Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 112: Only by Looking Up Can One See the Sky (6)

Boom!

It was a step laden with extraordinary might. With a stride nearly akin to a leap, his form shot forward seven paces in an instant.

Though the step was forceful, his movements appeared incredibly fluid. Despite carrying the hefty Broad Dragon Axe on his shoulder, weighing over eighty pounds, he moved with the agility of a cat.

‘Indeed!’

His speed had increased significantly since before, and the consumption of his inner energy had reduced to a third.

Learning the art of movement professionally had noticeably improved his efficiency. He was already looking forward to how far he could travel in a single breath once he mastered the Heavenly Sprint Technique.

As Yeon Hojeong dashed forward with a light step, he suddenly noticed a boulder in the middle of the mountain path.

Crack!

He moved smoothly, and in the blink of an eye, he was on the mountain trail. His movements were nothing short of miraculous.

Yeon Hojeong swung the Broad Dragon Axe.

Bang!

With a loud crash, the boulder rolled aside.

He had struck with the broad side of the axe, channeling the White Tiger Energy to its tenth level of power. Normally, such a blow would have split the rock, not merely rolled it.

Yet the boulder did not shatter but rolled away, a testament to his exceptional control over his inner energy.

‘I need to refine it a bit more.’

He noticed a hairline crack on the surface of the rolling boulder. He had thought to have pushed it perfectly, but the impact had left a residual mark.

‘It’s because of the Broad Dragon.’

When a weapon like the Broad Dragon Axe channels a warrior’s inner energy, it naturally exudes a force beyond the wielder’s skill.

The power was bound to increase compared to when he wielded a regular axe. The strength Yeon Hojeong possessed now was also far greater than before.

‘I must learn to control even the power of the weapon freely. I still have a long way to go.’

Power that cannot be fully controlled is not true strength.

Thus, Yeon Hojeong took up the eighty-pound axe and swung the Iron Slicer, a technique difficult to master even for the skilled.

If he could freely handle these two weapons, he would be considered to have reached the pinnacle of external martial arts.

‘The Iron Slicer.’

Thinking of the Iron Slicer, he recalled a conversation with Pyeon Ilgang.

‘I couldn’t find a suitable Iron Slicer for you. Even one made of solid iron would shatter quickly if you attached the Broad Dragon to it. Given the level of your inner energy.’

‘Is that so?’

‘I thought about making one myself, but I had to give up. It would certainly take longer than crafting the Broad Dragon.’

‘That’s alright. The Broad Dragon is sufficient for me.’

‘No, that won’t do. I didn’t make an axe for you to wield. I crafted a weapon for Yeon Hojeong, the martial artist. So, I must take responsibility for the Iron Slicer as well.’

‘Hmm.’

‘Fortunately, one of my acquaintances managed to acquire Gentle Ghost Iron.’

‘Really?’

‘Have you never heard of it? Gentle Ghost Iron is the most mystical iron scattered across the world. It contains such dense Metal Qi that it changes shape when inner energy is channeled through it. It can stretch or shrink.’

‘…Such iron exists?’

‘I didn’t believe it either, until I saw it with my own eyes.’

‘There are many wonders in this world.’

‘Anyway, that person owes me a favor, so I managed to get some Gentle Ghost Iron. I’ll combine it with other metals to make your Iron Slicer.’

Yeon Hojeong smiled.

‘He’s a grateful man.’

A person who had dedicated his life to crafting weapons.

He had received a great favor. It was his greatest joy to craft fine weapons for worthy warriors, and he refused to take any payment for it. That made Yeon Hojeong feel even more grateful and indebted.

‘I should buy a thank-you gift on my way back.’

With a deep promise in his heart, he increased his speed.

Whoosh!

Cutting through the air at such speed was exhilarating.

As he continued his journey, practicing his movement technique, the city of Hangzhou came into view, along with the grand and splendid Lake Pavilion.

Thud!

In just two steps, Yeon Hojeong vaulted over the high wall.

He had crossed the tall barrier with such ease. Before learning the movement technique, it would have taken him at least five or six tries.

“Phew. Running around all day has tired me out.”

Today, he would surely indulge in delicious food and rest well.

Entering the inn, Yeon Hojeong was about to knock on Mokbi’s door when he hesitated.

‘Huh?’

Focusing his senses, he detected no sign of life in the room.

Yeon Hojeong tilted his head in confusion.

“What’s this? Has the lad already gone to eat?”

The sun had already set. Having not eaten properly for days, perhaps he had gone to feast.

Gurgle.

Yeon Hojeong patted his stomach.

“Seems a bit mean. I should’ve waited a bit and eaten together.”

It was a ridiculous thought. How could he know when Yeon Hojeong would return to eat together?

Grumbling, Yeon Hojeong climbed to the top floor.

‘There she is.’

He hadn’t reached the top yet, but he could already see Mokbi.

Though he treated her roughly like one of the men, objectively speaking, Mokbi was a beautiful woman. Her beauty would stand out anywhere.

Yeon Hojeong was about to greet her with a smile when he stopped short.

“Why can’t you apologize properly!”

“Truly, there’s no end to your rudeness. What kind of shabby family must you come from.”

“Hey. Do you think standing there dumbfounded will solve anything?”

Around ten men and women had gathered in front of Mokbi.

Some frowned, some openly showed anger, and others wore expressions full of contempt.

Surprisingly, they were all glaring at Mokbi. And she stood there, looking somewhat embarrassed and hesitant.

The young man at the forefront of the group, Ha Seok, sneered.

“Why no answer? If you’ve done wrong, shouldn’t you at least apologize?”

Mokbi stammered.

“I did apologize.”

“Apologize? Is that what you call an apology? Just saying ‘I’m sorry’ and that’s it?”

Ha Seok lifted his chin arrogantly.

“If you’ve committed a grave offense, you should kneel and bow your head to the ground. That’s what an apology is.”

Confusion spread across Mokbi’s face.

She had grown up in the secluded group Gwanilgok. She had learned basic manners, but having lived so cut off from society, and spending most of her childhood without friends, just shooting arrows, she was at a loss when conflict arose. It was a problem separate from the strength or weakness of martial arts.

“You want me to bow?”

“What? Does it hurt your pride? If you’ve hurt someone, you should take responsibility commensurate with the injury. Don’t you know that?”

Mokbi’s neck flushed red.

“Injury? Besides, it was you who were rude first.”

“Rude… This woman has completely lost her mind.”

It was quite a vulgar remark.

Even Mokbi, known for her stoic calm, couldn’t help but feel the heat of anger. Her face flushed with indignation as she spoke.

“I apologized for something that wasn’t my fault. Shouldn’t you be the one apologizing to me instead?”

Typically, she would avoid confrontation, but the injustice was too much to bear.

Ha Seok sneered with disdain.

“I have no desire to argue with someone of your low stature. Kneel and apologize to Miss Dong right now. If not, offer something of equal value in compensation.”

“What did you say?”

“We are descendants of Zhejiang’s most prestigious families. You, a mere martial artist, are not of the status to act so brazenly. We’ve been tolerant only because of your companion’s reputation.”

Mokbi’s expression hardened.

By ‘companion,’ they meant Yeon Hojeong. It was clear they knew of him too.

“But since you’re the one at fault, you should take responsibility.”

“That’s only fair. However…”

“If you dislike apologizing, then at least lick Miss Dong’s feet. That’s what manners dictate.”

The crowd erupted into laughter at Ha Seok’s words.

Mokbi was dumbfounded.

Even with her limited worldly experience, she knew this situation was far from normal.

The atmosphere was peculiar.

‘They’re avoiding it.’

On the top floor, about twenty people were dining.

Shockingly, none of them intervened. While some seemed indifferent, most appeared to be deliberately ignoring the situation.

‘Is this what the martial world is like?’

She was angry, and more than that, disappointed.

And cautious.

‘Master Yeon.’

They knew of Yeon Hojeong. If there was any connection between them and Yeon, she couldn’t afford to act rashly.

Even if not, she couldn’t cause trouble. Though she never expressed it, she regarded Yeon Hojeong as her benefactor.

Under no circumstances could she bring trouble to her benefactor. That was the principle she knew.

“So…”

Just as Ha Seok was about to speak.

“Master Ha.”

The group turned to look.

At a window seat some distance away, Moyong Yeonhwa sipped her tea.

“The lady’s mistake may be significant, but Master Ha, you were too harsh.”

“Was I? Ha ha!”

Ha Seok scratched his head awkwardly.

He had been so imposing before Mokbi, but he was quite cautious around Moyong Yeonhwa. The difference in their power was evident.

“Even if her mistake is great, it would be regrettable for such an incident to tarnish your reputations. It’s best to let this matter rest here.”

Moyong Yeonhwa turned to the girl behind Ha Seok, Dong Sobang.

“How about it, Sobang? Are you alright?”

Dong Sobang pouted.

“It still hurts a bit… but it’s fine. Let’s say I was bitten by a dog.”

“Sobang, you’re too mischievous. Still, I’m grateful you see it that way.”

Moyong Yeonhwa looked at Mokbi.

“These gentlemen must have been quite startled. As you can see, they are not accustomed to worldly disputes, being from prestigious Zhejiang families.”

“…”

“You must have been quite shocked as well, so allow me to apologize on their behalf.”

Mokbi silently watched Moyong Yeonhwa.

Ha Seok clicked his tongue.

“Such an ill-mannered woman.”

“Master Ha.”

“But isn’t it too much? You should at least thank Miss Mo for her intervention.”

Moyong Yeonhwa smiled as she spoke.

“It seems she’s not accustomed to worldly disputes either. Please understand.”

“Ahem!”

Then, Mokbi spoke up.

“Is it always like this?”

Moyong Yeonhwa looked puzzled.

“Are you addressing me?”

“Yes.”

“What did you say?”

“I asked if it’s always like this.”

“What is?”

“Is the martial world always this petty?”

A flicker of murderous intent flashed in Ha Seok’s eyes.

“You wench!”

“Master Ha.”

Moyong Yeonhwa’s voice made Ha Seok close his mouth, though he was visibly fuming.

The others who had risen with him also glared at Mokbi as if their eyes held blades.

Moyong Yeonhwa spoke with a more serious tone.

“That’s a dangerous statement. As I mentioned, these are the scions of Zhejiang’s elite. But to answer your question…”

“…”

“Well? I don’t think this is pettiness. If you had truly apologized, would they have reacted this way?”

“I did apologize sincerely.”

“An apology isn’t just about words and expressions. Sometimes, it’s about the posture one must take according to their status.”

Moyong Yeonhwa concluded the conversation with a laugh.

“I didn’t escalate the situation because it seemed you were unfamiliar with the ways of the world. But remember, if they had decided to make a big deal out of this, it could have become endless.”

“…”

“I hope that’s a sufficient answer. Now, please continue your meal.”

That’s when it happened.

“Is that really necessary?”

Moyong Yeonhwa’s expression stiffened.

Mokbi turned towards the source of the voice. There stood Yeon Hojeong.

Yeon Hojeong spoke calmly.

“If a problem arises, it should be resolved to the end. Why stop halfway? Let’s see how much bigger this can get.”