Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 385

385. Confrontation

The torches scattered on the ground cast a flickering light on the ravaged road.

Fragments of the shattered carriage and remnants of luggage were strewn about, and the coachman and the Iron Blood Squad lay motionless on the ground.

Gold and silver treasures glittered in the torchlight, but no one paid them any attention.

Because the Dark Sky Demon Emperor had appeared before Yunhyun.

*Whoosh.*

A slender woman descended silently behind the Demon Emperor.

She landed with barely a sound, holding Yeom Jung-bu in one hand.

The limp figure of Yeom Jung-bu, seemingly unconscious, suggested she had used her skills to subdue him.

*Rustle.*

Her long hair slowly settled, and the woman bowed lightly to the Demon Emperor.

“The target is secured.”

Her voice was thin and soft.

But she was by no means an ordinary person.

Not many could handle Yeom Jung-bu, even in his weakened state, so easily.

However, Yunhyun didn’t even glance at her.

Yunhyun’s eyes were fixed on only one person: the Dark Sky Demon Emperor.

“It’s been a while,” Yunhyun said in a low voice.

The Demon Emperor wore a faint smile.

Yunhyun continued, “Whose will is this?”

It was unlikely that the appearance of the Demon Emperor and Bireon at this place was a coincidence. Someone had orchestrated this.

The Demon Emperor answered Yunhyun’s question. “The Merchant Lord has commanded it.”

Yunhyun’s expression hardened. If the Il-dae Merchant [One of the most powerful merchant guilds] was trying to intervene in the League of Heroes, the problem would become significantly more complicated.

The Demon Emperor continued in a low voice. “We do not care about the League of Heroes, but Yeom Jung-bu’s death is a different matter. He is the one who knelt before King Mun, the owner of the Heavenly Supremacy.”

Yunhyun understood what the Demon Emperor meant. The Il-dae Merchant didn’t care about the League of Heroes in and of itself.

However, they would not allow Yeom Jung-bu, whom King Mun had formally taken in, to die. It was a matter of saving face and maintaining their influence.

The Demon Emperor looked at Yeom Jung-bu, who was slumped over, unconscious. “In any case, this one will not escape death, because he failed his responsibility.”

The Il-dae Merchant was never benevolent. Only death awaited those who failed to fulfill their responsibilities.

*Swish.*

The Demon Emperor raised his eyes towards Yunhyun. “I have been looking forward to meeting you again, Sword Master of Azure Dragon.”

The Demon Emperor’s eyes shone as he looked at Yunhyun. “I am glad that the anticipation was not in vain. Although now may not be the time…”

“If,” Yunhyun’s voice cut off the Demon Emperor’s words, “I do not allow it?”

Yunhyun’s gaze did not waver as he spoke. He was drawing a line in the sand.

The Demon Emperor frowned slightly. However, he could tell that Yunhyun was serious.

“Then…” The Demon Emperor’s eyes blazed at once. “Now is the time.”

*Whoosh.*

The Dark Sky Demon Emperor began to unleash his energy as if he had been waiting for this moment. The air crackled with power.

The same was true for Yunhyun.

*Crackle.*

Frost spread beneath his feet, a visible manifestation of his inner energy. At the same time, a pure white aura emerged, rising up as if to engulf Yunhyun.

Bireon’s eyes flashed sharply. It was the moment she was about to take a step forward to assist the Demon Emperor.

“Do not move,” a low voice echoed in Bireon’s ear. It was Dokseon’s voice, laced with a clear warning.

“Unless you want to become a handful of blood.”

Bireon knew clearly that those words were not mere bluster or exaggeration. Dokseon was more than capable of carrying out that threat.

Bireon bit her lip. She was not afraid of Dokseon’s threat for herself.

However, she couldn’t allow the Demon Emperor to engage in a life-or-death battle in a place like this. The risks were too high.

“Demon Emperor! The Merchant Lord…”

“I know,” the Demon Emperor answered without taking his eyes off Yunhyun. “But to fulfill the command, is this not unavoidable?”

Contrary to the word ‘unavoidable,’ joy was spreading in the Demon Emperor’s eyes. He relished the prospect of this fight.

How could he not be excited? He had turned his back on the world and entered Mount Cheon, dedicating himself solely to the sword. He sought only to refine his skills.

The reason he had even put aside the Merchant Lord’s will was because of the sword that the Sword Master of Azure Dragon, Yunhyun, had shown him. That encounter had changed him.

He thought only of that, looked only at that. That sword that had looked down on him like a vast sky, that shock, still gave the Demon Emperor goosebumps. How could he not be happy at this moment of facing Yunhyun again?

The Demon Emperor’s eyes were shining more brightly than ever before.

The same was true for Yunhyun.

He could not hand Yeom Jung-bu over to the Merchant Lord. Yeom Jung-bu was the leader of the League of Heroes and a traitor who had disrupted the imperial law.

That was a clear fact. But at the moment of facing the Dark Sky Demon Emperor, Yeom Jung-bu was of no importance. The political ramifications faded away.

The reason Yunhyun had gone to the Northern Sea was because of the Demon Emperor. Their previous battle had been a turning point.

Through that battle, he had realized his shortcomings and keenly felt that his own sword did not reach the level he had glimpsed. He needed to improve.

That was why he had headed to the Northern Sea and encountered that sword path as if by fate. It was a path to growth.

It no longer mattered that he had once lost his inner strength or that he had become like a cripple. Yunhyun was now sufficient with just one sword within him. He had found his core.

“I also,” *Whooooosh.*

In the storm of energy created by the two, Yunhyun looked straight at the Demon Emperor and said, “I have been looking forward to meeting you.”

What level had the Demon Emperor reached? That rugged and grand aura, like seal script [an ancient style of Chinese calligraphy], that powerful sword path that fearlessly ascended towards the sky, how had it changed?

Could his sword awaken Yunhyun this time as it had then? Could it lead him to that dreamlike world that seemed within reach with just one more step?

At this moment, everything in the world lost its meaning for Yunhyun. He was completely focused on the present.

Yunhyun’s eyes were changing slowly but surely. He was entering a state of heightened awareness.

*Twitch.*

Dokseon’s eyebrows twitched as he watched. He recognized the signs.

‘Could it be…’ Perhaps Yunhyun’s reaction was natural. It was the culmination of everything he had been working towards.

Which martial artist would not be excited in the face of an opportunity to meet an opponent worthy of being called a rival, an opportunity to pour out everything they had? It was the ultimate test.

Could anything in the world have meaning for Yunhyun right now? Dokseon doubted it.

Dokseon knew Yunhyun’s feelings all too well. That was why he also saw it clearly. The Yunhyun before his eyes was very different. He was on the verge of transformation.

The Yunhyun’s eyes, which had not changed even when facing the Il-dae Merchant or after defeating the Iron Blood Squad Leader Yeom Jung-bu, were no longer there. This was a new level of intensity.

It was too different from the Yunhyun that Dokseon had seen until now. Dokseon was certain. Once he took this step, Yunhyun would never return to who he was before. This fight would change him fundamentally.

Like a blue dragon splitting the sky and ascending, something irreversible would happen. He would reach a new stage of enlightenment.

Dokseon gritted his teeth. ‘Simma [Damn it]!’

Yunhyun was wary of it. That was why he had entrusted his own life to Dokseon. That very moment had come, and Dokseon felt the weight of his responsibility.

*Kwa kwa kwa kwak.*

The energy of the Demon Emperor and Yunhyun was now beyond control. It was a volatile and dangerous situation.

As if an untimely snowstorm had struck, the surrounding temperature turned frigid, and fine ice shards fluttered in the air. The very air seemed to crackle with power.

Such an astonishing phenomenon was occurring simply because the two were confronting each other. The pressure was immense.

Intervening between them was literally close to suicide. Even Dokseon would not be safe from the backlash.

However, Dokseon did not hesitate. He knew he had to act.

*Step.*

It was when Dokseon was about to take a step.

“Hmm. I was just stopping by the Murim Alliance [Martial Arts Alliance] out of habit…” a heavy voice echoed.

At the same time, another tremendous energy erupted from the other side of the road. It was a force to be reckoned with.

It covered the surroundings in an instant, like a blooming thundercloud. The newcomer was incredibly powerful.

‘This is!’ Dokseon immediately turned his head. He had not sensed the other energy because of Yunhyun and the Demon Emperor’s confrontation. Their power had masked the approach of this new arrival.

And Dokseon saw an astonishing sight.

*Step.*

A man was there. A person with a huge physique, intense eyes, and an aura like Mount Tae [Mount Tai, a sacred mountain in China, symbolizing stability and grandeur].

He was none other than Sword Saint Yi Gyeom-hak.

“You were having fun in a place like this,” the Sword Saint said, his voice booming.

Dokseon frowned. “Gyeom-hak! How did you…”

However, the Sword Saint ignored Dokseon’s words and said, “I will join too.”

That was not to say that he would help Yunhyun. Rather, the Sword Saint’s eyes were burning as he looked at Yunhyun and the Demon Emperor. He was eager to test his own skills against such powerful opponents.

*Swish.*

The Sword Saint reached for his sword, Hanwol (寒月) [Cold Moon].

“S-Sword Saint?” Bireon said in a surprised, almost moaning voice. She was clearly intimidated by his presence.

The Sword Saint turned to look at Bireon as if he had just noticed her. “Hmm? Now that I see you…”

*Whoosh.*

Suddenly, the Demon Emperor withdrew his inner energy. The fight was off, at least for now.

The energy that had been swirling around dissipated in an instant, and the chill that had lost its opponent quietly lowered its power. The tension eased slightly.

“It is a pleasure to see you again,” the Demon Emperor said, offering a respectful greeting.

*Rustle.*

Surprisingly, the Demon Emperor paid his respects to the Sword Saint. He recognized the Sword Saint’s immense power and reputation.

However, the Sword Saint frowned as if he was displeased. He had been looking forward to a fight.

“Why did you withdraw your inner energy?” he asked, his voice laced with disappointment.

“I was in the midst of carrying out the orders of the one I serve,” the Demon Emperor answered calmly. He had a duty to fulfill, even if it meant foregoing a battle.

“I have no intention of settling the score with you again in this place.”

“…That is a pity,” the Sword Saint said. Those words were sincere. He truly regretted missing the opportunity to fight.

The Sword Saint looked at the Demon Emperor with intense eyes, but the Demon Emperor had already given up on the fight.

*Swish.*

The Demon Emperor raised his eyes towards Yunhyun. “My lord has ordered me to bring this one [Yeom Jung-bu]. I know that you are not unrelated to him, but…”

“Take him,” the answer was not from Yunhyun, but from Dokseon. He had made a decision.

Dokseon said to the Demon Emperor, “He no longer has any meaning. He is no longer even one of the Hwanwoo Ohcheonjon [Five Great Generals of Hwanwoo], so you can do as you please.”

Turning to Yunhyun, Dokseon continued, “Isn’t that right? Hyeon-ah [Yunhyun’s given name, used to show familiarity].”

*Rustle.*

The chill that seemed to pierce the skin slowly subsided. The immediate threat had passed.

The pure white frost still covered the surroundings, but there was no longer the sharp energy like before. The atmosphere was still tense, but less volatile.

“…If that is the Elder’s will,” Yunhyun bowed his head to Dokseon. “I will follow it.”

Dokseon let out a low sigh of relief. He had managed to avert a potentially disastrous confrontation.

The Sword Saint may not have intended it, but thanks to him, they were able to overcome the crisis. His unexpected arrival had changed the dynamics of the situation.

The Sword Saint Yi Gyeom-hak, the person in question, could not hide his disappointed expression. He had been looking forward to a good fight.

“Hmm. Things are turning out strangely,” the Sword Saint muttered, frowning. He was clearly frustrated.

“Then we will take our leave now,” the Demon Emperor said to the Sword Saint. He was ready to leave with his captive.

And after bowing lightly to Dokseon as well, the Demon Emperor looked at Yunhyun. “…I will be waiting,” his eyes were still flickering with unextinguished heat. He still desired a fight with Yunhyun.

“I also,” Yunhyun said to the Demon Emperor. “I will be waiting.”

The two looked at each other in silence. The unspoken challenge hung in the air.

Dokseon frowned at the sight. He didn’t like the connection he saw between them.

“What are you doing? Why don’t you leave quickly!” he snapped, breaking the tense silence.

At those words, Bireon took a step back, and the Demon Emperor also turned his body. He knew he had to obey the order.

The gaze that looked at Yunhyun until the last moment seemed to speak of his lingering attachment. He would not forget this encounter.

*Step, step.*

The Demon Emperor, who had turned his body, walked straight into the darkness. He disappeared into the night.

And after a while, only Yunhyun, Dokseon, and Sword Saint Yi Gyeom-hak remained on the road. The aftermath of the confrontation lingered in the air.

“Are you okay?” Dokseon asked Yunhyun, concerned about his well-being.

Yunhyun replied with a puzzled expression. “Yes? Ah, yes. I am fine.”

He had not engaged in a life-or-death battle with the Demon Emperor, nor had he even exchanged swords. Of course, he had no choice but to be fine, physically at least.

*Step.*

However, Dokseon approached Yunhyun and even looked closely into his eyes. He was searching for any signs of lingering effects from the encounter.

“Uh, over there…”

“Hmm. You are fine,” Dokseon said as if he was relieved. He seemed satisfied with what he saw.

And he turned his head towards the Sword Saint. “What happened to you all of a sudden?” Dokseon’s question was natural. The Sword Saint’s sudden appearance was unexpected and unexplained.

The Sword Saint, who had not shown his face, had suddenly appeared here, and at this timing. It was quite a coincidence.

“I came down from Mount Cheon and stopped by the Murim Alliance,” the Sword Saint said calmly. He explained his presence in a matter-of-fact way.

After his long martial arts journey, he would stop by the Waryongheon [Hidden Dragon Pavilion] in the Murim Alliance to meet Shinseung Bulyeong [a prominent figure in the Murim Alliance]. It was a routine for him.

That was why he had met Yunhyun last time as well. Their previous encounter had been another chance meeting.

This time too, Sword Saint Yi Gyeom-hak had habitually stopped by the Murim Alliance. It was a force of habit.

“But there was a fire,” he added, referring to the conflict with the League of Heroes.

“That is the League of Heroes,” Dokseon said, frowning. He was clearly annoyed by their actions.

However, the Sword Saint looked at Dokseon as if asking what he meant. He was oblivious to the political turmoil.

“League of Heroes? Did the Murim Alliance change its name in the meantime?” he asked, showing his ignorance of the current situation.

Dokseon let out a hollow laugh. “It is not the name that has changed… Never mind. So?”

Originally, the Sword Saint had no interest in the political situation of the Kangho Murim [the martial arts world]. He was only interested in honing his skills.

The Sword Saint continued calmly. “I was looking around and discovered an unusual energy. So I came.”

“I see,” Dokseon nodded. He understood the Sword Saint’s motivation.

The energy that Yunhyun and the Demon Emperor had emitted a little while ago was astonishing even in Dokseon’s eyes. It was a beacon that would attract any powerful martial artist.

It was only natural for the Sword Saint to follow that energy to this place, for the Sword Saint who would not hesitate to travel ten thousand miles to find a worthy opponent. He was always seeking a challenge.

“By the way,” the Sword Saint suddenly asked, “Where is Bulyeong?”

Silence flowed. The question hung in the air, unanswered.

Neither Yunhyun nor Dokseon could bring themselves to open their mouths. The truth was too painful to speak.

*Swish.*

The pure white frost was slowly receding in the blowing wind. The evidence of the recent confrontation was fading away.

However, no one answered. The silence spoke volumes.