Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 234

234. Isolation

Jegalyun answered in a low voice.

“…To date, a total of thirty-six warriors belonging to the Black Moon Society and the Murim Alliance have been rescued.”

“Huh!”

It was understandable to sigh.

Two hundred and fifty people had set out, and only thirty-six had returned?

But Jegalyun’s words were not over yet.

“Most are seriously injured, and only seven are conscious enough to communicate.”

The fact that the majority were seriously injured showed how fierce the battle had been.

“According to their testimonies, Grandmaster Jin Muryang of the Black Moon Society and Grandmaster Mukhyeop Yeop…”

Jegalyun hesitated.

But he had to say it.

“…are presumed to have died at the hands of Cheolhyeolsawang [Iron-Blooded King], Yeom Jungbu.”

The representatives began to stir.

The word that Cheolhyeolsawang had appeared was already circulating among them.

Jegalyun was now officially confirming it.

“Heo-eo.”

“How did that old monster…”

Voices flowed out like sighs from here and there.

“Are you sure?”

Moyongmi asked in a clear voice.

“We cannot say for sure as the scouts have not yet returned, but the survivors’ testimonies all match.”

Jegalyun said in a calm voice.

“The enemies are the Green Forest Bandits, the Black Steed Cavalry, and archers using short bows, and the fiend is Cheolhyeolsawang, Yeom Jungbu.”

At the mention of archers, Moyongmi recalled the wounded Black Moon Society warrior.

What was embedded in that wound was clearly a short, hideous black arrow.

“This humble monk cannot understand.”

Jinmyeong of the Shaolin Sect opened his mouth.

“Cheolhyeolsawang and the Five Venerables have never been involved in any Murim [martial arts world] events. But why is he with the Green Forest Bandits?”

That was a question not only for Jinmyeong but for all the representatives.

But no one could answer.

“…One more thing.”

Click.

Moyongmi stood up from her seat and said.

“There is something I want to confirm.”

The representatives’ gazes focused on her, and Moyongmi said with a firm expression.

“Are there any among you who have received contact from your sects?”

There was no answer.

Jegalyun’s expression also hardened.

The rumor that the Surochae Alliance and the Green Forest Bandits were trying to strike the Murim Alliance was widespread.

Except for a few geographically distant sects, it was right to send a message immediately to inquire about safety and follow-up measures.

“Or any new news about the current situation?”

Again, there was no answer.

“Even when the Black Moon Society set out, there was no accurate information other than the Surochae Alliance appearing in the Jingang River area. And now, we have not even confirmed the truth of the report that Cheolhyeolsawang has appeared.”

No one refuted Moyongmi’s words.

Because that was the truth.

“We are now isolated. Our eyes and ears are covered. This is a very serious situation.”

Silence flowed among the representatives.

“That statement certainly makes sense.”

Jinmyeong of the Shaolin Sect said quietly.

“However, excessive concern will only worsen the situation. It is only natural that contact is delayed as the Jang River is in turmoil, is it not?”

“That is correct. Therefore, I would like to propose two things.”

Moyongmi said in a clear voice.

“First, send a small number of scouts to check if there are any problems on the main roads entering Hangzhou.”

She expressed it euphemistically as ‘problems,’ but everyone knew she meant ‘encirclement.’

Jinmyeong of the Shaolin Sect had a slightly dissatisfied expression but understood the necessity.

However, at Moyongmi’s next words, he frowned without realizing it.

“Second, inform the Provincial Governor, the Judicial Commissioner, and the Surveillance Commissioner of this fact to urge them to take action and secure the most accurate intelligence possible. These are the two things.”

It was not just Jinmyeong who frowned.

Not only the other representatives but also Jegalyun, who was conducting the meeting, showed discomfort.

“That proposal is already…”

“It’s not about asking for help.”

Moyongmi said, looking at Jegalyun.

“It’s just about informing them of the seriousness of the situation. And if the Provincial Governor’s side requests assistance, there is no reason to refuse, is there?”

“Hmm.”

Jegalyun groaned.

It was all about the words and the justification.

If the Provincial Governor requested the Murim Alliance’s cooperation, it would be sufficient as justification.

“And isn’t obtaining intelligence through the Judicial Commissioner and the Surveillance Commissioner already being done?”

Moyongmi’s point drove the wedge in.

Jegalyun looked back at the representatives.

“Are there any objections?”

There were no objections or other opinions.

“Very well. We will proceed as proposed by the Moyong Family.”

Jegalyun announced the passage of the resolution, and Moyongmi bowed her head in gratitude.

Jegalyun said to the representatives.

“Then, we will adjourn for a while.”

Having finished speaking, Jegalyun sighed.

After a night of rescue work and meetings, it was finally time to rest.

But Jegalyun’s rest was not long.

That afternoon, three pieces of news arrived at the Murim Alliance.

The first was that Yeolhyeoldo Mukhyeop Yeop, the representative of the Black Moon Society, was alive.

Discovered by the disciples of Wudang [a Taoist martial arts sect], Mukhyeop Yeop was clearly alive, though hovering between life and death.

The number of rescued Black Moon Society and Murim Alliance warriors also exceeded fifty.

The second was that the scouts’ reports confirmed that there were no problems on the main roads.

Although they had only checked up to half a day’s distance, there was no encirclement as feared, and no other problems were apparent.

The report alleviated the concerns of the Murim Alliance and the people of Hangzhou to some extent.

However, the third piece of news was enough to harden the expressions of the Murim Alliance representatives.

Those who had gone to the government offices returned empty-handed.

Not only the Provincial Governor but also the Judicial Commissioner and the Surveillance Commissioner were absent.

The chief officers of the local military administration, general administration, and inspection, who were supposed to protect the people, were all absent.

It was an incomprehensible and abnormal situation.

The representatives could clearly see that the situation was more serious than they had thought.

However, no one said that they should leave the Murim Alliance or Hangzhou.

No, they couldn’t.

The Surochae Alliance and the Green Forest Bandits had said they would strike the Murim Alliance, so how could they leave?

In people’s eyes, it would only look like they were running away in fear of bandits.

Only then did the Murim Alliance sects realize.

From the moment the Surochae Alliance sent the proclamation, they were already being forced into an unavoidable fight.

A dark cloud began to hang over the Murim Alliance.

***

Yunhyun and Dokgorang’s carriage was speeding along the main road without hesitation.

Then, suddenly, Yunhyun, who had been lost in thought, raised his head.

“Stop.”

Dokgorang wore a puzzled expression.

But he immediately pulled the reins.

“Whoa!”

Clatter, clatter.

Phew.

The galloping horse stopped, breathing heavily.

Dokgorang, who calmed the horse twisting its neck this way and that, turned around.

And he discovered Yunhyun getting out of the carriage.

“Lord?”

“It would be better for Dokgo Je to get off as well.”

Yunhyun was not looking at Dokgorang.

Looking at the other side of the main road, Yunhyun said.

“Because the Elder might be uncomfortable.”

Dokgorang could not understand.

But he immediately followed Yunhyun’s words.

Tak.

Dokgorang got off his horse and stood close to Yunhyun’s side.

Phew.

The horse neighed.

The main road was still quiet.

But Yunhyun said nothing, and Dokgorang did not let his guard down.

“It’s been a while.”

Suddenly, Yunhyun said in a soft voice.

“Miss.”

Dokgorang’s eyes flashed.

And a clear woman’s voice echoed on the main road.

“It has been a while.”

Squeak.

“But it’s not a pleasant one.”

She, wearing a red-tinted silk dress, was none other than the Snowflower of the Tang Family, Tang Seolhwa, also known as Tang Seolryeon.

Her appearance, revealing herself on the deserted main road, was as attractive as ever.

Her shining eyes and red, glossy lips looked quite seductive.

But Yunhyun’s gaze did not linger on her for long.

“It’s been a while.”

Yunhyun said, bowing politely.

“Elder Dokseon.”

Dokseon stood behind Tang Seolryeon.

His white beard reaching down to his chest, his long white eyebrows, and his calm eyes.

He had the air of a Taoist who had transcended the world, but Dokgorang could not help but be nervous.

The aura emanating from Dokseon was enough to make Dokgorang’s skin tingle.

“It has been a while.”

Dokseon said in a heavy voice.

“Yunhyun.”

Tang Seolryeon’s eyes trembled slightly for a moment.

Not many people remember Dokseon’s name. Even fewer call him by name.

But now Dokseon was calling Yunhyun’s name.

“Tch, calling him Elder with such a stiff attitude. Why don’t you kneel down right now?”

Tang Seolryeon said in a sharp voice.

“Excessive courtesy is discourtesy, and excessive politeness is not politeness.”

Yunhyun said in a soft voice.

“And I don’t think the Elder would want that.”

“Ha! Are you presuming to know my grandfather’s intentions?”

Tang Seolryeon looked back at Dokseon.

“Grandfather, this person dares to…”

“It’s alright.”

Tang Seolryeon’s eyes widened.

But Dokseon’s words were not over yet.

“He is qualified to say that.”

Tang Seolryeon’s eyes trembled.

Her red lips twisted under her white teeth, but Dokseon was not looking at her.

Dokseon’s gaze, which had never left her, was now fixed on Yunhyun at this moment.

Tang Seolryeon was furious beyond endurance.

That anger was naturally directed at Yunhyun.

“…If Grandfather says so.”

Tang Seolryeon said, glaring sharply at Yunhyun.

“That must be the case.”

Tang Seolryeon turned her head and covered her mouth with her sleeve.

As if she didn’t want to talk anymore.

Swish.

But at that moment, a stream of cold energy flowing from Tang Seolryeon’s white fingertips was flying straight towards Yunhyun.

It was Tang Seolryeon’s secret Yongdok technique [a venomous energy art], learned from Dokseon.

Shriek.

It rushed towards Yunhyun as secretly as a slender viper.

But Dokgorang’s eyes could not miss it.

Whoosh.

Dokgorang drew his sword without hesitation.

And he slashed down through the empty air.

Clang.

A sharp impact echoed on the main road.

Amidst the dirt and dust flying, the blue sword energy on Dokgorang’s sword was clearly revealed.

Woo-woo-woong.

Tang Seolryeon’s Yongdok technique could not even pass Dokgorang.

But she didn’t care.

“Ha!”

Tang Seolryeon sneered, glaring at Dokgorang.

“To draw a sword in front of my grandfather is truly rude.”

Tang Seolryeon said, moving her red lips.

“Cut off one arm immediately and apologize.”

It was as if she had done nothing.

But what Tang Seolryeon was aiming for was not Dokgorang.

“No.”

Yunhyun said.

“Dokgo Je does not need to apologize.”

Tang Seolryeon wore a triumphant smile.

Her excessive demand was intended to induce Yunhyun’s refusal and provoke Dokseon’s pride.

As expected, Yunhyun stood up for Dokgorang.

But the following words were something even Tang Seolryeon had not anticipated.

“Of course, Miss Tang Seolryeon doesn’t need to either. Because I have no intention of making such a demand of the Miss.”

Tang Seolryeon was speechless for a moment.

It wasn’t because she didn’t understand Yunhyun’s words.

“…So you’re saying that if you demanded it.”

Tang Seolryeon said in a thorny voice.

“I would have to cut off my arm and apologize?”

Yunhyun said nothing.

But his soft smile was affirming Tang Seolryeon’s words.

He was making it clear who was responsible for this.

“How dare you…”

Grind.

Tang Seolryeon gritted her teeth.

A blue ghostly fire instantly bloomed in her eyes, and murderous intent spread from her entire body.

“Forgive me?”

Flutter.

Her silk dress fluttered.