Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 719

The Repository of Enlightenment (9)

Dark night.

In a remote mountain northeast of Hanam, about twenty men stood guard around a large carriage.

A middle-aged man in light armor stepped forward.

“Are you the chivalrous individuals from the Murim Alliance?”

Peng Mu-Gang clasped his fist in greeting.

“I am Peng Mu-Gang of the Peng family.”

The middle-aged man bowed respectfully.

“I am Do Beon, the North Heavenly General of the Imperial Palace.”

Traditionally, the Empire had two Grand Generals. Although there was only one Grand General’s office, it had two heads, and it was customary for one of them to be from the maternal relatives [the Empress’s family].

The Grand General from the maternal relatives commanded the forces that guarded the palace and prevented invasions from foreign enemies. The other Grand General commanded highly aggressive forces and had several special units under his command, ready to annihilate the enemy at any time.

Do Beon, the North Heavenly General, belonged to the Grand General’s office of the maternal relatives and was the head of the Northern Army, responsible for defending against foreign enemies invading from the deserts and grasslands, especially in the northern part of the Central Plains.

Although a figure of considerable importance had appeared, Peng Mu-Gang, Yeon Wi, and Jeagal Ayeon were not surprised.

They were on their way to meet the Emperor’s maternal relatives. Therefore, it was only natural that the head of the Northern Army under the Grand General would come to greet them.

“This carriage is transporting a special type of Yongjeong tea that Her Majesty the Empress enjoys. The chivalrous individuals will board this carriage and enter the palace as it is.”

“Understood.”

“We will take several breaks, but we will approach Beijing with some caution. I have heard that the master of the Habei Peng family is well-versed in many back roads, so I would appreciate it if you could assist us in case of any unexpected enemy attacks.”

“Do not worry.”

“Then, please board.”

At that moment, Yeon Wi spoke.

“I have a question before we depart.”

Do Beon looked at Yeon Wi.

Yeon Wi asked calmly.

“Is it widely known within the palace that Her Majesty the Empress enjoys Yongjeong tea?”

“Of course. That is why we are escorting you in this carriage.”

“I see.”

Yeon Wi nodded and boarded the carriage.

Following him, Peng Mu-Gang and Jeagal Ayeon also boarded the carriage, and the Murim Alliance escorts bowed their heads in unison and stepped back.

Do Beon said,

“We’re departing.”

Heeheeheeing!

The carriage moved, followed by twenty mounted soldiers.

The carriage was much more comfortable than expected. Even when climbing rough mountain roads, there was little swaying.

Peng Mu-Gang sent a telepathic message to Yeon Wi.

[Why did you ask that question earlier?]

Yeon Wi looked at Jeagal Ayeon.

Jeagal Ayeon nodded.

Yeon Wi sent a telepathic message to Peng Mu-Gang.

[The North Heavenly General said that many people in the palace know that Her Majesty the Empress enjoys Yongjeong tea.]

[That’s right.]

[No matter how fierce the power struggle is, they cannot attack recklessly until one side has completely gained the upper hand. If an attack truly begins, it can be considered the start of a war.]

[I think so too.]

[The North Heavenly General said, ‘Please assist us in case of any unexpected enemy attacks.’]

[……?!]

[If the eunuch faction had gained a complete victory, Her Majesty the Empress’s side would not have reached out to us. The fact that Her Majesty reached out to us is to win this tightrope walk, not simply to survive.]

[Then……?]

[It’s a test.]

Yeon Wi closed his eyes.

[Her Majesty the Empress is trying to test us.]

[Ha, but…… is there really a need to do that?]

[I cannot know that far. However, since they specifically mentioned Beijing, it is highly likely that Her Majesty’s test will begin there.]

[Huh!]

[Thinking differently, this is a natural thing. She would want to know the strength of the family heads representing the Murim Alliance.]

[That makes sense.]

[If that is truly the case.]

Yeon Wi slowly opened his eyes again, his gaze glowing blue.

“……The Winged King.”

* * *

“False information from the maternal relatives……”

Ice formed on Yang Cheon’s face.

“It’s truly absurd. If it’s really false information, then the only intention is to test our abilities through Eunuch Woo Heon.”

“That’s likely.”

“If the false information is certain, then the content would be something like the Murim Alliance is concerned about the Imperial Palace.”

“That’s probably it.”

“Then, the appearance of the Winged King can be interpreted in two ways.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes gleamed.

“A way to divert attention, or……”

“If they realize our intentions, a warning that a Saint-level master can attack anytime, anywhere, so they should be careful…… something like that.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong scratched his head.

“That’s if the Winged King is really related to Eunuch Woo Heon. Nothing has been revealed yet, so it’s just a hasty guess.”

“But you said you believe the situation. Based on the situation you think, the appearance of the Winged King is definitely not a coincidence.”

“That’s right.”

“Whether it’s Eunuch Woo Heon or the maternal relatives, do you think the Winged King is definitely related to the Imperial Palace?”

“If we consider the entire Imperial Palace, not just one side, I think there’s a high probability that they are related.”

“……I see.”

“If it’s related to Her Majesty the Empress’s side, it becomes even more serious.”

The corners of Yang Cheon’s mouth curled up.

“Don’t betray me rashly. I’m someone who even has the powerful card of the Winged King. Is that what they’re thinking?”

“Exactly.”

Yang Cheon emptied his glass in one go.

“Whether it’s the Empress’s side or the eunuch’s side, they’re like venomous snakes.”

It was a blasphemous remark, but Yeon Ho-Jeong did not criticize his tone.

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“It’s a struggle for survival. If they can win, they’ll use any means necessary.”

“That’s true, but still.”

“And if the Winged King is someone from Her Majesty the Empress’s side, the situation becomes a bit more serious.”

“Hmm?”

“Eunuch Woo Heon is a member of the Divine Cult. There must be many masters lurking in the Imperial Palace. Yet, they sent the Winged King to the Central Plains, not the palace.”

“……Huh!”

Yang Cheon laughed in disbelief.

“Are they not even able to estimate the eunuch’s side’s power?”

“If the Winged King is someone from Her Majesty the Empress’s side.”

“They’re playing games.”

Yang Cheon chugged the bottle of alcohol, looking frustrated.

Yeon Ho-Jeong clicked his tongue.

“Drink moderately. Even a master needs to take care of their health.”

“It’s fine. I’m so dumbfounded that I’m not even getting drunk.”

Yang Cheon, having carelessly thrown away the empty bottle, adjusted his posture in a relaxed manner.

Yang Cheon’s gaze, looking up at the sky, became strange.

“The Winged King…… the Imperial Palace…… war……”

What was he thinking?

After staring at the sky for a long time, Yang Cheon straightened his posture.

“Are you alright?”

“What do you mean?”

“The Imperial Palace is a den of vipers. I’m worried since your father has gone there.”

“Of course, I’m worried.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong closed his eyes.

“Perhaps my father has always felt this way. Every time I went somewhere, he must have been worried while wielding his sword.”

Yang Cheon chuckled.

“I was worried you might rush to the Imperial Palace out of misplaced affection, but I’m relieved.”

“That place is my father’s battlefield. I need to do what I can.”

“Of course, you should.”

Yang Cheon quietly looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Yeon Ho-Jeong tilted his head.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

Yang Cheon got up from his seat.

“The open space is quite spacious, isn’t it?”

“……?”

“It seems like the injuries you sustained have mostly healed. It’s not perfect, but it seems like you can show your capabilities.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes widened.

“Are you saying we should spar?”

“I won’t do two rounds, so don’t worry.”

“In this situation?”

“What’s wrong with this situation?”

Yang Cheon had already come down to the open space in front of the rock and was rolling up his sleeves.

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled and came down from the rock.

“Are you going to take out your axe?”

“If I start using my axe, can you be sure you can end it appropriately?”

“Vice Chief, you’re stronger than me, aren’t you?”

“If I wanted to kill you, I could. But if you come at me seriously, I can’t hold back anymore, not now.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes wavered.

He had reached the Limitless realm. That fact remained unchanged.

However, at Yang Cheon’s words, that he couldn’t hold back anymore, he suddenly felt goosebumps.

At that moment, he realized it. That he too was standing near the summit of the mountain.

He had reached a position where he could reach the peak of Mount Tai [a metaphor for the highest level of martial arts] at any time, he realized anew.

‘How ridiculous.’

He had already reached a higher realm than this before. There was no need to be surprised now.

‘……Perhaps.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong also rolled up his sleeves.

‘Perhaps I have finally truly let go of my past as the Dark Emperor.’

Yang Cheon pounded his fists together.

Thud! Thud!

Even though they were fists made of bone and flesh, the sound of them colliding was like the beating of a drum.

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“What kind of weapon is it that makes such a sound?”

“I had an enlightenment.”

“Pardon?”

Yang Cheon slowly rotated his shoulders. The movement was slow, as if he were doing Taoist exercises.

“Teaching someone is an act that requires deep patience and meticulous self-reflection. Honestly, it was frustrating. There were countless moments when I thought, ‘Why don’t they understand that?’ while teaching.”

“Geniuses have a hard time being good teachers.”

“I worked hard to correct that. Now, I only have that one disciple left. If they don’t understand even after being taught, I have no choice but to explain it as clearly as possible.”

“You’re a good teacher.”

Swoosh.

Yang Cheon naturally lowered his stance.

Tension settled on Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face.

“Gaining enlightenment doesn’t mean that one’s strength doubles. It might even feel weaker. You should understand my words now.”

“Yes. Enlightenment at this level is unpredictable.”

“That’s right. I want to see through you how that enlightenment works on me, what it has given me.”

Yang Cheon smiled. It was the smile of a ferocious beast.

“And also, to see your strength.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had been quietly watching Yang Cheon, sighed.

“Just know that I’m not at my peak yet.”

“I’m not at my peak either. Didn’t you see me rambling just now?”

“Don’t you want to fight after getting your body in better condition?”

“Where is there a martial artist who fights in their best condition? Does the enemy show mercy if you lose an arm?”

“Were we that hostile to each other?”

“So, when are you going to start?”

It was then.

Snap! Thwack!

Yang Cheon’s upper body shook slightly.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled. His left middle finger and thumb had already snapped together and released.

“You blocked it, as expected.”

Yang Cheon’s eyes, having raised his right hand to protect his face, deepened.

“Is that vibration?”

“Yes, it is.”

“That’s not your martial art?”

“It’s a martial art of Senior Eumje. They call it the Dark Force Sect.”

“……Did you learn martial arts from Eumje too?”

“There’s no way. Senior’s disciple is in Jongnam. I just……”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s stance also lowered. It was a slightly lower stance than Yang Cheon’s.

“Stole the principles of martial arts.”

Fwoosh!

White haze rose from Yang Cheon’s body.

A fierce gaze, with a subtle competitive spirit within it, settled in his eyes.

“You’re getting stronger the more you fight.”

“I’ll steal well.”

“Try to steal it.”

Whoosh!

The two of them rushed towards each other at the same time.

It was a charge of almost the same speed, making it difficult to discern the difference.