Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 125

‘Hmm?’

Yeon Wi’s eyes narrowed. In the distance, a group of over a hundred martial artists had stopped and were observing them.

Though they were quite far away, he immediately recognized them.

“The Namgoong Family.”

The Namgoong Family, renowned as the best among swordsmen.

They were a family with a somewhat strained relationship with the Yeon family. However, Yeon Wi’s expression remained unchanged, as was his usual demeanor.

“What do you think of them?”

“Pardon?”

Muk Bi was startled and turned to Yeon Wi.

Yeon Wi gestured with his chin towards the Namgoong family.

“Their skills, I mean.”

“Ah…”

Muk Bi’s face showed a hint of confusion.

“They seem incredible. I can feel their piercing sword energy even from this distance.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. It feels heavy and majestic.”

“You have a good eye. Those who have faced the Namgoong’s swords often describe them as magnificent.”

On the other hand, the Yeon family’s swordsmanship was different.

The Yeon family’s swordsmanship aimed for thorough orthodoxy [a traditional and fundamental approach]. So, if one only learned it moderately, it was said to lack any outstanding features. But if one mastered it properly, it was said to subdue ten thousand swords.

Perhaps the title of the best among swordsmen was more suitable for the Yeon family than the Namgoong family.

At least as far as the White Path [the righteous martial arts world] was concerned.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

The Yeon family’s group moved forward.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was riding his horse, slowly moved next to Muk Bi.

“Hey.”

“Yes?”

“Loosen up your expression, you rascal.”

“W-What’s wrong with my expression?”

“It looks like there’s a dark fire burning in your heart. Are you so confused that you don’t know what to do?”

In fact, Muk Bi’s mind was in turmoil.

He had heard the rumor that the Namgoong family had raided the Anhui Blood Palace’s headquarters, cutting off the root of evil. If so, then Gwanil Valley would surely be on the path to destruction.

They had done what he was supposed to do. It was intentional, but for some reason, his heart was troubled.

“As I said before, you don’t need to feel guilty about such things, nor do you need to resent them. We just used them as pawns. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“I know.”

“Good, that’s all that matters.”

Muk Bi sighed.

“I know, but my heart feels really strange.”

“There’s no need to force yourself to sort out your feelings.”

“Huu.”

Sighing, Muk Bi suddenly looked at the horse Yeon Ho-Jeong was riding.

“It’s a bit out of the blue, but…”

“Hmm?”

“That’s a really amazing horse.”

The horse Yeon Ho-Jeong was riding was larger and more majestic than the other horses. The dynamically splitting muscles were clearly visible with each step it took.

“It can’t be helped.”

The weight of the Mad Dragon Axe was exactly eighty-two geun [approximately 49 kilograms].

Carrying a heavy weapon weighing over eighty geun naturally affected the horse’s stamina. If it were just the weight of a normal person, it would be fine, but if there was a moment when he had to wield the Mad Dragon Axe on horseback, the horse’s stamina would drop sharply.

Naturally, he had no choice but to find a warhorse with good stamina and strength.

“Anyone would think that Young Master Yeon is the one in charge.”

“Tsk.”

“I still don’t understand. There are many high-level martial arts in the Yeon family, so why did you choose that heavy axe of all things?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“I wonder.”

His wielding of the axe was close to accidental.

Although not as much as in the White Path, there were many hidden experts in the Black Path [the unorthodox martial arts world] as well. And when he was in fierce battles with those experts, he realized that there were limits to fighting with bare hands.

Then, he happened to grab a spear that had fallen on the ground and swung it, and it had somehow turned into an axe. In other words, it was a talent he had discovered while fighting.

“Whatever it is, if it makes me stronger, that’s all that matters.”

“That’s just like Young Master Yeon.”

At that moment, Yeon Wi raised his hand.

“Be quiet.”

Before they knew it, the group had reached the front of the Namgoong forces.

Namgoong In stepped forward and clasped his hands in greeting.

“I greet the Yeon family head. I am Namgoong In.”

Yeon Wi also bowed his head in response.

“I greet the Namgoong family head. I am Yeon Wi.”

Those gathered there could feel the strange tension between the two leaders.

Namgoong In smiled.

“Are you on your way to the Martial Alliance?”

“That is so.”

“Since we have met like this by chance, there seems to be no need to go separately. Would you like to join us?”

“Very well.”

It was a simple conversation. With just a few words, the two families decided to travel together.

The two leaders rode their horses at the front.

“Haha, you are amazing.”

“…?”

“You seem to have become stronger than when I saw you before. They say the reputation of the Judge’s Sword is shaking Gangdong [a region in China], and soon it will sweep across the entire Jiangnan and Jiangbei [regions in China].”

“You flatter me.”

It was a compliment given to create a good atmosphere. It was proper to respond, but Yeon Wi’s answer was short.

He rarely said words that did not come from his heart. That was Yeon Wi’s nature.

Besides, the two families were entangled in bad blood through their children. It was not a time for laughter and chatter.

Namgoong In glanced at Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“You must be the Yeon family head’s son, who has recently gained fame.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong was about to reply, ‘That’s right,’ but he suddenly saw his father’s gaze.

He sighed inwardly.

“That is correct.”

“Haha!”

Namgoong In just burst into laughter.

Was he upset by Yeon Ho-Jeong’s blunt answer? No, that was not it.

‘He has completely misjudged his opponent.’

He could tell at a glance.

Yeon Ho-Jeong was strong. It was beyond what one could imagine for a young man who had just reached adulthood.

Surprisingly, his martial arts were not inferior to those of his eldest son, who had just finished his seclusion. At least, that was how it appeared on the surface.

‘With his current skills, he would have looked down on most experts even back then. They said he played with Chu Seong, and now I can see why.’

Namgoong In clicked his tongue.

‘How could he have provoked such a person?’

It was a past matter, but he was once again disappointed in Namgoong Hyun.

Hiding his true feelings, Namgoong In said with a smile.

“Your spirit is worthy of the title ‘Wall Mountain Tiger General.’ The Yeon family’s future is truly bright.”

“Thank you.”

He did not feign humility. Nor did he seem to be talkative.

Namgoong In turned his head. There was no longer any reason to talk to Yeon Ho-Jeong.

The look in his eyes, as he turned his head, was cold.

‘Yeon family head. You have raised a monster.’

Like father, like son?

That was nonsense. The Yeon family head must have been hiding his eldest son’s immense talent for fear that it would bring disaster.

If Namgoong In was surprised by Yeon Ho-Jeong, Yeon Wi was also surprised by Namgoong Pyo.

‘He’s amazing.’

He was clearly the young master of the Namgoong family. There were rumors that he would soon succeed his father and take over the family.

‘With that level of martial arts at the age of thirty… he’s a genius.’

There was no particular reason to do so, but Yeon Wi found himself comparing Namgoong Pyo to his eldest son.

‘……’

Yeon Wi shook his head.

What was he thinking? Perhaps no one but himself would know.

“…Hmm.”

Namgoong Pyo unknowingly let out a groan.

His eyes were fixed on Yeon Ho-Jeong.

‘What is that guy?’

Namgoong Pyo’s eyes trembled slightly.

‘He’s not lacking compared to me? At that age?’

He had heard that Yeon Ho-Jeong was now just reaching adulthood. If so, then there was a ten-year age difference between them.

Yet, he possessed such a spirit. It was a dangerous atmosphere, like looking at a volcano about to erupt.

‘Unbelievable…’

His confidence and pride as a genius seemed to be shattered.

Just as Namgoong Pyo was about to open his mouth, it happened.

“It’s been a while.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong glanced at Namgoong Hyun.

Namgoong Hyun was trying hard to maintain a blank expression.

“I wanted to apologize in person, but I didn’t have the chance. Since we’ve met like this, I’ll apologize for what happened in the past.”

He did not explicitly say what had happened. It was something they already knew, and it was not good for so many people to hear about it.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had been quietly watching Namgoong Hyun, smiled and said.

“Is that a sincere apology?”

“…What do you mean?”

“I’m saying there’s no need to try so hard when you don’t even intend to apologize.”

In an instant, the atmosphere of the group turned cold.

Namgoong Hyun’s expression hardened.

“I wouldn’t have apologized if I didn’t intend to. My apology is sincere.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I am the one who did wrong, so I have nothing else to say, but at least don’t accuse my heart of being false.”

His words were filled with sincerity. With just a few words, sharp gazes turned towards Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Yeon Ho-Jeong tilted his head.

“Isn’t it not an accusation but a fact? You have no intention of apologizing to me.”

“Are you trying to insult me?”

“Your spirit is being suppressed.”

“…?”

“I can see that you’re being completely suppressed by your brother’s spirit. It seems like you haven’t been able to open your mouth properly since you came here.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“I don’t know if you’re trying to make your presence known or what, but don’t use me for your desires. No one will believe you if you apologize with that rotten expression.”

Namgoong Hyun’s expression changed drastically. And everyone who was in a position to see his expression could see it.

Namgoong In clicked his tongue.

“It seems my son has unnecessarily ruined the atmosphere. I apologize on behalf of my son.”

Yeon Wi shook his head.

“My son is rather lacking in manners. I, too, apologize.”

He said to Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“Behave yourself.”

“Understood.”

With those words, Yeon Ho-Jeong turned his head away.

Namgoong Hyun’s face was truly miserable.

He was already on the verge of exploding with his suppressed inferiority complex. In the midst of all that, he had been humiliated by the person he hated the most.

‘This…!’

He couldn’t control himself at all. He couldn’t bear it.

Tzzzzzz.

A faint killing intent rose from Namgoong Hyun’s body as he glared at Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“…?!”

In an instant, everyone’s faces hardened. Except for Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Yeon Wi looked at Namgoong In with sharp eyes.

Namgoong In shouted angrily.

“What do you think you’re doing! Can’t you withdraw your killing intent right now!”

His shout was filled with intense inner energy.

In an instant, Namgoong Hyun realized his mistake. His accumulated emotions had exploded, and he had unknowingly released his killing intent.

It was then.

Slap!

Namgoong Hyun’s head snapped to the side. The slap was so strong that blood oozed from the corner of his mouth.

Namgoong Pyo clasped his hands towards everyone.

“I apologize. My younger brother has recently suffered a great deal of emotional distress. As a result, he has been making many mistakes lately.”

Namgoong Pyo looked at Namgoong Hyun with cold eyes.

Namgoong Hyun gritted his teeth.

“He even experienced early symptoms of Qi deviation [a dangerous imbalance of internal energy] not long ago. I brought him along to get some fresh air, but it seems we made a mistake.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded.

“If it’s early symptoms of Qi deviation, then it’s understandable. I understand.”

Namgoong Pyo looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong with grateful eyes.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled and said.

“They say that a single mistake is common in war. I understand well, so I hope you won’t scold him too much.”

“I am grateful for Young Master Yeon’s generosity.”

“In any case, the atmosphere has become too strange. Rather than forcing ourselves to travel together, how about we meet again at the Martial Alliance and have a cup of tea?”

“I think that would be best.”

The two men looked at Yeon Wi and Namgoong In.

The two family heads also nodded.

“That would be better.”

“Haha, I am ashamed.”

“Then we will go ahead.”

“Very well.”

With that, the Yeon family’s warriors increased their speed.

After a considerable distance had been created, Yeon Wi said to Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“Well done.”