669 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

"Tang Hwa Rin, you say. That's a name I haven't heard before." Despite being part of the Mo Yong family in the distant Liaodong city, they weren't ignorant of the martial arts world or its rumors. On the contrary, they always kept an ear to the movements in the martial arts community. Even so, Mo Yong Sang A showed interest in this unfamiliar name. "Her talent is said to be exceptional; Dokmu Hu, who was in seclusion, personally took her under his wing as a disciple." "Dokmu Hu took her as a disciple...?" "You mean she's a disciple of one of the Ten Masters of the World!" Mo Yong Sang A and Chang Bong Dae Ju were momentarily shocked by Mo Yong Seop's report. To be trained by one of the top ten masters in the martial arts world was indeed significant. "I was speechless when I found out. Who is Dokmu Hu, after all? Even when numerous renowned figures from the martial arts world and the Sichuan Tang family urged him to take on disciples, he refused and chose a quiet life." "Ha ha. For even Dokmu Hu to take in a disciple... Her talent must be extraordinary." Dokmu Hu breaking his own principles to accept a disciple was a momentous event that would draw attention from the entire martial arts community. "She wasn't just talented; she was an exceptionally beautiful woman. The martial artists gathered at the time were awestruck by her beauty. It was especially striking how..." "Ahem!" Chang Bong Dae Ju cleared his throat to bring Mo Yong Seop back to the point as he was straying off-topic with a dazed look. "My apologies! I've misspoken about something irrelevant." "It's fine. She must have been quite a memorable beauty." Mo Yong Sang A smiled softly, indicating it was alright. It's intriguing. Normally, she would ask them to stick to the main point, but the story of this woman, Tang Hwa Rin, strangely captured her interest. Could it be because of the tales of Dokmu Hu she heard from her father in her childhood? Or perhaps because the new stories from the martial arts world were entertaining? Mo Yong Sang A found herself wanting to know more about Tang Hwa Rin. "Could it possibly compare to the beauty of our master? But there was definitely a distinct beauty..." "Something else?" Captain Mo Yong Seop began to slowly recall memories from six months prior, returning to his dazed expression. The Number One Beauty in Martial Arts. Even with the master right in front of him, he had laid eyes on yet another Number One Beauty of the martial arts world. Witnessing overwhelming wonder once leaves a mark on one's memory, whether one likes it or not. Mo Yong Seop instinctively revisited the vision in his memory, as his gaze gradually lowered from the present beautiful figure standing before him. Mount Tai. But beneath, there was no Mount Tai... "Hey!" Caught in an irreverent act, Mo Yong Seop quickly regained his senses and shook his head furiously. "...?" "Master, perhaps Captain Mo Yong Seop is merely very fatigued from the journey and hasn't fully recovered yet." Mo Yong Sang A observed Mo Yong Seop's actions with slight confusion but quickly understood the hardships of being summoned immediately and nodded in understanding. "It’s all fine! It truly was an opportunity to realize how vast and wonderous the world can be!" "They say that experiencing the world broadens one's knowledge." "Indeed! A truly eye-opening journey for this man, Mo Yong Seop." Mo Yong Sang A, sensing genuine fulfillment in his words, decided not to pry into what happened during the journey. —— "So, did the disciple of Dokmu Hu, Tang Hwa Rin, make the antidote for my father's poison?" Mo Yong Sang A returned to the main topic, considering her subordinate seemed unwell. "Yes, Dokmu Hu suggested expressing gratitude to Miss Tang Hwa Rin directly, stating that he and the head of the Tang family only assisted." "Haha. If Dokmu Hu puts it that way, it must mean the antidote for the head of the family was certainly created." "To concoct an antidote just from symptoms, without seeing the patient, is quite a feat. She truly is a promising figure of the Tang family." Being a disciple of Dokmu Hu and receiving verification from the Tang family people was enough reassurance. Mo Yong Sang A nodded in relief. "The antidote was found, but there were some issues in paying the price." The antidote was developed successfully, but there was still an unsaid matter. Mo Yong Seop cautiously began to speak, with an apologetic expression. "Did the Tang family make unreasonable demands?" "The Tang family asked for nothing excessive. However, Miss Tang Hwa Rin requested a blank cheque in exchange for the completed antidote formula." "What... a blank cheque?!" Chang Bong Dae Ju's astonishment was understandable. To hand over a blank cheque implied that the Mo Yong family would guarantee any amount named. Though compensating considerably for the antidote's development was expected, a blank cheque was beyond what they envisioned. "What a daring... demand." The Mo Yong family also furrowed their brow slightly upon hearing Tang Hwa Rin's demand. "She claimed that without clinical trials, she couldn't create an antidote purely based on symptoms, and thus sought compensation for the trials." "Even so, a blank cheque, not just a small sum?! Surely you didn't give it to her?" "Well..." They did indeed give it. Mo Yong Seop could not raise his head. "Haha! Granting a blank cheque, not knowing the sum to be written?" "It's settled." Mo Yong Sang A decisively intervened, stopping Chang Bong Dae Ju's scolding. "Master." "My father's life cannot be exchanged for any sum of money. Besides, if it's compensation for those who underwent trials due to my father, why wouldn't I pay?" Once explained, it was a reasonable cause. Mo Yong Sang A accepted the daring proposal and smiled in understanding. "It's true, but..." "I apologize. While it might be my presumption, it felt as if Miss Tang Hwa Rin harbored some subtle animosity towards the Mo Yong family, thus, I dared not try to negotiate." Mo Yong Sang A continued, patting Mo Yong Seop’s shoulder, seeing he couldn't lift his head. "Miss Tang Hwa Rin, having had to conduct clinical trials and make such demands, surely mustn't have been at ease. Even if the family elders pre-determined it, stepping forward indicates she possesses a kind heart." In reality, there were no clinical trials. Tang Hwa Rin simply disliked Mo Yong Sang A. She found it irksome to assist the woman whose actions were responsible for her delaying her martial arts training while preparing to meet her fiancé. Because of you, my training has been delayed. Pay back with money, she thought, eager to see her frustrated. "Indeed... She appeared to be a woman with a very generous heart." However, there was something Tang Hwa Rin, with her great heart, had not expected. "For what I did, I received only a small sum. With Captain Mo Yong Seop continuing to praise her, I'm curious about what kind of woman she is." Mo Yong Sang A was only amused and willing to generously grant any sum Tang Hwa Rin deemed appropriate. "My intentions were not impure. I was merely impressed by such promising new talent in the martial arts world." "So, how is the condition of the injured physician?" "His life isn’t in danger, but due to the lengthy journey, fatigue has accumulated and it'll take time for him to recover from his injuries." "I heard other doctors accompanied him as well." "Yes, but the injured physician is renowned for his skills in Sichuan, while the others are his assistants..." "Have him focus on recovery for now. Supply whatever medicines are necessary. And if it's alright, provide ginseng daily as well." It had been over three years since the head of the Mo Yong family had been bedridden. Ensuring the physician was in good health to evaluate the illness was more crucial than examining the patient's condition immediately. There's no need to rush just because hope is in sight. Mo Yong Sang A instructed calmly, prioritizing tasks. "I shall follow your orders." —— "I didn't allow myself to expect too much." To actually acquire an antidote for her father. With Mo Yong Seop retreating, Mo Yong Sang A remarked to Chang Bong Dae Ju with a subtle smile. "To think she possesses talent that even the Ten Masters of the World would admire. It seems we've witnessed new prowess from the Tang family." The ruler of Sichuan, the Sichuan Tang Clan. Even Chang Bong Dae Ju could only express his admiration. "I wish to meet Dokmu Hu's disciple. We've accrued a significant debt." "That's a good idea. Perhaps attend a gathering of the martial arts talents to meet her." Chang Bong Dae Ju responded with great enthusiasm to his master's words. "When Father recovers, we should express our gratitude." Chang Bong Dae Ju couldn't help but be surprised by his master's reaction. Wasn't this their master, who usually assessed individuals from all angles? Even though she was merely a woman known through hearsay who created the antidote for the head of the family, such a positive reaction was unexpected. It's a good opportunity. Chang Bong Dae Ju decided to continue. "It sounds like you have a lot in common. Outstanding talent, a beauty, and a compassionate heart. You would likely make excellent companions." Being too exceptional can also be a burden. No matter how often seen, her beauty was a rare treasure. Her talent, so significant, could incite envy and jealousy even among brothers, leading to poor choices. As a guardian, Chang Bong Dae Ju often worried that their master didn't have a genuine friend with whom she could openly share her heart. "Who can say? But if Father truly recovers, I might be willing to grant any wish." "Haha! Then I won't object even to another blank cheque!" Tang Hwa Rin. Perhaps having a similar burden might make her a good friend for their master. Chang Bong Dae Ju hoped with a smile. "How is your father's condition?" "Unchanged." "When the physicians recover, we should propose a new treatment to the Changryong Hall and the Elder Council." "Are you sure?" For a moment, the expressions of both individuals turned somber. The treatment of Mo Yong Cheon, the head of the family. If the antidote indeed proved effective, they might know what unexpected events could unfold. "Is there a reason why anyone would interfere with treating my father?" While Mo Yong Sang A reassured, a small sigh of fatigue and worry escaped her lips. "The enemy's cunning ploys grow by the day, making it difficult for us to let our guard down, even over small matters. Master, it would be wise to rest today." From the conscription strategy to today's dispatching, the day had been intense. The fatigue was evident on Mo Yong Sang A’s face. "There are documents that require my personal approval waiting for me." "Sometimes you must allow yourself to rest." Chang Bong Dae Ju looked on with a trembling gaze of empathy, but Mo Yong Sang A merely turned away with a stoic expression. "...Resting will happen when I'm in a coffin." "My Lady...!" "I'm joking. Chang Bong Dae Ju, you should get some rest." Debating whether to encourage more rest, Chang Bong Dae Ju conceded, realizing even this conversation might rob Mo Yong Sang A of her rest. "I'll take my leave." *** "How have you been?" In the training grounds of Chang Bong Hall, Mo Yong Seop, having returned from the Sichuan Tang Clan, greeted familiar faces with warmth. "Mo Yong Seop! You've returned alive!" "You must have diligently supported our master in my absence. The stories of the market rebellion and the armored cavalry are astonishing!" "This fellow! Did you witness the mounted cavalry?" Nodding, Mo Yong Seop clenched his fist with a lingering excitement from battle. "In moments of crisis, seeing our master's face from afar felt like how those saved by the righteous Tang might feel." To witness the fearsome cavalry that wouldn't waver against the sly tricks of Mo Yong Bi or the diabolical schemes of the demonic sect, and to see their master leading them, was beyond thrilling for Mo Yong Seop. His clenched fist trembled with excitement. "The righteous Tang?" "Is that the name of some famed hero from the Sichuan Tang Clan?" Hearing an unfamiliar name, the martial artists of the Mo Yong family tilted their heads in confusion. "Oh! I nearly forgot I prepared a gift for you folks from Liaodong's countryside." "A gift?" "Quickly, bring it out!" "Here it is!" Upon Mo Yong Seop's command, his subordinates brought forth a package before the family’s martial artists. A gift from a comrade who had traveled across the central plains. All eyes were fixed on the bundle, and with a triumphant expression, Mo Yong Seop revealed the contents of the gift to everyone. "Isn't that a book?" What Mo Yong Seop produced was indeed a book. "From the Sichuan Tang family to Hubei Province! It's the most popular novel these days!" "A novel?" "Yes, it's the 'Tang Family's Tempest'!" It was the 'Tang Family's Tempest' written by Ho Pil and Kang Yoon Ho.