Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 175

The Tangma Myeolsa Army entered Shandong after ten days. They could have moved faster using their movement techniques, but they needed to conserve their stamina in case a fight broke out. They traveled strictly on military horses.

Surprisingly, there were no significant issues between the two units during those ten days.

The fact that there were no clashes despite their different affiliations meant that control was being well-maintained. Of course, as each individual was a carefully selected martial artist, they also had their own self-discipline.

Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes gleamed.

A cool breeze blew across the vast expanse of Shandong.

“The air is different here.”

Different regions have different terrains, and different terrains have different climates.

The wind in Shandong was cool but also carried a strange dampness. Even though it was far from the coast, it felt like there was a faint salty smell.

Yeon Ho-jeong looked at Muk Bi.

Muk Bi’s face was strangely stiff.

“Does it remind you of the old days?”

“Pardon?”

“I heard Gwanil Valley was in Mount Tai. I’m asking if it reminds you of Gwanil Valley.”

Muk Bi gave a wry smile.

“It would be a lie to say it doesn’t. It feels strange.”

Yeon Ho-jeong chuckled.

“It’s a broken tie now. It can’t be helped for now, but it’s better to get into the habit of forgetting it.”

“I’ll try.”

Yeon Ho-jeong slapped Muk Bi on the back.

Thwack!

“Ouch! That hurts!”

“Keep your core tight and let’s go.”

“I’m already tense without you saying that! Ow, that hurts. You’re just ridiculously strong.”

Yeon Ho-jeong’s face became a bit more serious.

“We’ve been working together for months, so we’re fine, but there could be casualties in the Tangma Army.”

Muk Bi’s face also became serious.

“The enemy’s strength is not to be underestimated. It’s inevitable. Even if they haven’t mastered martial arts, a thousand trained swordsmen are a threat in themselves.”

“That’s right. And they’re not divided like we are.”

“Exactly. I heard the Hoirangdan [a bandit group] has a history of over ten years. There are few bandit groups that have grown to that extent in ten years. If those guys fight as one, they’ll be stronger than you can imagine.”

Yeon Ho-jeong scanned the Tangma Army.

“Your role in this fight isn’t to kill the enemy, but to protect our allies.”

Muk Bi nodded.

“I understand.”

“Who in our main force is good at close combat and defense?”

“Okcheong is good at defense, and Cheokgang is good at close combat.”

“I’ll put those two together, so secure the highest ground before we reach the battlefield. If you have any leeway, then focus on annihilating the enemy. Got it?”

“Suppressive fire followed by annihilation fire. I understand.”

“Good. I’m counting on you.”

Muk Bi looked at Yeon Ho-jeong as if surprised.

“That’s unexpected?”

“What is?”

“‘I’m counting on you’… It doesn’t sound like something Young Master Yeon would say.”

Yeon Ho-jeong chuckled.

“Even if you have a lot of practical experience, if you’ve never moved with a large force, you’re a newbie. And those newbies have become our allies. It’s only natural since it’s a matter of our allies’ lives.”

“…Allies.”

Muk Bi looked around at the lined-up Tangma Army.

Most of the soldiers in the Tangma Army were already renowned experts in the martial world.

As they were experts from all over the world, their ages and personalities varied greatly. Yet, under Moyong Woo’s strict control, they were emitting a considerable military spirit.

‘Impressive.’

Muk Bi looked at Moyong Woo.

Moyong Woo, standing at a distance and looking down at the land of Shandong, looked like a painting.

‘He’s not just strong in martial arts, but he’s also great at controlling his soldiers.’

Now Muk Bi knew how difficult it was to control people.

The number of soldiers in the Myeolsa Army was just under fifty. Yeon Ho-jeong had them experience real combat from the beginning to control those less than fifty people.

Even so, there were moments during training when they were not properly controlled. Yeon Ho-jeong patiently communicated with them and naturally turned them into an elite force.

‘Does that mean his ability to lead a group is better than Young Master Yeon’s?’

Muk Bi inwardly shook his head.

That was still unknown. However, he had to acknowledge his ability to control five hundred soldiers with strong personalities in just a few days at the age of thirty.

‘Let’s stop with the useless thoughts. We came here to annihilate the enemy. We just need to focus on accomplishing our mission.’

As Muk Bi regained his focus, Yeon Ho-jeong approached Moyong Woo.

“Are we moving out right away?”

“We have to.”

“From now on, it’s a speed battle. Since it’s their first real battle, you need to pay attention to controlling the soldiers.”

Moyong Woo glanced at Yeon Ho-jeong.

“Were you like that too, Yeonje?”

“Like what?”

“Nervous, I mean.”

Yeon Ho-jeong smiled.

“I was nervous. I was worried about what would happen if even one of them died in the first battle.”

“Fortunately, there were no casualties in the Myeolsa Army.”

“Because their skills were good from the start. And we were lucky.”

Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes gleamed.

“But casualties can happen at any time. You need to be prepared.”

“I am. But I’m still nervous, that’s the problem.”

Moyong Woo took a deep breath.

“Alright, shall we go?”

“Okay.”

Neigh!

Two military horses, letting out loud cries, powerfully stomped their feet. Then, the soldiers of the Tangma Myeolsa Army each raised their reins.

Thundering.

The Tangma Myeolsa Army, coming down the slope, ran at a terrifying speed.

There were quite a few White Path sects in various parts of Shandong. Thanks to the official letter from the Martial Alliance, they were able to receive good feed and meals at any sect they visited.

Five days passed like that.

The Tangma Myeolsa Army, which had quickly entered the central part of Shandong, stopped at the Shandong Jinan branch of the Beggars’ Sect.

“The location has changed.”

“Changed?”

“The Hoirangdan, who were hiding in the Zhangqiu area until a few days ago, have disappeared. And they have reappeared near Dongying.”

Dongying was one of the easternmost counties in Shandong Province, adjacent to the East Sea.

“Why did they suddenly move? The higher-ups clearly said they would stay for about a month?”

“We don’t know the exact reason yet. But since they are bandits, there is a risk that villages near Dongying will be attacked.”

“Oh, dear.”

“Just in case, I sent Beggars’ Sect members to the area, but we haven’t heard back yet.”

Moyong Woo looked at Yeon Ho-jeong.

Yeon Ho-jeong said with a stern face.

“It’s never bad to be careful, but something feels off.”

It was then.

“Commander.”

The two turned their heads.

There was Jeagal Ayeon. Since her position was vacant, she was using honorifics with Yeon Ho-jeong.

Jeagal Ayeon said.

“You said the Hoirangdan’s strength was much greater than expected, right?”

“That’s right.”

“There’s a fairly famous force located near Dongying in Shandong.”

Moyong Woo tilted his head.

“Was there a famous sect in Dongying?”

“It’s not a sect, but a merchant group. The main branch of the Haeryong Merchant Group is in Dongying.”

“… !”

“Just in case, I think it would be good to contact the Haeryong Merchant Group. They will definitely help.”

“Or.”

Everyone looked at Yeon Ho-jeong.

Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes deepened.

“The Hoirangdan’s target might be the Haeryong Merchant Group.”

Jeagal Ayeon said with a doubtful look.

“The Haeryong Merchant Group is one of the largest merchant groups in Shandong. If they were to touch them, things could get very big. Would the Hoirangdan really do that?”

“I don’t think it’s impossible.”

“Why?”

“You can tell by the Tangma Commander’s reaction.”

Moyong Woo blinked.

“My reaction?”

“Did you know about the Haeryong Merchant Group?”

“Ah, of course.”

“But why didn’t you think of the Haeryong Merchant Group even when you heard that the Hoirangdan was heading to Dongying?”

“That’s…”

Moyong Woo was flustered.

“They are more of a merchant group than a martial arts force…”

He couldn’t finish his sentence.

Surprise appeared on Jeagal Ayeon’s face.

“See? That’s how most people react. If it’s not a martial arts sect, they don’t pay much attention to even a famous merchant group or battlefield.”

Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes flashed.

“In other words, it’s not that strange for the Hoirangdan to attack the Haeryong Merchant Group.”

“But, the Hoirangdan is a bandit group. There’s no way they would have the insight of a commander like you…”

“Whether they have insight or not, the important thing is that there is a possibility.”

Moyong Woo shouted.

“Tangma Myeolsa Army, prepare to advance!”

Neigh!

Tension was evident in the eyes of the soldiers who quickly mounted their horses.

They were tense even when going to annihilate a mere bandit group. A martial artist full of pride would surely scoff at this.

That was how well Yeon Ho-jeong and Moyong Woo had instilled the Hoirangdan’s strength. In the first place, an organization that had steadily grown its power for ten years was dangerous enough.

“Let’s go!”

Thundering!

The five hundred and fifty soldiers galloped at a more terrifying speed than ever before.

Jeagal Ayeon rode her horse next to Yeon Ho-jeong.

“If they really do attack the Haeryong Merchant Group, it’s going to be a huge problem!”

Yeon Ho-jeong turned to Jeagal Ayeon.

Jeagal Ayeon shouted again with an anxious face.

“The Haeryong Merchant Group is one of the main pillars of commerce in Shandong! If the Haeryong Merchant Group collapses, the commerce of Shandong will be shaken, and if the commerce of Shandong is shaken, the martial world of Shandong will also be shaken!”

The rise and fall of one force could shake an entire region.

That was the way of the world. It was the same principle as a small breeze from the south turning into a storm in the north.

The world had changed like that. The martial world was no exception to this principle.

“We have to stop them no matter what.”

“Absolutely!”

How long had they been riding?

“Myeolsa Commander!”

Moyong Woo shouted.

“Urgent report! A group of one hundred and fifty, presumed to be the Hoirangdan, is heading towards Hwaun-ri, southeast of Dongying!”

“Where is the main base of the Hoirangdan?”

“Five li [approximately 1.9 miles] ahead of the Haeryong Merchant Group!”

Yeon Ho-jeong gritted his teeth.

‘Those bastards are giving me a headache.’

Was this also a strategy of the bandits?

A wicked tactic to split up any forces that might be following them. If it was the Black Path, they wouldn’t attack, and if it was the White Path, they would uphold chivalry and not tolerate attacks on civilians.

“We will go to Hwaun-ri!”

Yeon Ho-jeong and Moyong Woo’s eyes met in the air.

The gazes of the two leaders, bound by an unknown trust.

“Clean up and join us immediately!”

Yeon Ho-jeong bowed his head.

“I obey the orders of the commander!”

A short command, and a clear answer.

Muk Bi, who had seen the two people’s conversation and actions from behind, felt his heart inexplicably pounding.

As if they had been working together for a long time.

As if they had promised to do so, as if they had been lord and vassal from the beginning.

The sight of the two people giving orders without hesitation and answering as if it were natural had a magical power that made the onlookers feel a strange sense of relief.

Whoooosh!

Pure white true energy surged from Yeon Ho-jeong’s body.

Whoosh!

Fierce and powerful true energy spread in all directions. It was a powerful aura that exuded a terrifying spirit.

Yeon Ho-jeong shouted.

“Myeolsa Army, prepare for battle!”

Clang!

At the thunderous shout that rivaled Daeho’s roar, all the Myeolsa soldiers drew their weapons.

The Tangma Army, including Moyong Woo, was startled. The free spirit they had shown while coming here had instantly turned into a murderous ferocity.

The tremendous spirit emitted by fifty elite soldiers.

It was the overwhelming military spirit of the Myeolsa Army, which had been honed through countless real battles and killings, something that the current Tangma Army did not have.

“Let’s go!”

The Myeolsa Army, breaking away from the formation, charged towards Hwaun-ri at a terrifying speed.