Chapter 009
"It's not like it's a character figurine…"
At the sudden wave of dizziness, Baek Sugyeong pressed his forehead. His consciousness felt hazy.
"You're saying this was erected three months ago?"
"Yes."
Kang Yupyeong wore a puzzled expression.
It was already well known that the Murim Alliance Leader, Jang Hyoun, was an avid reader of "Wudang Sword Hero." Even the elders of the Murim Alliance carried reprinted copies inside their robes—that was how incredibly popular the novel had become.
Not only the first editions, but even the reprints sold out instantly, leaving bookstores completely empty. There was even a joke circulating that more than ten cartloads of people were desperately trying to obtain illegal handwritten copies.
Of course, Baek Sugyeong knew nothing about such rumors.
'…I'm getting dizzy.'
After stomach pain, now a headache was coming too.
He just wanted to live as an ordinary citizen—but the world refused to allow it. Even when he tried to adapt, bigger waves came crashing down and crushed his spirit.
How was he supposed to adjust?
Humans were creatures of adaptation, and compared to before, he was slightly less shocked—but it was still shocking all the same.
"A statue of Jin Un… I never imagined seeing something like this."
Was this Murim world truly trying to make him die of embarrassment?
Baek Sugyeong blinked and swallowed a sigh.
"It's crafted with such detail. The craftsmanship is extraordinary."
Having decided to let it go, Baek Sugyeong examined the statue closely and spoke honestly. If it hadn't been related to him, he would have admired it without restraint.
The surface was smooth, to the point it barely felt like stone. It was so lifelike that it seemed as though it might move at any moment.
Kang Yupyeong smiled at the praise.
"The Alliance Leader would have been very pleased to hear that."
"Compared to the sculptures I saw while working at the escort agency—no, this one is even more exquisite. This isn't the work of an ordinary craftsman."
His years at the Dragon Gate Escort Agency in Luoyang hadn't been meaningless.
Baek Sugyeong had risen from porter to guard, then to inspector—someone responsible for appraising valuables and determining authenticity. Eight years in the Central Plains had given him a discerning eye.
"You can tell?"
"I once worked at an escort agency in Luoyang."
"I didn't know that."
Kang Yupyeong looked genuinely surprised.
Baek Sugyeong smiled faintly as he looked back at Jin Un's statue. Now that he'd accepted it, he could clearly tell—this was no ordinary work. To create something so vivid from mere written descriptions meant the craftsman was extraordinary.
"If I may ask… could I know who made this?"
"It was crafted by Master Xie Yiyun of the Heavenly Craft Xie Family—known as 'Heavenly Skilled Hands.'"
The voice didn't belong to Kang Yupyeong.
Startled, Baek Sugyeong turned.
A middle-aged man holding a folding fan stood behind him. Kang Yupyeong immediately knelt.
"Military Commissioner!"
Baek Sugyeong's expression twisted.
"Military Commissioner? You mean… the Murim Alliance Military Commissioner?"
The man smiled.
"I am Jegal Yu. In Murim, I am known by the excessive title 'Divine Strategist.' You must be Sugyeong."
Divine Strategist Jegal Yu.
The Murim Alliance Military Commissioner—second only to the Alliance Leader, responsible for overseeing all affairs and political struggles.
And this man was showing respect to him.
"On behalf of the Murim Alliance, I welcome your visit."
"…I'm merely a scholar. Your words are too generous."
Baek Sugyeong's facial muscles twitched.
Since writing "Wudang Sword Hero," overwhelming figures kept barging into his life. First Wudang—now the Murim Alliance.
Groups he should never have been involved with.
'I don't even properly know the current Zhuge Clan in Murim…'
Murim clans were essentially regional nobility—wandering martial artists wielding enormous influence. In reality, "wandering martial artist" was often closer to "thug" than "hero."
'…If only I hadn't fallen for Guild Leader So's words.'
Regret came too late. The entire Murim world was watching his brush tip now.
Jegal Yu smiled.
"It's not proper etiquette to keep an honored guest here. I'll escort you to the guest reception hall. Did Yupyeong make the journey uncomfortable?"
"Not at all."
In truth, Kang Yupyeong had been extremely considerate. If anything, Baek Sugyeong wanted to praise him.
Yet that consideration itself felt burdensome.
Sudden changes required time to adapt—but Baek Sugyeong had been hit by shock after shock.
"While you're in Xuchang, Yupyeong will attend to you."
"I see. I'll be in your care, Master Kang."
"The honor is mine."
Baek Sugyeong relaxed slightly. At least Kang Yupyeong was familiar.
Jegal Yu smiled.
"You seemed surprised by Master Jin Un's statue."
"Yes. Honestly shocked."
"Haha… Master Jin Un's actions are righteous. Such righteousness deserves commemoration."
'…He's fictional.'
Baek Sugyeong swallowed the objection and forced a smile.
This world truly wasn't normal.
"I never imagined the Murim Alliance would have readers of my book."
Jegal Yu chuckled behind his fan.
"Obtaining a first edition is like plucking stars from the sky. Even reprints are scarce. This isn't limited to Xuchang."
"To that extent?"
"You underestimate your own work."
Baek Sugyeong let out a hollow laugh.
'In the modern world, this wouldn't be loved to such an extent.'
He hadn't written it to change Murim. He barely had time to feel joy before chaos descended.
Jegal Yu continued.
"People pay any price for first editions. Some even collect them exclusively. The first volume's first edition is worth its weight in gold."
"It's just a book… how can that be?"
"Paper is scarce. Demand overwhelms supply."
'…Ah.'
Baek Sugyeong finally realized—this was his modern sensibility failing him.
Paper here wasn't mass-produced. It was precious. State-monopolized. Even official documents were reused.
"No matter how much the Auspicious Cloud Trading Company works, supply can't keep up."
"…So that's why handwritten copies…"
"There's never a peaceful day."
"Because you write too entertainingly."
"Haha…"
Baek Sugyeong smiled awkwardly.
Jegal Yu studied him quietly.
The Military Commissioner's Office had labeled him overly sensitive—but perhaps that judgment had been premature.
"Did I spoil your mood?"
"Well…"
Baek Sugyeong smiled bitterly.
"I half gave up the moment I came here. I thought nothing could surprise me anymore."
Jegal Yu fanned himself.
"I was worried you'd be disheartened."
"Even if I were, what could I do? A powerless commoner facing Murim is like a firefly before the full moon."
Jegal Yu smiled bitterly.
"Our thinking was shortsighted. I apologize."
"I'll take it as affection for my work."
A clear line.
Jegal Yu's eyes gleamed.
"A wise decision."
Soon, they reached the guest reception hall.
After Baek Sugyeong sat down, Jegal Yu spoke.
"Please wait. I'll bring the Alliance Leader."
"What? The Alliance Leader?"
Baek Sugyeong's face crumpled.
"He'll come running in his socks once he hears you've arrived."
"I don't think that's necessary…"
"It would be good for you to speak."
A vein throbbed on Baek Sugyeong's forehead.
'I'm really going crazy.'