Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 474

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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 474
“What happened?”
“Nothing in particular. Simply the ailments of old age.”
I narrowed my brow.
Though I had only recently returned to the household, surely old age alone couldn’t account for this?
“There’s nothing unusual about it. Consider the Alliance Leader’s years. He is of the same generation as the Sect Leader. How many such men remain?”
“There were certainly many hardships during the war.”
“Indeed. At his age, merely overseeing the logistics of battle would have been a tremendous strain on body and spirit. And that was before the injury from Muyong Tae, and before the factional strife began to take its toll….”
“I cannot claim full knowledge, but he seemed quite vigorous until I departed for the Martial Alliance.”
“His condition has deteriorated rapidly in recent months.”
Upon reaching the Ascending Realm, one’s essence, energy, and spirit achieve unity, and the body’s time flows more slowly. Should one break through the walls and ascend to the Limitless Realm, there would be another opportunity for renewal, yet even then, limits exist.
‘Yet to decline so suddenly…’
It was an unsettling feeling.
Though human affairs are unpredictable….
“How has the atmosphere within the household been?”
Dokgo Jo-hak fixed me with his narrowed gaze.
“What are you thinking now?”
“Nothing, really.”
I replied with deliberate indifference, but Dokgo Jo-hak met my eyes with a serious expression.
“Abandon such idle thoughts. However ruthless power struggles may be, there have always been boundaries within family affairs—surely you know this?”
“Uncle.”
“I speak now as the Chief Instructor.”
“….”
“The title of Chief Instructor exists precisely so that I may offer unvarnished counsel to the leader, does it not?”
“I had not given it such deep consideration.”
Dokgo Jo-hak rose and sat down heavily before me.
“The balance of power within the household has already shifted dramatically, so there is no reason for such thoughts. And even if there were, why should we concern ourselves?”
“….”
“The power structure is already determined. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Uncle and nephew regarded each other in silence for a moment.
“Precisely because it is determined that I am more concerned.”
“…?”
“I understand your meaning well enough. Spare me the intimidation and simply tell me—how is the household atmosphere?”
Dokgo Jo-hak clicked his tongue softly and exhaled a long sigh.
After a brief pause, he spoke.
“Little has changed. If anything has, it’s that the Elder Faction has grown somewhat confused, and the Outer Faction—or rather, the faction of your older brother, who is now Acting Sect Leader—is rapidly consolidating actual authority.”
“Consolidating actual authority? What do you mean by that?”
“There is no word of the Sect Leader, and since the war, the Elder Faction’s position has gradually weakened. In contrast, both the Outer Faction and we have grown stronger. Much stronger.”
“The internal structure has been shaken?”
“Of course those of no real standing have had to choose sides, but even the old meritorious servants must now decide their allegiances. Have you heard that Maecheon Yang, the Deputy Leader of the Martial Arts Division, is preparing for his Ascension Ceremony?”
Ah… So Maecheon Yang is preparing for retirement.
When I think about it, much time has passed since the war with the Moyong Family. A decade has already slipped away in my life as Dokgo Myeong.
“The Elder Council Leader is wavering as well. What do you think the situation looks like?”
“It seems it’s tilted so far it’s completely toppled over.”
“Yes, the Outer Hall Master’s capabilities are quite formidable.”
My eyes deepened with thought.
The new Outer Hall Master, Dokgo Gun—the son of Acting Sect Leader Dokgo Un-hak.
Recalling him, my expression hardened.
Dokgo Jo-hak read my expression and sighed, but soon continued speaking calmly.
“Our Dharma Protector Division has nothing to worry about. From the start, we’ve deliberately cultivated real power in a way that doesn’t pose excessive threat to the Sect Leader’s position, haven’t we?”
I fell into thought for a moment.
One of the greatest differences from my past life was precisely the structure of the main household.
And the reason for that was undoubtedly my existence.
“What about the Dharma Protector Division?”
Dokgo Jo-hak rose from his seat again, rifled through documents, and thrust one forward.
“This is a list of those from the Elder Faction who have made contact with our side.”
“…!”
“If the war with the Divine Blood Cult concludes safely as things stand, and the Martial Alliance fulfills its role with the situation stabilizing… the Dharma Protector Division will then occupy the same position as the current Elder Council.”
“What do you mean by the current position of the Elder Council?”
“There will no longer be three major factions. Only the Dharma Protector Division and the old Outer Faction with a promising successor—or rather, with an actual successor. We’re both preparing for that day, myself and U-sa as well.”
“….”
I exhaled a long breath and looked at Dokgo Jo-hak.
Dokgo Jo-hak met my gaze with his usual frown, then suddenly burst out.
“Why do you keep looking at people’s faces with such anxiety!”
“Please keep an eye on the Outer Faction.”
“Surely you’re not…?”
Dokgo Jo-hak’s eyes widened.
“Why are you asking?”
He glanced around cautiously, then lowered his voice deliberately.
“Are you dreaming of becoming Sect Leader?”
“Cough! Hack, hack!!”
Tea went down the wrong way, and I erupted into a fit of coughing.
“What kind of terrible thing are you saying?”
“What terrible thing?”
“You seem to have forgotten—I’m the son of the third son, neither the eldest nor the eldest grandson.”
Dokgo Jo-hak settled back into his chair with an unconcerned expression.
“You’re an exception.”
“Pardon?”
“Are you being modest even in front of me? Or are you genuinely asking because you don’t know?”
“….”
“Good. Then tell me—did you think that would actually be a problem?”
“A problem? Of course it’s a problem.”
“The previous Sect Leader… your great-grandfather wasn’t the firstborn either. Besides, our main house isn’t just any prestigious clan—we’re a martial family of the highest order. If one possesses ability, what else matters? There are even sects where women serve as Sect Leaders….”
“That’s different from this… and what about the Acting Sect Leader?”
“I’ve said this before.”
Dokgo Jo-hak’s expression grew serious.
“You are the exception. By every measure—influence, martial prowess, wealth, resources, political acumen… your standing and reputation both within and beyond the clan….”
“….”
“Moreover, you enjoy the Sect Leader’s favor, and you maintain good relations with both the Jipbeop-bu Leader and the patriarch of the old meritorious families.”
“The patriarch is one thing, but the Jipbeop-bu Leader? I think there’s been some misunderstanding there.”
“A man who has never joined hands with anyone before has worked alongside you.”
There were reasons for that, of course.
But what truly mattered was always how people perceived it.
“And you’re on good terms with the Moyong Family as they recover their fortunes, and the Namgung Family when it’s rebuilt. Besides, you haven’t even married yet….”
“I understand what you’re saying.”
“In fact, you could even aim for the next generation rather than this one. Your internal political maneuvering is remarkable, but….”
Dokgo Myeong hardened his expression and let out a short groan.
‘If word got out that I’ve reached the Wuji Realm on top of this conversation with grandfather….’
Ah, I don’t even want to imagine it.
My head aches. It truly does.
‘Sect Leader position, sect leader position….’
Dokgo Myeong crossed his arms and tapped his index finger.
Thinking it over again, what mattered wasn’t his own wishes but public opinion.
“Is such talk already circulating, or is this merely your prediction?”
“Both, I’d say. How much did you rampage during the war? Many in the Outer Faction must hold you in high regard. Didn’t you intend it?”
“Intend? I simply did my duty like everyone else….”
“You fool.”
Dokgo Jo-hak continued in an even tone.
“Among the ‘everyone’ you speak of, no one does what you do.”
“….”
“The cat’s out of the bag. From the look of you, it seems you have no such ambitions.”
Dokgo Myeong sighed.
“Please be careful not to let such talk spread.”
“Why do you reject the Sect Leader position so vehemently?”
“And why do you probe so relentlessly?”
“You’ll certainly be wandering about outside even if you become Sect Leader. Then I would effectively become the power holder managing this clan, wouldn’t I?”
…How consistent our uncle is. That’s rather admirable.
Dokgo Myeong fell silent for a moment, then decided to voice the matter he’d been holding back, lest he be called mad.
“Uncle.”
“Speak.”
“What is my current standing?”
Dokgo Jo-hak narrowed his eyes.
“What do you mean by that question?”
“What would happen if I made my intentions clear to the Sect Leader?”
“Well….”
I would be attacked.
Dokgo Jo-hak hesitated for a moment.
“You’ve deliberately maintained this awkward position all this time… is that what you’re saying?”
“No matter what, I’m not quite that useless. Think of me as an ornately decorated ceremonial sword instead.”
Too sharp to merely display, too troublesome to carry around.
But a sword is still a sword.
Moreover, a double-edged one at that.
“An existence too bothersome to claim as ally or enemy. Rather, one that doesn’t need to be defined at all. Because while my goals and position remain unclear, I can still deliver results even in conflict.”
Dokgo Myeong continued in a calm voice.
“But the moment I become an enemy, I become something that can bite—no, something that must bite.”
“You… don’t tell me you’ve maintained that same standing even within the Alliance….”
Dokgo Myeong fell silent.
Dokgo Jo-hak stared at him with trembling eyes.
‘Because he showed no desire for the top position, he became an existence that cannot be embraced but also cannot be opposed.’
That’s why he avoids the Sect Leader position.
As long as he doesn’t become Sect Leader, Dokgo Myeong can wield absolute power.
“Are you satisfied with that?”
Dokgo Jo-hak calmed his startled heart and asked.
“I’m not sure.”
“Then…?”
“Either way, not now. The Sect Leader position would be even more inconvenient.”
Dokgo Jo-hak asked no further questions.
At least his immediate course of action was now clear.
“But… why should I be wary of Gun, or rather the current Outer Hall Master?”
“It just feels off, doesn’t it?”
“Off? The main house is famous for his certain character and abilities. Besides, if you have no interest, there’s no one else for the next seat of power. What are you talking about?”
“Goodness, Uncle, your eye for people is really that poor?”
Just as Dokgo Jo-hak’s expression was about to crumple, Dokgo Myeong spoke in a commanding tone.
“Please be wary of him, Chong-sa.”
At those words, Dokgo Jo-hak’s eyes twitched slightly.
‘Does this fellow know something?’
Dokgo Gun was a bit rough around the edges, but in terms of work or character, he was a child lacking nothing.
What exactly did he see?
“…Understood. Since it’s your order, I’ll do as you say.”
“Then I’ll take my leave now.”
“Where are you going?”
Dokgo Myeong closed his mouth.
“To pay my respects to the sick.”
* * *
When Dokgo Myeong arrived at Dokgo Hwi-hwa’s quarters, he found her being helped by servants as she draped a long robe over herself.
Dokgo Hwi-hwa spoke without even turning to look at him.
“Why did you come rushing here so desperately to gawk at this eyesore of a rival groaning in agony?”
“What are you doing?”
“Can’t you see? This Dokgo Hwi-hwa hasn’t died yet. I have mountains of work to do—I can’t afford to die so soon.”
Shin Heum, who had guided Dokgo Myeong, let out a short sigh and spoke.
“Alliance Leader! Didn’t the medical pavilion say you still need rest?”
“My ears are aching from hearing that. Shin Heum, why did you bring him here without my permission?”
Dokgo Hwi-hwa, rebuking Shin Heum with her characteristically sharp tone, turned to face Dokgo Myeong.
“You certainly arrive quickly. How long has it been?”
“I saw you before leaving the Martial Alliance, and I’ve only just returned to the household now…”
“Well, never mind that. My throat is parched—let’s have some tea. Everyone else, leave!”
Her already gaunt frame had grown even thinner, and her complexion was poor, yet that sharp, resonant voice remained unchanged.
The two soon sat facing each other across a small table.
“I thought you had lost consciousness.”
“Tsk, so that’s what you were hoping for?”
“Hardly. I’m not that sort of person.”
For a moment, only the sound of sipping tea could be heard. Then Dokgo Hwi-hwa opened her mouth.
“Dokgo Myeong.”
“Yes.”
“I know what must have happened while I was unconscious. If you came here with pity in your heart, cast it aside.”
Dokgo Myeong stared directly at Dokgo Hwi-hwa.
A heroine of the age who, together with Geom-jon, had built the Dokgo Household into what it was today.
Even in her decline, Dokgo Hwi-hwa was Dokgo Hwi-hwa.
Dokgo Myeong smiled faintly.
“I have no pity. It’s only natural to observe the movements of a rival.”
“A rival? Tsk tsk tsk!”
Thus, the two sat facing each other in silence, savoring their tea.
“My health suddenly took a turn for the worse.”
“…?”
“Perhaps it’s time for me to go, or perhaps there’s some other reason… If I collapse once more, I’ll simply die as I am. Or perhaps tonight I’ll just fall asleep a bit early and never open my eyes again.”
“Alliance Leader.”
“Dokgo Myeong. Or rather, Dharma Protector Leader.”
“Why do you call me that? It unsettles me.”
“You must become the Sect Leader.”

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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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