Chapter 160. Completion of the Four Gods (4)
“A monster is a monster, after all.”
“……”
“No, even calling him a monster doesn’t do it justice. For a young man barely past his early twenties to already embody the martial path of a transcendent being… truly remarkable.”
The old Taoist marveled with pure admiration.
“In my time, I’ve met countless prodigies, but never one so singularly devoted to the martial arts. You were right to seek his tutelage.”
“Yes, sir.”
Ok Cheong’s demeanor was unusually cautious. But he had something to say.
“Looking back on it…”
“Hm?”
“Over the past few months, I’ve observed Commander Yeon closely. From my perspective…”
He wondered if he really needed to say this. But Ok Cheong couldn’t hold back his curiosity. If something was needed, he didn’t hesitate to act. Beneath his gentle, mild nature lay that resolute determination.
“Truth be told, I’ve never thought of him as a genius.”
“Never thought of him as a genius? What do you mean by that?”
“Well…”
Embarrassment flickered across Ok Cheong’s face.
“It doesn’t feel like talent. More like martial prowess piled up through absurd experiences.”
“Experiences?”
“Just a feeling. It’s not that he grew strong through talent—it feels like he’s reclaiming a realm he already knew from before.”
Wudang’s sect leader, Seung Hyeon Jin-in, burst into hearty laughter.
“Haha, nonsense. Does that mean Commander Yeon shattered Mujongjibyeok when he was even younger—a true monster?”
Ok Cheong scratched his head sheepishly.
“Of course not. That’s why I said it’s just a feeling.”
“Whatever the case, he’s undeniably a prodigy. And with his heroic heart earning great merit, the next generation of the martial world might revolve around Commander Yeon.”
“That’s highly likely.”
Seung Hyeon Jin-in smiled faintly.
“Doesn’t that stir your ambition?”
“Pardon?”
“Elder Sabaek is called the Sword Immortal, the closest to the The World's Greatest Sword. As his disciple, don’t you want to be the best?”
Ok Cheong smiled softly.
“You’re joking, right? I only seek perfection in my own martial arts. I have no desire to compete or seek the spotlight.”
“Haha.”
“Though maybe that’s why I’m like this. Commander Yeon once said competitive spirit can fuel growth.”
“True enough. But it’s not the absolute key to progress.”
“I know. Even Commander Yeon acknowledged that.”
“Hahaha.”
He kept laughing, but inwardly, Seung Hyeon Jin-in was surprised by Ok Cheong’s response.
My junior has changed a lot.
In the past, Ok Cheong had been more seeker than warrior—a model Wudang disciple. Though Wudang was dubbed the North Star after Shaolin, it was fundamentally a Taoist sect pursuing the Dao. The sword was a tool for cultivation, not killing.
Ok Cheong had trained not to defeat others, but for self-study. Now, he sought martial completion.
He’s strayed from the seeker’s path for now, but it’s for the best. He’ll circle back in time—I have no doubt.
Seung Hyeon Jin-in asked, “So, when does the Myeol Sa Army’s next campaign begin?”
“No word yet.”
“Hm, so at least a few days’ grace?”
“Hard to say for sure. You saw it before—we gather, and he marches out immediately. Might be the same this time.”
“Haha, is that so?”
Seung Hyeon Jin-in rose from his seat.
“Rushing isn’t ideal, but with time short, best to start now.”
“Pardon? Start what?”
“What else? Inspecting my young junior’s martial arts, of course.”
Ok Cheong’s eyes widened.
“Sect Leader himself?”
“Why? Any reason I shouldn’t?”
“N-no! It’s an honor!”
“So casual.”
Seung Hyeon Jin-in turned.
“Follow me. I’ll watch your evolved arts and fill any gaps I can.”
* * *
The drinking session with his father ended sooner than expected. Yeon Hojeong hadn’t realized his father could down liquor so fiercely. He stayed upright after that volume—near binging—from morning till midday.
“Fuuu.”
Whumm.
Exhaling expelled the alcohol naturally. Yeon Hojeong frowned.
Still no control yet.
Azure Dragon Qi.
Hyper-activated liver function had surged it via harmony with the Three Divine Wonders. The other three energies had grown similarly—overwhelmingly so, hard even to wield properly. At his current level, anyway.
That’s why, though he’d wanted to get drunk this time, Azure Dragon Qi scattered the booze instantly. First time in ages he couldn’t freely command his inner power. Worth celebrating, sure.
I’ll adapt soon.
Uncontrolled power breeds trouble—like a recruit wielding a sword doesn’t make a master. Key was handling it aptly, with tactical wit.
Anyway.
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes gleamed.
Now, true Four Gods Martial Arts begins.
How long had it been? Nearly two years since regression, right up to his final moments. Yet it felt like reuniting with an old friend. Joy swelled.
He probed Azure Dragon Qi again.
Welcome back, Azure Dragon.
Azure Dragon —Wood God of Jia Yin, symbolizing spring, governing the liver. Its true energy focused recovery, detoxification, invulnerability; techniques emphasized evasion and self-preservation.
Want to test it out.
Black Tortoise, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird—all honed in battle. Azure Dragon differed. Post-Three Divine Wonders, he could summon it at will.
It’ll work fine.
At his mastery, known arts deployed instantly in combat—especially familiar ones from his past.
“Maybe I’ll rest today.”
Mo Yong Woo was likely meeting Dang Sang-a, the Hidden Heaven Goddess. No other concerns. Rumors of his breakthrough would spread, but Pa Gun Pavilion barred outsiders today, guards posted.
Time to relax.
As Yeon Hojeong stood—
Hm?
Familiar footsteps approached. He smiled.
Moments later, Muk Bi appeared from the first floor, yawning lazily.
“Finally up?”
Muk Bi’s eyes sharpened like a hawk’s.
“Thanks for earlier.”
“Hm? Oh, Father’s drinking?”
Muk Bi huffed indignantly.
“Never drinking around you again…!!”
Then—
“…Huh?”
She blinked rapidly. Yeon Hojeong tilted his head.
“What’s wrong?”
“What’s that?”
“What’s what?”
“……”
“What?”
“……”
“Spit it out. Why the dumbfounded silence?”
Muk Bi blankly scanned him top to bottom.
Yeon Hojeong scowled.
“What’re you staring at?”
“H-how?”
“Speak plainly.”
“You got stronger?!”
Blunt as ever. He nodded.
“Yeah.”
“No way…!”
Sleep vanished from her face. No wonder.
The change in Yeon Hojeong was transformative—beyond words.
She swallowed unconsciously.
Incredible!
Lounging casually, his posture had shifted. Morning’s rigid perfection now loose, fluid. That laxness? Natural poise, another word for it.
Not enlightenment—his qi shaped it instinctively. Optimal for true energy flow.
“What method did you use…?”
“What method? Just training paid off.”
“……”
“You said it right. Skip boozing with A-yeon—train hard. I want you up here ASAP.”
Muk Bi gazed at him, eyes trembling.
He smiled.
“You can do it. No rushing.”
“Really…?”
Of course.
“I believe in you. If I could, so can you.”
Not empty encouragement—sincere. Their talents differed, but now she had help, unlike before. She’d rise faster, higher.
“Tch.”
Muk Bi flopped onto the bench.
“Kinda deflating.”
“Huh?”
She smirked.
“Wanted to beat you once. Preferably in martial arts.”
“What good’s beating a show-off like me?”
“Serious?”
“Kidding, obviously. Far to go, kid.”
“Hmph.”
“Snorting now? All grown up.”
“I keep saying, I’m older. Age got nothing to do with snorting.”
“Just saying.”
Amusement lit her face. But briefly.
“Huh? But…”
“Yeah?”
“Others don’t know yet?”
“Know what?”
“That you got this strong.”
“Oh, that…”
“Like that Moyong patriarch? Sparred, everyone piled on.”
“…?!”
“Nah, wouldn’t after that thrashing. No fool repeats it…”
“……”
“…Everyone knows?”
“W-well…”
Yeon Hojeong forced a smile.
“Different now, right? Hey, I broke Mujongjibyeok. Know what that is? Crossing it makes a transcendent master. Entry-level, but high realm…”
“No need.”
“……”
“Yeah. Whole Alliance knows by now.”
“Haha.”
He patted her head.
“It’s fine. Situation’s changed. Back then, egos flared. Now? Not so. Few dare spar me…”
Then—
“Commander Yeon!”
A booming voice laced with Taiji true energy.
“Commander Yeon, you in? This is Wudang’s Seung Hyeon. Mind showing your face?”
Muk Bi muttered dryly.
“Always starts with Wudang, huh?”
“……”
“What? Answer. Elder’s calling.”
Perfect timing.