Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 1148

After finishing his conversation with the Emperor, Yeon-wi let out a deep sigh.

‘This kid is going to give his old man a heart attack.’

‘Yes?’

‘Even if His Majesty treats you with such ease, isn’t that a bit too informal?’

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled.

‘Wasn’t it His Majesty who wanted such a mischievous opponent?’

‘That rascal, really.’

‘It was a bit tiring, but he’s definitely an amazing person. Even if he had some strange thoughts due to impatience, he wouldn’t have had those thoughts if he hadn’t constantly envisioned a better future.’

It was an extremely disrespectful remark, but Yeon-wi gave up. In truth, his son’s words were correct. The Emperor seemed to find Yeon Ho-jeong’s behavior rather endearing.

‘He’s been watching the Imperial Palace become tainted for a long time. How deep must his resentment be? He must be carrying a frustration we can’t even imagine.’

‘That must be the case.’

‘But that statement, was it sincere?’

‘Yes?’

‘I’m asking if you were serious when you said that if the Limitless Sect acts independently, the White Path martial world might draw their swords.’

It seemed to be a statement that bothered him.

Yeon Ho-jeong spoke honestly.

‘Yes, it was.’

‘Why do you think so?’

Yeon Ho-jeong looked up at the sky.

‘Do you know what advantage the Black Path gained by being cowardly, cruel, and insensitive to morality?’

‘I don’t.’

‘Flexibility.’

‘……!’

‘Of course, it’s not always a good thing. Their flexibility usually manifests as cowardice. But there are advantages too. They don’t show much resistance to accepting new systems or laws.’

That was because the logic of power was particularly strong in that world. Yeon-wi nodded.

‘There would also be a limit to how easily they are swayed by other changes.’

‘You’ve seen it exactly right. So, the most important thing in the Black Path’s change is not the change itself, but how to fix their perception.’

‘Yes. I understand.’

‘Then, what about the White Path martial world? What are the advantages of those who have fought against this world for a long time with their traditions and unique culture?’

Only then did Yeon-wi realize what Yeon Ho-jeong was trying to say.

‘It would be the opposite of the Black Path. Once the White Path establishes itself, it doesn’t easily waver.’

‘That’s right. Conversely, change itself is not easy. Rather, they abhor change, and in severe cases, they can judge it as evil and distance themselves from it, even if it’s a reasonable reform.’

Yeon-wi couldn’t deny his son’s words.

In fact, he also had such tendencies. It was because he had been thoroughly educated in etiquette and orthodoxy from his predecessors.

Of course, that was just one aspect of him, and it would be an overstatement to see Yeon-wi as a rigid old man.

He was the one who had said in front of the current Emperor that he would personally behead the Emperor if he did not act like one. Someone who was only fixated on etiquette would not dare to say such a thing, risking his life.

Furthermore, Yeon-wi’s actions and words in the internal political arena after the establishment of the Martial Alliance were so free and creative that it was hard to imagine, considering his age.

But would everyone be like that?

‘People have become stronger by forming groups. But at some point, they live under the illusion that what the group wants is what they want. I don’t think that’s entirely bad. When faced with a major disaster or evil, the group’s rational actions can save more people.’

‘In other words.’

Yeon-wi nodded.

‘If the wisdom, insight, and flexibility of the person leading the group are not guaranteed, the group will inevitably fail.’

‘If not immediately, they will gradually become obsolete and collapse.’

‘Yes, you’re right.’

‘In the end, in any generation and in any era, what matters is the wisdom and judgment of individuals. There are many who say that it is dangerous and unusual, but those who turn a blind eye to the limits of reality often utter such words without ever having tried to change, rather than those who realize and adjust to the limits of reality.’

Yeon Ho-jeong sighed.

‘It’s a difficult problem. Even if many people criticize the Martial Alliance, isn’t it human nature to brag to others if their child joins the Martial Alliance?’

‘…….’

‘If I don’t change myself, the world won’t accept change. Only when I change first will this world even pretend to listen.’

Yeon-wi’s face turned bitter.

Yeon Ho-jeong’s words meant that not only did the leaders of the White Path martial world have to be outstanding, but its members also had to be wise.

But that was not an easy task.

‘You’re being too idealistic.’

‘That’s right.’

‘Too idealistic, but…….’

Yeon-wi sighed.

‘If you don’t live with ideals, there will be no progress.’

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled.

‘Before being your son, do you know why I respect you, Father?’

‘…….’

‘You are someone who is not swayed by your innate background and environment. That’s why you are cautious, and that’s why you are wise.’

Yeon-wi cleared his throat. Even if it was true, it was embarrassing to hear his son say such things to his face.

‘In that respect, you are very similar to His Majesty.’

‘You rascal, stop saying such disrespectful things. I’m getting nervous.’

In the midst of it all, Yeon-wi did not lose his composure.

It was truly remarkable to see the world freely while maintaining one’s own identity and not being stubborn in the face of righteousness.

In Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes, Yeon-wi was the true representation of a White Path person.

‘Anyway, you must be tired, so rest a little more.’

‘What about you, Father?’

‘I’ve rested enough.’

That couldn’t be true. Yeon-wi had also suffered considerable injuries while fighting the enemy. Even if his martial arts had reached the Limitless level, they were not injuries that could heal overnight.

‘Father, please rest more too. The war has just begun.’

‘Don’t worry.’

‘But…….’

Yeon Ho-jeong tilted his head.

‘Your upper dantian [an energy center in the body] seems a bit different from before.’

Yeon-wi was startled.

‘You can see that?’

‘Yes. I don’t know exactly, but… it’s as if it has formed a core, the density is high.’

There was a reason why Yeon-wi was surprised.

A master who has reached the Limitless level can read the opponent’s energy and gaze and know their martial arts and temperament.

Going further, they can even discern the size of the upper dantian and the vastness of internal energy. This is because the energy grants them insight.

However, those in lower positions cannot read the expressions of those in higher positions. While a rough prediction is possible, it is absolutely impossible for someone of a lower level to perfectly read someone of a higher level.

Yeon-wi was someone who could be called the best in the world when it came to the upper dantian. The fact that Yeon Ho-jeong had immediately noticed the change in Yeon-wi’s upper dantian was proof that Yeon Ho-jeong’s upper dantian energy was no less than Yeon-wi’s.

Yeon-wi was greatly impressed.

‘I’ve heard that your Yellow Dragon Divine King Art is an unparalleled divine art, but the power of the upper dantian wouldn’t have increased just by mastering one martial art. Your enlightenment is truly remarkable.’

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled wryly.

‘I was lucky. And it was only because the power of the Divine King Energy is so mysterious that I could recognize it. Compared to your divine energy, Father, I am nothing.’

‘That’s not true.’

Yeon-wi’s eyes were tinged with a faint light green.

‘When I look at it, your upper dantian is like seeing a vast ocean. I have no idea what kind of great monster you have hidden inside.’

‘You’re just seeing it that way. I’m not that high of a level.’

Yeon Ho-jeong stretched greatly.

‘Since it has come to this, I’ll go back to my residence and rest for a while. You should rest too, Father.’

‘Haha, I understand.’

‘Then.’

Watching his son’s back as he strode towards his residence after the greeting, Yeon-wi thought.

‘He didn’t ask.’

If he had seen the core in his upper dantian, he would have been able to recognize the identity of that core.

Yet, his son didn’t ask. Considering his son’s usual personality, he would have deliberately started a conversation to praise his lacking father.

‘He must be very tired.’

Yeon-wi’s face showed concern.

He, more than anyone else, could tell how much fatigue his son had felt in this war.

The Emperor, Yang Cheon, Gi Cheon-ung, and even Mu Heo Daesa and Tak Mu-ja, all had high expectations for Yeon Ho-jeong’s extraordinary abilities.

And that was only natural. Yeon Ho-jeong had proven his necessity not only with words but also with actions.

But Yeon-wi was Yeon Ho-jeong’s father.

He couldn’t help but focus more on his son’s fatigue and limitations than on his necessity or extraordinary abilities.

When someone praised his son’s greatness, calling him the Black and White Emperor or whatever, Yeon-wi couldn’t just rejoice with them.

The more Yeon Ho-jeong’s reputation rose, the more achievements he made, the more the world would want and desire his son.

And his son, at least in the current situation where war was raging, would not betray the wishes of all of them.

Yeon-wi sincerely hoped that his son would not collapse.

As a father who could do nothing more for his son, who had already reached the pinnacle of the world, he felt frustrated by the fact that he could only pray, even though he had obtained the ultimate power.

‘Rest well, even if it’s just for a little while.’

***

Unfortunately, Yeon Ho-jeong was not destined to rest.

‘General Commander!’

Lee Gwang, who was limping but somehow managed to run, looked urgent.

‘I am no longer the General Commander. Please speak comfortably.’

‘Ah, I’m sorry.’

Even so, Lee Gwang couldn’t speak casually. Even if he had stepped down from the position of General Commander, his opponent was the master of the Black Emperor Castle, one of the two great leaders of the martial world.

‘A letter has arrived from the Shaanxi martial world. It requires immediate attention, and it came directly to you, Lord.’

Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes flashed.

Yeon Ho-jeong, who had received the letter that Lee Gwang had handed over, immediately unfolded it.

‘Brother.’

The letter was written by Moyong Woo.

Yeon Ho-jeong quickly read the contents.

A master whose martial power is immeasurable is descending from the northernmost part of the Shaanxi martial world. We do not yet know their identity or purpose, but it is estimated that the master’s martial power has reached the Limitless level. They are coming down with a force of about one hundred to one hundred and fifty, and the martial power level of the force is unknown. Namgoong Mu-sang has been injured, and Baek Byeong-sin-gun went to the Imperial Palace three days ago, so it is somewhat urgent. I will act according to the Lord’s judgment, so please contact me immediately.

Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes deepened.

‘A certain master, you say?’

A certain master presumed to be at the Limitless level.

The Shaanxi martial world had just gone through a major battle and was in the midst of recovery. In this situation, the fact that an unidentified master and a force of more than a hundred were descending was bound to cause great tension.

Yeon Ho-jeong spoke quickly.

‘I’m going to the royal court, so please call my master.’

‘Understood!’

He had hoped to rest a little, but it was okay. The energy of nature was nourishing his body.

‘There’s no such thing as a war fought after resting enough.’

That’s why war is so hard.

Yeon Ho-jeong immediately changed his clothes, took the Gwangryong Armor and the Black and White Twin Dragon Blades, and flew to the royal court.