Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 647

Of course, Hong-jeok, as well as the Jongnam swordsmen lined up behind him, were startled.

‘Telekinesis!’

When one becomes a supreme master, they can move objects at a distance beyond their reach using their extreme inner energy.

Naturally, it wasn’t just about inner energy. If one had all three *danjun* [energy centers] well-trained, they could harmonize the natural energy flowing in the air with their inner energy, allowing them to manipulate external objects.

That was telekinesis. It was a pinnacle of enlightenment that only masters who had transcended human limitations could achieve.

However, the level of telekinesis Yeon Ho-Jeong was displaying was extraordinary.

*Srrr*

The Heaven Piercing Armor in Yeon Ho-Jeong’s hand exuded a terrifying aura.

*Thud!*

The ax blade was naturally placed on the ground, creating a small tremor.

Its weight was beyond imagination. Even by a rough estimate, it seemed to easily exceed sixty *geun* [a traditional Korean unit of weight, roughly equivalent to 48 kilograms].

Moreover, it had been about three *jang* [a traditional Korean unit of length, roughly equivalent to 3 meters] away. To pull it up without any sign of strain meant his martial prowess was comparable to, or even surpassed, that of the heads of the Nine Great Sects.

‘This can’t be!’

Hong-jeok had heard he was called the greatest rising star of the younger generation, but he didn’t believe the rumors were entirely true.

It was only natural, as Yeon Ho-Jeong was said to be not even thirty years old.

To have broken through the wall of martial arts at that age was an unprecedented event. Yet, such a rising star possessed the martial power of a great sect leader? It was logically impossible.

However, the martial power Yeon Ho-Jeong displayed was as rumored.

No, it was beyond the rumors. Even when using telekinesis, it was impossible to tell how he was emitting his inner energy. Even the head of Jongnam might not be capable of such a feat.

Hong-jeok stared at Yeon Ho-Jeong, dumbfounded.

Yeo Gwang also sensed that Yeon Ho-Jeong’s skills were no less than his own with this one move.

Surprise was added to his stubborn old face.

“I was skeptical about how great you were to be called the greatest rising star, even if I didn’t know about the Green Wall Tiger, but you are truly impressive.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes deepened.

“I am not interested in how you evaluate my martial power.”

“What?”

“Let me be clear. We do not have time. While I would like to ignore everyone blocking our path and advance, the reason I am stopping to talk is because I believe we should not cause internal strife when facing a formidable enemy.”

“…”

“However, if you continue to block us, we will have no choice. We will leave the rest to the Twelve Peak Envoys of the Alliance and go our way.”

He would break through with force.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s intention was clear. In fact, from the moment he pulled the ax, he had declared his intention to fight.

Yeo Gwang’s eyes deepened.

“I see the source of your confidence. However, no matter how outstanding an individual’s martial power is, it cannot surpass the power of a group.”

“That is why Jongnam should not stop us.”

“What do you mean?”

“The power of the Three Teachings is great enough to turn the Central Plains into a sea of fire. Even with the efforts of a few dedicated patriots, there are limits. Instead of helping, how can you block our path without knowing what is a priority?”

“…”

“Time continues to flow even at this moment. Therefore, I will make one last recommendation.”

*Whoooooooosh.*

A faint glow emanated from Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes.

“Clear the path.”

“…!!”

For a moment, Yeo Gwang was speechless.

The opponent’s skill was worthy of praise, just from the natural telekinesis that even he couldn’t grasp the flow of inner energy.

Still, Yeo Gwang didn’t think he would lose. Martial arts wasn’t just about reaching a high level.

But the moment he saw Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes.

‘…Is there such a person?’

A trickle of cold sweat ran down Yeo Gwang’s neck.

‘This guy, could it be?’

It couldn’t be.

It couldn’t be, but at least he knew one thing.

He couldn’t stop him in his current state.

Perhaps even if all the Jongnam swordsmen he had brought here came together, they might not be able to stop him.

The surprise that seeped in like fog had become a very ominous fact, making Yeo Gwang’s heart pound.

Yeo Gwang, who had been staring at Yeon Ho-Jeong, shook his head.

“I have no choice.”

“…”

“Retreating without a fight is a disgrace to a warrior. However, even if our intentions differ, we are still part of the same family. It would be wrong to insist on a fight that could lead to mutual destruction.”

Yeo Gwang raised his hand.

“Everyone, open the path.”

*Srrr*

The Jongnam swordsmen moved to the right.

They moved with disciplined movements without expressing any doubts. It was clear how well-trained they were.

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Yeo Gwang.

Yeo Gwang crossed his arms and said,

“Go. However, remember one thing.”

“…”

“We have been very patient today. If the atmosphere in Shanxi becomes harsh because of you, we will have no choice but to hold you responsible.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

“Once your mission is over, leave Shanxi with your group immediately.”

“We will see how things go, but we have no reason to stay in Shanxi unless it is for our mission. We will leave as soon as our work is done, so don’t worry too much.”

“Good.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong turned back and mounted his horse again.

The horse, after a light nudge, slowly walked forward. At the same time, his group followed behind Yeon Ho-Jeong.

*Clack.*

Before passing by Yeo Gwang, Yeon Ho-Jeong stopped his horse.

Yeo Gwang tilted his head.

“Do you have something else to say?”

“Since we have received sufficient warnings, we also have one request.”

“A request?”

“Do not interfere.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong glanced down at Yeo Gwang.

For a moment, Yeo Gwang flinched. He felt an unknown dignity in Yeon Ho-Jeong’s gaze looking down at him.

“You said you would step back because of the possibility of mutual destruction. While your actions are wise, conversely, it also means that if our martial power was weak, you would never have stepped back.”

“…!!”

“Deciding when to advance or retreat based on the situation is a proper virtue for a leader. However, judging what is a priority before considering one’s pride is the virtue of a great man.”

“…”

“Let me tell you in advance, do not try to learn about this mission. Do not send Jongnam disciples to investigate either.”

*Flash!*

In an instant, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes turned red.

“If you interfere in this situation, as the leader of the Murim Alliance’s Yugun Unit and the special adjutant of the Mukryong Faction, I will not let Jongnam off the hook.”

It was a statement that could not be ignored.

Hong-jeok shouted angrily.

“You! Just because you have some power, do you think Jongnam is a joke!”

“Also.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes shifted from Yeo Gwang to Hong-jeok.

Hong-jeok, who was about to utter an insult, felt his mouth close on its own.

“As we do not know how the situation is unfolding, we will consider everyone here except for our group as enemies. If you do not want to lose your lives, do not interfere.”

“Ugh!”

“Thank you for your concession.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong urged his horse forward again.

Kang Ryang’s face was filled with delight as he followed behind him. Hwang Seok-tae’s expression was still indifferent, but his subtle gaze showed a sense of relief.

Paeyul clicked his tongue. He could have exchanged blows with the Jongnam masters, but in the end, no fight broke out. He seemed to regret it.

As the group moved about five *jang* away,

Yeo Gwang spoke to Yeon Ho-Jeong’s back.

“Youth is often accompanied by vigor and recklessness.”

“…”

“If a Jongnam disciple dies by your hand, then Jongnam will… even if it means breaking the Alliance rules…”

That was when it happened.

*Kwa kwa kwa kwang!!*

A tremendous roar echoed as the road in front of Yeon Ho-Jeong was devastated.

Without any warning, a storm-like force swept through. The shockwave widened the road by three times its original width.

“…!!”

Yeo Gwang, Hong-jeok, and the Jongnam swordsmen’s faces turned pale.

*Whoooooooosh!!*

The wind of the White Tiger swirled around the swung blade of the Heaven Piercing Armor.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, with the Heaven Piercing Armor resting on his shoulder, spoke to himself as if muttering.

“The road is too narrow. If we want to go by horseback, we might have to go around. I didn’t want to waste time like this.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at his group.

“From now on, there will be no more wasting time. Let’s go.”

Kang Ryang grinned and shouted.

“Yes! Let’s go!”

*Hee hee hee hee-ing!!*

The four horses let out a dragon’s cry and galloped down the newly opened path.

The horses disappeared from sight in an instant. They knew they weren’t ordinary horses, but they didn’t know they were this fast.

Even though Yeon Ho-Jeong’s group had disappeared, none of the Jongnam swordsmen could open their mouths.

Hong-jeok swallowed hard.

‘What was that?’

He recalled the martial art Yeon Ho-Jeong had just displayed.

One strike that blew away all the trees and weeds on both sides of the road with a single swing of the massive ax.

It was a shocking sight, where a new path was created by the immense power contained in the swirling wind.

‘Wh-what on earth was that power…?!’

At that moment, Yeo Gwang spoke.

“I was completely mistaken.”

“Y-yes?”

Hong-jeok looked at Yeo Gwang.

Yeo Gwang’s face seemed calm. However, his complexion was quite pale.

“It’s not the level of a sect leader. I don’t know what he did, but… his power has definitely reached an infinite orbit.”

Infinite orbit.

Infinity is the same as the absolute void, and the absolute void is the same as the primordial chaos, an area that cannot be described in words.

“Could it be… that young man has opened the absolute void!?”

Yeo Gwang silently stared at the path Yeon Ho-Jeong’s group had taken.

He swallowed and said after a moment of silence.

“What kind of martial art did he learn? Could it be that he has dabbled in the dark arts?”

* * *

“Ha!”

Kang Ryang’s face was full of smiles, as if he was enjoying something immensely.

“Did you see the Iron Brigade Commander? I’m talking about that old man’s face from earlier.”

Hwang Seok-tae said curtly.

“I saw it.”

“Hahaha! He was completely frozen like a mouse seeing a snake! It was so satisfying!”

“Don’t get carried away over something so trivial. We still have several mountains to cross.”

“But wasn’t it refreshing?”

Hwang Seok-tae’s lips finally curved upwards.

“It was refreshing.”

“Hahahaha!”

“By the way, why is your tone like that?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve become quite informal.”

“We’re both Black Axes, what’s the big deal?”

While the two were bickering over their tone, Paeyul sped up and approached Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“Are you okay?”

“What do you mean?”

Paeyul frowned.

“I’m asking if it wasn’t a bit too much.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“You’re the one who would have been happiest if a fight had broken out, yet you’re saying that.”

“Of course. But the fact that no conflict broke out means that the situation was handled well. No matter how much they complain, it’s just the whining of the defeated.”

“…”

“There was no need to show your power there.”

“You are right.”

“So you knew. Then, was there another reason?”

“There is, but I will not say it now.”

Paeyul grumbled.

“Again, you’re the only one who knows.”

“But aside from all the reasons, I was also a bit angry.”

“Hmm?”

“My comrade was insulted.”

Paeyul tilted his head and pointed his thumb at Kang Ryang and Hwang Seok-tae.

Yeon Ho-Jeong continued in a calm voice.

“As members of the same righteous faction, I understood their circumstances. However, the moment my people were insulted, I no longer had any reason to understand their circumstances.”

“…”

“The fact that I didn’t beat them all to a pulp with my bad temper is a major event in itself.”

“Huh!”

Yeon Ho-Jeong picked up the pace a little.

Paeyul, who was quietly watching his back, smiled.

“It’s definitely never boring following you around.”