426 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

EP.426 Danghui - 9 In the realm of learning, having a target competitor is just as crucial as having a remarkable mentor. Mo Yong Sang Ah's sword aimed for the openings in Cheong Un's defense. With a precise twist, Cheong Un redirected Mo Yong Sang Ah's blade. One step. It seemed within reach, yet remained elusive. To keep up, one must exert every ounce of effort. A target that feels almost within grasp if one tries their best. Mo Yong Sang Ah was swinging her sword with unparalleled dedication, determined to surpass Cheong Un. “You almost had me there.” Cheong Un placed his practice sword on Mo Yong Sang Ah’s neck, catching his breath with a deep exhale. “You employ an intriguing application of the Iron Plate Bridge technique.” Reflecting on her loss with a bitter taste, Mo Yong Sang Ah commented on Cheong Un’s peculiar stance. The Iron Plate Bridge, a type of evasive martial art, typically requires a rigid, almost statue-like posture as one leans their body, yet Cheong Un's stance was distinctively different. “Ha ha. It’s saved my life a few times, thanks to that.” Keeping his soles grounded, he bent his knees to fold his upper body at a right angle. Therefore, despite Mo Yong Sang Ah’s precise attack at the opening, the Iron Plate Bridge technique forced her to retreat, giving up on her target. “…….” His flexibility defied belief, especially for a man. Mo Yong Sang Ah watched Cheong Un sheepishly stand up, observing him with narrowed eyes. “Is there something on your mind?” Mo Yong Sang Ah didn’t immediately answer Cheong Un’s question. Sometimes exchanging sword blows reveals more about the opponent than words ever could. For over a month, Mo Yong Sang Ah had been having these sword exchanges with Cheong Un. Consequently, she understood him slightly better than others did. “It’s nothing. I heard some information on Mount Baekdu is coming in tomorrow.” “Really?” “I'll send someone over tomorrow.” With those words, Mo Yong Sang Ah left the training ground with a peculiar expression, seeing Cheong Un’s face light up as she left. ------ “Lately, you seem to be in a good mood.” The next morning, Si Bi commented while assisting Mo Yong Sang Ah with her preparations. “Does it seem that way?” “It feels like your worries have lessened.” “That might be true.” Mo Yong Sang Ah nodded slightly. For a while, numerous problems had arisen simultaneously, constantly adding more to her worries. Having managed them, she felt as though she was experiencing a temporary calm. “Young Miss, as I recall, even when you worried a lot as a child, you always felt better after a good sword practice.” “That’s true.” Was her uplifted mood due to her recent focus on sword training? Mo Yong Sang Ah was momentarily lost in thought, her mind echoing with Si Bi's nostalgic tone. A few years ago, that girl who swung her sword over trivial concerns was now burdened with the significant matters of her family. Too much had changed. Far too much. “By the way, Young Miss! What about that Taoist you frequently spar with?” Si Bi adeptly shifted the topic, noticing her lady’s somber expression darkening. “You mean Cheong Un So-hyeop?” “You seem to have grown close… Could you ask him to not turn away the attendants from his room?” A trivial request accidentally slipped from Si Bi's lips. “That’s the first I’ve heard of it.” Declining the help of the attendants from his room—Mo Yong Sang Ah had never heard of such a thing, putting aside the gloomy thoughts to listen eagerly. “He insists it’s cumbersome because he’s a Taoist, but honestly, Cheong Un So-hyeop is handsome. There’s an abundance of attendants trying hard to find a way to connect with him.” “Really?” He had delicate features that might attract the attendants yet, was it enough for this kind of fuss? Mo Yong Sang Ah spoke in a slightly perplexed tone. “Sigh. From your perspective, standing in front of a mirror every day, I suppose men and women all look the same.” “That’s not entirely true…” Mo Yong Sang Ah offered a subdued denial, acknowledging she’d admired a man’s appearance before. ‘There was only one, though…’ Her mind unexpectedly wandered to that person, bringing a wry smile to her face. “Recently, some audacious girls tried to enter the bath, claiming they'd assist Cheong Un So-hyeop with his bath.” “So, what happened?” Even for Mo Yong Sang Ah, it was an intriguing tale. “As soon as the door opened, he got furious, scolding them as he chased them out. Some thought men would appreciate help with bathing, but it seems different for a Taoist. Nevertheless, the one who saw So-hyeop’s red face peeking out was happy, thinking she was lucky.” “...As expected.” Mo Yong Sang Ah narrowed her eyes, nodding slightly. “Yes?” “Nothing. Since Cheong Un So-hyeop dislikes it, inform them not to sneak in during his baths or at night.” Si Bi thought she’d end up getting scolded by her friends for bringing it up, her shoulders drooping. —— “Changbong Daeju, Mo Yong Pyeong. Reporting to my lord.” Changbong Daeju reported his return to his liege after a long absence. “Was the recruitment of new members successful?” “Those with no issues in their background have been selected and sent to Chuseondang. Whether they are mere chicks or destined to be phoenixes, we’ll have to wait and see.” To contend with her brother who allied with the Demonic Cult, it was imperative to constantly strengthen their forces. Not only notable warriors but those with talent yet lacking opportunity were to be trained. Mo Yong Sang Ah established Chuseondang, a training organization to nurture skilled individuals and polish the worthy stones into members of Changbongdae. “What of the collateral branches?” “Their training is near completion. Those selected from Chuseondang will soon be assigned to Changbongdae.” Mo Yong Sang Ah was expanding her influence both by recruiting external talents and incorporating reliable members from collateral branches. “You’ve worked hard. Changbong Daeju, I appreciate all your efforts.” With a look of gratitude, Mo Yong Sang Ah commended her loyal retainer. Compared to the expanding organization, there was a shortage of reliable individuals to delegate responsibilities to. It was inevitable that the burden on Changbong Daeju's duties would increase. “It’s only what I must do. I heard there was quite an incident in my absence.” To think that an assassin dared to infiltrate the lord’s bedchambers. Changbong Daeju looked at his subordinates with a furious expression. “It was something that had to be endured.” “I will ensure these deputies receive further training, so they keep their wits about them.” “Gasp!” “Ugh.” The deputies let out startled exclamations at Changbong Daeju’s declaration. “Please, take it easy on them.” Mo Yong Sang Ah said with a wry smile. “But of course.” “My lord.” Once Changbong Daeju’s report concluded, one of the waiting deputies spoke up. “What is it?” “There is someone who claims to know about the Taoist of Mount Baekdu and has requested a meeting after hearing your inquiry. We’ve brought him in.” “Call Cheong Un So-hyeop to join us and listen together.” As Mo Yong Sang Ah gestured, Cheong Un entered alongside a man whose elbow patches had been mended numerous times, betraying a wearied appearance. “I am Moo Sik, a herbalist.” The herbalist seemed timid, unable to raise his head in the room filled with warriors. “I heard you know something about the Taoist of Mount Baekdu.” “I sometimes travel in search of good herbs, and I know where to go to meet the Taoists living there.” “Really?!” Cheong Un asked with a brightened face. “That’s promising. Please guide Cheong Un So-hyeop here. If you guide us well, you’ll be handsomely rewarded in gold.” “G-G-Gold, you say?” The herbalist responded with a mixture of surprise and unease. “Does that not satisfy you?” “Well…” The herbalist hesitated, glancing anxiously around, unable to speak. “If there's something else you wish for, feel free to say it.” Perhaps he wanted something other than money. Mo Yong Sang Ah encouraged Moo Sik to speak freely, trying to ease the atmosphere. The herbalist, seemingly coming to a decision, closed his eyes tightly and finally revealed his plea. “Please, save us!” ————— “You’re asking for the band of bandits to be removed?” The request from the herbalist was unexpected by everyone in the room. Bandits. In Manchuria, it wasn’t only the Jurchens one had to be cautious of. There were more despicable groups. Unlike mountain bandits, who operated within a territory, these marauding bandits terrorized the region like locusts, attacking caravans and villages, instilling fear in the people of Liaodong. The herbalist had come to seek Mo Yong Se Ga’s help to deal with the bandits who regularly raided his village. “Please save us. Neither the Jurchens nor the officials are on our side. Instead of money, please save us!” “What insolence! Do you think Mo Yong Se Ga is a group of mere mercenaries?” “I know the geography of Mount Baekdu better than anyone! If you help us, I will assist with all my heart!” The herbalist, desperate and knowing he faced death either way, prostrated himself before Mo Yong Sang Ah. “Is it a difficult task, Mo Yong Sojeo?” Cheong Un asked with a compassionate look at the terrified herbalist. “It’s not difficult, but it does pose a problem right now.” Mo Yong Sang Ah replied with a furrowed brow, understandable given the circumstances. “My lord! Soon, you will be overseeing the Martial Market. Alongside the investigation team, trade caravans, Chuseondang, and Changbongjeon, we are critically short-staffed.” “It’s far, and they’re not Jurchens, but a bandit group. Tracking them without a fixed base is a challenge.” With many projects underway, resources were scarce. Furthermore, the bandits were not only adept at raiding but also at evading capture. Disbanding the bandits required time and manpower, but with the preparations underway for the Jurchens and the large Martial Market, Changbongjeon had no room to spare. “Please, save us. If the bandits return, our village won’t survive the winter!” No one in Changbongjeon could respond to the herbalist’s desperate plea. “I will go.” Except for one, an outsider not part of Changbongjeon. “Cheong Un So-hyeop.” Mo Yong Sang Ah looked at Cheong Un with a resolute expression. “I understand Mo Yong Se Ga’s position. You found the person, so now it’s something I should handle. Please, rise. I will help.” Cheong Un walked confidently to the herbalist, extending his hand. Even against numerous bandits, he vowed to help. It seemed reckless to some, but it was an earnest offer. “So-hyeop! Are you serious?” “Facing a bandit band alone is suicide!” “It’s something that must be done.” Cheong Un looked steadfastly at Changbongdae’s leaders. “Just wait until the Martial Market concludes.” “I’ll go ahead to prevent innocent casualties.” Despite the deputy’s persuasion, Cheong Un firmly shook his head. “Hmmm.” The steadfast demeanor of Cheong Un evoked a peculiar silence among Changbongdae’s leaders. ‘It’s not a profitable endeavor.’ Everyone recognized that. Pulling personnel from the Martial Market, trade routes, and investigations for a mission taking over ten days was unorthodox. In fact, even offering a significant sum for mere guidance was generous. Feel free to go; we won’t interfere. It was a situation where someone could voice this, yet none did. Someone must do what needs to be done. Cheong Un, a warrior of the Great Mount Wudang Sect, embodied an ideal that was fading in their sectarian struggles, showing a spirit seldom seen. To the members of Changbongdae, striving merely to protect what they had, Cheong Un’s presence stirred a strange sense of inadequacy. “Cheong Un So-hyeop.” Mo Yong Sang Ah glanced at her subordinates, feeling inferior to the young warrior of the Mount Wudang Sect, and then called out to Cheong Un. “It’s alright. Your help this far is more than enough…” Cheong Un, seeing Mo Yong Sang Ah seemingly trying to halt him, cut her off with a smile and a waving hand. “I only said it was problematic, not that it couldn’t be done.” "Yes?" Mo Yong Sang Ah gave a small smile towards the perplexed Cheong Un. "Changbong Daeju." "Yes, my lord." Acknowledging Changbong Daeju, who immediately knelt on one knee, Mo Yong Sang Ah nodded in agreement. It’s not a profitable endeavor. Even if it’s to repay a debt to the benefactor of their lord, taking troops into a precarious situation is excessive. This is what everyone would likely think. Mo Yong Sang Ah looked at her subordinates, feeling a slight sense of defeat towards the gallant Cheong Un. Has the prestige of the Mo Yong family fallen this low? While opposing the Demonic Cult, have they lost their identity as a righteous sect? Mo Yong Sang Ah resolved to restore Changbongdae’s pride as part of a righteous sect. "Even fledglings need to practice flying." With this simple justification. "...Of course." A smile formed on Changbong Daeju's lips. "Changbong Daeju, arm the fledglings. Let them know that their final training will take them on quite a journey." "Without question." "Mo Yong Sojeo?" As Mo Yong Sang Ah gathered her sword and passed Cheong Un, there was a sense of determination, as if to say that though he took the first step, she could lead if she exerted more effort. She looked at him with confident eyes. "Cheong Un So-hyeop, we'll need your help with Mo Yong Se Ga’s field training." Liaodong Fortress belongs to Mo Yong Se Ga, and Mo Yong Sang Ah intended to show the Taoist from Mount Wudang that the pillar of righteousness still stood strong and unwavering.