Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 150

The Unseen Battle (1)

“I will now list the Black Path forces that the Myeolsa Army has annihilated in order. Starting with the Eumsa Clan, followed by the Green Forest’s Gyo-gu Stronghold, the Yeomgeom Clan, the Cheolsa Fortress, the Gwido Sect, the Gangryang Sect, and…”

Ga Deuk-sang folded the document.

“The Hongyo Society. That concludes the list.”

The assembly was taken aback.

“The Hongyo Society? Are you referring to the assassination organization, the Hongyo Society?”

“That is correct.”

The council members stared at each other blankly.

The Hongyo Society wasn’t an assassination organization that was among the top ten in the Jianghu [the martial arts world], nor was its leader’s martial prowess particularly outstanding.

Yet, the Hongyo Society was dangerous.

Assassination organizations in the Jianghu each had their own code. They wouldn’t accept requests to kill children, or target high-ranking officials of the government, for example.

The Hongyo Society adhered to none of these rules.

In other words, they were a ruthless group of contract killers who would kill anyone for money. Moreover, the Hongyo Society was known to use explosives to kill their targets, no matter where they got them.

And now, this Hongyo Society had been defeated by the Myeolsa Army, which numbered less than fifty. This was a different kind of fight than the one against the three hundred at Gyo-gu Stronghold.

“Is this true?”

“Yes, it is.”

“That’s absurd. The reason the Hongyo Society has survived despite committing such heinous acts is because no one knows their base. Are you saying the Myeolsa Army found it?”

“That’s impossible, isn’t it?”

“Then? Could it be the Beggars’ Union?”

“That’s not it either.”

Ga Deuk-sang’s eyes turned cold.

“The Hongyo Society attacked the Myeolsa Army first.”

“What, what did you say!”

Bang!

Several council members slammed their fists on the table. The air inside the Museong Hall grew hot.

The Myeolsa Army was the first organization of the newly established Martial Alliance, and the first of the Yu-gun [a special military unit]. For the Hongyo Society to attack such a unit was a matter of the Martial Alliance’s honor.

“Due to the Hongyo Society’s attack, about a dozen soldiers of the Myeolsa Army were seriously injured. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.”

“These, these outrageous bastards!”

Pung Byeok-ja of Qingcheng asked urgently.

“Are they being treated? How badly are they hurt?”

Most of the Myeolsa Army soldiers were from the Nine Great Sects [major martial arts schools]. Pung Byeok-ja’s heart was in his throat.

Ga Deuk-sang nodded.

“We have secured the best physicians as quickly as possible. Since they are all highly skilled in martial arts, their recovery is said to be fast.”

“Hah.”

Pung Byeok-ja, who was sitting on his chair, let out a sigh of relief.

“That’s a relief. A real relief.”

They were the kind of people who used all sorts of dangerous forbidden items, such as poison, hidden weapons, and explosives. Even the most skilled martial artists would die if they were hit by a potent poison, and they would suffer fatal injuries if a fire bomb exploded.

It was a great relief that there were no deaths.

“But,”

Jeagal Mun-ho asked.

“Who on earth commissioned the Hongyo Society?”

Ga Deuk-sang’s face briefly showed distress.

“That, we could not find out.”

“Hmm.”

“Myeolsa Army Commander Yeon Ho-jeong led a small number of troops to pursue the assassins, tracked them down, and finally attacked their base in northern Jiangxi. During the fierce battle, someone blew up the main base.”

“Huh!”

“Most of the Hongyo Society assassins were killed, and their base was destroyed, so it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they were annihilated. However, the identity of the client has become a mystery.”

“The explosion was from the Hongyo Society?”

“We don’t know the exact circumstances, but… that’s highly likely.”

Jeagal Mun-ho nodded with a stern face.

“That’s fortunate. It must have been incredibly difficult to track down the assassins.”

“Yes. It was entirely Commander Yeon’s achievement to break through the Hongyo Society’s base. He is said to have pursued them relentlessly.”

“I see.”

Jeagal Mun-ho deliberately mentioned the pursuit, and Ga Deuk-sang skillfully picked up on his words.

This was because there could be controversy over Yeon Ho-jeong’s qualifications. Although he had shown great skill, the fact that those injured were from the Nine Great Sects could easily lead to such discussions.

Realizing this, the two men preemptively blocked any potential issues.

Ga Deuk-sang spoke proactively.

“Although there was an unfortunate incident, if we look at the results, they have achieved great feats in the past few months. And that was with almost no support from the Alliance.”

Yong Hwa Jin-in said with a sullen face.

“That was unavoidable. The Martial Alliance has only just begun to operate properly. The situation was too chaotic to manage the flow of funds or create a budget.”

Ga Deuk-sang smiled.

“Yes, that’s right. I’m sure Commander Yeon is aware of that. What I mean is that we should provide them with support now.”

“Hmm.”

“As you can see from the Myeolsa Army’s actions so far, they can become stronger and more thorough. They have proven their worth, so as an advisor to the Intelligence Department, I request full support for them.”

The assembly nodded.

Although their intentions and personalities differed, they were all people who had lived through the harsh Jianghu. They all knew how difficult it was for those who had joined an organization not long ago to achieve such feats.

At that moment, the Abbot of Shaolin, Gong Gong, spoke.

“The selection of personnel for the Tangma Army is complete, and the personnel assignments for each unit and organization have also been finalized.”

The assembly held its breath.

Moyong Gun’s eyes darkened as he looked at Gong Gong.

‘As expected.’

Since the establishment of the Martial Alliance, he had been very busy. That busyness was entirely for the purpose of solidifying his power base.

But he had not yet reached it. That position.

‘The power in his words is different.’

The world treated the Nine Great Sects and the Six Great Families as equals, but there was a clear hierarchy within them.

Among them, Shaolin was by far the best. The authority of the thousand-year-old Shaolin, known as the Taishan Beidou [the most respected figure] of the martial world, was undeniable.

“In this humble monk’s opinion, the Myeolsa Army was too unconventional from its inception. It was tolerated because the Alliance’s foundation was not yet solid, but in fact, it was not right for one of the Yu-gun units of the Tangma Myeolsa to go out into the world without any control.”

The assembly nodded.

Of course, intelligence officers followed the Myeolsa Army every time they moved. That was the minimum measure the Martial Alliance could take.

That was not how an organization should be. It had been tolerated until now, but it could not continue.

“However.”

Gong Gong wore a faint smile.

“The passionate commander and the soldiers who follow him, even at their age when their blood is boiling, have not turned their eyes away from their goal and are moving forward. Moreover, they have achieved such great feats in just a few months.”

“……”

“I don’t know what the council members here think, but this humble monk feels that it would be acceptable to grant them some special privileges.”

The head of the Emei Sect, Bok Ho, agreed.

“Special privileges are not always a bad thing. Moreover, I believe that even if the Myeolsa Army had not achieved any feats, we should still give them our support.”

Pung Byeok-ja asked with a puzzled look.

“Why do you think so? Special privileges could easily cause dissatisfaction among other organizations.”

“They can be dissatisfied. But I believe we all owe a debt to the Myeolsa Army.”

“A debt?”

Bok Ho’s eyes became wistful.

“They have gone out to punish the villains that the council members here, as well as the entire White Path martial world, have been quietly ignoring. And they are young people who have not even reached the age of thirty.”

“……”

“Even if we don’t consider anything else, we should at least appreciate their intentions, but we have only tried to control the Myeolsa Army. It’s a natural action, but I think we should reflect on what we need to reflect on.”

The atmosphere in the Museong Hall became solemn at Bok Ho’s words.

She smiled and looked at Yeon Wi.

“Lord Yeon must be very pleased.”

“Yes?”

“Many people have questioned the reputation of the ‘Tiger of Byeoksan.’ Some even try to downplay it by saying that rumors in the Jianghu are not to be trusted.”

“……”

“But after experiencing, seeing, and feeling a series of events, I now understand. Lord Yeon has raised his son very well. It is truly a blessing for the Central Plains that such a talented person has already taken up the flag and sword for the sake of justice.”

It was a rare compliment.

Yeon Wi bowed his head.

“He is still lacking in many ways. When Commander Yeon returns in the future, I hope you will teach him with strictness and discipline rather than praise.”

Gong Gong burst into laughter.

“Haha, what the abbess says is right. If anyone should learn, it should be us. It seems Lord Yeon is being too modest.”

Ga Deuk-sang smiled secretly.

The goodwill towards the Myeolsa Army was deepening. Much more than he had expected.

At this rate, no one would question the reason for the Myeolsa Army’s existence. Ga Deuk-sang was satisfied with that.

It was then.

“That’s right.”

Everyone’s attention was focused on one place.

It was Moyong Gun.

“As you said, the Myeolsa Army has achieved great feats. They deserve a proper reward.”

Gong Gong smiled and said.

“Lord Moyong must be pleased as well.”

Moyong Gun was the one who proposed the creation of the independent Yu-gun and recommended Yeon Ho-jeong. That was what Gong Gong was referring to.

Moyong Gun burst into a hearty laugh.

“Haha! Of course, I’m pleased. But I had somewhat foreseen it. It may be presumptuous to say, but Commander Yeon is one of the best talents I have ever seen. I fully expected this kind of result.”

“Haha.”

“However, I believe the Myeolsa Army, which has been traversing the Central Plains for the past few months, must be quite exhausted.”

Everyone nodded.

The Myeolsa Army had been relentlessly defeating Black Path factions. In the Black Path martial world, the Myeolsa Army was already being called the army of death, the army of devils.

“Therefore, I propose this.”

A sinister glint appeared in Moyong Gun’s eyes, unnoticed by anyone.

“The founding ceremony of the Tangma Army is not far away. Why don’t we take this opportunity to reward them and give them a rest by calling the Myeolsa Army to the Alliance?”

“That’s a good idea.”

Bok Ho immediately agreed.

“People tend to become physically and mentally exhausted if they are always tense and on edge. It wouldn’t be bad to call them in at this time.”

Most of the council members agreed with Moyong Gun’s words.

Ga Deuk-sang looked at Jeagal Mun-ho.

Jeagal Mun-ho had a smile on his face, but his eyes were subtly tense.

Ga Deuk-sang opened his mouth.

“After finding out the Myeolsa Army’s future plans, it would be best to call them…”

At that moment, Tang Gwan spoke.

“Personally, I would like to give a gift to the Myeolsa Army for their hard work.”

The council members were surprised. They had never expected the proud and stubborn Tang Clan head to say such a thing.

“Therefore, please call them quickly.”

Ga Deuk-sang’s eyes wavered.

He quickly looked at Moyong Gun’s face and felt a chill run down his spine. Moyong Gun’s smile and eyes were truly meaningful.

Ga Deuk-sang was about to speak again when.

“Since that is the will of the council members, please contact the Myeolsa Army today.”

Ga Deuk-sang was startled and looked at Jeagal Mun-ho.

Jeagal Mun-ho said calmly.

“I hope the advisor will put in some effort. So that they can be contacted as quickly as possible.”

Jeagal Mun-ho’s eyes were saying this:

You must not interfere any further. Now is not the time to create a sense of unease.

Ga Deuk-sang gritted his teeth.

“…I will contact the Myeolsa Army right away.”