672 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

In a world where the concept of copyright is weak. It makes sense. In a society guided by Confucianism, knowledge is something to be shared among those who possess it and used to enlighten the ignorant. Naturally, the society valued the spread of knowledge and stories over the rights of the creator. "Daezhu, may we reproduce more copies of the book?" "I told you to print plenty. Is there not enough?" "There aren't enough books to distribute to the members stationed abroad." "I will ensure that enough are printed so that everyone in Changbongdae can become avid readers." "Thank you!" Authors write because they want many people to read their works. Those who pen books do so to leave their knowledge for future generations, not for monetary gain. Tang Ga Poongwoon. A book called a must-read in the Tang family. Isn't sharing a masterpiece naturally considered a virtue? It was only logical that even the martial artists of Changbongdae should read it. The Daezhu's request to purchase a printer for reproduction was justified. "Have we reproduced Tang Ga Poongwoon so many times? At this rate, we could sell the surplus." "What do you mean by selling books?" The Daezhu frowned at the absurd suggestion. "Isn't it a must-read for every martial artist? We should naturally let as many people in Liaodong City see it." "No matter how newly acclaimed a writer in Zhongyuan might be, would they like to make a private profit from their books?" The intention was to earn significant profits privately. There may not be copyrights, but there is a sense of commercial morality in this world. Knowledge should be shared, but products must be monopolized. Bookstores support writers and, in return, gain exclusive selling rights. Though no legal sanctions exist, bookstores typically respect one another unless they wish to go to extremes. "I'm sorry...! I didn't think it through that far." "The journey of being an avid reader has just begun. There's no need to be overly embarrassed." However, the Mo Yong family resides in Liaodong City, a remote area far from the Yangtze River, beyond the reach of Mankeumjeon's influence. A book that journeyed from afar had become a piece for all to read, no longer just a product of Daseokak. When an author writes, it signifies a desire to spread their words widely. Naturally, isn't helping to disseminate the author's work the highest praise as a reader? The Daezhu paid his respects to Hopil in his own way, choosing to share it rather than profit privately. "How touched Hopil would be to know that even the remote martial artists are reading his book." The martial artist of Changbongdae was filled with admiration, looking at the pristine book with untouched ink on its crisp pages. "To do justice to Hopil's novel, I've instructed them to use particularly good paper and ink." "Indeed, you made the right choice. The books brought by Moyong Seop didn't seem of better quality than this. However..." "Is there a problem?" "I'm worried there may be some who are reluctant to read it." Books that leave a deep impression naturally create a desire to recommend them to others. Yet, no matter how good a book is, it may not be read if there's no interest. The martial artist felt regret at the thought of the must-read book for martial artists being rejected. "In such cases, say this." There is a way. The Daezhu smiled as he looked at his subordinate. "Yes?" "Tell them it's a 'Taekbon': a book (本) meticulously chosen (擇) and confidently produced by the Mo Yong family (擇本)." A 'Taekbon'. A novel guaranteed by the Mo Yong family. There wouldn’t be a higher praise than this in Liaodong City. It would surely make even the hesitant ones read it again. There was no malice in the Daezhu's smile. ——— The life of a Mo Yong family martial artist is arduous. Besides training like other ordinary martial artists, they are mobilized for expeditions against barbarians, protection of trade routes, and internal power struggles within the family. "Kuh! Poisonous Edge!" "To defeat a demon with bluffs... It reminds me of the barbarians who fled in haste thinking Changbongdae had arrived when he appeared with nothing but a sword back then." "Right! I remember! Even Tang Jung's bluffs in front of the demon were no ordinary bravery." Tang Ga Poongwoon, which suddenly came from Zhongyuan, became an inspiration for the Mo Yong family martial artists. "Does the Most Beautiful Lady in Sichuan truly exist?" "I'm telling you, Moyong Seop said he saw her." "Nah, must be an exaggeration." "It’s true. I saw it too." "You actually saw the most beautiful woman in Sichuan?" "It's not just her looks. Her captivating body, which could stir a person's mind, had everyone, including Tang Jung, entranced." "If she's that beautiful, shouldn't you have spoken to her more!" "She's also a disciple of the Ten Disciples of Rain and Thunder." "Oh..." Tang Ga Poongwoon not only entertained the martial artists of Changbongdae but also began to exert other influences. "Those vile Devil Cult bastards…!" "Murder and trickery! How many innocent women have fallen victim because of the demon?!" As they read about the malicious deeds of the demon, the martial artists of Changbongdae couldn't contain their anger. "It’s because they're demonic cultivators. Their minds are not in the right place, taken over by demonic energy to the core." "Indeed. Cross over a little, and you can see such scoundrels." One of the martial artists gestured toward a direction. It was the side where the Changryongdae, sharing power with the Mo Yong family, was located. "That's merely speculation. Watch your words." One of the martial artists firmly denied it. The rumor that the heir Mo Yong Bi was colluding with the Devil Cult was something that should not be leaked outside. "You know it in your heart. The martial artists invited by the heir have shown troubling signs." "......" The martial artist recalled a group he had started encountering since a certain day, those with ominous auras. Though it was secretive, rumors had already spread among the regular soldiers, making it hard to deny. "To prevent Liaodong City from becoming a sea of fire, we must stay alert. Each member of Changbongdae must become like Tang Jung." "That's right." Tang Ga Poongwoon is a tale of chivalry and a revelation of the Devil Cult's sins. The demonic cult was gradually encroaching on the Mo Yong family. The threat of the cult loomed perilously close, reaching the edge of their territory. "Tang Ga Poongwoon," written by Hopil and Kang Yoon Ho, served as a wake-up call for Changbongdae, heightening their vigilance. There was no room for complacency. The martial artists of Changbongdae nodded in resolute agreement, each reaffirming their commitment. ** "What about the gifts to be sent to the military officials? If it's too difficult to choose, we might consider gifting them fine horses." The impact of "Tang Ga Poongwoon," written by Kang Yoon Ho, extended beyond simply fostering unity within Changbongdae. "They have already been dispatched." "Already?" Mo Yong Sang Ah looked skeptically at the confident expression of the Daezhu of Changbongdae. "Along with a token of sincerity, we sent gifts that are hard to come by yet very much to the liking of the military officials in Liaodong City." "What did you send?" "The kind of things men would appreciate..." Perhaps they gifted them fine company along with lavish entertainment. As the Daezhu of Changbongdae awkwardly avoided eye contact, Mo Yong Sang Ah nodded in understanding. "If it's something the Daezhu speaks so highly of, I'm sure everyone was pleased." Naturally. "Is this the novel?" At the military barracks of Liaodong City, the officers rode in eagerly, jumping off their horses to inspect the gifts sent by the Mo Yong family. V3VHT2Y0cjEwSWV0clZ2dDdlV3ZEdlh2NlNrK1p4TTM5S3Vselo1RDFnV1I2UkhFWVdldDdhVnUzaElTMldJcw In a way, soldiers, who live surrounded by the smell of male sweat without even the faintest scent of a woman, naturally go wild for tales of romance. "A 'Taekbon' selected from the Mo Yong family. I've heard it's called 'Tang Ga Poongwoon.'" "Look at the quality of this book. It seems to be the most popular novel currently in Zhongyuan." A martial arts novel that sets a man's heart racing and relieves the doldrums of army life, mixed with tantalizing romance. A fusion of these two genres created an irresistible gift for the officers. "Is it really that enjoyable? Let me have a look!" "Me too!" "Pass it here!" Boosted by his ambition to elevate his name throughout the nine territories, Kang Yoon Ho unexpectedly found Liaodong City to be one of the most challenging places. Though the outcome was unforeseen, the reputation of Hopil's work from the faraway Hubuk Province steadily spread even in Liaodong City. —— "We should proceed to inspect the troops immediately." As the gifting concluded, Mo Yong Sang Ah was about to rise from her seat. Suddenly, she felt her legs weaken, and she had to rely on the table to support herself. "Are you all right! It seems you haven't been sleeping well lately." "This won't be enough to take me down." Forcing herself, she stood back up with a determined effort. "I will lead the way." Although the Daezhu wanted to suggest she rest, he decided against it. Lying in bed wouldn't solve anything. Days had passed since she received news from Joseon. As long as her concerns remain unaddressed, she wouldn't find peace in sleep. This was why the news from Joseon had deliberately been withheld. The Daezhu, filled with worries, followed behind her silently. "Has there been a recent academic atmosphere?" Mo Yong Sang Ah looked with amazement at the martial artists, each carrying a book in one hand, and asked. "Perhaps it's due to the influence of the printing press..." "It's great. When mastering martial arts, it's not solely about physical training or real combat; there are other ways to learn." "Indeed, you're absolutely right." The Daezhu vigorously nodded in agreement, more fervently than usual. "Daezhu." "Yes, please go ahead." "Has Changbongdae started incorporating knife-throwing lately?" Looking at the training ground, the soldiers were practicing throwing knives at targets. Seeing so many engaged in the same practice led Mo Yong Sang Ah to ponder if Mo Yong's family had a secret technique. "Well... It seems knife-throwing has been useful for long travels, so they've started practicing it as a combat skill." "In case of falling from a horse, it might be a sound choice. However, if they intend to practice seriously, wouldn't archery or spearmanship be more beneficial?" "I'll make sure to advise them separately." Training martial arts as a precautionary measure is commendable. Mo Yong Sang Ah watched the Changbongdae's knife-throwing practice briefly before continuing her inspection of the surroundings. "Call it off!!!" A voice, charged with anger, reached her ears. "It's the truth." "What truth! You think Tang Jung's Poisonous Edge would fall due to merely a horse?" "No matter how skilled Tang Jung is, his prowess is confined within his domain. Just shoot from a distance, and he'll fall on his own." "You think a mere breeze could blow over those who feed on poisonous grass? Can you even claim such nonsense!" "Even beggars would be scared of Tang Ga's poison." "You, my friend, keep getting excited as I lay bare the truth. The Poisonous Edge is formidable in the cramped lands of Zhongyuan. But out here in the vast plains, how could the Mo Yong family lose?" "What?! Didn't I say it's worth a try!" "Don't get so worked up. You're the one crazy over the already gone Most Beautiful Woman of Sichuan." "Hey! Are you done talking?!" "A true connoisseur of women would prefer the top courtesan of Hubuk." "You bastard! To the training ground!!!" "Fine, as a devoted reader, I have to set things right today." "What is the matter with you both?" Mo Yong Sang Ah could not stand idly by as her subordinates fought. "My Lady!" "You seemed emotionally charged, so I came. What's the matter?" "Well, um..." The martial artists hesitated to answer. "What are you fighting about?" Their hearts sank. They had to answer their master, who was like the sky to them. "Because of this book..." Eventually, the martial artists carefully revealed the root of the problem. "Tang Ga Poongwoon...?" From Liaodong to Hubuk Province. The story written in Hubuk which reached Sichuan. From Sichuan, it now reached Liaodong. The book penned by Hopil and Kang Yoon Ho had ultimately reached Mo Yong Sang Ah.