Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 147

“Munch, munch.”

“Wow, this is delicious! It’s really delicious!”

“Senior brother! Give me some more salt!”

“Hey! Over there! Leave some of the wild boar leg meat!”

It was quite a sight.

About fifty beggars were scattered here and there, eagerly chewing on the freshly hunted wild boar and rabbit meat.

It seemed so delicious that it brought tears to their eyes. In fact, there were at least ten of them who were shedding tears and snot while tearing into the meat.

‘Wow…’

Pang Man-ho felt himself being overwhelmed by the scene.

Watching them, he was reminded that life was worth living, at least once.

They devoured the freshly hunted wild boar and rabbit, the gamey meat as if it were the finest delicacy. Pang Man-ho could have eaten it too, but it wasn’t the kind of food he would eat with such happiness.

‘How many days have they been starving?’

If Pang Man-ho knew that they hadn’t missed a single meal, his gaze would have become even more bizarre.

Jeagal Ayeon scratched her head.

“How long did you do it?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was munching on rabbit meat, looked at her with a puzzled expression.

“What?”

“How much did you push these people that they’ve all become such gluttons?”

“As much as needed?”

“How much is that?”

“Enough to be useful.”

There was no point in talking.

“So, are they useful now?”

“More or less.”

Jeagal Ayeon couldn’t imagine how much that was.

However, she knew how ruthless Yeon Ho-Jeong was and how high he was aiming.

To satisfy Yeon Ho-Jeong’s standards, they must have suffered terribly.

“There’s no point in talking. Hey! Don’t eat it all, give me some too.”

“Don’t you have any shame? You’re trying to steal food from someone who’s been rolling around in the mountains for three months…”

“I didn’t have lunch! Give it to me!”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smacked his lips and handed her a piece of rabbit meat. His eyes were full of regret.

Jeagal Ayeon, who was chewing on the meat like she was in a battle, looked at Pang Man-ho.

“Hey, bear. Want one?”

“…I’m fine.”

“Why? Aren’t you hungry? You’re so big.”

“I’m so overwhelmed that I’m not hungry at all.”

“You’re no fun.”

Jeagal Ayeon, who had been eating meat for a while, patted her stomach.

“Ah, I feel a bit better now.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“By the way, I got the message, but why did you come with the Pang siblings?”

“Huh? What, didn’t you hear the details?”

“They just threw a letter at me and left. Said they were sending you and Man-ho today.”

“I see.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who seemed to have finished eating, turned around and shouted.

“That’s it. I have a lot to talk about with these guys, so take a good rest after you’re done eating. Let’s not have any sword fights today.”

Yoon Ho looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong with a shocked expression.

“You weren’t planning on pushing us again, were you?”

“Yeah.”

“…”

“Anyway, I said we’re not doing it. Rest.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had made the atmosphere tense with just one answer, turned his head back to Jeagal Ayeon and Pang Man-ho.

His face was tanned, and his cheeks were a bit thinner, but his eyes were still clear.

No, they seemed deeper and sharper than they were three months ago. The three months of training seemed to have honed not only the Merciless Squad but also Yeon Ho-Jeong’s martial arts.

“I have a rough idea why they sent you.”

“Of course, with your intuition.”

“Okay, first, tell me how the Murim Alliance [Martial Arts Alliance] is doing.”

It was when Yeon Ho-Jeong, Jeagal Ayeon, and Pang Man-ho were having a deep conversation.

“Oh? Sister.”

“Huh?”

Perhaps it was because they had shed blood and sweat together.

Muk Bi was treated as the most senior member of the Merciless Squad. She had initially shuddered at the sound of ‘sister,’ but now she seemed quite used to it.

Dong Ho looked at Muk Bi with a puzzled expression.

“Aren’t you eating more?”

“I’m fine. This is enough.”

“I’ve always felt this, but you really eat very little, sister.”

“If I eat too much, my movements become sluggish.”

The entire Merciless Squad flinched.

They were subtly watching Muk Bi. They knew that Muk Bi was a very innocent and good person, but when she took on the role of instructor, she was a demon even more so than Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Muk Bi, feeling embarrassed, added.

“That’s just me. It’s different for everyone.”

“…R-Right?”

“Yeah. I’m an archer. I need to move more delicately than others.”

Only then did the Merciless Squad relax and focus on their meal again.

Yoon Ho kept clearing his throat.

“But sister.”

“Why?”

“Shouldn’t you be listening to the conversation with the commander?”

Muk Bi looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s expression was quite serious as he listened to Jeagal Ayeon. It seemed like he was opening his ears wide for the first time in a while.

Muk Bi shook her head.

“I don’t know much about how the world works. Even if I listened, I wouldn’t understand what it’s about.”

“Ah…”

Most martial artists didn’t reveal their shortcomings. It could become a weakness. However, Muk Bi was different. She was quite harsh in evaluating herself. It was her strength, but it could also be a weakness at times.

Muk Bi, who had turned her gaze away from Yeon Ho-Jeong and was looking around, suddenly made eye contact with someone.

It was Ok Cheong.

“Hmm…”

Ok Cheong scratched his head, looking embarrassed. Scratching his head with hands that were covered in greasy meat was something unimaginable three months ago.

“Um, Vice Commander Muk…”

“Are you eating meat?”

“Huh?”

Muk Bi’s face was full of puzzlement.

“You haven’t eaten meat for three months, have you? Weren’t you living on that bigu-dan [a special pill for fasting] or whatever?”

At the same time, red-faced accusations erupted from all over.

“Sister! Don’t be fooled! That Taoist secretly ate rabbits!”

“Rabbits? No, Taoist? I caught deer with him…?”

“What? I ate pheasants with him?!”

“There’s no meat he didn’t eat, that guy. He’s just a butcher, not a Taoist!”

Ok Cheong’s face turned red.

“We were training to the point of life and death every day. The commander said, ‘A ghost who dies eating looks good.'”

“Then why didn’t you just eat openly instead of hiding and eating!”

“It’s embarrassing…”

Ok Cheong, who was being jeered at by the group for his ridiculous excuse, opened his mouth again.

“Anyway, Vice Commander Muk.”

“Yeah?”

“Shouldn’t you go and listen too?”

“M-Me too?”

“Yes.”

Ok Cheong spoke with a serious expression, unlike his usual self.

“Although a clear system hasn’t been established yet, you are the second-in-command of the Merciless Squad. When the commander is not around, you have to lead us.”

“Ah…?”

“It’s not my place to say this, but if you’re not used to it, it would be best to learn from the commander now.”

Muk Bi was flustered.

“S-Should I?”

Ok Cheong smiled innocently.

“Yes. I think so. I believe that if you set your mind to it, you’ll learn faster than anyone else. Isn’t that right?”

Ok Cheong sought agreement from Yoon Ho.

Yoon Ho cleared his throat.

“I think so too.”

At that moment, Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had been talking for a while, raised his hand.

“Muk Bi!”

“Yes?”

“What are you doing there? Come here. I was wondering what was missing, and it was you slacking off.”

“Me too?”

“Then who else would listen, you idiot! Come here! Oh? But did you finish eating?”

“I did.”

“You ate just a little bit again, didn’t you? There’s some meat left here. Come and eat some more.”

Muk Bi awkwardly walked towards Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Yoon Ho chuckled.

“She’s as fierce as a ghost in martial arts, but why is she so innocent in these situations?”

The martial artists chuckled.

During the three months of hellish training, there was no time as difficult as when they sparred with Muk Bi. But after the sparring, she always checked on her opponent’s body.

She was a quiet person, but she was very thoughtful. Muk Bi’s gentle nature had captured the hearts of everyone in the Merciless Squad.

“But…”

“Me?”

Song Yeon-gyeong and the Ami Sect spear wielders tilted their heads.

Ok Cheong cautiously asked.

“I’ve always wanted to ask, are monks allowed to eat meat?”

Pshhh.

Song Yeon-gyeong and the spear wielders all took off their bamboo hats. Their tied-up hair fell down to their waists, swaying.

“We’re the secular members of the Ami Sect, you know?”

“…?!”

“Seriously, did you just realize that now?”

Ok Cheong’s mouth gaped like a fish.

Because the training was so intense, he hadn’t had many conversations with the people from the Ami Sect. He was also quite awkward in front of women.

“I, I just realized it now?”

“Oh my god.”

Yeo Guk, who was patting his stomach with satisfaction, said.

“Yeon-gyeong, don’t expect anything from that guy. I’ve never seen anyone so oblivious in my life.”

Ok Cheong turned his head with a snap.

“You’re already on a first-name basis…?”

“We became close on the third day. I got hit by Yeon-gyeong’s spear so much that I tried to win by age.”

“…”

“What’s wrong?”

“…Nothing.”

“You seem disappointed?”

“No!”

“Okay.”

With some time to spare, the soldiers gathered in groups of three or five, engrossed in joking around.

On the other hand, the atmosphere among Yeon Ho-Jeong’s group was quite serious.

“It’s already that intense.”

“That’s right.”

Jeagal Ayeon sighed.

“They probably know by now in the Moyong family. That the Jeagal and Pang families are supporting the Merciless Squad.”

“Hmm.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong stroked his chin.

“It’s definitely as the Jeagal family head said. Right now, it’s better to strengthen our side than to weaken theirs.”

“Actually, at first, I thought we were making the situation too big.”

“It hasn’t been long since the Murim Alliance was established. Strong conflicts at the top will inevitably be transmitted to the bottom, no matter how well they’re hidden. It’s not necessary to deliberately clash at a time like this, unless it’s later.”

“Yeah, I heard that Lord Yeon also said the same thing.”

“My father is a bit sharp. Unlike me, he thinks based on the greater good.”

“Are you praising your father or yourself?”

“Both.”

“Anyway, even though they’re pretending not to, the atmosphere is gradually becoming tense. Especially the head of the Tangma Army is increasingly showing his presence.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes sparkled.

“Really?”

“Lord Moyong confidently put him forward, so I thought he would be extraordinary, but he seems to be much more impressive than that.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong didn’t ask about that in detail.

He trusted Moyong Woo. Right now, any news about him should be seen as ‘process.’ He would hear about any noteworthy matters separately from Ga Deuk-Sang.

“And the Tang family.”

Jeagal Ayeon openly frowned.

“I was wondering why they were so quiet, but it seems they were weighing both sides in the middle. My father also received a message.”

“So, what happened?”

“It hasn’t surfaced yet, but… I think they probably have some kind of relationship with the Moyong family.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes turned cold.

‘Tang Gwan.’

The man who was going to die anyway, the one who had even stabbed a feather needle into his chest, the former vice-leader of the Murim Alliance.

Moyong Gun had planned the operation, but Tang Gwan had carried it out. To Yeon Ho-Jeong, they were all people who deserved to be beaten to death.

“The guy who got beaten up by me at the meeting, what about him?”

“Tang Yang-Seon? He didn’t come. Instead, he brought his eldest daughter.”

“Eldest daughter?”

“The Dark Sky Goddess. Tang Yang-Seon’s older sister.”

“…?”

“…You don’t know her?”

“Cough.”

“Hey!”

Jeagal Ayeon wildly swung her fists in the air. She wanted to grab Yeon Ho-Jeong by the collar and shake him.

“Please, at least keep the names of famous people in your head! How can you not know the Dark Sky Goddess!”

“Hey.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong pointed at Muk Bi.

“She doesn’t know either.”

Muk Bi said, looking embarrassed.

“I’ve only lived in the mountains.”

“Anyway, you don’t know.”

Jeagal Ayeon took a deep breath. She couldn’t show her ugly side in front of someone she had only exchanged simple greetings with and had no personal connection with.

“I’m sorry. I got a bit worked up, didn’t I?”

“Ah, no, it’s okay.”

“You’re going through a lot. Doesn’t it make you want to flip out when you’re with this bastard?”

“…Sometimes.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong clicked his teeth together.

“Don’t talk nonsense, so is the Dark Sky Goddess a great person?”

“She’s one of the Three Phoenixes. She’s not only skilled in martial arts, but she’s also said to have an incredible talent for both poison and hidden weapons. Her martial arts’ lethality is among the best of her generation.”

“Martial arts aren’t important. I want to know about her character.”

Jeagal Ayeon shook her head.

“I don’t know much about that. However, I’ve heard that the Tang family head values her more than his eldest son.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong frowned.

‘Values her…’

In the past, during his time as the Dark Emperor, he had talked to Tang Gwan a few times.

Tang Gwan was a man who had properly mixed the Tang family’s unique ruthlessness and selfish nature. He had a sense of loyalty, but he would use any means necessary to achieve his goals.

For such a man to trust his daughter more than his eldest son, who was supposed to inherit the family?

“I should ask Hu Gae to look into it, just in case.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded.

“Anyway, you’ve worked hard to get here.”

“It’s nothing.”

“You’re going to suffer quite a bit in the future, are you ready to die?”

“You always have to say things so brutally.”

Jeagal Ayeon hit her own arm.

“I’m the craziest woman in Yungjung Mountain.”

“It seems so.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Pang Man-ho.

Pang Man-ho folded his arms with a relaxed movement. His bulging biceps looked as solid as rocks.

“Another crazy guy from Habuk has joined.”

“Got it.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“I sincerely welcome you to the Merciless Squad.”

Jeagal Ayeon extended her fist.

“Please take care of me in the future.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong made a fist and bumped it against hers.

“Likewise.”

“By the way, are we starting to clean up the underworld now?”

“We have to.”

“Where are we going first?”

Whoosh.

In an instant, the air in the open space turned cold.

All the soldiers who had been chatting in groups of three or five looked this way with chilling eyes. They had all been listening to the conversation while pretending not to.

Jeagal Ayeon felt a chill run down her spine at the sight.

The soldiers’ eyes were as fierce as wolves, something that disciples of the Nine Great Sects would never dare to imagine.

The owner of eyes as sharp as all of their gazes combined said.

“We’ll go in order of mountain warfare and then urban warfare.”

“…?”

“We’ll start with the Green Forest.”