Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 314

“How is it?”

“It is very good.”

“Haha, I’m glad you like it.”

Grand Master Gong Gong, with a hearty laugh, sat across from a large monk in his mid-thirties, who was sipping tea.

Gong Gong’s face was filled with admiration.

“You cast aside your position as an Arhat [a Buddhist saint] and entered seclusion for five years. Your efforts have truly borne fruit. You are more than qualified to be the next Head of the Arhat Hall.”

The monk, Beomoh, shook his head.

“I have no interest in the position of Head of the Arhat Hall. I only wish to consistently test my martial skills; that is enough for me.”

Gong Gong clicked his tongue.

“The Buddhist path does not discriminate between literary and martial arts. I had hoped that your competitive spirit would have calmed through your training, but it seems even stronger than before your seclusion.”

“Haha.”

Beomoh smiled.

“Having devoted myself to Buddhism, I believe that one day, my competitive spirit will be tempered under the Buddha’s mercy.”

“Tsk, nonsense. Before relying on Buddhism, you must first tame that fiery heart of yours.”

“I will. I am aware of it.”

Gong Gong shook his head.

“Having inherited your master’s lineage, I understand your rough nature. However, conflict always brings misfortune. I trust you will know what to do, but you must always lower your head and strive to see the lives of suffering beings first.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

After gaining fame as the sun of the martial world, Shaolin had thrown itself into countless disputes.

It wasn’t because Shaolin Temple was greedy for worldly desires. Most of the disputes were to punish evil, and that was why Shaolin’s name had lasted for a thousand years.

However, such years of trials had brought great changes to Shaolin.

As long as Shaolin had a foot in the world, martial arts capable of resolving worldly disputes were essential. If they abandoned the invasion of outsiders and the conversion of evil, citing the teachings of Buddha, more beings would suffer.

That was the reason for the birth of the Arhat Hall, the symbol of Shaolin martial arts. And the Head of the Arhat Hall was a martial monk who represented Shaolin’s martial prowess.

Of course, there were many martial monks whose actual martial arts were stronger than the Head of the Arhat Hall. Nevertheless, the position of Head of the Arhat Hall was significant because it represented the will of Shaolin.

From a young age, Beomoh was born with martial talent, surpassing not only his fellow disciples but also the levels of his senior brothers.

It was truly astonishing. Shaolin’s martial arts were based on a deep understanding of Buddhism, beyond mere talent.

In other words, Beomoh was not just a martial brute. With his outstanding intellect and deep understanding of Buddhist law, he was the hope of Shaolin and was slated to become the next abbot.

However, heaven does not bestow everything upon one person.

Beomoh had an exceptional talent for Shaolin martial arts, but his competitive spirit was too strong.

That fiery competitive spirit did not diminish even as he grew older, and eventually, the consensus was to have him take charge of the Arhat Hall before becoming the next abbot.

And now, after five years of seclusion.

Beomoh had built up martial power sufficient to become the Head of the Arhat Hall, but he still had not abandoned his fiery competitive spirit.

“A competitive spirit is not something that can be easily controlled. Your martial talent is undoubtedly outstanding, but there are many talents in the world who are equal to or surpass you.”

Beomoh smiled faintly.

“Is that so?”

Gong Gong could tell from that smile that Beomoh did not acknowledge his words.

Gong Gong clicked his tongue.

“A competitive spirit is something anyone who has mastered martial arts can possess. But arrogance is different. Perhaps your five years of seclusion were not a success but a failure.”

Beomoh’s expression changed.

Although the abbot, his uncle, always criticized him for understanding Buddhism but lacking Buddhist faith, he had never heard such a scolding.

Beomoh lowered his head.

“This disciple was foolish. I will reflect on my actions.”

Beomoh was at least honest. Gong Gong read sincerity in Beomoh’s apology.

Gong Gong nodded and said,

“There are many opponents in the world who can quell your competitive spirit. But only you can quell your arrogance. Keep that in mind.”

“I will, Abbot Uncle.”

“Very well.”

The two of them chatted for a while.

“Hmm.”

Beomoh’s eyes also changed.

“This energy…?”

Gong Gong smacked his lips.

“He’s emitting his aura without restraint. I know his nature, but he is truly unbridled.”

“Who is it?”

“Can’t you feel it? The suffocating poison within this pure sharpness?”

“Then…?”

“Yes. It seems the head of the Tang Family has business with me. And…”

Gong Gong’s expression became strange.

“This is a strange combination. The head of the Tang Family and the head of the Extinction Army together?”

“Yes?”

“It seems you can’t feel it.”

“…?”

“Well, it’s understandable. It seems your martial arts have grown again while I haven’t seen you. Truly amazing. The Yeon Family Head must be smiling from ear to ear.”

“Are you referring to the Yeon Family Head?”

“I’m talking about the Great Judge of the Gangdong First Family, the Byeoksan Yeon Family. His eldest son is coming with the Tang Family Head.”

Beomoh’s face showed surprise.

“Are you saying the Tang Family Head is not coming alone?”

“He’s even coming before the Tang Family Head.”

Beomoh was shocked.

Even though Tang Gwan’s aura was intense, it was shocking that he had not sensed the aura of another person ahead of him.

‘The eldest son of the Yeon Family Head?’

Moreover, judging from what the Abbot Uncle said, he didn’t seem that old. Since the Yeon Family Head was not yet fifty, his eldest son would be at most around thirty.

‘But how?!’

Shaolin’s martial arts were absolute. The sect of the Fist God, Mu Heo, who was closest to the strongest in the world along with the Sword Immortal among the current Ten Three Seats of Heaven, was Shaolin.

Although his martial arts did not reach the level of his grandmaster, Mu Heo, or his uncle, Gong Gong, he had still reached a certain level by mastering Shaolin’s orthodox martial arts.

Yet, he didn’t know. He couldn’t sense the aura at all.

‘Unbelievable!’

A moment later.

“Abbot Master. The Tang Family Head and the Extinction Army Commander request an audience. What shall we do?”

“Bring them in.”

“Understood.”

Creak.

The door opened, and Tang Gwan and Yeon Ho-Jeong appeared.

Gong Gong smiled and greeted the two.

“Haha, welcome.”

Tang Gwan gave a short bow.

“We have come without prior notice.”

Even Tang Gwan, the head of the Tang Family, had to observe some formalities before Gong Gong.

It wasn’t just because it was Shaolin. Although they had clashed over various matters, Gong Gong was ‘the real deal.’ Among the many figures in the Alliance, he was one of the few people Tang Gwan truly respected.

Yeon Ho-Jeong also bowed respectfully.

“Master.”

“It’s been a while, Commander Yeon.”

“Indeed.”

Sincere admiration was evident on Gong Gong’s face.

“How much more are you going to surprise people?”

“Yes?”

“I had a brief exchange with you before the combined forces of the Tangma Extinction Army set out. The martial arts you showed then were also extremely outstanding. But now, it seems you have improved much more than that.”

“You flatter me.”

“It’s not flattery. If you have improved so much in about half a year, then your talent is truly heaven-sent.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled wryly.

“I’ve only had a small realization. And my father’s help was also significant.”

“Haha, the Yeon I know is naturally strong and unyielding. Yet, you are not arrogant. Your strict attitude towards yourself is as admirable as your insatiable nature. It is an example for all martial artists in the world.”

Gong Gong praised Yeon Ho-Jeong more than necessary. It was because he hoped that Beomoh, who was right next to him, would hear and learn something.

“I’ve been talking too much. Please, sit down.”

“Understood.”

Tang Gwan and Yeon Ho-Jeong sat opposite Gong Gong.

Even after entering the room, the two did not even glance at Beomoh. They knew he was quite strong, but they didn’t think he was extraordinary enough to keep paying attention to.

Beomoh’s eyes shone brightly.

He was shocked by sensing the auras of the two. But what bothered him more was the fact that these two were truly not interested in him.

‘……’

An unknown emotion crept up. His fist, hidden under his robe, tightened.

Gong Gong asked with a puzzled face,

“So, what brings you two to this old monk’s abode without prior notice?”

Tang Gwan glanced at Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“This impudent fellow told me to come with him to the Master’s residence.”

“Oh?”

“When I asked why, he said he would tell me when we arrived. I don’t know why this fellow came to see the Master either.”

Gong Gong turned his gaze to Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“Commander Yeon?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“Master.”

“Speak.”

“I’ll get straight to the point.”

“Go ahead.”

“Will you be abstaining from this year’s Alliance Leader election?”

Not only Tang Gwan but also Beomoh were startled.

Gong Gong smiled faintly.

“You’re bringing up a very sensitive topic. I should say it’s just like you.”

“I apologize for asking such a rude question without prior notice.”

“Hahaha.”

Gong Gong stroked his beard. He was known as the owner of a diamond-like composure, but Yeon Ho-Jeong’s question was too important to answer carelessly.

“Before I answer, I have a question for you as well.”

“Yes.”

“I’ve heard that there are three candidates running for the election. Of course, the military advisor did not tell me the personal details of those candidates.”

“That’s fair handling.”

“But I can make predictions. I’m a bit unsure about the last one.”

“I thought you would.”

Gong Gong looked at Tang Gwan.

“Are you backing the Tang Family Head?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“I’m not a sponsor, but it seems I’ll also be riding the tide.”

The meaning of those words was clear.

That Tang Gwan would be running as a candidate in the election. And that although Yeon Ho-Jeong was not Tang Gwan’s sponsor, he would be acting as one.

Gong Gong closed his eyes.

“I see. The Yeon Family Head has become the Tang Family Head’s sponsor.”

“Your insight is truly amazing, Master.”

“Haha, what insight? Anyone can deduce that by looking at the situation.”

“I also learned from your words. I was curious who the other person was, but it seems it’s not you, Master.”

“Hahaha.”

He was truly a slippery fellow.

Gong Gong asked with a constant smile,

“So, I know that the Yeon Family Head is sponsoring the Tang Family Head. In fact, everyone will know that once the election starts, so knowing it beforehand won’t change anything.”

“It might, or it might not.”

“So, you want to know whether I will participate in the election?”

“That’s correct.”

“I have no intention of doing so.”

“I thought you wouldn’t.”

“But why are you asking?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face became serious.

“I was hoping to get some help in making the Tang Family Head the Vice Alliance Leader.”