[Chapter 84]
With a groan that surprised even himself, Yeon Hojeong realized he was capable of making such sounds.
'Damn it.'
It had been a fortnight since his life-and-death duel with Myeong Cheon.
To the untrained, the wounds would have been mortal, but for him, who had traversed countless hells, they were but scratches.
'I thought I'd be able to move freely after ten days.'
As he circulated his inner strength, vigor returned to his limbs.
His depleted energy was nearly fully restored, and the Three Divine Energies surged within him.
Yet, his wounds healed abnormally slow.
'Why?'
His strength overflowed, his muscles regained.
If the wounds didn't heal in the expected time, it was undoubtedly an issue with his Qi.
Seated in meditation, Yeon Hojeong delved deep within.
Moments later…
A fiery aura, the Vermilion Bird's energy, blazed to life.
The last and most vigorous of the Three Divine Energies, it thrived due to his nature.
'If the Black Tortoise is my shield, and the White Tiger my spear, then the Vermilion Bird is sheer annihilation.'
It was an energy so potent that he hesitated to unleash it unless he intended to kill.
The growth of the Vermilion Bird's energy was evidence of the lingering intent to kill in his heart. Since his return, he hadn't faced death as he did against Myeong Cheon.
The energy grew with the degree of crisis. It seemed his own murderous intent and the sense of extreme danger had nurtured the Vermilion Bird's energy to this extent.
Yeon Hojeong checked the White Tiger and Black Tortoise energies as well.
'No abnormalities there…'
The energies of the White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise were all stable. Despite their different natures, they had found their balance.
After a thorough self-examination, Yeon Hojeong released his meditative posture.
"Let's not seek answers that won't come."
His body was healing. That was enough.
He was about to rise when…
"Young Master."
"Ah, Chief Shin."
"A guest has arrived."
Yeon Hojeong sighed.
'Again?'
Currently, he was recuperating in a clinic far from the Myeong household.
Though distant, it was still within Myeong territory. Perhaps that's why numerous martial artists had sought him out. With the Myeong household declared a public enemy of the martial world, curiosity was natural.
And the visitors seeking Yeon Hojeong had nearly reached the hundreds.
He had sent them all away, citing his recovery, but some were insistent, forcing Chief Shin to draw his sword on several occasions.
"I wish to be alone. Send them away."
"It's just that…"
Yeon Hojeong tilted his head, realizing Chief Shin would have sent them away if it were simple.
"Who is it?"
Then, a commanding voice burst forth.
"It's me!"
She had forced her way in. A woman peeked out from behind Chief Shin.
Yeon Hojeong's eyes widened.
"You…?!"
"Hehe, surprised?"
"…"
"Oh my, you're that surprised? Heh, didn't expect that, did you?"
Yeon Hojeong frowned.
"Jegal Ayeon."
"Hey!"
Jegal Ayeon shouted back.
"Have you already forgotten my name? Is that it? How disappointing!"
Yeon Hojeong chuckled.
He understood why Chief Shin was troubled. After all, Jegal Ayeon was one of the closest friends he had made at the assembly.
"What brings you here?"
"What do you mean? The martial world is in chaos because of you. As a friend, I had to come!"
Yeon Hojeong shook his head.
"It's not because of me, but because of the Myeong household."
"Trying to dodge the blame? You were the catalyst."
Yeon Hojeong spoke indifferently.
"It was a personal conflict. There was no grand reason from the start."
Jegal Ayeon smiled.
"Maybe not at first, but it developed into one, didn't it?"
"I had no choice but to bury them whole when I realized I couldn't win alone."
His words were calm, but they sent chills down the spine.
Unable to win alone? That meant he had considered it. Regardless of feasibility, the mere thought was remarkable.
And upon realizing he couldn't win alone, he buried the Myeong household.
Whether by force or strategy, burying an organization like the Myeong household in such a short time was a feat few could accomplish.
Jegal Ayeon sighed.
"How did you become such a monster at your age?"
"Calling someone a monster, that's harsh."
"You know it's harsh?"
"It's nothing."
"Again with that old man's talk. Change your tone."
"What's wrong with saying it's nothing?"
"Ah, suddenly I feel tired."
"Then leave."
Jegal Ayeon snorted and walked over, sitting beside Yeon Hojeong.
Yeon Hojeong scowled.
"It's hot. Move away."
"You're lying."
"Can't you see the weather? Move."
"No! Be grateful I'm protecting you."
"I've finished cultivating my energy; I don't need protection."
"Such rudeness."
Jegal Ayeon pulled out a small pouch from her sleeve.
"Here, take this."
Yeon Hojeong blinked like a fool.
"What's this?"
"Afraid it might be poisoned? Just take it."
Yeon Hojeong accepted the pouch.
Jegal Ayeon turned her head away abruptly.
"Ah, my father is too kind-hearted. To think he'd prepare a pill for someone like you."
"A pill?"
"It's a treasure called the Xiao Tianji Pill. Eat it."
Her tone had roughened.
Yeon Hojeong tilted his head.
"What's the Xiao Tianji Pill?"
Jegal Ayeon's mouth dropped open.
"You don't know the Xiao Tianji Pill?"
"No."
"The Xiao Tianji Pill? You don't know it? Such a renowned pill?"
"I said I don't know it, man."
"Hey! Even if we're from the same Seven Great Sects, you should at least remember the famed pills each faction boasts!"
Jegal Ayeon stood her ground, her fiery spirit evident. She seemed to be on the verge of boiling over.
At that moment, Chief Shin spoke cautiously, his voice measured.
"Cheongidan is a treasure that the Jegal family boasts of. It's divided into two types: Daecheongidan (Great Heavenly Pill) and Socheongidan (Small Heavenly Pill). Even the Socheongidan alone significantly aids in refining inner energy."
Yeon Hojeong's ears perked up.
Since hearing the term "pill," he had been curious. Now, learning more about it, it seemed even more promising than he had anticipated.
"Really? So if I consume it, my inner energy will increase?"
"Indeed. The pills cultivated by the major sects are all treasures with highly concentrated effects. While they may fall short in terms of inner energy enhancement compared to the legendary Eunhwan Pill, they excel in stabilizing the body and promoting internal strength."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Given the damage you sustained in battle, the Socheongidan will be of great assistance in restoring your inner energy."
Yeon Hojeong glanced at Jegal Ayeon.
She still sat there, her back turned. Her arms were crossed tightly, but her ears perked up, indicating her interest.
"Is there no Daecheongidan available?"
"…Well, I've managed to hold back. You're lucky I didn't strike you down. I was tempted to."
"Anyway, thank you."
Jegal Ayeon looked dumbfounded.
Despite the difference in inner energy enhancement compared to the Eunhwan Pill, the Socheongidan was effective in stabilizing the body and promoting internal strength. Moreover, it was a treasure that didn't discriminate based on the nature of one's inner energy.
Yeon Hojeong chuckled.
"Fine. If you want to eat, let's have a meal."
In truth, he felt indebted to Jegal Ayeon in many ways. Apart from her recent assistance, he had been wary of her. Not just her—everyone in the Seven Great Sects had been under scrutiny.
"Uh-huh, you're treating me to something delicious?"
"Exactly. I'll buy whatever you want."
Jegal Ayeon's expression brightened.
She might be stubborn, but her ears perking up indicated she was interested in the meal.
"Really? You're buying me something tasty?"
Yeon Hojeong smiled.
"Yes. Whatever you want, I'll pay for it."