Chapter 078
Of course, Baek Sugyeong never stopped writing even while going through various incidents.
Stop writing when being an author is his main profession?
Unless a natural disaster forced him into a hospital, the day Baek Sugyeong put down his brush would never come.
Of course, that didn't mean he skipped his exercise routine.
While he focused on writing his eleventh volume, making sure to take care of his body, So Ssanga came looking for him.
"Here you are, Owner!"
"Lady So?"
So Ssanga looked slightly surprised as Baek Sugyeong put down the long piece of metal he had been carrying on his shoulder.
"I heard you've been focusing on exercise lately, and it's true?"
"If my health deteriorates, I won't be able to write anymore."
More than anything else, Baek Sugyeong enjoyed the act of writing itself.
Though he complained about being disillusioned with Murim and wanting to live a normal life but being unable to, he was fundamentally a born writer.
He was simply an unfortunate person whose work was too far ahead of his time.
For someone who enjoyed the act of writing itself, taking care of his body was just another means to continue writing.
"You really are serious about writing."
"It's my only pleasure. I suppose I'm becoming someone who craves attention."
Of course, he still found it burdensome that Murim kept a close eye on his writing.
But that was something he needed to adapt to now.
There was no point in denying that the status of 'Wudang Sword Hero' and Baek Sugyeong's own reputation had grown excessively.
Lamenting that he wasn't suited for it wouldn't change anything.
The only thing left was to fit himself into that role.
"So, what brings you here?"
"I've found Lady Gal's whereabouts."
Baek Sugyeong's expression turned serious at So Ssanga's words.
Even after more than half of January had passed, nearly a month, Gal Yerung hadn't appeared before them.
Unless something was suspicious.
"Where?"
"She was spotted near Beijing…"
"Beijing?"
Baek Sugyeong's forehead immediately wrinkled.
Beijing was the imperial capital, where the main palace was located.
Walking in there voluntarily made no sense.
'How strange…'
"Owner?"
"Unless the Hao Sect has a branch or headquarters there, I don't see why Lady Gal would be there. What do you think, Lady So?"
"I think the same, but going to Beijing would be difficult, wouldn't it…?"
So Ssanga was clearly watching Baek Sugyeong's reaction.
Asking him to go to Beijing was practically demanding his death.
Baek Sugyeong smiled slightly.
"For now, we've found Lady Gal's whereabouts. If she wants to return, she'll return anytime. Just not now."
"I see…"
"However, I do have some questions for the Hao Sect, so I should pack my bags."
So Ssanga's eyes widened.
"If you say so…"
"I need to go to Beijing. I have a sense of why the Hao Sect wanted me."
Baek Sugyeong gazed skyward.
The Hao Sect had always wanted to rise from the shadows.
"Whether they truly wanted me as part of their plan to come into the open, or if they were trying to recruit me…"
His gaze returned.
"It would be best to hear the answer from Lady Gal herself."
"Are you going to Beijing?"
"This might be a good opportunity for you to scout locations for a branch there as well. You can't keep doing business only in Hubei and Hunan forever."
So Ssanga gave an awkward smile.
"And since the Cult Leader mentioned discussing the authority to decide on a trading company that would travel between the Central Plains and Xinjiang, it wouldn't be bad to broaden your horizons too."
"Ah!"
So Ssanga showed a grateful expression.
After finishing his cool-down exercises, Baek Sugyeong put the equipment back and stretched his shoulders.
If he continued like this, the pain in his wrist would gradually improve.
'Come to think of it, I've been neglecting my body more than I thought since I started writing "Wudang Sword Hero."'
Completing a first draft in two weeks, then spending a week revising, was a brutal schedule.
Baek Sugyeong rubbed his chin.
"Lady So. From now on, it would be best to publish new volumes on a regular schedule."
"By regular schedule, you mean…"
"One volume every one to two months."
"Are you feeling unwell somewhere…?"
Baek Sugyeong rubbed his wrist.
"Her Highness the Princess ordered me to take better care of it. It's not in good condition."
"If that's the reason, I think everyone will understand."
"I hope so."
Baek Sugyeong was already thinking about what would come after 'Wudang Sword Hero.'
No matter how successful it was, every story eventually had an ending.
He had already laid the groundwork for new stories in the same world.
'I should ask Young Master Ahwi about this too.'
"Let's coordinate the schedule for now."
"Yes, Owner!"
...
"It's a shame you're going to Beijing."
Bang Soran set down her teacup with a look of regret.
So Seonha also looked disappointed.
"Is it because of the Hao Sect?"
Baek Sugyeong smiled without answering.
"I never expected Lady So to become such a strong expert."
"I didn't expect it either. But I'm curious about something."
"Please ask."
"Did you know Seonha has a Reversed Acupoint Body?"
"How could I? All I knew was what you told me, Lady Bang."
Bang Soran narrowed her eyes slightly.
Baek Sugyeong sighed inwardly.
For something like that, the similarities between So Seonha and the protagonist of 'Little Immortal's Chivalrous Journey' were far too perfect.
"Why would I lie? There's nothing to gain from it, so please put aside your suspicious gaze."
"I just found it amazing how well your writing matches Seonha's situation."
So Seonha was petting the Moon White Night Cat on her shoulder.
A real spiritual beast.
Baek Sugyeong didn't dare touch it.
"Are you returning to Mount Funiu?"
"I plan to stay in Luoyang for a while. I want to broaden Seonha's horizons…"
So Seonha's eyes sparkled.
"Teacher! Then can I go with Teacher Sugyeong?!"
"What?"
"I want to learn all sorts of things!"
Baek Sugyeong sighed.
"Lady Bang—"
"That might not be a bad idea."
Bang Soran smiled.
"Lady Namgung will be with you, so you can learn more about swordsmanship."
"Lady Bang?!"
"I entrust her to you, Teacher Sugyeong."
So Seonha bowed deeply.
"I'll be in your care, Teacher Sugyeong!"
And just like that, an unexpected companion was added to the journey to Beijing.
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📚 Author's Note:
Thanks to Sleepy_cat2 for the 1 Power Stone!
🐧