Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 329

329. Intending to Cut the Yangtze River

The Hero Alliance’s main headquarters in Hangzhou, the Alliance Leader’s Hall.

“The Azure Dragon Alliance, you say?”

Iron-Blooded Death King, Yeom Jung-bu, sitting askew on a luxurious chair, frowned.

A subordinate dressed as a scholar immediately bowed his head and replied.

“Yes, that is correct. It is said that they have raised the banner of anti-Hero Alliance.”

“Hmm.”

Yeom Jung-bu was not particularly surprised.

He had already guessed that Unhyun would not be content with simply being a government official.

It would have been more surprising if Unhyun had joined hands with the Taepyeong Alliance.

Raising the banner of anti-Hero Alliance was also not surprising.

It was a justification that should have been put forward as the rightful successor to the Murim Alliance [a martial arts alliance].

“How shall we handle it?”

the subordinate asked.

“Handle? Who?”

“No, I mean how should we respond to the Azure Dragon Alliance.”

“Why?”

At Yeom Jung-bu’s indifferent question, the subordinate was rather taken aback.

Since the Azure Dragon Alliance was advocating against the Hero Alliance, shouldn’t they naturally respond?

“Isn’t what the Azure Dragon Alliance did was hinder the Taepyeong Alliance and rescue the Emei? They’re fighting among themselves, so why should we get involved?”

“B, but…”

“Tsk, you’re so clueless.”

Yeom Jung-bu clicked his tongue.

“Anti-Hero Alliance is just a pretext. A pretext to win the leadership from the Taepyeong Alliance. Whether the Azure Dragon Alliance really intends to fight us will only be decided after they have established their base.”

Smirking, Yeom Jung-bu said.

“After enduring the Taepyeong Alliance’s offensive and surviving.”

The Taepyeong Alliance, especially the Tang Clan, is by no means an easy opponent.

No matter how much the name of the Azure Dragon Alliance shakes the Jianghu Murim [the martial arts world], it remains to be seen whether they can withstand and survive.

“Th, then, should we instruct each branch to postpone their response for now…?”

“Tsk. What nonsense are you spouting now?”

Yeom Jung-bu clicked his tongue again.

“If anyone challenges the Hero Alliance, crush them with all your might, no matter who they are. If there are any sects in the Yangtze River region that sympathize with the Azure Dragon Alliance or show similar signs, wipe them out completely.”

Iron-Blooded Death King, Yeom Jung-bu, frowned and said.

“The Yangtze River belongs only to the Hero Alliance. Understand?”

“Yes, yes!”

the subordinate said, trembling.

“Of course.”

Yeom Jung-bu continued, feigning a relaxed expression.

“If they don’t invade the Yangtze River, there’s no need for us to seek them out. Just like the Taepyeong Alliance.”

“Understood, Alliance Leader.”

the subordinate bowed his head.

Nodding, Yeom Jung-bu suddenly asked.

“How much progress has been made in organizing the Yangtze River Merchant Group?”

“About half, roughly.”

“Half, huh…”

Yeom Jung-bu frowned, revealing his displeasure.

“What’s the biggest problem?”

“The manpower shortage is gradually improving, but it’s still difficult to secure commercial rights. Existing merchant groups are already established, and you told us not to reveal the Hero Alliance’s name, so…”

“The Hero Alliance’s name must not be revealed.”

Yeom Jung-bu said, interrupting the subordinate.

“But I allow you to secretly use force.”

With a chilling glint in his eyes, Yeom Jung-bu continued.

“However, never leave any traces. Erase everything that could reveal our identity, whether it’s evidence or witnesses. Understand?”

“Yes, yes!”

the subordinate answered, bowing deeply.

It’s not just evidence or witnesses that disappear.

If things go wrong, he himself might be in danger.

Like the predecessor who disappeared without a trace.

“If you need force, request it from the Iron-Blooded Commander. Expedite the work as quickly as possible.”

The Iron-Blooded Unit is a force directly under the Alliance Leader.

Recalling the brutal appearance of the Iron-Blooded Commander, the subordinate trembled slightly.

“I will do as you command.”

Yeom Jung-bu lightly waved his hand to the subordinate, who was bowing, signaling him to leave.

The subordinate retreated from the Alliance Leader’s Hall, walking backward.

Tak.

Left alone, Yeom Jung-bu leaned back in the luxurious chair.

“The Azure Dragon Alliance, huh…”

Remembering Unhyun, Yeom Jung-bu smirked.

“That guy has chosen a difficult path. The Taepyeong Alliance is one thing, but even Moon Wang won’t stand still…”

The person who will react most strongly to the Azure Dragon Alliance is not himself or Tang Seol-yeon.

It’s Moon Wang, the Blood Prince, who was deprived of everything because of Unhyun.

To Moon Wang, who is already grinding his teeth, the news of the Azure Dragon Alliance is like pouring oil on a fire.

“Well, either way, it’s good for me. Hehehe.”

Whether it’s the Taepyeong Alliance, the Azure Dragon Alliance, or the Blood Prince Moon Wang, it doesn’t matter.

If any of them fall on this occasion, it would be the most desirable outcome for Yeom Jung-bu.

Yeom Jung-bu’s laughter, echoing in the Alliance Leader’s Hall, did not stop for a long time.

***

The Emei Sect provided a large building for Unhyun and his party.

Of course, it wasn’t a Buddhist hall or a pavilion within the temple grounds.

It was the largest of the guest houses built on the outskirts for pilgrims, provided entirely for them.

Unhyun, Jo Gwan, and Yeongho-jun were sitting in one of the guest rooms.

“We have many enemies.”

Clink.

Yeongho-jun said, lifting his teacup.

“The Taepyeong Alliance will be sharpening their knives at us, and the Hero Alliance will also be watching us closely. Those who were plotting something with the Azure Dragon Branch will not be happy with the Azure Dragon Alliance, and the newly emerged Northern Sea Clan is also not an easy opponent. Although they outwardly show the Alliance Leader utmost respect.”

Unhyun nodded.

“The power of the Northern Sea was something even the late Divine Master was wary of. As long as I am here, I don’t think they will openly antagonize the Azure Dragon Alliance, but…”

The person leading the Northern Sea Clan is none other than her, the Great Palace Lord.

Considering her strategy and political power, we cannot rest assured.

Moreover, the martial power of the Northern Sea, starting with Bingsul, was more than that of a large sect.

“Of course, the biggest risk factor is the Il Dae Sangin [One Great Merchant].”

Yeongho-jun frowned and said.

“Is there any possibility that they will come to capture the Alliance Leader right now?”

“There is.”

Unhyun answered calmly.

“In fact, I was prepared for it since I came to the Taepyeong Alliance, but seeing that they haven’t appeared yet, it seems there is some reason.”

Attending the Taepyeong Alliance’s conference meant revealing Unhyun’s identity and location.

Unhyun was fully prepared for the possibility that the Samtae Sang [Three Great Merchants] or even the Il Dae Sangin might come looking for him.

No, perhaps he was even hoping for it.

However, they have not shown themselves to this day.

“Of course.”

Inspector Jo Gwan said in a firm tone.

“With the imperial law so strict, how could they possibly touch the Great Man?”

“I don’t think they fear the imperial law anymore.”

Yeongho-jun said with a sullen expression.

“Perhaps they think now is not the time to clash with the court.”

Perhaps that was right.

But Unhyun’s thoughts were a little different.

“Or perhaps they just think it’s not the right time.”

The title of Sangin is a Taoist title used in Taoism.

If he calls himself a Sangin, he may have a Taoist concept that values time and timing.

“Still, you must be careful. Blood Prince Moon Wang seems to harbor personal grudges against the Alliance Leader.”

At Yeongho-jun’s words, Unhyun nodded.

After a moment of silence, Yeongho-jun said.

“…And in fact, the enemy is not only outside.”

“What do you mean?”

Jo Gwan frowned immediately.

Yeongho-jun waved his hand.

“No, I don’t mean there’s a traitor inside, but…”

Forcing a bitter smile, Yeongho-jun said.

“It will be slower than you think for Shaolin or Mount Hua to formally join. To be precise, they will only move after confirming how much we accomplish.”

Jo Gwan frowned.

Having lived his whole life as a government official, he was unfamiliar with the behavior of the sects.

Stroking his teacup, Yeongho-jun continued.

“In that respect, the Hero Alliance will also show a similar move. Yeom Jung-bu knows the Jianghu Murim very well. He knows that our immediate enemy is the Taepyeong Alliance, and that we don’t have the capacity to advance to the Yangtze River region. So he will try to watch for the time being.”

“But I won’t let it go like that.”

Clink.

Putting down his teacup, Unhyun said.

“The current structure of the Murim is that the Hero Alliance controls the Yangtze River, and the Taepyeong Alliance surrounds its outskirts. At first glance, it even feels like the Taepyeong Alliance is protecting the Hero Alliance.”

Yeongho-jun nodded and asked.

“That sounds plausible. Then what is the intention of the Il Dae Sangin?”

“Unfortunately, I don’t know yet.”

Unhyun shook his head at Yeongho-jun’s question.

“But we must not leave it as it is.”

“Hmm.”

Yeongho-jun was lost in thought for a moment.

The Yangtze River is a long and vast river that divides the continent.

There were too many factors involved in the Yangtze River to predict the intentions of the Il Dae Sangin.

“I see. But it’s also true that we don’t have the capacity to deal with the Hero Alliance.”

“That’s why.”

Unhyun said quietly.

“I intend to cut the Yangtze River.”

“Yes?”

Yeongho-jun’s eyes widened.

“Cut the Yangtze River? Are you going to fill the river?”

Unhyun gave a bitter smile.

“No. I will mobilize the navy (水軍) [Shuigun, literally ‘water army’].”

“Navy!”

Yeongho-jun was even more surprised.

If it was the navy, it was a powerful force that the Hero Alliance couldn’t even compare to.

“No, but that’s impossible, isn’t it? In the current situation, the navy moving means…”

If you’re going to mobilize the navy, it’s more certain to mobilize the imperial army.

And that was impossible, as Unhyun had already told Yeongho-jun.

Because the Il Dae Sangin, who is the mastermind behind the scenes, will hide, and the world will fall into chaos.

Wasn’t that why Park Gong-gong entrusted Unhyun with full authority, worried about that?

Unhyun’s job is to stab the Il Dae Sangin in the neck, not to set the world on fire.

“I’m not trying to subjugate the Hero Alliance.”

Unhyun said with a calm expression.

“I’m just going to conduct naval training.”

“Training?”

Yeongho-jun frowned, and Jo Gwan said.

“The person in charge of the Yangtze River naval fleet is the Naval Commander (水軍都督) [Shuigun Dudu]. And the Naval Commander has the authority to plan and execute naval training.”

“Ah!”

Yeongho-jun realized what Jo Gwan was trying to say.

“I see. So when naval training begins, it is possible to search or control passing ships, as well as issue eviction orders.”

“That’s right. It’s a military operation, so there’s no need to give a reason, and you can’t dare to refuse.”

Who would dare to object to the training of the Yangtze River naval fleet?

Although it would be inconvenient, all ships would have no choice but to obey the navy’s control.

It’s like grabbing the Yangtze River by the throat.

“But you can’t drag it on for too long, can you?”

Yeongho-jun tilted his head.

“If it’s training, at most…”

“You can drag it on as long as you want.”

Jo Gwan said firmly.

“The time it takes for the Yangtze River naval fleet to conduct training once is about half a year, including the preparation period. Even if you divide the fleet and put them into training alternately, and only conduct it in the major ports of the Yangtze River, it’s possible for at least ten years.”

The Yangtze River is long and there are countless ports.

Of course, not all ports are large enough to accommodate a naval fleet, but if you divide the fleet, it was enough for most cities.

“No, depending on the Naval Commander’s mind, it’s possible for a lifetime. If the imperial family’s trust is solid.”

Historically, military training of local military power has often led to rebellion.

If there is no fear of such misunderstanding, it is literally possible for a lifetime.

“Alliance Leader.”

Yeongho-jun’s mouth dropped open.

“You’re really going to cut the Yangtze River.”

Yeongho-jun admired, unable to hide his surprise.

However, Unhyun’s expression was not so bright.

Jo Gwan said the reason.

“But there is a problem.”