403 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

--- "Feels like I have free time for once." Dokmuhuu murmured as she returned to the secluded garden, basking in the warm breeze of the setting sun streaming through the window. She had led a life in perpetual motion, between battlefields, martial arts training, and her studies in toxicology. But today was different. Her accomplishments had matured enough that she no longer needed to be singularly devoted to her training, and ever since she lost her husband, there was no need to pour her time into infertility research. She had granted her disciple a day of rest. Thus, today, she found herself more idle than usual. "The Storms of the Dang Family, huh." Reading fiction was not among Dokmuhuu's hobbies. She had always lived a life where she'd rather read martial arts manuals or medical texts in any spare time she had. Her late husband had once recommended her an amusing novel, but she only read it to have something to discuss with him. No literature had ever truly stirred her heart. "I should read it quickly and return it by tomorrow." This time, she picked up "Storms of the Dang Family" to share discussions with her disciple. By merely nodding along and praising her disciple’s fiancé, she hoped their bond would deepen. It was with such modest expectations that she picked up the book. "A love at first sight, hmm. Something the youth would enjoy." Dokmuhuu chuckled softly at the scene where the protagonist, Dangjeong, falls in love at first sight with the most beautiful woman in the Szechuan region. Having experienced love, marriage, and bereavement, spontaneous love seemed to her a reckless whim of youth. She read on with a slightly skeptical gaze. "Fueling one's training with love, huh. Brings back memories." To her surprise, a scene evoked nostalgia. When Dangjeong dedicated himself to his training, fueled by the emotion of love, she overlapped the scene with her own past. It was reminiscent of when she became wholly devoted to her path as a semi-martial artist, determined to survive the righteous-war clash and return to her husband. "Dangjeong, indeed... a rare, straightforward child." A person often begins reading with doubts and prejudices, only to find their heart finally opening when something resonates profoundly with their experience. For Dokmuhuu, it was Dangjeong's training scene. "To think he jumps in to save a woman knowing it could lead to his death. Reckless indeed." Dokmuhuu clicked her tongue at the scene where Dangjeong plunged into a battle with a demon to save the most beautiful lady of Szechuan. As an adept martial artist should, recognizing the difference in power is vital, yet such rashness! However, a smile spread across her lips despite her disapproval. "Yes, but that's precisely why he is righteous. A true martial artist of the Great Dang Family." Willing to throw himself into danger against injustice, it was a quality rarely seen in the younger generation, which drew her to smile. "Miss! Given my limited abilities, I cannot promise victory. But if the demon approaches you, he must first claim my life." "Whew..." It was a scene that drew admiration, no matter if viewed by a man or a woman. "With a fiancé capable of such fiery words, it's no wonder my disciple's heart melts." Dokmuhuu saw the author through Dangjeong's portrayal. Clearly, he was a man masterful in capturing hearts, capable of setting one's heart aflame. Now understanding why her disciple couldn't stop praising her fiancé, she secretly smiled. "Poisonous corridor? Must be the disciple's toxins martial arts itself?" Dokmuhuu had devoted her entire life to practice and research. "Aha! Boldly forcing the demon back, remarkable! Truly remarkable!" She was swept away by the story's excitement in "Storms of the Dang Family." --- “Still not read it?” The next day, having devoured up to the second volume of "Storms of the Dang Family," Dokmuhuu roamed her disciple’s quarters with an unfulfilled yearning. “No, not yet.” “Why not?” Didn't she allow time for it just yesterday? An unintended note of disappointment slipped from Dokmuhuu's voice. “What?” “Ah-hem! I assumed you’d have already read it since your fiancé sent it.” Realizing her oversight, Dokmuhuu hurriedly corrected herself. “I already know most of the content.” Volume 3 of "Storms of the Dang Family" was an unfinished draft before Setting Off for The Dang Family. For Dang Hwalin, hearing Kang Yunho's news from Dangpae took precedence over reading a book with known content. Besides, having heard from Dangpae left her too shocked to want to read a book. “Is that so…” A silence tinged with regret settled in the room. Why is she like this? Could it be... Dang Hwalin realized the unusual nature in her master’s demeanor. “Did you perhaps... read ‘Storms of the Dang Family’?” “...Ahem. It's the first time in my life a book kept me up all night reading.” Dokmuhuu admitted with a hint of embarrassment. Though it was shameful to admit she spent the night engrossed in the novel, she had read it to exchange stories with her disciple, so she saw no need to hide it. “Ha-ha, people who read Yunho's novels often say that.” Dang Hwalin covered her mouth, her eyes forming crescent moons as she smiled. “It takes you back to those vigorous days of youth.” What she thought would be a simple read turned out to be so captivating that she couldn’t put it down until the end. Dokmuhuu was genuinely impressed. “Would you like to borrow the third volume?” “Won’t you?” Dokmuhuu's face glowed with excitement. “Of course. Here you go.” With a joyful heart, Dang Hwalin handed the book over, grateful that her mentor praised her fiancé’s work. “I can’t.” Upon opening the first page of the third volume, Dokmuhuu promptly returned it with a regretful expression. “Why?” “This book is made just for you, isn’t it? How could I, as your master, lay hands on such a precious gift from your dear fiancé.” [I'll be waiting at the store. With love, Kang Yunho.] On the first page Dokmuhuu opened, was a message full of love. She should not be the first to read this book. With that, she handed it back. “Master...” “It's alright. Don't look so apologetic. I've already sent Sibi to relay that I, Dokmuhuu, express interest in seeing volume three of ‘Storms of the Dang Family.’ If there's no issue, it should soon arrive.” “Yes.” “Indeed. Oh, here comes Sibi. Should have known it didn't require such actions.” As they turned to look out the window, they spotted Sibi running towards them, clearly in a hurry. "Dokmuhuu!" "Why are you empty-handed? Did you only deliver the message and return?" Dokmuhuu asked with a puzzled look when she noticed Sibi was not carrying the book. "Well... I did ask for a copy specifically for you." "And?" "It was Iljangro from the Elders' Council who caught wind of my request and gave me a message to relay." Sibi bowed in a disturbed manner, his discomfort evident as he spoke. "That guy? What did Iljangro say? Tell me without holding back." Dokmuhuu and Iljangro shared a complicated camaraderie, having fought side by side in the righteous-war battles. Had that old so-and-so made some absurd comment to Sibi again? Sensing Dokmuhuu's openness to hear the truth, Sibi nodded determinedly and spoke up. "He said, 'My dear, so it's true what they say about late learners being the most fervent. I'm here waiting with a long neck myself, so how dare you try to cut in line? You line up on release day like the rest of us!'" "..." Even Iljangro was waiting? A shadow of bafflement passed over Dokmuhuu's face as her gaze instinctively shifted back to the book in her disciple's hands. "Would you like to borrow it again?" "Hmm." The tempting offer made it difficult for Dokmuhuu to maintain her composure. ** "There you are." Knock, knock. At the sound of someone knocking on his office door, Dangajoo Dang Baekho responded with a hint of indifference. "This is Ui Gak-ju Dang Moogi. May I come in?" "Enter." "Reading 'Storms of the Dang Family,' I see." Ui Gak-ju remarked with a knowing smile, addressing Dangajoo. "Read it as soon as I returned, and now I'm on a second read." Dangajoo answered without lifting his eyes from the book. "Is there any issue with the content?" "No issues regarding the demon element. I see they changed the background to the Demonic Sect." "That’s a relief." Ui Gak-ju nodded with relief. Changing just the demon’s background ensures there are no controversies, as 'Storms of the Dang Family' was a fictional reinterpretation inspired by past events. "In any case, what brings you here?" "The family warriors are clamoring for the new release so eagerly that they might resort to piracy. Dangpae pleaded for rescue, which is why I am here." "Dangpae must have had a rough time. I should call him in separately to commend him." Finally pulling his gaze from the book, Dangajoo offered a smile to Ui Gak-ju. "That one needs to endure a bit more hardship to wise up." "Haha." "Do you have any recommendations on how we could distribute the new release immediately?" "...." There was no immediate answer from Dangajoo to Ui Gak-ju's inquiry. Wondering why he appears hesitant. Is something else weighing on his mind? Ui Gak-ju sensed something amiss. "Gaju, is there another issue?" "Have you ever shared with the boy any stories from my life 20 years ago?" There was a time when I shared stories with Kang Yunho about Dangajoo and Hyanga. Is there something specific troubling him? Ui Gak-ju nodded, acknowledging the question. "I did share necessary stories." Dangajoo alternated his glance between Ui Gak-ju and the book, then broached the subject with apparent reluctance. "Did you, by chance, talk about the female swordsman?" "What do you mean?" Ui Gak-ju was caught off guard, prompting him to ask back in surprise. "The one with the cold, aloof demeanor we briefly traveled with while pursuing the demon." "Cold? Ah! I remember now. We traveled together briefly due to the demon. She was strikingly beautiful, everyone thought to strike up a conversation, but she was unyieldingly reserved." With Dangajoo's reminder, Ui Gak-ju instantly recalled the female swordsman, whose beauty left a lasting impression even after 20 years. But what connection does that incident have with the third volume of 'Storms of the Dang Family'? "Is that all you remember?" Dangajoo seemed to probe further as if expecting Ui Gak-ju to have more recollections. "I also remember her gaze was often fixed on you, Gaju." In his youthful days, Dangajoo possessed looks capable of breaking many hearts. Ui Gak-ju remembered how everyone admired her, but her attention was focused on one individual, leaving a bittersweet recollection. "So, it was you." Dangajoo approached Ui Gak-ju with an expression of someone who felt betrayed. "Excuse me?" "How could you say such things? No, if you were going to tell him, tell him correctly!" Dangajoo's face was awash with betrayal, bewilderment, and discomfiture as he pressed Ui Gak-ju for an explanation. "What exactly are you referring to?" "There was a night... It was a reckless youthful misstep. She sneaked into my quarters naked; in the heat of youth, how could I have refused?!" There was a palpable sense of injustice in Dangajoo's voice. "Such a thing happened?!" Ui Gak-ju found himself unable to hide his shock at this secret, which had remained buried for over two decades. "This happened before meeting Hyanga! The sequence doesn't align! It's supposed to be volumes 1, 3, then 2! And two of them? But there was only her despite the dozen we traveled with!" "Gaju, please calm yourself." The always composed Dangajoo was now clutching his head in distress. Ui Gak-ju, at a loss for what to do, implored him to relax. "How can I be calm?! What might my son think of me? I professed I only thought of his mother, yet he'd misunderstand me as some philanderer! What do you propose we do about this?" "I assure you I have never said such a thing. This is the first I’m hearing of it." Ui Gak-ju raised his hands, clearly articulating he wished to distance himself from any alleged wrong-doing. "Then who?! No, that’s not even important. I need to clarify these misunderstandings. Is it a letter saying the sequence is incorrect, or one guaranteeing nothing happened after meeting his mother? But what if he won’t read it, thinking our paths ended there?" He's never wanted the chasm of misunderstanding to deepen between father and son. Even if it were a scar that never fully healed, he hoped time would allow them to inch closer from afar. He hadn’t anticipated his son harboring such baseless misunderstandings. Dangajoo paced, his composure fully lost. "Gaju, it will be a minor misunderstanding." Ui Gak-ju struggled to dissuade Dangajoo from his agitated state. "Being remembered as a father who abandoned his child's mother is painful enough; I can’t let it go beyond that. Let's devise a strategy together!" The Sichuan Dang Family. The head. Dang Baekho. Though he was one of the eminent martial artists in the world, a renowned figure, and the undoubted authority within the Sichuan Dang Family. He was also a father. —— "Calmed down now?" "Ah, I've shown an unbecoming side of myself." Dangajoo managed to steady himself and sank back into his seat with a sigh. "Such is the unending concern a parent bears for their child. Given the opportunity, I shall personally visit your son to clarify any misunderstandings." "Thank you. You're my only hope." The night after reading his son's latest novel, Dangajoo had tossed and turned in worry. Relieved by Ui Gak-ju’s offer, he nodded, grateful. "What should be done about 'Storms of the Dang Family' then?" "Proceed with its distribution. There’s nothing in the content that can cause problems." Volume 3 of "Storms of the Dang Family" had been completed before his son even visited the family. Perhaps the content was intended for him to pick up on. While anxious about his son's thoughts, assured there was nothing problematic in the novel itself, Dangajoo agreed. "I'll ensure it's conveyed immediately. Also, there's another matter to share with you." "Another matter?" Besides the matter of "Storms of the Dang Family," there was additional information? Could it be something another in Dangpae's party wanted to share about his son? Curious, Dangajoo attentively listened to Ui Gak-ju. "A martial artist from our family who just returned from a trip abroad witnessed something intriguing outside Sungdo." "Intriguing?" Dangajoo questioned, a serious expression etched on his face as he turned to Ui Gak-ju. It wasn’t about his son, then. Ui Gak-ju wasn’t one to speak carelessly. As Dangajoo awaited an explanation, Ui Gak-ju delivered completely unexpected news. "The warriors from the Murong clan are on their way." (Finally! The real wife is making the entrance!)