Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 365

365. Anyway

A small pavilion within the Shaolin Temple grounds.

Yunhyun sat facing M容mi.

Swaaa.

In the pavilion, where the blue forest swayed in the wind, Yunhyun recounted everything that had happened to M容mi.

He felt he could tell M容mi anything, even stories he couldn’t share with the Reclining Buddha Seon Master [a high-ranking monk in Shaolin Temple known for his wisdom].

“…So that’s what happened.”

M容mi said, her expression stiff.

The events that had befallen Yunhyun since their parting at Mount Emei were shocking to her.

She had been unaware of the trials Yunhyun had faced and the accomplishments he had achieved.

“I’m sorry. I… I didn’t know anything.”

“No. There’s no need for you to apologize, Miss.”

Yunhyun offered a faint smile.

“But how did you come to be here, Miss…”

“I believed Scholar Yun would come.”

At her words, Yunhyun looked puzzled.

M容mi smiled brightly.

“The fact that Hwasan [a famous Taoist sect] has joined the Azure Dragon Alliance is widely known. Hearing that Wudang [another famous Taoist sect] had made the same decision, I knew you would come here to Shaolin.”

Yunhyun was surprised.

“Are you saying that Wudang’s decision is already known?”

“Only to a select few so far.”

M容mi said with a smile.

“But soon, the entire Kangho [the martial arts world] will know. Rumors sometimes travel faster than the wind.”

He was surprised that Hwasan’s decision was known, but even more so that news of Wudang Sect’s joining had spread.

Perhaps it signified the considerable influence Hwasan and Wudang held within the Kangho.

“But right now, the Taepyung Alliance’s [a major martial arts alliance] attention is focused on the training of the Janggang Navy [Yangtze River Navy]. I didn’t know that Scholar Yun was the one responsible.”

Yunhyun gave an awkward smile.

But M容mi’s expression remained serious.

“It’s not just the Tang Family [a family known for their use of poison and hidden weapons]. The Jegal Family [a family known for their intelligence and strategy] and the Gongson Family [a family known for their wealth and influence] are also paying close attention to future developments. They understand the implications of the Janggang Navy’s training.”

“The Jegal Family and the Gongson Family?”

“Yes.”

M容mi nodded.

“The Gongson Family hopes to regain its influence in the Janggang by leveraging the navy’s training, while the Jegal Family is watching the Namgung Family’s [a family known for their swordsmanship] movements. If the Namgung Family regains its strength, the Jegal Family will have to contend with its old rival again.”

The Janggang’s influence on the Kangho was immense.

Not only small and medium-sized sects but also large families like the Gongson and Namgung were greatly affected by the situation in the Janggang. Even sects not directly involved couldn’t escape its influence.

And that held true for the Taepyung Alliance sects.

“So, if you cut off the Janggang and effectively starve the Young雄 Alliance [Hero Alliance, a rival martial arts alliance], as Scholar Yun suggested…”

M容mi said with a faint smile.

“The Taepyung Alliance will also be greatly shaken, just like the words on the note you gave me, Scholar Yun.”

At the last banquet of the Taepyung Alliance’s Yongbongjihoe [Dragon Phoenix Gathering, a major event held by the Taepyung Alliance], M容mi had received Yunhyun’s note from Jin Yelim.

The message was simple.

‘Break what is gathered, cut what is connected.’ That was all.

Perhaps fearing a leak, it didn’t specify the subject.

But the intelligent M容mi quickly grasped the intention behind the words.

Yunhyun had decided to oppose the Taepyung Alliance and the Young雄 Alliance.

In fact, Yunhyun had saved the Emei Sect [a famous female martial arts sect] and blocked the Taepyung Alliance.

Then, he had cut off the Janggang in a way no one had ever considered.

Looking back, it was impossible not to see how obvious it was.

“Scholar Yun.”

M容mi smiled and looked at Yunhyun.

Even though she knew Yunhyun was the Azure Dragon Sword Master [leader of the Azure Dragon Alliance] and the leader of the Azure Dragon Alliance, she still addressed him as Scholar.

“The reason you gave me that note is because the M容 Family [a family known for their information network] wants to stand with you, Scholar Yun, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Yunhyun nodded.

“And because I didn’t want my precious people to be left in the dark.”

M容mi’s cheeks flushed slightly.

“Thank you.”

Yunhyun smiled at her words.

“You’re welcome.”

Swaaa.

The wind rustled past their clothes.

After a moment of silence, M容mi spoke to Yunhyun.

“We are always ready.”

Yunhyun understood the meaning of her words.

M容mi was referring to the M容 Family joining the Azure Dragon Alliance.

“Are you sure it’s alright?”

Yunhyun asked, his expression serious.

“It’s alright.”

M容mi nodded.

“Of course, the Taepyung Alliance will criticize the M容 Family. They will accuse us of lacking faith. But what is more important than faith is the cause.”

M容mi continued in a firm tone.

“Since Scholar Yun has raised the banner of the Anti-Young雄 Alliance, the righteous cause of the Kangho lies with the Azure Dragon Alliance. Except for the Taepyung Alliance, or rather the Tang Family, no one will be able to criticize the M容 Family.”

It wasn’t just about the cause.

With Emei, Hwasan, Wudang, and even Shaolin joining, the Azure Dragon Alliance was now a legitimate force in the Kangho.

A great righteous sect alliance had been born, poised to succeed the Murim Alliance [Martial Arts Alliance, a governing body for the martial arts world] and command universal recognition.

“Then that’s good.”

Yunhyun looked directly at M容mi and said.

“As the leader of the Azure Dragon Alliance, I formally request the M容 Family to join.”

“I gladly accept.”

M容mi said, bowing her head slightly.

“From today onwards, the M容 Family will work together with the Azure Dragon Alliance.”

M容mi’s eyes shone.

She embodied the spirit of a daughter of a martial arts family and the head of the M容 Family’s outer hall.

“Ah, then the Taepyung Alliance…”

“I’ve already sent a letter notifying them of our withdrawal.”

Yunhyun was surprised by M容mi’s words.

It meant the M容 Family had already made up its mind before even meeting Yunhyun.

Even before knowing about Shaolin’s joining or the navy’s training.

“Miss Tang Seol-ryeon [a member of the Tang Family] will probably be very angry.”

M容mi said in a light tone.

But Yunhyun understood the weight of her words.

The M容 Family had no direct connection to the interests of the Janggang.

Nevertheless, they joined the Azure Dragon Alliance, risking a hostile relationship with the Taepyung Alliance.

All for Yunhyun.

“Thank you.”

Yunhyun’s voice trembled slightly.

M容mi smiled.

“No. As I said before, the favor that Scholar Yun has done us…”

“No.”

Yunhyun shook his head.

“If you say you’re just repaying a favor, it diminishes the significance. How many people truly act on their debts? The M容 Family’s actions deserve high praise.”

Seuk.

Yunhyun bowed politely.

He looked straight at M容mi and said.

“Thank you, Miss.”

‘Ah.’

M容mi’s heart fluttered at Yunhyun’s sincere gaze.

Was that the reason?

She tried to mask her feelings with a light joke.

“You shouldn’t bow your head so lightly, Alliance Leader. You’re now the leader of a great righteous sect alliance…”

However, M容mi’s attempt only made things worse.

“It’s okay.”

Yunhyun said with a smile.

“I’ll do anything for you, Miss.”

At those words, M容mi’s face turned red.

“Ah!”

She quickly turned her flushed face away, but it was too late.

Yunhyun’s face also flushed at M容mi’s reaction.

“No, that’s not what I meant…”

Yunhyun stammered in embarrassment, and M容mi quickly nodded.

“Ah, yes. I know. That’s…”

But she couldn’t find the right words.

Yunhyun’s upright character and her brilliant wisdom were of no use now. They couldn’t even look at each other and didn’t know what to do.

“Aigo [an expression of frustration].”

Younghojun, who was hiding far away and observing them, lamented.

“Our Alliance Leader is usually so eloquent, but he’s faltering at a crucial moment. What are you doing?”

“Speak softly. You’ll be discovered.”

Dam Soha frowned.

Younghojun shrugged.

“Well, they probably already know we’re here, so it’s too late to worry about being caught. Besides, in their current state, they’re aware but oblivious. They only have eyes for each other.”

Younghojun clicked his tongue, feigning disappointment.

“Tsk tsk. This isn’t the time to worry about the Kangho. We need to intervene in our Alliance Leader’s situation…”

“Then what should we do in this situation?”

Dam Soha asked, her expression curious.

Younghojun smirked.

“Don’t you know?”

“I don’t know.”

Dam Soha said innocently.

“Are you suggesting he grab her hand? He’d get slapped.”

“If it were the Alliance Leader, he wouldn’t get slapped, but he still shouldn’t do that.”

Younghojun said seriously.

“What’s needed here isn’t clumsy physical contact, but instilling confidence in the woman. He needs to convey his desire for her.”

Dam Soha frowned.

“What does that mean…”

“Men often try to be overly nice to women they like. They believe that by accumulating affection, they’ll become special. But that’s a trap, the ‘nice guy’ trap.”

Dam Soha’s eyes sparkled.

Jo Gwan, standing beside her, was also listening intently to Younghojun’s words.

“If you want to date a woman, you have to make it clear that you’re a potential partner. You have to show that you want to be a lover, not just a friend. To put it in martial arts terms, that’s when you finally draw your sword.”

“Draw your sword?”

“Yes. If the other person is standing right in front of you, wouldn’t you be confused if you didn’t draw your sword? Is this guy an enemy or a friend? Is he trying to fight, or is he just passing by?”

Dam Soha nodded repeatedly, impressed.

Younghojun’s analogy resonated with Dam Soha and Jo Gwan.

“In fact, women also experience anxiety. What if they get excited for nothing and it doesn’t work out? How embarrassing would that be? That’s why women are very observant and analytical. They wonder, ‘What is this guy thinking when he’s being so nice to me?'”

“So, what’s the solution?”

“But if you just keep being nice without expressing your intentions, the woman will lose interest. The charm will fade, and the freshness will disappear.”

“Ooh.”

Younghojun’s words were persuasive.

Especially coming from someone known as a playboy.

“That’s why guys who are bold and direct are often more successful with women than those who are gentle and kind. At least those guys make their intentions clear. And that’s what women are drawn to.”

“Then what should he have done in that situation earlier?”

“Words aren’t the most important thing there.”

Younghojun said with the utmost seriousness.

“First of all, he shouldn’t avoid eye contact. And it would be better to say something like, ‘Only to you in this world, Miss.’ Our Alliance Leader has a good voice, so the effect would be amplified.”

“Ooh.”

Not only Dam Soha but also Jo Gwan were impressed when they suddenly heard footsteps behind them.

Jeobeok, jeobeok [sound of footsteps].

“What are you doing?”

“Ah, Elder!”

Dam Soha smiled brightly as she saw Gaekong [an elder of the Azure Dragon Alliance] walking towards them.

“I was just getting a lesson from the Chief Military Officer [Younghojun’s title]. How to start a relationship…”

“Useless.”

Gaekong said without hesitation.

“In the end, those who are meant to be will be, and those who are not will never be. So don’t waste your life on useless things.”

Dam Soha, Jo Gwan, and even Younghojun were speechless.

“No, it’s not that useless…”

Younghojun tried to argue timidly, but Gaekong cut him off.

“Let’s go.”

Jeobeok.

Gaekong walked towards Yunhyun and M容mi, who still hadn’t made any progress.

The three of them hurriedly followed Gaekong.

“Ah, Elder!”

Yunhyun saw Gaekong and jumped up with a bright expression.

Seeing this, Younghojun clicked his tongue softly, and Dam Soha nodded as if she understood now.

You shouldn’t show such a bright expression to other people in front of a woman.

“Miss, this is Gaekong.”

M容mi stood up from her seat, looking puzzled.

She didn’t know who Gaekong was, but she bowed politely with a graceful and respectful posture.

“I’m M容mi. I’m glad to meet you, Elder.”

“Okay.”

Gaekong nodded indifferently.

He said to Yunhyun.

“Let’s go when you’re done.”

“Yes, Elder. Miss, let’s go together.”

With those words, Yunhyun walked away with Gaekong.

M容mi watched Gaekong’s back with a puzzled expression.

He certainly seemed like an extraordinary person, but she couldn’t figure out who he was.

Meanwhile, Yunhyun was already walking ahead, talking to Gaekong.

M容mi felt a pang of jealousy at the sight of Yunhyun smiling so brightly, as if he was genuinely happy.