A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 459

459. Discord of the Blood Peak Alliance

Sun Bin and his group, having left Yunnan Province, headed towards Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province. This was because the temporary meeting of the Blood Peak Alliance was to be held at the Pajeon Gate in Guiyang.

Clatter, clatter.

Sun Bin and his group entered the capital Guiyang without much difficulty. The first thing they noticed was that, unlike before, the atmosphere of Guiyang seemed quite bright and lively.

“Well, it can’t be helped.”

No Gun shrugged and said to Sun Bin.

“Back then, we didn’t know when we’d be fighting the Namgung Clan. Besides, the bandits and Green Forest guys [referring to bandits and outlaws] were stirring things up.”

Sun Bin nodded. Certainly, the previous chaotic and uneasy atmosphere was nowhere to be found. People’s expressions were bright, and the downtown area was quite cheerful and bustling.

“I’m glad to see that the efforts of the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance Lady don’t seem to be in vain.”

The people here were enjoying everyday peace thanks to the sacrifice and effort of the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance. Sun Bin felt proud when he thought that he had also lent a hand.

“That’s true, but.”

No Gun said with an indifferent expression.

“People easily forget the efforts and sacrifices of others. And not everyone welcomes the results of those efforts and sacrifices.”

Sun Bin was silent at those words. Sun Bin also knew that No Gun’s words were true through history. How many loyal subjects have been forgotten even after noble sacrifices, and how many powerful people have plunged the world into blood for their own gain?

“Gratitude for the Blood Peak Alliance would have disappeared long ago. No, they might even be dissatisfied, while making their own calculations.”

Hwa Wol, the owner of Yewon, had also said such things. The Blood Peak Alliance is now in so much internal turmoil that it is on the verge of collapsing on its own.

“That’s a shame.”

Sa Su-yeon, who was listening, sighed softly.

“When you think about it, this peace is a huge opportunity for the Blood Peak Alliance.”

As Sa Su-yeon said, now that the external threat had virtually disappeared, the Blood Peak Alliance was facing a huge opportunity for a leap forward.

“There’s no need to feel sorry.”

No Gun said while driving the carriage.

“In any case, excessive fortune is bound to find its own master.”

No Gun’s words were cold, but they were also true. It is entirely their own choice to waste the opportunity gained through the Blood Peak’s sacrifice and Sun Bin’s help due to internal strife.

Clatter, clatter.

The carriage carrying Sun Bin and his group slowly passed through the colorful downtown of Guiyang. However, the group’s expressions were complicated.

***

The Pajeon Gate, located in Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, was effectively serving as the headquarters of the Blood Peak Alliance. Some sects were unhappy with it, but there was nothing else they could do. They didn’t have the finances or the will to build a new headquarters right away, and moving to another sect was meaningless. So this temporary meeting was also held at the Pajeon Gate. It was an important meeting to confirm the return of the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance, which was like a symbol of the Blood Peak Alliance, but the atmosphere was by no means welcoming.

“Tsk.”

No Gun clicked his tongue as he looked around. Sun Bin and his group were now sitting in the main hall of the Pajeon Gate, the meeting place of the Blood Peak Alliance. The atmosphere was completely different from the previous Blood Peak Alliance meeting. There was no banquet, and there were no other guests besides Sun Bin and his group. Even Lee Hong-gye, the Iron Sword Pajeon Gate’s leader, who used to introduce No Gun himself, only approached No Gun with a stiff expression and paid his respects this time.

“They’re openly snubbing us?”

As No Gun said, Sun Bin and his group’s seats had been pushed to the back row. Sun Bin smiled awkwardly as he picked up his teacup.

“We’re not members of the Blood Peak Alliance.”

Strictly speaking, Sun Bin and his group are neither members of the Blood Peak Alliance nor a sect that has an agreement with them. In a way, it was exceptional that they were even allowed to attend.

“What do you mean we’re not?”

But No Gun’s thoughts were different.

“Bin, you were the mediator of the agreement between the Namgung Clan and the Blood Peak Alliance. In other words, you went out of your way to help the Blood Peak Alliance, but instead of honoring you and expressing gratitude, is this even right?”

No Gun’s dissatisfaction was justified. Considering what Sun Bin had done for the Blood Peak Alliance, this kind of snub was not right. However, the atmosphere of the Blood Peak Alliance, or rather, the Pajeon Gate, towards Sun Bin and his group was cold. If the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance and Sun Bin’s group had not accompanied them, it would have been impossible to attend the meeting itself.

“Well, even the Blood Peak girl isn’t being treated properly, so what can we expect?”

At those words, Sun Bin glanced at the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance. She was sitting in a wheelchair made in India, maintaining her position with a stiff expression. As always, Gwigyeon Sura was standing behind her.

“But that’s strange.”

Sa Su-yeon, who was sitting next to him, asked with a puzzled expression.

“Why aren’t the representatives of the other sects here?”

About half of the seats in the main hall were empty. Considering that the leader of the Pajeon Gate and the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance had come and were sitting, it was something that could not be understood in terms of common sense.

“It’s obvious.”

No Gun said, pursing his lips.

“They’re deliberately coming late. And all those guys…”

It was then. A loud voice echoed through the quiet main hall.

“The head of the Joga Clan is entering!”

Thump, thump.

A middle-aged martial artist dressed in splendid attire entered the main hall as if to show off. He was wearing a leisurely smile. Sun Bin had seen him at the previous meeting. He was Jo Hyuk, the head of the Guizhou Joga Clan, Black Bear Sword. He was not alone. Several martial artists were entering the meeting place all at once behind him. The sight of them smiling and talking to each other clearly showed that they had the same intentions. Seeing them, No Gun muttered unpleasantly.

“It means they’re in cahoots.”

The Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance’s face also hardened slightly. She knew the intention of them arriving so late and all at once. The expression of Lee Hong-gye, the leader of the Pajeon Gate, was also not good. However, the Gold Thread Alliance and Lee Hong-gye got up from their seats and paid their respects to Jo Hyuk, the head of the Joga Clan.

“It’s been a while, Clan Head.”

The Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance said. Jo Hyuk, the head of the Joga Clan, smiled broadly as if he had just discovered the Gold Thread Alliance.

“It’s been a while.”

Jo Hyuk laughed heartily and responded to the Gold Thread Alliance’s greeting.

“I was worried that the Blood Peak had been away for so long that she might have gone into seclusion. Hahaha.”

Laughter arose among the martial artists who came with him. The Gold Thread Alliance knew the rebuke and ridicule contained in the greeting, but now she had no choice but to accept it with a calm expression. Jo Hyuk, who was looking at the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance, turned his eyes to Lee Hong-gye, the leader of the Pajeon Gate.

“Has the Gate Leader been well?”

Lee Hong-gye paid his respects with a stiff expression and said.

“You’re late.”

“Haha, that’s…”

“Please sit down.”

Lee Hong-gye’s expression faltered slightly as he cut off his words. But Lee Hong-gye didn’t even care. Jo Hyuk, the head of the Joga Clan, coughed awkwardly with an uncomfortable expression and sat down. He didn’t even look at Sun Bin or No Gun. The representatives of the sects who followed him only glanced at Sun Bin and his group, especially Sa Su-yeon and Dang Wol-ah, but no one paid their respects or greeted them. When everyone was seated, Lee Hong-gye, the leader of the Pajeon Gate, said in a solemn voice.

“Then, we will begin the Blood Peak Alliance’s temporary meeting.”

“Wait a minute.”

One of the sect representatives who came with the head of the Joga Clan raised an objection.

“Why is the Gate Leader proceeding with the meeting? Wasn’t this an unagreed matter?”

Lee Hong-gye, the leader of the Pajeon Gate’s face contorted. At the same time, No Gun frowned.

“Damn it.”

No Gun muttered with a frown.

“Seeing them act like that from the beginning, this is completely ruined, isn’t it?”

Unfortunately, No Gun’s words were accurate. For almost half a day since then, Sun Bin and his group had to watch the Blood Peak Alliance sects, divided into two factions, constantly clash on every topic.

***

Sun Bin, who was watching the meeting, sighed softly. Then he turned his head and looked at No Gun, Sa Su-yeon, and Dang Wol-ah. Sa Su-yeon and Dang Wol-ah were sitting in front of their teacups, maintaining their posture. It was a level of patience that even Sun Bin, who was used to endless debates, admired. But the most surprising person was No Gun. No Gun, who looked like he was about to jump out at any moment, was surprisingly still in his seat. Of course, his expression was flushed.

“It’s quite a mess.”

No Gun said with a frown.

“Everyone is blinded by the interests of their own gang. One side is upset that they can’t fight the Namgung Clan, and the other side is thinking of handing over Guizhou to the Yunnan Blood Dragon Gate.”

The sects that advocated for war did not yet know about the changes in the Namgung Clan. They regarded the Namgung Clan’s expansion policy as a direct threat and a violation of the agreement, and argued that they should fight the Namgung Clan. They also emphasized that the Blood Peak Alliance itself was a coalition to avenge the Namgung Clan.

However, if you look into their intentions, they were calculating to seize the initiative in the Blood Peak Alliance and recover their lost power. There was no way other sects would agree to such an obvious trick. The sects, including the Joga Clan, argued that they should rather form an alliance with the Yunnan Blood Dragon Gate. It was an argument based on the reality that the Blood Peak Alliance could only rely on the Yunnan Blood Dragon Gate, but it was also nothing more than an attempt to increase their influence by bringing in the Blood Dragon Gate.

“It would not have come to this if there was no Blood Peak Alliance… Tsk, tsk.”

No Gun muttered, clicking his tongue. Sun Bin asked with a puzzled expression.

“What do you mean by that?”

No Gun glanced at the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance and said.

“Originally, Guizhou and Guangxi are not very rich places, and commerce is not very developed. So there were no clans or sects that could be called the rulers of this area.”

Sun Bin nodded. Certainly, this place does not have a long history compared to other provinces.

“But the Blood Peak Alliance was established, obtained the support of the Yunnan Blood Dragon Gate, and even made an agreement with the Namgung Clan. Now, there are no sects in Guizhou and Guangxi that can resist the Blood Peak Alliance. In other words, if you take control of the Blood Peak Alliance, you can monopolize the interests of Guizhou and Guangxi, two provinces.”

Sun Bin frowned at No Gun’s words. He realized why the Blood Peak Alliance sects were fighting like dogs in a mud pit. In the end, the enormous interests encompassing Guizhou and Guangxi provinces had ignited their greed.

“So, Elder…”

No Gun nodded, cutting off Sun Bin’s words.

“Yes. So, that’s what I said we should do.”

Sun Bin looked at the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance with a bitter expression. She was watching the meeting with a complicated face. The peace brought about by her efforts and sacrifices had rather caused disputes among the sects, so what would her heart be like? The fact that she had not said anything so far was a stark indication of her feelings.

“…You don’t know anything.”

Suddenly, the voice of the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance echoed. The voices of the two representatives who were raising their voices stopped at the frail voice. Lee Hong-gye, the leader of the Pajeon Gate, who was pro-war, and Jo Hyuk, the head of the Joga Clan, who was pro-Blood Dragon Gate, frowned and looked back at the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance.

“What do you mean we don’t know?”

Jo Hyuk, the head of the Joga Clan, asked with an unpleasant expression. The Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance said calmly.

“The Yunnan Blood Dragon Gate will no longer be involved in the affairs of the Blood Peak Alliance.”

Jo Hyuk’s expression hardened. But that was momentary.

“Huh. I wondered what you were talking about…”

Jo Hyuk said, sneering.

“The Guizhou branch manager of the Blood Dragon Gate did not say that. The Blood Peak has been away from this place for so long that she probably doesn’t even know whose words to believe.”

“That’s not true.”

The Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance shook her head. Jo Hyuk, the head of the Joga Clan’s face contorted, but her conviction did not waver in the slightest. Because she had heard the inside story directly from Sun Bin yesterday.

“The Blood Dragon Gate will not advance into Guizhou. Of course, the alliance with the Joga Clan will not be formed either.”

Jo Hyuk’s face turned red. The fact that the Joga Clan was trying to form an alliance with the Blood Dragon Gate separately was a secret that should never have been revealed.

“What is that!”

“And.”

The Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance said, cutting off Jo Hyuk’s words.

“The Namgung Clan has already abandoned its expansion policy. They will not covet Guizhou and Guangxi, and there will be no conflict with our Blood Peak Alliance.”

Lee Hong-gye, the leader of the Pajeon Gate, looked at the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance with a stiff expression.

“That doesn’t mean we can’t take revenge.”

“Are you going to shed blood again for that?”

Gritting.

“Willingly, if necessary!”

Flames flared in Lee Hong-gye’s eyes. He glared at the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance with a fiery gaze and said.

“The screams of the fellow disciples who died under the Namgung Clan’s blade are still vivid in my ears! We said that our anger would not rest until the Blood Peak’s wings covered Namchang, but has the Blood Peak already forgotten the humiliation of that day!”

“I haven’t forgotten!”

The Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance met Lee Hong-gye’s gaze head-on and said.

“So I vowed not to repeat the tragedy of that day.”

When it comes to the grudge against the Namgung Clan, the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance has a bigger one. Like the Pajeon Gate, her Gold Sword Gate also lost young lives and was driven out of Hunan Province, which had been their base.

“So I decided to break this chain of blood. For the sake of those who survived, and for the sake of those who have to live on!”

The frail Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance did not back down at all in the face of Lee Hong-gye’s intense anger.

“Who are you trying to shed blood for now, Gate Leader? Who are you trying to protect, who are you trying to shed blood for?”

The Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance’s voice was filled with her sincerity. But her earnest plea did not reach Lee Hong-gye, the leader of the Pajeon Gate. And not to Jo Hyuk, the head of the Joga Clan either.

“Protect?”

Jo Hyuk did not hide his ridicule.

“Who are you going to protect when you can’t even take care of your own body properly? A great saint has appeared, huh?”

He openly mocked the Gold Thread Alliance, who could not walk. Not only that.

“Come to think of it, isn’t the Blood Peak from the Gold Sword Gate? Where is that Gold Sword Gate now?”

He looked around as if pretending to be looking for it. Some of the representatives of the same faction laugh at the ridiculous sight. Currently, the Gold Sword Gate has only its name left. But the laughter soon disappeared. Jo Hyuk, the head of the Joga Clan, said to the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance with a face devoid of laughter.

“Listen, Blood Peak. Are you feeling like a great person because ignorant people who don’t know anything are calling you Blood Peak Miss and honoring you? Do you feel like you’ve become the owner of the Blood Peak Alliance?”

Jo Hyuk’s voice grew louder and louder.

“Is the Blood Peak’s position a joke? Did you think there would be no punishment even after being absent from your position without permission for so long without any reason!”

She had already explained the contents in more than a dozen letters, but Jo Hyuk didn’t care.

Bang.

The antique table made a loud noise under Jo Hyuk’s palm. As Gwigyeon Sura’s eyebrows twitched, the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance’s white hand stopped his movement.

“And suddenly you come back and say what? Who are you doing it for? Don’t be ridiculous!”

Jo Hyuk, the head of the Joga Clan, turned his head and looked at Lee Hong-gye, the leader of the Pajeon Gate.

“I, Jo Hyuk, representing the Joga Clan, formally propose the dismissal of the current Blood Peak and the election of a new Blood Peak!”

Lee Hong-gye, the leader of the Pajeon Gate, was silent for a moment. But it wasn’t long. Lee Hong-gye said in a heavy voice.

“I agree.”

The Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance’s eyelids fluttered. But the gazes of the other sect representatives towards her were cold. Jo Hyuk, the head of the Joga Clan, said to the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance in a mocking voice.

“Before you say dreamy things about protecting someone, take care of yourself first. You foolish woman.”

No one stood up for her. The Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance’s frail hand was stopping Gwigyeon Sura, who was about to jump out at any moment. Looking at the sight, No Gun chuckled.

‘Stupid bastards.’

Those foolish people don’t even know that the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance is protecting their lives right now. From Gwigyeon Sura’s anger, from the very woman they are insulting.

‘No, maybe they’re smart.’

Perhaps it is an action that is possible because they have already carefully calculated that the Blood Peak’s Gold Thread Alliance will do so. Including not just kicking out the Blood Peak, but also establishing a new Blood Peak. It was when No Gun was thinking that.

“Of course, that’s right.”

No Gun turned his head at the voice he suddenly heard from the side. Sun Bin had already gotten up from his seat.

“Taking care of oneself is important. But…”

Looking straight at Jo Hyuk, the head of the Joga Clan, Lee Hong-gye, the leader of the Pajeon Gate, and the other sect representatives of the Blood Peak Alliance, Sun Bin asked.

“If a group of people who call themselves martial artists only live for themselves, why should you exist?”

The clear voice was ringing in everyone’s ears more clearly than ever.

“Why should the people here tolerate you?”

Sun Bin’s eyes were shining as he asked. It was not anger or fear, but a clear gaze like the blue sky.

(Author’s words)

Suddenly, a foul fact bomb.