A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 147

147. The Last Trial of Bukhae (2)

“So, that was the power of the Eternal Ice Crystal?”

Orhan asked, looking bewildered.

Son Bin nodded.

“Yes, that’s right.”

Son Bin was still sitting up on the makeshift bed of coats. He kept fidgeting with the soft cloth covering him, perhaps self-conscious under the sparkling eyes of the unfamiliar young ladies surrounding him.

“The power of the Eternal Ice Crystal was already exceeding its limits. It needed an outlet. So, I just… helped a little.”

“What would have happened if you had left it alone?”

Orhan asked with a serious expression.

Son Bin shrugged.

“I don’t know. But it wouldn’t have been a good thing.”

Son Bin said with a gentle smile. Orhan, momentarily captivated by the smile, coughed and turned his head away.

“Wow.”

“He’s even more handsome when he smiles.”

The Bukhae Twelve Beauties, who were still there, exclaimed with sparkling eyes. Most of it was in the Bukhae language, but some phrases were in the southern language that Son Bin could understand.

“Me?”

Son Bin’s eyes widened.

“Yes!”

The Twelve Beauties said in unison, as if singing a chorus. Son Bin tilted his head and said with a suspicious expression.

“Is this… some kind of Bukhae joke?”

It was a natural reaction for Son Bin. He had never heard anyone say he was handsome in his life.

“Ahahaha. What, that’s even funnier.”

“Look at him blushing. Cute. Hohoho.”

The young ladies giggled. Any wariness towards Son Bin, a man and a foreigner, seemed to have disappeared. Some of the Twelve Beauties were surrounding Seorin, creating their own friendly atmosphere.

Orhan thought this wouldn’t do and cleared her throat.

“Ahem. Everyone, please leave now.”

“Aww.”

The Twelve Beauties made a whiny sound, expressing their dissatisfaction in unison.

‘Ah, aww?’

Orhan was dumbfounded. The Bukhae Twelve Beauties had become like immature young ladies.

It wasn’t that she didn’t understand. Son Bin seemed to have a special relationship with the Young Palace Lord, and he was also the one who had taken off his coat for them, so they must have felt a special closeness.

Besides, Son Bin was the man who had created that incredible spectacle. It was impossible not to pique the curiosity of spirited young ladies.

“Quickly.”

Even so, this was too much. When Orhan made a stern expression, the Twelve Beauties, who had been huddled around Son Bin’s bed, reluctantly got up.

“See you later.”

“You have to teach me a move, okay?”

“You were awesome. No, you’re the best!”

The Twelve Beauties waved at Son Bin and rushed out. In an instant, everything was quiet.

“How should I put it? The Bukhae Twelve Beauties I imagined are… a little different.”

The words that came out unintentionally were Son Bin’s true feelings.

“Ahem. Well, except for Delbe and Naran, they’re still young… Sorry for the commotion.”

Orhan apologized on their behalf. Son Bin realized he had said something rude.

“No, it’s just that I’m not familiar with Bukhae customs.”

Perhaps the young ladies of Bukhae are much freer and more open than the women of the South, Son Bin thought.

“Thank you. Anyway, is the Eternal Ice Crystal safe now?”

“For the time being, yes. Roughly…”

Son Bin said, pausing to think.

“Wouldn’t it be safe for a few thousand years?”

“Haa. A few thousand years…”

Orhan couldn’t help but sigh. She had been nervous because he said ‘for the time being,’ but this was a completely different timescale.

“According to what Miss Sa told me.”

Son Bin added, looking at Sa Su-yeon.

“Me?”

Sa Su-yeon asked, as if wondering what he was talking about.

“I don’t know what you mean. I have no memory of that.”

Son Bin tilted his head.

“No, at that time, you clearly said that the Eternal Ice Crystal…”

Son Bin remembered clearly. Sa Su-yeon had said that although it was called the Eternal Ice Crystal, it had actually been around for tens of thousands of years.

“I don’t remember.”

Sa Su-yeon said, looking straight at Son Bin.

“Ah, yes. I, I see.”

At her firm attitude, Son Bin couldn’t dare say anything more. Sa Su-yeon’s condition hadn’t been normal at the time, so she might not remember.

“Ahem. What happened to the cavalry?”

Son Bin changed the subject.

“There are quite a few injured, but unfortunately, no one died. They haven’t recovered yet, though.”

Orhan replied. Son Bin nodded, relieved, even though he heard something strange.

“Hey, hey!”

Seorin quickly raised her hand and waved. She looked like she had something she was curious about.

“How did you win down there?”

Everyone’s eyes turned to Son Bin at once. Not only Dang Wola and Orhan, but also Sa Su-yeon. How did Son Bin win?

“Did you hit the scary sister?”

“I didn’t hit her.”

Sa Su-yeon’s voice, gentle but cold, was directed at Seorin. Seorin flinched.

“Young Master Son is not that kind of person. And I’m not a scary sister either. Understand, Seorin?”

In fact, Sa Su-yeon now was no match for Seorin. Her inner strength had not yet fully returned.

However, Seorin nodded her head so hard that the wind whistled.

“How did you win?”

No Gun also asked.

“Was it that?”

What No Gun was referring to was the Jade Dragon Reverse Scale Strike. Son Bin shook his head.

“It’s the Breaking Moon Eclipse.”

“Breaking Moon Eclipse?”

Son Bin explained to No Gun, who was questioning him.

“It’s the first stance of the Breaking Moon Three Stances. So, that’s…”

Son Bin paused for a moment. What should he call it?

It appears and disappears among countless flows in an extremely short moment.

The ultimate sword path where the end is already determined at the moment of starting. Therefore, even though it may seem slow, it is an instantaneous flow that cannot help but be faster than anything else.

That was Saja Hyuk’s Lightning Flash.

“Should I say it’s seeing the flow of cause and effect? It’s a very short moment, but carrying the sword on that flow…”

“What?”

No Gun asked without realizing it.

“What are you seeing now?”

“The flow of cause and effect.”

Son Bin looked at No Gun.

“Ah, so that’s a little different from the general flow, but if I had to express it…”

“No, never mind.”

No Gun said. His expression was already tired of it.

“I already know you’re amazing enough, so you don’t have to explain anymore.”

“Yes?”

“Just spar with me later.”

“Ah, yes.”

Son Bin nodded. Anyway, it’s better to show it directly than to explain it in words.

No Gun sighed. Dang Wola had an expression close to resignation, as if she knew it would be like this, and Seorin’s eyes were just sparkling because she didn’t know what he was talking about.

‘Breaking Moon Eclipse….’

Sa Su-yeon was quietly searching her memory, while Orhan said with a dumbfounded expression.

“Are you believing that? What he just said?”

No Gun turned his head and looked at Orhan.

“What if I don’t believe it?”

“No, how can you see the flow of cause and effect…”

“Why can’t you see it? Don’t you know the saying ‘the initiative of the follower’?”

There is a realm called the initiative of the follower [a martial arts concept where a delayed action anticipates and counters an opponent’s move].

It refers to the case where the sword is clearly moved later but arrives before the opponent, or when what seemed to be a late response is actually a subtle countermeasure that surpasses the opponent.

“Just think of it as an expansion of that concept.”

“Expansion? But that’s…”

The expression ‘initiative of the follower’ is also used when referring to strategic thinking, insight that penetrates the core, or an overwhelming difference in skill.

But doesn’t the saying that you see the flow of cause and effect already go beyond the realm of humans?

“The higher the level, the more important free thinking becomes. If your thoughts become rigid, your hands will also become rigid. And why are you arguing with me? It’s not like I did it.”

Orhan was speechless at No Gun’s logical point.

That’s true. If she was going to argue, she should do it with Son Bin. Because Son Bin said he did it.

Orhan looked at Son Bin. Son Bin’s clear eyes were directed at Orhan.

“Ah, um…”

Orhan couldn’t say anything. She wanted to say that such a thing was impossible, but if Son Bin said it was possible, she would have nothing to say.

Because he was the one who had directly shown that unbelievable sight just a few days ago.

No Gun said to Orhan, who was hesitating, as if throwing it away.

“It’s easier to just give up.”

He said it to help, but Orhan felt a surge of frustration.

Even No Gun, who was saying that, had questioned him earlier as if he couldn’t believe it?

“Would you like me to explain it in more detail?”

Suddenly, Son Bin’s voice was heard from the side.

Orhan turned her head and looked at him. Son Bin was looking at her with a friendly face.

“Can you… just tell me something like that?”

Orhan asked without realizing it.

“Those who have not reached it will not know even if they hear it, and those who have reached it will eventually do it even if they don’t hear it.”

Son Bin said with a smile.

“So it doesn’t matter. And telling the elder is never ‘just telling’.”

Orhan sighed.

He was right.

But in reality, no one does that.

They try not to give out their own things, and instead, they are busy reaching out and taking other people’s things.

“No. It’s okay.”

Orhan replied. A comfortable smile was already on her face.

“I have enough now.”

What Son Bin had already shown was more than enough.

Suddenly, No Gun’s face, as if saying, ‘See? What did I tell you?’ came into Orhan’s view.

For a moment, something surged up again, but Orhan barely held it back.

*

*

*

The news of the Ice Empress’s rebellion spread throughout Bukhae in an instant. It was truly a shocking event, but there was no chaos.

The Four Direction Generals and their forces had already suppressed and resolved the rebellion, and had subdued not only those involved but also the elders of their respective tribes.

People intuitively understood the meaning of this rebellion and its failure.

The Ice Empress had lost in the power struggle for the throne of Bukhae. Despite resorting to the extreme method of rebellion.

The winner was, of course, the Seventh Palace Lord, Sa Su-yeon. She showed remarkable performance in leading the Four Direction Generals to stop the rebellion and protect the Ice Palace.

Some even spread absurd rumors that the Heavenly God of Bukhae had descended to punish the wicked Ice Empress for the Seventh Palace Lord.

People watched the Ice Palace with anticipation. It was clear that once the Seventh Palace Lord, Sa Su-yeon, passed the final trial, Bukhae would welcome a new empress.

∴

Sabeok, sabeok [sound of footsteps].

Quiet footsteps echoed in the dark space where torches were burning.

Sa Su-yeon, dressed in clean and neat clothes, moved forward, followed by Sareunae, Namira, and the foreigners invited by the Young Palace Lord.

“I didn’t know there was a place like this under the Ice Palace.”

No Gun said, looking around.

A high corridor made of stone stretched out on all sides. Unlike other parts of the Ice Palace, it was dark and old, and it was strange to use torches instead of lamps.

“It is extremely unusual for foreigners to be allowed.”

Namira said in a low voice. It was also a slightly dissatisfied voice.

“Not many people in the Ice Palace know about this place.”

“Tsk.”

No Gun snorted. The way she was making a fuss about it being unusual bothered him.

“Having a lot to hide means you’re weak. The Bukhae Ice Palace is a mysterious sect or something, but it won’t last long like that.”

“What did you say?”

Namira flared up.

“It’s not like that. And we didn’t hide anything. You southerners always ignore us and do whatever you want…”

“Stop it.”

Sareunae said quietly to Namira.

“We’ve arrived.”

Namira quickly shut her mouth. Before they knew it, a large and tall door stood before them.

Creak.

The door slowly opened with an unpleasant sound. Seorin and Dang Wola’s curious eyes quickly scanned the inside.

“Ugh, what is this place?”

Seorin frowned and quickly covered her nose with her sleeve.

“It smells.”

It was a place as large as a grand banquet hall.

However, there were no fancy decorations, and only a few torches illuminated the desolate stone walls.

Namira whispered to Seorin.

“It’s because it’s an old place.”

In the center of the place, which resembled an abandoned banquet hall, the Ice Emperor was sitting as if buried in a huge chair.

The Four Direction Generals, Guntmur and Bayama, stood on either side of the Ice Emperor as if guarding him, and next to them were the figures of several concubines and young palace lords who were not involved in this rebellion, including Chilbi.

‘Ice Empress.’

A strange light flashed in Sa Su-yeon’s eyes. The Ice Empress was standing between Altan and Nergui, a little away from the others.

Although she was not tied up, she looked haggard. The large wig was nowhere to be seen, and her ornate clothes were dirty. But her eyes were still full of resentment.

Sabeok.

Sa Su-yeon moved forward. Sareunae and Namira followed Sa Su-yeon, and No Gun, Dang Wola, and Seorin entered, surrounding Son Bin.

Seuk.

The Four Direction Generals, who discovered Son Bin, lightly bowed their heads. Some of the young palace lords frowned at the fact that they were paying respects to a foreigner in front of the Ice Emperor, even though it was a formality. But the Ice Emperor didn’t say anything, so they didn’t say anything.

The young palace lords and concubines glared at Son Bin who was returning the greeting to the Four Direction Generals.

However, they didn’t feel anything special from the seemingly weak young man, so they soon lost interest and turned their attention to the Seventh Palace Lord, Sa Su-yeon.

Sabeok.

“I greet the Ice Emperor.”

Sa Su-yeon placed both hands on her chest and knelt on one knee. Sareunae and Namira also paid their respects in the same posture.

Seorin and Dang Wola also bowed politely, and even Son Bin paid his respects to the Ice Emperor, so No Gun had no choice but to put his hands together and formally bow. Still, he never lowered his head.

“Rude. How dare you to the Ice Emperor…”

The Ice Emperor stopped someone from speaking who couldn’t stand it. The Ice Emperor looked at No Gun and said.

“I know about the Outer History [referring to No Gun’s background and experiences outside of Bukhae].”

He couldn’t not know. The person who took Sa Su-yeon’s mother, Garyeo, was none other than the Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon.

“Welcome to Bukhae.”

“Thanks.”

Namira conveyed the words, and No Gun replied dismissively. Several people frowned again, but No Gun didn’t care.

Seureuk.

The Ice Emperor slowly raised his body. It was slow, but the sense of oppression was still there, as if watching a lion rise.

“This is the last trial of Mother Bukhae given to the Seventh Palace Lord.”

The Ice Emperor said in a heavy and solemn voice.

“Have you embraced your true name?”

The Ice Emperor asked Sa Su-yeon. Sa Su-yeon nodded.

“Yes.”

The Ice Emperor looked at Sa Su-yeon with deep eyes. The look in his eyes was faint, as if tracing somewhere in the distant past.

“Then… let’s begin.”

Jeobeok.

The Ice Emperor took a step forward. And he shook his shoulder and took off his thick coat.

Tuk.

The ornately decorated fur coat fell to the floor, and the Ice Emperor’s large hand reached for his waist.

Seureung.

The Ice Emperor slowly drew his sword. The gently curved curved blade revealed its sharp teeth.

Jeobeok, jeobeok.

The Ice Emperor took heavy steps towards Sa Su-yeon. And he said.

“Your last opponent is me.”

“Bi, Ice Emperor!”

“Ice Emperor!”

Not only the concubines but also the young palace lords and the Four Direction Generals couldn’t hide their surprise. Sareunae and Namira also couldn’t believe what they had just heard.

Only Sa Su-yeon was quietly looking at the Ice Emperor with her beautiful eyes.

“There’s no need to be surprised. It’s not uncommon to ascend to the throne by stepping on the blood of the previous Ice Emperor. No, in the old days, it was the only way.”

The Ice Emperor continued in a heavy voice.

“Everything to the strongest. This is where that law was born. So.”

Woowoong.

The Ice Emperor’s curved blade began to hum faintly.

“Your last trial is me.”

Silence flowed. And finally, Sa Su-yeon said.

“Why are you doing this…”

Her voice towards the Ice Emperor was quiet and calm. Like her eyes.

“Are you trying to be hated by me?”

“Hate.”

The Ice Emperor chuckled.

“No, that’s not it.”

The Ice Emperor said, looking straight at Sa Su-yeon.

“My life has failed. So I have to end it properly. According to the laws and regulations of Bukhae.”

Hook.

A flame ignited in the Ice Emperor’s eyes. His terrifying eyes were looking straight at Sa Su-yeon.

“Retribution. That is the only thing I want from you.”