Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 481

481. Chaos

Clack, clack.

Un-hyun’s carriage sliced through the opulent streets of Nanjing.

As soon as the people on the street saw the large, black carriage, they couldn’t tear their eyes away, exclaiming, “It’s the Best Building Under Heaven!”

Carriages that were passing by yielded the right-of-way, and pedestrians stopped to gawk at the carriage.

Normally, Un-hyun would have been embarrassed by the spectacle, but his expression was now frozen and grim.

“When did the incident in Gansu occur?”

Un-hyun asked Young-ho-joon.

“Since I only became aware of it recently, it seems the incident occurred shortly after the Alliance Leader departed Gansu,” Young-ho-joon replied with a serious expression.

“If you had delayed any longer, you would have undoubtedly been caught up in it,” Moyongmi, who was beside him, said in a low voice.

“Gansu is vast. Exactly which area of Gansu did the unrest break out in?”

Young-ho-joon shook his head. “That hasn’t been accurately reported yet. In fact, the number of people in Nanjing who are aware that a riot has occurred is currently very small. Of course, it’s only a matter of time before the rumors spread.”

The more shocking the news, the faster it propagates.

Even if the court tries to suppress the news of the riot, people will inevitably find out soon enough.

Rustle.

Bing-seol, who had been sitting silently, retrieved a thin letter from her bosom.

Un-hyun looked at Bing-seol with a puzzled expression. “Miss?”

Bing-seol simply bowed her head slightly and remained silent.

Un-hyun took the letter.

‘Ah.’

Un-hyun immediately recognized the sharp and precise handwriting.

It was the handwriting of the Great Palace Lord, the leader of the North Sea One Clan.

Moyongmi and Young-ho-joon seemed to have noticed as well, but they said nothing.

Un-hyun read the Great Palace Lord’s letter and then sighed softly.

Rustle.

Un-hyun handed the letter to Chief Strategist Young-ho-joon and said, “The Demonic Sect’s forces have established a camp right in front of Lanzhou.”

Young-ho-joon quickly examined the letter and frowned. “Right in front of Lanzhou, without any warning…”

Lanzhou is the capital of Gansu.

It wasn’t a remote area on the outskirts, but the very heart of Gansu that was now in danger.

Well, if it wasn’t that serious, it wouldn’t have been reported to the central court.

To effectively govern the vast world, the autonomy of local officials was guaranteed, and officials often concealed or downplayed problems to avoid being held accountable.

Ironically, that was one reason why organizations like the Eastern Depot [a secret intelligence agency] gained power.

“May I take a look?” Moyongmi, who was sitting next to him, asked.

When Un-hyun nodded, Young-ho-joon handed the letter to Moyongmi.

Moyongmi calmly read the letter, her expression hardening.

Rustle.

Moyongmi carefully folded the letter and returned it to Un-hyun. “According to this letter, two things have become clear. First, the Demonic Sect’s forces have revealed themselves, and second, Gansu has been effectively cut off because of this.”

Gansu has a unique terrain called the Hexi Corridor [a historical route in northwestern China].

From Lanzhou, the capital in the south, to Yumen Pass [a strategic pass on the Great Wall] in the northwest, the north and south are blocked by mountain ranges, forming a narrow and long corridor.

With Lanzhou, the southern entrance of this Hexi Corridor, blocked, the area behind it is completely isolated.

“Then the border defense forces won’t be able to help either.”

“Even if Gansu wasn’t blocked, the border defense forces wouldn’t move,” Un-hyun said quietly.

Moyongmi nodded. “That’s right. Moving the border defense forces for internal affairs is akin to inviting national ruin.”

The border defense forces are the front line and the last bastion of national defense.

Moving the border defense forces for any reason other than an invasion by foreign enemies was unacceptable, even if the Demonic Sect’s forces had risen.

“But the Demonic Sect’s forces…”

The letter from the Great Palace Lord clearly stated that the enemies were the Demonic Sect’s forces.

Moyongmi, who had seen the Blood Demons not long ago, bit her lip without realizing it. The Demonic Sect’s forces were sure to be monstrous beings as well.

“The big change in the court must be because of this,” Un-hyun said.

At Un-hyun’s words, Young-ho-joon nodded. “That’s right. If Lanzhou is breached, the next is Xi’an. It’s as if a highway to the Central Plains is opening up, so the court must be in an uproar.”

Xi’an, formerly known as Chang’an, has been a strategic point for generations. If it were to be occupied, the entire Central Plains could be threatened. Naturally, the central court would be in turmoil.

Not only were they coming up with countermeasures, but someone had to take responsibility for what had happened.

Un-hyun asked in a quiet voice, “What happened in the court?”

“It’s just one of the rumors so far, but there’s talk that Eunuch Park has been ousted.”

“Ousted? Eunuch Park?” Moyongmi asked back with a surprised expression.

If he was ousted, it meant he had lost power and been removed from his position.

“Yes. I don’t know the exact details, but the entire Nanjing is in turmoil right now. It must be that a huge figure has been ousted, right?”

The Nanjing would receive almost no impact from the revolt in Gansu. However, if the entire Nanjing was buzzing, it was impossible unless a powerful figure in the central court, such as Eunuch Park, was ousted.

Clack, clack.

“It will become clear when Commander Jo returns from Nanking…” Un-hyun quietly opened his mouth. “I expected Eunuch Park to take responsibility anyway.”

Young-ho-joon’s eyes sparkled. Moyongmi also asked with a surprised expression, “Then does that mean you’ve already prepared a countermeasure?”

Un-hyun gave a bitter smile. “I have prepared one, but not everything can be avoided just because you expected it. I’ve only tried to minimize the impact and find a way to defeat the Demonic Sect’s threat as a result.”

Since Eunuch Park was the current power holder, it was inevitable that he would take responsibility. Some people skillfully avoid it or pass it on to others, but Eunuch Park was not that kind of person.

How could someone whom the Crown Prince trusted enough to entrust his life to avoid responsibility with shallow tricks?

Young-ho-joon nodded and said, “The letter that Alliance Leader sent to Eunuch Park contained even those details.”

“That’s right,” Un-hyun nodded. The thick letter sent to Eunuch Park was not only about the Blood Cult and the Demonic Sect, it also clearly mentioned the political impact that would occur as a result of this incident.

If Eunuch Park, who was familiar with the ecology of the imperial family and the power relations of the central court, was handling things, there would be little to worry about.

“However, whether things will proceed as planned is another matter…” Un-hyun couldn’t shake his concern. Eunuch Park was a very precious relative to Un-hyun. If anything were to happen to him, Un-hyun would never stand still.

“What are you going to do about the Demonic Sect?” Moyongmi asked.

Un-hyun quietly continued, “The court will move the troops. If Lanzhou is in danger, it’s not the time to worry about public sentiment. And if the troops move…”

With a bitter smile, Un-hyun said, “There’s almost nothing an individual can do.”

In a situation where armies clash, there is little that an individual can do, even if he is the Alliance Leader of the Azure Dragon Alliance.

“But I don’t think you’ll just stand by,” Moyongmi sighed softly.

Un-hyun smiled. Perhaps her sigh was out of concern for Un-hyun’s safety.

Un-hyun said with shining eyes, “Yes. I intend to do what I have to do.”

Young-ho-joon nodded as if he expected it. Moyongmi also gave a faint smile.

Clack, clack.

Carrying people lost in their thoughts, the carriage raced unhindered towards the Best Building Under Heaven in Nanjing.

Only Bing-seol and Gaek-ong silently watched the splendid streets of Nanjing passing by outside the carriage.

***

The Best Building Under Heaven was still breathtaking.

Not only the elders and supreme masters, but even the heads of families who were accustomed to all sorts of splendor couldn’t help but be amazed by the Best Building Under Heaven.

“Amazing. This is a painting that is known to be impossible to obtain now,” Among them, the most surprised was the Gentleman’s Sword, Je-gal-myung. He, who was knowledgeable about everything, showed great interest in everything from the architectural style of the Best Building Under Heaven to the paintings, calligraphy, and sculptures.

The Iron Sword, Nam-goong-byuk, and the Flying Sword, Gongsun-wol, also offered lavish praise.

The soft light that brightly illuminated the ceiling and walls seemed to emanate from nowhere, making it impossible to discern whether it was night or day.

“Heo-eo. They say this place is a separate world, and indeed, one would forget even time here,” The Thousand Hands Divine Nun couldn’t help but be amazed. The Taoist Taeeul of Mount Hua and the Taoist Cheongsong of Wudang, as well as the old woman, Neung Se-young, also showed surprise.

Geum Hwa-young’s eyes sparkled, and she even opened her mouth wide and looked around.

Un-hyun, who arrived late, smiled as he watched the scene. He had only sponsored this place, but he was inwardly pleased to see the group admiring the Best Building Under Heaven.

Thump, thump.

Un-hyun turned his head at the sound of footsteps. Wol-hyang, the owner of this place, was approaching with her guard, Yeon-hwa.

“Ah, Owner Wol,” When Un-hyun made a welcoming expression, Wol-hyang smiled. As an entertainer, she was already past her prime, but she was still elegant and dignified.

Wol-hyang, who stopped in front of Un-hyun, bowed politely. The colorful hair ornaments in her hair swayed and sparkled under the light.

“Welcome.”

Un-hyun smiled and returned the greeting to Wol-hyang’s greeting. “It’s been a while, Owner.”

Sarak.

Wol-hyang, who raised her head, smiled. Her smiling appearance was enough to captivate the eyes of the group.

“I am truly happy to see you in good health, Master.”

Un-hyun was startled. The group’s gaze immediately turned to Un-hyun.

“That, that title…” Un-hyun said with an awkward expression, but Wol-hyang sighed softly. “I know. I know that the title of Master is awkward, but the rules of the entertainers are strict, so I can’t help it. Besides, you are the owner of this place and our protector, so we have no choice but to call you Master.”

It was a logical explanation, but Un-hyun became even more embarrassed. What Un-hyun said was actually the word before ‘Master’.

The Thousand Hands Divine Nun sighed, and the sly gazes of the family heads poured over Un-hyun. In the meantime, Wol-hyang also paid her respects to Gaek-ong and turned her body to look at the elders, family heads, and supreme masters.

Sarak.

Wol-hyang put her hands on her chest and bowed her head. “It is truly an honor to have such precious people visit us. We have prepared a special place for you.”

Raising her head and shining her eyes, Wol-hyang said, “The best seat in the Best Building Under Heaven, reserved only for the Master and his guests.”

Those words especially pleased the family heads. The Best Building Under Heaven, which no one can enter, and a seat reserved only for special people.

“Ho-oh, I’m looking forward to it,” Je-gal-myung said, stroking his beard.

Wol-hyang smiled. “Yes. You can look forward to it.”

Her confident eyes made Je-gal-myung smile. Other family heads, elders, and supreme masters also moved with anticipation, following Wol-hyang’s guidance.

Un-hyun sighed. The dangerous moment had passed, but the strange misunderstanding seemed to have deepened.

Un-hyun, who was about to move, suddenly saw that Moyongmi was still there. “Let’s go, Miss Moyong.”

“Ah, yes,” Moyongmi, who had been thinking about something, smiled. Un-hyun followed the group with her.

Sarak, sarak.

As the quiet footsteps echoed, the two slowly walked down the splendid corridor of the Best Building Under Heaven.