Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 889

“It’s been a while.”

“Indeed it has.”

I couldn’t help but acknowledge it. Moyong Gun’s boldness was undeniable.

Yang Cheon smiled at Moyong Gun’s tone. The fact that his opponent hadn’t changed at all from when he had last seen him, yet his eyes were completely different, was amusing.

Rather, Baek Seo, who stood behind Yang Cheon, had a fierce look in his eyes. No matter what, he didn’t like how Moyong Gun was acting so stiff in front of the master of the Black Path Alliance and an absolute master who held a seat in Seongcheon [a high-ranking position].

However, Baek Seo was a cautious man. He didn’t say anything rash, like telling him to be careful with his words, just because he didn’t like it.

“How long has it been?”

“I don’t know. Quite a bit of time has passed.”

“It feels like just yesterday. You were standing in front of me, head held high, demanding a deal.”

“Time flies when you look back.”

“Thanks to my disciple, I got quite a shock, didn’t I?”

Moyong Gun chuckled.

“I thought my eyes were going to pop out. I realized that such a thing as a ‘borrowed knife killing’ [using someone else to do your dirty work] existed in this world.”

Yang Cheon’s eyes sparkled.

He had subtly poked at his opponent’s pride, but he was responding much more flexibly than he had expected.

‘He has definitely changed.’

Yang Cheon had received news of Moyong Gun’s change through letters. However, Yang Cheon didn’t believe all of it.

It was true that both he and Moyong Gun had changed their minds, which was a similarity. However, the difference between them was clear.

Yang Cheon’s dream was vague. He had lived a goal-oriented life, but his plans and preparations for the future were too lacking. In other words, it was a dream that was too ambiguous.

Moyong Gun was different.

By nature, he was cold and greedy, and he had prepared many things for his dream.

He could see it. The path to his goal, how he should live to achieve it.

A cold-hearted nature and a clear goal. Could such an evil person change like this?

‘This is a first.’

The corners of Yang Cheon’s mouth lifted.

It was admiration and bitterness at the same time.

‘They say you can’t change your nature. But Moyong Gun changed himself. I don’t know if his nature has changed, but he has definitely realized the meaning of giving up.’

Not many people give up their true goals even after realizing the meaning of giving up. Rather, they would reject that realization and try to find another way. Especially someone like Moyong Gun.

Yet, Moyong Gun accepted that realization.

He had calmly given up his dream of becoming the leader of the Murim Alliance [a martial arts alliance] and his goal of becoming the best in the world.

To Yang Cheon, that seemed incredibly impressive.

“It is said that life is ever-changing, but there is nothing more difficult and great than a mature person with a clear sense of self changing themselves.”

Yang Cheon nodded.

“You’ve changed a lot too.”

“There’s no need to say that. I only changed because I needed to. If I had continued to believe that I could achieve my goal, would I have given it up, even if I was crazy?”

Moyong Gun’s voice had a clear sense of ease.

He had simply adapted to the situation. That’s what he was saying.

Most creatures that cannot adapt to the situation and the changed environment are bound to be eliminated. Moyong Gun was clearly aware of the current situation and had changed himself to survive.

“Whatever the case, it’s a new feeling.”

Yang Cheon scanned Moyong Gun up and down.

“You’ve changed a lot.”

Moyong Gun’s martial prowess had entered a completely different realm than when he had last seen him.

He was right on the verge of the Supreme Realm. He wasn’t just vaguely knocking on the door of the Supreme Realm, he had truly reached the doorstep.

‘It’s an era where geniuses are overflowing.’

Even Moyong Gun, who had established his own school of martial arts, was still considered a young mid-level master in Yang Cheon’s eyes.

If he broke through to the Supreme Realm at that age, it could be said that his talent was no different from his own. He was a remarkable talent in many ways.

Moyong Gun shook his head.

“Let’s stop talking about the Vice Lord and me, shall we introduce him?”

“You’ve talked a lot. Go ahead.”

Then, the young man standing next to Moyong Gun stepped forward.

Even in front of Yang Cheon, who was sitting in the grand chair, he showed no signs of intimidation. Even without revealing his aura, his presence was on a different level, and he seemed to be overcoming it with a firm resolve.

Yang Cheon’s face showed interest.

The young man bowed respectfully.

“I am Hong Ik-Cheon. The leader of the Gangseo Martial Arts Alliance greets the master of the Black Path Alliance.”

His voice was full of confidence.

The strangely dark aura around his eyes was impressive. Yet, he was confident. He seemed like a person with his own story.

“I am Yang Cheon. The master of the Mukryong Faction.”

“I have heard much of your reputation as the best in the Central Plains.”

Yang Cheon, who had been staring at Hong Ik-Cheon, tilted his head.

“Should I call you Leader Hong?”

“I would be grateful.”

“How old are you, Leader?”

Hong Ik-Cheon lowered his head.

“I just turned thirty this year.”

He looked much younger than his age.

However, those who knew how to read people could feel the maturity flowing from Hong Ik-Cheon’s body. Although he looked young, it seemed that his age of thirty was not a lie.

“Thirty… thirty…”

Yang Cheon narrowed his eyes.

“You haven’t surpassed the Martial Ancestor Realm.”

“I am afraid that I will disappoint those around me because I am not talented enough.”

“You haven’t surpassed the Martial Ancestor Realm, but you strangely seem strong. You’ve mastered a strange martial art.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes flashed.

‘As expected of the Fighting King.’

It was only after facing Hong Ik-Cheon that he realized he had mastered a unique martial art.

However, Yang Cheon saw through it at a glance. As expected, the insight of a Supreme Realm master was on a different level from that of ordinary martial artists.

“It’s unique, but your martial talent isn’t enough to be called a genius, so you must have other outstanding abilities.”

“I believe I have some skills outside of martial arts.”

It was a great confidence.

Even after saying that, his expression didn’t change. His unique dark atmosphere remained the same. Yet, he spoke so confidently.

Yang Cheon’s face showed great interest.

“Good. Youth is about vigor and confidence. I prefer people who can confidently prove their worth rather than weaklings who cower in front of famous people.”

“If our Gangseo Martial Arts Alliance can maintain a good relationship with the Mukryong Faction, we can show the Vice Lord a satisfactory performance.”

“Hahaha!”

Yang Cheon laughed loudly.

“I don’t know about anything else, but I like your straightforward personality.”

“You flatter me.”

“Well, that’s how I see you, but how do you see me?”

Hong Ik-Cheon raised his head and looked directly at Yang Cheon.

As if looking down from an infinitely high place, Yang Cheon’s eyes were filled with strong majesty. He was smiling, but to Hong Ik-Cheon, his eyes were more impressive than his smile.

“You look like a conqueror.”

“Is that all?”

“I don’t see anything more. It seems that my insight is limited to that.”

Yang Cheon chuckled.

“Well, that’s good enough.”

He asked Moyong Gun.

“What about the seating arrangement?”

Moyong Gun looked at Hong Ik-Cheon.

Hong Ik-Cheon slightly lowered his head.

“Although I am the leader of the Martial Arts Alliance, I am indebted to the Moyong Family Head. I don’t think I’m at a level to join the conversation of the big shots yet, so I’ll wait outside.”

“If that’s what you want.”

“Then.”

Hong Ik-Cheon left the main hall.

Yang Cheon, who had risen from his grand chair, pointed to the table with his hand.

“Sit there.”

Shortly after, Baek Seo brought the liquor.

Yang Cheon, filling Moyong Gun’s glass, said,

“That’s a strange martial art.”

“As expected, the insight of a Supreme Realm master is beyond imagination. I didn’t know anything about it until I fought him.”

“That’s understandable. It’s more secretive than any ordinary assassination technique. Although he hasn’t reached the Martial Ancestor Realm, he seemed more dangerous than even a top-level master.”

“Is that so?”

“A sorcery… It doesn’t seem like a sorcery or Taoist magic from Taoist temples or Buddhist temples, but rather a sorcery rooted in folk practices.”

Moyong Gun’s face showed surprise.

“You can even recognize that?”

“Who do you think I am? Before I earned the title of Fighting King, I traveled all over the Central Plains and fought countless masters. I’m second to none in experience.”

Moyong Gun, who had been staring at Yang Cheon, chuckled. It was a bitter smile.

“I can’t beat you after all.”

“What do you mean?”

“When trying to become the master of an organization, you don’t necessarily need a lot of experience.”

“If you’re good, you can.”

“But it seems that rich experience does make a good leader.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“It is.”

It was a simple tone.

Yang Cheon had never imagined that such a conversation with Moyong Gun would be possible.

“It’s a refreshing gathering. Let’s have a drink.”

The two of them emptied their glasses.

Yang Cheon, taking his hand off the glass, leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs.

“It’s interesting.”

“What is?”

“The Gangseo Martial Arts Alliance… It’s a considerable force, but there was no need to come all the way here and ask for a favor, was there?”

Moyong Gun, filling his own glass, said,

“It is to eliminate unnecessary noise between forces. In terms of power alone, the Martial Arts Alliance does not even reach 30% of the Mukryong Faction’s strength.”

“Hmm.”

“If you’re weak, you have to crawl.”

Yang Cheon smiled.

“Your tone doesn’t sound like that of a weakling at all?”

“You can’t change your nature.”

“Hahaha!”

With that one word, Yang Cheon decided that he could take a friendly stance towards the Martial Arts Alliance.

Moyong Gun also filled Yang Cheon’s glass.

Yang Cheon took the glass and held it up.

“It doesn’t seem like you just came here to crawl because you’re weak.”

“Of course, there are other reasons.”

“Are you planning to increase your size?”

“Of course. Shouldn’t we prepare for the upcoming war?”

Yang Cheon’s eyes changed immediately.

“I didn’t know you were thinking that far ahead.”

“If the Central Plains becomes a sea of fire, my dreams and goals will also disappear. First, I have to protect it.”

“It seems like you’re finally using your head.”

Moyong Gun nodded.

“It seems so.”

It was new every time he heard it. Could a person really change this much?

Yang Cheon reflected on himself, who had thought he had mastered the world.

“By the way, I heard the news. You’re getting married to the Emperor’s daughter.”

Yang Cheon smacked his lips.

“That’s how it is. The Mad Demon Lord will come to set the wedding date.”

“You’ve made a name for yourself.”

“I’ve made a name for myself. I’ve also given up.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes lit up.

“It’s an opportunity for the Imperial Palace and the Murim to become one. If the Vice Lord exists as a bridge between them, it will be good for everyone.”

“I just hope she’s not someone who nags.”

“That’s none of my business.”

“You’re a terrible person.”

Moyong Gun emptied his glass and asked,

“Did you send them?”

“Huh? What?”

“You must have heard. The news that your beloved disciple is going to the outer regions again for another round.”

“…I heard it, but how did you know that?”

“The Dragon Head Chief told me.”

“I didn’t think you were that close?”

“I thought I had to get close, even if it was by force. He has a considerable force behind him.”

“That’s true.”

“So, I asked if you sent them.”

“What?”

Moyong Gun’s eyes turned cold.

“Do you want your successor to die?”

“……”

“If you don’t give your successor strength here, what will the Murim Alliance think of the Mukryong Faction?”

“……”

“You should know that an alliance doesn’t become solid with just a piece of paper? Furthermore, if you just stand by and watch your successor in danger, it will only be seen as acknowledging that Yeon Ho-Jeong is a member of the Murim Alliance, not the Mukryong Faction.”

“……”

“Give him strength. Right now.”