Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 394

395. The Mixed Battle (1)

“Hmm?”

Seunghyeon Jin-in, who was drinking tea, turned his head towards the window.

Gong Gong Daesa looked at him with a puzzled expression.

“What is it?”

“……”

“Jin-in.”

“Haa.”

Seunghyeon Jin-in shook his head.

“I must be getting old. It seems I’m even hearing things now.”

“Hearing things? What do you mean?”

“Haha, I once gave a small piece of enlightenment to Commander Yeon, no, Team Leader Yeon, at your request.”

“Ah, I remember now.”

“Team Leader Yeon’s past and present were stained with blood. Frankly speaking, just by the amount of blood he’s spilled, he wouldn’t be out of place being called a great demon.”

Gong Gong Daesa nodded heavily.

It was true that Yeon Ho-Jeong had seen a lot of blood, but how could they criticize him for it? Perhaps it was the fault of the elders of the martial world, like themselves, that his life was stained with blood.

‘It’s not just perhaps, it’s probably true.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s abilities were outstanding. And in many areas.

Like a needle in a pouch, his talent was bound to be noticed. How could the Martial Alliance just stand by and watch such an outstanding talent? More than half of the blood he had spilled was due to the orders of the Martial Alliance.

‘I am truly ashamed.’

Gong Gong Daesa suddenly sighed.

Even though he knew that Yeon Ho-Jeong had seen a lot of blood, he was ashamed of himself for letting a young man’s hands be so stained with it.

At least Seunghyeon Jin-in had given Yeon Ho-Jeong some enlightenment from Wudang [a famous Taoist sect] for the sake of his peace of mind. He, on the other hand, had done nothing for him.

Whether he knew Gong Gong Daesa’s feelings or not, Seunghyeon Jin-in continued in a calm voice.

“In fact, even someone with a strong mental fortitude would have their emotions worn down. Killing would become easy, and the smell of blood would no longer be repulsive.”

“That is unfortunate.”

“But Team Leader Yeon was different. While those aspects were not entirely absent, Team Leader Yeon’s eyes were very clear and deep, unlike those of a warrior who had seen much blood. In some ways, even more so than the disciples of the main sect.”

“Haha.”

“It seemed he was managing to keep his wavering mind in check. Of course, the help of those around him played a big part, but Team Leader Yeon’s character, which did not fear change and was willing to listen to the advice of others, also played a role.”

Seunghyeon Jin-in smiled gently.

“Whether it was a coincidence or not, I thought I heard Team Leader Yeon’s voice outside the window just now. I heard the sound of the few teachings of enlightenment that I had given to Team Leader Yeon.”

Gong Gong Daesa said in a kind voice.

“Jin-in’s enlightenment resides in a realm that this humble monk cannot even imagine. Surely, Jin-in’s sincere concern for Team Leader Yeon must have reached his heart.”

Seunghyeon Jin-in waved his hand.

“Don’t flatter an old man. Enlightenment? It’s just a fancy word for teachings that even the young disciples know. And yet, I’m the sect leader of Wudang. Well, my master was a bit of an eccentric.”

Accumulating knowledge is a difficult practice.

However, truly understanding the knowledge one possesses is even more difficult, and transforming that understanding into new wisdom is even more difficult.

That was why Gong Gong Daesa recognized Seunghyeon Jin-in as a Taoist rather than a martial artist. Seunghyeon Jin-in was a person who did not just know the knowledge that everyone knew, but also elevated it into wisdom.

If that wasn’t enlightenment, then what was? It was embarrassing, but Gong Gong Daesa thought that he was not even close to reaching Seunghyeon Jin-in’s level.

And that attitude was what made Gong Gong Daesa truly like Gong Gong Daesa. Of course, he himself didn’t know it.

Seunghyeon Jin-in said in a cheerful tone.

“Anyway, let’s continue what we were talking about. So, you sent Beom Oh and Gwon Mun-ju to Guangdong?”

“To be precise, I sent Gwon Mun-ju, but Beom Oh voluntarily accompanied him.”

“Haha, I heard that you severely reprimanded your disciple the other day.”

Gong Gong Daesa smiled bitterly.

“Thinking about that time makes me feel ashamed again. I thought I was thinking about my disciple’s future, but looking back, I must have been very frustrated myself. Even if my expectations were high, there was no need to be disappointed when they were not met. I failed to manage my own heart properly, unlike a true practitioner.”

In fact, Gong Gong Daesa had never given such harsh advice to anyone as he had to Beom Oh.

Perhaps it was because Gong Gong Daesa had come out into the world after a long time and had seen many talented people in various fields, and had begun to see things he had not seen before.

Without even going as far as Yeon Ho-Jeong, Moyong Woo was much younger than Beom Oh. However, Moyong Woo was called the best of the younger generation along with Yeon Ho-Jeong and was carrying out all sorts of missions.

There was no way to avoid comparing him to Beom Oh. And this time again, he realized that such a comparison was not only meaningless but could also hurt a growing sprout, and he deeply reflected on it.

After joining the Martial Alliance, he had been reflecting on himself a lot.

Seunghyeon Jin-in chuckled.

“I also went to see Team Leader Yeon once for a similar reason.”

“Ah, you mean Okcheong?”

“That’s right. To go and confront him without thinking, even though he was my beloved disciple, it seems all my practice was for nothing.”

Gong Gong Daesa smiled subtly.

“Talking like this, it seems everything is related to Team Leader Yeon.”

“Indeed. Even if the world is vast, it is said that only one true hero is born in a generation. And that hero shakes the heavens and pacifies the chaotic times.”

Seunghyeon Jin-in smacked his lips.

“I think Team Leader Yeon might become the main protagonist of the next generation.”

“I think so too. He is a talent who is more than capable of receiving such an evaluation.”

“Oh, my, it seems we keep getting sidetracked. So, what was the reason for sending Gwon Mun-ju? Although Yi Cheol-gyeong of the Geumgang Fist Sect is a well-known strongman, there are countless strongmen in Shaolin [a famous Buddhist temple] who are even stronger, aren’t there?”

“Of course, there are.”

“Is there something else you’re aiming for?”

Gong Gong Daesa’s face became slightly serious.

“In Foshan, Guangdong Province, there are Buddhist monks who have connections with Shaolin and are living in seclusion.”

Seunghyeon Jin-in’s eyes widened.

“Buddhist monks, you say…?”

“Well, this is a story that is not known to the world, so I hope that Jin-in will keep it to yourself.”

It was a story that only Shaolin knew.

To say such a thing in a calm tone, it was impossible for the listener not to feel good. It meant that he was being greatly trusted.

However, Seunghyeon Jin-in was inwardly nervous.

To hear a story that only Shaolin knew? It was a sign of great trust, but also a terrifying restriction. If this story were to spread in Wudang, Seunghyeon Jin-in would never be able to face Gong Gong Daesa again.

“I will. I will keep my mouth shut.”

“In fact, if they were to step forward directly, Team Leader Yeon or the Righteous Army might notice. The fact that they have connections with the main sect, that is.”

Gong Gong Daesa smiled bitterly.

“Seeing that I want to help them even while taking that risk, it seems I’ve been completely captivated by Team Leader Yeon.”

“Haha.”

“In Foshan, Guangdong Province, there are several elders from the previous generations of the main sect, as well as elders from other Buddhist sects scattered throughout the Central Plains.”

“……?”

“And the reason they are in Foshan is to protect the legacy of Buddhism that has been passed down for hundreds of years.”

“The legacy of Buddhism, you say?”

“I can’t tell you that far. However, it is a very important legacy, and you should know that it has been protected for three hundred years.”

“Three hundred years…!”

Three hundred years was a truly jaw-dropping period. It was said that even mountains and rivers change in ten years, but three hundred years was enough time for mountains and rivers to change more than thirty times. It was enough time for a dynasty to change.

“There are elders who are former martial monks, and there are elders who are former scholar monks. However, the important thing is that their influence is truly immense.”

“Their influence is immense?”

“For three hundred years, retired old monks have passed away there. How many monks must have been reborn in Foshan? How much good influence must they have had on their surroundings before they were reborn?”

“……!”

“Of course, they do not wish to be revealed to the world. In fact, even the sect leader of Wudang does not know of their existence.”

“Haha.”

Gong Gong Daesa smacked his lips.

“Yi Cheol-gyeong, Gwon Mun-ju’s great-grandfather, is currently the most senior elder there. The reason Gwon Mun-ju was accepted into Shaolin’s lay family was because of the connection between that family and the previous generations. Well, even considering that, Cheol-gyeong’s talent was exceptionally outstanding.”

Seunghyeon Jin-in asked urgently.

“Then, does the abbot mean that if those elders lend their strength, it would be a great help to the Martial Alliance?”

Gong Gong Daesa shook his head.

“It could be, or it might not be.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“They are the ones who have been upholding the legacy of Buddhism in Foshan for three hundred years. Among the previous elders of Shaolin, only a very small number were allowed to go to Foshan.”

“……Hmm.”

“Do you understand? They are people who do not move easily. Even the teachings to benefit the world have been put aside as they live out the rest of their lives upholding the legacy of three hundred years ago. It is questionable whether that request will be effective.”

Seunghyeon Jin-in sighed.

“If that’s the case, why didn’t you secretly send a master from Shaolin? If you had told me, I would have also lent my strength……”

“The forces dispatched by the Martial Alliance should end with the Righteous Army. That is the right thing to do.”

“Hmm.”

“However… perhaps that decision is due to the strong trust in Team Leader Yeon and Commander Moyong.”

Gong Gong Daesa looked out the window.

Although he himself said that he was inferior to Seunghyeon Jin-in as a practitioner, his view of the world was far ahead of Seunghyeon Jin-in.

“This humble monk believes that he has done his best. Team Leader Yeon will also do so, and so will Gwon Mun-ju and Beom Oh.”

“Do your best and wait for fate……”

“I just sincerely hope that they will complete their mission safely and return.”

* * *

“So, Young Master Yeon, no, Team Leader Yeon, said that?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Good.”

Ga Deuk-sang rubbed his hands together and grinned.

“This is a joint operation after a long time, I wonder if we’ll work well together. Shall we turn things upside down?”

It was then.

“Hoo, Hoogae!”

“Huh? What’s wrong?”

“Something terrible has happened!”

“So, you have to tell me what’s so terrible for me to understand! Don’t waste time, speak quickly! Team Leader Yeon hates people who don’t keep time!”

“There’s been an earthquake!”

“……What?”

“We received an urgent report that there was an earthquake and a landslide at the place where Hong Gwan was reported to be hiding! The entire area has been completely devastated!”

Ga Deuk-sang stared blankly at the beggar.

“What are you talking about? An earthquake? A landslide? Suddenly?”

“The exact situation is unclear! Even if we wanted to investigate, we can’t approach because assassins are watching from all sides…!”

At that moment, another beggar ran in.

“Hey, move! Hoogae! Urgent news!”

“What is it now?!”

“A letter has arrived!”

“Damn it! Letters arrive all the time! Who is it from?!”

“It’s said to be from a disciple of the Yin God?!”

“Huh?”

“A disciple of the Yin God!”

Ga Deuk-sang let out a hollow laugh.

“……What? What’s with all this chaos all of a sudden?”