Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 414

414. Guilin Scenery is the Best Under Heaven

The Tianhua Inn, nestled in Guilin’s bustling downtown, was a popular haunt for warriors of the Taepyung Alliance.

There wasn’t any scheduled meeting or particular reason for their gatherings.

It was simply that the Tianhua Inn’s chef was exceptionally skilled, catering perfectly to the refined tastes of the Taepyung Alliance warriors.

As the Taepyung Alliance warriors congregated, others naturally steered clear of Tianhua Inn.

This inadvertently created a situation where it seemed the Taepyung Alliance had effectively commandeered the entire inn.

Amidst this exclusive gathering, Yunhyun and his group, conspicuously not warriors of the Taepyung Alliance, immediately drew the attention of a burly warrior stationed near the entrance.

“What did you say…”

The burly warrior, his brow furrowed in suspicion, couldn’t complete his sentence.

His eyes suddenly glazed over, and he slowly closed them, his imposing frame losing all its tension.

Then, he collapsed to the floor as if his strength had been completely drained.

Thud.

Yunhyun casually turned around.

Gaeong was nonchalantly looking elsewhere, feigning ignorance, while Jogan stared at Yunhyun with a puzzled expression.

It seemed they were genuinely unaware of what had just transpired.

Only Hang Jang-ik seemed to have caught a glimpse of something, his eyes gleaming with understanding.

“Welcome!”

In the meantime, the inn’s manager, ever the opportunist, approached with a practiced smile.

Then, he was visibly startled to discover the fallen warrior.

“Oh my, why is this person sleeping here? Hey! Someone, please help him!”

However, the busy servers pointedly ignored his plea, pretending not to hear.

The manager, his smile faltering, quickly plastered a bright, albeit strained, smile towards Yunhyun.

“Are you a party of four? The restaurant is a bit busy, but we do have rooms available.”

“Ah, then…”

“Stop.”

A heavy voice cut through Yunhyun’s words.

Swish.

A young man seated nearby abruptly stood up.

Dressed in rather ostentatious martial attire, he glared at Yunhyun’s group and demanded, “What did you do?”

Yunhyun calmly turned to face him.

Those sitting next to the young man exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of his sudden outburst.

The young man smirked mockingly and addressed Yunhyun directly, “Even if you can deceive the eyes of others, it won’t work on me…”

Click.

With a soft, almost imperceptible sound, his eyes glazed over.

He slumped back into his seat, his head lolling forward.

Thud.

The man’s forehead connected with the table with a dull thud, and he fell into a deep slumber.

He wasn’t the only one succumbing to this sudden sleep.

Thump, thud.

Those who appeared to be his companions also succumbed, slumping against the table or the backs of their chairs.

The manager looked back and forth between the sleeping men and Yunhyun with a bewildered expression.

“W-What is this…”

“Well? Maybe they had a bit too much to drink.”

With those words, Yunhyun subtly glanced at Gaeong.

Gaeong’s expression was far from pleased.

It seemed that if another conflict arose, he wouldn’t hesitate to lull the entire inn into a deep sleep this time.

“You mentioned having rooms available?”

“Ah, yes. All the standard rooms are taken…”

“Give us the best one.”

The manager’s expression instantly brightened at Yunhyun’s words.

“I understand! I’ll show you myself.”

The manager bowed obsequiously and eagerly led the group away.

The matter of the suddenly sleeping guests was conveniently forgotten.

Hoping to avoid any further incidents that might displease Gaeong, Yunhyun followed the manager.

Fortunately, nothing else occurred to upset Gaeong, and the room the manager presented them with boasted a truly spectacular view.

This undoubtedly helped to improve Gaeong’s sour mood.

After settling in, Yunhyun’s group emerged from the inn.

Jogan and Hang Jang-ik departed for the government office, leaving Yunhyun to tour the scenic streets of Guilin with Gaeong.

“Guilin certainly lives up to its reputation as a scenic paradise.”

Yunhyun was once again struck by the city’s beauty as he strolled through its streets.

The exotic atmosphere, coupled with the towering karst peaks surrounding the city, exuded a unique and captivating charm.

Sweet osmanthus trees, the namesake of Guilin [Guilin literally means “Osmanthus Forest”], were abundant, but unfortunately, it wasn’t the season for them to bloom.

But instead, there was a fragrant smell in the air.

“What’s that?”

Gaeong inquired, his gaze fixed on some street food being sold nearby.

It appeared to be some kind of fried snack, and it emitted a tantalizing aroma.

“I don’t know? Let’s try it.”

Gaeong nodded in agreement at Yunhyun’s suggestion.

The stall seemed to be quite popular, as evidenced by the long queue of people waiting.

Yunhyun joined the line with Gaeong.

Waiting patiently for their turn, Yunhyun leisurely observed the people passing through the bustling downtown area.

The fatigue from their long journey seemed to dissipate on its own, replaced by a sense of tranquility.

***

“Ugh.”

The man who had been slumped over the table, his forehead imprinted with the table’s pattern, groaned and slowly opened his eyes.

He shook his head in an attempt to clear his hazy mind.

“Ugh.”

“What’s going on?”

The other members of his group, who had also awakened simultaneously, frowned in confusion, seemingly unaware of what had transpired.

Looking around at each other, they gradually pieced together the situation and muttered in disbelief.

“What happened? Don’t tell me we all fell asleep? All of us, at the same time?”

One of the group members exclaimed.

“Such a ridiculous thing…”

They were all second-generation disciples from various factions within the Taepyung Alliance.

For them to fall asleep all at once, without even a hint of warning, was no trivial matter.

“It’s that guy.”

The man declared, gritting his teeth.

“That guy? Are you talking about that group from earlier?”

The group members recalled Yunhyun’s group.

“But they didn’t seem like they were up to anything…”

Someone said, a puzzled expression on their face.

In fact, they hadn’t detected any suspicious behavior.

They couldn’t even remember the moment they had fallen asleep.

But the man, Dang Gyeon-seung’s conviction, remained unshaken.

This was because he was a second-generation disciple of the Dang Clan, renowned for their expertise in poisons and hidden weapons.

‘It’s definitely a hidden weapon.’

Dang Gyeon-seung was absolutely certain.

“Hey! Manager! Manager!”

He bellowed for the inn’s manager in a rough voice.

The pattern of the table was still clearly imprinted on his forehead, but Dang Gyeon-seung was too agitated to notice.

***

Guilin, Taepyung Alliance Gwangseo Branch.

Dang Dae-yeong, a first-generation disciple of the Dang Clan, frowned deeply.

“An unidentified expert, what does that mean?”

His junior brother, Dang Gyeon-seung, a second-generation disciple, replied with a stiff expression.

“That’s right. He instantly put me and the disciples of other noble families to sleep.”

“Put to sleep?”

Not paralysis or poisoning, but simply putting them to sleep?

What kind of expert would show such mercy during an ambush?

Dang Dae-yeong’s frown deepened as he inquired, “What kind of technique did he use?”

“…That, I’m not entirely sure either.”

Dang Dae-yeong glared at his junior brother.

And said in a low, menacing tone, “Did you start drinking again this morning?”

Seeing his junior brother flinch, Dang Dae-yeong continued in a stern voice, “Don’t you realize how dangerous it is to lose consciousness in a foreign land! How can you call yourself a disciple of the Dang Clan if you, a second-generation disciple, can’t even control yourself!”

“Senior! It’s true that I had a drink.”

Dang Gyeon-seung insisted in a resolute tone.

“But they are definitely experts in hidden weapons. Otherwise, how could they have put me and the disciples of other factions to sleep at the same time?”

However, his senior brother, Dang Dae-yeong’s expression remained unchanged.

“Enough! Go to the branch right now and reflect on your actions!”

Dang Gyeon-seung bit his lip, looking wronged.

However, he couldn’t disobey his senior brother’s orders.

“…I understand.”

Dang Gyeon-seung said, his gaze fixed on his senior brother.

“But please be sure to investigate them. They are by no means ordinary people.”

Even with Dang Gyeon-seung’s earnest plea, his senior brother, Dang Dae-yeong, remained silent.

Dang Gyeon-seung bowed stiffly and retreated.

Watching his retreating figure, Dang Dae-yeong fell deep in thought.

‘An unidentified expert…’

He had ordered Dang Gyeon-seung to reflect on his actions, but that didn’t mean he would dismiss his report entirely.

Guilin was, after all, the stronghold of the Taepyung Alliance’s Gangnam conquest and a crucial strategic point.

It was highly probable that other factions or noble families were secretly infiltrating the area.

To gather information or to sabotage their operations.

“I’ll have to investigate this myself.”

Dang Gyeon-seung had already provided him with details about the group.

He had described their lodging and their appearances.

Thud.

Dang Dae-yeong, the first-generation disciple of the Dang Clan and the leader of the third squad of the Hyeonmu Unit, rose from his seat.

With the third squad consisting of three first-generation disciples and seven second-generation disciples, he was confident in his ability to subdue any opponent.

***

Yunhyun and Gaeong leisurely strolled through downtown Guilin.

The meandering Li River and the bamboo rafts gently gliding on its surface added to the tranquil atmosphere, creating a scene reminiscent of a fairyland.

Since the sun was already beginning to set, they decided to postpone their Li River cruise until the following day. Instead, Yunhyun and Gaeong enjoyed dinner at a restaurant in downtown Guilin.

They chose the place not based on its appearance or reputation, but simply because Gaeong had expressed interest in it. Fortunately, the food was delicious, and the prices were reasonable.

As the two emerged from the restaurant, the streets were already illuminated by colorful lanterns.

“It is said that Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven [a famous Chinese saying: 桂林山水甲天下, Guìlín shānshuǐ jiǎ tiānxià], but the night streets are also a sight to behold.”

Yunhyun was genuinely impressed by the vibrant night streets of Guilin.

Perhaps due to its status as a renowned scenic spot, the night streets of Guilin were even more splendid and dazzling than he had anticipated.

Moreover, when one looked up, they could see a night sky filled with countless stars above the mysterious peaks.

Yunhyun strolled through the enchanting night of Guilin with Gaeong, savoring a different atmosphere from the daytime.

That’s when the two arrived directly in front of their accommodation, Tianhua Inn.

“Hmm.”

Gaeong frowned slightly and stopped walking.

Yunhyun also halted.

He sensed a strange presence within Tianhua Inn.

The energy, which had been absent when they left, was now palpable. Although it wasn’t directly aimed at Yunhyun and Gaeong, it clearly indicated some kind of tension and vigilance.

“Tsk.”

Gaeong clicked his tongue in annoyance.

And lightly waved his hand.

As if shooing away a pesky gnat buzzing around his face.

Whoosh.

However, Yunhyun clearly perceived a surge of energy emanating from that seemingly insignificant gesture.

The energy shot straight into Tianhua Inn.

After a brief pause, Gaeong announced, “Let’s go in.”

Yunhyun entered Tianhua Inn with Gaeong.

At that very moment, the voices of the inn manager and servers could be heard.

“Oh my, warrior!”

“No, why suddenly…”

The servers and manager exclaimed in bewildered voices.

This was because a dozen warriors from the Dang Clan, who had been sitting at the table just moments before, had all simultaneously lowered their heads and fallen asleep.

They hadn’t even touched the tea that the server had brought, let alone any alcohol.

“Wh-What should we do?”

The server asked the manager, but he was equally flustered and at a loss for what to do.

Yunhyun and Gaeong simply walked past them.

Step, step.

No one paid any attention to the two.

Everyone was preoccupied with the bizarre sight of the Dang Clan warriors passing out.

Since they were all members of the same Taepyung Alliance, their usual boastful demeanor was a welcome sight to see.

“Call a doctor quickly.”

Someone among the guests suggested.

Only then did the manager snap out of his daze and instruct one of the servers to summon a doctor.

And the manager reluctantly headed towards the Taepyung Alliance branch.

He feared he would be blamed if he didn’t report the incident promptly.

The guests whispered amongst themselves, their eyes fixed on the sleeping Dang Clan warriors.

While the inn’s restaurant was filled with commotion, the third floor, where Yunhyun’s group’s room was located, remained eerily quiet, as if nothing had happened.

***

The Taepyung Alliance branch that received the inn manager’s report, particularly the Dang Clan’s Gwangseo branch, was thrown into chaos.

This was because the entire third squad of the Dang Clan’s Hyeonmu Unit had inexplicably fallen into a deep sleep at Tianhua Inn.

The Dang Clan immediately transported them to the branch.

The report was swiftly delivered to the Taepyung Alliance’s chief strategist, Dang Seol-ryeon.

“What?”

The chief strategist, Dang Seol-ryeon, who was in her office, stared intently at her subordinate.

“The entire third squad of the Hyeonmu Unit has fallen asleep?”

“Yes. Doctors are currently examining them, but they remain unresponsive.”

Dang Seol-ryeon frowned deeply.

They had fallen asleep, but if they couldn’t be awakened, what was the difference between that and being unconscious?

“Where did this happen? Who was responsible?”

“It occurred at Tianhua Inn. The identity of the perpetrator is still unknown, but Dang Gyeon-seung, a second-generation disciple, has provided a description of the suspects.”

Rustle.

The subordinate placed two sketches on the table.

Instantly, Dang Seol-ryeon’s expression turned rigid.

“Dang Gyeon-seung was only able to recall two of the four individuals. One was dressed as a scholar…”

However, Dang Seol-ryeon had ceased listening to her subordinate’s words.

The sketches of the gentle-looking, unremarkable scholar and the old man with intense, piercing eyes depicted individuals she knew all too well.

Dang Seol-ryeon bit her lip, her anxiety growing.

“Who else is aware of this situation?”

Her eyes gleamed with such intensity that they appeared almost eerie.

The subordinate answered with a puzzled expression.

“The leader of the Hyeonmu Unit is aware.”

The affairs of the third squad of the Hyeonmu Unit were naturally reported to the unit’s leader.

Dang Seol-ryeon gritted her teeth in frustration.

There was no way the experienced leader of the Hyeonmu Unit wouldn’t recognize these sketches.

At that very moment, as Dang Seol-ryeon had anticipated, the two sketches were already placed before Cheong-yeom-gun Dang Cheon-byeok, the head of the Dang Clan.