NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 142
Chapter 142
Army of Destruction
Yeoguk furrowed his brows at the serious yet aggressive conversation.
“Rabble, you say?”
Yoon Ho nodded in agreement.
“Yeon Gongja is right. We are indeed a rabble.”
Most of the younger generation, including Yeoguk, turned their eyes to Yoon Ho, who clicked his tongue.
“Since we’re already on the topic, let’s discuss it. How many among us gathered here have firmly decided to join the army led by Yeon Gongja?”
No one could refute Yoon Ho’s words, as they were undeniably true.
Yoon Ho’s expression grew more serious.
“Any organization with an unclear purpose is bound to be called a rabble, no matter how outstanding its members are.”
“Mmm.”
The younger generation murmured in agreement.
Yoon Ho asked Yeon Hojeong.
“Do you agree with me?”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“Half of it is correct.”
“Half, you say?”
“You are a rabble because you are not united and lack the skills to be anything else.”
Yoon Ho’s face hardened.
‘Skills…’
He was the first disciple of the Mount Hua Sect. Though he hadn’t learned all the secrets of Mount Hua, he was confident he could take on any band of robbers single-handedly.
‘It’s frustrating.’
Yoon Ho sighed quietly.
‘But I cannot deny it in front of him.’
Yeon Hojeong had accepted countless challenges from the younger generation in recent days and had won every single one. He even defeated all challengers overwhelmingly. Yoon Ho himself never lasted more than three moves against him in five encounters.
Thus, it didn’t matter how high Yoon Ho’s skills were.
He couldn’t defeat Yeon Hojeong. He couldn’t even pose a threat.
In the end, Yoon Ho was weak, and Yeon Hojeong was strong. That was all there was to it.
Yeon Hojeong spoke.
“You mentioned that everyone has different purposes?”
Yoon Ho replied with a bitter face.
“Indeed.”
“Indeed?”
“…?”
“Do you mean it’s natural? Why say ‘indeed’?”
“What… do you mean?”
Yeon Hojeong frowned.
“Does that mean most of you are just insignificant people who use caution as an excuse not to commit fully to the path you’ve chosen?”
“…!”
The faces of the younger generation were noticeably stiffened.
Yeon Hojeong’s gaze turned cold.
“When I proposed the creation of the Independent Army, I made it clear that it was the first organization established by the Martial Alliance in decades, free from political influences and undertaking independent missions.”
“…”
“Such a specialized unit requires a corresponding level of responsibility. I also urged you to consider this seriously because time is running out. Do you not remember?”
Yoon Ho stammered.
“You did say that…”
“We all live our lives walking on the edge of a blade. If you’ve decided to come, you must stake your life. Did you all think you could just enjoy a leisurely tour of Jianghu and then return home when you’re tired?”
The younger generation fell silent, most of them having come with just that intention.
At that moment, a young man spoke up.
“That’s not true.”
Yeon Hojeong turned his head.
The speaker was a young man, almost the same age as Yeon Jipyeong, or perhaps just a year or two older.
‘Jeomchangpa.’
Surprisingly, he was the only person from Jeomchangpa present.
Yeon Hojeong asked.
“Your name?”
“Cheok Gang.”
“Are you a disciple of Jeomchangpa?”
“I am a first disciple of Jeomchangpa.”
“Alright, Cheok Gang. Are you saying you’ve staked your life?”
“Indeed.”
The young man, despite his gentle appearance, had clear, determined eyes.
“I’m going out into the world. I will hone my martial arts in the real world. But martial arts practiced without risking one’s life can never be strong.”
Cheok Gang’s voice was filled with strong conviction and belief.
“When Yeon Daejang approached us, I saw it as an opportunity. That’s why I came.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“You wish to hone your martial arts on the brink of life and death?”
“It wasn’t a pure motive. I apologize for that. But I truly came with the determination to die here.”
Cheok Gang clasped his fists in a respectful gesture.
“I look forward to working with you.”
His determined demeanor made the other members of the younger generation feel ashamed, as they lacked such genuine commitment.
“I spoke of the uniqueness and seriousness required for this unit. However, I haven’t yet mentioned what tasks our unit will undertake. Despite that, joining with the determination to risk your life is not an easy feat.”
Yeon Hojeong returned Cheok Gang’s respectful gesture.
“No matter your reasons, I will strive to be a commander you can be proud of. Thank you for joining us.”
He then looked around at the younger generation.
Most of them hung their heads in shame, while a few frowned.
“Why should I only bow to Cheok Gang?”
Yeon Hojeong frowned.
“You all should have received my respects. But apart from Cheok Gang, I no longer wish to bow to any of you.”
“…”
“Be ashamed. In terms of attitude towards life, you have already lost to Cheok Gang before considering martial arts.”
At that moment, Yeoguk spoke up.
“I apologize for that part.”
“Your name?”
“I am Yeoguk from the Kunlun Sect.”
Yeoguk continued.
“Indeed, I remember. You were serious. But I was not as serious as you. I realize I must have seemed like an opportunist to you. I apologize.”
Yeon Hojeong nodded.
“Apology accepted.”
“However, talking about attitudes towards life seems like an insult to us.”
Yeoguk’s gaze deepened.
“That young friend Cheok Gang is certainly remarkable. Regardless of age, coming with the determination to risk his life in an organization with an unclear purpose is truly commendable.”
“You’re right.”
“However, it can also be seen as foolish. One should risk their life for something worthy. An individual’s life is not so light.”
Yeoguk pointed at Yeon Hojeong.
“Knowing the weight of a life is why you thanked Cheok Gang, correct?”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“That’s also true. You’re quite sharp.”
“Indeed. But not everyone can be the same. Individual differences must be recognized.”
Yeoguk shook his head.
“You don’t need to apologize for the insult. Just understand that we didn’t come here with a light heart.”
Depending on how one listened, it could be irritating, but Yeoguk’s words had some validity.
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
“Your name was Yeoguk, correct?”
“Indeed.”
“I hope you stay until the end.”
Yeoguk frowned.
Stay until the end? What does he mean by that?
Yeon Hojeong crossed his arms.
“If it weren’t for your special circumstances, I wouldn’t have criticized your attitude.”
The younger generation’s eyes widened.
Special circumstances?
Yeon Hojeong’s voice turned icy.
“Yeoguk.”
“Yes?”
“When you return to the Kunlun Sect, or if you stay with the Martial Alliance, you could live comfortably. So why did you come here?”
“…!”
“Is it because you couldn’t become the best? Or did you want to escape?”
Yeoguk’s face hardened visibly.
He wasn’t alone. Most of the younger generation wore expressions similar to Yeoguk’s.
Yeon Hojeong clicked his tongue.
“When you all gathered under the support of the Pagun Pavilion, I took the time to verify your standings within your respective sects.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“No sect would allow their prized talents to join me on their own. I was curious about your circumstances.”
The younger generation’s faces turned red with embarrassment.
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
“If what I found is true, you should be even more ashamed.”
He looked at Yeoguk.
Yeoguk bit his lip.
“Yeoguk.”
“…”
“Tell me again. Why should I treat you the same as Cheok Gang?”
Yeoguk could not utter a word.
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“But you’re also right. I got a bit too excited. I didn’t mean to insult you, but it seems it could be taken that way.”
“…”
“You said apologies are unnecessary, but I’ll apologize anyway. People have different natures and upbringings, yet I judged you too much by my standards.”
“…”
“I’m sorry.”
Yeon Hojeong’s apology was sincere.
But in a way, it was worse than no apology. Accepting it would make them truly feel like lesser individuals.
Just as the younger generation was filled with endless shame and inexplicable anger, Mok Bi sent a telepathic message to Yeon Hojeong.
[Yeon Gongja, martial artists are approaching.]
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed.
[How many?]
[Over a hundred. But they don’t seem to be from the Martial Alliance.]
It was not surprising.
The Daebyeol Mountain Range spanned three provinces, and the Martial Alliance was only located at one point of the range.
However, with news of the Martial Alliance’s creation spreading across Jungwon, this was indeed a problem.
Gadeuk Sang, who had uncovered this suspicious movement and their identities, had immediately informed Yeon Hojeong.
That was why Yeon Hojeong had brought his troops here.
“I have one more apology to make.”
The younger generation looked up at Yeon Hojeong.
They flinched unknowingly.
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes were frighteningly cold and equally intense. His gaze held a mysterious majesty that none of
them had ever felt before.
“No matter why you came here, I will not allow any of you to leave.”
“…?!”
“You think I’ll let go of such a force just because you came with half-hearted intentions? It’s hard to find young masters of your caliber anywhere in Jungwon.”
Yeon Hojeong grinned.
“You are my troops from the moment you gathered under the Pagun Pavilion’s support. Reject me? That’s not possible. Once you’re under my command, the only way out is death.”
It was a terrifying declaration. For the proud younger generation of the Nine Great Sects, it was too provocative.
Yeoguk, who was about to retort, suddenly felt a sense of unease.
‘What?’
His eyes wavered.
‘Didn’t he say he wanted me to stay until the end?’
Why would someone who said he wouldn’t let anyone go make such a statement? It didn’t make sense.
‘What is he thinking…?’
At that moment, Mok Bi sent another telepathic message to Yeon Hojeong.
[They are approaching the valley! And they’re strong, very strong!]
Yeon Hojeong spoke.
“I will now tell you the purpose of our unit.”
[They’ve entered the valley entrance!]
“The enemies you will face are demons capable of killing top masters with their exceptional cunning and cruelty.”
[They’re fast! They’ll be here soon! What should we do? Should we intercept them?]
“Think of it as a warm-up before facing the real deal. I’ll tell you now, if you don’t kill them, they’ll kill you.”
[Yeon Gongja!]
“Now, your first mission.”
From within the narrow pass, a horde filled with murderous intent emerged.
They reeked of blood. Even before measuring their strength, their overwhelming aura was terrifying.
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes turned icy blue.
“Exterminate the enemy.”