Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 425

425. The Way of Heaven

South of the Yangtze River, in Nanchang, stood the Gongsun Family’s main residence.

The Gongsun Family’s Madam was seated with her daughter, Gongsun Xue, in a newly renovated garden pavilion.

It had been some time since the mother and daughter had shared breakfast together.

After a brief, pleasant conversation with her daughter, the Madam reached for her silver spoon to begin her meal.

Then, she suddenly stopped, startled.

The moment the food touched her tongue, a sharp, stinging sensation erupted.

“Stop!” the Madam exclaimed, her voice sharp.

Gongsun Xue, who was in the midst of eating stir-fried vegetables, looked at her mother with surprise.

The Madam spat the food from her mouth onto a silk handkerchief.

“It’s poison!”

“Pardon?” Gongsun Xue immediately spat out her food and examined her silver chopsticks.

The chopsticks showed no discoloration, indicating no immediate reaction.

However, the Madam frowned and said, “Summon the Chief Manager.”

The Chief Manager, upon receiving the Madam’s urgent order, rushed to her side in a fluster.

As the mistress of the Gongsun Family, the Madam immediately ordered the cook who prepared the food and anyone who had entered the kitchen to be detained for questioning.

“And call for a physician!” she added.

Many poisons can be fatal even in minuscule amounts.

Still feeling the faint pain lingering on her tongue, the Madam turned to her daughter, Gongsun Xue, and said, “We should both be examined.”

“Yes, Mother,” Gongsun Xue replied politely, brushing a hand over her chest, still startled.

Soon after, a physician arrived in a carriage and was ushered into the residence. The Madam and Gongsun Xue moved to the Madam’s room to receive their examinations.

“Now, I will take your pulse,” the old physician said, settling into a chair.

The Madam, seated across from him at the table, rolled up her sleeve and offered her wrist.

Just as the physician was about to take her wrist, a voice interrupted.

*Thud.*

“Please, hold for a moment.” The door opened, and Young Master Yeongho, a guest of the Gongsun Family, entered the room, followed by his companion, Dam Soha.

Young Master Yeongho claimed to be from the Jin Family Manor in Hangzhou and stated he had a vital message for the Gongsun Family Head.

Normally, they wouldn’t have given him a second thought, but Young Master Yeongho possessed a letter from the Inspector General guaranteeing his identity.

His striking appearance and dignified manner convinced the Madam to send a letter to the Head of the family in Gyerim, seeking instructions. As a prestigious family, they couldn’t allow a visitor intending to see the Head of the family to stay at an inn. Thus, Yeonghojun and Dam Soha were residing at the Gongsun Family residence as guests, awaiting a reply from Gyerim.

“What is the meaning of this sudden intrusion?” the Madam asked, quickly pulling her sleeve down to cover her wrist.

Entering the Madam’s room uninvited was a clear breach of etiquette.

The Madam frowned at Young Master Yeongho’s rudeness, while her daughter, Gongsun Xue, was so surprised she stood up.

“I apologize for the intrusion. However, I could not stand by while you were in danger. Please forgive me,” Yeonghojun said, bowing politely.

His handsome smile and sincere tone softened the Madam’s anger.

“…Danger, you say?”

At the Madam’s words, Yeonghojun smiled.

“It’s this person right here.”

*Swish.*

As Yeonghojun extended his hand, his sleeve fluttered.

The Madam was taken aback. It was entirely unexpected, and his movements were incredibly swift.

In a flash, Yeonghojun’s fingertips tapped the physician’s left and right shoulder areas.

“Kugh!” The physician cried out, his arms dropping powerlessly.

The Madam and Gongsun Xue gasped in astonishment.

The physician, wincing in pain, stammered, “W-What are you doing?”

“You ask that even though the pain must be severe? Do physicians these days also learn how to endure such pain?” Yeonghojun said with a sneer.

The physician’s eyes narrowed, his expression changing instantly. He realized his true identity had been exposed.

*Thud.*

He lunged towards the door without hesitation.

“Ah!” The Madam and Gongsun Xue screamed in surprise.

However, Yeonghojun’s hand was already on his sword.

*Ssaeak.*

In an instant, a sharp energy emanated from the tip of Yeonghojun’s sword.

The Madam’s eyes widened.

A noble technique that harms the opponent with an invisible, intangible force was unfolding before her.

“Keueok!” The physician groaned and collapsed to the floor.

Dam Soha examined the unconscious physician and nodded to Yeonghojun, indicating he was still alive.

*Sreung.*

Yeonghojun sheathed his sword.

He turned to the Madam and Gongsun Xue and said, “I startled you. But everything is alright now, so please rest assured.”

The Madam and Gongsun Xue couldn’t conceal their shock.

Yeonghojun turned to Gongsun Xue and smiled, causing her cheeks to flush red.

“W-What is going on?” the Madam asked, still bewildered.

“This person disguised himself as a physician to harm you both. The food was merely bait; he was the real threat.”

Even the Tang Clan [a family known for their expertise in poisons and assassination] wouldn’t be able to freely enter and leave the Gongsun Family residence.

Smiling gently, Yeonghojun said, “I’m glad I could intervene before anything terrible happened. If you examine his belongings, you’ll find evidence. Entrust it to someone knowledgeable about poisons, just in case.”

The fact that he tried to escape was as good as an admission of guilt.

The Madam asked, her voice filled with surprise, “W-Who on earth are you?”

His skills were clearly not those of an unknown martial family.

It was only natural that the Madam would inquire about his identity again.

“I am Yeonghojun. I concealed my affiliation to protect you both, but I am actually a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect [one of the most prestigious and well-known sects in the Murim].”

‘A disciple of the Mount Hua Sect!’

She didn’t recognize him just by hearing the name.

That’s because all the major figures of the family had gone out to conquer Jiangnan [a region in China, south of the Yangtze River, known for its wealth and strategic importance].

However, if he was Yeonghojun of Mount Hua, there was a famous title that the Madam also knew.

“Are you saying you’re the Plum Blossom Sword [a title given to exceptionally skilled swordsmen of the Mount Hua Sect]?”

Not only the Madam but also Gongsun Xue were greatly surprised.

If he was the Plum Blossom Sword of Mount Hua, he was someone even the Gongsun Family couldn’t afford to disregard.

“That’s right. I am also the Supreme Commander of the Azure Dragon Alliance [a powerful alliance of martial artists].”

Yeonghojun’s following words were enough to confuse the Madam.

However, Gongsun Xue’s cheeks were growing even redder.

Yeonghojun, the Plum Blossom Sword of Mount Hua and a handsome nobleman, was hiding his identity to protect Gongsun Xue herself; wasn’t it like a scene from a story?

“You will learn the details when the Head of the family arrives. Until then, I will see you in Hangzhou,” Yeonghojun said, bowing politely.

Leaving behind the bewildered Madam and Gongsun Xue, Yeonghojun turned to leave.

*Step, step.*

“H-Hey!” the Madam called out, but Yeonghojun didn’t stop.

He also pretended to ignore Gongsun Xue’s gaze from behind.

“Is it over?” Dam Soha asked, quickly approaching.

Yeonghojun nodded.

“Yes. The Tang Clan might try again, but for the time being, the Gongsun Family will increase their vigilance, and the Head of the family will be back soon, so it should be fine.”

With a somewhat pleased expression, Yeonghojun continued, “Well, now that I’ve saved the Madam and her precious daughter, I’m quite looking forward to what the Gongsun Family will bring when they come to the Azure Dragon Alliance.”

Dam Soha chuckled and then sighed.

“Ah, now that my vacation is over, I’ll be chased by work again in Hangzhou.”

“Not yet. There’s work in Changsha, Hunan Province. Coincidentally, the Alliance Leader will also be heading there, so we’ll see you there.”

“Changsha, Hunan Province? What’s going on there?” Dam Soha asked, puzzled.

Yeonghojun smiled.

“Well, of course, it’s something that makes money.”

Dam Soha frowned.

Yeonghojun’s appearance, smiling contentedly, was like a painting, even though his words were calculating and materialistic.

***

Yunhyun and his party left Gyerim and headed to Changsha, Hunan Province.

*Clatter, clatter.*

Yunhyun stared blankly at the bizarre peaks disappearing out the window.

“You seem to be feeling regretful,” Guest Ong suddenly remarked.

Yunhyun smiled faintly.

“Yes, I am. This place is…”

“Is the Gongsun Family’s precious daughter pretty?”

“Pardon?” Yunhyun asked, startled.

After the duel with the Blue-Red Twin Devils, Family Head Gongsun Wol was deeply grateful for Yunhyun and Guest Ong’s help.

He was even willing to offer his precious daughter, Gongsun Xue, to Yunhyun in marriage.

He said that the best way to share the same purpose and share blood was to form a blood tie.

Of course, Yunhyun refused.

But suddenly, Guest Ong brought up that story.

“It’s not that. It’s just that the scenery of Gyerim was so impressive. I don’t even know what the Gongsun Family’s young lady looks like,” Yunhyun said.

He had only heard her name for the first time from Family Head Gongsun Wol.

Yunhyun smiled bitterly as he spoke.

“And would that young lady even notice me, after she’s already seen Supreme Commander Yeonghojun?”

“What if she does notice you?” Guest Ong asked.

Yunhyun’s bitter smile deepened at Guest Ong’s words.

“…I wonder,” he said.

Unexpectedly, Yunhyun did not deny it.

Not only Jo Gwan but also Hang Jangik were looking at Yunhyun, but Yunhyun said in a calm voice, “I have to notice her too. That’s what a connection would be.”

“Hmm, that’s true,” Guest Ong nodded.

“Sir Yun,” Censor Jo Gwan asked, “Should we not investigate those who came to see you at the inn separately?”

He was referring to the Namhae Sword Sect, the Hyeokryeon Family, and the Danmok Family.

They had all been put to sleep by Guest Ong before they could enter the Cheonhwa Inn.

“It’s okay. They seemed to be trying to meet me under the guise of coincidence, but they won’t have time to think about it now because of the immediate problem,” Yunhyun replied.

Among them, only Pa Jinhan had properly met Yunhyun.

The others hurriedly left after waking up from their sleep.

The fact that their disgraceful behavior was not known was thanks to Pa Jinhan silencing the inn’s chief manager.

Now, because of the Gongsun Family issue, they won’t even have time to think about Yunhyun.

Jo Gwan nodded.

“I understand. Now that I think about it, the families remaining in the Taepyung Alliance [a fallen alliance] all have vacant Family Heads or Sect Leaders.”

Not only the Hyeokryeon Family but also the Namhae Sword Sect and the Danmok Family were the same.

They had been attacked by the Iron-Blooded Evil King, Yeom Jungbu, when the Murim Alliance [a large group of martial artists] collapsed and had not regained consciousness to this day.

On the other hand, the Moryong Family, the Jegal Family, and the Bukhae Ilmun, whose Family Heads had made bold decisions, had left the Taepyung Alliance early on, and the Gongsun Family had left even if it was late.

The result was definitely not a coincidence.

*Clatter, clatter.*

The carriage was already leaving Gwangseo Province.

The carriage was running vigorously along the main road stretching straight towards Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province.

***

Yunhyun arrived in Changsha and settled in an inn.

He immediately headed to Agyang [a district in Yueyang, Hunan Province].

It was to visit the main residence of his sworn brother, Il Chunghyun.

The main residence of his sworn brother, Il Chunghyun, whom he had seen after a long time, was the same as before.

His sworn brother Il Chunghyun’s wife was pleased with Yunhyun’s visit and expressed her gratitude for saving Il Ayeong.

And Yunhyun met Il Ayeong, his sworn brother’s only daughter and his niece.

“It’s been a while, Uncle Yun,” Il Ayeong said. She was meeting him for the first time since the hostage incident, and she somehow looked haggard.

Yunhyun felt his heart ache.

“Have you been well, Young Lady Ayeong?”

“Yes,” Il Ayeong smiled.

Yunhyun rose from his seat because that smile of the lively Il Ayeong looked rather sad.

*Click.*

“Are you going out somewhere?” Guest Ong asked.

“Shall we go to Agyang Pavilion?”

Il Ayeong quietly nodded.

Guest Ong, who had been silent, also quietly rose from his seat.

*Swaaaa.*

A wind blew in Agyang Pavilion.

The sight of the vast Dongjeong Lake [China’s second largest freshwater lake] spread out under the splendid roof soaring into the sky seemed to soothe the stuffy heart.

“…Did that person die?” Il Ayeong, who was looking at Dongjeong Lake, suddenly asked.

Yunhyun could tell that the ‘that person’ she was talking about was Munwang.

Yunhyun nodded.

“I see,” Il Ayeong said quietly after a moment of silence.

“…Maybe it’s because he was the only one who listened to me there,” she continued, bowing her head.

“He is definitely someone who committed evil deeds, but I think he should have been given a chance to undo his foolishness, just once,” Il Ayeong’s voice slowly faded.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be saying this to Uncle Yun, who saved me…”

“No. It’s okay,” Yunhyun replied.

There was no title of Young Lady, nor was there any respectful tone.

Yunhyun said quietly, “Maybe that’s what a just world would be like.”

But reality is merciless.

In reality, even those who have lived diligently and virtuously are not given a chance, let alone those who have committed evil deeds.

Yunhyun sighed quietly as he looked at Dongjeong Lake.

Like the words of an old sage, he felt like he would naturally exclaim, ‘Is the way of heaven really right or wrong?[天道是非]’

Guest Ong also just looked at the vast Dongjeong Lake and said nothing.

***

Yunhyun came down from Agyang Pavilion with Guest Ong and Il Ayeong.

It was already late, so the sun had already set and darkness was spreading everywhere.

“Be careful, Young Lady Ayeong,” Yunhyun said.

Il Ayeong smiled at Yunhyun’s words.

“Please speak comfortably, Uncle Yun.”

“Sh-Shall I?”

“Yes.”

Her words made even Yunhyun’s heart comfortable.

Yunhyun smiled.

“Be careful. The ground is quite rough…”

*Thud.*

Yunhyun, who was speaking, paused.

It wasn’t just Yunhyun.

Guest Ong also stopped and glared into the forest.

An extraordinary energy was flowing out in clumps from the darkness of the forest.

‘What is it?’ Yunhyun frowned.