Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 255

“Brother.”

“It’s been a while.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes widened as he smiled at Moyong Woo.

“I heard at the Bonggong Assembly that you had broken through the Wall of No Seed. To be honest, I was half-doubtful, but you really did break through the Wall of No Seed!” [The Wall of No Seed is a metaphorical barrier representing a significant advancement in martial arts cultivation.]

Moyong Woo lowered his head.

“It’s all thanks to you, Brother. If it weren’t for the Qiankun Martial Arts, how could I have even dared to dream of breaking through the Wall of No Seed?” [Qiankun Martial Arts refers to a specific, powerful martial arts style.]

“You fool, if the Wall of No Seed was a realm that could be overcome simply by the level of martial arts, there would be countless supreme masters in the world.”

Moyong Gun was genuinely pleased.

“Well done. Truly well done. I had faith in you, but I didn’t expect you to develop this quickly. You are indeed my brother.”

There is a big difference between hearing about something and seeing and feeling it for oneself.

Moyong Gun burst into laughter. He was genuinely happy about Moyong Woo’s growth.

Watching Moyong Gun, Moyong Woo felt an indescribable confusion.

‘Brother.’

There was no reason for Yeon Ho-Jeong to lie to him. After all, if he were to tell a lie that would be exposed anyway, he would only lose trust.

If that was the case, then it meant that his brother had really driven an innocent person to their death.

‘Just how far are you planning to go?’

Moyong Gun was not the only high-ranking figure in the martial world who had killed innocent people for their own gain.

In fact, Moyong Gun was a cold-blooded man who had even cast aside his own blood brothers for power. While the youngest, himself, was practically exiled to the Zhejiang branch, the rest of his brothers had either died or met miserable ends.

Moyong Gun was that kind of person. Moyong Woo knew this, and that was why he had planned to drive Moyong Gun out and lead the Moyong family to become a righteous family.

But… to think he would do such a thing again.

‘I was too complacent.’

Moyong Woo gave a bitter smile.

‘I was intoxicated by the brotherly affection I had not been able to enjoy for so long, and I failed to see what I should have seen clearly.’

There was no need to blame Moyong Gun now. He had known from the start that his brother was that kind of person.

‘Now, I will do my part properly, Brother.’

A steely glint appeared in Moyong Woo’s eyes, which had been filled with bitterness.

‘I, too, am ready to step into this muddy fight without hesitation.’

At that moment, Moyong Gun asked,

“Hmm? But why does your expression look so bad? Are you perhaps ill somewhere?”

His brother’s face, looking at him with concern.

A man who would use any means necessary to achieve his goals, and who thought that even ethics and morals were worthless, but who would gladly give his liver and gall to his own people.

Moyong Woo lowered his head. He couldn’t bring himself to look his brother in the eye.

“No, it’s nothing. I was just relieved that you returned safely, Brother.”

“Hahaha! You fool, even if I am a foolish older brother, I am not someone who can be easily defeated anywhere.”

Though he said that, Moyong Gun’s face was full of satisfaction.

Although his daughter was ruined by his meeting with his younger brother, this taciturn brother had become his man.

He had even offered his daughter for the deal with Yang Cheon. He had many people who had joined hands with him, but how many people would genuinely worry about him like this?

That was why he was even more precious.

And that was why he was even more on edge.

‘How could I not know your heartfelt concern? But the nature of a beast like me, who doesn’t even trust his own blood, doesn’t allow me to see your sincerity as purely innocent.’

Moyong Woo would not betray him. He would always believe in him and follow him with all his heart, as he always had.

Still, he would not let his guard down.

What was more frightening than the attacks of the Thirteen Seats of Seongcheon was the betrayal of someone he had trusted. The more Moyong Gun’s trust in Moyong Woo grew, the more he tightened his vigilance towards him.

“Anyway, my brother has broken through the Wall of No Seed and become a peerless master, so how can we not have a celebratory drink? Let’s have a drink for old times’ sake.”

“You must be tired from your journey…”

“Hehehe, no matter how tired I am, how can I just let this moment of vivid joy pass by? Or do you have other matters to attend to?”

“…No, I don’t.”

Moyong Woo smiled.

His confident smile was firmly hardened with genuine affection for his brother and a determination for the greater good.

“Rather, I was the one who wanted to offer you a drink first.”

“Hahaha! Good! Let’s have a drink!”

A little later, the two men sat facing each other at a table with drinks.

Moyong Gun filled Moyong Woo’s cup and said,

“I haven’t looked into it in detail, but from what my people have been saying, the evaluation of the younger generation has completely changed.”

“What do you mean?”

“After the Great Young Master of the Myeong family was imprisoned in the prison, the best of the younger generation in the martial world was reduced to One Dragon and Three Phoenixes. In other words, these four young men and women are recognized as the best young people who will lead the next generation of the martial world.”

Moyong Woo said calmly,

“There is a fallacy in that statement. Isn’t there the Myolsa Commander, who broke through the Wall of No Seed at the youngest age in history?” [Myolsa Commander is a title referring to a high-ranking military position.]

Moyong Gun nodded.

“There is the Byeoksan Tiger General, Yeon Ho-Jeong, the Myolsa Commander. But people are both shocked and wary of Yeon Ho-Jeong’s existence. Someone who is so outstanding that they are out of the norm is bound to receive more jealousy than praise.”

“That’s true.”

He had already experienced it firsthand. Moyong Woo smiled wryly.

Moyong Gun continued in a cheerful tone,

“However, another genius outside the norm has once again shaken the martial world. And that is you.”

“Actually, it’s not something that can be compared to Commander Yeon. The age difference between me and Commander Yeon is…”

“What’s important is that both Yeon Ho-Jeong and you are still bound by the framework of the younger generation.”

A subtle expectation appeared on Moyong Gun’s face.

“When a genius who transcends common sense is born, people tend to be wary and jealous. But when there are multiple geniuses, the world will finally acknowledge them.”

“I see.”

“The Twin Tigers of the Guardian Gods.”

“Yes?”

“They call the Tangma Commander, Moyong Woo, the Qiankun Tiger General, and say that he is the strongest swordsman of the younger generation, and they call the Myolsa Commander, Yeon Ho-Jeong, the Byeoksan Tiger General, and say that he is the strongest warrior of the younger generation.”

“Has such a title already been given?”

“It’s a rumor going around within the Martial Alliance. Since such rumors have started to spread among the members of the Alliance, that great reputation will soon spread throughout the world.”

Moyong Gun burst into hearty laughter again.

“Although it is not right that Yeon Ho-Jeong is standing alongside you in that high position, how can I not be happy that you have become the best in the martial world?”

The Qiankun Tiger General, Moyong Woo.

And the Byeoksan Tiger General, Yeon Ho-Jeong.

The two commanders of the first Yugun unit in the Martial Alliance were now being called the top of the younger generation in the martial world. Moyong Woo felt a strange sense of bewilderment.

“It’s too grand. My martial arts are still inferior to Commander Yeon’s.”

“I know. I know best how outstanding Yeon Ho-Jeong’s martial arts are. But your talent and effort are so outstanding that you will soon be able to gain power that is not inferior to Yeon Ho-Jeong’s.”

“…I must.”

“Also, people tend to see only what they want to see. Although your martial arts are said to be a step below Yeon Ho-Jeong’s, you are already being grouped together as the same level. In the end, people will consider you two to be equals.”

Moyong Woo shook his head.

“Regardless of how people see me, what is lacking is lacking. I have no choice but to keep striving and striving.”

“That’s the right mindset. But you also know that rumors and reputations can become deadly weapons depending on how they are used.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes sparkled.

“The Martial Alliance Leader election will be held next year.”

“… !”

“At such a time, you have become famous as the strongest of the younger generation, so wouldn’t I be able to benefit from you as well?”

Moyong Woo smiled.

“If my reputation is helpful to you, Brother, that is enough for me.”

“Kuhahaha! You fool, that’s just what I’m saying. It will be a great help to me and the main family, but in the end, it will be the best thing for you.”

Moyong Gun nodded with a satisfied look on his face.

“You’ve worked hard. You’ve really worked hard. I’m proud of you.”

“…Thank you.”

Moyong Woo knew. If he had not shown sufficient ability, his brother would never have cherished him.

‘Proud’? It was an evaluation so grateful that it sent shivers down his spine.

However, Moyong Woo was no longer swayed by Moyong Gun’s sincere praise and satisfied expression.

“Brother.”

“Speak.”

“Now that you have returned, the Martial Alliance will be shaken once again.”

“Hehehe, if the Alliance is shaken by my mere existence, then that is something to be proud of.”

“Moreover, as you said, the Martial Alliance Leader election will begin next year.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes sparkled.

“So?”

“I don’t know the details, but I know that you have made many preparations for the Alliance Leader election.”

“Of course, I have.”

Moyong Woo said with a serious face,

“Now, shouldn’t I also start earning my keep in earnest?”

“What do you mean?”

“Give me any task. Whatever it may be, at least I will not tarnish your reputation, Brother.”

Moyong Woo had finally made up his mind to step into the muddy fight.

Feeling his younger brother’s determination vividly, Moyong Gun’s heart was even more filled with pride.

“I do have a task I want to entrust to you.”

* * *

Swoosh!

The speed at which the heavy greatsword cut through the air was extremely fast.

It was a swordsmanship that even felt light and cheerful. It was not a technique that released sword energy by channeling internal energy or a set of moves bound by a certain framework, but it was showing a terrifying sword style with just its speed and weight.

‘It’s not enough.’

Anxiety arose on Gang Ryang’s face.

‘I don’t know what it is, but it’s still not enough.’

After entering the Martial Alliance, he had been holed up in his residence for a whole day.

It was because he was extremely nervous. No matter how close he was to the high-ranking officials of the Alliance, he was a member of the most prestigious family of the Black Path. [Black Path refers to a group or faction known for their morally questionable practices.]

And now, he had entered the core of an organization that he had considered an enemy his entire life, in other words, enemy territory. It was inevitable that his mind would be complicated.

But that was only for a moment.

Gang Ryang was a naturally active person. He was not so timid that he would just tremble and swallow his saliva because he was nervous.

In the end, what he chose was martial arts.

‘He was different.’

The most impressive martial art he had seen recently was undoubtedly Yeon Ho-Jeong’s martial arts.

It was far more impressive than Pae Yul, who used the same swordsmanship. It was not just because of the difference in the level of martial arts.

‘He is a person who has mastered the eternal secret arts. But even without using techniques, he dominated the battlefield by killing or pushing back enemies by wielding an axe at the right time.’

Gang Ryang’s face turned red.

It seemed that it was not just because his body was tired.

‘That guy was dominating the fight even though his physical condition was not normal.’

He was not a swordsman. But he wanted to be like him.

That decisiveness, the perfect understanding of weapons, and the ultimate insight into how to dominate a fight.

Yeon Ho-Jeong was a much greater fighter, warrior, and at the same time, a soldier than Gang Ryang had thought.

Thud!

The thick blade of the sword split a rather thick tree in half.

Gang Ryang sighed.

“You fool. Don’t chop it like an axe, cut it and split it.”

It was a criticism towards himself. Gang Ryang smacked his lips.

‘I didn’t concentrate properly. But that is also part of my skill. There’s no need to make excuses.’

Gang Ryang took a deep breath and took his stance again. This time, he was going to concentrate properly.

It was then.

“How is it, Father?”

“Hmm.”

“Isn’t it quite good?”

“It’s not just quite good.”

“Is that so?”

“You are too harsh when evaluating people. There are many talented people among the younger generation in the Alliance, but it is hard to find someone with such a solid foundation as that young man.”

Gang Ryang was startled and looked to the side.

Yeon Ho-Jeong and Yeon Wi were standing there.

“Huh! You, you?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong scratched his head.

“He’s a bit of a fool.”

“You fool, what are you saying to his face?”

Yeon Wi, who lightly scolded Yeon Ho-Jeong, moved his steps with an intrigued face.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Ho-Jeong’s father.”

“…Y-yes?”

“I am Yeon Wi, the head of the Byeoksan Yeon family of this generation.”

Gang Ryang’s face turned pale.