Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 162

The Nature of Dark Intrigue

The woman was beautiful.

Despite being on the verge of her thirties, her cool, clear eyes still held the purity of a young girl.

Her slim figure and elegant clothes made her appear incredibly attractive. She exuded an aura that was both as hot as fire and as cold as a snowstorm, blended together in a striking harmony.

The world revered her as the Phoenix of Sichuan, the Dark Sky Divine Maiden.

“So, did you meet him yesterday?”

Her voice was cold and firm. It seemed her demeanor might have been inherited from her father’s particular disposition.

Tang Kwan’s stern question was met with a smile from Tang Sang-ah.

“Yes.”

“And what did you think?”

“He’s a difficult person to define in one word.”

Tang Kwan nodded.

A difficult person to define? It was hard to grasp what she meant. In any case, he didn’t place much importance on those words.

The important thing was not how she perceived him, but whether the marriage would proceed.

“They will respond soon. Wait patiently.”

“Yes.”

“If they refuse the marriage, we have other options…”

“Father.”

“Speak.”

Tang Sang-ah smiled. It was a transparent smile that lacked genuine warmth.

“I want to be alone.”

Tang Kwan’s gaze deepened.

After silently observing his daughter, Tang Kwan stood up.

“There are ways to find happiness even without martial arts.”

With those words, he left the room.

As soon as the door closed, Tang Sang-ah stretched out.

“Ah, I’m so tired.”

Propping her chin on her hand, she gazed out the window.

“The weather is beautiful.”

Her eyes sparkled.

She had spent almost her entire life in Sichuan. This was her first time in Henan Province and the Daebyeol Mountains.

Maybe that’s why, despite being in the sect for months, her heart still raced as if it was her first visit. The distinct seasons and the different scenery of the Daebyeol Mountains excited her.

“What should I do for fun today?”

Even though she might have to marry soon due to her father’s coercion, she never lost her joy.

What mattered to her was how to enjoy the present moment. Since time once passed never returns, Tang Sang-ah believed she should make the most of each day.

That way, she wouldn’t have any regrets.

Even if she had to live a life she didn’t want, she could live with her memories as her companions.

‘Huh?’

As she enjoyed the scenery, she noticed someone in the distance.

‘Who is that?’

A peculiar expression appeared on Tang Sang-ah’s face.

‘Why is he there at this time? He should be busy with the inauguration ceremony.’

It was none other than Moyong Woo, the leader of the Tangma Army within the Tangma Destruction Forces, and the protagonist of the inauguration ceremony to be held in front of Musung Hall at noon.

And possibly, her future husband.

‘Interesting.’

She had only had a brief conversation over tea with Moyong Woo.

Such a short time wasn’t enough to understand a person. While she could guess his tendencies, it was too brief to know everything about him.

Of course, Tang Sang-ah had no intention of finding out anything about Moyong Woo. It wasn’t because he was Moyong Woo, but because she had no interest in anyone.

As a daughter of the Tang family, she had accepted the harsh fate bestowed upon the women of her family early on.

She didn’t care who her partner was. As long as he was healthy and had a good personality, that was enough.

‘Hmm.’

However, she could find interest in the unexpected behaviors of her partner. It was a pure curiosity.

And now, she felt curious about Moyong Woo.

Her masterful observation skills, honed to the extreme, could see through every subtle expression of Moyong Woo.

‘He looks very troubled. It’s probably not because of me.’

Moyong Woo was a good person. But like her, he didn’t seem particularly interested in his partner.

So, it wasn’t because of her.

‘Well, since I have nothing else to do.’

She had a feeling.

She wasn’t sure if it would be fun, but she felt she might witness something interesting.

Suddenly, red energy emanated from Tang Sang-ah’s body.

Before anyone knew it, she had shot out the window.

* * *

“Ugh, bothersome.”

He wore a clean white robe with a high-quality long coat.

The material was so soft it felt odd. It was an outfit that many would admire for its luxury, but Yeon Hojeong found it cumbersome.

“It suits you well.”

“Does it look good?”

“You should dress like that more often.”

Yeon Hojeong looked at Mok Bi.

“You’re quite something yourself.”

Though Yeon Hojeong looked impressive, Mok Bi in her archer’s attire was exceptionally beautiful.

She didn’t wear makeup, but that only enhanced her pure charm. Her neatly combed hair and her well-toned body from archery and martial arts training were captivating to any man.

However, Mok Bi looked dissatisfied.

“What is this?”

“What? You look pretty.”

“It’s hard to move in this. Wearing clothes like this will slow down my Dragon Flying Swift Technique.”

Yeon Hojeong clicked his tongue.

“Just bear with it for a bit. You can change after the inauguration ceremony.”

“Ugh.”

Mok Bi sighed repeatedly.

Yeon Hojeong suddenly remembered something and turned his head.

“Hey!”

“Yes? Ah, yes!”

“Aren’t you going to change your clothes?”

Okcheong scratched his head awkwardly.

“A Taoist should pursue a simple and peaceful life.”

“Do that normally. But for the inauguration ceremony… Hey! Why have you been lurking around here since yesterday?”

Indeed.

After Seunghyeon Jinin left, Okcheong showed up. He had been lurking around the Pagun Pavilion without saying much, just watching Yeon Hojeong.

That was all. He neither spoke nor challenged him to a duel. He just lingered.

Okcheong cleared his throat.

“The energy around the Pagun Pavilion feels good.”

“Did they teach nonsense at the Wudang Sect too?”

“That’s a bit harsh.”

“Shut up! Go change your clothes and head to Musung Hall! There’s only half an hour left.”

“I’ll just go like this.”

Yeon Hojeong silently raised his fist.

Okcheong’s expression turned meek.

“Well, there’s something to be said for presenting a certain image. I’ll see you later.”

Whoosh!

Okcheong vanished at an impressive speed. His internal injuries must have healed since his movement technique was faster than ever.

Yeon Hojeong sighed.

“No normal people around.”

Suddenly, Yeon Hojeong looked at Mok Bi.

Mok Bi was staring at him intently. Her eyes seemed to say, ‘And you’re normal?’

“Turn your head before I poke your eyes out.”

“Oh my.”

“What? What!”

“Nothing? Geez, now you’re bullying me because you’re strong.”

“You act like I didn’t bully you before.”

“I have no words for that.”

Yeon Hojeong chuckled.

At that moment.

“Huh?”

Yeon Hojeong turned towards the Pagun Pavilion gate.

‘What is it?’

A familiar energy was approaching rapidly.

Another genius whose martial arts skills had sharply improved since they last met. His rapid growth had made his presence more pronounced.

Soon.

“May I come in?”

Yeon Hojeong opened the gate himself.

It was Moyong Woo.

“What brings you here?”

“I need to talk.”

After observing Moyong Woo silently, Yeon Hojeong turned.

“To my room.”

The three went up to Yeon Hojeong’s room.

Moyong Woo got straight to the point.

“The inauguration ceremony is canceled.”

“What?”

Yeon Hojeong and Mok Bi were both shocked.

“Canceled? What do you mean?”

“To be exact…”

Moyong Woo struggled to continue.

Yeon Hojeong narrowed his eyes.

“Did the Myeolsagun say not to come?”

“…Yes.”

“Hmm.”

That one answer revealed the situation clearly.

Leaning back in his chair, Yeon Hojeong smirked.

“Moyong Gun’s tricks again.”

Moyong Woo sighed softly.

“I advised against it, but he remained opposed until the end.”

The reason was none other than Yeon Hojeong.

He had demonstrated an intense duel with Yeon Wi in the training grounds of Naeseong Plaza.

Had it ended there, it might have been different. But he even surpassed the limits of martial arts in front of everyone.

It was an event that shocked not only the Martial Alliance but the entire world. Yeon Hojeong might think he still had a long way to go, but a young man barely in his twenties reaching the pinnacle of martial arts was rare.

A talent that surpassed the renowned young geniuses of the time, even the three peaks.

“He must have thought I would overshadow him.”

“Yes.”

Yeon Hojeong smiled, exasperated.

“It’s a petty response, but a necessary one. I understand Moyong Gun.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry about. It’s fine.”

He genuinely seemed unbothered. Yeon Hojeong’s face showed no reluctance.

Seeing such an expression brought some relief to Moyong Woo.

With a slight smile, Moyong Woo jokingly complained.

“Why did you have to duel in front of everyone? There’s a saying in the martial world to hide three-tenths of your strength.”

“Hmm?”

“Now my brother will be more wary of you.”

Yeon Hojeong scoffed.

“Nonsense. He was already eager to take me down. We’re already enemies. What difference does it make if he becomes more cautious?”

“That’s true, but…”

“Remember this. You don’t have to hide yourself excessively just because you’re in a dark struggle. Worrying about such things will

wear you out, and when you’re counterattacked, it’ll be more fatal.”

“Is that so?”

“If you have cards to hide, you should also have cards to reveal openly. And I have no intention of hiding my full strength from my enemies. Never have, never will.”

What’s important is the enemy’s nature and the situation.

Even if Yeon Hojeong had reached the pinnacle of martial arts, he couldn’t handle an entire faction alone. In a power struggle, he hadn’t gained anything substantial.

If he had reached the level of the Thirteen Seats of Heaven, it might be different, but as it was, he couldn’t decisively influence the grand scheme.

If the situation had worsened, he would have stepped back, even if it disappointed his father.

Moyong Woo smiled.

“You’re impressive in many ways.”

“Really?”

“Hahaha!”

He came to deliver serious news, but talking with Yeon Hojeong eased his mind.

Moyong Woo subtly inquired.

“By the way, it’s amazing. I thought I had considerable martial talent, but compared to you…”

At that moment, Yeon Hojeong spoke up.

“Brother? Do you have a brother?”

What a surprising statement.

About to declare he wasn’t joking and had come seriously, Moyong Woo’s eyes suddenly sparkled.

Yeon Hojeong’s hand on the chair’s armrest pointed towards the ceiling.

Buzz.

Instantly, the true energy of Heaven and Earth arose, sharpening his senses like a blade.

‘A person?’

Someone was there. A remarkable master.

“Since you’re younger, I called you a brother, right?”

“Wrong. I have no intention of forming a close relationship with the Moyong family.”

“That’s disappointing.”

Moyong Woo shook his head.

“By the way.”

“Speak.”

“Do you have a cat?”

Yeon Hojeong grinned.

“I thought you were the cat?”

“Is that so.”

Moyong Woo laughed brightly.

“Let’s find out whose cat it is.”

“Mok Bi.”

In an instant, Mok Bi’s energy struck the ceiling.

Boom!

As the ceiling shattered, a figure appeared in dismay.

It was Tang Sang-ah.