720 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

"Did Elder Siwang really improve the Okmyeon Hoshin Technique?" I found it hard to believe. How could he offer a better martial art to someone who learned the family technique without permission? For a moment, I had to doubt what I had heard. "If our secrets have been leaked and are no longer secrets, then creating a better one is the only solution, don't you think? It’s no use trying to gather back the grains of sand that slipped through Eon Ga’s fingers, as you'll never recover them all." "Yet, it seems you've managed to gather most of those scattered sands." "Only because I made sure no one else could pick them up." "It's a strategy only Elder Siwang could pull off." Anyone who desires can learn the Okmyeon Hoshin Technique. The only stipulation is that they must face Siwang. T1JXUmR0L1cwa2piZmVMNmQ4ZHpXbTBwQXdSczcrUkVqVHpkc3I2eEQvWkxWS3VUYURJdmdFM3FSUzdBekV5Tw It was truly a method befitting the martial world, causing me to smirk wryly. "Even I find it difficult to predict when or how issues might arise due to Gayeong’s incomplete revival. It would be wise for you to strengthen your body." The Okmyeon Hoshin Technique. The Murong Family's absorption techniques, the So Yun Heart Technique, the Tang Family’s weapons methods, and Ha Yeon’s Silent Shadow Technique. These martial arts had been invaluable to my survival, frequently saving me from countless dangers. Learning an improved version of the Okmyeon Hoshin Technique was unparalleled. "As I witnessed, humans were torn apart like ragged drums. Is it possible?" Even the limited knowledge I have suggests that Eon Gayeong's external force was beyond human. "If you master it properly, it will serve as a lifesaver against any martial artist." Elder Siwang’s voice brimmed with confidence and pride, such that even the honored members of the martial world boasted about it. Just how advanced is it? "For instance, would it work for a man who promised his childhood sweetheart to wait and then cheated with another woman? Or a man who assured his sick fiancée the same, only to live with another woman?" "What kind of analogy is that?" Elder Siwang, I'm not joking. I'm being entirely serious. "For argument’s sake. Even if both women are historical martial masteries in themselves, is it manageable?" For example, if one is a heavenly killer and the other a poison artist, with the most beautiful woman in martial arts added in. "Hmm…" "Please tell me he can survive." Why are you stroking your beard and contemplating? Tell me he will survive, and that he won't be divided seventeen ways. "If the man is still beloved, wouldn't it be possible?" "Let's start right away." There was no need to hesitate further. ——— "Alright. First, we need to gather the necessary medicinal herbs." "Doesn't Eon Ga have them in stock?" I should not rush to become impartible. "Do you intend to announce that Siwang is teaching the Okmyeon Hoshin Technique to outsiders?" True, asking for the herbs would raise suspicion immediately. With caution, I broached the topic with Elder Siwang in a low voice. "I’ve overlooked an essential question. Is it really alright? Isn’t it a prohibited martial art?" Even improved by Elder Siwang, the Okmyeon Hoshin Technique is still a legacy of Eon Ga. You’re the one who made sure no martial artist could learn a family technique that was leaked through sheer force long ago. Can you afford to compromise your intentions just because time has passed? "If it hasn’t left the house, that’s fine." His light-hearted response carried the weight of a long contemplation. "What do you mean by that?" Elder Siwang stared at my confused head for a moment before sneering and muttering. "There are concerns, but it's not lacking…." "Elder?" "Gayeong’s recovery comes first; keep it secret for now. Just prevent it from reaching the head's ears and becoming bothersome." Make sure to keep it a secret from the start. I understood immediately. The Okmyeon Hoshin Technique doesn’t easily reveal itself anyway. It's unlike other external arts that need visible practice, and its effects don't radically alter physical appearance like its name suggests. If a martial artist became noticeably formidable with sword-fighting skills, they’d eventually encounter Elder Siwang. But in my case, the chances of such a leak were slim. "I will remember." In accordance with Elder Siwang’s words, it would always remain an undisclosed martial art. "I’ll write down the list of necessary herbs, so go and gather them yourself." "Will there be no delivery fee?" I asked with a playful grin. "Trying to extract even the roots because you're a merchant, aren’t you?" "Hahaha." "Some herbs are difficult to acquire even with money, or extremely expensive, so you'll need to search diligently." "Is it more costly than the original Okmyeon Hoshin Technique?" The Okmyeon Hoshin Technique was already a premium, pricey martial art. Do you mean to say there are additional expenses for upgrades too? Who manages this? This is a user deception strategy. Wouldn't a community riot break out? "Why else would I need to borrow money from the Gold Turtle?" I heard he was buried under a mountain of debt. "If it's that costly, it should be renamed to 'Treasure Treasures.'" It means applying treasure on top of a treasure. It was already an expensive, non-cost-effective technique meant for the wealthy. It seems to have surpassed that level. "If you dislike it, then decline." "Why say such a thing? What kind of patient would refuse to pay for the medicine used on their own body?" Truthfully, it doesn’t bother me since it was my childhood sweetheart who paid for this splurge. Now it’s my turn to take on the costs. I gave a slight bow, nodding like a sycophant. "If you want to see the full effect of the medicine, you'll need to choose quality herbs. And…" Suddenly, Elder Siwang's eyes turned toward the distant gate of the training hall. Why did he stop speaking and look elsewhere? "Ah." A shadow appeared. Noticing our gazes, the shadow let out a shocked voice and quickly ducked its head. It was Eon Gayeong, whom I had told to wait outside. "You've been hiding there from the start, haven’t you?" "Shall I invite her in?" "She's waiting for you, not me. The sun is setting, so head out together tomorrow." Elder Siwang glanced towards the shadow with a warm smile, akin to a grandparent watching over a young grandchild returning happily from play. "Together? Wouldn't it be better for her to stay and wait at Eon Ga?" "There might be unforeseen issues, but ultimately, you are the only one who can fundamentally resolve them." Elder Siwang’s gaze fell on me. Even if he were to let go of his granddaughter's hand, he looked for someone capable of supporting her in his stead. It was a gaze filled with anxious trust that he imparted to me. "I'll treat her like family." "She is in a child-like state. Despite receiving education through her intention, accidents can still happen." "I'll treat her like an older brother who doesn’t mind if his little sister eats all his midnight snack, even though she promised to take just one bite." I assured him with a lightly amused voice. "That’s reassuring enough... However." "However?" Elder, why are you suddenly gripping my shoulder? "While I can handle any mischief that she might cause, if you should dare lay a finger on her—!" "E-Elder?" The atmosphere shifted. Elder Siwang's expression grew intense. Eon Gayeong was akin to a child now. She needs to mature emotionally with your guidance. And what would happen if someone were to harm such a child-like granddaughter? I didn’t need to ask. I was already aware. Not even when I almost turned a child I had treated for years into a demon, when I nearly ruined the final stage of her revival, or when I learned a family secret technique without permission had I seen such burning anger. "You shall know the crime of daring to claim Eon Ga's treasure." The molten fury simmered just beneath Elder Siwang's golden eyes. —— "Master, are you done?" Dragging my weary shoulders towards the entrance of the training hall, Eon Gayeong eagerly approached as if she had been waiting. "Go-Gayeong, shall we go?" "……?" Eon Gayeong's expressionless face tilted slightly. "Where would you like to stay? I believe your grandfather’s residence, where Elder Siwang stays, would be best." I needed to treat her as the granddaughter of Elder Siwang. I mustn't treat her carelessly just because she's like my personal maid. I spoke respectfully. "Are you ill?" "Ill? It's just a precautionary measure for any eventuality... Ow!" Stars suddenly danced before my eyes. Why a sudden headbutt? "Headbutting dinosaur. Rawr." Where did she learn that…? Argh, my head. I rubbed my forehead and looked at her, imitating a dinosaur with her fingers curled back like claws. She probably didn’t intend to headbutt. Was it a prank? When a tiger plays, a zookeeper gets torn. I really need to upgrade my skills. "Oops. Did it hurt?" "Of course it hur... Wait." Coming closer, cautiously this time, I felt the cool touch of Eon Gayeong’s forehead against mine again. "No fever." "Gayeong, you can check someone's temperature just by using your hand." Could it be she was attempting to check my temperature with that headbutt? I just now understood. "A maid checks her master's temperature with her forehead. Didn’t you know?" "Well, yes, but. You’ve learned quite well..." Whoever taught her maid etiquette did an excellent job. "……?" "Haah." Just a few fingertips apart, her golden eyes mirrored back in my dark ones. It was difficult to decipher her thoughts through her stoic expression, but her gaze was solely focused on me. She truly was a beauty. No matter how accustomed a man becomes to beauty, the allure of a new face is always thrilling. Her slight breath swept across my lips. 'Don’t touch. Don't touch.' It's only a natural reaction to a beauty. Stay resolute. She's Elder Siwang’s granddaughter. You'll be doomed if you make a move. I reminded myself again. Not just doomed. Shattered into five pieces. Would the Okmyeon Hoshin Technique save me? No, stop indulging in such thoughts. "Do you want to touch me?" "Ye-yes." "……?" "No! No, I mean! Gayeong." "Eon Gayeong." Her voice, like a gentle autumn breeze, tickled my ears. "Yes?" "Gayeong. Just Gayeong. Not Miss Gayeong." Her unyielding golden gaze latched onto mine. She was insisting. It wasn't right. She wasn't content. It was a maid's way of expressing objections to her master. "Alright, Gayeong." "Yes. That’s it." Eon Gayeong withdrew her forehead from mine and gave a small nod, her expression still unreadable. Even amidst my inner turmoil, she subtly reminded me that no matter what, the master-servant relationship must remain unmoved. Her understated protest prompted my smile, and I conveyed yet unspoken words to my exclusive maid. "I'll be relying on you." "Alright. Rely on me."