Chapter 175

The Pang family arrived in Zhangyuan City around lunchtime and unpacked their things at the Zhangyuan Daoist Gate.

Although the Zhangyuan Daoist Gate was nestled just above the western hierarchy of the city, Lord Pang Pang-Heon believed that travelers ought to enter the Daoist gate.

Thanks to this, the lord of Zhangyuan Daoist Gate was bustling with excitement, preparing to welcome distinguished guests.

This allowed Zhang Disciple, cherished by many, to make an appearance at the Dragon and Phoenix Association gathering of the Martial World Tournament.

Of course, the introductions were limited to one; the responsibility to build personal connections fell entirely on Zhang Disciple’s shoulders.

Having roughly unpacked, or more accurately, with just a finger raise, Pang Choryeo teased her brother, chuckling like the rascals from the author’s stories.

“Lighten up a little! If you keep frowning like that, you’ll end up with wrinkles in your forehead. What would happen if my brother’s good looks were spoiled? It wouldn’t just be your loss, but a loss for all of Martial World!”

“Next time, I’ll make sure to find three suitors for Father to set you up with in the same carriage. I’m certain the men would eagerly agree, saying you’re absolutely right, as being a man means seizing opportunities!”

“But shouldn’t it be two men to keep things fair? You should at least have one woman included—”

“One who shoots killing looks at you the moment she meets your gaze, right?”

“Well… I apologize. You must be exhausted.”

Pang Choryeo shuddered and sincerely apologized.

Then, as usual, the things expected from guests followed.

Exchanging pleasantries, sharing lunch, and after eating, sipping tea while continuing the compliments.

Meanwhile, Lord Pang Pang-Heon’s nickname was Daoist Champion, as he was known for generously sharing teachings with his fellow orthodox sect peers.

When Pang Heon suggested showcasing the skills of Zhangyuan Daoist Gate, it was as if the loyal ministers who saw an emperor appeared, on the brink of tears of joy.

In truth, Pang Heon had once aspired to be a Dao King, rivaling the Sword King Namgung Daero of the Namgung family, whom he regarded as a competitor.

But being so close to Beijing, he couldn’t dare to use the title “King” in his nickname, so he gave up.

Normally, Pang Dae-san would train alongside his father in the martial training hall.

But due to the fatigue of travel, particularly the mental exhaustion, he simply entered his room, quietly performing Qi exercises and slipping into meditation.

How long had it been? A servant sought out Pang Dae-san and asked what to do as there were guests waiting outside.

“I’m tired right now; politely refuse them.”

“Well… uh…”

The servant hesitated and then replied.

“It’s someone so significant that I can’t turn them away, and they’ve already arrived.”

Just then, as if waiting for the cue, a man with tan skin appeared.

“Haha, right. He couldn’t have helped it, so don’t blame him too much. So, what are you doing cooped up in this little room on such a lovely spring day?”

“Brother Jo.”

It was none other than Jo Hak-che, the heir of the Black Dragon Clan.

“Come on, don’t be so grim! Let’s go out!”

“You were just gabbing away this morning. Do you still have teeth left?”

“Haha! Sorry, sorry. But you know how it is; I can’t help but think about old worries. Is it a new day if I’m still stuck in what’s past?”

“Please mind yourself, Brother Jo. You completely lose focus at the sight of a woman.”

“There’s no focus left to lose! All my concentration goes straight to the flowers. Isn’t that just a sad fate of being a man?”

Pang Dae-san sighed deeply.

That was the kind of person Jo Hak-che was.

All the men in the Dragon and Phoenix Association would say he was the true man to emulate, but if women were nearby, they’d call him “that guy crazed for women.”

Despite hearing such harsh whispers, Jo Hak-che would simply laugh heartily and say, “Right, I’m Jo Hak-che, a man who has lost his sanity for women.”

But he was the very one who spent the past ten days gnashing his teeth in jealousy towards Pang Dae-san.

“Let’s go!”

“Right after unpacking you’re already off? What are people going to think of this?”

“What are they going to think? They’ll think a bee is going after flowers. Yet, this time it’s different.”

“You mean you’re not going to a bar?”

Pang Dae-san answered with astonishment.

He knew all too well that this fellow wasn’t one to resist going out.

“Exactly. Here’s the thing. I’ve heard something interesting.”

“I doubt anything you’ve ever said has been remotely interesting.”

“No, hear me out. This time, it’ll be interesting. There’s a unique female beggar in this city.”

“Already sounds boring. You can go back.”

Pang Dae-san cut him off.

“No, no! Listen up!”

“I really don’t want to. Keep it to yourself and tell Chang-bin when he comes.”

“That guy turns to stone the moment there’s a woman around. While he pretends to be the best charmer out there.”

“If the two of you joined forces, that’d be a delight.”

“Haha! Then I’d just be stuck with the short end of the stick!”

Three lines of furrows formed between Pang Dae-san’s eyebrows.

“Where were we?”

“Brother Jo. Please get a grip. I can understand deluxe courtesans, but a female beggar? Surely you’re talking about women who sell their bodies, right?”

“Yeah, you’re right. I did mention a female beggar. Hear me out!”

Pang Dae-san pressed his forehead hard.

Why couldn’t he just listen?

Did I perhaps never say it at all?

“There’s a woman beggar who hides her face.”

“Oh dear. She covers her face, too?”

“But she has an extraordinarily alluring physique. Truly, she’s like a living vase, perfection itself. Is that not amusing enough? An ugly face but a body that’s a beauty!”

“Not even close to being amusing.”

Pang Dae-san put his foot down again.

Of course, this did nothing to quell Jo Hak-che’s enthusiasm.

“Right? Here’s the kicker. This female beggar is said to possess excellent skills at night. She claims to have visited paradise!”

“Do you really believe that? Isn’t that just like what Brother Chang-bin says every time?”

“I’m telling you, don’t be shocked. The female beggar, while enjoying her ‘pay for pleasure’, charges the lowest at one gold coin and seven silver coins, with some men reportedly paying upwards of twenty to thirty coins, and even a lad who paid four gold coins!”

At that, Pang Dae-san raised his eyebrows.

“…Sure, that’s a bit surprising. Men usually change their minds after they get what they want. You mean they willingly paid up that much?”

Even in bars, there were always guys getting clobbered for trying to cheat the house, yet this one woman beggar drew that much money?

“So much so that she’s likely visited paradise! After rolling around in cold, she finally warmed things up, and apparently, half of the men in town have tasted paradise within just fifteen days.”

Pang Dae-san’s expression soured considerably.

“That’s not possible…”

“And THAT’S what’s even more astonishing. They say it doesn’t even take a moment to conduct business. They claim she’s seeing a hundred customers a day. Just a brief moment? Could anyone truly find that much satisfaction that they’d offer such wealth?”

Pang Dae-san’s expression grew even grimier.

If someone had seen it, they’d be shocked at how grotesque his expression had become.

“You seem quite tolerant, Brother Jo. Isn’t it filthy? She’s nothing but a whore rolling around in a sewer, right? I bet the sewer is cleaner than her!”

“Don’t worry. They say not a single person has gotten sick up until now.”

“It’s not a matter of sickness.”

“If it’s not a disease, what’s there to worry about? She’s not someone you’d want to treat like a proper wife. Anyway, let’s go!”

“I’m not going.”

“You wouldn’t enjoy yourself, so just come along. After all, if it only takes a brief moment, can’t we just stand and wait? I’m begging you, alright?”

Pang Dae-san sighed deeply. He knew that refusing would not sway this man.

“In that case, we’re just going to see the beggar. After that, don’t even think about going to a bar.”

“Haha! That’ll depend on whether the female beggar is any good. Once she’s had a taste of paradise and feels satisfied, she’d have no need for a bar, right?”

“You’re not outright rejecting it, are you?”

“I can’t lie and say you’re wrong! Haha!”

Thus, despite being dragged out against his will, Pang Dae-san wore an expression akin to someone who just bit into an insect.

Yet, for some reason, the absurdly handsome figure of Oki-rin seemed to dazzle all the women gathered, who were blushing and fell under his trance.

“Brother Jo, do you truly want to hug that female beggar? All the ladies of the city, even those beyond it, would announce to the world that you’ve latched on to a beggar.”

“Well, a man must shoot his shot—you know how it goes. And besides, I’m the kind of guy who’s crazed for women. If I can taste paradise, why not?”

“Are you really insane?”

Pang Dae-san shook his head.

This wasn’t just insanity; it was downright madness.

If this wasn’t called madness, what would?

And so, two men and hundreds of women streamed through the thoroughfare.

Finally, they arrived at the dwelling of the female beggar.

If you could even call what was spread on the ground a dwelling.

As they found a sunny spot, hundreds of women encircled them in a crescent shape.

With such a network spread out, there’d be no one to escape.

However, there were only two shabby mats on the ground; the place was utterly empty.

“Looks like there’s no one here.”

“Well, should we wait? Doesn’t she accept guests? Oh.”

A man emerged from a narrow alley a little away from the beggar’s corner, scratching his head, his eyes teary.

Seeing the poor guy emerge, he was startled by the encroaching circle of women, unsure of what to do.

Jo Hak-che caught him at once.

“Hey, friend. It seems that woman beggar has been getting busy with customers?”

“Ah, yes, yes! S-sure, that’s right!”

“Really? You’re not crying, are you?”

Jo Hak-che marveled at the tear-streaked face of the man.

“How moved were you to shed tears? So, how much did you pay for your ‘pleasures’?”

“Well, it was one gold coin, seven silver coins, and thirty-two copper coins…”

“My word! Seems you gave all you had! Is that right?”

“Y-yes, yes… it is…”

“Good. Did it feel like you truly went to paradise?”

The poor man felt like he wanted to die.

Having endured a beating and giving away all his money, he had now become the guy known for having attached himself to a beggar in front of all the women in town.

He couldn’t let himself be the only one suffering.

“Y-yeah! I met my recently deceased ancestors for a bit! I definitely visited paradise. Well then, I’m going to take my leave now.”

And with that, he could work up the nerve to sneak out along the side of the wall without daring to break through the wall of women.

“See there? He speaks the truth.”

“Good! Now go in and handle your business.”

“Hey, what about the lady? Now that we’re finished, don’t we have to deal with her too? Is it proper for a man to just run in without any etiquette?”

“As it stands, you’re doing things no decent man should be doing.”

“Oh look, she’s coming out. Truly, she’s curvaceous; her style is unlike any other. What do you think?”

“…”

“Hey, Pang, is it? Oki-rin?”

“…”

With no response, Jo Hak-che turned back bearing a mischievous grin.

“This guy’s gone completely blank. Why? Seeing her has you spellbound, too?”

At that moment, Pang Dae-san strode forward.

He then grabbed the female beggar by the wrist and confidently led her through the narrow alley.

“Hey, where do you think you’re going? Pang! You have to play by the rules!”

Jo Hak-che found himself caught off guard as he was skipped ahead.

And then…

“No way!”

“Oki-rin! No! Come back!”

“Ah! How can this be happening…”

“Wake! Wake up! Open your eyes!”

A symphony of screams erupted, cries that could tear one’s heart asunder burst forth while some fainted, unable to cope with the shock.

Furious, many attempted to rush into the alleyway but—

“Ah, young ladies. You should not dare disrupt a man enjoying his pleasures. While it pains me to think of harming such beautiful blossoms, I cannot allow my most cherished younger sibling’s first experience to be ruined.”

So there stood Jo Hak-che, brandishing his sword with a fierce looking blade, leaving no room for retreat.

All that remained were the cries of women fainting upon hearing speak of pleasures or the first experience, resounding enough to tear the skies apart with horror.

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