If one speaks of the Beggar's Sect, it is the force in charge of the 'Bang' (Faction) among the Nine Sects and One Faction.
It is in charge of the Orthodox Faction's intelligence.
If the Orthodox Faction's heart is the Murim Alliance, then the Beggar's Sect served as the Orthodox Faction's eyes and ears.
If one asks how a single faction could do such a thing,
It is because most of the beggars in the Central Plains are members of the Beggar's Sect.
Just looking at this, one could understand.
Even in Henan, a major city representing the Central Plains, there were bound to be beggars.
The words and whispers spilled by many would become their lifeline.
Small and large pieces of intelligence were bound to accumulate.
There is a saying: "Gather dust to make a mountain."
Successful merchants say that gathering dust is still just dust. They say, when on earth would you gather that to make a mountain?
However, if the quantity is like a wave, and it piles up ceaselessly, it could become a mountain.
The Beggar's Sect's intelligence was like that.
There is no useless information in the world.
Even if it seems useless to me, it might be necessary information for someone else. The information that gathers like that is countless in a day.
As much as there are many beggars in the world, the flesh of the Beggar's Sect would swell.
Of course, compared to the other Nine Sects and One Faction, their martial force is somewhat crude, and being composed of beggars, their quality seemed low.
Nevertheless, the reason they could occupy a seat among the Nine Sects and One Faction...
Was ultimately because many acknowledged that their intelligence-gathering power was, in itself, strength.
Chu Yong is a man who has lived as a member of the Beggar's Sect for nearly forty years.
Given at the age of five to Ubong-chwi-gyeon (Rain-Chasing Dog), the Dae-gae (Great Chief) of the Beggar's Sect, and raised as his disciple, it was bound to be that long.
Of course, it was unknown to the world as he wasn't revealed as his disciple, but it meant he had his own abilities and standing within the Beggar's Sect.
'Knowing that, to make me do this kind of work for ten years, that damned old man.'
He had been stuck in Henan for already ten years.
It had been ten years since he buried himself working, only hearing his master's words that he would give him a proper position once this job was finished.
'Chu Yong, you crazy, half-witted beggar bastard, did you believe a beggar's word because you had nothing else to trust?'
Do you know what the Beggar's Sect teaches first when they take in a new beggar?
They teach that all beggars of the Beggar's Sect in the world are family, and that we must trust each other to survive.
'That's the biggest bullshit ever.'
Chu Yong, no, at least five years as a Beggar's Sect member... No.
It's a story you can know after just a year or two.
Beggars must not trust each other.
Do you think there will be loyalty and affection among those struggling just to survive today? If their stomachs are maddeningly hungry, they'd be the kind to tear at each other's flesh.
'But I was crazy enough to believe that. Tsk tsk.'
— Disciple.
— Yes.
— Hiccup... Once this job is done, I will hand over the Sam-gae (Third Chief) position to you. So straight... hiccup... keep it straight...
If one speaks of the Sam-gae, it is the third position in the Beggar's Sect in terms of rank.
At that level of position, it was a position where one could live quite proudly in the Central Plains.
'...Proudly my ass, for a beggar.'
Since Chu Yong knew the reality of beggars better than anyone, it wasn't a feeling worth cheering for.
Chu Yong gathered his thoughts and focused on the boy facing him.
He was probably the person involved in what would become the most famous event to happen in the Central Plains today.
And a martial artist who might soon make his name known across the land.
'That greenhorn looks quite intimidating.'
At most, he'd be younger than the guys rolling around under him in the O-gae (Fifth Chief) faction.
'And that kind of guy...'
It meant that such a young martial artist had crossed the wall.
The high wall that even he himself was struggling to cross.
Moreover, as if his unification with his flesh had begun long ago, he looked extremely adept at handling his body on the arena.
Talent, that terrifying and cruel word, pierced through particularly coldly.
Therefore.
A low and short way of speaking, distinct from his young voice.
"Why did you come to see me?"
The boy made a surprised expression for a very fleeting moment, but by now, he had returned to a brazen expression.
It didn't seem like he was showing any particular delinquent-like actions, but the atmosphere strangely felt like that.
However.
'Will you look at this guy?'
The boy did not look down on him.
In that regard, Chu Yong had to slightly revise his thoughts.
The Gathering of Dragons and Phoenixes itself had the nominal purpose of a banquet for the late masters, but...
The underlying meaning was ultimately to clearly delineate the Orthodox Faction's ranks.
Could you not tell just by looking at the banquet?
Dividing seats according to the sponsorship grade paid to the family or the Alliance.
Discriminating in various aspects, including the arena barracks.
Not only the situation, but the blood relatives also showed discriminatory gazes and actions.
However, if one were to ask Chu Yong if that was wrong, he would say no.
The logic of the world was originally like that.
Of course, if one were to show off their talent and become a new rising star, they might break through the discrimination and rise up.
This was an immutable law.
A talent that could beat a blood relative supported by a prestigious family was impossible unless heaven bestowed it.
You could tell just by seeing that the current dragons and phoenixes were all bloodlines of prestigious families.
A miracle is yearned for because it is a miracle.
Chu Yong knew this well.
Discrimination and disregard were perhaps natural logic to them.
The advantages they were born with were just that, and they merely utilized them.
In that sense, Chu Yong was a beggar.
A disciple of the Dae-gae, a figure with some standing in the Beggar's Sect.
The words were smooth, but from a prestigious family's standpoint, he was just a beggar.
Of course, since he could enter and exit the martial arts tournament, they would have noticed he was a member of the Beggar's Sect. But the attitude towards him would only change very slightly.
'So what if it's the Beggar's Sect, it's just beggars, what of it.'
A distance they tried to keep somehow.
Gazes that seemed unwilling to even mix words.
There were bound to be such reactions they inevitably revealed.
Chu Yong had long since passed the level of being hurt by this.
Rather, he used this to gradually gauge the other person, using it as a convenient device.
Just like right now.
If it was the Shanxi Gu Family, though not among the Four Great Families, it was a famous prestigious clan.
The boy, Gu Yangcheon, was virtually confirmed as the Young Patriarch of the Gu Family, so he thought there would be some sharp edges.
'Than expected...'
What was held in his two eyes was not disregard and contempt, but wariness.
Even that was faint, making it hard to notice.
There were few late masters in Chu Yong's memory who gave off this kind of vibe.
.
Telegram's largest novel sharing room.
Over 100,000 novels available for download
........
Pang Woo-jin of the Pang Family was like that. The Sword Dragon of Mt. Hua was like that.
He hadn't faced the Hidden Dragon, so he didn't know.
The Sword Peak... He didn't want to remember.
If not this era, but going up a little to the previous era, a few more martial artists come to mind.
And considering what position they were reigning over in the Central Plains right now.
There was a need to change his judgment regarding the current Gu Yangcheon.
"It's nothing else, but... due to the martial arts match you displayed this time, young master, the Beggar's Sect views you very, very favorably."
"From the Beggar's Sect, you mean me?"
"Of course, of course! How could we not pay attention!"
Since he was the one who caught the Thunder Dragon as easily as catching a mouse.
Moreover, the power of the fire arts he showed from the beginning of the match was at a level that was hard to even dare to express.
So he added words to butter him up a little quite thoroughly.
"You might perhaps become the new Divine Dragon this time..."
As Chu Yong was speaking with praise and buttering up, Gu Yangcheon suddenly smiled.
That smile was definitely a sneer.
"Divine Dragon."
At the suddenly piercing atmosphere, Chu Yong's back slightly dampened with sweat.
What is it?
Was it because the words were too outrageous?
If not, maybe he was acting like that out of the arrogant thought that he was only being regarded at that level.
It made sense; reaching the Absolute Realm at that age gave him enough qualification to be arrogant.
Arrogance with strength was spirit and confidence.
However, the words that came out of Gu Yangcheon's mouth were not like that.
"Isn't that going to be Shaolin's anyway?"
An endlessly slow, cold voice resembling the current season.
It wasn't even an expectation.
It was clearly conviction.
Hearing the words, Chu Yong had to force a smile.
"Hahaha, what do you mean! Suddenly bringing up Shaolin."
Chu Yong didn't show his panic.
He had lived as a beggar for a long time, so he could keep it from showing on the outside.
The problem was that inside, his emotions were running wild as if an earthquake had occurred.
'How? How did he know that?'
Just as Gu Yangcheon said, the martial artist who would become the next generation's Divine Dragon was already decided.
Those who knew this were only the Murim Alliance, Shaolin, and a few from the Beggar's Sect.
It was clearly supposed to be so, so how did this boy know?
'Not only that it was already decided, but he specifically pinpointed Shaolin.'
Beyond how much he knew, how did he know?
While Chu Yong was sending him a subtle gaze, Gu Yangcheon smirked and added.
"Or not."
He looked like he had no particular interest.
'Why?'
The doubt deepened in an instant.
The name Divine Dragon was something any late master would dream of.
Because it meant being the most outstanding among the late masters of the current generation.
If one knew that such a title was already internally reserved for someone.
Why did no anger seem to come from Gu Yangcheon?
"Then did you come just to have a chat?"
"No, it's not that..."
It felt like something was strangely getting entangled.
Every single word was subtly being swallowed up.
It wasn't any particular words.
Just a difference in atmosphere.
Without saying anything, he waited for the other to speak.
Having no desires, he wasn't impatient.
With no small background behind him, his presence wasn't weak either.
'...It feels like talking to an elder of a great sect.'
It was an exaggerated expression, but he was getting a somewhat similar feeling.
Chu Yong's original purpose in visiting Gu Yangcheon was also to find out what kind of person he was directly,
But it was also a visit based on a personal feeling.
For some reason, the room seemed to be focusing on Jang Seon-yeon, the son of the Falling Sword.
There must have been some talk with the Alliance.
'I don't know what it is, but.'
Chu Yong had no intention of refusing him.
He was thoroughly soaked in the ways of the world, so he wasn't in a position to strip his socks off and step up to find righteousness and chivalry now.
Just a thought that came to mind upon seeing Gu Yangcheon.
'Wouldn't it be okay to drape on one more layer?'
The good thing about this job was this.
Being able to quickly know the star that will shine brighter than anyone else.
And, if the timing is right, being able to approach in this way.
Of course, it would be troublesome if the Sect found out.
'I need to find a way to live too, fuck...'
Just looking at it, it seemed the higher-ups had no intention of spoon-feeding him, ten years or whatever.
He was working so hard with his mouth open, ready to eat on his own if need be. Yet they were even blocking that.
'I have to find my own food and live now. I'll starve to death at this rate.'
Of course, he wasn't revealing these thoughts on the outside.
And Gu Yangcheon, seeing Chu Yong like that...
'This old man... isn't he the Beggar King?'
He already knew who he was.
Tu-geol-geon (Fighting Beggar Dog) Chu Yong.
There was a man called by another name, the Beggar King.
The Central Plains, which had begun to be swept up by the Demonic People.
This was naturally a disaster for the beggars as well.
The Blood Calamity didn't show mercy to beggars without power.
The Beggar's Sect ultimately survived on intelligence, but the martial force the organization possessed was infinitely weak.
Also, there was little to no unity to speak of.
They just had to wait for death.
Now that they begged for their lives to be saved, the Orthodox Faction would never easily listen.
Because they were useless.
They were too busy saving their own lives.
They couldn't possibly take responsibility for the beggars' lives as well.
In the midst of that, the Beggar King was a man like a miracle to the beggars.
He gathered the beggars who were scattered in all directions, shivering and waiting for death, and united them.
He was one of the key figures who fought off the Heavenly Demon, exterminating the Demonic People with Wi Seol-ah at the forefront.
Should I say his survival instinct was outstanding?
It would be more accurate than just calling it a feeling.
'So that kind of man was doing this now.'
The old man who used to run around showing a fiery spirit to save even one more Beggar's Sect member now looked like an ordinary beggar worn down by time.
'...Though he was a beggar in the future too.'
An outstanding Beggar's Sect member, put differently, was just a great beggar, so what.
I had to worry about what to do internally as I looked at Chu Yong, who was smiling fawningly and bringing up the conversation.
'I didn't know he'd try to make contact already.'
From the point where he had already made Namgung Cheon-jun a pushover, I thought whether it was the Beggar's Sect or the Alliance, someone would slip in.
I just didn't know it would be this fast.
'Is it a personal contact?'
At a glance, it seemed so.
I didn't know the exact intentions, but he seemed to want to get on good terms with me.
'It's not bad.'
Speaking of the Beggar's Sect, it was originally a legal intelligence agency recognized by the Murim Alliance.
Even though the Murim Alliance itself was already a rotten place. From the Central Plains' perspective, it was in the right position, so it would be good to use.
'Much less if he is Tu-geol-geon.'
That old man, if I remember correctly, should be a disciple of the Dae-gae.
When he united the beggars, he said he officially inherited the position of Dae-gae, so it's probably right.
The Dog-Beating Staff Chu Yong was holding at the time was also a treasured item used by the Beggar's Sect's Dae-gae.
Then he was a person in a good position to build a network with just a few conversations right away.
Especially since he seemed to want something from me.
However.
"You said you were Great Hero Chu Yong, right?"
"Oh my... Young Master, calling me a Great Hero, what would a lowly beggar like me be..."
"Let's have the detailed conversation again after the martial arts tournament is over. It seems too early to do it now."
"Aah...! Oh my, I must have come too eagerly...! I, Chu Yong, have nothing but time left, so it's enough that you didn't refuse me."
His fawning behavior, as if he would almost give away his liver, was really cringeworthy.
Time, my foot. He wasn't this kind of old man.
—Even if I die, my spirit will not die!
The sight of him shouting while biting the ear of a Demonic Person was vivid.
He seemed like a man with his own sense of style.
"Hehehe..."
At his foolishly smiling face, I had no words to say.
'...Anyway, rather than right now, if I'm going to do it, I should set it for after the martial arts tournament.'
The reason wasn't anything special.
Than my current value.
My value when the martial arts tournament ended would be much higher.
If I just had a conversation because he approached now, it would only be a waste for the future.
"It's an honor to see your face like this...!"
...Yes.
Chu Yong displayed a sycophantic attitude as if he didn't care, but he would be regretting it inside.
Of course, there was no particular conversation.
Probably, he was thinking the same thing as me.
Didn't he know that my value after the martial arts tournament would be different from now?
That wouldn't be an entirely good thing for the Beggar's Sect.
"I'll definitely see you next time."
I reached out my hand, ending my words.
The moment Chu Yong saw my hand, his smiling face stopped and he stiffened his expression for a moment.
'Why is he acting like that?'
I knew it was an act, but I didn't know he would shatter his mask so suddenly.
Of course, it was only a moment, and Chu Yong quickly recreated his expression.
He immediately grabbed my hand.
"After the martial arts tournament is over, I will definitely come find you!"
Finishing the brief greeting, Chu Yong repeated his bows with every step he took to leave.
How long was he planning to walk away like that...?
Hearing that the Beggar King's youth was like that felt a bit disillusioning.
Sending Chu Yong off, I immediately returned to the barracks.
Since we were originally talking in front, it hadn't been that long.
Peeking through the entrance of the barracks and entering, Namgung Bi-ah was lying on Wi Seol-ah's lap, sleeping.
I urgently approached and grabbed Namgung Bi-ah, pulling her up.
"Uung..."
"You, you're sleepy?! You said there was a match!"
No matter how short the time talking with Chu Yong was, it was already enough time for the match to have started.
Good heavens, where in the world is a crazy person who oversleeps for a martial arts match.
"Uung..."
"What are you mumbling in your sleep, hurry up and wake...!"
"...I finished it and came back..."
I momentarily paused at Namgung Bi-ah's mumbling words.
"What?"
I asked back, thinking I misheard.
"The match... I finished it and came back... It's fine..."
The answer didn't change.
Finished it, in this short time...?
Then what about Gu Jeol-yeop...?