Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 145

“You look very tired,” Jeagal Mun-ho remarked subtly, observing Yeon-wi.

Yeon-wi shook his head, acknowledging the observation. “It seems I’ve been sleeping less lately.”

“Is it because of your son?” Jeagal Mun-ho inquired, his tone laced with concern.

The son Jeagal Mun-ho referred to was, of course, Yeon Ho-Jeong. Despite the impressive titles Yeon-wi held, such as ‘Byeoksan Hojang’ [Overlord of Byeoksan] or ‘Tiger of Gangdong,’ a son was still a son. Yeon-wi, acutely aware of the dangers lurking in the martial world, couldn’t help but worry about his offspring.

However, Yeon-wi’s response took an unexpected turn. “As a father, worrying about my son is natural. However, the reason I’m sleeping less isn’t solely because of that.”

“Is there another problem?” Jeagal Mun-ho asked, his voice filled with worry.

Despite being of similar age, Jeagal Mun-ho’s tone and manner of speaking were consistently gentle and polite, a stark contrast to Yeon-wi’s more direct approach.

Yeon-wi spoke calmly, “I’ve increased my training time.”

Jeagal Mun-ho’s eyes widened in surprise. “Training?”

“I’ve been neglecting my martial arts due to family matters. I’m thinking of using this opportunity to train, even if it means cutting back on sleep,” Yeon-wi explained, his voice firm.

“Hmm,” Jeagal Mun-ho hummed, considering the implications.

For the heads of the Six Great Clans and the leaders of the Nine Great Sects, rigorous sword-wielding training was not typically a priority. In the orthodox martial world, after reaching a certain level, the emphasis shifted towards enlightenment rather than physical exertion. Many masters had achieved profound mastery through such methods.

However, Yeon-wi’s tone suggested that he wasn’t simply on a journey of enlightenment. “If Clan Leader Yeon is so tired, the intensity of your training must be extraordinary,” Jeagal Mun-ho observed, his eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and respect.

Yeon-wi offered a faint smile, a subtle indication of the fierce dedication he was pouring into his training.

Jeagal Mun-ho chuckled inwardly. ‘Like father, like son, they’re both unstoppable.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong was a prodigy who had grown like a monster at a young age. Naturally, he must have put in unimaginable effort in addition to his talent. Now it seemed that it was all due to the family tradition. A person who was a Martial Alliance official training within the Alliance? He was truly a diligent person.

“But why did you call for me?” Yeon-wi asked, cutting to the chase.

Jeagal Mun-ho knew the other’s personality well. There was no need to beat around the bush. “Clan Leader Moyong is pushing himself quite hard,” he stated directly.

Yeon-wi’s eyes flashed, a spark of concern igniting within them. He knew that his son had confided in Jeagal Mun-ho about the animosity between their families and the Moyong Clan. If his son had shared this information, then Jeagal Mun-ho would also be aware of the dangerous nature of Clan Leader Moyong.

“What do you mean by pushing himself?” Yeon-wi asked, his voice laced with caution.

“You know that the leader of the Extermination Army’s Yu-gun unit [a special military unit], the Tangma Army, is Clan Leader Moyong’s younger brother,” Jeagal Mun-ho explained.

“I know. Was his name Moyong Woo?” Yeon-wi confirmed, his brow furrowed.

“That’s right,” Jeagal Mun-ho replied, a slight awkwardness settling on his face. “I’ve detected that he’s secretly trying to incorporate the best talents among the warriors being accepted into the Alliance into the Tangma Army.”

“……” Yeon-wi remained silent, his expression thoughtful.

“You must know, Clan Leader, that even though we are called the Nine Great Sects and the Six Great Clans, the pillars of the orthodox martial world, there are many masters in the vast world who surpass us,” Jeagal Mun-ho continued, his tone serious.

“I know,” Yeon-wi acknowledged, his gaze unwavering.

“Hundreds of masters knocked on the Alliance’s gates even before the official notice was sent out. After the official notice was released, thousands of martial artists are flocking in,” Jeagal Mun-ho added, emphasizing the scale of the situation.

“And he’s picking out the best among them to incorporate…” Yeon-wi murmured, his voice low.

“He’ll definitely pick only the most outstanding gems among the gems,” Jeagal Mun-ho confirmed, his eyes sharp.

Yeon-wi shook his head, his expression troubled. “I may be ignorant of politics, but I know that Clan Leader Moyong can’t push this through alone.”

“That’s right,” Jeagal Mun-ho agreed, his eyes becoming sharp as blades. “There are at least two groups that we’ve detected who have joined hands with Clan Leader Moyong.”

“Where?” Yeon-wi asked, his voice urgent.

“The Hwasan Sect and the Kongdong Sect,” Jeagal Mun-ho revealed, his tone grave.

Hwasan in Shanxi, and Kongdong in Gansu. The people from the northernmost regions of the Central Plains were known for their toughness. Perhaps that was why the swordsmen of Hwasan and Kongdong were generally resolute.

“The Nine Great Sects are reluctant to step out into the secular world due to their reputation. It’s clear that Clan Leader Moyong has exploited that gap,” Jeagal Mun-ho explained, his voice filled with concern.

“There’s some kind of collusion…” Yeon-wi muttered, his eyes turning cold.

“That’s just like him,” Yeon-wi added, his voice laced with disdain. He had learned enough about how insidious Moyong Gun was through his dealings with his son. Now, just hearing the ‘Mo’ in Moyong Clan made him tense.

“I expect there’s at least one more, or even two more,” Jeagal Mun-ho continued, his gaze unwavering.

“So you’re saying that Moyong Gun has formed a faction by joining hands with four of the Nine Great Sects?” Yeon-wi asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

“That’s right,” Jeagal Mun-ho confirmed, his eyes sparkling with a mix of concern and determination.

Yeon-wi unconsciously referred to him as Moyong Gun. It was a sign of how much he disliked Clan Leader Moyong, considering how much he valued decorum and dignity.

“Moreover, Clan Leader, you may or may not know, but Moyong Woo is a genius unknown to the world. He’s said to be at least on par with Moyong Gun in both martial arts and talent,” Jeagal Mun-ho added, his tone grave.

“So, the Tangma Army, an independent Yu-gun unit directly under the Martial Alliance, could be moving for the benefit of the Moyong Clan,” Yeon-wi concluded, his voice filled with concern.

“That’s right,” Jeagal Mun-ho confirmed, his expression grim.

“Even if that’s not the case, we can’t let Clan Leader Moyong’s reckless run continue. If we’re not careful, the immense power of the Martial Alliance could be selfishly abused,” Jeagal Mun-ho stated, his voice firm.

“Then what do you suggest we do?” Yeon-wi asked, his gaze unwavering.

Jeagal Mun-ho took out his index fingers and placed them on the table. “The right hand is the Tangma Army, and the left hand is the Myeolsa Army. And right now, Clan Leader Moyong is focusing his efforts on the Tangma Army.”

He spread the rest of the fingers on his right hand. Tangma Army five (五), Myeolsa Army one (一).

“The three, or possibly four, sects led by the Moyong Clan will join. The Tangma Army will gain power and influence from that,” Jeagal Mun-ho explained, his voice serious.

“So, we should reduce that power?” Yeon-wi asked, his brow furrowed.

“No. There aren’t many ways to reduce their power now, and there’s no guarantee of success,” Jeagal Mun-ho replied, shaking his head.

“Then what should we do?” Yeon-wi asked, his voice filled with concern.

Jeagal Mun-ho folded the index finger on his left hand and spread the rest of his fingers except for his thumb. Myeolsa Army three (三).

“Right now, it’s better to strengthen the Myeolsa Army than to reduce the opponent’s power,” Jeagal Mun-ho stated, his eyes gleaming with determination.

Yeon-wi’s eyes deepened, his mind racing to grasp the implications of Jeagal Mun-ho’s strategy. “It’s like using the two Yu-gun units to fight a proxy war,” he observed, his voice thoughtful.

“That’s right,” Jeagal Mun-ho confirmed, his gaze unwavering.

“I’ll be honest. I don’t see why we need to escalate things like this,” Yeon-wi admitted, his voice laced with concern.

“The reason is very simple,” Jeagal Mun-ho replied, his tone firm.

“What is it?” Yeon-wi asked, his gaze fixed on Jeagal Mun-ho.

“It’s the same issue as taking the initiative in a fight,” Jeagal Mun-ho explained, his eyes gleaming with a cold, calculating light.

A cold wind swept through Jeagal Mun-ho’s eyes, which were full of knowledge and wisdom. “Like you, Clan Leader Yeon, I don’t need any more power. I believe this state is the most ideal, whether it turns out well or not,” he stated, his voice resolute.

“……” Yeon-wi remained silent, his expression thoughtful.

“But the opponent is different. If we don’t seize the initiative in this fight, the power of the Alliance will definitely lean to one side,” Jeagal Mun-ho continued, his voice grave.

“That is…” Yeon-wi murmured, his brow furrowed.

“And that power, leaning to one side, will inevitably have a serious impact on the major event next year,” Jeagal Mun-ho added, his tone filled with concern.

Yeon-wi’s eyes blazed, his mind instantly grasping the significance of Jeagal Mun-ho’s words. “The selection of the Martial Alliance Leader,” he stated, his voice filled with realization.

“That’s right,” Jeagal Mun-ho confirmed, his gaze unwavering.

Jeagal Mun-ho released his hand. “This year, the officials are operating jointly. It can’t be helped. But next year will be different. Before this year ends, someone will surely bring up the selection of the Alliance Leader,” he explained, his voice serious.

“……!” Yeon-wi’s eyes widened, his mind racing to grasp the implications of Jeagal Mun-ho’s words.

“The Martial Alliance was created after decades. As the first Martial Alliance Leader of our generation, we must appoint someone who is fair in their work and full of cooperation in all matters,” Jeagal Mun-ho stated, his voice firm.

“That’s right,” Yeon-wi agreed, his gaze unwavering.

“We must never let someone full of lust for power take that position,” Jeagal Mun-ho added, his voice filled with determination.

Yeon-wi was lost in thought for a moment, his mind grappling with the gravity of the situation.

Jeagal Mun-ho waited patiently, knowing that the other was the head of the strongest martial family in Gangdong. He might even point out something that the head of the Jeagal Clan, who was said to be the best in strategy, had missed.

After a while, Yeon-wi opened his mouth. “I understand Clan Leader Jeagal’s point that we need to break the momentum of the opposing camp, even if it means fighting a proxy war. And that we need to strengthen the Myeolsa Army,” he stated, his voice thoughtful.

“Thank you,” Jeagal Mun-ho replied, his expression grateful.

“Then, how do you plan to strengthen the Myeolsa Army?” Yeon-wi asked, his gaze fixed on Jeagal Mun-ho.

“We need to tell the officials, except for those who are aligned with Clan Leader Moyong, to take away at least 30% of the gems heading to the Tangma Army,” Jeagal Mun-ho explained, his voice firm.

“To the Myeolsa Army?” Yeon-wi asked, his brow furrowed.

“That’s right,” Jeagal Mun-ho confirmed, his gaze unwavering.

Yeon-wi shook his head, his expression troubled. “Let’s not do that,” he stated, his voice resolute.

“Do you have another plan?” Jeagal Mun-ho asked, his eyes filled with curiosity.

“It’s not really a plan, and it’s not my preferred method, but… yes,” Yeon-wi replied, his voice thoughtful.

“Please tell me,” Jeagal Mun-ho urged, his gaze fixed on Yeon-wi.

“The fact that Clan Leader Moyong is selecting gems means that the Tangma Army hasn’t been established yet. The current advantage of the Myeolsa Army is that it was launched much faster than the Tangma Army,” Yeon-wi explained, his voice calm.

“That’s right,” Jeagal Mun-ho agreed, his expression thoughtful.

Yeon-wi’s eyes deepened, his mind racing to formulate a strategy. “Let’s draw out the direct descendants of our families,” he stated, his voice firm.

“……!” Jeagal Mun-ho’s eyes widened in surprise, his mind grappling with the implications of Yeon-wi’s words.

“I heard that Clan Leader Jeagal’s eldest daughter is friendly with my inadequate son. And the sons of Clan Leader Peng as well,” Yeon-wi added, his voice resolute.

Jeagal Mun-ho’s face hardened, his mind racing to grasp the full extent of Yeon-wi’s proposal. “Are you saying, Clan Leader Yeon, that we should send representatives to strengthen the Myeolsa Army?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.

“That’s right,” Yeon-wi confirmed, his gaze unwavering.

Instead of choosing from the warriors gathering at the Martial Alliance, let’s just draw them from the clans.

Jeagal Mun-ho knew well how dangerous and terrifying this statement was. “Clan Leader Yeon, that is…” he began, his voice filled with apprehension.

“It hasn’t been long since the Martial Alliance was established. If the leaders of the Alliance are seen fighting among themselves in this situation, the authority of the Martial Alliance will fall to the ground,” Jeagal Mun-ho stated, his voice grave.

“It’s still dangerous,” Yeon-wi acknowledged, his expression thoughtful.

“It’s dangerous, but it’s also the best move to break the opponent’s spirit,” Yeon-wi added, his voice firm.

Jeagal Mun-ho sighed, his mind grappling with the risks and rewards of Yeon-wi’s proposal. “It might make them hesitate for now, but it will definitely cause problems in the future,” he stated, his voice filled with concern.

“Let’s think about the future then. And I don’t think it will be a problem,” Yeon-wi replied, his voice resolute.

“Why do you think so?” Jeagal Mun-ho asked, his gaze fixed on Yeon-wi.

Yeon-wi smiled faintly, a hint of pride in his eyes. “It might sound like I’m bragging, but my son’s ability to read the political landscape is quite remarkable. What Clan Leader Jeagal is worried about will never happen,” he stated, his voice filled with confidence.

Two Yu-gun units. One would be filled with those who had made a name for themselves in the martial world, and the other would be filled with young masters from the Nine Great Sects and the Six Great Clans. The world looks unkindly upon those who have. Naturally, the gaze towards the Myeolsa Army wouldn’t be favorable either, and Moyong Gun would exploit that gap.

But Yeon-wi says, trust my son.

Jeagal Mun-ho, who had been looking at Yeon-wi, smiled. “I know well how talented Clan Leader Yeon’s eldest son is,” he stated, his voice filled with respect.

“I’m embarrassed,” Yeon-wi replied, his cheeks flushing slightly.

“Alright. Now that it’s come to this, let’s not overthink it and go all out,” Jeagal Mun-ho stated, his voice filled with determination.

It felt better to make a decision like this. Of course, some anxiety remained. That anxiety wasn’t because of this fierce power struggle, but because of his daughter.

‘Can you endure it?’ Jeagal Mun-ho thought, his heart filled with concern.

Jeagal Ayeon. She was his daughter, but as a father, he hadn’t done anything for her. Rather, as time passed, he had almost sacrificed his daughter’s life due to the weakening family fortunes. And now, thinking of entrusting her with such a task again made his heart ache. He worried if she would be harmed or seriously injured.

‘But…’ Jeagal Mun-ho thought, his mind racing to find a solution.

Jeagal Mun-ho smiled and looked at Yeon-wi. Yeon-wi was a good person. He was a bit rigid, but as a clan leader and as an individual, he was someone to be trusted. And his son, Yeon Ho-Jeong, was very different from his father, yet had many similarities.

‘I hope that this time, you can also bet your life on it,’ Jeagal Mun-ho thought, his gaze fixed on Yeon-wi.

Jeagal Mun-ho, who had been smiling for a while, suddenly hardened his expression. “While we’re on the topic, there’s one more thing I need to tell you,” he stated, his voice serious.

“What is it?” Yeon-wi asked, his gaze fixed on Jeagal Mun-ho.

“In this chaotic political situation, one force that has been strangely quiet has contacted me,” Jeagal Mun-ho revealed, his voice grave.

“A force? Where is it?” Yeon-wi asked, his brow furrowed.

Jeagal Mun-ho’s eyes deepened, his gaze unwavering. “It’s the Sichuan Tang Clan.”