Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 472

472. The Beginning of the Final Battle

Three days later, Unhyun and his group descended Mount Kongtong with three hundred disciples of the Kongtong Sect.

The surrounding residents stared at the procession, eyes wide.

It was the first time the Kongtong Sect had moved on such a large scale.

Clatter, clatter.

The sight of hundreds of horses and a dozen large carriages moving was spectacular.

This was a new experience for the Kongtong Sect disciples as well.

Not only the elite first-generation disciples but also the second and third-generation disciples showed clear signs of both tension and pride.

“Fortunately, we were able to prepare in time.”

Cheonunja smiled at Unhyun’s words.

The two were riding in the same carriage.

“Haha, isn’t it all thanks to the support from the Alliance Leader?”

Recently, Unhyun had been financially supporting the Kongtong Sect in the name of the Azure Dragon Alliance.

Thanks to this, the Kongtong Sect was facing the Blood Cult in a more prosperous state than ever before.

“To think I would see such a sight… I never even imagined it in my dreams.”

Cheonunja was quite moved.

In fact, there were even more supplies that were supposed to come to the Kongtong Sect.

Inspector Jo Gwan had also requested support from the government.

However, the request was being delayed for incomprehensible ‘administrative reasons.’

Jo Gwan was eager to start the inspection immediately, but he had to restrain himself, fearing it would add to the confusion.

Clatter, clatter.

“Have you received any news from Lady Nung and Miss Geum?”

“Not yet.”

Moyongmi, the temporary strategist, answered Unhyun’s question.

“The first-generation disciples of the Kongtong Sect are with them, and both of them are highly skilled, so there shouldn’t be any problems.”

Moyongmi continued in a calm voice.

“I have sent a letter urging them to retreat immediately if the situation seems dangerous.”

Unhyun nodded.

The Kongtong Sect disciples there were skilled first-generation disciples.

Moreover, with Nung Se-yeong and Geum Hwa-yeong present, there should be no danger.

Clatter, clatter.

The dust kicked up by the dozen carriages and hundreds of horses rose thickly.

The sight was like a shadow of anxiety rising in Unhyun’s heart.

Unhyun and his group, along with the three hundred Kongtong Sect disciples, sped along the main road.

To get to Qinghai Lake, they had to pass through Lanzhou and the southern end of the Qilian Mountains.

To avoid any possible disputes, they did not stop in Lanzhou, and the procession soon entered the Qilian Mountains.

The road continued along a narrow valley.

As part of the famous Hexi Corridor [a historical trade route], the road winding through the desolate mountains was like a long corridor, eliciting admiration from Unhyun and his group.

However, unlike the main road, the condition of the road was not very good, so the procession had to stop frequently for maintenance.

Fortunately, there was a small village in the middle, which eased the difficulties.

Only after passing through the rough and rugged road could the procession finally arrive at Xining, a city near Qinghai Lake.

***

The dust kicked up by two hundred and fifty horses rose into the blue sky.

Having departed from Xining, the procession left the mountains and raced across the wilderness towards Qinghai Lake.

The cold wind of the plateau struck their cheeks, but Unhyun and his group, along with the Kongtong Sect disciples, were already dressed in fur coats.

Clatter, clatter.

Although they had rested for a day in Xining, it was not easy to adapt to the unique environment of the highlands.

If they had not stayed on Mount Kongtong for three days as Moyongmi had suggested, they would have experienced considerable difficulties.

Looking at the vast, undulating lake and the snow-capped mountains in the distance, the procession sped across the desolate land.

And after a while, Unhyun and his group, along with the Kongtong Sect disciples, arrived at the place where Nung Se-yeong and Geum Hwa-yeong were.

“Welcome.”

The old woman, Nung Se-yeong, greeted the group with a smile.

She, Geum Hwa-yeong, and the Kongtong Sect disciples were staying in large nomadic tents [gers or yurts].

It was a sunny spot with a sprawling meadow, so at first glance, it looked like a nomadic campsite.

“I feel relieved now that you’re here.”

Geum Hwa-yeong also greeted Unhyun and his group with a happy expression.

“Are you alright? Was the journey difficult?”

“Fortunately, nothing happened. Thank you for your hard work.”

Unhyun replied with a smile.

Perhaps because of the intense sunlight, Nung Se-yeong and Geum Hwa-yeong’s skin had become slightly darker in the meantime.

“Let’s go inside first. We have a lot to talk about.”

At Nung Se-yeong’s words, Unhyun nodded.

While the Kongtong Sect disciples unloaded their luggage from the horses, Unhyun and his group headed to the largest nomadic tent, following Nung Se-yeong.

The quiet campsite was becoming bustling with people and horses.

Pour.

The teacup was filled, and a soft fragrance spread inside the tent.

It seemed to relieve their fatigue.

“I’ve felt it before, but you really can’t live here without tea.”

The old woman, Nung Se-yeong, said, holding the teacup.

The tent was large enough for everyone to enter, but there were no chairs, so everyone sat around on the carpets spread on the floor.

“If I usually drink tea to enjoy the aroma, here, it feels like I’m drinking it to survive. Hahaha.”

The group agreed with her words.

The warm tea melted the bodies of the group who had been riding in the cold wind of the highlands.

The faint charcoal brazier in the middle of the tent and the steam rising from the teapot placed on it were simply appreciated.

“Come to think of it, I haven’t formally introduced you yet.”

Rustle.

Unhyun said, rising from his seat.

“Everyone, this is Lady Nung, who single-handedly thwarted the Blood Cult’s ambitions in the past. She is truly worthy of being called a hero.”

Shuffle.

As if by agreement, the elders and family heads rose from their seats.

Although it was uncomfortable inside the tent, no one cared.

“……Huh.”

The old woman, Nung Se-yeong, let out a soft chuckle as she looked at them waiting for her.

She already knew that these people were the elders and family heads of each sect.

They were the highest authorities in the Jianghu [martial arts world], waiting to pay their respects to Nung Se-yeong.

“What are you doing? Get up quickly.”

Geum Hwa-yeong, who was standing behind her, urged her master as if scolding her.

But her eyes were already filled with tears.

The old woman, Nung Se-yeong, rose from her seat.

Swish.

Unhyun and the elders and family heads all bowed their heads with their hands clasped together.

There were no loud greetings, but that was enough.

The old woman, Nung Se-yeong, politely returned their greetings.

“I am glad to meet you all like this.”

Nung Se-yeong said, clasping her hands together.

“……And, thank you.”

Her voice trembled slightly.

The tender-hearted Geum Hwa-yeong looked as if she would burst into tears at any moment.

The soft fragrance rising from the teapot on the brazier warmly filled the tent.

After sitting back down on the carpets and cushions, Unhyun introduced the group to Nung Se-yeong and Geum Hwa-yeong.

The elders and family heads couldn’t help but be amazed as they looked at Nung Se-yeong and Geum Hwa-yeong.

In particular, they showed great interest in the realm of the young Geum Hwa-yeong.

It was clear that her future actions would have a significant impact on the Jianghu martial world.

After the introductions, the group discussed countermeasures against the Blood Cult.

“So, the Blood Cult doesn’t know the location of this place.”
Moyongmi said.

Nung Se-yeong nodded.

“That’s right. We haven’t stayed in one place for long and have been constantly moving our campsite. Jiokhyulryong [Blood Demon Dragon] is cunning, but his temperament is hasty and not cautious, so there is no possibility that he will attack this place.”

“That’s a relief. You’ve really been through a lot.”
Moyongmi’s voice was sincere.

The old woman, Nung Se-yeong, smiled gently.

“Thank you. You are very kind. I wish my disciple would learn from you.”

“Hey, what’s wrong with me!”

Geum Hwa-yeong protested, but Nung Se-yeong ignored her.

Nung Se-yeong continued.

“I have ordered the Seolyung Squad [Snowy Peak Squad] to retreat, leaving only the minimum number of people behind. Ten out of thirty are missing, so the sacrifice is great.”

The bodies of the Seolyung Squad warriors who had lost contact were not even found.

This is because if they are eroded by the energy of the Blood Fiend, they become Blood Demons or turn into a puddle of blood.

“Moreover, the energy of the Blood Fiend is getting stronger. We need to move as soon as possible.”

“I understand.”
Moyongmi nodded.

“Since there is no advantage to night raids against the Blood Demons, we will strike their base tomorrow at dawn.”

There were no objections.

Moyongmi said to the people.

“The final battle is tomorrow morning.”

Her eyes shone resolutely.

The moment to fight the Blood Cult was approaching.

***

Between the desolate valleys stood an unfamiliar and massive structure.

The colors, which must have been brilliant in the past, had already faded beyond recognition, and the partially collapsed appearance was exactly like that of an abandoned ancient temple.

The bizarre structures of protruding cones soaring into the sky had also been neglected for a long time, making one feel the traces of time.

Once the object of reverence and fear for many people, this large temple had long been forgotten from people’s memories along with the ancient kingdom that had already declined.

However, the massive temple still remained here, silently overlooking the blue Qinghai Lake.

Doo-doo-doo-doo.

Along with a low rumble, hundreds of people on horseback appeared at the entrance of the valley.

It was Unhyun and his group, along with the three hundred and fifty disciples of the Kongtong Sect.

Reaching the entrance of the valley, they slowly stopped their horses.

Whoosh.

Suddenly, a warrior in white uniform appeared from somewhere.

It was the Seolyung Squad, who had been monitoring this place.

He approached Unhyun on horseback and bowed his head in respect.

Swish.

The warrior raised his head.

“They haven’t moved.”

His tone was somewhat awkward, but it was enough to convey his meaning.

Unhyun said in a soft voice.

“I understand. Thank you for your hard work.”

The warrior bowed lightly and retreated.

Unhyun, still on horseback, raised his eyes and looked at the massive ancient temple.

“It’s like a fortress.”

Unhyun said in a low voice.

Moyongmi, who was next to him, agreed with his words.

The bizarre and imposing appearance of the temple was inspiring fear rather than reverence.

The entrance to the temple was also only one, so it really had a fortress-like structure, not just a metaphor.

“Is that the base of the Blood Cult?”

At Moyongmi’s words, Unhyun nodded.

“Yes, it is certain.”

There was no need to wait for confirmation from others.

Unhyun could clearly see the dark energy flowing out of the ancient temple.

It was very similar to the energy that emanated from the Lost Souls when the Murim Alliance collapsed in the past.

“Tsk.”

Guest Elder clicked his tongue, frowning.

Although he could not see the black energy, he could clearly feel the eerie energy flowing out of the ancient temple.

The other family heads also frowned, and the Taoist elders, who were sensitive to this energy, were constantly chanting Taoist and Buddhist mantras.

The same was true for Hyechen of Shaolin and Cheonsu Shinni of Emei.

“Alliance Leader, then now…….”
Moyongmi said to Unhyun.

The plan to attack the Blood Cult’s base had already been established.

The three hundred and fifty Kongtong Sect disciples were assigned roles according to their capabilities.

The Taoist elders, including the Kongtong Sect, the family heads of the aristocratic families, as well as Hyechen of Shaolin and Cheonsu Shinni of Emei, and the absolute masters such as Nung Se-yeong and Geum Hwa-yeong, were all assigned their respective tasks.

Now, all that remained was to pour out all the power they had.

As Bigeom Gongson-wol had compared it, like the hooves of a warhorse trampling on an antlion’s pit.

“Yes.”

Unhyun replied quietly.

“It’s time to move out.”

Unhyun’s eyes, looking at the ancient temple, were coldly sunken.