A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 461

461. Reconstruction of the Golden Sword Sect

The great hall of the Shattered Heaven Clan, where the Blood Phoenix Alliance’s temporary meeting was being held, was instantly thrown into chaos. The cause was the arrival of Nangong Jeong, the Azure Lord overseeing the Inner Courtyard, a direct representative of the Nangong Family. Jo Hyeok, head of the Jo Family Manor, was visibly taken aback, and even Lee Hong-gye, the Clan Lord of the Shattered Heaven Clan, struggled to mask his surprise. However, the animosity flickering in his eyes was plain to see.

“Hmm.”

Nangong Jeong was fully aware of the animosity and commotion his arrival caused. He calmly surveyed the chaotic great hall. It was inevitable that his eyes would meet Son Bin’s.

Nangong Jeong, with his dignified bearing and slightly graying hair, bowed his head in a light greeting. Somewhat dazed, Son Bin returned the bow. The gazes of those in the hall briefly focused on them, interpreting it as Nangong Jeong paying respects to the Old Master [referring to Son Bin’s mentor], the reason being of little consequence to them at that moment.

*Swish.*

The Azure Lord Nangong Jeong’s gaze shifted to Golden Silk Lotus and Devilish Hand Asura, who stood in front.

*Rustle.*

Golden Silk Lotus bowed first.

“It’s been a while, Azure Lord.”

“It has been, Blood Phoenix. Or rather…”

Nangong Jeong sighed softly and addressed her.

“Judging by appearances, it seems you are no longer the Blood Phoenix.”

His statement was made with full knowledge of the situation. His presence at this moment and his calm demeanor clearly conveyed that. Golden Silk Lotus offered a wry smile and replied.

“That is indeed the case. It is due to my own failings.”

After a moment of staring at Golden Silk Lotus, Nangong Jeong spoke.

“In that case…”

“What brings a member of the Nangong Family here?”

A heavy, rough voice interrupted their conversation. Nangong Jeong frowned and looked up at the source of the voice. It was Lee Hong-gye, the Clan Lord of the Shattered Heaven Clan. His eyes flashed with a sharp aura, but Lee Hong-gye’s aura posed no threat to Nangong Jeong.

“I came because of the Blood Phoenix Alliance.”

Nangong Jeong spoke to Lee Hong-gye in a strictly businesslike tone.

“It no longer exists.”

Lee Hong-gye’s eyebrows twitched. He was about to retort when Jo Hyeok, the head of the Jo Family Manor, interjected.

“This is an internal matter of the Blood Phoenix Alliance.”

Jo Hyeok rose from his seat, carefully observing Nangong Jeong’s expression as he continued. “It has nothing to do with the Nangong Family. Furthermore, a new person will take over the position of Blood Phoenix, so the agreement with the Nangong Family remains valid. The Nangong Family will continue to support whoever carries the banner of Blood Phoenix…”

“Hmph.”

Nangong Jeong chuckled derisively. Jo Hyeok’s eyebrows furrowed at the blatant contempt. However, Jo Hyeok’s anger was short-lived.

“How dare you…”

*Whoosh.* Along with Nangong Jeong’s deeply lowered voice, his martial uniform began to flutter. He stood with his hands behind his back, staring directly at Jo Hyeok.

“Do you take our Nangong Family for fools?”

Faced with the blatant murderous intent, Jo Hyeok unconsciously took a step back. Nangong Jeong, the Azure Lord overseeing the Inner Courtyard, was a formidable martial artist. Although he hadn’t reached the level of emitting sword energy, neither Lee Hong-gye of the Shattered Heaven Clan nor Jo Hyeok of the Jo Family Manor could match him.

“The Lord Family’s word was given to Lady Geum [referring to Golden Silk Lotus]. Now that Lady Geum has left the Blood Phoenix Alliance, what is the banner of Blood Phoenix but mere garbage?”

Nangong Jeong declared with a resolute gaze. The representatives of the clans were furious at his arrogance, which disregarded both his opponent and the setting, but they were powerless to act.

“Th, then the Nangong Family…”

Jo Hyeok attempted to speak, but Nangong Jeong had already turned his attention elsewhere. He looked at Golden Silk Lotus and Devilish Hand Asura.

“What do you intend to do now, Lady Geum?”

His voice remained businesslike, but the underlying sentiment was distinctly different. Golden Silk Lotus replied to Nangong Jeong.

“We will return to Hunan Province.”

By ‘we,’ she meant herself and Devilish Hand Asura.

“And we will dedicate our lives to rebuilding the Golden Sword Sect and helping those within our reach.”

Jo Hyeok, standing behind him, and the representatives of each clan were certain that Nangong Jeong’s expression would twist in anger upon hearing this. To dare return to the territory governed by the Nangong Family was tantamount to declaring war.

“I see.”

However, the Azure Lord Nangong Jeong’s reaction was unexpected. He nodded and continued.

“As it happens, our Nangong Family was also considering withdrawing from Hunan Province.”

*Thud.*

Shock rippled through the crowd. The clan representatives could scarcely believe their ears. They never imagined such words would come from the mouth of a Nangong Family member, especially the Azure Lord of the Inner Courtyard. Nangong Jeong continued.

“The Nangong Family entered Hunan Province because we could not stand idly by during the chaos in the Jiangnan Martial World [the martial arts world in the Jiangnan region]. Now that the Jiangnan Martial World has regained order and the turmoil in Hunan Province has subsided, now is the most opportune time.”

It was a fluent and well-rehearsed speech, but no one truly believed it. Even if the Nangong Family’s justification was as Nangong Jeong stated, the fact remained that they had essentially swallowed up Hunan Province. The blood shed in the process was considerable.

But now, the Nangong Family was claiming they would withdraw, as if they never intended to occupy Hunan Province in the first place.

“Th, that’s absurd…”

The words, uttered almost as a sigh, expressed everyone’s feelings. However, the Azure Lord Nangong Jeong remained unconcerned. He looked at Golden Silk Lotus and said.

“The Golden Sword Sect has protected Hunan Province for generations, so if Lady Geum intends to rebuild the Golden Sword Sect, our Nangong Family would welcome it. We will cooperate with anything you need.”

Golden Silk Lotus bowed her head politely in respect.

“Thank you. If that is the Nangong Family’s intention, then I have no reason to refuse.”

Golden Silk Lotus raised her head and looked at Nangong Jeong as she continued. “However, since much blood has been shed in this matter, we must not cease our efforts to uncover the truth.”

“Of course.”

It was a statement that couldn’t have been comfortable for the Nangong Family, but the experienced Nangong Jeong showed no sign of displeasure.

“The Nangong Family never turns a blind eye to the truth.”

Golden Silk Lotus smiled faintly and said.

“Thank you.”

At this moment, the clan representatives of the Blood Phoenix Alliance clearly understood what was happening. Golden Silk Lotus, or rather, the Golden Sword Sect, and the Nangong Family had reached an agreement before their very eyes. And the Golden Sword Sect, which had only existed in name, had suddenly emerged as a prominent clan in Hunan Province. The Old Master, who was observing everything, chuckled. Sa Soo-yeon asked him in a low voice.

“What is going on?”

The Old Master shrugged.

“What do you mean? Bin did it.”

Son Bin’s eyes widened. Under the gazes of Sa Soo-yeon and Dang Wol-ah, he asked the Old Master in a flustered voice.

“Me?”

He had never planned any of this. But the Old Master continued to smile.

“Didn’t you send a letter to the Nangong Family about the reconstruction of the Golden Sword Sect?”

“I did, but…”

Son Bin gave a wry smile.

“Didn’t you say it would be good for Elder [referring to himself] to do so? That the affairs of the Jianghu Martial World are such that if you don’t take precautions and just act, problems will arise here and there…”

“Of course. If you just blurt it out without saying anything, it’s a nuisance to those around you.”

The Old Master said as if it were the most natural thing in the world. In fact, the reconstruction of the Golden Sword Sect itself was the Old Master’s idea, as was the suggestion to notify the surrounding families and clans in advance. Of course, Son Bin didn’t write a letter as if he were announcing a decision. Instead, he sent the letter in the form of seeking advice from the previous Thunder Sword [a title or position within the Nangong Family], as politely as possible. But suddenly, the Azure Lord of the Nangong Family appeared at this meeting. He hadn’t even been informed of the date of the Blood Phoenix Alliance’s temporary meeting, so how did he know and manage to arrive?

“Hehe.”

The Old Master smiled and continued. “You even sent a letter yourself, so how could that Thunder Sword guy stay still? Sending that guy [Nangong Jeong] is probably him holding back. If he had his way, he probably would have rushed over himself, right?”

Even coming from the Old Master, it was hard to believe. Why would the previous Thunder Sword go to such lengths, even if Son Bin sent the letter himself?

“B, big trouble!”

Son Bin’s thoughts were interrupted by the sudden urgent voice. When he looked up, the vice-commander of the Shattered Heaven Clan rushed into the great hall. His face was pale with shock, and he shouted without even acknowledging the situation in the hall.

“Lady Hanwol from the Yunnan Blood Dragon Clan has come to visit!”

In an instant, Jo Hyeok jumped up from his seat. Hanwol was the right-hand woman of the Young Jade Dragon [a prominent figure in the Blood Dragon Clan] and the person in charge of overseeing the Blood Dragon Clan’s Jiangnan policy. She was a much more significant figure than the Guizhou branch manager of the Blood Dragon Clan, whom Jo Hyeok had been trying to curry favor with recently.

“Quick, bring her in!”

Jo Hyeok shouted with a bright face, momentarily forgetting the presence of the Nangong Family. The Blood Dragon Clan, which hadn’t even responded to the announcement of the Blood Phoenix Alliance’s temporary meeting, had suddenly sent such an important figure, so his reaction was understandable.

*Step.*

Just then, Hanwol, wearing the martial uniform of the Blood Dragon Clan, appeared. Her unique cold expression was familiar to Son Bin, as he had seen her only a few days prior. But Hanwol didn’t even glance at Son Bin’s group.

“Hahaha. Come this way, Great Hero Hanwol.”

Jo Hyeok, the head of the Jo Family Manor, greeted Hanwol with a beaming expression. However, the only response he received was a sharp glare from the Guizhou branch manager who followed Hanwol. Hanwol, upon entering the great hall, stopped and refused to proceed further. Eventually, Lee Hong-gye, the Clan Lord of the Shattered Heaven Clan, politely invited her.

“Please take a seat, Great Hero Hanwol.”

But Hanwol refused.

“No need.”

Hanwol continued, unconcerned that Nangong Jeong, the Azure Lord of the Nangong Family, was standing nearby. “From this moment on, the Blood Dragon Clan will no longer be affiliated with the Blood Phoenix Alliance.”

*Thud.*

This announcement was even more shocking than the previous one. The Yunnan Blood Dragon Clan, virtually the biggest supporter of the Blood Phoenix Alliance, had declared its withdrawal.

“G, Great Hero!”

Ignoring Jo Hyeok’s flustered voice, Hanwol continued. “Now, the Blood Dragon Clan has nothing to do with the Blood Phoenix Alliance. This is the will of the Jade Dragon.”

Once Hanwol invoked ‘the will of the Jade Dragon,’ there was no possibility of reversing the decision. Everyone in the Blood Dragon Clan knew that fact clearly. While everyone remained stunned and embarrassed, Lee Hong-gye, the Clan Lord of the Shattered Heaven Clan, stared directly at Hanwol and asked.

“Is this the Blood Dragon Clan’s faith?”

It was a stern rebuke, but Hanwol merely chuckled.

“For trash to talk about faith is enough to make my ears rot. Do you think I know nothing?”

Everyone’s expression hardened at the blatant contempt. Hanwol was, after all, the person who knew the most about the internal flaws of the Blood Phoenix Alliance.

“If you don’t like our actions, then do as you please. Expel us or withdraw, whatever. But if you trash dare to offend the Jade Dragon’s sensibilities…”

*Grit.*

Hanwol’s expression turned icy.

“I will kill you without fail.”

The chill contained in those few words made the entire great hall feel cold. After speaking, Hanwol turned her head slightly and looked at Son Bin’s group.

*Swish.*

Hanwol bowed her head lightly in greeting. Ignoring the puzzled gazes of the others, she turned to leave.

*Step.*

Suddenly, Hanwol stopped. She turned her head to the side.

“Congratulations.”

Those words were directed at Golden Silk Lotus. Before Golden Silk Lotus could respond, Hanwol resumed her departure.

*Swish.*

Nangong Jeong, the Azure Lord of the Nangong Family, who had been watching, cast a provocative glance, but Hanwol didn’t even acknowledge him.

*Step, step.*

Hanwol walked straight out of the great hall. The Guizhou branch manager immediately followed behind her. The vice-commander of the Shattered Heaven Clan, after some hesitation, also followed to see off the honored guest. Hanwol disappeared, leaving the clan representatives in the great hall in a state of bewildered silence.

“Wh, what is this…”

The face of Jo Hyeok, the head of the Jo Family Manor, was ashen. Hanwol’s declaration had struck him like a bolt from the blue. The meaning of Hanwol’s parting ‘congratulations’ to Golden Silk Lotus was something he didn’t even want to contemplate.

“Hmm.”

Son Bin unknowingly groaned. He turned to the Old Master, who was smiling beside him, and asked.

“Is this also because I wrote the letter?”

The Old Master shrugged.

“Well, I don’t know. The Blood Dragon Clan’s actions are unpredictable, and their volatile temper is nothing new.”

But Son Bin gave a wry smile. It was clear that the Old Master had anticipated this outcome when he casually suggested, ‘Shouldn’t we send a letter to the Blood Dragon Clan too?’ What he couldn’t understand was the Blood Dragon Clan’s, or rather, the Young Jade Dragon’s reaction.

‘*Why?*’

It was just a letter to inform them, so why send Hanwol to make such a declaration? ‘Was Lady Geum rebuilding the Golden Sword Sect such an important issue to him too?’

Son Bin pondered, but he had no time to dwell on it.

“Big trouble!”

The urgent shout, which was no longer surprising, came from outside the great hall. The others looked towards the entrance, wondering what fresh calamity was about to unfold. The words of the vice-commander of the Shattered Heaven Clan, who had returned in a hurry, were enough to shock everyone once more.

“S, someone from the Hyeokryun Family has arrived! And it’s the Inner Lord of the Hyeokryun Family…”

*Step.* No further explanation was needed. A middle-aged man wearing the splendid martial uniform of the Hyeokryun Family entered the great hall, followed by sturdy warriors of the Hyeokryun Family.

‘*Ah, this is bad.*’

Son Bin sighed inwardly. The Blood Phoenix Alliance clan representatives were flustered, but Son Bin could already guess what was about to happen. He had, after all, sent letters not only to the Nangong Family and the Blood Dragon Clan.

“Nice to meet you all.”

The middle-aged man, with his imposing build, bowed to the assembly and said in a deep voice. “I am Hyeokryun Sang, the Inner Lord who oversees the internal affairs of the Hyeokryun Family.”

His tone was far from polite. The Blood Phoenix Alliance clan representatives began to murmur amongst themselves.

“…What business does the Hyeokryun Family have with our Blood Phoenix Alliance?”

Lee Hong-gye, the Clan Lord of the Shattered Heaven Clan, who had barely regained his composure, asked with a stiff expression, forgetting even to return the greeting. The Hyeokryun Family was one of the two major powers in the Jiangnan Martial World, alongside the Nangong Family. But the Hyeokryun Family and the Blood Phoenix Alliance had no history of conflict, nor had they had any contact in recent times. This sudden appearance was deeply unsettling for the clans of the Blood Phoenix Alliance.

“Just a greeting. If the Blood Phoenix Alliance advances into Guangxi Province, we may cross paths, you see.”

At those words, Lee Hong-gye’s expression hardened instantly, as did Jo Hyeok’s. Guangxi Province bordered Guangdong Province, where the Hyeokryun Family was based. Even so, they had never imagined such an open warning. The expressions of those who had been eyeing the interests of Guizhou Province and Guangxi Province were now contorted with displeasure.

“The meaning of those words…”

Jo Hyeok, the head of the Jo Family Manor, began to protest, but Hyeokryun Sang, the Inner Lord of the Hyeokryun Family, had already turned his attention elsewhere.

“Oh, aren’t you the young lady of the Golden Sword Sect?”

Hyeokryun Sang’s interest was now focused on Golden Silk Lotus and Devilish Hand Asura.

“This is perfect. I was planning to greet the Golden Sword Sect anyway.”

The slight smile on Hyeokryun Sang’s face clearly indicated that he was fully informed and had come prepared. Nangong Jeong, the Azure Lord of the Nangong Family, who had a strained relationship with the Hyeokryun Family, was visibly displeased, but Hyeokryun Sang ignored him. While the clan representatives of the Blood Phoenix Alliance remained bewildered, only the Old Master couldn’t suppress his laughter.

“Hehehe.”

Son Bin looked at the Old Master, who was chuckling with satisfaction.

“Why? What?”

The Old Master frowned, but he couldn’t hide the smile playing on his lips.

“I merely offered advice. Letters are to be written carefully under one’s own responsibility, right? You were the one who picked up the brush and wrote the letter, and you were the one who signed it at the end.”

Those words were entirely accurate. But shouldn’t he have warned him that this might happen? Son Bin sighed. Regardless of Son Bin’s inner turmoil, the Old Master continued to laugh, thoroughly enjoying the situation.

“This won’t be the end.”

Son Bin’s expression changed as he realized something from the Old Master’s sudden statement.

“I only wrote letters to the Nangong Family, the Hyeokryun Family, and the Blood Dragon Clan, but there are also people you explained it to directly.”

The Old Master said to Son Bin with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He was right. Son Bin had spoken directly to Dang Hwa-ryun, the Chief Military Officer of the Tang Clan, when he left the Tang Clan, explaining not only his intentions but also his specific plans. Of course, he had also told her the date of the Blood Phoenix Alliance’s temporary meeting.

“Now, I wonder who will come from the Tang Clan?”

Listening to the Old Master’s rather excited voice, Son Bin sighed again. He no longer hoped that they wouldn’t send anyone. He just earnestly prayed that Dang Hwa-ryun wouldn’t come in person, dreading her potential scolding: ‘Am I supposed to come and go on such a busy day for such a thing?’ Fortunately, the person who arrived from the Tang Clan was Tang Mun-won. Seeing Tang Mun-won’s seemingly affable expression, Son Bin finally breathed a sigh of relief.

(Author’s words)

Afterwards, the Old Master suggested sending letters to the Emei Sect and the Wudang Sect as well, but Son Bin firmly refused, stating that he couldn’t cause trouble to the secluded sects. This decision brought great relief to both the Emei Sect and the Wudang Sect.