A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 212

212. The Other Side of the World

Having parted ways with Guigyeon Asura, Son Bin and his group entered a respectable restaurant. They went upstairs and secured a private room.

This was because No-gun insisted on a pricey establishment, saying, ‘The Spiritual Medium told me to treat you all to a meal.’

The only person No-gun would refer to as ‘Spiritual Medium’ was none other than the noblewoman of the Tang family, Tang Unyeong.

The group, grateful for Tang Unyeong’s kindness, ordered to their hearts’ content, sampling the unique dishes of Guizhou [a province in southwest China known for its diverse ethnic cultures and cuisine].

Seo-rin and the children were overjoyed, while Sa Su-yeon and Tang Wol-ah couldn’t hide their curiosity.

As they waited for the food, No-gun, who had been fiddling with his teacup, suddenly spoke up.

“Have you heard of the Blood Demon?”

Son Bin shook his head.

“I’ve heard the name, but I know nothing about it.”

Once, Okryong had mentioned ‘the Reemergence of the Blood Demon.’ But that was it; the name Blood Demon was unfamiliar to Son Bin.

“If it’s the Blood Demon who appeared thirty years ago, I’ve read about it in records.”

It was Tang Wol-ah who responded. No-gun nodded.

“Thirty years ago… Yes, that’s right. But that wasn’t the first time the Blood Demon appeared. There was a Blood Demon a hundred years ago, and even before that.”

Son Bin frowned. How could a person live for hundreds of years?

“Are you saying that all those Blood Demons are the same person?”

“Not strictly speaking. But in essence, they are the same being.”

“Essence?”

“Yes. The Blood Demon craves only human blood.”

No-gun’s calm voice created an eerie resonance.

“The more blood the Blood Demon absorbs, the stronger it becomes. So, anyone with blood flowing through their veins can never stand against the Blood Demon. Only pure inner energy and martial arts based on Buddhism or Taoism can face the Blood Demon.”

No-gun spoke with a serious expression.

But for Son Bin, it was hard to believe.

It felt like listening to a legend or a far-fetched old tale.

“Does such a being really exist?”

“Yes. In the hidden side of this world, there is terrible darkness and madness. And within it, things that humans cannot understand often happen. The Blood Demon is a prime example.”

In Buddhism, there is the concept of ‘Ma’ [a demon or evil being that obstructs enlightenment], a being that hinders true enlightenment. And all religions warn of the darkness and madness hidden in the other side of the world.

Son Bin couldn’t dare to dismiss No-gun’s words as absurd.

“Thirty years ago, True Man Hwanghak tried to meet and kill the Blood Demon, but the Blood Demon ultimately escaped. The sword that Blood Demon possessed was Blood Fang.”

Blood Fang was the sword that Guigyeon Asura had. Only then did Son Bin understand No-gun’s intention.

“So that’s why you told me to let him go.”

“Yes. I needed to hear about the Blood Demon from him. That young lady, Hyeolbong, might suffer a bit, but we can always save her later, right?”

Son Bin gave an awkward smile. No-gun’s thinking was truly self-centered, but he couldn’t say he didn’t understand.

At least No-gun had the right intentions and chose the most efficient method, and he was a person who took responsibility for the results.

“Well, life is in the hands of fate anyway, so those who are meant to live will somehow survive.”

At No-gun’s words, Son Bin corrected his thoughts.

Responsibility wasn’t a high priority for No-gun.

“Is there a way to find out where Lady Hyeolbong was taken?”

“The Silver Chopsticks went.”

“The characters are different.”

Tang Wol-ah said quietly. Son Bin felt like he had heard this conversation before.

“So, you’re saying there is a way?”

“Yes.”

No-gun blinked as if wondering why he was even asking.

Son Bin inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.

“If you find out about the Blood Demon, what do you plan to do afterward?”

No-gun shrugged.

“Well, it depends on the details, but I’m thinking of just leaving it alone for now. True Man said it would be quiet for about a hundred years.”

Demanding information about the Blood Demon in exchange for saving Hyeolbong was, in a way, a coincidence. It wasn’t expected at all, but No-gun didn’t want to miss this opportunity.

“But if the situation is serious, I’ll have to do something.”

“Is there anything we need to prepare separately?”

Son Bin asked. No-gun stared at Son Bin. Then he chuckled.

“This is my job.”

No-gun looked straight at Son Bin and continued.

“Just as True Man Hwanghak didn’t receive help from anyone, this is something I have to do, as I was directly asked by him.”

Namgung No-gun’s eyes were serious. In the absence of any hint of a smile, Son Bin also spoke with a solemn attitude.

“I know I’m not of much help. But if it’s such an opponent, I want to help in any way I can.”

A faint smile spread across No-gun’s old face. Like a warm grandfather, No-gun looked at Son Bin and said,

“It’s okay. I’ve already received too much from you.”

There was something heart-warming in that voice. As everyone remained silent, a waiter came in from outside carrying food.

“Sorry for the wait!”

The waiter had plates of food piled high in both hands and arms. The stimulating aroma and appetizing appearance made everyone swallow involuntarily.

No-gun threw a copper coin to the waiter. The waiter gave a bright smile and bowed deeply.

“Enjoy your meal!”

As the waiter left, No-gun joked and picked up his chopsticks.

“Let’s eat first. I’m hungry from talking so much.”

No-gun reached for the delicious-looking dish. It was then.

Click.

Without a word, the door opened, and a young lady with a slender figure entered. Her attire was common, the kind you’d often see on the street, but her gait was quite unusual.

“Ah. Young lady…”

Sa Su-yeon recognized her and greeted her. The young lady was none other than the Deputy Commander of the Silver Sword Unit. Tang Wol-ah had told Sa Su-yeon about her before.

However, she was a completely unfamiliar face to Son Bin.

He felt like he had seen her somewhere, but that feeling was probably because her appearance was so ordinary and common.

Son Bin cautiously asked the unexpected guest who had suddenly entered,

“Excuse me, who are you?”

Instead of answering, the young lady bowed to Tang Wol-ah.

“They have stopped moving and entered their hideout. The target’s condition is currently safe, and there are no particular issues. What should we do?”

“Bring them here. Why are you even asking the obvious?”

No-gun suddenly interjected. He moved his chopsticks, not even looking at the young lady.

The young lady frowned slightly. But when Tang Wol-ah nodded slightly, her expression softened a little.

“Where should I bring them?”

“To our inn.”

No-gun answered again.

“Bringing that guy here now will only cause another commotion. This is a good opportunity for him to learn what it means to endure and wait, don’t you think? Heh heh heh.”

No-gun’s laughter seemed quite wicked. It seemed he held quite a grudge against ‘that guy,’ Guigyeon Asura.

“Do as he says.”

Tang Wol-ah said to the young lady. The young lady bowed her head to receive Tang Wol-ah’s command.

“I will retrieve them immediately.”

“Ah, and while you’re at it, tell that woman something for me. If she ever comes near Hyeolbong again, I’ll make sure she can’t laugh for the rest of her life.”

The young lady’s expression wasn’t very good at No-gun’s command. But she couldn’t say anything since Tang Wol-ah nodded.

“Understood.”

After bowing to Tang Wol-ah again, the young lady turned and left.

Click.

The door closed, and Son Bin asked Sa Su-yeon,

“Who is that young lady?”

He was bewildered, as if everyone except him knew who she was.

“I don’t know her name.”

Sa Su-yeon answered with a smile.

“But she belongs to the Tang family. I’ve seen her a few times in Cheongwon.”

“Is that so?”

Since she had seen her in Cheongwon, Son Bin vaguely remembered her. Anyway, he was relieved that she was from the Tang family. As expected, No-gun’s boasts had a basis.

“But why did that child come? Wasn’t she supposed to stay in Cheongwon?”

No-gun asked Tang Wol-ah. Tang Wol-ah shook her head as if she didn’t know.

“Did she get promoted?”

No-gun said as if muttering to himself. But he didn’t seem to be very interested.

As No-gun started moving his chopsticks again, the group also reached for the unique dishes of Guizhou.

Son Bin, too, started his meal with a lighter heart, knowing that Lady Hyeolbong was safe.

And it wasn’t long before.

Click.

The door opened again, and the young lady from before returned.

“Retrieval complete.”

‘Already?’

Surprised, Son Bin asked without realizing it.

“Was Lady Hyeolbong nearby?”

The young lady glared sharply at Son Bin. Unlike her ordinary appearance, her gaze was quite fierce, making Son Bin flinch.

“It is far away. And I only received the report.”

‘Ah.’

Son Bin understood her words. In short, there was someone else following Lady Hyeolbong, and they used a secret means of communication to report to this young lady.

For example, using trained birds, smoke signals, or sounds would be much faster than a person going. It was a natural method to respond to matters of urgency.

“I see. Thank you.”

Son Bin stood up and bowed politely to the young lady. A strange light flashed in the young lady’s eyes, but it quickly disappeared.

“I only followed orders.”

No matter how skilled Somyeonrang was at hiding, this was none other than the Tang family’s Silver Sword Unit [an elite group of martial artists]. This was nothing for the Silver Sword Unit, which was meant to deal with other noble families and the Four Great Clans.

“Good work.”

Tang Wol-ah said quietly. This time, the young lady’s eyes widened. She immediately knelt on one knee on the floor and bowed her head.

“You flatter me. I will take my leave now.”

“Okay.”

Tang Wol-ah nodded. The young lady couldn’t hide the look of emotion in her eyes. She carefully stood up and immediately left the room.

Click.

Looking at the young lady’s eyes that briefly appeared through the crack in the door, Son Bin momentarily recalled the face of the simple country woman he had seen in Oseong Village.

But he soon shook his head. The atmosphere was too different from that woman.

“That’s a relief.”

Son Bin’s words were sincere. Now that he knew Lady Hyeolbong Geum Saryeon was safe, he felt relieved. Son Bin slowly savored the unique dishes of Guizhou.

***

That evening, the group returned to the inn and found Hyeolbong sleeping soundly in Tang Wol-ah’s room.

She was just asleep and there was nothing wrong, but the problem was Tang Wol-ah. She couldn’t share a room with someone she didn’t know.

She said it would be okay with Sa Su-yeon, but she couldn’t leave Hyeolbong alone, so Sa Su-yeon and Tang Wol-ah ended up switching rooms.

***

The area in front of the Guizhou Pacheon Clan [a powerful martial arts clan] was busier than ever. Carriages carrying people and luggage gathered one after another, and sturdy martial artists with swords at their waists flashed their eyes.

Clatter.

A large carriage stopped in front of the Pacheon Clan. The door opened, and a middle-aged martial artist with a huge physique, Yeok Balsan Yu-ryeok, got out of the carriage.

“Oh, Great Hero Yeok Balsan.”

Yeok Balsan Yu-ryeok turned his head. A middle-aged man with sharp eyes, Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang, was walking over.

“Great Hero, my foot.”

Yeok Balsan Yu-ryeok chuckled and bowed in an exaggerated manner. Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang also returned the greeting.

Step, step.

The two men entered the Pacheon Clan together. As befitting an old clan, the Pacheon Clan was very large and had an ancient charm.

“Haven’t you found her yet?”

Yeok Balsan Yu-ryeok glanced around and asked quietly.

Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang shook his head. Yeok Balsan Yu-ryeok pursed his lips.

“Really, you were so confident.”

Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang couldn’t answer.

“How are you doing your job? How can you say you succeeded but not know the whereabouts of that girl?”

Yeok Balsan Yu-ryeok grumbled. But Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang had nothing to say.

The kidnapping was definitely successful. The subordinates who were watching Daru said so, and the fact that Hyeolbong hadn’t shown up since then supported that.

The problem was that Somyeonrang, who had Hyeolbong, had disappeared. At first, they thought it was a trick to get more money. They had already expected that much.

But Somyeonrang hadn’t shown up at all since then.

There were no demands, not even minimal contact. They couldn’t figure out whether he had soared into the sky or disappeared into the ground.

“How’s Guigyeon Asura?”

Yeok Balsan Yu-ryeok asked.

“He’s also staying out of sight.”

If the kidnapping had failed and Guigyeon Asura had rescued Hyeolbong, he would have appeared triumphantly. Especially since Hyeolbong was the type to go to great lengths for people.

“Seeing that, it seems like he hasn’t found her yet… Could something have happened?”

“Maybe.”

Perhaps something unexpected had happened to Somyeonrang and Hyeolbong. It was possible that Somyeonrang hadn’t contacted them not because he didn’t want to, but because he couldn’t.

“Then shouldn’t we proceed with our plan?”

The ‘our plan’ that Yeok Balsan Yu-ryeok mentioned was to leak Hyeolbong’s location to Guigyeon Asura and make him go on a wild goose chase.

“We’ve tried that too, but how can we spread rumors if we don’t have anything to spread?”

They had to send at least Hyeolbong’s sleeve for Guigyeon Asura to move.

Yeok Balsan Yu-ryeok frowned. They had lost Hyeolbong, and Guigyeon Asura wasn’t moving, so it was as if all their trump cards had disappeared.

“Seeing that he smashed Daru, he seemed furious, but isn’t there a chance he’ll suddenly rush at us to kill us?”

“Judging from the current situation, I don’t think so.”

“You don’t think so?”

Yeok Balsan Yu-ryeok’s voice was slightly irritated. Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang was also frustrated, so he unconsciously mixed profanity into his answer.

“Damn it, isn’t there nothing certain right now?”

That was the problem. If the plan had failed, they could have tried other methods, but they couldn’t figure out the situation at all, so they couldn’t do anything.

If they made a mistake, they might have to bear Guigyeon Asura’s anger themselves. No one in Suchaedeun, Sanchae, or even Ssanggeom Clan could handle that.

“You don’t know this, you’re not sure about that. Then what have you been doing all this time?”

Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang felt a surge of anger.

Was Yeok Balsan Yu-ryeok in a position to say that? It was Ssanggeom Clan that had been spending money and running around.

Yeok Balsan Yu-ryeok’s Suchaedeun hadn’t lifted a finger.

“Cough.”

But Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang suppressed his anger. There was no point in making an enemy of Suchaedeun here. Especially since they didn’t know how today’s meeting would turn out, they shouldn’t unnecessarily increase their enemies.

“I’m sorry. But whether Hyeolbong appears today or not, our agreement is still valid, so I’m counting on you.”

“Ahem.”

Yeok Balsan Yu-ryeok coughed awkwardly. He thought he had been swept away by his emotions and made a slip of the tongue.

In any case, they had to join hands now for their mutual benefit.

“I was too harsh. Anyway, thank you for your hard work. I hope there will be good results today.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

The two men said no more.

Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang suppressed his anger, thinking, ‘I’ll get you later,’ and Yeok Balsan Yu-ryeok turned his face away.

Thanks to that, they were walking together but ignoring each other.

As they walked, the two men arrived at the grand banquet hall where the Hyeolbong Alliance meeting was being held.

“Welcome.”

Receiving the polite greeting of the warrior guarding the entrance, Yeok Balsan Yu-ryeok and Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang puffed out their chests as if showing off. As long as the threat of the Namgung Clan existed, the Hyeolbong Alliance could never mistreat them.

“Ahem.”

Putting on airs, the two men entered the grand banquet hall.

The Hyeolbong Alliance meeting, which would determine the future of the Jiangnan [a region in China south of the Yangtze River] martial arts world, was about to begin.