A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 284

284. The Eve (2)

The Four Great Sects, having entered Mount Huang, each settled in different locations.

The Shaolin set up very shabby tents, while the Emei erected large tents comparable to the Namgung Clan. Some martial artists, curious about the Emei Sect, which consisted only of women, loitered nearby and were given a hard time.

Wudang set up several small tents, while the Mount Hua Sect took up residence in the second inn altogether. The Jihye School, to which Cheongrang Sword Wi Gajin and Cheonghye Satae belonged, also stayed at the second inn.

“The Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families are having a meeting!”

The news began to spread the day the Four Great Sects entered Mount Huang. People took it for granted.

“Hmph, they’re probably trying to decide how to divide things up.”

The Demonic Murim Alliance [a coalition of unorthodox martial arts sects] spat and said so. Basically, the majority of martial artists’ views were not much different.

The ostensible reason for the Four Great Sects’ arrival at Mount Huang was, after all, ‘because they could not stand idly by the chaos in the Kangho Murim [the martial arts world].’ However, no one believed it.

“Even though the Four Great Sects have come, the Five Great Families won’t just sit still, will they?”

The gossips said so. If only individual martial arts were considered, the Four Great Sects were superior. This was even more so in the current limited situation.

However, the power that the Five Great Families had built up could not be ignored. The greedy Five Great Families might choose competition over cooperation. In fact, that was the nature of the Kangho Murim.

“The Black Serpent Union is here too, won’t there be a fight?”

“Hey, how can the Black Serpent Union alone fight the Murim Alliance? And that’s not what’s important right now.”

People believed that everything would be decided at the meeting of the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families.

Everyone also knew that after this meeting, the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families would begin to move in earnest. It was clear that the longer the chaos in Mount Huang lasted, the more the Kangho Murim would be shaken.

“Damn it, we should have found it sooner.”

For those here, the existence of the ‘Heavenly Four Symbols’ hidden treasure’ was already an obvious fact. And people were now acknowledging that the trend had shifted to the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families.

“Who will get it?”

Whether they were from the Orthodox or Demonic Sects, martial artists or gossips, they now had only one question.

The treasures piled up like mountains, and the peerless martial arts and divine weapons. Who would be the owner of that enormous ‘hidden treasure’?

Not only Mount Huang but the entire Kangho Murim was watching the results of the meeting between the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families.

*

*

*

That night, when everyone’s eyes and ears were focused on the meeting of the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families, the sky over Mount Huang cleared up for the first time in a long time.

The moon, which had not been visible for a while, scattered its haughty beauty, and the shining stars and the river of stars crossing the night sky revealed their dazzling figures without hiding.

Thud.

An empty lot a little away from the entrance of Mount Huang. Stopping, Son Bin looked up at Mount Huang, which was submerged in darkness.

The peaks and bizarre rocks of Mount Huang, which had been obscured by clouds during the day, revealed their mysterious appearance against the night sky.

Like a shy beauty relying on the darkness and carefully lifting her veil towards her lover.

“It’s beautiful.”

With a bright smile, Son Bin turned his head and asked.

“Yes.”

Sa Su-yeon replied with a smile, and Dang Wol-ah nodded.

“Wow, look at the stars.”

Hwa Sa smiled brightly and looked up at the night sky. Where *can’t* you see stars? However, such clear weather in Mount Huang is truly a blessing.

Hwa Sa spread her arms and spun around. Talhondo smiled at Hwa Sa’s appearance rather than the stars, but Old Man Eo frowned at the two of them as if he didn’t like them.

“Hmph. So?”

No Gun frowned and asked Son Bin.

“I don’t think you’re just saying that the stars are beautiful; what do you want to say?”

Son Bin gave an awkward smile at No Gun’s question, as if he could see through his mind.

“Um, so, some training…”

“No.”

No Gun said in a firm tone. It was as if there was no room for discussion.

“I fully understand your desire to wield your sword while receiving the energy of this magnificent Mount Huang. I used to do that sometimes in Mount Hyung. Some days, I was like a rabid wolf pup howling at the moon… Ahem.”

No Gun, who was talking, coughed and quickly turned the topic back to where it was supposed to be. He almost exposed his dark past himself.

“But this is not it.”

There was even a subtle anger in No Gun’s serious voice.

“It’s obvious that all sorts of guys from the Outer Saga [a group of highly skilled martial artists who operate outside the traditional sects] will be coming soon. Are you going to show them all your training? What are you, a spectacle?”

“Well, that’s true…”

Son Bin said with a look that he didn’t quite understand.

No Gun’s words are right. But it doesn’t seem like something No Gun, who leisurely savored Son Bin’s training with a glass in his hand at the Seowon [a private Confucian academy], should be saying.

“Ah, shouldn’t we rather see it this way? Showing that the real hidden treasure of the Heavenly Four Symbols is not gold or secrets, but rather in my sword…”

“Of course.”

No Gun cut off Son Bin’s words as if there is no room for doubt.

“But there are many crazy people in the world who go beyond imagination. Aren’t the masters of the Outer Saga all detached and free from the secular world? Then how can the masters of extreme demonic ways exist?”

No Gun, who was speaking as if pouring out his thoughts, looks straight at Son Bin.

“Do you understand? Your intention to trust people is right. But you must not be ignorant. There is a huge difference between simply believing without knowing and believing even though you know. So don’t throw precious things to just anyone.”

“Ah… Yes.”

Son Bin had no choice but to nod at the tremendous force that was transmitted across the distance. It seemed like he had to give up on the idea of training here.

‘Hoo.’

He sighed softly so as not to be noticed and looked up at the sky. The haughty moonlight and the stars filling the night sky twinkled as if tempting him. Looking at the scene, Son Bin unknowingly muttered.

“The moonlight is full, my sword is crying.”

“That’s a really good saying.”

A voice answered from the darkness. Son Bin turned his head.

Step, step.

The person who revealed himself was Namgungcheon, the former Thunder Sword. He smiled and said to Son Bin.

“Have you been well?”

“Welcome, Great Hero Namgungcheon.”

Son Bin smiled and bowed lightly. He, who had not been seen for a while, had appeared here.

And the person who arrived was not only Namgungcheon.

“Hmm.”

Another low voice heard from the darkness. Perhaps it was an intention to let them know that he was there, but there was no one here who didn’t know.

“What’s with the greeting ‘Hmm’?”

No Gun said grumbling.

“Come out if you’ve come.”

As soon as those words were finished, Hyukryunwi, the former Tyrant Sword with a large physique, appeared. He nodded silently at Son Bin. It was an action typical of him, who always remained silent, so Son Bin smiled and bowed.

Before the bow was even finished, an old woman’s voice was heard.

“It’s been a while, Young Master Son.”

The woman with a staff was the Buddhist Nun Beopheo of Emei. She greeted Son Bin with her hands clasped, and Son Bin also answered her greeting with his hands clasped.

The person standing silently behind Buddhist Nun Beopheo was Cheonghye Satae. She quietly bowed to Son Bin with her hands clasped, but did not even make eye contact.

And following behind, Buddhist Monk Bulgwang of Shaolin, holding a string of one hundred and eight beads, also appeared. Mo Yongmyung, the Gentleman’s Sword of the Mo Yong Family, also exchanged pleasant greetings with Son Bin.

In this small empty lot that no one among the numerous martial artists and gossips gathered in Mount Huang was paying attention to, the masters of the Outer Saga who moved the world were gathering one after another.

∴

The masters of the Outer Saga were silently standing or sitting, savoring the night scenery of Mount Huang. Some were chanting Buddhist mantras or closing their eyes.

Of course, there were also people like Pilong Jegalryun who were openly staring at Son Bin. He, who had met him in the North Sea but had not participated in the Yewon meeting, still couldn’t believe that the ‘One Who Walks the Path of the Martial Emperor’ was Son Bin.

Cheongwooja, a master of the Outer Saga from Mount Hua, was the same. Seeing Son Bin for the first time, he was showing particular interest in Son Bin’s sword, Baekro.

“Ahem.”

Son Bin cleared his throat slightly. It was just something that came out unintentionally, but the aftermath was by no means small, so the gazes of the masters of the Outer Saga turned to Son Bin at once.

‘Ah…’

Son Bin felt sorry for some reason because it wasn’t done intentionally. When Son Bin replied with an awkward smile, everyone pretended not to notice and silence fell again.

‘Are there sixteen of them in total?’

Son Bin counted their numbers. There were sixteen masters of the Outer Saga gathered in this small empty lot, including himself.

From the Four Great Sects, Cheongwooja of Mount Hua, Buddhist Nun Beopheo and Cheonghye Satae of Emei, and Buddhist Monk Bulgwang of Shaolin came. Wudang is still absent.

Among the Five Great Families, there are Namgungcheon, the former Thunder Sword, Hyukryunwi, the former Tyrant Sword, Pilong Jegalryun, and Bigum Gongsonggeuk. Dang Wora, also known as Worin (月印) [Moon Seal] by some, would also be classified as Dangmun. But she herself wouldn’t care much.

Mo Yongmyung, the Gentleman’s Sword of the Mo Yong Family, was also here. His son, Iron Sword Mo Yongjin, and daughter, Mo Yongrin, would be participating in the meeting of the Four Great Sects and the Five Great Families right now.

From the Demonic Sect, there are Talhondo of the Black Serpent Union and Hwangsan Muhu Hwa Sa. When Son Bin heard her new alias, Hwangsan Muhu [Yellow Mountain Dancing Demon], he somehow understood. In fact, the fact that she has a cute side is a secret that only a few people know.

As for the neutrals, Namaknogun is standing right next to Son Bin with a sullen expression, and Kanghojeilgeomhwa Sa Suyeon [The best swordswoman in Jianghu] is guarding the opposite side. Janggang Eoeong, who is Orthodox to the bone, kept his distance from the Four Great Sects and stood next to No Gun.

“Since you all know it anyway, why don’t we finish it quickly?”

The voice belonged to Bigum Gongsonggeuk. He looked around at the other masters of the Outer Saga with sharp eyes and said.

“The one who takes it first has all the rights. Isn’t that enough?”

“Why does Bigum want to cause chaos?”

Buddhist Monk Bulgwang raised an objection in a thick voice.

“It is not right to bring secular problems to the Outer Saga. This humble monk believes that it is enough for the Outer Saga to leave everything to the sects and disciples and just watch.”

“The monk’s words bring even greater chaos.”

Buddhist Nun Beopheo of Emei said. She chanted a Buddhist mantra in a low voice and continued.

“The Outer Saga must manage what the world cannot handle. How can you call yourself a disciple of Buddhism if you turn a blind eye to the secular world?”

Buddhist Monk Bulgwang frowned. Although they belong to the same Buddhist faith, Shaolin and Emei belong to different sects. Their words clearly showed the difference in their perceptions and positions.

“Does the ‘Outer Saga’ that Beopheo mentioned include those who are not here?”

Pilong Jegalryun said in a low voice.

“There are those who have come to Mount Huang but are not here, and there are those who have not come at all because they doubt the truth. If we give them the same rights, there will be those among us who will not accept it, and if we exclude them, the Outer Saga will be divided in two.”

Buddhist Nun Beopheo’s expression hardened at Pilong Jegalryun’s point.

Dividing the Outer Saga is a bigger problem than anything else. However, giving equal rights to those who are not here will cause backlash.

A moment of silence flowed. Everyone has their own position and thoughts, but in the end, the person who will make the decision is determined.

“What does the ‘One Who Walks the Path of the Martial Emperor’ think?”

Cheonghye Satae said. Her young voice echoed clearly in the empty lot.

“To be exact, aren’t you the one who is qualified to inherit the hidden treasure of the Heavenly Four Symbols?”

A cold feeling fell in an instant. This is because Cheonghye Satae uttered a word that had been intentionally avoided until now.

Sa Suyeon, the daughter of Saja Hyuk, Dang Wora of Dangmun, and Seo Rin of Wudang and the young Okryong of the Blood Dragon Gate, who are not in this place, are the people who can claim the rights to the ‘hidden treasure’ left by the Heavenly Four Symbols.

However, blood ties or sect ties are not accepted in the Outer Saga. Nevertheless, only one person, Son Bin, the ‘One Who Walks the Path of the Martial Emperor,’ is different.

Just as the Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon did in the past, Son Bin is the one who will define what the Outer Saga is now.

“What do you think we should do?”

Cheonghye Satae’s eyes, looking at Son Bin and asking, were quite challenging. Even Buddhist Nun Beopheo seemed embarrassed by her provocative behavior.

Even though Son Bin is the one who will define the Outer Saga, he is not the same as the Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon in the past. If Son Bin shows even a little bit of greed, the Outer Saga will be divided in an instant and the Kangho Murim will fall into chaos.

Like countless unfortunate successors who inherited the great empires built by giants of the past, only to reveal their capabilities fell short of their ancestors.

“The Outer Saga.”

Son Bin spoke in a low voice. Even the sound of the wind seemed to die down, and everyone’s eyes and ears were focused on Son Bin at that moment.

“Isn’t it a place where you do as you please?”

Son Bin’s expression was relaxed and gentle. Some were relieved by his declaration, while others frowned.

The phrase ‘do as you please’ could be blatant pressure depending on the situation, but now it simply meant relinquishing all authority. In other words, Son Bin was avoiding the issue.

The young Cheonghye Satae was openly showing her disappointment, her expression towards Son Bin even held contempt.

“However, there is one thing.”

Son Bin’s low voice echoed, and tension fell once more. The eyes and ears of the Outer Saga’s masters turned back to Son Bin.

“It doesn’t seem right for the adults to abandon their brothers in the sect to seek ‘hidden treasures’ when they are in danger.”

It was an unexpected and seemingly irrelevant remark.

As the masters of the Outer Saga frowned and exchanged doubtful glances, trying to understand Son Bin’s intentions, he continued in a soft voice.

“What could be worth shedding the blood of our brothers?”

*Thud.*

At that moment, a heavy silence fell upon them, and the masters of the Outer Saga could clearly recognize it.

In Son Bin’s eyes, the overwhelming presence of the Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon [a legendary figure known for his martial prowess and leadership] from the past was alive and breathing.

Pilong, Jegeallyeon, was no different. He clearly understood why Son Bin was recognized as ‘One Who Walks the Path of the Martial Emperor.’

“Hmph.”

However, there are always those who turn a blind eye to what is visible. The Sword Master, Gongson Geuk, did not hesitate to sneer at Son Bin’s words.

“Such old-fashioned……”

“Let’s do that.”

The heavy voice of the former Sword Master, Hyeonlyun Wi, interrupted Gongson Geuk. The surprise of others, who knew he rarely spoke, was extraordinary.

*Thud.*

With those words, Hyeonlyun Wi left his seat and walked away, without even a single farewell.

“Well, that’s true.”

The former Thunder Sword, Namgungcheon, shrugged and said in a light tone.

“Besides, who knows what might happen in the middle of this rough Huangshan [a mountain range known for its treacherous terrain]? If our kids run around without me and run into that Sword Master, it would be a disaster.”

Everyone saw Namgungcheon’s eyes flash for a moment, and they immediately realized what he was implying.

‘Namgungcheon, that bastard.’

The Sword Master, Gongson Geuk, gritted his teeth inwardly. Namgungcheon’s words were clearly a threat.

Essentially, everyone except themselves is a competitor and a potential enemy, whether it’s the Four Great Clans or the Five Great Houses. In Huangshan, which is no different from a lawless zone, who can be held responsible for murder and extermination?

Now, no one in the Outer Saga could abandon their sect’s disciples and act alone. Moreover, considering the meaning of the words of Son Bin, ‘One Who Walks the Path of the Martial Emperor,’ in the Outer Saga, it was even more imperative.

‘Just you wait, Hyeonlyun Wi.’

Gongson Geuk’s anger was also directed at Hyeonlyun Wi. The threat was made by Namgungcheon, but the outcome was irreversible the moment Hyeonlyun Wi agreed and left.

He is always like a silent ox, but when you look at the results, you can’t tell whether Hyeonlyun Wi is truly steadfast or thoroughly cunning.

“I’m leaving.”

Namgungcheon raised his hand to Son Bin and disappeared. Along with him, other masters of the Outer Saga left silently or with a brief greeting to Son Bin.

The Gentleman Sword, Moryongmyeong of the Moryong Family, exchanged polite greetings with Son Bin and departed. Hwasa, unlike her usual seductive charm, smiled brightly, waved to Son Bin, and disappeared with Talhondo.

Cheonghye Satae did not take her sharp gaze off Son Bin until the moment she left.

“Hmph.”

The Sword Master, Gongson Geuk, left the clearing without even looking back at Son Bin, but he couldn’t help but distort his expression hidden in the darkness.

*

*

*

In the clearing where everyone had disappeared, Son Bin’s group remained.

The night sky cleared only for a moment, and before they knew it, the night of Huangshan had fallen darkly. The shining stars were barely visible, and even the moonlight was faint.

The only light was the small lamp held by Dang Wora, but even that was insufficient to illuminate the surroundings.

Only the entrance to Huangshan, visible in the distance, was shining brightly thanks to the three inns crowded with people and the suddenly increased cluster of tents.

“Hmm?”

Nogun, who had been frowning, suddenly raised his head.

“They’re here.”

At Nogun’s words, the group’s eyes sparkled. At that moment, several small shadows landed in front of Son Bin.

*Tap.*

“Seorin.”

Son Bin said with a bright smile. The person who appeared was none other than Seorin.

“Brother Bin!”

Seorin ran up to Son Bin without hesitation and hugged him. Son Bin lightly returned the hug and patted him on the back.

“You’ve arrived safely.”

“This is nothing. Aren’t I much later than you, brother?”

Seowon [a remote region], is thousands of miles away from Huangshan. Yet, Seorin spoke as if it were nothing.

Seorin, who had moved away from Son Bin, looked back with a proud expression. Son Bin also turned his gaze, following Seorin’s lead.

The small shadows standing behind were the five children of Dang Wora who appeared with Seorin.

“Good job.”

Son Bin said with a smile. Unlike Seorin, Honga, Cheonga, Noga, Hoia, and Hwang-a looked quite exhausted.

They were wearing martial clothes that were easier to move in than usual, but they were torn and dirty in places, and their hair was messy and disheveled. But their eyes were shining brighter than ever.

“It must have been hard, but you all endured it well.”

Seorin nodded and said.

“Yeah. I taught them everything I know. They’re all doing great now.”

At those words, Nogun frowned and asked.

“You taught them everything? Don’t tell me you even taught them the Wudang Qigong [a type of internal energy cultivation] of the True Man?”

“Not that.”

Seorin blinked and shook his head.

“They are things I learned from Wolf Dad and Wolf Mom, like how to run in the forest, how to hide, and how to chase far away. And the most important thing……”

Seorin smiled as he counted his fingers.

“How to hunt in packs.”

Wolves live in packs. Even alone, a wolf is a fearsome beast and an apex predator, but its true horror lies in its unique pack hunting.

A pack of wolves fears nothing. Although it is very rare, a pack of hungry wolves even hunts bears and tigers.

“I couldn’t do it because Seowon was too small, but I practiced a lot on the way here. I also taught them how to find directions by looking at the moon and stars, how to read the wind, and how to react before seeing or hearing……”

“Good job.”

When Son Bin said that, Seorin smiled shyly.

“Everyone was doing well. I didn’t even need to teach some of them.”

“Why didn’t you teach them the Wudang Qigong of the True Man? No, even if you taught them that, things would get a little complicated……”

Nogun asked with a complicated expression. The five children belong to Dang Wora and Dangmun [a branch of martial arts specializing in poison]. If Seorin teaches them Wudang Qigong, it could cause serious problems between Dangmun and Wudang [a Taoist sect known for its martial arts], depending on the situation.

“I can’t teach them that.”

Seorin shrugged and said as if it were natural.

“I can’t explain it, and there’s no way to tell them. How can you explain that there are stars in the night sky in words? You’ll never know unless you see it. If you see it, you’ll just know.”

“Huh, you’re already doing Seonmun Dap [a Zen Buddhist practice of answering questions with seemingly unrelated statements] as if you weren’t a Taoist of Wudang.”

Nogun clicked his tongue, but he couldn’t say anything because Seorin’s words were right.

*Sarak.*

Son Bin lowered his body and said to the children.

“Come here.”

The five children, including Honga, came to Son Bin with sparkling eyes. There was no doubt or wariness in their eyes, only the expectation of being praised and endless trust.

“Good job.”

Son Bin smiled and hugged Honga, who was standing in the front.

Son Bin’s sense of responsibility for these five children was extraordinary. What he must give to these children who are different from others is not to hide and suppress their power, but to cultivate the power to choose and overcome it themselves someday.

Son Bin believed so, because destiny must always be discovered by oneself.

“Hehe.”

Honga hugged Son Bin and smiled. The children in Son Bin’s arms were so small and soft. Even if they are different from others, these children are also fragile lives that need affection and warmth.

The five children hugged Son Bin one by one with proud expressions. Then, they looked at Dang Wora with sparkling eyes, full of expectations.

Dang Wora, who was holding a lamp and looking at the children, said quietly.

“Come here.”

*Papap.*

The children gathered at Dang Wora’s feet so quickly that they couldn’t even be seen for a moment. A thin voice flowed from Dang Wora, who had been staring down at the children for a while.

“You did……well.”

That small voice, so quiet that it was hard to understand, was trembling slightly, but a bright smile spread across the faces of the children who heard it in an instant.

“Hehehe.”

“Hehehehe.”

Dang Wora reached out and gently stroked the children’s heads.

The five children pushed their heads under that small hand as if competing with each other. It was as if they were sorry that Dang Wora, who was holding a lamp, only had one hand left.

“Take the children and let them rest.”

Sasooyeon, who was watching, smiled and said to Seorin.

“I’ve prepared a room in the biggest inn. There will be a lot of delicious things too.”

“Wow, Suyeon Noona [term of endearment for an older sister or female friend] is the best!”

Seorin cheered, raising both hands in the air. The five children’s eyes sparkled with happiness.

When Dang Wora nodded lightly, Seorin and the five children disappeared in an instant.

“Tsk, tsk, they’re still kids.”

Nogun clicked his tongue as he watched them. There was also pity in his eyes as he looked at the children.

“But there’s nothing we can do. In order to choose their own destiny, those children must also develop their strength, because this damn world is never a perfect place.”

That’s what he said, but Nogun would be the first to get angry if something really bad happened to the children.

Nogun, who was muttering, glanced at Son Bin and asked.

“Now, has everyone who’s coming arrived?”

“Not yet, but we can’t just keep waiting like this, so let’s go, because it looks like we’ll be quite busy starting tomorrow.”

“Yes, we should.”

A subtle heat was rising in Nogun’s eyes as he spoke.

“Let’s go.”

At Nogun’s words, Son Bin’s group moved towards the entrance of Huangshan, which was full of lights.

As if the stars and moon that should be in the night sky had come down to earth, only that place was shining brightly in the dark Huangshan.