NOVEL NEXT Chapter 146
Chapter 146
The Invisible Battle is Scarier
“You look very tired.”
Jegal Munho quietly mentioned, to which Yeon Wi shook his head.
“I’ve been sleeping less lately.”
“Is it because of your son?”
The son Jegal Munho referred to was, without a doubt, Yeon Hojeong.
No matter the titles he had earned, such as the Tiger of Gangdong, a child is still a child. Yeon Wi, knowing the treacherous nature of the martial world better than anyone, couldn’t help but worry about his son.
However, Yeon Wi’s answer was unexpected.
“As a father, worrying about one’s child is natural. However, my reduced sleep is not solely because of that.”
“Is there another issue?”
Jegal Munho’s tone was concerned. Despite being of similar age, Jegal Munho’s manner of speaking was notably gentle and respectful.
Yeon Wi spoke calmly.
“I’ve been increasing my training time.”
Jegal Munho’s eyes widened.
“Training?”
“I’ve been neglecting my martial arts due to family duties. I’ve decided to reduce my sleep to focus more on training.”
“Ah.”
For a head of one of the Six Great Clans or a leader of the Nine Schools, actual sword practice holds little meaning. The martial arts of the righteous sects usually emphasize enlightenment over physical training at high levels. Many masters have achieved great heights through such enlightenment.
However, it seemed Yeon Wi’s journey was not merely about seeking enlightenment.
“If the intensity of your training is making you this tired, it must be quite rigorous.”
Yeon Wi faintly smiled.
Even a glimpse of that smile revealed how intensely he was training.
Jegal Munho chuckled inwardly.
‘An unyielding father and son indeed.’
Yeon Hojeong had grown into an extraordinary prodigy, gaining monstrous strength at a young age. Surely, aside from his natural talent, he must have made unimaginable efforts.
Seeing this, Jegal Munho thought it must be a family tradition. For the leader of the Kangho Alliance to be training within its walls was quite diligent indeed.
“But what brings you to call on me?”
Straight to the point.
Jegal Munho understood Yeon Wi’s character well. There was no need to beat around the bush.
“Moyong Gun has been quite aggressive.”
Yeon Wi’s eyes flashed.
He had heard from his son that Moyong Gun had a history of animosity with Jegal Munho. If his son had mentioned it, Jegal Munho would also know how dangerous Moyong Gun was.
“What do you mean by aggressive?”
“The commander of the Tangma Army, a special unit within the Anti-Demon Division, is Moyong Gun’s younger brother, as you know.”
“I know. His name is Moyong Woo, right?”
“Correct.”
Jegal Munho’s face showed a hint of difficulty.
“We’ve detected a scheme to secretly incorporate the best talents into the Tangma Army from the warriors who are about to be accepted into the Alliance.”
“……”
“You know, as well as I do, that while we are called the leaders of the Nine Schools and the Six Great Clans of the righteous martial world, there are many masters in the world who surpass us.”
“I am aware.”
“Even before official announcements, hundreds of masters were knocking on the Alliance’s doors. After the formal announcement, thousands of martial artists have flocked to join.”
“They will sort through the best among them…”
“Indeed, they will pick only the most exceptional ones.”
Yeon Wi shook his head.
“I’m not well-versed in politics, but I know that Moyong Gun cannot push this through on his own.”
“Indeed.”
Jegal Munho’s gaze turned sharp as a blade.
“We have detected at least two groups allied with Moyong Gun.”
“Which ones?”
“The Huashan Sect and the Kongtong Sect.”
The Huashan Sect from Shaanxi and the Kongtong Sect from Gansu.
The people from the far northern regions of Jungwon were known for their toughness. Perhaps that’s why the swordsmen from Huashan and Kongtong were mostly resolute.
“The Nine Great Schools usually avoid getting too involved in worldly affairs due to their reputation. Moyong Gun is undoubtedly exploiting that gap.”
“A covert alliance…”
Yeon Wi’s eyes turned cold.
“Just like him.”
Yeon Wi knew well enough how cunning Moyong Gun was from his past dealings with his son. Now, even hearing the name of the Moyong Family made his nerves stand on end.
“I expect there are at least one or two more groups involved.”
“You mean Moyong Gun has formed an alliance with at least four of the Nine Schools?”
“Yes.”
Jegal Munho’s eyes gleamed.
Yeon Wi unconsciously referred to Moyong Gun by name. This showed how much he disliked the leader of the Moyong Family, given his usual adherence to decorum and propriety.
“Moreover, you may not know, but Moyong Woo is a genius unknown to the world. He is considered on par with Moyong Gun in both martial arts and intelligence.”
“The Tangma Army, a special independent unit under the direct control of the Alliance, might act for the Moyong Family.”
“Indeed.”
Jegal Munho sighed.
“Even if that’s not the case, we cannot let Moyong Gun’s unchecked rise continue. The immense power of the Alliance could be selfishly misused.”
“So, what do you propose?”
Jegal Munho placed both his index fingers on the table.
“The right hand represents the Tangma Army, and the left hand represents the Myeolsagun. Moyong Gun is currently focusing on the Tangma Army.”
He opened the fingers of his right hand.
Tangma Army five, Myeolsagun one.
“If we count the three or four groups allied with the Moyong Family, the Tangma Army will gain more power.”
“Reduce their power?”
“No. It’s neither easy nor guaranteed to succeed at this point.”
“Then what should we do?”
Jegal Munho folded the index finger of his left hand and opened the other fingers.
Myeolsagun three.
“Instead of reducing their power, it’s better to strengthen the Myeolsagun.”
Yeon Wi’s gaze deepened.
“It’s like using two special units to wage a proxy war.”
“Exactly.”
“Honestly, I don’t see why we need to escalate things this much.”
“The reason is very simple.”
“What is it?”
“It’s the same as gaining the upper hand in a fight.”
A cold wind blew through Jegal Munho’s eyes, filled with knowledge and wisdom.
“Like you, I don’t need more power. I think the current state is ideal, whether it turns out good or bad.”
“……”
“But the opponent is different. If we don’t take the initiative in this fight, the power of the Alliance will certainly tilt to one side.”
“That is…”
“And power leaning to one side will inevitably have serious consequences in next year’s big event.”
Yeon Wi’s eyes burned.
“The selection of the Martial Alliance Leader.”
“Yes.”
Jegal Munho released his hands.
“This year, the leaders are jointly operating the Alliance. It has to be that way. But next year will be different. Someone will inevitably bring up the selection of the Alliance Leader before the year ends.”
“……!”
“The Martial Alliance, created after decades, needs a leader who handles affairs fairly and consultatively.”
“You’re right.”
“We cannot let someone with a lust for power take that position.”
Yeon Wi fell into thought.
Jegal Munho waited patiently. The opponent was the head of the foremost family in Gangdong. Even the head of the Jegal Family, known for their wisdom, might not see everything he did.
After a moment, Yeon Wi spoke.
“I understand your point about needing to check the other side’s momentum through a proxy war. I also agree with strengthening the Myeolsagun.”
“Thank you.”
“So, how do you plan to strengthen the Myeolsagun?”
“We need to advise the leaders, excluding those aligned with Moyong Gun, to divert at least thirty percent of the top talents heading towards the Tangma Army to the Myeolsagun.”
“To the Myeolsagun?”
“Yes.”
Yeon Wi shook his head.
“Let’s not do that.”
“Do you have an alternative plan?”
“It’s not a detailed plan, nor my preferred method, but… yes.”
“Please tell me.”
“Since the Tangma Army is still being formed, the advantage of the Myeolsagun is that it was established much earlier.”
“Correct.”
Yeon Wi’s eyes deepened.
“Let’s recruit the direct descendants of the families.”
“……!”
“I’ve heard your eldest daughter is close to my son. And also, the sons of the Peng family.”
Jegal Munho’s face stiffened.
“You’re suggesting we send representatives who can represent the power?”
“Yes.”
Instead of selecting from the martial artists gathered at the Alliance, recruit directly from the families.
Jegal Munho knew how dangerous and frightening this proposal was.
“Yeon Wi, that is…”
“The Martial Alliance is newly formed. If the core members start fighting among themselves, the authority of the Alliance will be undermined.”
“It’s still risky.”
“It’s risky, but it’s also the best way to suppress the opponent’s momentum.”
Jegal Munho sighed.
“Even if it temporarily makes them hesitate, it will inevitably cause problems in the future.”
“We’ll deal with that when the time comes. And I don’t think it will be a problem.”
“Why do you think that?”
Yeon Wi faintly smiled.
“It may sound like a father’s pride, but my son has a remarkable sense for reading the political landscape. What you fear will not happen.”
Two special units.
One will be filled with renowned martial artists, and the other with young elites from the families.
The world often resents the privileged. Naturally, the
Myeolsagun will face scrutiny, and Moyong Gun will exploit that.
But Yeon Wi says to trust his son.
Jegal Munho, who had been staring at Yeon Wi, smiled.
“I am well aware of how exceptional your eldest son is.”
“I am humbled.”
“Very well. Let’s proceed decisively and boldly.”
It felt better to decide this way.
Of course, uneasiness remained. This uneasiness stemmed not from the fierce power struggle but from concerns for his daughter.
‘Can you withstand this?’
Jegal A-yeon.
Despite being his daughter, as a father, he had done nothing for her. As the family’s power weakened, her life was almost sacrificed.
Now, thinking of entrusting her with another task made his heart ache. He worried if she might get hurt or suffer greatly.
‘But…’
Jegal Munho smiled at Yeon Wi.
Yeon Wi was a good man. Though somewhat rigid, he was trustworthy as a leader and individual.
And his son, Yeon Hojeong, though different from his father, had many similarities.
‘I hope you can also stake your life this time.’
After smiling for a while, Jegal Munho’s expression hardened.
“Speaking of which, I have one more thing to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“A certain faction, which has been unusually quiet amidst this chaotic situation, has contacted me.”
“A faction? Which one?”
Jegal Munho’s eyes deepened.
“The Tang Family of Sichuan.”