[Chapter 71]
In this world, there are truly many incidents and accidents.
Unbeknownst to many, thousands of crimes occur daily, and only a fraction of these culprits are ever apprehended.
This is true for any region. Although the authorities and martial arts sects train specialized investigators, their numbers are few, and the vastness of the Central Plains hides many cases in darkness.
Unsolved criminal cases. Serious offenses that neither the government nor the martial arts world could resolve.
Among these, the unsolved cases of Jiangsu Province rose to the surface as the warm spring weather gradually turned scorching hot.
The shocking rumors began in Hunan, spreading rapidly to the surrounding areas.
And the protagonist of these rumors was none other than Yeon Hojeong , the eldest son of the prestigious Byuksan Yeon family.
Five years ago, Yeon Hojeong , the perpetrator of the Huishan fire incident in Jiangsu Province.
Five years ago, Yeon Hojeong , the perpetrator behind the mass s*****e of the Haemin family in Jiangsu Province.
Three years ago, Yeon Hojeong , the culprit of the Sangju courtesan murder in Jiangsu Province.
Two years ago, Yeon Hojeong , the arsonist of the Taeho Bonlu fire in Jiangsu Province.
And he was heavily suspected of numerous other fires, murders, and assaults.
Yeon Hojeong . The heir to the Byuksan Yeon family.
Once known as a mere spectator, he recently gained the reputation of a whirlwind warrior due to his exceptional martial arts skills.
This scion of a noble house has committed countless crimes in Jiangsu Province, leaving each case unresolved.
The impact of the rumors was terrifying. Not just the martial arts world, but even the government officials whispered about the need to investigate the truth.
No one knew where the rumors started.
It's not easy for such baseless rumors to spread so quickly. Many viewed Yeon Hojeong with eyes of disdain, but the more discerning individuals realized that something about this situation was not normal.
Those who cursed Yeon Hojeong , those who waited to see how the situation would unfold, and those who sensed something amiss.
Amidst the chaos in Hunan, Yeon Hojeong finally revealed himself.
* * *
Thud, thud.
Yeon Hojeong 's steps were brisk, and the steps of the Chang-eung Squad following him were just as steady.
People parted to the sides to make way for them.
There was no murmuring.
Crossing the wide boulevard towards Huchang, Yeon Hojeong and his entourage exuded an air of unassailable grandeur.
Flutter!
Astonishingly, about ten members of the Chang-eung Squad were carrying banners on poles over one and a half zhang long.
On the banners, the characters for Byuksan (碧山) and Yeon (燕) were inscribed in a grand and stylish script.
It was the procession of the Byuksan Yeon family, renowned as one of the Seven Great Families and lauded as a household of great heroes. Their majestic march was nothing less than that of a triumphant general.
And at the forefront was Yeon Hojeong himself.
Draped in a loose white robe that reached below his calves over his pristine martial attire, his slender frame and handsome face were accentuated by the spotless white of his clothes, making him appear exceedingly noble.
This was why people could not openly criticize Yeon Hojeong and his party.
Was it because they were part of the Seven Great Families? Or because they were a group of swordsmen maintaining a sharp aura as they moved?
No, that wasn't it.
Most eyes were on Yeon Hojeong . They weren't even frightened by the blood-stained axe he carried.
Whoosh.
With each step, a mysterious azure mist rose from beneath his feet.
Yeon Hojeong was an extraordinary figure. People thought so. Whether he wielded an axe or not, his strong, upright integrity, like that of a steadfast scholar, left people too in awe to speak.
His presence was overwhelming.
Even the wild and ferocious Black Abyss Lord had such a side to him. Depending on the occasion, he could shake the hearts of the audience with his enigmatic presence.
'Impressive,' thought Lee Cheol-kyung, looking down at Yeon Hojeong from the top of a tower as high as a fortress.
'Hunan is considered the center of the Central Plains martial world, thanks to Shaolin and the prestigious families. Even if the opponent is a martial artist, an enraged public doesn't consider their power or prestige.'
Normally, even powerless commoners would openly jeer.
But look at this scene. It was so quiet you could hear an ant pass by; no one dared to speak. There wasn't even a whisper of murmuring.
They were overpowered.
The very existence of Yeon Hojeong , and the mysterious aura he emitted, had completely sealed the mouths of the audience.
'What an incredible young man.'
Such a demeanor couldn't be natural unless one had commanded many people before.
But he was too young to have such experience. It meant his innate dignity was truly remarkable.
'At least from this view, he doesn't seem like he would have committed any crimes.'
Lee Cheol-kyung shook his head.
'Don't jump to conclusions.'
Most of those who accumulate evil deeds don't look the part. With that in mind, Yeon Hojeong couldn't be free from these malicious rumors.
As Yeon Hojeong moved, Lee Cheol-kyung also shifted to another building.
Swoosh.
It was an astonishing display of light-footedness.
With just the strength of his ankles, he kicked off the rooftops, and in no time, he was atop the targeted building.
The level of his light-footed skill was exceptional, moving without a single twitch of his body.
People revered this technique as the Vajra Unmoving Body Method.
'But it's slower than I thought. At this rate, it'll be nightfall before… Huh?'
Lee Cheol-kyung turned his gaze southward.
Surprise flickered across his face.
'The prestigious family?!'
From the distant south, a group was making its way up the boulevard.
It was indeed the prestigious family.
A hundred martial artists were marching in rows and columns, their speed considerable. Like Yeon Hojeong 's party, they carried banners inscribed with 'Nine Province Prestigious Family.'
Lee Cheol-kyung focused his vision.
Woong!
A powerful energy surged from his dantian, rapidly enhancing his vision.
'The Blue Hall (靑色堂)?'
Under the prestigious family, there were numerous martial organizations.
Among them was the Five Elements Hall, divided into five groups: red, blue, black, white, and yellow.
The Blue Hall of the Five Elements symbolized wood, and all its members were skilled spear fighters.
'Of course, they knew about Yeon Hojeong 's appearance. But why…'
Lee Cheol-kyung was inwardly puzzled.
'Why send the Blue Hall?'
He had only learned yesterday that the prestigious family had dispatched troops to capture Yeon Hojeong .
Regardless of the details, it was certain they had sent the peak masters of the Blue Soldiers and the warriors of Homing Hall. And Yeon Hojeong had single-handedly defeated them.
Even more astonishing was the battle with the Blue Wolves.
It wasn't yet confirmed if the Blue Wolves were affiliated with the prestigious family, but Yeon Hojeong had fought seventy of them and killed them all.
Lee Cheol-kyung couldn't believe it. It was still hard to believe.
The Blue Wolves were experts in assassination, regardless of their martial prowess. Could a young man, not yet of age, have single-handedly annihilated such bloodthirsty killers?
'There must have been a trick. But…'
Whatever the reason, the prestigious family wouldn't be unaware of Yeon Hojeong 's power.
Yet they sent the Blue Hall. If a battle ensued, the Blue Hall alone would struggle to stop Yeon Hojeong and the Chang-eung Squad.
So why did they specifically send the Blue Hall?
Thump!
The leader of the Blue Hall, Oh Gok, planted his spear. At his signal, all the spear fighters of the Blue Hall stopped moving.
Yeon Hojeong 's party had approached within twenty zhang of the Blue Hall.
Oh Gok shouted.
"Hear this, Yeon Hojeong, the eldest son of the Yeon family and suspect in the unsolved crimes of Jiangsu Province! Lay down your weapons and come quietly to the prestigious family…"
Oh Gok couldn't finish his sentence.
Yeon Hojeong didn't stop walking, even though the Blue Hall stood firmly in his way.
"Arrogant fool."
Murderous intent flashed in Oh Gok's eyes.
How could he not even flinch once? It was as if he didn't care about the existence of the Blue Hall at all.
And so, Yeon Hojeong 's party closed the distance to ten zhang.
Oh Gok shouted again.
"If you do not stop right there, we will forcibly take you!"
Still, he did not stop. His walking pace remained unchanged, and his sharp aura was unshaken.
The distance narrowed to five zhang.
Oh Gok, glaring at Yeon Hojeong, yelled,
"Attack!"
Whoosh.
A hundred members of the Blue Hall aimed their spears forward.
Oh Gok raised his spear and shouted.
"The Blue Hall will apprehend the suspect Yeon Hojeong …!"
And then…
Bang!
Oh Gok's eyes widened as if they might tear apart.
With a forceful step that seemed to shake the earth, he was suddenly upon us. Behind the fluttering hem of his long robe, an axe as large as a man soared high into the sky.
Startled, Oh Gok raised his spear.
Yeon Hojeong brought down his axe with chilling precision.
Whack! Thud!
The axe that split the spear in two cleaved Oh Gok right down the middle.
Splash!
Blood sprayed like a burst of crimson ink dropped onto rice paper. Drops of Oh Gok's blood stained Yeon Hojeong's pristine white robe.
"Master, no!"
"You cur!"
That's when it happened.
Whoosh! Whirling!
A small, white whirlwind formed around the bloodied axe.
The White Tiger Energy, ignited by the killing intent, formed the Tiger King's fighting spirit.
Boom!
Yeon Hojeong stepped forward once more, swinging his axe with full force.
Clash! Crash!
"Screams of agony!"
"Agh, the pain!"
With a single sweep, he cleared them all.
The overwhelming wind from the axe sent fifteen spear soldiers flying.
Their spears shattered; the hands of the fifteen spear soldiers were severely mangled or completely severed. In an instant, their formation was destroyed.
With just one move, Yeon Hojeong disrupted the entire ranks of the Blue Faction.
In a calm voice, he commanded,
"Annihilate the enemy."
"As you command!"
Clang!
Yeon Hojeong, with his axe resting on his shoulder, watched as the spear-wielding warriors surged past him, wielding their merciless killing intent.
Scrape! Clang!
"The screams!"
"Take up your spears!"
In an instant, chaos ensued.
The wide thoroughfare became a battlefield of carnage. The commoners who had been watching Yeon Hojeong's movements screamed and scattered in all directions.
Thud! Slash!
"Hold them back! Hold them!"
"These damned dogs! How dare they touch us… Aaagh!"
The swords of the Spear Response Team were cold.
Their swords swung without a hint of mercy. Having witnessed Yeon Hojeong's overwhelming martial prowess, the Spear Response Team displayed swordsmanship worthy of their Grandmaster.
The collapse of the Blue Faction was instantaneous.
Their leader was dead, their ranks broken, and they were utterly overpowered from the start. Moreover, the martial might of the Spear Response Team was incomparable to that of the Blue Faction.
This wasn't a battle; it was a one-sided massacre. The Spear Response Team ruthlessly exploited their opponents' weaknesses, swiftly executing the members of the Blue Faction.
In the midst of the battlefield,
Yeon Hojeong crossed the field with ease, as if the fight had nothing to do with him. The spear soldiers, their eyes turned inside out with rage, attacked Yeon Hojeong, but the spear-wielding warriors did not let them be.
And so, a moment passed.
The Spear Response Team, having decimated the Blue Faction without a single casualty, followed behind Yeon Hojeong.
Flutter!
Ten members of the Black Sword Unit raised their banners again. They moved effortlessly southward along the thoroughfare.
Fear was etched on the faces of the commoners.