Infamy and Fame (4)
Surprisingly, the first to react was Cheok Gang.
“Gasp! Martial Uncle!”
Cheok Gang stumbled forward and bent at the waist, folding himself in half.
“Your disciple Cheok Gang greets Martial Uncle.”
The middle-aged man, Paeryul, ignored Cheok Gang's bow completely.
Yeon Hojeong's eyes sparkled.
If he's Cheok Gang's martial uncle, then Point Cang?
Point Cang Sect. A sect based in the Yun'nan Point Cang Mountain. It had started as a Taoist sect but gradually took on a more worldly atmosphere after entering the martial world. By now, it was the most secular among the Nine Great Sects.
In truth, their martial arts rivaled the Kunlun Sect's for top practical combat prowess among the Nine Sects' techniques. Cheok Gang's style was swift and direct, unlike the other soldiers—more aggressive in toppling foes even in the same situations. The Point Cang disciples mirrored their arts: fast, straightforward, no lingering aftermath.
“I'm Yeon Hojeong.”
Paeryul frowned.
“I'm an elder of Point Cang. Show more respect.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“If we were inside the alliance, I would.”
“What?”
“I'm the commander of the alliance's reserve forces. Elder of Point Cang or sect leader, without rank, I see no reason to bow.”
His words were arrogant, yet his expression brimmed with leisure. His voice held steady cadence, his gaze clear and profound.
Paeryul stared at Yeon Hojeong before turning to Cheok Gang. A subtle unease flickered on Cheok Gang's face—the tension between his sect elder and his organization's leader.
Paeryul nodded.
“Not bad.”
An unexpected response.
Yeon Hojeong tilted his head.
“What's not bad?”
“I wondered how loose a unit it must be if my cherished nephew joined without a word. But it's fine. A leader needs that backbone.”
His gruff tone made it hard to tell if it was praise or sarcasm.
Yeon Hojeong glanced at Cheok Gang.
“You joined without saying anything?”
“...Yes.”
“You're in for it now.”
Shadow crossed Cheok Gang's face.
Yeon Hojeong turned back to Paeryul.
“If you want to take Cheok Gang, wait a moment. After we handle return procedures inside—”
“My business isn't with my nephew. It's with you.”
“With me?”
“Yes.”
Yeon Hojeong's eyes deepened. He had a hunch why Paeryul sought him.
But one puzzle lingered.
How did he know?
His father wouldn't have sent him directly; common sense dictated visiting Yeon Wi first. Nor would Moyong Gun leak it without reason.
Why? What?
“Do you know of the Sun-Shooting martial arts?”
As expected.
Yeon Hojeong saw no point in evasion.
“Because of Mong Ui?”
“...!”
Paeryul's gaze sharpened.
“No need to speak that name.”
“Understood.”
“I have one question.”
“...”
“How was his sword?”
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
“I don't know your intent, but I didn't fully witness his sword.”
“Why? I heard you fought a deathmatch.”
“In fights to kill or be killed, you prevent the foe from unleashing power first. I saw that technique, but not fully.”
“You subdued him before he could?”
“Yes.”
“...Impressive.”
Yeon Hojeong grinned and clapped Muk Bi's shoulder.
“He fell to this one's arrow before fully deploying. Without her, it would've been tough.”
Paeryul eyed Muk Bi.
Expert?
Yeon Hojeong's aura was so refined he'd overlooked her, but now her presence felt formidable too.
“Teamwork?”
“Yes.”
Paeryul nodded.
“I see.”
Yeon Hojeong's lip curled slightly. Righteous sect folk typically scorned ganging up, favoring fair one-on-one duels against equals or villains alike.
But not Paeryul. Point Cang didn't teach that way. In real battle, survival was truth. Once engaged, kill the enemy and ensure your own life—that was best.
Paeryul knew battle's essence, so no aversion to teamwork.
Surveying the Myeol Sa Army silently, Paeryul shook his head.
“I was impatient, came out first to wait. Needed to confirm about him.”
“...”
“I'll visit your quarters tomorrow.”
Yeon Hojeong smiled wryly.
“Evening, if you would.”
Paeryul turned without reply. A temperament straddling blunt honesty and rudeness. His martial arts likely far rougher than Cheok Gang's.
Paeryul paused mid-stride and looked back.
“You.”
“Speak.”
Paeryul tilted his head.
“Are you ill anywhere?”
Yeon Hojeong's eyes gleamed.
“Perfectly healthy.”
“...Is that so?”
Then Yeon Hojeong caught Paeryul's gaze sweeping his right abdomen.
Paeryul nodded.
“See you tomorrow.”
“Understood.”
Rumble.
The Azure Dragon Gate opened.
Paeryul entered the alliance first, followed by the Myeol Sa Army.
Yeon Hojeong pondered Paeryul's words, unable to hide his bafflement.
Did he see something in me?
He introspected, checking Bi-ra Jin-gyeol and the Three Divine Qi—no issues.
Hm.
But a master like Paeryul wouldn't speak idly.
Well, I'll rest deeply and tend my body for a while.
Crossing the vast outer castle into the inner, Yeon Hojeong called out.
“I'll handle return procedures. You all did well. Rest up.”
Thunderous cheers erupted at his words.
“Woooaaah!”
“Leave! Leave!”
“Ah, I could collapse already.”
Chaos reigned amid the clamor. After brief bows, they vanished at terrifying speeds.
“...”
Yeon Hojeong blinked foolishly before turning to Muk Bi.
“Come on, return procedures tog—”
“Going to see Father.”
Muk Bi vanished in an instant with her elegant lightness skill. His mouth tingled with laughter, a strange sense of betrayal.
Yeon Hojeong eyed Paeng Manho.
Paeng Manho grinned sheepishly.
“You know why we call you the responsible one?”
“Brother?”
“Tough luck, brother.”
“You were that f—hey, was he always that fast?”
Yeon Hojeong smacked his lips, watching Paeng Manho bolt like lightning.
“Damn, not a shred of loyalty among them.”
Grumbling, he spotted Jegal A-yeon.
She tilted her head.
“What?”
“Why not scamper off like a foal with its tail aflame?”
“Where to? Gotta handle procedures.”
“Huh?”
“I'm the Myeol Sa Army's strategist, looks or not. Gotta wrap it properly.”
“...Never seen such a gem!”
Yeon Hojeong slung an arm around her shoulders.
“Let's go! Leave the rude brats and charge toward the heavens!”
“Hey! Let go! Heavy!”
“Haha! Lucky to have a responsible one. Myeol Sa Army's future shines bright.”
“Heavy, I said!”
Bickering, they headed to the Martial Sage Hall.
* * *
That evening.
Returning to Pa Gun Pavilion for once, Yeon Hojeong woke frowning after over half a day's sleep.
Night already?
Moonlight poured coldly through the window. Summer yielding to autumn.
The chill breeze cooled his body. He liked it.
Rising, he sat cross-legged.
Hummm.
Bi-ra Zhen Qi stirred, invigorating muscles and nerves. The azure qi enveloping him was clear and pure as ever. At night, it resembled moonlight strikingly.
Good.
So close now. Bi-ra Jin-gyeol strained to pierce the tenth seong realm.
Humm.
Building on stable Bi-ra Jin-gyeol, White Tiger Qi rose.
“Hup.”
Abundant natural qi filled the incoming air. White qi from his lungs spread through nerves. Heartbeat quickened, birthing vivid crimson energy.
Foosh.
With his exhale, translucent black qi leaked out—Black Tortoise Qi of the north binding and expelling stagnant impurities.
Refreshing.
Lately, he'd focused Bi-ra Jin-gyeol over Three Divine Qi for inner healing—and growth. Activating them vigorously after so long felt transformative. He itched to dash to the training ground and swing Gwang Yong Bu.
Squeeze.
His torn palms fully healed. Deep sleep had banished most fatigue.
“That's more like it.”
Mind and body fresher than ever, yet Yeon Hojeong could only smile bitterly.
“Even accounting for the kids, I got complacent. Time to reflect.”
Bi-ra Zhen Qi or Three Divine Qi aside, he'd ignored fatigue buildup at this near-peak body.
As Black Dark Emperor, he hadn't. Beyond skill or inner arts, he'd fought solo relentlessly. Fatigue? Retreat to a secret lair, recover for days, then battle anew. Severely injured? Hide and rebuild stamina.
Alone, he'd grown ceaselessly.
Pondering the past, he shook his head.
“Enough nonsense. Slowed growth comes from lax vigilance, alone or not.”
Environment differed, sure. But he wouldn't excuse it.
Time.
Three hues swirled in his azure pupils.
To awaken it.
Bi-ra Jin-gyeol neared tenth seong; battles matured Three Divine Qi sufficiently. Greed wanted higher first, but no more delays. Time to tauten his once-slack mind.
Before leaving the alliance, summon the final Divine Beast.
Azure Dragon. Eastern sacred beast, incarnation of vitality—to form complete Four Gods Qi.
Tomorrow, ask Father for a spar.
During procedures, he'd seen Yeon Wi at Martial Sage Hall. But elders' meetings dragged on. The alliance's structure solidified, but minutiae remained.
“Hm, more sleep?”
Prized rest. Best to shelve worries tonight.
As Yeon Hojeong lay down—
“...Oh?”
A clear aura at Pa Gun Pavilion's entrance. He leaped out the window.
Flutter.
His robes billowed like wings in the wind.
Landing softly, a man stood before him.
Yeon Hojeong scanned him curiously.
“Heh! Need to reflect. You've grown astonishingly in my absence.”
“Have I?”
Mo Yong Woo smiled brighter than ever—a radiant expression free of reservations, unseen even before Moyong Gun.
“Been well, Yeon-hyung?”