Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 85

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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 85
“Welcome.”
“Dokgo Myeong of Saheongang respectfully greets the Sect Leader of the greatest clan under heaven!”
At the resounding greeting, Dokgo Cheon raised one eyebrow.
A moment later, he narrowed his brow slightly and spoke.
“Don’t pull any cheap tricks with me.”
“Sir?”
“If you thought that showing courtesy now or flattering me would make me pay a higher price, you’re sorely mistaken.”
This entire affair was merely an extension of our transaction. In other words, now that the work was complete, only the settlement remained.
Dokgo Myeong pouted his lips.
“If people saw that, they’d think I only show respect when I need something.”
“And isn’t that the truth?”
“….”
“What right does a reckless fool who abandons even the teachings of Confucius and Mencius have to speak?”
Dokgo Myeong’s face darkened.
Wait, reckless? That’s not fair! There’s someone else in this family who truly deserves that title!
“Enough of this nonsense. Take this first.”
Thump!
Dokgo Cheon’s smile faded as he placed a book before Dokgo Myeong with a flick of his hand.
“It’s the information you requested about the movements of the Four Great Clans.”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes sparkled.
“Thank you.”
“Do you truly believe the information you obtained will come to pass?”
“As I mentioned before, I cross-referenced it with what that woman said when we captured her at the Guhua Blood Incident before reporting it.”
“Hmm….”
Dokgo Cheon’s expression became meaningful.
Dokgo Myeong drove the point home.
“The Jeongheol Sect’s purpose is to incite all manner of chaos throughout Zhongyuan. One of their primary methods is assassinating threatening figures and orchestrating situations of confusion.”
“….”
“And it appears the scheme they’ve prepared is this.”
Dokgo Cheon’s eyes grew distant.
“Do you truly believe the Mogyeong Clan will gather the strength of the Four Great Clans to establish an alliance?”
This was it.
The information Dokgo Myeong had uncovered—the Jeongheol Sect’s objective.
None other than the establishment of a new alliance.
Though Dokgo Cheon had sensed the signs before, he had believed it would ultimately fail. Yet Dokgo Myeong was saying the Jeongheol Sect would make it happen.
“Yes, that is correct.”
“I don’t doubt you. I’m merely saying that forming a formal alliance among the Four Great Clans is no simple matter.”
In this era, there are six martial clans: the Dokgo, Mogyeong, Hwangbo, Zhuge, Peng, and Tang families.
The reason they’re called the Four Great Clans despite being six was simple.
The Dokgo Household stands as the premier family of the realm and is separately acknowledged, while the Tang Clan became the pillar of the Celestial Assembly due to the insular nature of Sichuan’s martial world.
“You can see it just from the fact that four out of six are grouped separately. Martial families fundamentally struggle to form alliances. Everyone prioritizes their own bloodline’s safety over the organization.”
Thus, the current Four Great Families move as one block, but a true alliance has never truly formed.
“However, I’ve heard there was a similar situation in the previous generation.”
“You’re referring to the Era of Secret Teachings. That was only possible because the Namgung Household existed.”
Dokgo Cheon’s expression grew complicated as he spoke of the Namgung Household.
“They were the premier family before our Household, yet possessed a sensibility perfect for dying. They abandoned their own interests and devoted themselves, so even those greedy nobles had no choice but to unite, if only out of concern for the people’s hearts.”
His tone was ambiguous—disparaging yet acknowledging simultaneously.
Dokgo Myeong let out a bitter laugh at those words.
“Why that expression all of a sudden?”
“Someone just came to mind, that’s all.”
“Who?”
“Someone I haven’t seen in quite a while.”
Dokgo Myeong shook his head.
“The Namgung Household may be gone, but now we have the Jeongheol Sect, don’t we?”
“Do you think they’ve succeeded in recruiting even the Four Great Family Leaders?”
“They don’t necessarily need to recruit them. There are many ways to orchestrate things.”
Dokgo Cheon exhaled what sounded like a sigh, closed his eyes, then slowly opened them.
“Hmm, how certain are you?”
“I’d say… nine out of ten certainty. No, ten out of ten.”
“”
There was only one reason I could be this certain.
The alliance of the Four Great Families had occurred in my previous life as well.
‘The formation of the Righteous Path Alliance happened in my previous life too. Though I never knew the Jeongheol Sect was involved.’
Dokgo Cheon nodded at Dokgo Myeong’s confident expression.
“If you speak with such conviction, very well. I’ll have word sent to keep the Heavenly Ear Hall alert.”
“Will I be able to receive additional information going forward?”
“Yes, now tell me the rest. What is it you desire?”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes brightened at Dokgo Cheon’s amused response.
“Would you assign some Sect Leaders loyal to the Family Head to stand behind me?”
“Impossible.”
“Isn’t that a bit too firm?”
“Surely you weren’t seriously making such a request?”
Dokgo Cheon’s expression turned stern.
“Not only would they never follow you, but if I attached Sect Leaders to you, you’d be torn to shreds before you could become the fulcrum of the balance.”
“It was a joke. I understand as well.”
Dokgo Cheon chuckled as if amused.
“Were you planning to make an unreasonable demand first, then have me accept the next one? I see right through you, boy.”
“Could you perhaps pretend not to notice? You’re being rather harsh on me.”
“Stop trying to get something for nothing and get to the point.”
Dokgo Myeong smacked his lips.
“Still, the demands themselves are similar.”
“What?”
“Please hold the Baekgak Tournament. And allow the proposal I submit to pass.”
“What proposal are you thinking of submitting?”
“That’s a secret.”
“What? Haha!”
Dokgo Cheon burst into laughter.
“You want me to pass something when I don’t even know what it is? Are you in your right mind?”
“Didn’t you leave unhandled the matters I took care of? I deserve at least this much.”
“Fine.”
Dokgo Cheon nodded his head with surprising ease.
It was Dokgo Myeong who was taken aback instead.
“What sudden wind is blowing?”
“The Baekgak Tournament will be held whether I open it or not, and when it is, whatever proposal you present won’t be my burden to bear.”
“Pardon?”
“The Outer Hall Master declared war on the Elder Council Leader today.”
“Factional disputes haven’t been a matter of just a day or two, have they?”
Dokgo Cheon chuckled softly.
“He told me to step down from the Judge’s seat. Said it’s time to see the end of this.”
“…!”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes widened.
Dokgo Cheon grinned wickedly.
“Do you understand what that means?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Of course, I’ve set restrictions. I told him the conflict shouldn’t become self-destructive.”
Perhaps Dokgo Myeong’s expression looked too serious.
Dokgo Cheon continued in a gentle, advisory tone.
“Your uncle resembles this old man greatly. He wouldn’t say such things without preparation. It means he either has leverage over the Elder Council’s lifeline, or he has prey to expand his own power.”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes deepened.
‘Something similar happened in my past life, but this is too fast. Is this my influence?’
I can roughly guess what confidence drove him to say such things.
Or perhaps that guess is correct. This life has differed from my past life in so many ways.
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Just think of it as throwing in a bit extra change. Besides, once I see them fight, I’ll know soon enough anyway.”
“It seems like rather a lot to call it spare change.”
“That depends on how you accept it.”
Suddenly, Dokgo Myeong’s eyes gleamed.
“Are you saying you hope I fight both of them under the same conditions?”
Dokgo Cheon smiled silently with a knowing grin.
Dokgo Myeong wrinkled the bridge of his nose.
“It wasn’t even pocket change. I cannot repay this debt.”
“Hahaha!”
Dokgo Cheon burst into hearty laughter.
Dokgo Myeong exhaled a long, weary breath.
“Then I have one final request to make.”
“Speak.”
“It need not be immediate, but please allow me to enter the Ancestral Tomb.”
“….”
Dokgo Cheon fell silent.
The Ancestral Tomb—a burial ground where the forebears rested, a sacred necropolis of the family.
Yet the Dokgo Family’s Ancestral Tomb held significance far beyond mere words.
“Do you understand what you’re asking?”
“I may be a man bound by propriety and courtesy, but I’m not one to squander this precious opportunity to make requests of the Clan Leader merely by paying respects to my ancestors.”
“How did you learn of this?”
“Merely by chance. I heard there exists a training ground and trial chamber granted only to the Young Clan Leaders, passed down through generations.”
“Then you also understand that as one who is not even a Young Clan Leader, you cannot enter.”
“But I also understand that with the Clan Leader’s permission, it becomes possible.”
“….”
Dokgo Cheon narrowed his eyes in contemplation for a moment.
There existed a rule that only Young Clan Leaders could enter, yet exceptions had always been made according to the Clan Leader’s will.
“Very well, I grant it. However, not immediately. Considerable time and resources are required for preparation.”
Dokgo Myeong himself knew only of the trial chamber’s existence within the tomb, not its true nature.
He knew only that in his previous life, the Outer Hall Master Dokgo Un-hak, who eventually became Young Clan Leader, had broken through the barriers of martial arts within that place.
“Yes, as I mentioned, there is no urgency.”
“Well then, I believe I’ve more than settled our accounts?”
At Dokgo Cheon’s words, Dokgo Myeong lowered his voice slightly.
“I cannot say whether it’s excessive, but the balance seems roughly even.”
“Then I shall give you a gift.”
“A gift? What gift do you speak of?”
“In truth, I’ve already given it.”
“Pardon?”
Dokgo Cheon chuckled softly.
“Rumors will spread through the family that the Outer Hall Master and the Elder Council Leader will take stronger actions than usual.”
“…?”
“The family will be in turmoil for a time. Those two will ensure it, and amidst the chaos, word will spread that you enjoy my favor.”
Dokgo Myeong’s expression slowly transformed as he considered those words.
From suspicion to astonishment, from astonishment to a wry smile.
“When a predator stirs, the herbivores scatter in panic.”
“Now, enlarge your own presence as boldly as you once promised.”
Dokgo Myeong chuckled at the satisfied smile on his face.
“Thank you, Sect Leader.”
* * *
As night deepened, the lantern-lit streets grew ever brighter.
Gathered on the top floor of Honam’s most prestigious pleasure house, which boasted the most radiant glow among them all, were several figures.
“Heh heh, well now. The atmosphere’s been unsettled lately, yet you insist on meeting in a place like this.”
“There’s no better place for a quiet conversation. The Main Sect, after all, is too….”
“Hmm, more importantly, when will the Star Image Hall Master arrive?”
“He should be here any moment now.”
All those seated before the wine table fidgeted nervously with their fingers.
Befitting a luxury establishment, exquisite appetizers and expensive wines were laid out, yet no one touched them.
The reason was simple.
It stemmed from the rumors spreading through the family following this morning’s meeting at the Gajubu.
“Factional conflict will escalate in earnest? What in the world does that mean?”
“I heard the Sect Leader staked his position on it. From now on, the struggle between the Outer Hall and the Elder Council will intensify.”
“There was all that commotion over rooting out traitors, and now another storm?”
“How can the Elder Council Leader, advanced in years as he is, harbor such ambition… tsk!”
“I’m not fond of the Outer Hall Master either.”
The gathered men were all sect leaders of the Dokgo Family.
Yet they were all quick to disparage both the Outer Hall Master and the Elder Council Leader.
The reason was simple.
They were sect leaders belonging to the neutral faction, unaffiliated with either the Outer Hall or the Elder Council.
Creak!
At that moment, the door opened and an old man entered.
“My apologies for the delay. I was held up hearing news from the Main Sect. Ah, please, all of you, remain seated. What need is there for such formality among fellow sect leaders?”
The old man smiled warmly and naturally took the seat of honor.
It was Jin I-chu, the very leader of the neutral faction.
As the sect leaders, who had been standing awkwardly, returned to their seats, Jin I-chu spoke.
“My, you’ve left this fine wine table untouched. Come now, let’s have a drink.”
Wine cups circulated amid the heavy atmosphere.
“I suspect you all know why I’ve called you here so urgently.”
After a few rounds of meaningless small talk, Jin I-chu finally opened his mouth.
“Let me speak plainly. The situation has become unfavorable.”
“Hmm….”
“When factional conflict begins in earnest, loyal servants like us, who have maintained neutrality without siding with anyone and served only the family, will be ground to dust.”
It was an exaggeration, though not without merit.
At that moment, one sect leader spoke carefully.
“Couldn’t we simply choose to align with either the Elder Council or the Outer Hall?”
“That won’t do. Would they leave us be, we who have been playing both sides between the two factions all this time?”
“Still, now that open competition has begun….”
“They’ll cut off all our limbs, set us up as scarecrows, and eventually slit our throats.”
“Tsk! So we don’t know how to play factional politics, and that’s why we haven’t bowed our heads?”
“You speak the truth. We act only for the sake of our family!”
At that sigh-laden cry, Jin I-chu regarded the men before him with inner contempt.
‘Remarkable indeed. Not a flicker of emotion on their faces as they speak such words.’
For the family’s sake? These were men who had lucked into becoming Sect Leaders and were desperately scrambling to line their own pockets.
Of course, he was no different.
‘There’s nothing easier than manipulating people.’
Jin I-chu had always thought this way.
With just a few words from him, people always swayed whichever direction he wished.
“Star Image Hall Master. We would like to hear your wisdom. Is there no solution?”
“Hmm, I do have one idea in mind…”
“What is it?”
Jin I-chu cleared his throat.
“Why must our neutral faction always be pushed around?”
“Hmm…”
“I believe the reason is the absence of direct bloodline members.”
But the Elder Council Leader is not a direct bloodline member either, is he?
No such objection arose. Everyone simply nodded in agreement.
“Surely you don’t mean we should support one direct bloodline member and become a third faction?”
“Haha, support? That would still mean we’re subordinate to them, wouldn’t it? That’s no different from joining one of the two existing factions.”
“Then…?”
“We must bring Yongheol into our faction.”
“What nonsense is this? Among those arrogant Yongheol members, is there anyone who would do such a thing?”
“There is.”
“Who exactly are you referring to?”
Jin I-chu smiled meaningfully.
“There is one Yongheol member who is young and clever enough to heed our counsel, yet favored by the Clan Leader.”
“You surely don’t mean…?”
“Young Master Dokgo Myeong. Right now, he needs us just as much as we need him.”
Jin I-chu broke into a grin.
“If you all agree, I shall visit him myself. Perhaps… he will bow his head in gratitude and join our faction. Haha!”

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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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