Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 344

The three figures, two men and a woman, moved with stealth and speed through the Daebyeol Mountain Range.

Tang Gwan glanced at Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Yeon Ho-Jeong ran along the mountain path with a calm expression. He had left the noisy Twin Dragon Chains behind for stealth, but he conspicuously carried the Mad Dragon Axe on his shoulder.

Tang Gwan was impressed by how well he suppressed his presence while running with such equipment. An axe of that size would naturally create significant air resistance, making it as detrimental to stealth as iron chains.

‘Hmm.’

Tang Gwan, who had been quietly observing Yeon Ho-Jeong, suddenly remembered something and asked,

“Where on earth did a guy like you come from?”

“What do you mean all of a sudden?”

Even though their speed was such that even a master of the highest level would struggle to keep up, both of them looked relaxed.

“The Byeoksan Yeon Family is supposed to be well-versed in swordsmanship, aren’t they? How did you end up wielding such a vicious weapon?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“This suits my temperament better. Just because we’re a sword family doesn’t mean we have to only wield swords.”

“You’re a funny one. Not being suited to something means you lack the talent for it. If you lack the talent, you should strive to uphold the family’s traditions, even if it means shedding blood and sweat.”

“The Tang Family might be like that, but not the main family. My father is strict about family laws, but he’s flexible in these matters.”

“…You Yeons are a truly incomprehensible bunch.”

“We think the Tangs are even stranger.”

“Quiet.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong grumbled in a voice too small for Tang Gwan to hear. If one were to interpret his words, they would roughly translate to, ‘He’s the one who started talking, and now he’s telling me to be quiet,’ and ‘Those Tangs, always like this.’

Tang Gwan didn’t pay attention to Yeon Ho-Jeong’s muttering. He hadn’t heard it in the first place, nor did he want to.

However, there was one thing he wanted to ask.

“No matter how different the family traditions are, there are lines that must be observed.”

“That’s true.”

“One who hasn’t mastered the family’s traditional martial arts is not qualified to be a successor. A shrewd guy like you must know that, right?”

“I do.”

“Then? Did you secretly learn the Yeon Family’s sword techniques behind your father’s back?”

“What do you take me for? I am still the eldest son of the Yeon Family. I’ve memorized most of the main family’s swordsmanship.”

“But?”

“However, I’ve never properly practiced it.”

Tang Gwan frowned.

“Are you trying to play games with me? How can you call yourself the family’s heir with that kind of mindset?”

“There’s another heir besides me, isn’t there?”

“…?!”

“Rather, Ji-Pyeong probably knows more about the main family’s Yeon Family Sword Techniques than I do. Perhaps, in terms of sword intent, he might even be better than me.”

Tang Gwan’s face was filled with bewilderment.

“What are you talking about?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re not planning to give up your position as heir to your younger brother, are you?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong said with a nonchalant expression.

“Did you think a brute like me could take over the family’s affairs?”

“…?!”

“Even if I were well-versed in swordsmanship, a guy who isn’t qualified shouldn’t lead the family. Ji-Pyeong is more suitable as the head of the main family than I am.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong stroked his chin.

“Ji-Pyeong is indeed better. He might even become the best family head in the main family’s history….”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes?”

Tang Gwan’s face contorted in a way that was hard to describe.

“I asked if you were serious about giving up your position as heir to your younger brother.”

“Why would I bother lying about something like this?”

“…!!”

“Ji-Pyeong will do well. I have that much faith in him.”

“You have no desire for the position of family head?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong scoffed.

“Does becoming the head of a martial arts family mean someone will give you money? Or that your martial arts will improve even if you just laze around? Or that the heavens will look kindly upon you?”

This crazy bastard.

Tang Gwan was so dumbfounded that he couldn’t even open his mouth.

Yeon Ho-Jeong continued in a monotonous voice. His voice even sounded leisurely.

“I’m not looking down on the position of a family head. No, I actually think it’s a great position. That’s why I say Ji-Pyeong is better than me.”

“You have no desire to sit in that great position?”

To Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had already led tens of thousands of black-clad martial artists as the lord of the Black Zenith Fortress, those words were meaningless.

And that was why Yeon Ho-Jeong knew what it meant to be the leader of an organization.

Perhaps, as Tang Gwan had said, becoming the head of the Byeoksan Yeon Family might be more difficult and valuable than being the lord of the Black Zenith Fortress.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled wryly and said,

“I know my place. I might be good enough to be the leader of some thugs, but it’s impossible for me to be the head of a family. I think I’d be more comfortable aiming to be the strongest in the world.”

Tang Gwan’s eyes flashed.

“Is your dream to be the strongest in the world?”

“Becoming the strongest in martial arts in the world. That would also be a meaningful thing. Because it’s special. Well, people who don’t know the compatibility between martial arts and actual combat probably don’t know that there can never be a true strongest in the world.”

“……”

“I’m just saying. It seems easier for me to aim to be the strongest in the world than to be the head of a proper organization.”

If one were to twist his words, they could say he was an arrogant bastard.

But that was Yeon Ho-Jeong’s true feeling.

The Black Zenith Fortress wasn’t an organization that was created on purpose. After fighting through a bloody battlefield, strong individuals had gathered around him, and the Black Zenith Fortress was an organization created to rule the black path [a term for the underworld or criminal element] with them and have a grand brawl against the world.

Of course, Yeon Ho-Jeong had also grown significantly in the process. He had learned a great deal about the qualities and responsibilities required of an organization’s leader.

But that was all.

It was only possible because the black path valued strength above all else. Yeon Ho-Jeong truly believed that.

That was why he thought he was absolutely not suited to be the head of the Yeon Family.

If he became the family head, the family would turn into an arrogant combat organization, no different from the current Sichuan Tang Family.

“You’re a funny one. I don’t know whether to call you the most greedy person in the world or a half-baked fool with no ambition.”

“You can call me whatever you want. Whatever it is, my opinion that Ji-Pyeong is more suitable for the position of the main family’s head remains unchanged.”

Tang Gwan’s eyes deepened.

“How can you be like that?”

“What do you mean?”

“Brothers are just a word that defines a relationship. They’re just the first rivals you encounter in this brutal world. Your temperament isn’t ordinary either, so what do you owe your brother that you’re giving up so much?”

“Giving up…”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s smile turned bitter.

Even Tang Gwan, who had been sharply criticizing him, closed his mouth the moment he saw his smile, as it was a look that seemed to hold some story.

“I didn’t know that.”

“Know what?”

“Before being the first rival I encountered in this world, he was someone I should have protected, cherished, and hoped would surpass me.”

“…!”

“For a time, I hated the brother I should have cherished. That’s why I only want to treat him several times better.”

“……”

“Well, that’s how I feel, but it’s not easy. I’m too busy. Maybe being busy is just an excuse.”

Tang Gwan shook his head.

“You’re a truly incomprehensible guy.”

“Tell me about it. Sometimes I don’t even understand myself.”

“I know one thing. You’re half-crazy.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“Isn’t this a world where you have to be crazy to survive? Haha.”

“Don’t laugh.”

“Woof.”

“What was that undignified sound?”

“I can’t exactly start a brawl with the head of the Tang Family, can I?”

“Crazy bastard.”

“I know, I know.”

How long had they been running like that?

‘…….’

Tang Gwan’s eyes deepened.

He looked back at Yeon Ho-Jeong. Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded silently.

Whoosh!

The three of them descended the mountain path at twice their previous speed.

Shortly after, Ga Deuk-Sang appeared from behind a large rock.

“Do you see it?”

Ga Deuk-Sang’s gaze was directed towards a vast forest surrounded by trees that had yet to sprout new leaves.

Tang Gwan’s lips curled up.

“Is it there?”

“Yes. After having our people scout the area, we’ve confirmed that he hasn’t moved from that location.”

Tang Gwan looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“Then it’s certain. That guy, who is expected to be a high-ranking official above the Deputy Commander level, is definitely a member of the Divine Flower Sect.”

“I see.”

“……”

“What’s wrong?”

“…Nothing.”

Tang Gwan didn’t bother to say it. How brightly your eyes are burning right now.

Yeon Ho-Jeong asked Ga Deuk-Sang,

“We must cut off Henan Province first. I believe you understand what I mean.”

“Of course. However, once this operation begins, the Divine Flower Sect will be on high alert in some way. And even the imperial palace and government offices.”

“I know.”

“We must not only cut off Henan Province but also finish everything within Henan Province.”

“Don’t worry.”

Ga Deuk-Sang nodded.

“Young Master Yeon, and Miss Muk. I wish you good luck.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had bowed with a fist salute, looked at Tang Gwan.

“We’ll go first.”

“Go ahead.”

“Just in case, if it gets too much…”

“Quiet. Nothing like that will happen. Go now.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong grinned.

“Understood. Then we’ll await the victory report.”

Thwack!

With that, Yeon Ho-Jeong and Muk Bi sped down the mountain path to the west.

It turned out that their previous speed wasn’t their best. The speed at which the man and woman were running was even faster than when they had come here, and the two people’s movements, which had disappeared into the darkness, were so fast that one would be left speechless.

Ga Deuk-Sang took a deep breath.

“Please begin whenever you wish, Family Head.”

Tang Gwan’s lips curled up.

“Why drag it out like it’s a big deal? We should just finish it quickly.”

* * *

It was better to come out into the yard and look up at the sky than to be cooped up inside. Although the branches were so dense that it was hard to see, Yo-roe’s eyes pierced through the gaps in the countless branches and looked at the star-filled sky.

“Hoo.”

A white breath puffed out with a light exhale.

“Indeed, the cold of the Central Plains is unique. It’s completely different from the coolness of my desolate hometown.”

Woong. Woooong.

Yo-roe’s pupils emitted a faint red glow.

“Actually, I was planning to stay for a few days, so I was thinking of sleeping.”

There was no one around. Yet, he continued to speak in a calm voice, as if he were talking to someone.

“But I felt a bit strange, you see. It’s hard to pinpoint, but it felt like something interesting was about to happen. So, I didn’t sleep and was just wandering around here without any ritual.”

Yo-roe slowly closed his eyes and then slowly lifted his eyelids again.

His demonic eyes turned blood red.

“Indeed, my intuition was right. To think such an interesting toy would appear.”

The place he was looking at.

From beyond the distant bushes, a middle-aged man wearing dark green clothes was approaching with an arrogant gait.

Saaah.

A smile spread across Yo-roe’s lips.

“A unique energy. He must have made a name for himself in the world. What is your identity?”

The middle-aged man, Tang Gwan’s reply was the highlight.

“It’s a shame my name has only two characters. Since it’s a name you’ll soon forget anyway, I advise you to run away instead of wasting time on useless things.”