Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 315

315. Dark Clouds Looming Over Mount Emei

Mount Emei in Sichuan Province is a renowned mountain, celebrated throughout the land.

Adorned with ancient trees weathered by time, rare blossoms, and crystal-clear streams, this mountain possessed a beauty as delicate as a woman’s arched eyebrows, perfectly befitting its name.

However, within the martial arts world, this mountain held a far more significant meaning.

It was the home of the Emei Sect.

Thud.

An old writing desk shuddered under a forceful impact.

“Absolutely unacceptable nonsense!”

Ji Sim, one of the Twelve Divine Monks of the Emei Sect, exclaimed, her voice laced with indignation.

“Even if the Taepyung Alliance is arrogant, how dare they do this? To presume to tell us to be discreet!”

Ji Sim, the youngest of the Twelve Divine Monks, struggled to contain her fury.

She couldn’t help but feel incensed.

The Taepyung Alliance had sent a formal letter to Emei, ostensibly seeking cooperation in the upcoming Grand Assembly, but in reality, demanding that they refrain from any external activities.

“Instead of inviting us as honored guests, or even seeking our prior consent, they dare to tell us to be discreet? Are they suggesting we endure such humiliation?”

The dominant forces in Sichuan Province had always been the Tang Clan and the Emei Sect.

The Buddhist Emei Sect valued honor and reputation, while the secular Tang Clan prioritized practical interests, and both avoided provoking each other whenever possible.

The same balance held true within the Martial Arts Alliance.

The Emei Sect established itself as a respected moral authority in Sichuan, while the Tang Clan acted as the practical power, managing the region’s affairs.

However, everything shifted after the Martial Arts Alliance collapsed.

Since the establishment of the Taepyung Alliance, the Tang Clan’s attitude had grown increasingly overbearing, bordering on outright arrogance.

Daring to use the phrase ‘be discreet’ towards the Emei Sect was nothing short of a deliberate provocation.

“Don’t get so agitated, Divine Monk Ji Sim,” Hye Ryung, another of the Twelve Divine Monks, cautioned in a low voice.

“With Divine Nun Hye Wol [the leader of the Emei Sect] unable to move, we must not act rashly…….”

Hye Wol was the leader of the Emei Sect and the head of the Twelve Divine Monks.

She had suffered a severe injury during the collapse of the Martial Arts Alliance and was now incapacitated.

“Are you suggesting we simply allow the Tang Clan’s arrogance to go unchecked?”

The youthful Ji Sim retorted, her expression still radiating anger.

Her words echoed the sentiments of many Emei Sect disciples.

The injury of their leader, Hye Wol, and several key disciples, coupled with the growing power of the Taepyung Alliance, had instilled a sense of unease within the Emei Sect.

There was also a pervasive fear that the Tang Clan might attempt to seize control of Emei at any moment.

No one was unaware of the Tang Clan’s ambition to become the sole ruler of Sichuan.

“Immediately, to those……!”

“Calm down.”

A composed voice interrupted Ji Sim’s outburst.

Although the voice was soft, the authority it carried was undeniable.

“I understand Hye Ryung’s concerns and Ji Sim’s feelings.”

The speaker was Bubyeong, the second of the Twelve Divine Monks, who was currently leading the Emei Sect in Hye Wol’s absence.

Bubyeong, who had closed her eyes and was murmuring a Buddhist prayer, continued in a measured tone.

“The Taepyung Alliance’s actions this time are indeed excessive. As neighbors, we should treat each other with respect. Send someone to formally convey our protest.”

Ji Sim and the other Twelve Divine Monks nodded in agreement.

Regardless of the circumstances, the pride of the Emei Sect would not allow them to remain passive.

‘Hmm. The Tang Clan’s intentions are certainly cunning…….’

Bubyeong pondered for a moment.

The warning had to be delivered firmly, but they couldn’t afford to be drawn into a needless confrontation.

“Ji Sim and Hye Ryung, please handle this matter.”

With two of the Twelve Divine Monks, the fiery Ji Sim and the experienced Hye Ryung, they should be able to navigate the situation effectively.

“Understood.”

“I will obey the order.”

Ji Sim and Hye Ryung responded in unison, clasping their hands in a respectful bow.

Bubyeong nodded and resumed her silent Buddhist prayer.

‘It seems inevitable that we will have a strained relationship with the Tang Clan for the foreseeable future.’

The Tang Clan was unlikely to back down simply because Emei protested.

Ultimately, tensions between the two sects were unavoidable.

No, perhaps the very coexistence of the Tang Clan and the Emei Sect was an anomaly to begin with.

“Heo.”

Bubyeong sighed softly and repeated the Buddhist prayer once more.

Her deep anguish resonated in each syllable.

***

Chengdu, Sichuan Province, the Taepyung Alliance Headquarters.

Tang Hyuk, the victor of the recent Dragon-Phoenix Grand Assembly, entered the office of the Chief Military Advisor for External Affairs.

Click.

“Oh, you’re here? Just a moment.”

Tang Seol-ryeon gestured for Tang Hyuk to wait and continued her conversation with her subordinate.

The subordinate reported something in hushed tones, and Tang Seol-ryeon scrutinized the documents with a sharp gaze.

Tang Hyuk glanced at the documents.

However, they were written in a coded script, rendering them incomprehensible to him.

“Um, good. Yes.”

Rustle.

Having completed her review, Tang Seol-ryeon looked up and handed the documents back to her subordinate.

“Proceed accordingly.”

“Understood.”

The subordinate respectfully accepted the documents and bowed.

Then, he promptly left the office.

Thud.

The door closed, leaving Tang Hyuk alone with his sister.

Tang Seol-ryeon finally rose from her seat.

“Did you wait long? Sit down.”

Tang Hyuk silently took a seat.

Tang Seol-ryeon personally poured tea for her brother.

Pour.

Tang Seol-ryeon, after filling her own cup, sat down opposite Tang Hyuk.

“Is your period of self-reflection over?”

Tang Seol-ryeon inquired, raising her teacup.

However, Tang Hyuk remained silent, his gaze fixed on the teacup.

After all, Tang Seol-ryeon had summoned him here.

“Is this about Hwangbo Seon-hye?”

Tang Hyuk visibly flinched.

“……I’m prepared to be reprimanded,” Tang Hyuk said, gritting his teeth.

Tang Seol-ryeon sighed inwardly.

“Didn’t I tell you to be patient?”

Tang Seol-ryeon placed her teacup on the table.

Clatter.

“I made it clear that if you waited, I would hand her over to you, that I would allow you to do whatever you wished with her, correct?”

“Seon-bae is…….”

Tang Hyuk glared at Tang Seol-ryeon and said.

“Not an object, Sister.”

“It’s not as if she’s a celestial being, either,” Tang Seol-ryeon countered with a faint smile.

“She’s just a woman. No different from any other. Unless, you know…….”

“Seon-bae is different!”

“What?”

Tang Hyuk met Tang Seol-ryeon’s cold stare with gritted teeth.

‘Tsk.’

Tang Seol-ryeon clicked her tongue inwardly and picked up her teacup.

It wasn’t that Tang Seol-ryeon was unaware of the affections between men and women.

But she couldn’t permit it at this juncture.

‘That sly fox.’

Hwangbo Seon-hye was an alluring woman with a hidden venom.

She couldn’t be entrusted to her brother until her fangs were removed and her ability to cause harm was neutralized.

It was evident from how Tang Hyuk had been manipulated by her silver tongue this time.

Setting down her teacup, Tang Seol-ryeon spoke.

“Tonight, there will be a private banquet at the headquarters. Ordinarily, you would be expected to attend as the winner of the Dragon-Phoenix Grand Assembly, but…….”

Tang Hyuk’s expression hardened at her words.

It was the Taepyung Alliance Martial Arts Dragon-Phoenix Grand Assembly.

Naturally, the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes, especially the victor Tang Hyuk, should have been the center of attention.

If he hadn’t ruined it by succumbing to youthful impulsiveness.

“Do not attend. Instead, volunteer for the mission I’m about to assign. Something significant is about to occur.”

Tang Hyuk looked puzzled.

What could be so important that it warranted his absence from the banquet?

“If you claim that you voluntarily abstained from the banquet as a sign of remorse, the elders will be more lenient. And you can gradually regain their trust. Do you understand?”

Tang Hyuk remained silent.

Tang Seol-ryeon had always charted his course.

Tang Hyuk knew that her decisions were always in his best interest, but what was the point of a ‘best’ that disregarded his own desires?

Hwangbo Seon-hye was the only thing that gave meaning to Tang Hyuk’s life.

Even though Tang Seol-ryeon would never acknowledge it.

‘Hoo.’

Observing Tang Hyuk’s dissatisfied expression, Tang Seol-ryeon sighed inwardly.

If he simply followed her instructions, he could have any woman he desired, even more desirable than Hwangbo Seon-hye.

But why was he so discontented?

“And one more thing,” Tang Seol-ryeon added in a low voice.

“Do not involve yourself with the Azure Dragon Sword Master again. Under any circumstances.”

Tang Hyuk’s face twisted in anger.

But Tang Seol-ryeon remained unfazed.

“It’s not a matter of assistance or interference. Whatever he does is of no concern to you. Even if it involves Hwangbo Seon-hye. Do you understand?”

Tang Hyuk still didn’t respond.

However, his clenched teeth and fists betrayed his inner turmoil.

“……Why?”

Tang Hyuk asked, his voice strained.

“Why are you even saying such a thing, Sister? He’s just a man who gained a false reputation!”

In the martial arts world, there were dissenting opinions regarding the Azure Dragon Sword Master.

The Azure Dragon Sword Master was a figure who had risen to prominence almost overnight.

Aside from his confrontation with the Iron-Blooded Evil King Yeom Joong-bu, little else was known about his exploits.

It was said that he had saved countless martial artists near Hangzhou, but that feat was attributed to his disciple, Dokgo-rang.

Given the inherent tendency for exaggeration and embellishment within the martial arts world, it was not uncommon to dismiss the rumors surrounding the Azure Dragon Sword Master as mere fabrications.

“Even though the Five Dragon Sword was shattered by the silver chopsticks he threw…….”

Tang Seol-ryeon’s reaction was cold and dismissive.

“That kind of nonsense?”

Tang Hyuk didn’t dare to reply.

Tang Hyuk knew instinctively that he should never defy Tang Seol-ryeon when she wore that particular expression.

“I know him better than anyone else in the Taepyung Alliance. That’s why I’m warning you. No matter what happens, do not get involved with him. Never.”

Tang Hyuk gritted his teeth.

Tang Seol-ryeon sighed softly at the sight.

“It’s alright,” Tang Seol-ryeon said in a gentle tone.

“It’s not a disgrace to have your sword broken by him. If the Martial Arts Alliance hadn’t collapsed, he would have been the leader.”

It was intended as a form of consolation, but Tang Hyuk remained unmoved.

Tang Seol-ryeon didn’t have the time to dwell on Tang Hyuk’s feelings.

The significant event that was about to unfold demanded her attention.

“You don’t need to worry. You will have everything you desire. I will ensure it.”

Tang Hyuk was still young.

And his potential was limitless.

With more experience, he wouldn’t repeat the mistakes of the past.

Therefore, a warning would suffice for now.

Tang Hyuk would never disregard her warning.

“Alright. You may leave.”

Tang Hyuk stood up.

After bowing to Tang Seol-ryeon, Tang Hyuk exited the office.

Without making eye contact with Tang Seol-ryeon.

Thud.

As the door closed and Tang Hyuk disappeared, Tang Seol-ryeon leaned back in her chair.

“Hoo.”

She felt frustrated by the lack of communication between them.

But she couldn’t abandon Tang Hyuk.

Tang Hyuk was her only brother, regardless of what others might say.

Ting.

A small bell on the table chimed.

“Come in.”

Tang Seol-ryeon said, rising from her seat.

The subordinate who had left earlier re-entered the office with documents.

“As you instructed, I have conveyed the message regarding granting Young Master Gongsun Yeon a suitable position and delegating full authority for negotiations.”

“What was his reaction?”

“He was very pleased.”

“Good.”

Tang Seol-ryeon sat down at the desk, which was piled high with documents.

“The representatives from Emei will be arriving in a few days. Prepare accommodations for them in the annex of the brothel.”

“……The brothel, you say?”

The Emei Sect was a Buddhist order.

Even if it was just an annex, it seemed inappropriate to host them in a brothel.

“Yes. There is no available space in the headquarters or the inn. If they refuse to even set foot in the brothel, tell them to return where they came from.”

It was true that the headquarters was overcrowded and the inn was fully booked.

However, the annex of the brothel, while luxurious, was a blatant display of contempt.

However, once Tang Seol-ryeon had made a decision, there was no changing her mind.

“Understood.”

“And prepare the liquor that I mentioned separately.”

This time, even the subordinate felt compelled to ask.

“But the Emei Sect is…….”

“I’m aware,” Tang Seol-ryeon said with a smile.

“It’s for Young Master Gongsun Yeon. He’s doing excellent work for the Alliance, so we must show him some appreciation, wouldn’t you agree?”

The subordinate knew that the liquor was more than just a fine vintage.

The subordinate bowed respectfully.

“I will prepare everything as you have ordered.”

After paying his respects, the subordinate promptly left the office.

Thud.

As the door closed, Tang Seol-ryeon muttered softly.

“Yes, everything depends on how you utilize it.”

Rustle.

Tang Seol-ryeon picked up the documents.

They contained detailed information about Gongsun Yeon, the young master of the Gongsun family.

“Whether it’s a person, an object, or even trash.”

A bitter smile played on Tang Seol-ryeon’s lips.

But it quickly faded.

Rustle.

Tang Seol-ryeon immersed herself in the documents once more.

The critical decisions that would shape the future of the Alliance awaited her.