Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 32

032. Fortuitous Opportunity

“Chief Manager Shim.”

Not long after leaving Manhyujeong [a pavilion or detached building, often used for relaxation or study], Moyeongmi found Chief Manager Shim.

At her call, Chief Manager Shim stopped and bowed his head.

“Yes, eldest young lady.”

Perhaps sensing something unusual in Moyeongmi’s expression, Chief Manager Shim waited for her words with a serious look.

“From this moment on, lock the gates of the family estate and prohibit all entry and exit.”

It was an unexpected order for Chief Manager Shim, but the experienced man did not question it.

Moyeongmi continued quickly.

“Also, tell everyone within the estate to absolutely refrain from making loud noises. If necessary, they may take a break from all work for the time being. Strictly instruct everyone to be thoroughly disciplined.”

Chief Manager Shim nodded.

“Also, summon all disciples from the first to the third generation within the estate and tell them to guard Manhyujeong.”

Disciples from the first to the third generation were the Moyeong Family’s nominal disciples and almost all of their core strength.

Although their numbers were not large, they were warriors who had trained in the Moyeong Family’s swordsmanship for a long time.

“Manhyujeong, you say?”

Moyeongmi nodded.

“Yes. Guard Manhyujeong day and night, ensuring that not even a single bird can pass through. Also, from this moment on, issue a curfew around Manhyujeong and declare it a forbidden area. Prevent anyone from approaching Manhyujeong, regardless of who they are.”

Moyeongmi’s instructions were relentless.

Originally, it would be right for the Family Head to enter secluded training, but for now, protecting the Family Head in this way was the best Moyeongmi could do.

Although he probably didn’t know the reason yet, Chief Manager Shim’s answer was simple.

“Understood.”

“Ah, and…….”

Moyeongmi added.

“Prepare a place in front of the entrance to Manhyujeong and find Sanga and bring her to me. We will also stay there for the time being and guard Manhyujeong.”

Moyeong Sanga is Moyeongmi’s only younger sister.

Chief Manager Shim bowed his head and replied.

“Yes. I will do as you command.”

Like someone who had lived his whole life as a chief manager, Chief Manager Shim waited until Moyeongmi finished speaking.

And after a while, he quietly asked a question.

“Is something happening at Manhyujeong?”

Moyeongmi hesitated for a moment.

But there was no need to hide it from Chief Manager Shim, who was like family.

Moyeongmi’s face flushed slightly, and her eyes sparkled.

“It’s a fortuitous opportunity.”

“Yes?”

Chief Manager Shim questioned Moyeongmi’s abrupt answer, but he could not hear any further explanation.

With that simple answer, Moyeongmi turned and headed back to Manhyujeong.

Sabeok, sabeok [sound of footsteps].

Moyeongmi’s footsteps quickly disappeared, and Chief Manager Shim tilted his head, watching her leave.

But having received the master’s orders, he could not delay.

Chief Manager Shim hurried towards the inner part of the estate.

***

Flap, chirp, chirp.

The sound of birds could be heard in the quiet Manhyujeong.

The tense energy that had filled the room was now gone, but Moyeong Dancheon, who was sitting still, remained motionless with his eyes closed like a stone statue.

How long had it been?

Moyeong Dancheon took a long breath.

“Hoo-oo.”

After a while, Moyeong Dancheon opened his eyes. His deep and large eyes flashed intensely.

The first thing that came into his view was the letter placed on the desk.

Moyeong Dancheon slowly reached out to the desk.

Rustle.

The papers made a sound as his hand touched them.

Moyeong Dancheon carefully organized the scattered letters.

And Moyeong Dancheon found the envelope.

The envelope was crumpled and lying next to the desk.

Moyeong Dancheon smiled unconsciously.

It was because he remembered tearing the envelope open roughly, feeling upset by the title ‘Azure Dragon Sword Master of the Beyond Heavens.’

Rustle.

Moyeong Dancheon picked up the envelope and slowly, meticulously unfolded the crumpled parts.

He carefully placed the neatly arranged letters into the envelope and then placed it on the desk.

Sarak [rustling sound].

“Azure Dragon Sword Master of the Beyond Heavens…….”

It was such an awkward title.

But now, just uttering the name made him feel a heavy weight.

The image of the Sword Master standing firmly in the storm seemed to be drawn before his eyes, and even the elegant handwriting seemed new and different.

‘There are many hidden extraordinary people in the Jianghu [the martial arts world]…….’

He already knew that there were many hidden masters in the martial world of Jianghu.

But had there ever been a time when those words felt so intense?

Moyeong Dancheon, as if lost in reverie, looked at the signature on the letter and carefully held it with both hands.

Moyeong Dancheon’s posture was almost reverent as he opened a small cabinet on one side of the room and placed the letter inside.

Clack.

The cabinet closed with a small sound.

Moyeong Dancheon looked around the room. The quiet and tidy room, Manhyujeong, which had always felt comfortable, suddenly seemed small.

Moyeong Dancheon chuckled.

“Heh heh.”

When he thought there was nothing more to do, staying in Manhyujeong seemed fine.

However, just as a sailor yearns for the horizon, it is the instinct of a martial artist to pursue new horizons of martial arts.

The horizon of the sword seen from the shoulders of a giant was enough to shatter everything he had known.

Moyeong Dancheon’s heart began to beat like a boy’s.

“Now that I know there is a sky above the sky, I cannot sit still here.”

Moyeong Dancheon rose from his seat.

His shining eyes were filled with new vigor.

He moved towards the door with vigorous steps.

Thump.

The door of Manhyujeong opened and Moyeong Dancheon stepped outside.

And he found Moyeongmi and Moyeong Sanga standing in front of the courtyard, and the disciples of the family guarding the surroundings.

“Hmm?”

Before Moyeong Dancheon could say anything, Moyeongmi bowed deeply.

“Congratulations on your great success!”

Following the beautiful voice like rolling jade beads, a thunderous shout erupted from around Manhyujeong.

“Congratulations on your great success!”

The figure of the chief manager can be seen through the open door. Behind him are the disciples standing in an orderly manner.

Only then did Moyeong Dancheon realize that Moyeongmi had been waiting for his exit, which was not really an exit from seclusion.

A satisfied smile appeared on his face as he looked at Moyeongmi anew.

“Haha, great success…….”

Moyeong Dancheon nodded greatly.

“Yes, it is a great success, indeed!”

Moyeong Dancheon, who had come down to the courtyard, took Moyeongmi’s hand and raised her up.

“You have suffered a lot because of this incompetent old man.”

“Grandfather.”

Tears began to well up in Moyeongmi’s eyes.

Moyeong Dancheon nodded.

“I know. Now your grandfather will take care of everything, so you don’t have to worry about anything.”

“Grandfather!”

The young Moyeong Sanga, who was next to her, clung to Moyeong Dancheon.

Moyeong Dancheon chuckled and stroked Moyeong Sanga’s small head.

“Yes, you have worked hard too, Sanga.”

Moyeong Dancheon, who smiled back at Sanga’s bright smile, raised his head.

“Chief Manager Shim.”

“Yes, Family Head.”

Chief Manager Shim entered Manhyujeong at a quick pace.

Moyeong Dancheon gave him a smile of trust and gave instructions.

“Send a letter to the Iron Family. The Moyeong Family formally requests a martial arts contest from the Iron Family.”

“Ah!”

A small exclamation burst from Moyeongmi, who was next to him.

Moyeong Dancheon, or rather, the Moyeong Family, had finally begun to stir for resurgence.

Moyeong Dancheon smiled at Moyeongmi once and continued.

“And add these conditions. If the Moyeong Family loses this contest, they will close their doors and leave Henan Province.”

“Yes?”

It was rare for Chief Manager Shim to question such a clear instruction.

But this time, even he had to confirm the Family Head’s words.

Moyeongmi’s worried voice was heard from the side.

“Grandfather, there’s no need to go that far…….”

But Moyeong Dancheon shook his head.

“No. The Iron Family is now the ruler of Henan. Shouldn’t we be prepared to this extent when facing such an Iron Family? That way, they won’t have a reason to refuse.”

Moyeongmi nodded without realizing it.

Indeed, it was Moyeong Dancheon. He set conditions that the Iron Family could never refuse in order to prevent them from avoiding the contest.

The Iron Family, which had defeated the Moyeong Family in the last contest and virtually reigned as the ruler, would not welcome a rematch with the Moyeong Family.

If they avoided the contest for various reasons, the Moyeong Family’s resurgence would be far away.

However, if the Moyeong Family, with its long tradition, applied for a contest with the family’s fate at stake, the Iron Family would instantly become the laughingstock of Henan Province if they avoided it.

Moreover, for the Iron Family, which was still subtly wary of the Moyeong Family’s potential, it would be a golden opportunity to eliminate future threats.

“How many days has it been?”

Moyeong Dancheon asked Moyeongmi in a low voice.

It was a somewhat unexpected question, but Moyeongmi immediately understood.

He was asking how many days had passed since he received the letter and entered seclusion.

And she also realized that Moyeong Dancheon was consciously avoiding direct mention of the letter.

“Today is the third day.”

“The third day…….”

Moyeong Dancheon muttered as if thinking about something. And then he asked again.

“Where is Jin?”

Jin refers to the chief disciple, Moyeong Jin.

Moyeongmi’s face darkened slightly.

The chief disciple, Moyeong Jin, was still spending time at the brothel.

She had sent someone to tell him to return, but he had not returned.

“Brother…….”

“That’s enough.”

Moyeong Dancheon stopped Moyeongmi’s words with a bitter expression.

It was easy to guess just from the fact that he was not showing his face here.

Of course, Moyeong Dancheon himself was not without fault in the chief disciple’s wandering, but he could not help but be disappointed.

That was all the more so because of the great expectations he had placed on the chief disciple, Moyeong Jin.

“Then you may go now. You have worked hard, so rest comfortably and tell all the disciples to rest as well.”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

Moyeongmi and Moyeong Sanga bowed deeply.

Chief Manager Shim also bowed his head and was about to leave when Moyeong Dancheon called him back.

“Chief Manager Shim.”

Chief Manager Shim approached Moyeong Dancheon. But Moyeong Dancheon did not open his mouth easily.

After a while, when it was confirmed that everyone around had left, Moyeong Dancheon lowered his voice.

“Select a few children who are tight-lipped and trustworthy.”

Chief Manager Shim silently waited for the Family Head’s words to continue.

“Find the sender of the letter that came the other day, but do it secretly. We should start with the courier company that delivered the letter.”

Moyeong Dancheon continued in a low voice.

“It won’t be easy to find, so it will be a difficult task. But we must never let rumors spread that we are showing any special movements. Do you understand?”

Chief Manager Shim nodded. Moyeong Dancheon added one more word.

“……Keep in mind that the fate of the family may depend on the outcome of this matter.”

Chief Manager Shim’s eyes twitched.

He had served the Moyeong Family his whole life, but things of this magnitude were not so common. Moreover, the fate of the family was at stake?

However, Moyeong Dancheon’s eyes, looking at Chief Manager Shim, were only serious.

“Go now.”

As Moyeong Dancheon finished speaking, Chief Manager Shim bowed deeply and disappeared out the door.

Looking back at the now quiet Manhyujeong, Moyeong Dancheon muttered in a small voice.

“If we can find the Azure Dragon Sword Master, rising to the ranks of the Five Great Families is not just a dream.”

Moyeong Dancheon smiled faintly.

That smile was full of the passion and vigor unique to martial artists.

***

The fact that the Moyeong Family had requested a rematch from the Iron Family spread throughout Henan Province in an instant.

In a situation where the Iron Family’s hegemony was beginning to be recognized to some extent, this action by the Moyeong Family was bound to cause a great stir.

Some said that the traditional Moyeong Family was finally beginning to show its strength, while others predicted that it would only be the last flash of a dying flame.

However, the prevailing view was that the Moyeong Family would have a hard time.

As if to prove that such observations were correct, the Iron Family accepted the Moyeong Family’s request without hesitation.

And on the day of the contest.

As befitting a matter of great interest throughout Henan Province, Nokyapyung [likely a specific location in Henan], the venue for the martial arts contest between the Moyeong Family and the Iron Family, was overflowing with people.