Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 504

504. Recapturing Lanzhou

Lanzhou, a major city in Gansu province, had fallen to the government army.

In a single battle, they drove out the forces of the Demonic Sect and recaptured Lanzhou.

However, it was by no means an easy feat.

“At first, I really thought, ‘Oh dear, this is a disaster,’ you see,” Eunuch Park said, holding a teacup.

He was sitting across from Unhyun in a mansion within Lanzhou.

Eunuch Park sighed and continued, “Well, the government army’s cavalry, charging towards the Demonic Sect’s forces, suffered near-total annihilation, wouldn’t you know.”

The Demonic Sect’s forces, controlled by the Demonic Army, were powerful.

Their formation did not crumble even under the cavalry’s charge; rather, they counterattacked the cavalry, inflicting heavy damage.

“Then what did you do? If the cavalry was in such a state, morale must have plummeted,” Unhyun asked, and Eunuch Park nodded.

“Indeed. Fortunately, we had capable generals on our side, so they immediately signaled the cavalry to retreat. And they delayed the main force’s advance as much as possible, dealing with them using cannons. It was clear that engaging in a direct battle would result in enormous casualties on our side.”

Eunuch Park had many capable and experienced generals under his command.

They already had plans prepared for various scenarios and immediately suggested to Eunuch Park the use of cannons.

Eunuch Park readily accepted the suggestion.

This was the reason for the unexpected cannon fire that Unhyun and his group had heard.

“The cannons were effective. But it was only a stopgap measure anyway.”

Clink.

Eunuch Park said, putting down his teacup.

The cannon fire was effective, but the Demonic Sect’s forces did not stop.

The Demonic soldiers, under the command of the Demonic Army, charged towards the government army without regard for the heavy shelling.

As the distance closed, the cannons could no longer be used, and the Demonic Sect’s forces surged towards the government army like an angry tide.

“In the end, we had to be prepared for enormous casualties among our soldiers, or perhaps even defeat.”

The miraculous event occurred at that very moment.

The Demonic Sect’s forces, which had been rushing in, suddenly fell into chaos.

They howled like beasts and did not know what to do.

Some were sprawled on the ground, while others lost their composure and attacked their fellow Demonic soldiers.

“The moment I saw the Demonic Sect’s forces suddenly thrown into chaos, I realized it. Scholar Unhyun had succeeded,” Eunuch Park said.

Eunuch Park could sense it intuitively.

Although he did not know that the death of the Illusion Demon would cause chaos among the Demonic soldiers, he knew that this miraculous event was created by Unhyun.

While even his subordinate generals were confused, Eunuch Park ordered the entire army to advance without delay.

The retreating cavalry also rushed out, and the main force, which had been delaying its advance, launched a full-scale counterattack.

“And that is how we finally recaptured Lanzhou. Heh heh heh.”

“You’ve worked very hard,” Unhyun said in a soft voice, holding his teacup.

Eunuch Park smiled.

“What did I do? I simply listened to the opinions of the generals and allowed them to demonstrate their abilities. Scholar Unhyun did the decisive work.”

It was a humble statement, but it also showed Unhyun Eunuch Park’s excellence.

Those who seize power tend to do as they please.

On the other hand, there are those who recognize their own shortcomings and allow their subordinates to demonstrate their abilities.

Such people were truly qualified to be rulers.

Rather than forcing subordinates to obey, they listen attentively while not losing sight of their clear goals; Eunuch Park was just such a person.

“Did you capture anyone who appeared to be the Demonic Lord (魔君)?” [The Demonic Lord is the leader of the Demonic Sect.]

At Unhyun’s question, Eunuch Park shrugged.

“We received reports that one was killed in the midst of the battle, but we could not confirm it. As you know, Demonic soldiers do not leave corpses behind.”

When a Demonic soldier dies, they simply shatter.

Since not even remnants remain properly, there was no way to confirm.

“I see.”

“Will it be a problem?”

Unhyun smiled wryly and shook his head.

“I don’t think so. Even if the Demonic Lord is alive, the Demonic Sect will have to hide for the time being.”

“Then it won’t be easy to completely eradicate the Demonic Sect.”

The Demonic Sect hides in the shadows and uses bizarre sorcery.

Even though the Illusion Demon was dead, completely uprooting them was a difficult task.

“However, they won’t be able to move openly, so there shouldn’t be any major problems. As long as there isn’t too much bloodshed in the world, we should be fine for at least a hundred years.”

Decades had passed since the war between the Orthodox and Demonic factions, but the Demonic Sect had not recovered its strength.

If it hadn’t been for the Mercantile Alliance, they would still have been hiding in the shadows.

“A hundred years? That’s ambiguous. But well, I won’t live for a hundred years anyway.”

At Eunuch Park’s words, Unhyun smiled.

“Then you will now return to the Imperial Palace.”

“No.”

Shaking his head, Eunuch Park smiled.

“Now that I’ve come this far, I plan to conduct a major inspection of Gansu. The Demonic Sect has made such a mess, so there’s plenty of justification. I plan to weed out all the corrupt officials and those who have accumulated wealth illegally on this occasion.”

Eunuch Park’s words were natural.

It was absolutely necessary, both in terms of assigning responsibility and severing the connections between the Demonic Sect and the government.

“Investigating Censor Jo Gwan is rushing over here. He has been quietly conducting an internal investigation into the officials of Gansu during his period of self-reflection. Huhu.”

Investigating Censor Jo Gwan, who had been summoned to the Beijing Investigation Bureau, had his duties suspended and was ordered to a period of self-reflection.

During that time, Jo Gwan had been conducting documentary investigations into numerous officials in Gansu.

Even if it was only on paper, it was impossible to escape the keen eyes of a capable investigating censor.

Now, if he were to confront the officials and begin questioning them, he would be able to inspect Gansu as if it were the palm of his hand.

“I will send Investigating Censor Jo Gwan to Scholar Unhyun as soon as this inspection is over.”

“There’s no need for that. He is capable, so it would be better for him to be used greatly for the country.”

“Is that so? I understand.”

Eunuch Park’s words were tantamount to deciding the promotion of Investigating Censor Jo Gwan.

“Ah, yes, and about the Mount Kongtong Sect.”

Eunuch Park said, holding his teacup.

“They have made no small contribution to this matter, so I plan to recommend them for a reward. Initially, we were planning to build them a Taoist temple and grant them a fief like the Wudang Sect, but they adamantly refused.”

Unhyun nodded.

It was understandable for the Taoists of the Mount Kongtong Sect, who had dedicated themselves to the mission of subduing demons.

“But we can’t just let it pass without doing anything. So I was thinking of asking His Majesty to bestow a handwritten inscription. What do you think?”

“Oh, that’s good.”

For the Emperor to bestow a handwritten inscription was tantamount to receiving recognition from the Imperial Family.

For the Mount Kongtong Sect, which was even being misunderstood by some as a heretical sect, it was like gaining the justification of a dignified orthodox sect and the guarantee of the Imperial Family.

“Right? I was originally going to bestow a plaque, but I thought they would refuse that too.”

A plaque is like a signboard hung at the entrance of a building.

For the Emperor to bestow a plaque was more than just bestowing a signboard; it was an extraordinary event that included receiving land and servants, as well as being exempt from taxes.

However, at the same time, they would not be able to ignore the influence of the Imperial Family, so it was highly likely that the Mount Kongtong Sect, which pursued its own independent mission, would not welcome it.

“Then let’s do that for the Mount Kongtong Sect, and let’s reward the entire Azure Dragon Alliance for the sects that helped in this matter.”

Sip.

Eunuch Park, after drinking his tea, looked at Unhyun and smiled.

“But what should we do for Scholar Unhyun? You’ve already refused the position of being second to none… How about an Imperial Princess?”

Unhyun smiled wryly.

“I don’t need anything. If there’s a reward, you should receive it.”

“I already have,” Eunuch Park said without hesitation.

“Scholar Unhyun’s safety is the greatest reward for me. Huhu.”

“Is that so? Then I’ve already received it too,” Unhyun said with a smile.

“Your safety is more precious to me than anything else.”

Eunuch Park, holding his teacup, narrowed his eyes and laughed.

“Hehe. I know it’s a lie, but it feels good.”

“A lie! This is the truth,” Unhyun said, even stiffening his face.

But Eunuch Park’s soft smile still lingered on his lips.

***

Although Lanzhou had been recaptured, the situation was miserable.

The long siege and the Demonic Sect’s looting had devastated Lanzhou.

Many people had lost their lives, property and buildings had been burned, and most of the government office’s documents had been lost.

Considering that the damage could have been greatly reduced if the former Governor-General had paid a little more attention, it was an even more painful matter.

But now, the restoration of Lanzhou was left to the survivors.

Unhyun and his group decided to leave Lanzhou.

However, the Taoists of the Mount Kongtong Sect still had work to do.

“We must subdue the remnants of the Demonic Sect hiding throughout Gansu,” Cheonunja, the acting sect leader of the Mount Kongtong Sect, said quietly.

“The people of Gansu must have suffered immense damage during that time, which is truly unfortunate,” Cheonunja recited a Taoist mantra in a low voice.

From the perspective of the Imperial Court, they had only briefly lost the major city of Lanzhou, but the suffering that the people of the entire Gansu had to endure as a result was great.

It clearly showed how much influence the Imperial Family and the Imperial Court had on the peace of the world.

“Still, Kongtong has done a great job. Thank you so much,” Unhyun said to Cheonunja.

The Mount Kongtong Sect had made remarkable contributions in this uprising of the Blood Demon Sect and the Demonic Sect.

It was a meaningful event for them, who had dedicated themselves to the mission of subduing demons, and they had gained a lot from this event.

They had escaped their misunderstood situation and gained great fame, and they had even received recognition from the Imperial Family, so it was truly a great achievement.

“It was simply what we had to do. Rather, the grace that Alliance Leader has bestowed on Kongtong is truly great,” Cheonunja recited a Taoist mantra and bowed respectfully.

The Mount Kongtong Sect had been virtually neutralized by the attack on the former sect leader and the four great elders.

Unhyun had come to such a Mount Kongtong Sect and awakened the Subduing Dragon and Subduing Demon Sword and helped them regain the Subduing Demon Formation.

If it hadn’t been for Unhyun, how could the Mount Kongtong Sect have fulfilled its mission in this uprising of the Blood Demon Sect and the Demonic Sect?

Therefore, Cheonunja’s expression of grace was not at all excessive.

“The Mount Kongtong Sect will never forget Alliance Leader’s trust,” Cheonunja said, his eyes shining.

Although they could not officially join the Azure Dragon Alliance, the Mount Kongtong Sect would always share the same goals as Unhyun.

“Thank you. Then please be careful on your way,” Unhyun politely returned the greeting to Cheonunja.

It was certain that Cheonunja would formally ascend to the position of sect leader after this chaos was over.

Everyone had to acknowledge his ability to lead the Mount Kongtong Sect through the crisis and prevent the uprising of the Blood Demon Sect and the Demonic Sect.

Cheonunja smiled.

“I wish you a safe journey.”

The greeting was quite meaningful.

Unhyun replaced his answer with a calm smile.

“I’ll be leaving too,” suddenly, a clear voice was heard.

Unhyun turned his head.

Tang Seol-yeon was looking at Unhyun and said, “I sincerely thank you for Alliance Leader’s help. Although I was not able to be of much help here in Lanzhou, the Tang Family will be more useful than Alliance Leader thinks, in many ways.”

“Yes. I’ll look forward to it,” Unhyun said with a smile.

And he glanced back at Yeonghojun.

Yeonghojun said with a picturesque smile, “If I leave now, I don’t know when I’ll be able to see my beloved plum blossom again. Ah, really, my heart is…”

“It won’t be long,” Tang Seol-yeon said, interrupting Yeonghojun.

“I’ll go to Hangzhou as soon as the family matters are settled. Isn’t the really important thing happening in Hangzhou, not Chengdu?”

“I, is that so?” Yeonghojun seemed slightly flustered.

He had not expected that she, the chief strategist, would so easily say that she would come to Hangzhou.

But Yeonghojun soon smiled.

“I’m so glad to hear that. I’ll be waiting for the day my beloved plum blossom comes…”

“That’s what will happen,” Tang Seol-yeon interrupted Yeonghojun again.

Yeonghojun blinked, wondering what she meant, but Tang Seol-yeon smiled faintly.

“The Tang Family has many mysterious medicines. Until I get there, Jun Lang [term of endearment] will not be able to turn his eyes to other women. He will only be counting the days until I arrive. Wouldn’t that be fair to each other?”

“Y, Yeon Mae? What is that…” Yeonghojun stammered, his face pale.

But Tang Seol-yeon turned her head.

“Grandfather,” Tang Seol-yeon said, looking at Guest Elder.

“Please take care of me.”

It was an ambiguous statement, but Guest Elder understood.

She was now entrusting the fate of the Tang Family and herself entirely to Guest Elder.

“Okay,” the answer was short, but that was enough for Tang Seol-yeon.

Tang Seol-yeon smiled brightly.

“Ah, right,” Unhyun said as if he suddenly remembered something.

“Would you please convey what the Tang Family knows about the Mercantile Alliance and Mun Wang to the North Sea One Clan?”

Tang Seol-yeon looked puzzled, but soon, she let out a low sigh.

She realized that Unhyun was tracking the Mercantile Alliance through the North Sea One Clan.