Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 104: A Shift in Perspective (4)

Boom!

With a final palm strike, Yeon Hojeong exhausted all his inner strength and slumped to the ground.

Sigh.

It had been ages since he’d dedicated days to nothing but fist and palm training, practicing all day long.

Barehanded martial arts are essential for any fighter, not just for boxers. They’re beneficial for physical conditioning and even more so for enhancing reflexes and senses.

But Yeon Hojeong’s martial prowess was beyond ordinary levels.

His skill was such that even without an axe, his power hardly diminished. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he had established his own martial house with his bare hands alone.

Leaning against a small rock, Yeon Hojeong naturally released his inner energy.

Whooosh.

With each breath, the White Tiger Energy spontaneously surged. Drawing in more air, more natural energy, it spread throughout his body.

As his blood flow quickened, the Vermilion Bird Energy within his heart stirred to life. The rapid circulation gathered impurities, which were then expelled by the rising Black Tortoise Energy from his kidneys.

Whoooom.

The Three Divine Energies swiftly rejuvenated his body, and the Azure Dragon Energy naturally rose, bolstering his strength.

“That’s enough training for today.”

Since returning to his clan, not a moment had been wasted. Reflecting on past martial arts was as much about revisiting the past as it was about continuously charting the path forward.

Fortunately, while he may not possess innate talent like Yeon Jipyeong, he had honed his own way through countless battles.

It was this that had allowed him to grow so strong in such a short time.

“Now, it’s time to choose…”

After his return, Yeon Hojeong’s goals were twofold:

First, to prevent the annihilation of his clan.

Second, to prepare for the invasion of the Radiant Three Sects into the Central Plains.

The immediate threat to his clan had been averted. The Moyong clan remained, but Moyong Jun was unlikely to attack Yeon’s clan rashly. Time was on their side.

But what about the Radiant Three Sects?

Time was available there too. However, unlike the clear enemy of his clan, preparing for the sects’ invasion was a vast and vague task.

Yeon Hojeong lacked detailed information about them. He only knew they were based somewhere abroad and that their power was unprecedentedly formidable.

With limited information, complete preparation was difficult. All he could do was prepare as much as possible.

‘The only concern is…’

The reason to thwart their invasion was simple: to protect his people.

But they weren’t the only ones in danger.

‘Moyong Jun.’

Unlike the current Martial Alliance Leader Moyong Jun, the Moyong Jun of now was the epitome of greed.

The difference between one who has everything and one who desires everything. Moyong Jun would commit any atrocity to reach the pinnacle of the Central Plains.

And soon, he would undoubtedly strike at Yeon’s clan.

More precisely, at him.

“I can’t choose between controlling the Moyong clan and preparing for the Three Sects. I must do both.”

That’s why he thought of Moyong Woo.

If it weren’t for his vow of silence, he would have captured Ming Herim and headed straight to Zhejiang.

‘Moyong Jun surely instigated Namgung. He must have hoped for a clash between Namgung and me.’

He would have wanted even the slightest conflict to arise. Given their strained relationship and Yeon Hojeong’s nature, it was unlikely he would treat Namgung warmly.

But thanks to his silence, he was able to redirect Namgung’s attention. It was a case of killing two birds with one stone.

The same applied now.

“Killing two birds with one stone… I must establish Moyong Woo as a rival to keep Moyong Jun in check while creating political allies to seize control of the Martial Alliance.”

It was a task he couldn’t accomplish alone. Even if it meant straying from the path of righteousness, he would use everything around him for the sake of the outcome.

In some ways, he had to become even more ruthless than during his days as the Black Abyss Emperor.

Yeon Hojeong couldn’t help but smirk.

“Either way, it seems I’m not destined for a peaceful life.”

Rising from his spot, he cleaned himself with a cold bath before heading to the clan leader’s chamber.

“Young Master?”

“I’ve come to see my father.”

He knew his father wasn’t asleep, despite the late hour.

The gatekeeper bowed his head.

“Please wait.”

After a moment, the gatekeeper spoke.

“There’s been a message. Please, enter.”

“Thank you for your efforts.”

Yeon Hojeong changed direction, heading towards the back garden, where he sensed his father’s strong presence.

Upon entering the back garden training ground, he saw two figures moving swiftly.

Swoosh! Clash!

“Ugh!”

Yeon Jipyeong staggered back after a powerful strike, gasping for air.

Yeon Wi stood in the middle, sword raised.

“Again.”

Crash!

Despite his ragged breathing, Yeon Jipyeong’s approach was swift.

Yeon Hojeong, watching from the wall, saw the potential in Yeon Jipyeong’s eyes.

‘He’s surpassed his limits.’

Clang!

Yeon Jipyeong’s swordplay was fast.

It was not the skill of someone who could unravel such rapid and fierce sword techniques. Yet, he was doing just that.

Yeon Hojeong looked into Yeon Jipyeong’s eyes.

They were clouded.

Half-conscious, his physical and inner strength lay bare. He could collapse at any moment.

The unconscious display of Iron Sword Sect’s techniques.

Even a genius couldn’t unconsciously execute newly learned sword techniques. That’s why Yeon Jipyeong’s swordplay was uncharacteristically wild and ferocious.

After blocking dozens of strikes, Yeon Wi suddenly extended his left hand.

Thud!

Yeon Jipyeong flew back, unable to even groan, and collapsed.

Swoosh.

Simultaneously, Yeon Wi appeared behind him, placing a hand on his chest.

Whoooom!

A cold, sharp energy flowed into Yeon Jipyeong’s body.

“Sigh.”

Yeon Jipyeong’s breathing returned to normal in an instant.

But that wasn’t all. The energy stimulated all the acupoints in his body, expelling impurities and transferring a small amount of inner strength, triggering growth with a high concentration of Sword Qi.

A look of surprise crossed Yeon Hojeong’s face.

‘Energy Transfer Across Bodies?!’

Energy naturally seeks a higher state. The residual energy from Yeon Wi within Yeon Jipyeong’s body would heal damaged meridians while continuously elevating Yeon Jipyeong’s energy to a higher level.

‘As expected.’

An incredible inner strength master.

Transferring energy across bodies to this extent could damage the caster’s own inner strength. Yeon Wi was maintaining a delicate balance, elevating Yeon Jipyeong’s inner strength level.

“Sit in the lotus position.”

“Cough! What? Oh, yes!”

Regaining consciousness, Yeon Jipyeong immediately sat in the lotus position and began circulating his inner strength.

He focused instantly, entering a state of deep meditation. His concentration was such that not even a thunderclap beside him would startle him.

“Have you arrived?”

“Yes.”

Yeon Hojeong finally ascended to the training ground.

Yeon Wi asked.

“What do you think?”

“About?”

“This kind of training.”

Yeon Hojeong gave his honest opinion.

“It needs to be more rigorous.”

“Really?”

“Jipyeong will grow well on his own. But if the training is half-hearted, it could lead to confusion in his future practice.”

Yeon Wi shook his head.

“I’m surprised by your nature once again. I thought the training was rigorous enough.”

Ruthless indeed. Pushing beyond the limits of physical and inner strength, driving oneself to the brink of consciousness, and then coaxing out sword techniques from the subconscious is no easy feat.

“A warrior grows most explosively at the edge of life and death. Those who do not risk their lives are bound by clear limits. No matter how talented, one who has not faced the crossroads of life and death is but half a warrior.”

He speaks with a chilling calmness, a smile on his lips.

Yeon Wi gazes intently at Yeon Hojeong.

“Did you grow so because you fought risking your life?”

“Yes.”

To elaborate, that was the case during his time as the Black Abyss Emperor. Not a single day went by without bloodshed.

But after becoming stronger, he was not obsessed with life-and-death battles.

Yeon Wi shakes his head.

“Jipyeong is not ready yet.”

“That is also true.”

The most crucial aspect of life-and-death battles is bold decision-making and a piercing intent to kill.

Someday, even if forced, one must learn this mindset, but not just yet.

“So, what brings you here?”

After a pause, Yeon Hojeong asks.

“The Martial Alliance is about to be established, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“Our house, too, is a part of the Six Great Clans. As the leader of both the Nine Sects and the Six Great Clans, you should at least be appointed as an elder or a public servant of the Martial Alliance.”

“That would be the case if the Martial Alliance continues.”

Yeon Wi nods.

“The Martial Alliance to be established is provisional. It’s not yet decided whether to concentrate the power of the White Path.”

“The leaders will discuss, and then call upon various masters and representatives of smaller factions to make a decision.”

“Indeed.”

This is the moment.

Yeon Hojeong speaks directly.

“I would like you to cast a vote in favor.”

Yeon Wi’s eyes widen.

“In favor?”

“Yes.”

“In favor… You think the Martial Alliance is necessary?”

“I believe it is essential.”

“Why?”

“An adjudicating body is needed to control the Nine Sects, the Six Great Clans, and the numerous White Path factions.”

Yeon Wi’s expression changes.

“Is it because of the recent crisis with the noble houses?”

“Not solely, but that is not without reason.”

“Hmm.”

“And one more thing.”

“…?”

“I believe it’s time for you to spread your wings, which you have not done so far.”

“Spread my wings?”

“Yes.”

“You speak dangerously. Do you mean…?”

Yeon Hojeong utters a grave statement.

“The position of the Alliance Leader should be reserved for someone worthy. However, we need men of purpose who can rule the world alongside the Leader.”

“…!!”

“I believe there is no one among those men better than you.”

It was a startling declaration. Yeon Wi had not expected his son to think so far.

He scrutinizes Yeon Hojeong with sharp eyes.

Determination and tension are visible on Yeon Hojeong’s face, but his clear, deep eyes show no greed.

‘…Is there no ambition?’

His son’s intentions lie with the world. He hoped he would not walk the path of world domination—a path that sounds grand but is filled with blood and death.

Fortunately, his son did not exhibit the traits of an ambitious conqueror, at least not outwardly.

After watching his son for a while, Yeon Wi speaks.

“I wish you hadn’t concerned yourself with such matters yet.”

“…”

“I say this lest you misunderstand. I am not belittling your abilities. Your insight and response in dealing with the noble houses were indeed world-class, not to mention your martial skills.”

“It’s nothing, really.”

“Nonsense. That is another talent altogether, one that resides in a completely different realm than martial or strategic intelligence. It’s something beyond talent, an unknown entity.”

“…”

“You’ve read the flow of a world you’ve never experienced, faced it alone with strong self-confidence, and emerged victorious. That ability goes beyond talent; it’s nothing short of divine sight.”

Father doesn’t know. He doesn’t know that he has wrestled with the world for decades.

He fought not to win but to survive, not to become stronger but to kill as the Black Abyss Emperor.

That’s why he praises it as a talent, even using grand words like divine sight.

“You are a genius in a different sense than Jipyeong. But your talent comes with danger.”

“Danger…”

“Yes, danger. A talent that could corrupt even the most devoted ascetic or monk.”

Yeon Hojeong closes his eyes.

He deeply understands what his father is about to say.

“Are you afraid I’ll be swayed by desire?”

A warm look crosses Yeon Wi’s stern face.

“If you’ve thought that far, you’re truly remarkable. You’re my son, but you hardly seem like a hot-blooded youth.”

“Do you wish I hadn’t concerned myself with such matters, fearing I’ll be swayed by greed?”

“Of course not. You won’t go astray.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because I believe in you.”

“…”

“I just don’t want to see you worn out already. Call it parental stubbornness or excessive worry from an outdated generation.”

“…”

“Because I trust you, I don’t want to burden you with a load I can carry myself.”

Yeon Hojeong opens his eyes.

He understands his father’s heart. He also realizes, thanks to his father’s words, that he lacked composure.

After a long contemplation, Yeon Hojeong speaks.

“Just promise me one thing.”

“Speak.”

“Whenever it gets tough, don’t try to handle it alone. Call me.”

Yeon Wi smiles.

“Isn’t that why I’m sending you to Zhejiang?”

“…Well, there’s that.”

Yeon Hojeong scratches his head.

With the worries lifted from his chest, his shoulders feel lighter. He speaks with a cheerful face.

“No matter what anyone says, I will follow my path. Don’t regret not listening to your son later.”

“When have I ever ignored your words?”

“Really?”

Yeon Wi nods.

“I’ll deeply consider casting a vote in favor of establishing the Martial Alliance.”

Considering the destructive power of the Radiant Three Sects, it’s clear that preparations are insufficient even if started now.

But Yeon Hojeong thinks it’s okay.

A hastily knitted garment is bound to unravel quickly. At least in this matter, he believes his father’s choice is better than his own.

It’s urgent, but it’s okay. Just as his father trusts him, Yeon Hojeong trusts his father.

He believes in the wisdom of life his father has realized.

“I worried needlessly. Seeing this, I realize I still have a long way to go. I’ve learned a lot thanks to you, Father.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

“Then, shall I tell you what this father has learned thanks to you?”

“What is it?”

“As I’ve felt your change, I’ve realized that a parent’s role in this world’s stage is sufficient with just two things.”

“What are they?”

“To protect my family and to always wait.”

“…”

“You’ve grown enough that I don’t need to protect you. So now, there’s only one thing left for me to do.”

Yeon Wi turns and approaches Yeon Jipyeong, saying,

“I’ll always wait. I’ll embrace anything. Whenever it’s hard, come to your father.”