Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 780

Yeon Ho-Jeong, having left the imperial court, went straight to find Yeon-wi.

Sss… Sss…

The breathing of Yeon-wi, who was lying on the bed, had become even more stable than it had been this morning.

His face was still pale, but his recovery was progressing rapidly. The turbulent inner energy also seemed to have calmed down considerably, suggesting that he would regain consciousness within a few days.

‘Father.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong sighed and took Yeon-wi’s wrist.

Whoooom.

The energy of the Bright Light Divine Pill swirled around Yeon-wi’s body.

The energy of the Orthodox Sect, which followed the natural order, would permeate and harmonize with a higher purity of energy.

Yeon Ho-Jeong gently drew up Yeon-wi’s vitality with the energy of the Bright Light Divine Pill, while also burning away the impurities and placing the remaining inner energy in his dantian [an energy center in the body, according to traditional Chinese medicine].

Whoooooom.

The energy of the Bright Light Divine Pill settled in Yeon-wi’s dantian, further stabilizing the turbulent inner energy.

It didn’t end there. Yeon Ho-Jeong did not withdraw the energy but fixed it in Yeon-wi’s dantian.

It was a minute amount, but it was the energy of a martial god who had broken through the Limitless Realm. The energy remaining in Yeon-wi’s dantian melted into the energy of the Bright Light Divine Pill, increasing its size.

Twitch! Twitch!

The tips of Yeon-wi’s fingers trembled incessantly.

Pshhhhh.

Surprisingly, the sword energy that had been spreading throughout Yeon-wi’s body began to gather and envelop the gradually increasing energy of the Bright Light Divine Pill.

Whoooooom.

The pure true energy, like light, gradually began to transform into Yeon-wi’s sword energy.

If even a little more inner energy had been injected, the Bright Light Divine Energy would have completely swallowed the sword energy.

However, the minute amount of energy absorbed the sword energy but, unable to withstand its force, was instead transformed into sword energy.

The energy that had been tinged with Bright Light Divine Energy had turned back into sword energy, and that energy would now have a higher dimension of quality than before. It would not immediately gain the energy of the Limitless Realm, but it would greatly aid in the achievement of divine skill.

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded inwardly.

‘At this point, I don’t need to inject any more.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s technique was a type of remote power transmission.

However, it was a much more advanced ability than ordinary remote power transmission. It required a complete understanding of the nature and density of one’s own true energy, as well as the state of the opponent’s body and the nature of their true energy.

Fortunately, Yeon-wi was unconscious, which made it easier to read the nature and movement of his true energy.

The reason why Yeon-wi was able to recover faster than expected was also thanks to Yeon Ho-Jeong’s efforts.

“Father.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong took Yeon-wi’s hand.

Yeon-wi’s hand was rougher than Yeon Ho-Jeong’s. The fact that it was calloused more firmly than the hand that wielded such a heavy illness was proof that Yeon-wi’s training was more grueling than Yeon Ho-Jeong’s practical combat.

“……”

He called him father, but he couldn’t continue the rest of his words. What else could he say?

‘I know why you stepped in.’

He must have been worried that he would burn with murderous intent.

However, the real reason Yeon-wi stepped in was to suppress the power of the demon that would grow by absorbing blood, and also because he did not want a meaningless massacre.

Of course, they were all enemies who were going to be killed anyway. However, there was a clear difference between dying as an enemy and being torn apart by a beast.

That was what Yeon-wi must have thought. Yeon Ho-Jeong knew that.

“Really…”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled bitterly.

“Really, you live so difficultly.”

Was it his imagination?

In Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes, Yeon-wi somehow seemed to be smiling.

Yeon Ho-Jeong rose from his seat.

“I will come again tomorrow at dawn. Please rest well.”

Without saying a few more words, Yeon Ho-Jeong left Yeon-wi’s residence.

“It’s chaotic.”

As he stepped outside, he could hear construction sounds from all directions.

There were many people running around busily. Meanwhile, numerous imperial guards were stationed everywhere, looking around with sharp eyes.

In the distance, unknown officials were examining scattered books and bamboo slips among the ruins of destroyed buildings. Next to them, some martial artists from Hebei, who had been granted permission to enter the palace, were chatting with resting warriors.

‘It’s a strange sight.’

The imperial palace, which usually did not allow unverified people to enter, was so chaotic. Yeon Ho-Jeong never dreamed that he would see such a sight.

At that moment, Jeagal Ayeon came running from afar.

“Did you see His Majesty?”

“Yeah.”

“What did he say?”

“We just talked about this and that.”

“So, what did you talk about?”

“Kids don’t need to know.”

“Hey! Did you forget that I’m a year older than you?!”

Ignoring Jeagal Ayeon’s words, Yeon Ho-Jeong looked around.

“By the way, where are the kids?”

Jeagal Ayeon pouted.

“What kids?”

“Muk Bi, Gang Ryang, Jin Yang, and so on.”

When fighting the Blood Jade Demon Army, Muk Bi had retreated far back to avoid causing damage to the surroundings, moving with the Beggars’ Sect. She knew that joining the battle inside the imperial palace would be meaningless anyway.

Gang Ryang and Jin Yang arrived late and devoted their efforts to taking care of the ruined imperial palace. Without being told, the two joined the laborers and helped whenever great strength was needed.

Gi Woo-hee was under the protection of the Beggars’ Sect and the Mukryong Unit.

“Muk Unni [older sister] is with the Beggars’ Sect, and I don’t know about Gang and Jin. They’re probably working somewhere in the outer palace.”

“I see.”

“Oh, and.”

“Why?”

Jeagal Ayeon pointed south with her thumb.

“The Dragon Head Chief and Huga are outside the imperial palace.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes sparkled.

* * *

“Really… hmm?”

Peng Mu-Gang turned around.

“Well, I was just saying I wanted to see his face, and it seems the main character has come looking for us.”

“That’s right.”

Hwa Jin-Cheon, who was sitting on the ground and sipping wine from a gourd, slowly rose from his seat.

Ga Deuk-Sang tilted his head.

“Why are you getting up?”

Hwa Jin-Cheon snorted.

“A master who has reached the level of the Saintly Heavens is coming, so as the head of a sect, shouldn’t I show some respect?”

Ga Deuk-Sang frowned.

“Even if he’s a master of the Saintly Heavens, his seniority is different.”

Hwa Jin-Cheon looked at his disciple with a dumbfounded expression.

“Are you out of your mind?”

“What do you mean?”

“Even if we talk about cooperation and loyalty, the martial world is a world where the strong are recognized. Among them, if you are a Saintly Heaven, you are a being who deserves the respect of all martial artists. Why are you even considering seniority?”

“…Is that so?”

“To a martial artist, martial arts are both a means and an end, and even life itself. Whether they are young or of low seniority, if they have honed their talents and reached the ranks of the best in the Central Plains, they should be treated with respect.”

“You’ve never done that before.”

“Are the riffraff the same as a Saintly Heaven?”

“The riffraff who are listening are going to die of frustration, you know?”

While the two masters and disciples were having a pointless conversation.

Whoosh!

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had leaped over the outer castle wall in one go, approached them.

Peng Mu-Gang smiled and greeted him.

“You’ve come.”

“Yes. I heard that the Chief and Huga had come.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Hwa Jin-Cheon.

The two of them bowed their hands in greeting without either one taking the lead.

“I greet the Dragon Head Chief.”

“I greet Yeon Daesu [Great Master Yeon].”

Naturally, Yeon Ho-Jeong was flustered.

“Why are you suddenly doing this?”

“It is only natural to show respect to the best martial artist in the world who has reached the Saintly Heavens.”

“You don’t have to do that. It’s embarrassing…”

Ignoring Yeon Ho-Jeong’s words, Hwa Jin-Cheon hit Ga Deuk-Sang on the back of the head.

“Greet him, you rascal.”

Ga Deuk-Sang grumbled and bowed his hands.

“It’s been a while.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled and bowed his head.

“I didn’t expect to see you so soon.”

Thwack!

Hwa Jin-Cheon hit Ga Deuk-Sang on the back of the head again.

Ga Deuk-Sang looked at Hwa Jin-Cheon with a wronged expression.

“Why again!”

“You little brat, I told you to show respect, what is that? Is that ‘I know him’?”

“Then, since I know him, what else should I say other than ‘It’s been a while!’? Ah, my head. It’s embarrassing in front of my friend.”

“You little brat! You’re going to be the head of a sect soon! You need to know the difference between public and private!”

Ga Deuk-Sang grumbled.

“I got it. It’s just awkward, geez.”

“Oh my, if this guy takes over as chief, he’ll tarnish the reputation of the ten thousand Beggars’ Sect.”

“It’s already infamous for being dirty, so what’s a little more tarnish?”

“Do you really want to die?”

“…I’m sorry.”

In front of his master, who was glaring like a tiger, even the most strong-willed Ga Deuk-Sang could only shrink back.

Yeon Ho-Jeong waved his hand.

“You don’t have to go that far.”

Hwa Jin-Cheon shook his head.

“I can’t do that. You need to be clearly aware of your position.”

“I am.”

“There are manners in the martial world. If you ignore them, bad rumors will spread, or in the worst case, you’ll make enemies over nothing.”

“……”

“Who would want to have a grudge against a master of the Saintly Heavens? But you have many people under your care, right? For the sake of your people, you should refrain from saying things that lower your position.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded.

“I will keep that in mind.”

It was similar to what the Emperor had said.

Hwa Jin-Cheon chuckled.

“Still, you’re much better than before you reached the Saintly Heavens. You seem to have become quite gentle.”

Ga Deuk-Sang’s reckless mouth once again defied his master’s will.

“The person who suffered from poison because of that devil is very generous.”

Thud!

Ga Deuk-Sang fell to the ground. This time, he was hit properly, and he couldn’t even get up properly, writhing on the floor.

Yeon Ho-Jeong cleared his throat.

“I am sorry about what happened back then.”

Hwa Jin-Cheon shrugged his shoulders.

“Thanks to you, I didn’t incur the wrath of the Tang Clan, so that’s enough. Let’s forget about the past.”

“If you would, I would be grateful.”

“Sit down. There are no chairs or anything.”

“Yes.”

The people who had gathered sat down.

Peng Mu-Gang asked in a subtle tone.

“By the way, poison? What poison?”

Hwa Jin-Cheon waved his hand.

“There’s no point in hearing about it. Let’s talk about the future.”

“…Hmm.”

His eyes were full of curiosity.

Ignoring Peng Mu-Gang’s squinting gaze, Hwa Jin-Cheon looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong and said.

“I wanted to talk to you anyway.”

“I also had some things I wanted to ask you.”

“Our intentions match. Let’s hear your story first.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face instantly became serious.

“To the best of your knowledge, are there no more remnants of the Three Teachings in the Central Plains?”

“You’re asking a difficult question right away.”

Hwa Jin-Cheon fell silent in thought. He was reviewing the information he had received.

After a while.

“According to the Beggars’ Sect’s information, all the remnants of the Three Teachings were eliminated in this imperial palace battle.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong sighed in relief. Peng Mu-Gang was the same.

Hwa Jin-Cheon shook his head.

“However, the Central Plains is vast. Although the Beggars’ Sect’s members are spread throughout the world, if they are hiding themselves, it is highly likely that we have not caught them.”

“I think so too. However, if they are not caught by the Beggars’ Sect’s eyes, it is safe to assume that at least the large groups have been eliminated.”

“It’s good to think that way.”

“That’s a relief. Then, I’ll ask my second question.”

“Go ahead.”

“Are you acquainted with Tongcheon Jin-in [a Taoist title meaning ‘True Person of Penetrating Heaven’]?”

Hwa Jin-Cheon’s face hardened.

“…I wanted to have this conversation too.”