A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 447

447. Dark Clouds

Son Bin, No Gun, and Talhondo rode without rest. When they arrived in Wuhan, where the Moyong Clan was located, they were greeted by the lively atmosphere of the Moyong Clan.

“Looks like nothing happened, huh?”

No Gun said, stroking the horse that had struggled to run. Son Bin sighed in relief.

“Yes, it certainly seems so.”

The Moyong Clan was intact. Of course, unlike before, there were more people bustling about, and more supplies coming in and out of the clan, but there was no sign of anything bad or strange having happened.

“Let’s meet the Gentleman’s Sword first.”

At No Gun’s words, the group slowly rode their horses toward the Moyong Clan. Coincidentally, the warrior in charge of the main gate remembered Son Bin’s visit to the Moyong Clan, so they were able to enter the clan without difficulty.

How long did Son Bin’s group wait in the elegantly appointed, antique room?

Click.

The door opened, and the Gentleman’s Sword, Moyong Myung, appeared with a surprised expression.

“Elder No Gun, Young Master Son!”

The Gentleman’s Sword, Moyong Myung, whose hair was slightly graying, couldn’t hide his happy expression. Son Bin, who had been sitting, stood up.

“It’s been a while, Great Hero.”

Son Bin paid his respects, and the Gentleman’s Sword, Moyong Myung, respectfully returned the greeting.

“I heard you were coming. Did you have a good trip?”

“Heard? From whom?”

No Gun, who was holding a teacup, asked, a hint of suspicion in his voice. Moyong Myung smiled.

“The Nangong Clan’s young lady sent a letter. Did you have a good trip as well, Elder?”

“Already? You’re fast.”

No Gun clicked his tongue. Son Bin could also understand why the Moyong Clan seemed so lively. The Nangong Clan was moving to keep its promise.

“Well, we had a good trip.”

Even at No Gun’s perfunctory response, Moyong Myung wore a smile. No Gun’s unchanged appearance was rather welcome to him.

“…Has the Martial Emperor left?”

The Gentleman’s Sword’s voice trembled slightly as he asked. No Gun slowly nodded.

“Yes.”

The Gentleman’s Sword, Moyong Myung, let out a soft sigh. After being lost in reminiscence for a moment, he respectfully greeted Talhondo.

“Welcome to the Moyong Clan.”

Swoosh.

Talhondo rose from his seat. And, returning the respects, he replied in a heavy voice.

“Thank you.”

The greeting was short. This was because the Gentleman’s Sword, Moyong Myung, and Talhondo didn’t have much interaction, and also because the Moyong Clan and the Black Evil Union had different positions as the orthodox and unorthodox factions of Gangbuk [a region in China, often associated with martial arts stories].

“By the way, this is surprising.”

The Gentleman’s Sword, Moyong Myung, said as he sat down.

“A few days ago, Young Lady Sa visited, and now you all have come.”

At those words, Son Bin’s eyes flashed.

“Visited?”

He was just about to bring up that story. Moyong Myung replied to Son Bin.

“Yes. She suddenly came and asked if anything had happened. She also asked where Jin and Rin had gone.”

Jin and Rin must have meant Iron Sword Moyong Jin and Moyong Rin.

“Are the two of them not here?”

At Son Bin’s question, Moyong Myung nodded.

“That’s right. The Nangong Clan requested a person in charge to discuss future matters, so Jin and Rin went to Nanchang. Those kids were so happy to hear about you….”

It wasn’t just happiness. Iron Sword Moyong Jin was very pleased, and Moyong Rin even teared up. Moyong Myung was surprised by his daughter’s appearance, who was always accurate, resolute, and even cold.

“If you have time, would you like to wait a little….”

“Was there anything wrong with the clan?”

No Gun’s voice cut off Moyong Myung’s words. Knowing No Gun’s personality, Moyong Myung answered No Gun’s question without any discomfort.

“Yes, but….”

“Hmm.”

No Gun continued, spitting out words.

“Actually, Bulgwang and Chungwooja visited Talhondo a while ago. The two from the Heavenly Mountain Five Old Men were with them too.”

The Gentleman’s Sword, Moyong Myung’s expression hardened. He knew what it meant for them to have visited Talhondo.

“So the Flying Sword moved. Were you okay?”

“Bin and I, or rather, Bin, roughly took care of that. But nothing happened here? Even though you were here alone without your son?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

At Moyong Myung’s answer, No Gun let out a soft groan as if he couldn’t understand something. Moyong Myung was puzzled by the meaning, and Son Bin asked.

“What did Young Lady Suyeon say when she heard that?”

The Gentleman’s Sword, Moyong Myung, recalled the appearance of Sa Suyeon, who had visited a few days ago.

“She thought about something for a moment and then said she was sorry but had to leave urgently. And then she left right away.”

Sa Suyeon didn’t even stay for a cup of tea. Her expression was so firm that Moyong Myung couldn’t stop her.

“Didn’t she say where she was going?”

“She didn’t say.”

Suddenly, No Gun let out a long sigh and put down the teacup he was holding. Clatter.

“I’m sorry, but we have to go too.”

“Yes?”

Moyong Myung had a puzzled expression, but No Gun turned his head and looked at Son Bin.

“The Tang Clan?”

“It could be the Seowon [a type of private academy in Korea], but since measures have already been taken there, it would be right to go to the Tang Clan.”

“It would be a disaster if it’s neither.”

“Then there’s nothing we can do. It’ll be a move we never thought of, like Young Lady Wola said.”

The Gentleman’s Sword, Moyong Myung, was not the only one who couldn’t follow the conversation between No Gun and Son Bin. Talhondo, who had been silent, asked No Gun.

“What are you talking about?”

“It’s a bit long to explain….”

In fact, the reason was more because it was annoying than long. No Gun, who was frowning, said to Moyong Myung.

“Let’s borrow a carriage first. And some sturdy, fast horses too.”

“That’s not difficult, but what’s going on?”

At Moyong Myung’s puzzled words, No Gun replied.

“We’re going to the Tang Clan.”

No Gun and Son Bin were convinced that Sa Suyeon would have come to the same conclusion. No Gun continued.

“We have to take a boat on the Yangtze River, so I’ll explain while we’re going to the dock. Get in if you’re curious.”

Moyong Myung nodded. And he immediately told someone to prepare a carriage. It didn’t take long for the Moyong Clan to prepare a carriage. The Gentleman’s Sword, Moyong Myung, first sent someone to find out about a boat going up the Yangtze River, and then he got into the carriage with Son Bin’s group. He was very curious about what was going on.

“So, what’s going on?”

Talhondo asked in the running carriage. No Gun, who was sitting in the carriage, glanced outside and opened his mouth.

“The Flying Sword knows we’re back. Maybe he was originally planning to move around this time, but now that we’ve come, he has no choice but to move.”

Son Bin’s return dramatically reversed the situation. Now, the one in a hurry was Flying Sword Gongsun Gok and those who agreed with him.

Clatter, clatter.

No Gun’s explanation continued between the carriage sounds.

“We expected that the first target would be you, Talhondo, or the Gentleman’s Sword. In fact, Bulgwang and Chungwooja came to target you. But nothing happened to the Moyong Clan.”

No Gun asked, shining his eyes.

“Why do you think that is?”

Talhondo shrugged.

“Looks like the Flying Sword especially hates me.”

“Of course. You’d have a reason to move Bulgwang or Chungwooja if it were you.”

No Gun smirked and replied. Everyone in the Outer Affairs knew that the Flying Sword hated Talhondo or Hwasa.

“But if so, where did the Kunlun Three Immortals go? Where would the Flying Sword, who sent the Heavenly Mountain Five Old Men to you, hide the Kunlun Three Immortals so preciously?”

Talhondo frowned. Certainly, No Gun’s point made sense.

“In short, the Flying Sword used his head. He predicted that we would move and secretly took out the Kunlun Three Immortals. To hit what he’s really aiming for.”

“Is that target the Tang Clan?”

That was the voice of the Gentleman’s Sword, Moyong Myung. He was reminded that No Gun had said he had to go to the Tang Clan.

“Probably.”

No Gun frowned and replied.

“Actually, the first thing you can think of is the Seowon. But there’s Hwasa and Janggang Eoeong in the Seowon. Hwasa has already declared that she will kill anyone who touches the Seowon, and antagonizing Janggang Eoeong would be adding to the Flying Sword’s enemies, which would be difficult.”

“What about the Hyeonryun Clan?”

Talhondo suddenly said.

“The Sword Master is also drawing a line with the Flying Sword.”

No Gun shook his head.

“If you hit the Hyeonryun Clan, will Hwasa stay still? She follows Hyeonryun Sehwa as her teacher. Besides, if the Hyeonryun Clan collapses, the Seowon will be in danger. If it were the Flying Sword, he would rather hit the Seowon than hit the Hyeonryun Clan.”

No Gun tapped the armrest of the carriage and continued.

“So the only thing left is the Tang Clan. With the Flying Sword’s petty personality, he’ll also have the intention of repaying his grudges.”

“Didn’t anyone go to the Tang Clan?”

Talhondo asks again.

“Young Lady Wola went.”

The one who answered was Son Bin.

“Originally, Young Lady Wola and Young Lady Suyeon were supposed to come to the Moyong Clan, but I thought we couldn’t be relieved about the Tang Clan either, so I sent Young Lady Wola.”

Son Bin knew Tang Wola’s heart, thinking of her sister, Tang Hwaryun. When Son Bin said that to Tang Wola, No Gun also nodded.

“I told her to do that too. The Kunlun Three Immortals are enough for Yeon alone, and it’s easy to get you out and run away if necessary. In fact, all you have to do is interfere with the Flying Sword hitting you.”

There was no need to neutralize the Outer Affairs masters sent by the Flying Sword. If Talhondo, the Gentleman’s Sword, and the Iron Sword were safe, the Flying Sword’s purpose would be thwarted.

“Then shouldn’t we not have to worry?”

Talhondo said.

“I don’t think the Kunlun Three Immortals can endanger that young lady who has mastered the Poisonous Energy Art.”

“That would be the case if it were just the Kunlun Three Immortals.”

No Gun said, as if throwing it out.

“I have a bad feeling. If he put in this much effort, the Flying Sword might step in himself.”

The power of Flying Sword Gongsun Gok was still unknown. It was natural for No Gun to worry. No Gun said to Talhondo.

“What are you going to do? Are you going to the Tang Clan with us?”

Talhondo shook his head.

“No, I’m going to see Hwasa.”

No Gun, who had already guessed, nodded.

“Okay. Ah, even if you go to the Seowon now, there will be no one there, so don’t go straight to Cheongwon, go to Oseong Village. Oseong Village is where….”

“I know it if it’s a village with Tang Clan warriors.”

No Gun smirked.

“Did you already know? Well, if it’s you….”

No Gun, who was laughing, continued with a serious expression.

“Because of what happened during the last Beoncheonji Agreement [likely a martial arts tournament or alliance], I told Sehwa early on when she was going back. So go to Oseong Village and ask when she’s coming back. Ah, they won’t know where they went either, so don’t scare the powerless kids.”

It was harsh to call the elite warriors of the Tang Clan ‘powerless kids,’ but No Gun and Talhondo took it for granted.

“Okay.”

Talhondo nodded, and No Gun turned his head to the Gentleman’s Sword, Moyong Myung.

“You be careful too. Tell your son to be careful too. The Flying Sword might suddenly target you. If you see the Flying Sword in front of you, run away unconditionally. Got it?”

However, Moyong Myung rather raised his fighting spirit.

“I can’t run away with the opponent in front of me. If it’s someone like the Flying Sword, it’s what I want.”

That was what the Gentleman’s Sword, Moyong Myung, would say, but No Gun clicked his tongue.

“Don’t be confident. It doesn’t mean you won’t die just because you’re an Outer Affairs master. In fact, how strong is a master compared to a cannon, or can they fly in the sky? It’s over if you get stabbed once.”

The Gentleman’s Sword, Moyong Myung, nods with a very serious expression at No Gun’s words, which are half like a sigh.

“I understand. I will keep your words in mind.”

No Gun rather frowned at the polite answer.

“Oh, it’s strange that no one’s arguing? Where did Seorin go?”

“Isn’t Seorin in the Seowon?”

Son Bin replied with an awkward smile. What No Gun just said was exactly what he said on the way back on the boat. Seorin used to argue from the side at that time. No Gun shrugged.

“Come to think of it, Seorin was also in the Seowon. Well, I don’t have to worry about the Seowon for now.”

Clatter, clatter. The sound of horseshoes was heard between No Gun’s voice, which was filled with emptiness. Before he knew it, the carriage was entering the Yangtze River dock.

***

With the Gentleman’s Sword, Moyong Myung’s farewell, Son Bin and No Gun boarded a large ship going up the Yangtze River. The carriage they came in was loaded onto the ship, and Talhondo headed straight to the Seowon. Son Bin and No Gun were planning to go to Chongqing by boat first, and then head to Chengdu, Sichuan by carriage and horse from there. But there was nothing to do before arriving in Chongqing. No Gun and Son Bin were just standing on the deck, looking at the breaking waves of the Yangtze River.

“Elder.”

“Why?”

No Gun replied. Son Bin asked softly.

“If the Flying Sword is targeting the Tang Clan, shouldn’t we have sent Bulgwang Seonsa or others to the Tang Clan too?”

“Of course.”

“Then why did he choose to divide his forces?”

At Son Bin’s question, No Gun crossed his arms and pondered for a moment.

“There are two reasons we can guess.”

No Gun opened his mouth.

“First, as I said before, Talhondo has more justification to move Bulgwang or Chungwooja than the Tang Clan. Talhondo is an undeniable Unorthodox Faction.”

Son Bin nodded.

“The second reason is that it may have been time to deal with Bulgwang or Chungwooja, or the two of the Heavenly Mountain Five Old Men.”

“Deal with them?”

“Yes.”

No Gun said with a serious expression.

“The Flying Sword is never a careless mover. But he sent Bulgwang or Chungwooja to Talhondo without saying anything. Knowing that you might appear.”

Flying Sword Gongsun Gok is the former head of the Gongsun Clan. He has lived almost his entire life as the head of the clan, so he never moves without meticulous calculation.

“Then there’s only one conclusion. As I said then, the Flying Sword is using Bulgwang, Chungwooja, and the two of the Heavenly Mountain Five Old Men as disposable pawns, in other words, sending them to die.”

No Gun asserted without hesitation. Son Bin frowned again, even though he had heard it once before.

“And this is just my feeling.”

No Gun said, clicking his tongue.

“Maybe the Flying Sword has gained more power than we think.”

At that moment, Son Bin could clearly understand what No Gun was thinking. And he felt a cold anxiety settling down.

“Well, of course, it’s not just this time that the Flying Sword didn’t tell anything and pushed others to their deaths.”

No Gun smirked. But Son Bin couldn’t laugh. If it was as No Gun said, another conclusion would naturally be drawn.

“Then if the Flying Sword is targeting the Tang Clan….”

“Yes.”

No Gun nodded.

“It’s not just a sudden action, but it has a clear purpose and intention. In other words, it’s really dangerous.”

No Gun said with a firm expression.

“That’s why I said the Flying Sword might have moved himself.”

Splash. The waves crashed on the bow. But Son Bin couldn’t say anything with a stiff face. Worries about Tang Wola and Sa Suyeon, who had left for the Tang Clan, and Tang Hwaryun, who was still protecting the place, covered Son Bin’s heart like dark clouds.

(Author’s words)

No Gun’s thoughts are complicated because the opponent is a smart madman.