Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 630

“Cough!”

I don’t know how many times I’ve coughed today.

Hwa Jin-Cheon looked at his face reflected in the mirror.

A pale complexion. His hair and beard seemed even whiter than before.

Since he was practically semi-retired, he didn’t get as dirty as he used to. Was that why? His pale complexion seemed even more pronounced.

He muttered quietly.

“That damn bastard. Even so, isn’t he being too harsh on an old man who doesn’t have much time left?”

A middle-aged man standing beside him with his back straight spoke in a stiff tone.

“Please give the order now. I will immediately capture that fellow who has been disrespectful to the Dragon Head Chief.”

“Don’t talk nonsense. If it’s not him, who else is there to dispel the war clouds in Sichuan? Besides, his entire group follows his word. The key to this operation is the Tang Clan Head, but the success or failure of this operation depends on Yeon Ho-Jeong.”

“But…”

“If I had my way, I’d like to give him a few knuckle sandwiches, but I’m too old for that now.”

“Please leave it to me. Once things are settled, I will deal with him properly.”

Hwa Jin-Cheon chuckled.

“Do you have the skills to do that?”

“I am the Left Commander of the Dragon Tiger Wind Cloud [elite guard unit of the Beggars’ Union].”

“Do you think I don’t know that?”

“……”

“It’s good to have pride in your own skills, but don’t be arrogant. No matter how skilled you are, your life is in danger if you face that devil.”

The middle-aged man’s eyes deepened.

The Beggars’ Union’s elite guard unit that protected the Dragon Head Chief was the Dragon Tiger Wind Cloud Guard. And he was the leader of that unit.

Naturally, his martial prowess was also among the best in the Jianghu [the martial world]. The powerhouses of the Saintly Heavens were beings beyond the realm of ordinary mortals, so there was nothing he could do about that, but he was not inferior to the heads of the Nine Great Sects [major martial arts sects].

Moreover, if he executed the unique ambush techniques of the guard unit, it would be difficult to find a master who could avoid his venomous fangs.

Hwa Jin-Cheon looked out the window and said.

“I’ve known it for a long time. He’s not the type to act rashly just because he has power. He was like that back then, but now he’s become a complete monster. It’s not just his martial arts that are strong, but the person himself is strong.”

“……”

“Well, if that old man’s words are true, it’s only natural…”

What did that mean?

He was curious, but the middle-aged man didn’t bother to ask.

Hwa Jin-Cheon said cheerfully.

“Whatever the case, it’s clear that planting a hidden spy without the Tang Clan Head’s knowledge is a problem. An old man who is just waiting to die shares his fate with the Tang Clan… Isn’t that rather cool? It means that the name Hwa Jin-Cheon still has that much value.”

“The Dragon Head Chief is the best in the world.”

“The monsters of the Saintly Heavens would be upset to hear that.”

“Being strong in martial arts alone doesn’t make you the best in the world. Considering the influence you have on the Jianghu, there is no one in the world who can compare to you, Chief.”

“Have you learned how to flatter these days?”

“I’m being sincere.”

Hwa Jin-Cheon burst into laughter.

“I wish that damn disciple of mine would learn some of your sincerity.”

It was then.

‘Hmm?’

Hwa Jin-Cheon’s eyes flashed.

Outside the window, someone was walking down a narrow alleyway.

It was Yeon Ho-Jeong. He had changed into clean clothes and tied up his hair, making him look different from before.

The problem was.

‘When?’

Even though he was poisoned by the Tang Clan’s poison, his senses were not dead.

Yet, he hadn’t even noticed the guy entering the alleyway. He had transferred a large amount of internal energy to his foolish disciple, but even considering that, this was surprising.

‘……’

Hwa Jin-Cheon’s face became serious.

“Yong-Gak.”

“Yes, Chief.”

“We have a guest. Tell the servants to prepare a table of drinks.”

A guest?

Yong-Gak followed Hwa Jin-Cheon and turned his head to look out the window.

‘……?’

There was no one there. He couldn’t see anyone, and there was no sign of anyone in his senses.

“Chief. Who…”

At that moment, Hwa Jin-Cheon looked behind Yong-Gak.

“You’ve arrived.”

“Yes.”

Yong-Gak was startled by the voice coming from behind him.

When he turned around, Yeon Ho-Jeong was already there.

‘……!!’

Yong-Gak felt a chill run down his spine.

The guard unit was also skilled in stealth. Being skilled in stealth meant that their senses were much more sensitive than ordinary martial artists.

Yet, he hadn’t noticed it. He hadn’t sensed Yeon Ho-Jeong’s presence as he approached from behind.

What if Yeon Ho-Jeong had harbored murderous intent?

Crack.

Yong-Gak’s fist clenched involuntarily.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“Your expression is a work of art. You look like you’re about to pounce.”

Hwa Jin-Cheon said in a strong tone.

“Yong-Gak!”

“……Yes, Chief.”

Swoosh.

Yong-Gak disappeared from his spot like smoke.

Even a supreme master would not know where or how Yong-Gak disappeared.

But it seemed that Yeon Ho-Jeong could see it. His gaze followed the left pillar, going up to the ceiling, tracing the exact path Yong-Gak was taking.

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“Isn’t it stuffy? Hiding in a place like that.”

Hwa Jin-Cheon pointed to the chair opposite him with a calm face.

“If you’ve come, have a seat.”

“Let’s do that.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong went to the chair and sat down without hesitation.

Hwa Jin-Cheon’s eyes gleamed.

‘He’s changed.’

Completely.

‘Not his aura? His gaze? It’s not that kind of change. His martial arts themselves are completely different…’

In an instant, Hwa Jin-Cheon’s eyes wavered.

Yeon Ho-Jeong tilted his head slightly.

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

“……It’s nothing.”

He skillfully composed his expression and spoke lightly.

“Seeing your relaxed face, I know the result without even hearing it, but I still need to confirm it myself. How did things go?”

“I caught them all.”

“As expected.”

Hwa Jin-Cheon sighed in relief.

“You’ve worked hard.”

Even though he didn’t say it, he seemed to have been very worried as well. His relieved expression felt genuine.

“The Tang Clan members did most of the work. Fighting against their own flesh and blood must not have been easy.”

“Haha, I thought you were a cold-blooded man, but you have a rather meticulous side to you?”

“It’s not like I don’t have a family.”

Family.

Hwa Jin-Cheon smiled.

“It seems that the existence of family gives you strength.”

“It must be the same for everyone. Even though you complain about this and that, aren’t you also reassured by your son?”

“Don’t even mention it. He only likes to play, so I’m worried sick. Far from being reassuring, he’s always on my mind, and sometimes I feel a pain in my neck even when I’m playing.”

“It’s better than not having one.”

“I can’t not have one. I even poured my internal energy into him, it would be a waste.”

He had felt it before, but this master and disciple were definitely jovial.

Even while cursing, a deep affection could be felt. Yeon Ho-Jeong could feel the emotions in Hwa Jin-Cheon’s voice even more thoroughly and meticulously than before.

‘I can see it.’

Even without reaching this level, he could see what he could see.

But that was just a hunch based on experience, not a true certainty. If it had been, there would have been no reason to poison Hwa Jin-Cheon.

‘He’s extremely skilled at controlling his emotions. He matches his expressions with his emotions, but when necessary, he subtly adjusts them to confuse the other person’s perception.’

It must be something he naturally learned while living as the Dragon Head Chief. Handling information meant dealing with people. The Dragon Head Chief was probably more skilled at protecting the information he had obtained than at extracting it from others.

‘Will Hu-Gae also change like that?’

Ga Deuk-Sang during his time as the Dark Emperor was different from Hwa Jin-Cheon. He had the same level of ability as Hwa Jin-Cheon, but he was someone who expressed his emotions much more honestly and abundantly.

Maintaining a bright atmosphere even in the midst of war was impossible with ordinary mental strength. That was why Yeon Ho-Jeong highly valued Ga Deuk-Sang.

“Let’s hear the details first.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong spoke calmly about what had happened.

Hwa Jin-Cheon’s eyes gleamed.

“The Dark King revealed himself?”

“That’s right.”

“Huh! You persuaded him?”

“I did persuade him, but it doesn’t seem to be because of me. It seems that the old senior also had a lot of concerns. And when he sensed the Ghost Gate, he seemed to have made up his mind.”

“Hmm.”

Even after hearing the word Ghost Gate, he didn’t express any doubt or surprise. It meant that he already knew of its existence.

“If the Dark King appeared, then the situation must have been resolved.”

“It’s not necessarily so. It wasn’t that kind of situation.”

“Hmm?”

“Because it was his son’s doing. It must be difficult to be completely objective.”

Hwa Jin-Cheon, who had been quietly looking at Yeon Ho-Jeong, said as if throwing a stone.

“What would you have done?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re not married, so let’s talk about your younger sibling. If your younger sibling had done something similar, would you have hesitated?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong frowned.

“How can I know without experiencing such a situation? However, given my nature, I wouldn’t hesitate.”

Hwa Jin-Cheon grinned.

“I thought you cared deeply about your family.”

“If my family is precious to me, then aren’t other people’s families also precious?”

“……”

“I would have killed him with tears of blood. Probably.”

He was serious.

Hwa Jin-Cheon shook his head.

“That’s not the kind of mentality that can be formed at your age.”

“It’s just a different set of values. So let’s stop this unpleasant conversation.”

“Haha, very well. I was rude.”

“It’s good that you know.”

“Is the Dark King alright?”

“He’ll need some rest for a while.”

Hwa Jin-Cheon sighed.

At least he wasn’t dead. That was enough.

“You said it was the Blood Fiend Sect.”

“That’s right.”

“Blood Fiend… That’s a headache.”

Frowning, he continued.

“Numerous evil sects have appeared in the history of the martial world, and the Central Plains martial world has fought countless battles against them to protect this land. Some of them have developed truly horrific demonic arts, while others have brought forth sorcery that defies common sense.”

“……”

“But there was only one evil sect in history that used the technique of soul transference.”

“The Blood Sect?”

“That’s right.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes gleamed.

“If you have any information about the Blood Sect, please gather it and give it to me.”

“Hmm? Don’t you know much about the Blood Sect?”

“Not much. Even if I did, the information obtained by the Beggars’ Union would be more than the information collected in my head, wouldn’t it?”

“……”

Once again, Hwa Jin-Cheon stared at Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Soon, he nodded.

“I’ll gather it and send it to you.”

“Thank you.”

“Are you planning to stay in the Tang Clan for a while?”

“I’m thinking of helping with the cleanup. I also have some business left with the Clan Head.”

“What happened to the remnants of the Paradise? The ones that Elder Pae-Yul said he had captured?”

“I poisoned them.”

“Huh?!”

That was unexpected. Poisoned? All of them?

“According to Senior Pae-Yul, they were planning to overthrow Qingcheng and Emei [two major martial arts sects] and join the Three Sects. I wanted to capture them right away, but just in case, I poisoned them all.”

“How?”

“The Tang Clan Head and your so-called hidden spy used their power.”

“……Ugh.”

“It’s still chaotic, but it’s being sorted out well, so we’ll be able to root them out soon.”

Hwa Jin-Cheon’s eyes hardened.

“That was dangerous. Why didn’t you just capture them? If they’re poisoned, who knows what they might do…”

“They won’t even know they’ve been poisoned.”

“Hmm.”

“If you’re really worried, the Beggars’ Union can do something about it. Don’t just make us do all the work.”

“You leave me speechless.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong stood up and took out a small pouch, placing it on the table.

“It’s the antidote. You’ve worked hard.”

Hwa Jin-Cheon grumbled.

“Is that all for an old man who has worked so hard?”

“I hope you’ll comfort the Tang Clan members who have worked hard.”

“……You leave me speechless until the end.”

“I’m leaving. Let’s meet again when the Tang Clan is settled. At that time, come and apologize to the Tang Clan Head yourself.”

With those words, Yeon Ho-Jeong disappeared.

Hwa Jin-Cheon smacked his lips when a beggar brought in the table of drinks.

“The drinks are here. Anyway, send a message to the Heavenly Dragon Hall right now.”

“To the Heavenly Dragon Hall?”

“Yes.”

Hwa Jin-Cheon’s eyes wavered.

“It seems we need to make another place in the Saintly Heavens.”