Chapter 172: It’s a Coincidence. (1)

The Central Plains’ Henan.

And Shaolin, within Henan, is a place that holds many meanings.

It’s not just the core of the Nine Great Orthodox Sects.

The reason the Martial Arts Alliance was established in Henan was also because Shaolin was there.

Its significance couldn’t help but be special.

Among the Nine Great Orthodox Sects, it possesses the largest number of members.

And receives the most support.

In a sense, Shaolin was the very embodiment of the orthodox path.

Of course, my perspective was a little different.

‘A gathering of baldies with dark hearts.’

A den of fucking bastards who seemed to have shaved off their consciences along with their heads.

At least, from my perspective, Shaolin was that kind of place.

“So, when do you plan to go to Shaolin?”

Tang Xiaoye asked me as we were eating after the banquet concluded.

It had reached a point where eating together was now commonplace.

“Hmm, I do intend to go before returning to my family.”

Although I said that, I didn’t really have a personal reason to visit Shaolin.

If Elder Shin weren’t involved, there would be no particular need to go.

‘Still, I suppose I should go at least once.’

Of course, it’s not like I have absolutely no business there.

It wasn’t an important reason, but since I was here anyway, going once seemed like a decent idea.

‘If I can, I should see the future Divine Dragon.’

The young Buddhist disciple who would take the currently vacant title of Divine Dragon.

It was a name already decided long ago through the backroom dealings of the Alliance and Shaolin.

In my opinion, even if that hadn’t happened, he was certainly worthy of being called the Divine Dragon.

‘Of course, he becomes a demon later.’

That was something far in the future, and might not even happen in this lifetime.

For the child who received all of Shaolin’s expectations to become a demon…

It was truly an absurd turn of events.

And the era where such things happen frequently wasn’t far off.

As I rested my chin on my hand, fiddling with a dumpling.

Tang Xiaoye quietly asked.

“Then, Young Master…”

“Hm?”

“Then… are you thinking of going with Miss Moyong?”

At Tang Xiaoye’s words, I recalled that moment.

I couldn’t have imagined Moyong Hi-ah would approach me and say something like that.

‘Why did she say that to me?’

Not just anyone, but the Moyong Hi-ah of the world.

There was no way that woman, who was exceedingly cold and composed, would approach me without a hidden agenda.

I knew all too well that she was a woman who imbued every word and gesture with calculation, devoid of emotion.

-No.

That’s why I refused.

As firmly as possible, no less.

It wasn’t that I didn’t trust Moyong Hi-ah, though.

I just didn’t think we needed to get involved more than necessary.

Fortunately, Moyong Hi-ah nodded at my refusal and left without any lingering attachment.

I thought if she was going to come talk about it like this, she’d at least state her reason.

Jjoreureuk.

Shifting my gaze towards the sound of pouring water, I saw Namgung Bi-ah refilling my empty teacup.

When I looked at her as if asking ‘what’s this?’, Namgung Bi-ah replied with half-asleep eyes.

“Drink… water. You look thirsty.”

I wasn’t particularly thirsty, but since she’d done it, I gratefully took a sip.

I quenched my thirst with the water and casually asked Namgung Bi-ah.

“How are you feeling?”

“…I’m fine.”

Since the sword wound wasn’t that deep, they said no scar would remain.

And since Namgung Bi-ah’s cultivation level wasn’t low, the treatment proceeded smoothly.

‘That’s a relief.’

I had been worrying quite a bit, knowingly or unknowingly, so this was a relief.

Hearing that, Tang Xiaoye blurted something out.

“You must be relieved.”

“Hm…?”

“You went to the infirmary every day.”

“…When did I…?”

“That’s strange… I’m sure you went every day?”

When did they see me?

I definitely went secretly.

When on earth did they see me…?

Thanks to that, I found myself in a slightly awkward spot.

At Tang Xiaoye’s blurted words, Namgung Bi-ah looked at me with a peculiar expression.

Perhaps sensing the slight emotion flickering in Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes, I shifted my gaze.

It was incredibly uncomfortable.

“…I just went because I had nothing else to do.”

Although I tried to say it casually, the gaze I felt didn’t disappear.

Did they aim for this? Tang Xiaoye chuckled from across the table.

“You find this funny?”

“It’s amusing.”

I couldn’t fathom what was so amusing about it.

With that, I let out a small sigh and picked up another dumpling.

I felt like I would choke under Namgung Bi-ah’s gaze, but I still had to eat.

Taking a mouthful and munching, I glanced at the fiddling chopsticks beside me.

It was Wi Seol-ah.

Seeing that, I snorted inwardly.

‘Acting like that, and claiming nothing’s wrong?’

In all my life, if Wi Seol-ah is reduced to fiddling with her food, it’s obvious something big is wrong.

I asked several more times afterward, but Wi Seol-ah didn’t answer.

Well, she did answer.

A perfunctory statement saying nothing was wrong.

Watching her quietly, I simply stroked her hair.

If she didn’t want to talk about it this much, I figured forcing the issue would only be counterproductive.

As we continued eating, Muyeon approached from behind and whispered quietly.

“Young Master.”

“Go ahead. I’m listening.”

Muyeon hesitated briefly before continuing.

“Someone from the Beggar’s Sect has come looking for you.”

I stopped the chopsticks midway to my mouth.

“Who?”

“He identified himself as Zhuo Weng of the Beggar’s Sect. He says he has an appointment with you. Shall I send him away if you don’t wish to see him?”

It was merely Zhuo Weng’s personal request for my time after the martial arts tournament concluded.

Although I had agreed, there was no obligation to keep that promise.

Perhaps figuring out the answer from my reaction, Muyeon responded.

“In that case, I’ll send him away appropriately.”

At Muyeon’s words, I stopped him with a gesture.

“No, tell him I’ll see him after I finish eating.”

It felt quite awkward to face a beggar after finishing my meal, but.

It was Zhuo Weng, who would later be called the Beggar King.

Though he currently seemed like a pathetic and sneaky fellow.

He was someone who would truly become a hero when the bloodbath erupted.

‘It should be fine to at least show my face.’

Especially since my own value had somewhat inflated recently, this was actually an opportunity.

I picked up the last dumpling in front of me and stood up.

“Finish eating and rest. I’ll be back soon.”

At my words, Wi Seol-ah and Tang Xiaoye exclaimed “Yes!” simultaneously.

They looked somewhat similar, and seeing the two together felt like looking at small animals, which was rather heartwarming.

Of course, I didn’t show that thought outwardly.

As I stepped out of the inn, I immediately saw several beggars fidgeting.

People were subtly giving way and moving aside.

It seemed people knew that beggars openly present like that in Henan were almost certainly from the Beggar’s Sect, hence their silence.

“Why are they openly standing on the street like this?”

I said, sounding bewildered, and Zhuo Weng, standing at the front, smiled sheepishly.

“Hehehe… Young Master, wouldn’t it be stranger for beggars to wait inside the inn?”

That’s a fair point.

I looked at Zhuo Weng and asked.

“You were looking for me.”

“Ah… First, congratulations on your victory. Young Master Gu, ah. Should I call you True Dragon now?”

“…No, please stick with the former.”

Just hearing it gave me goosebumps.

Who on earth decided on the epithet ‘True Dragon’? Was it the Alliance Leader?

Seeing my displeased expression as I refused, Zhuo Weng seemed slightly flustered.

After all, it must look strange for a young martial artist to receive an epithet and show no joy, but rather dislike.

“Ah, anyway… In any case, thank you for coming out like this.”

“It’s hardly a grand meeting worthy of such thanks.”

It was a significant meeting.

At least from their perspective.

“How could it not be significant! It’s a meeting with the winner of the martial arts tournament.”

I knew that, so I was acting with due humility.

Acting too arrogantly would likely bring more negative consequences, no matter what.

“But, are we going to keep talking here?”

Although there weren’t many people, it was still a street people passed by.

It wasn’t a suitable place for a conversation.

As expected, Zhuo Weng seemed to have something in mind and immediately guided me.

“It’s not as clean as the inn, but it won’t be uncomfortable!”

I nodded at Zhuo Weng’s words.

Honestly, it wouldn’t have been a problem to talk sitting on the ground.

But I still had to maintain the appearance of a noble family, so I had to play the part.

The building I was led to wasn’t as clean as Zhuo Weng said, but it didn’t look uncomfortable.

“Shall… shall I offer you some tea?”

“Do you have tea?”

I couldn’t imagine there being tea available in a place like this.

Zhuo Weng’s words resolved my curiosity.

“We don’t have any, but if you, Young Master, say you want it, we’ll go get it right away!”

“…Then that’s fine.”

As expected, there was no way.

I crossed my legs and sat down in the most comfortable position possible.

There was no need to be cautious.

As soon as I sat down, Muyeon, who had followed me, immediately began scanning the surroundings.

The subtle aura emanating from him flickered as if to keep them in check.

Zhuo Weng’s eyes lit up as he saw that.

He realized it was a considerable level for a mere bodyguard.

I thought so too.

‘Not much longer now.’

It seemed like Muyeon was very close to crossing the wall to reach the ‘Peak’ level.

‘Though Namgung Bi-ah seems likely to be faster.’

Although Namgung Bi-ah was also lingering, facing that wall, considering her talent and the enlightenment she gained from the tournament…

Crossing it wouldn’t take much longer.

“But why did you follow me?”

I asked brusquely, looking at Gu Jeolyub standing behind me.

Putting Muyeon aside, why did he follow me?

“I told you to just eat.”

Gu Jeolyub replied hesitantly to my words.

“…I received orders from the family to serve First Young Master.”

“Then why didn’t you serve me earlier? Why were you hiding like a coward during the tournament, and now you’re acting like this?”

“…”

“I can see right through you, you bastard.”

“Ahem…”

It was clearly because of the sword I received from the Alliance.

Perhaps it was because I had mentioned I’d give it to Muyeon or Gu Jeolyub.

Hearing that, Gu Jeolyub had started following me around with eyes blazing.

It’s not like he’s a dog.

“Ah, this is annoying…”

“I merely wish to protect First Young Master…”

“Protect who? You’re damn weak.”

Gu Jeolyub staggered at my words.

He wore a deeply hurt expression, but since it was the truth, he seemed to have nothing to say.

And then, a burst of laughter came from beside me.

It seemed Muyeon had laughed.

Gu Jeolyub looked at Muyeon as if shocked, but Muyeon covered his mouth as if nothing had happened.

‘They’re really having fun.’

Clicking my tongue, I shifted my gaze back to Zhuo Weng.

“Anyway, what did you want to talk about?”

As if snapping back to attention at my words, Zhuo Weng quickly changed his demeanor.

“It’s just that… I have something to suggest to you, Young Master Gu.”

Something the Beggar’s Sect wants to suggest to me?

A few things came to mind, but.

There was something I needed to ask first.

“Why?”

I had to ask the reason first.

Honestly, the reason was quite obvious, but.

Asking this would allow me to secure the justification and context.

Zhuo Weng surely knew this, so he probably had an explanation prepared.

And as expected, Zhuo Weng began speaking without hesitation.

“Traditionally, the Beggar’s Sect has been providing a sort of support-not exactly sponsorship-to outstanding young martial artists.”

“Support, you say? Are you giving money?”

“Ah, where would us beggars get money?”

“Then?”

“The Beggar’s Sect’s support is information! We wish to provide you with information.”

Zhuo Weng carefully took out a wooden token from his pocket and subtly passed it over.

I looked at Zhuo Weng with a brusque gaze upon seeing it.

‘Information.’

It sounded somewhat significant with the pretext of ‘support,’ but.

It was merely laying the groundwork for when things went well later.

‘We helped you back when you were like this.’

‘So don’t forget us,’ was the implication, but.

‘This is quite a bland story.’

Perhaps sensing that emotion from my expression.

Zhuo Weng continued, slightly flustered.

“Regarding this token, it’s issued only to a select few at the Beggar’s Sect branches.”

“What’s the benefit of receiving it?”

“You can freely obtain information that our branches can provide!”

Information obtainable from the Beggar’s Sect’s regional branches.

From a young martial artist’s perspective, it was a reasonably good offer.

Considering that noble families were already linked with the Beggar’s Sect.

Even young martial artists now knew that information was a great power.

It meant they would be treated as a special management target by an information organization.

This was certainly helpful information, but.

From my perspective, it was a story filled with “Is it really necessary?”

Even just the information I possessed contained countless things the Beggar’s Sect wouldn’t know.

Situations where I might need the Beggar’s Sect’s help could arise, but.

The problem was that I didn’t have much trust in the ‘Beggar’s Sect’ organization itself.

“Hmm…”

What should I do?

I couldn’t just outright refuse.

My original purpose was just to get acquainted with Zhuo Weng.

This would have been enough for that, but.

‘It’s a waste.’

I wanted to build a connection with Zhuo Weng as a person, rather than the Beggar’s Sect.

Not excessively, but appropriately.

Tuk tuk-

I tapped my fingers on the table.

I needed a moment to think.

From Zhuo Weng’s perspective, he must have been wondering why I was pondering so much.

After all, the Beggar’s Sect never found fault or interfered in personal matters when they offered support by handing out tokens like this.

It was just one of the hundreds of ways the Beggar’s Sect grew stronger and survived.

I quietly looked at the token, then pushed it back towards Zhuo Weng with my hand.

This was a refusal.

“Uh… True, no, Young Master Gu? This is really a good…”

Zhuo Weng seemed flustered by my refusal and tried to add an explanation, but.

When I took out an item from my pocket and showed it to him, his jaw dropped, and he fell silent.

“Forget the token. And the support.”

The item I took out was a wooden token Shin Ui had told me to use if I ever needed help from the Beggar’s Sect.

I believe just showing it was enough to meet the Beggar’s Sect Leader.

I looked at Zhuo Weng, who was half-broken, and said.

“Can I ask for something separately? Personally.”

He probably couldn’t refuse.