Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 103

Wham!

With his last palm strike, Yeon Ho-Jeong, having exhausted all his inner energy, collapsed onto the spot.

“Hoo…”

It had been a long time since he had focused solely on bare-handed combat training for days, and all day at that.

Even for those who weren’t martial artists, bare-handed combat was essential training. It was good for physical conditioning on a small scale, and great for improving reaction speed and senses on a larger scale.

However, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s bare-handed combat was beyond that level.

His skills were such that his power didn’t diminish much even without wielding an axe. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he had achieved mastery in bare-handed combat alone.

Leaning against a small rock, Yeon Ho-Jeong naturally released his inner energy.

Whoooosh.

With each inhale, the White Tiger Qi [a type of internal energy] naturally stirred. The White Tiger Qi, drawing in more air and natural energy, spread the energy throughout his body.

As his blood circulation quickened, the Vermilion Bird Qi [another type of internal energy] in his heart became more active. As a certain amount of impurities gathered due to the rapid circulation, the Black Tortoise Qi [yet another type of internal energy] in his kidneys surged, expelling all the impurities.

Whoooosh.

As the Three Divine Energies rapidly restored his body, the Azure Dragon Qi [the final type of internal energy] naturally rose, boosting his strength.

“With this, let’s end today’s training.”

Since returning to the family, he hadn’t wasted a single moment. It was a process of reviewing his past martial arts and constantly confirming the path he would take in the future.

Fortunately, he didn’t have the same talent as Yeon Ji-Pyeong, but he had his own path, honed through the chaos of the Asura field [a metaphor for a battlefield or a place of intense conflict].

That was why he had been able to become this strong in such a short time.

“Now, it’s about time…”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes gleamed.

“I need to make a choice.”

After his regression, his goals were broadly divided into two.

First, to prevent the family’s destruction.

Second, to prepare for the invasion of the Central Plains by the Cult of the Three Mad Gods.

He had already prevented the immediate destruction of the family. Although the Moyong Family remained, Moyong Gun wouldn’t recklessly attack the Yeon Family. In other words, there was enough time.

Then, what about the Cult of the Three Mad Gods?

There was time for that as well. However, unlike the family’s enemies, who were clear and could be attacked preemptively, preparing for the Cult of the Three Mad Gods’ invasion was too broad and vague.

Yeon Ho-Jeong didn’t know much about them. He only knew that they had a base somewhere beyond the borders and that their power was unprecedentedly strong.

With limited information, it was difficult to prepare completely. Therefore, he would do all the preparation he could.

‘But what’s unsettling is.’

The reason for trying to stop their invasion was simple. It was because his people were in danger.

However, they weren’t the only ones in danger.

‘Moyong Gun.’

Unlike Moyong Gun, who had become the leader of the Martial Alliance, the current Moyong Gun was like an embodiment of greed.

It was the difference between someone who had everything and someone who wanted to have everything. Moyong Gun would commit any atrocity to reach the pinnacle of the Central Plains.

And soon, he would surely try to strike at the Yeon Family.

More precisely, he would try to strike at him.

“Controlling the Moyong Family and preparing for the Three Cults. I can’t choose just one. I have to do both at the same time.”

That was why he thought of Moyong Woo.

If it hadn’t been for Muk Bi, he would have headed straight to Jeolgang after capturing Myeong Heo-Rim.

‘It’s clear that Moyong Gun instigated the Namgoong Family. He must have hoped that I would clash with the Namgoong Family.’

He would have wanted even the smallest conflict to arise. They didn’t have a good relationship to begin with, and he knew that Yeon Ho-Jeong wouldn’t be friendly to the Namgoong Family given his personality.

However, thanks to Muk Bi, he was able to divert the Namgoong Family’s attention. It was a win-win situation, so to speak.

It was the same this time.

“A win-win situation… By setting up Moyong Woo as a rival, I can keep Moyong Gun in check and at the same time, create political allies to take control of the Martial Alliance.”

It was something he couldn’t do alone. He would use everything around him for the sake of the result, even if it went against his principles.

In a way, he had to be even more ruthless than he was during his time as the Dark Emperor.

Yeon Ho-Jeong unknowingly chuckled.

“Either way, it seems I’m not destined for an easy life.”

Getting up from his seat, he cleaned himself with water and headed to the family head’s residence.

“Young Master?”

“I’ve come to see my father.”

He knew that his father wouldn’t be asleep even at this late hour.

The gate guard bowed his head.

“Please wait.”

After a moment, the gate guard spoke.

“The message has been delivered. Please go in.”

“Thank you.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was heading to the family head’s residence, changed direction. He had sensed his father’s strong presence in the back garden.

Soon, Yeon Ho-Jeong entered the training grounds in the back garden and saw two people moving quickly.

Swoosh! Clang!

“Huff!”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong, who had been pushed back by a powerful sword strike, took a breath.

Yeon-Wi held his sword at the ready.

“Again.”

Whack!

Even though his breathing was rough, his approach speed was fast.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, leaning against the wall, watched Yeon Ji-Pyeong with a deep gaze.

‘He’s surpassed his limits.’

Clang, clang, clang!

Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s sword speed was fast.

He didn’t have the skill to unleash such fast and fierce sword techniques. But he was actually doing it.

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s eyes.

Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s eyes were hazy.

He was half out of his mind. His stamina and inner energy were depleted. He could collapse at any moment.

The Iron Sword Grand Evolution techniques were being unleashed unconsciously.

No matter how talented one was, it was impossible to unconsciously execute a sword technique that one had only learned recently. That was why Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s sword was uncharacteristically fierce and brutal.

Yeon-Wi, who had blocked dozens of strikes, suddenly extended his left hand.

Thud!

Yeon Ji-Pyeong flew far away and collapsed without even groaning.

Swoosh.

At the same time, Yeon-Wi, who had appeared behind Yeon Ji-Pyeong, placed his hand on his chest.

Whoooosh!

A cold and sharp energy flowed into Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s body.

“Hoo.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s breathing returned to normal in an instant.

Not only that, but it stimulated all the meridians in his body, expelling impurities, transferring a small amount of inner energy, and triggering the growth of inner energy with high-concentration sword energy.

Surprise flickered across Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face.

‘Transference of Power through the Body?!’

Energy has a tendency to follow higher qualities. The energy of Yeon-Wi that remained in Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s body would heal the damaged blood vessels and constantly lead Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s energy to a higher dimension.

‘As expected.’

It was an incredible mastery of inner energy.

Transference of power beyond a certain level could damage the inner energy of the caster. Yeon-Wi was raising Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s inner energy level while maintaining a precarious balance.

“Sit in a lotus position.”

“Cough! Yes? Ah, yes!”

As if he had regained his senses, Yeon Ji-Pyeong immediately sat in a lotus position and began to circulate his inner energy.

He concentrated instantly and entered a state of meditation. He had a level of concentration that wouldn’t be disturbed even if lightning struck beside him.

“Have you come?”

“Yes.”

Only then did Yeon Ho-Jeong step onto the training grounds.

Yeon-Wi asked.

“How did you see it?”

“Yes?”

“This kind of training.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong gave his honest opinion.

“I think it needs to be more ruthless.”

“Is that so?”

“Ji-Pyeong is someone who will grow on his own. However, if he is trained with a half-hearted, ruthless training, he may become confused about his own training methods in the future.”

Yeon-Wi shook his head.

“I’m surprised by your nature once again. I thought it was a sufficiently ruthless training.”

It was indeed ruthless. Not only did he exhaust his stamina and inner energy to the limit, but he also pushed him to the point of losing his mind, and then induced him to unleash sword techniques unconsciously. It was not an easy task.

“Martial artists can grow most explosively in the gap between life and death. Those who do not risk their lives have clear limitations. No matter how great their talent, those who have not experienced the crossroads of life and death are only half-baked.”

He spoke with a smile, yet his words were chillingly cold.

Yeon-Wi stared at Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“Is that how you grew, by fighting with your life on the line?”

“That’s right.”

To be more precise, that was the case during his time as the Dark Emperor. He couldn’t spend a single day of the year in peace and had to shed blood.

However, after becoming stronger, he didn’t necessarily cling to life-or-death situations.

Yeon-Wi shook his head.

“Ji-Pyeong is not ready yet.”

“That is also true.”

The most important things in a life-or-death situation are decisive judgment and a sharp killing intent.

It was a mindset that he would have to learn eventually, even if it was forced, but at least not now.

“Well, what brings you here?”

After a moment of hesitation, Yeon Ho-Jeong asked.

“The Martial Alliance will be established soon, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Our family is also a member of the Six Great Clans. As the heads of the Nine Great Sects and the Six Great Clans, you will at least be recommended as an elder or a contributor to the Martial Alliance.”

“That’s likely. If the Martial Alliance continues to exist.”

Yeon-Wi shook his head.

“The Martial Alliance that will be established now is temporary. It has not yet been decided whether to concentrate the power of the White Path [a term for righteous martial arts factions] or not.”

“After a meeting between the leaders, they will decide after inviting various renowned masters and representatives of minor sects.”

“That’s likely.”

This was it.

Yeon Ho-Jeong spoke directly.

“I would like you to cast a vote in favor.”

Yeon-Wi’s eyes widened.

“In favor?”

“Yes.”

“In favor… in favor, you think the Martial Alliance is necessary?”

“I think it is essential.”

“What is the reason?”

“I believe that a decision-making body is needed to control not only the Nine Great Sects and the Six Great Clans, but also numerous White Path sects.”

Yeon-Wi’s expression changed.

“Is it because of the recent Myungga incident?”

“Not entirely, but that is also one of the reasons.”

“Hmm.”

“And one more thing.”

“…?”

“I also think that it is time for you to spread your wings to the fullest, something you haven’t done until now.”

“…Spread my wings?”

“Yes.”

“You are saying something very dangerous. Could it be that you mean…?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong spoke with more sincerity than ever before.

“The position of the Alliance Leader should be left for someone who is worthy of it. However, we need like-minded patriots who will seize the world with the Alliance Leader.”

“…!!”

“I don’t think there is anyone as suitable as you among those patriots.”

It was a surprising statement. Yeon-Wi had no idea that his son was thinking this far ahead.

He stared at Yeon Ho-Jeong with sharp eyes.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face showed a hint of determination and even tension. However, his clear and deep eyes showed no greed.

‘…He has no desire.’

His son’s ambition was in the world. But he didn’t want him to walk the path of world domination, a path that sounded grand but was filled with blood and death.

Fortunately, his son didn’t show the qualities of an ambitious person who wanted to seize the world. At least, that’s how it seemed on the surface.

After staring at his son for a long time, Yeon-Wi opened his mouth.

“I still don’t want you to worry about such things.”

“……”

“I’m saying this in case you misunderstand. This father of yours is not belittling your abilities. Putting aside your martial arts, your insight and response capabilities that you showed while dealing with the Myungga were enough to reach the world.”

“It’s nothing, that kind of thing.”

“Nonsense. It is another talent that resides in a completely different realm from martial talent or military strategy talent. I called it talent, but in fact, it was something unknown that could not be expressed by the word talent.”

“……”

“You read the flow of a world you had not experienced, and you faced and overcame the world alone with a strong confidence in yourself. It is an ability that goes beyond the scope of talent, an ability that is worthy of being called a divine eye.”

His father didn’t know. He didn’t know that he had been fighting with the world for decades.

He didn’t know that he had fought not to win but to survive, and that he had trained not to become stronger but to kill as the Dark Emperor.

That was why he was praising it as a talent, even using the grand term of a divine eye.

“You are a genius in a different sense than Ji-Pyeong. But your talent comes with danger.”

“Danger…”

“Yes, danger. It is a talent that is at risk of being exposed to a demon that can corrupt even a Taoist or a monk who has devoted his life to cultivation.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong closed his eyes.

He could deeply understand what his father was about to say.

“Are you afraid that I will be swayed by desire?”

A warm expression appeared on Yeon-Wi’s stern face.

“If you were thinking that far, you are truly amazing. You are my son, but I can’t think of you as a young man full of vigor.”

“Are you hoping that I won’t worry about such things because you are afraid that I will be swayed by greed?”

“That’s not it. You won’t go astray.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because I believe in you.”

“……”

“However, I don’t want to see you get tired so soon. You can call it a parent’s stubbornness, or the excessive worry of an outdated generation.”

“……”

“Because I believe in you, I don’t want to burden my son with the burden that I can carry.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong opened his eyes.

He understood his father’s heart. He also realized that he had been lacking in composure after listening to his father’s words.

After a long period of thought, Yeon Ho-Jeong opened his mouth after an hour had passed.

“Please promise me just one thing.”

“Speak.”

“Whenever you are struggling, please don’t try to solve it alone and call me.”

Yeon-Wi smiled.

“Isn’t that why I’m sending you to Jeolgang?”

“…Well, that’s true.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong scratched his head.

As the worry that had been weighing on his heart disappeared, he felt like his shoulders were lighter. He spoke with a cheerful face.

“No matter what anyone says, I will go my own way. Don’t regret not listening to your son later.”

“When have I ever ignored your words?”

“Yes?”

Yeon-Wi nodded.

“I will think deeply about casting a vote in favor of the establishment of the Martial Alliance.”

Considering the destructive power of the Cult of the Three Mad Gods, it was clear that even preparing now would not be enough.

However, Yeon Ho-Jeong thought it was okay.

Clothes that are patched up haphazardly are bound to wear out quickly. At least in this regard, he thought his father’s choice was better than his own.

It was urgent, but it was okay. Just as his father believed in him, Yeon Ho-Jeong also believed in his father.

He believed that the wisdom of life that his father had realized would prevail.

“I guess I was just worrying too much. Seeing this, I still have a long way to go. I’ve learned a lot thanks to you, Father.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

“Then, shall I tell you what I have learned thanks to you, my son?”

“Yes?”

“As I have witnessed your changes, I have realized that the role of parents on this stage called the world is sufficient with two things.”

“What are they?”

“To protect my family, and to wait for them forever.”

“……”

“You have grown enough that I don’t need to protect you. Then, there is only one thing I need to do now.”

Yeon-Wi turned his body and approached Yeon Ji-Pyeong, saying.

“I will wait for you forever. I will embrace anything. Come to your father whenever you are struggling.”