Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 526

Side Story 7. Secret Place Beyond the Heavens (2)

Leaving the Imperial Palace, Unhyun strolled leisurely.

Reaching the main street after passing through the inner city, a carriage was waiting.

It was a decent carriage, common to see in Beijing, but not particularly large.

Click.

Unhyun opened the door and got into the carriage.

The carriage, with long curtains instead of walls and a roof, soon began to move.

Clatter, clatter.

The carriage sped along the main street without hesitation.

Passing through the bustling downtown of Beijing and areas crowded with people, Unhyun’s carriage soon entered the residential area on the outskirts of Beijing.

Large, antique mansions were occasionally visible among the spacious gardens. This area was mainly owned by wealthy or powerful individuals from the provinces, though they rarely resided there.

Even now, there was no sign of people coming or going.

Clatter, clatter.

The carriage, passing through the quiet residential area, soon stopped in front of a mansion.

Unhyun got out of the carriage.

Thud.

The old, white-haired servant standing in front of the main gate bowed respectfully to Unhyun.

“Welcome.”

“Nice to meet you. I am Unhyun.”

Unhyun said with a gentle expression.

The old servant smiled.

“It is an honor to meet the Alliance Leader. Please call me Old Man Gwak.”

The servant said politely.

“This way, please.”

Unhyun followed him into the mansion.

Thud.

The mansion had a quiet and comfortable atmosphere.

Despite being in the middle of a residential area, birdsong could be heard, and the antique and elegant landscaping of the mansion made it feel like a secluded resort rather than a residential area in Beijing.

Thud, thud.

The white-haired servant led Unhyun to the backyard of the mansion.

There, several people were already seated, chatting.

Thud.

“Oh, welcome, Alliance Leader.”

As soon as he entered the backyard, a heavy voice was heard.

It was none other than the Gentleman Sword, Jegal Myung, of the Jegal Clan.

Beside him were the Iron Sword, Namgung Byeok, the Flying Sword, Gongson Wol, and the Gwanil Sword, Moryong Dancheon.

“It’s been a while. You all arrived early.”

Unhyun smiled and bowed.

After exchanging brief greetings, Jegal Myung stroked his white beard and said.

“I handed over the position of head of the family, so I have nothing to do, wouldn’t you say? It’s been a while since I’ve been to Beijing, so I came right away.”

“I envy you for having nothing to do.”

The Flying Sword, Gongson Wol, who was sitting next to him, said quietly.

“The Gongson Clan is busy beyond words.”

The Gongson Clan, which had once been in great decline, was rapidly recovering its former prosperity after the Azure Dragon Alliance Inauguration War.

The reconstruction of the main family, which had been temporarily suspended, had also resumed, and the Gongson Clan was very busy and bustling.

“The family is busy, but isn’t the Flying Sword busy?”

At Jegal Myung’s remark, Gongson Wol said as a matter of course.

“Of course. I’m not the head of the family anymore. If I’ve stepped down, it’s only right to make way, isn’t it?”

Gongson Wol greeted Unhyun.

“It’s been a while, Alliance Leader. Young Miss Moryong has been waiting for you.”

“F, Flying Sword.”

Moryong Mi said in surprise, but the words had already been spoken.

Unhyun smiled and said to Moryong Mi.

“I kept you waiting. Should I have gone to the branch and come with you?”

“No, you don’t have to.”

Moryong Mi gave a soft smile.

“I just left early. My work finished quickly, and I was curious about this place.”

This mansion was prepared by Wolhyang, the owner of the Number One Inn in the World.

The antique yet not excessive landscaping, the elegantly standing pavilion, and the meticulously prepared tables and chairs were admirable.

“It’s a really nice place.”

Moryong Mi said sincerely.

Collecting great things doesn’t necessarily produce good results.

The appearance of the backyard clearly showed how outstanding Wolhyang’s aesthetic sense was.

“I’m overwhelmed by your praise.”

Moryong Mi turned her head at the sudden clear voice.

Swish.

A beautiful woman in a colorful dress appeared.

She was none other than Wolhyang, the owner of the Number One Inn in the World.

“Thank you. I’m relieved that Young Miss Moryong said so.”

Wolhyang said with a soft smile.

“Ah, Owner Wol.”

Unhyun had a delighted expression.

Wolhyang moved quietly.

Swish, swish.

With each step she took, the silver-embroidered hem of her dress swayed gently.

Her elegant figure was more like a noblewoman from the Imperial Palace than an entertainer.

Swish.

Stopping, Wolhyang bowed politely.

“Wolhyang greets the honored guests.”

As she lowered her head, the small ornaments on her head sparkled.

The Thousand Hands Divine Nun smiled.

“You become more beautiful every time I see you. Truly the owner of the Number One Inn in the World.”

The Taoist True Man Tae-eul of Mount Hua and the Taoist True Man Cheongsong of Wudang also nodded.

Wolhyang smiled.

“Thank you.”

Wolhyang, who answered in a soft voice, turned her head.

Her gaze was directed at the seat where Guest Elder was sitting with Old Madam Neung Se-yeong.

Swish.

Wolhyang approached Guest Elder.

“Thank you for coming, Elder.”

Wolhyang bowed respectfully.

Guest Elder said in a blunt voice.

“I didn’t come to see you, so there’s no need to thank me.”

Wolhyang chuckled.

“I know. But if it weren’t for you, neither I nor the Number One Inn in the World would exist. Thank you again.”

It was thanks to Guest Elder’s words that Wolhyang was able to start the Number One Inn in the World.

It was truly something she couldn’t help but be grateful for.

But Guest Elder was still indifferent.

“The one who tried to help you wasn’t me, but Hyun. I merely said what came to mind, so don’t think you owe me any favors.”

“Yes, Elder.”

Wolhyang, who answered with a smile, bowed politely and stepped back.

She approached Unhyun.

“Do you like it?”

At Wolhyang’s question, Unhyun nodded.

“Yes. It’s a very nice place. But a mansion like this in Beijing, aren’t you overdoing it?”

“Overdoing it?”

Wolhyang smiled quietly.

“For the Alliance Leader, this is really nothing. And this place is also going to be a branch of ‘Yewol’ [a secret organization helping struggling entertainers] in the future.”

Wolhyang is the owner of the Number One Inn in the World and the head of Yewol.

Beijing was an indispensable area for Yewol’s activities, which secretly helped struggling entertainers.

“I’m going to appoint a separate entertainer to take charge of this place. Please come and visit when that time comes.”

“I understand.”

Unhyun nodded.

Wolhyang gazed at him intently.

“……How can I ever repay this kindness?”

“Help struggling entertainers, just like you initially intended. That will be enough.”

Unhyun’s answer was without hesitation.

Wolhyang smiled.

She was about to say something when.

Swish.

Unhyun turned his eyes at the quiet footsteps.

And he discovered two people approaching the backyard.

With a beautiful appearance that seemed to brighten the surroundings in an instant and a cold, ice-like atmosphere, she was none other than the Great Palace Lord of the Northern Sea.

Her expressionless Bingseol was quietly following behind her as always.

Swish, swish.

The Great Palace Lord, who entered the backyard, stopped.

Rustle.

Amidst the gazes of the group, the Great Palace Lord bowed politely.

Raising her head, she said quietly.

“It’s been a while. It seems I’m a little late.”

“Not at all. We just came early.”

Old Madam Neung Se-yeong said with a smile.

“Welcome. Finally, another protagonist of today has appeared.”

At those words, everyone’s eyes turned to Bingseol at once.

The words ‘another protagonist’ were accurate.

After the competition between the former family heads, elders, and supreme masters, the person who was decided to have a martial arts contest with Azure Dragon Sword Lord Unhyun was none other than Bingseol.

“One person twice. It’s unreasonable.”

Gentleman Sword Jegal Myung said with a displeased expression.

Bingseol had already had a martial arts contest with Unhyun once.

She had once again won the right to face Unhyun.

“Just win, then, won’t you?”

Iron Sword Namgung Byeok said in a calm voice.

“Martial artists speak with results, so if Gentleman Sword wins, no one will object.”

Jegal Myung’s expression was not good, but he couldn’t say anything more.

The result speaks for everything in a martial artist’s duel.

Moreover, facing Azure Dragon Sword Lord Unhyun was something everyone wanted as much as a martial arts contest with Guest Elder.

No matter how unreasonable he said it was to Bingseol, who had fought and won that right, she would not yield.

Everyone already knew how obsessed Bingseol was with Unhyun’s sword.

“Then I will step down now.”

Wolhyang said in a gentle voice.

“Please call me anytime if you need anything.”

After bowing gracefully, Wolhyang left the backyard.

Unhyun did not forget to express his gratitude, but Wolhyang simply shook her head as if it were nothing.

As Unhyun turned around after seeing Wolhyang off.

Swish.

The Great Palace Lord was already standing next to him.

“Ah, Great Palace Lord.”

“I am going to return to the Northern Sea again.”

“Yes?”

Unhyun asked back with a puzzled expression.

It hadn’t been long since she had returned from the Northern Ice Palace, but she was leaving again.

The Great Palace Lord smiled faintly.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be back in the summer. As promised.”

“Ah, yes.”

Unhyun nodded.

It was early spring now, so summer would be soon.

It didn’t seem like they had made a promise, but anyway, it was fortunate that she would be back soon.

“For the time being, the Third Palace Lord will take charge of the Northern Sea. And Bingseol will also return with me. But when we return, it will be with all twelve of the Northern Sea.”

Unhyun’s eyes sparkled.

The Northern Sea martial arts that Bingseol showed had a unique aspect different from this place.

Unhyun’s eyes were sparkling with the expectation that he would be able to experience the Northern Sea martial arts more diversely.

The Great Palace Lord chuckled quietly.

Her appearance was so charming that Unhyun was momentarily speechless.

“So.”

The Great Palace Lord said, looking straight at Unhyun with her beautiful eyes.

“Don’t forget the promise to come in the winter.”

It didn’t seem like she meant that he should go right away this winter, but anyway, Unhyun nodded.

“I understand.”

Unhyun said in a bright voice.

“Everyone will be happy. Everyone will be interested in the Northern Ice Palace.”

The Great Palace Lord’s expression changed slightly.

But that appearance quickly disappeared.

“Yes. It will be an unforgettable time.”

Unhyun flinched.

Those words somehow reminded him of the Great Palace Lord of the past, plotting something sinister.

But the Great Palace Lord was still smiling.

Unhyun gave an awkward smile.

“Young Master Un! When does the martial arts contest start?”

Geum Hwa-yeong, who had approached at some point, asked with sparkling eyes.

The Geum Family, which she had joined, had suddenly emerged as a rising martial arts family in Honam Province.

The word ‘rising’ didn’t really suit the Geum Family, which had a long history, but the Geum Family, with Geum Hwa-yeong’s martial arts and the name of the Azure Dragon Alliance, was expanding its influence day by day.

Geum Hye-rin’s brilliant advice, as well as the strong support of the Hoam Merchant Group, were of great help.

“Let’s start slowly.”

At Unhyun’s words, Geum Hwa-yeong had a puzzled expression.

It seemed like she wanted to see the martial arts contest right away.

But Unhyun smiled.

“What’s the rush on such a good day? It’ll be enough to do it a little slowly.”

He didn’t know it before.

When he was learning martial arts from his sworn brother Il Chung-hyun, he just wanted to learn even one more thing as quickly as possible.

If he could go back to that time now, he wouldn’t do that.

He would talk to his sworn brother more, listen to his words, and empathize with his feelings and heart.

Why didn’t he realize it then?

That those small moments were so precious, that they would be missed so painfully.