706 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Yichang, Hubei province. The city where Kang Yoon Ho first opened Daseogak, and where Ho Pil's novel was born. The multitude of people weren't just in awe of Ho Pil's novel; they longed to savor tea and chatter about it. Devoted readers naturally gathered at Daseogak, forming a group that could only be named one thing. Daseo Society. The devoted readers of Ho Pil's novels. Although many in various cities named themselves after the Daseo Society, the only Daseo Society recognized by author Ho Pil was in Yichang. It was a place brimming with pride. "Another outbreak! Damn it!" A scream suddenly echoed through the prideful Yichang Daseogak. "What on earth is the matter?" "Ah! I'm sorry. I dozed off for a moment and had a dream." Perhaps it was the midday sleepiness. It seemed someone had briefly nodded off. The member of Daseo Society, feeling the gaze upon him, stood and offered apologies to those around him. "What kind of dream did you have?" When a friend inquired, the member recalled the dream and chuckled. It was an absurd dream, after all. Such a ridiculous notion compelled him to share it with others, inviting laughter. "Last winter, Volume 3 of Dangga Poongun came out. I dreamt a nightmare where the next volume didn't appear even after a year. Haha!" "..." "Haha! I've been so busy lately. I must be exhausted. Anyway, how could a bestselling novel go on indefinite hiatus? There's no way Ho Pil would do that." Although he laughed and sipped his tea, no one else's eyes seemed to be in a laughing mood. "It's not a dream." "What?" "You must still be half asleep. It's all... reality." Upon seeing his friends' somber expressions, his mind finally began to wake from its fatigue. Winter. Spring. Summer. Autumn. And winter again. Dangga Poongun was still stuck at Volume 3. "Another outbreak! No, the outbreak already happened! Damn it!" As they had last winter, cries of anguish rang through Daseogak. —— Traveling back to the previous winter. After misunderstandings were cleared at Dangga, Kang Yoon Ho returned with the start of the new year, and the third volume of Dangga Poongun delighted everyone as expected. Even the people of Dangga acknowledged Dangga Poongun. No longer would anything obstruct its sales. At a time when everyone firmly believed Daseogak would thrive. "It's Ho Pil..." A notice that one least wished to see appeared at Daseogak. "What do you mean you'll stop writing Dangga Poongun Volume 4? What's this about!!!" "It's literal. They say Mangum Store has seized Daseogak." "They say Kang Manager took on a colossal debt intending to acquire Daseogak." "No matter what, indefinite hiatus? Isn't this dismissive of the readers since sales aren't blocked?" The indefinite hiatus for Dangga Poongun. This time, it wasn't just the content in question—the rights themselves with the store had been seized. Daseogak inevitably plunged into chaos. "Let's wait patiently." "Scholar Hwang!" The person who calmed the atmosphere, poised to erupt, was Hwang Se Saeng, a founding member and spiritual leader of the Daseo Society. "Who is Kang Manager? Isn't he the righteous man who risked his life for Ho Pil, protecting Dangga Poongun?" "Indeed, but still..." "They say a true friend is willing to die for someone who recognizes their worth. Who discovered Ho Pil's buried talent and brought him to the world?" "Kang Manager." The merchant with black hair discovered the talent of a struggling author and supported him unconditionally. He even risked his life for his friend, truly Ho Pil's closest confidant. It was a heartwarming tale that stirred one's soul. "If he were to betray his friend just because his friend has faced financial difficulty, one shouldn't consider him a proper person, let alone a writer." "That's right." "If author Ho Pil were to betray Kang Manager, I would reject Dangga Poongun Volume 4 myself. So let us have faith too." "Have faith?" "Let us trust Kang Manager like author Ho Pil does." Isn't Daseo Society one that admires author Ho Pil? If author Ho Pil trusts his confidant, how could the devoted readers not? Hwang Se Saeng's words deeply pierced the hearts of the restless members of Daseo Society. "What if it turns from an indefinite hiatus to a complete cancellation?" "That..." Hwang Se Saeng's eyes trembled slightly. "That?" "Let us have faith in Kang Manager. Isn't he the one who resolved the issues at Dangga? Surely, he'll come back with a solution soon." He will undoubtedly return having resolved everything. Let's wait for the man who runs endlessly for solutions, not one who sits and weeps. A man like Kang Yoon Ho can be trusted. Hwang Se Saeng solidified the resolve of all the members of Daseo Society. —— One year later. "Author Ho Pil, at this rate, I'll become an old man." Even Hwang Se Saeng was withering away. "Ugh! What on earth is Kang Manager doing in Wuchang!" Another frustrated member slammed the table and shouted. "They say he's changed businesses." "What?!" "Something like a food delivery service using carrier pigeons. They say he's raking in money over there." "Then what about Yichang Daseogak?" "Why would you assume any debt when you're making so much money?" "..." The familiar taste of tea felt particularly bitter today. "If Dangga Poongun Volume 4 doesn't come out soon, Yichang Daseogak might really collapse!!!" "What do you mean collapse? Didn’t people read Ho Pil's new work last summer? It's only been a few months; why so impatient?" Though someone cried out in frustration, it wasn't just bad news over the past year. Author Ho Pil's new work had been announced in Wuchang, after all. “Fengyun Hero Tale. It was indeed a masterpiece comparable to Dangga Poongun.” “As expected of Ho Pil. Our Yichang Daseo Society was busy showering it with praise every day. However…” Since the rights to Dangga Poongun were seized, Ho Pil’s new work had come out. With as many as three volumes released in succession, Yichang Daseo Society was in a festive mood daily. Yet, when the festival ends, a void often follows. “We want to see the Unmatched Beauty of Sichuan and the Best Courtesan of Hubei, Qinghong Yihua!” “When on earth will 'The Chamber That Can't Be Opened Without Doing' come out?” They quenched their thirst only momentarily. The yearning for Dangga Poongun hadn’t disappeared. “But the rights…” “The rights! Damn those rights! They say Kang Manager is making a fortune, so what on earth is he doing!” Kang Yoon Ho had left Yichang almost a year ago. This could mean Dangga Poongun might never see the light of day again. The anxiety was mounting. “We all need to persevere and endure.” “Scholar Hwang!” Every time, it was Hwang Se Saeng's role to rally people’s spirits. “The ones most distressed are likely Kang Manager and author Ho Pil. Surely, even now, author Ho Pil is probably waiting with Dangga Poongun Volumes 4, 5, and 6 written.” “Really…?” “If they’re holding back tears to endure, who else will wait if not us, the devoted readers of Daseo Society?” Like rain on parched land. Despite burning thirst, waiting and waiting, rain will eventually fall. It was a time to hold firm belief. “Seems like Scholar Hwang’s brother has already moved on to Fengyun Hero Tale.” “Right. They say the era of Sichuan’s beauty is over and the era of the Shadowless God of War is here…” Of course, it is moments like these when defectors arise easily. “This brat should be studying…! How dare he betray!” ‘He’s lost.’ Though the members all shared the same thought looking at Hwang Se Saeng, they did not voice it. After all, unlike his brother, Hwang Se Saeng had passed the imperial preliminary exams, proving his excellence. Yichang, as the birthplace of Dangga Poongun, had many factions that viewed Fengyun Hero Tale as a mere offshoot, so his brother’s defection came as a shock to Hwang Se Saeng. What should be done with him? As countless thoughts crossed Hwang Se Saeng’s mind, a hurried voice was heard. “Hey! Come outside, everyone!” —— “No! Damn it! No!” When Hwang Se Saeng dashed out of Daseogak, an all too familiar voice rang out. Hwang Scholar’s brother was shouting as if about to leap at someone, despite the attempts to keep him back. “Brother! What on earth is happening at the gate?” “Brother! Look over there! Isn’t this something to shout about?” “What is…?” Hwang Se Saeng looked where his brother pointed and was utterly astounded. The members of Daseo Society all felt as if they would collapse in shock. [Mangum Bookstore.] The signboard was being replaced. The signboard stating Daseogak was being taken down and replaced with one for Mangum Bookstore. “Surely not…” The eyes of the Daseo Society members were filled with shock. It was natural. There was only one reason for the removal of the Daseogak signboard and its replacement with Mangum Bookstore. “Has Mangum Store, those damn scoundrels, finally taken over Daseogak?” “Summon all of Daseo Society! It’s time for collective action!” It seemed Kang Manager had ultimately lost Daseogak. The rights to Dangga Poongun had entirely transferred to Mangum Store. Daseo Society members were ready to rise up in protest. “That’s not the case. It seems you all are out of the loop. It’s actually Daseogak that swallowed Mangum Bookstore.” “Daseogak swallowed Mangum Bookstore?” The man emerging from Mangum Bookstore spoke while chuckling at Daseo Society, but those in the society were even more bewildered. “Kang Manager, or rather, Kang Yoon Ho, has become the heir to Mangum Store.” “He—heir?” “The Daseogak signboard will be moved to the second floor. The first floor will be Mangum Bookstore, selling books, and the second floor is Daseogak, selling tea. You can call it whatever you like now.” “Then, the issue of Dangga Poongun’s rights…?” “Mangum Store will belong to Kang Yoon Ho. Is there any need to ask further?” “...!” How did Kang Yoon Ho become the heir to Mangum Store? People were curious, but cheer erupted in Daseogak immediately. The problem that had plagued them for a year had finally been resolved. “Brother!” “Yes, brother. Finally…!” The two brothers faced each other in joy. “Dangga Poongun Volume 4 will be released!” “Fengyun Hero Tale Volume 4 will be released!” “…?” “Ah, brother. It’s, well…” Watching his brother in a fluster, Hwang Se Saeng broke into a chuckle. On such a joyous day, what did it matter which novel was more fun? “It’s alright. It’s alright! Does it matter which novel one prefers? The issue with author Ho Pil has been resolved. Let’s all of Daseo Society raise a toast!” “Sounds good!” “Let’s drink till we’re tipsy today!” ------ “Ho Pil's new novel is out!!!!” The dark clouds that had hung over the Daseogak for a year were gone. News from Wuchang arrived shortly after. “Finally, the day’s come.” Will they release starting from Volume 4? Or, perhaps like during the Fengyun Hero Tale, three volumes simultaneously? Whatever it might be, Yichang Daseogak would burn with fervor again. “As expected of author Ho Pil. Promptly releasing Dangga Poongun.” “It’s a completely new work.” “What did you say…?” That day. The sky of Yichang Daseo Society collapsed.