Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 821

Reduction or elimination of authority.

Though spoken calmly, the implications of those words were far from ordinary.

Moyong Gun’s statement shocked everyone. However, Yeon-wi maintained a composed expression.

Seung-hyeon Jin-in, who had been silent until now, cautiously opened his mouth.

“Clan Leader Moyong, that is too…”

“Please do not misunderstand. My intention is not to expel the Yeon family from the Martial Alliance, nor to turn them into puppets.”

“What do you mean?”

“We must be mindful of the Imperial Palace. While we are reassured by the presence of Yeon Ho-Jeong, we cannot ignore the Demonic Martial World either.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes gleamed.

“However, those we must be most mindful of are the countless masses of the White Path martial world who support us.”

Complex expressions flickered across the faces of those present.

Here, the positions of Bonggong [Head of the Martial Alliance] and Elder of the Martial Alliance were held by the heads of the Nine Great Sects and Six Great Clans, as well as a few leaders from minor sects. In other words, they were all leaders representing the orthodox martial world.

However, the true power of the orthodox martial world actually came from the unified strength of countless sects.

While the power of the great sects was undoubtedly immense, from the perspective of the larger orthodox framework, the individual power they possessed had its limits. Power that was not unified could easily crumble like a sandcastle. The fact that they were able to lead the ultra-large alliance of the Martial Alliance was only possible because of the support of so many sects.

In simple terms, the Imperial Palace and the Demonic Martial World could be considered external problems. However, public opinion within the White Path martial world was a purely internal issue, and one that shook the very foundation of their existence.

In terms of immediate importance, it was an issue that could not even be compared to the Imperial Palace or the Demonic Martial World.

“Even if individuals are wise, many are swayed by mob mentality. We do not need to be excessively swayed by public opinion, but we certainly need to appease them.”

Seung-hyeon Jin-in sighed.

“Is that what you mean by reducing or eliminating the Yeon family’s authority?”

“That is correct. Of course, we must draw a line that it is a temporary, not permanent, deprivation. The Yeon family is a prestigious family that has saved the lives of local people through countless acts of chivalry, and a family that has changed the landscape of the world. People will understand that much.”

“Hmm.”

Seung-hyeon Jin-in looked around at those present and said,

“What do you think of Clan Leader Moyong’s opinion?”

A slight unease flickered across the faces of the Bonggong and Elders as they looked at each other. However, the majority seemed to think it was not a bad idea.

Sun Woo spoke.

“This humble one does not think so. No matter how much we need to be mindful of public opinion, is there a need to inflict such an insult on the Yeon family at this crucial time?”

It would be a way for the Martial Alliance leadership to calm the angry public and take a breather, but it could also be a blemish on the Yeon family’s reputation.

Moyong Gun shook his head.

“The important thing is harmony. Everyone is agitated right now, and someone needs to resolve this matter. And someone needs to take responsibility.”

“But… !”

“I understand the Sect Leader of Jongnam’s feelings. However, I believe this method is a path that will also ease the mind of the Yeon family head.”

Sun Woo involuntarily looked at Yeon-wi.

Only then did Yeon-wi open his mouth.

“I have no words to say, as I have caused you all concern because of my family.”

Bok Ho-sa-tae spoke with a regretful expression.

“How can you say such a thing? Everyone knows that the Yeon family is a chivalrous family that discusses the best in the world. Although this meeting was arranged due to the dire situation, no one here intends to blame the Yeon family.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes scanned the room.

More than half of the leaders were nodding in agreement with Bok Ho-sa-tae’s words. Some of them even seemed more regretful than Bok Ho-sa-tae.

‘It was good to come and see.’

Even before entering seclusion, the Yeon family’s status was considerable. It was thanks to Yeon-wi’s upright character and Yeon Ho-Jeong’s great achievements.

But now, it was even more so.

Whether they knew it or not, the eyes of the leaders looking at Yeon-wi were filled with deep sympathy, admiration, and even guilt. They felt indebted to the Yeon family, who had taken the lead in preventing conflict in this chaotic era.

Moyong Gun smiled wryly.

‘They risked their lives to pursue righteousness, huh?’

Yeon-wi shook his head.

“Whether it is blame or criticism, it is true that my fault is clear. In fact, I was able to come to this place because many of you here understood, and it would not have been strange if I had been expelled from the Martial Alliance.”

It was only because of their alliance with the Demonic Martial World that it ended with expulsion. If they had not even formed an alliance, the Yeon family itself could have been destroyed.

That was precisely why the leaders felt indebted.

They knew how fierce and great the actions of the Yeon family father and son were, as they did not hesitate to use any means to stop the enemy and for the sake of the future.

However, people’s hearts were unpredictable, and there were not a few who had doubts about Yeon Ho-Jeong, who had achieved such great feats.

That was why they could not openly support Yeon-wi. If, by any chance, Yeon Ho-Jeong truly abandoned the White Path and lived for the Demonic Path, it could be a great threat to the White Path martial world.

“I am in a position where I cannot agree or disagree with Clan Leader Moyong’s proposal. As a member of the Martial Alliance, I feel a great responsibility, and I will simply decide my course of action based on your judgments.”

Yeon-wi clearly stated his position.

Gong Gong Dae-sa looked at Jeagal Mun-Ho and said,

“What is the military advisor’s opinion?”

He had not opened his mouth once since his few words at the beginning of the meeting.

Jeagal Mun-Ho looked at Yeon-wi.

Yeon-wi did not make eye contact with him. He was simply staring straight ahead.

A small sigh escaped from Jeagal Mun-Ho’s lips.

“Let’s put them under surveillance.”

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

“It would be good to temporarily strip them of their positions and authority, and also place all the Yeon family members under extensive surveillance.”

At that moment, Sun Woo slammed the table.

“What are you saying?! Surveillance?”

Bok Ho-sa-tae cautiously said,

“Wouldn’t a temporary deprivation of authority be enough? I don’t think there’s a need to add surveillance to that.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho shook his head.

“If we’re going to do it, it’s better to do it thoroughly.”

“That’s absurd.”

Even Peng Mu-Gang, who had been quiet, strongly opposed the idea.

“While I agree with the deprivation of authority, I think surveillance is excessive. Even if the weight of each person’s merits and demerits is different, isn’t the merit of saving the Emperor enough to be pardoned for any crime?”

Everyone nodded. They could not deny that part.

“Furthermore, the Yeon family head is a peerless martial artist who has even been granted the Heavenly Empire Sword. If the fact that we put such a person under surveillance becomes known, how will the Imperial Palace view us?”

“…”

“Public opinion is important, but the eyes of the Imperial Palace are also important. Even putting all that aside, it is clearly excessive to put the Yeon family, who risked their lives for the world and were active everywhere, under surveillance.”

“Clan Leader Peng.”

“Speak.”

“We are members of the Martial Alliance. And we are supported by countless White Path martial artists.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho’s eyes were clearer than ever.

“Rather than praising the achievements, it is more important to protect the current reality. That is what we must prioritize.”

“But!”

“If we are afraid of external gazes and apply our own standards, that organization will surely collapse.”

“… !”

“Let’s take care of our own affairs first, and then look around. That is my opinion.”

Peng Mu-Gang looked at Jeagal Mun-Ho with an expression of disbelief.

Yeon-wi and Jeagal Mun-Ho were very close, both publicly and privately. Although Jeagal Mun-Ho was strict in public and private matters, there was no need for him to take the lead and add to the harm that could come to the Yeon family.

Jeagal Mun-Ho spoke again.

“I don’t think the Yeon family’s status will fall just by putting a few surveillance personnel on them. On the other hand, public opinion will also calm down because we have taken such measures.”

“…”

“Regardless of any personal relationships, it is right to be strict in carrying out our duties. It is not because we are told to handle matters by considering personal relationships and benefits that so many people support us.”

Bok Ho-sa-tae frowned.

“Those are difficult words to accept. Those words are like…”

“From the beginning, there was no need to drag out this hearing this far.”

“What do you mean?”

Jeagal Mun-Ho looked at Yeon-wi and said,

“The longer this meeting goes on, the more the Yeon family head suffers. Why don’t you understand that?”

“… !”

“I, as a military advisor, have been watching this meeting drag on. I apologize to the Yeon family head, but I wanted to see how efficient our Bonggong and Elders’ handling of matters could be during this crucial time.”

“Military Advisor.”

“Empty talk is nothing different. This is exactly what empty talk is. The Demonic Path is changing, and the flow of the Imperial Palace has also changed. But our Martial Alliance has not changed at all since it was first established.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho sighed.

“What is worse than regression is stagnation. It is because there is no change. An organization that changes for the worse will perish, but an organization that stagnates cannot even choose to perish.”

“…”

“I would like to take this opportunity to say this. It is good to have some leeway, but now is the moment when more decisive and proactive actions are needed. Even at this moment, the enemy will be targeting our weaknesses from all angles to overturn the Central Plains.”

“…”

“I cast my vote for the temporary deprivation of the Yeon family head’s authority, as well as the extensive surveillance of the Yeon family members. As today is the last day of this long hearing, I have nothing more to say.”

Jeagal Mun-Ho, who had risen from his seat, bowed his head.

“I will leave my seat first today. There is too much information to process.”

* * *

It was half an hour after Jeagal Mun-Ho left that the hearing ended.

Moyong Woo, who approached Moyong Gun as he came out of the conference hall, expressed his bewilderment.

“Somehow, the faces of the Bonggong and Elders look dark.”

“They must feel uneasy and frustrated.”

Moyong Gun chuckled and patted Moyong Woo’s shoulder.

“The appointment of the Righteous Army Commander will be in three days. Keep that in mind.”

“Yes, yes?!”

“It was just like throwing a pebble into a stormy sea. It was much easier than I thought. As he was the commander of the Tangma Army, there were no other objections.”

“… I see.”

“Anyway.”

Moyong Gun smiled wryly and shook his head.

“Military Advisor Jeagal has become even more fierce.”

“Is that so?”

Moyong Gun told Moyong Woo about the conversation that had taken place in the conference hall.

Moyong Woo’s eyes wavered.

“The Military Advisor did such a thing…?”

“It was a wise move. It calmed the public opinion of the White Path, straightened out the minds of the disorganized leaders, and in the long run, it was a great move that would also help the Yeon family.”

“Help?”

Moyong Gun looked at Moyong Woo with a puzzled expression.

“I don’t know if the Yeon family has really changed their minds, but they wouldn’t have, would they?”

“… !”

“It may seem like a harsh measure right now, but in the long run, it was a move that would highlight the Yeon family’s innocence and strengthen their trust. He’s not an ordinary person after all.”

“… I see.”

“And.”

Moyong Gun’s eyes curved.

“Through that scolding, Military Advisor Jeagal is saying that this is the moment when a decisive and action-oriented Martial Alliance leader is needed.”