Reincarnation Sword God

639——————==
Dark Heaven Village
Mangnyang, having heard about the novelist Feng Menglong from Extreme Tiger, spoke.
“He is very skilled in poetry and is well-versed in Confucian classics. He has a keen interest in popular novels and enjoys considerable popularity, which makes Extreme Tiger’s recommendation highly valuable.”
“Then we should go find Feng Menglong in Oukyo.”
“But hold on a moment.”
Mangnyang, who stopped me as I was trying to quickly find Oukyo with Golden Lamp, looked at me with a vague gaze and said,
“Baek Woong. What do you think is the best way to write or tell stories well?”
“Uh?”
I tilted my head at the unexpected question.
“Well… if you learn from an expert, it should work out somehow.”
“If I were your master, I wouldn’t teach someone like you how to write. It would be pointless anyway.”
“……”
Mangnyang continued, criticizing my lackluster answer.
“Humans tend to lend their ears most easily to stories that are relatable and empathetic. For instance, if I were to talk about martial arts, ancient techniques, or treasures, it would capture your attention, but… would tales of court intrigue among women or the chaotic political history of the Great Ming Empire, including proverbs related to the body, words, writing, and judgment, be interesting to you?”
I shook my head vigorously.
“It wouldn’t be interesting.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s irrelevant to me…”
“Exactly. In the past 50 years or so, novels and tales have become a new genre and gained great popularity because they have penetrated the essence of making stories entertaining. In other words, there is a need for friendly storytelling forms relatable to the masses. Additionally, the current era is indeed a time when novels can flourish.”
“What do you mean?”
“The most popular novel in today’s world is none other than Water Margin. You must have read it.”
I nodded vigorously.
“It’s incredibly interesting!”
The stories of heroes like Song Jiang, Luo Zhi Xin, Mu Song, and Yi Gu brought vibrant entertainment and heroism. Water Margin was also the first novel I had encountered. While martial arts novels that delve into the martial world have their own popularity, they often don’t resonate as deeply, which is why Water Margin enjoys the greatest popularity.
“Water Margin was originally designated as a forbidden book by the emperor of the previous era. However, the former emperor lifted the restrictions on novels and comedic tales, even rescinding its forbidden status. Moreover, as the economy in cities grew compared to rural areas, the demand for novels increased significantly.”
“Huh? Economy?”
“Yes. The more one lives in a large city, the wealthier and better off they become, while those in rural areas struggle. You are aware of this, right? The wealth of the Ming Empire has become more concentrated in cities as the currency system stabilizes and the socio-economy develops. Consequently, the number of wealthy individuals has increased, and many live comfortably without farming. Also, Li Shizhen’s Compendium of Materia Medica has popularized medicine among the common folks, and Xu Guangqi’s advancements in astronomy, mathematics, surveying, agriculture, and physics have spurred knowledge in various fields. The painting skills of Wen Zhenming and Shen Zhou have reached divine levels.”
“……”
“As long as the emperor or the Golden Eagle Guard doesn’t engage in tyrannical acts, we’re in a period where culture and the economy are flourishing in the history of the Ming Empire, and people are enjoying the peace brought forth by good governance. This is all thanks to the former emperor stabilizing the chaotic political situation and promoting benevolent policies, which allowed for the profound development of cultural activities like ‘novels’ that are unrelated to sustenance.”
“Hmm, I see.”
“The food situation is not bad either. There are provisions well prepared for famine relief, and responses to natural disasters like floods are managed quite well. Although the imperial palace is decayed, the lower and mid-tier officials are remarkably capable. For instance, in the past 50 years, no significant population decline due to famine or disaster has occurred.”
Was I really living in such a good time? I was taken aback and questioned Mangnyang.
“But… I was originally living in abject poverty and hardship… The Taishan and Henan regions are overflowing with beggars and the destitute. The bright and beautiful picture of the Ming Empire you speak of is quite a recent observation for me.”
“Poverty is something that even the ruler cannot alleviate. No leader or monarch can create an era without wealth disparity. Moreover, since you have always belonged to the lower classes, their conditions would be more apparent to you. They have been living in poverty for generations.”
Mangnyang continued, “Haven’t you noticed? The bustling Luoyang and large cities are doing quite well. Many view the starving lowly commoners and the impoverished as mere strangers, thinking this era is one of comfort and ease. It’s merely a difference in one’s class perspective.”
I understood Mangnyang’s words. Or rather, it felt like I was hearing articulated thoughts that I had already known. However, it didn’t evoke a particularly pleasant feeling, leading me to murmur bitterly,
“… It’s unreasonable.”
“Heh. Even if you succeed in defeating the Old Ruler, it won’t create a world where everyone is equal and happy. There will always be someone suffering somewhere in this world.”
At Mangnyang’s comment, I shook my head.
“I’m not expecting even that much. I just want to prevent a future of total destruction, and the rest will be taken care of by someone else.”
“That’s the right answer. We just need to focus on what we should do.”
Mangnyang seemed strangely pleased. Then he got to the main point.
“Anyway, since it’s an environment where novels can easily develop, declaring yourself a novelist isn’t difficult. However, writing a work that satisfies the Celestial Sage with popularity and literary ability is not an easy task.”
“How can I improve my literary skills?”
“Listen well. There are three essential elements for good writing, which are broad reading, extensive writing, and thoughtful discussion. You must recognize these before building a foundation.”
I tilted my head.
“Read a lot, write a lot, and think a lot?”
“Precisely.”
“Will I really be able to write well if I do that?”
“Not necessarily. Writing requires talent, and there’s often a wide gap between those who have it and those who don’t. No matter how hard you try, only a very few can become great writers.”
“……”
As Mangnyang immediately negated it, I was left bewildered.
“If that’s the case, then why mention the three essential elements?”
“Even without talent, a person can elevate their writing skills to a certain level through effort. So, it’s necessary to strive hard following the three essentials.”
“I haven’t written anything yet, so I can’t tell if I have talent or not.”
As I said this with a sulky voice, Mangnyang smiled brightly.
“You’ll find out once you try. So, starting today, let’s practice writing together.”
“Uh? But about finding Feng Menglong or other novelists…”
“Going to seek them out without a solid foundation will just lead to ridicule. They are writers, but they are also masters of Confucian studies and storytelling. To be taught under them, you need to have some foundational skill.”
“Understood.”
I practiced writing alongside Mangnyang while cultivating spiritual pills using the resources of Mount Huang. Every day, I brought along military tales, erotic tales, and novels, utilizing the Soul Exchange Technique to read diligently and write daily.
However, as Mangnyang watched me write, he pointed out flaws.
“Indeed, your lack of reading experience results in a poor vocabulary and a lack of coherence in your writing… Books aren’t something so easily obtained, so they must contain enough meaning.”
“It’s difficult…”
“Fortunately, recent printing technologies have advanced, and printing characters is relatively easy, so it shouldn’t be too hard.”
I practiced writing under Mangnyang for about a month. By then, I felt I had grasped writing much better than before. Just then, a message from Zhuge Sa came from Changhe Street.
[Come here for a moment. We’re almost done.]
[Almost done?]
[I’ve wiped out Zhuge Bu’s personality.]
[……!!]
[It’s time to use it.]
I stiffened for a moment. It was finally time to wipe away Zhuge Bu’s personality and leave his memory as a blank slate to use him like a slave. Thoughts of how to leverage Zhuge Bu to match the value of the Nameless Ritual Book flashed through my mind.
Pa-at!
I went to Zhuge Sa, where I saw a figure that appeared to be Zhuge Bu kneeling on the floor. Zhuge Sa spoke.
“Some part of his consciousness remains, but it’s only a matter of time. Once the resistance response disappears, he will completely lose his memory. Then, we can use the Soul Exchange Technique to turn him into a perfect puppet.”
Wobble
Shortly after, Zhuge Bu collapsed forward. Zhuge Sa activated the Soul Exchange Technique on Zhuge Bu’s head and said to me,
“Now, this guy will recognize you as his master.”
As Zhuge Bu’s eyes became vacant, I spoke to him.
“I am your master.”
“… Master?”
“Obey my commands absolutely.”
“Understood…”
Zhuge Bu answered vacantly. As the brainwashing ended, Zhuge Sa said,
“Let’s also inject some martial arts and ancient techniques into him while we’re at it. If he can kill Zhuge Yulong in an emergency, that would be perfect.”
“……”
I could fully understand Zhuge Sa’s intentions. However, brainwashing one’s own nephew to cut down his own brother was no light matter, regardless of the grudge involved. It was a madman’s obsession with a single, ruthlessly callous thought.
Teaching the Thunder God lineage martial arts to the brainless Zhuge Bu would be handled by Extreme Tiger, while the ancient techniques would be taught by Cheon Woo-jin. As matters concerning Zhuge Bu approached completion, I spoke to Cheon Woo-jin.
“Cheon Woo-jin, speaking of which, how’s it going with contacting the ‘Record of the World’?”
“Hmm… Not very well.”
“Eh?”
“I know of its existence, but I don’t know how to access it. It’s quite similar to your inability to contact a Martial God.”
“Can’t we just ask Master Mangnyang?”
“Damn, think before you speak. It’s not something to tell in that context.”
Cheon Woo-jin replied irritably.
“Unless it’s a situation that requires a new Guardian, even my master wouldn’t reveal such a monumental secret to me.”
“What? So even if you tell me, it won’t matter?”
“That’s not the case. Just knowing about it is enough. I acknowledge the help you’ve provided.”
He abruptly turned his head.
“By the way, I had somewhere to go. I’ll be away for a while.”
“Where are you going?”
“I have something to investigate.”
After saying that, Cheon Woo-jin used teleportation to disappear. I wasn’t particularly worried since I knew he was quite capable.
‘Well, if it’s him, he’ll come back when the time is right.’
Pa-at
I returned to Mangnyang to study writing again. Over a month of practice passed, and then Mangnyang finally spoke up.
“The foundation is set now. Let’s go meet Feng Menglong.”
We traveled to visit novelist Feng Menglong residing in Oukyo. He was an elderly man with abundant white hair, possessing a distinctive intense gaze typical of scholars. When Mangnyang arrived at Feng Menglong’s home, he saluted him, saying,
“It’s been a long time.”
“Ah! Aren’t you Zhuge Xian!! It’s been ages…!!”
“It’s been about five years.”
“Goodness, come in, come in.”
Feng Menglong welcomed Mangnyang with great enthusiasm.
“Your father was the world’s greatest strategist and a man of great talent, and your brothers were incredibly gifted, earning the Zhuge clan the title of ‘Twin Dragons’. You were once an idol among all scholars in Luoyang.”
“That’s all in the past. Now I live in seclusion under the name Mangnyang.”
“Ah, I see… It seems there’s a backstory here.”
“I’m currently assisting this Baek Woong as his master.”
“Huh?”
Feng Menglong made a curious expression while Mangnyang added,
“I hope you can teach him how to write novels.”
“Well… I’m not particularly good at teaching.”
“We need a work that can spread throughout Luoyang and beyond.”
Feng Menglong looked troubled by those words.
“Hmm… While I’ll give it a try, I had no idea something like a novel would be taken this seriously. While novels are currently trendy, they are still regarded lowly, and one should be aware that the study of Confucian classics is the main academic focus.”
“I beg of you.”
“Alright then. I’ll do my utmost.”
I began learning how to write novels under Feng Menglong. As we discussed the work I would write and its themes, Feng Menglong seemed intrigued.
“So, you want to write a story about a monkey immortal traveling to the western lands, with the Tang dynasty’s Tripitaka as a companion?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“That sounds intriguing… Do you have a detailed plot in mind?”
“I’ve only got a rough concept.”
“Hmm, give it a shot.”
I poured out the idea that came to mind, crafting the narrative. After reading a draft that stretched about five thousand characters, Feng Menglong commented,
“Your writing skills seem quite clumsy… Were you not originally a scholar?”
“Yes.”
“… You need to be famous in a short time, correct?”
“Yes.”
Feng Menglong pondered for a moment before saying,
“It seems there’s no other choice. Let’s all head to Luoyang.”
“What plan do you have?”
“Do you have any money?”
“I have plenty…”
“With that skill, you wouldn’t be able to write a popular and entertaining work even if you came back to life…”
Feng Menglong said with a dry voice,
“Begin by hunting down the scholars of Luoyang to ghostwrite a novel. Then, create a buzz, and somehow it may succeed.”