652 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

"Wh-why...?" The crowd gathered in anticipation of the new release of *Tanga Pungun* wore expressions as if they'd been collectively doused with cold water. Half a year had passed since the release of the third volume of *Tanga Pungun*. Given that getting even one novel a year is something to be grateful for, one would expect nothing less from the renowned author. *Tanga Pungun* had reached the third volume without much delay. Naturally, one would expect the new release from such a great writer to be the fourth volume of *Tanga Pungun*. "Don't joke around! How can it not be a new *Tanga Pungun* release?" The new release was not *Tanga Pungun* but *Pungun Heroic Stories*. Those who had eagerly awaited the new book felt utterly deflated in a moment. "It's true, I tell you. A Da Seogak branch opened in Wuhan, and instead of *Tanga Pungun*, they released *Pungun Heroic Stories* as the new work." "But why on earth!!!" "Haven't the rights for *Tanga Pungun* been handed over to Man Geum Jeon Jang?" "Didn't they reopen Da Seogak?" "How would I know? I guess they wrote a new story to differentiate between Yi Chang’s Da Seogak and Wu Han’s Da Seogak." In fact, things were slightly different. *Pungun Heroic Stories* was a narrative Kang Yun Ho had written before creating *Tanga Pungun*. From the second volume onwards, it was crafted for Im Ha Yeon, after they had become a couple. Through *Pungun Heroic Stories*, he intended to make the world aware of the thief, Moo Young Shin Tu. It was a mutual benefit strategy to sell *Pungun Heroic Stories* while capitalizing on Moo Young Shin Tu's actions. A thief and a writer. Rumors and novels. The reputation of Moo Young Shin Tu spread with incredible swiftness. "The, the new adventures of Tang Jeong, what about them?" "Until the issue with Man Geum Jeon Jang is resolved, there’s no way it will be released, right?" "Sigh...” A desperate sigh escaped someone's lips. When will the rights issue of *Tanga Pungun* be resolved? Stuck in a situation due to family matters, with no way forward. It's been half a year with people gathering, criticizing the tyranny of Man Geum Jeon Jang, awaiting Tang Jeong's next move. The distant writer Ho Pil penned a new story, causing disgruntled murmurs to rise. "Is it possible the Ho Pil writer is giving up on the rights issue to write a new book?!" "A new release from Ho Pil! I can't accept it!!!" "If you won't give us one, please allow us to stay in a room where we can't leave!!" "How long will the most beautiful woman in Sichuan, eagerly waiting for Tang Jeong, be held in suspense? Unless a woman has been abandoned, one wouldn't do this!" People understood that the reason Ho Pil couldn't continue *Tanga Pungun* was due to the rights issue. Yet, there remains a lingering fear—is the writer thinking of abandoning the rights problem? Will it then become hard to see the next volume? It wasn't dissatisfaction with Ho Pil himself, but a fear-tinged concern about *Tanga Pungun*. "Whether you accept it or not, this novel is already recognized in Hubei Province. They’ve even released up to the third volume!" The man who brought the new release pointed towards the cart of books, trying to calm the agitated crowd. "Three volumes? Already three? What story is it spinning?" “It’s the tale of a warrior from the Wudang Sect. The storytelling is truly impressive.” The man who brought the new release had a passionate expression, as if he’d fallen in love anew. "Wudang Sect? Did Kang Gongja have ties with the Wudang?" The man grinned at the bewildered crowd. For a member of the Tang family to write a novel about a Wudang warrior as the protagonist was indeed peculiar. But, unless one was close to Kang Gongja, like the steward Yi, they wouldn’t know the tale. "While on his way to Tang, Kang Gongja was saved by a warrior from the Wudang Sect. I think he was very moved by that incident." The steward Yi recalled how the Wudang warrior, Cheong Un, had introduced himself as a successor of the Paekga Weapon Technique. The same swordsmanship appears in *Pungun Heroic Stories*. Kang Gongja must have been inspired and influenced during his time with the Wudang warrior until their parting. "Quite so... a savior of life, then." "It’s a story written to honor that savior's grace. The response even in Wuhan is tremendous." "Is it really that much?" "I’m telling you. Anyway, since you all seem uninterested in Ho Pil's new work, I'll just take these to find those interested." As the warrior was about to move the cart of books, the previously indifferent crowd turned their attention to it, their hearts suddenly swaying. "W-wait, hold on!" A completely new novel by Ho Pil, how could one resist checking it, even if it's not *Tanga Pungun*? Though it’s disappointing that the new work isn't *Tanga Pungun*, if it’s a story written as gratitude for a lifesaver, then the perspective changes. "Well, it’s not like I have no interest at all." "Let's at least see what it’s all about!" “Indeed.” It might only be enough to fill the void left by *Tanga Pungun*. Though Ho Pil's writing skill is acknowledged, it’s still a story written abandoning the original novel. Finish it and reaffirm that *Tanga Pungun* is better. Surely Ho Pil wants to return to writing *Tanga Pungun* as soon as possible. "Is it truly as fascinating as they say?" Everyone departed with a copy of *Pungun Heroic Stories* in hand, heading home. Volume 1, 2, and 3. As Un Hyeon's fortune weaves into heroic adventures, and transient shaking turns to enlightenment, readers found themselves compelled to leave their impressions after reading through the night. "Damn... at this rate, *Tanga Pungun* might really go on indefinite hiatus." *** “Yun Ho has written a new novel?” Tang Hwa Rin, too, had heard the news of a novel that was sweeping through the Sichuan Tang family. "A novel called *Pungun Heroic Stories*." Her master presented her with the novel that had been delivered for her. "Oh." At the mention of the title, Tang Hwa Rin widened her eyes and opened her mouth slightly. "You seem to recognize it." "Mmhm. You pretended to be indifferent yet here you are." Tang Hwa Rin sighed softly at the news of her distant fiancé. Somehow, her expression resembled a woman who always knew her husband would cause some trouble eventually. "Indifferent?" "Yun Ho sometimes used to pout. He wanted to write stories about other martial worlds, but sex novels, he said, were what sold better." "After all, erotic novels are the bestsellers in bookstores." The most popular novels in any bookstore inevitably turn out to be erotic fiction. After all, sexual desire is a timeless, universal craving. Kang Yun Ho boldly challenged conventions with a new genre known as *Sekaehyeopji*. Initially, readers who picked up *Tanga Pungun* expecting just a quick thrill ended up shedding more tears than they had anticipated, both figuratively and literally. "Although he said he didn't regret choosing to write it, he always seemed a tad wistful. Looks like he finally caved and put pen to paper." "They say he's written up to a third volume." "He sure wrote a lot. Is it selling well? Regardless of Yun Ho's skillful writing, people often won’t even bother picking up a book unless it’s an erotic novel." No matter how entertaining Yun Ho’s writing was, it was still an astute observation from someone who owned a Da Seogak—they didn’t even consider non-erotic works. Unless you consider the unconventional promotional strategy that only Kang Yun Ho could execute. "Something unusual?" "Well…" "You mean the thief Moo Young Shin Tu from the novel appeared in real life?" *** "Moo Young Shin Tu appeared in Wuhan?" With the rising popularity of *Pungun Heroic Stories* within the Tang family, news of Moo Young Shin Tu naturally spread there as well. "They say he's behaving just as described in the novel. Sending warning letters, leaving those black paper cranes they call Heukseonhak and all that." "Isn't he just a thief at the end of the day?" "Would he be famous if he was nothing more? He's deliberately targeting the homes of the wealthy. The next day, you’ll find fabric and grains placed in impoverished areas along with a black paper crane." "Good grief... Is he not exactly like the chivalrous thief Moo Young Shin Tu from the novel?" Thieves that raided the mansions of the rich were not uncommon. However, a noble thief robbing the rich to save the poor was something unheard of. And to leave proof of his visit behind—sending prior warnings, no less. Never before had there been such a bandit. It truly was Moo Young Shin Tu. The story of Moo Young Shin Tu had been thought to be something only possible in fiction. Even those within the Tang family found themselves drawn by the stories of Moo Young Shin Tu’s exploits. "Thanks to that, Kang Gongja's in trouble. I heard officials came for him." "Could it be they suspected him as an accomplice and whisked him away? Those bastards!" "Well, they did take him, but to appoint him as a special constable designated to capture Moo Young Shin Tu." "A constable? What do you mean by that?" "The thing is..." Could there be more astonishing news beyond the stories of Moo Young Shin Tu? The gathered listeners leaned in closer, eager to hear. "The ghost ship incident?" "Kang Gongja solved a locked-room murder case?" "He caught a fake Moo Young Shin Tu?" "Kang Gongja’s reputation as a distinguished constable is rising in Wuhan, and it’s making *Pungun Heroic Stories* fly off the shelves." "My goodness... is that so?" It seems that not only his blood but his knack for achieving fame among the martial arts mundo was like that of the Tang family lord. The people of the Tang family were left speechless, awed by Kang Yun Ho's exploits. "There’s word that it's selling better than *Tanga Pungun* in Hubei Province." "What?!!!" Naturally, there were tidings they could not stand. "Those Hubei Province folks must have their eyes stapled shut! How dare they favor *Pungun Heroic Stories* over *Tanga Pungun*?!" "Exactly! Even if it's steeped with a deeply philosophical contemplation of righteousness!" "No matter how tantalizing Moo Young Shin Tu seems!" "Even if it gives an impeccable portrayal of a warrior dreaming of cradling a beautiful woman whilst crossing the Taoist forest!" "Ugh..." As much as speaking of it hurt. While *Pungun Heroic Stories* was a substitute for *Tanga Pungun*, it was still an excellent novel. Of course, *Tanga Pungun* was the better one. With dramatic concessions reached among the Tang family, other worries creeped in. "It’s worrying. He's juggling business, constabulary duties, and new writings. It might push *Tanga Pungun* to the backburner…" A writer with so many talents was a concern to the readers. If only he could focus on writing alone. Why must he have so many different endeavors? To write prolifically on top of it is just... The concern inevitably shifted towards the delicate standing of *Tanga Pungun*. "This can’t go on. It just can’t!" Though the conversations were lively, from appreciation for *Pungun Heroic Stories* to the thrilling exploits of Moo Young Shin Tu and the famed constable, what remained were the lamentations of the *Tanga Pungun* devotees. ** "Hmmm..." Within the head office of the Sichuan Tang family, "Mmmmmhh." a man paced, groaning in a different key. "Lord, you're making it quite distracting." "Why is it, though?" When the steward at last couldn't ignore Lord Tang Baek Ho, he finally spoke. "Pardon?" "Why doesn't he write *Tanga Pungun* anymore?" "Is it Kang Gongja that has you worried?" "Could it be he's deliberately cutting ties with me?" The original inspiration behind Tang Jeong of *Tanga Pungun* was, of course, Kang Yun Ho's father, Tang Baek Ho. Though Kang Yun Ho denied it, Tang Baek Ho believed it. The success of a novel based on him by his own son—it connected him to his child, even if he had left him behind. But with the sudden rise of a new work. Tang Baek Ho felt as if the link to his son had been severed. "I couldn’t say." "It will soon be Hyanga’s memorial day. Do you think I should subtly let him know about the proper arrangements for her rites?" Knowing it might be futile, he remained anxious. He might not dislike this gesture if it concerns his mother. It could be a way to show Kang Gongja that he cared from afar. The father often found solace in the sporadic news about his son, now feeling as though his kite string had snapped. "Lord..." "Sorry, perhaps I've worried a little too much." Tang Baek Ho regained his composure under the steward's stern gaze and nodded. "If you’re concerned about your son, there might be different issues to consider." "What do you mean?" "It seems Kang Yun Ho has set up residence in Wuhan." The steward reported confidential information from the Xiangcheon Trading Company’s Wuhan branch to the Tang Family Lord. "So it’s come to that... Must have opened his heart considering his mother." History repeats itself, does it not? There were rumors of her being addressed as the 'landlady' of the Korean expatriates' association. A former courtesan trainee known for her outstanding beauty and talent—who could resist, especially his own son? Indeed, his son. A bitter smile spread over Tang Baek Ho's lips. "The thing is... there are two of them." The steward felt compelled to convey the fact that the young gentleman was an even bolder character to appease the initially understanding family head. "Naturally, there would be two if men and women are living together." "It's not quite that... He's cohabiting with two women." "...What?" What on earth does that even mean? Living with two women? "We'll need to assess the situation further to understand what's going on exactly." The steward intended to discuss the matter further with the family head, but they were not given the luxury of time to do so. "There's trouble!!!" A warrior burst into the family head's office. "What is happening?" "Miss Tang Hwa Rin is—" "What about Hwa Rin?!" "After reading a letter from Kang Gongja that arrived from Wuhan." "Surely not?!" "Kang!!! Yun!!! Ho!!!!!!!!!!!!!" A cry of rage from an infuriated person resounded throughout the Sichuan Tang family.