Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 308

“It’s a relief the snow stopped.”

“Indeed.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong watched Muk Bi’s gait as they walked side by side.

Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s height had already surpassed Muk Bi’s. But now, Muk Bi was a full head taller than Yeon Ji-Pyeong.

The reason wasn’t anything special.

“Noona, you’re truly amazing.”

“Huh? What is?”

“To naturally use the ‘Treading Snow Without a Trace’ technique? It’s a level I can’t even imagine reaching.”

That was right.

Due to the heavy snowfall last night, the entire Daebyeol Mountain had turned into a snowfield. The paths people used were somewhat cleared by the martial artists, but the Martial Alliance itself was so vast that less than thirty percent had been cleared.

Yeon Ji-Pyeong was trudging through the snow, while Muk Bi was walking naturally on top of the accumulated snow.

Her feet weren’t sinking into the snow at all. It was a movement technique that was hard to believe even when seen with one’s own eyes.

Muk Bi smacked her lips.

“I’m confident in my movement techniques. However, I’m a bit worried that only my movement techniques seem to be improving these days.”

“How difficult is it to improve even one martial art to that extent?”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong clicked his tongue.

It was said that when lightness skill reached its peak, one could run on water (Water Surface Flight), walk on snow without leaving a trace (Treading Snow Without a Trace), and step on grass and move forward (Grass Surface Flight).

Beyond that extreme level, when the level of lightness skill reached the realm of the divine, even stepping on air (Void Stepping) was possible.

Not just Void Stepping that allowed for momentary flight or gliding by creating shockwaves in the air, but true Void Stepping where one could move without touching the ground. It was also called Land Flight Technique.

In Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s eyes, Muk Bi seemed capable of using true Void Stepping within ten years. It was a level where she deserved to be called the best in the world, at least in terms of movement techniques.

‘To unconsciously use Treading Snow Without a Trace…’

With his current abilities, even with extreme concentration and all his inner energy, Yeon Ji-Pyeong couldn’t properly use Treading Snow Without a Trace. It was an indication of how terrifying Muk Bi’s movement technique level was.

“I saw your hyung’s movement techniques before, and they were also at a great level.”

Muk Bi chuckled.

“Young Master Yeon is skilled in many areas.”

“Still, I don’t think I can compare to Noona when it comes to movement techniques.”

“That’s not wrong. But if we were to fight, I’d lose, right?”

“Huh?”

“If we fought in an open area, my chances of winning would be quite high, but if we fought in a forest or an urban area, I’d almost certainly lose.”

“Why do you think so? Of course, your hyung’s level is high, but…”

“When it comes to combat, the adaptability that Young Master Yeon shows is worthy of being called the best in the world. The more complex the surrounding situation, the more obstacles there are, the more advantageous it is for Young Master Yeon.”

“I-Is that so?”

“He’s so skilled in unconventional methods. If we were to only consider his combat skills in a chaotic battle, he’d be beyond the best in the world, even when considering the past and present.”

The public’s evaluation of Yeon Ho-Jeong was strangely low.

Of course, being called the best of the younger generation was not low in itself, but he was being undervalued compared to his abilities. This was because Yeon Ho-Jeong’s rough personality was particularly emphasized.

Muk Bi was one of the few people who could accurately see through Yeon Ho-Jeong’s martial arts level.

Yeon Ji-Pyeong smiled.

“Hyung has become a truly amazing martial artist.”

Muk Bi, who was staring at Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s face, secretly chuckled.

‘It’s really not easy to be like this.’

No matter how close they were, it was human nature to feel jealous if the other person was superior.

Surprisingly, there was no sign of such feelings on Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s face. It wasn’t a feigned expression, but he was genuinely happy about Yeon Ho-Jeong’s excellence.

“Aren’t you upset?”

“Huh? About what?”

“Even though he’s your hyung, isn’t he too outstanding? Don’t you feel like he’s gone too far ahead, to the point where you can’t even catch up?”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong burst into laughter without realizing it.

“Isn’t it better for a hyung to be more outstanding than his younger brother? I hope my hyung becomes the strongest in the world, someone who can’t be compared to anyone.”

“Oh ho.”

“Of course, I also have to work hard to become a younger brother who doesn’t fall behind my hyung’s reputation.”

Muk Bi shook her head.

“Are you satisfied with that?”

“I am satisfied?”

“…”

“That doesn’t mean I’ll limit my growth while being mindful of my hyung. That would be an insult to my hyung. Well, even if I run with all my might, I wonder if I can even reach my hyung’s feet.”

A few years ago, the two had resolved their past resentments with Yeon Ho-Jeong’s apology.

It was the moment Yeon Ho-Jeong changed, and it was also the point where Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s development gained momentum. Although they had parted ways not long after forming a deep friendship, Yeon Ji-Pyeong had carried that friendship with him until now.

Furthermore, his father and hyung had entered the Martial Alliance and were raising the family’s reputation. From Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s perspective, he had no choice but to work hard, shedding blood and sweat, so as not to become a hindrance to his father and hyung.

‘So that’s why he knows.’

Muk Bi smiled.

‘Both Father and Young Master Yeon have purely celebrated Ji-Pyeong’s growth. For Ji-Pyeong, that praise must be the best reward for the hardships of the past three years.’

In many ways, they were a truly remarkable family. In some ways, they were ideal, and in other ways, they showed aspects that were difficult to understand.

However, Muk Bi liked the strong affection of the Yeon family. Although it was unlikely, she only hoped that this affection would not waver for the rest of their lives.

“Anyway, shall we pick up the pace? At this rate, the food will get cold.”

“Let’s do that.”

The reason the two went to the cafeteria early in the morning was to pack delicious food. Yeon Ho-Jeong’s energy circulation had been going on for so long that they thought he might get hungry.

The two kicked off the ground.

Thwack!

When Yeon Ji-Pyeong kicked off the ground, a huge amount of snow scattered.

On the other hand, only extremely minute traces were left on the ground where Muk Bi kicked off. There was that much difference in their lightness skills.

How long had they been running?

‘Huh?’

Muk Bi’s eyes sharpened.

‘A shockwave?’

It wasn’t a strong shockwave. However, a low and dull vibration was faintly felt, shaking the air.

Soon after, Yeon Ji-Pyeong also felt an unusual flow of air.

“Noona?”

“It’s been like that since a while ago.”

Muk Bi’s face hardened.

“This subtle energy being transmitted… it’s definitely Father’s true energy.”

“Yes. And Hyung’s energy too.”

“Huh? Really?”

“Yes?”

Muk Bi couldn’t sense Yeon Ho-Jeong’s energy. But Yeon Ji-Pyeong felt Yeon Ho-Jeong’s energy.

It was proof that his sensitivity to energy was exceptionally high. Although he was inferior to Muk Bi in reading the overall flow due to the difference in skill, he was superior to Muk Bi in terms of subtlety.

“Shall we go for now?”

“Okay.”

Whoosh!

The two increased their speed.

After half a quarter, the gate of the Pagun Pavilion came into view.

Woo woo woo!

The closer they got to the Pagun Pavilion, the lower and more intense the vibration became.

Shortly after.

Boom!

The two’s eyes widened.

Inside the gate, beyond the wall, they saw snow exploding. The snow piled up against the wall had burst due to the shockwave.

‘A duel?!’

In an instant, Muk Bi sensed an unusual fighting spirit.

She suddenly grabbed Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s collar.

Boom!

Muk Bi, carrying Yeon Ji-Pyeong, soared with tremendous force and landed on the roof of one of the Pagun Pavilion buildings in an instant.

Yeon Ji-Pyeong, who was once again amazed by her incredible lightness skill, lowered his head at the swirling aftermath of the energy below.

And there.

The two people Yeon Ji-Pyeong trusted and followed the most were engaged in a brutal brawl.

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

Yeon-wi’s longsword mercilessly cut through the air.

Slash! Slash slash slash! Slash slash!

It seemed as if even the external energy that Yeon Ho-Jeong was emitting was being cut along with the air.

It was a series of fierce slashes that were unlike the usual Yeon-wi. The continuous strikes were so sharp that if they were imbued with sword energy at its peak, they could split a three-story building.

Thwack thwack thwack!

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s footwork, which was dodging Yeon-wi’s sword, was exquisite. He didn’t counterattack but dodged by a hair’s breadth. He didn’t retreat either. As if aiming for close combat, he continued to delve into the brutal battlefield where his limbs could be severed with the slightest mistake.

In that moment, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes flashed.

Woo woo woo!

The air trembled fiercely.

It was as if a sick beast was letting out a low cry. It was a strange sonic wave emanating from the hand axe that Yeon Ho-Jeong was wielding.

Clang!

The first collision sound was heard.

It wasn’t the sound of a sword and axe colliding. It was the sound of the true energy created by Yeon Ho-Jeong’s vibrating strike and Yeon-wi’s extremely violent strike colliding.

Screech.

The two stepped back three or four steps. They couldn’t withstand the shockwave.

Muk Bi’s eyes shook.

‘They’re evenly matched?!’

It was a power of equal strength.

Regardless of the difference in inner energy or enlightenment, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s power itself was not inferior to Yeon-wi’s. Considering the orthodox inner energy that Yeon-wi had accumulated over the years, it was truly astonishing.

Whoosh!

Yeon Ho-Jeong charged again.

Thud!

Yeon-wi also aggressively charged towards Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Even in a duel that was like a real battle, Yeon-wi always received or dodged Yeon Ho-Jeong’s attacks and led the fight. It wasn’t that he was going easy on his son, but that process was a characteristic of the martial arts that Yeon-wi used.

But not now. He was wielding footwork and swordsmanship that were almost violent without restraint, and he even overwhelmed Yeon Ho-Jeong’s ferocity.

Clang clang clang clang clang!

Even though the weapons didn’t collide, a tremendous metallic sound erupted.

Yeon Ho-Jeong hesitated. Even if he wasn’t being pushed back in terms of power, his opponent was Yeon-wi. No matter how rough the sword strikes were, they contained the profound sword intent that had been honed and mastered throughout his life.

If he were to attack with all his might, he could unleash an attack power greater than Yeon Ho-Jeong’s. That was Yeon-wi, the martial arts of a sword master who had reached the pinnacle of the middle way and was versed in all martial arts.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s hand axe was swung at a terrifying speed.

Clang clang clang! Bang! Crash!

Now, explosions were also erupting. The two’s weapons had finally begun to collide. It was a brutal close combat where lives could be lost with even a hair’s breadth of a sword strike or a half-inch of an axe swing.

Clang! Boom!

Yeon Ho-Jeong retreated more than ten steps. He had been countered by Yeon-wi’s Half-Dragon Palm.

Yeon-wi, who was about to immediately approach and launch a slash, quickly turned his body at the subtle energy wave he suddenly felt.

Crash!

The hand axe, which flew like an arrow from Muk Bi, was embedded in the wall. If Yeon-wi hadn’t sensed that energy wave in time, the axe would have pierced his upper body.

Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s mouth dropped open. Muk Bi also swallowed hard.

The murderous duel between Yeon-wi and Yeon Ho-Jeong. The two were momentarily speechless at the brutal battle that was unimaginable as a father-son match.

“Hoo. Hoo.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s breathing gradually became rough.

“Hah.”

Yeon-wi took a short breath and raised his sword to the middle stance.

“A flying sword from there. Truly like you.”

“As expected of Father. To read that and dodge it.”

The two looked at each other and smiled briefly.

Their eyes were burning red. Like father, like son, their murderous eyes were too similar.