Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 63

The Eldest Son of Byeoksan (4)

“W-what, what did you say?!”

Myeong Cheon’s face contorted in shock.

“Gang-rim?!”

“Yes, sir.”

“His condition, what is his condition?”

Myeong Woo-san spoke in a trembling voice.

“His internal and external injuries are severe. If the main family’s physicians hadn’t acted quickly…”

“T-this is terrible!”

“Fortunately, he’s passed the critical point, but it’ll take three months and ten days for him to regain consciousness. Even after that, it’s estimated that it will take at least two or three years for him to recover his full abilities.”

Bang!

The wall, struck by a fist, caved in.

Murderous intent flared in Myeong Cheon’s eyes.

“What in the world was that Myeong Chi-san doing while Gang-rim was being attacked!”

“That is…”

Myeong Woo-san bit his lip.

“He’s dead.”

“…Dead? Myeong Chi-san?”

“The warriors of the Homyung Hall are all severely injured, and Myeong Chi-san was defeated in a one-on-one duel.”

Myeong Cheon’s face, which had been full of agitation, gradually regained its composure.

As the situation escalated, he regained his reason. That was the mark of the head of the Myeong family.

“It’s certain that he was sent to the Yeon family’s child, right?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Yes, I sent him to investigate the disappearance of the Dark Squad. I told him to bring him back, even if he had to use force.”

To be precise, he had ordered them to subdue him in a place where no one was watching and then bring him back. Circumstantially, Yeon Ho-jeong was the only one who knew about the disappearance of the Dark Squad.

“Yes, sir.”

“But Myeong Chi-san is dead, and the warriors of the Homyung Hall have returned injured? Does that make any sense?”

Myeong Woo-san hesitated to speak.

In fact, he found it hard to believe as well. Rather, he had thought it was excessive when Myeong Cheon had said he would send Myeong Chi-san.

But the results were shocking.

“Myeong Chi-san was a very useful fellow, even among the branch families. I saw his martial arts myself last year. There are not even ten warriors among the Blue and White Martial Guard who are more skilled than Myeong Chi-san.”

He was a master whose skills had matured to the fullest, even among the peak experts. If he hadn’t been a member of the Myeong family, he would have been more than qualified to become the head of a decent sect.

“Are you saying that the Yeon family’s child is that strong?”

It was absurd.

Yeon Ho-jeong was a young man who hadn’t even reached adulthood. No matter how talented he was, there were limits.

Of course, there were true geniuses in the world.

Those who were called the Twin Dragons and Three Phoenixes were such people. Although all five of them were well over thirty, they were still considered the strongest experts among the younger generation.

The Twin Dragons and Three Phoenixes were truly heaven-sent geniuses. One could say they were the officially recognized next generation of the Thirteen Seats of the Saintly Heavens [a group of the most powerful martial artists]. Some of them were said to have already developed martial arts comparable to the leaders of major sects.

And one of the Twin Dragons was none other than the eldest son of the Myeong family and Myeong Cheon’s eldest son.

“Could it be that the child named Yeon Ho-jeong is comparable to the Twin Dragons…”

“Nonsense.”

Myeong Cheon shook his head.

“The Twin Dragons and Three Phoenixes are geniuses among geniuses. It’s not because my son is among them. Those fellows are more talented than even the Thirteen Seats of the Saintly Heavens.”

“…”

“Even the Thirteen Seats were said to have talents that are hard to find in history. The Twin Dragons and Three Phoenixes are the owners of talents that surpass those Thirteen Seats. But a fellow who hasn’t even reached adulthood is already being compared to them?”

“…”

“Even if he had mastered the demonic arts of the destroyed Demonic Cult, it’s impossible.”

He wasn’t wrong. Myeong Woo-san also fully agreed with Myeong Cheon’s words.

But the results were too shocking. Unless he had martial arts comparable to the Twin Dragons and Three Phoenixes, he wouldn’t have been able to defeat all those experts.

Myeong Cheon’s eyes gleamed.

“He must have a bodyguard.”

That was the only way he could think of it.

But then, one problem remained.

“According to the informants, there was no trace of a bodyguard helping Yeon Ho-jeong. He acted completely alone…”

“Then, there must be an expert who is invisible to the informants’ eyes guarding him.”

Myeong Woo-san closed his mouth. Myeong Cheon seemed absolutely unable to acknowledge Yeon Ho-jeong’s abilities.

‘Indeed.’

The hypothesis that there was a great expert guarding him was more convincing than the hypothesis that Yeon Ho-jeong was the greatest genius in the Central Plains, surpassing the Twin Dragons and Three Phoenixes.

‘Besides, until recently, he was known as a good-for-nothing son.’

Thinking that way, he felt like he could be certain.

“Then, what will you do?”

“What else can I do?”

Myeong Cheon’s eyes turned cold.

“My son has returned severely injured. I wouldn’t be satisfied even if I annihilated his entire clan.”

“…”

“I believe you feel the same way.”

Myeong Woo-san remained silent.

In fact, he was even more anxious than Myeong Cheon.

Myeong On-ji was one of his many children. But he was also one of his most cherished children.

That child had gone missing. He hadn’t shown it in front of Myeong Cheon, but he hadn’t been able to sleep well lately.

Moreover, Myeong Gang-rim had returned half-dead, and Myeong Chi-san had died in Kaifeng.

He wanted to go directly to Yeon Ho-jeong himself.

“Then, who will you send?”

“I need to send someone who wouldn’t even dare to resist.”

“Then…”

“I’ll unleash the Blue Wolves.”

At that moment, Myeong Woo-san felt his hair stand on end.

“Master.”

“Do as I say.”

“B-but we must also be mindful of the public’s opinion. Isn’t the Blue Wolves too dangerous of a choice?”

Myeong Cheon flared up in anger.

“Are you telling me to worry about the public’s opinion when we’re trying to catch the culprit who put the family head’s son in such a state!”

“…”

“What kind of family is the Guju Myeong family! It’s a family founded by the peace heroes who drove out those ruthless Blood Cult bastards! It’s the best family that has gained the reputation of being the best in the world by swallowing the blood and sweat of our ancestors!”

He was usually honest with his emotions. But he had never seen him get this angry.

It was because his son had returned injured. Who wouldn’t be angry?

“Soon, Jiangsu Province will also fall into our hands. If we take Jiangsu, we can also take Zhejiang. If we have both land and sea in our grasp, we can become the greatest power in the world, surpassing the greatest family in the world.”

Myeong Cheon arrogantly raised his head.

“We, who will seize the hegemony of the world, must not fear the eyes of the public.”

“…”

“Unleash the Blue Wolves immediately.”

“Understood.”

Myeong Woo-san, who had left the family head’s room, couldn’t hide his unease.

‘Is this really okay?’

He understood Myeong Cheon’s anger. The order to unleash the Blue Wolves could be seen as insignificant if viewed broadly.

But he was still uneasy.

It was as if he had stepped into a swamp from which he couldn’t escape. He needed to get out before going any further, but it felt like he had already taken the last step.

‘I hope it’s just a baseless worry.’

Myeong Woo-san entered a building.

Flash!

The interior was dark, with not a single ray of sunlight entering.

There, dozens of pairs of blue eyes glowed.

Myeong Woo-san spoke calmly.

“It’s quite a ferocious prey. You’ll have to step up.”

* * *

Bi Ho-gae (Flying Tiger Beggar) felt that his tension had reached its peak.

At first, he didn’t know why he was so tense. He even thought that his body had become weak lately due to the inexplicable tension.

But now he knew why he was so tense.

Woo-oong.

A faint white aura was rising from Yeon Ho-jeong’s body as he sat cross-legged.

The white energy rippled, creating a strange shape. It was a shape that looked like a tiger or a lion, staring at him.

Feeling uneasy, he subtly took five steps to the side.

The semi-transparent beast’s head also turned.

‘Huh!’

What the heck is that? Is it sorcery?

Of course, it couldn’t be. Why would the eldest son of the Byeoksan Yeon family learn sorcery?

But it was uncomfortable. And it was amazing.

What kind of martial arts is he learning?

“Hoo-ook.”

Yeon Ho-jeong’s breathing grew louder.

Flash!

At the same time, his eyes opened.

Bi Ho-gae felt a moment of dizziness. Yeon Ho-jeong’s gaze was so mysterious.

It was somewhat dreamlike. He never thought he would lose his mind just by looking at a man’s eyes.

“Did you come from the Beggar Clan?”

“Huh? Ah! Yes, I did.”

“Give me the letter.”

“Yes, here…”

Yeon Ho-jeong, who had received and unfolded the letter, smiled.

“I’ve been scolded.”

The letter was from his father.

There were two sheets, and it seemed like they were written at different times. There was a subtle difference in the emotions felt in the writing style and content.

‘But it’s still a relief.’

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. So, it’s not bad to temporarily unite for a common goal.

However, he was scolded for being too aggressive in his actions. The content was filled with concern for his son.

But the good thing was that his father was supporting his methods.

‘He had no choice.’

He had already started the game, so he couldn’t stop now. If he stopped here, something bigger would happen.

‘I’m sorry. If we keep contacting each other, we might miss the timing.’

He probably understood that part as well. That’s why there wasn’t much to say in the letter.

Yeon Ho-jeong spoke calmly.

“You’ve worked hard. You can go now.”

“Huh?”

Bi Ho-gae spoke with a bewildered expression.

“Is there anything else you need me to do? Like delivering a letter, or reporting on the situation…”

“No.”

“Ah… yes.”

Bi Ho-gae bowed his head.

“Then, I’ll be going first.”

“You’ve worked hard. Ah!”

He always does this.

Bi Ho-gae grumbled inwardly but tried to put on the most friendly expression he could.

“What would you like me to do?”

“Have all the Beggar Clan members who are secretly guarding me withdraw.”

“…?!”

“Tell Hu-gae that I ordered it directly, and he will understand. Don’t worry and have them all withdraw.”

Bi Ho-gae’s face hardened.

“Did you know?”

“Yes.”

“They are experts placed there to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances. They are some of the best in the Beggar Clan, so they are also for Young Master Yeon’s safety…”

“The moment they reveal themselves, this plan will collapse.”

“Huh?”

“They think the Beggar Clan is helping me, not that I’ve joined hands with the Beggar Clan. The difference is bigger than you think.”

“…”

“Since I’ve defeated some quite skilled people, they will send even more formidable ones this time. Those experts are likely to notice the Beggar Clan’s hidden presence.”

“…I see.”

Bi Ho-gae sighed.

“Understood. I will have them withdraw immediately.”

“Thank you.”

“And Young Master Yeon.”

“Speak.”

Bi Ho-gae clasped his hands.

“I haven’t said this before, but we are all supporting Young Master Yeon. Please be careful.”

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled and replied.

“You should say that to the other side.”

* * *

Five days later.

“Huh! It’s been a while since I’ve been to Henan.”

Moyong Gun’s face was full of smiles as he looked around the grand and antique buildings.

“Actually, Henan is a place I’m quite interested in. If the Shaolin Temple hadn’t been located here, I would have tried to conquer this place long ago. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“That’s right.”

Moyong Yeon-hwa was also smiling brightly.

“Henan has the Shaolin and Myeong families. It’s worthy of being called the center of the Central Plains. Even if both the Shaolin and Myeong families disappeared, people would still consider Henan a sacred place.”

“That’s right.”

“That’s why I’m even more interested in it.”

Moyong Gun burst into laughter.

“Your greed is greater than mine.”

“You need to be greedy to succeed.”

“Haha, you’re right. I was wondering if I should leave the family to the general manager, but it seems like I brought you along well. As a child of this Moyong Gun, you need to have that kind of boldness.”

“Hoho.”

Moyong Gun looked at the towering mountain in the distance.

Mount Song, the sacred mountain where the thousand-year-old Shaolin Temple was nestled.

“Let’s take a look at the scenery of Mount Song when we return.”

“Okay.”

Clap!

Moyong Gun clapped his hands.

“Now, shall we go meet the spirited young man?”