A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside [EN]: Chapter 99

99. Entering Gangbuk

The inn was quiet. Guests had long retreated to their rooms, leaving only the dozing server and a few insomniacs behind.

Thanks to this, Sunbin and his group were able to enjoy a peaceful moment for the first time in a while. The delicious food and fragrant tea before them enhanced the atmosphere.

Jianghu Fisherman, whom Sunbin had barely managed to rouse, insisted on treating the group. Though, in truth, the inn’s cook had prepared most of the dishes.

“Is that child eating, or is she examining the carp?”

Jianghu Fisherman asked No Gun, but it was clear he meant for Dang Worea to hear. Yet, Dang Worea paid no mind, slowly and deliberately savoring her food.

“Does she think I’ve poisoned it or something?”

Jianghu Fisherman said, frowning. Still, Dang Worea didn’t answer, and No Gun, unable to watch any longer, spoke up.

“She’s always like that, don’t mind her. It’s some kind of ritual, or something… Come to think of it, is this her first time eating carp?”

“Hmm. Well, surprisingly, there are quite a few people who haven’t tried carp dishes. It’s quite tricky to prepare properly, after all.”

Jianghu Fisherman nodded, seemingly convinced.

“So, you’re on your way to Mount Wudang? To deliver the sword to the Last Disciple of the True Man?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Sunbin replied, holding his teacup. He had finished eating, but he hadn’t cleared away his dishes.

“Hmm.”

Jianghu Fisherman said in a low voice, lost in thought.

“I visited Mount Wudang not long ago. The atmosphere has changed a lot since before. And the Last Disciple of the True Man, you say…”

Even Jianghu Fisherman had never heard of Seorin. This clearly showed how Mount Wudang regarded the Last Disciple of the True Man.

“If you were inheriting the True Man’s sword, it might be different, but in this state… it won’t be easy.”

Jianghu Fisherman sighed and shook his head.

“Hmph. What if it’s not easy?”

No Gun said.

“The sword must be passed on, and the will must be carried on. If Mount Wudang tries to defy this, it’s not this kid who has to step aside.”

He said it casually, but No Gun’s resolve was clear. And that was a very unfamiliar sight to Jianghu Fisherman.

“This is unusual. I never thought I’d see you like this, you who seemed like you’d never leave Nakyang your whole life. After that incident back then…”

“More importantly, what brings you here?”

No Gun quickly cut him off.

“Weren’t you supposed to be in the lower reaches of the Yangtze [Yangtze River]?”

“I was.”

Jianghu Fisherman said, raising his teacup.

“But these days, a group of martial artists from a heretical sect called the Blood Peak Union are causing trouble in Gangnam [area south of the Yangtze River]. So, I’ve been staying around here for a while, watching the situation. I can’t let those bastards dare to cross the Yangtze.”

“Is the Blood Peak Union an opponent that requires you to move?”

No Gun frowned. If Jianghu Fisherman was concerned, it must be a serious matter.

“Are you aware that the Outer Cheongju of the Namgoong Clan was defeated by a martial artist from the Blood Peak Union?”

No Gun shrugged, as if he had no interest in such things.

“The martial artist from the Blood Peak Union who defeated the Outer Cheongju is said to be a young, rising expert. Was it Guigyeonsu, or something…? In my opinion, there must be someone from the Outer Sect behind it. The Sword of Destruction and the Thunder Sword won’t stand still, but I can’t rule out the possibility of something happening. Besides, the Gangbuk [area north of the Yangtze River] heretical sects have also been showing suspicious movements lately.”
The Sword of Destruction and the Thunder Sword that Jianghu Fisherman mentioned must have been referring to the previous heads of the family. He spoke seriously, but No Gun scoffed.

“It must be tough, single-handedly protecting the peace and well-being of the Jianghu [martial world] martial world.”

“It’s not that big of a deal.”

Jianghu Fisherman smiled contentedly. No Gun’s face twisted.

“This guy doesn’t understand sarcasm…”

No Gun shook his head, when Sunbin suddenly asked.

“May I ask what that was earlier?”

“Earlier? Ah, are you talking about my Cheongpa Jikchim [Blue Jade Straight Needle]?”

Jianghu Fisherman took out a straight needle from his chest with a proud expression and placed it on the table.

A sleek object with a blue jade hue appeared. Both ends were as sharp as needles, but the slightly thicker center had a transparent, thin thread attached to it.

“It’s my friend who has been with me for life, along with Cheongryu [Clear Stream]. Meeting Cheongryu and Cheongpa was the greatest luck of my life.”

Jianghu Fisherman, who was always stubborn, was as happy as a child.

His Cheongpa Jikchim sparkled with blue light on the table.

It was impossible to guess what it was made of, but it was definitely extraordinary. So was the thin, transparent thread.

“It’s also quite good at catching fish. I also use it to sew clothes when they get torn. It’s quite useful in many ways for an old man living alone.”

‘Fish?’

Sunbin looked puzzled at the mention of fishing with a straight needle.

“How do you fish with a Jikchim…? Ah, maybe you load it with internal energy…”

Suddenly, Sunbin imagined Jianghu Fisherman’s fishing method. He probably imbued the Cheongpa Jikchim with internal energy and plunged it into the river, causing the shocked fish to float to the surface.

“Load it with internal energy? How could I do such a rude thing? Don’t you know the saying that a gentleman fishes but doesn’t use nets? You’re young, so you don’t have the basic mindset of a fisherman.”

Jianghu Fisherman frowned.

“If you attach bait to the Jikchim so that it covers the entire needle, the big ones will think it’s a good deal and swallow it whole. Then, when you snatch the fishing rod, the needle will lie horizontally, so even the biggest ones will be helpless. It’s also easy to remove the hook after catching them, and the fish aren’t damaged, so it’s better for catching big ones. The fish also feel less pain when removing the hook, so it can be said to be a more compassionate method.”

“You’re going to eat them anyway.”

No Gun muttered at Jianghu Fisherman’s lengthy explanation. Jianghu Fisherman glared at No Gun as if he had heard something absurd.

“You don’t even know the heart of a carp. You like to drink, so never go fishing. If you look at the guys who die while fishing, they’re all drunkards. I’ve rescued so many of them in the past few days…”

Sunbin could understand why the innkeeper treated Jianghu Fisherman so kindly. He had saved the lives of many people, so how could he not be trusted?

“I see you don’t enjoy drinking, Fisherman.”

Sunbin asked. Jianghu Fisherman suddenly fell silent. No Gun smiled and answered for him.

“This guy loves to drink.”

Sunbin, who unintentionally contradicted Jianghu Fisherman, said with a slightly embarrassed expression.

“Ah, but you don’t do drunken fishing…”

Sunbin stopped talking. He noticed that Jianghu Fisherman’s expression was gradually distorting.

“Ahem. Well, I’m good enough to do it. I’m just worried that a beginner who doesn’t know anything about the river will recklessly follow me and die…”

Jianghu Fisherman coughed and mumbled, when suddenly, a strange sound came from the side.

Crunch, munch.

“What’s she doing?”

No Gun looked at Dang Worea with a pathetic expression.

Dang Worea was holding a long carp bone and pursing her small lips.

The carp was big, so the bones were also large. Sunbin quickly said to her.

“Miss, that’s not for eating…”

Dang Worea stopped moving. She quietly put down the bone.

“I know. I was just wondering what it tasted like…”

Dang Worea said in a small, quiet voice. But her gaze was still fixed on the bone in front of her. Sunbin quickly removed the bone from in front of her.

*

*

*

Swish.

The next day, it rained from morning. Merchants in a hurry crossed the Yangtze despite the rain, but Sunbin and his group had to stay at the inn because Sunbin’s torn clothes had to be replaced.

“I can just fix it roughly, should I do that for you too?”

Sunbin politely declined Jianghu Fisherman’s offer. Instead, he asked the server to find new clothes nearby.

Buying fabric and having it sewn would have been cheaper, but there was no time for that. What was unexpected was that Dang Worea’s clothes also had to be bought new.

“I need them too.”

Dang Worea said. It was when Sunbin was talking to the server about the price of the clothes.

‘Miss Worea too?’

Sunbin thought with a puzzled expression, but then he suddenly understood. Her clothes were the same as when she left Cheongwon.

“Ah, then instead of buying new clothes…”

Sunbin stopped, about to ask the server to wash the clothes.

She had no luggage. Of course, she wouldn’t have any clothes to change into.

Then what would she wear while the clothes were being washed?

“Ahem. I understand.”

Sunbin coughed and turned his head, feeling his face suddenly turning red.

‘Ah, maybe she needs cotton pads too?’

He glanced at Dang Worea, but she didn’t say anything.

‘And since I’m buying them anyway…’

Fisherman’s clothes were also torn, and No Gun’s luggage was also simple.

It was okay to wear less in Gangnam because it was hot, but if they went to Gangbuk, the weather might change suddenly like now.

Sunbin also asked the server for one coat each for No Gun and Fisherman.

The server was delighted with the increased order, but Sunbin, who received an unexpected shock to his money pouch, felt a slight bitterness.

The server didn’t even give him a discount.

*

*

*

“I pay my respects to Jianghu Fisherman. I am Jegal Gi from the Jegal Clan.”

A handsome young man bowed politely.

“I pay my respects to Fisherman. I am Gongson Ji from the Gongson Clan.”

A sharp but beautiful young lady also bent her knees slightly and paid her respects.

“Thank you for helping us. I have heard of Jianghu Fisherman’s high reputation.”

Jegal Gi said with a smile. He was a handsome young man who would naturally attract the eyes of women.

“Hmm. You’re children from the Jegal Clan and the Gongson Clan. I didn’t do anything big enough to receive such respect, so you don’t have to mind it.”

“We can’t do that.”
Gongson Ji said with a smile. Her cute eyes and red lips drew a slight curve.

“If Fisherman hadn’t helped us, we would have suffered great harm. I want to find the culprit right now, but everyone who was at the inn at that time crossed the Yangtze this morning, so we can’t do that. Ah, have you seen a small thief around here?”

Jianghu Fisherman was silent, and No Gun was pretending not to make eye contact. Dang Worea was sipping tea indifferently as if it had nothing to do with her, and only Sunbin, who was sitting awkwardly, met eyes with Gongson Ji.

He couldn’t avoid the seat because he was sitting with Jianghu Fisherman, and he suddenly met Gongson Ji.

“I haven’t seen him. Ah, I am called Sunbin.”

Sunbin bowed lightly. Gongson Ji’s eyes momentarily scanned Sunbin up and down.

“Ah, yes.”

Gongson Ji received the greeting, barely bending her knees.

This was only because Jianghu Fisherman was there.

If not, she wouldn’t have even acknowledged him.

As she was about to turn her head, she turned her head again at a strange feeling that suddenly came to mind.

“Have we met somewhere before?”

She asked with sharp eyes.

“Yes.”

Sunbin replied.

“We met at the Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan. There were no greetings.”

“Ah, is that so.”

Gongson Ji nodded indifferently.

The Yellow Crane Tower was a place that Gongson Ji often went to, and it was always crowded. She probably passed by him there for a while, but she didn’t remember it.

Looking at his shabby appearance, the reason why she couldn’t remember him was clear.

Besides, she had seen more than once or twice a man trying to get her attention by associating with her in some way, so Gongson Ji quickly lost interest.

“What is your name, Miss?”

Gongson Ji’s eyes turned sharp at the voice of Jegal Gi coming from behind.

He seemed to be interested in Dang Worea’s face, which was covered.

Gongson Ji glared at Dang Worea sharply, but Dang Worea wasn’t even looking at this side.

“Miss?”

Jegal Gi asked softly again.

But Dang Worea didn’t even turn her head, let alone answer.

Gongson Ji felt her temper rising for other reasons.

“You…”

“How are the movements of the Gangbuk heretical sects these days?”

Jegal Gi and Gongson Ji turned their heads at the sudden voice of Fisherman.

“It’s unusual.”

Jegal Gi quickly corrected his posture and said with a serious expression.

“It seems that the Gangbuk heretical sects have been stimulated by the Blood Peak Union’s rise to power in Gangnam. Not only the Black Serpent Clan, which claims to be the leader of the Gangbuk heretical sects, but also other heretical sects are talking about forming an alliance.”

“I really don’t know what the Namgoong Clan or the Hyeokryun Clan are doing. They claim to be the overlords of Gangnam, but their situation is ridiculous.”
Gongson Ji said with a snort. But Jianghu Fisherman was just silently lost in thought.

“When are you planning to cross the Yangtze?”

“We are planning to leave right away tomorrow morning.”

“Is that so… I understand.”

Jianghu Fisherman nodded.

Gongson Ji and Jegal Gi paid their respects to Jianghu Fisherman once again and left the place. Gongson Ji glared at Dang Worea one last time, but Dang Worea was still not looking at this side.

Step, step.

Gongson Ji, who was going up to her room with Jegal Gi, said with a very unpleasant expression.

“But, Jianghu Fisherman is just an old man from the past anyway. Even if he helped us, isn’t he being too stiff?”

“Haha. But what can we do? He’s still trapped in an outdated delusion, so we have no choice but to humor him appropriately. Eventually, the Jianghu martial world will be ours. It’s okay to show some generosity, isn’t it?”

Jegal Gi said with a smile. Gongson Ji felt better at his flowery appearance and words.

“That’s right. As you said, Young Master, the future is ours.”

The enemy of the Five Great Clans is only the Five Great Clans.

Now that the fiercely opposed Five Great Clans have united in the name of the Martial Alliance, no one can deny that they have become the largest force in the Jianghu martial world.

And as Jegal Gi said, that bias will become more and more severe over time.

Gongson Ji also had no doubt that the Jianghu martial world would eventually belong to the Five Great Clans.

“Young Master is also amazing.”
Gongson Ji clung to Jegal Gi’s arm. Jegal Gi pretended to be indifferent as he smelled her scent tickling the tip of his nose.

“Since there’s nothing to do today anyway… How about it? Why don’t we go to my room and have a drink?”

“Hmm, I can’t. I’m not good at drinking. Maybe if you take responsibility for me to the end… Ah, that means you’ll take me to my room. You know, right?”

“Haha. How can I not take responsibility for you, Miss? Don’t worry. I am Jegal Gi.”

“Huhu. Thank you. But not today.”

“No, why…”

“Women have many secrets they can’t tell.”

Gongson Ji winked at Jegal Gi and turned her body away as if she had never clung to him, and went into her room.

Jegal Gi, who was left alone, could only lick his lips and return to his room sadly. As he said, there was nothing to do here.

*

*

*

The next morning, Sunbin and his group went to the pier to wait for the boat.

It was a boat that went up the Yangtze a little and then docked on the other side, and it was ultimately going from Shanghai to Chongqing, so the boat was quite large and there were already many people on board.

Dang Worea, who had a small backpack because of the new clothes, couldn’t take her eyes off the large boat. But it was her first time riding it, so she hesitated.

While Sunbin was helping her board the boat, No Gun, who was standing on the pier, suddenly asked Jianghu Fisherman, who was standing next to him.

“But you. Didn’t you know that the True Man’s sword can’t be touched by just anyone?”

Jianghu Fisherman frowned.

“Why wouldn’t I know that? It’s the True Man’s sword, so it’s natural that anyone can’t touch it. Who would dare to touch his things carelessly?”

No Gun smiled bitterly. It was clear that Fisherman didn’t know much about the Sword of White Dew.

Jianghu Fisherman was looking at No Gun like he was a strange person, but No Gun decided not to explain.

“The True Man was someone who saw something completely different from us.”

Jianghu Fisherman said in a low voice, turning his head to look at Sunbin. From this perspective, Sunbin just looked like an ordinary scholar. Nothing special, just like an ordinary person.

But that young man was more special than anyone Fisherman knew.

“Who in the world would know that that child is walking the path of the Emperor of War? But the True Man saw it. So he entrusted his sword to him. If he is walking the path of the Emperor of War, he is worthy of being entrusted.”

Sunbin just said it was a human arrangement.

But if it were him, if it were Fisherman, could he hand over Cheongryu and Cheongpa to someone for that reason?

Absolutely not. Fisherman was convinced of the True Man’s arrangement.

“Hmm, is that so?”

But No Gun answered as if muttering.

“Even if that’s not the case, I would have given my sword to that guy.”

Fisherman looked at No Gun as if asking what he meant. But No Gun didn’t answer and walked onto the boat.

Whoosh.

The wind blew and the sails swelled greatly. The boat carrying Sunbin and his group rode on the waves of the Yangtze and slowly moved away from the pier.

Jianghu Fisherman stood on the pier until the boat disappeared from sight.

“The Way of the Emperor of War…”

The wind of the Yangtze shook his clothes. Fisherman mumbled in a low voice, fastening the collar of the coat that Sunbin had bought him.

“Since there is someone who wants to walk his path, the future of the Jianghu martial world is not so dark. Hehehe.”

He laughed. It was a more comfortable and relaxed laugh than ever before.

And that day, Sunbin and his group crossed the Yangtze and set foot in Gangbuk.

Mount Wudang was now just around the corner.