Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 163

The Nature of Secret Struggles

Moyong Woo’s face filled with surprise.

“You are?”

“…Ha, haha.”

Tang Sang-ah, who had been extremely flustered, eventually let out an awkward laugh. Of course, a laugh like that couldn’t resolve the situation.

Yeon Hojeong glanced at Moyong Woo.

“Someone you know?”

“…”

“Hey, I’m talking to you.”

“Huh! Uh?”

“I asked if she’s someone you know.”

Moyong Woo’s face was now filled with bewilderment as well.

“Ah, this person is… well…”

This person? Hmm?

‘Indeed.’

Yeon Hojeong scrutinized Tang Sang-ah’s appearance. Unlike Mok Bi, who dressed meticulously in palace attire, Tang Sang-ah’s clothes, although not overly fancy, were of high-quality silk with intricate and elegant embroidery, suggesting she was likely from a good family.

Moreover,

‘This profound and subtly sharp internal energy is somewhat familiar.’

Surprisingly, her level of internal energy was almost comparable to Moyong Woo’s. Considering Moyong Woo’s internal energy had greatly increased through learning the Moyong Family’s secret arts, it was quite extraordinary that her internal energy could rival his.

Such a person was rare, even within the Martial Alliance.

‘She looks like she’s in her early twenties, but her eyes show experience. She might be around thirty.’

At that moment, Tang Sang-ah stood up abruptly and assumed a reverent stance, clasping her fists together.

“I apologize for intruding secretly and causing trouble. I sincerely apologize.”

Yeon Hojeong tilted his head.

“You should introduce yourself first. So, who are you?”

Though his tone wasn’t excessively harsh, it conveyed an odd sense of indifference.

Tang Sang-ah was startled by Yeon Hojeong’s manner of speech but didn’t show it. After all, she was in the wrong. That was what mattered.

“I am someone who goes by the name Sang-ah. Well, um…”

“…?”

“Once again, I apologize. My curiosity led me to follow Moyong Gunjang, which was against proper conduct.”

Tang Sang-ah bowed deeply.

“I am truly sorry.”

“…Hmm.”

An interesting person, indeed?

Yeon Hojeong felt intrigued by her behavior.

‘At least she doesn’t seem to have ill intentions.’

Having met so many people, he could now roughly gauge a person’s nature just by looking into their eyes. Moreover, after breaking through the martial wall and achieving a qualitative improvement in his internal energy, his senses had developed significantly.

From his perspective, this woman named Sang-ah didn’t seem to be someone with grand ambitions or the type to pry into others’ affairs out of malice. At least that was his impression.

‘Hmm? But Sang-ah?’

Where had he heard that name before?

Then, Moyong Woo spoke.

“Lady Tang.”

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes sparkled instantly.

‘Tang? Tang Sang-ah? Then the Dark Sky Divine Maiden?!’

The eldest daughter of the Tang Family of Sichuan, one of the renowned ‘Three Dragons of the Tang Family,’ and rumored to be more cherished by the Tang Family’s leader than his own son.

‘No wonder.’

Her internal energy quality and aura were entirely different from Tang Yangseon’s. In fact, it was more similar to Tang Kwan during the Black Emperor’s era. Of course, she was far inferior, but the flow and intensity of her energy were almost identical to her father’s.

While Yeon Hojeong was transfixed by Tang Sang-ah, Moyong Woo’s face hardened.

“You said you followed me?”

“Yes?”

Moyong Woo’s face grew stern. Tang Sang-ah’s expression darkened as well.

“…Yes, I’m sorry.”

“Why?”

“Ah, well…”

At that moment,

“Mok Bi.”

“Yes?”

Yeon Hojeong smiled darkly.

“Could you get some tea?”

Mok Bi, who was about to ask why he was asking her, suddenly froze upon seeing his expression, which always hid some unknown plan.

‘Is he up to something again?’

Mok Bi nodded.

“Alright. Please wait a moment.”

“Take your time.”

“Sure.”

As she turned to leave, Mok Bi glanced at Tang Sang-ah. Tang Sang-ah silently lowered her head in apology. Her actions were filled with remorse.

Mok Bi clicked her tongue and left the room.

Yeon Hojeong clapped his hands.

“Let’s sit down first.”

“Yes?”

“Sit down. It’s awkward to keep standing.”

Moyong Woo looked at Yeon Hojeong in confusion.

‘Brother Yeon?’

Yeon Hojeong ignored his questioning gaze.

“Did you say you were Miss Tang?”

“Yes? Ah, yes.”

“Have a seat.”

There was an odd authority in Yeon Hojeong’s voice. Tang Sang-ah hesitated before sitting down. The three of them sat around the table.

Yeon Hojeong asked,

“Why did you follow Moyong Gunjang?”

“Gasp! It’s nothing like that!”

She seemed flustered by her own outburst. Tang Sang-ah quickly continued,

“Ah, I mean! It’s not like that, but how should I put it… um…”

“Aha? Perhaps?”

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed mischievously, his nostrils flaring slightly as he grinned. Tang Sang-ah hastily spoke up.

“It’s not like that! Absolutely not! I’m just…!”

“Did I say something?”

“Yes?”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Ugh.”

Tang Sang-ah’s face flushed bright red.

Yeon Hojeong, showing amusement, said,

“Ah! The season is turning to autumn, but the blowing wind carries the warmth of spring sunlight. Heh, it feels nice and warm!”

Moyong Woo spoke in a suppressed voice.

“Yeon Gunjang, please don’t tease her too much.”

“Tease? What kind of friendship do we have for me to tease you?”

“I’m not talking about myself.”

“Then who?”

Moyong Woo was bewildered.

“Why are you doing this? If there’s nothing more to say, let’s just end this.”

End it? Right when it’s getting interesting.

Anyway, it seemed necessary to lighten the atmosphere.

Yeon Hojeong spoke up.

“Miss Tang.”

“Yes?”

“Did you come because of your younger brother?”

Younger brother?

Tang Sang-ah’s eyes deepened.

“Are you talking about Yangseon?”

“Yes.”

Yeon Hojeong’s expression turned serious.

“You must have heard. What he did and who crushed him.”

“The Biyun Fortress’ Yeon Hojeong. That would be you, Yeon Gunjang.”

“Yes.”

A chill appeared in Yeon Hojeong’s eyes.

“He was clearly in the wrong. I think it was merciful enough not to kill him despite him deploying assassins. Twice, in fact.”

“…”

“But as his blood relative, regardless of the situation, you might have a grudge against the person who destroyed him. I would have done the same.”

Tang Sang-ah replied calmly,

“Are you implying that I came here with you as my target instead of Moyong Gunjang?”

Yeon Hojeong smiled.

“The Tang Family is renowned for its poisons and hidden weapons. Wouldn’t they be better at killing someone than any ordinary assassin?”

His words were very provocative.

Even though the fault was Tang Yangseon’s, as a descendant of a prestigious family, she wouldn’t easily tolerate such a remark. Someone with strong family pride might have already exploded in anger.

What would Tang Sang-ah’s reaction be?

“Yangseon was clearly in the wrong.”

“Hmm?”

“From the victim’s perspective, it must have been like a bolt from the blue. As you said, it’s a relief he wasn’t killed.”

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed.

Tang Sang-ah’s calm expression was genuine. It didn’t seem like she hated or despised her brother either.

But what did it mean that she could say such things?

“Let me ask directly. Did you not come to kill me?”

Tang Sang-ah smiled faintly.

“The Young Tiger of the East. The passionate young man who once sought to face the world’s greatest family alone, the leader of the Martial Alliance’s Myeolsagun, and the youngest genius of the era to break through the martial wall.”

“…”

“With my level of skill, I couldn’t touch you. I would end up like my brother.”

She was serious when apologizing and wasn’t easily swayed by provocative words. She had the wisdom to calm an aggressive opponent and make them accept her innocence.

She knew how to draw clear lines. Such people were rare in the martial world, regardless of gender.

‘I like her.’

She had a commendable character. Yeon Hojeong thought Tang Sang-ah, despite being from the notoriously strict Tang Family, seemed very humane.

“So, your purpose wasn’t to target me?”

“Yes. I dislike fighting in the first place.”

“I didn’t expect to hear that from the renowned Dark Sky Divine Maiden.”

Tang Sang-ah replied bitterly,

“Right? Everyone seems to think that way.”

“It seems you have to meet people to truly know them.”

As Yeon Hojeong nodded, he once again made a sinister expression.

“Then what business did you have with Moyong Gunjang that you followed him secretly?”

“Ugh.”

Tang Sang-ah nervously fiddled with her hair.

“Um, well…”

“Well?”

Moyong Woo, also curious, glanced at Tang Sang-ah.

Tang Sang-ah’s face turned slightly red.

“You might not believe this.”

“Tell us.”

“…I was bored.”

“…?”

Yeon Hojeong blinked in confusion. Moyong Woo stared blankly at Tang Sang-ah in disbelief.

Tang Sang-ah’s face turned even redder.

“I know it sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. I was really bored. I happened to see Moyong Gunjang, and he looked quite serious. I was curious and had nothing else to do, so…”

“And that led you to hide in the ceiling?”

“Gah! I was going to leave right away! You might not believe this, but I have a serious condition where I can’t control myself once I’m fixated on something. It’s an intense and irrational subconscious obsession…”

“I believe you.”

“…What?”

“I believe you.”

Tang Sang-ah’s eyes widened.

“Re-really?”

She had expected to be ridiculed. Instead, she looked more bewildered than either Yeon Hojeong or Moyong Woo.

Yeon Hojeong asked Moyong Woo,

“Do you not believe her?”

Moyong Woo shook his head.

“I have no reason not to.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Moyong Woo genuinely thought so. Not because he was particularly perceptive, but because he believed people could do strange things out of boredom. Especially since she spoke with such sincerity, there was no reason to doubt her.

People are diverse. There are even stranger people than her. That’s the way the world is.

Yeon Hojeong nodded.

“Anyway, I understand you have no ill intentions.”

“Thank you! You really believe me!”

“I do. But believing and forgiving are different matters.”

Tang Sang-ah’s face, which had blossomed like a flower, wilted instantly.

“Right. I did something very wrong.”

“Indeed.”

“…I am deeply ashamed. I will accept any consequences within reason.”

Both Yeon Hojeong and Moyong Woo smiled.

She was a good person. Though unique, she knew how to be sincere and didn’t lie. Her character was well-established.

For Yeon Hojeong, she was a rare type of purity he hadn’t seen in a long time, aside from Mok Bi or Yeon Jipyung. For Moyong Woo, she was a unique type he’d never encountered before.

“Moyong Gunjang.”

“Hmm?”

“How much time is left until the inauguration?”

“Huh? Oh!”

Moyong Woo stood up abruptly.

“It’s almost noon. We should go.”

“I see.”

Yeon Hojeong nodded and gestured toward Tang Sang-ah with his chin.

“Take her with you.”

“…What?”

“Take her with you.”

“Me?”

“Should I take her? Didn’t you tell me not to come?”

“That’s true, but there’s no need for Miss Tang to attend the inauguration…”

“She must attend. She’s part of the Tangma Army from today.”

Moyong Woo’s eyes widened. Tang Sang-ah, unable to grasp the situation, looked confused.

“What do you mean?”

“Tang Sang-ah said she would accept the consequences. Her skills would be a great asset to the Tangma Army, don’t you think?”

“Ugh!”

Yeon Hojeong smirked.

“If you do wrong, you must face the consequences. Don’t you agree, Miss Tang?”

“…”

“You said you were bored? Then work.”

Tang Sang-ah’s eyes went blank.

For the first time in her life, she cursed her curiosity.