Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 502

There’s a saying, ‘a word like a dagger.’ It means shaking someone’s emotions with a single, simple phrase. Yeon Ho-Jeong’s words were too long to be called a ‘word like a dagger.’ However, in the sense of catching his opponent off guard, it was certainly worthy of the name. Namgoong In, who had never hesitated to make ruthless judgments while wearing a smile he had honed his entire life, found the steel mask he had cultivated for so long beginning to crack, little by little.

“If I had such intentions, it could be considered a threat… You have a peculiar way of speaking,” Namgoong In said, his voice betraying a hint of unease.

“I hear that often,” Yeon Ho-Jeong replied, unfazed.

“I understand that your intuition is exceptional enough to earn the recognition of the elders. However, no matter how great your intuition is, you need to bring proof to have a conversation, wouldn’t you say?” Namgoong In pressed, trying to regain control of the situation.

“It seems you’re mistaken about something, Clan Lord,” Yeon Ho-Jeong countered, his tone shifting.

“Mistaken?” Namgoong In echoed, noticing the change in address. His title had shifted from ‘Bonggong’ [a respectful title for a high-ranking member of a clan] to ‘Clan Lord,’ a subtle but significant change. Namgoong In, whose composure had been shaken, couldn’t quite grasp the nuance.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled coldly. “If I had come with evidence, there would be no need for warnings or requests. I would either have them captured and dealt with on the spot, or somehow crush them so they could never set foot in the Martial Alliance again.”

“……!” Namgoong In was taken aback by the directness of the statement.

“Instead of just showing it through actions, isn’t it pathetic to argue back and forth, nitpicking about this and that?” Yeon Ho-Jeong’s words were sharp and cutting.

Namgoong In’s cheek twitched, a sign of his growing irritation. Yeon Ho-Jeong’s smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression.

“I know my words are harsh and rude. There’s a difference between honesty and rudeness. I’m mindful of that, but when I open my mouth, it’s not easy to control,” Yeon Ho-Jeong admitted, his tone still firm.

“……”

“The point is, I’m asking you to change your mind, even now,” Yeon Ho-Jeong stated, his gaze unwavering.

“Listening to your tone, even if I had such thoughts, they would vanish,” Namgoong In retorted, trying to deflect the accusation.

“Are you admitting it?” Yeon Ho-Jeong pressed, not letting him off the hook.

“I don’t want to play word games,” Namgoong In said, his patience wearing thin.

“If you don’t like word games, then let’s drop the formalities and speak plainly,” Yeon Ho-Jeong declared, his demeanor shifting once more.

*Whoosh.*

A fierce aura erupted from Yeon Ho-Jeong’s body. The aura, which had always been deep and mysterious, transformed into an overwhelming force that seemed capable of burning the world. Namgoong In was greatly shocked by the sudden change in aura.

‘How can this be!’ he thought, his mind reeling. He knew that Yeon Ho-Jeong’s martial arts were worthy of being called a master, but he never expected it to be this level. Judging by this aura alone, he had already surpassed the leaders of the Nine Sects or the heads of the Six Great Clans!

“Do you know how I transported the now-deceased Head of Deung and Yong Hwa-Jin-In of the Mount Hua Sect to the prison?” Yeon Ho-Jeong asked, his voice now laced with a dangerous edge.

“……”

“I never let go of a target once I’ve set my sights on it, even if the sky falls and the earth collapses. I’m a nasty guy who will cling on until my flesh is torn and my bones are crushed,” Yeon Ho-Jeong continued, his words sending a chill down Namgoong In’s spine.

“……”

“That’s why I dealt with the Head of Deung and Yong Hwa-Jin-In that way. Because the future Martial Alliance doesn’t need people who only look out for their own interests or become obstacles, instead of contributing to its strength. That’s why I got rid of them,” Yeon Ho-Jeong explained, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

Namgoong In felt a chill run down his spine. Logically, he thought it was nonsense, but his heart understood the sincerity behind those words.

“The Military Advisor also agreed with my extreme plan. Clan Lord Moyong? What’s the point of talking about it? Do you think we could have thrown such big figures into prison without Clan Lord Moyong?” Yeon Ho-Jeong’s words were laced with a hint of challenge.

“……”

“In other words, if someone like that appears again, at least two of the current Martial Alliance leaders will draw their swords. Do you understand what I’m saying?” Yeon Ho-Jeong’s gaze was intense.

A cold smile spread across Namgoong In’s face. “That sounds good. In the end, you’re saying you’ll turn the Martial Alliance into a dictatorship no different from the Black Faction, aren’t you?”

“If you don’t know the difference between the unity of an army facing war and a one-person rule that wields absolute power, then you are not qualified to be a Bonggong,” Yeon Ho-Jeong retorted, his voice sharp.

“That’s just wordplay,” Namgoong In dismissed, trying to downplay the significance of Yeon Ho-Jeong’s words.

“Are you really that ignorant of reality?” Yeon Ho-Jeong challenged, his patience wearing thin.

“Reality, you say…” Namgoong In muttered, his mind racing.

“No matter how you try to embellish and deceive with various words, there is only one reality,” Yeon Ho-Jeong stated, his eyes darkening.

“At this rate, we will lose the war against the Three Teachings,” Yeon Ho-Jeong declared, his voice filled with grim certainty.

“……!” Namgoong In was taken aback by the starkness of the statement.

“The Central Plains will become a sea of fire. The imperial palace and the martial world will collapse, and in the end, only those who suit the Three Teachings’ tastes will survive. The powerless will have to recite doctrines for a god they don’t believe in, and the patriots will bleed and die on the cold ground without anyone knowing,” Yeon Ho-Jeong painted a bleak picture of the future.

Namgoong In swallowed involuntarily. From Yeon Ho-Jeong’s expression and eyes, he could see the desperation of someone who had experienced the horrors of war.

“If that happens? Do you think Namgoong will be safe?” Yeon Ho-Jeong asked, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm.

Namgoong In said without realizing it, “Namgoong will not fall.”

“It’s hard to even count the number of sects that have been uprooted because of such meaningless pride. And surely…” Yeon Ho-Jeong paused, his gaze piercing.

“……”

“You’re not thinking that even if we lose the war against the Three Teachings, it’s okay as long as Namgoong is fine, are you?” Yeon Ho-Jeong’s question hung in the air.

Of course, he didn’t think that way. Namgoong In also disliked the Three Teachings. It wasn’t just the Three Teachings. He couldn’t like any force that coveted the Central Plains martial world. Those who belonged to the martial world, especially those in power, would have a deeper hatred for them.

“Let’s say we lose the war and only Namgoong survives. From that point on, there’s only one action Namgoong will have to take to survive,” Yeon Ho-Jeong’s lips curled up in a clear sneer.

“That is to crawl between the legs of the Three Teachings,” Yeon Ho-Jeong stated, his voice dripping with disdain.

“Nonsense!” Namgoong In exclaimed, his pride wounded.

“Otherwise, Namgoong will be destroyed. Every single dog raised in the Namgoong Clan will be wiped out,” Yeon Ho-Jeong’s words were harsh and unforgiving.

“How dare you insult Namgoong? If such a situation arises, we will fight valiantly to the end!” Namgoong In declared, his voice filled with righteous anger.

“Why wait until the end?” Yeon Ho-Jeong countered, his gaze unwavering.

“……!!”

“Instead of choosing such a desperate fight with no way out, let’s fight together from now on,” Yeon Ho-Jeong proposed, his tone shifting once more.

Namgoong In looked troubled, his mind grappling with the implications of Yeon Ho-Jeong’s words. Yeon Ho-Jeong continued, pressing his advantage.

“I’ll make it clear. The reason I’m going to the Black Dragon Unit is because I know that now is not the time for the Black and White Factions to fight each other, but for the two groups to unite and face the Three Teachings. And not only Clan Lord Moyong knows this, but also the head of the Black Dragon Unit. Even the leader of the Black Faction Alliance, whom our White Faction despises and looks down on,” Yeon Ho-Jeong explained, his voice firm.

“……”

“Do you really want to be someone worse than the leader of the Black Faction? Do you want to enjoy a brief moment of power that is destined for destruction?” Yeon Ho-Jeong’s words were a direct challenge to Namgoong In’s ambition.

Namgoong In, who was looking at Yeon Ho-Jeong with trembling eyes, spat out as if chewing on his words, “I won’t stand for it if you insult me any further. There’s a limit to how badly you can see someone. Do you think I’m such a fool who can’t even tell right from wrong?”

“That’s what I’m saying,” Yeon Ho-Jeong replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Yeon Ho-Jeong smiled and stood up from his seat. “It’s fortunate if this is the result, where I get insulted and you get angry.”

“What?!” Namgoong In was taken aback by the sudden shift in tone.

“If you don’t want to become such a person, if you want to uphold the greater good as the head of the Namgoong Clan, then don’t forget what you just said,” Yeon Ho-Jeong stated, his gaze intense.

“……!”

“What does it matter if I get insulted? What does it matter if I become a fool, a rude idiot, a moron? If the result is that you, Clan Lord, will truly work for the sake of a greater cause, then you can insult me however you want,” Yeon Ho-Jeong declared, his voice filled with conviction.

Yeon Ho-Jeong turned the empty cup upside down and placed it on the table. “The wine was good. It had a nice aroma. But it’s too luxurious. Sometimes, you should experience the charm of bitter white liquor.”

“What nonsense is that…?!” Namgoong In exclaimed, confused by the sudden change in topic.

“Life is contained in white liquor. It’s a harsh and tasteless drink, but if you look closely, you can find something to enjoy,” Yeon Ho-Jeong explained, his tone philosophical.

“……”

“You tend to overdrink fragrant wine, don’t you? Even that good aroma will feel more repulsive than the smell of poop when you’re suffering from a hangover the next day,” Yeon Ho-Jeong’s words were blunt and unexpected.

His words were truly inconsistent. But Namgoong In felt himself being swayed by Yeon Ho-Jeong. Not only did he freely change the topic at any time, but he also led the conversation throughout. Sometimes, it could be a talent more terrifying than martial arts, and that was the art of speaking.

“I’ll make it clear. If you seek power, the Martial Alliance is not for you. I have no intention of judging that desire, but at least you shouldn’t hinder the responsible patriots who are struggling to protect their foundation,” Yeon Ho-Jeong stated, his voice firm.

Yeon Ho-Jeong turned his body. “I hope you make a wise decision,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. With those words, Yeon Ho-Jeong left the room.

Namgoong In, who was staring at the table with eyes filled with various emotions, momentarily lost control of his actions. *Bang!* The fist that struck the table had turned white, a testament to his inner turmoil.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had left Namgoong In’s residence, walked along the dark night road. Shortly after, a person approached him. It was Pae Yul.

“Are you back?” Pae Yul asked, his voice casual.

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled. “How do you keep appearing like a ghost?”

“That’s funny. You knew all along,” Pae Yul retorted, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Well, that’s true,” Yeon Ho-Jeong admitted, a smile playing on his lips.

“You annoying bastard,” Pae Yul grumbled, shrugging his shoulders. “I couldn’t sleep, so I came to find you for a sparring match, but I heard you went to Namgoong. So I was waiting.”

“Is that so?” Yeon Ho-Jeong asked, his tone light.

“But why Namgoong all of a sudden? Did Namgoong cause trouble too?” Pae Yul inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Yeon Ho-Jeong laughed out loud without realizing it. “Am I someone who only looks for people who cause trouble?”

“From your perspective, it’s trouble, and from that person’s perspective, it’s a bolt from the blue. Usually, that’s how it is, isn’t it?” Pae Yul observed, his tone matter-of-fact.

“A bolt from the blue… You’re not wrong,” Yeon Ho-Jeong conceded, his smile fading slightly.

From Namgoong In’s perspective, it certainly could be. He had never revealed his ambition, but a young junior suddenly came and told him to give up his greed without any evidence.

“I just hope he gives up his greed. The Martial Alliance will soon enter a semi-seclusion state, and it would be a headache if someone like Bonggong caused trouble,” Yeon Ho-Jeong said, his voice laced with a hint of weariness.

Pae Yul’s eyes lit up. “Seclusion?”

“Yes, that’s what will happen,” Yeon Ho-Jeong confirmed, his tone matter-of-fact.

Pae Yul didn’t say anything about it. “Then, does that mean the Martial Alliance will greatly reduce its external activities?”

“That’s what will happen. Of course, since it’s a semi-seclusion, they won’t completely prohibit external activities,” Yeon Ho-Jeong explained, his gaze thoughtful.

“Hmm,” Pae Yul hummed, stroking his chin.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was quietly watching him, opened his mouth. “It’s not going to happen.”

“What?” Pae Yul asked, his brow furrowing.

“I’m only taking Gang Ryang with me,” Yeon Ho-Jeong clarified, his tone firm.

“Did I say anything? You’re a funny guy,” Pae Yul retorted, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Then that’s a relief,” Yeon Ho-Jeong said, his tone light.

“Instead, our mission locations might overlap by chance,” Pae Yul said, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Yeon Ho-Jeong put his hand on his forehead. “Please find your fun elsewhere. How many battlefields are there in the world, why do you have to do this?”

“There are many battlefields. But there’s no one who creates a battlefield as exciting as you,” Pae Yul replied, his tone playful.

“Even though we should be gathering strength in preparation for war, do you really have to live so excitingly?” Yeon Ho-Jeong asked, his voice laced with exasperation.

“I’m going crazy,” Pae Yul said, his tone dramatic.

“Your way of talking hasn’t changed from before,” Yeon Ho-Jeong observed, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

“Your ridiculous fighting spirit hasn’t changed either, senior,” Pae Yul countered, his tone teasing.

Pae Yul chuckled. “Well, let’s think about that later. How was Namgoong?”

“Well…” Yeon Ho-Jeong turned his head and looked towards Namgoong’s residence. “Namgoong In is someone who is more interested in politics than martial arts. It’s not surprising that he’s finally showing his teeth, but… I just hope there won’t be any more trouble in the Martial Alliance.”