Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 728

‘As I thought.’

It was the reaction I had expected.

As the Empress said, even if they borrowed the power of the Martial Alliance, it would be impossible to bring troops and wipe out the eunuch forces.

No, even if it were possible, it shouldn’t be done. It would undermine the authority of the Imperial Palace and could potentially spark a rebellion.

Even if they borrowed power, they would have to operate completely in the shadows. The Empress, and even Grand Eunuch Wooheon, would have no choice but to attack their opponents in that way.

That’s how power struggles are. The outside is glamorous, but the inside is dirty and sticky.

‘What do you think? Can you fulfill my request?’

Jeagal Ayeon bowed and spoke.

‘May I say a word to Your Majesty?’

‘You are a descendant of the Jeagal clan. Speak freely.’

‘Does Your Majesty know what power, besides the eunuch faction, Grand Eunuch Wooheon is backed by?’

The Empress’s eyes flashed.

‘Do you know about the heretical cult?’

The heretical cult. It must mean the Sinhwa Church [a fictional religious group].

This changes things. The Empress knew of the existence of the religious group called the Sinhwa Church behind Grand Eunuch Wooheon.

‘I haven’t known about their identity for long either. As a result of a secret investigation, they even hold rituals near the West Palace.’

Anger was evident on the Empress’s face.

‘Aren’t they truly impious? To hold rituals worshipping false gods within the palace of the Son of Heaven [the Emperor]. There have been countless treacherous subjects in the Imperial family, but none as outrageous as them.’

‘They are a faction of the Three Teachings [a collective term for powerful, heretical groups] that have been operating secretly from beyond the borders, and each one is a formidable group with immense power.’

‘The Three Teachings…? Does that mean there were two more such heretical groups?’

A somewhat stiff voice.

Her dignity remained, but it contained genuine bewilderment. The Empress didn’t know that much.

‘Then.’

Jeagal Ayeon’s eyes sharpened.

‘Her Majesty… doesn’t know how dangerous Grand Eunuch Wooheon can become.’

Jeagal Ayeon opened her mouth.

‘Though it is a hasty guess, we believe that the power of each of them is so great that they can threaten the current martial world.’

‘……?!’

‘We have had several skirmishes with the heretical group hiding behind Grand Eunuch Wooheon. The head of the Yeon family here also participated in that battle, and fortunately, they defeated the enemy leaders, inflicting considerable damage.’

‘Is that so?’

The Empress looked at Yeonwi with interest.

Jeagal Ayeon thought.

‘She doesn’t know?’

She knows about the heretical group, the Sinhwa Church.

If so, it can be interpreted that some of the high-ranking officials threatened by the Three Teachings have also informed the Empress of this fact. For example, the governor of Hanam who died for treason.

However, the Empress had no idea that a battle had taken place between the Martial Alliance and the Sinhwa Church.

What does this mean?

‘Is the information being filtered?’

It’s impossible to know. It’s possible that none of the high-ranking officials associated with the Three Teachings have any intention of supporting the Empress.

But that possibility was extremely slim. Right now, the Sinhwa Church is behind Grand Eunuch Wooheon, who has seized power in the Imperial Palace, and they are doing things they don’t want to do because they are being threatened by the Sinhwa Church.

It would be good to support the Empress unconditionally.

Jeagal Ayeon bowed her head and said.

‘Your Majesty. The Sinhwa Church is…’

At that moment, Yeonwi raised his hand, stopping Jeagal Ayeon’s words.

Jeagal Ayeon looked at Yeonwi with a puzzled expression.

Yeonwi spoke in a calm tone.

‘It is certainly important who is behind Grand Eunuch Wooheon, but if we talk about it too much, it will only take up time. I think it’s not too late to talk about the Three Teachings later.’

‘……’

‘The important thing is whether we can handle Grand Eunuch Wooheon, isn’t that the real issue?’

The Empress looked at Yeonwi with a strange gaze.

‘That’s right. That’s what’s important.’

Jeagal Ayeon lowered her head.

‘Yes, that’s the priority.’

Although she said to speak comfortably, this was still a place where the mistress of a nation was present. Even if they were having an honest conversation, it would not be proper to talk about things that were off-topic.

‘I was too hasty.’

At that moment, Peng Mu-Gang opened his mouth.

‘We, as commoners, do not need to think about where the power of the Imperial Palace is heading. However, as warriors belonging to the Empire, we cannot stand idly by while a eunuch backed by a heretical group commits atrocities.’

‘Is that so?’

‘Yes, it is. Moreover, they are targeting both the Imperial Palace and the martial world. Before any power struggle, they are beings that cannot coexist with us.’

Although the clause of non-interference in official matters exists, the martial world is, at least formally, part of the Empire. Peng Mu-Gang’s statement, which specifically mentioned both the Imperial Palace and the martial world, could be seen as somewhat disrespectful.

Peng Mu-Gang was also aware of this. Yet, he deliberately said those words.

It was to make it clear.

After resolving this situation, they would not interfere in the affairs of the Imperial Palace. From the Imperial Palace’s perspective, the martial world is safe. It was to convey that meaning.

The Empress was also someone who had lived through the fierce political arena like a war. She couldn’t possibly not understand the meaning behind Peng Mu-Gang’s words.

The Empress smiled and said.

‘Then, can we say that we are on the same boat after all?’

‘Apart from any other issues, it would be a joy for the people to do their best for the nation’s mother.’

‘Huhu, such sweet words now sound like mockery.’

Pang Mu-Gang was flustered and lowered his head.

‘I apologize, Your Majesty.’

‘It was a joke, don’t take it too seriously. Anyway, I’m relieved that the eunuch is also an enemy to be defeated for you.’

To be precise, it would be the entire Sinhwa Church group, including the eunuch.

Yeonwi opened his mouth.

‘I believe that the timing and method should be discussed in depth. Now that the conversation has progressed this far, we would be grateful if you could answer our questions.’

‘Questions? I don’t know what the questions are, but I will answer anything I can.’

‘I’ll get straight to the point.’

Yeonwi’s eyes flashed.

‘First is the situation of His Majesty the Emperor.’

‘……Hmm.’

‘And second is the existence of a master who suddenly appeared in Hubuk Gyunhyeon.’

The Empress’s eyes deepened.

‘The situation of His Majesty the Emperor is not something that can be easily discussed. It is especially difficult in this place, so I will make time separately.’

‘I am honored.’

‘And a master who appeared in Hubuk Gyunhyeon…’

The Empress tilted her head.

‘I have no idea who you are talking about.’

Jeagal Ayeon opened her mouth.

‘Perhaps, does Your Majesty also engage in information warfare with Grand Eunuch Wooheon’s side?’

‘Information is an essential element in political strife. Of course.’

‘I’m curious if you also leaked the information that summoned us.’

The Empress frowned.

‘There’s no way I would do that. The strategy of feigning weakness is quite attractive, but I would not do anything that could harm people who might become my strength.’

Jeagal Ayeon looked at Yeonwi.

Yeonwi’s eyes deepened.

They thought that Biwang was related to the Empress. If not, they thought he might be someone from Grand Eunuch Wooheon’s side.

But judging from the Empress’s reaction, it seemed that he was neither on the Empress’s side nor on Grand Eunuch Wooheon’s side.

Then, where does Biwang belong?

Did he really appear out of nowhere? Or else….

‘Could it be that he has become a person of the Gwanghyeol or Saeum [other factions of the Three Teachings], not the Sinhwa Church?!’

* * *

The ship carrying Yeon Ho-Jeong’s group showed truly remarkable speed.

The ship, which had passed Honam and entered Hubuk in an instant, passed through Yichang and reached Heungsan.

Although they were not used to life on board, the group was able to live without any problems. It was thanks to the fact that they were all masters of martial arts.

They changed ships several times and even set foot on land before reaching Heungsan. Nevertheless, they were three times faster than an average transport ship. It was a speed that was hard to believe if you hadn’t experienced it yourself.

‘Hoo.’

The group, who had landed on the ground, rode their horses and reached the top of a mountain overlooking Banghyeon.

It took another three days to get there, but this was a truly remarkable speed. The surroundings were all forests, and it was such a rugged place that it was difficult to make a path.

‘Let’s rest here today.’

Banghyeon was located in a place where the mountain range of Wudang Mountain was clearly visible.

It was a place where they could look down on Banghyeon, so Wudang Mountain was also clearly visible. Although it was far away, its unique majestic and mysterious mist was also noticeable.

‘Ugh.’

Although she had trained her inner energy, she was not a master specialized in combat. Gi Woo-Hee, who had dismounted from her horse, was almost exhausted.

Yeon Ho-Jeong chuckled and approached her.

‘Are you okay?’

‘No.’

Even the good-natured Gi Woo-Hee couldn’t say she was okay, even as a polite lie. It was that difficult of a forced march.

‘Sit down. I’ll regulate your inner energy.’

‘Ah, it’s okay. If I just rest…’

‘If you’re not well, wouldn’t it be harder for the Mukryong Unit to protect you?’

Gi Woo-Hee sat down cross-legged with an embarrassed face.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, placing his right hand on her Myungmun acupoint [an acupuncture point on the lower back], operated the Four Divine Energies.

Whoo-oong!

The Four Divine Energies, which had descended through the acupoint in an instant, wrapped around her internal organs and blew away the accumulated fatigue.

Gi Woo-Hee’s complexion brightened in an instant.

‘It’s okay.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked down at his left hand.

‘He’s definitely a prodigy, this guy.’

While coming here, Gi Woo-Hee had steadily improved Yeon Ho-Jeong’s condition.

Sometimes she would give him acupuncture, and other times she would grind the herbs she had brought and feed them to him. And she forced him to sleep for four hours a day.

Now, after going through that process, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s physical condition was the best it had been since reaching the state of the Limitless. It had been a long time since he had felt this alive.

‘How is it?’

‘It’s really amazing.’

Gi Woo-Hee looked at Yeon Ho-Jeong with an astonished expression.

‘I knew that Grand Master Yeon’s divine skill was miraculous… but it has improved much more than before?’

‘Well, I guess so.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong shrugged his shoulders and touched her shoulder.

‘I’ve improved your physical condition, but inner energy isn’t omnipotent. Get some rest.’

‘Yes.’

Gi Woo-Hee, who had spread out her mat and lay down, fell asleep instantly.

Yeon Ho-Jeong approached Muk Bi, Jin Yang, and Gang Ryang.

‘How is it?’

‘Hmm.’

Jin Yang and Gang Ryang shook their heads.

‘I don’t feel anything in particular.’

‘Me neither, brother.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong nodded his head.

‘I guess not.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong also didn’t feel any signs of a fight or the aura of a supreme master. It was a very rugged and windy area, making it even more difficult to sense anything.

‘I’ll go to the prefecture first. I’ll stop by the Beggars’ Union branch, so rest well until then…’

It was then.

‘I see something.’

‘Huh?’

Yeon Ho-Jeong looked at Muk Bi.

Muk Bi’s eyes were shining brightly.

‘That’s Banghyeon, right?’

‘That’s right.’

‘I see something on the northeastern outskirts. It looks like a group of people moving quickly… but I’m not sure.’

Jin Yang looked at Muk Bi with a dumbfounded expression.

How could she see something from that distance?

Gang Ryang chuckled.

‘An archer’s eyes are several times better than those of an ordinary martial artist. Moreover, if it’s at Sister’s level, it’ll be even better than Brother’s.’

‘Heo!’

Yeon Ho-Jeong stood next to Muk Bi and looked in the direction she was looking.

As Muk Bi said, something seemed to be visible. But it was hard to tell what it was.

‘Muk Bi and Jin Yang, protect the group here. Gang Ryang, let’s go down together.’

‘Alright.’

The two immediately used their movement techniques and ran towards Banghyeon. In this kind of forest area, the two of them were more mobile than horses.

How long had they been running?

‘Brother!’

‘I smell it too.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes shone blue.

‘……The smell of blood.’