A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 103

103. The Way of Heaven, the Law of Earth (2)

A profound silence descended upon Wudang Mountain under the moonlit sky. The usual chorus of insects was replaced by an all-encompassing stillness.

“Master Uncle,” Qing-Shui Zhenren, the Sect Leader of Wudang, began. He appeared momentarily taken aback by the old Taoist’s sudden arrival, but his expression quickly hardened as he spoke in a low voice. “This is not a place for you, Master Uncle. Please, withdraw.”

The old Taoist remained silent, his eyes closed. After a long moment, he opened them with a deep sigh. “Even at the cost of one’s life for Wudang, an elder must never lead the disciples down a misguided path. That is our sacred duty.”

The old Taoist’s eyes shone with a profound sorrow. Even his worn clothes and the white beard fluttering in the breeze seemed to convey a sense of lament.

“Yet you, as the Sect Leader, how can you turn all of Wudang into… aggressors?”

“Master Uncle… you always regard me in this light.”

Qing-Shui Zhenren’s wrinkled eyelids twitched. He fixed his gaze upon his Master Uncle, Xuanxu Zhenren.

“Whose decision was it to jeopardize the relationship between Wudang and the Imperial Court, even relinquishing our rightful position as head of the Martial Alliance? It was you, Master Uncle. Following your esteemed principles, Wudang has consistently yielded and endured until now. If we now lose the Sword of the Ancestral Founder and even surrender Wudang’s martial arts, who will hold Wudang in esteem! Enough with the humiliation!”

His voice was laced with anger. But the old Taoist, Xuanxu Zhenren, simply shook his head.

“Neither taken nor given away,” Xuanxu Zhenren countered.

“Do you not comprehend? What he demonstrated was the Taiji Wisdom Sword, but it is not *the* Taiji Wisdom Sword.”

Qing-Shui Zhenren frowned, but Xuanxu Zhenren’s eyes shone with a serene light.

“Just as the Way [Dao] exists in Heaven, the Law [principles] is established on Earth. Before the Taiji Wisdom Sword was established on this earth as Law, the Way of Taiji already existed in Heaven. Who can claim ownership of it?”

“What does that mean…?”

Xuanxu Zhenren shook his head. “Still, you do not understand? What he displayed is the Way of Taiji, the origin and archetype of the Taiji Wisdom Sword. Rather, the Taiji Wisdom Sword originated from it. How can you demand that he surrender Wudang’s martial arts?”

Confusion clouded Qing-Shui Zhenren’s eyes. He struggled to accept Xuanxu Zhenren’s words.

Rustle.

Xuanxu Zhenren turned silently toward Sun Bin. Their eyes met.

Thud.

“Elder!”

“Master Uncle!”

Surprise echoed in their voices.

The old Taoist, Xuanxu Zhenren, had knelt before Sun Bin.

Instantly, Sun Bin dropped to his knees and grasped Xuanxu Zhenren’s arms. The old Taoist’s emaciated limbs felt fragile in his hands, tugging at his heart.

“Please, forgive Wudang’s foolishness.”

“Elder!” Despite Sun Bin’s plea, Xuanxu Zhenren did not raise his head. Sun Bin knew there was only one way to make him rise.

“I will comply with your wishes, Elder,” Sun Bin said with a sigh.

“So, please, stand up now. I dare not bear this.”

Xuanxu Zhenren lifted his head. Sun Bin helped the old Taoist to his feet.

“Did you have to go to such lengths…?” Qing-Shui Zhenren’s voice came from behind, filled with disappointment and anger. “Was I so wrong that Master Uncle had to kneel? Do you despise me so much!”

“Qing-Shui,” Xuanxu Zhenren said, his eyes still brimming with sadness, yet also with an affection he could not conceal. “Why are you so upset that I knelt? I would not hesitate to give even this old life for you. Anytime, to anyone.”

Qing-Shui Zhenren’s eyes widened, his body trembled.

Whoosh.

He turned away, lowering his head in silence before finally raising it. Without a word, he turned and began to walk away.

“Qing-Shui!” Xuanxu Zhenren called out, but Qing-Shui Zhenren did not respond.

Thud, thud.

The sound of lonely footsteps gradually faded as the Wudang Sect Leader, Qing-Shui Zhenren, departed.

“Hoo.”

Xuanxu Zhenren closed his eyes and recited a Taoist invocation.

Swoosh.

Sun Bin quietly sheathed his sword. The white heron’s blade vanished into its wooden box once more.

“Did you say you were going to meet Seo-rin?”

“Yes, that is correct,” Sun Bin replied, bowing to Xuanxu Zhenren. “I am Sun Bin.”

“I am Xuanxu. I apologize again for the wrongs Wudang has committed against you.”

“It is merely a difference of opinion. How can it be called a wrong? I understand that the Sect Leader did not act with malicious intent.”

Xuanxu’s eyes filled with regret once more.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Sun Bin bowed lightly to Xuanxu Zhenren.

“Seo-rin is this way.”

Xuanxu Zhenren turned and began to walk. Sun Bin followed, carrying the wooden box.

Rustle, rustle.

Rounding a corner, a small clearing came into view. Nestled behind the dense trees stood a dilapidated Taoist temple, clearly abandoned.

“It is here,” Xuanxu Zhenren said to Sun Bin, stopping in the clearing where there was no sign of life.

“This is where the Yellow Crane Zhenren [a former Taoist master] once resided, and now it is where that child, Seo-rin, lives.”

Sun Bin halted. Though no one was visible, he could sense a sharp, vigilant energy emanating from within the temple.

A chilling force, like the teeth of a wolf, directed murderous intent straight at Sun Bin.

“Be cautious. That child has become… more volatile recently,” Xuanxu Zhenren warned.

Buzz. Thwack.

As if hearing the cry of the White Heron, something shot toward Sun Bin. That chilling force, like the teeth of a wolf, was pure murderous intent.

*

*

*

Thud, thud.

The Nameless Old Man of the Southern Peak made his presence known as he ascended the stone steps. Ancient Taoist temples dotted the mountainside, but the Old Man paid them no attention.

“I feel it every time I come here, but the guy who made these stone steps was truly twisted,” the Old Man grumbled.

“Ah, would it have been so difficult to connect them all the way to the top? It would be more comfortable and shorter. It’s like they’re forcing some kind of pilgrimage, twisting this way and that. And it’s so steep! You come to pray for a long and healthy life, but you’re more likely to die on the stone steps.”

Rustle, rustle.

Dang Yue-ah followed silently behind him. Apart from the rustling of her clothes, even her footsteps were inaudible.

Thud.

The Old Man, who had been grumbling as he climbed, stopped abruptly.

“Well, these impatient Taoist bastards will pop out around here.”

The place where he stopped was a wide area paved with large stones. The stone steps leading back up the mountain were visible in the distance.

“They’re here.”

Flutter.

Dang Yue-ah’s quiet voice and the sound of wind being cut were almost simultaneous. Several Taoists had already appeared in the area.

Tap, tap.

The Taoists’ appearances varied, but they all had one thing in common: they carried swords.

“Hmm. I thought seven would come out, but only six?”

At the Old Man’s words, the Taoists exchanged glances. After a moment, the one who appeared to be the oldest stepped forward.

“This place is a forbidden area. Please, pilgrim, return.”

His voice was polite but firm and imposing. The Old Man snorted.

“You have no manners. The previous Wudang Seven Swords were all decent guys… Tsk, it looks like this generation is ruined. Eh.”

The faces of the six Taoists hardened, but they had been warned about the Old Man. They were neither surprised nor offended.

“If you do not comply, we will have no choice but to make you comply.”

The Nameless Old Man of the Southern Peak shook his head.

“How are you going to execute the Seven Stars Sword Formation with six people? It’s going to be a bit lacking, isn’t it?”

A mischievous smile spread across his face.

“To deal with this child, that is.”

Swoosh.

The Old Man stepped aside, revealing a slender girl wearing a veil.

“This young lady is going to fight us?”

A Taoist who looked quite young chuckled. It was understandable. The girl in front of him appeared so fragile that he worried she might break if touched.

“Jokes should be kept to a certain level…”

Step.

Dang Yue-ah stepped forward. The laughing Taoist’s face hardened.

“Are you really going to step forward?” he asked. Dang Yue-ah answered in a soft voice.

“If you block the way, I have no choice but to open it with force.”

There was not a hint of hesitation in her subtle voice. The young Taoist knew she was serious.

“That…”

Step.

As the young Taoist frowned, Dang Yue-ah took another step. Her energy shifted instantly.

Whoosh.

‘Ugh.’

The young Taoist flinched. This slender young lady was by no means a weak girl.

“How dare you!”

Clang!

Confusion turned to anger. The young Taoist reflexively drew his sword and swung it at Dang Yue-ah, who continued to advance.

Swish.

The sharp blade hurtled toward Dang Yue-ah, but she took another step as if she didn’t see it.

Step.

‘Oh no.’

The young Taoist realized his mistake the moment he saw her defenselessness. He hurriedly withdrew his inner strength and twisted his sword, but it seemed he could not avoid causing injury.

It was at that moment.

Whoosh.

A slender hand, dyed jade green, blocked his sword. The moment her hand moved lightly, as if swatting a bug, something unbelievable happened.

Clang!

The sword that collided with Dang Yue-ah’s hand bounced away, losing its direction. At the same time, a shock as if a lump of iron had been struck shook the young Taoist’s grip.

“Keuk.”

The inner strength transmitted through the sword was unbearable. The young Taoist lost his balance and was thrown back with his sword.

The sword, which had escaped his hand, rolled pitifully on the stone floor.

Clang.

“Where do you think you’re going!”

Another Taoist’s sword struck toward Dang Yue-ah.

The fierce blade, neither withdrawing its inner strength nor disrupting its sword path, was aimed straight at Dang Yue-ah.

Dang Yue-ah spun her body.

Whoosh.

A green aura lingered in her eyes. The moment he saw that aura, the Taoist raised his sword to protect himself, saving him.

Clang.

It was a very light sound, but the result was not light.

Boom.

The Taoist’s body flew backward as if it were a lie. The sword that had received Dang Yue-ah’s double palm strike could no longer maintain its original shape.

Thud.

“Keuk!”

“Senior Brother!”

“Junior Brother!”

As the other Taoists cried out in surprise, Dang Yue-ah quietly bent down and picked up something from the floor. The broken sword tip shone in her hand.

“Ugh.”

A groan escaped someone’s mouth. The energy emanating from the slender girl was overwhelming.

“How dare you violate Wudang’s forbidden area!”

A loud voice broke the silence and echoed. It was the middle-aged Taoist who had stepped forward first. As if trying to change the atmosphere, the energy in his voice shook the surroundings.

“I don’t care.”

A subtle voice flowed from behind the veil, but everyone heard it. All attention was focused on her.

“I just want to meet one person. So, open the way.”

The six Taoists could feel the eerie energy hidden in her quiet voice.

“You cannot pass,” the middle-aged Taoist said with unwavering resolve.

The young Taoist who had fallen was getting up again.

“Unfold the sword formation!”

Clang!

Five swords sparkled under the moonlight. Dang Yue-ah lightly dropped the sword piece she was holding.

Clang.

The fallen sword piece bounced on the stone, and the Old Man muttered quietly.

“Go easy on them.”

The Old Man said as if he was worried. “If you hit the weak ones wrong, they might die even if you just touch them.”

*

*

*

Thud, thud.

Wudang Sect Leader Qing-Shui Zhenren walked down the stone steps with a stiff expression.

Anger, directed at no one in particular, rose and dissipated, while pity and loneliness consumed his heart like a storm.

Thud.

“Ugh.”

The groaning sound awakened him. Qing-Shui Zhenren quickly moved.

Tap.

Having descended dozens of stone steps, he frowned at the sight before him.

‘What is this…’

Six Taoists were groaning, scattered here and there.

Some were lying on the stone floor, some were kneeling on one knee, but no one was standing properly. In the middle of them, a slender girl wearing a veil stood quietly.

“What is going on!”

The Taoists’ faces lit up at the sight of him.

Thud, thud.

Qing-Shui Zhenren walked toward them and raised a Taoist who was lying down.

“Well, how can the Sect Leader…”

“Stay still.”

Qing-Shui Zhenren helped him recover by circulating his inner strength. Although his energy was disrupted, he did not seem seriously injured.

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t fulfill the order,” the Taoist said with a dejected expression. Qing-Shui Zhenren understood the situation.

She was an opponent that could not be guaranteed even with the Seven Stars Sword Formation. It was natural that those who had not completed the sword formation had been defeated.

He sighed quietly.

Swoosh.

Qing-Shui Zhenren stood up and spoke in a quiet voice to the Nameless Old Man of the Southern Peak.

“Thank you for showing mercy.”

“It’s not me.”

The person the Old Man pointed to was the slender girl who had covered her face with a veil.

Qing-Shui Zhenren frowned, but he didn’t want to talk anymore. Everything was tiring.

“Go up. There is no reason to stop you anymore.”

The Old Man’s eyes lit up. He guessed the situation.

Step.

The first to move was Dang Yue-ah. She passed through the fallen Taoists and climbed the stone steps quietly but without hesitation. The Old Man followed with his hands behind his back.

“We can’t let them go like this!”

The middle-aged Taoist said angrily. “How can we say we protect Wudang if we do this? Now that the Sect Leader has come, we should…”

“Did you say you protect Wudang?” Qing-Shui Zhenren asked, his voice filled with loneliness.

“You *are* Wudang to me. So please don’t force me to make difficult choices anymore. Today has been a hard day for me.”

His voice resonated in the hearts of the six Taoists. No one could speak, but Qing-Shui Zhenren said, “Let’s go.”

With those words, Qing-Shui Zhenren turned and slowly moved away.

The middle-aged Taoist, looking at his back with a dejected expression, gritted his teeth and closed his eyes.

“Everyone, return to your positions,” he said with his eyes open, his face stained with anger and shame.

“Take today’s events as a lesson and devote yourselves to training. This humiliation must not be repeated. Never.”

He said, grinding his teeth.

“Also, we will hold you responsible for any actions that did not come here.”

The Taoists slowly stood up, supporting each other. The middle-aged Taoist watched with a bitter expression, and the young Taoist came up and asked.

“But, do you know the identity of that young lady?”

“Well.”

The middle-aged Taoist looked back at the stone steps. Their figures had disappeared, but he would never forget her slender hand that shone with jade green light.

It seemed like yesterday that he was flying in the sky with pride and a sense of duty as one of the Wudang Seven Swords, but who would have known that pride would be broken so easily?

“She seemed pretty. Her voice was also slender…”

“What?”

The middle-aged Taoist frowned and looked back at the young Taoist, who hurriedly waved his hand as if he had made a mistake.

“No, I’m not like that.”

“Get rid of such thoughts, Jin-myung! Have you forgotten today’s humiliation!”

“I’m sorry, Senior Brother.”

The young Taoist, Jin-myung, lowered his head, but the image of the veiled lady lingered in his heart.