Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 420

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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 420
The first Council of Elders concluded amid an unsettled atmosphere.
Each elder departing cast at least one glance toward Dokgo Myeong and his father. Only the Sect Leader of the Haenam Faction fled without even turning back to look.
“What are you staring at? Baek.”
Dokgo Wi-hak furrowed his brow.
“This brat really.”
“You keep looking at him.”
“It could be that Myeong-i is looking at me, not you.”
Dokgo Wi-hak spoke with a serious expression.
Normally in such situations, one would exchange greetings to establish rapport or engage in light conversation, but none of that occurred.
Just then, Dokgo Un-hak returned after a brief conversation with the Jegal Family Head and questioned him pointedly.
“What exactly was that just now?”
“What do you mean, sir?”
“Your refusal. Why did you spurn such a splendid opportunity?”
In the end, Dokgo Myeong had decided not to assume the position of Grand Leader of the newly formed Martial Corps.
Who would ultimately occupy that prestigious seat remained undetermined.
“As you know, I’m quite the contrarian by nature. Even when I want to do something, the moment someone pushes me to do it, I break out in hives.”
“You reckless fool….”
Dokgo Un-hak glared at Dokgo Myeong before letting out a heavy sigh.
“Fine. Do as you please.”
“Why are you letting this pass so easily?”
“Because you’re no ordinary person, I’m certain you’re thinking you’ll seize the position through sheer skill.”
Dokgo Myeong looked up at Dokgo Un-hak in surprise.
Dokgo Un-hak burst into hearty laughter.
“Haha! What, did I strike a nerve?”
“How did you know?”
“Do you think I’ve only known you for a day or two?”
Dokgo Un-hak stared directly into Dokgo Myeong’s eyes.
“Go ahead and try. Honestly speaking, I think your refusal of the Grand Leader position was not a bad choice.”
“Now you say such things? You coordinated with Sect Leader Baek without any prior notice.”
“Well, either way, the main family stood to lose nothing.”
Dokgo Un-hak chuckled softly.
He truly believed refusing was not a bad decision.
Because.
‘Even if this fool becomes the leader of the elite forces from each faction… he won’t have an easy time of it.’
He would surely commit some mad stunt and rain protest letters upon the main family. It was better to abandon the position altogether than to endure such things.
Dokgo Un-hak glanced subtly at Dokgo Wi-hak.
“Wi-hak, you’ve done well raising your son.”
“I didn’t play any special role as a parent.”
“Whether it’s a poor harvest or a bumper crop, I cannot say.”
“…?”
Dokgo Un-hak muttered something barely audible and left his seat.
Dokgo Wi-hak, who had been staring blankly at his retreating figure, asked a question.
“Will you be alright?”
“What do you mean, sir?”
“In truth, you’ve damaged the reputation of Baek Jang-mun and the elders.”
Dokgo Myeong grinned wickedly.
“And you, Father, openly threatened the Sect Leaders of the Nine Factions.”
“That was a warning, not a threat.”
“A warning? To my ears, it sounded like ‘if you don’t want a sword planted at your bedside while you sleep, you’d better behave.'”
Dokgo Wi-hak clamped his mouth shut.
Dokgo Myeong flinched.
“…Have you actually done that before?”
“….”
“Wow, really? My father is truly terrifying.”
“I never planted one. I simply left it behind.”
“That’s even more frightening.”
Imagine waking up to find a gleaming dagger resting beside your pillow.
The more I heard, the more I understood why those who remembered Dokgo Wi-hak feared him so.
“So, how do you think things will unfold?”
“What do you mean, sir?”
“Was there a particular reason for your refusal? From what I heard, it seemed there was nothing to lose for you.”
As Baek Mu-heun, he had arranged quite a favorable position for Dokgo Myeong. Yet Dokgo Myeong had suddenly thrown a wrench in the works, damaging his reputation in the process.
“Shall we discuss it as we walk?”
“Very well.”
Once the crowd had thinned somewhat, Dokgo Myeong proceeded at a leisurely pace.
“The Martial Alliance’s new combat division will be established one way or another. The most likely candidate is the Shaolin Sect. Among the elder assignments, there’s a master in his forties, and he has a high probability of taking the position.”
“A Buddhist disciple of Shaolin. With the precept against killing, he wouldn’t be suited as the commander of a combat division.”
“Yes, so there’s also a possibility that Baek Song, the first disciple of the Huashan Sect Leader, or Yeong-han from the Mudang Divine Sect could take the role.”
That position was truly one that required someone of exceptional talent.
Beyond martial prowess and combat experience, they needed outstanding appearance, excellent character, and impeccable status and lineage—someone without a single flaw to serve as the face of the Martial Alliance.
“That’s not what I’m asking about.”
Dokgo Myeong laughed lightly at Dokgo Wi-hak’s concern.
“Truth be told, I don’t have a particular countermeasure. I simply wanted to avoid falling into that man’s grasp.”
“Is it because he’s the one who killed you?”
Dokgo Myeong stopped walking.
He had said “you” instead of “Dokgo Hyeon.” The subtle acknowledgment from Dokgo Wi-hak that he also recognized me as Dokgo Hyeon felt strangely pleasant.
“Well, there’s that aspect to it, and also I haven’t yet established the standing to face Baek Jang-mun directly. Rather than gradually yielding ground to him now, it’s better to draw a clear line from the beginning.”
Truthfully, it was a decision driven somewhat by emotion.
‘I won’t work under that man’s command until dirt fills my eyes.’
On the other hand, I was also certain that gathering the elite from each faction would never match the Cheonma Sect.
“Of course, I will eventually seize that position. But I cannot abandon the authority to handle affairs with the full support of this organization under the name of the Martial Alliance.”
“Then why didn’t you just accept it from the beginning?”
“As the saying goes, isn’t it the thirsty man who digs the well?”
“…?”
“Once I make him thirsty, won’t he dig the well of his own accord? Let’s wait and see. Hehehehe.”
Because that newly formed combat unit would fail.
And after that?
The story would change entirely.
“Anyway, let’s hurry and go! Drinks! Sohwa said she’d set aside some special liquor for us!”
* * *
“Ha! You’re blocking that too?”
“I’ve already surpassed the level of merely receiving instruction!”
Clang! Clang clang!
In the dead of night, after finishing their drinking session, I engaged in a sparring match with Namgung Sohwa.
Now the Emperor’s Sword Form displayed the perfect majesty of the Divine Absolute Technique. It was truly the martial art of an emperor who dominated space itself, making every realm where sword and true energy met the center of my domain.
Crackle crackle!
In that instant, blue lightning sparked from Namgung Sohwa’s blade.
Boom!
“Ouch! Hey! That’s cheating!”
“If you’re upset, why don’t you use a divine technique too!”
Clang clang!
Pale lightning continuously sparked from Namgung Sohwa’s sword.
It was the function of the Emperor’s Divine Sword, Namgung Sohwa’s exclusive weapon refined at the White Lotus Steel Workshop.
“You know those who swagger because they have good equipment fall first, right?”
“Then stop screaming when you get hit!”
Crackle crackle!
Boom!
With a thunderous explosion, both of us were pushed back.
I pursued the blue lightning with gleaming eyes.
‘I knew they’d suit each other well.’
Namgung Sohwa was a swordsman with a properly centered foundation, so the sword didn’t control her—rather, the sword made her shine even brighter.
‘Yes, it’s the center. Those martial arts called the Spear Palace, the Emperor, and the Divine Absolute Technique all contain unwavering spirituality and enlightenment infused within them.’
That enlightenment was precisely the concept of space and center.
Therefore, when fighting Namgung Sohwa, I cannot boast of a perfect win rate. Her sword’s balance is so firm that she occasionally pierces through my openings.
‘The way I perceive the world.’
Heo Un-jin once said to me:
If I infuse my own answers about the martial way and the world into my technique, only then could I truly complete the Divine Absolute Technique.
And only then would I name my martial art and break through the wall.
‘What is it that I wish to infuse into my martial art?’
In that instant, my eyes flashed with intensity.
Boom!
“…!!”
The finger strike I unleashed sent forth a tempestuous wave of energy that tangled Namgung Sohwa’s vital force circulation.
‘Ugh! Here it comes!’
Did she think she could endure this day after day?
Namgung Sohwa straightened her stance and lowered her body.
“Let’s stop here.”
I suddenly gathered my energy and gazed toward the entrance of the training ground.
“Heh, I had no intention of interrupting.”
Baek Mu-heun was walking into the training ground.
“It’s fine.”
“Quite intense, I must say.”
“I tend to push my subordinates with a practical, combat-oriented approach.”
Namgung Sohwa gripped her sword hilt firmly without sheathing it.
‘That person….’
One of Dokgo Hyeon’s mortal enemies.
Baek Mu-heun, sensing her gaze, turned his head.
“Hmm? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. My apologies.”
I spoke.
“Let’s continue tomorrow. Step aside for now.”
“Yes, Captain.”
Baek Mu-heun watched Namgung Sohwa’s retreating figure, his eyes narrowing slightly.
‘Something about the atmosphere just now….’
Was it hostility?
Surely it wasn’t like that when I first saw her?
“What do you think?”
Baek Mu-heun turned his head.
“Of what?”
“My captain.”
“A swordsman of remarkable talent. There’s no need to elaborate further.”
“I see.”
Would Sohwa have been pleased or displeased hearing this?
“By the way, what brings you here on such a late night? The banquet hall is that way.”
“You already know, don’t you?”
I smiled wickedly.
“Was my refusal of that gathering so unexpected?”
Baek Mu-heun smiled back.
“Honestly, you got me there.”
“Ha ha. That’s fortunate.”
“Why is that?”
“What do you mean?”
“Let’s be honest with each other. You wanted that position too, didn’t you? Isn’t it your desire to command from the front lines? I thought I was doing this for you?”
“I wish you had given me advance notice. Rather than my uncle.”
“I thought it was a surprise gift, in my own way.”
A surprise that left me blindsided and shocked—what kind of gift was that?
Clang!
I drove my Hyeonchul Sword into the ground and swept my sweat-dampened hair back.
“When are you planning to ascend to the position of Alliance Master?”
“How could that be up to me? The Council of Elders will need to vote at an appropriate time.”
“Why do you say that? You’re already halfway seated in that chair.”
Baek Mu-heun simply laughed calmly.
“What are you trying to say?”
“Since you’ll eventually take that seat anyway, why are you going to such lengths to gain both me and the Martial Sect?”
“I just asked you to speak frankly.”
“I’ve hidden nothing from the start. So you should reveal your hand as well, Sect Leader.”
I continued, my eyes gleaming.
“Are you afraid of me? Uncertain what I might do?”
“…!”
“Is that why you want to seat me in a position where you can control me, at least somewhat?”
“You….”
I smiled once more.
“Don’t worry. I have no intention of opposing you, Sect Leader. Just take your ease as Alliance Master, will you?”
“What is this all about? We may not be in the same boat, but I thought you approved of my methods?”
“I do approve. That doesn’t mean I like it.”
“What exactly are you… No, if I ask, you’ll just give me another vague answer anyway.”
Baek Mu-heun let out a hollow laugh.
But his eyes gleamed with sharp intensity.
“Very well. This suits us better. Tell me. What do you want?”
“As I’ve said, grant me autonomy.”
“Why are you so fixated on that?”
“Surely you understand that as well, Sect Leader?”
My eyes deepened.
“People like you and me believe we alone are right—we’re stubborn autocrats. We despise being swayed by fools and want to lead directly.”
All who seek power are self-righteous. That is the nature of power itself.
“….”
Baek Mu-heun’s eyes flashed with sharpness.
He spoke in a lowered voice.
“I’ll give you authority over appointments.”
“That’s insufficient.”
“I won’t interfere with operations and training methods using my own power.”
“Grant me autonomy in selecting and executing missions.”
“Impossible. Speak sense. You want to cherry-pick only the tasks you desire and handle them as you please? How could that possibly work?”
“Of course I’ll follow the Council of Elders’ orders. But I’m asking that my opinions be given the highest priority.”
“….”
“If it’s ambiguous, let’s end this here. I prefer continuing with the Cheonma Sect. It’s more comfortable that way.”
“What if we elevate the Cheonma Sect to a single rank and have you command the new unit under my authority?”
“I don’t have the capability to do that much.”
In that instant, white lightning-like energy flashed across Baek Mu-heun’s eyes.
“Now I understand.”
“…?”
“I thought you were just speaking carelessly, but you’re genuinely convinced the new unit will fail.”
Dokgo Myeong hesitated.
“I’m not sure what you mean….”
“I’ve struck a nerve, haven’t I? Why do you think that?”
I thought I’d hidden it well, but how did he see through me?
But backing down here would be amateurish. I need to push forward brazenly instead.
“You really can’t be fooled. How on earth did you know?”
“Tell me.”
“It’s just intuition.”
Silence fell.
Baek Mu-heun’s laughter deepened.
“I’ll make sure to succeed without you. Then your position will become quite narrow.”
“Then I suppose I’ll have no choice but to quietly retreat to the background and be satisfied as the Cheonma Sect Leader.”
“I hear you enjoy wagers. Is this perhaps one as well?”
Dokgo Myeong chuckled softly.
“You could say that.”
Baek Mu-heun turned his body.
“It’s late at night, so I should be going.”
“I won’t stray far.”
“My apologies for the late intrusion.”
It was at that very moment Baek Mu-heun was about to leave.
A wager, he said?
This is troublesome. I have never lost a wager.
And so I revealed my hidden card.
“Internal strife will erupt within the Jeongheol Sect.”
He stopped.
Baek Mu-heun turned with startled eyes.
“It will likely span from Qinghai to Gansu. There will be fierce battles and pursuits, and depending on how we respond, we might even capture the Grand General and the Jeongheol Sect Leader.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Within three months at the shortest, four at the longest, it will happen.”
Dokgo Myeong smiled meaningfully.
“Can you manage the new unit without problems within that timeframe?”
“You… surely you weren’t deliberately hiding this?”
“You know well that I don’t cross that line.”
….
Baek Mu-heun stared at Dokgo Myeong in silence, then turned away.
His pace quickened gradually.

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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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