Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 132: The Price of Greed

Boom!

“Whew.”

The tension of the Hongryeon Bow was immense, beyond imagination. She couldn’t fathom what material it was made from.

‘I shouldn’t rely on brute force.’

With her abundant inner energy, she could use the Hongryeon Bow to shoot the Nine Dragons Breaking Heaven Archery Technique more than seventy times, excluding secret techniques.

But Mok Bi knew the truth. She could only manage seventy shots because of her insufficient mastery of inner energy.

She needed a much more delicate control. Then, the force needed to draw the bowstring would lessen, and the number of shots would increase.

“Ugh, my arm is getting sore.”

Just then, a heavy voice interrupted her.

“You’re working hard.”

“Gah!”

Startled, Mok Bi turned around. Yeon Wi was standing there.

“F-Father?”

“Yes.”

“Weren’t you sleeping? I heard you stayed up all night.”

“It’s fine. One sleepless night is nothing.”

“Oh… I see.”

Mok Bi’s expression instantly became awkward.

She respected Yeon Wi as an elder. He treated her well, and she knew it came from genuine sincerity.

But he still scared her.

Yeon Wi’s expressionless face reminded her of her brothers who used to glare at her coldly. Even knowing his intentions were different, the similarity in their expressions made her shrink back.

Yeon Wi approached Mok Bi.

“As I saw before, this is no ordinary bow. The tension of the string is unimaginable.”

“…Yes.”

“Let me see your left arm.”

“Pardon?”

“…”

“O-Okay!”

Mok Bi abruptly extended her left arm.

Yeon Wi grasped her forearm and channeled his inner energy.

A gentle, beautiful light green aura flickered along her entire left arm, calming anyone who saw it.

Mok Bi’s eyes widened.

Her stiffened arm muscles relaxed instantly. She almost blurted out how good it felt without realizing it.

Of course, she didn’t make such a mistake in front of Yeon Wi.

“Your hidden strength is immense, yet you can’t use even a third of it properly. Your utilization of inner energy is even worse.”

“Cough! Y-Yes…”

“If you can fully unleash your latent power and freely control your inner energy, you could surpass even me.”

Mok Bi was startled.

“P-Please don’t say such things, Father. I could never…”

Yeon Wi spoke curiously.

“Why not? If you are to live as a martial artist, shouldn’t you aim to surpass me?”

“…!”

“I hope you and Hojeong surpass me and leave your marks on the world.”

Mok Bi felt a lump in her throat. Though his voice was steady, anyone could tell his words were sincere.

“Fortunately, you have exceptional talent, excellent basics, and great inner strength. If you don’t slack in your efforts, you will one day surpass me.”

“…Yes.”

Yeon Wi, who had been watching Mok Bi, nodded.

“Today, let’s review your martial arts together. A few adjustments could make a big difference.”

“Really? Thank you so much!”

Yeon Wi liked her innocent demeanor.

He suddenly thought of his eldest son. He knew the first son and Mok Bi were friends, but with her character, he wished she could be more than a friend to his son.

However, he knew such matters were beyond human control. Yeon Wi didn’t try to defy the natural course of relationships.

‘I wonder how Hojeong is doing.’

Yeon Wi looked northwest.

There lay the Tamlang Pavilion of the Moyong family.

‘What are you planning, Hojeong?’

—

Moyong Gun reflected.

‘I underestimated him.’

Mongui had learned the Sa-il Sword Technique?

That wasn’t the important part. The real issue was that he had underestimated his opponent.

Yeon Hojeong was indeed a monster. He had known that.

But he thought of him as a smart, ambitious, and strategic genius, not someone who would go to such extremes.

Apparently, Mongui was imprisoned in the dungeon. Not only that, but he was also severely damaged.

‘Surviving alone is miraculous. And capturing him alive?’

That meant he didn’t hesitate to torture him.

‘This guy is no white knight.’

A minor difference, but one that could shake the political landscape.

‘He’s willing to commit any atrocity if necessary.’

He thought Yeon Hojeong was like him.

He was wrong. Yeon Hojeong was not the same type as him.

Moyong Gun knew his own limits. That’s why he relied on subordinates for more vicious tasks and naturally focused on recruiting talent.

Yeon Hojeong didn’t need to do that. He was willing to handle everything himself.

“Let’s test this theory… Haha.”

Moyong Gun stood up, staring at Yeon Hojeong.

“I want to confirm it.”

“Confirm what?”

Moyong Gun smiled faintly.

“To see if you’re fit to be the leader of an independent army outside the Alliance’s laws, I want to witness your skills personally.”

Yeon Hojeong frowned.

“You want a duel?”

“Yes.”

“Where did your calculations go?”

“With such a high stake, calculations are meaningless.”

“Hmm?”

“Let’s just spar lightly. No need to call it a duel.”

Hmm…

Yeon Hojeong, looking up at Moyong Gun, stood up with a smile.

“It’s an honor to spar with the famous head of the Moyong family. I have no reason to refuse.”

“Haha.”

Whatever his intentions, this was also an opportunity to learn. Yeon Hojeong didn’t want to miss it.

So, the two left Tamlang Pavilion.

Expecting a light sparring match in the backyard, Yeon Hojeong was surprised when Moyong Gun led him to a huge plaza in the inner city, large enough for training.

“Let’s do it here.”

Yeon Hojeong looked around.

Quite a few people were coming and going, watching them. Both were so well-known that many stared openly.

“Didn’t you bring your axe?”

“I left it in my quarters.”

“Haha, I doubt your skill would diminish significantly without it.”

Swish.

With his left hand behind his back and his right hand extended in a middle guard, Moyong Gun said,

“Come at me.”

Yeon Hojeong glanced around again.

The crowd would grow. Seeing the head of the Moyong family and the eldest of the Byeoksan Yeon family duel would be an unmatched spectacle.

Yeon Hojeong chuckled.

‘Cunning old man.’

Now he understood what Moyong Gun wanted.

But it didn’t matter. He was on the verge of getting what he wanted, so he could afford to concede this much. In a way, it was beneficial for him too.

Swoosh.

Yeon Hojeong lowered his stance.

Moyong Gun’s smile widened.

“Your stance is low. Very stable.”

“I’m coming.”

“Come.”

Boom!

Yeon Hojeong took a step forward.

At the same time, Moyong Gun’s gaze shifted. He could feel Yeon Hojeong’s immense power in that single step.

Thud!

His step seemed powerful enough to topple mountains, yet his swift movement exuded the grace of a gentleman.

It was undoubtedly the movement technique of the Yeon family. Extremely fast and yet stable, with the composed elegance of a scholar even at the brink of exhaustion.

Whoosh!

In an instant, Yeon Hojeong approached from the right flank.

‘Fast.’

Faster than his movement technique. His movements surpassed human reflexes.

Yeon Hojeong’s fist drew a graceful arc.

Swish!

Moyong Gun’s hand moved like lightning.

Crack!

It seemed to contain no inner energy, yet sparks flew from his fingertips as they deflected the punch.

Yeon Hojeong’s speed increased.

Swish, swish, swish!

He advanced, stepping on the ground several times in a split second. His twin fists created a white vortex.

It was the form of Baekho Mu, the Tiger King’s Fierce Strike.

Bang, bang, bang!

Moyong Gun blocked all the powerful blows with just one hand, his skill unbelievable even when seen.

His speed wasn’t extraordinary, but he read and deflected the flow. His technique, executed with strength and elasticity, was far more difficult than brute force.

Crack!

Yeon Hojeong aimed a high kick at Moyong Gun’s chin.

A flexible yet powerful kick. His sense of targeting the most vulnerable spot was exceptionally sharp.

Swish!

Yeon Hojeong’s kick sliced through the air.

Moyong Gun, who smoothly dodged the kick, noticed the killing intent aimed at his crown.

Boom!

Yeon Hojeong’s kick shook the ground.

The strike was so powerful that his heel pierced five inches into the blue stone floor.

“Interesting martial arts.”

Moyong Gun, who had moved to the left, maintained his initial posture.

“To instantly change direction and strike down after a failed high kick. Lightning-fast reflexes aside, your control and flexibility are unparalleled.”

A clear blue energy, like a cloudless sky, glowed in Moyong Gun’s right hand.

“Now, it’s my turn.”

Whoosh!

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed.

Even knowing he would attack head-on, his reaction was late. His smooth movement brought him right in front of Yeon Hojeong. It was the extreme ascension footwork.

Swish, swish, swish!

Yeon Hojeong’s fists exuded the might of a tiger, while Moyong Gun’s right palm radiated the spirit of a bamboo tree.

Bang, bang, bang!

To use Baekho Mu in a continuous technique required explosive strength and tireless stamina. Its power was immeasurable.

Moyong Gun blocked the destructive punches with exquisite hand techniques. His skill was at a divine level.

Boom! Sizzle!

With a loud sound, Yeon Hojeong was pushed back several steps.

‘He’s strong.’

Although he wasn’t using a sword, Moyong Gun was taking Yeon Hojeong seriously.

The power of the head of the six great families. Yeon Hojeong had grown strong enough to withstand even Moyong Gun’s full-strength hand techniques.

“Impressive.”

Flap.

Moyong Gun showed his right arm.

The sleeve was torn and tattered from Yeon Hojeong’s fist pressure.

“To break through my martial arts with just your fists, you truly deserve the nickname ‘Tiger Lord of Byeoksan’.”

Yeon Hojeong rubbed his chest.

His clothes were torn from the solar plexus in a swirling pattern, revealing his solid pectoral and upper abdominal muscles.

Yeon Hojeong looked around again.

Murmur, murmur.

Dozens of martial artists were now watching them. Their faces were flushed with excitement from the short but intense duel.

Yeon Hojeong clasped his fists.

“I concede.”

Moyong Gun smiled.

“In ten years, you’ll dominate the world. I’m impressed.”

His voice was loud enough for everyone to hear. People looked at Yeon Hojeong with renewed amazement at Moyong Gun’s high praise.

Yeon Hojeong clicked his tongue.

“It’s a pity.”

“What is?”

“If I had known we’d fight here, I would’ve brought my axe.”

Moyong Gun chuckled.

Of course, he knew Yeon Hojeong understood why he insisted on fighting here.

“You would’ve lost your mystery if you had shown your full strength.”

“That’s true.”

“To gamble, you need to bring your cards, not just intimidate with your stakes.”

“Until I saw your reaction, I didn’t know if it was a card or a stake.”

“What? Hahaha!”

Moyong Gun burst into hearty laughter.

Anyone listening to their conversation would think they were just talking about martial arts. They couldn’t help but admire Yeon Hojeong’s audacity and Moyong Gun’s composed handling.

Moyong Gun nodded, still smiling.

“Let’s proceed like that.”

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed.

“You’re not planning to add any spice, are you?”

“I prefer things plain. I hope you do too.”

He was telling him to either kill Mongui or send him far away, and to finish it properly.

Yeon Hojeong didn’t take Moyong Gun’s words lightly. If he kept holding onto Mongui, Moyong Gun would cross the line too.

He didn’t want that.

“Don’t worry.”

“Haha, that’s good.”

Moyong Gun, hands behind his back, started walking towards Tamlang Pavilion.

“I won’t add any spice. But I hope you understand if I add some vegetables.”

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes flashed.

He was suggesting adding a few of his men to the independent army.

“I’m quite picky with my food.”

“Don’t worry. They’re not vegetables I raised.”

“They must suit my taste then.”

“Exactly.”

Moyong Gun waved his hand as he turned his back.

“Don’t forget. This is just the beginning.”

Yeon Hojeong responded with a relaxed smile.

“I hope this is the end. Truly.”