Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 213

213. Riding the Tiger

“Hmm.”

A low exclamation escaped from the VIP seats.

“The Moyong Family’s swordsmanship is quite impressive.”

It was the head of the Wudang Sect.

The head of the Mount Hua Sect next to him nodded.

“The Moyong Family has made their name with the sword. Their swordsmanship is naturally exceptional.”

“Indeed. Quite right.”

The Wudang Sect Leader repeatedly expressed his admiration.

Seeing this, Qingzhen, the representative of Wudang, asked with a puzzled expression.

“Is there a reason you only mention the Moyong Family? To me, both seem equally matched in their martial skills.”

The battle on the stage continued fiercely.

To Qingzhen and others, the two combatants appeared to be evenly matched.

“That is not so.”

The Wudang Sect Leader spoke quietly but firmly.

“That young man’s sword possesses a refined quality that transcends mere technique or internal strength. It’s not something one can achieve simply by having great internal strength or wielding a sword for a long time.”

The Mount Hua Sect Leader also nodded in agreement.

“It’s especially rare to see such grace in young people these days.”

The Mount Hua Sect Leader said with a gentle smile.

“The Moyong Family has a bright future.”

“Indeed. Hahaha.”

The Mount Hua and Wudang Sect Leaders chuckled.

Qingzhen accurately understood the meaning of that laughter.

The Moyong Family would receive the favor of Wudang and Mount Hua, paving their way into the Murim Alliance [a coalition of martial arts sects and families].

‘Flow, is it?’

Qingzhen turned his gaze back to the stage.

The two men’s swords clashed fiercely. As the Wudang leader said, their martial skills were evenly matched.

However, the momentum of the match was gradually shifting.

Surprisingly, Moyong Jin was now pressuring Gongsun Kang, who had been relentlessly unleashing flashy techniques.

Clang.

The swords, infused with internal energy, collided, creating a resounding impact.

Moyong Jin and Gongsun Kang’s eyes met between the crossed blades.

Whoosh.

“Indeed, your reputation precedes you.”

Moyong Jin said quietly.

Gongsun Kang, who had been frowning, smiled faintly.

“You are also impressive, to block my sword.”

The thought of underestimating his opponent had vanished.

Having clashed with all their might, the two men acknowledged each other’s skill and strength.

Clang.

The two separated, creating some distance.

Thud, swoosh.

Gongsun Kang resumed his stance.

And he raised his sword towards Moyong Jin, declaring.

“This will be the end.”

The disciples of the Gongsun Family clearly understood the meaning of those words.

Gongsun Kang was about to unleash the Flying Bird Chasing the Moon, one of the Gongsun Family’s ultimate techniques.

Moyong Jin’s eyes gleamed.

“Is that so? If that’s the case.”

Swish.

Moyong Jin also assumed his stance.

The disciples of the Moyong Family also understood the implication.

‘One Sword Piercing the Heavens!’

Moyong Jin was preparing to unleash the Moyong Family’s ultimate technique, One Sword Piercing the Heavens.

Whoosh.

The two swords began to hum softly.

They contained not only internal energy but also the pride of their families. This duel represented two young martial artists putting everything on the line.

Tap.

“Haa!”

The first to move was Gongsun Kang.

He charged straight at Moyong Jin.

It was a reckless attack, disregarding any consequences.

Flash.

“Taa!”

Moyong Jin also leaped forward.

It was then.

“Stop!”

A shout erupted.

However, the clash that had already begun could not be stopped.

Moyong Jin and Gongsun Kang were charging at each other without the slightest hesitation.

However, the person who had shouted had no intention of standing idly by.

Whoosh, boom.

Someone leaped onto the stage.

And unleashed palm strikes towards Moyong Jin and Gongsun Kang.

Although the strikes didn’t contain killing intent, they were threatening enough for the two who were throwing themselves at each other with all their might.

Thwack, thump.

“Ugh.”

A groan escaped, accompanied by a sound like a bursting drum.

“What, what is it!”

“What’s going on?”

The people who had been watching the match with bated breath were bewildered by the sudden interruption.

The situation quickly became clear.

Thud.

A person wearing a monk’s robe landed on the stage.

It was Jinhe, the representative of Shaolin, who was in charge of overseeing the competition.

Jinhe stared at Moyong Jin and Gongsun Kang with cold eyes.

Moyong Jin was glaring at Jinhe with his sword in hand, having twisted his body to avoid Jinhe’s palm strike.

On the other hand, Gongsun Kang was drooping his sword-wielding hand and clutching his shoulder with his other hand. Jinhe’s palm strike had clearly impacted him.

“What is this…….”

Before Moyong Jin could speak.

“As the chief supervisor of the martial arts tournament!”

Jinhe raised his voice loudly.

“I disqualify the Gongsun Family and the Moyong Family!”

“What!”

“What are you talking about!”

Shouts and protests erupted from all directions.

The anger of the Moyong and Gongsun Family disciples was particularly intense.

However, Jinhe didn’t even flinch.

“I have already stated that killing is strictly prohibited. This is the agreement of the Eighteen Great Sects of the Murim Alliance, and no one is exempt.”

Flying Bird Chasing the Moon and One Sword Piercing the Heavens were both ultimate techniques.

It was natural that they were dangerous, potentially life-threatening.

But was that enough to stop the match?

No one could easily accept the decision, especially when the heat of the match was so high.

However, Jinhe did not waver in the slightest.

Staring coldly at Moyong Jin and Gongsun Kang, Jinhe repeated.

“Both of you are disqualified.”

Booing erupted from the crowd.

“This is…”

Younghojun of the Plum Blossom Sword clicked his tongue as he watched.

“You still haven’t given up? Master Jinhe.”

Originally, this Murim competition was initiated by the orthodox factions such as Shaolin, Wudang, and Mount Hua.

Everyone had forgotten, but from the beginning, the purpose of this competition was to elevate the status of the orthodox factions and to keep the Janggang Surochae Alliance [a powerful, often unorthodox, martial arts alliance] in check.

Although no one else explicitly agreed with them.

So Jinhe strictly enforced etiquette and rules throughout the competition, as if trying to demonstrate that the Murim Alliance belonged to the orthodox factions and that entry required adherence to their principles.

And that stubborn personality had finally manifested here.

By stopping the match between the Gongsun Family, considered an unorthodox faction, and the Moyong Family, a rising force among the Five Great Families, and disqualifying both.

“What are you doing?”

“Restart the match quickly!”

“Boo.”

The people’s protests grew louder, and even the VIP seats were in uproar.

However, Jinhe’s expression, filled with disapproval, remained resolute.

***

Swoosh.

Without a sound, the door opened, and Lee Seoyeon, the young lady of the Hoam Merchant Guild, entered Lee Hoam’s office.

“You called for me?”

Lee Hoam said with a stern expression.

“There is good news and bad news.”

There was no greeting or invitation to sit down.

Lee Seoyeon didn’t expect such formalities.

“Please tell me the events in chronological order.”

A slight smile flickered across Lee Hoam’s lips.

“Last night, the Moonjung Merchant Guild, one of the Three Great Merchant Guilds, suffered a severe blow. There was not only property damage but also a considerable number of deaths, including the eldest son of the Moonjung Family.”

Surprise flashed across Lee Seoyeon’s eyes.

“The guild’s credibility will also plummet. We’ll have to monitor the situation, but it will likely take three to five years for them to recover from this loss.”

“People died? What happened?”

Lee Hoam replied briefly.

“They rode on the back of a tiger and were bitten by it.”

“Pardon?”

Lee Seoyeon frowned slightly, and Lee Hoam elaborated.

“The Three Great Merchant Guilds were secretly trading with a certain organization in an unimaginably large-scale transaction. But the Moonjung Merchant Guild failed to meet the agreed-upon deadline. And with the death of the eldest son, their heir, they were left vulnerable and suffered the consequences.”

Lee Seoyeon’s complexion changed as she listened.

“But the Moonjung Merchant Guild had the protection of the Gongsun Family, didn’t they?”

Just as the Hoam Merchant Guild maintains a close relationship with the Namgung Family, the Moonjung Merchant Guild is closely allied with the Gongsun Family.

Naturally, a significant number of warriors dispatched from the Gongsun Family were stationed there.

Moreover, the two families have not only business cooperation but also blood ties. Attacking the Moonjung Merchant Guild is virtually the same as making an enemy of the Gongsun Family.

“Didn’t I just explain it to you?”

Rustle.

Lee Hoam said, putting down the documents.

“It’s a tiger.”

Lee Seoyeon bit her lip. What organization possesses the power to disregard the Gongsun Family?

The conclusion came quickly.

“Is it the forces of the Dark Sky Demon Emperor?”

She deliberately said ‘the forces of the Dark Sky Demon Emperor’ instead of the Janggang Surochae Alliance.

Lee Hoam silently observed Lee Seoyeon, prompting her to continue.

“If it’s a force that doesn’t fear the Gongsun Family right now, it’s either the Dark Sky Demon Emperor or the Hwangcheon Greats [powerful figures within the Demonic Factions]. But the Janggang Surochae Alliance doesn’t have the capacity to engage in such large-scale transactions with the Three Great Merchant Guilds. Therefore, we must assume that the Dark Sky Demon Emperor’s forces are operating independently.”

Lee Seoyeon said, her eyes shining.

“A tremendous force capable of proposing a large-scale transaction that the Three Great Merchant Guilds couldn’t meet the deadline for.”

“That’s right.”

Lee Hoam nodded with a satisfied expression.

Lee Seoyeon spoke as if it were obvious.

“So, what’s the good news?”

A strange light flashed in Lee Hoam’s eyes.

“You wouldn’t consider the downfall of a major player in the business world as good news, would you?”

Those words pleased Lee Hoam.

But Lee Seoyeon’s thoughts were not yet complete.

“Even if it means we have a chance to ride on the back of that tiger, thanks to their misfortune.”

This time, even Lee Hoam was surprised.

“……How did you deduce that?”

Lee Seoyeon smiled.

“You don’t need to be surprised. If that weren’t the case, you wouldn’t have shared this information with me.”

Lee Hoam let out a hollow laugh.

It always seems simple in hindsight.

But reaching that conclusion and confidently asserting it are two very different things.

“Yes, you’re right.”

Lee Hoam said.

“Originally, the Three Great Merchant Guilds were attempting to resist the forces of the Dark Sky Demon Emperor. In terms of force, they possess as much as any other sect. But after witnessing the collapse of the Moonjung Merchant Guild, they proposed cooperation to us.”

Lee Hoam placed his hand on the letter on the desk.

“They promised a certain share of the profits in exchange for our participation in their transaction.”

Lee Seoyeon thought their judgment was reasonable.

The Gongsun Family would undoubtedly seek revenge, but what good is revenge after the guild has already collapsed?

“They intend to ride the tiger together.”

“Yes. What do you think?”

Lee Seoyeon asked.

“What are the details of the transaction?”

Rustle.

Lee Hoam handed over the letter.

Lee Seoyeon quickly began to examine it.

“Most of them are precious elixirs and medicinal herbs, many of which only grow in remote foreign lands.”

Lee Seoyeon, who was reviewing the letter, exclaimed.

“My goodness!”

“Yes.”

Lee Hoam nodded.

“It’s a large transaction, several times our annual consumption. Moreover, all the items are expensive medicinal herbs, so even a portion of them would easily exceed our guild’s total transaction amount last year.”

Lee Seoyeon’s heart was pounding.

With a transaction of this magnitude, it was worth risking one’s life.

Moreover, if this succeeds, wouldn’t it mean that we could stand shoulder to shoulder with the Three Great Merchant Guilds?

“We have some of these medicinal herbs in stock, but not much. We have some left of this one from a recent purchase, and this one was shipped out last time…….”

Lee Seoyeon, having examined the list, pondered.

“If we collect all the quantities from all branches without exception, it might be possible to some extent. But we can’t suddenly increase the production of elixirs and medicinal herbs. In the end, to meet the deadline…”

Lee Seoyeon raised her head and looked at Lee Hoam.

“We’ll have to gather all the quantities that have already been distributed and send a guild caravan directly to the place of origin.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“That’s fortunate. I recently established a trading relationship with a guild that regularly travels to the Northern Sea.”

That guild carried a letter of introduction from Woonhyun.

It was a very sincere letter, with separate regards to Ilahyeong, not just Lee Seoyeon herself.