Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 12. The Four Gods Activation (2)

A month later.

“Wow! Brother! Look over there! Isn’t that carriage huge?”

“It is.”

“Wow, I’ve never seen such a big and fancy carriage! It’s true that Anhwi Province is more eye-catching than our small state!”

“Is it?”

“Wow! Brother! Did you see that?! That carriage is so small but so fast! How can there be such a carriage?”

“I wonder.”

“Let’s try riding that carriage someday! Okay?”

“Maybe.”

“Hehe, definitely! You promised, right, brother?”

“Sure.”

Yeon Ji-pyeong’s face was flushed.

It was his first time stepping on foreign land. Anhwi Province was adjacent to the small state where Yeon Family lived, but it had many different aspects from climate to culture.

Yeon Ho-jeong’s face was grim as he watched his excited younger brother.

“Do you like it?”

“Of course! Don’t you like it, brother? Isn’t it your first time coming to Anhwi Province too?”

I’ve been here a hundred times more.

“Actually, I want to see the whole world. I want to see a wider world. I’ve always been curious about how people in other regions live.”

It’s all the same.

The culture and appearance are different depending on the climate, but people are all the same. The good ones smile and endure even if they get hit in the back of the head, and the bad ones get angry even if they are treated well.

That’s how the world was, according to Yeon Ho-jeong.

“Um… and also.”

“Huh?”

“I’m happier to come out with you, brother, hehe.”

He looked cute as he scratched his head with a silly smile.

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled as he looked at Yeon Ji-pyeong. Then his face gradually darkened. He remembered his father.

‘He’s really a mystery.’

His father glared at him for a long time after hearing his answer in the forest, and then went back to the main hall.

He thought he was angry because his tone was rough, but the next day he called him to the main hall and said this.

‘I changed my mind. I feel uneasy to send Ji-pyeong alone. Of course, that goes for you too. But you are already eighteen, and I think you are old enough to do your part. If you promise not to cause any trouble, I’ll let you go with Ji-pyeong.’

He didn’t want to go to that place, but it was awkward to send Ji-pyeong alone. Besides, he was the core of the conflict between the two families. He didn’t want to burden his brother.

‘If you don’t want to cause trouble there, I don’t want to either.’

‘Even if they pick a fight, bear with it.’

‘I can’t promise that.’

‘Let me tell you again. Enduring humiliation is not patience, but cowardice. But you shouldn’t bark back at a dog that barks at you. You should act after you figure out whether the other party is a human or a beast. Do you understand?’

‘…’

‘Why don’t you answer?’

‘What can I say… I’m also a half-baked person, so I don’t have much patience…’

Yeon Ho-jeong was sent to train in the horse stance for three days. It would have been hard to endure if he had no patience.

And then he had to come to Anhwi much earlier than planned. He had to adapt to the climate in advance, and make connections with the other junior heirs who came earlier, and learn what harmony was, according to his father’s order.

‘He’s a strange person.’

He thought he was a rigid person who valued the law, but this time he seemed to deal with it emotionally.

But Yeon Ho-jeong understood his father. After all, his son wanted to go a different way than he wished, so he had every reason to be angry.

‘Well, it’s also a good opportunity.’

Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes blazed.

‘I’ll be able to check it out.’

Even if his relationship with his father was a bit strained, he wouldn’t have come to this meeting if he had nothing to gain. He could have done many other things in that time.

The reason he obediently participated in the meeting was one.

‘Can I figure out the enemy’s identity?’

This junior heir meeting was also a meeting where the successors who would lead the families in the future participated in large numbers.

If the enemy was among the seven great states, the successor would also know that they would attack the Yeon Family. Even if not, there might be some similarities between true energy and martial arts.

‘First, I’ll exclude Namgoong, Moyong, and Dang Family.’

He had seen them a lot when he fought the Sa-eum Sect with Baek Do and Yeon Soo. And he never felt anything similar to the enemy’s martial arts from the experts of the three families.

Then there were three families left.

‘Peng Family, Zhuge Family, and Ming Family. I have to watch these three.’

“Brother?”

“Hmm?”

Yeon Ji-pyeong asked with a worried face.

“Are you uncomfortable?”

“Uncomfortable? What do you mean?”

“No, just…?”

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled. He must have looked bad when he thought of the monster of the Mokmun Sect.

“I’m not uncomfortable at all. I’m also excited.”

In many ways.

“Hehe, then let’s find a place to stay first?”

“Sounds good.”

Then a heavy voice came.

“Are you not going to move any more today?”

Yeon Ji-pyeong unconsciously shrank his neck. His abdomen felt like it was rumbling with the low and heavy voice.

Yeon Ho-jeong answered.

“That’s the plan.”

“I see. Then, we’ll find a place for you to stay, so please wait a moment.”

The one who bowed politely was a middle-aged swordsman who looked like he had just turned forty.

It was Shin Mo, the leader of the Cangying Team, the pride of the Yeon Family. He was a top-notch swordsman who was known as one of the best in the East.

“I don’t need that. I already have a place to go.”

“Really?”

“I’m going to Chosung Roo.”

They were in Hwa County of Anhwi Province. The northeast of Hwa County was called Wu River, which was famous for the legend of the Four-sided Chorus of the Western Chu Overlord.

Chosung Roo was a tower that had a good view of the Wu River area. It was a tower that only Anhwi people knew well.

Shin Mo asked with surprise.

“Do you know Chosung Roo?”

“Yep.”

“People who are not from Anhwi don’t know this place well…?”

“I just heard about it. By the way, you seem to know this place, Leader Shin?”

“Yes, I have visited here a few times since it’s not far from the small state.”

“Then let’s find the way.”

“Alright.”

Shin Mo was different from Kang Yoon in many ways.

His martial arts were higher than Kang Yoon’s, and he looked more cautious. He was a true warrior of the Yeon Family, who was strict about the distinction between public and private affairs, and who did his best in his assigned mission.

There were many people who had stronger martial arts than him, but not many who were as reliable as him. That was why Yeon Wi sent him with his brothers.

So the Yeon brothers, Shin Mo, and twenty members of the Cangying Team moved to Chosung Roo.

“Wow!”

Chosung Roo was quite crowded. There were many people who came and went all year round to immerse themselves in the legend of the Western Chu Overlord, even though the weather was chilly.

“Let’s find a room and rest. We have plenty of time, so we’ll leave in three days.”

“Yes.”

The group unpacked their luggage in the backyard of Chosung Roo.

But the Cangying Team guarded the brothers thoroughly. Twenty-one people, including the leader, took turns in three shifts.

Yeon Ho-jeong clicked his tongue as he came out with a metal rod.

“Why don’t you guys rest?”

“We’re fine.”

How stiff.

“Then work hard.”

They were the ones who received the order from the lord. Yeon Ho-jeong didn’t bother to persuade them.

“Hmm, this looks good.”

Boong, boong.

Yeon Ho-jeong spun the metal rod around, holding the center.

Shin Mo’s eyes shone as he watched him.

‘He’s familiar.’

He showed his skillfulness in spinning the rod with one hand. He looked like someone who had practiced the rod technique for years.

‘Didn’t he use a sword originally?’

He didn’t stop training until he got here. But all his training was about the movement of the clouds and the slow fist forms, and he had never seen him practice the rod technique.

Thud!

The sound of the metal rod hitting the ground was quite fierce.

“Shall we go?”

Yeon Ho-jeong kicked the metal rod with his toes.

Toong!

The metal rod spun and made a threatening sound.

He held the center of the metal rod with both hands and swung it like a whirlwind. The cold and dry air avoided the metal rod.

“Hup.”

Thud!

With a strong shock, Yeon Ho-jeong began to show his rod technique in earnest.

Whiiing!

Shin Mo’s eyes grew bigger as he watched him quietly.

Boong! Boooong! Pabapak!

The rod technique became faster and more precise as time passed.

He handled the heavy weapon that weighed almost twenty catties with ease. He increased the speed by giving the centrifugal force at the right time, and cut off the unnecessary parts to strike. It was surprisingly smooth and beautiful.

Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes smiled.

‘It works.’

He practiced the basic fist technique of the Yeon Family, the Yeon Family Thirteen Fists, instead of the rod technique until he got here. He wanted to firmly implant the flexibility and the center of gravity of his body.

It was as expected. The Whirlwind Rod Technique finally showed its power. It was good enough to use in real combat if he got used to it a little more.

‘Good, it’s a good start.’

Paak!

The Wall Breaking True Energy stabilized his body. The tip of the rod that pierced the air was sharp, and the rod body that pressed down was heavy. The rod technique that sucked in the air while spinning was like a proud river.

Shin Mo, who was amazed by his skill, was suddenly surprised.

Pabak! Pang! Paaang!

The rod technique that flowed smoothly like a continuous river became stiff.

The metal rod kept cutting the air. The rod technique that looked like a beautiful dance became crude in an instant.

“It’s too stiff.”

Shin Mo looked to the side. It was Yang Heum of the Cangying Team. He had to stand guard at dawn, but he came out to watch Yeon Ho-jeong’s training.

“The form is gradually collapsing. He doesn’t look tired, but he doesn’t seem to be familiar with that rod technique.”

“Does it look like that?”

“Yes? Oh, yes. Of course, it’s a high-level rod technique, but like that…?”

“The young lord understands the rod technique properly.”

“Yes?!”

“It looks stiff, but there’s no unnecessary movement, is there?”

Yang Heum couldn’t understand.

“That… weird movement?”

“Don’t you see the true energy that fills the metal rod, not just the form of the rod technique?”

Shin Mo’s eyes deepened.

“The young lord is using the rod technique that destroys the enemy’s body most effectively. He even uses the characteristics of true energy. That’s why it looks stiff.”

“…”

“Maybe that rod technique was originally derived from a fast and passionate inner energy technique.”

He adjusts the flow of the rod technique according to the characteristics of the inner energy technique?

Yang Heum couldn’t believe it. It was a difficult thing for him, who was a first-class person.

Shin Mo’s eyes shook.

‘Did he have such a talent?’

He himself couldn’t believe what he said to Yang Heum. The young lord was naturally doing what he couldn’t dare to try with his current level.

‘Indeed, blood doesn’t go anywhere.’

A little later.

“Hoo, hoo.”

Yeon Ho-jeong stopped his training.

“Good, this should be fine.”

“Young lord.”

“Huh?”

Yeon Ho-jeong turned his head. There was Yang Heum.

“I’m Yang Heum of the Cangying Team.”

“So?”

“If you don’t mind, can I practice the form with you, excluding the inner energy?”

It was a brazen proposal.

Shin Mo hardened his expression.

“Yang Heum! How dare you be rude to the young lord. Go back to your quarters right now.”

“That’s good.”

Shin Mo was surprised and looked at Yeon Ho-jeong.

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled and spun the metal rod.

“I needed an opponent anyway, so I’m fine.”

“It’s an honor. Then, I’ll get ready right away.”

“Good.”

Yeon Ho-jeong grinned.

“Don’t go easy on me, just because I’m the young lord.”

* * *

The next day.

Zhuge Ayeon’s face was full of admiration as she looked around Chosung Roo.

“Wow! This is amazing! It’s worth coming here early!”

“Sis, sis.”

“Huh?”

“There are a lot of people. Please be careful with your words.

“What’s wrong with my words? I’m just saying what I like, what’s the problem?”

“Sigh, that’s why you always get involved in trouble. Just yesterday, those guys…”

“It’s fine. They didn’t know I’m the eldest daughter of the Zhuge Family.”

“That’s even more problematic! You should have settled it clearly.”

“Look at you, you’re so timid and soft. Be more bold, huh?”

“Don’t you think you’re too careless, sis? And why do you care about the gender in that matter?”

“Hey, stop nagging, and let’s eat quickly. My stomach is sticking to my back…”

That’s when it happened.

Thud!

“Aaaargh!”

A fierce scream echoed from the backyard of Chosung Roo.

Zhuge Ayeon’s eyes widened.

“You heard that, right?”

“…No, no.”

“You did, you bastard!”

“I didn’t hear it! I didn’t hear it!”

“Well, then you stay here.”

“Please! Are you going to cause more trouble!?”

“You brat? Hey! How can you ignore that scream? What if the owner of that scream is a virtuous and beautiful woman? Huh?!”

“It sounds like a hoarse voice, what are you…?”

“Anyway, something bad seems to have happened! I have to check it out for the sake of chivalry!”

“Sis! What? Are you really going? Sis! Sister!!”