Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 456

456. The Joint Faction’s Test

Yunhyun’s intention to challenge the awakening of the Subduing Dragon and Tiger Sword was immediately relayed to the Council of Elders through Honwon Jin-in.

The Council of Elders was thrown into an uproar.

Acting Headmaster Cheonunja vehemently opposed the idea.

However, Okro Jin-in, a master well-versed in the scriptures, reaffirmed the principle that ‘the Subduing Demon Sword was originally left by the founder for the benefit of all people under heaven.’ When Yunhyun’s willingness to undergo the Joint Faction’s test was conveyed, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.

The fact that Sword Lord Changryong, the leader of the Great Righteous Alliance, was accepting the Joint Faction’s test was a significant concession.

Logically, the Joint Faction should have been seeking permission from the Changryong Alliance Leader.

Cheonunja could no longer unconditionally oppose the challenge.

In the end, the Council of Elders permitted Yunhyun’s challenge, contingent upon a test.

The fact that the test was determined to be ‘martial arts’ rather than ‘Taoist scriptures’ or ‘the history of the Joint Faction’ was due to Honwon Jin-in’s strenuous efforts.

Joint Faction’s Grand Training Hall.

A multitude of Taoists had gathered in the Grand Training Hall.

Virtually all the Taoists, both men and women, of the Joint Faction, except for those on the Subduing Demon Mission, were present.

“Limiting the test to martial arts is the most logical decision,” Honwon Jin-in said, stroking his gray beard.

“Has the Subduing Demon Sword remained unawakened due to a lack of knowledge? Or a lack of dedication and loyalty to the Joint Faction? As we all know, knowledge, experience, or status will never awaken the Subduing Demon Sword.”

“That’s right.”

Okro Jin-in nodded, agreeing with Honwon Jin-in’s words.

“But it’s also true that we can’t definitively say it’s martial arts. Even the founders, considered the greatest masters in the Joint Faction’s history, couldn’t awaken the Subduing Demon Sword. Even though Sword Lord Changryong single-handedly drove back the Taepyung Alliance…”

Could he truly awaken the Subduing Dragon and Tiger Sword?

Okro Jin-in glanced at Hyun Gija beside him.

“Hyun Gija, what are your thoughts?”

Hyun Gija, holding an ancient Buddhist whisk [a symbol of purification and authority], smiled.

“Well, in my opinion, Sword Lord Changryong seems to have already succeeded.”

Okro Jin-in and Honwon Jin-in’s eyes widened.

Hyun Gija continued in a soft voice.

“In winning the hearts of the Joint Faction, that is.”

“Hmm.”

Okro Jin-in let out a disappointed groan.

Indeed, even Hyun Gija, skilled in astronomy [and thus, presumably, insight], wouldn’t know if Sword Lord Changryong could awaken the Subduing Demon Sword.

“I suppose so.”

Looking at the Joint Faction Taoists filling his view, Okro Jin-in nodded.

Whether they were seasoned Taoists or newly initiated, all were gathered, their eyes shining with anticipation.

How could they not be?

It was an extraordinary moment: the disciple of the Divine Monk, the leader of the Changryong Alliance, the famed Sword Lord Changryong who had defeated the Heroic Alliance, was undergoing the Joint Faction’s test.

The pride of the Joint Faction Taoists, who had felt marginalized, was surging, and the favor towards Sword Lord Changryong, who humbly bowed his head, had already become the prevailing sentiment.

In this atmosphere, even Acting Headmaster Cheonunja had to concede.

Ultimately, as Hyun Gija had observed, Yunhyun had already succeeded in capturing the hearts of the Joint Faction.

However, not all Taoists felt the same way.

“Hmph.”

Muheon, one of the Five Elements of the Joint Faction and a young Taoist, scoffed.

“So easily swayed by empty fame. Where has the Joint Faction’s pride gone?”

“But the opponent is Sword Lord Changryong! He single-handedly drove back the Taepyung Alliance from Mount Emei…”

Jimyung, the female Taoist who was also one of the Five Elements, trailed off.

“Rumors in the Jianghu [the martial arts world] are always exaggerated! His so-called fame is nothing more than riding on the coattails of the Divine Monk and the court’s power!”

Jimyung flinched at Muheon’s sharp retort.

The two Taoists and one female Taoist beside her remained silent.

Muheon was known for his strong will and autocratic nature, and he wouldn’t tolerate dissent.

“But in a way, it’s beneficial. The greater his reputation, the greater our Five Elements’ reputation will be when we defeat him.”

Muheon said, glaring at Yunhyun in the distance.

Even his simple scholar’s attire irritated Muheon.

“But can we really beat him?”

“Him?”

Muheon, feigning disbelief, retorted sharply.

“Are you questioning the Five Elements Sword Formation of our sect? Remember the Subduing Demon Mission! Even the chief disciples of Mount Hua and Wudang, and the executives of the Namgung Family, couldn’t withstand our Five Elements Sword Formation!”

Whether they were truly the chief disciples of Mount Hua and Wudang, or merely imposters, was debatable.

But it was true that no one had withstood the Five Elements Formation.

Even though the arrogant Muheon often caused trouble.

“Still…”

“Just don’t hold me back.”

Muheon said, cutting her off.

“I’ll handle him. Got it?”

Jimyung bit her lip, meeting his fiery gaze.

It was an arrogant statement she didn’t understand or agree with, but she couldn’t argue.

Muheon was the only one among the five who could manifest sword energy [a powerful technique where inner energy is projected through the sword].

“Hmph.”

Muheon snorted, turning his head and glaring at Jimyung.

“Today, I will prove to everyone that I am the best.”

Despite reaching the realm of sword energy manifestation, Muheon wasn’t included in the Later Seven Stars [a group of elite disciples].

Even though two members of the Later Seven Stars were inferior to him.

The former Four Great Elders had stated that teamwork was more important than individual strength.

They also said that while the Later Seven Stars complemented each other, Muheon’s Five Elements Formation relied too heavily on one person.

But Muheon refused to accept it.

He believed the only reason he wasn’t in the Later Seven Stars was because the other four members of the Five Elements were holding him back.

Gritting his teeth, Muheon glared at Yunhyun, his eyes burning.

Step, step.

Cheonunja walked to the center of the Grand Training Hall.

He scanned the crowd with intense eyes.

The gazes of countless Taoists were fixed on him.

‘Hoo.’

He sighed inwardly and recited the Taoist invocation [a formal greeting or blessing].

Originally, this matter wasn’t meant to be so public.

But how could the Joint Faction testing the leader of the Great Righteous Alliance, Sword Lord Changryong, be kept quiet?

Ultimately, the situation had escalated beyond Cheonunja’s control.

He turned and gestured towards Yunhyun.

Yunhyun rose from his seat.

Step, step.

Yunhyun walked towards Cheonunja.

The eyes of every Taoist in the hall followed Yunhyun’s movements.

Some questioned, some admired his composed demeanor, and some were disappointed.

But none could look away.

Swish.

As Yunhyun paid his respects, Cheonunja returned the greeting, reciting the Taoist invocation.

“The Three Extremes, Five Elements, and Seven Stars of the Joint Faction will test you, Great Hero. The Joint Faction does not recognize life-and-death duels, so do not take lives.”

It was similar to martial arts competitions in other sects, but the last words were unsettling.

It implied that anything short of death was acceptable.

“I understand.”

As Yunhyun answered, Cheonunja turned to the opposite side.

Thud.

Three old Taoists with gray beards rose from their seats.

“They are the Old Three Extremes of our sect,” Cheonunja announced, stepping back.

The three old Taoists approached Yunhyun, stopping at a distance.

Swish.

Yunhyun bowed first.

The old Taoists returned the greeting politely, reciting the Taoist invocation.

“It is an honor to face Sword Lord Changryong.”

“The honor is mine as well.”

The old Taoists smiled at Yunhyun’s reply.

But the smiles soon vanished.

Swish.

Three swords appeared.

They were Songmun Ancient Swords [traditional, elegant swords], often used by Taoists for their refined appearance and ability to dispel evil.

Yunhyun also drew his sword.

Swish.

The blade of Myeongmi shone in the sunlight.

The three old Taoists pointed their swords at Yunhyun, their expressions stern.

Woo-oong.

The swords hummed as the old Taoists’ Songmun Ancient Swords began to fill with inner energy.

But Yunhyun’s Myeongmi remained still.

“Take this!”

Pa-ba-bak.

With a shout, one of the old Taoists initiated the attack, and the three swords simultaneously struck towards Yunhyun.

Clang, clang.

Sharp metallic sounds echoed in the Joint Faction’s Grand Training Hall.

The old Taoists’ first strike was both a test of the opponent and the beginning of a relentless series of attacks.

The old Taoists, positioned in three directions, unleashed continuous sword strikes like a flowing river.

The relentless attacks of the Three Extremes Formation, exquisitely coordinated and never ceasing, were truly magnificent.

The old Taoists’ inner energy was also formidable, making each sword strike incredibly heavy and powerful.

It demonstrated not just the sum of their individual strengths, but a power amplified several times over.

But Yunhyun’s sword didn’t falter.

Yunhyun’s fluid and continuous swordplay harmonized with the three old Taoists’ Three Extremes Formation, creating a spectacle as beautiful as a painting.

Clang, shriek, clang.

Watching the four swords intertwine, the Joint Faction’s Taoists couldn’t help but admire the display.

How long had they continued the offense and defense?

Thud.

The three old Taoists stepped back.

The continuous attacks, which had not paused for a moment, ceased.

Yunhyun held his sword before his chest, his other hand behind his back.

“You are truly amazing.”

One of the old Taoists said.

“Your sword path remains consistent from beginning to end, without a single distracting thought. I can only imagine the depth of your training.”

“You flatter me.”

Yunhyun replied calmly.

“The swords of the three of you move as one. To break the Three Extremes, one must defeat all three of you simultaneously.”

A strange light flickered in the eyes of another old Taoist.

“How so?”

“Like this.”

Woo-oong.

Yunhyun’s sword, Myeongmi, hummed for the first time.

And traced a sword path in the air.

Swoosh.

It was an incredibly simple sword path: a diagonal downward slash.

The three old Taoists looked at Yunhyun with puzzled expressions.

Then, in the next moment, they simultaneously felt a chill.

‘Gasp.’

Among the countless variations of the Three Extremes Formation, a single moment became clear to the old Taoists.

They envisioned Yunhyun’s sword path, which they had just witnessed, shattering their Three Extremes.

‘This, this can’t be.’

It’s just a sword path.

The trajectory of a single sword passing through the air.

But that trajectory was crumbling the old Taoists’ Three Extremes Formation like a sandcastle.

“Heo-eo.”

The old Taoists sighed.

They had dedicated their lives to the Three Extremes Formation.

So they understood more clearly than anyone.

That there was no way to block Yunhyun’s sword path.

Some of the watching elders couldn’t hide their stunned expressions.

They were skilled in swordsmanship and understood the meaning of Yunhyun’s sword path.

Swish.

The old Taoists simultaneously lowered their swords, as if by agreement.

They held the swords with both hands and said.

“The Three Extremes of the Joint Faction pay their respects to you, Great Hero.”

The old Taoists said, their voices hollow.

“We have lost.”

“No. I have also learned a great deal.”

Yunhyun’s words were sincere.

It was his first time facing a formation, and the old Taoists’ Three Extremes Formation was arguably the best.

Swish.

The old Taoists’ Songmun Ancient Swords disappeared.

The Taoists, who had been holding their breath, began to murmur.

Those who didn’t understand the meaning of Yunhyun’s sword path couldn’t comprehend the sudden turn of events.

But Yunhyun calmly returned the three old Taoists’ greetings.

As they stepped back, Yunhyun looked at Acting Headmaster Cheonunja.

Cheonunja said sternly.

“Next is the Five Elements of the Joint Faction.”

Step.

Yunhyun turned at the sudden sound.

Five young Taoists, both men and women, entered the training hall.

Confidence radiated from the eyes of young Muheon, who led the group.

‘As expected of someone who calls himself a Great Hero of the Righteous Sect…’ Muheon thought, looking at Yunhyun.

There is another way to break the Three Extremes.

That is to overwhelm it with sword energy of immense power.

Before sword energy, even the Three Extremes Formation is meaningless.

But Yunhyun didn’t do that.

‘Naive.’

Perhaps it was to win the hearts of the Joint Faction.

But that is Yunhyun’s weakness.

Muheon will not miss that opportunity.

Step, step.

Muheon walked forward without hesitation.

But Jimyung, following behind, couldn’t hide her unease.

‘How is he going to face Sword Lord Changryong?’

Sword Lord Changryong is a master beyond comparison to the chief disciples of large sects.

No matter how strong the Joint Faction’s Five Elements Sword Formation is, Jimyung couldn’t understand Muheon’s confidence.

What makes him so sure he can “handle him”?

In Muheon’s eyes, walking towards Yunhyun, an ambition he couldn’t conceal was burning.