Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 229

“Wh-what did you say?!”

The group stared at Yeon Ho-Jeong, their eyes wide with surprise.

Yeon Ho-Jeong remained calm. He had anticipated this reaction.

Ga Deuk-Sang frowned.

“The successor of the Guicheol Sword Clan… So, that monkey was right back then?”

“Yes.”

“No, but why?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong took a drink of his alcohol. It tasted particularly good today.

“Because he’s a capable talent.”

“But he’s from the Black Path [a term for the unorthodox or evil martial arts sects]?”

“There are many capable people in the Black Path as well.”

“Well… that’s true, but…”

Ga Deuk-Sang asked, his voice tinged with displeasure.

“If he’s the successor of the Guicheol Sword Clan, his desire for revenge against Tu Wang Yang Cheon and the Mukryong Faction must be immense, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Don’t tell me, you’re planning to use that young man to draw the Mukryong Faction’s attention?”

“I didn’t particularly have that in mind, but now that I hear it, it doesn’t sound bad. I’ll consider it, assuming he agrees.”

“Tsk, I didn’t mean it that way. Anyway, now that I see it, it seems you’re serious about recruiting him as an ally.”

“To be precise, I was thinking of making him my man, not just a member of our group.”

“A subordinate?”

“A friend.”

Ga Deuk-Sang let out a hollow laugh.

“Sometimes I feel like I really don’t understand you. No matter how good a person is, why would you go out of your way for a junior from the Black Path…”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you in advance.”

“It’s fine. It’s not like I don’t know your personality. But there’s something important.”

“Speak.”

“Let’s say we return with him. Is he really trustworthy? Is it really okay to bring him into the Martial Alliance?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong said calmly.

“The Guicheol Sword Clan is one of the most prestigious families in the Black Path. Although they are part of the Black Path, they are a faction of heroes who value etiquette and decorum. That’s why they had many enemies even within the Black Path.”

“I know that. What I’m saying is, even if we’re okay with it, that Gang Ryang might not be. And if he has other intentions, even just a little, the situation could escalate too much.”

“Although he’s clumsy, he’s a guy who knows what’s right.”

“Don’t misunderstand me. I trust your judgment, Yeon Gongja [a respectful title for a young master], but people can change at any time.”

He wouldn’t normally say such things. That’s how much Gang Ryang was like a ticking bomb to the group.

Probably everyone in the group wanted to say this. Knowing that, Ga Deuk-Sang stepped up as their representative.

Yeon Ho-Jeong said calmly.

“Trust me.”

Paeyul couldn’t help but chuckle.

Ga Deuk-Sang clicked his tongue.

“Why are you like that, Senior?”

“He’s using his ultimate move.”

“Huh?”

“It means, what can we do when he asks us to trust him? He’s not a moron like you, so we should trust him when he asks us to.”

It was a simple and clear answer.

Ga Deuk-Sang frowned.

“I’m not a moron.”

“Are you talking back?”

“I’m not talking back, okay? I’m just saying. You’re looking down on people too much.”

“If you don’t like it, we can fight anytime. I don’t acknowledge those who haven’t proven their martial arts.”

“I’m good.”

Ga Deuk-Sang shuddered as if he was disgusted.

Paeyul asked Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“Is he useful?”

“Yes, he is.”

“How about his swordsmanship?”

“It’s immature, but if we just look at his potential for growth, he’s comparable to Dang Sang-A’s soldiers.”

“Hoh.”

Satisfaction appeared on Paeyul’s face.

“I’d like to have a sword fight with him later.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“You’ll be satisfied.”

“Okay, I’m in favor.”

Dang Sang-A carefully opened her mouth.

“If we bring him to the Alliance, are you just thinking of making him a member of our group? Or are you thinking of recruiting him into the Myulsa Army [a special military unit]?”

“I haven’t thought that far yet. However, even though he’s immature, he’s the successor of the best sword clan in the Black Path, so his skills aren’t lacking. If such a force suddenly appears, people will pay attention sooner or later.”

“It would be better to recruit him.”

“I think so too.”

Dang Sang-A, who had been lost in thought for a moment, nodded.

“I’m also in favor. Actually, it’s ridiculous for me to say yes or no. But what I’m worried about is this mission, but I guess the Commander will take care of that?”

“Of course.”

“Yes, then it’s fine.”

Now there was only one person left.

Everyone’s gaze turned to Jeagal Ayeon.

Jeagal Ayeon, who had been calmly sipping her tea, blinked in confusion as she felt the attention on her.

“Why are you all looking at me like that?”

Ga Deuk-Sang cleared his throat.

“Are you in favor?”

“Is he the type of guy who wouldn’t take him if I said I was against it?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head firmly.

“He’s someone I want to make my own, but I don’t intend to take him if it causes trouble for those around me.”

“But you’ll bring him someday.”

“Yes, someday.”

“See? Then what’s the point of opposing it now? If you’ve already decided to take him, then you should.”

“Are you really okay with it?”

Jeagal Ayeon scoffed.

“Logically, would it be okay? Before I trust you, he’s the successor of a prestigious family in the Black Path. No matter how good a person he is, since the paths they walked are different, it can’t be okay. There will be quite a few conflicts, whether big or small.”

“That’s right.”

“The you I know doesn’t blindly trust the White Path [a term for the orthodox martial arts sects], nor does he carelessly disregard the Black Path. In the end, you look at the person. But since you never know what might happen, if you’re going to take him, take responsibility for him.”

“Thank you.”

“That’s bull, you idiot.”

Ga Deuk-Sang clicked his tongue.

“Well, it was decided faster than I thought. Well, Yeon Gongja is the leader of the practical affairs team, so it’s ridiculous to nitpick at what you do now, though it might be different later.”

“It’s not something I should do unilaterally just because I’m the leader of the practical affairs team. That’s why I called everyone.”

“Hmph! You’re funny. Then you should have said something in advance.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. Anyway, you must have been busy.”

He got up from his seat.

“Let’s wrap it up. We’ll be entering the Mukryong Faction soon, so I want to rest well while I can.”

“Okay.”

Thus, the group got up from their seats one by one.

However, Yeon Ho-Jeong and Jeagal Ayeon did not get up. The two were looking at each other with heavy eyes.

After a while.

“I’m sorry.”

“Do you even know it?”

“Yes.”

Jeagal Ayeon chuckled.

“If you keep living like that, you’ll get stabbed in the back someday.”

“I feel a chill down my spine sometimes.”

“I’m not joking.”

“I know.”

She sighed and scratched her head.

“I felt it while bringing him here, but he’s still a kid.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Whether he’s from the Black Path or whatever, he was quite cautious when he was coming with someone he had never met before. He definitely keeps his boundaries, and he knows how to be considerate. He also has a naive side.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“Yes, that’s who he is.”

Jeagal Ayeon, who had been staring at Yeon Ho-Jeong, asked as if throwing a stone.

“You talk like you know him well?”

“I know him as much as I need to.”

“He’s not someone you’ve met before.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong just smiled. He had nothing else to say.

Jeagal Ayeon shook her head.

“I’ll be honest. I don’t think he’ll cause any major problems. Neither do you. But problems can arise from unexpected places.”

“Moyong Gun.”

“That’s right.”

Jeagal Ayeon’s face clouded over.

“He’s someone who takes care of his own interests even though he came as the commander of a dangerous mission that could change the landscape of the Central Plains martial world. Leaving aside his ambition and greed, I can’t deny his abilities.”

“That’s right.”

“What’s even more chilling is that he’s constantly eyeing you.”

“And I’m also eyeing him.”

“Yes, you’re both eyeing each other. But the moment you bring the successor of the Guicheol Sword Clan, Moyong Gun will try to bite you no matter what.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“He won’t.”

“Why?”

“Because he’ll know that there’s no point in provoking me anymore.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. It’s not for nothing that I sent Senior Paeyul.”

By deliberately revealing the existence of Mong-Ui and sending Paeyul, it was both a declaration of war against Moyong Gun and a warning not to act rashly.

Moyong Gun would surely realize it. That he shouldn’t provoke his opponent any further. This wasn’t a matter of crossing the line or not, but a matter of bloodshed or not.

“Besides, I’m the head of the intelligence department of the Mukryong Faction. Since I’ve even declared war, he must be preparing to retaliate. If I’m right, Moyong Gun is now heavily guarding the information units of the noble families.”

“He’s on edge?”

“He’ll pretend not to be, but he definitely will be.”

Jeagal Ayeon smiled bitterly.

“Geez, I’m a member of the Jeagal family, and I didn’t even know how the situation was turning out.”

“It’s natural since you deliberately didn’t get involved. It’s natural.”

She got up from her seat.

“I need to rest too. I was so tired from looking around all the time.”

“You’ve worked hard.”

“If you know, buy me some nice alcohol later.”

“Anytime.”

“Jeong-ah.”

“Yes.”

Jeagal Ayeon’s eyes flickered.

“We’re on the same side, right?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“You’re my first friend in life.”

“…Hehe.”

“Although it was a bit forced.”

“Shut up.”

* * *

“…Therefore, I appoint Jeong of the Mujong Clan as the head of the intelligence department of the headquarters.”

It was a very solemn atmosphere.

It was a place where many of the Mukryong Faction’s leaders were watching. It was impossible not to feel the pressure.

Yeon Ho-Jeong knelt on one knee.

“I swear to heaven and earth that I will do my best in my assigned duties.”

Yang Cheon smiled with satisfaction.

“Rise.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had risen from his seat, looked up at Yang Cheon.

Yang Cheon looked around and said.

“The faction is in disarray, so we have finished the appointment ceremony simply, but in fact, the intelligence department of the newly reorganized headquarters is on a different level than before.”

A great dignity was evident in his heavy voice.

“Jeong of the Mujong Clan has outstanding wisdom and is also second to none in martial arts. He is a person who is both talented in martial arts and literature, and he is also cautious enough to step forward to achieve merit in order to prevent internal chaos.”

“…”

“He is a person who is not inferior to any of you in terms of talent, ability, and achievements, so I hope you will not disrupt the faction’s discipline with unnecessary disputes.”

It was a great favor.

Even though it was an appointment ceremony for the head of the intelligence department, there was no need to add such an explanation for him.

But Yang Cheon did so, and the effect was truly great.

Most of the leaders gathered here vowed never to touch Yeon Ho-Jeong. Leaving aside his abilities, if he was someone the Vice-Chief favored so much, they could lose their heads if they touched him carelessly.

Of course, not everyone thought so.

“With this, I will conclude the appointment ceremony for the head of the intelligence department.”

All the leaders knelt down and bowed their heads in unison.

‘This is the final stage.’

The head of the intelligence department is the one who oversees all the information within the Mukryong Faction.

As it is a position where one can see at a glance the faction’s military strength and financial power, as well as how far the faction’s informants have spread, it will be possible to obtain a large amount of information in a short period of time.

‘I need to get to work right away.’

At that moment, Yang Cheon said.

“The head of the intelligence department will remain, and the rest will retreat.”

The leaders left the Mukryong Hall.

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Yang Cheon with a puzzled expression.

“Head of the intelligence department.”

“Yes, Vice-Chief.”

“Actually, I was thinking of telling you three days ago, but I stopped. Because you weren’t officially the head of the intelligence department.”

“…”

“But now that the appointment ceremony is over, I think it’s okay to tell you now. You’ll find out later anyway, but I don’t want to cause any confusion.”

“Please speak.”

Yang Cheon’s face became serious.

“There is a certain force that is helping the headquarters.”

“…?!”

“And they are located outside of the Central Plains.”

“…Who are they?”

“They are a group called the Sayeum Cult. Have you ever heard of them?”

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