[Chapter 65]
"Hmm, that settles it."
Yeon Hojeong clenched his fist.
Tss, tss, tss.
The White Tiger Energy naturally infused within him.
He wanted to thrust out his tightly clenched fist right away. If swung at a rock, it would split; if at a tree, it would shatter.
Of course, this was also possible with the increasingly accomplished Byukrajin Technique.
However, centering oneself with the Byukrajin Energy and striking with the White Tiger Energy made a difference in the attack power itself.
"Now, it's properly harnessed."
The White Tiger Energy was fierce, not heavy and static like the Black Tortoise Energy.
It always struggled to burst forth. If one couldn't properly control the White Tiger Energy, even their martial arts would become uncontrollable.
And if one couldn't control their martial arts?
Then it would lead to self-destruction. Even the most legendary swords must be wielded at the right time to shine. If the uncontrolled White Tiger Energy was overused, the body would collapse before the internal energy was depleted.
"Still…"
A sense of pride washed over Yeon Hojeong's face.
"Having the White Tiger by my side certainly feels reassuring."
It had been several days since he acquired the White Tiger Energy.
During that time, he controlled and refined the energy to suit his body.
He hadn't swung an axe or practiced footwork, but he felt a significant improvement in his martial arts. Even those who pursue the extreme path of martial arts must maintain a minimum balance.
Yeon Hojeong stood up, holding his axe. His beard was unkempt from days in the forest, but his skin seemed clearer.
"Then…"
He took a powerful step forward.
Thump!
His step vibrated the earth, announcing the presence of the mountain's master.
Yeon Hojeong's body dispersed like smoke.
Whoosh!
In the blink of an eye, he reappeared ten steps away, splitting a tree diagonally.
Originally, Yeon Hojeong's movement technique wasn't that fast. Even now, his achievement in the technique wasn't much different from before he obtained the White Tiger Energy.
But his footwork had changed.
He had always been quick at closing short distances. Now, he was even faster, like lightning.
This was the White Tiger's Sovereign Step, the stride of the Western Emperor dominating the bloody battlefield.
A footwork technique capable of confronting all enemies within its territory. It was specialized for combat.
Yeon Hojeong swung his axe again.
Swoosh!
He swung so powerfully it seemed the spear shaft might bend.
It was similar yet different from the Beast Spear Technique. Only now was the true essence of a one-strike kill beginning to be encapsulated.
A supreme martial art that shattered the opponent's momentum before the actual attack, the Tyrant's Ultimate Wall Breaker.
After swinging his axe dozens of times, he struck the base of a rock with the axe in his right hand.
Boom! Rumble!
A fairly large rock rolled a distance of five yards before being stopped by a giant tree.
He flung the rock with explosive power. Such monstrous strength was unparalleled.
Thud!
Yeon Hojeong looked down at his hands.
His fingertips were trembling slightly.
"The energy is complete, but the body can't keep up."
Since the axe was imbued with White Tiger Energy, it should have split the rock. However, Yeon Hojeong had pushed the rock away with that destructive energy.
It meant he had complete control over the flow of energy. It was proof that he could perfectly control the White Tiger Energy.
However, his muscles, tendons, and joints couldn't withstand the destructive technique.
"It's fine for now. But if I don't loosen up beforehand, it will eventually lead to disaster."
Yeon Hojeong wasn't worried.
The White Tiger Energy was rough, but it also helped his physique grow.
In other words, as long as he could properly harness the White Tiger Energy, this problem would eventually disappear.
Yeon Hojeong took a deep breath.
Whooosh.
He stabilized his center with the Byukrajin Energy, recovered his energy with the White Tiger Energy, and dispelled the foul energy with the Black Tortoise Energy.
The recovery was incredibly fast. His body, which had felt heavy and sluggish, was instantly filled with vitality.
"Now, then."
He slung the axe over his shoulder and looked at the towering tavern in the distance.
His stomach growled.
"Maybe it's time to oil up the belly."
The place Yeon Hojeong arrived at was the capital city of Hanam, Jeongju.
Jeongju's crowd was different from that of Gaebong. The streets were more splendid, and the buildings were taller and larger.
Among them, Yeon Hojeong entered a particularly large and ornate tavern and immediately secured a room.
He hadn't bathed properly for days. He washed for over half an hour and changed his clothes.
The clothes he had requested in advance were martial arts attire. It was a black martial arts uniform that didn't show dirt easily.
Dressed in the martial arts uniform, he headed to the dining hall with his axe.
The place was bustling.
The tavern was abuzz with noise. Despite the sun still hanging in the sky, many had already gathered for a drink.
He chose a secluded spot on the top floor and ordered some dishes. Of course, the drinks were complimentary.
"Smells delightful."
Three dishes he ordered arrived. Yeon Hojeong devoured the food as if possessed.
But he wasn't one for a full table. After polishing off two dishes, he felt moderately full.
'These will make perfect side dishes.'
He comfortably downed a drink as well.
He could feel the occasional glances from people around him, but he paid them no mind. He wasn't one to be bothered by others' stares, having grown quite accustomed to it.
After emptying one bottle, he was about to order another when…
"You have quite a hearty way of drinking."
Yeon Hojeong looked up.
There stood a woman with a radiant appearance. Her cheeks were flushed red, perhaps from drinking a fair amount.
She was attractive. Whether intentional or not, her attire revealed her curvaceous figure, hard for any man to ignore.
"Are you a warrior from the martial world? My goodness, do you always carry that huge axe around? Amazing! You must be incredibly strong?"
Yeon Hojeong replied calmly,
"I use my strength as necessary."
"Oh, a man of few words? That's quite charming."
She was brazenly flirting. Not many could do so without a hint of shame.
The woman leaned on the table with her hand.
Her stance was bold and enchanting. The deep valley of her chest was revealed through the parted front of her dress.
"How about it? I happen to be alone as well, shall we drink together?"
"Is that so?" he pondered aloud.
She feigned surprise, "Oh my, is there a law against men and women sharing a drink?"
"Not that I'm aware of."
"Then let's drink together."
"I'd rather not."
A shadow of disappointment crossed the woman's face.
"Why? Do you wish to be alone?"
Yeon Hojeong gestured with his chin to the surroundings.
"People aren't looking at me."
"Pardon?"
"I carry around such a fearsome object," he said, referring to his weapon. "They pretend not to, but they steal glances. Yet now, no one's looking."
"Oh, are they looking at me then?"
The woman scanned the room, but indeed, no one was paying them any attention.
Yeon Hojeong chuckled softly.
"Seems like some troublemakers have been around in my absence, if they're not looking at you either."
Still, she looked around, puzzled.
"They're not looking at me? Why is that?"
"Why indeed. They're probably scared of you."
"Scared of me? What have I done?"
"I wouldn't know. How many you've handled or caused a stir with."
The woman fell silent.
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
"You're quite clumsy at this. If you're trying to deceive someone, you should've fooled everyone else too, not just me."
"Hmm."
"I'll entertain you when the time comes. For tonight, just wash your feet and go to sleep."
"Oh, that's an oddly intriguing thing to say."
The woman turned back to Yeon Hojeong.
Her face was still bright, but her eyes had turned icy, unlike before.
"How did you know, little brother?"
Her tone had shifted.
"I've just told you, haven't I?"
"Not for that reason," she pressed, curiosity lacing her voice. "I'm genuinely curious about how you knew."
"I've said all there is to say. Now leave."
"…Oh, so it was real? You figured it out that easily?"
"Of course."
There was also an inexplicable intuition involved. Having seen too many who deceive and stab in the back, he could smell the deceit from the moment they approached.
Thud.
The woman sat down opposite him with a casual grace.
Yeon Hojeong grumbled.
"Let me eat in peace, will you?"
"Eat. I won't bother you."
And she meant it. Yeon Hojeong could tell she was sincere.
Sincerity always stems from confidence. The woman, or rather, they, were certain they could easily capture Yeon Hojeong.
Leaning forward, she rested her chin on her hands.
Still enchanting in her posture, but the sultriness was gone. Her cool yet innocent eyes now revealed a childlike purity.
"It's astonishing. You caught on the fastest. Most men are easily swayed when I approach."
"Have you only dealt with fools then?"
"Is that so? But among those we've captured, there were some decent ones. The Hengshan Swordsman, wasn't it?"
Yeon Hojeong's eyes sparkled.
He was familiar with the moniker of the Hengshan Swordsman. After all, he was the last great master of the declining Hengshan Sect.
What mattered was his prowess.
The Hengshan Swordsman was a legendary master who matched the elders of the Qingcheng Sect, one of the Nine Great Sects. Capturing such a master indicated their exceptional abilities.
"How many are you?"
"Who knows? Roughly seventy? Haven't really counted since the new recruits joined."
"You sure swarmed that one."
"Ah, come on. We're not that desperate. Only five went after the Hengshan Swordsman."
Yeon Hojeong's eyes gleamed.
That was quite the feat. How many organizations could boast of capturing a martial artist of the Qingcheng Sect's elder level with just five people?
"How many have come this time?"
"All of us."
"Really?"
"That's why I was curious. I wondered if our target was one of the Thirteen Celestial Seats. My curiosity got the better of me, so I came out first."
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
"I assure you, no matter who you are, you cannot capture the Thirteen Celestial Seats."
The woman smirked, her gaze growing colder.
"Why so confident? Don't you know in the martial world, even the first-rate can fall to a thrown dagger?"
"I know. But they're not the Thirteen Celestial Seats."
"Do you know those gentlemen?"
"There are things one knows without seeing. With your level, you couldn't even touch the Thirteen Celestial Seats, let alone face my father."
"Pan Guan Sword Yeon Wi. I've heard he's quite the skilled one."
"If you met him, you'd soil yourself."
"Boasting about your father now?"
"If you get the chance, go see him. Oh, but that won't happen. You'll have to get past me first, won't you?"
The woman shook her head as if in disbelief.
"You really don't know fear, little brother."
Yeon Hojeong waved his hand dismissively.
"If you're done here, go rest. I feel like getting drunk tonight."
The woman watched Yeon Hojeong for a moment, then stood up with a smile.
"Drink up. You can't drink when you're dead."
"I get it, now go."
"Ho ho ho."
With a melodious laugh, the woman left.
Yeon Hojeong's gaze deepened.
'Impressive.'
The scent of blood was thick.
A woman who had killed countless times. Likely, so had all the members of her organization.
'Seventy of them, huh?'
This could be interesting.
Those reeking of blood never fall under a noble house. A noble house wouldn't accept them in the first place.
Yet, they didn't seem to belong to any noble house.
"Such greedy creatures."
That's when it happened.
[The gates are open. Moyong Clan's leader has arrived in Jeongju.]
Yeon Hojeong's eyes flashed.
'Finally.'
He had arrived.
Yeon Hojeong murmured softly.
"Tell him I'll clean up one more time before I go."
[Yes.]
Moyong Clan's leader Moyong Gun.
A peerless master who received the title of Sword God and became the leader of the Martial Alliance, and a comrade-in-arms and enemy who had ascended to Heaven's Peak with him to subdue the leader of the Saeum Sect.
Finally, he would meet him.
Not as the Black Emperor, Black Amje, but as Yeon Hojeong, the eldest son of the Byuksan Yeon family.
With a heart pounding in anticipation, Yeon Hojeong raised his hand.
"Another bottle here."