Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 152

The Unseen Battle (3)

Swoosh!

A soft, slow sword movement toyed with the air.

The form was slow, but the amount of true energy [internal energy or qi] released from the tip of the sword was extremely consistent.

‘The sword and qi move as one, even in extreme situations. But…’

Ultimately, completing a martial art form for practical use depends on the user’s physical abilities and how they utilize their inner energy.

That was why a master could subdue an opponent even using the same fist techniques as street thugs. It was because of their trained body and the delicate control of their inner energy, which allowed them to achieve speed and sharpness.

‘It’s creaking.’

Moyong Woo’s eyes, watching the trajectory drawn by the sword tip, were filled with disappointment.

‘His inner energy control is sufficient, but his body isn’t refined enough. His lower body is solid, but there are slight errors in the angle at which his arms extend. His shoulders are the problem.’

The ability to coldly evaluate his own martial arts as if he were a third party.

That was why he could continuously improve, even though he had focused more on administrative work than martial arts as the branch leader of Zhejiang. His skills were good, but his insight was far sharper.

Moyong Woo’s sword, which had been moving slowly, suddenly showed an unfathomable speed.

Thud!

A powerful footwork that overturned the ground, and a strong sword that cut through the air, created a net of sword forms.

It was a terrifyingly fast and precise sword. It was also imbued with a strength as hard as steel.

He was demonstrating an extremely high level of martial arts. Although his physical training was lacking, his enlightenment had reached a level beyond his skill.

Moyong Woo, who had been practicing the Qiankun One Hundred and Eight Sword Techniques [a specific sword style] for over a quarter of an hour using his explosive cardiopulmonary capacity, stopped his sword.

“Hoo-woo-woo.”

His entire body was flushed red.

‘It hurts.’

The muscles all over his body ached as if they were tearing. Perhaps it was fortunate that his joints were not damaged.

‘I need more efficient physical training. I should put down the sword for a while and focus on my body and inner energy.’

At that moment, applause was heard from the side.

Clap, clap, clap.

Moyong Woo turned his head. There was Moyong Gun.

“That was amazing.”

“Brother.”

The surprise on Moyong Gun’s face was genuine.

“I knew you were working hard on your martial arts every day, but when did you grow so much? The level of your sword techniques has already reached the sea of swords.”

Moyong Woo said bitterly.

“I have the enlightenment, but my body can’t keep up. I’m still far behind.”

“Don’t say that. It hasn’t even been a year since you learned the Qiankun martial arts, and you’re already at that level. Your talent is truly remarkable.”

Of course, it was possible because his previous martial arts and experience were outstanding. But even considering that, Moyong Woo’s growth was astonishing.

Moyong Gun smiled brightly. It was a smile that showed how proud he was.

“The cycle of slow sword training followed by fast sword and strong sword techniques. It’s a traditional training method, but it also puts a lot of strain on the body. Training is good, but you must also take care of your body.”

“I understand.”

“Good.”

Moyong Woo asked with a puzzled expression.

“But what brings you here at this hour? Has the Musungjeon meeting [a meeting of martial artists] already ended?”

“Yes, it has.”

Moyong Gun stroked his chin.

Seeing his expression, Moyong Woo was certain. His brother had something to say to him.

And Moyong Woo could roughly guess what that was.

“Woo-ya.”

“Yes, please speak.”

“When do you plan to meet the young lady from the Tang family?”

Moyong Woo’s face showed embarrassment.

“The Tang Martial Army will be established in three days. Until then, I think I need to consider my personal martial arts and the management of my subordinates.”

“Yes, I know your feelings.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes flashed with a strange light.

“But since we’ve already agreed with the Tang family head, I’d like you to meet her as soon as possible.”

After a moment of silence, Moyong Woo nodded.

“I understand. Then, I will meet her the day before the founding ceremony.”

Moyong Gun smiled.

Moyong Woo did not easily make promises about things he was unsure of. If he said he would meet her, he would definitely meet her.

“Good, let’s do that.”

“I’m sorry. It seems like you’ve gone through trouble because of me.”

Moyong Gun laughed heartily.

“You rascal, if you knew that, why didn’t you meet her sooner?”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m just joking. Meet her, and if you really don’t like her, tell me. It’s a meeting arranged for you and the family, but I have no intention of forcing a relationship if you don’t want it.”

That was Moyong Gun’s true feeling.

The Tang family’s power was certainly alluring, but Moyong Gun valued Moyong Woo more than the Tang family. He was his man, and even now, when he hadn’t shown his full potential, he had made astonishing progress.

It was a hundred times better to nurture a trustworthy person than to gain an unreliable power. That was why Moyong Gun’s power base was so stable.

Moyong Woo changed the subject.

“Then, when will the Myeolsa Army join the alliance?”

Moyong Gun’s eyes immediately turned cold.

“They say they’ll arrive around noon tomorrow.”

“I see.”

“As I said before, the Myeolsa Army has achieved quite a feat. I never imagined they would move so quickly and aggressively.”

Moyong Woo maintained a calm demeanor as he spoke.

“I had a direct conversation with Commander Yeon the day before the Myeolsa Army left the alliance.”

“Yes, you said you were also very surprised when you saw Yeon Ho-Jeong.”

“That’s right. His martial arts far exceeded the level of a junior, and he had surprisingly sharp insight. I thought he was a talent with a drive that matched his insight.”

“You’re right. It’s not for nothing that I’m paying attention to that young man.”

Moyong Woo smiled.

“When the Myeolsa Army joins the alliance tomorrow, I will go and meet him again.”

Moyong Gun’s face showed surprise.

“You’re going to meet Yeon Ho-Jeong?”

“Yes.”

“What are you going to do when you meet him?”

“He’s a rival, but if there’s anything to learn, I should learn it. I’m also curious to see how much he has grown since he went out into the world.”

“Hmm.”

“If you know yourself and your enemy, you will not be defeated in a hundred battles. I don’t think there’s any harm in meeting him.”

Moyong Gun nodded.

“If you want to meet him, how can I stop you? But be careful. That guy is someone who can thoroughly shake up anyone he considers an enemy.”

“Don’t worry.”

Moyong Woo’s eyes sparkled.

“I haven’t shown you any proper results for the past few months, so I will obtain a trophy and a prize for the founding ceremony of the Tang Martial Army.”

* * *

“Oh! It’s the Martial Alliance!”

“Wow, it’s been so long!”

“…I never imagined I’d be so excited to see the Martial Alliance.”

“Sob, I’m even tearing up.”

The faces of the Myeolsa Army soldiers, who had crossed the Daebyeol Mountain Range and finally entered the vicinity of the Martial Alliance, were filled with joy.

For the past few months, they had not been able to rest properly and had swept through the vicious Black Path factions. It was a rewarding task, and they had grown significantly because of it, but they had unknowingly accumulated mental fatigue.

If they entered the Martial Alliance, they would be able to rest for at least five days. That was why their expressions were so bright.

Muk Bi whispered softly.

“The kids seem very happy.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“Of course, they would be. They’ve been living in the open, not being able to wash properly, and fighting against enemies full of murderous intent.”

“It’s good to relax, but it’ll be quite difficult to get them back into fighting shape.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Muk Bi with a surprised expression.

“That’s unusual, isn’t it?”

“What is?”

“Mental preparation… It doesn’t sound like something you would say.”

“Hmph. I’m always tense, you know?”

“No, of course, I know that. It’s just that it’s unexpected for you to be concerned about the soldiers’ mental state. Are you finally getting used to your role as vice-commander?”

Muk Bi smirked.

“If you’re not tense, you get hurt. And I can’t leave the Myeolsa Army. It’s better to be tense, even if it’s hard, than to get hurt or die.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s smile deepened.

“You’ve grown up, kid.”

“I’ve said it many times, but I’m older than you, Young Master Yeon.”

“What does age matter? You haven’t been out in the world for long.”

“Having more experience doesn’t mean you’re better at your job.”

“So, your speaking skills have improved too. But you’re not wrong.”

Muk Bi glanced at Yeon Ho-Jeong’s hand.

“How’s your hand?”

“Huh?”

“It was torn a while ago. It looks like it hasn’t healed yet since you’re still wearing a bandage?”

“It’s almost healed.”

“It’s taking longer to recover than I thought?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled bitterly.

“You can say that again.”

The reason his internal injuries were slow to heal was because his inner energy was less than it was during his time as the Black Emperor. [a previous identity or role]

However, the slow healing of the wound on his palm was because his body had reached its limit. It was a different problem than his internal injuries.

‘My sleep time was extremely short.’

The Byeokra True Technique [a specific martial art] was an excellent martial art. The Four Divine Arts were worthy of being called world-shaking divine skills.

However, Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had learned them, was still just a human. Unless he reached the pinnacle of martial arts and transcended human limitations, his body would naturally break down if he continued to live without rest, let alone proper sleep.

Muk Bi sighed.

“Go back and get some rest. The alliance is safe.”

“I’m embarrassed.”

“What’s there to be embarrassed about? I was the one who was surprised. I didn’t know you cared so much about the soldiers, Young Master Yeon.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong scratched his head.

“I didn’t know I’d be like this either.”

When he was dealing with the warriors of the Black Path, he was like a blade.

In the first place, he had never trained them like the Myeolsa Army. When he gathered forces, he immediately started wars, and he thought it was inevitable that some would die in the process.

It was a ruthless and cruel method. His life in the Black Path, a world of extreme violence, had made Yeon Ho-Jeong’s personality vicious.

But after his regression, his mind had become much more stable.

Yeon Ho-Jeong knew that his family was at the center of this positive change.

‘Positive… Yes, if I’m going to live like a human, this change is definitely positive.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes, looking up at the clear sky, became terrifyingly deep.

‘Should I, as a human, prepare for their invasion, or…’

Should he become the monster he was in that time?

At that moment, Jeagal Ayeon opened her mouth.

“Sister.”

“Yes?”

“Hehe, we’re off duty now.”

“Ah…”

Muk Bi was embarrassed. She was still uncomfortable with Jeagal Ayeon’s friendly way of addressing her.

“What are you going to do when we get in? Are you going to rest today?”

“I, I was thinking of doing that…”

“If you’re not too tired, would you like to have a drink with me?”

“A drink?”

Muk Bi’s face turned slightly pale.

She had avoided alcohol since her severe hangover last time. She could expel the alcohol with her inner energy, but the sensation of a headache and a sluggish body was unpleasant.

However, looking at Jeagal Ayeon, who was looking at her with sparkling eyes, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse.

“…If we only drink a little.”

“Hehehe! Great! I’ll just say hello to my father and come right away! We have to drink!”

“Okay.”

Jeagal Ayeon, who was grinning, looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Yeon Ho-Jeong was blinking. He had a very innocent expression.

Jeagal Ayeon’s expression immediately turned sour.

“Why? Are you going to drink too?”

“Are you out of your mind? Do you know what kind of trouble I’d get into if I drank with you two?”

“You jerk.”

“It’s an official position.”

“It’s off duty, you idiot!”

Yeon Ho-Jeong decided that he would have to establish the Myeolsa Army’s discipline strictly on the day they regrouped.

Pang Man-Ho slowly approached Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“Then, how about me?”

“Go to sleep.”

“Don’t be like that, let’s have a drink, brother.”

“Don’t call me brother, you punk!”

It was a noisy return to the alliance. Although they didn’t show it, Muk Bi, Jeagal Ayeon, and Pang Man-Ho seemed to be secretly excited about the long-awaited rest.

As they laughed and talked, they reached the outer walls of the Martial Alliance.

“Are you the Myeolsa Army Commander, Yeon Ho-Jeong?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong turned his head.

Next to the Blue Dragon Gate, a middle-aged man with a cold expression was standing there.