Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 312

“Here, take this.”

Ki Woo-hee’s eyes deepened as she received the documents and nameplate from Jeagal Mun-ho.

“What is this…?”

“It includes the building, the signboard, and most of the medicinal herbs from the northern part of the Central Plains. There are also two hundred and fifty medical practitioners well-versed in each field. I believe it’s more than enough to establish a foundation.”

“……”

“The name of the medical division under the Murim Alliance [Martial Arts Alliance] is the ‘Physician Immortal Pavilion.’ From now on, you will be called the Head of the Physician Immortal Pavilion, Divine Maiden.”

Ki Woo-hee’s face showed a hint of bewilderment.

“I am grateful for your kind consideration, but the truth is, I lack the experience to manage so many medical practitioners.”

Jeagal Mun-ho shook his head.

“Everyone gathered here does not question your experience, Divine Maiden.”

“Military Advisor.”

“A sword skill is useless if one cannot fight against an enemy, and the words of a sage are useless if one cannot apply them to life.”

“……”

“Even a child knows that your medical skills are outstanding. And the reason your outstanding medical skills are widely known is because you have cared for patients for a long time.”

Jeagal Mun-ho smiled.

“I believe you are more than capable of leading the medical practitioners.”

It was a great compliment, but Ki Woo-hee’s expression was still not bright.

Jeagal Mun-ho, who had been quietly looking at her face, asked in a calm voice.

“Is your hesitation because of your kind nature? Or do you truly believe you lack the skills?”

“I…”

“Or perhaps.”

Jeagal Mun-ho’s eyes deepened.

“Is it because of your past as a member of the Gwangshin Three Cults, specifically the Sinhwa Cult [Divine Transformation Cult]?”

Ki Woo-hee’s face turned pale in an instant.

Jeagal Mun-ho smiled.

“Yeon Commander was right.”

“…You knew.”

“Of course. I am the military advisor of the Murim Alliance. As I have some authority over personnel matters, it is basic to know the detailed background of the people I select. Yeon Commander also knows this. Moreover, if I hadn’t revealed the identity of the person called Jamyeong Ilho [Silent Cry Number One], Yeon Commander would have been in danger.”

Ki Woo-hee, who had been looking at Jeagal Mun-ho with trembling eyes, sighed.

The other party already knew everything. Yet, they were still going to appoint her as the head of the Physician Immortal Pavilion. She could tell that they wouldn’t harm her right away.

Jeagal Mun-ho’s eyes sparkled.

‘Indeed.’

A normal person would have been terrified and trembling. However, Ki Woo-hee quickly calmed herself. It wasn’t that she had given up on everything, but rather that she had seen through the fact that the other party had no intention of harming her.

‘She is naturally kind and innocent. But her mind is not weak. She is also wise.’

Jeagal Mun-ho had heard about Ki Woo-hee’s situation from Yeon Ho-jeong.

Of course, unless one had experienced it themselves, they couldn’t fully understand the hardships she had gone through. However, just hearing about it was enough to know that Ki Woo-hee had lived a life filled with terrible anguish.

Ki Woo-hee asked.

“Even so, you still intend to appoint me as the head of the Physician Immortal Pavilion?”

“That’s right.”

“……”

“Please don’t misunderstand. Regardless of your skills, I still don’t trust you as a person. Nevertheless, the reason I am pushing you to become the head of the Physician Immortal Pavilion is because I trust Yeon Commander that much.”

Byuk San Ho Jang [Wall Mountain Tiger General], Yeon Ho-jeong.

Ki Woo-hee thought. He was a truly frightening yet charming person.

Yeon Ho-jeong was younger than her. Yet, at such a young age, he had gained this much trust from the military advisor, one of the highest authorities in the Murim Alliance.

This was truly remarkable. Although she wasn’t well-versed in the ways of organizations, having experienced the organizational structure of the Sinhwa Cult to some extent, she knew how difficult it was to give this much trust to a young junior.

‘It’s not just because of his outstanding abilities.’

Abilities were a given, but one also had to know how to gain people’s trust. And building that trust was impossible without a natural charm and a camaraderie that transcended age.

“Also, wouldn’t it be easier for us to monitor you if you were in a high position?”

“…I see.”

Jeagal Mun-ho smiled.

“Although I don’t trust you yet, I believe that your heart, which has provided medical care for free for a long time, is sincere. If you truly sever ties with the Sinhwa Cult and dedicate yourself to the Central Plains, perhaps my doubts will melt away like snow under the spring sun.”

Ki Woo-hee smiled bitterly.

“That’s unlikely.”

“Hmm?”

“Even fellow martial artists within the same organization suspect each other until the end. Isn’t that the basic quality of all military advisors?”

Jeagal Mun-ho burst into laughter.

“You got me there.”

Ki Woo-hee spoke with a determined voice.

“Since you know my past, I will state it clearly.”

“Go ahead.”

“I do not act for the sake of the Central Plains. However, I will strive to act for those who are oppressed without any fault.”

“Hmm.”

“If the Sinhwa Cult deviates from the path of righteousness, I will oppose them. And if the Murim Alliance deviates from the path of righteousness, I will resign from my position as the head of the Physician Immortal Pavilion and go out into the world to denounce the Murim Alliance.”

Jeagal Mun-ho nodded.

“That is enough. No, I hope you will do just that. Because that is the greatest value of our righteous Murim, righteousness and chivalry.”

He stood up from his seat.

“The Physician Immortal Pavilion will officially open in five days. Let’s meet then.”

With those words, Jeagal Mun-ho left the room.

Left alone, Ki Woo-hee suddenly looked out the window.

“The weather is getting warmer.”

The cold wind was still fierce. But the sky was clear and beautiful.

Ki Woo-hee closed her eyes.

The cold, clear wind refreshed her momentarily confused mind.

* * *

Moyong Yeon-hwa quickly regained her composure.

She also knew from her father that Moyong Woo had returned to her father’s side.

It must be sincere. She trusted her father’s judgment. If so, it was right to forget the past grudges and build a new relationship.

Moyong Yeon-hwa smiled.

“It’s been a while.”

“Indeed.”

“Please forget my reaction from earlier. I heard you are with my father. If so, I should also forget the past.”

Moyong Woo’s lips curled up.

It was a smile close to mockery. It was a smile that didn’t suit him, making the viewer feel even more ominous.

“That’s a funny thing to say. I should be the one to forgive, and I should be the one to forget.”

Moyong Yeon-hwa did not lose her smile.

Though her eyes had become somewhat cold.

“Well, isn’t it ridiculous to argue about who was wrong now? What’s important is that we have become allies to move forward together, isn’t that right?”

It was a ridiculous statement. Although they weren’t normal uncle-niece relations, her tone was definitely too stiff.

Of course, Moyong Yeon-hwa was being quite patient. She hadn’t even met her father yet, and she didn’t want to make things worse.

Moyong Woo nodded.

“You’re not wrong. It’s better to forget minor conflicts of the past for the sake of the greater good.”

“That’s a good mindset.”

“Then, shall we begin our official conversation?”

Moyong Yeon-hwa shook her head.

“I also want to talk to you, Uncle, but I must see my father first.”

“It is more important to talk to me before seeing your brother.”

“What do you mean?”

Moyong Woo’s lips curled up even more.

“Think of it as a light inspection.”

Moyong Yeon-hwa’s smile disappeared from her face.

“An inspection?”

“Of course.”

“…This is a bit amusing. Why should I be inspected by you, Uncle?”

“You should. As your brother’s closest aide, I need to check if you are truly someone who won’t cause problems, don’t you think?”

Moyong Yeon-hwa’s eyes narrowed.

“It seems you have forgotten that I am the daughter of the person you call brother, Uncle.”

Moyong Woo shook his head.

“Stop showing such childish behavior. It’s not good to insist on something for reasons you can’t prove.”

He was saying that she couldn’t prove it just because they were blood relatives.

Moyong Yeon-hwa was quite surprised by Moyong Woo’s statement, beyond just feeling unpleasant. At least, the Moyong Woo she knew was not the kind of person who would make such a statement.

A clear sneer appeared on Moyong Yeon-hwa’s cold face.

“You’ve deteriorated a lot. Blood relations are a bond of destiny. Do you really think I would betray my father?”

“The possibility is always open.”

“Maybe in the world you live in, Uncle.”

“The world your brother lives in is the same. Your brother destroyed his siblings to become the head of the family.”

“…!!”

Moyong Yeon-hwa’s face hardened.

“Are you serious about what you just said?”

“Whether it’s serious or not, it’s the truth. And the fact that the main family developed in that way is also undeniable.”

“…I wonder how my father will react to your statement, Uncle.”

Moyong Woo smiled faintly.

“He’ll think I’m being impudent.”

“Is that all?”

“If you’re curious, try telling him directly. Of course, you won’t be able to cross the inner gate until I allow it.”

Moyong Yeon-hwa’s cheeks trembled.

“Let’s stop here.”

“No, it’s just beginning.”

“You must have heard where I’m coming from and why I’m here?”

“What’s the difference between your earlier statement about not suspecting me because we’re blood relatives and what you’re saying now?”

“…!!”

“Don’t worry. If you are truly innocent, then this conversation will all be for naught.”

Now, Moyong Yeon-hwa’s eyes were blazing with complete anger.

“Then, how will you inspect this niece of yours?”

“Like this.”

Thud!

Moyong Yeon-hwa’s eyes widened as if they would tear.

Thump!

She knelt down on the spot. From below her neck to her hip joint, she instantly lost all sensation. He had paralyzed only that area with extremely delicate blood sealing [a technique to block the flow of blood and energy].

‘This, this can’t be!’

It was a terrifying speed. Moyong Yeon-hwa had also made some achievements, but Moyong Woo’s growth far surpassed hers.

Moyong Woo, who was now behind Moyong Yeon-hwa, placed his hand on her shoulder.

Whoooosh.

“Hmm.”

Moyong Woo quickly removed his hand from her shoulder.

“The identity check is complete. It’s the same true energy [internal energy] I felt before.”

“…!”

“However, you brought someone who shouldn’t have been brought.”

“Wh, what?!”

Moyong Woo looked at the attendant.

The attendant flinched. He was also surprised by Moyong Woo’s incredible movement.

Moyong Woo, looking at the attendant, tilted his head.

“You cannot enter the inner palace. Please go back now.”

“Y, yes?!”

“I said, go back.”

The attendant involuntarily looked at Moyong Yeon-hwa.

Moyong Yeon-hwa shouted in anger.

“What are you doing! Release the blood seal immediately… !”

“The Black Dragon can do that. He may know the situation but not feel it. But you shouldn’t have.”

“…?!”

“The atmosphere of the Alliance is very tense due to the upcoming election. If we let someone like this in, things could escalate. If you had any sense, you should have stopped it at your level beforehand.”

“Release this first!”

Moyong Woo ignored her words.

He said to the attendant.

“Judging by the looks of it, you seem to be from ‘that side’.”

“……”

“If you were caught by my aura, your skills are obvious without even looking. Please go back.”

The attendant said in a stiff voice.

“I cannot.”

“Is that so?”

Moyong Woo nodded.

“That’s a shame.”

Thwack!

Horror appeared in Moyong Yeon-hwa’s eyes.

The attendant had already collapsed on the spot with his tongue hanging out.

Moyong Woo dusted off his hands.

“The inspection is over. I’ll take care of this one, so go see your brother now.”