Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 760

The horses, their eyes bloodshot, pounded the earth at a terrifying pace. They had passed through Henan and entered Hebei without a proper moment’s rest. Yeon Ho-Jeong, leading the charge, wore a grim expression.

“Hey.”

Gok Gyeong, having ridden up beside him, spoke in a blunt tone.

“How about we take a break?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong glanced back.

Muk Bi, Gang Ryang, Jin Yang, and Gi Woo-Hee’s faces came into view, one after another.

Muk Bi looked relatively okay, but Gang Ryang and Jin Yang were clearly exhausted. Gi Woo-Hee was beyond words; her fair skin, typical of those from the Western Regions, had turned a ghastly pale blue.

Yeon Ho-Jeong turned his gaze forward again.

“Let’s ride for another hour.”

Gok Gyeong, who had been silently observing Yeon Ho-Jeong, nodded.

“Alright.”

Gok Gyeong was just as worried about the Emperor. He knew they needed to conserve their strength for what lay ahead, but his heart yearned to use his movement techniques to reach the palace immediately.

In fact, that was what Gok Gyeong’s personality would have dictated. It was strange that he was riding alongside them like this.

Another hour passed quickly.

Foam flecked the horses’ mouths, yet their speed hadn’t diminished from when they had started. They were truly magnificent steeds.

Yeon Ho-Jeong pointed his sword towards a small hill.

“Let’s rest there for a bit.”

A short while later.

“Ugh!”

Gang Ryang, having dismounted, collapsed onto the ground without ceremony.

Jin Yang coughed and patted his backside, while Gi Woo-Hee sat quietly, looking as if she were about to faint.

Yeon Ho-Jeong spoke to Jin Yang.

“I know it’s a bother, but could you go down to the village and get a lot of hay for the horses?”

“Damn it, fine.”

He grumbled but nodded calmly. He, too, understood the gravity of the situation.

Muk Bi said,

“I’ll go.”

“No, you need to come with me first.”

“Huh?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong told Jin Yang,

“We won’t be here when you get back. I’ve contacted the Beggars’ Sect separately, so you can follow us slowly.”

“I don’t understand a word you’re saying. Fine, I get it.”

“Sorry about this.”

Jin Yang chuckled.

“I know that the Captain isn’t supposed to apologize for things like this.”

With that, Jin Yang quickly descended the hill.

Yeon Ho-Jeong sat down in front of Gi Woo-Hee.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes? Oh, yes.”

Her answer was hesitant, and she didn’t look okay at all.

Even Gang Ryang, who was considered the weakest among them but was still a master of the highest order, was exhausted. It was a miracle that she had endured this long.

Yeon Ho-Jeong placed his hand on Gi Woo-Hee’s back. Normally, she would have said she was fine, but now she remained still, indicating her exhaustion.

Whoosh.

The divine energy seeped into her body.

It soothed her extremely tired muscles and invigorated her depleted internal organs. It also eased her nerves, so even if she wasn’t fully recovered, she could at least catch her breath.

Soon, color returned to Gi Woo-Hee’s face.

“Are you feeling a bit better now?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“No need to thank me. I’m the one who’s sorry.”

Gi Woo-Hee smiled.

“You’ve said ‘sorry’ a lot today, haven’t you?”

“I guess I have.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled and stood up, looking at Gok Gyeong.

Gok Gyeong, arms crossed, was staring towards the northwest, the direction of the imperial palace.

As Yeon Ho-Jeong stood beside him, Gok Gyeong asked without turning his head,

“When do you plan to leave?”

“Let’s rest for another quarter of an hour.”

“A quarter of an hour…”

Gok Gyeong nodded.

“That’s just right.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had been quietly watching Gok Gyeong, said in a calm voice,

“It’ll be alright. Don’t worry too much.”

“Wasn’t that too much of a forced march to say that?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled. Gok Gyeong also chuckled.

“I received a message from the palace intelligence unit.”

“I know.”

“When did you see it?”

“I sensed a subtle presence while we were riding. It was quite impressive.”

“You managed to sense that while riding like a madman. Well, I guess it’s to be expected from someone of your level.”

Gok Gyeong paused before continuing.

“The palace’s intelligence network is bound to be inferior to the Meng Clan or the Beggars’ Sect. But at least in the Hebei and Shandong regions, they’re better than anyone else. They’re incredibly fast too.”

“I suppose so.”

“The information came half a day ago, so it must have happened two days ago.”

“What are you talking about?”

“There was an incident at the palace two days ago.”

“…?!”

“Of course, it wasn’t a rebellion or anything like that, and the palace wasn’t engulfed in flames. But…”

“But?”

“Court Eunuch Woo Heon died.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes flashed.

Gok Gyeong smiled wryly.

“I keep owing your family one way or another.”

“So?”

“Yes, the one who killed the eunuch was said to be the head of the Gangdong Yeon Clan. It seems the Emperor was quite fond of him. They had a long conversation in the imperial presence.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face brightened noticeably.

“Is that so?”

Gok Gyeong, who had been watching Yeon Ho-Jeong quietly, shook his head.

“I never thought someone who had opened the gates of the Supreme [a high level of martial arts mastery] and walked the heavens would make such an expression.”

“What’s wrong with my expression?”

“Are you that happy that your father has achieved something?”

“Anyone can achieve something. The world is too chaotic to be happy about something like that, isn’t it?”

“Then why are you so happy?”

“I heard it was dangerous, but it seems he’s doing well.”

“So even a cold-blooded person like you cares about family?”

“You’re the one who’s more cold-blooded.”

“Bullshit.”

Having gone through various experiences, the two seemed quite close.

Although he was working under the Emperor, Gok Gyeong was clearly an ally to Yeon Ho-Jeong, and from Gok Gyeong’s perspective, Yeon Ho-Jeong was someone he could trust.

After all, Yeon Ho-Jeong had killed the Prince Bi, and his father had killed the eunuch.

That was why the two had become noticeably closer.

“You should rest well too. Judging by your personality, you’ll be causing a ruckus at the front lines, and you won’t have time to rest in the future.”

“I understand.”

Gok Gyeong patted his back and sat down next to Gang Ryang.

Gang Ryang flinched.

Gok Gyeong frowned.

“Why? What is it?”

“…Nothing.”

“Are you uncomfortable? Because of my bad reputation?”

“How could that be? You’re a great senior to me. I’m from a Black Path family, aren’t I?”

“Kid, you’re more adorable than that Yeon Ho-Jeong.”

“Cough!”

“Can you handle a sword? It seems like you’ve got the basics down.”

“Please teach me sometime when you have the chance.”

“You cheeky bastard. Do you know how difficult it is to receive guidance from a master like me?”

“I’m your junior.”

“You’re quite bold, aren’t you?”

“It depends on the person.”

The two chatted and joked around.

Yeon Ho-Jeong also looked towards the northwest.

‘Father.’

Hearing Gok Gyeong’s words, he felt relieved.

‘It’s been too long since I’ve seen him. But unless they’re a master of the Supreme, there aren’t many who can stand against Father.’

But that was that, and this was this.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes deepened.

He recalled his long conversation with Tak Mu-Ja.

‘The world flows this way and that. We Taoists live comfortably like that, but honestly, it’s shameful. There are so many people suffering, and I’m stuck here, unable to move an inch.’

‘How about going to find the Tongcheon Sage? No matter how good his abilities are, if the old master is determined to catch him, he won’t be able to escape.’

‘……I’ve thought about that too.’

‘It seems there’s something I don’t know.’

‘Who doesn’t have a story? However, even though I feel for those who are suffering, it doesn’t seem like the Heavenly Way [the natural order of the universe] is distorted yet. So, I think it’s a relief.’

‘In other words, if the Heavenly Way seems like it’s about to be distorted, you’ll step in then?’

‘I’ll have to step in before that.’

‘……’

‘I’m just sorry to you. There were many words at the beginning, but I know how busy you are. And I also know that it’s not for your own glory, but to protect this Central Plains [the heartland of China].’

‘I’m doing it because I can.’

‘You would have run around even if you didn’t have the ability. That’s how I see it.’

‘……’

‘Go to the palace.’

‘I was planning to, but… why suddenly? ‘

‘What?’

‘It seemed like you were reluctant to have me go to the palace.’

‘When did I ever do that, you rascal? I was going to push you to go.’

‘Is that so?’

‘Isn’t it obvious? A young and energetic fellow should go help his father. What is this talk of the father’s battlefield? Nonsense. Family is also part of the Heavenly Way. Just as parents think of their children, it’s only natural for children to think of their parents. And that is the way of things.’

‘……’

‘It seems like your hands will be stained with blood for a while. But you have compassion in your eyes. You’ll live in a brutal world, but I hope you’ll protect that heart you’re showing now.’

‘Thank you for your words.’

‘It would be better to go as soon as possible. The palace is another den of intrigue. No matter how great your father’s martial arts and wit are, you never know what might happen in the palace.’

‘I understand.’

‘However, give me a little time before that.’

‘Why is that?’

‘I’m going to write a mantra for that child in your group, the one whose upper dantian [an energy center in the body] is wide open.’

‘A mantra?’

‘It won’t have an immediate effect, but if she recites and practices it often, the barrier of her upper dantian will naturally become stronger. It’s impossible for me now, but it’s definitely possible for that child. She seems to have a talent for it.’

‘Thank you.’

‘It’s not for you. I’m doing it because I feel sorry for that child.’

‘Thank you anyway.’

‘I’ll prepare so you can leave tonight. I’m sorry for taking up your time.’

‘It’s alright. There were some annoying moments, but it was a good meeting.’

‘……Aren’t you really unlucky?’

‘I hear that often.’

‘Don’t taint my disciple’s personality.’

‘Well, he’ll do what he wants.’

‘Hmph.’

‘Then I’ll get up first.’

‘Alright. And…’

‘What is it again?’

‘……’

‘Old Master?’

‘This world…’

‘……?’

‘This damn world is truly strange. When it seems like the Demonic Path is gaining power, the mysterious Heavenly Way pulls out something else to correct it.’

‘……’

‘You are like that too.’

‘……?!’

‘No matter how prosperous the current martial world is, it only applies to our land. Even the Three Teachings [Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism] are more powerful than the Central Plains, aren’t they?’

‘……’

‘So, this land, this continent, created a monster like you. And it won’t end with just you.’

‘……’

‘It will start bringing out other counterforces one by one. You were the first, so try to protect the Heavenly Way together with the counterforces that will appear in the future.’

‘Those are difficult words.’

‘Just do what you’ve been doing. You’re doing well enough. I just wanted to say that.’

‘……’

‘Whether you go the Black Path or the White Path, or embrace both, I hope you’ll take good care of my disciple.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong unconsciously moved his lips.

“The Heavenly Way…”

At that moment, Muk Bi approached Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“Why the Heavenly Way all of a sudden?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Muk Bi.

Muk Bi’s eyes widened.

“Why?”

“…It’s nothing.”

“What is it?”

“Just wondering if you might be one of the counterforces.”

“A counterforce?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled and turned away.

“Let’s rest well. Once we enter Hebei, we won’t be able to rest even if we want to.”

After a quarter of an hour.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, carrying Gi Woo-Hee on his back, Gok Gyeong, Muk Bi, and the Mukryong Squad descended the hill.