A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 171

171. Intrusion

“I have no choice but to see for myself.”

The woman’s voice echoed through the banquet hall. The maids instinctively covered their ears.

‘Ugh!’

Wonju Hwa-wol also reflexively raised her hand to cover her ears.

But it was no use. The emotionless voice shook Hwa-wol’s mind.

No-gun seemed to be shouting, but Hwa-wol couldn’t hear him. Her head felt like it was splitting, making it hard to even stand.

Just then, a warm hand gently pulled Hwa-wol’s shoulder.

Swish.

Lost in her thoughts, Hwa-wol didn’t resist as she was led back.

“Get out of the way!”

This time, she could hear No-gun’s voice. Perhaps amplified by his inner force [qi or internal energy], No-gun’s voice was clear even with her ears covered.

Thud.

A broad back loomed before her, shielding Hwa-wol.

Thwack!

Something huge crashed down, piercing the banquet hall’s roof.

A massive sword shape, as if the pillars and rafters themselves had collapsed, landed exactly where Hwa-wol had been standing moments before.

Whoosh.

The giant sword’s descent was accompanied by a merciless storm. Broken wood, roof tiles, dust, and debris exploded outward with tremendous force.

“Eek!”

The maids screamed as objects went flying. The shockwave swept through the banquet hall.

Hwa-wol also reflexively turned her head and lowered her body, but the expected impact never came.

Swoosh.

The force avoided Hwa-wol, or rather, it veered away from someone standing in front of her.

He simply stood there, and the storm-like force split to either side.

Whooosh.

The violently swirling force cleared the dust obscuring her vision.

Hwa-wol could see a sword emitting light, blocking the huge silver sword.

Clang.

It was No-gun’s So-ryeong Sword. The slightly shorter-than-normal sword glowed as if incandescent.

And behind it, a young scholar stood between Hwa-wol and No-gun.

‘Ah.’

Hwa-wol knew whose warm hand had guided her.

In that chaotic moment, Son-bin had moved her.

“What is this…”

Astounded, No-gun voiced his confusion as his So-ryeong Sword intensified.

“What is the meaning of this!”

No-gun thrust the So-ryeong Sword forward.

Clang!

The So-ryeong Sword drew a semi-circular arc, and the giant silver sword vanished, as if it had never existed.

It felt like a hallucination, but the white shadow falling across the banquet hall was undeniably real.

Sarak.

A woman in white landed quietly on the far side of the banquet hall, as soft and natural as a falling feather.

Tap.

Her small, bare feet touched the floor.

Thud.

Broken fragments fell through the shattered roof. White frost began to form around her feet.

“Are you No-gun?”

A chilling, emotionless, and eerie voice flowed out.

Her lifeless eyes made even her beauty seem frightening.

“That is so.”

No-gun frowned. Her clothes resembled a Taoist shaman’s robe or ceremonial attire.

But the sword she held to her chest confirmed she was the attacker.

“And you must be Geom-hui.”

A different light flickered in her lifeless gaze.

“How did you know? You are…”

“Halt!”

The resounding rebuke made the air tingle. Geom-hui turned her head.

“How dare you be so rude!”

The one who shouted was Buddhist Monk Bul-gwang of the Shaolin. Behind him, the maids sat groaning.

“How can you recklessly intrude and harm people in this place!”

Buddhist Monk Bul-gwang was furious.

The masters of the Outer Courtyard were fine, but the maids were not. Some were bleeding from the impact.

“You.”

Geom-hui, who had been quietly staring at the furious Buddhist Monk Bul-gwang, spoke.

“Are not.”

Buddhist Monk Bul-gwang’s large eyebrows furrowed.

“Haha, a foolish sentient being.”

Whooosh.

Even without wind, his robe began to flutter.

“Will you only realize your mistake after receiving a great reprimand?”

His voice was calm, but everyone knew it was the calm before the storm.

“Bul-gwang is right.”

Click.

A woman’s voice echoed.

“Master.”

Cheong-hye Satae looked up at Beop-heo Shinni with surprise. Beop-heo Shinni said with stern eyes.

“Knowing ten from one [understanding much from a little]. Seeing your behavior today, I know the evil deeds you have committed in Gangho [Jianghu, the martial arts world] are true.”

Cheong-hye Satae looked puzzled, as if she knew her.

“You must be Ban-geom Gwi-hui.”

‘Ban-geom Gwi-hui!’

Cheong-hye Satae looked at Geom-hui with surprise.

Her name was well-known among the Outer Courtyard masters. The news that Gunja-geom Mo-yong-myeong had been defeated by her was shocking.

Cheong-hye Satae glanced at Gunja-geom’s side.

As expected, Mo-yong-myeong and Mo-yong-jin’s faces were stiff.

Swish.

Geom-hui turned her head and looked at Beop-heo Shinni. Their gazes met in the air.

“You are not either.”

Beop-heo Shinni’s eyebrows twitched.

Geom-hui was evaluating Beop-heo Shinni, as if looking down from above.

“Even if you try to shake me, nothing will change.”

Beop-heo Shinni said calmly.

“Since you have boldly jumped into a dragon’s den, your evil deeds will end here.”

Whooosh.

Beop-heo Shinni’s monk’s robe began to flutter.

∴

“Wonju.”

Wonju Hwa-wol, who had been watching the confrontation, raised her head at the quiet voice.

Son-bin, standing in front of her and lowering his body, spoke. The two were at eye level.

“We need to evacuate the people.”

Hwa-wol was startled.

There were Sojus [high-ranking courtesans], entertainers, and maids. A conflict could easily sacrifice them.

“I know, but… will it be okay?”

Geom-hui, Buddhist Monk Bul-gwang, and Beop-heo Shinni were on the verge of clashing.

Bul-gwang and Shinni wouldn’t want to hurt innocents.

But would Geom-hui?

“It’s okay. No, it has to be now.”

Hwa-wol looked at Son-bin, his answer firm.

Sensing her gaze, Son-bin smiled softly.

“Hurry.”

Hwa-wol made a decision, knowing the situation would worsen.

“Okay.”

Hwa-wol gestured to the maids, who hesitated, pale with fear.

When Hwa-wol frowned, they carefully rose and began to retreat.

Sarak, sarak.

As a few moved, others followed, quietly supporting the injured.

Hwa-wol gestured to the Vice Wonjus and Sojus. Vice Wonju Bi-yeon, in charge of Cheongmyeongjeong, and Vice Wonju Hyo-seol, in charge of Pungwollu, led the Sojus away.

Some guests followed, but others remained.

“You should evacuate quickly.”

Hwa-wol said quietly, worried about provoking Geom-hui. But Nan-hyang shook her head.

“If this is part of Yewon’s daily life…”

Nan-hyang said, pale but dignified.

“I must endure it as a Soju.”

She wasn’t alone. Hong-ryeon, the Soju of Jangsa, also remained.

“Unfortunately, it’s my turn. So I can’t leave.”

Hong-ryeon’s voice trembled slightly.

The force exuded by Geom-hui, Bul-gwang, and Shinni was overwhelming.

Hwa-wol sighed, unable to break their resolve.

The Wonju of Yewon couldn’t rule or force.

She felt a sense of pride.

“Young Master Son.”

Hwa-wol turned to Son-bin.

“Please evacuate too, Young Master.”

Hwa-wol’s concern was sincere.

“Why doesn’t Wonju evacuate?”

Son-bin asked.

Hwa-wol smiled faintly.

“I am the Wonju of Yewon and the owner of this place. I cannot abandon it.”

Her answer was firm.

“But Young Master Son is different. Please evacuate quickly.”

Son-bin shook his head.

“I will not leave.”

“No.”

Hwa-wol’s voice was unusually firm, even desperate. She looked up at Son-bin and begged.

Despite being older, she looked like a young girl pleading with him.

But Son-bin couldn’t.

“If I move, other people may be in danger.”

Son-bin said with a soft smile.

“What? What does that mean…”

Hwa-wol didn’t understand. But Son-bin said firmly.

“So I can’t leave.”

Hwa-wol bit her lip.

She recognized that voice, so different yet the same. She had never disobeyed it.

“But those young ladies really don’t listen.”

Following Son-bin’s gaze, Hwa-wol turned her head. Jeok Se-hwa, Namgung-hyang, and Mo-yong-rin were there.

They should have evacuated with the maids. Even now, they didn’t move.

Mo-yong-rin pretended to ignore him, Namgung-hyang lowered her head apologetically, and Jeok Se-hwa shrugged.

Seo-rin, Namgung-cheon, and Hyeokryeon-wi stood in front of them.

“It’s because Young Master Son is not leaving.”

A quiet voice came from behind Hwa-wol.

Hwa-wol turned her head. Dang-wol-ah, wearing a veil, had approached.

“If Young Master Son leaves, they will too.”

Dang-wol-ah’s point was correct. They were staying because of Son-bin.

“What should we do?”

Son-bin turned to Sa Su-yeon, who was gritting her teeth and protecting him.

“Shall we all run away together?”

The opponent was Geom-hui, who had stabbed Sa Su-yeon. How could she turn her back?

Sa Su-yeon closed her eyes.

“Okay.”

Sa Su-yeon opened her eyes and looked at Son-bin.

“If you want, it doesn’t matter. Because the path will be made by me, Young Lady Wol-ah, and No-gun.”

Son-bin smiled.

“But I will not leave.”

“Why?”

Dang-wol-ah asked. Sa Su-yeon’s gaze asked the same.

“There are two reasons. First of all…”

But Son-bin’s answer was interrupted.

Whooosh.

Hwa-wol turned at the sudden sharp force.

Buddhist Monk Bul-gwang’s robe fluttered as if in a storm. Then.

“Hmm.”

With a low sound, he unleashed a palm strike.

Raising his fingers and spreading his palm, it was a simple movement.

But the result was not simple.

Bang!

A sound like a bursting drum erupted.

Swish.

Geom-hui moved her head lightly. The invisible force struck the ancient eaves of the banquet hall.

Thwack!

The roof tiles shattered, and the roof shook. A single force shook the large roof.

But Bul-gwang’s palm technique wasn’t over.

Shhh, shhh. Bang, bang, thud.

Each time he unleashed his hand, tremendous force erupted, aiming at Geom-hui.

Geom-hui lightly stomped her feet.

Tap, flick.

Her body spun in the air, her black hair scattering.

“Hehe.”

Bul-gwang laughed.

“Indeed, evil deeds are bound to head towards their own destruction.”

Shuuuu.

The smile disappeared. The force began to concentrate on his fist.

“Halt!”

Bul-gwang stepped forward and unleashed a fist.

Thud!

The floor cracked, and a thunderous sound erupted.

Kwarurung.

The terrifying force shot out, Shaolin’s ultimate skill, the Hundred Step Divine Fist.

Kwagagagak!

The force rushed towards Geom-hui.

But Geom-hui’s expression didn’t waver.

Fling.

Her sword briefly left its sheath, drew a semicircle, and returned.

Only the silver shadow flickered like an illusion.

The Hundred Step Divine Fist was split in two.

Clang.

The force shattered the pavilion roof. Wood and tiles rained down.

Kwarururu.

The tall roof made an eerie sound, as if it would collapse.

“H-how…”

Bul-gwang was shocked. It was impossible to split the Hundred Step Divine Fist with sword energy.

Tap.

Geom-hui twisted her body and stomped her feet.

As if kicking a wall, she plunged towards Bul-gwang like an arrow.

Fling.

“Hmm.”

Bul-gwang groaned.

He retreated and unleashed force towards Geom-hui.

Thud.

His force shot out countless times.

But Geom-hui didn’t avoid it.

She raised her left hand and waved it diagonally, as if clearing an obstacle.

Whoosh.

With that movement, Bul-gwang’s force lost its target and burst out.

Kaboom.

Fragments flew up.

Cutting through the gaps, Geom-hui appeared before Bul-gwang.

Her sword flashed.

Shhh.

Bul-gwang knew he couldn’t avoid it. As the silver blade fell, he shouted.

“Hah!”

Clang!

The impact shook the hall. Bul-gwang blocked the attack with his hands.

Chwaleuk.

His 108 prayer beads made a sound.

They blocked Geom-hui.

Clang.

“Kuh.”

It was a battle of inner strength. Geom-hui’s silver force pushed back Bul-gwang’s blue energy.

The silk thread of the prayer beads would soon be cut.

Thud.

Bul-gwang stepped back, shattering the floor.

Geom-hui’s eyes were cold, without expectation.

“Stop!”

Thud.

Beop-heo Shinni flew towards Geom-hui.

She swung her staff-like Seonjang [a staff used by monks] towards Geom-hui.

Woong.

A chilling blue energy rippled.

But Geom-hui didn’t retreat.

Whoosh.

Her sword shone pure white, and Bul-gwang’s prayer beads shattered.

Bang.

“Heok!”

Bul-gwang retreated, and Geom-hui twisted her body and drew her sword diagonally upwards, colliding with Shinni’s Seonjang.

Clang.

“Kuh.”

A groan escaped Shinni’s mouth. Geom-hui retreated.

Tap.

Like a feather, Geom-hui landed on the broken table. Her sword was hidden.

Thud.

The prayer bead fragments fell. Bul-gwang’s complexion was unusual.

Shinni was pushed back, her expression distorted.

“Master!”

Cheong-hye Satae approached, but Shinni stopped her.

“You too.”

Geom-hui’s gaze turned to Shinni.

“I told you I wasn’t.”

Shinni couldn’t answer, controlling her inner strength.

Sarak.

Geom-hui turned, ignoring Bul-gwang and Shinni.

Her gaze was directed at the young man in scholar’s attire, behind No-gun.

“You, why do you smell like this?”

Son-bin smiled bitterly. It was the same as before.

“Also, not from your sword, but from your sound.”

Geom-hui’s eyes shone intensely.

“Hoo.”

Son-bin shrugged and turned to Hwa-wol, Sa Su-yeon, and Dang-wol-ah.

“First of all.”

Son-bin said softly.

“That young lady came here aiming for me from the beginning.”