Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 725

Paeyul was more composed than expected.

He seemed willing to go along, but it appeared he had his own preparations to make.

This meant his view of the world had changed significantly. He, who had always craved fierce battles, had come to realize after experiencing war that there were things more valuable than fighting.

For Yeon Ho-Jeong, this was a relief.

“Are you all ready?”

At Yang Cheon’s question, Yeon Ho-Jeong bowed his head.

“I will try to handle things as quickly as possible and return.”

“Well, there’s not much to handle. You just need to observe the reaction of the Bi King and come back.”

“If that’s all there is to it, I’d be grateful.”

“Hmm.”

“If the Bi King is truly connected to the Imperial Palace, he could be either an ally or an enemy. If he’s an ally, that’s fine, but if he’s an enemy, we could face a tough battle.”

“That’s true. Even if the Bi King has no ties to the Imperial Palace, the strong individuals of Seongcheon are unpredictable. Any situation could be dangerous.”

“That’s likely the case.”

“Is that why you’re so heavily armed?”

“Pardon?”

Yang Cheon spoke with a blunt expression.

“That familiar light armor and menacing crescent blade. It looks like you’re going to war.”

Unlike his usual attire, Yeon Ho-Jeong was wearing the Dragon Tooth Ironclad Unit’s light armor.

Not only that, but he also wore a dark gray helmet that matched the armor, and a black mask that only revealed his eyes. He looked like an elite cavalry soldier on a special mission.

He was even holding the Gwangryong Axe [a large, powerful axe] and a large crescent blade.

Yeon Ho-Jeong said,

“As before, but especially after dealing with the matters in Sichuan and Shaanxi, they are definitely watching me.”

“Of course, they would.”

“Judging by their reactions so far, it seems my face hasn’t been properly identified.”

Clang!

The crescent blade and the Gwangryong Axe’s shaft collided, producing a clear sound.

“Just the Gwangryong Axe alone will make them realize who I am.”

“Then why use such flashy weapons? With your skills, you could use a more common weapon.”

“Because they are the most familiar to me. And these axes were made by the greatest artisans. Their power is different.”

“You’re something else, really.”

Chiriring.

Yeon Ho-Jeong placed the Gwangryong Axe, the Gyoryong Chain [a chain weapon], and the Black and White Twin Dragon Axes on the floor of the main hall.

“I would like you to keep these until I return.”

Yang Cheon frowned.

“I can understand the dark, heavy weapon, but why leave a chain and hand axes?”

“You never know.”

“Hmm.”

Yang Cheon smiled as if amused.

“There are others in your group who aren’t coming with you, so why entrust these items to me?”

“Isn’t it a promise that I will return?”

“You’re funny. Since when did you have such romantic notions?”

Whoooosh.

As Yang Cheon reached out, the Gwangryong Axe, the Black and White Twin Dragon Axes, and the Gyoryong Chain flew through the air and landed beside the grand chair.

Yang Cheon smacked his lips.

“These are divine weapons made from rare materials. Should I melt them down and sell them?”

“Suit yourself.”

“You’re no fun.”

Yang Cheon leaned back in his grand chair.

“Hey, Ho-Jeong.”

“Yes.”

“I don’t know how things will turn out… but if possible, leave such matters to others in the future.”

“If I can, I will.”

“It’s not for any other reason. I’ve spent my life fighting through chaos with my two fists, but most of the masters I’ve fought cherished their weapons like their own bodies. The ‘real’ ones all seemed to breathe life into their weapons.”

“……”

“Weapons are iron. Iron has no life. But with their endless affection and training, lifeless weapons become treasures that unleash their greatest power in their owner’s hands.”

Yang Cheon shook his head.

“The missions you’ve undertaken so far have all been special. You’re smart and handle things well, but your foundation is ultimately in martial arts.”

“……”

“Don’t treat your weapons so coldly.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong bowed his head.

“I will keep that in mind.”

Yang Cheon smiled.

One of Yeon Ho-Jeong’s many strengths was his attitude. Sometimes he would show a more narrow-minded side than anyone else, but when someone spoke to him sincerely, he would open his heart and accept it without prejudice.

To accept concerns as concerns, not as meddling. For the speaker, there could be no more comfortable listener.

“Is your group ready?”

“Preparations are complete.”

“Is there anything else I can help with?”

“I need warhorses with great stamina and experience.”

“I’ll tell the Ironclad Unit leader. You should have them within half an hour.”

“Thank you.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong bowed his head.

“Then, I’ll be going.”

“Ho-Jeong.”

“Yes?”

Yang Cheon sighed.

“Never mind. Just don’t die and return safely.”

“Yes.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong left the main hall.

Alone, Yang Cheon leaned his head back on the chair.

“……Huh.”

For some reason, he felt down.

Yang Cheon let out a deep sigh.

“I’m being ridiculous. Since when did I become so greedy for talent?”

* * *

As Yeon Ho-Jeong headed out of the Black Dragon Unit, he thought,

‘I can’t understand it.’

Swoosh.

Yeon Ho-Jeong stopped walking and looked back.

In the vast plaza, many workers were still carrying out construction. Even though it seemed to be completed once, the sound of hammering never ceased, as if there were still parts that needed fixing.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes deepened.

‘They know they can’t have it, yet they can’t give up.’

The Yang Cheon he knew was a very neat person.

He might express regret as a human, but he wasn’t the type to hold onto things that couldn’t be helped.

Yet, he endlessly desired him. Even though he knew that he wasn’t someone who should belong to the Black Dragon Unit.

‘It means he values me that highly….’

After staring at the direction of the main hall for a long time, Yeon Ho-Jeong turned back.

After his conversation with Yang Cheon, he felt a strange sense of melancholy. He didn’t know why.

A little while later.

“Everyone’s here.”

Outside the entrance of the Black Dragon Unit, Muk Bi, Gang Ryang, and Jin Yang were wearing the same light armor and helmets as Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Muk Bi was carrying the Crimson Lotus Bow and a dark spear. Gang Ryang, who had his usual sword at his waist, was holding a crude, thick greatsword.

Jin Yang was holding a crescent blade from the Ironclad Unit, just like Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Gi Woo-Hee was dressed as usual, and behind her stood fifty masked individuals.

Yeon Ho-Jeong spoke to the masked individuals.

“I’m counting on you.”

The masked individuals briefly bowed their heads.

“Even if a battle breaks out, you must never step forward. Your top priority is to protect Doctor Gi Woo-Hee. Please keep that in mind.”

The masked individuals, the reserve members of the Black Dragon Unit, silently shone their eyes.

Swoosh.

The members scattered around. Their mission had already begun.

Half an hour later.

“Vice Commander Yeon.”

The person who brought the warhorses was Hwang Seok-Tae.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled and said,

“I’m counting on you to watch our backs.”

Hwang Seok-Tae chuckled.

“I am the leader of the Dragon Tooth Ironclad Unit. You should say that to the Vice Leader.”

“I did.”

“You’re a hard person to understand.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, Muk Bi, Gang Ryang, Jin Yang, and Gi Woo-Hee all mounted their horses.

Hwang Seok-Tae clasped his hands in a fist salute.

“May you have good fortune.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong returned the fist salute.

“Please take care of Senior Paeyul and Jeong-Gwang.”

“I will.”

“Then.”

Neigh!

The five horses neighed and galloped towards the north. And behind them, fifty members of the Black Dragon Unit secretly followed.

They were leaving again, not long after returning.

Hwang Seok-Tae’s eyes showed a hint of regret as he watched the group’s backs as they moved away.

‘It would be good if they were with us.’

Though they had obtained good warhorses, the group had no intention of traveling by land.

“We have received word. Please board the ship.”

On the rippling river, there was a large ship.

Unless one was a master of movement techniques, there was Gi Woo-Hee. Moreover, considering the Black Dragon Unit members protecting Gi Woo-Hee, there was no reason to insist on traveling by land. In the first place, using the waterway was faster.

The ship was much wider and more comfortable than it appeared from the outside.

There was a dedicated space for the horses. In addition, many people were preparing for the voyage all over the ship, and their actions were very orderly, as if they had been doing this their whole lives.

‘Impressive.’

Finally, the ship began its voyage.

As the ship departed, about a dozen small boats followed from behind. The small boats were filled with men who looked rough and unpleasant, clearly living as river pirates. They were river pirates from the Yangtze River Waterway, tasked with escorting the ship. It was clear that the Black Dragon Unit had put a lot of thought into this.

‘Their work is very smooth and fast.’

Muk Bi inwardly compared the Black Dragon Unit and the Murim Alliance [a martial arts alliance].

‘They’re different.’

Standing at the bow of the ship, which was cutting through the water, Muk Bi’s face was filled with a strange unease as she looked north.

‘The Murim Alliance is larger than the Black Dragon Unit. But there is no leader yet. Even if there were a leader, it would be impossible to handle things this quickly and smoothly, as it is a coalition.’

Of course, it would depend on how much authority the leader was given. But even with great authority, the Murim Alliance was not a place where one-person rule was possible.

The Black Dragon Unit, on the other hand, was different.

The Black Dragon Unit, led by the unparalleled Yang Cheon, absolutely obeyed the orders of the Vice Leader.

Muk Bi, who had never seriously thought about the system, was now forced to think. After all, she had led many battles as the Vice Commander of the Righteous Army.

‘Dictatorship is bound to fail eventually. There are clear limitations in terms of the system. But… in this chaotic world, if loyal people gather under an outstanding figure….’

Muk Bi closed her eyes.

‘Could the Murim Alliance be like this?’

If it were possible.

‘The year is almost over. After this year, a leader will be elected next year.’

Muk Bi looked up at the sky.

The humid sky looked strangely dark.

‘There will be another uproar.’

At that moment, Yeon Ho-Jeong approached her.

“What are you thinking so hard about?”

Muk Bi chuckled.

“I was worrying about the world, which doesn’t suit me.”

“Really? Why worry about things that don’t suit you?”

“You do it, Young Master Yeon.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“You’re finally acknowledging my hard work. How is it? Does your head hurt a lot?”

“Beyond a headache, I can’t even make inferences because I don’t have the basic knowledge.”

“It’s hard whether you know or not. That’s how the world is.”

Muk Bi, who had been quietly watching Yeon Ho-Jeong, asked as if throwing a question.

“How was it?”

“What?”

“The Black Imperial City.”

“……”

“Was the Black Imperial City back then as fast and orderly as the current Black Dragon Unit?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong silently stared at the river.

After standing there motionless for a long time, Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“It was different from the Black Dragon Unit.”

“I see.”

“It was faster, more destructive, and more thorough than the Black Dragon Unit.”

“……!”

Muk Bi’s eyes wavered.

Yeon Ho-Jeong leaned his upper body against the front railing.

“Vice Leader Yang is a man full of ambition. That’s why he lives hidden in that unprecedented cave, watching the world. But the Black Imperial City was different.”

“……”

“We came out into the world and looked up at the sky. We had a clear dream and goal, not ambition.”

“Is that different?”

“I think it’s the same, but different. At least, that’s how we were.”

“……”

“Without thinking, we just looked back and realized that a group that was created by chance could shake the world. At that moment, we became the vanguard of a dream to prove that there was light even in a world painted black.”

Vanguard of a dream.

At those words, Muk Bi felt her heart tremble.

Yeon Ho-Jeong continued in a monotonous tone.

“We rampaged to turn the beastly world of the Black Path into a world where people could live. We didn’t need great politics. We just showed everything through our actions.”

“……I see.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had been staring at the river, shrugged and turned around.

“We’ll discuss future plans. Let’s go into the cabin.”

“Yes.”

Watching Yeon Ho-Jeong walk away, Muk Bi thought,

‘It doesn’t suit him.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong doesn’t suit being the leader of the Murim Alliance. No matter what, Yeon Ho-Jeong is too domineering to be considered a member of the White Path.

However.

‘……If it’s the Black Path.’

Muk Bi’s wavering eyes began to shine slightly.

‘If that person becomes the leader of the Black Path.’

What would happen then?

“What are you doing? I said let’s go.”

“Okay.”

A smile spread across Muk Bi’s face as she followed Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was urging her on.

‘Whatever it is, life will be quite exciting.’