Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 842

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s face hardened.

“Which faction are they from?”

The military officer replied with a flustered expression.

“……”

It was an unexpected figure. Or rather, they were from an unexpected organization.

“……Is it a coincidence?”

It couldn’t be.

Jeagal Mun-Ho, who had been staring blankly into the air, rose from his seat.

“Where are they currently?”

“They haven’t officially joined the alliance yet. Under normal circumstances, I would have let them in, but given their status…”

It was too unexpected to simply order that all guests be treated equally, given the visitor’s identity.

“For now, take them to the outer guest quarters. And send the entire Sword Dragon Unit to the guest quarters. Officially, it’s for protection, but in reality, it’s for surveillance.”

“Understood.”

It was the time when serious discussions about the selection of the Alliance Leader were about to begin.

Naturally, it was a time when many people would gather, but he never imagined that ‘that place’ would send someone.

“Summon all the elders and the staff to the Martial Hall. It’s an emergency summons.”

* * *

There was no time to share the joy of reunion.

“The Divine Demon Forest…?”

“That’s right.”

Yeon-wi’s face hardened.

Tang Gwan frowned and said,

“It’s only been said that the Demon Immortal, Hyeok Ryeon-Hwi, built a palace in an unknown region, but no one knows where he actually resides or how many demonic forces he commands.”

“That’s right. In fact, most people believe that the story itself is fabricated.”

“It’s understandable. The world’s perception of demons is singular. They are absolute evil.”

Demon (魔).

The very character for ‘demon’ implies devils and ghosts.

However, the meaning of ‘demon’ in the martial world is slightly different. It can mean a devilish person, but it’s closer to meaning ‘a murderous fiend who has cultivated demonic arts and is obsessed with blood and slaughter.’

Of course, one is called a demon simply for cultivating demonic arts. Perhaps there are those with sound minds among those who have cultivated demonic arts.

However, the moment one learns demonic arts, they can no longer be viewed favorably by the martial world.

Demonic arts inherently erode a person’s mind and incite destructive impulses. No matter how thirsty one is for power, how could one look favorably upon learning such unstable and violent martial arts?

“If the Demon Immortal is truly an authentic demon who carries on the lineage of demonic arts, it’s understandable that demons would flock to his banner. But…”

“Fundamentally, demons are unstable beings. No matter how great their leader is, they wouldn’t be able to serve him as their king without any complaints.”

“Hmm.”

Yeon-wi, who had been deep in thought, asked Yeon Ho-Jeong,

“What do you think?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong sighed.

“I don’t think what I think is important. I don’t really have any particular thoughts. I don’t know anything about them in the first place.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong recalled his time as the Dark Emperor.

When the world was engulfed in war due to the massive invasion of the Central Plains by the Evil Sound Sect.

Yeon Ho-Jeong had also encountered demons. To be precise, he had encountered demons who wandered without belonging to any faction.

Surprisingly, they were completely different from the stereotypes held by the martial world.

Of course, if one cultivates demonic arts incorrectly or learns incomplete demonic arts from the start, they can instantly become a madman or a cripple. In severe cases, they might suddenly die. In fact, that was the case for most of them.

However, just because one learned demonic arts didn’t mean they had to become a madman.

“Demonic arts are fundamentally different from the divine arts of following the natural order. If the ultimate goal of orthodox martial arts is to remove impurities through proper breathing, refine and accumulate pure energy, and become one with the universe, then demonic arts involve embracing impurities, stimulating the middle dantian [energy center], and gathering all sorts of negative thoughts to generate energy that is completely opposite to natural energy.”

Yeon-wi nodded.

“It’s defying the heavens. I know that the very method of circulating internal energy is the opposite.”

“That’s right. That’s why demonic arts are dangerous. By stimulating the middle dantian, they amplify thoughts and obtain more energy, resulting in rapid progress. However, just as a tongue accustomed to strong flavors cannot taste subtle flavors, they lose their sense of guilt for murder or assault. And later, they even forget that their tongue ever tasted such flavors.”

Even those who have mastered the divine arts of following the natural order will commit murder and assault if they become accustomed to criminal behavior.

However, demons are fundamentally different.

If the former at least recognizes heinous acts as ‘immoral,’ demons who have learned demonic arts do not even understand why such violent acts are immoral.

That’s why demonic arts are dangerous. They don’t necessarily commit evil acts because there are rules in the world, but they will shed blood without hesitation if necessary. It’s because they have no moral compass in the first place.

“However, that too could be a prejudice.”

“What do you mean?”

“Can those who have lost their fundamental human kindness and the sense of guilt that one should naturally feel fully pass on their demonic arts to future generations?”

“……?!”

“Demonic arts are dangerous. But the true demonic arts that have been passed down through generations are likely to be free from such harmful effects.”

“Hmm.”

“Of course, this is just my speculation. But I doubt whether such insane demons could even leave behind complete manuals. They would probably be branded as enemies and killed before they could even find a successor to pass on their martial arts.”

“That makes sense.”

“The Demon Immortal, Hyeok Ryeon-Hwi, is said to be the true heir of demonic arts. If what the esteemed Monk Mu Heo said about Hyeok Ryeon-Hwi is true, then it’s not strange that countless demons have gathered under his banner.”

Tap. Tap.

Tang Gwan’s index finger tapped the table.

“The Divine Demon Forest… an organization ruled by the Demon Immortal, Hyeok Ryeon-Hwi…”

“By the way.”

A look of bewilderment appeared on Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face.

“You said you met them by chance?”

“I said it was a coincidence. But I don’t believe it.”

Tang Gwan explained in detail how he met Cheon Hyo-Rak.

“Speaking of which, the attackers were quite skilled. They weren’t just simple bandits. Both in number and skill.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled wryly.

“I once turned the green forest upside down. I told them that it didn’t make sense to live as bandits, so they had to either disband or create a formal sect and live like everyone else.”

Yeon-wi smiled.

“Well done.”

“Some of them escaped. I couldn’t catch them all, so I made a list of those who had left. It seems some of them have already reached Shanxi.”

Tang Gwan clicked his tongue.

“Anyway, that guy looks suspicious no matter how you look at him. He has learned martial arts, but I don’t know what kind of martial arts or how far he has progressed. Of course, I judged that I could subdue him within three moves if we fought.”

“Hmm.”

“But his formation was impressive. Although I’m not an expert in formations, his skills were not ordinary. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was on par with the formation masters of the Jeagal family.”

“So, he’s someone who can’t be analyzed right away.”

“That’s right.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong sighed deeply.

“It seems like it’s a chaotic time. Even the demonic forces, who have been quiet for so long, are sending people.”

As he spoke, he suddenly became curious.

‘The Demon Immortal, Hyeok Ryeon-Hwi.’

Monk Mu Heo had said that he had met Hyeok Ryeon-Hwi. And that his skills were so high that he couldn’t guarantee victory even for himself.

‘Why didn’t he step forward?’

During the war with the Evil Sound Sect, he had never seen Hyeok Ryeon-Hwi, let alone a demon from the Divine Demon Forest. In the first place, he was hearing the name of the Divine Demon Forest for the first time.

‘A demon from the Divine Demon Forest came to the Martial Alliance at this time. It’s definitely not a coincidence.’

Of course, it couldn’t be a coincidence.

In other words, it meant that they too were listening to the world.

‘If they were watching the state of the world, there’s no reason for them to have just sat idly by during the chaos of the Evil Sound Sect.’

The formation of the Black and White Alliance, and the selection of the Martial Alliance Leader.

Even if the flow of world affairs was different, it couldn’t be seen as more serious than the war situation.

But they weren’t there then, and now they’ve appeared.

‘Could it be that the Divine Demon Forest submitted to the Three Sects back then?’

It was possible. But he thought the possibility was small.

‘I don’t know yet. But…’

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes flashed.

‘Could it be?’

Tang Gwan tilted his head.

“What is it?”

“Huh?”

“What is it?”

“What do you mean, ‘what is it’?”

“You rascal, you’re even making jokes in rhythm after seeing me after so long.”

“Ahem!”

“Seeing the glint in your eyes, it seems like you’ve figured something out?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“I haven’t figured anything out. I just had a thought.”

“Tell me what that thought is.”

“I don’t want to.”

“You’re still as ill-mannered as ever.”

“How can you say ‘ill-mannered’ when my father is watching?”

“Why is it the parents’ fault that a child is raised wrong? It’s the child’s fault. Your father has nothing to be ashamed of.”

He didn’t mean what he said.

Yeon Ho-Jeong rose from his seat.

“We’ll be leaving now.”

Tang Gwan frowned.

Yeon-wi cleared his throat.

“My boy, you’ve only just met the Tang Clan Head after so long, how can you leave already?”

“We won’t be seeing each other for long anyway.”

“Hmm?”

“The Divine Demon Forest, led by the Demon Immortal, Hyeok Ryeon-Hwi, has sent someone. Do you think the military advisor will just sit back and watch?”

“……?!”

It was then.

As if on cue, someone knocked on the gate of the Breaking Army Pavilion. They seemed to be in such a hurry that they ignored the guards of the Fire Dragon Unit.

“I’m from the Military Affairs Department! Is the Yeon Clan Head here?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“You two should go to the Martial Hall.”

Tang Gwan rose with a disgruntled expression.

“I wasn’t called.”

“Are you going later, or are you going now?”

“Tsk!”

Yeon Ho-Jeong said to Yeon Ji-Pyeong,

“I’ve been wanting to see your martial arts for a while, shall we go for a match?”

“Hah! Yes, brother!”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong rose with a bright smile.

At that moment, the voice of the military officer outside rang out again.

“Is the Vice Head of the Black Dragon Unit also here?”

Yeon-wi looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong with surprised eyes, while Tang Gwan looked at him with a triumphant gaze.

“It seems like you’re being called too?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s mouth dropped open.

“Why me?”

“The military advisor must have his reasons. And it’s a good opportunity for you. When else would you get to see the talent of the demonic martial world that no one has ever seen?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Yeon Ji-Pyeong with a disgruntled expression.

Yeon Ji-Pyeong smiled and said,

“Let’s do it after you come back.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t say that.”

With that, the three of them opened the gate of the Breaking Army Pavilion.

The military officer bowed his head.

“I’m from the Military Affairs Department!”

Yeon-wi nodded.

“I’ve heard the situation. The Tang Clan Head is also here, so let’s go together.”

“Ah, yes! But…”

“Hmm? Is there anything else to say?”

The military officer bowed his head again and took out a letter from his chest, handing it to Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes widened.

“Did the military advisor send this?”

“Y-yes, he did.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, tilting his head, received the letter and unfolded it.

“……As expected.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“He’s very thorough.”

“Why? What did he say?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had folded the letter, said to the military officer,

“Was he supposed to be our guide?”

“That’s right.”

“I understand.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong said to Yeon-wi,

“You can stay in the Martial Hall. I’ll go meet them first.”

“Meet them? Who?”

“That guy named Cheon Hyo-Rak or whatever.”

“You will?!”

“Yes. The higher-ups need time to sort out their thoughts, so he’s asking me to go and sound him out first.”

Yeon-wi’s mouth dropped open.

Yeon Ho-Jeong rotated his shoulders.

“The military advisor certainly knows how to have fun. Don’t you think so?”

Tang Gwan said with a disgruntled expression,

“Don’t cause any trouble.”

“Of course not.”