Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 161

The woman was beautiful.

Though she was nearing thirty, her cool yet clear eyes held the purity of a young girl.

Her slender figure, adorned in elegant attire, made her incredibly alluring. She possessed a striking harmony of fiery passion and icy composure.

The world revered this woman, calling her the Phoenix of Sichuan, the Dark Sky Goddess.

‘So, did you meet him yesterday?’

Her tone was cold and resolute. Like father, like daughter; her demeanor seemed to be inherited from her father’s unique nature.

At Tang Gwan’s stern words, Tang Sang-ah smiled and replied,

‘Yes.’

‘What was he like?’

‘He’s a person difficult to define in a single word.’

Tang Gwan nodded.

A person difficult to define? He couldn’t easily grasp the meaning. In the first place, he didn’t place much importance on those words.

The important thing wasn’t how she saw him, but whether the marriage would be successful or not.

‘They will give us an answer soon. Wait patiently.’

‘Yes.’

‘If they refuse the marriage, then besides that, there are other…’

‘Father.’

‘Speak.’

Tang Sang-ah smiled. It was a transparent smile, devoid of sincerity.

‘I want to be alone.’

Tang Gwan’s eyes deepened.

After gazing at his daughter for a while, Tang Gwan rose from his seat.

‘There are paths to happiness even if it’s not through martial arts.’

With those words, Tang Gwan left the room.

The moment the door closed, Tang Sang-ah stretched out with a loud yawn.

‘Ugh, I’m so tired.’

Resting her chin on her hand, she gazed out the window.

‘Hmm, the weather is quite nice.’

Her eyes sparkled.

Having lived in Sichuan almost her entire life, she was visiting Henan Province and the Dabie Mountains for the first time.

Perhaps that was why, even after several months in Maengnae, her heart still fluttered as if it were her first visit. The atmosphere of the Dabie Mountains, with its distinct seasons and ever-changing scenery, also stirred her excitement.

‘What shall I do for fun today?’

Even in a situation where she might have to get married due to her father’s pressure, she didn’t lose her joy.

What was important to her was how to enjoy the present moment. Once time had passed, it would never return, so she believed that each day should be spent joyfully.

That way, there would be no regrets.

Even if she had to live an unwanted life, she could live with her memories as companions.

‘Huh?’

While enjoying the scenery with a refreshed feeling, Tang Sang-ah noticed someone in the distance.

‘That person is…?’

A strange look appeared on Tang Sang-ah’s face.

‘Why is he there at this hour? Shouldn’t he be busy with the founding ceremony?’

It was none other than Moyong Woo. The leader of the Tangma Army, one of the Yu-gun [a military unit] under the Tangma Extermination Society, and the main figure of the founding ceremony to be held in front of the Museong Hall at noon today.

And… perhaps the man who might become her husband.

‘Interesting?’

She had only had a brief conversation with Moyong Woo over tea.

That was hardly enough to understand a person. She could guess his tendencies, but it was too short a time to know everything about him.

Of course, Tang Sang-ah had no intention of finding out anything about Moyong Woo. It wasn’t because it was Moyong Woo, but because she simply had no interest in anyone.

As a daughter of the Tang family, she had long accepted the harsh fate imposed on the women of her family.

It didn’t matter who the partner was. As long as they were physically sound and had a good personality, that was enough.

‘Hmm…’

However, she could feel interest in the unexpected behavior of that partner. In other words, it was closer to pure curiosity.

And now, she felt curious about Moyong Woo.

Her eye technique, honed to the extreme as a master of hidden weapons, allowed her to see every subtle expression on Moyong Woo’s face.

‘He looks incredibly troubled? It can’t be because of me, though.’

Moyong Woo was a good person. But like herself, he didn’t seem to have any particular feelings for the other.

If so, it didn’t seem to be because of her…

‘Well, I have nothing else to do anyway.’

A feeling came over her.

It might not be fun, but she had a feeling that she was about to witness an event that would at least pique her interest.

Whoosh!

The moment a red aura seemed to emanate from Tang Sang-ah’s body.

Swoosh.

In an instant, her body shot out of the window.

* * *

‘Haa, so annoying.’

Over his clean white clothes, he wore a high-quality robe.

The material was so soft that it felt unnatural. It was an outfit that many would praise as luxurious, but to Yeon Ho-Jeong, it felt cumbersome.

‘Clothes make the man, huh?’

‘Does it look okay?’

‘You always dress like that.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Muk Bi.

‘You look pretty good yourself?’

Yeon Ho-Jeong was one thing, but Muk Bi in her palace attire was truly stunning.

Though she wasn’t wearing makeup, that only enhanced her pure charm. Her neatly combed hair and the firm physique honed by archery and movement techniques were captivating enough to catch the eye of any man.

However, Muk Bi’s face was full of dissatisfaction.

‘What is this?’

‘What? It looks pretty.’

‘It’s hard to move in. If I wear these clothes, my Dragon Flight Instant Movement speed will slow down.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong clicked his tongue.

‘Just bear with it a little. You can change as soon as the founding ceremony is over.’

‘Haa.’

Muk Bi kept sighing.

Yeon Ho-Jeong suddenly thought of something and turned his head.

‘Hey!’

‘Yes? Ah, yes!’

‘Aren’t you going to change your clothes?’

Okcheong scratched his head with an awkward expression.

‘Shouldn’t a Taoist pursue a life of simple contentment?’

‘That’s for normal times. It’s the founding ceremony, so you should at least… Hey! But why have you been wandering around here since yesterday?’

That’s right.

After Master Seung-hyeon returned, Okcheong had come to visit. Without saying a word, Okcheong had been loitering around Pagun Hall, watching Yeon Ho-Jeong’s every move.

That was all. He didn’t say anything or ask for a duel. He was just there.

Okcheong cleared his throat.

‘I just feel like the energy around Pagun Hall is good.’

‘Did Wudang teach you to talk nonsense?’

‘That’s a bit harsh.’

‘Shut up! You go change your clothes and go to Museong Hall! There’s only half an hour left.’

‘I’ll just go as I am.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong silently raised his fist.

Okcheong’s expression immediately turned submissive.

‘Well, I guess there’s a certain standard of formality to show to the public. I’ll see you later.’

Whoosh!

Okcheong disappeared at a terrifying speed. It seemed his internal injuries were completely healed, as his movement technique was faster than ever.

Yeon Ho-Jeong sighed.

‘There’s no one normal around me, no one.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong suddenly looked at Muk Bi.

Muk Bi was staring intently at him. Her gaze was so subtle, it seemed to say, ‘And you think you’re normal?’

‘Turn your head before I poke your eyes out, you punk.’

‘Oh my god.’

‘What? What!’

‘Never mind? Seriously, just because you’re strong, you’re bullying me now.’

‘Anyone would think I didn’t bully you before.’

‘I have nothing to say, really.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

It was then.

‘Huh?’

Yeon Ho-Jeong turned his head towards the gate of Pagun Hall.

‘What is it?’

A familiar energy was approaching at a rapid pace.

It was another genius whose martial arts had grown rapidly in the time he hadn’t seen them. Perhaps because it had grown too rapidly, they couldn’t control their energy, making their presence even more pronounced.

A moment later.

‘May I come in?’

Yeon Ho-Jeong opened the gate himself.

Moyong Woo was there.

‘What brings you here?’

‘I need to talk to you.’

After looking at Moyong Woo for a moment, Yeon Ho-Jeong turned around.

‘To my room.’

The three of them went up to Yeon Ho-Jeong’s second-floor room.

Moyong Woo spoke directly.

‘The founding ceremony has been canceled.’

‘What?’

Not only Yeon Ho-Jeong but also Muk Bi was surprised.

‘Canceled? What do you mean by that?’

‘To be precise…’

Moyong Woo had trouble speaking.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes narrowed.

‘Did they tell the Extermination Army not to come?’

‘…That’s right.’

‘Hmm.’

With that one answer, he could understand how things were unfolding.

Leaning back in his chair, Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

‘Moyong Gun is up to his tricks again.’

Moyong Woo sighed quietly.

‘I told him it wasn’t necessary, but he opposed it to the end.’

The reason was none other than Yeon Ho-Jeong.

He had shown a fierce duel with Yeon-wi at the training ground in the inner courtyard.

If it had ended there, it might have been different, but he had even surpassed the Wall of Martial Arts in front of everyone.

It was something that would shock not only the Martial Alliance but the entire world. Yeon Ho-Jeong might think he was still far off, but it was rare for someone to reach the pinnacle of martial arts at just over twenty years old.

A monster with talent that far surpassed even the young geniuses representing the current martial world, the One Dragon and Three Phoenixes.

‘He was worried that I might become the main figure of the founding ceremony.’

‘That’s right.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled as if he couldn’t help it.

‘Well, it’s a petty response, but it’s definitely necessary. I understand Moyong Gun.’

‘I’m sorry.’

‘Why are you sorry? It’s okay.’

He seemed genuinely okay. There was no hesitation on Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face.

Seeing that expression made him feel relieved.

Moyong Woo, who had been smiling slightly, grumbled jokingly.

‘Why did you have a duel in front of everyone? There’s a saying in the martial world that you should hide three-tenths of your strength.’

‘Hmm?’

‘Didn’t you make my brother more wary of you?’

Yeon Ho-Jeong snorted.

‘Bullshit, he was already itching to get rid of me. We’re already in a kill-or-be-killed relationship, what’s the point of making him more wary?’

‘Of course, that’s true, but…’

‘You should remember this too. When engaging in dark strife, there’s no need to hide yourself more than necessary. Rather, if you worry about such things, you’ll definitely get tired. If you get counterattacked then, it’ll be more fatal.’

‘Is that so?’

‘If you have hidden cards, you should also have cards that you show openly. And I have no intention of hiding my full strength from my enemies. I’ve been like that before, and I’ll be like that in the future.’

What’s important is the enemy’s character and the flow of the situation.

Even if Yeon Ho-Jeong became a supreme master, he couldn’t handle a whole faction alone. In a factional fight, he hadn’t gained anything substantial.

Perhaps if he had reached the level of the Thirteen Seats of the Holy Heaven, it would be different, but at this level, he couldn’t have a decisive impact on the big picture.

If there had been a possibility of the situation worsening, Yeon Ho-Jeong would have given up first, even if it disappointed his father.

Moyong Woo smiled.

‘You’re truly amazing in many ways.’

‘Is that new?’

‘Hahaha!’

He had come to deliver serious news, but talking with Yeon Ho-Jeong made him feel like he was putting down a burden.

Moyong Woo asked subtly.

‘By the way, it’s really amazing. I thought I was quite talented in martial arts, but compared to you, my brother, I’m nothing…’

At that moment, Yeon Ho-Jeong opened his mouth.

‘Brother? You had a brother?’

What was this sudden, disappointing remark?

Moyong Woo, who was about to say not to joke around and that he had come to meet him openly, suddenly widened his eyes.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s hand, resting on the armrest of the chair, was pointing at the ceiling.

Whoosh.

In an instant, the true energy of heaven and earth rose sharply, sharpening his five senses like blades.

‘A person?’

Someone was there. And a surprisingly powerful master at that.

‘…Since you’re younger, you’re my brother. Isn’t that right?’

‘You’re wrong. I have no intention of forming any kind of friendship with anyone from the Moyong family.’

‘Haha, that’s a bit disappointing.’

Moyong Woo shook his head.

‘Anyway, about that.’

‘Speak.’

‘Do you keep a cat?’

Yeon Ho-Jeong grinned.

‘I thought you were my cat?’

‘That’s true.’

Moyong Woo smiled brightly.

‘Let’s see whose cat it is.’

‘Muk Bi.’

In an instant, Muk Bi’s palm force struck the ceiling.

Crash!

The ceiling shattered, and a figure appeared in a disheveled state.

It was Tang Sang-ah.