Monochrome Sovereign (Novel) - Chapter 133 - Price of Greed (3)
Chapter 133 – Price of Greed (3)
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Translated by Heavenly Cat
Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net
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“What?”
“Huuu.”
“So, you are saying that you asked him to make you the head of an Independent Mobile Unit if he was going to do it?”
“That is correct.”
Yeon Wi lost his words for a moment.
Yeon Ho-jeong continuously blew on his tea. The tea water was exceptionally hot.
Watching such a son, Yeon Wi inwardly felt astounded.
‘Is he thinking of it as nothing? Does he not know how amazing of a thing he did?’
His son, with just a few words, had turned a combat unit of the Murim Alliance into his direct subordinates that he could move as he pleased.
And his opponent was the Murong Clan Head. Murong Jun, a giant evaluated as one of the greatest Clan Heads in the history of the Murong Clan.
“I will ask again. Did the Murong Clan Head agree to that?”
“That is correct. He did say he would plant people, but they are not his own people. It probably means he will attach people from the Alliance’s side to report every movement of the unit.”
Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes sparkled.
“That much cannot be helped. No matter how free a mobile unit is, it belongs to the Murim Alliance in the end. I am satisfied with becoming a free unit that will not be sacrificed in the political arena of the Orthodox Murim Alliance.”
“Heo-eo.”
“The problem is the number.”
“The number?”
“That is correct.”
Yeon Ho-jeong, who set down his teacup, spoke with a much more serious face.
“What I negotiated with the Murong Clan Head was the existence of the Independent Mobile Unit, and up to me taking charge as its head. We did not talk about how many unit members there would be.”
“You mean?”
“That is correct. If things go wrong, the unit members could be in the tens. It might even be operated as a small organization to the point where the name ‘unit’ is a waste.”
Yeon Ho-jeong smiled.
“Well, I think that is fine too. Because the more people there are to manage, the more tired the head becomes. However, if it really ends up like that, it would mean I also got hit once by the Murong Clan Head.”
“…”
“Tsk, that would feel a bit bad.”
Yeon Wi shook his head.
“You are truly amazing.”
“Yes?”
“I knew your eyes had reached the world, but I did not know you would also have an eye for political strife.”
“Ah…”
Yeon Ho-jeong scratched his head.
“In fact, I do not think it is an amazing thing. There are many areas to utilize strategy and tactics where actual spears and swords clash. It is just that on the battlefield of politics, spears and swords change into tongues.”
“…”
“Well… That is what I think.”
Yeon Wi, who was staring fixedly at Yeon Ho-jeong, shook his head.
“Amazing. I have nothing to say other than amazing.”
“You do not need to say it like that so…”
“And I will tell you in advance. I will oppose it.”
“Yes?”
“I mean I will oppose the creation of an Independent Mobile Unit with you as the head.”
Yeon Ho-jeong blinked his eyes.
“Oppose…?”
“That is right.”
“Why is that?”
“Because it is not right.”
“No, Father. To win just this one thing, I used quite a big stake…”
Yeon Wi was firm.
“Ho-jeong, your abilities are outstanding. Your martial arts, and your stratagems. And this time you proved that you are an operator second to none even in political strife. As a father, the excellence of such a son is definitely a pleasing thing.”
“…”
“However, the existence of an Independent Mobile Unit has a high risk of causing confusion in the organization of the Murim Alliance. As the Clan Head of a Six Great Clans, I cannot agree to the creation of such an organization.”
Yeon Ho-jeong scratched his head.
He said he opposes the creation of an organization that could become the power of his son, and furthermore, his family.
Yeon Ho-jeong also had not expected this kind of reaction from his father. So he was flustered, and on the other hand, he also thought it was truly like his father.
“Before that, the decisive reason I oppose the creation of an Independent Mobile Unit is…”
“Because the result was not right.”
Yeon Wi’s eyes grew large.
Yeon Ho-jeong smiled.
“As a warrior who received the teachings of the Yeon Clan, I created an incorrect result. Isn’t that so, Father?”
Yeon Wi smiled.
“Did you know?”
“Now I know.”
“Yes, it is not a right thing.”
Although the establishment of the Murim Alliance was almost confirmed, nothing was actually decided in reality.
In such a situation, Murong Jun, who tried to make Yeon Ho-jeong the head of a combat unit to put him under his command and surveil him, was abnormal, but Yeon Ho-jeong, who went to such Murong Jun and threatened him to create an Independent Mobile Unit, was also not normal.
If it was a simple joke, it could be laughed off, but not to mention Murong Jun, Yeon Ho-jeong was also a martial artist with significant influence in his own right.
Conspiring in advance to create a new organization is, in itself, treating the Murim Alliance as a joke.
“Your method was excessively radical, but I also know there are times when such methods are needed. However, it was not this time at least.”
“Accurately, the method couldn’t be helped, but I should have made him give up on me. Isn’t that so?”
“Yes, that is so.”
Yeon Ho-jeong shook his head.
“I understand Father. But because I am not Father, I might often use these methods in the future as well.”
It was a statement made ready for a fierce scolding. It was a statement made so he wouldn’t be hurt later by any chance.
Surprisingly, Yeon Wi’s answer exceeded Yeon Ho-jeong’s expectations.
“It does not matter.”
“…”
“At least I know you will not cross the line. So I will not mind.”
Yeon Ho-jeong blinked his eyes.
“No, Father. Didn’t you say you oppose it?”
“It is an act that deviates from the right path I think of. Naturally I have no choice but to oppose.”
“But how can you say you will not mind?”
“Because it is you.”
“Yes?”
As the conversation continued, the one who became calmer was actually Yeon Wi.
Yeon Wi, who moistened his throat with a sip of tea, continued speaking.
“Just because you are my son does not mean you can be the same as me.”
“…”
“Unlike me, you are living in the world with rougher methods. And so you are using that ability of political strife as a means for the world you will unfold.”
“…”
“From what I see, that is clearly a wrong thing. But you do not think it is wrong. Also, you must have your own reasons for thinking so.”
“That is correct.”
“So I do not blame you. However, your father will also just live in your father’s way, just like you.”
Yeon Ho-jeong, who was staring blankly at Yeon Wi, eventually ended up laughing as if he could not be stopped.
“Then what will you do if I get angry later? I might throw a temper tantrum saying it is frustrating.”
“I would scold you calling you an immoral child.”
“Is that it?”
“If you want to be hit with a cane even after becoming a full adult, try crossing that line.”
“Hahaha.”
Yeon Ho-jeong unknowingly burst into loud laughter.
“I shouldn’t make you a father who raises a cane to a fully grown son, should I.”
“Naturally you should do so.”
“Do not worry. Even if I am rude, my survival instinct is thorough.”
Yeon Wi clicked his tongue.
“Fix that undignified way of speaking. I am afraid others will speak ill of you.”
“This is also my personality. Please respect it.”
“I cannot give such respect.”
The father and son looked at each other and smiled for a long time.
A moment later, Yeon Ho-jeong said.
“Then I will fight my own way.”
“Do so.”
As if he suddenly remembered, Yeon Wi tilted his head.
“By the way, why did the Murong Clan Head purposely ask to have a bout in the plaza?”
“It means he would deliberately lay out the board for me.”
“Deliberately…?”
“I proved my skills to the Murong Clan Head in front of all those masters watching. Perhaps this rumor has already spread past the inner castle to the outer castle by now.”
Yeon Wi’s eyes sparkled.
“Are you saying it was part of the groundwork to make you the head of the Independent Mobile Unit?”
Yeon Ho-jeong nodded.
“At the same time, it is a warning.”
“A warning?”
“We finished the deal in front of everyone watching. It means if by any chance I do not handle Mong-ui according to the contents of the deal, he will also cross the line at that time.”
Yeon Wi’s expression turned frigid.
“Truly shameless. Despite being the one who picked fights multiple times, to rather issue a warning to this side because he lost.”
Yeon Ho-jeong smiled bitterly.
“It is a fight where the reason is not important anyway. At least it is like that for the Murong Clan Head.”
“I see.”
Yeon Wi silently only sipped his tea.
He must have also felt frustrated. It would be one thing if the Murong Clan Head aimed for him, but he kept touching his son.
If it were up to his feelings, he wanted to go right away and swing his sword. But he did not lack the knowledge that worldly affairs should not be handled according to emotions.
That was the reason he was soothing his bitter stomach with tea.
“By the way, it must be hard for Father as well.”
“Hmm?”
Yeon Ho-jeong spoke in a cheerful tone.
“The groundwork is already finished. The Murong Clan Head will surely make me the Independent Mobile Unit without fail.”
Yeon Wi shook his head.
“I will just do my best. If it still doesn’t work out, there is nothing that can be done.”
If this was family business, he would have resolutely opposed it. Because it was the business of the Murim Alliance, Yeon Wi was also showing his own kind of flexibility.
That was precisely the Path of the Clan Head of the Green Mountain Yeon Clan, the Judge Sword Yeon Wi. He seemed extremely stiff and as if he would stick only to fundamental principles, but if necessary, he was a Great Hero equipped with flexibility second to none.
“In any case, you should mentally prepare yourself as well.”
“What do you mean?”
“People will look for you.”
“Yes?”
Yeon Wi clicked his tongue.
“When pushing forward you show an eye that would surprise the world, but you do not turn your eyes at all to trivial places.”
Yeon Ho-jeong tilted his head.
“I do not know what Father is talking about…”
“Whether it is the White Path or the Black Path, the tribe of martial artists are those who live with competitive spirit as their driving force.”
“…?”
“You proved your martial arts against the Murong Clan Head. Would masters your age really not pay attention to you?”
“Ack?!”
“While facing the Myeong Clan, your fame already shook the world. And such a you has entered the Murim Alliance.”
Yeon Ho-jeong’s face contorted like a rotten fruit.
Yeon Wi stood up from his seat.
“Because it is a seed you sowed, reap it on your own. Your father will not interfere at all.”
* * *
Yeon Wi’s words became reality before long.
The next morning when snow was pouring down heavily.
While Yeon Ho-jeong was polishing the forms of the Four Gods Martial Arts holding the Crazy Dragon Axe, and Muk Bi repeatedly pulled and released the bowstring of the Red Lotus Bow over and over again.
“Hmm?”
Yeon Ho-jeong and Muk Bi flashed their eyes at the same time.
“Did you feel it too?”
“Yes. Naturally, Young Master Yeon felt it too, right?”
“Of course I felt it. But you’ve gotten a bit faster?”
“I agree.”
“Later, bow to Father in thanks.”
“I will do it on my own.”
“That’s funny. You’ll probably walk over awkwardly again and then abruptly smash that shining forehead into the empty air.”
“Hmph.”
Yeon Ho-jeong looked at the entrance of the Army-Destroying Pavilion.
A moment later, a swordsman wearing a pure white Taoist robe came looking for that place.
Rather than a swordsman, he was a Taoist. In a Taoist robe that reminded one of a sea of clouds, he had his not-so-long hair untied carelessly.
‘Oho?’
Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes sparkled.
Unbecoming of a Taoist, his eyes full of emptiness were a masterpiece. He had perfectly gathered in his frightening sharpness, but the gloomy atmosphere spewing from his entire body naturally concentrated gazes.
Thump!
Yeon Ho-jeong, who planted the Crazy Dragon Axe into the ground, asked.
“Who are you?”
“Is this the residence of the Yeon Clan?”
“What of it?”
“I have come to meet the eldest son of the Yeon Clan, the Green Mountain Tiger General Young Master Yeon.”
“So who are you?”
The Taoist’s dark eyes flashed for a moment.
“I am Ok-cheong, the sole disciple of the Sword Immortal. I have come to request a bout from the Tiger General of Jiangdong.”
It’s serious right from the start, damn it.