408 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Sichuan has long been famous for its silk. Particularly, the ornate Sichuan brocade, said to feel like holding the hem of a fairy’s dress, was a sought-after item. Merchants from other regions often flocked here, knowing it could yield a significant profit if purchased from Sichuan Province. "Welcome! What can I show you today?" In Sichuan Province's capital, a silk shop. The shopkeeper greeted the two enigmatic women who walked in. They entered with their faces entirely concealed by mesh hats. Could they be martial artists here to cause trouble? Suspicious. The shopkeeper hid his wariness and awaited his customers' words. "Show me the best silk blanket in the shop." A voice with the forceful tone of a young woman rang out. "Young lady, what you’re asking for is extremely expensive. Perhaps you should start with a regular silk blanket." Even a regular silk blanket was costly, yet she asked for the best. The shopkeeper was skeptical. 'She's likely indulging in vanity, wanting to simply touch the silk blanket.' Such customers appear occasionally. Women who come not to buy but to merely handle the silk. It was obvious this was the case again. Maintaining a smile, the shopkeeper discreetly cursed with his eyes. As the shopkeeper showed no sign of moving, the woman sighed lightly and removed her mesh hat. "Since I have money, show me." The shopkeeper's eyes widened at the lady’s rare appearance. Not because she was a beauty he'd never seen before, but due to her hair and eye color. "Oh! You’re from the Sichuan Dang family! Welcome! I’ll show you a brocade pattern so dazzling you’ll be amazed." Upon seeing the silk hastily brought out by the shopkeeper, Dang Hwa Rin sighed slightly and spoke. "Instead of something flashy, do you have something more subtle and plain, but with exquisite care put into the design, unnoticed unless observed closely?" "We do have such items." "Show me that. But it should be so comfortable I can't sleep without it." "Will it be for a man, by any chance?’ "For my fiancé." “You should’ve mentioned it earlier! I’ll find one suitable for cozying up with your husband! One used even in prestigious households as part of their wedding trousseau!” The shopkeeper hurriedly pulled out silk blankets that might catch Dang Hwa Rin's eye. Only then did a smile twitch at Dang Hwa Rin's lips, previously sour from the initial indifference she had felt upon entering the shop. “Hehe. The second blanket is nice. Bring the same one next time I return.” “Please visit us again!” The shopkeeper swallowed his regret, realizing he should have treated her well from the start, and bid her a heartfelt farewell, hoping she'd return. --- "Master, shall we head to the next shop?" Dang Hwa Rin pointed to the store in front and spoke. "The blanket just now seemed good. Why not buy it right away?" "It's for Yoon Ho to sleep under; I need to see other options. My purse, as you can see, is full." The pouch Dang Hwa Rin took from her chest was visibly well-stuffed. "Didn’t expect you'd even ask for a blank check." "Hehe. Made a huge purchase, so even without a blank check, it was a lot, wasn’t it?" Mo Yong Seop seemed hesitant about Dang Hwa Rin's suggestion of a blank check but made an effort to cooperate. As a result, Dang Hwa Rin received a satisfactory sum on a check, enough to make her forget months of hardship. "It’s good that you’re buying a gift for your fiancé. However, instead of buying too much, why not send a heartfelt gift and spend money instead on something necessary?" Dok Mu Hu, having followed her student to the market on a whim after all those months, felt compelled to comment, sensing a day of endless shopping. "I just know Yoon Ho." "You know?" "His work clothes, or his qipao attire—despite preparing for others, He probably isn't taking proper care of himself. Wearing anything comfortable, putting on clothes again just because they aren't smelly, working and writing late into the night, then barely cleaning up before collapsing in bed. I can just picture it." Dang Hwa Rin shook her head knowingly, clasping her fingers to her temple. "Reminds me of my husband.” Dok Mu Hu reminisced fondly about her late husband, smiling with her eyes. "He’s the type not to take care of himself despite having money, so I need to look after Yoon Ho." Dang Hwa Rin declared, placing her hand over her waist. If Yoon Ho cared for external matters, she should care for Yoon Ho, even from afar if need be. "You are immensely devoted." Who is this person that has her so deeply in love? Dok Mu Hu suddenly felt curious to see her student’s fiancé’s face. "Hehe. Let’s go look at clothes next. I’ll help you pick something, Master!" Dang Hwa Rin laughed and tugged at Dok Mu Hu’s sleeve. "It seems we’ll be busy all day. Fine, let’s go." That day, as the two women ventured through the market, the merchants in Sichuan Province’s capital beamed with joy. ** "With the antidote complete, we’re preparing to depart." In the Sichuan Dang family's main residence, Mo Yong Seop, representative of the Moyong clan's delegation, informed the Dang family head of their intent to leave. "I'm sorry we couldn’t do more for you." "How could you say that? You crafted an antidote unattainable anywhere else in the world. Once again, I represent the Moyong clan in expressing our profound gratitude." Mo Yong Seop knelt on one knee, offering his thanks. "How could we ignore someone in dire need? When do you plan on departing?" "The doctor we brought will depart as soon as he learns the recipe for the antidote." Having received the antidote and the recipe, Mo Yong Seop estimated it wouldn’t take long. The Dang family head nodded at his words and proposed an offer. "Would it not be wiser to travel with a doctor from our medical center?" "We brought a quite capable physician." "I’ll assign Dang family warriors to escort you." "Warriors from your family, you say? There’s no need." "Do you know what bloodshed might occur once this antidote appears in the Moyong clan?" "......!" Only then did Mo Yong Seop grasp the subtext of the Dang family head’s words. 'How much does he know?' The Dang family head had caught onto the fact that there were problems within the Moyong clan. Mo Yong Seop kept his expression neutral, contemplating his next move. Could he have recognized it as a toxin from the Demon Cult? Or does he see it as merely a factional struggle? Or perhaps it's a sign that he intends to support Lord Moyongcheon. "Lord Moyongcheon often boasted about his daughter. I’m inclined to believe that the rumors surrounding your lord have been exaggerated." Dang Baekho, head of the Dang family, ventured close to the heart of the matter. "My lord..." "Well, then? If you're agreeable, I’ll prepare the escort immediately." Mo Yong Seop found himself unable to speak lightly. Accepting warriors from the Dang family would imply a declaration of opposition against the demonic forces within the Moyong clan. But doing so would also mean openly acknowledging the infiltration of the Demon Cult. After much deliberation, Mo Yong Seop spoke. "Matters of the family should be resolved within the family, don't you think?" Burning down the house to rid it of bedbugs would be foolish. If news leaked that the deputy lord collaborated with the Demon Cult and the Moyong clan was a den for demonic followers, the clan would suffer irreparable harm. He politely declined the offer. "Indeed, you’re right." "Thank you once again for your offer, Lord Dang. I will now take my leave." The head of the Dang family watched Mo Yong Seop as he left, contemplating the situation through the window. The toxin incident, tied to both the Dang family and potentially the Demon Cult, must remain confidential. Naturally, they preferred to handle matters internally if the Demon Cult was deeply involved. "After the Sichuan Dang family and now the Moyong clan... How far do their influences reach?" Dang Baekho gazed into the night sky with a bittersweet expression, pondering the future of the martial world. ** "Lady Hwa Rin, shall we send the delivered items to the Western Sky Cooperative right away?" "I need to write a letter to send along." Dang Hwa Rin smiled contentedly at the goods that had arrived at the garden and instructed her attendant. "Yes. Once you provide the letter, I'll have it sent to the Daseogak through the Western Sky Cooperative." "Please do." Over several days, Dang Hwa Rin had spontaneously purchased gifts for Kang Yoon Ho. Sending them from the capital of Sichuan Province to the warehouse wouldn’t come cheap, but using the Western Sky Cooperative, operated by the Dang family, mitigated any concerns. "Time to write the letter." Convinced that nothing had been overlooked, Dang Hwa Rin returned to her room to pen her letter. [To my beloved Yoon Ho.] "Eugh... Why is this so embarrassing to write?" The moment she penned the first line, her face flushed, prompting her to set the brush down. Speaking the words were easy, a hundred, even a thousand times over. But writing made everything feel sticky and intimate. Her emotions seemed to cling to every character. It was embarrassing yet delightful—something she didn't want others to see. Perhaps she should focus on practical advice first. Dang Hwa Rin scratched an itching spot on her arm and continued writing. [By the time the cooperative folks arrive, it will be autumn. I'm sending fall and winter clothes—make sure to wear them. I'm also sending a winter blanket. Once it arrives, don't just use it as is. Have Uncle Chang, the regular at Daseogak, add some cotton... ] Reading her own words detailing the gift instructions for her fiancé, she grabbed her head in exasperation. "This sounds too much like a mother..." Like a mother worried about her son living far away for exams. "I want to write something more romantic..." While maternal love is still affection, she yearned for something more romantic. Glancing around her empty room as if someone might see, Dang Hwa Rin resumed her letter. [Yoon Ho, every time you sleep under the blanket, think of me, okay? Alrigh...] "Ah, crazy! Really crazy! Hoo hoo hoo." Unable to contain her embarrassment, Dang Hwa Rin launched herself onto her bed. "Maybe I should write about what I've been up to." Dang Hwa Rin cooled her flushed face with her palm before returning to the desk. [Yoon Ho, I’ve found a mentor. Dok Mu Hu, who is quite famous.] Just as Yoon Ho had told her stories of his journey, she began recounting her recent events. Dang Hwa Rin continued the letter with a level head. [Recently, people from the Moyong family came to the Dang family.] There was much to tell. [Yoon Ho, I wish you could see how the Dang family reacts. I miss seeing your face light up with joy.] Her master’s appearance, creating the antidote, her progress in martial arts—each milestone she recorded only intensified the longing for her fiancé. [Write back soon. I love you.] With the final line brimming with her heartfelt sentiment, Dang Hwa Rin's message was complete. ** "I'm glad we came to the Sichuan Dang family." A few days later, a warrior from the Moyong clan spoke, glancing back at the distant Sichuan Dang family. "With the antidote, we can turn the tide." Mo Yong Seop caressed the precious antidote tucked in his robe. "Once our master rises, we’ll sweep away those vile creatures in an instant. Our lord will become the deputy lord." "Yes, indeed." "It seems fate hasn't abandoned us. The Sichuan Dang family... truly formidable. Our own clan, despite being called the Patriarch of Liaodong, pales in comparison. How is there such a disparity between us?" Despite the inevitable differences between Sichuan's wealthy mandarins and Liaodong, teeming with barbarians, the face of the Moyong warriors was marked with bitterness. "The Moyong clan will surely rise to the same might as the Sichuan Dang family." "I believe it too, once everything returns to its rightful place with our lord leading us." Though their current situation was grim, hope was not lost. The Moyong clan had Mo Yongsanga, the owner of Changbongjeon. If they could restore the clan to its former glory, it might dominate the world in the next era. With confidence in their masters, the warriors of the Moyong clan recalled the figure at Changbongjeon. "This is truly..." "Instead of just marveling..." "… such incredible gifts from the Sichuan folks…" Starting from the restlessness behind, which had been noisy earlier, Mo Yong Seop pointed with his chin. "Ah, it must be because of the gifts we received from the Dang family." One of the Moyong clan's warriors, with a cryptic smile, spoke up. "Gifts?" A warrior from the Moyong clan rummaged through his possessions, extracting something, and handed it over to the puzzled Mo Yong Seop. "We will reach the guesthouse soon. Would you like to take a look?" What the warrior handed over was an item that had made quite the stir at the Dang family. "...The Breeze of the Dang Family?" It was a book written by Kang Yoon Ho.