A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 291

291. Truth and Trust

Philong Jegeal Ryeon exuded a terrifying aura. He stood with his back to the Jegeal and Gongsun families, glaring into the mist.

“What is the meaning of this sudden turn of events?”

Gongsun Chong, the family head of the Gongsun Clan and known as Quick Sword, voiced the question on everyone’s mind. But Philong Jegeal Ryeon didn’t even turn around, simply muttering,

“Fall back.”

Kwaaa kwa kwa kwak.

As soon as he spoke, an immense wave of killing intent pierced through the mist, originating from a single, red-glowing sword.

“Haa!”

Shwiik.

With a shout, Philong Jegeal Ryeon’s sword, Cheonggang (Azure Steel), flashed a blue arc in the air as he met the incoming blade.

Kwaaaang.

A deafening explosion erupted. Jegeal Ryeon, unable to withstand the force contained within the attacking sword, was pushed back.

‘Ugh.’

Hwirik.

Philong Jegeal Ryeon spun to deflect the force, but he had already been pushed back a considerable distance.

“Philong-nim!” (Esteemed Philong)

Only then did the members of the Jegeal and Gongsun families draw their swords and assume defensive stances. Jegeal Gwan, the head of the Jegeal Clan, known as Iron Brush, immediately drew his sword and tried to reach Philong Jegeal Ryeon.

“Did I not tell you to fall back!”

Philong Jegeal Ryeon’s roar stopped him. With a stern expression, Jegeal Ryeon shouted at the family head, Jegeal Gwan.

“Get out of here now!”

“But…”

Iron Brush Jegeal Gwan hesitated. In that moment, a figure clad in black emerged from the dense mist.

‘Keuk.’

Philong Jegeal Ryeon couldn’t hide his dismay.

The figure was covered in black cloth from head to toe, including the face. Only the green eyes, gleaming with killing intent and devoid of pupils, were visible, adding to the eerie feeling.

‘This isn’t good.’

It wasn’t just that the opponent showed no signs of reason.

The problem was the opponent’s abnormally strong inner energy [internal energy or ‘qi’, vital life force], which he had sensed with a single clash. It was enough to push back even Philong Jegeal Ryeon, a master renowned for his external martial prowess.

Uuung.

The sword in the opponent’s hand hummed ominously, then floated into the air as if it were alive.

“Get out of the way!”

With a final warning, Philong Jegeal Ryeon leaped forward. He had to stop the opponent’s Sword Kinesis [a technique where the sword is controlled remotely with inner energy] from targeting the disciples of his clan.

Kwang, Kwang.

Philong Jegeal Ryeon’s sword, Cheonggang, and the sword floating in the air began a fierce battle.

Each clash shook the atmosphere and trembled the ground.

The members of the Jegeal family and the warriors of the Gongsun family were speechless before the overwhelming spectacle. The Sword Kinesis technique, which could only be achieved by surpassing the peak of martial mastery, was unfolding before their eyes. And Philong Jegeal Ryeon was holding it back.

“You must retreat.”

The first to regain her senses was, unexpectedly, Jegeal Gyeong. Her face was pale, as if she couldn’t withstand the force of the collisions, and she spoke to the family head, Jegeal Gwan.

“Quickly.”

“Are you saying we should abandon Philong Elder?”

Jegeal Gyeong turned her head. Gongsun Chong, the family head of the Gongsun Clan, was glaring at her with stern eyes, as if rebuking her.

“How can you even think of abandoning and fleeing when the family elder is in danger? What kind of rebellious behavior is this?”

Jegeal Gyeong bit her lip slightly. However, she spoke again to the Jegeal family head, Jegeal Gwan.

“Philong Elder told us to retreat. Staying here would only hinder him. Quickly…”

“This is truly shameful.”

This time, Gongsun Ji stepped forward. She glared at Jegeal Gyeong as if she found her repulsive, and said,

“How can a young lady from a prestigious family show such selfish and cowardly behavior? You can’t even sacrifice yourself for the family, and instead, you use the elder’s words as an excuse to save yourself?”

“Do not insult Gyeong-ah!” (Gyeong)

A young warrior from the Jegeal family couldn’t stand it and intervened. He glared at Gongsun Ji and said,

“How dare you carelessly discuss the lives of others with your petty words? If that’s the case, why don’t you risk your own life first!”

The young man was genuinely furious. But Gongsun Ji simply smiled lightly.

Perhaps the young man thought that Gongsun Ji would back down if he said this. After all, there was no reason for Gongsun Ji to step forward for Philong Jegeal Ryeon.

But he didn’t know Gongsun Ji at all.

“Of course.”

Gongsun Ji replied as if it were obvious.

“I was already planning to do so.”

Chaeng.

Gongsun Ji drew her sword. With her sword in hand, Gongsun Ji fearlessly moved towards the fierce battle.

The young Jegeal family warrior couldn’t hide his bewildered expression, as he hadn’t expected her to act like this.

However, Gongsun Ji had something to rely on. It wasn’t her insignificant martial arts skills. It was even less about a sense of loyalty to sacrifice her life for someone else.

Japak.

“Stop.”

A heavy voice stopped Gongsun Ji. The owner of that voice was none other than the Jegeal family head, Iron Brush Jegeal Gwan.

“Even a girl from the Gongsun family is stepping forward, so how can I, as the family head, abandon the family elder?”

“Father!”

Jegeal Gyeong said in a trembling voice. However, the decision of the family head, Jegeal Gwan, was already firm.

As the head of the Jegeal family, how could he retreat in this situation?

His reaction was exactly what Gongsun Ji had been counting on.

“Even though the opponent is a master of Sword Kinesis that shakes the heavens and earth, we cannot simply avoid him and leave Philong Elder behind.”

At Jegeal Gwan’s words, Jegeal Gyeong bit her lip. However, Iron Brush Jegeal Gwan turned and expressed his gratitude to Gongsun Ji.

“Thank you, Young Lady Gongsun.”

Gongsun Ji bowed in return, as if to say, “You’re welcome.” And she smirked, glancing at the pale Jegeal Gyeong.

‘Hmph.’

In the end, this was the limit of a young lady who had been raised with such care within the family. Unlike Gongsun Ji, Jegeal Gyeong didn’t know how to survive in the harsh world of the Jianghu [the martial arts world].

Seeing Jegeal Gyeong unable to even make eye contact with her, Gongsun Ji savored the joy of victory.

Jegeal Gyeong, realizing that she could no longer persuade the family head, Jegeal Gwan, stepped aside. And she said something with a pitiful expression to someone else from the Jegeal family, probably her older brother, a young man.

“I am glad that the Jegeal family head has made the right decision.”

In the meantime, Gongsun Chong, the family head of the Gongsun Clan, spoke to the Jegeal family head with a serious expression.

“That person is clearly a master of Sword Kinesis who has surpassed the peak. But how can one hand defeat ten? I, Gongsun Chong, may be lacking, but I will lend a hand.”

Chaeng.

Quick Sword Gongsun Chong drew his sword. His thin and narrow sword shone sharply.

“Thank you, Great Warrior Gongsun.”

The title with which Iron Brush Jegeal Gwan called Gongsun Chong had changed. It was a sign of his sincere gratitude for his help. Jegeal Gwan spoke to Gongsun Chong in a solemn voice.

“However, acting rashly may only be a hindrance. It is best to observe first…”

Kwaang.

A deafening explosion erupted. It was the result of another clash between Philong Jegeal Ryeon and the black-clad monster.

Kuooooooo.

The two men’s swords were emitting streams of eerie energy as they clashed. The sword that had been floating in the air was now held in the monster’s hand, blocking Philong Jegeal Ryeon’s sword, Cheonggang, and emitting a red aura.

While the opponent’s green eyes showed no emotion, Philong Jegeal Ryeon’s face was more distorted than ever. It was a scene that clearly showed who had the upper hand.

“Hmm, this isn’t good.”

Gongsun Chong, the family head of the Gongsun Clan, frowned and said. Jegeal Gwan, the family head of the Jegeal Clan, who had been watching the two men’s clash, nodded in agreement.

“That’s right. We must first distract that person. Then Philong Elder will be able to strike at his weakness.”

“First distract him, is it? I see.”

Jeobeok, Jeobeok.

Gongsun Chong walked behind Jegeal Gwan. Jegeal Gwan didn’t suspect anything.

Philong and the black-clad monster were clashing before Jegeal Gwan’s eyes, and Gongsun Chong was a sworn ally of the family and had drawn his sword for the Jegeal family.

“Indeed, you are right.”

However, the eerie feeling in Gongsun Chong’s voice was enough to make Jegeal Gwan turn around. And the moment he turned his head, Jegeal Gwan saw Gongsun Chong’s sword rushing towards him.

Shwiik.

Gongsun Chong’s thin and narrow sword was stabbing straight towards Iron Brush Jegeal Gwan.

‘Heok!’

Iron Brush Jegeal Gwan instinctively tried to avoid the sword, but he sensed that it was already too late. He was holding the hilt of his sword, but before he could even draw it, Gongsun Chong’s sword would pierce his neck.

It was at that very moment.

Kaang!

A sharp metallic sound erupted before Jegeal Gwan’s eyes. A steel sword that had flown in from the side blocked Gongsun Chong’s sword. The person wielding that steel sword was a young warrior from the Jegeal family.

“Tch!”

Quick Sword Gongsun Chong immediately changed his sword path. His sword didn’t give up its target just because it had been blocked once.

Shwiik.

Gongsun Chong’s sword drew a strange trajectory and fell towards Jegeal Gwan. However, Jegeal Gwan had already drawn his sword. The steel sword had only bought him a moment, but that was enough for Jegeal Gwan.

Kaaaang!

Gongsun Chong’s and Jegeal Gwan’s swords collided. Taking advantage of that moment, the steel sword rushed towards Gongsun Chong from the side.

“Heung!”

Gongsun Chong stepped back and swung his sword forcefully.

Kang!

His sword, imbued with inner energy, shook the owner of the steel sword greatly along with the sword.

“Keoheok!”

Blood appeared at the corner of the mouth of the Jegeal family youth holding the steel sword. He staggered back, and Jegeal Gwan, the head of the Jegeal family, glared at Quick Sword Gongsun Chong with an angry expression.

“What is the meaning of this!”

Iron Brush Jegeal Gwan’s cheeks trembled with anger. However, Quick Sword Gongsun Chong simply sneered as if it wasn’t worth answering.

Gongsun Chong turned his head and looked at the young man holding the steel sword, and then at Jegeal Gyeong standing behind him.

“How did you know?”

Gongsun Chong’s gaze was directed at Jegeal Gyeong. Although the person who had blocked Gongsun Chong with the steel sword was the young warrior, it was clear that the person who had moved the young man was Jegeal Gyeong, who looked frail.

“How could I not know?”

Jegeal Gyeong replied calmly. Her complexion was still pale, but her eyes didn’t waver in the slightest.

“Young Lady Gongsun’s gaze towards me was completely insincere. A person who talks about trust without opening their heart must naturally be harboring ulterior motives.”

Gongsun Ji bit her lip. Jegeal Gyeong had been watching Gongsun Ji from the beginning.

Jegeal Gyeong turned her head towards the black-clad monster who was facing Philong Jegeal Ryeon.

“That person was also brought in by the Gongsun family, wasn’t he?”

At her words, Jegeal Gwan, the head of the Jegeal family, couldn’t hide his shocked expression. It wasn’t just Jegeal Gwan. Not only the people of the Jegeal family but even the warriors of the Gongsun family were surprised.

“That’s right.”

Gongsun Chong, the family head of the Gongsun Clan, said with an arrogant expression. Gongsun Ji also smiled as if she had expected it.

“I really don’t understand.”

Jegeal Gyeong shook her head and said to herself. Gongsun Chong chuckled.

“Hmph, I suppose not. That our Gongsun family has this much power…”

“No.”

Jegeal Gyeong interrupted Gongsun Chong’s words.

“I mean, I can’t understand what you thought you would gain by siding with such a monster, your foolishness and ignorance.”

Quick Sword Gongsun Chong’s face twisted. Instead of refuting Jegeal Gyeong, he muttered,

“Charge.”

The Gongsun family warriors were momentarily taken aback by the sudden order, but it didn’t last long.

They had already drawn their swords long ago. Moreover, the family head’s order took precedence over everything else. The Gongsun family warriors immediately charged towards the Jegeal family.

“Taha!”

Shwiswik.

The Jegeal family didn’t stand still either. Jegeal Gwan, the head of the Jegeal family, who was furious, immediately gave an order.

“Stop them!”

The Jegeal family was also one of the five great families of the Jianghu. The Jegeal family warriors immediately confronted the Gongsun family.

Chaeng, Chaaeng.

“Iyaap!”

“Taha!”

Sharp metallic sounds and shouts instantly filled the surroundings. Jegeal Gyeong, being careful not to get caught up in the melee, approached the family head, Jegeal Gwan.

“You must retreat.”

“Yes, I know.”

The family head, Jegeal Gwan, turned around. Even now, Philong Jegeal Ryeon was engaged in an earth-shattering battle with the black-clad monster. It was clear that they had to leave this place immediately.

“But I don’t think that person will just stand by and watch.”

Iron Brush Jegeal Gwan’s gaze was directed at Quick Sword Gongsun Chong of the Gongsun family. The Gongsun family was blocking the only escape route.

“You said we should build trust, but as the family head, aren’t you ashamed of your own lies?”

Jegeal Gwan rebuked in an angry tone. However, Gongsun Chong simply sneered.

“Haven’t you even read the texts that say, ‘Military tactics are about deception [兵者 詭道也],’ and ‘Military tactics do not disdain deception [兵不厭詐]’?”

Gongsun Chong was openly mocking Iron Brush Jegeal Gwan as he spoke.

“To think that the current head of the Jegeal family, who once fought for hegemony in Gangbuk [region in China], is only this much, I am truly disappointed.”

Eudeuk.

Jegeal Gwan gritted his teeth. However, Gongsun Chong’s words were correct. At least in the Jianghu.

“I will definitely repay this grudge today.”

The family head, Jegeal Gwan, spat out as if chewing on the words. However, Gongsun Chong shrugged his shoulders.

“I’ll accept revenge at any time, but will you really be able to do it? You guys…”

A chilling smile spread across Quick Sword Gongsun Chong’s lips.

“…will all die here today.”

“You bastard!”

The furious Iron Brush Jegeal Gwan lunged at Quick Sword Gongsun Chong. Quick Sword Gongsun Chong swung his sword as if he had been waiting for it.

Kaang, Kang.

Iron Brush Jegeal Gwan and Quick Sword Gongsun Chong began to fight fiercely. However, the battle situation soon began to tilt unfavorably for the Jegeal family.

The Jegeal family, who had been betrayed and realized that they had fallen into a trap, and the Gongsun family, who knew that the monster, a master of Sword Kinesis, was on their side, had too much of a difference in momentum.

Iron Brush Jegeal Gwan and the Jegeal family warriors struggled to turn the tide of the battle, but the situation was becoming increasingly unfavorable for the Jegeal family.

It was at that moment.

“Get out of the way!”

Philong Jegeal Ryeon’s urgent cry echoed loudly. And following that, the monster’s sword, surrounded by a red aura, flew into the midst of the warriors.

“Heok!”

Iron Brush Jegeal Gwan, as well as the Jegeal family warriors, quickly retreated. They didn’t forget to hold their swords and pour their inner energy into protecting themselves.

However, the sword that had flown through the air swept through them as if they were nothing.

“Keuak.”

“Euk!”

Screams erupted and blood splattered wherever the sword swept. Despair appeared on the faces of the Jegeal family warriors, and the Gongsun family warriors wore triumphant smiles. However, it was only a moment before those smiles turned into screams.

“Euaak!”

“Ah, no, why… Keok!”

The sword that had flown with Sword Kinesis did not distinguish between the Jegeal and Gongsun families. Several disciples of the Gongsun family, who had not avoided it, vomited blood and collapsed in an instant.

“Ge, get out of the way!”

Only then did Quick Sword Gongsun Chong shout urgently. But it was already too late.

Shwiiiiing.

The monster’s sword, which had swept through once, drew a large circle and began to rush towards the warriors again.

“This bastard!”

Philong Jegeal Ryeon leaped forward to block the sword. However, the monster blocked his path.

“Get out of the way!”

Philong Jegeal Ryeon’s sword, Cheonggang, wrapped in a blue aura, fell as if to cut the monster in two. However, his sword was blocked by the monster’s outstretched hand.

Kaang.

The monster’s bare hand blocked Philong Jegeal Ryeon’s sword. Philong Jegeal Ryeon’s complexion turned pale. Now, there was no one to protect the disciples from the monster’s Sword Kinesis.

Huuuuk.

The monster’s sword, wrapped in an eerie red aura, flew towards the warriors without any obstruction. And Jegeal Gyeong realized that she was right in the path of that sword.

‘Ah.’

The sword, which did not distinguish between men and women, young and old, or surnames, flew towards Jegeal Gyeong like death itself.

There was no time to prepare for death. She couldn’t even close her eyes. The sword wrapped in a red aura rushed mercilessly towards Jegeal Gyeong.

Kagagagagang.

Five sharp sounds erupted in front of Jegeal Gyeong. And Jegeal Gyeong saw it. Small objects that had flown through the air, deflecting that deadly blade from her eyes.

Huuuung.

The sword, having lost its momentum, returned weakly to the monster’s hand. People watched the scene, forgetting even to breathe.

Teok.

The monster grabbed his sword. And he raised his head and stared intently into the mist.

“Hohohoho.”

A clear woman’s laughter echoed from the sky. People raised their heads. And they saw a woman slowly falling from the mist-filled sky.

Pararak.

The woman’s clothes fluttered in the air like a fairy. But she was far from being a fairy. Her haughty eyes, looking down on everyone, were more like Empress Wu [powerful and ruthless empress of China].

Tak.

The woman landed lightly on the ground. She leisurely looked at the gazes directed at her, as if savoring them, and said,

“Why? Was everyone completely caught off guard? Ohohohoho.”

She couldn’t hide her satisfied smile, even while covering her mouth with her slender fingers. Perhaps because she proudly puffed out her chest, her voluptuous figure stood out even more. She was none other than Hwangsan Muhu, Hwa Sa.

Sabak.

The people who had been captivated by Hwa Sa’s gaze turned their heads at the sound of footsteps coming from behind.

A slender woman wearing a veil was appearing in the dense fog. But the footsteps they heard were not hers.

Sabak, Sabak.

Several other people following behind her. The people there could immediately tell who they were.

“Da, Dangmun…” (The Dang Clan)

Someone muttered quietly. The people who had appeared were none other than Seolgeom, Dang Hwa-ryeon, the chief strategist of Dangmun, and the warriors of Dangmun.