135

Chapter 135 - Uninvited Guest - 2

I had known that such a day would come eventually.

The protagonist of the wuxia novel I wrote belonged to the Sichuan Tang clan. Surely, if the people from the Sichuan Tang clan were to read it, there would be some sort of reaction.

Of course, I didn't think there was a need to worry from the start.

The place where I reside is Yichang in the Hubei province. The Sichuan Tang clan is situated in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. Even though Sichuan is right to the east of Hubei, the distance between them is quite significant.

First, I wanted to pique the readers' interest using the Sichuan Tang clan as the subject matter, injecting plausibility into the narrative, and achieving fame.

It would only be when 'Tang Clan's Breeze and Storm' gained enough fame to resonate throughout the entirety of Hubei province that someone from the Sichuan Tang clan would come looking. I had been a bit complacent in my thoughts.

Never did I imagine that such a day would arrive so soon.

"What brings you here?"

I asked the man with purple hair, who looked unmistakably like a martial artist from the Sichuan Tang clan, with a smile on my face.

"As a martial artist of the Sichuan Tang clan, I must find out the author of this novel, 'Tang Clan's Breeze and Storm'."

Just as I suspected, he is from the Sichuan Tang clan.

The man didn't spit out rudeness like a disrespectful martial artist might. But there was something about the way he spoke that felt commanding.

His expression wasn't one of anger or laughter – it was difficult to interpret. With such a rigid face, it was impossible to guess whether he had come with good intentions or ill intentions.

"I cannot disclose that information."

"A person who wrote a novel starring the main character from the Sichuan Tang clan. You're telling me you cannot disclose even now?"

Would you, if you were in my shoes? The moment he heard my refusal, the man from the Sichuan Tang clan emitted a strange aura and lowered his voice with pressure. The bastard got aggressive as soon as I said no. His demeanor doesn't seem to indicate good intentions.

Had I been a civilian untrained in martial arts and not someone trained by an unparalleled mistress in the martial world, I would have immediately succumbed to even this minor intimidation.

Isn't this a bit too much for an accusation? The protagonist of 'Tang Clan's Breeze and Storm' isn't some third-rate chaebol villain from a drama but an honorable swordsman. Besides, I'm not even the first author to use a protagonist from the Sichuan Tang clan.

Of course, all the novels featuring a protagonist from the Sichuan Tang clan until now had petty and dark characters, and their content wasn't interesting either.

Why are you pressuring me over a protagonist who charges toward negotiation like a large docile herbivore? Could it be because I didn't portray the protagonist as a herbivore in the bedroom, but instead as a clever serpent?

"The novel 'Tang Clan's Breeze and Storm' is being published by Daseogak. If you have any complaints, please address them not to writer Hofil but to me."

"I am already aware of that."

The man eyed me from top to bottom with a smile that seemed to suggest he had investigated everything.

Did he find out?

I positioned myself near the exit with an expression of not understanding what he was talking about while tidying up the books. In the worst-case scenario, I'll just get out and scream.

Danger of halt in publication for 'Tang Clan's Breeze and Storm' Volume 3!

Assemble, Daseohoe!

"What do you mean?"

"You are the author Hofil who wrote 'Tang Clan's Breeze and Storm.' A person of the Sichuan Tang clan, aren't you?"

"Haha, someone from the Sichuan Tang clan?"

I replied with a relieved sigh of relief inwardly. Fortunately, he didn't know my true identity. You, sir, are wrong. But in fact, you're half-right.

"I cannot be deceived. The content of this book contains research that could only be known to someone from the Sichuan Tang clan."

"Is that so?"

I responded to the man as if I still had no clue what he was getting at.

"Are you truly going to continue playing dumb?"

The man exuded pressure once again with his aura. What should I do? While I was contemplating, I noticed Hwarin, looking serious, walking toward us from a distance.

'Hey. Don't come over.'

I shot Hwarin a glance that I hoped wouldn't alert the martial artist. Hwarin hesitated somewhat when she caught my eye.

Hwarin, it'll truly be troublesome if you come. I rolled my eyes, signaling for her to hide behind the bookshelf.

"Why do you keep looking behind?"

As I continued to look back, the martial artist turned his head to look as well. Fortunately, Hwarin had already hidden herself behind a shelf out of the man's sight in time.

"There are just too many thieves stealing books these days."

"Ah, I see. But really, you cannot speak about this Hofil person? Surely he must be from the Sichuan Tang clan."

The man pointed at Hofil's name in the book and probed me again.

"As the manager of Daseogak, I am responsible for every single book that gets printed here. If there is something problematic about the content of the novel, do not think of harassing writer Hofil, but rather speak to me."

I spoke to the man as if I was a meaningful merchant, set on fostering and protecting a virtuous author.

What do you want with Hofil? Are you planning on taking him for some biological experimentation? Like, "Let's test pufferfish venom today. How many eggs must one consume to feel the thrill and yet not die? Yesterday we stopped at three eggs, so let's endure up to five today. You understand? Oh. Dead already."

I entertained the notion of undergoing biological experimentation at the hands of the Sichuan Tang clan for a moment, then resolved never to reveal Hofil's true identity.

"Hahaha. Harass? You'd think writer Hofil has committed some crime. Hahaha."

The unexpected reply came out along with the sound of the martial artist's laughter.

What? He wasn't going to do human experiments?

"Then why are you looking for writer Hofil?"

"I happened to read this novel yesterday, and was so moved that I just had to visit."

"Is that so."

"How much has the Sichuan Tang clan suffered from slander over the years? Whenever a Tang clan leader is the protagonist, they're shown as malevolent, scheming in the shadows. Is the Sichuan Tang clan some sort of demonic faction? I was so angry it was infuriating, but after reading this novel, the tears of emotion I shed yesterday…"

"Indeed, the Tang clan protagonists in novels aren't known for their good characters."

So, in this world, it's also a cliché to think that if a righteous faction is scheming, the Sichuan Tang clan must be behind it?

Chapter 135 - Uninvited Guest - 2 (continued)

"On the other hand, what about 'Tang Clan's Breeze and Storm'? Tang Jeong is a true righteous character. The content of the novel is so enjoyable. Additionally, having read the book, it's clear it was written by someone from the Sichuan Tang clan. No doubt, it's the work of someone from our clan, written to combat the prejudice and slander against us. That is why I came to encourage and find out the true identity of the author."

"Haha, is that so?"

"Yes. Now, could you possibly reveal Hofil's identity to me?"

The man asked once more with a smile, requesting the identity of Hofil. But I could not disclose it. Despite his outward display of goodwill, who knows what dark intentions he may hold within.

"Writer Hofil does not wish for their identity to be revealed."

"Hahaha, I understand. It's a novel that polishes the image of their own clan. Naturally, they would face great embarrassment if their identity as a Sichuan Tang clan member were uncovered. Hahaha."

The man, convinced his guess was correct, laughed heartily with his head thrown back.

"Thank you for your understanding."

I responded with a reply that could neither be taken as a confirmation nor a denial.

"Really, this novel is so entertaining and the protagonist so appealing. How could a person from the Sichuan Tang clan, whose character is not at all like what one would expect from the clan, no, I mean, in the true spirit of a righteous faction, come up with such content? It's truly worthy of someone from our clan..."

The man seemed deeply impressed by 'Tang Clan's Breeze and Storm,' babbling on about its contents for a while. It seems he really did enjoy the novel.

"I must head up to the second floor now."

After listening to the man for some time, I made an excuse to leave, indicating I was busy.

"Then, I just have one last thing to ask before you go."

The man's expression hardened as he realized I was about to leave.

"Please, go ahead."

Is he going to let his guard down and ask about my identity again?

"Ahem. It's just that my companions and I will soon be heading back to Sichuan. I was wondering if it would be possible to obtain the third volume in advance?"

The man asked somewhat sheepishly, avoiding my gaze.

"Ah, that would be..."

I responded awkwardly with a smile, indicating that it wouldn't be possible.

"We're both from the Sichuan Tang clan. Even if it hasn't been published yet, I'm sure you'd be happy to give me the third volume..."

"I'm sorry, but as far as I know, the third volume has not been completed yet."

"That's disappointing, terribly disappointing. To go back to Sichuan without securing the third volume. Well, I suppose that can't be helped. Since it's been so enjoyable, I'll just have to buy a few more copies of the first and second volumes. Please process my payment."

The man grabbed a few copies of 'Tang Clan's Breeze and Storm' and presented a gold coin.

"Here is your change."

"Keep the change. I don't know who Hofil is, but tell them to buy themselves a good drink with the leftover money. I'll be off."

The man, who brought a storm with him early in the morning, smilingly left after giving me more change than the cost of the books.

-------------

"Haah. That aged me ten years."

Late in the evening, after work. In a restaurant in Yichang. I used the extra change the man gave me to order some delicious food as a form of emotional compensation and finally let out a sigh of relief.

"You could have just called me."

Hwarin spoke with a hint of dissatisfaction.

"When everything can be handled quietly, why would I call you?"

"It was dangerous."

"It wasn't dangerous. And my plan involving Hofil worked out, didn't it?"

I maintain the secret identity of the author, Hofil.

The reason I keep Hofil's identity secret isn't merely because it makes the situation more interesting. It's because concealing Hofil's identity brings numerous benefits.

As much as my situation has improved, I am still a foreigner with black hair.

Simply because I have black hair and write, people might see 'Tang Clan's Breeze and Storm' with bias.

A pen name could be like a wild mushroom or Hofil; in this world, there are plenty of ridiculous pen names that it really doesn't matter. However, the fact that a foreigner with black hair is writing is a different issue.

Moreover, the more famous Hofil, the writer, becomes, the more he might be entangled in bothersome affairs.

If I were a highborn noble or a rich young master, it might be fine. But it's a different story for a simple foreigner with black hair.

Keeping my identity secret protects 'Tang Clan's Breeze and Storm' from threats or such bothersome incidents like today.

"Still..."

"For the time being, using Hofil and the manager roles should suffice. I don't fancy the idea of you being compromised, even if the other party lowers his voice a bit."

Turning the attention to Hwarin is a last resort for the worst-case scenario.

Hwarin is a victim of poison experiments. It's possible that, upon hearing about Hwarin, someone working in the shadows within the Tang clan could come looking. It's essential to prevent news about Hwarin from reaching the Sichuan Tang clan.

If the situation escalates to the point where Hwarin becomes a target, not only Hwarin, but I too would inevitably be in danger.

"Hmph. Are you going that far to consider my situation?"

Hwarin seemed moved by my words, chuckling in a strange nasal tone.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm not about to betray a friend just because I might be in danger."

When I'm in peril, what needs to be drawn upon is my ability to assess the situation and my wit, not a friend who cares about me.

"Yeah... That's right. We are friends."

Hwarin's expression shifted oddly, trailing off as if something was on her mind.

"No! Who do we have here if it isn't the manager of Daseogak?"

I was about to ask Hwarin why she seemed bothered when familiar faces appeared beside us.

"Aren't you members of Daseohoe? Have you come here for a meal?"

"We gathered for a drink to talk about 'Tang Clan's Breeze and Storm.'"

"Is that so?"

It's fun to have a drink and chat on the same subject with likeminded people.

"Since we've met here by chance, why don't you join us for a drink? If it's alright, after the meal, perhaps we could also go together to the local kisaeng house..."

Now that's tempting.

"Hey. Yunho."

Hwarin's voice was lower than the one from the warrior earlier, yet it carried an even chillier edge.

"I have companions with me."

"Ah, it's the lady owner of Daseogak. Hmm, well, I'll grab a bottle of liquor, so let's at least have a few drinks together!"

"Wait a moment! You there!"

I was unable to stop the Daseohoe person who was already heading off to fetch the liquor bottle.

************

In an inn within Yichang.

The martial artist from the Sichuan Tang clan who had visited Daseogak in the morning entered the inn where his companions were staying.

"My friend. You leave without eating and now return? Where have you been?"

The martial artist with purple hair, another man from the Sichuan Tang clan, looked at the man who had disappeared without eating.

"I had some business to attend to and have just returned."

"The mood is already sour due to our trip turning out to be a waste. What business could you possibly have? Surely, you haven't been drinking this early in the morning?"

The man frowned, reprimanding him.

"Of course not. And... hahaha. The trip wasn't in vain."

"Don't tell me you found what we've been looking for in Yichang?"

"Not quite. Nevertheless, I've acquired something incredibly mysterious and amazing, something that could not be found even if one searched the whole Central Plains."

"What, what exactly is it?"

The man who had been to Daseogak approached his companions and, taking something out from his belongings, began to speak.

"Have you heard of

this book that's got Yichang all astir—'Tang Clan's Breeze and Storm'?"

'Tang Clan's Breeze and Storm.' It was the moment not just for the martial artist from the Sichuan Tang clan but also for all the people of the Sichuan Tang clan to learn about 'Tang Clan's Breeze and Storm'.