Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 491

Yeon Ho-Jeong lowered his head.

“I heard that the two of you were gathered here.”

Bok Ho-Satae smiled and said,

“You’ve been through a lot, Daesu [a respectful title for a senior martial artist].”

“My hardships are nothing compared to the efforts of the Bonggong [a group of martial artists] members.”

Bok Ho-Satae shook her head.

“We just gather, have meetings, and rack our brains, but it’s not the same for Daesu Yeon. It’s thanks to Daesu Yeon’s efforts in various fields that we are comfortable.”

Bok Ho-Satae had always thought highly of Yeon Ho-Jeong.

The personalities of the old generation’s sect leaders varied, but among them, Bok Ho-Satae had a pure nature, revered justice, and could not stand injustice.

It was said that when she was younger, her personality caused a lot of friction with her fellow disciples. She was clearly a Buddhist nun before being a martial artist, but she was overly passionate.

However, as she aged, her personality gradually became more relaxed. Nevertheless, her unique sense of justice did not fade, and she matured into a person who was more than qualified to lead a sect.

In her eyes, Yeon Ho-Jeong was the very epitome of an ideal chivalrous hero.

He was intelligent, quick-witted, and highly skilled in martial arts. Such a talented individual always charged into dangerous enemy territory and successfully led all sorts of operations.

There were some who considered his personality to be somewhat rash, but it was never to an extreme. Rather, his character would instill fear in evildoers.

Above all, Bok Ho-Satae liked Yeon Ho-Jeong’s personality because it reminded her of her younger self. She knew how difficult it was to live with such a personality, which made her like him even more.

Yeon Ho-Jeong lowered his head.

“I am grateful that you see me in such a positive light.”

“Neither I nor the head of the Cheongseong Sect here doubt Daesu Yeon’s abilities. We are just sorry as elders of the Murim [the martial arts world] for always assigning you dangerous missions.”

Pung Byeok-Ja sighed.

“When you become the head of an organization, there are many times when you have to weigh things even when you should step forward. Because one action of mine can harm the entire sect.”

“I understand.”

“However, having thrown our hat into the ring of the Murim, it is natural to act for the sake of chivalry, no matter what the consequences. However, it seems I have forgotten that natural thing myself. That is why I have no face to look at you.”

He revealed his honest feelings. His voice was filled with the deep anguish of a person of character who had pondered fiercely for a long time.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“It is natural for the head of a sect to act for the sake of chivalry, but isn’t there something more important?”

“Hmm?”

“It is the task of nurturing the next generation. To teach them to punish evil and to act naturally in what is right.”

“Hoo.”

“There are many people in the Murim Alliance. So, there is no need to be discouraged or ashamed. Cheongseong and Ami are prestigious sects that have produced many admirable warriors full of chivalry.”

Pung Byeok-Ja chuckled.

“Don’t sugarcoat it like that. I’m worried that I might become even lazier, using your words as an excuse.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“Just by saying those words, it seems unlikely that the sect leader will become lazy.”

“Haha, how embarrassing.”

Bok Ho-Satae said,

“Yes, we are grateful that you came here. As the head of Cheongseong here has also acknowledged, we do not doubt Daesu Yeon’s abilities.”

“Thank you.”

“Please continue to work hard for the sake of the Alliance, no, for the sake of the Gangho [the martial world]. That is all this old woman has to say.”

Not for the sake of the Murim Alliance, but for the sake of the Gangho.

It was a part that showed Bok Ho-Satae’s purity. When people get older and develop a sense of belonging, they tend to care more about the interests of their sect than the peace of the world, but Bok Ho-Satae was not like that.

Pung Byeok-Ja spoke in a subtle voice.

“By the way, Daesu Yeon.”

“Yes, please speak.”

“Is there a place in the Myeolsa Army? There are quite a few talented young people in my sect, and I was wondering if I should send a few…”

“Sss.”

Bok Ho-Satae glared at Pung Byeok-Ja.

Pung Byeok-Ja coughed and mumbled.

“No, well… wouldn’t it be good? The world knows Daesu Yeon’s abilities, and if they could learn about the world under such a warrior, that would be a blessing.”

“Do you think I don’t know what you’re thinking? Don’t bother someone who’s already busy.”

“Hup! What did I do?”

“If you’re not a fool, you’d know that Daesu Yeon will become one of the key figures in the next generation of the Murim. Aren’t you trying to maintain a good relationship with Cheongseong by having your swordsmen form a connection with him?”

“Oh my, Satae, you speak so harshly. And besides, what’s wrong with that? It’s a good thing if they learn from each other and form a connection. Isn’t that right, Daesu Yeon?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong couldn’t help but laugh.

“If the swordsmen of Cheongseong help me, wouldn’t that be an honor for me?”

Pung Byeok-Ja snorted at Bok Ho-Satae.

“See? Daesu Yeon knows what’s what.”

Bok Ho-Satae shook her head.

“You really haven’t changed at all since you were young.”

“Please say I’m still living young. It feels better even if it’s the same words.”

The two were close friends.

Sichuan was a place where the Tang family, one of the six great families, and the old sects of Cheongseong and Ami were gathered. In a way, it could be said that it was the place where the righteous faction had the most powerful force in all of the Central Plains.

However, the Tang family was the one that practically controlled the atmosphere of Sichuan. Unlike Cheongseong and Ami, the Tang family was a secular family.

However, even the Tang family of the world could not do anything to Cheongseong and Ami. The Cheongseong and Ami sects were groups of practitioners. Although they wielded a strong influence, they were far from being in control or ruling.

Because of such tendencies, the leaders of the two sects were able to become particularly close. In particular, Pung Byeok-Ja and Bok Ho-Satae had been traveling around the world together to punish evil since they were young.

Now, Pung Byeok-Ja had become soft due to the vicissitudes of time, but his attitude towards evil was still as intense and fiery as ever.

“By the way, what are we going to do?”

“Yes?”

Pung Byeok-Ja’s eyes gleamed.

“Didn’t Head Deung and Yong Hwa Jin-In go to the Execution Hall? Are you planning to send us there too?”

He spoke as if joking, but he knew that Yeon Ho-Jeong had an ulterior motive.

The person who had sent two of the old generation’s sect leaders to the Execution Hall was right in front of them. Yet, the two did not show any discomfort in dealing with Yeon Ho-Jeong.

They were giants. No matter what, the two were also worthy of being called giants of the Murim.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled bitterly.

“I might have been able to teach them a lesson, but they attacked me first. I had no choice.”

“To be frank, I know that Yong Hwa Jin-In is not someone who would use his hands recklessly, even if I don’t know about Head Deung.”

Isn’t it you who led him to use his hands recklessly?

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded.

“That’s right. If I hadn’t pushed him to the edge, Yong Hwa Jin-In wouldn’t have aimed for my neck with his Plum Blossom Sword.”

“Neck…!”

Pung Byeok-Ja groaned. He had not expected that Yong Hwa Jin-In would actually try to kill Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Even if he was provoked, to try to kill his opponent? This was no ordinary matter. Even if the opponent was not Yeon Ho-Jeong but a low-ranking warrior of the Murim Alliance, it was not something that could be overlooked.

Bok Ho-Satae asked,

“It wouldn’t be Daesu Yeon’s work alone, did you proceed with the strategist?”

“You are sharp.”

“Yes, if those two attacked first, no matter what the situation, it is not something that can be overlooked. But if you moved with a clear purpose, then Daesu Yeon is also at fault.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong lowered his head.

“I have no excuse to the elders.”

Bok Ho-Satae sighed.

“How could someone who knows better do such a thing? And the strategist too.”

“Do you want an honest answer?”

“Of course.”

“I am convinced that there is a spy among those two.”

In an instant, shock appeared on the faces of Pung Byeok-Ja and Bok Ho-Satae.

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“Of course, it’s just a conviction, and nothing has been confirmed yet. But… I think it’s almost impossible for anyone other than those two to be a spy. That much is certain.”

“……”

“In the future, I will have to deeply apologize to one of them. Perhaps I will have to pay with my life.”

“Do you see it as that dangerous?”

Bok Ho-Satae sighed.

“Is catching the spies of the Three Teachings that important?”

They knew the danger of spies and the power of the Three Teachings. They had not yet felt it, but if the information was true, the Three Teachings were a rare and formidable enemy in history.

However, no matter how much that was the case, this kind of handling would only bring about antipathy. Bok Ho-Satae thought so, and that was common sense.

Yeon Ho-Jeong lowered his head.

“The strategist will explain in detail… but the Three Teachings are much more dangerous than you think.”

“Of course, I know that, but…”

“Aside from anything else, one of the Three Teachings has already infiltrated the imperial palace and is controlling high-ranking officials. In such a situation, if we cannot even catch the spies, we will be defeated without even fighting properly.”

“……Hmm.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes gleamed.

“It was something I did knowing it was wrong. In other words, both the strategist and I risked our lives. I don’t like to cause trouble and then make excuses… but please watch over us until this matter is over. I beg you.”

Pung Byeok-Ja, who had been quietly watching Yeon Ho-Jeong, let out a deep sigh.

“To be honest, I believe in Daesu Yeon’s abilities, but I don’t yet trust you as a person from the bottom of my heart.”

“I know. And that is natural.”

“But I trust Strategist Jeagal. For the sake of the strategist, I will pretend not to know about this matter.”

“Thank you.”

Bok Ho-Satae smiled bitterly.

“I trust Daesu Yeon. I trust the strategist too. So, I will watch over you as well. However… I hope you will not cross the line.”

“I will definitely do so.”

It was then.

Koo-oong!

Pung Byeok-Ja and Bok Ho-Satae were startled. The shockwave that had occurred in the distant training ground had instantly reached this place.

“What is going on?”

“Ah, it’s Senior Paeyul.”

“Paeyul, from Jeomchang?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Shortly after, Paeyul and a Cheongseong swordsman came to visit.

“I apologize for causing concern. I tried to end the sparring quietly, but…”

Pung Byeok-Ja let out a hollow laugh.

“The soaring sword energy was extraordinary. It doesn’t seem like something your lacking swordsmanship could produce, is it Paeyul?”

Paeyul lowered his head.

“I am sorry for interrupting your important conversation.”

“There was no interruption. I was just a little surprised.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled and stood up.

“In any case, can I assume that both of you have approved the dispatch of the Mukryong Unit?”

Pung Byeok-Ja and Bok Ho-Satae nodded.

Yeon Ho-Jeong clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute.

“I will visit you again next time. Until then, please stay healthy.”

The two who came out of the residence walked in silence for a while.

After a while, Paeyul asked,

“As you said, I unleashed the shockwave with all my might.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“What hard work? It was good to see Cheongseong’s sword techniques after a long time. By the way, did you get what you wanted?”

“I did.”

Fire ignited in Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes.

“They were suspicious, as expected. Their reaction was excellent.”