Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 70

070. Waryongheon (3)

“Alright, what kind of evidence is it that you want?”

Shinseung’s eyes had changed greatly.

The pupils visible between his wrinkled brows emitted an aura that was almost impossible to face.

The young palace lord’s hands trembled slightly at the gaze that her inner strength could not handle.

However, the young palace lord’s eyes did not waver. Her clear voice, like rolling jade beads, remained the same.

“What I want is the law of Bukhae [Northern Sea Ice Palace], the precepts of Bukhae.”

“Heh.”

Shinseung chuckled.

“The precepts of Bukhae… you mean the one that says those with the will should show their strength? Hahaha.”

Shinseung laughed as if he was dumbfounded.

“What do you expect to gain from watching a Yongbong Tournament [a martial arts competition between dragons and phoenixes, symbolizing strength and prestige]? Are you going to decide the fate of Bukhae with just that?”

Shinseung’s laughter had not yet subsided, but the young palace lord’s voice still rang out clearly.

“Today’s Yongbong Tournament represents the future Murim Alliance [a coalition of martial arts clans and sects].”

Her words were correct. Although it was just a Yongbong Tournament, it was clear that they would become the future Murim Alliance.

“Those who have experienced the past will also gradually disappear. And Bukhae will not hesitate to endure blizzards to end the lives of their opponents.”

Silence fell on the table again.

According to her words, Bukhae Ice Palace was moving for something that might happen in a few years, or even a few decades.

But what would the Yongbong Tournament, which will become the future Murim Alliance, look like?

How does she see the Murim Alliance, and the Yongbong Tournament?

That was why Shinseung was silent now.

Clatter.

The sound from the back of Waryongheon broke the silence.

Shinseung turned his head slightly and said loudly.

“Why are you dawdling instead of bringing it quickly? Tsk tsk, these young people these days…”

“Well, it’s my first time here…”

Unhyun said that as an excuse, carrying the tea set in both hands and walking over.

Shinseung said to the young palace lord with a teasing expression.

“That guy looks decent on the outside, but he’s not very reliable. How will he survive if he falls into a harsh place like Bukhae? Don’t you think so? Hahaha.”

The young palace lord’s eyes flashed at Shinseung’s jesting appearance.

‘Why?’

Shinseung’s atmosphere had changed.

The look in Shinseung’s eyes that he had shown just a moment ago was gone, and he had returned to the appearance of an old monk who was joking around.

The young palace lord was inwardly embarrassed.

Perhaps it was just an attempt to change the atmosphere.

But Shinseung’s expression was too bright to see it as just a change of atmosphere.

The intense look he had shown just now had completely disappeared.

It was as if the worries that had been bothering him had disappeared.

“How is it? The field behind the house is very tempting, right?”

Shinseung said proudly to Unhyun, who was putting down the tea set.

Judging by the water on Unhyun’s clothes, he seemed to have fetched the water as well.

“This place must be the best spot in Hangzhou. There’s even a clean spring, so there’s nothing more to ask for. Hahaha.”

Unhyun frowned at Shinseung’s proud expression.

The field that he said was tempting was so full of weeds that it was doubtful whether it had been properly cultivated, and the smell of manure was terrible.

Besides, it was hard to find the tea set, and it hadn’t been washed properly, so he had to fetch water and do the dishes.

As a result of that hard struggle, he was able to bring a relatively clean tea set, so Unhyun’s reaction was not good.

Clatter.

Unhyun, who had put down the teacup and hot teapot, turned around to go to his seat, behind the young palace lord.

It was then.

“Are you just going? You should pour the tea if you brought it. Do I have to say everything?”

Unhyun was dumbfounded by Shinseung’s words.

Of course, he could pour tea.

Respecting elders is also not against the etiquette of a scholar who has learned etiquette.

But somehow, it was also unfair. Why did he have to do this?

‘I’m also a guest.’

Unhyun grumbled inwardly, but he couldn’t refuse.

Following the etiquette ingrained in his body and the words of the sages he had always read, Unhyun picked up the teapot.

Pitter-patter.

The teacup filled up and a subtle scent began to spread.

Only then did Shinseung seem satisfied and held the teacup with both hands.

“Give me some too.”

Geomseong said.

After hesitating for a moment, Unhyun filled his cup with tea as well.

Pitter-patter.

‘Who is this person? His aura is amazing?’

Unhyun, who was behind the house, didn’t hear his name, so he couldn’t imagine that the other person was Geomseong [Sword Saint, a title denoting immense skill and respect], a master swordsman.

However, he only guessed that he was a master because he was a martial artist who exuded such a great aura.

After a while, Shinseung, who was sipping tea, said grumbling.

“In the end, you’re telling me to solve it. You’re even subtly threatening me.”

“There’s no way we would do that.”

The young palace lord replied with a smile, but Shinseung’s grumbling continued.

“Aigoo, this guy or that guy… just because I received a shabby house, there are so many things they want me to do. But since the monk has left the temple, what can I do? I have no choice but to do as I’m told…”

Shinseung, who was grumbling, suddenly said to the young palace lord.

“I’ll give it to you.”

The young palace lord’s expression hardened.

“Does that mean…”

“Yes. I’m saying I’ll give you that new evidence or answer.”

Binghon and the maid Bingseol’s expressions also hardened.

Unhyun, who didn’t know what was going on, also watched the atmosphere with a nervous expression.

It was not clear to Unhyun, but it was clear that Shinseung’s words contained a great meaning.

“But neither I nor this guy can move. It would be too much of a hassle if we did. Besides, you guys don’t want that kind of thing while talking about the new generation.”

The young palace lord nodded lightly.

If Shinseung or Geomseong moved, the aftermath would be too great.

Besides, both Geomseong and Shinseung are people of the past, and what the young palace lord wants is not the past but the future.

“Then who will give us the answer on behalf of the two of you?”

The young palace lord’s beautiful eyes were shining.

Shinseung chuckled as he watched her.

“Don’t rush me. I’ll let you know on the day the Yongbong Tournament ends. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.”

The young palace lord frowned slightly at the words that he would let her know on the day it ended.

But Shinseung didn’t care.

“And there’s one thing I want to make clear.”

Shinseung smiled at the young palace lord with wrinkled eyes.

“Whether or not you get the evidence you want depends on his heart. It means that even if you acknowledge him, he may not acknowledge you.”

The young palace lord’s expression slightly hardened.

Shinseung’s words were nothing short of a provocation, questioning whether the Bukhae Ice Palace, and the young palace lord, were truly qualified to hear his answer.

“Well, if it’s you, I’m sure you’ll find a way. Keke.”

Shinseung’s laughter strongly irritated the young palace lord.

However, the change in the young palace lord’s expression was only momentary.

The young palace lord offered her thanks to Shinseung with a captivating smile.

“Thank you for your kind words. Now I won’t have to return to Bukhae empty-handed.”

“Don’t mention it…”

Shinseung chuckled. Then, he suddenly spoke to Unhyun.

“You there, don’t just stand there blankly, come here and massage my shoulders.”

“Yes?”

Unhyun, who had been quietly trying not to disturb the conversation, was taken aback.

But Shinseung was clearly looking at Unhyun himself.

“What are you waiting for? Come quickly and massage me. Ugh, getting old, my whole body aches. Is it going to rain…”

Shinseung, who seemed genuine as he tapped his shoulder, urged Unhyun.

“What are you doing? Hurry up and come.”

“Uh…”

Unhyun hesitated. But neither the young palace lord nor Binghon said anything.

In the end, Unhyun approached Shinseung with an unwilling expression.

And standing behind Shinseung, he awkwardly reached out his hands.

‘Is this okay?’

The person he was about to touch was Shinseung, the Buddha Shadow Master.

He was one of the Five Venerables of Huanwoo [a prestigious title for highly respected martial artists] and practically the leader of the Murim Alliance [a coalition of martial arts sects]. He wondered if it was okay to touch his shoulders so carelessly, especially from behind.

“What are you doing? I said massage me.”

At Shinseung’s shout, Unhyun unconsciously put more strength into his hands.

Press, press.

“Harder.”

Even with a considerable amount of force, Shinseung Buddha Shadow still looked dissatisfied.

But Unhyun couldn’t apply any more force.

Because Shinseung’s shoulders, which he was directly touching, were much weaker than he had expected.

‘Shinseung is said to be a master of Shaolin Kung Fu, but how can he do Kung Fu with such thin arms?’

Unhyun thought as he massaged Shinseung Buddha Shadow’s shoulders.

Shinseung had been called a strange monk since before the Great Righteous-Demonic War [a major conflict between orthodox and unorthodox martial arts factions] and had reached the pinnacle of Shaolin Kung Fu.

The fact that he was no different from any other old monk was hard to understand.

‘So, it must be true that all masters are masters of inner energy.’

Unhyun unconsciously glanced at Geomseong, whom he still didn’t know the identity of.

However, Geomseong remained motionless, still holding his teacup.

“We also have a request to make.”

The young palace lord’s clear voice suddenly awakened Unhyun from his thoughts.

“In Bukhae, facing a sword means risking one’s life. Perhaps…”

However, the young palace lord’s words were cut short.

“Eat them grilled or boiled, do as you please.”

Shinseung said bluntly, with his eyes closed.

“If you have the ability, what can’t you do? Is that some kind of rule in Bukhae?”

It was a statement signaling the end of the conversation and a provocation that the remaining problem was entirely up to the capabilities of the Bukhae Ice Palace.

Rustle.

The young palace lord rose from her seat.

The beautiful woman slowly bowed to Shinseung Buddha Shadow and Geomseong Lee Geomhak.

“Thank you. Then we shall take our leave.”

Shinseung, with his eyes closed and his shoulders in Unhyun’s hands, didn’t even bother to reply.

Geomseong Lee Geomhak, who was holding his teacup, nodded almost imperceptibly, but he too remained silent.

Step.

The young palace lord turned around.

Binghon and Bingseol followed her, and Unhyun, who had been massaging Shinseung’s shoulders, quietly removed his hands.

“Where are you going?”

As expected, Shinseung’s annoyed voice immediately rang out.

“What do you mean by stopping halfway? Is it a man’s job to touch someone and then just leave?”

Unhyun had a lot he wanted to protest, but he looked at the young palace lord with a troubled expression.

“But…”

Since he had come as part of the Bukhae Ice Palace group, shouldn’t he leave with them?

However, the young palace lord coldly ignored Unhyun’s gaze.

Step.

She turned her head and moved her feet without a word.

‘Uh…’

Unhyun was bewildered.

It wasn’t just that the young palace lord hadn’t said anything, but also because her gaze towards Unhyun felt somewhat cold.

Step, step.

With quiet footsteps, the young palace lord’s group left Waryongheon.

And in front of the small table, only Shinseung Buddha Shadow, Geomseong Lee Geomhak, and a frowning Unhyun remained.

***

The young palace lord’s steps out of Waryongheon were elegant and light.

It was when she turned around the building and Waryongheon was no longer visible.

Step.

The young palace lord stopped and turned her head.

Looking towards Waryongheon, which was no longer visible, the young palace lord quietly opened her mouth.

“Binghon.”

At that voice, Binghon immediately lowered his head.

“Is the Seolyeong Squad ready?”

“Yes.”

Binghon’s answer was without hesitation.

The young palace lord looked towards Waryongheon and continued to speak clearly.

“Have them stand by to move on the last day of the Yongbong Tournament [a martial arts competition]. If Shinseung doesn’t contact us that day…”

The young palace lord said with a sharp glint in her eyes.

“Not a single participant in this Yongbong Tournament will survive.”

“Understood.”

Binghon answered without delay and lowered his head.

However, the young palace lord’s gaze towards Waryongheon was coldly sinking.

‘He might not acknowledge me?’

The young palace lord bit her lip.

‘Yes. That might be the case. But he must answer us.’

Her bright red lips moved, and she let out a small voice.

“Otherwise, this Yongbong Tournament will be stained with blood.”

Rustle.

The young palace lord turned her body.

Her steps across the Murim Alliance were without any hesitation.