Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 46

Papak! Papapang! The tightly clenched fist repeatedly struck the empty air. It wasn’t a martial arts practice without internal energy. The fist, imbued with powerful inner force, was no different from a weapon itself. It was the fist technique of a master, capable of piercing through logs and shattering rocks with a single blow. Even while sweating profusely, the merciless fist training did not stop. Rather, as time passed, it seemed to gain more momentum, the speed of the fists increasing even further. Tiing! After practicing his fist techniques for a while, Yeon Ho-Jeong hooked a spear that had fallen to the ground with his foot and lifted it up. With a natural motion, he grasped the spear and swung it with terrifying force. Peopeopeong! The long spear spat fire. The spear is a heavy and long weapon. It’s easy to deliver a powerful single blow, but difficult to execute a series of continuous techniques. However, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s spear techniques were different. It was unclear how he swung it, but he unleashed explosive blows one after another, with very little space between each attack. After swinging the spear for a long time, Yeon Ho-Jeong grabbed the spear shaft in reverse and threw it. Peoeok! The spear pierced through a thick log and embedded itself in the ground. It was a terrifying display of power. “Haa, haa.” It was an intense training session that disrupted his breathing. As Yeon Ho-Jeong repeatedly gasped for air, a deep blue aura flickered around his body. His rapid breathing quickly returned to normal. Even if he facilitated oxygen supply with his inner energy, it was still an excessively fast recovery. “Hoo.” Yeon Ho-Jeong slumped down onto the flat ground. A deep voice reached him. “Is your training finished?” Yeon Ho-Jeong raised his head. His father was standing in the distance with his hands behind his back. “Have you arrived?” “It looks more like a venting of anger than training.” “……” “It’s very difficult to normalize disrupted breathing so quickly. It seems that extreme physical training is effective.” “I see.” It was a night with a good moon. On a night when bright moonlight poured down, Yeon-wi sat down next to Yeon Ho-Jeong. “Now you’re a proper master. You’re worthy of being called a supreme master.” “Thank you.” His voice lacked sincerity. He couldn’t be happy with just this, as the future ahead was too terrible. However, Yeon-wi expressed pure amazement at his son’s level. At the age of nineteen, he had reached a higher level than the head of the family’s martial arts organization. No matter how high-level martial arts he had learned, his growth rate was incomprehensible. Among the late-stage talents of the seven great families of this era, was there anyone of Yeon Ho-Jeong’s age who had achieved such martial arts? Except for Shaolin, Wudang, and Huashan [Three of the most famous martial arts sects in China], it would be difficult to find even among the Nine Great Sects. Considering his skills from half a year ago, his growth rate was something that would be hard to find even if one searched through the history of the martial world. Despite achieving such an amazing feat, his son was not satisfied. Rather, he seemed to feel that he was still far from enough. Even though he must know how outstanding his level, growth, and skills were. Yeon-wi said in a casual tone. “Is there something troubling you?” Yeon Ho-Jeong couldn’t answer. He could have said that there was nothing wrong, that it was just part of his training. But he didn’t want to lie to his father in this mood. “It was excessive.” “Yes?” “Your killing intent, I mean.” Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes wavered. “You felt it?” “If I couldn’t even feel that, how could I be the head of the Yeon family?” Yeon Ho-Jeong was constantly controlling his killing intent. Even if he unconsciously leaked it, he didn’t release it indiscriminately. However, Yeon-wi was Yeon-wi. Considering the distance from the family head’s room to the guest hall, his sensitivity to senses was beyond imagination. “What is it that makes you so angry?” Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Yeon-wi. Yeon-wi’s face, illuminated by the moonlight, looked a little more benevolent than usual. For a moment, Yeon Ho-Jeong felt a surge of emotion. ‘There are those who are targeting the main family.’ He wanted to say it. At least at this moment, he wanted to tell his father everything. But he couldn’t. His father seemed indifferent to others, but he was meticulous enough to observe every move. He would try to find out how he knew, why he hadn’t said anything until now, and whether it was really true. Unfortunately, he couldn’t do that. According to history, the Myeong family’s attack was less than a year away. It might even happen sooner. “I’m just frustrated.” “About what?” “In many ways.” Yeon-wi was silent for a moment. There was something he wanted to say to his son. But looking at his son now, it seemed like there was no need to bring it up. Yeon-wi took out a book from his pocket and handed it to Yeon Ho-Jeong. “What is this?” “Take it.” There were no words written on the cover of the book. Curious, Yeon Ho-Jeong opened the book, and his eyes widened. Yeon-wi said. “It’s a handwritten copy. Burn it after you’ve mastered it.” “How can you give this to me…?” “Looking at your martial arts, I thought about what you were lacking.” He had thought about his martial arts. It was strange to think that someone who seemed like he would never do such a thing had done so. “Your martial arts are a one-hit kill that doesn’t assume a follow-up attack. At least, that’s how your momentum is. There’s still room for training, but your strong physique has become the nourishment that creates that explosive attack power.” “……” “But look. Just now, your breathing was severely disrupted. The reason is that the martial arts you use are so physically demanding.” “That’s right.” “You’ll get much better in the future. But the problem is getting there. And if I were to give you a footwork technique that is good at evasion, I don’t think you would ever back down, given your personality.” He saw it correctly. Yeon Ho-Jeong could do anything if necessary, such as fleeing, hiding, or evading. But if he didn’t think it was necessary, he would try to push the enemy and defeat them. His personality itself was one of no retreat. The martial arts of the battlefield, where one kills to survive before being killed, that was Yeon Ho-Jeong’s martial arts. “So, I prepared this.” Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at the three letters written on the first page. Reverse Dragon Palm. It was a counter-attack martial art that his father had used when they sparred fifteen days ago. It was one of the Yeon family’s main martial arts that showed its true value during counterattacks, although its single-strike power was also great. “The martial world is scary. They don’t fight while considering the opponent’s condition. I know you’ll do well on your own, but isn’t the martial world a place where even a first-rate master can die by the sword of a third-rate master?” Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes wavered. “Did you know?” Yeon-wi shook his head. “I didn’t. Not until just now.” “……” “I was wondering when to give it to you. It seems a little late, but with your talent, you’ll be able to use it in actual combat soon.” Yeon Ho-Jeong’s hand, holding the secret manual, tightened. In fact, Yeon-wi’s worries were unfounded. Yeon Ho-Jeong had the Four Divine Arts. If the Black Tortoise was in charge of complete defense and the White Tiger was in charge of relentless attacks, then the Azure Dragon was in charge of evasion and counterattacks. The Black Tortoise was not used much unless it was an extreme situation, but the Azure Dragon was different. The Azure Dragon’s skills were a versatile martial art that strongly supported Yeon Ho-Jeong’s extreme personality. ‘……’ However, no matter how excellent the Four Divine Arts were, could they be more precious than the heart his father had given him? “I will accept it gratefully.” Yeon-wi got up from his seat. “When do you plan to leave?” That’s right. Yeon Ho-Jeong was planning to leave the family. If he stayed in the family, it would be difficult to stop the Myeong family’s invasion. To see and confirm everything directly before fighting, that was the way Yeon Ho-Jeong had learned to fight. “If nothing else happens, I plan to leave tomorrow.” “Tomorrow… tomorrow.” Yeon-wi closed his eyes. Yeon Ho-Jeong didn’t know what his father was thinking. After a while, Yeon-wi said. “Follow me.” * * * Unexpectedly, Yeon-wi took Yeon Ho-Jeong outside the family grounds. The streets were quiet. It was natural, as it was well past midnight. Except for a few taverns that sold alcohol late into the night, it was dark. The father and son, after passing Goyang Pavilion and heading away from the river, arrived at a small blacksmith shop. Ttang! Ttang! Ttang! Even though it was past midnight, it seemed that someone was still hammering away. The heat that was transmitted was intense, even though they were five steps away. Yeon-wi opened his mouth. “Old Man Pyeon. It’s me, Yeon-wi.” Tiing! The sound of the hammer stopped. After a while, an old man with a white beard walked out of the blacksmith shop. He was short, but his physique was very solid. Despite the cold weather, he was shirtless. Thanks to that, his sturdy shoulders and thick chest were fully exposed. “Have you come?” His voice was clear and sharp, and I expected a fierce tone, but unexpectedly, it was a calm voice. “I apologize for coming at this late hour.” “There’s no need to apologize. By the way, who is that young man next to you?” “He’s my eldest son.” Yeon-wi said to Yeon Ho-Jeong. “Pay your respects. This is Pyeon Il-Gang, the Divine Craftsman.” He didn’t know who he was, but he didn’t seem like an ordinary person. Yeon Ho-Jeong bowed respectfully. “I am Yeon Ho-Jeong. It is an honor to meet you.” The old man smiled. Even though he had lived his whole life dealing with fire and iron, his expression was as warm as a spring breeze. “You’re definitely his son, your eyes are very sharp. It’s like seeing you in your younger days.” “Was I like that?” “I was afraid to get close to you because I was afraid of getting cut. But you’re a gentleman compared to your son. If you were a treasured sword, your son is a divine sword. The edge is very sharp.” A faint smile appeared on Yeon-wi’s lips. Pyeon Il-Gang looked at Yeon-wi as if he was surprised. He had never seen Yeon-wi make a smile-like expression before. “It seems you’re getting old too.” “It seems so.” Pyeon Il-Gang scanned Yeon Ho-Jeong up and down. “But it’s amazing. Your eyes are identical, but your atmosphere is completely different. Even though he’s your son, he’s not static.” “……” “Not a sword, but an axe?” Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes flashed. Pyeon Il-Gang was not a martial artist. He had learned internal energy, but it was only for health maintenance. Yet, he recognized Yeon Ho-Jeong’s main weapon at a glance. ‘He’s amazing.’ When one reaches the level of a master in any field, one’s perspective on the world changes. A good craftsman is a martial artist’s friend. Just by recognizing Yeon Ho-Jeong’s nature at a glance, one could guess Pyeon Il-Gang’s skill. “Then, the thing I ordered fifteen days ago?” “That’s right.” “Haha, I’m seeing a lot of unexpected things today. You didn’t give a sword to the eldest son who should inherit the family?” Yeon-wi shook his head. “So, is it not ready yet?” “Of course not. It was finished two days ago. It’s not something new, just a modification of an existing one.” “Give it to me.” “Wait.” After a while, Pyeon Il-Gang came back with a weapon. Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes widened when he saw the weapon. “It’s heavy. You wield something like this? You must have built up great martial arts at a young age.” Thud! The reverberation that was transmitted to the ground was tremendous. It was an axe. It was an axe, but its size was enormous. It was a battle-axe with a thick six-foot-long shaft and an axe blade the size of an adult male’s upper body. It was almost identical in shape and size to the axe Yeon Ho-Jeong had used in his previous life. Yeon-wi said. “Hold it.” Yeon Ho-Jeong grabbed the shaft as if he was possessed. The weight that was transmitted through his entire arm was tremendous. ‘It’s heavy. But it feels…’ The feeling of it wrapping around his hand was very good. Was it a sense of unity? It was perfect for gripping and swinging. Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Yeon-wi. “Heavy weapons are more influenced by the wielder than ordinary swords. Your martial arts are too extreme, so don’t swing it unless it’s absolutely necessary.” Yeon-wi bowed to Pyeon Il-Gang. “Thank you for your hard work.” “Haha, it’s nothing. If I had known it was a gift for your son, I would have inspected it one more time.” Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Yeon-wi with trembling eyes. Yeon-wi turned his body. “Let’s go.” Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was looking at Yeon-wi’s back as he walked away, bowed his head to Pyeon Il-Gang. “Thank you.” Pyeon Il-Gang smiled and said. “It’s a very sturdy one, so it won’t break easily. Please use it well.”