Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 825

“Hmm.”

Yang Cheon’s eyes, scanning the documents, were unusually serious.

“I didn’t expect things to be settled this quickly.”

“Is that so?”

“There are so many who turn their backs, you know. Aligning themselves here, aligning themselves there. It was chaos. I thought my name alone would draw them in, but that was a foolish thought. It took much longer than expected to establish the Mukryong Unit [a special military unit].”

Even Yang Cheon, a pure member of the Black Path, had trouble gathering the Black Path. It wasn’t because of a lack of power, but because the Black Path martial artists thought nothing of stabbing each other in the back.

Having lived in the Black Path martial world where trust was nowhere to be found, Yang Cheon was well aware of their characteristics. Yet, the fact that it took longer than expected meant that gathering the Black Path was that difficult.

“If you had used a different method, you would have gathered them faster. The fact that the Black Path betrays as easily as they eat means they have an exceptional eye for recognizing the strong.”

“That’s true.”

They had to side with the stronger side to increase their chances of survival. In that respect, the Black Path was indeed unique. It meant they were much more sensitive to the flow of power than the White Path orthodox sects.

“In the end, what you did was clearly show all these Black Path sects who the strongest one here is.”

“That’s right, but it’s actually simple. I replaced the leaders of the nine organizations and installed new ones, and I contacted those who had made unfavorable deals with them and offered reasonable terms. That’s all I did.”

It wasn’t just that.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, along with Baek Seo, quickly analyzed the information pouring in from the entire Black Path martial world, strengthened the areas that could become weaknesses, eliminated the sects that seemed likely to betray, and promised more support to the sects that showed trust.

It might seem impressive at first glance, but considering the power and influence of the Mukryong Unit, these policies were actually quite obvious. There might be differences in the details, but anyone could do it if they regained their composure.

Of course, it wasn’t that the leaders of the Mukryong Unit were all fools and didn’t do this.

They wanted to maintain the status quo and make gradual progress. It was because they had seen so much bloodshed in the process of gathering the Black Path.

So their policies were passive, and while they had a vision for the big picture, they chose methods that minimized damage.

That was the Mukryong Unit’s misstep.

If they had started like the Black Path, they should have ended like the Black Path. Even though the Mukryong Unit started as the Black Path, they were pouring out skewed common sense that was more suited to the White Path martial world when it came to maintenance.

Yeon Ho-Jeong changed that flow and proceeded with everything in a cool and swift manner, just like the Black Path.

If we become allies, we can coexist. If you betray us, we’ll stab you first. We’ll trade fairly, and if you pledge loyalty, we’ll guarantee more benefits.

He introduced a system of practical rewards, not a concept of spiritual loyalty. Of course, the effect wasn’t very noticeable, but considering the time it took to change and implement the policies, it was a significant change.

“The Twelve Zodiac Generals and the elders will work harder for a more rational and rapid reorganization of the organization. What you need to think about, Master, are not faster and more certain policies, but ways to appease the sects that are losing out because of these policies.”

“Losing out, huh?”

“Many sects are supporting these policies, but conversely, there will be quite a few sects that are losing out.”

“We can’t take everyone with us.”

“We can’t take everyone, but we need to show that we’re paying attention. Not for their sake, but for the sake of those other than them.”

“Those other than them?”

“What do you think the sects that are losing out will do?”

“…They’ll probably act out, I guess.”

“Not all of them will, but most of them will. They’ll probably feel like they’ve fallen out of favor with the Mukryong Unit.”

“So, you mean we should take good care of the sects we need to take care of, but keep a close eye on the others to make sure they don’t do anything foolish.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong grinned.

“As expected, I can have a conversation with you, Master.”

Yang Cheon shook the documents.

“Even so, this change is quite significant.”

“There are two experts who have made it to the Heavenly Ranking in the Mukryong Unit. They’ll definitely be more attractive than when there was only one.”

“Of course, that’s true. But…”

Yang Cheon, who had been lost in thought for a moment, let out a hollow laugh.

“It’s the speed.”

“Yes?”

“Your common-sense policies can become more harmful than beneficial if you take just one wrong step. At least, that’s the case in our Black Path.”

“That’s right.”

“But you made it possible. Making it possible to accept common sense as common sense, the answer lies in speed.”

“… !”

“If it were the White Path martial world, there would have been an uprising. But the Black Path is not like that. They are being swept away by this incredible speed, boldness, and policies that promise clear rewards.”

“…”

“It’s the moment when it’s proven that there’s no need to differentiate between how you treat the Black Path and the White Path. The important thing is to understand the nature and desires of the group.”

Yang Cheon placed the documents on the table next to him.

“You made everything possible with speed, which suits the nature of the Black Path, so your insight is truly amazing.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes lit up.

“You recognize it.”

“Of course, I have to recognize it. It’s said that we learn from each other as master and disciple, but how could I live with myself if I learned from my disciple even in this area?”

It was easy to say, but it was by no means easy to see through the reason why the efficiency of this method was maximized.

It was even more so because it was simply a rational policy. If it had been an unconventional and groundbreaking policy, it would have been easier to figure out why this phenomenon had occurred.

‘He’s changed.’

Yang Cheon’s insight was excellent even before.

But the knowledge and wisdom that Yang Cheon had been showing recently had reached a different realm than before.

‘He’s constantly learning and analyzing.’

The head of the Black Path martial world, an absolute being who had made it to the Heavenly Ranking.

With a trustworthy successor, he could be said to have achieved everything a martial artist could achieve.

Yet, Yang Cheon was still growing. Even faster and sharper than before.

It was because Yang Cheon was not complacent with reality and was moving forward. It was not easy for someone in that position to try to learn even one more thing.

‘And this study and learning will also affect his martial arts.’

For a martial god, meditation and physical training are not the only forms of training.

In the world of experts, one can gain enlightenment even by hearing the sound of a fallen leaf they stepped on while walking. Yang Cheon, who was studying administration and various policies that he had never explored before, would soon reach another turning point in his martial arts.

Yeon Ho-Jeong had no doubt about it.

“Anyway, you’ve worked hard. You’ve been running around all over the place, losing sleep, and you’ve built a solid foundation.”

“Now that I think about it, I really thought I was going to die.”

It was an uncharacteristic grumble from Yeon Ho-Jeong. Yang Cheon burst into laughter.

“You said so confidently that you wanted the successor position, so you had to pay the price, didn’t you?”

“If you think that’s the price, you’re still a long way off.”

“Of course, you should be. This is nowhere near enough.”

His voice felt much more relaxed.

“Now, have a drink.”

“I’d like that.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who received the drink, tilted his head after smelling the aroma.

“What kind of liquor is this?”

“I don’t know.”

“Yes?”

“Baek Seo made it himself. It takes a long time to brew, so he doesn’t get more than a few barrels a year.”

Interest sparked on Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face.

“That man does things like that too.”

“There aren’t many people who can hold onto themselves in this rigid Black Path martial world. Baek Seo is one of them. He was trying various things for self-cultivation and got hooked on brewing liquor.”

Yang Cheon pointed to the glass with his chin.

“Try it.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong emptied the glass in one go.

“Kuh, why is this so strong?”

“Right?”

“I’ve never had such strong liquor before. But…”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s expression, twitching his nose a few times, was quite comical.

“The aftertaste is heavy and good, though?”

“You’re surprised by the first glass, you feel something unusual with the second, and the moment you drink the third, you become addicted. That’s what this liquor is like.”

“I don’t know about addiction, but it’s definitely not a liquor you can drink often. I can’t find anything similar.”

“That’s why I only bring it out on occasions like this.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was holding the glass, paused.

Yang Cheon chuckled.

“Weren’t you going to leave tonight?”

“How did you know?”

“Sometimes I think you say you want to rest, but you really hate resting. How can you leave right after finishing work?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong coughed awkwardly, as if embarrassed.

“I have to deal with things quickly. I heard the situation over there isn’t good either.”

“Still, why don’t you rest for a day?”

“I can rest while I’m traveling. I won’t be rushing there blindly.”

“Who can stop you? Have another drink.”

“I’d like that.”

Thus, two glasses of liquor entered Yeon Ho-Jeong’s stomach.

Yang Cheon didn’t drink. He only filled Yeon Ho-Jeong’s glass.

“Aren’t you drinking, Master?”

“I’ll give you three glasses, and I’ll drink the rest.”

“You’re only giving me three glasses?”

“Stop talking and have the last glass.”

“Yes.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who emptied the last glass, said calmly.

“You’re right, Master. After drinking three glasses, I want to keep drinking.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. From now on, this liquor is mine.”

Yang Cheon, who placed the bottle in front of him, got up from his seat and raised his left hand.

“Do it.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who awkwardly followed him, blinked.

“What do you mean?”

“Hit me.”

“…?”

“You seem to have been training in between your busy schedule, so let’s see if you’re at a level that won’t disgrace my name.”

In an instant, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s right fist moved like lightning.

Clang!

A tremendous sound echoed from Yang Cheon’s palm, which had received Yeon Ho-Jeong’s fist.

Sizzle!

White smoke rose from the palm that had made contact with the fist.

Yang Cheon chuckled.

“You’re getting better.”

“It took me some time to use the Transference Force. It’s not an ordinary martial art.”

“Of course not. You could spend your whole life training and still not be enough.”

Yang Cheon’s hand moved towards the side of the hall.

Whoosh!

Something huge floated and flew over.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes wavered.

Thud! Clatter!

What was placed on the floor with a heavy sound was the Mad Dragon Axe, the Coiling Dragon Chain, and the Black and White Twin Dragon Axes, which he hadn’t seen in a long time.

“These are the things you left behind.”

“…”

“Take them back.”

“Yes, I should.”

He had been so busy that he had forgotten about these cherished weapons. Perhaps he had deliberately forgotten them to escape reality, even for a moment.

If that was the case, it was time to return to reality.

Clank! Clank!

He crossed the Black and White Twin Dragon Axes on his back and pulled the Coiling Dragon Chain into his sleeve, wrapping it around his upper body. A chill ran down his spine at the cold touch of the metal.

Finally, Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was holding the Mad Dragon Axe, shouldered it as if to show off.

Yang Cheon nodded.

“It seems like they’re yours after all. They suit you very well.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong bowed his head.

“I’ll be back.”

“Come back as soon as you’re done. You still have a lot to do.”

“Of course. Just between us, the politics over there aren’t very interesting.”

“Hahaha.”

Yang Cheon sat comfortably in his chair.

“Keep in touch often.”

“Yes. Then, I’ll see you later.”

With those words, Yeon Ho-Jeong left the main hall. It was a very simple farewell, but there was not a hint of awkwardness.

Thud!

The door of the main hall closed.

‘…’

Yang Cheon looked at his left hand.

The faintly trembling hand was gradually swelling and turning red.

“That impolite brat.”