Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 153

The first to react was surprisingly Cheok Gang.

“Gasp! Senior Uncle!”

Cheok Gang, rushing forward, bent his waist in a deep bow.

“Disciple Cheok Gang greets Senior Uncle.”

The middle-aged man, Paeyul, ignored Cheok Gang’s greeting.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes sparkled.

‘If he’s Cheok Gang’s senior uncle, then he’s from Jeomchang?’

Jeomchang Sect.

A sect that had established itself on Mount Jeomchang in Yunnan, initially as a Taoist sect, but gradually took on a secular atmosphere after entering the martial world.

In recent times, it was the most secular of the Nine Great Sects. In fact, their martial arts were as practical as those of the Gongdong Sect, vying for the top spot among the Nine Sects’ martial arts.

Indeed, Cheok Gang’s martial arts were faster and more direct than those of other soldiers. Even in the same situation, he used methods to take down opponents more aggressively.

Moreover, the hermits of the Jeomchang Sect all resembled the martial arts they had mastered.

They were fast, intuitive, and left no loose ends.

“I am Yeon Ho-Jeong.”

Paeyul frowned.

“I am an elder of Jeomchang. Show more respect.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“If we were within the Alliance, I would.”

“What?”

“I am the commander of a unit under the Martial Alliance. Whether you are an elder or the sect leader of Jeomchang, if you have no official position, I have no reason to bow.”

His words were quite arrogant, but his expression was relaxed. His voice had no highs or lows, and his eyes were clear and deep.

Paeyul, who had been staring at Yeon Ho-Jeong, looked at Cheok Gang.

Cheok Gang’s face showed a subtle anxiety. He was worried that a battle of nerves might break out between his sect’s elder and the leader of the organization he belonged to.

Paeyul nodded.

“Not bad.”

It was an unexpected reaction.

Yeon Ho-Jeong tilted his head.

“What do you mean?”

“I was wondering what kind of loose organization it was that my beloved junior brother had joined without a word. But it’s not bad. A leader of an organization should have that kind of backbone.”

He said it in such a blunt tone that it was hard to tell if it was a compliment or a sarcastic remark.

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Cheok Gang.

“You came without saying anything?”

“…Yes.”

“You’re going to get a scolding.”

Cheok Gang’s face darkened.

Yeon Ho-Jeong turned his gaze back to Paeyul.

“If you want to take Cheok Gang, please wait a little. After returning to the inner city and completing the return procedure…”

“My business is not with my junior brother, but with you.”

“With me?”

“That’s right.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes deepened.

He had a feeling he knew why Paeyul had come to see him. He had a hunch.

But there was something he found strange.

‘How did he know?’

If his father had told him, there would be no reason to look for him, and if Moyong Gun had leaked it, he would also have no reason to look for him. It would be common sense to go to his father first.

Why? What is it?

“Do you know about the martial art of ‘Shooting the Sun’?”

As expected.

Yeon Ho-Jeong had no intention of beating around the bush.

“Is it because of Mong-ui?”

“… !”

Paeyul’s eyes changed.

“There’s no need to mention that name.”

“Understood.”

“There’s only one thing I’m curious about.”

“…”

“How was his sword?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“I don’t know what your intentions are in asking such a question, but I didn’t get a proper look at his sword.”

“Why? I heard you had a life-or-death battle with him.”

“In a fight to the death, the priority is to prevent the opponent from using their full power. I saw him use ‘that martial art,’ but I didn’t see it properly.”

“So you subdued him before that?”

“That’s right.”

“…Impressive.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled and patted Muk Bi’s shoulder.

“He fell to this friend’s arrow before he could even properly use his martial arts. It would have been quite difficult if it weren’t for this friend.”

Paeyul looked at Muk Bi.

‘A master?’

He hadn’t paid much attention because Yeon Ho-Jeong’s aura was so refined, but now that he looked, the woman’s aura was also impressive.

“You fought together?”

“Yes.”

Paeyul nodded.

“I see.”

The corners of Yeon Ho-Jeong’s lips curled up slightly.

People from prestigious orthodox sects were generally negative about fighting together. Whether the opponent was a sparring partner or a villain, they preferred a fair one-on-one match.

But Paeyul was not. To be precise, the Jeomchang Sect did not teach that way.

In real combat, the truth is to survive without dying. If a battle breaks out, the best course of action is to kill the opponent and ensure one’s own survival.

Paeyul was someone who truly understood the essence of real combat. That’s why he didn’t show any aversion to fighting together.

Paeyul, who had been quietly looking around the Myeolsa Army, shook his head.

“I was too impatient and came out to wait first. I really wanted to confirm about him.”

“…”

“I’ll visit your residence again tomorrow.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled wryly.

“If possible, please come in the evening.”

Paeyul turned away without answering.

He had a personality that straddled the line between honesty and rudeness. The martial arts he possessed were probably much rougher than Cheok Gang’s.

As Paeyul walked away, he stopped and turned back.

“You.”

“Yes?”

Paeyul tilted his head.

“Are you perhaps sick somewhere?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes gleamed.

“I’m healthy.”

“…Is that so?”

At that moment, Yeon Ho-Jeong could see Paeyul’s eyes scanning his right abdomen.

Paeyul nodded.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Understood.”

Kugugung.

The Blue Dragon Gate opened.

Paeyul entered the Alliance first, followed by the Myeolsa Army.

Yeon Ho-Jeong recalled Paeyul’s words and couldn’t help but feel puzzled.

‘Did he see something in me?’

Puzzled, he observed his inner self, examined the Byukra Jin Formation [a unique energy cultivation method], and even the Three Divine Artifacts, but there was nothing wrong.

‘Hmm.’

But a master of Paeyul’s caliber wouldn’t say such things for no reason.

‘Well, I should rest well for a while and try to recover my body.’

After passing through the wide and long outer walls and entering the inner city, Yeon Ho-Jeong shouted.

“I’ll take care of the return procedures myself. You’ve all worked hard. Get some rest.”

At Yeon Ho-Jeong’s words, a thunderous roar erupted.

“Uwaaaaa!”

“It’s vacation, vacation!”

“Ah, I feel like I’m going to collapse already.”

It was a noisy commotion. After greeting Yeon Ho-Jeong, they all disappeared at a terrifying speed.

“…”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, blinking like a fool, looked at Muk Bi.

“Let’s go through the return procedures together…”

“I’m going to see my father.”

Muk Bi disappeared from sight in an instant with her splendid movement technique.

His mouth felt dry. He felt a strange sense of betrayal.

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Pang Man-Ho.

Pang Man-Ho smiled awkwardly.

“You know why they call the person in charge the person in charge, right?”

“You called me brother?”

“Have a good one, brother.”

“Just calling me brother… that bastard, was he always that fast?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was watching Pang Man-Ho’s back as he ran away like lightning, clicked his tongue.

“Damn it, you guys have no sense of loyalty.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, grumbling, suddenly looked at Jeagal Ayeon.

Jeagal Ayeon tilted her head.

“Why?”

“Why don’t you go running off like a horse with its tail on fire?”

“Where would I go? I have to go through the return procedures.”

“Huh?”

“I’m the strategist of the Myeolsa Army, you know. I have to finish things properly.”

“…Have I ever seen such a cool guy!”

Yeon Ho-Jeong put his arm around Jeagal Ayeon’s shoulder.

“Let’s go! Let’s leave those rude kids behind and soar into the sky!”

“Hey! Let go of me! You’re heavy!”

“Haha! It’s a relief to have someone with a sense of responsibility. The future of the Myeolsa Army is very bright.”

“You’re heavy!”

The two bickered as they headed towards the Museong Hall.

* * *

That evening.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had entered the Pagun Pavilion for the first time in a while and had slept for more than half a day, woke up with a frown.

‘Is it night?’

The moonlight coming through the window was very beautiful.

It was the time when summer was turning into autumn. The cool breeze gradually cooled his body.

He liked this cold breeze. Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had gotten up, sat cross-legged.

Whoooong.

The Byukra Jin Qi [a unique energy] rose, and the muscles and nerves throughout his body became active.

The blue Jin Qi that surrounded his entire body was as clear and beautiful as ever. Perhaps because it was night, the color of the Byukra Jin Qi seemed to resemble the moonlight.

‘Good.’

It was really just around the corner now. The Byukra Jin Formation was struggling on its own to break through the tenth level.

Whoooong.

Based on the stable Byukra Jin Formation, the White Tiger Qi rose.

“Hoo-up.”

The air that flowed in abundantly contained a large amount of natural Qi [life force energy].

The white Jin Qi that entered his lungs spread to the nerves throughout his body. His heart rate gradually increased, and soon a clear red aura emerged.

Psshhh.

Following Yeon Ho-Jeong’s exhalation, a translucent black aura flowed out of his body. The dark black Xuanwu Qi [one of the four divine beasts’ energy] had bound and expelled the turbid Qi that had been lurking within his body.

‘Refreshing.’

Recently, he had focused more on the Byukra Jin Formation itself rather than the Three Divine Artifacts to heal his internal injuries. Of course, it was also to achieve progress.

It had been a long time since he had actively used the Three Divine Artifacts for a long time, and he definitely felt a change in his body. He wanted to run to the training ground right away and swing the Gwangryong Bu [a powerful weapon].

Kkuuk.

The torn palm had also completely healed. It felt like most of the fatigue in his body had disappeared after a deep sleep.

“This is something.”

His mind and body were more refreshed than ever, but Yeon Ho-Jeong couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

“Even though I was worried about the kids, I’ve been too complacent. I need to reflect.”

Even if it was the Byukra Jin Qi or the Three Divine Artifacts, he didn’t even realize that fatigue was accumulating in his body now that he was on the verge of reaching the level of a transcendent master.

He hadn’t been like that during the Black Demon Emperor days. Regardless of the problem of skill or the foundation of his internal energy, it was because he had fought completely alone back then.

When fatigue accumulated, he would go to a place where no one knew and recover his strength for days. Then he would fight again, and if he was severely injured, he would hide again and replenish his strength.

A time when he could constantly grow stronger because he was alone.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had been reminiscing about the past, shook his head.

“Stop talking nonsense. Whether I’m alone or with others, the reason my progress has slowed down is because I haven’t been vigilant.”

There was definitely a difference in the environment. But Yeon Ho-Jeong didn’t try to use that as an excuse.

‘Soon.’

In Yeon Ho-Jeong’s blue pupils, three colors flickered.

‘I need to awaken them.’

The Byukra Jin Formation was on the verge of reaching the tenth level, and through the recent battles, the Three Divine Artifacts had also shown sufficient maturity and separation.

He wanted to extract them after reaching a higher level, but it seemed like he couldn’t delay it any longer.

He felt the need to make his slightly relaxed mind as tense as it used to be.

‘Before leaving the Alliance, I will summon the last divine beast (四神) [Four Symbols].’

Cheongryong [Azure Dragon].

He would summon the divine beast of the East, the incarnation of vitality, and form the complete Four Divine Qi (四神氣) [Four Symbols Energy].

‘Tomorrow, I should ask my father for a spar.’

He was able to see his father at the Museong Hall when he went through the return procedures.

But the council of the officials was long again today. The system of the Martial Alliance was gradually taking shape, but there were still many detailed tasks to be done.

“Hmm, should I sleep more?”

It was a precious rest. It seemed like it would be good to put aside his worries and sleep today.

Just as Yeon Ho-Jeong was about to lie down on the bed.

“…Oh?”

A clear aura was felt outside the window, near the entrance of the Pagun Pavilion.

Yeon Ho-Jeong immediately jumped out of the window.

Parararak!

The clothes fluttering in the wind were like wings.

In front of Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had landed softly, stood a man.

Yeon Ho-Jeong scanned his body with a strange look.

“Ha! I need to reflect. You’ve made amazing progress while I haven’t seen you.”

“Is that so?”

Moyong Woo smiled more brightly than ever before.

It was a wonderful expression of someone who had nothing to hide, something he had never shown even in front of Moyong Gun.

“Have you been well, Yeon-je?”