Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 381

381. The Night of the Decisive Battle

The Hero Alliance has over thirty branches scattered along the Yangtze River.

While that sounds like a lot, it’s not when you consider the sheer length of the Yangtze River, which cuts across the entire continent.

Moreover, only a handful of branches, mostly those in large cities or downstream areas with good logistics, are properly organized and of significant size. Most of the small and medium-sized branches are just former bandit groups that have rebranded themselves.

Therefore, even with the Hero Alliance’s general mobilization order, it’s impossible to gather thousands of people like the Murim Alliance did in its heyday, especially with the government keeping a close watch.

Deep night, on a mountain near Wuhan.

‘Damn it…’

Jang Sam-chae cursed under his breath.

As the former deputy leader of the Wuhan branch, he scowled from within the bushes.

‘I barely survived the last debacle, and now I’m being thrown back into the lion’s den. Damn it, damn it all.’

On the day the Wuhan branch of the Hero Alliance collapsed, Jang Sam-chae managed to escape with a few of his men.

He initially wanted to disappear to avoid Yeon Jung-bu’s wrath, but his injuries forced him to seek refuge at the nearest branch.

Fortunately, he wasn’t held responsible or punished.

However, because he knew the Wuhan area well, he was forced to act as a guide and scout once more.

Thud.

Pushing through the bushes, the landscape opened up.

The brilliant night view of Wuhan shone brightly, even from this distance.

“Is that Wuhan?”

Someone asked from behind.

Jang Sam-chae immediately lowered his head.

“Yes, it is.”

The fat, elderly man in front of him was Hwangsan Blood Buddha, one of the former Great Devils [powerful and infamous villains].

Despite his friendly smile, he was known for his ruthless methods and cruel nature.

“Oh my, Wuhan is still as wonderful as ever.”

Rustle.

A woman appeared, wearing a seductive smile.

She looked like a beautiful woman in her middle age, and she was Jade Faced Rakshasa [a demoness with a jade-like face].

Although her appearance and attire resembled that of a courtesan, even the most hardened bandits wouldn’t dare to flirt with her.

This was because she was one of the former Great Devils, rumored to drain the life essence of men and bathe in the blood of young women to maintain her youthful appearance.

“I hope we’re not late?”

Jade Faced Rakshasa looked down at Jang Sam-chae and asked.

Jang Sam-chae hurriedly shook his head.

“Not at all. The Azure Dragon Alliance’s temporary headquarters isn’t far from here, so we can attack as soon as the signal is given.”

“Is that so? That’s a relief then.”

Jade Faced Rakshasa covered her mouth with her sleeve and smiled seductively.

“I want to make a good first impression on the Alliance Leader, if possible.”

“Of course.”

Crunch, crunch.

More than a dozen men emerged, pushing through the bushes.

“Since we’ve joined the Hero Alliance, we should show off our skills, shouldn’t we? Hahaha.”

They were all former notorious figures known as Great Devils.

They were the real muscle and the core of this Wuhan invasion.

And they weren’t even all of them.

Hwangsan Blood Buddha patted his stomach and said.

“Hehe. The Alliance Leader has planned a five-pronged attack, so we must achieve great deeds as one of the spearheads. Look, even the heavens are on our side, aren’t they?”

The Five-Pronged Advance was the Hero Alliance’s strategy this time, attacking on five fronts simultaneously.

Groups like theirs were moving in the shadows, not only in the upper and lower reaches of the Yangtze River but also to the north and south of Wuhan.

There were not only big shots called Great Devils, but also more than fifty Devils in total, making up the core fighting force of the Hero Alliance gathered in Wuhan.

If it had rained, it would have been a nightmare for the bandits.

However, as if the heavens were helping them, the sky remained cloudy and dry.

The conditions were perfect for a night raid.

“Hehe. It will be their regret that the Azure Dragon Sword Master didn’t set up his temporary headquarters in the heart of Wuhan.”

Jade Faced Rakshasa said with a smile.

The Azure Dragon Alliance’s temporary headquarters was located on the outskirts of Wuhan.

There were no city walls or fortifications to slow down the Devils.

“What if it was in the heart of the city?”

Hwangsan Blood Buddha smiled bitterly.

“It wouldn’t be a bad thing to turn Wuhan upside down on this occasion.”

Rustle, crunch.

Behind the Devils, bandits emerged from the bushes.

Over one hundred and fifty of them, carrying swords and with menacing glints in their eyes.

“That’s true too. Hehehe.”

Jade Faced Rakshasa, who was laughing, turned her head to look at Jang Sam-chae.

“When did you say the signal would be given?”

“Around dawn.”

“Haa, the Alliance Leader is going to launch the signal himself…”

Jade Faced Rakshasa licked her red lips with her tongue.

“It’s very thrilling, isn’t it?”

This Wuhan invasion was being led directly by Yeon Jung-bu.

The Devils were convinced that they couldn’t fail, not with the leader of the Hero Alliance and one of the Illusionary World’s Five Greats [five most powerful martial artists in the world] personally involved.

Swish.

Hwangsan Blood Buddha raised his head and looked at the night sky.

“There’s still time until dawn, so let everyone rest.”

“Yes!”

Jang Sam-chae immediately bowed his head and answered.

He relayed the order to his subordinates, and the bandits began unloading their gear.

“Gather the luggage in one place! We’ll come back for it later anyway.”

Jang Sam-chae frowned and said to the bandits.

There was no need for luggage anymore.

All they needed was a sword, anger, and greed.

While the bandits were settling down in the mountains, the Devils stared at the shining night view of Wuhan in the distance with gleaming eyes.

“Um, I wonder if the government will interfere…”

One of the Devils, Poisonous Hand Shura, said unintentionally, as if talking to himself.

Hwangsan Blood Buddha frowned and turned to look at him.

“What nonsense are you spouting! Isn’t that why we’re moving secretly under the cover of night?”

At his sharp reaction, Poisonous Hand Shura hurriedly waved his hand.

“No, it’s not that, but I was wondering if it would cause problems later if we made such a big scene…”

“Problems, what problems?”

Hwangsan Blood Buddha said, scolding him.

“Just deny knowing anything and bribe them with money later, and there won’t be any problems. Government officials are only concerned with their own safety. How dare they try to touch our Hero Alliance unless they’re planning to die?”

Poisonous Hand Shura, who had brought up the topic, closed his mouth.

The rumor that the Naval Commander had been killed by Yeon Jung-bu’s order was already widespread within the Hero Alliance.

How could someone who even killed the Naval Commander fear local officials?

“Stop talking nonsense and focus on achieving merit. Got it?”

Poisonous Hand Shura didn’t answer, his expression stiff.

“Tsk.”

Hwangsan Blood Buddha clicked his tongue and turned his head.

Poisonous Hand Shura gritted his teeth inwardly.

However, he couldn’t openly resist Hwangsan Blood Buddha.

His martial arts were inferior.

But during a chaotic battle, attacking from behind would be a different story.

‘You bastard. How dare you insult me…? Just you wait.’

Poisonous Hand Shura glared at Hwangsan Blood Buddha, biding his time for revenge.

However, Hwangsan Blood Buddha was looking at the night view of Wuhan, unconcerned.

“Hehe. Soon…”

That shining night view would be theirs.

The Azure Dragon Alliance, which had set up a temporary headquarters, would burn and disappear, and the Hero Alliance’s flag would fly in its place.

He, who had once lived in hiding from the Murim Alliance, would be able to roam freely in the big city of Wuhan tomorrow morning.

“I heard that the Azure Dragon Sword Master is very young…”

Jade Faced Rakshasa said in a seductive voice.

“I wonder if I can get a taste?”

Hwangsan Blood Buddha smirked at her words.

What could compare to the joy of ravaging the great city of Wuhan?

Looking at the sparkling night view of Wuhan in the distance, Hwangsan Blood Buddha had to suppress his boiling greed.

***

On the same day, night.

The Taepyung Alliance’s main headquarters in Chengdu, Sichuan.

In the training hall within the headquarters, the elites of the Tang Clan were gathered.

Composed of the first and second-generation disciples of the Tang Clan, they couldn’t hide their excitement and tension.

They knew that the landscape of the Tang Clan, the Taepyung Alliance, and even the Jianghu Murim [martial arts world] would be reshaped by this expedition.

In the training hall, brightly lit as if it were daytime, the elites of the Tang Clan were waiting for the moment of departure.

“That is all for the core of this Gangnam Operation.”

Tang Seol-yeon finished the final report before departure with a clear voice.

Instead of her usual fancy clothes, she was wearing martial attire.

However, the collar and sleeves embroidered with sparkling silver thread clearly indicated her status.

“Good work.”

The Tang Clan’s leader, Azure Flame Lord Tang Cheon-byeok, said with a satisfied expression.

“Now Gangnam will be in our hands.”

This expedition was being led directly by Clan Leader Tang Cheon-byeok.

“I didn’t do anything. It’s all thanks to the Clan Leader for persuading the Gongson Family and the Hyeokryun Family.”

Tang Cheon-byeok smiled at Tang Seol-yeon’s words.

“There’s no need to be modest. The fact that you planned this doesn’t change anything.”

Tang Seol-yeon lightly bowed her head to express her gratitude.

Clan Leader Tang Cheon-byeok turned his head.

Two old men wearing blue and red clothes were sitting opposite each other.

They looked like twins, but the aura they gave off was completely different.

“Thank you very much for taking on this great task, Azure-Red Twin Lords.”

“Hehe.”

The old man wearing red silk clothes, Red Lord, laughed.

“There’s no need to thank us. This is also for the Tang Clan.”

The Azure Lord, wearing blue silk clothes, stroked his white beard and said nothing.

Clan Leader Tang Cheon-byeok turned his gaze to another old man.

He was Tang Byeok-hu, a master of Poisonous Energy.

He, who had gone to Mount Emei with Tang Seol-yeon but had to return without any results, was also embarking on this expedition.

“I have high expectations for you. Although I am leading this expedition, it is no exaggeration to say that its success or failure depends on you.”

The elderly Tang Byeok-hu bowed politely.

“You flatter me. I am just grateful for the opportunity to make up for my previous disgrace.”

Tang Byeok-hu was older than the Clan Leader, but his rank was lower.

This was a natural attitude in the Tang Clan, which prioritized family rules above all else.

“I’m glad you think so. Do your best.”

Clan Leader Tang Cheon-byeok said with a gentle expression.

And he turned his head towards Tang Seol-yeon.

“Good. Then now…”

It was then.

“Clan Leader.”

A low voice was heard from outside the conference room.

Tang Cheon-byeok frowned.

“What is it?”

“Urgent news.”

Tang Cheon-byeok gestured to Tang Seol-yeon.

Tang Seol-yeon immediately opened the door to the conference room.

Click.

The person standing outside was the Tang Clan’s chief manager.

He bowed respectfully and handed a letter to Tang Seol-yeon.

After Tang Seol-yeon received the letter, the chief manager bowed again and closed the door to the conference room.

The letter was immediately handed over to Clan Leader Tang Cheon-byeok.

Rustle.

Tang Cheon-byeok unfolded the letter.

His eyebrows twitched as he read it.

“…Tsk.”

Clan Leader Tang Cheon-byeok clicked his tongue.

Tang Seol-yeon flinched.

As expected, Tang Cheon-byeok placed the letter on the table as if throwing it.

“Take a look.”

Tang Cheon-byeok’s gaze towards Tang Seol-yeon was full of displeasure.

The beaming smile that had been full of joy was gone.

Rustle.

Tang Seol-yeon picked up the letter.

And she could understand why Clan Leader Tang Cheon-byeok was displeased.

“The North Sea One Clan passed through Xi’an and is heading to Hanzhong. Why on earth are they setting foot in Hanzhong?”

Tang Cheon-byeok’s voice was quite rough.

Hanzhong was the gateway to Sichuan.

Historically, many armies had invaded Sichuan through Hanzhong.

As the leader of the Tang Clan, he could never ignore this.

However, Tang Seol-yeon couldn’t answer.

‘Why now of all times…’

The letter stated that nearly a hundred warriors from the North Sea One Clan were heading to Hanzhong.

They couldn’t be intending to help the Taepyung Alliance.

The North Sea One Clan had already joined the Azure Dragon Alliance.

Then there was only one answer.

Clench.

Tang Seol-yeon gritted her teeth.

Tang Cheon-byeok said with a cold gaze.

“You were so focused on plotting Gangnam that you neglected the north.”

It wasn’t that she had neglected it.

The northeast of Sichuan Province, Xi’an, was originally the territory of Mount Hua.

She had already confirmed that Mount Hua had urgently dispatched elites to Wuhan due to the Hero Alliance’s invasion.

There was no possibility of being stabbed in the back by Mount Hua.

But suddenly, the North Sea One Clan.

Rustle.

The letter rustled in Tang Seol-yeon’s hand.

In any case, she had failed to notice that the North Sea One Clan had departed from Taean and passed through Xi’an.

Since the result was like this, she had nothing to say even if she was criticized by the Clan Leader.

“Don’t be too angry, Clan Leader.”

The old man wearing blue clothes, Azure Lord, said in a heavy tone.

“It’s not good to be happy or sad about small things before a major event.”

“Hehe, that’s right. What threat could a hundred people from the North Sea One Clan pose?”

The Red Lord, wearing red clothes, also smiled.

“Even this Tang Byeok-hu can wipe them out. Hehe.”

His words were correct.

Except for Bingseol, one of the North Sea Twelve Blades [elite warriors of the North Sea One Clan].

“…I understand. Since the Azure-Red Twin Lords say so, I will not mention this matter any further.”

Clan Leader Tang Cheon-byeok said.

But his stiff expression didn’t ease.

Swish.

Tang Cheon-byeok turned to look at Tang Seol-yeon.

“Come up with a plan. There is only one hour left until the scheduled departure, so if you don’t bring a satisfactory alternative in the meantime, I will exclude you from this matter.”

That was the same as taking away all of Tang Seol-yeon’s efforts that had been poured into this grand plan.

However, Tang Seol-yeon had no choice but to bow her head.

Rustle.

“Yes, I understand.”

Tang Seol-yeon said in a firm voice.

Her eyes, with her head bowed, were burning with resentment.

‘You…’

The target of her resentment was none other than the leader of the Azure Dragon Alliance, Yun Hyun.