Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 161

The Nature of a Dark Fight

“Hmm? Okcheong Dowoo?”

“Ah… long time no see.”

“Long time no see? It’s only been a day.”

“Is that so…?”

Yeoguk’s face was filled with confusion.

“Why do you look so uneasy? Did something bad happen?”

“No.”

His pale complexion and trembling hands were a sight to behold. He clearly seemed to be going through something, making it hard to believe nothing was wrong.

“What happened? By the way, did you hear? Yeon Gun-jang broke through Mujongjibyeok. Ha! I knew he was impressive, but he’s practically a monster…”

“…”

“Hmm, you seem very tired. Go and rest.”

“I am not someone who deserves rest.”

What’s he talking about now?

Yeoguk usually didn’t meddle in others’ affairs, but Okcheong’s expression was too unusual.

Yeoguk asked.

“Tell me, what’s wrong?”

“It’s just…”

“Just?”

Okcheong finally let out a heavy sigh.

“I think I joined Myeolsagun for no reason.”

“What?”

Yeoguk looked at Okcheong in surprise.

Despite appearing mild and gentle, Okcheong was one of the most passionate members of Myeolsagun. He was diligent in both martial arts training and his mission focus.

Regardless of his skill level, he was someone who worked very hard, so his words were quite unexpected.

Okcheong rubbed his forehead.

“This won’t do. I need to see the Gun-jang.”

“What…”

“See you later.”

With that, Okcheong hurriedly ran off in the direction of Pagun Pavilion, one of the residences of the Six Great Clans.

Yeoguk clicked his tongue.

“What’s going on with him?”

* * *

Seunghyeon Jinin seemed oblivious to the presence of the gatekeepers. He looked ready to break down the doors of Pagun Pavilion at any moment.

Eventually, Yeon Hojeong stepped forward.

“You are?”

“I am the leader of Myeolsagun. I greet the Head of Wudang Sect.”

Yeon Hojeong offered a respectful bow.

The flush on Seunghyeon Jinin’s face gradually faded as he regained his composure upon seeing the person he came to find.

‘Hmm.’

Calming down and regaining his focus, he was able to fully concentrate on Yeon Hojeong.

Seunghyeon Jinin’s eyes widened.

“Ho.”

Yeon Hojeong asked calmly.

“What brings you here?”

He wanted to issue an expulsion order, but given the importance of the guest, he couldn’t.

Seunghyeon Jinin was Okcheong’s senior and a leading figure of the Wudang Sect. Crucially, he was also a comrade to his father in the Murim Alliance.

Unless a major conflict arose, at least a minimal level of courtesy was required.

“Are you Yeon Gun-jang?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Ho, ho.”

Seunghyeon Jinin let out a peculiar sound, neither purely a sigh nor an exclamation, before speaking.

“Nice to meet you. I am the current leader of Wudang Sect, known as Seunghyeon.”

“I am aware.”

His words were polite and dignified.

There was a subtle sense of ease in his demeanor. His clear gaze and naturally relaxed posture appeared very flexible.

Seunghyeon Jinin felt a bit startled internally.

‘Is it because he took a break? Or did his martial arts level improve…’

He seemed much more human.

He had seen Yeon Hojeong briefly when he reported his return at Musung Hal.

At that time, Yeon Hojeong emitted a strong killing intent, likely from having defeated countless enemies and unknowingly harboring murderous thoughts.

But now it was different.

‘I haven’t seen eyes this deep and clear in a long time.’

Even in the sacred land of Taoism, Wudang Mountain, there were not many with eyes as pure as his.

Seunghyeon Jinin turned his head slightly.

In the distance stood a woman, somewhat awkwardly. Though not as highly skilled as Yeon Hojeong, considering her age, she was an exceptional martial artist, and her eyes were even clearer than his.

‘Is she the vice-captain of Myeolsagun?’

He had stormed over in a fit of anger, but seeing these pure-eyed individuals, he regained his composure.

Yeon Hojeong tilted his head slightly.

“What is it?”

“Hmm.”

He had a lot to say, but now that he was face to face, words didn’t come easily.

Finally, Seunghyeon Jinin sighed.

“Could I possibly have a cup of tea?”

“Of course. Please, come in.”

Soon, they were sitting across from each other at a table in Yeon Hojeong’s room.

It was time to speak. Seunghyeon Jinin asked directly.

“I came because of Okcheong.”

“Okcheong?”

“Yes.”

Yeon Hojeong tilted his head.

“Is there a problem with Okcheong?”

“I think so.”

Seunghyeon Jinin’s gaze deepened.

“I watched him practice his martial arts after a long time. He had changed remarkably. He truly understood the essence of Wudang martial arts. This disciple, who once pursued the path of seeking through rigorous training, now exuded the scent of a martial artist.”

“That’s good news.”

“Yes, it is. If only it had ended there.”

Yeon Hojeong now understood what Seunghyeon Jinin wanted to say.

“You’re concerned because of the killing intent in his martial arts.”

“Precisely.”

Seunghyeon Jinin’s face hardened.

“It wasn’t just a simple change. Every move and second seemed designed to break the opponent’s pulse and target vital points with extreme killing techniques.”

“Yes, I suppose so.”

A strange response.

It sounded as if he had expected this transformation.

Seunghyeon Jinin’s gaze sharpened.

“Despite his martial arts being filled with killing intent, it’s fortunate he hasn’t lost the essence of Wudang martial arts. But as they say, when the Tao is a foot higher, the devil is ten feet higher. If he continues to practice martial arts tainted with killing intent, he might lose the original celestial spirit of Wudang martial arts.”

“That could happen.”

Another odd response.

Seunghyeon Jinin’s neck began to turn red. The calm demeanor he had regained started to give way to rising heat.

“I know Okcheong well. No matter what hellish situation he went through, he’s not one to develop such martial arts.”

“I agree. At first, I thought he was a lazy genius trapped in his preconceptions, but I came to realize he was inherently pure, suitable for the lineage of the Taoist path.”

“Exactly.”

Seunghyeon Jinin paused briefly before asking bluntly.

“Did you alter his martial arts?”

“Yes.”

The expected answer. However, his frankness left Seunghyeon Jinin momentarily speechless.

After staring at Yeon Hojeong for a while, Seunghyeon Jinin spoke.

“Are you aware that the person who taught Okcheong martial arts was Sa-baek, the Sword Immortal, who is revered by all?”

“I am aware.”

“People change depending on their environment. No matter who his teacher was, if Okcheong himself decided to alter his martial arts, I would have understood.”

“…”

“But his transformation wasn’t from his own realization but from another’s forceful teaching…”

“Pardon my interruption, but what exactly are you trying to tell me?”

It was a bold question.

Surprisingly, Seunghyeon Jinin found it difficult to respond to Yeon Hojeong’s question.

Okcheong’s Departure? That’s Not Possible.

Once Okcheong joined Myeolsagun, the only person who could decide his whereabouts was the leader of Myeolsagun. The agreement of the Bonggong Assembly made it clear that Seunghyeon Jinin had no grounds to interfere now.

However, Seunghyeon Jinin thought that Yeon Hojeong’s methods were definitely problematic.

“Did it really have to be this way?”

Yeon Hojeong faintly smiled.

Seunghyeon Jinin continued immediately.

“Myeolsagun has made great achievements. It’s thanks to you and the efforts of your soldiers. I understand that martial arts filled with killing intent are more advantageous for survival in deadly situations. However…”

“You’re saying that in the long run, it could cause significant harm.”

“Exactly.”

“Then let the elders of Wudang take care of that.”

“What?”

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed.

“Survival in deadly situations was the only reason I taught them practical combat and killing techniques. Considering long-term development is a matter that holds no value from my standpoint.”

“…!”

“Myeolsagun had to make achievements. But those achievements could only be made if the soldiers survived. Furthermore, even if Myeolsagun failed to achieve its goals, the soldiers must not die.”

Yeon Hojeong smiled.

“Most of the soldiers did not join the military with the intention to fight. Therefore, their safety is my top priority. However, as Myeolsagun is an independent army, we must also achieve results. In this contradictory situation, the only method I could choose was to sharpen their skills.”

This was why he had been unusually tense while observing Myeolsagun’s battles.

And this would continue in the future until they genuinely considered Myeolsagun their own sect or family.

Even after that, he would need to constantly be vigilant. He had promised them, at least, that they wouldn’t die meaningless deaths.

‘…’

Seunghyeon Jinin was taken aback as he looked at Yeon Hojeong.

‘So that’s it.’

There were many things he wanted to argue with Yeon Hojeong about.

However, Yeon Hojeong’s resolute answer made Seunghyeon Jinin reflect on himself.

‘It means that Yeon Gun-jang also cares for his soldiers in his own way.’

It was obvious. But he had rushed over, fuming, just because Okcheong’s martial arts had become excessively brutal.

He would never have acted this way under normal circumstances. The position of head of the Wudang Sect wasn’t something one could attain solely through martial prowess.

Seunghyeon Jinin spoke honestly.

“I haven’t seen far, wide, or deep, unlike someone who leads Wudang.”

He stood up and bowed with his hands clasped in respect.

“I have nothing more to say. You must have made this decision after much deliberation. I committed a grave offense due to my ignorance. I apologize.”

It was not a light gesture to be taken lightly. Yeon Hojeong also stood up and bowed in return.

“No, I understand your concerns.”

Seunghyeon Jinin smiled.

Even words that could sound empty were filled with strong sincerity. It meant he cared deeply about the other person.

“Okcheong is a good child. Maintaining such purity at his age is difficult for anyone. That’s why all the Taoist priests in Wudang cherish him.”

This indicated that his strong affection for his youngest disciple had clouded his judgment.

Yeon Hojeong shook his head.

“If the day comes when Myeolsagun is disbanded, I will make sure to reclaim the killing techniques I taught Okcheong.”

“I’d appreciate that. Although I don’t know how that would be possible.”

Seunghyeon Jinin laughed heartily.

The situation could have deteriorated, but Yeon Hojeong’s firm response and Seunghyeon Jinin’s flexibility actually strengthened their relationship.

Human relationships are like that. One must know when to step back and when to push forward, and be able to reflect on their own actions.

‘He’s a good person.’

Yeon Hojeong felt a subtle fondness for Seunghyeon Jinin.

He liked people who took care of themselves and those who were honest and wise. Seunghyeon Jinin embodied both qualities.

‘With such people guiding him, Okcheong won’t go astray.’

At that moment,

“By the way, you.”

“Yes?”

“If you were able to influence Okcheong’s martial arts to such a detailed extent, it means you’re quite well-versed in Wudang’s martial arts.”

“…Ah, well.”

“Tell me.”

Seunghyeon Jinin asked with a mischievous expression.

“How much did you steal?”

The moment when the balance of the conversation shifted.