Monochrome Sovereign (Novel) - Chapter 96 - Inevitability Created by Coincidence (2)
Chapter 96 – Inevitability Created by Coincidence (2)
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Translated by Heavenly Cat
Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net
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Namgung Shin’s eyes as he looked at Yeon Ho-jeong were full of honest admiration.
“Are you Yeon Ho-jeong?”
“Do you know me?”
Hu-uu-wu-ung.
Cool sharpness emanated from the bodies of the swordsmen standing behind Namgung Shin.
Namgung Shin was the last elder of the direct line among the Eight Great Elders of the Namgung Clan. His generation was on the same level as the clan head.
Yet, the tone of a young man who seemed to have just reached adulthood was truly unpleasant. That touched the nerves of the swordsmen.
However, the person concerned, Namgung Shin, nodded as if he didn’t mind.
“Of course I know you. I can guess just by looking at that enormous axe you are holding. Moreover, this spirit that is unconsciously transmitted is certainly not that of a young man.”
Unexpectedly, Namgung Shin seemed to be enjoying himself. Pure admiration and joy were full on his face.
“I heard you showed the guts to face the Number One Clan under Heaven alone, and as expected, you are a great talent. The title ‘Tiger General of Green Mountain’ suits you perfectly.”
Tiger General of Green Mountain?
‘It’s not even funny.’
It wasn’t long ago that they were calling him Mad Wind Lion, and now it was Tiger General of Green Mountain. He was also a martial artist, but really, the fuss of martial artists was something to be recognized.
“Ah, I am sorry. I didn’t even introduce myself while standing you up. I am a person named Sin from the Anhui Namgung Clan.”
Yeon Ho-jeong blinked his eyes.
Namgung Shin licked his lips.
“Have you never heard of me?”
“I’m originally not interested in others.”
No matter how much he thought about it, it was not something to say to a senior of the Murim. Moreover, Namgung Shin was older than even the Yeon Clan head.
The eyes of the swordsmen gradually turned cold. The sharpness they subtly emanated also gradually became stronger.
Namgung Shin burst into a fit of laughter.
“What a cheerful young man. Indeed, a man should have that much boldness.”
“Anyway, I will leave now. Please make way.”
“Before that.”
“……?”
“That person you are carrying on your side, is it Myeong Heo-rim?”
Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes sparkled.
In an instant, the thought ‘How did he know?’ occurred.
But the Namgung Clan was also a core force of the Murim Alliance. It was quite possible for them to know about Myeong Heo-rim heading toward Anhui.
“That’s right.”
“As I thought. The young hero who exposed the true face of the public enemy Myeong Clan even caught the son of the fugitive public enemy. Your fame will once again shake the north and south of the Great River.”
Yeon Ho-jeong shook his head. It was an action showing annoyance.
“Please make way now. I am in a hurry.”
“Hah! Indeed. We were going to catch him first, but it’s a pity. Well, what does it matter who catches him. It’s enough if he’s caught.”
Namgung Shin, who glanced at Myeong Heo-rim as if he were still somewhat regretful, stepped aside.
“Open the way.”
Thirty swordsmen lined up on the left and right.
Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes sparkled.
‘Quite impressive.’
The sharpness felt from the left and right was amazing.
It was not an ordinary martial organization. It must be a combat unit that was among the best even in the Namgung Clan.
But it was a matter unrelated to Yeon Ho-jeong. He walked steadily along the road.
It was then.
“But you.”
Yeon Ho-jeong stopped his steps.
“I heard that you scolded my nephews quite a bit before.”
“…….”
“Haha, there’s no need to be tense. Although they are my nephews, I also think those children were excessive. Hyeon committed a trick, and Sang-hwa’s behavior was frivolous, showing a petty appearance that only children would commit.”
“And?”
“And…….”
Namgung Shin’s smile remained the same.
“I understand those two incidents, but the other incident is something even I can’t understand.”
Yeon Ho-jeong turned his body.
He frowned.
“Don’t beat around the bush and say what you want to say.”
Namgung Shin nodded.
“Since you are coming out so refreshingly, I will also put aside formalities and speak.”
Namgung Shin’s face, which had been full of smiles, froze coldly in an instant.
“I heard you have a close relationship with the girl who will become Hyeon’s spouse?”
Yeon Ho-jeong was able to think of one person immediately.
“Zhuge Ah-yeon?”
“Yes, Zhuge Ah-yeon. I am speaking of that child.”
“Relationship…… I wouldn’t say there’s any great relationship.”
“Haha, it’s troublesome if you intend to naturally slip away with such words. In fact, no matter how deep the relationship between you and that child Zhuge Ah-yeon is, it’s not something to specifically intervene in, but the situation is strangely bad.”
Namgung Shin frowned.
Even in his own mind, he seemed reluctant to intervene in such a matter. However, he couldn’t help but do so. As an elder of the clan, and as an uncle.
“I don’t know if you know, but the main house has sent a matchmaker to the Zhuge Clan. To Zhuge Ah-yeon, that child.”
“I know.”
“You know? Haha, then things will be quick.”
Namgung Shin spoke in a cold voice.
“Do not meet the eldest daughter of the Zhuge Clan again. For she is the lady who will become the wife of the second young master of the main house.”
Yeon Ho-jeong smirked without realizing it.
Namgung Shin’s eyes deepened.
“Why are you laughing like that?”
He couldn’t help but laugh.
It seemed the Zhuge Clan intended to refuse the marriage proposal from the Namgung Clan. Yet, the Namgung Clan was telling him not to make rumors that she was their daughter-in-law.
He wondered if it was just to pick a fight, but it didn’t seem particularly so.
‘At any rate, they knew.’
What was important to Yeon Ho-jeong was not the marriage of Zhuge Ah-yeon and Namgung Hyeon.
‘These guys knew I was here.’
This matter was something only Murong Jun and himself knew. At least on the surface, it was so.
The Namgung Clan also dispatched troops to catch Myeong Heo-rim? That could be. However, that could not be proof that this meeting was a coincidence.
‘Murong Jun.’
It was a obvious move. Apparently, it was certain that Murong Jun had done this.
The reason was that even if he knew, he couldn’t argue. There was no evidence, and there was no need to cause unnecessary trouble and start rumors.
And that was the same for the Namgung Clan’s side.
Yeon Ho-jeong shrugged his shoulders.
“Don’t worry. In the first place, I have never asked to meet her first. She found me first.”
It was a relief.
It was a relief, but it was a strangely unpleasant remark. Rather, if Yeon Ho-jeong had a heart for Zhuge Ah-yeon, it would be another matter, but if it was the opposite, it would be a headache for the Namgung side as well.
“So you don’t need to look at me so sharply.”
Tsu-tsu-tsu-tsu.
Faint blue internal energy wavered from the bodies of the swordsmen.
It was Azure Sky Qi. All of them had mastered the Azure Sky Qi, the peak martial art of the Namgung Clan.
Moreover, every single one of them had mastered it deeply. The wave of momentum rushing in from the left and right was surprisingly intense.
Namgung Shin, who glared at Yeon Ho-jeong for a long time, regained his smile.
“You are an arrogant person, but at least you don’t seem like someone who lies.”
If necessary, I’ll do it anytime.
“I will believe your words. Please be careful in the future.”
“Don’t worry. I also don’t want to become a guy who ruins someone’s marriage.”
“Haha, you are a young man who understands words.”
Namgung Shin raised his hand.
At the same time, the wave of energy flowing from the left and right quieted down.
“I am sorry for holding you back unnecessarily. Go on your way now.”
“Good luck with your work.”
“Indeed. Ah! Let me ask just one more thing.”
Namgung Shin frowned.
“By any chance, have you seen a master of archery in this vicinity?”
Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes sparkled.
“Archery?”
“That’s right. I don’t know if you know, but there is a devil called the Anhui Blood Bow who annihilated the Golden Sword Sect five years ago. I heard that devil recently appeared in the vicinity of Bagong Mountain.”
“……!”
“Since you caught Myeong Heo-rim, it’s fine, but we must catch the Anhui Blood Bow.”
Namgung Shin scratched his head.
“I saw violent traces in a place not far from here. I couldn’t examine it in detail, but it was an amazing archery combined with internal power. I certainly think it is the martial art of the Anhui Blood Bow.”
“…….”
“Weren’t you waiting here to catch Myeong Heo-rim? By any chance, did you not feel a powerful wave of energy like that?”
Yeon Ho-jeong spoke nonchalantly.
“I haven’t seen anyone. Since I only came a day ago.”
“Is that so?”
Namgung Shin licked his lips.
“Understood. If there is a suspicious person carrying a bow by any chance, please tell the nearby branch.”
“I will.”
“Leave now. Congratulations on catching Myeong Heo-rim.”
“I will pray for your martial luck.”
In that way, Yeon Ho-jeong distanced himself from the Namgung Clan’s troops.
How far had he descended from the mountain.
“Heok, heok! Young, Young Master Yeon?”
Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes widened.
“Branch Leader So-cheong?”
“Keu-heok! Heok, heok! P-please wait for a moment, let me catch my breath…….”
So-cheong sat down on the spot and panted continuously.
Behind such a So-cheong was Baek Hyang with a calm expression.
Yeon Ho-jeong’s eyes sparkled.
“Muk…… Baek Hyang?”
Baek Hyang looked at Yeon Ho-jeong silently.
Her eyes had lost focus. The aura of emptiness harmonizing and emanating from her entire body was extremely dark.
So-cheong spoke while panting.
“This, this lady was looking for Young Master Yeon, so I brought her. Heo-eok! Heo-eok!”
Yeon Ho-jeong put down Myeong Heo-rim.
“I didn’t expect you to find me so quickly.”
Baek Hyang, who was staring at Yeon Ho-jeong, bowed her head.
“I came to say goodbye.”
“Goodbye?”
“I am going back to the Valley of Piercing the Sun.”
Yeon Ho-jeong licked his lips.
“To become that Archer God or whatever?”
“No.”
“……Then?”
Baek Hyang spat out terrifying words with an expressionless face.
“To eliminate it with my own hands.”
“……!”
Yeon Ho-jeong’s face stiffened.
“Brother Jung-cheon said. That you would be able to protect me. But the Valley of Piercing the Sun is strong. And they will try to catch the escaped Archer God somehow.”
“Is that so.”
“Yes. I don’t know the Jianghu, but unless it’s a sect that is renowned in the Jianghu, they won’t be able to face the Valley of Piercing the Sun.”
“So, you will eliminate all of them with your own hands?”
Baek Hyang’s eyes became even darker.
Beneath that deep and heavy darkness, faint anger and killing intent were laid.
“I hate them. Anyway, all the people who could be called family are dead, and they will try to catch me somehow.”
“…….”
“In that case, it’s better to eliminate all of them.”
She is truly fierce.
It’s difficult for anyone to make such a determination easily. Still, the Valley of Piercing the Sun was her home, wasn’t it.
Yeon Ho-jeong looked into Baek Hyang’s eyes.
It was as if she were trying to suck in all the light of the world. That’s how dark and deep it was.
‘It’s not just because of this incident.’
He felt that the contest of the Archer Gods was just the trigger, and that she must have also been hating the Valley of Piercing the Sun. Of course, it was a guess.
“Can you face them alone?”
“Because I am well-versed in the terrain and objects there. There are several masters, but there are no masters superior to those who participated in the contest.”
“Still, it will be a difficult fight.”
“…….”
“It’s a fight that might make it difficult to return, right? That’s why you came to say goodbye.”
“……That’s right.”
Baek Hyang bowed her head again.
“Thanks to you, Brother Jung-cheon went peacefully. I also owe you a debt, so I wanted to say a greeting that might be my last before leaving.”
Yeon Ho-jeong sighed.
“I advised her to live her life proactively, but the person herself says she is going to die.”
“I don’t want to die.”
“Hmm?”
“I don’t want to die. But unless I eliminate them, I won’t be living even if I am alive.”
“…….”
“That’s how fierce they are.”
“So, you’re saying this is also an unavoidable choice?”
“……Yes.”
“I seeee?”
It was a somewhat sly answer.
Yeon Ho-jeong suddenly put his arm around Baek Hyang’s shoulder. Baek Hyang flinched.
“Hey, Muk…… no, Baek…… ah, forget it! You are Muk Bi from now on. I will call you Muk Bi.”
“Y-yes?”
“I have a good idea, do you want to hear it?”
“……What kind of good idea?”
Yeon Ho-jeong looked up at the mountain ridge far away.
His eyes sank deeply.
“Shall I give one piece of advice for you who will come out to the world in the future?”
“……?”
“If you are going to get your hands dirty anyway, it’s better to do it with your own hands. But, if it’s an unpleasant task, it’s also okay to leave it to others.”
“Yes? What does that mean?”
“It means you don’t need to feel reluctant just because you didn’t do what you had to do. Especially if the opponent is an enemy who deserves to die.”
Yeon Ho-jeong spoke to So-cheong.
“Branch Leader. Please carry Myeong Heo-rim. I have something to talk about with this friend.”
“Heok, heok! I, I carry him?”
“I ask of you.”
“Heo-eok! Heok, heok. U-understood.”
Yeon Ho-jeong smiled and looked back at Baek Hyang.
“You, have you ever heard of the strategy of killing someone with a borrowed knife?”