Chapter 324: The One Who Lights the Sacred Fire (6)
The empire's power had been waning for quite some time. Yet it still endured, wielding considerable influence over the lives of the common people, even if not to its former glory.
As the empire weakened, the power of the Murim world naturally grew stronger. Murim stepped in to maintain order where the empire faltered, with the orthodox sects of the White Path devoting their utmost efforts to protecting the populace.
Of course, the Official-Murim Mutual Non-Aggression Pact remained in effect. In a way, Murim taking on the empire's responsibilities could be seen as a violation of that pact. But neither the imperial court nor the bureaucracy could call them out on it. After all, they were the ones who lacked the strength to safeguard the people in the first place—they should have been grateful that Murim had stepped up.
Still, Murim could not overstep the imperial court or the bureaucracy. It simply couldn't. The nation was the root that upheld the world. If Murim caused chaos and the nation crumbled, the world itself would collapse.
That was why renowned sects selected a few disciples and sent them to serve in the imperial court and bureaucracy. With so many talents versed in both civil and martial affairs, Murim periodically dispatched notable figures to prop up the empire.
Thus, the empire barely held on. Murim respected the court and bureaucracy, showing deference to the officials who wielded their influence.
That was how Yeon Hojeong had been able to discern Gyeok's rank just from his official robes.
Establishing any organization naturally required consideration of local sects—and the bureaucracy. Building a colossal force like Heukje-seong demanded attention from the empire itself. As the Black Dark Emperor and lord of Heukje-seong, Yeon Hojeong had memorized virtually everything: the court and bureaucratic uniforms, their duties, revenues, and more.
"Impressive."
Gyeok's eyes deepened. Surprise flickered in those eyes burning with battle lust and killing intent.
"You look awfully young, yet you recognize the Ministry of War's attire. Remarkable insight for your age."
"So that's how it is."
Yeon Hojeong's lips curled up sharply, as if piercing the heavens.
"Sinhwa Church has infiltrated the imperial court and bureaucracy... I knew it, but seeing it firsthand confirms how much effort you bastards have put in."
Gyeok flinched.
The battle lust faded from his eyes, replaced by shock and agitation.
"You knew that?"
Recognizing the Ministry of War robes could be chalked up to knowledge. And with a master launching a sudden ambush, he might have guessed Gyeok's affiliation with Sinhwa Church.
But knowing that Sinhwa Church had infiltrated the court and bureaucracy? That was on another level entirely. It wasn't like debating which came first, the chicken or the egg.
Crack.
Yeon Hojeong cracked his knuckles and lowered his stance again.
"From your getup, it's clear you won't rise high. Introductions? Don't make me laugh."
"......"
"Since it's come to this, I'll vent a bit—then use you as kindling."
Originally, Yeon Hojeong had planned to tail Gyeok and thoroughly investigate his movements. But Gyeok's movement technique was faster than expected, and his senses sharper too. Perhaps Yeon Hojeong's own fury toward the Three Sects played a part. He'd told himself to stay calm and gather his qi, but constantly reining in his emotions was no easy task.
Moreover, reducing his presence enough to keep up with Gyeok's all-out sprint was impossible. So he'd decided to capture him outright and shake him down.
"Vent? Kindling..."
Gyeok's face twisted oddly—seeming both furious at Yeon Hojeong's words and oddly welcoming of the response.
"If you can, then do it, brat."
Whoosh!
Gyeok's body slid back. No need for "ready, set"—true fighters struck first whenever the moment arose.
This was combat with someone who understood the thrill of real battle. Unlike Beom-o, whose power matched but lacked flexibility, this was a true master in a fight to the death.
Tat-tat-tat!
Yeon Hojeong closed in at terrifying speed. Their paces were similar, but unlike his prior Blood Wing Swing Heaven approach, he now used short, springy steps, leaving countless footprints. A movement ready for any counterattack.
'This guy.'
Just from the altered footwork, one could tell how battle-hardened his opponent was. Thick excitement filled Gyeok's eyes once more.
'This'll be fun.'
Paak!
This time, Gyeok charged head-on. The two hurtled toward each other at frightening speeds before finally clashing.
Boom!
Their first exchange: identical body slams, unscripted.
Fwoooo!
Kududuk!
Yeon Hojeong summoned the White Tiger's gale; his feet dug into the ground.
Fwoosh!
Tuduk! Tududuk!
Gyeok called forth Azure Furnace Pure Fire Art's flames; his feet slid back inch by inch.
Yeon Hojeong was pushing forward through sheer power. Regardless of sect, it had been ages since he'd clashed with a Three Sects master. His muscles burned with extreme killing intent and excitement, far beyond his former self.
Gyeok drew a short breath.
Paak!
Flexibly reclining, Gyeok seized Yeon Hojeong's arm and flung him backward. Yeon Hojeong's strength was immense, but Gyeok's was no slouch.
Sizzle!
Yeon Hojeong's forearms, gripped by Gyeok's hands, glowed red-hot. He'd blocked the fire qi with Black Tortoise Qi the instant he was grabbed, yet nearly suffered burns. The ability to infiltrate true energy in a split second was masterful. A flawless control that could end the fight with one lapse.
Boom!
Yeon Hojeong, hurled backward, planted a powerful stamp. Gyeok, charging straight at him, abruptly halted. He'd sensed an ominous counter in Yeon Hojeong's stance.
Papapang!
With his approach so swift, braking required four kicks. His speed dropped sharply, but Gyeok's body just barely entered Yeon Hojeong's attack range.
Yeon Hojeong's eyes gleamed with killing light.
Kwarung!
A fierce stamp unleashed raw power in a monstrous fist wind.
Gyeok's eyes widened.
'Hundred Paces Divine Fist?!'
The Shaolin legendary art that pulverized foes with a mighty stamp and explosive fist wind. Gyeok lacked deep knowledge of Central Plains martial arts, but the motion resembled what he'd heard of the Hundred Paces Divine Fist. Its destructive force chilled him to the bone the moment the wind blasted forth.
Of course, it wasn't the Hundred Paces Divine Fist. It was Yeon Hojeong unleashing the White Tiger Art after ages: the White Tiger Overlord's One Step Quaking Foot, drawing earth force for the Tiger King Slaughter strike.
'Too late!'
The timing was perfect beyond the raw power. Dodging wasn't viable—defense was the only choice.
Kurung!
Gyeok too planted strongly, thrusting a mid-level punch. Sinhwa Church's advanced technique: Flame King Eight Fists' Fire Dragon Emergence.
The two masters' fierce, blazing fists collided head-on.
Kwaang!
With the explosion, Gyeok staggered back two steps. He shouldn't have been outmatched in power. The delay in his strike had prevented full force.
Pababak!
Yeon Hojeong, dissipating the shock a beat faster, lunged again. A brutal martial duel, true energy maxed out in every blow. One solid hit would vaporize the struck area.
Gyeok swiftly reset and eyed Yeon Hojeong.
Fwaaaa!
'......!'
Atop a stage of flames roaring from all directions. Yeon Hojeong charged with a cold expression, eyes hotter and more malevolent than the inferno—terror incarnate.
Beyond martial attainment, his aura dominated. Like a Yama emissary from the underworld hunting a fleeing ghost, his obsessive killing intent was palpable.
Gyeok gritted his teeth and swung dual fists madly.
Kwakwakwang!
Fists clashed, unleashing a monstrous shockwave. So fierce it scattered the surrounding flames in a ring!
Super-masters versed in combat; their overflowing destruction and chilling killing intent repelled even the wildfire like a natural disaster.
Peurk!
Yeon Hojeong's fist buried into Gyeok's abdomen.
Ppak!
Gyeok's knee uppercut Yeon Hojeong's jaw.
Yeon Hojeong reeled back. A clean jaw hit—miraculous he hadn't blacked out.
Gyeok's eyes flashed.
Paak!
At near-zero range, speeds equalized. Closing instantly, Gyeok aimed a flat fist at Yeon Hojeong's throat.
Then—
Paaak!
"Kuh!"
No warning—he couldn't tell when the kick had landed. Dirt flung from Yeon Hojeong's grounded toes sprayed Gyeok's face.
Caught off-guard, Gyeok's torso wobbled. His flat fist grazed Yeon Hojeong's shoulder.
Yeon Hojeong seized the opening. For a split second, his mind had nearly flown, but superhuman endurance and infinite malice toward his foe anchored it.
His hands hammered Gyeok's upper body at blinding speed.
Peupeupeupung!
"Guhk!"
Eighteen linked strikes in an instant. No single blow overwhelming, but enough to rattle a true energy-shielded master's internals.
Pabak!
Gyeok retreated wildly. Blood trickled from his mouth.
Yeon Hojeong had seized momentum with that counter.
Entering attack range, he swiftly pulled back from the massive flame barrage sweeping from the left.
Fwororok!
Kwarung!
Flames raked the earth across the air before vanishing. Gyeok had anticipated the follow-up, channeling fire qi to block the assault outright.
A divine energy art drawing flames for attack—considerable inner energy cost, but necessary to avoid being overwhelmed.
Ududuk!
Yeon Hojeong clutched his knee. Braking his explosive charge and flinging backward had wrecked it—throbbing like shattered joints.
Hududuk!
Gyeok dusted dirt from his face, glaring darkly at Yeon Hojeong.
"Quite the dirty trick."
Yeon Hojeong grinned.
"I'll do whatever it takes to win."
"So you value the winner's strength over the strong's victory?"
"That's how contests work, brat."
Brat. From Yeon Hojeong, far younger in appearance, it sounded absurd.
Yet his voice brimmed with a grandmaster's dignity, belying his youth. Trading murderous blows with an enemy master, he'd reclaimed the aura of the emperor who once ruled the darkness.
Gyeok's face hardened. He'd sensed the imperial bearing emanating from Yeon Hojeong.
"......Fine."
Gyeok stomped hard.
Kwaang!
Fworororok!
His hair shot skyward. The fire qi pouring from his body gradually turned blue.
He'd maxed out Azure Furnace Pure Fire Art.
"The warm-up's over. No more holding back, nameless kid."
Yeon Hojeong laughed wickedly. An axe from the ground was now in his hand.
"I'll chop you to bits alive until you beg for death, brat."
Kwarurung!
A winter night sky. Thunder rumbled through chill clouds.