Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 417

“Venerable Master.”

“Hahaha, I wonder if I’ve come at a bad time, considering how busy you must be.”

“How could that be? Please, have a seat.”

“Then, I shall take you up on that.”

Shortly after, Gong Gong Daesa and Jeagal Mun-Ho sat facing each other at the low table.

Gong Gong Daesa, unlike his usual self, asked directly,

“What is the current situation in Guangdong?”

“Based on the reports I’ve received so far, it’s not exactly good.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho said with a cold expression, skimming through several documents.

“I’ll tell you based on the reports that have come in so far. First of all…”

Jeagal Mun-Ho conveyed the situation in a concise manner, completely excluding his own opinions.

Gong Gong Daesa’s eyes deepened.

“I see.”

“The only fortunate thing is that we’ve captured one of the higher-ranking experts from the Saim Cult. This is a significant achievement. Currently, the Divine Transformation Warrior of the Shin Hwa Cult, who is imprisoned in the Martial Alliance’s prison, is almost out of his mind. In this situation, capturing a high-ranking figure is a great accomplishment.”

“The problem is, if the situation over there goes awry, even that great accomplishment will lose its meaning.”

“That’s correct.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes gleamed.

“Another fortunate thing is that, thanks to the information advisor’s direct participation in this operation, we can quickly identify the locations of high-ranking officials in Guangdong.”

“I see.”

“If the reports are accurate, it seems that Yayul Jeok, the current Yin Master [a high-ranking position in the Saim Cult] and a henchman of the Saim Cult, is focusing his killing intent on the Seungseon Port Administration Office.”

“I think so too. If the Seungseon Port Administration Office’s operational system collapses, Guangdong Province will turn into chaos in an instant. Given the region’s characteristics, it will take several times longer than other regions to restore public sentiment and reorganize the system once it collapses.”

An unexpected look appeared on Jeagal Mun-Ho’s face.

“You’re amazing. It seems you’re well aware of the current situation in Guangdong Province.”

It wasn’t that he was disregarding Gong Gong Daesa.

Unlike other regions, Guangdong was the southernmost part of the Central Plains. Although trade was active due to its proximity to the sea, it didn’t significantly impact the Central Plains economy, and it was not easy for even experienced old martial artists to know the current state of Guangdong, which had developed independently.

Gong Gong Daesa smiled.

“I have many acquaintances there. Not as much as the military, but I know a fair amount.”

“Impressive.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes gleamed.

“So that’s why.”

“Hmm?”

“That’s why you ordered the head of the Geumgang Fist Sect to go to Foshan.”

Gong Gong Daesa smiled wryly.

“You already knew.”

“Ah, I’m saying this in case you misunderstand, but I’m not at all upset. I thought there must be a reason for what you’re doing, since it’s your work.”

“Of course, there’s a reason. But I was also so worried that I forgot a very obvious procedure.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho didn’t deny it. Regardless of the intention, it was wrong to send an ally separately without informing the military advisor, who was in charge of the operation.

A reporting system wasn’t created for no reason. Even if Gong Gong Daesa was the leader of the alliance, this was wrong.

Gong Gong Daesa quietly recited a Buddhist invocation.

“I came to talk about this matter now. But since you already knew, I, an old man, am truly ashamed.”

“Haha, it’s alright. Please, just tell me in advance next time.”

“Of course, I will, and there won’t be such a thing again in the first place.”

“But why Foshan?”

Gong Gong Daesa’s eyes deepened.

“I’ve also spoken to the head of the Wudang Sect. There are great elders of the Central Plains Buddhist community there.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s face showed surprise at the brief explanation.

“No, why are the eminent monks from all over the place there…?”

“I’m sorry. This is a matter related to the entire Central Plains Buddhist community. Even if you are the military advisor, it’s difficult for me to say it myself.”

“Ah, is that so.”

“At the same time, because you are the head of the Wudang Sect, and because you are the military advisor, I will tell you this much. I thought that the two of you would not touch that place.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho smiled.

“Is that so? It’s related to Shaolin, the greatest power in the Central Plains martial world. Even the most curious person in the world would shake their head.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho was sincere.

The great sects of the Nine Great Sects and the Six Great Families each had secret aspects that they did not reveal to the outside world.

It could be a humanitarian matter, or it could be a matter of life or death for the sect. Or, though they hoped it wasn’t, it could be a very cruel secret.

If it were a matter of an individual sect, Gong Gong Daesa would have thoroughly hidden this part. However, if the entire Central Plains Buddhist community was involved, even Jeagal Mun-Ho would be reluctant to investigate.

“But that fact is truly surprising. That there are legendary high monks who have mastered Buddhist martial arts there…”

“To be precise, there are far more monks who are scholars than those who are martial monks.”

“I see.”

“They are people who have given up the path of enlightenment and are burning their remaining lives for the sake of Buddhism. My feelings are truly complicated to ask such a favor of them. But, what can I do? If things go wrong, the lives of the common people will be ruined by foreign invasion.”

“I am truly grateful for your words. However, what I’m curious about is, if you were going to tell me directly like this, couldn’t we have considered it when planning the operation?”

Gong Gong Daesa sighed.

“That’s exactly why.”

“What do you mean?”

“They will not move easily even if I ask them. They are people who have half left the Buddhist path and are burning their lives for only one purpose.”

“……!”

“I didn’t want to affect the operation with something that I couldn’t be sure would actually be possible. Even if it helps, isn’t this ultimately the responsibility of the Martial Alliance? I would be grateful if they helped, but I didn’t think it was right to criticize them if they didn’t.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho nodded.

“I understand what you mean.”

Even while saying that the lives of the common people could be ruined, he ultimately draws a line that it is the Martial Alliance’s responsibility.

At first glance, it might seem like a contradictory statement, but this was a statement that proved Gong Gong Daesa’s excellent distinction between public and private matters.

He couldn’t stand by and watch the lives of the common people be destroyed. However, there had to be an inevitable distinction between those who took responsibility for the matter and those who did not.

Although he hadn’t told the military advisor in advance, Gong Gong Daesa’s aspect was indeed a facet of the leader who led the great organization of Shaolin.

“If they were to move, it would be a great help.”

“I can only hope so.”

Gong Gong Daesa smacked his lips.

“They are also well-versed in the movements of the government officials, so it would be good if they could block the Yin Master’s schemes even once.”

“Excuse me? Well-versed in the movements of the government officials? Are you talking about them?”

“Of course. Foshan was a mountain that was heavily controlled by the government.”

“……!”

“If they hadn’t built some kind of relationship with the government, it would have been absolutely impossible for them to do ‘that thing’ in Foshan.”

“I see…”

Jeagal Mun-Ho realized that the certain matter happening in Foshan was much larger than he had vaguely thought.

Gong Gong Daesa continued.

“Anyway, it’s truly unfortunate that the situation has turned out this way. I believe that Yeon Daesu will do well somehow…”

“Yeon Daesu will do well. As always. But since he’s a human, he can make mistakes and face failure. His individual capabilities are beyond doubt, but he may have to manage people and also intervene in Guangdong politics.”

“Hmm.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho shook his head.

“Whether it works out or not, now we have no choice but to believe and wait.”

“Hahaha, at times like this, I really reflect on our attitude of using age as an excuse to lock ourselves in the alliance’s room and just watch the floating clouds.”

“Please don’t think that way. No matter what organization it is, high-ranking officials should not move recklessly. I believe you know that well, Venerable Master.”

Gong Gong Daesa silently drank his tea. He was trying to forget his frustration with a sip of tea.

Jeagal Mun-Ho, who was quietly watching him, suddenly exclaimed.

“Ah, and I was going to announce this matter at the Bong Gong Council.”

“Hmm?”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes gleamed.

“Speaking of Buddhism, do you perhaps have any ties with the Bota Hermitage?”

“Are you talking about the Bota Hermitage from the legend of the Sword Empress?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Of course. We exchange letters every year and maintain a relationship.”

“Hmm…”

“What’s the matter?”

“The movements of the Bota Hermitage are unusual.”

Gong Gong Daesa’s face hardened.

“Unusual? What do you mean?”

“I’ve received reports that the factional fighting within the Bota Hermitage has been quite chaotic. But it wasn’t a clearly confirmed matter, so I left it alone.”

“……?!”

“Recently, I received intelligence that a high-ranking official from the Bota Hermitage has entered Hunan Province. And as a result of deducing the destination that person is heading towards…”

Jeagal Mun-Ho cleared his throat.

“The interpretation came out as the Mukryong Fortress.”

“……!!”

“* * *”

Drip. Drip.

The sweat drops falling from Lee Cheol-gyeong’s forehead soaked the floor.

“Hmm.”

The oppressive feeling given by the quietly echoing voice was truly immense.

“Is that so?”

“…Yes.”

“It seems the Abbot was quite urgent. Ah, was the current Abbot Gong Gong?”

“Yes.”

“Gong Gong… Gong Gong has been known for his outstanding abilities since ancient times. He has many talents in various fields and has been praised as a person who is fully capable of leading Shaolin.”

“……”

“But my thoughts were different. Gong Gong’s eyes in seeing the world were always clear and deep, but the greatest talent Gong Gong possessed was his martial talent. If he had risked his life and thrown his life into that martial talent, he would probably have surpassed the Limitless Realm [a very high level of martial arts mastery] by now and imprinted the status of Buddhism as a Myo-o [Wisdom King, a Buddhist deity] throughout the world.”

Lee Cheol-gyeong’s forehead was constantly covered in cold sweat as he listened to the old man’s voice, which clicked his tongue quietly.

How old was Gong Gong Daesa? Moreover, he was the current Abbot of Shaolin. Both his age and status were those of a giant recognized in the Central Plains.

He was talking about such a person as if he were a child. It was difficult to guess the old man’s age and status.

“Did you say you are a descendant of Lee Hyung-nim?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“It’s a pity. Hyung-nim can’t move for the time being.”

“Perhaps, is he not feeling well…?”

“Puhul! Not feeling well? At that age, your great-grandfather is the most energetic among us. It seems he will live for another twenty years.”

“Ah! That’s a relief.”

“Anyway, is that how the situation is unfolding?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Hmm, even if he is the Abbot of Shaolin, he should know how unreasonable this request is…”

“……”

“Huh! It can’t be helped. The power of the officials is essential to dig into this place.”

“Are you helping us?”

“We are people who have stepped away from Buddhism. In other words, it means we do not belong to the world.”

“……!”

“The current chaos is the responsibility of those in active duty. However, since the situation is like this, we should at least provide some kind of shield for a while.”

“Th, thank you!”

“There’s no need to thank me. By the way, where is the beggar from the Beggar Clan who came with you? I need to hear the details before I move.”

“I’ll bring him right away!”

“Alright.”

Lee Cheol-gyeong left the cave.

The old man sitting in the cave clicked his tongue and rose.

“The tree wants to remain still, but the wind does not cease. Truly, a rough end of life.”