Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 134: The Price of Greed

The Sword Immortal, Tak Mu-ja.

One of the Thirteen Seats of the Celestial Heaven, known as the Unbeatable Master at the pinnacle of the Wudang Sect’s martial arts.

Though it’s meaningless to compare who among the Celestial Kings is superior, it’s said that the fame of the First God and the Two Immortals preceded the Three Emperors and Four Kings by a few years.

Thus, people respectfully regarded the First God and Two Immortals as the closest to being the best under the heavens. This judgment was made not just based on pure skill but also on age and reputation.

Tak Mu-ja, one of those Two Immortals, was a master recognized as the strongest inheritor of the Wudang Sect’s swordsmanship.

And now, his disciple stood before Yeon Hojeong.

‘Tak Mu-ja’s disciple, Ok Cheong.’

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed sharply.

‘Yes, I’ve heard of that name.’

Tak Mu-ja, known as the greatest martial talent since the Wudang Sect’s founder, Sam Pungjin, was said to have praised Ok Cheong’s talent as that of a Martial God upon first seeing him.

That rumor spread quickly throughout Jungwon. It was shocking enough that the world’s greatest master took a disciple, but to call his talent that of a Martial God made it a sensational topic.

‘However…’

Yeon Hojeong recalled the Taoist name, Ok Cheong.

‘Ok Cheong is dead.’

During Yeon Hojeong’s infamous days as the Black Darkness Leader.

Before Sa-eum-gyo fully entered Jungwon, they sought out and killed difficult opponents one by one.

One of those was Ok Cheong. It was known that when Ok Cheong fell to Sa-eum-gyo’s schemes, he had already reached the level of a Celestial King.

‘He died back then. To see someone I never met in that era now.’

A hint of curiosity appeared on Yeon Hojeong’s face.

“Ok Cheong… I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Ok Cheong’s eyebrows twitched.

Heard a lot? It was a rather arrogant tone for a first meeting.

However, Ok Cheong didn’t mind the tone. What mattered to him was the sparring with a master that could provide a clue to break through his barrier.

“Are you Yeon Ho-jang?”

It seemed he combined the nickname Baeksan-hojang with Yeon Hojeong’s name.

Yeon Hojeong grumbled.

“Don’t modify my name as you please. I am Yeon Hojeong.”

“I know it’s rude. Still, I beg your indulgence.”

Srrrk.

Ok Cheong knelt right there, his demeanor filled with solemnity.

“Please spar with me.”

Yeon Hojeong glanced at Mok Bi.

Mok Bi shivered and turned away, seemingly fed up with the troublesome destiny surrounding Yeon Hojeong.

Yeon Hojeong clicked his tongue.

“I am in training. Sorry, but come back later.”

“Then I will wait here until your training is over.”

What a stubborn person.

“You’ll wait while it’s snowing heavily?”

“Yes.”

“Your hair will be covered in icicles.”

“…”

“Goodness.”

Yeon Hojeong asked, unable to understand.

“Why do you insist on sparring with me?”

Ok Cheong’s mouth naturally opened.

“I’ve heard that your martial arts are fierce and relentless like a wildfire, not giving the opponent any chance to counterattack.”

“…Hmm.”

“Additionally, it’s said that you excel in a combat style focused on attack, yet your transitions between offense and defense flow as naturally as water, making you a master of practical martial arts.”

“Those rumors make me cringe.”

“I believe you are the opponent I need right now.”

Ok Cheong pressed his forehead to the snow-covered ground.

“Please teach me.”

Yeon Hojeong looked at Mok Bi.

Take note, kid. Show some sincerity like this to your father in the future.

“I suppose I have no choice.”

Ok Cheong raised his head.

In his eyes, filled with emptiness, a hint of vitality began to emerge.

Hwoong.

Yeon Hojeong, with the aura of a Gwangryongbu on his shoulders, nodded.

“Let’s have a match.”

“Thank you. Truly, thank you. I will never forget this favor.”

“There’s no favor. You might win.”

Srrng.

Ok Cheong drew his sword.

It was the Songmun Gogeom, a sword the Wudang Sect prided itself on. The sword tip was slightly rounded, and the blade was somewhat blunt, a ceremonial sword of the Taoist sect.

Yeon Hojeong quietly observed Ok Cheong.

Ok Cheong took a deep breath and slowly lowered his stance.

Woo-woong.

A blue aura surrounded the Songmun Gogeom.

At that moment, Mok Bi felt a chill.

‘Sharp.’

Though the Songmun Gogeom was not sharp, the moment it emanated that clear aura, it began to emit a frighteningly sharp energy.

This indicated that Ok Cheong’s sword was honed to an exceptional degree. It didn’t seem like the martial arts of the Wudang Sect that pursued the path of the Tao.

Also, that sharpness was real. A slight mistake could lead to being cut in the blink of an eye.

As Mok Bi worriedly looked at Yeon Hojeong.

“Hmm…”

Yeon Hojeong scratched his cheek.

“Can we start?”

“Pardon?”

Ok Cheong blinked in confusion.

Yeon Hojeong clicked his tongue.

“Then, let’s begin.”

Flash!

‘Gasp!’

Ok Cheong was startled. Yeon Hojeong, who had been standing five steps away, was suddenly within one step.

It was an incredibly fast movement. Ok Cheong instinctively performed the Wudang Sect’s representative sword technique, Taeguk Hyegeom.

Simultaneously, Yeon Hojeong’s Gwangryongbu moved like lightning.

Clang!

With an upward strike, the Songmun Gogeom shattered.

Thud!

“Ugh!”

With a sweeping motion, Yeon Hojeong’s Yeonga Fist sent Ok Cheong flying, his eyes rolling back.

Clutching his abdomen, Ok Cheong trembled and collapsed.

Before losing consciousness, he faintly heard Yeon Hojeong’s voice growing distant.

“What’s with this fool? The match has started, but why did he relax his body… All Wudang martial arts are like this… Now I see why he died…”

“Gasp!”

Ok Cheong woke up abruptly.

“Huff, huff! Ugh.”

He instinctively clutched his abdomen.

A dull pain rose from his stomach. It was so painful that he almost teared up.

“Grrr.”

Ok Cheong channeled the Honyuan True Art.

Woo-woong.

The Honyuan Qi from his dantian eased the pain in his abdomen.

Finally, he felt somewhat alive. Ok Cheong looked around.

‘Where am I?’

It was a room. A rather spacious room, but not cluttered with clothes.

Then, the last memory before losing consciousness resurfaced in Ok Cheong’s mind.

“Gasp! Baeksan-hojang!”

That’s right. He had challenged Yeon Hojeong to a spar and was defeated in just two moves.

‘Two moves… I was defeated in just two moves…?’

Ok Cheong couldn’t believe it.

Tremble.

His tightly clenched fists shook uncontrollably.

Recently, he had been plagued by inner demons and had reached a plateau in his martial arts. However, the martial arts he had honed from a young age were etched deep into his bones.

Even the most skilled fighters could be subdued within three sword strikes, yet he couldn’t last even two moves?

‘This can’t be happening. I must meet him again.’

At that moment, there was a loud clang and a cracking sound.

“Ugh!”

With a strange groan, someone collapsed heavily.

Ok Cheong turned his gaze to the window.

From the second floor, he saw a tall young man with a fancy axe slung over his shoulder, looking down at someone.

“Damn it. How many times has this happened? I wish they’d stop coming, really.”

His voice was filled with endless irritation.

At that moment, Ok Cheong felt a surge of clarity.

‘Yeon Hojeong!’

Whoosh!

Ok Cheong leaped out the window and landed on the ground below.

Yeon Hojeong turned to look at Ok Cheong.

Just as Ok Cheong was about to speak, he hesitated. Yeon Hojeong’s face was red, like a volcano about to erupt.

“What now?”

“…”

“If you’re awake, go back to your quarters.”

The atmosphere made it hard to speak easily.

However, Ok Cheong couldn’t back down here.

“I apologize. It was wrong of me to cause unnecessary trouble for Baeksan’s Leader. Your martial arts are indeed something that could shock the world.”

Yeon Hojeong frowned.

Judging by his words, it seemed like Ok Cheong would leave immediately. Suppressing his rising anger, Yeon Hojeong spoke.

“I have a long way to go. That’s why I train so hard.”

“I see.”

“Anyway, leave now. Your sword is on the black table, so take it and…”

“May I ask for one more chance?”

“…”

“Please. I cannot leave like this.”

“Get into stance.”

“…Huh?”

Looking up at Yeon Hojeong, Ok Cheong felt his legs go weak.

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes were emitting a terrifying murderous intent.

“Get into stance, you Taoist bastard.”

“Huh? Oh, yes.”

Without thinking, Ok Cheong awkwardly got into a stance. It was the initial posture of the Wudang Seven Stars Fist.

“…Good grief.”

Boom!

The piled snow shot up to the height of a three-story building.

Fortunately, Ok Cheong’s body only rose to the height of the second floor before falling. Luckily, it seemed he didn’t break any bones.

As Ok Cheong was losing consciousness, he heard Yeon Hojeong’s voice again.

“Next time, I’ll break his legs. Mok Bi! Get rid of this guy from the commune too… Ah, these crazy bastards are here again… Die, you bastard…!”

“Gasp!”

Ok Cheong woke up again.

“Huff, huff! Cough! Cough, cough!”

A dry cough came out involuntarily. He had no strength left in his body.

“Ugh!”

Barely managing to get up, Ok Cheong touched his jaw.

‘Is it not broken?’

His last memory vividly came back. Yeon Hojeong’s half-palm strike, moving at a speed invisible to the naked eye, hit his jaw, and his body flew into the air before hitting the ground.

Had it not been for his trained body and the Honyuan True Art, he would have certainly broken something.

No, it was fortunate his jaw wasn’t shattered. If his opponent hadn’t shown mercy, his head might have been blown off.

Ok Cheong looked out the window.

“Is it night already…?”

Then, a cold voice was heard.

“Yes, it’s night.”

“Gah!”

Startled, Ok Cheong turned his head towards the voice.

There, Yeon Hojeong was drinking alone with an axe slung over his shoulder. He lit a candle in the center of the table, creating a strangely eerie atmosphere.

“Y-Yeon Ho-jang?”

“I told you not to modify my name.”

“…What?”

“Don’t call me Ho-jang, damn it.”

“Oh, yes!”

Why was that? Ok Cheong couldn’t stop himself from acting respectfully.

Yeon Hojeong looked at him quietly and then said with a bitter smile.

“If you’re awake, go home. I need to finish this drink and sleep.”

“Oh…!”

Only then did Ok Cheong realize he had taken Yeon Hojeong’s bed.

Hurriedly getting off the bed, Ok Cheong bowed his head.

“I apologize for causing trouble.”

“If you understand, then go.”

“Oh… by the way…”

Yeon Hojeong raised his Gwangryong Axe with a blank expression.

Ok Cheong’s face turned pale.

“Gasp! I’m not asking to fight! Absolutely not.”

“…?”

“…”

“Hmph.”

Thud!

Yeon Hojeong lowered the axe and took another sip from his cup.

Ok Cheong swallowed hard. His opponent had overpowered him in just two moves when he was in perfect condition. In his current state, he wouldn’t last even a second. Actually, he hadn’t.

‘He’s an incredible master! Despite being around my age, how can he be this strong?’

Yeon Hojeong frowned.

“If you have nothing to say, then leave.”

“…May I?”

“What? I can’t hear you. Speak up.”

Ok Cheong stammered.

“C-can I receive your guidance?”

“Oh, so that’s it? You should’ve said so sooner, damn it.”

Yeon Hojeong stood up with a cold face, really ready to end it.

“Gasp! I’m not asking to fight! I mean guidance, just guidance!”

“…Huh?”

“I’ll come back tomorrow! Please point out my shortcomings! I won’t ask for a fight, I swear!”

“…”

“…”

“…Hmm.”

Thud!

Putting down the Gwangryong Axe, Yeon Hojeong waved his hand.

“Fine, come back tomorrow. I’m going to sleep.”

“Yes!”

Ok Cheong left Pagun Pavilion faster than ever before.