Chapter 019
"Huh?"
Namgung Somin let out a dumbfounded sound, and Jinmyeong's face clearly said "that doesn't make any sense."
But Baek Sugyeong's expression remained unwavering as he looked at Bang Soran.
He had already made his decision.
Quickly composing herself, Namgung Somin turned to Jonghwa.
"Jonghwa, bring the Four Treasures of the Study for the teacher."
"Yes, my lady! I'll bring them right away!"
Jonghwa hurried off to fetch the writing implements.
It seemed Bang Soran was also surprised by Baek Sugyeong's bold claim, not just Jinmyeong and Namgung Somin.
"Is that even possible?" she asked.
"Since you mentioned a single volume, I think it would take two days at most."
"But you said it takes at least a month to publish a book…"
"That would be true if there were many preparations needed. 'Wudang Sword Hero' is a series, so there's much more to consider."
Baek Sugyeong continued with a slightly more relaxed expression.
"Of course, I'm not dismissing single-volume novels. They're certainly difficult to write too. What I'll write here is more like a short introduction."
"Then…"
"It will be a short piece that fits between 'Wudang Sword Hero' and the Shaolin story. Of course, to write it properly, I'll need to hear about your disciple."
One cannot write properly without knowing the details.
This is especially true when writing for a specific person.
Baek Sugyeong wanted to focus on that specific person—Bang Soran's disciple.
"Well…"
"This is a piece for Lady Bang's disciple. Naturally, the protagonist should be Lady Bang's disciple."
Baek Sugyeong smiled.
"So please, tell me about your disciple."
...
Bang Soran had carried the martial name "Thousand Sword Heroine" for quite some time.
Now in her thirties, she had been without disciples until three years ago, when she took in a child.
Orphans were surprisingly common in the Central Plains.
From the north, nomads from beyond the Great Wall constantly invaded, while in the south, Japanese pirates ran rampant. Naturally, many children lost their parents and became orphans in the process.
The child she took as a disciple was one whose parents had been killed when Bang Soran went south to execute Japanese pirates.
"So the child lost parents to the Japanese pirates."
"It took two and a half years for the child to open up. No talking, no showing emotions. It's only recently that the child started smiling."
"Recently meaning…"
Even as he asked, Baek Sugyeong felt an uneasy premonition creeping in.
Bang Soran answered with a smile.
"I should say since you started writing 'Wudang Sword Hero.' When I began reading it to the child, that's when changes started happening."
The child had been silent, unable to mingle with peers, showing no interest in martial arts. Nor did the child show any desire to learn writing.
It was only natural that Bang Soran, as the master, was deeply worried.
After three years of taking in this disciple, a proper conversational catalyst finally appeared—the "Wudang Sword Hero" that had swept through the martial world.
Bang Soran took a sip of her cold tea to moisten her throat.
"I came across 'Wudang Sword Hero' by chance. I had business at Mount Wudang, and when I met Master Hyeonseong, he recommended the book to me."
"I-I see."
This connection was unexpected.
'…An unintended virtuous cycle, perhaps.'
"The child who seemed content to just drift through life and quietly die someday began to change. Thanks to 'Wudang Sword Hero.'"
"…I see."
Now Baek Sugyeong understood why she had sought him out before embarking on a journey that might not allow her to return.
She wanted to leave someone who could look after her disciple if she disappeared.
Listening to their conversation, Namgung Somin thought:
'…She came all this way for her disciple…'
Baek Sugyeong awkwardly scratched his cheek.
To think that a story he started writing out of anger would create such a connection.
Human affairs were truly unpredictable.
With a clatter, Bang Soran set down her teacup.
"When the child started smiling, I became greedy."
The change came after Bang Soran began obtaining copies of "Wudang Sword Hero" and reading them to the children.
She couldn't help but become greedy.
Then, she happened to pass by Mount Song.
Meeting Baek Sugyeong was a heaven-guided coincidence.
"The child began dreaming of becoming a hero. Suddenly, martial arts training that had been neglected became a passion."
There was a hint of sadness in Bang Soran's voice.
"But heaven seemed jealous. Despite being worthy to inherit my true teachings, the child's progress was slow, becoming a laughingstock among the other children."
"That's…"
"It's common in the martial world."
A weak smile appeared on Bang Soran's lips.
Martial brothers and sisters should support, encourage, and advance together, but the strange competitive spirit among disciples often created such situations.
It was not for nothing that people said: when many gather, one becomes the outcast.
"You don't want to see the child lose that smile."
"Yes. But with so many children to care for, I can't give that child the attention needed…"
"Hmm."
Baek Sugyeong scratched his cheek.
She had many orphans to care for, yet one disciple needed special attention—and now she was leaving for the Northern Sea.
Everything aligned.
"How is the child's talent?"
"Though I took the child as my disciple, it seems the child believes there's no aptitude."
Baek Sugyeong narrowed his eyes slightly.
"What do you think, Lady Bang?"
"Ι…"
"Your previous answer didn't include your own view. Isn't it a master's duty to embrace and nurture a disciple, even one without talent?"
Bang Soran shook her head.
"How could I think that way about a child I've taken in? I just find it heartbreaking. Despite trying so hard to succeed but failing—it pains my heart."
"I see."
That was enough.
A child who believed they had no talent.
A master who still believed in them.
"Little Immortal's Chivalrous Journey."
"Pardon?"
Baek Sugyeong received the paper and writing implements Jonghwa brought.
"That's the title of the book I'll send to Lady Bang's disciple."
"You don't have to go that far…"
Baek Sugyeong smiled.
"If one has a dream, shouldn't they achieve it?"
"That's…"
"What is your disciple's name?"
"Se-Seonha. So Seonha."
"What a coincidence."
Baek Sugyeong took out a spare blank book and wrote the title on it.
"This must also be fate."
He dipped his brush into ink.
...
Transcribing was laborious.
After three days in the small village near Mount Song, Baek Sugyeong finally completed a manuscript that satisfied him.
Two books. Half his usual volume.
"Now I can finally show it."
His hands were stained with ink.
"I should wash up quickly."
After cleaning himself and changing clothes, he returned with the finished book.
"…You finished it?"
"I wanted to complete the first volume, but that proved too rushed."
Bang Soran accepted the book with astonishment.
"It feels excessive, but I'm glad I could give it to you before you leave."
"This remains a secret," Baek Sugyeong said calmly.
"A gift only for your disciple."
"Thank you, Teacher."
Bang Soran bowed deeply.
"I pray your journey is filled with good fortune."
"And may literary fortune be with you."
Baek Sugyeong smiled faintly.
"I look forward to seeing you again, Lady Bang."
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📚 Author's Note:
Thanks to Rigchel for the 1 Power Stone!
🐧