Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 731

‘Hmm.’

Gang Ryang, sipping tea and gazing out the window, wore a rather indifferent expression.

But unlike his face, his mind was racing.

‘It seems like something’s happened.’

Before they parted, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face was more serious than he had expected.

Of course, given the brutal state of affairs, there was never a time when they weren’t serious when setting out to achieve a goal.

But this time was different. They were on their way to see the unparalleled master, the Tyrant King, and they also had to use Gi Woo-Hui to provoke a reaction from the Divine Flame Church.

Focusing on just one of those things would be enough to cause a headache, but before they even started, incidents of people dying were happening one after another.

Even Yeon Ho-Jeong, with his keen senses, couldn’t figure out what was going on.

‘What on earth is happening here?’

Suddenly, Gang Ryang recalled Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes.

Those eyes, full of sincerity, were tinged with deep concern for the common people.

‘He’s changed a lot.’

When they first met, Yeon Ho-Jeong didn’t ignore the suffering of those unrelated to the martial world.

But back then, Yeon Ho-Jeong was much more goal-oriented. He only cared about his immediate surroundings, mostly ignoring anything outside of his immediate goals.

The current Yeon Ho-Jeong was different. No matter how urgent the matter, if something unjust happened, he would try to correct it first.

Gang Ryang was worried about such a Yeon Ho-Jeong, but he also thought he was amazing.

‘Whatever the reason, if the Tyrant King is near here, there’s a definite possibility that he’s involved in this unknown situation.’

Gang Ryang sighed.

‘The Tyrant King….’

Just then.

“Would you like another cup of tea?”

The shop owner approached Gang Ryang with a smile.

Gang Ryang said,

“Do you have any tea you would recommend?”

“All the teas in our shop have a wonderful aroma. However, if you wish, I can make a recommendation for you, sir.”

“Very well.”

“What are your preferences?”

“I prefer a heavy aroma and a clean aftertaste.”

“How would you like the temperature?”

“As hot as possible without losing the aroma.”

The shop owner’s eyes sparkled.

“I will prepare it.”

He bowed his head and secretly placed a folded piece of paper on the table.

As the shop owner turned away, Gang Ryang discreetly unfolded the paper.

Gang Ryang’s eyes flashed.

A short while later, Gang Ryang left the teahouse and entered a secluded mountain path.

“You’ve arrived.”

A wild man appeared before Gang Ryang.

He looked more like a herb gatherer than a beggar. It was a disguised Beggars’ Sect member.

Gang Ryang asked,

“I’m curious about the current situation here. And the Tyrant King’s whereabouts.”

“To be direct, we cannot pinpoint the Tyrant King’s exact location. He is so elusive that he disappears as soon as we think we’ve found him. However, it is certain that he is still in this vicinity.”

“I see.”

“However, there is a group of mysterious people fighting.”

“Mysterious people?”

“They are all masters with incredible movement techniques. Their speed seems to be at the level of supreme masters. Their actual power is impossible to gauge, but it is clear that they use obscure hidden weapons.”

Gang Ryang’s eyes wavered.

“Did the Tyrant King train disciples?”

“It has not been confirmed. However, we have received reports that masters with such distinct characteristics are killing each other.”

“Each other?!”

“Yes.”

Gang Ryang stroked his lips with his hand.

The Beggars’ Sect member spoke again.

“And….”

A very cautious voice.

“Speak.”

“There is one piece of information that is not entirely accurate. It is difficult to verify, and it is impossible to approach to investigate further….”

“……?”

“There is a high probability that Gok Gyeong, one of the Three Military Commanders, is here.”

Gang Ryang’s face turned pale.

“Gok Gyeong?!”

“We cannot be certain, but three days ago, traces of evil energy were found at the site of a battle between unidentified masters. Most of the traces were erased, but one of our sect’s elders detected a faint evil energy.”

“……!”

“He said that the concentration of evil energy was so high that it was chilling, even though the battle had taken place a long time ago. And he also said that there is only one person in the current martial world who has cultivated such a high level of evil energy.”

Gang Ryang groaned involuntarily.

The Beggars’ Sect member bowed his head.

“That is the current situation near Banghyeon. Fortunately, there have been no civilian casualties.”

“Thank… what?!”

“Yes?”

“You said there were no civilian casualties?”

“Y-yes, that’s correct.”

“……This is bad!”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, thinking that there might be a chance that civilians had been killed, sent him here and went himself.

But if there have been no civilian casualties reported, and the Tyrant King and Gok Gyeong are both present.

If Yeon Ho-Jeong gets caught in the middle of those unknown supreme masters?

“I will follow after Ho-Jeong hyung [older brother]! If you receive any contact from him, find me immediately!”

Whoosh!

Gang Ryang moved like lightning.

* * *

Gok Gyeong glanced back.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, with his halberd resting on his shoulder, was following with a stoic expression.

‘He’s the real deal.’

Masters who have opened their Limitless Core experience a surge in the level of all their existing martial arts.

However, each master has their own unique characteristics, and when they open their Limitless Core, those characteristics become even more pronounced.

For example, the Tyrant King was the fastest master in the entire Holy Heaven, wasn’t he? He was a master who had broken through the limits of speed, a master who was like the wind itself.

Yeon Ho-Jeong was different.

‘He’s solid in every aspect.’

That martial art he used to kill the Death Squad.

That martial art, which instantly dealt with enemies using sword techniques that had reached the level of a master, was so clean that it was admirable, even though he was a junior.

And the movement technique he used to follow behind him was just as impressive as his sword techniques. The stability was impressive, something that even masters of lightness techniques would have difficulty imitating.

It wasn’t just because he had opened his Limitless Core, it meant that his lightness techniques were outstanding from the start.

‘This guy is similar to us.’

Gok Gyeong’s lips curled up.

‘He’s a true genius.’

Depending on the martial arts they have cultivated, many people experience a significant reduction in their physical age when they open their Limitless Core.

Even considering that, he couldn’t be over forty. At that age, reaching this level would make him a genius among geniuses.

At that moment, Yeon Ho-Jeong spoke.

“Where are we going?”

“East. You’ve delayed us.”

“Delayed?”

“There’s someone I need to meet.”

After a moment of silence, Yeon Ho-Jeong spoke again.

“You say that, but you don’t seem to be in a hurry.”

Gok Gyeong snorted.

“Because he’ll definitely move on his own. Besides, we don’t get along.”

“…….”

“He won’t draw his sword easily unless it’s us. That’s his only advantage. That damn cautiousness of his.”

There was displeasure in his voice. Whoever it was, it seemed like they didn’t get along at all.

Swoosh!

Yeon Ho-Jeong moved right next to Gok Gyeong.

“Let’s talk while we’re going.”

Gok Gyeong said with a disgruntled expression.

“The world has changed a lot. Ten years ago, the relationship between seniors and juniors in the Black Path was quite formal. Is it because you’re a disciple of the Fighting King?”

Ten years ago?

“I never really knew about such things.”

“That’s how you seem, you impudent brat.”

“But if it’s ten years ago, does that mean you haven’t been active in the Black Path for ten years, senior?”

He called him senior naturally, even though he seemed stiff.

Gok Gyeong chuckled at that. He felt that at least he had some manners, even if he was rigid.

He had seen countless juniors who had their heads chopped off for looking down on their opponents with their meager abilities. To him, Yeon Ho-Jeong, who didn’t become arrogant even after opening his Limitless Core, was somewhat refreshing.

“That’s about right.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong said in a somewhat subdued voice.

“Not only the Three Military Commanders, but also many of the Divine Immortal Emperor’s masters have unclear whereabouts. I know that you don’t have a specific affiliation either, senior.”

“…….”

“I heard that you’re not the type of person to work under someone.”

Gok Gyeong scoffed.

“Are you trying to flatter me now?”

“I’m just saying what I heard. You didn’t go under him even after losing to the greatest master in the history of the Black Path, did you?”

He cleverly avoided using the word ‘master’.

Gok Gyeong’s face contorted.

“Did he tell you that?”

“I don’t think I need your permission to talk about it, senior.”

“That damn old man.”

“He seemed very disappointed.”

“Disappointed my ass. He probably bragged about his record to his disciple and laughed heartily.”

It seemed like it was a very embarrassing memory.

In fact, considering that his opponent was the Fighting King Yang Cheon, it wasn’t something to be ashamed of. It was clear that Gok Gyeong’s pride as a martial artist was stronger than anyone else’s.

“I need to hear some things too.”

“What?”

“You asked me about my purpose and you know where I’m affiliated, but I don’t know anything about you, senior.”

“There’s no need for you to know. Well, you’ll naturally find out as we go.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had been quietly watching Gok Gyeong, asked as if throwing a stone.

“Are you affiliated with the Imperial Palace?”

Thud!

Gok Gyeong strongly kicked off the ground and slowed down.

Yeon Ho-Jeong also slowed down, following Gok Gyeong.

“…….”

Silence fell.

Gok Gyeong’s gaze, glaring at Yeon Ho-Jeong, was very menacing.

“Why do you think I’m with the Imperial Palace?”

So, he was right.

Yeon Ho-Jeong said,

“The world-renowned Gok Gyeong, who was not affiliated with any martial arts faction, suddenly appeared. And he even brought along those who seem like his subordinates.”

“…….”

“If it’s not the martial world, it would be the government, but considering Gok Gyeong’s reputation, it seems unreasonable to think of him as simply being with the government.”

“…….”

“Unless it’s a much higher place, would the proud Gok Gyeong be willing to work with them?”

Gok Gyeong’s lips curled up.

“Is that a guess?”

“Yes. But judging by your reaction, it seems to be true.”

Crack.

A menacing sound echoed from Gok Gyeong’s hands. His ten fingers wriggled, each emitting a strange killing intent.

Yeon Ho-Jeong didn’t even blink at that.

“You just deduced that? Don’t lie.”

“…….”

“Who told you?”

“I didn’t hear it from anyone.”

“I’m asking you one last time. Who….”

“If you wanted to hide it yourself, you shouldn’t have let your subordinates bring out those matchlock-like weapons.”

“……!”

Gok Gyeong’s face hardened.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes deepened.

“Although the manufacturing of gunpowder is illegal, many martial arts sects are secretly involved in it. The best among them is undoubtedly the Tang Clan. However, I know that even the Tang Clan has not been able to create such delicate and threatening gunpowder weapons. It’s a difficult situation to begin with.”

“…….”

“Currently, the organization that possesses the most raw materials for gunpowder is the Imperial Palace. If they were to create miniaturized matchlocks, wouldn’t it be highly likely that it would be the Imperial Palace?”

Gok Gyeong, who had been quietly watching Yeon Ho-Jeong, suddenly frowned.

“You’re quite smart.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

“The question is whether it will end as a compliment. Today could be your death anniversary.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Why do you think that?”

“The Black Dragon Unit and the Martial Alliance have joined hands. And we are also quite wary of the Imperial Palace. To deal with a common enemy.”

It was a dangerous statement.

If Gok Gyeong was related to one of the Three Teachings, this statement alone would cause Yeon Ho-Jeong to receive Gok Gyeong’s murderous attack.

But Yeon Ho-Jeong could tell. That Gok Gyeong was not affiliated with the Three Teachings.

Rather, he had seen through that he was a person who would oppose the Three Teachings, and would never side with them.

“And the Tyrant King suddenly appeared. We believe that he may be affiliated with some group that is secretly operating within the Imperial Palace.”

“…….”

“In the meantime, you said that we would want to kill the Tyrant King, senior? What made you think that?”

“…….”

“You know everything. The fact that the Unit and the Alliance have formed an alliance. And why they formed an alliance.”

Swoosh.

The killing intent disappeared from Gok Gyeong’s hand.

Yeon Ho-Jeong asked directly.

“Are you the Empress’s person?”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

Gok Gyeong raised his chin.

“In this entire continent, there is no one I would follow except for the master of the world.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes wavered.

The master of the world.

Apart from the practical influence, the one and only authority who has been designated as the master of the world for hundreds of years.

“……The Emperor?!”