Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 159

‘That man is truly something.’

‘…….’

‘No, even calling him ‘something’ is not enough. For a young man barely past his coming-of-age to already be embodying the martial arts of a transcendent, it’s truly remarkable.’

Nodoin was genuinely impressed.

‘I have met countless heroes in my time, but I have never seen anyone so specialized in martial arts. It’s no wonder you would seek guidance from him.’

‘Yes.’

Okcheong seemed particularly cautious.

However, he still spoke his mind.

‘Thinking back on it…’

‘Hmm?’

‘I’ve been observing Commander Yeon for the past few months. From my perspective…’

He wondered if it was necessary to say this.

However, Okcheong was not one to hold back his curiosity. If he needed something, he wouldn’t hesitate to act.

Beneath his gentle and mild nature, there was also such strength.

‘Actually, I’ve never thought of him as a genius.’

‘Never thought of him as a genius? What do you mean by that?’

‘Well…’

Okcheong’s face showed some embarrassment.

‘It felt like his martial arts were built not on talent, but on an accumulation of unbelievable experiences.’

‘Experiences?’

‘It’s just a feeling. Rather than becoming strong through talent, it felt like he was regaining a level he had already known and mastered before.’

Nodoin, the head of the Wudang Sect, Seung-hyeon Jin-in, burst into hearty laughter.

‘Haha, that’s absurd. Are you saying Commander Yeon was a monster who broke through the wall of martial arts even when he was younger?’

Okcheong scratched his head, looking sheepish.

‘Of course not. That’s why I said it was just a feeling.’

‘Whatever it may be, it’s clear that he is a truly amazing talent. Moreover, he has achieved great feats with his passionate chivalry, so the next generation of the martial world may revolve around Commander Yeon.’

‘That’s highly likely.’

Seung-hyeon Jin-in smiled gently.

‘Doesn’t it make you greedy?’

‘Pardon?’

‘Your senior brother is called the Sword Immortal and is considered the closest to being the greatest swordsman in the world. As his disciple, wouldn’t you naturally want to be the best?’

Okcheong smiled innocently.

‘Are you joking? I only wish for the completion of my own martial arts; I have no desire to compete with anyone or seek attention.’

‘Haha.’

‘Well, that might be why I am the way I am. Commander Yeon once said that competitiveness can also be a driving force for growth.’

‘That’s true. However, it is not an absolute element of development.’

‘I know. Commander Yeon also acknowledged that.’

‘Hahaha.’

Although he kept laughing, Seung-hyeon Jin-in was inwardly surprised by Okcheong’s reaction.

‘My junior brother has changed a lot.’

In the past, Okcheong was more like a seeker of truth than a martial artist. This was a truly admirable trait for a disciple of Wudang.

The Wudang Sect, along with Shaolin, is called the Northern Dipper of Mount Tai [a reference to their prominence in martial arts], but it is essentially a sect of Taoist priests who pursue the Tao [the Way, a fundamental concept in Taoism]. The sword is not a means of killing but a means of training.

Okcheong learned martial arts not to defeat someone but to study.

Now, Okcheong desires the completion of his martial arts.

‘He has temporarily strayed from the path of a seeker, but this is also a good thing. I have no doubt that he will return to his original place.’

Seung-hyeon Jin-in asked,

‘So, when is the next expedition of the Myeolsa Army [a specific army or group] scheduled?’

‘I haven’t received any information yet.’

‘Hmm, that means there’s at least a few days, right?’

‘I can’t be sure about that either. You saw it before, didn’t you? They set off immediately after gathering. They might move just as quickly this time.’

‘Haha, is that so?’

Seung-hyeon Jin-in rose from his seat.

‘There’s no good in rushing, but since time is short, it’s best to start right away.’

‘Yes? Start what?’

‘What else? I’m going to look at my young junior brother’s martial arts.’

Okcheong’s eyes widened.

‘You mean, the Sect Leader himself?’

‘Why? Is there any reason why I shouldn’t?’

‘Ah, no! That would be great! It would be an honor.’

‘You’re so easy to please.’

Seung-hyeon Jin-in turned around.

‘Follow me. I will look at your changed martial arts and fill in any gaps that I can.’

* * *

The drinking session with his father ended sooner than expected.

Yeon Ho-Jeong didn’t expect his father to drink so quickly. Although his posture remained upright even after drinking so much, it was almost like a binge.

The drinking, which started in the morning, ended in half a day.

‘Hoo-woo-woo.’

Woo-oong.

As he exhaled, the alcohol fumes were automatically expelled.

Yeon Ho-Jeong frowned.

‘I still can’t control it.’

The Azure Dragon Energy.

The Azure Dragon Energy, which had greatly enhanced his liver function, had achieved tremendous growth in an instant due to its synergy with the Three Divine Artifacts. Of course, the other three energies were the same.

The extent was so severe that it was difficult to even operate them properly. At least, at his current level.

Perhaps that was why? This time, Yeon Ho-Jeong wanted to get drunk, but the Azure Dragon Energy kept scattering the incoming alcohol, making it impossible for him to get intoxicated.

It had been a long time since he had been unable to freely control his inner energy. Of course, it was something to be happy about.

‘I’ll get used to it soon.’

Uncontrollable power inevitably causes problems.

It’s like giving a butcher a divine weapon; it doesn’t make him a warrior. What’s important is not only wielding that power properly but also having the adaptability to use it in the right place at the right time.

‘Anyway.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes sparkled.

‘With this, the true Four Divine Arts have begun.’

How long has it been?

He had been with the Four Divine Arts until just before his regression, so it had been about two years.

But why? It felt like meeting a friend after a long time. The joy was that great.

He once again felt the Azure Dragon Energy.

‘Welcome back, Azure Dragon.’

The Azure Dragon.

The Azure Dragon is the wood spirit of Gapin [a reference to the Chinese zodiac and elements], symbolizing spring, and is responsible for the liver among the five viscera and six bowels [a concept in traditional Chinese medicine].

The true energy itself aims for recovery, detoxification, and even invulnerability, and the techniques unfolded with the Azure Dragon Energy were martial arts focused on evasion and self-preservation.

‘I want to try it out.’

He had gained the techniques of the Black Tortoise, White Tiger, and Vermilion Bird all in actual combat.

The Azure Dragon was different. From the moment he trained with the Three Divine Artifacts, he could summon the Azure Dragon Energy on his own.

‘It’ll be fine.’

If someone has mastered martial arts to the level of Yeon Ho-Jeong, they can immediately use the martial arts they know in their head in actual combat. Moreover, it was a martial art he had used countless times in the past, so there was no need to say more.

‘Should I rest a bit today?’

By now, Moyong Woo would be meeting with the daughter of the Tang family, the Dark Heavenly Maiden.

There was nothing else to worry about. Rumors about his martial arts improvement would spread like wildfire, but today, the Pagun Pavilion had even stationed guards to prohibit outsiders from entering.

Rest. He deserved to rest.

Just as Yeon Ho-Jeong rose from his seat.

‘Hmm?’

He felt someone approaching.

It was a familiar energy. Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

Soon after, Muk Bi appeared on the first floor, yawning widely.

‘Did you just wake up?’

Muk Bi’s eyes immediately turned cat-like.

‘I was in your debt earlier.’

‘Hmm? Ah, because of my father?’

Muk Bi shouted with a flustered expression.

‘I’ll never drink again where Master Yeon is…!!’

That’s when it happened.

‘……Huh?’

Muk Bi blinked her eyes blankly.

Yeon Ho-Jeong tilted his head.

‘What’s wrong?’

‘What is it?’

‘What?’

‘……’

‘What is it?’

‘What is it? Why are you suddenly speechless?’

Muk Bi stared blankly at Yeon Ho-Jeong from head to toe.

Yeon Ho-Jeong frowned.

‘Why are you staring at me like that?’

‘How, how did you do that?’

‘Speak in a way that’s easy to understand.’

‘Did you get stronger?!’

It was a very direct choice of words.

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded.

‘Yes.’

‘Oh my god…!’

Her face was completely free of sleepiness.

It was inevitable. The change that Muk Bi saw in Yeon Ho-Jeong was so dramatic that the word ‘transformation’ was not enough to describe it.

Muk Bi swallowed unconsciously.

‘Incredible!’

Yeon Ho-Jeong was standing there with a languid face.

Even his posture had changed slightly. Until this morning, he had been standing with a firm and flawless posture, but now he was showing a somewhat loose and flexible appearance.

The looseness that came from that flexibility could also be described as natural.

It wasn’t a matter of enlightenment. The energy that resided in Yeon Ho-Jeong’s body was naturally creating that posture.

A posture in which true energy could be used most efficiently.

‘How on earth did you do it…’

‘There’s no method. It’s just that the training I’ve been doing has finally blossomed.’

‘……’

‘You said it well. Instead of getting involved with Ayeon and drinking, you should be practicing your archery. I want you to reach where I am standing as soon as possible.’

Muk Bi looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong with trembling eyes.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

‘You can do it too. Just don’t be impatient.’

‘……Do you really think so?’

Of course.

‘I believe in you. If I can do it, there’s no way you can’t.’

It wasn’t a statement to instill confidence. It was genuine.

From the beginning, their levels of talent were different. Moreover, unlike in the past, there were many people who could help her now.

She would be able to reach higher places faster.

‘Tch.’

Muk Bi plopped down on the floor.

‘I feel a bit deflated.’

‘Huh?’

Muk Bi chuckled.

‘I wanted to beat Master Yeon in at least one thing. If possible, I wanted to beat you in martial arts.’

‘What would you gain from beating a nobody like me?’

‘Are you serious?’

‘Of course, I’m lying. You’re still far from surpassing me in anything, you rascal.’

‘Hmph.’

‘Now you even know how to scoff, you’ve really grown up.’

‘I’ve said it many times, I’m older than you. And what does age have to do with scoffing?’

‘I was just saying.’

In the end, a pleasant smile appeared on Muk Bi’s face as well.

But that was only for a moment.

‘Oh? But wait.’

‘Why?’

‘The others don’t know yet, right?’

‘Know what?’

‘That Master Yeon has become so strong.’

‘Ah, that is…’

‘Before, when you had a duel with that Moyong family head, all sorts of people came running.’

‘……?!’

‘Well, I guess not. They wouldn’t do such a foolish thing again after being thoroughly defeated once…’

‘……’

‘……Does everyone know?’

‘W-well…’

Yeon Ho-Jeong forced a smile.

‘It’s not the same as before, right? Hey, I’ve broken through the wall of martial arts. Do you know what the wall of martial arts is? You have to break through that wall to be called a supreme master. Although I’m still at the beginning, I’m at a relatively high level…’

‘Do they know or not?’

‘……’

‘I see. It must have already spread throughout the entire alliance.’

‘Hehe.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong stroked Muk Bi’s head.

‘It’s okay, my friend. The situation is completely different from before. Back then, they might have rushed in with overflowing competitive spirit, but now? Not now. There aren’t many people who can match my skills…’

That’s when it happened.

‘Commander Yeon!’

A booming voice carried the true energy of the Tai Chi.

‘Commander Yeon, are you inside? This is Seung-hyeon of Wudang. If you’re available, I’d like to see you!’

Muk Bi said with a sullen expression.

‘It always starts with Wudang, doesn’t it?’

‘……’

‘What are you doing? Answer him quickly. An elder is calling you.’

‘That’s just great.’