Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 329

The Darkness Returns (5)

Woong. Woooong.

The Yeon Family Shrine emitted a low moan.

After finishing his meditative breathing for nearly four hours, the Yeon Family Shrine reacted. The healing of his internal injuries was nearing its end.

“It’s already morning.”

He had stayed up all night, but he didn’t feel tired at all. The invigorated Four Divine Energies had activated his internal organs, dispelling his fatigue.

Yeon Ho-Jeong rose from his seat and headed straight for the training grounds of the Myulsa Army.

As he approached the training grounds, he heard Muk Bi’s booming voice.

“North! Kill!”

Chiriririring! Hwaaaak!

The wind screamed at the murderous martial arts of the fifty soldiers.

Although each used different martial arts, the uniformity of their formation was astonishing.

Muk Bi shouted again.

“West! Press!”

Huuuung! Kurururung!

The soldiers all quickly and naturally changed direction.

This was also amazing. Although each had learned different footwork, had different skills, and different inner energy, they moved as one, even in the moment of changing direction and wielding their weapons.

They showed an ideal rhythm through extreme training. Although they hadn’t used it in actual combat yet, their collective combat ability seemed to have increased more than twice as much as before.

‘When did they get this good?’

Yeon Ho-Jeong couldn’t help but be amazed.

He had heard that they had disassembled some of the best formations of the Jegal Family and combined the basics, modifying them to suit the Myulsa Army.

Even if they had been modified to be easy to learn, it was an unbelievably fast achievement considering the time and the differences in abilities among the members.

“Center!”

Chwaruruk!

The Myulsa Army, which had been sweeping in all directions for a while, instantly lined up in the center of the training grounds. It was a natural and clean movement.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled and approached the training grounds.

Muk Bi smacked her lips.

“You’re here?”

“Yeah.”

“You come just as we finish.”

“That’s right. Of course, I didn’t do it on purpose.”

“Hmph.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at the Myulsa Army.

Some of the soldiers looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong with welcoming eyes. But no one opened their mouths. The formation leader had not ordered them to disband.

Muk Bi shouted.

“Disperse.”

As if they had been waiting for it, the soldiers relaxed their postures.

“Commander!”

“Wow! It’s been too long, hasn’t it?”

“Where have you been playing that you’re only coming now?!”

“I’m going to forget your face, I’m going to forget your face.”

The soldiers each expressed their joy and approached Yeon Ho-Jeong.

They were his subordinates whom he was meeting after a long time. A bright smile filled Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face for the first time in a while.

“I’m sorry. I should always be with you, but there have been so many things going on.”

He had joked around, but when they reacted like this, it was embarrassing.

Usually, that’s how it is.

“Of course, you should! You were forgetting your responsibilities!”

“Geez, you must have been eating good stuff behind our backs. Look how chubby your face has gotten.”

“Did you go around beating up the weak ones? You look so healthy.”

Instead of being embarrassed, they went even further. Yeon Ho-Jeong felt even better at the soldiers’ behavior.

“You guys. Do you know how busy I’ve been, running around everywhere? There are so many things to solve… Huh?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong blinked.

“What? Why is that guy here?”

Gang Ryang was leaning against the stone wall at the end of the training grounds. Gang Ryang smiled and waved his hand.

Ok Cheong said.

“We’ve been taking turns sparring with him. Gang Ryang’s swordsmanship is amazing. Thanks to him, we’re getting a lot of help. Of course, it’s helping him too.”

“Oh, sparring?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s smile deepened.

‘That’s a good kid.’

He finds ways to grow on his own. That was much more important than talent.

At that moment, Muk Bi interjected.

“You’ve been neglecting your duties quite a bit, so how about showing us your skills as a commander now?”

“I should.”

“Right now.”

“Right now? How right now?”

The soldiers gave meaningful smiles.

Muk Bi shouted.

“Center!”

Parararak!

The Myulsa Army moved to the end of the training grounds and formed a formation.

They weren’t lined up perfectly in rows. It was a natural formation that looked sloppy at first glance.

But their spirit was extraordinary.

Huuuuuung.

The cold mountain wind seemed to suddenly become hot.

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Muk Bi.

Muk Bi smiled, raising the corners of her mouth.

“There’s no better opponent for our first real battle than our commander, right? How about joining us?”

In the end, Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“I can’t stop you.”

He went up to the training grounds and stood opposite the Myulsa Army. The training grounds were so wide that there was a distance of twenty yards between them.

Muk Bi asked.

“What about the Gwangryong Unit?”

“Do you want to kill the kids?”

Chwarururuk!

A blackish-gray iron chain flowed out from Yeon Ho-Jeong’s sleeve.

“I’ll use this.”

“You’re going to lose.”

“If I lose, it means I’m not good enough. Even if it’s a mock battle like a real one, I can’t cut off the kids’ arms and legs.”

“You’re so considerate. I heard you broke the arm of that Shaolin monk named Beomun or Beomon.”

“I didn’t cut off his arm. So, when are you going to start?”

Muk Bi chuckled.

“East, Stance.”

Chaaaaaang!

The soldiers each drew their weapons.

Their eyes instantly changed.

‘…….’

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face also became serious.

‘Look at these guys?’

The soldiers’ eyes, glaring at him, were full of fighting spirit and intimidation. There was no other emotion visible.

They were not excited, nor were they relaxed. The moment the formation was deployed, they would only face the enemy according to the formation.

That was how they had been trained.

“Good.”

Chuk.

Yeon Ho-Jeong lowered his stance.

“Very good.”

Muk Bi said in a cold voice.

“Direct Attack.”

Paaaaaak!

As soon as Muk Bi’s order fell, the fifty soldiers of the Myulsa Army rushed towards Yeon Ho-Jeong at once.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was about to rush forward, was startled for a moment.

Uuuuuuung!

An invisible energy seemed to penetrate his body, gradually constricting his bones, blood vessels, and muscles.

‘The formation…?!’

It was strong.

Just by forming a formation and rushing forward, an enormous spirit was being emitted. And that spirit was soon becoming an intangible true energy, forming an atmospheric pressure that bound the opponent’s body.

It wasn’t just wielding weapons that was the attack. Their positions, the momentum they emitted with one mind, was another weapon.

There was no need to hold back, and no need to save face.

Weeeeeeeng!

The Yeon Family Shrine rotated at a terrifying speed, emitting a powerful true energy.

Huuuuuung!

The White Tiger Energy, emitted by the momentum of the Yeon Family Shrine and the Dragon Robe Divine Art, roared fiercely.

Keheoeoeong!

It was as if a giant tiger the size of a house was roaring with all its might from somewhere far away. The roar of the tiger king, which spread beyond the training grounds and dozens of yards away, caused shivers.

Yeon Ho-Jeong took a powerful step forward.

Kung!

With a powerful step, his left palm faced forward. It was the Reverse Dragon Palm of the Yeon Family Secret Arts. [A powerful palm technique focused on counterattacks.]

The Reverse Dragon Palm was excellent for attacking, but its true value was revealed when counterattacking. Nevertheless, Yeon Ho-Jeong used the Reverse Dragon Palm because he thought the formation itself was an attack. And his thought was accurate.

Kwarurururung!

The formation and the palm force collided, creating a huge explosion.

It was an explosion louder than thunder. The intense impact slightly reduced the Myulsa Army’s rush speed, and Yeon Ho-Jeong stepped back three steps.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes sharpened.

‘That’s an incredible power.’

It was the energy wave that fifty masters were pouring out as one. It wasn’t even an actual attack, but the Reverse Dragon Palm, which he had put some power into, was pushed back without much force.

If it was this strong with just momentum, how strong would it be if they actually clashed with weapons?

Hwarurururuk!

The pure white gale turned into a crimson flame in an instant.

At the same time, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s body moved at an incredible speed.

Paaaaang!

He advanced, creating red and white flames. It was the Vermilion Bird Art’s Blood Wing Sky Dance. [A movement technique that uses fire energy for speed.]

The atmospheric pressure of the formation was so strong that he couldn’t reach the same speed as before, but it was still as fast as lightning. Yeon Ho-Jeong instantly charged into the front of the Myulsa Army.

He swung his fist powerfully. His footwork was the Vermilion Bird, and his fist technique was the White Tiger’s Tiger King Nine Wall Stance. [A powerful fist technique that uses the energy of a white tiger.]

Yeo Guk, at the front, swung his sword coldly.

Jjeoeoeoeoeong!

‘Hup!’

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s body staggered greatly.

‘What is this?!’

It was a terrifying power.

Intense pain remained on his fist, which was wrapped in the Coiling Dragon Chain. Even though it was a fist armed with the Dragon Robe Divine Art and the White Tiger Energy!

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s body spun fiercely.

Papapapapang!

It was a leg technique to simultaneously check five soldiers. It was the Azure Dragon Art, Azure Dragon Crossing the Sea, a free form, not a practical combat leg technique. [A leg technique that uses the energy of an azure dragon.]

But.

Peopeopeong!

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s body was thrown backward.

The soldiers’ power was so strong. If he had gritted his teeth and put in more power, he could have kicked two of them in the chest, but that would have only resulted in bruises. In return, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s body would have been marked with sword cuts.

‘This can’t be.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong was truly surprised.

‘Just by training in one formation, they can gather and amplify different energies into one?!’

He had never experienced such a formation even during his time as the Dark Emperor.

Of course, it wasn’t a formation that was useful on a battlefield where screams and flesh were rampant. It could somehow block two hundred, no, three hundred enemies, but beyond that, its effectiveness would inevitably decrease.

However, it was a different story for a one-on-many fight.

Muk Bi shouted.

“Slash!!”

Beonjjeok!

The gleams of swords and blades cut through the air.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s body scattered like smoke.

Peobeobeobeobeok!

Dozens of sword marks appeared on the floor of the training grounds.

It was an unbelievable power considering the individual skills of the soldiers. They were amplifying the power of their inner energy, maximizing the power of their explosive force.

‘This is no joke.’

Chwaruruk!

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was floating high in the air, now had the Coiling Dragon Chain held long in his hand.

Muk Bi shouted.

“Sky Strike!!”

Beonjjeok!

Dozens of sword energies and more than ten fist winds poured down on Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Yeon Ho-Jeong quickly rotated the Coiling Dragon Chain.

Peopeopeopeong!

The sword energies and fist winds shattered and scattered like fireworks against the defensive barrier of the Coiling Dragon Chain, which was rotating at an incredible speed.

‘Eek!’

A thick vein bulged on Yeon Ho-Jeong’s forehead.

Even though he had squeezed out the power of the Dragon Robe Divine Art to block it, the impact was transmitted to his entire upper body. Even if his power was increased, there shouldn’t have been much difficulty in blocking it due to the difference in the density of inner energy, but his whole body ached as if it was bruised.

Wheeeeeeeeng!

A pure white gale arose around Yeon Ho-Jeong’s entire body. He had pushed the White Tiger Energy to its extreme.

“I’m really going now.”

Peoeoeoeong!

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s body fell with tremendous speed.

Kwaaang!

It was a Thousand-Kilogram Drop that shook the entire floor of the training grounds. [A powerful technique that uses gravity to increase impact.]

He landed on the ground in an instant and swung the Coiling Dragon Chain again.

Peopeopeopeong! Jjeoeoeong!

The Coiling Dragon Chain was strong.

It swept in all directions as if whipping, and the sound of air bursting was heard even before it reached its target. Its speed and power were beyond imagination.

But it was blocked.

Chiring! Jjeoeong! Jjeojeojeojeong!

The ultimate sword techniques of Mount Hua, Kunlun, and Wudang first blocked the shockwave of the Coiling Dragon Chain. [Famous martial arts sects known for their sword techniques.]

Huuuuuung! Peopeopeopeong!

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s body shook. He had been hit by the palm force and fist wind that had broken through the gaps.

They had missed, but the impact was considerable. If his reaction speed had been just a little slower, his three dantian [Energy centers in the body] would have been shaken. They were precise attacks.

‘Amazing.’

A joyful emotion surfaced on Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face as he attacked the Myulsa Army with the Coiling Dragon Chain and dynamic fists and kicks.

‘They’ve managed to get this far in such a short time…!’

It was then.

Kakakang!!

It was a chilling sound. It was the sound of something breaking through the circular defense of the Coiling Dragon Chain.

Startled, Yeon Ho-Jeong turned around.

Song Yeon-Gyeong’s Demon Subduing Spear, the best practical spear technique of the Emei Sect, and the best among the lay disciples, flew like lightning, aiming for his neck. [A famous martial arts sect known for its spear techniques.]

It was too late to dodge. Yeon Ho-Jeong’s arms twisted like snakes, wrapping around the iron spear.

A powerful explosive force erupted from his hands.

Peoeoeong! Peok!

In the process of deflecting the iron spear, he was hit by three fist winds on his back.

Ulk!

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had spat out blood once, stepped on the White Tiger Overlord Step. [A powerful movement technique that uses the energy of a white tiger.]

Kwaaaang!

“Keuk!”

“T, this!”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had knocked away five soldiers with a tremendous advance, quickly reached the end of the training grounds.

“Hoo.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong wiped the blood from his mouth.

His expression gradually turned to joy.

“This is good!”

Muk Bi, who was smiling as she watched the training grounds from afar, suddenly hardened her expression.

‘Huh?’

Her extremely trained eyes caught Yeon Ho-Jeong’s gaze.

‘What is it?’

A gaze that was gradually turning into a pitch-black darkness.

It was a gaze that she had never seen before, a gaze filled with terrifying madness.

‘……!!’

In an instant, Muk Bi felt goosebumps all over her body. The energy that Yeon Ho-Jeong was emitting was gradually starting to take on a murderous aura.

“Come on, you bastards!”

Paabak!

The Myulsa Army rushed in again at a terrifying speed.

Muk Bi shouted without realizing it.

“Stop!!”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s fist pierced through the air.

Kwarururung!