Chapter 39

“What’s with the belt? What does that mean?”

At that, the old beggar plopped down on the ground.

He meant he wouldn’t steal the alcohol.

“Ahem, don’t be too harsh.”

“Sigh. So what is it then?”

Since he wouldn’t steal it, I let it slide.

“This old man is Nugok, the beggar. Sometimes, I’m called the defender.”

Defender Nugok.

Qing didn’t know, but he was a famous beggar.

With a nickname like that, it was said he kept secrets well, a rarity among the open folks of the Central Plain.

Of course, the reason he kept secrets wasn’t for some stuffy value like deity worship.

He openly claimed he wanted to know all the secrets of the world.

He figured he’d become the person with the heaviest mouth in the world, asking for secrets.

Why, the king has donkey ears, after all.

It’s a natural habit for a person to want to spread secrets once they learn them, right?

Many who found solace by spilling their secrets to the beggar, claiming to be living in a grove of reeds.

Qing, unaware of all this, let out a deep sigh.

“Lady, why are you sighing so heavily?”

“Now they’re even asking for names from beggars. My fate is truly something. Do I look so easy to you?”

The old beggar’s eyebrows twitched.

If this cheeky lad were a boy, he’d have probably smacked him and given him martial etiquette lessons right then.

But she was a young girl.

Beating a girl would be too trivial and embarrassing for an elder of the Martial World.

This dreadful girl.

Thinking the old beggar was just a regular beggar, what a lowlife she was.

Hmm?

Nugok flinched.

If she thinks of me like a beggar, then what can I do?

Who would dare to insult him, a beggar, just for being a beggar?

Since when did he stretch his neck proudly as a respected elder?

Beggar, indeed.

This echoed the principles of the great immortal, Cheol-goi, who reveled in drink and sky-like indifference.

In that moment, something erupted within Nugok.

The flow of true energy, reeling and stumbling, a pathetic mess.

But underneath, it had the capacity to encompass heaven and earth.

Nugok vaguely realized he had stepped into the late peak of supreme mastery.

He burst into laughter.

Qing, who couldn’t even take care of his own realization, was completely oblivious to the brilliance of his own clarity.

What is this? A manic-depressive episode?

Well, if you’ve grown old as a beggar, it makes sense.

After some time spent laughing alone, Nugok’s voice softened.

“Yes, this old man was a bit rambunctious. I thought everyone would know my name as a beggar; my foolish old pride is quite hot now.”

“Oh, are you famous or something?”

“In a way, yes. I’ve lived here long enough that not a soul doesn’t know me.”

“What’s so great about being a famous beggar?”

Qing’s response was sharp.

Human sentiments are often born from one’s own happiness, and Qing’s state wasn’t conducive to that.

However, Nugok simply wore a smile.

“Sure. I mean, who’d be proud of being a famous beggar? Even the beggar passing by would laugh.”

If it doesn’t hurt when you hit, then you’re not really hitting.

Scratching doesn’t make you itchy, draining Qing of his energy.

“But, dear lady, the Taepyeong Sword Sect isn’t that unreasonable. If we’re talking about the orthodox sects, they’re among the better lot out there.”

“Really? I thought so too.”

If that’s the principle lower-level guys live by, then I guess that’s to be expected.

Qing easily agreed.

“But didn’t they beat you up and chase you off with swords?”

“Well, because they seemed like decent folk, I let it slide. If they were from a heterodox sect, none of them would’ve made it out alive.”

That would probably have been better. Qing clicked his tongue.

“Oh? If they were from a heterodox sect, would you have killed them all? How scary of you, dear lady.”

While saying that, Nugok’s expression turned a bit gentler.

“Still, was it really necessary to get involved?”

“I was in a bad mood and didn’t want to see it.”

“Didn’t want to see it?”

Qing let out a deep sigh.

Still, chatting with someone was better than sulking alone with a drink.

Right. Today, I’ve showcased a bit of kindness. Be thankful for it, old beggar.

“Having received the protection fee, you should naturally fend off any trouble from other vendors. The owner here seems weak, and what’s it called… other vendors.”

“Joho Bang.”

“In any case, they won’t be weak. What’s the difference between picking on the weak? If you have a bunch of armed men, at least fight other armed men. Otherwise, you should’ve just given up the protection fee.”

“That’s true, but dear lady, you just don’t get how the Martial World’s protective measures work.”

Nugok replied.

If a confrontation broke out, it wouldn’t be an instant demise for the sect. Rather, prolonged bloodshed would follow.

And, like most minor sects, they often had a big force backing them, which could turn into a massive war if things went wrong.

That said, Qing’s point about giving up on the protection fee would just leave them hanging, letting their business be taken over.

Qing stared at Nugok.

What’s with this old man, all protective and concerned?

Is he somehow getting meals out of it from that side?

Why is he blocking my path when I’m ready to smack him?

“Lady. If that’s how you feel, what’s the point of distinguishing between the orthodox sects and heterodox sects? Armed fellows unite to only pick on those without arms. Taepyeong Sword Sect? Should rename it to Taepyeong Business instead.”

“Ha! Heheh…”

The old beggar suddenly burst out laughing.

Whatever tickled him wasn’t stopping, it seemed; he clutched his belly and went face-down on the ground, choking out laughter until he couldn’t breathe.

Qing’s expression began to sour.

So he’s just a crazy beggar.

Once again, beggars are the worst.

Qing had once had a rough past with beggars.

He had every right to loathe them.

Qing let go of any thoughts.

How many times had he raised and lowered his drink, filling it and emptying it?

Only then did the old beggar straighten up, wiping his eyes and asking.

“May I ask your master’s name?”

Why is he asking for our master’s name?

Qing was ready to snap back that it was none of his business, but when their eyes met, he flinched.

That warm, kindly face unique to old men.

Like how a master looks at a disciple.

He had even been grumpy and defiant the whole time!

Feeling his resolve weaken, Qing answered readily.

“Lady Seomun, her first name is… Rin.”

“Ah! Lady Seomun!”

Nugok exclaimed with recognition.

Qing checked again.

“You know my master?”

“We’ve met a few times. About twenty years ago, she fought alongside this old man in Yeryeong. If she’s still not happy, her fist may very well come flying first!”

Qing was immediately convinced.

Ah! So she knows the legendary “Nugok Punch”! That’s… really… oh.

“She’s from the Divine Maiden Sect?”

“Not quite. She said she was from the outer sect.”

“Oh, an outer disciple. That’s quite rare…”

If she valued her disciples enough to keep them outside the sect, there was naturally a reason, deeply entrenched within the core philosophies of the era.

A master bestowing everything to a disciple certainly involved connections to the larger schools and positions.

Then again, the Divine Maiden Sect had a reputation for being incredibly secretive.

Was there really a need to grant freedom to one of their own?

“The lady’s mastery has surpassed the peak.”

“Surpassed? It’s definitely in the later stages, you know? I’m… a master.”

Nugok admired her skills.

“Might I ask how old you are this year?”

“I’m not quite sure. My master said she was about twenty.”

“Your master has carried the new sky with new life!”

Nugok was even more impressed.

To achieve supreme mastery at such a young age? A true candidate for the next Number One in the World.

“…!”

In that moment, Nugok was struck by a bolt of lightning.

The past leaders of the orthodox Martial World were from the Nine Great Parties.

But now, people were calling it the Gu Party.

One side simply vanished.

Open, and dissolved.

All thanks to the Great Master Mucheondae.

While the sudden realization allowed him to understand the disdain for Mucheondae, it also left him feeling hurt knowing they were hardly worth anything.

Nugok recalled how Qing had looked at him earlier, his eyes filled with contempt.

A nasty loathing of beggars.

‘Oh dear, this is bad. If I’m not careful, this might turn out…!’

I have to show my worth.

Even if not the Number One in the World, I’m surely going to be the next Best Female Martial Artist!

When a female warrior speaks to another female warrior, the impact it has can indeed, turn a person’s life around.

“Do you have a grudge against beggars? Not all beggars are bad people.”

“Ugh, don’t get me started. They’re all just bad people.”

Qing was ready to spill everything.

About how their needs for survival are ruthlessly suppressed by ugly old powers, and the violent battles that repeat around their bases…

But just as he was about to express all this,

the Taepyeong Sword Sect reemerged.

Leading the charge was Nam Gangjeong, with his rugged face, followed by about twenty martial artists pouring in.

As Qing put it, it was like bringing mum to the party.

Nam Gangjeong pointed aggressively.

“There she is! That woman!”

Choosing his words wisely to avoid terms like woman or girl seemed quite commendable.

It seemed worth it that they only beat someone up without bloodshed.

Qing couldn’t help but wear a light smirk.

Not only was this slowly escalating already, but now it’s round two on the way.

Qing clapped his hands loudly on the table.

And as he stood up deliberately, a middle-aged man from the Taepyeong Sword Sect spoke up first.

There was also the Jipbeop Elder seated comfortably.

The middle-aged man politely greeted.

“Aren’t you the Defender, Elder?”

“Oh ho. If it isn’t Mr. An-gyeong Il-geom.”

“If I’d known you were here, I would’ve brought you in through the proper door; I apologize for my ignorance.”

“It’s alright. Why should a beggar expect treatment? I appreciate your words.”

The atmosphere was quite friendly.

Oh dear. This could lead to trouble.

Qing frowned.

“Elder. If that’s the case, are you with the young lady’s entourage?”

“Hmm. That’s what the matter of it is.”

Nugok winked at Qing.

He meant he’d resolve this issue himself.

In fact, Nugok indeed held a bit of authority.

Well, what’s this?

The old beggar was throwing ashes onto the bowl of presented rice!

If only I hadn’t even bothered to engage. What a bother.

Why do beggars always feel the need to block my path?

But it seems to be having the reverse effect.

“Considering your circumstances, while it may not have entirely been your fault, I noticed a few areas that could use careful attention…”

Qing felt disheartened and filled another cup.

Without any particular thoughts, he poured from a barrel of alcohol, a feat accomplished just one-handed without spilling a drop.

It was a skill shown by masters.

Qing thought these fellows would simply mind their own business, letting things settle.

But when he looked up at the sound of cautious steps coming his way, he saw a well-groomed young man, excitement written all over his face, shouting.

“Lady! Let’s duel!”

Qing stared at the young man with half-open eyes.

What’s up with this guy? Again?

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