Chapter 44
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The Beggars’ Sect.
A faction among the Nine Great Schools.
In the case of the Nine Great Schools, it was rare, but sometimes the composition changed when a particular sect declined in power. For example, in ancient times, the Mount Qingcheng Sect yielded its position to the Mount Heng Sect after being massacred by the demonic cult.
However, the Beggars’ Sect was an exception.
Even if some sects failed to maintain their position among the Nine Great Schools, the Beggars’ Sect never lost its steadfast status.
There were reasons for this.
The first reason was that the organization itself was not concentrated in a single headquarters like the Wudang Sect. Instead, it had meticulously spread its sub-branches throughout the entire martial arts world.
The second reason lay in the unique characteristic of the Beggars’ Sect. While it bore the appearance of a martial sect, it was distinct in one key way—it was an organization that dealt in information.
There is no place in the world without beggars.
Thus, the information gathered by the Beggars’ Sect members scattered across the country could illuminate the entire world as if observing it from the palm of their hand.
This unparalleled intelligence network, unmatched by any other sect, was the foundation of the Beggars’ Sect’s enduring influence.
Even when sects might turn a blind eye to the misfortunes of others for personal interests, the entire martial arts world always united to aid the Beggars’ Sect. The reason was simple: their information network was indispensable.
How do I know so much about the Beggars’ Sect?
I nearly became a trainee beggar once.
‘Back then, I was desperate for anything.’
Beggars are sensitive about their territory.
To an outsider, it might seem like beggars just wander aimlessly, begging, but they have their own intricate system.
Never trespass on another beggar’s territory.
This rule was absolute. They divided their zones as precisely as if measured with a ruler, treating begging within their designated area as their rightful challenge.
Therefore, it was only a matter of time before I ran into members of the Beggars’ Sect. Just like bandits, they were dead serious about begging.
Begging was their art of survival.
Honestly, their income wasn’t bad. If they wanted, they could wear fine clothes and rest on plush beds. But that wasn’t the way of the beggar.
The earnings from begging were just a byproduct—albeit a rather lucrative one.
Their essence was feigned sloppiness.
Even the most suspicious person would let their guard down when faced with someone they underestimated.
Do you think the members of the Beggars’ Sect enjoyed wearing ragged scraps and going days without washing?
It was all deliberate.
“Where did you roll in from?”
So, naturally, I rubbed them the wrong way.
From my perspective, it was bewildering.
I had never actually begged.
I would just sit there idly, and women would bring me food without me asking.
That, in fact, was the root of the problem. Let’s be honest—it’s irritating.
While they practically lit their hands on fire begging, I sat there doing nothing and was served food.
“You’re a kid, and you’re already mooching off women?”
“I’ve never begged like you lot.”
“Watch your mouth!”
“Try me if you’re mad.”
At that time, I had no intention of avoiding their challenge.
“You cocky brat!”
And I was utterly defeated.
Even trainee beggars who hadn’t formally joined the sect had picked up some techniques just by observing others.
I didn’t stand a chance.
“From today, you’re my subordinate!”
Fortunately, it was just a fight between kids.
Kids usually become friends after a fight. With some negotiation along the way, of course.
“Why do women keep bringing you food?”
“This.”
“Just pointing at your face with your finger? You smug bastard!”
The promise of learning martial arts briefly tempted me to consider becoming a Beggars’ Sect member seriously.
‘But it wouldn’t work out.’
It was a matter of preference.
The Beggars’ Sect members were rough around the edges, but they were good people. They grumbled, but they took care of me. Living with them wasn’t all that unpleasant—except for one thing: their unique attire.
As mentioned earlier, beggars deliberately looked shabby to lower others’ vigilance.
But I couldn’t stand it.
No matter how much I tried to adapt, my hygiene-conscious modern sensibilities couldn’t tolerate the discomfort.
Not washing for three days and feeling the itch spread all over my body—something I hadn’t experienced since the military—was unbearable.
“It can’t be helped. Though we part ways, we are brothers. I hope we meet again someday, smiling.”
“Sure. I’ll succeed and treat you to so much food you’ll never need to beg again.”
“A beggar must never stop begging!”
So, we parted ways with smiles, promising an uncertain reunion. That was years ago. Thinking back on it now, it was funny that I ended up at the Wudang Sect after that.
Park Il-do.
I wonder how many knots you’ve tied by now.
“Are you planning to commission the Beggars’ Sect?”
“Yes. My master loves to wander so much that, honestly, no one but the Beggars’ Sect could find him.”
“But doesn’t the Beggars’ Sect forbid private commissions?”
“There’s always a way.”
***
Yeon-hee and I headed to the market. I told her she didn’t need to accompany me since it wasn’t an outing, but she naturally linked arms with me.
“The Beggars’ Sect members can be a bit rough. Will you be okay?”
“Really? They’ve always been kind to me.”
Ah, of course.
Our Yeon-hee is Namgung Hwan’s youngest daughter, after all.
‘The best spot would be… Ah, there.’
The more knots one tied, the better the location one could claim.
Thus, we headed to the heart of the market. Amidst the dense crowd, a Beggars’ Sect member lay leisurely, picking his ears.
“Greetings, senior.”
“Hmm? Who are you to address me?”
The Beggars’ Sect member, who appeared to be in his forties, looked at me warily. Well, it’s only natural for a beggar to be suspicious when someone suddenly speaks to them so respectfully.
“I’m Lee Se-woong.”
“Lee Se-woong? The one who joined the White Sun Squad recently?”
“As expected, knots don’t lie. You recognize an unknown junior like me so quickly.”
“Judging by your sculpted face, I suppose it must be you. Did you really bring the esteemed daughter of the Lord of the Murim Alliance and expect me not to recognize her?”
The Beggars’ Sect disciple chuckled loudly. As he laughed, the two knots hanging from his waist swayed gently.
“Well then, what brings you here, all the way to this shabby market, to find a humble beggar like me?”
“I wish to request assistance from the Beggars’ Sect.”
“Since you’re a new recruit, you might not know. If you have a request, you must submit it through the Alliance.”
“This is a personal matter, which is why I came directly.”
“Oh?”
The man, who had been grinning brightly, frowned at my words.
“Don’t go around saying such things. The Beggars’ Sect does not accept personal requests.”
“I am fully aware of that.”
“Then why?”
“Even when soaked in filth, keep your heart green.”
“Hm?”
It was a secret code used among the Beggars’ Sect disciples. Upon hearing my words, the man rummaged through his belongings and pulled out a battered ledger. He flipped through the worn pages for a while before speaking.
“Lee Se-woong. You are indeed listed here. Did you do a favour for one of your seniors?”
“That’s a long story.”
“Well, fine. My job is to handle requests as long as I get paid.”
Il-do, it seems you’ve made quite a name for yourself, just as you bragged.
Swish, swish.
The man produced a brush from somewhere and struck out my name from the ledger.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than repaying the grace of a brother. So, what is it that you need?”
“I need you to find someone.”
“A person, huh? Well, finding people is one of our specialties.”
“She’s a young woman, about twenty years old. Blue hair, blue eyes. She likely dresses plainly and avoids flashy attire…”
I described my master’s physical features to him, even sketching her image. With such a distinctive appearance, it shouldn’t be difficult to locate her.
“I’ll send word as soon as we confirm her whereabouts.”
“Thank you, senior.”
“No need to thank me. I’m just doing my job for money.”
After receiving his confirmation, I was finally able to leave. That ended quicker than expected. Maybe I’ll spend some time with Yeon-hee before heading back.
“Gaga?”
“Did I keep you waiting long? Should we stop by a guesthouse for a meal?”
“Your master is a woman?”
“Yeah. Did I never mention that before?”
“Not at all.”
I thought she’d be excited at the suggestion to hang out, but Yeon-hee looked unusually serious. Her elegant eyes furrowed slightly, as if deep in thought.
She seemed to have a lot of questions she wanted to ask me.
***
Who said being a bandit was easy?
Jang Man-deuk had become a proficient toll collector over time. His day began before sunrise.
“If only we had a new recruit.”
It had been his long-held wish.
His two brothers were sound asleep, oblivious to the world, leaving him to check the road all on his own.
But he couldn’t afford to slack off. Maintaining a well-kept path was something their benefactor had strongly emphasized. By now, it had become second nature.
“Looks like today’s business will go smoothly.”
Through years of experience, he’d come to realize the truth: without the benefactor’s advice, he would’ve long been cut down by some short-tempered martial artist.
Eating meat once every four days was now a luxury he was grateful for.
“Excuse me, is this your jurisdiction?”
A voice called out from the well-maintained road, marking the arrival of his first customer of the day.
It was a woman dressed in pifungui. Even with her head covered by cloth, her radiant beauty was evident.
Her blue hair and piercing blue eyes were captivating, her pale skin accentuating her youthful appearance. Her loose clothing couldn’t fully conceal her curvaceous figure.
“Wow, what a lucky day.”
An eyeful of beauty, first thing in the morning. It was a blessing to be the youngest brother.
“Yes, it is.”
“The road is so smooth, it’s hard to believe it’s a mountain path. Your work is impressive.”
“Thank you for noticing.”
Finally, a customer who appreciated his efforts! He thought he could easily charge her three coins. But just as Man-deuk was about to collect the toll…
“Wait a second!”
A warning from the benefactor echoed in his mind. It was advice given just before the benefactor had left:
-If you encounter someone who looks barely twenty, uses refined language, and has a stunning appearance, be wary. If they exude an air of composure, let them pass without question. They’re likely an elder master disguised by their martial arts.
-What’s that supposed to mean?
-Just trust me. Avoid any entanglement unless you want to die young.
The benefactor had never been wrong. Not even once.
Her bright blue hair and azure eyes were too vivid to be natural, and her refined speech suggested she wasn’t a foreigner. Surely, this was a master whose internal energy had altered their appearance.
“How much do I owe you?”
“No need for payment!”
“Pardon?”
“Today, the road is open free of charge. Please proceed without worry!”
“Oh?”
Man-deuk desperately concocted an excuse. The woman, however, casually reached into her pocket and pulled out a silver ingot.
“No, I insist. This is for your hard work.”
“I really can’t accept this!”
“Well, at least give me directions. I’m heading to Anhui Province, but I seem to have lost my way.”
“Just keep going straight, and you’ll find a village. Ask for directions there.”
“Thank you. Consider this a token of my gratitude.”
Ting!
She flicked the ingot into the air, and Man-deuk leapt up to catch it in panic.
“This is far too generous!”
“It’s more than deserved. Thanks to you, I believe I’ll reunite with my disciple soon.”
Leaving the flustered Man-deuk behind, the woman walked away with purpose.
—
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