《A Tale Of A Scribe Who Retires To The Countryside》


 CH 1

    The Homun Inn was a small, shabby establishment located at the foot of Mount Homun. It was not situated near any major road or near any renowned cities or scenic spots, making it a quiet place most of the time. The only guests who frequented the inn were the occasional passing merchants and penniless wanderers. After a storm several years ago knocked down its signboard, it was unclear whether the place was originally called Homun Inn or if it was just named that way because of its location at the foot of Mount Homun.


    Wangpal Noya, the owner and cook of the inn, looked at the inside of his inn with a frown on his face. Although the narrow inn was almost empty, it was not the lack of guests that bothered him.


    What irked him was one particular drunken guest.


    "When the water of the river is murky, even if you try to wash your feet... it''s useless," the young man slurred. Dressed in shabby scholar attire and carrying an old tattered knapsack, he was clearly a failed exam candidate. The heavily intoxicated scholar was swinging his arms in the air, mumbling to an empty wall.


    "Of all places, even in the state''s examination for selecting officials... how could such a thing happen? Giving favors to relatives of high-ranking officials, to wealthy merchant''s children... No wonder people say the world is rotten. It''s not just murky water, it''s rotten, filthy water!" he exclaimed before gulping down another cup of alcohol.


    "Ah!" he exclaimed, slamming the cup down on the table. Several empty bottles were already strewn about, but not so many that it was excessive. Wangpal Noya clicked his tongue as he watched.


    "Ugh, he should just sleep quietly if he''s drunk," Wangpal Noya grumbled under his breath.


    ''Drunk off of just a few cheap bottles... If he''d ordered more, maybe I''d be more understanding.''


    "Injustice! Injustice!" the scholar suddenly shouted.


    "The world is full of injustice! Everything is wrong! Dammit!" he yelled, slamming his fist on the table.


    ''Don''t you dare break that! If you do, I''ll make you pay handsomely for the damage...'' Wangpal Noya glared at the scholar, but the drunken man didn''t even notice him.


    Wangpal Noya then subtly shifted his gaze to another guest, quickly stealing a glance at him.


    There sat another man, silently sipping his drink alone.


    ''Is he... okay with this?'' Wangpal Noya nervously wondered, watching the other man''s reaction.


    Dressed in light martial arts attire, the middle-aged man with a solid build looked deceptively youthful, despite his slightly visible gray hair. His thick arms seemed strong enough to take down even the tigers of Mount Homun, but it was the large sword strapped to his back that made it clear he was a martial artist. And not just any martial artist, but one who could kill without a second thought. Even now, as he quietly stared at his drink, his deep, intense gaze was almost eerie.


    "Oh my, look at that bicep. A guy like that could probably knock someone out with just one punch."


    The cup in the man''s hand seemed unusually small. He ordered a simple meal, and his drink was just a small bottle of alcohol.


    Contrary to his first impression, the man remained quiet and reserved. But it was clear that crossing him would lead to trouble, as evidenced by the ominous black greatsword strapped to his back.


    "If I foolishly annoy him and start a fight, it would be a disaster..."


    Wangpal Noya nervously fretted. It was a common occurrence for a drinking session to end up in a quarrel. However, if a fight led to death and the destruction of the guesthouse, it would be a major headache for Wangpal Noya. And right now, that terrifying situation seemed to be teetering on the brink of reality.


    "The whole world is drunk, and I''m the only one sober!"


    "Yikes!"


    Wangpal Noya was startled by the sudden outburst from the scholar.


    "Why on earth is that fellow acting like that?"


    Wangpal Noya glared at the scholar who seemed to be hastening his own demise with his oblivious behavior. He couldn''t help but despise the scholar, who was getting drunk without any awareness of the tense atmosphere. Regardless of Wangpal Noya''s glaring, the scholar continued to mumble to himself before letting out a long, weary sigh.


    "Sigh..."


    "Great, the guesthouse is going to collapse."


    Wangpal Noya muttered to himself, trying to calm his startled heart. Unaware of Wangpal Noya''s feelings, the scholar kept grumbling.


    "What? Are you saying that if I keep talking nonsense, I''ll get beaten up? Is that what an official should say? Sticking to the strong and bending justice is an official''s duty? Damn this rotten world. Damn, damn."


    Muttering almost unintelligibly, the scholar took another sip of his drink.


    "Ugh."


    With a thud, the scholar emptied his cup and lowered his head, accompanied by a deep sigh. He then muttered, as if speaking to a spirit.


    "This damned world. If no one knows, it''s as if it never happened. If no one knows, it never happened."


    Thump.


    Although it was a small sound, it was enough to make Wangpal Noya''s heart drop. That''s because it was the sound of the imposing middle-aged martial artist rising from his seat.


    "Oh dear, the trouble is finally starting."


    As Wangpal Noya made a gloomy face, calculating the potential damage and corresponding countermeasures in his head, the sturdy martial artist slowly approached the scholar.


    "If no one knows, it''s as if it never happened, huh?"


    The middle-aged martial artist spoke to the scholar in a deep, resounding voice.


    The scholar, who had been looking down, raised his head and gazed at the martial artist with bleary eyes. It seemed that his intoxicated vision made it difficult for him to grasp the situation.


    "Who...?"


    The martial artist chuckled. He then looked down at the scholar and said:


    "Let''s have a little chat. But before that..."


    As his large hand slowly approached the scholar''s head, Wangpal Noya momentarily forgot his calculations and stared intently at the scene. He wondered if the martial artist would really kill the scholar with a single punch, but unfortunately, that situation didn''t unfold as Wangpal Noya had hoped.


    "First, you need to sober up a bit."


    The middle-aged martial artist grabbed the collar near the back of the scholar''s neck with his large hand. He then effortlessly lifted the scholar, as if handling a stone.


    "Uh? Uh?"


    The scholar, suspended in the air, looked bewildered, unable to understand what was happening to him.


    Lifting the scholar with ease as if handling a puppy or a child, the martial artist strode out of the guesthouse with the scholar still in his grasp.


    Ting-a-ling.


    The sound of the old bell signaled their departure from the guesthouse. Wangpal Noya, who had been crouching with his head down, fearing some trouble might come his way, couldn''t help but watch the scene with his mouth agape.


    However, he soon made a gloomy face as he faced the reality of the potential damage.


    "Damn, who''s going to pay the bill when they''re all gone?"


    In a very small voice, Wangpal Noya grumbled sorrowfully.


    "Aaargh!"


    The scholar screamed with all his might, but his scream was drowned out by the wind, making it inaudible. They were passing through a pitch-black mountainous area at an incredible speed.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    The sound of the wind, like a waterfall, hit his face so hard that he couldn''t maintain a proper expression. Occasionally, he saw the shadows of trees passing by with sharp, swooshing sounds, and the dizzyingly spinning moon and stars in the night sky.


    "St-stop! Stop it!"


    The scholar shouted with all his strength.


    "Have you come to your senses now?"


    Despite the roaring wind, that voice came through loud and clear. It was as if the voice was speaking directly into his head.


    "I-I can hear! I can! So now, please, st-stop!"


    Suddenly, the deafening sound of the wind vanished, and their bodies stopped moving at the tremendous speed. However, his vision was still spinning.


    Swoosh.


    It seemed like they were getting closer to the ground, and the cold blades of grass embraced the scholar''s body.


    "Ah, ouch..."


    The scholar propped himself up on his hands and knees. His head was still spinning, but he felt a deep sense of relief that he was no longer being shaken.


    "It''s good that you''ve come to your senses."


    A heavy voice came from above his head. The scholar looked up. It was difficult to see in the darkness, but the white teeth between the smiling man''s lips were clearly visible.


    "If you hadn''t, I would''ve thrown you over there."


    Following the man''s gaze, the scholar turned his head and shuddered at the sight before him.


    "Gasp."


    It was no wonder the scholar gasped. The two of them were standing on top of a tall waterfall, with a deep, dark pool at the bottom of the cliff right before their eyes. It was terrifying just to look at it.


    "What is going on? Why..."


    The scholar reflexively questioned but then closed his mouth, realizing for the first time that the man standing before him was no ordinary person.


    The man, with his arms crossed, looked down at the scholar, grinning. His arms were so thick that it seemed impressive for them to be crossed.


    Gulp.


    Unconsciously swallowing, the scholar thought:


    ''I would be knocked out with just one punch.''


    The scholar''s admiration of the man''s arms was not much different from Wangpal Noya''s back at the guesthouse. Of course, neither of them knew that.


    With the powerful sound of the waterfall in the background, the scholar washed his face by the dimly lit water''s edge. His hair was a mess from the wind, but his face was a mix of sweat, tears, and snot.


    "Phew."


    After rinsing his face lightly and running his fingers through his hair, the scholar straightened his clothes. Having washed his face and tidied himself, it seemed as if the drunkenness had subsided and his senses returned.


    The scholar turned to look at the man. The middle-aged man, who gave off the impression of a massive rock, was staring at the scholar with gleaming eyes. Even if it weren''t for the martial arts uniform he wore or the large sword on his back, one could roughly guess the man''s identity.


    "Ahem."


    The scholar straightened up and stood tall.


    "First of all, I must say that your behavior is extremely rude."


    The scholar said with a stern look in his eyes.


    "No matter how much of an elder you are, is it right to treat someone like this so recklessly?"


    The man''s graying hair and white-streaked beard allowed the scholar to roughly guess his age. Despite his age, the man''s rugged face still appeared to be in its prime.


    "You do have quite a temper."


    The man chuckled.


    "Temper!"


    The scholar raised his voice angrily. He was already upset by the man''s violent and rude behavior. He tried to behave in a dignified manner befitting a scholar, but it was impossible not to get angry when provoked.


    "What is the reason for abruptly dragging me here like this? Don''t you know that such actions are strictly forbidden by the imperial law!"


    "Imperial law?"


    The man laughed again.


    "Just a while ago, you were complaining about the unjust world and mocking the lofty scholars. Now you''re clinging to imperial law, trying to rely on that unjust world? If you''re truly a man..."


    The man suddenly looked at a huge rock next to him.


    Whooosh.


    With a low noise, the man''s martial arts uniform began to flutter as if there was a sudden gust of wind. Then, in the next moment, the man''s fist cut through the air.


    Whooosh.


    Crash!


    "Gasp!"


    The scholar instinctively ducked and gasped. The man''s punch had shattered a rock larger than a person in an instant.


    ''How could a person do that with their bare hands...''


    Standing amidst the scattering rock fragments, the man grinned and said,


    "Isn''t it only fitting to rule the world with one''s own strength?"


    ?


    TL Note: lmk if I should keep going.

 CH 2

    The scholar''s astonishment was palpable, his face drained of color as he witnessed the scene before him.


    The sight of an enormous boulder crumbling under the force of a single punch was something the scholar could scarcely comprehend, even as he watched it happen.


    Moreover, the individual responsible for this extraordinary feat appeared to treat it as a casual demonstration.


    "Oh, now that you mention it..."


    The scholar recalled that this man had brought him here, and the impressive speed he displayed was not solely due to intoxication.


    "He''s no ordinary individual..."


    The scholar came to the chilling realization that the man standing before him was a formidable presence.


    "Ahem."


    Clearing his throat, the scholar resumed the conversation.


    "What is it you want from me? Why have you brought me here?"


    Attempting to sound nonchalant, the scholar''s voice betrayed a hint of trepidation.


    "I brought you here because you were intoxicated, and your words caught my attention."


    "What did I say?"


    The man replied to the scholar, "What do you mean by ''what nobody knows becomes non-existent''?"


    The scholar furrowed his brow, then recalled the drunken ramblings he had uttered earlier, albeit only vaguely.


    "Oh, that. It implies that if no one is aware of an event, how can they know it ever occurred?"


    No further clarification was necessary, yet the middle-aged man seemed unsatisfied. The scholar sighed and continued.


    The phrase was self-explanatory, but the middle-aged man appeared unsatisfied. The servant sighed and elaborated, "Do you know the saying, ''The path to Cheongsa is bright''?" (TL Note: Cheongsa is a term for government buildings)


    ?


    He continued, "It originates from the practice of recording history on bamboo slips. Thanks to the historians who refused to yield to the absurdities of their time and documented facts, future generations are able to learn about the noble scholars who graced this land and the deceitful traitors who lurked within. What isn''t documented is forgotten and lost. However, the scent of incense can travel vast distances. What is inscribed on the bamboo slips becomes widely known, providing guidance and lessons for future generations¡­"


    ¡°I see, you''re right.¡± The man''s voice interjected, causing the scholar to furrow his brow slightly.


    ¡°Indeed, recorded and acknowledged events are accepted as truth, while those that aren''t fade into oblivion and cease to exist. So, if no one knows, it becomes nothing, which is precisely what you said.¡±


    As the man spoke, his eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. Son Bin felt a sense of foreboding.


    ¡°Well, now that we''ve cleared that up, I should be on my way¡­¡±


    Son Bin couldn''t finish his sentence. The man said, ¡°I am Sa Jahyuk.¡±


    Taken aback, Son Bin stumbled as he attempted to salute. ¡°My name is Son Bin, sir¡­¡±


    ¡°Son Bin?¡±


    The man identifying himself as Sa Jahyuk smirked. ¡°No matter. From now on, you''ll write a book.¡±


    ¡°A book?¡±


    Son Bin gazed at him, bewildered.


    ¡°A book chronicling everything I''ve done¡­ no, everything about me. People will read that book, and they''ll know that someone like me genuinely existed.¡±


    Son Bin furrowed his brow, puzzled by the man''s request.


    ¡°So you want me to compose your biography?¡±


    ¡°A biography? Yes, that''s a fitting description.¡±


    Sa Jahyuk paused for a moment. ¡°The book shall be titled The Saga of Sa Jahyuk, or perhaps The Epic of the Hero Sa Jahyuk. Hahaha.¡±


    He chuckled heartily, pleased with the title he had devised. Despite his lighthearted demeanor, the proposition sounded utterly absurd to Son Bin.


    "Are you still drunk?"


    Son Bin furrowed his brow and inquired. Sa Jahyuk, who had been laughing, turned to face him.


    "I appreciate your spiritedness. Even water should possess a distinct taste. So, your writing should be imbued with the same spirit. However¡­"


    Sa Jahyuk picked up a sizeable stone and held it out towards Son Bin.


    "If you speak thoughtlessly once more¡­"


    Crack!


    The stone crumbled in Sa Jahyuk''s hand as if it were rotten wood.


    "I''ll crush your kneecaps like this rock." Sa Jahyuk''s smiling face appeared incredibly innocent. Yet to Son Bin, it resembled a grinning demon.


    "Do you comprehend?"


    Son Bin couldn''t respond, his face turning pale.


    At the Homun Inn, Wangpal Noya, the innkeeper, was muttering profanities under his tongue when he suddenly stopped. This was because the scholar and the vagrant, who had left the inn, abruptly returned.


    The middle-aged vagrant wore a satisfied expression, while the scholar looked as though he''d seen a ghost. Nonetheless, Wangpal Noya was relieved that the two weren''t thieves and ran away before paying.


    Whether he had read Wangpal Noya¡¯s thoughts or not, the middle-aged vagrant calculated the cost of both men''s meals, drinks, and accommodations.


    It was surprising that the vagrant even included the scholar''s portion, causing Wangpal Noya to reflect on his initial judgment.


    However, as the saying goes, he who sleeps with a dragon will wake with fleas. Wangpal Noya, who had fallen asleep, was roused in the middle of the night by the sound of something breaking.


    Crash!


    The old, massive door of the room splintered loudly, as if it were mere paper. Along with the door, the scholar, Son Bin, found himself lying in the shabby inn''s hallway.


    "Tsk tsk."


    Sa Jahyuk emerged, clicking his tongue and carrying his luggage. However, his expression lacked any sympathy.


    "Didn''t I tell you it¡¯s useless? Why don''t people understand until they experience it themselves¡­ Tsk tsk tsk."


    Sa Jahyuk glanced down at Son Bin and spoke.


    "You thought you could escape me by sneaking away in the dead of night?"


    Son Bin rose from the ground. His already ragged clothes had become even dirtier.


    "Heh, that''s what I wanted to say to you."


    Son Bin, undeterred by Sa Jahyuk''s imposing presence, replied as he got to his feet.


    "Do you think you can treat someone however you please just because you possess the power to subdue them?"


    "Heh, this guy is something else."


    Sa Jahyuk remarked in astonishment.


    "The one who attempted to flee in the night certainly has courage."


    "Although I resorted to such means due to my lack of power, my actions weren''t entirely wrong!"


    Sa Jahyuk scoffed.


    "People who act cowardly often justify themselves with a cause. Does a cause make anything and everything legitimate?"


    "Even great sages have hidden away to escape threats to their lives. A bit of compromise isn''t disgraceful."


    "Compromise isn''t disgraceful, but..."


    Sa Jahyuk laughed faintly. Gazing at the closed door of Son Bin''s room, Sa Jahyuk entered his own room with a satisfied grin. Although his room door was broken and provided no privacy, Sa Jahyuk didn''t seem to care.


    "Those who bend once will inevitably bend again. I wouldn''t call such people cowards," he said.


    Son Bin''s face flushed momentarily. "Don''t insult me without reason."


    Sa Jahyuk spoke as if he hadn''t heard Son Bin''s retort. "There''s one thing you''re gravely mistaken about."


    "Mistaken?"


    Sa Jahyuk responded to Son Bin''s puzzled expression with a frown. "You think you can escape from me now. But once I''ve set my mind on something, you''ll never be able to elude me."


    Son Bin lowered his head. "How arrogant. Who do you think you are..."


    "Try it," Sa Jahyuk challenged. Son Bin fell silent and stared at him.


    "I mean, test whether you can escape from me."


    Son Bin scowled. "What do you mean?"


    Sa Jahyuk offered a thin smile. "For the next three days, I won''t leave this guesthouse. During that time, you can run away or hide wherever you want."


    Caught off guard, Son Bin looked at Sa Jahyuk, who met his gaze with piercing eyes. "You can appeal to the imperial court you trust, seek help from anyone¡ªa powerful family, a master of hiding, or call on whomever you please. But remember one thing." Sa Jahyuk smirked. "After three days, I will find you again."


    A shiver ran down Son Bin''s spine. He knew that if anyone could do it, it was this man.


    "You can go," Sa Jahyuk gestured towards the inn''s exit with his chin.


    "Is that true?" Son Bin inquired. Sa Jahyuk''s eyes flickered. He assumed Son Bin would try to flee immediately after their conversation.


    "Yes."


    "Phew," Son Bin exhaled softly, roughly brushing his dirty clothes with his hand. He then headed towards his own room.


    "Aren''t you going?" Sa Jahyuk asked with a curious expression.


    "I''m going," Son Bin replied curtly, without breaking his stride. "But it''s midnight now, and the road is dangerous. You said you wouldn''t chase me for three days, so I''ll rest well tonight and leave after a hearty breakfast tomorrow."


    Thump.


    Son Bin closed the door as he entered his room.


    "Huhuh."


    Sa Jahyuk smiled to himself. He looked at the closed door of Son Bin¡¯s room and went into his own room, a satisfied smile on his face. He didn¡¯t care that the room was completely exposed due to the broken door.


    Wangpal Noya was trapped and unable to move. He had been hiding and observing the entire scene.


    "What should I do? Should I change their rooms to a non-damaged one?" He hesitated, but couldn''t muster the courage to speak with the intimidating man.


    However, he worried that if he left things as they were, the man would cause a commotion, claiming he had been forced to sleep in a damaged room. Wangpal Noya, unable to act, spent a long time wavering.


    The next morning, Son Bin descended to the inn''s common area early and had breakfast. Sa Jahyuk also came down, and they shared the meal.


    Wangpal Noya yawned continuously, having been unable to sleep, but managed to prepare breakfast for both of them. The meal was more meticulously prepared than usual, but it went unnoticed.


    Son Bin and Sa Jahyuk sat separately, quietly eating their food. Upon finishing, Son Bin approached Wangpal Noya with his small luggage and gestured to him.


    "Um, the payment was made by the gentleman yesterday¡­."


    He accepted the money for the moment, but Wangpal Noya took it nervously, glancing at the middle-aged man.


    "I ate and slept, so how can I accept money from someone else? And that guest will be staying here for another three days! Take that into account."


    Son Bin deliberately emphasized the words "three more days", watching Sa Jahyuk''s reaction.


    However, Sa Jahyuk simply continued eating his food calmly. Wangpal Noya, observing the two men, quickly pocketed the money, and Son Bin slowly made his way to the inn''s entrance.


    Ding.


    With the sound of small bells, Son Bin left the inn.


    Wangpal Noya, was left awkwardly standing there. He cautiously inquired, "Um, sir. Is there anything you need?"


    "Heh."


    Sa Jahyuk paused his eating and smiled.


    "Well, well. This is quite interesting. It''s been a while."


    "Pardon?"


    Wangpal Noya responded, not comprehending Sa Jahyuk''s words. But Sa Jahyuk didn''t answer. Because of this, Wangpal Noya had to stand still until Sa Jahyuk finished his meal.


    "I might as well die now."


    Son Bin leisurely walked a few steps after leaving the inn, then began sprinting once he felt he had put enough distance between himself and the inn.


    "Quickly!"


    Gritting his teeth, Son Bin sprinted forward. Instead of heading towards Homun, he chose the direction of a village he had passed a few days earlier.


    "Taking the Homun route would cost me an entire day, not to mention it''s an infrequently used trail," he thought.


    Son Bin abandoned his original plan, realizing that with the hermit''s incredible abilities, outrunning him on the Homun path was impossible, even if he ran for three whole days.


    "I must return to the village, then take a carriage to a larger village. From there, I''ll catch another carriage to a major city or metropolis. Hiding among the masses in a big city will make it impossible for anyone to find me. Here at the inn, I''m the only guest, but in a city, there''ll be countless others like me."


    In a large enough city, he wouldn''t even need to hide; with so many people, finding him would be next to impossible.


    "Though I loathe resorting to such tactics..."


    Traveling by carriage and relocating within the city would be costly. For someone like Son Bin, who had limited funds, this was a bitter pill to swallow. With a frown, he bit his lip as if bracing himself for the inevitable expense.


    "Right now, what I need most are swift legs and an unpredictable destination!"


    Thud!


    His luggage jostled behind him as he continued to run, gasping for breath but refusing to slow down. He couldn''t shake the feeling that the dreadful hermit, Sa Jahyuk, could appear behind him at any moment. So Son Bin sprinted away from the inn at full speed, in the opposite direction of Homun.


    Thanks to his relentless determination, Son Bin managed to catch the morning carriage leaving the village. By lunchtime, he had arrived at a slightly larger village and immediately boarded a carriage bound for Wuhan.


    Once settled in the carriage, Son Bin finally allowed himself a sigh of relief.


    "Phew."


    The other passengers cast curious glances at Son Bin as he breathed a sigh of relief inside the carriage. Regardless, Son Bin wiped the sweat off his sleeves and leaned back comfortably, a contented expression on his face.


    Son Bin''s destination, the city of Muhan, was not only historically significant but also a bustling provincial capital. Known as the capital that connected nine regions since ancient times, Muhan served as a vital hub for both land and sea transportation. The carriage was scheduled to arrive in Muhan in two days, so by the time the coachman departed the guesthouse, Son Bin would be in the heart of the city, where nine provinces converged.


    "Damn it," Son Bin muttered under his breath as the carriage swayed. "I wasted money because of that madman." He had opted for a rickety luggage carriage with no roof, a wobbly frame, and a slow horse, as it was the best option given his tight budget.


    "Muhan..." he mused. With its numerous historical sites, there would be no reason for Son Bin not to visit the city if he had the leisure. "It''s a place I''ve always wanted to see, but... I suppose I''ll have to rough it for a while." Unwittingly, he muttered another curse. Having forgotten about lunch, hunger soon caught up with him.


    Yet, Son Bin felt fortunate to have escaped the unhinged man, and he gazed at the passing scenery absentmindedly. As the carriage rocked monotonously, the tension he had carried since morning began to dissipate. Gradually, he started to doze off, his head drooping.


    All the while, the coach carrying Son Bin steadily made its way toward Muhan, the provincial capital of Hubei.

 CH 3

    The journey to Muhan was a straightforward one, following the Yangtze river. It offered no breathtaking scenery and posed no significant dangers.


    As a result, the carriage passengers were beset by boredom from the very first day. However, as the next day dawned, they began to converse more freely.


    Among them, a merchant who had been trading in Muhan for several years was the most enthusiastic.


    "Muhan is truly a remarkable place. It has the Yellow Crane Tower, one of the top three famous buildings in Gangnam. The view from the Yellow Crane Tower is simply stunning."


    The seven other passengers, all of whom had never been to Muhan, listened intently to the merchant.


    "Also, don''t forget to visit the wall with Li Bai''s writing engraved on it. It''s truly something." (TL Note: Li Bai = Famous Chinese General)


    "Is it easy to conduct business in Muhan?" someone suddenly inquired. The merchant shook his head in response.


    "Is there any place where doing business is easy these days? They''re all challenging."


    "But in Muhan, there are many people, and goods are plentiful¡­"


    "True, but do you think the influential individuals will just sit idly as such profits pass them by? The major merchants have a firm grip on the lucrative areas, and there''s also the Namgung family, one of the five great murim families in Muhan."


    Son Bin, who had been listening absentmindedly, perked up at these words. Already entangled with the bizarre hermit, he was now intrigued by the mention of martial arts.


    "The Namgung family and the major merchants have joined forces to control the Muhan market. Naturally, the officials in Muhan have also given their approval to the Namgung family. This is no secret."


    Upon hearing this, Son Bin looked up attentively.


    ''I always believed martial artists focused solely on honing their skills, but¡­''


    Son Bin felt somewhat disheartened to learn they had made deals with powerful merchants to dominate the market.


    "Well, at least the Namgung family prevents some criminal activities from happening openly, so there''s a silver lining. Oh, and if you visit Muhan, make sure to check out the Blue Magic Brothel. There''s a new lady who just arrived¡­"


    As the conversation shifted, Son Bin lost interest.


    ''A martial arts master¡­''


    He thought of Sa Jahyuk''s imposing figure, sharp eyes, and flamboyant demeanor. Sa Jahyuk embodied the idea of a martial artist within Son Bin, even more so than the prominent Namgung family, who reportedly controlled Muhan''s commercial district.


    "Well, it doesn''t matter anymore."


    Son Bin murmured absentmindedly, gazing at the passing landscape. After two days, he felt at ease, and the sensation of being pursued had faded.


    As the swaying carriage gradually brought him closer to Muhan¡­


    After several days of travel, they reached Muhan on the third evening, later than anticipated. Those who had journeyed together for days went their separate ways without a word, and Son Bin settled into a modest inn.


    Riding in a carriage proved more exhausting than he had expected, so after a simple meal, Son Bin fell asleep immediately.


    ¡à


    Clatter.


    An old, empty dish made a soft noise as it was placed on the table. Having finished breakfast, Son Bin pondered deeply while staring at the empty plate.


    "The hermit must be coming to find me now¡­"


    It was the fourth morning. Sa Jahyuk was not a person who would hesitate to take action, so he would have started pursuing Son Bin by now.


    "I wonder if he''ll come all the way to Muhan?"


    It seemed impossible, but at the same time, it felt like he might actually make it to Muhan. "The best thing would be to go to another province along the Yangtze River¡­ But that would cost a lot of money¡­"


    It would be too much trouble. If he could continue the Yangtze River tour like this, it would be perfect, but the problem was that his available funds were barely sufficient.


    "However, if I head straight home, he might follow me¡­"


    Since that hermit knew that Son Bin intended to cross Mount Homun, the direction from Muhan to his hometown was roughly predetermined. If they met on the road, he wouldn''t even have a chance to escape.


    Suddenly, Son Bin remembered Sa Jahyuk''s deep, intense gaze and the scene of him breaking a large rock with his bare fist. Son Bin shuddered.


    "No¡­ We can''t do that. Anyway, for the time being, I have to be in a place with a lot of people."


    Son Bin made a decision. "Okay. Let''s stay at this inn for just three days and not move a muscle."


    Even if Sa Jahyuk came to Muhan, how would he know about this small inn? Son Bin decided that staying here quietly would be the best option.


    Son Bin rose from the table. After making a decision, he felt relieved.


    "Well, come to think of it, it''s not easy to get to Muhan."


    With a light heart, Son Bin went to his room.


    However, his plan to stay put for three days had to be altered due to an event that afternoon.


    The city of Muhan was famous for its heat.


    ¡à


    "Phew."


    Son Bin sighed in relief and fanned himself with his folding fan.


    "Ah, it''s so much better out here."


    He rested for a moment under the shade of a tree. Despite the heat and humidity, the breeze made it pleasantly cool in the shade.


    "That cheap guesthouse - hot, cramped, smelly, and noisy...ugh."


    Son Bin had chosen to stay at a dreadful guesthouse for three days. The small, cramped space was filled with people seeking cheap alcohol, making it incredibly noisy.


    The stifling heat combined with the pungent smell in the room was unbearable, forcing him to leave.


    "Why would he come today of all days?"


    This convincing thought entered his mind, and with that, Son Bin stepped out.


    As he strolled through the shaded areas, he took in the sights of the city of Muhan, like a tourist.


    "Wow, what a big city."


    Beijing, where he took his exam, was much larger, but he hadn''t been able to appreciate it due to pre-exam anxiety and post-exam disappointment.


    Now at leisure, he could enjoy the charm of Muhan. As Son Bin watched the passing people, he suddenly recalled what the merchant had mentioned in the carriage.


    "Come to think of it, shouldn''t I visit the Yellow Crane Tower instead of just wandering around?"


    The Yellow Crane Tower was the first thing people thought of when mentioning Muhan. It would be a great opportunity to see the writings of two hundred poets.


    "It''s also a good time to immerse myself in the fragrance of ancient times."


    With a relaxed mind, Son Bin headed towards the Yellow Crane Tower. It was a late afternoon scene in Muhan as the strong sunlight began to wane.


    The Yellow Crane Tower is one of the three famous pavilions of Gangnam. The majestic flow of the Yangtze River from afar was breathtaking, but the panoramic view of Muhan was truly unmissable.


    Son Bin ascended the Yellow Crane Tower, relishing the wind that blew in from the Yangtze River.


    "Ahhhh. This feels wonderful."


    As the sun set, the sky turned a brilliant shade of red. Both the Yangtze River and the vast expanse of Muhan below were bathed in a warm crimson glow.


    The breathtaking view eased the anxiety of the past few days and even softened the sting of his recent defeat.


    Basking in the cool breeze, Son Bin began to recite a poem, almost involuntarily.


    "The Immortal left riding on a yellow crane, and only the lonely tower remains on the land. If you visit once..."


    (Note: This is a reference to a famous poem from the Tang Dynasty in China, where a poet describes riding on a yellow crane and leaving the mortal world behind, and the Yellow Crane Tower is often associated with the legend of the yellow crane.)


    "Hey!"


    An irritable voice interrupted his recitation. Son Bin turned to see who it was.


    "Can you be quiet?"


    Son Bin''s brow furrowed. A displeased young man from a nearby group had addressed him.


    Judging by their opulent attire, they appeared to be affluent youths.


    The exhilaration Son Bin had felt moments ago vanished, replaced by irritation at the young man''s condescending attitude. He didn''t conceal his annoyance as he replied.


    "I apologize if I''ve caused any inconvenience, but isn''t it rather rude to interrupt someone like that?"


    "What?"


    The young man, who had been observing his group, now fixed his gaze on Son Bin.


    "What did you just say?"


    One of the young women in the group intervened.


    "Stop it."


    "Hold up, wait a minute." The young man held up his hand, silencing the woman, and turned back to Son Bin. "What did you just say?"


    His insolent tone only served to further infuriate Son Bin.


    "I said you were being rude."


    "Huh, who does this worthless guy think he is¡­"


    "Worthless guy?" From "hey" to "worthless guy," Son Bin''s anger grew. "You appear to come from a wealthy family. How about learning some manners?"


    Son Bin glared at the young man, who looked taken aback and smirked.


    "Oh, I see. You''re just a nobody..."


    The young man crossed his arms over his chest, and it was then that Son Bin noticed the sword hanging from his waist.


    The sword was adorned with intricate designs on both the scabbard and the hilt. The young man caught Son Bin''s gaze on the sword, and his smirk widened.


    "Oh, you''ve noticed, huh? Tsk, tsk. But you must take responsibility for your words, right?"


    His expression radiated smug satisfaction, as though he had already secured victory. Just then, another lady in the group chimed in with a smile.


    "Oh my, but isn''t what that gentleman said correct?"


    "Lady Gongson!" The young man frowned and turned to her.


    The elegantly dressed lady covered her mouth with her sleeve and said, "Although this gentleman''s appearance is somewhat shabby.. He was able to beautifully recite an elegant poem."


    She briefly glanced at Son Bin''s outfit and smiled.


    "Isn¡¯t his advice worth listening to? This is a valuable opportunity for you to learn, right? Isn¡¯t it true that Young Master Namgung isn¡¯t as literate as most?¡±


    The young man''s face showed his displeasure, and Son Bin''s expression mirrored it.


    ''Why is she doing this?''


    Son Bin couldn''t grasp the situation, but it seemed that the lady was trying to provoke a confrontation. She was using Son Bin to mock the young man.


    And the fallout would undoubtedly affect Son Bin.


    "Miss Gongson." The young man''s voice was low, and his anger was palpable. "You will regret your words."


    He turned his head and looked at Son Bin.


    "And you. You must bear the consequences of your actions."


    His gaze towards Son Bin was filled with malice. The sudden hostility made Son Bin flinch.


    "Wh-what consequences?"


    "If I let you go unpunished, what would people think of me? Even if it was unintentional, you must face the appropriate repercussions."


    His voice was low, but his rage was simmering beneath the surface. It was an irrational anger directed at the wrong person.


    "You insolently addressed a member of the Namgung Family, so I will cut off your tongue and arm."


    Son Bin shuddered. He knew that the young man''s words were far from being an empty threat.


    "Young Master Namgung, stop this."


    The other lady who had first intervened earlier spoke up.


    "Don''t take your anger out on a defenseless scholar. It''s not befitting the name of the Namgung Family."


    "I will decide what is fitting for the Namgung Family''s name," the young man retorted. "I must absolutely cut off this man''s tongue. So that I can demonstrate the consequences of speaking recklessly to a member of the Namgung Family."


    The youth''s sharp gaze was directed at the lady, who lowered her head in response.


    With a swoosh, the young man turned and approached Son Bin. He slowly drew his sword.


    Swish.


    The gleaming sword shone with a silvery luster.


    "W-what are you doing? A-aren''t you afraid of the law?"


    "The law?"


    The young man smirked.


    "The law will be on my side. Since you initiated the conflict and attacked me, isn''t it only natural for me to draw my sword?"


    "T-that''s absurd¡­"


    "It''s not."


    The youth stated.


    "Everyone will agree with me."


    Son Bin looked around urgently. The many people who had been there just moments ago were now nowhere to be seen.


    Everyone had either left the scene or was watching from a distance.


    The lady who had caused the commotion seemed to find it amusing, while the lady who had tried to stop them now looked at the man with a helpless expression.


    No one was there to help or even sympathize with Son Bin.


    "Oh my god."


    In an instant, Son Bin felt as if he was left alone in the world, accompanied by a suffocating sense of oppression as if the world was closing in on him.


    Thud, Thud.


    The young man with the bloodthirsty sword approached slowly, and Son Bin couldn''t even think for himself.


    Feeling the sharp energy nearing his body, he stared at the approaching sword with a pale face.


    "You''ll regret your words. A reckless tongue always invites anger."


    The young man''s sword descended at an angle.


    Just as it was about to land, a voice rang out.