A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 35

35. The Three Overlords

Woo-oong…

Thick fog seemed to muffle even sound, leaving only a low, mournful hum to permeate the air.

The massive man, who called himself the Iron-Blooded Fist King, lightly extended his hand toward Saja Hyuk. His fist was as large as his physique, and the red ironclad covering it made it look like a huge lump of iron.

“Since you’ve come all the way from afar.”

The Iron-Blooded Fist King smiled. With that, the red ironclad encasing his fist became even more intensely red.

“I shall offer the first courtesy.”

Hoo-oong.

“Haa!”

The moment his iron fist began to exude its energy, a rough shout erupted. And then, he unleashed his iron fist.

Paang!

The red iron fist tore through the air, creating a fierce cracking sound. It seemed as though his iron fist merely cleaved the air, but the intense energy generated by that simple motion relentlessly stretched toward Saja Hyuk.

Kwa-kwa-kwa!

The fog swirled behind the force of the iron fist. At that moment, Sasu Yeon lightly wrapped her arm around Son Bin’s waist and quickly retreated.

Tap.

“Oh.”

Son Bin was slightly taken aback by Sasu Yeon’s sudden embrace without any warning. Moreover, his vision blurred from the abrupt movement.

However, Son Bin clearly saw Saja Hyuk stepping forward and wielding the Breaking Moon. And he could definitely see the blue energy rippling on the Breaking Moon.

Kwaang!

A thunderous sound erupted as the Breaking Moon sliced through the air. The Iron-Blooded Fist King’s fist strike was scattered by the Breaking Moon’s blade, but the Iron-Blooded Fist King instead wore a smile and kicked off the ground.

The massive Iron-Blooded Fist King seemed to vanish for a moment, then reappeared directly in front of Saja Hyuk. It was truly instantaneous.

However, Saja Hyuk instead stepped forward and slashed the Breaking Moon upward at the Iron-Blooded Fist King. The Iron-Blooded Fist King’s fist, scattering red energy, poured down on Saja Hyuk, who was confronting him.

Kwaaang!

The vibration caused by the clash of the two spread around them. Sasu Yeon murmured in admiration.

“Amazing.”

쿵! 쿵!

The clash of the two vibrated the surroundings. Each time the large Breaking Moon and the red iron fist intertwined, sometimes a thunderous sound, sometimes an eerie metallic clang erupted.

‘Indeed, impressive.’

Son Bin, standing behind Sasu Yeon, also nodded and admired. The Iron-Blooded Fist King was not being pushed back at all against that Saja Hyuk.

Son Bin couldn’t discern his exact level, but it was clear that he was someone capable of contending with Saja Hyuk.

“That change is very unique. Ah, that method…….”

Sasu Yeon muttered, her eyes shining. She couldn’t take her eyes off the battle unfolding before her. Each time the Iron-Blooded Fist King and Saja Hyuk exchanged blows, she let out a soft exclamation of admiration.

‘As expected, Lady Sa sees a lot.’

Son Bin gave a wry smile. The difference in perspective was truly fascinating.

How amazing it was that even when seeing the same scene, what they perceived was different? Sasu Yeon was clearly seeing things that Son Bin couldn’t even see, and understanding their meaning.

Traveling with Saja Hyuk, Son Bin himself thought he had developed a decent eye for things. However, seeing Sasu Yeon made him realize anew how detached he was from martial arts and the martial world.

‘A unique change…… It’s definitely very different.’

It was definitely different. The fact that the opponent was using an iron fist was one thing, and the method was closer to close-quarters combat. Perhaps that was why the movements were more intense than before, adorning the sky.

In fact, he wondered if he could remember everything after this duel was over.

He wanted to write it down right now, but if he picked up a brush now, he might miss what he really needed to see. Besides, he was holding the reins tightly to keep the horse from running away, so he couldn’t pick up a brush.

‘But…….’

He couldn’t understand the uniqueness of the changes or the greatness of the moves like Sasu Yeon. But one thing he could clearly understand.

That was the fact that Saja Hyuk was still at the center of this battle.

‘In the end, it’s what that person does.’

No matter how flashy and intense it was, Saja Hyuk didn’t change.

The trajectory created by his greatsword, Breaking Moon, and the Profound Heaven Art flowing at its foundation, also didn’t change. Only the visible phenomena were more intense and sharper.

Kwaang!

Once again, a thunderous sound vibrated the surroundings. But Son Bin was somehow relaxed as he watched Saja Hyuk’s battle.

“Take this.”

The Iron-Blooded Fist King smiled wryly, and at the same time, his iron fist exuded a red aura and plunged down toward Saja Hyuk. But the moment his iron fist reached Saja Hyuk’s nose, Saja Hyuk’s figure vanished like smoke.

Kwaang!

The iron fist struck the empty ground. A great explosion shook the earth, and small stones on the ground bounced up violently. From above the Iron-Blooded Fist King’s head, the black greatsword Breaking Moon fell.

Shwiik-. Kaang!

The Iron-Blooded Fist King crossed his arms to block the Breaking Moon.

쿵!

The ground beneath the Iron-Blooded Fist King caved in. Saja Hyuk’s Breaking Moon and the Iron-Blooded Fist King’s ironclad faced each other, crying out softly. Saja Hyuk’s intense gaze and the Iron-Blooded Fist King’s sharp gaze intertwined sharply in the air.

“Good, very good.”

The Iron-Blooded Fist King smiled, looking straight at Saja Hyuk.

“At least the wait wasn’t in vain. You are worthy as an opponent for this Crimson Blood Ironclad.”

“Is that so?”

Saja Hyuk replied. And at that moment, his Breaking Moon intensified.

Hoo-oong!

The Breaking Moon began to pressure the Iron-Blooded Fist King with tremendous force, completely different from before. As if it would press down on him as he was.

“Heh.”

Tap.

The Iron-Blooded Fist King shook his arms greatly and stepped back. At the same time, Saja Hyuk’s Breaking Moon struck the earth directly.

Koo-oong.

There was no explosion. But with a heavy sound, the earth beneath the Iron-Blooded Fist King vibrated subtly as if there had been an earthquake. The sound of small stones rolling could be heard from all directions.

Hooduk, tududuk.

“There is someone waiting.”

Saja Hyuk said softly. His Breaking Moon slowly lifted and pointed straight at the Iron-Blooded Fist King.

“So, I will pass through.”

Woo-oong.

The Breaking Moon cried out, making a sound. Seeing that, the Iron-Blooded Fist King’s expression was filled with laughter.

“It’s been a long time since something like this.”

The Iron-Blooded Fist King laughed.

“What should I say, I might fall for you if I’m not careful.”

Jalgeurak.

The Iron-Blooded Fist King reached out his hand toward Saja Hyuk. And gestured lightly.

“Then, go ahead and try to pass through.”

Shwik.

Instead of answering, Saja Hyuk slowly raised the Breaking Moon. At the same time, the Iron-Blooded Fist King’s energy also changed. He gathered his two fists in front of him and took a stance. His two touching fists were dyed red and emitted a low cry.

Woo-oong.

As if answering that cry, Saja Hyuk’s Breaking Moon cut through the fog, drawing a large circle. And the moment Saja Hyuk’s Breaking Moon completed the circle, the Iron-Blooded Fist King’s intense shout echoed in all directions.

“Haa!”

Kwaang!

With the sound of an explosion, the Iron-Blooded Fist King shot forward. Saja Hyuk’s Breaking Moon First Form, Lightning Flash, poured down on him.

∴

The receding fog was gathering again. Sasu Yeon remained motionless. Her eyes trembled slightly, as if she couldn’t believe what she had just seen.

“How could, such…….”

Sasu Yeon muttered. It was a huge shock to her, and she still couldn’t escape its aftermath.

Rustle.

Son Bin, who was behind her, took out a book and brush from his chest. He took out a thin brush wrapped in cloth and opened the stopper of a small gourd used for ink. Now it was time for Son Bin to do his work.

Whirik, whik.

Son Bin’s brush began to race unreservedly across the book. Son Bin glanced at the Iron-Blooded Fist King while not resting his brush.

In the gathering fog, he was kneeling on one knee, holding the ground with his head bowed. The red iron fist that had covered his arm was in a terribly broken state, with only a part of it remaining on his arm.

“That last sword was 대체 [what in the world]…….”

“It’s Breaking Moon First Form.”

Son Bin answered Sasu Yeon’s words, which she had muttered to herself.

“Breaking Moon First Form?”

Sasu Yeon turned to look at Son Bin. But Son Bin was not looking at Sasu Yeon. Son Bin blew on the book once to dry the ink, then turned the page.

“Yes. Breaking Moon First Form, Lightning Flash.”

Sarak, sarak.

Son Bin began to move his brush again. Watching that, Sasu Yeon once again repeated softly.

“Breaking Moon First Form, Lightning Flash…….”

Sasu Yeon’s eyebrows twitched as she repeated it.

“If it’s Breaking Moon First Form……!”

“Yes.”

Son Bin replied in a matter-of-fact tone.

“It’s the first of the Breaking Moon Three Forms. Breaking Moon Second Form is called Moonlight Myriad.”

Sarak.

Son Bin, who was moving his brush, suddenly felt something strange and raised his head. And he met Sasu Yeon’s eyes head-on. Her eyes were shaking violently.

“Have you ever seen it?”

“Yes?”

Son Bin was momentarily flustered. But he soon grasped the intention of the question.

“If it’s Breaking Moon Second Form, I have seen it, but…….”

“What kind of move was it? No, what kind of swordsmanship was it? Did you see the movement?”

Sasu Yeon asked, moving closer. Son Bin unconsciously moved his body back at her sudden momentum.

“No, I didn’t see it properly once, and the second time I think I saw something, but I’m not sure…….”

He saw it, but he didn’t see it properly. In fact, he wasn’t even sure if he had seen it the first time. Son Bin, who was stammering, suddenly felt strange.

“Didn’t you know the Profound Heaven Swordsmanship?”

“That is…….”

Sasu Yeon bit her lip slightly. She turned her head towards Saja Hyuk.

“It’s not Profound Heaven Swordsmanship. I’ve never seen such a move.”

Son Bin wore a puzzled expression. He had always thought that the Breaking Moon Three Forms were part of the Profound Heaven Swordsmanship, but in fact, it was different.

‘Ah, now that I think about it, even when I was always practicing the Profound Heaven Swordsmanship, there was no Breaking Moon Three Forms.’

Following Sasu Yeon, Son Bin also looked at Saja Hyuk. He was standing tall in the gathering fog, looking the same as always. The huge sword Breaking Moon in his hand gleamed black even in the fog.

“Hehehe.”

The Iron-Blooded Fist King let out a self-deprecating laugh. He was holding the ground with one hand and didn’t even seem to want to get up.

“It’s funny. I was so confident that there was nothing in the world that my iron fist couldn’t break.”

His gaze was on the red fragments scattered on the floor.

The red ironclad, which was like his life, was now gone. It was still there from his wrist to his elbow, but the iron fist part that had faced the Lightning Flash of Breaking Moon had no form left.

“I didn’t think…… it would end like this.”

Jeobeok, jeobeok.

Saja Hyuk approached him from behind. The Iron-Blooded Fist King closed his eyes and said.

“Kill me.”

At those words, Son Bin stopped his brush and frowned without realizing it.

“If you truly think this is the end.”

Seureung.

Saja Hyuk said in a calm voice, putting away the Breaking Moon.

“You are still not seeing what you need to see.”

The Iron-Blooded Fist King’s long eyebrows twitched and convulsed. He raised his head and looked back at Saja Hyuk.

“I’m not seeing it?”

“That’s right.”

Saja Hyuk said.

“A warrior who has set his mind will not be subdued even by the heavens. Even if he is shattered in front of it…….”

Saja Hyuk’s eyes were calm. His voice seemed to be speaking to himself, not to the Iron-Blooded Fist King.

“He never stops. So this is not your end, but just another beginning.”

Jeobeok.

Saja Hyuk turned his body. And walked towards Sasu Yeon and Son Bin.

“Let’s go.”

Son Bin nodded and organized his book and brush. Sasu Yeon’s complicated gaze stared at Saja Hyuk, but Saja Hyuk did not look at her. It was then.

“You’re right.”

It was the Iron-Blooded Fist King’s voice. As he straightened his knees and stood up, fragments of ironclad fell from his arm.

Hoodudeuk.

“But as long as that person has ordered, I can never refuse his will. Because that is the only law and absolute principle of this land.”

The Iron-Blooded Fist King said, looking straight at Saja Hyuk.

“You will die in this mountain.”

“No.”

Saja Hyuk said.

“The one who dies is, Okryong.”

“Can you do that? There is no one in the world who can stand against his power.”

“Didn’t he say it?”

Saja Hyuk said with a cold gaze.

“There is only one person who can suppress him with strength.”

“Is that so?”

The Iron-Blooded Fist King laughed.

“That’s right. Then now, without any hesitation…….”

Woo-oong.

His broken ironclad began to make a sound. At the very moment when his eyes sank coldly, the Iron-Blooded Fist King muttered.

“I can die for him.”

Kwaang!

With an explosion, the Iron-Blooded Fist King rushed towards Saja Hyuk.

‘Heok.’

Son Bin swallowed his breath without realizing it. It seemed like Saja Hyuk’s Breaking Moon appeared like an illusion, but the next moment Sasu Yeon blocked Son Bin, obscuring his vision.

Seogeok.

After hearing something eerie, what Son Bin saw was the figure of the huge Iron-Blooded Fist King slowly collapsing.

쿵!

Seureung.

Saja Hyuk put away Breaking Moon. In front of him, the giant Iron-Blooded Fist King was lying down. The flowing red blood slowly spread as if dyeing the earth.

“Is this, your answer.”

Saja Hyuk muttered softly. But that was only for a moment. Saja Hyuk turned his body and moved his steps towards the summit.

Jeobeok, jeobeok.

Watching his back walking through the fog, Sasu Yeon said to Son Bin.

“Let’s go.”

Son Bin hurriedly organized his book and brush and got on the horse. Sasu Yeon stroked the horse a few times, then grabbed the reins and started walking.

Tagak, tagak.

When Son Bin turned around, the figure of the fallen Iron-Blooded Fist King was already blurred by the fog.

The red blood soaking the earth also looked just like a blurry black stain. And soon, even that figure became invisible.

Son Bin turned his head. Saja Hyuk’s shoulders, walking ahead, looked somehow lonely.