Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 133: The Price of Greed

“What did you say?”

“Hoo.”

“So, you asked to be made the leader of the Independent Army?”

“That’s correct.”

Yeon Wi was momentarily at a loss for words.

Yeon Hojeong kept blowing on his tea. The tea was particularly hot.

Watching his son, Yeon Wi felt both astounded and frustrated inside.

‘Does he not realize the magnitude of what he’s done? Is he truly unaware of how incredible his actions are?’

With just a few words, his son had managed to transform one of the combat units of the Martial Alliance into his direct subordinates.

And the opponent was none other than the head of the Moyong clan. Moyong Gun, a giant regarded as one of the greatest clan leaders in the history of the Moyong clan.

“Let me ask again. Did the head of the Moyong clan agree to this?”

“Yes. He said he would place someone to monitor, but it wouldn’t be his own man. It likely means he’ll place someone from the Alliance to report the unit’s every move.”

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes sparkled.

“That much is unavoidable. No matter how free the Independent Army is, it’s still part of the Martial Alliance. I’m satisfied that it’s a unit free from being sacrificed in the political games of the Martial Alliance.”

“Hmm.”

“The issue is the numbers.”

“Numbers?”

“Yes.”

Yeon Hojeong, having set down his teacup, spoke with a more serious expression.

“The agreement with the head of the Moyong clan was about the existence of the Independent Army and that I would be its leader. We didn’t discuss the number of its members.”

“What are you saying?”

“It means that the unit could end up with a mere handful of people. It could be so small that it barely deserves to be called a unit.”

Yeon Hojeong smiled.

“Well, that’s not necessarily bad. The more people I have to manage, the more tiring it becomes for the leader. But if that happens, it would mean I lost a round to the head of the Moyong clan.”

“……”

“That would be a bit unpleasant.”

Yeon Wi shook his head.

“You’re truly remarkable.”

“Pardon?”

“I knew your vision reached far, but I didn’t realize you also had a knack for political maneuvers.”

“Ah…”

Yeon Hojeong scratched his head.

“Actually, I don’t think it’s that impressive. There are many aspects of strategy and tactics that are applicable to real battles. In political battles, the only difference is that swords and spears are replaced by words.”

“……”

“Well, that’s how I see it.”

Yeon Wi, gazing at Yeon Hojeong, shook his head.

“Amazing. I have no other words.”

“You don’t have to praise me that much…”

“And let me tell you in advance. I will oppose it.”

“Pardon?”

“I will oppose the establishment of the Independent Army with you as its leader.”

Yeon Hojeong blinked.

“You’ll oppose… it?”

“That’s right.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s not right.”

“No, Father. I wagered quite a bit to achieve this…”

Yeon Wi was resolute.

“Hojeong, your abilities are exceptional. Your martial arts and your strategies. And now you’ve proven to be a formidable political tactician. As a father, I am proud of such a capable son.”

“……”

“But the existence of the Independent Army could cause significant confusion within the structure of the Martial Alliance. As the head of one of the six great clans, I cannot agree to the establishment of such a unit.”

Yeon Hojeong scratched his head.

His father was against the creation of an organization that could strengthen both his son and their clan.

Yeon Hojeong hadn’t expected this reaction from his father. He was taken aback but also found it typical of his father.

“The main reason I oppose the creation of the Independent Army…”

“The result is not righteous.”

Yeon Wi’s eyes widened.

Yeon Hojeong smiled.

“As a warrior taught by the Yeon family, the result is not righteous. Isn’t that right, Father?”

Yeon Wi smiled.

“You knew?”

“I just realized it.”

“Yes, it is not a righteous act.”

Even though the establishment of the Independent Army was nearly certain, nothing was definitively decided.

In such a situation, both Moyong Gun, who intended to make Yeon Hojeong the leader of the combat unit to monitor it under his control, and Yeon Hojeong, who blackmailed him to create the Independent Army, were not normal.

If it had been a simple joke, it could have been laughed off, but neither Moyong Gun nor Yeon Hojeong were insignificant figures in the martial world.

To pre-arrange the creation of a new organization was, in itself, an act that belittled the Martial Alliance.

“Your method was excessively radical, but I understand that such methods are sometimes necessary. However, this time was not one of those instances.”

“Specifically, it means I should have given up my position. Isn’t that right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Yeon Hojeong shook his head.

“I understand you, Father. But because I am not you, I might use such methods again in the future.”

He spoke, bracing himself for a harsh reprimand, hoping his father wouldn’t be hurt later.

To his surprise, Yeon Wi’s response was beyond what Yeon Hojeong expected.

“It doesn’t matter.”

“……?”

“I know you won’t cross the line. So I won’t interfere.”

Yeon Hojeong blinked.

“No, Father. Didn’t you say you would oppose it?”

“It’s an action that goes against what I believe is right. Naturally, I will oppose it.”

“Then how can you say you won’t interfere?”

“Because it’s you.”

“Pardon?”

As the conversation continued, Yeon Wi became even calmer.

After moistening his throat with a sip of tea, Yeon Wi continued.

“A son cannot be the same as his father.”

“……”

“You live in a rougher world than I do. Therefore, you use such political skills as tools for the world you navigate.”

“……”

“From my perspective, it’s certainly wrong. But you don’t think it’s wrong. And you have your reasons for thinking that way.”

“That’s correct.”

“So I won’t blame you. But as your father, I will live my way.”

Yeon Hojeong, staring blankly at Yeon Wi, eventually laughed as if he couldn’t help it.

“What will you do if I get angry later? I might lose my temper out of frustration.”

“I will scold you as an unfilial son.”

“That’s it?”

“If you want to be punished as an adult, try crossing the line.”

“Hahaha.”

Yeon Hojeong couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

“I shouldn’t make you a father who punishes his grown son.”

“Of course not.”

“Don’t worry. I might be impolite, but my survival instincts are sharp.”

Yeon Wi clicked his tongue.

“Fix that undignified way of speaking. I’m afraid people will criticize you.”

“This is my individuality. Please respect it.”

“That’s a kind of respect I cannot give.”

The father and son looked at each other and laughed for a while.

After a moment, Yeon Hojeong spoke.

“In that case, I’ll fight my own battles.”

“Do so.”

Yeon Wi suddenly tilted his head as if a thought had just occurred to him.

“By the way, why did the head of the Moyong clan suggest a duel in the plaza?”

“It means he intends to lay out the plan openly.”

“Lay out the plan…?”

“I proved my skills to the head of the Moyong clan in front of many masters. This rumor has probably spread beyond the inner city to the outer city by now.”

Yeon Wi’s eyes sparkled.

“You’re saying it was part of the groundwork to make you the leader of the Independent Army?”

Yeon Hojeong nodded.

“And it’s also a warning.”

“A warning?”

“We made the deal in front of everyone. If I don’t handle Mongui as per the agreement, it means he’ll also cross the line.”

Yeon Wi’s expression turned icy.

“How shameless. He’s warned us even though he’s the one who’s repeatedly picked fights and lost.”

Yeon Hojeong smiled bitterly.

“In the end, the reason doesn’t matter in this fight. At least for the head of the Moyong clan, it doesn’t.”

“I see.”

Yeon Wi silently sipped his tea.

It must have been frustrating. It would be different if the head of the Moyong clan was targeting him, but he kept going after his son.

He felt like going over and swinging his sword immediately. But he knew better than to act on emotions alone.

That’s why he was soothing his burning heart with tea.

“It must be difficult for you as well, Father.”

“Hmm?”

Yeon Hojeong said in a cheerful tone.

“The groundwork is already done. The head of the Moyong clan will definitely make me the leader of the Independent Army.”

Yeon Wi shook his head.

“All I can do is my best. If that’s not enough, there’s nothing to be done.”

If this had been a matter of the family, he would have opposed it absolutely. But since it concerned the Martial Alliance, Yeon Wi was showing his flexibility.

That was the way of Yeon Wi, the head of the Byeoksan Yeon family and the judge sword. He seemed strictly principled and rigid, but he was a great hero with a flexibility that matched anyone when necessary.

“In any case, be prepared.”

“What do you mean?”

“People will seek you out.”

“Pardon?”

Yeon Wi clicked his tongue.

“When you act boldly, you show remarkable insight, but you don’t pay attention to the smaller details at all.”

Yeon Hojeong tilted his head.

“I don’t understand what you mean, Father…”

“Whether they are of the righteous path or the unorthodox, martial artists live driven by their desire to win.”

“……?”

“You proved your martial prowess against the head of the Moyong clan. Do you think the masters of your age won’t take notice of you?”

“What?!”

“By facing a renowned family head, your fame has already spread far and wide. Now, you’ve entered the Martial Alliance.”

Yeon Hojeong’s face twisted like a spoiled fruit.

Yeon Wi stood up from his seat.

“You reap what you sow. This father will not intervene.”

* * *

Yeon Wi’s words soon became a reality.

The next morning, as snow poured down.

Yeon Hojeong was honing his Sa-il Sword Technique with his Gwangryong Axe, and Mok Bi was repeatedly drawing and releasing the bowstring of the Hongryeon Bow.

“Hmm?”

Yeon Hojeong and Mok Bi simultaneously narrowed their eyes.

“You felt that too?”

“Yes. Of course, Young Master Yeon felt it too, right?”

“I did. But you’ve gotten faster?”

“I guess so.”

“Make sure to thank Father later.”

“I’ll handle it myself.”

“Sure, sure. You’ll just end up walking over, hesitating, and then smacking your forehead into thin air.”

“Humph.”

Yeon Hojeong looked towards the entrance of Pagun Pavilion.

A moment later, a swordsman dressed in pure white robes arrived.

He looked more like a Taoist than a swordsman. His robes resembled a sea of clouds, and his hair, though not long, was casually disheveled.

‘Oh?’

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes sparkled.

Despite his appearance, his eyes were filled with a sense of emptiness. Though he had perfectly concealed his fierce energy, the dark atmosphere emanating from his entire body naturally drew attention.

Thud!

Yeon Hojeong thrust his Gwangryong Axe into the ground and asked,

“Who are you?”

“Is this the residence of the Yeon family?”

“And if it is?”

“I’ve come to see the eldest son of the Yeon family, Young Master Yeon Hojeong of Byeoksan.”

“So, who are you?”

The Taoist’s previously dark eyes glinted sharply.

“I am Okcheong, the sole disciple of the Sword Immortal. I’ve come to request a duel with the Young Master of Gangdong.”

Starting off strong, aren’t we? Damn.