A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 344

344. The Mastermind Behind the Monsters

Dang Wol-ah stood alone before the monsters. Though she appeared small and frail, the storm-like energy that erupted from her completely transformed her demeanor.

Fwoosh, fwoosh, fwoosh.

The hem of her delicate clothes fluttered violently, and even Dang Wol-ah’s veil, which never stirred, began to ripple.

Despite the force that made even the martial artists of the escort flinch, the monsters did not shrink back at all.

Rather, they intensified their ferocious energy, burning with hostility toward Dang Wol-ah.

Growl.

“The poison’s effect isn’t significant,” Dang Wol-ah murmured, as if to herself.

Caw!

At that moment, three monsters lunged at Dang Wol-ah from different directions. As their grotesquely gaping maws lunged toward her, her sword, So-wol, was already glowing with a deep, jade-green light.

Swish.

So-wol drew a jade-colored arc in the air, and the monsters lunging at Dang Wol-ah were effortlessly cut in half.

Thwack.

Crimson blood sprayed into the air like a fountain. However, the monsters did not shrink back in the slightest. Rather, as if it were a signal, the other monsters, who had been biding their time, rushed at Dang Wol-ah all at once.

Blood droplets obscured her vision, and the maws of the monsters lunged through the gaps. But Dang Wol-ah lightly waved her hand at them, as if drawing back a curtain.

Whoosh.

A gentle energy swept through the air, and the blood droplets scattering in all directions poured down on the attacking monsters.

The blood droplets obscured the monsters’ vision, and the energy Dang Wol-ah unleashed disrupted their balance.

Of course, that wasn’t enough to make the monsters retreat. But the jade-colored sword energy emanating from Dang Wol-ah’s So-wol swept through them.

Thwack.

The monsters were helplessly cut down. No-gun’s eyes widened at the sight.

“What was that just now? You can use that kind of technique with poison energy?”

The technique Dang Wol-ah had used to gently sweep around her was closer to the martial arts of the Wudang Sect [a prominent Taoist martial arts school] than the Tang Clan [a family known for their expertise in poison and assassination]. Dang Wol-ah had mastered all the secret manuals of the world, but it was certainly surprising to see her unleash such a technique.

“Uh, but it’s not? The result is similar, but it’s different from Hongjin Manri [likely a specific Tang Clan poison technique],” Seo-rin said to No-gun. Dang Wol-ah, as if hearing their conversation, murmured.

“It’s just a simple application.”

Peep.

Even as she spoke, her white hand scattered iron pellets into the air. The iron pellets, flying into the air, pierced the monsters’ heads in an instant.

Thud, thud, thud.

“It’s not perfect yet.”

Whoosh.

The iron pellets circled in the air, eyeing their next prey like eagles. The monsters, unable to ignore the threat, glared at the iron pellets floating in the air, growling.

“Heh.”

No-gun clicked his tongue. Just now, Dang Wol-ah had clearly unleashed a Wudang technique based on poison energy.

Considering the destructive nature of poison energy, it was truly an amazing application.

“If Master Hwanghak had seen this, he would never have let you go,” No-gun said, clicking his tongue. In fact, Master Hwanghak, despite his lofty reputation, was more curious about martial arts than anyone else.

“I don’t want to.”

Dang Wol-ah said, still in a small voice, but firmly.

“I belong to Young Master Son.”

“Who said anything?”

Peep, peep.

As No-gun grumbled, the iron pellets floating in the air plunged down toward the monsters. As the monsters burst apart helplessly, Governor Hwang looked back at Son-bin with a half-distraught expression.

Son-bin, knowing the meaning of that gaze, quickly waved his hand.

“No, that’s not it….”

“It’s dangerous!”

It was the frail voice of Hyeolbong Geumsa-ryeon that interrupted Son-bin. But her urgent voice was drowned out by the ensuing roar.

Krooooaaa!

“Ugh.”

Governor Hwang reflexively covered his ears, and Son-bin’s expression hardened as well. The roar contained a sharp energy that made their skin tingle.

And beyond the wolf-shaped monsters, the owner of the terrifying roar that had sent chills down everyone’s spines revealed itself.

Krooooaaa.

The owner of the echoing roar was a monster in the form of a bear. But it was definitely not an ordinary bear. A bear couldn’t have sharp thorns all over its body like that. And those blood-red eyes, too.

Peep, peep.

Dang Wol-ah’s iron pellets were immediately fired at the bear-shaped monster. However, the bear-shaped monster, with a speed that belied its massive size, slammed its forepaw down hard.

Clang.

The claws collided with the iron pellets, making a sharp sound. The iron pellets that had been fired in other directions only broke the thorns that had sprouted all over the bear monster’s body, failing to inflict any direct damage.

“Th, that….”

Governor Hwang’s face turned ashen. The bear monster slammed its forepaw on the ground and began to rush straight toward Dang Wol-ah.

Thump, thump, thump.

The monster’s charge was incredibly fast. The massive monster quickly closed the distance with Dang Wol-ah and lunged.

Just as the monster’s grotesquely gaping maw and sharp claws seemed about to tear the frail Dang Wol-ah apart in an instant.

“…Su-yeon unni [older sister (term used by females)]”

“Yes, Wol-ah.”

Swoosh.

Along with a clear, woman’s voice, a streak of white light fell from the sky onto the crown of the bear monster’s head. Sa Su-yeon’s sword, Myeong-myeong, was wrapped in white sword energy and plunged downward.

Clang!

Krooooaaa.

The bear monster instinctively twisted its body and swung its forepaw wildly to block Sa Su-yeon’s sword. It was a surprising reaction for a mere beast, but it was only a meaningless resistance in the face of Sa Su-yeon’s Hyeoncheon Hanbingyeol [likely a powerful ice-based martial art technique].

The next moment, Sa Su-yeon’s sword split the bear monster in half. Along with the monster’s forepaw that had blocked even the iron pellets.

Crack.

The bear monster was split in two. But no blood splattered. The bear monster was already frozen solid.

Thud.

The two pieces of the bear monster collapsed to the ground. Surprisingly, Sa Su-yeon had split the bear monster in two while floating in the air.

Rustle.

As if snowflakes were falling, Sa Su-yeon lightly landed on the ground. The cold energy from the Hyeoncheon Hanbingyeol she had unleashed in an instant spread around her, and the moisture in the air froze, scattering sparkling particles in all directions.

It was truly a beautiful sight, like a snow flower blooming in a snowfield. Except for the remnants of the monsters scattered behind her.

“As expected.”

Dang Wol-ah murmured, looking at the shattered remains of the bear monster before her.

“It hasn’t become a completely different being.”

It was a calm analysis, like that of a scholar. But those who were watching, especially Governor Hwang, couldn’t help but shudder.

They knew that these frail women were masters. But they had no idea it was to this extent. They had thought that Mu-sin was the only Saja-hyeok [Four Great Warriors], and while he was still amazing, it was a far cry from the truth.

“Hoo-ooo….”

Governor Hwang, letting out a sigh-like exclamation, asked without realizing it.

“Ar, are you two si, sisters?”

Even he thought it was a strange question, but that’s how surprising and shocking it was. Son-bin quickly answered.

“No, we’re not.”

Now was the time. Son-bin didn’t miss the opportunity to clear up his misunderstanding.

“Calling them that just means they’re as close as sisters. In fact, what Miss Dang Wol-ah said earlier is just an expression because I saved her life.”

Governor Hwang nodded blankly. Son-bin added with a satisfied smile.

“Miss Dang Wol-ah’s real sister is Miss Dang Hwa-ryeon.”

“Cough?”

Governor Hwang made a strange noise and turned to Son-bin. He knew she was a woman of the Tang Clan, but to think she was the younger sister of that terrifying Chief Military Officer Dang Hwa-ryeon?

Son-bin replied with a puzzled expression to his gaze, as if asking if he had misheard.

“That’s right? They’re real sisters. Chief Military Officer Dang Hwa-ryeon of the Tang Clan and Miss Dang Wol-ah.”

Governor Hwang’s eyes shook violently at Son-bin’s confirmation. It was the look of desperately trying to remember if he had ever been rude to Miss Dang Wol-ah.

“Huh? Look at those guys?”

At No-gun’s words, Son-bin turned his head, and he saw an amazing sight. The wolf-shaped monsters were slowly retreating.

“This is suspicious.”

No-gun muttered, glaring at the monsters. Seo-rin tilted her head and echoed No-gun’s words.

“Was that bear monster their leader?”

“There’s no way. Even if that were the case, would these guys run away at this point?”

No-gun’s suspicion was justified. These were monsters who would burn with hostility to the end, even if it meant dying. Even now, the eyes of the monsters that were slowly retreating were flashing with an unhidden ferocity.

At that moment, a voice that no one had expected flowed out. A clear voice, like that of a woman.

“What should we do? Should we catch them?”

It was the voice of the previous Jade Dragon [one of the Four Great Evils]. He was asking Saja-hyeok, holding a jade fan.

“I mean, the guy who was controlling these monsters. Ah, he’s already gone?”

It was an amazing statement. There was someone controlling the monsters? Even the martial artists of the escort had expressions of disbelief. That’s because there was no one else in this snowfield besides them.

No-gun also frowned. He hadn’t sensed any special presence either. The monsters’ energy was quite ferocious, but No-gun wouldn’t have missed it if someone was hiding behind them.

However, Saja-hyeok answered the previous Jade Dragon’s words.

“There’s no need to chase after him.”

He continued in a nonchalant voice.

“After all, the Heavenly Demon is still far away.”

Saja-hyeok’s gaze was fixed on the western sky. But others couldn’t be as nonchalant as he was.

“Is that true?”

No-gun asked the previous Jade Dragon.

“Was there really someone controlling these guys?”

“Heh.”

The previous Jade Dragon smiled and covered his mouth with his jade fan. His eyes were full of mockery toward those who were in confusion.

Saja-hyeok also didn’t say anything. But there was no one who didn’t know that his silence meant affirmation.

Son-bin glanced at Hyeolbong Geumsa-ryeon. Everyone seemed to have forgotten for a moment, but she had warned of the appearance of the bear monster before anyone else.

Hyeolbong Geumsa-ryeon also looked at Son-bin. When their eyes met, she nodded lightly with a firm expression. She, too, had noticed the existence of ‘the one who was controlling the monsters.’

Son-bin thought for a moment. There was no way she, who knew nothing about martial arts, could have noticed a presence that No-gun hadn’t noticed.

If so, it meant that this was not martial arts, but something ‘special’ that had worked.

‘If it’s not martial arts….’

Son-bin recalled the unique ability that Hyeolbong Geumsa-ryeon had possessed in the past. He wondered if that ability had changed into a different form when he healed her. The fact that the previous Jade Dragon had forcibly demanded her company might have been because he had seen through this.

“Hmm.”

No-gun let out a groan. The wolf monsters were retreating, but no one was trying to catch them.

The words thrown by Saja-hyeok and the previous Jade Dragon were shaking everyone.

Clang.

Dang Wol-ah and Sa Su-yeon sheathed their swords. And Son-bin couldn’t hide his complicated feelings.

He roughly guessed that the surge of monsters spreading in this place was related to the Gate of Naraka [Buddhist hell] that the Heavenly Demon had opened. The reason Saja-hyeok had stepped forward in the first place was probably to confirm that.

‘And now, someone hiding behind the monsters….’

It wasn’t that he couldn’t guess. The first thing that came to mind was the ‘Demonic Cult,’ the group that supposedly followed the Heavenly Demon. Or perhaps it was ‘something that used to be human’ that had mutated into a monster.

‘But if it’s the Demonic Cult.’

Then this would be a completely different situation. The existence of the Demonic Cult behind the surge of monsters meant that it was an ‘invasion’ with an organized and clear intention.

Son-bin turned his head and looked at Princess Potala’s carriage.

The martial artists escorting the carriage still had confused expressions. But the carriage with the red banner embroidered with golden patterns remained motionless.

* * *

Several days later, the group arrived at a small city near Lhasa, where Potala Palace was located.

Perhaps because Potala Palace was nearby, there were quite a few people coming and going. In front of a large white tower at the entrance of the city, monks, pilgrims, and passersby were prostrating themselves, paying their respects.

Here, too, there was a large temple of Tibetan Buddhism, large for the size of the city. As usual, the princess and Son-bin’s group were invited to stay at the temple by the high-ranking monks.

And that evening, Son-bin received an invitation from Princess Potala. It was an extremely personal invitation, intended only for Son-bin, without anyone else.

“Have a good trip. Speak well.”

No-gun said to Son-bin. Since Saja-hyeok had designated Son-bin, he had expected her to call him at least once. It was almost later than he had expected.

“Have a good trip, hyung [older brother (term used by males)]. I know you don’t like the food, so you don’t have to bring any back,” Seo-rin said, waving her hand. Son-bin gave a bitter smile. The group was planning to go out to the city to eat. They already knew that the food served at the temple wasn’t something to look forward to.

“If the princess says anything, just say, ‘Trust me. I’ll take care of everything.’”

No-gun said with a solemn expression. But that wasn’t out of respect for Princess Potala.

“Princesses are all raised preciously, so their heads don’t work. If you don’t say it clearly like that, they won’t understand.”

Son-bin gave a bitter smile. Just looking at Princess Gyeonghui, there was no way that was true. When you knew it, Sa Su-yeon was also the young palace lord of Bukhae [Northern Sea Palace].

Moreover, Princess Potala was said to be the reincarnation of Princess Munseong and had been educated since she was young.

“Don’t worry about the translation. The princess will probably prepare an interpreter,” Governor Hwang said. He wasn’t accompanying Son-bin. Only Son-bin was invited.

Thanks to that, the rest of the group was able to go out to the city with Governor Hwang.

“Please find out if it’s possible to send news to the Tang Clan or the Seowon [private Confucian academy],” Son-bin asked Governor Hwang. Sending letters through the Tea Horse Road [ancient trade route] was, as expected, impossible in winter.

Perhaps there was a way in the big city of Lhasa. That’s because the road through the Kunlun Mountains’ Silk Road opened in winter.

In the end, the group left a letter with the Ritang Trading Company in preparation for the opening of the Tea Horse Road, and if they found a way in Lhasa, they decided to send it that way as well.

“Be careful, Young Master Son.”

Sa Su-yeon said with a slightly uneasy expression. Son-bin smiled.

“It’s okay. The princess invited me.”

That meant there was no way it could be dangerous. But Sa Su-yeon’s uneasy expression didn’t go away.

“It’s okay.”

Dang Wol-ah said, as if comforting Sa Su-yeon.

“At best, she’s below us.”

But that didn’t seem to be of much comfort to Sa Su-yeon. Son-bin wondered why she was saying something so obvious, but he didn’t bother asking. After all, there was no way that the princess of Potala could be a greater master than Sa Su-yeon or Dang Wol-ah.

“Be careful.”

Hyeolbong Geumsa-ryeon suddenly said to Son-bin. It was somehow a meaningful statement, so when Son-bin looked at her, she was rather embarrassed.

“Ah, I mean, it’s not that the princess is a bad person….”

She hesitated and continued in a small voice.

“She has a good intention to save this land. But to do that, she wouldn’t hesitate to drag in people who have nothing to do with it. Please be careful not to become a victim of her good intentions. Actually, I too….”

Hyeolbong Geumsa-ryeon lowered her head. Her voice, which was already small, became even thinner.

“…was like that.”

Son-bin could fully understand her feelings. Son-bin said, expressing his sincere gratitude.

“Thank you, Miss Geumsa-ryeon. I’ll be especially careful.”

Hyeolbong Geumsa-ryeon was still embarrassed. But she smiled slightly, as if she was happy that her sincerity had been conveyed.

“Have a good trip, hyung!”

Son-bin smiled at Seo-rin’s greeting and left the monks’ quarters he was using as his lodging. He had to hurry, as it was clear that it would take a long time to get to the princess’s residence.

(Author’s Note)

Princess Munseong is a real person, but ‘Princess of Potala’ is a creation. All people, organizations, geography, and events in this article are fictitious and may differ from the facts. ^^;;