The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel-Chapter 133: Storm of the Tang Clan, Volume 2 - 6

The Bulletin.

Even during the Joseon Dynasty, newspapers existed—so the history of news publication stretches quite far back. And considering that this was a world where bizarre dishes were served at restaurants, of course newspapers existed here too.

It wasn’t a world where things changed as rapidly as in reality, and paper was scarce, so rather than daily editions, the paper was published at intervals just enough to keep up with the affairs of the world.

“Look at this! There’s a huge article about Storm of the Tang Clan!”

Hwa-rin exclaimed, pointing excitedly at the column.

“Let me see.”

Why was it written so big? The article about Storm of the Tang Clan was featured prominently on the front page of the bulletin.

“What if it’s a bad review?”

Hwa-rin said, looking worried.

“Yeah. I don’t exactly have the power to possess critics, after all.”

“Huh?”

“Nothing. I just hope it’s a positive review with all that text.”

Generally, people don’t write long-form pieces when they want to trash something. If someone just wants to hate, one mean comment does the job—they don’t put in time and effort to craft an essay.

Besides, haters usually want a one-sided exchange. They don’t like getting flamed in return for their negativity. So, most written reviews tend to be neutral or favorable.

Of course, this time was different. The Literary Circle member had threatened to write a scathing review if the book didn’t meet his expectations, so there was some cause for anxiety.

“Let’s read it together.”

Hwa-rin and I sat shoulder to shoulder, reading the newspaper article.

Storm of the Tang Clan – Are we witnessing the birth of a new literary movement in this era?

What the—? Even the title felt unusually formal.

The article, published in the name of the Literary Circle, corrected biases about the novel, provided a summary of its plot, and commented on its rising popularity in Yichang.

Those who have not yet read Storm of the Tang Clan may dismiss it as nothing more than vulgar erotica. But Storm of the Tang Clan is different.

While traditional scholars may see the “Colorful Chivalry” genre as crass, our Yichang Literary Circle approached this new form of fiction with open minds. Even in its sensual scenes, we found something special.

In typical erotic novels, sex scenes are merely titillating. But the author Ho-pil is different.

At times, his language is direct, but like classical authors, he employs elegant metaphors and refined expressions.

Interesting. Had I really written sensual scenes with expressions those literary folks would enjoy?

“Water Peach”.

A term for a thin-skinned, juicy, sweet peach. With just three characters, the author described a woman’s bosom—conveying beauty and allure with masterful brevity.

But Ho-pil didn’t stop there.

“Willow Waist”.

Rather than settling for ‘slender waist,’ he used a phrase evoking the soft, supple curves of a willow branch. And then described her waist as bent like a bow—can you not envision the graceful arc of a willow branch bending like a bow?

Such expression stands in stark contrast to the shallow, titillating phrasing found in dime-store paperbacks.

And for descriptions of intimate areas: “Fragrant Grass Grove”, and comparisons to chrysanthemums—can this truly be considered base vulgarity? One’s tongue is left wagging.

“I was genuinely amazed at some of those expressions. How do you even come up with that?”

“I’ve always been known for my literary flair,” I replied grandly, glancing at Hwa-rin.

I was a bit surprised myself. Those classic Colorful Chivalry expressions were being praised now.

The terms I’d used were common back in the heyday of Noroo-brand martial smut novels. I’d written them as a tribute to the senior writers of the genre—but never imagined they’d be so highly regarded here.

Well, I suppose in the modern world, those expressions are decades old—but in this world, they’re centuries ahead of their time.

“Pfft. Hahaha.”

Hwa-rin laughed at me, and her Water Peach bounced slightly. No—if I’m being honest, that wasn’t a peach. More like a juicy, water-rich melon (Watermelon).

Why have so many who once turned their backs on martial arts tales become so enamored with Tang Jeong? Because Storm of the Tang Clan, though rooted in many classics, offers an entirely new story.

Its framework is that of a folk tale beloved by the people—especially one rooted in heroism. It takes the tangled grudges and alliances of the martial world and simplifies them into clear conflicts of good versus evil, grounding distant stories in a familiar tone.

The identity of Ho-pil remains unknown. But based on letters revealed in a past incident, one might assume he is a poor but classically trained scholar.

“Pfft. They think you’re a classically trained scholar. How do you feel about that?”

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

Hwa-rin laughed, nudging me repeatedly in the side with her elbow.

“...I like it.”

But ow—my side hurts. Hwa-rin, maybe tone it down a little.

Adversity refines a person. Ho-pil, a writer who rose from poverty, has created a work that entertains the people while instilling in them a sense of chivalry. Perhaps his intention is to spark a new wind in these unjust times, where people turn away from wrongdoing instead of standing against it.

Storm of the Tang Clan. Colorful Chivalry. Perhaps we are witnessing the birth of a new literary movement here in Yichang.

A new literary movement.

I lingered on that final line.

Back when I starved because I couldn’t afford to eat. When I slept on the streets during rainy nights with no place to go. When no one cared about the injustices suffered by a black-haired barbarian like me.

And yet, after everything, I now stood here at Daseogak.

Storm of the Tang Clan, though dressed as Colorful Chivalry, held the martial world I had always dreamed of.

I could not split mountains or shatter heavens. I was no great martial master.

But as a writer—through Colorful Chivalry, martial smut, and all the novels I knew—I could carve out a path. Under the name of Ho-pil, perhaps I could create a true movement. This article had acknowledged that.

I felt... a little emotional.

“Yun-ho? What’s wrong?”

Hwa-rin asked gently, seeing the serious expression on my face.

“Nothing. I’m just a little moved. It feels good to be recognized.”

“Yeah, I get that. Look. The main article ends here, but there’s a short side piece too.”

She pointed to a smaller column by the same author.

As a side note, there’s something that worries me.

Wait—was this where they say nice things officially but rip me apart personally?

Though this story is based on chivalry, justice, and moral ideals, unfortunately it has begun to divide readers. The controversy has grown so intense that even among the Literary Circle—an organization rooted in self-cultivation—opinions are split.

“Cultivate the self, manage the household, govern the state, bring peace to the world.” A man must first build a family and attain stability before taking on the world. Thus, we hope Tang Jeong will soon marry the one he truly loves—the Most Beautiful Woman in Sichuan—and that the story will then...

[Editor’s Note: The above does not reflect the official stance of the Literary Circle.]

“Wooooah! Yun-ho, isn’t this an absolutely glowing review?!”

Hwa-rin beamed at me after finishing the article.

“Yeah. Even those who weren’t interested before will want to check it out now.”

“At this rate, we might be able to pay off all the debt this year!”

Hwa-rin swayed her hips with a bright grin, full of hope for a rose-colored future. Whoa. There goes that Watermelon again.

“Well, if Hwa-rin keeps printing books like a machine, it just might be possible.”

With popularity votes and rising sales of Storm of the Tang Clan, it wasn’t just a dream.

“Ugh! I’ll do my {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} best.”

Hwa-rin winced, clearly reminded of the exhausting print work ahead.

“Good day.”

While we were chatting, a familiar face entered Daseogak—with a second customer I’d seen once before.

“Isn’t that Scholar Hwang?”

“Go on, brother.”

Scholar Hwang nudged his younger brother forward. Now that I looked closely, he was holding Storm of the Tang Clan very gently. The younger brother looked straight at me, then lowered his head, visibly embarrassed.

“Thank you for the wonderful gift. Thanks to it, I was able to reconcile with my brother.”

So this was the guy responsible for the Literary Circle’s review? Thought so. Bet you enjoyed it.

“I’m glad you made peace with such a good brother. What brings you by today?”

There was really only one reason someone would come upstairs with the book in hand, but I asked anyway, hoping to hear it straight from him.

The younger brother glanced around, then leaned in and whispered quietly.

“Today, my brother and I would like to join Daseohoe.”

“Well then. Welcome. Enjoy your time here.”

Satisfied, I smiled warmly at the words I’d wanted to hear.

---------

With the Literary Circle’s official recognition, Storm of the Tang Clan sales at Daseogak soared even higher. But its overwhelming success brought an unexpected issue.

“Isn’t the Most Beautiful Woman in Sichuan winning the popularity vote?”

“Even if we buy the Hyang-ah Coffee Set, it doesn’t seem to matter anymore.”

The gap in the popularity poll had begun to widen.