A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 76

76. Power Blinds the Eye (2014.05.24.)

The atmosphere in the Medical Administration building was heavy.

The representatives of the Five Great Families, dressed like high-ranking officials, and the monks and Taoists from the Four Righteous Sects mingled, all wearing grim expressions.

“The Namgung Family has nothing to do with this matter.”

Namgung Ryeol, the head of the outer branch of the Namgung Family, stated firmly.

“Geum Sa-yul died in his quarters. No matter what some impure individuals may say, the Namgung Family is not involved. If anyone wishes to hold the Namgung Family responsible for the death of this wicked man, they should come to our Namgung Family directly.”

‘Tsk.’

Hyeokryun Pil, the head of the outer hall of the Hyeokryun Family, clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘The Geum Sword Clan targeting the Namgung Family? Impossible.’

The rumor that Geum Sa-yul’s death was the work of the Namgung Family was already rampant in Namchang. The Namgung Family would never let Geum Sa-yul, who had brought shame to their family, go unpunished.

Although there was no evidence and no witnesses, the rumor that the Namgung Family had dealt with Geum Sa-yul was being accepted as an open secret.

It was only a matter of time before this fact reached the Geum Sword Clan. But even then, there was little the Geum Sword Clan could do.

Their opponent was none other than the Namgung Family, who claimed to be one of the two major powers in the Jiangnan [south of the Yangtze River] martial world.

“No one has ever said that the Namgung Family should take responsibility.”

Jegal Sang, the head of the outer branch of the Jegal Family, said. With sharp eyes and a long beard, he did not hide his displeasure.

“However, the Jiangnan Dragon-Phoenix Tournament is not solely the property of the Namgung Family. The fact that such suspicions arise in a tournament bearing the name of the Martial Alliance is highly unpleasant to us. As the organizers of the tournament, we demand a responsible response from the Namgung Family. Especially since some of the younger generation from various sects are strongly protesting…”

“Heh, some sects?”

Namgung Ryeol laughed in disbelief.

“Just say it’s the Demonic Sects. They are inherently rebellious and wicked, so who would care about their words? Geum Sa-yul himself was a vicious man who deliberately used lethal moves to harm members of the Namgung Family.”

“The intentionality of Geum Sa-yul’s actions has not been proven. Or rather, no one can prove it anymore.”

Monk Hyebul of the Shaolin Temple said. A typical martial monk with thick eyebrows and a strong impression, he quietly chanted a Buddhist prayer before continuing.

“And speaking of harming people, the actions of young master Namgung Cheol were not very merciful either.”

Sparks flew from Namgung Ryeol’s eyes.

“Are you now comparing our Namgung Family’s young master to a lowly member of the Demonic Sects? How dare you…”

“Righteousness means doing what is right.”

Martial Monk Hyebul stared directly at Namgung Ryeol. Despite Namgung Ryeol’s furious demeanor, Hyebul did not back down.

“If the Namgung Family claims to be a righteous sect, then you must show righteousness yourselves. Whether it is to the powerful and influential, or to the lowly and insignificant.”

Hyebul and Namgung Ryeol’s gazes clashed fiercely in the air. As neither yielded, Hyeokryun Pil, the head of the outer hall of the Hyeokryun Family, spoke.

“Monk Hyebul’s words are indeed correct.”

Hyeokryun Pil looked at Namgung Ryeol with sharp eyes.

“How can you call yourselves a prestigious family if you are not fair and just? As a co-organizer of the Jiangnan Dragon-Phoenix Tournament, our Hyeokryun Family humbly accepts Shaolin’s wise counsel.”

Namgung Ryeol’s eyebrows twitched. Hyeokryun Pil’s emphasis on fairness and justice was clearly a jab at the secret agreement between the Namgung Family and the Tang Family.

A secret agreement that no one could prove but no one doubted. It had been exposed to the world thanks to the escort mission of the Soeun Escort Agency.

Namgung Ryeol closed his mouth. Mentioning the matter here would only make the problem worse.

Meanwhile, Hyebul bowed to Hyeokryun Pil and said.

“This humble monk is truly pleased to hear such words from the Hyeokryun Family.”

The term ‘humble monk’ was a way of lowering oneself, but no one in this place could ignore Hyebul. Whether in terms of seniority or martial arts.

“Great Hero Hyeokryun Pil’s words are like sweet rain.”

The Gongsun Family stepped forward as if on cue.

“Truly, you have the magnanimity worthy of being a pillar of the Jiangnan martial world. Our Gongsun Family is deeply moved. If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to ask for our help.”

The Gongsun Family had already been uncomfortable with the Namgung Family’s advance into Gangbuk [north of the Han River]. They would not miss this opportunity to pressure the Namgung Family.

Thud.

“Monk Hyebul’s words are right. If you are a righteous sect, you must act righteously. How can you call yourselves righteous if you act the same as the Demonic Sects?”

Buddhist Nun Mujeong of the Emei Sect slammed the table. The oldest among them, she was known for her coldness and ruthless methods, befitting her stern, grandmotherly appearance.

Namgung Ryeol looked around. The remaining two of the Four Righteous Sects, Wudang and Huashan, remained silent, but they did not seem to have any intention of helping the Namgung Family.

The Hyeokryun Family seemed to be subtly trying to seize the initiative, while the Jegal Family and Gongsun Family were trying to push even harder.

The Tang Family was as calm as if it had nothing to do with them.

‘Tsk.’

Namgung Ryeol clicked his tongue inwardly. At this rate, it was clear that the Hyeokryun Family would take control of the situation.

This situation itself was highly unpleasant to him, but his judgment was cold and his decision was swift.

Click.

Namgung Ryeol rose from his seat and bowed to the assembly. His attitude was polite but firm.

“I understand. Since that is your wish, the Namgung Family will thoroughly investigate this matter and find the culprit. I dare say that anyone involved in this matter, regardless of who they are, will pay the price.”

Hyeokryun Pil’s face crumpled. Now that the Namgung Family had taken responsibility and promised to uncover the truth, the Hyeokryun Family had lost its justification to step in.

“I ask for your willing cooperation.”

Click.

Hyebul rose from his seat. He returned Namgung Ryeol’s bow and chanted a Buddhist prayer with a satisfied expression.

“I am grateful for the Namgung Family’s decision. It is truly a blessing for the martial world to have the Namgung Family in Jiangnan. Amitabha [a Buddhist expression of praise].”

Namgung Ryeol smiled, but inwardly, he was grinding his teeth.

‘So, you can’t just let our Namgung Family’s name rise, can you?’

The Four Righteous Sects advocate righteousness and consensus. The Five Great Families profess consensus but in reality, they move according to their interests. But they are all the same in that they try to restrain any rising power.

‘Wolves trying to bite us whenever they get the chance…’

The martial world is a battlefield. A battlefield where no one can be trusted. He was furious about today’s humiliation, and that anger erupted in a completely unexpected direction.

*

*

*

“The younger generation of the Demonic Sects have been detained?”

Son Bin asked, looking bewildered. Jeok Se-hwa replied.

“Yes. They say it’s to thoroughly investigate Geum Sa-yul’s death, but they’ve forbidden the younger generation of the Demonic Sects from leaving their accommodations, and the Namgung Family’s warriors are maintaining strict security, so it’s practically detention.”

Son Bin couldn’t understand at all.

“No, a member of the Demonic Sects died, so why are they detaining the younger generation of the Demonic Sects…”

Jeok Se-hwa shrugged her slightly frail shoulders.

“At this point, the most suspicious people are the younger generation of the Demonic Sects. In fact, their accommodations are all gathered in the same area. If things continue like this, won’t they conclude that it was an accident that occurred after the drunken younger generation of the Demonic Sects got into a fight?”

“Who would believe that?”

Jeok Se-ho said with a bitter expression.

“This place is like enemy territory to them. Moreover, Geum Sa-yul rose to become a young hero of the younger generation of the Demonic Sects by defeating Namgung Cheol. And they drank until they were drunk, and even fought each other with swords against Geum Sa-yul? Even the bandits of the Green Forest or the pirates of the Water Fortress wouldn’t do that. No one will believe it.”

“But no one will publicly question the Namgung Family’s conclusion.”

Jeok Se-hwa said.

“Because this is Namchang.”

“Why don’t you report it to the government office?”

Son Bin asked, still looking puzzled.

“A person died. The imperial law is strict, so how can…”

“Because this is Namchang.”

Jeok Se-hwa said. But that was just as strange an answer to Son Bin.

Son Bin asked again.

“That’s why even more so. Isn’t the Jiangseo Province’s Inspector General, who oversees the imperial law, in Namchang? Why isn’t the Inspector General intervening in a clear case of murder?”

“I’ll say it again, this is Namchang. There is no one who hasn’t received the Namgung Family’s favor, and no one who isn’t indebted to them. Entrusting it to the government office is the same as letting the Namgung Family do as they please.”

Jeok Se-hwa’s words were relentless, though her voice was calm. But Son Bin still couldn’t understand.

“But the Inspector General is a local official dispatched by the central government. No matter how strong the Namgung Family’s influence is in Namchang…”

“Even if a local official’s authority is strong, it’s the same as not being able to do anything if they close their ears and cover their eyes. No, I should say their hands and feet are tied. Because all the people who carry out the orders are on the Namgung Family’s side.”

Jeok Se-hwa sighed softly and raised her teacup.

“Of course, a local official can dismiss officials who are colluding with the Namgung Family. But the next day, you’ll see that dismissed person openly holding a position in a merchant guild or local government office influenced by the Namgung Family. Moreover, no one tries to fill the vacant position they left behind. So everyone knows that in Namchang, the Namgung Family’s will takes precedence over the local official’s orders.”

Son Bin was dumbfounded. According to Jeok Se-hwa’s words, this place was no different from being ruled by the Namgung Family.

“A family like the Namgung Family already has connections in the central government. They’re not openly rebelling against the court, so there’s nothing particularly problematic about it. The local officials, including the Inspector General, are probably cooperating with the Namgung Family, right? Because that’s much easier and better for them.”

Her words were true. The detention of the younger generation of the Demonic Sects was also ordered by the Inspector General.

He was famous for maintaining a particularly good relationship with the Namgung Family.

Son Bin was dumbfounded. At the same time, he could understand why she answered, ‘Because this is Namchang.’

‘The family’s influence is this great…’

He had already guessed that the Namgung Family’s influence was great after seeing them hold a banquet at the Pavilion of Prince Teng [a famous historical pavilion].

But he never thought it would be this extent. It was understandable that the Namgung Family’s young master had become so arrogant.

“I heard that the younger generation of the Demonic Sects have advanced quite a bit in the official martial arts competition. If things go wrong, they might not be able to participate in the competition.”

Jeok Se-ho said while Son Bin was lost in thought.

“It’s not just quite a bit.”

Jeok Se-hwa put down her teacup and said.

“Three men and four women. A total of seven have advanced. Eight if Geum Sa-yul were alive. The number of people advancing to the official martial arts competition is eighteen, so they make up almost half of the total.”

The official martial arts competition of the Jiangnan Dragon-Phoenix Tournament starts with eighteen men and women each.

Nine of them are taken up by the Four Righteous Sects and the Five Great Families, so nine men and women are selected through preliminary rounds.

As Jeok Se-hwa said, nearly half of the participants were from the younger generation of the Demonic Sects.

“If the Namgung Family even restricts participation in the official martial arts competition, the younger generation of the Demonic Sects will be furious.”

“Surely, they wouldn’t go that far?”

“Would they, really?”

Jeok Se-hwa replied with a bitter expression.

“Power blinds the eye. Those who wield power often do things that are beyond common sense.”

Son Bin couldn’t help but agree with her rather pessimistic words. The history he had read so far proved it.

*

*

*

The Namgung Family prohibited the younger generation of the Demonic Sects from participating in the official martial arts competition. The reason was that those whose government investigation had not yet been completed could not be allowed to attend the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament.

The sense of deprivation and anger among the younger generation of the Demonic Sects was great.

As this news spread, the anger of the Jiangnan Demonic Sects also boiled over. In particular, the anger of the Geum Sword Clan was so great that they seemed ready to charge into Namchang at any moment.

But the Namgung Family didn’t care.

Hyebul of Shaolin demanded a fair investigation from the Namgung Family, but all that came back was that they had to wait until the government investigation was over.

And at least in Namchang, everyone supported the Namgung Family’s position.

Ahead of the official martial arts competition of the Jiangnan Dragon-Phoenix Tournament, an official banquet was held at the Pavilion of Prince Teng. As if to change the rather grim atmosphere, the official banquet was held even more lavishly and grandly.

With the furious younger generation of the Demonic Sects firmly detained, the Jiangnan Dragon-Phoenix Tournament seemed to be proceeding in that way. But there was one element that the Namgung Family had not anticipated, or rather, had deliberately ignored.

That was the Blood Dragon Gate.

∴

Bang!

“Keuk.”

The door of the inn was smashed, and a warrior of the Namgung Family went tumbling. The blood gushing from his mouth indicated that his internal injuries were severe.

The younger generation of the Demonic Sects, who had been detained in the inn, all jumped up.

“You bastards, how dare you!”

The other warriors of the Namgung Family drew their swords and charged towards the sudden intruder. But the intruder, a warrior wearing a uniform with a blood dragon drawn on it, snorted lightly.

“Hmph.”

Swoosh, Clang!

“Aaaagh!”

As the silver trajectory cut through the air, the sharp sound of metal and screams erupted simultaneously. The warriors of the Namgung Family were there to suppress the younger generation of the Demonic Sects if necessary.

They were by no means easy opponents, but they were no match for the Blood Dragon Gate warrior.

Wooooo.

Holding the quietly weeping sword, the Blood Dragon Gate warrior muttered unpleasantly.

“Annoying. I have to deal with guys like this. How much longer…”

“Bear with it, Sinwol.”

A heavy voice was heard from behind.

Thud, thud.

“The time when your sword is needed will come soon.”

The Blood Dragon Gate warrior, called Sinwol, immediately sheathed his sword and bowed.

“Lord!”

The younger generation of the Demonic Sects also had bright expressions and bowed to him.

“I knew you would come, Lord. These Namgung Family bastards killed Geum Sa-yul, and now they’re even…”

A younger member of the Demonic Sects gritted his teeth.

“I know.”

The Blood Dragon Gate warrior, called Hanwol, said.

“Let’s go. This place is not suitable for you.”

“Ha, but the Inspector General…”

One of the younger members hesitated. Leaving this place was the same as openly defying the Inspector General’s orders. He couldn’t help but hesitate.

“Ha, are you still thinking like that?”

Another younger member said in disbelief.

“If you stay here, you’ll just be framed as Geum Sa-yul’s murderer. Don’t you know that yet? Tell them to give the law to the dogs.”

“I’m different.”

He said with a stiff expression.

“Our Joga Family is never a Demonic Sect…”

“Are you still saying that?”

Another younger member said.

“You’re not a Demonic Sect? You’re different from us? I used to say that too. The Georyeok Gate has been insisting that it’s not a Demonic Sect. But look at Geum Sa-yul of the Geum Sword Clan! Look what happened to him! The words ‘neutral between righteous and evil’ mean nothing to these guys!”

“But…”

“The choice is yours.”

The warrior called Hanwol said in a low, heavy voice.

“But in this situation, even if you claim innocence alone, it’s doubtful that the Namgung Family will listen. Aren’t you afraid that you and your family will be used by those who need a scapegoat?”

Hanwol’s point hit home, and he knew that there was a high possibility that it would happen as he said. The young man bit his lip.

“Then, are you saying we should run away like this?”

He asked. A sneer appeared on Hanwol’s face.

“Run away? We are those who live by betting everything on a single sword. We are different from those hypocrites who call themselves righteous and hide behind the power of their families. We never run away.”

“Th, then where…”

He smiled.

“You have earned the right to participate in the official martial arts competition, with your own strength. So shouldn’t you see the end of this Jiangnan Dragon-Phoenix Tournament?”

“But we…”

They had been deprived of their right to participate in the competition by the Namgung Family.

The young men recalled the humiliation and gritted their teeth. Then Hanwol’s voice rang out.

“Martial arts competitions are just the superficial hypocrisy of the righteous sects. A martial artist’s contest can be held anywhere. Even if that place is…”

He smiled faintly.

“The Pavilion of Prince Teng banquet hall.”

“Pavilion of Prince Teng!”

The place where they were being detained and where they were holding their own banquet. The place that had brought them humiliation and deprivation, and the place where those who should truly be held responsible for Geum Sa-yul’s death were gathered.

Gritting.

Someone gritted their teeth, and the eyes of the younger generation of the Demonic Sects began to be filled with anger.