429 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Mount Jangbaek. A mysterious martial sect of Joseon, managing the secretive domain of Jangbaek and famed enough to be mentioned as the world's best. It was presumed that offerings made at their shrine would invite their visit, leading many to believe that a secretive array demanding unique tributes was in place. Yet, unexpectedly, the subject of the offering was food. The gathered crowd could hardly open their mouths, struck by disbelief. "Although you offer them to the shrine, it's certainly an unforeseen kind of tribute," said Moyong Sang Ah, breaking the silence. "I understand it. When you're training in the mountains, you sometimes crave sweet food. Even the young disciples, once descending to the village, always sought out sweet treats first," she added, trying to reconcile the baffling atmosphere. Cheong Un, aligning with the herbalist's words, nodded to bridge the bewilderment. "I happened to discover something sweet while gathering herbs and offered it to a Jangbaek sect daoist. He was so pleased he generously shared rare herbs with me. It's true!" insisted the herbalist, noticing some skeptical glances directed at him. "Since everyone is bemused by the unexpected food, please continue your explanation," Moyong Sang Ah encouraged the herbalist, signaling her subordinates to withdraw their scrutiny. "When I expressed my wish to repay his kindness, he mentioned wanting macarons. But what could a simple herbalist like me know? When I inquired further, he expressed his curiosity about the popular 'Ddongcaron' in Joseon," the herbalist continued. "Is this dish popular in Joseon?" "I made inquiries afterward and heard it's quite trendy. Especially the Joseon-styled 'Ddongcaron'—a sort of joke suggesting it be called a 'Ricecakecaron' since it exists only in Joseon," he replied. "Is this something even men in Joseon enjoy?" Moyong Sang Ah probed further, hinting at her curiosity. "Even a sage living among a mysterious sect seeks it; wouldn't that be the case?" "Interesting…" To think that men, even those sage-like individuals in Joseon's mountains, seek out such food. Moyong Sang Ah nodded as if understanding something deeper. "Is something troubling you, my lord?" Moyong Pyung, Commander of Changbong, asked with a concerned gaze as Moyong Sang Ah seemed lost in thought. "Nothing much. So, to meet a sage from the Jangbaek sect, we simply need to bring this food?" She questioned, looking back at the herbalist. "Yes. As you can see, my village is so remote that there's no way to prepare such food. I haven't specified when I'd meet the sage, so just bringing it should increase the chances of meeting," the herbalist reassured. The terrain of Mount Jangbaek was steep and treacherous, but if it meant repaying an invaluable debt, then bringing some specific food was of little concern. Moyong Sang Ah nodded in acknowledgement. Fortunately, the Moyong Sega had a Joseon cook at their disposal. "Instruct the Korean cook to prepare the tribute for the Jangbaek sect martial artist," she directed. Cheong Un, curious why Moyong Sega employed a Joseon cook instead of one from the Central Plains, refrained from inquiring. At Moyong Sang Ah's mention of the Joseon cook, Changbong's countenance had subtly darkened. "Understood!" "As soon as the preparations are complete, I will depart with the sage," the herbalist confirmed eagerly. "Please proceed," Moyong Sang Ah concluded. --- Early evening at the training grounds. "Food enjoyed by men in Joseon…" Moyong Sang Ah mused quietly, her sword dangling loosely by her side. Solving a problem with no apparent solution was infinitely harder than slicing through the air. To Moyong Sang Ah, discovering the tastes of Joseon cuisine presented such a challenge. Every year during the ritual offerings, she felt uneasy while presenting countless delicacies. 'Because I do not know what noble lord prefers.' Not knowing the lord's preferred dish. There's no way to find out. The Kang family is wiped out. And it's all due to her own fault. "Sigh." Would the offering of the herbalist's described food at next year's memorial perhaps catch the lord's eye? A sigh filled with indescribable sadness escaped from her beautiful lips, observed in silence by even the insects in the grass. "Lady Moyong, there you are." "Cheong Un? What is it?" Quickly hiding her expression, one she couldn't let others see, Moyong Sang Ah addressed Cheong Un, who was approaching from afar. "I thought now might be the only chance to offer my apology, so here I am." "An apology?" Wearing a consistently apologetic expression, Cheong Un looked at Moyong Sang Ah, then bowed his head. "Thank you for accommodating my insistence. Looking back, it seems presumptuous." Only then did Moyong Sang Ah realize why Cheong Un had come. When the herbalist requested rescue from the bandits, Cheong Un had insisted on going alone—noble and exemplary behavior for a righteous martial artist. But it was a delicate situation. The act of claiming, 'The Moyong Sega might not be able to, but I can,' risking perceived insult to the Moyong Sega. A matter of saving face, indeed. "It's quite alright. Your actions allowed our subordinates to witness the banner of righteousness." Indeed, provided those participating perceived it appropriately. With that, it became a valuable lesson for the martial artists of Changbong, who were often too focused on profit. Moyong Sang Ah simply shook her head, dismissing it as inconsequential. "Is that so…?" "Yes, it is. Did discussions with the herbalist go well?" she inquired smoothly, changing the subject for the stunned Cheong Un. "I plan to set off at dawn the day after tomorrow." "That soon? I am due to leave on an excursion tomorrow for the upcoming horse market," she admitted with slight discomfort. "Then I suppose I should say farewell now," Cheong Un said evenly, without much consideration of delay. His straightforward decision, spontaneous as it was, drew a slight but quick furrow of the brows from Moyong Sang Ah, followed by a subtle smile as she lifted her sheath. "Is there really a need to bow and say farewell?" "Excuse me?" "We met through swords and became acquainted by them, so let's part by exchanging our swords, too," she proposed. Both greeted with swords, and thus, they exchanged farewell through blades. Cheong Un ascended the training grounds, smiling. --- "I shall take my leave." Even when reaching out, the touch remains elusive. Despite being the same age, she found herself at a disadvantage. Moyong Sang Ah was still not accustomed to being the one to ask for permission to make the first move in a contest of skill. "Please, go ahead." With his permission, the star shone brightly. Moyong Sega's sword: the quick and decisive blade, known for beheading countless enemy commanders, advanced toward Mount Wudang. Mount Wudang, which had never lost its prestige despite numerous challenges, stood firm, unafraid of the brilliant comet approaching. The starlight waned, like a star falling into the sea. The fierce comet descending from the sky suddenly lost its glow. Wudang's sword is one of defense. Even with the Baeguai Sword Technique, the essence of Wudang remained unchanged. Moyong Sang Ah felt as though she was trying to cut the sea itself, something that could not be cleaved. "This time, let me take the lead," Cheong Un said, shifting the flow. The tranquil sea transformed into a ferocious torrent. The Baeguai Sword Technique wasn't merely a method of defense; it was a comprehensive, ever-adapting form. The comet, which had been plummeting toward the sea, found itself on the defensive. In her first encounter with the Baeguai Sword Technique, the woman had been overwhelmed, unsure of her direction amid the sudden onslaught. But that was a thing of the past. Block a dangerous strike when you can. Wait for that which is hard to counter. When the chaotic sword paths converge into one, that's when you deflect. The impatience had disappeared from Moyong Sang Ah's swordplay. "When we first sparred, imagining your current skill was difficult. It's truly a remarkable transformation," Cheong Un remarked with admiration as the battle reached a lull. "Thanks to you, Cheong Un," she replied. "People often overlook what they know, even if it's right in front of them. I merely reminded you of that," Cheong Un remarked, feeling no lack compared to anyone as a junior of the Wudang sect. Yet, they say the martial world is vast. The woman before him might have seen him as a wall, but Cheong Un felt the same. He had to remain diligent in his practice to keep up with her rapid development. "I have something I'd like to show you," Moyong Sang Ah said, lowering her sword as if to give a heartfelt farewell. "Please proceed." Cheong Un nodded, feeling the same desire to exchange farewells. Once again, the star shone, but unlike before, it did not charge fiercely. Perhaps she's tired. A gap appears. Quickly, Cheong Un shifted from defense to attack, targeting Moyong Sang Ah's opening. "Huh?!" Their swords intertwined, merging like water meeting water. Cheong Un, taken aback by his sword's negation in an instant, retreated, eyeing Moyong Sang Ah. "A Wudang technique?!" His astonishment rendered him speechless. The move bore a resemblance to Wudang's swordplay. Could the Baeguai Sword Technique, created by the previous grandmaster, have somehow leaked out? It was a closely guarded secret of the sect, and if true, it would not be easily overlooked. "This is Moyong Sega's sword," Moyong Sang Ah stated matter-of-factly. He knew she wouldn't speak baselessly. Her posture challenged him to come if he doubted her. Cheong Un lunged again. Their swords clashed, mingling like a fierce torrent. It wasn't the swordplay he was familiar with from Moyong Sega, nor was it Wudang's. "Indeed, it is Moyong Sega's sword." It moved as if a blazing comet evaporated water with its heat. Finally at ease, Cheong Un nodded. "Were you perhaps suspicious…?" "Would you like to see my sword again?" Cheong Un asked, shaking his head. "Come forth." Once again, Cheong Un launched into the Baeguai Sword Technique, beginning not from defense, but with an attack that surprised Moyong Sang Ah. "Moyong Sega's sword?" Cheong Un's Baeguai Sword Technique bore a passing resemblance to the swordplay of Moyong Sega. "Wudang's sword, indeed," Cheong Un declared calmly. "Yes, Wudang's sword." Just as she gained insight sparring with Cheong Un, so too did he through their exchanges. Their swords might have looked similar at moments, but each maintained its unique essence, drawn from their respective schools. Just when she thought she had caught up, he advanced once more. Moyong Sang Ah, acknowledging this, nodded with an expression of acceptance. "It seems we should prepare for departure." Cheong Un sheathed his sword, leaving the regret of their sparring session behind. "I hope you didn't find any discomfort during your stay with Moyong Sega." As a martial arts enthusiast, Moyong Sang Ah did feel the pangs of parting, but it was time to bid farewell. "Ha-ha, what discomfort could there have been? It's just…" "…?" "I hope that next time, we'll be able to talk openly, without reservation." Cheong Un, gazing at the heart of Moyong Sega, hinted at an understanding he chose not to voice. "If there comes a time when secrets can be shared, it could be possible." No matter how close one becomes, there is no need to divulge family matters to an outsider. Smiling subtly, Moyong Sang Ah gave a gentle noncommittal reply. "Ha-ha, that's unavoidable in matters of the sect…" Cheong Un laughed, knowing no response was necessary, given her nod. "Ah!" "Take care." Moyong Sang Ah bowed to the surprised Cheong Un, who, though bewildered, returned the gesture. "Perhaps we'll meet again if fate allows." Both needed to complete their martial arts practices, Cheong Un with Wudang's Baeguai Sword Technique and Moyong Sang Ah with the Comet Sword Technique of Moyong Sega. In perfecting their respective arts, they learned from each other, becoming stronger. And as friends and competitors, they honed each other's skills. As martial artists, it was a parting infused with goodwill.