Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 124

Snowflakes began to fall, one by one.

The wind was biting, and the temperature was frigid. The sun had risen, but its light was diffused by the scattered clouds. It was a harsh day.

“This year, there are less than ten days left.”

“Indeed.”

“Haha! It seems my seclusion was quite long. It was cold when I entered, and it’s winter again when I come out.”

The young man’s hearty laughter was hardly befitting of a warrior from the Namgoong family.

Yet, he was a scion of the Namgoong lineage. A direct descendant, and even the eldest son of the family head, Namgoong In.

Namgoong Pyo.

Before even reaching adulthood, he was a peerless genius who had mastered the Namgoong family’s signature martial art, the Boundless Azure Sky Divine Art [a powerful martial art technique].

Though the world was vast and full of talent, few could match Namgoong Pyo’s aptitude. In martial arts, he was a decade ahead of his father, Namgoong In.

Looking back at the Namgoong family’s history, no more than three individuals had achieved such rapid progress as Namgoong Pyo.

Namgoong In was confident. Namgoong Pyo was a genius who, with his innate martial talent alone, could elevate the family to the pinnacle of the martial world.

“Your energy is remarkably refined.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s far more refined than the day before yesterday, and even yesterday. You’re changing day by day.”

Namgoong Pyo gave an awkward smile.

“It’s not that I’ve grown. I’ve merely begun to control the chaotic, unruly power within me. My growth stopped three months before I left seclusion.”

“Hmph, growth.”

“No matter how hard I tried, it seemed impossible to go any further. So, I came out.”

Anyone else might have called him a slacker.

But not Namgoong In.

He knew how obsessed his eldest son was with martial arts. If he said he couldn’t do it, then it was truly impossible.

And he understood that.

‘He’s dazzling.’

Even while riding a horse, his upper body remained perfectly still. His back was straight, and his lower body was supple.

He was like a sword standing upright. He exuded a flexible yet firm aura, as if he could unleash a powerful strike at any moment, in any situation.

Namgoong In smiled and said,

“It seems your grandfather taught you well.”

“I thought I was going to die.”

Namgoong Pyo feigned distress.

It was an exaggeration, but not entirely untrue. He must have undergone unimaginably harsh training.

“Your grandfather’s martial arts are unparalleled. I lacked the talent to master even half of his skills, but you will surely master them all.”

Namgoong Pyo chuckled.

“I intend to, but it feels a bit daunting at the moment.”

“I never thought I’d hear those words from you. You were always so confident.”

“I’ve simply realized that the world of martial arts is too harsh to live on confidence alone.”

“Hmph.”

Namgoong In was genuinely pleased.

“If you’ve realized that, then it’s enough. What you lacked before your seclusion was the inability to let go of your arrogance.”

“Was that so?”

“I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d just ignore it.”

“I am a bit stubborn.”

“The only thing that can break your stubbornness is martial arts. You’ve learned how vast the world is through it, and that alone makes your seclusion worthwhile.”

Though he said that, Namgoong In didn’t think Namgoong Pyo’s arrogance was a problem.

There were people in the world who were entitled to be arrogant. In Namgoong In’s eyes, his son was one of them.

However, excessive arrogance inevitably led to mistakes, and mistakes naturally led to failure.

His son, who had returned with significant growth in both martial arts and character, now displayed the demeanor of a worthy successor.

“By the way…”

Namgoong In asked seriously,

“How much of your grandfather’s sword techniques did you learn?”

Namgoong Pyo replied with a bitter tone,

“Up to the first three forms of the first half.”

“You mean the first three forms of the sword stances?”

“Yes. He said anything beyond that was unnecessary. In fact, I’m still struggling to even imitate them, let alone grasp their true essence.”

Namgoong Pyo was genuinely bitter, but Namgoong In thought differently.

‘He’s grasped it far more deeply than I thought.’

He had expected his son to have learned at most the first or second form of the sword stances. But he had learned all three forms of the first half.

His father was someone who wouldn’t teach martial arts to anyone who wasn’t qualified, even if they were family. Even he, his own son, had been practicing the first three forms of the sword stances for ten years now.

‘Father has acknowledged Pyo.’

He was pleased.

He knew his own limitations. He was capable of leading the Namgoong family, but he didn’t believe he had the potential to become the best in the world.

Still, it seemed he had done a remarkable job raising his son.

‘He will reach my level within the next ten years.’

As he looked at Namgoong Pyo with satisfaction, Namgoong In suddenly thought of his own father.

‘Father.’

A complex mix of emotions crossed Namgoong In’s face.

‘It seems he still has no intention of returning to the world.’

The former head of the Namgoong family, the greatest swordsman, and Namgoong In’s father. The world called him the Sword Emperor.

The Sword Emperor, Namgoong Seung.

He was one of the Ten Stars of the Heavenly Citadel [a group of the most powerful martial artists] and an invincible master who had made a name for himself as the absolute powerhouse of the Central Plains’ sword lineage.

At least in terms of swordsmanship, Namgoong Seung was undoubtedly the best in the world, second only to the Sword Immortal. Perhaps he had even surpassed the Sword Immortal by now.

‘The martial prowess of those called the Divine Immortal Emperors is equal. However, the Sword Immortal is someone who seeks enlightenment. If they were to actually cross swords, it would be difficult for him to surpass Father.’

The Ten Stars of the Heavenly Citadel were also known as the One God, Two Immortals, Three Emperors, and Four Kings, consisting of ten Divine Immortal Emperors and the three Lords who were just below them.

The ten Divine Immortal Emperors were all monsters who had reached the pinnacle of martial arts. The three Lords were masters who had appeared half a generation later, and while their martial prowess was clearly below that of the Divine Immortal Emperors, their talent was considered to be even greater.

In other words, the Divine Immortal Emperors were the ten strongest masters in the world, and the three Lords were their immediate successors, destined to become the next ten great masters.

Namgoong Seung was one of those Divine Immortal Emperors.

‘It’s about time he came out.’

Namgoong In wanted his father to return to the world.

This was not a son’s wish, but a family head’s. If Namgoong Seung were to return to the world and achieve great feats, the Namgoong family’s name would be one step closer to being the best in the world.

‘It’s a shame.’

For Namgoong In, Namgoong Seung was a figure of both love and resentment. At least he seemed to have done a good job educating his grandson.

“Train hard. This father of yours lacks talent and has only just grasped the essence of the three forms, but you will be able to master them much faster.”

“I will.”

“The Emperor’s Sword Form… If you can properly inherit that absolute swordsmanship, you will be able to make the world kneel before your sword.”

Namgoong Pyo responded with a smile and then glanced behind him.

Namgoong Hyun was riding his horse directly behind Namgoong In and Namgoong Pyo. His expressionless face made it difficult to know what he was thinking.

Namgoong Pyo smiled and said,

“What about you?”

“Pardon?”

“I heard you caused some trouble while I was in seclusion.”

Namgoong Hyun’s face stiffened slightly.

Namgoong In said,

“It’s already in the past.”

“It’s in the past, but it’s not something to be forgotten. I need to see if he knows his mistakes and if he’s willing to correct them.”

Namgoong Pyo’s eyes turned cold.

“I’m sure you’ll do it on your own, but just in case, don’t let your emotions lead you to forget the skills you’ve learned.”

“…I understand.”

Namgoong Pyo, who had been quietly observing Namgoong Hyun, smiled and turned his head.

“Well, it’s understandable at your age. It’s only when you’re young that you can experience the wavering of your heart due to overflowing passion. Haha!”

Namgoong Hyun’s lips trembled slightly.

Namgoong In said,

“Don’t act like an old man. You’re still young.”

“I am young. I’m only thirty years old. But well, isn’t it the age when your passion starts to wane?”

Namgoong Pyo tilted his head.

“By the way, I heard the Jeagal family is still delaying their answer?”

“They asked for more time.”

Namgoong Pyo shook his head.

“That’s clearly a rejection.”

“I think so too.”

“The fact that we sent a matchmaker first is already a significant burden. They must know that, and if we use it well, it could be a justification to pressure the Jeagal family.”

Namgoong In shook his head.

“Even if their power has diminished, the Jeagal family is still the Jeagal family. There’s a reason they’re called the Divine Strategist Jeagal.”

“Tsk.”

“We’ll see them this time anyway, so it’s best to settle things definitively.”

Namgoong Pyo burst into laughter.

“I hope the Jeagal family realizes they’ve missed out on a great opportunity.”

Watching his father and brother converse with smiles, Namgoong Hyun was filled with an overwhelming sense of defeat.

‘Damn it.’

As soon as his brother came out of seclusion, his father’s attention was completely focused on him.

It had been like that even before his seclusion. It wasn’t anything new, but the feeling of having something he had briefly possessed taken away was not pleasant.

Even so, to discuss such sensitive matters about Jeagal Ayeon in front of the person involved.

‘I will surpass them someday. I will!’

The hand holding the reins trembled. He wanted to unleash his sword right away.

“Speaking of which, it seems Sanghwa has completely closed off his heart?”

“If that’s his limit, then there’s nothing we can do.”

“Father, you’re truly a cold person.”

“Hmph.”

Namgoong Pyo’s eyes gleamed.

“The eldest son of the Yeon family… He’s an interesting fellow.”

He had heard about all the major events that had occurred during his two years of seclusion.

The most surprising of them was the story of Yeon Ho-Jeong, known as the Wall-Crushing Tiger.

It was surprising that he had confronted the prestigious families, but his ability to easily resolve the conflicts with his siblings was even more astonishing. That was not something that could be done just by being strong in martial arts.

Moreover, Yeon Ho-Jeong was also said to be strong in martial arts. Although he wasn’t included in the One Dragon Three Peaks [a group of the most talented martial artists], due to his nickname, his skills were already considered to be close to theirs.

“Was he hiding his strength while being called a disgrace to his family?”

“Perhaps. The important thing is that he’s also a genius, no less than his siblings.”

“This has become interesting. Meeting talented individuals is always something to look forward to.”

Namgoong In’s eyes widened.

“Are you thinking of meeting him?”

“Isn’t he coming to the Martial Alliance anyway? Surely the Yeon family head won’t come alone.”

Namgoong In clicked his tongue.

“Don’t cause any trouble.”

“I’m not a fool who would tarnish the family name with mere passion.”

The two men laughed heartily. Namgoong Hyun’s face was flushed red as he watched them.

How long had they been going?

“Once we pass that point, we’ll be at Daebyeolsan. The Martial Alliance is just around the corner.”

“Indeed.”

The air already felt different. They could sense countless martial artists heading towards Daebyeolsan from all directions.

“Now that we’ve come this far, shall we go without resting?”

“Let’s do that.”

It was then.

‘…?!’

Namgoong In and Namgoong Pyo’s faces hardened.

‘A master?’

There was a group of people riding horses on a small road far to the left.

And the two flags held by the warriors at the front of the group fluttered in the wind.

“…It’s the Yeon family.”