Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 138

A Motley Crew

“Have you arrived?”

“Yes.”

“Would you like some tea?”

“Haha, sure.”

Moments later, Moyong Gun and Moyong Woo sat across from each other at the table.

After quenching his thirst with tea, Moyong Gun asked, “How is the Heaven and Earth 108 Sword Technique coming along?”

“It’s difficult.”

Moyong Gun smiled knowingly. “It’s the pinnacle of swordsmanship, condensed from hundreds of years of the Moyong family’s history. Even after nearly twenty years of practice, I still have much to learn.”

“I’ve realized it’s a boundless technique.”

“You’ve seen correctly. Its intricacies in direction, sword energy, speed, and skill seem endless.”

“Thank you again.”

“Haha, there’s no need for such formalities between brothers.”

It was an odd statement.

Though Moyong Gun meant it sincerely, he could say this because Moyong Woo had chosen to follow him. Had Moyong Woo remained in Zhejiang, they might never have met again.

‘Perhaps this is for the best.’

Moyong Gun frequently visited Moyong Woo over the past few days, engaging in various conversations, as if to make up for lost time.

But Moyong Woo knew that Moyong Gun’s kindness extended only to those within his circle.

‘I was momentarily deceived.’

Moyong Gun likely thought their brotherly bond had deepened, and Moyong Woo agreed to some extent.

However, every time he heard such offhand remarks, he was reminded:

‘My brother is dangerous.’

His slightly wavering resolve became firm again.

“Will it be alright?”

“Pardon?”

“Leaving the Zhejiang branch to your subordinates. You’ll need to work under me for a while.”

Moyong Woo spoke confidently, “My subordinates are more competent than I am. They might even manage the branch better than I could.”

“Haha, is that so? If you say so, they must be quite capable.”

Moyong Gun nodded. “In time, we should bring them to the main house.”

“Pardon?”

“Hmm? Haha, why are you so surprised? If they’re your people, they’re also part of the family.”

Moyong Woo, who had been watching Moyong Gun, nodded.

“I’m sure you’ll like them.”

Moyong Gun’s appetite for talent seemed insatiable.

However, his approach differed from the usual method of expanding power. He desired capable individuals but wouldn’t hesitate to discard those who posed a problem. This cautious approach was why Moyong Gun had built a stable foundation.

For a moment, Moyong Woo’s expression hardened.

“Brother.”

“Go on.”

“You remember what we discussed before?”

“What do you mean?”

“The marriage proposal.”

“Ah, the daughter of Jungwon Bank?”

Moyong Gun laughed, stroking his beard. “Don’t worry. I’ve met her before. She’s intelligent and very beautiful. She’s also young, so she will be a good match for you.”

A look of genuine dismay crossed Moyong Woo’s face.

“I’m not ready…”

“Haha, there’s nothing to it. Once it’s done, you’ll wonder why you were so worried.”

It’s not that simple.

But for Moyong Gun, it truly seemed a trivial matter. He had married based on the background and capabilities of his bride.

The world was like that.

Though peaceful, this peace could be shattered at any moment. In such turbulent times, marriage to a powerful family might be necessary.

“However, it seems we need to delay the marriage.”

“Pardon?”

Moyong Gun pulled out a golden document from his robe.

Moyong Woo’s eyes widened.

“Is that…?”

“It’s a document from the Bonggong meeting.”

“Is it safe to release such a document?”

“Hmm? Haha! This isn’t the Martial Alliance. Don’t worry too much.”

Releasing important documents outside the organization was a serious crime regardless of one’s rank.

‘He must trust me.’

Moyong Woo studied Moyong Gun’s face.

Despite releasing the document, he showed no signs of worry.

‘He believes it. He knows that even if it becomes known, it won’t be a problem.’

Such confidence suggested a very secure position within the organization. Moyong Gun had certainly allied with several key leaders.

‘Terrifying.’

His prowess was not just in martial arts and strategy. Moyong Gun was also politically astute, and his abilities were recognized by the giants of the martial world.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

Moyong Woo read the document.

His eyes gleamed.

“The organizational chart of the Martial Alliance is complete. Although it will take time to fully establish all the groups.”

“The speed is impressive.”

“Indeed. For the Independent Forces, we’ll select from those joining the Alliance. They will be a significant asset to you.”

Moyong Woo’s eyes widened.

“But the numbers are different.”

“Hmm?”

“The number of troops I’ll lead and the number for Yeon Hojeong’s troops differ.”

Moyong Gun smiled coolly.

“Of course. There’s no need to give them more than necessary.”

The limit for Moyong Woo’s troops was 500.

Yeon Hojeong’s limit was only 100.

“More numbers don’t guarantee success. But when skills are equal, external factors become crucial.”

“……”

“Within two years, either disband or integrate their troops. That’s your first task.”

“Understood.”

Moyong Woo placed the document down.

His gaze was slightly shaken, but his expression remained resolute, showing his confidence.

“I have something to do first.”

“Hmm?”

Moyong Woo looked out the window.

“I need to meet Yeon Hojeong.”

* * *

“Hmm, a hundred men.”

Yeon Wi sighed.

“I’m sorry. I tried, but this was the result.”

Yeon Hojeong smiled.

“You were never fond of the idea of Independent Forces.”

“That’s why I opposed it. But if it has to exist, I wanted to support you.”

“It’s fine.”

Yeon Hojeong’s face lit up with interest.

“A hundred men…”

“Given the operational conditions, it’s not a small number.”

“It’s quite a lot.”

“What?”

Yeon Hojeong tilted his head.

“I don’t intend to fill all hundred. I’ll recruit capable individuals as they appear.”

Yeon Wi shook his head.

“I don’t understand your thinking.”

“I have one question.”

“What is it?”

“When can I leave the Alliance?”

Yeon Wi looked surprised.

“You’re already thinking of leaving with the troops?”

“Of course. I didn’t need a hundred, but now that we’re outnumbered, we must gain merits quickly.”

“Isn’t that too hasty? The Independent Forces need a clear purpose to function properly.”

“A purpose can be created.”

“……”

“Just following the right path should suffice.”

“The right path?”

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed.

From the moment he conceived the Independent Forces, he had a clear objective.

“I plan to purge the Dark Path.”

“The Dark Martial World?”

“Yes.”

It might be the first time Yeon Hojeong has hidden his true intentions from Yeon Wi.

“I will eradicate the vicious factions that prey on the people. Even if they’re not part of the Dark Path, any threat to the people will be eliminated.”

Not all dark martial artists proclaim their alignment.

Those who violate the code and commit clear transgressions. What else would they be if not part of the Dark Path?

“That’s not a bad idea. In fact, it’s quite good. With the White Path martial artists consolidating under the Alliance, the Dark Path’s influence will inevitably grow.”

“Exactly. We must start by cutting off those branches.”

“Hmm.”

Yeon Wi studied his son’s expression.

Yeon Hojeong smiled faintly.

“Why do you ask?”

Yeon Wi knew his son was hiding something.

Having observed Yeon Hojeong closely, he could read his expressions and intentions. This was due to their deep father-son relationship.

“Is there another purpose?”

“……”

He couldn’t lie.

Yeon Hojeong sighed.

“There is.”

“Alright.”

That was all.

Though curious about his son’s ulterior motives, Yeon Wi didn’t pry further.

If it were something he could disclose, he would have already. Yeon Wi didn’t want to press his son.

But he needed one assurance.

“I trust it won’t go against your principles.”

“It aligns with my principles.”

It was a vague statement.

Yeon Wi nodded.

“That’s enough.”

Yeon Hojeong breathed a sigh of relief.

He wanted to reveal the existence of the Cult of the Hallowed Mind and rally both the White Path and Dark Path martial artists.

‘But not yet.’

It wasn’t time.

‘Not yet.’

His father, who he wished to meet even in death, would understand and believe him no matter what he said.

But not yet. There was still time to uncover the enemy’s true nature.

For now, he would focus on his tasks.

Originally, the Cult of the Hallowed Mind was to invade in over twenty years.

But history had changed.

Because of Yeon Hojeong, the Yeon family survived, the Nine Provinces’ powerful families fell earlier, and the formation of the Martial Alliance was expedited.

These changes were significant.

‘They might invade later. Or perhaps never. But…’

If they had been preparing for invasion all along…

‘It could happen sooner. Even within ten years.’

Yeon Hojeong anticipated a maximum of ten years.

In that time, he had to make Moyong Woo the leader of the Martial Alliance, unify the White Path, and rally the Dark Path for the impending war.

This was his mission. He believed the heavens granted him another chance for this very reason.

“Regardless, there’s no need to rush. We haven’t even finalized the recruitment process.”

“Don’t worry. I have a plan.”

“Hmm?”

Yeon Hojeong grinned.

“There are capable individuals, not too strong, but enough to navigate the martial world freely. I expect at least thirty.”

“Thirty

…”

Yeon Wi’s eyes sharpened.

“Could it be?”

At that moment, both men looked out the window.

Yeon Hojeong stood up.

“I’ll be back.”

“It seems someone from the Moyong family is here.”

“Yes, it’s my guest.”

A martial artist from the Pagun Pavilion was approaching—Moyong Woo.

‘I’m glad I prepared.’

Yeon Hojeong felt a thick letter inside his robe.

It was for Moyong Woo.

‘I trust you’ll do well. Show your abilities to the fullest.’

Yeon Hojeong spoke to Yeon Wi.

“I’ll have a word with him.”

“Go ahead.”

“And Father.”

“Hmm?”

“Everything will work out. Don’t worry.”

Yeon Wi smiled. The awkward smile now looked more natural.

“Don’t cause trouble, son.”