A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 196

196. The Upheaval in the Tang Family (2)

Tang Hwa-ryun, the military strategist overseeing the Tang family, was taken aback. Her younger sister, Tang Wol-ah’s attitude was beyond her expectations.

However, the moment she heard Tang Wol-ah’s words, she felt as if a light had shone upon her eyes.

—Then I will have to confirm it myself.

She had never once thought that way. The reason she sought to control the Tang family and rise to positions of power was because the Tang family was worth it.

She had never doubted that. The only question was, ‘How to climb to a higher position?’

But Tang Wol-ah said she would confirm the Tang family. She would test if it was worthy of her.

The moment Tang Hwa-ryun heard those words, her eyes widened.

‘That’s right. Wol-ah is right.’

Her fair and delicate hands trembled slightly. Though she couldn’t see it, she probably had goosebumps all over her body.

Tang Wol-ah had mastered the Poisonous Ki Skill. When discussing its importance and influence, Tang Hwa-ryun always mentioned Tang Baek-ho. The fierce tiger, Tang Baek-ho, who was practically the Tang family itself.

And now, Tang Wol-ah was clearly demonstrating that.

It was not Tang Wol-ah who was being tested, but the Tang family. That was the true weight of Tang Wol-ah, a master of the Poisonous Ki Skill and an Outer Affairs-level expert.

“Insolent!”

Not everyone thought like Tang Hwa-ryun. Especially those who sought to keep Tang Hwa-ryun in check were immediately enraged.

“How dare you test the family? This is patricide!”

A white-haired old man shouted. He was Tang Hwan-dok, one of the twelve elders of the Tang family.

The position of elder was for those who had retired from the front lines and served as advisors to the family head. But at least when it came to internal family matters, they were the most respected elders.

“Then, isn’t turning a child into a poison human patricide?”

The answer came from Tang Hwa-ryun. Tang Hwa-ryun, the military strategist, stared straight at Elder Tang Hwan-dok and said,

“The hidden blade of the Tang family, the purification of all poisons, and a being who must sacrifice themselves for the family even after death… Those who placed the shackles of such a poison human on a child who knew nothing, now call it patricide. How laughable.”

Tang Hwa-ryun’s voice was as sharp as ever. However, Tang Hwan-dok did not back down either. He gritted his teeth and said,

“It is all for the sake of the family. The sacrifice of the few for the greater good is only natural. How can you bear the heavy responsibility of the Tang family if you do not understand this!”

“Sacrifice for the greater good, you say… Of course, you could say that.”

Tang Hwa-ryun’s red lips twisted slightly.

“But those words should not be spoken by someone who has never made any sacrifices and only reaped the sweet fruits. I would like you to tell me what you have sacrificed for the family, Elder?”

*Thump.*

Unable to contain his anger, Tang Hwan-dok stomped his foot.

“You wench! How dare you utter such nonsense to me, who has dedicated my entire life to the family….”

*Hooo.*

Tang Hwan-dok’s words were cut short. A chilling aura erupted from Tang Wol-ah. Even Tang Hwan-dok, whose level had surpassed the peak, changed his expression.

“Enough.”

*Flap.*

Tang Wol-ah’s clothes fluttered in her own aura. Beneath the veil that danced as if caught in a storm, Tang Wol-ah spoke softly.

“If this place is for arguing, I will return.”

It was still Tang Wol-ah’s blunt words. However, Tang Hwan-dok could not dare to explode in anger as he had done a moment ago. He was suppressed by Tang Wol-ah’s aura.

“Of course not.”

The voice of an elegant old woman flowed out. People turned their heads towards the owner of the voice. She was Tang Un-yeong, the head of the Tang family’s largest faction.

“I don’t know about others, but I hope that this gathering will be an opportunity to resolve misunderstandings and for the family to become one again.”

Tang Un-yeong said with a gentle smile. She looked around at the people with a warm expression.

“Everyone has a lot to say, but how about we first confirm Wol-ah’s achievements as originally planned? I believe it won’t be too late to argue after that.”

Most people nodded in agreement. The old elders were the same. Although she had not been able to join the ranks of the elders because she was a woman, Tang Un-yeong’s influence was greater than anyone else’s.

“Are you okay with that?”

Tang Un-yeong’s question was directed at Tang Wol-ah. Tang Wol-ah’s aura slowly subsided.

Tang Un-yeong, interpreting it as a sign of acceptance, spoke to the family head, Tang Ok-dam.

“Then let’s begin.”

Those words were directed not only to the family head but to everyone.

Family head Tang Ok-dam nodded to military strategist Tang Hwa-ryun, and Tang Hwa-ryun gestured lightly. Then, young warriors brought a small table and several swords and placed them in front of Tang Wol-ah.

“To confirm the achievements of the Poisonous Ki Skill, the Outer Affairs Head has prepared a total of three procedures.”

Military strategist Tang Hwa-ryun said in a clear voice.

“The first is to manifest the Poisonous Ki Skill on a sword. This was often shown by Tang Baek-ho. The higher the achievement of the Poisonous Ki Skill, the more the sword cannot withstand the energy and crumbles.”

There were five swords placed on the table. From those called famous swords to ordinary iron swords.

“First, starting with the iron sword on the right….”

Before Tang Hwa-ryun could finish speaking, Tang Wol-ah reached out. But what she picked up was not the rightmost sword, but the leftmost sword.

*Sreung.*

The sharp blade revealed its form in Tang Wol-ah’s hand. It was something that anyone could recognize as a famous sword.

The slender figure of Tang Wol-ah and the straight long sword made a strange contrast, but no one found it strange. It was after they had already experienced that her aura was unusual.

*Woo-oong.*

The sword held in Tang Wol-ah’s small hand slowly began to hum. At the same time, a green aura settled on the blade.

“Ohh.”

A gasp escaped from someone’s mouth. The deep jade-colored sword energy lingering on the silver blade was truly alien.

At the same time, it was also evidence. Evidence that Tang Wol-ah’s level had reached at least the peak.

“Hmm.”

However, someone frowned with a displeased expression. Tang Baek-ho’s Poisonous Ki Skill always raised a red aura. The ominously flickering red aura was the symbol of the Poisonous Ki Skill.

The aura that was rising before their eyes from Tang Wol-ah was a deep jade color. It seemed very stable and even haughty, as if representing Tang Wol-ah’s level, but they were not convinced that it was the Poisonous Ki Skill. Besides, the sword was still holding up.

“That’s not the Poisonous Ki Skill….”

The moment someone opened their mouth.

*Swish.*

Black appeared on the blade, which had not had a single flaw. As if ink was spreading on white paper, it quickly spread throughout the entire sword. And soon, it began to crumble from the weakest part of the blade.

“Heok.”

People gasped without realizing it. The sight that Tang Baek-ho had once proudly shown was being replayed before their eyes.

*Pasak.*

In a moment, the sharp sword that had been raising a jade-colored aura instantly shattered without leaving even a trace of its shape, just by Tang Wol-ah raising her energy.

Silence fell. People were reflecting on the meaning of what had happened before their eyes, but smiles spread across the faces of Tang Hwa-ryun and Tang Un-yeong. They had already guessed the result.

“Then, next….”

The voice of Tang Hwa-ryun, which had been confidently continuing, suddenly stopped. It was because Tang Wol-ah had reached for the iron sword on the left.

*Sreung.*

A common iron sword that could be seen anywhere revealed its appearance in Tang Wol-ah’s hand.

People couldn’t hide their puzzled expressions. She had melted even something that could be called a famous sword with the Poisonous Ki Skill, so there was no need to bother taking out an iron sword.

‘What….’

Tang Hwa-ryun frowned slightly, but a deep jade-colored aura rose from Tang Wol-ah’s iron sword. It was the same Poisonous Ki Skill as before, but the appearance was quite different.

*Woo-oong.*

The iron sword cried. At the same time, the energy lingering on the blade rose even more fiercely. A fierce energy that seemed incomparable to the energy that had flowed into the famous sword a moment ago covered the blade of the iron sword.

*Kieeee!*

The iron sword cried as if it could not withstand the energy flowing through it.

Some of the people watching this scene, who were at a low level, even covered their ears.

But even in that situation, Tang Wol-ah’s iron sword still maintained its appearance. It did not change color or crumble.

*Whoong.*

At some point, Tang Wol-ah’s Poisonous Ki Skill lingering on the iron sword disappeared. The iron sword was the same as its original appearance.

“The reason why the sword that manifested the Poisonous Ki Skill breaks is because it is not properly controlled.”

Tang Wol-ah’s soft voice echoed in the room.

“Although it varies from sword to sword, even an iron sword can handle this level of Poisonous Ki Skill without any problems.”

*Clatter.*

The iron sword was placed on the table. Not sheathing it was Tang Wol-ah’s own consideration for confirmation.

But the sight of the intact iron sword gave the people of the Tang family a different kind of shock.

“Are you saying that your achievement in the Fierce Tiger Poisonous Ki Skill has surpassed Tang Baek-ho?”

Another elder with white hair, Tang Bi-gwang, asked. His gaze was directed straight at Tang Wol-ah.

“It’s not the Fierce Tiger Poisonous Ki Skill.”

Tang Wol-ah said in a calm voice.

“This is the ‘Wol-ah’ Poisonous Ki Skill.”

Tang Hwa-ryun’s heart swelled with pride. She never knew that the name Wol-ah Poisonous Ki Skill, which she had given, would be so proudly proclaimed at this moment.

“Wol-ah Poisonous Ki Skill?”

Tang Bi-gwang’s brow furrowed. It felt as if she was not only devaluing Tang Baek-ho’s Poisonous Ki Skill but also denying it altogether. Tang Hwan-dok had the same thought.

Tang Hwan-dok snorted.

“Hmph, it has only been a short time since you were a poison human. How could you have reached this level without the teachings left by Tang Baek-ho?”

He was assuming that Tang Baek-ho, the previous family head, had left something behind. Perhaps Tang Hwa-ryun had obtained it and passed it on. To them, it was already as good as fact.

“It’s not Tang Baek-ho.”

Tang Wol-ah replied. Before Tang Hwa-ryun could finish thinking, ‘Not again,’ the words she had expected flowed out.

“The Wol-ah Poisonous Ki Skill was given by Young Master Son.”

“Young Master Son?”

People murmured. He didn’t seem to be a member of the Tang family, and they couldn’t figure out who he meant.

“The control of the Poisonous Ki Skill is the same. If you look at his sword techniques over and over again, anyone can do it.”

The words ‘anyone can do it’ were Tang Wol-ah’s delusion. It was possible because it was Tang Wol-ah.

“It seems like the discussion has gone a bit off track.”

Tang Hwa-ryun said in a deliberately clear voice.

“Now, let’s continue confirming the achievements of the Poisonous Ki Skill.”

Tang Hwa-ryun gestured. Then, three warriors from the rear slowly walked in.

*Thud, thud.*

The three middle-aged warriors all had sharp eyes and their aura was not light. Moreover, one of them was someone Tang Wol-ah had seen before.

“They are the heads of the martial groups that represent the power of the Tang family: Golden Dragon Squad Leader Tang Cheon-woo, White Tiger Squad Leader Tang Gwang-ho, and the Silver Sword Squad Leader.”

The name of the Silver Sword Squad Leader was not mentioned. This was because the Silver Sword Squad had to maintain secrecy even within the family due to its characteristics. Even though almost everyone here knew it.

“They will test Tang Wol-ah in turn. By facing three masters of Sword Energy Emission [a technique where martial artists project their internal energy into their swords] in succession, we can sufficiently confirm Tang Wol-ah’s achievements.”

“Wait a minute.”

Someone raised an objection. When Tang Hwa-ryun turned around, he continued.

“Was the Silver Sword Squad Leader a master of Sword Energy Emission? I know that the martial power of the Silver Sword Squad is less than that of the Golden Dragon Squad and the White Tiger Squad.”

If the Golden Dragon Squad and the White Tiger Squad were like swords that struck directly, the Silver Sword Squad was a knife hidden behind their backs.

As the name suggests, they performed secret missions, and their martial arts covered various fields such as poison skills, hidden weapon techniques, agility techniques, and tracking techniques rather than swords.

Naturally, it was a known fact that it was insufficient to be compared to the levels of the Golden Dragon Squad Leader and the White Tiger Squad Leader.

“Oh, didn’t you know yet?”

Tang Hwa-ryun smiled.

“The Silver Sword Squad Leader recently surpassed his limits. He is now a full-fledged master of Sword Energy Emission.”

The fact that the Silver Sword Squad Leader’s level had increased was an achievement for Tang Hwa-ryun. People either rejoiced or frowned depending on their respective positions.

“After that, there will be a free sparring as the final procedure. Anyone among you can test the Poisonous Ki Skill if you wish.”

At those words, the eyes of several people flashed sharply. If Tang Wol-ah passed the test of the three squad leaders, then some of the elders known as the best experts in the current Tang family would step forward.

If Tang Wol-ah surpassed even them, then she would establish herself as the best expert in the Tang family in name and reality. Tang Hwa-ryun’s relaxed expression already conveyed her conviction.

“Three is too long.”

A soft voice. Everyone’s gaze focused on Tang Wol-ah at once.

“Hmph. To think that she can’t even handle three, so….”

Tang Hwan-dok said with a sneer. However, he had not noticed the difference that Tang Wol-ah had said ‘long’ instead of ‘many’.

“Come at me all at once.”

Tang Wol-ah’s voice silenced Tang Hwan-dok.

“Are you saying you will face the three squad leaders at once?”

Elder Tang Bi-gwang asked as if to confirm. Facing three masters of Sword Energy Emission at the same time also meant that she had already surpassed the peak.

Moreover, the three squad leaders were all members of the Tang family. They were skilled enough to create a sword formation even if they had not prepared for it separately.

“I said ‘all’.”

Tang Wol-ah replied softly.

“Anyone is fine. No, it doesn’t matter if everyone here comes at me at once.”

Tang Bi-gwang’s brow twitched. Facing everyone in this place was not showing off but insulting the elders of the family.

“How dare you….”

Before Tang Bi-gwang’s angry words could continue, Tang Wol-ah raised her head.

“You guys too, are the same.”

As Tang Wol-ah’s gaze turned upward, people also looked at the ceiling. But there was only a huge wooden rafter passing through there.

“If you don’t come out.”

Regardless of the puzzled expressions of the people, Tang Wol-ah continued to speak. In her hand was already the iron sword from before.

*Woo-oong.*

The iron sword trembled as a deep jade-colored aura covered the blade.

“I’ll make you come out.”

*Whirr.*

Tang Wol-ah waved her arm upwards. It was a light movement, but the iron sword containing the energy of the Poisonous Ki Skill was shot out from her fingertips like lightning.

*Kwa-ga-gak.*

The sword screamed, unable to withstand the energy contained in the iron sword. Tang Bi-gwang and Tang Hwan-dok realized the meaning and swallowed dryly.

And before they could do anything, the iron sword that Tang Wol-ah had sent flying struck the rafters of the training hall directly.

*Kwaang!*

A loud explosion erupted. The huge training hall shook and the broken debris poured down on people’s heads.

“Wh, what!”

“Evacuate!”

People were instantly thrown into chaos. But Tang Wol-ah’s eyes did not miss the five small shadows falling through the debris.

* * *

*Thud.*

Noh-gun frowned at the sound coming from afar. It was a very small sound, but Noh-gun did not miss it.

“What’s that sound?”

“Who knows?”

Son-bin, who was holding a teacup, looked in the same direction as Noh-gun and said.

“What could have happened?”

It was soft, but the sound was clearly heard by everyone. Sa Soo-yeon and Seo-rin, who had good hearing, as well as Shin-ui, glanced in the same direction.

“It’s the Tang family’s business.”

Shin-ui said as he brought the teacup to his mouth.

“The Tang family will take care of it. We are guests, so there is no need to interfere.”

Son-bin thought Shin-ui’s point was correct. Seo-rin seemed a little curious, but Sa Soo-yeon also had similar thoughts to Son-bin.

“Yes. We also had a request from Lady Tang Hwa-ryun. And Lady Wol-ah will be fine.”

Confirming Tang Wol-ah’s achievements was, after all, a matter for the Tang family. It was not something to be revealed to others carelessly, so Tang Wol-ah went alone.

But Noh-gun, who knew the situation better than anyone else, was restless.

“But the spirit medium will be there too.”

Son-bin realized who Noh-gun was worried about. Son-bin smiled, but Shin-ui clicked his tongue and shook his head.

“What if there’s an accident or something?”

Sa Soo-yeon, who was watching Noh-gun’s anxious expression, suddenly tilted her head.

“Come to think of it, Sword Hee must have followed. If something goes wrong because of Sword Hee….”

Although she was an outsider, it was not an unrelated matter. As she thought of a new possibility, Sa Soo-yeon suddenly became worried.

But Noh-gun cut off that possibility.

“She didn’t come. She’s protecting the kids.”

“Yes?”

Sa Soo-yeon asked with a puzzled expression, but Noh-gun stood up instead of answering.

“I don’t think this will do. Let’s go.”