Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 333

“Hoo.”

Moyong Woo leaned back in his chair.

“Another day has passed like this.”

The Tangma Army’s training is quite demanding.

Aside from everything else, there are five hundred soldiers. To meticulously guide that many soldiers required considerable mental fortitude. Even if the squad leaders help, controlling the training isn’t easy without the commander.

Of course, he was used to it now, but that didn’t mean it was any less tiring. It was just that he had gotten used to it. The soldiers were also developing quickly, so he had to consider training that matched their progress every moment.

‘Now, we should slowly start formation training.’

He had heard rumors that the Myeolsa Army was focusing on formation training.

‘The Jeagal family’s talented daughter is the strategist for the Myeolsa Army. They say the formation was also created by dismantling and improving the Jeagal family’s formation to suit the Myeolsa Army’s characteristics. Since the family’s direct descendant is teaching the family’s formation, their mastery will be fast.’

Moyong Woo stroked his chin.

‘Someone with an excellent understanding of formations… Can I find someone like that besides the Jeagal family? We need a different kind of formation training than the Myeolsa Army.’

The Tangma Army and the Myeolsa Army have completely different characteristics.

The Myeolsa Army is small in number, and the soldiers’ martial arts characteristics are clear, making them skilled in urban warfare and infiltration. They can also excellently fulfill their role as vanguards.

On the other hand, the Tangma Army has five hundred soldiers and is a heavily armored group. Therefore, battles requiring mobility are somewhat difficult, but they are a force specialized in large-scale battles on plains and all-out warfare.

Naturally, formation training is more necessary for the Tangma Army than the Myeolsa Army. Especially since they are divided into squads, each squad needs a formation that suits its characteristics, and they must also have a large formation that works well when combined.

“Hoo, my head hurts.”

At that moment, a playful voice came from the window.

“Why? Do you have something troubling you?”

Moyong Woo smiled. He had already sensed Yeon Ho-Jeong’s presence a little while ago.

“Why come through the window when there’s a perfectly good door?”

“It’s late at night. There might not be anyone around, but I’m afraid someone might misunderstand if they see me.”

“Haha.”

Moyong Woo turned his head toward the window. Yeon Ho-Jeong was already sitting on the windowsill with his legs crossed.

“Come in and sit down.”

“I will.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong sat on the plush chair opposite Moyong Woo, smiling and tapping the armrest.

“This is really nice? It seems like you have a big budget? It’s a luxury item, a luxury item.”

“My brother gifted it to me.”

“He’s generous.”

Moyong Woo smiled and looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong.

“Is your work for today finished?”

“What is there to finish? I took a break today.”

“Good. You’ve been living too busy of a life. If you keep running without rest, there will definitely come a time when you get exhausted.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled and asked in a casual tone.

“By the way, do you have any worries? Why the sudden head-holding?”

Moyong Woo clicked his tongue.

“It’s because of the Tangma Army training.”

“Why? Are they not listening? If they don’t listen, it’s not bad to discipline them once in a while…”

“It’s not that. They’re doing very well. Rather, there are many times when I feel my own abilities are lacking.”

“You’re being humble.”

“I’m serious.”

“But why the Tangma Army training? Can’t you just do it as usual?”

“It’s because of the formations.”

Interest sparked on Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face.

“So, the Tangma Army is also starting formation training?”

“That’s right. I heard rumors that the Myeolsa Army’s formation training is very successful, but is it really true?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong shrugged his shoulders.

“I was excluded from the formation training. I left it to Ayeon and Muk Bi, so I don’t know how they trained.”

“That’s like you.”

“However, I did fight them once. Seriously.”

Moyong Woo’s eyes sparkled.

“How was it?”

“It was terrifying. Honestly, if we were to fight seriously, I don’t think I could inflict much damage and would be crushed.”

Surprise appeared on Moyong Woo’s face.

“Even with your martial arts?”

He was one of the few people who knew how strong Yeon Ho-Jeong was.

It wasn’t just that his martial arts were strong. The real reason Yeon Ho-Jeong was so amazing was that he used his martial arts more efficiently than anyone else.

His extreme practical skills and his cautious nature.

It might be a rash statement, but Yeon Ho-Jeong’s combat ability was enough to be considered the best in the Central Plains. Of course, that was separate from the strength of his martial arts.

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“It was scary. It wasn’t just about forming a formation and moving. It felt like they were organically connecting their inner energy to amplify the formation itself. They seemed to deflect most attacks with just their momentum.”

When he said ‘most attacks,’ even a casual attack from a master like Yeon Ho-Jeong would be a fatal blow. If they could deflect such attacks with just their momentum, it could indeed be called an amazing formation.

“That’s amazing. The Myeolsa Army has developed even further.”

“It’s all thanks to meeting the right people. The soldiers are also very thirsty for strength.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong tilted his head.

“By the way, if you’re worried about formations, why don’t you just bring the Moyong family’s formations?”

Moyong Woo shook his head.

“It’s not that I haven’t thought about it. But I don’t think that would work.”

“Why? Are you worried that Moyong Gun won’t allow it?”

“There’s no way. He would welcome it. He would think that he could make the Tangma Army’s power a true force of the Moyong family.”

“Hmm, that’s true. So, the reason you’re not teaching the Moyong family’s formations to the Tangma Army is because you’re worried about the Tangma Army becoming the Moyong family’s private army?”

“That’s one reason, and decisively, I thought the Tangma Army needed a formation that suited them. At least among the family’s formations I know, there isn’t one that suits the Tangma Army.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled.

“Where would you find a formation that fits perfectly from the start? Even if it’s a bit tight or loose, you adjust it little by little.”

“You’re right. However, the family’s formations and the Tangma Army’s characteristics are too different.”

“Hmm.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong stroked his chin.

“Should I ask Ayeon to create a formation that suits the Tangma Army?”

Moyong Woo’s eyes widened.

“Is that possible?”

“It’s a request, so there’s no reason why she can’t. Of course, whether she can actually create it or not is entirely up to Ayeon’s ability.”

“Hmm.”

“What do you think? Should I ask her?”

Moyong Woo smiled.

“That’s fine. I’ll look into it on my end.”

“You’re very confident?”

“It’s not confidence, but rather I think it’s natural. Besides, our relationship shouldn’t be known to others. If the Jeagal young lady helps us, there’s a possibility of various rumors spreading.”

“Well, that’s true.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded.

“Let’s try to find someone who is knowledgeable about formations besides the Jeagal family. It might take some time.”

“Since you’re helping, I already feel reassured.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled.

‘He’s much calmer than before.’

Growth isn’t just about becoming stronger in martial arts or knowing more.

It’s also about changing your mindset to adapt to your environment. In that sense, Moyong Woo has taken another step forward.

“Well, putting that aside.”

Moyong Woo asked with a puzzled expression.

“Why did you come all the way here at this hour? Of course, I’m happy to see you.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong clicked his tongue.

“Well, there’s no need to beat around the bush. I’ll ask you directly.”

“…?”

“Can you possibly remove Dang Sang-ah from the Tangma Army?”

Moyong Woo’s eyes widened.

“Dang’s soldier?”

“Yes.”

“Why? Is something wrong?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong scratched his head.

“It’s not that something is wrong… well, it’s a bit difficult to explain myself.”

“Tell me. If you want to withdraw her, I need to know the reason at least.”

“You know the Dang family head, right?”

“Of course.”

“It seems like the Dang family head wants to properly educate his daughter.”

“Hmm.”

“You know their relationship wasn’t good, right?”

“Yes. Dang Sang-ah had a hard time because of that.”

“My father worked hard in the middle. Thanks to that, the father and daughter are now quite friendly. It seems like they understand each other well.”

“That’s a good thing.”

“I don’t know what the Dang family head is thinking. However, he wants to give his daughter a proper education now, but the commander’s influence is strong in the Tangma Myeolsa’s auxiliary unit, right?”

“That’s right.”

“So, he asked me. I’m also a deputy commander, and I was the one who forced Dang’s soldier to join the army.”

Moyong Woo chuckled.

“It was really absurd.”

“You didn’t refuse either.”

“How could I refuse when you pushed so hard?”

“Hmph, that’s a nice way to put it.”

“Hmm.”

Moyong Woo leaned back in his chair, lost in thought.

After a while.

“Looking at the Tangma Army as a whole, it wouldn’t be a big problem if Dang’s soldier withdrew. Rather, if she were to withdraw, now, before we start formation training, would be the right time.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Also, as you said, given the nature of the auxiliary unit where the commander’s influence is strong, there shouldn’t be any problems with withdrawing her. However…”

Moyong Woo’s eyes gleamed.

“If the person herself doesn’t want to, I don’t want to withdraw her, no matter how much you ask. The individual’s will is the most important thing.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded.

“I don’t want to force her to withdraw either. As you said, her own will is the most important thing.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“No, I’m sorry for making such an unreasonable request.”

“Haha, it’s been a while since I’ve heard you say sorry.”

“Is that so?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong got up from his seat.

Moyong Woo said with a somewhat disappointed face.

“Are you leaving already? It’s been a while since we met, shouldn’t we have a drink?”

“I have to tell the Dang family head. And I have a prior engagement. I’m already late. If I’m any later, I might get hit by an arrow.”

“That’s a shame. Then, let’s make some time soon. I’m going to forget what my brother looks like.”

“Don’t exaggerate.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled and went to the window.

But only for a moment.

“Is it going well?”

“Hmm?”

“I mean, the Moyong family’s side. You said you’d take care of it, so I’m sure you’re doing well.”

Moyong Woo chuckled.

“Are you worried?”

“I’d rather you think of it as simple curiosity than worry.”

“There’s nothing particularly noteworthy yet. I think you can rest assured for the time being.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Ah! But…”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes sparkled.

“Why? Is there something bothering you?”

Moyong Woo’s face became serious.

“It’s not that it’s bothering me… well, yes, it’s bothering me, so I’ve been feeling uneasy.”

“What is it?”

“Yeon-hwa has started to move.”

“Hmm.”

“Before, my brother scolded Yeon-hwa quite severely. After that, she was confined to her residence, but today she had a private meeting with my brother.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes turned cold.

“There must have been a conversation about the Mukryong Faction.”

“I think so. But that’s not why I’m worried.”

“Then?”

“Something… it’s hard to understand logically, but the feeling is strange. If I think about it calmly, there’s nothing particularly strange, but I have a feeling that she’s plotting something.”

“You smell something?”

“Yes. I smell something.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong stroked his chin.

“The father and daughter met today… there must have been talk about the Mukryong Faction… hmm.”

He smiled.

In that cold smile, the madness of the Black Demon Emperor, which had not yet completely faded, was slowly coming back to life.

“I’ll have to ask for another favor from the beggar.”