A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 116

116. What Happened on the Yangtze River

“So, Sword Demon came shortly before you left?”

Old Master frowned as he asked.

“Yes.”

Shinui answered leisurely, holding his teacup.

“He came in after seeing me. Then, he stood silently in a corner of the yard for half a day.”

“Being silent is just his nature.”

“Still, he acknowledged my greeting.”

Jeokseohwa said with an awkward smile. Even though he only slightly nodded, barely noticeable, it was considered kind, considering he was the former Lord of the Hyeonryeon Clan.

“The little ones were scared at first, but they quickly got used to him.”

It was a problem that they got too used to him. Because of that, Jeokseohwa was constantly on edge.

“Did Sword Demon come every day?”

“Yes. From early morning until late at night.”

Jeokseohwa said with an awkward smile. Even when she was tidying up the Seowon [a private academy] and closing the doors, the former Sword Demon, Hyeonryeonwi, didn’t leave.

The next morning, when she entered the Seowon, Hyeonryeonwi was already there. She wondered if he had been there all night, but his clothes had changed, so that wasn’t the case.

“How did he know to come here?”

“Could it be that he heard about the former Thunder Sword visiting?”

At Jeokseohwa’s answer, Old Master frowned.

“I made sure to cover my tracks completely. There’s no way that Thunder Sword bastard would have mentioned this place. He’s the type who can’t stand seeing others do well.”

Old Master still called the former Thunder Sword, Thunder Sword, just like he called the former Sword Demon, Sword Demon.

“Still, it’s certain that he went out somewhere every day.”

Jeokseohwa said, gathering her thoughts.

“So, he must have suspected something and checked the places where the former Thunder Sword might have gone, one by one?”

“And then he saw Shinui and thought this was the place?”

“Yes.”

Jeokseohwa’s eyes, as she nodded, were full of conviction.

“There’s a problem with that reasoning.”

Shinui raised an objection.

“If he had checked the Hoyeon Martial Arts Center, I could understand. But this is a Seowon. Why would the former Lord of the Hyeonryeon Clan come all the way here?”

“That’s because you don’t know Sword Demon.”

Old Master shook his head.

“He may seem simple-minded, but he’s more tenacious than Thunder Sword. He wouldn’t have just checked the Hoyeon Martial Arts Center; he would have gone all around Gwangju and its surroundings.”

Old Master sighed as he spoke.

“That’s the kind of guy he is.”

His gaze landed on the former Sword Demon, Hyeonryeonwi, who was sitting with a teacup in his hand. His frame was so large that just him sitting there made the surroundings feel cramped.

Even though they were talking about him, he was indifferent, as if it were someone else’s story. Because he was so large, the teacup he was holding looked very small.

“So, we know how that guy found this place, but the problem is why he’s sticking around here…….”

In fact, the answer was already obvious. Old Master said.

“It’s me, isn’t it?”

“Probably.”

“Probably.”

Jeokseohwa and Shinui both agreed with Old Master’s words. Hadn’t the former Thunder Sword already told them? That the former Sword Demon had gone to Mount Hyung to find Old Master.

Old Master sighed deeply, and Shinui frowned as he said.

“Now that the Hyeonryeon Clan knows about this place, it’s going to be a bit of a hassle in the future.”

Shinui’s reaction wasn’t very enthusiastic, as he had been harassed by clans and sects before.

“Ah, that’s not it.”

Jeokseohwa said. She was the most surprised by Hyeonryeonwi’s appearance. There’s no way she wouldn’t have looked into the Hyeonryeon Clan’s situation.

“It seems like the Hyeonryeon Clan doesn’t know he’s here. He often disappears without a word, so the Hyeonryeon Clan…… well, how should I put it? They just seem to take it in stride.”

Jeokseohwa quickly corrected herself, avoiding the word ‘gave up’. Old Master said, as if musing aloud.

“Look at the way he’s built. Does he look like he’d tell anyone where he’s going?”

“Still, he always tells them if it’s going to take a long time or if it’s important.”

Even though it was just something like, ‘Mount Hyung, takes a long time,’ Jeokseohwa thought there was no need to elaborate.

“Really?”

Old Master looked at her with suspicious eyes.

“There’s no way that guy would be so considerate?”

The former Sword Demon, Hyeonryeonwi, quietly raised his teacup. Anyone who saw him would think he was lost in deep contemplation with his tea. It couldn’t be helped that tea was dripping from his long beard, though.

“Tch.”

Old Master sighed again. And the former Sword Demon, Hyeonryeonwi, didn’t leave Sonbin’s house all day that day.

Even though he couldn’t help but stand out, taking up an entire side of the bamboo mat, the Seowon surprisingly quickly returned to its daily routine.

Shinui started writing his medical books again, and Dang Wora was, as always, sitting quietly alone, basking in the sun. Namak Old Master was drinking his favorite tea, but his expression wasn’t very good. It was his fault that an uninvited guest had been added to the Seowon.

Seorin started playing with the little ones. Jao, who used to be the leader of the little ones, was wary of Seorin, but soon realized that Seorin didn’t know anything and started hanging out with her.

Judging by how he was strutting around and teaching her this and that, it seemed like he understood that he had gained a big junior.

“Do you need anything?”

Jeokseohwa, who was the only one paying attention to Hyeonryeonwi, asked. Of course, there was no answer. She couldn’t leave the Seowon either. She was worried because there was no one to take care of Hyeonryeonwi.

All she did was occasionally prepare tea for him, but she was still the only one besides Sonbin who spoke to Hyeonryeonwi.

“Goodbye!”

“Goodbye, teacher!”

The little ones, who had been playing until late, went home, and it was time for dinner.

Thanks to the sudden increase in people, Sonbin had to take out all kinds of dishes. This was because there was Seorin, Jeokseohwa, and Hyeonryeonwi. It had almost doubled.

“You don’t have to give any to that guy.”

Old Master said grumbling, but as the host, Sonbin couldn’t do that. Besides, Hyeonryeonwi didn’t refuse the meal. Contrary to his appearance, it was rather surprising that he was a light eater.

“Are you going to pay for the food?”

Old Master said to Hyeonryeonwi with a displeased look.

“Ah, I’ll…….”

Jeokseohwa quickly answered with an apologetic expression. She was also eating with them at Sonbin’s invitation.

“It’s because everyone around him spoils him that he’s like that.”

Old Master clicked his tongue. Sonbin gave a bitter smile, but the others didn’t pay any attention. Seorin was staring intently at Dang Wora as she ate, as if she was amazed.

Thud.

The former Sword Demon, Hyeonryeonwi, finished his dinner and left the Seowon. Of course, there were no greetings. He just looked at each person with his deep eyes.

Thud, thud.

After the large figure of him left the Seowon, the surroundings suddenly felt empty.

“Does that guy greet with his eyes?”

Old Master grumbled. But his expression was relieved.

“At least he leaves.”

He seemed to have been secretly worried that he might stay all night.

“I heard that the Lady of the Hyeonryeon Clan said that she definitely wanted to have tea with him after dinner.”

Jeokseohwa said.

“So, he makes sure to go in before that.”

She also seemed relieved, fiddling with the teacup with warm steam rising from it.

“That probably doesn’t just mean having tea together, does it?”

Old Master muttered. Of course, it was probably a euphemistic expression for the family spending the evening together. By now, the Lady of the Hyeonryeon Clan was probably at her wit’s end.

“Ah, I should get going too.”

Jeokseohwa suddenly said.

“I’m sorry for being here so late.”

“It’s nothing.”

Sonbin said.

“And this is…….”

Sonbin handed over some of the gifts he had bought in Wuhan.

“Thank you. You didn’t have to do this…….”

“It’s okay. I got about half of it for free…….”

He bought more gifts than he thought. The merchants who recognized the Moyong Clan’s carriage all stepped forward, saying they would pay instead.

They even attached the far-fetched justification that ‘If you are the benefactor of the Moyong Clan, then you are naturally the benefactor of Wuhan.’

Sonbin was embarrassed, but the servant of the Moyong Clan, who was skilled in such matters, stepped in and controlled it to an appropriate level. Thanks to that, he was able to bring back more medicine and gifts than he had expected.

“Huh? For free?”

“Ah, it’s nothing. I’m really grateful that you took care of the children.”

“You’re welcome. Ah, and…….”

Jeokseohwa said with an apologetic expression.

“I think I’ll have to come to the Seowon less often for a while. Would that be okay?”

What she was worried about was probably the former Sword Demon, Hyeonryeonwi. Since it was a matter related to the Hyeonryeon Clan, it was only natural for the Hoyeon Martial Arts Center. Sonbin fully understood her situation.

“Of course. You are welcome anytime, Miss Jeok.”

Sonbin said with a bright smile.

“Th, thank you.”

Jeokseohwa’s face turned slightly red, but fortunately, it wasn’t clearly visible due to the flickering light.

*

*

*

Peeing [sound of something tearing through the air].

As the Celestial Silk [a type of extremely fine and strong thread] made a sound in the darkness, a sharp aura tore through the air.

Swaeak [sound of something rushing through the air].

The blue-glowing Cheongpa Straight Needle [a specialized weapon] rushed in with terrifying speed. However, the white blade shining in the darkness did not waver at all.

Swish [sound of a blade cutting through the air].

The white Half-Sword, as if cut in the middle, slashed through the space diagonally. And a sharp cracking sound followed.

Kwaang! [sound of an explosion]

A loud explosion erupted, and a strong wind swept through the surroundings. Dust and grass blades scattered and covered the surroundings, but the gaunt old man in the coat frowned and lightly moved his hand.

Ssaeak, ssaeak [sound of reeling in a fishing rod].

The tip of the blue-glowing fishing rod bent sharply, and the Cheongpa Straight Needle began to make a sound again.

“Such a wicked thing.”

The old man, Janggang Fishing Old Man, was furious.

“How dare you play such ridiculous ghost tricks in front of me?”

Hwaaa [sound of wind].

The dust slowly cleared, and a white shadow revealed itself in the darkness.

Long white clothes dragging on the ground and pure white toes visible with every step. A Half-Sword held in a white hand visible at the end of wide, long sleeves, and long black hair fluttering in the wind of the Yangtze River.

Her expressionless, cold face was so beautiful that it was rather eerie.

“Half-Sword Ghost Fairy!”

The Fishing Old Man’s gaze towards Ghost Fairy was sharp as if piercing. However, Ghost Fairy’s coldly sunken expression was calm.

Huuuuung [sound of energy building].

The Half-Sword in her hand began to emit energy. And an unbelievable sight unfolded before the Fishing Old Man’s eyes.

Jjeojeok [sound of freezing].

A snow-like, cold energy spread like frost on her Half-Sword.

Everything around her seemed to freeze with her sword, and in an instant, a huge silver sword body revealed its appearance. The extreme cold materialized and revealed its true form.

Woowoong [sound of a large sword vibrating].

The abnormally huge silver sword body made a low cry under the moonlight.

“Th, this is…….”

The Janggang Fishing Old Man was shocked.

Sabeok [sound of footsteps in snow].

As Ghost Fairy’s bare feet took a step, her surroundings froze white.

“Th, this wicked thing!”

Woowoong [sound of a large sword vibrating].

The Janggang Fishing Old Man’s Clear Flow [his weapon] began to emit a blue light. At the same time, the hem of the Janggang Fishing Old Man’s clothes fluttered roughly.

“I will stop your evil deeds here!”

Peeing [sound of something tearing through the air].

The Celestial Silk made a sharp sound in the darkness. At the same time, the Cheongpa Straight Needle, wrapped in a formidable aura, rushed towards Half-Sword Ghost Fairy.

Kwagaagwag! [sound of a chaotic clash]

The Cheongpa Straight Needle did not hide its momentum. But Half-Sword Ghost Fairy saw it. That the Janggang Fishing Old Man holding Clear Flow was rushing in behind it.

Woowoong [sound of a large sword vibrating].

The silver sword body, which had been emitting a cold energy, slowly began to move. And it fell straight towards the rushing Cheongpa Straight Needle. The sharp tip of the Cheongpa Straight Needle collided with the silver sword body of Half-Sword Ghost Fairy.

Kwaaaang! [sound of a massive explosion]

‘Keuk [a grunt of pain].’

The Janggang Fishing Old Man, who was rushing in, gritted his teeth. The aftermath of the collision swept through all directions, as if caught in a storm.

The moment the Fishing Old Man straightened his posture in the air, the dust parted and a white shadow appeared before his eyes. It was Half-Sword Ghost Fairy.

‘Heok! [a gasp of surprise]’

Swish, kwaang! [sound of a blade cutting through the air, followed by an explosion]

The blue-glowing Clear Flow and the white Half-Sword collided. The result was obvious.

“Keuk [a grunt of pain].”

The Janggang Fishing Old Man flew backwards with a groan. Clear Flow and Cheongpa Straight Needle also lost their momentum.

Teong [sound of something heavy landing].

The gaunt old body of the Janggang Fishing Old Man fell to the ground. Almost at the same time, Half-Sword Ghost Fairy also landed on the ground.

Pararak [sound of fabric rustling].

Her pure white bare feet and slender calves are covered by the hem of her white clothes.

“Th, this…… cough.”

The Janggang Fishing Old Man, trying to get up, coughed up blood. The collision of tremendous internal energy shook his whole body.

Seureung [sound of a sword being sheathed].

The white Half-Sword hid its appearance in its scabbard. Half-Sword Ghost Fairy held the sword preciously with both hands and slowly walked towards the Janggang Fishing Old Man.

Sabeok, sabeok [sound of footsteps in snow].

White bare feet slightly reveal their appearance at the end of the skirt.

“Extreme…… cold energy.”

The Janggang Fishing Old Man said. He looked up at the approaching Half-Sword Ghost Fairy. Her pale face is as clear as a nightmare.

Sabeok [sound of footsteps in snow].

Half-Sword Ghost Fairy stopped walking.

“You are the first person since I came down from the mountain to make me use Frost Dawn Stance.”

Her gaze, looking down at the fallen Janggang Fishing Old Man, is doll-like, barren, and beautiful.

“But it’s not you either.”

“Hmph. What…… cough.”

The Janggang Fishing Old Man tried to sneer. However, he coughed violently at the intense pain spreading from his chest.

“Cough, cough.”

The Janggang Fishing Old Man frowned as he looked at his blood on the end of his sleeve. His new clothes, which he liked and cherished, were ruined.

“What do you mean it’s not me? You wicked thing.”

“The person who has a fragment of my lost sword.”
Half-Sword Ghost Fairy raised her head. The blue moonlight is full in the night sky.

“And the person who will make my sword complete.”

“Hmph.”

The Janggang Fishing Old Man gave a bitter smile.

“A complete sword? There’s no such thing anywhere……. Cough.”

Once again, he coughed, and the Janggang Fishing Old Man had to endure the pain that gripped his whole body. The extreme cold energy that shook his internal energy was slowly freezing him.

“No, if there is, there is only one person.”

The barren eyes of the Fishing Old Man shone.

“Who is it?”

The Janggang Fishing Old Man laughed.

“The Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon. The one who reigns above all is only him.”

“Martial Emperor?”

Ghost Fairy frowned. A thin wrinkle formed on her pure white forehead.

“If it’s the owner of the Breaking Moon [a legendary weapon], no one can find him now.”

The Janggang Fishing Old Man’s eyes flashed.

“What does that mean?”

“And I have gained freedom. That’s why I came down.”

Ghost Fairy said, looking down at the Janggang Fishing Old Man.

“To find the person who will make my sword complete.”

The Janggang Fishing Old Man’s eyes were shaking. The Ghost Fairy in front of him clearly knew something about the Martial Emperor. But she didn’t seem to have any intention of answering.

“There is someone who walks the path of the Martial Emperor.”

Ghost Fairy’s eyes sparkled again.

“If it’s him, maybe he can make your sword complete.”

“Who is it? That person?”

“Go to Gangnam.”

The Fishing Old Man said.

“And find Namak Old Master. The one who walks the path of the Martial Emperor is with him.”

Ghost Fairy’s eyes were full of life.

“You are a good person.”

The Fishing Old Man gave a bitter smile.

Wheeing [sound of wind].

Just as a cold wind seemed to blow, Ghost Fairy’s figure disappeared without a trace.

“Hoo.”

The Fishing Old Man let out a low sigh. The smiling face of a young man dressed as a scholar comes to mind.

“I’m sorry.”

It is not right to pass Ghost Fairy on to him. But the only thing the Janggang Fishing Old Man could choose now was this path. He will be able to stop Ghost Fairy’s evil deeds and prevent innocent sacrifices.

“Please…… take care of the aftermath.”

No one heard him, but the Fishing Old Man said in a bitter voice.

Sararak [sound of frost forming].

White frost began to form on the hands and feet of the Janggang Fishing Old Man. Feeling the cold energy slowly engulfing his whole body, the Janggang Fishing Old Man muttered.

“Old Master is going to…… laugh at me quite a bit…… later, isn’t he?”

The next day at dawn, a fisherman who came out to fish found the fallen Old Fisherman. The fisherman, who was startled at first thinking it was a corpse, confirmed a faint breath and hurriedly took him to a doctor.

The doctor who examined Old Fisherman said that it was a miracle that he was still alive.

The problem was that no one knew about Old Fisherman’s family or relatives. In the end, those who had received help from him decided to share the costs, and Old Fisherman was to be taken care of at the doctor’s house for the time being.