166

Chapter 166 - An Unexpected Meeting - 3

I am writing under the pen name of "ink knight."

And no, it's not an erotic novel. Since arriving in this world, I've noticed that martial arts fiction isn't very popular. To increase its mainstream appeal, I've mixed romance between men and women into martial arts stories.

How should I put this?

Of course, I like erotic stories, I like fantasies filled with fights and romance, and I do enjoy martial arts fiction with romantic elements. But admitting to others that I write these kinds of stories is another matter entirely.

Even if erotic stories have mainstream popularity in this world, the authors who write them are not entirely above board.

Ho Phil. The barbarian brush. The barbarian wordsmith. The reason why readers do not find my pseudonym strange or laughable is because the actual authors of erotic novels often use peculiar or humorous pen names.

A poor scholar writes erotic stories under a pseudonym for money, never revealing their true identity.

Since this is quite common in this world, I too was able to maintain a double life as the manager of Daseogak while writing under the name Ho Phil.

Aren't people from the Dangga clan too loose-lipped? I had to reveal that I was Ho Phil due to the circumstances, but I didn't expect them to go spreading it around. Even though I'm indebted to them for providing me with Gu-myeong-je-eun, there was no real need to reveal my personal details.

"I am writing stories of the martial world," I answered Cheong Woon indirectly in response to his question.

"Stories of the martial world, you say. By any chance, are you writing about historical events from the martial world?"

"No, I am writing stories about martial artists."

"Martial artists?"

Why this reaction? Cheong Woon suddenly stood up from the bed he was sitting on, looking at me with surprised eyes.

"Yes. I'm writing a novel about a martial artist who comes from a righteous clan."

"Perhaps you're writing about the Nine Great Schools? For example, a protagonist who originates from the Mount Hua Sect?"

Cheong Woon looked at me with eyes full of expectation.

"No. I am writing about a protagonist from the Sacheon Dangga family."

"Ah... The Sacheon Dangga."

Cheong Woon sat back down on the bed, clearly disappointed. He must have been hoping that I was writing about his own clan.

After all, when it comes to martial arts fiction, the Mount Hua Sect is quite renowned—from the Seven Mount Hua Heroes to the Demonic Sword of Mount Hua and the Chronicles of the Martial Artists of Mount Hua, there's a lot to choose from.

"What is your pen name, if I may ask?"

Cheong Woon made an inquiry, his disappointment still evident, but he asked tentatively.

Should I tell him? I was a bit reluctant, but since he had shown me kindness by clothing me in Gu-myeong-je-eun, I couldn't lie.

"I go by the name of Ho Phil. I have garnered a modest reputation in Uichang."

I'm not the boss of the erotic literature world or anything. I am a novelist with some renown in my own right. I added this as a subtle explanation.

"Ah... I see."

You haven't heard of me, have you? Cheong Woon's expression resembled that of someone who's heard of a famous detective but has never actually come across their name, a mix of disappointment and regret.

It's understandable. Even though they are both in Hubei province, Mount Hua and Uichang are as far apart as Seoul and Busan.

"Ha ha. I feel embarrassed for bragging about a reputation you have not heard of."

It's a relief. It's better if he doesn't know about what kind of novels I write. Although I wasn't really embarrassed, I feigned modesty.

"Not at all. I have heard that your stories of the martial world are quite popular in Uichang. It is something to be proud of. Stories about the martial world are not very popular, usually relegated to some dusty corner of a bookshelf, and it has always pained my heart, so really it is quite remarkable."

"Ha ha. Indeed, stories about the martial world aren't very popular."

A bitter memory of failure suddenly came to mind.

"Yes. The more you think about it, the more worthwhile those books are. Even the disciples, instead of reading exemplary books, secretly read other popular ones."

Do young Taoist priests also read erotic stories? These cheeky monks...

"Ha ha. Young initiates filled with youthful vigor can be like that."

"How embarrassing," Cheong Woon said, bowing his head as if feeling guilty for inadvertently speaking ill of his sect.

"Seems you have a liking for martial world stories after all," I observed, pleased to encounter a fellow aficionado of martial arts fiction.

"One who has stepped into the martial world must understand the way of the martial artist. While teachings can be found in scriptures and ancient texts, stories provide both joy and lessons; how could I not read them? It would be good if the disciples understood this pleasure too, but even when I recommend good books about the heroic way, they tend to disregard them."

"Ha ha. As they read more, they may grow weary, and then perhaps they will pick up books such as the ones you read. Surely, you too are not unaware of the charm of such books."

There's no way they spend every day reading only erotic novels since they are bursting with youthful energy.

"I do not indulge in books that could hinder my spiritual practice," stated Cheong Woon firmly.

Oh my. A true Taoist renouncing worldly desires. A martial artist who even shuns the worldly passions. Perhaps this is what it means to practice the way of the martial artist. He seems like a character torn out of a martial arts role-playing game, not a martial arts novel.

"I fear I have made an indelicate remark, Master Taoist," I apologized for the unintentionally rude comment.

"Not at all. But a novel about the martial path, that's fascinating. Judging by the expressions of the people of the Dangga clan, you must be writing a truly entertaining tale. I've read many novels, but never have I heard of one being so popular."

Cheong Woon expressed his surprise akin to a die-hard traditional fantasy genre fan hearing that a new hardcover novel had topped the web novel bestseller list.

"I was fortunate enough to touch the hearts of many with a little talent I possess. And it's not just one book."

I replied with a sense of pride.

"Really?"

"Indeed, the first book received such a positive response that I published a second volume, which successfully continued to draw interest."

"Ah... more than one interesting novel... ah..."

Cheong Woon sighed wistfully, a bittersweet expression crossing his face, as if he harbored some uneasy and regretful thoughts.

"Is something on your mind?"

"I was lost in thought for a moment. You must have paused your writing endeavors due to a friend's affairs."

"Yes. However, once my friend's matters are settled, I plan to release the third volume for certain."

No matter how things turn out at the Dangga clan, I will publish the third volume of Dangga Poongwoon.

"Even with your friend's issues, to already be thinking about the next volume shows a real sense of responsibility."

"Ha ha! When you sell books, you naturally have to take responsibility."

"That's right. If an author has started a novel, they should plan to finish it. It's incredibly irresponsible to just drop it after just one volume."

Cheong Woon's expression turned a bit grim. What's wrong with him?

"Yes. Ha ha."

"Really, an author must carry responsibility. Irresponsible authors are no fun at all. At least if they left an address, we could hunt them down, but not even leaving a proper pen name—that's just cowardly."

Cheong Woon muttered under his breath with a voice filled with accumulated resentment, without even taking a breath.

"Excuse me, Xiao-hyup?"

What's going on? Why is he suddenly overreacting?

"Ah...! I apologize. I'm embarrassed for revealing such an unsightly side to myself."

Cheong Woon halted his sudden outburst and bowed his head shyly in response to my call.

"Ha ha. It seems you've had your fair share of frustrations. I understand as well."

Did I trigger some trauma? Someone who hasn't been in such a situation would be shocked, but I get it.

"You understand?"

Cheong Woon asked me with a surprised look.

"Yes. Before being a writer, am I not also a reader? More than once, I have yearned to lock up an entertaining author in a lonely room and only feed them dumplings until they write."

He really does love books. I understand. That outburst from Cheong Woon Xiao-hyup was not intentional.

I made a light joke to ease the suddenly awkward and heavy atmosphere.

"That won't be enough."

It seems my attempt at humor wasn't taken lightly.

"Really?"

"The sin of stirring a reader's heart and then disappearing is immeasurable. They should be confined to a training hall with a portion of wall-breaking pills administered with each batch they write. They only deserve a proper meal when they complete an entire volume."

Cheong Woon wiggled his fingers as if he would snatch up any reclusive authors and throw them into caves.

"Ha ha ha..."

I couldn't help but laugh awkwardly. Whichever author it is that has incurred this martial artist's enmity is probably not long for this world.

This is awkward. Cheong Woon Xiao-hyup, perhaps feeling embarrassed about his outburst, said no more.

"In truth, I always thought of martial artists as beings from dreams. But having met a true martial artist like Cheong Woon Xiao-hyup and been clothed in Gu-myeong-je-eun by him, it truly feels like a dream."

I praised Cheong Woon Xiao-hyup again, in an attempt to freshen the mood.

"You flatter me. Anyone in my position would have done the same."

"Flattery? I've been in the Central Plains for a while, but have not come across any such martial artists, try as I might. If it wasn't for that, why else would someone like me, dreaming of martial artists, have taken up the pen?"

I heard you climbed the mountain to search for a missing person. If Cheong Woon Xiao-hyup were not a martial artist, he wouldn't have been there in the first place. No amount of praise could suffice.

"I too have ventured into the Jianghu to fulfill my dream of becoming a martial artist," Cheong Woon said, straightening his posture and speaking to me with a serious face.

"It was not a decision just anyone could make. You are truly remarkable."

"It's not just me who made such a decision. You, Master Kang, could be writing any of the myriad novels out there, yet you chose to write about martial artists. We both dream of martial artists. One picked up the sword, and the other, the pen. Your praise is too generous and it embarrasses me."

He knows how to respond quite gracefully. I can hardly say in this situation, "Actually, I write erotic martial arts fiction."

"Your words embarrass me. Then, if I may ask, could you tell me about your path as a martial artist?"

"I haven't been in the Jianghu long enough to have many tales to share."

He doesn't want to talk about it.

Cheong Woon made a show of reluctance but kept glancing at me, his lips twitching. You want to talk, don't you? Martial artist deeds are something to be proud of.

"I would love to hear about it. It could serve as inspiration for my writing. Please, if you don't mind, I would be grateful for your stories."

"I'm not much of a storyteller..."

"Whatever you say, I will listen attentively."

Upon seeing my earnest stance, Cheong Woon sighed lightly and his eyes glimmered.

The modest deeds that started after leaving Mount Hua. Cheong Woon began to speak modestly, but soon life and vigor imbued his words and face.

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

"It seems I have detained you for too long."

Had Cheong Woon noticed that my eyelids were growing heavy? He spoke to me with a touch of reluctance.

"Not at all. I would like to listen more, but I regret that my energy is failing me."

"You should rest now."

"Yes. The fact that there was a martial artist like Cheong Woon Xiao-hyup out there in the Central Plains, like one I have dreamed of, is comforting enough for me to sleep soundly."

Smiling at Cheong Woon as if I had found the star of my dreams, I began to make my bed.

"..."

"Xiao-hyup?"

Why is he so deep in thought? Right before lying down, I called out to Cheong Woon who was still staring blankly in my direction.

"Ah, nothing!"

Caught off guard by my call, Cheong Woon Xiao-hyup suddenly bolted towards the door.

"Where are you going, Xiao-hyup?"

"Please rest first. I will take a quick patrol around the perimeter."

What's the matter?

Not the sort to volunteer for night duty when another declares their intent, I lay down with a slight sense of uncertainty.

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

Cheong Woon stepped outside the inn to breathe some fresh air. The cool night breeze brushed against his heated cheeks.

"Hey, this fellow. This one needs to be taken!"

"No, I told you not to!"

As Cheong Woon walked around, he stumbled across some warriors from the Dangga clan burning trash.

"What's going on?"

"Nothing serious, Cheong Woon Xiao-hyup. Just that this fellow wanted to burn these books, treasured by a deceased comrade."

"Can you even consider this a memento? Just burn it."

"Why would you burn a book containing the calligraphy of author Ho Phil?"

"I'm saddened too, but don't we need to lighten the load?"

The name Cheong Woon heard amongst the two warriors from the Dangga clan was the pen name of the author he had just been discussing.

"Did you say Ho Phil? You're talking about Master Kang's book, right?"

"Ah! If you haven't had a chance to read them, would you like to take them, Xiao-hyup?"

"Yes, I will take them."

"The deceased brother would be glad knowing Xiao-hyup is taking them."

The soldier from the Dangga unable to bring himself to burn the deceased comrade's books, hurriedly handed them over to Cheong Woon.

Popular books in Uichang. Books about martial artists written by Master Kang. What kind of book could they be?

Cheong Woon carefully observed the cover of the book he received, then followed with reading the letters written on it.

"Ho Phil. Dangga... Poongwoon?"