A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 272

272. Typhoon of the Murim (2)

The Supreme Council of the Murim Alliance was silent. The shock of the Gyeonghui Princess’s sudden appearance still lingered.

The title of a royal princess was, in fact, somewhat ambiguous.

It wasn’t an official position with clearly defined authority, but it was more than just an honorary title.

A princess was a title tied by blood, an unbreakable bond that, in some cases, could wield significant influence over the absolute ruler.

Of course, within the demonic palace that was the Imperial Palace, blood ties could sometimes be worth less than dust, but no one could ignore a royal princess, especially one like the Gyeonghui Princess, known to have the Emperor’s full confidence.

“If this humble monk may add a little more…”

Wonkak Seonsa, who was presiding over the Supreme Council, smiled, pleased with the reactions of the heads of the Five Great Families.

“The Princess is also a lay disciple who received a Dharma name [a religious name given during a Buddhist initiation] from the Buddhist Nun Beopheo of the Emei Sect. Strictly speaking, her seniority wouldn’t be far behind those present here.”

The family heads turned to Hyewol Satae, the leader of the Emei Sect. Hyewol Satae quietly chanted a Buddhist prayer and nodded.

To be precise, the Princess was a lay devotee rather than a lay disciple, but their master-disciple relationship remained.

‘Hmm.’

Nangong Kwon, the head of the Nangong Family, the Thunder Sword, twitched an eyebrow.

Buddhist Nun Beopheo was the teacher’s sister (師姑) [Shigu, a term for a Buddhist nun who is the teacher’s sister] of the current leader Hyewol Satae, making the Gyeonghui Princess like a junior sister to the Emei Sect leader.

This might seem irrelevant to the heads of the noble families, but for the Four Great Righteous Sects, which still valued seniority, even a lay disciple held special significance.

In short, the Gyeonghui Princess was on par with the leaders of the Four Great Righteous Sects or the heads of the Five Great Families in terms of Murim seniority.

‘This is quite serious, isn’t it?’

It wasn’t unheard of for a member of the Imperial Family to enter Buddhism or Taoism, but it was rare.

However, opening a lay sect was quite unusual. Moreover, she had appeared at the Supreme Council of the Murim Alliance.

“Do the family heads have anything to say?” Wonkak Seonsa asked. However, Cheolpil Jegal Gwan and Kwaegeom Gongson Chung only showed discomfort and remained silent.

On second thought, it was natural. As noble families with an inseparable relationship with the government, and a clear superior-inferior dynamic, they couldn’t dare to ‘investigate’ a royal princess.

Their position was different from the Four Great Righteous Sects, like Buddhism or Taoism, which were respected by the people.

“Then I shall speak first,” Wonkak Seonsa said, taking the family heads’ silence as consent. He turned to the Gyeonghui Princess. “Thank you for coming today.”

The Gyeonghui Princess bowed her head lightly. “You’re welcome. The pleasure is all mine.”

Wonkak Seonsa returned the greeting with a respectful hand gesture. “Some noble families have expressed concerns about the recent actions of the Emei Sect and the Jahye Sect. What are your thoughts on this?”

The Gyeonghui Princess smiled. “I believe that Cheonglanggeom Wi Gong’s actions were an act of chivalry and deserve praise. And as far as I know, all of this was done with proper authority and procedures.”

Kwaegeom Gongson Chung and Cheolpil Jegal Gwan’s expressions hardened.

“I would like to ask the Princess,” Cheolpil Jegal Gwan said, bowing his head slightly to show respect. It would have been unthinkable for him, the head of the Jegal Family, to show respect first to an ordinary Murim person.

But he was facing a princess. No one, under any circumstances, could stand above a princess, except for one person in the world.

“Yes, please speak.”

Cheolpil Jegal Gwan said with a serious expression. “A person’s actions can be evaluated differently depending on the point of view. While the Jahye Sect’s instructor acted with good intentions, there is room for debate in terms of procedure.”

His voice was firm. The Gyeonghui Princess spoke softly. “So the Jegal Family sees it that way.”

Cheolpil Jegal Gwan’s expression twisted slightly. The Gyeonghui Princess didn’t agree with him.

“The Gongson Family feels the same way,” Gwaegeom Gongson Chung, the head of the Gongson Family, said bluntly. He didn’t even offer the slight courtesy that the head of the Jegal Family had shown.

Still, not speaking in a demanding tone was his way of showing respect to the royal princess. The Gyeonghui Princess still smiled. “Is that so? But as Jegal Gwan Daehyeop [a respectful title for a martial artist] said, evaluations can vary. There are those who share my thoughts.”

“Are you referring to us?” Hyewol Satae, the leader of the Emei Sect, laughed heartily. “Emei does not agree with the Jegal Family and the Gongson Family at all.”

Hyewol Satae openly took the Princess’s side. Considering the royal princess’s position, it was a bit excessive, but Satae didn’t care about the family heads’ gazes.

“Wudang feels the same way,” Cheongsu Jin-in, the leader of Wudang, said quietly, his eyes closed as if meditating.

“As you can see, it’s like this,” the Gyeonghui Princess said to Cheolpil Jegal Gwan. “Since the evaluations are so conflicting, what should we do now?”

It was a question, but also a way of putting pressure on him. Cheolpil Jegal Gwan and Kwaegeom Gongson Chung’s expressions hardened.

‘Tsk.’

Nangong Kwon, the Thunder Sword, clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘In the end, it will end vaguely.’

The unexpected variable of the royal princess had appeared.

Since the noble families couldn’t openly oppose the Imperial Family, the result was obvious.

It was predetermined to end without a clear conclusion.

‘This is quite a painful defeat, isn’t it?’

The problem was that this would strengthen the Four Great Righteous Sects’ influence. Moreover, since the royal princess had become a lay disciple of Emei, there was no guarantee that this would be a one-time involvement.

It wasn’t so bad to see the Jegal Family and the Gongson Family defeated without excuses, but this result wasn’t good for the Nangong Family either.

‘Is it fortunate that we didn’t actively step in?’

That was what Nangong Kwon was thinking when the Gyeonghui Princess’s clear voice was heard. She spoke with a bright expression, as if she had come up with something interesting. “How about this?

It is said that scholars speak with brushes and martial artists with swords. The clash of different wills is inevitably resolved by force. In the old days, the victory or defeat of war also represented the will of heaven. So, wouldn’t it be natural to resolve it in the way of the Gangho Murim [the martial arts world]?”

“What is that…” Before Cheolpil Jegal Gwan could finish, the Gyeonghui Princess answered, “I propose a duel.”

The leaders and family heads reacted differently. Some were embarrassed, and some had stiff faces.

But they all looked doubtful. The same was true for the Emei leader and the Wudang leader.

“What are you saying, Princess?” Wonkak Seonsa asked. The Gyeonghui Princess said as if it were obvious, “The instructor of this sect, Cheonglanggeom Wi Gong, practiced chivalry, and this deserves praise. But chivalry without power is ultimately nothing more than empty words.”

Everyone agreed. Without power, at least in the Gangho Murim, one couldn’t gain recognition.

“So, Cheonglanggeom Wi Gong will prove that his chivalry was right through three duels. If anyone defeats him…” The Gyeonghui Princess smiled thinly. “I will gladly admit my mistake and take all the responsibility that comes with it.”

Thud.

It was like a huge stone had fallen in the middle of the conference hall.

The royal princess had publicly declared that she would not only admit her mistake but also take all the responsibility.

Considering her position, this was enormous and excessively unconventional.

“Princess!” Even Hyewol Satae, the leader of the Emei Sect, hadn’t expected this.

She quickly stood up to speak to the Gyeonghui Princess, but the Gyeonghui Princess’s voice rang out clearly. “Whether it’s an apology, compensation, or anything else, it doesn’t matter. I’ll do whatever you want.”

It wasn’t just Hyewol Satae whose expression hardened. Silence fell, and after a while, Cheolpil Jegal Gwan said quietly, “Can I take it that these words are the Princess’s firm intention?”

“Yes.”

The Gyeonghui Princess answered with a bright expression. “Literally, it is my intention without a single addition or subtraction. I promise on the title of Princess bestowed by the Emperor, and on my Dharma name, which I cherish more than anything else.”

Cheolpil Jegal Gwan and Kwaegeom Gongson Chung couldn’t hide their surprise. They had never imagined she would do this.

On the other hand, the fact that the Gyeonghui Princess mentioned her Dharma name as ‘the most precious thing’ greatly moved Hyewol Satae, the leader of the Emei Sect.

Thud.

Hyewol Satae rose from her seat, leaning on her staff. “Since a fellow disciple is practicing chivalry, how can I, as an elder, sit still? I, too, will take all responsibility with the name of Emei.”

Unfortunately, not many people sympathized with Hyewol Satae’s spirit. However, the Gyeonghui Princess responded with a gentle smile. “Thank you, Satae-nim [a respectful title for a Buddhist nun].”

Hyewol Satae gave the Gyeonghui Princess a pleased look. Seeing that, Wonkak Seonsa, the leader of the Shaolin Sect, quietly chanted a Buddhist prayer.

“This is the will of the Princess and Emei. Does anyone have any objections?”

The leaders and sect leaders said nothing. Everyone was calculating their gains and losses, but no one objected.

Wonkak Seonsa sighed quietly and said, “We will discuss the specifics separately later. I hope Gongson Siju [a respectful title for the head of a family] and Jegal Siju will attend.”

Kwaegeom Gongson Chung and Cheolpil Jegal Gwan nodded. There was no reason to decline.

“And this duel will be held as soon as possible. I believe that the various Sijus do not want a tedious meeting to drag on,” Wonkak Seonsa said with a smile, trying to joke. However, no one laughed. Even Wonkak Seonsa’s smile disappeared. Only the Gyeonghui Princess’s smile shone coldly on her red lips.

*

*

*

Whoosh, whoosh.

Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin’s sword emitted a blue aura, the ultimate sword energy.

“Keuk.”

Before that sword energy, a person stood precariously, about to fall. His once splendid martial attire was stained with blood, and his overflowing momentum had vanished.

His eyes were alive and blazing, but his body wouldn’t follow his will.

“Will you continue?” Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin asked coldly. But the other party couldn’t answer.

His tightly closed lips were torn and bleeding. Standing before Wi Gajin was Gongson Chang, the head of the Gongson Family’s outer hall, who had stepped up for the second duel.

Gongson Chang had reached the realm of sword energy manifestation early and wielded a tyrannical swordsmanship called ‘Mad Sword’.

But he couldn’t overcome Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin.

Like Jegal Sang, the head of the Jegal Family’s outer hall, who had been defeated in the first duel two days ago, he met the same fate.

If Jegal Sang had the excuse of underestimating his opponent, Gongson Chang didn’t.

He had seen Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin’s skills, which had overwhelmed Jegal Sang with force.

Cough.

A sword stuck in the ground supported Gongson Chang, who was about to fall.

The sword, which had rippled with eerie sword energy, had lost its light and was Gongson Chang’s only support.

“Ugh.”

Gongson Chung, the head of the Gongson Family, groaned.

The head of the outer hall was a key figure in the family’s military power. Their martial prowess was slightly behind the family head, but their practical experience was greater.

They were defeated by Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin. Even he could see that they were no match.

To face Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin, someone at the family head level or higher would have to step up.

Whoosh.

The sword energy disappeared from Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin’s sword. Holding the sword with both hands, he bowed politely to Gongson Chang. “Your sword was impressive. Thank you for accepting the duel.”

Gongson Chang, who received Wi Gajin’s greeting, distorted his face. But he was a martial artist and couldn’t deny the result of a fair duel. The sword never lies.

“You’re welcome. You are truly…”

Gongson Chang couldn’t finish and fell to the side. Wi Gajin reached out to support him.

Thud.

Wonkak Seonsa struck the floor with his staff. “The duel is over. The winner is Jahyemun’s instructor, Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin.”

A faint smile appeared on the Gyeonghui Princess’s lips. Hyewol Satae also looked satisfied, but the family heads’ expressions weren’t bright.

Those who were shocked were the heads of each faction and the senior officials who accompanied them. For them, the result was serious.

Swish.

The Gongson Family came out and supported Gongson Chang, and Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin sheathed his sword.

“With this, the two duels are over. I don’t think a third duel is necessary, but what do you think, Sijus?” Wonkak Seonsa’s words were direct. To face Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin, at least the family head level or the previous generation of masters would have to step up.

But if that happened, there would be nothing to gain even if they won. It would only raise Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin’s reputation to the family head level or higher.

Moreover, if they lost, the consequences would be terrible.

“If there are no other opinions, I will take it that way,” Wonkak Seonsa said clearly. Inwardly pleased to see the family heads’ stiff expressions, he turned to Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

The young Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin had a weight in his attitude that only those with long careers could have.

If he were like other young people, he would be excited. It was a result worth rejoicing.

“It is a great achievement at a young age. May I ask who taught you?”

Wonkak Seonsa’s question was based on goodwill. If someone had raised such a wonderful young man, they should be known in the Murim. There was also curiosity.

“There is no one to boast about.”

Wi Gajin’s words disappointed Wonkak Seonsa, but it wasn’t incomprehensible. It wasn’t uncommon for a new star to appear suddenly in the Gangho Murim.

But Wonkak Seonsa’s disappointment was premature.

“But if I were to mention the one person who had an absolute influence on me…” Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin’s eyes lit up, showing his sincerity. “It is the Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon [a legendary martial artist].”

Another shock swept around.

The leaders and family heads’ faces hardened, while the senior officials showed intense curiosity.

The ‘Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon’ was at the top of the Hundred Inquires Record and the only name that hadn’t been erased.

“Just once.”

Regardless of each person’s reaction, Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin’s heavy voice rang out. “By dueling with him just once, I was able to open up a new realm.”

People began to murmur, mainly the senior officials. For them, Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin’s answer was unexpected.

However, not many noticed the leaders and family heads’ stiffening expressions, regardless of whether they were from the Four Great Righteous Sects or the Five Great Families.

And no one noticed that only the Gyeonghui Princess was still smiling.

“Heo.”

Wonkak Seonsa exclaimed quietly and said with a stiff expression, “Then I will end the duel here.”

That’s how the duel ended, but the repercussions didn’t subside.

After that day, Cheonglanggeom Wi Gajin became a typhoon and struck the Gangho Murim.

It wasn’t just the appearance of a new master who had defeated Jegal Sang and Gongson Chang.

The Hundred Inquires Record, which was still a ‘strange document’ for most, had a completely new meaning.

It was the core of a typhoon that would shake the Gangho Murim.

*

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*

Savage, savage.

The moonlit night in Cheongwon was quiet. Even the sound of clothes rustling through the bushes could be heard.

“How about here? Isn’t it good?” Hwasa, who was leading, said with her arms wide open.

The place where she stopped was a field full of reeds, far from the village.

Shallow water used to flow widely during the rainy season, but as the amount of water decreased, a flat area was formed.

“It’s good,” Sa Su-yeon, who was following, said, nodding at the lights of another village in the distance. Sa Su-yeon looked back. “How is it, Miss Se-hwa?”

Hyeokryeon Se-hwa, who got out of the carriage, looked around and agreed. “It’s good. Here, we don’t have to worry about causing damage to the village like last time.”

The first duel was more intense than expected, very intense. If Hyeokryeon Se-hwa hadn’t stepped in, Cheongwon might have disappeared from the map.

Of course, there was no damage to the village, thanks to Sa Su-yeon, Dang Wol-ah, and Hwasa controlling themselves.

But Hwasa strongly objected, saying she hadn’t shown her true skills.

In the end, they had to come here, far from the village, taking the carriage from the academy.

“What do you all think?” Hyeokryeon Se-hwa asked, looking back.

“It’s good, Sister,” Seo-rin, who got out of the carriage, answered with sparkling eyes. Talhondo nodded silently. Old woman Dang Un-yeong said with a smile, “Yes, this place will be fine.”

She took out warm tea and refreshments that she had brought in the carriage. Hong-ah and Cheong-ah and the five children quickly helped her.

“Well, then,” Hwasa said, sticking out her chest and putting her hands on her hips. “Shall we start properly?”

Her gaze was directed at Dang Wol-ah, who had been silent.

Sarak.

Dang Wol-ah quietly stepped forward, her beautiful eyes, veiled in silk, sparkling.