Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 189

“Have you arrived?”

“Have you been well?”

“Haha, thanks to you.”

“May I sit?”

“Of course. By the way, you could have seen me at today’s council meeting, so why did you come all the way to my residence?”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes narrowed.

“It is to give you a word of caution.”

Moyong Gun smiled faintly.

“I’m already looking forward to it. Please wait a moment. Even so, since a guest has arrived, I should at least offer some tea.”

Shortly after, teacups with a pleasant aroma were placed between the two men.

Jeagal Mun-Ho did not touch his tea.

“At today’s Bonggong Council [a council of influential figures], all matters regarding Yang Cheon will be settled.”

“I thought as much.”

“As you might have guessed, the direction will likely be to hand over command of this operation to Lord Moyong.”

Moyong Gun chuckled.

“One of the essential elements of command is speed. The person who has all the strategic maps in their head is the most suitable for command. I naturally guessed that.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho nodded.

“Let me speak frankly. Lord Moyong’s strategy and insight are outstanding. In some ways, you could be called the best among the Bonggong.”

“Oh my, how can you say such a thing? My strategy is only good enough for commoners. It’s not comparable to the head of the Shin-Jeagal.”

“As you know, but just in case, I’ll say it again.”

A fierce light flashed in Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes.

“In military operations, the military strategist is the ultimate decision-maker. Even if all the other Bonggong acknowledge Lord Moyong as the commander, you cannot become the commander unless I give my permission.”

Moyong Gun gave a meaningful smile.

“I know. Of course, bearing that political pressure is the strategist’s responsibility.”

“That’s right.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho leaned forward.

His gaze, fixed on Moyong Gun, was more intense than ever.

“Please promise me just one thing. That this operation will not be entangled with the power struggles of the Alliance.”

“Haha, what a disappointing thing to say?”

“I believe we have a good grasp of each other’s abilities and personalities. That’s why I’m saying this.”

It meant that he was capable of such things.

It was a rather rude remark, but Moyong Gun didn’t even blink.

“Does this Moyong Gun, reflected in Lord Jeagal’s wise eyes, seem like such an unprincipled person?”

“You are more frightening because you are principled. It’s harder to deal with when such a person acts without principle.”

“Hahahaha!”

Moyong Gun laughed, finding the remark amusing.

Surprisingly, there was no hint of displeasure in his laughter. Rather, it was a hearty laugh that even showed goodwill towards his opponent.

Listening to that laughter, Jeagal Mun-Ho thought,

‘He’s become more frightening.’

In the past, Moyong Gun had responded to criticism beyond a certain point with a sharp retort.

But not now. Moyong Gun had become a person who could genuinely laugh even when faced with harsh criticism and clear suspicion.

It was as if the most venomous snake in the world had grown into an Imugi [a mythical Korean serpent that can become a dragon].

‘What on earth is making you become such a monster?’

Of course, he already knew the answer.

‘Lord Yeon…’

More precisely, he was shocked by the unconventional attacks from the opposing faction led by Yeon Ho-Jeong.

But Moyong Gun was not the type to shrink back from being surprised. Rather, he was the type to use it as an opportunity to reflect on his own shortcomings.

He was a truly frightening and pitiful person. If only he had turned that self-reflection to his character, but why did he turn it to political strife?

Moyong Gun said with a smile.

“Don’t worry. This person, though a petty man who will not hesitate to engage in trickery at times, at least knows the stage on which to fight.”

“……”

“I don’t care about the existence of the Fighting King, Yang Cheon. But if he gathers the Black Path [a term for the martial arts world’s dark side] and builds a large force, that would truly be a problem.”

“That’s right. Even if Lord Moyong were to hold the highest power in the White Path [a term for the martial arts world’s righteous side] in the future, it would still be a problem.”

“That’s right. In other words, this fight is unrelated to the interests of the factions.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho, who had been quietly watching Moyong Gun, nodded.

“I will trust you.”

“You can trust me. And you can trust this person in the future as well.”

“I can’t be so sure about that.”

“Haha, whether you cross a mountain, take a main road, or reach the sea, it’s all the same. I won’t deny that I have personal ambitions, but I too am someone who desires the prosperity of the White Path martial world.”

“I will trust you only up to that point.”

“Hahahaha!”

Jeagal Mun-Ho rose from his seat.

“Lord Moyong.”

“Speak.”

“Do you know why I believe Lord Moyong’s words? Even though no seal was signed.”

Interest sparked on Moyong Gun’s face.

“Yes, I’m curious. You’re not the type to believe a single word asking for trust, so why do you believe me?”

“It is to show you my resolve.”

“Resolve…”

“That’s right.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s face turned cold.

“As a military strategist, I must maintain neutrality. It was to maintain that neutrality that I was blocking the faction members, including the Lord.”

“Haha.”

“But if even the slightest suspicion is raised about this operation…”

Flash!

Murderous intent flared in Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes.

“Then, you will experience just how vicious the attack of a military strategist who has abandoned neutrality can be.”

Moyong Gun did not lose his smile.

However, his gaze was just as cold as Jeagal Mun-Ho’s.

Jeagal Mun-Ho clasped his hands in a formal bow.

“I have committed many discourtesies due to unnecessary worries. When you have time, please visit my residence. I will offer you good wine as an apology for today’s events.”

Moyong Gun laughed heartily.

“Don’t they say that men become friends while fighting? Don’t worry about it too much.”

“Then.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho left the room.

Moyong Gun, staring at the empty chair, muttered quietly.

“Tch! What a person. I went to the trouble of brewing expensive tea leaves, but they didn’t even take a single sip?”

It meant that he was being that cautious of him. If it was something related to this side, he wouldn’t trust anything properly.

Moyong Gun chuckled.

“Do you know, Lord Jeagal? Just by you suspecting everything about me, you could plunge yourself and all those who follow you into a pit?”

Jeagal Mun-Ho, who had left Moyong Gun’s residence, called for Jeagal Ayeon.

“You called, Father?”

“Have you heard? About Lord Yeon.”

Jeagal Ayeon’s face hardened.

“Yes. I have heard.”

“It seems that, contrary to my expectations, Lord Yeon does not intend to bring the Myeolsa Army [a powerful, elite military unit].”

“…Because it’s not an operation to annihilate the enemy.”

Even if it wasn’t an annihilation battle, the Myeolsa Army’s strength would be a great help.

Especially since the Myeolsa Army was absolutely obedient to Yeon Ho-Jeong. They were like friends in private, but the moment they entered a mission, they would immediately respond to the commander’s orders.

Such a trustworthy force could be a psychological help, even if they didn’t fight together.

Yeon Ho-Jeong thought that even that wasn’t necessary.

‘You’re so like you.’

But he couldn’t help but worry. Not only was the opponent formidable, but the operation itself was also highly difficult.

Seeing his daughter sigh with such a complicated expression, Jeagal Mun-Ho said,

“Will you go with him?”

“Yes?”

“I’m asking if you will go with Lord Yeon.”

Jeagal Ayeon’s eyes widened.

“C-can I really?”

Wasn’t this the father who had said he would use his power to keep her out of it? But now he was saying the opposite. It was even more surprising because he was someone who rarely changed his mind once he had said something.

Jeagal Mun-Ho said,

“Lord Yeon’s abilities are certainly outstanding. His martial arts and strategy are beyond what one would expect at his age. However, such people are prone to showing weaknesses at crucial moments.”

“Ah…”

“In fact, I don’t want to send my daughter to a place of death either. But since I’ve removed one of the most worrying problems, I can breathe a little easier.”

“A worrying problem?”

“There is such a thing.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes gleamed.

“So I ask you. Will you lead this dangerous operation with Lord Yeon?”

Jeagal Ayeon smiled.

A heroic smile settled on her beautiful face.

“I’ll complete it splendidly and return, Father.”

* * *

“Huff! Huff!”

His breathing was ragged.

With his breathing out of sync, his internal energy was not flowing properly. The rate at which his stamina was decreasing was noticeably faster, and his reaction speed was noticeably slower.

However, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s concentration did not falter. Rather, it shone even brighter when faced with a crisis.

‘Amazing.’

Whoooom.

The dignity of the strongest of the Byeoksan Yeon family, revealing an intangible sword energy within his torn sleeve.

‘Incredible martial arts!’

Yeon Ho-Jeong was certain.

That the most difficult opponent he had ever faced, including his time as the Black Demon Emperor and all the enemies he had fought since his regression, was right in front of him.

It wasn’t about the level of martial arts. If it were just about the level of martial arts, Yang Cheon was also strong, and Moyong Gun during his time as the Martial Alliance Leader, as well as the Demonic Cult Leader, were all worthy of being called the best in the world.

Yeon Wi, with his martial prowess that did not reach them, was giving Yeon Ho-Jeong the worst sense of crisis.

‘It’s not because his practical combat skills are outstanding. Yet, I can’t counterattack. I’ve never been pushed this helplessly before.’

Even Yeon Ho-Jeong was using killing moves.

Yet, he couldn’t touch him. Yeon Wi, the head of the Byeoksan Yeon family, the Judge of the Great Hall, had already seen through his son’s martial arts and abilities and was thoroughly exploiting his weaknesses.

Exploiting weaknesses. It was an act unbecoming of a White Path person who valued fairness.

“Do you understand?”

“Huff huff! Yes?”

Swoosh.

The sword energy that had been enveloping Yeon Wi’s hand vanished as if it had been washed away.

“Your practical combat skills are excellent. But the Black Path is different. All sorts of cowardly tactics are rampant in the Black Path martial world. The petty attacks that this father has shown you today are nothing compared to their methods.”

That was true.

However, he wouldn’t be pushed this far even if he fought any master of the Black Path.

Because he was his father.

He couldn’t withstand it because he was his father, who had seen and remembered every single one of his son’s martial arts and habits.

This was the reason why he usually didn’t leave his opponents alive in a fight, and why he didn’t train in front of others.

Because anyone with a certain level of perception and skill could tilt the balance of a fight just by seeing it once.

“Yang Cheon is at the pinnacle of that. I hope it doesn’t happen, but if you ever have to fight him, you must run without looking back.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s breathing gradually stabilized.

“Don’t worry. I’m not stupid enough to grab the collar of an opponent I can’t beat.”

“Alright.”

Yeon Wi nodded.

“That’s enough. Running away from an enemy is a disgrace to a martial artist, but forcibly confronting a power you can’t handle is recklessness.”

“Yes.”

Yeon Wi, who had been quietly looking at Yeon Ho-Jeong, sighed.

“The moment I heard that you were participating in this operation, I started worrying about what I should do for you. Because I know I can’t break your stubbornness anyway.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“Unfortunately, this father can only do this much for you.”

Be aware of your own position. This was the way of the Black Path.

Yeon Wi wanted to make his son realize that.

“You must never overdo it. More important than the mission is life, and that life includes yours.”

“I understand.”

“Until you infiltrate the mission site, you must eat and sleep enough. That way, you can exert your strength at crucial moments.”

“Yes.”

“And… and…”

Yeon Wi closed his eyes.

“Don’t die.”

“……”