Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 315

The Wheel Turns (4)

Grand Master Gong Gong, Tang Gwan, and Beomoh were all startled.

“Vice Alliance Leader?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Tang Gwan with deep eyes.

“The Tang Family Head is also aware. No matter how much we stir things up, it will be difficult to win this election.”

Tang Gwan nodded with a sullen face. At the same time, he realized he had nodded and frowned.

Grand Master Gong Gong cleared his throat.

“Well, you never know.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“Of course, but isn’t there some level of deduction? As you know, the world perceives the Sichuan Tang Family as fear itself.”

Blood and fear are hard to replace as power.

However, the orthodox martial world prioritizes reputation and consensus over blood and fear. At least, outwardly.

To entrust the leadership of the Martial Alliance, the top united force of the orthodox world, to the head of the Tang Family?

It’s absurd. It’s impossible.

“Even if the entire Twelve Great Clans support the Tang Family Head, they will face a wall of public opinion.”

“Hmm.”

Grand Master Gong Gong’s eyes deepened.

“I had a rough idea, but was the Tang Family Head’s candidacy for Alliance Leader to counter ‘someone’?”

Admiration was evident on Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face.

“You are amazing. Honestly, I didn’t think you would see that far.”

Grand Master Gong Gong sighed.

“Most worldly conflicts start from the desire to gain benefits. However, it’s frustrating that such things happen even in the Martial Alliance, the top united force of the orthodox martial world.”

“It’s precisely because it’s the top united force that such things are bound to happen. Because when you reach the top, you can gain that much power.”

Grand Master Gong Gong’s insight intensified.

“Is it power that you desire?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“Power always comes with responsibility. I’m too busy taking care of my own people. Just the position of Commander of the Myeolsa Army [a special military unit] is already overwhelming.”

“Yes, you are not someone who seeks power. Apart from your true intentions, that’s how I see it, and I believe it.”

“Thank you for seeing me so well.”

“Yet, why are you getting involved in this fierce political arena and getting your hands dirty?”

Grand Master Gong Gong used the word ‘blood’.

It didn’t literally mean killing people. In Grand Master Gong Gong’s view, desire, anger, conflict, and wounds were the same as seeing blood.

And now, the two people with the most blood on their hands in the Martial Alliance’s internal strife were Yeon Ho-Jeong and Moyong Gun.

“Because those who should be fighting are keeping quiet.”

“……?!”

“To a Grand Master who practices Buddhism, political strife itself may seem meaningless. It is also a conflict. But fighting isn’t always a bad thing.”

“I would also welcome a good-faith fight to find a better path.”

“I don’t think there is any good faith in fighting. I don’t think the justice I’ve established is necessarily right either. But at least, if you want to seek a better path, you shouldn’t hesitate to get your hands dirty with blood and filth.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes flashed.

“It’s easy to look away and watch. But for those with power to live leisurely is a sin, at least in these chaotic times.”

“A sin?”

“Yes, a sin. If you have power, you should use it correctly to try and fix what’s wrong. Even if it means seeing blood.”

Grand Master Gong Gong’s eyes deepened.

“Is that your great cause?”

“Before it’s my great cause, it’s the truth of the times.”

“The truth of the times…”

“The Taoist and Buddhist masters always say, ‘If the Tao is one foot high, the devil is ten feet high.’ Evil and wickedness always surpass goodness.”

“…….”

“Those with power should strive to become three feet, seven feet high in the Tao, with constant self-cultivation as a prerequisite.”

Grand Master Gong Gong, who had been quietly watching Yeon Ho-Jeong, slowly began to smile.

“That was a bitter lesson.”

“A lesson? Those are words I can hardly bear.”

“Haha, it is said that when three people walk together, there must be a teacher among them. Even the wise must constantly humble themselves to avoid becoming foolish.”

Grand Master Gong Gong bowed his head in a half-palm salute.

“Commander Yeon’s lecture has been a great learning experience for this old monk.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong bowed his head.

“It’s just the passionate words of an immature youth. I’m grateful that you understand.”

“Hahaha.”

Although he didn’t show it, Tang Gwan clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘That tongue of his is something else.’

Not only did he lead the flow of the conversation, but he also made the great Grand Master Gong Gong bow his head.

This is not easy for anyone. Beyond just being skilled in rhetoric, you can’t achieve this result unless you have some insight into the other person’s position and ideology.

In that respect, Yeon Ho-Jeong was definitely an extraordinary person.

He knew when to understand the other person and when not to.

‘But that means…’

Tang Gwan looked at Grand Master Gong Gong.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s words were clear. The fact that he stepped forward to set the world right because those with power were not moving meant that you should move now.

‘Is Shaolin going to move?’

Grand Master Gong Gong continued.

“In your view, is Family Head Moyong that dangerous of a person?”

“Yes, he is.”

“And those who are with him?”

“From the start, all the members of the Twelve Great Clans are the heads of the sects that represent the orthodox world. All twelve of them have the power to change the flow of the political strife.”

“I see.”

Grand Master Gong Gong nodded.

He looked at Tang Gwan.

“Family Head Tang.”

“Speak, Grand Master.”

“Will you do your best to ensure that the Martial Alliance goes down the right path?”

Tang Gwan chuckled.

“Sorry, but I hate those cheesy words like ‘great cause’.”

“Hmm.”

“What moves me is always myself.”

“I’ll ask again. Do you want power?”

“Power?”

Tang Gwan sneered.

“I already reign as the emperor of Sichuan, do I need more power than that?”

“…….”

“I think differently from this fool. The more power, the better. But I already have power that makes me envious of the emperor, do you think I would be attached to the troublesome position of Alliance Leader?”

It was great confidence.

In fact, the Tang Family’s power in Sichuan far surpassed that of the Qingcheng and Emei sects. Qingcheng and Emei were in the mountains, while the Tang Family wielded influence in the secular world.

In other words, Tang Gwan’s statement that he held power no less than an emperor, at least in Sichuan, was true. If he thought he would live only in Sichuan for the rest of his life, Tang Gwan had no need to get involved in this political strife.

“Then why did you run for the election?”

“Because I can’t stand seeing Moyong Gun succeed.”

“Is that really all?”

Tang Gwan chuckled.

“Do I look like such a simple person? Of course, that’s not the only reason.”

“Then…?”

“I don’t want to say more than that.”

Grand Master Gong Gong smiled.

“Somehow, you seem much softer than when I saw you before.”

Tang Gwan waved his hand as if annoyed.

“Think what you want.”

Finally, he looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“The position of Vice Alliance Leader is to assist the Alliance Leader and coordinate between the Great Clans and the elders.”

“That’s right.”

“In your opinion, do you think the Tang Family Head will perform well in that position?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

“I don’t know. I haven’t fully grasped the Tang Family Head’s abilities either.”

“Haha, and yet you ask for support for the Vice Alliance Leader position.”

“Who can predict who will be good at the Alliance Leader or Vice Alliance Leader position? However, if someone with minimal issues takes power, helping them to bring peace to the orthodox world and respond to external invasions would be the right path.”

It was a fundamental statement. But that fundamental statement ignited Grand Master Gong Gong’s resolve.

“…Good.”

Grand Master Gong Gong nodded.

“I’ll think about it. And I mean it.”

Although he didn’t get a definite answer, this alone was a great achievement.

Yeon Ho-Jeong bowed his head.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. As I said before, this is also a matter I need to think about. Besides, it sounds good to say it’s for a great cause, but coming here in advance to ask for support doesn’t look good.”

“I understand.”

“However, I know that you wouldn’t do this without a reason. So, I’m saying I’ll think about it, so don’t have too high expectations or be disappointed.”

“I understand.”

“Good.”

Grand Master Gong Gong smiled and said to Tang Gwan.

“Whatever the reason, you must be reassured, Family Head. To have such a talented person with you.”

Tang Gwan snorted.

“He’s a guy who might bite my neck off at any time. It sends shivers down my spine.”

“Haha, if the great Tang Family Head says that, Commander Yeon’s abilities must be quite something.”

“If he crosses the line, he dies. He’s worse than an enemy.”

“At least he’s not an enemy.”

“For now, that is.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong rose from his seat.

“I apologize for disturbing you without notice. Please forgive me.”

“It’s alright…”

That’s when it happened.

Grand Master Gong Gong suddenly looked at Beomoh.

Beomoh’s eyes were fixed on Yeon Ho-Jeong. His burning eyes were filled with an unknown emotion.

A strange smile appeared on Grand Master Gong Gong’s lips.

“Hey, Commander Yeon.”

“Yes, Grand Master.”

“You’re right. Not only did you come without notice, but asking for support from behind, talking about great causes and truths, you’ve definitely crossed the line.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled awkwardly.

“I’m sorry.”

“I was listening quietly because I know your character and abilities. However, what you did is clearly a maneuver. It’s not right. Both in principle and to this monk.”

Confusion settled on Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face. There was no reason to add such words after the conversation had ended.

“Perhaps, do you have something else you want from me?”

Grand Master Gong Gong burst into hearty laughter.

“Rather than wanting something, can you grant this monk one request? If you accept, I’ll cleanly forget today’s rudeness.”

“Please speak.”

Grand Master Gong Gong pointed at Beomoh.

“What do you think of him?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Beomoh.

The two men’s gazes collided, sparking an invisible fire.

The corners of Yeon Ho-Jeong’s lips curled up.

“He is someone who has properly mastered Shaolin’s orthodox martial arts.”

For Beomoh, it was a ridiculous statement.

Grand Master Gong Gong laughed loudly.

“That’s right. He’s one of the talents of our temple who has been recognized for his martial prowess since long ago. However, even as he gets older, he can’t control his competitive spirit, so he’s in a position to be scolded by his older martial uncle.”

“Haha.”

“How about it? Can the hero of Byeoksan, who is called the best of the younger generation and has made great contributions in defeating the Nine Great Clans, give guidance to this stubborn Arhat [a Buddhist term for a perfected being]?”

Tang Gwan clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘He’s doing something unnecessary.’

He knew that Yeon Ho-Jeong’s methods were as ruthless as the Tangs. He wondered if all the previous conversation would be for naught because of this request.

Yeon Ho-Jeong readily nodded.

“Since you’ve given me the opportunity to witness Shaolin’s martial arts, how could I refuse? Rather, I’m grateful.”

Beomoh jumped up.

Yeon Ho-Jeong pointed to the door with his thumb.

“Let’s go.”