Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 858

Yeon Ho-jeong arrived at the Broken Army Pavilion and was greeted by his father and younger brother.

Yeon Ji-pyeong looked at Yeon Ho-jeong with envy, while Yeon-wi appeared much calmer than expected.

Yeon Ho-jeong simply greeted them before heading to his old room.

For a martial artist, the time to internalize enlightenment is crucial, regardless of whether they’ve reached the pinnacle or not.

Yeon-wi and Yeon Ji-pyeong didn’t disturb Yeon Ho-jeong, but they remained in the Broken Army Pavilion, acting as protectors in case anything happened.

Additionally, the Hwaryongdan [Crimson Dragon Unit] members, who were still monitoring the Yeon family, indirectly provided extra protection for Yeon Ho-jeong.

Muk Bi and Gang Ryang came to visit, and Yeon-wi allowed them in but asked them to keep their voices down.

Another day passed.

Creak.

Yeon Ho-jeong emerged from his room and stepped outside.

“Young Master Yeon.”

“Brother.”

Muk Bi, Gang Ryang, and Yeon Ji-pyeong stood up, looking delighted.

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled and said,

“You guys came too.”

Muk Bi was the first to ask,

“Are you alright?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

It was the same tone Yeon Ho-jeong always used. Gang Ryang sighed in relief, then suddenly grumbled.

“Ah, this world is truly unfair. What good deeds did you do in your past life that your progress is still skyrocketing? How are those of us without talent supposed to live?”

If you knew what I went through in my past life, you wouldn’t say such a thing.

Yeon Ho-jeong simply smiled.

Yeon-wi, who was sitting on the platform drinking tea, pointed to the opposite side as if it were nothing.

“I figured you’d be out around this time, so I prepared tea in advance. Wet your throat.”

“Yes.”

Yeon Ho-jeong and Yeon-wi sat on the platform.

The faces of the two fathers and sons were very calm.

One might expect to see joy if their son had gained great enlightenment and become stronger, but there was no such sign from Yeon-wi.

Yeon Ho-jeong also seemed to find his father’s demeanor natural.

Muk Bi, Gang Ryang, and Yeon Ji-pyeong also sat around the wide platform.

The first to speak was Yeon Ho-jeong.

“Did you see it?”

It was an abrupt question.

Yeon-wi nodded.

“I saw it. And I felt it.”

“You are amazing.”

“Haha, there’s not much to be amazed about. It’s just that my enlightenment was a little different from others.”

“That’s not it.”

“Hmm?”

Yeon Ho-jeong looked at Yeon-wi with deep eyes.

His gaze was much deeper and calmer than before. It was as if he were looking at the eyes of a sage.

“I understand now. Just how supreme my father’s realm is.”

Muk Bi and Gang Ryang’s eyes widened slightly.

It was a clear fact that Yeon-wi was a great master. He was even an unparalleled swordsman who had reached the Mind Sword [a state of swordsmanship where the mind and sword are one], which only a few masters of the Saintly Heaven had attained.

That was enough to discuss the world. However, if one were to look only at the realm achieved, Yeon Ho-jeong was overwhelming Yeon-wi. Yet, he was saying such things.

“When I only had the Four Divine Beasts on my body, I didn’t know properly. I just knew that you had reached the Mind Sword, and I was impressed by your extremely developed upper dantian [an energy center in the body], which was comparable to the masters of the Saintly Heaven.”

“Was that so?”

“But now I realize. That’s not all there is.”

Yeon Ho-jeong continued calmly.

“The way you see the world is different from us.”

Yeon-wi burst into laughter.

“Everyone sees the world differently.”

Yeon-wi also knew that was not what he meant. But Yeon-wi’s words were not wrong either.

That everything was different also meant that it was no different from the previous me. Even if my abilities had improved, it was no different from the previous me, so whether I held a sword or a stick, it didn’t matter much.

Yeon Ho-jeong was Yeon Ho-jeong, and Yeon-wi was Yeon-wi.

The Yellow Dragon was the Yellow Dragon, and the Mind Sword was the Mind Sword.

“Among the amazing people I’ve met, the most extraordinary was undoubtedly the Sword Immortal, Tak Mu-ja.”

“Indeed.”

“Your upper dantian, though different in nature, is comparable to Tak Mu-ja.”

“That’s an honor.”

“In terms of vastness, Tak Mu-ja may be superior, but in terms of depth, you are even more outstanding. I know that now.”

Yeon-wi shook his head.

“Although a single level difference is significant, like the martial arts duels where the outcome is unknown without actually fighting, the size or depth of the upper dantian is not important.”

“……”

“What you see, what you focus on, and what you aim for is what matters.”

“Yes, I know.”

He just wanted to say that his father’s spirit was as great as Tak Mu-ja’s.

Yeon-wi asked.

“Is that enough reflection on your martial arts?”

“If I had nothing else to do, I would have reflected more. However, even if I did, it wouldn’t lead to rapid progress. I’ll just go with the flow, step by step.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. My martial arts won’t go anywhere.”

Yeon-wi’s face showed a satisfied expression.

He was the one who felt the biggest change in his son. Nevertheless, he did not show it because they had reached a point where they knew each other too well without having to say it.

However, he was proud of his son’s honest and straightforward way of acknowledging himself without being awkward. It seemed that there was no need to suppress that.

“You seem to have something to do. Your eyes are directed towards something other than martial arts.”

“Sword Saint Noh, the senior, also said the same thing.”

“He is an extraordinary person. Regardless of the upper dantian or anything else, someone who has reached the end in one field is different.”

“Father, you will soon reach a similar point as Sword Saint Noh, the senior.”

“Haha, that’s something I don’t know.”

Yeon Ho-jeong drank his tea.

It was not a fancy tea, but it was the most delicious tea in the world to him.

“I will go do what I need to do and come back. Let’s have dinner together tonight.”

“Good. Let’s have a drink together as a family for the first time in a while.”

Yeon-wi looked at Muk Bi and Gang Ryang and said,

“Bring Baek Byeong-sin, the senior, and the warrior named Jin Yang as well. If they are people Ho-jeong cherishes, then they are also our family.”

Muk Bi smiled.

“Yes, Father.”

“It seems Ho-jeong has something else to do, so let’s take a look at your martial arts in the meantime. Even at a glance, you have grown quite a bit.”

“Yes!”

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled and got up from his seat.

Yeon Ji-pyeong said,

“Brother.”

“Let’s make sure to look at your martial arts before dinner. It’s been hard to have time alone because things keep happening.”

“Of course. I wanted to say that too.”

“Haha.”

Yeon Ho-jeong bowed his head towards Yeon-wi.

“I’ll be back.”

Yeon-wi said calmly,

“People have their own circumstances. Don’t push too hard.”

“Do you know who I’m going to meet?”

“You are setting aside the trivial and looking at the fundamentals. If there is one most important event in the current martial world, it is only one.”

“……”

“And there are not many people who are suitable for the position right now, are there?”

“You are truly amazing.”

“Go on then.”

“Yes.”

With that, Yeon Ho-jeong left the Broken Army Pavilion.

After Yeon Ho-jeong left, Yeon-wi pushed the platform aside.

“Shall we look at Bi-a first?”

* * *

Yeon Ho-jeong headed straight for the Martial Arts Hall, but soon stopped in his tracks.

“……”

He took a deep breath and looked around, then changed direction again. It was towards the Military Affairs Department.

This time again, there were many people who glanced at him. It was a similar gaze to when he first came here as the Deputy Head of the Black Dragon Unit.

But the eyes of the true masters were different.

Those who were greatly surprised to see Yeon Ho-jeong. Those who knew that Yeon Ho-jeong was the one who emitted that strange and irresistible energy wanted to say something to him, but they could not dare to approach him carelessly.

It was not because of his position as the Deputy Head of the Black Dragon Unit.

Their senses were feeling it. The subtle dignity that naturally emanated from Yeon Ho-jeong’s body.

And Yeon Ho-jeong also knew it.

‘I definitely need to refine it.’

He was going to do it slowly, but seeing people’s reactions, it seemed he couldn’t leave it like this. From tomorrow, he really needed to take the time to refine his martial arts.

‘I should ask Brother Mak for some help.’

Mak-won was an outstanding master who could freely wield not only the Hundred Weapons but also the Ten Thousand Weapons. In other words, he was the person who could most effectively give Yeon Ho-jeong what he needed now.

As he walked, making up his mind, the building of the Military Affairs Department finally came into view.

A little while later.

“Military Advisor.”

“Is that you, Ho-jeong?”

“Yes.”

“Come in quickly.”

When he opened the door and entered, Jeagal Mun-ho, Great Master Gong Gong, and Ascetic Master Seung-hyeon were drinking tea.

The three greeted Yeon Ho-jeong with welcoming and surprised faces.

Yeon Ho-jeong clasped his hands in greeting.

“It’s been a while since we’ve met separately like this.”

“Haha.”

Great Master Gong Gong burst into a hearty laugh, and Ascetic Master Seung-hyeon shook his head.

“In the past, before you went on your expedition, I taught you Tai Chi.”

“The teachings at that time were a great help.”

“You were great even back then, but you were a bit clumsy and your killing intent was excessive, so even though you weren’t a person from the Wudang Sect, I was worried. You were like a child left by the water. But now, that talent has returned as a giant who casts a shadow over the world.”

“You flatter me.”

Ascetic Master Seung-hyeon smiled.

“It seems you have other business with the Military Advisor. I would like to hold you back and chat idly, but since it must be an important conversation, I will leave the seat.”

“No. I have something to say to both of you, the two Bonggong.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Ascetic Master Seung-hyeon looked at Jeagal Mun-ho.

Jeagal Mun-ho smiled and nodded.

“Sit down. I’ll give you a cup of tea.”

“Thank you.”

Soon, a teacup was placed in front of Yeon Ho-jeong.

Great Master Gong Gong opened his mouth.

“I have a lot to say about you. But as Ascetic Master Seung-hyeon said, it would be better to start by telling us the reason you came here.”

“I understand.”

Yeon Ho-jeong looked at Jeagal Mun-ho and said,

“Military Advisor.”

“Speak.”

“I know you must be having a headache regarding the Martial Alliance Leader matter.”

Suddenly, the topic of the Martial Alliance Leader came up.

No matter what, it was a sensitive topic. Great Master Gong Gong and Ascetic Master Seung-hyeon’s expressions hardened slightly.

Jeagal Mun-ho sighed.

“Yes, it’s a headache. How could it not be?”

“It doesn’t seem like it’s because there are no suitable candidates.”

“Of course. Just looking around the Martial Alliance, there are many people who could become the Alliance Leader. It’s a problem because there are too many.”

“That’s not it, is it?”

“Hmm? What do you mean it’s not?”

“Isn’t it because you think that no matter who you put in the Alliance Leader’s position, it will be the same?”

It was a rather aggressive and direct remark.

But for some reason, the feeling was quite different.

Like the previous Yeon Ho-jeong, he did not bother to beat around the bush on this issue. However, unlike before, there was no power that made the listener’s heart pound.

His words were just natural, as if they were permeating. It was as if he were stating an obvious truth that anyone could understand.

Jeagal Mun-ho’s expression became strange.

“It’s a bit of a dangerous statement, but… to be honest, that’s true.”

Rather, Great Master Gong Gong and Ascetic Master Seung-hyeon were surprised by Jeagal Mun-ho’s answer.

Yeon Ho-jeong nodded.

“Therefore, I think you are giving up on many potential Alliance Leaders and want a strong-willed talent who can become the pillar of the next generation of the martial world.”

“You are quick to understand. That’s right. As a Military Advisor, I want such a talent.”

“As the Deputy Head of the Black Dragon Unit, I also agree with the Military Advisor’s thoughts.”

“I knew that you alone would think that way.”

“But as Yeon Ho-jeong, a martial artist who is facing a war that could break out at any moment, I oppose that idea.”

Jeagal Mun-ho’s eyes flashed.

“Then who do you want to be the Alliance Leader?”

“I can’t make someone the Alliance Leader just because I want them to be. However, the first Alliance Leader, like a cornerstone, that I want is someone that many people can acknowledge.”

Yeon Ho-jeong looked at Great Master Gong Gong and Ascetic Master Seung-hyeon.

“I would like one of you two to become the first Alliance Leader.”

“……?!”

“And if possible, I would like it to be Great Master Gong Gong.”