A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 332

332. Visitors from Sichuan

The Tang Clan is the dominant force in Sichuan. While the Emei Sect is located on Mount Emei, as a Buddhist sect, they maintain a distance from worldly affairs, at least officially.

Moreover, with the Emei Sect’s recent declaration of a three-year closure, the Tang Clan’s position as the ruler of Sichuan is undisputed.

Although some orthodox sects criticize them for their formidable poison techniques and ruthless methods, no one can ignore the Tang Clan, a respected member of the Five Great Families and the leading martial power in Sichuan.

Today, the Tang Clan, like a proud monarch on a throne, reigned supreme over Sichuan martial arts from their headquarters in the heart of Chengdu.

“Yue-ah is here?”

Tang Hwa-ryun, the chief strategist, sat imposingly in the center of the ornate Tang Clan office. She looked at her subordinate with surprise.

Tang Hwa-ryun, the young chief strategist of the Tang Clan, known as the Snow Sword, was a key figure. Having inherited the clan’s secrets and powerful artifacts from the previous Clan Lord, Tang Baek-ho, she and the elder Tang Woon-yeong, who led the largest faction, formed the two main pillars of the Tang Clan.

Furthermore, with her younger sister, Tang Wol-ah, succeeding Tang Baek-ho as the master of the Outer Manor [a branch or division within the Tang Clan], she effectively held absolute power.

Among the younger generation, she was a symbol of change and a rising star, admired for her beauty and exceptional abilities. Therefore, she couldn’t hide her surprise at the subordinate’s message.

“Yue-ah is here, right now?”

“Yes. We received an urgent message from the Deputy Head a short while ago, informing us that the Wol-in Unit Leader has arrived.”

The subordinate answered politely, bowing.

The ‘Wol-in Unit Leader’ is Tang Wol-ah’s official title. The unit consists of only six official members, including Tang Wol-ah and the five children, but their abilities are unmatched within the Tang Clan.

“Really? Why such a sudden visit without any notice…”

Tang Hwa-ryun was briefly taken aback but quickly smiled.

Her younger sister, Tang Wol-ah, was the person she loved most in the world, perhaps the only one. Even a surprise visit couldn’t diminish her happiness.

“Okay. Tell her to come in quickly.”

Nothing could be more urgent than seeing Tang Wol-ah. Tang Hwa-ryun set aside the documents she was holding. However, the subordinate hesitated, a troubled expression on his face.

“The Deputy Head said he has guided her to the Guest House for now.”

“The Guest House?”

Chief Strategist Tang Hwa-ryun looked puzzled. Given Tang Wol-ah’s position as the Wol-in Unit Leader, even the Guest House would be an appropriate accommodation.

But why was Tang Wol-ah, a member of the clan—no, the de facto head of the Tang Clan—being placed in the Guest House?

“Did the Deputy Head misunderstand something? Why did he take Wol-ah to the Guest House?”

Tang Hwa-ryun’s eyes narrowed. The very existence of Wol-in Unit Leader Tang Wol-ah was a secret within the Tang Clan. Only key members knew her name, and her face, always hidden behind a veil, had only been seen by her sister, Tang Hwa-ryun.

Perhaps the new Deputy Head mistook her for a guest. However, whether he would receive Tang Hwa-ryun’s forgiveness was another matter.

“No. It’s just that among the guests accompanying the Wol-in Unit Leader…”

The subordinate hesitated. He seemed unsure how to explain the situation.

Such a situation was unprecedented, making it all the more exceptional.

“…there are individuals deemed quite dangerous.”

‘Dangerous.’ That single word gave Tang Hwa-ryun a general idea of what was happening.

In short, among those accompanying Wol-in Unit Leader Tang Wol-ah were people so dangerous that they would never be allowed into the Tang Clan under normal circumstances.

The fact that they hadn’t revealed their names or identities suggested that the Deputy Head couldn’t identify them and that they hadn’t properly introduced themselves.

Therefore, the best the Deputy Head could do was to guide them to the Guest House.

“Okay.”

Rustle.

Chief Strategist Tang Hwa-ryun sighed softly and stood up. Ultimately, she needed to see the situation firsthand to understand it.

“Ah, and.”

The subordinate quickly spoke as Tang Hwa-ryun stood up.

“Young Master Son of Seowon Gate [a prestigious scholarly society] is also with the Wol-in Unit Leader.”

This was meant to alleviate Chief Strategist Tang Hwa-ryun’s concerns.

Young Master Son of Seowon Gate had a close relationship with both the elder Tang Woon-yeong and Wol-in Unit Leader Tang Wol-ah, as well as Chief Strategist Tang Hwa-ryun herself.

However, Tang Hwa-ryun frowned involuntarily. The image of the unassuming young scholar, staring at her with unwavering seriousness, stirred something within her.

* * *

Tang Hwa-ryun, dressed in the splendid and elegant attire befitting her position as the Tang Clan’s Chief Strategist, walked through the corridor leading to the Guest House.

The people passing by bowed politely, but Tang Hwa-ryun simply raised her hand in acknowledgment and continued without pausing.

“How many guests are there in total?”

Tang Hwa-ryun asked softly as she walked. The subordinate following behind answered promptly.

“Excluding the Wol-in Unit Leader, there are twelve in total. Among them, we’ve identified four members of the Seowon Gate party: Young Master Son, Namak Old Lord, Gangho’s [the martial world] best swordswoman, Sa Soo-yeon, a disciple of Wudang Sect [a famous Taoist sect], Seo-rin, one member of Emei Sect, Sa-tae, and the Blood Demon and Guigyeon Shura of the Blood Phoenix Union.”

‘Guigyeon Shura of the Blood Phoenix Union and Sa-tae of Emei Sect.’

Even though the Emei Sect was part of the same orthodox faction, they were still potential competitors and targets for scrutiny. Moreover, Guigyeon Shura of the Blood Phoenix Union was undoubtedly a dangerous figure, having single-handedly defeated the Outer Chamber Lord of the Namgoong Family.

Tang Hwa-ryun understood the Deputy Head’s caution. But the subordinate wasn’t finished.

“Besides them, there is a woman who appears to be of noble status, a maid, and one escort warrior. However, the Deputy Head says that the two others are the most dangerous.”

“Two others?”

Tang Hwa-ryun stopped and turned around. The subordinate bowed respectfully.

“Yes. The Deputy Head guided them to the Guest House because of them. They did not reveal their identities or names.”

Chief Strategist Tang Hwa-ryun was puzzled.

Since they were guests accompanying Tang Wol-ah, the Deputy Head couldn’t press them for information.

But could there be anyone more dangerous than Guigyeon Shura of the Blood Phoenix Union or Sa-tae of Emei Sect? And who could the noblewoman and her party be?

Suddenly, Tang Hwa-ryun thought of Princess Gyeonghee. But she quickly dismissed the idea.

Princess Gyeonghee’s Beoncheon Scheme [a plot to control the martial world], intended to dominate Gangho martial arts, had been ruined by Son Bin. There was no reason for her to be accompanying Son Bin now.

‘But a woman…’

Son Bin’s eyes, more serious than ever, flashed in her mind, along with the smile he had given her.

Thinking about how her younger sister Tang Wol-ah had fallen for those eyes and that smile, her stomach churned again.

Sizzle.

She would find out soon enough. Tang Hwa-ryun, unable to shake off her complicated feelings, quickened her pace. Before long, she arrived at the Guest House.

The Deputy Head, waiting with a stern expression, saw Tang Hwa-ryun and immediately paid his respects.

“Chief Strategist.”

Tang Hwa-ryun nodded slightly in acknowledgment. The Deputy Head continued quickly in a low voice.

“The members of the Seowon Gate party are Young Master Son, Namak Old Lord, Gangho’s best swordswoman Sa Soo-yeon, and Wudang Sect’s Young Master Seo-rin. The Blood Demon and Guigyeon Shura are confirmed, and Emei Sect’s Cheonghye Sa-tae is with them. The rest have not yet been identified.”

The Deputy Head bowed deeply, as if apologizing. He clearly felt responsible for not being able to identify all the guests. But Tang Hwa-ryun wasn’t concerned.

“It doesn’t matter.”

She would find out when she saw them. Besides, these people belonged to the Outer Manor, so it was natural that the Deputy Head wouldn’t recognize them.

“The Chief Strategist has arrived.”

The Deputy Head announced towards the inside of the Guest House and opened the door with a polite gesture.

Tang Hwa-ryun, the Chief Strategist of the Tang Clan, entered the Guest House with a soft but perfectly composed smile, ready for anything.

Or, she was about to enter.

Thud.

Tang Hwa-ryun froze, her smile still in place.

The sight of her beloved younger sister, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time, and Son Bin’s apologetic face didn’t even register.

“Y-you…”

A person with an imposing physique, someone she could never forget, was sitting there.

“It’s been a while.”

He said, looking at Snow Sword Tang Hwa-ryun with eyes as deep and bright as ever, and smiled faintly.

“Has the family been well succeeded?”

The man who had defeated Tang Baek-ho, who had long dominated Sichuan martial arts from the shadows, and the person on whom Snow Sword Tang Hwa-ryun had sworn revenge.

He was the ruler of the Outer Manor and the pinnacle of the Heavenly Outlaws.

It was Saja-hyuk, the Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon.

‘T-this is…’

For a moment, Tang Hwa-ryun wondered if she was hallucinating due to poison. Some of the Tang Clan’s poisons could cause hallucinations.

But Tang Hwa-ryun quickly realized she wasn’t mistaken. Son Bin, looking apologetic and helpless, was proof enough.

Click.

Tang Hwa-ryun quietly closed the door and turned to face the people in the room with a calm gaze. Her eyes, scanning the room, stopped on Son Bin.

“What’s going on?”

There was no trace of the Chief Strategist’s usual etiquette or formality.

Tang Hwa-ryun’s voice, directed at Son Bin, revealed her raw emotions, without any pretense.

“Ah, well, I was a little surprised too, but…”

“A little? Is this something to be a little surprised about?”

Tang Hwa-ryun’s beautiful eyebrows twitched.

However, Tang Hwa-ryun could tell from Son Bin’s answer that there was no ulterior motive behind this meeting.

This visit was purely accidental, an unexpected incident. Tang Hwa-ryun turned her head towards Saja-hyuk.

“You look healthy.”

Tang Hwa-ryun’s greeting was sharp.

Saja-hyuk chuckled. He understood the meaning behind her tone.

“If it’s revenge, I’ll accept it anytime.”

Snow Sword Tang Hwa-ryun had sworn revenge on Saja-hyuk for her grandfather Tang Baek-ho.

Tang Hwa-ryun wore a soft smile, full of undisguised hostility.

“Thank you for saying you’ll accept it anytime. But I’m a little busy right now.”

“Hmph.”

A low sneer echoed. Tang Hwa-ryun turned her head.

A beautiful young master, as if he had stepped out of a painting, had an undisguised sneer on his red lips.

“You have something more important to do than avenge your blood relatives? It must be something truly significant.”

Tang Hwa-ryun’s smile didn’t waver, even at the reproachful remark.

“If I could defeat the Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon, I would, of course. But if I were to seek revenge now, I would surely die. Even a fool would know what to do first: live or die, right?”

The young master’s brow furrowed slightly. But Tang Hwa-ryun continued.

“Of course, the same goes for you. Because there is no one in the world who wants to go against the Simki [a powerful martial art] of Okryong [a legendary figure].”

Tang Hwa-ryun bowed gracefully and politely paid her respects to the beautiful young master, the former Okryong.

“Nice to meet you. Okryong, no, former Okryong.”

The former Okryong’s eyes immediately lit up with curiosity. He stared intently at Tang Hwa-ryun with his shining eyes and asked.

“How did you know?”

Tang Hwa-ryun raised her head and smiled lightly.

“There is only one person in this world who can be compared to the Martial Emperor of Hyeoncheon…”

Tang Hwa-ryun glanced at Son Bin.

“Young Master Son said so.”

“Yes? Me?”

Son Bin was greatly embarrassed when his name was suddenly mentioned. Besides, he had never said such a thing to Tang Hwa-ryun.

“Tsk.”

The former Okryong snorted. But his expression wasn’t entirely unpleasant. Instead, he opened a jade fan to cover his face and glared at Son Bin.

“You, you’re more talkative than I thought?”

In the past, Son Bin had deduced the identity of the former Okryong, using the same logic that Tang Hwa-ryun had just used. So the former Okryong assumed that Son Bin had told her.

But Son Bin was flustered. He had never told Tang Hwa-ryun anything of the sort.

Sa Soo-yeon and Old Lord Namak, standing next to him, were also looking at him as if asking, ‘When did you say that?’, making him feel even more wronged.

“No, I…”

Actually, he had talked about it, but that was to Old Lord Namak in the past.

Tang Wol-ah and Seo-rin were nearby, and Sa Soo-yeon joined them later.

“So, what brings the pinnacles of the Outer Manor here?”

Tang Hwa-ryun smoothly changed the subject. She couldn’t reveal that she had read about it in the letter that Tang Wol-ah had proudly written about Young Master Son.

She still remembered it clearly, feeling jealous and annoyed at Son Bin while reading the letter.

“Besides, even bringing such a precious person with you.”

Tang Hwa-ryun’s gaze was already fixed on Princess Gyeonghee.

“Princess Gyeonghee, or should I say *former* Princess Gyeonghee now?”

Tang Hwa-ryun recognized the other woman’s identity but didn’t offer any courtesies. Instead, she stared directly at Princess Gyeonghee with blatant hostility.

Princess Gyeonghee was the mastermind behind the Beoncheon Scheme. Tang Hwa-ryun would have liked to slap her across the face, but that wouldn’t be enough.

Of course, she had no intention of showing any respect. She knew that Princess Gyeonghee had already lost her power.

Princess Gyeonghee was the same. She had been born into nobility. A martial artist’s provocation, even from the Tang Clan’s young Chief Strategist, didn’t faze her.

The two women stared at each other calmly, neither backing down.

It was at that moment, as Son Bin grew restless in the face of the escalating tension, that he made the foolish decision to intervene, thinking he had to do something.

“I have a favor to ask, Sister.”

Tang Wol-ah’s small and delicate voice floated from behind her veil. Tang Hwa-ryun turned her head and answered with a gentle expression.

“What is it?”

Even the same words could have completely different meanings depending on the tone.

The fiery gaze she had directed at Princess Gyeonghee vanished, replaced by a truly affectionate and loving look and voice.

Son Bin clicked his tongue at the transformation. Seo-rin, standing next to him, also marveled.

“Wow. What a huge difference in treatment…”

When Tang Hwa-ryun glared at him, Seo-rin quickly looked away. In terms of martial arts, he might not be inferior, but the intensity of her glare was something else.

“Tell me. I’ll do it for you.”

Tang Hwa-ryun said to Tang Wol-ah with an extremely gentle expression. Her voice suggested she would pluck the stars from the sky if asked.

Son Bin thought, ‘That woman can even make that kind of expression,’ but Tang Hwa-ryun didn’t care.

However, Tang Hwa-ryun’s expression, which seemed capable of granting anything, faltered slightly when Tang Wol-ah opened her mouth.

“Take charge of the Princess’s party.”

“What?”

Tang Hwa-ryun asked, surprised. But her younger sister, Tang Wol-ah, was looking at her with her usual sparkling eyes.

Confirming that she hadn’t misheard, even Tang Hwa-ryun’s endlessly soft expression began to crumble.

(Author’s words)

Tang Hwa-ryun: Hmph, a quick change of attitude is the foundation of a master.

Seo-rin: Oh, in other words, it’s also called being quick-witted… Ugh, ugh.