Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 368

Inside the box were two hand axes.

Of course, they weren’t ordinary hand axes.

“They were made with the main family’s secret alloy technique. They might be a bit heavier than regular iron, but even with your clumsy axe skills, the blades won’t be damaged. If you don’t do anything foolish, you can use them semi-permanently.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes were instantly filled with awe.

Tang Gwan said curtly,

“What are you doing? Pick one up.”

“Yes? Oh, yes.”

An involuntary polite response came out. The axes were that much of a work of art.

Yeon Ho-Jeong lifted one of the two.

‘Amazing.’

It was a bit longer than a normal hand axe. The total length was about one and a half ‘ja’ [approximately 18 inches].

The axe blade itself was wide and long, with the tip of the blade reaching almost to the end of the handle. The length of the blade was also close to one and a half ‘ja’.

The width was a little over a hand span, and the thickness was about two finger joints, making it very thick. With such a large and thick blade, even if it were made of ordinary iron, it would weigh as much as a decent long sword.

Moreover, because it was made using the Tang family’s secret alloy technique, it was thirty percent heavier than the same amount of iron. It was called a hand axe, but it was a weight that would be somewhat burdensome for an ordinary person to hold and swing.

‘How on earth did they make this?’

The axe blade, with its wave-like, strange patterns, was a work of art in itself. And with the dynamic dragon shape engraved on it, it looked even more splendid than the Mad Dragon Axe.

The handle colors were different. One was black, and the one Yeon Ho-Jeong was holding was white.

The material was unknown. However, even though it was white, it didn’t seem like it would get dirty easily. Moreover, the surface wasn’t slippery, so the grip felt perfect.

“It’s an axe made by one of the most skilled artisans in the main family. That artisan named it the Black and White Twin Dragon Axes.”

The Black Dragon Axe and the White Dragon Axe.

You might say, ‘Why give a name to a mere hand axe?’ but after seeing its appearance, the name Black and White Twin Dragons seemed too simple.

“How is it? Do you like it?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong said in a daze,

“It’s the best.”

Tang Gwan chuckled. He had called him rude and a fool many times, but he acknowledged Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Seeing such a guy completely mesmerized, even Tang Gwan couldn’t help but feel good.

“As you ordered, I also put a round ring at the end of the handle. Are you thinking of attaching a chain and swinging it around?”

“Yes.”

“Use them well. Those two axes contain eighty percent of the forging techniques that the main family has researched so far. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they’re more precious than your own body.”

“……”

“Don’t lose them, even if your head gets chopped off.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Tang Gwan with wavering eyes.

Tang Gwan frowned.

“What is it? That burdensome look.”

“…Thank you.”

“That’s ridiculous. You begged me like I was a criminal, and now you’re saying thank you?”

“I never imagined I’d receive such wonderful items.”

The corners of Tang Gwan’s mouth lifted. If this rude guy was saying such things, he must really like them.

Yeon Ho-Jeong clasped his hands in a formal bow.

“I am deeply indebted. Unless it goes against my principles, I will repay this favor no matter what.”

“You’re still adding conditions. You and your father are similar in that regard.”

“Yes?”

“Never mind. If you like them, take them and get lost.”

“Ah, yes.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong quickly grabbed the Black and White Twin Dragons.

They might be a bit heavy for an ordinary person, but they were the perfect weight for Yeon Ho-Jeong. After all, he was someone who wielded a heavy weapon weighing over eighty ‘geun’ [approximately 100 pounds], so if he wanted, he could swing them as fast as if he were swinging his bare fists.

‘They’re magnificent.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong could already feel his heart pounding.

‘The Mad Dragon Axe is good for large-scale battles, but these might be better for one-on-one fights or skirmishes.’

Of course, he could fight well enough with just the Mad Dragon Axe.

However, the reason Yeon Ho-Jeong asked Tang Gwan for hand axes was because he didn’t know what kind of missions he would be assigned to in the future. If he were to be assigned to infiltration or assassination missions like before, the Black and White Twin Dragons would be much less burdensome and more versatile than the Mad Dragon Axe.

‘I’ve received a truly great gift.’

His hands were itching to swing them right away. With a pounding heart, Yeon Ho-Jeong walked out the door.

That’s when it happened.

“Wait.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong turned around.

Tang Gwan was standing with his hands behind his back, looking at him.

“Do you have something else to say?”

“Aren’t you disappointed?”

“Yes?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong held up the Black and White Twin Dragon Axes.

“How could I be? I want to swing them right now.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about.”

“……?”

“I’m talking about missing the Number One Warrior. Aren’t you disappointed?”

“Ah.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“I am disappointed, but what can I do? He’s already escaped, so the future is what matters. Besides, the strategist and the rear guard are investigating in various ways, so now we just need to do our best in our respective positions.”

“That’s true, but…”

Tang Gwan’s eyes deepened.

In fact, that wasn’t what he really wanted to ask.

“Do you remember what you told me before?”

“Yes?”

“You knew I had a hidden card.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes lit up.

“That’s right.”

“How did you know that?”

Of course, it was because he had seen it during his time as the Dark Emperor.

But Yeon Ho-Jeong couldn’t be honest about that.

“I just had a feeling.”

“Are you trying to gloss over it?”

“It’s not like it’s unusual for the head of a family to have a secret martial art or two that they haven’t shown to the public, is it?”

“……”

“My father is like that, and so is Moyong Gun. Especially in the recent battle with Beonjak, my father revealed a hidden card he had kept secret.”

Tang Gwan also remembered that.

‘It was incredible.’

The final strike of Yeon-wi that inflicted a terrible wound on Beonjak’s upper body.

It wasn’t a flashy technique, nor did he use a unique weapon. Yeon-wi’s final strike was simply the maximization of sword force itself.

That’s what made it even more impressive. It took time to develop the martial art, and he was temporarily incapacitated after unleashing that strike, but if it hit, it had the terrifying power to send anyone to the afterlife.

Should it be called a strike worthy of Yeon-wi? Yeon-wi’s absolute strike, reminiscent of lightning, was extremely simple, yet it showed the ideal of the sword that a swordsman should pursue.

‘To think he was hiding such power.’

Perhaps he wasn’t trying to hide it. Yeon-wi’s personality wasn’t suited to hiding things.

He simply hadn’t needed to show it until now.

‘Come to think of it, the Yeon family head’s martial arts have always been like that. He follows the orthodox path, the middle way without deviation, and doesn’t reach for anything wicked. In some ways, it’s frustrating, but with his unwavering determination to stick to his beliefs, he shows the aspect of a swordsman who can stand against anyone.’

When Tang Gwan first had a deep conversation with Yeon-wi, he instinctively felt that Yeon-wi was a completely different person from anyone he had ever known.

That’s why he kept making sarcastic remarks and testing him several times. His instincts had grasped Yeon-wi’s character, but his mind couldn’t easily accept that such a person could exist in the world.

As time passed, Tang Gwan came to fully acknowledge Yeon-wi.

There was no other way. Yeon-wi didn’t lie, he risked his life to resolve the given situation, and even though he was in such a high position, he always treated others with sincerity.

A person who lives by the sword can’t be called a saint, but at least in this martial arts world, it would be difficult to find another saint like Yeon-wi.

That’s why Tang Gwan liked Yeon-wi. Not because he was kind and walked the right path, but because he was a person who respected others while having the guts to stick to his beliefs.

If Yeon-wi had tried to coax him with sweet words or had been obsequious, he would never have acknowledged him.

‘And…’

Tang Gwan stared at Yeon Ho-Jeong.

‘To think such a son came from that father.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong was a guy who didn’t resemble Yeon-wi in any way, not even as a formality. At least, that’s how it seemed on the surface.

But now, Tang Gwan could see it too. No, he could tell.

Yeon Ho-Jeong was Yeon-wi’s son, no matter what anyone said.

Yeon-wi, a noble warrior who valued tradition, practiced orthodox swordsmanship, and considered morality the highest value.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, the best of the younger generation, who had developed his own unique martial arts, showed unconventional behavior and outstanding intelligence without being bound by tradition or morality.

The two were completely different, yet they had surprisingly similar aspects.

‘When this father and son show their sincerity, they don’t have any impure thoughts or worries.’

He knew Yeon-wi was originally like that, but he didn’t know that Yeon Ho-Jeong could show such a side as well.

That was why Tang Gwan had come to acknowledge not only Yeon-wi but also Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“But why are you asking about that?”

Tang Gwan, who had been staring at Yeon Ho-Jeong silently, asked as if throwing a question.

“Do you trust me?”

It was an unexpected question.

Yeon Ho-Jeong tilted his head.

“That’s a peculiar question.”

“Answer me. Do you trust me?”

“I do. To some extent.”

Tang Gwan chuckled.

“So you don’t completely trust me.”

“I don’t know why you’re asking such a question, but I’m a very suspicious person. I’m not a saint like my father.”

“That’s obvious. Even if you cultivate yourself for a thousand years, you won’t even reach your father’s feet.”

“I know. That’s why I’m living while acknowledging it myself.”

“There’s nothing more important than knowing your place. Seeing that, you’re definitely not an ordinary guy either.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. But why the sudden question?”

Tang Gwan stared at Yeon Ho-Jeong silently for a moment.

‘This guy doesn’t know. It’s not that he doesn’t acknowledge it, it’s that he doesn’t know.’

He looked into Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes.

Two clear, transparent, and deep eyes.

‘This guy is undoubtedly the eldest son of the Yeon family head. This guy trusts me…’

Tang Gwan closed his eyes.

‘What a fool. Even after fighting so fiercely, he trusts me.’

Because they had risked their lives together? No, Yeon Ho-Jeong wasn’t that naive.

He had already trusted him, which is why he had gone to fight together. It was a small but significant difference.

Tang Gwan opened his eyes.

“You said you would repay the favor, right?”

“Yes?”

“You said you would repay the favor of giving you the axes, as long as it didn’t go against your principles.”

“That’s right.”

Tang Gwan nodded.

“Follow me.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes lit up. He had a feeling he knew what Tang Gwan wanted.

“I’m not in the best condition.”

“I don’t intend to take your life, so stop talking nonsense and follow me.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong grinned.

“Yes, I will.”