A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 173

Step.

A light footstep echoed through the banquet hall.

It was a small sound, easily lost in the passing breeze, but no one failed to hear it.

Hwa-wol, the owner of Yewon [a renowned entertainment establishment], raised her head. The back of a young man in scholar’s attire, Son-bin, was moving away from her.

At first, she didn’t realize what was happening. But before she could fully understand the situation, her instincts reacted immediately.

“No!”

Hwa-wol reached out towards Son-bin.

The thought that she couldn’t let him go like this consumed her. The fear of losing someone precious once again overwhelmed her.

“Thank you.”

Hwa-wol’s outstretched hand faltered. Son-bin’s clear eyes were looking at her, just like that person from a long time ago.

“But this is something I have to do.”

Son-bin said with a gentle smile.

“You don’t have to worry. I still have many songs I want to play.”

Son-bin turned his head and took another step forward.

“Stop.”

The one who blocked Son-bin this time was Old Man Noh. He frowned, his white eyebrows furrowed, and said with a stern expression.

“If someone has to face that child, I will.”

Wooong.

Old Man Noh’s Spirit Sword hummed softly, as if responding to its master’s declaration.

But Son-bin shook his head.

“No.”

Son-bin said with a soft but firm gaze.

“Don’t you think I know that you suffered internal injuries from Sword Empress’s first strike?”

Old Man Noh’s face slightly contorted. Son-bin was right.

The strike that broke the roof of the banquet hall and fell—that giant form of the sword—was Sword Empress’s technique. Old Man Noh had blocked that technique with improvisation alone and even countered it.

It was an amazing feat that showed Old Man Noh’s level, but the impact he received in the process was by no means small.

In the first place, it was a great feat to fend off a sudden attack from an opponent without any preparation.

“This is nothing, not even as bad as a bug bite.”

Old Man Noh snorted.

“And it’s only natural that an old man like me dies before you young ones.”

Old Man Noh said with a playful smile, as if making a mischievous joke.

But Son-bin knew better than anyone that it was not a joke at all.

“No.”

Son-bin said, quietly shaking his head.

“It is the duty of the elderly to trust and entrust things to the young ones, even if it’s sometimes 불안하고 [anxious], and sometimes not up to par.”

Son-bin smiled.

“After doing so, grumbling about how rude these young ones are and living a long, long life is the natural order that elders should follow.”

It was a soft voice, but Old Man Noh could tell Son-bin would not back down. He already knew Old Man Noh’s condition.

With a sigh, Old Man Noh closed his eyes.

“If.”

After a moment, Old Man Noh opened his eyes. An indescribable force flowed from his eyes in streams.

“If something happens to you, I swear…….”

Ssk.

Old Man Noh’s words could not continue because Son-bin gently wrapped his hand around Old Man Noh’s.

“You don’t have to.”

The hand that wrapped around Old Man Noh’s wrinkled hand was warm and soft.

“I will return, without fail.”

Old Man Noh couldn’t say anything. His fierce momentum had already disappeared without a trace.

Son-bin quietly released Old Man Noh’s hand and took another step forward.

Step.

A strikingly beautiful young lady stood in front of Son-bin.

The person who made Son-bin smile involuntarily.

That woman was none other than Sa Su-yeon.

“You don’t think I’ll just let you go, do you?”

Sparkle.

A faint light was shining from Sa Su-yeon’s hand. She intended to stop Son-bin by force, if necessary.

“I know what you’re thinking, but.”

Sa Su-yeon, who had been shaking her head, looked straight at Son-bin. Her gaze seemed to pierce through Son-bin.

“You have no power right now.”

Sa Su-yeon’s words were perfectly reasonable.

No matter how much Son-bin had to step forward, how could he stop Sword Empress in his current state?

Like Old Man Noh said, ‘I’m worried he’ll be blown away by just a breeze.’

“Well, that’s true.”

Son-bin readily agreed.

Whether it was physical strength or a martial artist’s inner strength, Son-bin was weaker than Sa Su-yeon right now. No, perhaps he was weaker than anyone here.

“Young Master Son, you remember the warning Old Man Noh gave you, right? No matter how small the matter.”

Sa Su-yeon said.

“That risking your life means that even I can do one small thing.”

“Yes, I remember.”

Son-bin replied.

“That means, if I risk my life, I can do at least one small thing, right?”

Sa Su-yeon frowned.

“Are you planning to play word games?”

“No.”

Step.

One more step, Son-bin approached Sa Su-yeon, to the point where he could reach her with just a hand.

“What I’m about to do now is perhaps a very small thing—just taking a step, that’s all.”

Son-bin said in a whisper. His face was so close that Sa Su-yeon’s face turned red without her even realizing it.

But this was not the time for that. Sa Su-yeon regained her composure.

“The problem is that it’s a place I’ve never been to before. Even…….”

Sa Su-yeon’s face had no choice but to harden at Son-bin’s next words.

“Even Old Man Noh has never been there.”

‘Ah!’

Only now could Sa Su-yeon understand. Son-bin’s words, ‘taking a step,’ were by no means a general meaning.

What Son-bin was talking about was a realm that even Old Man Noh had never experienced, an unknown territory. Son-bin was now trying to set foot in that place.

“That’s why Old Man Noh warned you—not to do anything.”

“Then don’t do it.”

Sa Su-yeon said.

“Why are you risking your life…….”

“To protect the people I care about.”

Son-bin replied.

“But I also have another reason, about half of it.”

“Another reason?”

“It’s also the second reason why I can’t leave this place.”

Son-bin’s gaze turned to Sword Empress. She was waiting for Son-bin with a blank face.

“What would ‘he’ have done in this situation?”

Even as he spoke, Son-bin chuckled.

There was no need to even think about it. The things ‘he’ would do, his words and actions, seemed to be drawn right in front of his eyes.

Sa Su-yeon could tell at once who ‘he’ was that Son-bin was talking about—the person who made the smile on Son-bin’s lips so gentle.

“So I have to do as much as I can.”

Son-bin said quietly, turning to look at Sa Su-yeon. But in his voice, an intense desire that could not be hidden was rising like a flame.

“Since I dared to walk the path of the Martial Emperor myself.”

The person standing in front of the path Son-bin wanted to walk, and the existence that was still casting that huge shadow on the Outer World [a term for the larger martial arts community].

He was none other than the Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon, Sa Ja-hyuk.

∴

Pajik.

The porcelain wine cup held in Talhondo’s hand shattered powerlessly. The fragrant wine that he had only been holding until now flowed down between his fingers, but he didn’t care.

“The Martial Emperor’s…… path?”

He muttered to himself without realizing it.

It was no wonder. Among the experts of the Outer World here, there was no one who could escape the shock that those words gave.

In fact, there was another reason why this meeting was special to the experts of the Outer World.

It was the rumor about the ‘one walking the path of the Martial Emperor’ that Janggang Eoeong had met.

The reactions were all different. To some, it meant the end of an old era; to others, it meant the hope that remained.

But everyone agreed that this signaled the beginning of a new Outer World.

Therefore, they had no choice but to be on edge about who the ‘one walking the path of the Martial Emperor’ was.

“It wasn’t that young lady?”

Hwa-sa muttered in disbelief. Her gaze was directed at Sa Su-yeon, who was facing Son-bin.

“Hmm.”

Talhondo also frowned. He had also guessed that Sa Su-yeon was related to the Martial Emperor.

No, no one here could have not known.

Her beauty that stole their gaze in an instant—Sa Su-yeon’s eyes were surprisingly similar to those of the Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon.

But the word ‘Martial Emperor’s path’ came from Son-bin’s mouth, not Sa Su-yeon’s—from that young man in scholar’s attire who seemed to have nothing in common with the Martial Emperor.

‘He’s quite…… an interesting guy, but.’

Even Talhondo acknowledges his 음(音) [musical talent/aura]. That ordinary-looking young man had shaken the hearts of everyone here with just one seven-stringed 금(琴) [zither-like instrument].

It was also clear that he had friendships with the experts of the Outer World. He seemed to be on special terms with Namak Old Man, as well as the former Thunder Sword Namgungcheon, the former Tyrant Sword Hyeonryunwi, and the Gentleman’s Sword Moryongmyeong.

In addition, he was acquainted with the new Outer World-level experts of the Tang Clan and Wudang, and even Gwigyonsura of the Blood 봉(峰) [peak/faction] that Talhondo had brought in.

Even Hwa-sa, who was clearly seeing him for the first time, showed a strong obsession with him. It was obvious that Hwa-sa was restless even now.

‘Considering the relationship between Yewon and the Outer World, it’s not that strange, but.’

It could be assumed that Son-bin, who had shown outstanding talent, was personally close to the experts of the Outer World.

But that was separate from the Martial Emperor’s path.

‘Besides, why is that guy suddenly doing this?’

It was incomprehensible—Sword Empress taking an interest in him, and him stepping forward without knowing his place.

“Hahaha, this is a very funny thing indeed.”

A bitter laughter broke the silence of the banquet hall. It was none other than Flying Sword Gongsonggeuk.

“Now even such a musician is talking about the Martial Emperor’s path?”

He said with a bitter sneer, in an exaggerated voice.

“The name of the Heavenly Outer World Four Constellations has fallen to the ground.”

Gongsonggeuk looked around at the experts of the Outer World as if to show off.

It was a blatant insult, but no one refuted it.

Even though their intentions may have been different, there were many who agreed with his words.

“Is that so?”

Gongsonggeuk turned his head at the quiet voice. The owner of the voice was Beopheo Shinni of the Emei Sect.

“What do you mean?”

Flying Sword Gongsonggeuk asked, frowning. From the beginning, Son-bin’s existence was not on his mind. He only thought it was an opportunity to tarnish the influence of the Heavenly Outer World Four Constellations even more.

“What is there to see in that kind of guy? He’s just a little talented…….”

“Look at his sword.”

Beopheo Shinni interrupted Gongsonggeuk’s words and continued in a cold voice.

“If you have eyes.”

It was a clear rebuke.

Gongsonggeuk’s eyebrows twitched, but he couldn’t ignore Beopheo Shinni’s words.

“Sword, there’s no such thing anywhere…….”

Gongsonggeuk’s voice trailed off as he looked at Son-bin with a frown.

Beopheo Shinni quietly chanted a Buddhist prayer. Gongsonggeuk’s reaction was exactly what she had expected, and what she had shown.

“W-what is this…….”

Gongsonggeuk’s voice was trembling.

He widened his eyes as if he couldn’t believe it, but the scene before his eyes was neither an illusion nor a delusion.

“Could that sword be…….”

Hwa-sa’s voice was heard. She was also looking at Son-bin with surprised eyes.

“Yes, that’s right.”

Talhondo said as if spitting it out. He hadn’t noticed it either. No, he hadn’t even seen it. He doubted himself how he could not have seen it until now.

But as if mocking the discernment of the Outer World experts, the sword was revealing its appearance in front of everyone’s eyes.

Something that anyone here could recognize at once, something they couldn’t possibly not know.

‘I can’t believe I didn’t recognize that until now…….’

Eudeuk.

Talhondo gritted his teeth. The faces of the other Outer World experts were also terribly distorted.

As far as martial arts are concerned, there can be no mistakes or delusions for the experts of the Outer World.

Not recognizing it despite it being right in front of their eyes meant only one thing.

The level of the one who possessed that sword was above them.

“Hwanghak Jin-in’s sword……. Immortal Sword Baekro.”

Talhondo said with a distorted face.

A person who was one of the Heavenly Outer World Four Constellations and moved the world with his noble character.

That Hwanghak Jin-in’s sword, Baekro, was dangling from the waist of the young man in scholar’s attire, Son-bin.

“Amitabha.”

Beopheo Shinni’s Buddhist prayer echoed softly in the banquet hall.

∴

Sa Su-yeon couldn’t speak.

In her head, she was saying that she should never let him go, but her heart was saying that she shouldn’t stop him.

“But…….”

Sa Su-yeon bit her lip.

She didn’t know what to do. She had decided that she could never let him go, but that resolve was now faltering helplessly.

Ssk.

Without realizing it, Sa Su-yeon turned her head to look at Dang Wora. Perhaps she thought that she would stop Son-bin together with her.

But Dang Wora was just standing there silently. Moryongrin was turning his head away altogether. Both of them seemed to be saying that they had nothing to do with this.

“It’s okay.”

Sa Su-yeon turned her head at Son-bin’s voice. Son-bin was speaking with a gentle smile.

‘Ah.’

The moment she saw those eyes, Sa Su-yeon’s conflict disappeared. His deep and warm gaze seemed to embrace Sa Su-yeon entirely.

“This path ahead is one I’ve never been on before. Come to think of it, it’s always been like that.”

Son-bin smiled as if he was embarrassed, but Sa Su-yeon couldn’t say anything. She just wanted to capture Son-bin’s 모습(figure) [image/presence] in her eyes a little more.

“I might not be able to return.”

Son-bin said in a warm voice.

“So I’m going to leave you behind.”

Sa Su-yeon’s eyes shook violently.

Could this be a farewell?

Sudden fear and anxiety seized her in an instant.

Sarak.

The tip of Son-bin’s finger touched Sa Su-yeon’s cheek. A very small, warm warmth was felt from his fingertip. With that, the anxiety and fear that had been assailing Sa Su-yeon lost their power.

“Please take care of me, Miss Su-yeon.”

Son-bin said in a whisper, and he withdrew his hand. The sudden disappearance of his warmth was so sad that Sa Su-yeon felt like she was going to cry, but Son-bin passed her and went forward.

Step, step.

Son-bin, who was walking out, turned his gaze to Seo-rin. He was baring his teeth at Sword Empress with a distorted expression.

Keureureu.

A growl as if he was about to pounce on her right now. Son-bin quietly shook his head. In front of that gaze, Seo-rin could no longer move.

“Hyung…….”

Behind Seo-rin, who was muttering quietly with a worried look, stood Jeok Se-hwa with a serious face and Namgung-hyang with a crying expression.

Son-bin smiled at Jeok Se-hwa and lightly bowed his head to Namgung-hyang to express his gratitude.

Because she, who was just an ordinary person, had faced Sword Empress—something that could never be done with ordinary courage.

Sarak.

Namgung-hyang pursed her lips tightly and bowed her head in return. No one had told her about Son-bin’s condition, but through the words and actions of the other members, she had already guessed that something was wrong.

So she stepped forward. She wanted to protect him somehow.

But the result was like this. There had never been a time when she resented her powerlessness as much as now.

Swaaaa.

The wind of Seohwa shook Sword Empress’s clothes and passed by.

She was standing there quietly, waiting for Son-bin without saying anything.

But her eyes were filled with an interest that had not been there before.

“Are you really you from back then?”

Sword Empress asked. It was a strange question, but Son-bin understood her intention.

“Yes.”

“Is the sword you have now also the sword from back then?”

“Yes.”

Son-bin replied.

“But, it’s different?”

Sword Empress tilted her head very slightly.

“I don’t remember you, but the sword knows. The sword…… has changed.”

Son-bin gave a bitter smile.

“It has changed.”

Son-bin said quietly.

“Me too, and this sword too.”

Sparkle.

Sword Empress’s eyes sparkled noticeably.

“I knew it.”

Sword Empress’s eyes were wavering as she looked at Son-bin.

Sword Empress, who had been looking at Son-bin like that, said quietly.

“If you complete my sword…….”

After blinking her big eyes once as if thinking about something, Sword Empress continued.

“I will stay by your side forever.”

Her words shattered the tense atmosphere of the banquet hall at once. The experts of the Outer World smiled bitterly, and Son-bin also put on an awkward smile.

“Are my words strange?”

Sword Empress said, looking at Son-bin.

“Everyone wanted that from me? The dead Okryong, and the new Okryong too.”

The banquet hall froze in an instant.

‘Okryong…… is dead?’

Talhondo frowned. If that was true, the repercussions on the Outer World would be great. Perhaps the era of the Heavenly Outer World Four Constellations would really come to an end.

‘But is it really true?’

Beopheo Shinni thought. Okryong’s life or death was a serious matter, but could Sword Empress’s words really be trusted?

‘Don’t jump to conclusions. Even if that’s the case, we still don’t know the Martial Emperor’s life or death.’

Bulgwang Seonsa recited a Buddhist prayer in his heart and calmed his mind.

The Martial Emperor had not shown himself for more than ten years, but at some point, he appeared and killed two, perhaps three, of the Heavenly Outer World Four Constellations. What guarantee was there that he would not appear again in ten years?

‘But if Okryong is really dead, the Martial Emperor will not be safe either.’

Flying Sword Gongsonggeuk bit one lip and stroked his beard.

‘The new Okryong.’

Hwa-sa gritted her teeth. As each of their thoughts crossed, Son-bin’s voice was heard.

“I’m okay.”

Son-bin replied, but Sword Empress tilted her head again.

“Does that mean you like it?”

“No.”

His own advice to Dang Wora flashed through his mind. Son-bin answered simply and accurately.

“I don’t like it.”

“Is that so?”

A slightly different color flashed in Sword Empress’s eyes, but it soon disappeared.

Seureung.

She drew the sword she had been cherishing in her heart. The half-cut sword revealed its appearance.

“The name of this sword is.”

Sword Empress said.

“Ice Sword. My only friend.”

Huuuuuuk.

Her Ice Sword began to emit a cold air. At the same time, frost was slowly spreading from the tips of Sword Empress’s feet.