Chapter 336 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

New Novel – 1 The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior. This story depicts Unhyeon, who loses his parents to mountain bandits and joins the Wudang Sect to become a martial artist, eventually setting out into the world to become a hero through fate. Though set in a martial arts world, it didn't feel entirely like martial arts, and despite its orthodox nature, it didn't quite embody tradition. It was a novel calling for classic martial arts. It was the first novel I wrote in this world and also the bitter memory of my first failure. "The novel I wrote is right here." I introduced my novel to the two women who were looking at "The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior" with a bewildered expression. "You were writing something other than 'Dang Ga Pung Woon'?" "It was the first book I wrote while pondering how to succeed in the Central Plains with my black-haired vagabond past." The ending conditions required increasing reputation. Rumors spread faster than feet can carry them, so surely a book could make me famous faster than working as the Black-Haired Envoy. The direction was right, no doubt, even though it ended in failure. "Is this the first novel written by Gang Gong Ja?" "Writer Hopil's first novel wasn't 'Dang Ga Pung Woon' but this?" The two women looked astonished, glancing back and forth between me and "The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior." "Who becomes satisfied with their first attempt? This novel was marked by bitter failure. 'Dang Ga Pung Woon' was written by learning from the failure of 'The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior.'" Does martial arts not sell well in this world? Did they expect me to give up so easily? A rigorous market analysis would ensure success. Let’s infuse the martial arts story with commercial appeal. Erotic tales are popular, so why not include romantic scenes with women? Thus, I created the erotic martial arts tale "Dang Ga Pung Woon." "Another novel written by Gang Gong Ja." "You wrote that novel, too..." Their eyes stayed fixed on "The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior," as if drawn by gravity, refusing to look away. "Would you like to read it?" No sooner had the words left my mouth than the hands of the two women started moving. Je Gal Hyang's hand was certainly fast, but one of them moved beyond even my recognition. "Ha, Ha Yeon!" "I'll give it to you after I'm done reading." Im Ha Yeon waved the book with a victorious smile. Je Gal Hyang couldn't possibly beat the speed of Mu Young Shin Tu, the greatest thief in this world. She tried to snatch it away belatedly, but with their height difference, it was unimaginable for her to steal from Mu Young Shin Tu. "Ha Yeon, remember just a little while ago..." Je Gal Hyang looked up at Im Ha Yeon with a somewhat aggrieved expression, dragging out her words. "Eep! Wouldn't it be awkward? How about reading it together?" Im Ha Yeon seemed flustered, and she extended the book to Je Gal Hyang. Was there some exchange of words between them? "There are more books printed at the printing house, so both of you can have one individually." "What? Really? Then please give it quickly." Like a baby bird anxiously awaiting food, Je Gal Hyang's anticipation couldn’t be hidden, and I handed out the first volume of "The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior." Thus began the reading session of "The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior." The two women paused their activities and sat down to read my book. "He, losing parents to bandits? That's so sad." "A protagonist from an orphan background? That's a different kind of protagonist from Dang Jung-nim of the Dang family." "Eh? Is the protagonist's name Unhyeon?" "Wasn't Unhyeon the hero mentioned in the third book of 'Dang Ga Pung Woon'?" The two women looked at me as if asking, "What is going on?" "I planned to publish 'The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior' later, hoping for an opportunity, so I mentioned it early." Once Im Ha Yeon's matter is resolved, I’d like to publish "The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior" as well. I already have it heavily printed. "Is it a story from the same era as 'Dang Ga Pung Woon'?!" "Hmmhmm." Watching the two engrossed in my book gave me a ticklish feeling. Was it embarrassment? An indescribable emotion stirred restlessly within me. "I'll go for a short walk. Keep reading." ——— There exists a traditional way to torture a creator. Historically and traditionally, the use of a hot iron rod is renowned, but to mentally torment them, showing their old creations achieves the same effect. If someone asked me to read the parody stories I gleefully wrote when I was young, I’d rather bite my tongue. Although I fondly remember receiving my first fan art back then, it feels like encountering remnants of the past that I find difficult to face now. To me, "The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior" was similar. I believed I poured my heart into it, but it was undeniably a record of failure. I held onto the hope that, out of regret, I would publish it someday. Facing readers' reactions required considerable courage. "Did you all read it well?" Once my mind settled, I cautiously opened the office door to find the two women looking at me in silence. "You..." "Gang Gong Ja..." Was it not very good after all? The two women stood up with a peculiar expression and approached me. "You found it not very entertaining, I suppose." As expected? I chose not to show "The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior" to Hwarin for a reason. "What are you saying!" "How could this not be entertaining?!" Oh? The two women, as if angered by my disappointed smile, raised their eyebrows. "...Did you find it better than expected?" "It's entertaining! It was really fun!" "Why haven’t you published this?!" "Really?" A novel nobody read is actually entertaining? "It was a different kind of fun than 'Dang Ga Pung Woon.' Even though it was merely about growth in the Wudang Sect, it was so captivating! I’m shocked!" "Unhyeon has a different charm as a protagonist compared to Dang Jung-nim. He stays firmly on the righteous path despite hardship! A rare find among orthodox martial artists these days!" "I, I must read more about Unhyeon the hero!" "Honestly, remaining true to his dreams even after becoming an orphan — that’s not easy to do." Is it really that entertaining? I felt a bit dazed. "If this novel is published, what kind of response do you think it would get?" "Since it's Gang Gong Ja's new work, I think it would do just as well as 'Dang Ga Pung Woon.'" Je Gal Hyang repeatedly nodded her head. "Miss Ha Yeon, what do you think?" Does she have any thoughts in mind? Unlike Je Gal Hyang, who answered immediately, Im Ha Yeon paused in silence before she spoke again. "It's definitely interesting. If we promote it on the first floor of Daseogak, it should sell decently. However…" Im Ha Yeon glanced at 'Dang Ga Pung Woon' sitting in the corner of the office. "Not as much as 'Dang Ga Pung Woon,' right?" "…" "I am aware of it too, so there's no need to hesitate with your answer." "Dang Ga Pung Woon is unique, and stories about the martial world aren't that popular." I nodded in agreement with Im Ha Yeon's words. In an erotic martial arts novel, love scenes are like essential components of an adult visual novel. While one might argue that, even without love scenes, it remains a masterpiece, the reality is that they are indispensable. That's also why, despite wanting to revive 'The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior,' I postponed it, thinking it was better to focus on 'Dang Ga Pung Woon.' But now, in this situation, the story was different. "You're right. But this time, we have Ha Yeon, don't we?" The moment had finally come for this novel to shine. "Me?" "You said you wanted to use 'The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior' for promoting Mu Young Shin Tu." "Oh! You don't mean?!" Im Ha Yeon seemed to realize something, looking up at me. "We start by bringing attention with Hopil's new work, 'The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior.'" "Considering the name of Writer Hopil and Daseogak's promotion, even those hesitant against martial arts stories would pick it up. And in the second volume?" "Mu Young Shin Tu should make an appearance. We use Hopil's name to promote Mu Young Shin Tu." Simply calling it a new work by Hopil might not suffice. However, if it becomes a promotional piece for Mu Young Shin Tu, the narrative changes. It will have enough impact to promote Mu Young Shin Tu, and the novel's impact doesn’t end there. "Then Mu Young Shin Tu's name can promote 'The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior'?" With the release of the second volume, Mu Young Shin Tu will soon take action. It's not an erotic tale but a martial arts one — 'The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior.' Not just any thief, but a righteous bandit — Mu Young Shin Tu. A novel that might not outsell 'Dang Ga Pung Woon' and a bandit destined to take a long while to become famous meet. "They both become famous." Creating a synergy effect. "That's a strategy befitting you." Im Ha Yeon nodded with a smile. "The problem is introducing Mu Young Shin Tu in the second volume, so if the first volume fails like before, it's pointless... hmm?" As I laughed somewhat insecurely, the two women grabbed my hand firmly. "It's your novel. Have confidence." "Exactly. I'm sure Gang Gong Ja's novel will be successful." Having experienced one painful failure and developing the idea because of Mu Young Shin Tu's promotion, I wasn't entirely convinced. What if it fails again? Perhaps it would be better not to risk it at all. I looked at the two women who held my hand tightly. Their eyes reflected a certainty I lacked. "Let's do it together." With the combined strength of the three of us, it seemed worth giving 'The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior' another go. — 'The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior' Volume 1 could be put up for sale with minor revisions. Alongside Im Ha Yeon, I started preparing for the publication of Volume 1 while working on Volume 2. "Mu Young Shin Tu is moving too ordinarily. In such a situation, shouldn’t they be moving through the air?" "How can a person rotate in the air to dodge a spear and then bounce off in a completely different direction?" Come on, let's be realistic. I asked for accuracy and received an implausible suggestion. "Don't think it's possible? Come here. I'll show you." Im Ha Yeon grabbed my hand and demonstrated just what she had described. "Oh my…." I must revise it immediately. "When opening a safe, you have to…" "Let's skip the detailed explanation." "Huh?" It could potentially be used in a criminal act. "Gang Gong Ja, we've completed the design of Unhyeon." While I was working on Volume 2 with Im Ha Yeon, Je Gal Hyang created illustrations for promoting 'The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior.' "It resembles Dang Jeong a bit." "Do you not like it?" He was attractive, with a strong, determined visage befitting a hero, but... Though it was another work under Hopil's name, I wanted to capture a different protagonist's essence. Unfortunately, it seemed unavoidable that attractiveness often aligns under shared traits. The distinctiveness of Wudang Sect martial artists... Hm? "Could you make the lines a bit thinner? I'd like it to have a more androgynous feel." Suddenly, one person came to mind. The Wudang Sect hero I met on my way to Sichuan, Cheong Woon. He had the aura of a meticulously crafted hero, yet there was a delicate androgynous charm to his good looks. I asked for it to be drawn with Cheong Woon in mind. "An androgynous feel?" "I'd like something firm yet precarious, as if left unattended it might not last." It's almost too steadfast, making it seem as though he needs someone to lean on, or else he might break. I requested a handsomely androgynous appearance reminiscent of Cheong Woon from Je Gal Hyang. "Sure, I’ll give it a try." **** Uichang, Daseogak Headquarters. Daseohui. The once lively second floor of Daseogak, bustling before Gang Yun Ho and Im Ha Yeon's departure, now bore a gloomy atmosphere. "Yesterday we debated who the regular partner was, and today we're predicting the storyline of Volume 4?" Hwang Seo Saeng sighed quietly to himself, pondering the seldom-seen members of Daseohui on the second floor. "Didn't we do that three days ago?" "Have we discussed what might be foreshadowed in the upcoming story based on the content up to Volume 3?" "Wasn't that four days ago?" "Then what are we supposed to do now…?" "…What do we do now?" "…" A painful silence enveloped Daseohui. No matter how entertaining a work is, when new developments cease, interest inevitably cools. Even if we generate our own discussion topics daily, we are reaching our limits. Ultimately, the painful silence was followed by brewing anger. "When the heck is Volume 4 of 'Dang Ga Pung Woon' coming out?" "It's been months since Volume 3 came out!" "Isn't Daseogak risking being overtaken by Mankum Jeonjang! How can anyone blame Writer Hopil for halting his work to help a friend's crisis?" "Grah." Hwang Seo Saeng managed to soothe the fiery minds of the Daseohui members. "Manager Kang, I heard there's talk of opening another Daseogak in Muhan?" "What?!" "I heard they're borrowing funds to expand the business in order to protect Uichang's Daseogak." "Then Writer Hopil needs to release the next volume quickly to help Manager Kang, doesn't he!" This time, even Hwang Seo Saeng couldn't hold back. "What's the point of telling me that?" "When is the fourth volume of 'Dang Ga Pung Woon' coming out?!" "If only we could get some news about Writer Hopil..." Indeed, when will the fourth volume of 'Dang Ga Pung Woon' be released? The people of Daseohui were growing weary from the indefinite waiting. "Move it here!" Whether or not the staff of Daseogak were aware of Daseohui's mood, they suddenly entered the second floor and began bustling around. "What’s going on now? Are there any renovations today?" "We have a large scroll from Muhan that needs to be hung." "A scroll? What kind of scroll?" "It's something the members of Daseohui have been eagerly anticipating." "What on earth? Could it be?!" Was this a refreshing rain for the parched spirits of Daseohui? The members of Daseohui rushed toward the large scroll in surprise. "Is it the fourth volume?" "The fourth volume of 'Dang Ga Pung Woon'?" "Or maybe the story of separated lovers?" "What news is it?!" On the unfolded large scroll was an exquisite painting by a skilled artist. "Writer Hopil's new work, 'The Chronicles of Pungwoon Warrior'?" The illustration depicted a thin, handsome hero traversing the world with a sword, and at the end, written in bold, joyous script, was the long-awaited news from Hopil for Daseohui.