Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 362

362. The Threat of the Gi Hon Dan

Deep night at the Wudang Sect’s guest hall.

“I apologize for making you wait so long,” Yun Hyun said to Real Person Jeokpung, offering him a teacup.

Real Person Jeokpung shook his head.

“No, I’m the one who should be sorry. You’ve been working tirelessly to treat my disciples… We could have talked after dawn.”

“It’s alright,” Yun Hyun replied.

“How could I send you away after you’ve waited so patiently? Besides, the pharmacists were a great help, so it wasn’t too difficult.”

After observing Yun Hyun’s treatment methods, Yeongcheonja immediately summoned the sect’s pharmacists.

The skilled pharmacists were impressed by Yun Hyun and Gaek Ong’s techniques and readily assisted them.

The old building buzzed with renewed energy as the treatments progressed smoothly.

However, the process was inevitably time-consuming, and everything concluded late into the night.

“Thank you for your efforts on behalf of Wudang,” Real Person Jeokpung said with a hearty laugh.

“Perhaps Yeongcheonja has learned a great deal this time as well. Hahaha.”

Yun Hyun smiled gently.

Despite the late hour, Yeongcheonja had returned to the pharmacy to consult with the pharmacists.

Real Person Jeokpung had been waiting for Yun Hyun until then.

Finally, late at night, they were able to sit face-to-face with Yun Hyun and his companions.

“The Taoists of Wudang all seem like immortals…” Dam Soha interjected abruptly.

He turned to Real Person Jeokpung with a curious expression.

“Do you also command the wind and clouds?”

Real Person Jeokpung smiled gently.

“What would Little Brother wish to accomplish by commanding the wind and clouds?”

“Well, that’s…” Dam Soha hesitated for a moment.

It wasn’t as if he had a specific purpose in mind.

“One should not disturb the harmony of heaven and earth out of mere curiosity. Moreover, regardless of how wondrous something may be, its significance to you is paramount, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Significance?”

“That’s right. What may be a mere natural phenomenon to one person can become the will of heaven to another.”

Real Person Jeokpung said, chanting a Taoist invocation in a low voice.

“To illuminate the will of heaven for those who are lost, and to empower those who have fallen to rise again—this is the work of a Taoist.”

Yeonghojun, who was listening intently, nodded in agreement.

As a Taoist of Mount Hua, he resonated with Real Person Jeokpung’s words.

Yun Hyun, who had been quietly fiddling with his teacup, suddenly spoke.

“I also have a question I would like to ask you, Real Person.”

“What is it?” Real Person Jeokpung’s eyes brightened.

“Rather, what could you possibly be curious about regarding me…?”

“No, no,” Real Person Jeokpung waved his hand dismissively.

“Taoists are meant to listen before speaking. Please, speak first. What is it that Great Hero wishes to ask?”

Yun Hyun paused for a moment.

Then, he slowly began to speak.

“The leader of the League of Heroes is Yeom Jungbu, but behind him is a man called Il Dae Sangin [lit. ‘Great Person’].”

Real Person Jeokpung frowned.

The title ‘Sangin’ suggested a connection to Taoism.

“And recently, I encountered him.”

Yun Hyun quietly wrapped his hands around the teacup.

The image of Il Dae Sangin seemed to materialize before his eyes.

“He seemed intent on fighting me, but one of his subordinates advised Il Dae Sangin that the celestial fortune was not favorable.”

“Celestial fortune, you say?”

Yun Hyun nodded.

“Yes. The one who spoke those words was wearing Taoist attire. And Il Dae Sangin withdrew and left the scene.”

Yun Hyun asked, looking directly at Real Person Jeokpung.

“What does this signify?”

Real Person Jeokpung frowned and pondered.

“Hmm. The celestial fortune is not favorable, huh…” Muttering to himself, Real Person Jeokpung raised his head.

“First, let’s assume they have a genuine connection to Taoism. Such individuals wouldn’t use the title of Sangin or wear Taoist attire merely to deceive others.”

Yun Hyun nodded.

“Furthermore, people invoke the celestial fortune when they are facing misfortune or when their power is diminished. However, I doubt someone of that stature would casually mention the celestial fortune.”

Real Person Jeokpung said with a serious expression.

“Therefore, I believe there are two possibilities. First, it was a genuine assessment of the celestial fortune. Second, they are planning something of such immense scale that they must consult the celestial fortune before acting.”

“Something so big that they have to examine the celestial fortune…” Yun Hyun quietly repeated Real Person Jeokpung’s words.

He couldn’t help but suspect treason.

Il Dae Sangin had also alluded to the Supreme Heavenly Authority.

But now, he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was an even more sinister purpose at play.

So much so that Il Dae Sangin, who had been on the verge of fighting Yun Hyun, had ultimately withdrawn.

“Then, what course of action should I take in the future?”

“I would like to ask the opposite question,” Real Person Jeokpung said, looking intently at Yun Hyun.

“What is Great Hero Yun currently doing?”

Yun Hyun offered a wry smile.

It seemed almost absurd to ask what someone who had been observing Yun Hyun until late at night was doing.

“I am saving those who are addicted to the Gi Hon Dan [a fictional medicinal substance].”

“Why? It doesn’t seem as though you are trying to curry favor with Wudang and gain acceptance, nor are you a doctor who has dedicated his life to saving people.”

Real Person Jeokpung’s pointed remark was quite direct.

However, Yun Hyun simply smiled.

“Saving people shouldn’t be the sole domain of doctors, should it?”

Yun Hyun said softly.

“But you are right. I believe I need to eradicate the Gi Hon Dan for another reason.”

After a moment of silence, Yun Hyun continued in a low voice.

“Because I believe it is the linchpin of the Supreme Heavenly Authority’s scheme, orchestrated by Blood Prince Mun Wang.”

“Yes?” The surprised voice belonged to Dam Soha.

Jo Gwan, as well as Yeonghojun, couldn’t conceal their astonishment.

“What is that… No, wait a minute,” Yeonghojun began, then frowned and fell into thought.

Soon, he nodded emphatically.

“That’s right!”

“Aha!” Dam Soha exclaimed almost simultaneously.

“I think I understand. Blood Prince Mun Wang purchased a massive quantity of medicinal ingredients through the Three Great Merchant Guilds—to manufacture the Gi Hon Dan.”

“Yes. Consequently, the Silhon Corps [a group of addicts] emerged, and disciples of Mount Hua and Wudang were poisoned. But is that the sole purpose of the Gi Hon Dan?”

Dam Soha shook his head at Yeonghojun’s words.

“That can’t be. The medicinal ingredients distributed by the Three Great Merchant Guilds were said to be equivalent to several years’ worth of transactions for those guilds. Compared to the sheer volume of ingredients, the amount of Gi Hon Dan that has been released so far is ridiculously small.”

Dam Soha turned his head to Gaek Ong.

“Elder Gaek Ong, did the Gi Hon Dan contain any ingredients that could only be obtained by refining a vast amount of medicinal ingredients?”

“No,” Gaek Ong said calmly.

“There was no such ingredient.”

“Then the conclusion is clear,” Dam Soha’s eyes lit up.

“The Gi Hon Dan that has spread to Mount Hua and Wudang is only a fraction of the total. If this Gi Hon Dan spreads throughout the world, or if that was the plan from the beginning…”

Yeonghojun gritted his teeth and said, “…A terrible world will unfold.”

The addictiveness of the Gi Hon Dan was so potent that even the disciples of Mount Hua and Wudang struggled to resist it.

If the Gi Hon Dan were to spread indiscriminately throughout the world, the consequences would be unimaginable.

“The people who will be exposed to the temptation of the Gi Hon Dan first will not be ordinary citizens, but those who possess some affluence,” Dam Soha said, pondering.

“For example, those in public office, or those associated with large merchant guilds, clans, or prestigious families.”

Jo Gwan’s expression darkened.

Dam Soha’s assessment was accurate.

The Gi Hon Dan would likely target those in positions of leadership rather than the common populace.

The officials of each region, the high-ranking military officers, and even the court and the imperial family.

“…To dare to undermine the very foundation of the country!” It was no wonder that Jo Gwan gritted his teeth and spoke those words.

If the Gi Hon Dan were to proliferate throughout the world, that is precisely what would happen.

“This is not merely treason; it’s akin to a suicide pact,” Dam Soha said, frowning.

In that scenario, treason would be the least of their concerns.

Yeonghojun also shook his head and muttered, “Supreme Heavenly Authority, huh? He aspires to become the master of the world—the master of a tragically ruined world.”

Yeonghojun sighed deeply and looked at Yun Hyun.

“So that’s why you considered the Gi Hon Dan problem to be so serious.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I assumed you were trying to persuade the sects to join the alliance,” Dam Soha said.

Yun Hyun smiled at Dam Soha’s words.

“There was that aspect as well.”

Yun Hyun, readily admitting it, turned to Real Person Jeokpung.

“This is what I am currently doing and why. If you require a more detailed explanation…”

“No, that’s quite alright,” Real Person Jeokpung shook his head.

“While I may not fully grasp the intricacies, I have heard what I needed to hear.”

“I see. That’s a relief,” Yun Hyun nodded and awaited Real Person Jeokpung’s response.

However, Real Person Jeokpung hesitated to continue.

Was Yun Hyun’s question about the future so difficult to answer?

‘Hmm.’

Real Person Jeokpung was conflicted.

If Yun Hyun were an ordinary martial artist or a scholar, he would have had plenty of advice to offer.

But would that truly be appropriate?

After careful consideration, Real Person Jeokpung made a decision.

“I apologize for the abrupt change of subject, but do you recall that I mentioned wanting to assess Great Hero?”

“Of course.”

“Then, would you be willing to demonstrate Great Hero’s swordplay?”

It was clear that he wasn’t referring to Yun Hyun’s sword, Myeong.

“Ah, I understand that asking a martial artist to display their swordsmanship is a breach of martial etiquette. But…”

Real Person Jeokpung was speaking urgently when Yun Hyun interjected.

“I understand,” Yun Hyun said.

“I will show you.”

Real Person Jeokpung’s eyes lit up.

“Re, really?”

“Yes,” Yun Hyun smiled softly.

Thud.

As if to emphasize his sincerity, Yun Hyun rose from his seat.

He then asked Real Person Jeokpung, “Is there a training ground or martial arts arena nearby? Any suitable open space will suffice.”

“Th, there is!” Thud.

Real Person Jeokpung jumped to his feet and answered.

Of course, the Wudang Sect had a training ground.

Moreover, if a suitable open space was all that was needed, there was no need to venture far.

“C, come this way,” Real Person Jeokpung quickly exited the guest hall, fearing that Yun Hyun might change his mind.

Real Person Jeokpung considered it fortunate that Yun Hyun hadn’t drawn his sword from the Haegeomji [a state of swordsmanship].

Yeonghojun wore a troubled expression, but Yun Hyun and Gaek Ong were already following Real Person Jeokpung.

“Let’s go too!” Yeonghojun shook his head as he saw Dam Soha and Jo Gwan also rising to their feet.

But in the end, he had no choice but to follow.

Yeonghojun also didn’t want to miss Yun Hyun’s swordsmanship.

***

Sabeok [sound of footsteps].

Yun Hyun stopped in the center of the open space.

The night sky above Wudang Mountain was clear, and the moonlight was chillingly blue.

After composing himself, Yun Hyun slowly drew Myeong.

Seureung [sound of sword being drawn].

With a soft sound, Myeong’s blade was revealed.

Myeong radiated a cool energy that matched its beauty.

Woong [sound of sword humming].

A low sword cry resonated.

The image of the sword that arose in Yun Hyun’s heart soon merged with Myeong.

And before he knew it, Yun Hyun’s sword was already in motion, slicing through the air.

Sarak [sound of sword cutting through air].

Like flowing water, like a passing wind.

The eternal path of the sword, without beginning or end, unfolded from Yun Hyun’s sword.

It was none other than the Twelve Forms of the White Tiger Training Sword.

Huuuung [sound of sword].

Real Person Jeokpung’s pupils constricted slightly.

And at that moment, Real Person Jeokpung witnessed an extraordinary sight.

“Heok!” Real Person Jeokpung forgot that Yun Hyun was merely performing swordsmanship and gasped.

“Th, this can’t be…” Real Person Jeokpung trembled.

Yun Hyun’s swordplay was beautiful and captivating to anyone who witnessed it, but the sight that Real Person Jeokpung beheld was something entirely different.

“Ah…” Like a groan, Real Person Jeokpung let out a sigh.

Each time Yun Hyun’s sword sliced through the air, streaks of light emanated from it.

That dazzlingly beautiful phenomenon was the auspicious energy of the sky—the auspicious sign (瑞氣) [ruìqì – a sign of good omen].