Chapter 156: What Kind of Trash Is This. (2)

What Kind of Trash Is This. (2)

Speaking of the Beggars’ Union (丐幇), they are the faction responsible for the ‘Union’ aspect of the Nine Great Orthodox Sects (九파일방), and they are in charge of the Orthodox Sects’ information.

If the heart of the Orthodox Sects is the Murim Alliance (무림맹), then the Beggars’ Union served as their eyes and ears.

If you ask how just one faction can handle such a task, it’s because most of the beggars in the Zhongyuan (중원) are members of the Beggars’ Union.

You could tell just from this.

Even in Hanam (하남), the representative metropolis of the Zhongyuan, beggars are bound to exist, and the words and whispers spoken by many people would become their livelihood.

Small and large pieces of information would all accumulate.

There’s a saying: ‘Gather dust and you make a mountain.’ (티끌 모아 태산)

Successful merchants say, ‘Gathering dust only yields more dust.’ They ask, ‘When will you ever gather enough to make a mountain?’

However, if the quantity is like waves, constantly crashing and piling up, it can indeed become a mountain.

The information gathered by the Beggars’ Union was just like that.

There is no useless information in the world.

Even if it’s useless to me, it might be necessary for someone else. The information gathered like that is countless each day.

As long as there are many beggars in the world, the Beggars’ Union will grow fatter.

Of course, compared to the other Nine Great Orthodox Sects, their martial power might be somewhat crude, and their quality might be considered low due to being composed of beggars.

Yet, the factor that allowed them to secure a position among the Nine Great Orthodox Sects was also ultimately because many recognized that their information network was their true strength.

Chuwong (추옹) is a figure who has lived as a member of the Beggars’ Union for nearly forty years.

He was given to the Beggars’ Union’s Grand Beggar (大丐), U Bongchwisenim (우봉취견), at the age of five and raised as a disciple, so it must have been about that long.

Of course, it wasn’t publicly known that he was a disciple, but within the Beggars’ Union, he was a person with considerable ability and standing.

‘To think they’d still have me doing this petty work after all these years, what a damn old geezer.’

I’ve been stuck in Hanam for ten whole years now.

Ten years of being buried here, just working, solely on my master’s promise that I’d get a proper position once this job was done.

‘Chuwong-ah, you crazy, half-witted beggar bastard, did you really trust a beggar when there was nothing else to trust?’

Do you know what the Beggars’ Union teaches new recruits first?

They teach that all beggars in the Beggars’ Union are family, and that we must trust each other to survive.

‘What bullshit.’

Chuwong, or rather, at least as a member of the Beggars’ Union for five years… no.

Anyone who’s been around for just a year or two would know.

Beggars shouldn’t trust each other.

Do you think there’s loyalty and affection among those just trying to survive day by day? They’d tear each other’s flesh apart if they were starving enough!

‘But I believed it, that’s how crazy I was. Tsk tsk.’

-Disciple.

-Yes.

-Hic… Once this job is done, I’ll hand over the Second Union (二幇) position to you. So do a good job…. Hic… keep doing a good job, alright….

The Second Union (Ibang) position, if you’re just counting titles within the Beggars’ Union, is the third highest.

A position like that would allow one to live quite comfortably in the Zhongyuan.

‘…Comfortably? As a beggar? What a joke.’

Chuwong knew the reality of being a beggar better than anyone, so it wasn’t exactly a feeling worth celebrating, but Chuwong collected his thoughts and focused on the young man standing before him.

He was likely the central figure of the most talked-about event in the Zhongyuan today, and a martial artist who might soon make a name for himself across the land.

‘Huh, the brat looks intimidating.’

He looked younger than the guys from the Fifth Union (五丐) who usually grovelled beneath me, at best.

‘And that kid….’

That young martial artist managed to scale the wall.

The very wall that I myself struggled and failed to overcome.

Furthermore, it seemed the integration of his body and spirit had begun long ago, as he handled himself with exceptional skill on the martial arts stage.

Talent – that terrifying and cruel word – struck me with particular coldness.

“So.”

Despite his young voice, his manner of speaking was low and curt.

“Why have you come to find me?”

The boy showed a surprised expression for a mere instant, but by now, he had returned to his nonchalant demeanor. He didn’t seem to exhibit any particularly thug-like mannerisms, but the atmosphere around him somehow felt that way.

However.

‘…Well, look at this guy?’

The boy isn’t looking down on me.

That aspect made Chuwong reconsider slightly.

The Dragon-Phoenix Gathering (龍鳳之會) itself is nominally a banquet for the younger generation of martial artists, but its underlying purpose is ultimately to clearly delineate the hierarchy within the Orthodox Sects.

You could tell just by looking at the banquet.

Seats are allocated based on the sponsorship tier provided to families or alliances, and discrimination is evident in various aspects, including the martial arts stage tents.

Not only the circumstances but also the blood relatives showed discriminatory glances and actions.

However, if you asked Chuwong if that was wrong, he would say no.

Because that’s simply the way of the world.

Of course, if one showcases talent and becomes a new prodigy, they might break through the discrimination, but this was an immutable law.

Talent that could overcome blood relatives backed by prestigious families was impossible unless bestowed by heaven.

You could see this from the fact that the current Dragon (龍) and Phoenix (鳳) are both descendants of prestigious families.

Miracles are yearned for precisely because they are miracles.

Chuwong knew this well.

For them, discrimination and disregard were perhaps natural consequences. They simply used the advantages they were born with.

In that sense, Chuwong is a beggar.

A disciple of the Grand Beggar, a figure with standing in the Beggars’ Union. Those are fancy words, but from the perspective of a prestigious family, he was just a beggar.

Of course, they might have guessed he was from the Beggars’ Union since he could access the martial arts tournament, but their attitude changed only slightly.

‘Does being from the Beggars’ Union make a difference? They’re just beggars.’

The distance they tried to maintain. The look in their eyes, as if they didn’t even want to exchange words.

These are the unavoidable reactions they inevitably show.

Chuwong had long passed the point of being hurt by such things.

Rather, he used such things as a convenient tool to gauge his opponents bit by bit.

Just like now.

The Shanxi Gu (山西歐) family was a famous prestigious family, even if not quite on the level of the Four Great Houses. The boy, Gu Yangcheon (歐陽天), was practically confirmed as the young master of the Gu family, so I expected him to have some rough edges, but

‘More than I expected….’

What I saw in his eyes wasn’t disdain or contempt, but wariness. Even that was faint, making it hard to notice.

In Chuwong’s memory, very few younger generation martial artists had exuded such a feeling.

Peng Woojin (彭宇鎭) of the Peng family was like that. The Sword Dragon (劍龍) of Hua Mountain (華山) was like that.

I haven’t met the Sleeping Dragon (潛龍), so I don’t know. Sword Peak (劍峰)… I don’t want to remember.

If we go back a bit further than the current era, a few more martial artists come to mind.

And considering the positions they hold now in the Zhongyuan, I realized I needed to reassess Gu Yangcheon.

“It’s nothing else… but because of the martial arts performance (비무) you put on, the Beggars’ Union is viewing you very, very favorably.”

“The Beggars’ Union, looking at me?”

“Of course, of course! How could we not be interested!”

After all, you were the one who caught the Thunder Dragon (뇌룡) like a rat. Moreover, the power of your fire arts (화공) shown from the beginning of the martial arts performance was at a level too overwhelming to even describe.

So, he added words meant to flatter him quite explicitly.

“Perhaps you might become the new Divine Dragon (신룡) this time….”

As Chuwong spoke, practically drooling with praise, Gu Yangcheon suddenly chuckled.

That laugh was clearly a smirk.

“Divine Dragon, you say.”

A sudden, chilling atmosphere caused Chuwong’s back to dampen slightly.

What is it?

Is it because the statement was too absurd? Or perhaps he was reacting that way out of arrogance, thinking, ‘Are they only seeing me as that?’ It wasn’t unreasonable; having reached the peak at that age, he had every right to be arrogant. Arrogance backed by skill was simply boldness and confidence.

However, what came out of Gu Yangcheon’s mouth was something else entirely.

“Isn’t that already Shaolin’s (소림), anyway?”

His voice was languid and cold, resembling the current season.

It wasn’t a guess.

It was certainty.

Hearing this, Chuwong forced a smile.

“Hahaha, what are you talking about! Shaolin, all of a sudden.”

Chuwong didn’t show his surprise. He had years of experience living as a beggar; he could keep his composure outwardly. The problem was that inside, his emotions were raging like an earthquake.

‘How? How did he know that?’

Just as Gu Yangcheon implied, the martial artist destined to become the next Divine Dragon was already decided. Only a few people in the Murim Alliance, Shaolin, and the Beggars’ Union knew this. Yet, how could this boy possibly know?

‘Not only that it was already decided, but he specifically mentioned Shaolin.’

Leaving aside how much he knew, the question was how he knew it.

As Chuwong shot him a look, whether consciously or not, Gu Yangcheon chuckled and added,

“Or maybe not.”

He seemed unfazed.

‘Why is that?’

The question deepened instantly.

Divine Dragon was a title any young martial artist would dream of. It meant being the most outstanding among the contemporary younger generation. If he knew that such a title was already predetermined for someone else, why wasn’t there any anger emanating from Gu Yangcheon?

“So, you’re saying you just came here to chat?”

“No, it’s not quite like that….”

It felt like I was being cornered somehow. Every word he spoke seemed to subtly trap me. It wasn’t anything specific. Just a difference in atmosphere.

He waited for the other person to speak without saying anything himself. He had no particular desires, so he wasn’t impatient. With a significant background behind him, his presence wasn’t insignificant.

‘…It feels like I’m talking to an elder from some major sect.’

It was an exaggeration, but that’s roughly the feeling I was getting.

Chuwong’s original purpose in seeking out Gu Yangcheon was partly to gauge his demeanor firsthand, but it was also driven by a personal hunch. For some reason, the higher-ups seemed focused on the son of Nakgeom (낙검), named Jang Seonyeon (장선연). There must have been some discussion with the Alliance.

‘Whatever it is, Chuwong had no intention of refusing him. He was too jaded by the world’s affairs to suddenly step forward seeking righteousness and chivalry. The thought that simply crossed Chuwong’s mind upon seeing Gu Yangcheon was:

‘Can’t I just get a foot in the door?’

This was the good part about this situation. Being able to quickly identify a star destined to shine brighter than anyone else. And, if the timing was right, being able to approach them like this.

Of course, it would be troublesome if the higher-ups found out, but

‘I need to find a way to survive too, damn it….’

It was clear that the higher-ups had no intention of spoon-feeding me, regardless of my ten years of service. Even though I was eagerly opening my mouth, ready to grab opportunities, they were blocking even that.

‘Now I have to fend for myself. I’ll starve to death at this rate.’

Of course, he wasn’t showing these thoughts outwardly. And Gu Yangcheon, seeing Chuwong like that,

‘Isn’t this guy… the Beggar King?’

already knew who he was.

******************

The Fierce Beggar Dog (鬪乞犬), Chuwong.

There was a man known by another name: the Beggar King (걸왕).

The Zhongyuan began to be swept away by the demonic forces (마인). This was naturally a disaster for the beggars as well. The Blood Calamity (혈겁) didn’t spare the weak beggars.

The Beggars’ Union ultimately survives on information, but the collective martial power they possess is incredibly weak. Furthermore, they lacked any significant unity. They could only wait for death.

Even if they begged for help now, the Orthodox Sects were unlikely to grant it easily. Because they were useless. The sects were too busy trying to save themselves. They couldn’t possibly be responsible for the lives of beggars.

Amidst all this, the Beggar King was like a miracle to the beggars. He gathered the beggars who were scattered, trembling, and waiting for death, uniting them. He was one of the key figures who, led by Wi Seol-ah (위설아), exterminated the demonic forces and held back the Heavenly Demon (천마).

Should I call it a superior survival instinct? It was more than just a hunch; it was clearer than that.

‘So that’s how that respected figure ended up.’

The man who had once shown fighting spirit, running around trying to save just one more beggar, now looked like just another grubby, ordinary beggar.

‘…Well, he was still a beggar in the future, wasn’t he.’

A distinguished member of the Beggars’ Union was, in other words, just a great beggar.

Watching Chuwong speak with a silly grin, I had to consider my next move internally.

‘I didn’t expect him to try and contact me this soon.’

I had anticipated that the Beggars’ Union or the Alliance would approach me subtly after I had turned Namgung Cheonjun (남궁천준) into mush, I just didn’t expect it to be this fast.

‘Is this a personal contact?’

It seemed that way at first glance. I wasn’t sure of his exact intentions, but he seemed eager to meet me.

‘It’s not bad, though.’

The Beggars’ Union, historically, is a legitimate intelligence agency recognized by the Murim Alliance. Even though the Murim Alliance itself was already a rotten entity, from the perspective of the Zhongyuan, it held a proper position, making it useful.

‘Especially if it’s the Fierce Beggar Dog.’

That guy, if I recall correctly, should be a disciple of the Grand Beggar. He apparently claimed to have officially succeeded the Grand Beggar’s position when he united the beggars, so that must be right. Besides, the striking pole (타구봉) Chuwong was holding back then was also a treasured artifact used by the Beggars’ Union’s Grand Beggar. Therefore, he was in a good position to build connections with just a few conversations. And he seemed to want something from me.

However.

“You said your name was Chuwong the Great Hero (대협), correct?”

“Oh my…. Great Hero, Young Master? What are you saying, someone like me, a lowly beggar….”

“Let’s have a more detailed conversation after the martial arts tournament concludes. It seems too early to discuss now.”

“Ah…! Oh dear, I suppose I came on too strong…! I, Chuwong, have plenty of time, so just having you not refuse me is more than enough.”

His obsequious manner, as if he’d give his own liver, was quite ticklish. What happened to time? He wasn’t this kind of person.

-…Even if I die, my spirit will not perish!

I clearly remembered him shouting while biting the ear of a demonic force. He seemed like a respectable figure in his own way.

“Hehehe….”

Seeing his foolishly grinning face, I had nothing more to say.

‘…In any case, if I’m going to do this, I should schedule it for after the tournament, not right now.’

The reason was simple. My value now would be much higher after the tournament concluded. It would be a waste of the future to just engage in conversation now just because he approached me.

“It was an honor to meet you…!”

“…Yes.”

Chuwong maintained a nonchalant, sycophantic attitude, but inwardly, he must have been regretting it. Not only was there no substantial conversation, but he was probably thinking the same thing I was. He likely knew my value would be different after the tournament ended. That probably wasn’t good news for the Beggars’ Union.

“We shall definitely meet again.”

I extended my hand as I finished speaking. The moment Chuwong saw my hand, his smiling face froze for a moment, his expression hardening.

‘What’s with him?’

I knew it was an act, but I didn’t expect him to suddenly drop the mask like that. Of course, it was only for an instant; Chuwong quickly put his expression back on.

He immediately grasped my hand.

“After the tournament concludes, I will certainly visit!”

After our brief farewell, Chuwong repeatedly bowed his head with each step as he left. How long was he planning to keep doing that…? To think the young Beggar King was like this. It was slightly disillusioning.

After sending Chuwong off, I returned straight to the tent. Since we were just talking outside, not much time had passed.

“…Hm?”

Pushing aside the tent flap and entering, I saw Namgung Bi-ah (남궁비아) sleeping with her head on Wi Seol-ah’s lap. I rushed over and tried to shake Namgung Bi-ah awake.

“Mmm….”

“Are you sleepy!? You have a match, right!”

No matter how short the conversation with Chuwong was, enough time had passed for the matches to have already begun. Seriously, who sleeps through their match and is late?

“Mmmph…”

“Stop mumbling in your sleep, wake up…!”

“…I finished alreadyyy…”

Namgung Bi-ah’s mumbled words made me freeze for a moment.

“What did you say?”

I asked again, thinking I misheard, but

“My match… I finished… It’s okay….”

Her answer didn’t change. She finished? In this short amount of time…?

Then what about Gu Jeolyeop (구절엽)…?