501 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

EP.501 Third Trial - 7 "Last night, Kang Yoon Ho, that child was attacked on his way home?!" The news of Kang Yoon Ho's attempted assassination had reached Mang Geum Jeon Ju. "He faced a significant danger, but fortunately, he wasn't injured." Chong Gwan quickly delivered the conclusion first to alleviate Mang Geum Jeon Ju's concerns. "What on earth were the guards doing?" Mang Geum Jeon Ju’s voice erupted with anger. "The two accompanying guards and the coachman were killed in the attack. It seems it was a meticulously planned assassination." "A meticulously planned assassination?" "There were signs of tampering with the carriage Kang Yoon Ho was traveling in. It appears they orchestrated the plan to disable the carriage during his return, dispersing his defenses, and attacked." An assassination. But why? There's no need for deep contemplation. Mang Geum Jeon Ju’s eyes were filled with deep sorrow. "Who do you think is behind it?" The beast that attacked Kang Yoon Ho—if it was a thoroughly planned assassination attempt, there must be a mastermind behind it. "How could I possibly judge, but... it's something any person who thought the outcome was already decided might do." Both Mang Geum Jeon Ju and Chong Gwan knew the answer. It was just that the words were too grave to be spoken aloud by either. Chong Gwan, unable to bear the grim news, lowered his head, unable to meet Mang Geum Jeon Ju’s eyes. "As a family, there's a natural bond..." "But isn't it human greed that can break even such a bond? Moreover, some might think outsiders aren't included in that natural bond." A black-haired barbarian, Kang Yoon Ho. Can such a black-haired outsider become part of our family? Can a barbarian become the master of Mang Geum’s realm? How dare a lowly barbarian try to steal what is mine? Mang Geum Jeon Ju had confidently put him forth as a successor candidate, but those tainted by greed can easily justify themselves. "I taught that it's not a person's appearance, but what's inside that matters...! Is that child truly okay?" Mang Geum Jeon Ju asked with deepening wrinkles, filled with worry. "Thankfully, Jo Cheol of Sam An Sword saved him and ensured his safety." "Sam An Sword?" "He stayed vigilant throughout the night. It's surprising that someone who once pursued him could do such a thing, even hearing the circumstances." Even for Chong Gwan, who had worked in Mang Geum’s domain for decades, Kang Yoon Ho’s actions were astonishing. "The conviction of wanting to leave a legacy of people... that conviction saved him." Mang Geum Jeon Ju recalled the young man who had echoed the belief of a fallen friend with resolute eyes. 一 I will leave behind a legacy through trade. A phrase that might seem naive. Surely he should seek to earn favor. Unlike himself, who had pursued only profit all his life, this child was charting a different course. And yet. ‘He proved it even amidst this ordeal.’ Only one person brought a smile to Mang Geum Jeon Ju’s deepening wrinkles. "What an extraordinary young master he is." Jang No Ya did not refute. "Increase the number of guards at that child's residence. Not a hair on his head should be harmed." This must not happen again. Mang Geum Jeon Ju earnestly instructed Chong Gwan. "Perhaps ending the trial now would be better." If greed for position is the issue, seating someone should resolve it. Chong Gwan cautiously suggested. "That won't do." Mang Geum Jeon Ju firmly shook his head. "My lord." "Do you think ending the trial now would solve the issue?" "It doesn’t seem like it would. However, is there a reason to continue the third trial?" Even the other candidates undergoing the trial knew there was only one real way to overturn the outcome. Is the third trial truly necessary? "The first trial was about qualifications, the second about achievements. And the final trial is about legitimacy." Mang Geum Jeon Ju replied calmly to Chong Gwan's query. "Legitimacy?" "The kind of legitimacy where no one can refute that child's place. Not just coincidental great achievements, but the belief that there's no one who can perform better no matter what trial was set." "......." "I can't change the color of that child's hair. I can't change those who scorn others based on appearance. But I can make sure they see what unwavering seat he sits on when they see him." For Mang Geum Jeon Ju, the final trial wasn’t about qualifying an heir or teaching. It was preparation for the future. Not just for the family. It was about ensuring that when someone spoke of Kang Yoon Ho in the future, there would be no room for doubt about his position. When everyone looked at that child, the backdrop given to him would be indisputably recognized. "I hadn't thought of that." "Fortify the guards. Find out who dared to commit such an act. There must not be any obstacles on the path to a new future for Mang Geum's realm." Even if it was family, this incident would not be overlooked. Future obstacles would not be tolerated. Mang Geum Jeon Ju's voice was filled with unwavering determination. *** “Are you suggesting I teach my martial skills to you, brother?” In the courtyard of the mansion, serving as a training ground. Surprised by Jo Cheol’s unexpected proposal, I asked again. "I'm not saying I'll pass on my martial skills. What great martial skills could I offer, coming from an aging man in exchange for some food and drink?" Cheol Yi smiled at me, indicating not to misunderstand. "I've heard that a sword changes depending on who wields it, turning into a butcher’s knife or a warrior’s weapon." If a skilled person uses it, then it's a good martial skill. "I appreciate the compliment, but in truth, it's the martial skills of one who couldn't overcome the wall. It's not a martial skill so great that you should give up what you've learned." Perhaps because of his retirement, a fleeting bitterness about unresolved matters crossed Cheol Yi’s face. "Then what do you mean by teaching martial skills?" "It’s because I feel a sense of kinship." "Kinship, you say?" "You know, watching you run yesterday and observing your martial form now, I couldn't help but notice—your martial arts don't seem like they were learned from just one person." "How did you realize that?" "You've studied various martial arts, but since you haven't delved deep, the level isn't profound. You only seem to use the parts that are convenient." "T-that's correct." "There's no need to be amazed. So it is with most wandering martial artists." Cheol Yi nodded knowingly. "Wandering martial artists?" "Those who drift without any proper affiliation, living on swordsmanship—what grand masters would they have learned from? They pick up whatever seems useful from here and there." "Haha, I guess it is a bit patchy." Like a wanderer's mixed assortment, it must have caught your eye. Right, I did learn from multiple places. "I can help you tidy it up." Seeing my affirmation, Cheol Yi went straight to the point. "Really? You, brother?" "Though it's a bit embarrassing, I've tried everything to break the wall. That included giving advice to other wanderers. Even after years of it without breaking the wall, I’ve received my share of bowed heads." "Heh." So, Cheol Yi was actually a renowned instructor among wanderers. "I can occasionally look over your martial arts when I have the time. How about it?" "I’ve heard it's hard to receive teachings from a martial master without a strong connection. Am I truly deserving of such an opportunity?" It's an incredible chance. Instead of accepting immediately, show surprise and gratitude to coax another offer. "If you don't hold the center here in Wuhan for at least ten years, my old age won't be comfortable! If you die early, that would be very troubling for me!" Sam An Sword laughed it off as if it were nothing. "Brother Cheol Yi..." "If you're grateful, how about lowering the monthly membership fees a bit?" I'll gladly make it free for the time being. I nodded eagerly. —— "What should I do? Should I explain the martial arts I've learned?" Should we start the first day with an orientation? "No need for a martial artist to complicate things. Come here. I've seen your sneak attack skills; now I'd like to see other techniques." Cheol Yi walked to the center of the training ground and gestured for me to join him. Wow. Sparring with a master. Receiving instruction through combat is truly a good thing. However, there was one problem. "Haha... The thing is, apart from the sneak attack skills, I haven’t really learned any weapon techniques..." What you saw earlier is all I have. I’m not skilled with swords. "Surely not? Have you learned any martial arts?" "I know a bit of martial arts for self-defense." I picked up some handy self-defense moves from So Hee. "Hm. Didn't you learn some formulaic martial arts? I thought constables usually picked up one or two." "In Joseon, I learned martial arts called Taekkyeon that could supposedly sway the world at higher levels and a mind technique called Fengshuqi that lets you move faster than the wind, but my skills are so shallow they're worse than not knowing them at all." I merely have a black belt for vacation purposes. "Is that so. Anything is fine. I need to see what you have, so come at me with all your strength." "Yes. Then I’ll give it my all." I responded confidently. My training in martial arts hadn't been in vain. I’ve overcome many trials to grow to this point. Kang Yoon Ho’s full strength. Let’s showcase it. ——— "Again." "Yes!" "Again." "Ugh!" "Again." "Ack!" "This time, it's my turn." "Please spare me!!!" "......." I was completely outmatched. "Huff, huff." I feel like a boxer fighting a giant bear. I charged with all my might, but to Sam An Sword, it probably wasn’t even a light workout. "Urrgh." As I sat down to catch my breath, Cheol Yi frowned as if puzzled, looking at me curiously. "Is there a problem?" "Brother, you have a rather intriguing physique." "An intriguing physique?" "The Bobo Gong (寶寶攻). I've traveled through countless martial families and wealthy houses, but it's an external art I've seen only once in my life." Bobo Gong? What does he mean? Ahh. "I had the chance to learn the Jade Faced Protection Technique by coincidence." The name, which I hadn't heard in a long time, took a moment to register. Covering a treasure with a treasure, it was the moniker for the external art I had learned. "By coincidence, you say. Does this ‘by coincidence’ also include any other martial arts?" He surprised me with a question I hadn't expected. "Pardon?" "If my guess is correct, then your issue makes sense. In fact, it’s inevitable for such a problem to arise." "What are you getting at?" Brother Cheol Yi, why do you look at me so astonishingly, resting your chin on your hand? What could he mean? Is there a problem with my martial arts? Cheol Yi studied my face intently, then nodded before posing an exceptionally sharp question. "Your martial arts—are all your instructors women, by chance?"