Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 803

Rustle. Rustle.

Yang Cheon’s hand movements were consistent as he turned the pages.

Even though the content on each page was different and the amount of text varied, his speed was almost the same. Anyone watching might think he was just flipping through carelessly, but his eyes were filled with quiet concentration.

Contrary to his outward appearance, Yang Cheon had read a considerable number of books. In fact, he had read far more than most from prestigious families, which was partly due to his upbringing.

He had entered the Murim [Martial Arts World] with powerful martial arts and exceptional talent, but that alone could not guarantee his survival.

He had used deception, stabbed others in the back. He had taken what others should have had, and even killed innocent Murim people to obtain stronger martial arts.

That was the life he had lived to survive.

However, while such actions had ensured his survival, they could not make him the best.

Yang Cheon had read many books to escape his ignorance and ascend to higher places. He did everything he could for his dreams and goals.

Some of that process had now become a habit, and when he had little to do, he liked to pick up any book and read it.

And that habit unexpectedly led to an increase in his martial arts prowess. The experiences he had gone through and the knowledge and contemplation he had gained through countless books were of great help even to a master who had reached the realm of the Supreme.

“Hoo.”

The time it took to read one book ranged from fifteen to thirty minutes.

He had already read three books today.

“Public Administration… I understand it, yet I don’t.”

Yang Cheon, having closed the book, leaned back in his chair.

The supreme martial power and the vast, deep inner energy in his body did not allow for fatigue. However, his mind, having gone through so many things recently, could not escape fatigue even with the inner energy that rivaled the best in the world.

“I can memorize the content, but the problem is whether I can actually use it.”

No knowledge is meaningful just by memorizing it. The value of knowledge lies in applying and demonstrating it appropriately. Moreover, administration is closely related to governance, and if one side is emphasized, the other side is prone to fatal errors.

Yang Cheon smiled wryly.

“To have looked up at the sky, saying I would conquer the world without considering these things….”

Shaking his head, Yang Cheon spoke towards the door of the main hall.

“A guest will arrive soon. There is no need to ask for permission, let them in immediately.”

“Yes.”

Shortly after.

Thud.

Beyond the opened door, Yeon Ho-jeong and Gang Ryang appeared.

Yang Cheon, who was sitting at a low table instead of the grand chair, smiled and crossed his legs.

“One is a beloved disciple and successor, and the other is a sword possessed by a vengeful spirit, determined to take my head.”

Yeon Ho-jeong clasped his hands in a formal greeting.

“I greet my master.”

Yang Cheon shuddered as if disgusted.

“Get rid of those ridiculous formalities. And what is that formal greeting to your master? If you’re going to greet me properly, you should at least bow.”

Yeon Ho-jeong just smiled.

There was no light in that smile like before. Yang Cheon pretended not to notice it.

“So, what is the reason for visiting me at this hour? With that murderous sword in tow.”

“It is to make one thing clear.”

“To whom? To me?”

“To both of us.”

Yang Cheon chuckled.

“What other absurd matter have you brought that you’re being so hesitant? Speak.”

At that moment, Yeon Ho-jeong did something no one expected.

Swish!

A handful of long, abundant hair was grasped in Yeon Ho-jeong’s hand.

Yang Cheon’s face hardened. Gang Ryang, who was standing behind Yeon Ho-jeong, was also startled.

Yeon Ho-jeong cut his hair, which had reached the middle of his back, so short that his nape was completely exposed. There was not a moment of hesitation in his action.

Yeon Ho-jeong tied the cut hair into a thick knot and placed it on the low table.

Yang Cheon looked up at Yeon Ho-jeong and asked.

“What does this mean?”

“What is our relationship?”

Yeon Ho-jeong’s calm question carried a terrifying weight.

It was not an easy question to answer. Yang Cheon instinctively knew that.

“We became master and disciple.”

“It can’t be just that.”

“Of course. You and I are master and disciple, but not in the way the world commonly thinks.”

Yang Cheon seemed to understand why Yeon Ho-jeong had brought Gang Ryang along to ask such a question.

It was not to use him. To settle everything cleanly, this kind of meeting was necessary.

‘His actions are really fast.’

Yang Cheon thought that he should learn this aspect of Yeon Ho-jeong.

“We are master and disciple in name only, but as you said, we will learn a lot from each other. Whether it’s martial arts, strategy, or administration, whatever it may be.”

“……”

“In that sense, the essence of our relationship can be said to be partners struggling together for a common goal. Well, it’s a bit different from the kind of partnership that others think of.”

Yeon Ho-jeong spoke in a still calm and heavy voice.

“If you were a true master as the world says, I would stop my entire family from trying to kill you, even if my sworn brother was not involved.”

“……”

“But we are necessary to each other. Our public connection is deeper than our private one. Even if we have become closer personally than before, that point does not change.”

“That’s right.”

“So, when my sworn brother tries to kill you, I will never stop him.”

Yang Cheon gave a bitter smile.

“Can he kill me?”

“That depends on this friend’s capabilities.”

“Whenever that time comes, you will never stop it?”

“That is correct.”

Yang Cheon, who had been quietly looking at Yeon Ho-jeong, tilted his head.

“It was something that needed to be addressed, but looking at it differently, there was no need to create this kind of meeting.”

“What do you mean?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

It was not Yeon Ho-jeong but Gang Ryang who was surprised by Yang Cheon’s words.

Yang Cheon looked at Gang Ryang with a mocking gaze.

“I acknowledge your talent. Judging coldly, I think you have the potential to reach the realm of the Martial God in the future.”

“……”

“But, so what?”

Yang Cheon’s gaze gradually cooled. His smile remained, but his eyes were very fierce.

“Sharpening your sword to avenge your enemy? It’s a natural act for a Murim person. Using any means necessary to take your enemy’s head if you have the ability? It’s a natural act for a member of the Black Path [a term for the darker side of the martial arts world].”

“……”

“Why do you need anyone’s permission for something so natural?”

Gang Ryang opened his mouth without realizing it.

“But….”

“Are you curious why I haven’t eliminated such a rebellious element and kept you alive until now? I told you before, didn’t I?”

“……!”

“If you don’t remember, it doesn’t matter. The current me doesn’t want to kill you. That’s all.”

“……”

“However, it would be good to always be prepared. Because I might suddenly send an assassin to you while you’re in the middle of training.”

Gang Ryang’s face hardened.

Yang Cheon shrugged.

“Isn’t that also natural? Did you think I would just keep waiting? No. I might suddenly get annoyed and kill you. It’s just that today isn’t that day.”

“……I see.”

“The difference between you and me is that when you try to kill me, this ungrateful disciple won’t stop it, but when I try to kill you, he will try to stop me by any means.”

Gang Ryang involuntarily looked at Yeon Ho-jeong. His back showed no movement.

“But I am not angry or disappointed by that fact at all. Do you know why?”

“……?”

“Because I believe in my own strength.”

“……!”

Gang Ryang’s eyes trembled.

Yang Cheon’s eyes, facing those eyes, were as cold and hard as ice.

“This disciple has taught me many things. Thanks to him, I have escaped from delusion several times. But he has never stopped me when I was determined to draw my sword. Because he can’t stop me.”

“……!!”

“It’s not just him. No one in the world, not even the powerful ministers or the Sword Saint, can stop me. If I truly decide to do something, who in the world would dare to stop me?”

Yang Cheon gave a strange smile.

“Even if they have the ability to stop me, all they can take from me is my life. But since the will to achieve my goal even at the cost of my life is mine, it is I who am giving up my life, not them taking it.”

“……”

“If you have a sincere goal that you are willing to give your body and soul to achieve, and that goal is your life!”

“……”

“No one in the world can stop me. Even if I die, I will kill you and then die.”

“……”

“Of course, all those results are my will.”

It was a statement that revealed his terrifying will and self-esteem.

Yang Cheon turned his gaze to Yeon Ho-jeong.

“What is this hair?”

“My short hair has grown this long. In the meantime, there have been big changes in the relationship between you and me.”

“So?”

“Shouldn’t I always look back at that much attachment and cut it off?”

“Ridiculous.”

Whoosh!

The flames that erupted from Yang Cheon’s hand burned the hair that Yeon Ho-jeong had cut off.

“Does a deeper relationship create nonexistent romance?”

“I see.”

“It’s unlikely, but you and I are two lines that will never touch, no matter how close we get. We are just moving closer together towards the same goal.”

Whoosh!

The hair disappeared into ashes with a short puff of smoke.

Yang Cheon brushed off the ashes that had piled up on the low table, and Yeon Ho-jeong turned to look at Gang Ryang.

“That man said some unnecessary things. But this is our relationship.”

“Brother.”

“Although it won’t happen, there is absolutely no reason for you to miss a good opportunity because of me.”

“……”

“You have conceded a lot to me. When something you should get is right in front of you, never think of me.”

Emotion stirred on Gang Ryang’s face.

From behind, Yang Cheon’s sarcastic voice flowed out.

“You’re saying such things in front of a person. Don’t forget that this is the main hall of the Mukryong Faction [a martial arts sect].”

Yeon Ho-jeong slightly bowed his head to Gang Ryang.

“I’m sorry for making you suffer.”

“No, please don’t say that.”

“Go first. I have something to talk about with the master. Let’s definitely have a drink tomorrow.”

“……Brother.”

Gang Ryang shook his head.

“I’ve given you an unnecessary burden. I’ll buy the drinks tomorrow.”

With that, Gang Ryang left the main hall.

Yeon Ho-jeong sighed as he looked up at the ceiling.

At that moment, Yang Cheon’s voice was heard.

“Are you starting to realize how much you have to give up for the path you have chosen?”

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled wryly.

“It was the same for you, Master.”

“That’s why I’m saying this. I hope you understand even a little bit how complicated my feelings have been, you damned disciple.”

“I will understand more in the future.”

Yang Cheon chuckled and stood up.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes?”

“Why? Do you have more to say?”

“……Well, there are many things to say.”

“If there are many, postpone them for later. My business comes first.”

“Where are you going?”

“You’ll know when you get there.”

“Understood.”

“But, is that true?”

“Yes?”

“That you won’t stop him when that guy tries to kill me.”

“Didn’t we agree on that?”

“……You’re a truly cold-hearted guy.”