A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 361

361. Moonlit Valley

At the summit of a high loess mountain, an old, dilapidated building stood teetering as if it would collapse at any moment.

Exquisite gold-painted pictures and decorations adorned the walls, hinting at its glorious past, but the crumbling mud bricks and collapsed roofs starkly revealed its decline.

Once called a royal palace, the deepest part of this abandoned building, a place of utter darkness, was now lit by a small lamp.

Rustle.

Though the lamp was lit, the darkness did not recede. Rather, the flickering light accentuated the thick darkness that writhed beneath it.

It was not merely darkness. From a massive incense burner in the center, black mists billowed out in clumps.

“The Potala monks are heading here.”

A grating voice, like metal scraping against metal, echoed out. A figure cloaked from head to toe in a black robe stood before the incense burner.

Only a pair of red eyes were visible, and he seemed unconcerned that the black mist was engulfing his knees.

“Impressive. I thought it would be months before they noticed our presence.”

Another shadow, also clad in black, spoke. He addressed the other shadows standing before the massive incense burner.

“Was it a mistake to contact them? Even if the opponent was a Cheonryong [a mythical azure dragon], it was too hasty.”

Five black shadows stood in the thick black mist. Each was covered in a long robe from head to toe, revealing nothing but their red eyes.

“Not at all. Celestials and Dragons were targets we had to confirm, no matter the risk. Now that they have left this land, all that remains is that whelp of a Grand Head.”

Another black shadow replied in a rather arrogant tone, but the others did not even flicker an eye.

“That whelp is leading thirty thousand monks here.”

The voice of the first black shadow echoed slowly.

“The power of the Potala monks cannot be ignored. If, by any chance, this Great Devil Cauldron is disturbed…”

He gazed intently at the other shadows. Their red eyes turned towards the massive black incense burner spewing black mist.

“Our plan to cover this land will be greatly set back.”

A moment of silence passed. His words were not an exaggeration.

The Potala monks were not to be taken lightly. The number of thirty thousand was a problem, but their being monks was critical. For those belonging to the ‘Demonic Path,’ the inner strength of orthodox Taoism and Buddhism was truly anathema [something intensely disliked or loathed].

“It doesn’t have to be seen negatively.”

Another black shadow said quietly.

“The Potala monks are the core of their military might. In other words, if we defeat them, no one in this land will be able to stop us.”

“Are you suggesting we fight a decisive battle?”

The first black shadow spoke. His red eyes gleamed eerily.

“Yes.”

The black shadow, who seemed to nod almost imperceptibly, looked up at the Great Devil Cauldron.

“The next stage of the Great Devil Cauldron is near. If we abandon this place now, we will have to wait a long time for the energy of darkness to fill the Great Devil Cauldron again. In the meantime, the Potala monks will relentlessly ravage our forces.”

Their forces were the demonic creatures. Now, they no longer considered themselves a minority. They no longer thought they had to hide.

Since the Heavenly Demon opened the Gate of Hell, their power had grown stronger day by day. Now, they believed that all that remained was to usher in a new world ruled by the Demonic Cult.

“We outnumber them. Moreover, each of our powers already surpasses the Five Great Vidyarajas [wisdom kings in Vajrayana Buddhism].”

Whoosh.

As if responding to that voice, the black mist swirled around him. The red eyes visible in the darkness gleamed more eerily.

“There is no reason to avoid it any longer.”

Those words resonated with the other three shadows. The first black shadow gazed intently at the other red eyes gleaming towards him.

The conclusion had already been reached.

“So be it.”

A chilling voice, like metal scraping against metal, echoed softly. As if in agreement, the massive black incense burner spewed out clumps of black mist.

* * *

The Potala monks, who had been diligently subjugating demonic creatures along the main roads, suddenly changed direction drastically.

The Northern Army, which had been heading north, began to race west, and the Western Army also bypassed the surrounding cities and rode west. Even the Eastern Army, which had been heading east, turned its horses and retreated towards Lhasa.

This sudden change in the demonic creature subjugation army was enough to stir up the people of Xizang [Tibet]. Although the reason and purpose were unknown, everyone could tell that something urgent was happening.

Doo-doo-doo-doo.

Amidst the earth-shaking sound of hooves, Son Bin, riding in a carriage, shouted to Aekjeongmyeongwang.

“Is it alright to run this fast?”

The time a horse can run at full speed is not very long. If you drive the horse too hard, even a warhorse will become exhausted.

But now, the Potala monks were running so fast that it seemed impossible. It wasn’t full speed, but it was definitely not a speed that could be sustained for long.

“Hehe.”

Aekjeongmyeongwang, riding her horse beside him, smiled. She had removed her armor to increase her speed. It was quite a long way to ‘Moonlit Valley.’

“Of course, it’s alright. Who do you think is in command?”

Aekjeongmyeongwang said, her long hair fluttering in the wind. Not only her, but most of the cavalry had taken off their heavy armor and loaded it on the back of their horses, which greatly reduced the burden on the horses.

Of course, they did not forget to have a thousand monks in full armor guard the left and right flanks of the Western Army in preparation for a sudden battle.

“Don’t worry. We are faster and stronger than anyone else in the world. And you don’t have to shout like that.”

Aekjeongmyeongwang said with a bewitching smile. In contrast to Son Bin and Hwang Bang-ju, who were almost shouting, Aekjeongmyeongwang’s voice was small but clear.

“No matter how quietly you speak, I will never miss it.”

Son Bin gave an awkward smile at Hwang Bang-ju’s interpretation and quickly turned his head. He didn’t want to be a plaything.

“Oh, really.”

Son Bin, averting his eyes from Aekjeongmyeongwang’s face, which instantly turned sullen, looked at Sa Su-yeon.

Sa Su-yeon was riding her horse alongside Son Bin’s carriage.

She was also without her armor, and the sight of her riding with her clothes fluttering in the wind was truly beautiful. Even her disheveled hair looked like a painting.

Feeling Son Bin’s gaze, Sa Su-yeon suddenly looked this way and smiled. Feeling his face flush for a moment, Son Bin unconsciously turned his head away.

“Ahem.”

He felt embarrassed, as if he had been caught secretly staring. Clearing his throat, Son Bin turned his gaze to Dang Wol-ah.

She, too, was riding her horse next to Sa Su-yeon, her flowing robes fluttering in the wind.

Even in this situation, it was amazing how she managed to cover her face perfectly, although it did flutter a little. Moreover, seeing her skillfully handling a large warhorse with her slender body was truly admirable.

After watching Sa Su-yeon and Dang Wol-ah for a while, Son Bin turned his head towards Seo-rin.

As Son Bin’s gaze moved away, Sa Su-yeon quietly said to Dang Wol-ah.

“Didn’t I tell you to make eye contact?”

Even while riding, Sa Su-yeon and Dang Wol-ah could exchange words in a whisper. In fact, Son Bin and Hwang Bang-ju were the only ones in the group who couldn’t do that.

“Aekjeongmyeongwang taught me that. To make eye contact often, as if by chance and naturally.”

Aekjeongmyeongwang spared no advice for Sa Su-yeon and Dang Wol-ah.

For example, she told them about ‘the charm of a woman that women don’t know,’ or gave them advice that was both understandable and incomprehensible, such as ‘there is no right answer in love,’ which was all new to Sa Su-yeon and Dang Wol-ah.

She didn’t teach them about the embarrassing things they were expecting, saying, ‘It’s the joy of lovers to learn together. I can’t take that away from you.’

‘Eyes must meet for hearts to meet’ was also one of the pieces of advice Aekjeongmyeongwang had given.

Dang Wol-ah replied to Sa Su-yeon in a very small voice.

“…I’m shy.”

Perhaps it was because Dang Wol-ah herself was conscious of it.

At that slender voice, Sa Su-yeon couldn’t help but sigh. Even though she was a woman, she found Dang Wol-ah so cute.

‘Haa, really…….’

She could understand why Aekjeongmyeongwang called Sa Su-yeon herself and Dang Wol-ah cute. She felt sorry that Son Bin hadn’t seen this cute side of her, and at the same time, she felt relieved.

While Sa Su-yeon was looking at Dang Wol-ah with such complicated feelings, Son Bin checked that Seo-rin was okay and asked Hwang Bang-ju.

“How long will it take to get to ‘Moonlit Valley’?”

“At this speed, we can reach the entrance of the valley in five days.”
Hwang Bang-ju struggled to maintain his balance in the swaying carriage and answered, holding a scroll written in the script of Xizang [Tibetan script]. ‘Moonlit Valley’ was the place presumed to be the base of the demonic creatures, the ‘Demonic Cult.’

“I heard that the Northern Army can arrive within three days at the latest after we arrive.”

‘Moonlit Valley’ was located northwest of Lhasa. Therefore, the Northern Army, which was advancing north, and the Western Army, which was heading west, could arrive at about the same time without much difference.

“That’s a relief. By now, they must know that we are heading towards them.”

The movement of the demonic creature subjugation army, totaling thirty thousand, could not be hidden. The demonic creatures behind the scenes, the ‘Demonic Cult,’ must know by now that they have become the target.

They did not yet know the scale of the enemy. Therefore, joining forces with the Northern Army was important in terms of concentrating their forces.

“Has the Eastern Army arrived in Lhasa?”

“They have arrived. I don’t think we have to worry about Lhasa and the Potala Palace anymore.”

The Eastern Army was immediately ordered to return to Lhasa. If the Potala Palace were to collapse, the Potala monks might be destroyed at once.

Therefore, it was the Western and Northern Armies, with twenty thousand monks, who would face the Demonic Cult. Aekjeongmyeongwang had expressed her confidence, saying, ‘Our Western Army is enough to deal with the Demonic Cult.’

Of course, the Western Army’s ten thousand troops was by no means a small number.

But the opponent was the Demonic Cult, those with the power to control demonic creatures.

Son Bin, who knew that ‘the Heavenly Demon had opened the Gate of Hell,’ could not help but be as careful as possible.

“Are there any other reports?”

“No. Just the one we talked about this morning. That there has been no special movement yet.”
Hwang Bang-ju held up a small piece of paper and fluttered it. It looked like it was about to be blown away by the wind, so he quickly put it back in his pocket.

“That’s not good.”

Son Bin frowned.

The demonic creature subjugation army was heading towards them. But the fact that they were not showing any movement was definitely not a good sign.

“Could the intelligence be wrong? Maybe the Demonic Cult’s base isn’t there…….”

“No, those guys are definitely there.”

The one who answered was No-gun. He, who was skillfully driving the carriage, gave a bitter smile and continued.

“Otherwise, Okryong would not have left such a message.”

There was a letter with the mark of the Guigyeon Sura [a secret intelligence organization] found in a nearby city. All that was written was a short sentence: ‘This is a gift for your game.’

Okryong was the only one who would write such a letter. He had identified the base of the Demonic Cult, but left it until Son Bin discovered the mark.

‘But the fact that there has been no special movement yet…….’

Son Bin suddenly thought of one possibility. There is only one reason why a hunted beast hides its presence.

It is when they are preparing to counterattack.

“Myeongwang-nim [referring to Aekjeongmyeongwang].”

Son Bin called out to Aekjeongmyeongwang.

“Whyyy?”

Ignoring her sweet voice mixed with a nasal tone, Son Bin continued calmly.

“Please strengthen the defenses.”

“Defenses? Why?”

“If they want to buy time, there is a high possibility that they will attempt to attack us in order to tie us down. It’s just in case, but it’s better to prepare for the worst.”

Aekjeongmyeongwang’s expression hardened at Son Bin’s words. But she did not hesitate.

“Okay.”

While Aekjeongmyeongwang called a lieutenant and gave some instructions, Son Bin said to Hwang Bang-ju.

“We need to send a messenger to the Northern Army. That side too…….”

Boo-ooo-ooo.

A sharp horn sound cut off Son Bin’s words. Hwang Bang-ju was flustered by the sound he heard for the first time, but Aekjeongmyeongwang immediately recognized the meaning of the signal.

Aekjeongmyeongwang clicked her tongue and shrugged her shoulders at Son Bin.

“It seems our Grand Head’s prediction was correct. Unfortunately.”

Saying that, she immediately spurred her horse forward. She commanded loudly in a confident voice.

“Don’t slow down! The thousand armed monks to the front! We will break through as we are!”

Swift messengers immediately conveyed Aekjeongmyeongwang’s orders.

Doo-doo-doo-doo.

The thousand fully armed monks, who had been running like walls on the left and right, slowly moved forward and formed a wedge-shaped formation.

Aekjeongmyeongwang put on the helmet she had placed on the saddle and said to Sa Su-yeon and Dang Wol-ah. There was no time to put on armor.

“I’m going to the front, will you come with me?”

“Okay.”

Sa Su-yeon answered without hesitation. Dang Wol-ah also nodded. If these two joined the front, they would be a great force.

“Me too!”

Seo-rin quickly stepped forward. But Aekjeongmyeongwang smiled under her helmet.

“You’re next. This probably won’t be the only time.”

Seo-rin looked a little dissatisfied, but she agreed.

“Then, I’ll be back.”

Aekjeongmyeongwang said to Son Bin. Sa Su-yeon and Dang Wol-ah also nodded to Son Bin.

“Be careful.”

Perhaps that was an unnecessary word. Because they were the strongest women here.

The three women smiled at Son Bin and spurred their horses away to the front.

The sight of Aekjeongmyeongwang, Sa Su-yeon, and Dang Wol-ah running with their clothes fluttering was as beautiful as a painting.

But Son Bin could not hide his complicated expression. Perhaps it was because he sensed that the road to ‘Moonlit Valley’ would not be smooth.

Doo-doo-doo-doo.

The land, which had been slowly melting in the spring sun, was roughly shattered under the hooves of the Potala monks’ ten thousand troops. And then, the torn blood and flesh of the demonic creatures began to stain the Xizang plateau.

It was not difficult for the Western Army to break through the swarm of demonic creatures blocking their path. They did not know the exact number of demonic creatures, but as a result of combining the monks’ reports, they learned that there were at least over a thousand demonic creatures.

A thousand demonic creatures.

It was even pathetic compared to the ten thousand troops of the Western Army, but it was a larger number than any swarm of demonic creatures they had ever seen. The problem was that this was by no means a coincidence, nor was it a temporary phenomenon.

The demonic creatures constantly attacked the Western Army. Sometimes hundreds, sometimes thousands of demonic creatures attacked the Potala monks day and night. It was as if all the demonic creatures in this area were throwing themselves to stop the Western Army’s advance.

The Western Army also suffered considerable damage.

There were no deaths, but the number of injured began to increase, and both horses and people began to accumulate fatigue as they had to run in full armor at all times.

In the end, it was late in the afternoon, two days later than planned, that the Western Army arrived in a small town near ‘Moonlit Valley.’ This was because the advance had been delayed by the continuous attacks of demonic creatures.

Poo-roo-roo.

On a horse breathing heavily, Son Bin stared at the scene unfolding before him with a hardened expression.

The remains of the small town where the mark of the Guigyeon Sura had been found, but which had now been completely burned down, revealed its hideous appearance.

None of the town’s residents had survived.

(Author’s words)

Aekjeongmyeongwang, a cool older sister who seems to be more popular with women than men.