A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 296

296. Seven Stars Sword Formation

The unexpected appearance of Perfected Person Hyeonheo stunned the Taoists of Wudang. They hadn’t even imagined he would show up there.

Perfected Person Hyeonheo, known to be reclusive deep within Wudang Mountain, was standing amidst the misty clouds of this Hwangsan Mountain?

Thud.

Perfected Person Hyeonheo slowly moved his feet. Only then did one of the Wudang Seven Swordsmen, regaining his senses, quickly clasp his sword and pay his respects.

“Greetings, Perfected Person.”

“Greetings, Perfected Person.”

The other Taoists began to pay their respects as well. First Sword Cheongyang wore a bewildered expression but did not yet withdraw his sword aimed at Seorin.

“Didn’t I tell you to withdraw your sword?”

Perfected Person Hyeonheo spoke quietly to his disciple, First Sword Cheongyang. At that voice, First Sword Cheongyang knew he could no longer antagonize Seorin. Because his master would never allow it.

“…Yes, Master.”

Swish.

First Sword Cheongyang withdrew his sword and respectfully paid his respects to his master, Perfected Person Hyeonheo.

Thud, thud.

Perfected Person Hyeonheo, who had come closer, lightly placed his hand on the shoulder of his disciple, First Sword Cheongyang.

Though there were no words, First Sword Cheongyang could feel the heart of his old master comforting him through Perfected Person Hyeonheo’s wrinkled hand.

After lightly patting First Sword Cheongyang, Perfected Person Hyeonheo raised his head and looked at Seorin.

“It’s been a while, Seorin.”

“It has been a while, Grandpa.”

Seorin answered with a smile. At that answer, First Sword Cheongyang’s eyebrows twitched. To dare call Perfected Person Hyeonheo ‘Grandpa’ was nothing short of blasphemous.

Come to think of it, Seorin had also called Wudang Sect Leader Cheongsu ‘Uncle.’ Strictly speaking, Sect Leader Cheongsu and First Sword Cheongyang himself were old enough to be called ‘Grandpa,’ but still, it felt inappropriate.

“Have you been well?”

Perfected Person Hyeonheo asked, gazing intently at Seorin. Seorin smiled and nodded.

“Yes. I really like living with Hyung [older brother figure]. And the other grandpas, grandma, the older sisters, and Jau, Gyeonja, Hodu, Janga…”

At the endless string of names, First Sword Cheongyang did not ease his frown. He wondered where Seorin lived to have so many family members, especially children.

“…It’s also fun playing with Noga, Hoea, and Hwang-a.”

The nearly fifteen names came to an end. The other Taoists frowned or wore puzzled expressions, but only Perfected Person Hyeonheo smiled as he listened to the names Seorin listed.

“That sounds like a lot of fun. I’d like to see everyone sometime.”

Perfected Person Hyeonheo said, stroking his beard. Seorin answered as if he had been waiting for it.

“Yes, that would be great.”

At that answer, without a hint of hesitation, Perfected Person Hyeonheo stared at Seorin in surprise.

“Are you really sure?”

Seorin nodded vigorously as if it were obvious.

“Of course. Everyone would like Grandpa. Hyung would say it’s okay too. And the other grandpas, grandma, the older sisters, and…”

Perfected Person Hyeonheo quickly spoke, as if those long names were about to come out again.

“Alright, I’ll be sure to visit sometime.”

Seorin smiled brightly and nodded. Perfected Person Hyeonheo quietly stared at Seorin.

“Seorin.”

“Yes?”

“Just once… would it be alright if I hugged you?”

Perfected Person Hyeonheo’s voice was trembling as he spoke.

First Sword Cheongyang, as well as the other Taoists, couldn’t hide their surprised expressions, but Seorin simply tilted his head once before nodding right away.

“Yes.”

Thud.

Seorin lightly kicked off the ground and landed in front of Perfected Person Hyeonheo. And before the other Taoists could stop him, he hugged Perfected Person Hyeonheo.

“Gasp.”

It was only natural that the other Taoists were taken aback. Perfected Person Hyeonheo was also briefly surprised by Seorin’s sudden action, but soon tears began to glisten in his old eyes.

Swish.

Slowly, very carefully, Perfected Person Hyeonheo hugged Seorin back.

The young disciple who had lost his master, who was like a parent, at a young age, and suffered in the form of a beast. The painful regret and guilt of not being able to do anything while watching that suffering melted away like snow at the touch of Seorin’s warmth.

“Hmm, somehow you smell like Master.”

Seorin muttered, embraced in Perfected Person Hyeonheo’s arms. Perfected Person Hyeonheo smiled with tearful eyes.

“Is that so? Hehehe.”

Perfected Person Hyeonheo, who had been laughing, quietly released his hold.

“Seorin.”

“Yes?”

Seorin, who had stepped back, raised his head and looked at Perfected Person Hyeonheo. Perfected Person Hyeonheo said.

“Thank you. For growing up so well.”

“Yes. I’m okay.”

Seorin said, looking straight at Perfected Person Hyeonheo.

“So don’t worry, Grandpa.”

“Yes, yes.”

Perfected Person Hyeonheo couldn’t continue speaking, tears welling up. Perfected Person Hyeonheo’s wrinkled, frail hand carefully reached Seorin’s cheek.

Seeing that, the other Taoists knew they could no longer cross swords with Seorin. Having clearly seen how much Perfected Person Hyeonheo cherished Seorin, who among the Wudang would dare to antagonize Seorin now?

Some Taoists sighed quietly, while others silently sheathed their swords. Even the youngest, Jinmyeong, was on the verge of tears.

First Sword Cheongyang was the same. As a disciple, how could he drive a wedge into his old master’s heart? Now, there was no one here who could treat Seorin as an ‘outsider.’

“Sasuk [martial uncle].”

A quiet voice awakened the silent surroundings. It was Sect Leader Cheongsu.

Perfected Person Hyeonheo lowered his hand and turned to face Sect Leader Cheongsu.

“Yes, Cheongsu.”

“How did you come all the way here?”

Sect Leader Cheongsu’s voice was mixed with a quiet sigh. Perfected Person Hyeonheo answered with a gentle smile.

“How could I refuse a thousand-mile journey when my young disciple needs me?”

“Do you know what kind of situation Wudang will be in? For the future of Wudang…”

“Cheongsu.”

Perfected Person Hyeonheo’s voice, more gentle and warm than ever, cut off Sect Leader Cheongsu’s words.

“These are Wudang.”

Sect Leader Cheongsu was momentarily speechless. Wasn’t that exactly what he had said to the Wudang Seven Swordsmen before? Perfected Person Hyeonheo continued.

“Even if it’s for Wudang, how can it be right to have brothers fighting each other with swords?”

Sect Leader Cheongsu closed his eyes. Sasuk Perfected Person Hyeonheo’s will was firm, and no one would agree with his intentions now.

After letting out a long sigh, Sect Leader Cheongsu opened his eyes.

“I understand.”

Sect Leader Cheongsu said in a voice that was almost detached. Now that things had come to this, there was nothing even the Sect Leader could do.

“I will leave Hwangsan according to Sasuk’s wishes.”

The Taoists nodded at those words. But Sect Leader Cheongsu’s words were not over yet.

“And after this matter is settled, I will step down from the position of Wudang Sect Leader.”

“Sect Leader!”

One of the surprised Taoists shouted. But Sect Leader Cheongsu continued calmly.

“It’s not that I’m trying to avoid responsibility. Perhaps after this matter is over, I may not even be called Sect Leader…”

Sect Leader Cheongsu let out a hollow laugh. Considering the imperial family’s anger he would have to endure in the future, even his life would not be enough.

“It seems the position of Wudang Sect Leader was too heavy a burden for me.”

The Taoists’ expressions grew heavy at his words, which were like a sigh. How could the words of the Wudang Sect Leader stepping down be taken lightly?

Although they did not know the specifics, the Taoists clearly understood that this matter was very serious.

“It’s okay.”

Seorin’s clear voice spread through the hardened Taoists.

“Because Bin hyung [older brother] is here. And I’m here too.”

Sect Leader Cheongsu gave a bitter smile. The Taoists also had bitter expressions. They already knew that Seorin’s martial prowess was extraordinary. But that was not enough to overturn the words of the Wudang Sect Leader.

“Huh? I’m serious.”

Seorin, sensing the atmosphere, protested as if he felt wronged, but no one responded.

“Now, Wudang’s fate must be left to the heavens.”

Sect Leader Cheongsu, who had muttered quietly, turned his body. He was about to leave Hwangsan as it was. But Perfected Person Hyeonheo’s quiet voice stopped him.

“Cheongsu.”

Sect Leader Cheongsu turned his head and looked at Perfected Person Hyeonheo. Perfected Person Hyeonheo said.

“Thank you.”

Sect Leader Cheongsu’s eyebrows twitched.

“For what? That I’m stepping down from the position of Sect Leader…”

“For protecting Seorin.”

Sect Leader Cheongsu was silent for a moment. And then answered quietly.

“I didn’t do that.”

Perfected Person Hyeonheo shook his head.

“If you had said just one word, Seorin would have become Wudang’s enemy, and you would have achieved your goal.”

The Taoists had puzzled looks. No one understood what Perfected Person Hyeonheo was saying.

But Sect Leader Cheongsu knew what Perfected Person Hyeonheo was talking about.

It was about the ‘Immortal Sword Baekro’.

If he had said, ‘Seorin handed over the Immortal Sword Baekro to an outsider,’ the Wudang Seven Swordsmen, no, the entire Wudang would have been furious.

Seorin would have become a traitor who sold his master’s keepsake and Wudang’s treasure, and no one would have listened to Seorin’s words. Even if Perfected Person Hyeonheo had stepped forward to defend Seorin.

“Because it’s not true.”

Sect Leader Cheongsu said in a cold voice, avoiding Perfected Person Hyeonheo’s gaze.

“I cannot put such a false frame on the disciple who protected that person’s last moments.”

Sect Leader Cheongsu’s voice was cold and stiff. But Perfected Person Hyeonheo could easily discern a piece of Sect Leader Cheongsu’s sincerity hidden in that voice.

“Cheongsu, even now…”

“My mind will not change.”

Sect Leader Cheongsu cut off Perfected Person Hyeonheo’s words.

“So I will also bear the consequences.”

“Cheongsu.”

Perfected Person Hyeonheo’s voice could no longer hold Sect Leader Cheongsu back. Sect Leader Cheongsu turned his body as it was.

But it was before Sect Leader Cheongsu had even taken a few steps.

“Dangerous!”

Suddenly, Seorin shouted. While the other Taoists wore surprised expressions, Seorin’s body was already rushing towards Sect Leader Cheongsu.

‘Gasp!’

Sect Leader Cheongsu was startled by Seorin’s sudden action.

Seorin’s serious expression and the sight of Hongjin Manri emitting a blue aura rushed into his eyes in an instant, and Sect Leader Cheongsu couldn’t even react properly.

Whoosh.

But Seorin passed right by Sect Leader Cheongsu. And immediately after that, a huge explosion erupted.

Kwang.

“Keuk.”

The clash of energy and energy. Sect Leader Cheongsu had to raise his hand to cover his face from the aftermath that swept through the surroundings, erupting right in front of him.

“What is this…”

“Ah, this is a big problem.”

Seorin’s voice was heard. Sect Leader Cheongsu found Seorin’s figure with his back turned to him. And the black-clothed 괴인 [strange person/monster] standing in front of him too.

“This might be dangerous.”

Swish.

At the same time as Seorin’s words, the black-clothed 괴인 split. No, it just looked like another black 괴인 had appeared without a sound.

Seorin, who already knew of their existence, couldn’t hide his dismayed expression.

“Hyung always said that battles should be started after victory is assured, and to retreat immediately if even a slightly unexpected situation arises…”

Whooooong.

Seorin’s Buljin [weapon] was emitting a blue aura as if fluttering in a storm. It was the opposite of what he had said about retreating immediately.

“I can’t retreat like this.”

Whooooosh.

Seorin’s clothes and hair fluttered in the energy 뿜어내는 [spewing out] by the two 괴인.

Seorin’s Buljin, Hongjin Manri, was resisting that energy, but the problem was the numbers. Seorin alone couldn’t protect all the Taoists of Wudang.

Shhh.

The two black 괴인 immediately rushed towards Seorin.

“You bastards!”

Eoong, who had been watching, flew in.

Clang, Kwang.

The swords of the two 괴인 emitting a red aura, Seorin’s Buljin, and Eoong’s blue fishing rod, Cheongryu, intertwined in a chaotic mess.

At that tremendous sight, the Taoists of Wudang retreated with pale faces.

Eoong didn’t even look back at them and shouted urgently.

“What are you doing! Get out of here quickly…”

“No!”

Seorin shouted. Seorin said while exchanging sharp attacks with the 괴인.

“If they shake us off and target Uncle and Grandpa, there’s no way to stop them.”

“…Then what do you want us to do?”

Whoosh.

Eoong said, strongly striking down with the blue fishing rod, Cheongryu. The 괴인 were easily evading Cheongryu and Cheongpajikchim, which tore through the air.

“It’s frustrating, but I can’t hold these guys for long.”

In a one-on-one fight with a 괴인, Eoong alone would be overwhelmed. Moreover, the 괴인 were not trying to defeat Eoong but were constantly targeting the Taoists of Wudang. Even if their martial prowess was similar, it was a disadvantageous situation.

“Ah, what do I do?”

Seorin said that, but he had already made up his mind.

The Buljin Hongjin Manri was already 뿜어내는 [spewing out] energy like a blue flame, and Seorin’s hair stood on end in strands. He had begun to draw out all of his inner strength.

The 괴인 who was facing Seorin hesitated, and then someone’s voice was heard from behind.

“There is a way.”

It was the voice of First Sword Cheongyang. First Sword Cheongyang of the Wudang Seven Swordsmen said.

“Seven Stars Sword Formation.”

“Seven Stars Sword Formation?”

Eoong frowned and asked back. He didn’t think the Seven Stars Sword Formation would be helpful against the 괴인.

“Ah-ha.”

But the clever Seorin quickly understood what First Sword Cheongyang meant.

“You’re saying we should 展开 [unfold/begin] the Seven Stars Sword Formation together?”

“That’s right.”

First Sword Cheongyang nodded.

The energy of the Seven Stars Sword Formation is the sum of those who form the formation. And the mysteries of 태극 [Taiji/Tao] 重ね [overlap/stack] and strengthen that energy.

In the current situation, it would become more disadvantageous as time passed, but if it was the Seven Stars Sword Formation with Seorin joining, they might even be able to subdue those 괴인. No, at least the situation wouldn’t get worse than it is now.

“But I’ve never learned it.”

Clang, Kwaaaang.

Seorin said amidst the explosions, 휘두르며 [wielding] the Buljin emitting a blue aura.

The operation of a formation is a very delicate task. You must train for a long time and match your hands, feet, and minds to achieve the desired result.

Even more so if it was Wudang’s technique, the Seven Stars Sword Formation, so Seorin’s words were a natural reaction.

“Didn’t you say you acted according to the Tao of 태극 [Taiji/Tao]?”

First Sword Cheongyang remembered. He remembered Seorin, who had broken the Seven Stars Sword Formation, saying that he had only acted according to the Tao of 태극 [Taiji/Tao].

“If that’s true, you’ll be able to do it. Just move according to the mysteries of 태극 [Taiji/Tao]. Then we’ll match the rest.”

“Jinin [True Man/Master], Sajedeul [martial brothers/disciples]…”

Several of the Wudang Seven Swordsmen spoke to First Sword Cheongyang with surprised expressions. The words ‘If you move according to the mysteries of 태극 [Taiji/Tao], we’ll match it’ meant that they would entrust Seorin with the position of Cheonchuseong, the axis and core of the Seven Stars Sword Formation.

In Taoism, it meant temporarily handing over the position of the pinnacle, Jami Daeje, who governs the stars, to Seorin.

“Jinin [True Man/Master], think again…”

“He is a disciple of Hwanghak Jinin and is fighting for Wudang now.”

First Sword Cheongyang said without a hint of hesitation.

“Who could be more 합당 [suitable/fitting] than him?”

First Sword, one of the Wudang Seven Swordsmen, cannot be easily treated even by the Sect Leader. With the will of such a First Sword Cheongyang firm, no one raised any further objections.

“Wudang Seven Swordsmen, 展开 [unfold/begin] the formation!”

First Sword Cheongyang ordered. The Wudang Seven Swordsmen immediately found their positions. But there was a problem.

“Jinin [True Man/Master], the Sajedeul [martial brothers/disciples]…”

The three Taoists who had been shocked by Seorin earlier had still not recovered.

‘This is bad.’

First Sword Cheongyang gritted his teeth. Even if Seorin joined, there would still be a shortage of people.

Eoong was there, but he knew nothing about the Seven Stars Sword Formation. There was already a risk in Seorin coming in, and if Eoong came in, the Seven Stars Sword Formation would collapse before it even started properly.

“I’ll do it.”

It was then. At the completely unexpected voice, First Sword Cheongyang looked at the owner of the voice with a surprised expression. It was none other than Sect Leader Cheongsu. Sect Leader Cheongsu said with a firm expression.

“It’s been a while since I’ve worked with you, but I’ll be 쓸 만 [useful/serviceable].”

“Sect Leader…”

Sect Leader Cheongsu and First Sword Cheongyang were originally training together with the goal of becoming the Seven Swordsmen.

Although the Seven Swordsmen were given to First Sword Cheongyang, and Sect Leader Cheongsu was established as the Sect Leader.

“Hehe, then I’ll have to take one spot.”

“S师父 [Master]!”

Another voice was that of First Sword Cheongyang’s master, Perfected Person Hyeonheo.

“I’m old and don’t have the strength, but I’ll be 괜찮 [alright/okay] if I just hold the center.”

First Sword Cheongyang hesitated for a moment, but Perfected Person Hyeonheo was also a disciple of Hwanghak Jinin. And if the Seven Stars Sword Formation was properly activated, it would actually help protect Perfected Person Hyeonheo.

“Wow, it’s an amazing Seven Stars Sword Formation.”

The youngest, Jinmyeong, said something ignorant again. But since what he said wasn’t exactly wrong, First Sword Cheongyang decided to just let it go.

“展开 [Unfold/Begin] the formation!”

At First Sword Cheongyang’s one word, the six Taoists simultaneously took their positions.

“Little brother, come!”

“Okay!”

Seorin 크게 휘둘렀다 [greatly wielded] the Buljin.

Kwaaaang.

With an explosion, Seorin flew into the air.

Thud.

Seorin landed exactly at the place designated by First Sword Cheongyang. Seorin and the six Taoists of Wudang formed a perfect formation like the stars in the night sky.

“Hmm, so this is how you do it?”

Seorin smiled, holding Hongjin Manri like a sword in front of his chest.

“开阵(Open Formation).”

Kuwaaaaa.

In that instant, the Taoists of Wudang witnessed a Seven Stars Sword Formation of overwhelming power that no one had ever seen before.

It was like a ferocious young wolf, like a rushing flood of water, and as beautiful as the stars in the night sky, truly a Seven Stars Sword Formation of the Great Emperor who governs the stars.