Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 379

Yunhyun smiled, looking at Zhuge Giho.

Zhuge Giho couldn’t hide his surprise.

A moment ago, Yunhyun had declared that the Zhuge family would join the Azure Dragon Alliance.

He was suggesting that the Zhuge family, facing a similar situation to the Bukhae Ilmun [a minor martial arts sect], would ultimately make the same choice.

However, the Bukhae Ilmun and the Zhuge family were vastly different.

They possessed different levels of martial prowess and influence; the Zhuge family even held a key position within the Taepyeong Alliance [a major martial arts alliance].

The Bukhae Ilmun, a minor sect in the frontier, couldn’t even be compared to the Zhuge family, a massive clan in the Jianghu [the martial world] martial world, in terms of size and influence.

For the Zhuge family to join the Azure Dragon Alliance was a groundbreaking choice that could be seen as a complete surrender.

Yunhyun had already anticipated this.

“……I am truly impressed by the Alliance Leader’s insight.”

The large Zhuge Giho said with an awkward smile.

“It’s a bit insulting to see the Zhuge family being compared to the Bukhae Ilmun.”

“I didn’t compare the Zhuge family to the Bukhae Ilmun,” Yunhyun said, placing his teacup down.

“No matter how large a group is, even a nation, its principles of action are similar to those of an individual. No, in some ways, individuals are better.”

Yunhyun sighed softly.

“Because people sometimes act according to conscience and morality. On the other hand, groups ultimately move according to the logic of power. That is the Jianghu martial world, and also history.”

Although he didn’t know much about history, Zhuge Giho couldn’t help but agree with Yunhyun’s words.

The Jianghu martial world was a place that moved according to the logic of power.

“Do they teach things like that in books?”

Zhuge Giho asked, his eyes shining with curiosity.

Yunhyun smiled.

“If you examine history, you can see things roughly. It probably wouldn’t be interesting for Young Master Zhuge. I like it, though.”

“I’m not the only one who finds history boring, you know? Hahaha.”

Zhuge Giho, who had been laughing heartily, looked at Yunhyun with a meaningful gaze.

“Then you must have already made a decision.”

“Of course.”

Zhuge Giho stared at Yunhyun, his eyes gleaming.

Yunhyun said quietly.

“As the Alliance Leader of the Azure Dragon Alliance, I permit the Zhuge family to join.”

The answer was without the slightest hesitation.

Zhuge Giho, whose face had been tense, took a deep breath.

“Hoo, thank you.”

Zhuge Giho said with a much more relaxed expression.

“I feel much better now. To be honest, I’ve been very uneasy since I came in.”

He looked too comfortable to be described as ‘uneasy,’ but Yunhyun simply smiled.

“Frankly speaking, isn’t our family joining the Azure Dragon Alliance a betrayal of the Taepyeong Alliance? As Secretary Yun… Ah, I’m sorry. It’s only natural that the Alliance Leader would harbor resentment.”

Yunhyun gave a wry smile.

“There’s nothing like that.”

He meant it sincerely.

However, he thought that Zhuge Giho, who was directly involved and openly talking about resentment and betrayal, was quite remarkable.

“Actually, I prepared quite a lot of things…….”

Zhuge Giho said, picking up his teacup and smiling.

“I’m glad I didn’t have to ramble on and on. Honestly, I was too lazy to memorize it all.”

This matter was a gamble for the Zhuge family as well.

So their preparations could not have been lacking.

Not only the benefits that the Zhuge family would bring to the Azure Dragon Alliance, but also the numerous reasons why the Zhuge family should be accepted in the current state of the Jianghu martial world.

The Zhuge family had prepared a great deal for joining the Azure Dragon Alliance.

“Ah, but that doesn’t mean it will be a loss for the Alliance Leader.”

Zhuge Giho took out a rather thick letter and placed it on the table.

“Here is a list of what our family has prepared. Please take a look.”

Even if he looked at it now, nothing would change, but considering the other party’s sincerity, Yunhyun opened the letter.

Yunhyun’s expression changed as he read the letter.

Zhuge Giho, who was savoring his tea, smiled.

“Isn’t it amazing? This is the first time I’ve seen such groundbreaking content.”

The contents of the letter could only be described as truly amazing.

Under the guise of an agreement, they were offering all sorts of secret information and support for the Zhuge family’s martial power, as well as a huge amount of finances and numerous gifts.

The scale easily surpassed what Chief Military Officer Yeonghojun had received from other sects.

“Is there anything else you desire?”

Zhuge Giho said, his eyes shining.

“Just say the word, and it shall be done.”

Yunhyun put down the letter with a wry smile.

Yeonghojun would probably be very happy if he saw this.

He might even regret not being able to get more.

“Everything else is fine, but I’d like to exclude the marriage proposal.”

“That’s a shame. It’s not often that you get to take sisters as brides at the same time. Emperors and heroes used to do that, didn’t they?”

He claims to dislike history, but he remembers such stories well.

“Ahem.”

Yunhyun cleared his throat and quickly changed the subject.

“But is the Zhuge family alright? There may be those who think that this decision has damaged your prestige…….”

“Why worry when the justification is clear?”

Zhuge Giho shrugged.

The Azure Dragon Alliance’s banner of anti-Hero Alliance was a cause that no one could deny.

In reality, it overturned the common prediction that it would first clash with the Taepyeong Alliance, and it continuously confronted the Hero Alliance, even establishing a temporary headquarters in Muhan, which supported the justification.

“Besides, it’s obvious that the carriage will overturn if we continue like this, so who wouldn’t change course? Even if we have to retreat after standing still, we should definitely do so.”

To the people of the Zhuge family, this decision was not a matter of pride but a decision for survival.

Gangbuk had already completely fallen to the Azure Dragon Alliance, and the Zhuge family was well aware of the meaning of the upcoming naval training.

They no longer had a choice.

“Ah, and there’s something that’s not written in that letter.”

Zhuge Giho said with a serious expression.

“If the Alliance Leader wishes, I will publicly reveal the secret deal that the Tang Clan proposed on the day the Martial Alliance collapsed.”

Yunhyun’s expression also changed.

He was already somewhat suspicious of the Tang Clan.

However, simple suspicion and the Zhuge family’s testimony were completely different in their destructive power.

This would probably be a fatal blow to the Taepyeong Alliance.

“……I’ll think about it later.”

Yunhyun replied quietly.

Zhuge Giho smiled.

“Well, then my work is done.”

The large Zhuge Giho bowed his head.

“Please take good care of me in the future, Alliance Leader.”

“I should be the one saying that. Please take good care of me.”

Yunhyun replied with a smile.

Zhuge Giho said with a cheerful expression.

“Once I send the news to my family, an official delegation will come soon. May I stay here until then?”

“Of course. As long as you like.”

Yunhyun said, picking up his teacup.

“There are many good places in this Muhan. If you ask Great Hero Yeonghojun, he will tell you about some interesting places.”

“Oh, it would be an honor to meet such a famous person.”

Zhuge Giho’s eyes sparkled.

He didn’t know much, but it didn’t seem like Yeonghojun was famous for his martial arts.

“Speaking of fun, Yeom Jungbu has been doing strange things lately.”

Yunhyun, who was about to drink his tea, looked at Zhuge Giho.

“Strange things?”

“Well, you’ll find out soon anyway, and it might not be a big deal.”

Zhuge Giho lowered his voice and whispered something to Yunhyun.

“Hmm.”

Yunhyun frowned.

It was then.

The door to the office opened.

“Aren’t you done yet?”

The person who came in was Gaekong.

Yunhyun already knew he was coming, but Zhuge Giho was startled.

“I’ll be done soon, Elder.”

Yunhyun said in a soft tone, as if nothing was wrong.

“I see.”

Gaekong said that and left the office.

He didn’t even glance at Zhuge Giho.

The door closed, but Zhuge Giho was dumbfounded.

Who on earth was that old man who came in and out of the Azure Dragon Alliance Leader’s office as if it were his own home?

“That person is…….”

“He is Gaekong,” Yunhyun said.

“He is not affiliated with the Alliance, but he is with me personally.”

“Personally?”

In short, it meant a private relationship.

Yunhyun nodded.

Zhuge Giho looked back at the door Gaekong had left through and tilted his head.

“But I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before? I’ve never met him in person, but he’s very familiar. Oh, I mean, like I’ve seen him in a wanted poster…….”

Zhuge Giho’s eyes widened as he recalled.

He stared at Yunhyun with his mouth open.

“N-no way…….”

Zhuge Giho couldn’t speak.

It was basic for the senior officials of the Zhuge family to be familiar with the major figures of the Jianghu martial world.

This included their origins, martial arts, and of course, wanted posters.

And Dokseon [a notorious wanted criminal] was in the highest rank, specially classified among many major figures.

Even after a long time since he appeared in Jianghu.

“……The Elder.”

Yunhyun said quietly.

“He doesn’t like talking about himself.”

“Hup.”

Zhuge Giho covered his mouth with both hands.

His large figure looked somehow comical, and Yunhyun couldn’t help but laugh.

***

Nanjing, downtown.

Clatter, clatter.

A large carriage was slowly crossing the afternoon streets.

The person sitting in the coachman’s seat was wearing a naval uniform, and the carriage even had the government’s flag fluttering, so no one dared to block its path.

However, it couldn’t avoid an unforeseen accident.

Heeheeing!

“Ouch!”

The soldier driving the carriage quickly stopped it.

It had almost collided with another carriage that suddenly came out of the alley.

“This ssiang…… [a mild curse word],”

The soldier, who barely avoided the collision, spat out a curse.

Driving a carriage like this, he suddenly felt a surge of anger.

The small window behind the coachman’s seat opened, and a voice popped out.

“What’s going on?”

The voice belonged to Gwan Cheolhun.

He was riding in the carriage with Naval Commander Jinrim.

The soldier immediately replied.

“We almost collided with a carriage that suddenly came out. It’s nothing, so we’ll be leaving soon.”

“I see.”

The window closed.

The soldier muttered a curse under his breath and got off the coachman’s seat roughly.

Because the opposing carriage that had stopped was blocking the road.

“What are you doing? Get out of the way!”

The soldier said, rebuking.

The other party had suddenly come out, and they had dared to block the Naval Commander’s carriage, so polite words were unlikely to come out.

“Agoogoo [an expression of feigned pain or annoyance].”

The opposing coachman grabbed the back of his neck and got off the coachman’s seat.

He made all sorts of faces and said to the soldier.

“No, sir. How can you drive a carriage like this? You have to look ahead, ahead. Are your eyes just for decoration?”

The soldier was dumbfounded.

“Huh!”

He let out a hollow laugh and frowned.

“You! How dare you block the military’s carriage and talk such nonsense!”

However, the coachman did not flinch.

“No, whether it’s the military’s carriage or whatever, you came out without looking ahead, didn’t you? What am I supposed to do if you start yelling right away after doing that?”

It was a strange reaction.

How could a mere coachman, even if he had something to believe in, be so bold in front of the military’s carriage?

However, the soldier, who was furious, couldn’t think of such things.

“What did you say? You’ll only come to your senses if you get beaten to a pulp!”

As if it wasn’t a bluff, the soldier reached for his sword.

“Stop.”

The carriage door opened, and Gwan Cheolhun got out.

He frowned and said to the soldier.

“What’s all the commotion about?”

The soldier flinched.

He immediately bowed his head and said.

“No, that’s…….”

At that moment, the soldier didn’t see the coachman’s gaze sharply scanning the inside of the carriage.

But Gwan Cheolhun did.

Gwan Cheolhun, who had been in the Geumuiwei [imperial secret police], noticed that the coachman’s actions were suspicious.

“You are…….”

It was just as Gwan Cheolhun was about to say something.

Dudududu.

Gwan Cheolhun turned his head at the sound of hooves that seemed to shake the earth.

And he saw a carriage speeding towards them.

That wasn’t all.

Dududu.

Another carriage was rushing towards them from across the street.

It was definitely not an everyday sight.

“My lord! Get out of the way!”

Gwan Cheolhun shouted immediately.

However, the two carriages were already closing in.

Dududududu.

Gwan Cheolhun gritted his teeth without realizing it in front of the two carriages rushing in like crazy.