A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 244

244. Tragedy

Blood Phantom Geum Sa-ryeon’s expression was grim. Her already pale complexion looked almost blue.

Biting her lip, Blood Phantom looked at Namgung Gyu and then whispered something to Namgung Hyang, who was sitting next to her. Namgung Hyang listened intently.

“Taha!”

Suddenly, Namgung Soyu’s shout rang out. Namgung Soyu had launched the first attack.

However, Son Bin glanced at Seo-rin, Sa Su-yeon, and Dang Wol-ah. As if of one mind, their eyes met, and they nodded to each other.

Though no words were spoken, their meaning was clear: if necessary, they would forcibly stop the martial arts contest. They were in agreement.

‘Hoo.’

Son Bin was inwardly relieved. With those three, they could handle almost anything. At least, they were prepared to prevent the worst-case scenario.

Despite the serious situation, Son Bin smiled without realizing it. The fact that the four of them had the same thought was somehow heartening.

Clang.

At the sharp sound of metal, Son Bin turned his head toward the training ground. Namgung Soyu’s fluid swordsmanship targeted Namgung Gyu, but Namgung Gyu deflected her sword with a simple movement.

Clang!

Sparks flew again. Namgung Soyu, her sword strike thwarted, frowned and stepped back lightly.

Thud.

Namgung Gyu did not follow. Namgung Soyu, having created some distance, frowned.

‘Was he this strong?’

He had merely deflected her attack, but the impact transmitted through the sword still lingered in her hand.

Moreover, Namgung Gyu did not take an aggressive stance. He seemed to lack any enthusiasm for the martial arts contest.

However, his eyes were still fierce, and the internal energy [qi or chi, vital energy] imbued in his sword was formidable. Namgung Soyu could not easily attack.

‘But at this rate……’

There was no time limit in the martial arts competition. However, if this stalemate continued, Namgung Soyu would be at a disadvantage. As a woman, she had physical limitations, based on the opponent’s internal energy she had gauged from the earlier clash.

Swish, swish.

Namgung Soyu lightly swung her sword in the air. Namgung Gyu, recognizing it as a preparation, narrowed his eyes.

Step.

“Hoo.”

Namgung Soyu straightened her posture and took a breath. It was not the flexible and smooth swordsmanship she had been using until now, but the basic stance of orthodox Namgung swordsmanship.

A perfect stance that anyone familiar with Namgung swordsmanship would admire. She was determined to break through head-on.

Son Bin, who was watching Namgung Soyu, turned his head at the sudden presence he felt beside him.

Shuffle, shuffle.

Namgung Hyang was approaching. She bent down and quietly told the head of the family, Namgung Kwon, something. It was probably what Blood Phantom Geum Sa-ryeon had conveyed.

However, the reaction of the head of the family, Namgung Kwon, was not good. He frowned immediately.

“What is the reason?”

At the head of the family’s quiet question, Namgung Hyang spoke softly. Namgung Kwon burst out laughing at those words.

“A feeling? You want me to stop the martial arts contest based on such vague words? And search his body? What does that mean?”

Namgung Kwon’s expression was full of displeasure.

“It is unpleasant to suspect a member of the Namgung family. Tell her to observe etiquette as a guest.”

Namgung Kwon’s voice was low but firm. Namgung Hyang respectfully bowed her head to receive the head of the family’s order.

As Namgung Hyang stood up, her eyes met those of Son Bin, who was watching her. Son Bin nodded slightly, meaning not to worry. He was already preparing for any eventuality.

Namgung Hyang, with a dark expression, smiled at Son Bin. It was probably an expression of gratitude.

Shuffle.

Namgung Hyang stepped back, and Son Bin turned his eyes back to the training ground. The head of the family, Namgung Kwon, also calmed his unpleasant expression and watched the martial arts contest.

Shinui, who had been indifferent, realized that the atmosphere was unusual. Shinui frowned and carefully watched Namgung Gyu.

“What do you think?”

Son Bin asked. Shinui replied quietly.

“I can’t tell from here. Unlike what he shows, he seems quite agitated, but whether it’s because of the martial arts contest or for some other reason……”

“Haa!”

Shinui’s words were cut off by Namgung Soyu’s spirited shout.

Namgung Soyu, who had been catching her breath, charged straight ahead. Her pink martial arts uniform shot toward Namgung Gyu like an arrow.

Namgung Soyu’s sword, extending straight without the slightest tremor. Her shining sword contained the grandeur and unhindered sword intent of Namgung swordsmanship.

It was truly a swordsmanship that showed the spirit of the Sword King family, the Namgung family.

However, Namgung Gyu, who faced her sword, wore a bitter smile. That expression irritated Namgung Soyu, but she did not waver.

Whoosh.

Namgung Soyu’s blade headed straight for Namgung Gyu. Namgung Gyu raised his sword and took a step forward.

Thud.

At the same time as the training ground floor echoed faintly, his sword imbued with internal energy clashed against Namgung Soyu.

Clang!

A rather heavy sound erupted from the two people’s swords. The two people’s swords, filled with internal energy, crossed in the air, creating sparks.

Clang, clang.

The two people clashed without yielding an inch. Blades narrowly brushed past their eyes, and the hems of their clothes were cut by the swords. However, neither of them withdrew their swords.

Namgung Soyu’s eyes were truly those of a martial artist, and the sneer had already disappeared from Namgung Gyu’s face.

“Heo.”

The head of the family, Namgung Kwon, let out a quiet exclamation as the two people’s clash captivated the attention of the people.

A fierce battle completely different from the martial arts contests they had seen so far.

Namgung Soyu’s sword sometimes collided head-on, or changed freely, stabbing at Namgung Gyu’s weaknesses. On the other hand, Namgung Gyu repeatedly thwarted Namgung Soyu’s attacks based on his overwhelming internal energy.

Namgung Soyu’s sword, which showed delicate and splendid changes based on orthodox Namgung swordsmanship, and Namgung Gyu’s sword, which was a bit rough but surely suppressed the opponent based on strong internal energy.

It was a tense martial arts contest where no one could predict the outcome, and a competition that made it impossible to take their eyes off it. However, the victory was suddenly decided.

Clang!

“Keuk.”

A groan escaped from Namgung Soyu’s mouth along with a loud noise. An enormous impact, different from anything before, shook her insides through the sword.

Jerk.

Despite her will to never back down, Namgung Soyu was pushed back. The tremendous impact pushed her away.

‘Keuh.’

Namgung Soyu frowned. Her small hand holding the sword was already torn and bleeding.

Despite the pain that felt as if her hand would shatter at any moment, she never let go of her sword.

“Why didn’t you avoid it?”

Namgung Gyu spoke for the first time. He looked straight at Namgung Soyu and said.

“You could have, couldn’t you?”

At the moment of the last clash, Namgung Soyu could have avoided or deflected Namgung Gyu’s sword strike. But instead, she chose to face it head-on.

“Because I didn’t want to.”

Namgung Soyu looked straight at Namgung Gyu and said. She already knew that the opponent’s internal energy was stronger than hers. But she didn’t want to avoid it.

Although the result was like this, she did not regret her choice.

“That’s all.”

Her answer was so confident that it seemed arrogant at first glance. However, Namgung Gyu was rather impressed by that appearance.

“You are a martial artist.”

At Namgung Gyu’s words, Namgung Soyu said as if she was dumbfounded.

“What did you think I was?”

“Because there are many who are not martial artists, in this place.”

Swish.

Namgung Gyu raised his sword again.

“I pay my respects to you. In that sense, I will now face you with all my strength.”

Woo-oong.

Namgung Gyu’s sword sang. Namgung Soyu’s complexion changed, and the expressions of the Namgung family elders who were watching also showed surprise.

Namgung Soyu had already experienced hearing the sword name faintly when she started to imbue internal energy into the sword.

But the way Namgung Gyu’s sword was singing now was completely different. This eerie cry was telling Namgung Soyu that she could never beat him.

“Haa.”

Namgung Soyu lightly sighed. She shrugged her shoulders and said to Namgung Gyu.

“If you pay your respects to me, can’t you just lose?”

Namgung Gyu frowned.

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah.”

Namgung Soyu took a stance. Her sword tip pointed sharply toward Namgung Gyu.

“Because I want to win!”

Paat.

Namgung Soyu instantly lunged at Namgung Gyu. Since the difference in internal energy was so clear, she was trying to decide the victory before he really used all his strength.

“Where do you think you’re going!”

Woo-oong.

Namgung Gyu struck down strongly with his sword. The sword, filled with an eerie momentum different from anything before, fell toward Namgung Soyu.

Namgung Soyu raised her sword. It seemed like they were going to clash head-on like before, but at the last moment, her sword path softly curved, deflecting Namgung Gyu’s sword.

Namgung Gyu’s complexion changed. But Namgung Soyu spun her body as if to mock him. Her pink martial arts uniform bloomed like a flower in the training ground, and she finally caught Namgung Gyu from behind.

“Haa!”

With a sharp shout, Namgung Soyu’s sword fell toward Namgung Gyu. It would have been enough to just extend the sword and decide the victory, but Namgung Soyu didn’t feel like it would end like this.

Some of the people watching were surprised at Namgung Soyu’s seemingly excessive sword strike. It was just when the middle-aged man who was in charge of the martial arts contest was about to shout to stop it.

Clang.

A sharp sound rang in people’s ears. And a light metallic sound followed.

Clink, clink.

Namgung Soyu’s sword fragments rolled on the floor. Her sword had been cut in half.

“You’re not the only one who uses feints.”

Namgung Gyu said with a smile. The strike that seemed like he was using all his strength was a trick from the beginning.

“Stop!”

The martial arts contest ended with the middle-aged man’s declaration. The people who had been holding their breath and watching nodded in admiration. Finally, the last winner of the Hidden Dragon Gathering had been decided.

“Hoo.”

Son Bin, who was watching the scene, let out a sigh of relief. He was worried that something might go wrong, but fortunately, the martial arts contest ended safely without any problems.

Son Bin looked toward Seo-rin, Sa Su-yeon, and Dang Wol-ah. Sa Su-yeon also had a relieved expression. But Seo-rin still had an uncomfortable expression, and Dang Wol-ah also didn’t take her eyes off him.

Namgung Hyang was also relieved, but Blood Phantom’s complexion was dark. But it wasn’t as serious as before.

‘That’s a relief.’

Son Bin inwardly felt relieved and looked at the center of the training ground.

Namgung Soyu, who had an unbelievable expression, bit her lip and looked at her broken sword, and finally teared up. Unlike her previous lighthearted appearance, she was sincerely frustrated.

The smile disappeared from Namgung Gyu’s face at that sight.

“Your sword was great.”

Namgung Gyu said.

“A person with your skills being alienated from the family just because you are a woman…… will never happen again.”

It sounded like he was teasing her, so Namgung Soyu glared at Namgung Gyu and said.

“Who are you to say that?”

“I am Namgung Gyu.”

Namgung Gyu said with a firm expression.

“And speak respectfully. In terms of seniority, I am your elder.”

‘Elder?’

Namgung Soyu was dumbfounded. A collateral line [distant family member] acting like an elder to a direct line was not tolerated in the Namgung family, at least.

Step.

Leaving Namgung Soyu behind, Namgung Gyu walked toward the front of the training ground.

The head of the family, Namgung Kwon, also rose from his seat. It was to congratulate and reward him as the winner had been decided.

Step, step.

The head of the family, Namgung Kwon, passed Namgung Hyang and Blood Phantom and stood in front of Namgung Gyu. Namgung Gyu, who was looking straight at the head of the family, lightly bowed his head to show his respect.

‘Hmm?’

Namgung Kwon was slightly uncomfortable. It was because Namgung Gyu’s attitude was not very polite.

Even if he didn’t have any prejudice against the collateral line, he couldn’t help but think of Namgung Gyu’s origin.

“Excellent.”

The head of the family, Namgung Kwon, said in a heavy voice.

“It was a skill that was not ashamed of the Namgung family’s name. To have achieved that level at your age is truly admirable.”

Namgung Gyu was looking straight at the head of the family, Namgung Kwon, without saying anything. His gaze was quite provocative, causing the head of the family’s brow to furrow slightly.

But when he thought about it, it was also the spirit of a young man. Namgung Kwon smiled and continued.

“To congratulate your achievement, I will give you a reward……”

“If you acknowledge my achievement.”

Namgung Gyu’s voice interrupted the head of the family’s words. The head of the family, Namgung Kwon, frowned. How dare he interrupt the head of the family’s words? This was excessive rudeness.

“Please abolish the practice of discriminating against the collateral line. Even though we are of the same blood, we are discriminated against, and even elders in terms of seniority are looked down upon. How can this befitting the name of the Namgung family?”

Namgung Kwon was greatly offended. He said without hiding his displeasure.

“The direct and collateral lines were determined by our ancestors. How dare you call it a practice with your short-sightedness?”

“Even if……”

Namgung Gyu was about to say something, but Namgung Kwon did not allow it.

“Besides, is this the place to say that? If you have something you want, you should go through the proper procedures and report it. Isn’t your actions here disregarding the authority of the family? And what kind of disgrace is this in front of guests?”

Namgung Kwon sternly rebuked.

Son Bin and his group were here. Moreover, Blood Phantom Geum Sa-ryeon, a symbolic figure of the Blood Phantom Alliance, which was virtually in a hostile relationship, was sitting right next to him.

As the head of the family, Namgung Kwon, said, Namgung Gyu’s actions were tarnishing the face of the family and the head of the family. The admirable feeling that he had achieved great achievements despite being from the collateral line had long since disappeared.

“If the bloodline is suffering, are that authority and face more important?”

“You still!”

“Don’t you still know what is really important? Please come to your senses, Great Uncle!”

The current head of the family was a great-uncle to Namgung Gyu in terms of seniority. Of course, it was very distant, but it was still a clear fact.

Namgung Kwon said with a stiff face.

“Rude bastard.”

Namgung Kwon’s gaze toward Namgung Gyu was only cold. He wouldn’t give this kind of gaze even to strangers.

“Call me Head of the Family. I am not your great-uncle.”

At that word, which was like a stern declaration, Namgung Gyu gritted his teeth.

Creak.

“I see…… talking doesn’t work.”

“What? How dare you……”

Swish.

Namgung Gyu slowly raised his sword, still in its scabbard, toward the sky with one hand. The five-colored tassel attached to the handle swayed like a pendulum.

The eyes of the family members were focused on that appearance, which seemed like a declaration or some kind of ritual. Some people were looking at Namgung Gyu, and some were looking at the sword he raised.

The head of the family, Namgung Kwon, was staring straight into Namgung Gyu’s eyes. He was watching closely to see what Namgung Gyu was trying to do.

If he threw his sword down here, it would be a serious insult and rebellion against the family. That sin could never be easily washed away.

“If you truly want change.”

Namgung Gyu said quietly. His gaze toward Namgung Kwon, the head of the family and an elder of the family, was extremely cold.

“In the end, you have to change that head.”

The head of the family, Namgung Kwon’s eyebrows twitched.

“How dare you!”

He was about to shout loudly. But it didn’t happen.

“No!”

Whoosh.

Something red obscured part of Namgung Kwon’s vision.

Namgung Kwon realized a little later that someone had blocked the space between him and Namgung Gyu. It was the moment he was about to frown at another unexpected situation.

Thud.

A chilling sound rang out quietly. It was the sound of a sharp dagger piercing a woman’s chest.

The dagger in Namgung Gyu’s other hand, which had been raised to aim for the heart of the head of the family, Namgung Kwon, had instead been embedded in her chest.

“Young miss!”

Son Bin shouted as he jumped up from his seat.

A small woman with a pale face wearing red clothes.

She who stood in front of Namgung Kwon with a determined look was none other than Blood Phantom Geum Sa-ryeon.