Chapter 385

“The lining up games of the Chinese people are like instincts etched in their souls.”

Just as the great families line up at the top, the lowly and filthy ones at the bottom were also ranked among themselves.

So, the five most despicable professions gathered and thought, even though scum like us get beaten and die, nobody gives a damn.

Therefore, let’s band together and help each other out, and try to survive a bit.

Even scum like us need to live.

This was the birth of the Haowen.

However, don’t get me wrong; Haowen isn’t some grand organization.

It’s just a group of miserable folks trying to look a bit less miserable, like a cooperative for the downtrodden.

They don’t go around waving red flags, shouting, “Let’s create a world where we scum are respected!”

Because if they did, they’d all be dead in no time.

In fact, there’s hardly any masters in Haowen.

Because once you become a master, you’re no longer lowly—you run out to the bright world and live well being treated like royalty.

The few masters left are the ones who’ve messed up so badly they can’t show their faces under the sun.

Of course, the Haowen leadership has a few dudes saying, “Just because we lack status, style, popularity, and honor, does that mean we lack money?”

So there were some factions eager to expand their business.

But recently, with the Blackspots collapsing, even those hopeful factions of Haowen lost their power.

Look at those Blackspots. They’re just petty merchants thinking they’re something special, acting like they’ve got the laws of the Blackspots figured out.

But with just a little bit of gold or silver, it all disappears in an instant.

So let’s just shake things up!

Even if the reeds bend, they won’t break.

In that sense, Haowen likes the Orthodox Warriors more than the Heterodox.

The Orthodox Warriors pay up if you tell them to do something, but the Heterodox punks look down on Haowen and treat them like their subordinates.

In reality, what Haowen does is quite filthy and wicked, so they’re treated like some lowly scoundrels recognized by the Sado Sect.

But the Sado Sect doesn’t want to associate with lowly thugs from Haowen, so they refuse to acknowledge them.

So, they’re still subordinates, seen as nothing more than parasites.

They look down on them but only need them when it’s convenient—then when it’s time to pay up?

“My lord, I have some juicy info about the Cheonhwa-geom that you might be interested in, but if you could spare a few coins to lighten the loads of these lowly folks…”

Slap!

Wang, the porter, got his cheek smacked suddenly.

How dare a lowly person try to extort gold and silver from anyone?

Moon Jeong-yeok growled.

“Say that again. What?”

“Uh, um, I must’ve been out of my mind! Hehe, it’s an honor for this lowly being to serve the great hero!”

The trash collecting porter wore a meek smile.

In fact, according to the guidelines of the Sado Sect, if you want info from Haowen, you’re supposed to pay a fee.

Because if you don’t pay, the outcomes can be quite poor, or they might deliberately mess things up out of spite.

The problem is, the Heterodox folks interpreted this as a way to jack up the fees legally for their operations.

So, naturally, what came out of the porter Wang’s mouth after getting slapped was just some random nonsense.

“So, you say you have info about the Cheonhwa-geom?”

“Hehe, just as you ordered, while monitoring the Cheonhwa-geom, I discovered something astonishing! Last night, the Cheonhwa-geom rented the Room of Dragons Clouds at Yonggung House, ah, do you know the Room of Dragons Clouds? It’s the best room at Nagnyeong’s finest tavern!”

“That’s enough. So?”

“But! Last night, the Sasa met with the Cheonhwa-geom in that room. According to the maid, the Cheonhwa-geom greeted the Sasa as warmly as one would their grandfather, and treated them with utmost respect.”

“…?”

Moon Jeong-yeok’s mind briefly halted. Who’s meeting whom? Why?

“Do you even know what you’re saying? Your neck could be on the line here.”

“I swear, I’m not lying. The Cheonhwa-geom reserved the room and was waiting, and the Sasa went to visit directly, sneaking in last night!”

Words can be so nuanced. Especially at that time of night.

The Sasa, who’s the senior in the martial world, visited secretly and directly.

This means the Cheonhwa-geom holds the initiative in their relationship.

It implies the Sasa is colluding with the Cheonhwa-geom, as it’s usually the one with the matter who calls upon the one who can help.

“Your words better be true. I could annihilate you scum alongside all the rat bastards in this entire city.”

“Of course.”

Even getting this info, you still treat the Heterodox like they’re not worth your time, you know?

But this isn’t the first day the porter has gotten scolded.

A meek smile hides a lot of resentment.

After the Haowen folks bowed and left, Moon Jeong-yeok put on a serious face alone.

The Sasa collaborates with the Divine Dragon of the Orthodox? The Sasa may be a master, but they are also one of the few physicians in the Sado Sect and are treated as a significant figure.

Of course, because they mess around with snake poison, there aren’t many patients lining up to see them.

But that figure is in league with the Divine Dragon of the Orthodox?

But conversely, it doesn’t add up.

There’s no way that the top-ranked, prestigious, wealthy, and beautiful among the Orthodox would have any reason to collude with the leader of the Heterodox.

But then again.

It’s indeed more persuasive to think the Sasa betrayed the Heterodox than the Cheonhwa-geom betrayed the Orthodox.

As a leader of the Heterodox, there’s no loyalty. If the old fool ends up coveting honor in his twilight years and tries to clean his name for some reason, it would be understandable.

Whereas, unlike the respected old masters of the Orthodox who live well and die magnificently, the old leaders of the Heterodox have rather miserable endings.

Once they age and lose their skills, resentment floods in as enemies stab them in the back, juniors eye their martial arts, and the disciples they’ve enjoyed exploiting threaten them for wages.

Living long is hard, and even if you do, living as a villain in the martial world is a grim affair.

But as for Cheonhwa-geom abandoning the Orthodox? I can’t think of a single reason.

“So interesting.”

Look at that. The old guy acts like he’s gonna do something but has gone silent for a month and is just dragging this out.

That old geezer thinks he can betray the Great Hero Alliance of the martial world? Just for a bit of comfort in his old age?

Moon Jeong-yeok’s lips twisted in distaste.

—-

Na Yang-gyeol visited the Cheonhwa-geom on behalf of the Cheonhwa Pavilion.

From the standpoint of the Cheonhwa Pavilion, discussing the reputation of the “Cheonhwa” was quite troublesome.

However, Na Yang-gyeol stepping up as representative isn’t because they hold the position of the great envoy. It’s because they are the ultimate appearance enthusiast, the epitome of beauty in the pavilion.

Considered as someone with fierce standards and a discerning eye for aesthetics, they were recognized for their bias in beauty.

If the Cheonhwa-geom is indeed as renowned as the most beautiful in the world, the Cheonhwa Pavilion would have no complaints about that.

Even a flower outside a flowerbed is still a flower.

If the most beautiful flower in the world is outside our garden, we’d gladly respect that.

Thus, Na Yang-gyeol’s attitude was settled even before meeting Qing.

“Did you know? I absolutely hate putting anything on my face.”

Qing looked at Na Yang-gyeol’s face.

They were already a stunning beauty, but with added makeup, they looked absolutely enchanting, almost impossible to tire of.

But.

Here we go again.

Qing shook her head.

“Yeah. I didn’t ask.”

“Right? It’s all for my bear to see me in a good light. Every morning, while staring at the mirror, I try to make things perfect. Does my bear feel a thrill when he sees me? Won’t he understand my yearning heart?”

“Nah. No thrill. No understanding.”

“That’s okay. Even if he doesn’t understand, just being able to please his eyes is enough for me.”

“But who’s this bear? Sounds kind of, uh, bear-like for a name.”

“Of course! He’s just a cute creature that eats and rolls about all day, begging for food! He’s crazy for sweets. But in reality, he’s a cunning beast and a ferocious predator. Just like someone I know.”

The culture of affection in the Central Plain has a surprisingly overwhelming aspect that ties up the hands and feet of those watching.

Especially the nicknames, as those from the Central Plain tend to give trivial names to their lovers as the relationship develops.

My insect eater. My ugly one. My little piggy, etc.

Na Yang-gyeol shot a deep glance at Qing.

But, Qing brushed it off.

“You really spill the beans every time you open your mouth.”

“It’s just overflowing sincerity! Come on, let my bear feel this racing heart!”

Na Yang-gyeol tried to guide Qing’s hand to her heart, but it cut through the air fruitlessly.

Qing quickly withdrew her wrist.

“Oh come on. Did you know bears are surprisingly fast? Just like my bear.”

Originally, Qing is sensitive to being pushed. Though she couldn’t be cold like “yeah, whatever,” she wouldn’t be easily affected by flattery based on looks.

Brushing off Na Yang-gyeol’s teasing since morning, she thought maybe it would be alright to have a simple breakfast like porridge after all this overindulgence, heading towards the dining hall of the Gye-rim Sword Faction.

“Brother! Have you heard the news!?”

“Huh? What is it?”

“The folks from the Yoga Salt Workshop just issued an ultimatum to the Jangsan Warrior! They’re demanding he swear fealty to them!”

“Wait, suddenly? So?”

“The Jangsan Warrior asked the Gye-rim Sword Faction for reinforcements! They’re discussing it now!”

“Ah, you’re here, Young Lady Seomun.”

Woo Na-ram’s booming voice carried, and the Gye-rim Sword Faction’s Zhang Disciple Da Daljeon appeared.

“Did you need something?”

“Actually, I have something to ask you. It seems the Gangster Group has decided to abandon the Gye-rim Sword Faction and instead is planning to launch attacks on other orthodox factions in Nan-nyeong.”

“Oh, I just heard. The Jangsan Warrior asked for reinforcements, right?”

“Ahem, Na-ram, you rascal.”

As Daljeon glared, Woo Na-ram quivered and avoided his gaze, as if answering, “Even if we’re close, you shouldn’t just blab about clan matters.”

“When the Jangsan Warrior collapses, other faction’s warriors will also abandon the Martial Alliance in droves. So the disciples of Gye-rim will need to head out in support. Could you possibly help…?”

Basically, it sounds like they’ll be facing a huge battle and are asking for assistance.

That was music to Daljeon’s ears.

“Oh, there’s no way I’d just sit this one out.”

“In reality, the Sect Leader is against the Cheonhwa-geom participating. To be frank, the enemy’s power is significantly superior to ours, and I can’t guarantee your safety.”

“Oh please, what safety can one expect in a life that involves blades? And besides, what good is having a Supreme Martial Artist around if we don’t use them? They eat enough as it is; they might as well pull their weight.”

With Qing’s playful remark, Daljeon’s gaze shook intensely.

Of course, it’s easy to talk big. But three factions of the Gangster Group alongside their leader and deputy leaders—with the poison arts master Sasa included.

Isn’t it impossible to win such a battle?

It’s merely a fight where using the prince as a shield is the only way to escape, and the Cheonhwa-geom surely knows that.

So this yield to assist over this makes him truly moved.

Daljeon gratefully folded his hands and slightly bowed.

“I will never forget this grace.”

In fact, it’s truly a great grace.

Qing, being confident in her real skills, doesn’t think of losing in a fight.

Moreover, it was merely a simple result of being part of the Orthodox Martial Alliance, leading to the thought that they should obviously support one another.

However, if Young Lady Seomun saw this, she would surely be alarmed.

Who does she think she is to throw herself into a dangerous battlefield?

So, it’s a dangerous fight to assist yet not be blamed for it.

For Daljeon, it’s a significant decision to bow deeply and show utmost respect,

But for Qing, being greeted this way by an elder made her just feel bashful.

So she simply played it off with humor.

“Oh, don’t mention it. Just as we’re one family in the Orthodox Martial Alliance, we should naturally help each other out.”

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