A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 86

86. Misunderstandings, Waiting, and Comfort

Swaaaaa.

As the wind blew through the deep mountains, the green trees swayed like waves.

In that place, as if a blue wind were blowing, an old Taoist was sitting with his eyes closed.

The atmosphere, as if he had transcended everything in the world, and his long, white beard fluttering in the wind, created the illusion of seeing a divine being.

Rustle.

The old Taoist opened his eyes at the quiet sound.

“Cheongsu, is that you?”

“Yes, Martial Uncle.”

The person who appeared before him was an elderly Taoist. Unlike the old Taoist in simple clothes, the white-haired man, as if snow had fallen on him, was wearing ornate robes.

“What brings you, Headmaster, all the way to Yuunjeong? You should be busy taking care of the new Mudang [a newly appointed member of the Mudang Sect].”

The old Taoist’s words were not very gentle. The white-haired old Taoist, Mudang Headmaster Cheongsu Jin-in, frowned slightly, as if he expected it.

“Are you still displeased with my decision?”

The old Taoist’s deep eyes turned to Cheongsu Jin-in. After a moment, he let out a soft sigh.

“What does this old man’s opinion matter? Mudang is already in your hands.”

“The world is changing, Martial Uncle.”
Mudang Headmaster Cheongsu Jin-in said in a heartfelt tone.

“If we don’t change, we won’t survive.”

“But there are things that must not change.”
The old Taoist said softly.

“If we just flow as the world flows, there would be no reason for our Mudang to exist in the first place.”

Cheongsu Jin-in closed his eyes and shook his head. *The stubborn Martial Uncle’s mind will never change.* Further argument is meaningless.

“There was a Jiangnan Yongbong Gathering [a martial arts competition] recently.”

Cheongsu Jin-in said. But the old Taoist remained silent, as if he had no interest.

“A master of the Blood Dragon Gate broke into the Deungwanggak banquet hall, but someone whose name and origin are unknown defeated him without even manifesting Sword Qi [a martial art technique]. Some people are calling him the ‘True Dragon Great Hero’ for saving the lives of many young masters from prestigious families, as well as the heirs of the Five Great Clans.”

Still, the old Taoist did not react. Originally, rumors of the Jianghu [the martial arts world] meant nothing to him. Cheongsu Jin-in continued.

“When he defeated the master wielding Sword Qi, he mentioned the Tao of Tai Chi [a philosophical concept]. And he is said to have possessed a sword of unbelievable beauty.”

The Tao of Tai Chi and a beautiful sword. A strange light flashed in the old Taoist’s eyes.

“Who is he?”

“He disappeared without revealing himself. The Five Great Clans, especially the Namgung Clan, are reluctant to even mention the incident itself.”

“Are there any disciples who saw him directly?”

“No. Mudang disciples do not attend banquets. After you declined the banquet, Martial Uncle, saying it was not fitting for a Taoist, that is how it has been. Mudang attends the Yongbong Gathering, but they do not compete or socialize. They simply remain aloof.”

The old Taoist closed his eyes for a moment. Then he said softly.

“Are you saying my choice was wrong?”

“Wrong? No. That is indeed the image of a respectable Taoist. But as a result of pursuing that simple and aloof image, Mudang has merely become a decoration. The Murim Alliance [a martial arts alliance] has long been corrupted into a stage for the power struggles of the Five Great Clans.”
Mudang Headmaster Cheongsu Jin-in said.

“The rampaging martial power of the Five Great Clans must be checked. And the era is demanding that Mudang take on that role.”

“There is no demand of the era. What exists are merely the desires and fears of each individual, like a murky fog. If you cannot see the truth beyond that, how can you reach the true Tao?”

“No one listens to Martial Uncle’s sermons anymore.”

Cheongsu Jin-in said in a low voice. Seeing his icy demeanor, the old Taoist knew that his heart had not been conveyed at all.

“Heo.”
The old Taoist let out a long sigh.

“So, what are you going to do?”

“That sword is definitely the Seon Sword, Baekro, of the Great Ancestor. It is Mudang’s, so it should naturally be returned to Mudang.”

“Even if you don’t, Baekro will return. Since that sword is not Mudang’s Headmaster’s Seal, why are you in such a hurry to ruin things? Trying to force things will only bring disaster.”

Cheongsu Jin-in chuckled softly.

“Disaster? That’s not like you, Martial Uncle. I didn’t know you would resort to such threats now.”

“Cheongsu!”

“Don’t worry. Since the one who possesses the Seon Sword is said to be of unknown origin, it won’t be found so easily. But someday, when he reveals himself, Baekro will return to Mudang. And then you will know, Martial Uncle, who is truly protecting the name of Mudang and retrieving the Great Ancestor’s relic.”

“You…….”

“And at that time, we will forcibly recover the Buljin [a precious artifact] that Seorin possesses as well. The Great Ancestor’s relic should never be entrusted to such a young child.”

The Buljin Hongjinmanri of the Great Ancestor Hwanghak Jin-in is currently held by Seorin. He, who guarded Hwanghak Jin-in’s last moments, was currently deep within Mudang, meeting no one.

“That is all I have to say.”

Mudang Headmaster, Cheongsu Jin-in, quietly bowed and turned away.

Rustle, rustle.

The old Taoist was watching, but Cheongsu Jin-in left without looking back even once. Only the old Taoist remained in Yuunjeong.

Swaaaaa.

A blue wind blew through the deep mountains. An aching wind was also passing through the heart of the old Taoist, Hyeonheo Jin-in, who was letting out a soft sigh.

*

*

*

“The Yuseong Sword has returned from the Jiangnan Yongbong Gathering.”

A subordinate held up a thin letter to Dang Hwa-ryeon.

Dang Hwa-ryeon, the general military strategist of the Tang Clan, unfolded the letter, glanced at it lightly, and immediately put it aside.

The results of the Yuseong Sword’s martial arts competition were as expected, and she had told him to avoid the Deungwanggak banquet hall with a suitable excuse, so there was nothing to expect from his report.

“What is the situation in the Jiangnan Murim?”

“The story of the Sapa [unorthodox sects] successors who were found dead is sweeping through the Jiangnan Murim.”

The subordinate held up another letter that had been prepared in advance.

“Six sects, including the Geumgeom Sect, the Gwiju Pacheon Sect, the Geo Ryeok Sect, and the Jo Family Manor, as well as ten sects that sympathize with them, have sworn a blood oath of revenge against the Namgung Clan.”

Rustle.

Dang Hwa-ryeon examined the letter as she listened to the subordinate’s report. Then, suddenly, she smiled at one part and read softly.

“The blood of our young successors has dyed Nanchang red, so their blood must also flow. The true Yongbong of the Jiangnan Yongbong Gathering are our successors who died. Therefore, we will call ourselves the Hyeolbong Alliance [Blood Wings Alliance], and our anger will not cease until the wings of the Hyeolbong cover Nanchang.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon, the general military strategist of the Tang Clan, Seolgeom, laughed.

“Huhu. That’s quite poetic. Does Hyeolbong here refer to that girl from the Pacheon Sect? She wasn’t even known by name when she was alive, but now she’s called Hyeolbong after her death. As a former Hwajungjibong [Flower in the Mirror], I can’t accept this.”

Rustle.

Dang Hwa-ryeon said as she put the letter away.

“Of course, the Blood Dragon Gate would have volunteered to support them, right? Even if those sixteen Sapa sects gather, they can’t stand up to the Namgung Clan or the Hyeokryun Clan. The only place they can cling to is the Blood Dragon Gate.”

Her words, ‘those Sapa sects,’ were not very accurate. They were originally sects that claimed to be neutral between the orthodox and the unorthodox.

However, her judgment that they could not stand up to the Namgung Clan or the Hyeokryun Clan was accurate.

“Yes, that’s right. The Blood Dragon Gate has officially declared that it will be with the Hyeolbong Alliance. But they have not joined the Hyeolbong Alliance.”

“Are they trying to distance themselves? Or is it an expression of confidence that they already have the Hyeolbong Alliance in their hands? I like it.”

“With this, Gwiju, Honam, and Gwangseo in Jiangnan have come under the influence of the Hyeolbong Alliance.”

“Well? That’s after the Hyeolbong Alliance fends off the Namgung Clan’s anger. Nothing has been decided yet.”

The Namgung Clan is the one who is sharpening their swords for revenge. If they fail to stop the Namgung Clan’s anger, the Hyeolbong Alliance will collapse in an instant.

“How should we deal with the Hyeolbong Alliance?”

“The Hyeolbong Alliance has clearly identified its main enemy. Nanchang means the Namgung Clan. In that case, there’s no need for us to shed blood. The Hyeolbong Alliance won’t want to increase their enemies either, so if we negotiate properly, we can bring a significant portion of the commercial rights near the Yangtze River to our side. Oh, and don’t forget the northern part of Gwiju.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon said.

“Deal with the Hyeolbong Alliance like that.”

The subordinate bowed his head and accepted her order.

“And I have something to report about the Young Lady.”

There is only one person whom the subordinate would refer to as ‘Young Lady.’ Dang Hwa-ryeon’s eyes sparkled with life.

“What is it?”

“It has been confirmed that the Young Lady was at the Deungwanggak banquet hall. Several Blood Dragon Gate warriors were injured, which thwarted the Blood Dragon Gate’s attempt to seal off Deungwanggak. Fortunately, the Young Lady’s identity was not exposed.”

“Was she?”

Dang Hwa-ryeon’s reaction was calm. The subordinate was a little surprised but continued.

“If this is revealed, won’t it hinder future negotiations with the Hyeolbong Alliance or the Blood Dragon Gate?”

“Why?”

The subordinate could not answer. Wasn’t it obvious since she had interfered with their affairs?

Dang Hwa-ryeon looked down at the subordinate with cold eyes and said.

“If thunder and lightning strike during a war, is there anyone who would blame the defeat on the heavens? In any situation, the responsibility for defeat lies with the commander. No one blames or questions the heavens.”

In a calm, and therefore even colder voice, she said.

“Wol-a is already a natural disaster that cannot be controlled by human power. If they couldn’t avoid it, it’s their fault. That is the meaning of the existence of Dang Wol-a in the Jianghu Murim.”

Dang Baek-ho has reigned as the ruler of the Sichuan Murim [the martial arts world of Sichuan]. The reason he couldn’t surpass the Sichuan Murim was not because his martial power was insufficient, but because the Tang Clan’s capabilities were limited.

Domination is clearly different from mere destruction.

However, Dang Wol-a’s Wol-a Poisonous Energy surpasses that of Dang Baek-ho. Nothing in the world can stop Dang Wol-a.

So, if the Blood Dragon Gate’s plans went wrong because of her, it was the Blood Dragon Gate’s fault for being there in the first place.

Dang Hwa-ryeon sincerely thought so.

“Where is Wol-a?”

“She has returned to Cheongwon. She has allowed the Silver Sword Unit to stay in Oseong Village but has ordered them never to move without orders.”

“Haa.”

At Dang Hwa-ryeon’s sudden sigh, the subordinate was startled and raised his head. She tilted her head slightly and muttered softly.

“How is she doing? I really want to see her. I’m also curious about the village of Cheongwon that she chose. She didn’t say not to visit, so should I take some time to go see her sometime?”

The subordinate was silent for a moment before speaking cautiously.

“But…….”

“I know. I can’t do as I please.”

There is no time that she can spare.

Not only the Jiangnan Murim, but also the Sichuan Murim, and even the work related to the areas that will soon be secured, are piled up like mountains for her to decide.

“Leave.”

Dang Hwa-ryeon turned her body. Already, the main figures of the Tang Clan would be waiting for her in the Grand Assembly Hall.

Rustle, rustle.

She moved her steps. Her splendid clothes fluttered like waves, and the subordinate bowed his head and paid his respects politely.

Because the path she, Dang Hwa-ryeon, was walking was the future of the Tang Clan, towards becoming the greatest clan in the world.

*

*

*

“Wow, it’s pretty.”

Son Bin, who was reading a book on a bamboo mat, raised his head.

The children who had been running around the house were gathered in one place. In the middle of them were Soso, with her hair braided prettily, and Sasu-yeon, smiling.

“Do you have the flowers we picked earlier?”

“Yes.”

Aeng-aeng handed one of the pink flowers she was holding to Sasu-yeon. Sasu-yeon skillfully decorated Soso’s hair with it.

“It’s pretty!”

Aeng-aeng exclaimed in a rare loud voice. On the other hand, Soso, unusually for her, kept her mouth shut and blushed.

The boys didn’t say anything in particular, but their eyes were all focused on Soso. In particular, Gye-gu was blushing and looking at Soso.

“I’ll do Aeng-aeng too.”

“Yes!”

Aeng-aeng happily sat down in front of Sasu-yeon. Sasu-yeon began to gently stroke Aeng-aeng’s hair with her white hands.

“How is Teacher Unnie [older sister], so good at this?”

Soso, who was carefully touching her hair, worried that it would be disheveled, asked Sasu-yeon. Sasu-yeon’s title seemed to have become ‘Teacher Unnie’ before she knew it.

“When Unnie was young, my mom used to do this for me.”

Sasu-yeon said as she touched Aeng-aeng’s hair. Her smile was soft and warm.

“Was Teacher Unnie’s mom pretty too?”

“Of course, she was the prettiest and best person in the world.”

“Wow! I want to see her too.”

A slight shadow fell on Sasu-yeon’s face.

“Sorry, you can’t. She’s already passed away.”

“Passed away?”

Sasu-yeon replied to Soso, who asked back with a surprised face, with a sad smile.

“My mom also passed away…….”

Soso said with a sullen expression.

“Did Teacher Unnie cry a lot too?”

“Well…… I don’t know.”

She said as if she didn’t remember, but she remembered that moment clearly.

She couldn’t believe her father’s words. No, she couldn’t believe it.

Believing that her mom would be back soon, she waited for days. There were many days when she cried and collapsed from exhaustion, and many days when she waited without eating anything.

As each day passed, her sadness dried up.

“Sniff, sniff.”

Suddenly, Sasu-yeon noticed Aeng-aeng’s head shaking.

She was crying, shedding tears. As if replacing Sasu-yeon, who couldn’t even shed tears anymore, tears were overflowing from Aeng-aeng’s big eyes.

“It’s okay. It’s already a long time ago.”

“Bu, but…… Sniff, sob.”

Sasu-yeon said soothingly, but Aeng-aeng couldn’t stop crying.

Before she knew it, Soso’s eyes were also full of tears, and the atmosphere of the other little boys became somber. Emotional Jang-a was already sniffling and about to burst into tears.

Hug.

Sasu-yeon hugged Aeng-aeng from behind. Small and warm Aeng-aeng snuggled into Sasu-yeon’s chest.

“Thank you. I…….”

Sasu-yeon couldn’t bring herself to say the last words that it was okay. Because if she did, she felt like she would burst into tears right now.

“Ahem.”

Watching, No-gun cleared his throat and turned his head slightly. Not only No-gun, but also Shin-ui and Dang Wol-a silently shifted their gaze to the distance.

Son Bin quietly turned his gaze to the book. The letters were blurring in his vision that was beginning to fade, but the sound of Soso and Aeng-aeng sobbing did not leave his ears for a long time.