A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 213

213. The Beginning of the Gathering

The Guizhou Pajeon Clan poured their heart and soul into preparing for the Hyeolbong Alliance meeting.

Despite their tight finances, they opened their historic grand hall as a banquet hall and prepared everything to the highest standard.

It was truly a gathering where the Pajeon Clan spared no effort.

However, those enjoying the banquet, prepared with such care, were, to put it mildly, a rough crowd.

This was because the heretical sects, as well as the leaders of mountain and water bandits, filled nearly half of the banquet hall.

“Welcome, Hero Yeokbalsan, Hero Ssanggeomgwi,” Jin Gwal, the leader of the Oho Stronghold, greeted the two as they arrived.

“You’re late, Leader Yeokbalsan,” several leaders of the water bandits acknowledged Yeokbalsan Yuryeok, and several members of heretical sects greeted Jang Ssang, the Ssanggeomgwi [Double Sword Devil], leader of the Ssanggeom Clan.

Jang Ssang returned the greetings and subtly scanned the banquet hall.

Around Jin Gwal, the leader of the Oho Stronghold, were gathered the leaders of mediocre mountain bandits. The same was true for the water bandits and heretical sects.

What stood out were the two groups of people seated at the head table. The people of the Hyeollyong Clan occupied one side, and the six sects of the Hyeolbong lineage, including the Pajeon Clan and the Geumgeom Clan, occupied the other.

‘Hmph. Look at their expressions.’

Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang sneered inwardly.

The people of the Hyeollyong Clan and the Hyeolbong lineage didn’t even glance at the mountain or water bandits. Naturally, they didn’t exchange greetings or converse with them.

It was an open display of disregard, but they couldn’t afford to dismiss the mountain and water bandits. If they all withdrew from the Hyeolbong Alliance, the Hyeollyong Clan would have to reconsider, and the alliance would likely fall apart.

‘They’re wary of each other, too.’

However, it wasn’t as if the Hyeollyong Clan and the Hyeolbong lineage were closely aligned.

The expressions of the Hyeolbong lineage members clearly showed their wariness of the Hyeollyong Clan. The Hyeollyong Clan, on the other hand, didn’t seem to care much.

Sneering inwardly, Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang first examined the faces of the Hyeolbong lineage attendees.

‘Hmm, he’s not here, as expected.’

Confirming that Hyeolbong was absent, Jang Ssang wore a satisfied smile. The fact that not even Gwigeonsura [Ghost Sword Asura], another key figure, was present made Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang even more pleased.

‘Good, very good.’

If Gwigeonsura wasn’t there, the task was half accomplished. Once today was over, the capital city of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, would be in Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang’s hands.

Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang turned his gaze to observe the movements of the Hyeollyong Clan. And he noticed someone unfamiliar, hiding his face behind a fan.

No, rather than noticing him, it was more like the man had such a strong presence that he immediately caught his eye.

‘Who is he?’

He was a young nobleman who had covered the lower half of his face with a jade fan.

Although it wasn’t entirely clear because of the fan, even the exposed eyes suggested that he was strikingly handsome. Even burly men couldn’t help but glance back at his outstanding appearance.

“Who is that?”

Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang asked Jin Gwal, the leader of the Oho Stronghold. He used ‘that person’ instead of ‘that gigolo-like guy’ because the nobleman was with the Hyeollyong Clan.

“I don’t know.”

Jin Gwal shrugged.

“But earlier, I saw the Hyeollyong Clan people treating him with great respect. I think he’s probably a high-ranking person from the Hyeollyong Clan, or maybe the son of one.”

Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang had already guessed as much. After all, Hanwol, the formidable master of the Hyeollyong Clan, was showing him a respectful attitude.

What made Hanwol scary wasn’t just his martial arts.

Hanwol had been involved with the Hyeolbong Alliance since the Gangnam Yongbong Assembly, and now he was practically the representative of the Hyeollyong Clan.

And that Hanwol was bowing to this young nobleman.

“Was he born with a silver spoon in his mouth?”

Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang frowned and muttered. Jin Gwal scoffed beside him.

“We’re struggling in this harsh world, and he’s enjoying such luxury just because he was born to the right parents… Isn’t that infuriating?”

“You’re telling me. How can the world be like this?”

Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang chimed in.

However, in reality, Jang Ssang and Jin Gwal were living lives far from ‘struggling.’ It was their subordinates who were suffering, and in fact, they were the ones contributing to making the world harsh.

“So, aren’t we righteous bandits needed? Hehehe.”

At Jin Gwal’s words, Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang chuckled. ‘Righteous bandits’ was a ridiculous term, even to himself.

‘But it’s not exactly wrong, either.’

Jang Ssang muttered inwardly. Essentially, they were doing the work of taking from those who had.

“Welcome, heroes, to the gathering!”

Suddenly, a heavy voice filled with internal energy cut off their conversation.

People turned their gazes to the front of the banquet hall. Even the leaders who had been chattering raised their heads.

“I am Lee Hong-gye, the leader of the Pajeon Clan.”

The voice of Lee Hong-gye, the Cheolgeom Pajeon [Iron Sword Breaking Heaven], a middle-aged martial artist with thick eyebrows, echoed loudly throughout the banquet hall.

True to his title, his eyes were extremely sharp and his aura was intense, so even the naturally rough leaders of the mountain and water bandits didn’t dare to take him lightly.

“First, I would like to thank those who have graced this humble place today. There will be many shortcomings, but I hope you will understand with the generosity of fellow comrades who share the same purpose.”

Contrary to the humble content, Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye delivered the words in a tone that sounded like a threat at first glance.

“This gathering is a place to reaffirm the purpose of the Hyeolbong Alliance and to discuss future plans. I hope that all comrades will openly express their opinions.”

After finishing his words, Lee Hong-gye raised his glass. As if waiting for it, other martial artists also raised their glasses.

“Until the wings of Hyeolbong cover Namchang!”

As if responding to Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye’s lead, other martial artists shouted loudly.

“Our rage will not cease!”

The resounding roar echoed throughout the banquet hall. However, unlike the show of momentum, not many people actually raised their voices with enthusiasm.

Only the sects of the Hyeolbong lineage shouted with gusto. The Hyeollyong Clan simply raised their glasses quietly, and the heretical sects and mountain and water bandits barely raised their glasses.

“How amusing,” Jin Gwal muttered quietly.

“Cover what? They don’t even know their place.”

Hearing those words, Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang chuckled.

It was already a miraculous feat that they were dragging on like this against the Namgung Clan. Therefore, the wings of Hyeolbong covering Namchang was a pipe dream to anyone who looked at it. An utterly vain dream.

“Well, what can you do? His precious son died, so he has no choice but to be blinded by rage,” Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang replied quietly.

The sects of the Hyeolbong lineage were the core sects that started the Hyeolbong Alliance. It was already unfair that they were branded as heretics by the Namgung Clan, but how could they not be angry when their children even died?

“Hmph.”

Jin Gwal snorted but didn’t say anything more. The more people lived by the sword, the greater their attachment to bloodlines.

“Furthermore! At this gathering,” Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye continued, having finished the toast.

“Esteemed figures from the Jianghu [martial world], invited by each sect, have come to visit us.”

“Ooh, ooh.”

Exclamations rippled through the crowd.

Even though they didn’t join the fray, just the presence of well-known masters at this gathering was a great help in boosting morale.

“I will now introduce them to you all.”

Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye looked at Hanwol, the master of the Hyeollyong Clan. Hanwol, dressed in black martial attire, quietly rose from his seat.

People focused on Hanwol. Until now, he had always represented the position of the Hyeollyong Clan. Hanwol’s decision was the will of the Hyeollyong Clan, and Hanwol’s words were no different from the Hyeollyong Clan’s ultimatum.

Swish.

He turned his head and looked at the nobleman who was covering his face with a fan. However, the nobleman slightly frowned and shook his head slightly. Hanwol bowed his head and accepted his intention.

‘Who on earth is he?’

A person who could command Hanwol like a subordinate? Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang was newly curious about his identity.

Not only Jang Ssang, but everyone else also had expressions of curiosity. However, it seemed that Hanwol had no intention of introducing him.

“The people I will introduce are guests invited by the leader of our clan.”

At Hanwol’s words, the martial artists buzzed. It was only natural to be curious about the people invited by the leader who hadn’t even properly shown his face yet.

“Please welcome them with special courtesy.”

As Hanwol’s words ended, several people appeared at the entrance of the banquet hall. Everyone’s gaze turned to them at once.

Step, step.

“Ahem.”

The person at the very front was an old man with white eyebrows and a white beard. He was frowning deeply, as if something was displeasing him. Someone immediately recognized that unique presence.

“I am, Namaknogun [Old Eccentric of the Southern Mountain Range]!”

“Namaknogun?”

“Oh, oh, Namaknogun is at this gathering?”

People buzzed all at once.

“What are you looking at? It’s not me!”

Namaknogun said in a blunt voice. But almost no one paid attention to those words.

The martial artists were surprised and delighted by the appearance of Namaknogun. Namaknogun, a former supreme master, was a more important figure than anyone else at this gathering.

“Lee Hong-gye pays his respects to Namaknogun.”

Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye respectfully paid his respects to Namaknogun. His expression was also bright.

“Hmm.”

Namaknogun only nodded.

People looked at the group following behind the old man. And for a moment, they were so surprised that they stopped breathing.

“Gasp.”

The martial artists, who usually maintained all sorts of composure, couldn’t close their open mouths at this moment. Some even let out sighs without realizing it.

“Wow…”

But no one blamed him. The moment that woman appeared, it felt as if the banquet hall had brightened up.

“Who, who is she?”

“Was, was there such a beauty in Jianghu?”

She was none other than Sa Su-yeon. With cold eyes, she was confidently entering the banquet hall.

It was a slightly overly cold feeling, but thanks to her outstanding beauty, even that seemed mysterious. With her every step, the sword at her waist, Mimeong, lightly swayed.

Swish, swish.

“Welcome. What is the name of the Yeohyeop [female hero]?”

Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye asked, paying his respects politely. Sa Su-yeon answered that greeting and said.

“Please withdraw the title of Yeohyeop. My name is Sa Su-yeon.”

Sa Su-yeon’s voice rang clearly throughout the banquet hall. It felt like her voice was opening their ears anew, and the expression ‘like jade beads rolling’ was not enough to describe it.

“Paegeomsinnyeo [Pale Sword Divine Maiden] Sa Su-yeon!”

Someone said like a sigh. And only then did people realize Sa Su-yeon’s identity.

“Paegeomsinnyeo!”

“That Paegeomsinnyeo? Jianghu’s Greatest Sword Beauty?”

Not many people knew that she was the young palace lord of Bukhae. But the name of Paegeomsinnyeo Sa Su-yeon was surprisingly well known in Jianghu.

Some enthusiasts even praised her as ‘Jianghu’s Greatest Sword Beauty (劍花) [Sword Blossom].’

“Oh, oh. That woman is…”

People’s gazes couldn’t be taken away from Sa Su-yeon. Thanks to that, no one noticed that there was a young man dressed as a scholar between Namaknogun and Sa Su-yeon.

“Nice to meet you. My name is Son Bin.”

“Welcome.”

Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye returned the greeting to Son Bin’s greeting as a formality.

Son Bin gave an awkward smile, but he wasn’t expecting a great welcome, so he decided to be satisfied with that.

“Who is that young man?”

Someone muttered from behind. Son Bin turned around, thinking it was about him, but people’s gazes were already directed at someone else.

A lively-eyed pretty boy, Seo Rin, was coming in. He was coming in with a fairly dignified appearance, but he couldn’t hide the innocent expression on his face.

“Oh my, how cute.”

The first people to react to Seo Rin’s appearance were, of course, the women.

If the other person was a young man, they would have been engaged in a battle of nerves, but they generously expressed their favor to Seo Rin, who had a cute appearance.

“Welcome, young hero.”

Even Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye smiled.

“What is the young hero’s name?”

“I’m Seo Rin! I live with Bin hyung [older brother]!”

Seo Rin answered with a proud expression.

Lee Hong-gye smiled. He thought that he was probably a disciple whom the old man was raising like a grandson, but since there was no separate mention, Lee Hong-gye didn’t ask.

“Young hero Seo Rin, I hope you have a good time.”

Seo Rin bowed his head and quickly sat next to Son Bin. Nogun and Sa Su-yeon also took their seats next to him, respectively.

“Is Wol-ah noona [older sister] not coming?”

Seo Rin looked at Son Bin and asked. Son Bin answered with a smile.

“Sojeo [young lady] Wol-ah is with the children. This place isn’t a very good place for education.”

In fact, Dang Wol-ah had also said that she would come. But if that happened, there was no way that the five children wouldn’t come either.

Son Bin persuaded her that this place wasn’t good for the children, and in the end, Dang Wol-ah decided to stay with the children.

“Ahem.”

Somehow, Nogun cleared his throat. Before Son Bin could pay attention to that, Seo Rin asked again.

“Where is Shin-ui [godly doctor] grandfather?”

“He went to a meeting of doctors here.”

Sa Su-yeon, who was sitting next to him, answered. The moment she opened her mouth, people’s gazes focused on her at once. Sa Su-yeon slightly frowned but soon said to Seo Rin in a low voice.

“There are many injured people here, so he’s trying to teach them treatment methods and see if there’s anything he can do to help.”

Seo Rin nodded and said with a regretful expression.

“I wish I could be with him.”

Most of that regret was probably about eating.

As Son Bin’s group took their seats, Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye looked at Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang.

“Ahem.”

Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang cleared his throat and stood up.

“The person I invited today is a respected figure in Jianghu, and someone you all know well.”

Facing the curious gazes of the people, Jang Ssang smiled.

“I will introduce to you all Wang Se-chung, the world-renowned Hyeolhondokjo [Blood Soul Poisonous Eagle]!”

“Hyeolhondokjo!”

Someone shouted in surprise. Before that shout could end, a gaunt old man appeared in the banquet hall.

“Keuheulheul.”

The old man, with a dark face and hollow eyes, entered with a gleam of blue light in his eyes. His gaze was directed straight at Namaknogun, not anyone else.

“It’s been a long time. How have you been?”

Hyeolhondokjo Wang Se-chung looked at Namaknogun and gave a bitter smile.

“When will you take some time to settle the score that we couldn’t finish back then?”

That look was very challenging. But Nogun only let out a snort and didn’t even bother to respond. Hyeolhondokjo’s face twisted, but Nogun didn’t care.

“Lee Hong-gye pays his respects to Hyeolhondokjo.”

Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye paid his respects politely with a stiff face.

True to his title, Wang Se-chung’s methods were very cruel and his pride was strong. No matter how much Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye was, he couldn’t help but be nervous.

“You should be grateful to Jang Ssang. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have had any reason to come to a place like this.”

Hyeolhondokjo Wang Se-chung said with an arrogant expression. Meanwhile, Jin Gwal quietly asked Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang.

“What on earth did you do? It wouldn’t have been easy to move such a big shot?”

Hyeolhondokjo was an undeniable big shot of the heretical faction. He was a master of Dokjogong [Poisonous Eagle Skill] who had reached the peak, and his influence and name were by no means light. However, because of his personality, he still hadn’t formed a force.

“Well, there was something like that.”

Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang glossed over the answer with an ambiguous smile. It wasn’t a big deal that he had spent a huge amount of money for this trip, but it was still too early to reveal what he had secretly promised to Hyeolhondokjo.

“With Namaknogun and Hyeolhondokjo coming, this gathering has become even more brilliant. Thank you.”

Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye paid his respects once again. Hyeolhondokjo snorted and slowly went to Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang’s side. The leaders of the surrounding heretical sects and strongholds were clearly nervous.

Watching that, Son Bin tilted his head. Son Bin asked Nogun.

“Is the level of the person called Hyeolhondokjo comparable to Nogun?”

“A long time ago.”

Nogun answered.

“I was still young, and that guy hadn’t shriveled up like that yet. Back then, we were similar, but now it’s impossible. He’s the kind of guy who thinks he’ll be like that forever just because he won a few times when he was young.”

Even Son Bin thought so.

Hyeolhondokjo Wang Se-chung’s aura was great, but he didn’t seem to be better than Gwigeonsura. Comparing him to Namaknogun was an insult in itself.

But the perception known to people was that Hyeolhondokjo and Namaknogun were almost on the same level. You could tell just by looking at the attitude of Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye towards the two.

“Aren’t you upset?”

Son Bin asked cautiously. Martial artists, in particular, were those with strong pride. It was common for them to fight over public opinion, and there were many cases where they couldn’t move their hands or feet because they were bound by fame.

“Not really.”

Nogun shrugged.

“If I really get upset, I can just crush him, right?”

Son Bin gave an awkward smile.

It was a typical answer from Nogun.

Perhaps Hyeolhondokjo didn’t know, but he would have to hope that his sarcasm didn’t really anger Nogun.

“What about you? Don’t you have anyone you invited?”

A tone that seemed to be openly mocking echoed in the banquet hall. It was the voice of Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang. Backed by the power of Hyeolhondokjo Wang Se-chung, he spoke to Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye as if to show off.

“You call yourselves the Hyeolbong lineage, but Hyeolbong isn’t even here? How can we know if you have any heart for the Hyeolbong Alliance like this?”

Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye’s eyebrows furrowed, but there was nothing he could say in response. He didn’t even know why Hyeolbong and Gwigeonsura weren’t appearing at this gathering.

“What the leader of the Ssanggeom Clan is saying is…”

It was the moment when Lee Hong-gye was about to say something.

“I’m sorry.”

Swish, swish.

Along with a cautious voice, a slender woman entered the banquet hall.

Holding a small staff with a phoenix carved on it, she was none other than Hyeolbong Geumsaryeon.

“I was late because I was hosting a precious guest. I apologize to the many comrades who have been waiting.”

Hyeolbong bowed her head politely. And behind her, Gwigeonsura, dressed in black martial attire, was standing with his eyes shining brightly.

‘Gasp.’

Ssanggeomgwi Jang Ssang was startled when he made eye contact with Gwigeonsura.

But he soon calmed his mind. The reason why he had forced himself to invite Hyeolhondokjo was to prepare for this kind of situation.

Besides, even if he didn’t know how much had been revealed, Wang Se-chung, Hyeolhondokjo, was next to him right now.

“If it’s okay, may I introduce the precious guests I invited?”

Hyeolbong said, looking around the banquet hall wrapped in silence.

“Do so,” Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye said. Hyeolbong lightly bowed her head in gratitude, then looked around at the people in the banquet hall and said.

“The first person I would like to introduce is Daehyeop [Great Hero] Deung Won-yeong, the Mujeonggeom [Heartless Sword] from the Gangbuk Heuksa Clan [North River Black Sand Clan].”

Step, step.

A young man with a sturdy build dressed in martial attire entered the banquet hall. His eyes were intense and his aura was great, so you could tell that he had mastered quite high-level martial arts.

“I am Deung Won-yeong, the Mujeonggeom.”

“Ooh, ooh.”

Exclamations erupted from the people.

The name of Mujeonggeom was quite well known even in Gangnam [South of the River]. He was also a supreme master of Geomgibalhyun [Sword Energy Manifestation], and one of the promising rookies in the Gangbuk Heuksa Clan.

But what was most important was that he was attending as the representative of the Gangbuk Heuksa Clan.

“Welcome.”

Cheolgeom Pajeon Lee Hong-gye paid his respects politely. Even though Mujeonggeom Deung Won-yeong was young, he was a supreme master of Geomgibalhyun and a person who came representing the Gangbuk Heuksa Clan. He couldn’t be taken lightly.

“And,” Hyeolbong spoke again as Mujeonggeom Deung Won-yeong’s greeting ended.

“I would like to take this opportunity to introduce to you all someone I definitely want to introduce.”

People’s eyes lit up, wondering who else it could be. Judging by Hyeolbong’s atmosphere, it seemed that he was a more important person than Mujeonggeom from Gangbuk Heuksa Clan.

“They are people from Namchang.”

For a moment, people didn’t understand Hyeolbong’s words. That’s how unrealistic Hyeolbong’s words were, and it was something that no one had expected.

Step, step.

However, as if to laugh at everyone’s expectations, several people appeared at the entrance of the banquet hall.

Sturdy martial artists wearing the martial attire of the Namgung Clan, who made your teeth grind just by looking at them. And a flower-like beauty leading them was confidently entering the banquet hall.

“Nice to meet you all.”

The young lady paid her respects with a picture-like elegant attitude.

In the silence where even the sound of swallowing could be heard, her clear voice crossed the banquet hall and spread out.

“My name is Namgung Hyang from the Namgung Clan.”

Thud.

It was like a huge rock had fallen into the banquet hall.

“W, what is going on!”

“Good heavens! The Namgung Clan is here!”

“No way! Get them out of here right now…”

Chaos swept through the banquet hall in an instant. People jumped up from their seats and started shouting. It was a situation close to pandemonium.

However, Hyeolbong and Namgung Hyang, who had caused this situation, were quietly standing and staring intently at the banquet hall.