A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 271

The news that the Murim Alliance Supreme Council was to be held immediately became the hottest topic in Gangho [Martial Arts World].

The heads of the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families—they were the ones who truly controlled Murim, and it was extremely rare for them to gather in one place.

In fact, this Supreme Council was a first for many of those attending. The previous generation’s sect leaders and family heads had all stepped down.

In other words, this Supreme Council was the first Murim Alliance Supreme Council of a new generation, and that alone was enough to attract attention.

However, the question on everyone’s mind was ‘why now?’ Why was the Murim Alliance Supreme Council being held at this particular time?

The Murim Alliance did not provide any official answer. They had no reason to reveal the internal conflicts of the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families.

“Really? Why are they holding the Supreme Council now?”

A man dressed as a merchant said. He was at a tavern in Hangzhou, solidifying ‘information exchange’ and ‘business friendships’ with other merchants.

“Hehehe, isn’t it obvious?”

The middle-aged merchant sitting across from him laughed. He held a glass in one hand and habitually stroked his goatee with the other.

“Think about it. The atmosphere in the sects is very bad right now because of the Hundred Inquiries Record, right?”

“That’s right. The Murim Alliance is even stepping in.”

“That’s what I’m talking about.” The man with the goatee lowered his voice slyly.

“There’s a rumor that the ‘Inspector’ was actually sent to investigate the Hundred Inquiries Record. That intervening in the dispute was only secondary. I heard it too.”

“Really?”

The eyes of the man listening sparkled.

“Come to think of it, that makes sense.”

Another merchant sitting next to him nodded. The merchant, who was wearing a particularly flashy coat, was particularly proud of his clothes, which he said had ‘come from across the water’ [imported from overseas].

“It was a little strange that an Inspector suddenly appeared. Since when has the Murim Alliance cared about small and medium-sized sects or merchants like us…?”

“But would the Murim Alliance hold a Supreme Council for something like that?”

Another merchant raised an objection. The merchant in the flashy clothes frowned at the interruption, but no one paid attention.

“The Hundred Inquiries Record was plausible, but because of a book with an unknown origin…”

“Something must have come out,” the merchant with the goatee said in a seemingly relaxed tone. The merchants’ eyes sparkled all at once.

“Come out? What?”

“Well, I don’t know.”

The moment disappointment flashed in the merchants’ eyes, the merchant with the goatee shrugged and continued.

“But think about it. The Hundred Inquiries Record is circulating, and then suddenly an Inspector pops out of the Murim Alliance. And suddenly, the Supreme Council of the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families is being held. Don’t you get it?”

The merchant with the goatee lowered his body as if to emphasize.

“There’s something in the Hundred Inquiries Record—content that the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families are scrambling to hide.”

It was a very vague story, but the fact that the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families were trying to hide it made it seem serious and very suspicious.

After a moment of silence, one of the merchants said,

“Then the Hundred Inquiries Record is all true…”

“Shh!” The merchant with the goatee glared at the merchant who was speaking.

“Be quiet. Do you know what will happen if you carelessly say that there are nearly twenty people stronger than the heads of the Four Great Sects or the Five Great Families? What if there are Murim people involved here…?”

A fight would break out immediately, of course. Even if they were merchants like themselves, a Murim person whose pride was hurt would not be lenient.

The merchants quickly shrank back and looked around the tavern. They hadn’t noticed it before, but there seemed to be a lot of people who looked like Murim people here and there today.

“Ahem, ahem.”

One of the merchants coughed, an attempt to gloss over the conversation, but he didn’t even realize that his actions were attracting the attention of the next table.

After a moment of silence, the merchants checked the atmosphere and continued their conversation after confirming that nothing special was happening. However, the sight of six or seven merchants putting their heads close together was quite a unique sight even in the bustling tavern.

“This is no ordinary matter.”

One of the merchants said with a serious expression. If the Hundred Inquiries Record was true, the names of the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families would immediately be tarnished.

“Who are those twenty people?”

“To be exact, it’s not twenty people… Ahem.” The names that were erased in the Hundred Inquiries Record were fifteen, and the strongest Heavenly Outer Four Stars were actually four people, so it was eighteen in total.

However, the merchant’s attempt to correct it was thwarted by the glares of his colleagues. A warning look flashed, telling him not to interrupt unnecessarily.

“Warriors stronger than the Four Great Sects or the Five Great Families…”

Someone muttered.

People are interested in the best. Especially in Gangho Murim, where the logic of power dominates, it is even more so.

“More than that, it would be quite shocking if the Hundred Inquiries Record was all true, right? I thought it was all nonsense.”

“Who wrote it?”

“The Murim Alliance must have found something out, right?”

“Could there be a secret in the Hundred Inquiries Record? Like hidden martial arts, or a treasure map.”

“Treasure map, my foot! All that’s circulating are handwritten copies, so would there be something like that?”

“That’s true, but you never know about hidden martial arts. Like reading it horizontally instead of vertically…”

The merchants poured out words in no particular order. Then one merchant asked,

“Then what will be the result of this Supreme Council?”

The merchant with the goatee who received the question grinned.

“There are two possibilities.”

The merchants’ gazes focused again on the words that there were two. The merchant with the goatee smiled with satisfaction and continued.

“They’ll just spout bland words as if nothing happened. They’ll list plausible words or fancy sentences, but in reality, there’s nothing of substance.”

The merchants nodded with bitter smiles.

“Or.”

“Or?”

The merchant with the goatee stroked his chin, leisurely savoring the gazes of the merchants toward him.

“They’ll blow up something else. For example, they’ll announce a groundbreaking policy or create someone new like a hero. That’s how they can conceal the Hundred Inquiries Record.”

The merchants looked at each other, their eyes full of suspicion.

“Eh, no way…”

“Ahem. Wait and see. There was a time when people even told me to set up a mat [fortune telling business]. Do you guys know Yukgap [Sixty-year cycle in the Chinese calendar]? When I was young…”

No merchant was listening to the words of the goatee man anymore, but his words about the Supreme Council were very persuasive.

In the first place, people tend to be more drawn to secret conspiracy theories, don’t they?

‘First of all, I need to get the Hundred Inquiries Record.’

The other merchants decided so in their hearts.

And what they didn’t know was that similar conversations were taking place not only in Hangzhou but also in various places. Of course, everyone’s predictions about the outcome of the Supreme Council were different.

*

*

*

The heads of the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families gathered in Hangzhou for the Murim Alliance Supreme Council. Every time the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families arrived in Hangzhou, people filled the streets.

When the leaders of Shaolin, Mount Hua, Wudang, and Emei entered Hangzhou with their disciples, it was a sea of people, regardless of whether they were Taoist or Buddhist.

The sight of them walking in a solemn procession according to the teachings of Taoism or Buddhism was enough to sway even a non-believer.

As things progressed this way, the Five Great Families did not stand still.

The heads of the families brought a grand procession that made people’s eyes widen, not wanting to lose out to the Four Great Sects.

Because they were the Five Great Families, who occupied an absolute position in Gangho Murim, people’s interest was also high.

In this way, the Murim Alliance Supreme Council immediately focused everyone’s attention on the Hangzhou Murim Alliance.

At least, it was very successful in showing off the power of the Murim Alliance and calming the dissatisfaction that had been heightened by the disputes between the sects.

With so many people’s keen interest, the Murim Alliance Supreme Council began in a large garden located on the banks of Hangzhou’s West Lake.

“It’s a good place.”

The head of the Namgung Family, Thunder Sword Namgung Kwon, said with a relaxed expression as he sat down.

The garden they were in was located on a low hill overlooking West Lake.

The antique and carefully decorated garden and the scenery of West Lake seen in the distance created a very comfortable atmosphere.

“How could we dare to invite benefactors if it were not a good place?”

Shaolin’s Abbot Wonkak said with a soft smile.

“But this humble monk is also here for the first time. It is indeed a beautiful place.”

Wonkak recited the Buddha’s name softly as he looked at West Lake.

Wonkak, the current Abbot of Shaolin, rarely went outside Shaolin and was not a well-known figure to people.

However, because of that, people respected him, saying, ‘The current Abbot of Shaolin is simple and frugal.’

“Thank you for attending. This humble monk is not the only one who is attending the Supreme Council for the first time, so it is quite comforting. Hahaha.”

Wonkak started the meeting with a gentle smile.

It is quite symbolic that the Abbot of Shaolin starts the first day of the Supreme Council. Nevertheless, this speaks to Shaolin’s status in Murim.

The leaders of the Four Great Sects and the heads of the Five Great Families exchanged light greetings. Since they already knew each other, there was no need for long greetings or embarrassing self-introductions.

Wonkak was the same. No matter how little he engaged in external activities, it was essential for the successors of the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families to have basic friendships with the successors of other sects.

The leaders of Shaolin, Wudang, Mount Hua, and Emei, and the heads of the Namgung, Hyeokryun, Jegal, Gongson families, and Tang Clan exchanged perfunctory greetings.

Wonkak, who was watching the scene with a smile, said.

“Since it is something that must be discussed anyway, let’s resolve it first. The Gongson Family claims that the Emei Sect has overstepped its authority. Is that correct?”

The expression of the head of the Gongson Family, Quick Sword Gongson Chung, hardened slightly, but only for a moment. Gongson Chung said with a gentle face.

“At the very least, I think everyone is concerned about the Emei Sect ignoring due process.”

His voice was calm and soft. Wonkak nodded.

“Is the Jegal Family of the same mind?”

“That is so.” The head of the Jegal Family with a gaunt impression, Iron Brush Jegal Kwan, nodded briefly.

“How is it? The two family heads have said so.”

Wonkak’s gaze turned to the Abbot of the Emei Sect, Hyewol. Hyewol also replied with a gentle expression.

“It is the duty of Buddhism to show mercy, so there is nothing wrong with Emei’s actions.”

Hyewol said with her hands clasped together. Unlike her soft voice, the content was very stubborn.

‘Hmm. This is a bit unexpected.’

The head of the Namgung Family, Thunder Sword Namgung Kwon, thought that Hyewol was coming on quite strong.

‘There is nothing wrong…’

The attitude of the Four Great Sects is basically not to make things big.

They refrain from conflict itself and stay out of things that could be a problem. The very act of getting involved in secular affairs has the potential to damage the reputation of the Four Great Sects.

This is the same in this case. Namgung Kwon thought that Emei would emphasize the ‘unavoidable situation’ and compromise appropriately. But now, Hyewol of Emei has no concessions at all.

‘Well, that’s why we came to the Supreme Council.’

Originally, the Supreme Council would not have been held. If that had been the case, Namgung Kwon, who was focusing on martial arts training, would not have come all the way to Hangzhou.

‘Come to think of it, my father said that Young Master Son would be in Hangzhou…’

Namgung Kwon was maintaining ‘observation’ while thinking about finding Son Bin after the meeting.

“Is Wudang of the same mind?”

Wonkak asked the Wudang leader, Qing Su Jin-in.

“That is so, Master,” the white-haired old Taoist Qing Su Jin-in answered slowly. Wonkak nodded and said.

“Is that so? Our Shaolin’s opinion is a little different from Emei’s, but we agree that it is right to show mercy.”

Even if they are the same Buddhist, Shaolin and Emei have different sects. Naturally, the ideas that emphasize enlightenment or practice are also different.

But now is not the time to emphasize the differences between the sects. Wonkak recited the Buddha’s name softly.

“As you all know, the Murim Alliance Supreme Council is based on complete agreement. The Supreme Council will not end until everyone here agrees.”

In principle, the Supreme Council can last for months, but that doesn’t mean you can’t move from here.

It is a trick, but ‘adjourning’ the meeting indefinitely is also a way to end the debate. However, after that, the military actions of each family and sect will follow.

Everyone was silent at Wonkak’s words, which subtly put pressure on them. It’s not because they have nothing to say, but to take the lead in the conversation.

The silent battle between the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families has already begun.

Wonkak, who was looking at the silent meeting place, opened his mouth.

“I have prepared something that this humble monk thought would be helpful in your decision.”

The gazes of the leaders and family heads turned to Wonkak.

“In a way, you could say that they are the parties involved in this incident. The instructor and head of the Beijing Jahaemun [Imperial Guard] are here today.”

There was a strange light in the eyes of the heads of the Five Great Families. It was the same with the Mount Hua Sect, but only the Wudang and Emei Sect leaders did not change their expressions as if they already knew.

“What will you do? Do you agree to have them attend this meeting?”

Wonkak asked again. The expressions of the Jegal Family and Gongson Family heads were not very good. This is because it is no different from Shaolin siding with Emei.

But it is not good to refuse here. The head of the Gongson Family, Quick Sword Gongson Chung, nodded.

“Okay. Clarifying their background will also be important.”

The word ‘background’ touched the heart of Emei Sect’s Hyewol, but Hyewol’s expression did not change.

“Since everyone agrees, I will have them brought here.”

Wonkak lightly raised his hand to the waiting maid. The maid bowed her head and went out, and soon a sturdy young man entered the garden.

Step, step.

He was a young man with a good physique and a dignified spirit at a glance. He was quite a handsome young man, but his intense eyes that overwhelmed the viewer immediately blew away that impression.

‘Hoo.’

There was no one to say. The family heads and leaders were inwardly impressed by the extraordinary spirit exuded by the young man.

“He is the instructor of the Beijing Jahaemun, Cheongranggeom Wi Gajin [Azure Wave Sword Wi Gajin].”

Wonkak said with a pleased expression. The young man, introduced as Cheongranggeom Wi Gajin, put his hands together and politely bowed without saying a word.

“Ahem.”

The uncomfortable cough of Gongson Chung, the head of the Gongson Family, Quick Sword Gongson Chung, changed the atmosphere. It was right then.

Sarak.

A low sound of silk dragging was heard. The gazes that had been directed at Cheongranggeom Wi Gajin turned to the person entering the garden as if they had made a promise.

Sabak, sabak.

A beautiful woman in a splendid dress was walking.

That was all, but her steps on the paving stones laid in the garden were so elegant and beautiful, as if she were stepping on flower petals, that even the family heads and leaders could not take their eyes off her.

Sabak.

She passed Wi Gajin by one step and stopped there.

Thump.

Shaolin’s Abbot Wonkak rose from his seat. Following him, Emei’s Abbot Hyewol and Wudang’s Qing Su Jin-in also stood up to greet her.

The Mount Hua Sect leader and the heads of the families could not hide their momentary puzzled expressions. It was because they could not understand why they stood up.

They could not even imagine that the leaders of Shaolin, Emei, and Wudang were paying their respects to her.

“Let me introduce you.”

Wonkak said with a soft expression.

“She is the head of the Beijing Jahaemun and the precious daughter of the Imperial Family, Princess Gyeonghui.”

In an instant, shock covered the meeting place. Because Wonkak’s words were so unexpected, the family heads could not hide their surprised and embarrassed expressions.

“I am glad to meet those whose names are well-known in Gangho like this.”

Princess Gyeonghui’s voice spread through the meeting place. She smiled as she looked at the family heads and leaders. She did not feel any pressure from the fact that it was a place where the leaders of the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families were gathered.

“I am Princess Gyeonghui.”

She bowed slowly but lightly.

‘This!’

Only then did the Mount Hua Sect leader and the heads of the families, who had grasped the situation, quickly rise from their seats.

No matter how much they were the leaders or heads of families, it was absolutely impossible to receive the courtesy of the imperial family while sitting down.

Depending on the case, even if they were accused of having rebellious intentions, they would have no excuse. Moreover, if it was not a Buddhist or Taoist family but a family, there was no room for further discussion.

Thump, thump.

The sound of the family heads and the Mount Hua Sect leader belatedly rising echoed through the garden. They put their hands together and bowed their heads to answer Princess Gyeonghui’s greeting.

“Thank you.”

Princess Gyeonghui smiled brightly. As the momentarily chaotic etiquette ended, Wonkak prepared a seat.

In the meantime, the maid and the young man who served Princess Gyeonghui followed and stood behind Princess Gyeonghui.

Soon, an antique chair was placed in the garden, and Princess Gyeonghui sat down in an elegant posture.

Her appearance, sitting quietly with her hands clasped together, was like a model of impeccable etiquette.

However, her gaze, looking straight ahead at the leaders and family heads, clearly showed who was in the dominant position in this place.

“Let’s continue the meeting.”

Wonkak said, but no one was listening to his words anymore, and there was no one who did not know how this agenda would end.

The discomfort shown on the faces of the Gongson Family and Jegal Family heads clearly showed that.