Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 888

Watching the rising steam, I felt an unexpected peace settle in my heart.

Yeon-wi, having slightly cooled the tea with his sleeve, took a sip.

“The aroma is wonderful.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

“I don’t believe you’ve ever formally learned how to brew tea, yet the taste is exceptionally good.”

“I simply followed what I’ve seen others do.”

“To have drawn out the fragrance and flavor of the tea leaves so well without proper training, you could open a tea house if you put your mind to it.”

It wasn’t likely a joke.

Though born and raised in a Murim [martial arts world] family and becoming a Murim warrior, not many parents would want their children to wield swords forever.

Whether it be a tea house, a tavern, a fabric store, or a smithy, if there was a profession they desired, it wouldn’t be bad to pursue it. That was Yeon-wi’s sentiment.

However, he couldn’t say that to Yeon Ji-Pyeong, sadly. He had to carry on the family name.

But he could say that to Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Yeon-wi never considered this to be discrimination.

His eldest son had overcome hardships that would be difficult to endure even after leading a family for decades, all in just a few years. If not for his eldest son, not only the Yeon family but the entire Murim might have fallen into ruin.

He was a national hero, a savior of the Kangho [the martial world]. Although another war remained, it was his eldest son’s ability that made even that war possible.

Everyone praised his son. However, Yeon-wi couldn’t help but think of the fatigue his son had endured rather than the achievements he had made.

He had grown well and was living well.

Even now, he was taking on another dangerous task, but Yeon-wi’s heart was calm, trusting in his son’s destiny rather than his skills.

“I heard the weather there is very different from here. It must be cold and dry.”

“Yes.”

“Even if you have reached the realm of the Supreme, do not overexert your body. Sleep when you need to, eat when you need to, and rest when you need to. Do you understand?”

“I understand.”

It had been a long time since he had reached the realm of Hanseobulchim [a state of being unaffected by cold and heat]. Moreover, he was at a level where he could absorb the energy of all things, so his body didn’t need much sleep.

But even knowing all that, parents still worried. And the moment a child understands that parental heart, they become an adult.

“So, how many people are going in total?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong counted on his fingers as he spoke.

“Ji-Pyeong, Muk Bi, and I will go together. I’ve also received permission from Senior Pae-Yul of Jeomchang, and the Tang Clan Head will join us as well.”

“I thought you were going to take the Jade Purity Taoist with you.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes sparkled.

“He will grow significantly in this battle. We actually need his strength.”

“I heard your junior sister is going with you as well.”

“That’s right. And lastly, Senior Mak-Won.”

A total of eight masters.

Among them, two were masters of the Saintly Heaven, three were possessors of martial prowess at the level of a Great Sect Leader, and one was slightly below that but still possessed the martial prowess of a transcendent master.

The remaining two had not yet broken through to the Martial Ancestor realm, but they were geniuses on the verge of doing so.

Looking at it this way, it was not a force to be underestimated just because the number was small. Considering that one master of the Saintly Heaven was comparable to the power of a Great Sect, a total force equivalent to nearly three Great Sects was moving.

“Still, wouldn’t that be insufficient?”

For special operations like infiltration, localized battles, and assassinations, a small, powerful force would be good.

However, they didn’t know the extent of the Shinma Forest’s power, nor what the situation inside was like. Although it was a sufficient force, it was hard to say it was a satisfactory one.

In the event of a group battle, even if there were masters of the Saintly Heaven, it would be disadvantageous.

“That’s why I’m thinking of asking for a unit to back us up.”

“A unit? Are you talking about the Righteous Army?”

“It would be ideal if the Righteous Army could join us, but they are such a strong force that it would be difficult to pull them out now.”

“I think so too.”

“I’m thinking of asking for a force at the level of the Hwaryong Unit. If it’s not possible, then there’s nothing we can do.”

“Hmm.”

Yeon-wi nodded.

“You’ll know what to do. Anyway, it’s a battle in a distant border region. You must be fully prepared.”

“Of course.”

Yeon-wi, having moistened his throat again with a sip of tea, looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face.

Suddenly, Yeon-wi felt dazzled.

‘It’s different.’

After realizing the Sword Heart, he had only felt immense power from his son.

An endless power. It was like seeing a giant general freely manifesting the true energy of the four colors. His overflowing spirit was impressive, and his fiery fighting spirit was overwhelming.

Later, when he saw his son soar after gaining a new enlightenment, that spirit and fighting spirit were nowhere to be seen.

It was as if he were seeing a giant dragon. A mythical beast from legends that could not be dealt with by human power.

But now, it was different again.

‘He’s just endlessly strong.’

He only saw a human embracing the power of a mythical beast shining with brilliant golden light.

A human who was too strong. Not the kind of strength that was unbreakable or reminiscent of hard steel.

A strength that would never lose, no matter the situation or opponent. Sometimes it would be flexible, and sometimes it would be as solid as a fortress.

A martial god who had concentrated all concepts of strength. That was what Yeon-wi saw in Yeon Ho-Jeong now.

‘There are realms that those who have not reached them cannot see.’

Yeon-wi smiled.

‘You were that strong.’

At that moment, Yeon Ho-Jeong opened his mouth.

“You’re just like a father.”

“Hmm?”

“The Supreme.”

“What about it?”

“It was the same for me and Grand Master Gong Gong. We underwent changes close to a rebirth, and the energy we possessed fundamentally changed. The magnitude of that power was so great that even people far away could sense it.”

“Haha.”

“But Father is different.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes became strange.

“So, there is a Supreme that deepens endlessly like this.”

A sparring match of enlightenment where each leads the other to a higher realm.

Through that sparring match, Yeon-wi had broken through the path he had not intended to take and ascended to the heavens. He had broken through to the Supreme.

Yet, it was quiet.

Unlike other Supreme masters who undergo extreme changes, there was nothing noticeably different.

However, if a master who had reached the same Supreme level focused, they would see how deep the power Yeon-wi possessed was.

It was like a noble man. A noble man does not reveal himself, and the enlightenment that had melted into Yeon-wi’s heart ended with him simply deepening himself without any fanfare.

Of course, just because there were no noticeable changes did not mean he had gained a trivial enlightenment.

Yeon Ho-Jeong could see it. The moment his father, the Judge’s Sword, unleashed his sword, a powerful sword force that seemed to split even the sky was released.

Now, even with pure skill alone, he could not afford to be careless. If his father’s sword were to pierce through a gap and strike directly, even he could not guarantee his own life.

Not flashy, but quiet.

However, when he revealed his power, he would manifest a terrifying martial art befitting a master who had reached the Supreme.

“How do you feel?”

Yeon-wi smiled.

A smile that was complex but filled with positive feelings.

“Your mother was there.”

“Yes?”

“The moment I tried to see myself with all the enlightenment, your mother was there.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes wavered.

His mother. She had passed away not long after giving birth to Ji-Pyeong.

Although she had passed away when he was young, Yeon Ho-Jeong could vividly remember his mother’s appearance. This was because his energy had reached its peak, activating his brain to its limits.

“There were many worries. I was satisfied with my current life, but at the same time, I wondered if I should truly ascend.”

“What was the reason?”

“I was afraid of becoming obsessed with martial arts. Afraid that I would forget your mother because of my obsession with martial arts.”

“……”

“Your father has never forgotten your mother for even a single day. She has been alive and breathing in my memories several times a day.”

“Is that so?”

“However, I will let her go for a while now.”

Yeon-wi turned his head towards the window.

“I realized that being faithful to my own life is what your mother would have wanted.”

“……”

“I did not gain enlightenment in martial arts. I simply realized how I should live my life. With that alone, I was able to reach the Supreme.”

It was not to become stronger. It was to not be ashamed of himself.

That was why Yeon-wi’s change was extremely quiet. It was like a cool breeze, like clear and deep air.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had been quietly watching Yeon-wi, smiled and asked.

“The power of the Sword Heart has decreased a lot, hasn’t it?”

Yeon-wi nodded.

“You were right. I tried to wield it without properly holding the reins, so it was running wild like an angry colt. It grew stronger on its own, and it spread on its own.”

“In my eyes, Father’s Sword Heart no longer looks the same as before.”

“Obtaining the Sword Heart without reaching the Supreme was itself a heretical path. It was not a power that someone unqualified should wield. So, it was not lacking even if it was called a demonic sword.”

Yeon-wi smiled.

“Furthermore, I do not feel regret that the influence of the Sword Heart has drastically decreased. Rather, I am relieved.”

This was it.

The reason why Yeon-wi was more special than others was here.

He loved the sword and martial arts, but he was also someone who could abandon the power he possessed at any time. It was because he didn’t care what form the object of his love took.

That was why Yeon-wi was great. That was the reason why he could become stronger even though he did not aim for power.

“As expected, Father is amazing.”

“In my eyes, you look much more amazing.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong got up from his seat.

“Now that you have just reached the Supreme, you will need deeper and more correct training. After all, you are only at the beginning.”

“I know. I’m already experiencing it.”

“I’m already excited to see what kind of supreme realm you will show me when we meet again.”

“Alright. I will show you a power that meets your expectations.”

Yeon-wi’s eyes curved.

“So, return safely and healthy.”

“Of course.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong bowed his head. Yeon-wi also got up from his seat and bowed his head.

It was not a greeting between father and son, but a greeting between great masters. They had respect for each other, so there was no need to distinguish between superior and inferior.

The two were changing like that.

When he went down to the first floor and opened the door, many people were already gathered.

There were Yeon Ji-Pyeong and Muk Bi, Gang Ryang and Jin Yang, Mak Won and Pae Yul.

Bu Seon was there, and so was Ok Cheong. Tang Gwan was not there, but he would arrive soon.

Yeon Ho-Jeong asked Yeon Ji-Pyeong.

“Where is the Cheon Young Master?”

“He is preparing to depart from the Alliance.”

“I see.”

“Shouldn’t we go to the Alliance Leader as well?”

“Of course, we should.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Gang Ryang and Jin Yang and said.

“I hope you grow significantly by the time we return. It would be troublesome if you don’t reach Muk Bi’s level by then.”

Gang Ryang sighed.

“It’s better to fight with my life on the line. You’re saying something very troublesome.”

Jin Yang shrugged his shoulders.

“Don’t worry. It’ll be quick.”

“You’re all talk.”

“Shut up, you!”

Gang Ryang, who had been chuckling, soon hardened his expression.

“Please return safely. I heard the Demonic Murim is not an ordinary place.”

“Yes, I will return safely without getting hurt.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong took a deep breath.

“Well, shall we head out?”