Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 105

The moment he saw the axe, he was filled with awe. What material could it be made of? He couldn’t tell. Even Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had broken thousands of weapons and seen tens of thousands more, couldn’t identify the metal used. But one thing was clear. ‘It’s incredibly strong.’ The pitch-black shaft, as if it would absorb even sunlight, caught his eye. It was black, so black. It had an unusual sheen that couldn’t be dismissed as mere black. Yet, it absorbed light, giving it a strange, mystical feel. Overwhelming strength that would never break. At the same time, a strange flexibility that seemed to handle weight perfectly. The harmony of strength and flexibility was evident. Just looking at the shaft made him think so. Yeon Ho-Jeong’s gaze lowered. ‘What’s that?’ At the end of the shaft, there was a ring larger than an adult man’s fist, made of a different material than the shaft. Of course, its strength seemed to be no less than the shaft’s. ‘It’s a weight.’ It was both a ring and a weight to balance the center of gravity. He figured the weight of that ring alone must be considerable. Yeon Ho-Jeong’s gaze went back up. The moment he saw the massive axe blade, he felt his breath catch. “I know you have a simple nature, but it was too good to leave plain, so I made it a bit more ornate.” It was more than just a bit ornate. The width of the axe blade was slightly smaller than the iron axe he had used before. Instead, its thickness had increased. And at the center of that massive axe blade was a fierce-looking dragon head, as if it would leap out at any moment. Around the dragon head were red and blue haze-like patterns, adding to its splendor. It was a masterpiece. The fighting spirit of a warrior and the majesty of a king were felt together. It was an indescribable magnificence. “The name is for the owner to decide, but I called it ‘Mad Dragon’ because it was too good to leave unnamed.” Mad Dragon. A crazy dragon. It was a somewhat harsh name, but the simple two characters suited it perfectly. It was a divine weapon, a culmination of craftsmanship, that would not rust even after a thousand years. Yeon Ho-Jeong walked over as if possessed and grabbed the shaft. ‘It’s heavy.’ It was incredibly heavy and thick. It felt thicker than the iron axe he had used before, even though they were similar. ‘It’s different from the Wind Thunder Axe.’ The Wind Thunder Axe was his favorite weapon during his time as the Dark Emperor. It was also a divine weapon made by the best craftsman of the Dark Path. If the Wind Thunder Axe was lightning, the Mad Dragon Axe was wind. If the Wind Thunder Axe was cool, the Mad Dragon Axe was intense. If the Wind Thunder Axe showed a restrained aesthetic, the Mad Dragon Axe was a masterpiece of unrestrained vigor. It felt like it could protect its owner in any battle. It was as if the god of war had descended, and just looking at it made his blood boil. Yeon Ho-Jeong lifted the Mad Dragon Axe. Whoosh. The weight that spread from his wrist, elbow, and shoulder to his entire upper body was immense. Surprisingly, it felt lighter than the iron axe he had used before. It should have been heavier, but the burden on his body was less. Without realizing it, Yeon Ho-Jeong activated the Wall of Azure Energy [a technique that enhances physical abilities]. Woo-oong! The axe cried out. It was similar to a dragon’s roar. It was as if the fierce dragon at the center of the axe blade was opening its mouth and roaring. Pyeon Il-Gang smiled contentedly. “The axe seems to like you too. How is it? Does it feel good?” No amount of praise in the world would be enough. After some thought, Yeon Ho-Jeong finally said one thing. “It’s beyond perfect.” Pyeon Il-Gang burst into laughter. There was no need for adjectives like ‘amazing’ or ‘the best.’ If it was perfect for the owner to hold and wield, that was the greatest praise for a craftsman. “I knew you’d like it. Wield it to your heart’s content. No matter how fierce your inner energy is, it will withstand it.” Yeon Ho-Jeong bowed his head. “Thank you.” “Haha, I’m happy that the owner is pleased.” Pyeon Il-Gang gestured to Muk Bi. “Miss, please follow me.” “Yes? Ah, yes!” Muk Bi was also mesmerized by the dazzling beauty of the Mad Dragon Axe. Startled, she followed Pyeon Il-Gang, glancing back at the Mad Dragon Axe. Yeon Ho-Jeong carried the Mad Dragon Axe out of the smithy. Zziiing! The axe blade of the Mad Dragon Axe, bathed in the pouring sunlight, emitted a clear radiance. It didn’t scatter the light but converged it. The axe blade, having absorbed the light, seemed to make the dragon head and haze patterns shine even brighter. He put strength into the hand holding the shaft. Squeeze! The harder he gripped, the more the power of the Mad Dragon Axe seemed to increase exponentially. Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled. “I’ve received an extravagant gift.” This was all he needed. He didn’t need any other axe. He wanted to swing it right away, but he couldn’t because of the location. He sat on a flat rock, engrossed in examining the Mad Dragon Axe. How much time had passed? Crr-crr-crr. The sound of a bowstring being drawn reached his ears. Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes lit up. Fwee-ee-ee-ing! A wooden arrow was shot at him with tremendous speed. Yeon Ho-Jeong swung the Mad Dragon Axe. Swoosh! Thud! The Mad Dragon Axe, having accurately split the wooden arrow in half, buried itself in the ground. He hadn’t even put much force into it, yet more than half of the axe blade was buried. Yeon Ho-Jeong pulled out the axe. The axe blade, which had cut through rock and soil, had not a speck of dust on it. “As expected, you’re fast even with that heavy thing.” Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Muk Bi, who was standing far away. Muk Bi was holding a red horn bow in her hand. Like the Mad Dragon Axe, the material of the bow and string was unknown. Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head. “That’s an incredible draw strength.” “I didn’t even load inner energy into the arrow.” Yet, the speed at which it was shot was like lightning. The bow’s perfection was no less than the Mad Dragon Axe. Pyeon Il-Gang explained. “It’s a treasure called the Crimson Lotus Bow. I don’t know who made it, but it’s said that it’s difficult to draw the string all the way without the inner energy of a top expert. It’s even rarer than the Mad Dragon Axe.” Yeon Ho-Jeong and Muk Bi bowed their heads. “Thank you.” Pyeon Il-Gang burst into a hearty laugh. “What is there to thank? You’ve obtained good weapons, so I hope you’ll use them meaningfully. That’s all that matters.” A great craftsman had gifted a rare treasure to great warriors. The craftsman didn’t expect material rewards. All he wanted was to see the warriors wielding the treasures he had made, shaking the world. The two warriors promised to become great warriors, worthy of the craftsman’s expectations, and left. “Is the bow good?” “It’s amazing.” “It looks like it.” “Is the axe good?” “What’s there to say?” “It looks like it.” “Well, I’ll be going now, so let’s meet again later.” “Where are you going?” “I have some business in Zhejiang. I should arrive there before the end of this year at the latest.” “Then let’s go together.” “You too?” “Why? Can’t I come with you?” “It’s not that you can’t… but aren’t you just going to suffer unnecessarily?” “If I got a bow, I should try drawing the string, right?” “We’re not going to fight.” “We’ll see. Somehow, I feel like Young Master Yeon is going to get caught up in all sorts of incidents and accidents.” “Am I a child?” “I’m just saying. If something happens, I’ll be a great help, you know?” “Fine, if you’re going to suffer, there’s no need to stop you.” “You have a talent for speaking so beautifully. I’m always impressed.” “I think I’ve said this a few times, but I didn’t know you were such a talkative person. You were so gloomy, you never opened your mouth except when eating.” “When was that?” “…There must have been a time like that.” “There wasn’t, never.” “Well, anyway, let’s run again.” “Sounds good.” * * * “Branch Chief.” “Tell them I’m busy, whoever it is.” “It’s not that…” “What is it?” “A letter has arrived from the main family.” The young man, who had been busy with his brush, stopped. He put down the brush and raised his head. “From the family?” “Yes.” The young man, lost in thought for a moment, reached out his hand. “Give it to me.” “Yes, sir.” The young man read the letter in one go. Lee Geon, seeing the young man’s face gradually darken as he read the letter, asked. “Is it a funding issue again?” “…” “Branch Chief?” “Hmm? Ah, it’s not a funding issue.” “But your expression isn’t good.” The young man smiled wryly. “It seems my brother has found out.” “…!” “It seems this is the end.” “…How about sending another letter? As you know, a war is about to break out among the Zhejiang merchants. If we monopolize trade with the Western merchants in the midst of this, this place will quickly become a battlefield.” “That’s right.” The young man, Moyong Woo, sighed. “But would my brother understand that? If they cause trouble, my brother will immediately dispatch troops.” “…” “Then it’s over. Everyone who opposes my brother will die.” Lee Geon sighed. “It’s not that I don’t trust you, Branch Chief… but would he really do that?” “He would.” “…” “If it’s my brother, he would definitely do it. He resolves most things through conversation, but if it goes too far, he thoroughly crushes his opponents with threats and schemes. That’s my brother’s way.” Moyong Woo’s eyes deepened. “If even that doesn’t work, then he’ll draw his sword without hesitation. And he’ll cut them down. The core of the problem.” “…” “It seems the negotiation ends here. It’s better to help them from behind. It’s better than seeing them lose their heads to a stray sword.” “That’s… true.” Moyong Woo sighed. “Every time, I realize how insignificant my abilities are.” Lee Geon felt sorry for him. ‘Branch Chief’s abilities are more than enough.’ It wasn’t just empty words, it was the truth. Moyong Woo hadn’t even reached thirty yet. Yet, he was a genius with martial prowess that surpassed even the elders of major sects. If this fact became known, the reputation of the One Dragon Three Peaks [a powerful martial arts group] would be called the Twin Dragons Three Peaks of the past. Not only that, Moyong Woo was not only skilled in martial arts but also in commerce. Moreover, his character was worthy of being called a gentleman. However, even an unprecedented genius would have difficulty spreading his wings if he was crushed by the power of his family. A genius of misfortune that the world didn’t recognize. That was Moyong Woo. “Branch Chief.” “Speak.” “How about… doing it this way?” “Hmm?” Lee Geon spoke cautiously. “The merchants in Jiangsu, which is adjacent to Zhejiang, are also on edge. And it is the Yeon family that is coordinating them.” Moyong Woo’s eyes lit up. “The Byeoksan Yeon family.” “Yes. Their coordination is so outstanding that the conflicts between the Jiangsu merchants, which seemed about to explode, have been largely resolved in the past two months.” “And?” “Now that things have come to this, how about joining hands with the Yeon family to save them?” “Absolutely not.” “Yes?” Moyong Woo shook his head firmly. “Absolutely not. That would put the merchants, as well as you and the warriors under the branch, in danger.” “…Is that so.” “We can’t deceive my brother in any way. Besides…” Moyong Woo sighed. “Recently, the Yeon family’s reputation has been shaking the world. And the reason for that is the Yeon family’s eldest son.” “That’s right.” “The Yeon family’s eldest son faced the prestigious families alone. However, it was my brother who decisively crushed them. There must be something between my brother and the Yeon family’s eldest son that I don’t know about.” “…” “Even the slightest risk is fatal. At least for now.” “Then, in the end, we have no choice but to give up.” Moyong Woo shook his head. “Try to focus on supporting them. Since my brother has urged us, the work here is as good as over.” It was then. A hurried voice was heard from outside the branch chief’s office. “Branch Chief!” “What is it?” “Miss Yeonhwa has arrived in Hangzhou!” Moyong Woo’s face hardened. “Yeonhwa, that child?” “Yes. And she says she’ll be stopping by the branch office!” Lee Geon’s cheeks trembled. “…Branch Chief.” Moyong Woo leaned back in his chair. A bitter expression appeared on his face. “It seems like it’s all over.” That night. Yeon Ho-Jeong and Muk Bi entered Zhejiang.