A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 281

281. Checks

The entrance to Huangshan [Yellow Mountain, a famous mountain range in China] was overflowing with people. The secluded and quiet atmosphere was a thing of the past, as martial artists and sightseers from all over the world filled the three inns to capacity.

“Huh, it’s a bit more spacious here than I expected.”

A middle-aged man sitting in the largest inn’s dining hall said. He was a merchant who had come hoping to sell some goods, and perhaps get lucky and find something worthwhile.

“That’s because the Zhuge Clan and the Hyeonryeon Clan are staying at this inn. Plus, the Tang Clan is here too.”

The merchant with the goatee sitting across from him said. The Hyeonryeon Clan had entered Huangshan Inn the day after the Tang Clan arrived.

They were all sturdy and had intense eyes, and were so taciturn that the innkeeper was sweating bullets.

“T-The Tang Clan too?”

The middle-aged man’s complexion slightly hardened, but the merchant with the goatee stroked his beard with a relaxed expression.

“Don’t worry. The Tang Clan doesn’t have time to bother with the likes of us. Anyway, thanks to them, there are no thugs around, so we should be grateful.”

The middle-aged man couldn’t shake off his suspicious expression, but he nodded anyway.

“It’s certainly quiet here. There are no rooms available, but just being able to eat safely like this is a blessing. The smallest inn down there is a complete madhouse.”

The second largest inn was occupied by the Gongsun Clan, who avoided the Tang Clan. And the sects that wanted to get closer to the Gongsun Clan naturally gathered at the second inn.

As a result, martial artists who claimed to be from the Demonic Faction or somewhere in between were pushed to the smallest, third inn.

“Don’t even mention it. That inn over there is a chaotic mess right now. It’s common for dishes and bottles to be flying around, and knife fights happen all the time. Plus, you can’t get a good night’s sleep because of the shouting and fighting all night long.”

The merchant with the goatee shook his head.

As he said, the third inn was a chaotic mess. It would have been better if a single powerful sect had taken control, but everyone’s power was about the same, so fights broke out all the time.

There were even rumors that the innkeeper had tried to run away early on but was caught.

“But haven’t they found the Hidden Treasures of the Heavenly Outlaws yet?”

The middle-aged man asked, his eyes sparkling. Who among the people here wouldn’t react to that phrase?

“If the Head of the Taepyeong Clan [likely refers to a specific clan within the story’s universe] found it, shouldn’t it have been discovered already?”

The reason people flocked here was because of the gold that the Head of the Taepyeong Clan had brought out. However, despite the many people wandering around Huangshan, the Hidden Treasures of the Heavenly Outlaws had not been found.

“Well, right now, it’s more important to save your life than to find gold…….”

The merchant with the goatee muttered.

In Huangshan, where there was no government control, conflicts between martial artists usually led to knife fights. So much so that it was said that it was easier to see blood than gold in Huangshan.

Therefore, it was very rare for martial artists to move individually, and they always entered Huangshan in groups.

“Are the Five Great Clans still not moving?”

Unlike the Demonic Faction and other sects that were entering Huangshan no matter what, the Five Great Clans had not left this place for days.

Thanks to this, strange rumors spread. Some said they were waiting here to rob others, or that the Five Great Clans knew that the path to the Hidden Treasures of the Heavenly Outlaws only opened at a specific time.

However, the reason why the Five Great Clans were not moving was clear. They were keeping each other in check.

“They’re probably worried about getting stabbed in the back.”

The merchant with the goatee said casually.

“If two or three other clans colluded and attacked, what could they do in the middle of this deep Huangshan? Like I said, right now, Huangshan is a place where you have to save your life before you find gold.”

Even if other small and medium-sized sects found the Hidden Treasures first, it didn’t matter. With the influence of the Five Great Clans, they would eventually become the owners of the Hidden Treasures anyway.

The only enemies of the Five Great Clans were the Five Great Clans themselves.

“What is the Martial Alliance or the Four Righteous Sects doing? Shouldn’t they be doing something if things are this bad?”

The merchant with the goatee smirked at the middle-aged merchant’s words.

“The Five Great Clans are practically the powerhouses of the Martial Alliance, so what can they do…? And I don’t know if the Four Righteous Sects will come to Huangshan. There’s a rumor that the Azure Wave Sword, Wei Gajin, will come, though.”

“Oh, you mean the Martial Alliance Inspector?”

The Four Righteous Sects always valued reputation and did not move easily. People were more expectant about Wei Gajin, the Martial Alliance Inspector who had been the center of attention recently.

“Anyway, let’s make some money. Let’s sell the stuff we brought and get out of here before afternoon. The sun sets early in the mountains.”

There are hardly any markets or even private houses at the entrance to Huangshan. Therefore, merchants entered the entrance to Huangshan early in the morning and left for nearby cities in the afternoon.

“Oh, and you should get a tent when you come tomorrow. I see tents are starting to pop up here and there. They’re selling for quite a high price.”

The nights in Huangshan are cold. As accommodation became scarce, tents began to appear, imitating the Namgung Clan.

Of course, they couldn’t be compared to the large and luxurious ones of the Namgung Clan, but it was a blessing just to be able to block the cold dew at night. Moreover, in the case of large tents, it was quite warm if you lit a fire inside.

Thanks to this, all sorts of tents were suddenly forming a colony at the entrance to Huangshan. If the situation became prolonged, a market might even be set up.

“Oh, I will.”

The middle-aged man answered somewhat absentmindedly, looking around.

“What’s wrong?”

The merchant with the goatee asked.

“No, well……. I heard that the young lady of the Moryong Clan staying at this inn is so beautiful, I was wondering if I could catch a glimpse of her…….”

The merchant with the goatee’s expression turned serious at the middle-aged man’s hesitant words.

“Hey, you!”

He said with a stern face.

“What are you talking about? The Snow Sword Dang Hwa-ryun is the best in this inn. The cold and beautiful Snow Sword. Don’t you know?”

However, the middle-aged man cautiously raised an objection.

“Isn’t Dang Hwa-ryun already the chief strategist of the Tang Clan? It feels like she’s on a different level…”

“Tsk. You haven’t seen Dang Hwa-ryun’s cold eyes. Moryong Rin’s eyes are quite intense, but they’re still no match for Dang Hwa-ryun. Among the Five Flowers of Huangshan, Snow Sword Dang Hwa-ryun is the best.”

Even amidst this fierce situation, enthusiasts had coined the term ‘Five Flowers of Huangshan’ to describe the five most beautiful women in Huangshan.

They were Namgung Hyang of the Namgung Clan, Gongsun Ji of the Gongsun Clan, Dang Hwa-ryun of the Tang Clan, Jegal Kyung of the Jegal Clan, and lastly, Moryong Rin of the Moryong Clan.

Initially, Namgung Soyu was also considered. However, she was still young and somewhat lacking compared to the other five. Although there were still people who supported her youthful charm.

“But I didn’t expect the Moryong Clan to come. I heard that the martial arts of Iron Sword Moryong Jin are outstanding?”

The Moryong Clan had been rapidly growing in recent years. Leading this growth were Iron Sword Moryong Jin, who had reached the pinnacle of his skills at a young age, and Moryong Rin, who was known for her experienced judgment despite her young age.

“That’s true, but the Moryong Clan also has the Great Hero Gentleman Sword Moryong Myung, right? Considering his connections and influence, it would have been strange if the Moryong Clan had remained silent until now.”

Moryong Rin’s inclusion in the Five Flowers of Huangshan was also related to the rapidly growing influence of the Moryong Clan. It might also be because the Hyeonryun Clan, one of the Five Great Clans, only sent men.

“Aren’t there any from the Demonic Sect?”

“Well? There aren’t any eye-catching young ladies in the Demonic Sect, and the Demonic Sect is a bit… you know… not really suitable for being called flowers.”

Although it was a vague expression, the middle-aged man nodded.

“That’s right. It feels a bit decadent, doesn’t it? And they give off the impression that they could utterly ruin a man if you mess with them…”

There are more captivating and seductive women in the Demonic Sect. However, they are rarely called flowers. Women of the Demonic Sect somehow feel decadent, and men tend to avoid them.

“Well, being decadent or seductive isn’t necessarily bad…”

Above all, the biggest reason was that there wasn’t any impressive beauty in the Demonic Sect comparable to the Five Flowers of Huangshan. Even if the women of the Demonic Sect are seductive, they are not as good as the properly made-up courtesans.

“Hey, that’s a dangerous thing to say. You’ll die if you mess with them, you know? The Demonic Sect isn’t flowers, it’s snakes, venomous snakes. Flowers that kill when bitten.”

“Don’t you die if you mess with the Orthodox Sect? It’s the same that we can’t get close anyway, so why does preference matter?”

The two men began to argue about women. Thanks to this, they didn’t realize that the sun had already begun to set.

*

*

*

Among the three inns at the entrance of Huangshan, the most dilapidated one, which didn’t even have a signboard and was usually called ‘The Third Inn,’ was in an uproar today as well.

Crash, shatter.

“Hahaha. Now that I see it, you were looking for a place to die!”

“Nonsense! Tomorrow next year is the anniversary of your death.”

The sound of dishes and chairs breaking and shouts erupting. However, few people cared.

After all, it was someone else’s business, and nothing would come of intervening.

Besides, everyone’s martial arts level and power were similar, so they didn’t care about each other.

In short, this Third Inn was like the Warring States period [a period of warfare and political upheaval in ancient China], with constant small disputes.

‘Oh dear. They’re fighting again.’

And in any era, there are always people who suffer. That was the owner and the server of this inn.

Especially the server was having a terrible time. The rough and ill-tempered Demonic Sect warriors never considered the server’s situation, who was the weaker one.

Even now, the server was avoiding the fighting, taking orders and delivering food, while bowing his head to the shouting that urged him on.

Swish.

A beaded curtain made of small beads parted, making a sound. The server, who reflexively turned his head, widened his eyes in an instant.

‘Gasp.’

The server gasped. It seemed that the server was not the only one surprised, as the noisy inn became quiet in an instant.

The person who entered was Hwa-sa. Although her clothes were a bit revealing, her makeup wasn’t too flashy, and she didn’t have a particularly seductive look.

However, her feminine figure and mature demeanor exuded an extremely seductive charm.

“Hmm. Well, it’s not bad.”

Hwa-sa muttered quietly and calmly entered the inn.

It was full of fierce Demonic Sect warriors and dirty all around, but she didn’t care at all. No, she even seemed comfortable, as if she was used to it.

Shuffle, shuffle.

No one had to say anything. The people filling the inn couldn’t take their eyes off Hwa-sa’s back as she walked. Greed flashed in the eyes of the Demonic Sect warriors, and the sound of swallowing could be heard here and there.

‘Wh-who is she?’

No one recognized Hwa-sa. It was partly because there was no one affiliated with the Black Snake Sect here, and partly because Hwa-sa’s existence was only known to a few within the Black Snake Sect, those who had been affiliated for a long time or were masters.

Rustle.

Without waiting for the server’s guidance, Hwa-sa casually sat down in an empty seat. And she raised her head to look at the server.

“Hey, hurry up and get out of here…….”

Hwa-sa, who was speaking absentmindedly, paused and smiled faintly.

“Not that, how about coming over here for a second?”

The server, who was already staring blankly at Hwa-sa, felt his heart sink in that instant. It was because her smiling face was so beautiful.

“Yes, yes!”

The server answered loudly and quickly ran to Hwa-sa, not even caring that his voice cracked without him realizing it.

“O-oh, welcome.”

“Yes, yes.”

As the server bowed his head, Hwa-sa wore a comfortable smile, as if satisfied.

‘Gasp.’

At that smile, the server’s heart thumped again. The mature scent wafting from Hwa-sa felt subtly seductive.

It seemed that the server wasn’t the only one who felt that way, as low sighs and lamentations could be heard from around.

“Could you bring me a few of your best dishes?”

Hwa-sa’s attitude toward the server was gentle and kind. She didn’t yell at him like others, nor did she openly look down on him.

Her demeanor was like a kind older sister speaking to her younger brother, and the server’s heart was filled with an inexplicable emotion.

“Here you go.”

Clang.

As if to prove her sincerity, Hwa-sa placed a few iron coins on the table. Her eyes sparkled as she said,

“If you like the food, this is yours.”

The server was deeply moved by her kindness and consideration.

“Yes!”

After bowing his head so low it nearly touched the floor, the server ran to the kitchen with the spirit of sacrificing his life for this ‘older sister’ he had just met.

Hwa-sa smiled as she watched him go.

‘As Master Se-hwa said, you have to respect others to be respected.’

This was the first time the server had treated her so sincerely. Until now, everyone had either stolen glances at her chest or frozen in fear.

‘It doesn’t seem like the Black Snake Sect people have arrived yet, and he won’t be here until night…….’

Talhondo had left to scout other inns, but she knew he wouldn’t be back soon.

‘He’s probably just going to drink anyway.’

It was commendable that Talhondo had stayed quietly in the Seowon [private Confucian academy]. But because of that, Hwa-sa was bored.

Talhondo had asked if she wanted to join him, but an inn filled with righteous martial artists didn’t suit Hwa-sa’s personality. Even if it was noisy and dirty, this place was better.

‘Ah, it was more fun when we came by carriage.’

In the carriage, she could excitedly chat with Sa Su-yeon or Dang Wol-ah.

It was fun to hear stories about the Northern Sea from Sa Su-yeon, and it was also nice to see Dang Wol-ah pretending not to be interested but secretly listening to the conversation.

Jang Gang-eoong openly disliked Hwa-sa and Talhondo being there, but neither Jang Gang-eoong nor Hwa-sa or Talhondo had any intention of leaving the carriage anyway. So, it was easy to dismiss it as just an old man’s grumbling.

‘Come to think of it, do my brother and the kids have a place to sleep?’

She didn’t even bother to call him ‘Young Master Son’ anymore. There’s no reason to change it since it’s just her own thoughts.

It was when Hwa-sa was lost in such thoughts that she heard a voice.

“Hey.”

Hwa-sa instinctively felt annoyed by the greasy tone and raised her eyes.

Thump.

A large man with bulging eyes was staring at Hwa-sa as he stood up.

“Are you looking for a man? Then how about me?”

He smiled, feigning strength by puffing out his shoulders and sticking out his chest. He was trying to show off his masculine charm, but to Hwa-sa, it was just an eyesore.

In the first place, it’s only pleasant when someone you like does it, but an impolite and unpleasant person is just annoying no matter what they do.

‘Ha!’

Hwa-sa didn’t even feel the need to respond to such a pathetic attempt.

Hwa-sa glanced at him and snorted. But that seemed like a glimmer of hope to the man.

“Hehe, gee. Your smile is amazing, too.”

The man smiled slyly, not hiding his greed.

Clang.

He said, touching the large sword with several rings attached to his waist.

“I am Hwangsan Overlord. My martial arts are excellent, but my nighttime skills are even better. Tonight, this body will especially cherish you…….”

Ping.

He hadn’t even taken a step toward Hwa-sa when a small sound cut off his words. Then, a dull explosion erupted from the back wall of the inn.

Thump.

The shabby inn shook as if it had encountered an earthquake. Dust and wood fragments rained down from the ceiling, but the occupants were too stunned to even gasp.

Rumble.

“Oh my, did I miss?”

Amidst the low rumble, Hwa-sa pointed at the man with her empty fingers, a sweet smile on her face. But her eyes held no warmth.

The man who called himself Hwangsan Overlord, a title clearly self-proclaimed and hastily made, couldn’t speak, his face frozen in shock.

A moment ago, something had grazed his cheek, leaving a long, bloody line, but he hadn’t even registered it.

That ‘something’ had collided with the back wall of the inn, creating that heavy impact.

Thud.

A steel dart fell, clattering amongst small fragments of plaster. The whitewashed wall had cracks spreading out like a spiderweb from the point of impact.

Click.

Hwa-sa’s slender, long fingers picked up a second steel dart. She smiled, a chilling expression that promised pain.

“Shall I aim for ‘that’ this time? You claim to be excellent at nighttime activities, so I’m very curious to see just how great you are.”

At Hwa-sa’s words, the man’s face turned ashen. He reflexively lowered his hand to protect his groin, but Hwa-sa’s slender finger had already flicked the second steel dart.

Thwack.

“Ugh!”

With the man’s strangled scream, every other man in the inn flinched involuntarily.

However, Hwa-sa’s flying steel dart, fortunately for the Overlord’s future progeny, struck the man’s face directly, not his lower abdomen.

Thwack.

The man fell backward, unable to dodge or block the attack.

Thump.

The man lost consciousness, but he was still breathing.

Considering the trajectory of the first steel dart, it was obvious to everyone that she had held back. Both the location she aimed for and the power she used.

“The reason I didn’t blow it up completely is because I hate the sight of blood splattering. Seven Captures, Seven Releases [a reference to Zhuge Liang’s strategy of repeatedly capturing and releasing Meng Huo to gain his genuine surrender], consider this a big favor, okay?”

Hwa-sa said with a bright smile to the unconscious man. He couldn’t hear it, but the other men in the inn nodded their heads without realizing it.

Seven Captures, Seven Releases didn’t mean she was showing a lot of mercy, but rather it was the story of Zhuge Liang, who received the sincere surrender of his opponent by releasing them seven times, but now was not the time to argue about that.

Swish.

A group of men entered the inn, where an unnerving silence had fallen.

“Hmm?”

The men looked around with puzzled expressions at the strange atmosphere. Soon, they spotted Hwa-sa, looking relaxed and unconcerned.

The men’s expressions hardened instantly. Hwa-sa, on the other hand, smiled as she saw them.

“Oh, you’re here now? You’re late.”

They were members of the Black Serpent Clan, now called the Black Serpent Union. About ten men walked up to Hwa-sa and bowed politely.

“Yes, yes.”

Hwa-sa nodded as if it were her due, accepting their greetings. The man who seemed to be in charge glanced around the inn and asked.

“Um, what is this……?”

He was asking Hwa-sa. This was Mutting Sword, Deng Won-yeong, one of the top experts of the Black Serpent Clan, who had seen Son Bin at the Blood Peak Union meeting in the past.

“Huh? Nothing happened?”

Hwa-sa said with a slight smile. It was a perfectly refreshing smile, but it sent shivers down the spines of those who had witnessed the earlier events.

Mutting Sword, Deng Won-yeong, who knew Hwa-sa’s personality very well, realized that it was useless to ask any further questions.

“Is the Black Serpent Union staying here too?”

Hwa-sa asked as if nothing had happened. Mutting Sword nodded.

“Yes. The Union Lord will be here soon as well.”

The Union Lord of the Black Serpent Union was Iron Masked Ruthless. He was a major figure among the Demonic Factions, so his arrival would likely cow most of the Demonic martial artists present.

However, Hwa-sa didn’t even bat an eye at the mention of Iron Masked Ruthless. Which was understandable. To Hwa-sa and Talhundo, Iron Masked Ruthless was essentially a subordinate.

“Is that so? That’s good.”

Hwa-sa said indifferently.

After that, the third inn remained quiet. No Demonic Faction member dared to cause a ruckus openly in front of Iron Masked Ruthless of the Black Serpent Union.

Also, alongside the Five Flowers of Hwangshan, the title of Hwangshan Martial Queen, with modifiers that were benevolent, ruthless, seductive, and so fascinating that it would be confusing to anyone who heard it, began to spread slowly.