420 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Who is the author of "Pungwoon Hyupgaekjeon"? Moo (某). The original manuscript of "Pungwoon Hyupgaekjeon," discovered by Cheong Un, had its author's name partially damaged, leaving only the character "Moo" (某), meaning "someone" or "anonymous," visible in the corner. Therefore, the martial artists of the Wudang Sect only speculated vaguely about the author, without feeling the need to discover who they truly were. "Clearly, there was one more character in front of the Moo (某)." Except, of course, for the individual who first discovered "Pungwoon Hyupgaekjeon." Cheong Un was not only the first to discover but also the first avid reader of "Pungwoon Hyupgaekjeon," and until he left the Wudang Sect, he solely possessed the manuscript. Thus, although it was damaged, he was able to imprint the remnants of the author's name in his mind countless times. Naturally, staring at the damaged script didn’t make the letters discernible. Yet, in an unexpected place, he obtained a vital clue. "The unwavering sword." His friend from Joseon who admired knights inspired a revelation that provided Cheong Un with a clue. "Letters also carry intent. Especially a pen name." What if the author of "Pungwoon Hyupgaekjeon" wasn’t trying to obscure his identity, but rather to reveal it? Just as there is a form of a sword filled with intent, there could be brush strokes imbued with the same. Cheong Un decided to trace back the remnants as if restoring martial arts. Every night, Cheong Un closed his eyes and, with his sword in hand, sought hundreds, thousands of times for the intent within the letters. If anyone saw him, they would have stopped him, saying it was a futile endeavor. However, Cheong Un set off on a journey to uncover the author of "Pungwoon Hyupgaekjeon." Despite everyone’s dissuasion, to authenticate "Pungwoon Hyupgaekjeon," he endlessly climbed cliffs till his hands were raw, in search of caves. From Mount Wudang in Hubei to Liaodong. The end of the arduous journey to uncover the obliterated character of "Pungwoon Hyupgaekjeon." Cheong Un finally realized the character written before Moo (某). "Did you say it's Kang Moo (姜某)?" "It's not certain. But it's likely to be Kang Moo." At first, he thought it was the character for beautiful (美). However, during his knightly travels, after helping people from Joseon, he heard that if it was a surname from Joseon, it would be Kang (姜), not beauty (美). When he reconnected the letters based on the Korean’s words, it was indeed Kang Moo. "Kang Moo..." Moyong Sang-a's eyebrows twitched slightly. Cheong Un, preoccupied with pride over his discovery, failed to notice the atmosphere around him growing heavier. "Sir, Young Master Cheong Un, are you unaware of any rumors from around Liaodong?" Discussing the Kang family with Moyong Sang-a was a sort of taboo. The Deputy Leader, flustered, asked Cheong Un indiscreetly if he was aware of the dominating rumor. "No. That's why I'm seeking information. They said he’s a Daoist from Mount Baekdu. Although he might be a martial artist inheriting a martial lineage, based on the writing skill, I think he's more likely a Daoist from a literary lineage." A lifelong warrior couldn't possess such literary skills. Undoubtedly, he's a Daoist more accustomed to the pen than the sword. Unaware of anything, Cheong Un nodded with gleaming eyes. "Literary skills?" "Ah... I received a letter containing rumors about a Daoist lineage from Wudang extending to Mount Baekdu. I was in the middle of traveling." Cheong Un, realizing he'd unintentionally revealed a confidential matter of the Wudang Sect, hurriedly composed himself and spoke. "So you have such connections." In the martial world, it's not uncommon for factions to emerge and split off from one another. Moyong Sang-a and the Deputy Leader nodded at Cheong Un's words. "I'm sorry I couldn't provide you clear information since it's still an unverified rumor." "How could a benefactor apologize? It’s unwise individuals who chat gleefully about uncertain matters. The letters in that letter must have been extraordinary." Moyong Sang-a managed to suppress her internal turmoil and jestingly remarked to the seemingly naïve yet passionate Daoist. "They weren't mere expressions." However, Cheong Un seemed to take Moyong Sang-a's remark as if his most treasured thing had been insulted, causing a subtle furrow in his brow. "Sorry?" "It was like opening my eyes in a pitch-black world. Like savoring a deeply flavorful dish, the more you read it, the more new flavors you discovered. Each letter left me pondering its meaning, and every day of travel..." Cheong Un's eyes glistened with a fervent gleam. "Young Master Cheong Un?" "Ah?! Forgive me, my apologies for showing such an unbecoming side." Only then did Cheong Un snap back, hastily lowering his head. "I may not know much about Daoism, but I see you are a sincere Daoist, Young Master Cheong Un." "Hahaha." "I don't know about a Daoist named Kang Moo from Mount Baekdu. However, while you're our guest, I'll gather some information. How does that sound?" "I would appreciate that." Rushing to Mount Baekdu might lead him only to confusion. Cheong Un agreed to the suggestion. "Although the assassin fled, there's a chance they might target again. I'll place guards by your room." "Ah... No, it's alright. I can’t sleep unless I'm alone." Cheong Un awkwardly shuffled, seemingly embarrassed by Moyong Sang-a's hospitality, eventually responding with a slightly flushed face. "Then I'll just station guards outside the door." Was there a reason why Young Master Cheong Un had to sleep in the esteemed guest chambers? Moyong Sang-a acknowledged Cheong Un’s answer, yet did not withhold her graciousness towards the benefactor. "Thank you." -------- "He's an unusual Daoist." The Deputy Leader of Changbong Faction, Moyong Jin-su, spoke once Cheong Un returned to the distinguished guest quarters. "Investigate if there’s a Daoist with the surname Kang at Mount Baekdu." Moyong Sang-a ordered the Deputy Leader in a dispassionate voice. Although she seemed to speak with nonchalance, to the observer, it was as if she was curling up as much as possible to avoid being hurt. "Master... Investigating a Daoist with the surname Kang..." The only Kang family exterminated was the interpreter Kang clan, so the other Kangs would be in Joseon. However, searching for Kang might bring wounds to both sides. The Deputy Leader cautiously attempted to dissuade her. "It could be a distant relative or a fellow Daoist. Since it's a benefactor's matter, at least make some inquiries." "Understood." To push further would be knowingly stepping towards a dead end. The Deputy Leader nodded obediently to his master's words. "What happened to the assassins?" "Two took their own lives at the scene, and one became flustered upon witnessing this." "Flustered?" It's common for captured assassins to kill themselves to avoid revealing information. While some lack the courage to do so, feeling flustered is unusual. Even Moyong Sang-a found it rare enough to ask again. "After examining the captured assassin's identity, a troubling fact arose." "What is it?" "The captured assassin is a Jurchen, from the Turushan tribe." --- "Didn't you take care of it? Chong Gwan! Didn't you say you were confident?" In the office of the Sow Ga-ju (Little Clan Leader) of the Moyong family, Moyong Bi, who currently splits the family's power, asked Chong Gwan with an angry face. "An unexpected obstacle arose..." "Ha?! Did that wretched woman somehow foresee meeting an assassin?" "..." Special assassins trained in dark arts were prepared for this. It seemed certain this time. Yet the Chong Gwan, originating from the Demon Sect, couldn’t string a coherent response amid unexpected failure. "Enough. If she could be knocked off so easily, she wouldn't have dared to stab her husband in the heart to escape danger. What's the update on the Seongmo (Sacred Martial Treasury)?" That damnable woman. Just how long is her lifespan? Moyong Bi, with visible annoyance, inquired about the next agenda. "We've placed a Jurchen among the assassins. Though the mission failed, the Changbong faction will be suspicious whether the Jurchen and we are in cahoots." Chong Gwan was prepared, even in light of potential failure. By including the Jurchen with the other assassins, they ensured the misunderstanding about the perpetrator's identity. It served to further muddle Moyong Sang-a, suggesting the culprits could be foreign barbarians trained in dark arts. "As you know, to drain that mad woman’s wealth, the exploration of the Seongmo must not cease." "We need to keep them in constant attrition against the Jurchen." "Exactly. I trust Chong Gwan will exert his influence effectively." Moyong Bi nodded at the satisfactory response. Though the force that wretched woman formed seemed annoying, it was not frightening. However, the financial power held by his sister was a significant concern. She managed to create a swarm of nuisances in an instant. If left unchecked, she could transform these nuisances into something fearsome. Moyong Bi wished for his sister to squander her vast wealth continuously on the Seongmo exploration. "Would it not be better for the Sow Ga-ju to negotiate directly with the barbarians?" "Are you suggesting I negotiate with those barbarian folk?" To think he’d make such a peculiar proposal just when things were going well. Moyong Bi glared at Chong Gwan. "Perhaps shelling out some money will suffice." "Money? That wretched woman has already hoarded every source of funds. Do you know whose pockets are keeping the Moyong family going?" "It's a convenient solution." "Yes, convenient indeed. But what if she stops digging where she was, starting elsewhere? Will you offer money to the Jurchens there? And from where would the money come? Will the sect provide it?" Just a generation ago, Moyong Bi's family faced potential ruin. Had Gaju (Clan Head) Moyong Cheon not revived the family, both Moyong Bi and Moyong Sang-a would be living in a dilapidated residence. Currently, the Gaju is in a comatose state, and the Kang family has been wiped out due to supposed treason. While Moyong Bi held most of the family's remaining wealth, it was incomparable to his sister's affluence, derived from monopolizing the ginseng trade routes. "Hahaha. Then why not let them struggle a bit more by imparting martial techniques from the sect..." "Chong Gwan." Moyong Bi lowered his voice and spoke with a menacing undertone, calling out to Chong Gwan. "Proceed." "Do you know why every official, the barbarians, and everyone in Liaodong bows to the Moyong family?" "What is the reason?" "Because we possess power. Would giving steel claws to untamed beasts make them thankful? And here you suggest imparting martial arts to those barbarians? Do I need to spell this out for you? Are you sane?" "...I overthought things." Though swayed by the sect, the counterpart is the Sow Ga-ju of the Moyong family, entrenched in Liaodong for a thousand years. Chong Gwan apologized for his mistake. "Chong Gwan, if I've practically brought the Moyong family into servitude for the sect, shouldn't the sect show reciprocity?" Moyong Bi sighed in frustration, directing his words at Chong Gwan. "Prince, I cannot listen to criticism against the sect in silence." A deadly aura radiated from Chong Gwan's body, making Moyong Bi momentarily tense. "My apologies. It was almost a whim. You may leave now." Chong Gwan bowed to Moyong Bi and exited the Sow Ga-ju's office. 'Moyong Bi, damn wretch.' He slips away like an eel just when about to make a statement. Chong Gwan gazed back at the Sow Ga-ju's office, his anger swelling. 'So focused only on safeguarding himself!' A leader who acts only when there’s no risk to himself. He isn't clueless. In fact, he’s astutely perceptive in the wrong ways. If there's any potential loss, he abstains first. Yet he's excessively greedy, wanting to gain much. He’s akin to a corrupt official who enjoys hoarding wealth. 'A leader of a group must, at times, make bold and swift decisions.' Whether it's offering money or arming the barbarians with martial techniques, choosing neither and opting for the safest route. Chong Gwan let out a heavy sigh, overwhelmed with frustration. --- "Could it be that the Demon Sect and the Jurchens have joined forces?" Upon hearing the captured assassin's identity, Moyong Sang-a immediately asked the Deputy Leader. "It's not certain to that extent yet." "...So many enemies." Half the Moyong family and the Demon Sect already make for ample foes. In the worst-case scenario, even the Jurchens might join. Moyong Sang-a mumbled to herself in frustration, barely realizing it. "My lady, I mean, master..." Though Deputy Leader Moyong Jin-su called out to his master out of concern, even as a deputy leader, there wasn’t a straightforward solution at hand. “We can’t cease the exploration of the Sacred Martial Treasury." Moyong Sang-a ignored the Deputy Leader's gaze, lost in her own thoughts. To ascend to the seat of the clan head, the exploration must not be halted. Did the Jurchens truly ally with the Demon Sect? Even if it was her brother, he wouldn’t be ignorant of the Jurchens’ threat. Did he overreach? There was no way to know. What should be done? "I'm lacking support." In the midst of the urgent situation, Moyong Sang-a acutely felt the shortage of capable personnel. Though the leader of the Changbong faction occasionally served as an advisor with his veteran martial arts experience, regrettably, he wasn’t present at the moment. The deputy leaders were filled with passion and loyalty, yet their primary role was combat support. And rightly so. Changbong was originally a guard organization. From the perspective of the clan father, having just one advisor to watch over and advise his daughter to prevent her from going astray, along with some muscle, was sufficient. “If only…” There was scarcely anyone she could seek for advice. She couldn’t carelessly disclose the connection between the Moyong family and the Demon Sect to outsiders. A role so desperately needed, yet no one to fill it. One person flashed through Moyong Sang-a's mind. “If only Sang Gong were here…” Her husband, who understood everything about her. The knight who appeared from the stronghold of the Demon Sect with strategies she herself couldn’t easily devise. If Sang Gong were alive… If she could bury her head in his chest and lament over her worries about reclaiming her family estate, he would embrace her warmly and reveal strategies she wouldn't have thought of. “Such foolish thoughts.” It's not a thought for someone like her, who committed an irreversible mistake. A piercingly cold ice blade seemed to tear at her heart. Perhaps it was the mention of "Kang Moo" by Cheong Un that triggered it. Although she tried to hide it, the unexpected stimulus stirred Moyong Sang-a's heart intensely. Barely regaining composure, Moyong Sang-a finally spoke to the Deputy Leader. “From now on, move exactly as I instruct.” Decisions had to be made cautiously yet swiftly. The villainess lived on to protect what Sang Gong had left behind.