Martial God of the Sun and Moon - Chapter 96

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 96
“Does a subordinate normally order their superior around?”
“Superior? You clearly said it yourself—back and forth. Do you want to be stabbed from behind?”
Dokgo Jo-hak let out a scornful laugh as if amused by the absurdity.
He was now leading Dokgo Myeong to his study without a word of explanation.
“What is all this?”
“Preparations so that those half-baked organizations of yours might actually serve some purpose.”
Dokgo Jo-hak’s study was strewn with papers and documents scattered in every direction.
The members of Baek Ok-gak who had been busily writing and organizing within bowed briefly before vacating their positions.
“If you’re forming your own faction, why are there documents about the Outer Sect and the Elder Council mixed in here?”
“I’ve been keeping records of power shifts within the family every single day. Though I couldn’t do it for a while.”
“Honestly, if I didn’t know better, I’d think this was the workspace of some madman plotting vicious schemes.”
These vast and meticulous materials emanated a certain obsession, even delusion. I wondered if perhaps only Dokgo Jo-hak—the very embodiment of jealousy and inferiority complex—could have accomplished such a thing.
“You’re not wrong. I created this back when I dreamed of reaching the very pinnacle of this family.”
The implication was clear—not anymore.
When Dokgo Myeong grinned, Dokgo Jo-hak snorted and pointed at something.
“First, the most urgent matter is organizing the structure. The chain of command comes after.”
“Setting aside the chain of command, what exactly do you mean by organizing the structure?”
“I’m talking about the organizational framework of this nameless faction.”
Dokgo Jo-hak swept aside the wide sheets of paper that had been scattered about and unfolded a relatively crisp document on the desk.
“To the materials I’ve investigated and compiled so far, I’ve added the records from Geumsan Sect and what that servant of Saheon-gak—”
“Jang Sam?”
“Yes, that one—had investigated and compiled.”
Dokgo Jo-hak furrowed his brow.
“What exactly is that servant’s true identity? How does he know the connections between organizations that even I was unaware of?”
“Our Jang hyung is quite the well-connected fellow.”
“Sworn brothers with a servant… Was the servant perhaps a disguise all along?”
As Dokgo Jo-hak muttered to himself, Dokgo Myeong, having skimmed through the documents, turned back to him.
“So what is this?”
“What do you think is the difference between the Outer Sect faction, the Elder faction, and the neutral faction?”
“Loyalty.”
“More precisely, it’s the structure that makes loyalty inevitable.”
Click!
Dokgo Jo-hak brought forth another document and unfolded it—the organizational chart of the Elder faction.
“The Elder faction is like a fortress wall. From minor matters like troop training and business operations to major ones like budget and manpower sharing between the Baekgak, everything is interconnected.”
“They can’t betray even if they want to, and can’t be swayed even if you try.”
“Exactly. It’s already become custom. Loyalty isn’t built on trust between master and servant—it’s created semi-forcibly from these unavoidable circumstances.”
Dokgo Jo-hak tapped the papers and turned his body.
His bearing had changed considerably, but his sinister expression and manner of speech remained. Yet now that he was an ally rather than an enemy, he seemed remarkably trustworthy.
“Pay close attention to this. If you can’t read such things, don’t even dream of factional warfare.”
“Teach me.”
“Teach you what?”
“I haven’t yet reached the Sect Leader’s level, so I’m asking for your guidance. I will learn by watching and observing.”
Learning wasn’t confined to martial arts and scholarship alone.
Learn by watching and observing—that was Dokgo Cheon’s teaching.
“You….”
Meanwhile, Dokgo Jo-hak hesitated, his eyes widening slightly in surprise.
Admitting his own shortcomings so readily was something he himself couldn’t do even if he died and came back to life.
Perhaps that was why.
Alongside a faint sense of superiority, he felt an inexplicable envy.
“…What do you think is the reason the Elder Faction’s organizational structure is so robust?”
“It’s thanks to time. The Association Leader is a founding contributor to the family’s prosperity, and the structure was built over such a long period.”
“You’re not completely foolish, at least.”
“Are you saying we should build such a structure for our faction as well?”
“It’s not just good—it’s essential. You can’t form a faction with just the faction token.”
“So the command hierarchy must ultimately be structured in a consistent manner?”
“You learn quickly.”
Dokgo Myeong looked at Dokgo Jo-hak with newfound interest.
Dokgo Jo-hak’s brow furrowed.
“Impudent brat. Is that how a nephew looks at his uncle?”
“Is that so? I didn’t know you were like this.”
“What?”
“It seems bringing you here was the right call. If I’d done this alone, I would’ve wasted considerable time digging myself into a hole.”
“….”
“My judgment really is exceptional, isn’t it?”
Building a new organization was daunting even for Dokgo Myeong. He was confident in leading an organization and handling its affairs, but this was an entirely different matter.
“I’ll provide you with the basic framework first. Why don’t you try structuring it yourself while maintaining that framework?”
“You’re not seriously asking me to do this as well?”
Dokgo Jo-hak’s eyes widened.
Soon he rebuked Dokgo Myeong with a stern expression.
“You’re laying the foundation for your faction. The structure you build will become the very structure of your power—you can’t hand this off to me.”
“Try it. It will be the organization the Sect Leader leads.”
“…!”
“Let’s move quickly. We don’t have time to doubt and test each other. Let’s advance one more step.”
The bridge of Dokgo Jo-hak’s nose twitched.
“Do you really trust me? What if I pull something underhanded…?”
“Ugh, seriously? Are you saying you lack confidence?”
“What did you say?”
“If you lack confidence, then forget it! I went through all that trouble to bring you here, and you’re complaining this much? Tsk tsk!”
Veins bulged across Dokgo Jo-hak’s forehead.
“Very well, I shall do it. Just don’t come to regret it later.”
“Bring me an organizational structure that meets my standards.”
“First and foremost, I need money. A great deal of it.”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes widened in confusion, and Dokgo Jo-hak shook his head dismissively.
“What do you think is the most efficient means of binding people and organizations together? Money, that’s what.”
Dokgo Jo-hak’s lips twisted upward into a smile.
“Within the coming days, I shall assemble subordinates so loyal to your every word that they would crawl through the dirt at your command.”
Dokgo Jo-hak smiled—a truly contemptible grin, like something drawn from a third-rate villain’s portrait.
Dokgo Myeong laughed as well, clearly satisfied.
The expressions on both their faces appeared remarkably similar.
* * *
“Leaving already?”
Just as I was about to depart the Study and return to Saheon-gak, a flat, emotionless voice reached my ears.
“I greet you, Aunt.”
“Yes.”
Behind Jeong So-hee stood Dokgo Ak, wearing that characteristic sullen expression.
I would need to find time soon to smooth out the wrinkles on that face—make it firm and vibrant.
“My business here is concluded, so I thought to take my leave.”
“You come and then leave without so much as a proper greeting? Is that what you intended?”
Cold sweat broke out along my spine.
Was she scolding me? Or was she hurt?
The corners of Jeong So-hee’s eyes curved ever so slightly, barely perceptible.
“I jest. Do not be so tense.”
“…Ah, yes.”
“Let us walk for a moment. I have recently had the gardens of Baek Ok-gak redesigned, and they are quite pleasant to stroll through.”
Jeong So-hee walked forward, her robes rustling softly.
Dokgo Myeong, with an awkward expression, and Dokgo Ak, still wearing that sullen look, followed behind her.
After walking in silence for some time, Jeong So-hee finally spoke.
“I wanted to thank you.”
“Please, there’s no need. Family does these things for one another, don’t they?”
“Precisely because we are family should such words be spoken. That is why Ak came out as well.”
“…Thank you. Father has changed greatly because of you.”
When even Dokgo Ak bowed his head, Dokgo Myeong exclaimed in amazement.
“To hear gratitude for beating your own father—you truly are quite the unfilial son. Perhaps you should copy the Analects as well.”
“Yes, and you kept hitting him even when I tried to stop you!”
Dokgo Ak bristled with indignation.
Jeong So-hee spoke in a weary tone.
“…Myeong-i, you must learn to choose your words more carefully at times.”
“What? Why?”
Jeong So-hee closed her mouth.
Then, as if to change the subject, she suddenly turned her gaze toward Dokgo Ak.
“By the way, Ak. Why do you speak to Myeong-i in such a manner?”
“Pardon? Why are you suddenly asking me…?”
“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to say this for some time now. But watching you, I see you have no sense of hierarchy whatsoever.”
Dokgo Ak’s pupils trembled.
Jeong So-hee continued without hesitation.
“Myeong-i is your senior brother, yet you call him by his bare name and refer to him as ‘you’ or ‘that fellow’—how is this acceptable?”
“Ah, well, that’s…”
“No, it’s not. I am the guilty one. Using my illness as an excuse, I failed to teach you even the most basic courtesy and propriety. This is my fault for raising you this way.”
“…!”
Dokgo Myeong-i’s eyes trembled faintly. Though it was Dokgo Ak being scolded, somehow he found it difficult to breathe.
This sight.
This atmosphere.
This scene!
‘Haven’t I seen this somewhere before?’
More precisely, it was a scene he had experienced many times.
Then Jeong So-hee drove the point home.
“We must correct this at once. From now on, you will address Myeong-i properly as your elder brother. Do you understand?”
“Pardon? This fellow?”
“Ahem!”
“…”
“Do it right now.”
Dokgo Ak reluctantly turned his head to look at Dokgo Myeong-i.
Quite handsome features, sharp eyes that gleamed with intensity, and…
Smirk!
Lips curled up in mockery.
“Go ahead. Dokgo Ak’s younger brother?”
“I, I…”
“Ahem!”
“Elder brother…”
“Yes, that’s right. Little brother.”
Dokgo Ak squeezed his eyes shut.
The corners of Dokgo Myeong-i’s mouth rose so high they seemed to touch the sky.
Jeong So-hee nodded with satisfaction.
“From now on, you must address him as your elder brother. Is that clear?”
“…Yes, Mother.”
“If even once I hear of your disrespect reaching my ears, I will strike you.”
Dokgo Ak’s face looked betrayed as his mouth fell open.
Yet Jeong So-hee’s expression remained resolute.
“Did you not say you had a favor to ask of Myeong-i?”
“….”
“Before asking for that favor, you need to set things right between us first. Didn’t you say with your own mouth that you wanted to live taking responsibility from now on?”
Dokgo Myeong tilted his head in confusion.
Just then, Jeong So-hee turned her head.
“It seems Ak-i has something to say to you. I’ll step aside.”
“Oh, yes, yes.”
“Next time, I’d like it if you came with your uncle. Let’s have a meal together as a family….”
With those words, Jeong So-hee withdrew.
Dokgo Myeong let out a hollow laugh, watching her departing figure.
Despite her frail body and lack of martial training, her silhouette appeared stronger than anyone else in this family.
Dokgo Myeong spoke quietly.
“She’s impressive.”
His gaze soon turned back to Dokgo Ak.
“But how did someone like this come from under such a person….”
“….”
“So, what’s the favor?”
Dokgo Ak squeezed his eyes shut.
Taking a deep breath as if gathering his resolve, Dokgo Ak opened his eyes wide and spoke.
“I heard you formed the Musa Corps. There’s only one member so far, right?”
“So what?”
“I want to join that Musa Corps too.”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes widened in shock.
“What?”
“….”
Dokgo Ak simply said that and clamped his mouth shut.
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes flashed.
“Finally showing your true colors!”
“What, what?”
“You’re openly planning to stab me in the back? Did you think this up alone? Or is it the Sect Leader’s orders?”
“No, what nonsense is this!”
“Then what is it?”
“….”
If he had to be honest, he’d rather die than admit it, and it was embarrassing too….
‘He’s impressive.’
He watched Dokgo Myeong, not much older than himself, achieve countless accomplishments from the bottom up. At some point, his confident demeanor and the sincerity with which he treated people started to look cool.
Then Dokgo Myeong chuckled softly.
“Don’t bother.”
“What?”
“If you want to show that you’ve changed, just learn the work at Baek Ok-gak.”
“Are you looking down on me? With martial skills like mine, I’m not inferior anywhere!”
“So you’re saying you want to serve under me as a single martial artist?”
“Of course….”
Dokgo Myeong’s expression hardened.
“Even though you’d have to give up everything you’ve enjoyed as that bloodline’s heir?”
“You don’t even have that level of resolve?”
“I’m saying this because you don’t seem to fully understand what that means yet.”
Dokgo Myeong exhaled shortly.
Dokgo Ak flinched.
It wasn’t a sigh born of contempt, but rather the expression of an older brother offering sincere counsel.
“My Musa Corps won’t be filled only with those of good birth and high status. Gamblers, descendants of exterminated families, expelled disciples, servants, woodcutters, bastards, frontier dwellers, vagabonds… I will take all such people under my command without discrimination.”
“I know very well that you judge people only by their abilities.”
“My point is.”
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes deepened.
“Whether you can serve such people as your superiors.”
“…!”
“Or perhaps as colleagues or subordinates. Could you roll through the mud with them, drink poison in their stead, shield them from arrows, and save them even if you were injured or dying?”
Dokgo Ak hesitated.
Dokgo Myeong let out a soft laugh.
‘This one has changed too.’
But still, he was young.
Having only encountered those much older or of unusual races recently, I hadn’t realized—but at this age, it was natural for ambition to run ahead of everything else.
Dokgo Myeong spoke firmly.
“I’m not looking down on you. I’m not holding a grudge either.”
“….”
“It’s just that my Musa Corps will be like that. Just because you’ve decided to change doesn’t mean you necessarily have to join my Musa Corps.”
Dokgo Myeong turned away with those words.
Dokgo Ak stood dazed, watching his retreating figure for a long time.
* * *
Dokgo Myeong headed straight for Saheon-gak.
The reorganization of the family was now nearly complete.
‘The Musa Corps. The Musa Corps… Yes, it’s time to gather those fellows now.’
Unlike Geum Seok-du, there were many whose whereabouts and activities remained unknown.
Yet it wasn’t entirely hopeless. I had thought of appropriate methods, and I could roughly guess where some of them were.
‘I should go out and retrieve those ones first.’
A faint smile crossed my face.
But Dokgo Myeong quickly erased that smile.
Whoosh!
A presence was carried on the wind.
Dokgo Myeong’s eyes flashed.
‘A master. Are they watching me?’
A steady, subdued aura.
My senses reacted to the restrained power that could not be hidden no matter how hard one tried.
“Who are you?”
Dokgo Myeong slowly clenched his fist.
At that moment, a young man emerged from behind the wall of Saheon-gak.
“Do not be so guarded. I simply did not wish to disturb you, as you seemed lost in deep thought.”
“….”
“It has been a long time. Do you recognize who I am?”
A young man with a faint smile at the corners of his lips.
It was Dokgo Gun, the son of Dokgo Un-hak.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————