Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 802

It was around the time the sun was halfway over the western mountains that Yeon-wi and Jeagal Mun-ho joined the alliance.

The wind was calm. The scenery of the Murim Alliance [Martial Arts Alliance], with its lights lit in various places at the foot of the Daebyeol Mountains where large snowflakes were falling, was very beautiful in harmony with the falling snow.

“It feels like a long time ago.”

“Pardon?”

Yeon-wi spoke calmly.

“I’m talking about the time when the alliance dispatched experts to deal with the armed forces of the Shinwha Church [Divine Transformation Church] that approached the vicinity of Daebyeol Mountain.”

“Ah, you mean that time.”

Jeagal Mun-ho chuckled.

“So many things have happened in the meantime.”

“Indeed.”

Yeon-wi lightly blew out a breath.

The white steam pushed away the falling snowflakes.

“I wonder how the Tang Clan Head is doing.”

“I actually received word not too long ago. He has almost completely restored the Tang Clan and has won back the hearts of the people of Sichuan.”

“That’s good news.”

“Indeed. Moreover, it seems that the Dark King is also secretly supporting him from behind. He is directly meeting with the Sichuan Three Envoys and discussing many things for the safety of the people.”

“That’s unexpected.”

“Is that so?”

“When I think of a master of Seongcheon [a title implying mastery of the heavens], I only think of supreme martial power, but I never thought he would have such skills.”

“Haha, that’s usually the case. But if you think about it, the Dark King was called a genius who was hard to come by again in the history of the Tang Clan. It was said that he was born with outstanding talent not only in martial arts but also in areas such as strategy and administration.”

“A genius.”

“He was a master in all fields, including martial arts, strategy, and governance. Such a person has been in seclusion for a long time, which was a great loss for the people of Sichuan.”

“…No matter how outstanding one’s abilities are, they become just an ordinary father in the face of conflict with their own flesh and blood.”

Jeagal Mun-ho flinched for a moment. Considering Yeon-wi’s situation, it was a very meaningful statement.

“Even if one has outstanding talent and ability, fully developing it is another matter.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I couldn’t do that.”

“Pardon?”

“I couldn’t help Ho-jeong fully bloom his talents. As the head of the Yeon family, I only thought about the family and the Gangdong region, and I wasn’t very interested in my own children.”

“That’s excessive self-deprecation. Ho-jeong has become a master rarely seen in the history of Murim, and he is actually changing the flow of the world. If Clan Head Yeon hadn’t raised Ho-jeong well, how could Ho-jeong have bloomed so high?”

Jeagal Mun-ho didn’t know. The fact that Yeon Ho-jeong had returned to the past after his death.

Yeon-wi trusted Yeon Ho-jeong. He believed that his son had lived one life and returned, and that he was looking ahead and blooming his own experience and talent.

Of course, it was hard to believe logically, but Yeon-wi said he would believe it and actually came to believe it. Now, he did not doubt any part of his eldest son.

“It wasn’t me who taught Ho-jeong. It was the world.”

“Clan Head Yeon.”

“However, just because I didn’t teach Ho-jeong, I have no intention of abandoning even the minimum duty as a father.”

Yeon-wi said with a smile.

“Let’s go to the conference hall. Call the elders and the officials.”

Jeagal Mun-ho’s eyes were filled with emotion.

* * *

“…”

None of the group could easily open their mouths.

Yeon Ho-jeong was the same. His expression was calm, but in reality, his inner thoughts were a mess.

And the group could clearly see that Yeon Ho-jeong’s mind was complicated.

He was better than anyone at deceiving enemies, but in front of his own people, he couldn’t hide it easily even if he tried. He was a person without tactics or strategies for his loved ones, so they could easily tell how Yeon Ho-jeong was feeling.

“What’s wrong?”

The first to speak was Muk Bi, who was usually quiet in such situations.

“You don’t have to look so glum.”

In fact, after the drinking session with Yang Cheon, Yeon Ho-jeong immediately went to the group and told them everything.

Of course, they were shocked. A business partner was one thing, but a master-disciple relationship? Moreover, Yeon Ho-jeong was the eldest son of the prestigious Yeon family of the orthodox faction.

For the first time, the group viewed his choice negatively. Of course, they had thought negatively about some of the previous incidents as well. But this was the first time they had actively tried to stop him like this.

Muk Bi did, and Jin Yang did. Even Mak Won expressed his sincere concern, asking Yeon Ho-jeong if he wouldn’t reconsider.

And the most surprising of them all was Gang Ryang.

‘Brother is running towards the future he wants. He has rested when he was tired, but his goal has never changed. If this path is the best decision in your opinion, then we have no reason to stop you.’

Yang Cheon was Gang Ryang’s mortal enemy.

Yeon Ho-jeong was the first sworn brother Gang Ryang had ever had.

And that sworn brother was going to become a disciple of his enemy, Yang Cheon.

Even if one knew it was inevitable, one could feel hurt or angry. No, the vast majority of people would feel such emotions.

But Gang Ryang didn’t, and Yeon Ho-jeong didn’t look at Gang Ryang’s reaction either. At least, that’s how it appeared on the surface.

After the enthronement ceremony, Yeon Ho-jeong had a brief meeting with the various leaders of the Black Faction, as well as the elders of the Black Dragon Unit and the commanders of the combat units. This was the first time he had seen the group together since the enthronement ceremony three days ago.

“It’s as Ryang said. Young Master Yeon has always run without forgetting his goal. I did try to stop you this time because it seemed too dangerous, but since Young Master Yeon himself made that decision, we can’t keep trying to stop you.”

“…”

“You found a solution and made a decision. Isn’t that enough?”

Only then did Yeon Ho-jeong open his mouth.

“I’m not that complicated.”

Muk Bi said with a sulky face.

“You look so complicated that your expression has hardened.”

“Really?”

“Is this the first time we’ve seen each other?”

“You’re now slapping the cheeks of a decent Murim person. You have quite the eye.”

“I’m not really interested in that.”

Muk Bi got up from her seat.

“Clear your mind first. It’s okay to have a drink with us later. I’d rather you be crying, but it’s no fun talking to Young Master Yeon when you’re sitting there so stiffly.”

With those words, Muk Bi got up and left the room.

She had spoken more than usual, but it was her own way of showing consideration. Because there was one person in this place who was as complicated as Yeon Ho-jeong.

“Um…”

Jin Yang, who was glancing around, cleared his throat and got up.

“I skipped training today, so I’m going to go sweat a little.”

Mak Won followed suit.

“Shall I take a look at that training?”

“Huh! Are you serious?”

“Don’t start crying later saying it’s too hard. Since you’re going to sweat, let’s sweat properly.”

“Thank you!”

Jin Yang’s face was filled with emotion and joy. To have the White Weapon Divine Lord, a master of his generation, look at his martial arts, how could this not be an honor?

Mak Won glanced at Yeon Ho-jeong’s face.

Yeon Ho-jeong nodded with an apologetic expression.

Mak Won chuckled and stretched as he walked away.

“Oh my, it looks like I’m going to suffer in my old age. What can I do, it’s the sin of having a talented younger brother.”

With that, the two left the room.

Only Yeon Ho-jeong and Gang Ryang remained in the room.

“…”

Silence fell between the two.

The suffocating silence was heavier than ever. And it was a deep sigh from one person that broke the heavy silence.

“This is embarrassing. It’s even more frustrating when they’re so obviously giving me the eye.”

Gang Ryang scratched his head.

Yeon Ho-jeong looked at Gang Ryang. His face was still expressionless, but his eyes were filled with apology.

“Do you remember what I said before?”

“Yes, I remember.”

Yeon Ho-jeong’s voice was somewhat hoarse.

Gang Ryang nodded.

“I said that revenge also requires skill. The goal of killing my enemy is always breathing in my heart, and I will finish Yang Cheon’s life with my own hands.”

“You did.”

“I’m not upset because you know that.”

“…”

“Well, to be honest, I can’t be happy. Of course. If someone I cherish is going to form a master-disciple relationship with my mortal enemy, can I accept that happily? That’s just being a pushover.”

“That’s right.”

“I’m upset. I also wonder why it has to be Yang Cheon.”

“It would be.”

Gang Ryang grinned.

“When you said you would push Yang Cheon to become the Emperor’s son-in-law, you asked me, didn’t you? If I wouldn’t be upset. That revenge would become more difficult.”

“I did.”

“Until I heard those words, I hadn’t even thought about that problem. Do you know why?”

“…”

“Because that’s not an important issue for me. What does it matter if he’s the Emperor’s son-in-law or the Murim Alliance Leader? In the end, he’s someone I’m going to kill.”

“…”

“It’s the same this time. I can’t beat him with my skills anyway. And am I smart enough to use schemes to ruin him? I’ve thought about that too, but the opponent is a seasoned master who has tasted all the sweet, bitter, and even the poop of the Jianghu [Martial World]. There’s no way I can be a match for him.”

“I could have helped you.”

It was an unlike Yeon Ho-jeong thing to say.

Gang Ryang shook his head.

“As I said before, revenge is my responsibility.”

“…”

“And you know it too, when the time comes for me to draw my sword, you won’t be able to stop me, even if he’s my master.”

Yeon Ho-jeong nodded.

He thought Yang Cheon’s level had risen. And in fact, he also felt a certain amount of respect for Yang Cheon in his judgment. It was also true that their relationship had become much closer than before, apart from the master-disciple relationship on the surface.

However, in the future, when Gang Ryang draws his sword against a weakened Yang Cheon.

Yeon Ho-jeong would never stop that act.

He had hardened his heart to that extent, which is why he had formed a deep relationship with Yang Cheon. Also, it was because he had hardened his heart so much that he had said in front of Gang Ryang that he would take him as his external master.

Of course, human emotions are not something that can be controlled as one wishes. That was something even Yeon Ho-jeong couldn’t help.

However, Yeon Ho-jeong felt sorry for Gang Ryang before his public and private goals.

He had accepted that regret from the beginning, but after experiencing it, he felt even more sorry. That’s why his lips wouldn’t open easily.

“Yang Cheon is my enemy, but you are my benefactor.”

“…”

“If I hadn’t met you back then, I would have gone to the Black Dragon Unit immediately. And I would have died miserably.”

Gang Ryang’s eyes shone.

“This is a new life I gained thanks to you. It’s a new opportunity I gained thanks to you. Between a benefactor and an enemy, isn’t it already decided who I should care more about?”

“…”

“My revenge will be achieved after your goal is accomplished. You come before me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“If you’re sorry, buy me a drink. I’m not in a good mood.”

“Okay, I will. But we’ll have to postpone it until tomorrow.”

Gang Ryang grumbled.

“Let’s drink today while we’re at it.”

“Let me ask you just one thing.”

“Yes?”

“Are you going to use any means necessary to become stronger?”

Gang Ryang’s eyes changed.

“Of course.”

“Then I will also stop making empty promises.”

Yeon Ho-jeong got up from his seat.

“Let’s go.”

“Where to?”

“To your enemy.”

“…!!”