Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 153

Infamy and Chivalry

*Whooosh!*

An endlessly soft and slow sword technique teased the air.

Although the form was slow, the amount of energy released from the sword tip was remarkably consistent.

‘In extreme situations, the sword and qi move as one. But…’

Completing martial techniques in practical combat ultimately depends on the practitioner’s physical ability and the method of internal energy utilization.

This is why a master can subdue an opponent using the same techniques as street thugs. It’s because of the refined body and delicate manipulation of internal energy that speed and sharpness are achieved.

‘It’s creaking.’

Moyong Woo’s eyes showed a hint of regret as he watched the trajectory drawn by his sword tip.

‘The internal energy manipulation is sufficient, but the body isn’t refined enough. The lower body is solid, but there’s a slight deviation in the angle at which the arm extends. The shoulder is the problem.’

His ability to coldly evaluate the martial arts he practiced as if viewing them from a third person’s perspective.

Despite living a life focused on duties over martial arts as the head of the Zhejiang branch, he could continuously improve. His skills were good, but his discernment was even sharper.

Moyong Woo’s sword, which had been moving slowly, suddenly showed an inexplicable speed.

*Whooosh!*

A powerful step on the ground and the strong sword that cut through the air created a net of sword forms.

It was a terrifyingly fast and precise sword. Moreover, it contained strength as solid as steel.

He was capable of executing highly advanced martial arts. Although his body training was lacking, his understanding had built a realm beyond his actual skills.

After practicing the Heaven and Earth 108 Sword Technique for over a minute, utilizing his explosive cardiovascular abilities, Moyong Woo stopped his sword.

*Hoo…*

His whole body was flushed red.

‘It hurts.’

The muscles all over his body felt like they were tearing. It was fortunate that his joints weren’t damaged.

‘I need more efficient physical training. I should put down the sword for a while and focus on my body and internal energy.’

At that moment, he heard applause from the side.

*Clap clap clap.*

Moyong Woo turned his head. Moyong Gun was there.

“That was impressive.”

“Brother.”

The amazement on Moyong Gun’s face was genuine.

“I knew you were diligently training every day, but when did you grow so much? You’ve already reached the level of the Sea of Swords.”

Moyong Woo said bitterly, “I have the understanding, but my body can’t keep up. I still have a long way to go.”

“Don’t say that. You’ve only been learning the Heaven and Earth techniques for less than a year, and you’ve already achieved this level. Your talent is truly remarkable.”

Of course, it was possible because of the exceptional martial arts and experience he had accumulated over time. But even with that consideration, Moyong Woo’s growth was astonishing.

Moyong Gun smiled brightly, a smile filled with pride.

“After training in slow sword, you moved on to quick sword and strong sword in succession. It’s a traditional method of training, but it places a heavy burden on the body. Training is good, but take care of your body too.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Good.”

Moyong Woo asked with a puzzled expression, “But why are you here at this hour? Has the Musung Hal meeting already ended?”

“Yes.”

Moyong Gun stroked his chin.

Seeing this, Moyong Woo was certain that his brother had something to say to him.

And Moyong Woo could roughly guess what that was.

“Woo-ya.”

“Yes, please speak.”

“When do you plan to meet the young lady from the Tang Family?”

A look of discomfort spread across Moyong Woo’s face.

“The Tangma Army will be established in three days. Until then, I need to focus on my own martial arts and managing my subordinates.”

“Yes, I understand your situation.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes gleamed with a strange light.

“But since you’ve already made arrangements with the Tang Family head, I’d like you to meet her as soon as possible.”

Moyong Woo nodded after a moment of silence.

“Understood. I will meet her the day before the inauguration ceremony.”

Moyong Gun smiled.

If Moyong Woo said he would meet her, he definitely would.

“Alright, let’s do that then.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve caused you trouble, brother.”

Moyong Gun laughed heartily.

“You rascal, if you knew that, you should have met her sooner.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m joking. If you meet her and don’t like her, let me know. Although the arrangement was made for both you and our family, I won’t force a bond if you don’t want it.”

Moyong Gun was sincere.

The power of the Tang Family was certainly alluring, but Moyong Gun valued Moyong Woo more. Not only was he his own brother, but even without showing his full potential yet, Moyong Woo had already achieved astonishing growth.

Fostering a reliable person is a hundred times better than acquiring unbelievable power. This was why Moyong Gun’s power base was exceptionally stable.

Moyong Woo changed the subject.

“Then, when will the Myeolsagun join the alliance?”

Moyong Gun’s gaze turned cold immediately.

“They said they’d arrive around noon tomorrow.”

“I see.”

“As I mentioned before, the Myeolsagun has accomplished quite a feat. I didn’t expect them to move so swiftly and aggressively.”

Moyong Woo replied calmly, “Before the Myeolsagun set out, I had a direct conversation with Yeon Hojeong.”

“Yes, you mentioned that you were quite surprised by Yeon Hojeong’s martial arts, which far surpassed the level of a prodigy.”

“That’s right. His martial arts, which far exceed those of a prodigy, and his remarkable discernment were truly surprising. I thought he surely had the drive to match his insight.”

“You’re right. That’s why I keep an eye on that young fellow.”

Moyong Woo smiled.

“When the Myeolsagun arrives tomorrow, I’ll go see him again.”

Moyong Gun looked unexpectedly.

“You’re going to meet Yeon Hojeong?”

“Yes.”

“What are you going to do when you meet him?”

“Although he is a rival, I should learn from him if there’s something to learn. And I’m curious to see how much he’s grown since going out into the world.”

“Huh.”

“Knowing oneself and knowing the enemy ensures victory in a hundred battles. I don’t think it’s a bad idea to meet him.”

Moyong Gun nodded.

“If you want to meet him, who am I to stop you? But be careful. That guy knows how to thoroughly shake up someone he considers an enemy.”

“Don’t worry.”

Moyong Woo’s eyes sparkled.

“I haven’t shown you any tangible results in the past few months. I’ll make sure to bring back something valuable during the Tangma Army inauguration.”

—

“Oh! It’s the Martial Alliance!”

“Wow, it’s been so long!”

“Who would have thought I’d be so excited to see the Martial Alliance.”

“I’m tearing up.”

The faces of the Myeolsagun soldiers, who had finally entered the vicinity of the Martial Alliance after crossing the Daebyeol Mountain Range, were filled with joy.

They had swept through vicious black paths for the past few months without proper rest. It was fulfilling work, and they had grown significantly because of it, but it had also accumulated a lot of mental fatigue.

They knew they could at least rest for five days once they entered the Martial Alliance. This brightened their expressions.

Mok Bi whispered softly, “The guys look very happy.”

Yeon Hojeong chuckled.

“Of course. They’ve been fighting bloodthirsty enemies without proper rest or even washing up.”

“Relaxing is good, but it’ll be tough to get them back in shape.”

Yeon Hojeong looked at Mok Bi with surprise.

“That’s surprising.”

“What is?”

“Talking about maintaining discipline… It doesn’t seem like something you would say.”

“Hmph. I’m always tense, you know?”

“I know that. I’m just surprised that you’re concerned about the soldiers’ mental state. You’re getting used to your position as vice-captain?”

Mok Bi grinned.

“If you don’t stay tense, you’ll get hurt. I can’t just leave the Myeolsagun. It’s better to stay tense than to get hurt or die.”

Yeon Hojeong’s smile deepened.

“Kid, you’ve grown up.”

“I’ve told you many times that I’m older than you, Yeon.”

“What does age matter? You’ve only been in the world for a short time.”

“Just because you have more experience doesn’t mean you’re better at the job.”

“You’ve even gotten better at arguing. But you’re not wrong.”

Mok Bi glanced at Yeon Hojeong’s hand.

“How’s your hand?”

“Huh?”

“It was torn a while ago. You’re still bandaged, so it hasn’t healed yet?”

“It’s almost healed.”

“Recovery seems slower than expected?”

Yeon Hojeong smiled bitterly.

“Indeed.”

The slow recovery of internal injuries was due to having less internal energy than during his Black Flame Emperor days.

But the slow recovery of his palm injury was because his body had reached its limit. It was a different issue from internal injuries.

‘I had an extremely short amount of sleep.’

The Byukra Jinryeol is an excellent martial art. The Four Gods Martial Arts could be considered unparalleled.

But Yeon Hojeong was still human. Unless he reached the pinnacle of martial arts and transcended human limits, his body would naturally wear out if he didn’t get enough rest or sleep properly.

Mok Bi sighed.

“When we return, get some proper sleep. The Alliance is safe.”

“I feel ashamed.”

“What’s there to be ashamed of? I’m actually surprised. I didn’t know you cared so much about the soldiers.”

Yeon Hojeong scratched his head.

“I didn’t know I would be like this either.”

When dealing with the Black Path warriors, he was like a blade.

He never trained troops like the Myeolsagun before. Once he gathered forces, he immediately went to war, accepting deaths as inevitable.

It was a cold and brutal approach. The black path’s lifestyle and extreme violence had made Yeon Hojeong’s personality ruthless.

However, since his return, his mind had become incredibly stable.

Yeon Hojeong realized that his family was at the center of this positive change.

‘Positive… Yes, if I want to live as a human, this change is certainly positive.’

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes deepened as he looked up at the clear sky.

‘Should I defend against their invasion as a human, or…’

Should I become the monster of that time?

At that moment, Jegal Ahyeon spoke.

“Sister.”

“Yes?”

“Hehe, we’re off duty now.”

“Ah…”

Mok Bi felt awkward. She was still uncomfortable with Jegal Ahyeon’s familiar address.

“What will you do when we go in? Will you rest properly today?”

“I plan to…”

“If you’re not too tired, want to have a drink with me?”

“Drink?”

Mok Bi’s face turned slightly pale.

She had avoided alcohol since suffering a severe hangover last time. Although she could expel the alcohol with her internal energy, the sensation of headache and sluggishness was unpleasant.

But seeing Jegal Ahyeon’s eager eyes made it hard to refuse.

“…Only if we drink moderately.”

“Awesome! I’ll greet my father and come right away! We have to drink!”

“Okay.”

Jegal Ahyeon grinned and looked at Yeon Hojeong.

Yeon Hojeong blinked with an innocent expression.

Jegal Ahyeon’s face instantly turned sulky.

“What? You want to drink too?”

“Are you in your right mind? Do you know what could happen if I drank with you guys?”

“You’re an idiot.”

“We’re on duty.”

“It’s our free time, you fool!”

Yeon Hojeong decided that he would strictly enforce discipline when they regrouped.

Peng Manho sneaked up on Yeon Hojeong.

“Then how about with me?”

“Go to sleep.”

“Come on, let’s have a drink, brother.”

“Don’t call me brother, you punk!”

The return to the Martial Alliance was noisy. Though they acted indifferent, Mok Bi, Jegal Ahyeon, and Peng Manho seemed subtly excited about the break.

Laughing and chatting, they soon reached the outer fortress of the Martial Alliance.

“Are you the Myeolsagun leader, Yeon Hojeong?”

Yeon Hojeong turned his head.

Beside the Azure Dragon Gate, stood a middle-aged man with a cold expression.