A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 135

135. Yearning

Clack.

Philong, Je Gal-ryun, set down his teacup. Son-bin looked up.

“Wahahaha.”

“Hoho.”

The noisy clamor of the inn finally penetrated Son-bin’s ears.

“It seems they call her the Seven Palace Lord.”

Je Gal-ryun spoke slowly.

“If the Seven Palace Lord of Bukhae [Northern Sea] roams the Gangho [martial world] under the name of the Swordbreak Divine Woman, it is something to be wary of. This martial arts contest to choose a spouse is also likely to have some scheme lurking within.”

“I don’t think so.”

Suddenly, Dang Wol-ah spoke, still holding her teacup.

“She wouldn’t do that.”

Je Gal-ryun frowned slightly.

“Who are you?”

“I am Dang Wol-ah, Young Miss of the Dang Family.”

Son-bin quickly stood up and introduced her.

“I should have mentioned it earlier, I apologize. This one is Seo-rin.”

Dang Wol-ah bowed her head lightly. Of course, it was too inadequate as a greeting to Philong, but Je Gal-ryun didn’t care about such things. Seo-rin also bowed to Je Gal-ryun, following Dang Wol-ah.

“So, it’s the Dang Family… Well, I didn’t believe the Dang Family would do nothing in such an interesting situation.”

Je Gal-ryun had noticed the presence of Dang Wol-ah and Seo-rin from the moment they entered.

‘What the Dang Family wants is probably just to observe the situation and understand the circumstances of Bukhae,’ Je Gal-ryun judged.

“Gangho is ruthless.”

Philong, Je Gal-ryun, said.

“You will understand the meaning of these words when you have more experience.”

Dang Wol-ah also said.

“I may not know Gangho, but I already know enough about people.”

Je Gal-ryun’s eyebrows twitched. It was then.

“Excuse me for interrupting.”

Son-bin interjected.

“Did you notice anything strange?”

Philong, Je Gal-ryun, looked at Son-bin. Son-bin’s unwavering gaze was directed at Je Gal-ryun.

“There was something.”

Je Gal-ryun nodded.

“I didn’t realize it then, but thinking about it carefully, something felt strange. How should I put it…”

Suddenly, Philong, Je Gal-ryun, gave a self-deprecating smile.

“For someone who wields a brush to not know how to put it into words, this is truly a problem of ability. You will know when you see it directly. What I am talking about.”

“Enough with the vague talk.”

No-gun urged.

“Just continue with what happened next.”

Je Gal-ryun gave a bitter smile.

“Bukhae was building up its strength. Twelve of them, in fact.”

Sarak.

The Young Palace Lord, looking down indifferently with the Ice Palace behind her, turned her gaze. And she nodded lightly towards someone.

Thump, thump.

As if waiting, twelve people walked onto the martial arts stage.

Although their faces were not visible as they had pulled their hoods down low, it was easy to tell that they were all women. Standing in a line on the martial arts stage, they all took off their hoods at once.

“Ooh.”

People exclaimed. Some recognized Naran and Delbe, the representative female masters of Bukhae, among them, and others were simply admiring their beautiful appearances.

But it was nothing compared to the surprise of Philong, Je Gal-ryun.

‘Seomoksu, Oruhan!’

While people were distracted by the twelve women on the martial arts stage, an elderly woman quietly stood next to the Young Palace Lord. She was none other than Seomoksu, Oruhan.

“The rules are simple.”

A young woman, seemingly a maid of the Young Palace Lord, spoke in fluent southern language. The commotion subsided at once, and everyone listened to her voice.

“Those who defeat the Bukhae Twelve Stars will be qualified. And only one of those who are qualified will have the opportunity to challenge the Young Palace Lord.”

People began to murmur.

“Bukhae Twelve Stars?”

“They’re all women?”

Both the martial artists and the Bukhae people were no different. Everyone looked visibly flustered by the unexpected turn of events.

“Ha! ‘Twelve Stars,’ you say?”

Someone said in a booming voice. As if imbued with inner strength, his voice spread in all directions.

“They’re all women, aren’t they? Are you daring to test the martial artists of Gangho with such women?”

He was a burly martial artist. Although the Bukhae people did not understand him because he shouted in the southern language, everyone could tell that his tone contained mockery.

‘Tsk.’

Philong, Je Gal-ryun, clicked his tongue inwardly. Although they may look like frail women, those twelve are by no means weaklings. One can tell just by looking at their gait.

‘A foolish act. Whether they did it unknowingly or knowingly.’

Perhaps it was a way to strongly imprint their presence and gain the upper hand. But it was something Je Gal-ryun would never do.

“You should come forward instead.”

The martial artist raised his hand and pointed directly at the Young Palace Lord.

“I’ll give you such a hot time that you won’t be able to come to your senses! Euhahahahaha.”

Some martial artists followed and laughed. But the laughter soon died down.

“Sareunae.”

The Young Palace Lord’s red lips barely moved.

“Yes, Young Palace Lord.”

Sareunae bowed her head. The Young Palace Lord raised her white hand and reached for Sareunae’s head.

Sareunae’s hair flowed down slightly, and a slender, long hairpin-like hair ornament appeared on the Young Palace Lord’s white fingers.

Swish, Paang.

The Young Palace Lord lightly waved her hand upwards. A faint sound of air splitting erupted from her fingertips.

Peeing.

The hair ornament flew straight towards the burly martial artist. Seeing this, the martial artist who had provoked her wore a sneer.

‘Hmph. With that level of…’

He gathered his inner strength in his hand. The energy contained in the hair ornament did not seem that great. He intended to receive the ornament as if to show off. However, he soon had to withdraw his plan.

Woo-oong.

‘Gasp.’

The hair ornament, which seemed to be flying slowly, gradually increased its momentum and began to emit tremendous energy.

Without hesitation, he reached for the greatsword he carried on his back. And he hurriedly gathered his inner strength and struck down hard.

“Taah!”

Along with his booming shout, the slender hair ornament and his large sword collided.

Kwaang!

A burst of explosion erupted. And a groan followed.

“Keok.”

The burly man’s body flew backward like a fallen leaf. The greatsword in his hand had already been shattered to pieces.

Thud.

The man tumbled disgracefully. Several people nearby rushed to check his condition.

“Ugh…”

The man, who was groaning, soon lost consciousness. He had been knocked unconscious with a single gesture.

“I do not dislike the spirit of a martial artist.”

The Young Palace Lord’s cold voice flew into everyone’s ears and struck them. Everyone’s gaze turned to the Young Palace Lord.

“But I will not tolerate insults.”

Standing proudly, she looked down at the people and said. It was clear southern language. The maid of the Young Palace Lord, standing on the platform, was conveying the Young Palace Lord’s meaning to the Bukhae people in the Bukhae language.

“You are guests of Bukhae. If you show respect, we will respond with respect. But if you do not show the respect befitting Bukhae.”

Her voice was as cold as frost.

“Be prepared to bear the wrath of Bukhae.”

No one could open their mouths. The oppressive force contained in her voice was momentarily weighing down on everyone there.

“Waaaaah!”

And the next moment, a tremendous cheer erupted.

“Young Palace Lord!”

The earth-shattering sound was from the Bukhae people. In that deafening roar, the martial artists could bitterly realize.

That they were essentially strangers here.

And that this land was by no means a place they could do as they pleased.

“Bukhae Twelve Stars?”

No-gun frowned.

“The name sounds plausible, but what does it mean?”

Son-bin tilted his head. He couldn’t understand why twelve maids would have such a plausible name.

“Yes. It is plausible.”

But Philong, Je Gal-ryun, nodded in agreement.

“Twelve beautiful maids, isn’t that a phrase that stimulates a man’s dreams? But if those twelve are all masters of the pinnacle of Sword Energy Manifestation [achieving physical form with one’s internal energy], the story is different.”

No-gun’s eyebrows twitched. The pinnacle of Sword Energy Manifestation is a realm that all martial artists dream of. To have that level of martial artist, and especially as women, twelve of them, was an unbelievable story.

“None of those who challenged that day passed the test of the Twelve Stars. Moreover, the martial arts contest was close to actual combat, and many were bloodied.”

Philong, Je Gal-ryun, picked up his teacup.

“The sight of twelve women blocking the martial artists of the Central Plains [China] wielding swords must have been a heart-wrenching scene for the Bukhae people. If it was intentional, it must be said to be a great strategy.”

Je Gal-ryun would not forget the sight the Bukhae people showed that day. Their joy was like madness.

“Even for Oruhan, it wouldn’t have been easy to raise twelve of them?”

No-gun tilted his head.

“Not only that. Except for Naran and Delbe, they were all young women. Considering the level they showed, it is an incomprehensible matter.”

No-gun gave an awkward smile. Je Gal-ryun may have noticed something about Dang Wol-ah or Seo-rin, but what kind of expression would he make if he knew Son-bin’s level?

“And what was most strange was the martial arts contest of the Bukhae Twelve Stars. It was as if they couldn’t properly control the power they had gained. It was like they were digesting and making it their own through actual combat.”

No-gun understood why Je Gal-ryun was convinced that ‘there was a strategy.’ In this situation, one could only assume that there was some kind of sorcery or scheme behind it.

“So, did the Je Gal Family pass the test of the Bukhae Twelve Stars?”

Je Gal-ryun gave a bitter smile.

That day, Sword Tiger, Je Gal-gyun, wanted to jump onto the martial arts stage right away. But Je Gal-ryun stopped him. It was certain that he would not be able to perform even half of his original skills with that mindset.

Only after calming his mind overnight and receiving advice from Philong, Je Gal-ryun, was Je Gal-gyun able to pass the test of the Bukhae Twelve Stars.

“Well, somehow.”

It was by no means a proud result. Moreover, especially in front of Namak, No-gun. Philong, Je Gal-ryun, quietly drank his tea.

“So, that’s why these guys have been quiet.”

No-gun said. His gaze was directed at the martial artists filling the inn. So, that means these many martial artists were suppressed by the Young Palace Lord’s fierce momentum and couldn’t move.

“Tsk, tsk. I knew this would happen if you only played around without training.”

No-gun said, denouncing the numerous martial artists as lazy people. Philong, Je Gal-ryun, had nothing to say about it.

Considering that there were hardly any people who passed the test of the Bukhae Twelve Stars, it wasn’t entirely wrong.

“Is the test of the Bukhae Twelve Stars still ongoing?”

Son-bin asked. Je Gal-ryun nodded.

“It is said that it will continue for about three more days. Anyway, there will be hardly anyone to challenge even if it is dragged on any longer.”

“Where is it being held?”

Je Gal-ryun smiled. Even though his inner strength may be insignificant, this young man, whose eyes are unusually upright, seemed like it wouldn’t be bad for him to experience a trial.

“It is being held in front of the Bukhae Ice Palace.”

“Thank you.”

Son-bin politely expressed his gratitude. Je Gal-ryun nodded and turned to look at No-gun.

“So, you have no thoughts at all? If it were me, I would gladly concede.”

“Is this guy crazy? I said no, so why do you keep doing this? And who would accept an old man like me in a martial arts contest to choose a spouse?”

“It’s a martial arts contest to choose a spouse because they don’t care about such things. And it turns out that the Young Palace Lord has already made a declaration.”

“Declaration?”

Je Gal-ryun nodded.

“Whoever defeats me, I will follow all of his wishes. This is what the Young Palace Lord said.”

“That’s a familiar story.”

No-gun said, pretending to be nonchalant.

“Isn’t that the absolute law of the Gangho martial world that you guys always talk about? The strong prevail, or whatever…”

“No, that’s not what I mean.”

Je Gal-ryun shook his head.

“When I heard those words, I thought. Perhaps the Young Palace Lord is waiting. The person who will defeat her and make her follow his will, isn’t that actually referring to the one person who will save her from her fate?”

No-gun couldn’t answer. Je Gal-ryun may not know, but perhaps that was the core of the matter.

“If that one person does not appear now.”

Philong, Je Gal-ryun, said, caressing his teacup.

“Perhaps a witch of the century may be born. A witch who will freeze not only Bukhae but also the world.”

A moment of silence fell. No-gun chuckled, pretending to be nonchalant.

“Hmph, worrying is a luxury. What in the world…”

“That’s right. It’s probably funny. But I’ve started to worry sincerely. Perhaps this is what it means to be old.”

Je Gal-ryun smiled quietly. But No-gun said nothing.

He couldn’t dismiss it as unnecessary worry or grumble. It wasn’t just because Je Gal-ryun’s old smile was too lonely.

Doo-doo-doo-doo.

The strong horses of Bukhae kicked the earth. Son-bin and his party were each riding horses and galloping across the vast plains.

“Are you okay?”

No-gun asked Son-bin. Son-bin was maintaining his posture exactly as No-gun had taught him.

It must be very difficult for Son-bin, who is not used to horses, but he is faithfully following it to the point of being stubborn.

“I’m fine.”

Son-bin said. But his expression didn’t look so good.

“The important thing is to trust the horse and entrust your body to it. The horse is the one running. But don’t forget that you are the one holding the reins. You must make your intentions clear to the horse. Only then can the horse run with peace of mind.”

Son-bin nodded.

“It will be tough, but it will be quick. You’ll get used to it soon.”

Leaving behind words that were not very comforting, No-gun turned his head to check the condition of the others.

“Tsk.”

No-gun clicked his tongue.

“It’s a mess.”

Dang Wol-ah’s horse is too frightened. It seems like she is being suppressed by Dang Wol-ah’s energy. If she runs like that, even the strong horses of Bukhae will be exhausted before long.

On the other hand, Seo-rin is too clever. Her sense of balance is excellent, so she is playing leisurely on the horse, but the horse and the person are completely separate. She seems ready to give up without hesitation and jump off if the horse heads in a strange direction.

“Let’s go quickly. There will be a place to rest if we go a little further.”

But they won’t be able to rest for long. They will have to run all day tomorrow to reach the Bukhae Ice Palace.

“You don’t have to rush.”

The voice that suddenly rang out was Son-bin’s. Struggling to maintain his posture on the large horse, Son-bin said.

“It will be alright.”

“What do you mean alright!”

No-gun shouted.

“Even at this moment, what might be happening to that child…”

“No. It’s alright.”

Son-bin said. Strangely, No-gun’s heart calmed down at that voice.

“I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“Hmph.”