NOVEL NEXT Chapter 154
Chapter 154
Notoriety and Cooperation
Surprisingly, the first to react was Cheok Gang.
“Gasp! Sasuk!”
Cheok Gang rushed forward, bending at the waist.
“Disciple Cheok Gang greets Sasuk.”
The middle-aged man, Pae Yul, barely acknowledged Cheok Gang’s greeting.
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes sparkled.
‘If he’s Cheok Gang’s Sasuk, then Jeomchang?’
Jeomchang Sect.
Originally a Taoist sect entrenched in Yunnan’s Jeomchang Mountain, it gradually adopted a secular tone as it entered the martial world. Nowadays, it was known as the most secular among the Nine Great Sects. Their martial arts were practical, rivaling those of the Kongtong Sect.
Cheok Gang’s martial arts were distinct—fast, direct, and more aggressive than other warriors, emphasizing quick takedowns.
The monks of Jeomchang Sect embodied their martial arts philosophy—swift, straightforward, and without lingering effects.
“I am Yeon Hojeong,” he introduced himself.
Pae Yul frowned.
“I am an elder of Jeomchang. Show more respect.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“I would, if we were within the alliance.”
“What?”
“I am the captain of a unit under the Martial Alliance. Whether you’re an elder or the head of Jeomchang Sect, I see no reason to bow if you hold no position here.”
His words were bold, yet his expression remained calm and confident, his eyes clear and deep.
Pae Yul glanced at Cheok Gang.
Cheok Gang looked uneasy, worried about the tension between his sect elder and his unit leader.
Pae Yul nodded.
“Not bad.”
His reaction was unexpected.
Yeon Hojeong tilted his head.
“What do you mean?”
“I was concerned about the lax discipline of the unit my cherished disciple joined without notice. But it’s not bad. A leader should have that kind of firmness.”
His tone was blunt, making it unclear if he was praising or mocking.
Yeon Hojeong looked at Cheok Gang.
“You joined without informing anyone?”
“…Yes.”
“You’ll get in trouble.”
Cheok Gang’s face darkened.
Yeon Hojeong turned his gaze back to Pae Yul.
“If you want to take Cheok Gang, please wait a bit. We’ll complete the return procedures first….”
“My business isn’t with my disciple. It’s with you.”
“Me?”
“Yes.”
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes grew intense.
He had a sense of why Pae Yul sought him out. But there was a puzzling aspect.
‘How does he know?’
If his father had informed him, Pae Yul would have no reason to seek him directly. If Moyong Gun had mentioned it, he would have gone to his father first as well.
Why? What is it?
“Do you know about the archery martial arts?”
As expected.
Yeon Hojeong decided not to beat around the bush.
“Is it because of Mongui?”
“…!”
Pae Yul’s expression changed.
“There’s no need to mention that name.”
“Understood.”
“I have only one question.”
“….”
“How was his swordsmanship?”
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
“I’m not sure why you’re asking, but I didn’t get a clear view of his swordsmanship.”
“Why not? I heard you had a life-and-death duel with him.”
“In a fight to the death, preventing the opponent from displaying their skills is crucial. I saw ‘that martial art,’ but not clearly.”
“You subdued him before that?”
“Yes.”
“Impressive.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled and patted Mok Bi’s shoulder.
“He was taken down by this friend’s arrow before he could properly use his skills. If not for her, it would have been tough.”
Pae Yul looked at Mok Bi.
‘A master?’
He hadn’t paid much attention to her due to Yeon Hojeong’s refined aura, but now he noticed her formidable energy.
“Did you fight together?”
“Yes.”
Pae Yul nodded.
“I see.”
Yeon Hojeong’s lips curved slightly.
Members of reputable sects often disliked joint attacks. They preferred honorable one-on-one duels, regardless of their opponent’s nature.
But not Pae Yul. The Jeomchang Sect didn’t teach that way.
In real combat, survival is the truth. If a fight breaks out, killing the enemy and ensuring one’s survival is paramount.
Pae Yul understood the essence of real combat, so he had no qualms about their joint attack.
As he looked around Myeolsagun, Pae Yul shook his head.
“I was in a hurry and came out to wait. I needed to confirm something about him.”
“….”
“I’ll visit your place tomorrow.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled wryly.
“Please come in the evening.”
Pae Yul turned without a word.
His personality wavered between blunt honesty and rudeness. His martial arts were likely much rougher than Cheok Gang’s.
As he walked away, Pae Yul suddenly stopped and turned back.
“You.”
“Yes?”
Pae Yul tilted his head.
“Are you unwell?”
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed.
“I’m healthy.”
“…Is that so?”
Yeon Hojeong noticed Pae Yul’s eyes scanning his right side.
Pae Yul nodded.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Understood.”
Thud.
The Azure Dragon Gate opened.
Pae Yul entered the alliance first, followed by Myeolsagun.
Yeon Hojeong, reflecting on Pae Yul’s words, couldn’t hide his puzzlement.
‘Did he notice something about me?’
Puzzled, he observed himself internally, checking the Byukra Jinryeol and even the three divine artifacts, but found nothing wrong.
‘Hmm.’
But someone like Pae Yul wouldn’t say such things lightly.
‘Well, I should take it easy for a while and recover.’
As he entered the inner fortress through the wide outer walls, Yeon Hojeong called out.
“I’ll handle the return procedures. Rest well, everyone.”
A thunderous cheer erupted.
“Yeah!”
“Vacation time!”
“Oh, I’m about to collapse.”
It was a lively chaos. After greeting Yeon Hojeong, they scattered at breakneck speed.
“….”
Watching them disappear, Yeon Hojeong looked at Mok Bi.
“Let’s handle the return procedures together….”
“I’m going to see my father.”
Mok Bi vanished with her impressive movement technique.
Yeon Hojeong felt a bit betrayed.
He looked at Peng Manho.
Peng Manho grinned sheepishly.
“Do you know why they call the leader a leader?”
“Brother, right?”
“Good luck, brother.”
“Brother in name only… that guy, he’s that fast?”
Watching Peng Manho run off like lightning, Yeon Hojeong clicked his tongue.
“No loyalty at all.”
Grumbling, Yeon Hojeong turned to Jegal Ahyeon.
Jegal Ahyeon tilted his head.
“What?”
“Aren’t you going to dash off like the others?”
“Where would I go? I need to handle the return procedures.”
“Really?”
“I’m still part of Myeolsagun. I should finish the job properly.”
“…You’re quite something!”
Yeon Hojeong put his arm around Jegal Ahyeon.
“Let’s go! Forget those ungrateful brats and soar to the sky!”
“Hey! Let go! You’re heavy!”
“Haha! It’s good to have a responsible guy like you. The future of Myeolsagun is bright.”
“You’re heavy!”
The two bickered as they headed to Musung Hal.
—
That evening.
After finally returning to Pagun Pavilion and sleeping for over half a day, Yeon Hojeong woke up with a frown.
‘Is it night?’
The moonlight streaming through the window was beautiful.
Summer had passed, and it was now autumn. The cool breeze gradually cooled his body.
He liked the cool breeze. Sitting up, Yeon Hojeong crossed his legs.
Hummm.
Byukra Jinryeol activated, invigorating his muscles and nerves.
The blue aura enveloping his body was clear and beautiful as always. The night made it seem particularly like moonlight.
‘Good.’
He was on the verge of reaching the tenth level of Byukra Jinryeol. The numerous battles had matured his three divine artifacts as well.
He had hoped to reach a higher level before activating them, but he felt it was time.
His eyes, now a mixture of three colors, glimmered.
‘I need to wake it up.’
The Eastern deity, the symbol of vitality—Azure Dragon. He aimed to fully manifest the Four Divine Energies.
‘Tomorrow, I’ll ask Father for a duel.’
He had briefly met his father during the return procedures at Musung Hal.
But the council of elders’ meeting ran long today. The Martial Alliance was gradually becoming more organized, but there were still many detailed tasks to handle.
“Hmm, should I sleep more?”
It was a precious break. He decided to set aside his worries and get more rest.
Just as Yeon Hojeong was about to lie down again,
“…Oh?”
A clear energy was felt from the entrance of Pagun Pavilion.
Yeon Hojeong immediately flew out the window.
Whoosh!
His fluttering clothes resembled wings.
He landed softly in front of a man.
Yeon Hojeong scanned the man’s body with interest.
“Wow! I need to reflect. You’ve improved remarkably.”
“Really?”
Moyong Woo wore a brighter smile than ever, a smile he hadn’t even shown to Moyong Gun—a truly unrestrained, magnificent expression.
“Have you been well, Yeon-je?”