Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 427

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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 427
“Forgive me, but could you repeat what you just said?”
“The Central Government has been casting eyes of concern upon the Martial Alliance.”
Jegal Mun maintained his composure, carefully managing his expression.
Yet the words that escaped his lips were far from gentle.
“Now, at this late hour… the government seeks to meddle in martial affairs? Is that what you’re saying?”
The man seated in the place of honor, Gok Sul, set down his teacup as he spoke.
“Hehehehe. How frightening. It seems much has changed while I wasn’t looking.”
“Gok Dae-in. If I may be so bold as to speak my mind?”
“By all means.”
“I am no longer merely a young scholar buried in books, but a man who bears responsibility for both my family and the Martial Alliance. So let us dispense with pleasantries and address the matter at hand.”
Whoooosh!
A sinister aura emanated from Jegal Mun.
Gok Sul appeared to have studied martial arts, though his level seemed unremarkable. Yet he did not so much as blink at the overwhelming presence of the Jegal Family Head.
“Your manner of speech has truly become that of a martial artist. Excellent. Then I too shall speak as the martial world does.”
“…”
“This place, the Martial Alliance, you call it?”
Gok Sul’s gaze swept across Jegal Mun’s office.
“In truth, there has been considerable discussion at the Central Government of late.”
“The Central Government…”
Jegal Mun’s eyes flashed with a keen light.
“Do you think that even as an outsider to the martial world, I close my eyes and ears to all that transpires?”
“Why do you speak such words?”
“Has the Central Government not repeatedly brought up matters concerning the martial world?”
Gok Sul said nothing, merely lifting his teacup to his lips and taking a slow sip, letting the silence linger.
“Well, I’m not certain what you mean.”
“Gok Dae-in. Or rather, Middle-Ranking General.”
“Now listen here.”
Gok Sul’s smile turned cold.
“Does silence grant permission for excess? Should a child be allowed to run wild simply because his parents are not watching?”
“…”
“You martial artists, under the guise of martial affairs, wage slaughter across the land, disrupt agriculture and commerce, and oppress the commoners.”
“That is…”
“Righteous and wicked, Black Blade and White Blade? Do you think I care about such distinctions? To the eyes of an administrator like myself, you all appear as nothing more than warlords who have gathered private armies.”
“If that were truly your concern, why not have acted long ago?”
Jegal Mun’s eyes gleamed.
Gok Sul let out a laugh.
“Have no fear. Both I and the court understand that the ills of the martial world are a deeply rooted historical problem, and moreover, a necessary evil—like a potent remedy.”
From the beginning, words designed to provoke the sensibilities of martial artists have continued to emerge.
“When the court’s ministers prove incompetent and fail to govern, the role of the martial world grows. When the opposite occurs, its role diminishes. Has it not always been thus? This age is no different.”
“….”
“Fortunately, the Martial Alliance’s banner itself is viewed quite favorably by the court. The Emperor was equally pleased to receive the letter submitted directly by Baek Jang-mun.”
“Then why is there concern?”
“As I said, it is merely a precaution.”
“….”
“Furthermore, there was the military uprising several years ago in the Hunan, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang regions. I am aware of what transpired then.”
A military uprising? Was he referring to the war between the Dokgo Family and the Moyong Family?
Jegal Mun’s expression hardened.
‘How? Why on earth?’
There would be no need to come to the Martial Alliance to press charges against the Dokgo Family.
‘If he were to touch the Jeonmu Army currently in operation… the Jeonmu Army?’
Jegal Mun’s body came to an abrupt halt.
He stared intently at Gok Sul.
“Who do you seek?”
Gok Sul’s smile deepened.
“What do you mean?”
“If there is someone you desire, then speak of it.”
“Hehe, as expected. No matter how much of a martial artist you’ve become, your nature from birth lies not with that side, but with this one.”
“….”
“I hear that Dokgo Myeong, the Protector Deputy of the Dokgo Family and Captain of the Jeonmu Army, is the hidden architect behind the Martial Alliance.”
“It is merely hearsay. How could such a grand alliance emerge from the fingertips of a mere young man?”
“Is that so?”
“….”
“Hehehehe.”
After a long silence, Jegal Mun finally spoke.
“Why would the Imperial Guard take interest in a mere martial artist from the provinces?”
The Imperial Guard—an elite force existing solely for the imperial household.
They were not merely involved in martial affairs but deeply entrenched in the central court as well. It was precisely because of this that they could manipulate regional military forces and obstruct operations.
“That is not something you need to know.”
“That you would travel such a distance at this very moment, in this very situation, to speak such words… I, Jegal Mun, cannot fathom how to accept this.”
“This moment and situation? What do you mean by that?”
“You don’t know?”
“I don’t.”
“Truly, you don’t know?”
The words spoken with force carried a subtle undercurrent of inner energy.
In that instant, Gok Sul’s eyes also flashed with murderous intent.
“Surely you don’t harbor the foolish notion that the Bloodfiend could plant someone within the court?”
Jegal Mun’s eyes widened, having never expected such blunt words.
“How do you know of the Bloodfiend?”
“No matter how bustling the earth becomes, can it hide from the heavens?”
Heaven refers to the Imperial Court. In short, I merely know of its existence.
‘Is that truly so?’
I cannot be certain. The darkness harbored within the Imperial Palace runs unfathomably deep.
Yet one thing is undeniable—to take the words of court officials at face value would be foolish.
‘For a Bloodfiend to infiltrate as a court official would be… impossible. That monster dwells within the palace, after all.’
But moving through intermediaries would be entirely feasible.
At that moment, Gok Sul spoke.
“Regardless, he is a dangerous individual in many respects. Since I have intervened to resolve this matter, the Alliance must refrain from reckless action and observe from a distance.”
“Grant me a little more time, I beg you. I shall arrange something separately. The timing is not favorable now.”
Gok Sul let out a scoff.
“Do I appear to be seeking your cooperation?”
“That is not what I meant…”
“The Martial Alliance is to withdraw its hand. In truth, if such a grave matter exists, it is not work for martial artists whose only tool is violence.”
“…”
“Then I trust you understand clearly.”
Just as Gok Sul finished speaking and began to rise, Jegal Mun suddenly laughed.
“Heh heh.”
“…?”
“Heh heh heh heh.”
Gok Sul’s eyes widened sharply.
“What amuses you?”
“Now I understand.”
“Understand what?”
“That the Middle-Ranking General knows nothing at all. You were merely a chess piece. Otherwise, you could never make such an absurd and forced argument.”
“What did you say?”
Jegal Mun’s eyes flashed.
“Do you think I am stopping you to protect the Alliance or the Jeonmu Army Commander? It is the opposite, sir.”
Jegal Mun spoke without hiding his laughter.
“You have made the worst possible move. No, a losing move.”
“What?”
“Why not have come bearing gifts instead? Why not have summoned him with proper courtesy and ceremony, or welcomed him with a grand banquet?”
Gok Sul’s expression darkened.
Jegal Mun laughed with unmistakable mockery.
“Do you know what manner of man he is, Middle-Ranking General?”
“…?”
“A vile-natured flood dragon on the verge of ascension. A prodigy of extraordinary power merely wearing a human mask. Yet you have touched him in the worst possible way…”
“Are you trying to frighten me since words alone won’t work?”
“Yes, I am frightening you. Whether it is through the Bloodfiend or the interest of someone far above… I cannot say.”
Jegal Mun offered no further words, merely letting out a derisive laugh.
Zhuge Wen let out a sneer as if to say he would say no more.
“As you wish, the Martial Alliance will withdraw its hand. Let us observe and see what results unfold.”
* * *
I faced a man dressed as a general.
“A traitor?”
“That’s correct.”
“You’re calling me a traitor?”
The general spoke.
“Multiple blades, armor, hidden weapons, chains, poisons, and more were discovered in your estate. How else could one interpret this if not as harboring treasonous intent?”
“These are matters of the martial world. Do not interfere.”
“How can I ignore the suffering of commoners caused by such reasoning?”
I paused to consider.
Was Gansu different from other regions, with officials actually performing their duties?
‘Nonsense.’
Then this was an intentional obstruction.
My eyes flashed with intensity.
“So what do you intend to do?”
Whoooosh!
The surge of energy overwhelmed everyone present.
“Will you attempt to escort me? You? All of you?”
The general’s complexion turned ashen.
Soldiers without inner strength lost the power in their legs and staggered, while those trained in martial arts felt the magnitude of that force and experienced even greater terror.
A single man was overwhelming countless others through sheer presence alone.
“If you’re so confident, then defend yourself through proper means!”
“Defend myself?”
My expression became peculiar.
‘Someone wishes to see me?’
Very well, then.
I reined in my aura.
“Return everything you’ve collected to its original place. Then I’ll follow willingly.”
“That is….”
“It would be better that way.”
The general, who had been so overbearing, swallowed hard and issued orders.
“Return everything to its proper place. Escort the prisoner…back to the capital!”
I exhaled slowly.
“Just as well. I was wondering if I’d have to knock down all these innocent guards.”
“…?!”
“By the way, do you have any dried meat or provisions? I’ve been riding all night on an empty stomach.”
The soldiers were taken aback by such an arrogant tone. They could never have imagined someone being escorted away while maintaining such an attitude.
In the end, several pieces of dried meat were placed in my hands.
“Much obliged. After all, bloodshed on an empty stomach would surely leave me feeling quite unsettled.”
The soldiers’ mouths fell open in astonishment.
* * *
Dokgo Myeong, bound in heavy shackles and chains, was escorted into an opulent manor.
Standing in the spacious courtyard, I soon faced a middle-aged man whose hair had turned white.
‘He has cultivated martial arts.’
And to a considerable level at that.
He gazed at me with eyes that gleamed with interest.
That was when it happened.
“You! Kneel and show proper respect!”
A man who appeared to be a guard kicked at the back of my knees.
Thud!
“Huh? What?”
The guard’s eyes widened in shock.
Normally, legs would shatter from such a blow, yet I didn’t budge an inch.
“If you’re going to make a martial artist kneel, you should have kicked harder. Like this.”
My foot stamped against the ground.
Boom! Crack crack crack!
Spider-web cracks spread across the courtyard’s surface.
The guards stumbled backward, and the middle-aged man sitting before me let out a hollow laugh, eyeing me with contempt.
“Fearless, aren’t you? This alone could serve as evidence of harboring traitorous intent.”
I felt the confidence in his voice and the oppressive weight of his gaze.
A man of high station. Even higher than I’d anticipated.
“Try if you can.”
“Tsk tsk, how bold.”
“I am Myeong of the Dokgo Family. In the martial world, I am called the Jin Cheon-sin-geom.”
“They also call you the Black Blade King, the Myeong King, and other such titles. Yet you claim the title of king without imperial sanction from His Majesty. You martial artists are truly insufferable creatures.”
The middle-aged man opened his mouth with a sinister smile.
“I have no name. Call me Instructor.”
I chuckled softly.
“If that’s what you’re going to say, wouldn’t it be better to reveal your true position?”
“Hmm?”
“What business does the Embroidered Uniform Guard have with me?”
The Embroidered Uniform Guard.
A secret unit under direct command of the Imperial Guard, handling imperial protection, investigation, and execution simultaneously—in short, the imperial assassins.
“You’re as sharp-witted as they say. But let me warn you: you must be careful with your words and conduct. Right now, you are here as a criminal….”
“My, my. Ha ha.”
Absurd laughter spilled from my lips.
“It’s been a while since I’ve encountered this. Lately, no one has dared speak to me this way.”
“What nonsense are you spouting?”
“Did you think I would cower in fear simply because the Embroidered Uniform Guard has appeared?”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes gleamed with intensity.
“If this were truly an official government operation, you would have dragged me to the magistrate’s office, not to some desolate estate like this.”
Dokgo Myeong twisted both his arms.
Crack! Boom!
The specially forged iron shackles designed to bind martial artists crumbled helplessly under the strain.
Clang! Clang!
With a light stomp of his feet, the leg irons shattered like porcelain.
“I’ve heard that the Embroidered Uniform Guard doesn’t conduct their affairs this way. Which means this is an unofficial matter….”
“How audacious. So you truly carry the blood of that Geom-jon.”
Dokgo Myeong laughed coldly.
“Mention the Sect Leader’s name even once more, and I’ll rip your tongue out on the spot.”
The Instructor’s expression hardened.
“I’m curious about these hidden circumstances and secrets, but you’ve chosen the wrong time and the wrong person.”
Thud thud.
Dokgo Myeong walked leisurely toward the Instructor as if this were his own courtyard.
“I absolutely despise being toyed with like this.”
That was the moment.
Screeeech!
Throwing knives and arrows erupted from all directions.
The guards who had been lying down suddenly sprang up as if it were all an act, thrusting daggers forward.
“Insolent fools.”
Dokgo Myeong didn’t even draw the Hyeonchul Sword at his waist. He simply released three precise waves of force into the empty air.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Everything, including the people themselves, was sent flying in the opposite direction by the explosive force.
The Instructor let out a hollow laugh.
“You’re crossing the line. Can you handle the consequences?”
“Handle? What exactly?”
“Your subordinates are being harassed in various locations even as we speak. If Jeon Seo-eung doesn’t arrive with news, you’ll suffer a terrible loss.”
Dokgo Myeong smiled and spoke.
“The men I’ve trained are naturally capable, but the Martial Arts Alliance Leaders aren’t pushovers either.”
“What?”
“So if you have more cards to play, show them now. My patience is rather limited.”

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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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