A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 453

Chief Military Strategist, Dang Hwa-ryun, led Son Bin and his group to the guest quarters, ensuring their comfort and rest. However, Dang Hwa-ryun herself had to dedicate the entire night to managing the aftermath of recent events. Grandfather Noh was in a similar situation, also unable to rest.

“You’re requesting the Kunlun Three Immortals be handed over?”

Chief Military Strategist Dang Hwa-ryun frowned slightly.

“Yes.”

Grandfather Noh, looking weary, stated calmly. Dang Hwa-ryun shook her head.

“They attacked the Tang Clan and burned down the Grand Righteous Hall. We cannot hand them over until they atone for their crimes.”

The Kunlun Three Immortals were the perpetrators who attacked the clan. To surrender such criminals was a demand unacceptable even to small and medium-sized clans. For the Tang Clan, it was entirely out of the question.

“Even if those bastards die and their bones turn to dust, it wouldn’t be enough to pay for what they’ve done. Their crimes…”

Grandfather Noh chuckled humorlessly. From the Tang Clan’s perspective, the crimes of the Kunlun Three Immortals couldn’t be repaid with mere lives. Rather, the Tang Clan felt they only had three lives to offer.

“Are you saying all of this knowing the circumstances?”

Dang Hwa-ryun’s gaze sharpened. To her, Grandfather Noh’s request seemed unreasonable. Grandfather Noh sighed deeply, then lifted his tired face to look directly at Dang Hwa-ryun.

“They are from the Outer Sect.”

His voice was cold. Dang Hwa-ryun’s expression hardened as Grandfather Noh continued.

“Regardless of the situation, do you think the other experts of the Outer Sect will accept the Tang Clan detaining three of their members?”

Dang Hwa-ryun swallowed. The influence of three Outer Sect experts was significant.

“Moreover, there’s a valid concern about what the Tang Clan might do with the Kunlun Three Immortals. Holding onto those three isn’t beneficial for the Tang Clan either.”

The Tang Clan’s unique knowledge and venomous nature were a cause for caution even among the experts of the Outer Sect. Furthermore, Meng Ho, the previous Clan Head, was one of the Heavenly Outer Sect Stars, so it was natural for the other experts of the Outer Sect to feel uneasy about the Tang Clan holding the Kunlun Three Immortals.

“But…”

Dang Hwa-ryun couldn’t easily dismiss her reservations. She knew Grandfather Noh was right, but handing over the culprits who attacked the Tang Clan was a difficult decision.

“Don’t be too greedy.”

At Grandfather Noh’s words, Dang Hwa-ryun looked up. Grandfather Noh was looking at her with a gentle expression.

“The Tang Clan already has two Outer Sect experts. Wol-ah alone can handle the Kunlun Three Immortals, and I’m here too, aren’t I?”

Dang Hwa-ryun’s eyes widened. Grandfather Noh’s words exceeded her expectations. But Grandfather Noh wasn’t finished yet.

“Besides, Bin might become family soon, so handing over the Kunlun Three Immortals is a small matter, right?”

Dang Hwa-ryun couldn’t help but sigh. Gaining Grandfather Noh was an enormous achievement that couldn’t be compared to the Kunlun Three Immortals. And considering Son Bin as well, there was no point in further deliberation.

“I’m saying this in case you misunderstand, but above all else, I want Bin to be happy. That won’t change.”

Grandfather Noh said with a serious expression.

“But…”

Grandfather Noh turned his head. He was looking in the direction where Son Bin and his group had departed for the guest quarters.

“I hope those children become happy too. That’s my wish.”

Dang Hwa-ryun’s gaze followed Grandfather Noh’s. She could still vividly see the three people smiling and disappearing.

“I understand.”

After letting out a soft sigh, Dang Hwa-ryun looked towards the guest quarters and said,

“I will follow Grandfather’s will.”

“Ugh.”

At the unexpected reaction, Dang Hwa-ryun turned her head and noticed Grandfather Noh’s distorted expression.

“…Do you have to do that?”

Grandfather Noh’s words were somewhat amusing to Dang Hwa-ryun. She gave a light smile and replied,

“If you wish, I won’t, Grandfather.”

Grandfather Noh’s face contorted even more at those words. But knowing the nature of Tang Clan women, who often do the opposite of what they’re told, Grandfather Noh could only grumble quietly.

“Damn it, because of these trash…”

Muttering discontentedly, Grandfather Noh picked up the Kunlun Three Immortals, held them in his hands, and left the scene. Rumble. The burning Grand Righteous Hall collapsed with a resounding crash. The warriors couldn’t help but sigh, but Dang Hwa-ryun watched the scene with a calm expression. It was clear that this incident would spark various rumors within the clan. It was obvious what kind of gossip would spread throughout Sichuan. But to Dang Hwa-ryun, those things were no longer a concern. The future of the Tang Clan, which she would lead, was now wide open before her. Grandfather Noh, who had carried the Kunlun Three Immortals away, returned to the Tang Clan at dawn. After taking a short rest, the others who had woken up sat down with Grandfather Noh, Dang Hwa-ryun, and Dang Woon-yeong to share tea.

“Hoo.”

Grandfather Noh took a sip of the hot tea and sighed. While the others had at least taken a break, he had been active all night, so his fatigue was immense.

“Why don’t you rest a little?”

Old Madam Dang Woon-yeong said to Grandfather Noh with a worried expression. The person who was most surprised by this sight was Dang Hwa-ryun.

‘Goodness.’

Of course, Dang Hwa-ryun knew about their relationship. But who could have imagined that Dang Woon-yeong, the head of the Tang Clan’s largest faction, would show such an expression without hesitation? She wondered if the presence of a loved one could change a person so much, but it wasn’t exactly unpleasant to see. To be precise, she even felt a little envious of Dang Woon-yeong’s bright expression.

“This much is nothing… I’m fine, Young-mae [term of endearment for a younger woman].”

Grandfather Noh replied with a smile. In fact, he wasn’t fine, but Grandfather Noh’s heart was more at ease than ever. He knew that Dang Woon-yeong felt sorry for him. Old Madam Dang Woon-yeong hadn’t been able to go to the Seowon [private Confucian academy] yet because there were more pressing matters to handle in the Tang Clan than expected. She felt guilty that she hadn’t been able to properly welcome her husband, Grandfather Noh, because of that. Moreover, Grandfather Noh had even rushed to save the Tang Clan from afar, so she felt immense gratitude. Grandfather Noh smiled and put down his teacup. Now, if he could just retrieve the letter he’d left at the Seowon, apologizing for leaving without seeing Young-mae’s face, the situation would be perfect. Clink.

“So, those guys were looking for Meng Ho’s legacy?”

“Yes.”

Chief Military Strategist Dang Hwa-ryun replied. She had also stayed up all night dealing with the aftermath, but her attire was impeccable, without a single flaw.

“Meng Ho’s legacy…”

Grandfather Noh pondered. According to Dang Hwa-ryun, Gongson Ji was interested in the parts related to demonic arts and Heavenly Thunder. But was that really all?

“Tsk, Meng Ho dabbled in so many fields… That bastard is causing trouble even in death.”

It was an undeniable fact, but it wasn’t something one usually said within the Tang Clan. But Grandfather Noh didn’t hesitate, and no one seemed uncomfortable.

“You guys are suffering a lot too. Even though it’s not something you did…”

“That’s not true.”

Dang Hwa-ryun replied quietly.

“As a result, the Tang Clan shared in the benefits. Just because I didn’t know or didn’t do it doesn’t mean I’m not responsible. As long as I inherit the name of the Tang Clan, it’s natural to bear both glory and disgrace together.”

Grandfather Noh was satisfied with her answer.

“Yes, that’s how it should be. Truly the Tang Clan.”

Nodding, Grandfather Noh asked again,

“Do you have Meng Ho’s legacy?”

“No.”

Dang Hwa-ryun shook her head.

“It’s not here. It’s in the safest place in the world.”

“The safest place in the world?”

At Grandfather Noh’s question, Dang Hwa-ryun looked at Son Bin. Son Bin blinked with a puzzled expression as she said,

“It’s at the Seowon.”

“Yes?”

“What?”

Son Bin asked back with surprised eyes, and Grandfather Noh also widened his eyes. But Dang Hwa-ryun seemed satisfied with the reaction and smiled.

“If a place protected by two Outer Sect experts, the Wol-in Troop [elite guard unit], and even the Hyeokryun Family isn’t safe, then where in the world is safe?”

Dang Hwa-ryun’s words were correct. The Seowon also had Jang Kang-eo and Hwa Sa. But entrusting Meng Ho’s legacy, which was practically the essence of the Tang Clan, to the Seowon was still a bold idea.

“Is it okay?”

Even Old Madam Dang Woon-yeong asked. But Dang Hwa-ryun lifted her teacup and said as if it were obvious,

“I already know the important contents. I’ve returned some to where they belong, and the rest were just dangerous things.”

She already knew the necessary information. Moreover, Dang Hwa-ryun was now in control of the Tang Clan without relying on Meng Ho’s legacy. Of course, the presence of Tang Wol-ah, an Outer Sect expert, and the cooperation of Old Madam Dang Woon-yeong were significant factors.

“Is it in my room?”

Tang Wol-ah asked.

‘It’ referred to Meng Ho’s legacy, specifically the dangerous components. Dang Hwa-ryun shook her head.

“No, it’s in Young Master Son’s room.”

“In my room?”

Son Bin, who was listening, was startled.

“No, I haven’t seen anything like that…”

“Really?”

At Dang Hwa-ryun’s question, Son Bin couldn’t continue. In fact, he had left to help Hyeokryun Se-hwa as soon as he returned to the Seowon, so he hadn’t properly looked around the room. All he knew was that it was well-cleaned and there was nothing strange. As Son Bin recalled, Dang Hwa-ryun’s clear voice rang in his ears.

“I made a double bottom under your clothes chest and put it there. It’s safe even in a fire or flood, and it’s locked with a unique Tang Clan mechanism, so you can’t open it carelessly. If anyone tries to break the mechanism by force, they’ll get hurt pretty badly.”

Dang Hwa-ryun said as if she was enjoying it. But Son Bin, whose privacy had been invaded, couldn’t maintain a pleasant expression.

“Well, at least tell me in advance…”

“So I’m telling you now. How could I ask for your understanding when you weren’t here?”

Dang Hwa-ryun was confident. But Son Bin didn’t back down easily either.

“Then at least move it somewhere else…”

“Really?”

Dang Hwa-ryun shrugged.

“Then I’ll have to move it to Wol-ah’s room. It’s dangerous, will Wol-ah be okay? Or to the children’s room…”

“…Please keep it in my room.”

Son Bin quickly surrendered. Dang Hwa-ryun smiled.

“Thank you.”

He briefly wondered if it was the first time he had heard her say thank you, but Son Bin sighed deeply. As Dang Hwa-ryun smiled at him, Tang Wol-ah’s small voice was heard.

“…You look happy, Sister.”

Dang Hwa-ryun flinched. Only then did she realize that she had been too relaxed. Perhaps it was because of the overwhelming events that had transpired all night without rest?

“As expected…”

Lifting her teacup, Tang Wol-ah continued quietly.

“…Friends are important.”

At those words, Son Bin and Dang Hwa-ryun’s faces hardened simultaneously.

“We’re not friends, Wol-ah.”

Dang Hwa-ryun said with a forced smile, but Tang Wol-ah didn’t listen. Dang Hwa-ryun glared at Son Bin, as if it was his fault, but Tang Wol-ah was unconcerned and sipped her tea.

***

Swish, swish.

In the dark night, a woman was walking through a dimly lit garden. Adorned with glittering ornaments and wearing a softly swaying red silk dress, she was none other than Dan Sim-hwa, Gongson Ji. Her captivating appearance, exuding allure with every step, was enough to captivate anyone who saw her, but no one was watching her now. This place was forbidden, where even stepping foot was not allowed except for a few permitted individuals.

Swish.

Gongson Ji stopped in front of a classic grand hall after passing through the garden. There were no guards in front of the grand hall, and not even a light could be seen. It seemed as if no one was there, but Dan Sim-hwa, Gongson Ji, already knew that this large grand hall was not empty.

“It’s me.”

Gongson Ji said quietly.

“Come in.”

The voice that was heard from inside the grand hall echoed as if it was resonating from a deep abyss. Gongson Ji stretched out her white hand and opened the door of the grand hall. Creak. At the same time as the door opened, the stench of blood rushed in. However, Gongson Ji didn’t even twitch an eyebrow. Even in the deep darkness inside the grand hall where there wasn’t even a light, she didn’t care.

Rustle.

Gongson Ji stepped inside the grand hall. As she walked a few steps inside, the door suddenly closed behind her. Thud.

However, Gongson Ji was not surprised. Even though the door moved when no one was there, that much was not a difficult task for the owner of this grand hall.

Flicker.

A small light flickered from the other side of the grand hall. And under that light, the figure of a person sitting on a splendid chair faintly emerged.

Swish, swish.

Dan Sim-hwa, Gongson Ji, walked into the grand hall without hesitation. The light flickered, and the shadows of the large pillars swayed like specters, and the stench of blood that filled the grand hall became even thicker. Gongson Ji naturally moved her steps.

Rustle.

Gongson Ji stopped walking. And looking at the person sitting on the splendid chair, she said in a clear voice.

“You look well, Grandfather.”

Swoosh. The person sitting on the chair raised his head. It was none other than Bi-geom, Gongson Geuk. His whole body was stained with blood, and his face and neck were covered with protruding blood vessels, making him look grotesque, but neither Gongson Geuk nor Gongson Ji cared at all.

“Your power…”

Bi-geom, Gongson Geuk, said quietly.

“Didn’t I tell you that it’s not yet complete?”

Bi-geom, Gongson Geuk’s red eyes were clearly rebuking Gongson Ji.

“It was only one arm.”

Dan Sim-hwa, Gongson Ji, said, placing her hand on her waist.

“And as you can see, it’s fine now.”

Rustle.

Gongson Ji lightly waved her hand, and the lights in the grand hall turned on. Under the lights that were brighter than before, Gongson Ji’s alluring appearance was revealed.

“How is it?”

Gongson Ji gave a bright smile. It was an alluring smile that shook the hearts of those who saw it, but Gongson Geuk’s eyes didn’t change at all.

“Do you know how many Demonic Cultists were used to restore your demonic energy?”

“Why should I know that?”

Gongson Ji answered indifferently.

“After all, they’re all going to die for me in the end anyway.”

Bi-geom, Gongson Geuk, frowned. But it wasn’t because Gongson Ji’s words were wrong.

“Demonic energy no longer springs up infinitely. You must learn how to use limited resources efficiently.”

“Before that, I think it’s more important for Grandfather to take the world into his hands?”

Gongson Ji’s words pleased Bi-geom, Gongson Geuk.

“Huhu. Yes, that’s right. Now, on the day I gain complete power…”

Bi-geom, Gongson Geuk, raised his hand. It was a gruesome sight with protruding blood vessels, but Bi-geom, Gongson Geuk, felt the immense power breathing within it more clearly than anyone else.

“I will definitely twist that brat’s neck off.”

Gongson Geuk’s eyes emitted a red light.

“Can I play with him for a bit before that? No…”

Gongson Ji said in a rather clear voice.

“I really want to see it once. When the women he loves die in front of his eyes, what kind of reaction will that supposedly wonderful man show?”

Dan Sim-hwa, Gongson Ji, slightly stuck out her tongue and licked her red lips. It was because of an instinctive desire that she herself couldn’t understand, but she didn’t even recognize her actions.

“Huhu.”

Bi-geom, Gongson Geuk, laughed.

“Do as you please. After all, the person who will become the master of the world after me is you.”

Gongson Geuk said, looking down at Dan Sim-hwa, Gongson Ji. However, Gongson Geuk’s eyes were extremely dry and cold.

(Author’s words)

Son Bin, who was raised as a deal mage, has the aggro [short for “aggravation,” referring to a character’s ability to draw enemy attention] of a legend tanker [a character in a game designed to absorb damage and protect other players].