Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 56

056. The Young Lord of the North Sea Ice Palace

Swish.

Binghun sheathed his sword with a displeased expression.

Yunhyun urged Binghun, as if to hurry him.

“Come, let’s leave quickly before more bandits gather.”

“I am not afraid.”

“Of course, I know. But wouldn’t it be troublesome if we are delayed?”

Yunhyun was already learning how to deal with Binghun.

Binghun seemed reluctant but soon got into the carriage, and it departed.

Clatter, clatter.

Yunhyun, sitting next to the coachman, glanced back.

Beyond the groaning bandits, he could sense the presence of hidden bandits.

‘Let them take care of their own injured.’

‘Okay, that side is settled now.’

Yunhyun recalled Binghun’s movements from just now and smiled contentedly.

‘I gained another one today.’

Binghun’s swordsmanship and movements were certainly unique.

Thanks to that, Yunhyun’s book was filled with new records every day.

‘It seems like we’re encountering bandit groups a bit too often…….’

Strangely, the group encountered bandits frequently.

Of course, Yunhyun was partly responsible for that.

Yunhyun was practically in charge of guiding the way, but since it was his first time, he often went around in circles.

It was only natural that going around would increase the chances of encountering bandits.

Besides, with such a splendid and large carriage that would make anyone’s eyes widen, even bandits who were just passing by couldn’t help but be drawn in.

‘Well, that can’t be helped.’

Yunhyun had no complaints. In fact, he secretly thought it was a good thing.

He could see Binghun’s swordsmanship every time they encountered a group of bandits.

Feeling the refreshing breeze passing by his ears, Yunhyun felt proud.

These days, every day was a series of fulfilling moments.

“Young Lord.”

The young lord raised her head at Binghun’s low voice.

“What is it, Binghun?”

“I have something to tell you about that scholar.”

The young lord knew who Binghun was talking about.

“Speak.”

Binghun said in a low voice.

“I have a bad feeling about him.”

A slight smile appeared on the young lord’s lips.

“Is it because he stopped you from attacking that time?”

“Yes.”

Binghun continued with a stern expression.

“He knew exactly when I was about to unleash my killing intent. That is no coincidence.”

When they first met Yunhyun, Yunhyun accurately sensed the moment Binghun was about to unleash his killing intent and stopped him.

Considering his subsequent words, his cry not to harm lives, it was definitely not a coincidence.

But what was most surprising was that Binghun himself stopped his sword at his words.

Binghun could not take that incident lightly.

“But it’s also hard to see his current appearance as a disguise. He is definitely a scholar, though a bit unusual.”

“That’s why I said I have a bad feeling about him.”

Since then, Binghun had never let his guard down on Yunhyun.

If there had been any strange signs, for example, if Yunhyun was hiding his skills and approaching them, Binghun would have immediately eliminated him.

But since then, Yunhyun had shown no suspicious behavior or strange signs.

The conviction that he was definitely not an ordinary scholar and the reality that there was nothing to suspect.

That was why Binghun had to be even more wary of Yunhyun.

If all of this was a clever disguise, Yunhyun would be a man with truly immense schemes.

“It’s okay.”

The young lord’s clear voice echoed in the carriage.

“Anyway, we need a guide. This place values literature, art, and reputation more than simple force. Therefore, he is indispensable to us.”

“Are you thinking of taking him to the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering?”

“Isn’t that why we hired him?”

Binghun pursed his lips.

Thinking about the past few days, Yunhyun had certainly been helpful.

If it hadn’t been for him, this carriage might already be infamous in the Murim [martial arts world].

Also, at the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, where the descendants of prestigious families gather, Yunhyun’s knowledge and etiquette could be of great help to them.

“Meeting him was a good thing. Moreover, he is a scholar, so it’s even better.”

The young lord said in a low voice.

Unknowingly, she smiled and murmured to herself.

“Of course, he’s completely useless at finding the way…….”

Binghun suddenly raised his head and looked at the young lord.

It was very rare for her to talk to herself.

And to smile so brightly.

“Anyway, I’ll take care of him.”

Binghun bowed his head to receive the order.

“What’s the situation with Seol Young-dae?”

“They are moving at a distance. As you ordered, we have been especially careful to avoid any conflicts.”

The young lord nodded.

“Make sure everyone in Seol Young-dae is aware of what Scholar Yun is saying. Never forget that this is someone else’s land.”

Binghun bowed deeply to receive the order.

The young lord turned her gaze out the window, and Binghun closed his mouth again.

Clatter, clatter.

The large and splendid carriage of the North Sea sped along the main road without rest.

Toward Hangzhou, the ancient metropolis where the Murim Alliance is located and where the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering is held.

***

Hangzhou is a city with a long history.

With its outstanding scenery, abundant resources, and transportation connected by the Grand Canal, Hangzhou is considered the center of culture and economy in the Jiangnan region.

Hangzhou is also full of people.

The scenery of West Lake, comparable to the beauty of the ancient beauty Seo Shi [Xi Shi, one of the Four Beauties of ancient China], captivated poets and writers, and people seeking new life opportunities also flocked to Hangzhou.

But there were also many people who could not leave Hangzhou for other reasons.

They were the people intoxicated by the scent of power and wealth emanating from the Murim Alliance, which stood tall in Hangzhou.

Clatter, clatter.

As dusk fell, a large carriage entered the main street that crossed Hangzhou.

It was a large and splendid carriage, but passersby only glanced at it with curious eyes and did not pay much attention.

Such carriages were not uncommon in bustling Hangzhou.

“Finally, we’re in Hangzhou.”

A small voice flowed from the young lord’s lips.

Yunhyun also nodded, seemingly with deep emotion.

“Yes, that’s right. This is Hangzhou.”

The road to Hangzhou was not easy.

They had wandered through paths, broken through bandit groups, and crossed the vast Yangtze River before finally arriving in Hangzhou.

“It’s very splendid. Is it always like this here?”

The young lord said, looking at the bustling street full of colorful lanterns.

Even a first-time visitor could tell that Hangzhou was excited.

Colorful lanterns hung on every street, and shops were crowded with people.

But Yunhyun had no way of knowing the situation in Hangzhou.

He couldn’t know whether this splendor was always the case or whether it was because of the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.

Rather, Yunhyun was the one who was moving his gaze here and there with more curiosity than them.

“Surely it’s not always like this……. No, maybe it’s always like this…….”

A smile appeared on the young lord’s lips at Yunhyun’s uncertain answer.

It was an attitude that would be the object of contempt in the North Sea, but somehow the young lord did not dislike that appearance.

“It would be good to decide on a place to stay first.”

Binghun said in a low voice.

Those invited to the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering are naturally provided with accommodation by the Murim Alliance.

However, it was already dusk, and it would be better to observe the situation rather than going directly to the Murim Alliance.

“Does Scholar Yun know of any places?”

The young lord asked Yunhyun.

Yunhyun, who had been distracted by the scenery outside the window, recalled his days as a scholar and answered the young lord’s question.

“This is also my first time here, but if we look for about three or four inns, we should find a decent place. You must check the rooms yourself to avoid any trouble later.”

Binghun’s eyes changed slightly.

Yunhyun wondered if he had said something wrong and looked at the young lord’s expression.

The young lord maintained her expression and softly replied.

“I see. It’s my first time here, so I’m drawn to a place with a good view.”

The young lord said with a gentle smile.

“So let’s go to the tallest inn here first.”

‘Ah!’

Only then did Yunhyun realize what he had mistaken.

It couldn’t be helped on the road, but how could the young lord of the Ice Palace go from cheap inn to cheap inn?

“Ahem. Y, yes, let’s do that.”

Yunhyun coughed awkwardly, and the carriage turned toward the largest inn in Hangzhou.

***

“Of course, it’s because of the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.”

The middle-aged man dressed in a luxurious suit answered the group’s question with a face full of smiles.

“It’s a crowded place even on normal days, but isn’t the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering being held this year?”

He was the deputy manager of this large inn.

He was personally guiding the VIPs who had chosen the finest suites to the top floor.

“You’ve come at a good time. There will be public sparring on the last day of the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering, so please enjoy the beautiful Hangzhou to your heart’s content.”

The deputy manager bowed politely and went down.

Yunhyun also bowed to the young lord.

“I’m glad we arrived in Hangzhou safely. Then I’ll be on my way.”

At Yunhyun’s words, the young lord bowed her head gracefully in return.

“Thanks to the scholar’s help, we were able to come here safely. Thank you again.”

“No, rather I…….”

Yunhyun didn’t know what to do with himself at the young lord’s polite greeting.

To be honest, Yunhyun hadn’t been of much help in getting here.

He had wandered countless times, and Binghun had solved most of the problems.

The young lord continued with a smiling face.

“If it’s not too much to ask, how about watching the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering together?”

Yunhyun hesitated. Her offer was quite attractive.

‘The Dragon-Phoenix Gathering…….’

Seeing Yunhyun hesitating, the young lord smiled.

She already knew that Yunhyun was very interested in martial arts.

The Dragon-Phoenix Gathering was a gathering of promising young talents, so there was no way Yunhyun wouldn’t be interested.

“If you’re with us, you’ll be able to see the sparring of the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering up close.”

“But then I would be too much of a burden…….”

Yunhyun’s words were as good as an acceptance.

“Not at all. We also need the scholar’s help to treat the young talents of prestigious families with proper etiquette.”

“Ah, I see.”

Yunhyun understood her words.

The promising young talents of prestigious families would be strict not only in martial arts but also in etiquette.

So they needed someone to inform the North Sea group of the etiquette and customs of this place.

“I understand.”

Reputation and practicality matched. Yunhyun nodded.

“Thank you for readily agreeing. Then, here with us…….”

“Ah, no.”

Yunhyun waved his hand at the young lord’s words.

“I would be uncomfortable if I caused you that much trouble. I will find accommodation elsewhere.”

Unexpectedly, the young lord did not urge him further at Yunhyun’s strong reaction.

“I understand. As you wish.”

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

After bowing politely, Yunhyun turned around and went downstairs without regret.

‘Hmm, it’s a bit of a shame, but.’

In fact, this splendid inn was quite interesting to Yunhyun as well.

However, being indebted for accommodation was a matter of pride before etiquette.

Moreover, it wasn’t as if he didn’t have any money.

Yunhyun looked around the splendid inn and slowly walked down the stairs.

As Yunhyun left, Binghun opened his mouth in a low voice.

“Shall I check his lodging?”

“No. There’s no need to pay attention to him.”

The young lord said in a cold voice.

“Binghun, please grasp the situation around this place.”

Binghun bowed his head to receive the order.

Click.

As Bingseol opened the door and the young lord entered, Binghun disappeared without a sound.

Bingseol, who had checked the room first, closed the door.

Thud.

As befitting a special room, the room was splendid and antique.

But what caught the young lord’s eye was the night view of Hangzhou that filled the large window.

The countless colorful lanterns made it seem as if the entire Hangzhou was a large jewel.

But the young lord’s gaze, looking at the scene, was coldly sinking.

“That’s the Murim Alliance.”

Where her gaze reached, the Murim Alliance stood brightly lit.

The only martial arts association in Gangho [Jianghu, the martial arts world] Murim and, in fact, the highest authority.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

The young lord said in a clear voice, seemingly quite pleased.

“Dark Heaven Demon Emperor, I wonder how much he, standing under the dark sky, will be able to shake that Murim Alliance.”

The young lord’s eyes sparkled.

A cold smile, like ice, spread across her red lips.