Dark and Light Martial Emperor

Chapter 183

The Connection Wasn’t Broken

“Yangcheon, huh.”

Gadeuk Sang scratched his head vigorously.

“I’ve heard a lot about him, but to be honest, I don’t know much. Our old man…”

“……”

“No, our Master did try to investigate Yangcheon in many ways, but so far, he hasn’t been able to uncover anything substantial.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. His nickname is ‘The King of Duels’. His name is Yangcheon, and it’s estimated that he is sixty-three years old this year. Despite being over sixty, he’s still so vigorous that people say he remains the best in Jungwon when it comes to combat.”

“Well, with a nickname like ‘The King of Duels,’ it’s said that his fights are so exhilarating and exquisite that both the orthodox and unorthodox paths are in awe of them.”

“Yes. However, his personality is said to be harsh and ruthless; if he holds a grudge, he’ll chase his target to the ends of Jungwon to finish them off.”

“That’s similar to the Tang family.”

“In some ways, he’s even more meticulous. It’s said that such a master will track down his target alone and beat them until they’re dead.”

“Hmm? How is that more meticulous?”

“Well, it’s not easy to do something like that at his age.”

Jegal Munho couldn’t help but smile.

Hu Gae Gadeuk Sang was a clever person. While his martial arts abilities were uncertain, at the very least, his intellect was enough for him to be a worthy successor to the Beggars’ Sect.

But sometimes, when these coarse jokes came out, it caught him off guard.

Of course, there was truth to the joke. It was why Jegal Munho couldn’t dismiss Gadeuk Sang’s words lightly.

“In any case, that’s all the information we have on him. We don’t know where his sect is, why he joined the unorthodox path, where he lives, whether he has siblings—nothing.”

“But we know about his disciples, right? And the names of his martial arts techniques.”

“Ah! That’s true. But it seems he hasn’t fully passed down his martial arts to his disciples.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. The disciples who have appeared in Jungwon each used different martial arts techniques.”

Jegal Munho’s eyes sparkled.

“In other words, he didn’t pass down his martial arts or he broke down his techniques and passed them on separately?”

“Exactly. I think it’s more likely the latter, but even that isn’t certain.”

Jegal Munho stroked his beard.

“Of the Seongcheon Thirteen Seats, he’s the one with the least information available…”

“When you think about it, it is strange. For martial artists, their reputation is as important as their lives, but despite possessing such formidable martial arts, he’s reluctant to reveal himself in Jungwon.”

“That’s likely because he’s extremely thorough. The more people know about him, the more weaknesses he would have.”

“Of course, but he’s already earned the title of ‘The King of Duels.'”

“Which could make him even more cautious.”

“Hmm, when you put it that way, I suppose that makes sense.”

Gadeuk Sang sighed.

“That King of Duels has now brazenly appeared, and even released his disciples.”

“He must be after something.”

“What could he be after? We don’t know his intentions, so it’s difficult to decide how to respond.”

“The greatest master of the unorthodox path chose to reveal himself right after the formation of the Martial Alliance. It’s not just suspicious—it reeks.”

“What should we do? Should we dig deeper?”

Jegal Munho pondered.

‘The unorthodox path…’

In truth, the unorthodox path had been on the decline since the Blood Sect turmoil three hundred years ago.

It was inevitable. While it was called the unorthodox path or the demonic sects, their survival principles were ultimately rooted in money and betrayal. It was a world where only the strong who survived were acknowledged, a world governed by the law of the jungle.

Their foundation was entirely different from that of the orthodox sects, which pursued righteousness, chivalry, morality, ethics, ideals, and goodness.

In some sense, they were people who lived in a place where the most primitive survival principles of the human world were laid bare.

“Whatever the case, we can’t just sit idly by. The Seongcheon Thirteen Seats are legends in their own right. Most of them are masters from the previous generation, and only a few are currently active.”

“That’s correct.”

“The Seongcheon Thirteen Seats bear the title of Martial Gods. Each of them possesses the strength to single-handedly rival a sect of the Nine Great Schools or the Six Great Clans.”

Jegal Munho’s eyes were filled with deep tension.

“Yangcheon is one of those monsters. If he unites the unorthodox factions, the world will once again descend into a swamp of chaos.”

“In the end, we have no choice but to investigate.”

“Indeed.”

Gadeuk Sang frowned.

“There’s a problem with that, though.”

“Our informants’ lives.”

“That’s a given.”

“Hmm?”

“Whether we send our operatives or those affiliated with the Martial Alliance, if they’re caught, they won’t survive. That man’s temperament is notoriously nasty.”

“That’s true.”

“We’re all risking our lives with this job, so we’re prepared to accept that. But the real issue is Yangcheon’s reaction.”

Jegal Munho’s eyes gleamed.

“Are you saying that if we send someone from the Martial Alliance, Yangcheon might become more cautious?”

“Exactly.”

Gadeuk Sang tapped the map spread out on the table.

“He’s probably already aware that we’re keeping an eye on him. He’s likely being extremely careful. But we must avoid giving him the impression that we’re moving to directly counter him.”

Jegal Munho agreed with Gadeuk Sang’s assessment.

The opponent was none other than the “King of Duels”, Yangcheon. If he decided to hide, no one would be able to find him, and if he decided to act, there were few who could stop him. He was a man difficult to confront in many ways.

There was a reason even someone as bold as Gadeuk Sang was being this cautious.

Jegal Munho sighed.

“It’s truly frustrating. The power of a single individual being so overwhelming is a problem.”

“Indeed. But we can’t just sit back and watch either. It’s giving me a headache.”

At that moment, Yeon Wi, who had been silent until now, spoke up.

“In the end, it seems there’s no immediate solution to this problem.”

Jegal Munho nodded.

“That’s correct.”

“Hmm.”

An air of subtle expectation formed on Jegal Munho’s face.

Yeon Wi, lost in thought as he stroked his chin, suddenly had a peculiar light in his eyes.

Jegal Munho cautiously asked, “Do you have another idea?”

Yeon Wi was a wise man. While he wasn’t as adept at assessing the overall situation as Jegal Munho or Gadeuk Sang, he had a track record of navigating difficult situations with quick wit.

Fortunately, Yeon Wi didn’t disappoint Jegal Munho’s expectations this time either.

Though his approach was rather unconventional.

“Jegal Leader, your wisdom is beyond question, and Hu Gae is an exceptionally smart person. But even with the two of you deliberating, no clear answer has emerged.”

“I’m ashamed.”

“In that case, don’t you think we should gather more minds?”

Jegal Munho and Gadeuk Sang exchanged puzzled looks.

“Gather more minds? What do you mean…?”

“We need someone who can solve such a troublesome matter with an unconventional approach. Someone who is well-versed in the affairs of the martial world and who, in a sense, is the most dangerous person within the Martial Alliance right now.”

Jegal Munho suddenly thought of Yeon Hojeong.

Yeon Hojeong was someone who fit Yeon Wi’s description. He was skilled in politics, had keen intuition, and possessed the ability to manipulate situations with unorthodox strategies to his advantage.

What was even more remarkable was that this young man, who had only just reached the age of maturity, possessed such incredible abilities. In some ways, it was a power even more frightening than martial arts.

“Hmm.”

Jegal Munho and Gadeuk Sang’s eyes met.

They realized they had both thought of the same person. That was how impressive Yeon Hojeong’s recent accomplishments had been.

However, the person Yeon Wi was referring to wasn’t Yeon Hojeong.

“He’s also a member of the Martial Alliance, someone who walks his own path within the Baekdo. I think it wouldn’t hurt to discuss this external issue with him.”

“A member of the Alliance, you say…?”

Yeon Wi’s eyes grew cold.

“I’m referring to the leader of the Moyong Family.”

Jegal Munho’s face showed surprise.

Gadeuk Sang quickly interjected.

“Leader! That’s impossible!”

“Why is it impossible?”

“He’s an ambitious man. Not just any ambition, but a crazy one. He’s an outright villain who wouldn’t hesitate to use any means necessary for power.”

“You’re right.”

“But why are you suggesting that we seek help from Moyong Gun, that bastard… I apologize. From the leader of the Moyong Family?”

“Because he’s capable.”

“Pardon?”

Yeon Wi’s gaze grew colder with each passing moment.

“He’s a capable man. Of course, I, too, wouldn’t want to make such a request to someone like him unless it was absolutely necessary. But our opponent is a monster who holds one of the Seongcheon Thirteen Seats, a man with the power to plunge the world into chaos.”

“……!”

“I won’t spout the usual cliché about fighting fire with fire. That’s not my intention. But I don’t see any harm in hearing his thoughts, and if his suggestions are sound, I believe it wouldn’t be bad to consider them.”

Gadeuk Sang looked at Jegal Munho.

“Strategist, what do you think?”

“Hmm.”

Jegal Munho’s expression grew serious.

“I’ll speak frankly. I’m opposed to the Lord Yeon’s suggestion this time.”

“Are you?”

“Emotionally, yes.”

“And logically?”

Jegal Munho sighed.

“They say too many cooks spoil the broth. But if there’s nothing to lose by listening, the more opinions we have, the better.”

Yeon Wi nodded in agreement.

“I think the same.”

“Heh.”

Jegal Munho let out a hollow laugh.

Moyong Gun was an enemy. He was a member of the Six Great Clans and a member of the Martial Alliance, but Jegal Munho had never once considered him an ally.

It seemed that this preconceived notion had led him to unconsciously draw a line.

He realized that he had excluded someone who could be used, simply because of personal bias.

‘I still have much to learn.’

Jegal Munho nodded resolutely, his eyes filled with determination.

“Whether it’s a dazzling treasure sword or a butcher’s knife, if the ingredients are handled well, the quality of the dish will improve.”

He rose from his seat.

“Very well. Since the idea has been brought up, we might as well see what tricks Moyong Gun has up his sleeve. Will you accompany me?”

“Certainly.”

At that moment, Gadeuk Sang spoke up.

“But, wait.”

“Hmm?”

Gadeuk Sang, still uneasy, licked his lips nervously before speaking.

“If we’re going to do this, wouldn’t it be better to convene the Bonggong meeting and discuss it together?”

Yeon Wi and Jegal Munho spoke simultaneously.

“That’s not an option.”

“It’s impossible.”

Their responses were resolute, leaving no room for argument. Gadeuk Sang instinctively recoiled.

Despite his deflation, he pressed on.

“Why not?”

Yeon Wi answered.

“Because the sides have already been drawn.”

“Pardon?”

Jegal Munho elaborated.

“If we convene the Bonggong meeting, those who have allied with Moyong Gun will rally to support him, turning it into a factional battle.”

“Ah…”

“And Moyong Gun, with the backing of his supporters, will start putting forth proposals that favor him one by one.”

Gadeuk Sang sighed. The reasoning was sound.

Jegal Munho continued in a calm tone.

“This matter is too critical to be muddled by infighting among the factions. It would only waste time, and it would likely lead to hard feelings.”

“That would be disastrous.”

“Exactly. At least for this matter, it’s unacceptable.”

Jegal Munho then turned to Yeon Wi.

“Shall we?”

“Let’s.”

Yeon Wi’s eyes sharpened, as if he were readying for battle.

“Stay on guard. That man will undoubtedly use cunning tricks if he spots even the slightest opening.”