A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 239

239. What You Gain by Giving

At the last Yongbong Gathering in Gangnam, Son Bin defeated Han Wol, a master from the Blood Dragon Gate. He also stepped forward to save Sa Soo-yeon, who was in danger.

Thanks to him, the late-stage disciples of the Five Great Families gathered at the Pavilion of Prince Teng, as well as the descendants of influential prestigious families and merchants, were able to save their lives.

They were deeply impressed by the swordsmanship Son Bin displayed, and Namgoong Hoon, the winner of the Gangnam Yongbong Gathering, dedicated his sword to Son Bin along with the flag of ‘Dragon Among Men’ [a symbol of exceptional talent and leadership].

The other late-stage disciples felt the same.

Son Bin drove back Han Wol, a master of extreme skill in Sword Energy Manifestation, with a single, beautiful display of swordsmanship.

Although it was somewhat overshadowed by the subsequent Blood Peak Union incident, the title of ‘Dragon Among Men, Great Hero Jin룡’ was an unforgettable name for the young people at the Pavilion of Prince Teng.

Namgoong So-yoo, who is now before Son Bin, was at that Pavilion of Prince Teng. How could she not recognize Son Bin?

“But why did you disappear without a word? If Great Hero had been there, you would have been revered as a hero of the Orthodox Faction, as well as winning the Yongbong Gathering.”

Namgoong So-yoo asks. Following Joek Se-hwa’s advice, Son Bin took Shin-ui and Sa Soo-yeon and disappeared. Because of this, ‘Great Hero Jin룡’ was talked about as a mysterious hero of the era, whose sect and name were not revealed.

“Ah, that’s….”

Son Bin tried to maintain his composure.

He had heard from Joek Se-hwa that some people called him ‘Great Hero Jin룡.’ But hearing that title right in front of him, he couldn’t get used to it at all.

His cheeks were still burning, and he couldn’t think of anything to say. He couldn’t exactly say that he hid because he didn’t trust the Five Great Families and the Murim Alliance [a coalition of martial arts clans], could he?

“Ah! As expected, you are a noble hero who is not concerned with wealth and fame….”

Namgoong So-yoo clapped her hands and said.

“It’s not like that!”

Son Bin quickly replied. He couldn’t let her praise him any further.

“I just… had some circumstances.”

“Ah, yes….”

She didn’t seem entirely convinced, but Namgoong So-yoo nodded anyway.

“Does no one else know that you are Great Hero Jin룡, Young Master? Well, only those who were there at that time can recognize Great Hero.”

It is well known that ‘Great Hero Jin룡’ is the lover of Sword Goddess Sa Soo-yeon. However, it is not easy to guess that Son Bin is ‘Great Hero Jin룡’ based on that fact alone.

The head of the Namgoong Family felt the same. Above all, Son Bin’s aura was almost non-existent, and the rumor of ‘Great Hero Jin룡’ was not very important to the head of the Namgoong Family.

If it was a really important issue, he would have asked Sa Soo-yeon about it first.

“There are so many people who want to meet Great Hero again. I was one of them, of course.”

But it is different for young people, especially those who have been saved. Right now, Namgoong Hoon, the winner of the last Yongbong Gathering, and the descendants of influential families who were at the Pavilion of Prince Teng at that time will all want to see Son Bin.

Some young ladies have already made ‘Great Hero Jin룡’ their hero, so you can guess his popularity among young people.

“Miss, I’m not that great of a person….”

Son Bin, sensing that something very troublesome might happen, tried to downplay it somehow.

Seeing Namgoong So-yoo so excited, he could easily guess what would happen next. It would be wise to get out as much as possible.

“Ah!”

Perhaps Son Bin’s inner thoughts were revealed, Namgoong So-yoo was startled and covered her mouth with her hand.

“Were you perhaps deliberately hiding your identity?”

That’s not it. But he wanted to be ignored if possible. He definitely wanted to avoid being called ‘Great Hero’ anymore.

However, Son Bin’s wish was thwarted before he could even say it.

“But it won’t work, you know? Namgoong Hoon Older Brother already knows Great Hero, and there are five, no, seven Namgoong Family members who were at the Pavilion of Prince Teng at that time, including me?”

He couldn’t go around to all seven of them and ask them to pretend not to know. Son Bin had no choice but to give up.

“Then, the fact that you passed the Hyangsi exam [a regional civil service exam] was also something you made up to hide your identity….”

“No, it’s not.”

Son Bin said seriously.

“It is true that I passed the Hyangsi exam.”

“Then did you take the Hoesi exam [the next level of civil service exam]?”

Taking the Hyangsi exam is to gain the qualification to take the Hoesi exam. If he really passed the Hyangsi exam, there is no way he wouldn’t have taken the Hoesi exam.

Namgoong So-yoo’s question was valid, but Son Bin could only smile bitterly.

“I did take it, but my skills were lacking….”

In fact, he believes that he was pushed out because of the tyranny of the privileged class, but if he said that here, it would only sound like an excuse.

“Then you really passed the Hyangsi exam! That’s really amazing!”

However, Namgoong So-yoo’s eyes sparkled with a surprised look. ‘Great Hero Jin룡’ is a Hyangsi exam passer, he is truly a great hero of both literary and military arts.

Namgoong So-yoo looked at Son Bin with eyes full of respect. Son Bin subtly avoided her gaze because he felt burdened by her gaze.

“I’m really happy to meet Great Hero. I thought that Youngest Sister Hyang’s jade pendant meant that her lover was coming….”

Namgoong So-yoo’s face suddenly hardened as she continued to speak.

“Huh? But Great Hero Jin룡 is Sword Goddess’s lover… But Youngest Sister Hyang kept writing letters, so I thought you were here to get permission for a marriage with Youngest Sister… But then….”

Thud.

Namgoong So-yoo took a step back. Her eyes, looking at Son Bin, were full of wariness and embarrassment.

“Are you, perhaps, two-tim….”

“No, I’m not!”

Before the words could come out of her mouth, Son Bin desperately denied it.

“I am not Youngest Sister Namgoong Hyang’s lover! We exchanged letters, but it was purely platonic, and in fact, I still have no relationship with Miss Sa Soo-yeon….”

His face flushed as he spoke. Son Bin couldn’t bring himself to continue.

“Really?”

However, Son Bin’s explanation was not very convincing. It is too famous that Great Hero Jin룡 hugged his lover Sword Goddess in front of everyone.

“That’s right. The reason I came this time is to mediate the Blood Peak Union’s affairs.”

Son Bin cleared his throat and said in a calm voice.

“Ah, then the Great Person that the former Family Head is serving is….”

“Yes, that’s me.”

The title of Great Person bothers him, but this is not the time to worry about that.

“I came here only for work. Marriage is out of the question.”

Fortunately, Namgoong So-yoo was convinced this time.

“I see. Now that I think about it, Youngest Sister Hyang is in charge of mediating the Blood Peak Union.”

Namgoong So-yoo nodded and said.

“She is a really proud Youngest Sister. It’s really difficult for a woman to take on such an important role in the Namgoong Family.”

Letting out a sigh of relief, Namgoong So-yoo smiled. She looked at Son Bin with sparkling eyes and said.

“There’s no way Great Hero would be such a shameless person. I believed it.”

Son Bin smiled bitterly. She was openly wary of him and then said she believed him, it didn’t make sense.

But this is not the time to point that out. If he continues to be swayed by Namgoong So-yoo, who knows what she will say.

“By the way, what do you mean by asking me to evaluate your swordsmanship?”

In order to regain control of the conversation, Son Bin launched a counterattack. Whether it was effective or not, Namgoong So-yoo’s expression turned serious in an instant.

“Actually, my skills haven’t improved at all lately.”

Namgoong So-yoo’s face darkened.

“I haven’t neglected my training, but I feel like I’m doing worse than before. I thought I could learn the Swordsmanship of Rising, so I told my father, but I only got scolded for it.”

She said with a slight sigh.

“He said that the Namgoong Sword that I’m learning is the swordsmanship that made today’s Namgoong Family possible. He said that even if I learn the Boundless Sword Art of Azure Sky, it won’t make a difference if I don’t properly understand the Namgoong Sword. Really, my father doesn’t understand my heart….”

Namgoong So-yoo’s eyes became slightly moist. At least her passion for the sword is genuine. You can tell just by the fact that she comes to this training ground at this early hour.

“Your father is right.”

Son Bin said with a serious look.

“It doesn’t matter what kind of martial arts you learn. It doesn’t even matter what you have in your hand. What really matters is…”

Son Bin’s eyes were shining as he spoke.

“The Way. It lies in the path of martial arts that Miss wishes to walk.”

“Wow.”

Namgoong So-yoo exclaimed.

“As expected of Great Hero Jin룡.”

“Ah, no, I’m….”

Son Bin was flustered by the unexpected reaction, but Namgoong So-yoo sighed.

“But it’s difficult for me. My father said something similar once, but I don’t understand.”

She said in a low, depressed voice.

“Crude, impulsive, and greedy… Foolish and selfish people who think that everything can be solved by just smashing it. When it comes to Murim, that’s all I can think of.”

‘Huh?’

Son Bin tilted his head. It is quite different from the preconceived notions he had before. Weren’t Murim people closer to Taoists or immortals?

“How can there be a Way, righteousness, and chivalry for people to walk in such a thing? Ah, of course, I don’t mean that Great Hero is like that. The sword that Great Hero showed was really amazing.”

Namgoong So-yoo said with a slight smile.

“I wish my sword had something like that….”

She looked down at her sword with a lonely smile.

Son Bin felt like he could understand Namgoong So-yoo’s feelings. He knows how it feels to have a long way to go, but nowhere to step.

After a moment of silence, Son Bin quietly opened his mouth.

“Is that why you asked me to evaluate your sword?”

“Yes.”

Namgoong So-yoo nods.

“I am an outsider. May I see Miss’s swordsmanship?”

“Ah, I thought you were Youngest Sister Hyang’s fiancé earlier… But it’s even better. Great Hero is such a great person that the family asks for mediation. I’m not going to teach you any secrets or mysteries, just watch.”

Son Bin smiled bitterly.

“I am not a Great Hero or a Great Person….”

“But you’re really not two-timing, are you?”

Son Bin stopped talking at Namgoong So-yoo’s sudden question. And he said seriously.

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, I knew it.”

Namgoong So-yoo said with a smile. Looking at her cute smile, Son Bin felt a sense of unease rising up.

‘This can’t be, is it a threat?’

Feeling somehow chilly, Son Bin looked at Namgoong So-yoo. She smiles brightly and looks at Son Bin.

“Ahem.”

Son Bin said, clearing his throat.

“I understand. Although I am not qualified, if it is just watching….”

“Thank you!”

Namgoong So-yoo said, jumping up and down. Looking at her eyes that were sincerely happy, Son Bin blamed himself for suspecting her even for a moment.

∴

“Then, I’ll start.”

Namgoong So-yoo said. Standing in the middle of the training ground, she straightened her posture and drew her sword.

Sreung.

Her shining sword revealed its appearance. The sound was clear and the blade was straight, it was a pretty good sword even if it wasn’t a masterpiece.

“Hoo.”

As she took a breath in her ready stance, her chest gently rose.

Son Bin quickly turned his gaze away.

Unlike her cute face, Namgoong So-yoo had a very feminine and attractive body. If he looked at her wrong, he might be branded as a pervert.

“Where are you looking?”

As expected? As soon as he thought that, Namgoong So-yoo’s sharp voice flew in.

“Ah, that’s not it….”

“You have to look at me to evaluate me.”

She seemed a little upset, but Son Bin was relieved.

“Ah, yes. That’s right.”

“Then, I’ll really start.”

“Yes.”

Whoong.

Before Son Bin could finish his answer, Namgoong So-yoo’s sword drew a soft circle. And at the same time as the circle ended, it became a sharp momentum and shot forward.

“Taha!”

The trajectory of the sword shining in the air. Son Bin was soon drawn into the sword path she was drawing.

Whirlick, sweeik.

Unlike her appearance, Namgoong So-yoo’s sword was unwavering. As if to confirm that she had not neglected her training so far, the sword path she drew sometimes rushed softly or strongly, but there was no hesitation in her advance and retreat.

‘This is the Namgoong Family’s sword.’

Son Bin was impressed by the sword force he felt from her sword.

‘But.’

At the same time, Son Bin frowned slightly. What is missing from her seemingly perfect sword? The emptiness given by that absence is as regrettable as it is now.

“Taha!”

Shwiririk.

With a brilliant series of attacks, her Namgoong Sword ended.

Whirlick.

Namgoong So-yoo lightly sheathed her sword and slowly calmed her breathing.

But in fact, there was no need to do so. Even after performing the Namgoong Sword Style, her breathing did not become rough, and not a single drop of sweat flowed on her forehead.

“Hoo.”

After taking a deep breath with her eyes half-open, Namgoong So-yoo opened her eyes. And she looked back at Son Bin.

“Great Hero?”

Son Bin was lost in thought. He doesn’t even look at Namgoong So-yoo.

“Ah, yes.”

Son Bin raised his head.

“Did you see it? My swordsmanship….”

“Yes, I saw it.”

Son Bin’s expression was serious as he answered. Namgoong So-yoo confirmed that he was not joking and was relieved.

“So… how is it?”

Namgoong So-yoo asked cautiously. It was the moment when her sword was being evaluated, especially by Great Hero Jin룡. There was no way she wouldn’t be nervous.

“Amazing.”

Son Bin answered without hesitation.

“I dare to say that no one in the Namgoong Family can perform a more accurate Namgoong Sword than Miss now.”

“No way.”

Namgoong So-yoo smiled bitterly. She was happy to have her skills recognized, but it was because she had never heard this kind of sword evaluation before.

But at the same time, she was also disappointed. Doesn’t that mean that even Great Hero has no advice for her sword?

“However.”

Namgoong So-yoo’s disappointment was premature. Son Bin continued in a firm tone.

“There is nothing else.”

Namgoong So-yoo’s expression also hardened. There is also a realm where the swordsman disappears and only the sword remains, but this is by no means that kind of compliment.

“What… do you mean?”

“If someone else understands the Namgoong Sword accurately, they will be able to perform the same swordsmanship as Miss.”

“Are you… making fun of me?”

Namgoong So-yoo’s cheeks were red with shame.

It was understandable. If you understand the Namgoong Sword accurately, of course the same swordsmanship will come out, right?

“That’s not it.”

Son Bin shook his head. His eyes looking at Namgoong So-yoo were more serious than ever.

“How can I make fun of Miss when Miss is not in Miss’s sword?”

Thud.

Namgoong So-yoo was shocked as if something big had fallen.

Son Bin looked at Namgoong So-yoo with sharp eyes.

“There is only Namgoong Sword in Miss’s sword, not Miss. To put it extremely, Miss is just imitating someone else’s Namgoong Sword. To make an analogy, it is like copying someone else’s writing exactly. So accurately that you can’t tell the difference.”

Son Bin’s words were so harsh that Namgoong So-yoo staggered for a moment. The reason she can’t refute those words is because she has been vaguely worried about that.

“But, but then what should I do….”

“Abandon it.”

Son Bin’s shining eyes were directed straight at Namgoong So-yoo.

“If you are bound by form and style, you cannot go your own way. If Namgoong Sword has led Miss this far, now is the time to pursue your own path.”

“Abandon… Namgoong Sword?”

“Yes.”

Son Bin answered in a firm voice to Namgoong So-yoo’s trembling voice.

“If you don’t abandon it, you can’t fill it. You have to abandon what you are most proud of.”

Suddenly, Son Bin felt his voice reaching out with power.

It was a very unfamiliar feeling. His words were rushing like an unstoppable wave not only to her, but also to himself. As if there was another self talking to himself.

“As someone said.”

His voice seemed to resonate and take over the space. Son Bin spat out as if it were an irresistible fate.

“Sometimes, the time comes when you have to leave what you love the most.”

Son Bin stopped talking. He was sure that he had said it to Namgoong So-yoo, but he himself was shocked by the words.

He couldn’t say anything. He couldn’t think of anything. Only the words he had said were lingering in his heart.

Ching.

Namgoong So-yoo sheathed her sword. Her tightly closed lips were white, but she couldn’t let go of her stiff expression.

“Valuable advice.”

She barely managed to utter the words with a stiff expression.

“Thank you.”

With those words, Namgoong So-yoo turned around. And she left the place without looking back.

Japack, japack.

Son Bin couldn’t move from his spot until her footsteps disappeared.

‘What does that even mean?’

The intention of Son Bin’s words to Namgoong So-yoo is clear. But those clear and simple words were returning to himself and throwing endless confusion.

Sarak.

At that moment, a gust of cold air swept past Son Bin. Son Bin raised his head.

Sabeok.

A woman’s small bare feet took a step forward. Wherever her feet touched, pure white frost spread around.

“Now.”

The woman with the white face said, looking at Son Bin.

Long black hair, a simple dress that looked like a ceremonial robe, and a sword held in both hands. She was Sword Spirit.

“Can you perfect my sword?”

Son Bin could see some heat flickering in her cold eyes. But Son Bin couldn’t respond to it.

“No.”

Son Bin shook his head.

“I don’t know yet.”