Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 126: The White Path Martial Alliance

‘Hmm?’

Yeon Wi’s eyes sharpened. Far in the distance, a group of about a hundred martial experts had halted, their gaze fixed in this direction.

Despite the considerable distance, he could instantly recognize who they were.

“The Namgung Clan.”

The Namgung Clan, renowned as the foremost among sword practitioners.

Their relationship with the Yeon Clan was somewhat strained. However, Yeon Wi’s expression remained unchanged, as usual.

“What do you make of them?”

“Pardon?”

Mok Bi was startled and looked at Yeon Wi.

Yeon Wi gestured with his chin towards the Namgung Clan.

“Their martial prowess.”

“Ah…”

Confusion clouded Mok Bi’s face.

“They seem formidable. I can feel their piercing sword energy even from here.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. It’s heavy and solemn.”

“You’ve observed well. Those who have faced the Namgung sword all speak of its grandeur.”

In contrast, the Yeon Clan’s sword was different.

The Yeon Clan’s swordsmanship aimed for absolute orthodoxy. Thus, if one only learned it moderately, it would be said to lack any outstanding aspect. However, if refined properly, it was said to suppress ten thousand swords.

Perhaps the title ‘foremost among sword practitioners’ suited the Yeon Clan more than the Namgung Clan.

At least within the confines of the White Path Martial World.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

The Yeon Clan’s forces moved out.

Yeon Hojeong, who had been riding ahead, subtly moved closer to Mok Bi.

“Hey.”

“Yes?”

“Relax your face, man.”

“What’s wrong with my expression?”

“It looks like a dark flame has ignited in your heart. Are you so troubled you don’t know what to do?”

Indeed, Mok Bi felt turmoil within.

He had heard rumors that the Namgung Clan had raided the Anhui Blood Palace’s stronghold, severing the roots of evil. If so, Guan Yigou was surely on the path to destruction.

They had done the job he was supposed to do. Although it was intentional, he couldn’t help feeling disturbed.

“I’ve said it before, but there’s no need to feel indebted or resentful over such matters. We’ve merely used them as pawns. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“I know.”

“Good, as long as you know.”

Mok Bi sighed.

“I know, but my heart feels strangely unsettled.”

“There’s no need to forcibly sort out your feelings.”

“Sigh.”

As Mok Bi exhaled, he suddenly noticed the horse Yeon Hojeong was riding.

“It’s a bit sudden but…”

“Hmm?”

“That’s a remarkable horse.”

The horse Yeon Hojeong rode was larger and more majestic than the others. With every step, its dynamic muscles flexed visibly.

“It can’t be helped.”

The weight of the Broad Dragon Axe was precisely eighty-two jin.

Carrying a heavy weapon weighing over eighty jin naturally affected the horse’s stamina. If there ever came a moment in battle to wield the Broad Dragon Axe while mounted, the horse’s stamina would plummet.

Naturally, it was necessary to acquire a military horse known for its strength and stamina.

“Others might think Lord Yeon is the leader.”

“Tsk.”

“I still don’t understand. The Yeon Clan has many high-level martial arts, so why choose that heavy axe?”

Yeon Hojeong chuckled.

“Who knows.”

His choice to wield the axe was almost accidental.

There were many hidden experts in the Black Path, just as in the White Path. And when he faced these experts in battle, he realized the limits of fighting bare-handed.

During one such battle, he happened to pick up a spear that had fallen to the ground and swung it. Before he knew it, that spear had turned into an axe. It was a talent realized through combat.

“Whatever it is, as long as it makes me stronger, that’s all that matters.”

“Very like Lord Yeon.”

Just then, Yeon Wi raised his hand.

“Quiet down.”

Before they knew it, the group had reached the Namgung Clan’s forces.

Namgung In stepped forward and greeted with a fist and palm salute.

“Greetings, Lord Yeon. I am Namgung In.”

Yeon Wi also bowed his head in response.

“Greetings, Lord Namgung. I am Yeon Wi.”

Those gathered could feel the strange tension between the two leaders.

Namgung In smiled.

“Are you on your way to the Martial Alliance?”

“Yes.”

“Since we’ve met by chance, there seems no need to go separately. Shall we go together?”

“Agreed.”

The conversation was refreshingly straightforward. With just a few words, the two families set off together.

The two leaders rode at the front.

“Haha, impressive.”

“…?”

“You seem even stronger than when I last saw you. The fame of your Judgment Blade is said to resonate throughout the eastern lands, and soon, it might sweep across the entire realm.”

“Your praise is too generous.”

It was a compliment meant to lighten the mood, a courtesy expected in response, yet Yeon Wi’s reply was terse.

He was not one to speak words that did not spring from his heart; such was his nature.

Moreover, there was a tangled history of unpleasant affairs between their children. They were not on terms to laugh and chat freely.

Namgung In glanced at Yeon Hojeong.

“So, you are the son of the renowned Yeon Clan leader, whose fame has been spreading far and wide.”

Yeon Hojeong, about to agree, caught his father’s gaze and inwardly sighed.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Haha!”

Namgung In’s laughter erupted, not out of offense taken at Yeon Hojeong’s straightforward answer, but rather…

‘He has been underestimated, severely so.’

It was evident at a glance.

Yeon Hojeong was a formidable force. The martial prowess he possessed was beyond what one could imagine for a youth just coming of age.

Astonishingly, his skills did not fall short of the eldest who had just completed seclusion. At least, that was the appearance.

‘With his current abilities, he would have looked down upon any notable expert back then. They say he toyed with the Starfall Sect, and now I see why.’

Namgung In clicked his tongue.

‘Why did we ever provoke such a man?’

It was a past event, yet it brought another wave of disappointment in Namgung Hyun.

Concealing his true thoughts, Namgung In spoke with a smile.

“The nickname ‘Mountain Fortress’ seems an understatement for you. The future of the Yeon Clan looks truly bright.”

“Thank you.”

Yeon Hojeong did not feign modesty, nor did he seem to be a man of many words.

Namgung In turned away, finding no further reason to engage with Yeon Hojeong.

As he turned, his eyes settled into a cold calm.

‘Lord Yeon. You’ve raised a monster.’

A mere ‘Tiger Watching Cub’?

Absurd. Surely, Lord Yeon must have hidden his eldest son’s tremendous talent, fearing it would become a curse.

If Namgung In was surprised by Yeon Hojeong, Yeon Wi was equally taken aback by Namgung Biao.

‘Impressive indeed.’

The heir apparent of the Namgung Clan was clear. Rumors abounded that he would soon succeed his father and take over the clan.

‘For someone of his young age to possess such martial skills… a true prodigy.’

Though unnecessary, Yeon Wi found himself comparing Namgung Biao to his own eldest.

‘…’

Yeon Wi shook his head.

What was he thinking? Perhaps only he himself would ever know.

“…Hmm.”

Namgung Biao let out an involuntary groan.

His eyes were fixed on Yeon Hojeong.

‘What’s with this guy?’

Namgung Biao’s eyes trembled faintly.

‘He’s not lacking compared to me? At his age?’

He had heard that Yeon Hojeong had just come of age. That meant a decade’s difference between them.

Yet, he harbored such an immense aura. It was like looking at a volcano on the verge of eruption, a dangerously magnificent atmosphere.

‘Impossible…’

His confidence and pride as a genius seemed to shatter completely.

It was then that Namgung Biao was about to speak.

“It’s been a while.”

Yeon Hojeong glanced at Namgung Hyun.

Namgung Hyun was struggling to maintain a neutral expression.

“I wanted to apologize in person but never had the chance. Now that we’ve met, I shall atone for the past.”

He did not specify what incident he referred to. It was a matter already known to both, and not suitable for the ears of the many present.

Yeon Hojeong looked at Namgung Hyun and smiled.

“Is this an apology from the heart?”

“…What do you mean?”

“There’s no need to strain yourself if you have no intention of apologizing.”

The atmosphere among the group turned icy in an instant.

Namgung Hyun’s expression hardened.

“If I had no intention to apologize, I wouldn’t have done so. My apology is sincere.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, the fault lies with me, and there’s little else to say. But please, do not condemn my heart as deceitful.”

His words carried an earnestness that shifted the sharp gazes of the crowd towards Yeon Hojeong.

Yeon Hojeong tilted his head slightly.

“Condemnation? Isn’t it simply the truth? You have no intention of apologizing to me.”

“Do you seek to insult me?”

“Your spirit is suppressed, isn’t it?”

“…?”

“It’s clear you’ve been thoroughly overshadowed by your brother’s aura. It seems you haven’t been able to speak up properly since we started this journey.”

Yeon Hojeong shook his head.

“Whether it’s to imprint your presence or some other intent, do not use me for your desires. No one will believe an apology delivered with such a rotten expression.”

Namgung Hyun’s face twisted dramatically, and all who were present could see it.

Namgung In clicked his tongue.

“It seems my son has spoiled the mood. I apologize on his behalf.”

Yeon Wi shook his head.

“My son lacks manners. I too offer my apologies.”

He then addressed Yeon Hojeong.

“Compose yourself.”

“I understand.”

With those words, Yeon Hojeong turned away.

Namgung Hyun’s face contorted in utter dismay.

Already on the brink of exploding from suppressed feelings of inadequacy, he had now been humiliated by someone he deeply disliked.

‘This…!’

He couldn’t contain himself. He couldn’t hold back.

Tssss.

A faint killing intent emanated from Namgung Hyun as he glared at Yeon Hojeong.

“…?!”

Everyone’s faces stiffened, except for Yeon Hojeong.

Yeon Wi looked sharply at Namgung In.

Namgung In bellowed.

“What are you doing? Withdraw your killing intent this instant!”

His shout was imbued with intense inner power.

Namgung Hyun realized his mistake too late. His pent-up emotions had exploded, releasing his killing intent without him noticing.

Then it happened.

Snap!

Namgung Hyun’s head snapped to the side, so forcefully that blood seeped from the corner of his mouth.

Namgung Biao gave a fist and palm salute to everyone.

“My apologies. My brother has been deeply troubled recently, leading to frequent mistakes.”

Namgung Biao looked coldly at Namgung Hyun.

Namgung Hyun clenched his teeth.

“He even showed early signs of demonic possession not long ago. We brought him out for some air, but it seems we’ve made a mistake.”

Yeon Hojeong nodded.

“If it’s the early signs of demonic possession, that’s understandable. I empathize.”

Namgung Biao looked gratefully at Yeon Hojeong.

Yeon Hojeong said with a smile.

“They say a single mistake is an accident of illness. I fully understand, so please don’t be too harsh on him.”

“Thank you for your magnanimity, Young Master Yeon.”

“The mood has become quite peculiar. Instead of forcing our company, how about we meet again at the Martial Alliance and share a cup of tea?”

“That sounds preferable.”

Both men looked at Yeon Wi and Namgung In.

The two clan leaders nodded.

“That would be best.”

“Haha, I am ashamed.”

“Then we shall take our leave first.”

“Very well.”

And so, the Yeon Clan’s warriors quickened their pace.

Once they had put some distance between them, Yeon Wi said to Yeon Hojeong.

“Well done.”