Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 715

Jeagal Mun-Ho asked,

“Did he appear alone?”

“According to the information, yes.”

It was just one martial artist who had appeared.

However, that martial artist was a powerhouse of Seongcheon [a group of powerful martial artists]. Whether they were a Divine Immortal Emperor or a Three-Army Commander, any master who had made a name for themselves in Seongcheon was an inhuman monster capable of handling the power of a major sect alone.

In other words, they were a walking bomb. Moreover, the Flying King didn’t even have a clear faction. He was a master who represented the middle path, neither righteous nor evil.

The appearance of an unpredictable absolute master. It was no wonder that the people present were tense.

“This is no ordinary matter. In the torrent of this chaotic world, even the Flying King, who hasn’t shown himself for a while, has appeared.”

Bok Ho, the Divine Monk, glanced at Seung-Hyeon Jin-In for no particular reason. He couldn’t help but be concerned since the Flying King had appeared near the Wudang Sect.

Unexpectedly, Seung-Hyeon Jin-In’s face was calm.

“The Flying King is not one to risk his life for justice, but I’ve heard he’s not a rogue either.”

“That’s true, but…”

“An invincible master has appeared, but that alone is no reason to worry unnecessarily. However, if there is an intention behind his appearance at this time, figuring out that intention should be our top priority.”

His voice didn’t betray any anxiety.

The Jongnam Sect had recently fought a war. Who wouldn’t be uneasy when the Flying King appeared in this situation?

Nevertheless, Seung-Hyeon Jin-In was skillfully controlling himself. He knew that getting worked up now would be pointless.

“That’s right.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho opened his mouth.

“Even if the Flying King has evil intentions, the Wudang Sect is different from the Jongnam Sect. Especially since Master Tak Mu is in Wudang.”

The Jongnam Sect also originated from Taoism, but in this era, its nature had changed to a more secular one. This was evident from the fact that most of those from the Jongnam Martial Clan, not the Jongnam Taoist Clan, did not receive Taoist names.

Furthermore, Jongnam had a unique custom different from other Nine Great Sects. Most of the previous generation figures of Jongnam would spread out across the world, either going into separate training or joining secular businesses.

Originally, before the Empire lost its power, there were many masters from Jongnam in the military. Most of the retired masters from the previous generation would go to the imperial palace and work as military advisors.

However, as the Empire lost its power and the government failed to fulfill its role, the relationship became complicated.

Eventually, in this era, the masters of the previous generation did not go to the military but instead went down the mountain to engage in independent chivalrous acts. This changed into a culture of going to secular martial clans or businesses under Jongnam to train their juniors.

However, the other Nine Great Sects did not do this.

“Although he hasn’t shown himself recently, I’ve heard that he stays not far from the Wudang headquarters.”

Seung-Hyeon Jin-In nodded.

“He is like a dragon in the clouds, so he may have gone somewhere. However, as far as I know, he is still focusing on his training near Mount Wudang.”

That wasn’t all. Not only Tak Mu-Ja, but also quite a few masters from the previous generation had settled in various peaks of Mount Wudang, pursuing the Tao or training in martial arts.

The situation was completely different from Jongnam.

“It’s surprising, but it’s not something we should worry about unnecessarily. And…”

Seung-Hyeon Jin-In looked at Yeon-wi and Peng Mu-Gang.

“Isn’t it more important now to wish good fortune to those heading to the imperial palace?”

The elders nodded.

Seung-Hyeon Jin-In said with a serious face.

“I’ve heard that the current imperial palace is a den of demons no less than the martial world. It will be difficult, but I hope you can correct what is wrong.”

Peng Mu-Gang clasped his fist in salute.

“Don’t worry.”

It was then.

“Military Advisor.”

At Yeon-wi’s call, Jeagal Mun-Ho answered.

“Yes, please speak.”

“If possible, could you prepare the Righteous Army so that they can be dispatched at any time?”

“Yes? The Righteous Army?”

Everyone looked at Yeon-wi with puzzled faces.

Yeon-wi nodded.

“It would be best if it’s not the case, but if the Flying King has ill intentions, the Mukryong Unit [a special military unit] will also take its own measures to capture him.”

“Of course, they would.”

“The most powerful card that the Mukryong Unit Leader can use right now is my son.”

“…Hmm.”

“They will be concerned, but the Righteous Army is the unit that can immediately follow the orders of Yeon Ho-Jeong. If they request a dispatch, I think it would be good to have them ready to move immediately.”

Bok Ho, the Divine Monk, nodded.

“Lord Yeon is right. Moreover, the Righteous Army has the best mobility within the Alliance. It is the unit that can best follow the strategy and command of Commander Yeon, so it would be good to have them prepared for any eventuality.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho asked,

“Do you think the Mukryong Unit Leader will order Commander Yeon to bring the Flying King?”

“I don’t know. I am just a commoner. However…”

Yeon-wi’s eyes deepened.

“If they sent Commander Yeon Ho-Jeong to bring the White-Clad Divine Army and the Yin Clan to our side, I think there’s a possibility this time as well.”

“Of course, that could be the case.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho seemed to have other thoughts.

But that was only for a moment.

“Regarding this matter, we will make a decision quickly after a meeting with the elders.”

“Understood.”

“Don’t worry about us, and please return safely.”

Finally, Yeon-wi and Peng Mu-Gang bowed their heads.

“We will be on our way.”

“May good fortune be with you.”

Thus, Yeon-wi, Peng Mu-Gang, and Jeagal Ayeon left to handle the affairs of the imperial palace.

Jeagal Mun-Ho spoke to the Beggars’ Sect disciple.

“Where is the Sect Leader?”

“He is currently crossing Shanxi and heading to Henan. He will likely arrive at the Martial Alliance soon.”

“Hmm, I understand. Thank you for your hard work.”

After sending the Beggars’ Sect disciple away, Jeagal Mun-Ho entered the conference room with the elders.

Even while conducting the meeting, Jeagal Mun-Ho’s expression was not bright.

‘The Flying King… perhaps he is…’

* * *

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s group passed through Hubei and entered the northern part of Hunan.

They didn’t intend to move quickly, but they also didn’t intend to go slowly, so they were moving at a considerable speed. Moreover, thanks to the Beggars’ Sect branch arranging a boat, they were able to travel down the river, which made their speed even faster.

Having reached Hunan, the group settled down on a gentle hillside.

Gang Ryang grumbled.

“Are we camping out again in this cold?”

Paeyul said in a sarcastic voice,

“It’s not like it’s the first time, so what’s with the complaints?”

“It’s not a complaint, but… we could rest at an inn or tavern, so why do we have to camp out? It’s not like we don’t have money.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“If we stay at a tavern, we can’t train as much as we want.”

“…Are you going to train again?”

“We have to train until the day we die. And even if we’re camping out, it’s not like there’s a problem with sleeping, right? It’s not like we’re shivering from the cold.”

“That’s true, but…”

Gang Ryang smacked his lips.

“I wish I could take a hot bath and then have a cup of warm wine.”

“There’s an inn not far from here. If you want, you can go and rest.”

“Hey, how can I do that when we’re all in this together?”

Paeyul hit Gang Ryang’s head with the end of his spear.

Thwack!

“Ugh!”

“Stop whining and go gather some branches. We need to make a bonfire.”

“Why hit me when you can just say it!”

“You little…”

“…I’ll go quickly.”

Muk Bi smiled and got up.

“Let’s gather them together.”

“You’re the only one I can count on, Sister.”

Gang Ryang and Muk Bi walked around the area.

So Jeong-Gwang, who had been silent, smacked his lips and got up.

“I’ll help too.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“No.”

“Huh?”

“You have something else to do with me. Follow me.”

“…Alright.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong said to Hwang Seok-Tae and Paeyul,

“It might take a while, so you guys should sleep first.”

Hwang Seok-Tae nodded, and Paeyul said in a nonchalant voice,

“What kind of monster are you trying to create this time?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled and turned around. So Jeong-Gwang followed behind Yeon Ho-Jeong.

After a while.

They arrived at a fairly spacious clearing some distance from the group. The clear moonlight shone directly on the clearing.

“This place is perfect.”

So Jeong-Gwang shrank his neck like a turtle.

“I’m scared.”

“Of what?”

“Seeing that you brought me this far away separately.”

“I know, right? Why did I bring you here?”

“…I’m starting to get really scared.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong put his hands behind his back and said,

“You received a separate message from Jin Yang, right?”

“Did you know?”

“I saw you making contact with a blacksmith in the village yesterday.”

“You’re incredibly perceptive.”

So Jeong-Gwang smacked his lips.

“He should be joining us tomorrow.”

“What about the sect?”

“…”

“It seems like it disbanded.”

So Jeong-Gwang closed his eyes.

“I guess so. We worked so hard to create that sect, but it fell apart in an instant. It just goes to show that you never know how life will turn out.”

“…”

“But that guy seems to have given a lot of money to each of the disbanded disciples. Well, he had been saving up all this time.”

“They all scattered?”

“Only fifty remained. And those fifty said they would follow him no matter what.”

“Fifty…”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“It seems like that guy had some charisma after all.”

“Well, he was a hopeless sect leader, but he had his charms. It’s not like I was wiping his butt for no reason all this time.”

There were about two hundred official disciples in the Hwaung Sect.

Of those, one hundred and fifty left, and fifty chose to stay with him. If fifty remained even after the sect’s leader disbanded the organization, it meant that he had earned their loyalty.

“Anyway…”

So Jeong-Gwang scratched his head.

“I think it’s about time we got to the main point, don’t you?”

“Before the main point, let me ask you one thing.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong pointed his chin towards where the group was.

“What did you feel when you looked at them?”

“…They’re strong people?”

It might sound like a thoughtless answer at first glance, but from So Jeong-Gwang’s perspective, there was no more certain answer than that.

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded.

“That’s right. They’re all strong. Even Jin Yang’s martial arts are not ordinary.”

“…”

“Compared to them, you’re lacking.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s people were all exceptionally talented, but in reality, So Jeong-Gwang’s martial arts were also amazing for his age. Moreover, he didn’t even have a proper teacher.

He mastered martial arts late, yet he reached the level of a top master. If you only consider talent, he might be even better than Jin Yang.

“If you stay with me, you’ll see a lot of terrible things. You’ll go through countless battles where your life is in danger.”

“Does that mean…?”

“I’m going to raise your martial arts.”

So Jeong-Gwang swallowed unconsciously.

He had been busy with the sect’s administration and military affairs, but he was also a martial artist.

He was being told that the monstrous genius who had opened the realm of the Limitless, surpassing the best of the younger generation, would teach him. How could his heart not race?

So Jeong-Gwang bowed his head.

“I decided to stay with the Sect Leader, no, Jin Yang, but I can’t be the only one who’s weak.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“That’s a good mindset.”

“Then what should we start with? Should I show you my spear techniques? Or my inner energy…?”

“Throw it all away.”

“Huh?”

“The inner energy cultivation method you’re practicing, and your spear techniques. Throw them all away.”

So Jeong-Gwang’s face hardened.

“Throw them away?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“They’re not the right martial arts for you. If you work hard day and night, you’ll make progress, but it’s not enough if you plan to reach the end.”

“No, then what kind of martial arts should I…?”

“The martial arts you cultivated…”

At that moment, Yeon Ho-Jeong coughed. He almost mentioned his time as the Dark Emperor without realizing it.

“I’ll teach you the martial arts that are right for you.”

So Jeong-Gwang’s eyes trembled.

On the other hand, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes were shining brilliantly.

“It’s a realm where talent, luck, and effort must all be supported… but at least, if you don’t give up, it will be a technique that will lay the foundation for you to enter Seongcheon in the future.”

“…!”

“Will you accept it?”

Under Yeon Ho-Jeong, the five invincible generals each had their own splendid titles.

Muk Bi, the Divine Archer.

Gang Ryang, the Sword King.

Jin Yang, the Demonic Blade.

And what was So Jeong-Gwang’s title, except for the remaining one?

It was the Chaotic Blade Blood Demon.

So Jeong-Gwang, who had been staring at Yeon Ho-Jeong, opened his mouth.

“I have something I’d like to ask.”