A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 280

280. Gathering (集結) [Jie Jie: literally “assembly” or “collection,” implying a convergence of people or forces.]

The five most outstanding mountains on the continent are known as the Five Peaks (五岳) [Wu Yue: a collective name for five famous mountains in China, each associated with a cardinal direction and element]. These include Mount Tai, where the Emperor performs sacrifices to the heavens, as well as Mount Hua, Mount Song, Mount Heng (in Hunan province), and Mount Heng (in Shanxi province).

However, there is another mountain considered the best in the world: Huangshan (黃山) [Huangshan: also known as Yellow Mountain, famous for its unique scenery, pine trees, and hot springs]. People say, ‘One who has seen the Five Peaks need not see other mountains, and one who has seen Huangshan need not see the Five Peaks.’

Huangshan Inn was the largest and most reputable of the three inns located at the entrance of Huangshan, but it was also very old.

Crash.

“What? How dare you say that to me?”

A burly martial artist with a full beard stood up from his seat, seemingly enraged. Dishes flew and chairs toppled over with his sudden movement.

‘Oh, dear.’

The innkeeper sighed. However, he knew better than to interfere in the brawls of martial artists wielding swords.

‘I was worried because there were too few guests.’

Although Huangshan is a famous mountain, its rugged terrain and remote location meant that not many people actually visited.

Still, thanks to the few travelers who stubbornly waited for the weather on Huangshan to clear up, the inn was barely able to stay afloat.

‘Now, I’m worried because there are too many.’

The Huangshan Inn, which had been so quiet, was now overwhelmed with people.

The other two inns were in the same situation. The problem was that the overflowing crowd wasn’t made up of ordinary travelers, but rather martial artists with fierce expressions.

“Heh heh, you’re just a frog in a well [a Chinese idiom for someone with a limited perspective], not knowing your place. Do you need to see blood to understand?”

The one-eyed man, rising with a sinister smile, openly drew his sword.

The people causing the disturbance were all martial artists. Moreover, they came from distant regions with no connections to each other, so they were openly aggressive.

In short, they didn’t want to back down in this battle of wills.

The innkeeper wouldn’t have cared if they fought among themselves. The problem was the damage to his property and the outrageous demands to get the best rooms.

Through all this, the innkeeper had learned about a certain hierarchy that existed in the martial world. Because if he said, ‘So-and-so is already staying here,’ they wouldn’t dare to make a sound.

‘The problem is that even that hierarchy isn’t clear.’

The real trouble started then. In the end, he had no choice but to step back and let the two factions come to a conclusion on their own, hoping they would take their fight outside.

The current situation was similar. The other martial artists, besides the owner, were watching with interest, some even hoping for a fight.

“You bastard, let’s see if you really have the ability to do that!”

“Alright, that’s what I wanted.”

The two men, who had even drawn their swords, were in a truly precarious situation. However, that tense atmosphere completely changed with someone’s words.

“It’s the Namgung Clan!”

The noisy inn became as quiet as a mouse.

The person who rushed in from outside spoke again in a breathless voice, as if he were a messenger delivering urgent news.

“T-The Namgung Clan is here!”

He took a breath and suddenly looked back before quickly hiding among the people. Then, several martial artists entered the inn.

Swish.

The people who entered the inn, pushing aside the old curtain, were young martial artists dressed in luxurious martial attire. One of them glanced around the quiet inn and soon sought out the innkeeper.

“Are you the owner of this inn?”

“Yes, I am.”

“I am a member of the Namgung Clan [One of the Five Great Clans, powerful and influential martial arts families].”

The innkeeper knew the name Namgung Clan. How could he not, when it was one of the Five Great Clans of the world?

The innkeeper hurriedly began calculating in his mind which rooms to empty first.

The young martial artist asked in a polite tone.

“I would like to use the land next to the inn for a while. Of course, I will pay you sufficiently.”

“Yes?”

That was completely unexpected.

“What kind of land are you talking about…?”

As the innkeeper stared with a bewildered expression, the young martial artist chuckled and took out a small pouch from his chest, handing it over.

The innkeeper reflexively received the pouch and cautiously opened it to look inside. Gleaming silver coins came into view.

“Is that enough?”

He didn’t know what was going on, but this secluded place was full of unused land anyway. Moreover, what did it matter if they paid to use it?

“Y-Yes, of course. It’s more than enough.”

The innkeeper quickly tucked the pouch deep into his chest. The Namgung Clan martial artist nodded and was about to turn around.

“D-Do you need a room?”

The Namgung Clan martial artist smiled.

“We will be staying separately, so there’s no need to worry.”

“B-But what about meals…?”

“It’s alright. We’ve brought everything we need.”

With those words, the Namgung Clan martial artists left. The innkeeper was happy with the sudden income, but at the same time, his curiosity soared.

The innkeeper cautiously followed the Namgung Clan martial artists out of the inn. Perhaps others were curious as well, as several martial artists followed the owner out of the inn.

“Gasp.”

The innkeeper who came outside swallowed hard. That’s because there were at least a hundred people gathered next to the inn. There were also several wagons loaded with luggage.

When the young martial artist who had given the innkeeper the silver coins shouted something, the people began to move in unison.

“Huh? Aren’t those people from the Seo Dae Trading Company?”

At someone’s voice, the innkeeper turned around. Almost half of the martial artists in the inn had come outside and were watching the Namgung Clan like him.

‘Seo Dae Trading Company? Then it’s nearby?’

The Seo Dae Trading Company was a security company located in a small to medium-sized city near Huangshan. As the innkeeper recalled, he noticed something strange.

Among the hundred or so people, there were not even twenty wearing the martial attire of the Namgung Clan. The rest were groups wearing different martial attire or the uniforms of the trading company.

“What are they doing?”

It was easy to see what the people who came with the Namgung Clan were doing.

They cleared the wide open space next to the inn and quickly began erecting large wooden pillars and setting up tents.

“Wow.”

Someone exclaimed. The young warriors of the Namgung Clan were giving orders to dozens of people in an orderly manner.

However, the people the innkeeper and martial artists were watching were a woman with an elegant figure and a young lady with a healthy beauty wearing the martial attire of the Namgung Clan.

The two had very contrasting atmospheres, but their beauty captivated everyone’s attention. Perhaps it was because they hadn’t seen many women in the mountains for the past few days.

‘They’re really pretty?’

The innkeeper, as well as most of the martial artists, had the same thought.

However, no one said those words out loud. No one dared to flirt with the women of the Namgung Clan.

In the meantime, in less than half a day, a tent that they had never seen before appeared before their eyes.

It was more like a mansion than a tent.

The tall and large tent had several layers of waterproof tarpaulins draped elegantly, and even tall curtains were hung to replace the fence.

With two large flags with the words ‘Namgung Clan’ raised, a Namgung Clan mansion was instantly set up next to the Huangshan Inn.

“Huh? They’re all going back?”

When the work was finished, the people except for the Namgung Clan members began to get on the empty wagons and leave.

But not everyone left. The smell of food wafting from the Namgung Clan’s huge tent showed that the cook was working hard.

‘Ah, so that’s what they meant.’

The innkeeper could now understand the words of the Namgung Clan martial artist, ‘We’ve brought everything we need.’

The Namgung Clan had brought all the workers, luggage, and even food and cooks. They probably got them from several cities around Huangshan.

Some of the wagons leaving now would regularly bring in the necessary supplies and people.

‘They’re one of the Five Great Clans, as expected…’

The innkeeper couldn’t help but be impressed. He could feel that the name of the Five Great Clans was not just for show, as they readily offered a large sum of money to use unused land.

It was then, just as he was lingering around in the hopes of seeing the beauties of the Namgung Clan again.

“Who’s the owner here?”

A heavy voice filled with unpleasant emotions awakened the innkeeper.

“Gasp!”

“It’s, it’s the Gongson Clan [Another of the Five Great Clans].”

Someone said in a surprised voice. A middle-aged man in flamboyant martial attire stood in front of the inn with his eyes narrowed. He probably couldn’t find the owner inside the inn.

“T-That’s me, sir.”

The innkeeper quickly stepped forward with a respectful attitude. After seeing the Namgung Clan’s appearance, he became humble, even though he hadn’t been before.

“I am a member of the Gongson Clan.”

“Ah, yes.”

The innkeeper bowed and replied with a smiling face. The attitude of the Gongson Clan member was very intimidating, but thinking about the Namgung Clan’s spending earlier, he was secretly looking forward to it.

“From today onwards, the Gongson Clan will be staying at this inn. Prepare a room for us right now.”

“Is this the only place?”

A woman with a sharp expression standing next to him said with a mix of annoyance. She was also beautiful enough to catch the eye, but her fierce-looking eyes were quite unusual.

“The food is also trash; I don’t like anything.”

The innkeeper was momentarily taken aback by her harsh words. But soon his mind quickly grasped the situation and finished calculating.

“I’m sorry, but there are no rooms left, and there are already guests staying here…”

That was a subtle way of asking for a tip or silver coins. But what came back was a sharp murderous intent.

“Do you want to die?”

The middle-aged martial artist unhesitatingly emitted murderous intent towards the innkeeper. It was an aura that an ordinary innkeeper could not handle.

“How dare you object to the Gongson Clan’s affairs? Do I have to cut off one of your arms for you to understand me?”

The innkeeper’s face turned pale at the words that didn’t sound like a joke at all. He nodded vigorously.

“I-I’ll prepare it right away.”

“One more thing, are you the cook here?”

“Ah, no. The cook is Old Man Peng, who used to be at a big restaurant in Beijing…”

“I’ve already seen the food that’s out in the inn.”

The middle-aged man wearing the Gongson Clan’s martial attire cut off the innkeeper’s words and clicked his tongue.

“If you serve the same trash for dinner tonight, know that you and the cook will lose your lives. Do you understand?”

‘Gasp.’

The innkeeper was breathless.

“Do you understand?”

The middle-aged martial artist’s aura, speaking as if he was scolding, was terrifying. The innkeeper bowed his head as if it would touch the ground.

“Yes, yes. I understand.”

The middle-aged martial artist gestured without saying anything more. It meant to move quickly. The innkeeper quickly ran inside.

A sense of unease lingered in his mind about whether he would be able to get paid properly later, but now was the time to save his life first.

‘They’re sword-wielding robbers… Damn it, damn it.’

The innkeeper muttered inwardly with a tearful face. He had been momentarily fooled by the polite attitude of the Namgung Clan, but in fact, this was the true nature of martial artists.

‘Two of the Five Great Clans barging in on the same day.’

The innkeeper sighed, seriously contemplating the uncertain business prospects.

“Should I close this business?”

In any case, preserving his life was the priority now. The innkeeper grumbled inwardly and quickly moved his feet. He had a lot to do to kick out the previous guests and empty the rooms.

∴

After a small commotion, the innkeeper was able to prepare rooms to accommodate the Gongson Clan’s members. However, the Gongson Clan suddenly said that they would stay two people in one room.

The innkeeper was tearful because he had nothing to say to the previous guests who had been kicked out, but the Gongson Clan didn’t care about his situation.

Fortunately, the innkeeper’s worries did not come true. Late that night, people from the Zhuge Clan [Another of the Five Great Clans, known for their intelligence and strategy], with a scholarly demeanor, entered the Huangshan Inn.

“Gasp, w-welcome.”

“Hmm.”

The Zhuge Clan, with more people wearing robes than martial attire, did not scold the innkeeper like the Gongson Clan.

“Are there any rooms?”

The Zhuge Clan people spoke briefly and concisely. Their attitude of not wanting to mix words with ignorant people was so blatant that the innkeeper’s kind heart was deeply wounded.

‘Hoo, it’s over.’

The innkeeper breathed a sigh of relief as he finished his work late at night. If there were two more days like today, he would immediately declare bankruptcy.

The hard day was over, but there was not much time to rest. He had to prepare food from the early morning to suit the picky tastes of the Gongson Clan.

∴

The next morning. The innkeeper, who was worried about whether the food would suit the guests’ tastes, had to welcome another group.

Swish.

“We have guests.”

A clear voice of a woman. The innkeeper inadvertently turned his gaze and had the impression that his eyes were brightening.

A beautiful young lady in gorgeous clothes was standing at the entrance of the inn. Except for a slightly sharp atmosphere, it was truly a feast for the eyes.

However, the reaction inside the inn was quite different.

“Gasp. S-Snow Sword?”

“It’s the Tang Clan [Another of the Five Great Clans, known for their mastery of poison and hidden weapons]. The Tang Clan has appeared.”

‘The Tang Clan?’

The innkeeper’s eyes widened. Even if he didn’t know the title of Snow Sword, he couldn’t not know the name of the Tang Clan.

The Poison Clan (毒門) [Du Men: literally “Poison Gate,” referring to a sect or clan specializing in poisons] that handles all the poisons in the world. The Tang Clan is famous for its ruthless methods and cruel minds as much as its poison skills.

‘The Tang Clan, where no one who harms them survives?’

On the other hand, the martial artists’ gazes were focused on the chief strategist of the Tang Clan, Tang Hwa-ryun.

Snow Sword Tang Hwa-ryun, who rose to the position of chief strategist of the Tang Clan at a young age, is a symbol and idol of young, up-and-coming martial artists, so most people, especially young martial artists, show great interest in her.

Step, step.

While the innkeeper was staring with wide eyes, Snow Sword Tang Hwa-ryun entered the inn. Five young martial artists wearing the Tang Clan’s martial attire followed behind her.

Two women and three men. Compared to other clans, the scale is small and the proportion of women is high. However, neither the Gongson Clan nor the Zhuge Clan can dare to ignore them.

“Ahem.”

The Gongson Clan martial artists openly expressed their discomfort.

“I am happy to see you again. Great Hero Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan [A title of respect], and Great Hero Quick Sword Gongson Chung. Have you been well?”

The targets of Tang Hwa-ryun’s greetings were the head of the Zhuge Clan, Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan, and the head of the Gongson Clan, Quick Sword Gongson Chung.

“We will be staying here together for a while. I don’t know what will happen in the future, but please take care of us.”

Listening to Snow Sword Tang Hwa-ryun’s words, as if it had already been decided, the innkeeper wondered how many more people he would have to kick out.

“Hmm, nice to meet you.”

Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan lightly replied to Tang Hwa-ryun’s greeting and examined the Tang Clan’s group. A number that was greatly lacking compared to the group of about twenty from the Zhuge Clan or the Gongson Clan.

However, Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan did not believe what he saw on the outside. Because the opponent is the Tang Clan.

Meanwhile, Quick Sword Gongson Chung didn’t even return the greeting. He frowned and asked Tang Hwa-ryun.

“Do you intend to stay here?”

Tang Hwa-ryun smiled without showing any discomfort.

“Yes. That’s right.”

“There won’t be any rooms left?”

“If there aren’t any, we’ll have to make some.”

Tang Hwa-ryun said as if it were natural. However, the other martial artists who heard those words hardened their expressions.

Thump.

Quick Sword Gongson Chung stood up from his seat.

“I don’t want to worry about poison every time I eat and drink. The Gongson Clan will move to another inn.”

That was an open declaration of hostility. But Snow Sword Tang Hwa-ryun smiled lightly.

“Thank you for your concession. I am deeply grateful.”

Tang Hwa-ryun bowed to the head of the Gongson Clan, Quick Sword Gongson Chung.

“But you should be careful not only when you eat, drink, and sleep. In front of the Tang Clan, you have to be careful even when you breathe and think.”

She was smiling as she spoke, but Tang Hwa-ryun’s eyes were only eerie. Even the other martial artists who were watching felt a chill.

“Hmph.”

Quick Sword Gongson Chung let out a sneer and turned his body. The other Gongson Clan members also followed the head of the family out, and the last middle-aged martial artist said something to the innkeeper.

He told him to move the Gongson Clan’s luggage to another inn. He judged that it was better to use a smaller inn than to share the same accommodation with the Tang Clan.

As the Gongson Clan left the inn, Snow Sword Tang Hwa-ryun asked Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan.

“Is the Zhuge Clan also uncomfortable with us?”

Zhuge Gwan replied with a sullen expression.

“I don’t care.”

“As expected, the Zhuge Clan is different. People who indiscriminately slander others usually do so to hide their own flaws.”

Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan thought that perhaps people of the same kind hated each other, but he didn’t say it out loud.

In fact, whether it was the Tang Clan or the Gongson Clan, they would be equally matched when it came to not knowing their true intentions.

“Sit down. Let’s have a meal together. The cook here is quite skilled.”

“Thank you.”

Snow Sword Tang Hwa-ryun ordered her companions to sit separately and sat in front of Iron Brush Zhuge Gwan.

The innkeeper hurriedly ran to take orders. Thanks to this, he didn’t notice that other martial artists were slowly avoiding their seats.