Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 471

471. Ant Hell

The journey of the group that left Hangzhou was relatively smooth.

Thanks to the meticulous planning of Royal Inspector Jo Gwan, government speedboats and carriages were waiting for the group at every stop.

The fears Young Master Yun had before leaving did not materialize.

The elders and family heads obediently followed Yunhyun’s opinion and did not complain about the tight schedule.

This was likely thanks to Guest Elder silently accepting Yunhyun’s wishes and the fact that a proper meal was served at least once a day.

What was surprising was Mo Yongmi’s sociability.

With her elegant and courteous demeanor, Mo Yongmi, who meticulously took care of the group, was popular with everyone.

The family heads treated her like a granddaughter, and the elders of the Four Great Righteous Sects, who had not started families, were happy just to see Mo Yongmi.

In particular, the Thousand Hands Divine Nun of Emei [a highly respected female martial artist from the Emei Sect, known for her mastery of hand techniques] was so fond of Mo Yongmi that she was even considering taking her as a disciple from her secular family.

Thanks to this, even the Gentleman Sword Je Galmyeong, towards the end of the journey, subtly hinted to Yunhyun, saying, ‘I also have a granddaughter, but it’s rare to see a child grow up as upright as Mia.’

In the meantime, the group was entering Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province.

Gansu, which seemed so far away, was now within reach.

Clatter, clatter.

The carriage slowly stopped below Mount Kongtong [a mountain in Gansu province, known for its Taoist temples and martial arts traditions].

At the entrance to the mountain, the elders of the Kongtong Sect were already out to greet them.

Coming down to the foot of the mountain, instead of just waiting at the mountain gate, showed how important they considered this visit.

Click.

The door opened, and the group began to disembark.

Yunhyun, who got off first, walked towards the elders.

“Welcome, Alliance Leader.”

Chun Unja, the acting sect leader of the Kongtong Sect, said politely, clasping his hands in a traditional greeting.

The four great elders, Honwon Jin-in, Ongno Jin-in, and Hyungija, also paid their respects to Yunhyun.

Yunhyun returned their greetings politely.

“I’m glad to see you all look healthy.”

“It’s all thanks to the Alliance Leader.”

Chun Unja bowed his head lightly and replied.

Then, he looked at the group standing behind Yunhyun.

‘Hmm.’

Chun Unja inwardly admired them.

The members who came with Yunhyun were indeed impressive.

At first glance, they all possessed martial prowess exceeding Chun Unja or the four great elders, and emanated a presence worthy of a sect’s founder.

“I am grateful to the heroes of the Kangho [the martial arts world] who have come all the way here. You, who have the will to subdue the demons…….”

Chun Unja’s eyes gleamed as he looked at the group.

“Kongtong welcomes you gladly.”

Swoosh.

Chun Unja bowed his head and chanted a Buddhist invocation.

The four great elders did the same.

The group did not stand still either.

Rustle.

The elders and family heads each paid their respects.

Low Buddhist and Taoist invocations flowed from here and there.

It was a historic moment when the extremely closed-off Kongtong Sect, which was even branded as a heretical sect, opened its doors to the elders and family heads of the Kangho martial world.

***

The Kongtong Sect had prepared a place for the group to rest after their long journey.

It was not a large, old inn, but it was sufficient to enjoy a warm cup of tea.

Click.

Yunhyun put down his teacup and asked.

“So, Lady Ryu and Miss Geum are near Qinghai Lake now?”

“That’s right.”

Honwon Jin-in said.

He handed Yunhyun a thin letter.

“This is the news that came recently.”

Yunhyun opened the letter.

His expression darkened slightly.

“……It’s not good.”

Yunhyun handed the letter to Mo Yongmi, the temporary strategist.

Mo Yongmi’s expression also hardened.

After examining the letter, she looked up and asked Honwon Jin-in.

“When did the Xueyingdae warriors [elite warriors, likely spies or scouts] go missing?”

“According to the report, it’s been about ten days.”

“Any other movements? Like the Blood Cult moving its base…….”

Honwon Jin-in shook his head.

“Not yet. However, the number of Xueyingdae warriors has decreased significantly, so I can’t be sure.”

“It’s a trap.”

Gentleman Sword Je Galmyeong said abruptly.

Mo Yongmi nodded.

“Yes. Or it may have become a trap while we were coming.”

She sighed softly.

“As expected, being far away is fatal. We have no choice but to give the opponent time to prepare.”

She did not expect to be able to raid the Blood Cult.

But she couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

Honwon Jin-in chanted a Buddhist invocation in a low voice.

“This humble one also thinks so. But it is clear that the Hellblood Dragon, a Blood Demon, is there.”

“It’s not just the Hellblood Dragon.”

Hyungija, one of the four great elders of Kongtong, said.

“There is at least one other Blood Demon hiding there. This humble one has personally confirmed the evil energy overflowing in that place. Blood Demons are the guardians and strongest forces of the Blood Cult, so even if it is a trap, we must eliminate them.”

“Another Blood Demon?”

The Thousand Hands Divine Nun of Emei said.

“That’s a bit strange. They know they are being targeted, but they didn’t avoid it?”

“Perhaps the Blood Cult intends to eliminate one of its major threats this time.”

Mo Yongmi said softly.

“In the past, the Blood Cult’s ambitions were thwarted by Thousand Sword Ryu Yeohyeop. It has been proven that a master of sword energy manifestation is a great threat to them. So they are trying to lure us in and deal with us in a place that is advantageous to them.”

Since the Azure Dragon Alliance has joined forces with the Kongtong Sect, it is inevitable that the supreme masters of the Azure Dragon Alliance will confront the Blood Cult.

So the Blood Cult has chosen to lure the masters of the Azure Dragon Alliance into their territory.

“For example, creating an ant hell.”

Je Galmyeong’s metaphor was appropriate.

An ant hell that lures in and eliminates those who could be a threat to them.

“But that’s only for ants.”

Flying Sword Gongson Wol said in a heavy voice.

“Under the hooves of a warhorse, they will simply be crushed.”

“The elders are right.”

Mo Yongmi said, her eyes shining.

“But it’s not a pleasant thing to walk into the opponent’s trap without knowing anything. We need careful preparation.”

She asked Honwon Jin-in.

“The Blood Cult is said to plunder people’s blood and create Blood Humans. How many people have been harmed so far?”

Honwon Jin-in’s expression hardened.

He chanted a Buddhist invocation in a low voice and opened his mouth.

“We have confirmed twenty-six villages recently. They were all about two to three hundred households in size, and if we consider those we haven’t identified, I think it would be at least twice that.”

“Good heavens.”

Mo Yongmi sighed.

If there are twenty-six villages with two to three hundred households, that’s roughly over thirty thousand people.

And if it’s twice that, it means that over sixty thousand people have been sacrificed to the Blood Cult.

Thud.

Royal Inspector Jo Gwan stood up from his seat.

He said with a firm expression.

“And yet the government hasn’t taken action yet?”

Honwon Jin-in silently nodded.

Gritting.

Jo Gwan gritted his teeth.

“How could such a thing…….”

“After all, it doesn’t even amount to one small county (縣) [an administrative division in China].”

Je Galmyeong said calmly.

“It’s not that the damage is small. I know you are angry, and I know that the court will not simply overlook this. But it’s about the level of one county disappearing among many. If the local governor wants to hide it, it’s possible for a while. Especially in these remote areas.”

It was a cold statement, but Je Galmyeong’s point was correct.

There were countless people whose numbers were not even properly grasped by the government, and sometimes the lives of the common people were not even treated as human.

Jo Gwan clenched his fist and gritted his teeth.

It was then.

“They will definitely be punished.”

Suddenly, Yunhyun’s voice echoed.

Jo Gwan looked up.

“Those who have abandoned their duties as government officials will be held accountable to the last person, and no one will be able to escape.”

With a cold gaze, Yunhyun continued.

“So, let’s focus on measures to prevent more sacrifices now.”

Jo Gwan bit his lip.

But Yunhyun’s words were perfectly reasonable.

“……Yes, sir.”

Jo Gwan bowed his head and paid his respects.

Then, he quietly sat down.

Yunhyun asked Honwon Jin-in.

“Was there such great damage when the Blood Cult rose before?”

Honwon Jin-in smiled bitterly.

The answer was given by Chun Unja, the acting sect leader of the Kongtong Sect.

“It was much greater than this.”

Chun Unja continued in a low voice.

“According to records, millions died, and it was said that it was difficult to find a shadow of a person in the areas where the Blood Cult arose for a while.”

The number of millions was probably not accurate.

But it was clear that there was great damage to the point where it was difficult to find people.

“Then we must stop it this time.”

Chun Unja nodded.

Yunhyun looked at Mo Yongmi.

“Strategist, how should we respond?”

“Since we know that the opponent is waiting for us, we shouldn’t rush in rashly.”

Mo Yongmi said, looking at Yunhyun.

“It would be good to allow the elders to relieve their fatigue here and face the Blood Cult in the best condition. There are also things to prepare further about the Blood Cult. Originally, ant hells don’t move easily.”

People nodded.

However, Honwon Jin-in expressed concern.

“Even so, it’s not good to delay too long. If we miss the opportunity, it will become even more difficult.”

“It’s okay. About three days should be enough.”

“Three days is not necessary.”

Iron Sword Namgung Byeok said abruptly.

“Two days is enough to relieve fatigue.”

“I’ll be ready by tomorrow.”

Flying Sword Gongson Wol said as if not to be outdone.

“Hehe, how can you call yourself a supreme master with that? I’m fine even now.”

Gentleman Sword Je Galmyeong also stepped forward.

Mo Yongmi smiled.

“Yes. I’ll be looking forward to it. But everyone should get plenty of rest.”

Mo Yongmi, who spoke in a soft voice, turned to Yunhyun.

It was a question of whether he had any other opinions.

Yunhyun said in a calm voice.

“Let’s do as the strategist says. However, it would be good to write a letter to Lady Ryu and Miss Geum to inform them of the situation. They might be worried.”

Considering Geum Hwayeong’s personality, she would be waiting anxiously.

Of course, she would be scolded by Ryu Seyoung for that.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

The meeting ended with Yunhyun’s words.

But the eyes of the elders and family heads were shining.

This was because they could now examine the Kongtong Sect, which had been hiding behind closed barriers.

The four great elders of the Kongtong Sect also felt the same way.

The supreme masters who would cooperate for the will to subdue demons, putting aside misunderstandings, were also essential to them.

***

Deep night, Kongtong Sect.

Yunhyun was standing in front of a small Taoist temple overlooking the Kongtong Sect.

The Taoist temples of the Kongtong Sect, lit up here and there, were emitting a faint light under the night sky.

Rustle.

“Scholar Yun.”

Yunhyun turned his head at the sound coming from behind.

Strategist Mo Yongmi was walking over in an elegant appearance.

“You were here.”

“Yes, I had something to think about.”

Rustle, rustle.

Mo Yongmi quietly walked over and stood next to Yunhyun.

Then, she took out two small porcelain bottles from her bosom.

“I brought warm tea. If you don’t mind…….”

“Thank you.”

Yunhyun willingly reached out and received one of the bottles.

He had seen small bottles used to hold alcohol, but this was the first time for tea.

Thanks to her carrying it, the tea was still warm.

Slurp.

Yunhyun quietly savored the tea.

The soft tea fragrance spread out on the night breeze.

The two quietly looked down at the night view of the Kongtong Sect.

“Is the preparation going well, Miss Mo?”

Yunhyun asked.

Mo Yongmi nodded.

“Royal Inspector Jo is actively cooperating, so it’s progressing well. I wish we had more time to prepare if possible, but we can’t.”

“I’m sorry.”

At the sudden words, Mo Yongmi’s eyes widened.

With a troubled expression, Yunhyun said.

“For making you take on such a risk. You don’t need to…….”

“It’s okay.”

Mo Yongmi said with a smile.

“To become a strategist for such great people, it’s an opportunity that will never come again for a daughter of a martial arts family. There will be so many people who envy me when they find out about this.”

Her words were correct.

But that wasn’t the only reason Mo Yongmi said it was okay.

“And because I can be with Scholar Yun.”

Yunhyun turned to Mo Yongmi with a surprised face.

Mo Yongmi smiled softly.

Swoosh.

The wind blew.

The light flickered on her beautiful face.

“……The wind is cold. Don’t stay out too long.”

Mo Yongmi bowed her head lightly.

“Ah, yes.”

Yunhyun quickly returned her greeting.