Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 62

062. Free Sparring

‘Ah, those people.’

The people Yunhyun spotted were the group of Yongbongjihoe participants he had met at Seohosamdamingwol [a famous gathering place] a few days prior.

The elegant lady who had observed Yunhyun closely back then was also sitting among them.

‘But why are the seats arranged like this…….’

The participants were clearly divided into several groups, so much so that Yunhyun could easily tell.

The young men Yunhyun had seen in Seohosamdamingwol formed one group, while young men with fierce eyes formed another.

Even to Yunhyun, it was obvious that they were wary of each other.

And Yunhyun and the Bukhae Ice Palace group, along with the remaining participants, unintentionally formed another group.

Perhaps because of this, the atmosphere inside the hall was not very pleasant.

“The Orthodox and the Unorthodox factions, I presume.”

“Pardon?”

Yunhyun turned his head at the sudden voice of the Young Palace Lord.

The Young Palace Lord, who was lifting his teacup, spoke quietly.

“The sects that claimed to be Orthodox during the Great Orthodox-Unorthodox War, and the emerging sects that were branded as Unorthodox by them.”

Yunhyun was bewildered.

‘But aren’t they all part of the Murim Alliance now?’

Yunhyun was aware of the Great Orthodox-Unorthodox War.

However, he knew almost nothing about the power dynamics of the Kangho Murim [martial arts world].

His interest was solely focused on sparring matches.

‘Besides, shouldn’t the younger generation respect each other, regardless of their sect?’

The sparring matches between masters that Yunhyun knew always contained deep recognition and respect for each other, even amidst fierce confrontations.

Yunhyun couldn’t understand.

“I don’t understand.”

Yunhyun turned his head at the Young Palace Lord’s low voice from beside him.

He wondered if the Young Palace Lord felt the same way, but that thought was soon shattered.

“If they’re going to show such blatant hostility, they might as well draw their swords.”

Yunhyun chuckled wryly as he watched the Young Palace Lord bring the teacup to his lips.

As expected, the common sense of Bukhae [North Sea] was a bit extreme.

“That’s…….”

Yunhyun was about to explain when.

Thud.

Someone entered the hall.

Everyone raised their eyes to look at the source of the footsteps.

It was none other than Mae Hwa Geom, Yeonghojun [Plum Blossom Sword, Yeonghojun].

“Great Hero!”

Clatter.

A group of participants rose from their seats and paid their respects to Mae Hwa Geom, Yeonghojun.

It was the group of Orthodox younger generation members, including those Yunhyun had seen in Seohosamdamingwol.

On the other hand, the Unorthodox younger generation members frowned.

Mae Hwa Geom, Yeonghojun, lightly returned the greeting and walked forward.

“Nice to meet you all. I am Mae Hwa Geom, Yeonghojun.”

Mae Hwa Geom, Yeonghojun, looked around at the younger generation members and said.

“Before we begin, there is one thing I would like to say. From this moment on, as the Yongbongjihoe begins, you are all members of the Murim Alliance.”

Yeonghojun’s sonorous voice echoed clearly throughout the hall.

“Therefore, I expect you to act responsibly as members of the Murim Alliance. If anyone tarnishes the name of the Murim Alliance, they will be held accountable, and their sect will not be able to avoid responsibility either.”

It was a chilling warning.

Accountability in the name of the Murim Alliance was synonymous with the will of the entire Kangho Murim [martial arts world].

No one, not even the largest sects of the Orthodox or Unorthodox factions, could escape that accountability.

The participants couldn’t even breathe properly at Mae Hwa Geom, Yeonghojun’s warning to refrain from rash actions.

“Well, that was my official statement as the person in charge of the Yongbongjihoe…….”

A smile spread across Mae Hwa Geom, Yeonghojun’s face, which had been cold until now.

It was a wonderful smile that seemed to instantly dissipate the tense atmosphere from just moments ago.

“We’ve come all the way to Hangzhou, so what’s there to be wary of? Everyone, enjoy yourselves to the fullest. You won’t be able to play around once you return anyway.”

Laughter spread among the participants.

Perhaps because of the tension from just a moment ago? People laughed and instantly relaxed.

“Ah, and make sure to draw your swords only on the sparring stage. Things will get serious if you draw your swords outside.”

Mae Hwa Geom, Yeonghojun, joked.

Everyone laughed, but no one took Yeonghojun’s words as just a joke.

Because the statement that things would get serious was undoubtedly true.

“And remember to forget everything the moment you step off the sparring stage. No one likes clingy people, whether they’re men or women.”

Laughter spread again.

The only people who didn’t laugh were the Bukhae Ice Palace group, Yunhyun, and Moryongmi. Before they knew it, most of the participants were being drawn in by Mae Hwa Geom, Yeonghojun’s charisma.

‘He’s unique, as expected.’

Yunhyun was still intrigued by him.

His actions seemed very light, but his presence and voice had something that captivated everyone’s attention.

“Then, we should start by introducing ourselves to each other…….”

Yeonghojun shrugged his shoulders as if he was thinking about something.

“Shall we all loosen up for a bit?”

The younger generation members were bewildered by the sudden words.

He said they were going to introduce themselves, so what did he mean by loosening up?

“It’s a free sparring session.”

Yeonghojun said with a smile.

“There’s no better way to make your name known than that. Don’t you think?”

Mae Hwa Geom, Yeonghojun, was still smiling.

However, the laughter that had been floating around the hall was no longer heard.

***

Mae Hwa Geom, Yeonghojun, led the younger generation members to the sparring stage.

It was a larger sparring stage than expected, and there were many shaded areas and seats prepared as if it had been planned in advance.

However, none of the Yongbongjihoe participants could bring themselves to sit down.

The tension of the sudden sparring session had made them stand up.

“Come on, everyone, there’s no need to be so nervous. Isn’t this kind of sparring just a simple greeting?”

Mae Hwa Geom, Yeonghojun, said leisurely.

Sparring was by no means unfamiliar to the younger generation members.

However, it was impossible not to be nervous when facing a younger generation member from another sect.

First of all, their pride was at stake, and if they made a mistake here, their reputation would plummet.

“Don’t worry. If something unfortunate is about to happen, I’ll throw myself in to stop it. Although I don’t want to throw myself for a man.”

A slight chuckle leaked out at Yeonghojun’s good-natured words.

But the atmosphere didn’t change.

“Well, then, who will greet first? To the younger generation members who will lead the Kangho Murim [martial arts world] in the future.”

The pupils of their eyes began to shine at Yeonghojun’s words.

The people here were all younger generation members of their respective sects.

This was a golden opportunity to make their names known to the important figures of the sects who might become important figures in the future.

“I…….”

“I’ll go first.”

The voices of two people came out almost simultaneously.

It was Samageon of the Hwasan sect and Namgungsanghyuk of the Namgung family.

“Let’s give the Young Master of the Namgung family a chance first.”

At Mae Hwa Geom’s words, Namgungsanghyuk stepped onto the sparring stage.

“I am Namgungsanghyuk of the Namgung family.”

He politely paid his respects to the younger generation members.

And he stared straight at one of the young men and said.

“Which one of you will accept my greeting?”

It was an open provocation.

The young man who received the gaze chuckled.

He was a young man with considerable influence even among the Unorthodox younger generation members.

“I’ll take it.”

Thud.

He stepped onto the sparring stage.

“I am Damwoocheon of the Black Path Society. I’ll learn a thing or two.”

Swish.

Namgungsanghyuk drew his sword without a word.

The two men’s sharp gazes began to clash intensely in the air.

***

Gwanjibu bowed his head and said politely.

“I am currently sending word to the Great Monk. Please wait a little longer.”

Clack.

“Great Monk, huh……. The Eccentric Monk has become the Great Monk in the meantime.”

Geomseong raised his teacup and smiled bitterly.

The title of his friend, which had changed in his absence.

Geomseong, who knew his friend’s nature well, could clearly understand its meaning.

“Don’t mind it. He’s probably still sleeping anyway.”

Geomseong said as he savored the tea.

“Good tea.”

“Thank you.”

Gwanjibu bowed as if he was sorry.

But his heart was not at ease.

‘Even if he is Geomseong…….’

The person Geomseong called the Eccentric Monk was none other than the Great Monk, Bulyeong.

People counted the Great Monk as one of the Hwanwoo Five Heavens [five strongest warriors], but in terms of influence, no one could surpass the Great Monk.

The person who miraculously established the Murim Alliance amidst extreme chaos and finally ended the Great Orthodox-Unorthodox War.

The figure whom the entire Murim [martial arts world] had no choice but to bestow the title of ‘Great Monk’ upon, even though he did not reign as the leader himself.

That was the Great Monk, Bulyeong.

It was not pleasant for Gwanjibu, who belonged to the Murim Alliance, to hear him calling such a Great Monk so carelessly.

It was then.

Suddenly, the voices of servants were heard from outside.

“The Great Monk has ordered the guest to be escorted to Waryongheon.”

“Understood.”

Gwanjibu answered and smiled brightly.

“Let’s go. I will escort you.”

Waryongheon was the Great Monk’s residence within the Murim Alliance.

There were no special restrictions on entry, but it was a forbidden place that no one in the Murim Alliance dared to approach.

Clack.

Geomseong put down his teacup and stood up from his seat.

As he stepped outside, four warriors followed him.

Tak.

“Who are these people?”

Geomseong stopped walking and asked.

“They are warriors who will be in charge of guarding you. I know it is not fitting for Geomseong, but please do not refuse our courtesy as a precious guest.”

“Heh heh.”

A hollow smile hung on Geomseong’s lips.

Who in the world would dare to volunteer to guard Geomseong?

It was clear that they were not guards but rather supervisors. Just like the reason why the Eccentric Monk had to become the Great Monk.

‘Tsk tsk, you’re having a hard time too.’

Geomseong couldn’t help but feel sorry for Bulyeong’s situation.

Bulyeong hated empty fame so much.

The reason why he declined the position of leader and insisted on making the Murim Alliance a council was also because of that.

The meaning of him being promoted to Great Monk and still remaining in this Murim Alliance was too clear.

Bulyeong was trapped.

His own goodness and sense of responsibility had become shackles for himself.

“……Let’s go.”

Geomseong said.

Gwanjibu bowed and expressed his gratitude, and soon began to walk ahead.

Towards Waryongheon, the residence of the Great Monk, Bulyeong, located deep within the Murim Alliance.

***

“Haa!”

The clash between the two men was in full swing on the sparring stage.

The sharp metallic sound constantly pierced the ears, and loud shouts erupted continuously.

“Taha!”

A sharp sword flew towards the opponent. But Yunhyun, who was watching, couldn’t hide his disappointment.

‘What is this?’

It wasn’t a matter of skill level.

Even if it was a new Geumuiwi [royal guard], Yunhyun would have gladly praised them if they had passion and sincerity.

But the current sparring was different.

‘They haven’t been able to properly decide a winner since a while ago.’

The sparring of the Yongbongjihoe participants was flowing in a strange direction.

‘Is it because Mae Hwa Geom said it was a simple introduction?’

But for the people involved, it was a sparring match with their pride at stake.

No one wanted to lose in front of the other younger generation members.

But they couldn’t reveal all of their achievements either.

When you think about it, this sparring was just for fun, and the real thing was the official sparring at the end of the Yongbongjihoe.

As a result of this ambiguous situation, most of the sparring matches ended without any particular victory or defeat.

Thanks to this, flashy but not really tense, boring sparring matches continued.

‘Tsk.’

Yunhyun clicked his tongue inwardly.