yet he suddenly nominated Dokgo Myeong.
“If it’s the Jin Cheon-sin-geom…”
“That young man is Dokgo Myeong?”
“Wait, wasn’t he doing menial work just yesterday?”
“I was wondering why such a green youth was sitting in a position like this.”
Murmurs rippled through the assembly, and countless eyes suddenly fixed upon Dokgo Myeong.
Those who knew Dokgo Myeong nodded silently in agreement, while those unfamiliar with him scrutinized him openly.
‘The rumors may be exaggerated, but they say at thirty he already competed for the title of greatest swordsman under heaven.’
‘Is it true that this Geom-jon favored him and transmitted the profound secrets of his sword art?’
‘They say he even has insight into political maneuvering and controls the Dokgo Family.’
‘For all that, he’s barely come of age, yet his neck is remarkably stiff.’
Curiosity, anticipation, wariness.
Regardless of whether he felt the gazes laden with countless intentions, Dokgo Myeong simply stared intently at Baek Mu-heun.
‘Look at this.’
Dokgo Myeong’s lips curved upward.
‘He’s actually giving me such a position? And in a place like this, no less?’
I thought he would try to seat someone within his sphere of influence, but I never anticipated this.
Baek Mu-heun opened his mouth with a faint smile.
“Jin Cheon-sin-geom. Is there some problem?”
“…”
“Dokgo Myeong?”
Dokgo Un-hak interjected from the side.
“What are you doing? The elders of the martial realm are waiting, so come and offer your respects.”
Dokgo Myeong glanced sideways at Dokgo Un-hak.
‘What is this?’
‘Isn’t this what you wanted?’
The meaning was conveyed well enough through their eyes alone.
‘Right, I admit it. I know Uncle’s drive better than anyone.’
Dokgo Myeong turned his gaze back to Baek Mu-heun, who wore a hollow smile.
And he was equally formidable.
“I apologize for my rudeness—I’m not accustomed to being called by an epithet.”
Dokgo Myeong rose from his seat and clasped his fist in salute.
“I am Myeong of the Dokgo Family from Honam. This humble one offers his respects to all the esteemed seniors of the martial realm.”
The eyes of those watching gleamed.
Some called him a reckless scoundrel, others a passionate righteous hero, and still others a cold-blooded pragmatist—this young martial artist whom all judged differently.
At least his first impression wasn’t bad.
Baek Mu-heun opened his mouth again.
“The Martial Alliance needs symbolism—a commitment to serve the heavens above all, transcending factional lines, distributions of power, and regional boundaries. I believe everyone here shares this understanding.”
Everyone nodded lightly in agreement.
“To achieve this, we must blend talented individuals from each organization under the Martial Alliance’s banner. And to successfully command such diverse talents, each with their own distinct qualities, we need a capable leader.”
“You’re saying that young man is the one.”
A middle-aged man with dark, weathered skin interjected abruptly. It was Gok Ji-hong, the Sect Leader of the Haenam Sect.
“Indeed. Beyond proven ability and reputation, this young man has already demonstrated his prowess in actual combat and his capacity for command.”
“Hmph. Somehow it sounds less like you’re asking for opinions and more like you’re making an announcement.”
“What is it you wish to say, Sect Leader Gok?”
“Ah, nothing in particular. I was simply curious.”
Gok Ji-hong withdrew his hand with a wave, but his expression was filled with displeasure.
‘These Central Plains folk are trying to decide everything on their own again.’
The Haenam Sect, situated on Haenam Island far removed from the Central Plains, had been repeatedly marginalized in the major and minor affairs of the Central Plains. Gok Ji-hong felt this as if he were being disrespected.
‘I disliked it from the moment the Yongdu Sect Leader came seeking us out, offering the elder position as if bestowing a favor.’
No, truthfully, he could understand things up to that point. What could he do about being in a remote location? He didn’t particularly crave recognition from those rowdy Central Plains folk.
But now that he had entered the Martial Alliance, he had no intention of being manipulated indefinitely. From the start, he was someone who believed the boasts of these Central Plains people—the so-called Seven Kings of Contested Heaven and such—were not to be trusted.
“It seems Sect Leader Gok has misunderstood. I was merely making a recommendation, nothing more.”
Baek Mu-heun turned his gaze toward Dokgo Myeong.
“However, I do believe it would be best if Dokgo Myeong became the commander of this unit.”
If Baek Mu-heun decided it should be so, it would be so.
Milyeon was on his side, and now the Dokgo Family had also taken his side.
“…Tsk!”
Gok Ji-hong clicked his tongue.
“Are you in your right mind? That fellow is nothing but a Young Master barely past twenty!”
“Young Master is too harsh a term.”
“I’m at a loss for words.”
Gok Ji-hong looked around at those gathered.
“Won’t any of you say something? No matter how you look at it, entrusting disciples to a young man barely thirty years old? This is unprecedented!”
At twenty, one would barely be called late-stage youth. Given the martial world’s emphasis on seniority, this was certainly a reasonable objection.
“Does that young man even belong in this place? I was told this is the Elder Council’s seat. Why is a mere greenhorn sitting here?”
“….”
“It seems to me that Sect Leader Baek is trying to orchestrate everything. I hear that young man also shares some kind of understanding with Sect Leader Baek?”
Having poured out his words, Gok Ji-hong smiled with satisfaction.
Surely a few would respond to him, and if he seized this momentum to show his leadership, he could control the situation. He couldn’t remain sidelined from the mainstream forever.
But then.
“Hmm….”
“Ahem!”
The atmosphere felt strange.
While some in the assembly seemed to respond to his words, more than half appeared indifferent, as if they wanted no part in this.
In particular, the Hwangsan Sect Leader wore a peculiar expression as if suppressing laughter.
‘What…?’
Gok Ji-hong was flustered by the unexpected atmosphere.
‘Why is this happening?’
Unfortunately, he had misread the situation entirely.
All those present who were members of the Secret Circle or acquainted with Dokgo Myeong knew his true nature.
The cunning strategist hidden behind the mask of a merely capable young man.
‘There’s no way that sinister youth is merely a twenty-year-old Young Master.’
‘He wouldn’t be sitting here for nothing. Anyone who matters knows of that youth’s political acumen.’
‘It seems Sect Leader Gok has no interest in political matters whatsoever. Tsk, tsk.’
Moreover, standing behind him now were Dokgo Un-hak and Baek Mu-heun. Not to mention the rumors that the missing Yongdu Sect Leader and the Mudang’s successor Heo Un-jin held him in high regard.
And now he was going to challenge Dokgo Myeong?
What was that but political suicide?
Gok Ji-hong, his face bewildered, scanned the assembly before redirecting his attack.
“You there, why do you have nothing to say! A man introduces himself and then sits silent like a fool with honey in his mouth!”
Gok Ji-hong had decided to press Dokgo Myeong in this unexpected turn of events.
‘Regardless of being called the Seven Kings of Contention, he’s barely thirty now. Pressuring one Young Master is nothing!’
That was when it happened.
“Sect Leader Gok.”
A low, desolate voice rang out.
It was not Dokgo Myeong or any of the elders. It was the middle-aged man sitting calmly beside him.
“I held my tongue as it seemed not my place to interfere, yet you continue to overstep boundaries.”
“You are…?”
“Dokgo Wi-hak of the Dokgo Family. I remember you, though it seems you have forgotten me.”
At a name he could never forget, Gok Ji-hong caught his breath sharply.
It came back to him.
That face from decades past flashed through his mind.
“The Sword Ghost?”
“It has been a long time.”
“How… how did you come to be here? And the Sword Severing Oath…?”
“That oath is between myself and the Mudang alone. It is not your place to speak of it.”
Gok Ji-hong started in alarm and looked toward someone.
Heo Un-jin broke the silence and opened his mouth.
“From the beginning, the Mudang never accepted that oath. Everything depended on his own will.”
Dokgo Wi-hak gave a light bow and turned his gaze back to Gok Ji-hong.
“Even you, Sect Leader, must know that a difference in age does not justify rudeness. Please maintain proper boundaries.”
“This…!”
In the moment Gok Ji-hong’s face flushed red at the thought of his dignity being openly trampled.
Dokgo Wi-hak’s eyes flashed sharply.
“Do not do that.”
I flinched.
There was something in Dokgo Wi-hak’s voice that sent a chill down one’s spine.
“There will not be a second time.”
The atmosphere froze solid.
His words stirred something peculiar in the hearts of the sect representatives.
‘Is he saying the Sword Ghost will break his seclusion and emerge into the martial world?’
‘Is he openly declaring he’ll become his son’s backing…?’
That was when it happened.
“My goodness, I’m not sure why the atmosphere has become so heavy on such a fine day.”
Dokgo Myeong’s warm tone dissolved the tension that had grown razor-sharp.
Dokgo Wi-hak turned his head and closed his eyes slightly again, while Gok Ji-hong’s mouth fell open like a man whose soul had departed.
Dokgo Myeong smiled widely.
“It seems I failed to explain things beforehand, causing this misunderstanding. Would it be alright if I asked a few more questions?”
Dokgo Myeong looked at Baek Mu-heun.
“How will the members of this new combat unit be selected?”
“We plan to choose from talented individuals and volunteers from each sect.”
“Selection?”
“Of course. Naturally, if someone is talented enough that selection isn’t necessary, they should be accepted directly. But still, the Alliance Lord’s opinion is important.”
To interpret this plausible statement directly: ‘We’ll have to accept the people each sect pushes forward, but we’ll also respect your opinion as the Alliance Lord.’
“I see.”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes brightened.
“Then, just hypothetically, if I were to become the Alliance Lord, what activities would I be engaged in?”
“The details are still undecided, but as a major force of the Martial Alliance, you’d be dispatched to various places to lead combat operations. In other words, you’d be the sword that cuts through anything.”
“That sounds like a truly glorious position.”
“What can I say.”
“One last thing I’d like to ask—what would the chain of command look like?”
Baek Mu-heun hesitated.
He looked at Dokgo Myeong for a moment before speaking.
“Ideally, as a special unit directly under the Alliance Lord or the Council of Elders, you’d have exceptionally independent authority.”
“Exceptional and independent, you say…?”
“It means you’d have considerable power and influence. You’d likely receive treatment distinctly different from any combat units established later.”
In essence, it would become the most powerful organization within the Martial Alliance in terms of authority, and it would also carry tremendous symbolic significance representing the Martial Alliance itself.
‘I’d be an idiot to refuse this.’
Dokgo Myeong nodded and spoke casually.
“I appreciate the recommendation, but I must decline.”
The atmosphere crashed into the depths once more.
* * *
Baek Mu-heun’s face hardened, and Dokgo Un-hak glared at him openly.
‘Do as you wish.’
Dokgo Myeong gazed at empty space with a composed expression.
Thanks to that fellow Gok Ji-hong engaging Baek Mu-heun in a battle of wits, I gained time to think.
And as always, I grasped the situation quickly.
‘He’s trying to nominate me first, making it appear to the elders that I’m his man.’
He wanted to reveal that some form of connection existed between us.
But that wasn’t his true objective.
‘His real aim is to seize control of that unit by any means necessary.’
Once he becomes the leader, he’ll need power that moves according to his will.
If he installs someone clearly loyal to him, opposition voices will arise. So his scheme is to place me first and then manipulate me.
‘He might have thought I’d be reasonable to some degree, or perhaps he intends to bind my hands through alliance laws or carefully selected disciples.’
Of course, even accounting for all that, it’s a position difficult to refuse.
The superior strategy would be to accept first, then escape his influence by any means. Baek Mu-heun must have anticipated that too.
‘But… of all things, he wants me to become his direct subordinate?’
Many thoughts crossed my mind.
Even if I died and came back to life, I couldn’t do that. No—I won’t.
“You’re refusing? What do you mean by that?”
Baek Mu-heun asked with a slightly hardened expression.
“I mean exactly what I said. I’m grateful for your favorable regard, but I have no talent whatsoever for moving at someone’s command.”
Baek Mu-heun’s brow furrowed.
“If there’s something you desire, speak it. Isn’t that why you’re here?”
“Well, I’m not even confirmed yet, so what could I possibly ask for?”
Dokgo Myeong glanced at Gok Ji-hong.
“In fact, Sect Leader Gok spoke quite well. Asking someone like me to lead people—it’s absurd.”
“Just.”
Baek Mu-heun’s voice grew heavy.
“Speak frankly… what is your true intention?”
Dokgo Myeong opened his mouth reluctantly.
“Well, if you guarantee me autonomy… I suppose I could consider it.”
“To what extent?”
“To what extent is possible?”
Baek Mu-heun let out a hollow laugh.
“Heh, Jin Cheon-sin-geom. Anyone watching would think we’re haggling at a market right now.”
Though Baek Mu-heun jested good-naturedly, several elders were already frowning.
“An organization must have procedures and systems. Autonomy sounds fine, but it risks being seen as irresponsible indulgence. Especially when what we’re discussing isn’t just an ordinary combat unit.”
“I’m not trying to haggle.”
“Then?”
“I’m warning you as a member of the Murim Alliance. If the commander’s discretion isn’t secured, whoever takes this position—not just me—will face friction.”
The moment those words ended, angry voices erupted from the elders all around.
“Did he just say warning?”
“Jin Cheon-sin-geom! Isn’t that language excessive!”
Dokgo Myeong didn’t move an inch.
“I am sufficiently satisfied as the commander of the Cheonma Sect that I have built, and I do not believe the Cheonma Sect would fall short compared to any elite unit.”
“What do you mean by that…?”
“If my meaning is unclear, then so be it. I respectfully decline. I will simply dedicate myself and the Cheonma Sect as one of the ordinary combat units to the Martial Alliance.”
After all, I can seize that symbolic status through skill alone.

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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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