Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 441

This estate was the residence of Baek Ji-shin, the physician who had cared for Okcheong when her energy was unstable.

Baek Ji-shin owned such estates in various parts of the Central Plains. It was unknown where he got all that money, but he used them when traveling around to treat patients.

And at Yeon Ho-jeong’s request, Baek Ji-shin readily lent the estate. He was, in many ways, favorably disposed towards Yeon Ho-jeong.

“I didn’t know what kind of tea you liked, so I prepared a bit of everything.”

Yeon Ho-jeong brewed the tea himself.

Brewing tea itself wasn’t difficult. However, delicately steeping the tea leaves was another matter.

Naturally, Yeon Ho-jeong didn’t know how to delicately steep tea. He simply added the tea leaves as he felt and poured in the water.

Hwa-un spoke up.

“The aroma is very nice.”

“I’m glad you feel that way.”

In any case, a high-ranking member of the Martial Alliance had personally brewed tea. Although they had engaged in a fierce duel upon their first meeting, at least he was saving face, she thought.

‘He’s an unpredictable person.’

That was Hwa-un’s first impression of Yeon Ho-jeong.

‘He was rude at first, but then he shows this side of him…’

In truth, she hadn’t been aware of the world for very long either.

However, she knew how many hypocrites and how many absurd villains existed in this turbulent martial world.

At least, the people she had seen were quite easy to read. Their arrogance or cowardice was plainly visible on their faces, and most of them were weak to the strong and strong to the weak.

Such people were easy. Their feelings were clearly displayed on their faces.

The more difficult villains to deal with were those who knew how to hide themselves. Those who smiled but held a knife in their hearts. Those who tried to exploit the weaknesses of others to extract benefits.

In just a few years, Hwa-un had met countless such people.

‘At least this one isn’t one of those types.’

Yeon Ho-jeong was unique.

He seemed arrogant, but it was different from that of a villain, and he showed a certain level of courtesy but didn’t lower himself.

His martial arts were so outstanding that Jeong-an was easily pushed back, but he didn’t seem to be showing off. No emotion was clearly visible on his face.

Hwa-un sensed it. Today’s meeting should not be taken lightly.

Though the other party was young, he was more difficult to deal with than anyone she had ever met.

“You are known by the alias ‘Byoksan Hojang’ [Wall-Crushing Tiger General], aren’t you?”

“That’s right.”

“I’ve heard that you are called the best late-stage master in the current martial world.”

Hwa-un’s tone was very polite. It was a tone that was difficult to adopt considering her age and seniority.

Regardless of her personality, it was a tone she had used her entire life. Even though a deep desire might have been cast over her gentle heart, she had not forgotten the lessons she had learned.

Yeon Ho-jeong shook his head.

“It’s just an empty reputation. There are many strong people in the world. Just looking at this young lady, isn’t she a master of martial arts who would receive praise from everyone if she entered the martial world?”

It was an honest assessment. In Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes, Jeong-an’s martial arts level was comparable to Muk Bi’s. They simply had different strengths, making it difficult to determine who was superior.

Hwa-un smiled.

“I am grateful that you think so highly of our branch’s successor. It may sound like boasting, but she is truly a child we have high hopes for.”

“I understand. However, it may be presumptuous of me to say, but I am more drawn to her character than her martial arts.”

“Pardon?”

Yeon Ho-jeong looked at Jeong-an.

Jeong-an met Yeon Ho-jeong’s gaze without a word. Despite having suffered an overwhelming defeat in a duel with someone her age, her eyes were clear.

“After exchanging blows, I could see how fiercely this young lady has strived. No matter how talented one is, it is difficult to reach this level without blood-soaked training and dedication.”

“Ah, yes, that’s right.”

“She has ambition and desire. It pleases me that her heart is not wicked but purely directed towards martial arts.”

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled.

It was a truly rare smile. He often joked around with his acquaintances when he was relaxed, but it was rare to see him smile so gently.

“I haven’t devoted myself to Buddhism, so I’m not familiar with that side of things, but I felt that this young lady’s heart is as pure as anyone’s. She is outstanding in her studies and has a clear sense of her own principles, so isn’t that enough to say she has already established herself?”

Jeong-an lowered her head.

“That’s an excessive compliment.”

“I speak as I feel. Cultivating one’s heart is more difficult than growing in martial arts. I hope that no shadow of damp desire falls upon your heart.”

Anyone could tell that it wasn’t an empty compliment.

Truth resonates. Jeong-an deeply accepted Yeon Ho-jeong’s assessment and advice.

Yeon Ho-jeong looked back at Hwa-un.

“Well, I heard about it beforehand from the information advisor of the Alliance, but it would be better to hear it directly from the person involved. Why did you come to see me?”

It was different.

There was a significant difference between how Yeon Ho-jeong usually treated people and how he was acting now.

Not only was the opponent different, but the Bota Temple had come with the intention of seeing him as the representative of the Martial Alliance. Even Yeon Ho-jeong, who disliked formalities, couldn’t help but show a minimum of courtesy.

In other words, he was aware of how the world saw him.

He was merciless to his enemies, but there was no need to be ruthless to an opponent who had not yet caused any problems. Yeon Ho-jeong was trying to establish his own middle path.

Hwa-un nodded.

“Since you’ve already heard about it, the conversation will proceed quickly. Then, I’ll get straight to the point.”

“I’m all ears.”

“Our temple has been separated from the world for some time. Explaining the reason and history is somewhat unnecessary for today’s conversation, so I won’t go into detail.”

“Continue.”

“However, our temple had its own circumstances, and many people have achieved enlightenment. Therefore, Bota has also decided to enter the world, breaking its centuries-old tradition.”

“I see.”

“That’s right. However, even though our temple is unfamiliar with the ways of the world, we know that the martial world is harsh. We also know, to some extent, how the martial world views our temple.”

Hwa-un’s eyes gleamed.

It was the moment when a disciple of an enlightened one, who had chosen the sword as a tool for enlightenment rather than killing and had explored Buddhism by confirming the self within the sword, fell into the ways of the world.

“Bota Temple has traditionally used the Sword Empress as its symbol.”

The term ‘temple’ had changed to ‘sect’.

“And for a sect, it is essential to have power to establish the organization’s definition and future.”

“That’s right.”

“Moreover, Bota Temple was led by three branches. Although they are called branches, they are essentially one family. Each branch has produced a Sword Empress, but that was only a symbol of the sect and did not act as a real power.”

“But now the situation has changed, is that what you’re saying?”

“That’s right. If Bota Temple is to change for the future, the meaning of the Sword Empress must also change. At the same time, Bota’s organizational structure must also change.”

“So, what is it that you want to say?”

“We want the Martial Alliance to support our branch. To be more frank, we want you to help us.”

“…”

Yeon Ho-jeong looked at Hwa-un without a word.

Perhaps feeling burdened by his gaze, Hwa-un took a small breath and continued.

“I understand that you may be surprised by this sudden statement. However, it will not be a disadvantage for your Alliance. Although our branch may not be the strongest in terms of real power, if we combine this child’s potential and the power of the elders, we can certainly be a force for the Alliance.”

“A force…”

“That’s right. The masters of Bota all receive equal education from a young age. They train with swords and learn Buddhism at the same time.”

“…”

“However, the Buddhist sword is a sword of wisdom, and wisdom is enlightenment. I dare to say that, although our numbers are small, our branch is the best when it comes to the enlightenment of the elders.”

“In other words, you can say you are a small elite group.”

“You have seen it accurately. If the Alliance helps our branch and assists in establishing this child as the Sword Empress, our branch can establish a friendly relationship with the Martial Alliance. It means that we can handle matters that the Alliance finds difficult to deal with.”

As the conversation continued, Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes deepened. At the same time, Jeong-an’s face darkened noticeably.

Unfortunately, Hwa-un was unaware of this. She was so engrossed in her own words that she could see nothing but a rosy future.

“It’s embarrassing for me to say this myself, but I know that the martial world views Bota quite highly. There are many people in the public who even consider Bota to be sacred.”

“…”

“The Martial Alliance can also share the public’s favor just by joining hands with our Bota. That might be an even greater power than actual military strength.”

“I see.”

“That’s right. Of course, you may wonder if there is a need to join hands with our branch.”

Hwa-un placed her hand on Jeong-an’s shoulder.

Jeong-an flinched involuntarily. The hand of desire that touched her shoulder was too hot.

That heat was not from body temperature but from desire, and it was also the madness that was slowly beginning to sprout.

“Let me be frank. Among the other two branches, there is a candidate who has reached a higher level than this child. That candidate’s martial power has already surpassed our elders.”

“…”

“However, that candidate’s heart is extremely weak, making it very difficult for them to withstand the waves of the martial world. If things go wrong, they could harm not only our sect but also the Martial Alliance. But this child is different.”

Hwa-un said with a confident voice.

“Considering the age difference, this child is not inferior to that candidate, and she overwhelms everyone in terms of purity and fortitude. If the Alliance supports this child, Bota Temple will usher in a new era…”

“I apologize for interrupting, but may I ask you one question?”

“Ah, of course.”

Yeon Ho-jeong asked with a serious face.

“In your opinion, is Bota Temple a temple? Or a sect?”

“Pardon?”

“What is the spirit of Bota Temple? Is it to pursue pure power? Or is it to achieve enlightenment through practice? Or is it to benefit the world?”

Hwa-un answered with a smile.

“Would we, who serve the Buddha, pursue pure power? We simply want to correct the world’s justice and save more people from suffering.”

“What is the method?”

“Pardon?”

“To correct the world’s justice, to save more people from suffering. The intention is truly admirable, but I am curious as to what method your temple will use to achieve such a great cause.”

Hwa-un was momentarily flustered. She had not expected such a question to be asked.

But Yeon Ho-jeong’s questions were just beginning.

“It seems difficult to answer. Then, since we’re on the topic, I’d like to ask a few questions, even if it’s rude.”

“What…?”

“Do you think that other righteous sects failed to achieve peace because they lacked power or had impure goals?”

“…?!”

“Did the righteous sects that adorned the history of the martial world for hundreds of years disappear into the annals of history because they were inferior to Bota Temple?”

Hwa-un’s face hardened.