Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 282

After Moyong Gun left, Jeagal Mun-Ho remained lost in thought for a long time.

His eyes, as he looked down at the fallen liquor bottle, were deeper than ever, yet also seemed confused.

Suddenly, Jeagal Mun-Ho let out a sigh.

“The reason is clear…”

It wasn’t wrong. No, it was beyond not being wrong; it was far too obvious.

Although Moyong Gun was angry because of the Martial Alliance’s status and his younger sibling, the words that came from his mouth contained a clear and righteous path.

What is the righteous path? Is it only protecting the weak and punishing the wicked?

No, it is not.

The natural rights of a group, the natural principles of action, also belong to the righteous path.

They were martial artists. They were beings who wielded immense power that ordinary people could not even dream of, and therefore, they had to be even more careful about the direction in which their power was aimed.

Those who aimed it correctly were called the White Path, the orthodox sects, and those who aimed it as they pleased were called the Black Path, the unorthodox sects.

However, whether they were of the White Path or the Black Path, they were ultimately martial artists.

And martial artists, by the nature of their system, were people who pathologically hated being looked down upon.

Of course, it was even more important to control such shame and anger and to keep the agreements to the end.

However, the Martial Alliance must not be looked down upon. That was a natural aspect that any organization with power should have, regardless of whether it was orthodox or unorthodox.

It was the same principle as one’s own country not being looked down upon by foreign enemies. It was good to respect the other party, but they also had to have the intimidating presence that they would suffer if they were touched.

That was the essence of power.

And the Martial Alliance had to be able to embrace not only the good common people but also the martial artists.

“Yes, he is right.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho sighed.

“Regardless of how ruthless he is, if I know that his words are right, I must walk that path.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho had been overly wary and distrustful of Moyong Gun.

In fact, it wasn’t Jeagal Mun-Ho’s fault, but Moyong Gun’s. He had committed too many sins under the guise of his dream.

However, Jeagal Mun-Ho was a strategist.

Even if the opponent was the most heinous criminal in the world, he had to try to see through them, not start with distrust.

After pondering deeply, Jeagal Mun-Ho called out to the door.

“Is anyone there?”

“Yes, Strategist.”

“Bring Advisor Ga Deuk-Sang. Tell him I need to see him urgently.”

“Understood.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho sighed.

“…The Medical Deity Society.”

His eyes flashed.

‘Apart from what Lord Moyong said, I didn’t think such an organization truly existed.’

He thought they would just gather privately to form small meetings, or at most, form a large medical clinic in a specific area.

That was what Jeagal Mun-Ho had expected. In fact, that was normal.

‘I was also stuck in common sense. I never imagined that doctors would create such a secret organization and secretly wield power.’

This part could not be seen as Jeagal Mun-Ho’s fault either. If this was his fault, then not knowing about the Three Cults of Madness should also be his fault.

Not knowing was unavoidable. The important thing was how one handled things when they found out.

‘Those who handle people’s lives are blinded by money and power, rejecting others and using bribes.’

Sharp killing intent flashed in Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes.

‘They are truly pathetic people.’

A moment later, Ga Deuk-Sang opened the door and entered.

“Did you call for me, Strategist?”

“Come, sit down.”

As soon as Ga Deuk-Sang entered the room, he could feel the unusual atmosphere. Not only was Jeagal Mun-Ho’s expression unusual, but the liquor bottles and cups scattered on the floor made him tense.

“What’s the matter?”

“Do you know of an organization called the Medical Deity Society?”

“The Medical Deity Society? Hmm…”

Ga Deuk-Sang frowned and pondered, then snapped his fingers.

“Ah! I’ve heard of it. I know it’s a gathering of rather famous doctors, something like a meeting?”

Indeed, Ga Deuk-Sang’s mind was exceptionally sharp. It seemed he had completely forgotten about it, but to recall a forgotten memory just by hearing the name was impossible for ordinary people.

“The Medical Deity Society seems to be no ordinary organization.”

“Yes? What do you mean?”

Jeagal Mun-Ho told him everything he had heard from Moyong Gun.

Ga Deuk-Sang’s mouth fell open.

“Is, is that true?”

“I believe so. To be truly certain, we need to investigate further, but for now, I consider it reliable information.”

“…Wow, now even the doctors who fix people’s bodies are going crazy? What a bunch of bastards!”

Ga Deuk-Sang was also genuinely furious.

Looking at Ga Deuk-Sang’s flushed face, Jeagal Mun-Ho thought that he was indeed a timid person hiding behind a mask of prudence, as Moyong Gun had said.

That’s right. Ga Deuk-Sang’s reaction, that fierce anger, was honest and natural. A person who truly knew justice and the righteous path should react like this.

“Has there been any separate contact from the Western Divine Maiden?”

“No, there hasn’t. However, a report came in half an hour ago that the commanders of the Tangma Extermination Army have entered Jiangxi Province. I expect they are contacting the Western Divine Maiden and heading north by now.”

“I see.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho said in a cold voice.

“Huga.”

He called him Huga, not the information advisor.

Ga Deuk-Sang’s eyes deepened.

“Speak, Lord.”

“You know Hagok, right? The famous doctor from Henan Province.”

“Of course, I know him.”

“Can you have the Beggar Clan escort Hagok and all the doctors who are close to him to the Alliance?”

Ga Deuk-Sang’s eyes flashed.

It was called escort, but what Jeagal Mun-Ho wanted was a forced transfer. He immediately understood the meaning.

“Is that alright?”

“It’s alright. The justification is more than enough.”

“If you say so, Lord… Understood. I’ll send the kids right away.”

“How long do you expect it to take?”

“If they haven’t hidden in a rat hole, I can bring them all within four days.”

“That’s fast. Do it.”

“Understood.”

“And Advisor Ga.”

The title changed again. This meant that he wanted this matter to be handled officially.

“Speak, Strategist.”

“Find out where the Heavenly Divine is currently located.”

The reason Moyong Gun specifically mentioned the Heavenly Divine was to use him.

And Jeagal Mun-Ho did not pretend not to know the help that Moyong Gun had subtly offered.

“Understood. I will move immediately.”

“I’m counting on you.”

* * *

“Is this the place?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Good. Let’s go in.”

The group entered a rather large tavern.

Surprisingly, even though it was a busy time, there were no customers inside the tavern. However, it wasn’t that the exterior was dirty or the interior was not tidy.

This tavern was secretly operated by the Beggar Clan. The Beggar Clan was actively helping to protect the Western Divine Maiden.

“Greetings. I am the Divine Eye Beggar, Lee Geol.”

A young beggar, who looked to be in his mid-twenties, greeted the group.

‘Oh?’

Gang Ryang’s eyes sparkled.

‘He’s quite something?’

He was in his mid-twenties, but he was still a third-generation disciple of the Beggar Clan. Yet, his martial prowess seemed to be on par with his own.

Surprised by the opponent’s unexpected martial arts, Gang Ryang’s gaze remained fixed on Lee Geol.

Lee Geol felt Gang Ryang’s gaze, but he did not turn to look at him.

“Are you Commander Moyong Woo of the Tangma Army and Commander Yeon Ho-Jeong of the Extermination Army?”

“It’s difficult to accept the title of Commander. Just call me Commander Moyong and Commander Yeon.”

“Understood.”

Lee Geol bowed his head.

“The entire tavern has been cleared. The cook will be on standby for three days, and five workers will be available for your convenience. No one will dare to trespass here, so please rest comfortably and leave when you are ready.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s nothing. It’s our honor to be able to help.”

Lee Geol took a few steps back.

“If you need anything, please tell us immediately. Then, I’ll be on my way.”

Swoosh.

He disappeared from the first floor of the tavern like a ghost.

It was such a mysterious movement that even though they saw it, they didn’t know where or how he had disappeared. Gang Ryang clicked his tongue.

“I heard that the Beggar Clan’s martial arts are all about emptiness and reality, but now that I see it, it’s incredibly mysterious.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded.

“Emptiness and reality are closer to the jeers of onlookers who only skim the surface. The true martial arts of the Beggar Clan are in no way inferior to representing the orthodox martial world.”

“It seems there are many strong people and many wonderful martial arts in the world.”

“Indeed.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong said to the Western Divine Maiden.

“You have been severely injured and are also exhausted. Although your return to the sect is urgent, I believe that moving recklessly in this situation is a bad move. Please rest here for a few days and take care of your body first.”

“Ah… Yes, yes! Thank you.”

“It’s nothing.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong said to Gang Ryang.

“I’m going to wash up and take care of myself. I know you’re tired, but I’d like you to stand guard in front of the Divine’s room for two hours.”

Gang Ryang clicked his tongue.

“I haven’t done anything properly, so of course, I should do it. Don’t worry and take care of your wounds first. I’ll stand guard until tomorrow morning.”

“Okay, thank you.”

With that, the group dispersed to their respective quarters.

“Ugh.”

As soon as he entered the room, Yeon Ho-Jeong leaned back on the bed.

“Damn it, it’s been a long time since I’ve been beaten so thoroughly.”

Clang! Clang!

He took off his shoulder guards, arm guards, greaves, and chest armor, and then took off his top.

He had been constantly restoring his body with internal energy while traveling here, but the wounds had not healed properly because of the severe impact.

“I need to wash first.”

Unless it was an extremely urgent situation, it wasn’t good to bandage wounds right away. He knew that fact from experience.

After finishing his bath in a quarter of an hour, Yeon Ho-Jeong sat on the floor and picked up a white bandage.

At that moment, he heard a sound outside the door.

“Young Master Yeon. May I come in?”

“Come in.”

Clunk.

The door opened, and Muk Bi entered.

Her eyes wavered.

“You’re really badly hurt.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled wryly.

“You can say that again. You came at the right time. My shoulder is also injured, so it’s hard to wrap the bandage. Come and wrap it for me.”

“Okay.”

A moment later, Muk Bi sprinkled golden medicine on various parts of Yeon Ho-Jeong’s body.

Fizz.

The golden medicine foamed as it touched the wounds.

It was a sight that seemed to convey the pain. However, there was no change in Yeon Ho-Jeong’s expression.

Muk Bi silently wrapped the bandages.

Yeon Ho-Jeong also stared straight ahead without saying anything.

How much time had passed?

“Young Master Yeon.”

“Yeah.”

“Is something bothering you?”

“…”

“The Western Divine Maiden, she’s been acting strange ever since she met the Divine. Commander Moyong and Gang Ryang don’t seem to notice it.”

“Muk Bi.”

“Yes. Tell me.”

“You trust me, right?”

This was not a matter to be taken lightly.

Muk Bi said in a calm voice.

“Young Master Yeon, you are one of the two people I trust most in the world.”

“…Thank you.”

“But why are you suddenly like this?”

“It doesn’t seem right to ask someone who trusts me to do this, but I have no choice but to ask you.”

“…?”

“Just in case, it really shouldn’t happen, but…”

“Yes?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes turned cold.

“If I give you the signal, shoot Gi Woo-Hee.”