A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 417

417. Power Ascends to the Heavens

Few truly grasped what transpired. The colossal Azure Dragon, summoned by Son Bin, vanished as if it were a mere illusion, accompanied by a burst of light that momentarily blinded everyone. Similar to the Breaking Dawn Ceremony, the crucial moment unfolded too quickly for most to perceive.

Even Old Lord couldn’t discern the details, let alone the others. Perhaps the former Jade Dragon witnessed it, but he remained impassive, his gaze fixed on Son Bin and Saja Hyuk.

“Ugh.”

With a soft groan, Son Bin stumbled backward.

“Bin-ah!”

Old Lord exclaimed in alarm, but Sasu Yeon and Seo Rin, who were closest, were already supporting Son Bin.

“Bin!”

Sasu Yeon’s expression was one of shock. Son Bin’s face was ashen. Yet, upon seeing Sasu Yeon, Son Bin managed a weak smile.

“Hyung, are you okay?”

Seo Rin asked, worry etched on his face.

“…Yeah, I’m fine.”

Son Bin quickly composed himself. He attempted to stand without assistance, but Sasu Yeon and Seo Rin refused to release him. Old Lord, observing this, sighed in relief. He then turned his attention to Saja Hyuk, who lay prone on the platform.

A profound silence descended upon the vast cavern. After a moment, Saja Hyuk stirred, emitting a soft groan.

“Father!”

Sasu Yeon reacted instantly. Though supporting Son Bin, she moved toward Saja Hyuk upon receiving a nod from Son Bin. Old Lord and Seo Rin, still beside Son Bin, watched Saja Hyuk with surprise. Dang Wora, Geom Hee, and even the Hwang Merchant leader shared the same reaction. However, the former Jade Dragon, who had been biting his lip, closed his eyes and turned away as Saja Hyuk awoke.

Swish.

Saja Hyuk opened his eyes. Seeing Sasu Yeon with tears in her eyes, he blinked a few times and wordlessly pushed himself up. Startled, Sasu Yeon tried to assist him, but Saja Hyuk raised a hand in refusal. He rose using his own strength.

“Hmm.”

Seated on the platform, he closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. When he opened them again, the aura of the Martial Emperor was unmistakable. He exuded the same overwhelming presence as before. With piercing eyes, Saja Hyuk surveyed the surroundings. Upon finding Son Bin, he offered a faint smile.

“You’ve come.”

Son Bin nodded silently, unable to suppress the smile spreading across his face. Saja Hyuk then turned to his daughter, Sasu Yeon.

“Yeon-ah, you too.”

It was a terse greeting, yet Saja Hyuk’s eyes held tenderness. Sasu Yeon, overwhelmed, burst into tears, burying her face in her father’s chest. Saja Hyuk gently stroked her head as she sobbed. Old Lord, Son Bin, and the others felt a lump in their throats at the sight. Only the former Jade Dragon remained turned away, still averting his gaze.

“Where’s Breaking Dawn?”

“It’s behind you.”

The response came from the former Jade Dragon. Saja Hyuk located the black greatsword, Breaking Dawn, behind the platform where he had risen.

“Would you bring it to me?”

Saja Hyuk addressed Son Bin. Son Bin promptly went behind the platform and lifted Breaking Dawn, which lay there.

‘Ugh.’

As expected, Breaking Dawn was incredibly heavy. He could lift it, but wielding it one-handed like Saja Hyuk was impossible. Son Bin carefully carried Breaking Dawn to Saja Hyuk, who accepted it.

Clang.

Saja Hyuk drew Breaking Dawn. The black, unsharpened greatsword emitted its characteristic light. After a moment of inspection, Saja Hyuk sheathed Breaking Dawn and looked at Son Bin.

“Thank you.”

Son Bin smiled.

Swish.

Saja Hyuk attempted to descend from the platform.

“Father.”

Sasu Yeon tried to stop him, but again, she failed. Thud. Saja Hyuk’s feet touched the ground, and he stood tall.

“Are you alright?”

Old Lord inquired. Saja Hyuk nodded.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

Only then did Old Lord seem relieved, letting out a sigh.

“I heard you stood against the Heavenly Demon’s curse instead of the Jade Dragon…”

Old Lord asked, a frown creasing his face.

“Why did you do that?”

Saja Hyuk’s gaze shifted to the former Jade Dragon, who continued to avert his eyes. With a soft chuckle, Saja Hyuk answered Old Lord.

“I simply made the best choice.”

“The best choice?”

Old Lord repeated, and Saja Hyuk nodded slowly.

“The Jade Dragon would know more about the Heavenly Demon’s strange abilities.”

Old Lord’s mouth fell open.

“So you blocked it with your own body? Just because that guy would be better at it?”

“That’s right.”

Saja Hyuk replied calmly.

“It seems to have worked out in the end.”

His judgment proved correct. Without the former Jade Dragon, stealing the Heavenly Demon’s divine power and memories would have been impossible. And had the former Jade Dragon not absorbed the Heavenly Demon’s abilities, Saja Hyuk would have struggled to endure until Son Bin and his group arrived. Ultimately, Saja Hyuk’s decision saved himself and everyone else.

“Worked out…”

Old Lord barely suppressed a curse.

“That guy almost burned the whole world! What’s so good about that? If it weren’t for Bin, it would have all been over. And what about those kids?”

Old Lord gestured toward the Bloodseal Golden Thread Lotus still blocking the Gate of the Abyss.

Saja Hyuk raised his eyes, a slight frown appearing as he regarded the ominous Gate of the Abyss.

“Was that so?”

That was the extent of Saja Hyuk’s reaction.

“Ugh.”

Old Lord, on the verge of an outburst, sighed deeply.

“Right, the Extraterrestrial Four Stars [referring to individuals whose power transcends the mortal realm] were always like this. What’s the point now…”

The Extraterrestrial Four Stars traditionally held little regard for the Jianghu [the martial arts world] or the Murim [a community of martial artists]. The fate of the world was even less of a concern. Hwanghak Jinren might be considered an exception, but even he was primarily focused on seeking the Dao [the path to enlightenment]. His renowned good deeds were simply a result of him doing what he believed was right.

“The best choice, you say?”

The unexpected voice of objection came from the former Jade Dragon.

“Why is that the best choice? The best choice would have been…”

The former Jade Dragon said with a bitter smile.

“Just letting me die, wouldn’t it?”

Saja Hyuk turned his head. The former Jade Dragon met his gaze.

“If the Heavenly Demon and I died and disappeared, that would be the best outcome. No one would have to suffer, and no one would be sad. That’s the real best choice.”

“Maybe so.”

Saja Hyuk replied calmly.

“But…”

“Stop.”

Before Saja Hyuk could continue, the former Jade Dragon frowned fiercely.

“I told you I didn’t want to hear about that woman, didn’t I?”

There was even a hint of murderous intent in the former Jade Dragon’s eyes. But Saja Hyuk simply smiled faintly and remained silent.

Swish.

Saja Hyuk turned back around. Looking at the ominous Gate of the Abyss and the weakened Bloodseal Golden Thread Lotus, he said.

“What do you think? Was that a gate to another world, as you thought?”

He addressed the question to the former Jade Dragon, who scoffed.

“Why don’t you ask that ‘Raja’ [a term of respect, implying someone with kingly power] over there? That talented guy took all of the Heavenly Demon’s power.”

The former Jade Dragon, speaking mockingly, raised his head toward the Gate of the Abyss.

“But, yes, it’s a gate, just as I expected from the beginning. A gate to a completely different world, full of all sorts of monsters and where beings like the Heavenly Demon roam.”

The former Jade Dragon’s eyes gleamed as he looked at the Gate of the Abyss.

“A monstrous world where you don’t know what kind of strong guys are waiting.”

‘Ah!’

Son Bin’s heart sank as he noticed Saja Hyuk’s eyes also shining.

‘Could it be…’

“Son Bin.”

Saja Hyuk said, his gaze filled with the martial spirit Son Bin had witnessed before.

“Won’t you come with me?”

Thump.

That single question resonated deeply within Son Bin. Perhaps he had anticipated such an invitation from Saja Hyuk. But the others were taken aback by the unexpected proposition.

“You can’t.”

A clear, jade-like voice cut through the air. The former Jade Dragon, already standing, spoke.

“That guy has too much. He’s tied himself up with all sorts of bonds. Look, he’s surrounded by people even now, isn’t he?”

The former Jade Dragon continued, almost tauntingly.

“That guy chose the path of humans. He chose to live with people, covered in dirt, enduring pain and humiliation. Wounded and bleeding, he decided to live in hell, relying on just a faint glimmer of warmth.”

It was as if he were speaking to Saja Hyuk, but the former Jade Dragon’s eyes were fixed on Son Bin. There was no mockery or contempt in his gaze.

“So now, he will never ascend to the heavens. No, he can never ascend to the heavens.”

It sounded like a declaration, a curse from a divine being. Eerie wings of light seemed to flicker behind the former Jade Dragon at that moment.

“Anyone would think we’re talking about immortal ascension here?”

Old Lord said with a frown.

“Ascend to what? Whether it’s the Gate of the Abyss or whatever, all places where people live are ultimately the same.”

Old Lord, speaking as if crossing the Gate of the Abyss was akin to visiting the next village, shrugged and continued.

“And what does it matter whether it’s heaven or earth? Even if you wander a bit, walking is still the path. Bin is fine as he is now.”

“That’s right.”

Dang Wora agreed.

“Young Master Son is good because he is Young Master Son.”

“Yeah. Hyung is just good because he’s Hyung!”

Seo Rin pouted and said.

“Oh, I also just think Son Gongja [a respectful title] is good as he is… Ahem.”

Hwang Merchant leader, having chimed in, quickly averted his gaze from the former Jade Dragon.

“Well, if there’s anything I want from Bin…”

Old Lord shrugged and said.

“I hope he has a lot of kids. If they look like Bin, it would be fun just to watch them.”

Son Bin offered an awkward smile, unsure how to respond to the suggestion of having many children when he wasn’t even married. But the moment passed quickly.

Swish.

Son Bin turned his gaze, meeting Saja Hyuk’s intense stare. He smiled.

“If we go together, will I have to write another book again?”

Saja Hyuk smiled in return.

“If you wish.”

Thump.

Son Bin’s heart pounded. A nod would mean joining Saja Hyuk, venturing into the unknown world beyond the Gate of the Abyss, sharing conversations, walking the same path, and laughing together. He could be captivated once more, witnessing the beautiful and mesmerizing trajectory of Saja Hyuk and Breaking Dawn.

The mere thought sent his heart racing.

“Thank you.”

Son Bin said. The honorifics, delayed by his overwhelming emotions, finally surfaced.

“But I would like to stay here a little longer. I want to be with the people who love me, and the people I love. Even if I get hurt and sometimes misunderstood…”

Son Bin smiled at Saja Hyuk.

“Because there are still many things I need to learn.”

Saja Hyuk listened intently to Son Bin’s words.

“I understand.”

Saja Hyuk’s gaze was warm.

“If you are going to learn wisdom among people, that is also your choice. Although the Jade Dragon may not agree…”

With a gentle smile, Saja Hyuk said.

“If it’s you, you might complete the Breaking Dawn Three Forms someday.”

“That’s impossible.”

Son Bin replied with a smile.

“That’s only yours.”

Saja Hyuk smiled softly and warmly, just as he had in the snowy mountains. Thus, the paths of the two diverged.

***

The Bloodseal Golden Thread Lotus was released, and Son Bin finalized preparations to close the Gate of the Abyss. The energy of the Abyss swirling in the air was terrifying, but it could not overcome Son Bin’s will.

“Is Geum Sojeo [a respectful title for a young woman] alright?”

Son Bin asked. Dang Wora, examining the Bloodseal Golden Thread Lotus, nodded slightly.

“Yes, but we need to be careful.”

The Bloodseal Golden Thread Lotus was in a weakened state. Fortunately, there were no external injuries or serious problems, but she needed rest. Gwigeonsura was continuously transferring internal energy to Bloodseal, but even Gwigeonsura required internal energy from Seo Rin.

“Shouldn’t we hurry?”

A clear, jade-like voice, grating on the nerves, interrupted. Son Bin turned his head. Saja Hyuk stood with Breaking Dawn on his back, gazing at the Gate of the Abyss, while the former Jade Dragon, covering his face with a jade fan, looked at Son Bin.

“The Gate of the Abyss won’t last long, will it? No matter how much ‘Raja’ is there.”

The former Jade Dragon’s words were accurate. The Gate of the Abyss, without the Bloodseal Golden Thread Lotus, was nearing its limit. Everything had to be completed before then. Son Bin looked at Saja Hyuk, who also turned to meet his gaze.

“I look forward to seeing you again.”

His calm words stirred a sense of heaviness in Son Bin’s heart. Unable to respond, Son Bin received a faint smile from Saja Hyuk.

“We’ll be different then. Both you and I.”

Old Lord clicked his tongue.

‘What are you going to become to change again?’ he grumbled, unnoticed. Son Bin simply nodded quietly.

“Son Bin.”

The voice, laced with unpleasant emotions, belonged to the former Jade Dragon. He called Son Bin, gesturing with his jade fan. Son Bin approached. Old Lord grumbled from behind, ‘Why are you ordering people around?’, but the former Jade Dragon ignored him.

Whack.

The former Jade Dragon folded his jade fan, then quickly drew something in the air.

“Do you remember?”

It was unreasonable to expect him to remember after such a brief glimpse.

“Uh, wait a minute. One more time…”

The Jade Dragon frowned and quickly redrew the diagram. Then, he turned his hand behind his back, indicating he wouldn’t repeat it.

“This is a diagram to enter the Secret Region in the snowy mountains. No one but me knows of its existence.”

Secret Region implied a hidden area of great significance, especially coming from the former Jade Dragon.

“There will be this and that if you go. There are many interesting things too.”

The former Jade Dragon offered a bitter smile. Son Bin couldn’t imagine what ‘interesting things’ he referred to.

“You can do whatever you want. I’ll give it to you.”

Son Bin’s eyes widened.

“Why are you giving that to me…”

Clatter. The former Jade Dragon unfolded his jade fan to conceal his face.

“This is the end of my calculations with you. So don’t think that I’ve done you a favor. If you do, I’ll definitely kill you. Got it?”

Son Bin gave an awkward smile.

“There’s no need to be like this…”

“How would you know where the Secret Region is if I just say Secret Region?”

Old Lord interjected.

“The snowy mountains are so wide. You have to tell him where to go to find the Secret Region.”

“And it’s questionable whether the Yunnan Blood Dragon Gate will open the way,” Dang Wora added softly.

“Shouldn’t you give him something like a token to guarantee passage?”

The former Jade Dragon’s eyebrows furrowed. Had his words ever been met with so much commentary?

“Well, if it’s a treasure, the source must be clear. If you’re not careful, you could be falsely accused of acquiring it illegally… Ahem.”

Hwang Merchant leader, attempting to offer professional advice, quickly averted his gaze, unable to withstand the former Jade Dragon’s sharp glare.

“Do that kind of thing yourself.”

The former Jade Dragon said, grinding his teeth. Then, he suddenly looked at Son Bin and said.

“Come to think of it, it’s been quite a while since you left the Central Plains, hasn’t it?”

The smile on his face made Son Bin uneasy.

“I know the outer affairs. No, to be exact, I know the ugly side of those with power very well. Their persistent desires, and their shameless excuses for the sake of their families and the world.”

A sense of foreboding bloomed in Son Bin’s chest. The former Jade Dragon fanned himself leisurely.

“I hope this world that you saved from me is worth it. Ah, or maybe…”

The former Jade Dragon said with a bitter sneer.

“Maybe you, like me, will want to burn this ugly world to ashes.”

(Author’s words)

Jade Dragon: Originally, good medicine is bitter to the mouth, and honest advice is grating to the ear.

Old Lord: Even if it’s medicine, if you give it like that, everyone will die.