Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 141

The Demon Extermination Army

“Permission to go on the expedition.”

The guard nodded after examining the small document Yeon Hojeong handed him.

“Permission granted.”

Rumble.

The northern gate, the Gate of the Black Tortoise, opened.

Just like the Azure Dragon Gate, it was impressively grand. The sight of the towering, massive iron gate moving was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Yeon Hojeong, leading the way, took the first step forward.

The latecomers, who had been hesitating and glancing around, followed one by one.

“Phew, the air is nice.”

Although it was still the same Daebyeolsan, the feeling of stepping out of the Martial Alliance was refreshing. It hadn’t even been a month since he had been there, but leaving made him feel much more at ease.

Yeon Hojeong spoke to Mok Bi.

“Are you excited?”

“Pardon? Oh, yes.”

“What’s with your face? Why so stiff?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re completely frozen. Are you suddenly scared?”

“No way.”

Mok Bi was well aware of her martial prowess.

She was strong. So strong that, given the right conditions, she could even take down Yeon Hojeong.

In other words, she could hold her own against the elders of the major sects of the orthodox martial arts. Being that powerful in her mid-twenties was a testament to her genius.

Thus, her tension wasn’t because she had stepped outside.

Yeon Hojeong smiled.

“Feeling awkward?”

“…….”

“Is it uncomfortable because you haven’t seen these people before?”

“It’s not uncomfortable.”

Mok Bi responded candidly with a stiff face.

“I just don’t know how to interact with them.”

She was still learning about the world. She had seen enough and learned quickly, but building relationships from scratch with strangers was still difficult.

Yeon Hojeong understood her.

“Don’t worry too much. You don’t need to force yourself to get close to them. But, just know this one thing.”

“What is it?”

“As long as you’re with me, there will come a time when you need to lead your own group.”

“……!”

“No matter how your life unfolds, it’s good to learn how to lead people. Especially if you’re going to survive in this harsh world.”

Mok Bi nodded, understanding his words.

“Alright, let’s step out and get some fresh air.”

Just then,

“Um, Yeon Gongja.”

Yeon Hojeong turned around.

It was Yoon Ho who spoke.

“I have a question…”

“Go ahead.”

“We joined the expedition, but does this mean we’re all accepted?”

“What do you mean by ‘accepted’?”

“I mean, are we part of the independent unit under your leadership?”

Yeon Hojeong frowned.

“I’m the one who went around, proposing this. If you’re here, you’re with us.”

“Oh…”

“Why? What’s the problem?”

“Nothing, it’s just that I…”

As Yoon Ho hesitated, Dong Ho spoke up boldly.

“We weren’t told anything. We just followed.”

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed.

Dong Ho bowed his head.

“Greetings. I am Dong Ho, a senior disciple of the Hwasan Sect, trained under Baek Sojin-in.”

Yeon Hojeong nodded.

“Continue.”

“To be clear, Yoon Sahyung and I came because we wanted to join the unit under your leadership. However, there are certainly others who came out of mere curiosity.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Regardless of the reason, what I want to say is that setting out without any prior explanation feels a bit…”

“You feel neglected, in other words.”

Dong Ho clicked his tongue.

“Not necessarily, it’s just a curiosity.”

Yeon Hojeong smiled.

“We’ll discuss it in detail once we reach our destination. Please be patient until then.”

“Oh… okay.”

“Hey, you there!”

Okcheong was startled.

“Me?”

“Yes, you.”

“Yes, sir!”

He stood there with a military-like rigidity, hands to his thighs, looking like a clueless recruit.

“Why are you here? I didn’t make any proposal to you.”

“Well, that is…”

“Are you planning to stab me in the back, you rascal?!”

“Of course not!”

“Then why are you here?”

“I came because I want to be with you!”

Yeon Hojeong frowned deeply.

“Drop the ‘Great Hero’ title. So, what do you plan to do by sticking with me?”

Okcheong swallowed nervously before speaking.

“Thanks to you, I corrected my wrongs.”

“I told you not to call me ‘Great Hero’.”

“…Yes.”

“As I said before, our duel isn’t necessary anymore. I guided you to the door, but opening it is up to you.”

“Of course. However, I still have much to learn. Not just about martial arts, but about the world.”

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes sparkled.

“Learn about the world?”

“Yes. While learning from you, I realized that I spent my life pursuing the way of the sword in the deep mountains, which made my martial arts overly rigid.”

“Don’t make excuses. Whether it’s mountain training or not, rigid martial arts are because you’re lazy and dumb.”

“…Yes, you’re right. Nonetheless, the duel with you made me realize it’s time for me to enter the world!”

“Is there any guarantee that your martial arts will improve by stepping into the world?”

“…….”

Okcheong hesitated, unable to respond.

Yeon Hojeong, who had been frowning deeply, finally softened his expression.

“But seeing you move for change isn’t a bad thing.”

“Is that so?”

“Don’t regret joining my ranks.”

“I will never regret it.”

Okcheong’s eyes were sincere. Like Mok Bi, he was inexperienced with the world, but his words carried weight.

Yeon Hojeong nodded.

“Alright, I’ll accept you.”

“Thank you!”

“Damn, I tried to avoid it because of Sword Immortal elder’s sharp eyes. Hope I don’t get beaten for ruining his disciple.”

Muttering, Yeon Hojeong moved on, and Okcheong followed with a flushed face.

After taking about a dozen steps, Yeon Hojeong turned around.

“What are you doing? Not coming?”

“…….”

“If you don’t come, I’ll leave you all behind.”

Finally, the latecomers followed Yeon Hojeong. Their faces were filled with shock and amazement.

“Is that really Okcheong?”

“Looks like it.”

“My gosh, did Okcheong really say he learned from Yeon Gongja?”

“No way… Okcheong is Sword Immortal elder’s sole disciple. Why would he…?”

“This is huge. Something big is happening.”

The latecomers’ shock and whispers were natural.

The Okcheong they knew, though not among the top three young masters, was already someone who surpassed them in presence.

Regardless of actual skill, he was someone worthy of respect. If the world’s greatest swordsman said he had the talent of a martial god, it was no joke.

But to think that Yeon Gongja could teach someone like Okcheong? No matter how you looked at it, it was unbelievable.

Just then, a woman in a conical hat spoke.

“It would be great if it’s true.”

Everyone’s attention turned to her.

She was the leader of the women in monk’s robes. There were fifteen of them, all holding seven-foot-long spears.

They were disciples of the Emei Sect.

“If Okcheong, the sole disciple of the Sword Immortal elder, whom even the greatest orthodox martial artists respect, receives teachings from him, then it means Yeon Gongja’s skills are extraordinary.”

The latecomers’ expressions subtly changed.

That’s right. Although their circumstances differed, most of them were not the best in their respective sects.

Even if they weren’t the best, they had pride as members of the Nine Great Sects. If their leader wasn’t capable, that would be a blow to their pride.

Of course, not everyone thought that way.

“Skills are something you can’t truly know until you see them.”

The latecomers’ attention turned to a swordsman.

He was Yeoguk, the leader of five disciples of the Kunlun Sect, dressed in a pristine white robe.

“Okcheong is outstanding, but his presence isn’t as sharp as a blade. Being the disciple of the Sword Immortal elder makes him special, but he doesn’t seem as great as rumored.”

The Emei Sect disciple, Song Yeongyeong, spoke.

“Even if Okcheong’s martial arts aren’t exceptional, being taught by the Sword Immortal elder is significant. If he can teach such a person, it means Yeon Gongja’s martial arts are highly advanced.”

“I don’t want to deny that.”

Yeoguk’s eyes followed Yeon Hojeong’s back.

“You can tell from his posture that Yeon Gongja is strong. It’s embarrassing, but I’ve never seen such refined walking in my sect. Except for the elders, of course.”

“…….”

“But achieving a high level and fighting skills are different. Also, the ability to lead a group is another matter.”

Song Yeongyeong nodded.

“You’re right.”

“Whatever Yeon Gongja’s intentions are, I hope this unit proves its worth.”

Time passed.

After traveling for more than half a day, they reached a valley.

The valley was quite beautiful. The humble house nestled within it looked like a picturesque scene.

“This is the place.”

Yeon Hojeong looked up at the sky.

“It’s almost the hour of the rooster… We’ve arrived with time to spare.”

A subtle aura spread out, heightening his senses

.

‘They’re not here yet. But if the intel is correct, they’ll arrive soon.’

Yeon Hojeong spoke to Mok Bi.

“Mok Bi.”

“Yes.”

“Go up that hill and hide. Let me know if anyone approaches.”

Though puzzled, Mok Bi nodded obediently.

“Understood.”

“And just to be clear, don’t draw your bow. No matter what, no attacking. Got it?”

Judging by his serious tone, it was clearly important.

Mok Bi nodded and used her martial arts.

Whoosh!

“Gasp!”

“So fast!”

In an instant, she leaped up the valley and reached the hilltop.

It was an impressive display of martial prowess. Even Yeoguk, who had learned the highest level of movement techniques in the Kunlun Sect, was wide-eyed in amazement.

‘Unbelievable! Such speed and ease in her movements…?’

It was evident that she wasn’t exerting her full power.

And yet, her speed and stability were remarkable.

It wasn’t just Yeoguk. Everyone present was mesmerized by her movements. None of them could even hope to imitate Mok Bi’s martial arts.

“Impressive, right?”

The latecomers looked at Yeon Hojeong.

Thud!

The sound of the Glorious Dragon Axe hitting the ground made a few latecomers flinch.

“Now, we have to figure out how to unite this ragtag bunch.”