Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 455

455. Subduing Dragon, Subduing Demon Sword

Deep night, at the Elder Council of the Mount Hua Sect.

The elders were still engaged in heated debate.

Hunwon Jinren spoke with frustration, “The Alliance Lord has personally come to Mount Hua. Who else has shown such respect and demonstrated the will to subdue demons like this? Would even a divine monk do this?”

However, Cheonunja, the newly appointed Great Elder and acting Sect Leader, shook his head.

“Even that divine monk secluded himself in Waryongheon because of the great clans. We cultivators cannot fathom the schemes of those weathered in the ways of the Jianghu [the martial arts world].”

“Huh, you say that, but isn’t Sword Master Changryong the divine monk’s disciple?”

“Indeed. And he is the one who holds the great clans and families in the palm of his hand.”

Cheonunja’s eyes gleamed as he said, “The moment he harbors a different intention, our Mount Hua will lose its long-held traditions and be swept away by the Jianghu.”

Hunwon Jinren sighed at Cheonunja’s stubbornness.

However, he couldn’t dismiss his concerns.

Yunhyun’s presence was simply too significant to be accepted with mere goodwill.

‘Compared to the power of the Changryong Alliance, our Mount Hua is…’

It was a comparison that was meaningless.

Considering the authority, martial prowess, and reputation in the Jianghu that the Alliance Lord of the Changryong Alliance possessed, it was terrifying enough to make Cheonunja worry.

“But Heavenly Sword was attacked by a Blood Demon. By Jiokhyulryong, who led dozens of Blood Fiends.”

Okro Jinren, one of the other newly appointed Great Elders, said.

Her white hair was disheveled, and she was a female Taoist who had studied scriptures for a long time.

It was rare for a Taoist sect to have a female Taoist, but it was unprecedented for her to rise to the position of an elder.

However, Mount Hua taught that the distinction between men and women was meaningless in the face of the mission to subdue demons.

In a way, it also meant that the shortage of talent was severe.

“Cheonunja, the current situation is undoubtedly a crisis. In times like these, the Alliance Lord of the Changryong Alliance has extended a hand first, so isn’t there no choice?”

“Have you forgotten how other sects have looked down on us and mocked us? If we hastily take their hand because the situation is urgent, only to be used and abandoned again, what will we do then?”

Okro Jinren let out a long sigh.

Cheonunja’s words were by no means unfounded.

Nevertheless, most of the dozen or so elders believed that they should join hands with the Changryong Alliance.

The fact that the Alliance Lord of the Changryong Alliance, the disciple of the divine monk, had come with the former Heavenly Sword was an unprecedented display of goodwill.

The shift of Hunwon Jinren, who had been neutral, also had a significant impact.

The problem was that Cheonunja, the acting Sect Leader, stubbornly shook his head.

If he was determined to oppose it, it would be virtually impossible to execute even if the Elder Council passed a resolution.

It was also a major problem for the Elder Council to appear to disregard the acting Sect Leader.

Hunwon Jinren quietly chanted a Taoist invocation.

“So, Cheonunja, what do you propose we do?”

“We must fulfill the mission of subduing demons as we have always done.”

“Mount Hua alone?”

“No. We must follow tradition and take the necessary steps. First, we must inform the world to be wary of the Blood Cult and the Demonic Sect, and then confront the Blood Cult and the Demonic Sect with those who share our intentions.”

“How is that different from joining hands with the Changryong Alliance?”

“It is different. The Alliance Lord of the Changryong Alliance will not rule over Mount Hua. There will be no being used and abandoned.”

“What if the Alliance Lord personally promises that will never happen?”

Cheonunja shook his head.

“Hunwon, you are too naive. Do you think that promise will be kept? In the end, they will make excuses and turn their backs on us, just like other sects have done.”

Hunwon Jinren was speechless.

Cheonunja had no intention of believing it at all.

However, Hunwon Jinren also knew the sincerity of Cheonunja, who had cultivated together for a lifetime, so he could only chant a Taoist invocation.

“…Do you distrust the Alliance Lord of the Changryong Alliance that much?”

Hyungija, one of the newly appointed Great Elders, said.

He was a Taoist who had devoted his life to the study of scriptures and astronomy.

Cheonunja’s answer was firm.

“I cannot trust him. No, I must not trust him. For the sake of Mount Hua’s future.”

Silence fell over the Elder Council.

With Cheonunja, the acting Sect Leader, being so stubborn, further discussion was meaningless.

Okro Jinren chanted a Taoist invocation and shook her head.

“…Unless we awaken the Subduing Demon Sword, there will be no way to gain your trust.”

It was a statement implying that Cheonunja was being too stubborn.

The Subduing Demon Sword had never been awakened before.

However, Cheonunja remained silent with a stern face.

In the end, the Elder Council could not reach a conclusion and had to adjourn.

***

Dawn, Mount Hua Guesthouse.

Taoists and female Taoists began their day very early in the morning.

In fact, it was still night rather than dawn, but all the Taoists of Mount Hua were awake and starting their day without exception.

As dawn broke and the sun rose, Hunwon Jinren, one of the Four Great Elders, visited Yunhyun’s party at the guesthouse.

The news he brought was not good.

“…For these reasons, it seems it will take a long time for Mount Hua to make a decision.”

Hunwon Jinren bowed his head to Yunhyun.

“I am truly sorry that you have come all the way here, Alliance Lord.”

“It is not your fault, Jinren.”

Yunhyun quickly stopped him.

Hunwon Jinren sighed and chanted a Taoist invocation.

Noh Buin Neungseyeong asked him,

“What has been decided regarding the Blood Cult and the Demonic Sect?”

“We have already been wary of their unusual movements. I never imagined they would even raise Blood Fiends…”

Hunwon Jinren paused and looked at Yunhyun.

“We will be sure to inform the Alliance Lord of what we have learned about the Blood Cult and the Demonic Sect. I promise this in the name of Hunwon.”

The shock and impact of the Sect Leader and the former Four Great Elders collapsing was greater than expected.

For the time being, all Mount Hua could do was to gather information on the movements of the Blood Cult and the Demonic Sect.

Therefore, that promise was the greatest goodwill that Hunwon Jinren could offer.

“Thank you.”

Yunhyun expressed his gratitude.

“We should also return to the Alliance and prepare countermeasures. It is truly a pity that we cannot work together with Mount Hua.”

“I feel the same way. If the power of the Changryong Alliance and the experience Mount Hua has accumulated were combined, we would be able to fulfill the mission of subduing demons.”

Hunwon Jinren could not hide his regret.

However, they were the ones who had refused help, so they could not blame anyone.

“Hmm. Then…”

It was when Noh Buin Neungseyeong was about to say something.

Hunwon Jinren muttered to himself out of regret.

“…Unless we awaken the Subduing Demon Sword, I suppose…”

“Did you say Subduing Demon Sword?”

Yunhyun suddenly asked.

Hunwon Jinren raised his eyes.

Hunwon Jinren gave a bitter smile at Yunhyun’s gaze.

“No, don’t worry about it. It’s just…”

“Jinren.”

Yunhyun said with a serious look.

“Mount Hua is not the only one who has to face the Blood Cult or the Demonic Sect. If there is a way, please tell me anything. I will gladly listen.”

“But this is…”

Hunwon Jinren, who was about to trail off, flinched.

Not only Yunhyun but also Neungseyeong, Geum Hwayoung, and Gaekong were all looking at him.

Hunwon Jinren let out a soft sigh.

“…Mount Hua has a legendary sword said to have been left by our founder.”

“Founder?”

Gaekong frowned and asked.

Hunwon Jinren nodded.

“It is Gwangseongja, who is said to have had Emperor Heonwon seek the Tao [the Way, or the principle of the universe] from him. It is the sword that he left for future generations before ascending to the Immortal Realm.”

Hunwon Jinren continued in a solemn voice.

“A sword that, when swung once, subdues the demons of the three thousand worlds, and when swung twice, even the dragons of the heavens bow their heads. Therefore, it is called the Subduing Dragon, Subduing Demon Sword.”

“Mount Hua has such a sword?”

Gaekong asked.

Hunwon Jinren said with a dark expression.

“Yes, but we are foolish and have not been able to awaken the sword. Now, it is nothing more than a dull sword, not even as good as an ordinary iron sword, let alone the power to subdue ten thousand demons.”

Noh Buin Neungseyeong nodded.

“So, you said it needs to be awakened.”

Neungseyeong looked back at Yunhyun.

“What do you think? Should the Alliance Lord try?”

After thinking for a moment, Yunhyun asked Hunwon Jinren.

“Can I, as an outsider, try?”

“Since it was left by the founder for all the people of the world, it is not impossible in principle. But…”

Hunwon Jinren hesitated and continued.

“They may ask to test your qualifications first. Since the Subduing Dragon, Subduing Demon Sword has been guarded by Mount Hua for a long time, it seems…”

There was no way that stubborn Cheonunja would accept it willingly.

No, he would definitely come up with some restrictions.

“Of course, they would. I understand.”

“…Really?”

Hunwon Jinren was surprised by Yunhyun’s words.

It was absurd for Mount Hua to demand a test from the Alliance Lord of the Changryong Alliance.

If they were martial artists who lived and died by their pride, they would get angry and leave immediately, or be outraged by the insult, and no one could say anything.

But now, Yunhyun was saying that it was natural and that he understood.

“Are you really willing to accept Mount Hua’s test?”

“Yes. What kind of test is it?”

“Hmm.”

Hunwon Jinren sighed.

He closed his eyes tightly and chanted a Taoist invocation repeatedly.

“I am truly ashamed. The Alliance Lord is willing to humble himself for the mission of subduing demons, but we are still clinging to tradition and unable to escape from delusion.”

Hunwon Jinren, who opened his eyes, said to Yunhyun.

“There is no set test. There has never been a precedent for an outsider to try. But I promise to ensure a fair test.”

Hunwon Jinren’s words were sincere.

It was amazing that the Alliance Lord of the Changryong Alliance had come to Mount Hua, but he was willing to put aside his authority and take Mount Hua’s test.

“As the Alliance Lord said, sincerity moves people. Even if the Alliance Lord cannot awaken the Subduing Demon Sword, Mount Hua will be greatly moved by the Alliance Lord’s intentions.”

Thud.

Hunwon Jinren rose from his seat.

“I must reconvene the Elder Council immediately.”

“Ah, yes.”

Before Yunhyun could rise, Hunwon Jinren bowed briefly and left the guesthouse.

His eyes and energetic steps were full of determination.

Clack.

The door of the guesthouse closed, and silence fell for a moment.

“…Well done, Young Master Yun.”

Noh Buin Neungseyeong said with a smile.

“Hunwon Jinren brought it up before I could.”

She had heard about the Subduing Demon Sword from Hugi Chilseong last night.

However, she could not bring up the story of the Subduing Demon Sword first.

They would surely look at her with suspicion, wondering how she knew.

She didn’t want to trouble the young men of Hugi Chilseong, who had told her out of goodwill.

In the end, Neungseyeong decided to invoke the name of the late Sect Leader.

She was going to say that she had vaguely heard about it before.

But fortunately, Hunwon Jinren brought it up first.

“Young Master Yun is quite the actor. To pretend so nonchalantly that you didn’t know.”

Geum Hwayoung said with a surprised expression.

Yunhyun gave an awkward smile.

“At least there were no bad intentions. In fact, there are schools of thought in the interpretation of law that emphasize intention and those that emphasize the wording itself…”

“Can you awaken it?”

Gaekong interrupted Yunhyun’s words.

The important thing was whether Yunhyun could awaken the Subduing Dragon, Subduing Demon Sword.

“I don’t know.”

Suddenly, Nagil Sword flashed through Yunhyun’s mind.

At that time, he was able to unlock the secret of Nagil Sword because of his connection with Bukhae Ice Crystal.

But is it possible now?

After thinking for a moment, Yunhyun wore a faint smile.

In fact, he had already made up his mind.

“Let’s give it a try.”

“Okay.”

Gaekong said in an indifferent voice.