CRD 24

Chapter 24

 Even the Strong Get Consumed (4)

Moyongbi was dumbfounded.

“The Mudang Sect?”

The Honwon Heart Method was Moyongse’s unique technique.

Even if other restored martial arts were different, he could confidently say that the Honwon Heart Method and Honwon One Qi Skill were perfect as the Moyong family’s martial arts, indistinguishable from their original combat forms.

And yet, someone could confuse such a technique with the martial arts of the Mudang Sect? How was that even possible?

Besides, Sujeong didn’t even know the Honwon Heart Method itself.

“I heard that the internal energy techniques of the Mudang Sect are more flexible than those of other schools. Even without reaching a great level, one can manipulate qi skillfully,” Sujeong said.

“…Is that so?”

“If someone in poor health like you managed to perform the Full Body Force Technique and even break the Black Tiger Gang, the only conclusion is that you’ve mastered free control of internal energy.”

Now that he thought about it, there was a reason she thought that.

“Relief, perhaps.”

Seeing that she didn’t react strongly to noticing Yang Hyomyeong’s martial art origins, it seemed she had been pondering that point all along.

Moyongbi sighed.

“No, it’s nothing like that.”

“…Really?”

“Of course.”

After all, the free-spirited, reckless techniques of the Mudang idiots were no match for him.

“Inseok, the true techniques of the main family aren’t inferior to Shaolin or the Mudang Sect—why would I need to learn them?”

Moyongbi muttered to himself and exhaled deeply.

“Sister, regarding this matter…”

“Then that’s enough.”

“Huh?”

Moyong Sujeong’s expression became calm.

“I was only curious if you had learned the Mudang techniques. I only asked you to answer that.”

That’s true.

“Bia.”

“….”

“I trust you.”

For some reason, it sent chills down his spine.

Sujeong’s eyes, looking at him tenderly, were beautiful. If it were up to him, he’d carry her around all day to show his gratitude.

But his body reacted with rejection. Not his mind or soul, but the instincts of his body.

The instinct seemed to shout:

“What kind of sister looks at her younger brother like that?! Control your damn eyes!”

Unable to voice the instinct, Moyongbi remained silent.

“People say that worry and trust are different. I think so too.”

“….”

“But there were times when worry overwhelmed my trust. Back then, I didn’t know what to do either.”

To Moyong Sujeong, Moyongbi was both a trustworthy younger brother and the source of guilt.

That made her more worried, and while showing her feelings honestly, she couldn’t deny what wasn’t right.

Now, that same brother had changed unexpectedly and stood before her.

“Now you’ve appeared with a trust that outweighs my worries.”

“Huh.”

“I suppose it’s my turn to change too. I’ll say what I must. Since you’ve forgiven me, can I treat you as a sister, not just the acting family head?”

Her voice trembled faintly on the last words.

Listening to her words, Moyongbi could somewhat understand her feelings.

To Sujeong, the brother’s change was astonishing beyond expectation, but that astonishment meant nothing compared to his forgiveness.

A brother who she thought might hate her forever had saved her, even expending his own energy.

It was important to know when and how he had mastered the martial arts, but even more important was formally restoring their sibling bond.

Moyongbi gave a wry smile.

“I was just wandering. The one asking for forgiveness is me, and the one giving it is you, sister.”

He said this as a brother, and in part, as the heir of the family.

“Thank you.”

“Thanking me…”

After that, the two remained silent for a while.

Finally unable to endure the silence, Moyongbi shifted his weight slightly.

“Anyway, you look much better now. But that doesn’t mean you’re fully healed, so don’t overdo it.”

“Where are you going?”

“I came to check your condition and to discuss the Black Tiger Gang issue. Now that both are done, it’s time to rest.”

Sujeong spoke urgently.

“Don’t go just yet. Let’s eat together. You probably haven’t eaten outside, right?”

Indeed, he hadn’t eaten anything.

“Ah, except for alcohol.”

He would need to avoid drinking for a while. His body couldn’t handle it, and it would only cause unnecessary worry.

“I’m fine. I don’t want to disturb your rest.”

“Disturb? What are you talking about?”

“It’s fine. Just rest…”

At that moment, his stomach growled.

He hadn’t realized he was hungry while focusing on everything else, but now his stomach loudly reminded him.

Sujeong’s face immediately brightened.

“Let’s eat together.”

Moyongbi could no longer refuse.

“Alright then.”

Soon after, Seokwoong personally brought their meal. It was a simple table with few side dishes, suitable for an easy digestion.

“Delicious.”

Moyongbi’s face lit up.

“It tastes almost like home.”

Though it wasn’t cooked by the master chefs of Liaoning, it felt comfortable and familiar. He realized it wasn’t just the food, but who you eat with and where, that mattered most.

Moyongbi polished off five bowls. Despite the internal injuries, his internal energy helped his body absorb the nutrients.

Sujeong watched him, smiling.

The two finished their meal in silence. There was no proper conversation, yet the moment was warm.

The next morning.

Moyongbi woke up feeling refreshed.

“How long has it been since I slept this well?”

After eating heavily, he had collapsed the moment he returned to his quarters. Exaggerating only slightly, it felt like he had blinked once and it was already morning.

“Let’s see.”

He immediately assumed a meditative posture and began circulating his internal energy.

After some time…

“Hmm?”

Not only were his internal injuries improving, but his damaged qi was subtly restoring.

External nutrition and quality sleep helped recovery, but even so, this was remarkable.

He quickly identified the reason.

“Breathing.”

His breathing method, perfected with the Brain Gate Heart Skill.

The breathing method of a world-class fighter was naturally different. Even the same method, the way it absorbed natural qi, was superior.

“Thanks also to the Honwon Heart Method. Complete restoration of damaged qi is impossible, but the technique is powerful.”

His internal injuries had greatly improved. They were caused not by external attacks but by overexertion and misuse of internal energy. With rest, he would soon return to his original state.

“Damn.”

He clicked his tongue in frustration.

“If I had known, I wouldn’t have had to learn the Brain Gate Heart Skill…”

Brain Gate Heart Skill? It was certainly an advanced method. The Moyong family didn’t call it a secret technique for nothing.

Yet he was a martial arts master well-versed in techniques. Forgoing the Brain Gate Heart Skill might slow early progress but avoided side effects.

“Still, more options are always good. Damn it, living like a madman is no way to go.”

Although disappointing, it was now in the past.

Instead, he would learn more carefully and properly this time for his mental well-being.

“Anyway, this is enough.”

After circulating his internal energy, Moyongbi got up.

Rumbling.

His stomach protested. After finally receiving food, it seemed ready to function properly. He clutched his hungry stomach and headed straight for the warrior’s dining hall.

After eating.

“Ahhh! That’s great!”

Having finished five bowls energetically, Moyongbi left the dining hall.

“The weather is nice today too.”

With food in his stomach, his mind felt clearer.

“I wonder if Sujeong slept well?”

He wanted to teach her the Honwon Heart Method immediately, but now wasn’t the time.

Everything had its proper order. He needed to reacclimate to his healthy body first.

Thinking of Sujeong brought a satisfied smile, but suddenly his expression shifted.

“…What about the youngest one?”

He also had to teach Moyong Suyang martial arts.

At sixteen, Suyang hadn’t shown signs of vascular disorder, so he was free from hereditary disease. He didn’t necessarily need to learn the Honwon One Qi Skill.

“There’s a suitable martial art for him.”

…Damn, how much do I have to hate my brother?

Moyongbi grimaced and regained his resolve.

“We’ll manage somehow.”

If there was a way to become stronger, giving it up for pride would be absurd.

“If he refuses to learn, I’ll have to force him, right?”

If necessary, he would make him learn by any means. He might hate him more in the process, but then he’d just push harder, making him train harder to overcome him.

Clenching his fists in determination, Moyongbi eventually slumped his shoulders with a sigh.

“This personality is trash.”

He knew his methods were extreme. Honestly, his heart wasn’t harsh, but twenty years of war taught him that the quickest way to control young ones was through tough discipline.

His nature allowed him to perfect this approach efficiently. In matters of coercion, he was unrivaled.

In brutal times, hitting them ensured fast compliance, but…

“No, find another way.”

He couldn’t bring himself to do that to the family heirs, let alone his granddaughter.

Moyongbi slapped his own cheeks, punishing himself for even considering such thoughts.

“Anyway, all three siblings must become strong, and soon.”

He recalled yesterday’s events.

“The Ten Sword Sect?”

Though he didn’t need to rush, the urgency came from external factors.

“No matter how urgent, they won’t act rashly. They’re known to be troublesome in this area.”

Still, there was a high chance of contact soon, since the ledger’s existence had been revealed.

“They’ll first verify if the ledger is real. If fake, getting excited could expose connections with the Black Tiger Gang.”

Even during his days as martial alliance leader, many were caught covering for the Black Path.

They had acted recklessly even in wartime, so he knew their behavior well.

“Their guards saw my strength, so they won’t dare attack directly. They’ll investigate first—how I became stronger, and whether I have backing.”

There was no need to strike first. Patience was advantageous.

“…Ugh.”

Analyzing the situation, Moyongbi sighed deeply.

“It’s possible I’m wrong, isn’t it?”

Thinking worst-case, anxiety crept in.

“That’s impossible. But what if they brazenly attack?”

He couldn’t stop them, at least not at his current level.

“Damn. The family’s strength… right now it’s me, the three heirs, and about ten others… huh?”

His eyes blinked.

“Come to think of it…”

About ten swordsmen. He had only glanced briefly, but could gauge their strength.

“They seemed weak enough…”

Given the martial books left at the Warrior Pavilion, strengthening them would be challenging. Even with monthly supplies, he doubted they were well-maintained.

But…

“Those guys are the family’s spear and shield, right?”

Thinking carefully, Moyongbi stood.

“Alright, I’ll start with them.”

At the very least, he needed to assess their capabilities.

For a martial artist, the greatest talent isn’t physical skill or five-star ability—it’s the ferocity to split mountains with a single pickaxe. Even lacking skill, sheer determination could overcome obstacles.

Moyongbi headed to the training ground where the Fire Sword Group trained.

There, Fire Sword Leader Jingwang was sternly training the swordsmen. Now that the acting family head had regained focus, training resumed today.

Jingwang shouted with a loud voice.

“Start again with the Vertical Sword Form! One!”

“Don’t count two.”

“Don’t count two… huh?”

Startled, Jingwang turned his head.

Moyongbi waved awkwardly.

“Good to see you.”