Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 182

“Yang Cheon, is it?”

Ga Deuk-Sang scratched his head vigorously.

“I’ve heard a lot about him, but honestly, I know very little. Our old man…”

“…”

“No, I mean, my master tried many things to investigate Yang Cheon, you know? But so far, he hasn’t found out anything concrete.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. His alias is ‘Fighting King.’ His name is Yang Cheon, and he’s estimated to be sixty-three years old this year. Despite his age, his energy is so great that he’s still considered one of the best in hand-to-hand combat in the Central Plains.”

“His alias is already ‘Fighting King.’ I’ve heard his fighting style is so exhilarating and exquisite that anyone from both the righteous and evil paths would admire it.”

“Yes. But his personality is said to be vicious and cruel. Once he holds a grudge, he’ll chase you to the ends of the Central Plains to destroy you.”

“Sounds similar to the Tang Clan.”

“Actually, in some ways, he’s even more meticulous. They say that such a master will chase you down alone and beat you until you die.”

“Hmm? Why is that more meticulous?”

“It’s not easy to do that at his age.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho chuckled, a small, involuntary sound.

Ga Deuk-Sang was a smart man. He might not be skilled in martial arts, but his intellect was certainly worthy of being the successor of the Beggars’ Sect. [A sect known for its intelligence network and information gathering].

However, he was sometimes taken aback when such coarse jokes came out of his mouth.

Of course, there was often a hidden meaning in those jokes. That was why Ga Deuk-Sang’s words could not be taken lightly.

“Anyway, that’s all the information we have about him. We don’t know where his sect is, why he joined the dark path, where his home is, or if he has any siblings. Nothing is known.”

“But we know about his disciples, right? And the names of their martial arts.”

“Ah! That’s true. But it seems he didn’t fully pass on his martial arts to his disciples.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. It’s said that the disciples who have appeared in the Central Plains each use different martial arts.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes sparkled with interest.

“So, either he didn’t pass on his own martial arts, or he broke down his martial arts and passed them on separately?”

“Exactly. I think it’s closer to the latter, but even that’s not certain.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho stroked his beard, deep in thought.

“He’s the least known among the Thirteen Seats of the Heavenly Star…”

“Thinking about it, it’s strange. For a martial artist, fame is like their life, but that man, despite having such great martial arts, is reluctant to appear in the Central Plains.”

“You could say he has a very thorough personality. The more you know about yourself, the more weaknesses you have.”

“Of course, but he’s already been given the title of ‘Fighting King.'”

“That’s why he might be even more cautious.”

“Hmm, thinking about it, that could be the case.”

Ga Deuk-Sang sighed.

“That Fighting King, now he’s not only showing himself openly, but he’s even unleashed his disciples.”

“He must be aiming for something.”

“What could he be aiming for? Not knowing his intentions makes it difficult to dispatch our people.”

“The best master of the dark path has appeared openly, just when the Martial Alliance was established. The situation smells unusually foul.”

“What should we do? Should we investigate properly?”

Jeagal Mun-Ho pondered.

‘The dark path…’

In fact, the dark path had been on a path of decline since the Blood Sect incident three hundred years ago. [A major historical event that weakened the dark sects].

It was inevitable. They were called the dark path and the evil sect, but their survival principle was ultimately money and betrayal. It was a world of the survival of the fittest, where only the survivors were recognized as the strong.

They were fundamentally different from the righteous sects of the white path, which pursued righteousness, cooperation, morality, ethics, ideals, and good.

In a way, they were people who lived in a place where the most primal survival principles of the human world were blatantly rooted.

“Whatever it is, we can’t just sit still. The Thirteen Seats of the Heavenly Star are legendary by name. Most of them are masters from previous generations, and only a few are actually active.”

“That’s right.”

“The alias of the Thirteen Seats of the Heavenly Star is ‘Martial Gods.’ The power of each of them is so immense that they could single-handedly handle a sect of the Nine Great Sects or the Six Great Clans.”

A deep tension settled in Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes.

“Yang Cheon is one of those monsters. If he unites the dark path, the world will once again fall into a chaotic swamp.”

“In the end, we have no choice but to investigate.”

“That’s right.”

Ga Deuk-Sang frowned.

“There’s a problem there too.”

“The lives of our informants.”

“That’s a given.”

“Hmm?”

“Whether we send our people or send them under the guise of the Martial Alliance, once they’re caught, they won’t survive. That man’s personality is so terrible.”

“That’s true.”

“We’re all risking our lives anyway, so we can handle that, but the problem is Yang Cheon’s reaction.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes sparkled.

“If we send them as members of the Martial Alliance, does that mean Yang Cheon might move more cautiously?”

“That’s right.”

Ga Deuk-Sang tapped the map spread out on the table.

“They probably know that we’re keeping an eye on them. They’re probably being careful enough. But we shouldn’t give the impression that we’ve started to actively check them, that they need to be careful.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho also agreed with Ga Deuk-Sang’s words.

The opponent was none other than the Fighting King, Yang Cheon. If he decided to hide, there would be no one who could find him, and conversely, if he decided to move, there would be few who could stop him. He was a difficult person to touch in many ways.

There was a good reason why even the usually bold Ga Deuk-Sang was being so cautious.

Jeagal Mun-Ho sighed.

“It’s truly frustrating. It’s a problem when one person’s power is too great.”

“That’s right. But we can’t just sit back and watch, so it’s become a real headache.”

It was then.

Yeon-Wi, who had been silent until now, opened his mouth.

“In the end, it’s a problem that doesn’t have an immediate answer.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho nodded.

“That’s right.”

“Hmm.”

A subtle expectation appeared on Jeagal Mun-Ho’s face.

Yeon-Wi was holding his chin and pondering. A strange light flashed across his stoic face for a moment.

Jeagal Mun-Ho cautiously asked.

“Do you have another idea?”

Yeon-Wi was a wise man. He wasn’t as skilled at looking at the big picture as he or Ga Deuk-Sang were, but he had a history of overcoming difficulties with his brilliant wit.

Fortunately, this time as well, Yeon-Wi did not disappoint Jeagal Mun-Ho’s expectations.

It was just that it was too unconventional.

“Jeagal Clan Leader’s wisdom is beyond words, and Ga Deuk-Sang is also a very intelligent man. But even with the two of you worrying, there’s no answer.”

“I’m ashamed.”

“Then, shouldn’t we gather more heads?”

Jeagal Mun-Ho and Ga Deuk-Sang’s faces showed bewilderment.

“What do you mean by gathering more heads…?”

“Someone who can solve such a troublesome problem with an unconventional approach. Someone who is well-versed in the affairs of the martial world, and in a way, someone who can be said to be the most dangerous person in the current Martial Alliance.”

Although it was a completely different person, Jeagal Mun-Ho suddenly thought of Yeon Ho-Jeong.

Yeon Ho-Jeong was a person who fit Yeon-Wi’s description. Beyond his martial arts, he was skilled in politics, quick-witted, and had the ability to change the game to his liking with unconventional tactics.

It was astonishing that such an amazing ability was possessed by a young man who had just reached adulthood. Such an ability was, in a way, a more terrifying power than martial arts.

‘Hmm.’

Jeagal Mun-Ho and Ga Deuk-Sang’s eyes met.

The two realized that they had thought of the same person. That was how amazing Yeon Ho-Jeong’s achievements were.

Of course, the person Yeon-Wi was talking about was not Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“He is also a servant of the Martial Alliance, and a person who walks the righteous path in his own way. I thought it wouldn’t be bad to discuss this troublesome matter with him.”

“By servant, do you mean…?”

Yeon-Wi’s eyes turned cold.

“Moyong Clan Leader.”

Surprise appeared on Jeagal Mun-Ho’s face.

Ga Deuk-Sang hurriedly said.

“C, Clan Leader. That won’t do!”

“Why not?”

“He’s an ambitious man. And he has an absurd ambition. He’s someone who will use any means necessary for power, to put it bluntly, he’s a villain.”

“You’re right.”

“But how can you ask for help from that bastard Moyong… I’m sorry. From Moyong Clan Leader?”

“Because he has the ability.”

“Yes?”

Yeon-Wi’s gaze became colder as time passed.

“He is a capable person. Of course, I wouldn’t want to ask such a person for this kind of favor under normal circumstances. But the opponent is a monster who occupies one of the Thirteen Seats of the Heavenly Star, and furthermore, a person with the power to throw the world into chaos.”

“…!”

“I won’t say the common phrase of fighting evil with evil. I don’t intend to do that either. But I think it wouldn’t be bad to hear his thoughts, and if they’re reasonable, to accept his opinion.”

Ga Deuk-Sang looked at Jeagal Mun-Ho.

“Strategist. What do you think?”

“Hmm.”

A serious look fell on Jeagal Mun-Ho’s face.

“To be honest, I oppose this proposal from Clan Leader Yeon.”

“Is that so?”

“Emotionally, yes.”

“Then?”

Jeagal Mun-Ho sighed.

“They say too many cooks spoil the broth. But if there’s no harm in listening, I think the more opinions, the better.”

Yeon-Wi nodded.

“I think so too.”

“Hehe.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho gave a hollow laugh.

Moyong Gun was an enemy. He was a member of the same Six Great Clans and a servant of the Martial Alliance, but he had never once thought of him as an ally.

It seemed that he had unconsciously drawn a line because of that thought.

He was excluding someone who could be used, because of personal feelings.

‘I’m still lacking a lot.’

Jeagal Mun-Ho nodded with a determined look.

“Whether it’s a dazzling sword or a butcher’s knife, if the ingredients are prepared well, the quality of the dish will also improve.”

He stood up from his seat.

“I understand. Since the topic has come up, I’ll have to borrow Moyong Clan Leader’s brain. Will you join me?”

“I will.”

Then Ga Deuk-Sang opened his mouth.

“But, you know…”

“Hmm?”

Ga Deuk-Sang still seemed uneasy as he smacked his lips and said.

“If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better to hold a meeting of the servants and discuss it together?”

Yeon-Wi and Jeagal Mun-Ho spoke at the same time.

“That won’t do.”

“It’s impossible.”

Their answers were absolutely firm. Ga Deuk-Sang shrank back without realizing it.

Of course, even if he was intimidated, he still spoke.

“Why is that?”

Yeon-Wi said.

“Because sides have been taken.”

“Yes?”

Jeagal Mun-Ho added an explanation.

“If we hold a meeting of the servants, those who have joined hands with Moyong Gun will support him as much as possible and turn it into a factional fight.”

“Ah…”

“And Moyong Gun will use the power of his faction to put forward proposals that are advantageous to him.”

Ga Deuk-Sang sighed. It was a reasonable point.

Jeagal Mun-Ho said coldly.

“This matter is one where we shouldn’t muddy the waters with infighting among the factions. It will only be a waste of time, and furthermore, there will be people who get hurt emotionally.”

“That shouldn’t happen.”

“That’s right. At least not in this case.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho said to Yeon-Wi.

“Shall we go?”

“Let’s go.”

Yeon-Wi’s gaze became as sharp as a blade.

“We must not let our guard down. That man will surely use cunning tactics if he sees any opening from our side.”