Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 947

Yeon Ji-Pyeong, who was fanning the firewood, turned his head at the sudden presence he felt.

“Unit Leader Hwang.”

“May I sit next to you?”

“Of course.”

Hwang Seok-Tae didn’t treat Yeon Ji-Pyeong with excessive courtesy just because he was the Vice Leader’s younger brother.

He wouldn’t want that in the first place, and it wasn’t in his nature to act cautiously towards family members just because the person he served was of high rank, unless they were the Vice Leader themselves.

Hwang Seok-Tae sat next to Yeon Ji-Pyeong and looked at the huge pot over the fire.

“You were making porridge.”

“The rice is a bit different. I wasn’t sure how much water to use, so I thought it would be better to just make porridge.”

“Porridge is better than plain rice for patients. By the way, it’s amazing you had rice prepared. I thought you ate different food in Cheonghae [a coastal region or area].”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong stopped fanning and said with a smile.

“It seems people live similarly everywhere.”

Hwang Seok-Tae, who had been quietly watching Yeon Ji-Pyeong, said casually.

“Your father must be very proud.”

“Yes?”

“His eldest son has become an absolute master recognized by the Central Plains [the heartland of ancient China, often used to denote the center of martial arts], and his second son has broken through to the realm of Musang [a high level of martial arts mastery] at just over twenty years old, establishing his own family. The family head must be very blessed.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s face flushed.

“My brother is like that, but I’m still far behind.”

“You’re similar to the Vice Leader.”

“Yes?”

“The Vice Leader also used to underestimate himself to an unusual degree.”

A bitter smile formed on Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s face.

“My brother was like that too.”

“I don’t know what you think, but in our Black Path, there are only two times when you should lower yourself.”

“What are those times?”

“When the opponent is of a higher rank than you or a master worthy of respect.”

“That’s usually the case.”

“Or, when you want to hide your skills for the sake of a contingency.”

It wasn’t humility, but lowering oneself for the sake of survival.

To induce the enemy’s carelessness. To prevent the enemy from properly recognizing one’s skills, and to ensure survival at a critical moment.

“The Vice Leader didn’t fit into either of those categories. Rather, he would freely display his power to the Leader.”

Strong against the strong, weak against the weak.

It couldn’t be seen that way, but on the surface, it was an action that could be interpreted that way.

And to some extent, it was true. However, even if he wasn’t a strict principle, he was someone who valued fairness to some extent, so if someone committed a crime, he wouldn’t show leniency just because they were weak.

“But it’s not like he always held his head high in front of the Leader. It doesn’t seem like he has any ulterior motives in private matters other than official duties. That was very unique.”

“I see.”

“Every time I see the Vice Leader, I think, how did he become such a monster at such a young age?”

“My brother is a genius.”

“I thought so too.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s eyes widened.

Hwang Seok-Tae lifted the pot lid and stirred the porridge with a large ladle placed to the side. It had been boiling vigorously.

“Talent is a given, but the Vice Leader’s level and insight are not something that can be simply attributed to talent.”

“…”

“I’ve even thought that he’s just different, like he was born a different species. But he’s too approachable for that.”

“That’s right.”

“To put it in a metaphor, it’s like a martial arts master who has lived for hundreds of years has entered a young body. Of course, that doesn’t make sense.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong smiled.

“I’ve had that thought once in a while too.”

Hwang Seok-Tae nodded.

“Whatever it is, there will never be another person like him in the world. And seeing you like this, I think that it’s not just the Vice Leader, but the entire Yeon family has outstanding blood.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong didn’t say anything like it was an overstatement or that he was embarrassed. It was because he thought that his father’s or brother’s honor might be tarnished because of him.

In the end, after that, the two made porridge without talking.

A little later.

“It’s done.”

“Indeed.”

“I’ll serve it.”

“No, I’ll have our unit members do it. You should prepare a meal and go see the Vice Leader.”

“Has my brother woken up?”

“He regained consciousness two hours ago. Would I have come here for no reason?”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s face lit up with joy.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had been unconscious for two days, had finally woken up. He hadn’t been seriously injured, but it was still worrying.

“Then, I’ll leave it to you.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong, who was carrying the porridge, flinched as he headed to Yeon Ho-Jeong’s temporary residence.

“You’ve come.”

Tang Gwan was the one who greeted Yeon Ji-Pyeong while checking Yeon Ho-Jeong’s pulse.

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Yeon Ji-Pyeong.

Yeon Ji-Pyeong sighed in relief.

“I’m glad you seem okay.”

“I caused you unnecessary worry.”

“You sure did.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong grumbled, unlike his usual self.

“Is that porridge?”

“Yes.”

“What about you?”

“I’ve been picking at things, so I’m fine.”

“What about the family head?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were here.”

Tang Gwan shook his head.

“I’ve been picking at things too. You should eat quickly and regain your strength.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong placed the bowl of porridge on the table.

Yeon Ho-Jeong said, looking at Tang Gwan.

“I think you can stop now. I’m just a little weak, but I’m fine.”

“That’s why I’m checking.”

“Yes?”

Tang Gwan stroked his chin.

“No matter how much I look, you’re too fine.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Tang Gwan with a dumbfounded expression.

“Is it a problem that I’m fine?”

“It is a problem.”

Tang Gwan, who finally released Yeon Ho-Jeong’s pulse, crossed his arms.

“I don’t know about Senior Makwon, but I know. Although it wasn’t obvious from a distance, I could feel it. You defeated the enemy with power that far exceeded your original abilities.”

“You’ve become very sharp.”

“Even if you reach the pinnacle of martial arts, as long as you live in a human body, you can’t show the true power of a god. You’re the same. Especially for a master who has reached the pinnacle, the gap between mind and body increases exponentially, so you can easily go insane or break your whole body by using power without knowing your limits.”

Tang Gwan tilted his head.

“But you’re not like that. There are definitely signs of injury, but you recovered too quickly. If I had seen you a few days later, I wouldn’t have even known you had such internal injuries.”

“My body is naturally unique.”

“It’s too much to just say it’s unique.”

“Or maybe it’s because of the martial arts I’ve learned.”

Tang Gwan chuckled.

“Did you learn some kind of demonic art?”

It was a joke, but Yeon Ho-Jeong couldn’t take it as a joke.

But he didn’t show it.

“Anyway, congratulations on reaching the pinnacle. I knew the family head had reached his limit, but I never thought you would reach it during such a fierce battle.”

“You did too, didn’t you?”

“That’s why I can’t say that to others. Things like telling them to grow by overcoming near-death experiences.”

Tang Gwan smiled and got up from his seat.

“Get some rest. I’ll stop by again this evening.”

“You don’t have to. You should rest too, family head.”

“I’m not a weakling like you. I feel completely better after a nap.”

“If you’re feeling better, shouldn’t you review your martial arts?”

“I’ll take care of it.”

Tang Gwan left the room.

Yeon Ho-Jeong sighed and got up from his seat.

“Brother, is it okay for you to get up?”

“I’m fine. Rather, I feel like I have too much energy after sleeping for two days.”

“Ah.”

“I’ll eat well.”

“Ah, yes.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong immediately sat down on a chair and began to eat the porridge.

Yeon Ji-Pyeong, who was sitting across from Yeon Ho-Jeong, handed him a bowl of water that was on the side.

“Let it cool down before you eat. It’s still hot.”

“Are you okay?”

It was a sudden question, but Yeon Ji-Pyeong took it calmly.

“Of course, I’m okay.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“Not your body. I’m asking if you’ve gotten over your disappointment.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong scratched his cheek.

“I wasn’t that disappointed back then either. I was just a little frustrated.”

“I see.”

“I’m just embarrassed that I was the only one who didn’t know what everyone else knew.”

“Everyone’s situation and environment are different. What they’ve learned is different, and their personalities are different. It’s natural that you can’t know everything that others know.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong said, munching on the porridge.

“What’s important is to strive to learn and understand.”

“Yes.”

“Congratulations.”

He was talking about surpassing the realm of Musang.

For a martial artist to surpass the wall of Musang and overcome the limits of humanity was truly a great occasion. Especially considering Yeon Ji-Pyeong’s age, it wouldn’t be strange to hold a feast for several days.

However, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s congratulations were simple.

And Yeon Ji-Pyeong learned another thing from Yeon Ho-Jeong’s appearance.

‘For my brother, martial arts are both a goal and a part of life.’

No one throws a feast just because they’ve tried food they’ve never eaten before or read a book they’ve never read before.

For Yeon Ho-Jeong, breaking through to Musang was just like that. It might not have been like that before, but it is now. That’s why the congratulations are so simple.

Yeon Ji-Pyeong thought his brother’s attitude was amazing. He thought it was worthy of respect because it wasn’t intentional, but a result of worn-out training and self-cultivation.

“There will be many trials ahead.”

“Yes. I’m prepared.”

“Whether you take it seriously, lightly, or even think of it as fun, everyone’s attitude towards trials is different.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong finished speaking and focused on eating again.

He didn’t give a clear answer. But Yeon Ji-Pyeong could understand his brother’s intention.

Since everyone has a different attitude towards accepting a phenomenon, he meant for him to accept trials in his own way and grow.

Yeon Ji-Pyeong, who had been quietly watching Yeon Ho-Jeong, smiled brightly and said.

“Thank you.”

“You’ll get indigestion, you rascal. Don’t say such heartfelt things at the dinner table.”

“You should be someone who can convey their sincerity at any time, at any moment.”

“Think about the other person too.”

“I’m saying it because I know you’ll accept it. I have that much sense.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled and drank water. He had finished the porridge in no time.

“What about the others?”

“They’re all resting. They didn’t show it, but it was a long journey.”

Moreover, they had engaged in life-or-death battles without resting properly. Nevertheless, there were no deaths except for a few patients with moderate to severe injuries, which was truly a remarkable achievement.

“What about Cheon Gong-Ja?”

“Ah, Cheon Gong-Ja…”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong sighed.

“He’s very sad.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded.

“I understand. You should go and rest too.”

“Okay. Let’s have dinner together later.”

“Let’s do that.”

Yeon Ji-Pyeong took the empty porridge bowl and left.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was left alone, walked to the window.

Outside the window, there were rough mountains and vast plains. The plains were so long that it was difficult to distinguish between the sky and the land.

‘It must be cold, but they managed to make a window in such a place.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had been silently looking at the world, suddenly looked up at the sky.

It was dark, but there weren’t many clouds. It was a very strange sky.

‘When will this fight ever end?’

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had been looking up at the sky for a long time, turned his body. He was thinking of resting a little more.

It was then.

“…?!”

Yeon Ho-Jeong felt the Yellow Dragon coiled in his chest suddenly raise its head.

‘What is it? Why all of a sudden?’

Whoooooosh!!

A sound that no one in the world could hear, only Yeon Ho-Jeong himself could hear.

Startled, Yeon Ho-Jeong turned his head towards the window.

“…Yellow Dragon?!”