Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 1027

“Young Master Yeon.”

“You’ve arrived.”

The group that had fought together in Qinghai Province had arrived.

There were many welcome faces.

Muk Bi, calm and intellectual; Pae Yul, with his unique fierce and swaggering appearance; and Ok Cheong of the prayer, as cool as the autumn breeze.

And.

“Brother.”

Even after hearing about the situation, Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s face showed no sign of agitation.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“You’ve had a long journey.”

“We’re fine since we’ve returned, but I heard you have to leave again, Brother.”

“That’s how it is.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong, who had been gazing at Yeon Ho-Jeong, also smiled.

“It’s not easy, is it?”

Even in the face of this situation, he did not act rashly. Although Yeon Ji-Pyeong thought the world of Yeon Ho-Jeong, he seemed much calmer than others.

Yeon Ho-Jeong lightly patted his shoulder.

“What can we do? The person who made a mess in the middle has to take responsibility.”

“The situation was too harsh to discuss responsibility.”

“Responsibility in the martial world is death. I’m going back without dying and even shouting, so this is a good outcome.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong understood Yeon Ho-Jeong. No, he properly understood the current situation.

Yeon Ho-Jeong wanted the hatred that would be directed at the anti-Black Faction to be directed at the Three Teachings [a major faction in the martial world] instead.

Anyone can think and judge wrongly. Their hatred towards the Black Path was not wrong because it was personal, but within a coalition gathered for a single purpose, their actions were clearly wrong.

In the current situation, which was practically a state of war, their actions were worthy of execution for treason.

However, Yeon Ho-Jeong and the leaders of the Martial Alliance embraced them.

“The strategist must be having a hard time.”

“Hmm?”

“The strategist doesn’t like to apply strong pressure, does he?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong was surprised.

“You saw that far?”

“Yes? Ah, rather than seeing… it’s just…”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong was rather flustered by Yeon Ho-Jeong’s admiration.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, looking at his younger brother with a strange gaze, ruffled his hair.

“This guy. This guy.”

“Ugh.”

“Still, I was a little worried. The martial world isn’t just about martial arts. But…”

Yeon Ho-Jeong grinned.

“That level of insight is enough. You’ll be fine. You’ll do better than anyone else.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho was planning to oppress the Martial Alliance with something close to a reign of terror.

It was because of the anti-Black Faction. He was flustered by the death of Namgoong In in the middle and the anti-Black Faction’s quick actions, but he declared that he would push through with what he had decided.

In the midst of this, a spy was caught, and Yeon Ho-Jeong said he would step down, so from now on, Jeagal Mun-Ho’s ruthless oppressive politics, backed by the power of the public affairs, would begin. Until the war broke out, the warriors of the Martial Alliance would have to sharpen their swords without even being able to breathe.

Yeon Ji-Pyeong had seen exactly that. And he had only heard about this situation, not experienced it directly.

“Please take care of the main family.”

For a moment, Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s eyes wavered.

His brother’s words to take care of the family.

The brother, who had refused the position of the young head of the family, had thrown himself into the world to prepare for war.

However, it was impossible for him not to think about his family. He could rest assured for now because his father’s capabilities were outstanding, but when generations changed, any organization was bound to become turbulent.

‘My brother thinks of me…’

He was a beloved family member. But he had not been recognized as a martial artist.

He had been recognized for his martial arts during the journey to Qinghai, but that alone was not enough. At least, that’s what Yeon Ji-Pyeong thought.

Now.

He was evaluated as having not only martial arts but also the insight of a true martial artist. There could be no greater praise for Yeon Ji-Pyeong.

“What about Cheon Hyo-Rak?”

“He said he would come to the Martial Alliance after dealing with the Demonic Forest. Senior Mak Won has stayed there.”

“I see.”

There was a possibility that the remnants of the Blood Demon Sect might attack again. Mak Won had stayed behind for that reason.

“Senior Brother.”

Bu Seon, who had been silent until now, stepped forward.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled wryly.

“That’s how it is.”

Bu Seon looked around with cold eyes.

In the distance, the warriors of the Martial Alliance were gathered. It was a situation where she couldn’t help but be furious.

However, with Yeon Ji-Pyeong being calm, she couldn’t cause an accident.

“Are you leaving right away?”

“I have to.”

“I understand. I’ll prepare.”

“Bu Seon.”

“Yes?”

“You’ve had a hard journey.”

While the others knew each other, Bu Seon was different. Moreover, she was more shy than he thought.

It must not have been easy for her to come here without Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Bu Seon said with an awkward face.

“No, it’s okay.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong said.

“See you again later, Sister.”

“Huh? Oh… okay.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled and looked around.

“Where is the Tang Clan Head?”

“He went with the strategist.”

“I see.”

He also felt Tang Gwan’s energy.

Although he was far away, his energy, which had become deeper and sharper, was impressive.

However, since his martial arts were based on the upper dantian [an energy center in the body], he would have to train his mind better than other martial artists.

“…”

Yeon Ho-Jeong turned his head and looked at Muk Bi.

Muk Bi’s eyes turned cold.

“If you leave without saying a word one more time, I’m cutting ties with you.”

“Is that so?”

“It’s not like I can be taken for a fool every time. No matter how busy you are, didn’t you have time to say a single word?”

“I did.”

“Then were we, who were worried about Young Master Yeon, a joke to you?”

“There’s no way.”

“Then it’s just a bad habit after all.”

“It seems so.”

“I don’t think I can live in the martial world with a man who can’t even fix that kind of habit.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“Except for when I’m calling for telepathy, I won’t do that in the future.”

Muk Bi snorted.

“Fine. I’ll let it slide.”

She turned her body.

“Where are you going?”

“We’re leaving right away, aren’t we? I need to wash up and prepare.”

“Huh? But did you hurt your hand?”

“It’s because I’ve been pulling the bowstring too much.”

“You’re so fragile.”

“Watch your back.”

With those words, Muk Bi headed to the Pagun Hall.

Pae Yul, who had quietly approached, nudged Yeon Ho-Jeong with his elbow.

“Aren’t you going to end up being bossed around later?”

“Huh? Me?”

“Then who else would it be?”

“Are you talking about me and Muk Bi?”

“Why are you acting like this, you little punk? Are you embarrassed, by any chance?”

“There’s no way. It’s just that it’s a problem I’ve never thought about before.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong grinned.

Muk Bi’s figure, walking away with her back turned, did not waver in the slightest.

“There are many people who are much better than me. That girl deserves to be with the best man.”

“Ahem.”

I was going to tease him a lot because the atmosphere was soft, but he didn’t show any embarrassment or awkwardness, so it wasn’t fun at all.

“Anyway.”

Pae Yul crossed his arms.

“Are you leaving like that?”

“I don’t think I’ll be able to keep my promise with my senior.”

I thought he would get angry, but unexpectedly, Pae Yul nodded calmly.

“It can’t be helped since the situation is like this.”

“Do you understand?”

“What else can I do if I don’t understand? It’s not like you did it on purpose, and the situation turned out like this because of those idiots causing a ruckus.”

Pae Yul grinned.

“But it’s okay. We’ll meet again soon. I have something I need to do for a while too.”

“Please stay healthy until we meet again, Senior.”

“You too.”

In that way, Yeon Ho-Jeong said goodbye to each person, one by one.

He neatly wrapped up the relationships that he might never see again.

* * *

The number of the group was small.

There was Yeon Ho-Jeong at the center, along with Bu Seon and Muk Bi, Gang Ryang, and Jin Yang. Sama Hyeon, who had decided to join Yeon Ho-Jeong, was naturally included.

That made six people.

When they first came to the Martial Alliance, everyone had welcomed them grandly, but now, as they left modestly, there were only a few people to see them off.

“The Alliance Leader could not attend due to the Bong Gong Council [a high-level meeting of the Martial Alliance].”

Jeagal Mun-Ho said apologetically.

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“Why would the Alliance Leader come for something so trivial?”

“Thank you for understanding.”

Jeagal Ayeon stepped forward.

“Ho-Jeong.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong patted her shoulder.

“Don’t bother the strategist too much.”

“What do you mean!”

“I mean, use that time to train your martial arts.”

Jeagal Ayeon’s eyes wavered.

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Jeagal Mun-Ho. Jeagal Mun-Ho nodded.

“You don’t have to deliberately distance yourself from martial arts because of your brother.”

“… !”

“Your talent is too precious to waste like this. Use that time to thoroughly hone your martial arts. That would be better for the strategist and all of us.”

“…Better?”

“When the war breaks out, you will participate as a military strategist in some unit. There are not many military strategists who fight directly on the battlefield, even if you search the entire world.”

“…”

“Let go of all your shackles and run. I have no doubt that you will soon be able to break through to the Martial Ancestor realm [a very high level of martial arts].”

It was a very serious piece of advice.

Jeagal Ayeon, who had been quietly looking up at Yeon Ho-Jeong, soon lowered her head.

“You take care of yourself, you jerk.”

This farewell could potentially be the last. There was a possibility that war could break out in the meantime.

Leaving aside the feelings between a man and a woman, if someone you’ve been close to for a long time leaves, you can’t help but feel sad and empty.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled wryly and looked at Beom Oh.

“Monk.”

Beom Oh bowed his head.

“The Abbot said it would be a good experience and that I could go.”

“I see.”

“But I plan to stay in the Alliance for the time being. When I feel I’m ready enough, I’ll come to you then.”

“If you come, Monk, it would be like having a thousand troops.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Moyong Woo for the last time.

“…”

The two looked at each other silently for a long time, and then, as if they had agreed, they hugged each other.

“Take care of yourself.”

“Please take good care of the Alliance.”

That was the end.

It was a simple greeting, but it was also the most weighty.

Yeon Ho-Jeong got on his horse.

“Then, I’ll see you later.”

Neigh!

In that way, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s group headed towards Honam.

Towards the bloody, rough land, the land of the Black Path.

After riding for a while, Yeon Ho-Jeong gradually slowed down.

“Muk Bi.”

Even his voice was different.

“Speak.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong pointed to a mountain in the distance.

“Take Jin Yang and Gang Ryang and head there. I’ll go as slowly as possible, so come with me, keeping pace. We’ll go so leisurely that you’ll wonder if it’s okay.”

Muk Bi’s eyes flashed.

She didn’t know what Yeon Ho-Jeong was thinking, but she could tell what he was worried about just by his eyes and voice.

“Okay.”

“I won’t give you a separate signal.”

“Don’t worry. It’s not like it’s the first time.”

“Good.”

Gang Ryang quietly interjected.

“What’s going on?”

Neigh!

Muk Bi immediately turned her horse and headed towards the place Yeon Ho-Jeong had pointed to.

“Hey! Sister!”

Gang Ryang immediately followed her. Naturally, Jin Yang also ran with them.

Sama Hyeon asked.

“What’s going on?”

“You’re on the opposite side. Just follow me while looking at me.”

“…?”

“I’ll see your skills.”

Sama Hyeon grumbled.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I understand for now.”

Swoosh.

As soon as he finished speaking, Sama Hyeon disappeared.

Bu Seon was inwardly surprised. She had been watching him closely, but she had missed his figure. And the moment she missed his figure, she had even missed his presence.

It was an unimaginable stealth technique.

“Well then.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong tapped Bu Seon on the back.

“How about we talk while going slowly to recover our stamina?”

Bu Seon, who had been looking at Yeon Ho-Jeong with surprised eyes, soon chuckled.

Even though it had been a long time since she had seen him, this person hadn’t changed at all.

“Okay.”

“How’s the Lion God Fist?”

“Is the thing you wanted to talk about martial arts after all?”

“What else would you want?”

Two black dragons moved along the narrow mountain path.

It was an atmosphere that was friendly and comfortable to anyone who saw it.