A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 176

New Wind (2)

After leaving the banquet hall, Sohn Bin and his group entered a carriage.

Sohn Bin and Seo-rin got in first, and as Sa Soo-yeon was about to board, Sohn Bin closed his eyes and immediately drifted off to sleep.

‘Ah.’

Sa Soo-yeon, who had intended to sit across from him, quickly reached out when she saw Sohn Bin tilting slightly.

Ultimately, Sa Soo-yeon had to sit next to Sohn Bin for the duration of the carriage ride to Hangzhou Yewon, worried about waking him as he slept, leaning on her shoulder.

Click.

The carriage soon arrived at Hangzhou Yewon. Sa Soo-yeon quietly called out to Sohn Bin.

“Young Master Sohn.”

Her voice trembled slightly, afraid he might not be able to open his eyes.

However, Sohn Bin opened his eyes at her soft voice.

“Have we arrived already?”

He replied with a gentle smile and got out of the carriage. Then, leaning on Seo-rin’s shoulder, he walked towards the Yewon detached residence.

Spat, spat. [Sound of footsteps]

No one spoke.

Seo-rin stayed close to Sohn Bin, and Sa Soo-yeon, Dang Wora, and Jeok Se-hwa quietly followed behind.

Nogun walked at the very end with a dissatisfied expression.

The maids, who had been contacted by Wonju Hwa-wol, had already cleaned the detached residence.

The food preparation was finished in the kitchen, but Sohn Bin, upon entering the detached residence, said in a soft voice.

“I’m sorry, but I want to rest first.”

Sohn Bin went into his room. Seo-rin quickly followed him in and helped him change his clothes. Then, Sohn Bin lay down on the bed and fell asleep.

Click.

Seo-rin came out of Sohn Bin’s room.

“Hyung, is he sleeping?”

“Is he really sleeping?”

Jeok Se-hwa asked with a worried expression. Seo-rin nodded.

“Yes, he is. He even thanked me.”

Jeok Se-hwa sighed in relief.

Sa Soo-yeon’s expression also softened, though she didn’t show it.

However, Dang Wora still stood silently without saying anything.

“Here.”

Suddenly, Nogun handed something to Sa Soo-yeon. It was the sword she had entrusted to him, Myeong.

Sa Soo-yeon respectfully accepted the sword.

“You’ve worked hard. And……”

After clearing his throat once, Nogun said.

“Thank you.”

“It’s nothing.”

Sa Soo-yeon shook her head.

“I’m the one who is grateful. If Nogun hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have known.”

“It’s not that great. I just remembered the old days.”

Nogun turned his head slightly.

“Let’s all go out. The maids have prepared a place in the garden; smelling the tea might make us feel better.”

Despite Nogun’s words, no one in the group moved. Nogun clicked his tongue.

“What are you doing standing here? You need to treat that child’s wound, don’t you?”

The person Nogun was looking at was Jeok Se-hwa. The bloodstains on her neck were still clear.

“Ah. I’m okay……”

Before Jeok Se-hwa could finish speaking, Sa Soo-yeon replied.

“Yes, let’s do that.”

Sa Soo-yeon’s gaze was directed towards Sohn Bin’s room, not Nogun or Jeok Se-hwa.

“Young Master Sohn will be fine. So, let’s wait together.”

Her words were the wish of everyone present.

Nogun, Seo-rin, Jeok Se-hwa, and Dang Wora went out, and Sa Soo-yeon was the last to leave the detached residence, reaching out to close the door.

Click.

Until the moment the door closed, Sa Soo-yeon’s gaze did not leave Sohn Bin’s room.

*

*

*

The former Thunder Sword Namgungcheon and the former Tyrant Sword Hyeonryeonwi came out of the banquet hall, escorted by Wonju Hwa-wol. Namgunghyang quietly followed behind them.

“Well done.”

Namgungcheon said to Namgunghyang. His face was full of smiles.

“To create the largest force in the Outer World with just a few words, you are indeed my granddaughter. Their expressions were quite a sight to behold. Heol heol heol.” [Hearty laughter]

“I simply stated the facts.”

Namgunghyang replied, bowing her head. However, the repercussions of the ‘facts’ she spoke were great.

―He has many friends. I don’t need to tell you who they are; you already know.

The experts of the Outer World quickly realized who Namgunghyang’s ‘friends’ referred to.

Starting with Namak Nogun, Dang Wora of the Tang family who had Hwasa step down, Seo-rin of Wudang who wielded Buljin Hongjinmanri [a powerful sword technique], and even Sa Soo-yeon, who was clearly a blood relative of the Martial Emperor.

―Just in case, the beautiful young lady is known as the Sword Saint Sa Soo-yeon. She is the young palace lord of Bukhae, and Seomoksu Oreuhan is also said to share her intentions.

Those words were enough to change the complexions of the Outer World experts, especially those of the righteous faction.

The young palace lord of Bukhae, who is even called the ‘Empress of Bukhae’.

The woman who opened trade with the Five Great Families and took in Seomoksu Oreuhan was already well known.

However, they had no idea that the young palace lord was so close to someone walking the path of the Martial Emperor.

Moreover, she is a blood relative of the Martial Emperor.

“It’s true. This gruff guy and I also acknowledge him.”

Namgungcheon said with a hearty laugh. Hyeonryeonwi affirmed his words with silence.

“Is that all? He seems to have a deep friendship with the Moryong family, and we can’t leave out Janggang Eoeong. Wasn’t he the one who first mentioned someone walking the path of the Martial Emperor?”

The people already mentioned account for more than half of the Outer World. Namgungcheon’s statement that it was the ‘largest force in the Outer World’ was by no means an exaggeration.

“Moreover, he has publicly declared that he will walk the path of the Martial Emperor. That alone is enough to give him legitimacy.”

The fastidious Beopheo Shinni and Bulgwang Seonsa also acknowledged only the Martial Emperor.

Even Talhondo, who belongs to the Demonic Sect, did so, so there was no room for opposition to Sohn Bin.

“The Flying Sword is different.”

Hyeonryeonwi suddenly said. Namgungcheon frowned.

“Tch, are you talking about that crazy guy?”

The only person who objected was Flying Sword Gongsonggeuk.

∴

At the banquet hall, Gongsonggeuk said, unable to hide his discomfort.

“Are you saying we should bring that young brat, who isn’t even a martial artist, into the Outer World?”

Everyone knew that his words were unreasonable. What does attire matter in the Outer World, and where is age needed?

“Was the Outer World a place where you needed someone’s permission to enter?”

The person who stepped forward was Talhondo. Flying Sword Gongsonggeuk glared at him with sharp eyes, followed by Namgungcheon.

“Well, if you don’t like it that much, why don’t you ask for a life-or-death duel?”

Flying Sword Gongsonggeuk’s face contorted.

“Tch, I have no reason to fight with such a young brat. If you want to, why don’t you do it?”

“Me?”

Namgungcheon chuckled.

“Why would I have a life-or-death duel with someone who might become my granddaughter’s husband? A sparring match would be fine, though.”

Namgunghyang’s face turned red. However, Namgungcheon was nonchalant.

“And young brat, or whatever…… You should be careful with your words. Is the Gongsong family in a position to make enemies right now?”

“Heh heh, be careful with my words?”

Flying Sword Gongsonggeuk’s aura changed.

“The Namgung family must be out of their minds these days, unable to judge the situation. You’re the one in a position to make enemies……”

“Hey, pretty lady over there.”

Gongsonggeuk’s words were cut off by Namgungcheon’s voice.

The person Namgungcheon spoke to was Hyeolbong. The grim-faced Gwigyeonsura stood guard beside her.

“Are you Hyeolbong?”

“Yes.”

Hyeolbong replied politely. The eyes of the other Outer World experts changed.

Because the enemy of the Namgung family that Flying Sword Gongsonggeuk had pointed out earlier was none other than the Hyeolbong Alliance.

“Are you Bin-i’s enemy?”

Namgungcheon’s eyes turned sharply towards Hyeolbong. As a young girl, she couldn’t dare to handle it, but she didn’t back down.

“No, I am not.”

Even as her face turned blue, Hyeolbong answered clearly.

“Young Master Sohn and I are not enemies. Rather, I owe him a debt.”

The debt she spoke of was Sohn Bin giving way to her at the inn. He had also been considerate of Hyeolbong when he fought the Gwigyeonsura.

Namgungcheon nodded. And he said as if it were nothing.

“Then we’re not completely unrelated…… How about we take a break from each other for a while?”

Hyeolbong’s eyes sparkled.

Bulgamcheong Gosowon (不敢請 固所願) [An idiom meaning ‘I dare not ask for it, but it is what I wish for’], Namgungcheon’s proposal was something that Hyeolbong could not dare to ask for, but wished for.

Sarak. [Sound of clothing rustling]

Hyeolbong, who stood up from her seat, bowed her waist in respect.

“I gratefully accept your wise decision.”

Hyeolbong said in a clear voice.

Of course, there would be people within the Hyeolbong Alliance who would not accept this decision.

However, Namgungcheon’s proposal now was clearly a heaven-sent opportunity, even if only for a while. A chance not to shed any more blood.

“Good, good.”

Hyeolbong’s polite bow pleased Namgungcheon.

“Now that we’re in a position to make enemies, shall we continue our advance into Gangbuk?”

Namgungcheon said in a relaxed voice. However, his gaze was directed straight at Flying Sword Gongsonggeuk.

Eudeuk. [Sound of teeth grinding]

Gongsonggeuk gritted his teeth.

The Namgung family faces the Gongsong family across the Yangtze River.

Moreover, they have deep grudges with the Black Snake Alliance of Talhondo.

If they were careless, they would really be in a position to face enemies from both sides.

“This guy can’t even tell the difference between heaven and earth……”

“Sijus [a respectful title for a Buddhist monk], please calm down for a moment.”

Bulgwang Seonsa said, chanting the name of Buddha in a low voice.

“What good would it do for us to be at odds with each other?”

The ‘us’ that Bulgwang Seonsa spoke of referred to the Murim Alliance. The Murim Alliance of the Four Great Righteous Sects and the Five Great Families.

That was what Flying Sword Gongsonggeuk was relying on. But when the Namgung family started to object, he was beyond frustrated.

“Then we must show each other respect.”

Namgungcheon said with fiery eyes.

“And distinguish between sincere advice and ridiculous threats.”

Kwang. [Sound of something breaking]

The table that Gongsonggeuk was sitting at shattered.

Flying Sword Gongsonggeuk got up from his seat and left. No one was unaware that it was in fact his declaration of surrender.

∴

“That guy’s face was quite a sight to behold. He’s always been saying that he’s from a prestigious family in Gangbuk, but he got a good hit for the first time in a long time.”

Namgungcheon said, chuckling. This was because the Gangbuk families had always subtly looked down on the Gangnam sects and families.

“He’s not an opponent to be taken lightly.”

Hyeonryeonwi said in a low voice. Namgungcheon pursed his lips.

“Who doesn’t know that? I know it better than you do.”

The Gongsong family is a powerful family that has built its foundation in Gangbuk. No one can take them lightly.

“But now the wind has changed.”

Namgungcheon’s eyes were shining as he spoke.

“If you don’t realize it, you’ll be pushed out.”

There was something resonant in his words. After a moment of silence, Namgungcheon suddenly asked Namgunghyang.

“By the way, how did you know that young lady was the young palace lord of Bukhae?”

“She had the sword of Bukhae. That’s how I knew.”

It was impossible not to be concerned about the beautiful woman with eyes that seemed to pop out, who was with Sohn Bin.

Namgunghyang, who was thinking about her and observing her, was able to come to a conclusion without difficulty.

“Indeed, you are my granddaughter.”

“Thank you.”

Namgunghyang bowed her head lightly.

“Let’s go, we have a lot to do.”

Namgungcheon got into the carriage. Hyeonryeonwi also left the banquet hall in a separately prepared carriage.

Swaaa. [Sound of wind blowing]

Namgunghyang, who was in the carriage, quietly turned her head and looked at Seohwa.

However, the warm gaze of the beautiful young lady who was hugging Sohn Bin, and Sohn Bin’s gentle expression, were clearly floating before her eyes.

*

*

*

Thud, thud. [Sound of horse hooves]

A carriage pulled by two horses was speeding along the main road.

Its appearance was not flashy, but it was a sturdy carriage that emphasized speed and practicality.

“A gathering of flowers, but what is this……”

Talhondo smiled bitterly as he looked at the passing scenery and was lost in thought.

The meeting of the Twelve Young Lords of Yewon is also called the gathering of flowers. But the main character of this meeting was not them.

What was especially impressive was the sight he saw at the end.

The unbelievable swordsmanship that sent shivers down Talhondo’s spine just by recalling it.

“A person walking the path of the Martial Emperor……”

“Is that name so great?”

Hwasa, who was sitting in front, asked in a sharp voice. Talhondo chuckled. Hwasa’s eyes immediately shot up, but Talhondo didn’t care.

“Do you think the experts of the Outer World will listen to others well?”

“No way, that can’t be.”

Hwasa let out a burst of laughter. There’s no way. The experts of the Outer World are those whose abilities have reached the sky.

“The only reason those disobedient guys were quiet was because of the Four Sages of the Outer World. Their Outer World was reflected in the current Gangho Murim [Martial Arts World] as it is.”

“And?”

Talhondo leaned back.

“But it seems like the era of the Four Sages of the Outer World is slowly receding. So what will everyone be thinking?”

“They’ll think it’s an opportunity.”

Hwasa replied as if throwing it away.

“An opportunity to take the world in their hands.”

“That’s right.”

Talhondo tapped the armrest with his finger.

“But the conclusion has already been decided. If the Four Sages of the Outer World disappear from the Outer World, what remains is the Murim Alliance. The Murim Alliance of the Four Great Righteous Sects and the Five Great Families.”

His point was accurate. Even if you simply look at the numbers, or in terms of solidarity, the Murim Alliance would become the top force in the Outer World.

“Tch, so that’s why Gongsonggeuk was so desperate?”

Hwasa sneered.

“Yes. It’s not because he’s a twisted guy in the first place. Ah, his mind must be twisted for sure.”

Talhondo chuckled as he recalled Gongsonggeuk’s appearance as he smashed the table and left.

“The person walking the path of the Martial Emperor has turned everything back.”

The Four Sages of the Outer World seemed to be receding, but then a person walking the path of the Martial Emperor appeared.

Flying Sword Gongsonggeuk, as well as those who had other intentions, would probably have to rethink their plans.

“Thanks to him, it’s become easier. I don’t have to do annoying checks.”

“Hmm, I see. You’re quite smart too.”

Hwasa said as if muttering to herself. But Talhondo was lost in other thoughts.

‘But what on earth did the Martial Emperor do?’

Two, maybe even three, of the Four Sages of the Outer World died at his hands.

Yet the Seon Sword of Hwanghak and Buljin are with the ‘person walking the path of the Martial Emperor’.

Even the Outer World-level expert of the Tang family, who had mastered the Poisonous Energy Art, is with him.

At this rate, it’s even doubtful whether the Four Sages of the Outer World really had a life-or-death duel with each other.

“Well, it’s a shame that the meeting of the Young Lords has become a mess.”

“It’s just that the Sword Hee or the Ghost Hee went wild at the end, right? It was fine until then.”

Hwasa says in a sharp voice. Sitting with her legs crossed, she had her arms crossed and a sulky expression on her face.

“You went wild too. What on earth were you thinking……”

“What are you talking about? I didn’t do anything!”

Talhondo was dumbfounded at Hwasa’s serious expression.

She didn’t do anything? She’s the one who used Sosugong [Soul-Snatching Skill] and Heupjeonggong [Essence-Absorbing Skill].

If Nogun hadn’t stopped her, she might have really gone all the way as she said.

“More than that, are you going there?”

Talhondo suddenly asked.

It was a vague question, but Hwasa understood. He was asking if she was going to visit Sohn Bin’s Seowon [Private Academy].

Hwasa’s expression changed slightly. She turned her gaze to the side and said.

“Why wouldn’t I go? He welcomes me. So I have to go.”

“Hmm.”

Talhondo frowned and fell into thought.

Whether he admits it or not, Sohn Bin has already become the center of the Outer World.

In this situation, he couldn’t help but think about what it would mean for Hwasa to visit him.

“Why, are you worried that I might become his woman?”

Hwasa said, smiling as if joking. But Talhondo looked at Hwasa seriously.

“Why, why?”

“If you’re going to do that, clear up the misunderstanding first.”

“What misunderstanding?”

Talhondo said to Hwasa, who had an absurd expression.

“Grandpa Nogun told you that you’ve eaten a lot of men. Make it clear that it doesn’t mean that.”

Hwasa’s face contorted. But Talhondo continued to speak.

“Strangely, young people these days are more sensitive to that kind of thing. So make sure there are no misunderstandings. As far as I know, you haven’t even……”

Wajigeun. [Sound of something breaking slightly]

The armrest that Hwasa was holding made a sound and broke. Hwasa’s shoulders were trembling slightly.

“You’re saying that kind of thing so confidently in front of the person involved?”

Talhondo swallowed hard. Hwasa’s blazing eyes were telling him that she was really angry.

“Ahem.”

With a small cough, Talhondo quickly turned his gaze out the window.

Thud, thud. [Sound of horse hooves]

Silence lingered in the carriage for a while.

But Hwasa’s anger quickly subsided. In the first place, she is not the type to drag something out for a long time.

“Come to think of it.”

Talhondo, who had already relaxed, asked again. As if he didn’t even have the murderous atmosphere from before in mind.

“Did you usually like soft men like scholars or musicians?”

“Me? Tch, no way.”

Hwasa’s voice was also nonchalant. The story was already over when Talhondo backed down once to her anger.

“I hate weak men.”

“Then what kind of man do you like?”

Hwasa flinched at Talhondo’s question. She hesitated for a moment.

“Um, so I like men who are big and manly…… Uh, so……”

Hwasa avoided Talhondo’s gaze. Hwasa said in a voice that was uncharacteristically getting smaller.

“If possible, if he has a lot of beard, is a bit older than me, and is a reliable man who uses a big sword……”

She glanced at Talhondo.

“I know what you mean, but that’s a bit difficult, isn’t it?”

Talhondo said seriously, even distorting his eyebrows. Hwasa’s heart sank.

“Why, why?”

Hwasa’s voice was trembling slightly. Talhondo raised his head and looked at Hwasa.

“The Martial Emperor can’t be found by anyone.”

Hwasa’s mind went blank for a moment. But Talhondo continued to speak without paying attention.

“To like a Martial Emperor you’ve never even seen before…… Well, aren’t there one or two women who have fallen for the Martial Emperor? But you have to think about the age difference too. Anyway, I’m against it.”

Pajik. [Sound of a blood vessel popping]

A blood vessel popped out on Hwasa’s forehead. But Talhondo didn’t even notice.

“So don’t have any rash affection for him just because he’s a substitute for the Martial Emperor. You’ll only end up hurting each other. Come to think of it, what’s his alias? What should I call him? Young Master Sohn?”

Talhondo, who was muttering to himself, raised his head.

“It’s a good thing. Tell him my words when you go. I’ll have a drink with him later……”

Kwaang! [Sound of an explosion]

Talhondo’s words were swallowed by an explosion. The roof of the carriage was blown off and debris scattered everywhere.

Hihing! [Sound of a horse neighing]

The startled horses became agitated and the carriage shook violently, as if it would overturn at any moment.

“What, what are you doing!”

Talhondo said, hurriedly holding the coachman who was being thrown out with one arm.

The carriage, which had almost half of its rear blown away, was already difficult to call a carriage.

“I, I’m getting off.”

Hwasa said in a cold voice. And she jumped off to the side of the road in one breath.

“Hey, you!”

“I’m annoyed, should I just have an affair?”

Tat. [Sound of someone lightly stepping away]

Hwasa, who was muttering to herself, flew away without looking back. All that was left was the half-destroyed carriage and horses, and Talhondo and the coachman.

“That temper of hers.”

Talhondo clicked his tongue. Hwasa’s incomprehensible whims were nothing new.

“Talking about having an affair. She’s not young anymore, when is she ever going to grow up?”

Hwasa’s figure had already disappeared beyond the main road. But he wasn’t particularly worried.

‘She’ll come back anyway. Or go to Grandpa Nogun.’

Talhondo scratched his head.

There are only two people in this wide world that Hwasa opens her heart to.

She’ll be back in a few days as if nothing happened. That’s Hwasa’s personality.

“Um, Talhondo-nim [a respectful title].”

The coachman said with a tearful expression. He didn’t even have to listen to the rest of his words. He was asking what to do since the carriage was broken.

“Abandon the carriage. Let’s ride the horses. Only take the important luggage.”

The coachman quickly released the horses and raised the saddles. Talhondo muttered to himself as he got on the horse.

“Oh, who on earth is going to take her…….”

He felt like a father with a wayward, unmarried daughter. Considering the age difference between the two, it was not unreasonable.

“Let’s go.”

Talhondo said. Leaving the broken carriage behind, the two horses soon began to speed along the main road.