Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 230

Yeon Ho-Jeong, having entered his residence within the Mukryong Faction, sat on his bed for a moment.

“……”

His face was utterly desolate. His eyes were as dry and cold as a desert night.

“……So it was as I thought.”

He had tried not to jump to conclusions. He had suspicions, but he didn’t want to be absolutely certain until clear evidence emerged.

Now, he felt he could be sure.

Because it was Yang Cheon himself who had said it, no one else.

‘The Sayeum Cult.’

The Mad Faith Trinity.

Unidentified religious groups that had established themselves somewhere beyond the borders.

They were called the Sayeum Cult, the Mad Blood Cult, and the Divine Fire Cult, respectively. They all worshipped the same god, but each had their own way of doing so.

Since their ways of worship were different, so were their scriptures and doctrines. They shared many martial arts techniques, but the temperaments and personalities of their followers were also distinct.

However, they had one thing in common besides worshipping the same god.

That was power.

‘So that’s how it was. The reason they suddenly rose up and turned the Central Plains into a sea of blood was not only because of their outstanding military strength, but also because of decades of groundwork.’

The Byeoksan Yeon Family was strong.

However, in the past, the Yeon Family had been destroyed with shocking ease. The reason was that there was someone inside who was leaking information.

That spy was Tae-Gyeong. If he hadn’t been there, the Yeon Family could have fought much more effectively.

This time was no different.

If the Myeong Family had colluded with the Moyong Family to plant a spy in the Yeon Family, then the Mad Faith Trinity was trying to survey the Central Plains through the Mukryong Faction and adjust the situation. Then, when they judged it was time to strike, they would swoop in like lightning and turn the Central Plains into a sea of blood.

A clever, insidious, bold, and vicious scheme.

‘I won’t blame your methods. After all, the world is about eating or being eaten. Before morality and ethics, there is no glory for the loser.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s cheeks twitched repeatedly.

He was suppressing his surging killing intent. The moment his doubts were cleared, he felt a sense of relief, but an even greater killing intent was burning within him.

‘So, I hope you don’t feel too wronged. Even if we make a bigger mess of things.’

He hadn’t yet decided how to respond.

However, he was determined. He would overcome them, even if it meant enduring criticism and blame. No, he would completely burn their foundations so they had nowhere to set foot.

Whoooosh.

The killing intent he couldn’t suppress touched the Vermilion Bird Qi [a type of internal energy].

Flames erupted.

It felt like his heart was on fire.

The Vermilion Bird Qi, flickering red, rapidly increased his heart rate. As his body temperature rose, the fire energy surged through his meridians like a flooding river.

“Hoo.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong took a light breath and drew up the Black Tortoise Qi [another type of internal energy].

Chiiik.

The Vermilion Bird Qi protested. It cried out in anguish, asking if he wasn’t angry too, and demanding they go kill them right away.

‘Calm down.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled. He controlled his emotions with a smile.

‘Getting angry now is meaningless. This anger and resentment won’t be too late to unleash when they show themselves.’

Suddenly, the black masked warriors came to mind.

‘Come to think of it, that guy.’

Among the many leaders gathered at the Mukryong Hall, one person in particular caught his eye.

It was Black Sheep. He was one of the Twelve Zodiacs, a master with a unique disposition who worked under Yang Cheon.

‘The guys I encountered back then were under Black Sheep’s command. They used the Sayeum Cult’s martial art, the Bujeolbak, and the unique rotating formation that cornered Gang Ryang was originally a modified version of the Sayeum Cult’s formation……’

A coldness settled in Yeon Ho-Jeong’s smile.

The face of Black Sheep, who was always taciturn, came to mind.

‘I already know you’re a lackey of Sayeum, but even if your mission is important, how can I not capture you?’

Sssrrrk.

The Black Tortoise Qi completely suppressed the Vermilion Bird Qi.

Yeon Ho-Jeong took another deep breath and rose from his seat. He had controlled his emotions, so now it was time to do what he had to do.

At that moment, someone’s voice was heard from outside.

“Head of the Intelligence Department.”

It was a peculiar voice.

It sounded like it belonged to someone quite old, yet somehow younger than expected.

“Who is it?”

“I am the Illusionist of the Twelve Zodiacs.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes sparkled.

Kugugung!

The door opened, and the Illusionist entered.

The Illusionist bowed his head.

“I greet the Head of the Intelligence Department.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong also gave a short greeting.

“I am Jeong, who became the Head of the Intelligence Department today. I greet Senior Illusionist.”

The Illusionist bowed his head even deeper.

“Please don’t say that. We of the Twelve Zodiacs are lower in rank than the heads of the four major organizations under the Mukryong Faction.”

The four major organizations of the Mukryong Faction referred to the four main organizations.

They were the Intelligence Department, which handled information; the Inspection Department, which oversaw internal affairs and also grasped the situation of the Black Martial World [the underworld of martial artists] and planned practical responses; the Dragon Fang Institute, which oversaw all military organizations within the faction; and the Dragon Horn Institute, which was in charge of managing the Mukryong Faction’s finances.

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“I can’t do that even in private, though I might in official settings. However, I have my own position, so I won’t bow my head any further.”

He was quite straightforward.

Since the other party was acting this way first, there was no reason for the Illusionist to refuse.

“Understood.”

“So, what brings you here?”

The Illusionist’s eyes sparkled.

“The Vice-Chief ordered me to assist you directly with your work. You can leave all the minor errands to me.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes sparkled.

“Is that really alright?”

“Of course. As it is the Vice-Chief’s order, I will serve you with all my heart.”

That meant that if it hadn’t been for Yang Cheon’s order, he would never have come.

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded.

“I understand. For the time being, I need some time to sort things out on my own. I’ll call you when the time comes, so go and rest for now.”

“Are you resting today?”

“No. I plan to go to the intelligence headquarters and grasp the internal affairs of the faction and the situation so far.”

“Then let’s go together. I will assist you.”

“Then let’s do that.”

He needed to turn his mind elsewhere anyway. In times like this, focusing on work was the best thing to do.

Thus, the two left the residence and headed for the intelligence headquarters.

Perhaps it was because he found the silence unbearable? The Illusionist opened his mouth.

“I heard you had a dispute with Hwawon.”

“You mean that monkey?”

“……Yes.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“I don’t think it’s a big deal, but people around me keep asking about it.”

“Now that we’re part of the same family, we can’t help but be concerned.”

“Don’t worry. I’m the type to shake off things that have passed.”

That was a lie. In reality, Yeon Ho-Jeong was the type of person who would quickly forget things if they didn’t seem like a problem, but if they were, he would never forget them.

Because he could be backstabbed if he wasn’t careful.

“I’ve already told Hwawon separately. Not to cause any more trouble.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“You did something unnecessary.”

“What do you mean?”

“Judging by his personality, it seems like he wouldn’t listen to anyone. Rather, because of your warning, he’ll probably be looking for a chance to bite you, with fire in his eyes.”

The Illusionist’s eyes sparkled.

‘He’s quick-witted.’

It was very difficult to objectively grasp the personality of someone you had a conflict with.

But this extraordinary young man seemed to be capable of it.

‘Is this why the Vice-Chief took notice of him?’

The Illusionist said.

“If Hwawon really holds a grudge, it’s just a way of shortening his own life.”

“I suppose so.”

“As a member of the Twelve Zodiacs, I apologize on her behalf.”

“I don’t think it’s something you need to apologize for. Besides, that matter is settled, isn’t it? There’s no need to bring it up again.”

“I see.”

“Indeed.”

He was very straightforward, just like before.

The Illusionist liked the other man, even if only a little.

‘Well, the Vice-Chief wouldn’t have entrusted such an important position to a mere youngster with only ability. He must have given it to him because he has the courage and insight to match.’

Most of the Mukryong Faction’s leadership was looking at the new Head of the Intelligence Department with a critical eye. If the Vice-Chief hadn’t added that they shouldn’t create conflict, a few of them would have already started a fight.

The Illusionist was the same. He wasn’t enthusiastically welcoming the new Head of the Intelligence Department, but he didn’t have a bad impression either. Frankly, he thought the Vice-Chief was being overly protective.

But now he understood.

‘I still need to watch him more… but there must be a reason why he’s favored by the Vice-Chief.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong noticed that the way the Illusionist looked at him had softened, even if only slightly.

‘He’s not easy to deal with.’

The reason Yang Cheon sent the Illusionist was clear.

It was to give strength to him, who had no foundation yet, and at the same time, to let the entire Mukryong Faction know that he was influential enough to have a confidant from the Twelve Zodiacs attached to him.

Furthermore, he was also a monitor in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Yang Cheon thoroughly trusted his own judgment, but he was also an old fox who knew that there were many variables in the world.

‘Sorry, but things won’t go as you planned.’

The fact that the Illusionist’s gaze had changed meant that his guard towards him had lessened.

‘You’ve given me a good gift.’

Yang Cheon had used the Illusionist, but Yeon Ho-Jeong could also use the Illusionist.

And the day he would use him to set off fireworks was not far away.

“We’re here.”

“It’s huge.”

The size of the rock gate was truly enormous. It was three times larger than the main gate of the Mukryong Hall.

Kugugung.

As the door opened, a huge cave appeared, so large that it made one’s jaw drop.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes sparkled.

‘Shall we get started?’

* * *

“Clan Leader!”

“What is it?”

“A letter has arrived from the head of the working group.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes sparkled.

“Bring it here.”

Surprisingly, the letter was over twenty pages long.

Moreover, each page was densely filled with writing, and the size of the letters was smaller than a fingernail.

Pararak.

As Moyong Gun read the letter, page by page, a look of surprise appeared on his face.

“He’s already extracted this much?”

The letters, which could have been bundled together, were all top-secret information from within the Mukryong Faction.

They contained detailed information about the financial situation, the activity range of the intelligence agents, the deployment of troops, as well as the personalities and martial arts levels of the main leaders.

It was truly a treasure that was hard to obtain even with a fortune. Just receiving this letter safely meant that this mission was practically a success.

‘Impressive.’

Moyong Gun was genuinely impressed.

‘I heard he was appointed as the Head of the Intelligence Department two days ago, and he extracted this much information in such a short time?’

He was such a capable man that he thought there was nothing more to be impressed by, but every time he faced moments like this, he couldn’t help but be impressed again.

Not only did he go through a lot of information and extract only the core parts, but he also had the audacity to deliver all of that information in two days.

He was truly a remarkable man.

“What about the working group?”

“Currently, only the head of the working group has entered the Mukryong Faction. The rest are staying at the manor, and they will probably enter the faction within a few days.”

“That’s how it will be.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes sparkled.

“He’s not the type to be satisfied with this much. There will definitely be more information to extract.”

Once he started working on something, Yeon Ho-Jeong was the type to do it more thoroughly than anyone else. He would definitely bring in an even bigger catch.

“However, the fact that he sent this first means that I should also start preparing.”

He rose from his seat.

“I need to start fanning the flames so that he comes to catch me.”