LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 174
Chapter 174
Exorcising Demons and Destroying Evil
“Stop the infighting.”
It was an unexpected statement. Yeon Hojeong couldn’t imagine Gonggong Daeja uttering such words.
Watching Gonggong Daeja silently, Yeon Hojeong smiled and asked, “Did you say you gave Moyong Gun a lesson?”
Though it was an abrupt question, Gonggong Daeja answered calmly, “I did.”
“You intended to give a gift to the leaders of both armies before the expedition.”
“That was the plan. However, it seems the gift wasn’t necessary for you. While Moyong Gun has also established his own lineage, you are different. Though you have yet to achieve great success, it feels like you’ve already perfected your own martial art style.”
He wasn’t talking about the Four Divine Beasts Martial Arts.
The key is how one refines their martial arts into their own unique method. The power and utility of the same martial art can vary greatly depending on the practitioner.
“It seems you already know what it takes to improve yourself.”
It was a keen insight.
Such an insight is not developed merely by learning good martial arts. It is the kind of wisdom that comes from facing countless masters in numerous battles.
Shaolin Temple. A legendary sect in both Buddhism and martial arts, renowned as the best in Jungwon.
Indeed, the leader of such a sect is not just anyone.
Thud.
Yeon Hojeong set down his Guanglong Axe carelessly and shook his head.
“Although I didn’t get to see your main martial art, it was still an impressive duel. Thank you.”
A flash of interest gleamed in Gonggong Daeja’s eyes.
Yeon Hojeong wasn’t referring to Shaolin’s real martial arts or anything like that. Specifically, he mentioned the Abbot’s martial arts.
Though there was a subtle difference, Gonggong Daeja could tell from Yeon Hojeong’s deep gaze that he had already noticed.
“Did you see it?”
“Pardon?”
“My martial arts.”
Yeon Hojeong nodded.
“I don’t know for sure, but it seems you have a separate martial art that you practice.”
“Ha ha.”
“Of course, that is also Shaolin’s martial art. However…”
“However?”
Yeon Hojeong stroked his chin.
After a moment of thought, he tilted his head and asked, “Are you perhaps thinking of synthesizing all of Shaolin’s martial arts or creating a new one?”
Surprise appeared on Gonggong Daeja’s face.
“How did you come up with that idea?”
“It’s just a feeling.”
“Huh!”
“When you reach the pinnacle of any field, you tend to return to the basics. Your martial art, though simple, contains an indescribable logic.”
Yeon Hojeong extended his fist.
Bang!
It was a precise punch. The air around him trembled.
“Logic is power. Power is projection, and projection is embodiment. The martial arts embodied contain the person’s thoughts and enlightenment.”
“Are you saying that by observing my martial art, you have understood my intent?”
Yeon Hojeong nodded.
Gonggong Daeja was genuinely impressed.
“The dream that no one in the temple has noticed, recognized by the greatest prodigy of the current martial world raised in Gangdong.”
“You did the same, didn’t you?”
“Hmm?”
“By inviting me and Moyong Gun for a duel. Not just to give us a gift, but to understand the sincerity within the martial arts we embody.”
“…!”
“So, did you read my sincerity?”
Gonggong Daeja sighed while watching Yeon Hojeong quietly.
“I thought you were a hidden dragon waiting for the right moment to ascend, but you were already a mature divine dragon.”
“That’s an overestimation.”
“It is not an overestimation. Truly, it is not. Your martial arts are one thing, but your insight is already considering the entire world.”
“That’s why it’s an overestimation.”
“Why?”
“Because my eyes are focused not on the world, but on people.”
Gonggong Daeja sighed.
“Focused on people…”
Yeon Hojeong bowed.
“I don’t have grand ambitions to save the world, but I do know how to protect my kin. Don’t worry too much.”
“Ha ha ha.”
“Then.”
Clang!
With the Guanglong Axe on his shoulder, Yeon Hojeong turned and walked away, looking peculiarly unburdened.
Watching him slowly walk away, Gonggong Daeja spoke up.
“The answer?”
Yeon Hojeong stopped.
“What answer?”
“I asked you to stop the infighting with the Moyong family head.”
“You called the leaders of Tangma Myeolsa Army to understand their intentions, didn’t you?”
“That was indeed the primary purpose.”
“If you’ve achieved your purpose, isn’t that enough?”
“So, the answer?”
Yeon Hojeong turned again.
Gonggong Daeja’s eyes were still clear and deep, but now contained a hint of chill.
“May I ask you one thing before I answer?”
“Go ahead.”
“How did you know?”
Gonggong Daeja burst out laughing.
“You haven’t attended a Bonggong meeting, so you wouldn’t know, but I prefer to open my ears rather than my mouth at the meetings.”
“…”
“You have an extraordinary ability to discern your opponent’s weaknesses. They say you see them if you strive to kill a stronger opponent as a weaker one.”
“That’s right.”
“It’s the same for me. I’m not good at politics. I just focus on observing who leads the meeting and what they want.”
Yeon Hojeong clicked his tongue.
“Your insight, based on mere observation, is not ordinary either.”
“I suspected it before. It didn’t make sense for the head of one of the Six Great Families to engage in a conflict with an unbloomed prodigy. It would make sense if it were the Jegal family head.”
Gonggong Daeja shook his head.
“But after seeing the reaction of the Dark Sky Divine Maiden, I was sure. My thoughts were correct.”
“…”
“You and Moyong Gun are fiercely fighting. Your battle is shaking the entire Murim Alliance.”
What a remarkable person.
Common sense leads to fixed ideas. When something out of the ordinary happens, it means that the fixed idea has been broken.
In other words, Gonggong Daeja discerned the hidden bloody struggle between Yeon Hojeong and Moyong Gun just by observing people and reading the flow of events.
Yeon Hojeong smiled faintly.
“You are impressive.”
“I didn’t say it to receive praise. I just don’t want any more fighting.”
Gonggong Daeja lowered his head and gazed steadily at Yeon Hojeong.
“Stop the infighting.”
“Is that a warning?”
It was a provocative question.
“If I say it is, will you stop, and if not, will you continue?”
“Of course not.”
“Then it’s a meaningless question.”
“It has meaning.”
“Why?”
“If it’s a warning, I feel I should drag you into the conflict I’m waging.”
Gonggong Daeja’s eyes gleamed.
“You must know that this is a dangerous statement.”
“I risked my life the moment I stepped into this. One more arrow in a battlefield where swords are flying isn’t surprising.”
Gonggong Daeja sighed.
“What is the reason for your fight with him?”
“Because I believe he shouldn’t become the Murim Alliance Leader.”
“W-what?”
Gonggong Daeja didn’t expect this answer.
Surprised, he asked, “Are you saying that Moyong Gun is aiming for the position of Murim Alliance Leader?”
“While you knew that we were fighting, didn’t you think about why?”
“…”
“Moyong Gun is capable, but he is also someone who cannot be satisfied unless he is the best. Until he reaches a position he deems satisfactory, he won’t hesitate to sacrifice innocent people.”
“So, you oppose him because you want to prevent him from becoming the leader?”
Yeon Hojeong nodded.
“There are multiple reasons, but yes, primarily.”
It was a peculiar answer.
It was not a clear answer, leaving the listener somewhat frustrated.
“Ha ha.”
Gonggong Daeja’s laughter was quite hollow.
“Moyong Gun is aiming for the position of Murim Alliance Leader… So, was it also his idea to propose the deputy leader position?”
“Concentrated power is not good. Whoever becomes the leader needs a check. There should be means to balance them.”
“The Murim Alliance has capable leaders, starting with Bonggong.”
“And there are those who try to bring those leaders to their side.”
“…!”
“No system is perfect. But for now, this was the best option.”
When Moyong Gun became the Murim Alliance Leader in the past, his ally Tang Kwan became the deputy leader.
And it was Moyong Gun who created the deputy leader position.
That shouldn’t happen.
The position and institutions should be created not to plant one’s people but to prevent dictatorship as much as possible.
Thus, even the same deputy leader position differs based on who created it, when, and why.
Gonggong Daeja’s eyes deepened.
“If Moyong Gun gives up his ambition to be the best?”
“…”
“If that happens, will you also stop?”
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
“Moyong Gun won’t stop. No matter who tries to stop him.”
“…”
“If you really want to stop his rampage, you should rather kill him. That’s the only way.”
“I can’t do that.”
“Then my conflict will inevitably continue.”
“That’s why I said ‘if.’ If Moyong Gun gives up his ambition, what will you do?”
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
“Then I will strive to unite the forces of justice, starting with the Murim Alliance.”
A smile spread across Gonggong Daeja’s face.
“That is a pleasant answer to hear.”
“Is that so.”
“I understand your intention well.”
Yeon Hojeong thought to himself.
You don’t understand, Daeja.
“Today’s duel was truly enjoyable. Let’s exchange skills again if we get the chance.”
* * *
Three days later.
Rumble!
The northern gate of the Murim Alliance, the Black Tortoise Gate, opened.
A loud voice echoed through the open gate.
“The Tangma Myeolsa United Army, advance!”
Rumble.
The thunderous sound of horse hooves shook the ground.
It was a forward march of 550 elite warriors. Leading them were Yeon Hojeong and Moyong Gun.
They weren’t the only ones. All the advancing soldiers were riding majestic horses.
Flash!
The Tangma Army wore sophisticated armor.
It was light armor, designed for mobility, ensuring that no martial arts would be hindered.
In contrast, the Myeolsa Army wore no armor. Their natural appearance in their usual attire gave them an effortless look, if not as imposing as the Tangma Army.
Moyong Woo, observing the front, asked, “How was it?”
“What?”
“Your duel with the Abbot.”
“It was thrilling in many ways.”
“I can imagine.”
“Did you train the Tangma Army properly?”
“Training at this point was meaningless. I focused solely on uniting their minds.”
“You did well. Any half-hearted training would have been futile.”
A subtle tension appeared on Moyong Woo’s face.
“Have you completed all your tasks?”
Yeon Hojeong glanced back.
“I did what I could. My father and other leaders will handle the rest.”
“Hopefully, everything will go smoothly.”
“Enough. Let’s focus on our task now.”
Rumble!
The Black Tortoise Gate closed.
Yeon Hojeong’s eyes sparkled.
“Shall we run now?”
“Let’s.”
Rumble!
550 horsemen descended the mountain trail with a mighty vibration.
Their destination was Shandong Province.