Chapter 13: Activation of the Four Gods (3)
When Jegal Ayeon and Jegal Jun arrived near the rear garden of Choseong Pavilion.
Boom! Kaaang!
A heavy sound that shook the air, the clashing and resonating of metal against metal, filled the garden completely.
“Ugh!”
A stifled groan escaped. The short sound carried a determination to endure no matter what.
“Hey! Your lower stance is open!”
“Eek!”
Yang Heum, bandaged all over, hurriedly lifted his left foot.
But the heavy iron rod aimed not at his lower stance but at his abdomen.
Thud!
“Ugh!”
Yang Heum, groaning, staggered and then collapsed. He tried to hold on, but the shock spreading through his abdomen caused his legs to give out.
“Hmm.”
A look of satisfaction, unseen by anyone before, appeared on Yeon Hojeong’s face.
‘As I thought, I was right.’
A faint heat haze rose from the hand gripping the iron rod.
‘With my family’s internal technique, I can become even stronger.’
He had trained in the Yeon Family’s martial arts since childhood. However, after his family was annihilated, he met a master and learned new martial arts, glimpsing a new world.
In other words, there was a separate internal technique that had earned him the reputation of the Dark Lord. But he boldly decided to continue mastering the Yeon Family’s martial arts.
Yeon Hojeong recalled his master’s words.
‘In truth, if your level had been decent when we met, I wouldn’t have taught you Hongcheongi (洪天氣). You can draw out the true power of the Four Gods Martial Arts (四神武), but you can’t go beyond that. Of course, with Hongcheongi and the Four Gods Martial Arts alone, you could dominate an entire generation.’
Hongcheongi was an internal technique focused solely on enhancing internal energy, excluding enlightenment. Thus, it was considered the best technique for those who started martial arts late in life.
However, there were many techniques in the world that surpassed Hongcheongi.
The Yeon Family’s divine techniques were naturally superior to Hongcheongi. In particular, their supreme divine technique (神功), which could only be mastered by pushing the Five Great Divine Techniques to their limits, was said to be a technique that would leave a mark in martial arts history (武林史).
The reason Yeon Hojeong had memorized all the secrets of the Five Great Divine Techniques for Yeon Wi was precisely for this. He had to be ready to delve into them at any time.
‘Indeed, it’s better than Hongcheongi.’
The amplification of energy release (發勁) alone made it clear that Byeokrajingeol was a step above Hongcheongi.
‘Once my achievements improve further, I can start learning the Four Gods Martial Arts.’
As Yeon Hojeong relaxed his posture with satisfaction, Yang Heum’s voice reached his ears.
“T-this trick….”
Yeon Hojeong frowned.
“A trick? That word rubs me the wrong way.”
Yang Heum clutched his stomach as he tried to stand but couldn’t even steady himself. It wasn’t a fatal injury, but it had been quite a shock.
“You said it was my lower stance, didn’t you?”
Yeon Hojeong was incredulous.
“Just because your lower stance is open means I should only attack there?”
“B-but!”
“If I had infused energy release into this iron rod, you wouldn’t even be able to stand up like this. Even after you die, are you going to complain about it being unfair?”
Yang Heum bit his lip.
He understood what Yeon Hojeong meant. In fact, calling it a trick wasn’t something someone at his level should say.
But he was furious. From yesterday until today—twenty-three sparring matches—he hadn’t won even once against Yeon Hojeong.
Yang Heum couldn’t believe it.
Lord Yeon Hojeong’s skill was already well-known within the Yeon Family. Although he had recently defeated a woman from the Namgung Family, most warriors in the Yeon Family didn’t consider it a fair fight.
To not secure even one victory against such a lord? Considering both the quantity and quality of internal energy, it made no sense.
“Well, it was fun. Thanks to you, I’ve learned exactly how to wield this against a human opponent.”
It was a remark that utterly crushed the other’s pride.
As Yang Heum tried to shout for a rematch.
“Yangheum.”
“……Yes, Lord Daeju.”
“You may leave now.”
Yangheum clenched his teeth and bowed his head.
“Thank you for your teachings, Lord Daegongja.”
“The gratitude is mine.”
Yeon Hojeong glanced at Shinmo.
“I should wash up now. Handle the rest.”
Shinmo’s eyes gleamed.
“You knew all along?”
“What is there I wouldn’t know?”
“……Understood. Rest well.”
“Hmph. Good work.”
With that, Yeon Hojeong headed toward his quarters.
Yeon Jipyeong, who had been observing the martial exchange from the sidelines, scurried after him.
“Brother! Brother! You’re incredible!”
“What is?”
“Not allowing a single defeat against Changung Daewon? Astonishing! And when did you master spear techniques?”
“While you were busy playing.”
“Ugh!”
The brothers squabbled as they entered the residence.
Shinmo watched them until they vanished, then turned away.
“You two there—come out now.”
A rustle.
The Zhuge siblings emerged with sheepish expressions.
Shinmo spoke coldly.
“You appear to be from a renowned martial lineage. Do you not know it’s discourteous to spy on others’ training and duels?”
Zhuge Jun bowed deeply.
“We were captivated by the spectacle and lingered thoughtlessly. There is no excuse for our rudeness. We apologize.”
The apology was direct.
Beyond fault or justification, Shinmo marveled at Zhuge Jun. Though younger than Lord Daegongja, his poise was strikingly mature.
Even in apology, his composure never wavered. That alone eased Shinmo’s wariness.
Shinmo opened his mouth to speak—
Thud!
“Gasp!”
Zhuge Jun staggered.
“Good grief! You blockhead!”
“Ah, why are you doing this again!”
“Do you even know who that person is?”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“Good heavens, are you really a Zhuge? How do you expect to lead a family with that brain? I recognized you the moment I saw you.”
“……Eh?”
After clearing her throat several times, Zhuge Ayeon bowed politely to Shin Mo.
“Long time no see, Great Hero Shin.”
Shin Mo’s eyes widened.
“The Zhuge family? Then you two are…?”
“Hehe, has it been five years? We met in Hubei, right?”
“Ah!”
To everyone’s surprise, Shin Mo had met the Zhuge siblings before.
Five years ago, a notorious villain had terrorized Hubei. His martial prowess and cunning were unmatched, evading capture for years.
The Zhuge family had eliminated him, and Shin Mo—during his Jianghu travels—had joined their efforts. That was how he formed ties with the Zhuge clan.
Zhuge Jun finally seemed to recall this, staring at Shin Mo in shock.
“Gasp! The Whirlwind Sword Great Hero?!”
Shin Mo coughed awkwardly.
“Please refrain from mentioning that embarrassing title.”
“Then the one who used that legendary staff technique…?”
“He is the eldest son of the Yan family.”
“Ah!”
Zhuge Jun turned to gaze at the residence where the Yan brothers had entered, his interest reignited.
The Byeoksan Yan family’s reputation blazed even among the Seven Great Families. Their rise to prominence within fifty years as Jianghu’s foremost martial house was nothing short of legendary.
Zhuge Ayeon asked cheerfully,
“I heard you’ve become a retainer of the Yan family. The Byeoksan Yan clan is revered by all. Congratulations!”
“My thanks.”
Though they’d only spent days together five years prior, no awkwardness lingered between Shin Mo and the siblings.
Such was Jianghu life. Even fleeting bonds, nurtured with goodwill, bore fruit. Both Shin Mo and the Zhuge siblings understood this well.
“Are you here for the Hugijisu gathering too?”
“Yes!”
“To think the children I once knew have grown so much.”
Zhuge Ayeon whispered slyly,
“Got time? Let’s share a drink to celebrate our reunion!”
“Sis!”
Shin Mo chuckled and shook his head.
“Our ties remain, but I’m now the Yan family’s chief guard. Duty binds me here—let’s drink another time.”
“Then join us on the road! You’re heading to Hefei too, yes?”
“I am.”
“Travel with us!”
“With you two?”
“Yes! The Yan brothers are attending the gathering anyway!”
“True, but…”
Shin Mo glanced toward Yan Haojing’s quarters.
“I must seek the eldest young master’s permission first.”
“Hehe, understood!”
“By the way, where are your escorts? Did you come alone?”
Zhuge Ayeon grimaced.
“That stubborn old—”
Zhuge Jun suddenly clamped a hand over her mouth.
“Ahaha! Great Hero Shin! We’ll return tonight! Farewell for now!”
“Mmph!”
“Let’s go, Sis!”
“Ugh! You dare cover my mouth with your filthy hands?!”
“Enough!”
Zhuge Jun dragged her away, channeling internal energy to hasten their escape.
Shin Mo watched the siblings vanish in a blur, shaking his head.
“They’ve grown…exceptionally spirited.”
***
“I’ll relay it as instructed.”
“Good.”
As Shinmo exited, Yeon Ji-pyeong scratched his head.
“Are you really alright with this?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well… traveling with the Zhuge siblings.”
Yeon Ho-jeong tilted his head.
“Why wouldn’t it be? We’ll see them at the gathering anyway.”
“That’s true, but…”
“And they’re tied to Lord Shin. That lowers the risk of betrayal. Even with little time left, having another skilled ally is better.”
“Brother, they’re from the Zhuge family! They’d never betray us!”
“Didn’t that Namgung wretch from a crumbling house pull the same nonsense?”
“…That’s different.”
“Murderers emerge from temples, saints from slums—that’s the martial world. Drop your assumptions.”
“Yes…”
Yeon Ji-pyeong lowered his eyes, deflated.
Yeon Ho-jeong roughly tousled his hair.
“Ack!”
“That’s reality. Go rest.”
“Huh? Aren’t you joining us for dinner?”
“Later. My joints ache. If I don’t rise, eat without me.”
“Ah!”
Considering he’d sparred nonstop since dawn, exhaustion made sense.
Yeon Ji-pyeong stood awkwardly.
“Rest well. I’ll return later.”
“Mm.”
He left the room.
Yeon Ho-jeong’s smile faded, his face hardening.
“The Zhuge siblings…”
During their duel, he’d sensed their qi.
‘Completely distinct. The essence of their energy, their internal techniques…’
He’d observed their qi’s nature upon sensing them and noted their energy circulation when Zhuge Jun guided Zhuge A-yeon.
‘Different from the attackers. But I’ll watch them until Hefei.’
This was why he’d agreed to travel together despite hating complications. Though intuitive, he now prioritized analysis over gut instinct.
‘If only I could study their martial arts properly…’
His wish was granted sooner than expected.
That night, as Choseong Pavilion teemed with guests—
CRASH!
The main gate splintered inward.
“You damn Yeon dogs! So this is your hideout? Come out and face us!”
