Chapter 334: Aiming at the Light (2)
“Huu.”
Murong Yu leaned his back against the chair.
“Another day has passed like this today.”
The training of the Demon-Sweeping Army was quite difficult.
Setting everything else aside, the number of personnel alone was five hundred. To meticulously guide that many soldiers, considerable mental exertion was necessary. Even if the unit leaders of each group helped, without the Army Commander, controlling the training was not easy.
Of course, he was used to it now, but that didn’t mean it took less effort. He had literally just gotten used to it, and because the soldiers’ progress was also fast, he had to consider suitable training every moment.
‘We should also slowly start formation technique training now.’
He had heard rumors that the Evil-Annihilating Army was devoting themselves to formation technique training.
‘The Evil-Annihilating Army has the talented lady of the Zhuge Clan as their military strategist. It was said that the formation technique was also created to fit the characteristics of the Evil-Annihilating Army by disassembling and improving that of the Zhuge Clan. Since a direct descendant of the clan is personally teaching the clan’s formation technique, their training speed will be fast.’
Murong Yu stroked his chin.
‘A person with an outstanding understanding of formation techniques… Could I find someone of that caliber outside of the Zhuge Clan? We will need formation technique training different from that of the Evil-Annihilating Army.’
The characteristics of the Demon-Sweeping Army and the Evil-Annihilating Army were completely different.
The Evil-Annihilating Army had a small number of people and the martial characteristics of the soldiers were clear, so they were skilled in urban warfare or infiltration warfare, and they could also excellently fulfill the role of a vanguard unit.
On the other hand, the Demon-Sweeping Army had five hundred personnel alone and was a group armed with heavy armor. Therefore, combat requiring mobility was somewhat difficult, but they could be said to be a unit of power specialized in large-scale battles in plains and all-out wars.
Naturally, formation technique training was more necessary for the Demon-Sweeping Army than the Evil-Annihilating Army. Especially since they were divided into groups, each group needed a formation technique that fit their respective characteristics, and they also needed to possess a large-scale formation technique that would have no issues when combined.
“Huu, my head aches.”
At that moment, a voice mixed with playfulness was heard from the window.
“Why? Do you have a headache-inducing matter?”
Murong Yu smiled. He had already felt Yeon Ho-jeong’s presence from a little while ago.
“Why do you enter through the window leaving a perfectly fine door?”
“It’s a late hour. There shouldn’t be anyone to see, but I’m afraid someone might misunderstand for no reason if they saw.”
“Heoheo.”
Murong Yu turned his head toward the window. At some point, Yeon Ho-jeong was sitting on the window railing with his legs crossed.
“Come in and sit.”
“I will.”
Sitting on the soft chair opposite Murong Yu, Yeon Ho-jeong smiled and tapped the armrest.
“It’s incredibly good? It seems a lot of budget is allocated? It’s a masterpiece, a masterpiece.”
“Elder Brother gifted it to me.”
“He is generous.”
Murong Yu smiled and looked at Yeon Ho-jeong.
“Is all your work finished for today?”
“What is there to be finished or not. I rested a bit today.”
“You did well. You have been living too busily lately. If you run without resting, a time will definitely come when you get exhausted.”
Yeon Ho-jeong chuckled and asked in a passing tone.
“By the way, do you have any worries? Why the sudden headache?”
Murong Yu smacked his lips.
“Because of the Demon-Sweeping Army’s training.”
“Why? Do they not listen? If they don’t listen, beating them up once in a while isn’t bad…”
“It’s not like that. They are doing exceptionally well. Rather, there are many times when I feel my own capabilities are lacking.”
“You are humble.”
“I am sincere.”
“But why the Demon-Sweeping Army’s training? You can just do it as usual, right?”
“It’s because of the formation technique.”
Interest arose on Yeon Ho-jeong’s face.
“So the Demon-Sweeping Army is also slowly starting formation technique training?”
“That’s right. I heard rumors that the Evil-Annihilating Army’s formation technique training is very successful, but is it really so?”
Yeon Ho-jeong shrugged his shoulders.
“I stepped out of the formation technique training. I left it all to Ah-yeon and Muk Bi, so I don’t really know how they trained.”
“That’s like you.”
“However, I did spar against it once. Seriously.”
Murong Yu’s eyes sparkled.
“How was it?”
“It was formidable. Truth be told, assuming we resolved ourselves and fought each other, I felt like I would be smashed without even dealing a major blow.”
Surprise appeared on Murong Yu’s face.
“Even with your martial arts?”
He was one of the few people who knew how strong Yeon Ho-jeong was.
He wasn’t simply just strong in martial arts. The reason Yeon Ho-jeong was truly amazing was that he utilized the martial arts he possessed more efficiently than anyone else.
Combat ability that had reached the extreme, and a personality that never let its guard down.
It might be a hasty remark, but Yeon Ho-jeong’s combat ability alone would not be lacking to be discussed as the best in the Central Plains. Of course, that was separate from the strength of his martial arts.
Yeon Ho-jeong shook his head.
“It was scary. It wasn’t simply at the level of forming a battle array and moving. Should I say it felt like organically connecting each other’s true qi to amplify the formation’s momentum itself. It deflected decent attacks with just that momentum.”
It was said to be decent attacks, but for a master of Yeon Ho-jeong’s level, even attacks executed casually became fatal killing strikes. If it deflected such attacks with just momentum, it could truly be called an amazing formation technique.
“Incredible. The Evil-Annihilating Army has developed even further.”
“It’s all thanks to meeting the right people. The soldiers are also exceptionally thirsty for strength.”
Yeon Ho-jeong tilted his head.
“By the way, if you are worried about the formation technique, couldn’t you just bring the Murong Clan’s formation technique?”
Murong Yu shook his head.
“It’s not that I haven’t thought about that either. But as expected, that wouldn’t do.”
“Why? Are you afraid Murong Jun won’t allow it?”
“How could that be. Rather, he would welcome it. Since he would think he could place a military force like the Demon-Sweeping Army under the true power of the Murong Clan.”
“Hmm, that’s true. So, the reason you aren’t teaching the Murong Clan’s formation technique to the Demon-Sweeping Army is because you’re concerned the Demon-Sweeping Army will turn into Murong Jun’s private army?”
“There is that reason as well, and decisively, I thought the Demon-Sweeping Army needed a formation technique fitting for the Demon-Sweeping Army. At the very least, among the main family’s formation techniques that I know of, there are none that suit the Demon-Sweeping Army.”
Yeon Ho-jeong chuckled.
“Where would there be a perfectly fitting formation technique from the beginning? Even if it’s a bit tight or loose, you adjust it little by little.”
“Your words are correct. However, even so, the main family’s formation technique and the characteristics of the Demon-Sweeping Army are too different.”
“Hmm.”
Yeon Ho-jeong stroked his chin.
“Should I ask Ah-yeon to make a formation technique that suits the Demon-Sweeping Army?”
Murong Yu’s eyes widened.
“Would that be possible?”
“It’s a request, so there’s nothing she couldn’t do. Of course, whether she can actually make it or not depends entirely on Ah-yeon’s abilities.”
“Hmm.”
“How about it? Should I ask her?”
Murong Yu smiled.
“It’s fine. I will look into it on my end.”
“You have great confidence?”
“Rather than confidence, I think it’s only natural. Moreover, the relationship between you and me shouldn’t be known to others. If Miss Zhuge helps us, there is a possibility that miscellaneous rumors might spread in various ways.”
“Well, that’s true too.”
Yeon Ho-jeong nodded.
“Other than the Zhuge Clan, let’s try looking for a person with deep knowledge in formation techniques. It might take some time, though.”
“Hearing that you will help me, I already feel reassured.”
Yeon Ho-jeong smiled.
‘He is much calmer than before.’
Becoming stronger in martial arts or knowing more things was not the only form of growth.
Changing one’s mindset to fit the environment. That, too, was an aspect of growth. Viewed in that sense, Murong Yu had taken another step forward.
“Well, let’s set that aside.”
Murong Yu asked with a questioning face.
“For what reason did you come all the way here at this hour? Of course, I am glad to see you, though.”
Yeon Ho-jeong smacked his lips.
“Well, there’s no need to beat around the bush. I’ll ask directly.”
“…?”
“Soldier Tang Sang-ah, could you perhaps pull her out of the Demon-Sweeping Army?”
Murong Yu’s eyes widened.
“Soldier Tang?”
“Yes.”
“Why? Has something happened?”
Yeon Ho-jeong scratched his head.
“Rather than something happening… Hmm, it’s a bit difficult to explain with my own mouth.”
“Please tell me. To withdraw her, shouldn’t I at least know the reason.”
“You know Clan Head Tang, right?”
“Of course.”
“It seems Clan Head Tang slowly wants to properly educate his daughter.”
“Hmm.”
“You know the relationship between the two of them wasn’t good, right?”
“I know. Because of that, Soldier Tang Sang-ah had a very hard time.”
“My father put a lot of effort in the middle. Thanks to that, the relationship between the father and daughter has become quite harmonious now. I think they’ve come to understand each other well.”
“That is a good thing.”
“I don’t know what Clan Head Tang is thinking. However, he wants to give proper education to his daughter even now, but the mobile units of Sweeping Demons and Annihilating Evil have a strong influence from their commanders, right?”
“That’s right.”
“So he asked me. We are fellow commanders, and regardless, I was the one who semi-forcibly made Soldier Tang enlist.”
Murong Yu chuckled.
“It was truly absurd.”
“You didn’t reject it either.”
“You were pushing it so hard, how could I reject it?”
“Keung, easy for you to say.”
“Hmm.”
Burying his back in the chair, Murong Yu fell into thought.
A moment later.
“Looking at the Demon-Sweeping Army as a whole, it’s not like a big problem will occur even if Soldier Tang withdraws. Rather, if she is going to withdraw, right now before entering formation technique training can be seen as the right time.”
“That’s a relief.”
“Also, just as you said, due to the nature of the mobile units where the Army Commander’s influence is strong, there shouldn’t be much of a problem in having her withdraw. However…”
Murong Yu’s eyes shone.
“If the person in question does not want it, no matter how much it’s your request, I do not wish to make her withdraw. Because what is more important than anything else is the individual’s intention.”
Yeon Ho-jeong nodded.
“I also don’t have any intention of forcing her to withdraw. Just as you said, her own intention would be the most important.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“No. I’m sorry for seemingly making an unreasonable request for no reason.”
“Haha, I think it’s been quite a while since the words’I’m sorry’ came out of your mouth.”
“Is that so?”
Yeon Ho-jeong stood up from his seat.
Murong Yu spoke with a somewhat regretful face.
“Are you already leaving? We met after a long time, shouldn’t we at least have a drink.”
“I have to relay it to Clan Head Tang. And I have a prior engagement. I’m already late. If I’m any later, I think I might get hit by an arrow.”
“That’s a shame. Then make some time soon. I feel like I’ll forget my younger brother’s face completely.”
“You exaggerate.”
Yeon Ho-jeong smiled and went to the window.
But that was only for a moment.
“Is it going well?”
“Hmm?”
“I mean the Murong Clan side. You said you would take care of it, so I’m sure you’re doing well, but still.”
Murong Yu chuckled.
“Are you worried?”
“Rather than worry, I hope you consider it simple curiosity.”
“There are no particularly noteworthy matters yet. I think you can rest assured for the time being.”
“That’s a relief.”
“Ah! But…”
Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes shone.
“Why? Is there something bothering you?”
Murong Yu’s face became serious.
“Rather than bothering me… Yes, I guess I was feeling uneasy because it bothered me.”
“What’s the matter?”
“Lotus Flower has started to move.”
“Hmm.”
“Previously, Elder Brother scolded Lotus Flower quite severely. After that, she had been reflecting on herself in her residence, and I heard she had a private meeting with Elder Brother today.”
Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes became cold.
“The conversation about the Black Dragon Manor side must have definitely come up.”
“I think so too. But that wasn’t what I was concerned about.”
“Then?”
“It’s something… hard to understand with my head, but the signs are strange. Thinking about it calmly, there is nothing particularly strange, but I get the feeling they are plotting something.”
“It smells fishy?”
“Yes. It smells fishy.”
Yeon Ho-jeong stroked his chin.
“The father and daughter met today… The Black Dragon Manor side story definitely must have come out… Hmm.”
He smiled.
In that cold smile, the madness of the Dark Emperor that had not yet fully vanished was slowly coming back to life.
“I’ll have to owe a debt to the beggar gentleman one more time.”