Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 533

The tavern Yeop Seong led him to was indeed not far from the Black Dragon Faction.

It wasn’t shabby, but it wasn’t particularly clean either, and it was rather desolate, not being a place where many people frequented.

The location was quite peculiar; it wasn’t a place one would easily stumble upon. Even if one tried to find it, it was in such an obscure spot that it was easy to miss. Broadly speaking, it was close to the forest.

“It’s a secret tavern known only to me and a few others.”

“Hmm.”

Yeon Ho-jeong glanced at a person dressed as a server.

Surprisingly, they were skilled in internal energy cultivation [a practice of manipulating one’s inner energy for martial arts and health]. And at a considerable level, too.

That wasn’t all. As if they had been given prior notice, the two people busily cooking in the kitchen were also quite formidable masters.

They were certainly of first-rate caliber. Two such masters were preparing food, and one was guiding people to their seats.

“Have a seat. The view is best here.”

Though it was a single-story building, the view outside the window was indeed pleasant. The breeze was cool, and the swaying branches created a subtle charm.

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled.

“It’s a nice place.”

“Isn’t it?”

“It’s too secluded for a place that’s supposed to be known only to a few.”

Yeop Seong spoke frankly.

“I built it secretly. I often use it when inviting people I like.”

“Is that so?”

The nuance of the word ‘invite’ was peculiar.

It wasn’t just a simple invitation; it was a place he would use when trying to win people over to his side. Whether it was alcohol, food, women, or gold and jewels, he would conduct his business here.

Yeon Ho-jeong leaned back in his chair with a languid expression.

“I’m hungry, so bring the food quickly.”

“Don’t worry about that. Just smell this. We’re preparing some excellent dishes.”

The aroma wafting from the kitchen was indeed wonderful. It was so enticing that it seemed to dispel hunger just by smelling it.

“Shall we have a drink first?”

“Sounds good.”

Shortly after, the server brought two elegant porcelain bottles.

Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes lit up.

“It’s not white liquor [a type of strong distilled spirit].”

“This is a place to entertain a distinguished guest of the main faction, so how could I bring such cheap liquor?”

“Is that so?”

“It’s Golden Honor Blue. Have you ever tasted it?”

“Once or twice?”

“Since you’ve tasted it, we can skip the explanation. I’m quite the drinker myself, but I’ve never had a more delicious liquor than this.”

Golden Honor Blue was indeed famous for its taste. And it was as expensive as it was delicious.

“Pour me a glass.”

Yeon Ho-jeong readily extended his glass.

“Pour me one too.”

“Of course.”

Yeon Ho-jeong filled Yeop Seong’s glass.

“Shall we drink?”

The two of them raised their glasses at the same time. They didn’t bother with a toast.

“How is it? Not bad, right?”

“The aroma is good. It goes down smoothly too.”

“It makes me feel like my hospitality is worthwhile.”

Yeon Ho-jeong wiped his mouth and asked.

“Now that we’ve had a drink, get to the point. What do you want to say to me?”

“You’re quite impatient.”

“I am impatient and fiery. I like being straightforward, and I don’t like beating around the bush.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Yeop Seong stroked his chin.

“You’re refreshing. I’ve met so many sly old foxes lately. You’re different.”

“So, what do you want to say?”

He asked naturally, with an expression that even seemed leisurely.

Yeop Seong’s eyes gleamed.

‘He’s sincere.’

At a glance, Yeon Ho-jeong was different from the cunning people he had dealt with so far.

He would leave if they didn’t speak honestly and directly about what they wanted. That was the impression he gave.

‘Well, this is good too.’

Yeop Seong filled his own glass and asked.

“Before I answer, let me ask you one thing.”

“What is it?”

“Deputy Yeon, have you ever thought about the future of the Black Dragon Faction?”

Yeon Ho-jeong chuckled.

“I haven’t thought about it deeply. I’m not even from here.”

“I see.”

“Well, if both the Martial Alliance and the Black Dragon Faction still exist after the war, they would be a significant burden to us.”

Yeop Seong’s eyes gleamed once more.

“Are you saying that the black and white paths are inherently incompatible?”

“Isn’t that obvious? They can coexist, but they can’t unite. At least, that’s my opinion in this era.”

“Coexist, huh…”

“Does that answer your question?”

“Enough.”

Yeop Seong, who had been deep in thought, suddenly emptied his glass and said.

“It seems our master favors you.”

Yeon Ho-jeong shook his head.

“It’s natural to covet what you can’t have.”

“That’s favoritism. It means our master wants to have you.”

“He’s a greedy person.”

“Even though our master is greedy, he has an uncanny eye for talent. He wouldn’t even glance at mediocre individuals.”

“Is that so?”

“In other words, you’re a talent that the King of Fighters would covet. The problem is, you’re not someone who would go under the absolute authority of the King of Fighters.”

“You see well.”

Yeon Ho-jeong filled his own glass and asked.

“So, what do you want to say?”

Yeop Seong smiled.

“Can you support me?”

“Support?”

“That’s right.”

Yeon Ho-jeong, who had been quietly observing Yeop Seong’s face, tilted his head.

“Even if I’m favored by the Deputy Chief, I’m clearly a member of the Martial Alliance. To receive my support? It would be more of a poison to you than a benefit.”

“Not at all.”

“I’d like to hear your explanation.”

Yeop Seong also filled his glass. By now, both of them had a bottle each beside them, filling their own glasses.

“What does the Martial Alliance look for when selecting a leader?”

“They would look at various things. Martial arts, righteousness, the person’s history, public recognition, popularity, and so on. And they would also vote.”

“I see. But the black path is simple. At least, the Black Dragon Faction is.”

Yeop Seong, having emptied his glass, continued in a subdued voice.

“The way to become the head of the Black Dragon Faction is simple. It’s to become the strongest.”

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled.

“I know. It’s a world where the strong survive.”

“That’s right. But there are clear limitations.”

“Limitations?”

“That’s right.”

Yeop Seong leaned back in his chair.

“The history of the Black Dragon Faction is extremely short. Even though it’s a relatively young alliance, the reason it has grown so large and powerful is entirely due to the existence of our master.”

The King of Fighters, Yang Cheon.

A person who openly calls himself a member of the black path, a symbol of struggle who has fought countless battles against the world.

“To some extent, the system has been established, but everyone is still looking to our master. Why? Because our master is the first leader. And he’s also that strong. In other words, in the main faction, our master’s word is law.”

“I know.”

“But even our master can’t change the principle of the strong surviving. Nor would he try to. The problem is, when will our master retire?”

“Hmm.”

“The strong of the Saintly Realm, those who have broken through the Limitless Realm, are invincible beings that cannot be overcome by human power. No one would even dare to challenge their power. Naturally, their lifespans would be long as well.”

“…”

“As I said before, our master is a greedy person. He will endlessly challenge and challenge again until his life is cut short.”

“So, what’s your point?”

“I can endure that time. But I can’t endure it without being selected as the successor.”

Woong.

Yeop Seong’s pupils took on a faint red glow.

“Help me.”

“…”

“If I become the successor, at least until I die, there will be no provocation of the white path.”

“Oh.”

Yeon Ho-jeong’s lips curled up.

“You’re choosing coexistence?”

“That’s right.”

“Surely, you didn’t think I would believe that?”

Yeop Seong shook his head.

“I know you’re a remarkable person. Even if you have some frustrating aspects, the Martial Alliance is still the Martial Alliance. For such a group to entrust their reputation and responsibility to one person is no small matter.”

“…”

“That’s an undeniable fact. You’re someone who will wield immense influence in the next generation of the white path.”

“So?”

“If you’re someone who can exert great influence, no matter what position you’re in, I don’t think you’d fail to recognize my sincerity.”

“That’s quite an optimistic thought.”

“I’d rather you think I have good judgment. I may not know everything, but I know that your judgment is at least as good as mine.”

Yeop Seong’s face became serious.

“I’ll ask you. Do you see me as an ambitious person who would recklessly attack the white path to unify the world?”

Yeon Ho-jeong, who had been quietly observing Yeop Seong, shook his head.

“You don’t seem like one.”

“Yes, I am not…”

“But people can change later.”

“That’s not wrong. But if you support me, wouldn’t it be possible to make another deal that could be a clear promise between us?”

“Well, is there really a need for that? And as I said earlier, bringing me in is not a good choice.”

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled and continued.

“And I don’t think the Deputy Chief would like it either? Instead of training in martial arts, he’s trying to bring a Martial Alliance envoy to his side? If I were the Deputy Chief, I would think it was pathetic.”

Yeop Seong shook his head.

“You don’t know our master. He would actually highly value the ability to bring a talent like you to his side.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Of course.”

“Still, I have no intention of supporting you. There’s nothing more headache-inducing than getting involved in someone else’s politics.”

Yeop Seong’s eyes narrowed.

“I’m not asking you to get involved. I’m just…”

“Before that, if you survive this war, the Deputy Chief will try to devour the white path for his own ambition. Even if you become the successor, you won’t be able to stop it.”

“…”

“In the end, it’s just empty talk. I can’t find any reason to support you.”

Yeop Seong’s face hardened.

“I’ve spoken my sincerity honestly.”

“I know. I’m also being honest. I refuse.”

Yeon Ho-jeong shook his head and stood up.

“And you’d better keep my words in mind. The Deputy Chief has no intention of having a successor who plays politics.”

“…”

“If you understand, then tear down this cumbersome tavern and use it as a training ground instead. Isn’t constantly getting stronger the greatest proof of recognition in a world where the strong survive?”

Yeon Ho-jeong turned his glass upside down.

“Let the people here eat the food. I enjoyed the drink.”

He walked past Yeop Seong towards the door.

At that moment, Yeop Seong’s mouth opened.

“In the black path, you see.”

“Hmm?”

“Duels are life-or-death matters.”

“I know.”

“Do you understand what that means? It means that whatever you do, you’re risking your life. That’s why we don’t ask for favors lightly, nor do we refuse them lightly.”

Yeon Ho-jeong chuckled.

“That’s no different from the white path. Do you know that the white path is even more brutal? Those cunning politicians are the best at turning people’s stomachs. I’d rather have something straightforward like you.”

“Do you really think so?”

“Of course.”

Thump!

A loud sound came from the empty glass hitting the table.

A cold voice flowed from Yeop Seong’s mouth.

“I can’t do anything to you just because you refused my request. You’re an envoy of the Martial Alliance.”

“It’s a good shield. I’m always grateful for it.”

“But your people will have a hard time.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course.”

Yeop Seong turned his body while still sitting and looked at Yeon Ho-jeong.

“Before I meet someone I want to bring to my side, I investigate a lot. It’s to thoroughly grasp that person’s strengths and weaknesses.”