A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 255

255. The Lay Disciple of the Emei Sect

After Son Bin and Hyeolbong’s group left the Namgung Clan, even the former Thunder Sword, Namgung Cheon, vacated the clan to investigate Baek In-rok.

All that remained was to uncover the full story of the ‘Attempted Assassination of the Clan Lord.’ However, the Namgung Clan’s troubles were not yet over.

Step.

In the dim darkness of the Namgung Clan’s prison, Namgung Gyu raised his head at the sound of approaching footsteps.

He was the only one in this deep prison. If someone came in the middle of the night, they would surely be the ones Namgung Gyu was waiting for.

Step, step.

The soft footsteps passed the empty prison cells and stopped in front of Namgung Gyu.

“My lord.”

Namgung Gyu said with a somber expression. His voice was rough and dry, reflecting his current situation.

Namgung Gyu wanted to kneel immediately, but his arms and legs, bound by chains, did not allow him that freedom.

“Tsk, tsk.”

A young man in splendid clothes clicked his tongue. Behind him stood another person, silent.

Clang.

The door of the prison cell where Namgung Gyu was confined opened. It was a door that even the elders could not open carelessly, but it was nothing in front of them.

Step.

The two men stepped inside. The young man in splendid clothes smiled gently and said,

“Are you alright?”

Namgung Gyu lowered his head.

“I failed to complete the great task I was entrusted with.”

Namgung Gyu said, gritting his teeth. It was a failure for which he had no excuse.

“It can’t be helped. Who knew things would turn out that way? And it’s not entirely your fault that things went wrong.”

Namgung Gyu raised his head. His young lord continued with a gentle smile.

“Actually, I had prepared for the possibility of your failure. You may not have known, but the Great One was watching you from afar.”

“The, the Great One.”

Namgung Gyu looked up. Behind his lord stood a familiar figure, silent.

He was slender and dressed like a nobleman. He wore a luxurious black hat and had a short black veil, making it impossible to guess his age from his appearance.

On the surface, he looked like a frail nobleman with no presence, but in reality, he possessed tremendous martial prowess.

In Namgung Gyu’s eyes, even the former Thunder Sword, Namgung Cheon, would not be a match for the Great One. Of course, if Namgung Gyu knew Namgung Cheon’s true martial prowess, his assessment might have been different.

“The Great One tried to join you as soon as he realized things had gone wrong. But unfortunately, there was an obstruction.”

“The, the old man?”

Namgung Gyu recalled the small old man who had knocked him unconscious. He lost consciousness after being hit by something the old man threw.

“No, there was another person. A being comparable to the Great One, but who never revealed himself until the end.”

“Are you saying there was another expert like that?”

Namgung Gyu said, unable to hide his surprise. According to his lord, how many experts beyond common sense were there at that time?

“Yes, that’s why I had to come all the way here.”

The young lord said with a bitter expression.

“To take care of you.”

Thud.

“Cough.”

Namgung Gyu groaned. He trembled and looked down at the dagger stuck in his chest.

The young lord who stabbed him did not even change his expression. He released his hand from the dagger and said with a puzzled expression,

“Why, is it strange? But since you failed the great task, isn’t it right to atone with death?”

“But, but I….”

Namgung Gyu said as if he couldn’t believe it. The young lord answered his question.

“Ah, that Ziso Pill [a rare and potent elixir]? It’s a divine medicine comparable to the Great Revitalizing Pill of Shaolin, capable of reviving even the dead and elevating any martial artist to the ranks of a supreme master.”

The strange smell that Seorin said came from Namgung Gyu, and the unique energy that attracted Old Gun’s attention.

It was all due to the Ziso Pill, or more precisely, the unique Taoist energy it acquired during the manufacturing process.

Seorin’s expression, ‘smell’ was her own way of putting it. But in some ways, it was an accurate word.

The young lord continued with a calm expression.

“What you took was not the Ziso Pill. No, to be precise, only a small part of it was the Ziso Pill.”

Namgung Gyu’s eyes widened in shock. The young lord clicked his tongue.

“Did you really think you were qualified to take all of that precious elixir? So you thought you would never be abandoned? Tsk, tsk, that’s why they say lowly branch families don’t know their place.”

The young lord, whom Namgung Gyu had once sworn allegiance to and hoped would reform the clan, was gone.

Standing there was just another narrow-minded pure-blood supremacist, looking at Namgung Gyu, a member of the branch family, like trash, stained by the direct line and vested interests.

“Th, this!”

Namgung Gyu mustered all his inner strength. However, the restraints placed on his body and the chains binding his limbs did not allow even his last struggle. Moreover, the dagger plunged into his chest was consuming his life every moment.

“H, how could you do this? How could you do this to me!”

Namgung Gyu screamed in despair. But his screams only echoed emptily in the prison.

“Oh, right, I forgot to tell you this.”

The young lord said, looking down at Namgung Gyu.

“Originally, you were destined to die even if you had completed the great task. The reason the Great One touched your blood points was not only to help you absorb the effects of the Ziso Pill. But Old Gun noticed that and changed the flow of your blood points. Besides, there was even a divine physician there…”

The young lord, no, the young man who used to be his lord, shook his head.

“You seem to have had a surprisingly long life. But that luck is over now.”

“Y, you…”

Namgung Gyu glared at the young man with eyes full of resentment.

The young man frowned, looking straight into his bloodshot eyes.

“If you have anything to say, say it quickly. You don’t have much time left. Probably soon…”

“Cough.”

Namgung Gyu groaned. The light disappeared from his eyes, and his powerless body began to collapse slowly.

“Hmm.”

The young man stepped back and covered his mouth with his sleeve. The wound on Namgung Gyu, stabbed by the dagger, rapidly decayed and began to emit a poisonous smell.

Clang.

The dagger, having lost its support, fell powerlessly to the ground.

The person called the Great One, who was standing behind the young man, reached out his slender hand and picked up the dagger.

Buzz.

The faintly blue blade made a sound as it touched his white hand. But he didn’t care at all.

“It’s quite a useful dagger.”

He said, lightly twirling the dagger in his hand. The young man knew very well that he should not judge him solely by his voice, which sounded very young.

The same goes for the lines of his face, which could be seen through the veil, and his delicate fingers handling the dagger.

He was certain that the true form hidden beneath the nobleman’s clothes was a woman, but he shouldn’t say it out loud unless he wanted to die.

The young man shrugged and said,

“If I, who am weak in martial arts even in this damned clan, want to protect myself, I need something like that, don’t I? Well, you can have it if you want. No one knows I have that dagger, and I can get that much again.”

In fact, this dagger was of immense value. But considering the young man’s position in the Namgung Clan, the word ‘that much’ was not so wrong.

“Hmm, then I won’t refuse.”

He tucked the dagger into his bosom. He didn’t seem to care at all that it had caused Namgung Gyu to rot before his eyes.

“But is it okay to handle it so openly? It would be better to at least pretend it was suicide. Besides, if the Lord hears the results of this…”

“That’s none of your business.”

He said without even looking at the young man.

“Anyway, this is a warning. Namgung Cheon will understand the meaning of this warning well. Even if they are the two major powers of Gangnam martial arts, they don’t have the freedom to act as they please.”

The young man frowned.

“I can’t understand. If that’s the case, it would be better to use the imperial decree…”

Swish.

The hand of the person wearing the black hat moved lightly. But it was so fast that the young man couldn’t even see it.

In his hand, aimed precisely at the young man’s neck, was the dagger he had just put away, its blade gleaming.

“So-called clever people always bring disaster upon themselves with their reckless mouths. Are you one of them?”

“By no means.”

The young man smiled. His expression was gentle, as if he couldn’t even see the dagger aiming for his neck.

“I have spoken foolishly. I apologize.”

The red lips revealed beneath the black hat formed a thin smile, and the dagger disappeared back into his bosom.

“You’re quick to judge. I like that about you. Well, that’s probably why you’ve been able to survive in this Namgung Clan until now.”

“I was just lucky.”

“I don’t need insincere words.”

A different, distinct presence flowed from under the black veil.

“If you show that you are useful, the Lord will give you what he promised. But if you have other thoughts, you will be destroyed.”

The presence felt behind the veil was terrifying. But the young man bowed his head with an exaggerated attitude.

“I am honored to be with you.”

The person wearing the black hat lightly sneered at his actions. And he turned his body without a sound and left the prison.

The young man also followed him. All that remained was the dead Namgung Gyu and the sudden disappearance of the warriors guarding the prison.

*

*

*

In the current Kangho [martial arts world], the four major orthodox sects commonly refer to Shaolin, Wudang, Huashan, and Emei. Of course, there were many other old prestigious orthodox sects, but now they had lost their power and were barely maintaining their existence.

Among the four major orthodox sects, the Emei Sect is a Buddhist sect located in Mount Emei in Sichuan Province. It is not that there are no men in the Emei Sect, but the direct disciples are composed only of women who have converted to Buddhism.

Because of this, the Emei Sect is famous for its strict precepts and high pride. If one acted impolitely out of curiosity about the women’s sect, even a well-known martial artist in Kangho would be taught a lesson without exception.

With Mount Emei (峨嵋山), named after the graceful eyebrows of a woman, the Emei Sect was proudly raising its reputation to the world as a dignified member of the four major orthodox sects.

“It is truly a commendable thing.”

The respected Buddhist nun of the Emei Sect, Beopheo Shinni, chanted the Buddha’s name with a pleased expression.

“Even though she was born with a noble status, her heart is not deluded by the secular world and she seeks to convert to Buddhism, how can this not be a kind and beautiful heart?”

Inside the large Buddhist temple, Beopheo Shinni could not take her eyes off the young woman standing humbly before her.

Despite her noble status as a member of the imperial family, she was dressed very modestly.

She had no common accessories and even her clothes were simple, but her pure appearance was like a spring flower blooming on Mount Emei.

Her hands, gathered respectfully, and even her slightly lowered eyebrows were attractive.

“I am ashamed.”

She, Grand Princess Gyeonghui, continued in a low voice.

“I am afraid that the Emperor will be angry, so I cannot fully leave home, but that is the only thing I regret.”

Originally, those who convert to Buddhism must abandon everything of the secular world.

However, Grand Princess Gyeonghui is now trying to enter Emei as a lay believer [a Buddhist who observes some precepts but does not become a monk or nun] while maintaining her status.

In other words, like a lay disciple.

However, she does not actually practice in Emei. Because of the Emperor, who does not like Taoism and Buddhism, she cannot visit often.

So in some ways, it is just a nominal conversion. Even the initiation ceremony was not held publicly and only a few people attended.

“If the intention is sincere, what does the formality matter? The desire to be close to Buddhism is the most important thing.”

Beopheo Shinni said in a soft voice. The senior members of the Emei Sect on the left and right also had smiles on their faces.

Even if it is only a nominal conversion, Grand Princess Gyeonghui is a member of the imperial family. No matter what the formality, it is a great pleasure for the Emei Sect.

Rather, it is a good thing for the Emei Sect that Grand Princess Gyeonghui maintains her current position, so this type of conversion is what the Emei Sect desires.

“But is it okay to receive teachings from an old woman like me? You are young, so the sermon of the sect leader here would be more comfortable for you?”

At Beopheo Shinni’s words, the Emei Sect leader, Hyewol Satae, smiled softly and replied,

“If it is not Shinni, who else can give teachings to the Grand Princess? Also, this is what the Grand Princess requested, so you don’t have to worry.”

Sect Leader Hyewol Satae could not hide her happy expression.

Beopheo Shinni was a little annoyed that she used honorifics to Grand Princess Gyeonghui. But she did not know the intention of showing respect to the imperial family, so she decided to let it go.

“Is that so? Then I’m glad.”

Beopheo Shinni nodded. It was also a sign of permission to accept Grand Princess Gyeonghui as a disciple.

Of course, this master-disciple relationship is to convey the teachings of Buddhism. Unless she leaves home, she cannot formally claim a position within the Emei Sect.

However, the fact that Grand Princess Gyeonghui became a disciple of Beopheo Shinni does not change.

“This disciple respectfully pays respects to Shinni.”

Grand Princess Gyeonghui slowly bent down and paid respects to Beopheo Shinni. The elderly nun was receiving her respects, which only the elders of the imperial family could receive.

Beopheo Shinni, as well as the nuns of the Emei Sect on the left and right, could not hide their emotional expressions.

In particular, Sect Leader Hyewol Satae could not hide the smile on her face.

Hyewol Satae looked back at Beopheo Shinni and said,

“Now, Shinni, please give her a Buddhist name.”

“A Buddhist name…”

Beopheo Shinni was lost in thought for a moment. And she slowly opened her mouth.

“Your heart is as beautiful as a flower, so I will name you Cheongnyeon [meaning ‘blue lotus’].”

Sect Leader Hyewol Satae was momentarily embarrassed. But Beopheo Shinni continued to speak with a smile still on her face.

“It is a Buddhist name that has a special meaning to me. Even though you are in the imperial family, I hope that you will convert to the Three Jewels [Buddha, Dharma, Sangha] and keep the Five Precepts [basic ethical guidelines] and become a disciple worthy of this name.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

Grand Princess Gyeonghui, who now had the Buddhist name Cheongnyeon, put her hands together and bowed her head. Beopheo Shinni nodded in satisfaction.

“Shinni.”

Sect Leader Hyewol Satae, who was standing next to her, took a step forward. The embarrassed look had already disappeared and she was full of smiles.

“Grand Princess Gyeonghui has a wish to open a lay sect in Beijing for the sake of Emei.”

“A lay sect?”

Beopheo Shinni asked back with a puzzled expression. Grand Princess Gyeonghui answered.

“I wish to build a temple of Emei in Beijing, but the Emperor’s will is stubborn, so this is difficult. So, I wonder if it would be better to first open a lay sect to enlighten the people.”

Grand Princess Gyeonghui’s words were quite persuasive.

Even an emperor who does not like Taoism or Buddhism has no justification to interfere with the lay sect. Moreover, if Grand Princess Gyeonghui helps, a strong foundation for Emei will be created in Beijing, the center of the world.

“Cheongnyeon’s heart for Emei is truly commendable.”

Beopheo Shinni nodded with a happy heart.

“I will gladly grant my disciple’s wish, so the sect leader should help Cheongnyeon so that there is no shortage.”

“I understand.”

Sect Leader Hyewol Satae bowed her head and followed Beopheo Shinni’s will.

“And if it’s okay, how about having Satae Cheonghye help with this?”

“Cheonghye?”

Beopheo Shinni could quickly understand Sect Leader Hyewol Satae’s intention. She wanted to strengthen the relationship between Grand Princess Gyeonghui and Emei through Satae Cheonghye, who was of a similar age.

In fact, Satae Cheonghye is a master of external affairs who will succeed Beopheo Shinni. However, no one knows that fact yet, and they just guess that she is excellent in martial arts.

“If it’s Cheonghye, there’s nothing lacking. The two are of similar age, so it would be a good opportunity to strengthen the friendship of the same school.”

Moreover, opening a lay sect in Beijing would be a good experience for Satae Cheonghye. And if it is Cheonghye’s skill, it is enough to protect Grand Princess Gyeonghui in case of emergency.

“How about it? Will you go?”

Beopheo Shinni asked, looking at Satae Cheonghye. But her question was meaningless. Satae Cheonghye’s eyes were already sparkling.

“Disciple, I will gladly do so.”

Satae Cheonghye bowed her head and followed Beopheo Shinni’s will.

The noble Grand Princess of the imperial family became her junior sister, and she was about to open a lay sect of Emei in Beijing, the center of the continent and a bustling city. How could it not be an exciting thing for her as a young woman? Satae Cheonghye felt like she was dreaming.

“Okay, then let Cheonghye help Cheongnyeon well.”

“Disciple, thank you for your deep consideration.”

At Beopheo Shinni’s words, Grand Princess Gyeonghui bowed her head deeply to express her gratitude.

A pleased smile never left Beopheo Shinni’s face as she looked at her.