A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 256

256. Dragon in the Clouds

The chief military strategist of the Tang Clan, Xuejian Tang Hwa-ryun, was in her office, receiving an urgent report.

“The Namgung Clan has declared a truce with the Blood 봉련 [Blood Lotus Clan],” a Tang Clan member announced, bowing his head. Tang Hwa-ryun, however, didn’t seem surprised.

“Yes, I already know.”

The member involuntarily repeated, “Pardon?” How could she already know news that had just arrived?

Tang Hwa-ryun’s beautiful eyebrows furrowed slightly at his question, and the member quickly realized his mistake.

“This is a report with detailed information.”

He hastily handed Tang Hwa-ryun a thin letter. She took it and began to read.

Rustle.

The letter briefly described the truce between the Namgung Clan and the Blood 봉련. It stated that the will of the former Thunder Sword, Namgung Cheon, had played a significant role, and also mentioned a person named Namgung Hyang.

“Namgung Hyang… The Namgung Clan had a capable woman after all.”

As Tang Hwa-ryun muttered to herself, the member quietly added, “The problem is the Namgung Clan’s true intentions. There are many different opinions as to why they accepted the Blood 봉련’s truce. Moreover, most people expected this truce to drag on without any conclusion…”

“Because of the Yunnan Blood Dragon Gate, right?”

The member nodded at Tang Hwa-ryun’s words.

“Yes. In the end, this dispute depends on the will of the Namgung Clan and the Yunnan Blood Dragon Gate. So, no matter how symbolic the existence of the Blood 봉련 is, they can’t act alone…”

“Heaven must have helped.”

“Pardon?”

The member made the mistake of asking again. But this time, Tang Hwa-ryun smiled.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to delve into this matter any further.”

“But…”

Thud.

Tang Hwa-ryun’s hand landed on the table. The member finally understood he had overstepped.

Tang Hwa-ryun, who had been glaring at the member with his head bowed, sighed softly. *Well, even I wouldn’t have understood if I’d heard these words without knowing anything.*

“What are the reactions of the other sects?”

Many sects and factions were eyeing Gangnam [region south of the Yangtze River]. They, too, would react sensitively to this news. The longer the conflict between the Namgung Clan and the Blood 봉련 lasted, the more opportunities would arise for them.

“They are still observing. There are many different opinions as to whether the Namgung Clan has sincerely accepted the truce, and many within the Blood 봉련 say they need to wait and see what happens, especially what the Yunnan Blood Dragon Gate will do…”

“The conflict between the Namgung Clan and the Blood 봉련 will not escalate any further,” Tang Hwa-ryun stated, cutting off the member’s words.

“Assuming that, consider how our Tang Clan will secure influence in the Gangnam Murim [martial arts world] in the future. This is an opportunity because everyone is hesitating. Got it?”

“Yes, yes. I understand.”

The member finally realized that the chief military strategist had some other information. What she said at the beginning, ‘I already know,’ was not a mishearing.

“You may leave.”

At Tang Hwa-ryun’s words, the member bowed and retreated.

After he left, Tang Hwa-ryun picked up another thin letter. It was Tang Wol-ah’s letter, which she had received through the Silver Sword Unit before the member came in with the so-called ‘urgent report’.

Tang Wol-ah’s letter briefly described what had happened in the Namgung Clan.

Externally, they had made a ‘truce,’ but in reality, the Blood 봉련 had saved the life of the head of the family, Namgung Kwon, and Namgung Kwon had declared that he would ‘not be hostile first’.

“Still, it’s a letter to my sister after a long time…”

Tang Hwa-ryun sighed softly and looked down at the thin letter.

The reason why what happened in the Namgung Clan was written was because of Son Bin. Most of Tang Wol-ah’s letters were about ‘Young Master Son’ and the food she had eaten.

“Can’t you write a little less about that Young Master Son, Wol-ah?”

Son Bin’s face came to mind. As his unique, serious yet foolish smile came to mind, she felt annoyed without realizing it.

“Really, how much does that man have to bother me before I feel better?”

Muttering words that Son Bin would feel wronged if he heard, Tang Hwa-ryun rested her chin on her hand and leaned back in her chair.

“Thanks to you, this is no longer someone else’s business.”

Tang Hwa-ryun’s gaze reached a thin book on the desk. The cover of the book had the words ‘Baek In-rok’ [Hundred People Record] written in beautiful handwriting.

The carriage carrying Son Bin and his party was lightly shaking as it traveled along the main road. They had been in the carriage for the past few days, but the party’s expressions were bright, perhaps because 청원 [Cheongwon] was not far away.

“Why did you come out? Just stay in the back,” Noh-gun, who was holding the reins, said to Son Bin, who was sitting next to him.

“I thought you might be bored.”

“Bored? I wouldn’t mind driving a carriage all year round if I heard these words. Oh, of course, the 영매 [young lady] has to be next to me.”

The sturdy horses that had been with them since Bukhae [Northern Sea] had never tired for the past few days, as if boasting of their strength. Even now, the power that the horses were emitting could be felt all the way to the driver’s seat.

“About the Baek In-rok.”

“Yeah.”

Noh-gun replied as if he had been waiting.

“What is the reason why such a book is circulating?”

“It’s because people are curious. Who is stronger? It’s something that anyone, not just swordsmen, would be curious about, right?”

“No, not that…”

“Purpose? Only the guy who made that book knows. But the result was always the same.”

Clatter, clatter.

Noh-gun, who was driving the carriage, chuckled.

“Conflict.”

“Do you mean that there is conflict because of the ranking in the Baek In-rok?”

Even Namgung Cheon was dissatisfied with his ranking. What about other people?

But Noh-gun’s answer was different from Son Bin’s thoughts.

“It’s right, but it’s a little different.”

Son Bin tilted his head.

“Different?”

“It’s a mistake to think that Murim people just wield their swords without thinking. Oh, of course, there are some guys like that, but most experts have a lot to lose and a lot to consider, especially if they are high on the Baek In-rok.”

As Noh-gun said, an expert who is on the Baek In-rok would either lead a sect or belong to a large force.

“From the perspective of accepting a duel, there is nothing to gain even if you win, and if you lose, you will be completely disgraced. So there is no way they would accept it.”

“I think there is meaning in the duel itself, but I guess you can think that way.”

“That’s because you’re a special guy.”

Noh-gun, who gave Son Bin a sharp remark, continued, “The same goes for the side that is requesting the duel. I don’t know if there is a clear difference like 외사 [Outer History] or 천외사성 [Four Heavenly Sages of the Outer History], but most duels often have their victory or defeat overturned by very small differences. There is no Murim person who would accept that even if they lose, it is a difference in level.”

Even if a duel takes place, the results cannot be accepted with just one or two times. Son Bin nodded.

“I see. Each martial art also has its own unique characteristics, so the condition of the duel itself cannot be said to be fair.”

A one-on-one duel, a confrontation with the opponent in front of you, is itself a special case.

If the Gangho Murim [martial arts world] was only about one-on-one duels, there would be no Murim person who would fear hidden weapons or poison skills.

“Then does that mean that duels will not take place after all?”

“Personally, that’s right. But when it becomes a group, the problem changes.”

“Ah.”

Son Bin was able to understand Noh-gun’s words.

“It means that a spark is thrown.”

“That’s right. They know that the best thing to do is to ignore it, but when people start whispering, the tension between the two groups naturally increases. Then, even the smallest thing can cause a problem.”

“But would the Five Great Families or the Four Great Sects fight over such things?”

“Those guys will never fight. Why would they when there is nothing to gain? And how long has it been since they checked and confronted each other?”

In the end, the names of the Murim people of the Four Great Sects or the Five Great Families, who occupy the middle part of the Baek In-rok, mean that their rankings are meaningless. They don’t move easily, and they can’t move.

“The problem is those at the bottom of the Baek In-rok, or rather, the sects they belong to.”

“The bottom?”

“Yes. In fact, there are many unknown experts in the Four Great Sects or the Five Great Families. But the Baek In-rok intentionally omits these people and mentions the experts of small and medium-sized sects in the second half. In my opinion, the arrangement was intentional.”

“Do you mean that they intended to cause conflict between sects?”

“That’s what I think. Namgung Hyang said that it was a warning to you, but at the same time, it is inducing local disputes among small and medium-sized sects. In other words, they want the Gangho Murim to be noisy, but moderately.”

“Miss Namgung Hyang said that too.”

Suddenly, Tang Wol-ah’s slender voice cut in from behind. Her voice was small, but it could be heard clearly all the way to the driver’s seat.

“She said that the Murim Alliance would gain power to resolve the conflict, so she said she couldn’t understand it.”

“Murim Alliance? Hmm, that’s true too.”

Noh-gun nodded at Tang Wol-ah’s words. But Son Bin couldn’t understand.

“Murim Alliance?”

“Yes. In fact, the Murim Alliance does not have much influence right now. First of all, the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families, which can be said to be the core, are checking each other, so decisions cannot be made. So in the end, they can only maintain the status quo. And…”

Noh-gun, who was talking, glanced at Son Bin.

“Besides, you appeared. You declared that you would walk the path of the 무제 [unrestrained one], so the 외사 [Outer History] maintains the current state. If the 외사 remains the same, then the Gangho Murim remains the same.”

The 외사 is the sky above the sky. And Son Bin, to put it bluntly, is the successor of the absolute being who ruled that 외사.

“Is that so?”

“That’s how it is.”

Son Bin felt as if his responsibility was getting heavier. He didn’t want to get involved in the affairs of the Gangho Murim if possible.

“By the way, what happened to you?”

Noh-gun asked Son Bin.

“Yes? What do you mean?”

“Aren’t you going to 우화등선 [ascend to immortality]?”

Son Bin smiled. *우화등선, that’s Noh-gun’s expression.* [Noh-gun’s way of speaking]

“I can’t. I like this place too much.”

“Chuckles, I like it. Some people say that life is suffering, but for you, it’s a leisurely outing.”

“That’s a bit much. Do you think I’m living without thinking?”

Son Bin, who frowned slightly, smiled again.

“I’m just grateful for everything. I’m grateful for meeting Noh-gun, Miss Sa Soo-yeon, and Miss Tang Wol-ah.”

“Hyung [older brother], what about me?”

Seorin’s voice popped out from behind in an instant. Son Bin turned his head and looked at Seorin.

“Of course. I’m so glad I met you.”

“I’m glad too, Hyung!”

Seorin smiled brightly. Sa Soo-yeon turned her head with a slightly reddened face, and Tang Wol-ah blinked her eyes silently.

“Can’t you break the Blood Wolf Sword again?”

Son Bin nodded at Noh-gun’s words.

“No.”

“파월일식 [First Form of Shattering Moon]?”

“Basically, it’s an extension of riding the flow, so it’s possible to unfold it. However, my inner strength is still lacking, so the original appearance will not come out.”

“You told the Blood Demon that 파월이식 [Second Form of Shattering Moon] is still impossible?”

“Yes, that’s creating a flow. So…”

“Creating a flow?”

Noh-gun frowned. Son Bin realized that his explanation was insufficient.

“So 파월이식 is…”

“That’s enough. You wouldn’t understand even if you explained it. So, you can’t do it?”

Son Bin smiled bitterly. However, knowing Noh-gun’s personality well, he simply stated the conclusion.

“It’s still impossible with my current level of inner strength.”

“If inner strength is the problem, how about I give you my inner strength?”

Giving inner strength is like giving life to a Murim person. But Noh-gun was mentioning such a thing without any hesitation.

“I don’t know if it will be temporary, but it probably won’t work. In fact, 현천결 [Profound Heaven Art] tends not to accept other energies and rather rejects them.”

An energy that is as aloof as a star in the night sky. That is 현천결.

The reason why Son Bin was able to survive in Bukhae was because such a 현천결 was holding him back.

If it was another energy, he would have been swept away by the energy of the 만년빙정 [Ten Thousand Year Ice Crystal].

“Hmm, you’re a picky guy.”

“Rather than a guy… No, it’s not.”

Noh-gun shrugged and continued.

“Then 연아 [Yeon-ah] can’t do it either?”

Sa Soo-yeon learned the same 현천결 as Son Bin. If you ask, Sa Soo-yeon is more orthodox. But Son Bin shook his head.

“I can’t ask Soo-yeon for such a favor…”

“I’m okay.”

Sa Soo-yeon said. Son Bin turned his head and looked at Sa Soo-yeon. Her firm eyes were looking straight at Son Bin.

“Anytime, I’m fine.”

Son Bin smiled and said.

“Thank you. But it’s not possible. Soo-yeon’s 현천결 has become something a little different now.”

“Ah.”

Sa Soo-yeon sighed. Her 현천결 has become 현천한빙결 [Profound Heaven Cold Ice Art]. It is no longer the same as the previous 현천결.

“Then there is no way?”

“There is.”

Son Bin said with a smile.

“It’s to practice hard, like everyone else.”

“Tsk. So when are you going to unfold 파월이식?”

The path of the 무제 that Son Bin wants to walk, the place where the path of the sword is directed, is the completion of 파월삼식 [Third Form of Shattering Moon]. Noh-gun, who knew that, could only click his tongue.

“Well, it might be possible?”

Son Bin lightly raised one hand. It was a gesture as if trying to feel the wind, but it was also like dipping his hand in a flowing stream.

“Somehow it feels familiar since last time. I don’t know how to express this, but if I used to put my sword on the flow, now it feels like the flow is helping me?”

“What?”

Noh-gun frowned.

“Then you control the energy between heaven and earth…”

“No, that’s not it.”

Son Bin firmly denied Noh-gun’s words.

“Maybe I’m just mistaken. But overall, I don’t know if I should say that I feel that way…”

“Bin-ah.”

“Yes.”

Noh-gun looked at Son Bin with a serious face. Son Bin also made a serious expression.

“Don’t say things you don’t understand to others. Got it?”

“Ah… Yes.”

Son Bin agreed with Noh-gun’s point that the logic was not accurate.

“Then can I eat tonics?”

“There’s no reason not to.”

Shin-ui’s voice was heard from behind.

“In Bin’s case, it’s not about treating a disease, but about nourishing the body, so it’s like an extension of a meal. It doesn’t matter as long as it’s not too much.”

“That’s what he says.”

Son Bin said with a smile. Noh-gun nodded.

“Um, but Elder.”

Suddenly, Son Bin leaned over and spoke in a low voice. Noh-gun also brought his ear closer.

“Shin-ui seems to be in a bad mood these days.”

“That guy? Why?”

“Somehow, the way he treats you and me…”

“Ah, that? He’s lonely. He’s been alone all his life, so he might get annoyed when he sees me with the 영매 [young lady] or when he sees you.”

“Me? I’m still alone?”

Noh-gun stared at Son Bin’s words. Then he sighed softly.

“I was like that too, but you’re even worse. So that’s why people say someone will pick you up. Well, I don’t know if there will be anyone who will pick you up through those kids.”

“Pardon?”

Noh-gun, who didn’t know what it meant, asked back, but Noh-gun continued.

“Just leave that guy alone. He’s not the kind of guy who can be fixed by doing something next to him.”

Noh-gun glanced at Shin-ui and whispered.

“He’s a guy who believes in fateful love.”

“So?”

Son Bin tilted his head. He wondered what that had to do with it.

“What I’m realizing these days is that believing in fateful love is like looking for a dragon in the clouds.”

“Do you mean it’s difficult?”

“No.”

Noh-gun said with a serious expression.

“There’s no such thing. You make it. Whether it’s love or a dragon.”