A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 292

292. Retreat

The fighting stopped when Hwasa and Tang Moon appeared. This was partly because the Eccentric’s Sword Kinesis had ceased, but more importantly, everyone needed to figure out whose side Hwasa and Tang Moon were on.

The Zhuge Clan and Gongsun Clan also retreated for the moment. However, Hwasa didn’t like the way they were looking at her.

“What’s with the atmosphere? I went through all the trouble to save you; shouldn’t you be happier?”

She was right. But the Zhuge and Gongsun Clans had their reasons.

First, Hwasa was from the Demonic Faction. And she was a relatively unknown figure who had only recently gained recognition at Mount Huang.

Moreover, those who appeared with her were from Tang Moon, a group considered to be somewhere between the Orthodox and Demonic Factions.

The Tang Moon were notorious for their deadly poisons and schemes. They had received help, but that was why they couldn’t simply be happy.

“I’m the one who saved you.”

A small voice spoke. It was Tang Woea, a slender woman wearing a veil. Hwasa grumbled.

“I’m the one who stopped that dark person. If you’re my sister, you should concede things like that.”

“No.”

Tang Woea replied in a small but firm tone. It was quite surprising that she was continuing the conversation like this, but those who didn’t know her just blinked in surprise.

“Ugh, I really need to win quickly because I’m getting sick of this…”

Hwasa, who was grumbling, turned her head and looked at the Eccentric. Then, she scanned him up and down as if assessing him.

“Hmm.”

The black clothes tightly wrapped around his body were torn here and there; it seemed more appropriate to call them rags. There was not a single spark of reason in his green, shimmering eyes.

Above all, his aura still seemed to prick the skin. His presence was so eerie that the Zhuge Clan people trembled again.

“Well, he’s at a cute level. Compared to the old me.”

Hwasa smirked.

“My brother healed me, so I win even during the day now, and I win even more at night, of course. But it’s even better at night. Hohohoho.”

Several people from the Zhuge Clan frowned. They thought Hwasa was making blatant obscene remarks, like most Demonic Faction women who excessively exposed their attractive bodies.

However, some people properly understood the meaning. One of them was Pilong Zhuge Ryon.

‘She wins even during the day?’

There was no one in the Outer Sect who didn’t know Hwasa’s true nature: that she exerted absolute martial prowess at night.

That was why Hwasa was one of the two strongest women in the Outer Sect.

But now she says she wins even during the day.

“But you lost to me. Even at night.”

“Eek!”

Hwasa frowned at Tang Woea’s quiet words. Watching her, Pilong Zhuge Ryon sighed inwardly.

‘Oh dear, what happened in the meantime…’

It seemed that so much had happened while he had briefly turned his eyes away from the Outer Sect.

Not only this Eccentric or Hwasa, but also that veiled lady, Tang Woea, who blocked the Eccentric’s Sword Kinesis with five iron needles.

“Anyway, what should we do with him? Catch him or kill him?”

Tang Woea sighed quietly at Hwasa’s slightly excited words.

“Don’t jump to conclusions. He’s the one who made my five iron needles unusable.”

Clang.

The crumpled iron needles that had returned to Tang Woea’s hand made a sound.

Even after using all five iron needles, she had only managed to block the Eccentric’s Sword Kinesis. It meant that the power contained in the Eccentric’s sword was by no means easy to deal with.

“What’s wrong with that? If the two of us are determined anyway…”

Whooooosh.

At that moment, a tremendous aura began to pour out from Hwasa. It was an aura that made not only the Zhuge Clan and Gongsun Clan, but even Pilong Zhuge Ryon flinch.

“Who in the world wouldn’t be able to handle it? Isn’t that right?”

It was common for martial artists to talk about being the best in the world.

However, to those who witnessed Hwasa’s aura now, her words did not sound like an exaggeration.

“Except for Young Master Son.”

Hwasa frowned again at Tang Woea’s quiet words. Pilong Zhuge Ryon smiled bitterly.

‘Amazing.’

The fierce battle that had been going on until just now seemed like a lie, and the atmosphere was light.

However, even at this moment, Tang Woea’s Iron Needle Hell [a defensive formation using her needles] was hidden in the fog, protecting people, and the aura that Hwasa was subtly emitting was checking the Eccentric’s movements.

The initiative in this place had already been handed over to Hwasa and Tang Woea.

“Now, let’s see what this cute monster tastes like.”

Hwasa licked her lips slightly with the tip of her tongue.

“Shall we see?”

Thud.

Before she could finish speaking, Hwasa’s figure disappeared. No one could catch up with her as she rushed towards the Eccentric.

Kwaang!

A roar erupted. Hwasa, floating in the air, slammed her bare hand down on the black-clothed Eccentric, and the Eccentric lowered his stance and blocked the blow with his sword.

The confrontation between Pilong Zhuge Ryon and the Eccentric a little while ago was being reproduced exactly in reverse.

The storm-like aura created by the clash of the two swept around, and even martial artists who were called experts had to raise their hands to cover their faces.

Pi pi pi ping.

In the meantime, as if waiting, Tang Woea’s iron needles rushed in from all directions at the Eccentric. The Eccentric immediately pulled his body back and swung his sword strongly.

Booook.

The iron needles bounced off the Eccentric’s red trajectory that cut through the air. However, everyone knew that the Eccentric had been shocked. The Eccentric’s body, which was blocking the iron needles, staggered greatly.

Thud.

The Eccentric, who twisted his body once in the air, landed on the ground. As soon as the Eccentric’s feet touched the ground, he pulled his body up.

Piping.

With a difference of literally a hair’s breadth, two iron needles brushed past the spot where the Eccentric had been.

The Eccentric, floating in the air, twisted his body into a bizarre posture and swung his sword greatly.

Kwaang.

Another iron needle collided with the Eccentric’s sword, and with the recoil, the Eccentric immediately pulled his body back.

“Ah! I missed!”

At the same time as Hwasa’s words, the Eccentric flew through the air like an arrow and disappeared into the fog.

“Don’t follow him. We let him go.”

Hwasa, who was about to kick off the ground, stopped moving at Tang Woea’s voice. Thanks to that, her posture was a little awkward.

“Oh, really? Really?”

Hwasa looked at Tang Woea and asked suspiciously. Tang Woea said quietly.

“Three of them haven’t even moved yet.”

Hwasa was the only one who understood Tang Woea’s words. Three of the ten iron needles were floating in the fog, hidden as if protecting other people.

“Ugh, I haven’t even had a proper chance to play yet… I thought he would rush in without looking back, but he ran away surprisingly easily?”

Hwasa clicked her tongue, looking in the direction where the Eccentric had disappeared, as if she was disappointed. Then, she turned her body and walked towards Tang Woea.

“Ah, but what was that word from before? Presumption? Did you say presumption?”

Hwasa asked Tang Woea as if nothing had happened. However, the others were watching Hwasa without even making a sound.

Although she was with Tang Woea, she had driven away the Eccentric who was using Sword Kinesis in an instant.

“Thank you.”

The heavy voice was Pilong Zhuge Ryon’s. Hwasa, who was not used to gratitude, mumbled as if she hadn’t heard, but Tang Woea slightly bowed her head and responded to Pilong’s courtesy.

“Thank you so much.”

The following woman’s voice was Zhuge Kyung’s. She stepped forward, put her hands together, bent her waist, and bowed politely.

“We have received a life-saving grace, so I don’t know how to repay this favor.”

Zhuge Kyung’s eyes, looking at Hwasa and Tang Woea, were particularly sparkling. For her, who was sickly, female experts were objects of admiration.

“Ahem, well, it’s not really a life-saving grace…”

Hwasa blushed slightly and acted shy, but Tang Woea asked quietly instead of answering.

“Does it hurt?”

“Yes?”

Zhuge Kyung, who was asking back, soon realized the meaning of Tang Woea’s question. It was a question that Zhuge Kyung was used to hearing.

“No. It’s just that I’ve been weak since I was young. Don’t worry, I wasn’t hurt by this incident.”

Zhuge Kyung replied with a lonely smile.

“…That’s a relief.”

Tang Woea said quietly. She thought it was a tone that seemed to have a different meaning, but Zhuge Kyung replied with a bright smile.

Sabeok.

In the meantime, Tang Hwa Ryon, who had been retreating, stepped forward. It was because it seemed that the situation would not be resolved at all if they stayed like this.

“I am glad to see the two Clan Leaders. Fortunately, it seems that the two of you are fine…”

Tang Hwa Ryon glanced at the warriors who had fallen to the ground. Seven or eight warriors were lying down and groaning. Considering that each clan originally had about ten people accompanying them, a third of them had been neutralized by the Eccentric’s sword.

“The damage is not small.”

The face of Zhuge Kwan, the head of the Zhuge Clan, hardened with anger, but Gongsun Chung, the head of the Gongsun Clan, coughed in vain and said.

“Ahem. As the Tang Moon’s Chief Strategist has seen, our Gongsun Clan has also suffered great damage.”

“You bastard!”

Zhuge Kwan’s anger was natural.

“You are the one who planned all of this; what nonsense are you talking about!”

“Hehe, I planned everything…”

Gongsun Chung frowned, scoffing as if he was dumbfounded.

“Can Clan Leader Zhuge take responsibility for that statement now? Do you have any solid evidence that our Gongsun Clan planned this?”

“Heaven sees and earth sees! And everyone here has heard it clearly; what are you talking about!”

“Hehe, this is difficult.”

Gongsun Chung shook his head as if he was troubled.

“The people of the Zhuge Clan will take Clan Leader Zhuge’s side, and the people of the Gongsun Clan will say that my words are right, so how can that be evidence? Besides, the disciples of the Gongsun Clan who were injured like this are showing that my words are right, aren’t they?”

Gongsun Chung looked back at Tang Hwa Ryon and said.

“Isn’t that right? Chief Strategist.”

Tang Hwa Ryon could clearly understand Gongsun Chung’s intention in asking him specifically.

Gongsun Chung, the head of the Gongsun Clan, was now proposing a deal to the Tang Moon. If it were usual, he would not use such polite expressions to the Tang Moon’s Chief Strategist.

“That’s certainly true.”

A smile spread across Gongsun Chung’s lips at Tang Hwa Ryon’s words. He was certain that the Tang Moon would not miss this opportunity.

“Hehehe, as expected of the Tang Moon’s Chief Strategist.”

Gongsun Chung nodded and smiled broadly. He even showed courtesy to Tang Hwa Ryon and said.

“I have heard that the Tang Moon’s Chief Strategist has extraordinary intelligence. This Gongsun Chung will never forget the Tang Moon’s fair disposition.”

The benefits that the Tang Moon would gain by taking the side of the Gongsun Clan in this situation were enormous. It was as if the Gongsun Clan was saving their lives.

“You, you bastard, how dare you use such dirty tricks…”

Zhuge Kwan trembled, enraged by Gongsun Chung’s obvious trick. However, it was the Tang Moon who held the initiative here now. All he could do was grit his teeth and vow revenge.

“Hehe, dirty tricks? Clan Leader Zhuge, don’t you still know? In the end, the martial arts world is a battlefield of deceiving and being deceived.”

Gongsun Chung said mockingly. However, that mockery soon disappeared at Tang Hwa Ryon’s short words.

“But is that really the case?”

Gongsun Chung’s expression hardened in an instant.

Could it be that the Tang Moon’s intentions have shifted? Or are they aiming for something more advantageous?

Gongsun Chung scrutinized Tang Hwa Ryon with wary and suspicious eyes.

“What do you mean by that?”

Tang Hwa Ryon responded casually.

“I’m referring to your earlier statement. That the Zhuge Clan will naturally support their own, and the Gongsun Clan likewise, implying a lack of impartial evidence.”

Gongsun Chung’s brow furrowed. What was objectionable about his words?

“So?”

“Wouldn’t the situation change with testimony from someone unaffiliated with either clan? An unbiased account from a neutral third party.”

Gongsun Chung doubted such a person existed. He frowned, wondering what trick Tang Hwa Ryon was planning.

“What is that…”

“Noga, come here.”

Tang Hwa Ryon called out softly. From behind the Tang Moon warriors, a small girl with flowing green hair emerged.

“Yes, Auntie.”

Tang Hwa Ryon grimaced slightly at the term ‘Auntie.’ It wasn’t ideal for a young, unmarried woman to be addressed that way.

However, the displeasure faded as Noga gazed up at her with bright eyes. Tang Hwa Ryon spoke to Noga gently.

“What did that old man say earlier?”

“Uung. I don’t like it when people fight because of me…”

Tang Hwa Ryon smiled, encouraging Noga, who seemed hesitant.

“It’s alright. Tell me, and we won’t fight.”

“He said that the Tang Moon are barbarians from Sichuan [a province in southwestern China], and the Namgoong Clan and Hyeokryun Clan are ignorant bumpkins from the Jiangnan frontier [a region south of the Yangtze River].”

Noga recounted with her small voice.

“And when that older sister asked if the Gongsun Clan had brought in that monster, he said yes. He boasted about the Gongsun Clan’s power, and then that older sister scolded him.”

Noga pointed at Zhuge Kyung. Tang Hwa Ryon stroked Noga’s head.

“Thank you.”

Noga smiled, pleased. Tang Hwa Ryon smiled as well.

Originally, Tang Hwa Ryon disliked children, finding them noisy and difficult to understand.

But these children were an exception. The mere fact that they were devoted to her younger sister, Tang Wol-ah, made them endearing, which surprised her.

*Swish.*

Tang Hwa Ryon straightened up, her gaze fixed on Gongsun Chung, the head of the Gongsun Clan. The smile from moments ago had vanished.

“So that’s what happened.”

“Hehe.”

Gongsun Chung chuckled weakly, but his unease was evident.

“You believe the words of such a young child?”

“When you think about it, that’s true too,” Tang Hwa Ryon said. Initially, it seemed she agreed with Gongsun Chung, but it was clear this wasn’t the case.

“Then, should we, as a third party, withdraw and allow the Gongsun Clan and the Zhuge Clan to settle this themselves?”

It was a blatant threat. With Pil-ong Zhuge Ryun present, the Gongsun Clan would be doomed if Tang Hwa Ryon’s suggestion was followed.

Gongsun Chung’s face paled instantly, and Gongsun Ji, standing behind him, stepped forward.

“This is absurd.”

Gongsun Ji’s clear voice cut through the air. Tang Hwa Ryon frowned, turning her attention to Gongsun Ji.

“There’s no comparison between the word of a child and the testimony of the Gongsun Clan Head. Furthermore, how can the Tang Moon, claiming to be one of the Five Great Clans, decide a major Jianghu [the martial arts world] matter based on a child’s words?”

Gongsun Ji held her head high, meeting Tang Hwa Ryon’s gaze.

“Has the Chief Strategist considered how the world will perceive the Tang Moon if this becomes known?”

Tang Hwa Ryon’s eyebrows twitched.

“Who are you?”

“I am Gongsun Ji.”

Gongsun Ji answered clearly, and Tang Hwa Ryon recalled the name.

“Ah, I see. You’re the one…”

A faint smile touched Gongsun Ji’s lips. She assumed the unspoken words were ‘Hwangsan Five Flowers’ [a group of five talented women], as Tang Hwa Ryon was also one of them.

*Step, step.*

Tang Hwa Ryon walked directly towards Gongsun Ji, ignoring the Gongsun Clan Head and the other warriors.

“W-What is it?”

Gongsun Ji was visibly flustered but tried not to step back.

*Step.*

Tang Hwa Ryon stood before Gongsun Ji. She smiled lightly, but before the smile faded, her white hand flashed through the air.

*Slap!*

“Ah!”

Gongsun Ji’s scream echoed with the sharp sound of the blow. But Tang Hwa Ryon’s hand didn’t stop.

*Slap!*

This time, there was no scream. Blood trickled from Gongsun Ji’s mouth, as if the inside had burst. Tang Hwa Ryon looked down at Gongsun Ji and said,

“You don’t need to worry about the Tang Moon.”

Tang Hwa Ryon continued, her eyes icy as she looked down at Gongsun Ji.

“And remember, there is no one in this world you can slap carelessly.”

Gongsun Ji didn’t understand. She didn’t see the connection to the situation, and she herself had slapped many people.

But she had clearly been slapped, twice, in front of everyone.

Gongsun Ji gritted her teeth, glaring at Tang Hwa Ryon with venomous eyes, but she didn’t dare retaliate.

Seolgeom Tang Hwa Ryon was a name synonymous with rising young masters. Had she truly intended it, Gongsun Ji could have died just now.

“Y-You…”

Gongsun Ji trembled with anger and humiliation, unable to finish her sentence. Tang Hwa Ryon, looking down at her, turned to Zhuge Kwan, the Zhuge Clan Head.

“Clan Leader Zhuge, may I make a suggestion?”

“W-What is it?”

Zhuge Kwan asked, flustered by the sudden turn of events. Tang Hwa Ryon smiled lightly.

“If the Clan Leader wishes, the Tang Moon will gladly side with the Zhuge Clan in this matter.”

For the Zhuge Clan, it was exactly what they wanted.

However, Zhuge Kwan hesitated to accept.

He had already been betrayed once by the Gongsun Clan’s blood alliance, and now the Tang Moon was offering their support.

“May I ask why the Tang Moon is showing such kindness?”

Zhuge Kwan’s words were cautious. He couldn’t afford to offend the Tang Moon in this situation.

“I have a promise with someone. I told him that something very bad would happen to anyone who opposes him.”

Zhuge Kwan didn’t understand Tang Hwa Ryon’s words.

Well, who could truly understand the Tang Moon?

Thinking this, Zhuge Kwan looked at Pil-ong Zhuge Ryun with a slightly bitter expression.

Tang Hwa Ryon also looked at Pil-ong Zhuge Ryun and asked again,

“What will you do?”

Pil-ong Zhuge Ryun sighed quietly. He could roughly guess the situation.

‘Bi Geom [Hidden Sword], that guy finally…’

The Gongsun Clan, which attacked the Zhuge Clan, was either behind this chaos or deeply involved. Bi Geom Gongsun Geuk was likely connected.

Rather, the Gongsun Clan’s actions reflected the will of Bi Geom Gongsun Geuk, who wasn’t present.

On the other hand, Tang Wol-ah, who helped the Zhuge Clan, followed the path of the Martial Emperor, a person of Son Bin. Pil-ong Zhuge Ryun had witnessed in Bukhae that she was more than an acquaintance of Son Bin.

Only one causal relationship could be inferred. Although he didn’t know the details, Bi Geom Gongsun Geuk had decided to oppose Son Bin, and the Tang Moon saw an opportunity to strike the Gongsun Clan.

In other words, the ‘someone’ Tang Hwa Ryon mentioned was likely Son Bin.

‘Is it that child’s will?’

Pil-ong Zhuge Ryun looked at Tang Wol-ah.

Just as Bi Geom Gongsun Geuk moved the Gongsun Clan, she moved the Tang Moon.

Therefore, the Tang Moon’s seemingly incomprehensible action was the will of Tang Wol-ah, who appeared small and slender.

“Thank you.”

Pil-ong Zhuge Ryun said quietly. With that, the Gongsun Clan’s fate was sealed.

“Thank you for accepting the offer. Excuse me, but may I do one more thing as I please?”

Pil-ong Zhuge Ryun nodded. The Tang Moon held the initiative, so there was no reason to hesitate.

Tang Hwa Ryon, having expressed her gratitude, turned to the Gongsun Clan Head and said,

“Go.”

Gongsun Chung’s eyes lit up. He thought it was over when the Tang Moon turned against him.

But if he could escape, he might survive. With Bi Geom Gongsun Geuk, a high-ranking guest elder, he might even seek revenge.

“It’s not my intention, but someone is stubborn about such things, so I can’t help it,” Tang Hwa Ryon said, sighing quietly. Few understood her words, but she was letting the Gongsun Clan live.

“I understand,” Gongsun Chung said in a low voice. He didn’t know if it was a trap, but he had to escape.

The Gongsun Clan warriors supported the injured. Gongsun Ji stepped back, glaring at Tang Hwa Ryon, her venomous eyes seeming to kill.

“Just you wait.”

“As you wish,” Tang Hwa Ryon sneered.

“But I don’t know if the Gongsun Clan will still be around by then?”

Gongsun Ji gritted her teeth, afraid to say more in case Tang Hwa Ryon changed her mind.

“Let’s go,” Gongsun Chung said, and the Gongsun Clan warriors left. The Zhuge Clan warriors trembled with anger but couldn’t disobey Tang Hwa Ryon’s orders.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Tang Hwa Ryon said quietly, her voice unusually clear, as if she was enjoying herself.

“To what will happen to the Gongsun Clan in the future.”

The coldness behind the pleasantness made the listeners shudder. Zhuge Kwan suddenly thought,

‘Maybe letting them go is more cruel?’

Of course, that couldn’t be, but looking at Tang Hwa Ryon’s smile, he couldn’t help but think so.

“Well, then,” Tang Hwa Ryon said suddenly. Zhuge Kwan looked at her.

“Will the Zhuge Clan continue to stay in Hwangsan?”

“No, no,” he answered quickly. Zhuge Kwan sighed.

“The Zhuge Clan will retreat. I wish the Tang Moon good luck.”

Having confirmed this place was a death trap, there was no reason to stay. Besides, they had revenge to take on the Gongsun Clan.

Returning alive was the priority, not the treasures of Hwangsan.

Pil-ong Zhuge Ryun agreed and nodded. Tang Hwa Ryon smiled brightly.