Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 650

“Hmm.”

Yeon-wi’s eyes, gazing down at his sword, were like a still lake.

The surface of a lake where not even the slightest breeze stirs. Not a single ripple forms. If you stare into it, it feels so deep that you might fall in.

How much time had passed like that?

“Indeed.”

Yeon-wi smiled.

“It’s still too much for me.”

The sword technique, so difficult it was hard to even name, was simply called the Absolute Three Swords.

In the past, he had mastered the First Sword and completed the design of the Second Sword. However, through training with Tang Gwan, he had completed the Second Sword and finished the design of the Third Sword.

Now, if he completed the Third Sword, it would be as if Yeon-wi had achieved his life’s dream in martial arts.

Creating better martial arts for the family and descendants. The successive heads of the family had focused on refining their skills before the family’s power, and Yeon-wi was no different.

However.

“Indeed, the Limitless is difficult. If I complete the Third Sword, will I be able to reach it?”

Yeon-wi’s face was calm. Even though the Limitless was still beyond his grasp, there was no sign of regret. There was no impatience or frustration of a martial artist who had not reached a higher level.

Watching his father, Yeon Ji-pyeong saw the path he should take.

His older brother, Yeon Ho-jeong, was always fast. He seemed more than fast; he seemed hasty.

However, he only seemed hasty from the perspective of others, but he was never hasty with himself. It was because his brother saw the world from a completely different perspective than other people.

Yeon Ji-pyeong was proud of his brother, but he admitted that he was different from him.

His brother had his own path, and he had his own path. And his path was bound to be different from his father’s path.

However, he was much closer to his father than his brother. Yeon Ji-pyeong realized that.

Yeon-wi sheathed his sword and looked at Yeon Ji-pyeong.

“I’m sorry. I knew you came an hour ago, but I didn’t think I should break my concentration.”

“It’s alright, Father.”

Yeon-wi, who was looking at Yeon Ji-pyeong with a smile, gradually showed signs of admiration.

“It seems you had wonderful training in Guangdong.”

“Moyong Gun gave me a lot of help.”

“No matter who helped you, it’s truly amazing. I knew you would constantly strive, but I didn’t know you would grow this much.”

It was honest admiration without exaggeration.

The martial arts of his second son, whom he had seen after a long time, were as empty as those of the Taoist priests of the Wudang Sect. He had a presence that was not lacking as a member of the Yeon family.

The Yeon family’s father and sons each had different characteristics.

Yeon-wi had a deep-rooted solidity like a giant tree and a steadfastness like a fortress.

Yeon Ho-jeong had a brilliant intensity that was as fast as lightning and as fiery as fire.

Then, what about Yeon Ji-pyeong?

Yeon Ji-pyeong was as soft and abundant as a cloud. But he wasn’t just soft.

Clouds sometimes accompany lightning and storms. Yeon-wi could see a fierce sword wind in Yeon Ji-pyeong’s calm aura, ready to burst out into the world at any time.

“To gain martial intent at that age and pioneer your own martial path is worthy of praise. At that rate, you’ll soon surpass the Martial Ancestor.”

Yeon Ji-pyeong smiled.

“I’m trying not to be attached to it.”

It was a strange change.

If it were the usual Yeon Ji-pyeong, he would have waved his hand, saying that it was still far off. It was partly his personality, but he would have thought it was polite.

The current Yeon Ji-pyeong was different. He calmly perceived his position and looked at the world. He was confident that he could surpass the wall of the Martial Ancestor, but he didn’t think about it hastily.

Yeon-wi laughed heartily.

“The fact that your heart has grown so admirably is more pleasing than the achievements you’ve made. They say a man becomes an adult when he goes out into the world, and it seems you’ve finally become an adult.”

Yeon Ji-pyeong just smiled quietly.

Yeon-wi slowly stroked his sword.

“How about it? You haven’t eaten yet; would you like to have a sparring match after the meal?”

“I’d like that.”

“Good. There’s nothing more exciting than directly confirming how sharp my son’s sword has become.”

Yeon-wi, who was looking at Yeon Ji-pyeong with a smile, suddenly tilted his head.

“By the way, where is Bia? Didn’t she come with you?”

“Ah…”

Yeon Ji-pyeong scratched his head.

“Well, it seems like my sister is going to leave the sect again as soon as she gets back.”

“Leave the sect? Why?”

“She said she has to go to my brother.”

“To Ho-jeong?”

“Yes. The military advisor contacted her separately, saying that they needed someone to transport my brother’s weapons. So, my sister decided to go.”

Yeon-wi clicked his tongue.

“She just got back; she could have rested for a day.”

“She’ll probably stop by later. I think she’ll rest for a day.”

Yeon-wi smiled.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve all gathered. It would have been nice if Ho-jeong and Ryang were here too.”

The two men, who were talking with a smile, left their residence. They were heading to the dining hall.

However, the father and son could not enjoy a peaceful meal together.

“Patriarch.”

Yeon-wi’s face showed bewilderment.

“Are you from the military advisor’s office?”

“Yes. The military advisor wants to see you right away.”

The urgency was evident on the warrior’s face.

Yeon Ji-pyeong said.

“Please go. I’ll eat alone.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright.”

Yeon-wi said to the warrior.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

Yeon-wi’s face, as he went to the military advisor’s office with the warrior, hardened slightly.

‘Something must have happened.’

* * *

A mountain not far from Hwajeok Tower.

Yeon Ho-jeong, who had reached the summit, saw an old man drinking alone under the moonlight.

Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes shone.

‘Is that the old man?’

Cheoljanggae, who had walked ahead of Yeon Ho-jeong, bowed to the old man.

“I have brought Yeon Ho-jeong, the leader.”

It was a very respectful posture.

It was inevitable. If he was a former elder of Mount Hua, he was a great elder of the martial world, regardless of the influence he had.

If he was from a generation before the previous generation, he would be at least over ninety years old, so it was natural for Cheoljanggae to be so polite.

“Hmm, thank you.”

“It’s nothing.”

Cheoljanggae looked at Yeon Ho-jeong.

Yeon Ho-jeong nodded and stood opposite the old man.

“Oh ho.”

The old man smiled and looked up at Yeon Ho-jeong.

“Are you the leader of the Righteous Army?”

“……”

“Amazing. There are many bright disciples and wise Taoists in the main sect, but none of them have shown such outstanding brilliance as you.”

Yeon Ho-jeong silently looked down at the old man.

The old man pointed to a flat rock in front of him. There was an empty cup on the rock.

“Sit down and have a drink. It’s plum wine. It’s a bit bitter, but the aroma is excellent.”

Yeon Ho-jeong, who had been silently looking at the old man, finally sat down.

However, he neither picked up the cup nor opened his mouth. He just looked at the old man with deep eyes.

Cheoljanggae glared slightly.

“He’s a great senior of the martial world. You should show some respect.”

Yeon Ho-jeong did not react to Cheoljanggae’s words.

Cheoljanggae clicked his tongue inwardly. He had heard that he was naturally stiff-necked, but he didn’t know it was to this extent.

However, the old man’s reaction was different from Cheoljanggae’s.

“Why are you doing that?”

“……”

“What do you see in this old man that makes you stare so intently?”

Only then did Yeon Ho-jeong’s mouth open.

“You are amazing.”

The old man tilted his head.

“What do you mean?”

“I can’t see your depth.”

“Hmm?”

“If we were to exchange blows, I don’t think I would lose, but something feels unsettling.”

“Hahaha.”

“I don’t want to fight with the old master.”

The old man burst into laughter.

“I thought you were completely different from the rumors, but this part is just like the rumors. Even though you saw an old man who might die at any moment, you immediately thought about fighting? Hahaha.”

“……”

“A resolute aura. Even though you have risen to the path of the Limitless, there is not a single tremor. If I’m not mistaken, your personality and martial path have not changed much before and after opening the Limitless. I can see the shadow of a giant tree that does not shake even in a storm.”

A smile spread across Yeon Ho-jeong’s face.

“You are like a Taoist. You say things that are difficult to understand.”

“You’ve interpreted and understood everything, so why are you saying such disappointing things?”

“I like things that are intuitive.”

“I think I know.”

What kind of conversation was this?

Cheoljanggae tilted his head. Of course, he didn’t think about joining their conversation.

‘He’s really amazing.’

What he saw was an old man, but Yeon Ho-jeong had captured something beyond that.

‘This person is not just a Taoist. It’s like…’

What Yeon Ho-jeong recalled was another Taoist.

The most Taoist-like Taoist he had seen so far.

‘It’s like Seung-hyeon Jin-in [a highly respected Taoist master].’

Seung-hyeon Jin-in of the Wudang Sect.

This old man was of the same kind as Seung-hyeon Jin-in. The same kind, but a much deeper and richer person.

‘I don’t feel like fighting.’

The ultimate goal of martial arts is to subdue the opponent without fighting.

This old man and Seung-hyeon Jin-in had even surpassed that. They completely took away the desire to fight from their opponents.

Even if you wanted to ignite your fighting spirit, you couldn’t. Your fighting spirit didn’t rise, and your will to fight didn’t surge. It wasn’t intentional, but their enlightenment was so high that anyone who saw them couldn’t even think of drawing their sword.

The old man was such a person. His level of enlightenment was different from his martial arts.

The old man said.

“Just as you are amazed by me, I am also amazed by you.”

“……?”

“I can’t see the Tao in you. The shadow of Buddhism is darker than the Tao, but you don’t have the appearance of entering Buddhism.”

“……”

“You are a natural martial artist. You have a dazzling fortitude that does not succumb to any mysterious principle you witness.”

“Is that so?”

The old man nodded.

“You have no interest in enlightenment, and enlightenment will also pass you by, but you were able to become so strong because you gave up the qualifications to ascend to heaven. A sad strongman.”

Yeon Ho-jeong chuckled.

“I don’t understand a word you’re saying. I don’t particularly like this kind of conversation either.”

“Haha, is that so?”

“I have to move early tomorrow morning. Let’s get to the point.”

“Hahaha.”

The old man, who had been laughing for a while, spoke in a calm tone.

“I am called Hwgeomja (Flower Sword Master).”

Hwgeomja.

The former Great Elder of the Mount Hua Sect, an invincible swordsman who made the name of Mount Hua known throughout the world with his martial arts that were more powerful than the sect leader at the time.

In a year, he would be exactly one hundred years old, and he was one of the greatest elders in the entire martial world, not just Mount Hua. He was the oldest person in the martial world, with a higher status than even the masters of Seongcheon.

“For fifteen years, I have been secluded in the deep mountains and valleys, seeking enlightenment with the sky as my companion. Then, a few months ago, for some reason, I wanted to stop my practice. So, I visited the main sect after a long time.”

“……”

“I heard that the sect leader of the main sect had changed, and that the world was quite turbulent.”

“Is that so?”

“And I heard your name. I heard about your achievements, influence, and so on from Yongseon.”

Yongseon. Yongseon Jin-in.

It seemed that he had briefly visited the main sect because the great elder of Mount Hua had returned.

Even though he was the sect leader, he had returned to the mountains himself, which showed how high Hwgeomja’s position was.

The old man, Hwgeomja, continued calmly.

“I heard that you hate the Three Teachings a lot?”

Yeon Ho-jeong felt a strange feeling.

Hate the Three Teachings? That was true.

However, what was important was not what Hwgeomja said, but his tone.

For some reason, it seemed that Hwgeomja had known about the Three Teachings for a long time.

“Then, what about me?”

“……What do you mean?”

“Before I was given my Taoist name, my secular name was Horyeonjak (Calling Swallow).”

“……?!”

“I came from beyond the border.”

Chaaang!

Yeon Ho-jeong drew the Black Dragon Blade like lightning.