2
8
3.
Bunta.
Jin So-un let out a quiet gasp of admiration as he looked around the interior of the lair built beneath Cheongmyeong Bridge.
“Why are those beggar bastards living so lavishly?”
Samcheol trembled and held back his anger.
If only I had had a justification in the first place, I wouldn’t feel this ashamed.
If it weren’t for that bastard Osam kneeling next to me with a look on his face like he didn’t know what was going on, I would have beaten Jin So-un to a pulp on the spot.
“Hey, a guest is here, do you have anything?”… …
Just bear with it, bear with it.
Among those who come to the open to buy information, none come empty-handed.
They are customers capable of paying, but the information brokers are beggars.
Since most guests had prepared their own food and treats for the beggars in advance, there was no way for the Beggars to have a separate tea set for welcoming guests.
However, the way they were looking at him was so fierce that he felt like he had to give them something.
“Ahem, shall I get you some water?”
Samcheol forced a smile and tried to welcome the guest, but Jin So-un let out a long sigh.
“Sigh, what can I expect from beggars? Just bring me the goods already.”
No, you knew I was a beggar, so why did you ask in the first place…!
Samcheol, who had clenched his fist so tightly that blood came from his hand, signaled another beggar, and then the beggar brought a small box.
Samcheol carefully opened the box and headed toward Jin So-un, speaking.
This is it.
The moment Jin So-un was about to reach for the box.
Samcheol closed the box door with a thud.
“……
what?”
Jin So-un’s gaze quickly sharpens.
While Samcheol glared at Jin So-un without backing down…
“I’m going to wet my pants.” The fighting between the two men, who were kneeling beside him, was killing him.
“Young Hero Jin, think carefully. If you take this, cooperation with the Beggar’s Sect will be over.”
What kind of bullshit are you trying to spout?
“Of course, we have made mistakes. However, these stemmed from mutual misunderstandings. I am saying that without consideration, future cooperation will also be difficult.”
“You beggar, you’re using difficult words. Just say it simply.”
At Jin So-un’s sarcasm, veins briefly flared on Sam-cheol’s forehead, but he soon regained his composure.
“Even if things end like this, since there are many eyes watching in the Open World, I am saying that this incident will definitely be remembered.”
Even though we are the ones at fault—no, rather, it is precisely because we are at fault that we are speaking even more confidently.
I can’t keep paying the price like this every time I make a mistake.
Things that must not be pushed back in momentum.
However, Jin So-un just scoffs.
Are you threatening me?
I am telling you to think it over again. A direction that is good for both of us.
No matter how crazy that guy is, we must not be pushed back here.
No, since he’s a lunatic and I don’t know what he might demand later, I absolutely cannot let the first step be wrong…!
Jin So-un grumbled, whether or not he knew Sam-cheol’s earnest feelings.
They’re such shameless bastards. They’re the ones who committed the wrongdoing, and yet they’re threatening the other party.
“Isn’t that the way of the law of the martial arts world?”
The strong do not accept losses.
The weaker party always bears the loss.
That is why all martial arts schools stake their lives on becoming strong.
In that respect, Samcheol sought to gain the upper hand by pointing out that if one were to name the stronger party between Taeeulmun and Beggar’s Sect, it would be Beggar’s Sect.
“I know, I know very well.”
It seems there is some common sense here, at least.
Samcheol felt relieved inwardly.
“What will you do? Will you really accept it?”
It may be incredibly unfair to Jin So-un right now, but if the Taeeul Sect wishes to accept help from the Beggar’s Sect in the future, they must demonstrate that they are stepping down.
The Nine Sects and the Five Great Clans always step back when faced with the Beggar’s Sect.
Because doing so would be beneficial to their sect in the future.
but.
“I understand perfectly well, so…….”
“……?”
A look of disdain rose across Jin So-un’s face.
Take your hands off me, this is mine now.
“…….”
Samcheol couldn’t help but gape. ‘You’re betting the future of the sect on a mere treasure map?’ Of course, if it were a magnificent treasure map, it would be worth it.
However, this is nothing more than a map created by openness.
There might be a miraculous potion, but the probability of it not being there is high.
Besides, just because it’s missing doesn’t mean you can hold anyone accountable. ‘Above all, they wouldn’t even be able to enter the Cave of the Thousand Stones in the first place.’ To think they would stake the future of the sect on such a mere scrap of paper.
I had heard a lot of rumors that the Black Flame Dragon was a madman, but I never imagined he would be this reckless.
While Samcheol was shocked, Jin So-un tapped the box.
“You see, an intelligence organization must be able to see the big picture. It is the ability to see the distant future and possibilities, and to invest when the opponent’s power is weak. Pursuing practical benefits over pride and focusing on emerging power rather than established power is the essence of an intelligence organization.”
The small box creaked in his hand.
Those who are already stagnant and desperate only to protect their vested interests are no different from having lost their essence as an intelligence organization.
Soon, Jin So-un clutched the map and took it out.
“And that kind of intelligence organization that has lost its essence. I actually don’t need it.”
An empty box.
Samcheol, who had been staring blankly down at this, could not regain his senses at Jin So-un’s words.
Because every single word he uttered pierced through the flaws of the current openness.
“A reckless rascal running wild without fear of heaven? A madman with no common sense?” “You are mistaken!” The Black Flame Dragon is not someone who speaks and acts as he pleases.
There is deep planning and foresight in the words he casually tosses out
It is difficult.
It was Osam who started the argument, but it was Jin So-un who escalated the fight.
Goosebumps ran all over his body at the thought that there might have been an ulterior motive in his attempt to confront him in earnest. ‘A guy who has barely passed the age of twenty…’ Jin So-un stood up from his seat as if he no longer had any interest in Sam-cheol and kicked Oh-sam.
“Hey you…….”
“yes.”
Then he stares intently at Osam’s face.
There’s something I’ve been wondering about for a while now.
Samcheol, who had been dazed, found himself focusing on Jin So-un’s words without realizing it.
What on earth are you asking such a profound question…
“If the name is Osam, is it the fifth birth or the third?”
huh?
What’s with the sudden sound…
“Can’t you hear me?”
yes?”
“Is it the fifth one or the third?”
“Th-this is the third one. The character for ‘O’ is the character for ‘bright.’”
“Tsk, why did they give it such a confusing name?”
Fuck.
Jin So-un punches Osam in the head and leaves the den.
What is this… … .
Samcheol could not erase the sulky expression from his face due to the absurdity.
Did I see that wrong?
Was I just a crazy person after all…?
Samcheol thought he didn’t know Jin So-un well to begin with, but now he felt even more confused.#“Brother, are you alright?”
Jin So-un tilted his head at the worry of Sa-ryeon, who had kept her mouth tightly shut the whole time in the den.
“what?”
“Openness. This isn’t a place where you can be so easily hostile.”
The power of openness lies in countless eyes, ears, and mouths.
If you listen to them, even a chivalrous hero becomes a murderous demon, and without their eyes and ears, you cannot navigate the complex difficulties of the Jianghu.
Isn’t there a saying that even if you are at odds with the Nine Sects and the Five Great Clans, you should not be at odds with the Beggar’s Sect?
I was inwardly pleased that the name of Taeeulmun did not yield to the oppressive authority of the Beggar’s Sect, but I couldn’t help but worry about the consequences.
Moreover, Taeeulmun is continuing to expand into surrounding fortresses while growing the Daecheon Merchant Guild.
You never know what disadvantages might arise in the future.
But why did Senior Brother… … .
Saryeon’s mouth went extremely dry.
“I’ve heard that the Beggar’s Sect is essential when planning affairs in the Jianghu. I’ve heard that nothing can be resolved without their help, from major problems to minor ones. I wonder if this is really okay.……”
Taeeulmun still has a long way to go.
No, not only Taeeulmun but also Jin So-un has a high mountain to climb.
Jin So-un might need the help of the Beggar’s Sect more desperately than the help of the Taeeul Sect to soar high.
However, Jin So-un, who actually has to worry about his own future, is completely composed.
“Don’t worry. Even without those pathetic beggars, there will be no problem for Taeeulmun to advance.”
“No, that’s not it…….”
Saryeon looked at Eunho.
Even if others don’t know, wouldn’t the astute Eun-ho understand the importance of the Beggar’s Sect?
“Eunho, shouldn’t you stop him?”
Don’t worry.
“huh?”
Eunho pointed at Jin So-un, who had become engrossed in looking around the street, and said.
“Senior Brother is crazy, but he isn’t the type to do something like that without preparation.”
As even Eunho, said to be the most astute in the Taeeul Sect, displayed a relaxed attitude, Sa-ryeon’s doubts grew, but she had no choice but to keep her mouth shut tight.
Oh, I want to try that too!
“…….”… …
It was to the point where I even thought that worrying about the senior disciple would actually be a disadvantage.
“Let’s find a place to stay first, Senior Brother.”
The streets of Xi’an were packed with people.
In addition to people who enter an inn but leave because there are no seats available, there are also those who are anxious because they cannot find accommodation immediately.
What is needed in times like this is information from the beggars in that neighborhood.
Because beggars share information about fully booked inns and lodgings in real time and make money from it.
However, perhaps because word of what happened in the den had already spread, even the beggars who were soliciting customers did not approach Jin So-un and his party, but merely glared at them.
Saryeon was filled with worry once again.
“Phew… this is exactly what I was worried about.”
However, not only Jin So-un but also the Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers are incredibly laid-back.
Just as I was about to sigh out of frustration.
“private residence.”
Eunho grinned and patted my shoulder.
Take a look.
“what?”
Soon, Eunho points at Jin So-un with his eyes.
In the meantime, Jin So-un took out a black pendant the size of two fingers from his bosom and attached it to the sword hilt.
And not long after.
“excuse me.”
A waiter approached Jin So-un and his party.
“You are Hero Jin So-un, aren’t you?”
“okay.”
Accommodation is ready. I will show you.
“thanks.”
“you’re welcome.”
Saryeon was dumbfounded by the sudden turn of events.
Xi’an wasn’t a place I usually visited often, so to think a waiter appeared as if he had been waiting to guide me.
Moreover, the place the waiter guided us to was a fairly large inn.
It seemed to be a popular place, as the inside of the inn was already packed with people, leaving no room to even set foot.
It’s this way.
However, the waiter passed the inn and guided the party to the back.
At the place we arrived at, there was an annex with a small pond.
“Would you like me to prepare the meal first? Or the bathwater first?”
“Everyone looks hungry, so could you prepare the meal first?”
“All right.”
The waiter bows so low his back almost bends, then leaves.
Saryeon could not regain her senses in the current situation.
“What on earth is going on?”
Unlike her, who was dumbfounded, Eunho smiled contentedly.
Senior Brother has a close relationship with Haomun.
“affinity?”
“Yes. With ‘Sikgaek’.”
Saryeon’s mouth dropped open.
To think Haomun’s ‘Gourmet’.
No, was that actually real in the first place…
“And the Senior Brother has that qualification? What kind of person is he?” While Sa-ryeon was mulling over the mysterious Senior Brother, the excited Eun-ho approached Jin So-woon.
“Senior Brother, you could have just gotten a small room, but the fact that you went out of your way to get the annex must be a deep wish for me to fully enjoy the vacation, right?”
Jin So-un stopped taking items out of his bundle and looked at Eun-ho.
“What are you talking about?”
“What? Then why did you go out of your way to come to the annex…?”
“Ugh!”
Before answering, Jin So-un took out an iron ball from his bundle.
No, why are you bringing that up again here…?
“Because training in a guest room causes inconvenience to others.”
If it’s the annex, no matter what noises come out, it won’t be a big problem.
You clearly said you would only train while on the way to Xi’an!
Did you trick me again!
Although their dissatisfaction surged like an active volcano, the four of them kept their mouths tightly shut, fearing that more Cheolhwan might be added. Leaving behind the foolish disciples who had flopped over backwards claiming they couldn’t move an inch anymore, they stepped out onto the streets of Xi’an; despite the sun having set, the streets were packed with people. ‘There are more gathered than recorded.’ It seemed as though a larger crowd had gathered than what had been written in the report of the Martial Arts Alliance Xi’an Branch in their previous lives.
Besides, there is no need to include useless records in the report in the first place.
Those who gathered after smelling the scent of the Five Spirit Immortal Flower Oil, which appeared for the fourth time in Xi’an in a sixty-year cycle.
Tension hung higher than ever in Xi’an due to those who had gathered to claim the Fourth Five-Spirit Immortal Flower, but ‘There are an unusually large number.’ In particular, there were many disciples of the Zhongnan Sect who should not be seen in winter.
The disciples of the Zhongnan Sect were strolling through the streets, each leading those who appeared to be members of the Seokgamumun.
As if to show who the master of Shaanxi is.
at that time.
“What?! What did you just say?”
Suddenly, a loud noise was heard from the street.
Passersby began to turn their heads one by one, and some even wore expectant expressions, wondering if a fight had broken out.
“I think having the disciples patrol all night like this is a meaningless waste of energy. It would be better to rest a bit and then… near Cheondonggul…”
match
With a sharp sound, the head of the one raising an objection turns.
“bouncer.”
Although the striker and the struck were clearly wearing different martial arts uniforms, the struck did not offer the resistance that he should have naturally done.
Looking at it, the estimate is pretty clear.
“How dare a mere commoner speak so presumptuously!”
“You just have to do as we say! Stop trying to come up with your own stupid tricks!”
Tsk, I knew it. Anyway, they’ve really mastered the art of categorizing people.
The old man who had slapped the cheek turned around abruptly and walked away, and the group looked at the one who had been hit for a moment before following him.
But… ‘Why does he look familiar?’ I was looking at the profile of the person I met, and the moment he turned his head, our eyes met.
“hmm?”
He was none other than Cheol-sun-jik.
Tsk.
I was about to pretend to know, but I hurriedly lowered my hand.
As someone who did not know how much influence Jongnam had on Jukhyeonbang, it was an incredibly surprising sight.
“At the very least, the Cheol-sun-jik I know wouldn’t have been someone to fully accept such treatment. But I suppose it can’t be helped for him.” Acting according to one’s own feelings ends up causing harm to others.
Cheol-sun-jik must have no choice but to endure such a situation because he cherishes his sect more than anything else.
I turned my head away, pretending not to see as much as possible, and walked down the street again.
By the time I had familiarized myself with the people I needed to be careful of inside Cheondonggul Cave and was recording their faces in my mind.
Cheol-sun-jik, whom I had passed earlier, was standing right in front of me again before I knew it.
Considering what happened previously and not really being in the mood to argue, I was just about to pass by.
Cheol-sun-jik asked quietly.
Representative Jin.
“Have you decided to call him ‘Representative Jin’ again?”
I pretended that nothing was wrong and acted as if I was seeing it for the first time, but.
You just saw it, didn’t you?
Tsk. Did you come all the way here just to ask that?
I answered as calmly as possible.
I didn’t see it.
I didn’t even ask what you saw.
Damn it, I shouldn’t have watched that scene.
“What difference would it make if I said I saw it?”
Cheol-sun-jik’s present is no different from my past.
That discomfort was the biggest reason for avoiding the previous spot.
Cheol-sun-jik’s current appearance reminds me of my past.
As I lowered my gaze, his clenched fists were trembling slightly.
It probably isn’t just because of the cold wind.
Do I look pitiful? Or do I look ridiculous?
In the biting winter weather, white steam billowed out whenever he spoke.
Cheol-sun-jik’s gaze, even colder than that, looked deeper than ever.
I looked at him for a moment and shook my head.
You look fine.
Because I know with what mindset he endured it, and because I know well what his state of mind is.
I spoke, understanding his feelings.
You just look like someone who nearly tripped over a stone.
Cheol-sun-jik’s gaze wavers greatly for a moment.
“Representative Jin, you truly…….”
After hesitating for a while, he opened his mouth again.
“Did you come to look for Oryeong Seonhwa-yu?”
I told the truth because it was funny to say that I had come to Xi’an for a different reason than the man from Hefei.
“Otherwise, why would I have come to Xi’an?”
In that case, it would be best to just go back.
Cheol-sun-jik continued speaking calmly.
Because the Oryeong Seonhwa Yu is an item that already has a designated owner.
