Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 467

467. Spreading Danger

The Hellblood Dragon’s expression was twisted in dismay.

He never expected to see Neung Se-yeong, the former Sword of the Heavens, here.

“How did you know to come here?”

“Just because.”

Neung Se-yeong, the old woman, shrugged.

“I smelled something as I passed by.”

Her expression was relaxed as she answered.

Ssk.

The Hellblood Dragon subtly assessed the situation.

The Poisonous Fist, who had taken one of his arms, was nowhere to be seen.

Only the young Geum Hwa-yeong and a few Taoists who appeared to be disciples of the Joint Union were with Neung Se-yeong.

The disciples of the Joint Union had scattered, seemingly to help the people of the Damga Clan.

‘Strange.’

The Hellblood Dragon frowned.

It was true that the Taoists possessed the energy of exorcism, but in the Hellblood Dragon’s view, that number was not enough to deal with the Blood Fiends.

They might be able to save some of the Damga Clan, but in the end, only Neung Se-yeong and Geum Hwa-yeong would have to face the Hellblood Dragon and dozens of Blood Fiends.

It was by no means a situation where Neung Se-yeong could be said to have the advantage.

‘…But why is she smiling like that?’

The Neung Se-yeong that the Hellblood Dragon remembered from the past was meticulous and tenacious.

She was like a sharp sword, never letting her guard down for even a moment.

She truly felt like ‘one who carried the fate of the world on her shoulders.’

But now, she was even relaxed in the face of her archenemy?

“Hmph. I don’t know what you’re relying on…”

The Hellblood Dragon did not let his guard down.

Woong.

His eyes gleamed as he raised his white hand.

He was trying to summon the Blood Fiends first.

The Blood Fiends subservient to the Hellblood Dragon responded immediately.

The Blood Fiends in unseen places were the same.

But not all of the Blood Fiends.

‘Huh?’

The Hellblood Dragon’s eyebrows twitched.

He widened his eyes in disbelief.

Whoosh.

The Hellblood Dragon looked around.

There was nothing to be seen, but the screams that had filled the area were no longer heard.

Instead, the connections to the Blood Fiends subservient to the Hellblood Dragon himself were constantly being severed.

Adeuk.

The Hellblood Dragon gritted his teeth and shouted at Neung Se-yeong.

“What have you done!”

“I haven’t done anything.”

Neung Se-yeong said with a sharp glint in her eyes.

It was the same look she had when she was the Sword of the Heavens.

“You’re the one who did something.”

“What?”

The Hellblood Dragon frowned.

It was then.

Thud.

About twenty Blood Fiends gathered around the Hellblood Dragon.

The number had been reduced by nearly half in an instant compared to when they had entered the Damga Clan.

The scattered disciples of the Joint Union also gathered around the old woman Neung Se-yeong.

Swhik.

Looking at the disciples of the Joint Union, Neung Se-yeong asked.

“Was it manageable?”

“Yes!”

The young disciples of the Joint Union could not hide their excitement.

“Before the power of Subduing Devil [a powerful exorcism technique], they were not even worth ten seconds. Moreover, they suddenly tried to withdraw, as you said.”

“Yes. I knew he would do that.”

Neung Se-yeong smiled contentedly.

But the Hellblood Dragon’s expression was growing more and more distorted.

Hoo woong.

The swords of the Joint Union disciples were rippling with the energy of exorcism.

An energy invisible to humans, but fatal to Blood Fiends, was surging in their swords.

Adeuk.

The Hellblood Dragon gritted his teeth.

He would be fine. But the lower-level Blood Fiends could not handle it.

The Hellblood Dragon could now understand the meaning of Neung Se-yeong’s words, ‘You’re the one who did something.’

He had summoned all the lower-level Blood Fiends who were confronting those with such energy, so it was only natural that half of them had disappeared in an instant.

Especially if she had been aiming for that moment.

‘…But how on earth do they possess such energy?’

What he could not understand was that the young Taoists possessed such energy.

Wasn’t such strong exorcism energy only possible for high-ranking Taoist priests or Buddhist monks?

“Now, then.”

Neung Se-yeong’s voice awakened the Hellblood Dragon.

“Which one will you give up? Your arm, or your neck?”

Neung Se-yeong’s eyes were chilling as she spoke.

The image of her beheading the Hellblood Dragon in the past was vividly revived.

“Hmph!”

The Hellblood Dragon snorted.

And he lightly waved his hand.

“Kaaack!”

The Blood Fiends rushed in all at once.

About twenty Blood Fiends threw themselves at Neung Se-yeong, Geum Hwa-yeong, and the disciples of the Joint Union.

It was a reckless charge without formation or aim.

“Where do you think you’re going!”

Neung Se-yeong immediately drew her sword.

Woong.

Green sword energy cut through the air.

Geum Hwa-yeong was the same.

Shwishwishwik.

The two people’s green sword energy drew clear trajectories in the darkness.

The swords of the Joint Union disciples, imbued with the energy of exorcism, also dealt with the Blood Fiends in an orderly manner.

But the battle did not last long.

The eyes of the few remaining Blood Fiends began to emit a red light.

“Everyone, get out of the way!”

At Neung Se-yeong’s cry, the disciples of the Joint Union immediately retreated as if they had promised to do so.

The Blood Fiends trembled in place and suddenly began to swell.

Peobeobeong.

The Blood Fiends’ flesh flew in all directions.

But there was no damage.

The disciples of the Joint Union and Neung Se-yeong had hidden themselves behind nearby objects, and the head of the Damga Clan had already been thrown to safety by Geum Hwa-yeong grabbing his collar.

“…He ran away.”

Neung Se-yeong muttered regretfully.

The Hellblood Dragon was nowhere to be seen.

The Hellblood Dragon had already retreated the moment the Blood Fiends rushed in.

But Neung Se-yeong’s disappointment did not last long.

Ssk.

Turning her head to look into the darkness, Neung Se-yeong said.

“I’ll leave the rear to you.”

Ssk.

Something stirred in the darkness.

But the figure was not visible.

The disciples of the Joint Union admired the subtle movements of the Bukhae Seolyeongdae [a secret special force] in a low voice.

“Is everyone alright?”

Neung Se-yeong asked.

The disciples of the Joint Union nodded.

“Yes. We’re fine.”

They looked at the remains of the Blood Fiends scattered on the floor.

Only some of the Blood Fiends had exploded, but the remains of the other fallen Blood Fiends were already crumbling.

“To run away as soon as the situation became unfavorable, how cowardly.”

A young disciple of the Joint Union said.

Neung Se-yeong smiled.

“They are only brave when they can win. That’s why they have survived until now.”

“But I didn’t expect them to abandon the Blood Fiends so easily. Aren’t they an important force for them?”

Another disciple asked.

Neung Se-yeong sighed softly.

“That’s what I’m saying. It seems that the power they have gained is greater than we expected.”

The expressions of the Joint Union disciples darkened.

“But don’t we have the Subduing Devil Formation?”

Geum Hwa-yeong strode over and said.

“If we spread this Simgyeol [a secret mantra or technique] widely, even the Blood Fiends…”

“It would be nice if that were the case, but.”

Neung Se-yeong shook her head and said.

“Each sect’s Simgyeol is like the foundation for building up martial arts. It’s like you can’t suddenly change the foundation of a house that has already been built. Just because you teach them the Subduing Devil Formation doesn’t mean anyone can use it.”

Her words were true.

No matter how much the Subduing Devil Formation had the power of exorcism, it was difficult for anyone other than the disciples of the Joint Union to use that Simgyeol.

“Oh, but I could do it?”

Geum Hwa-yeong said.

Neung Se-yeong chuckled.

“It’s because it’s you.”

Geum Hwa-yeong’s senses are genius-like when it comes to martial arts.

That’s why she couldn’t suppress her rebellious spirit properly, and her way of speaking is like this.

“…Still, a master of sword energy manifestation might be able to use the Subduing Devil Formation.”

Muttering to herself, Neung Se-yeong turned her head.

And she said in a soft voice.

“It’s alright now. Clan Lord.”

At those words, Dam Cheon-geol, the head of the Damga Clan, came to his senses.

Dam Cheon-geol straightened his body and respectfully put his hands together.

“Thank you for saving the Damga Clan.”

Dam Cheon-geol said, bowing his head.

“I sincerely thank the two female heroes and the Joint Union for their help. You have saved the Damga Clan today.”

Neung Se-yeong smiled.

“Let’s clean up the surroundings first. There are many people who need help. We can talk about it later.”

Dam Cheon-geol nodded.

Neung Se-yeong, Geum Hwa-yeong, the disciples of the Joint Union, and the surviving members of the Damga Clan immediately began to help the injured.

There were many seriously injured people, as well as those who were already dead.

They had driven out the Hellblood Dragon, but the damage was too great.

In the meantime, the Clan Lord sent a person to the government office to inform them of the Blood Cult’s attack.

It was a very serious matter for the Damga Clan to be attacked by the Blood Cult in the large city of Nanzhou.

However, no government officials visited the Damga Clan that night or even the next day.

***

Yun-hyeon and his party were leaving Nanjing and heading to Hangzhou.

The scenery of the official road passing outside the carriage was now familiar, and Yun-hyeon could tell that Hangzhou was near.

“How was it? Was it worthy of being called the best in the world?”

Yeong Ho-jun suddenly said.

Yun-hyeon smiled.

“Yes. It was really amazing.”

As Yeong Ho-jun had assured, the Best Building Under Heaven was amazing.

Even Yeong Ho-jun, who was used to such places, called it ‘another world,’ so the surprise was even greater for Yun-hyeon.

The subtle lighting and exotic decorations were new, but even the carvings, paintings, and writings on the walls were all masterpieces.

“Some of them belong to the Alliance Leader. They are works that cannot be priced, so it is rather difficult to dispose of them. Thanks to that, there are even connoisseurs who come to see them. Hahaha.”

It was Yun-hyeon’s own collection, but it was the first time he had seen it properly.

In addition, rare porcelains and incense burners with mysterious patterns were naturally placed, so those who knew this area well could not take their eyes off them.

“But what’s really amazing is the artistry of the entertainers. I’m sorry that I didn’t have a chance to see it this time, but it’s definitely the best. Ah, Sowol, who used to be in Hangzhou’s Chwiseon House [a famous courtesan house], is also there.”

Sowol was an entertainer who helped find Il-eun.

However, he did not see her or the performances or skills of other entertainers.

Even though he had monopolized the seventh floor of the Best Building Under Heaven, which no one could enter, he had only talked about the Blood Cult and the Demonic Sect all night.

“It can’t be helped. We’ll have to wait for the next time.”

Yun-hyeon was also disappointed.

Still, he was able to meet Nuju Wol-hyang and her bodyguard Yeon-hwa.

Wol-hyang, whom he had seen after a long time, was still elegant, but Yeon-hwa was still uncomfortable with Gae-ong.

“Then, have you already sent official letters to each sect?”

When Yun-hyeon asked, Yeong Ho-jun nodded.

“Yes. I started right away when I received the Alliance Leader’s letter. I’m sorry for starting first without permission…”

“It’s alright.”

Yun-hyeon said without hesitation.

“Didn’t I ask the Chief Strategist anyway? If there is anything that needs to be done, start without waiting for my arrival.”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

Yeong Ho-jun said with an awkward smile.

“It’s about the founding ceremony of the Azure Dragon Alliance, no less.”

Yeong Ho-jun, who received Yun-hyeon’s letter, immediately began preparations for the founding ceremony.

He set the date and sent official letters to each sect.

The founding ceremony of the Azure Dragon Alliance Headquarters was the best excuse to gather without causing chaos in the world.

“The problem is how long Gansuk can last.”

Royal Inspector Jo Gwan said with a dark expression.

Gansuk Province was the front line against the Blood Cult and the Demonic Sect.

Moreover, it was not easy to control the government, so it was no wonder that Jo Gwan was worried.

“Gansuk will be fine for the time being.”

Yeong Ho-jun suddenly said.

“According to the Alliance Leader, the Joint Union has become stronger than before, so the Blood Cult and the Demonic Sect have no choice but to hesitate. The problem is what comes next.”

Yeong Ho-jun sighed softly.

“They are now stirring in Gansuk, but where will the Blood Cult and the Demonic Sect, who have gained power, eventually aim?”

Yun-hyeon answered.

“Right here, Gangbuk and Gangnam.”

Jo Gwan could not hide his surprised expression.

When you think about it, the goal of the Blood Cult and the Demonic Sect is to eventually take over the world or plunge it into chaos.

In that case, they will inevitably aim for Gangbuk and Gangnam [regions known for their wealth and strategic importance].

“That’s what the Alliance Leader said.”

Yeong Ho-jun nodded.

“The really dangerous place is not Gansuk, but right here. Especially our Alliance Leader.”

Only then could Jo Gwan understand.

The reason why he allowed Chief Strategist Yeong Ho-jun to proceed with the important affairs of the Alliance, such as the founding ceremony, at his own discretion was because the threat of the Blood Cult and the Demonic Sect was more serious than he thought.

Ttagak, ttagak.

The carriage sped cheerfully along the official road leading to Hangzhou.

However, the expressions of the people in the carriage were not bright at all.