A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 242

Blood Phoenix, Geum Sa-ryeon, smiled upon seeing Son Bin. However, perhaps due to her paler complexion, a hint of sorrow tempered her joy. The eyes of Guigyeon Shura, standing behind her, were unusually fierce.

Son Bin, surprised, was about to step forward when a group of martial artists emerged from within the Namgung Clan.

Thud, thud.

They radiated an imposing aura as they approached Blood Phoenix, Geum Sa-ryeon, and Guigyeon Shura. Guigyeon Shura’s energy flared at their appearance.

Clang.

A powerfully built martial artist stood before Blood Phoenix and Guigyeon Shura, his eyes intense. It was Namgung Jun, the Deputy Chief of the Outer Clan of the Namgung Clan, known as Cheongsugum [Azure Water Sword].

Son Bin had seen him before during the Soeun Escort Agency’s journey and at the Gangnam Dragon-Phoenix Gathering. Of course, Namgung Jun wouldn’t remember Son Bin.

“Are you Guigyeon Shura?”

Cheongsugum Namgung Jun asked abruptly, looking down at Guigyeon Shura, who was a head shorter.

Guigyeon Shura stared back, offering no reply. Namgung Jun frowned slightly.

“I am Namgung Jun, the Deputy Chief of the Outer Clan of the Namgung Clan. The Outer Clan Chief, Namgung Ryeol…”

He gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing.

“Is my elder brother.”

Outer Clan Chief Namgung Ryeol had set out to subdue the Blood Phoenix Union but was ambushed and defeated. The one who faced Namgung Ryeol at that time was Guigyeon Shura.

That incident brought sudden fame to Guigyeon Shura, but the Namgung Clan had to endure the shame of being the subject of gossip.

Outer Clan Chief Namgung Ryeol had not yet fully recovered from his injuries, and Deputy Chief Namgung Jun was filling his position.

“If you seek revenge, I’ll accept it anytime.”

Guigyeon Shura, looking directly into Namgung Jun’s eyes, said in a low, chilling voice that sent shivers down one’s spine.

“But my lord is here. Is this the courtesy the Namgung Clan shows its guests?”

Guigyeon Shura’s gaze was like a honed blade, so cold it felt like a physical chill.

Namgung Jun gritted his teeth. Guigyeon Shura’s point was valid.

Cheongsugum Namgung Jun turned to face Blood Phoenix, a woman in delicate red clothes. The height difference between them was striking, like an adult and a child.

“I am Namgung Jun.”

Cheongsugum Namgung Jun’s large eyes focused on Blood Phoenix. Having lived as a martial artist for half his life, his gaze held a force that would intimidate most people.

“I am Blood Phoenix.”

The small, frail Geum Sa-ryeon spoke quietly. Even facing Cheongsugum Namgung Jun’s gaze, she showed no fear.

In Blood Phoenix’s eyes, as she looked at Namgung Jun, was a subtle, mystical aura, like a high priest who had transcended earthly concerns.

“Hmm.”

Cheongsugum Namgung Jun was inwardly impressed and bowed his head in respect.

“Welcome to the Namgung Clan.”

“Thank you.”

“I will guide you to the Clan Lord. Please follow me.”

Cheongsugum Namgung Jun turned. Blood Phoenix lightly bowed her head towards Son Bin and followed Namgung Jun. Guigyeon Shura glanced at Son Bin before following Blood Phoenix.

“Hyung!” [Older brother/term of endearment for a male]

Seo Rin’s voice came from behind. Following her were Sa Su-yeon, Dang Wol-ah, and Shin-ui.

Seo Rin, hurrying forward, saw Blood Phoenix and Guigyeon Shura entering the Namgung Clan.

“Blood Phoenix Noona [Term of endearment for an older sister or female friend] and that Hyung are here too.”

“Yeah, so it seems.”

Son Bin nodded.

“Will it be alright? It doesn’t seem like the former Thunder Sword has arrived yet.”

Shin-ui noticed the pair and spoke quietly. Son Bin, also worried, could only sigh. Sa Su-yeon and Dang Wol-ah watched Blood Phoenix and Guigyeon Shura walk away.

“Ah, does that mean we can’t go out with Hyang-i Noona today?”

Seo Rin asked, as if suddenly remembering. The group was supposed to meet Namgung Hyang here. However, with Blood Phoenix and Guigyeon Shura’s arrival, Namgung Hyang would likely be occupied.

“Is that so? Then I’ll just return to the lodgings…”

“Ah! No way. Grandpa, come with us.”

Seo Rin clung to Shin-ui, who was about to turn away, as if she had been waiting for the opportunity. Shin-ui frowned but didn’t push her away.

“Since Blood Phoenix Sojeo [Young miss/title for a young noblewoman] has arrived, won’t she be looking for Gongja [Young master/title for a young nobleman]?”

Sa Su-yeon asked. Son Bin looked at her and replied.

“Well, not right away. Blood Phoenix Sojeo also needs to rest a bit…”

First, there would be initial discussions between the Namgung Clan and the Blood Phoenix Union. Son Bin’s role would come into play if those talks went poorly.

In other words, the Son Bin group had nothing to do until the Namgung Clan or Blood Phoenix called upon them.

“There are doctors I know in Namchang City, would you like to go? They’re not well-known, but their skills are excellent.”

Shin-ui said suddenly, in a serious tone. However, Seo Rin immediately looked tearful. She had been expecting a delicious meal, not a visit to the doctor.

“Tsk, clinging to me when you’re sick, but ignoring me when you’re healthy. Health is something you should take care of when you’re healthy…”

Shin-ui clicked his tongue, looking dissatisfied, when a maid approached from inside with hurried steps. As expected, Namgung Hyang, unable to come out herself, sent a letter.

The letter contained a polite apology for her absence due to Blood Phoenix’s arrival, and explained that the formal talks would take some time.

The rest of the letter was filled with a list of ‘hidden restaurants in Namchang City,’ seemingly researched all night.

Thanks to that, Shin-ui’s plan to visit ‘hidden masters’ was abandoned, and Seo Rin smiled brightly, grabbing Shin-ui’s arm and heading to the city.

*

*

*

The next day, Clan Lord Namgung Kwon invited the Son Bin group. Son Bin wondered if the talks schedule had been set, but the invitation was for the Hidden Dragon Gathering.

“It’s a bit out of the blue. The Blood Phoenix Union talks should be the priority, shouldn’t they?”

Son Bin tilted his head. However, Shin-ui said calmly.

“It’s not strange. The Clan often does this to display their power. It’s a battle of nerves.”

Psychological pressure is an effective tactic. With Blood Phoenix in the heart of the Namgung Clan, the Hidden Dragon Gathering would create a feeling of being surrounded by enemies.

“But will this work on Blood Phoenix Sojeo?”

Although she looks small and frail, Blood Phoenix, Geum Sa-ryeon, had the determination to come directly to the Namgung Clan. And with Guigyeon Shura, whom she trusts implicitly, she wouldn’t be easily intimidated.

“The important thing is to show that you are not on equal footing with the other party.”

Dang Wol-ah said quietly.

“The strong showing generosity to the weak. The Namgung Clan wants to create that impression. So they will continue to emphasize the difference between themselves and the Blood Phoenix Union.”

“I see.”

Son Bin sighed. He doubted that the former Thunder Sword Namgung Cheon or Namgung Hyang would want such a situation.

However, the elders and other leaders of the Namgung Clan might feel that these talks were humiliating. The hostility towards Blood Phoenix and Guigyeon Shura was still palpable.

“You’ll understand better if you go and see for yourself.”

Dang Wol-ah said quietly.

∴

The Hidden Dragon Gathering was held in the central training hall. The preparations were quite elaborate for a competition to select young, promising talents.

On one side, tiered seats were arranged for the adults and VIPs of the Namgung Clan. On the other side, young people with nervous expressions waited in martial arts uniforms.

“Welcome, Shin-ui-nim [Honorific title]! And Son Gongja-nim, Sa Su-yeon Sojeo, Dang Wol-ah Sojeo, Seo Rin Gongja. Thank you for coming.”

Namgung Hyang greeted the Son Bin group with a smile. Son Bin bowed politely.

“Are those the participants in the Hidden Dragon Gathering?”

Son Bin asked, looking at the young people. The faces of the young men and women in martial arts uniforms were tense. They were clearly trying to maintain their composure.

“Yes. They have already passed several preliminary competitions.”

This was the final main competition.

Son Bin noticed Namgung So-yoo among the young people. She, too, looked tense and kept her mouth tightly shut.

“Namgung So-yoo Sojeo is also there.”

“Yes, she’s quite talented.”

Son Bin was impressed by Namgung Hyang’s explanation. Remembering the Namgung Sword Technique that Namgung So-yoo had demonstrated, it wasn’t surprising.

Son Bin approached Clan Lord Namgung Kwon with Namgung Hyang. Namgung Kwon rose from his seat and greeted the Son Bin group.

“Thank you for coming, Son Daein [Great man/term of respect].”

“Thank you for inviting me.”

Son Bin politely replied to Namgung Kwon’s greeting.

“I heard that Daein is called Jinryong Daehyeop [True Dragon Great Hero], is that right?”

A different light shone in Namgung Kwon’s eyes as he asked. Son Bin smiled softly.

“It’s just an empty title.”

It was a simple answer, but carefully considered.

“Hoho, is that so?”

Namgung Kwon said meaningfully. However, Son Bin simply smiled and didn’t elaborate. There was no point in talking too much.

‘Namgung Hyang Sojeo already knew…’

Come to think of it, Namgung Hyang had been present when Namgung Hoon introduced him as ‘Jinryong Daehyeop’ at the training hall. Seeing that she hadn’t been surprised then, she must have known.

Namgung Hyang probably hadn’t confirmed it out of consideration for Son Bin.

It was kind of her to avoid making him say ‘Jinryong Daehyeop’ himself.

“Please sit here.”

Son Bin’s seat, arranged by the Clan Lord, was next to Shin-ui, and next to that was Clan Lord Namgung Kwon’s seat.

The closer to the host’s seat, the more highly one was regarded, so it was a great honor. Perhaps the former Thunder Sword Namgung Cheon had intended this.

Sa Su-yeon, Dang Wol-ah, and Seo Rin gathered and sat separately in a slightly more distant seat, allowing the VIPs to watch comfortably.

Meanwhile, Blood Phoenix and Guigyeon Shura arrived at the training hall, and Namgung Hyang greeted them.

‘Huh?’

They couldn’t enter the training hall immediately. From afar, it seemed that the warriors guarding the training hall were arguing with Guigyeon Shura.

‘What’s going on?’

As Son Bin watched, Blood Phoenix said something to Guigyeon Shura. Guigyeon Shura couldn’t hide his discomfort and stood there, while Blood Phoenix walked to the Clan Lord with Namgung Hyang.

“Thank you for inviting me.”

The frail Blood Phoenix, with her pale complexion, bowed. Clan Lord Namgung Kwon rose from his seat and returned the greeting stiffly.

“Thank you for coming.”

Blood Phoenix said calmly.

“A little while ago, the warriors of the Namgung Clan demanded that my escort relinquish his sword. He is the one I trust the most, so would you please allow him to carry it?”

“That’s out of the question.”

Namgung Kwon’s expression remained stiff.

“We and the Blood Phoenix Union are still in a hostile relationship. Moreover, he is an undoubtedly powerful master, so who can accept him entering with a sword?”

“That’s right.”

Despite the Clan Lord’s cold response, Blood Phoenix’s expression didn’t change. The small woman looked directly at Clan Lord Namgung Kwon with her pale face and said.

“But I came here to end that hostile relationship. If you treat an enemy only with hostility, how can you stop it?”

A different light flashed in Namgung Kwon’s eyes. Blood Phoenix continued.

“And as you said, he is a powerful master. If he is determined, whether he has a sword or not is irrelevant.”

In fact, Guigyeon Shura’s level was beyond powerful. Unless the opponent was at least an outer-level master, what he held in his hand was irrelevant, as Blood Phoenix said.

Blood Phoenix was implying that the Namgung Clan’s actions were futile, while also expressing her pride in Guigyeon Shura’s strength.

“The Namgung Clan is a martial arts family famous throughout the world. As martial artists, you should understand the humiliation of having a sword taken away, so I ask you not to subject him to unnecessary insults.”

Blood Phoenix bowed politely. Clan Lord Namgung Kwon was inwardly impressed by her dignified and polite attitude, but his expression remained stiff.

“I understand your intentions. But as you said, he is a significant threat. I cannot take unnecessary risks to protect an empty principle.”

“You don’t call something you can definitely control a threat.”

Clan Lord Namgung Kwon frowned slightly.

“What do you mean?”

“Because I am here.”

Blood Phoenix raised her white hand and lightly placed it on her chest.

“There is a way to neutralize him more effectively than taking his sword or tying his hands and feet. That is myself.”

Blood Phoenix’s eyes shone faintly as she spoke.

“I am standing here alone. Since I have entrusted my life to the hands of the Namgung Clan, he will never act against you.”

This time, even Clan Lord Namgung Kwon couldn’t hide his admiration.

What she said was true. From the moment she stepped into the Namgung Clan, Blood Phoenix had entrusted her life to them. Blood Phoenix was essentially saying, ‘Aren’t you satisfied even though you hold my life in your hands?’

At the same time, it showed how much Blood Phoenix trusted Guigyeon Shura.

“I understand.”

Namgung Kwon nodded.

“Following your wishes, I will allow him to enter with his sword.”

“Thank you.”

Blood Phoenix bowed her head.

“But he will have to sit in the last seat. No matter how much you guarantee, I cannot place him near our valued guests.”

“I will do so.”

Guigyeon Shura had to sit in the farthest seat. Considering his level, it was an insulting arrangement. But he simply glared fiercely and said nothing.

Blood Phoenix also couldn’t sit next to the Clan Lord.

She sat in the front row adjacent to the training hall with Namgung Hyang.

Considering the distance from the Clan Lord, it was an ambiguous seat, neither VIP nor a snub. It was neither close to Son Bin nor farthest from Guigyeon Shura.

It wasn’t hard to understand the Namgung Clan’s feelings. They were trying to gain a psychological advantage, as Dang Wol-ah had predicted.

But Son Bin just felt a sense of unease, wondering if it had to be this way.

As the elders and key figures of the Namgung Clan filled the seats, the competition soon began.

“I will begin the main competition of the Hidden Dragon Gathering.”

A handsome middle-aged man in splendid clothes stood in the center of the training hall and addressed Clan Lord Namgung Kwon.

As Namgung Kwon nodded, a palpable tension settled in the eyes of the young people. Their raw energy was quite sharp, immediately capturing Son Bin’s interest.

Among them, the most prominent was Namgung So-yoo. Wearing a feminine martial arts uniform in light pink, she held a sword, her mouth tightly shut and her eyes sparkling with determination.

What answer would she give to Son Bin’s suggestion that she ‘abandon the Namgung Sword’?

Son Bin sincerely looked forward to the sword she would show. It was also a matter of personal interest.

“Don’t stare so intently.”

Shin-ui’s heavy voice broke the silence. When Son Bin turned, Shin-ui spoke without looking at him.

“Everyone is watching you, aren’t they?”

Son Bin thought, ‘Oops.’ Sure enough, not only Sa Su-yeon, Dang Wol-ah, and Seo Rin, but also Namgung Hyang and Blood Phoenix were looking at him.

When their eyes met, Sa Su-yeon gave a soft smile.

Her warm smile eased Son Bin’s heart, but Seo Rin’s knowing shrug made him uneasy. Dang Wol-ah’s expression was hidden by her veil.

Blood Phoenix, in particular, looked at Son Bin with puzzled eyes and then turned to look at Namgung So-yoo. She seemed curious about whom Son Bin was watching so intently.

Namgung Hyang explained something, and Blood Phoenix nodded, then smiled at Son Bin.

It seemed like she understood, but since her expression was naturally somber, it was hard to decipher her meaning.

Was it a pure sense of solidarity as a fellow sword-wielder, or an understanding of the nature of men? Or was it a bitter smile?

Son Bin was conflicted. Shin-ui sighed quietly, glancing at the scene.

“You’re having a hard time too. Is this a blessing or a curse…? Tsk, tsk.”

Shin-ui’s sincerity was evident in his sigh. Son Bin gave an awkward smile.

In the meantime, two young men stepped into the center of the training hall.

Their faces were hardened with tension, and their blades sparkled.

The main competition of the Namgung Clan’s Hidden Dragon Gathering was beginning.