Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 480

480. Urgent News

The dignified demeanor of the middle-aged Taoist vanished instantly.

As the clear energy of the Wudang incantation spread, the middle-aged Taoist convulsively drew his sword and stood up.

Most astonishing of all were his eyes.

Completely black, they were no longer human.

“Gasp!”

Namgung Beomcheol, who was beside him, couldn’t hide his surprise.

He never imagined that the middle-aged Taoist, who had impressed them with his strange sorcery and mind-reading skills, would suddenly reveal such eerie eyes.

However, Chief Inspector Namgung Biyeon was not surprised.

“So, it was the Demonic Cult after all.”

The middle-aged Taoist, now exposed, sneered.

“That’s right. I am a follower of the great Heavenly Demon. Did you think you could subdue me with mere Taoist tricks?”

The Demonic Cult member said, not bothering to hide his chilling hostility.

“I will tear you apart and kill you all here!”

Whoosh.

Black energy, like mist, began to swirl from the sword held by the Demonic Cult member.

It was neither sword intent nor sword energy.

“Subdue him!”

Namgung Biyeon shouted.

The warriors of the Namgung Clan who had come with her drew their swords in unison.

Chief Inspector Namgung Biyeon, as well as her right-hand man, Namgung JinHwi, also drew their swords.

Swish, swish, swish.

The warriors’ swords relentlessly lunged toward the Demonic Cult member.

The targets were all vital points that would inflict serious injuries.

However, the Demonic Cult member instead swung his sword wildly.

Whooook.

In an instant, a chilling energy erupted from his sword.

And a sharp metallic sound followed.

Clang.

The warriors’ swords were deflected, a disgrace to the Namgung Clan’s reputation.

But Namgung Biyeon and Namgung JinHwi did not miss the opportunity.

Thwack.

“Ugh!”

Namgung Biyeon and Namgung JinHwi’s swords accurately pierced the Demonic Cult member’s shoulders.

However, despite the sword strikes infused with internal energy, the Demonic Cult member was unharmed.

“Insignificant things dare!”

The Demonic Cult member shouted, his voice filled with rage.

But his shout was cut short.

Swoosh.

A sword lunged toward the Demonic Cult member.

It was a common Songmun Ancient Sword [a type of Taoist sword], often used by Taoists for its elegant form and exorcising energy, but it was distinctly different now.

The Demonic Cult member could clearly see the extraordinary exorcising aura swirling around the sword, even if others couldn’t.

Thud.

The Songmun Ancient Sword, wielded by the old Taoist of Wudang, pierced through the Demonic Cult member’s chest without resistance.

“Cough.”

The Demonic Cult member groaned.

He had been shouting even after being stabbed in the shoulders by Namgung Biyeon and Namgung JinHwi, but now he was pierced through the chest by the old Taoist’s sword.

“…What is this?”

The Demonic Cult member raised his black eyes to look at the old Taoist.

“How can you have such energy…?”

The old Taoist quietly chanted a Taoist invocation [a sacred prayer or incantation].

Instead of answering, he raised the Songmun Ancient Sword and slashed upwards.

Thud.

The Demonic Cult member’s chest was split in half.

Even the warriors of the Namgung Clan hardened their faces at the gruesome sight, but what happened next was even more astonishing.

“…Khehehe.”

The Demonic Cult member spoke, his chest split in half.

“Don’t think this is the end. I am just one of the many who follow the Heavenly Demon. The Demonic Cult will never…”

Swish.

The Songmun Ancient Sword slashed the Demonic Cult member’s neck.

The Demonic Cult member’s head fell to the floor of the hall.

Thump.

The severed head rolled across the floor.

And soon, it melted into black blood.

Sizzle.

“Ugh!”

Elder Namgung Myeong retreated in shock.

The melting head and body of the Demonic Cult member were emitting faint smoke, burning the clothes and the floor.

Namgung Beomcheol and Namgung Chaerin’s faces were also pale blue.

The vigor they had shown just moments ago, when they were shouting at Chief Inspector Namgung Biyeon, was nowhere to be found.

Clang.

The old Taoist sheathed his sword.

“Do not listen to their words.”

The old Taoist said in a clear voice.

“It is foolish and dangerous to converse with those tainted by evil.”

“Thank you, True Man.”

Chief Inspector Namgung Biyeon bowed to the old Taoist.

Despite his shabby attire, this old Taoist was an elder of Wudang [a famous Taoist sect].

He had been staying at the Namgung Clan for several days, following the countermeasures against the Demonic Cult established by the Azure Dragon Alliance.

“It is fortunate that we stopped it in the early stages.”

The old Taoist quietly chanted a Taoist invocation.

Namgung Biyeon ordered the warriors.

“Take these people into custody!”

“Yes!”

The warriors immediately carried out Namgung Biyeon’s orders.

They dragged out Elder Namgung Myeong, his son Namgung Beomcheol, and his granddaughter Namgung Chaerin.

“Wh-What is this! Let me go! I’m a victim too! Hey! Biyeon! Are you really going to do this?”

Namgung Chaerin shouted in a shrill voice, but the warriors paid no attention.

The expression on Elder Namgung Myeong’s face, the head of the clan, had already turned white.

He had brought a member of the Demonic Cult into the clan and even vouched for him as his guest in front of the Chief Inspector.

After they were dragged out, the old Taoist quietly said.

“Detain all those who work here as well. If you investigate, you will find those who are connected to the Demonic Cult.”

“I understand.”

Namgung Biyeon nodded.

The old Taoist looked back at the Demonic Cult member he had defeated.

Only the charred remains were left, but the old Taoist sighed quietly.

‘The Demonic Cult has extended its reach even to the Namgung Clan…’

The old Taoist unconsciously chanted a Taoist invocation.

If they had extended their reach to a martial arts clan with force, what was the situation of ordinary noble families?

He had eliminated the Demonic Cult that was trying to infiltrate the Namgung Clan, but the old Taoist’s heart was heavy.

***

The urgent news was delivered to Yunhyun’s group when they arrived in Nanjing [a major city in China] along the Grand Canal [an ancient canal system in China].

Yunhyun’s group, who were getting off the boat, suddenly stopped.

A messenger with the markings of the government was riding a horse towards the pier.

Doo-doo-doo-doo.

The messenger, who entered the pier, got off his horse and shouted.

“Lord Jo! Where is Lord Jo!”

Hoping it wasn’t true, Yunhyun looked back at Censor Jo Gwan.

Jo Gwan got off the boat and quickly approached the messenger.

“What’s going on?”

The messenger asked, catching his breath.

“Are you Lord Jo?”

“That’s right.”

Jo Gwan secretly showed the messenger his identity plaque.

The messenger bowed to him and said.

“You are to come to the Nanjing government office immediately.”

Jo Gwan frowned.

Even though he wasn’t traveling in secret, such a message to a Censor on duty was highly unusual.

Jo Gwan bowed to Yunhyun and said.

“I think I need to go for a while.”

“I understand. Please do so.”

Yunhyun readily nodded.

Since they had arrived in Nanjing anyway, there was no need to rush.

Jo Gwan and Hang Jangik bowed to the group and left the pier with the messenger.

“What should we do?”

Moyong Mi asked Yunhyun.

Yunhyun replied to her.

“It’s been a long journey, so let’s rest here for a while.”

Moyong Mi nodded.

Even though they were all skilled in martial arts, it was necessary to soothe their tired minds and bodies after a long journey.

“I see. Then…”

It was when Moyong Mi was about to say something.

The head of the Zhuge Clan, the Gentleman’s Sword Zhuge Myeong, suddenly spoke.

“I heard that the best brothel in Nanjing is famous these days, does Alliance Leader know about it?”

“Ah, that’s…”

“I’ve heard of it too.”

The Iron Sword Namgung Byeok nodded.

“Everyone praises it. It’s said that it’s not a place where just anyone can enter, as they are particular about the status of their guests.”

“The best brothel in the world?”

The Thousand Hands Shinni of Emei [a famous Buddhist sect] asked with a puzzled expression.

Moyong Mi said with a gentle smile.

“It’s a brothel that was recently built in Nanjing. The artistry of the entertainers is outstanding and very extravagant, so it’s also called ‘Another World’. It’s a little different from the brothel that Shinni is thinking of.”

The Thousand Hands Shinni frowned slightly and nodded.

But her displeased expression remained.

“If it’s so famous, wouldn’t it be nice to go there on this occasion?”

The Flying Sword Gongsun Wol said.

“It would be quite enjoyable to listen to good music and relieve fatigue.”

“I agree.”

The One Sword Gwan Yong Dancheon also nodded.

“Just a moment.”

Moyong Mi said with a smile.

“No matter how good the best brothel in the world is, it would be difficult for them to handle all the elders at once. First, let’s send a message to prepare…”

Clatter, clatter.

It was before Moyong Mi finished speaking.

Several carriages entered the pier.

The large, black, and glossy carriages immediately caught the attention of the group.

Yunhyun smiled.

“…The Chief Strategist has come out.”

Sure enough, as Yunhyun said, Yeonghojun appeared.

He bowed with a handsome smile.

“Welcome, Alliance Leader. I’m glad you’re safe.”

Yunhyun returned the greeting with a smiling face.

Chief Strategist Yeonghojun bowed to each of the elders and heads of families, as well as the supreme masters.

He did not forget to express his gratitude to the guest elder, as well as to Moyong Mi, who had worked hard as a strategist.

“What are all these carriages?”

The Gentleman’s Sword Zhuge Myeong asked.

Yeonghojun smiled.

“These are the carriages sent by the best brothel in the world.”

“The best brothel in the world?”

Zhuge Myeong had a surprised expression.

Wasn’t he just talking about the best brothel in the world?

“Did you arrange this?”

The Iron Sword Namgung Byeok asked Yeonghojun.

But Yeonghojun shook his head.

“No. The owner of the best brothel in the world sent them to welcome you. He said that he couldn’t just stand by when the Alliance Leader came to Nanjing with so many elders.”

The group’s gaze turned to Yunhyun all at once.

Moyong Mi also looked at Yunhyun with a surprised expression.

It was surprising that Yunhyun knew the owner of the best brothel in the world, but to send such large and luxurious carriages to welcome them was even more so.

Yunhyun smiled awkwardly.

“Well, that’s…”

“Of course, he would.”

The guest elder said in a calm voice.

“Because Hyun is the owner.”

“Yes?”

Moyong Mi asked back with a surprised expression.

The elders and heads of families, as well as Neung Seyoung and Geum Hwayoung, also stared at Yunhyun with wide eyes.

“I-It’s just nominally.”

Yunhyun quickly said.

“Originally, entertainers are often looked down upon, so I just gave them a little help, but I don’t really get involved.”

That explanation seemed to work.

But Zhuge Myeong stroked his beard and muttered.

“The entertainers of the best brothel in the world are said to be all beauties…”

That quiet remark changed the atmosphere at once.

The Thousand Hands Shinni frowned immediately, and the heads of families wore meaningful smiles.

“Oh, so the Alliance Leader also knows how to enjoy himself.”

“As the Alliance Leader of the Azure Dragon Alliance, it’s only natural.”

Gongsun Wol was impressed, and Namgung Byeok nodded.

The Thousand Hands Shinni, who had been sighing, clicked her tongue and said.

“Well, the Alliance Leader is also a man… But anything in excess is not good.”

Yunhyun felt wronged, but he couldn’t make any excuses.

He couldn’t deny what the guest elder had said, and it was true that he was the owner of the best brothel in the world.

The Qingsong True Man of Wudang seemed indifferent, but the Tae-eul True Man of Huashan [another Taoist sect] was rather interested.

The old women, Neung Seyoung and Geum Hwayoung, were also sparkling with curiosity.

Yeonghojun said with a smile.

“Well, instead of standing here, let’s go to the best brothel in the world. Good tea and a wonderful place are prepared for the elders.”

“Let’s do that.”

The group willingly got into the carriages.

The elders, the Thousand Hands Shinni, and Hyecheon did the same.

Clatter, clatter.

The large black carriages left the pier one by one.

The only people left were Yunhyun, the guest elder, Moyong Mi, Yeonghojun, and Bingseol.

“Alliance Leader.”

Chief Strategist Yeonghojun, who had confirmed that the carriages had left, said.

His face, which had been full of smiles, was now serious.

“I have some urgent news to tell you.”

“What is it?”

Yunhyun asked back with a serious expression.

Yeonghojun bit his lip.

“…A rebellion has broken out in Gansu [a province in China].”

Yunhyun’s face hardened.

Moyong Mi covered her mouth with her hand in surprise, and the guest elder’s brow also furrowed.

“Is it the Demonic Cult?”

At Yunhyun’s words, Yeonghojun nodded.

“Yes. It has not been confirmed yet, but it is highly likely. And there is another problem.”

“Another problem?”

Yeonghojun sighed quietly.

And he said cautiously.

“…It seems that there has been a major change in the court.”