Ch 347 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Phantom Thief – 6 Everyone has battles they can't back down from. “Are you seriously saying Unhyeon is stronger than Dangjeong? Get real!” “And why not? Are you saying Dangjeong is stronger than Unhyeon?” “Of course!” Daseohui’s newcomer's innocent statement was like a stone thrown into calm waters. What started as a small ripple began to escalate. Who among Hopil's novel's protagonists is stronger? The conclusion everyone assumed to be obvious clashed and spiraled into a heated debate. “How can someone from Hubei province side with the shady poison family from the Sichuan village over Mu Dang Pa!” Mu Dang Pa is the pride of Hubei—both a spiritual and martial order respected by all. One Daseohui member frowned as if Mu Dang Pa had been insulted. “Shady poison makers, you say! Watch your words!” “Did I say anything incorrect!” “Dangjeong is a virtuous hero in the martial world, not like those shady poison makers. How can you speak like that?” While they might concede that Dang Ga has a questionable reputation, they wouldn't stand for insults to Dangjeong. Daseohui was split, but there were nods of agreement. “I, I misspoke there! But how can anyone say Mu Dang's martial arts fall behind those poison makers!” “In Sichuan, even powerhouses like Amipa and Cheongseongpa consider Dang Ga superior in martial prowess. What's lacking?” Unlike Jekalsega, who failed to take control of the provincial city of Wuhan, Dang Ga dominated Sichuan province's capital—a feat neither Amipa nor Cheongseongpa accomplished. “So they're worldly martial clans. How can their skills be underestimated? In Sichuan, Amipa and Cheongseongpa are naturally the ones respected by the people!” While Dang Ga might hold more power, the influence of the traditional schools is undeniable. This was a clear fact, but it wasn't important to the Daseohui members siding with Dangjeong. “Hmph. It’s always the second-in-line making such excuses.” A Daseohui member smirked, one side of their mouth tilting upwards. “What did you just say?” “Enough. This will turn into a brawl. Why argue about something meaningless?” Though Daseohui members split into factions supporting Dangjeong or Unhyeon, there were those who tried to mediate. “Meaningless? Unhyeon and Dangjeong are martial artists of the same era. Of course, it’s significant.” “Exactly right. This debate is practically orchestrated by Hopil. Why else place two heroes in the same timeline?” “Hmm.” The stone has been cast. The Daseohui member who tried to placate the debate understood. The argument wasn’t just for the sake of fighting. Otherwise, everyone’s face would be filled with anger. Instead, the faces of Daseohui members were lit up with the delight of a new pastime. Who is stronger, Dangjeong or Unhyeon? It’s a naturally captivating topic. Aficionados debate, each presenting their rationale in support of their favorite character, flaunting their knowledge and displaying affection for the novel. It strengthens bonds within factions. What could be more entertaining than this debate? “It’s not as if Unhyeon could ever match Dangjeong. Unhyeon isn’t some lust-driven rogue. Could he even handle poison?” Ultimately, the debate carried on. “Does Unhyeon seem like an ordinary person? Once he notices poison is about to be used, heads will roll!” “Indeed. Unhyeon would behead three villains before the poison is spread!” “Hah. Truly the greatest hero in Hopil's literary history. That’s Unhyeon.” The Unhyeon-supporting faction applauded in agreement. “Ugh! What about hidden weapons, then? Dangjeong's skill with them is lightning fast!” “Ugh! Hidden weapons….” “They’re swift as the wind and laced with poison. Even Unhyeon wouldn’t stand a chance.” The faction claiming Unhyeon's superiority was momentarily cornered. Unhyeon wasn't known for relying on sheer speed. In contrast, Dang Ga employed decisive hidden weaponry, emphasizing swift results. What could they say? After some thought, a Daseohui member supporting Unhyeon nodded confidently. “No problem. He deflected them.” “What?!” “Swift as the wind, a hidden weapon is nothing more than a breath of air to Unhyeon, who mastered Mu Dang Pa’s Bagua Swordplay.” With a firm declaration from the Unhyeon faction member, cheers erupted. “Indeed!” “Hah. You again. Truly the greatest hero in Hopil's literary history. That’s Unhyeon!” Unhyeon can handle it. Any gap can be bridged with the devotion of Daseohui. Others nodded in agreement. “Are you just going to keep fabricating nonsense like that?” “What fabrication? Are you scoffing at the enlightenment transmitted by Mu Dang Pa’s fifth-generation master!” “Even if he learned from a Mu Dang Pa master, Unhyeon’s achievements are insignificant. He hasn’t mastered even a thousand variations, let alone ten thousand.” “Ngh!” “On the other hand, Dangjeong has blazed a new path admired by masters of Dang Ga's martial arts. He possesses the makings of a master of his era!” “Ugh!” “Ha ha. You ought to admit it.” “Unhyeon is a hero who turns the impossible possible! He becomes strongest in dangerous moments. Surely there would be a solution!” “Really? Then how would he counter the Poison Sect technique?” It’s true Unhyeon is a rising figure in Mu Dang Pa. Yet Dangjeong’s skills already surpass such a level. The Dangjeong-biased faction questioned the others with incredulity. “Poison Sect technique?” “Welcome to the Poison Sect! How would Unhyeon overcome it?” The Poison Sect. It’s Dangjeong's secret martial art—a technique feared even by renowned rogues. How could Unhyeon possibly withstand it? There’s no way he can win. An argument that shouldn't have existed in the first place. How could anyone possibly consider Dangjeong less capable than Unhyeon? Those who claim Unhyeon's supremacy clearly haven't been reading the novel closely. The faction supporting Dangjeong was on the verge of breaking into victorious smiles when— "Just stay away until the Dichsa's Domain dissipates." A perfect counterattack was launched. “What?!” “Have a hearty breakfast, some tea. By the time the domain ends, he'll be exhausted, and then you can step in.” Why walk into danger? There’s no woman to impress here. A Daseohui member who sided with Unhyeon shrugged off the retort. “What are you implying with that!” Another Daseohui member looked incredulously at Chin Woo. “Why? Do you think I’m talking nonsense?” Chin Woo, also a supporter of Unhyeon, seemed to think there was no answer to the Dichsa's Domain. However, the member who was baffled shook his head and explained. “Unhyeon is a Taoist from Mu Dang Pa; he wouldn’t eat heavy meals in the morning.” “Ah. So it’s salad then. Won’t even be hungry enough to go in!” “Haha! Exactly!” A true friend, perfect for supplementing any missing logic. “Didn’t read the third volume, did you? The Dichsa's Domain is mobile now.” “Salads are light; you can eat them on the move!” “What nonsense!” If the two heroes clashed, would Dangjeong win or would Unhyeon? Once ignited, the debate had Daseohui ablaze, bringing many members back to the book circle day after day. *** “Why? What’s happening at the book circle?” I hadn’t been to Daseogak in days due to being busy, yet why was the atmosphere so charged? “Look over there, Manager Kang.” Ha So So pointed to a corner on the second floor. That’s where the Daseohui members usually sit, right? I turned my attention, straining to catch snippets of the commotion from that corner. “I brought him! He learned martial arts in a sect started by a Mu Dang Pa disciple!” “I just came because he said there'd be food! Also, I wouldn’t say I joined the school, just learned a thing or two.” “Bringing a martial artist here? Really?” “Please share your opinion, esteemed elder. Between Dangjeong of the Dang Ga in Sichuan and Unhyeon, the disciple of the former head of Mu Dang Pa and Hopil's greatest hero, who seems stronger to you?” “Between a Mu Dang Pa member and a Dang Ga guy? Well, obviously…” “Wait. Cousin, have you even read ‘Geopolitical Storm’ and ‘Ethereal Heroic Adventure’?” “Well… not really. He promised to lend them to me today.” “So you brought someone stirring trouble without even reading the novels. Prepare yourself.” “Let’s get ready to move.” “Hold on! Why are you pulling out a pallet! Sorry! My mistake!” “We can’t tolerate scheme-stirrers who haven’t read the novels!” Where are they pulling the pallet from? Is another troublemaker being carried out like that? “Is this a discussion on which protagonist is stronger, not a debate on the main storyline?” I turned to So So and asked. “If it was just a discussion, that would be fine. But they’re clenching their jaws and spitting while they talk. It’s getting too heated.” So So lamented in a worried voice. I hadn’t anticipated this chaos from publishing two novels simultaneously. I remember as a child reading comparisons of which favorite robot was stronger. Debating in comments—whether the older hero was stronger, or the younger one, or the rival. As pilots, the older might have been stronger, but the younger had more raw abilities. “So So, is what I asked ready?” Perfect. It's time to unveil what we've prepared. “Yes, should I bring it out now?” “While I chat with the Infinite Daseo Society, bring it over when it’s ready.” With the fervor steaming up Daseogak, we might as well boil some water to match the heat, right? I instructed So So, moving towards the crowd engrossed in their feverish debate.