Ch338 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

New Release – 3 The tale of Un-hyun, the Taoist of the Wudang Sect. Pung-un Heroic Tales. “The main character is a Taoist from Wudang Sect? Then it’s not a sai-kyo-hyeop-ji, right?” Traditionally, the Wudang Sect keeps its distance from worldly desires. Does this mean that it isn’t a saucy martial arts tale like Dang-ga Pung-un? The readers, drawn to the reputation of Ho Pil, the renowned author of such tales, bought the book without hesitation, only to find themselves bewildered. “Wait! Could Un-hyun be the swordsman mentioned in volume 3 of Dang-ga Pung-un?!” These readers, who had purchased Pung-un Heroic Tales based solely on Ho Pil's esteemed name, found themselves clutching the book even tighter at the mention of Un-hyun, who had been notably referenced in the third volume. They nearly closed it when they believed it was not their expected read. Thus, begins the story of Un-hyun. The narrative of a young boy who, despite challenging circumstances, never loses his dream. Through relentless effort, he overcomes trials, growing into a martial artist. At the scene where Un-hyun finally conquers the demon and gains an extraordinary chance, people could not help but be in awe. “This is a whole different kind of thrill from Dang-ga Pung-un!” A boy who has now become an adult. However, as he steps out into the world, still clinging to his unfulfilled dreams, many readers nodded with smiles. —– “What a vexing situation!” A member of the Daseo Society expressed his frustration with a troubled face on the second floor of Daseo Hall. “What’s the matter!” “The Pung-un Heroic Tales! They’re so entertaining it’s infuriating! I would’ve just demanded the next volume of Dang-ga Pung-un if it were dull!” “Haha! I agree! It was so captivating; those moments where the burden lifted off my chest and the trials that were overcome in the blink of an eye—my palms were sweating!” “I never imagined that simple martial arts training could be this exciting!” “I always thought swordsmen dueling was boring! Indeed, it's thanks to Ho Pil!” “The secret cave of the Wudang Sect, imagine that! How did Ho Pil come up with such an idea!” Members of the Daseo Society started enthusiastically praising Ho Pil’s new release, Pung-un Heroic Tales. Of course, there were a few who didn’t look upon it favorably. “Tsk tsk. Such fuss for no reason! From my perspective, nothing beats Dang-ga Pung-un!” “I didn’t even read it in protest against Ho Pil's departure!” “Pung-un Heroic Tales was a mistake. Dang-ga Pung-un is a hundred times more fun... huh?!” Just then, the chatter of women, previously almost inaudible, emerged from a corner of the second floor. “Sister, did you watch Pung-un Heroic Tales this time?” “Yes, I couldn’t even look at Dang-ga Pung-un for how lewd it was, but Pung-un Heroic Tales, it was such a delightful read!” “Isn’t Un-hyun so charming?! Oh, I heard there's a connection to Dang-ga Pung-un too.” “Really? Do I have to check Dang-ga Pung-un then...” A member of the Daseo Society, who earlier claimed Pung-un Heroic Tales was less thrilling, suddenly joined the two women. “Oh, is that so? Should I read Dang-ga Pung-un to understand Pung-un Heroic Tales?” “That’s right. Some say Dang-ga Pung-un is actually even better.” Despite the abrupt approach, the women looked at him with curiosity. “Pung-un Heroic Tales is Ho Pil's masterpiece written with all his heart. While Dang-ga Pung-un is worth a read, I’d be happy to explain it for the ladies.” “Yes, please. Which tea would you like, sir?” “Any tea offered by such lovely ladies, I would drink with gratitude.” “Then, I’ll order caramel macchiato with whipped cream.” “Thank you kindly.” The member of the Daseo Society sat beside the women, not forgetting to choose a spot next to his preferred woman. “That guy... didn’t he just say Dang-ga Pung-un was the best?” “Traitor! But why are there so many ladies on the second floor today?” Looking around, the members noticed the unusual influx of female guests. “What else? It’s because of Pung-un Heroic Tales. Since it's not a sai-kyo-hyeop-ji, the ladies are lining up.” “Really?” “It’s true. Where are you heading?” All members of the Daseo Society who hadn’t read Pung-un Heroic Tales stood up. “Ahem. Just stepping out for a moment to the first floor!” “You traitors! Let’s go together!” With the influx of new female members, the bachelor members of the Daseo Society found it hard to resist the trend. ** “Please, form a line. Line up!” “There’s plenty of stock available! No need to rush!” The reaction to the release of Pung-un Heroic Tales was beyond my expectations. “It’s doing better than anticipated, isn’t it?” “Indeed. I thought it wouldn’t sell much due to its lack of broad appeal.” Though praised by Im Ha-yeon and Je-gal Hyang, I had even prepared for the worst-case scenario of a humiliating failure. Surprisingly, the novel, previously cast aside with the dust, was now doing so well. It feels somewhat surreal. “According to the records, there’s a reduction in male customers, but an increase in female customers.” “I didn't even consider female readers.” “Dang-ga Pung-un contains erotic scenes, after all. Even if women enjoy it, they’re not keen to openly show they’re reading it.” “Really?” Hearing this from the leader of the Hubei’s Finest Courtesan Group was unexpected. “Oh! Relatively speaking, okay? The point is, while it’s entertaining, women have to muster the courage to simply pick up the book.” I suppose I can understand. I have bought some provocative novels before, discreetly tucked between exam prep books. In the end, I did buy them though. “The strength of sai-kyo-hyeop-ji turned out to be its drawback as well. Who knew removing the sensual elements would broaden the readership?” “Ho Pil has always been famous. Plus, if Pung-un Heroic Tales is enjoyable, word of mouth spreads easily.” Im Ha-yeon added that women tend to gather frequently, making it easier for rumors to spread. Thanks to the unexpected female readership, "Pung-un Heroic Tales" was seeing promising sales, but it wasn't all smooth sailing. “It's an unforeseen variable, but compared to Dang-ga Pung-un, it's not quite satisfying.” Still lacking. With the allure stripped from the tale, although readership expanded, the sales figures remained similar. “Martial arts stories are not particularly popular. Since the situation is optimistic, we should continue to publish up to the second volume.” Using Ho Pil’s name to promote and write an engaging story is one thing. However, changing readers' perceptions overnight to make them eagerly pick up the book is not easy. Is this the best that can be done? “Nodding in understanding should come after trying all we can. Let's maximize the sales of volume one if we plan to introduce a fascinating element like Muyeong Shintu in the second volume.” One should give up only when the strength to rise again is gone. Could there be a way to boost the sales of "Pung-un Heroic Tales"? I should reconsider and come up with a strategy. “Have you thought of any methods?” “I do have one idea.” After some thought, I nodded. “Are you thinking of offering limited signed editions like for Dang-ga Pung-un?” “Signed editions hold value in their rarity. It could have an impact, but it won’t be as effective as with Dang-ga Pung-un.” Ho Pil's Dang-ga Pung-un. Saying Ho Pil’s name without Dang-ga Pung-un seems premature. Even if a special edition of "Pung-un Heroic Tales" is released, it wouldn’t generate as strong a response as Dang-ga Pung-un. “So, what do we do?” There is a way. With a resolute face that conveys there’s no room for refusal, I slowly approached the woman in front of me. “This time, it seems Je-gal So-jeo needs to put in some effort.” “What? Me?” *** “Did you hear the news, my friend?” Yi-chang. A member of the Daseo Society visited a friend’s house. “If you’ve come to try and drag me to Daseo Hall claiming 'Pung-un Heroic Tales' is entertaining, then turn back.” Chin Woo, the host, replied with a sour expression as if already tired of such news. “Is this how you treat a friend visiting this early?” “So many members have failed to keep their resolve lately! It seems like just yesterday we were passionately debating the true leading lady of Dang-ga Pung-un! And now we're discussing 'Pung-un Heroic Tales'?” The Daseo Society had seemingly blossomed with discussions around "Pung-un Heroic Tales" once more. Flowers of female members were accepted, and the previously dreary atmosphere had markedly brightened. Of course, not everyone could embrace the change; a few die-hard Dang-ga Pung-un fans steadfastly refused to touch "Pung-un Heroic Tales." “Tsk tsk. Enough; we have no time to waste! Off to Daseo Hall we go!” “I told you, I have no interest in 'Pung-un Heroic Tales'! What’s dragging me there for?!” Unable to resist the friend's persistence, Chin Woo finally set off for Daseo Hall. “Look there!” The Daseo Society member who had dragged his friend pointed enthusiastically. What they saw was a large poster. There was news from the Infinity Lands. “A raffle to commemorate Ho Pil’s new release? What is that?” “They're giving out raffle tickets with each purchase of 'Pung-un Heroic Tales.' If you win, you get a scroll with a scene selected by Ho Pil!” “A scroll from 'Pung-un Heroic Tales'? Is that what you’re implying… buying 'Pung-un Heroic Tales' to get a ticket? I’m not interested!” “Tsk tsk. Didn’t they say it’s by Ho Pil?” “You mean Dang-ga Pung-un too?” Chin Woo's initially disappointed expression shifted drastically. “Yes. If you win the raffle, you can choose from the displayed paintings over there! Look at the crowd!” “Is that really true?! Let’s go check it out!” Chin Woo quickly pushed through the crowd and made his way to the front to see the paintings. Startled, he saw paintings of such skill that it would make one gasp and wonder which famous artist painted them, the artwork reflecting unparalleled intricate touches as if crafted with affection. “Look there! Isn’t that Dang-jeong?” “And that woman is Sacheonjeilmi! Truly a rare beauty!” “That must be Du Eung-hyang! How fierce and fitting for Hubei’s Finest!” “There's also Chunghong Iwhado!” “And here are 'Pung-un Heroic Tales' paintings!” People from Yi-chang, seeing the paintings for the first time, commissioned by Je-gal Hyang at Kang Yun-ho’s request, were left speechless. Though the scrolls weren't large due to the vast quantity needed, Je-gal Hyang’s skills remained evident, leaving all viewers in awe. Chin Woo, standing at the very front, mirrored the audience’s silence, nearly losing his footing when he saw one particular image. "Is that... the Poisoned Harmony Scene of Dang-jeong?!" "Where? Oh! It really is!" "There are three different Poisoned Harmony Scenes...?" “Can you distinguish them?” “Who couldn’t? To not know that, could you call yourself a member of the Daseo Society? Oh, a Poisoned Harmony Scene! Seeing it realized before my eyes!” “Look at the Daseo Hall seal. It means it’s recognized by both Ho Pil and Head Kang!” “A Daseo Hall official, using Ho Pil's works for illustrations...” I want it. I want it so dearly. But Chin Woo’s face soon darkened. “What’s the matter? Not quite to your taste? You would not be you if you weren’t calling out for Poisoned Harmony!” “I want it. Truly, I want it. But you see…” “Eh?” “It’s a raffle, isn’t it? I have no luck in simple games; there's no way I’d win.” “Tsk tsk. Look at the poster again.” The Daseo Society member once more directed his friend towards the board, addressing his concern. “If you read volume one of 'Pung-un Heroic Tales' and write a review, selected reviews will be awarded a scroll?” Chin Woo’s startled eyes remained glued to the board. Merely increasing sales by holding a raffle is a basic approach. With many literati in the Daseo Society, prompt them to write reviews. Should a notable figure write a recommendation, select it straight away. Publish it in Jo Bo’s newspaper as an advertisement to spread the word. Another strategy devised by Kang Yun-ho. “It’s even going to be featured in Jo Bo! What do you say? With your writing skills, it’s not impossible—... Where did you go?” “One copy of Pung-un Heroic Tales, no, make that three copies!” Somehow, Chin Woo had made his way to the front of the stall. “You were dragging your feet earlier. Buy one for me too!” In the end, Chin Woo, who had vowed never to touch Pung-un Heroic Tales, returned with the book in hand. Undoubtedly, it wouldn’t be as entertaining as Dang-ga Pung-un. A martial arts tale without its alluring elements? It must be something that only those who chase after women would read. He decided to skim through, just enough to earn the Dang-ga Pung-un scroll, then put it aside. With conviction, he opened the first page of Pung-un Heroic Tales. “Damn it! This is as exciting as Dang-ga Pung-un!” ————— Yi-chang’s Daseo Society regained its former vigor with the release of Ho Pil's new work. “Young brother, why do you appear so gloomy after such an exciting story? Is something the matter?” Hwang Seosaeng, one of the main pillars of the society, asked his sullen brother from across the room. “The problem is that both novels are too enjoyable.” Hwang Seosaeng's younger brother frowned, distress visible on his face. “What do you mean by that?” “Now we have to wait several more months for the next volume, possibly even half a year.” “To pay off the debts of the Mang-geum Battlefield, the next release will be Pung-un Heroic Tales volume 2.” “Yes, but what about after that? While I enjoy Pung-un Heroic Tales, I long to see Sacheonjandae Mi Gu Sukjeong again! We don’t know if the next release after Pung-un Heroic Tales will be Dang-ga Pung-un volume 4.” As a member of the Sacheon’s Finest Group, Hwang Seosaeng's younger brother couldn’t hide his anguish. “Indeed. At this rate, we might not see volume 4 until next year.” Hwang Seosaeng’s expression also darkened. It’s true that Ho Pil writes at an impressive pace. In just one year, he released four books— a remarkable feat. However, Ho Pil was known to take breaks without notice. Will the next volume come swiftly as well? What if he releases a book only once a year, or even less frequently like other authors? How could one endure the uncertain wait? Both brothers had a cloud of concern looming over them. “Hey, you two! Come down here! There’s fantastic news!” But their worries didn’t last long. “Pung-un Heroic Tales Volume 2, releasing in four days?” The news from Infinity Land instantly dispelled their worries.