Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 184

“It seems like things are mostly wrapped up here.”

“Indeed.”

Moyong Gun looked around.

The battle at the Haeryong Merchant Guild had been quite fierce and brutal. Countless buildings had collapsed, and the walls were broken in many places, turning the area into ruins.

The guild, which had been such a mess that even ghosts would have been scared to approach, now looked quite organized.

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked towards the Tangma troops.

The Tangma troops were scattered, resting. They still seemed to be reeling from the shock of their comrades’ deaths, and a dark atmosphere hung heavy in the air.

“Come to think of it, where is that person?”

“Who?”

“The one who will soon become Moyong Gun’s wife.”

Moyong Gun was flustered.

“Y-Yeon Je!”

“There are many eyes watching. Be careful with your honorifics.”

“Ah…”

He was so flustered that he forgot there were many people around.

“Surely she wasn’t caught in the battle and killed?”

“Ahem! That’s not the case.”

Moyong Gun pointed to one side. Following his finger, Yeon Ho-Jeong saw Dang Sang-A resting with the female members of the Tangma troops’ Third Squad.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face showed a hint of confusion.

“By the way, did she join as a squad member?”

“That’s right.”

“Why? With her skills, she’s more than qualified to be a squad leader.”

“In group battles, poison and hidden weapons can be incredibly powerful in some ways.”

“I see.”

“But if the person who handles poison and hidden weapons doesn’t have a ruthless nature, then making her a squad leader would only confuse her subordinates.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong tilted his head.

“I thought she was someone who got things done when she needed to.”

“She is someone who gets things done. However, the ruthless nature I’m talking about refers to the ruthlessness required of a leader.”

“Ruthlessness as a leader.”

“My belief is that a superior should treat their subordinates like family. But for the sake of a mission, they must sometimes be able to turn a cold shoulder.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong agreed with Moyong Gun’s words.

Turning a cold shoulder doesn’t mean abandoning them. It means being able to send subordinates on dangerous missions and not neglecting the mission because of worrying about them.

That was what Dang Sang-A lacked. She was unusually compassionate for someone from the Dang family.

“Still, she managed to survive pretty well.”

“Because she’s strong.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“Still, you seem proud that she’s one of your people, don’t you?”

“Y-Yeon Commander!”

“What’s wrong? If you think someone is good, I think it’s okay to get close to them without worrying about the consequences.”

Moyong Gun coughed awkwardly.

“I’ll take care of that myself.”

Indeed, people’s hearts don’t move just because you force them.

In the end, what matters is how they feel about each other. Yeon Ho-Jeong had created an environment for them, but from then on, it was a problem the two of them had to solve.

If they don’t feel anything? Then it ends there.

But if they do feel something? Then they can approach it seriously.

“Alright, I’m sure you’ll handle it well.”

Moyong Gun changed the subject.

“Now that things are mostly settled, shall we move on? What do you think?”

“That’s for you, the commander, to decide. Has the Alliance contacted you separately?”

“Not yet.”

“Well, it hasn’t been long since the fight ended. If they don’t contact us separately, we can just return to the Alliance.”

“Agreed.”

Moyong Gun, who was about to return to the Tangma troops, suddenly felt something was bothering him and asked.

“Yeon Commander.”

“What?”

“Is something wrong?”

“What do you mean, something wrong?”

He wondered if he was bringing up something unnecessary, but Moyong Gun soon made up his mind. After all, they were sworn brothers, and there was no reason why he couldn’t ask about this.

“It seems like your mood has been a bit different since you met Pa Sa-Reuk.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled faintly.

“Is that so?”

“Yes, it is.”

“It’s nothing. That guy is such a piece of trash. Just seeing his face makes me feel disgusted.”

It was a rather harsh response.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s language had always been rough, but it seemed particularly sharp today.

“What did he say? No, what did you interrogate him about?”

For a moment, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes wavered.

‘Is it okay?’

It would be okay.

He could tell Moyong Gun everything.

Of course. Moyong Gun was not the type to betray someone he had trusted.

However, the reason for his hesitation was that it was something that needed to be approached with caution.

‘And also…’

Yeon Ho-Jeong readily admitted it. Besides his anger towards the Three Teachings, he was also tense because their power was so immense.

‘Actually, it wouldn’t be a big problem to tell Father about it now.’

The reason he hadn’t told his father was clear.

His father was a perfect leader of a family. However, he valued prudence over boldness, and decisively, his approach to incidents was different from his own.

Even the most outstanding person would be flustered when faced with an unknown enemy. And once flustered, they would tend to handle the situation in a way that was familiar to them rather than trusting others.

That was why Yeon Ho-Jeong hadn’t revealed everything to Yeon Wi yet. In Moyong Gun’s case, he had tried to attack them first, so they naturally formed an opposing relationship.

‘If I tell him everything, I might get help. Because they are a common enemy. But if there’s a high chance of problems arising, there’s no need to tell him.’

Whatever happens, they shouldn’t stand out. The Murim Alliance, and by extension, the entire Central Plains Murim [Murim refers to the martial arts world in Chinese wuxia stories].

Yeon Ho-Jeong trusted his judgment. It wasn’t the right time to talk about this yet.

However.

“I think I can tell you.”

“Hmm?”

“Because you’re different from Father.”

It wasn’t a difference in trust or ability, but a difference in disposition.

Moyong Gun was kind, but he was also aware enough to hide his true feelings and join Moyong Gun’s faction. Moreover, he relied on Yeon Ho-Jeong more than Yeon Wi did.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes gleamed.

Yes, their movements had been clearly captured. Then, he should tell Moyong Gun about it.

And also Ga Deuk-Sang.

“What I’m about to tell you, you must not tell anyone. Think of it as a top secret that only we know.”

* * *

“Hahaha.”

Moyong Gun burst into hearty laughter.

“To think that such a day would come again. To have the renowned Judge Daehyeop and the Murim Alliance’s military advisor visit my residence in person.”

He seemed genuinely amused, his hearty laughter filled with sincere joy.

Moyong Gun asked with a smile.

“How about it? It’s still early, but would you like to have a drink? I have some rather high-quality liquor on hand.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho shook his head.

“It’s alright. This isn’t a matter to discuss while drinking.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes gleamed.

Not a matter to discuss while drinking. That meant there was no intention to shake things up on his side.

“I see. Then, let’s have a cup of tea and talk.”

“Very well.”

Moyong Gun glanced at Yeon Wi.

“Does the Yeon Family Head like Yongjeong tea?”

Yeon Wi replied in a stiff voice.

“I’ve never had it before.”

“Hahaha, you’ve amassed considerable wealth through maritime trade, yet you’ve never tried Yongjeong tea? You are indeed unpretentious.”

It was a somewhat pointed remark, but Yeon Wi didn’t react.

Moyong Gun’s smile deepened.

‘He’s not ordinary after all.’

If it were the Yeon Wi of the past, he would have definitely reacted to this remark.

Yeon Wi didn’t know how to hide himself. Although he didn’t show it, his thoughts were somewhat visible in his expressions and eyes.

But now, it was different.

His eyes were unwavering, and his posture was completely composed. He didn’t get carried away by the other party’s remarks.

‘Is it because his martial arts have improved?’

No.

Such a change couldn’t be achieved just by improving martial arts.

‘Yes, it’s because of Yeon Ho-Jeong.’

That’s right.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s growth had been explosive. But what was even more frightening was that at his age, he was displaying political skills that rivaled those of the old masters in Murim.

Showy when revealing, and insidious when hiding.

Many of Yeon Ho-Jeong’s political strategies would have been difficult for Yeon Wi’s personality to accept.

However, Yeon Ho-Jeong hadn’t changed. Rather, he had become more ruthless and bolder.

And seeing how his actions were changing the landscape of the Murim Alliance, Yeon Wi must have realized something.

‘A father growing by watching his son? Ha! Learning doesn’t discriminate by time, person, or situation.’

Moyong Gun chuckled inwardly.

‘A troublesome father and son in many ways.’

Shortly after, three cups of Yongjeong tea were placed on the table.

Jeagal Mun-Ho was genuinely impressed.

“The aroma is truly wonderful.”

“Hahaha, it’s the finest Yongjeong. I’ve brought out what little I have left, so you must drink every last drop.”

“Thank you for the tea.”

Moyong Gun, having moistened his throat with a sip of tea, asked.

“So, what brings the two Family Heads to visit me?”

Yeon Wi spoke bluntly.

“We’ve come because we have a troublesome matter.”

“A troublesome matter? Hmm, what could possibly be troubling enough to make the Murim Alliance’s officials worry?”

He spoke as if he wasn’t an official himself. He still seemed to be enjoying the situation.

Jeagal Mun-Ho said.

“To be frank, we’ve come about the issue regarding Tu Wang Yang Cheon.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes changed.

Tu Wang Yang Cheon. Even for Moyong Gun, who was known throughout the world, it was a name that couldn’t be taken lightly.

“Yang Cheon… I don’t know the exact details, but if such a figure is involved, it’s understandable that it would be troublesome.”

“That’s right.”

“Let’s hear what it’s about.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho explained the current situation regarding Yang Cheon in an organized manner.

After listening to his explanation, Moyong Gun said.

“So, it’s a situation where you need to investigate him properly. But if you’re caught, no matter how he reacts, it could pose a significant threat to your side in the future?”

“To be precise, we believe it could be a problem for the entire Murim.”

Moyong Gun smiled.

“Yang Cheon is definitely a monster. And not just him. All those who have made it to the Seongcheon Thirteen Seats [Seongcheon Thirteen Seats refers to a group of powerful martial artists] can be called monsters.”

“That’s right. That’s why it’s a problem.”

“Moreover, his personality is cruel and ruthless, and he’s so vicious that he’ll chase after you until you die if you incur his wrath?”

“If he didn’t have such a personality, we wouldn’t be so worried.”

“Hahaha, I suppose so.”

Yeon Wi, who had been silent, interjected.

“In fact, there are many ways to deal with this. But no matter what method we use, there will be significant casualties, and if Yang Cheon goes into hiding, it will be even more troublesome.”

“Indeed.”

Moyong Gun smiled.

“Why don’t you just convene a council meeting?”

“We couldn’t do that.”

“Why not?”

Yeon Wi replied in his characteristic stiff tone.

“Because we don’t think it’s a matter that should be disrupted by the members of the Moyong family.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho looked at Yeon Wi in surprise.

On the other hand, Moyong Gun didn’t seem surprised at all. He even readily admitted it.

“I see. You two are not ordinary either.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

“So, you’ve come to borrow this old man’s wisdom?”

“That’s right. Even if you, Moyong Family Head, gain great power in the future, the problem of Yang Cheon will not disappear.”

“Hahaha!”

Moyong Gun laughed heartily.

“It feels good just hearing that. Yes, I suppose so. In other words, Yang Cheon is a common enemy for us.”

“Something like that.”

“Hmm, investigating Yang Cheon…”

Moyong Gun, who had been lost in thought for a moment, tilted his head.

“I don’t understand why you’re hesitating?”

The two were inwardly surprised.

“It’s inevitable that there will be casualties when investigating such a high-profile figure. The important thing is not to get caught.”

Moyong Gun smiled.

“Wouldn’t it be enough to make the opponent mistakenly believe that it wasn’t our doing?”