Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 311

311. Warning

Un Hyun leisurely raised his teacup.

It was then.

“Lord Un, are you an official?”

The one who asked was Gongsun Chuhyun of the Gongsun Family.

His eyes were quite challenging.

Un Hyun smiled faintly.

“You could say that.”

“Since when?”

“I’m asking since when you’ve been working for the government. Perhaps you were doing so even back in the Murim Alliance [a historical martial arts association]?”

Hostility overflowed in Gongsun Chuhyun’s eyes as he spoke.

Dang Seol-yeon’s expression hardened instantly.

Gongsun Chuhyun’s words were clearly rude and provocative.

It was as if he was asking Un Hyun if he had been a lackey of the government from the start.

In a calm voice, Un Hyun said,

“If I said I wasn’t, would you believe me?”

“Hmph. How can I trust the words of someone who works for the government?”

Everyone could tell that Gongsun Chuhyun had originally intended to say ‘government dog.’

The government and Murim were not on good terms to begin with.

The government treated Murim people as potential criminals and demanded unconditional obedience, while Murim people saw the government as arrogant figures who did nothing, had no skills, and were only interested in money.

Such conflict reached its peak during the Murim Alliance era when the power of Murim was strong.

It was said that even the government had to be mindful of the Murim Alliance at that time.

So, it wasn’t incomprehensible that Gongsun Chuhyun would disregard government officials and question Un Hyun about whether he had been a government person from the start.

However, that was something to be done with consideration for the other party.

Was it appropriate to act that way towards Un Hyun, who was not just any government official but Park Gonggong’s, in fact, the Joseon Dynasty’s [historical Korean kingdom] de facto plenipotentiary [a person invested with the full power to transact any business]?

“Gongsun…!”

“I also have a question.”

Un Hyun spoke before Dang Seol-yeon could say anything.

“Is that statement your own thought, or is it the will of the Family Head, Great Warrior Gongsun Wol?”

Gongsun Chuhyun’s eyebrows furrowed.

“How dare you mention the Family Head…!”

“The Family Head of the Gongsun Family.”

Un Hyun lightly touched the teacup.

“Recently sent a letter to the court through the Inspector, didn’t he? Saying that he is willing to cooperate with the court’s activities for the safety of the government roads. He also expressed his willingness to cooperate with anything related to Murim.”

That was the content from the very book that Park Gonggong had meticulously written down, word by word.

Depending on how one heard it, it could be seen as an act of betrayal by the Gongsun Family against the Taepyung Alliance and Gangho Murim [the martial arts world].

“Th, that can’t be!”

Gongsun Chuhyun’s face flushed.

“That’s absurd…!”

“Then.”

Un Hyun’s voice cut him off.

Smiling faintly, Un Hyun said,

“Shall we send a letter to the Family Head? Since Gongsun Chuhyun of the Gongsun Family says he cannot trust me, I also cannot trust him, and unless I bring his head, I will consider it a declaration of hostility towards the court.”

‘Gasp.’

The meaning of the statement that it would be considered a declaration of hostility towards the court was significant.

Moreover, Un Hyun’s eyes were chillingly cold.

Those eyes were telling him that the words to bring his head were by no means a lie.

“Th, that’s…”

Suddenly, cold sweat broke out.

Gongsun Chuhyun’s eyes trembled like an aspen leaf.

He couldn’t even meet Un Hyun’s gaze.

“Heh.”

Un Hyun laughed.

“Just kidding. I don’t have time for such useless things.”

Turning his head to look at Dang Seol-yeon, Un Hyun said,

“But it’s quite unpleasant. Is this the hospitality of the Taepyung Alliance?”

Dang Seol-yeon sighed quietly.

Bowing respectfully, Dang Seol-yeon paid her respects.

“I apologize for the rudeness.”

With her head bowed, she said,

“We will send a stern protest to the Gongsun Family, and from this moment on, his right to speak will be revoked. I hope you understand that his rudeness is not the intention of the Taepyung Alliance.”

Gongsun Chuhyun’s face hardened.

If Dang Seol-yeon protested, it was obvious that he would lose not only his position as a representative but also the position of Vice Head of the Outer Hall.

“I understand. I accept the apology.”

“Thank you.”

Dang Seol-yeon quietly straightened her body.

Gongsun Chuhyun said urgently,

“Wait! I…”

However, he couldn’t help but flinch at the murderous intent that suddenly flew from Dang Seol-yeon.

Like the name Dangmun Snow Flower, an ice-cold murderous aura enveloped Gongsun Chuhyun.

Gongsun Chuhyun’s face turned completely blue.

He looked around, but there was no one even looking at him, let alone offering help.

Letting out a soft groan, Gongsun Chuhyun eventually lowered his gaze.

‘You trash.’

Dang Seol-yeon frowned as she looked at Gongsun Chuhyun.

She couldn’t understand what he was thinking, provoking Un Hyun.

Could it be that he was still living in the illusion of the great sects of the past Murim Alliance era?

Or was he just trying to ruin Dang Seol-yeon’s work?

Either way, it was a pathetic act in Dang Seol-yeon’s eyes.

“The government.”

Un Hyun quietly opened his mouth.

“Is a place that brings fear to those who act unlawfully. If you have never done anything against the national laws, you will have nothing to fear, even from the powerful figures of the court. Isn’t that so?”

Of course, there are many cases where that is not the case.

However, Un Hyun’s words held a significant meaning.

‘In the end….’

Dang Seol-yeon bit her lip.

‘He means he won’t join hands.’

It means that the court, or rather Un Hyun, will not allow illegality to the Taepyung Alliance.

At the same time, it was a clear expression of his intention not to join hands with the Taepyung Alliance.

Because he means that he will not make exceptions for the Taepyung Alliance.

“I have one question I would like to ask.”

Suddenly, Gwan Il-geom, Mo Yong-dancheon, spoke.

“It is said that there are some people called the Changryong Association [Azure Dragon Association] these days. Do you have any connection with them?”

That was clearly Mo Yong-dancheon’s favor.

It was giving Un Hyun a chance to explain.

In that moment, Un Hyun seemed to see Jin Ye-rim’s triumphant expression behind him.

“I have no connection whatsoever.”

The eyes of several people changed.

“But they claim to follow the will of the Changryong Sword Lord.”

Je Gal-giho asked.

That question was also his favor.

Un Hyun wore a smile.

“I am the one who is curious. What on earth is their intention, defiling my name without even seeking my permission?”

After shaking his head, Un Hyun continued,

“I have no relationship with these people called the Changryong Association, and their actions are completely unrelated to my intentions. So, if you happen to know or meet them.”

With a firm look in his eyes, Un Hyun said,

“Please tell them to immediately stop the cowardly act of selling my name. Also, tell them that I am greatly angered and will never let it go.”

Un Hyun’s intention was clearly conveyed.

These words would soon spread within the Taepyung Alliance, and the number of people being deceived by the name of the Changryong Association would be significantly reduced.

Even Dang Seol-yeon’s eyes changed as if in admiration, and Un Hyun could almost hear Jin Ye-rim’s voice praising him for doing well.

“I understand Lord Un’s intentions well.”

Je Gal-myeong, the Family Head of the Je Gal Family, said.

“Then, is it safe to assume that the court has nothing else to convey to our Taepyung Alliance?”

“That’s right.”

Un Hyun’s answer disappointed them.

However, Un Hyun’s words were not over yet.

“As the plenipotentiary.”

Family Head Je Gal-myeong’s eyes lit up.

“Does that mean….”

“The court is thinking positively about the Taepyung Alliance. It is no exaggeration to say that the Taepyung Alliance is the only trustworthy place among the current Murim sects.”

Je Gal-myeong, as well as the expressions of others, brightened.

“However, we still have doubts about whether the Taepyung Alliance complies with national laws and cares for the country. Like the Yeongung Alliance [Hero Alliance], those with power tend to pursue their own interests.”

With a serious expression, Un Hyun continued,

“The fact that I came here can be seen as the court having at least minimal trust in the Taepyung Alliance. So, what happens next will depend on your actions.”

“Actions, you say.”

Hwangbo Seon-hye asked in a clear voice,

“What exactly do you mean?”

Un Hyun smiled faintly.

“Hyeolgonja [Blood Demon], Mun Wang, and his backing forces.”

The expressions of the people hardened in an instant.

Un Hyun emphasized each word.

“No matter what happens, do not associate with them. The moment you join hands with them, anyone will be considered an enemy of the court.”

It was a chilling warning.

To become an enemy of the court meant becoming an enemy of the world.

“That is absolutely correct.”

Dang Seol-yeon’s quiet voice echoed in the main hall.

“It is the wisest choice not to be involved with the Yeongung Alliance.”

It was known that the leader of the Yeongung Alliance was Yeom Jung-bu, but the owner was Hyeolgonja, Mun Wang.

Therefore, Dang Seol-yeon’s words sounded reasonable at first glance.

“Well?”

Un Hyun smiled faintly.

“There is room for argument, but generally, you are right.”

Some people immediately understood the meaning of those words.

Un Hyun had declared that he would clearly distinguish between Hyeolgonja, Mun Wang, and the Yeongung Alliance.

However, others did not understand the meaning of those words.

Dang Seol-yeon was among those who understood correctly.

Her face was stiff.

***

Lee Seo-yeon, the young lady and Secretary General of the Hoam Merchant Guild, was not in Chengdu, Sichuan.

The meeting between the Taepyung Alliance and the Merchant Guild was just a formality anyway, and the important contents had already been finalized with a secret agreement with Dang Seol-yeon on the first evening.

So, Lee Seo-yeon left Chengdu without regret, leaving another person in charge of the Hoam Merchant Guild.

Because an even more important meeting was scheduled.

“Hoo.”

Lee Seo-yeon took a deep breath.

With sharp eyes, she asked the maid.

“How is it?”

“It’s very beautiful.”

The young maid bowed her head politely and answered.

In the mirror, the figure of a splendid and seductive woman was reflected.

However, Lee Seo-yeon was not satisfied.

“It won’t work.”

Sarak.

Lee Seo-yeon took off her fancy hair accessories.

“Erase everything. Redo it lighter.”

“Yes. I understand.”

It was makeup that had taken a long time, but the maid immediately obeyed the order.

“And bring the clothes and shoes again. All of them.”

That meant bringing back dozens of clothes and shoes.

However, the maids standing next to her immediately bowed their heads.

“Yes. Secretary General.”

As the maids disappeared, Lee Seo-yeon sat down, lifted her head, and closed her eyes for makeup.

The maid’s skillful touch was felt on her face.

She had already spent more than half a day, but Lee Seo-yeon did not think it was excessive.

The person she was about to meet was very picky and capricious.

The past few meetings and what he had done clearly showed that.

She must never show any weakness.

Because of him, the Moonjung Merchant Guild lost its successor and collapsed, and thanks to him, the Hoam Merchant Guild stood tall as one of the three great merchant guilds in the world.

In fact, the fate of the five most prominent merchant guilds in the world was divided by that one person.

He was none other than Hyeolgonja, Mun Wang.

Lee Seo-yeon was preparing to meet him.

Now was the time for her fate to be decided by him.

And it was also time to reap the rewards of the product she had invested in for a long time.

‘Certainly.’

Lee Seo-yeon bit her lip slightly.

‘I will definitely make it a success.’

Her eyes were filled with determination.