Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 472

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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 472
Northeast of Qinghai, Huangzhong.
A man surveyed his surroundings with an expressionless face.
Hell itself had unfolded before him.
Viscous blood flowed like a stream, and corpses torn to shreds formed mounds. Where cooking smoke should have risen from countless hearths by now, the city reeked of acrid stench and hung thick with dark smoke.
The man crossed through the devastation before coming to an abrupt halt.
“I apologize for my tardiness.”
The man, Yuk Ho-beop Geukrak-sinjyo, beheld a figure seated in full lotus meditation at the heart of this inferno.
“It has been long, Sect Leader. A minor matter delayed me somewhat.”
The one in lotus position was none other than Hyeok Wi-sang. Yet Hyeok Wi-sang neither answered nor opened his eyes.
“…How many years have passed since we last met? After such an eternity apart, master and disciple meet, and you offer not even a greeting?”
Though his words carried a hint of disappointment, Yuk Ho-beop’s expression betrayed subtle displeasure and anxiety.
As the silence persisted and Yuk Ho-beop fell silent as well, only the sounds of collapse and burning echoed across the land.
Then, Hyeok Wi-sang’s lips parted.
“…You are late. The journey from the Southern Lands to this place seems to have been arduous.”
Dried blood clung viscously to the corners of his mouth, stretching as he spoke.
Yuk Ho-beop’s eyes twitched.
His voice scraped like metal on steel. Though his words sounded concerned, his tone was glacial.
“…I merely toured the Central Plains for a time.”
“And what did you find?”
“Prosperous. Peaceful as well. A land of bloated swine lamenting that they must eat millet instead of white rice.”
“…Yes, our homeland was such a place.”
“….”
“I long to see it too. There was a duck dish my wife and young children would eat with me on important days…. Such things are difficult to procure in this land.”
At Hyeok Wi-sang’s calm words, Yuk Ho-beop’s face hardened.
“…I was merely delayed because eyes and ears are stationed everywhere.”
Hyeok Wi-sang opened his eyes.
“Is that truly all?”
His pupils rolled toward Yuk Ho-beop.
Whoosh!
A sudden gust erupted, and Yuk Ho-beop, momentarily losing his balance and staggering, felt his complexion drain of color.
“Geukrak-sinjyo. So you falter at merely this.”
“I merely….”
“Do you think I am unaware of the flaw in your cultivation? I too have mastered the Asura Technique and Bloodfiend Method in this body. Speak the truth.”
Hyeok Wi-sang slowly rose to his feet.
With blood dripping from him, he was the very image of a demon crawling forth from the depths of hell itself.
“…Tsk.”
Yuk Ho-beop clicked his tongue softly.
Then, with an air of brazen confidence, he smirked and spoke.
“I went to Hunan to obtain the Yeokcheonji Jae.”
A flash of brilliant light!
Crimson radiance blazed like wildfire in Hyeok Wi-sang’s eyes.
“Are you saying this Prodigy Against Heaven you speak of is Dokgo Myeong, that filthy bloodline of Geom-jon?”
“Indeed.”
“Why did you defy my order to rush straight to Cheong Hae-seong and act on your own?”
Yuk Ho-beop let out a bitter laugh.
“Since when have I been in a position to receive orders from the Sect Leader—or rather, from my elder brother?”
“….”
“Ever since we resolved upon vengeance decades ago, while we’ve been wallowing in the mire beyond the pale, you’ve merely been cowering here… and now you speak of orders?”
Yuk Ho-beop scoffed.
“There is but one thing that can command us—the Bloodfiend who is soon to arrive, is there not?”
Hyeok Wi-sang stared at Yuk Ho-beop with an expressionless face.
He fell silent for a moment, then spoke with chilling indifference.
“Do you wish to die?”
Yuk Ho-beop drew in a sharp breath.
“One of the Six Guardians who defied my orders, Yumhyeol-gun, suffered a fatal internal wound, and five of the Divine Blood Demons perished. I am now exerting myself ceaselessly to keep you alive. So you had best offer an explanation.”
Hyeok Wi-sang’s eyes burned with barely contained fury.
After a moment’s hesitation, Yuk Ho-beop finally explained the situation in a low voice.
“…Thus, I fled in that manner. To add, I acted upon my faith in the Great Plan and the Bloodfiend.”
“That faith which nearly ruined everything, you mean?”
“….”
“I cannot fathom how you still draw breath. And yet you dare speak of the resolve from back then? You, who lived in comfort and luxury ruling as kings in the Celestial Palace and the Demonic Palace?”
Yuk Ho-beop, bereft of words, simply clenched his jaw and glared at Hyeok Wi-sang.
‘He has changed.’
The Hyeok Wi-sang he knew was a terrifyingly cold existence.
Because he possessed the greatest talent among the brothers, and because he had lost the most, his anger was incomparably frigid.
The only time he showed joy was when he volunteered as a candidate for the Bloodfiend, despite knowing the agony that would shatter both soul and flesh.
Until the day he said that the true incarnation of the Bloodfiend had come to him, and he set everything aside.
From that day onward, coldness became heat, and composure transformed into fervor.
“Yuk Ho-beop. Has your faith wavered?”
“I simply could no longer endure the changes to the Great Plan that began some ten years ago.”
Hyeok Wi-sang fixed him with a piercing gaze.
“The Bloodfiend is omniscient and omnipotent. Do not dare even suspect. He said the time had not yet come.”
Ten years ago, there was a mysterious man who came directly to the headquarters.
Ever since Hyeok Wi-sang and the First Guardian received that man, everything began to change.
“Elder brother, or rather, Sect Leader. Is that person truly….”
“Say no more, Yuk Ho-beop.”
Yuk Ho-beop’s eyes trembled.
“I am merely… afraid.”
“….”
“Our great plan was disrupted. These cursed Central Plains people laugh and chatter without atoning for their original sin. That is why I acted to hasten the descent of Hyeolbul.”
“….”
“And indeed, the Jeongheol Sect has already collapsed. According to the revelation, this should not have unfolded this way.”
“I say again.”
Hyeok Wi-sang’s eyes gradually dimmed.
“Do not doubt him. We simply lacked the virtue to follow completely.”
“Lacked the virtue to follow….”
Yuk Ho-beop laughed bitterly.
Yes, I had to admit it.
At first, it truly seemed as though he could see the future. He foresaw what was to come, and events unfolded exactly as he said.
Until an unexpected variable appeared.
“That is why it is that hateful Heaven-Defying Prodigy who is the root of all this.”
“….”
“Yes, he must be Hyeolbul. He is Hyeolbul, but… if that cursed Heaven-Defying Prodigy Dokgo Myeong ruins everything, then is that not the same as him ceasing to be Hyeolbul?”
“Geukrak-sinjyo.”
Hyeok Wi-sang and Yuk Ho-beop’s eyes met.
“He said the same thing. That not only you, but everyone would harbor such doubts. That is why… I gathered you all.”
“…?”
Hyeok Wi-sang took a step forward.
Yuk Ho-beop hesitantly followed behind him and asked.
“What do you mean?”
“It will not be long now.”
“…What do you mean by that?”
“Before the Jeongheol Sect departed, they planted a new seed. We will make that seed sprout. To shake the very foundation of the Martial Alliance.”
“…!”
A strange anticipation began to gleam in Yuk Ho-beop’s voice.
“What are you planning?”
“There is only one thing you need to know.”
“What is it?”
“Paedobyeon.”
“…!”
“Until then, we remain silent and wait for the moment. Through patience, we prove our sincerity and accumulate strength to prepare for what is to come.”
Yuk Ho-beop’s eyes flashed.
“When the matter is concluded, Hyeolbul will move. A battlefield will open before them. A war to end all things….”
* * *
After leaving the Dokgo Estate, Dokgo Myeong urgently had to stop by Hao Gate and Gae-bang to send word.
He had thought the time spent in the estate was merely around two weeks, but nearly forty days had already passed.
He had expected chaos since news had cut off without warning, but instead, the martial world was engulfed in an even greater upheaval.
“…Cheonghaesong has been laid to waste?”
“Yes, it happened more than a month ago.”
“Could you explain the details?”
Dan-du, the Gae-bang’s representative from Honan Province and now officially called the Gae-bang’s Akyang Branch Chief, explained the situation that had unfolded.
“The Bloodfiend Sect has begun consolidating forces and occupied Cheonghaesong. There’s also a possibility of infiltration into the Central Plains, so the Murim Alliance has issued search orders to all branches.”
“Anyone discovered?”
“We did discover someone in Honan, but we let them slip away. Other than that, we believe there are no other sightings.”
That much was certain from Yuk Ho-beop.
‘That bastard—next time I see him, I’ll split him in half.’
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes gleamed with irritation before he asked something else.
“And is there any rumor or contact of anyone searching for me?”
“There’s been nothing of that sort?”
“Nothing at all?”
“No.”
“No one’s been looking for me? For Jin Cheon-sin-geom, the singular wielder of the Seven Kings of Cheonma?”
“No one.”
“For me, Dokgo Myeong, the Captain of the Jeonmu Army, the Murim Alliance’s secret weapon? Absolutely no one?”
“No one at all.”
“…!”
Was this the karmic retribution for always running around recklessly, fighting wherever I pleased?
It seemed everyone simply assumed I was doing as I wished and didn’t bother searching. Or perhaps they were deliberately refraining from interference.
‘Right, let’s think of it that way. It’s only been a month and a half, after all. News might not have reached them yet….’
Even if my subordinates were in a state of semi-isolation, surely they wouldn’t have failed to search for their commander after dozens of days without contact?
‘I thought this would drag on longer, but with the current situation, my return can’t be far off.’
News that several cities in Cheonghaesong had been completely burned down in mere days sent shockwaves throughout the Central Plains.
And it seemed the cunning and meticulous leaders of the Murim Alliance had seized this as an opportunity.
Using the enemy’s rampage as justification, they suppressed opposing voices and accelerated their blue plan even further.
Now no one in the world could escape the grip of war.
‘No news of the Extermination Squad. The fact that even Gae-bang and Hao-mun have no information suggests it’s been classified. What mission are they carrying out?’
Where could they be now? Paedobyeon? Or Cheonghaesong? Or perhaps…Saeoe?
I hoped it wasn’t Saeoe. That place was truly a land of death.
‘Still, the Bloodfiend Sect occupies Cheonghaesong and remains silent… Why on earth?’
No matter how much I pondered it, I couldn’t fathom the reason.
If Hyeolbul had completed his grand technique, there’d be no reason for silence. I couldn’t understand what benefit there would be in revealing themselves and drawing the Central Plains’ vigilance. Moreover, after consolidating, they seem to be dispersing again….
Soon after, I exhaled a long breath.
“Since the Murim Alliance hasn’t issued a summons yet, I should wait a bit longer for now.”
The times were growing more chaotic with each passing day….
But I was no longer afraid.
* * *
Dokgo Household, Sa Heon-gak.
I bowed respectfully to Dokgo Wi-hak.
“Father, I have returned. I hope you have been well. I apologize for the lack of contact.”
“Welcome back… you?”
Dokgo Wi-hak’s eyes widened the moment he saw Dokgo Myeong.
Dokgo Myeong lifted his head and grinned widely.
*Thud!*
His father was so startled that he shot up from his seat, his voice rising with excitement.
“Could it be? Have you broken through to the Limitless Realm?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“Ah…!”
My father’s face radiated profound astonishment and joy—an emotion best described as pride.
He approached immediately and gently brushed my shoulder, a soft smile curving his lips.
“Splendid. Truly splendid.”
“I wanted to be modest and say I still have far to go, but I suppose I’ve caused quite the commotion, haven’t I?”
Dokgo Wi-hak nodded.
“What hardships you must have endured. Tell me, what happened?”
He marveled at his son’s great achievement, yet also praised the suffering required to attain it.
Yes, this was who he was. I found myself smiling softly without realizing it.
“Whose son am I? I ascended without any great hardship.”
“Unprecedented indeed. The Limitless Realm at twenty years of age.”
“Still, I have far to go before I can stand equal to you, Father.”
Dokgo Wi-hak and I quickly opened our hearts to each other.
I spoke without reservation, sharing everything. My father was one of the few people to whom I could speak so honestly.
“Myeong-i.”
“Yes, Father.”
“I do not believe the Sect Leader’s methods are correct. I trust you share this view.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Of course, this need not be a problem. I merely wished to assure you that you need not worry about any discord between me and the Sect Leader—your grandfather. So proceed without concern.”
I chuckled, understanding his heart well.
“Now Father should also make peace with Grandfather, shouldn’t he?”
“What did you say?”
“Just trust me. It seems I must play the bridge of love once more.”
“…What?”
Speaking such nonsense made me feel truly at home.
Dokgo Wi-hak let out a soft laugh at my playful smile and asked.
“What do you intend to do now?”
“I plan to tour the household, check on the situation with the Guardians, and then summon the others when the time is right.”
“The others?”
“The Cheonma Sect. They’ve all suffered greatly, so we should celebrate properly.”
My voice grew quieter.
“Once we gather this time, there will be no rest until everything is settled, one way or another.”
“…”
The direction of the Black Plan—our strategy against the Paedobyeon—will be determined by the movements of the Jeongheol Sect.
Naturally, Dokgo Myeong must stand at the vanguard of this effort.
And what comes after that is inevitable.
‘A final confrontation.’
A battle with the Jeongheol Sect awaits us.
Whether someone desires it or not.
“Well, we can discuss these troublesome matters later. Why don’t you share a drink with your son today?”
“Yes, that sounds good. Let’s drink until we’re thoroughly intoxicated.”
“What? Intoxicated? Hahahaha!”
It was shocking to hear such an expression from Dokgo Wi-hak. His joy must be immense.
Soon the table was laden with drink, and the two of them clinked their cups together with bright faces.

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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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