Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 105: A Shift in Perspective (5)

After concluding a profound dialogue with his father, Yeon Hojeong secluded himself for three days.

Emerging from his solitude, he headed straight to the grand training grounds, not for solitary practice but to engage in shared drills with the household warriors.

Yeon Hojeong’s training was grueling. Pushing physical limits was routine, and he didn’t shy away from risking lives with actual spears and swords.

His methods were perilously unconventional, bordering on barbaric, a stark departure from the clan’s traditional ways.

Yet, he maintained a clear distinction between work and life.

Post-exhaustive training, meals were always communal in the training hall. He exchanged jovial banter with the warriors, easing their vigilance.

Without words, they realized: The heir apparent didn’t see them merely as tools.

Through shared experiences, it became evident that Yeon Hojeong, the clan’s heir, regarded them as extensions of himself, wishing for their collective strength.

Thus, a fortnight passed.

As time flowed, more warriors joined the training.

Yeon Hojeong welcomed them with a smile, driving them through ruthless drills as if their lives were expendable.

Surprisingly, none deserted the training.

Yeon Hojeong was harsh yet attentive, tending to the severely wounded, insisting on rest when needed.

This was a side of Yeon Hojeong never seen before. The once unyielding heir now displayed the dignity befitting the clan’s heir, truly one with his subordinates.

Another fortnight went by.

A month into this dedicated regimen, seventy percent of the household warriors were participating.

Excluding those on missions or duty, nearly all had joined.

Yeon Wi, the overseer, remained unbothered by the change. He silently observed the unity forming between Yeon Hojeong and the warriors, a testament to his trust in his son.

Time marched on.

As the fierce summer sun waned and the crisp winds of early autumn arose,

The once serene spirit of the clan’s warriors sharpened like renowned swords. Their demeanor transformed, not in character but in readiness, now equipped with a resilience to react instantaneously to any eventuality.

It was as if they had all become Yeon Hojeong.

This was precisely his aspiration.

Crack!

“Ugh!”

A merciless punch sent Yang Heum spitting blood, collapsing.

Yeon Hojeong grinned.

“Lost, have you?”

To jest so freely after nearly taking a life.

Remarkably, Yang Heum coughed up blood, grumbling.

“Damn, not even seven moves.”

Below the training hall, Shin Mo spoke with his distinctive deep voice.

“Yang Heum. Such language in front of the heir!”

“Cough!”

“No excuse for injury.”

“Cough! Cough! Hack!”

Shin Mo’s face contorted.

Lately, they’ve been disregarding the master’s words. Perhaps it’s time for a firm hand.

Yeon Hojeong waved dismissively.

“I’m fine. No need for that.”

“But, my lord…”

“Fear the master alone. That’s better for me.”

Shin Mo cleared his throat.

“I’ll correct the behavior.”

“That’s the master’s prerogative. But, it’s about time.”

Yang Heum paled.

“It was just a mutter. Never meant for the heir…”

“Enough, off to the infirmary. This internal injury needs proper care.”

“Yes, sir.”

Yang Heum scratched his head, descending from the training hall.

Despite appearances, his internal injuries were severe. Without significant endurance, walking would be challenging.

Yet, his stride was steady, a testament to the strength and resilience forged through recent training.

To Yeon Hojeong, the household warriors were finally embodying true martial artists.

‘The rest is up to the organization’s leaders.’

Frequent exposure to blood naturally hardens one’s hands and sharpens one’s temperament.

It was the leaders’ role, like Shin Mo’s, to refine this edge. They had discussed this thoroughly beforehand, and the leaders concurrently educated on the path of chivalry.

“My lord, this time, may I…”

“No. I’m busy.”

Yeon Hojeong descended from the training hall.

Shin Mo inquired.

“Is training over for today?”

“Would that be the case? I’m done. You finish up.”

“Busy, are you?”

The old Shin Mo wouldn’t have asked. Yet, he too was adapting to this new flexible atmosphere.

Yeon Hojeong chuckled, patting Shin Mo’s shoulder.

“Keep things rolling in my absence.”

“Sir?”

“Then.”

With that, Yeon Hojeong headed back to his quarters.

As he reached his quarters…

Swoosh! Thwack!

Without a glance, Yeon Hojeong extended his left arm, snatching an arrow from the air.

He spoke with a nonchalant tone, “Too slow.”

“It can’t be helped,” came a voice from the shadows beneath the wall.

Mokbi emerged, a figure of stealth and mystery, “It was thrown barehanded, after all.”

“If you aim, aim for the chest or abdomen. What’s the shoulder for?”

“I feared a real death might ensue.”

“Laughable. Ever seen a tiger harmed by falling leaves?”

“Your analogy is extreme.”

“Silence.”

Mokbi inquired, “You finished early today. Where to now?”

“Prepare yourself as well.”

“For what?”

“Master Pyeon has summoned us. He’s even procured a bow for you to wield.”

Mokbi’s eyes sparkled with anticipation, “Really? Just wait a moment!”

She dashed into the residence, her youthful spirit belying her lethal prowess.

‘To think, such an innocent face has laid many to waste.’

Mokbi had joined the warriors in their training countless times, besting those who underestimated her in sparring matches, leaving a trail of defeat in her wake.

Swift and strong, even without her bow, her fundamental throwing techniques overwhelmed the household warriors.

‘Her agility is almost like cheating.’

True to the owner of extreme agility, her legs were as deadly as any weapon. A single kick shattered bones like twigs.

Steel doesn’t need to be sharpened to be threatening. Mokbi’s physique and inner strength were just that.

‘Agility… perfect. I’ll hone it on the way.’

After bathing and changing into fresh clothes, Yeon Hojeong headed straight to the head of the household’s chamber.

“Have you arrived?”

“Yes, and…”

Yeon Hojeong glanced at the pile of documents with a weary eye.

“You’re still busy, I see.”

“It has come to that.”

“Isn’t this manager supposed to oversee everything?”

“That’s right.”

“Find someone quickly. You’ll collapse from overwork at this rate.”

“I’m fine.”

“Even a master can’t stand against the onslaught of work.”

“I’ll hand it over to the manager when it gets too much. They’ll find someone if it’s too hard.”

Poor soul, already I can hear Lee Baekhyun’s groans. Though he’s mastered the clan’s inner strength, I wonder if he’s honed it enough to withstand this murderous workload.

“Are you off to see Master Pyeon?”

“That’s correct.”

Yeon Wi looked Yeon Hojeong up and down.

“Master Pyeon is a formidable man, but have you not exerted yourself too much?”

Yeon Hojeong coughed awkwardly.

Watching Yeon Hojeong, Yeon Wi shook his head.

“Such impatience won’t serve you well.”

“It was a necessary journey.”

“Tsk, I wondered why you stopped by in broad daylight.”

Yeon Hojeong planned to visit Pyeon Ilgang’s forge before heading straight to Jeolgang.

The pretext was a preliminary survey to expand the clan’s business to Jeolgang, but his true purpose was Mo Yongwoo. He had been tracking Mo Yongwoo’s location every five days through the network.

Fortunately, he was still at the Jeolgang branch.

The days were growing colder. Winter would impact maritime trade. Likely, they’d be as busy as the clan.

Yeon Wi pulled a purse from a drawer under the table.

“I had prepared this just in case, not knowing I’d give it so soon.”

“What is this?”

“Money. Don’t sleep rough under the guise of training. It’s getting cold.”

“Understood.”

Yeon Hojeong bowed swiftly.

“Then, I shall take my leave.”

“Return safely.”

“Yes. Oh? But where is Jiphyeong? I haven’t seen him lately.”

Yeon Wi clicked his tongue.

“You’ve just noticed Jiphyeong’s absence?”

“…?”

“I sent him to an acquaintance. It’s been twenty days already.”

“That long?”

“Even Bi Eungjo went with him.”

“Ah? Now that you mention it, those two said they’d be back shortly…”

“…”

“…”

“Do you realize how inattentive you are?”

“I’ve never been good at multitasking.”

“Enough. He wanted to share a meal before you left, but seeing you train with the warriors, he left. Spend time with Jiphyeong when you return.”

Yeon Hojeong grimaced. He had been too preoccupied to notice.

‘I must reflect.’

No matter how busy, some things should not be overlooked. He felt a pang of guilt towards his brother.

“Regardless, I will return soon.”

“Very well.”

* * *

“Elder.”

“Have you arrived?”

The figure before him had changed markedly since their meeting two months prior.

His beard had grown unkempt, his frame seemed diminished. It was clear he had been immersed in his work these past months.

Master Pyeon Ilgang chuckled warmly.

“Remarkable, indeed.”

“Pardon?”

“You and this young lady. Merely two months have passed, yet you both have changed. The once rough edges of your aura have settled.”

Could he truly see that?

Master Pyeon, with just a glance, could discern the weapons wielded by warriors. His words were never empty.

‘Has my energy really shifted?’

Energy moves with intent, and intent is swayed by the heart.

As the heart changes, so too must the energy. Training with the household warriors, his once sharp spirit had now calmed.

Yeon Hojeong sighed.

“It seems you’ve had more troubles than us, elder.”

“Tut! Troubles? Speak not of it. I am a swordsmith by trade, living by fire and steel. Crafting fine weapons is my destiny.”

Master Pyeon’s laughter boomed.

“Fortunately, it seems my efforts were not in vain. I do hope it meets your expectations.”

Yeon Hojeong smiled.

“With such confidence, I shall judge as impartially as I can.”

“Of course. It’s the one to accompany you through the rough world, after all.”

Such confidence was rare in his character. It must mean he had poured his soul into his work.

“Come in, then.”

With a heart pounding with anticipation, Yeon Hojeong entered the forge.

Upon entry, his eyes immediately caught sight of a massive axe propped in the corner.

Yeon Hojeong’s mouth fell open.

“How is it? Does it look formidable?”