A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 276

276. The Secret Treasure of the Heavenly Outlaws

The Lord of the Tang Clan, Hwagun Dang Ok-dam, entered his office after a long absence. He had just returned from the Supreme Council of the Murim Alliance.

“Lord, the Chief Strategist has arrived.”

At the maid’s words, the Lord’s face brightened. “Oh, tell her to come in quickly.”

The maid bowed and stepped back. Moments later, Chief Strategist Seolgeom Dang Hwa-ryeon entered the Lord’s office.

“You have returned, Lord?” Seolgeom Dang Hwa-ryeon offered her respects. Her greeting was polite, but her bright, confident eyes remained unchanged. Lord Hwagun Dang Ok-dam smiled and returned the greeting.

“I have returned safely. Has the Chief Strategist been well?”

Despite his high position and title, the Lord treated the Chief Strategist with respect.

“Thanks to your concern.”

The Lord smiled and offered the Chief Strategist a seat. As Lord Dang Ok-dam and Chief Strategist Dang Hwa-ryeon sat down, a maid brought warm tea.

“You worked hard on the long journey. Congratulations on safely completing the Supreme Council of the Murim Alliance,” the Lord said, raising his teacup with a chuckle.

“Was there any hard work to be done? I was merely a spectator. I almost felt sorry for the other Lords and Clan Leaders. In any case, I was able to see Hangzhou and West Lake again after a long time, which I personally enjoyed.”

Lord Hwagun Dang Ok-dam possessed a gentle disposition, befitting his title. He rarely took initiative, which could be frustrating, but his amiable nature made him ideal for enhancing the Tang Clan’s external reputation.

Chief Strategist Dang Hwa-ryeon, on the other hand, wielded full authority over all of the Tang Clan’s affairs.

The Lord supported her, and even the largest faction within the Tang Clan fully trusted her management. Consequently, no one in the current Tang Clan complained about the system.

Of course, even without their support, no one in the Tang Clan could stand against Dang Hwa-ryeon, not with Dang Wol-ah of the Moon Shadow Guard and Son Gong-ja of Seowon Gate backing her.

“I received the letter regarding the events at the Supreme Council,” Dang Hwa-ryeon said, and the Lord nodded as if it were expected.

Lord Dang Ok-dam had been sending specific details to the Tang Clan throughout the Supreme Council. Thanks to this, Chief Strategist Dang Hwa-ryeon received reports on everything that happened at the Supreme Council even before the Lord left Hangzhou. Few organizations could gather information faster than the Tang Clan.

“But what was your impression when you saw him in person?” Dang Hwa-ryeon suddenly asked. The Lord looked at her, as if asking what she meant.

“I heard he’s now a formal Murim Alliance Inspector? I’m referring to Cheonglang Sword, Wi Ga-jin.”

“Ah, Cheonglang Sword, you mean?” The Lord put down his teacup, leaned back in his chair, and clasped his hands together.

“He is indeed remarkable. To have reached the peak realm at such a young age… I initially had no interest, but the other Lords and Clan Leaders seemed quite shocked.” The Lord shrugged as he spoke. “But I can’t say he particularly impressed me. Ah, don’t misunderstand. I’m not suggesting my own realm or insight is superior.”

Hwagun Dang Ok-dam was more versed in scholarly pursuits than martial arts. It was his natural inclination, and he lacked any particular talent for martial arts in the first place.

There was a clear reason why he spoke dismissively of a master of the peak realm.

“I suppose it’s because I’ve already seen… certain things,” Hwagun Dang Ok-dam said with an awkward smile.

“Ah, that’s right,” Chief Strategist Dang Hwa-ryeon realized what the Lord was referring to.

By ‘seen,’ he meant Dang Wol-ah’s Poisonous Energy Art, and even more so, Son Bin’s swordsmanship.

Having witnessed such displays, how could Cheonglang Sword Wi Ga-jin’s skills possibly impress him?

Dang Hwa-ryeon nodded, a quiet smile playing on her lips as she touched her teacup.

“How was the Gongson Clan? Were they convincing in their performance?”
A clear sneer touched her lips.

“They were mediocre at best. Ah, I can say that with confidence as an expert,” Hwagun Dang Ok-dam said with a smile. “The Gongson Clan’s acting was third-rate. It was obvious they were retreating just enough to maintain appearances, exactly as you predicted.”

“It can’t be helped. The Gongson Clan must have already coordinated with the Bukgyeong Jahe School [a Buddhist-influenced martial arts sect].”

“But you were able to discern that.”

“It’s nothing,” Dang Hwa-ryeon said with a smile. “One can clean up after a dispute has occurred. But appearing at the scene where a dispute is brewing implies prior knowledge. If that happens repeatedly, the conclusion is obvious.”

Raising her teacup, Dang Hwa-ryeon spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “From the beginning, this was a scheme orchestrated by the Gongson Clan and the Murim Alliance Inspector—or rather, the Jahe School.”

Most of the disputes in which Cheonglang Sword Wi Ga-jin intervened involved the Gongson Clan and the Jegal Clan. Given the Gongson Clan’s influence, smaller clans wouldn’t dare engage in direct disputes without their permission.

“The Namgung Clan probably noticed, and of course, the clans that had already been informed.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon suddenly recalled the name of a useful young lady in the Namgung Clan, ‘Namgung Hyang,’ and savored the tea spreading in her mouth.

“But if you hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have noticed. So many unexpected things happened.”
The appearance of Princess Gyeonghui was particularly disruptive. It seemed natural for the usually extreme Gongson Clan to back down.

“What do you think will happen in the future?” Lord Dang Ok-dam suddenly asked.

“I can’t say for sure yet,” Dang Hwa-ryeon said, gazing at the ripples in her teacup. She continued in a low voice, “However, no monarch raises an army without a reason. Whether it’s a bluff or a genuine show of force, there must be a purpose and a goal to achieve.”

Hwa-ryeon held the teacup tightly with both hands. “Princess Gyeonghui will undoubtedly make her next move, and that will reveal her true intentions. Surely, believing she founded the Jahe School to practice Buddhist mercy is utterly ridiculous.”

“Hmm.”

Dang Ok-dam stroked his beard. “It’s quite serious if you don’t even know.”

“It’s not that I don’t know… or perhaps I should say…” Dang Ok-dam tilted his head at the incomprehensible answer. Dang Hwa-ryeon smiled.

“Depending on the situation, it could become a serious matter. But regardless, we have Son Gong-ja.”

‘Regardless’ implied that the outcome would be the same no matter what. Dang Ok-dam thought the word was very accurate.

“I don’t know what the royal family’s monarch is trying to do, but as long as Son Gong-ja intervenes, things won’t go according to plan. So, at least in this matter, we can leisurely observe and profit appropriately,” Hwa-ryeon said with a shrug and a feigned smile.

“It’s a very enjoyable life. If things continue this smoothly, I’ll have no reason to suffer.”

At her somewhat sarcastic words, Lord Hwagun Dang Ok-dam smiled. He raised his teacup and suddenly said, as if he had just remembered, “Did you inform Son Gong-ja of this matter?”

“Why would I?” Hwa-ryeon frowned, her attitude suggesting it was absurd to even ask. Dang Ok-dam was taken aback.

“No, but he…”

“I have already informed the Moon Shadow Guard,” Hwa-ryeon said, seemingly avoiding the Lord’s gaze.

“Hehe.” Dang Ok-dam let out a hollow laugh. The Moon Shadow Guard meant she had told Dang Wol-ah, which was essentially the same as telling Son Gong-ja.

“Why are you laughing?”

“No, it’s nothing,” Lord Dang Ok-dam coughed, startled by Dang Hwa-ryeon’s sharp gaze.

But he didn’t feel too bad, as he seemed to have glimpsed a human side to Chief Strategist Dang Hwa-ryeon, who sometimes seemed almost inhuman. It was like seeing a young lady in her prime, sensitive about her pride.

Just as he was about to bring the teacup to his lips…

“Chief Strategist, urgent news,” a maid said in a low voice from outside the door. Both Dang Hwa-ryeon and Lord Dang Ok-dam looked puzzled.

“Come in.”

*Sarak.* [sound of door opening]

The door opened, and the maid handed a thin letter to Dang Hwa-ryeon. Even with the Lord present, Chief Strategist Dang Hwa-ryeon accepted it as a matter of course. In practical matters, the Tang Clan’s priorities were clear.

*Rustle.* [sound of paper rustling]

As the maid stepped back, Dang Hwa-ryeon opened the letter. Immediately, her expression hardened.

“What’s wrong?” Lord Dang Ok-dam asked. Dang Hwa-ryeon bit her lip and handed the letter to the Lord.

“Princess Gyeonghui has made a move. And we’ve taken a hit.”

*Rustle.* [sound of paper rustling]

The Lord received the letter and quickly read through it. His expression also hardened, but he couldn’t quite grasp the contents.

“What on earth does this mean?” The Lord looked at Dang Hwa-ryeon and asked. “The Secret Treasure of the Heavenly Outlaws?”

‘Bibo’ [secret treasure] refers to a treasure secretly hidden. The problem was the phrase ‘Heavenly Outlaws’ preceding it.

“It’s as you said. Along with the original copy of Baek In-rok [a historical record], a sentence describing the location where the Heavenly Outlaws held their meetings was discovered,” Hwa-ryeon answered, echoing the letter’s contents.

“It is said that immense wealth, divine weapons, and everything belonging to the Heavenly Outlaws, including Hyeoncheon’s Secret [a legendary martial arts technique], are hidden there. Not only the divine arts of the Four Great Sects [major martial arts factions] but also the family martial arts of the Five Great Families [influential martial arts clans]. It’s truly a great treasure.”

Lord Dang Ok-dam reread the letter with a stiff face. The letter also stated that the related content would soon be secured and sent to the Tang Clan.

“Is it true?” Lord Dang Ok-dam asked, staring directly at Dang Hwa-ryeon.

“That’s precisely the problem,” Hwa-ryeon said clearly. “Everyone who hears this news will think not ‘This can’t be true,’ but ‘Could this be true?’ And if it is true, even by some chance…”

*Swish.* [sound of teacup being raised]

Hwa-ryeon raised the teacup with both hands. “They will think it could instantly reshape the landscape of the Gangho Murim [martial arts world].”

Lord Dang Ok-dam swallowed involuntarily.

“Then…”

“But is this true?” Hwa-ryeon asked in a low voice, bringing the teacup to her lips. Her tone suggested it wasn’t even worth considering.

“Not anyone else, but that ‘White Tiger’ [Dang Baek-ho’s nickname], where would he hide something? The person who couldn’t even rest easy while carrying it in his arms?”

Dang Baek-ho, one of the Heavenly Outlaws, trusted no one and shared power with no one.

Dang Baek-ho always carried the divine object that would determine the fate of the family and the secrets with tremendous influence on his person, to the point where he himself proclaimed, ‘I am the walking Tang Clan.’

Seolgeom Dang Hwa-ryeon was the one who cleaned up Dang Baek-ho’s affairs. That’s why she knew Dang Baek-ho was not someone who would hide something with someone else.

“But I can’t be certain,” Lord Dang Ok-dam said with a serious look.

“It is common to guard against each other and guarantee trust by sharing fatal weaknesses. Besides, the Heavenly Outlaws are absolute masters of the Outer World [a reclusive and powerful group of martial artists]. If even their insights remain…”

“That’s why I said it’s a ‘problem,'” Hwa-ryeon said, sighing slightly. If it were the insights of the Heavenly Outlaws—that is, their enlightenment of martial arts—even the masters of the Outer World would be interested.

“We cannot rule out the possibility, even if it’s only one in ten thousand. The Outer World and the Heavenly Outlaws are such mysterious beings.”

One in ten thousand was a very low probability, but the problem was the ripple effect if it were true.

“If it’s such insights…”

‘Son Gong-ja would know more.’

Hwa-ryeon muttered, mixing a sigh as if talking to herself. Personally, the ‘Secret Treasure of the Heavenly Outlaws’ was ridiculous. It would be more productive to sit Son Bin down and ask him.

‘Besides, that simple man will answer anything you ask.’

Just thinking of Son Bin made her laugh involuntarily. Of course, whether you could understand his words was another story.

“And the really serious problem is something else,” Hwa-ryeon continued in a low voice.

“For now, neither the Four Great Sects nor the other families will move. But if even one of them takes action, we can’t help but respond. No matter how ridiculous I think it is, other clans, or even the people of the Tang Clan, will feel a sense of crisis because of that one in ten thousand possibility.”

Hwa-ryeon’s hand holding the teacup tightened. She continued, speaking clearly, “Knowing this, we have no choice but to be drawn in. So…”

Hwa-ryeon’s red lips twisted.

“That’s why I said we took a hit.”

It was definitely unexpected. Hwa-ryeon had thought Princess Gyeonghui would take a more cautious approach.

‘Has the situation changed, or did she herself have no choice…’

“Then what should we do?”

“It’s already decided.”

*Clatter.* [sound of teacup being placed down]

Hwa-ryeon said, putting down the teacup. “We must send a letter to Son Gong-ja immediately. And whatever it is, the Tang Clan will move according to his decision. That is the only solution now.”

There was not a hint of hesitation in Hwa-ryeon’s voice.

Lord Dang Ok-dam suddenly recalled her earlier refusal to send the letter, saying, ‘Why would I?’ but now was not the time to dwell on such things.

“I understand,” the Lord of the Tang Clan, Hwagun Dang Ok-dam, nodded with a serious expression. “I respect your decision, whatever it may be.”

“Thank you.” With gratitude, Dang Hwa-ryeon, the Chief Strategist of the Tang Clan, bowed her head.

However, her eyes shone sharply towards Princess Gyeonghui, the person who had placed her in this unpleasant situation.

***

*Thump.* [sound of table being hit]

The old, worn-out table made a sound. The innkeeper glared, but Old Gun paid no attention.

“These damn things!” Old Gun was furious. Son Bin’s hand, as he read the letter Old Gun had handed him, was also trembling slightly.

“Where are they spreading such ridiculous rumors!”

*Crack.* [sound of paper crumpling]

The letter crumpled in Son Bin’s hand. “Elder,” Son Bin said, his expression grave. Old Gun’s heart sank with worry.

Old Gun himself had never been to the place where the Heavenly Outlaws gathered.

The meetings of the Heavenly Outlaws were only rumored to be in the Outer World, but nothing had ever been accurately confirmed.

“Why? Don’t tell me…”

“We must contact Cheongwon immediately, or rather, Miss Su-yeon.”

“Yeon-ah?” [Su-yeon’s given name]

Suddenly seeking Yeon-ah made Old Gun even more uneasy. He thought it couldn’t be, but he began to suspect that the Secret Treasure of the Heavenly Outlaws might be real.

“Then this rumor is true?”

“I don’t know. No, that doesn’t matter,” Son Bin said with a firm expression. “As far as I know, the place where the Heavenly Outlaws held their meetings may also be the place where Miss Su-yeon’s mother passed away.”

Old Gun’s expression hardened instantly.

“If Miss Su-yeon knows that, and hears this news…”

Given Sa Su-yeon’s personality, she would never remain still. She would definitely go to that place.

“But Yeon-ah also knows that this is a trap. Going there is too dangerous…”

“That’s why I’m more worried,” Son Bin said, biting his lip.

“Miss Su-yeon may move alone to avoid causing trouble to me or others. If that happens…”

Only then did Old Gun realize what Son Bin was worried about.

*Thud.* [sound of someone standing up abruptly]

Before Son Bin could finish speaking, Old Gun stood up. “The Tang Clan’s Silver Chopsticks [a Tang Clan intelligence unit] are on the outskirts of Hangzhou. I’ll send the news to them right away.”

Some of the Silver Sword Unit, which had become independent, were now incorporated to assist Dang Wol-ah’s Moon Shadow Guard, but Old Gun didn’t care about that. To Old Gun, they were just Silver Chopsticks, then and now.

The reason they were on the outskirts of Hangzhou was to relay urgent messages from the Tang Clan or Dang Wol-ah to Son Bin. They couldn’t imagine that Old Gun would approach them.

“What about Yewon?”

“I think the Silver Chopsticks will be faster, but I can’t ignore Yewon’s abilities either. I’ll send both, just in case.”

Usually, messengers or couriers were common, but there were many faster ways to deliver messages than people going directly, such as beacons, carrier pigeons, or falcons.

“Thank you.”

“What should I tell them?” At Old Gun’s words, Son Bin replied.

“Until I arrive, do not move.” Son Bin’s voice conveyed his concern for Sa Su-yeon.

“Please tell them that.”

“Okay. Trust me.” Old Gun nodded.

“Then I’ll prepare to leave.”

“I’ll be right back.” Whoosh. [sound of wind]

As if the words ‘I’ll be right back’ were not a lie, Old Gun’s figure, which had been in the middle of the inn, disappeared without a trace.

Son Bin also got up from his seat to prepare to leave, but the storm raging in his eyes did not subside.