Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 187

The wind was quite fierce. The wind flowing down the mountainside was cool at night, regardless of the season.

On the way back to his residence, Yeon Ho-Jeong was deep in thought.

‘He’s changed.’

He thought of Moyong Gun.

The peerless swordsman who concealed terrifying lightning within his sword.

And the deep, sunken gaze of that swordsman.

‘Like Father and me, Moyong Gun has also changed.’

Moyong Gun was a man of exceptional abilities.

Whether it was martial arts, strategy, or politics, he was a man who lacked nothing in any field.

However, Yeon Ho-Jeong also knew Moyong Gun’s shortcomings.

‘The somewhat relaxed atmosphere has disappeared.’

That was arrogance.

Yes. Moyong Gun was arrogant. And he was a man who deserved to be arrogant.

Born and raised in the Moyong family, he learned how to crush his opponents from the time he should have been building friendships with his siblings. Moyong Gun, and indeed the people of the Moyong family, fundamentally lacked humanity.

Except for Moyong Woo.

‘The ruthlessness that comes from that deficiency. Thanks to that, he became the head of the Moyong family and dreamed of reaching the pinnacle of the White Path martial world.’

A life of continuous success.

In Moyong Gun’s life, the first person who could be a stumbling block appeared.

That was Yeon Ho-Jeong.

‘It must have been a new experience in many ways. Even while saying I was someone to be wary of, he still saw me as inferior.’

Moyong Gun acknowledged Yeon Ho-Jeong. But he didn’t think Yeon Ho-Jeong was better than him.

If he had thought Yeon Ho-Jeong was better, he wouldn’t have been so easily defeated. He would have hidden himself more thoroughly and worn a mask until he was confident he could deliver a decisive blow.

Of course, Yeon Ho-Jeong wouldn’t have just stood by and watched.

‘Since the departure of the Tangma Myeolsa Army [a special military unit], he has gone under the radar.’

Has he finally acknowledged Yeon Ho-Jeong as a true rival? Or does he think he is someone better than himself?

It’s impossible to know. But one thing was certain.

Moyong Gun had become more sinister and sharp.

‘He won’t be able to make any reckless moves for a while. But just because he seems quiet on the surface doesn’t mean he isn’t preparing something.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong sighed without realizing it.

‘Just dealing with Yang Cheon is enough to make my head spin.’

Fighting King Yang Cheon.

The man who was the last obstacle in conquering the Black Path in the past, and one of the most dangerous enemies in Yeon Ho-Jeong’s life.

Surprisingly, that enemy had connections with the Outer Lands.

‘So that’s how it was.’

His thoughts naturally shifted from Moyong Gun to Yang Cheon.

A fierce glint appeared in Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes.

‘He was already in league with them.’

It was unbelievable.

Not much is known about Yang Cheon. In fact, Yeon Ho-Jeong had tried to investigate him in the past, but even the Black Path’s intelligence network couldn’t uncover much beyond a certain point.

‘If that’s the case, then aside from being in league with the Outer Lands, we can’t rule out the possibility that his origins are from there.’

That was why he wanted to get directly involved in this matter.

He definitely had to approach him cautiously. In reality, Yang Cheon was a man who possessed both a reckless and violent nature, as well as a cautious and cold one.

And his martial prowess.

He had nearly lost his life several times to the terrifyingly amplified Crimson Sky Energy and the extremely refined Death God Dance. Yang Cheon’s martial power was that frightening.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was emitting a silent killing intent while thinking of Yang Cheon, tilted his head at a sudden thought.

‘But did Yang Cheon reveal his true colors this quickly?’

No, he didn’t.

In the past, Yang Cheon had revealed his presence along with the Black Path after Yeon Ho-Jeong had been involved with the Black Path for at least a few years.

‘It’s much faster than before. Even if the situation is different from then…’

History had changed.

The Martial Alliance was established much earlier than in the past, and Yang Cheon’s appearance was also advanced by almost seven or eight years.

Then?

‘If we assume that Yang Cheon is truly affiliated with the Three Teachings [a mysterious and powerful organization].’

Without realizing it, his fist clenched.

‘It means that the Three Teachings have been closely watching the movements of the Central Plains for decades.’

He had expected as much. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to secretly assassinate the top experts of the Central Plains and wipe out half of the Central Plains’ forces from the very beginning with such a precise attack.

However, now that it was certain that they had been observing the flow of the Central Plains martial world, he felt a chill run down his spine.

‘They’re cautious. Even with that much power.’

It took the combined forces of the Righteous and Evil Paths to crush just one of the Evil Sound Sect.

Of course, if they had clashed with pure force from the beginning, there wouldn’t have been a need for that. The problem was that the attack of the Three Teachings was too sudden and devastating.

But the remaining two groups didn’t even properly participate in the war.

‘It means that even if we prepare properly and launch a counterattack, it’s hard to guarantee victory.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong sighed again.

‘Moyong Gun. It’s truly a pity.’

If he had used his outstanding abilities for peace instead of power, they might have become closer than anyone else.

‘Hmm?’

Suddenly, Yeon Ho-Jeong tilted his head.

“That’s strange…”

A fact that he hadn’t felt strange about until now, something he had just thought was natural because it was Moyong Gun.

That fact suddenly came to mind.

“What on earth did he believe in to kill me?”

The Dark Emperor, the Lord of the Dark Citadel, the Grand Master of the Black Path.

A person who had never existed before and would never exist again, the first leader of the Evil Path to unify the Evil Sects.

The fact that someone who was not an elderly master or recognized as the best in the world was called by so many different titles meant that the person’s abilities were that outstanding.

Moyong Gun killed such a person. Right after killing the leader of the Evil Sound Sect.

“With what confidence?”

Besides the Evil Sound Sect, weren’t there two other organizations still intact?

Then there was no need to kill Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was an ally. No, he shouldn’t have killed him. Because there was still a common enemy left.

‘Simple worry? Or…?’

It was then.

“When did you die?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong was startled and turned his gaze forward. Ga Deuk-Sang was looking at him with a blank expression.

“When did you get here?”

“I came a while ago. I called you, but you were just muttering to yourself.”

“Ah…”

“But what do you mean by dying? You’re alive and well.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

It wasn’t a problem that would be solved by worrying about it right now anyway.

“No. But what’s going on?”

“What do you mean what’s going on?”

Ga Deuk-Sang grinned broadly.

“My drinking buddy is back, so we should have a nice drink, right?”

The leaves fluttered in the cool breeze.

The moonlight was beautiful, and the starlight was mysterious. The faint light pouring down from the cloudless sky created a wonderful atmosphere.

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked around the pavilion.

“There’s a place like this in the inner city?”

“There are many places like this. I haven’t even seen all of the inner city yet. Anyway, it’s ridiculously large.”

Ga Deuk-Sang kept grinning. He seemed excited about drinking after a long time.

“Here, have a drink. You’ve worked hard to take down those damn bandits.”

“Thank you.”

The two clinked their glasses.

There were no special snacks, but there was a good view and a friend who transcended age. That alone was enough to empty their glasses.

“Ugh, this is strong.”

“Military Advisor Jeagal gave it to me as a gift.”

“The Military Advisor?”

“We’ve become quite close. That man, he’s so cold and scary when he’s pushing in meetings, but he’s a very friendly person in private.”

“That’s how he seems.”

“That’s why you can’t know a person until you’ve experienced them. I was told that he was good at his job, but his personality was weak and easily swayed.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“There are countless martial families in the Central Plains. He’s the leader of six carefully selected families. He can’t be an ordinary person.”

“That’s right.”

Ga Deuk-Sang burst into laughter.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was watching him with a smile, filled his glass and asked.

“So, what did that Military Advisor Jeagal ask you to ask me?”

Ga Deuk-Sang flinched for a moment.

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled to himself. What an honest reaction.

“How did you know? Are you a ghost?”

“I guessed.”

“No, there are so many things to guess, why the Military Advisor?”

“People often don’t know their own personality and habits. You’re the same, Ga Deuk-Sang.”

“What’s wrong with my personality? And what habits are you talking about?”

“Why would you specifically look for me and even serve me alcohol that the Military Advisor gave you? Someone who’s so busy that they can’t even take a vacation?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong poured himself a drink as well. Full to the brim.

“You’re the type to be treated, not to treat others, Ga Deuk-Sang. You have to do things that fit your character to avoid suspicion.”

“Huh!”

Ga Deuk-Sang clicked his tongue.

“You’re really scary when you’re like this.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Why is being scary a compliment?”

“So, what did Military Advisor Jeagal ask you to find out from me?”

Ga Deuk-Sang’s face became serious.

“Did you come back from meeting Moyong Gun?”

“Yes.”

“You’ve been entangled with that bastard in various ways, but you’re not close enough to go see him right after you returned, are you?”

“Of course not. We’re more likely to try to kill each other.”

“That means…”

“That’s right.”

“Huh?”

“You’re right, Ga Deuk-Sang. I asked to be the chief of this operation to probe Yang Cheon.”

Ga Deuk-Sang, who had been quietly observing Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face, let out a deep sigh.

“Military Advisor Jeagal said that you might take part in this matter.”

“For a military advisor, intuition is as important as vast knowledge. In that regard, the Military Advisor is an amazing person.”

Ga Deuk-Sang, who had emptied his glass as if frustrated, said with a sigh.

“I know, but this operation is dangerous.”

“…”

“It’s dangerous for anyone. Even more so because we can’t afford to fail.”

“I know.”

“You don’t seem to know? Besides, you’re a famous figure in the White Path martial world. You’re a man who wields an axe as big as a person, so the Black Path guys must have heard rumors about you.”

“I think so.”

“What are you going to do? Are you going to leave your axe behind?”

“I have to.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s voice, which was calmer than usual, seemed almost detached.

Ga Deuk-Sang, looking at him with trembling eyes, suddenly shouted.

“You idiot! Even if you’re a genius, the opponent is Yang Cheon, Yang Cheon! You’re really going to die like that!”

It was an unexpected outburst, but his voice was full of concern for Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“The Thirteen Seats of the Heavenly Star [a group of powerful martial artists] are monsters who are considered to be on par with, or even better than, the top experts of three hundred years ago, the peak of the martial world! And the opponent is the Fighting King! You know how ruthless that bastard is, right?!”

“I’ve never been picky about my opponents.”

“What?!”

“Moyong Gun is stronger than me. Not to mention the Nine Great Families. But I still moved.”

“…!!”

“Don’t worry. My life is too unfair to die from something like this.”

“…Ugh, you’re such a stubborn person.”

Ga Deuk-Sang grumbled with a bitter expression.

“You have to listen to people to be persuaded. Seriously.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“Are you that worried?”

“Then should I not worry?”

“…”

“You’re younger than me and have no manners, and you’re reckless, but you’re still my friend.”

“…!”

“How can I not stop my friend from going to his death, you hopeless idiot?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong was momentarily at a loss for words.

Ga Deuk-Sang grabbed the bottle roughly and poured it straight into his mouth.

“Kuh-huh! Cough! Damn, this is really strong.”

“…”

“I knew it.”

“Knew what?”

“I knew you would get involved in this, too.”

“Is that so?”

“That’s why I took a vacation, too.”

Surprise flickered across Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face.

“Don’t tell me, you’re thinking of joining me?”

“Then should I stay trapped in this frustrating Martial Alliance forever? Are you crazy?”

“…”

Ga Deuk-Sang stood up.

He looked down at Yeon Ho-Jeong and chuckled.

“We worked pretty well together when we were messing with the Great Families, right?”

“…”

“I look forward to working with you.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had been staring blankly at Ga Deuk-Sang, smiled as if he couldn’t help it.

“Just don’t hold me back.”

“You bastard.”