A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 282

282. More Beautiful Than Flowers

Sunbin couldn’t hide his admiration as the Yellow Mountains unfolded before him.

“This is truly… amazing.”

“Hmm. Well, that’s just how the Yellow Mountains are,” Old Gun casually remarked, though a subtle hint of awe lingered in his voice.

“It’s really wonderful,” Sasuyeon said, her eyes wide. Even this initial glimpse of the Yellow Mountains was awe-inspiring.

Peaks shrouded in clouds, lush green forests, and immense rocks, alongside valleys that vanished into the dense fog, made them viscerally realize how foolish it was to claim they had seen the entire mountain just by climbing the highest peak.

“Amazing,” Dang Worah also murmured quietly. It was rare for her to speak to herself like this, so Sasuyeon and Sunbin turned to her simultaneously.

Dang Worah, seemingly embarrassed, turned her head. Shinui, looking at the Yellow Mountains with a calm expression, said, “It’s a deep and rugged mountain. Because of that, you can often find rare medicinal herbs, but the downside is that it’s a bit dangerous when the weather turns.”

Shinui’s perspective was, as always, focused on herbs and medicinal ingredients. Old Gun grumbled something, while Jang Gang Eoeong exclaimed in admiration.

“Not bad, this mountain.”

Eoeong, his barely visible eyes shining between his wrinkled eyelids, continued, “The mountain range seems quite deep, so if you search well, there might be some decent spots.”

“Are you trying to catch fish in the mountains?” Old Gun asked, sounding dumbfounded. Eoeong replied nonchalantly, as if it were obvious, “If there are any.”

“As if there would be.”

“Ahem,” Eoeong rebuked Old Gun. “Don’t underestimate nature. Do you know how amazing the creatures living in the deep valleys are? Although very rare, they’ve received the mountain’s energy, so their strength is incredible…”

“Enough. Let’s hurry to the inn. The weather isn’t good, and we might end up sleeping outside.”

Hwasa and Talhondo, who had traveled together in the same carriage, had already left for another inn. Sasuyeon suggested they stay together, but Hwasa lightly waved her hand, saying, ‘That’s not my style. See you later,’ and disappeared.

“Do you think there will be room?” Sasuyeon asked, looking quite worried.

It was understandable. There were quite a few tents pitched here and there at the entrance of the Yellow Mountains, indicating limited accommodation. Among them, the tents bearing the Namgoong Clan’s flag were particularly prominent, resembling a small mansion compared to the others.

“Let’s go and see,” Old Gun said, driving the carriage towards the largest inn.

∴

Shwaa.

Old Gun, drawing back the curtain and entering, quickly scanned the inside of the inn.

“What, it’s more spacious than I thought?”

The people sitting inside the inn looked at Old Gun, who had suddenly entered, with curious eyes. Some recognized Namak Old Gun, but their gazes were quickly drawn to the woman who followed behind.

“It seems so.”

Sasuyeon entered the inn. Her presence alone seemed to transform the atmosphere. Sasuyeon’s beauty, like that of a noble snowflake, was truly overwhelming.

She wore no fancy clothes or sparkling jewelry, yet her beauty shone like a honed sword. Even the most flowery words seemed insufficient to capture her appearance.

“Whoa.”

Someone sighed. It was impolite, perhaps, but no one found it rude.

“Sasuyeon Sojeo! [Young Miss Sasuyeon]”

Someone stood up abruptly. It was a handsome young man wearing the uniform of the Jegal Clan.

He smiled and approached Sasuyeon without hesitation. Sunbin, who had entered the inn, also recognized the young man.

‘Ah, that person.’

He was the young man from the Jegal Clan who had been next to Sasuyeon during the Jiangnan Yongbong Tournament [a martial arts competition]. He couldn’t quite remember his name, but he clearly remembered that Hyukryun Sehwa had called him ‘Fallen Flowers and Flowing Water’ at that time.

‘I think it was a sarcastic remark about how he’s hit on so many women that there are quite a few fallen flowers [a metaphor for women he has courted and discarded].’

Sunbin smiled wryly. Meanwhile, the young man from the Jegal family, Jegal Hwi, approached Sasuyeon and reached for her hand with a welcoming expression—or, rather, he tried to.

Swish.

Sasuyeon lightly sidestepped, leaving Jegal Hwi’s hand hanging awkwardly.

“I told you to refrain from this kind of behavior back then, but you’re still the same, Jegal Hwi Gongja [Young Master Jegal Hwi].”

Sasuyeon’s gaze towards Jegal Hwi was cold. That coldness only seemed to enhance her beauty, but Jegal Hwi, visibly embarrassed, forced a smile.

“I’m glad you look healthy, Suyeon Sojeo. I’m even happier that you remembered my name.”

“I’m just not the type to forget easily.”

It was an openly expressed dislike. However, Jegal Hwi did not give up.

“I was very worried. How have you been, Suyeon Sojeo?” Jegal Hwi asked with a gentle smile, but Sasuyeon’s reaction remained cold.

“You’ve been calling me by my first name for a while now. I don’t remember ever giving you permission to do that, do I?”

“Haha, what are you saying? Sojeo and I…”

“You and I…”

Hwaa.

An icy chill emanated from Sasuyeon. It wasn’t just a perfunctory expression. A sharp aura, as if she would freeze Jegal Hwi on the spot or even split him in two, pressed down on him.

“And what?”

It felt like she would draw her sword at the slightest mistake. No, it was more than a feeling; she was already holding a sword and aiming it at Jegal Hwi.

“It’s been a while.”

The person who came to Jegal Hwi’s rescue was none other than Sunbin.

When Sunbin greeted him, Jegal Hwi looked surprised, as if he had just recognized him. He had witnessed Sunbin’s martial prowess at Deungwanggak [a pavilion or tower known for gatherings and events].

“Ah, Jinryong…”

“I’m Sunbin,” Sunbin quickly interjected, feeling his face would turn red if he heard that embarrassing title in public.

“Sojeo Suyeon may not know, but Gongja Jegal Hwi is the one who willingly drew his sword for the fallen Sojeo.”

As Sunbin explained, Jegal Hwi was one of the late-stage disciples who had drawn their swords to protect Sasuyeon at Deungwanggak, even though she was unconscious at the time.

“Ah.”

Sasuyeon realized she had made a mistake. With that, the oppressive aura that had been weighing down on Jegal Hwi vanished as if washed away.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know and was rude to my benefactor.” Sasuyeon bowed politely and respectfully, then smiled at Sunbin. “Thank you, Gongja Sun.”

“You’re welcome.” Sunbin lightly bowed his head in response. Jegal Hwi’s expression was not bright as he watched the scene unfold. He had received the apology, but only because Sasuyeon had acknowledged Sunbin’s presence and realized there was no room for him to intervene.

“Um, is there anything I can help with…?”

“Thank you, but it’s okay.” Sasuyeon’s answer left no room for lingering feelings. Some people in the inn clicked their tongues at Jegal Hwi’s persistence.

However, they couldn’t deny that they understood his feelings. No one would be able to give up, especially when the object of their affection was such a peerless beauty.

“By the way, if it’s Sasuyeon, isn’t she the Yeohyeop [female martial artist] called Ganghojeilgeomhwa [The Most Beautiful Swordswoman in Jianghu]?”

Someone muttered absentmindedly. Only then did people realize Sasuyeon’s identity and nod their heads.

“Ah, that’s right. That Ganghojeilgeomhwa is…”

People looked at Sasuyeon with new and surprised eyes. Sasuyeon, once called Pogeomsinnyeo [Sword Demon], had earned the title of Ganghojeilgeomhwa on her way to Bukhae [North Sea region].

Known for her intolerance of injustice, she had single-handedly defeated several martial artists and even forced several sects to take down their signboards or abolish martial arts altogether. The main reason for her actions was often the foolish men who coveted her beauty. At this moment, the people in the inn were more than convinced why Sasuyeon was called ‘Ganghojeilgeomhwa’.

“Shouldn’t we pick new Yellow Mountain Five Flowers [a group of five beautiful and talented women associated with the Yellow Mountains] at this point?”

One of the gossips in the inn muttered. Although he didn’t say it aloud, everyone inwardly agreed with his words. Sasuyeon’s beauty was more than enough to rank her first among the Yellow Mountain Five Flowers. It was almost a pity to count her as just one of the five.

“Isn’t that Shinui-nim [Master Shinui]?”

“Eoeong Elder!”

Meanwhile, there were also people who recognized Shinui and Jang Gang Eoeong as they entered the inn. They approached Shinui and Eoeong and exchanged greetings.

The surroundings became noisy for a while because of the murmuring people and those exchanging greetings. In that lull, Sasuyeon approached Sunbin and said, “Gongja Sun, shall we sit somewhere first?”

“Let’s do that.” Sunbin nodded. While looking around the inn, he spotted a familiar face and smiled with delight. “Hwaryeon Sojeo [Young Miss Hwaryeon].”

Seolgeom Dang Hwaryeon [Sword Demon Dang Hwaryeon], the general military officer of the Dang Clan, was sitting inside the inn. Surrounded by people wearing the Dang Clan’s martial arts uniform, she was holding a teacup and looking at Sunbin with a displeased expression. Seeing her fingers drumming nervously on the table, it seemed her annoyance had risen quite a bit.

Sunbin turned his head and said to Dang Worah, “Worah Sojeo. Over there…”

As if she already knew, Dang Worah quietly nodded and slowly walked towards Dang Hwaryeon.

Then, Dang Hwaryeon’s frowning face brightened up as if it were a lie. Watching that scene, Sunbin smiled.

Sabeok, sabeok [sound of footsteps].

The slender Dang Worah quietly moved her steps and approached Dang Hwaryeon. That elegant figure naturally attracted people’s attention, and Dang Hwaryeon’s smile as she stood up to greet her surprised people once again.

“Goodness.”

Someone said with a sigh.

“Seolgeom [Sword Demon] is, smiling?”

The young general military officer of the Dang Clan, who was always like a sharp blade—Seolgeom Dang Hwaryeon, the sword with cold eyes—was smiling brightly.

One of the Yellow Mountain Five Flowers, who had not revealed her true appearance, was now blooming before people’s eyes.

“Worahya.”

“Sister.”

Dang Hwaryeon and Dang Worah naturally hugged each other. Dang Worah, nestled in her sister’s arms, looked so happy, although her face was not clearly visible because of the veil.

“Seolgeom Dang Hwaryeon Sojeo’s younger sister?”

“Then that Sojeo is also…”

Of course, she would be beautiful, but the problem was that they couldn’t confirm that beauty. People couldn’t take their eyes off Dang Worah with regret, but her veil did not come off, even by mistake.

Dang Worah sat down with Dang Hwaryeon, but it didn’t even flutter.

It was then.

“Gongja Sun!”

Someone called from the large staircase leading to the guest rooms. People who turned their heads absentmindedly widened their eyes. Moryong Rin, one of the Yellow Mountain Five Flowers and the precious daughter of the Moryong Clan, had appeared.

Sabeok, sabeok [sound of footsteps].

Moryong Rin came down to the inn’s restaurant with a polite attitude befitting a clan’s daughter, and she bowed her head towards Sunbin’s group to show her respect.

“I greet Old Gun Elder.”

“Okay.” As always, Old Gun received the greeting with an indifferent attitude. Moryong Rin also greeted Jang Gang Eoeong and Shinui, then sparkled her eyes towards Sunbin.

“Nice to see you. Is this the first time since Hangzhou?”

“That’s right. I hope Sojeo has been well too?” Sunbin responded to her greeting with a polite bow. Moryong Rin smiled.

“I’ve been too busy to be well. It would be nice if a capable person could help me.”

Sunbin also smiled. She was definitely brighter than before, meaning she was doing what she wanted to do.

“If you want talent, please wait a little longer. I’m working hard to teach them now.”

Moryong Rin laughed at Sunbin’s playful answer.

The people in the inn were surprised by that sight. Moryong Rin, another one of the Yellow Mountain Five Flowers, was smiling, which was a very unfamiliar sight to them.

Chwaraak [sound of footsteps].

“Gongja Sun.”

At that moment, several people entered the inn and called Sunbin. Sunbin turned his head.

“Namgoong Sojeo! [Young Miss Namgoong]”

Sunbin replied with a welcoming voice. The people who entered were Namgoong Hyang and Namgoong Soyu, and Namgoong Hoon, who had given Sunbin the title of Jinryong Daehyeop [Great Hero True Dragon].

“Nice to meet you. Old Gun Elder, Eoeong Elder, and Shinui-nim [Master Shinui].”

Namgoong Hyang first showed her respect to Old Gun, Jang Gang Eoeong, and Shinui. Following her, Namgoong Hoon and Namgoong Soyu showed their respect to the elders, while Namgoong Hyang approached Sunbin and stood in front of him.

“You’ve arrived, Gongja Sun.”

“Yes.” Sunbin, nodding his head, slyly brought his face closer to Namgoong Hyang and said as if whispering, “The letter you sent was a great help. Thank you.”

When he was in Hangzhou, Namgoong Hyang often exchanged letters with Sunbin, mainly related to the trends of the Gangho Murim [martial arts world] that the Namgoong Clan had grasped. Along with the Dang Clan’s letter, it was a great help for Sunbin to understand the situation.

Sunbin wanted to express his gratitude. Sunbin’s actions were careful because he was afraid that it might leak out, but as a result, he whispered in the young lady’s ear, which made Namgoong Hyang’s face turn red.

“Ah, it’s nothing.”

Namgoong Hyang stammered and replied. The people in the inn could see that they were truly witnessing something special.

Where else could they see the face of Namgoong Hyang, one of the Yellow Mountain Five Flowers and the precious daughter of the Namgoong Clan, blushing?

“Gongja Sun!” Namgoong Soyu approached with light steps and smiled brightly at Sunbin. On the other hand, Namgoong Hoon put his hands together and bowed his head, showing his respect very politely.

“Sun Daein [Master Sun].”

Namgoong Hoon’s title for Sunbin, which used to be ‘Daehyeop’ [Great Hero], had changed to ‘Daein’ [Master]. It was ambiguous whether it was a good thing to be happy about. Anyway, it was still too much for Sunbin to feel comfortable with.

Meanwhile, the people who were watching this scene in the inn couldn’t hide their puzzled expressions.

‘Who the hell is that guy?’

Geomhwa Sasuyeon, Moryong Rin of the Moryong Clan, Namgoong Hyang of the Namgoong Clan, and even Namgoong Soyu greet him.

If he was a rising master or someone who had made a name for himself among the late-stage disciples, they would understand, but in their eyes, Sunbin was just a young man dressed as an ordinary scholar.

But the young man, who didn’t seem to be anything special, was being shown friendliness by the young ladies of the Moryong Clan as well as the Namgoong Clan.

‘What is it? Does he have a lot of money? Or does his family have a great background…’ Just when people were frowning and amplifying their curiosity about Sunbin…

“Why don’t you sit somewhere?” A woman’s sharp voice echoed through the inn. People turned their eyes and looked at the owner of the voice. She was none other than Dang Hwaryeon, the general military officer of the Dang Clan.

“It’s uncomfortable for people coming in and out if you stand like that.” It was a voice full of annoyance that anyone could detect. Seolgeom Dang Hwaryeon also didn’t bother to hide such emotions.

“And how is it that every woman you meet is someone you know? I thought you were living quietly, but it seems like you’ve only been meeting women?”

Some people nodded their heads without realizing it at those words that seemed to represent everyone’s inner thoughts.

Sunbin smiled.

“I’m late to greet you. Hwaryeon Sojeo.”

It was a polite greeting, but Dang Hwaryeon’s mood did not improve.

“Hmph.” She scoffed, ignoring Sunbin’s greeting, but she was still holding Dang Worah’s hand tightly next to her.

Dang Hwaryeon’s seemingly cold reaction, however, surprised the people in the inn even more.

‘Goodness.’

People couldn’t believe what had just happened.

‘To call the general military officer of the Dang Clan so intimately!’

Even Seolgeom Dang Hwaryeon, the general military officer, didn’t scold him for it. Although she looked uncomfortable, it meant that she accepted being called by her name as a matter of course.

It was a very different situation from when Jegal Hwi tried to act friendly with Sasuyeon and was openly met with hostility.

‘Who the hell is he? That man.’

People’s interest in Sunbin was increasing even more.

It could be seen that Sunbin was following Geomhwa Sasuyeon, but Seolgeom Dang Hwaryeon, Namgoong Hyang, Moryong Rin, and even Namgoong Soyu, who were three of the Yellow Mountain Five Flowers, treated him kindly.

‘What kind of trick did he use…’ At this point, they would want to pay a thousand gold to hear how that scholar-dressed young man became friends with them.

Meanwhile, Sunbin’s group came closer to the table where Seolgeom Dang Hwaryeon and the Dang Clan people were sitting.

“Why are you coming this way?” Dang Hwaryeon asked, mixing in her annoyance, but Sunbin smiled and replied, “It seems like there’s a little more space this way. Worah Sojeo is also here.”

There were unusually many empty seats around the place where Dang Hwaryeon and the Dang Clan people were sitting.

When Sunbin’s group approached, the three young men and two women of the Dang Clan stood up, showed their respect, and moved to the side. Dang Hwaryeon didn’t say anything more, so Sunbin’s group sat at the same table as Dang Hwaryeon.

“Do you have a place to sleep?” Dang Hwaryeon asked abruptly. “You’re not thinking of making my younger sister Worah suffer, are you?”

Perhaps the real reason for her discomfort was that Sunbin was acting unusually intimate with other women.

“We have room on our side,” Namgoong Soyu quickly said to Sunbin. “It’s really nice. The wind doesn’t blow in and it’s very cozy…”

“Hmph, it’s just a tent anyway,” Dang Hwaryeon scoffed and cut off Namgoong Soyu’s words. Namgoong Soyu’s eyes immediately turned sharp, but she couldn’t say anything because the other party was the general military officer of the Dang Clan.

“I took it generously, so there are a few rooms left on our side,” Dang Hwaryeon said naturally, as if it were nothing. But it was definitely not a natural thing in a situation where there were tents lined up outside.

“There’s enough room for your group to sleep. And I want to sleep with Worah for the first time in a while…” Dang Hwaryeon’s voice decreased as she avoided eye contact. Sunbin smiled because that appearance was somehow heartwarming, but he was caught by Dang Hwaryeon, who was secretly looking at him.

“Why are you smiling?” It felt like Dang Hwaryeon’s tail was standing up at once.

“Or should I just empty this inn? Just tell me if you want. I’ll do it for you,” Dang Hwaryeon said in a venomous voice. It’s impossible to empty the inn when the Jegal Clan, Hyukryun Clan, and Moryong Clan were there. That’s just too much.

“I don’t think that’s the right thing to do to the guests,” Sunbin said in a soft voice, but that only brought Dang Hwaryeon’s sneer.

“Ha! Morality?” Dang Hwaryeon said with a sneer, but that wasn’t looking down on Sunbin. That sneer was rather directed at the world, and sometimes at herself. Sunbin could tell that from the first time they met.

“Anyway, the people here have all taken it by kicking others out. Even if they get kicked out, they have nothing to be upset about, and they have no right to protest. That’s the same for the people I’ve kicked out, and for myself too.”

Dang Hwaryeon said, looking straight at Sunbin. It somehow felt like she was revealing her inner thoughts too defenselessly, but every time she saw Sunbin’s face, something welled up in her chest and she couldn’t help it.

In front of this man, even the most solid mask was shattered in vain.

“Isn’t it natural for those who prospered with the sword to perish with the sword? If you’re talking about morality, that’s what morality is.”

Even with Dang Hwaryeon’s sharp and sarcastic words like a sharp sword, Sunbin’s smile did not disappear.

“But just because others don’t keep it doesn’t mean I have to do the same. Doing the right thing is worth doing in itself.”

Dang Hwaryeon glared at Sunbin, but Sunbin’s smile as he looked at her was still the same.

“Haa.” Suddenly, Dang Hwaryeon sighed. Looking at Sunbin’s smile, she even felt pathetic for getting angry.

“Yeah, you were that kind of person. I forgot that for a moment.” There was no longer any venom in her voice as she spoke as if muttering.

“If I was going to live like a saint, I wouldn’t have picked up a sword. Anyway, I understand. So don’t think about going to a strange place and stay here.” Dang Hwaryeon finished speaking, glaring at Sunbin for the last time. Sunbin, who fully understood that she meant that she would not allow any further arguments, bowed his head and expressed his gratitude.

“I understand.”

“The Four Great Sects will arrive here tomorrow,” Dang Hwaryeon said as if passing by, but Moryong Rin, Namgoong Soyu, and Namgoong Hoon were surprised by those words. Namgoong Hyang had a calm expression, as if she already knew.

“The Jahye Mun [a Buddhist sect] of Beijing is also with them, so it’s good to decide quickly what you want to do, because it will probably start soon.”

Sunbin understood the meaning of Dang Hwaryeon’s words, and the answer was already decided.

“I have already decided on my intention.” Sunbin, who answered that way, said to Dang Hwaryeon with sincerity, “Thank you. Hwaryeon Sojeo.”

No matter what, her words were always only for Sunbin.

Dang Hwaryeon scoffed lowly and avoided eye contact, but Sunbin already knew that it was a habit to hide her shyness.