Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 185

The Thread Hasn’t Broken

“It seems everything is almost sorted.”

“Indeed.”

Moyong Woo looked around.

The battle at the Haeryong Caravan had been fierce and brutal. Numerous pavilions had collapsed, walls were broken in many places, and the area had turned into a ruin.

The place, which had become such a mess that even ghosts would be too scared to come near, now seemed to be somewhat tidied up.

Yeon Hojeong glanced over at the Tangma Army.

The Tangma Army members were scattered, taking a rest. The atmosphere was still dark, as they had not yet overcome the shock of losing their comrades.

“Come to think of it, where is that person?”

“Who?”

“The one who will soon become the wife of Commander Moyong.”

Moyong Woo was flustered.

“Ye-Yeonjae!”

“There are many eyes watching. Be careful with your words.”

“Oh…”

He was so flustered that he forgot there were many people around.

“Could it be that she got caught up in the battle and died?”

“Ahem! That’s not the case.”

Moyong Woo pointed to one side. When Yeon Hojeong followed his gaze, he saw Tang Sang-ah resting with the female members of the third group of the Tangma Army.

A look of curiosity appeared on Yeon Hojeong’s face.

“By the way, did she join that group?”

“Yes, she did.”

“Why? With her skills, she could easily have taken the position of team leader.”

“In a group battle, poison and hidden weapons can be incredibly powerful in a certain sense.”

“Exactly.”

“But if the person handling the poison and hidden weapons doesn’t have a ruthless personality, becoming a leader would only create confusion among the subordinates.”

Yeon Hojeong tilted his head in confusion.

“I thought she was someone who gets things done when necessary.”

“She does get things done when needed. But the ruthlessness I speak of refers to the toughness required of a leader.”

“The toughness of a leader.”

“My principle is that a leader must treat their subordinates like family. However, for the sake of the mission, sometimes you have to be cold and turn your back.”

Yeon Hojeong agreed with Moyong Woo’s words.

Turning your back doesn’t mean abandoning someone. It means knowing when to send your subordinates on Tangerous missions and not neglecting the mission out of concern for them.

That was what Tang Sang-ah lacked. Unlike other members of the Tang family, she was too kind-hearted.

“Still, she managed to survive quite well.”

“Because she’s strong.”

Yeon Hojeong chuckled.

“Seems like you’re proud since she’s your person?”

“Ye-Yeon Commander!”

“So what? If you think she’s a good person, I don’t see why you shouldn’t get closer without worrying about the consequences.”

Moyong Woo let out an awkward cough.

“I’ll handle that on my own.”

After all, feelings can’t be forced.

In the end, what matters is the mutual feelings. Yeon Hojeong had created an environment for them, but from that point on, it was up to the two of them to resolve things.

If there’s no affection? Then it ends there.

But if feelings develop? Then they should approach it seriously from that point on.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll handle it well.”

Moyong Woo changed the subject.

“Now that things are more or less wrapped up, I was thinking it’s time to move. What do you think?”

“That’s something for you, the Great Commander, to decide. Has there been any contact from the League?”

“Not yet.”

“Well, the battle just ended, so if there’s no other message, we can return to the League.”

“Let’s do that.”

As Moyong Woo was about to return to the Tangma Army, he suddenly felt concerned about something and asked.

“Yeon Commander.”

“What is it?”

“Is something wrong?”

“What do you mean?”

Moyong Woo hesitated, wondering if he was bringing up something unnecessary, but then he made up his mind. After all, they were sworn brothers, so there was no reason he couldn’t ask.

“Ever since you met with Pasaruk, your demeanor seems a bit different.”

Yeon Hojeong faintly smiled.

“Does it?”

“Yes, it does.”

“It’s nothing. That guy is just a trashy person. Just seeing his face disgusted me.”

It was a rather harsh response.

While Yeon Hojeong had always been blunt with his words, today they seemed particularly sharp.

“What did he say to you? Or rather, what did you press him about?”

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes wavered for a moment.

‘Will it be alright?’

It would be fine.

There was no harm in telling Moyong Woo everything.

Of course, Moyong Woo was not the kind of person who would betray someone once he gave his trust.

The only reason he hesitated was that it was an issue that required careful handling.

‘That’s true.’

Yeon Hojeong admitted it to himself. Besides his anger towards the Three Teachings, he was also tense because their power was immense.

‘Actually, by now, there shouldn’t be any major problem if I tell Father.’

The reason he hadn’t told his father was clear.

His father was a capable head of the family, without any shortcomings. However, he valued caution over boldness, and most importantly, his approach to handling matters was different from Yeon Hojeong’s.

No matter how skilled someone was, encountering an unknown enemy would naturally cause them to panic. And once panicked, they would navigate the situation in ways they were most familiar with, rather than trusting others.

That’s why Yeon Hojeong had not yet disclosed everything to Yeon Wi. At least in the case of Moyong Gun, they had taken the initiative to target them first, which naturally established an adversarial relationship.

‘Telling everything could potentially gain their help since they share a common enemy. But if there’s a high chance of complications arising, there’s no need to say anything.’

No matter what, the Martial Alliance and even the entire Central Plains martial world must not be shaken.

Yeon Hojeong trusted his own judgment. It wasn’t the right time to hastily talk about this yet.

However…

“I think I can tell you.”

“Hmm?”

“You’re different from my father.”

It wasn’t a difference in trust or ability, but a difference in disposition.

Moyong Woo was kind, but he also had the insight to hide his true intentions and join forces under Moyong Gun. Moreover, his reliance on Yeon Hojeong was greater than that on Yeon Wi.

Yeon Hojeong’s eyes sparkled.

Yes, now that the enemy’s movements had been clearly detected, it was time to inform Moyong Woo.

And also Gadeuk Sang.

“What I’m about to tell you now, you must not share with anyone. Consider it top-secret, known only to us.”

* * *

“Hahaha.”

Moyong Gun burst into laughter repeatedly.

“To think that a day like this would come in my life. The famous Pan Guan Daehyeop and the military strategist of the Martial Alliance have come directly to my residence.”

His laughter was so hearty and genuine that it carried a deep sense of joy.

Moyong Gun asked, still smiling, “How about it? It’s still early, but would you care for a drink? I have some quite fine liquor in stock.”

Jegal Munho shook his head.

“No need. This isn’t a conversation to be had over drinks.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes gleamed.

If it wasn’t a conversation to be had over drinks, that meant there was no intention to sway them with alcohol.

“I see. Then let’s have some tea and talk.”

“Let’s do that.”

Moyong Gun glanced at Yeon Wi.

“Do you like Longjing tea, Yeon Gaju?”

Yeon Wi responded in a stiff voice.

“I’ve never had it before.”

“Haha, you’ve accumulated considerable wealth through maritime trade, but you’ve never tried Longjing? How unassuming of you.”

It was a remark with a subtle barb, but Yeon Wi did not react.

Moyong Gun’s smile deepened.

‘As expected, he’s not ordinary.’

The Yeon Wi of the past would have surely reacted to such a comment.

Yeon Wi hadn’t known how to conceal himself. Even if he didn’t express it outwardly, his thoughts would show in his expressions and gaze to some extent.

But now, things were different.

There was no wavering in his eyes, and his posture remained completely unshaken. He wasn’t swayed by the words of others.

‘Is it because his martial arts have improved?’

No.

Such changes couldn’t be attributed to the advancement of martial arts.

‘Ah, it’s because of Yeon Hojeong.’

Indeed.

Yeon Hojeong’s growth had been nothing short of explosive. But what was even more alarming was his political acumen, which rivaled that of veteran warriors in the martial world, despite his young age.

When he revealed himself, it was in a dazzling manner; when he hid, it was in a shadowy manner.

Much of Yeon Hojeong’s political maneuvers would have been hard for Yeon Wi to accept given his nature.

However, Yeon Hojeong hadn’t changed. He had only become more ruthless and bolder.

Watching this transform the landscape of the Martial Alliance, Yeon Wi must have realized something as well.

‘A father who grows by observing his son? Hah! Learning doesn’t depend on time, people, or circumstances.’

Moyong Gun smirked inwardly.

‘They’re quite the complicated father and son.’

Shortly after, three cups of Longjing tea were placed on the table.

Jegal Munho was genuinely impressed.

“The aroma is truly remarkable.”

“Haha, it’s the finest Longjing tea. I’ve brought out what little I have left, so make sure to drink every drop.”

“I will enjoy it.”

After moistening his throat with a sip of tea, Moyong Gun asked, “So, what brings two clan heads to visit me?”

Yeon Wi spoke directly.

“We’ve come because of a troublesome matter.”

“A troublesome matter? Hmm, what could possibly trouble the esteemed members of the Martial Alliance?”

He spoke as if he wasn’t part of the Alliance himself, still finding the situation amusing.

Jegal Munho cut to the chase.

“Let me get straight to the point. We’re here regarding the matter of the Duel King, Yangcheon.”

Moyong Gun’s gaze changed instantly.

Yangcheon. Even for someone as formidable as Moyong Gun, that was not a name to be taken lightly.

“Yangcheon… I’m not sure of the exact details, but if someone of that caliber is involved, it’s understandable that it would be a headache.”

“Exactly.”

“Let’s hear it, then.”

Jegal Munho succinctly explained the current situation regarding Yangcheon.

After listening to the entire explanation, Moyong Gun said, “So, it’s a situation where you need to thoroughly investigate this man. But if you’re discovered, it could lead to serious future threats?”

“To be precise, I believe it could become a problem for the entire martial world.”

Moyong Gun smiled.

“Yangcheon is indeed a monster. And not just him—everyone listed among the Thirteen Stars of the Sacred Heavens could be called monsters.”

“That’s precisely why it’s a problem.”

“Furthermore, you say his nature is ruthless and cruel, the kind of person who would hold a grudge and pursue it until death?”

“If he weren’t that kind of person, we wouldn’t be so troubled.”

“Haha, that’s true.”

Yeon Wi, who had been silent until now, interjected.

“The truth is, there are many possible approaches. But no matter the method, there will be significant casualties, and if Yangcheon decides to go into hiding, it will only make things more difficult.”

“Indeed.”

Moyong Gun smiled.

“Why not convene a Bonggong meeting instead?”

“That wasn’t an option.”

“Why not?”

Yeon Wi responded in his characteristic stern tone.

“Because we didn’t think it was a matter where the Tang Family’s members should be allowed to muddy the waters.”

Jegal Munho looked at Yeon Wi in surprise.

In contrast, Moyong Gun showed no signs of being taken aback. Instead, he readily acknowledged it.

“Of course. As expected, you two are no ordinary individuals.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

“So, you’ve come to borrow this old man’s bag of tricks?”

“That’s right. Even if Moyong Clan Leader gains great power in the future, the problem of Yangcheon won’t simply disappear.”

“Hahaha!”

Moyong Gun laughed heartily.

“Just hearing that makes me feel good. Yes, indeed. It seems that Yangcheon is our common enemy.”

“Something like that.”

“Hmm, investigating Yangcheon…”

Moyong Gun pondered for a moment and then tilted his head.

“I’m not sure why you’re worried.”

The two men were taken aback.

“When investigating someone of such high stature, casualties are inevitable. The key is not to get caught.”

Moyong Gun smiled slyly.

“Wouldn’t it suffice to make them believe it wasn’t us?”