Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 452

“Hmm?”

Yang Cheon’s eyes gleamed.

“That guy is coming?”

“Yes, he is.”

“Hmph.”

Yang Cheon stroked his chin at Baek Seo’s report.

“Has his training already finished?”

Baek Seo cautiously said,

“The Third Young Master’s talent rivals or surpasses that of the First Young Master, so it’s possible that he finished earlier than expected.”

“Of course, that’s possible.”

A strange light flickered across Yang Cheon’s face.

“It’s possible, but…”

Baek Seo’s report was about Yang Cheon’s third disciple, Jeon Hong, entering Hunan.

“That guy has had a strong competitive spirit since he was young. He was well aware of his own talent. So, he even did some childish things to suppress the first and second.”

Yang Cheon’s assessment of Jeon Hong was simple and firm.

A bear who thinks he’s a fox.

However, Yang Cheon didn’t raise his third disciple arbitrarily. At least when it came to raising his disciples, he always emphasized his own fairness.

He only realized later that this was a problem. Disciples were also people, and their personalities and talents varied greatly, so he should have treated them differently. He realized this much later.

Of course, even after realizing that, Yang Cheon didn’t regret it. Even if he had to raise them now, he would have raised them the same way.

If they went astray or broke down despite the same attitude and the same teachings, there was nothing he could do. Once they became a martial artist worthy of some recognition, he would give them proper affection.

That was Yang Cheon’s educational philosophy. They had to struggle and climb up, becoming tough and enlightened on their own.

The Black Path [a martial arts world focused on power and darkness] was such a world.

“Then, the reason why the Third Young Master returned so early, in your opinion, is…”

“It must be because of the second.”

In recent times, Bu Seon’s growth had been dazzling. He hadn’t overcome his inner turmoil yet, but the fact that he had fallen into such a deep state of mind demon meant that the second’s tenacity was immense.

That’s why Yang Cheon cherished Bu Seon. At least from his perspective, Bu Seon was now someone who could carry on his studies.

‘Is it jealousy?’

Jeon Hong had a sense of awe towards him.

It wasn’t because he was his master. It was because he was a strongman worthy of discussing the world.

Rumors were circulating that such a strongman had acknowledged other disciples besides himself. He must have been blinded by jealousy and anger.

Yang Cheon clicked his tongue.

‘I hope that’s not the reason, but if it is, then you’re not going to be anything great.’

The world isn’t a place where you can reach the destination first just because you started ahead. He just hoped that the third disciple had realized that.

“When he returns, tell him to come to me immediately.”

“Understood. Ah, and…”

“Hmm?”

Baek Seo cautiously said,

“The guest from Bota [a Buddhist sect] wishes to see you, Master.”

Yang Cheon smiled coldly.

“They must be desperate.”

“They have been repeating somewhat aggressive words and actions, so I thought I should give them a warning.”

The Black Path doesn’t give warnings with words.

Yang Cheon shook his head.

“There’s no need. Tell them. I’ll see them in three days.”

“Understood.”

“Anything else to report?”

“No, there isn’t.”

“Alright. You may go now. Ah!”

“Is there anything else you wish to ask?”

Yang Cheon asked with a sly face,

“How does it feel to go from a mouse to a rock?”

It was a cryptic question. But Baek Seo immediately understood Yang Cheon’s words.

Baek Seo bowed his head as if he were overwhelmed.

“Thanks to your boundless glory, Master, every day is extraordinary.”

It wasn’t an empty compliment. A sense of excitement could be felt in Baek Seo’s voice, who was known to be as rigid as anyone.

Yang Cheon burst into laughter.

“I’m ashamed that the gift I’m giving to someone who has silently run for me all this time is too meager.”

“How can you say such a gracious thing? The divine skill you have imparted is a technique that can look down upon the world. If you just wait a little longer, I will become a steel wall and serve as your impregnable fortress.”

“Hahaha, you’re quite something.”

Baek Seo’s martial arts had been stagnant for a long time. To him, Yang Cheon had passed on one of his own techniques.

Baek Seo had absorbed the martial arts as if he had been waiting for it, and he was improving day by day. Even Yang Cheon thought Baek Seo’s growth was very fast.

Considering his age, it was no exaggeration to call it explosive growth.

“Go and cultivate your martial arts. It’s by no means an easy skill, so it will be enough to practice for a lifetime.”

“Thank you.”

Baek Seo bowed deeply and left the main hall with quick steps.

Yang Cheon, who was left alone, leaned back in his chair.

His eyes, looking at the ceiling, turned cold for a moment.

“It’s time for me to move up a level as well.”

* * *

The tavern was very noisy.

This was a tavern with a unique name, Inhwa Pavilion. It was famous for lighting up colorful lanterns at night, and it had been popular with young people since it opened over a decade ago.

Of course, it couldn’t have thrived for nearly ten years just by being flashy on the outside. The food at this tavern was known to be among the best in Hunan.

“Oh.”

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled.

“There’s no gamey smell in the meat at all. And they didn’t use a lot of spices either.”

“Right?”

Gang Ryang poured wine into Yeon Ho-jeong’s glass.

“It’s the most famous place for cooking in the vicinity. I’ve been all over the place, but it’s hard to find a place as good as Inhwa Pavilion in Hunan.”

“You recommended it with confidence, and it’s indeed worth it.”

“I’m glad it suits your taste.”

Gang Ryang glanced at Jeong-an.

Jeong-an was hesitating with her chopsticks in her hand. It was hard to find a dish without meat among the dishes on the table.

“Does the food not suit your taste?”

“Huh? Oh, it’s not that…”

Yeon Ho-jeong waved his hand.

“She’s a Buddhist, isn’t she? She’d stay away from meat.”

“Is that so? But how can a person have strength without eating meat?”

Jeong-an coughed and said,

“Before reaching the age of twenty, Bota allows meat consumption. But after that, it’s usually restricted.”

“If it’s not forbidden but just restricted, then just eat it deliciously. There’s also the sincerity of the person who bought it.”

“Ah, yes.”

Since he mentioned sincerity, she couldn’t refuse to eat. Jeong-an picked up a piece of meat and put it in her mouth.

Gang Ryang smiled. He had seen Jeong-an’s pupils shaking mercilessly.

“It tastes very good, doesn’t it?”

“It’s incredibly delicious.”

Her voice trembled.

The reason she hadn’t eaten meat during her training was probably because she thought she would succumb to temptation.

Yeon Ho-jeong chuckled.

“Don’t tease her too much. People have different environments they’ve lived in.”

“What’s so teasing about this? It’s natural to recommend something good. And as I said, this is a matter of sincerity.”

“Isn’t it coercion disguised as sincerity?”

“It’s hard to call it coercion when Miss Jeong-an’s face looks so happy, don’t you think?”

Jeong-an lowered her head as if she were embarrassed. Yeon Ho-jeong couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Thus, the group had a pleasant meal. They had left Guangdong so suddenly, and after that, they had been camping out and eating jerky for several days to save time.

Perhaps that was why? Except for Yeon Ho-jeong, the group wasn’t very talkative, but the atmosphere was very comfortable and excited.

‘It reminds me of the old days.’

Yeon Ho-jeong was looking at Gang Ryang.

Whether he was enjoying it or not, Gang Ryang was busy teasing Jeong-an. Since his teasing didn’t cross the line, Jeong-an would also laugh softly while being embarrassed.

‘This guy had times like this too.’

Gang Ryang.

One of the five great warriors of the Black Demon Fortress, he was the strongest swordsman, known as the Iron-Blooded Sword King.

Some even said that he had the qualities of a hegemon. While Yeon Ho-jeong, as the lord of the Black Demon Fortress, stimulated the inherent fear of humans as the Black Emperor and showed his majesty, Gang Ryang was evaluated as being fierce to both the black and white sides with his endless, strong impression.

But Gang Ryang was also human. Even during the Black Demon Fortress days, he was good at joking and liked to talk in private, and he had a fairly good social personality.

Of course, he gradually became darker as he lost countless subordinates in the war with the Three Sects.

Yeon Ho-jeong, who had been quietly watching Gang Ryang, asked as if throwing a question,

“How is it?”

“Yes?”

“I’m asking how it is.”

“Do you know one of your flaws, Brother? Your questions are quite abrupt and difficult to understand.”

“It’s been a while since I’ve returned to Hunan. Don’t you feel bad?”

It was a question that could instantly break the soft atmosphere. If there was anyone who knew Gang Ryang’s past, they would have given Yeon Ho-jeong a look.

Apart from that, it wasn’t a question to ask Gang Ryang personally in a comfortable atmosphere.

However, Gang Ryang’s expression didn’t harden or frown.

“I guess this is what nostalgia is like. It’s good, isn’t it?”

“Is that so?”

“Of course. It’s my hometown, after all.”

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled.

Gang Ryang’s heart had grown more than his martial arts had developed. Knowing that, he was able to ask such a question.

“You’ve become stronger.”

“Isn’t the world a tough place to live if you don’t become stronger?”

“Even if you become stronger, life is still tough.”

Yeon Ho-jeong poured wine into Gang Ryang’s glass and said,

“You’ll get there soon too. You’ll be able to break through the wall soon.”

Gang Ryang chuckled.

“Is this a blessing all of a sudden?”

“It’s a blessing based on facts.”

“Do you really see it that way?”

“I’m saying this because I know you’ve become strong enough not to be swayed by praise. The path you’re walking is not wrong. Soon, the sun beyond the broken wall will lead you to a new world.”

“Sometimes I feel like your expressions are very poetic, Brother.”

“It’s because there’s no other way to explain it.”

Yeon Ho-jeong asked Jeong-an,

“Isn’t that right?”

Jeong-an nodded.

“If you’re talking about the Wall of Transcendence, then it’s a very accurate expression.”

In Bota, they called the Wall of Martial Arts the Wall of Transcendence.

No matter what they called it, it was clear that Gang Ryang’s swordsmanship had reached its limit. It was just a matter of whether he would take more things with him or break through the wall in one go. Gang Ryang had also grown beyond recognition.

Gang Ryang’s face finally became a little serious.

“Do you really feel that way?”

“In fact, you’ve been ready to break through the limits for a while now.”

“Is that so?”

“Breaking the wall is ultimately up to you. There can be many reasons why the wall hasn’t been broken even though you’ve reached your limit. However, the most important thing is your heart.”

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled.

“I don’t know why you’re hesitating, but don’t look back and move forward without hesitation. The moment you break through your limits, even your sense of justice and righteousness are just distractions.”

Gang Ryang could once again feel how sharp Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes were.

He saw through his hesitation at a glance. He really felt like he couldn’t hide anything in front of this person.

Of course, Yeon Ho-jeong wouldn’t know what kind of hesitation it was.

“Thank you for the advice. Although, I do wonder if you had to say it during such a pleasant meal.”

“You’ve gotten full of yourself, you rascal.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Yeon Ho-jeong, who was laughing and leaning back in his chair, looked around.

“By the way, it seems like the Mukryong Clan [a fictional martial arts clan] is controlling the surroundings quite well.”

“You can say that again.”

Currently, the power of the Black Path martial arts world was strong in Hunan.

Even so, there were no unruly groups in the tavern. There wasn’t even a single hooligan on the way here.

Gang Ryang shook his head.

“They’re not mediocre guys, are they? The Mukryong Clan and the head of the Mukryong Clan.”

Jeong-an flinched without realizing it.

Yeon Ho-jeong nodded.

“That’s true.”

“Enough, let’s have a drink. It’s nice to drink after a long time.”

“It’s empty. Pour it.”

“Yes, sir.”

Thus, the group drank happily, passing the cups back and forth.

How much time had passed?

Thump.

The first-floor door was opened roughly, and the surroundings became quiet for a moment.

Yeon Ho-jeong, Jeong-an, and Gang Ryang’s eyes flashed at the same time.