A Shift in Perspective (4)
Paang!
Yeon Hojeong collapsed to the ground after expending all his internal energy in that final palm strike.
“Huuu.”
It had been ages since he’d trained solely in fists and punches like this, all day every day for several days straight. Bare-handed fisticuffs were essential practice even for those who weren’t fist art specialists. On a small scale, they honed the body; on a larger one, they sharpened reaction speed and senses.
But Yeon Hojeong’s punches transcended such basics. He was skilled enough that even without his axe, his combat power barely suffered. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say his fist arts alone formed a complete school of their own.
Leaning against a small boulder, Yeon Hojeong let his internal energy flow naturally.
Wuuuung.
As he inhaled, White Tiger Qi rose instinctively, drawing in more air and natural energy to spread it throughout his body. His blood circulation quickened, activating the Vermilion Bird Qi in his heart. As the accelerated flow gathered impurities, the Black Tortoise Qi in his kidneys surged, expelling them all.
Wuuuuuung.
With the Three Divine Qis rapidly restoring his body, Bi-ra Jin-gyeol naturally activated, bolstering his strength.
“That’s enough training for today.”
Since returning to the family, he hadn’t wasted a single moment. It was a process of reviewing his past martial arts while constantly confirming the path ahead.
Fortunately, though he lacked Yeon Jipyeong’s raw talent, he had forged his own unique Dao through the asura fields of battle. That was why he’d grown this strong in such a short time.
“Now then...”
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed.
“It’s time to choose.”
After his regression, his goals had boiled down to two major ones. First, prevent the Yeon family’s destruction. Second, prepare for the invasion of the Mad Divine Three Sects.
He’d already averted the family’s doom for now. The Moyong family still lingered as a threat, but Moyong Gun wouldn’t push too hard against the Yeons. Time was on his side.
What about the Mad Divine Three Sects? There was time there too. But unlike the clear enemy at the family’s gates—where he could strike first—preparing for the Three Sects was far too broad and vague.
Yeon Hojeong knew little detailed intel on them. Only that they lurked somewhere beyond the western borders, their power unprecedentedly immense.
With limited information, perfect preparation was impossible. All he could do was make every possible ready.
But the uneasy part is...
The reason he had to stop their invasion was simple: to protect his people. Yet danger didn’t lurk only with them.
Moyong Gun.
Unlike the Martial Alliance Leader he’d become in that other life, the current Moyong Gun was greed incarnate. The difference between one who had seized everything and one desperate to grasp it all.
Moyong Gun would commit any atrocity to claim the central plains’ pinnacle. And soon—inevitably—he’d strike the Yeons.
More precisely, he’d target Yeon Hojeong himself.
“Controlling the Moyongs, preparing for the Three Sects. I can’t choose just one. Both at once.”
That’s where Moyong Woo came in.
Without Muk Bi, he’d have headed straight to Zhejang after capturing Myeong Heo-rim.
Moyong Gun’s the one who stirred up the Namgung. He hoped we’d clash.
He’d wished even for a minor rift. Their relations were already poor, and he knew Yeon Hojeong wouldn’t treat the Namgung kindly.
But thanks to Muk Bi, he’d diverted their gaze. A two-birds-one-stone win.
This time was the same.
“Two birds, one stone... Set up Moyong Woo as a counter to Moyong Gun, while creating a political ally to seize control of the Martial Alliance.”
Things he couldn’t do alone. Even if it violated his principles, he’d use everyone around him for results. In a way, he had to become harsher than in his Black Dark Emperor days.
Yeon Hojeong unwittingly smirked.
“Looks like a leisurely life ain’t in the cards for me.”
Rising, he cleaned up with a quick bath before heading to the patriarch’s quarters.
“Young master?”
“I’m here to see Father.”
Late as it was, he knew Yeon Wi wasn’t asleep. The guard swordsman bowed.
“Please wait a moment.”
Soon after, the swordsman said, “Word has come. You may enter.”
“Thanks for your trouble.”
En route to the patriarch’s room, Yeon Hojeong veered off. He sensed his father’s sturdy presence in the rear garden.
Stepping into the garden training ground, he spotted two figures moving swiftly.
Shiiiiiik!
Craaaang!
“Hup!”
Yeon Jipyeong staggered back from the fierce sword strike, gasping for breath. Yeon Wi raised his blade to midguard.
“Again.”
Paak!
Though his breathing was ragged, his approach was swift. Watching from the wall, Yeon Hojeong’s gaze deepened.
He’s crossed his limit.
Craaaaaang!
Yeon Jipyeong’s sword speed was blistering. He lacked the skill to unleash such rapid, ferocious sword forms. Yet he was doing it.
Yeon Hojeong eyed his brother’s gaze. Yeon Jipyeong’s eyes were glazed. Half his mind had flown away. Stamina and internal energy depleted. He could collapse any second.
Iron Sword Great Chain forms unfolding unconsciously. No genius could instinctively perform sword arts learned so recently.
Thus, Yeon Jipyeong’s blade turned feral, savage—unlike him.
After blocking dozens of slashes, Yeon Wi suddenly thrust his left palm.
Thud!
Yeon Jipyeong flew back without a groan, crumpling. Simultaneously, Yeon Wi appeared behind him, hand on his chest.
Wuuuuuung!
Cold, sharp energy flowed into Yeon Jipyeong.
“Huu.”
His breathing normalized in an instant. More than that: stimulating his meridians to expel impurities, transferring minute internal energy, igniting growth via high-density Sword Extreme Thought Qi.
Surprise flickered on Yeon Hojeong’s face.
Remote Energy Transfer?!
Qi naturally seeks higher quality. The remnant of Yeon Wi’s energy in Yeon Jipyeong would heal damaged channels while ceaselessly elevating his own.
As expected.
Incredible energy control. Excessive remote transfer could harm the caster. Yeon Wi walked that razor’s edge, boosting his son’s internal energy level.
“Assume the meditative posture.”
“Cough! Yes? Ah, yes!”
Mind returning, Yeon Jipyeong crossed his legs and circulated his energy. He plunged into introductory circulation with startling focus—no flinch even if lightning struck nearby.
“You’re here.”
“Yes.”
Yeon Hojeong finally stepped onto the training ground. Yeon Wi asked,
“What do you think?”
“Pardon?”
“Of this training.”
Yeon Hojeong gave his honest assessment.
“It needs to be harsher.”
“Is that so?”
“Jipyeong will grow on his own just fine. But half-hearted harshness might confuse his future training methods.”
Yeon Wi shook his head.
“Your temperament never fails to surprise me anew. I thought it harsh enough.”
It was harsh. Draining stamina and energy to the brink wasn’t enough; pushing until his mind frayed, then inducing unconscious sword forms—that was no easy feat.
“A martial artist grows most explosively on the precipice of life and death. Those who won’t stake their lives have clear limits. No matter the talent, one who hasn’t faced that crossroads is but half a person.”
Uttering chilling words with a smile. Yeon Wi fixed Yeon Hojeong with a steady gaze.
“Is that how you grew? By staking your life in battle?”
“Yes.”
More precisely, that was true in his Black Dark Emperor days. Not a single day of peace in the year, always steeped in blood.
But after growing strong, he hadn’t obsessed over life-death duels.
Yeon Wi shook his head.
“Jipyeong isn’t ready yet.”
“That’s true as well.”
The crux of life-death battles: bold resolve and needle-sharp killing intent. A mindset he’d eventually learn by force, but not now.
“So, what brings you here?”
After a pause, Yeon Hojeong asked,
“The Martial Alliance will form soon, won’t it?”
“Indeed.”
“Our house is one of the Six Great Families. The heads of the Nine Great Sects and Six Great Families will at least become elders or honored retainers.”
“Likely. If the Alliance endures.”
Yeon Wi shook his head.
“The current formation is provisional. Not even decided if the White Path’s full forces will unite.”
“They’ll convene the heads, then summon renowned masters and minor sect leaders to decide.”
“Probably.”
Here it was. Yeon Hojeong cut straight to it.
“I hope Father casts your vote in favor.”
Yeon Wi’s eyes widened.
“In favor?”
“Yes.”
“In favor... You think the Martial Alliance is essential?”
“Absolutely.”
“Why?”
“We need a governing body to control the Nine Great Sects, Six Great Families, and countless White Path sects.”
Yeon Wi’s expression shifted.
“Because of the Myeong incident?”
“Not solely, but it factors in.”
“Hm.”
“And one more thing.”
“...?”
“I believe it’s time Father spreads wings you’ve never fully unfurled.”
“...Spread my wings?”
“Yes.”
“You speak dangerously. Surely you don’t mean...?”
Yeon Hojeong spoke with unprecedented gravity.
“The Alliance Leader seat must be reserved for the worthy. But the Leader needs of will to grasp the realm together.”
“...!!”
“I see no one more fitting than Father among them.”
A shocking statement. Yeon Wi hadn’t imagined his son pondered such depths.
He scrutinized Yeon Hojeong sharply. Resolve and tension etched his son’s face. Yet those clear, deep eyes held no greed.
...No ambition.
His son’s aspirations reached the world itself. But he hoped he wouldn’t tread the blood-soaked path of world domination, grand as it sounded.
Thankfully, no such ruthless ambition showed—at least outwardly.
After a long gaze, Yeon Wi spoke.
“I’d rather you not concern yourself with such matters yet.”
“...”
“Lest you misunderstand: I don’t belittle your abilities. Martial prowess aside, your insight and responses against the Myeongs were world-class.”
“It was nothing.”
“Nonsense. That’s a talent wholly apart from martial genius or strategic brilliance—a realm beyond.”
“...”
“You read worldly currents you’d never experienced, faced the world alone with ironclad self-belief, and prevailed. Beyond talent, it’s a divine insight worthy of the name God’s Eye.”
Father doesn’t know. Of the decades I wrestled the world—not to win, but to survive. Fighting not to grow strong, but to kill. He doesn’t know that Black Dark Emperor self.
So he praises it as talent, even grandly dubbing it God’s Eye.
“You’re a genius in a different sense from Jipyeong. But your gift carries peril.”
“Peril...”
“Yes, peril. A talent that could corrupt even lifelong Daoist ascetics or monks.”
Yeon Hojeong closed his eyes. He deeply understood what Father meant.
“You fear I’ll be swayed by desire.”
Warmth softened Yeon Wi’s stern face.
“To think that far... You truly are remarkable. My son, yet you scarce seem a hot-blooded youth.”
“You wish I ignore such matters, lest greed sway me.”
“Hardly. You won’t stray.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because I believe in you.”
“...”
“But I don’t want to see you weary so soon. Call it parental stubbornness or an old generation’s needless worry.”
“...”
“Believing in you, I hesitate to burden my son with loads I can shoulder.”
Yeon Hojeong opened his eyes. He understood Father’s heart. And realized his own lack of leeway.
After deep thought—a quarter-hour passing—he spoke.
“Promise me one thing.”
“Speak.”
“When times grow hard, never try solving it alone. Call for me.”
Yeon Wi smiled faintly.
“Why send you to Zhejang, then?”
“...True enough.”
Yeon Hojeong scratched his head. The worry shadowing his chest lifted; his shoulders felt lighter.
With a brighter face, he said,
“Whatever anyone says, I’ll walk my path. Don’t regret not heeding your son later.”
“When have I ever ignored you?”
“Pardon?”
Yeon Wi nodded.
“I’ll ponder deeply on voting for the Alliance’s formation.”
Considering the Three Sects’ cataclysmic might, preparation couldn’t start too soon. Yet Yeon Hojeong felt it’d be fine.
A hastily stitched garment unravels quickly. Here, at least, Father’s choice outshone his own.
Hasty, but fine. As Father trusted him, so he trusted Father—his life-earned wisdom.
“Guess I worried needlessly. Shows how far I’ve yet to go. Thanks to you, Father, I’ve grasped something profound.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
“Then shall I share what I’ve realized through you?”
“Pardon?”
“Feeling your changes, I’ve seen a parent’s role on this world’s stage needs just two things.”
“What are they?”
“Protecting family. And waiting forever.”
“...”
“You’ve grown beyond my guard. So now, my task is one.”
Turning to approach Yeon Jipyeong, Yeon Wi said,
“I’ll wait forever. Embrace anything. When it’s tough, come to your father anytime.”