2
9
5.
And immediately after the incident, Jongnam’s disciples began to follow.
Five people causing trouble in the cave and running away as if fleeing.
Most of the people in Zhongnan expected that they were the ones who created the third entrance, and in the worst case, that they possessed the Five Spirit Immortal Flower Oil.
The members of the Zhongnan Sect were excited at the thought of torturing them, interrogating them about how they obtained the Five Spirit Immortal Flower Oil and why they interfered with Zhongnan’s affairs.
However, despite having mastered the martial arts technique known as the Galaxy Flowing Shadow Technique, the distance between him and the suspects hardly narrowed. ‘What the hell… … movement technique… …’ ‘Hah, to think such a technique exists?’ Far from closing the gap, it kept widening instead.
Moreover, although it is normal for the speed of a new technique performed in the mountains to decrease due to the trees and rough rocky terrain, their speed did not decrease at all, as if they were running on flat ground.
Although Eunha Yuyeongbi never fell behind in speed wherever she went, as the distance between them grew larger with every traversing the forest and climbing the cliffs, Jongnam eventually had no choice but to lose track of the culprit by the time they had crossed two mountains.
The news that Jongnam had ultimately let the culprit escape soon reached the Beggar’s Sect, who had been watching the entire situation.
“Hehe, you idiots…….”
“Did you naturally assume the culprit would surrender willingly?”
This is why dimwits are bound to fail.
Openness, which had anticipated these results, only then began to move.
Because the Five Spirit Immortal Flower Oil that Jongnam did not possess in the first place was no longer Jongnam’s.
Doesn’t this imply that if it doesn’t belong to Jongnam, there is no problem even if it becomes the property of the Beggar’s Sect?
However, we couldn’t let our guard down.
“Those bastards have overtaken Eunha Yuyeongbi. Don’t let your guard down!”
The Beggar Sect members scoffed at the words of the leader of the Quick Sect.
“No matter how good a movement technique they master, those who don’t even know the basics of lightness skill won’t be able to show their true abilities.”
“If we catch them this time, will we be the ones to defeat the Galaxy Yuyoungbi?”
The Rapid Hall, commonly known as the “Thunderbolt of the Beggar’s Sect,” is a place that plays the role of delivering urgent information to every corner of the world as quickly as possible.
This organization, created to prepare for the risk of loss when delivering via carrier pigeons or messengers, was more confident in long-distance running than any other martial arts sect or escort service in the world.
“Those who don’t know Lightness Techniques just think that speed is the best. But.”
Because they were the ones who could run faster than anyone else and at the same time run for a long time.
“This is my chance to show those bastards what real Lightness Technique is. Let’s go!”
The chase that started half a day later than Jongnam.
Nevertheless, the open-minded were able to find traces of the culprit before the day was over.
“Hehe, they’re starting to sense us, too. The speed is picking up.”
“They will get tired quickly anyway. I will keep my distance and stick to them persistently. They will get anxious and exhausted in no time, too.”
However, things don’t always go according to plan.
“……
Why, do we keep growing apart?
“Panting… those guys… seem to be pushing themselves quite a bit…?”
At the words of his colleague Gae Bang-do, who was sweating profusely, the beggar who had asked the question felt the words “Aren’t you the one overdoing it?” rising to his throat, but he soon swallowed them back.
If we fight now, the pursuit and everything else will go to hell.
“It’s already half a day! It’s almost time for them to rest, too. We’ll adjust our distance as we follow them and rest at their break time.”
but.
“Gasp, gasp…… Shh, you said you were going to rest…….”
“I don’t know either, damn it…….”
The criminals did not rest in the middle.
I had stayed up all night, and even though it was the second day, I was still driving.
Then, the problem arose first from the open side.
“D-Master… the distance is widening.”
“What are you talking about! It’s still holding up!”
“No, not them… it’s us.”
Although the fastest and longest runners in the Open Sect have been gathered here, there are bound to be differences in skill and martial arts levels.
Those with lower skills began to fall behind.
Damn bastards, just how much internal energy do they have… … .”
Using the Divine Technique ultimately leads to the depletion of internal energy over a long period of time.
Unless you practice energy circulation while running, you cannot continuously use movement techniques with limited internal energy.
But what on earth are these crazy criminal bastards?
“What shall we do, Master?”
Divide the party members in half. Tell them to take turns after practicing Qi cultivation.
Should I tell him to go get some sleep?
“This is crazy…! Why, why didn’t you tell me to go take a bath too?!”
“I, I’m sorry!”
“And contact the branch. Tell them they are heading east, so set out the beggars in advance.”
Who should I send?
“Fuck! Seriously! Are you going to save the carrier pigeon to eat as a snack with your drinks later!?!”
As Gaebangdo recoiled in surprise, the clan leader gritted his teeth.
It was incredibly frustrating that the Quick Sect was falling behind due to the difference in internal energy, but on the other hand, I had learned something from it as well. ‘Judging by the amount of internal energy, they are definitely not a third-rate sect. If I deduce the direction they are heading, I should be able to figure out what kind of sect they are.’… …
Of course, even if that isn’t correct. #The fourth day.
The clan leader was driven to the brink of dizziness and his eyes rolling back.
Not only had my internal energy reached its limit, but above all, there was no way to compensate for the lack of sleep.
“Haa…… Haa…… Haa…….”
As the clan leader’s condition became serious, the other sect leaders also gradually began to lose their composure.
“M-Master, are you alright?”
The clan leader’s eyes, staring at his subordinate with parched lips, were like the eyes of a half-rotten fish.
“T-Branch…… What about contact from the branch……?”
“Ah, there isn’t any yet…….”
The plan to take turns chasing the criminals did not materialize as the criminals gradually increased their speed.
The personnel who fell behind could not rejoin the main group, and those chasing the criminal had to keep moving their feet without rest.
“Did the carrier pigeon… not arrive?”
After sending the first carrier pigeon, I had sent up to the third one.
If the carrier pigeon had arrived safely, someone blocking the way would have appeared long ago, or personnel to relieve it would have arrived.
However, seeing that there was no response, it means the carrier pigeon ultimately failed to arrive properly.
Is it really a coincidence that none of the three carrier pigeons were delivered?
The question arose, but the clan head soon stopped thinking.
Because right now, I didn’t even have the energy left to nurture a small doubt.
“M-Master. Why don’t you get some rest? You’re overexerting yourself…”
Despite his subordinates’ attempts to dissuade him, a scraping sound escaped the clan leader’s lips.
“Party member…… Send a party member…… Send a party member to make contact…….”
Crash.
With those words, the clan leader’s feet got tangled, and his body rolled on the floor.
“Hey, clan head!”
And as if they had been waiting, the members of the fast party also stopped in their tracks.
“Go again…… again…….”
The clan head, having squeezed out his last remaining strength, eventually fainted.
“…….”
However, no one immediately put the clan head’s final request into action.
They just watch each other’s reactions.
“What did the clan head say at the end? The sound was too quiet, so I couldn’t hear it clearly.”
I think I told you to give up because it seemed like you couldn’t catch it.
“Right! Since that guy heard it from the closest distance, let’s ask him.”
As Gae Bang-do was reporting to the clan leader, he hiccuped and shouted angrily as sharp stares suddenly focused on him.
“M-Master! What are we supposed to do! If you just faint without saying a word, we have no idea what to do…… Master!”
At the call for openness, the fast-paced party members’ gazes softened.
Oryeong Seonhwa Yu, which they wouldn’t even be able to touch anyway.
Because no one wanted to go through hell just to find it.
And Ho Gye-ak, the owner of the Black Spot of the Haomun Xi’an Branch, who was watching the scene from not far away, could not help but marvel.
“Haha, does Confucius really foresee the future? To think he knew exactly that the beggars would give up right here.”
It was truly sickening to see those bastards, who were originally beggars, walking around in clean clothes pretending to be decent. But seeing them turn into real beggars after the past four days of chase was a relief for my eyes. ‘They bragged about selling themselves, and now look at them.’ I was a little displeased that they weren’t the young beggars who used to tease me in Xi’an, but so what?
Anyway, isn’t the important thing that we put Gaebang in its place?
at that time.
“Shop owner, shall we head back now?”
“Huh? You’re saying you’re going back?!”
“Why, why are you doing this?”
“Can you still move your feet even after seeing such a precious sight?”
The shopkeeper took a small gourd out of his pocket.
“Isn’t it said that great poets emerge from great scenery? Who knows? Perhaps you have the talent of a poet.”
At the shopkeeper’s words, Mundo, who was stroking Cheol-eung’s beak, grinned.
“Then, shall I prepare the snacks? Cheol-eung has some raw meat he hunted yesterday and today.”
“Haha! Thanks to those fellows from the Beggar’s Sect, both my eyes and my mouth are having a good time.”
Reaching Hogyeak felt like a ten-year-old blockage suddenly clearing away. It was the fifth day of driving non-stop, starting from Judangsan.
We received news from Haomun that there would be no further pursuit.
You can rest now.
The priests, who had been gasping for breath at my words, lay down and fell fast asleep without asking any further questions.
“Aaaah! I almost died…….”
“Sophie…… I have to see Sophie…….”
Even if you continue to use the exercises, the fatigue accumulated in your body cannot be relieved.
His heavy breathing gradually subsided, and he fell asleep just like that, without even paying attention to what was around him.
Even though it is clear that there must have been moments when they reached their limits and wanted to give up, the priests admirably never gave up.
And seeing those admirable things makes me feel so sorry that I can’t help but speak bitterly.
“Tsk, you should have at least practiced breathing exercises to relieve your fatigue before going to sleep.”
Perhaps… … the rest of these children’s lives will be a continuous series of running like crazy like this.
For those born without, life is such that they must ultimately swim against the current to barely reach their desired destination.
Nevertheless, one cannot tell them not to go against the current or to take a break.
Because the moment you stop, the exact same life as your past will repeat itself.
That moment when I felt a lump in my throat for no reason as I looked at the priests alive right before my eyes.
“Hmm…….”
Saryeon started scratching her face wildly as if her tangled hair was tickling.
Your sleeping habits are really bad, too.
I chuckled and reached out to fix his hair, but…
He immediately paused and froze.
I turned my head and saw.
The three brothers’ appearance was even more serious.
Looking at the faces of the priests, dripping with grime to the point where they put the beggars of the Open World to shame, I think that there is no need to make them roll around on such a dirty floor already.
I’ll have to wash up a bit before I go. The elders of the sect would be appalled if they saw me.
So, I thought of the inns and taverns worth stopping by on the way back to Taeeulmun.
To give those guys their reward for all their hard work.
“What are you talking about!”
Saren, who had woken up after a long sleep and was still in a ragged state, glared with venomous eyes.
“The whole world is on high alert right now because of the Five Spirits Immortal Flower Oil. And you want us to stop by an inn?”
From saliva marks to even eye boogers.
At the words of Sa-ryeon, who was in a state that could hardly be seen as a human being, the brothers Geum, Eun, and Dong, who were in the same beggar’s state, also nodded.
“I am against it, too. The death penalty. If by any chance we run into people and end up in a chase like this again… Ugh…”
“Me too! I’d rather just sleep rough in the mountains to avoid people’s eyes.”
No, um… you guys are right, but…
I became a little desperate and added.
“Look at the state of you guys…… Is this even worthy of being called human…….”
“What’s wrong with this? On the contrary, it’s great that it doesn’t attract people’s attention.”
Are they serious?
I think it would attract more attention.
“Anyway, I am absolutely against it. If possible, I don’t want to run into anyone until I reach Taeeulmun.”
Saryeon tightly hugs Oryeong Seonhwayu, wearing a determined expression as if vowing never to let her be taken away.
“Just like a beggar trying not to let his alms bowl be taken away… *Cough*. ‘Tsk… I don’t know.’ Then again, what’s the use of returning home in glory? Taking something more precious than real gold.” #“Master Jang! Master Jang!”
At Wang So-so’s call, Jang Do-won stopped abruptly while trying to fill the tobacco leaves.
“What? Did you run out of iron coins again?”
After their first encounter when Jang Do-won, enraged by the sight of Wang So-so throwing money around claiming to learn assassination techniques, personally made him an iron coin of the exact same weight and size, Wang So-so would visit Jang Do-won’s blacksmith shop day after day to take the iron coin.
“Oh come on, Mr. Nosa. I know by now at least where my iron coin flew to.”
“Is that so… Well done.”
“Anyway, did you hear that?”
“what?”
Jang Do-won, who was nonchalantly lighting a cigarette, stopped his hand at the story that followed.
“Brother Jin is coming back!”
“If it’s Brother Jin… is it Jin So-woon?”
“Yes! I was worried you wouldn’t come during this break either. But they say you’re coming this time!”
Hmph. Whatever.
Wang So-so glared at Jang Dong-won, who was fiddling with a cigarette despite his curt words.
“Master Jang, really! You waited for my brother every day.”
It’s just that I got pissed off because that guy kept sending me ridiculous ingredients!
“Anyway, they say he is coming to the Daecheon Merchant Guild this evening. The people of Taeeulmun are all preparing a welcoming party as well. You will be coming too, Master, right?”
“Hmph! Why go out of your way to greet a pretty guy just because he’s coming? If he needs me, he’ll come on his own.”
Anyway, the problem with men is that they aren’t sincere.
Wang So-so got up from her seat.
“Hoho! You’re coming anyway. I’ll send you some new clothes! Please wear those.”
“clothes?”
“It is a moment where my brother, senior brother, and junior sister are all returning home in glory. We should go along with the atmosphere.”
“How annoying…”
See you later!
Jang Do-won let out a chuckle at the sight of Wang So-so running off like an arrow with a bright smile.
I was worried that she might be prim like other children since she is the only daughter of the Wang family, but her behavior is quite mischievous.
“Is that their natural personality, or do they all change like that when they enter the Taeeul Sect…?”
It has only been half a year since I settled in Taeeulmun.
Everyone in Taeeulmun felt so comfortable that he would suddenly forget he was an outsider.
And above that, the face of a guy rises.
So there was a reason that fellow cared so much about the sect.
Jang Do-won lit a cigarette and exhaled a long stream of smoke, then looked at one of the walls of the blacksmith shop.
A dark red sword blade glimpsed in the sunlight shining through the window.
A work created after a long period of work using strange materials and absurd incantations sent by Jin So-un.
No, rather than a work of art, it is truly a divine artifact
The item that should be called.
“Jeokgwang. You, too, will finally meet your master.”
Jang Do-won let out a chuckle, filled with a mixture of regret and joy. Hong Mun-gi could not easily relax his stiff posture, perhaps because the clothes he was wearing felt stifling.
At that sight, Wang Geum-san smiled with satisfaction and asked.
“Mr. Hong, are your clothes uncomfortable?”
“That can’t be true. Aren’t these clothes custom-made at the best fabric shop in Hefei?”
I heard it costs a fortune to have a suit made of silk.
Hong Mun-gi shook his head, recalling the tailor’s words that even if you hire cheaply, it costs the equivalent of two months’ salary of a successful escort.
“I’m sorry. My kid is just so mischievous. He said he wanted to show So-un that the people of Taeeulmun wouldn’t suffer anymore…….”
After all, since they themselves are wearing golden robes, the mere sight of the sect members wearing shabby clothes would surely weigh heavily on their hearts.
After listening to Wang Geum-san, the silk clothes that felt uncomfortable now feel a little more comfortable.
“Susu is young, but she is deep inside. I wonder if she takes after Master Susu?”
“Hahaha! So, Lord Hong sees it that way too? Life would be tough enough if he were only good-looking, but since he’s smart too, I’m truly worried, hahaha!”
Jin Tae-san approached Wang Geum-san, who was bursting into hearty laughter, with a furrowed brow.
“Master, why did you have to say such unnecessary things… Once you start bragging about the Lord’s daughter, you’re stuck here for half a day.”
“Hey! You! When did I ever brag for half a day?”
Wang Geum-san, who had been clearing his throat, spoke again.
“But why is Soun coming at this hour? If the timing doesn’t work out, she could just sleep over and come tomorrow.”
I know, right. I wonder what kind of antics they’re up to again.
Jin Tae-san shook his head as if he could not possibly understand his son, even though he was his own.
Just then, a servant came in rushing in.
“Master of the Merchant Guild…… Um…… Someone has arrived.”
“Huh? At this hour?”
“Yes. He was introducing himself as Jin So-woon…….”
The servant already knew that Jin So-un was Jin Tae-san’s son.
Moreover, aren’t all those gathered here waiting for Jin So-un and his brothers from the very beginning?
However, despite this, the servant’s reaction was somehow lukewarm.
Jin Taesan, unable to understand the reason, spoke again.
“What’s the problem? All you have to do is tell them to come in…”
“Um, well…”
At that moment, Hong Mun-gi stepped forward.
“No, that’s not right. It’s a bit absurd for us to welcome a disciple returning in glory here. That’s right! Let us go.”
Oh! That’s a good idea!
As Wang Geum-san agreed with Hong Mun-gi at the center, those waiting in the main hall also headed toward the main gate one by one with expectant steps.
People’s footsteps quickened to warmly welcome him, someone’s son, someone’s disciple, and someone’s senior brother.
“Soun is finally coming!”
That’s exactly what I’m saying!
The pride of the sect who reclaimed the sect’s long-forgotten martial arts and challenged the impossible for the sake of the sect, eventually succeeding.
The moment I take a step forward to see him, whom I have missed and waited for so long.
“N-no! I’m telling you, I’m the son of the Great Heaven Merchant Guild Master! And the Grand Disciple of the Taeeul Sect!!”
Along with a voice that sounded somehow ill-mannered, I saw the backs of the servants sweating profusely.
“Um, I mean. Just a moment, I said please wait just a moment. Let me check inside and……”
“No!!! What are you checking! We already sent a message, and I’m telling you, everyone here is a disciple of the Taeeulmun!”
A young man arguing with a servant.
And next to them, four men and women who were also claiming to be disciples of the Taeeulmun.
But the situation is really strange.
When all the people of Taeeulmun were frozen in silence, it was Wang Geum-san who spoke first.
“Hmm, just in case… is Taeeulmun the secular branch of the Beggar’s Sect?”
Jin Taesan answers the question while letting out a groan.
Taeeulmun belongs to the Taoist lineage.
Right? We’re Dogaji, aren’t we?
however…….
Then what on earth is that mess?
The disciples of Taeeulmun, who had entered that notoriously difficult academy and thought they would return home in glory.
“Wouldn’t there have been some… circumstances?”
“No way! Were they robbed? The academy students?”… …
He was trying to enter the Daecheon Merchant Guild in a shabby state that would make even the beggars of the Beggar’s Sect shudder.
And then.
“Oh! Father! It’s me! It’s me! I am Jin So-un, the proud son of Jin Tae-san!”
The only glint in the eyes on a pitch-black face covered in grime.
Jin Taesan wanted to pretend not to know the madman with the clear eyes—no, his own son—more fiercely than ever before.
