Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 733

The three individuals who departed from the small palace entered a secluded residence approximately ten miles away.

Like a structure within the Imperial Palace, it boasted greater opulence than the main residence of any high-ranking official. However, thanks to the strategic placement of walls and shadows, it remained discreet and difficult to spot, so well-hidden that it was hard to even recognize its existence.

‘If you require anything, please address the guards stationed outside the gate. You will have another audience with His Majesty at midnight today. The Grand General will also be present, so please take this time to rest.’

With these words, Do-beon departed, clearly displeased with the three individuals who had failed to show proper respect before the Empress.

Peng Mu-Gang clicked his tongue.

‘We’ve certainly earned some animosity.’

Jeagal Ayeon smiled.

‘That’s a testament to their deep loyalty. I find it admirable.’

‘It would be admirable if it weren’t our problem. I hope it doesn’t impede our future plans.’

‘It won’t. Or rather, it can’t.’

Peng Mu-Gang sighed and slumped carelessly onto the floor.

‘I was so tense; I’m completely drained.’

‘Were you tense?’

‘Of course. It was the Empress, after all. Even if her actual power has diminished, her position as the mistress of the empire is paramount. I couldn’t help but be cautious.’

‘I see.’

‘Moreover, my family resides near Beijing in Hebei. We’ve been influenced by the Imperial Palace and government offices, whether we realize it or not.’

Jeagal Ayeon nodded in understanding.

Peng Mu-Gang then looked up at Yeon-wi.

‘Clan Leader, you should rest as well.’

‘Hmm.’

Yeon-wi, leaning against the wall and stroking his chin, wore a distant expression.

Peng Mu-Gang asked with a puzzled look.

‘Why? Is something troubling you?’

‘It’s not so much that something is troubling me, but…’

‘It’s because of His Majesty the Emperor.’

Yeon-wi and Jeagal Ayeon looked at Peng Mu-Gang in surprise.

Peng Mu-Gang scratched his head.

‘Why are you looking at me like that?’

‘How did you know?’

‘Even before we left the Martial Alliance, Clan Leader Yeon was very curious about the well-being of His Majesty the Emperor, wasn’t he?’

‘That’s true, but…’

‘I heard that the current Emperor is not indulging in pleasure and neglecting state affairs like his predecessors, and is further depleting the already weakened national power.’

Yeon-wi glanced around.

There were several hidden warriors near the residence, observing the group.

Of course, the Empress’s side would be aware that the group would notice their presence. Still, they had concealed the warriors as a precaution.

Peng Mu-Gang must have been aware of this as well. Yet, he was openly criticizing the Emperor.

‘Clan Leader Peng.’

‘However, even so, His Majesty the Emperor is the sovereign of this nation. If the Empress and even Eunuch Woo-heon had not acknowledged his authority, the situation would have become even more chaotic.’

That was true. It was true, but it didn’t seem like the right time to bring it up.

Peng Mu-Gang spoke again.

‘The problem lies right there.’

‘…What problem are you referring to?’

‘His Highness the Crown Prince.’

‘…!’

Yeon-wi looked at Jeagal Ayeon.

Jeagal Ayeon nodded.

‘I was thinking about that too. If…’

Jeagal Ayeon, glancing around again, sighed and continued.

‘If they intend to seize the core power of the imperial family, the most effective approach would be to place their chosen successor on the throne.’

‘…’

‘The throne is not easily obtained. Unless there is a national emergency, the predecessor’s designation is essential.’

The national emergency that Jeagal Ayeon mentioned referred to a vacancy on the throne.

Regardless of the extent of their actual power, both the Empress and the Eunuch must be certain that they could assassinate the Emperor at any time.

Yet, they were leaving the Emperor untouched. The moment one side strikes the Emperor first, they would immediately be branded as traitors, and the balance of power would shift.

‘In this situation, one faction that could emerge is His Highness the Crown Prince.’

Peng Mu-Gang tilted his head.

‘But I can’t quite grasp that part.’

Jeagal Ayeon nodded.

‘If we knew that, we could understand the situation more clearly.’

Yeon-wi looked at the two of them.

They were speaking so openly, even though they knew they were being watched. There must be a reason.

Yeon-wi, who had been lost in thought, nodded silently.

‘Let’s rest for now. We can inquire with the Empress and the Grand General at midnight.’

‘Hmm, that’s true.’

Shortly after.

Swoosh.

The watchers moved a little further away. One of them had completely disappeared. It was likely to report the conversation that had just taken place here.

The eyes of the three people, who had been resting silently, changed.

Yeon-wi reached out to the center of the room.

Whoosh.

An intangible energy enveloped the three of them. Now, their conversation would not be overheard.

Even though he had set up a barrier, Yeon-wi still looked out the window and said,

‘That was dangerous.’

Peng Mu-Gang said with a playful tone.

‘I thought Clan Leader Yeon would notice right away.’

‘I apologize. I was too preoccupied with my thoughts and couldn’t keep up.’

Jeagal Ayeon also spoke while still resting.

‘The conversation from earlier will go straight to the Empress’s side. She’ll probably be very confused.’

‘Probably.’

Yeon-wi said.

‘His Highness the Crown Prince must have made a move.’

Peng Mu-Gang nodded.

‘I agree.’

‘How he moved doesn’t really matter now. If he had stood out, it would have become a three-way battle, but since he hasn’t, it must mean that his power is weak, or…’

‘It’s better to assume that he’s siding with either the Empress or Eunuch Woo-heon.’

Despite her young age, Jeagal Ayeon possessed an exceptional mind and remarkable insight. Furthermore, Yeon-wi and Peng Mu-Gang were renowned as overlords in their respective regions.

Based on the current situation and their conversation with the Empress, it was not difficult to deduce the situation within the Imperial Palace. After all, the ways of the world were often predictable.

The real issue was something else.

‘The problem is… is His Majesty the Emperor truly just an oblivious bystander?’

The three of them fell silent for a moment.

A moment later, Jeagal Ayeon spoke.

‘In the Jeagal family, we study the history of the empire separately. On a small scale, it’s to understand the history of the continent, and on a large scale, it’s to learn from history, discarding what should be discarded and adopting what should be adopted.’

‘That’s the purpose of all historical studies.’

‘Before ascending to the throne, His Majesty the Emperor was expected to become one of the most outstanding rulers among the past emperors. He was said to have mastered not only various academic disciplines but also, uniquely, martial arts. In particular, he was said to have been born with an exceptional talent for national administration.’

Peng Mu-Gang’s eyes sparkled.

‘I’ve heard similar stories. But…’

‘Yes. Not long after ascending to the throne, he succumbed to pleasure like his predecessors.’

‘Hmm.’

‘However, until just before that, he had introduced groundbreaking administrative measures. In addition, he had dispatched officials to various regions and somewhat calmed the chaotic lives of the people.’

‘And then he abandoned state affairs?’

‘That’s right.’

Jeagal Ayeon’s eyes deepened.

‘I simply dismissed it as something that happened. There were countless people like that in history.’

‘…’

‘But looking at the current situation…’

‘It’s not wise to jump to conclusions.’

Yeon-wi shook his head.

‘This is not the martial world. There isn’t much information. We can speculate, but we shouldn’t be trapped by it and make a wrong judgment. I’m sure you know that.’

Jeagal Ayeon smiled.

‘I just think it’s one of many possibilities.’

‘Alright.’

‘But there’s one thing that shouldn’t change.’

‘That’s right.’

A solemn look appeared on the faces of the three people.

‘Power must go to His Majesty the Emperor.’

‘His Majesty the Emperor is the core of the Imperial Palace.’

‘Legitimacy lies with His Majesty the Emperor.’

The three individuals, who spoke almost simultaneously, looked at each other and smiled.

The reason they came to the Imperial Palace was to assist the Empress in uncovering the details of the forces of the Divine Cult, which were operating behind the scenes, as well as the Eunuch. If possible, it would be beneficial to defeat them.

But the most crucial aspect was the Emperor.

For the Empress and the Eunuch to seize real power in the Imperial Palace, they had to place a successor who would benefit them on the throne.

They couldn’t change the dynasty themselves. That was how inviolable the Emperor’s legitimacy and authority were.

‘Even if His Majesty the Emperor has no power, it’s true that problems will arise the moment we side with one of them.’

‘You’re exactly right. And if we give power to the Empress and the power structure of the Imperial Palace changes, there’s a high possibility that the Empress will also turn against us later.’

Jeagal Ayeon’s eyes became intense.

‘We must approach His Majesty the Emperor. We need to shake things up so that the Empress will accept this plan.’

* * *

Swoosh!

Yeon Ho-Jeong and Gok Gyeong halted their movement techniques.

‘Damn it.’

Gok Gyeong’s face contorted in frustration.

‘I didn’t expect the situation to unfold like this.’

The location where they were supposed to meet their contact was littered with corpses.

The corpses were all clad in black uniforms. Judging by the broken necks and the stab wounds that pierced through their backs, it appeared they had been massacred without even being able to resist.

‘Are they from the Imperial Palace?’

‘They’re from the Sejeongban [Purification Banner] Gajo [False Group].’

‘Sejeongban? Gajo?’

‘Sejeongban is the Emperor’s secret organization. Gajo refers to those who bear the name of Sejeongban but are not the ‘real’ ones.’

Not the real ones? What did that imply?

Gok Gyeong looked around.

‘This is not the time to dwell on that. The individuals we were tracking were attacked instead. It means they’re also going to settle things.’

‘Settle things…’

‘They must not be far away. The movement techniques of the subordinates that the Bi-wang [Shadow King] commands are not inferior to my subordinates. Depending on who strikes from behind first, one side will suffer a devastating blow.’

‘So, we need to strike the head?’

‘Exactly.’

Gok Gyeong scanned the surroundings with sharp eyes.

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had been examining the corpses, spoke.

‘Senior.’

‘What is it?’

‘What is the precise reason why the Bi-wang appeared near Mount Wudang?’

‘Didn’t I tell you I don’t know? Maybe he decided there was no more information to extract from the Central Plains.’

That was definitely not it, Yeon Ho-Jeong thought.

Information is constantly accumulating. You never know when and where an important event will occur, so there can’t be no information to extract.

‘If it’s not something internal to them, there’s not much reason to show up. Especially if they have the ability to disrupt intelligence to that extent.’

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes blazed.

‘It’s the Imperial Palace.’

‘What?’

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had jumped up, looked at Gok Gyeong and said,

‘We need to go to the Imperial Palace right now…!’

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who was speaking, suddenly hesitated.

Gok Gyeong’s face frowned.

‘What the hell are you talking about?’

‘…’

‘I’m asking what you’re talking about! Why the Imperial Palace?!’

It was then.

Whoosh!

The expressions of the two changed.

The moment they sensed a subtle presence from the north, the unknown expert had already entered their range.

Clang! Clang! Clang! Swish!

A fierce sound echoed from the moon blade that was swung like lightning.

At the same time, a cut appeared on Gok Gyeong’s shoulder. The wound was shallow, but the fact that he had been struck by a surprise attack was enough to shock the world.

Whoosh!

Explosive energy erupted from Gok Gyeong’s body.

‘Bi-wang!!’

Flash!

Yeon Ho-Jeong unleashed a Half-Dragon Palm towards Gok Gyeong’s rear.

Bang!

The base of the tree was completely shattered.

But the ghost that had been there had already appeared on the opposite tree. He had avoided Yeon Ho-Jeong’s fast palm strike so easily.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

At the same time, dozens of experts appeared from all directions, surrounding them.

They were the nameless warriors that Gok Gyeong’s subordinates, the masked men, had attacked and killed. Surprisingly, their movement speed was not much different from the masked men.

That meant that in terms of speed, they were not significantly inferior to Gok Gyeong and Yeon Ho-Jeong.

‘Hmm.’

At the top of a tall tree.

There was a strange man standing with his arms crossed on a branch thinner than a child’s finger.

‘Looks like we’ve got another fine prey. I might have to get a little serious.’

Gok Gyeong shouted angrily.

‘Gongson Baek-Ryong!’

The Bi-wang, Gongson Baek-Ryong, grinned.

His posture, aiming a small knife at Gok Gyeong, was full of ease.

‘This is the first time we’ve met like this, isn’t it?’

Whoosh!

The moment Gok Gyeong took a step forward.

‘…?!’

Gongson Baek-Ryong, who had already jumped down from the tree, thrust the small knife towards Gok Gyeong’s eye.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes widened.

‘Crazy!!’

Swish!