Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 880

The Thirteen Seats of the Sacred Heavens.

It was a title given to the absolute masters who were revered as legends in the current martial world.

In an era where producing even one master of the Supreme Extremes [a level of martial arts mastery] was difficult, this era had produced thirteen, making it undoubtedly the golden age of the martial world.

Of course, it wasn’t the first time such an era had occurred.

Three hundred years ago, when the Blood Cult Rebellion broke out, countless masters of the Supreme Extremes emerged, just like in the current martial world, and protected the world from the demonic forces of the Blood Cult, who walked the path of inhuman evil.

The Four Directional Martial Emperor, who led the many masters of the Supreme Extremes at the time, was the unrivaled number one in the world. He displayed his immense martial power against the Blood Demons who threatened the Central Plains [the heartland of the martial world], contributing to the victory of the Central Plains.

In other words, the Blood Cult also possessed masters of the Supreme Extremes comparable to, or even greater than, those in the Central Plains. This showed just how powerful the Blood Cult was at the time.

And now.

The world had once again given birth to countless geniuses, creating another legend under the name of the Sacred Heavens.

However, considering the history of three hundred years ago, the fact that so many geniuses were born in this era could be viewed differently.

The energy of the world repeats cycles of strength and decline. In that process, when the yin becomes strong, the yang rises to resolve it, and when righteousness goes too far, evil is born again to restore balance.

In other words, the fact that so many masters of the Supreme Extremes have emerged in the Central Plains could also be interpreted as another group capable of opposing them lying in wait.

The principles of the world are such that nothing is ever too much or too little. So, even if it seems unparalleled in ancient and modern times, as time passes, it will naturally face a period of decline.

The world was like that. The martial world was like that.

Yeon Ho-Jeong killed the Tyrant King and obtained the new position of King. As a result, the name of the Thirteen Seats of the Sacred Heavens remained unchanged.

However, when Great Master Gong Gong accepted the burden of the world and sought to ascend to the position of Alliance Leader, he, who had already realized everything, broke through to the Supreme Extremes in an instant, becoming the second Sacred Heaven of Shaolin after the Fist God.

People respected Great Master Gong Gong’s outstanding martial arts and character, giving him the title of Fist King and not hesitating to elevate him as a new Sacred Heaven.

In fact, even after reaching the Supreme Extremes, one must reach an even higher level through intense training to be named a Sacred Heaven.

However, Great Master Gong Gong, having unleashed everything he had suppressed, ignored the vast gap in an instant and gained martial power comparable to the Three Armies [a term referring to a massive military force]. This was confirmed by the testimonies of Sword Emperor Namgoong Seung, Saber Emperor Jongli Baek, and the Hundred Weapon Divine Lord Mak Won.

However, since he had risen to the prestigious position of Martial Alliance Leader, people bestowed upon him the title of King rather than Lord.

Fist King Alliance Leader Great Master Gong Gong.

With this, the moment had come when the Thirteen Seats of the Sacred Heavens would be called Fourteen Seats, but Gok Gyeong made a shocking statement.

“The Blood Jade Demon Lord, imprisoned in the imperial dungeon, has lost all his internal energy and has become a cripple. Recovery is impossible, so he is no longer a Sacred Heaven.”

It was a statement made by one of the Three Armies, who was also the emperor’s representative. The weight of his words was no different from that of the emperor, and in terms of depth of trust, it was the highest level of testimony.

In the end, the thirteen seats of the Sacred Heavens remained unchanged. However, with five Kings and two Lords remaining, the detailed titles were reorganized.

One God, Two Immortals, Three Emperors, Five Kings, and the Twin Lords of Black and White.

The martial arts of the Central Plains, which had developed nobly, had blossomed into many geniuses, creating the legend of the thirteen seats. Only when one person was removed could another take their place.

Great Master Gong Gong, who had become a new Sacred Heaven.

With the name of the Sacred Heaven, the inaugural Martial Alliance Leader appointment ceremony came to an end.

The masters of the White Path [the righteous martial sects] martial world, who had gathered densely, cheered for the inaugural Alliance Leader. Finally, an existence had emerged to hold the center of the Martial Alliance, and from now on, the Martial Alliance’s affairs would be handled more quickly and surely.

And time passed.

Many people gathered again at the place where the Sword Emperor and the Tyrant King had previously fought.

* * *

“A festival…….”

Muk Bi sighed.

“Honestly, is this really a festival?”

“It is a festival.”

Tang Gwan shrugged his shoulders.

“For the martial artists of the world, the duels of the strong are in themselves a learning experience and a joy. Moreover, if it’s a duel between the supreme masters who have reached the Sacred Heavens, it’s the best of the best.”

“Even so…….”

“There have often been martial arts festivals. On the auspicious days of local sects, many masters show off their martial arts, adding to the festive atmosphere.”

“Oh, I see.”

“It’s because it’s the Martial Alliance that the status of the duelists is so terrifying. The Alliance Leader is definitely not ordinary.”

Tang Gwan naturally called Great Master Gong Gong ‘Alliance Leader’.

A title loses its authority if no one calls it. Tang Gwan, who had lived in a world with a clear hierarchy, recognized Great Master Gong Gong as the Alliance Leader faster than anyone else.

“By the way, you managed to bring in Senior Saber Emperor.”

Gang Ryang clicked his tongue.

“When I met him briefly before, he didn’t seem to like places with so many eyes.”

Mak Won chuckled.

“He seemed to be the type to hate it, not just dislike it. He seemed like the type who wouldn’t get involved in anything in the world unless it was his own martial arts.”

Jin Yang grumbled.

“He’s really going his own way.”

“That’s probably why he was able to raise his martial arts to the highest level. Most of the people who achieve historical feats are like that.”

“Huh.”

“Anyway.”

Mak Won raised his hand above his eyebrows. It was a cool day, but the sunlight was considerable.

“The seats are good.”

Mak Won’s gaze was directed towards the top floor of a building far from the dueling arena, which was wide open.

And in that open space, about twenty people were seated.

Centered around the Alliance Leader, Great Master Gong Gong, were the military advisors, the officials, and the elders. Everyone except Tang Gwan, who hated uncomfortable seats and insisted on coming here, was there.

They were undoubtedly the leaders of the Martial Alliance, and now that the Alliance Leader had been elected, they could no longer sit in comfortable positions as before.

That wasn’t all.

Many people were craning their necks from various buildings near the dueling arena. And countless people were standing between the buildings.

The various combat units of the Martial Alliance stood guard at a distance.

When the Sword Emperor and the Tyrant King fought before, a considerable area was devastated. Now, the dueling arena was twice as large as before, so the number of troops deployed was also greater.

“Anyway, it’s going to be a very exciting fight.”

Mak Won turned his head.

In one corner, Yeon Ho-Jeong was sitting cross-legged. He wasn’t exactly circulating his energy or meditating. He was just sitting there with his arms crossed, seemingly deep in thought.

Mak Won asked.

“Why? Are you nervous?”

“Huh?”

“Are you nervous?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“Of course, I’m nervous. My opponent is ‘that’ Saber Emperor. He’s a powerhouse from beyond the heavens, considered to be on par with Senior Sword Emperor.”

“But you’ve grown since then, haven’t you?”

“Of course, I have. But somehow, it feels like it’s going to be a harder fight than before.”

Mak Won nodded.

“Yes, it seems like there’s a compatibility issue.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had awakened the Yellow Dragon, had not yet created a proper axe technique.

In other words, his best martial arts right now were hand-to-hand combat techniques such as fist techniques and palm techniques. He was so used to fighting that even those were at the highest level, but there was bound to be a difference compared to using weapons.

“However, I think I can still make it a good fight. I might be able to learn a lot.”

It was then.

Waaaaah!

A huge cheer erupted from the dueling arena in the distance.

“He’s here.”

A small tension appeared on Mak Won’s face.

“That guy, who hates such things, went up to the dueling arena first. He must have come prepared.”

“It’s a duel, but it’s still a competition. If you’re not prepared, you’ll be devoured.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong loosened his posture and stood up.

Jeagal Ayeon, who had been quietly silent until now, asked.

“Are you going to be okay?”

“What’s not okay?”

“Your opponent is Senior Saber Emperor. He’s incredibly strong.”

Considering the strong opponents Yeon Ho-Jeong had faced so far, it was nothing new.

However, Jeagal Ayeon had never seen Yeon Ho-Jeong fight such a master. It was understandable that she was nervous.

Yeon Ho-Jeong tapped Jeagal Ayeon’s head with his hand.

“Don’t worry about unnecessary things, and you should also take away everything you can learn.”

“Ouch, you jerk!”

“You’re a martial artist too. Don’t see me as a friend, but as a master with a lot to learn from. At least for now.”

Jeagal Ayeon nodded with a serious face.

“Okay, I will.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong turned his gaze to Bu Seon.

“I’m going to use Master’s martial arts too.”

Bu Seon’s eyes sparkled.

“Black Snake Self?”

“I’m going to use all my martial arts, including what I learned from Master. He’s an opponent that’s hard to beat even with that. So, watch carefully.”

“Yes.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong turned his head once more.

Many people were around him. Muk Bi, Gang Ryang, Jin Yang, Mak Won, as well as the Jeagal siblings and Bu Seon.

Even Moyong Gun, who was commanding the troops in the distance, would be worried about him, and Pae Yul, who was with the Jeomchang Sect warriors, would also be nervous.

‘There are so many.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong realized anew that there were so many people who cared for him.

‘It’s the same as before, but different.’

Black Demon Emperor.

Even when he was called the number one in the Black Path [the evil martial sects] and swept through the world, he had many comrades by his side.

However, in those days when he was only focused on fighting, he recognized his comrades as beings he had to remember, but he couldn’t accept them as the joy of life itself. He didn’t have the time for that.

It was different now.

‘I am now standing in the middle of the world.’

Whoooosh.

The Yellow Dragon stretched.

A clear and definite piece of recognition awakened his mood anew.

It was definitely a small but certain realization. At this moment, the Yellow Dragon Energy surged through his entire body, greatly amplifying his vitality.

“I shouldn’t keep Senior waiting. I’ll be going now.”

His friends shouted in unison.

“Go have fun!”

“Just don’t die. It’ll be tough, but…”

“Hyung! You can’t get hurt when the mission is right around the corner!”

“Good luck.”

With the support of such fervent cheers, Yeon Ho-Jeong fearlessly ascended to the dueling arena.

Waaaaaaaaah!

The shouts of countless people.

Even Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had reached the ultimate level, felt his body vibrate from the cheers of so many people.

“You’ve come.”

Jongli Baek’s expression was brighter than expected. There was no sign of annoyance or burden.

Rather, it seemed like he was greatly excited to face a strong opponent who was worthy of being his match.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled and said.

“I’ll skip the formalities like introductions and polite greetings.”

“They’re useless in a fight.”

“However, before the duel, there’s one thing I’d like to ask.”

“What is it?”

“Senior, did you come here solely for yourself?”

“Of course. I’m someone who has always lived only for myself.”

“I see.”

“However…….”

Jongli Baek glanced at one place.

Among the countless crowds, there was one man who particularly caught his eye.

“It’s about time my disciple graduated. It would be good if he could learn a thing or two.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“I feel the same way.”

He looked towards the place where the officials were in the distance.

There, Yeon-Wi was standing with a stern face.

“Well then.”

Thump! Thump!

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had bumped his fists together, immediately lowered his stance.

“Shall we begin?”

Swish!

From Jongli Baek’s body, who had drawn his Evil Slaying Blade, a terrifying blade wind swirled.

“I hope it will be an enjoyable fight.”

Fwoosh!

Without either of them taking the lead, the two rushed towards each other.