Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 444

Whoosh.

A wind blew through the back garden.

The rising dust and grass blades were swept away, and the trees, which had been shaking as if caught in a storm, regained their composure.

Yunhyun sheathed his sword, Myeong.

Clang.

The shining blade disappeared, and Yunhyun slowly moved forward.

Thud, thud.

The head of the Zhuge Clan, the Gentleman’s Sword Zhuge Myung, was kneeling on one knee.

His white hair was disheveled, and his long beard was full of dust.

His sword control technique had failed to withstand Yunhyun’s greatsword.

Yunhyun slowly reached out his hand.

“Are you alright?”

Swish.

Zhuge Myung raised his head.

His Gentleman’s Sword was stuck a short distance away.

The eerie blue sword energy that had been flowing out was now gone.

“…I don’t need help.”

“No, you will.”

Zhuge Myung frowned at Yunhyun’s words.

It sounded like an insult.

However, Yunhyun continued calmly.

“The Clan Head’s technique is very different from simply injecting internal energy to manipulate objects.”

Yunhyun had seen techniques that moved objects by injecting internal energy.

It was the method Il-eun used to move the iron pieces freely.

However, Zhuge Myung’s sword control technique was fundamentally different.

“What did you name it?”

“…I call it ‘Yugeommanri’ [A Flowing Sword Travels Ten Thousand Miles].”

“‘A flowing sword travels ten thousand miles.’ It’s a good name.”

Yunhyun quietly continued.

“How could such a technique be possible unless the Clan Head reached a state of oneness with the sword? But this is the same as taking my sword with your whole body, so the impact must have been significant. Please, don’t refuse my help.”

Zhuge Myung’s pupils trembled slightly.

“…Did you know?”

“No, but I could tell. Yugeommanri was unlike anything else I’ve seen.”

Zhuge Myung let out a hollow laugh.

There was no bitterness of defeat or futility about his technique being broken in that laugh.

Swish.

Zhuge Myung grabbed Yunhyun’s hand.

And slowly rose to his feet.

As Zhuge Myung stood up, Yunhyun, releasing his hand, took a step back. Zhuge Myung lightly straightened his clothes and went to retrieve his sword.

Swoosh.

Zhuge Myung pulled out his Gentleman’s Sword, which was stuck in the ground.

Despite receiving that tremendous sword strike, the blade of the Gentleman’s Sword was still sharp.

Zhuge Myung examined the blade and then sheathed it.

Clang.

The Gentleman’s Sword disappeared.

Zhuge Myung turned his head and asked Yunhyun.

“What do you call the Leader’s sword strike…?”

Yunhyun’s sword felt as if Mount Tai [a sacred mountain in China, often used metaphorically for immense pressure] was collapsing.

The mere thought of it made his skin crawl again.

“It’s called the Third Form of the White Tiger Lost Sword, Heavy Sword.”

“Heavy Sword.”

Zhuge Myung quietly repeated.

He thought it was a very fitting name.

“It was a great sword. And when I see…”

Zhuge Myung glanced at the Flying Sword Gongsun Yue.

Gongsun Yue’s expression, filled with astonishment, was still stiff.

“…It seems that the Leader’s techniques are not limited to that.”

Yunhyun responded with a smile.

Zhuge Myung sighed quietly.

There were many emotions in that sigh.

“…I thought I would surpass the Sword Saint, but to not even withstand the Leader’s one sword, I am truly ashamed.”

“That’s not true.”

Zhuge Myung’s eyebrows twitched.

Yunhyun said.

“The Clan Head’s sword control technique would be absolutely devastating against a large number of opponents. Even a master of sword energy manifestation would be greatly troubled if they encountered it for the first time. But…”

“But?”

Zhuge Myung asked, urging him to continue.

Yunhyun smiled.

“The Clan Head’s first sword felt heavier to me.”

Zhuge Myung was speechless for a moment.

The first sword he used was the Zhuge Clan’s ‘Mount Tai Press’.

The sword, with a common name, was a simple move that only slightly altered the initial stance.

But that was why the years Zhuge Myung had lived were so clearly revealed in it.

“That one sword seems like anyone can do it, but in fact, that sword was one that no one but the Clan Head could execute.”

Yunhyun’s eyes were more serious than ever.

“…Is that really so?”

“Yes.”

Zhuge Myung sighed lightly.

“…I think I was too obsessed with ‘being different from the Sword Saint’.”

Zhuge Myung, who had reached the realm of oneness with the sword, wanted something different from the Sword Saint’s One Sword Skyrocket [a legendary sword technique].

That was sword control.

He thought that sword control was comparable to the Sword Saint’s One Sword Skyrocket, or even superior.

However, Zhuge Myung’s sword control technique did not pass Yunhyun’s test.

It was at that moment, as Zhuge Myung smiled bitterly, that a voice broke the silence.

“How about Flying Sword Ascension?”

Yunhyun turned his head at the sudden question.

It was Gongsun Yue, the head of the Gongsun Clan, the Flying Sword.

The unavoidable competitiveness of a warrior filled his eyes.

“The Leader has faced both my Flying Sword Ascension and the Zhuge Clan Head’s Yugeommanri. So, in the Leader’s opinion…”

“Oh, the Gongsun Clan Head is curious about that.”

The person who spoke was Zhuge Myung.

He stared straight at Gongsun Yue and said.

“Then why don’t you ask me directly? My sword is still ready.”

Zhuge Myung’s eyes were blazing like flames.

Gongsun Yue did not back down either.

“Haha, I’d like to, but attacking someone who just lost seems a bit harsh.”

Gongsun Yue’s tone, as he stroked his beard, was relaxed and leisurely.

However, his eyes were burning just like Zhuge Myung’s.

“Tsk.”

Guest Elder clicked his tongue.

“You both lost.”

Zhuge Myung and Gongsun Yue flinched.

They had unknowingly revealed their competitiveness, but in fact, they had both lost to Yunhyun, hadn’t they?

Guest Elder threw away the dusty tea and tilted the teapot into the teacup.

Pour, pour.

“More than that, you guys.”

Clunk.

Guest Elder put down the teapot and said.

“Is the Sword Saint the only scary person?”

Guest Elder’s eyes, looking at Zhuge Myung and Gongsun Yue, were quite sharp.

The light flickering in those eyes was the same as Zhuge Myung or Gongsun Yue’s just now.

“How could that be?”

Gongsun Yue said in a very polite tone.

But the content was not.

“But there is also a saying that the back waves of the Yangtze River [a metaphor for new talent surpassing the old] push the front waves.”

“Humph.”

Guest Elder snorted.

He was silent for a moment and then spoke slowly.

“…Yes. A lot of time has passed since the Great Righteous-Demonic War [a major conflict between good and evil factions].”

Guest Elder said, holding up the teacup.

“One person.”

Slurp.

Guest Elder said without even looking at Gongsun Yue or Zhuge Myung.

“I’ll only face one person.”

Thud.

It was as if a large stone had fallen into the back garden.

Zhuge Myung and Gongsun Yue’s eyes widened and immediately began to glow with intensity.

An opportunity to spar with Guest Elder, of all people!

If it were known outside, it would be a matter that would literally shake the world.

“I’ll do it too!”

Thump.

Geum Hwa-young immediately got up from her seat.

“I’ve been asking you to teach me a move since before, haven’t I? Isn’t that right? Guest Elder.”

“How dare you step forward!”

Zhuge Myung shouted in a firm voice.

“If you put it that way, I’ve been asking for decades!”

Geum Hwa-young’s face contorted.

“That’s…”

“Sparring doesn’t suit a beautiful lady like you.”

Gongsun Yue said, seemingly dissuading her.

He, who was next to her, continued in a gentle voice.

“So aim for the next time, or the time after that. I’ll introduce you to a good man, so you can date for a while.”

The two of them stopped Geum Hwa-young as if they had planned it.

Of course, it wasn’t because she was young or a woman.

It was because the competition would become fierce if Geum Hwa-young joined.

Her level was extraordinary, which could be felt from the first meeting.

“I don’t need the next time, or the time after that.”

Geum Hwa-young smiled and gritted her teeth.

Gritting.

“Let the confident ones come at me first.”

Her words were by no means a joke.

Flutter.

Her clothes fluttered and her energy poured out.

Zhuge Myung and Gongsun Yue were not idle either.

“Haha, young blood is good to see.”

Whoosh.

Zhuge Myung began to unleash his energy.

“Sometimes people need to be scolded to learn some manners.”

“That’s right. Whether they’re young or old.”

Gongsun Yue said, getting up from his seat.

His eyes, facing Zhuge Myung, were shining sharply.

Clang, clang, clang.

The energy of the three people swept around.

The quiet back garden suddenly began to scatter grass and dust as if a storm was blowing.

But no one gave in.

Zhuge Myung, Gongsun Yue, and Geum Hwa-young’s eyes seemed determined to settle the score.

“…Please calm down for a moment.”

Yunhyun said in a low voice.

The energy that had been swirling around the back garden subsided in an instant.

Huh.

“Ah, well, that’s, that Yun Gongzi [Young Master Yun]. I…”

“Leader. It’s not like that…”

Yunhyun turned his head and looked at Guest Elder as Geum Hwa-young and Gongsun Yue spoke.

“Elder. Then…”

“Except you.”

Guest Elder put down the teacup.

Clunk.

“I won’t spar with you.”

A moment of silence flowed.

Yunhyun cleared his throat.

“Ahem. I see. I just thought the Elder’s new Heavenly Fragrance Butterfly [likely a martial arts technique or skill] looked really beautiful…”

At that moment, Zhuge Myung and Gongsun Yue’s eyes flashed.

‘New Heavenly Fragrance Butterfly’?

This was an opportunity that could never be missed.

Zhuge Myung said urgently.

“Then…!

“First of all.”

Yunhyun cut off Zhuge Myung’s words.

“We need to have a conversation.”

Zhuge Myung turned to look at Yunhyun.

“You said a conversation?”

“Yes.”

Yunhyun nodded.

“Wouldn’t it be a problem later if only the people here get the opportunity?”

In fact, Zhuge Myung and Gongsun Yue’s minds were elsewhere.

They didn’t want to give it to others, no matter what problems might arise later.

If this was known, it was obvious that not only the Namgung Clan and the Moryong Clan, but also the Shaolin, Mount Hua, Wudang, and Emei [famous martial arts sects], all the heads of the sects and clans belonging to the Azure Dragon Alliance would rush in with their eyes burning.

“Huh, but…”

“And even though it’s unofficial, the fact that the Clan Heads are sparring could lead to problems between the clans.”

Yunhyun’s words were correct.

The fact that the heads of the Zhuge Clan and the Gongsun Clan were crossing swords was actually unrealistic.

The Clan Head is the pride and symbol of the clan, and sometimes the clan itself.

So a spar between Clan Heads was something that could not happen unless the two clans waged an all-out war and one side was destroyed.

“Ugh.”

Gongsun Yue groaned.

When I think about it again, it’s not a normal thing.

No matter how much Guest Elder’s sparring is at stake, the heads of the Zhuge Clan and the Gongsun Clan spar and decide the winner?

If even one in ten thousand leaks out, a huge incident would occur.

“B, but…”

“Or it doesn’t have to be.”

Guest Elder said indifferently.

Yunhyun, of course, Zhuge Myung, Gongsun Yue, and Geum Hwa-young’s gazes all turned to Guest Elder.

Guest Elder smiled.

“You can give it up. The position of Clan Head, that is.”

The eyes of the two Clan Heads shook greatly.

Even so, to give up the position of Clan Head?

“H, but…”

“If you don’t like it, forget it.”

Guest Elder’s words were simple.

“How can you say you’re going to spar with me if you can’t even do that?”

That was too obvious.

Guest Elder was the one who gave up the position of Head of the Tang Clan.

But Zhuge Myung and Gongsun Yue couldn’t say anything.

Thump.

Guest Elder got up from his seat.

“Tell me when it’s decided. And…”

Smiling faintly, Guest Elder said.

“The position of Clan Head, once you give it up, it’s not that big of a deal.”

With those words, Guest Elder left without hesitation.

Looking at his back, Zhuge Myung and Gongsun Yue were lost in complicated thoughts.

But one thing was clear.

The moment of choice had come for them.

Either the head of a clan, or a warrior.