A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 421

421. Unexpected Rumors

The man, sporting the Namgung Clan crest on his collar, wore a self-satisfied smile. In the Jianghu [martial arts world] there was no one unfamiliar with the Namgung Clan’s reputation. Especially martial artists who favored swords; the name held significant weight. He was confident that the beautiful woman before him, Sa Su-yeon, would be impressed by his status.

“I am Namgung Tak,” he announced with a slight bow. Sa Su-yeon, however, didn’t respond. She honestly wanted him gone. The only thing holding her back was Son Bin’s earlier comment: ‘Even the Imperial Family wouldn’t dare to cross the Namgung Clan.’

Even if the Five Great Clans held considerable power in the Jianghu, they were still distinct from the government. In fact, people usually sought connections with the government. To bring up the Imperial Family, even in jest, felt inappropriate.

Namgung Tak, oblivious to her thoughts, continued with a smarmy expression.

“Perhaps we could keep each other company during this tedious sea voyage? I happen to have some excellent tea…”

“Did you say Namgung Clan?” Son Bin, who had been standing quietly beside her, interjected in a low voice. Namgung Tak frowned at the interruption from the scholar-dressed Son Bin, whom he had been ignoring.

“Who are you?”

His rude tone triggered a memory for Son Bin. When he had first fled from Saja Hyuk, a member of the Namgung Clan had tried to attack him with a sword in Hwanghakru [Yellow Crane Tower, a famous landmark]. For Son Bin, the Namgung Clan was associated with an unpleasant beginning. Of course, that encounter had led him to Sa Su-yeon.

“I am this lady’s guardian,” Son Bin replied with a wry smile. Sa Su-yeon’s eyes flickered with surprise at his words, but Son Bin, focused on Namgung Tak, didn’t notice.

“What?” Namgung Tak frowned, glaring at Son Bin in disbelief.

“Are you mocking me?”

His incredulity was understandable. Son Bin, dressed as a simple scholar, appeared to be nothing more than Sa Su-yeon’s attendant or servant. Namgung Tak believed he was overstepping his boundaries, unaware of his place. He was also annoyed that this nobody was interrupting his conversation with such a beauty, especially given Namgung Tak’s clan affiliation.

“How dare you look down on the Namgung Clan and utter such absurd lies! You need a harsh lesson to learn your place!” Namgung Tak declared sternly. The arrogance ingrained in him since birth couldn’t tolerate such insolence, especially from someone beneath him. Confident in his superiority, Namgung Tak unleashed his anger on Son Bin without restraint, expecting him to cower and apologize. But the situation didn’t play out as he anticipated.

“You are the one who needs to come to your senses,” Son Bin’s firm voice cut through the air, piercing Namgung Tak’s ears. Though his demeanor remained polite, his words were utterly disrespectful, causing Namgung Tak to retort involuntarily.

“What?”

At Namgung Tak’s disbelieving frown, Son Bin said sharply, “Is that how the late Lightning Sword, Namgung Cheon, taught you? Or did the current Lightning Sword, Namgung Kwon, instruct you to behave this way?”

Those were names not to be spoken lightly. Son Bin, with piercing eyes, fearlessly uttered taboos that Namgung Tak couldn’t even imagine.

“Your actions are an insult to the Namgung Clan.”

“Ha!” Namgung Tak scoffed in disbelief, his expression quickly turning to blazing anger.

Gritting his teeth, Namgung Tak glared at Son Bin and spat out, “You’re asking for death.”

The murderous intent was clear. Enraged, Namgung Tak immediately reached for his sword.

“Are you going to draw your sword?” Son Bin asked, meeting Namgung Tak’s gaze.

“A martial artist’s oath made with a sword can change even the light of mountains and rivers, and once drawn and swung, it can stain the world with blood.”

Son Bin’s eyes didn’t waver as he looked at Namgung Tak.

“If you draw it rashly, you will surely regret it.”

It was a poignant warning, but it fell on deaf ears. The urge to force this rude and insolent man to kneel consumed Namgung Tak.

“You…”

*Tak.*

No more words were needed. Namgung Tak was about to draw his sword, his eyes fixed on Son Bin.

*Sarak.*

It was like a refreshing breeze. No, it couldn’t be the wind. They were on a ship where the sea breeze was already strong. But immediately after that sensation enveloped Namgung Tak, Son Bin’s figure registered in his eyes.

*Hook.*

It was like an awakening, an eye-opening experience. He wondered what he had been seeing until now. Namgung Tak could now see clearly for the first time. Son Bin’s aura, as straight and transparent as a sharp sword, shone brilliantly.

‘Hmm.’

Namgung Tak let out a soft groan. Just moments ago, he was certain he could easily defeat this man, but now he couldn’t even move a finger. He couldn’t understand how he had failed to notice this extraordinary aura that was now so clearly revealed.

“Y-you are…” Namgung Tak stammered, unable to look away from Son Bin.

“Who are you?”

At those words, Son Bin smiled. Then, the sound of laughter came from above.

“Heul heul.”

*Parararak.*

*Tak.*

The old man with the white beard descended lightly. He wasn’t alone. *Parak, Tatak.* Dressed in a veil, Dang Worae, as well as Seo Rin holding Hwang Bang-ju, and Guigyeonsura holding the Blood Phoenix Golden Thread, descended one after another behind the old man. Surprised, Namgung Tak blinked, his mouth agape. The old man stroked his beard and chuckled.

“You’re quite lucky. Or perhaps you have a better sense than I thought.”

“It’s because Hyung [older brother/respected one] watched over him. A blue aura rose, didn’t it, Hyung?” At Seo Rin’s words, Son Bin smiled wryly instead of answering and looked up. *Ssuk.* The mast was visible high above. Everyone had been up there in that dizzying place.

“Were you watching everything?”

“Keuhem.” The old man coughed dryly and turned his head. Hwang Bang-ju also avoided Son Bin’s gaze, while Dang Worae answered softly, “I was just getting some fresh air.”

“Ah, Arang said the scenery was good, so…” Blood Phoenix Golden Thread said, blushing. She probably wouldn’t have been the one to suggest going up to the mast. Guigyeonsura, on the other hand, looked at Son Bin with a calm expression. Son Bin couldn’t help but laugh at those shameless eyes. No wonder everyone seemed to be missing; he never imagined they would be in such a place. Meanwhile, the old man, having regained his composure, spoke.

“It’s not like I was trying to watch secretly. I was just wondering what you two would do if we weren’t here…”

So, it was intentional from the beginning. Son Bin smiled bitterly, and the old man turned his head to look at Namgung Tak.

“Know that you’re lucky, you little brat,” the old man said, glaring.

“If you had realized it just a little later, I would have smashed your head with this. There’s a limit to ruining other people’s entertainment, or rather, a good atmosphere.”

After muttering, the old man took out a small iron coin. Before Namgung Tak could even understand what he was saying, the old man strengthened his finger.

*Woojik.*

The iron coin crumpled like a piece of paper. The remaining force turned into heat, and faint smoke rose from the distorted metal. The old man lightly flicked the heated iron coin with his finger.

*Ping.*

The iron coin cut through the wind and flew towards the sea at a speed that Namgung Tak couldn’t even follow. Namgung Tak felt a chill down his spine. If that iron coin had been aimed at him, the result would have been obvious. The old man’s words about smashing his head were no joke. Namgung Tak looked at the old man with renewed surprise.

“D-daehyeop [great hero], who are you?”

The old man chuckled.

“Daehyeop, my foot… I’m just Namak Old Man.”

‘Namak Old Man!’ Namgung Tak was shocked. He never expected to meet a master who was said to be living in seclusion in Namak [Southern Desert] in such a place. But Namgung Tak’s surprise wasn’t over yet. The old man turned his head and gestured towards Son Bin with his chin.

“And this guy…”

Son Bin bowed lightly towards Namgung Tak.

“I am Son Bin.”

‘Son Bin?’ Namgung Tak tilted his head, puzzled. Son Bin smiled.

“You probably don’t know me. I am…”

But before Son Bin could finish, Namgung Tak remembered.

“Could it be, True Dragon Daehyeop Son Bin?”

Son Bin was startled.

“How do you know that title…”

Namgung Tak looked at Son Bin with surprise, then at Sa Su-yeon. He nodded as if understanding.

“So, you really are True Dragon Daehyeop.” The story of True Dragon Daehyeop Son Bin and his lover, Blade Saintess Sa Su-yeon, was unforgettable, at least among the young members of the Namgung Clan. The person who saved the family head’s life at the Hidden Dragon Gathering [a competition to select promising young talents], was none other than True Dragon Daehyeop Son Bin, and Namgung Hoon, who has been showing remarkable talent recently, idolizes him.

“I failed to recognize the family’s benefactor and committed a great rudeness.” Namgung Tak immediately bowed politely to Son Bin and apologized. But the group’s reaction was cold. Would he have received such a polite apology if Son Bin hadn’t been the Namgung Clan’s benefactor?

“I was too harsh as well. I apologize.” Son Bin also bowed to Namgung Tak. Namgung Tak gave an awkward smile. He knew that the gazes of the old man and Sa Su-yeon were unfriendly. He had even tried to draw his sword a moment ago, so how could they be? Moreover, he had tried to flirt with Blade Saintess in front of True Dragon Daehyeop, so Namgung Tak wanted to escape this situation as quickly as possible.

“I’m very happy to see the family’s benefactor in good health. I heard he had passed away, so it seems there was some misunderstanding. Hahaha.”

It was a careless remark made to ease the awkwardness. But Namgung Tak didn’t notice everyone’s faces stiffen.

“Have a good time. Then I’ll be on my way…” Namgung Tak bowed and tried to leave. But he was stopped.

“Misunderstanding?” At the old man’s voice, Namgung Tak stopped awkwardly.

“I want to hear more about that misunderstanding…”

He had no intention of letting Namgung Tak leave. The old man had many questions for a Central Plains person he had met after so long, especially about the claim that ‘Even the Imperial Family can’t touch the Namgung Clan.’

“You have a lot of time, right?” The old man said with a smirk. Namgung Tak felt the hairs on his neck stand on end.

***

The group moved to the cabin. Namgung Tak surprisingly began explaining willingly, likely due to a combination of Son Bin being the family’s benefactor and guilt over his behavior. According to him, rumors had begun circulating in the Jianghu that True Dragon Daehyeop Son Bin had died in Seojang [Western Tibet]. Most people didn’t consider the title of True Dragon Daehyeop very important. Too many other significant events were happening in the Jianghu to remember a title that had briefly shone at the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering [a prestigious martial arts tournament]. However, some places couldn’t ignore those rumors. The Namgung Clan was one of them. They immediately sent people to Seojang to confirm the facts.

“Wait. Rumors circulated?” The old man interrupted.

“Are you sure? Did the rumors circulate first, and then you sent people to confirm them?”

Namgung Tak replied, “That’s what I heard… Isn’t that right, Vice Chief?”

The elderly man standing next to him nodded. He was the Vice Chief who served Namgung Tak’s father, essentially Namgung Tak’s retainer.

“Really? That’s what you heard? You didn’t confirm it directly?” Seeing Namgung Tak nod, the old man was lost in thought. He specifically asked about the order to confirm whether the rumors had truly spread. In extreme cases, the rumors themselves could be a fabrication by the Namgung Clan.

“So?” The old man pressed for an explanation. Namgung Tak continued, glancing at the group.

The people sent to Seojang found the name and mythical deeds of ‘Great Divine General’ Son Bin, revered as sacred, and the Valley of the Moon’s Castle, where he had supposedly died. Decorated with paper flowers and lanterns, the place had become a sacred site with a constant stream of pilgrims. They couldn’t dare to investigate the land, nor was it even possible.

The Potala Princess [a high-ranking figure in Tibetan Buddhism], who seemed to know the truth, was unavailable. They only received a refusal from a woman claiming to be the Potala Princess. In the end, the Namgung Clan’s representatives returned with the conclusion that ‘True Dragon Daehyeop Son Bin is dead.’

Through them, the pure Potala Princess and the bewitching beauty of Aiyeom Myeongwang [a Buddhist deity] became topics of conversation for a while, but there were already many famous beauties in the Jianghu, so the women of distant Seojang didn’t receive much attention.

“You really like beautiful women,” the old man said to Namgung Tak with a pathetic look. Namgung Tak coughed and averted his gaze. His interest in Aiyeom Myeongwang and the Potala Princess revealed his usual preferences.

“Well, what man doesn’t like pretty women… So?”

“So, the fact that True Dragon Daehyeop had passed away became known within the family. That’s when I heard about it.”

“Really?” The old man stroked his beard. Something still bothered him. The former Lightning Sword Namgung Cheon knew that True Dragon Daehyeop was Son Bin, who was walking the path of the Martial Emperor. There must be a reason why he leaked the Outer Affairs, which should have been kept secret.

“I heard that Namgung Hyang was very sad. I heard she even fainted at one point…”

Son Bin’s heart ached. Even though it was a misunderstanding, he felt guilty knowing that Namgung Hyang was so saddened. Moreover, he hadn’t even sent a letter to the Namgung Clan.

“Namgung Hyang? Isn’t that child younger than you?” The old man interjected.

“She is higher in rank than me. And everyone in the Namgung Clan likes Namgung Hyang. She is kind and intelligent, and she helps without discriminating between direct and collateral lines. The elders of the family all cherish Namgung Hyang.”

Namgung Tak said seriously. The old man, knowing the Namgung Clan was very patriarchal, tilted his head. But considering that the former Lightning Sword Namgung Cheon had taken Namgung Hyang to visit the Hyeokryun Clan, and that Namgung Soyu and Namgung Hoon had also shown her particular favor, it was somewhat understandable.

“Besides, our Namgung Hyang is…”

“Was the Namgung Clan the only one who sent people to Seojang?” The old man interrupted Namgung Tak. At this rate, the story about Namgung Hyang would never end.

“Well?” Namgung Tak tilted his head and looked at the Vice Chief, who answered instead.

“I heard that other families also sent people. The people who came back from Seojang said that people from other families had already been there.”

“Is that included?” At the old man’s question, the Vice Chief looked puzzled. The old man frowned and repeated,

“‘True Dragon Daehyeop died in Seojang, and all the other families confirmed it.’ Did the rumors spread exactly like that?”

“I don’t know about that. I heard the story about the other families through someone I know, so…” Even with the Vice Chief’s answer, the old man’s stiff expression didn’t ease. Instead, Son Bin asked, “But may I ask what brings you to this distant place?”

The other members of the group looked curious. Namgung Tak’s group must have boarded in Karachi or the next port of call. What reason could a member of the Namgung Clan have for being in a distant port in Tianzhu [ancient name for India]?

“That’s…” Namgung Tak gave an awkward smile, as if embarrassed.

(Author’s Note)

I didn’t come to find curry. ^^

And Son Bin’s lines in the story are partly quoted from the words written on Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s sword.