This is Unfair Treatment, Unfair Treatment!
Of course, even amid all sorts of incidents, Baek Su-gyeong never stopped writing. His main job was being a writer—how could he stop? Unless some natural disaster forced him into the clinic, the day he set down his brush wouldn't come.
──Though, that said, he wasn't skipping exercise either.
Days passed with him focusing on drafting the eleventh volume, taking care of his body in his own way, when So Ssaang-a came to visit.
"There you are, Pavilion Master!"
"So Deputy Leader?"
So Ssaang-a looked slightly surprised as Baek Su-gyeong set down the long metal bar he'd been carrying on his shoulders.
"I heard you've been focusing on exercise lately—is it true?"
"If my health goes bad, I can't write anymore."
Above all, Baek Su-gyeong enjoyed the act of writing itself. Sure, he grumbled about being disillusioned with murim or wanting a normal life but being denied it, but at his core, he was a born writer. Just an unlucky one with a massive gap between him and the times.
For someone who found joy in writing, body maintenance was just another tool to keep writing.
"Pavilion Master, you're really serious about writing."
"It's my one joy. Looks like I'm turning into someone who craves attention too."
Of course, the fact that murim was still watching his brush tip was burdensome. But it was something he had to adapt to now—what could he do? Denying it wouldn't change the immense status of Wudang Sword Hero or his own fame.
Whining that he didn't measure up changed nothing. All that was left was to fit himself to it. Like how a position makes the man, sometimes you had to reshape yourself when forced to grow.
"So, what's up?"
"I found where Gal Young Lady is."
Baek Su-gyeong's expression turned serious at So Ssaang-a's words.
More than half of January had passed—nearly a full month—and Gal Ye-ryeong hadn't shown up. He'd assumed she had her reasons, but not returning for this long didn't make sense. Unless she had something shady going on.
"Where?"
"Someone spotted her around Bukgyeong…."
"Bukgyeong?"
Baek Su-gyeong's brow furrowed instantly. Should I just quit adapting? It was the kind of lineup that made him think that right away.
Bukgyeong—the imperial capital, home of the main palace. Walking in there on her own two feet made no sense. And why was Gal Ye-ryeong even spotted there in the first place?
"Strange…."
"Pavilion Master?"
"Unless Haomen has a branch or headquarters in Bukgyeong, there's no reason for Gal Young Lady to be there. What's your take, So Deputy Leader?"
"I think the same, but going all the way to Bukgyeong would be tough, right…?"
So Ssaang-a was gauging his reaction. He was already suffering from stomach issues tangled up with murim factions—telling him to head to the capital was basically asking him to die.
Her thoughts were plain on her face. Baek Su-gyeong chuckled softly.
"For now, we've tracked her down. She'll come back whenever she wants to. It's just not now."
"As expected…."
"That said, we need to question Haomen, so pack your bags."
So Ssaang-a's eyes widened at his words.
"You mean…."
"We're going to Bukgyeong. I have a hunch why Haomen wants me."
Part of a scheme for an underworld faction to rise to the surface. Haomen had always done that. Not like in most wuxia novels, but their biggest wish was to stop being an underworld sect. They couldn't stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the righteous sects, but they wanted to step into the light and stand tall.
Of course, in typical mass-produced wuxia, Haomen was like the Beggars' Sect—a pushover info-gathering faction that got robbed or served info to the protagonist.
"Whether they really wanted me as part of a plan to go legit, or if they were aiming further to recruit me."
Baek Su-gyeong's gaze, lifted to the sky, returned.
"Best to hear the answer from Gal Young Lady herself."
"You're really going to Bukgyeong?"
"Might as well scout spots for a Gyeongun Merchant Group branch there. You can't stick to Hubei and Hunan forever, right?"
So Ssaang-a gave an awkward smile at his words.
"And the Church Lord mentioned discussing your authority over caravans between Central Plains and Xinjiang. Good chance to broaden your horizons in Bukgyeong."
"Ah…!"
So Ssaang-a's face lit up with gratitude at his consideration.
Finishing with light cooldown stretches, Baek Su-gyeong put the equipment away and rolled his shoulders. Doing this bit by bit should ease his wrist pain. He needed to pay more attention to his body.
Come to think of it, since starting Wudang Sword Hero, I've neglected it more than I thought.
Two weeks for the first draft, one week to review and self-edit before handing it over—it was tighter than expected. Hmm, Baek Su-gyeong stroked his chin.
"So Deputy Leader. From now on, fixed intervals for new volumes would be best."
"Fixed intervals…?"
"Around one volume every one or two months to adjust the pace."
"Is something wrong with your health…?"
Baek Su-gyeong rubbed his wrist at her question.
"The Princess Commandery said my wrist isn't great and to take care. With time for management, manuscripts will slow…."
"If that's the reason, everyone will understand."
"Hope so."
Baek Su-gyeong was thinking post-Wudang Sword Hero. No dragging one work forever. Even bestsellers end. He'd laid groundwork for shared-world sequels.
…Speaking of, something to ask Yi Jeon-hwi too.
He planned to hand the playboy young master tale to Yi Jeon-hwi, so his input made sense.
"Let's adjust the schedule for now."
"Yes, Pavilion Master!"
"Heading to Bukgyeong? That's a shame."
Bang Soran set down her teacup, showing her regret. So Seon-ha didn't say it, but her face said she hated Baek Su-gyeong leaving for Bukgyeong too. She'd finally met the man she admired so much, and now they had to part so soon. Regret filled her features.
Bang Soran asked, "Is it because of Haomen?"
Baek Su-gyeong just smiled, not answering directly. The topic shifted naturally.
"I never expected So Young Lady to become such a strong expert."
"Me neither. But something I'm curious about."
"Go ahead."
At Baek Su-gyeong's words, Bang Soran asked, "Did you know So Seon-ha had reverse blood syndrome?"
"No way. You know the only one who told me was you, Lady Bang."
"Hmm, I figured…."
Baek Su-gyeong looked a bit troubled at the faint suspicion on Bang Soran's face. For someone who didn't know, So Seon-ha's situation matched the protagonist of Little Immortal Hero Chronicles, So Yu-hyeon, too perfectly. Plus, Wudang Sword Hero had unorthodox forces backed by the Heavenly Extremes Divine Church ruining a tournament just like that. It was enough to suspect prophecy.
Baek Su-gyeong said, "Why would I lie? No gain in it, so drop the suspicious look, Lady Bang."
"I wasn't really suspecting. Just amazed how the story fits her situation so perfectly."
So Seon-ha was petting the chin of the Literary White Night Cat on her shoulder. It screamed spirit beast at a glance. Meeting one from novels in real life was surprisingly thrilling. How many chances did you get? Of course, he wouldn't dare touch it—getting scratched was unpredictable.
"Will you head back to Bokwoo Mountain, Lady Bang?"
"Planning to stay in Luoyang and rest for a bit. Want to broaden So Seon-ha's horizons…."
At Bang Soran's words, So Seon-ha's eyes sparkled as she turned to her master.
"Master! Then can I go with Teacher Su-gyeong?!"
"What?"
"You travel a lot, so following Teacher Su-gyeong, I could learn all sorts of things!"
What's with her now? Baek Su-gyeong sighed faintly.
"Lady Bang──."
"That might not be bad."
Bang Soran smiled. "Sorry I'm a poor master. With Namgung Young Lady by Teacher Su-gyeong, she can get deeper sword lessons."
"Lady Bang?!"
"So, please take care of her. Sorry to impose my disciple so shamelessly, but look after her well."
This is unfair treatment, unfair treatment!
Regardless of Baek Su-gyeong's crumpled expression, So Seon-ha bowed politely to him.
"Please take care of me, Teacher Su-gyeong!"
Just like that, an unintended companion joined the road to Bukgyeong.