Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 269

“Has Commander Yeon arrived?”Yeon Ho-Jeong clasped his hands in a respectful bow.”I greet the Military Advisor.”Jeagal Mun-Ho gave a wry smile.”The earth was shaking. I thought you were doing group training, but it seems that wasn’t the case.”Although his position as Military Advisor highlighted his intellectual abilities, Jeagal Mun-Ho was also the head of one of the Six Great Clans [powerful martial arts families]. His senses were as sharp as any supreme master.”But what brings you here?””Haha, let’s sit down first.””Yes.”Shortly after, two cups of tea were placed on the table.”I have something to discuss with Commander Yeon alone. Ayeon, please excuse us for a moment.”Jeagal Ayeon pouted.”I’m also a military advisor of the Myulsa Army [Yeon Ho-Jeong’s personal army].””Ayeon-ah.””Tch, fine.”As Jeagal Ayeon left, Yeon Ho-Jeong clicked his tongue.”Is it about the Gwangshin Three Cults [a mysterious and powerful group]?””Let’s talk about that later. It’s a very serious matter, but at least it doesn’t seem like they’ll invade the Central Plains [the heartland of the martial arts world] right away.””That’s true, but…””The reason I came to see you today is because of this.”Jeagal Mun-Ho took out a letter from his inner pocket and handed it over.Yeon Ho-Jeong frowned as he read the first line of the letter.”The Western Region Divine Woman?””That’s right.””What is this? This roughly made-up title?”Jeagal Mun-Ho couldn’t help but laugh.”I’ve never thought about it, but you’re right, it does seem roughly made-up.””I know, right?””The Western Region Divine Woman is, as her title suggests, a person from the Western Regions. The reason she’s called a ‘Divine Woman’ will become clear as you read further into the letter.”A moment later.”Ho ho.”Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled. It was a smile filled with admiration.”A righteous person who provides medical treatment that has reached the level of the divine, free of charge, to poor patients… That’s amazing, isn’t it?””Right? Although she’s from the Western Regions, her spirit of service and good nature have earned her the respect of everyone. No, rather, she’s revered.””There’s nothing more foolish than looking down on someone because of their skin color.””Haha, you’re right. Actually, aside from that, they say she’s incredibly beautiful. That’s one of the reasons why it’s hard to ignore her, even if you wanted to.””Hmm.”Yeon Ho-Jeong put down the letter.”But why would this amazing woman come to the Murim Alliance [a coalition of martial arts sects]?”Jeagal Mun-Ho shook his head.”It’s not so much ‘why’ as it is that we’ve been trying to invite her since the Murim Alliance was founded, sending people several times. But she kept refusing, saying she had many patients to care for.”Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.He felt good when he heard stories about honest and good-natured people. He admired those who did things he couldn’t do without hesitation, those who weren’t attached to money or fame.”We couldn’t force her to come when she said she couldn’t because of her patients. So we kept waiting, and recently, she agreed to accept the Alliance’s invitation.”Yeon Ho-Jeong tilted his head.”But why did you specifically invite this person? Of course, it’s not strange to invite such a rare virtuous person, but it seems like there’s another purpose behind it.””Haha, you’re sharp as always.”Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes became serious.”We’re planning to create a medical institution within the Murim Alliance.””You’re going to create a medical division within the Murim Alliance?””It’s more than just a medical division. It’s a broader concept. But well, that’s not entirely wrong either.””Hmm.””The world is harsh. Conflicts and fights happen all the time. And the Murim Alliance is at the center of that world. In the future, countless warriors of the Murim Alliance will be injured, and we can’t just keep hiring doctors.””But isn’t there already a similar group within the Murim Alliance?””Of course, there are. They’re all skilled doctors. But they’re just contractors. When their contracts end, we have to renew them or find other doctors.””So, you’re saying you want to create an institution that belongs to the Murim Alliance?””That’s right. This is something that all the council members unanimously agreed on.”Yeon Ho-Jeong frowned.”Blacksmiths and doctors are the closest friends of warriors. But creating a medical division within the Murim Alliance… this is a bit strange.””Why? Is there something bothering you?””It’s not that something is bothering me, but the plan to create a medical division implies that you don’t intend to disband the Murim Alliance in the future.”Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes sparkled.”I’m tired of being amazed. To see that far ahead in an instant, your insight is truly astonishing.””You can keep praising me. I’m used to it now, and it makes me feel good.””Tsk, you.””Hehe.””Many council members expressed concern about that. I was one of them.””Well, for now, it’s important to reduce immediate damage.””You see it well.”Jeagal Mun-Ho’s face became serious.”The existence of the Gwangshin Three Cults. No one knows how powerful they are. So, before thinking about the future of the Murim Alliance, I think it’s better to have as many skilled doctors as possible.””Hmm, you’re right.”Yeon Ho-Jeong scratched his head.”By the way, the Western Region Divine Woman… is she very famous? I’ve never heard of her.””Those who know, know. Of course, those who aren’t interested in that area wouldn’t know. Well, considering her skills and character, she’s been buried a bit too much.””Huh?”Jeagal Mun-Ho sighed.”Factions exist everywhere, don’t they? It seems her existence was a thorn in the side of those who carry on the medical lineage of the Central Plains.””Wow.””The Western Region Divine Woman’s medical skills combine those of the Western Regions and the Central Plains, and they say she’s more skilled than any famous doctor in the Central Plains. So, those who carry on the medical lineage of the Central Plains criticize her skills as heretical.”Yeon Ho-Jeong frowned.”Those who make it their job to heal people are wasting their energy on useless things.””I know, right? Anyway, the reason her fame hasn’t spread throughout the world is largely due to the doctors of the Central Plains.”Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.”One way or another, the Murim Alliance couldn’t ignore the opinions of the local doctors, but you managed to think of inviting the Western Region Divine Woman.””What’s important to us isn’t tradition or money, but skill and character. Besides, the Western Region Divine Woman is young. I thought she’d be perfect to grow with many people.””That’s a good idea.”Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes lit up.”So, what do you want me to do?””You already have an idea, don’t you?””Escort her?””That’s right.”Jeagal Mun-Ho sighed.”As I said, the Western Region Divine Woman has many enemies. At the same time, there are many who are after her. So far, no one has stepped forward, but if the rumor spreads that she’s coming to the Murim Alliance, I’m afraid that the Mukryong Faction [a potentially hostile group] or other groups might attack or kidnap her.””Then wouldn’t it be better to send those who specialize in covert operations? You could bring her secretly, right?””Why be afraid?””Huh?”Jeagal Mun-Ho smiled.”Why would the Murim Alliance, the greatest in the world, move secretly? We should just send a capable person to bring her openly.””Where did this sudden confidence come from?””Haha, that’s what most of the council members think. Well, it’s not wrong either. There are times when we need to move carefully, but there are also times when we need to be bold, even if it means enduring some conflicts.”Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.”You want to show the power of the Murim Alliance through me?””That’s one of the reasons.””I’m not that strong.””That’s the worst joke I’ve heard this year. Besides, what I want from you isn’t just your ability.””Then what is it?””Reputation.””Hmm.””The reputation of the Byoksan Tiger [Yeon Ho-Jeong’s moniker], who reached the pinnacle of the younger generation alongside the Geon-gon Tiger Moyong Woo, is not something to be taken lightly. That reputation has already spread throughout the Central Plains.””That’s even more annoying. It seems like there will be a lot of guys who will try to test my skills.””Go and crush them all.””Don’t speak so easily as if it’s someone else’s problem.””Just think of it as part of your training.”Yeon Ho-Jeong gave a wry smile.”Will the entire Myulsa Army move?””That’s up to you. You can take a small number of people or the entire army.””When do I depart?””I’d like you to depart within five days.””Understood.”Yeon Ho-Jeong got up from his seat.”How is Moyong doing these days?”Jeagal Mun-Ho shook his head.”He’s quiet. He’s definitely keeping a low profile after the last incident.””I see.””As you said, we’re watching his every move. If we find anything suspicious, we’ll let you know right away.””Thank you.”As Yeon Ho-Jeong turned to leave, he suddenly stopped, a thought having occurred to him.”Military Advisor.””Hmm? Why? Is there something else you want to say?””About this mission. Does it have to be the Myulsa Army?”Jeagal Mun-Ho’s face showed confusion.”Does it not have to be the Myulsa Army? Why? Do you want to go with someone else?””Yes, I do.””With whom?”Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled and opened his mouth.Jeagal Mun-Ho’s face hardened at his words.”Are you sure?””You said reputation is important.””Of course, but… why specifically?””There are things I want to look into, so if there’s nothing else, I’d like to go with them. Is that okay?””……””Well, if it’s not possible, there’s nothing I can do.”Jeagal Mun-Ho chuckled.”I’ll believe that you have your own reasons.””Thank you.””Thank you for your hard work again. It’s a bit much to give you another task so soon after that difficult mission.””Please don’t say that. I’m going because I want to, not because you ordered me to.””Haha, I understand. You must be busy, so go ahead.””But Military Advisor.””Hmm?””Come to think of it, this is the Myulsa Army headquarters, so why am I leaving?””……Cough!””Please take care.””S-Sorry.”Jeagal Mun-Ho, embarrassed, rushed out.Yeon Ho-Jeong grinned.”That old man is quite cute sometimes.”* * *”Hmm.””Huff, huff!”Yeon-wi stroked his chin, looking down at Gang Ryang.”Your fundamentals are definitely outstanding. With that solid foundation alone, you could take on most masters.””Cough, cough! Huff, huff!””But you’re too rigid. Honesty is a good virtue, but overly straightforward attacks inevitably provide clues for counterattacks.”Swish.Yeon-wi, who had sheathed his sword, helped Gang Ryang up.”Huff! I, I can get up by myself!””You’re not so honest at times like this. If we had exchanged one more blow, you would have fainted.”He managed to get up with support, but his legs were weak. Gang Ryang blushed with embarrassment.”I’m sorry, Clan Head [Yeon-wi’s title].””Haha, don’t say that. It’s more impressive that you’ve held on so far.”Yeon-wi sat Gang Ryang on a bench.”Hmm, it doesn’t seem like you need any special supplementation in terms of physical strength, and the martial arts of the Gwichul Sword Clan are all exceptional. I could further enhance your martial arts, but in the current situation, there’s no need to…”Yeon-wi, who was tilting his head, suddenly sensed a presence.He smiled.”I’ve got a good idea.””Huff, huff! Yes?”Shortly after, Yeon Ho-Jeong entered the Pagun Pavilion [a training area].”Father.””Have you come?””Yes.””I have something to ask of you.””What is it?”Yeon-wi gestured towards Gang Ryang with his chin.”It seems like you’ll be of help.”Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Gang Ryang. Anxiety spread across Gang Ryang’s face.On the other hand, a sly smile spread across Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face.He understood immediately. He knew exactly what his father wanted.”Ho ho, it seems I can get a feel for things before I depart?”