Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 209

“Lord Deputy.”

Yang Cheon opened his eyes, which had been closed.

His eyes looked somewhat hazy, filled with deep fatigue and confusion.

However, the old man could tell. His lord’s eyes were indeed filled with fatigue and confusion, but the desire within them burned far more intensely than it had half a day ago.

The flames of ambition seemed ready to engulf his entire being.

Even this Mukryong Deputy.

“What is it, White Rat?”

White Rat. The leader of the Twelve Zodiac Generals, Yang Cheon’s most loyal subjects.

The old man, White Rat, bowed his head.

“The honored guests have requested an external residence to stay in for the time being. I was told that the Lord Deputy had granted permission, so I am guiding them to a suitable manor, but…”

It was a question of whether it was truly alright to do so.

Yang Cheon’s answer was shocking.

“Grant them whatever they desire.”

“……!”

A glint appeared in White Rat’s eyes.

Grant them whatever they desire? Was it to that extent?

“From the start, he is not one to make unreasonable requests, and if he does, there must be a valid reason. Therefore, grant any reasonable request immediately.”

“…I obey the Lord Deputy’s command.”

White Rat, having bowed his head once more, rose from his seat and respectfully withdrew.

At that moment, Yang Cheon asked,

“Are you not going to ask?”

“…?”

“Why I am treating the descendant of the Mujong Clan, specifically that Jeong fellow, so favorably?”

White Rat turned back and respectfully bowed.

“You are my lord, Lord Deputy. A subordinate does not question their lord’s judgment.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, it is.”

Yang Cheon smiled.

It was a smile far from satisfaction. It was a smile tinged with a strange bitterness, yet it clearly showed a fundamental fondness for White Rat.

“White Rat.”

“Yes, Lord Deputy.”

“The justice shouted by the powerless is but empty words. Isn’t that so?”

“I believe so.”

“Then, what kind of person is one who is captivated by the ambition shouted by the powerless?”

“……”

“Is the powerful one whose heart races at those words foolish?”

“Lord Deputy.”

White Rat raised his head and looked directly at Yang Cheon.

It was a different kind of seriousness that White Rat did not usually show. Perhaps that was why his appearance seemed more dignified than rude.

“No matter what path you take, Lord Deputy, I believe you are worthy of ruling the world.”

“……”

“Do as you see fit. We, the Twelve Zodiac Generals, and the sects of the Black Path, did not bow our heads simply because of your martial prowess.”

Yang Cheon’s eyes gleamed.

“Not because of martial prowess?”

“The survival instinct of the Black Path is, in a way, the same as that of the common people living in troubled times. We may lack power, but we are not without wisdom.”

“Are you expecting something from me?”

“Yes, we are. We believe that you, Lord Deputy, are worthy of rising to greater heights. And we believe that by serving such a lord, our lives will also improve.”

“……”

“The path you walk is the path to the world, and the hope of all of us who follow you lies on that path.”

Yang Cheon nodded.

“I understand what you mean.”

“I have disturbed your peace with unnecessary words. I apologize.”

“It’s alright. You may leave now.”

“Yes.”

Thus, White Rat withdrew.

A hint of mockery flickered across Yang Cheon’s face as he looked towards the Hyeonam Gate.

“Everyone’s wishes are on my shoulders? It sounds good to hear.”

He recalled his conversation with Yeon Ho-Jeong.

‘You speak words that are truly difficult to bear.’

‘If you think they are difficult to bear, then there is no need for further conversation.’

‘What confidence is this? You too came to me because you lack the power to seize the world alone, did you not? If you had that much ability, you wouldn’t have waited for our approach while causing such a ruckus.’

‘That is correct.’

‘Your talent and boldness are exceptional. But there are many like you in this vast world. In the end, you too are just an arrogant fool intoxicated by a bit of superior ability, turning your eyes to the world.’

‘Ability and ambition are separate matters.’

‘Separate, yes. But among the countless people with ambition, only a handful truly achieve their dreams.’

He should have been intimidated by the cold rebuke, but instead, he seemed to see the face of the man who had smiled coldly before him.

‘You are changing the subject. My question was whether Lord Deputy Yang’s dream is limited to the Central Plains or extends to the outer regions as well.’

‘It is not worth answering. The reason is that it is not an issue to be discussed right now. How can one who cannot even govern their own front yard build a village?’

‘You are wrong.’

‘What?’

‘Lord Deputy Yang is excessively downplaying the reality he faces, while turning away from what he should be looking at, claiming it is out of reach.’

He never thought he would hear such words from such a young man.

As he demanded an explanation with a face that had stiffened on its own, Yeon Ho-Jeong said without batting an eye.

‘The Central Plains is not a front yard that you can make your own just by wanting it. Even a divine emperor would have to risk their life to gain even a tenth of it. It is like an impregnable fortress.’

‘……!’

‘However, encompassing the outer regions beyond the Central Plains within your basket of ambition is a matter of boldness, a matter of attitude. Lord Deputy Yang is only focused on trying to swallow the Central Plains, and has not turned his eyes beyond it.’

‘You do not know.’

The emotions of that time seemed to resurface, and Yang Cheon’s mouth felt bitter for no reason.

‘You truly do not know what the outer regions are like.’

‘……!’

‘You look surprised. Why? Do you doubt my words?’

‘……No.’

‘The world has far more diverse aspects than you think. One who is called a saint may be a villain committing evil deeds behind the scenes, and one who is known as a demon of the world may simply be someone who has been falsely accused.’

‘……’

‘To know and still be deceived is the way of the martial world, the way of the world, yet you would dare to covet the outer regions? That is arrogance. It is the greed of a young fool who is blinded by desire and cannot see reality.’

‘The Central Plains is the same.’

‘What?’

‘I said the Central Plains is the same. I dare say that no matter how much money Lord Deputy Yang has, or how much he increases the power of the Black Path, it will be difficult to devour the White Path orthodox sects.’

‘……Why do you think so?’

‘When a cat gains power, it does not think of using its wits, but rashly tries to show its claws first. The Black Path is the same. Regardless of Lord Deputy Yang’s abilities, the martial artists of the Black Path will surely act that way. Do you know why?’

‘……?!’

‘It is because Lord Deputy Yang has given the people of the Black Path a foolish hope.’

‘……!!’

‘Before turning your eyes to the world, you should have grasped the essence of the weapon you would make your own. That is why I asked. What is the end of the ambition that the Lord Deputy holds?’

‘……’

‘It is a pity. You have failed to prove your worth as my lord to me.’

‘Failed to prove… Hahaha, are you saying that I am not suitable as your lord?’

‘However.’

‘……?’

‘The relationship between lord and subject is not formed solely by proving ability and ambition, so I will speak my honest feelings. It is only a first impression, but I like Lord Deputy Yang.’

‘……!’

‘In five days, I will complete the report for the reorganization of the Mukryong Deputy’s organizational structure. Let us meet again then.’

‘Reorganization of the organizational structure… Do you have something in mind?’

‘I am not a fool who goes to the battlefield without preparation.’

‘What if I just take the report and dismiss you?’

‘I will consider it the price of my life.’

‘Hahahaha!’

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s voice echoed vividly in his ears.

Yang Cheon’s eyes deepened.

“A foolish hope.”

Hope costs nothing. That is why the act of giving hope to others should not be foolish.

If you recklessly give it out, it will surely lead to ruin.

“Hahaha.”

Yang Cheon burst into laughter without realizing it.

“That I, Yang Cheon, would learn the attitude of a world leader from a mere fledgling who has not even reached the age of thirty.”

Before leaving the Mukryong Hall, he recalled Yeon Ho-Jeong’s last words.

‘To complete the report, I may need various things. If I need anything, I will request it immediately, so please explain it well to your subordinates.’

What a bold fellow.

He had been keeping an eye on them, thinking they were an interesting group, but it turned out that they had been watching him first.

He had intended to meet them and judge their worth, but instead, he had been evaluated by the other party.

He was truly an extraordinary fellow. Not only did he boldly declare that he would use him to take over the world, but he also went so far as to scold him to change his mindset if he wanted to work together.

Could there be another like him in the world?

‘The problem is.’

The corners of Yang Cheon’s lips twitched.

‘I have become too fond of his arrogance, which borders on audacity.’

Could he cross the line?

He was not just crossing the line. He was not just crossing the line, but there was no line at all.

To the point where he, an absolute master who discussed the best in the world, was considered a piece on a chessboard.

‘It’s a first.’

It was a first. It was the first time he had seen a talent who could ride alongside his lord, not just a puppet who knew how to obey orders.

It was a first. It was the first time he had been captivated by a talent based solely on their skills and ideals, not their age or experience.

Yang Cheon’s fist tightened.

“For both me and you, these five days will be unforgettable.”

* * *

Mukryong Deputy’s base, Mt. Akrok, was very close to Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s group obtained a fairly large manor in Changsha. Of course, all expenses and living conveniences were covered by the Mukryong Deputy.

“How did you do it?”

To Ga Deuk-Sang’s question, Yeon Ho-Jeong replied,

“I just did a little bit of scamming.”

It was an astounding answer. Jeagal Ayeon clicked her tongue and said,

“You scammed the Fighting King? Is he someone who would fall for that?”

“Isn’t he a person too?”

“Even so.”

“It’s actually much easier to deceive someone who believes they will never be deceived. Once you get rid of the mental burden, deceiving someone of that stature is not that difficult.”

Paeyul shook his head.

“He’d sell the Yangtze River.”

Dang Sang-A said with a dazed look,

“What is it that the third brother can’t do?”

Everyone looked at Dang Sang-A and blinked.

Dang Sang-A scratched his head with an embarrassed expression.

“Ah, I didn’t realize… I got too immersed.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect such a good result. It seems that Yang Cheon is suffering from a more severe talent shortage than I thought.”

Ga Deuk-Sang asked,

“By the way, does this mean we’re more comfortable now?”

“That’s right. Yang Cheon is focused on me. He won’t care how the others are moving. He thinks that if he handles me well, the others will follow along.”

“That’s good.”

Ga Deuk-Sang’s eyes sparkled.

He understood why Yeon Ho-Jeong had gone alone to negotiate. He wanted to focus Yang Cheon’s attention entirely on himself, and for the remaining four to actively resolve the situation here.

Jeagal Ayeon patted Yeon Ho-Jeong’s shoulder.

“You’ve worked hard.”

“It’s nothing much.”

“Anyway, does this mean it’s starting now?”

“You could say that.”

“But did you find out anything? While you were alone with Yang Cheon.”

At that moment, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes deepened.

‘The outer regions.’

He had deliberately mentioned the outer regions. He was curious if the other party was related to that area.

Yang Cheon had said this.

‘You truly do not know what the outer regions are like.’

It was a meaningful statement.

He wanted to latch onto that part and find out more, but in the end, he had to stop there. If he touched it carelessly, he could ruin the entire mission.

Yang Cheon was not a fool either. He was currently captivated by his words, but if he showed even the slightest sign of suspicion, he would immediately become suspicious.

‘Let’s take it slow. There’s still plenty of time.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong took a deep breath.

“I need to investigate further. It’s difficult to say anything definite yet.”

“Hmm.”

It was then.

Surprise appeared on Ga Deuk-Sang’s face.

“What…?”

Everyone’s gaze turned to him.

Yeon Ho-Jeong asked with a serious face,

“Is it a transmission from Bangdo?”

“Y, yes, it is.”

“What news is it that makes you so surprised?”

Ga Deuk-Sang said with a dumbfounded expression,

“…They say the commander is nearby?”

“……!!”