A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 106

106. The Situation of the Murong Family (2)

“Just the two of us?”

“Yes.”

Murong Lin confirmed Son Bin’s question.

“Understood.”

Son Bin nodded to Noh Gun and Dang Wol-ah, seeking their understanding before standing. Seo-rin quickly rose with him, but Son Bin smiled and said,

“Wait here for a moment, okay?”

Surprisingly, Seo-rin nodded obediently and sat back down. Son Bin followed Murong Lin out of the room.

Step, step.

They walked down the antique corridor, and as they rounded a corner, a refreshing green space unfolded before them.

“Beautiful.”

Son Bin exclaimed.

A neat garden was arranged in a small space between the buildings, creating a secret indoor garden feel, enclosed by the corridor.

Flowers bloomed modestly around a small pond, and well-manicured trees displayed their elegant beauty.

“Thank you.”

Murong Lin said, reaching out to touch a branch of a flowering tree.

“This is my favorite place.”

Standing in the green shade, looking at the flowers, she appeared graceful and comfortable. Son Bin waited quietly for her to broach the subject.

“Do you know of a place called the Black Tiger Gate?”

Murong Lin asked suddenly, her gaze still on the flower buds.

“I don’t.”

“The Black Tiger Gate is a minor, wicked sect located in nearby Jamgang County. It doesn’t wield great power because the Wudang Sect is to the north and our Murong Family is to the east, but it’s still fairly well-known among the Kangbuk [north of the river] wicked sects.”

Rustle.

Murong Lin turned to face Son Bin, continuing in a clear voice.

“The wicked sects of Kangbuk are generally not very strong. However, since the emergence of the Gangnam [south of the river] Blood Bee Union, movements for alliances and mergers have begun among them. In this environment, the wicked sects are vying to show off their presence and expand their power to gain even a little initiative. They can’t dare to oppose the Five Great Families or the Four Righteous Sects, so they operate secretly, but the activity is much greater than before.”

Murong Lin gritted her teeth, her eyes shining coldly.

“To the point of daring to target the Murong Family.”

Murong Lin turned her gaze back to the flowers, but the anger in her eyes remained.

“The Namgung Family is too preoccupied with the Blood Bee Union to pay attention to Wuhan. It’s ridiculous. When you think about it, we’re in this situation because of them…”

After a moment of silence, suppressing her anger, Murong Lin spoke again.

“Other sects also claim they lack the capacity to help us. I suppose so. Showing even a little favor to the Namgung Family requires sending even one more warrior. And we, unfortunately, don’t have the strength to solve this problem ourselves. If things continue like this, the Murong Family…”

Snap.

The branch she was holding broke. Murong Lin bit her lip and looked up at Son Bin, her eyes shining sharply.

“Great Hero Jin룡 [Golden Dragon].”

Murong Lin said.

“Please destroy the Black Tiger Gate, so that not even its name remains in the Kangho [martial arts world] Murim [martial arts community].”

Rustle.

Even the flowering tree branch seemed to shrink back at her fierce intensity. Murong Lin continued, speaking clearly.

“If you destroy the Black Tiger Gate now, it will be a clear warning to the Kangbuk wicked sects. And Great Hero Jin룡 will rise as a great righteous hero of the righteous faction, along with the Sword Saintess of the Broken Sword, who is already being called the best swordswoman in Kangho. And I will never forget the grace of saving my family. If there is anything you wish for, I will gladly give it to you, even if it is my life.”

Her eyes conveyed that it was not an empty promise. Son Bin closed his eyes.

“Hmm…”

After a moment of thought, Son Bin opened his eyes and asked,

“Is Young Master Murong Jin of the Iron Sword here?”

Murong Lin’s eyes widened.

“How do you know my brother?”

“I heard that Young Master Murong Jin was seriously injured. What happened?”

“That’s…”

Murong Lin lowered her head and bit her lip.

“He suffered great damage to his Qi [life force] and blood because of me. He was already in a state where he needed to rest, but like a fool…”

Murong Lin, who was speaking, raised her head again.

“Although it is not what it once was, the Murong Family is a prestigious family that has protected this land for generations. If Great Hero Jin룡 helps me drive out the Black Tiger Gate, those who have turned away like reeds will think again about who truly deserves to be the master of this land.”

Murong Lin looked straight at Son Bin, but Son Bin shook his head.

“That doesn’t seem to be something I should do.”

Murong Lin’s picturesque eyebrows furrowed.

“And as I said, I am not someone who deserves to be called a great hero. Please take back the title of great hero.”

“Why?”

Murong Lin asked, glaring sharply.

“Aren’t you someone who practices righteousness and chivalry? The Black Tiger Gate is a wicked sect! How much have they plundered from innocent people…”

Murong Lin, who was speaking, stopped.

“Could it be that you are also like that? That there is nothing to gain from the declining Murong Family…”

“That’s not it.”

Cutting off her words, Son Bin said quietly.

“I am just saying that your request is not something I should do.”

Murong Lin saw a glimmer of hope in Son Bin’s words.

“Then does that mean you can help me if it’s something else?”

Instead of answering, Son Bin said,

“Can I meet Young Master Murong Jin?”

It was clearly an evasion. Murong Lin bit her lip, the thought suddenly crossing her mind that the person in front of her might be very different from what she had thought.

“If you wait there, I will send someone shortly.”

Step, step.

Murong Lin, speaking in a stiff voice, passed Son Bin with quick steps.

‘This is bad.’

Son Bin smiled wryly, listening to her receding footsteps, and muttered,

“She seems angry…”

“Of course, she’s angry.”

The familiar voice of Noh Gun came from behind. Noh Gun was standing on one side of the garden, having arrived unnoticed. Son Bin asked with surprised eyes,

“When did you get here?”

“I was bored, so I was wandering around and ended up here,” Noh Gun said casually.

“Ignorant fools say that the Murong Family is finished, but no one in the Kangbuk Murim can ignore the name of the Murong Family. If the Gentleman’s Sword had been a little more ambitious, he would have already been listed as one of the Five Great Families. The Murong Family has the potential to exert its power and rise up again at any time, if only given the chance.”

Noh Gun snorted and let out a hollow laugh.

“The precious daughter of such a Murong Family is humbling herself and saying she will give you anything, but instead of saying ‘Just trust me,’ you’re just asking about her brother’s injury and saying ‘This is not something I should do.’ No wonder she’s angry. You really don’t understand women’s hearts at all. How are you ever going to get married?”

Son Bin smiled bitterly.

“Didn’t Young Lady Wol-ah come with you?”

“She’s guarding that guy named Seo-rin.”

Noh Gun said, grumbling.

“It seems like she’s worried about what he might do again if she leaves him alone, not knowing anything.”

Son Bin nodded and looked around the small, beautiful garden once more.

“It’s a good place.”

“Yes. The Gentleman’s Sword liked it here too. I was going to get some sake and watch the moon here, but… Tsk.”

“Let’s go.”

Son Bin smiled and turned to leave. He had to go back because she said she would send someone.

*

*

*

When Son Bin opened the door, Seo-rin was already looking at him with sparkling round eyes. Dang Wol-ah, sitting across from him, was simply savoring her tea without a word.

Son Bin stroked Seo-rin’s head and lightly bowed to Dang Wol-ah to express his gratitude, when a servant of the Murong Family knocked on the door.

Step, step.

Son Bin and his party followed the old servant down an empty corridor.

“Madam, it is I.”

The servant announced in front of a large, antique door.

“Come in.”

At the beautiful voice from inside, the servant carefully opened the door. A large bed in a slightly dark room came into view. A slender figure, sitting next to the bed as if guarding it, stood up.

“Who are these people?”

A beautiful middle-aged noblewoman asked. Son Bin immediately knew who she was. Her face was exactly like Murong Lin’s.

“They are the young lady’s guests.”

“Lin’s?”

“I am Son Bin.”

Son Bin bowed politely.

“I met Gentleman’s Sword Daehyeop [Great Hero] and Young Master Murong Jin at Agyang Pavilion last time. While passing through Wuhan, I heard the news of the Murong Family and was worried, so I know it’s rude, but I came to see you.”

“Ah, I see.”

A smile spread across Madam Murong’s face, which had been puzzled.

“Thank you for coming to see me.”

Son Bin introduced Nam-ak Noh Gun, Dang Wol-ah, and Seo-rin. Madam Murong responded with polite greetings, but she didn’t seem to recognize Noh Gun in particular.

“Come in.”

Son Bin stepped into the room. It was a little dark because all the windows were covered, but not so dark that he couldn’t see.

Son Bin confirmed the presence of a man lying on the bed, whose dignified and intense presence was still vivid even now.

‘Gentleman’s Sword Daehyeop.’

As far as Son Bin remembered, he was the only man that Saja Hyuk called a friend. Well, he called everyone he faced in a life-or-death duel a friend, but the only one who showed a truly friendly reaction was the Gentleman’s Sword.

“How did this happen?”

Noh Gun asked, frowning.

“There aren’t many who could do this to the Gentleman’s Sword, old…”

Madam Murong looked down at the Gentleman’s Sword lying on the bed, her eyes filled with tears.

“It’s because of the Half-Sword Ghost.”

“Half-Sword Ghost?”

Son Bin, who had expected the name of the Black Tiger Gate, looked at Madam Murong with a puzzled expression. Madam Murong said in a trembling voice.

“He went out with Jin-i to stop the ominous things that were disturbing Kangho… In the end, like this…”

Madam Murong couldn’t continue speaking. Noh Gun and Son Bin looked at the Gentleman’s Sword lying on the bed with heavy hearts.

The firmly closed eyes of Murong Myung, the head of the Murong Family and the Gentleman’s Sword, did not even twitch.

*

*

*

“Doryeonnim [Young Master], I have brought the guests.”

“Guests?”

Click.

The door opened, and Murong Jin of the Iron Sword was visible in the dark room. He was similar to the Murong Family Head on the bed, but Murong Jin was sitting, leaning against the wall.

He was momentarily bewildered by the unfamiliar visitors, but he soon recognized Son Bin and smiled brightly.

“Oh, isn’t this Young Master Son!”

His expression was bright and happy. Son Bin smiled and bowed politely.

“Thank you for remembering me, Young Master Murong.”

“Hahaha. How could I forget Young Master Son? I wish I could run out and greet you right away, but I’m sorry that I’m in this situation. Please come in.”

Son Bin stepped inside. Noh Gun, Dang Wol-ah, and Seo-rin followed behind him.

“These people… Ah, could it be Nam-ak Noh Gun?”

“Hmph. That’s right.”

“Oh my.”

Murong Jin looked very embarrassed.

“I am very sorry that Nam-ak Noh Gun has come, but I cannot stand up and pay my respects. I have heard a lot about you from my father.”

Even while leaning against the bed, Murong Jin put his hands together and bowed as politely as possible. Noh Gun asked with a bitter expression,

“What happened?”

“That’s…”

Murong Jin smiled bitterly.

According to his explanation, rumors about a beautiful witch wielding a sword that was cut in half, the Half-Sword Ghost, had begun to circulate sometime ago.

She was said to suddenly appear like a ghost in fairly influential families or martial arts families, and there were more than a few people who had contracted serious illnesses or even lost their lives because of her.

“Some people even call her a ghost. She only appears on pitch-black nights when even the moon is waning, and the air is so cold that frost forms everywhere.”

It was a story like a ghost story, but Gentleman’s Sword Murong Myung was convinced that it was the work of a martial artist. And as a result of tracking her movements in the rumors, he predicted that the Half-Sword Ghost would appear in a martial arts family near the Janggang River in Hubei Province.

“She appeared in influential families or martial arts families without discrimination, but how did you predict it would be a martial arts family?”

“It was only in the very beginning that she appeared in families that were not martial arts families,” Murong Jin said in response to Son Bin’s question.

“Except for that time, the Half-Sword Ghost only appeared in martial arts families, as if she had just realized the difference between martial arts families and influential families. That’s why my father was convinced that this was the work of a martial artist.”

The Gentleman’s Sword’s prediction was accurate, and the two were able to confront the Half-Sword Ghost.

“She was a beautiful but very eerie woman.”

Murong Jin said with a bitter smile.

“She was wearing snow-white clothes and holding a sword dearly. Her hair was so long that it touched the ground, and she was barefoot without even wearing shoes. Even so, her level was extremely high…”

He shook his head.

“Neither I nor even my father could match her.”

“Did she say anything?”

Son Bin, who had something in mind, asked.

“Yes.”

Murong Jin replied.

“As soon as she saw us, she said, ‘Do you know anyone who has a fragment of my half-sword?'”

“Where is she now?”

Murong Jin shook his head at Son Bin’s question.

“I don’t know. She probably left somewhere. In fact, what she is looking for is not a sword fragment, but…”

Murong Jin said.

“It was someone who could be her rival.”

He remembered it clearly.

The appearance of the Half-Sword Ghost, who was sparkling her eyes at his father’s sword, the Gentleman’s Great Way (君子大道) [a philosophical concept of moral excellence].

What she was really looking for was not a fragment of a broken sword.

‘Hmm.’

Son Bin was lost in thought, and only then could he understand why he felt the same coldness from Gentleman’s Sword Murong Myung or Murong Jin as he did from Saja Yeon.

The Half-Sword Ghost must be referring to Sword Hee, the very Sword Hee he met in Okryong Snow Mountain, and the one who stabbed a sword into Saja Yeon’s chest.

‘But why is she…’

Son Bin, who was thinking, raised his head and asked Murong Jin.

“I met Young Lady Murong Lin before coming here, but…”

“Oh, you’ve already seen Lin-ah?”

Murong Jin smiled.

“Isn’t she pretty? She has a strong personality, but she has been really beautiful since she was young. At one time, she was called the most beautiful woman in Wuhan. I was going to introduce you, but you’ve already met.”

“Young Lady Murong Lin said that you were injured because of her.”

“Um, that’s…”

Murong Jin’s face hardened.

“The Black Tiger Gate gang dared to come here and make a fuss, so I forced myself a little… I scared them and chased them away. That’s probably what she’s talking about.”

He smiled bitterly.

“I heard that those guys proposed marriage to Lin-ah. If she didn’t accept, they said they would take bloody revenge for the unremovable insult? But don’t worry.”

Murong Jin said with a bright face.

“As long as I’m here, that will never happen.”

Murong Jin’s resolute voice echoed in the dark room. However, Son Bin’s face was gradually hardening.