Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 135

Fragrant tea steam filled the room, creating a vivid yet gentle aroma. It was a scent that commanded attention without being overpowering.

The same could be said of Jeagal Mun-Ho, whom Yeon Ho-Jeong was observing. He was the head of a family, one of the six most renowned martial arts families in the vast world, residing in the mountains of Hubuk Yungjung and carrying on the legend of Gongmyeong [a famous strategist in Chinese history]. He exuded an aura of quiet authority and profound wisdom.

Jeagal Mun-Ho took a sip of his tea.

“A fine tea indeed.”

“I’m glad it suits your taste.”

“Even with good tea leaves, one cannot achieve this level of fragrance and flavor without proper handling. It seems you have a knack for the art of tea.”

“I wouldn’t go that far. I’ve brewed it often, but I haven’t mastered it deeply.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“You’ve brewed it often?”

“Yes.”

Usually, brewing tea was a task for subordinates. It was rare for someone to brew tea and serve it themselves unless they were a very distinguished guest.

Yet, Yeon Ho-Jeong said he had brewed tea often.

“A refined hobby, it seems.”

“It’s not a hobby. I just figured it’s better to brew it myself than to ask someone else to do it.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Haha, I don’t know whether to call you impatient or rational.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“I’m just an oddball.”

Why was that?

Was it because he was the young man who saved his daughter’s life? Or was it because he was his daughter’s friend?

He was a young man who strangely grew on him. Perhaps it was because of his appearance, which was closer to a scholar than a martial artist.

“The Six Great Families reside in the Seven Stars Pavilion [a metaphorical term for the central hub of the martial world]. However, even within the Seven Stars Pavilion, the places where each family stays are so far apart that it’s not easy to travel between them. We’ve been incredibly busy as well.”

“…….”

“I’ve always wanted to visit you. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you once again.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded.

“Understood.”

It was a peculiar answer.

Even though it wasn’t a humble statement, it didn’t feel out of place because of the natural tone of his voice.

He seemed to have a clear-cut personality. In other words, he was one of the types that Jeagal Mun-Ho preferred.

‘Besides, he knows why I’m thanking him. He’s quick-witted.’

He had a somewhat different impression than what he had heard from his daughter. He didn’t seem particularly nervous, yet the atmosphere was quite stiff.

“Haha, it seems I’m making you uncomfortable.”

“That’s not the case.”

“Oh? Is that so? Then that’s a relief.”

Deep wrinkles were etched around Jeagal Mun-Ho’s mouth.

He always had a smile on his face. It was the expression of a strategist who disarmed those he faced.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes deepened.

‘I knew I would meet him someday, but I didn’t expect it to be so soon.’

The brain of the White Path Martial Alliance.

In the past, before the chaos of the Demonic Cult, the Black Imperial Castle clashed with the Martial Alliance at every turn.

The Black Imperial Castle was in the midst of expanding its power, and the Martial Alliance felt the need to keep the suddenly rising Black Path martial world in check.

It was an inevitable fate that they would clash. Thanks to that, many of his subordinates had died.

And from that time until his death as the Black Emperor, Jeagal Mun-Ho had been the military advisor of the Martial Alliance.

‘Indeed.’

This was the first time he had seen such a well-refined insight since his regression. His eyes were different from his father, who possessed great wisdom but valued chivalry more, and from Moyong Gun, who used his great wisdom solely for his own greed.

It was the embodiment of knowledge. That was why Jeagal Mun-Ho’s gaze was so impressive.

“You are amazing.”

“Hmm?”

It was an unconscious remark, but Yeon Ho-Jeong didn’t hide his feelings.

“As one gains more knowledge and learns how to use cunning, one tends to lose their purity.”

“…….”

“But you are different, Clan Leader.”

“Haha, different?”

A friend of his daughter and a junior in the martial world was openly evaluating him.

It wasn’t a common experience. Perhaps that was why Jeagal Mun-Ho was so curious about how Yeon Ho-Jeong saw him.

“So, how do you see me?”

“Well.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“I don’t know about anything else, but today I finally understand why Ayeon and Jun are so good-natured.”

“What? Hahahaha!”

Jeagal Mun-Ho burst into laughter.

“It seems you see me as a pure and kind person?”

“People see what they want to see, don’t they? Perhaps I myself deeply wish that you were such a person.”

“Haha! Why would you want to see that in me?”

“Wouldn’t it be nice for once? To see a military advisor who isn’t ruthless take control of the Martial Alliance.”

“……!”

“Military advisors often have to use their subordinates like pieces on a chessboard. That’s why military advisors tend to become ruthless. If they aren’t ruthless, it would be difficult to devise efficient military strategies, even with a good mind.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong grinned.

“That’s why good-natured military advisors are rare. If they aren’t strong enough, they can’t protect their own purity or righteousness.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho wore a peculiar expression.

“How did you know that I was appointed as the military advisor of the Martial Alliance?”

“Aren’t you called the Divine Strategist Jeagal? With the head of the Jeagal family at its peak, there’s no way they would commit the folly of appointing someone else as the military advisor.”

“Hahahaha.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho could only laugh.

His laughter was filled with admiration and surprise for his opponent.

“It seems the rumors were understated. I knew you were passionate, but I didn’t think you were someone who would say such dangerous things so readily.”

“Is that so?”

“You don’t believe me, do you?”

“To show boldness against the greatest family in the Nine Provinces, one must be prepared to kill everyone without hesitation. To others, it might seem quite dangerous.”

“Haha.”

“There’s no way you would see me as just a passionate junior.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho, who had been quietly observing Yeon Ho-Jeong, tapped the table lightly.

“You pass.”

“…….”

“You can’t just be quick-witted, nor can you just be kind. You can’t just be belligerent, nor can you be overly timid.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean you are trustworthy as someone who can lead the Independent Vanguard.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes lit up.

“The Independent Vanguard…….”

“This morning, the Moyong Clan Leader revealed the purpose of creating the Independent Vanguard. There were many words, but whatever the reason, I could feel his intention to create it no matter what.”

“I see.”

“I thought you would have been told beforehand.”

“I won’t deny it.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho chuckled.

“In fact, I oppose the creation of the Independent Vanguard. And that hasn’t changed.”

“…….”

“However, if it’s you, it’ll be alright.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“It seems you’re struggling.”

“Hmm?”

“Moyong Clan Leader’s power is extraordinary.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes flashed.

“Power, you say… Yes, it is extraordinary.”

“The existence of the Independent Vanguard could set a bad precedent when organizing groups under the Martial Alliance in the future. I believe my father and you are right to be concerned.”

“…….”

“I won’t show off more than necessary, nor will I bring shame upon the unit by making it useless. I think that’s the best I can do.”

With those words, Yeon Ho-Jeong quenched his thirst with tea.

Jeagal Mun-Ho, who had been quietly watching Yeon Ho-Jeong, shook his head.

“I was wrong.”

“Yes?”

“I thought you were just a young tiger who had barely shed his cub fur. Now I see you are a seasoned great tiger.”

“Thank you for the excessive praise.”

“Excessive? I’m almost resentful of my vocabulary for not being able to express it more.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho also took a sip of tea. With that one sip, he was able to shake off some of his past worries and concerns.

“I’ll ask you just one thing.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes sparkled.

‘This is it.’

It was clear that Jeagal Mun-Ho had come to ask this question. He unconsciously tensed his eyes.

“I want you to tell me this much for sure. Honestly, without any lies.”

“Please, speak.”

“Did you make some kind of deal with the Moyong family?”

“…….”

“Please, be honest.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“This is the third time I’ve made a deal with the Moyong Clan Leader.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s face hardened.

And with Yeon Ho-Jeong’s next words, his stiff face was filled with bewilderment.

“And I’ve won all three times.”

“……Won?”

“So far, it’s been a winning streak. He’s such a formidable person, I don’t know when it will be broken.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho frowned.

“What does that mean?”

“The Moyong Clan Leader was planning to swallow up the main family in the past.”

“Wh-what?!”

This was the first time he had heard such a thing. Honest surprise was written all over Jeagal Mun-Ho’s face.

‘He’ll be fine.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong observed his opponent’s expression, his eyes, his emotions, and his personality.

‘Even if he’s not a military advisor, this man will be fine.’

He recounted the events he had experienced over the past year without exaggeration.

From meeting Hugae at the gathering of junior disciples, to joining hands with the Moyong family while dealing with the famous families, and even the near conflict with the Namgoong family while capturing Myeong Heo-Rim.

Furthermore, he told him everything, including how Moyong Gun was trying to recommend him as the head of a unit to monitor him and use him as a useful pawn.

After hearing the whole story, Jeagal Mun-Ho’s face was distorted with shock.

“The Moyong Clan Leader… he’s truly a dangerous person.”

“He is dangerous. And also outstanding.”

“So, you made a deal with the Moyong Clan Leader?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“I’m not one to sit idly by and be taken advantage of. I made a deal to get my revenge and find my freedom.”

“Haha, hahahaha!”

Jeagal Mun-Ho looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong with admiration.

“You made a deal with that Moyong Clan Leader? Hahahaha!”

He didn’t know what was so amusing. He just laughed silently for a long time.

“Just what are you?”

It was a question filled with laughter. It wasn’t a question he expected an answer to.

“Your martial arts alone are not befitting of your age, and now I see you’ve been involved in all sorts of incidents while traversing the Central Plains.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“I just like causing trouble.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho, who had been staring at Yeon Ho-Jeong for a long time, smiled faintly.

“It’s a shame. A shame.”

“……?”

“You didn’t have to act so stiff. I just gave up.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“About Ayeon.”

“…….”

“You are an outstanding person. As a father with a daughter, it would be my greatest wish to have someone as outstanding as you as my son-in-law.”

“……Cough.”

“But you can be a great guest of our family, but I don’t think you can make Ayeon happy. You have too many talents.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong clicked his tongue.

“I have no intention of getting married.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho smiled and stood up from his seat.

“Please remain good friends with our Ayeon in the future. If you ever change your mind, you are welcome to become my son-in-law.”

These people all seemed desperate to marry off their children.

“Today’s meeting was very interesting. Thank you for making the time.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I’ll be going now.”

“Please be careful on your way.”

“Ah! Before I go, let me tell you one thing.”

“Yes?”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s face became serious.

“The Independent Vanguard might not be just one.”

“……?!”

“Besides the vanguard you will lead, another vanguard might be created.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes deepened.

“Will the Nine Factions take charge of it?”

“If the Moyong Clan Leader doesn’t get greedy.”

“…….”

“Rest well.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho left the Pagun Pavilion.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had seen him off, chuckled.

“Hey, Moyong, sir. Gambling with greed will only lead to losing your own hand. Aren’t you going too far?”

At that moment, a dazed answer was heard.

“Yes?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong blinked. Okcheong was there.

“What is it?”

“……?”

“Didn’t you go to your quarters?”

“I… I need to receive guidance.”

“Guidance?”

“……Yes?”

“Am I your master? Why would you receive guidance from me?”

Okcheong was flustered.

“Th-that’s… no, yesterday, Young Master Yeon clearly…”

“If you want to receive guidance, you have to pay the corresponding price, right?”

“……A price?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled ominously.

He had nothing to do for the next few days, and you just walked right into it.

He put his arm around Okcheong’s shoulder in a friendly manner.

“Your master is Sword Immortal, right?”

“Yes? Ah, yes.”

“The omnipotent of Wudang martial arts! You must be awakening to wonderful insights.”

“Yes.”

“It must be beautiful. Enchanting. He might not be familiar with the ways of the world since he’s a Taoist, but since it’s come to this, how about learning about the world?”

“I-I don’t understand what you mean…”

“Hehe, you’ll find out. How about we start your guidance now?”

“Yes? Hah, yes! Then I’m grateful!”

“First, show me all of the Wudang martial arts from beginning to end. In detail, very thoroughly. Enough for even a child to understand the mysteries.”