Chapter 003
Unlike what I had expected, it wasn't the Wudang Sect Leader, Master Hyeonseong, who sent the two Taoists from the Jeong family.
According to them, a clear division had formed within Wudang. One faction demanded that Baek Sugyeong be punished for writing Wudang Sword Hero, while the other argued that it was merely a piece of writing and that punishment would be excessive.
The two visitors had been sent by Master Mujin, who belonged to the faction defending him.
"Master Sugyeong, you needn't worry too much. We've been ordered by our elder to stay in Wuhan and protect you."
"I… I see."
Baek Sugyeong felt dizzy at Taoist Jeong Jin's words.
Taoist Jeong U pulled a book from his robe and held it out toward him.
"Would you write your name—no, would you leave your signature here? If Master Sugyeong personally signs this, I'll treasure it as a family heirloom for generations."
"Jeong U! Didn't I say I would be first?"
"Haha! Senior Brother, in these matters, whoever acts first wins!"
"Then I shall personally teach you the proper way of brotherhood!"
With a sharp swish, Taoist Jeong Jin drew the sword at his waist. Taoist Jeong U, unwilling to back down, also drew his sword.
"I don't care about anything else, but Master Sugyeong's personal signature! I absolutely won't yield on this!"
"Stop! Stop!! Both of you, please stop!"
The atmosphere heated up to the point where bloodshed seemed imminent.
'This is making me dizzy…'
Heat rushed to Baek Sugyeong's forehead as he sighed.
"Did you both bring books?"
"Of course!"
"Here it is!"
Seeing the two brothers proudly holding out their books, Baek Sugyeong felt a wave of vertigo.
It had only been three months.
How far had this gone?
His stomach burned.
'I need stomach medicine… I really need stomach medicine…'
Brothers drawing swords just to get an author's signature?
Is this really the proper martial world?
In the end, Baek Sugyeong signed both books and made the two swear never to draw swords over something like this again.
"The master is truly benevolent."
"To worry about our brotherhood being damaged—our cultivation is lacking, severely lacking. We've learned another lesson."
No, that's not it.
I was afraid I'd faint if you actually started fighting.
Hiding his thoughts, Baek Sugyeong gave a bitter smile.
"By the way, Master Sugyeong, when will the second volume be released?"
"The second volume… you say."
To be honest, he hadn't thought about it at all.
It had been a novel written in a fit of anger—never meant to be published. Just a self-indulgent story to vent his frustrations with the martial world.
He never imagined it would reach Wudang. Let alone summon people from it.
'Things seem to be working out, but…'
At least Wudang hadn't sent someone to kill him.
In modern times, this would be like writing a novel loosely inspired by the Samsung family and having it reach their ears.
Cold sweat ran down his spine.
'This is terrifying…'
Another wave of heartburn struck.
'Stomach medicine… damn it…'
"Yes. Our master is waiting as well, so he told us to get a definite answer."
"Your master is…?"
"Dark Heaven Sword Master Mujin."
Why was that name coming up here?
Dark Heaven Sword Master Mujin.
One of the Three Masters of Wudang.
The pride of the sect.
A sword master who had perfected the Dark Heaven Seven Stars Sword.
The blood drained from Baek Sugyeong's face.
"Master Sugyeong?"
"Your face is pale. Are you feeling unwell…?"
He couldn't hear them anymore.
If even one of the Three Masters had read Wudang Sword Hero, then the Sect Leader must have read it as well.
His legs gave out.
'This is driving me crazy. Truly.'
That was Baek Sugyeong's last thought.
Then he lost consciousness.
"Master Sugyeong?!"
"Jeong U, carry the master! We must go to a physician!"
"Yes, Senior Brother!!"
...
When he opened his eyes, Baek Sugyeong saw the unfamiliar ceiling of a physician's office.
The strong scent of medicinal herbs stung his nose.
'Did I lose consciousness?'
Pressing his throbbing forehead, he sat up.
"…Ah."
He had fainted the moment he heard that the Wudang Sect Leader had read his novel.
His face burned with embarrassment.
Separately, his stomach screamed in protest.
"Tsk. Is a young man like you deficient in energy? Fainting in broad daylight."
"Physician Hwang."
The elderly physician set down a bowl of medicine.
"My heart nearly stopped when I saw you carried in by Wudang Taoists. I thought you had no ties to martial artists."
"I thought so too."
"Drink this. It's bitter."
The bitterness assaulted his throat.
He barely finished it.
"Those Taoists paid the fee."
"I see."
"That book—Wudang Sword Hero—is very popular."
"cough"
Baek Sugyeong felt hollow.
It seemed his ordinary life was truly over.
...
Outside his bookstore, crowds gathered.
"Scholar Baek!!"
"Please come out!!"
Cold sweat broke out.
Taoist Jeong Jin's voice thundered:
"I am Jeong Jin, disciple of the great Wudang Sect!"
The crowd froze.
Slowly, they dispersed.
Each word stabbed Baek Sugyeong's heart.
Escaping to the back courtyard, he clutched his head.
"How did it come to this…"
Heartburn gnawed at him endlessly.
Entering his writing room, the familiar scent calmed him slightly.
"What should I do…"
Then—
'It's an opportunity.'
There were no modern-style novels in the Central Plains.
If that was the case…
He shouldn't disappoint his readers.
"…Is this karma?"
He pulled out the manuscript.
In thirty minutes, he reread all of Volume 1.
Then he picked up his brush.
"What is chivalry?"
The brush moved without hesitation.
Each stroke carried his indignation.
And thus—
Some time later,
The second volume of Wudang Sword Hero was released to the world.