Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 34

“So, you’re telling me to take him down?”

“That’s the result, yes.”

“What a load of crap. You’re using me to cut that bastard’s throat; anyone can see it’s a blatant case of using a borrowed knife to kill someone.”

“So, you’re just going to let him be?”

“…….”

“That guy is trash. Just like you said.”

“You’re trash too. If it weren’t for you…”

“If it weren’t for me, you’d still be wallowing in defeat, chewing on your collar.”

“Shut up.”

“Your family is known for settling debts. You have a grudge against him, and I’m willing to give you information. Isn’t it simple?”

“…….”

“What will you do?”

“……Get lost.”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Just one question.”

“What is it?”

“What grudge do you have against him?”

“I don’t have any grudges.”

“That’s a lie that wouldn’t fool a dog. I can see the killing intent in your eyes. You clearly hate him. Intensely.”

“I’ll contact you when he leaves. Whether you do it or not is your choice. Do as you see fit.”

“Hah! What makes you think I’d believe you? To me, you’re just as much of a moron as he is.”

“The Tang family’s pride is said to be second to none.”

“You sly bastard.”

“Don’t forget. Good opportunities are always realized to be good only after they’ve passed.”

* * *

“Ugh! This is no joke, is it?”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong was practically dying. He was experiencing a hangover for the first time in his life. Judging by his staggering form, even getting up seemed like a struggle.

Yeon Ho-Jeong clicked his tongue.

“Circulate your energy. You’ll feel better.”

When one’s internal energy reaches a certain level, they can expel alcohol from their system on the spot. However, that was still beyond Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s capabilities.

“Yesterday, Dae-Ho hyung said that using internal energy to control one’s stomach isn’t something a drunkard should do, though?”

“So, are you a martial artist or a drunkard?”

“I’ll circulate my energy.”

“Good.”

After circulating his energy for half an hour, Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s face showed a considerable amount of vitality.

“I definitely feel better.”

“Want to get something to eat?”

“I do, but… I’m not sure I can put anything in my stomach yet.”

“Then let’s slowly get ready.”

“Ready? For what?”

“To go home.”

Come to think of it, Yeon Ho-Jeong was dressed in neat attire. It seemed he had already finished all his preparations.

Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s eyes widened.

“We’re not disbanding together?”

“We’ve shared enough camaraderie. Now, we should return to our own lives and do what we’re supposed to do. If we get hungry on the way, we can stop at a suitable place.”

“Ah…”

“The Chang-Eung unit is also ready.”

“Th-then, let’s at least say goodbye before we go.”

“We should.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong quickly changed his clothes. Perhaps he hadn’t expected to leave so soon? His disappointment was evident.

Normally, Yeon Ho-Jeong would have given Yeon Ji-Pyeong time, but this time, Yeon Ho-Jeong was firm.

‘I’ve found a clue.’

There was no need to stick around with Myeong Ho-Rim any longer. The Myeong family’s martial arts were of the same type as the attackers’.

‘I wonder when I’ll get a call.’

Ga Deuk-Sang’s abilities were outstanding. Both during his time as the head of the Yongdu group and now as a freelancer. In fact, with fewer responsibilities, his work might be even faster.

Until then, he would return to his family and make thorough preparations. Even just his martial arts had many areas that needed improvement.

‘I hope it comes soon.’

With that, Yeon Ho-Jeong led the Chang-Eung unit towards the outer compound.

“Huk! Yeon hyung! You’re leaving already? No, at least have breakfast with us!”

Having become close with Yeon Ji-Pyeong, he was now also cozying up to Yeon Ho-Jeong.

However, the disappointment on Peng Dae-Ho’s face was genuine. Peng Man-Ho felt the same way. They seemed to have very honest personalities.

Yeon Ho-Jeong said,

“If fate allows, we’ll meet again someday, won’t we?”

“Keuh! You’re being so cold. Don’t be like that, let’s have a drink at a nearby tavern after this is over. You said you’d buy us all a drink, Yeon hyung!”

“I’m sorry. I’m busy with work.”

“Huh.”

Peng Dae-Ho smacked his lips. There was no way to hold onto someone who said they were busy.

Peng Man-Ho revealed his shoulder with a serious expression.

“The bruises haven’t faded yet. Please give me a chance to get revenge later.”

“Of course.”

“Heh heh.”

Peng Dae-Ho patted Peng Man-Ho’s shoulder. Peng Man-Ho let out a scream as he tumbled to the ground.

“Oh, sorry.”

What a cheerful pair of brothers.

At that moment, the Jeagal siblings came running with Yeon Ji-Pyeong from afar.

“Huk huk! Wh-what? You’re leaving already?”

“Yes.”

“Why?! Stay until lunch and leave together!”

“Our paths diverge from the Jeagal family anyway.”

What a cold guy.

Disappointment was written all over Jeagal Ayeon’s face. Jeagal Jun felt the same way.

“Yeon hyungnim. Then, how about we stay for just an hour and leave together? Let’s just have lunch together.”

Jeagal Jun, who didn’t talk much, spoke up for once.

Jeagal Jun was strangely wary of Yeon Ho-Jeong. But after seeing him fight a few times, he also admired him. In terms of personal disappointment, it was probably as big as Jeagal Ayeon’s.

Yeon Ho-Jeong stroked Jeagal Jun’s head.

Jeagal Jun’s eyes widened.

“Come visit Gangso sometime. I’ll show you around.”

“Y-yes?”

“Except for your sister.”

Jeagal Ayeon yelled.

“Why exclude me?!”

“You’re too loud.”

“Ugh.”

Jeagal Ayeon, trembling, said with a regretful voice.

“Do you really have to go?”

“I have things to do.”

His face was still indifferent. However, Jeagal Ayeon read the seriousness and urgency lurking behind his expression.

“…Okay, I guess there’s no helping it.”

After hesitating for a moment, Jeagal Ayeon sighed and took out a silk pouch from her bosom.

“Here, take this.”

“What is it?”

“Just take it.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong took the pouch with a reluctant expression. Anyone would think he was receiving garbage.

“It’s the main family’s Myungma token.”

“Myungma token?”

Jeagal Ayeon whispered.

“The main family recently started a weapons-related business. There’s a branch in the southeastern part of Anhui. There’s a map inside, so if you ever have to go, check it out.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes flashed.

“Why are you giving this to me?”

“Do you think my eyes are just holes? The spear technique isn’t your real martial art, is it?”

She had somehow figured it out. She certainly had a keen eye.

“I don’t know what your main weapon is, but if you have time, go check it out. They said the weapons they brought in this summer are all in great condition.”

“Is it okay to give me something like this?”

“Thanks to you, the eldest daughter and son of the Jeagal family survived. This is a bargain. If my father knew, he’d probably give you a thousand gold.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong put the pouch in his bosom.

“Thank you.”

Jeagal Ayeon smiled.

“See you later.”

“No need.”

“Next time we meet, please do something about that way of speaking.”

It was then.

“Yeon hyung! Farewell!”

“Pyeong-ah! I’ll visit Gangso later! See you again!”

“Come visit our house. I’ll give you a whole jug of wine.”

Behind the Peng brothers and the Jeagal siblings, numerous junior disciples waved their hands.

Few people were looking at Yeon Ho-Jeong. Most of them were sad to see Yeon Ji-Pyeong leave. It seemed he had made a big impression at the drinking party yesterday.

Yeon Ji-Pyeong waved his hand with a bright face.

“See you later!”

He was disappointed, but he didn’t show it. Since they had built a friendship, they could see each other again anytime.

A smile spread across Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face.

‘Good.’

Yeon Ji-Pyeong had charm. Those proud junior disciples wouldn’t have just found him cute because he was young.

Yeon Ho-Jeong sincerely hoped that he would nurture his charm as a person.

The Yeon brothers turned their backs.

Jeagal Ayeon looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong’s back with a regretful expression. Although she had said those words, seeing him actually leave made her keep looking back.

It was then.

“He was quite an amazing person, wasn’t he, unnie?”

Jeagal Ayeon turned her head.

“Ah, Yeon-Hwa.”

It was Moyong Yeon-Hwa. She had a calm demeanor that was different from Jeagal Ayeon’s.

“I think I understand how the Byeoksan Yeon family became one of the Seven Great Families in such a short time.”

“I know, right.”

Moyong Yeon-Hwa also watched the Yeon brothers as they moved away.

Unlike the junior disciples who were filled with pure goodwill and regret, her eyes held a meaningful light.

‘Will we meet again?’

Although she was young, she participated in important family matters without fail.

It wasn’t because she was the daughter of the family head. It was because she had proven her abilities.

‘Either way, it’s a family that the main family has to swallow, so there’s no need to dwell on it.’

She knew that her father had proposed a business deal to the Yeon family.

If the Yeon family head accepted it, they might see each other again. But if he refused… it would probably be difficult to see them again.

‘Whether we do business together or not, the Yeon family’s future is set.’

Moyong Yeon-Hwa glanced at the tall building in the inner compound.

It was Myeong Ho-Rim’s residence.

“They’re leaving.”

Namgoong Hyeon’s eyes, as he looked down at the outer compound from the window, were cold.

“Jin-Gok.”

“Yes, young master.”

“Send a letter.”

“…Understood.”

Namgoong Hyeon gave a twisted smile. It was a bizarre smile that he had never shown to anyone, not even his family.

“You messed with the wrong person, Yeon Ho-Jeong.”

At that moment, Yeon Ho-Jeong turned his head.

‘……?!’

Namgoong Hyeon flinched.

It was difficult to discern his expression from that distance. However, it was clear that Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes were directed right at him.

Namgoong Hyeon’s face contorted.

“I don’t even want to see that bastard’s face!”

He roughly left his seat.

* * *

The group, having left Hefei, set their course for Chaohu Lake. They planned to have a meal there and then take a boat straight to Gangso.

The road to Chaohu Lake wasn’t that far.

Or rather, it didn’t feel that far.

“Huk! Huk!”

“Hoo, are you alright?”

“N-no, I’m not alright.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong was panting continuously. Even he, whose breathing had been thoroughly trained through internal energy cultivation, was on the verge of collapsing.

It wasn’t just him. Most of the Chang-Eung unit members, who had come along to escort the young master, also had pale faces. The only person who seemed relatively fine was Shin-Mo.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled and helped Yeon Ji-Pyeong up.

“You still have a long way to go.”

“Kkeueuk. It’s even harder because of the hangover.”

“Still? It should be gone by now?”

“It’s all gone now. I’m starving to death.”

It was impressive that he was feeling hungry in the midst of all this. Looking at the Chang-Eung unit members, it seemed they wanted to collapse and sleep rather than feel hungry.

Shin-Mo glared sternly.

“Can’t you properly organize the ranks!”

Yeon Ho-Jeong added a word.

“That’s right. At this rate, the name of the Chang-Eung unit will be tarnished.”

Shin-Mo’s face became grim. To hear such words from the young master, his neck felt stiff.

The Chang-Eung unit members looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong with blank faces. How could someone be so evil?

Shin-Mo shouted.

“How dare you be so rude to the young master! Can’t you lower your eyes!”

It was a terrifying roar. The Chang-Eung unit members, who were about to collapse from exhaustion, stood stiffly at attention.

Yeon Ho-Jeong said to Shin-Mo.

“Don’t be too harsh. This kind of training is probably new to them.”

“The exhaustion from the difficult training can be seen as the individual members’ fault. However, the fact that their mental fortitude is this weak is largely my fault. I apologize on behalf of the members.”

“It’s okay. A martial artist should have that much grit. Anyway, no one has fallen behind, right?”

He had tried to comfort them in his own way, but Shin-Mo’s face became even more contorted. The members’ faces turned black.

Yeon Ho-Jeong realized he had made a mistake. But why? He didn’t feel sorry.

“You all seem to be having a hard time moving. Rest here. I’ll go get something to eat.”

“Y-young master. I…”

“Shin-Daeju [Unit Leader], please check on the members’ conditions. We have to leave right after eating.”

With those words, Yeon Ho-Jeong headed towards the tavern. From behind, Shin-Mo’s booming shout could be heard.

“Hmm, this place looks good.”

Surprisingly, there were few people around the tavern by the large lake. Even though it was the only tavern in the area.

In any case, it seemed like they could handle orders quickly. Yeon Ho-Jeong entered the tavern without hesitation.

Creak.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who opened the door of the tavern, paused for a moment.