A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 487

487. Iron Sword and White Dew

Son Bin and Iron Sword Mo Yong-jin stood in the training ground illuminated by the moonlight. Son Bin, dressed in neat scholar’s robes, and Iron Sword Mo Yong-jin, in simple but stylish martial attire, presented a seemingly mismatched scene. Mo Yong-jin was taller and, by all accounts, a handsome young nobleman, which only added to the contrast. However, their gleaming eyes and the swords at their waists clearly indicated the significance of this moment for both of them. It was the look of martial artists about to compete.

*Swish*. Iron Sword Mo Yong-jin drew his sword first. Like his moniker, a sturdy-looking sword gleamed blue under the moonlight. Seeing this, Son Bin smiled and drew his own sword.

*Swish*. With a soft sound, the straight blade of White Dew revealed itself under the moonlight. Those watching from afar couldn’t help but gasp in admiration. Not only No Gun and his group, who had seen it many times, but also Gentleman’s Sword Mo Yong-myung and Mo Yong-rin were quietly impressed.

“A fine sword, Young Master Son,” Iron Sword Mo Yong-jin said, unable to hide his surprise. He had seen it several times, but White Dew was a sword that never failed to impress.

Son Bin looked down at White Dew with a smile. “Yes, it is a truly fine sword. Too good for me, in fact.”

*Whoong*. White Dew hummed softly, a sound only Son Bin could hear, as it had always been. Son Bin raised his head and said to Mo Yong-jin with shining eyes, “In truth, everything in the world is an undeserved gift. This connection between us, Young Master Mo Yong, is no different.”

Mo Yong-jin laughed. “You sound like someone who has realized the Tao [the Way, or the underlying principle of the universe]. I am also pleased. It is not often that I face an opponent like you.”

*Swish*. Iron Sword Mo Yong-jin took his stance. His iron sword began to hum softly. *Wooong*. “So, let’s start slowly and leisurely.”

Son Bin smiled at Mo Yong-jin’s words, because the sword of a man who said he would start slowly was already swirling with a distinct blue aura. “I see.”

However, Son Bin could understand Mo Yong-jin’s feelings. Mo Yong-jin’s shining eyes conveyed the expectations he had for this duel more clearly than anything else. “Then shall I also start leisurely?”

*Woowoong*. A clear aura gathered on White Dew’s blade. It was not comparable to the blue energy surrounding Mo Yong-jin’s iron sword, but a more radiant and beautiful energy swirled from White Dew’s blade.

*Sabeok*. Son Bin took his stance. He simply held the sword with both hands, angled forward, but his posture looked more natural and comfortable than anything else in the world. Mo Yong-jin, once again quietly admiring, slowly took a breath.

“Hoo.” Mo Yong-jin, a master in the outer sect, took a breath anew because he knew better than anyone the meaning and weight of this duel. How could it not be heavy to cross swords with Son Bin, ‘the one who walks the path of the Martial Emperor,’ and who was now virtually at the pinnacle of the outer sect? Moreover, he was the one who inherited the name of the Martial Emperor, whom his father had always respected.

“Then, I’ll go.” Mo Yong-jin tightened his grip on his iron sword and let out a great shout. “Haa!”

With a thunderous cry, Mo Yong-jin charged toward Son Bin. His figure had already disappeared, and only the trajectory left by the blue energy of the iron sword cut through the air. *Boouk*. Even as he saw the eerie blue energy rushing toward him, Son Bin was not surprised. Rather, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, he took a step forward, lowered White Dew slightly, and lightly lifted it upward.

*Hung*. There was no impact sound. Son Bin’s White Dew gently embraced Mo Yong-jin’s charging iron sword and lifted it upward. In an instant, Mo Yong-jin’s world turned upside down. But Mo Yong-jin was not surprised. “Taa!”

*Kooong*. Instantly, Mo Yong-jin’s iron sword strongly pressed down on White Dew. Son Bin immediately retreated, feeling the heavy weight on White Dew, and withdrew the sword. And in the space where White Dew had been, Mo Yong-jin’s iron sword struck directly. *Kwaang, Kwakwakwak*. An explosion erupted, and storm-like winds and dust swirled. The stone training ground floor shattered under Mo Yong-jin’s sword, and stone fragments flew in all directions.

“Tsk.” No Gun frowned, because the force created by Mo Yong-jin’s iron sword whipped his hair and beard. Holding a wine cup, No Gun quickly covered the cup with his other hand. The hems of the clothes of the others watching the duel also fluttered wildly, but no one took their eyes off the fight. Son Bin, who had retreated, said with a surprised expression, “Amazing.”

Many had escaped Son Bin’s sword, but no one had ever dealt with it as skillfully and perfectly as Mo Yong-jin had just now. Mo Yong-jin had not only escaped Son Bin’s sword but had also perfectly connected it to the next move. *Shwiik*. But there was no reply. Instead, what flew in was the blue energy of the iron sword, cutting through the dust and wind, and Mo Yong-jin’s eyes shining behind it.

Instead of retreating, Son Bin stepped forward and slashed White Dew sideways. *Hooowooo*. The moment the clear blade of White Dew and Mo Yong-jin’s iron sword, wrapped in blue energy, met, Mo Yong-jin’s world turned upside down once again. It wasn’t just Mo Yong-jin. His sword, his charging momentum, and even the surrounding dust swirled in the air as if drawing a vortex. It was as if someone had stirred up the space itself. But Mo Yong-jin’s iron sword resisted that fate. *Kwaang*. With an explosion, a storm once again engulfed the training ground. No Gun clicked his tongue softly but did not take his eyes off the training ground. And revealed in the training ground where the dust had disappeared were the figures of the two men standing with the tips of White Dew and Iron Sword touching. *Woowoong*. Iron Sword and White Dew hummed softly. Mo Yong-jin’s martial attire was torn in places, but he was still standing on his own two feet. And his iron sword, still wrapped in blue energy, was facing Son Bin’s White Dew.

“As expected, Young Master Mo Yong’s sword is,” Son Bin said, admiring, “Truly strong and heavy.”

Iron Sword Mo Yong-jin had escaped Son Bin’s White Dew twice. And it was intentionally connected to the next sword strike. It meant that he had not escaped with mere improvisation. “Thank you,” Mo Yong-jin said with a smile. Unlike himself, who was a mess, Son Bin was only slightly disheveled. It was a sight that clearly showed the superiority between the two, but that was even more pleasing to Mo Yong-jin. Only such an opponent was worth challenging with everything he had. “Then, shall we continue?” Mo Yong-jin said, his eyes shining. And Son Bin responded with shining eyes.

*Jjaeng*. With a sound like a mirror breaking, the two men’s swords bounced away as if repelled. And immediately, a dazzling sword strike erupted from Mo Yong-jin’s iron sword. *Kwakwakwak*. Son Bin’s smile deepened as he watched Mo Yong-jin’s sword strike, which seemed to fill his vision. *Woong*. White Dew hummed softly. Son Bin raised White Dew, and the beautiful blade of White Dew began to dance from his fingertips. *Hooowoong*. There was no ear-splitting impact sound, no sharp metallic sound. But in the moonlight-filled training ground, a fierce battle was taking place that could not be compared to anything else.

“Heo.” Gentleman’s Sword Mo Yong-myung gasped in admiration. “Indeed, Young Master Son is amazing.”

“What’s amazing is your son,” No Gun said softly in a blunt tone. “To be able to face Bin’s sword so skillfully, if Jin-in [referring to Hwanghak Jin-in, a deceased master] were alive, he would have been very pleased.”

Not just pleased. If Hwanghak Jin-in were alive, he probably wouldn’t have let Iron Sword Mo Yong-jin go all night. Of course, Son Bin would be tormented by Hwanghak Jin-in first. “I don’t know,” Princess Kyunghee said suddenly. She was slightly frowning, watching the dazzling trajectories of the swords unfolding under the moonlight. “I can’t understand why Young Master Son doesn’t simply end the fight. Isn’t the sword ultimately meant to subdue the opponent?”

It wasn’t that she was ignoring this duel. In fact, she was admiring the beautiful swordplay unfolding before her eyes. But the question of whether something was beautiful and whether it was efficient were two completely separate issues. Son Bin had already defeated the Imperial Family’s Hocheon Samsinwi and Gongson Guk, who had become a Blood Demon. Knowing that, this match was, despite its beauty, essentially a meaningless act to Princess Kyunghee. “Or is it possible that Young Master Mo Yong’s martial prowess is equal to Young Master Son’s to the point where they can exchange sword blows?”

“Perhaps not,” Gentleman’s Sword Mo Yong-myung replied. He only knew Princess Kyunghee and Sarasvati as ‘people related to Yewon.’ Mo Yong-myung continued with a gentle smile, “But the martial way is truly deep and difficult, and it cannot be described simply by winning or losing. For a martial artist, the sword is also a path to reaching the ultimate Tao.”

There are people who pursue the ultimate in everything. In the world of martial arts, which has a long history, it was only natural that there were those who pursued the martial way beyond martial arts and martial skills. But Princess Kyunghee still looked unconvinced. In fact, who is more obsessed with winning and losing than the martial artists of the Jianghu [the martial world]? Who else pursues the definition of power as much as they do? It was only natural that Gentleman’s Sword Mo Yong-myung’s words did not resonate with Princess Kyunghee, who knew this. “That’s because you grew up without any lack,” No Gun expressed Princess Kyunghee’s feelings in a blunt tone. “How would a well-to-do nobleman know the feelings of a martial artist who makes a living with a single sword?”

Gentleman’s Sword Mo Yong-myung gave an awkward smile. But No Gun continued, not taking his eyes off the duel. “But you’re right. The martial way is truly deep and difficult. So if you only pursue victory and defeat, your sword may become dull.”

“Dull?” Princess Kyunghee asked with a puzzled expression. No Gun nodded. “Yes. For example, it may seem like rolling around on a brutal battlefield would greatly improve your sword, but what you can gain from actual combat is actually very limited. Most real battles are decided in an instant, and even then, by very small differences. And the opponents you meet are all similar.”

No Gun raised his wine cup and continued calmly, “On the other hand, the martial way is very profound. That’s why you need an opponent. An opponent who is worthy of showing everything you have, without holding back.”

Princess Kyunghee could understand No Gun’s words. In other words, this seemingly useless act is actually an important act with the best efficiency. “I see. So this duel is, in short, just a game.”

“Keok.” No Gun spat out the wine he was drinking and coughed. Coughing, No Gun frowned and looked back at Princess Kyunghee. But Princess Kyunghee looked straight at No Gun and continued with shining eyes, “That ‘game’ is the driving force behind all culture and art, beyond the primitive desires of humans.”

No Gun stared at Princess Kyunghee with a blank expression for a moment and then chuckled. The ‘game’ she spoke of was by no means a derogatory term. Rather, it was her own form of praise. “That’s right. Well, I think ‘playing’ itself is a primitive desire of humans.”

No Gun turned his head, holding his wine cup, and looked at the training ground. In the moonlight-filled training ground, a dazzling sword fight was still going on. Watching each one as if engraving it in his eyes, No Gun smiled. “If you forget about eating and sleeping, it’s a primitive desire.”

Princess Kyunghee could not agree with that statement. But she could not deny that the scene unfolding before her eyes was truly beautiful. The trajectory of the swords that adorned the moonlight-filled training ground was unfolding before her eyes as beautifully as the dance of stars descended to earth.

*Jjaeng*. With a sound like a mirror breaking, the two men’s swords bounced away as if repelled. *Hwirik*. Mo Yong-jin retreated, drawing a large circle, and Son Bin also withdrew the extended White Dew and placed it in front of him. *Sabeok*. “Indeed.” Mo Yong-jin’s eyes shone behind his iron sword. “Young Master Son’s sword is truly profound.”

His admiration was not just empty words. Son Bin’s White Dew was never flashy, but it was twisting Mo Yong-jin’s sword path so naturally, even to the point where he couldn’t even tell when it had changed. “I am still lacking,” Son Bin said, meeting Mo Yong-jin’s gaze with equally shining eyes. “Young Master Mo Yong’s sword is truly heavy and sincere.”

Son Bin’s assessment was also sincere. The deep roots and heavy flow of Mo Yong-jin’s sword were something that even Son Bin was surprised by. Perhaps that was the potential of the Mo Yong family’s sword. Son Bin and Mo Yong-jin, looking at each other with shining eyes, smiled. *Seureuk*. Mo Yong-jin’s iron sword was lowered diagonally. And Iron Sword Mo Yong-jin said, “I think it’s time to show you this sword.”

*Hooowooo*. The blue energy surrounding Mo Yong-jin’s sword slowly subsided. It seemed like he was withdrawing his sword energy, but Son Bin knew that was not the case. It wasn’t because of the wind that Mo Yong-jin’s clothes were fluttering so violently now. *Woowoong*. Mo Yong-jin’s iron sword began to hum softly and was dyed a deep blue color. Son Bin could clearly see the tremendous energy gathering in that one sword. *Woowoong*. “This is,” Mo Yong-jin said amidst the increasingly violent cries of the iron sword. An indelible smile was on his lips, shining his eyes. “The one sword I bet everything on now.”

His hair and clothes were fluttering as if caught in a storm. The source of that storm was his one iron sword, which was crying out sharply. *Woong*. White Dew cried. Son Bin adjusted his stance and gripped White Dew. And he waited for Mo Yong-jin to rush toward him. A complete smile was spreading on Son Bin’s lips as well.

*Kieeeeing*. Mo Yong-jin’s iron sword began to pour out an intense sound. Princess Kyunghee, Sarasvati, and Mo Yong-rin, who were watching, frowned and covered their ears. But no one could take their eyes off Son Bin and Mo Yong-jin. *Kieeeeeeeng*. At that very moment, when it seemed like the iron sword would break at any moment. “Haa!”

Iron Sword Mo Yong-jin charged toward Son Bin. Like a meteor falling to the ground, Mo Yong-jin and his iron sword became one and rushed toward Son Bin. It was literally a strike of his soul, containing everything Mo Yong-jin had. And Son Bin never turned away from that one sword. *Woowoong*. Son Bin’s White Dew cried. White Dew, which had risen into the sky like a flag, was slowly drawing a circle under the blue moonlight. “This!”

No Gun frowned and jumped up from his seat. “If you detonate something like that here…” *Deolkeong*. Gentleman’s Sword Mo Yong-myung also stood up with a changed complexion. He, who had been intoxicated by the sight of recreating the duel between himself and the Martial Emperor in the past, finally realized the seriousness of the situation. This place is now a training ground in the middle of the family. He realized that if such tremendous power collided in such a place, the aftermath would not be easy. *Seuk*. With a firm expression, Mo Yong-myung immediately drew his sword and stood in front of Princess Kyunghee and Sarasvati as if protecting them. No Gun also drew his sword and shouted. “Bin! Here…”

But No Gun’s cry was already too late. Mo Yong-jin and his iron sword, who had become a streak of light, were rushing right in front of Son Bin, and blue moonlight was seeping out from the trajectory of White Dew, which had already completed the circle like fate. It was the Moon Piercing Strike of the Martial Emperor, and of Son Bin. *Hwaaaak*. The moment the figures of the two disappeared amidst the dazzling moonlight, No Gun and Mo Yong-myung gritted their teeth. But the disaster that the two had prepared for did not occur. *Kooong*. A heavy reverberation echoed through the training ground. It was only a brief reverberation, but the result was by no means light. *Jjeojeok*. The stone training ground floor cracked like a spider web in an instant. The sight, as if an earthquake had passed, was eerie rather than surprising. But that was the only damage. The cracks that had cracked the stone floor stopped exactly at the boundary of the training ground. And the two men stood at the center of the scars that had run through the training ground. Son Bin and Mo Yong-jin, standing with their backs to each other, were surprisingly standing in the same posture with their swords drawn, without even a trace of the collision. “…This is.”

Mo Yong-jin muttered with a blank expression. His momentum, which had rushed toward Son Bin, had disappeared without a trace. His fluttering clothes and hair had also calmed down, and even the iron sword, which had been ringing sharply, was silent. The only thing that indicated that his hidden skill ‘Iron Sword Meteor’ had been unleashed was the changed position. *Seureung*. Mo Yong-jin turned his head at the soft sound coming from behind. Son Bin was sheathing his sword, White Dew. *Seuk*. Son Bin turned around. He also had no trace of the collision anywhere. Not even a single strand of hair was cut, let alone his clothes. Mo Yong-jin’s secret skill, Iron Sword Meteor, had not reached Son Bin. “Amazing,” Son Bin said, admiring. There was not a hint of falsehood in his eyes as he spoke. “It’s an amazing sword. May I ask its name?”

Mo Yong-jin let out a hollow laugh. But it didn’t last long. *Seureung*. Mo Yong-jin replied, sheathing his iron sword. “It’s called Iron Sword Meteor.”

“Iron Sword Meteor.” Son Bin quietly repeated the name. And he said with a smile, “It’s a fitting name.”

Mo Yong-jin, who was also answering with a smile, turned his head slightly and looked at his father, No Gun, and the others. His father’s firm complexion and No Gun’s distorted expression were telling him that a stern order would be issued soon. Iron Sword Mo Yong-jin looked at Son Bin with an awkward smile. “I am honored to be able to see your Moon Piercing Strike.”

Son Bin smiled softly. Moon Piercing Strike is actually Saja Hyuk’s. But now it is also Son Bin’s. “Let’s have a drink,” Mo Yong-jin continued, gesturing toward his father and No Gun. “After I get scolded a bit first.”

Son Bin shrugged as if he couldn’t help it. Judging from No Gun’s distorted expression, he would never be able to get away with it. *Jeobeok*. “But are there any taverns open now?” Son Bin said as he moved his feet. Iron Sword Mo Yong-jin chuckled. “What do we need a tavern for? You are here, and the moon is so bright.”

Son Bin agreed with those words. The two slowly left the training ground and headed to where No Gun, Gentleman’s Sword Mo Yong-myung, and the others were. *Jeobeok, jeobeok*. Mo Yong-jin, who was walking, glanced back. The stone training ground was cracked like a spider web in all directions. And the cracks were starting from the spot where Son Bin was standing. “Heut.”

Mo Yong-jin laughed and turned his head to look at Son Bin. Son Bin, who suddenly felt his gaze, turned his head and looked at Mo Yong-jin. Mo Yong-jin thought that the simple smile revealed under the moonlight was truly wonderful. (Author’s words) Friendship and respect (serious).