Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 119: A Moment of Resolve (1)

Thud! Thud! Thud!

The rhythmic hammering sounded almost cheerful.

From the fifth floor of the towering structure, Moyong Jun gazed down with a deep smile gracing his face.

“Such vibrant energy.”

Countless workers were bustling about, repairing the buildings of the Martial Alliance.

The main fortress of the Martial Alliance stood in the grandeur of Mount Dabie in Henan Province.

With walls stretching for miles and dotted with both large and small structures, the Martial Alliance was akin to a nation unto itself.

However, in these peaceful times, the fortress was but a shell, devoid of inhabitants.

Yet, the Nine Sects Alliance and the Six Great Families, along with their affiliated clans, dutifully contributed maintenance funds each month.

Perhaps that’s why? The buildings were well-maintained, requiring little repair.

“The sight of those laborers, drenched in sweat, is full of life. Without sweat, one cannot demand a reward.”

“…”

“But we are different. Those who live with enemies in the martial world, when they sweat for unworthy beings, they risk losing everything.”

“…”

“What about you?”

“…”

“I’ve heard you’ve suffered much under a leader lacking in ability. Never properly rewarded, nor was the blood on your blade ever wiped clean.”

Moyong Jun’s smile widened.

“How about it? Why not join our household?”

Finally, the man with the somber demeanor spoke.

“Are you saying you’re better than my previous contractor?”

“Well, that’s for you to decide. I’m merely making an offer.”

The man’s eyes darkened, hinting at a significant shift within. Moyong Jun didn’t miss the opportunity.

“If your judgment is as sound as they say, you’d know I’m fit to be your lord.”

“Your confidence is impressive.”

“I prefer modesty and virtue to be exercised only as much as necessary.”

Moyong Jun lifted his teacup.

Ziiing!

A thread-like blue light flickered and then, as if by magic, the cold tea began to steam once more.

A rare look of surprise crossed the man’s face.

“Thunder energy?”

“You recognize it.”

Thunder energy was known to be a power granted only by the heavens. No martial artist, no matter how skilled, could generate it on their own.

That was common knowledge. Yet, Moyong Jun was defying that very notion.

“It’s not real lightning. But if I can cultivate this power to be indistinguishable from true lightning, then no one in this world could stop me.”

Moyong Jun added with a sheepish grin.

“That is, among humans. Whether I can reach such a state is another matter.”

“…”

“However, as a warrior, I believe I possess the capacity to be your lord. What do you think?”

The man remained silent.

He was once part of the prestigious Guju Family, renowned as the foremost family under heaven.

The family had been determined to expand its influence, unhesitatingly recruiting even the shadow warriors from the underworld.

Cheongrang was one such group of shadow warriors. Despicable as they were, they were also a testament to the family’s insatiable hunger for talent.

And this man, Mong Yi, was among the most formidable of these shadow warriors.

After a moment’s pause, he inquired.

“I’m curious about something.”

“Ask away.”

“The experts of the Guju Family currently imprisoned in the Martial Alliance, regardless of gender, number in the thousands.”

“Exactly 2,672 as of yesterday. It was 2,695, but some couldn’t survive their internal injuries and died.”

Mong Yi’s eyes gleamed.

“I’m sure not only I but most leaders of the Nine Sects and the Six Great Families are unaware of the potential forces they could recruit.”

“Heh.”

“What I’m curious about is this. Among so many, why choose me?”

Moyong Jun inwardly scoffed.

‘An overconfident fellow.’

He had arranged six such meetings today alone, and all had pledged their loyalty to him. Mong Yi was no different.

Yet, Mong Yi did hold value as both a ‘gift’ and a ‘warning.’

Moyong Jun spoke softly with a smile.

“I simply value your abilities. It would be a waste for someone of your caliber to rot in Thunder Prison.”

“I take pride in my skills, but surely there are others more essential to you, the head of a family.”

Moyong Jun shook his head.

“I have no intention of divulging my family’s affairs.”

“…”

“But I will say this. My late brother was considered one of the greatest talents in the history of the Mo Yong Family.”

Moyong Jun’s smile carried a chilling edge.

“And I am the one who rose above that greatest talent.”

“…!”

“I’m not like the head of the Guju Family, obsessed with expanding power. I won’t spout platitudes about acting for the greater good. But I will protect those within my domain.”

“Anyone can make such claims.”

“True, but few can uphold them.”

“And you’re one of them?”

“I am. I don’t waste words with those who won’t be mine. Unless I fear they’ll be taken by others, in which case I might burn them first.”

It was a menacing statement.

Even Mong Yi, who feared nothing in the world, felt a chill run down his spine.

Moyong Jun’s voice was filled with sincerity. He was the embodiment of greed.

“Oh, there is one thing.”

“…?”

“I have a younger sibling, almost twenty years my junior. I spared that child.”

It was his nature to cut down even his kin if they obstructed his path. As the conversation progressed, Mong Yi felt increasingly overwhelmed by Moyong Jun’s ruthless determination.

“That child possesses talent equal to my esteemed brother.”

“…But why spare them?”

“Who knows?”

Moyong Jun scratched his head.

“I’m not entirely sure myself. But I’m confident that child’s temperament would never betray me.”

“…”

“He’s a child rich in affection, especially towards his kin.”

Moyong Jun turned his gaze towards the window.

His expression unchanged, yet his eyes carried a distant melancholy, perhaps proving he too was human.

“A double-edged sword, indeed. Perhaps I’m hoping for it. That the child will come to me of his own accord.”

Mong Yi shook his head.

“It’s best to let go of vain hopes.”

“True. Vain hopes indeed. But not you.”

Moyong Jun’s eyes shifted.

“I’ve seen the unresolved desires in your eyes.”

“…”

“Come to me. I will ensure that the blood on your blade never dries. And should it clot, I’ll be there to clean it.”

It was then.

Coo-coo!

A sizable pigeon flew towards the window, right where Moyong Jun stood.

Flap-flap!

A messenger pigeon with a hint of blue in its feathers perched on the windowsill.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

Tied to the pigeon’s leg was a rather thick scroll.

Moyong Jun unfurled the letter.

Tiny, delicate characters were densely packed on the small paper.

‘…?!’

Moyong Jun’s eyes sparkled.

“…Oh?”

He examined the letter several times.

Each reading confirmed the same content. There was no mistake.

“Ha-ha-ha!”

Moyong Jun burst into hearty laughter.

“It seems today is my day. An unexpected message from someone I’ve longed to hear from.”

“…?”

“The letter is from the youngest I just mentioned.”

Moyong Jun handed the letter to Mong Yi.

“Would you like to read it?”

Mong Yi flinched.

It was clearly a letter detailing family matters. And yet, it was offered so openly for him to read.

‘This man.’

Mong Yi looked into Moyong Jun’s eyes.

They were filled with laughter, yet ablaze with the flames of desire.

As Mong Yi stared into those eyes, he took the letter.

Simultaneously, Moyong Jun’s smile deepened.

“…Doubling the Zhejiang business?”

“The child is the chief of Zhejiang. Whether it’s martial prowess or business acumen, he lacks nothing.”

“…”

“Always following orders, that child. Now, he steps forward to expand the business. I’m not sure what he’s thinking, but something must have changed his heart.”

Moyong Jun shrugged.

“It seems today is an auspicious day for me.”

“Indeed.”

Mong Yi placed the letter on the table.

The moment he received the letter, he had decided to entrust himself to Moyong Jun, who knew it too.

Mong Yi stood and walked to the side, then knelt.

“I greet my new lord. As long as you do not betray me first, I shall never betray you.”

Moyong Jun laughed heartily.

“I look forward to working with you. You will be of great use to me.”

“I will do my utmost to meet your expectations.”

“Ha-ha-ha!”

Still laughing, Moyong Jun’s eyes shone brightly.

“Now that we’re on the subject, how about taking on a task?”

Mong Yi bowed his head.

“A lord does not ask favors of his subordinates. He simply commands.”

Moyong Jun showed a strict aspect of hierarchy. He thought choosing Mong Yi was the right decision.

‘At least this one isn’t loose-lipped.’

Moyong Jun spoke.

“Today, of all days, I’ve gained you, and my brother has reached out. He’s determined to grow his business, and as his brother, how could I not support him?”

“…?”

“To expand the business, we must draw in merchants from Jiangsu, neighboring Zhejiang. However, there’s a significant obstacle in Jiangsu.”

“Beiksan Yeon Family.”

The smile vanished from Moyong Jun’s face.

“Yes. And the eldest son of that family helped me bring down the prestigious house.”

A fierce light appeared in Mong Yi’s eyes.

Moyong Jun’s face grew cold.

“He’s no ordinary man. I don’t know the Yeon Family’s circumstances, but perhaps their future moves will be determined not by the head but by him.”

“…”

“Once you’ve recovered, capture Yeon Hojeong.”

“…The eldest son of the Yeon Family, not the head?”

“Yes. Beiksan Hojeong Yeon. Capture the young tiger of the east.”

Moyong Jun nodded.

“Don’t take it as a warm-up. Yeon Hojeong is strong. Stronger than anyone I’ve seen. It won’t be easy.”

“…”

“If the family’s eldest son dies or disappears, the head will lose his mind. That’s our chance to make my brother’s task much easier.”

Mong Yi bowed his head.

“I will obey your command.”

“I trust the skills that killed the former leader of the Point Blue Sect.”

The Point Blue Sect was one of the Nine Sects Alliance.

The strongest in the martial world, even above the Six Great Families. A master who could kill a sect leader was hard to find.

Moyong Jun trusted Mong Yi’s skills.

He trusted Mong Yi’s Sword of Slaughter, said to be the worst talent in the history of the Point Blue Sect.

“I will depart immediately.”

“Are you not still injured?”

“I can recover on the way.”

“Ha-ha, very well. If you say so.”

“Just locate Yeon Hojeong for me.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve been keeping an eye on him.”

“Then.”

Mong Yi bowed once more and disappeared.

Moyong Jun looked out the window. The sunlight was clear.

“Rest well until the end of the year with the gift I’ll send, Hojeong.”