A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 270

270. Hangzhou Martial Alliance

There’s paradise in heaven, and Suzhou and Hangzhou on earth [a Chinese saying praising the beauty of these cities]. The Martial Alliance was located in the heart of this beautiful Hangzhou.

The Martial Alliance is arguably the largest force in the Jianghu [martial arts world], encompassing almost all sects that profess to be righteous. However, the Martial Alliance did not have as much power as one might think.

This was partly because the Martial Alliance was a loose coalition centered around the Four Great Righteous Sects and the Five Great Families, but the biggest reason was that the Four Great Righteous Sects and the Five Great Families checked each other.

In the beautiful city of Hangzhou, fierce debates between representatives of the Five Great Families and the Four Great Righteous Sects continued in the Martial Alliance today.

“This is an outrage that can never be accepted!”

Gongseon Chang, the representative of the Gongseon Family, said in a strong tone.

“An inspection? What authority does the Emei Sect have to conduct an inspection? Besides, there wasn’t even prior consultation!”

Gongseon Chang’s voice was full of anger. But everyone knew that even that anger was feigned.

This place is a den of demons where the political machinations of the Five Great Families run rampant: the Martial Alliance.

“And since when has Emei represented the Martial Alliance? This is truly a disregard for all the sects of the Martial Alliance!”

Gongseon Chang looked at the Emei representative, Abbess Mu-jeong, as if he were interrogating her. But Abbess Mu-jeong’s expression was calm.

“What authority? Of course, we have the authority. Hasn’t it already been acknowledged that the Four Great Righteous Sects have the authority to adjust and mediate disputes between sects in the Jianghu?”

Disputes between sects are common. In such cases, one of the Four Great Righteous Sects usually takes on the role of mediator. No one would believe that the Five Great Families, who pursue secular interests, would be fair mediators.

Therefore, no matter what anyone says, the central axis of the Martial Alliance is the Four Great Righteous Sects. Besides Shaolin, Wudang, Huashan, and Emei, there were many other old and prestigious righteous sects, but their power has waned and cannot be compared to the Four Great Righteous Sects.

In any case, these Four Great Righteous Sects, with their long tradition and detachment from the secular world, firmly occupied the symbolic position of the Martial Alliance.

“Th, that was only when the sect in question requested it!”

Gongseon Chang protested. But his protest fell on deaf ears.

“I don’t remember any such condition. If you don’t believe me, you can check the records from that time.”

At Abbess Mu-jeong’s words, Gongseon Chang gritted his teeth. There was definitely no such condition attached. But that was because the Four Great Righteous Sects themselves were reluctant to actively engage in secular affairs.

“Also, the Four Great Righteous Sects have the authority to examine the facts before defining a particular sect as heretical when that sect has acted against chivalry, don’t they?”

“Th, that’s…….”

Gongseon Chang’s face contorted.

The Four Great Righteous Sects did not readily accept the role of decoration for the Five Great Families. One of the things the Four Great Righteous Sects demanded was this authority.

If the Five Great Families controlled the Martial Alliance with their secular influence of wealth and numerical superiority, the Four Great Righteous Sects had the weapon of people’s trust and the cause of righteousness based on tradition.

Moreover, the Four Great Righteous Sects are the minimum safety net that guarantees the trust of the Martial Alliance sects.

If the Four Great Righteous Sects were not in the Martial Alliance, the Five Great Families, who do not trust each other, would immediately return to their fierce fighting of the past.

“In this case, hasn’t it already been agreed that the person who investigates the specific sect in question is called an ‘Inspector,’ and is sent in the name of the ‘Martial Alliance,’ not the Four Great Righteous Sects or the Five Great Families?”

At Abbess Mu-jeong’s words, Gongseon Chang could not answer, his face as if he had chewed on bitter roots. Zhuge Sang, the head of the Zhuge Family’s Outer Affairs Department, saved him.

“Abbess’s words are correct, but you do not have the authority to forcibly intervene in disputes between sects. Moreover, wasn’t it suppressed by force?”

There was a reason why the representative of the Zhuge Family intervened.

The activities of the so-called ‘Martial Alliance Inspector’ Wi Ga-jin mainly took place in the Jiangsu Province area. This means that the sects behind the ‘dispute’ are the Zhuge Family and the Gongseon Family.

“Therefore, this is clearly an overreach of the Emei Sect.”

It was the moment when Abbess Mu-jeong’s face was about to contort at Zhuge Sang’s criticism.

“Then your charge would be ‘abetting’.”

The heavy voice of Taoist Tae-hyeon of Wudang echoed softly. Taoist Tae-hyeon looked at the representatives of the Zhuge Family and the Gongseon Family with his piercing eyes and said.

“Did you think we didn’t know that the families were behind the sects that caused the problems? If we hadn’t sent an inspector in the name of the Martial Alliance, would they have even pretended to listen, even if it was Emei or Wudang?”

The Five Great Families held the real power of the Martial Alliance. Considering that the Four Great Righteous Sects have strong religious characteristics, it was no exaggeration to say that the Five Great Families were the reality of the Martial Alliance.

The Zhuge, Gongseon, Nangong, Hyeokryeon, and Tang families, the Five Great Families, were enjoying unprecedented power by building cooperative relationships through the Martial Alliance.

As Wudang stepped forward, a strange light flashed in Abbess Mu-jeong’s eyes. But Taoist Tae-hyeon continued in his unique, heavy voice.

“I think Emei’s actions this time are truly right, and rather, they should be more active.”

While tensions were rising and disputes were occurring between small and medium-sized righteous sects, the Green Forest [bandits] and Waterfront factions were rampant.

At least the Four Great Righteous Sects shared a basic understanding that the Martial Alliance needed to intervene in this situation.

“Is that the will of Wudang?”

Gongseon Chang asked with a serious expression. Taoist Tae-hyeon nodded.

“That’s right.”

At that firm answer, the faces of the representatives of the Five Great Families hardened. The same was true for Shaolin and Huashan. They did not know that Wudang would be so firm after Emei.

“But our Gongseon Family’s will is also clear.”

Gongseon Chang said in a strong tone, as if he could never back down.

In fact, he could not back down. This is the will of the Gongseon Family, and there is no room for Gongseon Chang himself to change it.

“This situation is a clear overreach of Emei, and Emei must apologize for this and take all responsibility.”

“The Zhuge Family also agrees.”

Zhuge Sang agreed with Gongseon Chang’s words with a firm expression.

“Huh.”

The Shaolin monk Hye-bul sighed and chanted the Buddha’s name softly.

“Then there’s nothing we can do.”

Hye-bul held his staff, Seokjang (錫杖) [a Buddhist monk’s staff], and said to everyone with his hands clasped together.

“It is clear that this matter is beyond our authority. Now, it seems that we have no choice but to resolve it through the Martial Alliance Supreme Council.”

At the words ‘Supreme Council,’ everyone’s faces hardened again. Zhuge Sang murmured softly like a groan.

“Hmm, but if we open the Supreme Council, the aftermath…….”

The ‘Martial Alliance Supreme Council’ is a meeting with the highest authority in name and reality, attended only by the heads and family heads of the Four Great Righteous Sects and the Five Great Families.

The problem is that opening this ‘Supreme Council’ is by no means an easy task.

It takes a lot of time and enormous expenses, and the fact that the ‘Supreme Council’ is held can act as an element of instability in the Jianghu. This is tantamount to admitting that a situation so serious is occurring.

“Then what should we do? Is there anyone here who has been delegated the authority to handle this matter?”

No one answered Hye-bul’s words. That’s how serious the ‘Martial Alliance Inspector’ incident is.

“Then let everyone inform their sect about the ‘Supreme Council.’ If everyone is going to cover it up silently, then we don’t have to open a ‘Supreme Council’.”

However, everyone already knew that it would not be like Hye-bul’s words. Unless Emei and Wudang, or the Gongseon Family and the Zhuge Family, give in, this matter will eventually have to be concluded by the top leaders.

“Let’s end this meeting here.”

With Hye-bul’s words, who was in charge of the proceedings, the meeting ended. This position is also in accordance with the custom that the Four Great Righteous Sects take turns.

Thump.

The representatives of the Gongseon Family and the Zhuge Family were the first to stand up. And the representatives of Wudang and Emei also stood up and left the meeting room.

‘Tsk.’

Nangong Jun, the Deputy Head of the Nangong Family’s Outer Affairs Department, who had been sitting leisurely, clicked his tongue inwardly. The position of representative of the Martial Alliance was originally the job of his older brother, Nangong Ryeol, the Head of the Outer Affairs Department, but he is substituting for him due to an injury.

‘It took a long time just to get the representatives together, but suddenly it’s a ‘Supreme Council.’ I have no idea how long it will take.’

Nangong Jun did not say a single word at this meeting.

This was partly because he was not originally accustomed to political negotiations, but also because he had received an order from the head of the family to ‘not step forward no matter what.’

―As for this matter, our Nangong Family will absolutely only observe. Do you understand?

Family Head Nangong-gwon said so in a very strong tone. It was a rather unusual order, because the Nangong Family was also experiencing various disputes with the Gongseon Family.

‘Well, the Family Head must have his reasons. Anyway, it’s become quite a troublesome matter, hasn’t it?’

Nangong Jun, the Deputy Head of the Nangong Family’s Outer Affairs Department, shrugged his shoulders and stood up from his seat.

At that moment, no one knew that the representative of the Hyeokryeon Family and the representative of the Tang Family were also thinking the same thing and getting up. And also the fact that all three of them had received the same strict orders from the heads of their families.

*

*

*

At that time, in a tea house in Hangzhou, Son-bin, No-gun, Shin-ui, and Janggang Eowong were savoring tea while watching the twilight.

“Keo, that’s good.”

No-gun said with a satisfied expression. Shin-ui and Janggang Eowong, who always found fault, were also silent now.

Outside the window, a world dyed red was unfolding. The way the sky and the earth were changing completely according to the changing light every moment was truly a spectacle.

“It’s wonderful.”

Son-bin also said as if sighing. The day when the intense sunlight was shining has ended, and now a new world called night is coming. They are on the border between day and night.

“I’m feeling it again, but it’s amazing. How can the world be turned upside down like this?”

“Haven’t night and day always been there for thousands of years?”

Shin-ui said, holding a teacup. No-gun clicked his tongue.

“Well, it’s been there for thousands of years. But just because it happens every day, is there any reason why its grandeur should fade? You’re too dry. Well, you’ve been looking at patients all your life, so how can you understand my sensibility? You too, like me…….”

“You have to get married?”

Shin-ui took the lead. But No-gun shook his head.

“No. You should have met Bin-i earlier.”

No-gun’s words were unexpected. Not only Shin-ui but also Son-bin were embarrassed, but No-gun continued to speak calmly.

“When I was in Nanyue, wouldn’t there have been sunsets? But now I have the peace of mind to savor the beauty of nature. It’s all thanks to Bin-i.”

Shin-ui frowned, but Janggang Eowong nodded next to him.

“That’s right.”

As if answering Shin-ui’s question, Eowong continued.

“I also feel more comfortable thanks to Bin-i. In the past, even when I cast a fishing line in the Yangtze River, I was only worried about the Jianghu, but now I feel more relaxed thinking, ‘Bin-i is here.’ Naturally, I can understand the mind of the carp better.”

“You’re talking about the mind of the carp. Think about it from their point of view. Is that a good thing? And don’t call me ‘Bin-i’ like you’re close.”

No-gun said bluntly, but Janggang Eowong didn’t even pretend to listen.

“Hmm, was that what you meant? Well, that’s right.”

Shin-ui muttered as if he finally understood.

“I’m also less worried about Yeon-ah. And some other patients too.”

Son-bin gave an awkward smile.

“Speaking of which, I hope there’s nothing wrong with Seowon?”

Son-bin said, trying to change the subject. In fact, when Shin-ui talked about Sa Su-yeon, he suddenly became a little worried about whether everyone was doing well.

“Well, they’ll be fine.”

No-gun said, shrugging his shoulders.

“I’m worried that Hwa-sa might do something strange, but for now, Talhondo is there, and in case of emergency, Wol-ah is there too.”

“Young lady Wol-ah?”

Son-bin asked at the unexpected name, and No-gun nodded.

“Yes. Wol-ah is the opposite of Hwa-sa due to the nature of her inner strength. Besides, she’s smart, so she’s likely to play with Hwa-sa. For now, what’s in Hwa-sa and Wol-ah’s heads is different.”

Dang Wol-ah has mastered all kinds of precious secret manuals in the world. Of course, she hasn’t mastered all of the martial arts, but she has completely penetrated the core.

If you apply this, you can use it to stab the opponent’s weakness as much as possible.

“Besides, unlike those who mainly use poison skills, Wol-ah is very unhesitant about close combat. She never backs down even in a battle of strength against strength. So maybe Hwa-sa will just get angry without even being able to use her hands properly and be defeated?”

Son-bin nodded.

“I had a rough idea that young lady Wol-ah would be strong, but was it to that extent?”

“Didn’t you know? Well, Wol-ah never tries to reveal herself. After a little while, even the outer experts will have a hard time noticing Wol-ah’s skills.”

Son-bin agreed with No-gun’s words. Dang Wol-ah is hiding her appearance tightly with a veil from the start, isn’t she? Even though she has that beauty that everyone would admire.

“I see. Then young lady Wol-ah is the strongest…….”

“That’s not it.”

No-gun interrupted Son-bin’s words.

“Yeon-ah is there.”

“Young lady Sa Su-yeon? Isn’t young lady Su-yeon’s inner strength similar to young lady Hwa-sa’s?”

“It’s similar. But Yeon-ah is a genius.”

No-gun said without hesitation.

“Wol-ah is also great, but she can’t beat Yeon-ah. Are they both geniuses, but in different fields? No matter what kind of trick you use, Yeon-ah will probably hit the weakness right away. I can’t even imagine using the same number twice. Besides, Yeon-ah has Hyeoncheon-gyeol [a powerful martial arts technique], doesn’t she? In the end, if the two of them are going to compete, they’ll have to be sincere…….”

No-gun, who was talking, shakes his head.

“Wol-ah can’t do it. She doesn’t express it, but she’s extremely devoted to the precious people she recognizes. In the end, Wol-ah will back down.”

“Do you mean she’s deliberately losing?”

At Son-bin’s words, No-gun clicked his tongue.

“Like this stuffy scholar. If you’re a martial artist, the strength of your mind is also your skill. Besides, the higher the level, the more absolute the influence of psychological factors. Do you remember Eowong muttering when he used his skill?”

“Ah.”

Son-bin recalled Eowong saying, ‘When I cast a clear stream on the blue waves, the whole world is caught’ while using his skill.

“That’s not some kind of spell. By saying that, he concentrates his mind and leads his mind to a kind of transcendence. If you’re going to call it a skill, you can’t use it with a normal mind.”

‘Aha.’

Son-bin understood what No-gun meant. But at the same time, a question arose.

“But…….”

“Didn’t the Martial Emperor do that?”

No-gun seemed to have read Son-bin’s mind. When Son-bin nodded, No-gun smiled bitterly.

“You can’t compare the Four Heavenly Kings to ordinary outer affairs.”

‘Outer affairs’ and ‘ordinary’ were really strange modifiers, Son-bin thought.

“So Wol-ah can’t surpass Yeon-ah. Yeon-ah, as I said back then, is like the Martial Emperor, so she has a subtly scary side.”

Son-bin couldn’t agree with that. In Son-bin’s eyes, Sa Su-yeon was only pretty even when she was angry.

“Then is young lady Su-yeon the strongest?”

Son-bin said in an interrogative sentence thanks to his previous experience. And Son-bin’s prediction was correct.

“Well? If you’re sincere, Hwa-sa is by no means an easy opponent, so…….”

“Young lady Hwa-sa?”

No-gun fiddled with the teacup.

“Yes. Yeon-ah and Hwa-sa have similar inner strength characteristics and similar personalities that hate tricks. In the end, it’s a head-on confrontation of strength against strength, and there aren’t many people in outer affairs who can beat Hwa-sa. Ah, of course, at night.”

Son-bin also knows well what kind of capabilities Hwa-sa exerts at night. Son-bin had no choice but to nod.

“Actually, Yeon-ah’s inner strength increases just by breathing thanks to you fixing her? So if time passed, she could have surpassed Hwa-sa enough. But you fixed Hwa-sa too.”

Son-bin assimilated the cold energy that threatened Sa Su-yeon’s life with her own essence.

In other words, even if she is just breathing, the cold energy in her body naturally moves and adds to her inner strength and true energy.

The same is true for Dang Wol-ah and Hwa-sa. After meeting Shin-ui, they used a method to discharge cold energy or poison, but in the case of Hwa-sa or Hyeolbong Geumsaryeon, there was no other way.

“Maybe Yeon-ah will be dominant during the day, but she won’t be able to beat Hwa-sa at night. Hmm? Come to think of it, from now on, Talhondo…….”

No-gun couldn’t continue speaking. It’s obvious that Talhondo cherishes Hwa-sa so much, but from now on, he won’t be able to do anything about it with martial arts.

Son-bin, No-gun, and Shin-ui briefly prayed for Talhondo. Only Janggang Eowong, who doesn’t know why, frowns.

“Anyway, that’s it. Well, if we fight in the North Sea, the story will be different.”

“North Sea?”

Son-bin asked at the sudden words.

“Yes. If it’s the North Sea, Yeon-ah wins overwhelmingly. It doesn’t matter if it’s night or day. No, there’s no one in outer affairs who can beat Yeon-ah in the North Sea. Even Geomhee can’t do it.”

“Why?”

No-gun looks at Son-bin blankly, as if asking why he’s asking that, and says.

“There’s the Ten Thousand Year Ice Crystal. You returned it to its original state, but once synchronization has been achieved, it’s the same as a path has been created. If you want, you can use the power of the Ten Thousand Year Ice Crystal as much as you want. It won’t be the same as when you were completely swallowed up.”

“I see.”

Son-bin nodded. Then suddenly No-gun said.

“You too, right?”

“Ah, I…….”

“It’s not just the Ten Thousand Year Ice Crystal. The fact that the flow is familiar to you and helps you is all about that, isn’t it? Once your eyes are opened, you can’t close them again.”

Son-bin smiled quietly.

No one knows Son-bin as well as No-gun does. That also means that No-gun’s eyes are excellent, but at the same time, it’s also his warm affection for Son-bin.

“It’s funny…….”

No-gun said bluntly, frowning.

“Wait, so you don’t know much about those kids because of that? ‘I can win with one cut, so how do I know who’s stronger?’ What, is that it?”

No-gun said, joking. Son-bin waved his hand.

“No way. Oh, what about Seo-rin?”

“That guy is rotting treasures.”

No-gun clicked his tongue.

“Isn’t Seo-rin the one who inherited everything from Grandmaster Hwanghak? But when you think about it, Seo-rin may be living the way Grandmaster wanted. A life where massive inner strength is completely useless.”

There was longing in No-gun’s voice. Following him, who was looking out the window, Son-bin also turned his head.

Before he knew it, the sun had set and the lights were twinkling on the streets of Hangzhou.

‘Everyone, I miss you.’

Looking at the colorful night view of Hangzhou, Son-bin recalled the quiet Seowon. And he felt a warm affection rising in his heart.