A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 191

191. When Exhaustion Leads to Change (窮則變 變則通) [When things reach an extreme, they change; change leads to progress.]

“What do we do now?”

Seok Se-hwa asked. Shin-ui answered her question.

“As a doctor, I’m against it.”

Shin-ui said, raising his teacup.

“Bin needs to rest. If it were anyone else, they would already be on the verge of death.”

“I’m against it too.”

No-gun frowned.

“I don’t know much about this Blood Lotus thing, but the opponent has the name Jade Dragon. I can’t imagine nothing will happen. And Bin is not in a state to handle such an opponent right now.”

“Then the conclusion is simple.”

Sa Su-yeon said quietly.

“We shouldn’t go. Let’s pretend the letter never existed.”

Shin-ui and No-gun turned to look at Sa Su-yeon. Shin-ui asked with a dark expression.

“Are you sure?”

Sa Su-yeon nodded.

“Yes. I reacted too rashly. Whatever that new Jade Dragon has, it can’t compare to the safety of Young Master Son.”

“Hmm. Yes, that’s right.”

No-gun also nodded at her decision. It seemed the problem was over.

“But he’ll probably go.”

Dang Wol-ah raised an objection quietly.

“And everyone wants to go, right?”

No-gun and Sa Su-yeon were speechless. She was right.

If it was related to the Supreme of Hyeoncheon, No-gun could never just let it pass. Sa Su-yeon, the daughter of Saja-hyeok, was needless to say.

“You’re not all planning to pretend not to go and then secretly go alone, are you?”

At Dang Wol-ah’s words, No-gun’s eyes widened. Sa Su-yeon’s eyes also wavered.

No-gun hurriedly waved his hand.

“T-That’s impossible!”

The old lady Dang Un-yeong, who was sitting next to him, gave a bitter smile. No-gun was really bad at lying, both then and now.

“But the person who wants to go the most.”

Dang Wol-ah said, bringing the teacup to her lips.

“It’s Young Master Son himself.”

“Ugh.”

No-gun groaned. If it was Son Bin, that would be the case.

“Yeah, that’s right.”

No-gun said, as if lamenting.

“Then what the hell are we supposed to do with that guy?”

No-gun turned his head. The group’s gaze naturally followed him.

“Kyahaha. Teacher, look at this. It’s really bad.”

“It’s okay. Everyone writes like that when they write letters for the first time.”

“I wrote well even though it’s my first time!”

As always, Son Bin, surrounded by the children, was wearing a happy smile. His smile shone brightly under the morning sunlight.

Everyone was speechless for a while, when suddenly Dang Hwa-ryeon’s voice rang out.

“I don’t know what the problem is.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon said, looking at Son Bin with a displeased gaze.

“He looks perfectly fine to me?”

Not just fine. Son Bin’s appearance, laughing with the children, looked annoyingly happy to Dang Hwa-ryeon.

“You don’t know because you didn’t see it.”

No-gun said in a blunt tone.

“How would you know how great that guy was if you didn’t see it?”

Those who haven’t seen it don’t know. No-gun’s reaction was natural.

“Yes. I wouldn’t know. How could I, with my narrow woman’s view, evaluate that great Young Master Son?”

Dang Hwa-ryeon’s mood was twisted. It was understandable. Every time Dang Wol-ah spoke, that ‘Young Master Son’ was always mentioned.

No matter what the topic was, the conclusion always became ‘Young Master Son,’ so Dang Hwa-ryeon really wanted to get annoyed.

However, she couldn’t bring herself to do so because of the faint smile that always appeared on her younger sister’s lips.

“But if we can’t bring back the great Young Master Son of the past, wouldn’t it be better to find what’s possible now?”

There’s no use in holding on to something that’s been concluded as impossible. It was a very natural and simple problem for Dang Hwa-ryeon.

“What Young Master Son can do now…….”

Dang Wol-ah muttered. Dang Hwa-ryeon’s words were definitely a change of perspective. It was possible because she was free from the thought that ‘Son Bin is sick.’

“What about martial arts with only forms?”

Sa Su-yeon said.

“That’s dancing.”

No-gun said with a bitter smile. Sa Su-yeon tilted her head.

“But I’ve heard that there are martial arts that subdue opponents with only forms, regardless of the level of internal energy. Something like the Eighteen Subduing Palms?”

“That doesn’t mean you don’t need any internal force at all.”

No-gun continued.

“Even if it’s just dancing, when you reach the level of a master, energy resides at your fingertips. No matter how much emphasis is placed on forms, you need internal force to exert proper power.”

“Then we’re back to the beginning.”

Dang Wol-ah said.

“In the end, is Hyeoncheon Daeganggyeol [Supreme Art of Hyeoncheon] the only option for Young Master Son?”

“Then why don’t you do that?”

Dang Hwa-ryeon interjected. No-gun frowned again.

“If we do that, he’ll leave.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon also frowned at the sudden expression.

“Leave, where…….”

However, her question was neatly ignored. No-gun turned to Shin-ui.

“Don’t you have anything to say?”

“Speaking of dancing, there’s something called Ogumhui (五禽戲) [Five Animal Frolics].”

“You mean the one Hua Tuo [famous Chinese physician] made?”

Shin-ui nodded, putting down his teacup.

“Yes. It’s a method of making the body healthy and invigorating energy by imitating the movements of five animals.”

Ogumhui is a gymnastics created by Hua Tuo for medical purposes. However, at the same time, it is also considered the origin of Qigong along with martial arts such as Yeokgeun-gyeong [Muscle Change Classic].

“Yeah, I know that, but would that help Bin?”

It’s just gymnastics for health. It is neither the seated Qigong used in martial arts in general, nor the special breathing method called Tonap-beop [breathing technique].

It invigorates energy, but it is not a method used in most sects or martial arts families because it cannot greatly improve internal force.

“It wouldn’t be of much help.”

No-gun’s face contorted at Shin-ui’s calm words.

“Does this guy know who…….”

“But.”

Shin-ui interrupted No-gun.

“Wouldn’t there be martial arts with the same principle?”

“Hmm.”

No-gun was lost in thought.

“Martial arts that have the effect of a True Energy Guide without Simgyeol [mental cultivation] or Simbeop [mind method].”

Shin-ui’s suggestion was definitely tempting. With that, Son Bin could do it in his current state, and it’s a natural method, so there’s no shock.

“There are some, but they’re all basic……. Don’t you know anything?”

No-gun asked Dang Wol-ah.

“I do.”

Dang Wol-ah said. No-gun’s eyes lit up, but Dang Wol-ah shook her head.

“But I’m not sure if it’s right for Young Master Son now.”

Murtial arts are not just hand and foot movements. The higher the martial arts, the more elaborate the system of Simbeop and forms, and in the case of Taoist or Buddhist martial arts, they contain profound principles.

Moreover, if it is a martial art that has the effect of a True Energy Guide, it must be carefully examined whether it matches Son Bin’s Hyeoncheon-gyeol [Hyeoncheon Energy Circulation Method]. It’s never an easy task.

“Then I’ll make it.”

Sa Su-yeon said. Not only Shin-ui and No-gun, but also Dang Wol-ah, Dang Un-yeong, Seok Se-hwa, and Dang Hwa-ryeon looked at her.

“Make it?”

“Yes.”

Sa Su-yeon answered No-gun’s question.

“I’m going to transform the Hyeoncheon Sword Style in the way you said. If it’s to invigorate the energy of Hyeoncheon-gyeol, there’s no other way than Hyeoncheon Sword Style, right?”

Sa Su-yeon’s point was accurate. But No-gun let out a hollow laugh as if he was dumbfounded.

“Hehe, it’s easy to say.”

It’s easy to say, but it’s a huge task. It is impossible without an understanding of martial arts and a deep insight into the Hyeoncheon Sword Style.

“If Miss Wol-ah tells me the principle, I’ll give it a try. Then Shin-ui and Elder No-gun can check it.”

At Sa Su-yeon’s words, No-gun asked quite seriously.

“Is it okay to show it to us?”

In short, it means whether it is okay to reveal the Hyeoncheon Sword Style to them. Sa Su-yeon laughed as if it was nothing new.

“You’ve already seen Young Master Son’s training.”

“It’s different from that.”

In reality, it’s not that different. Even if you only see the forms without knowing the Simgyeol, it is generally forbidden to see other people’s martial arts.

Not to mention the Supreme of Hyeoncheon, Saja-hyeok’s martial arts. It is the ‘opportunity’ that even Namgung Cheon-jo, the former Thunder Sword of the Namgung family, longed for.

“It’s okay.”

Sa Su-yeon concluded.

“Anyway, it’s not the official Hyeoncheon Sword Style or Hyeoncheon-gyeol. I’ll make it, so you don’t have to worry about it.”

Her words are actually excessive humility. Anyway, No-gun had no choice but to accept it.

“I won’t refuse any more because it’s for Bin.”

No-gun’s eyes sparkled.

“A variation of the Hyeoncheon Sword Style. Really…… I’m burning up after a long time.”

Dang Wol-ah’s eyes were also sparkling. Challenging the Supreme of Hyeoncheon, his martial arts, was a huge challenge for her as well.

“This should be called ‘Hyeoncheon Training Sword Form.'”

Dang Wol-ah said quietly, and No-gun asked.

“Sword Form? Not Sword Technique?”

“Because the form is the center. Or should I call it Hyeoncheon-hui like Ogumhui?”

“Hyeoncheon Training Sword Form……. The name isn’t bad.”

No-gun’s choice was quick. And he didn’t take his time.

“Well, shall we start right away?”

Dang Wol-ah nodded. The explanation starts with her first.

“These are the martial arts known in Gangho Murim [martial arts world] that have the effect of a True Energy Guide. First…….”

As if she had prepared, Dang Wol-ah’s words continued without hesitation. No-gun and Shin-ui occasionally added comments, and Sa Su-yeon asked questions, and the four people’s conversation continued without stopping.

Seok Se-hwa hurriedly brought paper and ink and started recording. Although she was writing it down, even Seok Se-hwa, as well as Dang Hwa-ryeon and Dang Un-yeong, were unable to keep up with the content that was pouring out.

‘Haa.’

Dang Hwa-ryeon sighed as she watched the scene. It was rude behavior, but no one cared about her anyway.

‘Everyone seems to be having fun.’

Suddenly, Dang Hwa-ryeon turned her head and looked at Son Bin, who was teaching the children.

Because of him, there was such a commotion here, but he was smiling and playing with the children without knowing anything, and Dang Hwa-ryeon suddenly felt uncomfortable.

“Hmph.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon turned her head. And she looked down at what Seok Se-hwa had written down.

“There’s a mistake here.”

Suddenly, Dang Hwa-ryeon found a typo and said.

“Ah, thank you.”

Seok Se-hwa immediately corrected the typo even in the midst of her busy work. Dang Hwa-ryeon turned her head as if it was nothing. But she didn’t leave the spot.

That’s how another day at the Seowon [private academy] was passing.

*

*

*

Sarak [rustling sound].

Sa Su-yeon’s sword, Myeong (未明) [Dawn], sparkled under the moonlight. The silver blade cutting through the air and her elegant yet resolute appearance are as beautiful as a dream.

“Now, do you understand?”

At No-gun’s words, Son Bin woke up from his thoughts.

“Ah, yes.”

The forms have been simplified and the movements have become simpler, but on the surface, there is not much difference from the Hyeoncheon Sword Style. However, the approach underlying it is very different.

“This is not the Hyeoncheon Sword Style or Sword Technique.”

“That’s right.”

Chaeng [clanging sound].

Myeong hid its appearance inside the scabbard, and Sa Su-yeon said with a smile.

“This is called Hyeoncheon Training Sword Form. Everyone has refined it for Young Master Son.”

Son Bin turned his head and looked around. Not only Sa Su-yeon and No-gun, but also Shin-ui and Dang Wol-ah were wearing proud smiles.

“Thank you.”

Son Bin bowed. No-gun waved his hand.

“There’s no need to thank me. It’s not fundamentally different from what you’ve been doing. However, you must not think of Hyeoncheon Daeganggyeol. You must faithfully follow only the forms, but you must not be bound by them, and you must concentrate on each movement, but you must not fall too deeply into it. In particular, don’t even think about seeing the flow of cause and effect or anything like that, and anytime…….”

Kok kok [tapping sound].

No-gun turned his head at the finger poking his side. Seorin was frowning and looking at No-gun.

“It’s too long.”

Only then did No-gun realize that the others were giving awkward smiles.

“Cough.”

No-gun coughed. He was so worried that he didn’t realize his words had become too long.

“Anyway, if you think you’re going to leave at any time, stop immediately.”

Son Bin gave an awkward smile at No-gun’s strange expression. It must mean not to be like when he was competing with Geomhui last time.

“Yes.”

Son Bin answered with a smile. No-gun took a step back.

“Then do it.”

Hesitation disappeared from No-gun’s face. The gazes of the others also became serious. In particular, Dang Hwa-ryeon’s eyes were more sharp than ever.

Seureung [sound of drawing a sword].

Baekro [White Dew] slowly revealed its appearance from Son Bin’s fingertips.

The blade of Baekro shining under the moonlight was as beautiful as a painting, and even Dang Hwa-ryeon stopped breathing for a moment.

Son Bin quietly savored the touch of Baekro, which he felt for the first time in a long time.

There is no sound of crying like before, and there is no transparent resonance like when he was with Geomhui. However, the warmth conveyed to his fingertips is still the same as ever.

―Don’t even think about seeing the flow of cause and effect or anything like that!

No-gun’s threat is vivid in his ears.

‘Hehe.’

A laugh leaked out without him realizing it. Son Bin smiled and raised his head.

Sarak [rustling sound].

Son Bin’s hair fluttered lightly. And that huge flow was revealing its appearance in front of Son Bin as always.

Huuuuuung [humming sound].

No-gun warned him not to go near it. He even frowned at the thought of holding Baekro.

Son Bin also knew. That in that flow, he would no longer be himself.

It is always and everywhere. Even though Son Bin is now off the center of it, nothing in the sky and earth can escape the flow.

A breathtaking beauty that seems to be swallowed just by looking at it. In the midst of many large and small flows, it, like a huge mainstream, was still flowing proudly in front of Son Bin.

“Huuuu.”

Son Bin closed his eyes and slowly calmed his breath.

Only for this moment, it would be okay to dip his hands in it. As if playing with the cold river water that touches his hands on the shallow shore of a large river.

Son Bin recalled the form that Sa Su-yeon had just shown him. Her appearance and movements were as beautiful as a painting.

Something overflowed from Son Bin’s heart. And it soon began to flow out through the blade of Baekro.

‘What is he doing?’

Dang Hwa-ryeon, who was watching Son Bin, frowned slightly.

He’s just holding a sword and calming his breath, but it’s like he’s performing some kind of ritual.

And what about the expressions of the other people watching it?

Beyond seriousness, you can even feel a kind of reverent atmosphere.

‘Anyone who sees it would think he’s doing something great…….’

It was when Dang Hwa-ryeon let out a sneer.

Swish [swooshing sound].

Baekro began to flow, scattering the cold moonlight.

The sword path that Sa Su-yeon had shown just before is reproduced as it is, cutting through the blue darkness.

The movement is no different from the one just before. But even so, it never looked the same as before.

If Sa Su-yeon’s appearance was like an accurate answer without any errors, Son Bin’s appearance now was like a work of art.

Dang Hwa-ryeon swallowed her breath without realizing it. At the same time, No-gun’s roar flew to Son Bin.

“I told you to relax!”

Dang Hwa-ryeon flinched at the sudden shout. But Son Bin didn’t seem to care.

‘This is…….’

Dang Hwa-ryeon also knows something about swords. That’s why she knew how great Son Bin’s swordsmanship was in front of her.

‘Is it the power of Hyeoncheon Sword Style?’

Dang Hwa-ryeon thought, biting her lip. It was Saja-hyeok’s martial arts, so it couldn’t be anything less than great.

Even while she was understanding it in her own way, her gaze still couldn’t take itself off of Son Bin.